Thin Cuts Research Articles

Ultra-Thin Hairy New Shoots on Belowground Cuttings of Recently Rooted Cylindropuntia leptocaulis (Cactaceae)

Cylindropuntia leptocaulis cuttings produce new long-shoots from portions of cuttings that are both aboveground and belowground. New long-shoots arising aboveground appear normal, of the same size and morphology as the original cutting. New longshoots arising belowground, however, are ultra-thin (< 1mm diameter), approximately one-eighth the diameter of the already thin cuttings, have smaller redder photosynthetic leaves, and have hairs growing from their areoles, none of which have been previously reported. Long-shoots arising from belowground quickly grow wider, with normal green fleshy leaves, and non-hairy areoles after growing a few centimeters aboveground.

Soil Biodiversity as Affected by Different Thinning Intensities in a Pinus laricio Stand of Calabrian Apennine, South Italy

Forest soil biodiversity, which drives natural ecosystem multifunctionality, can be altered by incorrect forestry management practices. Pinus laricio is the most representative and widespread conifer species in Calabria, South Italy, and appropriate management is needed to maintain Pinus laricio forest for its great economic and natural value. In Europe, thinning is considered the most effective silvicultural treatment to maintain/increase the ecological value of coniferous stands. In this study, moderate thinning (MT), intense thinning (HT), and clear cut (CC) treatments were used to manage Pinus laricio stands with the aim of identifying the thinning intensity that is less detrimental to soil biodiversity. The effects of the different thinning intensities were evaluated, in two contrasting seasons (summer and winter), on the abundance, and diversity of arthropods, fungi, and bacteria colonies as well as on selected soil properties (organic matter, humification index, bulk density, pH) related to soil habitability. Results evidenced that the abundance, species richness, and diversity of arthropods, as well as fungi, bacteria colonies, and soil properties, changed with the treatments and seasons. Under HT, the greatest biodiversity and the highest amounts of arthropods, fungi, and bacteria were found in both seasons. This study finds evidence for Connell’s intermediate disturbance hypothesis, highlighting that the greatest organic carbon content and humification index, as well as the lowest bulk density, found in HT reduced the likelihood of competitive exclusion between occurring species, thereby promoting high species richness and diversity. This study gives insights into ecological relationships between understory composition related to tree species abundance and soil community.

Finding coefficients for correction of potential value of wood assortments in real on the example of beech from thinning cuts in Serbia

Calculating the value of wood in forests has always been a job full of challenges for the appraiser, especially if in that case the condition is not to cut down trees. As one of the possibilities, the method of "model" cutting can be used, which is practically the only one that allows assessment value without cutting trees. It consists in estimating the volumes of assortment classes only on the basis of tree dimensions (d and h) and valid standards for forest exploitation products, and later, by multiplication with prices, the required value is obtained. As other characteristics of the tree (wood defects) are not taken into account in this procedure, it is obviously an ideal (maximum) value. In order to harmonize it with the real value, which is always lower than the "model" value, a request is imposed for the correction of the "model" value with appropriate coefficients. In this research, an attempt was made to obtain such coefficients for material from thinning in beech high (5,973 trees) and coppice (1,842 trees) forests and to check the degree of accuracy during their application.

CRECIMIENTO RADIAL Y CONICIDAD DEL FUSTE EN PLANTACIONES CON ACLAREO DE Pinus patula SCHIEDE ex SCHLECHTENDAL &amp; CHAMISSO

Pinus patula Schiede ex Schlechtendal &amp; Chamisso es una especie endémica de México, con gran relevancia económica por su alto potencial productivo en plantaciones forestales y bosques naturales. La intensidad y frecuencia de las cortas de aclareo generalmente influyen en el grueso de los anillos anuales de crecimiento, la proporción de madera tardía y la conicidad del fuste. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el crecimiento radial y el grueso de los anillos de crecimiento y de sus componentes de madera temprana y tardía a diferentes alturas del fuste, así como el índice de conicidad del fuste en plantaciones jóvenes de Pinus patula con cortas de aclareo aplicadas a los nueve y 13 años de edad. Se seleccionaron y derribaron 10 árboles por parcela con diámetro normal similar al valor promedio de éstas, para obtener tres secciones transversales (rodajas) de 3 cm de grueso a diferentes alturas de cada árbol muestreado. Las cortas de aclareo causaron un impacto reducido en el grueso de los anillos anuales y sus componentes de madera temprana y tardía en la sección basal. El efecto de la corta se presentó sólo al año siguiente de su aplicación, con incrementos en el área basal y en el grueso de madera temprana; después, el ritmo de crecimiento radial regresó a su patrón original. El grueso de los anillos y de la madera temprana y tardía fue mayor en la parte intermedia y superior del fuste, lo que ocasionó una reducción gradual en la conicidad, lo cual corroboró que la aplicación de las cortas de aclareo fueron tardías, cuando la copa ya se había concentrado en la parte superior del árbol, por la elevada competencia por espacio de crecimiento.

Analysis of Ultramafic Rocks Weathering Level in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia Using the Magnetic Susceptibility Parameter

The Konawe region is part of the Sulawesi Southeast Arm ophiolite belt where ultramafic rocks are exposed in the form of dunite and peridotite. The formation of nickel deposits is closely related to the weathering process of ultramafic rocks as a source rock. Ultramafic rocks exposed to the surface will experience weathering which is influenced by many factors, including in the form of climate change, topography, and existing geological structures.&#x0D; The weathering process in the source rock can influence variations in chemical elements and magnetic properties in laterite soil profiles. For example, the chemical weathering might affect magnetic mineralogy and the physical weathering could affect granulometry as well as the quantity of magnetic minerals in the soil. Condition of weathering of ultramafic rocks (initial, moderate and advanced) can affect nickel content in laterite sediments. The weathering profile study of serpentine mineral is an indication of the lateralization process that occurs in ultramafic rocks and is carried out through petrographic analysis of thin cuts and polish cuts. Determination of weathering level like this is based on the level of weathering of the mineral serpentine.&#x0D; In this study, the determination of the weathering level of ultramafic rocks (initial, moderate, and continued) uses magnetic susceptibility parameter. A total of 232 ultramafic rock core samples obtained from 34 hand samples were taken from different places and weathered levels were analyzed. The results of the research have shown that the magnetic susceptibility of ultramafic rocks in the study area varies, from 580 x 10-6 SI to 4.724 x 10-6 SI. Based on the value of magnetic susceptibility, magnetic minerals contained in ultramafic rock samples are hematite and geotite minerals. This means that the weathering level of ultramafic rock samples is the continued weathering level. The level of continued weathering that occurs in ultramafic rocks in the study area produces nickel laterite deposits with a nickel content of 1.65 - 2.40% in the saprolite zone, 0.42% in the saprock zone, and 0.20 - 0.51% in the basic rock zone (bedrock).

The Effect of the Lumbar Pedicle and Pediculo-Corporal Junction Histology on the Pedicle Screw Insertion Technique

Background&#x0D; Posterior lumbar pedicle screw instrumentation has gained a wide acceptance in the treatment of the various spinal lesions requiring fusion. Inserting screws into the pedicles take a great deal of skill, as the dense bony parts are not large, and a mistake could push a bone fragment into the spinal nerves, causing pain, loss of mobility and other damage.&#x0D; Aim: To investigate the histological and gross-anatomical properties of the pediculocorporal junction, which can have important clinical implications on the insertion technique of the pedicle screws.&#x0D; Study Design: This study was approved by the University Clinical Center Review Board. Human cadaveric lumbar spinal segments which were fixed with formaldehyde were used in the study.&#x0D; Methods: Twenty pedicles from 10 lumbar spinal segments (L3-L5) were prepared for histological and gross-anatomical investigation. Thin slice cuts were taken from the specimens and examined histologically and macroscopically.&#x0D; Results: There were not any differences in the histological characteristics of the pedicles and the pediculo-corporal junction. Thin compact osseous formation or web like connective tissue formation was not identifiable in the pediculo-corporal junction.&#x0D; Conclusion: All kind of pedicle screws can be attempted to be inserted just after preparation of the insertion point with an awl or just decortication of the entrance point with a rongeur. This can also reduce the pilot hole preparation technique related complications like perforation of the pedicle walls.&#x0D;

Experience‐based Modified Sheet Plastination Protocol

Specimen preservation has been perfected over time through the application of multiple preservation techniques such as sheet plastination. Already described advantages of this technique are: reduction of risks associated with manipulation, longer shelf life and visualization of both internal and external anatomical structures through the sheets.This method represents an alternative to create models that can be used to teach Gross Anatomy especially because the final cuts obtained from this technique are similar to those seen in diagnostic images such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Computed Tomography.Our objective is to present a modified standardized sheet plastination protocol based on experience gained through the technique development in our laboratory and other previously released protocols.As a basis, published protocols such as: BIODUR; University of Murcia, Spain; Dalian University, China; National University, Colombia; among others were used.Since dehydration was the step with the greatest variation, three alternatives were tested: isopropyl alcohol, acetone and ethanol. Forced impregnation is done using BIODUR P‐40 resin until −15mmHg are acquired in the impregnation chamber and cayalysis is then pursued through vertical positioning of the sheets in a Near UV spectrum (NUV) light chamber.Using acetone or ethanol in addition to a longer dehydration time, requires augmented costs and reactant usage, algo, tissue sheets do not set in the center of the vertical chamber, which resulted in broken or bent sheets. Due to this, isopropyl alcohol was chosen as the best intermediate medium. Dehydration changes were made every three days with the solvent at −20°C, starting with a concentration of 95% and making the last refill at 99.8%. The, specimens were placed in a vacuum chamber with BIODUR P‐40 resin. Constant bubbling was monitored while the pressure decreased until bubbling stopped and pressure was further reduced to a minimum of 15 mmHg.Specimens were then assembled on double‐glass sheets with the help of hooks and silicone hoses in vertical shape allowing proper catalysis on both sides simultaneously. This method provided more uniform results and reduced time spent at this stage. Finally, these were placed in a NUV chamber for 72 hours. Near UV‐light was used instead of UV‐light because of the health risk of using UV light chamber in a student access‐free laboratory.In our experience, better results were obtained by making thin cuts of specimens (&lt;6mm) since it facilitates the visualization of structures and allows the resin to remain fully translucent after being catalyzed.Likewise, results improved when using isopropyl alcohol as a dehydration method because it is less volatile allowing a gradual dehydration to limit dimensional change and shrinkage of the tissue.Support or Funding InformationAnatomy Laboratory, School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes.

Abstract TP223: Carotid Web Quantification: Comparative Analysis Between 1-D, 2-D and 3-D Methods

Introduction: Carotid webs (CaW) are now recognized as a cause of ischemic stroke specially in young patients. The thromboembolic potential appears related to the CaW morphology. We aim to evaluate the reliability of different measurements methods for the quantification of CaW size. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of our CaW database (spanning September 2014 - July 2019). CT angiograms (CTA) were reviewed independently by two raters, blinded to the clinical information and laterality of the stroke/TIA. CaW were quantified with 1-D, 2-D and 3-D measurements (Figure) via Osirix software: 1-D was obtained with an oblique MIP with a perpendicular view of the CaW allowing the measurement of the base and the length of the CaW projection into the lumen; 2-D was defined by the area of the CaW delineated free-hand in the same view as the 1-D; 3-D was calculated with thin axial CTA cuts via volumetric analysis of free-hand delineated CaW limits. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the inter-rater agreement and two sample t-test/ Mann Whitney U test to compare imaging characteristics between symptomatic and asymptomatic CaW. Patients with superimposed CaW thrombus and no repeat imaging were excluded. Results: Thirty-six patients with 46 CaW were included (33 symptomatic and 12 asymptomatic). Median age (IQR) was 49.5 (40.5-58.5) years, 77.8% were female and 77.1% were black. Inter-rater agreement was 0.961 (p&lt;0.001) for 1-D, 0.933 (p&lt;0.001) for 2-D and 0.936 (p&lt;0.001) for 3-D measurements. Mean web length (1-D) was 3.1mm vs 2.5mm (p=0.01), while median area (2-D) was 5.8 vs 5.3mm 2 (p=0.35) and median volume (3-D) was 15.0 vs 10.8mm 3 (p=0.03) amongst symptomatic vs asymptomatic CaW, respectively. Conclusion: CaW size quantification (1-D, 2-D and 3-D) is highly reproducible. One dimensional measurement may be the method more strongly related to symptomatic vs asymptomatic status.

Analysis of tissue microstructure with Mueller microscopy: logarithmic decomposition and Monte Carlo modeling.

.Significance: Definitive diagnostics of many diseases is based on the histological analysis of thin tissue cuts with optical white light microscopy. Extra information on tissue structural properties obtained with polarized light would help the pathologist to improve the accuracy of his diagnosis.Aim: We report on using Mueller matrix microscopy data, logarithmic decomposition, and polarized Monte Carlo (MC) modeling for qualitative and quantitative analysis of thin tissue cuts to extract the information on tissue microstructure that is not available with a conventional white light microscopy.Approach: Unstained cuts of human skin equivalents were measured with a custom-built liquid-crystal-based Mueller microscope in transmission configuration. To interpret experimental data, we performed the simulations with a polarized MC algorithm for scattering anisotropic media. Several optical models of tissue (spherical scatterers within birefringent host medium, and combination of spherical and cylindrical scatterers within either isotropic or birefringent host medium) were tested.Results: A set of rotation invariants for the logarithmic decomposition of a Mueller matrix was derived to rule out the impact of sample orientation. These invariants were calculated for both simulated and measured Mueller matrices of the dermal layer of skin equivalents. We demonstrated that only the simulations with a model combining both spherical and cylindrical scatterers within birefringent host medium reproduced the experimental trends in optical properties of the dermal layer (linear retardance, linear dichroism, and anisotropic linear depolarization) with layer thickness.Conclusions: Our studies prove that Mueller polarimetry provides relevant information not only on a size of dominant scatterers (e.g., cell nuclei versus subwavelength organelles) but also on its shape (e.g., cells versus collagen fibers). The latter is directly related to the state of extracellular collagen matrix, which is often affected by early pathology. Hence, using polarimetric data can help to increase the accuracy of diagnosis.

Tortuosity of the Descending Thoracic Aorta in Patients with Aneurysm and Type B Dissection: A Quantitative Analysis

Introduction: Tortuosity in the descending thoracic aorta is becoming more important since thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the gold standard for treating thoracic aortic disease. The literature reports that tortuosity has an influence on the occurrence of endoleaks1. There is some literature defining the angulation and tortuosity of the aortic arch. Recently, a new classification has been published, an extended version of the Ishimaru classification of the four landing zones in the aortic arch2,3. However, zone 4 of the Ishimaru classification and further distally have not been well described yet. The general insight is that tortuosity comes with aging in the descending thoracic aorta. With this report we want to define and classify the tortuosity in the diseased descending thoracic aorta. Methods: A total number of two hundred seven patients were divided into three groups. Sixty-nine healthy patients, with no vascular diseases, were compared with sixty-nine patients with descending thoracic aneurysm (DTA) and sixty-nine patients with type B aortic dissection (TBD). CTA scans, with thin cut slices (1.0 or 1.5 mm) were analyzed with 3Mensio Vascular software and the following measurements were collected; tortuosity index (length of the centre lumen line divided by the true length), curvature ratio (outer curvature length divided by length centre lumen line), the maximum and minimum angulation in degrees of the descending thoracic aorta and the level of vertebrae of the maximum and minimum angulation. The descending thoracic aorta was analyzed from two cm distal to the Left Subclavian Artery up to the Celiac Trunk and was divided into four zones of equal length, from proximal to distal, numbered one to four. Additionally, the maximum angulation was divided into three groups: low (< 30°), moderate (30° – 60°) and high angulation (> 60°). Results: The mean age of the Healthy group (HG) was 68.3 years old, in the Aneurysm group (AG) 72.2 and in the Dissection group (DG) 64.1. Compared to the HG, tortuosity was more pronounced in the DG, and even more in the AG, as evidenced by the tortuosity index (1.11 vs. 1.20 vs. 1.31, respectively; p < 0.001), curvature ratio (1.00 vs. 1.01 vs. 1.03; p < 0.001), maximum angulation in degrees (28.17 vs. 33.29 vs. 43.83; p < 0.001), and group of angulation (1.00 vs. 2.00 vs. 1.00; p < 0.001). Additionally, compared to HG, the location of maximum angulation was further distal for the DG and even further in the AG, as evidenced by the vertebral level of maximum angulation (5.00 vs. 7.00 vs. 8.00; p < 0.001), and zone of maximum angulation (1.00 vs. 2.00 vs. 2.00; p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that tortuosity in the descending thoracic aorta becomes even more prominent in diseased aortas, especially for patients with aneurysmal diseases. The upcoming endovascular technology and interventions have to handle with this phenomenon in order to prevent aortic complications and to obtain positive long-term outcome.

A Tympanic Membrane Cholesteatoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

A 45-year-old female complained of right hearing loss with fullness in recent months. She underwent right tympanoplasty type I about 4 years ago. On physical and otoscopic examination, a pearl-like mass about 3 x 4 mm in size over central part of right ear drum was noted. Pure tone audiometry test showed 35 decibel (dB) average hearing loss of right ear, and 20 dB of left ear. Tympanogram test showed bilateral type A. Computed tomography with thin cuts of the temporal bone revealed a 3 x 4 mm soft tissue mass over central part of right ear drum. Excision of the mass under microscope was smoothly done. A cholesteatoma was confirmed by pathology. She was uneventful during a regular follow-up. Cholesteatomas are benign collections of keratinized squamous epithelium within the middle ear. A cholesteatoma usually occurred in middle ear cavity or mastoid region, sometimes in external auditory canal. Tympanic membrane cholesteatomas were seldom reported.

Added value of thin axial MR cuts in the diagnosis of several meniscal tears: how far are they reliable?

BackgroundThe purpose of the study is to assess the added value of thin-cut (1 mm) axial magnetic resonance (MR) fat-saturated proton density (FS PD) weighted images (WIs) in the diagnosis of different types of meniscal tears. The study was conducted between January 2016 and August 2017 at a major private center group. This study included 28 patients with clinical suspicion of meniscal tear of age between 30 and 48 years including 19 males and 9 females. Axial 1-mm FS PD WIs were performed in addition to the conventional MR sequences. The type and classification of the meniscal tear were then diagnosed by a group of highly experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. The group assessed the morphology and classification of tears. The diagnosis was then confirmed by arthroscopy as a gold-standard reference.ResultsMeniscal tears were found in 23 out of 28 patients. Twenty-seven meniscal tears were found in the 23 patients: 2 root attachment radial tears (6.9%), 8 radial tears (27.6%), 7 longitudinal [vertical] tears (24%), 3 horizontal tears (10%), 5 displaced bucket handle tears (17%), 1 case of flab tear (3.4%), 1 case of meniscal fraying (3.4%), and 2 lesions which were diagnosed as artifacts and confirmed negative for tears by arthroscopy (6.8%). Diagnostic performance was as follows: sensitivity 96.3%, positive predictive value 100%, accuracy 96.6%, prevalence 93%, specificity 100%, and negative predictive value 66.67%.ConclusionThe study declared high diagnostic performance of thin-cut fat-saturated PD WIs in the diagnosis of different types of meniscal tears regarding their classifications and morphology which is crucial for further management.

Posterior C1-2 Temporary Fixation without Fusion for Recent Odontoid Fractures

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Posterior C1-2 fusion techniques are the commonly used treatment for odontoid fracture. But this is usually associated with limitation in the cervical spine range of motion especially the rotational motion. Posterior C1-2 temporary-fixation technique can spare the range of motion (ROM) of the atlantoaxial joint after odontoid fracture healing. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and radiological outcome of the posterior C1-2 temporary fixation technique in the treatment of a new odontoid fracture. STUDY DESIGN: It is a retrospective study with clinical and radiological evaluation before and after instrumentation removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 12 consecutive patients, suffering from Type II odontoid fracture. The age ranged between 15-43 years old with a mean age was 24±11.6 years old, eight were male and four females. All cases were post traumatic. Eight patients were dislocated and four cases were in place. Only two patients were suffering from partial neurologic deficit pre-operative. The second surgery was done after a mean 15.5 weeks from the first surgery. RESULTS: The radiological outcome showed partial restoration of the rotation after removal of instrumentations with a mean total rotation restoration of 30±8°, using multi slice thin cuts CT scan. Significantly better functional outcomes were observed after the temporary-fixation removal using visual analog scale score (VAS) for neck pain (P=0.0033), neck stiffness and the patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Posterior atlanto-axial temporary fixation is a good salvage approach in dealing with odontoid fracture, especially when anterior odontoid screw is contraindicated. By regaining partial ROM, the functional outcome of the patients improved.

Rooting and growth of root cuttings of two old rose cultivars ‘Harison’s Yellow’ and ‘Poppius’ treated with IBA and biostimulants

Propagation by root cuttings is an easy and low-cost method for plant taxa with an ability to produce rhizomes or suckers. This research examined the possibility of using root/rhizome cuttings in the propagation of two difficult-to-root old rose cultivars, ‘Harison’s Yellow’ and ‘Poppius’. A plant-based preparation (Root Juice), titanium (Tytanit), and IBA (Chryzotop Green 0.25% IBA, Rhizopon AA 020 XX 2.00% IBA) were tested as rooting and growth enhancers for thick, medium, and thin rhizome/root cuttings. Additionally, observations were made to identify the site of the initial root and shoot formation. Shoots appeared before roots, without polarity. The visible swellings differentiating in new root/shoot buds in these two rose cultivars were placed along the rhizome. The primordia of root and shoot buds were situated near the pith rays and the vascular cambial zone. The trial reported here showed significant effects of the thickness of root cuttings and the preparations used in terms of rooting success and growth characteristics. Medium-sized cuttings of rose ‘Harison’s Yellow’ (45.0%), and thin cuttings of ‘Poppius’ (74.3%) achieved the highest rooting percentages. The most effective treatment was with Chryzotop Green, but Root Juice 0.01% and Tytanit 0.04% (‘Poppius’) and 0.02% (both cultivars) also had positive activity. Root Juice and Tytanit can be suggested for rooting cuttings of these roses as eco-friendly preparations.

DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN HEAD INJURY

Introduction: In human body there are many causes of the injuries. Among all the injuries head injury is also one of the most important injuries which may cause morbidity and mortality. Craniocerebral injuries or Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as any structural skull traumatic injury with alterations of cerebral physiology as a result of an external force either in the form of chemical energy, mechanical energy, electrical energy or thermal heating. Globally craniocerebral injuries or Traumatic brain injury (TBI)is cause of disability in young patients, especially those &lt;40 years of age. TBI is classified as mild, with most showing adequate and quick recovery. Nevertheless there are some kinds of TBI which showed persistent disabling symptoms that interrupt with their normal daily routine activities. Brain imaging is very important for the patients who suffer traumatic brain injury. In the emergency services Computed tomography (CT) is recommended as first assessment that provides initial information and diagnosis to identify the need of surgery. It also helps in the following of the patient and the evolution of pathology. Many studies suggest that CT can be used to predict patient outcomes. Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique which uses as dynamics of injected contrast material, allows rapid quantitative and qualitative evaluation of cerebral perfusion by generating cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF) and mean transit time (MTT) maps providing clinically important information with stroke subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)and head injury.&#x0D; Aim: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the computed tomography findings sustaining head injury and role of computed tomography scan in head injury.&#x0D; Material and Methods: During the study total 90 patients with head injury were included with different age group from 20 to 70 years old. Glasgow coma score (GCS) range 4–15 (mild head injury: GCS &gt;14; moderate head injury: GCS = 9–13; severe head injury GCS &lt;8) were also included in this study. For all the patients with head injury Computed tomography (CT) image were performed with siemen's somatom spirit dual slice spiral CT machine and a protocol of contiguous axial 5-mm sections through the posterior fossa and a contiguous 10 mm axial sequential scans for the rest of the brain and thinner cuts were also taken whenever required. For visualize any fractures of the skull bone algorithms with wide window settings were studied. After initial resuscitation, severity of the cranio-cerebral trauma was graded with the help of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) into mild head injury (GCS13- 15), moderate head injury (GCS 9-12) and severe head injury (GCS 3-8).&#x0D; Result: Among total patients sixty five (72.2%) patients were male and twenty five (27.8 %) were female with age range from 20 to 70 years old. In the age group 31-50 year group showed highest frequency of head trauma. The most common causes of head injury were RTA (65.6%) followed by fall injuries (20%) and physical assaults (14.4%). Among patients with head injuries Loss of consciousness and vomiting were the commonest clinical features brought to emergency. Out of 90 cases 59 (65.5%) cases showed mild head injury followed by 14(15.6%) cases sustained moderate head injury and 17(18.9%) had severe head injury. In all types of severity of head injury RTA was the prime etiological factor. Out of total cases 31(34.4%) had normal CT findings and 59(65.6%) had abnormal CT findings. Abnormal CT findings were seen in 59(65.6%) sustaining mild head injury and in all the patients with moderate and severe head injury. Out of 90 cases 13 cases with severe head injury had mortality. The most common mode of injury to cause the mortality was RTA. Five patients with severe head injury also had cervical spine injury&#x0D; Conclusion: This study concludes that use of CT in head trauma can finds high prevalence of head trauma related to CT. Therefore CT should be done when clinically necessary that helps to reduce cost and avoids unnecessary exposure to radiation.&#x0D; Keywords: Head injury, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), computed tomography (CT), Glasgow coma scale (GCS)

LA SILVICULTURA COMO PRIMERA OPERACIÓN DE TRANSFORMACIÓN DE LA MADERA

La silvicultura ofrece muchas posibilidades para adecuar la calidad de la madera a sus aplicaciones, no tanto por la factibilidad de mejorar sus propiedades físicas o mecánicas, que también es posible, aunque en pequeña medida, sino por reducir sus anomalías y alteraciones, y en caso de que el uso lo requiera, aumentarlas o fomentarlas. En el presente ensayo técnico se proponen los distintos factores y propiedades que, usualmente, intervienen en la definición de la calidad de la madera, y se analiza la influencia que tiene la silvicultura en cada unos de esos elementos. Entre las operaciones silvícolas, el manejo del turno constituye una de las opciones más viables para mejorar la calidad de la madera, ya que aumenta el rendimiento de su transformación; reduce el porcentaje de madera juvenil, el de nudos, médula, las tensiones de crecimiento e incrementa la relación duramen albura. Todas estas características inciden en su calidad para la mayoría de sus usos; tan sólo el aumento del riesgo de acebolladuras y de rajaduras radiales de médula, en algunas especies puede hacer que la madera se deteriore. También se analizan los efectos de la densidad, a través del espaciamiento de la plantación y los aclareos y claras, la fertilización y las medidas sanitarias.

Spherical Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)-Polycarbonate (PC) Blend Particles by Mechanical Alloying and Thermal Rounding.

In this study, the feasibility of co-grinding and the subsequent thermal rounding to produce spherical polymer blend particles for selective laser sintering (SLS) is demonstrated for polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polycarbonate (PC). The polymers are jointly comminuted in a planetary ball mill, and the obtained product particles are rounded in a heated downer reactor. The size distribution of PBT–PC composite particles is characterized with laser diffraction particle sizing, while the shape and morphology are investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A thorough investigation and characterization of the polymer intermixing in single particles is achieved via staining techniques and Raman microscopy. Furthermore, polarized light microscopy on thin film cuts enables the visualization of polymer mixing inside the particles. Trans-esterification between PBT and PC during the process steps is investigated via vibrational spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In this way, a new process route for the production of novel polymer blend particle systems for SLS is developed and carefully analyzed.

APLIKASI ALAT VACUM PROCESS PADA PENYADAPAN POHON KELAPA TERHADAP VOLUME NIRA YANG DIHASILKAN SEBAGAI UPAYA PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIVITAS PETANI GULA MERAH KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI

Banyuwangi has the advantage of being a coastal area including abundant coconut trees. The problem in the tapping process of this sap, especially coconut trees, is the clogging of the tapping area on the flower stem that occurs naturally. So far what has been done is by cleaning the blockage through thin cuts on the tapped part. This is a tiring routine that must be carried out every morning and evening, plus the tapping roomie is brought manually then the shelter is taken up to be reassembled on tapped flower bunches. Therefore it is necessary to have the best solution to the problem. The method of this research is a vacuum system that is applied to the tapping process of the sapper with the aim of finding a comparison of the effect of manual and vacuum methods on the volume of sap produced on coconut trees and the results of fluid obtained compared. The results showed that the tapping process of coconut sap namely the manual method achieved an average yield of 24.12 liters in the morning and 23.15 liters in the afternoon and by using vacuum averaged 24.33 liters in the morning and 23.70 liters in the afternoon.&#x0D; Keywords: Tapping of coconut trees, vacuum system, the volume of sap

Analytical modelling of rock cutting force and failure surface in linear cutting test by single PDC cutter

Abstract The PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) bits are the most widely used bits in oil drilling engineering, in order to further improve their longevity and ROP (Rate of Penetration), single PDC cutter research is very important. However, previous work focused mostly on experiment and numerical simulation while analytical modelling still lacks progress. In this paper, a new analytical model of rock cutting force and failure surface is proposed based on the stress state calculation of each micro-unit inside the rock. The cutting force predicted by this model is well verified by experiments under different parameters like depth of cut, back rack angle, rock type, cutter size and confining pressure. It is also found that the shape of failure surface is a curved line rather than straight, and long and thin cuttings will be formed. Finally, on the basis of this model, the influence mechanism of each parameter on cutting force and the shape of failure surface are analyzed. The method and result of this study are expected to provide a better understanding of cutting force and rock breaking mechanism by PDC bits.

Efecto del manejo forestal sobre algunos servicios ecosistémicos en los bosques templados de México

Un elemento clave para favorecer un manejo forestal sustentable es conocer las compensaciones, sinergias y relaciones de los servicios ecosistémicos generados por los bosques. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la relación entre el manejo forestal y algunos servicios ecosistémicos, en particular la conservación de la diversidad vegetal, producción de madera, regulación de los flujos del agua y el secuestro y almacenamiento de carbono en bosques templados de México. Se revisaron varias bases de datos bibliográficos para encontrar los estudios más relacionados con estos temas, compilándose 57 trabajos. El manejo forestal se materializa a través de prácticas que incluyen aclareos, cortas de regeneración, selección y otros tratamientos complementarios. De manera general, el manejo forestal impacta de forma positiva el abastecimiento de madera (materia prima) y el secuestro y almacén de carbono. Tiene un efecto variable en la conservación de la diversidad vegetal y negativo en el abastecimiento de flujos de agua, al menos al inicio de la intervención silvícola. El impacto y resiliencia del ecosistema depende de la escala espacial y temporal de la perturbación. La identificación, cuantificación y evaluación de las interacciones de los servicios ecosistémicos en los bosques templados de México, puede ayudar a los tomadores de decisiones a minimizar los impactos posibles del manejo forestal sobre los servicios ecosistémicos.