Values Of Length Research Articles

Investigation of thyroid tissue in berry ligament by dissecting 103 cadavers

ObjectıvesIn this study, we investigated the relationship between berry ligament and thyroid tissue through cadaver dissection.Methods103 randomly selected cases from routine autopsy cases performed at the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute between December 2013 and May 2014 were included in the study. Demographic data of the cases, length and berry ligament length average values, section positivity and section positivity rates by side were examined.ResultsThere was histological section positivity in 22 (21.4%) of the cases. Histological section positivity was on the right side in 2.9% of the patients, on the left in 2.9%, and on both sides in 1.3%. There was no significant (p˃0.05) correlation between age and length and berry length. There was a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between length and berry length. Length and berry length values of male and female patients did not differ significantly (p˃0.05).ConclusıonIt has been observed that the aim of leaving almost no thyroid tissue, which we think will be more important especially in total thyroidectomies performed due to thyroid cancer, will technically fail in approximately 21% of cases and some thyroid tissue will remain within the berry ligament.

Exploring changes in epibenthic food web structure after implementation of a water-sediment regulation scheme

The water-sediment regulation scheme (WSRS) in the Yellow River is a large-scale initiative to artificially regulate the flow of sediment to the sea, thereby increasing the flood-carrying capacity of the riverbed and reservoirs. Currently, systematic studies on ecological impacts of WSRS at ecosystem-level are still insufficient. This limitation hampers the pursuit of a ‘green’, healthy, ecosystem and sustainable fisheries. This study constructed the topological structure of food webs in the Yellow River Estuary (YRE) before, during, and after implementation of the WSRS, analyzing changes in food web complexity and key species based on fishery independent data collected in June, July, and August 2023. The results showed decreases from 59 to 52 in the number of trophic species, and from 539 to 395 in the number of feeding relationships after WSRS implementation. Increased node density, decreased link density, and decreased structural complexity index also indicated a simplification of the YRE food web structure after WSRS implementation. The relatively low value of the characteristic path length indicated that the YRE food web has high connectivity with short path lengths of trophic interaction. Based on the ranking of various topological indices, Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicas) and mantis shrimp (Oratosquilla oratoria) persisted as the key species. Our research revealed limited potential ecological effects that WSRS may have on the YRE food web over a short period. The effects did not persist, and omnivorous key species were identified as being critical in contributing to overall system resilience. These omnivores with high complexity, connectivity and low path lengths allowed the food web to quickly dissipate the exogenous disruption from the WSRS. This provides a theoretical basis for assessing the future ecological health and scientific management of YRE fisheries and similar large estuaries for which sediment transport mitigation is under consideration.

Impact of Treatment Technique on Testicular Dose and Sexual Activity in Rectal Cancer Patients

Abstract Objective To estimate the incidental radiation dose delivered to the testicles in three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in rectal cancer patients and its impact on sexual activity using a quality-of-life questionnaire. Materials and Methods The present study included 40 male patients, aged between 25 and 50 years. with locally-advanced rectal cancer, who would undergo neoadjuvant radiotherapy at a dose of 45 Gray (Gy) in 25 fractions (fr) in the supine position. Planning was performed for three techniques: 3DCRT, IMRT, and VMAT. The testicular dose, testicular volume, planning target volume (PTV), the distance of the tumor from the anal verge, and tumor thickness and length in each plan were recorded. A quality-of-life questionnaire pertaining only to sexual activity by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer–Quality of Life in Colorectal (EORTC QLQ-CR29) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Colorectal (FACT-C) were used to assess the posttreatment effect on sexual life. Results The mean values for tumor length, thickness, and PTV were of 8.9 cm, 1.77 cm and 1,352 cm3 respectively. The mean dose to the right and left testicles (in centigray, cGy) were as follows: 3DCRT – 336.23 and 206.65; IMRT – 165.15 and 140.25; and VMAT – 209.2 and 229.2 respectively. A significant correlation was observed involving the PTV and testicular volume and the incidental testicular dose received. The questionnaire-based analysis of sexual activity included 31 patients who were alive, of whom 27 had resumed their normal sexual life 3 months after the treatment without difficulty (score 4). Conclusion The IMRT showed a significant reduction in the testicular dose when compared to 3DCRT and VMAT. The PTV and testicular volume presented a statistically significant impact on the testicular dose, and the main reason for abstinence was nervousness about disease recurrence.

The asymmetry in the sagitta of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from the Söke District of Aydın Province in Western Anatolia, Türkiye

AbstractOtolith features (length, width and weight) of 74 individuals of Anguilla anguilla collected from the Söke District of Aydın Province in Western Anatolia, Türkiye were studied for the first time to evaluate the level of asymmetry in the otolith features selected for this study. The asymmetry value of the otolith length was greater than that of otolith width and otolith weight. The asymmetry value of the three otolith features increased with an increase in the fish's length. The likely cause of asymmetry in the otolith parameters examined has been discussed in relation with the variability in growth provoked by ecological influence associated with the discrepancy in habitat setting and contaminants present in the Söke District of Aydın Province in Western Anatolia, Türkiye.

Soil Sensor Use in Delimiting Management Zones for Sowing Maize in No-Till

This study aimed to analyze yield components and maize yield cultivated at different population densities in management zones (MZs) delimited based on mapping the spatial variability of the soil’s apparent electrical conductivity (ECa). The soil ECa was measured, and two MZs were subsequently delimited, one with low ECa and the other with high ECa. In each MZ, four maize sowing densities were tested: 60,000 (D1); 80,000 (D2); 100,000 (D3); and 140,000 (D4) seeds ha−1. Ear length, number of grains per ear, number of grains per row, number of rows per ear, thousand-grain weight, and yield were evaluated. The increase in sowing density in the high ECa MZ linearly reduced the values of ear diameter, number of rows per ear, number of grains per ear, and thousand-grain weight. Sowing density D3, when implemented in the low ECa MZ, showed higher values for the ear length, ear diameter, number of grains per row, number of grains per ear, and thousand-grain weight. Sowing density D2 was the one with the highest yield, regardless of the MZ where it was implemented (5628.48 kg ha−1 in the high ECa management zone and 4463.63 kg ha−1 in the low ECa).

Comparative Analysis of Physical and Engineering Properties of New Egyptian Paddy Rice (Giza 183) Adapted to Mitigate Effects of Climate Change

One of the major challenges for crop breeding scientists is climate change. Their task is to develop new crop varieties that can withstand this phenomenon. For this study, a new Egyptian paddy variety called Giza 183, which is designed to adapt to mitigate the effects of climate change, was chosen. We focused on examining the physical and engineering properties of this variety in order to design strategies for storage, handling, transportation, drying, parboiling, and processing equipment in rice mills. The goal was to minimize post-harvest losses during the milling process, thereby maximizing high-quality yields while reducing losses. The physical properties of the rice grains, such as the length, width, and thickness, were measured at an average moisture content of 13.7% ± 0.25% (wet basis). The results reveal that the mean values of length, width, and thickness averaged 7.50 mm, 3.18 mm, and 2.19 mm, respectively. Additionally, the geometric mean diameter, the equivalent mean diameter, surface area, arithmetic mean diameter, and volume were approximately 3.74 mm, 2.38 mm, 37.37 mm2, 4.29 mm, and 28.23 mm3, respectively. The mean of sphericity was 49.9%, and the grain shape (length/width) was 2.19. The true density was measured at 1218.28 kgm−3, while the bulk density was 572.17 kgm−3. The porosity was found to be 53.03%. Furthermore, the milling production rates for brown rice, hull, white rice, and broken rice were determined to be 76.83%, 23.15%, 67.97%, and 17.36%, respectively. The average weight of one thousand grains was 25.49 g. A linear regression model for describing the mass of rough rice grain was investigated. The mass was estimated with the single variable of the grain aspect ratio (width/length) with a determination coefficient of 0.9908. Information gained from the current study will be useful in designing post-harvest processing and storage structures in rice processing industries..

Detailed thermo-hydraulic investigation of 3D octet lattice structure integrated heat sink

The present research work examined the thermo-fluidic characteristics of a heat sink packed with octet-structured periodic metal foam having varying porosity (0.83–0.93) and unit cell lengths (UCL) of 2.5–5 mm for electronic cooling application. AlSi10Mg material is considered for the octet lattice structure with water as the cooling medium, with the inlet velocity ranging from 0.02 to 0.05 m/s and a steady heat flux of 10 W/cm2 applied at base of the substrate. The effect of the porosity, unit cell length, and inlet velocity on pressure gradient, friction factor, Nusselt number, wall temperature, heat transfer coefficient, and thermo-hydraulic performance parameter is analyzed. Larger pressure gradients are observed for lower values of porosity and unit cell length, with a maximum value of approximately 5000 Pa/m for the thermal system having 0.83 porosity, 2.5 mm UCL, and 0.05 m/s inlet velocity. The wall temperature drops with a rise in inlet velocity and a reduction in porosity and UCL, with the lowest value of 311 K for the case of 0.83 porosity, 2.5 mm UCL, and 0.05 m/s inlet velocity. The case of 0.83 porosity, 5 mm UCL, and 0.02 m/s velocity was determined as optimum design based on thermo-hydraulic performance parameter.

Sex differences in shoulder acromiohumeral contact surface arc length on three-dimensional computed tomography imaging

Anatomy-based guidelines for shoulder surgery have established the routine preoperative evaluation of the humeral head. Despite recognized sex differences in humeral head size, there has been limited investigation into sex-specific variations in acromiohumeral contact surface (AHCS) arc length. This study aims to assess sex differences in the AHCS arc length within a sample of the Chinese population. We retrospectively analyzed 169 normal shoulder CT images from a single medical center, collected between 2011 and 2021. The AHCS arc length was defined as the distance from the superior glenoid tubercle to the lateral edge of the greater tuberosity, measured using a three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm. Physiological reference values for the AHCS arc length were determined at three abduction angle intervals. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between the AHCS arc length and abduction angle in both sexes. The reference values for AHCS arc length were significantly lower in women across three abduction angle intervals (male 48.07 ± 3.37 mm vs. female 43.54 ± 2.54 mm, (0–10] °, p < 0.001; male 45.07 ± 2.34 mm vs. female 40.78 ± 2.06 mm, (10–20] °, p < 0.001; male 42.08 ± 2.03 mm vs. female 38.09 ± 2.44 mm, > 20 °, p = 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the AHCS arc length was linearly and negatively correlated with the abduction angle (male R2 = 0.436, p < 0.001; female R2 = 0.434, p < 0.001, respectively). The present study identified a significant sex difference in the anatomical AHCS arc length in a sample of the normal Chinese population. Preoperative assessment of the AHCS arc length may be necessary for certain shoulder surgeries in the future.

Impact of post RFA treatment on neosquamous epithelium microstructure

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective treatment for Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Product of successful RFA is neosquamous epithelium (NSE), which resembles native squamous epithelium and has lower risk for neoplastic transformation. Dilated intercellular spaces (IS) are common microscopic feature of reflux induced injury of esophagus. The aim of this study was to analyze the ultrastructure of NSE by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), depending on the post RFA treatment modalities and to asses impact of these findings on BE recurrence. Prospective observational clinical study based on TEM analysis of biopsy of specimens obtained from patients in whom CE of BE was achieved minimum 6 months after the last RFA session. In each patient biopsies were taken from NSE and proximal esophagus. Two groups of patients were defined according to the post RFA treatment: proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) or laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). Comparative analysis of IS length was made between two groups. Endoscopic surveillance with biopsies was conducted for 5 years. Overall 22 patients with CE of BE after RFA underwent complete study protocol, out of whom in 10 LNF was performed, while 12 were treated with PPI’s. The mean values of IS length in the proximal esophagus and NSE in LNF group were 0.378 ± 0.116 µm and 0.878 ± 0.354, while in PPI’s group 0.724 ± 0.325 µm and 1.228 ± 0.226 µm, respectively. Mean lenghts of IS were statistically significantly higher in PPI’s group both in NSE (p = 0.032) and proximal esophagus (p = 0.009). There were 5 BE recurrences after 5 years surveillance, 4 in PPI group and 1 in LNF group, without statistical significance (p = 0.084). Dilated IS are commonly presented in NSE of patients with CE of BE with RFA who are treated with PPI’s. LNF provides may offer better reflux protection of NSE than PPI’s and may reduce the rates of recurrence after successful RFA treatment.

The required experience of open pancreaticoduodenectomy before becoming a specialist in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons: a multicenter, cohort study of 334 open pancreaticoduodenectomies.

Open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) is an essential surgical procedure for expert hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgeons. However, there is no standard for how many surgeries must be performed by a surgeon in training before they are considered to have enough experience to ensure surgical safety. Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) analysis was performed using the surgical data of OPDs performed during the training period of board-certified expert surgeons of the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery. Fourteen HBP surgeons participated in this study and performed 334 OPDs during their training period. The median (interquartile range) values for operative time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 455 (397-519) minutes, 450 (234--716) ml, and 28 (21-38) days, respectively. CUSUM analysis showed inflection points at 20 surgeries performed for operative time. After 20 procedures, operative time was significantly shorter (461min vs. 425min, p = 0.021) and blood loss was significantly lower (470ml vs. 340ml, p = 0.038). No significant differences between within 20 and after 21 procedures were found in the complication rate (53% vs. 48%, p = 0.424) and rate of in-hospital deaths (1.5% vs.1.4%. p = 0.945). Up to 20 surgeries, PDAC and another malignant tumor had longer operative time than benign/low malignant diseases (486min vs. 472min vs. 429min, p < 0.001), and higher blood loss (500ml vs. 502ml vs. 355ml, p < 0.001). Mortality rate was higher at PDAC cases (5% vs. 0% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). After the 21 procedures, these outcomes were improved and no differences in by primary disease were observed. Multivariable analysis showed that within 20 surgeries were independent risk factors of longer operative time (HR2.6, p = 0.013) and higher blood loss (HR2.0, p = 0.049). To stabilize the surgical outcome of OPD for malignant disease, at least 20 surgeries should be performed at a certified institution during surgeon training. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

A new method for conductivity prediction in polymer carbon nanofiber system by the interphase size and total conductivity of constituents

Current modeling approaches for the conductivity of polymer composites containing carbon nanofiber (CNF) called as PCNFs exhibit limitations. Herein, we introduce an enhanced Ouali model to accurately forecast the PCNF conductivity by incorporating the operative CNF amount and the conductivity contributions of CNFs, interphase region, and tunneling zones. The effective CNF volume fraction is derived from the dimensions of both CNFs and interphase, while the overall conductivity calculation integrates the resistances of interphase region and tunnels. The model's accuracy is validated through empirical conductivity measurements of various PCNF samples and extensive parametric analyses. An interphase depth (t) of less than 8 nm renders the composite insulative, whereas peak conductivity of 0.04 S/m is achieved at an interphase depth of 40 nm and interphase conductivity of 400 S/m. These results underscore the significant influence of interphase depth and conductivity on the overall electrical performance of the composites. Furthermore, a CNF length (l) below 13 μm or a contact diameter (d) under 10 nm also results in an insulative composite. Conversely, maximum values of CNF length (80 μm) and contact diameter (40 nm) enhance the composite's conductivity to 0.1 S/m. These findings illustrate the advantageous impact of longer nanofibers and wider tunnels on the electrical conductivity of PCNFs.

Predictors of the efficacy of CO2 laser therapy for female stress urinary incontinence

Background: Predictors of the efficacy of a single-session of CO2 laser therapy for female stress urinary incontinence are important for pretreatment consultation. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate these predictors. Methods: All consecutive women who underwent vaginal CO2 laser therapy for stress urinary incontinence were prospectively enrolled. Results: The median duration of subjective improvement (defined as ≥1 on the global response assessment) was 18.3 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 12.1 to 18.3 months, n = 75). Multivariable analysis revealed that low voided volume (dL, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.707; area under the curve [AUC] = 0.66, cutoff value of voided volume ≤4.0 dL), high postvoid residual volume (dL, HR = 2.714; AUC = 0.60, cutoff value of postvoid residual volume ≥1.0 dL), and low functional profile length (HR = 0.956; AUC = 0.58, cutoff value of functional profile length ≤2.8 cm) were predictors of subjective failure. A logit(p) = 1.0 - 0.5 x (voided volume) + 0.9 x (postvoid residual volume) can be used to predict failure (HR = 1.775; AUC = 0.71, cutoff value of logit(p) ≥0.0). Pad weights decreased at 3 and 6-month follow-up visits. At 6 months, 8 women (21%) were cured (&lt;1 g pad weight), and 16 women (42%) showed improvement (&gt;50% decrease in pad weight). Overactive bladder symptoms improved at 3 and 6 months. However, there was no change in female sexual function from baseline. Conclusion: A low voided volume and high postvoid residual volume can be used to predict subjective failure after one session of transvaginal CO2 laser therapy. However, the subjective therapeutic effect may diminish within a median duration of 18 months.

Evaluation of Dynamics of a Freight Wagon Model with Viscous Damping

The aim of this work was to perform a simulation analysis of the dynamics of a freight wagon with a variant vibration damping: dry friction and viscous damping. The following mathematical models of the damping characteristics are presented: the Maxwell model and the Kolsch model. The differences among the types of damping were first analyzed based on the dynamic responses of the 1 DOF model. Simulation studies were then carried out in a VI-Rail environment with the use of S-curved track models comprising short straight sections connecting the curves. The track models differed in the values of curve radii, cant, and length, which made it possible to run at different speeds. The multibody model of the vehicle represents a typical two-axle freight wagon. The dynamics of the wagon model were investigated for two states: empty and laden. Standard kinematic and dynamic values were compared in order to investigate if the nature of the damping has a significant impact on the dynamic properties of a freight wagon. The analysis of the simulation study showed that replacing dry friction damping with the viscous one can generally reduce forces acting on the wheel–rail contact, which, in turn, can be related to improving the running behavior of wagons while reducing the negative impact on the track.

Spintronic Pathways in a Nonconjugated Radical Polymer Glass

AbstractRadical chemistries have attracted burgeoning attention due to their intriguing technological applications in organic electronics, optoelectronics, and magneto‐responsive systems. However, the potential of these magnetically active glassy polymers to transport spin‐selective currents has not been demonstrated. Here, the spin‐transport characteristics of the radical polymer poly(4‐glycidyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl) (PTEO) allow for sustained spin‐selective currents when incorporated into typical device geometries with magnetically polarized electrodes. Annealing thin films of PTEO above its glass transition temperature results in a giant magnetoresistance effect (i.e., an MR of ≈80%) at 4 K. Additionally, ferromagnetic resonance spin‐pumping results in a relatively large effective spin‐mixing conductance of 1.18 × 1019 m−2 at the NiFe/PTEO interface. Due to the large spin‐density and radical‐radical exchange interactions, there is effective propagation of pure spin currents through PTEO in the NiFe/PTEO/Pd multilayer devices. This results in the transport of spin current over long distances with a spin diffusion length of 90.4 nm. The spin diffusion length and spin mixing conductance values surpass those reported in inorganic and metallic systems and are comparable to conventional doped conjugated polymers. This is the first example of spin transport in a nonconjugated radical polymer, and these findings underscore the promising spin‐transporting potential of radical polymers.

On the atomistic origin of internal length scale in strain-gradient plasticity models: The case of grain boundary structures and energies

The mechanical behavior of polycrystalline materials is controlled by microstructural size effects such as grain size or precipitate size. Various models of strain gradient plasticity have been proposed to capture such size effects, many of which have incorporated geometrically-necessary dislocation (GND) densities to introduce characteristic internal lengths. Recent developments have focused on models that incorporate a GND density into the internal energy functional. In such models, one needs to physically justify the functional form chosen and quantify the inherent internal length parameter. Our present study aims at probing relevant forms and internal length values in the case of grain boundary (GB) atomistic structures and core energies. We use an atomistic-to-continuum crossover approach that predicts an atomistic structure dependent GB energy by molecular static simulations, which is then recovered at the continuum-level by using a strain gradient, atomistically informed, field dislocation mechanics fast Fourier transform model. This allows (i) delineating the atomistic structure of GBs using an equivalent Nye GND density, and (ii) capturing the associated continuous elastic fields in the GB core area. We probe (i) a generalized non-quadratic GND density dependent energy functional to account for the core energy of defects, and (ii) elucidate the contributions of core versus elastic energy to the overall GB excess energy. We investigate and discuss the possible relevant choices for the energy functional form, as well as the physical origin of the inherent internal length parameter and its dependence to the types of grain boundaries, atomistic structures, and spatial resolution.

Aspects of Growth, Diet, and Reproduction of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Oreochromis niloticus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Linnaeus, 1758) in a Hypertrophic Milieu, the Municipal Lake of Yaoundé, Cameroon

The Nile tilapia, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Oreochromis niloticus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, is a highly valued fish species in Africa for subsistence and commercial purposes. However, overfishing activities in non-supervised lakes or reservoirs threaten its availability. In the view of contributing to the database on the life history traits of this species in Cameroon and supporting its sustainable management, the present study investigated the growth patterns, food preferences, and reproductive aspects of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;O. niloticus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in a hypertrophic milieu, the Yaoundé Municipal Lake, from May to October 2018. Fish specimens were sampled, measured, weighed, and sexed. The digestive tract of each specimen and the females’ gonads were collected. The intestines were measured, and the stomach contents were identified. The females’ reproductive aspects were determined. Overall, 101 specimens were collected and distributed among 48 (47.5%) males and 53 (52.5%) females, with a sex ratio of 1: 1.1. In this hypoxic (1.35 ± 0.4 mg/L) and highly conductive (210.5 ± 56.9 µS/cm) milieu, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;O. niloticus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; displayed a relatively good condition (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Kn&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;gt; 1) throughout the sampling period and negative allometric growth patterns for both sexes (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;b &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;&amp;lt; 3; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt; 0.001). Materials from plant origin were the preferred prey types, with an index of relative importance (IRI) of 78.20%; meanwhile, mud and materials from animal origin were secondary prey items (IRI: 13 ‒ 17%). The relative gut length (RGL) value above 3.0 and the foraging activity on detritus suggest that &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;O. niloticus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; has an herbivorous or detritivorous dietary habit and is a bottom-feeder. Female length at first maturity (L&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;50&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;) was 17 cm. Their gonado-somatic index (GSI) showed sexual activity throughout the whole sampling period, with the peak spawning phase happening in August. The absolute fecundity of gravid females varied between 316 and 1816 oocytes (942 ± 430 oocytes), and the relative fecundity ranged from 1–5 oocytes/gram of body weight (3 ±1 oocytes/g). The results highlight the performance of the Nile tilapia in this ecosystem and provide information for its sustainable use and improvement of fish culture.

Influence of rope fastening on the spectrum of its natural transverse vibrations

According to the previously developed method, which takes into account the bending stiffness of steel ropes during their transverse oscillation, the ropes of the pedestrian bridge ‘Lovers’ in the city of Tyumen were investigated. The obtained values of tension forces and bending stiffness were within the expected range. The high variation of bending stiffness values forced to pay attention to the accuracy of the initial values of rope lengths, which were obtained from the photograph. To measure the rope lengths, a method of nodal harmonic registration was proposed, but the results obtained by this method were higher than the values obtained from the photograph. The evaluation of measurement errors did not explain this overestimation, which led to the necessity to revise the solution of the differential equation of transverse oscillations. It turned out that previously only its partial solution was considered, assuming a hinged rope attachment, whereas it is cantilevered and has a bending reaction. Taking this feature into account by introducing an additional boundary condition allowed to improve the calculation model and explain the overestimation of the rope length in the method of nodal harmonics.Taking into account the nature of the rope attachment allowed us to introduce a generalised parameter s, which takes zero value for rigid cantilever attachment, and is equal to one for articulated attachment. Then the stiffness weakening inside the anchorage will be manifested by the growth of the parameter s and can be detected by the results of the oscillation spectrum registration.

Predictive values of cervix length measurement based on transvaginal ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is an important process in women’s life, which is widely concerned by women. In recent years, the incidence of premature delivery (PTD) becomes more and more higher due to the development of auxiliary reproduction and ovulation induction technologies and the changes of pregnant women’s lifestyle and physical quality. PTD not only affects postpartum recovery and causes great physical pains, but it also has adverse effects on the birth state of neonates and even leads to neonatal death OBJECTIVE: The predictive values of cervix length (CL) measurement based on transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and pathological examination of placenta for premature delivery (PTD) were investigated and the correlation between PTD and infection was analyzed. METHODS: 120 pregnant women with PTD or high-risk factors for PTD admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between February 2020 and March 2022 were included as the subjects and underwent pathological examination of placenta and TVUS for CL measurement. The final gestational age was set as the standard for the evaluation on the predictive values of pathological examination of placenta and TVUS. What’s more, 36 subjects in PTD group and 84 in normal delivery group (control group) underwent pathological examination of placenta for the analysis of the correlation between PTD and infection. RESULTS: The joint inspection method showed significantly better sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV compared to single CL or pathological examination of the placenta (P&lt; 0.05). Among pregnant women, those with CL ⩽ 30 mm and positive placental pathology had a higher proportion compared to those with CL &gt; 30 mm and negative placental pathology (P&lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT), and Chorioamnionitis (CA) in vaginal discharge of the preterm delivery (PTD) group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P&lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of CL ⩽ 30 mm and positive placental pathology could effectively predict PTD and placental infection was notably correlated with the occurrence of PTD.

Hydrogen adsorption on zinc-terminated ZnO(0001) surface at varying coverages and its effects on electronic and optical properties: a DFT+U study

Abstract Spin-polarized density functional theory implementing Hubbard corrections (DFT + U) were utilized to study H adsorption of different coverages on Zn-terminated ZnO(0001) surface. Changes in electronic and optical properties were observed upon H adsorption of varying coverages, namely with 0.25 monolayer (ML), 0.50 ML, 1 ML, and 2 ML coverage. In terms of surface structure, H atoms were found to adsorb on top of Zn forming Zn–H bond lengths ranging from 1.54–1.73 Å for certain coverages. On the other hand, O–H bond length values are 2.41 Å and 2.37 Å for 0.50 ML and 2 ML coverage respectively. Additionally, for 0.50 ML, the most stable configuration is when one H atom adsorbs on top of Zn and the other near the hollow site. At low coverage (0.25 ML and 0.50 ML), H prefers to interact with topmost layer Zn atoms resulting to shifts in the electronic bands relative to the pristine surface’s. In addition, at high coverage (1 ML and 2 ML), shifting of bands are observed and are mainly guided by Zn–H atom interaction for 1 ML and weak H–O atom interaction for 2 ML. The observed decrease in band gap as the coverage was increased from 1 ML to 2 ML is supported by the red shift in the absorption plot. However, for low H coverage adsorption, the optical plots deviate due to emergence of flat bands. Changes in electronic properties such as shifts in conduction band minimum and decrease in measured band gap occur as guided by the interaction of adsorbed H atoms with the surface atoms and are supported with obtained optical plots. These findings present the tunability of Zn-terminated ZnO(0001) polar surface properties depending on H coverage.

An analytical method for increasing the accuracy of the value of the Newtonian constant of gravitation

Despite hundreds of measurements of the Newtonian constant of gravitation, its accuracy remains very low. Over the past 55 years, it has improved by only one order of magnitude - from four to five digits after the decimal point. In this study, a new analytical method for improving the accuracy of estimating the value of the Newtonian constant of gravitation is proposed. Using the proposed method, its accuracy is increased by 7 orders of magnitude relative to the CODATA 2022 data. The method is based on the analytical estimate of the Planck mass, length, and time, with an accuracy of values ​​that is 5 orders of magnitude higher than their accuracy according to CODATA 2022. Such a significant increase in the accuracy of the Planck mass, length, and time values ​​was made possible by the integrated use of: 1) precision formulas for the Planck momentum; 2) representation of the speed of light in a vacuum through the Planck length and time; 3) the De Broglie principle: the moments of the Planck mass, leptons, and baryons are equal to each other; 4) high-precision characteristics of the proton. The method of analytical evaluation of Planck mass, length, and time allowed us to connect the main characteristics of the hypothetical virtual Planck particle with the main characteristics of the proton. Increasing the accuracy of the proton characteristics will entail increasing the accuracy of Planck mass, length, and time. Accordingly, the accuracy of the value of the Newtonian gravitational constant and all physical constants that can be represented through Planck mass, length, and time will be increased, which is especially important in light of the decisions of the 26th General Conference on Weights and Measures.