Vertical Head Research Articles

Effect of circle, surface type and stride duration on vertical head and pelvis movement in riding horses with pre-existing movement asymmetries in trot.

Head and pelvis vertical movement asymmetries in horses are often evaluated under different conditions yet better understanding is required of how these asymmetries are altered by factors such as surface type or circle size. This study investigated how stride duration, surface and lungeing in circles of different sizes influenced objectively measured head and pelvis movement asymmetries in riding horses in full training. Movement asymmetries were recorded with body mounted accelerometers and were based on the differences between the two vertical displacement minima or maxima of head (HDmin, HDmax) and pelvis (PDmin, PDmax) within a stride cycle. Each horse was evaluated during straight-line trot and during lungeing (d = 10m/15m) on hard and soft surfaces at slow and fast speed (determined by stride duration). All horses (N = 76) had at least one movement asymmetry parameter above a predefined thresholds (|HDmin| or |HDmax| >6mm, |PDmin| or |PDmax| >3mm) during a straight line trot on hard surface (baseline). The horses were assigned to a 'predominant asymmetry' group (HDmin, HDmax, PDmin, PDmax) based on which movement asymmetry parameter was the greatest during the baseline condition; the head movement asymmetry values were divided by two to account for the difference in magnitude of the thresholds. Analysis was carried out for each predominant asymmetry group separately using linear mixed models-outcome variable: predominant asymmetry parameter; random factor: horse; fixed factors: surface, direction with stride duration as covariate (P<0.05, Bonferroni post-hoc correction). The 'direction' conditions were either a straight-line locomotion ('straight') or lungeing with lungeing conditions further classified by circle diameter and by whether the limb which the predominant asymmetry was assigned to ('assigned limb') was on the inside or outside of the circle ('inside10', 'inside15', 'outside10', 'outside15'). Only parameters related to asymmetrical weight-bearing between contralateral limbs (HDmin, PDmin) were affected by changes in stride duration-the most common pattern was an increase in asymmetries as stride duration decreased. Only pelvic movement asymmetries were affected by lungeing. When the assigned hindlimb was on the inside of the circle, the PDmin asymmetries increased and PDmax asymmetries decreased compared to the straight-line condition. With the assigned hindlimb on the outside, PDmin asymmetries decreased but PDmax asymmetries did not change. Trotting on 10 m circle compared to 15 m circle did not increase movement asymmetries. In conclusion, circular motion and changes in stride duration altered movement asymmetries identified in horses in full ridden work but no changes were seen between the soft and hard surfaces. These patterns should be further investigated in clinically lame horses.

Experimental comparison of the upstream head using the non-rotating model of the vertical ultra-low head hydro turbine with its prototype

A vertical ultra-low head (VULH) turbine is a pico-scale hydro turbine applicable to open canal flow with or without head drop. This conceptualized turbine rotates at a lower speed. In the case of water flow on a canal without head drop condition, the prediction of the upstream head is challenging due to the change in the direction of the water flow path on this conceptualized system. Assuming the head at the primary level of design, an experimental study has been conducted to judge the upstream head of water flow using the two-dimensional non-rotating model (NRM) before the use of a prototype of the turbine. The runner was designed with a conventional method whereas the design of NRM was based on the diameters of the runner designed and the orifice openings on it. The experiments were conducted on a newly developed VULH Turbine test rig of size 10 m x 1.5 m x 2 m with a maximum flow rate capacity of 120 LPS and a maximum upstream head of 0.75 m. The tests were completed for upstream head variation using three different sets of NRM having an orifice cut angle of 15°, 18°, and 22.5° and a prototype of the runner at a constant speed for different flow rates. From the comparisons made, the closest NRM was selected that showed a similar upstream head at the maximum efficiency point of the runner. The research concluded with the finding that the NRM can be used to predict the upstream head of the VULH turbine instead of the rotating model.

Difference in the Static Postural Control according to the Subjective Visual Vertical Deviation and Head Orientations

Difference in the Static Postural Control according to the Subjective Visual Vertical Deviation and Head Orientations

Adaptation strategies of the Icelandic horse with induced forelimb lameness at walk, trot and tölt.

Lameness assessment in the gaited Icelandic horse is complex. We aimed to describe their kinematic and temporal adaptation strategies in response to forelimb lameness at walk, trot and tölt. In vivo experiment. Ten clinically non-lame Icelandic horses were measured before and after reversible forelimb lameness induction. Upper body and limb kinematics were measured using 11 inertial measurement units mounted on the poll, withers, pelvis (tubera sacrale) and all four limbs and hoofs (Equimoves®, 500 Hz). Horses were measured on a straight line at walk and trot in-hand and at walk, trot and tölt while ridden. Linear mixed models were used to compare baseline and lame conditions (random factor = 'horse'), and results are presented as the difference in estimated marginal means or percentage of change. Lameness induction significantly (p < 0.05) increased head vertical movement asymmetry at walk (HDmin/HDmaxHAND: 18.8/5.7 mm, HDmin/HDmaxRIDDEN: 9.8/0.3 mm) and trot (HDmin/HDmaxHAND: 18.1/7.8 mm, HDmin/HDmaxRIDDEN: 24.0/9.3 mm). At the tölt, however, HDmin did not change significantly (1.1 mm), but HDmax increased by 11.2 mm (p < 0.05). Furthermore, pelvis vertical movement asymmetry (PDmax) increased by 4.9 mm, sound side dissociation decreased (-8.3%), and sound diagonal dissociation increased (6.5%). Other temporal stride variables were also affected, such as increased stance duration of both forelimbs at walk, tölt and in-hand trot. Only one degree of lameness (mild) was induced with an acute lameness model. Classical forelimb lameness metrics, such as vertical head and withers movement asymmetry, were less valuable at tölt compared to walk and trot, except for HDmax. Therefore, it is advised to primarily use the walk and trot to detect and quantify forelimb lameness in the Icelandic horse.

The effect of reservoir geometry on the critical submergence depth in hydroelectric power plants intake

The most important design index of water intakes is critical submergence depth of the intake. The depth at which the air core formed by the vortex is about to enter the intake. The emergence of a vortex and air entry into the intake increase head loss and decrease discharge coefficient. The reservoir geometric asymmetry, presence of unevenness in the bottom of the reservoir and angle of approach flow are among the factors that influence formation of the vortex and critical submergence depth. In this research, a physical model has been used to investigate the effect of reservoir geometry on the critical submergence depth. This model is designed in such a way that it can produce the strongest type of vortices with air core and with different strengths. The results showed that by creating asymmetry in the flow approaching the water intake (with side blockage in upstream), the presence of even 10% side blockage can have a great effect on the formed vortex and increase the critical submergence depth by about two times. To create uneven conditions on the reservoir bottom, blockages were created on the bottom of the reservoir upstream of the intake. The results showed that the blockage up to half of the height below the intake caused an increase of about 10–25% of the critical submergence depth, in low and high Froude numbers, respectively. However, in blockages more than half of the height below the intake, this effect increases about 60% of the critical submergence depth. In addition, the effect of the slope of the intake head wall on the order (type) of the vortex and its stability and instability was studied, and it was found that the order of the vortex decreases with the increase in the slope of the head wall toward the vertical position. Also, by increasing the slope of the head wall, the vortices form in an unstable manner. The vertical head wall can act as an anti-vortex structure and cause a reduction in critical submergence depth.

GEOMORPHOLOGY, TERRACES OF VARIOUS DOMINE OF ALAKNANDA ITS TRIBUTARIES AND NEOTECTONISAM, GARHWAL HIMALAYA PARTS OF CHAMOLI TEHRI UTTAKASHI &amp; PAURI UTTAR PRADESH (UTTRARKHAND) INDIA

The Geological and Geomorphological study in Upper Ganga basin has been attempted in parts of de Uttarkashi,Chamoli, Pauri and Tehri districts, an area of 10000 Sq.kms in parts of QA sheet 53J and 53 N on 1:50000 scale of Garhwal Himalaya U.P has been covered presently known as Uttrakhand State of Union of India. Out of total area of study, an area about 3500 sq.Kms (1:50000 scale) has been selected for detailed Geological, Geomorphological and Sedimentological study. The area of Upper Ganga basin consisting of Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Bhilangna, Nandakini, Mandakini, Pindar, Dhauli- Ganga Bal- Ganga, Madhmeshwar Ganga and Berhi Ganga. The Alaknanda is chracterised by six terraces followed by Bhagirathi with five terraces, Bhilangna Nandakini four terraces, Mandakini /Pindar/Dhauli-Ganga /Balganga three terraces, Madhmshwar Ganga two terraces and Berhi Ganga one terrace, amidst these Alaknanda is trunk stream and others are tributaries. Geomorphologically, the area is divided in to seven geomorphic units viz High relief formerly glaciated area, Structural hills, Denudational hills, Area of mass wasting, High level dissected fans River Terraces and Present day flood plain of Alaknanda and its tributaries. These units area developed in response to lithology to erosional land depositional activities and tectonic in which they are embedded. Each unit is characterized by distinct drainage, diagnostic geomorphic landform elements and features, photo charcters and morphogenetic expression. The other geomorphic features and elements identified in the area are point bar, channel bar, alluvial fans ,talus cone , rock cut terraces fan cut terraces , abandoned and fossil channel courses,epigenetic gorges, strant lines landslides, rock fall scree and scree slope, retreating scarp, abandoned cirque, cirque morines, arêtes, threshold, horn peak and glacial lake. The area genetically comprised of terraces of three domains, viz. glacial, fluvio-glacia and fluvial which represent distinct environment of sedimentation of Pleistocene, late Pleistocene and Holocene time during Quaternary period. The glacial terraces are identified at an average elevation of 1150 m above m.s.l. the fluvio-glacial terraces at an average elevation of 975 m above m.s.l. and fluvial terraces at an average elevation between 650 to 900 m above m.s.l. The Badrinath temple is situated in glaciated trough valley of Alaknanda, which comprise of, four levels of the glacial terraces (lateral moraine), cirque moraine on mountain flanks and the terminal moraine at the base of valley. whereas Kedarnath in the upstream of Mandakini, where number of well developed cirques were identified on high mountain, they are mostly arm chair shaped hollows with a steep to vertical head walls, concave floor and a threshold, these cirques are noticed at an average height of about 4500 m. The Kedarnath temple is situated in glaciated trough valley on quaternary platform formed by coalescing of cirque, lateral moraine and terminal moraine. The-Himalayan thrust like Central thrust Srinagar thrust, Alaknanda fault, Tons thrust show flattening dip suggesting that they lie at comparatively at shallow depth at short distance, down dip from their out crops, recent movements along the trace of these thrust/ faults are not of high and longer magnitude but have considerably affected Quaternary terraces of glacial, fluvio-glacial and fluvial domain of Alaknanda and its tributaries. Beside drainage, river bed profile, landscape architect and over all morphogenetic expression of the area, this bears the adverse impact of tectonic activity. The imprints of neotectonisam associated in the area indicate that these thrust /faults are active and have, signatures of sinking of landscape, mass wasting activities and posed neosiemic hazards and tectano-ecological problems, bears signatures of sinking of the area, mass wasting activities and neosiemic hazards. The geomophological study of the area, overall morphogenetic illustration, imprints of neotectonisam, disposition of terrces of different domains, mass wasting activities, drainage net, channel morphology, landform elements of glacial, fluvioglacial and fluvial domain of Alaknanda and its tributaries indicate that tectonically the area is active and slow movements are taking plae along thrust, faults and lineament. In the area North of Wazri in Jamuna valley, North of Uttarkashi around Sainj in Bhagirathi valley, around Tugnath and Chamoli and South of Joshimuth in Alaknanda valley revealed that there is sharp persistent curvilinear break in topography, which has geothermal manifestation at Wazri Gagnani anda Tugnath in the form of emitation of hot springs. This curvilinear line has further reconfigurated the neo stream net works system and affected morphogenetic expression it appears to be due to horizontal movement of sub - tectonic plate towards south, which, is sole collective and cumulative causative factor in dislocation of tectonic ecology of the area and has resulted micro earthquake shocksand and segmental sinkiking of area. The overall study revealed that the the area is sensitive active and is vulnerable to any techtono- seismic event it is matter of serious concerned and needs further attention.

Reliability, validity and normal ranges of the Zur Balance Scale for detecting mild postural control differences: introducing the modified, short version mZBS.

Balance is achieved through interactions between the vestibular, somatosensory, and visual systems. There are several clinical tests to measure postural stability. However, most of them do not assess postural stability with head movements, which is the main function of the vestibular system, and those that do, require the use of sizeable, expensive equipment. Therefore, an applicable, easy-to-perform test that challenges the function of the visual, somatosensory and vestibular systems, using head movements, is needed. The Zur Balance Scale (ZBS) contains ten conditions, which are a combination of surfaces (floor or Styrofoam with subject standing on its width in Romberg position or its length in tandem position), stances (Romberg or tandem), tasks (no head movement with eyes open or closed and horizontal or vertical head movements with eyes open). The purpose of this study was to determine the validity, inter- and intra-examiner reliability, and normal performance values of the ZBS among individuals 29-70-years of age and to introduce the modified version: the mZBS, using kinetic measurements. Healthy participants ages 29-70 years were evaluated for inter- and intra-tester reliability (n = 65), kinetic measurements on a force plate, and validity compared to the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance (mCTSIB) (n = 44) and characterization of normal values (n = 251). Zur Balance Scale head movements, duration of each condition (up to 10 s) and the total ZBS score agreed across examiners (ICC > 0.8). Normal ZBS scores were negatively correlated with age (r = -0.34; P < 0.0001). Older subjects (60-70 years) had a median score of 95.5 compared with younger subjects, where medians ranged from 97.6 to 98.9. Kinetic parameters showed positive correlations between ZBS and the mCTSIB scores, with the highest correlation between the five Romberg tasks (modified ZBS). Zur Balance Scale is a valid and reliable test. Its advantages include using head movements and the ability to detect minimal differences in postural control, even in healthy populations. Kinetic evaluation of the ZBS enables the use of a modified, shorter version of the ZBS (mZBS).

Prevalence of vertical movement asymmetries at trot in Standardbred and Swedish Warmblood foals.

Many horses, just before and during their athletic career, show vertical movement asymmetries, to the same degree as clinically lame horses. It is unknown whether these asymmetries are caused by pain or have alternative explanations, such as inherent biological variation. In the latter case, movement asymmetries would be expected to be present at a very young age. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of movement asymmetries in foals. Motion analysis, using an inertial measurement unit-based system (Equinosis), was performed on 54 foals (31 Swedish Warmbloods, 23 Standardbreds) during straight-line trot. The foals were between 4-13 weeks old and considered sound by their owners. Differences between the vertical minimum and maximum values recorded for the head (HDmin, HDmax) and pelvis (PDmin, PDmax) between left and right stance were calculated for each stride and an average was computed for each trial. Thresholds for asymmetry were defined as absolute trial mean >6 mm for HDmin and HDmax, and >3 mm for PDmin and PDmax. These thresholds were exceeded for one or several parameters by 83% of Standardbred foals and 45% of Swedish Warmblood foals, demonstrating surprisingly high prevalence of asymmetries in young foals, although the risk of repetitive strain injuries and cumulative risk of trauma injuries was expected to be low in this age group. Standardbred foals showed similar prevalence of asymmetries to that reported previously for yearling Standardbred trotters, so relatively higher prevalence of movement asymmetries may be expected among trotters as a breed. In general, vertical head and pelvic movement asymmetries can be anticipated among foals considered sound by their owners. A better understanding of the aetiology of asymmetries is needed for correct interpretation of objective symmetry measurements in different populations of horses.

Morphometric study of the radius bone in a KwaZulu-Natal population: Laterality and sexual dimorphism

Radius is sexually dimorphic bone, a relevant feature in biological profiling necessary in forensic investigations. This study aimed to record the radius morphometry and compare the radius morphometric parameters in terms of sex and laterality. Ninety-six dry-human radii bones were collected, and a total of nine morphometric measurements were recorded viz: Maximum radial length (MRL), Distal Breath (DB), Sagittal Diameter at Mid-shaft (SDM), Transverse Diameter at Mid-shaft, Vertical Head Height (HH), Minimum Head Diameter (MinHD), Maximum Head Diameter (MaxHD), Radial Head (CRH), Circumference at Radial Tuberosity (CRT). Circumference at the mean and maximum values in males was consistently higher than the female values for all parameters measured except the values in SDM and TD, where the minimum values of females + were greater on the right-hand side. For laterality, only DB (p 0.001) for both males and females, SDM for both males (p 0.013) and females (p 0.012), HH for males (p 0.042), and CRT for males (p 0.025) were statistically different. Sex and laterality remained unchanged when age was introduced as a confounding factor. This effectively means that age has no bearing on the sexual dimorphism as well as laterality of this sample. The right side consistently had greater values than the left except for HH and CRT for males without age, as well as CRT for males with age. The study concluded that the radius bone of people of the KwaZulu-Natal region is sexually dimorphic and can be used for sex determination.

Crash Stability Analysis and Multi-Objective Optimization of Oriented Energy-Absorbing Structure for Locomotive

When the train collides, the anti-climbing energy-absorbing structure suffers huge impact force, which results in obvious deformation and energy absorption. Through the study of collision test and accident, it is found that the anti-climbing energy-absorbing structure produces obvious instability phenomenon when the collision occurs, and the lateral head shaking or vertical head nodding movement is likely to lead obvious buckling deformation of the energy absorption structure, which greatly reduces the structural energy absorption effect and increases the risk of train climbing. The guide structure of the anti-climbing structure affects the deformation and energy absorption to a certain extent. Therefore, this paper establishes the finite element model of the trolley with anti-climbing energy absorption structure, and the model is verified by experiments. Based on the verified finite element model, the effects of the diameter [Formula: see text] and thickness [Formula: see text] of the guide tube, the gap [Formula: see text] between the inner and outer guide tube and the vertical offset [Formula: see text] of the trolley center of mass on the energy absorption, vertical and horizontal stability of the structure were studied. The results show that the trolley center of mass offset [Formula: see text], the diameter [Formula: see text] and the wall thickness [Formula: see text] of the guide tube have a large influence on the deformed energy absorption mode of the anti-climbing energy absorption structure and the stability of the trolley. In order to investigate the influence of the trolley center of mass offset [Formula: see text], the diameter [Formula: see text] and wall thickness [Formula: see text] of the guide tube on the anti-climbing energy absorption structure, the response surface (RS) model of the design of experiment (DOE) was used together with the finite element model (FEM) calibrated by the test. Finally, based on the established RS model, the multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is used for multi-objective optimization design. The results show that the amount of energy absorbed (EA) by the anti-climbing energy absorbing structure, and the mass of the guide tube [Formula: see text] cannot be optimized simultaneously. Finally, the optimization results provide a good design matrix for obtaining anti-climbing energy absorbing structures and recommendations with excellent performance in terms of crashworthiness of locomotive.

Assessment and improvement of sex estimation standards for application in Holocene San and Khoekhoe populations

AbstractAccurate population‐specific sex estimation standards do not exist for southern African Holocene San and Khoekhoe populations. Due to markedly small stature, skeletal gracility, and physically active lifestyle, this population exhibits reduced sexual dimorphism, complicating application of standards developed elsewhere. The effectiveness of common sex estimation approaches were assessed and optimized for San and Khoekhoe populations. One‐hundred seventy‐five adult archaeological San and Khoekhoe skeletons were studied. Sex estimates from seven morphological traits (cranial and mandibular) and six metrical parameters (mandibular, humeral, and femoral) were compared with pelvic (Phenice) sex estimates to assess agreement. Results were analyzed using chi‐squared tests, univariate statistics, and cross‐validated discriminant function analysis. The effectiveness of individual cranial and mandibular traits varied: The mastoid process and mandibular shape produced the highest agreement rates with pelvic sex estimates (73% and 72%, respectively), while mental eminence and nuchal crest produced the lowest (both 53%). The nuchal crest exhibited a strong sex bias. All mandibular and long‐bone metrical parameters were sexually dimorphic; femoral and humeral vertical head diameter (FHD and HVHD) were the most discriminatory. The discriminant function equations showing the highest agreement with pelvic sex estimates were direct multivariate bicondylar breadth, FHD and HVHD (77%), univariate FHD (75%), and stepwise multivariate FHD and HVHD (73%). All variables were sexually dimorphic, but the reduced sexual dimorphism in this population necessitates careful choice of traits. Trait scores considered diagnostic of males and females may require adjustment to improve discriminating power. This study identified the most accurate areas to target for sex estimation and generated the first discriminant functions specific to archaeological San and Khoekhoe people.

Experimental investigation on flow approach profile for comparison of surface velocity at the inlet of the vertical ultra-low head hydro turbine using a non-rotating model

This article reports the need for an inlet approach profile in front of the turbine system for the newly developed vertical ultra-low head turbine applicable on channel flow section without dropped bed level. The fixed wall available in the conceptualization stage was found to act as a barrier to a certain level disturbing the flow towards the turbine that need to rectify with the addition of a suitable profile. The four-simple geometry for inlet approach profiles as vertical, inclined, curved, and a combination of inclined and curved profiles were selected for testing in pair with the alternation of a two-dimensional non-rotating model of the turbine having 150, 180, and 22.50 orifice opening on it. With the review of the literature, a different experimental methodology has been explained. The tests were conducted on an experimental setup tank of the length of 10 m developed for the vertical ultra-low head hydro turbine with input variables such as flow rate, inlet profile, and non-rotating models. The experimental analysis is presented about the vertical profile with the concern of flow surface velocity and upstream height possessed by different combinations. The comparisons made for upstream height and surface velocity with different flow rates, upstream height with surface velocity, maximum surface velocity, and upstream height with orifice opening of non-rotating models are discussed and selected the most suitable one among the tested. The conclusion is made for the necessity of an inlet approach profile with suitable geometry to minimize the loss at turbine inlet mentioning the future task is desired for optimization.

EVOLUTION OF FLUVIAL TERRACES OF ALAKNANDA AND ITS TRIBUTARIES AND IMPRINTS OF NEOTECTONISAM IN UPPER GANGA BASIN, GARHWAL HIMALAYA, PARTS OF CHAMOLI TEHRI UTTAKASHI &amp; PAURI DISTRICT UTTAR PRADESH (UTTRARKHAND) INDIA

The Geomorphological study in in Alaknanda and its tributaries Ganga basin Garhwal Himalya parts of Chamoli Tehri Uttarkashiand Pauri district Uttar Pradesh (Uttrarkhand with special reference to fluvial terraces has been studied . An area about 10000 Sq.kms in parts of QA sheet 53Jand 53 N on 1:1000000/ 1:50000 scale of has been covered. The area of Upper Ganga basin genetically comprised of terraces of three domains, viz. glacial, fluvio-glacial and fluvial which represent distinct environment of sedimentation of Pleistocene, late Pleistocene and Holocene time during Quaternary period. The glacial terraces are identified at an average elevation of 1150 m above m.s.l, the fluvio-glacial terraces at an average elevation of 975m above m.s.l, and fluvial terraces at an average elevation between 650 to 900 m above m.s.l, The area of Upper Ganga basin consists of Alaknanda,Bhagirathi,Bhilangna, Nandakini, Mandakini, Pindar, Dhauli- Ganga Bal- Ganga , Madhmeshwar Ganga and Berhi Ganga. Amidst these Alaknnda is trunk stream and other are tributaries. The Alaknanda is chracterised by six fluvial terraces followed by Bhagirathi with five terraces , Bhilangna Nandakini four terraces Mandakini /Pindar/Dhauli-Ganga /Balganga three terraces , Madhmshwar Ganga two terraces and Bberhi Ganga one terraces. The Badrinath temple is situated in glaciated trough valley of Alaknanda, which comprise of, four levels of the glacial terraces (lateral moraine), cirque moraine on mountain flanks and the terminal moraine at the base of valley. whereas Kedarnath in the upstream of Mandakini, where number of well developed cirques were identified on high mountain, they are mostly arm chair shaped hollows with a steep to vertical head walls, concave floor and a threshold, these cirques are noticed at an average height of about 4500 m. The Kedarnath temple is situated in glaciated trough valley on quaternary platform formed by coalescing of cirque, lateral moraine and terminal moraine. The-Himalayan thrust like Central thrust Srinagar thrust,, Alaknanda fault, Tons thrust show flattening dip suggesting that they lie at comparatively at shallow depth at short distance, down dip from their out crops, recent movements along the trace of these faults /thrust are not of high and longer magnitude but have considerably affected Quaternary terraces of glacial, fluvio-glacial and fluvial domain of Alaknanda and its tributaries. Beside drainage, river bed profile, landscape architect and over all morphogenetic expression of the area bears the impact of tectonic activity. The imprints of neotectonisam associated in the area indicate that these thrust /faults are active and have posed tectano-ecological problems, bears signatures of sinking of the area, mass wasting activities and neosiemic hazards. The study revealed that there is sharp curvilinear break in morphogenetic expression of the area In North of Wazri in Jamuna valley, North of Uttarkashi in Bhagirathi valley, around Tugnath and Chamoli and South of Joshimuth in Alaknanda valley, which appears to be due to horizontal movement of a sub - tectonic plates towards south, which is causative factor in dislocation in tectonic ecology of the area, it is matter of serious concerned and needs further attention.

Prevalence and clinical significance of increasing head height asymmetry as a measure of forelimb lameness in horses when trotting in a straight line after palmar digital nerve block.

Some horses increase in forelimb lameness, measured as vertical head height asymmetry, or differences in maximums and minimums of head heights (HDmax, HDmin), after a palmar digital nerve (PDN) block. The prevalence of this finding, or what it means clinically, has not been reported in peer-reviewed literature. To estimate the prevalence of increasing head height asymmetry after a PDN block and determine if this is associated with cause of forelimb lameness. Retrospective case series. Head height asymmetry, normalised to expected vertical head displacement, from inertial-sensor data collections of all horses evaluated for forelimb lameness while trotting in a straight line at two different clinics were screened for cases that had an initial PDN block and then another more proximal block in the same limb during the same lameness evaluation. Medical records of the screened cases (n= 213) were evaluated to determine the cause of lameness. Prevalence of increasing head height asymmetry was calculated. Differences in lameness amplitude between groups of cases that remained unchanged (Group 1), that increased (Group 2), and that decreased (Group 3) in head height asymmetry before and after the initial PDN block were compared (Kruskal-Wallis). Determination of the location of the cause of lameness and final diagnoses of cases were compared between Group 1 and Group 2 (chi-squared tests of independence). The PDN block increased head height asymmetry at a prevalence of 32.5% (95% CI=24.5%-41.5%) and 13.8% (95% CI=7.3%-22.9%), in clinic 1 and 2, respectively. Increasing head height asymmetry after an initial PDN block did not predict localization of the cause of forelimb lameness or specific diagnosis (p= 0.1), other than indicating that it is unlikely to be in the foot (p= 0.02). Study samples consisted primarily of Warmbloods (clinic 1) and Quarter Horses (clinic 2). Analysis of blocking induced changes was limited to straight line trot only. Increasing head height asymmetry after PDN block is common during forelimb lameness evaluations. Other than indicating that the cause of lameness is more proximal in the blocked forelimb, this does not help determine the final diagnosis.

Categorizing Rhythmic Jumping Motion Using Motion Capture without Markers

In this study, we sought to reveal and evaluate the degree of similarity between individuals and within the same group of individuals when they perform the same movement. The methodology used was that of selecting a panel of participants, 38 normal healthy adults ranging in age from 10 to 30 years. Subsequently, we carried out the experiment by performing the movements while capturing videos using a smartphone. The two-dimensional coordinates of each joint were obtained for videos obtained using marker less motion capture software. The results obtained allowed for a cluster analysis using five time series variables: 1) vertical head movement and 2) lateral limb movement. These time series were normalized by a total time, in order to create a typology of jumping movements. 136 series of movies were obtained. After checking the movies, 115 series revealed errors such as misrecognition. These series were excluded from the analysis. The remaining 21 series had data available for analysis. Cluster analysis was performed on the 21 sets of motion data, which could be classified into seven clusters based on the shape of the dendrogram.

Improved Darcian streambed measurements to quantify flux and mass discharge of volatile organic compounds from a contaminated aquifer to an urban stream

Quantifying VOC transport from contaminated groundwater to streams is challenging and important for understanding off-site migration of VOCs, cross-media contamination (groundwater to surface water and eventually air), and potential impacts on downstream ecosystems and human populations. A streambed point sampling approach was used to quantify fluxes of water and 14 VOCs from groundwater to an urban stream in North Carolina, USA, during summer (June 2015) and winter (January 2016). The approach is unique in coupling measurements of vertical hydraulic conductivity, vertical hydraulic head gradient, and groundwater VOC concentration at each individual sampling point, reducing or eliminating some potential concerns with other Darcian methods for quantifying VOC inputs to streams.Most results were consistent with discharge of two main VOC plumes on opposite sides of the stream. Plume 1 from the west side was dominated by cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) at mean concentrations of 19 and 11 μg L−1, respectively. Plume 2 from the east side was dominated by benzene (mean concentration 56 μg L−1). Plume 2 was not previously known, and the improved sampling approach allowed VOC discharge from both plumes to be quantified simultaneously.For 13 of the 14 detected VOCs, the mean VOC flux from groundwater to the stream (fVOC) was higher in January 2016 than in June 2015, mainly because groundwater flux was higher in January. The only exception was cDCE, the most abundant VOC in Plume 1, which had mean fVOC values of 9.8 and 9.5 mg m−2 d−1 in June 2015 and January 2016, respectively. Benzene was the most abundant VOC in Plume 2 and had mean fVOC values of 11 and 37 mg m−2 d−1 in June 2015 and January 2016, respectively. High groundwater flux drove almost all the occurrences of high VOC flux. For a given VOC, the flow-weighted mean concentration (with each VOC concentration weighted by the upward groundwater flux at the VOC sampling point) was generally larger than the unweighted mean concentration. Thus, flow-weighting of concentrations gave a more accurate indication of the average VOC concentration in net groundwater discharge to the stream.An estimate of total VOC mass discharge from groundwater to the study reach of the stream, 3.6 kg of VOC per year, was based on the fVOC results and streambed area in the reach. The bulk of this discharge was due to benzene, cDCE, and VC, with individual mass discharges of 2.1, 0.83, and 0.40 kg yr−1, respectively. Estimates of maximum potential VOC degradation in the streambed suggest that the 3.6 kg yr−1 estimate of mass discharge was not sensitive to potential degradation of VOCs in the streambed sediments above the groundwater sampling depth.

Vertical head rotation as major source of differences between time-separated digital cephalometric radiographs of patients acquired in one cephalostat X-ray device

BackgroundThe purpose of the retrospective study was to analyze the reliability and repeatability of specific landmark-positions used in cephalometry to determine the major sources of absolute landmark position differences for repeated, time-separated (time-point I and II) digital cephalometric radiographs (CEPH) of the same patients.Methods100 pairs of CPEHs from the database of a sample of adult patients (18 to 28 years) were analyzed by one calibrated observer and three landmark points (Sella: S, Nasion: N, Subspinale: A) were digitally marked using ImageJ-software. The coordinates of these points entered the evaluation using displacement vectors as primary endpoints between the coordinates of the landmarks in the two images as well as SNA-angles and the angle ω of SN relative to the floor.ResultsDisplacement vectors between CEPHI and CEPHII were rather large (N: 7.95 ± 4.85 mm, S: 5.34 ± 3.50 mm, A: 4.81 ± 3.95 mm. SNA was rather stable between the two sequential radiographs (mean difference: 0.002° ± 1.85°). and did not correlate with age of the patient (SNAI: spearman-Rho: 0.0239, p = 0.8134; SNAII : spearman-Rho: 0.0244, p = 0.8096). Although the vertical angle ω did not differ between CEPHI and CEPHII (mean difference: 0.4° ± 4.7°, pwilcoxon = 0.8155), it showed a quadratic relationship (pF−statistic: < 2.2e−16) with the length of the displacement vector N.ConclusionThe significantly varying location of the reference points S, N and A between time-separated CEPHs of one patient can largely be explained by different angulation (head rotation within the sagittal plane) of the Frankfurt plane to the floor (horizontal plane).

Timing of Vertical Head, Withers and Pelvis Movements Relative to the Footfalls in Different Equine Gaits and Breeds.

Knowledge of vertical motion patterns of the axial body segments is a prerequisite for the development of algorithms used in automated detection of lameness. To date, the focus has been on the trot. This study investigates the temporal synchronization between vertical motion of the axial body segments with limb kinematic events in walk and trot across three popular types of sport horses (19 Warmbloods, 23 Iberians, 26 Icelandics) that are known to have different stride kinematics, and it presents novel data describing vertical motion of the axial body segments in tölting and pacing Icelandic horses. Inertial measurement unit sensors recorded limb kinematics, vertical motion of the axial body at all symmetrical gaits that the horse could perform (walk, trot, tölt, pace). Limb kinematics, vertical range of motion and lowest/highest positions of the head, withers and pelvis were calculated. For all gaits except walk and pace, lowest/highest positions of the pelvis and withers were found to be closely related temporally to midstance and start of suspension of the hind/fore quarter, respectively. There were differences in pelvic/withers range of motion between all breeds where the Icelandic horses showed the smallest motion, which may explain why lameness evaluation in this breed is challenging.

Improved interpretation of groundwater-surface water interactions along a stream reach using 3D high-resolution combined DC resistivity and induced polarization (DC-IP) geoelectrical imaging

Common approaches for characterizing streambed architecture, and its influence on groundwater-surface water (GW-SW) exchanges, are generally limited by their invasiveness and low spatial sampling density, which is a particular issue in streambeds that typically have high spatial heterogeneity. Combined DC resistivity and induced polarization (DC-IP) imaging can provide rapid, non-invasive and continuous information on streambed lithology; however, its full potential remains unrealized, leading to its underutilization for streambed investigations. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the value of DC-IP imaging, in both 3D and high-resolution, for characterizing streambed architecture and interpretating GW-SW exchange patterns. The study focused on a 50 m long stream reach located in Kintore, Ontario, Canada. Traditional methods – streambed temperature mapping, vertical head gradient measurements, streambed porewater quality, and sediment cores – were used to qualitatively identify spatial GW-SW exchanges. Underwater 3D DC-IP surveying was then conducted across the stream reach to obtain high-resolution distributions of resistivity and chargeability. Resistivity first identified three distinct zones along the stream reach: Zone 1 (0–12 m) and Zone 3 (38–50 m) exhibits high resistivity (>100 ohm-m), while Zone 2 (12–38 m) exhibits relatively low resistivity (<40 ohm-m). Chargeability highly complements resistivity by confirming that the shallow streambed contains only non-clayey materials; therefore, the more resistive Zones 1 and 3 is attributed to more permeable coarse sand and gravel, while the more conductive Zone 2 is attributed to less permeable finer sand, and consequently, increased porewater EC due to longer residence times and hyporheic exchanges. This geoelectrical interpretation is well-supported by information from traditional methods (e.g., higher temperature and hydraulic gradients correspond to the more permeable Zone 1 and Zone 3). This study demonstrates the unrealized value of spatially continuous, high-resolution DC-IP information for mapping streambed architecture and its control on GW-SW exchange patterns.

Distance estimation from monocular cues in an ethological visuomotor task.

In natural contexts, sensory processing and motor output are closely coupled, which is reflected in the fact that many brain areas contain both sensory and movement signals. However, standard reductionist paradigms decouple sensory decisions from their natural motor consequences, and head-fixation prevents the natural sensory consequences of self-motion. In particular, movement through the environment provides a number of depth cues beyond stereo vision that are poorly understood. To study the integration of visual processing and motor output in a naturalistic task, we investigated distance estimation in freely moving mice. We found that mice use vision to accurately jump across a variable gap, thus directly coupling a visual computation to its corresponding ethological motor output. Monocular eyelid suture did not affect gap jumping success, thus mice can use cues that do not depend on binocular disparity and stereo vision. Under monocular conditions, mice altered their head positioning and performed more vertical head movements, consistent with a shift from using stereopsis to other monocular cues, such as motion or position parallax. Finally, optogenetic suppression of primary visual cortex impaired task performance under both binocular and monocular conditions when optical fiber placement was localized to binocular or monocular zone V1, respectively. Together, these results show that mice can use monocular cues, relying on visual cortex, to accurately judge distance. Furthermore, this behavioral paradigm provides a foundation for studying how neural circuits convert sensory information into ethological motor output.