Cage Volume Research Articles

3D reconstruction of rib cage geometry from biplanar radiographs using a statistical parametric model approach

Rib cage 3D reconstruction is an important prerequisite for thoracic spine modelling, particularly for studies of the deformed thorax in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This study proposes a new method for rib cage 3D reconstruction from biplanar radiographs, using a statistical parametric model approach. Simplified parametric models were defined at the hierarchical levels of rib cage surface, rib midline and rib surface, and applied on a database of 86 trunks. The resulting parameter database served to train statistical models which were used to quickly provide a first estimate of the reconstruction from identifications on both radiographs. This solution was then refined by manual adjustments in order to improve the matching between model and image. Accuracy was assessed by comparison with 29 rib cages from CT scans in terms of geometrical parameter differences and in terms of line-to-line error distance between the rib midlines. Intra and inter-observer reproducibility was determined for 20 scoliotic patients. The first estimate (mean reconstruction time of 2 min 30 s) was sufficient to extract the main rib cage global parameters with a 95% confidence interval lower than 7%, 8%, 2% and 4° for rib cage volume, antero-posterior and lateral maximal diameters and maximal rib hump, respectively. The mean error distance was 5.4 mm (max 35 mm) down to 3.6 mm (max 24 mm) after the manual adjustment step (3 min 30 s). The proposed method will improve developments of rib cage finite element modelling and evaluation of clinical outcomes.

Effects of noninvasive ventilation on treadmill 6-min walk distance and regional chest wall volumes in cystic fibrosis: Randomized controlled trial

Dyspnea and exercise intolerance are the symptoms that most affect the quality of life of children and adolescents with respiratory disorders resulting from cystic fibrosis (CF). To evaluate the effect of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on treadmill 6-min walk distance and regional chest wall volumes in cystic fibrosis patients. Crossover clinical trial, randomized, controlled and open with 13 children and adolescents with CF, aged 7-16 years, with pulmonary impairment (NTC01987271). The patients performed a treadmill walking test (TWT) during 6min, with and without NIV on a BiLEVEL mode, an interval of 24-48hbetween tests. Before and after each test, patients were assessed by spirometry and optoelectronic plethysmography. Walking distance in TWT with NIV was significantly higher that without ventilatory support (mean±sd: 0.41±0.08 vs. 0.39±0.85km, p=0.039). TWT with NIV increase forced expiratory volume on 1s (FEV1; p=0.036), tidal volume (Vt; p=0.005), minute ventilation (MV; p=0.013), pulmonary rib cage volume (Vrcp; p=0.011), and decrease the abdominal volume (Vab; p=0.013) after test. There was a significant reduction in oxygen saturation (p=0.018) and permanent increase in respiratory rate after 5min (p=0.021) after the end test without NIV. During the walking test on the treadmill, the NIV change thoracoabdominal kinematics and lung function in order to optimized ventilation and tissue oxygenation, with improvement of walk distance. Consequently, NIV is an effective tool to increase functional capacity in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

Measurements of chest wall volume variation during tidal breathing in the supine and lateral positions in healthy subjects

PurposeTo study the feasibility and the laterality of measurements of chest wall volume variation during tidal breathing in the lateral position in healthy subjects. MethodsEighteen normal subjects were studied. Chest wall volume changes were measured by optoelectronic plethysmography in the supine and right and left lateral positions during quiet breathing. The accuracy of measuring lung volume was also examined using hot wire spirometry in 10 of the subjects. ResultsThe measurement errors between lung volume changes and chest wall volume changes were not significantly different in all positions. There was no significant difference between right and left compartmental volume changes in the supine position. However, chest wall volume changes were lower on the dependent side in the lateral position than on the non-dependent side because of the decrease in abdominal rib cage and abdomen volume changes. ConclusionChest wall volume measurements during quiet breathing in the lateral position have high measuring accuracy and show laterality.

Mass Production Cage forAedes albopictus(Diptera: Culicidae)

Mass production is an important co mponent of any pest or vector control program that requires the release of large number of insects. As part of efforts to develop an area-wide program involving the sterile insect technique (SIT) for the control of mosquitoes, the Insect Pest Control Laboratory of the Food and Agriculture Organization-International Atomic Energy Agency (FAO-IAEA Joint Division) has developed a mass production cage (Aedes MPC) for brood stock colonies in a mass production system for Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895). A preliminary experiment using Plexiglas cages was carried out to estimate the impact of cage volume on egg productivity. Transparent Plexiglas cages of different dimensions but loaded with the same adult density were tested. Egg productivity (number of eggs laid per adult female) and adult survival were recorded and analyzed. According to the results, the optimal volume of 100 liters has been chosen to develop the Aedes MPC. The numbers of adults introduced into the Aedes MPC did not affect the egg production and adult survival in comparison with the Plexiglas cage experiment data, confirming the possible use of Aedes MPC for mass-rearing procedures. Finally, the modification of Aedes MPC and creation of a new prototype model of MPC (Anopheles MPC) to effectively contain Anopheles arabiensis (Patton, 1905) adults is discussed with major changes pioneered to oviposition devices and systems for automatic collection of the eggs.

War of the wasps: is <em>Diadegma insulare</em> or <em>Microplitis plutellae</em> a more effective parasitoid of the Diamondback Moth, <em>Plutella xylostella</em>?

Parasitism levels by Diadegma insulare (Muesebeck) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Microplitis plutellae (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) at various densities of their host, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), were assessed. Cages with densities of 10 hosts, 20 hosts, and 40 hosts were set up, with the cage volume (40 500 cm3) and number of wasps (2 females) remaining constant. The host populations were also exposed to the wasps for two different exposure times: 1 day and 3 days. The study showed that D. insulare was a better parasitoid overall, achieving a level of parasitism equal to or higher than M. plutellae at all densities. Microplitis plutellae performed best at a lower host density (76% ± 9% of 10 hosts vs. 43% ± 3% of 40 hosts). Diadegma insulare performed similarly at all densities tested (75% ± 5% of 10 hosts, 83% ± 4% of 20 hosts, and 79% ± 6% of 40 hosts). This suggests that D. insulare may be the better parasitoid overall and should be applied in severe, large-scale infestations, while M. plutellae may be better for small-scale infestations.

Molecular dynamics evidence for alkali-metal rattling in the β-pyrochlores, AOs2O6 (A = K, Rb, Cs)

We have used ab initio molecular dynamics simulations validated against inelastic neutron scattering data to study alkali-metal dynamics in the β-pyrochlore osmates AOs2O6 (A=K, Rb, Cs) at 300 K to gain insight into the microscopic nature of rattling dynamics in these materials. Our results provide new evidence at the microscopic level for rattling dynamics: (1) the elemental magnitude spectra calculated from the MD show a striking dominance by the alkali metals at low energies indicating weak coupling to the cage, (2) the atomic root-mean-square displacements for the alkali metals are significantly larger than for the other atoms, e.g., 25% and 150% larger than O and Os, respectively, in KOs2O6, and (3) motions of the alkali metals are weakly correlated to the dynamics in their immediate environment, e.g. K in KOs2O6 is 6 times less sensitive to its local environment than Os, indicating weak bonding of the K. There is broadening of the elemental spectra of the alkali metals from Cs to K corresponding to a similar broadening of the local potential around these atoms as determined from potential of mean-force calculations. This feature of the spectra is partly explained by the well-known increase in the relative cage volume with decreasing atomic size of the alkali metal. We find that for the smallest rattler in this series (K) the larger relative cage volume allows this atom freedom to explore a large space inside the cage leading to vibration at a broader range of frequencies, hence a broader spectrum. Thus, since K is considered the best rattler in this series, these findings suggest that a significant feature of a good rattler is the ability to vibrate at several different but closely spaced frequencies.

Field measurements of cage deformation using acoustic sensors

As aquaculture continues to supply an increasing share of the worldwide seafood demand, it will become critical for farmers to maximize their efficiency. Presently, the majority of marine finfish are produced in gravity type net pens which can deform when they are subjected to currents. The water velocity loading affects the overall net shape which results in net cage volume loss and consequently, increases fish stress and decreases growth rates.In this study, an acoustic method is utilized to monitor the deformation of a small-scale fish cage deployed in currents. Twelve acoustic sources and four hydrophones were deployed on and around a small scale net pen for 60 days to monitor the net cage movement and volume. Local current velocities were recorded using two current meters, one inside and one outside the net pen. Three volume approximation techniques were examined, using the positions of the acoustic sources to predict net chamber volume as it responded to the currents. A numerical model of the system was then configured, set with loads under similar water velocities and results between field measurements and the model were compared.The use of acoustic sources and hydrophones to monitor cage deformation was shown to accurately monitor net deformation. Field measurements compared well to numerical model predictions, with errors ranging from −3.8% to 32%, depending upon the number of acoustic sources employed in the volume calculations. At low water velocities, six acoustic sources were found to accurate predict the net pen volume. In higher currents, a minimum of nine acoustic sources was recommended.

Exercise improvement after pectus excavatum repair is not related to chest wall function†

In patients undergoing corrective surgery for pectus excavatum, there is evidence of improvement in cardiopulmonary function. It is unclear how much of this improvement is attributable to improved chest wall function. Thus, we observed changes in chest wall function in response to an incremental load exercise pre- and postoperatively. Using optoelectronic plethysmography, total and regional chest wall volumes were measured in 7 male patients with severe pectus excavatum who underwent a Nuss correction. Rib cage and abdominal volumes were recorded at rest and during exercise (incremental cycle ergometry), pre- and postoperatively in conjunction with spirometry. Tidal volume increases during exercise are blunted compared with baseline measurements at 6 days (-36 ± 7%) partially recovering at 6 months postoperatively (-18 ± 22%). This is mirrored by changes in spirometry. Tidal volume decreased during exercise initially in all compartments, but persisted in the rib cage compartment. An increase of 44% (P = 0.009) in exercise tolerance was found 6 months after surgical correction. Six months after Nuss correction in pectus patients, there was a decrease in rib cage mobility. Despite reduction, patients had a significant improvement in exercise tolerance. Therefore, we conclude that early postoperative improvement in exercise capacity is not due to changes in chest wall function. The longer term effects on chest wall function are yet to be defined.

Nonlinear hydroelastic analysis of an aquaculture fish cage in irregular waves

In this paper, an investigation of the nonlinear hydroelastic response of a deep-water gravity aquaculture fish cage in irregular waves is described. Beam elements, truss elements, and nonlinear springs were used to simulate the motion and deformation of the floating collar, the net, and the mooring lines, respectively, in a finite element model, where large-deformation geometric nonlinearities were also taken into account. Irregular waves were simulated by choosing a suitable wave spectrum, and the nonlinearities of the wave loads were also considered. The instantaneous buoyancy forces on the floating collar were considered by use of the “distributed beam method.” The dynamic displacement response of the collar in irregular waves, the modal contribution from each mode shape, the reduction of the fish cage volume, and the mooring-line forces were studied.

Design on Elevate Mechanism of Large-Scale Multi-Stage Direct-Acting Hydraulic Hoist

For the requirements of volume of cage, load and lifting height, Elevate mechanism of large-scale multi-stage direct-acting hydraulic hoist are adopted when construction hoist lifts material and staff in high-rise construction. Multi-stage expansion of hydraulic cylinder can cause towing oil pipe frequently. Friction and wear between oil pipe and framework is appeared, and oil pipe bursting is occurred. It directly influences both the constructing progress and safety operation. With the ingenious design of hydraulic cylinder and pipe connecting mode, oil pipe towing is avoided telescoping hydraulic cylinder. It provides a new way in other connecting mode of hydraulic system.

Analysis of the hydrodynamic characteristics of chain-link woven copper alloy nets for fish cages

Copper alloy nets have drawn attention from researchers and fishermen as an alternative to fabric nets for fish cages, due to such advantages as protection from predators, better cage volume retention, and good resistance to bio-fouling. The drag and lift coefficients of nine chain-link woven copper alloys and three knotless fabric nets were derived using a circulating water channel and structural analysis of the nets. The flow through one copper alloy net was visualized using particle image velocimetry (PIV) to understand better the hydrodynamic characteristics necessary for the use of the net in a fish cage. The trends in behavior of the drag and lift coefficients for the copper alloy nets based on various attack angles and current speeds were highly similar to those of the fabric nets. The coefficients of the copper alloy nets were larger than those of the fabric nets for attack angles less than 30°. For angles greater than 30°, the coefficients of the fabric nets were larger than those of the copper alloy nets. These results might be attributed to structural differences between the two nets, as well as the roughness of the surfaces. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the alloy nets were illustrated using PIV, and a difference in the structure of the net was observed to reduce the resistance when the net was set against the current with an attack angle of 90°.

α(1,3)-Fucosyltransferases FUT4 and FUT7 Control Murine Susceptibility to Thrombosis

The α(1,3)-fucosyltransferases, types IV and VII (FUT4 and FUT7, respectively), are required for the synthesis of functional selectin-type leukocyte adhesion molecule ligands. The selectins and their ligands modulate leukocyte trafficking, and P-selectin and its ligand, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, can modulate hemostasis and thrombosis. Regulation of thrombosis by FUT4 and/or FUT7 activity was examined in mouse models of carotid artery thrombosis and collagen/epinephrine-induced thromboembolism. Mice lacking both FUT4 and FUT7 (Fut(-/-) mice) had a shorter time to occlusive thrombus formation in the injured carotid artery and a higher mortality due to collagen/epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboemboli. Mice lacking P-selectin or P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 did not have a prothrombotic phenotype. Whole blood platelet aggregation was enhanced, and plasma fibrinogen content, clot weight, and clot strength were increased in Fut(-/-) mice, and invitro clot lysis was reduced compared with wild type. Fut4(-/-), but not Fut7(-/-), mice had increased pulmonary thromboembolism-induced mortality and decreased thromboemboli dissolution invivo. These data show that FUT4 and FUT7 activity regulates thrombosis in a P-selectin- and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1-independent manner and suggest that FUT4 activity is important for thrombolysis.

Variations of Thoracoabdominal Volumes After Lung Transplantation Measured by Opto-Electronic Plethysmography

BackgroundLung function after lung transplantation (LTx) has been widely studied. On the contrary, the thoracoabdominal volume rearrangement after LTx has yet to be investigated. MethodsPatients with cystic fibrosis and listed for double LTx at our institution were enrolled for the prospective study to explore the effects of LTx on the rearrangement of respiratory volumes in patients affected by cystic fibrosis, by utilizing the opto-electronic plethysmography (OEP), a noninvasive method to study the volume and motion of the human trunk. Rib cage and abdominal volumes were tested with OEP (OEP system, BTS, Milano, Italy). ResultsEight patients were enrolled (male-to-female ratio: 1:3; mean age 29.3 ± 7.8 years). After LTx the volume changes analyzed with OEP revealed a significant decrease of the total lung capacity (TLC) as well as the functional residual capacity and residual volume when the chest wall volume was considered. Dividing the whole respiratory volume in the three compartments showed different trends. ConclusionsWe consider OEP a particularly useful device in patients with severe respiratory disease, in that it allows a noninvasive estimate of the volume change of the chest wall. This study demonstrates a significant reduction of thoracoabdominal volumes in patients affected by cystic fibrosis treated with bilateral LTx. Abdomen and upper rib cage were congruent with the volume reduction, while the lower rib cage showed an opposite tendency.

Analysis of hydrodynamic behaviors of multiple net cages in combined wave–current flow

Numerical simulation is performed to analyze the hydrodynamic response of a net cage and submerged mooring grid system exposed to waves and current. A series of experiments are conducted to validate the numerical model of net cage and grid mooring system. The numerical results of this model correspond with those obtained from experimental observations. Then, the numerical simulation of a multi-cage and mooring system under the action of waves combined with current is conducted. The influence of waves and current directions and the length of grid lines on the cage responses are discussed. The twin mooring system and the orthogonal mooring system are compared. Results show that for the orthogonal mooring system, the maximum tension force on the anchor line of the four-cage system is less than four times of that of the single-cage system, when both waves and current travel along the x-axis. The minimum net cage volume holding coefficient of the single-cage system is smaller than that of the four-cage system. The amplitude of the mooring line tension force for the twin mooring system is larger than the orthogonal mooring system.

Breathing Pattern and Chest Wall Kinematics during Phonation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Background: Breathing pattern description and chest wall kinematics during phonation have not been studied in male and female patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Objectives: We used optoelectronic plethysmography to provide a quantitative description of breathing pattern and chest wall kinematics. Methods: Volumes of chest wall compartments (rib cage and abdomen) were assessed in 15 patients while reading aloud (R), singing (SI) and during high-effort whispering (HW). Results: Relative to quiet breathing, tidal volume and expiratory time increased while inspiratory time decreased. The expiratory flow decreased during R and SI, but was unchanged during HW. In males, the end-expiratory volume decreased as a result of a decreased volume of rib cage during R, SI and HW and due to a decreased volume of abdomen during HW. In females, a decrease in end-expiratory volume was accomplished by a decrease in abdominal volume during R and HW. During R, the chest wall end-expiratory volume of the last expiration in females was to the left of the maximal expiratory flow volume curve (MEFV), with still substantial expiratory reserve volume available. In contrast, during SI and HW in females and during all types of phonation in males, chest wall end-expiratory volume of the last expiration was well to the right of the MEFV curve and associated with respiratory discomfort. Gender had a greater importance than physical characteristics in determining more costal breathing in females than in males under all conditions studied. Conclusions: Phonation imposes more abdominal breathing pattern changes in males and costal changes in females. Expiratory flow encroaches upon the MEFV curve with higher phonatory efforts and respiratory discomfort.

DFT Study of the Effect of the Li20Coating Pattern on the Volume and Band Gap of C20Fullerene Cages

isomers, DFT calculations, Cage volume changeHydrogen is a promising green energy source because ofits abundance in nature. Hydrogen storage materials (HSM)have thus received much attention from researchers. Themost remarkable theoretical reports of the HSM involvemetal atoms coated on carbon fullerenes and nanotubes.

Trigonal prismatic Cu(i) and Ag(i) pyrazolato nanocage hosts: encapsulation of S8 and hydrocarbon guests

Two neutral hexanuclear trigonal prismatic cage molecules have been synthesized by coupling two planar triangular M3pz3-panels, M = Cu(I) and Ag(I), in eclipsed geometry. The ~230 Å(3) cage volume can be either vacant or occupied by neutral guests. The crystal structures of the M6-cyclohexane and Ag6-S8 host-guest species have been determined.

Pressure effect on the ferromagnetism of an off-center rattling system Eu8Ga16Ge30

We report the pressure effect on the ferromagnetism of type-I clathrate Eu8Ga16Ge30 with TC = 36 K by means of the resistivity ρ and Hall coefficient RH measurements. With increasing pressure up to 11.4 GPa, TC increases up to 45 K. The concomitant decrease of ρ is attributed to the increase of the carrier concentration because the normal part of RH decreases with the ratio of −3.5%/GPa. At ambient pressure, ρ(T) has broad peak at T*=23 K. Upon pressurizing, the peak is weakened but remain visible at T* = 27 K even at P = 11.4 GPa. Our findings suggest that the anomaly at T* is not so sensitive to the cage size up to 11 GPa, where the cage volume is compressed to 87% of the value at ambient pressure.

The structure and electronic property of the smallest C20-glycine and Gd-encapsulated C20-glycine derivatives with potentially biological activity

Theoretical calculations on interaction of the C20 fullerene (consists solely by pentagons) with the smallest amino acid (glycine) were carried out using density-functional theory method. The glycine molecule energetically prefers to interact with the Top-site on the C20 cage via its amino nitrogen (N) active site. The stable ordering of three active sites on glycine molecule is NH2-site > O-site > OH-site. Moreover, when the Gd atom is encapsulated to the center of C20-glycine, the cage volume obviously increase ∼24.8%; and the endohedral atom induces the generation of two strong bands in the partial density of states spectra, which could cause the effect on optical properties. Additionally, it is also found that the modified C20-glycine derivative by Gd atom can reduce the thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities. It could be expected that the study may provide a theoretical reference in exploring their intrinsic feature structurally to antitumor activity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Structures, electronic properties, and nonlinear optical properties of Ce/Dy-encapsulated C20-glycine: a density-functional theory investigation

Structures, electronic properties, and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of Ce/Dy-encapsulated C20-glycine have been systematically studied using density-functional theory method. The results show that the encapsulated Ce/Dy atom increases the volume of C20 cage, by ~31.4 and 18.3 %, respectively. Besides the C20-glycine, the Ce@C20-glycine displays the thermodynamic stability, while the Dy@C20-glycine has high-kinetic stability and low chemical reactivity. The density of states (DOS) was beneficially used to analyze the main features of bonding interactions, and the OPDOS indicate that the orbitals at −18.4 eV exhibit strong antibonding character between Ce atom and C20 cage. In addition, the study also proposes that the structural modification by Ce/Dy atom weakens the NLO properties. Expectantly, this study could provide some theoretical insights into the potential applications in pharmacology, such as antitumor activity.