Differences In Width Research Articles

Legibility of Sans-Serif Typeface on Different Paper Grades Made from Invasive Alien Plant Species

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) may cause threats to native biodiversity in ecosystems. Researchers have been investigating all the possible ways that they can be used effectively for other purposes. Since IAPS are capable of forming cellulose fibre nets, in this research, papers were made from three different types of IAPS (Japanese knotweed, giant goldenrod, and black locust). This research examined these IAPS papers and their effectiveness when used as printing substrates. In comparison to commercial office paper, the differences in basic, surface, optical, and microscopic properties were measured. As a widely used technology, inkjet printing was applied. We tested a commonly used sans-serif typeface (which has been established as being more legible than other typefaces in previous research) in three different type sizes (i.e., 8, 10, and 12 pt). According to the results, paper made from IAPS could offer some usable properties and acceptable legibility, especially when printing typefaces with specific attributes, such as moderate counter size, higher x-height, and minimal differences in the letter stroke width, are used. An appropriate typographic tonal density should be achieved in combination with an adequate letter size, e.g., 10 pt type size when a sans-serif typeface is used.

Modified patient-specific surgical-guide-assisted precise treatment of unilateral comminuted zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures: A 5-year retrospective study

Our study aimed to evaluate modified patient-specific surgical-guide-assisted precise treatment of unilateral comminuted zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures.The retrospective non-randomized study was conducted in a single hospital in China. All patients diagnosed with unilateral comminuted ZMC fractures between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent preoperative spiral computed tomography (CT). CT data were processed using software to DICOM format and transferred to Proplan CMF3.0 for preoperative virtual surgical planning and postoperative evaluation. All data were extracted from standardized electronic medical records. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0. The chi-square test and t-test were used for statistical analyses.The 54 included patients were divided into two comparable, equal cohorts of 27 patients, and followed up for at least 6 months. Fracture reduction was assisted using the modified patient-specific surgical guides in the guide group (23 males, four females; mean age 37.74 ± 12.07 years) and without the modified patient-specific surgical guides in the control group (20 males, seven females; mean age 37.44 ± 13.58 years).In the guide group, the mean eminence deviation between the affected and unaffected sides was 1.01 ± 0.92 mm, and the mean width deviation between the affected and unaffected sides was 1.29 ± 1.32 mm. In the control group, the mean eminence deviation between the affected and unaffected sides was 1.99 ± 1.69 mm, and the mean width deviation between the affected and unaffected sides was 2.68 ± 2.01 mm. The differences in facial protrusion (p = 0.001) and width (p = 0.003) symmetry between the affected and healthy sides of the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05).In conclusion, applying the modified patient-specific surgical guides to unilateral comminuted zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture reduction has the advantages of greater predictability and effectiveness, and improved bilateral ZMC symmetry. It should be noted that this approach would be especially beneficial for less-experienced surgeons.

Influence of Orthodontic Treatment on Changes in the Maxillary Sinus Dimensions.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the correlation of craniofacial morphology with maxillary sinus morphology and to evaluate whether orthodontic treatment facilitates maxillary sinus enlargement in adults. Materials and methods A total of 45 adult women underwent cephalography and computed tomography before and after orthodontic treatment. All participants were classified into three groups: skeletal class I, II, and III. The average dimensions and volume of the maxillary sinus were calculated in each subgroup. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the correlations of maxillary sinus dimensions with 20 cephalometric variables. Results Before treatment, the maxillary sinus width, height, depth, and volume were 32.2 ± 3.9 mm, 39.5 ± 3.8 mm, 38.6 ± 1.8 mm, and 36,179.3 ± 5,454.0 mm3 in skeletal class I, 33.9 ± 6.2 mm, 37.3 ± 3.5 mm, 38.6 ± 2.4 mm, and 34,729.8 ± 6,686.6 mm3 in skeletal class II, and 32.0 ± 4.3 mm, 41.8 ± 5.0 mm, 38.0 ± 2.8 mm, and 35,592.3 ± 10,334.3 mm3 in skeletal class III, respectively. Despite no significant differences in maxillary sinus width, depth, or volume, the height was significantly lower in the skeletal class II than in the other two. Regardless of the skeletal pattern, maxillary sinus height and volume increased considerably after treatment. Moreover, the maxillary sinus width was substantially involved in pretreatment U1 to SN and overbite and posttreatment U1 to NA and overjet. Conclusion Except for the height, the maxillary sinus dimensions were almost similar, irrespective of the skeletal classification. The posttreatment sinus height and volume were significantly greater than the pretreatment values, although the sinus width and length showed no significant changes during orthodontic treatment. This implies that orthodontic treatment may facilitate the enlargement of the maxillary sinus even after physical growth.

Alveolar ridge preservation of two-wall bone defects using mineralized dentin matrix: An experimental pre-clinical study.

To study bone healing of two-wall bone defects after alveolar ridge preservation using mineralized dentin matrix. After distal roots extraction of second and fourth premolars (P2, P4) on one lateral mandible in 12 beagles, two-wall bone defects (5 × 5 × 5 mm) were surgically created distally to the remaining mesial roots of P2 and P4. A total of 24 sites were randomly allocated to three groups (implant material- time of execution): mineralized dentin matrix (MDM)-3 m (MDM + collagen membrane; 3 months), MDM-6 m (MDM particles + collagen membrane; 6 months), and C-6 m (collagen membrane only; 6 months). Clinical, radiographic, digital, and histological examinations were performed 3 and 6 months after surgery. The bone healing in MDM groups were better compared to Control group (volume of bone regenerated in total: 25.12 mm3 vs. 13.30 mm3, p = .046; trabecular volume/total volume: 58.84% vs. 39.18%, p = .001; new bone formation rate: 44.13% vs. 31.88%, p = .047). Vertically, the radiological bone level of bone defect in MDM-6 m group was higher than that in C-6 m group (vertical height of bone defect: 1.55 mm vs. 2.74 mm, p = .018). Horizontally, no significant differences in buccolingual bone width were found between MDM and C groups at any time or at any level below the alveolar ridge. The percentages of remaining MDM were <1% in both MDM-3 m and MDM-6 m groups. MDM improved bone healing of two-wall bone defects and might be considered as a socket fill material used following tooth extraction.

Corn kernel and corn fodder yield in four maize varieties in the humid tropics of Mexico

In southeastern Mexico, maize is planted for its corn kernel. Additionally, its bracts are used for tamales and handicrafts, its cobs are used as vegetables for human consumption, and its fodder is used to feed cattle.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate the growth and yield of maize planted for corn kernel and fodder production in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca, Mexico.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: The DK7500, H-520, A7573, and VS-536 maize genotypes were used as treatments for the production of corn kernel and fodder, using a randomized blocks design with three replications. Several variables were measured: plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area. Finally, the corn kernel and fodder yields were estimated (kg ha-1) at the time of harvest.&#x0D; Results: The genotypes under study showed significant differences (P£0.05) in plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area. The A7573 genotype recorded the highest corn kernel yield (20,409 kg ha-1), while fodder yield was statistically the same in the four genotypes.&#x0D; Study Limitations/Implications: An analysis of different environments in a multi-year period would help to verify the information obtained.&#x0D; Findings/Conclusions: A7573 maize had the highest corn kernel yield (20,409 kg ha-1): 15.5% higher than that of H-520 and 12.5% higher than VS-536 (control). Fodder yield was statistically similar between genotypes, ranging from 40,529 kg ha-1 (H-520) to 42,104 kg ha-1 (VS-536).

Research on optimization model based on heliostat field

Tower solar power system (SPT) is a new type of clean energy technology with low carbon and environmental protection. In this context, it is very meaningful to explore how to arrange an efficient heliostat field and set the heliostat parameters, because the improvement here can improve the average optical efficiency of the heliostat field and collect thermal energy. In this paper, under the constraint of circular layout area, the solar energy transmission model of heliostat and the comprehensive optical efficiency model of heliostat field are established by coordinate system transformation method, Monte Carlo algorithm and HFLCAL calculation model. Then, considering the optimal layout scheme of the heliostat field, the EB layout is used to establish the basic layout of the heliostat field, and the heliostat with high comprehensive optical efficiency and meeting the actual use requirements is selected by the step-by-step traversal algorithm. Subsequently, the heliostat height, heliostat width, installation height and heliostat installation height difference between adjacent areas are introduced into the optimization model as particles, and then the PSO-GA hybrid optimization algorithm is used to approximate the optimal design of the SPT system. The goal of optimizing the comprehensive optical efficiency of the heliostat field and the output thermal power per unit area of the SPT system is achieved.

Mechanical response of human thoracic spine ligaments under quasi-static loading: An experimental study

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the geometrical and mechanical properties of human thoracic spine ligaments subjected to uniaxial quasi-static tensile test. MethodsFour human thoracic spines, obtained through a body donation program, were utilized for the study. The anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL), posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), capsular ligament (CL), ligamenta flava (LF), and the interspinous ligament and supraspinous ligament complex (ISL + SSL), were investigated. The samples underwent specimen preparation, including dissection, cleaning, and reinforcement, before being immersed in epoxy resin. Uniaxial tensile tests were performed using a custom-designed mechanical testing machine equipped with an environmental chamber (T = 36.6 °C; humidity 95%). Then, the obtained tensile curves were averaged preserving the characteristic regions of typical ligaments response. ResultsGeometrical and mechanical properties, such as initial length and width, failure load, and failure elongation, were measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among the ligaments for all investigated parameters. Pairwise comparisons using Tukey's post-hoc test indicated differences in initial length and width. ALL and PLL exhibited higher failure forces compared to CL and LF. ALL and ISL + SSL demonstrated biggest failure elongation. Comparisons with other studies showed variations in initial length, failure force, and failure elongation across different ligaments. The subsystem (Th1 – Th6 and Th7 – Th12) analysis revealed increases in initial length, width, failure force, and elongation for certain ligaments. ConclusionsVariations of both the geometric and mechanical properties of the ligaments were noticed, highlighting their unique characteristics and response to tensile force. Presented results extend very limited experimental data base of thoracic spine ligaments existing in the literature. The obtained geometrical and mechanical properties can help in the development of more precise human body models (HBMs).

Simulated microgravity facilitates stomatal ingression by Salmonella in lettuce and suppresses a biocontrol agent

As human spaceflight increases in duration, cultivation of crops in spaceflight is crucial to protecting human health under microgravity and elevated oxidative stress. Foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella enterica) carried by leafy green vegetables are a significant cause of human disease. Our previous work showed that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium suppresses defensive closure of foliar stomata in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to ingress interior tissues of leaves. While there are no reported occurrences of foodborne disease in spaceflight to date, known foodborne pathogens persist aboard the International Space Station and space-grown lettuce has been colonized by a diverse microbiome including bacterial genera known to contain human pathogens. Interactions between leafy green vegetables and human bacterial pathogens under microgravity conditions present in spaceflight are unknown. Additionally, stomatal dynamics under microgravity conditions need further elucidation. Here, we employ a slow-rotating 2-D clinostat to simulate microgravity upon in-vitro lettuce plants following a foliar inoculation with S. enterica Typhimurium and use confocal microscopy to measure stomatal width in fixed leaf tissue. Our results reveal significant differences in average stomatal aperture width between an unrotated vertical control, plants rotated at 2 revolutions per minute (2 RPM), and 4 RPM, with and without the presence of S. typhimurium. Interestingly, we found stomatal aperture width in the presence of S. typhimurium to be increased under rotation as compared to unrotated inoculated plants. Using confocal Z-stacking, we observed greater average depth of stomatal ingression by S. typhimurium in lettuce under rotation at 4 RPM compared to unrotated and inoculated plants, along with greater in planta populations of S. typhimurium in lettuce rotated at 4 RPM using serial dilution plating of homogenized surface sterilized leaves. Given these findings, we tested the ability of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis strain UD1022 to transiently restrict stomatal apertures of lettuce both alone and co-inoculated with S. typhimurium under rotated and unrotated conditions as a means of potentially reducing stomatal ingression by S. typhimurium under simulated microgravity. Surprisingly, rotation at 4 RPM strongly inhibited the ability of UD1022 alone to restrict stomatal apertures and attenuated its efficacy as a biocontrol following co-inoculation with S. typhimurium. Our results highlight potential spaceflight food safety issues unique to production of crops in microgravity conditions and suggest microgravity may dramatically reduce the ability of PGPRs to restrict stomatal apertures.

Probing coherence in metal absorption towards multiple images of strong gravitationally lensed quasars

ABSTRACT We present a tomographic analysis of metal absorption lines arising from the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of galaxies at z ≈ 0.5–2, using Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) observations of two background quasars at z ≈ 2.2 and 2.8, which are two of the few currently known quasars with multiple images due to strong gravitational lensing by galaxy clusters at z ≈ 0.6 and 0.5, respectively. The angular separations between different pairs of quasar multiple images enable us to probe the absorption over transverse physical separations of ≈0.4–150 kpc, which are based on strong lensing models exploiting MUSE observations. The fractional difference in rest-frame equivalent width (ΔWr) of Mg ii, Fe ii, and C iv absorption increases on average with physical separation, indicating that the metal-enriched gaseous structures become less coherent with distance, with a likely coherence length-scale of ≈10 kpc. However, ΔWr for all the ions vary considerably over ≈0.08–0.9, indicating a clumpy CGM over the full range of length-scales probed. At the same time, paired Mg ii absorption is detected across ≈100–150 kpc at similar line-of-sight velocities, which could be probing cool gas clouds within the same halo. No significant dependence of ΔWr is found on the equivalent width and redshift of the absorbing gas and on the galaxy environment associated with the absorption. The high-ionization gas phase traced by C iv shows a higher degree of coherence than the low-ionization gas phase traced by Mg ii, with ≈90 per cent of C iv systems exhibiting ΔWr ≤ 0.5 at separations ≤10 kpc compared to ≈50 per cent of Mg ii systems.

Prevention of component separation in complex abdominal wall surgery by Botox prehabilitation: a propensity-matched study.

To facilitate midline fascial closure in complex abdominal wall surgery, component separation techniques (CST) are usually required. However, CST is associated with an enlarged morbidity. Prehabilitation could increase the compliance of the abdominal wall and thereby decrease the necessity of myofascial release. This can be accomplished by administration of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of BTA on the subsequent necessity to perform CST in patients with complex abdominal wall hernias. Patients with a complex abdominal wall hernia, planned to undergo CST between July 2020 and November 2022 were included. Outcome of procedures with 300U of BTA 4 (2-6) weeks prior to surgery, were retrospectively analyzed by comparison with propensity matched subjects of an historical group. Hernia width difference was assessed by CT and operative details were included. A total of 13 patients with a median hernia width of 12cm (IQR 9-14, range 24) were prehabilitated with BTA between July 2020 and November 2022. A CST was planned for all, however not required in 6/13 patients (46%) to accomplish midline fascial closure. A mean elongation of lateral abdominal wall musculature of 4.01cm was seen in patients not requiring CST. Compared to the propensity score matched control group, a 27% reduction (p = 0.08) in the need for CST was observed. There is a tendency for decrease of necessity for CST by preoperatively administered BTA in patients with complex abdominal wall defects. Although small, as this study used propensity matched comparison, further exploration of BTA should be encouraged.

Comparative analysis of growth cycles among three weedy Avena species: Insights from field observations.

Avena species, especially A. fatua, A. sterilis and A. ludoviciana, are among the most problematic weed species in many crops worldwide. The growth cycles of these three species could be helpful in understanding their growth cycle and their implications for agriculture and weed management. The growth cycles of these species were studied altogether or in combination with any single or double combinations of the other species in cereal fields in Türkiye, using two populations of each in a common garden experiment in Bornova district, Izmir, Türkiye. Germination and growth experiments were conducted in the laboratory and screen house, respectively. Various phenological parameters were recorded during the experiment and data were analyzed using R software. There were no significant differences in germination, emergence, SPAD values, leaf width, plant height, or plant dry weight among the species or populations. The SPAD values and width of the flag leaf and the leaf before the flag leaf were strongly correlated. Plant weight increased with increasing tiller number. The length of the ligule in a population of A. sterilis was significantly greater than that in populations of two other species, and it was concluded that the species is not A. fatua or A. ludoviciana if the length of the ligule is greater than 10 mm. The length of the spikelets of A. sterilis was greater than 65 mm with awn and greater than 35 mm without awn; these values were significantly greater than those of two other species that were shorter than 55 with awn for A. fatua and 30 mm without awn for A. ludoviciana, respectively. Avena ludoviciana had fewer tillers than the other two species. The plants emerged at 37.58 GDD at the soil surface temperature, which corresponds to 7 days after sowing. The growing cycles of the species differed: 196 days for A. sterilis, 201 days for A. fatua, and 209 days for A. ludoviciana after emergence, although there were no clear differences in earlier growth stages. This study provides initial basic information about the Avena spp., and it is concluded that even if a field has mixed Avena populations, herbicides can be applied simultaneously because the early development stages of the three species are very similar. In future prospects, there is a need for proper studies about the management of all Avena spp. on the basis of growth stages and growing degree days in regional context.

Edge-Guided Contrastive Adaptation Network for Arteriovenous Nicking Classification Using Synthetic Data.

Retinal arteriovenous nicking (AVN) manifests as a reduced venular caliber of an arteriovenous crossing. AVNs are signs of many systemic, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that people with AVN are twice as likely to have a stroke. However, AVN classification faces two challenges. One is the lack of data, especially AVNs compared to the normal arteriovenous (AV) crossings. The other is the significant intra-class variations and minute inter-class differences. AVNs may look different in shape, scale, pose, and color. On the other hand, the AVN could be different from the normal AV crossing only by slight thinning of the vein. To address these challenges, first, we develop a data synthesis method to generate AV crossings, including normal and AVNs. Second, to mitigate the domain shift between the synthetic and real data, an edge-guided unsupervised domain adaptation network is designed to guide the transfer of domain invariant information. Third, a semantic contrastive learning branch (SCLB) is introduced and a set of semantically related images, as a semantic triplet, are input to the network simultaneously to guide the network to focus on the subtle differences in venular width and to ignore the differences in appearance. These strategies effectively mitigate the lack of data, domain shift between synthetic and real data, and significant intra- but minute inter-class differences. Extensive experiments have been performed to demonstrate the outstanding performance of the proposed method.

Sex differences in factors of pelvis and lower-limb joint kinematics influencing dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squat.

Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) during dynamic activity is associated with patellofemoral pain, one of the most common sports disorders, especially in females. No studies have examined the factors that can lead to DKV in females as compared to males while addressing the influence of factors on each other. To identify factors of pelvis and lower joints kinematics affecting DKV during single-leg squat (SLS) in females compared to males with multiple regression analysis. Forty-four healthy young people (24 females, 20 males) performed SLS, and pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle 3D kinematics were recorded. The 2D knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) was adopted as the DKV measurement. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between FPPA and the kinematics of each joint and segment. Hip adduction and pelvic contralateral rotation were explanatory factors for FPPA in females. Hip adduction, hip internal rotation, and knee external rotation were explanatory factors in males. The lower limb or pelvic motion factors affecting DKV during SLS differ between the sexes, with pelvic contralateral rotation being extracted only in women, possibly due to differences in pelvic width.

Evaluation of the influence of platelet-rich fibrin on socket preservation – A clinical and radiological study

Abstract Introduction: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been shown to accelerate bone regeneration in artificial defects. Postextraction alveolar resorption is significantly more on the buccal surfaces, and PRF has been shown to decrease the resorption rate. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 medically fit subjects of an age group of 20–50 years irrespective of gender for bilateral extraction of nonrestorable teeth in CMDC, Lucknow. Subjects were randomly divided into Groups A and B. In Group A (controls), the extraction sockets were closed without any intra-socket medicaments. In Group B (cases), PRF was placed in extraction socket before the closure of the socket. The pain and radiographic changes were evaluated. Discussion: Intragroup comparison showed significant differences in bone density, bone width, and bone height at 1, 3, and 6 months in both control group and PRF group. Intergroup comparison also showed significant differences in terms of swelling between control group and PRF group. Conclusion: PRF shows excellent biocompatibility and bone regeneration potential. The use of PRF can reduce long time needed for new bone formation, as well as the morbidity risk related to harvesting autogenous bone graft.

Evaluating the safety and operability of asymmetric trapezoid and near-square side-port incision in cataract surgery.

To compare the accuracy, safety, and consistency of asymmetric trapezoid and near-square side-port incision in cataract surgery. Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Prospective pilot study. This study included patients who underwent phacoemulsification between January 2022 and August 2022. They were divided into Group A and Group B using the random number table method. Group A was given a near-square side-port incision and Group B was given an asymmetric trapezoid side-port incision. We contrasted the differences in incision length, width, and shape; surgical time; and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) between the 2 groups. 220 eyes of 220 patients were included. The mean external width of the incision in Group A was much smaller than that in Group B ( P < .01), and the consistency of the incision diameter in Group A was better than that in Group B. There was no statistically significant difference in incision length between the 2 groups ( P = .75). 1 day after surgery, there was no statistically significant difference in incision morphology between the 2 groups ( P = .72). The operating time for Group A was significantly shorter than that of Group B ( P < .01). There was no obvious incision leakage in both groups after surgery, and the IOP was generally elevated after surgery, but there was no significant statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P = .98). The present study suggests that a near-square side-port results in better consistency of incision width and shorter surgical time.

Conformation of Horizontal Extraocular Muscle Insertions in Acute Acquired Concomitant Esotropia Induced by Excessive Digital Device Usage.

Acute acquired concomitant esotropia induced by excessive digital device usage, especially smartphones (SAACE), has been increasing over the past few years. Convergence spasm induced by excessive near work has been suggested as a mechanism. Anatomical differences could also potentially contribute to SAACE onset. The present study investigated the conformation of horizontal recti between SAACE patients and normal subjects. In 15 SAACE patients (SAACE group), the distances between the limbus and insertion of the horizontal recti (LI distance) and the widths of horizontal recti on the insertion (insertion width) were measured. The control group consisted of 30 patients who underwent retinal detachment surgery. Differences in LI distances and insertion widths were compared between SAACE and control groups. While there were no differences between the two groups for LI distances and insertion widths of lateral recti, there were significantly shorter LI distances for the medial recti in the SAACE group (P<0.05). Moreover, the SAACE group tended to exhibit larger insertion widths of the medial recti. Medial/lateral ratio of LI distances were significantly lower and insertion widths were significantly higher in the SAACE compared to the control group (P<0.05). Based on the observations of more anterior insertion and larger muscle widths, this suggests there are stronger forces of medial recti in SAACE. In addition to excessive accommodation followed by increases in medial recti tonus, the results also suggest that an anatomical imbalance between lateral and medial recti contributes to esotropia onset following excessive near work.

Study on the effect of width and slope of large cross-section tunnel on critical velocity of fire

When a tunnel fire occurs, due to the difference of tunnel width and slope, both smoke countercurrent length distribution law and critical velocity will become different, and these two are very important parameters in tunnel longitudinal ventilation design. Therefore, for the design of smoke control and longitudinal ventilation of the tunnel, based on actual highway tunnel size, this paper established and ran a series of numerical simulations through FDS simulation software to study tunnel width and slope?s effect on smoke countercurrent length and critical velocity. The results of this paper show that smoke countercurrent length decreases with tunnel slope?s increase and increases with tunnel width?s increase. Through dimensionless analysis, the prediction formulas of smoke countercurrent length and critical wind speed of large cross-section tunnel about tunnel width, slope and height are modified and established. The research conclusions can provide a theoretical basis for the longitudinal ventilation design, smoke prevention and exhaust measures and personnel evacuation in large cross-section tunnel fires.

Morphology and morphometry of sperm in Kurdish stallions, a local breed from western Iran.

The present work was designed for a thorough investigation into the sperm morphology and morphometry of Kurdish stallions. The semen samples were collected from 10 Kurdish stallions. Three preparations from each ejaculate were stained with eosin-nigrosin (EN), Diff-Quik (DQ) and Rose Bengal (RB). The area, perimeter, length and width of the sperm head as well as tail length and total sperm length were measured. The parameters ellipticity, elongation, roughness and regularity were calculated. The morphology of sperm was also investigated under scanning and transmission electron microscopes. DQ and RB provided more clarified images for examining sperm structures compared to the EN method. The head length, head width, area and perimeter in EN were significantly higher than those in DQ and RB (p ≤ .05). Furthermore, the difference in head width, head area and head perimeter between DQ and RB was not significant (p ≥ .05). The tail length and total sperm length in all methods were close together (p ≥ .05). The highest percentage of normal sperm was seen in DQ and RB methods (82.55 ± 2.88 and 88.31 ± 5.19) respectively. The highest values for ellipticity, elongation and regularity were found in RB, whereas the highest value for roughness was measured in EN. Tail defects including coiled tails, and folded midpieces were the most frequent. Scanning electron microscope revealed two types of head shapes: heads with round anterior border, and heads with flat anterior border. The results indicated that despite the routine use of EN for morphological assessment of stallion sperm, RB and DQ can be considered for more clarified details of sperm structure including acrosome and midpiece. Furthermore, the Kurdish stallion sperm has morphometric traits in the normal range established for stallions; yet, some traits were larger than those reported for other breeds. It seems that the sperm of the Kurdish stallion has a longer head and tail in comparison with other horse breeds.

Constraints on the Fault Dip Angles of Lunar Graben and Their Significance for Lunar Thermal Evolution

Lunar grabens are the largest tensional linear structures on the Moon. In this paper, 17 grabens were selected to investigate the dips and displacement–length ratios (γ) of graben-bounding faults. Several topographic profiles were generated from selected grabens to measure their rim elevation, width and depth through SLDEM2015 (+LOLA) data. The differences in rim elevation (∆h) and width (∆W) between two topographic profiles on each graben were calculated, yielding 146 sets of data. We plotted ∆h vs. ∆W for each and calculated the dip angle (α) of graben-bounding faults. A dip of 39.9° was obtained using the standard linear regression method. In order to improve accuracy, large error data were removed based on error analysis. The results, 49.4° and 52.5°, were derived by the standard linear regression and average methods, respectively. Based on the depth and length of grabens, the γ value of the graben-bounding normal fault is also studied in this paper. The γ value is 3.6 × 10−3 for lunar normal faults according to the study of grabens and the Rupes Recta normal fault. After obtaining the values of α and γ, the increase in lunar radius indicated by the formation of grabens was estimated. We suggest that the lunar radius has increased by approximately 130 m after the formation of grabens. This study could aid in the understanding of normal fault growth and provide important constraints on the thermal evolution of the Moon.

Multiphase CT angiography perfusion maps for predicting target mismatch and ischemic lesion volumes

The complexity of CT perfusion (CTP) acquisition protocols may limit the availability of target mismatch assessment at resource-limited hospitals. We compared CTP mismatch with a mismatch surrogate generated from a simplified dynamic imaging sequence comprising widely available non-contrast CT (NCCT) and multiphase CT angiography (mCTA). Consecutive patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke who received NCCT, mCTA, and CTP were retrospectively included in this study. An mCTA-perfusion (mCTA-P) dynamic series was formed by co-registering NCCT and mCTA. We simulated an ideal mCTA-P study by down-sampling CTP (dCTP) dynamic images according to mCTA timing. Ischemic core and penumbra volumes were estimated by cerebral blood flow and Tmax thresholding, respectively, on perfusion maps calculated independently for CTP, dCTP, and mCTA-P by deconvolution. Concordance in target mismatch (core < 70 ml, penumbra ≥ 15 ml, mismatch ratio ≥ 1.8) determination by dCTP and mCTA-P versus CTP was assessed. Of sixty-one included patients, forty-six had a CTP target mismatch. Concordance with CTP profiles was 90% and 82% for dCTP and mCTA-P, respectively. Lower mCTA-P concordance was likely from differences in collimation width between NCCT and mCTA, which worsened perfusion map quality due to a CT number shift at mCTA. Moderate diagnostic agreement between CTP and mCTA-P was found and may improve with optimal mCTA scan parameter selection as simulated by dCTP. mCTA-P may be a pragmatic alternative where CTP is unavailable or the risks of additional radiation dose, contrast injections, and treatment delays outweigh the potential benefit of a separate CTP scan.