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High-temperature superconducting (HTS) generators that functions in combination with a hydrogen gas turbine have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in Japan. The system can realize zero-emission power generation, and it requires no refrigerator and has almost no cooling costs by fully using the cold energy of liquid hydrogen. The ultimate goal is to commercialize a 600 MW-class liquid hydrogen-cooled HTS generator that requires a 6 kA-class assembled conductor with an outer diameter of approximately 6 mm that can conduct 6 kA at 20 K and 5 T. A technical challenge in applying assembled conductors to the field coils of generators is realizing the interlayer current distribution during steady-state operation and quick-response excitation. A conductor with four layers of 12 wires wound on a 5 mm-diameter former was experimentally and numerically studied, and the current distribution was examined. Similar waveforms were numerically obtained when the terminal resistance of each layer was set to 5/90/60/40 nΩ/m. Such variations in the terminal resistance have a slight effect on the transport characteristics of long conductors.

This study introduces a novel diagnostic method to assess tropical atmosphere‐ocean coupling, using a two‐dimensional plane defined by the 90‐day high‐pass‐filtered sea surface temperature (SST) and column water vapor (CWV). The method was applied to reanalysis data and high‐resolution coupled atmosphere‐ocean simulation data. In the Indo–Pacific warm pool region, the phase relationship between SST and CWV remained consistent across both reanalysis and simulation data sets. However, differences in the temporal evolution of these variables were observed in the central Pacific region. The heat budget analysis results indicate that the differences between the two data sets in the central Pacific are related to variations in the effects of atmospheric disturbances on SST. This study demonstrates the potential of our novel diagnostic method for evaluating atmosphere–ocean coupling in climate models. Weather disturbances in the tropics develop from the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere. We can use climate models to investigate the impact of this interaction, but we need other methods to evaluate the interaction itself. In this study, we develop a new way to understand how the atmosphere and the ocean interact in the tropics. We achieve this by focusing on changes over time in the sea surface temperature and the amount of water vapor in the air. We found that these changes happen at different rates in different regions of the ocean. We also found that a climate model failed to capture these changes in some regions. Our new method improves our understanding of the atmosphere and ocean interaction and teaches us how to improve climate models. A novel analysis method was developed to illustrate regional differences in the atmosphere‐ocean coupling across tropical oceansThe application of this diagnostic method to the reanalysis and coupled model data revealed differences in the central Pacific regionThrough heat budget analysis, we proposed distinct processes by which atmospheric disturbances change the sea surface temperatures A novel analysis method was developed to illustrate regional differences in the atmosphere‐ocean coupling across tropical oceans The application of this diagnostic method to the reanalysis and coupled model data revealed differences in the central Pacific region Through heat budget analysis, we proposed distinct processes by which atmospheric disturbances change the sea surface temperatures

There are several methods for evaluating stability of the joint during total knee replacement (TKR). Activities of daily living demand mechanical loading to the knee joint, not only in full extension, but also in mid-flexion. The purpose of this study was to compare the varus-valgus stability throughout flexion in knees treated with either cruciate-retaining or posterior-stabilised TKR, using an intra-operative navigation technique. A total of 34 knees underwent TKR with computer navigation, during which the investigator applied a maximum varus-valgus stress to the knee while steadily moving the leg from full extension to flexion both before and after prosthetic implantation. The femorotibial angle was measured simultaneously by the navigation system at every 10° throughout the range of movement. It was found that posterior-stabilised knees had more varus-valgus laxity than cruciate-retaining knees at all angles examined, and the differences were statistically significant at 10° (p = 0.0093), 20° (p = 0.0098) and 30° of flexion (p = 0.0252).Cite this article: Bone Joint J2013;95-B:493–7.

Self-assessed masticatory ability has been shown to be significantly related to general health among elderly persons. Objective: To identify oral factors associated with the self-assessed masticatory ability. Basic research design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: A total of 736 community-dwelling elderly persons. Main outcome measures: Data on background factors and the self-assessed masticatory ability were collected by questionnaire. An intraoral examination examined the pattern of posterior occluding pairs of natural teeth (POPs), the WHO Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPI) and denture-related factors such as use of dentures, pain when using dentures and stability and retention of dentures. Chi-squared tests examined the relationships between the self-assessed masticatory ability and the background factors and oral conditions. Ordinal regression models were constructed with the self-assessed masticatory ability as the dependent variable and oral conditions as the principal independent variables, to adjust for the potential confounding variables. Results: Self-assessed impairment of masticatory ability was associated with lost POPs (p<0.001) and CPI (p=0.012). In the participants with lost POPs, self-assessed impairment of masticatory ability was associated with not using dentures and pain when using dentures (p<0.001). In the totally edentulous subjects, impairment of masticatory ability was not associated with stability and retention of dentures (p=0.070). Conclusions: Factors affecting self-assessed masticatory ability include the pattern of POPs, periodontal status, denture use and pain when using dentures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-assessed masticatory ability has been shown to be significantly related to general health among elderly persons. Objective: To identify oral factors associated with the self-assessed masticatory ability. Basic research design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: A total of 736 community-dwelling elderly persons. Main outcome measures: Data on background factors and the self-assessed masticatory ability were collected by questionnaire. An intraoral examination examined the pattern of posterior occluding pairs of natural teeth (POPs), the WHO Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPI) and denture-related factors such as use of dentures, pain when using dentures and stability and retention of dentures. Chi-squared tests examined the relationships between the self-assessed masticatory ability and the background factors and oral conditions. Ordinal regression models were constructed with the self-assessed masticatory ability as the dependent variable and oral conditions as the principal independent variables, to adjust for the potential confounding variables. Results: Self-assessed impairment of masticatory ability was associated with lost POPs (p<0.001) and CPI (p=0.012). In the participants with lost POPs, self-assessed impairment of masticatory ability was associated with not using dentures and pain when using dentures (p<0.001). In the totally edentulous subjects, impairment of masticatory ability was not associated with stability and retention of dentures (p=0.070). Conclusions: Factors affecting self-assessed masticatory ability include the pattern of POPs, periodontal status, denture use and pain when using dentures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-pressure phase of CaRhO3stable between perovskite and post-perovskite in P-T space was synthesized at 17 GPa and 1650 °C using a multi-anvil apparatus. The crystal structure of CaRhO3was solved by the structure prediction evolutionary algorithm and was refined by Rietveld analysis of the synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction pattern, along with transmission electron microscopy observations. The structure is monoclinic with lattice parameters of a = 12.5114(1) Å, b = 3.1241(1) Å, c = 8.8579(1) Å, β = 103.951(1)°, V = 336.01(1) Å3with space group P21/m. The structure contains edge-sharing RhO6octahedral chains along the b-axis. The six RhO6octahedral chains make a unit, which stacks up alternatively with the CaO8polyhedral layer along the [101] direction to form the structure of CaRhO3intermediate phase.

AbstractTheoretical MHD analyses of the Large Helical Device (LHD) plasmas have progressed extensively. Recent results with respect to three-dimensional equilibrium, linear stability, and nonlinear dynamics are presented. Magnetic island variation due to finite-beta effect, the second stability of ballooning modes and related features, self-organization in nonlinear evolution of interchange modes, high-accuracy nonlinear calculation for ballooning modes up to high toroidal wave number, and plasma collapse in the ballooning mode dynamics are discussed.

Introduction: We have performed straight laparoscopic total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis, in which all procedures, including transection of the rectum and anastomosis, were performed in the abdominal cavity. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether straight laparoscopic total proctocolectomy is technically feasible and safe.

Mechanical failure because of wear or fracture of the polyethylene tibial post in posteriorly-stabilised total knee replacements has been extensively described. In this study of 12 patients with a clinically and radiologically successful NexGen LPS posteriorly-stabilised prosthesis impingement of the anterior tibial post was evaluated in vivo in three dimensions during gait using radiologically-based image-matching techniques.Impingement was observed in all images of the patients during the stance phase, although the NexGen LPS was designed to accommodate 14° of hyperextension of the component before impingement occurred. Impingement arises as a result of posterior translation of the femur during the stance phase. Further attention must therefore be given to the configuration of the anterior portion of the femoral component and the polyethylene post when designing posteriorly-stabilised total knee replacements.

We compared the alignment of 39 total knee replacements implanted using the conventional alignment guide system with 37 implanted using a CT-based navigation system, performed by a single surgeon. The knees were evaluated using full-length weight-bearing anteroposterior radiographs, lateral radiographs and CT scans.The mean hip-knee-ankle angle, coronal femoral component angle and coronal tibial component angle were 181.8° (174.2° to 188.3°), 88.5° (84.0° to 91.8°) and 89.7° (86.3° to 95.1°), respectively for the conventional group and 180.8° (178.2° to 185.1°), 89.3° (85.8° to 92.0°) and 89.9° (88.0° to 93.0°), respectively for the navigated group.The mean sagittal femoral component angle was 85.5° (80.6° to 92.8°) for the conventional group and 89.6° (85.5° to 94.0°) for the navigated group.The mean rotational femoral and tibial component angles were -0.7° (-8.8° to 9.8°) and -3.3° (-16.8° to 5.8°) for the conventional group and -0.6° (-3.5° to 3.0°) and 0.3° (-5.3° to 7.7°) for the navigated group.The ideal angles of all alignments in the navigated group were obtained at significantly higher rates than in the conventional group. Our results demonstrated significant improvements in component positioning with a CT-based navigation system, especially with respect to rotational alignment.

Annealing behaviors of hot-deformed magnesium alloy AZ31 were studied at temperatures from 300 to 673 K by optical and SEM/EBSD metallographic observation. Temperature dependence of the average grain size(D) is categorized into three temperature regions, i.e. an incubation period for grain growth, rapid grain coarsening, and normal grain growth. The number of fine grains per unit area, however, is reduced remarkably even in incubation period. This leads to grain coarsening taking place continuously in the whole temperature regions. In contrast, the deformation texture scarcely changes even after full annealing at high temperatures. It is concluded that the annealing processes operating in hot-deformed magnesium alloy with continuous dynamic recrystallized grain structures can be mainly controlled by grain coarsening accompanied with no texture change, that is, continuous static recrystallization.

AbstractDirect numerical simulations in fully three-dimensional geometry have been performed in order to investigate effects of both the parallel flow to the magnetic field lines discarded in the reduced equations and the parallel thermal conductivity on the nonlinear evolution of interchange instability in a low-β magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium in the inward-shifted vacuum configuration of the Large Helical Device. As the parallel thermal conductivity becomes larger, the perpendicular velocity of the linear eigenfunction becomes relatively smaller than the parallel velocity, and in the nonlinear phase, the energy of the perpendicular velocity is selectively damped by the viscosity. Consequently, the plasma is finally saturated with flattened pressure profile, finite parallel velocity, and fairly good magnetic flux surfaces.

Direct numerical simulation of fully three-dimensional, compressible and nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic equations in the Large Helical Device is carried out in combination with the passive particle simulation. In the simulation, strong vortical motions are excited by the pressure-driven instability and form the mushroom-like structures of pressure. It is shown by the passive particles analysis that the fluid volumes around the resonant magnetic surfaces experience finite compressibility and toroidal deformation, which are both excited by the strong vortical motions. The passive particles simulation helps us to investigate local structures even for low Fourier wavenumber modes.

Spelt wheat, Triticum speltaL., has been proved to be rich-sources of useful genes for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, and grain quality. But this crop plant has some undesirable traits including glume tenacity and brittle rachis. Free-threshing and reduced fragility of rachis are very important traits for cultivation. The objectives in the present study were to investigate genetic variation of rachis fragility in a wide range of spelt accessions, to examine its genetic segregation pattern, and to clarify if rachis fragility is associated with dosage of chromosome 5A in aneuploid lines of bread wheat. The results demonstrated that spelt germplasm contains a wide range of rachis toughness, and thus selection of spelt wheat with desirable characteristics combined with an appropriate level of tough rachis would be possible. Spike morphology in the F2plants was segregated into the three types, square-headed, speltoid, and compactoid. The F2plants with compactoid spikes had the most brittle rachis, followed by the speltoid and square-headed spike F2plants. Rachis fragility in bread wheat also had genetic variation and was associated with dosage of chromosome 5A.

We have previously developed a radiographic technique, the oblique posterior condylar view, for assessment of the posterior aspect of the femoral condyles after total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to confirm the validity of this radiographic view based upon intra-operative findings at revision total knee arthroplasty. Lateral and oblique posterior condylar views were performed for 11 knees prior to revision total knee arthroplasty, and radiolucent lines or osteolysis of the posterior aspect of the femoral condyles were identified. These findings were compared with the intra-operative appearance of the posterior aspects of the femoral condyles. Statistical analysis showed that sensitivity and efficacy were significantly better for the oblique posterior condylar than the lateral view. This method can, therefore, be considered as suitable for routine follow-up radiographs of the femoral component and in the pre-operative planning of revision surgery.

We measured the contact areas and contact stresses at the post-cam mechanism of a posterior-stabilised total knee arthroplasty when a posterior force of 500 N was applied to the Kirschner Performance, Scorpio Superflex, NexGen LPS Flex Fixed, and NexGen LPS Flex Mobile knee systems. Measurements were made at 90°, 120°, and 150° of flexion both in neutral rotation and 10° of internal rotation of the tibial component. Peak contact stresses at 90°, 120°, and 150° were 24.0, 33.9, and 28.8 MPa, respectively, for the Kirschner; 26.0, 32.4, and 22.1 MPa, respectively, for the Scorpio; and 34.1, 31.5, and 32.5 MPa, respectively, for the NexGen LPS Flex Fixed. With an internally rotated tibia, the contact stress increased significantly with all the fixed-bearing arthroplasties but not with the NexGen LPS Flex Mobile arthroplasty. The post-cam design should be modified in order to provide a larger contact area whilst avoiding any impingement and edge loading.

We measured changes in plasma ghrelin and GH concentrations in mature Holstein cows and 3-mo-old female Holstein calves fed at scheduled times. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of ghrelin secretion in dairy cattle and its influence on GH. Animals were fed at 0800 and 1600 for 2 wk before and during experiments. Plasma was sampled for 24 h at 2-h intervals in Exp. 1. In mature cows, plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased (P< 0.01) just after 0800 but not at the 1600 feeding. Ghrelin concentrations were lower (P< 0.01) in calves than in mature cows and they did not decrease after feeding in calves. The temporal relationship between ghrelin and GH remained unclear. In Exp. 2, plasma was sampled 2 h before and after both morning and evening feedings at 20-min intervals. Plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased (P< 0.05) 40 min after 0800 feeding and 60 min after 1600 feeding in mature cows. These results indicate that in mature cows, plasma ghrelin concentration decreased after feeding, but this decrease was not evident in 3-mo-old calves. Further studies are required to define the relationship between plasma ghrelin and GH concentrations.

Our study evaluated the accuracy of an image-guided total knee replacement system based on CT with regard to preparation of the femoral and tibial bone using nine limbs from five cadavers. The accuracy was assessed by direct measurement using an extramedullary alignment rod without radiographs.The mean angular errors of the femur and tibia, which represent angular gaps from the real mechanical axis in the coronal plane, were 0.3° and 1.1°, respectively. The CT-based system, provided almost perfect alignment of the femoral component with less than 1° of error and excellent alignment with less than 3° of error for the tibial component. Our results suggest that standardisation of knee replacement by the use of this system will lead to improved long-term survival of total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract: Copper bicrystals with different [011] symmetric tilt boundaries doped with Sb were tensile tested at several temperatures from 77 to 773 K. The fracture behavior was sensitive to the misorientation angle, Sb doping time, and test temperature. Grain boundaries were more embrittled with increasing the Sb doping time, though their tendency was also dependent on the misorientation angle. The degree of embrittlement of grain boundaries became lower as the test temperature increased to about 500 K, while it became higher again at higher temperatures. The segregation of Sb at [011] tilt boundaries also was systematically measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A strong correlation was found among the fracture behavior at 77 and 773 K, grain-boundary segregation level of Sb, and grain-boundary energy before Sb doping: a higher-energy boundary has a higher level of Sb segregation and fractures more easily at a lower tensile stress.

Abstract: Copper bicrystals with different [011] symmetric tilt boundaries doped with Sb were tensile tested at several temperatures from 77 to 773 K. The fracture behavior was sensitive to the misorientation angle, Sb doping time, and test temperature. Grain boundaries were more embrittled with increasing the Sb doping time, though their tendency was also dependent on the misorientation angle. The degree of embrittlement of grain boundaries became lower as the test temperature increased to about 500 K, while it became higher again at higher temperatures. The segregation of Sb at [011] tilt boundaries also was systematically measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A strong correlation was found among the fracture behavior at 77 and 773 K, grain-boundary segregation level of Sb, and grain-boundary energy before Sb doping: a higher-energy boundary has a higher level of Sb segregation and fractures more easily at a lower tensile stress.

The total synthesis of C3h-symmetric [7]phenylene has been accomplished by triple cobalt-catalyzed cycloisomerization of an appropriate nonayne. Its spectral data are in accord with the expectations for a triply angularly fused system, but its calculated heat of formation suggests the presence of a destabilizing σ effect relative to its D3h isomer. The molecule constitutes the largest substructure of archimedene hitherto synthesized.

Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) with ICSI is becoming the first-line treatment for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Recently, the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) by microdissection TESE was reported to be higher than by conventional TESE. However, a comprehensive comparison between multiple and microdissection TESE patients including histological findings has not been reported.

This investigation was conducted to determine whether renal transplantation can improve sexual function in male patients with chronic renal failure. The authors retrospectively studied 121 men undergoing renal transplantation who complained of any type or degree of sexual dysfunction pre-operatively. Sexual function was evaluated by questionnaire which included erectile, ejaculative, and orgasmic functions. Pre- and postoperative frequency of sexual intercourse was also recorded. Patient characteristics, laboratory data, and endocrinologic profiles were analyzed to identify factors that might influence sexual function. In patients with hormonal determinations, results essentially normalized after transplantation. However, only 43 patients (35.5%) reported improvement of overall sexual function after renal transplantation, while 34 (28.1%) reported worsening. Although frequency of sexual intercourse was unaffected by transplantation, 15 of 20 patients who had no intercourse before transplantation initiated intercourse afterward. These 15 patients all underwent transplantation before 40 years of age. Comparisons of variables by sexual function showed significant differences for type of immunosuppressive treatment, interval after renal transplantation, and serum concentration of hemoglobin A1c. It is concluded that renal transplantation cannot improve sexual function in allpatients, although hormonal profiles were largely normalized, and that renal transplantation should be encouraged at a younger age.

Thirty-six canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were repaired using 5-0 polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate monofilament (Maxon) or polydioxanone monofilament (PDS2). All the tendons healed without rupture or formation of gaps of more than 2 mm. Mechanically, all tendon repairs had sufficient tensile strength to enable active mobilization. Polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate (Maxon) repairs were initially superior in gap and ultimate strength to polydioxanone (PDS2) repairs. However, the gap and ultimate tensile strength of polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate (Maxon) repairs had decreased significantly at day 14, whereas polydioxanone (PDS2) repairs maintained their strength throughout the 28-day observation period.

Thirty-six canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were repaired using 5-0 polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate monofilament (Maxon) or polydioxanone monofilament (PDS2). All the tendons healed without rupture or formation of gaps of more than 2 mm. Mechanically, all tendon repairs had sufficient tensile strength to enable active mobilization. Polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate (Maxon) repairs were initially superior in gap and ultimate strength to polydioxanone (PDS2) repairs. However, the gap and ultimate tensile strength of polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate (Maxon) repairs had decreased significantly at day 14, whereas polydioxanone (PDS2) repairs maintained their strength throughout the 28-day observation period. Copyright 2002 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand

Our study describes the mid-term clinical results of the use of transtrochanteric valgus osteotomy (TVO) for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip secondary to acetabular dysplasia. The operation included valgus displacement at the level of the lesser trochanter, and lateral displacement of the greater trochanter by inserting a wedge of bone. We reviewed 70 hips. The mean age of the patients at operation was 44 years (14 to 59). Most (90%) had advanced osteoarthritis.The scores for pain and gait had improved significantly at a mean follow-up of 9.4 years. The rate of survival until an endpoint of a further operation during a follow-up of ten years was 82%. The survival rate was 95% in patients with unilateral involvement who were less than 50 years of age at operation. TVO is a useful form of treatment for advanced osteoarthritis of the hip, particularly in young patients with unilateral disease.

Thirteen patients with Kienböck's disease who had undergone a radial closing wedge osteotomy were reviewed clinically and radiologically at a follow-up mean of 14 years. Good long-term results were obtained in all patients. Their levels of pain were improved, and significant increases were seen in the range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic stage, as assessed by Lichtman's classification, improved in one, did not change in four, and advanced in eight patients. The radial inclination angle significantly decreased and the carpal-ulnar distance and lunate covering ratios both increased, demonstrating that radial shift in the alignment of the carpal bones occurs and that the joint contact area of the lunate increases in proportion to the decrease in radial inclination. The preoperative radiolunate and radioscaphoid angles, which were significantly larger than those of the unaffected wrist, did not change postoperatively which shows that this technique was not able to correct the flexion deformity of the lunate and the scaphoid.

Thirteen patients with Kienböck’s disease who had undergone a radial closing wedge osteotomy were reviewed clinically and radiologically at a follow-up mean of 14 years. Good long-term results were obtained in all patients. Their levels of pain were improved, and significant increases were seen in the range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic stage, as assessed by Lichtman’s classification, improved in one, did not change in four, and advanced in eight patients. The radial inclination angle significantly decreased and the carpal-ulnar distance and lunate covering ratios both increased, demonstrating that radial shift in the alignment of the carpal bones occurs and that the joint contact area of the lunate increases in proportion to the decrease in radial inclination. The preoperative radiolunate and radioscaphoid angles, which were significantly larger than those of the unaffected wrist, did not change postoperatively which shows that this technique was not able to correct the flexion deformity of the lunate and the scaphoid.

Confinement nature of an edge plasma is largely influenced by the structure of magnetic surfaces in the boundary region. This issue is of particular importance for non-axisymmetric tori. Three-dimensional (3D) MHD equilibrium codes, such as HINT and PIES, have been developed to answer the indeterminate question of whether or not a 3D finite-pressure equi-librium can really exist. One important discovery obtained is that magnetic surfaces are ergodized by the finite pressure effect in actual helical configurations, and the ergodization of surfaces in the core region often imposes severer limitation on the equilibrium β than the Shafranov shift. The breaking of surfaces often grows in the boundary region in particular. Also found by HINT is a remarkable property of ‘self-healing] of magnetic islands as β in-creases. We have extended the HINT code to include the effects of the net toroidal current on the equilibrium in a fully consistent manner, especially the neoclassical currents such as the bootstrap current. In addition, it has been modified to treat the full torus geometry, and to construct a nonlinear simulation code in a full 3D geometry. In this paper, a new series of computations is shown, which became achievable by a modification of the code to have existence of coil currents in the computation region. Usefulness of the code has largely increased. Based on those HINT computations, importance of the ‘global effect] as a physical mechanism of island formation is suggested, which is not described by the previous analytical predictions.

Semi-solid metal casting influences not only the primary α size but also the size of grains, eutectic Si and intermetallic compound particles, as well as their spheroidization. To examine the effects of microstructure on mechanical properties, cast aluminium alloys having three different primary α sizes (i.e. 38 μm, 82 μm and 160 μm) were prepared by the means of the inclined cooling plate technique. Tensile, fatigue and short fatigue crack propagation tests are performed. In-situ tensile tests are also carried out with a scanning electron microscope to quantify the difference in damage accumulation behaviors during tensile loading. The material with the smallest primary a size (i.e. 38 μm) showed the maximum improvement in almost all of the investigated mechanical properties. However, the improvements were at most around 10% as compared to the squeeze cast material. Moreover, in-situ studies revealed that damage accumulation during tensile loading did not have a discernible effect on fatigue properties. This unexpected lack of improvement can not be attributed to the difference in grain structure according to the quantitative investigation of misorientation angles between neighboring grains by the SEM-EBSP technique.

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries were suspected clinically in 22 wrists of 21 patients, but arthrography and MRI assessments of this structure were normal. As conservative therapy for 2 months did not improve their symptoms, wrist arthroscopy was then performed. Although no abnormalities of the TFCC and ligaments were observed, meniscus homologue-like tissue which arose from TFCC was riding on the articular surface of the triquetrum. After resection of this soft tissue with a shaver and a punch, the symptoms disappeared in all cases. The arthroscopic findings suggested that a portion of TFCC that was originally attached to the ulnar side of the triquetrum had become detached.

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries were suspected clinically in 22 wrists of 21 patients, but arthrography and MRI assessments of this structure were normal. As conservative therapy for 2 months did not improve their symptoms, wrist arthroscopy was then performed. Although no abnormalities of the TFCC and ligaments were observed, meniscus homologue-like tissue which arose from TFCC was riding on the articular surface of the triquetrum. After resection of this soft tissue with a shaver and a punch, the symptoms disappeared in all cases. The arthroscopic findings suggested that a portion of TFCC that was originally attached to the ulnar side of the triquetrum had become detached.

The efficacy of reanastomosis was evaluated in 30 patients with obstructive azoospermia, including 19 postvasectomy cases; 7 cases complicating inguinal herniorrhaphy; 2 cases with a characterized isolated congenital anomaly; 1 case of Young's syndrome; and 1 case with an unknown, possibly congenital cause. In the postvasectomy group, successful vasovasostomy was achieved in 15 of 18 cases (83.3%; 1 postvasectomy patient dropped out of the study prior to analysis). Duration of obstruction in the 3 cases where anastomosis failed was 6, 9, and 20 years. In the group where obstruction followed inguinal herniorrhaphy, unilateral vasovasostomy was performed in 6 cases, and transepididymovasostomy was performed in 1 case. Success was achieved in 3 of 6 cases (50%; 1 case was not included because failure of spermatogenesis was detected postoperatively). In all 4 remaining cases, microsurgical epididymovasostomy or transepididymovasostomy was performed, but success was achieved only in the case of Young's syndrome. Although mailed questionnaires and telephone interviews indicated occurrence of natural pregnancy in only 4 affected couples, postoperative sperm counts were relatively satisfactory as in previous reports.