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Symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis is routinely treated with spinal decompression surgery, with an increasing trend towards minimally invasive techniques. Endoscopic decompression has emerged as a technique which minimizes approach-related morbidity while achieving similar clinical outcomes to conventional open or microscopic approaches. To assess the safety and efficacy of endoscopic versus microscopic decompression for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review on randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing endoscopic versus microscopic decompression was conducted, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Treatment effects were computed using pairwise random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-bias and ROBINS-I tools for randomized and nonrandomized trials respectively. Quality of the overall body of evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. A total of 19 primary references comprising 1,997 patients and 2,132 spinal levels were included. Endoscopic decompression was associated with significantly reduced intraoperative blood-loss (weighted mean differences [WMD]=−33.29 mL, 95% CI:−51.80 to −14.78, p=.0032), shorter duration of hospital stay (WMD=−1.79 days, 95% CI: -2.63 to 0.95, p=.001), rates of incidental durotomy (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.91, p=.0184) and surgical site infections (RR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.10 to−0.51, p=.001), and a nonsignificant trend towards less back pain, leg pain, and better functional outcomes compared to its microscopic counterpart up to 2-year follow up. Endoscopic and microscopic decompression are safe and effective techniques for treatment of symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis. Prospective studies of larger power considering medium to long-term outcomes and rates of iatrogenic instability are warranted to compare potential alignment changes and destabilization from either techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES) has allowed otologists an improved view of the surgical field compared with conventional Microscopic Ear Surgery (MES). EES presents different challenges for surgeons and a learning curve is necessary. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of EES and MES for trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty, an entry level EES. We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent push through trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty in our institution over 5 years (2016–2020). Exclusion criteria were: patients with prior ear surgery, non-tragal cartilage tympanic membrane graft, additional procedure at time of surgery and patients with insufficient follow up. EES and MES groups were compared using outcomes such as graft success rate, changes in pure tone audiometry (PTA), operative time and complications. Seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria (MES = 38, EES = 36). Mean age of included patients was 29.3 years with no significant demographic differences between groups. Graft success rate at 12 months was higher among the EES group versus MES (94.4% v 86.8%, p = 0.43). Mean operative time was reduced in the EES group (47.3 min v 53.8 min, p = 0.04). Hearing outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. No major operative complications occurred in either group. Outcomes were marginally better in the cohort who underwent EES. This supports that EES offers an otologic choice to complement established practice for trans-canal myringoplasty and may be used to facilitate introduction to EES for trainees and otologists wishing to learn this technique. • Graft uptake was similar between endoscopic and microscopic myringoplasty. • Endoscopic myringoplasty had a shorter mean operative time. • Both approaches are a suitable otologic choice for myringoplasty. • Myringoplasty is an excellent entry level procedure for endoscopic ear surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubber activation provides a feasible approach for the preparation of high-content rubber modified asphalt without increasing the complexity of the production process. The electromagnetic thermal activation method was used for crumb rubber. The high dosage (30 % mass ratio of neat asphalt) activated crumb rubber and SBS (1.2 % mass ratio of neat asphalt) modified asphalt (ARMA) was prepared. The neat asphalt (NA) and 20 % non-activated crumb rubber modified asphalt (RMA) constituted the control group. Storage stability, rheological behavior, and microscopic properties tests were conducted to evaluate the performance differences of them. The rheological behavior of RMA and ARMA was superior to NA. The electromagnetic thermal activation method fragmented rubber particles into numerous disordered small particles, thereby expanded the contact area with asphalt. This resulted in the storage stability of ARMA significantly better than that of RMA. The cross-linked wrinkles were generated by the combined effect of SBS modifier and activated crumb rubber, which enhanced the rheological, anti-fatigue, and elastic behavior. Both RMA and ARMA exhibited high-temperature PG grades of 82˚C. At 70°C, ARMA retained the capability to endure Extremely Heavy Traffic Grade conditions. At a strain level of 2.5 %, ARMA exhibited a 178 % increase in fatigue life compared to RMA. The crumb rubber was dispersed within the RMA and ARMA. Both ARMA and RMA did not exhibit the obviously bee-structure. However, ARMA exhibited a stronger polymer network. Moreover, both the carbonyl index and sulfoxide index of ARMA were lower than those of RMA and NA. The activation process improved the compatibility between rubber and asphalt, and realized the high value utilization of waste rubber. • Rubber activation provides a feasible approach for the preparation of high-content rubber modified asphalt. • The electromagnetic thermal activation method was used for crumb rubber. • The high value utilization of waste rubber realized the development of green and sustainable transportation construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic endonasal surgery is the main transsphenoidal approach for pituitary surgery in many centers; however, few studies compare the endoscopic and microscopic surgical approaches with regard to long-term follow-up. This single-center study aimed to compare the 2 techniques over 15 years. Medical records and magnetic resonance images from 40 patients with primary transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 2003 and 2018 were reviewed. 14 patients who underwent microscopic surgery and 26 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery were included in this study. In the microscopic group, 12 of 14 patients achieved endocrine remission, compared to 19 of 26 patients in the endoscopic group (n. s.). Three patients in each group developed a late recurrence. Complications were seen in 5 patients in the microscopic group and in 8 patients in the endoscopic group (n. s.). No serious complications, such as carotid artery damage, cerebrovascular fluid leakage, epistaxis, or meningitis, occurred in any group. The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the endoscopic than in the microscopic group. Endoscopic endonasal surgery for Cushing's disease showed no difference in remission, recurrence, and complication rates compared to the microscopic approach. The endoscopic group had a shorter postoperative hospital stay than the microscopic group, which in part may be due to the minimal invasiveness of the endoscopic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscopic organisms are tiny life forms, often consisting of a single cell, and are very sensitive to change. With conventional microscopic counting of phytoplankton cells being done in many laboratories, it is observed that the enumeration of these tiny organisms is laborious. Given such observation, this paper presents a cell counter prototype as an improvement to the counting process. Combined digital image processing algorithms capacitate the counting. This computer program was housed in a microcontroller with its camera module attached to the eyepiece of a compound microscope. Subsequently, the prototype was evaluated to determine its usability and acceptability rate. A System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 86.5 indicated that the cell counter prototype was 79.20 percent usable, learnable, and acceptable technology in its early stages. Stakeholders will undoubtedly benefit from its labor-saving feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To do a comparative surgical outcome and cost-benefit analysis of our simple modified Taylor retractor with both open and tubular techniques in lumbar discectomy. We retrospectively divided 52 lumbar disc patients operated by 2 different techniques between January 2019 and June 2020 into 2 groups- group 1 (n = 20): standard open macrodiscectomy (4–5 cm incision); group 2 (n = 32): unilateral translaminar microdiscectomy using our modified Taylor retractor with a small incision (18–20 mm, comparable to the tubular retractor). We compared both groups in terms of surgical outcomes and cost-benefit analysis. In addition, a cost-benefit comparison between our modified Taylor technique and that of the already published tubular microdiscectomy cohort was done. Complete symptom resolution occurred in 85% group 1 and 84.4% group 2 patients, with no difference in complication rates. Mean hospital stay was significantly less in group 2 (1.2 ± 0.37 days) as compared with group 1 (2.4 ± 1.15, P < 0.001). The mean total cost per patient was $2253.17 ± 69.16 in the modified Taylor microdiscectomy group compared with $2495.76 ± 214.85 (P < 0.001) in standard macrodiscectomy. Compared with the previously published tubular microdiscectomy cohort ($3069.91 ± 69.16), the modified Taylor retractor was $816.74 cheaper per patient with similar length of incision, surgical outcome, and hospital stay. Similar clinical outcomes at decreased costs are obtained using the modified Taylor retractor compared with the tubular retractor. The modified Taylor retractor has a simple design, is user-friendly, and frugal alternative to the tubular retractor system for microscopic discectomy, especially in the resource-constrained countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic endonasal approach to paramedian cranial base implies sacrifice of the nasal structures. The present study aimed to illustrate the anatomy and provide critical anatomical landmarks for the endoscopic prelacrimal recess approach (PLRA) to the paramedian middle cranial base. Anatomical dissections were performed in 10 cadaveric specimens. Successful access to the paramedian middle cranial base was achieved in all dissections via the PLRA with the removal of the pterygoid process. For the dissection of the infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa, the buccal nerve and infraorbital neurovascular bundle can serve as important anatomic landmarks to identify the detailed structures. In the upper parapharyngeal space, the stylopharyngeal aponeurosis can present as anatomical barriers to protect the parapharyngeal segment of the internal carotid artery (PPICA); while the levator veli palatini muscle can be considered as a landmark to locate the PPICA. For the dissection of the Eustachian tube (ET), the isthmus of the ET and ET sulcus can serve as useful landmarks to identify the posterior genu of the ICA and horizontal segment of the petrous ICA respectively. The PLRA to the paramedian middle cranial base is anatomically feasible and can facilitate preservation of the integrity of nasal structures. The buccal nerve, infraorbital neurovascular bundle, levator veli palatini muscle, stylopharyngeal aponeurosis, the isthmus of the ET, and ET sulcus can serve as critical anatomic landmarks in their respective region and may facilitate the application of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcallosal microscopic and endoscopic excisions are both well established approaches to colloid cyst resection; however, there has been no clear consensus regarding the favored approach. We performed a systematic review comparing the transcallosal microscopic and endoscopic transcortical approaches for colloid cyst excision. We performed a systematic review from 2000–2018 of patients undergoing colloid cyst excision via a microscopic transcallosal or endoscopic transcortical approach where the surgical intent was gross total resection. Studies that included multiple approaches were included if the reported results were stratified by approach. The microsurgical transcallosal approach had a higher rate of gross total resection when compared with endoscopic excision (96% for transcallosal vs. 78.5% endoscopic; P < 0.0001). There was also a lower recurrence rate with the transcallosal approach (0.98% vs. 2.16%; P = 0.0036); however, there was no difference in reoperation rates with similar length of follow-up (0.33% transcallosal, 0.61% endoscopic; P = 1.000). Endoscopy had lower overall morbidity when compared with transcallosal approaches (8.7% vs. 18.6%; P = 0.0001), including statistically significant lower rates of infection, infarct, and seizures in the endoscopic cohort. Rates of permanent memory deficit were similar (6.55% transcallosal vs. 4.5% endoscopic; P = 0.52). Shunt dependency was 9.8% after transcallosal excision versus 3.5% after endoscopic excision (P = 0.0002). Modern series of colloid cyst excision continue to favor transcallosal approaches in achieving gross total resection. Nevertheless, endoscopic techniques have significantly reduced morbidity compared to transcallosal approaches, including lower rates of infection, infarct, and seizure. Endoscopic approaches also have a statistically significant decreased rate of shunt dependency—arguably the most important primary endpoint of surgery. With improving endoscopic technology and mastery of the technique, endoscopic excision is maturing into a standard first-line approach for colloid cyst excision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stochastic fiber misalignments have been proven to have a significant impact on the compressive strength of traditional unidirectional laminates. However, these inherent manufacturing defects are rarely considered when dealing with 3D woven composites, due to the difficulty in characterizing the misalignment angles of individual fibers within all yarns. The current work provides the first in-situ measurements of fiber misalignments in 3D angle-interlock woven composites (3DAWCs) at the microscale, where the continuous fibers inside the warp, weft, and binder yarns are systematically examined using a high-resolution optical microscope. Statistical analysis reveals that the microscopic fiber misalignments follow a normal distribution, and the magnitude of the misalignment angle increases slightly with the degree of yarn fluctuation. Through a developed user subroutine, SDVINI, the obtained misalignment distributions are initialized in the corresponding yarns that belong to the constructed high-fidelity model. In comparison to the idealized one, the model introducing realistic fiber misalignments can effectively correct the overestimated predictions, and exhibits better agreement with the performed experiments. Furthermore, the influence of fiber misalignments on compressive damage mechanisms, particularly kinking failure, is also parametrically studied by incorporating different misalignment distributions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suffusion refers to the process of fine particles carried away from a coarser soil matrix by seepage flow. Numerical simulations of coupled fluid–solid methods are wildly used in analyzing micro and macro behaviors of gap-graded soils during suffusion. However, the solid particles are usually simplified to spheres, resulting in inaccurate detachment, transmission and clogging mechanisms. In this study, the complex particle shape factor is taken into account in CFD–DEM. A series of numerical tests were conducted to explore the effects of aspect ratio both for fine and coarse particles. Macroscopic and microscopic information of suffusion process is obtained. Numerical results indicate that particle shape plays a significant role in suffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article researched the influence of microwave pre-curing on the creep properties of cement pastes. Microwave pre-curing with different durations was performed on cement paste specimens after standard cured for 3 d. Subsequently, the creep performance of the cement paste and the phase was acquired using indentation tests. The quantitative analysis of the phase was performed on the cement paste specimens after microwave pre-curing. The reasons for the variation of creep properties of the specimens affected by microwave pre-curing were also analyzed based on the pore characteristics, gel structure, and dielectric properties. The results indicated that the creep modulus of cement paste samples gradually increased with the increase of microwave pre-curing time. Microwave pre-curing significantly enhanced the contact creep modulus (CCM) of low-density (LD) C–S–H gel and high-density (HD) C–S–H gel. With the increase of microwave pre-curing time, the porosity in the samples decreased and the pore structure was significantly improved. Microwave pre-curing decreased the percentage of LD C–S–H gel and significantly increased the percentage of HD C–S–H gel, and also increased the complex structure of C–S–H gel. Microwave pre-curing enhanced the dielectric performance of paste specimens and increased their ability to store and absorb electromagnetic waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pituitary surgery can be performed endoscopically or microscopically. • We describe the sequential endoscopic microscopic pituitary procedure (SEMPP). • SEMPP demonstrates comparable outcomes, complication rates and operative time. Several authors have reported advantages of the purely endoscopic (PE) approach over traditional purely microscopic (PM) techniques for many sinus and anterior skull base procedures. However, in pituitary surgery, the PE approach carries a number of limitations. Experienced microscopically-trained neurosurgeons are required to master the endoscopic technique which has a steep learning curve due to its one-handed nature and optically-distorted 2-dimensional view. We describe our novel technique, the sequential endoscopic and microscopic pituitary procedure (SEMPP) which does not require microscopically-trained neurosurgeons to alter their technique. We compare SEMPP with the PE approach in terms of outcome and safety. Retrospective chart review of consecutive SEMPP cases performed at our institution between January 2010 and December 2013 was conducted. Operative time, gross total resection rate, resolution of endocrine and visual dysfunction, hospital length of stay, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rate and revision rates were recorded. 32 patients were identified (50% female, mean age 53.0 years), and 33 SEMPP cases. Mean operating time was 132 min (range 90–200). 69% of patients experienced gross total resection. Most patients (81.3%) with preoperative visual deficit either experienced complete resolution or improved symptoms. The remainder experienced no change in vision. 12.5% (n = 4) of patients experienced intraoperative CSF leaks. All were repaired intraoperatively or with conservative management. Two patients (6.3%) experienced epistaxis managed with conservative measures. The SEMPP technique demonstrates comparable outcomes, complication rates and operative time to PE and PM techniques described in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC) has been regarded as an effective biomedical carrier with good application because of its good water-solubility, high cationic potential and strong cell adhesion. Mitochondria are important organelle involved in ATP production and are the center of energy metabolism. In this work, we firstly investigated the effect of HACC on the thermogenic curve of isolated mitochondrial metabolism by microcalorimetry. The results showed that different concentration of HACC had great influence on the mitochondrial energy metabolism. Specifically, low level of HACC stimulated the metabolic activity of mitochondria and the inhibition was found with high concentration of HACC. Then, the effect of HACC on mitochondrial respiratory chain was studied, which was consistent with the results of microcalorimetry. Finally, the alteration of mitochondrial structure induced by HACC was observed and it showed that the membrane of mitochondria was dramatically damaged. These new findings can help us deeply understand the influence and action mechanism of HACC in the metabolic process and provide theoretical and practical foundation for the biosafety of HACC as a medical carrier. Highlights • We obtain the thermogenic curves of mitochondria with HACC incubation. • Metabolism of mitochondrial is a character of hormesis with HACC treatment. • The effect of HACC on mitochondrial respiratory chain was consistent with the results of microcalorimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Torpedo anchors are a viable approach for mooring marine hydrokinetic (MHK) energy devices to the seafloor. These anchors can serve to maintain station and to provide the reaction force for an MHK device. The ability of the anchor to perform these duties is a strong function of its penetration depth during installation. This is a large-strain problem not amenable to typical continuum numerical approaches. In the current work, we propose that the discrete element method (DEM) is a more appropriate tool to investigate the shallow penetration of torpedo anchors in sands. The effects of anchor mass, impact velocity, and soil interparticle friction are considered in the DEM simulations. The relative maximum penetration depths for different penetration conditions are quantified and presented. Granular material response at the microscale during penetration are used to provide insight into system response. Energy dissipation in the assembly by both friction and collision at the particle scale are considered. Results show that anchor penetration increases approximately linearly with an increase in impact velocity or anchor weight. Penetration decreases with an increase in interparticle friction (i.e., soil strength). Observations of microscale behaviors and energy calculations are used to provide insight into overall system response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine landslides constitute a crucial area of interest in the fields of geotechnical and oceanic research. These events are often simplified as a granular collapse process that occurs underwater. This study focuses on incorporating the complex particle shape factor into computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) simulations to investigate submarine granular collapse. Both dry and submarine tests are conducted to validate the numerical results against experimental observations. The study then summarizes the relationship between the final deposit state and the initial aspect ratio of the specimen for submarine tests. The numerical approach is used to examine the impact of particle shape on submarine granular collapse, with three key features (aspect ratio, angularity, and roughness) of polyhedral particles studied in terms of their dynamic processes and final deposit profiles. Finally, the proposed CFD-DEM coupling approach is leveraged to analyse the evolution of granular force fabric and the distribution of excess water pressure for different particle shapes. • Irregular shape particles–fluid coupling based on CFD-DEM with GPU is implemented. • Specimens with varying particle shapes for submarine granular collapse are established. • Sphericity, angularity and roughness of particles significantly affect collapse mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To comprehend the deterioration of adhesion property for styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt in salt-freeze-thawing environment, the surface microstructure and mechanical images of SBS modified asphalt were obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Additionally, the change law of chemical composition of SBS modified asphalt in salt-freeze-thawing environment was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) test. Ultimately, the deterioration mechanism of adhesion property of SBS modified asphalt in salt-freeze-thawing environment was revealed. The findings indicate that the phase state of multi-components in SBS modified asphalt exhibits a trend of "homogenization" after freeze-thaw cycles in NaCl solution, and the surface roughness of SBS modified asphalt gradually decreases, resulting in microstructural characteristics that are similar to those of base asphalt. The adhesion force of SBS modified asphalt experiences a significant decrease, while the Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov (DMT) modulus increases to various degrees. Furthermore, the range of variation in adhesion force is greater than DMT modulus. The carbonyl index and sulfoxide index of SBS modified asphalt increases by various degrees after coupling effect of salt erosion and freeze-thaw cycle, while the aliphatic index and butadiene index declines. The primary cause of the deterioration of adhesion performance of SBS modified asphalt under salt-freeze-thaw coupling effect is attributed to significant variations in the functional group index. • The influence of salt-freeze-thawing environment on microstructure characteristic of asphalt binder is discussed. • The influence of salt-freeze-thawing environment on adhesion property of asphalt binder is explored. • The change law of chemical composition of SBS modified asphalt under salt-freeze-thawing environment is explored. • The correlation between adhesion property and functional group index of SBS modified asphalt is established. • The deterioration mechanism of adhesion property of SBS modified asphalt in salt-freeze-thawing environment is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the vicinity of ramps, drivers make route choices, change lanes and in most cases also adjust their speeds. This can trigger anticipatory behaviour by the surrounding vehicles, which are also reflected in lane changes and/or changes in speed. This phenomenon is called turbulence and is widely recognised by the scientific literature and various design guidelines. However the knowledge about the characteristics of turbulence is limited. This study investigates the microscopic characteristics of driving behaviour around 14 different on-ramps (3), off-ramps (3) and weaving segments (8) in The Netherlands, based on unique empirical trajectory data collected from a video camera mounted underneath a hovering helicopter. The data analysis reveals that lane changes caused by merging and diverging vehicles create most turbulence, that an increase in the amount of traffic results in a higher level of turbulence and that an increase in the available length for merging and diverging results in a lower level of turbulence. The results of this study are useful for improving the road design guidelines and for modelling driving behaviour more realistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portable smartphone microscopic devices can potentially address various imaging and cell counting needs in healthcare monitoring. In this paper, a portable microscopic platform is constructed by a commercial smartphone and a custom-designed slider-scale microfluidic chip. Here the smartphone acts both as a detector and image analysis station. We demonstrate the adaptation of a smartphone’s camera by loading a single-ball lens to function as a compact microscope, and then a glass slider or a slider-scale multiplex microfluidic chip is designed for preprocess of the samples. Our portable imaging device allows for micron size resolution and a home-coded Android application is performed for automatic/manual particle counting. Pumpkin pollen powders on a slider were counted as a demo test and then the counting for dairy somatic cells within a microfluidic chip were carried out automatically. The results from the smartphone microscopic device show good agreement with those values done by commercial microscope and flowcytometry. With advances in miniaturized electronics and smartphones, this low cost and portable smartphone microscopic platform can be used as common and convenient tools to perform true point-of-care biomedical or biochemical lab-on-a-chip applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Important performance parameters of macro-structure exponential-doping Ga 0.37 Al 0.63 As are measured and some optical properties of micro-structure Ga 0.37 Al 0.63 As is calculated by quantum mechanics CASTEP software package based on the first principle density function theory. The relationships of properties and characteristics between micro-structure and macro-structure is inferred and investigated. We infer the threshold energy of quantum efficiency is the function of energy of band gap by comparing their close values and approximately equals the energy of vacuum level. The inference that electron escape probability is not always increasing as energy increase after a certain large energy with the comparison of adsorption coefficient trend diagram and reflectivity trend diagram is conducted, which we think the optical parameters of both would affect n v (E). Quantum efficiency is also related to optical properties of microstructure as shown in equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial transport is an intrinsic part of the evaluation of traffic volumes. However, it is often limited to freight transport, and while this is a significant element, it disregards the share of trips contributed by plumbers, electricians, care services, and the like. These businesses add a significant part to the commercial traffic volume, especially in urban areas. The reasons, commercial passenger transport lacks behind are wide-ranging, one of the leading causes being difficulties in gathering sufficient data. In this paper, we present a microscopic approach to model commercial travel demand, including but not limited to freight traffic, based on data from a national survey and open data. We differentiate between vehicles of businesses that have a fixed daily schedule, with only small variations of their trip purposes and vehicles of businesses that can predict their daily schedules only to a certain degree. The latter have varying trip purposes and decide on a short-term base if and what sort of trip is to be pursued. Vehicles with fixed daily schedules include plumbers, electricians, care services, and delivery trucks. Due to our database, we produced a model for these vehicles exemplary for delivery by determining the number of trips for a day and assigning destinations to those trips afterward. We also take the number of private trips into account, laying the foundation of being able to incorporate the commercial transport model into a passenger transport model. We show that our model can overcome the lack of regional data. Based on generic data, the application of our approach shows promising results for the urban and regional commercial travel demand of a model region. By basing our model on generic data, we introduced an opportunity to model commercial travel demand not only in one model region but also for other urban areas in Germany and possibly in various areas in Europe, assuming that structural data is similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, moving synchronized flow patterns (MSP) in empirical city traffic at signals have been observed which was predicted by Kerner (2013, 2014). The single vehicle data has been obtained through aerial observations. Based on this microscopic data, we have found trajectories for all vehicles together with vehicle speeds as functions of time and space. This has allowed us to find empirical MSPs in oversaturated city traffic as well as to perform microscopic analysis, that revealed the following empirical spatiotemporal features of MSPs: (i) MSPs emerge upstream of the queue at the signal and then they can propagate through the complete road section, (ii) merging of several MSPs into a single MSP, (iii) dissolving MSPs and (iv) spontaneous emerging of MSPs faraway upstream of the signal, (v) spontaneous emerging of moving queue within an MSP that is far away upstream of the signal. As a base for this work, we used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to record videos of inner city traffic situations and supervised tracking methods to gather the vehicle trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trypanosomes are blood parasites infected in various mammals, including rats. The presence of rats in human settlements can increase the chance of Trypanosoma transmission to humans. The molecular study of multispacer in Trypanosoma spp. in naturally infected rodents in Thailand is scanty. The objective of this study was to detect Trypanosoma in the blood of the captured rats in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, using microscopic and molecular techniques. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in human settlement areas. Ninety-nine blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture. A blood sample was smeared on a glass slide and examined using a compound light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Moreover, polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect Trypanosoma evansi and T. lewisi in the blood. An additional primer set was used to confirm the species of the detected trypanosome. Approximately 18% of the rats had positive Trypanosoma infections. All Trypanosoma -positive blood samples were matched with sequences of T. lewisi. The stumpy form of trypanosome had higher nucleus related parameters than the slender form. Interestingly, the partial sequences of the alpha-tubulin gene of T. lewisi were first reported in the naturally infected RrC in this study. Based on the results obtained, T. lewisi biology, particularly the virulent components and route of transmission, pathogenesis, and in vitro experiments, are strongly recommended for further study. • Trypanosoma lewisi , a zoonotic trypanosome, was found in rodents (18%) captured from human settlements in Thailand. • This study was the first scanning electron microscopic investigation of T. lewisi that naturally infected the RrC blood. • Nucleus related parameters and the area proportion of nucleus: kinetoplast of the stumpy trypanosomes were higher than the slender form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the binary defocusing technique with conventional sinusoidal fringe projection under two different 3D microscopic profilometry systems: (1) both camera and projector use telecentric lenses and (2) only camera uses a telecentric lens. Our simulation and experiments found that the binary defocusing technique is superior to the traditional sinusoidal fringe projection method by improving the measurement resolution approximately 19%. Finally, by taking the speed advantage of the binary defocusing technique, we presented a high-speed (500 Hz) and high-resolution (1600×1200) 3D microscopic profilometry system that could reach kHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Surgery for recurrent/residual pituitary adenomas is increasingly being performed through endoscopic surgery. Whether this new technology has altered the indications and outcomes of surgery is unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to compare the indications and outcomes between microscopic and endoscopic approaches. Methods A PubMed search was conducted (1985–2015) to identify surgical series of endoscopic endonasal and microscopic transsphenoidal resection of residual or recurrent pituitary adenomas. Data were extracted regarding tumor characteristics, surgical treatment, extent of resection, endocrine remission, visual outcome, and complications. Results Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria. A total of 292 patients were in the endoscopic group, and 648 patients were in the microscopic group. Endoscopic cases were more likely nonfunctional ( P < 0.001) macroadenomas ( P < 0.001) with higher rates of cavernous sinus invasion ( P = 0.012). The pooled rate of gross total tumor resection was 53.5% for the endoscopic group and 46.6% for the microscopic group. Endocrine remission was achieved in 53.0% and 46.7% of patients, and visual improvement occurred in 73.2% and 49.6% for the endoscopic and microscopic groups. Cerebrospinal fluid leak and pituitary insufficiency were higher in the endoscopic group. Conclusion This meta-analysis indicates that the use of the endoscope to reoperate on residual or recurrent adenomas has only led to modest increases in resection rates. However, larger more complex cases are being tackled, so direct comparisons are misleading. The most dramatic change has been in visual improvement along with modest increases in risk. Reoperation for recurrent or residual adenomas is a safe and effective treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the efficacy and safety of endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. This study aimed to assess the benefits and shortcomings of these surgical methods in patients with pituitary adenoma. Methods The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched, as well as proceedings of major meetings. Eligible studies with a retrospective or prospective design that evaluated endoscopic versus microscopic methods in patients with pituitary adenoma were included. Primary outcomes included gross tumor removal, cerebrospinal fluid leak, diabetes insipidus, and other complications. Results Overall, 23 studies (4 prospective and 19 retrospective) assessing 2272 patients with pituitary adenoma were included in the final analysis. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was associated with a higher incidence of gross tumor removal (odds ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–2.08; P = 0.009) than those with microscopic transsphenoidal surgery. In addition, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery had no significant effect on the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak, compared with microscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Furthermore, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was associated with a 22% reduction in risk of diabetes insipidus compared with microscopic transsphenoidal surgery, but the difference was not statistically significant. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery significantly reduced the risk of septal perforation (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.78; P = 0.014) and was not associated with the risk of meningitis, epistaxis, hematoma, hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism, total mortality, and recurrence. Conclusions Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is associated with higher gross tumor removal and lower incidence of septal perforation in patients with pituitary adenoma. Future large-scale prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to verify these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sessile rotifer, Stephanoceros fimbriatus , is a member of the clade Collothecaceae (Monogononta: Gnesiotrocha) that includes species with indirect development and adults that lack a typical rotiferan corona. The short-lived larva undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis upon settlement, replacing the larval corona with the adult infundibulum, a highly unusual cup-shaped head that appears to develop from the anterior foregut. The infundibulum of S. fimbriatus bears five tentacles that function in the capture of small prey. We studied larval metamorphosis in this species and applied a fluorescent f-actin stain and confocal laser scanning microscopy to follow the development of the musculature from larva to adult. We determined that the larva contains a mostly orthogonal grid of somatic muscles, with 12 circular rings encompassing four thick pairs of longitudinal bands. Additional segmental muscles and a complex splanchnic component are also present. Interestingly, the larval infundibulum is an inverted pouch that itself is not muscular but does possess a thick muscular ring (infundibular muscle) at the anterior end of the larva, which will become the future base of the adult infundibulum. The infundibular muscle contributes to the muscle fibers that supply the five developing infundibular tentacles. During metamorphosis, the infundibular muscle slowly becomes reoriented from a slightly ventroanterior position to a terminal position at the top of the larva. The infundibulum then slowly everts through the presumed larval mouth, which has shifted to the top of the corona. The tentacles arise first, and contain a complex muscular network that is assumed to have a mostly supportive function since the tentacles themselves are rarely active. Despite this eversion and other dramatic changes to the larval body plan after metamorphosis – an elongating foot and thickening trunk – the muscle patterns of the adult remain extremely similar to the larva. The major exceptions to this otherwise conservative muscular body plan appear to include a repositioning of the somatic muscles as the infundibulum assumes the adult orientation, and the development of the tentacular muscular network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the sequence of initiation and evolution of different damage mechanisms during the DCB standard test procedure on specimens with different interface fiber orientation using Acoustic Emission (AE) data analysis and microscopic imaging methods. For this purpose, a series of experiments based on standard ASTM D5528 were performed on 24 layer glass epoxy multidirectional specimens with ± ϑ / 0 5 A s A s layup, in which ϑ i s 0. 30. 45 a n d 60 . The acoustic data were then acquired with two AE sensors and the whole test procedure was observed by two digital cameras, which were focused on specimen edges. The results show that the initiation and evolution process of matrix cracking as the first activated damage mechanism greatly depends on the interface fiber orientation. Also, load-displacement curves and AE data can be well correlated with microscopic observation in all stages of damage initiation, evolution and propagation. Although the standard nonlinear point as crack initiation onset predict an equal fracture energy for all cases, however AE analyses and microscopic observations show early damage initiation and evolution in 45 and 60-degree interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisotropic etching of graphene and other two dimensional materials is an important tool to understand the growth process as well as enabling fabrication of various well-defined structures. Here, we reveal the influence of copper foil polycrystalline structure on anisotropic etching process of as-synthesized graphene. Graphene crystals were synthesized on the polycrystalline Cu foil by a low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) system. Microscopic analysis shows difference in shape, size and stripes alignment of graphene crystals with dissimilar nucleation within closure vicinity of neighboring Cu grains. Post-growth etching of such graphene crystals also significantly affected by the crystallographic nature of Cu grains as observed by the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis. Hexagonal hole formation with anisotropic etching is observed to be independent of the stripes and wrinkles in the synthesized graphene. We also observed variation in etched pattern of the graphene depending on the base Cu grain orientations, attributing to difference in nucleation and growth process. The findings can facilitate to understand the nature of microscopic etched pattern depending on metal catalyst crystallographic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE or e-waste) has become a global problem, due to its potential environmental pollution and human health risk, and its containing valuable resources (e.g., metals, plastics). Recycling for e-waste will be a necessity, not only to address the shortage of mineral resources for electronics industry, but also to decline environmental pollution and human health risk. To systematically solve the e-waste problem, more attention of e-waste management should transfer from macroscopic to microscopic scales. E-waste processing technology should be significantly improved to diminish and even avoid toxic substance entering into downstream of material. The regulation or policy related to new production of hazardous substances in recycled materials should also be carried out on the agenda. All the findings can hopefully improve WEEE legislation for regulated countries and non-regulated countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement and other traditional materials are frequently used to improve the properties of soil in the Yellow River Basin, the ecological environment has become severely polluted. To promote the environmental protection strategy of sustainable development, environmentally friendly biopolymers were used to treat typical silt samples collected from the Yellow River Basin. The water retention characteristics and vegetation growth of the treated silt were evaluated, and the microscopic mechanism of the water retention characteristics was investigated. The results show that the water retention capacity of the treated silt increased upon increasing the ratio of xanthan gum, gellan gum, and guar gum, with gellan gum performing better than the other two gums. The biopolymers had no discernible effect on the vegetation germination, but effectively promoted vegetation growth with a significantly lower wilting rate than that of the untreated soil. The soil treated with xanthan gum had the highest germination rate and vegetation growth height, while soil treated with gellan gum had the lowest wilting rate. The superior performance of gellan gum and xanthan gum can be attributed to their hydrophilicity and adhesion. These gums directly interact with the surface of charged clay particles in the soil pore space to closely connect the particles, reduce water loss, and increase the water retention capacity. The better soil water retention capacity is associated with improved germination and vegetation growth. • Water retention characteristics of biomolymer-treated soil in wide suction range. • Different biopolymers' effects on vegetation growth in treated soil. • The water retention capacity of treated silt increases as the ratio increases. • The water retention capacity of gellan gum was better than xanthan gum and guar gum. • The rate of wilting in treated soil was significantly lower than in untreated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although prolactinomas are treated effectively with dopamine agonists, some have proposed curative surgical resection for select cases of microprolactinomas to avoid life-long medical therapy. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing transsphenoidal surgery (either microsurgical or endoscopic) and medical therapy (either bromocriptine or cabergoline) with decision analysis modeling. Methods A 2-armed decision tree was created with TreeAge Pro Suite 2012 to compare upfront transsphenoidal surgery versus medical therapy. The economic perspective was that of the health care third-party payer. On the basis of a literature review, we assigned plausible distributions for costs and utilities to each potential outcome, taking into account medical and surgical costs and complications. Base-case analysis, sensitivity analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the cost-effectiveness of each strategy at 5-year and 10-year time horizons. Results In the base-case scenario, microscopic transsphenoidal surgery was the most cost-effective option at 5 years from the time of diagnosis; however, by the 10-year time horizon, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery became the most cost-effective option. At both time horizons, medical therapy (both bromocriptine and cabergoline) were found to be more costly and less effective than transsphenoidal surgery (i.e., the medical arm was dominated by the surgical arm in this model). Two-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that endoscopic resection would be the most cost-effective strategy if the cure rate from endoscopic surgery was greater than 90% and the complication rate was less than 1%. Monte Carlo simulation was performed for endoscopic surgery versus microscopic surgery at both time horizons. This analysis produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $80,235 per quality-adjusted life years at 5 years and $40,737 per quality-adjusted life years at 10 years, implying that with increasing time intervals, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is the more cost-effective treatment strategy. Conclusions On the basis of the results of our model, transsphenoidal surgical resection of microprolactinomas, either microsurgical or endoscopic, appears to be more cost-effective than life-long medical therapy in young patients with life expectancy greater than 10 years. We caution that surgical resection for microprolactinomas be performed only in select cases by experienced pituitary surgeons at high-volume centers with high biochemical cure rates and low complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interference-fit joint of composite structures is widely used in thin-walled sheets assembly of aviation field. Understanding the microscopic damage mechanism during interference-fit pin installation process has a great importance for optimal design of interference-fit joints. Therefore, a novel multi-scale modeling approach is proposed to simulate and analyze the squeezed damage of microscopic representative volume elements (RVEs) during interference-fit pin installation process by 2D finite element models on ABAQUS platform with user-defined material subroutine (UMAT). The plane stress and strain formulations are employed for in-plane and through-thickness models respectively. Once the maximum principal stress reaches the corresponding strength, linear elastic carbon fibers fail. The epoxy resin matrix is considered to be elastoplastic. When the ultimate strength is reached, the stiffness properties begin to degrade. A cohesive zone model is used to simulate interface debonding between the fiber and matrix. It's observed that the vicinity of 30° angle between normal pressure and fiber direction at the entrance of hole is the weakest portion. In addition, the plastic deformation of epoxy matrix occurs first, followed by interfacial debonding. Then compressive damage of epoxy matrix is observed with the increase of interference value, which is similar to the micrograph by experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effects on waterproof performance of different silane coupling agents and different silane coupling agents dosages of geopolymer were studied. • The connections between macroscopic and micro-mechanism were revealed. • The SEM, XRD, FTIR and BET experiments were used to evaluate the micro-structure mechanism. Geopolymer is a new green eco-friendly gel material. However, one of the distinguishing features of geopolymer is prone to cause high water absorption and poor waterproof performance, deteriorating properties such as durability. This paper investigated the effect on the waterproof performances of different silane coupling agents (SCAs) and different SCAs dosages (0 wt%–4 wt%) of metakaolin-based geopolymer. The performance was tested from aspects of capillary water absorption, capillary porosity, water resistance, filter loss and water retention volume (WRV), contact angle, wettability, and hydration degree. Meanwhile, the microstructure mechanism was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared Spectroscope (FT-IR), and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller). The results showed that an appropriate dosage, whichever SCA was incorporated, would significantly reduce capillary water absorption, capillary porosity, with water resistance, and contact angle being enhanced. The hydration degree showed that incorporating a small dosage of SCAs could boost the early hydration reaction of geopolymer systems, resulting in performance improvement. Under the same SCA dosage, the waterproof performance of KH560 [γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propytrimethoxysilane]-modified geopolymer was better than that of KH550 [γ-ammoniapropyltriethoxysilane]-modified geopolymer. Moreover, the FT-IR and XRD tests revealed that the incorporation of SCAs hardly destroyed the main crystal structure of geopolymer. Besides, the SEM test demonstrated that moderate dosages of SCAs modified geopolymer tightly connected internally than control geopolymer. In addition, the BET test visually identified the reason for the performance improvement. The experiments revealed the hydration mechanism of SCA-modified geopolymer. By enhancing waterproof on geopolymer, the modified geopolymer could effectively improve the deteriorating effects of harmful ions on materials through the process of water transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a Variable Speed Limit (VSL) control algorithm for simultaneously maximizing the mobility, safety and environmental benefit in a Connected Vehicle environment. Development of Connected Vehicle (CV)/Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology has the potential to provide essential data at the microscopic level to provide a better understanding of real-time driver behavior. This paper investigated a VSL control algorithm using a microscopic approach by focusing on individual driver’s behavior (e.g., acceleration and deceleration) through the use of Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach. A multi-objective optimization function was formulated with the aim of finding a balanced trade-off among mobility, safety and sustainability. A microscopic traffic flow prediction model was used to calculate Total Travel Time (TTT); a surrogate safety measure Time To Collision (TTC) was used to measure instantaneous safety; and, a microscopic fuel consumption model (VT-Micro) was used to measure the environmental impact. Real-time driver’s compliance to the posted speed limit was used to adjust the optimal speed limit values. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to compare the performance of the developed approach for different weights in the objective function and for two different percentages of CV. The results showed that with 100% penetration rate, the developed VSL approach outperformed the uncontrolled scenario consistently, resulting in up to 20% of total travel time reductions, 6–11% of safety improvements and 5–16% reduction in fuel consumptions. Our findings revealed that the scenario which optimized for safety alone, resulted in more optimum improvements as compared to the multi-criteria optimization. Thus, one can argue that in case of 100% penetration rates of CVs, optimizing for safety alone is enough to achieve simultaneous and optimum improvements in all measures. However, mixed results were obtained in case of lower % penetration rate which showed higher collision risk when optimizing for only mobility or fuel consumption. This indicates that with such % penetration rate, multi-criteria optimization is crucial to realize optimum and balanced benefits for the examined measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the major complications of transsphenoidal surgery, less attention has been given to severe postoperative epistaxis, which can lead to devastating consequences. In this study, we reviewed 551 consecutive patients treated over a 4 year period by the senior author to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, etiology and management of immediate and delayed post-transsphenoidal epistaxis. Eighteen patients (3.3%) developed significant postoperative epistaxis – six immediately and 12 delayed (mean postoperative day 10.8). Fourteen patients harbored macroadenomas (78%) and 11 of 18 (61.1%) had complex nasal/sphenoid anatomy. In the immediate epistaxis group, 33% had acute postoperative hypertension. In the delayed group, one had an anterior ethmoidal pseudoaneurysm, and one had restarted anticoagulation on postoperative day 3. We treated the immediate epistaxis group with bedside nasal packing followed by operative re-exploration if conservative measures were unsuccessful. The delayed group underwent bedside nasal hemostasis; if unsuccessful, angiographic embolization was performed. After definitive treatment, no patients had recurrent epistaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We investigate driving behaviours. [•] Based on a pilot survey, we confirm the Action Point (AP) theory, with some simplifications. [•] We propose a new characterisation of the AP theory in terms of opening and closing waves. [•] Based on the pilot survey, we identify a (linear) pattern for the distribution of action points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sweden and other countries it is not an uncommon practice that freight trains depart more or less on-demand instead of strictly following a pre-planned timetable. However, the systematic effects of freight trains departing late or (in particular) early has long been a contested issue. Although some microscopic simulation tools currently have the capability to evaluate the effect of freight trains departing before schedule, it has yet not been established how macroscopic simulation tools, capable of fast simulation of nation-wide networks, can manage such tasks. This paper uses a case study on a line between two large freight yards in Sweden to investigate how the results of microscopic and macroscopic simulation, represented by two modern simulation tools, differ when it comes to this particular problem. The main findings are that both the microscopic and the macroscopic tools replicated the empirical punctuality fairly well. Furthermore, allowing early departures of freight trains increased overall freight train punctuality while the passenger train punctuality decreased slightly, as determined by both tools. The results are encouraging, but further studies are needed to determine if macroscopic simulation is on-par with microscopic simulation. • Comparison of microscopic and macroscopic railway simulation. • Focus on freight train operations, in particular departures ahead of schedule. • Simulation results evaluated against empirical punctuality data. • Punctuality closer to empirical data when including early freight train departures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Foam flooding has become one of the most effective methods to improve oil recovery in high water-cut oilfields. In order to obtain images of the texture of foam in the cores under high pressure, this paper developed an experimental real-time image acquisition device for detecting the foam's texture as the bubbles flowed in the porous media. Image processing and statistic analysis methods for describing the foam's texture were also established. Experimental results showed that the bubble distribution became homogeneous and stabilized, and the pressure difference between two ends of the core increased gradually during the process of foam flooding. In the initial stage, the bubbles presented a flake-like distribution. The liquid phase flowed continuously, as did the gas phase. As the displacement continued, the volume of a single bubble lessened, while the number of bubbles increased. When the bubbles reached a steady state, the pressure difference between the two ends of the core was stable, and the bubbles presented a uniform distribution. A larger injection rate, a higher core permeability and a larger gas–liquid ratio all can cause a larger-than-average bubble diameter, poor stability and a decreased degree of homogeneity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Soil water uptake by plant roots results from the complex interplay between plant and soil which modulates and determines transport processes at a range of spatial and temporal scales: at small (single root) scale, uptake is determined by local soil and root hydraulic properties but, at the root system scale, these local processes interact with the macroscopic water flow in soil and the spatial arrangement of roots in the soil. Recent modeling approaches, such as 3D functional architectural models of root systems, are becoming useful tools for integrating plant processes and studying their interactions/responses with the environment. However, integrating efficiently the microscopic flow towards roots is at stake in the coupling of such 3D root models with soil water flow models. The required fine meshing of soil with (large) 3D root systems for the flow solution would result in huge, impracticable, simulations. We show here a way to estimate the “microscopic” gradients around a root, interacting with other adjacent roots, based on the superposition principle of linear PDEs, resulting in an “equivalent model” of root water uptake that avoid the fine meshing of the soil for the flow problem. We test this approach by comparing a detailed finely meshed, explicit modeling of soil and roots, with this equivalent approach using a coarse mesh. The example application is a 2D case (root impacts) which shows how root spatial arrangement (regular, clumped or heterogeneous root distribution) impacts temporal pattern of root water potential, compared to the mean soil water potential, but also the decrease of actual evapotranspiration and the use of available soil water by plants. The good agreement between the equivalent and explicit modeling makes this equivalent approach promising for 3D functional architectural modeling of root systems in soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ovine babesiosis, caused by Babesia ovis, is of major economic importance in Turkey. The changes in the blood profile of infected animals are informative about the course of infection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical changes in the pre- and post-treatment periods of the natural B. ovis infections. The presence of the parasites was confirmed by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. On the basis of the clinical and laboratory findings, the infections were categorized into different groups according to the degree of anemia and the level of parasitemia. All infected sheep were treated with imidocarb dipropionate (IMDP). The blood pictures in the pre- and post-treatment periods were compared. Pancytopenia occurred in animals with severe anemia and very high parasitemia, and bicytopenia in the other groups. The platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) returned to the normal ranges after treatment, except those in the group with severe anemia. In the biochemical profile, B. ovis infection caused an increase in blood urea nitrogen and total bilirubin, and these parameters returned to normal levels after treatment. The indirect fluorescein antibody test (IFAT) results showed that 38.1% of the cases raised specific antibodies during the period of infection, with titers ranging from 1/160 to 1/640. All of 45 animals re-examined after treatment were seropositive, with high titers that rose up to 1/5120. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Charge-coupled device (CCD) digital cameras have been used to expand the application area of conventional dosimeters to two-dimensional dose measurements. Although film dosimeters are normally read with scanners, CCD reading has several advantages over scanner reading: quick reading, interference filters, and no influence from the film orientation at the reading. Moreover, the lens and light source are changeable, which makes it possible to use a wide selection of dose ranges and spatial resolutions from microscopic to macroscopic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A general framework of modeling the stochastic live load from traffic for a long-span bridge is developed. The cellular automaton (CA) traffic flow simulation technique is adopted to develop the analytical basis of the framework. Based on the traffic flow simulation results, the live load on a long-span bridge from the stochastic traffic is studied with a focus on the static component. Parametric studies of major variables of the framework, such as the length of the connecting roadways, the speed limit, and the vehicle combination, are conducted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To compare the outcomes of microsurgical versus loupe-assisted technique for vasectomy reversal. Design: Retrospective comparative study with randomization. Setting: University hospital male infertility clinic. Patient(s): Fifty men with obstructive azoospermia after vasectomy. Intervention(s): One-layer vasovasostomy with microscope (group I) or optical loupe (group II). Main Outcome Measure(s): Patency, pregnancy, operation time, postoperative stricture. Result(s): Mean operation time was 106.4 ± 10.3 minutes in group I and 78.3 ± 5.7 minutes in group II, showing a statistically significant difference. Analysis of semen sampled from men, who succeeded in getting vasal patency, was performed finally at the sixth month after surgery and showed sperm concentrations of 21.5 million/mL and 20.7 million/mL and sperm motilities of 32.5% and 30.8% in groups I and II, respectively, without a statistical significance. Patency rates were 96% (24 out of 25) in group I and 72% (18 out of 25) in group II, showing a statistically significant difference. Pregnancy rates were 40% (10 out of 25) in group I and 28% (7 out of 25) in group II. There was no statistically significant difference in pregnancy rate between the two groups. Postoperative vasal stricture occurred in four patients, all of them from group II. There was no operation-related complication, such as hematoma or wound infection. Conclusion(s): Microscopic technique yielded a higher patency rate than loupe-assisted technique, possibly by reducing the chance of postoperative vasal stricture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The endoscopic transsphenoidal approach has become widely used for pituitary and extended skull base operations. Intraoperative conversion to a microscopic approach may be an important option in selected cases. We aim to characterize the operative situations in which such conversion occurred and facilitated the procedure. Methods: From April 2008 through August 2009, 148 planned endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches were performed. All cases were retrospectively reviewed to identify those patients converted to a microscopic approach. Clinical and operative characteristics, reasons for conversion, and patient outcomes were reviewed. Results: Of the 148 endoscopic cases, conversion was undertaken in 27 (18%). Ten patients (37%) had undergone previous transsphenoidal surgery. Reasons for conversion in nonreoperation cases were atypical nasal anatomy (6 patients), acromegaly with distorted anatomy (5 patients), desire for binocular vision (3 patients), complex sphenoid sinus anatomy and difficulty visualizing sella/midline (2 patients), and obstructive mucosal bleeding (1 patient). Of the 10 reoperation procedures, conversions occurred in 3 patients with Cushing''s disease and 2 with acromegaly. The primary reasons for conversion in reoperations were scarring with loss of anatomic landmarks (4 patients), mucosal bleeding (2 patients), acromegaly with distorted anatomy (2 patients), technical problem with visualization (1 patient), and desire for binocular surgery (1 patient). Conclusions: Although endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery provides superior visualization in most patients, conversion to a microscopic or endoscopic-assisted approach may provide essential visualization in selected patients. This may be especially true in patients undergoing reoperation and patients with acromegaly or Cushing''s disease. Trainees learning the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach should become familiar with the benefits and limitations of the various transsphenoidal approaches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The work looks for relation between the fractal dimension of wood anatomy structure and impact energy. Although it is too early, this way of investigation provides interesting alternative to estimation of mechanical properties of the wood without using of destructive experimental tests. For that purpose the slight modification of common methods for experimental evaluation of fractal dimensions was performed. Modifications were compared on macroscopic scale of wood structure with validated Richardson method from other work [Strnadel, B., Severa, L., Němec, O., Buchar, J., 2001. On the use of fractal analysis in description of fracture surface of wood. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, IL, No. 4, pp. 25–32] and applied for determination of fractal dimensions in three main directions on microscopic scale level of wood. Finally, the comparison of relation significance of impact energy and linear combination of those fractal dimensions was realized. The main purpose of the project rises from the assumption about existence of fractal structure on such low scale level of wood [Koňas, P., 2001. General concept of finite element model based on wood anatomy structure III. In: Proceedings of MendelNET 01, ISBN: 80-7157-516-X, pp. 29–34]. Opposite to common way of investigation where the researches estimate relation between impact energy and fractal dimension of fracture after impact loading (as quantitative of material toughness) we propose that wood structure includes sufficient amount of information about toughness in original state (before the loading). Due to complicated experimental assessment of the toughness, the work of impact loading as measurable magnitude of material toughness was used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Design and analysis of fluid flow and heat and mass transfer in engineered spaces require information of spatial scales ranging from to and time scales from to . The studies of such a multiscale problem often use multiple computer models, while each of computer models is applied to a small range of spatial and time scales. Accurate solution normally requires exchanging information between a macroscopic model and a microscopic model that can be done by coupling the two models. With the approach, it is possible to obtain an informative solution with the current computer memory and speed. This paper used a few examples of fluid flow and heat and mass transfer in engineered spaces to conclude that a coupled macroscopic and microscopic model is likely to have a solution and the solution is unique. A stable solution for the coupled model can be obtained if some criteria are met. The information transfer between the macroscopic and microscopic models is mostly two ways. A one-way assumption can be accepted when the impact from small scale on large scale is not very significant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms with an annual incidence of approximately 10 to 20 per 1 million cases. Although pathologists have often observed incidental small GISTs in the stomach resected from patients with gastric cancer, no report on the real incidence of gastric GISTs is available. In this study, 100 whole stomachs resected from patients with gastric cancer were sectioned at 5-mm intervals and hematoxylin and eosin–stained slides (a mean of 130 slides for each case) were examined for microscopic GISTs. KIT (CD117), CD34, and desmin expression of the incidental tumors was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and genomic DNA extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tumor tissues was analyzed for c-kit gene mutations in exon 11. In 35 of the 100 whole stomachs, we found 50 microscopic GISTs, all of which were positive for KIT and/or CD34 and negative for desmin. Most microscopic GISTs (45/50, 90%) were located in the upper stomach. Two of the 25 (8%) microscopic GISTs had c-kit gene mutations. Fifty-one leiomyomas with positive expression for desmin were observed in 28 of the 100 stomachs. Both leiomyomas and GISTs were found in 12 stomachs. These results indicate that microscopic GISTs are common in the upper portion of the stomach. Considering the annual incidence of clinical GISTs, only few microscopic GISTs may grow into a clinical size with malignant potential. Further studies are required to clarify the genetic events responsible for the transformation of microscopic GISTs to clinical GISTs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]