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The structural integrity of a steel frame–shear wall structural system with a precast floor cover was experimentally investigated. A test structure with a new precast floor (SJ2) and a test structure with a cast in situ floor (SJ1) were subjected to shaking table tests. It was found that the natural frequencies of both specimens were similar. Under the action of different levels of seismic waves, the new precast monolithic floor and the cast in situ floor maintained the transmission of seismic shearing forces, thereby allowing the lateral-load-resisting members to function co-operatively. The maximum inertial forces and storey shearing forces of SJ2 and SJ1 differed depending on the seismic waveform and seismic loadings and for different storeys of the structure; some were basically the same, but the value of SJ2 was larger than that of SJ1 under some conditions. The difference in the amount of deformation was small, except for the deformation resulting from El Centro 200 cm/s2, for which the SJ2-to-SJ1 ratio of in-plane stiffness was 0.65. Thus, the novel precast structure (SJ2) that meets the requirements of engineering design would be applicable to a multi-storey reinforced concrete structure located in a seismic region.

Low blood flow in the distal part of the diabetic foot aggravates the wound to an ischemic state, which eventually leads to amputation. However, major advancements in microvascular surgery have shown the ability to salvage the limb even in the presence of poor perfusion. Since a foot is constituted of a complex network of angiosomes, each separate territory of the foot is supplied by interconnected vessels. We report the successful salvage of a severe diabetic foot injury of a 72-year-old male patient with a heavily calcified dorsalis pedis artery (DPA). Although the proximal end of the DPA was clogged to prevent the flow of blood and was insufficient to use as a recipient vessel, reverse flow from the distal end was restored after removing multiple calcification fragments. As a result, a large soft-tissue defect on the third and fourth toe region was successfully covered by a contralateral anterolateral thigh free flap.

A series of 60 4‐aminomethyl 5‐aryl‐3‐substituted isoxazoles were synthesized by an efficient method and evaluated in vitro against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi, protozoa that cause the neglected tropical diseases leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, respectively. Thirteen compounds exhibited a selective index greater than 10. The series of 3‐N‐acylhydrazone isoxazole derivatives bearing the bithiophene core exhibited the best antiparasitic effects., Sixty new 3,4,5‐trisubstituted isoxazole derivatives were synthesized using a straightforward method, and their antiprotozoal profile against promastigote form of L. amazonensis and epimastigote form of T. cruzi were evaluated. The series of 3‐N‐acylhydrazone isoxazoles bearing the bithiophene core exhibited better antiparasitic effects than 3‐carboxyethyl or 3‐carbohydrazide isoxazole analogues.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to assess the results of tunica vaginalis flap (TVF), dorsal preputial dartos flap (DPF), and spongioplasty alone as additional cover after neourethra formation in a Snodgrass repair for various types of hypospadias as per the selection criteria decided. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a non-randomized experimental study of 97 patients with primary hypospadias treated via Snodgrass repair using various second layers (tunica vaginalis flap, dorsal preputial dartos flap, and spongiosum alone) as per the selection criteria in a single center by a single surgeon. The outcome of the procedure was assessed in terms of cosmesis, chordee correction, urinary stream, and uroflowmetry. RESULTS: Of the 97 patients, we used dorsal preputial dartos flap in 42 (43.3%), tunica vaginalis in 38 (39.2%), and spongioplasty only in 17 (17.5%) for primary hypospadias. Urethrocutaneous fistula developed in four patients (three in DPF and one in the TVF groups). One patient each had skin necrosis, hematoma, and wound dehiscence in the DPF group. In the spongioplasty only group, one patient had meatal stenosis which was treated by meatoplasty after failing repeated periodic calibration. CONCLUSION: DPF should be preferably used for distal penile and TVF for mid and proximal penile hypospadias to ensure excellent result with minimum complications. Spongioplasty only as a second layer is sufficient to avoid the complications wherever it is thick and robust.

Background: Covering a small defect on the anterior lower leg is challenging because less soft tissue is available. This study presents the application of a keystone flap (KF) with omega variation (OV) and Sydney melanoma unit modification (SMUM) for small- and moderatesized pretibial defects.Methods: This study included a series of six cases of anterior lower leg defect reconstruction with OV and SMUM KF technique by a single surgeon between December 2017 and June 2020. Records and photographs of the patients were collected and analyzed.Results: The defects’ sizes ranged from 1.5×2.5 to 6×8 cm. All defects were covered with OV KF, SMUM KF, or OV SMUM KF based on the hotspots of surrounding perforators. The flap sizes varied from 3×6 to 8×17 cm. Moreover, all flaps were completely viable. A marginal maceration developed in one case, which was mended with conservative dressing. Outcomes were favorable in all patients during the average follow-up period of 4.83±1.17 months.Conclusion: This study successfully covered small- and moderate-sized anterior lower leg defects with OV and SMUM KF. We therefore suggest the OV and SMUM KF techniques as good alternative modalities for anterior lower leg reconstruction.

Introduction: Pilonidal sinus is an inflammatory disease seen mostly in the intergluteal region of young males. Although any treatment strategy of this condition is generally free of life-threatening complications due to its superficial nature, it is still a feared disease because of recurrence which greatly increases the morbidity. Objective: To investigate the results of wide rhomboid excision and modified Limberg transposition flap reconstruction to treat recurrent pilonidal sinus. Methodology: Well-documented records of all patients with recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus who underwent wide excision and a modified Limberg transposition flap at our center during the past 3 years and followed up for longer than 12 months were analyzed. The modification primarily consisted of an asymmetrically rotated rhomboid excision and lateralization of the lower midline. Patient demographics, days of hospitalization, complications, patient satisfaction and recurrence rates were evaluated. Result: Most patients in the study were overweight. No relationship was detected between BMI and number of sinus openings, hospital stay, drain placement or recurrences but an association with infection was noted. The number of pilonidal sinus orifices did not have a correlation with age, number of previous surgeries, duration of hospital stay or drains placement. The mean duration of hospitalization was 7.89 ± 3.41 days and the mean duration of suction drainage was 6.33±2.87 days. Half of our patients developed complications in the postoperative period. The only patient who developed superficial wound infection stayed the most in the hospital. All patients had some complaints regarding the operation site; however, they were satisfied with the result of the operation and had no recurrence at 12 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Rhomboid excision of recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus with modified Limberg flap closure is a promising surgical technique with advantages of a good patient satisfaction and no recurrence after a year of surgery.

В статье приводится обзор последней книги выдающегося британского художника, искусствоведа и ученого Десмонда Морриса «Позы. Язык тела в искусстве». Лондон: Издательство Thames & Hudson. Объем: 320 с. Иллюстрации: 300. Дата публикации: 24 октября 2019 г. ISBN: 9780500023556. Твердая обложка.

Longstanding osteomalacia, by its proliferative enthesopathic changes, may mimic the advanced features of SpA. Despite the typical radiological findings, the lack of response to anti‐TNF should encourage clinicians to reconsider the diagnosis.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of latex tip cover manufacturer on accuracy and repeatability of Tono-Pen Vet(™) in canine eyes. ANIMAL STUDIED: 12 enucleated globes from 6 dogs PROCEDURES: The anterior chamber was cannulated and connected to a calibrated manometer. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were obtained using the Tono-Pen Vet and TONOVET Plus at manometric IOP ranging from 5 to 80 mmHg. At each IOP, the Tono-Pen Vet was used with a new Ocu-Film(™) latex tip cover (the only manufacturer-approved brand of cover) followed by a new Softips(™) latex tip cover. For comparison, the TONOVET Plus was also used at each IOP with a new disposable rebound probe. Measured IOP values were analyzed by linear regression and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Tono-Pen Vet accuracy was unaffected by tip cover manufacturer or by frequent change in cover. Using ICC analysis, repeatability of measurements using either tonometer was good to excellent at physiologic IOP levels but variably decreased with both devices at supraphysiologic IOP. CONCLUSIONS: Neither tip cover manufacturer nor frequent changes in tip cover adversely affect Tono-Pen Vet accuracy. Repeatability of measurements with Tono-Pen Vet and TONOVET Plus is widely variable at supraphysiologic IOP. Therefore, minor changes in IOP > 25 mmHg should not be used to make clinical decisions without considering this variability.

In 1993, The New York Times Magazine published a story entitled ‘The anguished politics of breast cancer.’ The image on the cover was a self-portrait of artist and model Matuschka showing the physi...

Inequality in the spatial distribution of urban greenspaces occurs globally, with greater greenspaces in neighbourhoods with higher socioeconomic status. This is problematic, as greenspaces provide numerous ecosystem services, including benefits to human health. However, greenspaces can also trigger allergenic responses, inducing negative economic, medical, and social costs. Using geospatial information, we investigated 91 elementary schools in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to answer: (1) Does the amount and type of greenspaces and greyspaces surrounding schools vary with median household income? and (2) Does the surface area of allergenic greenspace surrounding schools vary with median household income? We characterized landcover within a 300 m radius of public elementary schools using a high spatial resolution urban landcover map of Vancouver derived from a combination of RapidEye imagery from 2014 and airborne laser scanning. Beta regression and analysis of variance models were used to explore associations between household incomes and greenspaces, as well as allergenic vegetation near schools. Schools in areas with higher median annual household incomes (>$80,000 CAD) were surrounded by an average of 14% more greenspaces and 16% less greyspaces than schools located in areas with lower household incomes (

Corneal dellen appeared as a complication after perilimbal conjunctival papilloma dissection in a six-year-old patient. Our purpose was to describe the use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) fibrin membrane in covering the corneal defect after conventional medical treatment failure. PRGF fibrin membrane is an interesting therapeutical option to consider not only in adult patients, but also in children.

In the last time, the attention of obstetricians, gynecologists and pathologists has been drawn to a special kind of neoplasm that primarily develops in the uterine cavity or tubes on the soil of a former normal or pathological pregnancy and is characterized by extreme malignancy.

The article presents the study of vegetation cover in the Northeast of Tuva. The surveillance research was conducted in summer season from 2009 to 2017. It was revealed that nearly all altitudinal vegetation belts common to the Mountains of Southern Siberia are widespread in the studied area. The vegetation cover that creates biological diversity and conditions for its preservation, is peculiar for its geological history (relatively young site), specific landscape (combination of highlands and lowlands), climatic and landscape mosaic, low impact of anthropogenic activities. The vegetation cover conforms with the laws of altitudinal zonation, highland belts and mountain taiga belts. The prevailing type of vegetation is mountain taiga. In the result of conducted research, a series of electronic large-scale maps were created (universal map and evaluation map) with the help of ArcView GIS software. Both traditional methods and modern mapping techniques were used for vegetation communities, based on forest surveying data as well as on author’s filed research records. The vegetation map fragment is provided and the area’s landscape structure is described. Vegetation cover in the area under research is characterized by originality due to historical and environmental conditions, as well as proximity of the mountains. Currently, this is one of the few Siberian areas where anthropogenic activity is very limited. As of landscape peculiarities, the territory is remarkable for inhomogenuity of its landscape and environment which in its turn results in a wide typological variety of vegetation and considerable contrast of vegetation cover. In this regard, the territory of these mountain ridges is a model region to study historical development of vegetation cover in the mountains of the Southern Siberia.

In a black-and-white photograph on the cover of Andrew Bank’s Pioneers of the Field: South Africa’s Women Anthropologists, Hilda Beemer Kuper stands upright and chin forward, hands behind her back,...

This chapter will cover common medications used for cervical ripening, labor induction, and labor augmentation. The second part of this chapter will cover the most common medications used for tocolysis to treat preterm contractions.

Purpose: Inadequate mobility of Atasoy and Kutler V-Y ap Method: Prospective clinical study Result: Adequate mobility was achieved to cover the stumps of terminal amputation of ngers Conclusion: Modied V-Y volar ap which is reliable and can be easily executed by junior reconstructive surgeons with good postoperative outcome in terms of sensation, length and appearance Summary: Inadequate mobility of Atasoy's V-Y advancement ap to cover the nger tip raw area prompted us to modify the Atasoy's technique. Both the digital neurovascular bundles are identied and included in this modication, thereby, increasing the mobility and reliability with good recovery of function, sensation and appearance. None of aps was lost out of twenty two nger amputations treated by this modied technique. This technique can be easily executed by junior trainee doctors as we incorporate the relatively larger vessels(unlike the digital perforators)which are easily identied by simple loupe magnication.

Background. Hypospadias has a wide spectrum of penile abnormality requiring surgical correction. Most of the cases are of anterior variety and the surgical technique depends on constructing a neo urethra. Snodgrass or Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) urethroplasty is one of the most popular techniques of urethroplasty which depends on the existing healthy, adequate and intact urethral plate. Different tissues have been described to cover the neourethra as second layer in literature. In this study we modified the TIP urethroplasty by covering the neourethra with 2 layers of pedicled prepucial mucosa or Dartos flap. Objective. To see the outcome of modified Snodgrass or TIP urethroplasty in anterior mid and proximal penile hypospadias. Materials and method. Total 88 patients were operated by modified Snodgrass technique or modified TIP urethroplasty from January 2012 to July 2016. Coronal, subcoronal, distal penile, mid penile and proximal penile hypospadias were included in the study. Every patient underwent modified TIP urethroplasty and outcomes were assessed. Results. The mean age of the patients were 28.34±14.98 months, ranges from 6.5 to 65 months. 9 (10.2%) patients of our series develop urethrocutaneous fistula, 5 (5.68%) patients develop meatal stenosis and 1 (1.1%) patient developed neourethral stricture. Conclusion. TIP urethroplasty is a versatile method to correct penile hypospadias. Covering of the neourethra with prepucial mucosa secure the neourethral anastomosis. The author declares that there is no conflict of interest. Key words: Hypospadias, TIP urethroplasty, Prepucial mucosa.

Across the globe, journalists continue to struggle with how to cover their diverse geographies, especially white journalists covering Black communities as evidenced especially in the United States ...

Patients with hip arthrosis are increasing each year where total hip replacement is an effective solution when other non-invasive or surgical methods are no longer an effective solution. A pilot study of a new bone-preserving-biomimetic artificial femoral head cover was initiated. The purpose of the new implant is to be an alternative to the current hip arthroplasties. A special polyurethane (PU) femoral head cover was mechanically tested. Experiments were performed to investigate the implants mechanical behaviour and response to tensile load and study on the locking mechanism design concept of the prosthesis. The femoral head cover had a 45 mm outer diameter. Two suture techniques were selected to represent possible locking mechanisms. The experiment consisted of five cyclic loadings followed by a pull-to-failure test. The results show that each specimen has a consistency response and different suture technique results in a different outcome. This experiment intended to study the response of specimens as a whole part, not the material itself. Factors are influencing the outcome such as the femoral head cover positioning and suture rupture pattern. From this pilot study, some points need to be further considered. The information obtained in this experiment would influence further development achieving towards the goal of this alternative hip arthrosis treatment.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity for a biochemistry course to cover the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the disease. Adjusting the topics covered after the course transitioned to an online mode included switching to the chapters covering nucleic acid topics. The order of these related well to the coronavirus life cycle. This change promoted student engagement in the online version of the remainder of the course.

This purpose was to investigate developed seat-cover assemblies' effect on decreasing the fluctuation of the shear force exerted onto the buttocks as the factors causing decubitus ulcers when the back-support was inclined.The participants were 10 wheelchair users. The force plate was used to measure the horizontal force as the shear force. The back-support was inclined at increasing angles, starting from the upright position (IUP), then proceeding to a fully reclined position (FRP), and returning to the upright position (RUP). The experimental conditions were two conditions; the seat-cover assembly conditions and without the seat-cover assembly as the control conditions.The average values in the seat-cover assembly condition were 14.4 ± 3.3, 13.9 ± 2.3, and 17.3 ± 3.3% body weight in the IUP, FRP, and RUP, respectively. The average values in the control condition were 14.8 ± 2.6, 11.4 ± 1.7, and 24.0 ± 6.7% body weight in the IUP, FRP, and RUP, respectively. In the FUP and the RUP, there were significant differences between two conditions (These results suggested that the shear force exerted onto the buttocks may to be decreased by using novel seat-cover assembly.Implications for rehabilitationIt is possible to decrease the fluctuations in the shear force by moving the body up and down according the novel seat-cover assembly attached the back-support incline.Disabled, older individuals can be provided with a comfortable life on a reclining wheelchair while preventing decubitus ulcers.

Current glacier ablation models have difficulty simulating the high‐melt transition zone between clean and debris‐covered ice. In this zone, thin debris cover is thought to increase ablation compared to clean ice, but often this cover is patchy rather than continuous. There is a need to understand ablation and debris dynamics in this transition zone to improve the accuracy of ablation models and the predictions of future debris cover extent. To quantify the ablation of partially debris‐covered ice (or ‘dirty ice’), a high‐resolution, spatially‐continuous ablation map was created from repeat unmanned aerial systems (UAS) surveys, corrected for glacier flow in a novel way using on‐glacier ablation stakes. Surprisingly, ablation is similar (range ~5 mm w.e. per day) across a wide range of percentage debris covers (~30‐80%) due to the opposing effects of a positive correlation between percentage debris cover and clast size, countered by a negative correlation with albedo. Once debris cover becomes continuous, ablation is significantly reduced (by 61.6% compared to a partial debris cover), and there is some evidence that the cleanest ice (

In recent times, polymer composites have played an epochal role in transforming material science. Some of their properties such as toughness, strength, flexibility and rigidity have helped them supplant conventional materials such as iron, steel, and aluminium on several occasions. Apart from this, they are light in weight and more cost-efficient, which make them a viable alternative. They have found their application in several fields such as automobile industry, aerospace industry, construction and pipeline industry. Owing to its excellent impact strength, tensile and hardness, natural fibres serve as an excellent replacement. Natural fibres are an environmental friendly, biodegradable and are readily available. The present investigation uses a new fibre for manufacturing the eco-friendly composite material. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, shear stress, flexural rigidity, impact strength and hardness of a coconut fibre-reinforced polymer composite material are evaluated as per respective ASTM standards. A surface analysis of the material using a scanning electron microscope is also performed. The results are categorized and tabulated accordingly. The values obtained appear to fall in line with the experimental data and hence can be espoused as an alternative material especially in the automotive sector.

Our aim in this article is not to provide a review of the existing literature but to make a critical analysis on glioma behavior mathematical modeling. We present here mathematical modeling history, interests, modalities and limitations on the study of glioma growth. We also make a point on model consideration according to glioma comportments. We finally introduce medical imaging coupled with in silico models as the next step in glioma research. We do not claim completeness of the bibliography but we tried to cover a large amount of mathematical considerations for glioma behavior illustrated with selected representative papers.

The reconstruction of hallux varus deformity involves the release of contracted medial structure and realignment of the phalange, leaving a significant skin defect which requires cover. Farmer described proximal based rotational skin flap from the first web space to cover the defect. This technique may compromise the circulation to the flap and risk to the lateral digital vessels. We modified his technique to address these issues. We report a successful reconstruction using the Farmer’s technique on one patient and a modified technique on three patients. We used the excess skin from the extra digit to cover the medial defect. We found this modified technique of skin cover safe without risk of injuring the neurovascular bundle. There was no recurrence of deformity at last foolow-up. All patients were able to wear normal shoes.

Aim To assess the validity and cover rate of the Swedish hernia register. Material and Methods Annual validation of the Swedish Hernia Register has been carried out since the start in 1992 and since 2013 in a more standardized way to allow a systematic data collection and evaluation. 10% of all participating units are randomly selected each year in a specific region of Sweden, ensuring a systematic validation of all regions from North to South. Data from 2013 to 2018 was analyzed regarding data quality and from 2014 to 2018 regarding cover rate. All operations registered at the validated clinics was checked against the Swedish Hernia Register to assess cover rate. 50 operations were randomly selected at each clinic and data in the Swedish Hernia register was compared to the medical records to evaluate data quality. Results In total 55 participating units were evaluated and 73764 variables compared to medical records. Cover rate between 2014 to 2018 was 97% and proportion of correct variables was 98%. Most frequent errors where ASA-grade, date at which the patient was put on the waiting list and postoperative complications. Conclusions This unique validation of a national hernia register show a high cover rate and good quality of data. Efforts to maintain and improve national registers are of great importance. Research with data from the Swedish hernia register should be evaluated on the basis of the results presented in this study.

Almost all robotic systems in use have hard shells, which is limiting in many ways their full potential of physical interaction with humans or their surrounding environment. Robots with soft-shell covers offer an alternative morphology which is more pleasant in both appearance and for haptic human interaction. A persisting challenge in such soft-shell robotic covers is the simultaneous realization of softness and heat-conducting properties. Such heat-conducting properties are important for enabling temperature-control of robotic covers in the range that is comfortable for human touch. The presented soft-shell robotic cover is composed of a linked two-layer structure: (1) The inner layer, with built-in pipes for water circulation, is soft and acts as a thermal-isolation layer between the cover and the robot structure, whereas (2) the outer layer, which can be patterned with a given desired texture and color, allows heat transfer from the circulating water of the inner part to the surface. Moreover, we demonstrate the ability to integrate our prototype cover with a humanoid robot equipped with capacitance sensors. This fabrication technique enables robotic cover possibilities, including tunable color, surface texture, and size, that are likely to have applications in a variety of robotic systems.

Background Coronary injuries are hypothesized to be caused by the cavitation phenomenon (explosion of air bubbles) which is seen frequently in industrial pipes. Based on hydraulics principles applied to the coronary circulation. during distal negative suctioning in diastole, if the coronary static pressure decreases below the vapor pressure (VP), bubbles will form. They explode when the coronary static pressure recovers > the VP during systole. These explosions create jet waves weakening and rupturing the cover of the coronary plaques, triggering acute coronary syndrome (ACS). How could these events be observed, recorded and compared? Methods Coronary angiograms of patients with ACS and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) (control) were selected. The arteries were recorded at 15 frames per second and saved in the electronic health records and reviewed image by image. After the index artery was completely filled with contrast, the following images showed the blood in white moving in on a background of black contrast. The flow could be laminar, turbulent (mixing of blood in white and contrast in black), antegrade or RETROGRADE (black column traveling backward). At the same time, an artificial intelligence (AI) program was used to detect and identify the flow. Results There were 104 patients with ACS enrolled and 20 patients with stable CAD as control. First, in the ACS group, 84 lesions (80%) were in the end of the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and mid-segment of the right coronary artery (RCA). 20 lesions (19%) were at the distal RCA. Second, during diastole, 95% of the flow were laminar. The flow became turbulent at the beginning of systole. The turbulence was caused by the COLLISION of the antegrade flow (end of diastole) and the retrograde flow (at the beginning of systole). These collisions were seen in 95% at the location of vulnerable plaques of patients with ACS. In the control patients, there were only 2 cases (10%) with collision. Third, in the 20 patients with lesions at the distal RCA, the lesions were seen to be located at the areas of recirculating flow, at the ostium of the posterior descending artery (PDA) or proximal to the origin of the PDA. The cause of turbulence was most likely due to cavitation on top of collision. The cavitation happened because of continuous steady forward flow (of the PDA) in the myocardium during systole, while at the proximal RCA the blood flew forward more slowly. (Fig.1) The DSICREPANCY of velocities at the proximal and distal RCA allowed the formation of an empty gap (bubble of air). When the flow reversed during systole, this retrograde flow slammed on the bubble which collapsed violently, injured, ruptured the cover of the plaque and started ACS. Conclusions Rupture of bubbles (cavitation) on top of collision was most likely the cause of injury to the cover of vulnerable plaques, triggering ACS. Understanding the mechanism will help to better manage ACS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Cavity formation and collisionFormation of cavitation at the PDA

On 15 September 2008 the US-based Lehman Brothers financial services firm filed for bankruptcy, inaugurating an economic crisis that spread, in the following three years, across the globe. This ess...