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The aim was to compare the WEKA and SVM-light software based on support vector machine (SVM) algorithm using features from brain T1-weighted MRI for differentiating AD patients and normal elderly subjects. The FreeSurfer software was used to extract cerebral volumes and thicknesses from T1-weighted brain MRI (100 AD patients and 100 normal elderly subjects). Seven structures were selected based on literature reviews consisting of hippocampus and amygdala volume, entorhinal cortex thickness of both hemispheres, and total gray matter volume. Relative volume of hippocampus, amygdala, and total gray matter were normalized by total intracranial volume (TIV). Fifteen combinations of seven structures were applied as input features to WEKA and SVM-light. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the classification performance. The combination of hippocampus relative volume and entorhinal cortex thickness provided the highest classification performance and the AUC values were 0.913 and 0.918 for WEKA and SVM-light, respectively. There was no statistically difference of the AUC values (p-value > 0.05) between two software using the same input features. In conclusion, there was no statistically difference between the use of WEKA and SVM-light software for differentiating AD patients and normal elderly subjects.

We report outcomes for three patients who previously received lung transplants, subsequently developed malignancies, and were given radiation therapy to the chest for treatment of their cancers despite lack of scientific data on radiation tolerance of transplanted lung. None of three patients exhibited early or delayed adverse reactions to radiotherapy. For these three cases, the mean dose to the ipsilateral transplanted lung was 10 Gy, and ipsilateral lung relative volume of lung receiving 20 Gy or more was, on average, 22%. These doses are relatively low and would have been considered safe for patients with native lungs. In our opinion, tolerance of transplanted lung to therapeutic radiotherapy clearly requires additional research. While those data are pending, radiation therapy to the thorax should not be ruled out on the basis of having a lung transplant alone, provided lung dose can be maintained as low as possible using meticulous treatment planning.

We evaluated the feasibility of automatic computer-aided analysis (CAA) compared with semi-automatic CAA for differentiating lipid-rich from fibrous plaques based on coronary CT angiography (CCTA) imaging. Seventy-four coronary plaques in 57 patients were evaluated by CCTA using 64-slice dual-source CT. Quantitative analysis of coronary artery plaques was performed by measuring the relative volumes (low, medium, and calcified) of plaque components using automatic CAA and by measuring mean CT density using semi-automatic CAA. We compared the two plaque measurement methods for lipid-rich and fibrous plaques using Pearson's correlation. Intravascular ultrasonography was used as the goal standard for assessment of plaques. Mean CT density of plaques tended to increase in the order of lipid [36 ± 19 Hounsfield unit (HU)], fibrous (106 ± 34 HU), and then calcified plaques (882 ± 296 HU). The mean relative volumes of 'low' components measured by automatic CAA were 13.8 ± 4.6, 7.9 ± 6.7, and 3.5 ± 3.0 % for lipid, fibrous, and calcified plaques, respectively (r = -0.348, P = 0.022). The mean relative volumes of 'medium' components on automatic CAA were 12.9 ± 4.1, 15.7 ± 9.6, and 5.6 ± 4.8 % for lipid, fibrous, and calcified plaques, respectively (r = -0.385, P = 0.011). The mean relative volumes of low and medium components within plaques significantly correlated with the types of plaques. Plaque analysis using automatic CAA has the potential to differentiate lipid from fibrous plaques based on measurement of the relative volume percentages of the low and medium components.

The dependences of the specific surface energy σ and its isochoric derivative with respect to temperature on the relative volume V/V 0 and temperature of the crystal of a simple substance are studied. The conditions which should be satisfied by the function σ(V/V 0) under crystal tension or compression are determined. It was shown that the isothermal dependence σ(V/V 0) has a maximum at (V/V 0)max < 1, decreases under compression or tension with respect to (V/V 0)max, passing at certain values, (V/V 0) frS < (V/V 0)max < 1 and (V/V 0) frL < (V/V 0)max, to the negative region, σ(V/V 0) fr = 0. It was found that this causes crystal fragmentation during uniform compression in the region V/V 0 < (V/V 0) frS or uniform tension in the region V/V 0 < (V/V 0) frL . Therefore, at V/V 0 < (V/V 0) frS , the intercrystallite surface should increase; at V/V 0 < (V/V 0) frL , the free surface should increase. It was shown that there is a characteristic temperature Tσ above which the crystal surface energy is negative at any pressure, σ(T≥T σ)≤0. The calculations showed that the values of (V/V 0) frL are in the liquid-phase region. Therefore, the fragmentation condition is not reached during uniform tension of the crystal. The evolution of the dependence σ(V/V 0) is studied during an isomorphic decrease in the nanocrystal size or during isomeric deformation of its shape.

The influence of γ′ size on critical resolved shear stress in alloy IN100 at 650 °C has been examined by considering dislocation/precipitate interactions involving particle shearing and Orowan by-passing mechanisms. To achieve this, heat treatment procedures were carried out on smooth specimens to produce materials with variations in secondary and tertiary γ′ size, while maintaining their respective volume fractions. These specimens were subjected to strain-controlled fully reversed cyclic loading at 650 °C. Thin foils extracted from these specimens, post-testing, were examined by transmission electron microscopy to identify the nature of the precipitate/dislocation interactions during plastic deformation. Results indicated the presence of shearing and Orowan by-passing mechanisms. These observations have been used as a basis to calculate the critical resolved shear stress as a sum of components contributed by solid solution and by γ′ particles being sheared and looped. In this analysis, a critical particle size defining the shearing/looping transition has been determined and this has been used to calculate the relative volume fraction and size of particles contributing to the critical resolved shear stress. These analytical results have been compared with those experimentally obtained at 650 °C using smooth specimens with different precipitate sizes.

The fish liver has been the main subject of the biomonitoring and laboratory studies dealing with environmental carcinogenesis. The foci of cellular alterations are accepted pre-neoplastic hepatic lesions, and histopathology is the primary tool for their characterization. Despite its potential, using stereology to study quantitatively nuclear features of those lesions has not been evaluated. Herein, we estimated the volume density and the volume-weighted volume of the nucleus of normal and preneoplastic hepatocytes, using stereology and the brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) as model. In the hepatocarcinogenesis protocol the N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was used as initiator, and the 17-β estradiol (E2) as promoter. Three groups of 30 animals were considered: negative controls (non-exposed), initiator exposed and initiator plus promoter exposed. Estimates of both stereological parameters were significantly higher in preneoplastic hepatocytes, also showing an excellent discriminatory power when used to differentiate those hepatocytes from the normal ones. Besides, in the normal parenchyma the two parameters also differed among the three tested groups. The exposure to MNNG and/or to E2 leaded to modifications in the hepatocyte nuclei that could be unbiasedly quantified with two stereological parameters. We showed that quantitative nuclear morphology represents a valuable auxiliary tool in assessing hepatocarcinogenesis in fishes.

The aim of the work to show the morphology of the testis of Adult Sudanese duck (Anas platyrhynchos). The adult duck testes were two bean-shaped‚ large and soft‚ the left testis was usually higher in position and larger in size than the right one. The testis was active during cold weather with the mean diameter of the seminiferous tubules being 124 µm in the duck. It was less active during the hot season with the mean diameter of the seminiferous tubules being 134 µm in the duck. The non-breeding season seemed to be characterized by a decline in the spermatogenic activity only and not by complete spermatogenesis. The mean volume of left testis in the adult duck was 9.12 cm'. They exceeded those of the right testes by 8%; the relative volume of the components remained essentially the same in both testes. The seminiferous tubules formed 90% of the volume of the testes in duck.

In the present study, the experiments were investigated the effects of different concentrations of cryoprotective agents, such as NaHCO3, MgSO4, sodium ascorbate, sodium glutamate, phosphate buffer, respectively, which used on survival of Lactobacillus bulgaricus during freeze drying. The number of viable cells and survival ratio were measured by the plate count method. The results were as follows: cryoprotective agents played important roles in survival of Lactobacillus bulgaricus during freeze drying. When the relative volume of phosphate buffer was 1.5 (v/v), the number of viable cells was highest, while the survival ratio reached highest, the concentration of sodium ascorbate was 4.5%.

The effect of the relative hot-to-cold side volume-ratios on dynamic characteristics of a CBC (closed Brayton cycle) with sCO2 (supercritical carbon-dioxide) as the working-fluid is investigated in this study. The analysis of the CBC is conducted in the context of power generation in a direct-heated (no thermal-oil loop) and dry-cooled parabolic-trough solar thermal power plant, using a control-oriented model of the CBC. Dynamic performance of the sCO2 CBC with different relative volume-ratios between the hot and cold sides of the sCO2 CBC is compared using simulations for conditions on a representative summer day. The CBC hot-to-cold side volume-ratio influences CO2 mass movement and hence power output. Increasing the hot-to-cold side volume-ratio in the CBC results in a slower, more gradual dynamic response when there are fluctuations in solar heat input and ambient air temperatures. The dynamic response characteristics of a CBC with a hot-to-cold side volume-ratio less than one are shown to differ significantly from a CBC with a volume-ratio greater than or equal to one.

A Gurney-type equation was previously corrected for wall thinning and angle of tilt, and now we have added shock wave attenuation in the copper wall and air gap energy loss. Extensive calculations were undertaken to calibrate the two new energy loss mechanisms across all explosives. The corrected Gurney equation is recommended for cylinder use over the original 1943 form. The effect of these corrections is to add more energy to the adiabat values from a relative volume of 2 to 7, with low energy explosives having the largest correction. The data was pushed up to a relative volume of about 15 and the JWL parameter ω was obtained directly. Finally, the total detonation energy density was locked to the v = 7 adiabat energy density, so that the Cylinder test gives all necessary values needed to make a JWL.

The purpose of this study is to determine the climate change and carbon disclosure practices of Turkish listed companies for the 3-year period before the ratification of Kyoto Protocol in 2009. This study evaluates the climate change and carbon emission information disclosed by companies in Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE)-100 Index. The study is based on disclosures made in the annual reports of 27 companies across ten carbon intensive sectors (iron and steel, energy, cement, oil and gas, pulp and paper, chemicals, glass, compost, dye, airline) covering the period of 2006-2008. Content analysis is used to measure the changing levels of information provision. The results indicate that companies in carbon intensive sectors in ISE- 100 Index for the period mentioned above were disclosing limited carbon emission information, and the relative volume of such information in annual reports were increasing from 2006 to 2008, but not at an expected level. Moreover, these companies revealed almost no information related to climate change.

In the present work 17 different procedures for extraction of proteins from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds in natura were evaluated regarding extraction time and temperature, type of solvent, and analytical procedure. After each extraction procedure, total protein was determined, ranging from 260 ± 5 to 2727 ± 11 μg g−1. Then, a 2-D PAGE was used for P4, P5, P13 and P17, which were considered the most efficient extraction protocols, to calculate the match between them. The highest (77 ± 3%) and the lowest (48 ± 1%) values were achieved when P13 × P17 and P4 × P17 protocols were compared, respectively. Additionally, the P4 and P5 protocols presented the highest number of spots (196 ± 11 and 194 ± 20) after 2-D PAGE protein separation. From both protocols (P4 and P5), 66 protein spots were visualized in both extraction protocols and also analyzed by the 2-D PAGE technique for verifying possible changes in protein expression. Thirty-six spots were differentially found at 90% (or 1.8 times) and related to their relative volume and/or intensity. From these protein spots, 24 (ca. 67%) were successfully identified, 17 being proteins from sunflower seeds. The others are homologous proteins from other plant organisms. All of these analyses contributed to choosing the protocol P4 as the best for protein extraction from sunflower seeds.

Background and objectives Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a prevalent childhood movement disorder, impacting the ability to perform movement skills at an age appropriate level. Although differences in grey matter (GM) volumes have been found in related developmental disorders, no such evidence has been linked with DCD to date. This cross-sectional study assessed structural brain differences in children with and without DCD. Methods High-resolution structural images were acquired from 44 children aged 7.8–12 years, including 22 children with DCD (≤16th percentile on MABC-2; no ADHD/ASD), and 22 typically developing controls (≥20th percentile on MABC-2). Structural voxel-based morphology analysis was performed to determine group differences in focal GM volumes. Results Children with DCD were found to have significant, large, right lateralised reductions in grey matter volume in the medial and middle frontal, and superior frontal gyri compared to controls. The addition of motor proficiency as a covariate explained the between-group GM volume differences, suggesting that GM volumes in motor regions are reflective of the level of motor proficiency. A positive correlation between motor proficiency and relative GM volume was also identified in the left posterior cingulate and precuneus. Conclusions GM volume reductions in premotor frontal regions may underlie the motor difficulties characteristic of DCD. It is possible that intervention approaches targeting motor planning, attention, and executive functioning processes associated with the regions of reduced GM volume may result in functional improvements in children with DCD.

Human evolution is widely thought to have involved a particular expansion of prefrontal cortex. This popular notion has recently been challenged, although controversies remain. Here we show that the prefrontal region of both human and nonhuman primates holds about 8% of cortical neurons, with no clear difference across humans and other primates in the distribution of cortical neurons or white matter cells along the anteroposterior axis. Further, we find that the volumes of human prefrontal gray and white matter match the expected volumes for the number of neurons in the gray matter and for the number of other cells in the white matter compared with other primate species. These results indicate that prefrontal cortical expansion in human evolution happened along the same allometric trajectory as for other primate species, without modification of the distribution of neurons across its surface or of the volume of the underlying white matter. We thus propose that the most distinctive feature of the human prefrontal cortex is its absolute number of neurons, not its relative volume.

Assessment of size and growth are key radiological factors in low-grade gliomas (LGGs), both for prognostication and treatment evaluation, but the reliability of LGG-segmentation is scarcely studied. With a diffuse and invasive growth pattern, usually without contrast enhancement, these tumors can be difficult to delineate. The aim of this study was to investigate the intra-observer variability in LGG-segmentation for a radiologist without prior segmentation experience. Pre-operative 3D FLAIR images of 23 LGGs were segmented three times in the software 3D Slicer. Tumor volumes were calculated, together with the absolute and relative difference between the segmentations. To quantify the intra-rater variability, we used the Jaccard coefficient comparing both two (J2) and three (J3) segmentations as well as the Hausdorff Distance (HD). The variability measured with J2 improved significantly between the two last segmentations compared to the two first, going from 0.87 to 0.90 (p = 0.04). Between the last two segmentations, larger tumors showed a tendency towards smaller relative volume difference (p = 0.07), while tumors with well-defined borders had significantly less variability measured with both J2 (p = 0.04) and HD (p

Segmentation of the liver from abdominal computed tomography (CT) images is an essential step in some computer-assisted clinical interventions, such as surgery planning for living donor liver transplant, radiotherapy and volume measurement. In this work, we develop a deep learning algorithm with graph cut refinement to automatically segment the liver in CT scans. The proposed method consists of two main steps: (i) simultaneously liver detection and probabilistic segmentation using 3D convolutional neural network; (ii) accuracy refinement of the initial segmentation with graph cut and the previously learned probability map. The proposed approach was validated on forty CT volumes taken from two public databases MICCAI-Sliver07 and 3Dircadb1. For the MICCAI-Sliver07 test dataset, the calculated mean ratios of volumetric overlap error (VOE), relative volume difference (RVD), average symmetric surface distance (ASD), root-mean-square symmetric surface distance (RMSD) and maximum symmetric surface distance (MSD) are 5.9, 2.7 %, 0.91, 1.88 and 18.94 mm, respectively. For the 3Dircadb1 dataset, the calculated mean ratios of VOE, RVD, ASD, RMSD and MSD are 9.36, 0.97 %, 1.89, 4.15 and 33.14 mm, respectively. The proposed method is fully automatic without any user interaction. Quantitative results reveal that the proposed approach is efficient and accurate for hepatic volume estimation in a clinical setup. The high correlation between the automatic and manual references shows that the proposed method can be good enough to replace the time-consuming and nonreproducible manual segmentation method.

Objectives: Pressure flow studies are regarded as the gold standard for evaluating both bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor contractility, but none of the current methods for evaluating bladder contraction patterns are well validated. Impaired bladder contraction results in a lower peak Watts factor and poorly sustained detrusor contractions. From this viewpoint, the maximum Watts factor and its pattern should be considered separately. To examine detrusor contraction pattern in patients after radical prostatectomy by using multiple parameters. Methods: A total of 37 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent both pre- and post-radical prostatectomy urodynamic evaluations. The examined urodynamic parameters included the maximum flow rate, post-void residual volume, detrusor pressure at maximum flow, maximum Watts factor and relative volume (maximum Watts factor). Some parameters were defined from the Watts factor curve throughout micturition. Relative volume (maximum Watts factor) was the relative bladder volume at the maximum Watts factor. A normal detrusor contractility pattern involves an increase in Watts factor at the initiation followed by further gradual increases until the end of micturition. Results: Maximum flow rate increased significantly after radical prostatectomy (pre: 13.0 ± 6.5, post: 17.3 ± 7.7 mL/min; P < 0.01), whereas detrusor pressure at maximum flow and post-void residual volume decreased significantly (pre: 49.6 ± 21.6 and 31.4 ± 18.2 cmH2O; post: 48.6 ± 66.1 and 10.1 ± 28.5 mL; P < 0.05). Maximum Watts factor did not change significantly after radical prostatectomy (pre: 10.5 ± 3.1 W/m2, post: 11.0 ± 3.2 W/m2), but relative volume (maximum Watts factor) decreased significantly (pre: 0.48 ± 0.3, post: 0.20 ± 0.20; P < 0.001). Maximum Watts factor represents the maximum power of bladder contraction at a particular point in time, whereas relative volume (maximum Watts factor) can be used to detect changes in detrusor contraction pattern. Conclusions: Evaluation of relative volume (maximum Watts factor) confirms that radical prostatectomy restores the normal detrusor contractility pattern in prostate cancer patients.

Automatic characterization of breast density can enable more personalized breast cancer screening work flows. In this work, we present a novel method to automatically characterize breast density in mammography images. Our method computes a volumetric density map and measures the relative volume of glandular tissue VBD%. For critical cases when masking of small masses may be possible it additionally quantifies the masking effect of glandular tissue. VBD% and the masking risk combined provide a 4-point density score that correlates with the BI-RADS 5th edition guidelines. We evaluated our approach using a study with 32 radiologists and 2400 breast images 600 4-view FFDM exams. In a subset of 415 images identified as critical cases the accuracy to detect dense breasts density categories c or d increased as shown by the area under the curves 0.783 vs. 0.621. By taking masking risk into consideration our method provides a more comprehensive assessment of breast density.

Insects are very convenient for studying the scaling of organs and tissues which is associated with extreme miniaturization: first, they have a huge range of body sizes (the largest is more than 2000 times as long as the smallest); second, the smallest insects are comparable in size to unicellular organisms but retain high morphological complexity. Most insect organs display a huge potential for scaling and for retaining their organization and sometimes even their constant relative volume in spite of their size decreasing to only a small fraction of its initial value. By contrast, the relative volume of the reproductive and nervous systems increases by a considerable factor as body size decreases.

I document the imbalance of foreclosure sales with respect to recourse laws applied to primary mortgages in the U.S. using geographic state borders as exogenous variation combined with individual transaction data located close to the border. Under a regression discontinuity design, the relative volume of foreclosure sales (compared to regular sales) in recourse states was 13 percentage points lower on average with respect to non-recourse states from 2008 to 2010. Further evidence from a hedonic pricing model suggests that foreclosures in non-recourse states were sold by a larger discount after 2008 (6 percentage points from 2008 to 2010 and 9 percentage points from 2011 to 2012). Results are robust to differences in borrower characteristics at the loan origination and suggests differences in the incentives to default under recourse, as well as a higher volume of foreclosures in non-recourse states.

The experimental investigation into variations in density of quartz sand subjected to cyclic loading by a turning retaining wall has shown that the increasing number of loading cycles provokes expansion of a deformation zone inside a material along with a decrease in a material density. Based on measurements, the author has plotted local variations in relative volume θ of the deformation zone at different turn angles of the retaining wall. It is also shown that regular compaction and loosening zones tend to appear in the deformation zone under the pre-limit deformation.

The artificial aging of an AlMgSi commercial alloy was studied by electrical resistometry measurements. A laboratory-made experimental arrangement was designed in order to avoid natural aging prior to artificial aging. The electrical resistometry evolution was compared to Vickers microhardness determinations, and correlated with the precipitation sequence. The temporal evolution of β″ relative volume fraction is described by a normalized resistance evolution by means of a Johnson–Mehl–Avrami type equation. The activation energy is in good agreement with that obtained from differential scanning calorimetric experiments.

Given a compact Alexadrov $n$-space $Z$ with curvature curv $\ge \kappa$, and let $f: Z\to X$ be a distance non-increasing onto map to another Alexandrov $n$-space with curv $\ge \kappa$. The relative volume rigidity conjecture says that if $X$ achieves the relative maximal volume i.e. $vol(Z)=vol(X)$, then $X$ is isometric to $Z/\sim$, where $z, z'\in\partial Z$ and $z\sim z'$ if only if $f(z)=f(z')$. We will partially verify this conjecture, and give a classification for compact Alexandrov $n$-spaces with relatively maximal volume. We will also give an elementary proof for a pointed version of Bishop-Gromov relative volume comparison with rigidity in Alexandrov geometry., Comment: 28 pages

We examine the nexus between real foreign exchange rates and international portfolio flows using monthly data for the period 1997:1 to 2009:12 for Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. We analyze the full sample period and two sub-periods, distinguished by the relative volume and volatility of portfolio flows. We find international portfolio flows, in Africa, to be non-persistent and relatively volatile. Granger causality tests and innovation accounting from vector autoregressions show that the dynamic relationship between portfolio flows and foreign exchange rates is both country-dependent and time-varying; and these findings are robust to alternative VAR specifications.

Damage formation in 4H–SiC during ion implantation at 625 K is studied applying Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) in channeling configuration. For comparison two selected samples are analyzed by cross section transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results for dual implantation of the self-ions Si and C are compared with those obtained for Ag ion implantation. It is found that the evolution of damage as a function of the number of displacements per lattice atom proceeds in two steps and is almost independent of the ion species implanted. The second significant increase of the damage concentration starts obviously when the relative volume increase introduced by the implanted ions exceeds a critical value of about 6 × 10−3. The damage produced at high ion fluences consists of point defect clusters, and probably, extended defects.

Synthetic macromolecular diblocks sorting into mutivesicular bodies (MVBs) and their fluorophore encapsulation pathways were reported. Renewable resource based diblocks having hydrophobic units and flexible hydrophilic polyethylene glycols (PEG) were custom designed for the above purpose. Single crystal structure was resolved to prove the existence of the strong intermolecular interactions and the formation of unilamellar layer-like self-assemblies. These amphiphilic AB diblocks underwent selective vesicular fission either by outward budding or inward invagination to produce small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) or MVBs, respectively. Self-organization parameters such as relative volume (ν(e)) and reduced area difference (Δa(0)) were determined on the basis of theoretical models, and very good correlation with the experimental results was established for the synthetic-MVBs. Pyrene was encapsulated to study the mechanistic aspects of the MVB formations. An unusual nonlinear trend was observed in the pyrene dynamic excimer formation with respect to the sorting of diblock membrane into MVBs. Strong intermolecular interaction was found to be a critical deciding factor in synthetic diblock membranes to facilitate MVBs. The approach demonstrated here opens up new design strategies for biomimicking of MVBs in synthetic macromolecules which are potential vectors for drug delivery.

Our aim was to determine the relative volume of the occipital bone of Cavalier King Charles spaniels with and without syringohydromyelia and normal French bulldogs to reappraise the role of a possible insufficiency of the paraxial mesoderm in the pathogenesis of the caudal occipital malformation syndrome. Analysis of the occipital bone volume of 43 dogs based on computed tomography datasets was performed. Volume was determined by means of three-dimensional models. Using manual segmentation of the occipital bone in sagittal, transverse, and dorsal images, the volume of the occipital bone and the rest of the skull was calculated. The absolute occipital bone volume was put in relation to the total skull volume, the occipital bone index. For the Cavalier King Charles spaniels without syringomyelia, the median occipital bone index was 0.0681; for Cavalier King Charles spaniels with syringomyelia, it was 0.0646 and for French bulldogs, it was 0.0676. There was no global difference of the occipital bone index between examined groups (P = 0.4331). A reduced volume of the occipital bone was not found in Cavalier King Charles spaniels in general in comparison to French bulldogs, or in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with syringomyelia compared to Cavalier King Charles spaniels without syringomyelia. These results do not support occipital hypoplasia as a cause for syringomyelia development, challenging the paraxial mesoderm insufficiency theory. This also suggests that the term Chiari-like malformation, a term derived from human studies, is not appropriate in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

A three-stage technique of complex assessment of long-term polluted streamflow variations and their formation factors is proposed. The first stage comprises automated calculations of relative intra-annual duration and volume of polluted water flow for each ingredient and each year of the whole period under study from limiting indicators. The calculation program is based on the major theses on these integral indicators developed earlier at the State Hydrologic Institute. In the second stage, assessment of long-term variations of calculated indicators and their formation factors is carried out using the principal component method, that gives an idea of conventionally representative indicators of polluted flow. In the third stage, long-term tendencies of relative volume of polluted water flow for conventionally representative indicators are assessed. Informativeness of assessments is demonstrated by the example of the Vorskla River crossing the Russian-Ukrainian boundary.

This study examined the effects of film thickness on the nanostructural, chemical, and mechanical features of nc-Si:H films deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. SiH4and H2were used as the source gases, and the deposition time was varied from 10 to 360 min. The mean nanocrystallites size in the Si films increased from~6 to~8 nm with increasing film thickness from 85 to 4150 nm. Moreover, the nanocrystallite concentration and elastic modulus increased from~7.5 to~45% and from 135 to 147 Gpa, respectively. In the 4150 nm thick film, the relative volume fraction of Si nanocrystallites and relative fraction of Si–H bonds in the films were approximately~45% and~74.5%, respectively.

The present work is dedicated to the development of a mean-field continuum mechanics method capable of predicting internal stresses in parent and twin phases during first- and second-generation twinning. For that purpose, a generalized Tanaka–Mori scheme in heterogeneous elastic media with plastic incompatibilities is developed. The work is applied to the case of first- and second-generation twinning in hexagonal close packed magnesium. In the case of first-generation twinning, the model is capable of predicting the trends in the development of back-stresses within the twin domain. A parametric study is performed to explain the roles of grain and twin shape and of relative volume twin volume fractions on the magnitude and directions of the back-stresses. In addition, applying the methodology to the case of second-generation twinning allows identification, in exact agreement with experimental observations, of the most likely second-generation twin variants to grow in a primary twin domain.

Background: Accurate quantification of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is important for early detection and successful management. Arm volume changes after unilateral breast surgery can be calculated through relative volume change (RVC) of the affected arm using the contralateral arm as a control (Ancukiewicz et al Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 79(5):1436–43 2011). However there currently exists no accurate method for quantifying arm volume changes in patients after bilateral breast surgery. As the number of women undergoing bilateral mastectomies continues to increase, it is critical to develop a method to quantify arm volume changes in this population for detection of lymphedema. Our aim was to develop a weight-adjusted formula for unilateral arm volume changes independent of the contralateral arm for application in the setting of bilateral breast surgery. Materials and Methods: We analyzed longitudinal measurements of arm volumes in 141 unilaterally affected patients undergoing screening for BCRL with a perometer at our institution (71 with left affected and 70 with right affected arms). Each patient had a baseline measurement prior to surgery and at least one post-surgical measurement. Median time of follow-up was 27.5 months and median standard deviation of longitudinal weight changes within patients during follow-up was 3%. Results: Unilateral arm volume changes of the unaffected arm were correlated with weight changes at the last follow-up point (Kendall's tau=.58 and P Discussion: Unilateral arm volume changes can be quantified by adjusting for weight changes. We propose the weight-adjusted change (WAC) formula to calculate unilateral arm volume changes for detection and monitoring of BCRL in patients who undergo bilateral breast surgery. The validity of such a formula needs to be assessed in conjunction with clinically reported lymphedema. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-14-01.

This study was aimed to compare structures of the thyroid tissue of transgenic rabbits expressing the human clotting factor VIII under the murine whey acidic protein promoter (mWAP-hFVIII rabbits) with the non-transgenic controls. Thyroid tissue samples were taken from transgenic and non-transgenic New Zealand White rabbits, examined by optical microscopy and analysed morphometrically. The analysis revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the relative volume of basic thyroid structures. Furthermore, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed when measuring the epithelial height and nuclear diameter of the follicular cells. Altogether, this study demonstrates no negative effect of the mWAP-hFVIII transgenesis on the rabbit thyroid gland structure.

Fracture of the mandible during exodontia is fortunately rare, but is under-reported. A review identified 189 documented cases of iatrogenic fractures of the mandible (IFM) associated with the removal of teeth. The reasons for its occurrence are thought to be multifactorial and include age, sex, degree of tooth impaction, relative volume of the tooth in the jaw, pre-existing infection or bony lesions, failure to maintain a soft diet in the early postoperative period, and the surgical technique. The clinical experience of the surgeon does not seem to have an important role. We review the aetiology of iatrogenic mandibular fracture and summarise the ways of minimising this complication.

The paper focuses on the elastic properties of a material containing multiple branched cracks with pores in their centers. First, we estimate compliance contribution tensor of such a crack and identify the proper microstructural parameters to describe its effect on the elastic properties. The compliance contribution tensor is used then to predict overall elastic properties of the considered material using various averaging schemes. It is shown that three microstructural parameters have to be combined – relative volume of pores, pore shapes, and relative length of the crack branches. Neglecting any of these parameters may lead to a substantial error in estimation of the effective elastic moduli. As an illustration, we consider example of sintering of metal fibers when all these parameters vary with temperature. It is shown how this variation can be incorporated in the model to monitor changes in the elastic properties with sintering temperature.

A hygroscopicity and volatility tandem differential mobility analyzer (HVTDMA) technique was used to determine the time- and size-resolved properties of ultrafine particles and to infer relative volume fractions of non-volatile and non-hygroscopic (NV_NH), volatile and non-hygroscopic (V_NH), volatile and hygroscopic (V_H), and non-volatile and hygroscopic (NV_H) groups. Cluster analysis of wind direction and air mass backward trajectory have revealed that enhanced ultrafine particle concentrations were often observed when air mass was transported with high wind speed (>3 m s −1 ) from the polluted northeast region containing a significant amount of SO 2 and experienced a strong photochemical activity. We found the photochemically-produced ultrafine particles to consist primarily of NV_H with a little V_NH and V_H. In morning traffic events, we estimated ultrafine particles to consist of 61% NV_NH, 36% V (volatile group = the sum of V_NH and V_H), and 2% NV_H, while during biomass burning events, ultrafine particles consisted of 69% NV_NH, 21% V and 10% NV_H. Further, as determined by TEM/EDS analysis, the increase in NV_H during the biomass burning event was consistent with the frequent existence of K element in ultrafine particles. Comparison of data among different geometric locations in China and Korea revealed ultrafine particle hygroscopicity and volatility during the photochemical event as being highly variable in locations affected by diverse sources and variable precursor gases (e.g., SO 2 and VOC), while during the combustion events, less hygroscopicity variation across different locations was observed.

The study investigated the influence of current density on the corrosion-protection properties of an AZ91 Mg alloy subjected to plasma electrolytic oxidation coating. The present coatings were carried out under an AC condition at three different current densities, i.e., 100, 150, and 200 mA/cm. From microstructural observations, the micro cracks connecting each micro pore were pronounced on the oxide surface of the samples coated at current densities higher than 150 mA/cm since increasing the current density in this study led to an increment in the relative volume fraction of the MgO compound. Based on potentio dynamic polarization and immersion tests, the sample coated at a current density of 100 mA/cm showed superior corrosion resistance. (Received April 18, 2011)

Purpose To assess the feasibility of using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to generate patient-specific PTV margins for bladder cancer patients treated with radiation therapy (RT). Methods Eleven patients underwent CT simulation and daily RT (full bladder and empty rectum). CBCT was done prior to each fraction, and the whole bladder was contoured off-line. For the first 15 CBCTs of each patient, the bladder was aligned with CT-simulation bladder (pBladder) to create an occupancy volume (OV). A 5mm isotropic margin was added to OV (OV+5). A measurement-based PTV (mPTV) was generated by measuring maximal displacement between pBladder and OV in six directions. OV, OV+5, mPTV, and a standard PTV (2cm isotropic margin) were compared for absolute and relative volume differences. Using the final 10 CBCT of each patient, the ability of each study volume to encompass the entire CBCT bladder was determined. Results 161/165 CBCT images were of adequate quality for contouring. No daily trend in bladder volume variation was noted. The median absolute volumes (cm 3 ) were: 221, 271, 426, 440, and 914 for pBladder, OV, OV+5, mPTV, and standard PTV, respectively. The median ratios of the study volumes/pBladder were: 1.4 OV, 2.1 OV+5, 2.4 mPTV, 4.1 standard PTV. OV+5 was smaller than mPTV in 9 patients. There was considerable inter-patient variability in study volumes and no apparent association of the magnitude of margin expansion and pBladder. The bladder was encompassed in 69%, 99%, 99%, and 100% of the final 10 fractions by OV, OV+5, mPTV, and standard PTV, respectively. Conclusions The use of daily CBCT to generate patient-specific PTV margins is feasible and results in a marked reduction in the irradiated volume compared to population-based margins. As daily bladder volume varied unpredictably with considerable differences between patients, these findings support the use of patient-specific PTV margin expansions for bladder radiotherapy.

We studied seasonal dietary patterns of Sceloporus jarrovii from a desert environment northwest of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. Stomach contents were examined (n = 82) and relative abundance and volume were determined. Formicids (ants) were the most abundant prey in all seasons. Other abundant foods were coleopterans (summer, winter) and isopterans (autumn, winter). Based on relative abundance in all seasons, S. jarrovii had a narrow breadth of diet, but relative volume of foods was broader. Overlap between sexes for relative abundance and volume was high throughout the year. However, low overlap in relative volume in spring indicated variation in diet between sexes. Three of the most common prey throughout the year varied significantly between sexes in length, width, and volume. However, volumes of the three most abundant foods were not correlated with snout–vent length of lizards.

Microstructure determines the mechanical and transport properties of fruit tissues. One important characteristic of the microstructure is the relative volume fraction of gas-filled intercellular spaces, i.e., the tissue microporosity. Quantification of this microporosity is fundamental for investigating the relationship between gas transfer and various disorders in fruit. We present a new method for quantifying the apparent microporosity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The method is based on the differences in magnetic susceptibility between gas-filled intercellular spaces and their environment inside fruit tissues. It was tested at two different magnetic fields (1.5 and 0.2 T) on apple and tomato fruit. The method was validated by comparing the MRI results with estimation of local tissue porosity using X-ray microtomography experiments. MRI was shown to be effective in determining the distribution of apparent microporosity in fruit.

Quantitative analysis of testis structure was performed during early post-natal development in Wistar rats. For this purpose, at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 60 and 90 days after birth, weights and volumes of testes were recorded and fixed in Bouin's solution. For stereological studies, 5-μm paraffin sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin. Relative and then absolute volumes of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium, seminiferous tubuli lumina and interstitial tissue were estimated by point-counting method. The results showed that weight and volume of testis in rats increase 75- and 86.28-fold during post-natal development, respectively. The greatest growth rate (2.96-fold) of testis was observed between days 35 and 42. Also, diameter of seminiferous tubules increased significantly (P

Using first-principles calculations, the structural phase transition between the zinc-blende (ZB) and the rocksalt (RS) phases and the thermodynamic properties of indium phosphide (InP) are investigated by means of the pseudo-potential plane-waves method. The calculations are performed within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) to density functional theory with the Perdew-Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE) exchange-correlation functional. On the basis of the third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of states, the transition pressure Pt=10 GPa between the ZB and RS phases of InP is determined. The calculated values are in excellent agreement with experiments and similar theoretical calculations. From the theoretical calculations, the relationship of the relative volume V/V0, the Debye temperature Θ and the heat capacity CV with the pressure P and temperature T is also successfully obtained.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), like closed-end funds (CEFs), are managed portfolios traded like individual stocks. We hypothesize that the introduction of an ETF in an asset class similar to an existing CEF results in a substitution effect that reduces the value of the CEF's shares relative to that of its underlying assets. Our event studies show that upon the introduction of a similar ETF, CEF discounts widen significantly and relative volume declines significantly. Single-equation and systems estimation models show that the widening in discounts and reduction in volume are related to returns-based measures of the substitutability of ETFs for CEFs.

We have predicted the phase transition pressures and corresponding relative volume changes of CeSb , LaSb , and LuSb having NaCl -type structure under high pressure using three-body interaction potential approach (TBIPA) incorporated with short-range van der Walls (vdW) interaction and zero point energy effects. We have obtained phase transition pressures and relative volume changes which are in close agreement with measured values. Thus TBIPA with vdW interaction and zero point energy effects are found to be promising potential models for the prediction of transition pressure and stability of rare-earth compounds.

Summary This paper proposes a new test of the null hypothesis that a generalized method of moments model is sufficiently well identified for conventional asymptotics to be reliable. The idea of the test is to compare the volume of two confidence sets—one that is robust to lack of identification and one that is not. Under the null hypothesis, the relative volume of these two sets is Op(1), but under the alternative, the robust confidence set has high probability of being unbounded.

This study aims to determine the chemical composition and seasonal variation of atmospheric acid deposition in order to identify possible sources contributing to precipitation. Sampling and analysis of 132 wet deposition samples were carried out from January to December 2008 at Mae Hia Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province. Total precipitation was 1,286.7 mm. Mean electro-conductivity and pH values were 0.94 mS/m and 6.27, respectively. Major cations (Na+, NH 4 +, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) and major anions (HCOO - , CH 3 COO - , Cl - , NO 3 - , and SO 4 2- ) were determined by Ion Chromatography. The relative volume weight mean concentra- tions of anions, in descending order, were SO 4 2- > NO 3 - > Cl- > CH 3 COO- > HCOO- and those of cations were NH 4 + > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Na + . Results of a principle component analysis highlighted the influence of various possible sources of ions such as agricultural activity, fuel combustion, marine sources, soil resuspension, and biomass burning.

A unified ageing–creep constitutive model has been developed for the analysis and simulation of the correlation between the mechanical properties and strain and age creep parameters of aluminum alloy. The input parameters of the equation consist of initial stress level and heat treatment parameters. The outputs of this model include property parameters namely: creep strain, yield strength, precipitates relative volume fraction, and mean radius of precipitates. The model can be used to describe the development of microstructure and yield strength following creep time. The current study achieved a good performance and the results are in agreement with experimental knowledge in different stress levels. The development of the yield strength from the precipitates hardening of view is analyzed and discussed in detail.

Zusammenfassung Die Uterusschleimhaut von 80 klinisch gesunden Schlachtrindern wurde histologisch untersucht und mathematisch ausgewertet. Die zyklischen Veranderungen der Schleimhaut ergreifen das gesamte Organ, finden sich aber am ausdrucksvollsten in den Uterushornern. Unterschiedliches Verhalten bei jungfraulichen und gravid gewesenen Tieren ist nicht festzustellen; bleibende Merkmale uberstandener Schwangerschaft sind vorhanden. Das Drusengewebe hat am 12. Zyklustag mit 27% seinen hochsten, am 1. Zyklustag mit 4,5% seinen geringsten Anteil im Gesamtvolumen der Uterusschleimhaut. Dieser vermehrte oder verminderte Volumenanteil des Drusengewebes ist Ausdruck einer einerseits starken Schlangelung, andererseits straffen Streckung der Drusenschlauche, bedingt durch die zyklusabhangige Odematisierung bzw. Entquellung der Propria mucosae und damit Zu- oder Abnahme der Schleimhautdicke. (Einzelheiten im Text und Abbildung 14.) Die absolute Lange der Drusenschlauche ist in jeder Phase des Zyklus die gleiche. Die Uterindrusen sezernieren wahrend der ganzen “Sekretionsphase” (5.–12. Tag), von den Mundungen bis zu den Endstucken fortschreitend. Die Sekretion des Oberflachenepithels setzt dagegen schon v o r dieser Zeit, mit dem Hohepunkt am 1. und 2. Tag des Zyklus, ein. Summary Studies on normal cyclical changes in the uterine mucosa of the ox The uterine mucosa of 80 clinically healthy cattle sent for slaughter was examined histologically and the results were analysed statistically. The cyclical changes in the mucosa involve the whole organ, but are most marked in the uterine horns. No differences exist between virgin heifers and animals that have been pregnant, except that the latter show permanent evidence of previous pregnancies. The glandular tissue reaches its maximum of 27% of the total volume of the uterine mucosa on the 12th day of the cycle: the minimum of 4,5% occurs on the 1st day of the cycle. This increase or decrease in the relative volume of the glandular tissue results from a marked convolution of the glands and also from their extension, caused by variations in the amount of interstitial fluid (oedema). (Details are given in the text and in Fig. 14). The absolute length of the glandular tissue is the same in each phase of the cycle. The uterine glands are active throughout the secretory phase (5th to 12th day). Secretion begins near their orifice and extends progressively towards the acini. In contrast, the secretory activity of the surface epithelium begins earlier and reaches its peak on the 1st and 2nd days of the cycle. Resume Recherches sur les modifications cycliques normales de la muqueuse uterine de la vache La muqueuse uterine de 80 vaches de boucherie cliniquement saines fut etudiee histologiquement et les resultats furent soumis a une etude mathemathique. Les modifications cycliques de la muqueuse concernent l'organe tout entier, mais sont cependant plus nettes dans les cornes uterines. On ne put constater de difference entre les animaux vierges et ceux qui avaient deja ete gravides, a part les signes permanents d'une gravidite anterieures, qui persistent. Les tissu glandulaire atteint au 12eme jour, avec 27% du volume total de la muqueuse son maximum et au 1er jour, avec 4,5% la proportion minimum. L'augmentation ou la diminution du volume relatif du tissu glandulaire est la consequence, soit d'une grande serpentation des tubes glandulaires, soit de leur extension, dues a l'apparition ou a la disparition d'une infiltration sereuse (oedeme) de la propria mucosae dans differentes periodes du cycle, provoquant une augmentation ou une diminution de l'epaisseur de la muqueuse. (Details dans le texte et fig. 14). La longuer absolue des tubes glandulaires reste la meme dans toutes les phases du cycle. Les glandes uterines secretent pendant toute la phase de secretion (5–12eme jour) d'abord dans la region de l'orifice glandulaire et progressivement jusqu'aux acinis. La secretion de l'epithelium de surface commence par contre deja avant cette epoque et atteint son maximum au 1er et 2eme jour du cycle. Resumen Estudios sobre las alteraciones ciclicas normales en la mucosa uterina de la vaca Las mucosas de 80 vacas de matadero, clinicamente sanas, se estudiaron histologicamente y los resultados se interpretaron matematicamente. Las alteraciones ciclicas de la mucosa abarcan todo el organo, pero muy expresivamente se encuentran en los cuernos uterinos; no pudo determinarse comportamiento diferente entre los animales virgenes y los que habian estado gravidos; existen caractericas permanentes de gestaciones pasadas. El tejido glandular presenta el dia 12° del ciclo con un 27% su parte mas elevada en el volumen total de la mucosa uterina, y el primer dia del ciclo con 4,5% su parte menor. Esta parte del volumen, aumentada o disminuida, del tejido glandular, es por un lado la expresion de una marcada sinuosidad, por otro del estiramiento tenso de los tubos glandulares, debido a la edematizacion dependiente del ciclo o bien al deshinchamiento de la capa mucosa propia y con ello del aumento o disminucion del espesor de la mucosa (detalles en el texto y en la figura 14). La longitud absoluta de los tubos glandulares es la misma en cada fase del ciclo. Las glandulas uterinas segregan durante toda la “fase de secrecion” (dias 5°–12°), desde los orificios hasta los tramos finales, de forma progresiva. La secrecion del epitelio superficial se inicia ya antes de este tiempo, con un maximo en los dias 1° y 2° des ciclo.

The phase composition of the microdefects in Te-doped GaAs single crystals grown by the Czochralski technique with a free carrier density n0=5×1017–5×1018 cm−3 was investigated. Ga2Te3 phase reflections appeared in the X-ray diffraction patterns. Nonmonotonic dependences of the relative volume fraction and the coherent scattering domain size of Ga2Te3 on Te doping level were obtained. The possible causes of the nonmonotonic variation in the structural parameters of the Ga2Te3 phase with increase of Te concentration in GaAs are discussed.

The density of marine lipids in equilibrium with carbon dioxide (CO2) was determined using a view cell equipped with a novel spring balance based on Archimedes’ principle. The densities of fish oil triglycerides (TG) and fish oil fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) were measured at pressures ranging from 0.1 to about 25 MPa and temperatures of 40, 55 and 70 °C. In the pressure and temperature ranges investigated, the density increased with pressure and decreased with temperature. The density increase from atmospheric pressure to about 25 MPa at temperatures of 40, 55 and 70 °C was 4.1, 3.2, 2.7% and 5.3, 4.0, 3.6% for TG and FAEE, respectively. Volumetric expansion of fish oil TG and FAEE saturated with CO2 was determined at 40 °C and pressures ranging from 0.1 to 22 MPa. With increasing pressure a relative volume change of up to 38 and 67% was observed for TG and FAEE, respectively. The density and volumetric expansion of lipids in equilibrium with CO2 are important for optimal design of high pressure processes involving mass and momentum transfer.