95 research outputs found

    Development of a novel system for linear displacement sensor calibration

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    This paper presents the development of semi-autonomous metrological devices, capable of calibrating variety of linear displacement sensors, like Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDT), string potentiometers, laser displacement sensors and other. Data acquisition equipment that could be used for measuring objects of various shapes and sizes are already available; however, devices specifically tailored for the calibration of displacement sensors are not currently offered. Advantages of this new technology, that we are investigating and developing, include reduction of time, costs and human resources required to perform calibration. In addition to that, the advantages of an affordable calibration device will allow calibrations to be carried out internally, as opposed to outsourcing to dedicated facilities. The scope of the project encompasses research into the device's compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 to obtain NATA accreditation, research into design, and selection of material and manufacturing processes to ensure an acceptable measurement of uncertainty is achievable across all varieties of linear displacement sensors. The sensors are used to measure suspension displacement, steered angle and various other geometries on vehicles and test equipment. Outcomes of this research project offer experimental evidence that proves the feasibility of developing and manufacturing devices that produce an acceptable uncertainty that meets testing standards requirements at a fraction of the cost of comparable measuring devices

    Morphometrical features of left atrial appendage in the AF patients subjected to left atrial appendage closure

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    Background: This study aimed to evaluate the morphometrical features of left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with atrial fibrillation, subjected to left atrial appendage percutaneous closure (LARIAT) for stroke prevention. Materials and methods: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 51 patients with atrial fibrillation subjected to LARIAT procedure were comparatively evaluated with 50 patients with sinus rhythm (control group). Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were created using volume-rendering for evaluation. Results: No differences were found in LAA types of distribution (cauliflower: 25.5 vs. 34.0%, chicken wing: 45.1 vs. 46.0%, windsock: 29.4 vs. 20.0%, all p>0.05) between groups. However, the study group was characterized by LAAs with a lower number of lobes. The LAA orifice anteroposterior and transverse diameters (19.3±4.12 vs. 17.2±4.0mm, p=0.01 and 25.1±5.1 vs. 20.5±4.4mm, p=0.001), orifice area (387.2±133.9 vs. 327.1±128.3mm2, p=0.02) and orifice perimeter (70.2±12.5 vs. 61.2±11.6mm, p=0.04) was significantly larger in atrial fibrillation patients. More oval LAA orifices was found in atrial fibrillation group (94.0 vs. 70.4%, p=0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in LAA body length (47.4±15.4 vs. 43.7±10.9mm, p=0.17), body width (24.7±5.6 vs. 24.4±5.8mm, p=0.81), and chamber depth (17.7±3.5 vs. 16.5±3.8mm, p=0.11). Calculated LAA ejection fraction was significantly lower in study group compared to healthy patients (16.4±14.9 vs. 48.2±12.9%, p=0.001). Conclusions: Important morphometrical differences in LAA orifice have been found, which was significantly larger and more oval in patients with atrial fibrillation compared to healthy controls. Although no difference in LAA body type and size was observed; the LAA ejection fraction was significantly lower in atrial fibrillation rhythm patients

    Adhesive capsulitis and dynamic splinting: a controlled, cohort study

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Adhesive Capsulitis (AC) affects patient of all ages, and stretching protocols are commonly prescribed for this condition. Dynamic splinting has been shown effective in contracture reduction from pathologies including Trismus to plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of dynamic splinting on patients with AC.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This controlled, cohort study, was conducted at four physical therapy, sports medicine clinics in Texas and California. Sixty-two patients diagnosed with Stage II Adhesive Capsulitis were grouped by intervention. The intervention categories were as follows: Group I (Control); Group II (Physical Therapy exclusively with standardized protocols); Group III; (Shoulder Dynasplint system exclusively); Group IV (Combined treatment with Shoulder Dynasplint and standardized Physical Therapy). The duration of this study was 90 days for all groups, and the main outcome measures were change in active, external rotation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Significant difference was found for all treatment groups (p < 0.001) following a one-way ANOVA. The greatest change with the smallest standard deviation was for the combined treatment group IV, (mean change of 29°).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The difference for the combined treatment group was attributed to patients' receiving the best PT combined with structured "home therapy" that contributed an additional 90 hours of end-range stretching. This adjunct should be included in the standard of care for adhesive Capsulitis.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p><b>Trial Number</b>: NCT00873158</p

    Involvement of Complexin 2 in Docking, Locking and Unlocking of Different SNARE Complexes during Sperm Capacitation and Induced Acrosomal Exocytosis

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    Acrosomal exocytosis (AE) is an intracellular multipoint fusion reaction of the sperm plasma membrane (PM) with the outer acrosomal membrane (OAM). This unique exocytotic event enables the penetration of the sperm through the zona pellucida of the oocyte. We previously observed a stable docking of OAM to the PM brought about by the formation of the trans-SNARE complex (syntaxin 1B, SNAP 23 and VAMP 3). By using electron microscopy, immunochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques in combination with functional studies and proteomic approaches, we here demonstrate that calcium ionophore-induced AE results in the formation of unilamellar hybrid membrane vesicles containing a mixture of components originating from the two fused membranes. These mixed vesicles (MV) do not contain the earlier reported trimeric SNARE complex but instead possess a novel trimeric SNARE complex that contained syntaxin 3, SNAP 23 and VAMP 2, with an additional SNARE interacting protein, complexin 2. Our data indicate that the earlier reported raft and capacitation-dependent docking phenomenon between the PM and OAM allows a specific rearrangement of molecules between the two docked membranes and is involved in (1) recruiting SNAREs and complexin 2 in the newly formed lipid-ordered microdomains, (2) the assembly of a fusion-driving SNARE complex which executes Ca2+-dependent AE, (3) the disassembly of the earlier reported docking SNARE complex, (4) the recruitment of secondary zona binding proteins at the zona interacting sperm surface. The possibility to study separate and dynamic interactions between SNARE proteins, complexin and Ca2+ which are all involved in AE make sperm an ideal model for studying exocytosis

    Ovarian carcinoma associated with pregnancy: A clinicopathologic analysis of 23 cases and review of the literature

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of this study was to analyze and describe cases of ovarian cancer in pregnant women treated at our center and to review the literature concerned, and to discuss the rationale for therapy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-Three patients of ovarian malignancies during pregnancy were treated at Vali- Asr Hospital between 1991 and 2002. Data on treatment and follow-up were evaluated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The incidence of ovarian carcinoma associated with pregnancy in our series was 0.083/1000 deliveries. Eleven (47.8%) were found with ovarian malignant germ cell tumors, five (21.7%) with low malignant potential tumors, four (17.4%) with invasive epithelial tumors, and three (13%) with sex cord stromal tumors. Seventeen (73.9%) of the patients were diagnosed in stage I and had complete remission. Five of the six in advanced stage died. The mean follow-up was 36.3 months. The prognosis was significantly related with stage and histological type (<it>P </it>< 0.05). Sixteen healthy live babies were recorded in this group, and two premature newborn died of respiratory distress syndrome. Chemotherapy was administered to 44% of the patients, in two cases during pregnancy. Overall survival at 5 years was 61%. In most of case conservative surgical treatment could be performed with adequate staging and debulking.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Early finding of ascitis by ultrasound and persistent large ovarian mass during pregnancy may be related to malignancy and advanced stage. Pregnant women in advanced stage of ovarian cancer seem to have poor prognosis.</p

    Evaluating assumptions of scales for subjective assessment of thermal environments – Do laypersons perceive them the way, we researchers believe?

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    People's subjective response to any thermal environment is commonly investigated by using rating scales describing the degree of thermal sensation, comfort, and acceptability. Subsequent analyses of results collected in this way rely on the assumption that specific distances between verbal anchors placed on the scale exist and that relationships between verbal anchors from different dimensions that are assessed (e.g. thermal sensation and comfort) do not change. Another inherent assumption is that such scales are independent of the context in which they are used (climate zone, season, etc.). Despite their use worldwide, there is indication that contextual differences influence the way the scales are perceived and therefore question the reliability of the scales’ interpretation. To address this issue, a large international collaborative questionnaire study was conducted in 26 countries, using 21 different languages, which led to a dataset of 8225 questionnaires. Results, analysed by means of robust statistical techniques, revealed that only a subset of the responses are in accordance with the mentioned assumptions. Significant differences appeared between groups of participants in their perception of the scales, both in relation to distances of the anchors and relationships between scales. It was also found that respondents’ interpretations of scales changed with contextual factors, such as climate, season, and language. These findings highlight the need to carefully consider context-dependent factors in interpreting and reporting results from thermal comfort studies or post-occupancy evaluations, as well as to revisit the use of rating scales and the analysis methods used in thermal comfort studies to improve their reliability
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