33 research outputs found
Perturbation theory for large Stokes number particles in random velocity fields
We derive a perturbative approach to study, in the large inertia limit, the
dynamics of solid particles in a smooth, incompressible and finite-time
correlated random velocity field. We carry on an expansion in powers of the
inverse square root of the Stokes number, defined as the ratio of the
relaxation time for the particle velocities and the correlation time of the
velocity field. We describe in this limit the residual concentration
fluctuations of the particle suspension, and determine the contribution to the
collision statistics produced by clustering. For both concentration
fluctuations and collision velocities, we analyze the differences with the
compressible one-dimensional case.Comment: Latex, 12 pages, 2 eps figures include
Colorectal liver metastases: Surgery versus thermal ablation (COLLISION) - a phase III single-blind prospective randomized controlled trial
Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are widely accepted techniques to eliminate small unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Although previous studies labelled thermal ablation inferior to surgical resection, the apparent selection bias when comparing patients with unresectable disease to surgical candidates, the superior safety profile, and the competitive overall survival results for the more recent reports mandate the setup of a randomized controlled trial. The objective of the COLLISION trial is to prove non-inferiority of thermal ablation compared to hepatic resection in patients with at least one resectable and ablatable CRLM and no extrahepatic disease. Methods: In this two-arm, single-blind multi-center phase-III clinical trial, six hundred and eighteen patients with at least one CRLM (≤3cm) will be included to undergo either surgical resection or thermal ablation of appointed target lesion(s) (≤3cm). Primary endpoint is OS (overall survival, intention-to-treat analysis). Main secondary endpoints are overall disease-free survival (DFS), time to progression (TTP), time to local progression (TTLP), primary and assisted technique efficacy (PTE, ATE), procedural morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay, assessment of pain and quality of life (QoL), cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Discussion: If thermal ablation proves to be non-inferior in treating lesions ≤3cm, a switch in treatment-method may lead to a reduction of the post-procedural morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay and incremental costs without compromising oncological outcome for patients with CRLM. Trial registration:NCT03088150 , January 11th 2017
Eggplant relatives as sources of variation for developing new rootstocks: effects of grafting on eggplant yield and fruit apparent quality and composition
We propose the utilization of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) interspecific hybrids derived from crosses with closely related species as an approach for developing new improved rootstocks for eggplant. Here we investigate rootstock effects on fruit yield, apparent quality and proximate and mineral composition of S. melongena 'Black Beauty' (BB) scions grafted on interspecific hybrid rootstocks developed from crosses of S. melongena with Solanum incanum L. (SI x SM) and Solanum aethiopicum L. (SM x SA). The results are compared with non-grafted (BB control) and self-grafted (BB/BB) controls and with S. melongena 'Black Beauty' scions grafted onto Solanum torvum Sw. (STO) and Solanum macrocarpon L (SMA) rootstocks. All treatments were grown in a soil naturally infested with root-knot nematodes (mostly Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood). SI x SM and SM x SA interspecific hybrids had high germination (>= 90%) and total graft success (100%). Contrary to what occurred with all other treatments, no plants from scions grafted onto these hybrid rootstocks died during the experiment. In particular, the SI x SM hybrid rootstock conferred the highest vigour to the scion, which resulted in the highest values for fruit earliness and early and total yield. Little difference was observed among treatments for apparent fruit quality traits, except for a greater fruit calyx length and prickliness of fruit grafted onto SMA rootstocks. A similar result was obtained for fruit composition where phenolics content was higher in fruit from plants grafted onto SMA rootstocks. Grafting eggplant onto interspecific eggplant hybrids, especially on the SI x SM hybrid, has proved advantageous for eggplant production, as the high vigour and good compatibility of the rootstock with scion results in improved early and total yield without negative effects on apparent fruit quality or composition. Interspecific hybrids represent an alternative to the commonly used STO rootstock, which is a wild species with irregular germination.This work was partially financed by the Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnologia (AGL2009-07257 and RF-2008-00008-00-00). The technical assistance of Nuria Palacios and Mariola Plazas is gratefully acknowledged.Gisbert Domenech, MC.; Prohens Tomás, J.; Raigón Jiménez, MD.; Stommel, J.; Nuez Viñals, F. (2011). Eggplant relatives as sources of variation for developing new rootstocks: effects of grafting on eggplant yield and fruit apparent quality and composition. Scientia Horticulturae. 128(1):14-22. doi:10.1016/j.scienta.2010.12.007S1422128