Assessing the innervation of the dorsal wrist capsule using modified Sihler’s staining

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the innervation of the dorsal articular capsule of the wrist using modified Sihler’s staining. Materials and methods: Thirty dorsal wrist capsules were collected from 15 donors (both sides) within 12 hours of death. All the capsules were collected in the same manner — using the dorsal incision. The specimens were stained according to the protocol of the modified Sihler’s staining technique. The preserved capsules were analysed under 8–16× magnification of an optical microscope for the presence of major nerve trunks, their major and minor branches, and nerve connections. Results: The range of innervation visualised was that the posterior interosseous nerve innervated approximately 60% of the central part; the remaining area was innervated by the dorsal sensory branch of the radial nerve and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve. The constant findings were the branches departing from the ulnar side of the posterior interosseous nerve and from the radial side, with an exception seen in 2 cases. A communicans branch between the posterior interosseous nerve and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve was seen in all the specimens. The posterior interosseous nerve innervation extended beyond the level of the carpometacarpal joints II–V. Conclusions: The modified Sihler’s staining technique allows for transparent visibility of the nerves that innervate the dorsal wrist capsule. However, it does not allow as accurate assessment as does histological examination, especially regarding the evaluation of nerve endings. Nevertheless, this method provides a significantly larger area of nerve observation than is provided by histological examination

Ultrasound-guided topographic anatomy of the medial calcaneal branches of the tibial nerve

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the topographic anatomy of the tibial nerve and its medial calcaneal branches in relation to the tip of the medial malleolus and to the posterior superior tip of the calcaneal tuberosity using the ultrasound examination and to verify its preoperative usefulness in surgical treatment. Materials and methods: Bilateral ultrasound examination was performed on 30 volunteers and the location of the tibial nerve bifurcation and medial calcaneal branches origin were measured. Medial calcaneal branches were analysed in reference to the amount and their respective nerves of origin. Results: In 77% of cases, tibial nerve bifurcation occurred below the tip of the medial malleolus with the average distance of 5.9 mm and in 48% of cases above the posterior superior tip of the calcaneal tuberosity with the average distance of 2.7 mm. In 73% of cases medial calcaneal branches occurred as a single branch originating from the tibial nerve (60%). The average distance of the first, second and third medial calcaneal branch was accordingly 9.3 mm above, 9.5 mm below and 11.6 mm below the tip of the medial malleolus and 17.7 mm above, 1.6 mm below and 4 mm below the posterior superior tip of the calcaneal tuberosity. Conclusions: As the tibial nerve and its branches present a huge variability in the medial ankle area, in order to prevent the iatrogenic injuries, the preoperative or intraoperative ultrasound assessment (sonosurgery) of its localisation should be introduced into the clinic

Comparison of the histological structure of the tibial nerve and its terminal branches in the fresh and fresh-frozen cadavers

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the histological structure (cross-sectional area [CSA] and number of nerve fascicles) of the distal part of the tibial nerve (TN) and its terminal branches (medial plantar nerve [MPN], lateral plantar nerve [LPN]) in the fresh and fresh-frozen cadavers using computer assisted image analysis.Materials and methods: The TNs with terminal branches (MPN and LPN) were dissected from the fresh and fresh-frozen cadavers. Each nerve was harvested 5 mm proximally and respectively 5 mm distally from the TN bifurcation, marked, dehydrated, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 2 μm slices and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Then the specimens were photographed and analysed using Olympus cellSens software.Results: The fresh cadavers’ group comprised 60 feet (mean age 68.1 ± 15.2 years). The mean CSA and the number of nerve fascicles were respectively 15.25 ± 4.6 mm2, 30.35 ± 8.45 for the TN, 8.76 ± 1.93 mm2, 20.75 ± 7.04 for the MPN and 6.54 ± 2.02 mm2, 13.40 ± 5.22 for the LPN. The fresh-frozen cadavers’ group comprised 21 feet (mean age 75.1 ± 9.0 years). The mean CSA and the number of nerve fascicles were respectively 13.71 ± 5.66 mm2, 28.57 ± 8.00 for the TN, 7.55 ± 3.25 mm2, 18.00 ± 6.72 for the MPN and 4.29 ± 1.93 mm2, 11.33 ± 1.93 for the LPN. Only LPNs showed statistical differences in the CSA and the number of nerve fascicles between examined groups (p = 0.000, p = 0.037, respectively). A positive correlation was found between donors age and tibial nerve CSA in the fresh cadavers group (r = 0.44, p = 0.000). A statistical difference was found between the MPN and LPN both in the CSA and the number of nerve fascicles (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusions: The CSA and the number of nerve fascicles of the tibial and medial plantar nerves were similar in the fresh and fresh-frozen cadavers whilst different in the LPN. The TN showed increasing CSA with the advanced age in the fresh cadavers. The MPN had larger CSA and more nerve fascicles than the LPN

Corrosion investigation of multilayered ceramics and experimental nickel alloys in SCWO process environments

A corrosion investigation was done at MODAR, Inc., using a supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) vessel reactor. Several types of multilayered ceramic rings and experimental nickel alloy coupons were exposed to a chlorinated cutting oil TrimSol, in the SCWO process. A corrosion casing was designed and mounted in the vessel reactor with precautions to minimize chances of degrading the integrity of the pressure vessel. Fifteen of the ceramic coated rings were stacked vertically in the casing at one time for each test. There was a total of 36 rings. The rings were in groupings of three rings that formed five sections. Each section saw a different SCWO environment, ranging from 650 to 300{degrees}C. The metal coupons were mounted on horizontal threaded holders welded to a vertical rod attached to the casing cover in order to hang down the middle of the casing. The experimental nickel alloys performed better than the baseline nickel alloys. A titania multilayered ceramic system sprayed onto a titanium ring remained intact after 120-180 hours of exposure. This is the longest time any coating system has withstood such an environment without significant loss

The terminal branch of the posterior interosseous nerve: an anatomic and histologic study

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the terminal branch of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) by anatomically and histologically assessing the number, dimension, and area of its individual fascicles, by determining the dimension and area of the whole nerve itself, and by calculating the nerve density ratio (ratio of the sum of the areas of individual fascicles to the area of the whole nerve) of the terminal branch of the PIN. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight terminal branches of the PIN nerve samples were collected from patients undergoing partial denervation of the wrist. The nerve samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and stained with haematoxylin and eosin to visualise their nerve bundles. Quantitative analysis of individual fascicles and the whole nerve itself were carried out. Results: Ten nerve samples (35.7%) had one single fascicle (group 1) while the remaining 18 nerve samples (64.3%) contained 2–9 fascicles (group 2). The difference in the sum of the areas of individual fascicles between the two groups did not constitute a statistical difference. Statistically significant between-group differences (p < 0.05) were seen in the area of whole nerve, the ratio of fascicle area to the nerve cross-sectional area and the cross-section maximum nerve length and width. Conclusions: The number of nerve fascicles in the terminal branch of the PIN does not affect the overall size of the nerve. The majority of the volume of multi-fascicle nerves, therefore, primarily consists of the internal perineurium. However, due to the low number of nerves, this question cannot be clearly answered. This sets a further direction for further research on a larger group

Computer-assisted measurements of the histological structure of the tibial nerve and its terminal branches

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the histological structure (cross-sectional area [CSA] and number of nerve bundles) of the distal part of the tibial nerve and its terminal branches (medial plantar nerve, lateral plantar nerve) using computer-assisted image analysis. Materials and methods: The tibial nerve and its distal branches (medial and lateral plantar nerves) were dissected from the fresh cadavers. Each nerve was harvested 5 mm proximally and respectively 5 mm distally from the tibial nerve bifurcation, marked, dehydrated, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 2 μm slices and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Then photographed and analysed using Olympus cellSens software. Results: The studied group comprised 28 female and 32 male feet (mean age 68.1 ± 15.2 years). The mean CSA and the number of nerve bundles were respectively 17.86 ± 4.57 mm2, 33.88 ± 6.31 for the tibial nerve, 9.58 ± 1.95 mm2, 23.41 ± 7.37 for the medial plantar nerve and 7.17 ± 2.36 mm2, 15.06 ± 5.81 for the lateral plantar nerve in males and 12.27 ± 2.45 mm2, 26.32 ± 8.87 for the tibial nerve, 7.81 ± 1.41 mm2, 17.71 ± 5.28 for the medial plantar nerve and 5.83 ± 1.25 mm2, 11.50 ± 3.72 for the lateral plantar nerve in females. Both CSA and number of nerve bundles of the tibial, medial plantar and lateral plantar nerves revealed no statistical differences when comparing foot side of the individual. The statistical difference was related to the gender, showing significantly bigger CSA and number of nerve bundles in males (CSA: p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.016; number of nerve bundles: p = 0.01, p = 0.003, p = 0.004, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the donor age and the tibial nerve CSA (r = 0.44, p = 0.000). A significant statistical difference was found between the medial and lateral plantar nerves both in CSA and number of nerve bundles (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The CSA and the number of nerve bundles in the distal part of the tibial nerve and its branches are significantly larger in males with no differences between right and left foot of the individual. The tibial nerve shows increasing CSA with advanced age. The medial plantar nerve has larger CSA and more nerve bundles than the lateral plantar nerve

Progress Report for Diffusion Welding of the NGNP Process Application Heat Exchangers

The U.S. Department of Energy selected the high temperature gas-cooled reactor as the basis for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP). The NGNP will demonstrate the use of nuclear power for electricity, hydrogen production, and process heat applications. The NGNP Project is currently investigating the use of metallic, diffusion welded, compact heat exchangers to transfer heat from the primary (reactor side) heat transport system to the secondary heat transport system. An intermediate heat exchanger will transfer this heat to downstream applications such as hydrogen production, process heat, and electricity generation. The channeled plates that make up the heat transfer surfaces of the intermediate heat exchanger will have to be assembled into an array by diffusion welding. This report describes the preliminary results of a scoping study that evaluated the diffusion welding process parameters and the resultant mechanical properties of diffusion welded joints using Alloy 800H. The long-term goal of the program is to progress towards demonstration of small heat exchanger unit cells fabricated with diffusion welds. Demonstration through mechanical testing of the unit cells will support American Society of Mechanical Engineers rules and standards development, reduce technical risk, and provide proof of concept for heat exchanger fabrication methods needed to deploy heat exchangers in several potential NGNP configurations.1 Researchers also evaluated the usefulness of modern thermodynamic and diffusion computational tools (Thermo-Calc and Dictra) in optimizing the parameters for diffusion welding of Alloy 800H. The modeling efforts suggested a temperature of 1150 C for 1 hour with an applied pressure of 5 MPa using 15 {micro}m nickel foil as joint filler to reduce chromium oxidation on the welded surfaces. Good agreement between modeled and experimentally determined concentration gradients was achieve

Phylogenetic relationships within Orobanche and Phelipanche (Orobanchaceae) from Central Europe, focused on problematic aggregates, taxonomy, and host ranges

Holoparasitic genera within the family Orobanchaceae are characterized by greatly reduced vegetative organs; therefore, molecular analysis has proved to be a useful tool in solving taxonomic problems in this family. For this purpose, we studied all species of the genera Orobanche and Phelipanche occurring in Central Europe, specifically in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria, supplemented by samples mainly from Spain, France, Germany, and Ukraine. They were investigated using nuclear sequences (ITS region) and a plastid trnL- trnF region. The aim of this study was to examine phylogenetic relationships within Orobanche and Phelipanche from Central Europe; we focused on problematic species and aggregates, recent taxonomic changes in these (rank and secondary ranks), and host ranges. The most interesting results concern the exlusion of O. mayeri from O. alsatica aggr. Additionally, following the rules of traditional taxonomy, the correct names and types of some secondary ranks are given and, as a result of this, a new combination below the Phelipanche genus is made ( P . sect. Trionychon ). The host ranges of the investigated species in Central Europe include 102 species from 12 families, most often from Asteraceae. For this purpose, ca. 400 localities were examined in the field. Moreover, data acquired from the literature and European and Asian herbaria were use

‘Venous lakes’ — a corrosion cast scanning electron microscopy study of regular and myomatous human uterine blood vessels

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the venous structure of regularand myomatous human uteri, using corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Special attention was paid to the endometrium and the socalled ‘venous lakes’.Materials and methods: Uteri collected at autopsy (n = 67) were injected with Mercox CL-2R resin, which penetrated the capillary bed and filled both arteriesand veins. After the polymerisation of the resin, the corrosion was performed. The obtained vascular casts, visualising all vessels including capillaries, were examinedusing scanning electron microscopy.Results: Amongst the 67 uteri prepared for the corrosion casting, only 22 (15 containing leiomyomata) yielded casts of acceptable quality for SEM assessment. Veins of the endometrium and the myometrium were present in the form of a chaotic network, which did not run parallel to the arterialsystem, but was rather independent. Microscopic venous dilations (‘venouslakes’) were observed both within the functional layer of the endometrium and the myometrium. They were digit-like in shape and could be compared to venous sinuses. They drained the subendothelial capillary plexus and were supplied by numerous capillaries and venules. Their size ranged from 270 to 420 μm. Those dilatations were absent in the outer myometrium and the perimetrium, as well as the uterine cervix. We have not observed any arteriovenous anastomoses.Conclusions: The myomatous uteri tend to have larger venous lakes than the normal uteri. The number and size of venous lakes increases with menstrual cycle progression. Further data on morphology and changes in venous lakesusing scanning electronic microscopy should be acquired

Economic and Technical Assessment of Wood Biomass Fuel Gasification for Industrial Gas Production

This project addresses both the technical and economic feasibility of replacing industrial gas in lime kilns with synthesis gas from the gasification of hog fuel. The technical assessment includes a materials evaluation, processing equipment needs, and suitability of the heat content of the synthesis gas as a replacement for industrial gas. The economic assessment includes estimations for capital, construction, operating, maintenance, and management costs for the reference plant. To perform these assessments, detailed models of the gasification and lime kiln processes were developed using Aspen Plus. The material and energy balance outputs from the Aspen Plus model were used as inputs to both the material and economic evaluations