100,316 research outputs found
Flow beneath inland navigation vessels
No full textGrowing transportation rates and the subsequent growth in inland waterway transport have led to an increase in inland vessel sizes and draught. Due to the fluctuating water levels on rivers and these increasing draughts, the distance between the river bed and the ships are decreasing. Rijkswaterstaat wants to know the effects of sailing at these small underkeel clearances on river beds and ship manoeuvrability. In order to quantify these effects, more knowledge about the flow field beneath sailing vessels is required, as well as the effect of the flow field on erosion of bed material. Currently no methods exist to determine the flow field beneath vessels, only a few formulations for a single maximum velocity value are available, but these are not applicable at small underkeel clearances (h / T < 1.25). Also the effect on the river bed is fairly unknown. To quantify the different effects of small underkeel clearances on the flow field physical model tests (with a length scale of 30) have been performed at Deltares. During these experiments a ship was towed through the flume, and flow velocities and pressures on the bed were measured, as well as forces on the ship. Additional experiments have been performed to investigate the effect on a moveable bed with different bed forms. From the experiments, it was found that the most important parameters that influence the flow field beneath the keel are the bow shape and the underkeel clearance. Barge bows force more flow underneath the keel than conventional bows, and this results in higher bed velocities. Decreasing keel clearances also result in significantly higher velocities at the bed. However, for very small underkeel clearances the boundary layer on the ship will interact with the boundary layer on the bed. This results in flow blockage underneath the keel. As a result, the flow needs to divert to the sides, and the velocities underneath the keel decrease. The diversion of the flow to the sides is also known as the fanning-out effect. This effect has definitely been proved by the measurements from the experiments. The effect (transverse velocities) increases with decreasing keel clearance (due to boundary layer interaction) and also increases with increasing ship widths. During the experiments, erosion of bed material was clearly observed, and its effect increased with decreasing keel clearance. However, the underkeel clearance needs to be very small (h /UKC < 1.1) to give significant bed erosion. Due to the fanning-out effect and turbulence fluctuations, most sediment transport occurred immediately alongside the vessel, rather than underneath the keel. With bed forms such as dunes the erosion increased, due to erosion at the dune tops and deposition in the troughs (10 passages of a conventional vessel over a dune resulted in a decrease in dune height of 20%). For the removal of small shoals this might be interesting, although a small underkeel clearance is necessary. Barges are preferred over conventional vessels due to the higher velocities and increased turbulence intensity. From the measured velocities during the physical model tests a model has been developed to predict the flow field underneath sailing inland navigation vessels. There are separate models for conventional vessels and for barges. The model is able to accurately predict maximum velocities (in sailing direction as well as in transverse direction), as well as a transverse velocity distribution. Compared to the previous prediction methods, the newly developed model is preferable. The results are more accurate, and the model is more extensive, due to the inclusion of transverse velocities and velocity distributions. More validation is required however, due to the lack of other data sets.Hydraulic EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience
Photobiomodulation therapy can prevent the development of severe acute radiodermatitis in head and neck cancer patients: A multicentric, randomized controlled trial
No full textNew York, NY; Plastic Surgical Associates, Fort Collins, CO Background: Myosatellite cells may be activated by both heat and mechanical stretch upon which they can differentiate to provide nuclei for existing muscles or to generate new muscle fibres. Current study investigates the effects of simultaneous application of HIFEM contractions and radiofrequency heating on the levels of myosatellite cells, which play a crucial role in muscle growth. Study Design/Materials and Method: Total of five large White swines received three 30-minute treatments administered over abdomen. Muscle bioptates were acquired at baseline, 4 days, 2 weeks, and 1-month post-treatment. Baseline, 4-day and 2-week specimens were cut into 5-10 mm thick slices, and bound by the specific anti-bodies, the homeobox protein 7 (Pax7) levels, a marker of activated and differentiated SC, were quantified using immunofluorescence microscopy technique with a UV lamp. Several slices were stained by hematoxylin and eosin to monitor any structural changes. Results: The analysis showed significant increase in the satellite cell levels by 26.1% at 4 days post-treatment and even by 30.2% at 2 weeks after treatments. Conventional histology images revealed hypertrophic changes demonstrated by increased cross-sectional area of muscle fibres. Slices also showed increased number of small diameter fibres, indicating increased presence of newly formed muscle fibres. No damage to muscle tissue was found as well as no adverse effects related to the treatment. Conclusion: Finding of this study indicates that the simultaneous application of radiofrequency heating and HIFEM contraction results in activation and differentiation of myosatellite cells to support the hypertrophic changes of existing fibres and even to form new muscle fibres. The observed changes were comparable with 12-16-week long exercise programmes. Background: Cryolipolysis is the leading non-surgical fat removal technology for subcutaneous adipose tissue. We have recently developed an injectable ice-slurry, capable of selective subcutaneous adipose tissue removal after a single injection. We hypothesized that ice-slurry injection can also selectively reduce visceral fat and set out to investigate effects of cooling of visceral adipose tissue for treatment of obesity. Study Design/Materials and Method: We used diet-induced obese mice that are a commonly used model for obesity. Epididymal fat pads in animals in the test and sham treatment groups were exposed to cooling or sham treatment. Body weight was monitored, and tissue samples were collected for histology at different time points. Results: There was increase in expression of pro-inflammatory genes including IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, and GM-CSF in adipose tissue at Day 1 post-cooling treatment. TUNEL staining showed increased number of TUNEL+ cells in treated fat pads at Day 1 post-cooling which is a hallmark of apoptosis. Histological analysis of the biopsy samples showed panniculitis at 14 days post-treatment. Body weight in sham group increased significantly at 14 days post-treatment in comparison with the baseline (46.80 ± 7.05 g vs. 45.20 ± 7.76 g; P = 0.9999 by two-tailed paired Student's t test). Conclusion: In this study, we examined effects of cooling of visceral adipose tissue in a mouse model of obesity. We demonstrated that cooling of visceral fat induces inflammation in adi-pose tissue along with apoptosis in adipocytes that results is fat loss. Visceral fat cooling could potentially serve as a non-surgical treatment for obesity. Background: Fractional photothermolysis is a widely used aesthetic tool with many dermatologic applications. Herein, we developed a mouse model to investigate the metabolic effects of fractional photothermolysis exposure over a large body surface area. The aim of our study is to elucidate the link between the hypermetabolic state induced by large area burns, and the apparent increase in metabolism following a controlled fractional photothermolysis treatment. Study Design/Materials and Method: In our study, 22-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. We performed a laser procedure on the back of each mouse, covering approximately 30% of body surface area, sparing the tail, head, and extremities. Mice were then monitored for 5 days, after which they were euthan-ized. Mice were weighed before treatment and after euthanasia. Skin samples were dissected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) (a marker of inflammation) and noradrenaline levels were determined in serum and plasma respectively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Mice experienced a considerable decrease in body weight after the laser procedure, as well as substantial fat loss in th
The safe use of photobiomodulation therapy in an oncologic setting
No full textNew York, NY; Plastic Surgical Associates, Fort Collins, CO Background: Myosatellite cells may be activated by both heat and mechanical stretch upon which they can differentiate to provide nuclei for existing muscles or to generate new muscle fibres. Current study investigates the effects of simultaneous application of HIFEM contractions and radiofrequency heating on the levels of myosatellite cells, which play a crucial role in muscle growth. Study Design/Materials and Method: Total of five large White swines received three 30-minute treatments administered over abdomen. Muscle bioptates were acquired at baseline, 4 days, 2 weeks, and 1-month post-treatment. Baseline, 4-day and 2-week specimens were cut into 5-10 mm thick slices, and bound by the specific anti-bodies, the homeobox protein 7 (Pax7) levels, a marker of activated and differentiated SC, were quantified using immunofluorescence microscopy technique with a UV lamp. Several slices were stained by hematoxylin and eosin to monitor any structural changes. Results: The analysis showed significant increase in the satellite cell levels by 26.1% at 4 days post-treatment and even by 30.2% at 2 weeks after treatments. Conventional histology images revealed hypertrophic changes demonstrated by increased cross-sectional area of muscle fibres. Slices also showed increased number of small diameter fibres, indicating increased presence of newly formed muscle fibres. No damage to muscle tissue was found as well as no adverse effects related to the treatment. Conclusion: Finding of this study indicates that the simultaneous application of radiofrequency heating and HIFEM contraction results in activation and differentiation of myosatellite cells to support the hypertrophic changes of existing fibres and even to form new muscle fibres. The observed changes were comparable with 12-16-week long exercise programmes. Background: Cryolipolysis is the leading non-surgical fat removal technology for subcutaneous adipose tissue. We have recently developed an injectable ice-slurry, capable of selective subcutaneous adipose tissue removal after a single injection. We hypothesized that ice-slurry injection can also selectively reduce visceral fat and set out to investigate effects of cooling of visceral adipose tissue for treatment of obesity. Study Design/Materials and Method: We used diet-induced obese mice that are a commonly used model for obesity. Epididymal fat pads in animals in the test and sham treatment groups were exposed to cooling or sham treatment. Body weight was monitored, and tissue samples were collected for histology at different time points. Results: There was increase in expression of pro-inflammatory genes including IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, and GM-CSF in adipose tissue at Day 1 post-cooling treatment. TUNEL staining showed increased number of TUNEL+ cells in treated fat pads at Day 1 post-cooling which is a hallmark of apoptosis. Histological analysis of the biopsy samples showed panniculitis at 14 days post-treatment. Body weight in sham group increased significantly at 14 days post-treatment in comparison with the baseline (46.80 ± 7.05 g vs. 45.20 ± 7.76 g; P = 0.9999 by two-tailed paired Student's t test). Conclusion: In this study, we examined effects of cooling of visceral adipose tissue in a mouse model of obesity. We demonstrated that cooling of visceral fat induces inflammation in adi-pose tissue along with apoptosis in adipocytes that results is fat loss. Visceral fat cooling could potentially serve as a non-surgical treatment for obesity. Background: Fractional photothermolysis is a widely used aesthetic tool with many dermatologic applications. Herein, we developed a mouse model to investigate the metabolic effects of fractional photothermolysis exposure over a large body surface area. The aim of our study is to elucidate the link between the hypermetabolic state induced by large area burns, and the apparent increase in metabolism following a controlled fractional photothermolysis treatment. Study Design/Materials and Method: In our study, 22-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. We performed a laser procedure on the back of each mouse, covering approximately 30% of body surface area, sparing the tail, head, and extremities. Mice were then monitored for 5 days, after which they were euthan-ized. Mice were weighed before treatment and after euthanasia. Skin samples were dissected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) (a marker of inflammation) and noradrenaline levels were determined in serum and plasma respectively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Mice experienced a considerable decrease in body weight after the laser procedure, as well as substantial fat loss in th
Photobiomodulation therapy can prevent the development of severe acute radiodermatitis in head and neck cancer patients: A multicentric, randomized controlled trial
No full textNew York, NY; Plastic Surgical Associates, Fort Collins, CO Background: Myosatellite cells may be activated by both heat and mechanical stretch upon which they can differentiate to provide nuclei for existing muscles or to generate new muscle fibres. Current study investigates the effects of simultaneous application of HIFEM contractions and radiofrequency heating on the levels of myosatellite cells, which play a crucial role in muscle growth. Study Design/Materials and Method: Total of five large White swines received three 30-minute treatments administered over abdomen. Muscle bioptates were acquired at baseline, 4 days, 2 weeks, and 1-month post-treatment. Baseline, 4-day and 2-week specimens were cut into 5-10 mm thick slices, and bound by the specific anti-bodies, the homeobox protein 7 (Pax7) levels, a marker of activated and differentiated SC, were quantified using immunofluorescence microscopy technique with a UV lamp. Several slices were stained by hematoxylin and eosin to monitor any structural changes. Results: The analysis showed significant increase in the satellite cell levels by 26.1% at 4 days post-treatment and even by 30.2% at 2 weeks after treatments. Conventional histology images revealed hypertrophic changes demonstrated by increased cross-sectional area of muscle fibres. Slices also showed increased number of small diameter fibres, indicating increased presence of newly formed muscle fibres. No damage to muscle tissue was found as well as no adverse effects related to the treatment. Conclusion: Finding of this study indicates that the simultaneous application of radiofrequency heating and HIFEM contraction results in activation and differentiation of myosatellite cells to support the hypertrophic changes of existing fibres and even to form new muscle fibres. The observed changes were comparable with 12-16-week long exercise programmes. Background: Cryolipolysis is the leading non-surgical fat removal technology for subcutaneous adipose tissue. We have recently developed an injectable ice-slurry, capable of selective subcutaneous adipose tissue removal after a single injection. We hypothesized that ice-slurry injection can also selectively reduce visceral fat and set out to investigate effects of cooling of visceral adipose tissue for treatment of obesity. Study Design/Materials and Method: We used diet-induced obese mice that are a commonly used model for obesity. Epididymal fat pads in animals in the test and sham treatment groups were exposed to cooling or sham treatment. Body weight was monitored, and tissue samples were collected for histology at different time points. Results: There was increase in expression of pro-inflammatory genes including IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, and GM-CSF in adipose tissue at Day 1 post-cooling treatment. TUNEL staining showed increased number of TUNEL+ cells in treated fat pads at Day 1 post-cooling which is a hallmark of apoptosis. Histological analysis of the biopsy samples showed panniculitis at 14 days post-treatment. Body weight in sham group increased significantly at 14 days post-treatment in comparison with the baseline (46.80 ± 7.05 g vs. 45.20 ± 7.76 g; P = 0.9999 by two-tailed paired Student's t test). Conclusion: In this study, we examined effects of cooling of visceral adipose tissue in a mouse model of obesity. We demonstrated that cooling of visceral fat induces inflammation in adi-pose tissue along with apoptosis in adipocytes that results is fat loss. Visceral fat cooling could potentially serve as a non-surgical treatment for obesity. Background: Fractional photothermolysis is a widely used aesthetic tool with many dermatologic applications. Herein, we developed a mouse model to investigate the metabolic effects of fractional photothermolysis exposure over a large body surface area. The aim of our study is to elucidate the link between the hypermetabolic state induced by large area burns, and the apparent increase in metabolism following a controlled fractional photothermolysis treatment. Study Design/Materials and Method: In our study, 22-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. We performed a laser procedure on the back of each mouse, covering approximately 30% of body surface area, sparing the tail, head, and extremities. Mice were then monitored for 5 days, after which they were euthan-ized. Mice were weighed before treatment and after euthanasia. Skin samples were dissected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) (a marker of inflammation) and noradrenaline levels were determined in serum and plasma respectively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Mice experienced a considerable decrease in body weight after the laser procedure, as well as substantial fat loss in th
Letter, [Author unclear] to Paulina T. Merritt
No full textHandwritten letter to Paulina Merritt from an unknown author, October 1, 1876.
Handwritten biographical information on Paulina T. McClung Merritt
No full textA handwritten biography of Paulina T. McClung Merritt by an unknown author, 1892.
Heterogeneous and tissue-specific regulation of effector T cell responses by IFN-gamma during Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection.
No full textIFN-γ and T cells are both required for the development of experimental cerebral malaria during Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection. Surprisingly, however, the role of IFN-γ in shaping the effector CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell response during this infection has not been examined in detail. To address this, we have compared the effector T cell responses in wild-type and IFN-γ(-/-) mice during P. berghei ANKA infection. The expansion of splenic CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells during P. berghei ANKA infection was unaffected by the absence of IFN-γ, but the contraction phase of the T cell response was significantly attenuated. Splenic T cell activation and effector function were essentially normal in IFN-γ(-/-) mice; however, the migration to, and accumulation of, effector CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the lung, liver, and brain was altered in IFN-γ(-/-) mice. Interestingly, activation and accumulation of T cells in various nonlymphoid organs was differently affected by lack of IFN-γ, suggesting that IFN-γ influences T cell effector function to varying levels in different anatomical locations. Importantly, control of splenic T cell numbers during P. berghei ANKA infection depended on active IFN-γ-dependent environmental signals--leading to T cell apoptosis--rather than upon intrinsic alterations in T cell programming. To our knowledge, this is the first study to fully investigate the role of IFN-γ in modulating T cell function during P. berghei ANKA infection and reveals that IFN-γ is required for efficient contraction of the pool of activated T cells
Dispelling the Myths Behind First-author Citation Counts
No full textWe conducted a full-scale evaluative citation analysis study of scholars in the XML research field to explore just how different from each other author rankings resulting from different citation counting methods actually are, and to demonstrate the capability of emerging data and tools on the Web in supporting more realistic citation counting methods. Our results contest some common arguments for the continued
use of first-author citation counts in the evaluation of scholars, such as high correlations between author rankings by first-author citation counts and other citation
counting methods, and high costs of using more realistic citation counting methods that are not well-supported by the ISI databases. It is argued that increasingly available digital full text research papers make it possible for citation analysis studies to go beyond what the ISI databases have directly supported and to employ more
sophisticated methods
Pelevin’s Trinity in the novel “t”: author – protagonist – reader
No full textThe article attempts to interpret Pelevin's artistic strategy in the novel "T" by exploring its subject organization and addressing the key problems of the author, the protagonist, and the reader as they are seen by the researcher. The article analyzes the peculiarities of constructing the narrative reality in the novel "T", and goes on to discuss Pelevin's philosophic models of the development of the humankind, and the emergence of his new anthropology
Measuring industry-science links through inventor-author relations: A profiling method
No full textIn this pilot study we examine the performance of text-based profiling in recovering a set of validated inventor-author links. In a first step we match patents and publications solely based on their similarity in content. Next, we compare inventor and author names on the highest ranked matches for the occurrence of name matches. Finally, we compare these candidate matches with the names listed in a validated set of inventor-author names. Our text-based profile methodology performs significantly better than a random matching of patents and publications, suggesting that text-based profiling is a valuable complementary tool to the name searches used in previous studies.innovation; industry-science links; text-based profiling;
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