scholarly journals Direct measurement of stool consistency by texture analyzer and calculation of reference value in Belgian general population

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazunori Matsuda ◽  
Takuya Akiyama ◽  
Satoshi Tsujibe ◽  
Kaihei Oki ◽  
Agata Gawad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Direct Measurement ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Stool Consistency ◽  
Texture Analyzer ◽  
Simple Protocol ◽  
Stool Form ◽  
Micro Systems ◽  
And Function

AbstractStool consistency is evaluated mainly in reference to indirect indicators such as water content or the appearance of stool forms using Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). Methods of measurement are limited. We thus aimed to develop a simple protocol for direct measurement of stool consistency using the TA.XTExpress Texture Analyser (Stable Micro Systems Ltd.). We developed a protocol which enables mechanical quantification of the gram-force against a cylindrical probe (ø 6 mm) pushed into the stool surface at 2.0 mm/s to 5 mm depth. The consistency of 252 stools collected from 40 healthy Belgians was evaluated by the direct method and by the indirect indicators (water content and BSFS) for comparison. The log-transformed stool consistency values measured by the texture analyzer had a negative linear correlation with the stool water contents (rrm = − 0.781) with homoscedastic variance, suggesting the appropriateness of the new protocol. They showed a similar correlation with the BSFS, but with a large variance in the consistency values of normal stool forms. This correlation was much smaller for BSFS scored by subjects (rrm = − 0.587) than by experts (rrm = − 0.789), collectively indicating BSFS as a rough indicator of stool consistency susceptible to subjective bias despite its effectiveness in clinical use. The optimized direct method using the texture analyzer enables the accurate quantification of stool consistency, which facilitates understanding of the intestinal environment and function and thus may enhance the value of the stool as a predictor of human health.

Characterization of frozen hydrated biological specimens by low-loss EELS

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 1572-1573
Author(s):  
Songquan Sun ◽  
Richard D. Leapman
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Internal Standard ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Dark Field ◽  
Protein Solutions ◽  
Subcellular Compartment ◽  
Differential Shrinkage ◽  
Electron Energy Loss

Analyses of ultrathin cryosections are generally performed after freeze-drying because the presence of water renders the specimens highly susceptible to radiation damage. The water content of a subcellular compartment is an important quantity that must be known, for example, to convert the dry weight concentrations of ions to the physiologically more relevant molar concentrations. Water content can be determined indirectly from dark-field mass measurements provided that there is no differential shrinkage between compartments and that there exists a suitable internal standard. The potential advantage of a more direct method for measuring water has led us to explore the use of electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) for characterizing biological specimens in their frozen hydrated state.We have obtained preliminary EELS measurements from pure amorphous ice and from cryosectioned frozen protein solutions. The specimens were cryotransfered into a VG-HB501 field-emission STEM equipped with a 666 Gatan parallel-detection spectrometer and analyzed at approximately −160 C.

scholarly journals Structure and Function in the Nematodes: Internal Pressure and Cuticular Structure in Ascaris

1957 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. HARRIS ◽  
H. D. CROFTON
Keyword(s):  
Internal Pressure ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Pressure Gauge ◽  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Mechanical Factors ◽  
And Function ◽  
Longitudinal Muscles ◽  
High Internal Pressure ◽  
A Direct Method

1. Experimental determinations of the hydrostatic pressure in the pseudocoel of living Ascaris lumbricoides were made by a direct method, using a glass helix pressure gauge and by an indirect method using an indentation gauge, both of which are described. 2. The mean value of this pressure was 70 mm. Hg (95 cm. of water), and showed wide and often rhythmical variations from 16 mm. to as high as 225 mm. Hg. Observations on the behaviour of artificially distended worms and of the tension developed by the muscles confirm these results. 3. The mechanical structure of the cuticle, with its inextensible spiral fibrils, forming a basketwork at an angle of 75° to the longitudinal axis, provides for an anisometric expansion and contraction under the action of the longitudinal muscles which is closely in accordance with the observed changes in volume and length. 4. A discussion of the significance of this mechanism and of the high internal pressure suggests that the great similarity of form among nematodes is determined to a considerable extent by mechanical factors.

scholarly journals Environmentally Friendly Soil Water Conservation Techniques

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 5513-5520
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Cultivated Plants

The conservation of water resources through their optimal use is a compulsory for countries with water shortages in the arid and semi-arid regions, and it should be in an environmentally friendly manner to avoid the serious consequences of the use of environmentally harmful substances, the implications of which are currently evident from climate change, pollution of water bodies, soils, etc. Since Egypt is one of those countries suffering from water scarcity and uses about 82.5 percent of its water consumption in agriculture, according to data of the Ministry of Irrigation in 2010, so this research is focusing on the use of new methods to increase the efficiency of irrigation water, to achieve high productivity of agricultural crops with less water use that will certainly help to alleviate or solve the water scarcity issue. The study used a physical based model, to simulate the methods used to increase sand soil properties to ensure larger water retention index. Within this work, soil have been sampled from different areas, to simulate the behavior of arid lands, under different water retention techniques. Soil was exposed to different techniques, as it was mixed with soil additives in different quantities and different types. Physical barriers of cohesive soil and polyethylene sheets were used in addition to studying the effect of mulch on water storage capacity in noncohesive soil. Water retention have been measured using the direct method of determination soil water content by oven drying and the volumetric water content (𝞱v ) with time graphs have been plotted in groups, as well as the cultivated plants have been monitored as to measure the influence on plants growing and irrigation efficiency. And the experiment showed that the use of rice straw (RS) and wheat straw (WS) in the powder condition have a significant effect in increasing in the soil water content and even to the plant growth, the WS obtained 𝞱v values approaching the loam soil at times and slightly less in the case of RS, when the percentage of RC and WS was 30% to the sandy soil volume/volume (v/v). Also the use of mulch of RS showed a noticeable increase in 𝞱v and significant improvement of plant growth to that without mulch. These proven technologies can be used in sandy land targeted for reclamation to reduce water use in agriculture.

Flow Measurement to a Kaplan Turbine Using a Direct Method and an Indirect One

2016 ◽  
Vol 823 ◽  
pp. 361-366
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Budai ◽  
Adrian Cuzmos ◽  
Cristian Fanica ◽  
Damaschin Pepa ◽  
Cosmin Ursoniu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Direct Measurement ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Flow Measurement ◽  
Indirect Method ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
The Other ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Kaplan Turbine ◽  
A Direct Method

The paper present two different methods for measuring flow in hydropower, one direct and one indirect method. The study consists in comparing the results obtained by measurements made by both methods in a Romanian hydropower plant. The indirect method used is the Winter-Kennedy method. The other method involves direct measurement of the flow rate of water using a specialized outfit in this.

scholarly journals A Model for the Spacing of Quicklime Pile to Treat High Water Content Loess

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Hong Guo ◽  
Yalin Nan ◽  
Rui Guo ◽  
Jiangtao Fu
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
High Water ◽  
High Water Content ◽  
Oxide Content ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
New Model ◽  
Pile Spacing ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Foundation Treatment

There has been a long history for foundation treatment by quicklime pile, but as for establishing a more precise model formula used by actual construction, further research is needed to be done at present. Therefore, how to quantitate the factors affecting pile spacing is of great reference value for both actual constructions and theoretical studies. Based on the reference formula for handling weak foundation by lime pile and the practical problems in the western region, mathematical model analysis method is used to get a new model for high water content loess foundation treatment after considering the factors such as pile expanding, construction method, piles arrangement, and calcium oxide content. In this model, pile spacing coefficient is created and the model formula for different construction methods and different pile arrangements is also given. As a result, the reference formula used in high water content loess is somewhat conservative. The new model is also verified to be rational by the actual works at the end of the paper.

Electronic Equipment Fault Diagnosis Expert System Based on PDA/HPC

2013 ◽  
Vol 683 ◽  
pp. 925-928
Author(s):  
Lei Lei ◽  
Jian Hu Zhang ◽  
Wei Peng ◽  
Yong Wu ◽  
Lin Tao Li
Keyword(s):  
Fault Diagnosis ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Database Management System ◽  
Electronic Equipment ◽  
System Structure ◽  
Development Platform ◽  
Technical Realization ◽  
Fault Diagnosis System ◽  
And Function

In order to develope and research fault diagnosis platform of one electronic equipment, this paper mainly expound the equipment fault diagnosis system based on PDA/HPC structure and function as well as the development platform technology, introduce database management system structure and realization based on PDA/HPC. The successfully developed exepert system is of great significance to improve repair guarantee ability of the electronic equipment and its technical realization and application has model significance and reference value.

Chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes with aryl diazonium salts

2011 ◽  
Vol 1362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia A. Golosova ◽  
Christine M. Papadakis ◽  
Rainer Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Acetonitrile Solution ◽  
Diazonium Salts ◽  
Chemical Grafting ◽  
Simple Protocol ◽  
Functionalization Of Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Walled Carbon Nanotubes

ABSTRACTWe describe a facile and direct method for the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with 4’-substituted phenyls and biphenyls. By means of Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis we demonstrate that a simple protocol of a direct chemical grafting in acetonitrile solution of the corresponding diazonium salts at room temperature results in a formation of stable aryl monolayers on carbon nanotubes.

Research on Design of Modern Warship Networked Fighting Simulation System

2014 ◽  
Vol 989-994 ◽  
pp. 5609-5613
Author(s):  
Yan Hui Wang ◽  
Jian Zhou Mao ◽  
Zhi Hong Xiu
Keyword(s):  
Network Architecture ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Simulation System ◽  
System Structure ◽  
Function Module ◽  
And Function

The simulation system of the overall system structure and function module are established, on the basis of the analysis of designment of modern warship’s networked fighting simulation system, the solutions of network architecture and Agent construct are provided., some key problems are discussed for the realization of a simulation system. There is a certain reference value for the construction and research of warship network fighting simulation system.

scholarly journals Comparison between Different Prescription Methods for Aerobic Training in Young Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 6420
Author(s):  
Fernando Policarpo ◽  
Pedro Valdivia-Moral ◽  
Maria do Socorro Luna-Cruz ◽  
Alex Véliz-Burgos ◽  
Juan Mansilla-Sepulveda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Aerobic Training ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Mean

Anaerobic threshold and respiratory compensation are used to determine the intensity of aerobic exercise. This study aims to compare heart rate values relative to the percentages of 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80%, a comparison calculated through the reserve heart rate (HRR) and reserve oxygen consumption (VO2R) equations corresponding to the oxygen consumption obtained by the direct method. The sample was composed of 11 men and 10 women: mean age, 21.4 ± 2.8 years. Volunteers performed a maximal treadmill test in which oxygen uptake was measured using the VO2000® metabolic analyzer. The mean body fat percentage was 15.68 ± 8.02% corresponding to a lean body mass of 54.8 ± 13.0 kg and a maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of 56.0 ± 8.4 mL/Kg·min−1. The measured intensities (50%, 60%, 70% and 80% of VO2max) presented significant differences (p < 0.05) for each reference value. Mean values calculated by the HRR equation demonstrated a tendency to underestimate the intensities, while the values calculated by the VO2R equation showed a tendency to overestimate the intensities. As the main conclusion, it is pointed out that both methods were effective for determining the intensity of aerobic training. However, they presented significant differences, and the equations should be adjusted to increase precision. Thus, the use of HRR is recommended for the determination of training intensities.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document