Morgan-Voyce Polynomial Approach for Quaternionic Space Curves of Constant Width

The curves of constant width are special curves used in engineering, architecture and technology. In the literature, these curves are considered according to different roofs in different spaces and some integral characterizations of these curves are obtained. However, in order to examine the geometric properties of curves of constant width, more than characterization is required. In this study, firstly differential equations characterizing quaternionic space curves of constant width are obtained. Then, the approximate solutions of the differential equations obtained are calculated by the Morgan-Voyce polynomial approach.The geometric properties of this curve type are examined with the help of these solutions.

Influence of the soil water retention curve type and magnetic water treatment on lettuce irrigation management responses

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of magnetized water use on lettuce irrigation management responses, and based on the generated data, to evaluate by simulation the influence of soil water retention curve type on the lettuce irrigation management responses. This work was divided into three stages: 1 – determination of field and laboratory soil water retention curves; 2 – lettuce crop irrigation management experiment using soil water retention curve with field data, evaluating different soil water tensions to start irrigation and different water types (magnetically treated water, and non-treated water); and 3 – estimation of the irrigation management responses (simulation) using the soil water retention curve performed in the laboratory (using non-treated water), compared with the experimental results (stage 2). The use of magnetically treated water determined the soil moisture maintenance for a longer time and fewer irrigation events, leading to less water being applied and electricity consumption. The use of the soil water retention curve derived from the field data determined less water and electric energy consumption in Lucy Brown lettuce irrigation, in comparison with the simulated use of the soil water retention curve from laboratory data.

Invasive breast carcinoma with MRI kinetic curve type 1

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women cancer patients. Increased awareness of people followed by periodic screening, appropriate supporting examinations, and imaging modalities according to the patient's condition could improve prognosis. We report a case report of a 55-year-old woman with a complaint of a lump in the right breast. Ultrasound examination and mammography showed a single solid lesion in the superior quadrant of the right breast corresponding to Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4c. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination revealed a single lesion with enhancement curve type 1 according to bi-rads 4b. Results of the biopsy were grade 2 breast carcinoma without any lymph node metastases. The use of a single modality cannot be used as a benchmark in determining the best diagnosis and therapy. The kinetic feature/enhancement curve of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) cannot be used as the main guide for determining the diagnosis. The morphology of the lesion either from ultrasound, mammography, or MRI should also be considered in determining the diagnosis and treatment plan

A novel non-invasive electrical synchrony method to improve cardiac resynchronization therapy responders

Introduction Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has emerged as an important treatment for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (EF) despite optimal pharmacological therapy. Some studies showed non-responders rate near 30%. Nowaday there is no gold standard method for selection, evaluation and follow up on this group of patients. Multiple techniques used and operator dependence made echocardiogram failed. Synchromax 2 is a device designed to evaluate non-invasive electrical synchrony. It is fast, reproducible and non-operator dependent. Synchromax was evaluated and correlated with other techniques in previous studies. Objective Evaluate CRT response rate guided by electrical synchrony during the device implantation and follow up. Material and methods 43 patients were evaluated in an institution in Buenos Aires. A ICD-CRT was implanted in all patients due dilated cardiomyopathy, low EF (less than 35%) and left bundle branch block (LBBB). Non-invasive electrical synchrony evaluation (Synchromax 2) was performed in all patients in baseline condition, during device implantation and the follow up. Synchrony index and curves were analyzed. Curve type 4 and index between 0,4 and 0,7 were considered synchronous. Curve type 6 and 10 and index more than 0.7 were considered disynchronous. Interventricular intervals were modified to achieve the best curve and synchrony index. Super responders were considered when EF increased >50%. Baseline and 6 month after implantation echocardiogram were performed. Results Mean age 64 years. 39% females. Non-coronary dilated cardiomyopathy was main aetiology (63,1%). EF baseline average was 27%. A baseline index more than 0,7 was in 73,3% of the patients. Curve 6 was the most frequent (55,2%). Follow up average EF was 39% (increased 12%), the super responders rate was 18,6% (8 patients). Type 4 curve and index between 0,4 and 0,7 were achieved in 28 cases (65,1%). EF increased from 23% (baseline) to 42% (follow up). Average 19%. Type 4 curve was not achieved in 15 patients (34,9%). In this group, EF increased from 29% (baseline) to 34% (follow up). Average 5%. Conclusion Electrical synchrony evaluation using Synchromax 2 during ICD-CRT device implantation improves responders rate. When synchronous type 4 curve is achieved EF improves significantly. If type 4 curve is not found results will be unsuccessfully. Synchromax is fast, simple and non-operator dependent. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The luminosity evolution of nova shells

Over the last decade, nova shells have been discovered around a small number of cataclysmic variables that had not been known to be post-novae, while other searches around much larger samples have been mostly unsuccessful. This raises the question about how long such shells are detectable after the eruption and whether this time limit depends on the characteristics of the nova. So far, there has been only one comprehensive study of the luminosity evolution of nova shells, undertaken almost two decades ago. Here, we present a re-analysis of the Hα and [O III] flux data from that study, determining the luminosities while also taking into account newly available distances and extinction values, and including additional luminosity data of “ancient” nova shells. We compare the long-term behaviour with respect to nova speed class and light curve type. We find that, in general, the luminosity as a function of time can be described as consisting of three phases: an initial shallow logarithmic decline or constant behaviour, followed by a logarithmic main decline phase, with a possible return to a shallow decline or constancy at very late stages. The luminosity evolution in the first two phases is likely to be dominated by the expansion of the shell and the corresponding changes in volume and density, while for the older nova shells, the interaction with the interstellar medium comes into play. The slope of the main decline is very similar for almost all groups for a given emission line, but it is significantly steeper for [O III], compared to Hα, which we attribute to the more efficient cooling provided by the forbidden lines. The recurrent novae are among the notable exceptions, along with the plateau light curve type novae and the nova V838 Her. We speculate that this is due to the presence of denser material, possibly in the form of remnants from previous nova eruptions, or of planetary nebulae, which might also explain some of the brighter ancient nova shells. While there is no significant difference in the formal quality of the fits to the decline when grouped according to light curve type or to speed class, the former presents less systematic scatter. It is also found to be advantageous in identifying points that would otherwise distort the general behaviour. As a by-product of our study, we revised the identification of all novae included in our investigation with sources in the Gaia Data Release 2 catalogue.

The heritability of coronal and sagittal phenotype in idiopathic scoliosis: a report of 12 monozygotic twin pairs

Purpose One of the pathways through which genetics may act in the causation of idiopathic scoliosis is inheritance of a specific sagittal profile that predisposes for its development. In this study, coronal and sagittal parameters were compared in an international collection of monozygotic twins with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods Twelve monozygotic twin pairs who underwent biplanar radiography for idiopathic scoliosis were systematically identified in existing scoliosis databases in The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark. On the first available radiographs, the coronal and sagittal curve parameters (Roussouly and Abelin types, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and length of the posteriorly inclined segment) were determined. Results In all 12 monozygotic twin pairs, both twins were affected by AIS. Four (33%) twin pairs had similar coronal and sagittal spinal phenotype, whereas two (17%) had different coronal phenotype and similar sagittal profiles, and six (50%) pairs had different coronal as well as sagittal phenotype. Conclusions Analysis of biplanar curve characteristics in monozygotic twins showed that all twin pairs were affected by idiopathic scoliosis. However, only 33% of the pairs had similar coronal and sagittal spinal phenotypes. Based on this limited dataset, the hypothesis can be formulated that besides genetic pre-disposition, the individual (inherited) sagittal profile plays a role in the development of different coronal curve type.

Coffee and Endothelial Function: A Coffee Paradox?

Coffee is a popular beverage throughout the world. Coffee contains various chemical compounds (e.g., caffeine, chlorogenic acids, hydroxyhydroquinone, kahweol, cafestol, and complex chemical mixtures). Caffeine is also the most widely consumed pharmacological substance in the world and is included in various beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks), products containing chocolate, and drugs. The effects of coffee and caffeine on cardiovascular diseases remain controversial. It is well known that there are J-curve-type or U-curve-type associations of coffee consumption with cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction and stroke. However, there is little information on the direct and indirect effects of coffee consumption on endothelial function in humans. It is likely that the coffee paradox or caffeine paradox exists the association of coffee intake with cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular outcomes, and endothelial function. This review focusses on the effects of coffee and caffeine on endothelial function from molecular mechanisms to clinical perspectives.