Fetal Profile Markers for the Detection of Robin Sequence in Fetuses with Retrognathia

Objective To determine whether the prefrontal space ratio (PSFR), inferior facial (IFA) and maxilla-nasion-mandible angle (MNM), and the fetal profile line (FPL) are helpful in identifying fetuses with Robin sequence (RS) in cases with isolated retrognathia, and thus better predict the likelihood of immediate need for postnatal respiratory support. Methods This was a retrospective matched case-control study of fetuses/infants with isolated retrognathia with or without RS receiving pre- and postnatal treatment at the University Hospital of Tübingen, Germany between 2008 and 2020. The PFSR, IFA, MNM, and FPL were measured in affected and normal fetuses according to standardized protocols. Cases were stratified into isolated retrognathia and RS. Results 21 (n=7 isolated retrognathia, n=14 RS) affected fetuses and 252 normal fetuses were included. Their median gestational age at ultrasound examination was 23.6 and 24.1 weeks, respectively. In fetuses with isolated retrognathia and RS, the PSFR, IFA, and FPL were significantly different from the normal population. At a false-positive rate of 5%, the detection rate was 76.2% for the PFSR, 85.7% for the IFA, and 90.5% for both parameters combined. However, all parameters failed to distinguish between isolated retrognathia and RS. Conclusion PSFR and IFA are simple markers for identifying retrognathia prenatally. However, they are not helpful for the detection of RS in fetuses with isolated retrognathia. Therefore, delivery should take place in a center experienced with RS and potentially life-threatening airway obstruction immediately after birth.

Effectiveness of 2D Induced Polarisation & Electrical Resistivity Tomography in Mapping Fracture Heterogeneity in Foundation Soils.

Inhomogeneity caused by fractures can constitute real problems in foundation soils which consequently can lead to structural failure. 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) has been exceedingly popular in mapping near surface discontinuities that can possibly affect engineering structures. The effectiveness of using Induced Polarisation Tomography (IPT) in mapping subsurface fractures was explored. Using the same field way out for both ERT and IPT, investigations were carried out at a failed structure with foundational inhomogeneity in the Nsukka area, Southeastern Nigeria. Four Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and four Induced Polarisation Tomography (IPT) were carried out. Electrical Resistivity Tomography for profile line one (ERT1) and that of the opposite section, ERT3, revealed a fault trending NNW- SSE. This anomaly was also observed on the Induced Polarization Tomography for profile line one (IPT1) as well as that of profile line three (IPT3) at the same offset distances, delineating the same fracture zone. A second fault trending in NE-SW was mapped by the Electrical Resistivity Tomography for profile line two (ERT2) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography for profile line four (ERT4). The fault was also visible in the Induced Polarization counterparts, IPT2 and IPT4. Field validation along mapped trends recorded subtle cracks on the foundation along the same trend detected by the IPT as well as the ERT.

Assessment of Leachate Contamination of Groundwater at Some Waste Disposal Sites in the Southern Guinea Savannah Ecological Zone of Nigeria Using Geoelectric Processes

This study aims at determining the leachate contamination of the groundwater resource at selected domestic wastes disposal sites in Minna, Nigeria for a population about 2.1 million, to locate aquifers and hydraulically active structures by tracing the movement of contaminant plumes and seepages in ground at the selected locations. Resistivity data was collected using a terrameter (SAS4000) while the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) mode was deployed using the Schlumberger array to enable investigation of the depth penetration of contaminant plume. The induced polarization (IP) was used to determine the level of contaminant plume. The VES readings measured at 50m intervals along each profile line and 100m inter-profile distance, with a maximum current electrode separation of 200m and potential electrode separation of 30m. There are equal numbers of three and four layers observed on the profile, which has ten VES points. The first layer has a resistivity range between 48.4 Ωm & 428 Ωm and thickness between 0.65m & 3.83m. However, isolated resistivity area such as VES; N5 (287Ωm), N6 (295Ωm) and N8 (428Ωm) also suggested sandy/soil rich in organic matter (humus material/soil). The second and third layer is the fractured basement which has very low resistivity values for most VES (N1–48.5Ωm, N2–38.7Ωm, N3–41.6Ωm, N5–61.5Ωm, N7–49.6Ωm, N8–60.7Ωm, N9–108Ωm and N10–97.6Ωm) that indicated leachate presence and contamination, which results from increased ionic concentration. In conclusion, it was discovered that the study area had high conductivity values for some of the locations using the resitivity determination method. This indicated the presence of water within the study area. It was also concluded that the IP which indicated high concentration of metals caused the lowering of the resisitivity values at some of the locations, thus indicating the presence of metals within the study area.

Ultrasonographic study of fetal facial profile markers during the first trimester

Background To establish reference ranges of fetal facial profile markers and study their correlations with crown-rump length (CRL) during the first trimester (11 ~ 13+ 6 weeks’ gestation) in a Chinese population. Methods Ultrasonographic images of measuring fetal nuchal translucency (NT) were retrospectively selected randomly in normal fetuses whose parents were both Chinese. The facial markers included inferior facial angle (IFA), maxilla-nasion-mandible (MNM) angle, facial maxillary angle (FMA) and profile line (PL) distance. These markers were measured through ViewPoint 6 software by two experienced sonographers. Results Three hundred and eighty fetuses were selected. The ICCs (95 % CI) of intra-operator 1 reproducibility of IFA, MNM angle, FMA, PL distance were 0.944 (0.886 ~ 0.973), 0.804 (0.629 ~ 0.902), 0.834 (0.68 ~ 0.918) and 0.935 (0.868 ~ 0.969), respectively. The ICCs (95 % CI) of intra-operator 2 reproducibility of IFA, MNM angle, FMA, PL distance were 0.931 (0.857 ~ 0.967), 0.809 (0.637 ~ 0.904), 0.786 (0.600 ~ 0.892) and 0.906 (0.813 ~ 0.954), respectively. The ICCs (95 % CI) of inter-operator reproducibility of IFA, MNM angle, FMA, PL distance were 0.885 (0.663 ~ 0.953), 0.829 (0.672 ~ 0.915), 0.77 (0.511 ~ 0.891) and 0.844 (0.68 ~ 0.925), respectively. The average ± SD of IFA, MNM angle, FMA and PL distance were 80.2°±7.25°, 4.17°±1.19°, 75.36°±5.31°, 2.78 ± 0.54 mm, respectively. IFA and PL distance significantly decreased with CRL, while MNM angle and FMA significantly increased with CRL. Conclusions It was feasible to measure fetal facial markers during the first trimester. In Chinese population, the reference ranges of IFA, MNM angle, FMA and PL distance were 80.2°±7.25°, 4.17°±1.19°, 75.36°±5.31°, 2.78 ± 0.54 mm, respectively, and the measurements were found to correlate with CRL.

Delineating the Urban Areas of a Cross-Boundary City with Open-Access Data: Guangzhou–Foshan, South China

Cities defined mainly from the administrative aspect can create impact and problems especially in the case of China. However, only a few researchers from China have attempted to identify urban areas from the morphology dimension. In addition, previous studies have been mostly based on the national and regional scales or a single prefecture city and have completely ignored cross-boundary cities. Defining urban areas on the basis of a single data type also has limitations. To address these problems, this study integrates point of interest and nighttime light data, applies the breaking point analysis method to determine the physical geographic scope of the Guangzhou–Foshan cross-border city, and then compares this city with Beijing and Shanghai. Results show that Guangzhou–Foshan comprises one core urban area and six suburban counties, among which the core urban area extends across the administrative boundaries of Guangzhou and Foshan. The urban area and average urban radius of Guangzhou–Foshan are larger than those of Beijing and Shanghai, and this finding contradicts the city size measurements based on the administrative division system of China and those published on traditional official statistical yearbooks. In terms of urban density value, Shanghai has the steepest profile followed by Guangzhou–Foshan and Beijing, and the profile line of Guangzhou–Foshan has a bimodal shape.

Ultrasonographic Study of Fetal Facial Profile Markers During First Trimester

Background: To establish normal reference ranges of fetal facial profile markers, and to study their correlation with crown-rump length (CRL) during first trimester (11~13+6 weeks’ gestation) in a Han Chinese population. Methods: Ultrasonographic images of measuring fetal nuchal translucency (NT) were retrospectively selected randomly in normal pregnancies where both parents were of Han Chinese ethnicity. The facial markers included inferior facial angle (IFA), maxilla-nasion-mandible (MNM) angle, facial maxillary angle (FMA) and profile line (PL) distance. These markers were measured through ViewPoint 6 software by two experienced sonographers.Results: Three hundred and eighty fetuses were selected. The ICCs (95% CI) of intra-operator 1 reproducibility of IFA, MNM angle, FMA, PL distance were 0.944 (0.886~0.973), 0.804 (0.629~0.902), 0.834 (0.68~0.918) and 0.935 (0.868~0.969), respectively. The ICCs (95% CI) of intra-operator 2 reproducibility of IFA, MNM angle, FMA, PL distance were 0.931 (0.857~0.967), 0.809 (0.637~0.904), 0.786 (0.600~0.892) and 0.906 (0.813~0.954), respectively. The ICCs (95% CI) of inter-operator reproducibility of IFA, MNM angle, FMA, PL distance were 0.885 (0.663~0.953), 0.829 (0.672~0.915), 0.77 (0.511~0.891) and 0.844 (0.68~0.925), respectively. The average±SD of IFA, MNM angle, FMA and PL distance were 80.2°±7.25°, 4.17°±1.19°, 75.36°±5.31°, 2.78±0.54 mm, respectively. IFA and PL distance significantly decreased with CRL, while MNM angle and FMA significantly increased with CRL.Conclusion: It was feasible to measure fetal facial markers during first trimester. The normal range of each marker was obtained through large sample data, and the measurements were found to correlate with CRL.

Potentials of Vitrified and Elastic Bonded Fine Grinding Worms in Continuous Generating Gear Grinding

Continuous generating gear grinding with vitrified grinding worms is an established process for the hard finishing of gears for high-performance transmissions. Due to the increasing requirements for gears in terms of power density, the required surface roughness is continuously decreasing. In order to meet the required tooth flank roughness, common manufacturing processes are polish grinding with elastic bonded grinding tools and fine grinding with vitrified grinding tools. The process behavior and potential of the different bonds for producing super fine surfaces in generating gear grinding have not been sufficiently scientifically investigated yet. Therefore, the objective of this report is to evaluate these potentials. Part of the investigations are the generating gear grinding process with elastic bonded, as well as vitrified grinding worms with comparable grit sizes. The potential of the different tool specifications is empirically investigated independent of the grain size, focusing on the influence of the bond. One result of the investigations was that the tooth flank roughness could be reduced to nearly the same values with the polish and the fine grinding tool. Furthermore, a dependence of the roughness on the selected grinding parameters could not be determined. However, it was found out that the profile line after polish grinding is significantly dependent on the process strategy used.

Rock Movement in Tectonic Zones. Mining Activities and Rock Pressure Management in the Norilsk-Kharaelakh Fault Area

The article describes the rock mass state within the boundaries of the Skalistiy mining allotment. The ore mass within the mine field was found to preserve its rock-bump hazard and show high mobility in the impact zone of the Norilsk-Kharaelakh Fault and the associated high failure potential manifested as roof cavings. Based on the monitoring results along underground profile lines, it was concluded that the displacement process is currently at its initial stage. Moreover, the maximum subsidence in the central part of the profile line is about 3 times higher (up to 35 mm) than in other areas. This is caused by immediate proximity of this zone to the Norilsk-Kharaelakh Fault. Assessment of the bump hazard level of this rock mass with the help of the Prognoz-2 instrument that was performed by the rock-bump forecasting and control teams of the mine and the Norilskshakhtstroy company, showed the 'Not Hazardous' category in all cases. However, the progress of mining operations towards the Norilsk-Kharaelakh Fault may lead to deterioration in the condition of mine workings. This can be manifested through rock exfoliation from the walls of the advance workings of the safety layer in highly and extremely faulted rocks. In addition, permanent workings, which are one of the most critical structures of the production level and which will be used until the development of the deposit area adjacent to the Norilsk-Kharaelakh Fault is completed, will be maintained in increasingly difficult conditions. The article describes recommendations for mining operations in the fault area with account for the current mining and geomechanical situation and the potential for its change.

Anthropological Composition of the Population of the Early Iron Age from the Lower Volga Region (According to the Materials of the Kurgan Group of Krivaya Luka)

The article is devoted to the craniological materials of the early Iron Age from the kurgans of Krivaya Luka tract in the Astrakhan region, which were excavated during ten field seasons. The rich anthropological material was obtained as a result of the excavations studied by A.V. Shevchenko, A.A. Kazarnitskiy, M.A. Balabanova, L.T. Yablonskiy. The anthropological materials of the Early Iron Age consisted of 85 skulls are studied in the current article using the traditional method of simple and multivariate statistics. As a result of the study, it was found out that the morphological appearance of cultural-chronological groups is similar to the rest of the synchronous population both from other burials grounds of the Lower Volga region and from adjacent territories. The Sarmatian type or the type of the ancient Eastern Caucasian is inherent for a small group of the pre-Savromatian period, as well as for the groups of the Savromatian and Early Sarmatian period. A small Middle Sarmatian male group demonstrates the combinations that characterize the subsequent Late Sarmatian population – the type of long-headed Caucasians. Whereas the female craniological type of the Late Sarmatian time is characterized by a set of features that define it as a Mongoloid-Caucasian mestizo. Both the total group of skulls and individual cultural-chronological groups turned out to be heterogeneous in terms of the intragroup structure. The anthropological type of the Early Iron Age population who left burials in the Krivaya Luka tract demonstrates diachronic variability, which was apparently associated with migrations. However, in the pre-Savromatian period, in comparison with the Late Bronze Age, this territory was occupied mostly by the type of ancient Eastern Caucasians which combines a mesobrachicranial lowvaulted cerebral box with a wide face, the horizontal profiling of which at the upper level is weakened, and the nose protruding sharply towards the profile line. The latter type remained there until the start of the Common era, and starting from the Middle Sarmatian time it changed to the type of long-headed Caucasians, which is associated with the penetration of alien groups. Among these migrants, apparently, there were also found carriers of the mixed Mongoloid-Caucasian complex.

Subsurface Cavity Detection Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (Ert); A Case Study from Southern Quetta, Pakistan

Dipole-dipole electrical resistivity tomographic method was applied to investigate the subsurface cavities at Staff Welfare Hospital & School Quetta. A total of 890-meter profile line was covered along five smaller profile lines and fracture zones with maximum 21 meters interval. The cavity system along profile line-1 and 2 was very restricted and had no direct impact on infrastructure while major cavity beneath the building was traced at profile line-3 and line-4 thus constituting a ~20m wide cavity system with 3-4 small interconnected cavities between depths of 7 to 21 meters. This system was also traced at profile line-4 at a depth of 10 meters having a reduced width of 10m. At profile line-5, a few other cavities were detected that proved imperceptible due to limitations in data acquisition. To conclude, the cavity systems traced in profile line-3 and profile line-4 were the most perilous ones and are commonly the foremost reason for building collapse.