Determination of Thermomechanical Stresses in Elements of Vehicles’ Braking Systems

The main objective of the study was to develop a model and analyze the thermomechanical behavior of the hub material of the vehicle brake disk. The simulation strategy was based on the solution of the three-dimensional problem of the theory of elasticity for the case of effect of external loads and temperature fields on the metal structure element of the vehicle brakes. To solve this type of task of the theory of elasticity, the differential equations of the second order were used for the first time. Adaptation of the proposed model, completed in the article, has proved the correctness of use of these equations in modeling the thermomechanical processes with determination of stresses and displacements in unevenly heated rotary cylinders of the final length. The proposed method can be applied with high efficiency in stress strain state simulation of individual parts of vehicles.

A cross sectional study assessing six different methods to predict the ideal position of umbilical venous catheters in neonates of different weight categories

Background: This was a cross sectional study done to find the most suitable method of assessing umbilical venous catheter (UVC) length in seventy two neonates of four different weight categories using six methods.Methods: Neonates were grouped into A (upto 1 kg), B (>1-1.5 kg), C (>1.5-2.5 kg) or D (>2.5 kg) based on their birth weight. UVC was placed using Shukla-Ferrara method and x-ray taken to finalize the catheter length. The predicted catheter length was also measured by Dunn method, umbilicus to nipple length, umbilicus to xiphisternum length, umbilicus to midpoint of inter mammary distance, and umbilicus to symphysis pubis length. ANOVA test was used to find the methods which did not have statistically significant difference with the final length from x-ray (p>0.5). The method with the least mean difference from final length was taken as the most suitable.Results: UVC length assessed by Shukla Ferrara method and umbilicus to midpoint of inter mammary distance did not have statistically significant difference with final catheter length on x-ray in all groups. UVC length assessed by Dunn method did not have statistically significant difference with final catheter length on x-ray in group A, C and D while UVC length assessed by umbilicus to nipple length did not have statistically significant difference in group D.Conclusions: Umbilicus to the midpoint of inter-mammary distance was the most suitable method to estimate length of insertion of UVC in neonates.

Novel Use of an Internal Distractor for Metacarpal Lengthening

Background In patients who have had proximal digit amputation, metacarpal distraction osteogenesis is an option to improve digital length and function. One drawback is that traditional external distraction devices are large and cumbersome; the option of a low-profile internal device is therefore appealing. Internal distractors are commonly used in craniofacial reconstruction, but use in the hand has not been reported. We describe a case series of the novel use of an internal distractor in metacarpal lengthening. Methods In this single-center case series, patients who underwent metacarpal distraction by the senior author using a uniplanar internal distractor were reviewed, and indications, outcomes, and complications were analyzed. Results There were 5 cases in 4 patients (age range: 7-33 years). Indications were traumatic amputation in 4 cases and congenital hypoplasia in 1. All were successfully distracted, with a mean final length gain of 1.3 cm (range: 1.0-1.7 mm). Mean time from device placement to consolidation was 3.5 months. Complications included activation arm site infection in 2 cases, both occurring after the distraction period, necessitating device removal before full consolidation. In these cases, the device was removed after the distraction period and replaced with a Kirschner wire for stabilization through the consolidation period. Conclusions Metacarpal distraction was successfully achieved with an internal distraction device. Although infection was common, it occurred after the distraction period and did not preclude length gain. We feel that this low-profile device offers advantages over cumbersome external devices typically used for metacarpal lengthening.

Dynamic Development of White Lupin Rootlets Along a Cluster Root

White lupin produces cluster roots in response to phosphorus deficiency. Along the cluster root, numerous short rootlets successively appear, creating a spatial and temporal gradient of developmental stages that constitutes a powerful biological model to study the dynamics of the structural and functional evolution of these organs. The present study proposes a fine histochemical, transcriptomic and functional analysis of the rootlet development from its emergence to its final length. Between these two stages, the tissue structures of the rootlets were observed, the course of transcript expressions for the genes differentially expressed was monitored and some physiological events linked to Pi nutrition were followed. A switch between (i) a growing phase, in which a normal apical meristem is present and (ii) a specialized phase for nutrition, in which the rootlet is completely differentiated, was highlighted. In the final stage of its determinate growth, the rootlet is an organ with a very active metabolism, especially for the solubilization and absorption of several nutrients. This work discusses how the transition between a growing to a determinate state in response to nutritional stresses is found in other species and underlines the fundamental dilemma of roots between soil exploration and soil exploitation.

A proposed equation estimating the length of peripherally inserted central catheter in hand for NICU hospitalized preterm neonates

Background: Although PICC plays a crucial role in preterm neonates, it may cause several complications. A pilot study was conducted to propose a useful equation in identifying the safe length of catheter during the first attempt of catheterization. Methods: A pilot study was carried out and NICU admitted preterm neonates requiring PICC insertion entered the study. PICC was inserted for neonates by an expert NICU nurse. After catheterization, a chest X-ray examination with contrast was done to determine the location of canola. All neonates' demographic data were extracted from medical records. Age of neonate at catheterization, the duration of catheterization period as well as data regarding the first and final sizes of the inserted PICC were also recorded. Finally, the associations between the lengths of catheters with neonates' demographic factors were assessed to propose an equation estimating the optimal length of inserted PICC. Results: One hundred preterm neonates requiring PICC entered the study. The results have shown significant associations between the first length of inserted catheter in the hand with head circumference (p=0.019; r=0.293) as well as the final length of inserted catheter in the hand with birth weight (p=0.015; r=0.304). There was a linear correlation between the length of inserted catheter in the hand with neonate's birth weight (p=0.029); however, based on the value of R2=0.167, this relationship was weak. According to these findings an equation was proposed as follows; Inserted length in hand (cm) = 17.98 + 0.618body weight (gr). Conclusion: Our results showed a positive correlation between the inserted lengths of PICC in the hand with neonate's body weight. Our findings proposed an equation; however, the regression coefficient was not significantly notable.

Assessment of productivity of pangas catfish (Pangasius pangasius, Hamilton-1822) culture in jute retting pond in Murshidabad district

Murshidabad district is the highest jute producer district in West Bengal where maximum numbers of ponds beels, canals and irrigational channels are being used for jute retting from July to September and after retting, water bodies remain uncultured. But few farmer’s, they were culture traditionally with IMC and exotic carps and getting very low yield (3.66q ha-1yr-1). In that condition Murshidabad KVK has designed one OFT trails having three treatments, Farmer’s Practice (FP), Technology Option-I (TO-I) and Technology Option-II (TO-II) on air-breathing fish pangas (Pangasius pangasius) and conducted in farmers’ field for three years. To find out the suitable fish species, observed water parameters (pH, DO mg L-1), stocking density (nos./ha), length (cm), weight (g), survival rate (%), yield (q ha-1yr-1), cost of culture (Rs. ha-1yr-1) gross return (Rs. ha-1yr-1), net return (Rs. ha-1yr-1), BC ratio and disease incidence etc. The effect of water pH and DO (mg L-1) in post jute retting pond and fish stocking pond indicate, there were a statistically significant difference between three treatments at (p <.05). Stocking density in three treatments were 15000 nos. ha-1 (IMC and exotic carps), 11250 nos. ha-1 and 15000 nos. ha-1 (pangas, size 2.5”) . In this trial it was observed that the mean (SD) initial length (cm), initial weight (g) and final length (cm) were not statistically significant at p >.05 but in case of final weight (g) and weight gain (g) there were statistically significant at p<.05. The survival rate (%) was lowest in FP (35.04±4.51) and highest in TO-I (67.55±17.50) and not statistically significant (p >.05). The mean (SD) yield (q ha-1yr-1) was high statistically significant difference found among three treatments (p <001). The average net profits were Rs.65680.0, Rs. 223841.0 and Rs. 337551.0 ha-1 yr-1. in FP, TO-I and TO-II, respectively. The highest mean B:C ratio was 2.44 in TO-II. With the all concerned it was observed TO-II gives the best result among these three treatments in these three years trials.

Identification and QTL Analysis of Flavonoids and Carotenoids in Tetraploid Roses Based on an Ultra-High-Density Genetic Map

Roses are highly valuable within the flower industry. The metabolites of anthocyanins, flavonols, and carotenoids in rose petals are not only responsible for the various visible petal colors but also important bioactive compounds that are important for human health. In this study, we performed a QTL analysis on pigment contents to locate major loci that determine the flower color traits. An F1 population of tetraploid roses segregating for flower color was used to construct an ultra-high-density genetic linkage map using whole-genome resequencing technology to detect genome-wide SNPs. Previously developed SSR and SNP markers were also utilized to increase the marker density. Thus, a total of 9,259 markers were mapped onto seven linkage groups (LGs). The final length of the integrated map was 1285.11 cM, with an average distance of 0.14 cM between adjacent markers. The contents of anthocyanins, flavonols and carotenoids of the population were assayed to enable QTL analysis. Across the 33 components, 46 QTLs were detected, explaining 11.85–47.72% of the phenotypic variation. The mapped QTLs were physically clustered and primarily distributed on four linkage groups, namely LG2, LG4, LG6, and LG7. These results improve the basis for flower color marker-assisted breeding of tetraploid roses and guide the development of rose products.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae addition to feed contaminated with aflatoxin B1 on the health and performance indices of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fingerlings

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to feed contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the performance and health of tambaqui fingerlings. A fully randomised study design was used, represented by four treatments: (T1) with 0.0 μg/kg of AFB1 and 0.0 colony forming unit (cfu)/g of yeast (control); (T2) with 0.0 μg/kg of AFB1 and 106 cfu/g of yeast; (T3) with 100 μg/kg of AFB1 and 0.0 cfu/g of yeast and (T4) with 100 μg/kg of AFB1 and 106 cfu/g of yeast, with four repetitions per treatment. Over a period of 34 days, 192 fingerlings with an initial weight of 2.9±0.2 g and length of 26.1±1.3 mm were used, distributed in 16 tanks with 12 fish per experimental unit. The following parameters were evaluated: water quality, zootechnical performance, histopathological analysis, counting and isolation of yeasts from the feed and intestine. No significant differences were observed (P>0.05) in the initial weight, initial length, final length, specific growth rate, mean length gain, Fulton condition factor (K Factor) or survival rate of the tambaqui fingerlings during the trial period. Statistical differences (P<0.05) were found between the treatments with respect to fingerling final weight, mean weight gain and average feed intake. Histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues from tambaqui fingerlings were more pronounced in T3 and T4. Based on histopathological findings, the yeast was unable to reduce the characteristic effects of aflatoxicosis in tambaqui fingerlings fed with 100 μg/kg AFB1. The S. cerevisiae A8L2 strain was able to colonise the intestine of tambaqui fingerlings, however, its addition in conjunction with 100 μg/kg AFB1 to fingerling feed did not promote improvements in performance indices or the histopathological parameters of these animals.

Food restriction in Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus)

Aim of study: To evaluate if dietary restriction influence muscle and intestinal morphology as well as the production performance of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).Area of study: State University of Western Paraná (Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná – Unioeste), Toledo Campus, Brazil.Material and methods: The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and five replicates. The treatments were: 7:0 (fed daily; control); 6:1 (fed 6 consecutive days followed by 1 day of fasting); 5:2 (fed 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of fasting); and 1:1 (fed 1 day followed by 1 day of fasting). A commercial ration with 33.70% crude protein and 4.60% lipid was used, and fish were fed four times daily until apparent satiety for 60 days.Main results: The following parameters were found to have differences among treatments (p<0.05): final weight, weight gain, final length, hepatosomatic index, visceral fat, intestinal quotient, protein efficiency rate, protein retention, ash, and frequency of muscle fiber diameters within the classes of<20 μm and between 20 and 50 μm. The intestinal villi height and hepatic glycogen content did not differ (p>0.05) among treatments. The cost of food and partial net revenue were higher in the 7:0 treatment compared to the experimental treatments.Research highlights: Dietary restriction for Nile tilapia in the juvenile phase negatively influences productive performance, centesimal composition, and muscle growth, which demonstrates that this practice is economically unfeasible for commercial production.

Free Non-vascularized Toe Phalangeal Transfers in Symbrachydactyly: Outcome Analysis

Introduction Free nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfer is an established surgical option for the reconstruction of hypoplastic digits. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate our experience with this procedure and to assess bone growth and digit function as well foot morbidity. Material and Methods We retrospectively evaluated the clinical records for all children with symbrachydactyly submitted to free nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfer between 2002 and 2017. A total of 8 patients were included. We summoned the patients to an appointment to clinically assess the range of motion, the stability, and the alignment of the neo-joint. We radiographically measured the final length and the expected percentage of growth of the transferred phalanx. We also evaluated the foot for comorbidities. Results The mean age at the time of the first surgery was 19 months (range: 8–42 months). A total of 20 phalanges were harvested: 16 total proximal phalanges, 2 middle phalanges, 1 subtotal proximal phalanx, and 1 accessory thumb phalanx. The distal part of one proximal phalanx was trimmed because the skin pocket was too tight. Two patients underwent a secondary procedure to release the syndactyly. One transfer required revision surgery due to distal tip necrosis and exposition of the transferred phalanx. In the present series, the overall clinical and radiographic outcomes were compatible to those reported in other studies. Discussion The main limitation of the nonvascularized toe phalanx transfer is the preexisting soft tissue envelope of the finger and the limited growth potential of the transferred bone. Conclusion Irrespective of the amount of growth achieved in the transferred phalanx, the actual transfer and growth attained should not be viewed as the end result, but rather as a means of providing a stable and functional joint.