Investigation on the Inspection Technology of GH3535 Alloy Butt Weld With Linear Array Probe

The critical problem to accurately characterizing defects in GH3535 alloy weld is the deflection of the acoustic beam and scattering due to the coarse columnar grains. Signal-to-noise ratio is an important index to indicate whether the grain scattering is severein the ultrasonic inspection. In this paper, the phased array ultrasonic testing of GH3535 alloy butt weld was studied using sector scan mode with linear array probe. The soundfield characteristics of the linear array probe with different focusing parameters were analyzed, and the signal-to-noise ratio in the detection was calculated. The results show that: the acoustic beam of the linear array probe can cover the weld,based on the removal of weld reinforcement. The signal-to-noise ratio of transverse hole with φ3mm located at the weld-fusion lineis more than 15dB, when the front end ofthe probe is located directly above the transverse hole of weld-fusion line.

Mapping 216 Perforator Flaps Using Highly Portable Tablet-Based Color Doppler Ultrasound (PT-CDU)

Background The first reports of using color Doppler ultrasound for evaluation of the microvasculature were in the 1990s. Despite the early reports of its efficacy, color Doppler ultrasound did not achieve popularity nor general usage in part due to the cumbersome size, cost and poor resolution. This is the first study to demonstrate the potential utility of a new, highly portable, tablet-based color Doppler ultrasound (PT-CDU) system for imaging perforator flaps. Methods The deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP), lateral arm (LA), anterolateral thigh (ALT), thoracodorsal artery (TDAP), and the medial sural artery (MSAP) perforator flaps were imaged within classic topographic landmarks to visualize and measure variables related to perforator flap anatomy. The Philips Lumify L12–4 linear array probe attached to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablet was the system used for all examinations. Results A total of 216 flaps were scanned in 50 healthy adult volunteers: 44 DIEP, 44 LA, 40 ALT, 48 TDAP, and 40 MSAP. Precise anatomic information regarding perforator size, number, and location was obtained. Overall, the percent of flaps having at least 1 perforator within the specified topographical landmarks was 89% for the DIEP, 84.1% for the LA, 72.5% for the ALT, 50% for the TDAP, and 30% for the MSAP (p = 2.272e-09). The percent of patients having an asymmetry (right versus left) in the number of perforators was 72.7% (ALT), 65% (DIEP), 59.1% (LA), 41.7% (TDAP), and 30% (MSAP) (p = 0.0351). Conclusions Portable, tablet-based color Doppler ultrasound offers high-resolution images of perforators and represents a facile technology that may be of interest to microsurgeons in the planning of perforator flaps. Variations in vascular anatomy were well-demonstrated. This surgeon-driven imaging technology may represent an excellent alternative to other imaging modalities.

Quantitative Evaluation of a Telerobotic System for Vascular Ultrasound Measurement on a Short Arm Human Centrifuge

Artificial Gravity generated by Short Arm Human Centrifuges is a promising multi-system countermeasure for physiological deconditioning during long duration space flights. To allow a continuous assessment of cardiovascular hemodynamics during centrifugation, a telerobotic robotic system holding an ultrasound probe has been installed on a Short Arm Human Centrifuge. A feasibility study was conducted to define the use capabilities and limitations of such a novel method. The objective of this study is to estimate the reproducibility and precision of remotely controlled vascular ultrasound assessment under centrifugation by assessing peripheral vascular diameter and wall distension. Four repeated centrifugation runs of 5 min, with 2.4 g at feet level, were performed including a 15 min rest between each run for a group of eight healthy male volunteers. Vascular diameter and distention were assessed for the common carotid artery (CCA) and the femoral artery (FA) by ultrasound imaging using a 10 MHz linear array probe (Mylab1, Esaote). Ultrasound measurements were consecutively performed: a) by an expert user in hand-held mode in standing as well as supine position, b) using the telerobotic arm without centrifugation as baseline and c) using the telerobotic arm during centrifugation. Vascular responses were compared between baseline and under centrifugation. Inter-, intra-registration and group variability have been assessed for hand-held and remotely controlled examination. The results show that intra-registration variability, σh , was always smaller than inter-registration variability, σm, that is in turned smaller than the inter-subject variability σg (σh < σm < σg). Centrifugation caused no significant changes in CCA diameter but a lower carotid distension compared to manual and robotic ultrasound in supine position (p < 0.05). Femoral diameter was significantly decreased in hypergravity compared to robotic sonography without centrifugation. A good reproducibility and precision of the remotely controlled vascular ultrasound assessment under centrifugation could be demonstrated. In conclusion, arterial wall dynamics can be precisely assessed for the CCA and femoral artery during centrifugation using a telerobotic ultrasound measurement system. Potential improvements to further enhance reproducibility and safety of the system are discussed.

112 Follicular dynamics and oestrus response of Alpine goats with oestrus/ovulation synchronized during the early transitional reproductive phase using gonadotrophin given early or late

Oestrus and ovulation synchronization (E/OS) regimens for fixed-timed breeding are useful when consistently eliciting ovulation. Early synchronization in the reproductive season promotes unreliable oestrus behavioural and physiologic response due to insufficient ovarian priming. In ruminants, equine (eCG) or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) has FSH bioactivity or elicits ovulation, correspondingly. Hence, 120 and 60IU of eCG and hCG, respectively, are included in goat E/OS regimes. This experiment addresses the time when eCG/hCG (CG) is given relative to progestagen (P4) withdrawal and its effect on oestrus and ovulation. Fourteen non-lactating, Alpine breed goats, ranging from 1 to 6 kiddings, averaging±s.d. 3.9±2.0 years of age, and 56.3±5.0kg of bodyweight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) of 2.6±0.2, were evaluated early in the transitional reproductive phase (12h daylight:12h darkness). E/OS was accomplished with 12 day of P4 (200 mg) exposure by intravaginal insert. Three treatments were evaluated: Traditional (T; n=4) did not receive CG and served as the control group; early (E; n=5) received CG 24h before P4 removal; and reverse (R; n=5) received PGF2α 24h before P4 withdrawal as well as CG concurrent with P4 withdrawal. Oestrus response to E/OS was evaluated 24h after breeding using epididymectomized bucks. Ovaries were scanned by transrectal ultrasound (Aloka SSD-500V/7.5-MHz linear array probe) for 4 consecutive days starting with the first i.m. injection of 1.0mL of PGF2α or 1.5mL of CG. Images were digitized (MediCapture™) for later morphometry. The absence of effect (P&gt;0.05) from concomitant variables age, BW, BCS, and parity was ascertained using a logistic regression model (JMP/SAS v15; SAS Institute Inc.). Ovulation, defined as the disappearance of the largest (&gt;7mm) preovulatory follicle on a subsequent observation, was 100, 80, and 100%; and the average±s.e. number of ovulations per goat was 2±0.41, 1±0.32, and 1.3±0.49 (P&gt;0.05). Table 1 summarises follicular size documented of 122 observations of ovulatory areas. Graafian follicle location was not different for left or right ovaries (P&gt;0.05). Oestrus behavioural response to each E/OS treatment (T, E, or L) up to 24h after P4 removal was 50, 80, and 80% (P&gt;0.05), respectively. In summary, oestrus response and ovulation were not affected by the variables studied. In this experience the timing of CG was not relevant. Table 1. Mean diameter (±SE; mm) of nonovulatory and preovulatory follicles on left (L) and right (R) ovaries E/OS protocol Non- and preovulatory Nonovulatory Preovulatory L R L R L R Traditional 6.4±0.6 5.5±0.6 4.8±0.4 4.5±0.4 7.7±0.4 8.9±0.3 Early 5.2±0.3 5.5±0.4 4.9±0.2 4.4±0.3 8.4±1.2 8.1±0.2 Reverse 6.6±0.5 5.3±0.6 5.1±0.4 4.4±0.5 8.7±0.3 8.1±0.2 Overall 5.7±0.19 4.7±0.14 8.3±0.14

Developing a Photoacoustic Whole-Breast Imaging System Based on the Synthetic Matrix Array

In this study, we reported a photoacoustic (PA) imaging system for whole-breast imaging. Similar to the traditional X-ray mammography, this system slightly compressed the breast by a water tank. The PA signal is acquired via scanning a long unfocused ultrasonic linear array probe over the breast top surface, and the expanded high-energy laser pulses illuminate the breast bottom through a transparent supporting plate. Scanning the unfocused transducer probe is equivalent to a synthetic two-dimensional (2D) matrix array, which significantly increased the field of view (FOV) via a much easier way and at a much lower cost. Our phantom results demonstrated that this system has a great potential for clinical implementation.

Oncoplastic resection with trasferred perforator flaps for breast cancer patients with small/­moderate volume breasts

Aim. To analyze the results of oncoplastic resection with local perforator flaps for breast cancer patients with small/moderate volume breasts. Methods. The study uncluded 31 patients undergoing oncoplastic resection with LICAP/LTAP and AIAP/MICAP flaps. Inclusion criteria: histologically confirmed breast cancer, cT1c2N01M0 stage, small/moderate volume breasts, perforator presence according to Doppler ultrasound, color and energy ultrasound with linear array probe (418 MHz), and the patients desire to have the breast-conserving surgery. Exclusion criteria: large volume of breast, cT 3, cN 2, M1. Results. LICAP-flaps were used in 19 (61.3%) cases, AIAP in 7 (22.6%) cases and LTAP-flap in 5 (16.1%) cases. Average flap width was 8.91.2 cm, average length 21.12.1 cm. In all cases the surgical margins were clear. Mean follow-up was 17.4 months. Complications occurred in 1 (3.2%) patient (hematoma with positive dynamics on conservative treatment). The necessary symmetry was achieved in 1 step in all cases. 30 (96.8%) patients were completely satisfied with the aesthetic results (excellent and good). Conclusion. Oncoplastic resection with transferred perforator flaps can be successfully used for breast cancer patients with small/moderate volume breasts; the method does not require symmetrisation surgery, has minimum of complications and allows achieving good esthetic result.

Ultrasonography for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Diabetic Patients: Missing the Mark?

Purpose Diabetes mellitus (DM) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are common pathologies. The diagnosis of CTS can be facilitated by the use of an ultrasound-based wrist-to-forearm ratio (WFR) of the nerve diameter. However, the applicability of WFR in DM-patients is not yet clear. Materials and Methods 233 wrists of 153 patients were examined. Cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the median nerve were obtained using a linear array probe. The WFR was calculated. Results Diabetics with CTS had significantly lower WFR values than non-diabetics with CTS (p = 0.002). There was no difference between the WFR of diabetics with and without CTS (p = 0.06). The diagnostic accuracy between diabetics with and without CTS was low for measurements of WFR (ROC AUC = 0.630, 95 % CI 0.541 – 0.715, p = 0.011). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the WFR has a low diagnostic accuracy in diabetic patients with CTS and should be used with caution in those patients. Key Points Citation Format