Architectural Characteristics of Different Configurations Based on New Geometric Determinations for the Conoid

The aim of this article is to orient the evolution of new architectural forms offering up-to--date scientific support. Unlike the volume, the expression for the lateral area of a regular conoid has not yet been obtained by means of direct integration or a differential geometry procedure. In this type of ruled surface, the fundamental expressions I and II, for other curved figures have proved not solvable thus far. As this form is frequently used in architectural engineering, the inability to determine its surface area represents a serious hindrance to solving several problems that arise in radiative transfer, lighting and construction, to cite just a few. To address such drawback, we conceived a new approach that, in principle, consists in dividing the surface into infinitesimal elliptic strips of which the area can be obtained in an approximate fashion. The length of the ellipse is expressed with certain accuracy by means of Ramanujan’s second formula. By integrating the so-found perimeter of the differential strips for the whole span of the conoid, an unexpected solution emerges through a newly found number that we call psi (ψ). In this complex process, projected shapes have been derived from an original closed form composed of two conoids and called Antisphera for its significant parallels with the sphere. The authors try to demonstrate that the properties of the new surfaces have relevant implications for technology, especially in building science and sustainability, under domains such as structures, radiation and acoustics. Fragments of the conoid have occasionally appeared in modern and contemporary architecture but this article discusses how its use had been discontinued, mainly due to the uncertainties that its construction posed. The new knowledge provided by the authors, including their own proposals, may help to revitalize and expand such interesting configurations in the search for a revolution of forms.

57 Undifferentiated heart sarcoma in young adult: from differential diagnosis to management

A 34-year-old patient arrived in Emergency Department (ED) with a history of haemoptysis, fever, and night sweats. Echocardiographic examination revealed a large isoechoic thickening that totally encompassed posterior mitral leaflet and which extended contiguously, both inferiorly with subvalvular apparatus with chordal fusion, and superiorly up to left atrial wall. This alteration caused a moderate mitral stenosis with an estimated average gradient of 10–15 mmHg (with possible overestimation due to temporary state of hyperdynamic circulation secondary to anaemization). There also was an anteriorly directed, eccentric jet of mitral regurgitation (2 +/4 + grade).Differential diagnosis of the aforementioned mitral formation included infectious etiology (endocarditic vegetation), pure phlogistic (inflammatory/rheumatic valvulitis), aseptic vegetation, and thrombosis. Transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation showed the extension of the mass into posterior leaflet, the latter completely englobed from commissure to commissure, and cranially adhered to posterior wall of left atrium with estimated dimensions of 1.9 × 12 mm; inferiorly, contiguity with diffusely thickened subvalvular apparatus and chordal fusion, was appreciated. Resulting stenosis was about 13–14 mmHg. Planimetric mitral valve area was estimated to be about 1 cm with associated mild-moderate regurgitation. Global systolic function was preserved with normal segmental kinesis and without significant anomalies affecting other valves. On cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with contrast medium, known sleeve thickening of left atrium (maximum thickness 12 mm in lateral area and 7.5 mm at the level of atrial septum) was extended caudocranially for 2.5 cm in lateral area and for 3.2 cm in the side of the atrial septum and with subocclusion of left inferior pulmonary vein. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) was performed with biopsy examination and subsequent histological typing. It concluded for ‘undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma’ according to the WHO classification of thoracic tumours. In the stomach there was a diffuse infiltration of lamina propria by atypical, pleomorphic, and large cellular elements. Following cancer evaluation, first-line chemotherapy with ifosfamide and doxorubicin was undertaken. Two days later, due to finding of hyperpyrexia, with a feverish peak of up to 39°, infusion of chemotherapy was interrupted and empiric antibiotic therapy (piperacillin tazobactam) was started. Blood and urine cultures were carried out with search for antigens of legionella and pneumococcus, (MRSA), fungi, and respiratory viruses but all of them were negative for active infection. The following day, an episode of acute respiratory failure occurred, so we performed an urgent chest CT with finding of pneumonia with bilateral pleural effusion and linezolid was started. Because of sudden worsening of clinical conditions, patient was transferred to ICCU (Intensive Cardiac Care Unit) with gradual resolution of desaturation. Cardiac ultrasound imaging, from the very first performed in ED, has been fundamental in documenting the presence of a mass in mitral valve. The timeliness in identifying first and then characterizing it certainly had a positive impact on cancer management, especially in such an aggressive neoplasm in a young patient. Furthermore diagnostic process, corroborated by instrumental data provided by ecocardiography, CT, MRI, PET, and scintigraphy, allowed a better staging of the disease and highlighted other organ involvement in order to manage optimal therapeutic approach.

A Meaning for the Second Power of the Number Pi. Determining the Surface of a Regular Conoid by Virtue of Ramanujan’s Approximation

Unlike the volume, the expression for the lateral area of a regular conoid has not yet been obtained by means of direct integration or a differential geometry procedure. As this form is relatively used in engineering, the inability to determine its surface, represents a serious hindrance for several problems which arise in radiative transfer, lighting and construction, to cite just a few. Since this particular shape can be conceived as a set of linearly dwindling ellipses which remain parallel to a circular directrix, a typical problem appears when looking for the length of such ellipses. We conceived a new procedure which, in principle, consists in dividing the surface into infinitesimal elliptic strips to which we have subsequently applied Ramanujan’s second approximation. In this fashion, we can obtain the perimeter of any ellipse pertaining to the said form as a function of the radius of the directrix and the position of the ellipse’s center on the X-axis. Integrating the so-found perimeters of the differential strips for the whole span of the conoid, an unexpected solution emerges through the newly found number psi (ψ). As the strips are slanted in the symmetry axis, their width is not uniform and we need to perform some adjustments in order to complete the problem with sufficient precision. Relevant implications for technology, building science, radiation and structure are derived in the ensuing discussion.

Lipoprotein-Induced Increases in Cholesterol and 7-Ketocholesterol Result in Opposite Molecular-Scale Biophysical Effects on Membrane Structure

Under hypercholesterolemic conditions, exposure of cells to lipoproteins results in a subtle membrane increase in the levels of cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol, as compared to normal conditions. The effect of these physiologically relevant concentration increases on multicomponent bilayer membranes was investigated using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Significant changes in the structural and dynamic properties of the bilayer membranes resulted from these subtle increases in sterol levels, with both sterol species inducing decreases in the lateral area and inhibiting lateral diffusion to varying extents. Cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol, however, exhibited opposite effects on lipid packing and orientation. The results from this study indicate that the subtle increases in membrane sterol levels induced by exposure to lipoproteins result in molecular-scale biophysical perturbation of membrane structure.

Comparative Characteristic of Using Removable and Non-Removable Prostheses Appliances for Replacement of Dentition Defects in Children during the Mixed Occlusion Period

The purpose of the study was to increase the effectiveness of orthopedic and orthodontic treatment of children with dentition defects during the period of mixed occlusion to prevent secondary dento-maxillaire deformities. Material and methods. 47 patients aged from 6 to 11 years with dentition defects in the frontal and lateral areas were examined and treated to conduct comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of using removable and non-removable prostheses appliances in patients with dentition defects during the period of mixed occlusion. All the patients were divided into two clinical groups by the design type of a prosthesis appliance, the choice of which depended on the results of a complete clinical research taking into account the location and the length of dentition defects. For group I patients (n=29), we used removable orthodontic prostheses appliances (standard mechanically-operated appliances with artificial teeth), in areas with missing teeth, to regulate the size of upper and lower dentition and replace dentition defects. For group II patients (n=18), we used non-removable orthodontic prostheses appliances (bands with a spacer and a non-removable prosthesis appliance of our own design). At the beginning of treatment and after 3 and 6 months, the assessment of oral hygiene was conducted using Yu. A. Fedorov and V. V. Volodkina indices. Follow-up examinations of patients in both groups were conducted once a month. However, every 3 and 6 months, patients of group I (with removable prosthesis appliances) received repetitive jaw impressions and made control diagnostic models, which measured the size of a dentition defect area to monitor the treatment. The data on control measurements was compared with data obtained at the beginning of the treatment. The criteria for completion of orthodontic treatment were considered to be the regulation of the size of upper and lower dentition and the position of individual teeth, as well as the preservation of the place in the dental arch until the physiological change of prematurely lost teeth. Results and discussion. The main causes of dentition defects occurrence in patients of both groups were the following: premature removal of temporary and permanent teeth due to complications of caries – 39 patients (83.0%), the loss of teeth due to a trauma – 5 patients (10.5%). Dentition defect was caused by adentia – in 2 people (4.3%), by retention – in 1 person (2.1%). We determined that 30 people (63.8%) had defects of the upper jaw, which was the most prevailing dentition defects. Dentition defects in the lateral areas were recorded in 32 people (68.1%). The largest number of dentition defects was of short size – 29 (61.7%). To restore the integrity of the dentition, we made 29 removable prostheses appliances with artificial teeth for group I patients, 9 (31.0%) of them served to replace dentition defects of the frontal area and 20 (69.0%) replaces dentition defects of the lateral area. In order to replace the dentition defect and preserve the place in the dental arch, we made 18 non-removable prostheses appliances for group II patients, 6 (33.3%) of them were of our own design to replace the dentition defect in the frontal area, and 12 (66.7%) replaced teeth gap bands with a spacer for the lateral one. Based on the analysis of these indicators in people with dentition defects who used removable and non-removable appliances, we can conclude, that there is a clear connection between the impact of orthodontic appliances on oral hygiene, depending on its type. The negative dynamics of changes in the hygiene index according to Fedorov-Volodkina in patients with non-removable prostheses appliances can be explained by the deterioration of oral hygiene conditions due to the design features of the appliances and the inability to remove the appliance yourself. Therefore, the use of non-removable appliances requires additional hygienic measures. Removable appliances had almost no effect on the state of oral hygiene, but worked less predictably by reducing the time of their active action in the oral cavity. If children refused to wear removable prostheses and prosthesis appliances, there quickly developed secondary dento-maxillaire deformities, which over time became more stable, and pathological changes were more significant. In group I patients, 6 months after the start of treatment with removable prostheses appliances, the shortening of dentition defects was detected in the frontal area by 1.3±1.1 mm and in the lateral area by 1.2±0.9 mm. Negative changes in the length of the dentition defect in patients of group I before treatment and after 6 months are specifically connected with irresponsible attitude to treatment. Not all patients in this group fully wore removable prostheses appliances, and some of them did not wear at all. Conclusion. Our research showed that removable orthodontic appliances for replacement of dentition defects and prevention of secondary dento-maxillaire deformities could be used in patients of different ages, their special effectiveness was observed in pediatric-age patients, however, only in those who responsibly followed the recommendations of an orthodontist. The use of non-removable orthodontic appliances for replacement of dentition defects and prevention of secondary dento-maxillaire deformities is a more rational choice of dental prosthesis. The prosthesis appliance for the upper jaw developed by us doesn’t inhibit the growth of the jaw, meets all the esthetic and functional requirements applied to these appliances. During treatment with non-removable appliances patients cannot control the time when the appliance “works”, which leads to a more predictable result of treatment

Exploring the Conditions of Atelectasis in General Anesthesia Patients at Different Time Nodes and Different Chest Areas by Ultrasound Images

Objective: To find a more convenient and effective method for monitoring the conditions and changes of atelectasis, the Lung Ultrasound (LUS) scores of general anesthesia patients at different time nodes and different chest areas were evaluated under ultrasound images to determine the conditions of atelectasis of the patients. Methods: Patients who underwent general anesthesia were included as research objects. After general anesthesia, LUS was performed on 12 different chest areas of patients respectively on 1 day preoperatively (T1), 30 minutes (min) after extubation of general anesthesia (T2), 24 hours (h) postoperatively (T3), and 48 h postoperatively (T4). The LUS scores were recorded and compared. Results: Among the lung ultrasound images of the classic case, at T1, the patient was in normal lung ventilation; at T2, the pleural line of patient was intermittently irregular, indicating a decrease in lung ventilation; at T3, a small consolidation plaque was seen under the pleural line; at T4, the consolidation continued to develop, and the decrease in lung ventilation was aggravated. The total scores of T2 were significantly higher than those of T1 (P < 0.05), while the total scores of T2, T3, and T4 were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The LUS scores of all chest areas at T2, T3, and T4 were significantly higher than those at T1 (P < 0.05), in which the increase in the LUS scores of lower left lateral area, left Posterolateral Alveolar and/or Pleural Syndrome (PLAPS) area, lower left posterior area, lower right lateral area, right PLAPS area, and lower right posterior area were particularly significant. Conclusion: The lung ultrasound images of general anesthesia patients suggested the onset of atelectasis, which could last up to 24 h postoperatively. The most severe areas of atelectasis included the lower lateral areas, the PLAPS areas, and the lower posterior areas.

EXPERIMENTAL TESTS OF THE BASIS OF “FUNDEX” PILES AFTER THE LONG “RELAXATION” IN CLAY SOILS

In the soil conditions, typical for the city of Saratov, piles on Fundex technology with a loss screw tip of DPOS-4E are executed. After the long «relaxation» of piles without loading guaranteeing completion generally of processes of compaction, consolidation, restitution of the water and colloid communications additional engineering-geological researches are executed and the complex of laboratory researches of parameters of the near pile array of a soil is conducted. Physicomechanical characteristics of the basis immediately at a lateral area and at the lower end of a pile, apart by 1 m are received from its side and in a soil of natural addition. Results are compared in a tabular and graphic form. Conclusions are drawn on the nature of changes of physical, strength and deformation characteristics of the near pile array of a soil at various distance from a lateral area of a pile. The essential differences in formation of the condensed soil zones around Fundex piles from the traditional displacing drive and pressed piles influencing a carrying capacity (the extreme resistance) of the basis of stuffed piles are noted. Comparison of the obtained datas of laboratory with results of field tests of similar piles in identical soil conditions after long “relaxation” (3 months) in accordance with static indenting and pull out loads. Conclusions are drawn on need of additional pilot studies of the basis of Fundex piles for the wide range of soil conditions by laboratory and field methods with parallel tests by the dead pressing and pulling-out loads.