Background: The ligaments in coherence with the capsule of the hip joint are known to contribute to hip stability. Nevertheless, the contribution of the mechanical properties of the ligaments and gender- or side-specific differences are still not completely clear. To date, comparisons of the hip capsule ligaments to other tissues stabilizing the pelvis and hip joint, e.g. the iliotibial tract, were not performed. Materials & Methods: Hip capsule ligaments were obtained from 17 human cadavers (9 females, 7 males, 13 left and 8 right sides, mean age 83.65 ± 10.54 years). 18 iliofemoral, 9 ischiofemoral and 17 pubofemoral ligaments were prepared. Uniaxial stress-strain properties were obtained from the load-deformation curves before the secant elastic modulus was computed. Strain, elastic modulus and cross sections were compared. Results: Strain and elastic modulus revealed no significant differences between the iliofemoral (strain 129.8 ± 11.1%, elastic modulus 48.8 ± 21.4 N/mm2), ischiofemoral (strain 128.7 ± 13.7%, elastic modulus 37.5 ± 20.4 N/mm2) and pubofemoral (strain 133.2 ± 23.7%, elastic modulus 49.0 ± 32.1 N/mm2) ligaments. The iliofemoral ligament (53.5 ± 15.1 mm2) yielded a significantly higher cross section compared to the ischiofemoral (19.2 ± 13.2 mm2) and pubofemoral (15.2 ± 7.2 mm2) ligament. No significant gender- or side-specific differences were determined. A comparison to the published data on the iliotibial tract revealed lower elasticity and less variation in the ligaments of the hip joint.

The incidence of sepsis is a growing problem worldwide with a high mortality rate.  K- capsule antigens are becoming more dangerous than before. The purpose of the study was to categorize the capsules virulence factors, as well as to find a safe and empirical antibiotic treatment for sepsis infection, and to determine if the existence of ESBL producing bacteria have increased exponentially in recent decades. A total of 101 isolates were collected for a period of 5 years, of which blood isolates (n=38) were collected at Uppsala university hospital and feces isolates from healthy mothers and their infants (n=63) at Cunghi hospital, China. Isolates were serotyped with agglutination test, using N. meningitides B / Ecoli K1 against K1 capsule antigen, and phage test, using K1, K5 and K13 bacteriophage to identify the corresponding E. coli K antigen. Results showed that K1- capsule antigen could be identified in 42% (16/38) of the blood-isolated bacterial strains, compared with 11% (7/63) in fecal-isolated bacterial strains, while K5- capsule antigen was serotyped in 5% (2/38) and 19% (12/63), respectively. In contrast, the K13 capsule antigen was not found in blood-isolated bacterial strains and was serotyped only in 4% (3/63) of the fecal-isolated bacterial strains. Overall, the investigated E.coli  K capsular antigens were identified in 47% (18/38, non -typeable n=20) of the blood-isolated cultures compared with 35% ( 22/36, non-typeable=41) in fecal-isolated cultures..

Introduction: Glass ionomers are available in sets of powder and liquid constituents, which are dispensed using a scoop and dropper bottle system prior to hand-mixing by an operator. Glass ionomers are also available in capsulated form, which is mixed in a suitable mechanical mixing machine prior to clinical use. Capsulation enables uniform proportioning of the powder and liquid. In this context, mixing time will be correct as an automated process is utilised, resulting in a cement mixture that is optimal and reproducible, with minimal air entrapment. Manufacturers promote the capsulated form as being time saving, and easy to dispense, with more accurate adaptation because of the use of an applicator to place the material. Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the performance of hand-mixed glass ionomer materials with their capsule-mixed equivalents in terms of compressive strength, surface hardness and porosity. Materials and Methods: Four groups of 10 cylindrical specimens were manufactured for each of the four specified hand-mixed posterior glass ionomers for each test that was performed: Riva Self Cure (RSCH) (SDI Limited); GC Fuji IX GP (FIXH) (GC Corp); Ketac Universal (KUH) (3M ESPE) and Ketac Molar Easymix (KMH) (3M ESPE). Similarly, four groups of 10 cylindrical specimens were manufactured for each of the four equivalent capsule-mixed posterior glass ionomers for each test that was performed: Riva Self Cure (RSCC) (SDI Limited); GC Fuji IX GP (FIXC) (GC Corp); Ketac Universal Aplicap (KUC) (3M ESPE) and Ketac Molar Aplicap (KMC) (3M ESPE). The compressive fracture strength of each specimen was determined after 24 hours using a universal testing apparatus. A compressive load of 1 mm/min was applied to the 6 mm long axis of each specimen. The load to fracture was recorded and the compressive fracture strength was calculated. Within one hour after compressive strength testing, a selection of fragments from each specimen was examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Fragments were vacuum gold-sputter-coated prior to SEM examination. The fragments were observed at an operating voltage of 10kV, and over a range of magnifications to investigate crack propagation. The surface hardness of each specimen was measured with a digital micro-hardness tester with Vickers diamond indenter. The indenter was set at a load of 500mN at five predetermined regions of each specimen, with a dwell-time of five seconds. The five readings for each specimen were computed and the mean VHN in N/mm2 for each specimen was determined. Each specimen was observed and analysed for porosity using Micro-CT. Three-dimensional reconstructions were made of each specimen and the number of voids per volume (mm3) of specimen, the total volume of voids (mm3) per volume of specimen and the volume percentage of voids per volume of specimen were calculated. Results: RSCH and RSCC showed statistically significant differences when compressive strength (p=0.027), volume of voids (p=0.005) and volume percentage of voids (p=0.005) were compared. No statistically significant differences were found between RSCH and RSCC when surface hardness (p=0.124) and number of voids (p=0.221) were compared. When compressive strength (p=0.254) and number of voids (p=0.210) of FIXH and FIXC were compared, no statistically significant differences were found. Statistically significant differences were found when surface hardness (p=0.031), volume of voids (p<0.001) and volume percentage of voids (p<0.001) of FIXH and FIXH were compared. No statistically significant difference was found when compressive strength (p=0.090) of KUH and KUC were compared. Statistically significant differences were found when surface hardness (p<0.001), number of voids (p<0.001), volume of voids (p=0.004) and volume percentage of voids (p=0.004) of KUH and KUC were compared. Statistically significant differences were found between KMH and KMC when compressive strength (p<0.001), surface hardness (p=0.006), number of voids (p=0.001), volume of voids (p=0.010) and volume percentage of voids (p=0.010) were compared. Conclusion: The current study suggests that RSCC is more advantageous for clinical use compared to RSCH. The results as to whether the capsule-mix or the hand-mix product are superior for the examined properties for GC Fuji IX GP are inconclusive. KUC surpassed KUH in tests performed and is therefore recommended for clinical use. KMC out-performed KMH in all tests conducted, and is therefore advocated for use in clinical practice. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Community Dentistry / MSc / Unrestricted

The introduction of calculation methods for motion induced interruptions (MII) in 1984 introduced a new way to quantify human factors in addition to the motion sickness index (MSI). The 1990 Graham method for calculating MII uses a combination of a vessel's acceleration and roll to determine a "tipping" factor to calculate MII per minute. The Applebee-Baitis (AB) method considered that the motions are implicitly considered in accelerations, and therefore did not require roll to calculate MII. This thesis examines and analyzes the differences between the AB and Graham methods and compares their results for a unique hull form shape, a cylindrical capsule, in rough seas to determine which method is preferred. Two tests were performed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) in post-splashdown conditions. A one-quarter scale model of the CEV was tested at the Aberdeen Test Center in Aberdeen, Maryland. Direct comparison of the analyzed data, MII sensitivity to location, and scaling analyses are examined and future work to further the application of MII calculation methods are proposed. The symmetry of the capsule leads to the assumption that roll and pitch-dominant MII calculations should be on the same order of magnitude. They are not because both MII methods only take roll-motions into account. The inclusion of both pitch and roll motions for the MII calculations is proposed as future work. The Graham method was found to be the more appropriate calculation because it is more conservative, and therefore preferred in the context of crew safety. / Master of Science

Saturn’s moon, Titan, has been a scientific marvel since Cassini’s flyby discovered methane-ethane lakes in the northern hemisphere. Several science missions to explore these lakes have been proposed, but none have been launched. Using these previous mission designs, as well as the success of the Huygens probe, this paper will discuss the development of a deployable multi-buoy system with the intent of studying the methane-ethane lakes. The buoys will study the chemical makeup of the lakes, determine meteorology of Titan atmosphere, and map the depth and floor of the targeted lakes. This thesis is a concept study on the multi-buoy system that reviews briefly the concept and design.

Commonly used soil analysis and resin capsule procedures are used to assess nutrient status in fertile soils, but their validity in semi-arid ecosystems is unknown. Three studies were performed to assess resin capsule effectiveness in semi-arid ecosystems. An incubation study was completed in which loamy sand and sandy clay loam soils were treated with rates of N, P, Fe and Zn. Each soil treatment was implanted with a resin capsule and incubated for 60 or 120 days. Resin capsules reflected NH4-N and P fertilizer at low rates in the loamy sand. NO3-N reflected rates in both soils, but did not reflect Fe or Zn application. Resin capsule NH4-N was a better indicator than KCl-extractable NH4-N, but resin capsule NO3-N was not as effective as water extraction, and resin capsule P was poor compared to NaHCO3-P. A second study was performed in glasshouse conditions using the incubation study soils. Soils were treated with rates of N, P and resin capsules were placed in pots. Pots were seeded with squirreltail grass (Elymus elymoides) and placed in a glasshouse. Resin capsules were removed at 120 days, soil samples taken, grass harvested and yield measured. Yield and total nutrient removal was correlated to resin NH4-N, marginally related to resin or soil NO3-N, and unrelated to resin P. Yield and total nutrient removal was correlated with application rates and resin NH4-N and NaHCO3-extracted P. The third field study, compared two sites with rates of N and P application were established on clay loam and sandy loam soils. Resin capsule and conventional soil tests for NO3-N, NH4-N and P were measured and plant nutrient status examined. Resin capsules were removed and replaced and soil samples taken every 90 days. Resins P was not related to P application or to plant tissue P but NaHCO3-extracted P was, while resin NO3-N, KCl-extracted NO3-N and NH4-N were correlated to N application and plant N. Soil test P was more effective in predicting P status and bioavailability than resin capsules. Resin NH4-N and NO3-N predicted N status and bioavailability, but soil tests were just as effective in semi-arid conditions.

Ion exchange resin capsules provide a possible alternative to conventional soil testing procedures. Previous studies with semi-arid, low fertility soils observed poor relationships with poorly mobile nutrients such as phosphorus (P). We propose that placement depth may improve those relationships. Our objective was to (1) determine if placement depth could improve resin capsule estimation of the bioavailability of nitrogen (N), P, and sulfur (S) and (2) to determine if resin capsules can effectively estimate S availability in semi-arid, low fertility soils. Field sites were established in Rush and Skull Valleys, Utah on loam and sandy loam soils, respectively. Fertilizer was surface applied as ammonium sulfate and triple superphosphate with six N, P and S treatments (0, 5.5, 11, 22, 44 and 88 kg ha-1 of N and P2O5 and 0, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 kg ha-1 of S). Thirty 4.0-m2 plots were established at each field location. Resin capsules were placed three per plot at 0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 cm deep in the soil and soil samples taken at respective depths. The capsules were removed and replaced after approximately 90 d. Final removal and soil sampling occurred approximately 240 d later. For the second study, fertilizer was surface applied as ammonium sulfate with six S treatments (0, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 kg ha-1 of S) with one resin capsule placed in each 4.0-m2 plot at a depth of 5 cm in the soil. Resin capsules were removed and replaced approximately every 90 d for a total of four samplings. Soil samples were taken with every resin capsules install and removal. In the first study, bicarbonate extractable P was significantly related to P application at all depths and times except the two lowest depths at the time of final sampling, and resin capsule P was only related to P application 398 days after application in the 0–5 and 5–10 cm depths. However, this is an improvement in estimates of bioavailability compared to a single placement depth. The 5–10 cm depth was the best for placement for determination of NH4-N, and resin capsules improved upon soil test estimates. For NO3-N, depth was not important, but resin capsules had a stronger relationship with N applied than the soil test 398 d after application. In addition, both resin capsules and the S soil test were related to S applied, but resin capsules were more able to pick up S cycling through the system. In the second study resin capsules and conventional soil tests were both effective in distinguishing between fertilizer rates, though only the conventional soil test was related to S applied at the last sampling (366 d after fertilizer application). Overall resin capsules were effective at reflecting application rates, and may be a good tool to estimate nutrient bioavailability. Correlation with plant uptake is required to determine if soil tests or resin capsules were a better estimate of bioavailable nutrients.

Capsule network (CapsNet) is a new and promising approach to computer vision. In the small amount of research published so far, it has shown to be good at generalizing complex objects and perform well even when the images are skewed or the objects are seen from unfamiliar viewpoints. This thesis further tests this ability of CapsNetby comparing it to convolutional networks (ConvNets) on the task to understand images of clothing in different rotational views. Even though the ConvNets have a higher classification accuracy than CapsNets, the results indicate that CapsNets are better at understanding the clothes when viewed in different rotational views. / Capsule network (CapsNet) är en ny typ av neuralt nätverk för datorseende, som framförallt presterar bra även då bilderna är förvrängda eller sedda från obekanta vinklar. Den här uppsatsen testar CapsNets förmåga att förstå klädesobjekt sedda ur olika synviklar genom att göra en jämförelse med ConvNets. Resultaten visar att, trots att ConvNets har en högre exakthet i sin klassificering, är CapsNets bättre på att förstå kläderna sedda från olika synvinklar.

BACKGROUND: Capsule endoscopy (CE) allows for a non-invasive small bowel evaluation for a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and diseases. Capsule technology has been rapidly advancing over recent years, often improving image frequency and quality. The Pillcam SB3 (SB3) capsule is one such technology that offers an adaptive frame rate advantage over the previous versions of the capsule the Pillcam SB2 (SB2). Some have proposed that this improvement in capsule technology may lead to increased diagnostic yields; however, real world clinical data is currently lacking. AIM: To evaluate the clinically relevant findings of SB3 and SB2 capsules in a population of United States veterans. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 260 consecutive CE studies was performed including 130 SB3 and 130 SB2 capsule studies. Recorded variables included: age, gender, type of capsule, body mass index, exam completion, inpatient status, opioid use, diabetes, quality of preparation, gastric transit time, small bowel transit time, indication, finding, and if the exam resulted in a change in clinical management. The primary outcome measured was the detection of clinically relevant findings between SB3 and SB2 capsules. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population was 67.1 ± 10.4 years and 94.2% of patients were male. Of these 28.1% were on opioid users. The most common indications for capsule procedure were occult GI bleeding (74.6%) and overt GI bleeding (14.6%). Rates of incomplete exam were similar between SB3 and SB2 groups (16.9% 9.2%, = 0.066). The overall rate of clinically relevant finding was 48.9% in our study. No significant difference was observed in SB3 SB2 capsules for clinically relevant findings (46.2% 51.5%, = 0.385) or change in clinical management (40.8% 50.0%, = 0.135). CONCLUSION: Our study found no significant difference in clinically relevant findings between SB3 and SB2 capsules.

Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.