The semicircular canals detect head rotations and trigger compensatory movements that stabilize gaze and help maintain visual fixation. Mammals with large eyes and high visual acuity presumably require more precise gaze stabilization mechanisms because they experience degradation of spatial resolution at a lower threshold of uncompensated motion. Because semicircular canal radius of curvature is a primary determinant of canal sensitivity, species with large canal radii are expected to be capable of more precise gaze stabilization than species with small canal radii. Here the relationship between semicircular canal radius of curvature, eye size, and visual acuity is examined in a large sample of therian mammals. These results demonstrate that eye size and visual acuity both explain a significant proportion of the variance in mean canal radius of curvature after statistically controlling for the effects of body mass and phylogeny. These findings suggest that interspecific variation in semicircular canal radius of curvature is partly the result of selection for improved gaze stabilization in species with large eyes and acute vision. / text

No description available.

Cette thèse se compose de trois parties. La première partie est consacrée aux partitions planes cylindriques, la deuxième aux lambda-déterminants et enfin la troisième aux commutateurs dans les systèmes semi-circulaires. La classe des partitions planes cylindriques est une généralisation naturelle de celle des partitions planes inverses. Borodin a donnée récemment une série génératrice pour les partitions planes cylindriques. Notre premier résultat est une preuve bijective de cette identité utilisant les diagrammes de croissance de Fomin for la correspondance RSK généralisée. Le deuxième résultat est un (q, t)-analogue de la formule de Borodin, qui généralise un résultat d'Okada. Enfin le troisième résultat de la première partie est une description combinatoire explicite du poids de Macdonald intervenant dans cette formule, qui utilise un modèle de chemins non-intersectant pour les partitions planes cylindriques. Les matrices à signes alternants ont ́été découvertes par Robbins et Rumsey alors qu’ils étudiaient les λ-déterminants. Dans la deuxième partie de cette thèse nous démontrons une généralisation à plusieurs paramètres de ce λ-déterminant, généralisant un résultat récent de di Francesco. Comme le λ-déterminant, notre formule est un exemple du phénomène de Laurent. Les systèmes semi-circulaires ont ́été introduits par Voiculescu afin d' ́étudier les algèbres de von Neumann des groupes libres. Dans la troisième partie de la thèse, nous étudions les commutateurs dans l'algèbre engendré par un système semi-circulaire. Nous avons mis en ́évidence une matrice possédant une structure auto-similaire intéressante, qui nous permet de donner une formule explicite pour la projection sur l'espace des commutateurs de degré donnée. En utilisant cette expression, nous donnons une preuve simple du fait que les systèmes semi-circulaires engendrent des facteurs / This thesis is divided into three parts. The first part deals with cylindric plane partitions. The second with lambda-determinants and the third with commutators in semi-circular systems. Cylindric plane partitions may be thought of as a natural generalization of reverse plane partitions. A generating series for the enumeration of cylindric plane partitions was recently given by Borodin. The first result of section one is a new bijective proof of Borodin's identity which makes use of Fomin's growth diagram framework for generalized RSK correspondences. The second result is a (q, t)-analog of Borodin's identity which extends previous work by Okada in the reverse plane partition case. The third result is an explicit combinatorial interpretation of the Macdonald weight occuring in the(q, t)-analog using the non-intersecting lattice path model for cylindric plane partitions. Alternating sign matrices were discovered by Robbins and Rumsey whilst studying λ-determinants. In the second part of this thesis we prove a multi-parameter generalization of the λ-determinant, generalizing a recent result by di Francesco. Like the original λ-determinant, our formula exhibits the Laurent phenomenon. Semicircular systems were first introduced by Voiculescu as a part of his study of von Neumann algebras. In the third part of this thesis we study certain commutator sub algebras of the semicircular system. We find a projection matrix with an interesting self-similar structure. Making use of our projection formula we given an alternative, elementary proof that the semicircular system is a factor

The recent changes in the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) hot mix asphalt (HMA) mix design procedures to ensure that the mixture types routinely used on Texas highways are not prone to rutting raised concerns that these mixture types are now more susceptible to fatigue cracking. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate fatigue cracking test methods and recommend that which is both simple and robust, especially in qualifying commonly used Texas mixture types. One way to minimize fatigue cracking is through material screening and selection of appropriate mix designs that are representative of fatigue-resistant HMA mixes. However, there are not many standardized laboratory fracture resistance tests that have been universally adopted for routine mix design and/or screening purposes for HMA fatigue resistance. In this study, four different fracture test methods: the Overlay Tester (OT), Direct Tension (DT), Indirect Tension (IDT), and Semicircular Bending (SCB) tests were comparatively evaluated for their potential application as surrogate tests for routine fracture resistance evaluation and screening of HMA mixes in the laboratory. The evaluation criteria included: rationality of the test concept and correlation to field performance, repeatability and variability, simplicity and practicality of the sample fabrication process, and simplicity of data analysis. Results and key findings based on the laboratory fatigue resistance characterization of various commonly used Texas coarse- and fine-graded HMA mixes (Type B, C, and D) are presented in this paper. Overall, preliminary findings indicated that no monotonically-loaded test would be appropriate as a surrogate fatigue resistance test; however, the SCB test showed potential as a repeated-loading test. Suggested SCB test improvements include developing the repeated SCB test protocol, determining the appropriate failure criterion, and correlating laboratory performance to field performance.

All heat pump cycles have one common feature that connects them to one another; this feature is the presence of a heat exchanger. There are even some heat–driven cycles that are completely composed of heat exchangers, every heat exchanger fulfilling a different, though critical role. The need therefore exists to optimize heat exchangers, more specifically Compact Heat Exchangers (CHE). This study deals with the optimization of such a CHE by determining an optimal hydraulic diameter of the micro–channels in a CHE, for minimal hydraulic losses. Two Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models were developed for a single micro–channel that is present in a CHE. The first model had a semi–circular cross–section, the second a triangular cross–section. The results were verified by comparing it with existing experimental data. Following the verification of the results, the micro–channel was optimized by implementing an optimum diameter for the lowest pressure drop over the micro–channel. This was done for both the semi–circular and triangular micro–channel cross–sections. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

All heat pump cycles have one common feature that connects them to one another; this feature is the presence of a heat exchanger. There are even some heat–driven cycles that are completely composed of heat exchangers, every heat exchanger fulfilling a different, though critical role. The need therefore exists to optimize heat exchangers, more specifically Compact Heat Exchangers (CHE). This study deals with the optimization of such a CHE by determining an optimal hydraulic diameter of the micro–channels in a CHE, for minimal hydraulic losses. Two Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models were developed for a single micro–channel that is present in a CHE. The first model had a semi–circular cross–section, the second a triangular cross–section. The results were verified by comparing it with existing experimental data. Following the verification of the results, the micro–channel was optimized by implementing an optimum diameter for the lowest pressure drop over the micro–channel. This was done for both the semi–circular and triangular micro–channel cross–sections. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

No description available.

A conversão da energia das ondas dos oceanos em energia elétrica é uma alternativa para o problema da falta de combustíveis fósseis. Uma das possibilidades de aproveitamento é através de dispositivos cujo princípio de funcionamento é o de Coluna de Água Oscilante (CAO). No presente trabalho o objetivo é, através da modelagem computacional e do emprego do Design Construtal, maximizar a potência hidropneumática de um dispositivo conversor de energia das ondas do mar do tipo CAO. São analisados diferentes eixos da restrição física, no formato elíptico, que representa a turbina, e duas formas geométricas na região de transição entre a câmara hidropneumática e a chaminé do dispositivo CAO: trapezoidal e semicircular. Considerando um domínio bidimensional, as restrições para estes problemas são: Área da restrição elíptica (AR), Área total do dispositivo (AT) e razão entre a área da restrição elíptica e a área total (ϕn). Os graus de liberdade analisados são: a razão entre os comprimentos dos eixos da restrição elíptica (d1/d2) para o caso da restrição física da turbina, o ângulo de inclinação da parede (α) para o caso com região de transição trapezoidal, o raio (r) e H2/l (razão entre altura e comprimento da chaminé de saída da câmara CAO) para o caso com região de transição semicircular. Para a solução numérica é empregado um código de dinâmica dos fluidos computacional, FLUENT®, baseado no Método de Volumes Finitos (MVF). O modelo multifásico Volume of Fluid (VOF) é aplicado no tratamento da interação água-ar. O domínio computacional é representado por um tanque de ondas com um dispositivo CAO acoplado. Os resultados obtidos indicam que, para o estudo da região de transição trapezoidal o desempenho do conversor tem aproximadamente o mesmo desempenho para todas as geometrias estudadas. A região de transição semicircular, apresenta resultados para os quais foi possível otimizar a potência hidropneumática. O estudo da turbina indica que foi possível determinar uma geometria capaz de converter a energia da onda incidente ao dispositivo, sem que ocorresse a obstrução do escoamento de ar na chaminé do dispositivo CAO. Assim, mostra-se a relação entre o método Design Construtal e o clima de ondas na definição das dimensões que maximizam a potência hidropneumática. / The conversion of ocean’s wave energy into electrical energy is an alternative for the scarcity of fossil fuels. One of the possibilities of energy use is through devices, whose operating principle is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC). In this work the aim is, through computer modeling and the Constructal Design, to maximize hydropneumatic power of a power converter device type OWC. Different axes of physical constraint with elliptical shape, representing the effect of the turbine , are analyzed. Two geometric shapes in the transition region between the hydropneumatic chamber and the chimney OWC device, trapezoidal and semicircular, are also analyzed. Considering a two-dimensional domain the restrictions for this problem are: Elliptical restriction area (AR), Total area device (AT) and the ratio between the area of the elliptical restraint and the total area (ϕn). The considered degrees of freedom are: the ratio between the lengths of the axes (d1/d2) of the elliptical restraint, for the turbine’s physical constraint case, the inclination angle (α) of the wall for the trapezoidal transition case, and the radius (r) and H2/l (ratio between height and length of output chimney CAO) for the semicircular transition region case. For the numerical solution, a commercial code of computational fluid dynamics, FLUENT®, which is based on the Finite Volume Method (FVM), is employed. The multiphase model Volume of Fluid (VOF) is applied in the treatment of water-air interaction. The computational domain is represented by a wave tank with a fixed OWC device. The obtained results indicate that, for the study of the trapezoidal transition region, the performance of converter don’t seems to be compensatory only by changing the geometry of the trapezoidal area. However, for the semicircular transition region, it was possible to optimize a hydropneumatic power. The study of turbine effect indicates a geometry capable of converting the energy of the incident wave to the device, without obstructing the air flow in the chimney of de OWC, showing the relationship between the Constructal Design method and the wave climate in the definition of the dimensions that maximize the hydropneumatic power.

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a correspondência anatômica entre a eminência arqueada e o canal semicircular superior na superfície da fossa craniana média. Este estudo transversal descritivo foi realizado em um hospital terciário. Setenta e cinco pacientes consecutivos (150 lados), submetidos à tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução dos ossos temporais, foram analisados por dois autores. Para cada exame, a relação anatômica entre a eminência arqueada e o canal semicircular superior foi classificada como coincidente ou não coincidente. Distâncias entre os parâmetros anatômicos de maior utilidade na cirurgia da fossa média e prevalência de deiscência do canal semicircular superior também foram estudadas. A eminência arqueada foi coincidente com o canal semicircular superior em apenas 31.3% dos casos. Não foi possível identificar a eminência arqueada em 33 exames (22.0%). Deiscência do canal semicircular superior foi encontrada em cinco casos (3.3%). Poucos milímetros separaram a cóclea do canal semicircular superior. As medidas secundárias foram caracterizadas por ampla variabilidade. A eminência arqueada não se sobrepõe sistematicamente ao canal semicircular superior e não deve ser usada rotineiramente como uma referência para a localização dessa estrutura. / The objective of this study is to evaluate the anatomical coincidence between the arcuate eminence and the superior semicircular canal at the middle cranial fossa surface. This crosssectional descriptive study was performed at a tertiary hospital. Seventy-five consecutive patients (150 sides) who underwent bilateral high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography scans were analyzed by two authors. In each scan, the anatomical relationship between the arcuate eminence and the superior semicircular canal was classified as coincident or non-coincident. Distances between the most applicable anatomical landmarks for middle cranial fossa surgery and the prevalence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence were also studied. The arcuate eminence matched the semicircular canal in only 31.3% of cases. It was impossible to identify the arcuate eminence in 33 scans (22.0%). Semicircular canal dehiscence was found in 5 cases (3.3%). A few millimeters separated the cochea from SSC; secondary measurements were characterized by broad variability. The arcuate eminence does not systematically overlie the superior semicircular canal and should not be routinely used as a reference for reaching this structure in the context of middle fossa surgery.

Background: Vestibular function (specifically, horizontal semicircular canal function) can be assessed across a broad frequency range using several different techniques. The head impulse test is a qualitative test of horizontal semicircular canal function that can be completed at bedside. Recently, a new instrument (video head impulse test [vHIT]) has been developed to provide an objective assessment to the clinical test. Questions persist regarding how this test may be used in the overall vestibular test battery. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe vestibular test results (vHIT, rotational testing, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and balance and gait performance) in an individual with a 100% unilateral caloric weakness who was asymptomatic for dizziness, vertigo or imbalance. Data Collection and/or Analysis: Comprehensive assessment was completed to evaluate vestibular function. Caloric irrigations, rotary chair testing, vHIT, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were completed. Results: A 100% left-sided unilateral caloric weakness was observed in an asymptomatic individual. vHIT produced normal gain with covert saccades. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the clinical usefulness of vHIT as a diagnostic tool and indicator of vestibular compensation and functional status.