Assessment of trunk asymmetry in transversal plane by geometric outline of trunk deformation (GOTD).

Due to its variety and changeability in time, trunk asymmetry is a symptom of body silhouette distortions, which is difficult to assess objectively. The parametric method involving a geometric outline of trunk deformation (GOTD) has been developed in order to provide a tool for an objective measurement comparable to further examinations. Despite the technology rapid development it still seems reasonable to use simple diagnostic methods available in all conditions, hence the authors' interest in the simplified topographic method employing the body contour tracer. For the diagnosis purpose it is particularly important to assess the parametric asymmetry of the body contour. Such result allows to determine objectively the degree of deformation and standards for the investigatory classification. The obtained coefficients and facilitate the description of deformation in a manner independent of trunk size, and therefore factors such as age and sex do not affect the measurement, which is an important advantage of this method. The body contour tracer is a simple and relatively inexpensive device. Its use does not require training or experience. Examination is noninvasive and harmless to the organism. Collected database provides clear material in the form of digital images, its processing and results, useful for simple comparative analysis. Due to the phase of the investigation, the discussion on the correlation, conclusions about deflection and norms standardization were omitted.

The operational window of carbon nanotube electrical wires treated with strong acids and oxidants.

Conventional metal wires suffer from a significant degradation or complete failure in their electrical performance, when subjected to harsh oxidizing environments, however wires constructed from Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have been found to actually improve in their electrical performance when subjected to these environments. These opposing reactions may provide new and interesting applications for CNT wires. Yet, before attempting to move to any real-world harsh environment applications, for the CNT wires, it is essential that this area of their operation be thoroughly examined. To investigate this, CNT wires were treated with multiple combinations of the strongest acids and halogens. The wires were then subjected to conductivity measurements, current carrying capacity tests, as well as Raman, microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis to enable the identification of both the limits of oxidative conductivity boosting and the onset of physical damage to the wires. These experiments have led to two main conclusions. Firstly, that CNT wires may operate effectively in harsh oxidizing environments where metal wires would easily fail and secondly, that the highest conductivity increase of the CNT wires can be achieved through a process of annealing, acetone and HCl purification followed by either H2O2 and HClO4 or Br2 treatment.