A novel approach to 3D modelling ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data - A case study of a cemetery and applications for criminal investigation.

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an established geophysical technique used extensively for the accurate reconstruction of the shallow (<10 m) subsurface. Reconstructions have largely been completed and presented as 2D vertical and horizontal planes, leaving limited visualization of subsurface 3D shapes and their spatial relationships. With technological advancements, particularly the availability and integration of various software platforms, 3D modelling of GPR data is now emerging as the new standard. However, despite these developments, there remains an inadequate examination and testing of these techniques, particularly in determining if their application is beneficial and warranted. In this study we conducted a GPR grid survey on a churchyard cemetery to generate and evaluate 2D and 3D-modelled reconstructions of the cemetery burial sites. Data collection and processing was completed using a Sensors and Software Incorporated pulseEKKO™ Pro SmartCart GPR system and EKKO_Project™ software, respectively. The modelling component was achieved using Schlumberger's Petrel™ E & P software platform, which is tailored to the petroleum industry. The subsurface patterns present in the 2D and 3D models closely matched the cemetery plot plan, validating our data collection, processing, and modelling methods. Both models were adequate for 2D horizontal visualization of reflection patterns at any specific depth. The 3D model was used to identify the presence of a companion burial plot (stacked caskets) and possible leachate plumes below and encircling burial sites, both of which were not evident in the 2D model, highlighting the benefits of 3D modelling when discerning subsurface objects. We expect our findings to be of value to similar GPR studies, with particular significance to geoforensic studies and criminal investigations.

Pulmonary tuberculosis diagnostic practices among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus in Lesotho.

SETTING: Twelve health facilities in Berea District, Lesotho, that participated in the Start TB Patients on ART and Retain on Treatment (START) Study, a mixed-methods cluster-randomized trial evaluating a combination intervention package to improve early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and anti-tuberculosis treatment success among patients with tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). OBJECTIVE: To assess TB and HIV diagnostic practices among TB-HIV patients. DESIGN: A standardized survey assessed services at each facility at baseline. Routine clinical data were abstracted for all newly registered adult TB-HIV patients during the study period. Descriptive statistics were used to assess TB diagnostic practices, timing of the HIV diagnosis, and ART status at TB treatment initiation. RESULTS: Between April 2013 and March 2015, 1233 TB-HIV patients were enrolled. Among 1215 patients with available data, 87.2% had pulmonary TB, of which 34.8% were bacteriologically confirmed, 40.9% tested negative and 24.3% were not tested. Among 1138 patients with available data, 53.3% had an existing HIV diagnosis, of whom 39.3% were ART-naïve. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of pulmonary TB patients were clinically diagnosed, and many were unaware of their HIV status or were ART-naïve despite known status. The Test and Treat Strategy holds promise to prevent TB and reduce TB-related mortality among people living with HIV; however, enhanced TB diagnostic capacity and improved HIV case detection are urgently needed.

Effects of nicorandil on receptor-mediated Ca2+ release and Ca2+ entry in vascular smooth muscle.

In a solution containing La3+, or one without Ca2+ (Ca2+-free) and containing 1.0 mM ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), norepinephrine (NE)-induced transient contractions in rabbit aorta attributed to Ca2+ release are depressed 31 and 38%, respectively, by an approximate ED60 relaxing concentration of nicorandil (SG-75). In addition, after 15 min in a Ca2+-free, low-EGTA (0.01 mM) solution, plus D600 to eliminate any potential-dependent Ca2+ entry, NE elicits a similar phasic response that is attenuated 34% by SG-75. Apparently, this is primarily due to inhibition of Ca2+ release rather than to stimulation of rebinding, uptake, and/or extrusion of Ca2+ following release. For, when tissues initially exposed to a Ca2+-free, low-EGTA plus D600 solution with or without SG-75 and NE are then rinsed with the same solution for 20 min to remove SG-75 and/or NE and again exposed to NE there is only a small residual maintained response in tissues not exposed to SG-75. However, in tissues that have been exposed to SG-75 prior to NE, a measurable phasic response is elicited that is approximately 50% of control NE responses. When Ca2+ is added to a Ca2+-free, low-EGTA plus D600 solution after NE-induced Ca2+ release, a rapid and significant increase in tension ensues that is well maintained and is proposed to represent specific alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated Ca2+ entry. This NE-mediated, D600-insensitive Ca2+ entry is readily inhibited or relaxed by SG-75.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Accuracy of measuring impedance in the hand-arm system.

In an assessment of the accuracy with which impedance can be determined in the hand-arm system, two subjects were each tested six times at 28 frequencies between 10 and 800 Hz. In addition the effect of wearing an air cushion glove was investigated, and an attempt was made to develop a simple model of the glove. The results showed agreement with other recently published data for impedance in the hand-arm system at frequencies above about 25 Hz but not below. The mean values of the impedance for a single subject had standard errors of about 10%. When the subjects wore an air cushion glove, there was only a small change in impedance, and consequently in the total amount of energy dissipated in the hand-arm system. A simple mass-spring damper model of the glove predicted that the attenuation provided by the glove was minimal, except at the highest frequencies.

Hazards of anaesthetic scavenging: case reports and brief review.

Two cases are presented of misadventure occurring in association with the use of anaesthetic scavenging equipment. The first case demonstrates how easily the scavenging line linking the venting port of a mechanical ventilator to the scavenging interface can become accidentally obstructed. The second case suggests that the proper use of scavenging equipment will effectively eliminate any possibility of recognising by smell an accidental overdose of volatile anaesthetic agent. Previous reports of scavenging hazards are briefly reviewed. It is concluded from this review that scavenging suction should be 'low-vacuum', that a relief valve must be included in the scavenging pathway proximal to any site of potential obstruction, and that the appearance and function of a scavenging interface must be simple and immediately obvious.

Accelerated acute clonidine withdrawal syndrome during coronary artery bypass surgery. A case report.

A patient with essential hypertension treated with clonidine developed accelerated acute clonidine withdrawal syndrome during coronary artery bypass surgery. There were recurring hypotensive and hypertensive episodes. The hypotension was associated with myocardial ischaemia, cardiac arrhythmia and ventricular fibrillation, and was treated successfully with i.v. calcium chloride given at the onset of hypotension.