Simple procedure for assessing diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage successfully created using filament perforation method in mice

The murine model of subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)is a valuable experimental tool for investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms,and the endovascular filament perforation technique can be used to simulate prominent pathophysiological features observed after human SAH;however,current validation methods for assessing an appropriate SAH model are limited.Here,we introduce a simple procedure for se-lecting a mouse model of diffuse SAH.SAH was induced in 24 mice using a standard filament perforation method.After confirming survival at 24 h,SAH was scored 0-1 based on T2*-weighted images on whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and visual surveillance of the cisterna magna(CM)through the dura mater.The CM-based SAH grading correlated well with a reference parameter defined by extracted brain(r^(2)=0.53,p<0.0001).The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed a sensi-tivity of 85%and a specificity of 91%for detecting diffuse SAH,with a similar area under the curve(0.89±0.06[standard error of the mean])as the MRI-based grading(0.72±0.10,p=0.12).Our data suggest that confirming an SAH clot in the CM is a valuable way to select a clinically relevant diffuse SAH model that can be used in future experimental studies.

Frost heave analysis of ballasted track above box culvert and its influence on train vibration

The uneven frost heave of frost-susceptible subgrade soil causes track irregularity,which highly enhances train vibration and affects the comfort and safety of railway transportation.This paper presents a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical(THM)analysis for the freezing behavior of railway located above a box culvert.The vertical acceleration of the vehicle,an indicator of riding comfort,is predicted through a vehicle dynamic model.The results reveal that the existence of a box culvert changes the subgrade thermal pattern,leading to a deeper frost penetration depth.The frost heave amount above the box culvert is larger than the adjacent section,resulting in uneven track structure upheave and track irregularity.This frostinduced track irregularity highly affects train vibration.

Thermal-hydro-mechanical coupled analysis of unsaturated frostsusceptible soils

Damage caused by frost heave leads to costly maintenance in cold regions, like Hokkaido, Japan. Therefore, thestudy of the frost mechanism with experimental and numerical methods has been of great interest. Numerousmodels have been developed to describe the freezing process of saturated soil, which differs from the partiallysaturated conditions in the field. In fact, most subsurface soils are unsaturated. The freezing process of partiallysaturated soils is more complex than saturated soils, as the governing equations show strongly nonlinear characteristics. This study proposes a thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled model considering the heat transfer, waterinfiltration, and deformation of partially saturated soil to reproduce the freezing process of partially saturatedfrost susceptible soils distributed in Hokkaido. This model better considers the water-ice phase change and soilfreezing characteristic curve (SFCC) during freezing under field conditions. The results from the multiphysicssimulations agree well with the frost heave and water migration data from frost heave tests of Touryo soil andFujinomori soil. In addition, this study discussed the influence of the various factors on frost heave amount,including temperature gradients, overburden pressures, water supply conditions, cooling rates, and initial saturation. The simulation results indicate that the frost heave ratio is proportional to the initial degree of saturationand is inversely proportional to the cooling rate and overburden pressure.Moreover, simulation under the open system generates much more frost heave than under the closed system.Finally, the main features of the proposed model are revealed by simulating a closed-system frost heave test. Thesimulation results indicate that the proposed model adequately captures the coupling characteristics of water andice redistribution, temperature development, hydraulic conductivity, and suction in the freezing process. Togetherwith the decreased hydraulic conductivity, the increased suction controls the water flow in the freezing zone. Theinflow water driven by cryogenic suction gradient feeds the ice formation, leads to a rapid increase in total watercontent, expanding the voids that exceed the initial porosity and contributing to the frost heave.

Three-Dimensional Cerebral Aneurysm Models for Surgical Simulation and Education—Development of Aneurysm Models with Perforating Arteries and for Application of Fenestrated Clips

We modified a three-dimensional cerebral aneurysm model for surgical simulation and educational demonstration. Novel models are made showing perforating arteries arising around the aneurysm. Information about perforating arteries is difficult to obtain from individual radiological data sets. Perforators are therefore reproduced based on previous anatomical knowledge instead of personal data. Due to their fragility, perforating arteries are attached to the model using hard materials. At the same time, hollow models are useful for practicing clip application. We made a model for practicing the application of fenestrated clips for paraclinoid internal carotid aneurysms. Situating aneurysm models in the fissure of a brain model simulates the real surgical field and is helpful for educational demonstrations.