Analysis of SAR distribution in human head of antenna used in wireless power transform based on magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Gong, Feixiang; Wei, Zhiqiang; Cong, Yanping; Chi, Haokun; Yin, Bo; Sun, Mingui

2017-07-20

In this paper, a novel wireless power transfer antenna system was designed for human head implantable devices. The antenna system used the structure of three plates and four coils and operated at low frequencies to transfer power via near field. In order to verify the electromagnetic radiation safety on the human head, the electromagnetic intensity and specific absorption rate (SAR) were studied by finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method. A three-layer model of human head including skin, bone and brain tissues was constructed. The transmitting and receiving antenna were set outside and inside the model. The local and average SAR were simulated at the resonance frequency of 18.67 MHz in two situations, in one scenario both transmitting and receiving coil worked, while in the other scenario only the transmitting coil worked. The results showed that the maximum of 10 g SAR average value of human thoracic were 0.142 W/kg and 0.148 W/kg, respectively, both were lower than the international safety standards for human body of the ICNIRP and FCC, which verified the safety of the human body in wireless power transmission based on magnetic coupling resonance.

Pediatric Type Follicular Lymphoma: A Rare Entity with Excellent Prognosis

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-01-19

lymphomas, has a median age range of 7.5-11.7, and has a male- female ratio of 4:1. This entity occurs most frequently in the tonsils and head and... neck lymph nodes. The pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma in adults is based upon immunoglobulin gene rearrangements with BCL2, BCL6, and MYC

77 FR 11588 - Certain Electronic Devices for Capturing and Transmitting Images, and Components Thereof

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-27

.... 1337, on behalf of Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, New York. Letters supplementing the complaint...: Eastman Kodak Company, 343 State Street Rochester, NY 14650. (b) The respondent is the following entity...

An eight-channel T/R head coil for parallel transmit MRI at 3T using ultra-low output impedance amplifiers

PubMed Central

Moody, Katherine Lynn; Hollingsworth, Neal A.; Zhao, Feng; Nielsen, Jon-Fredrik; Noll, Douglas C.; Wright, Steven M.; McDougall, Mary Preston

2014-01-01

Parallel transmit is an emerging technology to address the technical challenges associated with MR imaging at high field strengths. When developing arrays for parallel transmit systems, one of the primary factors to be considered is the mechanism to manage coupling and create independently operating channels. Recent work has demonstrated the use of amplifiers to provide some or all of the channel-to-channel isolation, reducing the need for on-coil decoupling networks in a manner analogous to the use of isolation preamplifiers with receive coils. This paper discusses an eight-channel transmit/receive head array for use with an ultra-low output impedance (ULOI) parallel transmit system. The ULOI amplifiers eliminated the need for a complex lumped element network to decouple the eight rung array. The design and construction details of the array are discussed in addition to the measurement considerations required for appropriately characterizing an array when using ULOI amplifiers. B1 maps and coupling matrices are used to verify the performance of the system. PMID:25072190

Improved Homogeneity of the Transmit Field by Simultaneous Transmission with Phased Array and Volume Coil

PubMed Central

Avdievich, Nikolai I.; Oh, Suk-Hoon; Hetherington, Hoby P.; Collins, Christopher M.

2010-01-01

Purpose To improve the homogeneity of transmit volume coils at high magnetic fields (≥ 4 T). Due to RF field/ tissue interactions at high fields, 4–8 T, the transmit profile from head-sized volume coils shows a distinctive pattern with relatively strong RF magnetic field B1 in the center of the brain. Materials and Methods In contrast to conventional volume coils at high field strengths, surface coil phased arrays can provide increased RF field strength peripherally. In theory, simultaneous transmission from these two devices could produce a more homogeneous transmission field. To minimize interactions between the phased array and the volume coil, counter rotating current (CRC) surface coils consisting of two parallel rings carrying opposite currents were used for the phased array. Results Numerical simulations and experimental data demonstrate that substantial improvements in transmit field homogeneity can be obtained. Conclusion We have demonstrated the feasibility of using simultaneous transmission with human head-sized volume coils and CRC phased arrays to improve homogeneity of the transmit RF B1 field for high-field MRI systems. PMID:20677280

An eight-channel T/R head coil for parallel transmit MRI at 3T using ultra-low output impedance amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moody, Katherine Lynn; Hollingsworth, Neal A.; Zhao, Feng; Nielsen, Jon-Fredrik; Noll, Douglas C.; Wright, Steven M.; McDougall, Mary Preston

2014-09-01

Parallel transmit is an emerging technology to address the technical challenges associated with MR imaging at high field strengths. When developing arrays for parallel transmit systems, one of the primary factors to be considered is the mechanism to manage coupling and create independently operating channels. Recent work has demonstrated the use of amplifiers to provide some or all of the channel-to-channel isolation, reducing the need for on-coil decoupling networks in a manner analogous to the use of isolation preamplifiers with receive coils. This paper discusses an eight-channel transmit/receive head array for use with an ultra-low output impedance (ULOI) parallel transmit system. The ULOI amplifiers eliminated the need for a complex lumped element network to decouple the eight-rung array. The design and construction details of the array are discussed in addition to the measurement considerations required for appropriately characterizing an array when using ULOI amplifiers. B1 maps and coupling matrices are used to verify the performance of the system.

Apparatus and process for ultrasonic seam welding stainless steel foils

DOEpatents

Leigh, Richard W.

1992-01-01

An ultrasonic seam welding apparatus having a head which is rotated to form contact, preferably rolling contact, between a metallurgically inert coated surface of the head and an outside foil of a plurality of layered foils or work materials. The head is vibrated at an ultrasonic frequency, preferably along a longitudinal axis of the head. The head is constructed to transmit vibration through a contacting surface of the head into each of the layered foils. The contacting surface of the head is preferably coated with aluminum oxide to prevent the head from becoming welded to layered stainless steel foils.

Comparing Immunohistologic and Demographic Variables of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

HPV 16 and 18 which have a well-established association with cervical cancers . However, HPV 16 accounts for the majority ofHPV...These cancers are now subdivided into HPV associated ( HPV - SCC) and non- HPV associated squamous cell (SCC) carcinomas. HPV -SCG is a distinct entity... cell carcinomas. Laryngoscope 2009; 119(8): 1542-1549. 13. Venuti A, Paolini F. HPV detection methods in head and neck cancer . Head Neck

Head movements in low and high gravitoinertial force environments elicit motion sickness - Implications for space motion sickness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lackner, James R.; Graybiel, Ashton

1987-01-01

Astronauts report that head movements in flight tend to bring on symptoms of space motion sickness (SMS). The effects of head movements in pitch, yaw, and roll (made both with normal vision and with eyes occluded) on susceptibility to motion sickness in the zero G phase of parabolic flight maneuvers were evaluated. The findings are clear-cut: pitch head movements are most provocative, yaw least provocative, and roll intermediate. These experiments suggest that SMS is not a unique nosological entity, but is the consequence of exposure to nonterrestrial force levels. Head movements during departures in either direction from 1 G elicit symptoms.

45 CFR 164.104 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE DATA STANDARDS AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS... entities: (1) A health plan. (2) A health care clearinghouse. (3) A health care provider who transmits any health information in electronic form in connection with a transaction covered by this subchapter. (b...

45 CFR 164.104 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE DATA STANDARDS AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS... entities: (1) A health plan. (2) A health care clearinghouse. (3) A health care provider who transmits any health information in electronic form in connection with a transaction covered by this subchapter. (b...

10 CFR 205.300 - Who shall apply.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... OF ENERGY OIL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND SANCTIONS Electric Power System Permits and Reports; Applications; Administrative Procedures and Sanctions Application for Authorization to Transmit Electric Energy to A Foreign Country § 205.300 Who shall apply. (a) An electric utility or other entity subject to...

Neurostimulation systems for deep brain stimulation: in vitro evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging-related heating at 1.5 tesla.

PubMed

Rezai, Ali R; Finelli, Daniel; Nyenhuis, John A; Hrdlicka, Greg; Tkach, Jean; Sharan, Ashwini; Rugieri, Paul; Stypulkowski, Paul H; Shellock, Frank G

2002-03-01

To assess magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-related heating for a neurostimulation system (Activa Tremor Control System, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) used for chronic deep brain stimulation (DBS). Different configurations were evaluated for bilateral neurostimulators (Soletra Model 7426), extensions, and leads to assess worst-case and clinically relevant positioning scenarios. In vitro testing was performed using a 1.5-T/64-MHz MR system and a gel-filled phantom designed to approximate the head and upper torso of a human subject. MRI was conducted using the transmit/receive body and transmit/receive head radio frequency (RF) coils. Various levels of RF energy were applied with the transmit/receive body (whole-body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR); range, 0.98-3.90 W/kg) and transmit/receive head (whole-body averaged SAR; range, 0.07-0.24 W/kg) coils. A fluoroptic thermometry system was used to record temperatures at multiple locations before (1 minute) and during (15 minutes) MRI. Using the body RF coil, the highest temperature changes ranged from 2.5 degrees-25.3 degrees C. Using the head RF coil, the highest temperature changes ranged from 2.3 degrees-7.1 degrees C.Thus, these findings indicated that substantial heating occurs under certain conditions, while others produce relatively minor, physiologically inconsequential temperature increases. The temperature increases were dependent on the type of RF coil, level of SAR used, and how the lead wires were positioned. Notably, the use of clinically relevant positioning techniques for the neurostimulation system and low SARs commonly used for imaging the brain generated little heating. Based on this information, MR safety guidelines are provided. These observations are restricted to the tested neurostimulation system.

47 CFR 27.1170 - Payment Issues.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... is required to file a notice containing site-specific data with the clearinghouse. The notice... name of the transmitting base station, the geographic coordinates corresponding to that base station... the site-data filing requirement by submitting a copy of their PCN to the clearinghouse. AWS entities...

75 FR 3728 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-22

... purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and... transmit or otherwise disclose the information. Respondents/Affected Entities: Taconite iron ore processing... Control Number 2060-0538] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and...

75 FR 78980 - Application to Export Electric Energy; Direct Energy Marketing, Inc.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-17

... Marketing, Inc. AGENCY: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, DOE. ACTION: Notice of Application. SUMMARY: Direct Energy Marketing, Inc. (DEMI) has applied to renew its authority to transmit..., Federal power marketing agencies, and other entities within the United States. The existing international...

75 FR 38514 - Application to Export Electric Energy; Brookfield Energy Marketing LP

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-02

... Energy Marketing LP AGENCY: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, DOE. ACTION: Notice of application. SUMMARY: Brookfield Energy Marketing LP (BEM LP) has applied for authority to transmit electric... surplus energy purchased from electric utilities, Federal power marketing agencies and other entities...

Massively parallel diffuse optical tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sandusky, John V.; Pitts, Todd A.

Diffuse optical tomography systems and methods are described herein. In a general embodiment, the diffuse optical tomography system comprises a plurality of sensor heads, the plurality of sensor heads comprising respective optical emitter systems and respective sensor systems. A sensor head in the plurality of sensors heads is caused to act as an illuminator, such that its optical emitter system transmits a transillumination beam towards a portion of a sample. Other sensor heads in the plurality of sensor heads act as observers, detecting portions of the transillumination beam that radiate from the sample in the fields of view of themore » respective sensory systems of the other sensor heads. Thus, sensor heads in the plurality of sensors heads generate sensor data in parallel.« less

32 CFR 2004.5 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... organizational entity delegated by the Head of a CSA to administer industrial security on behalf of the CSA. (c... States. (e) “Proscribed information” means Top Secret; Communications Security, except classified keys...

77 FR 64512 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-22

... Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NSPS for Metal Furniture Coating... further information about the electronic docket, go to www.regulations.gov . Title: NSPS for Metal... transmit or otherwise disclose the information. Respondents/Affected Entities: Owners or operators of metal...

47 CFR 27.1186 - Payment issues.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... set forth in § 27.1170. If an AWS licensee is initiating operations for a newly constructed site or modified existing site in licensed bands overlapping the 2150-2160/62 MHz band, the AWS licensee must file... level height of the transmitting antenna centerline. AWS entities have a continuing duty to maintain the...

47 CFR 27.1186 - Payment issues.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... set forth in § 27.1170. If an AWS licensee is initiating operations for a newly constructed site or modified existing site in licensed bands overlapping the 2150-2160/62 MHz band, the AWS licensee must file... level height of the transmitting antenna centerline. AWS entities have a continuing duty to maintain the...

75 FR 57911 - Application To Export Electric Energy; GDF SUEZ Energy Marketing NA, Inc.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-23

... Marketing NA, Inc. AGENCY: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, DOE. ACTION: Notice of application. SUMMARY: GDF SUEZ Energy Marketing NA, Inc. (GSEMNA) has applied for authority to transmit... purchased from electric utilities, Federal power marketing agencies and other entities within the United...

75 FR 22189 - Obtaining Information From the Postal Service

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-27

... rules governing (1) the issuance of subpoenas requiring officers, employees, agents, or contractors of... transmitted to third-party agents or contractors. Rule 14 is modified to revise the Postal Service's... officers and employees), to persons or entities currently acting as agents for the Postal Service, or to...

78 FR 20630 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-05

... Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Plastic Parts and Products... www.regulations.gov . Title: NESHAP for Plastic Parts and Products Surface Coating (Renewal). ICR... information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. Respondents/Affected Entities: Plastic parts...

Effect of Helmet Pads on the Load Transfer to Head under Blast Loadings

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

0.15 0.2 X  St re ss  (K Pa ) Time (ms) Foam  L Foam  M Foam  R 6 its much smaller acoustic impedance. The stress amplitude increases as it reflects...understood for the helmet/ foam pads. The pads between the helmet and head can not only absorb energy, but also produce more comfort to the head. The gap...to investigate the effects of foam pads on the load transmitted to the head under blast loading. The ALE module in the commercial code, LSDYNA was

Congenital anomalies of the optic nerve

PubMed Central

Amador-Patarroyo, Manuel J.; Pérez-Rueda, Mario A.; Tellez, Carlos H.

2014-01-01

Congenital optic nerve head anomalies are a group of structural malformations of the optic nerve head and surrounding tissues, which may cause congenital visual impairment and blindness. Each entity in this group of optic nerve anomalies has individually become more prevalent as our ability to differentiate between them has improved due to better characterization of cases. Access to better medical technology (e.g., neuroimaging and genetic analysis advances in recent years) has helped to expand our knowledge of these abnormalities. However, visual impairment may not be the only problem in these patients, some of these entities will be related to ophthalmologic, neurologic and systemic features that will help the physician to identify and predict possible outcomes in these patients, which sometimes may be life-threatening. Herein we present helpful hints, associations and management (when plausible) for them. PMID:25859137

A Specialized Multi-Transmit Head Coil for High Resolution fMRI of the Human Visual Cortex at 7T.

PubMed

Sengupta, Shubharthi; Roebroeck, Alard; Kemper, Valentin G; Poser, Benedikt A; Zimmermann, Jan; Goebel, Rainer; Adriany, Gregor

2016-01-01

To design, construct and validate radiofrequency (RF) transmit and receive phased array coils for high-resolution visual cortex imaging at 7 Tesla. A 4 channel transmit and 16 channel receive array was constructed on a conformal polycarbonate former. Transmit field efficiency and homogeneity were simulated and validated, along with the Specific Absorption Rate, using [Formula: see text] mapping techniques and electromagnetic simulations. Receiver signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), temporal SNR (tSNR) across EPI time series, g-factors for accelerated imaging and noise correlations were evaluated and compared with a commercial 32 channel whole head coil. The performance of the coil was further evaluated with human subjects through functional MRI (fMRI) studies at standard and submillimeter resolutions of upto 0.8mm isotropic. The transmit and receive sections were characterized using bench tests and showed good interelement decoupling, preamplifier decoupling and sample loading. SNR for the 16 channel coil was ∼ 1.5 times that of the commercial coil in the human occipital lobe, and showed better g-factor values for accelerated imaging. fMRI tests conducted showed better response to Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) activation, at resolutions of 1.2mm and 0.8mm isotropic. The 4 channel phased array transmit coil provides homogeneous excitation across the visual cortex, which, in combination with the dual row 16 channel receive array, makes for a valuable research tool for high resolution anatomical and functional imaging of the visual cortex at 7T.

75 FR 43519 - Parker-Davis Project; Transmission Capacity for Renewable Energy Between Electrical District No...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-26

... for Renewable Energy Between Electrical District No. 5 Substation and the Palo Verde Hub AGENCY... transmission service on the P- DP for the purpose of transmitting renewable energy. Specifically, Western is soliciting interest from entities looking to transfer renewable energy from the area south of Phoenix...

75 FR 4760 - Review of the Emergency Alert System

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-29

...; State, Local or Tribal Governments; Non-profit entities. Number of Respondents: 3,569,028. Estimated... hours. Total Annual Cost: $3,086,044. Privacy Impact Assessment: No impact(s). Nature and Extent of... retransmitted the alert; and (3) if they were not able to receive and/ or transmit the alert, their `best effort...

41 CFR 101-6.2109 - How does the Administrator receive and respond to comments?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Management Federal Property Management Regulations System FEDERAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS GENERAL 6... transmits a State process recommendation for a program selected under § 101-6.2106. (b)(1) The single point... and entities where there is no State process recommendation. (2) If a State process recommendation is...

77 FR 58538 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-21

... Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for the Wood Building Products...: NESHAP for the Wood Building Products Surface Coating Industry (Renewal). ICR Numbers: EPA ICR Number... transmit or otherwise disclose the information. Respondents/Affected Entities: Owners or operators of wood...

Nontraumatic head and neck injuries: a clinical approach. Part 2.

PubMed

Brea Álvarez, B; Esteban García, L; Tuñón Gómez, M; Cepeda Ibarra, Y

Nontraumatic emergencies of the head and neck represent a challenge in the field of neuroradiology for two reasons. As explained in the first part of this update, these entities affect an area where the thorax joins the cranial cavity and can thus compromise both structures; second, they are uncommon, so they are not well known. Maintaining the same approach as in the first part, focusing on the clinical presentations in the emergency department rather than on the anatomic regions affected, we will study the entities that present with two patterns: those that present with a combination of cervical numbness, dysphagia, and dyspnea and those that present with acute sensory deficits. In the latter group, we will specifically focus on visual deficits, because this is the most common symptom that calls for urgent imaging studies. Copyright © 2017 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

A Specialized Multi-Transmit Head Coil for High Resolution fMRI of the Human Visual Cortex at 7T

PubMed Central

Sengupta, Shubharthi; Roebroeck, Alard; Kemper, Valentin G.; Poser, Benedikt A.; Zimmermann, Jan; Goebel, Rainer; Adriany, Gregor

2016-01-01

Purpose To design, construct and validate radiofrequency (RF) transmit and receive phased array coils for high-resolution visual cortex imaging at 7 Tesla. Methods A 4 channel transmit and 16 channel receive array was constructed on a conformal polycarbonate former. Transmit field efficiency and homogeneity were simulated and validated, along with the Specific Absorption Rate, using B1+ mapping techniques and electromagnetic simulations. Receiver signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), temporal SNR (tSNR) across EPI time series, g-factors for accelerated imaging and noise correlations were evaluated and compared with a commercial 32 channel whole head coil. The performance of the coil was further evaluated with human subjects through functional MRI (fMRI) studies at standard and submillimeter resolutions of upto 0.8mm isotropic. Results The transmit and receive sections were characterized using bench tests and showed good interelement decoupling, preamplifier decoupling and sample loading. SNR for the 16 channel coil was ∼ 1.5 times that of the commercial coil in the human occipital lobe, and showed better g-factor values for accelerated imaging. fMRI tests conducted showed better response to Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) activation, at resolutions of 1.2mm and 0.8mm isotropic. Conclusion The 4 channel phased array transmit coil provides homogeneous excitation across the visual cortex, which, in combination with the dual row 16 channel receive array, makes for a valuable research tool for high resolution anatomical and functional imaging of the visual cortex at 7T. PMID:27911950

Tx/Rx Head Coil Induces Less RF Transmit-Related Heating than Body Coil in Conductive Metallic Objects Outside the Active Area of the Head Coil

PubMed Central

Nagy, Zoltan; Oliver-Taylor, Aaron; Kuehne, Andre; Goluch, Sigrun; Weiskopf, Nikolaus

2017-01-01

The transmit–receive (Tx/Rx) birdcage head coil is often used for excitation instead of the body coil because of the presumably lower risk of heating in and around conductive implants. However, this common practice has not been systematically tested. To investigate whether the Tx/Rx birdcage head coil produces less heating than the body coil when scanning individuals with implants, we used a 3T clinical scanner and made temperature measurements around a straight 15 cm conductor using either the Tx/Rx body or the head coil for excitation. Additionally, the transmitted fields of a Tx/Rx head coil were measured both in air and in gel using a resonant and a non-resonant B field probes as well as a non-resonant E field probe. Simulations using a finite-difference time domain solver were compared with the experimental findings. When the body coil was used for excitation, we observed heating around the 15 cm wire at various anatomical locations (both within and outside of the active volume of the head coil). Outside its active area, no such heating was observed while using the Tx/Rx head coil for excitation. The E and B fields of the Tx/Rx birdcage head coil extended well-beyond the physical dimensions of the coil. In air, the fields were monotonically decreasing, while in gel they were more complex with local maxima at the end of the ASTM phantom. These experimental findings were line with the simulations. While caution must always be exercised when scanning individuals with metallic implants, these findings support the use of the Tx/Rx birdcage head coil in place of the body coil at 3T in order to reduce the risk of heating in and around conductive implants that are remote from the head coil. PMID:28184184

17 CFR 45.14 - Reporting of errors and omissions in previously reported data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Commission, or by the Chief Information Officer pursuant to § 45.13, a swap data repository shall transmit... in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Unless otherwise approved by the Commission, or by the Chief Information Officer pursuant to § 45.13, each registered entity or swap counterparty reporting corrections to...

17 CFR 45.14 - Reporting of errors and omissions in previously reported data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... Commission, or by the Chief Information Officer pursuant to § 45.13, a swap data repository shall transmit... in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Unless otherwise approved by the Commission, or by the Chief Information Officer pursuant to § 45.13, each registered entity or swap counterparty reporting corrections to...

17 CFR 45.14 - Reporting of errors and omissions in previously reported data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... Commission, or by the Chief Information Officer pursuant to § 45.13, a swap data repository shall transmit... in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Unless otherwise approved by the Commission, or by the Chief Information Officer pursuant to § 45.13, each registered entity or swap counterparty reporting corrections to...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Persson, Mats, E-mail: mats.persson@mi.physics.kth

Purpose: The highest photon fluence rate that a computed tomography (CT) detector must be able to measure is an important parameter. The authors calculate the maximum transmitted fluence rate in a commercial CT scanner as a function of patient size for standard head, chest, and abdomen protocols. Methods: The authors scanned an anthropomorphic phantom (Kyoto Kagaku PBU-60) with the reference CT protocols provided by AAPM on a GE LightSpeed VCT scanner and noted the tube current applied with the tube current modulation (TCM) system. By rescaling this tube current using published measurements on the tube current modulation of a GEmore » scanner [N. Keat, “CT scanner automatic exposure control systems,” MHRA Evaluation Report 05016, ImPACT, London, UK, 2005], the authors could estimate the tube current that these protocols would have resulted in for other patient sizes. An ECG gated chest protocol was also simulated. Using measured dose rate profiles along the bowtie filters, the authors simulated imaging of anonymized patient images with a range of sizes on a GE VCT scanner and calculated the maximum transmitted fluence rate. In addition, the 99th and the 95th percentiles of the transmitted fluence rate distribution behind the patient are calculated and the effect of omitting projection lines passing just below the skin line is investigated. Results: The highest transmitted fluence rates on the detector for the AAPM reference protocols with centered patients are found for head images and for intermediate-sized chest images, both with a maximum of 3.4 ⋅ 10{sup 8} mm{sup −2} s{sup −1}, at 949 mm distance from the source. Miscentering the head by 50 mm downward increases the maximum transmitted fluence rate to 5.7 ⋅ 10{sup 8} mm{sup −2} s{sup −1}. The ECG gated chest protocol gives fluence rates up to 2.3 ⋅ 10{sup 8} − 3.6 ⋅ 10{sup 8} mm{sup −2} s{sup −1} depending on miscentering. Conclusions: The fluence rate on a CT detector reaches 3 ⋅ 10{sup 8} − 6 ⋅ 10{sup 8} mm{sup −2} s{sup −1} in standard imaging protocols, with the highest rates occurring for ECG gated chest and miscentered head scans. These results will be useful to developers of CT detectors, in particular photon counting detectors.« less

Current approach in the diagnosis and management of posterior uveitis

PubMed Central

Sudharshan, S; Ganesh, Sudha K; Biswas, Jyotrimay

2010-01-01

Posterior uveitic entities are varied entities that are infective or non-infective in etiology. They can affect the adjacent structures such as the retina, vitreous, optic nerve head and retinal blood vessels. Thorough clinical evaluation gives a clue to the diagnosis while ancillary investigations and laboratory tests assist in confirming the diagnosis. Newer evolving techniques in the investigations and management have increased the diagnostic yield. In case of diagnostic dilemma, intraocular fluid evaluation for polymerase chain testing for the genome and antibody testing against the causative agent provide greater diagnostic ability. PMID:20029144

Surface-Enhanced Raman Optical Data Storage system

DOEpatents

Vo-Dinh, T.

1994-06-28

An improved Surface-Enhanced Raman Optical Data Storage System (SERODS) is disclosed. In the improved system, entities capable of existing in multiple reversible states are present on the storage device. Such entities result in changed Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) when localized state changes are effected in less than all of the entities. Therefore, by changing the state of entities in localized regions of a storage device, the SERS emissions in such regions will be changed. When a write-on device is controlled by a data signal, such a localized regions of changed SERS emissions will correspond to the data written on the device. The data may be read by illuminating the surface of the storage device with electromagnetic radiation of an appropriate frequency and detecting the corresponding SERS emissions. Data may be deleted by reversing the state changes of entities in regions where the data was initially written. In application, entities may be individual molecules which allows for the writing of data at the molecular level. A read/write/delete head utilizing near-field quantum techniques can provide for a write/read/delete device capable of effecting state changes in individual molecules, thus providing for the effective storage of data at the molecular level. 18 figures.

Surface-enhanced raman optical data storage system

DOEpatents

Vo-Dinh, Tuan

1994-01-01

An improved Surface-Enhanced Raman Optical Data Storage System (SERODS) is disclosed. In the improved system, entities capable of existing in multiple reversible states are present on the storage device. Such entities result in changed Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) when localized state changes are effected in less than all of the entities. Therefore, by changing the state of entities in localized regions of a storage device, the SERS emissions in such regions will be changed. When a write-on device is controlled by a data signal, such a localized regions of changed SERS emissions will correspond to the data written on the device. The data may be read by illuminating the surface of the storage device with electromagnetic radiation of an appropriate frequency and detecting the corresponding SERS emissions. Data may be deleted by reversing the state changes of entities in regions where the data was initially written. In application, entities may be individual molecules which allows for the writing of data at the molecular level. A read/write/delete head utilizing near-field quantum techniques can provide for a write/read/delete device capable of effecting state changes in individual molecules, thus providing for the effective storage of data at the molecular level.

Analysis of linear head accelerations from collegiate football impacts.

PubMed

Brolinson, P Gunnar; Manoogian, Sarah; McNeely, David; Goforth, Mike; Greenwald, Richard; Duma, Stefan

2006-02-01

Sports-related concussions result in 300,000 brain injuries in the United States each year. We conducted a study utilizing an in-helmet system that measures and records linear head accelerations to analyze head impacts in collegiate football. The Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System is an in-helmet system with six spring-mounted accelerometers and an antenna that transmits data via radio frequency to a sideline receiver and laptop computer system. A total of 11,604 head impacts were recorded from the Virginia Tech football team throughout the 2003 and 2004 football seasons during 22 games and 62 practices from a total of 52 players. Although the incidence of injury data are limited, this study presents an extremely large data set from human head impacts that provides valuable insight into the lower limits of head acceleration that cause mild traumatic brain injuries.

Radar cross calibration investigation TAMU radar polarimeter calibration measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanchard, A. J.; Newton, R. W.; Bong, S.; Kronke, C.; Warren, G. L.; Carey, D.

1982-01-01

A short pulse, 20 MHz bandwidth, three frequency radar polarimeter system (RPS) operates at center frequencies of 10.003 GHz, 4.75 GHz, and 1.6 GHz and utilizes dual polarized transmit and receive antennas for each frequency. The basic lay-out of the RPS is different from other truck mounted systems in that it uses a pulse compression IF section common to all three RF heads. Separate transmit and receive antennas are used to improve the cross-polarization isolation at each particular frequency. The receive is a digitally controlled gain modulated subsystem and is interfaced directly with a microprocesser computer for control and data manipulation. Antenna focusing distance, focusing each antenna pair, rf head stability, and polarization characteristics of RPS antennas are discussed. Platform and data acquisition procedures are described.

Head-on collision of normal shock waves with rigid porous materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levy, A.; Ben-Dor, G.; Skews, B. W.; Sorek, S.

1993-08-01

The head-on collision of a planar shock wave with a rigid porous material has been investigated experimentally in a 75 mm × 75 mm shock tube. The experimental study indicated that unlike the reflection from a flexible porous material (e.g., polyurethane foam) where the transmitted compression waves do not converge to a sharp shock wave, in the case of a rigid porous material (e.g., alumina) the transmitted compression waves do converge to a sharp shock wave, which decays as it propagates along the porous material. In addition to this major difference, many other differences were observed. They are outlined in the following sections. Based on these observations a suggestion modifying the phenomenology of the reflection/interaction process in the case a porous material with large permeability is proposed.

Oral Sex and HPV: Population Based Indications.

PubMed

Mishra, Anupam; Verma, Veerendra

2015-03-01

Human pappilloma virus (HPV) is well established in etiology of uterine cervical cancers, but its role in head and neck cancer is strongly suggested through many epidemiological and laboratory studies. Although HPV-16 induced oropharyngeal cancer is a distinct molecular entity, its role at other sub-sites (oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx) is less well established. Oral sex is supposedly the most commonly practiced unnatural sex across the globe and may prove to be a potential transmitting link between cancers of the uterine cervix and the oropharynx in males particularly in those 10-15% non-smokers. In India with the second largest population (higher population density than China) the oral sex is likely to be a common 'recreation-tool' amongst the majority (poor) and with the concurrent highly prevalent bad cervical/oral hygiene the HPV is likely to synergize other carcinogens. Hence in accordance (or coincidently), in India the cervical cancer happens to be the commonest cancer amongst females while oral/oropharyngeal cancer amongst males. Oral sex as a link between these two cancer types, can largely be argued considering a poor level of evidence in the existing literature. The modern world has even commercialized oral sex in the form of flavored condoms. The inadequate world literature currently is of a low level of evidence to conclude such a relationship because no such specific prospective study has been carried out and also due to wide (and unpredictable) variety of sexual practices, such a relationship can only be speculated. This article briefly reviews the existing literature on various modes and population based indications for HPV to be implicated in head and neck cancer with reference to oral sexual practice.

Cutting sound enhancement system for mining machines

DOEpatents

Leigh, Michael C.; Kwitowski, August J.

1992-01-01

A cutting sound enhancement system (10) for transmitting an audible signal from the cutting head (101) of a piece of mine machinery (100) to an operator at a remote station (200), wherein, the operator using a headphone unit (14) can monitor the difference in sounds being made solely by the cutting head (101) to determine the location of the roof, floor, and walls of a coal seam (50).

Dissociation of eye and head components of gaze shifts by stimulation of the omnipause neuron region.

PubMed

Gandhi, Neeraj J; Sparks, David L

2007-07-01

Natural movements often include actions integrated across multiple effectors. Coordinated eye-head movements are driven by a command to shift the line of sight by a desired displacement vector. Yet because extraocular and neck motoneurons are separate entities, the gaze shift command must be separated into independent signals for eye and head movement control. We report that this separation occurs, at least partially, at or before the level of pontine omnipause neurons (OPNs). Stimulation of the OPNs prior to and during gaze shifts temporally decoupled the eye and head components by inhibiting gaze and eye saccades. In contrast, head movements were consistently initiated before gaze onset, and ongoing head movements continued along their trajectories, albeit with some characteristic modulations. After stimulation offset, a gaze shift composed of an eye saccade, and a reaccelerated head movement was produced to preserve gaze accuracy. We conclude that signals subject to OPN inhibition produce the eye-movement component of a coordinated eye-head gaze shift and are not the only signals involved in the generation of the head component of the gaze shift.

Indomethacin induced avascular necrosis of head of femur

PubMed Central

Prathapkumar, K; Smith, I; Attara, G

2000-01-01

Chemically induced avascular necrosis of bone is a well documented entity. Indomethacin is one of the causes of this condition but is often difficult to recognise. Review of the literature shows that only one case of indomethacin induced avascular necrosis has been reported in the English language between 1966 and the present.
The case of a young healthy man, who developed avascular necrosis of head of femur after prolonged administration of indomethacin, is reported here.


Keywords: indomethacin; avascular necrosis PMID:10964124

Synchronous Firefly Algorithm for Cluster Head Selection in WSN.

PubMed

Baskaran, Madhusudhanan; Sadagopan, Chitra

2015-01-01

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) consists of small low-cost, low-power multifunctional nodes interconnected to efficiently aggregate and transmit data to sink. Cluster-based approaches use some nodes as Cluster Heads (CHs) and organize WSNs efficiently for aggregation of data and energy saving. A CH conveys information gathered by cluster nodes and aggregates/compresses data before transmitting it to a sink. However, this additional responsibility of the node results in a higher energy drain leading to uneven network degradation. Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) offsets this by probabilistically rotating cluster heads role among nodes with energy above a set threshold. CH selection in WSN is NP-Hard as optimal data aggregation with efficient energy savings cannot be solved in polynomial time. In this work, a modified firefly heuristic, synchronous firefly algorithm, is proposed to improve the network performance. Extensive simulation shows the proposed technique to perform well compared to LEACH and energy-efficient hierarchical clustering. Simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed method in decreasing the packet loss ratio by an average of 9.63% and improving the energy efficiency of the network when compared to LEACH and EEHC.

29 CFR 11.3 - Responsible agency officials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... considered in the planning of agency actions and in the making of decisions and that the alternatives... advising private applicants, or other non-Federal entities, of the possible need for information...), agency heads will also be responsible for assuring the quality of environmental impact statements...

Disease named entity recognition by combining conditional random fields and bidirectional recurrent neural networks.

PubMed

Wei, Qikang; Chen, Tao; Xu, Ruifeng; He, Yulan; Gui, Lin

2016-01-01

The recognition of disease and chemical named entities in scientific articles is a very important subtask in information extraction in the biomedical domain. Due to the diversity and complexity of disease names, the recognition of named entities of diseases is rather tougher than those of chemical names. Although there are some remarkable chemical named entity recognition systems available online such as ChemSpot and tmChem, the publicly available recognition systems of disease named entities are rare. This article presents a system for disease named entity recognition (DNER) and normalization. First, two separate DNER models are developed. One is based on conditional random fields model with a rule-based post-processing module. The other one is based on the bidirectional recurrent neural networks. Then the named entities recognized by each of the DNER model are fed into a support vector machine classifier for combining results. Finally, each recognized disease named entity is normalized to a medical subject heading disease name by using a vector space model based method. Experimental results show that using 1000 PubMed abstracts for training, our proposed system achieves an F1-measure of 0.8428 at the mention level and 0.7804 at the concept level, respectively, on the testing data of the chemical-disease relation task in BioCreative V.Database URL: http://219.223.252.210:8080/SS/cdr.html. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

Infantile Basal Ganglia Stroke after Mild Head Trauma Associated with Mineralizing Angiopathy of Lenticulostriate Arteries: An Under Recognized Entity.

PubMed

Toelle, Sandra P; Avetisyan, Tamara; Kuyumjyan, Nune; Sukhudyan, Biayna; Boltshauser, Eugen; Hackenberg, Annette

2018-05-23

Basal ganglia infarction in young children, mostly after mild head trauma, has been repeatedly reported. The pathogenesis and the risk factors are not fully understood. Lenticulostriate vasculopathy, usually referred to as basal ganglia calcification, is discussed as one of them. We describe five young (7-13 months old on presentation) male children who suffered from hemiparesis due to ischemic stroke of the basal ganglia, four of them after minor head trauma. All of them had calcification in the basal ganglia visible on computed tomography or cranial ultrasound but not on magnetic resonance imaging. Follow-up care was remarkable for recurrent infarction in three patients. One patient had a second symptomatic stroke on the contralateral side, and two patients showed new asymptomatic infarctions in the contralateral basal ganglia on imaging. In view of the scant literature, this clinic-radiologic entity seems under recognized. We review the published cases and hypothesize that male sex and iron deficiency anemia are risk factors for basal ganglia stroke after minor trauma in the context of basal ganglia calcification in infants. We suggest to perform appropriate targeted neuroimaging in case of infantile basal ganglia stroke, and to consider prophylactic medical treatment, although its value in this context is not proven. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

34 CFR 685.219 - Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... entity; (2) A public child or family service agency; (3) A non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3... interest law services, early childhood education (including licensed or regulated child care, Head Start... partisan political organization, or an organization engaged in religious activities, unless the qualifying...

Pediatric head and neck masses.

PubMed

Gujar, Sachin; Gandhi, Dheeraj; Mukherji, Suresh K

2004-04-01

Most neck masses in the pediatric head and neck region are benign. Congenital, developmental, and inflammatory lesions make up most of the masses in the pediatric head and neck. For example, neck masses due to inflammatory lymphadenitis are common in children because of the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections. Although many of the malignant tumors in children are found in the head and neck, they account for only a small portion of the neck masses. The choice of the imaging modality is based on a number of factors, several of which are unique to the pediatric population. Although the bulk of disease entities are adequately evaluated by CT, MRI can provide additional vital information in many cases. MRI provides better soft tissue characterization than CT, has multiplanar capabilities. In this article, we will attempt to provide an overview of conditions that present as neck masses.

New tumour entities in the 4th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck tumours: odontogenic and maxillofacial bone tumours.

PubMed

Speight, Paul M; Takata, Takashi

2018-03-01

The latest (4th) edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck tumours has recently been published with a number of significant changes across all tumour sites. In particular, there has been a major attempt to simplify classifications and to use defining criteria which can be used globally in all situations, avoiding wherever possible the use of complex molecular techniques which may not be affordable or widely available. This review summarises the changes in Chapter 8: Odontogenic and maxillofacial bone lesions. The most significant change is the re-introduction of the classification of the odontogenic cysts, restoring this books status as the only text which classifies and defines the full range of lesions of the odontogenic tissues. The consensus group considered carefully the terminology of lesions and were concerned to ensure that the names used properly reflected the best evidence regarding the true nature of specific entities. For this reason, this new edition restores the odontogenic keratocyst and calcifying odontogenic cyst to the classification of odontogenic cysts and rejects the previous terminology (keratocystic odontogenic tumour and calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour) which were intended to suggest that they are true neoplasms. New entities which have been introduced include the sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma and primordial odontogenic tumour. In addition, some previously poorly defined lesions have been removed, including the ameloblastic fibrodentinoma, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, which are probably developing odontomas, and the odontoameloblastoma, which is not regarded as an entity. Finally, the terminology "cemento" has been restored to cemento-ossifying fibroma and cemento-osseous dysplasias, to properly reflect that they are of odontogenic origin and are found in the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws.

Using doppler radar images to estimate aircraft navigational heading error

DOEpatents

Doerry, Armin W [Albuquerque, NM; Jordan, Jay D [Albuquerque, NM; Kim, Theodore J [Albuquerque, NM

2012-07-03

A yaw angle error of a motion measurement system carried on an aircraft for navigation is estimated from Doppler radar images captured using the aircraft. At least two radar pulses aimed at respectively different physical locations in a targeted area are transmitted from a radar antenna carried on the aircraft. At least two Doppler radar images that respectively correspond to the at least two transmitted radar pulses are produced. These images are used to produce an estimate of the yaw angle error.

Insulation bonding test system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beggs, J. M.; Johnston, G. D.; Coleman, A. D.; Portwood, J. N.; Saunders, J. M.; Redmon, J. W.; Porter, A. C. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A method and a system for testing the bonding of foam insulation attached to metal is described. The system involves the use of an impacter which has a calibrated load cell mounted on a plunger and a hammer head mounted on the end of the plunger. When the impacter strikes the insulation at a point to be tested, the load cell measures the force of the impact and the precise time interval during which the hammer head is in contact with the insulation. This information is transmitted as an electrical signal to a load cell amplifier where the signal is conditioned and then transmitted to a fast Fourier transform (FFT) analyzer. The FFT analyzer produces energy spectral density curves which are displayed on a video screen. The termination frequency of the energy spectral density curve may be compared with a predetermined empirical scale to determine whether a igh quality bond, good bond, or debond is present at the point of impact.

Dermatology and skin disease in the American Civil War.

PubMed

Cropley, Thomas G

2008-02-01

The Civil War happened at the end of the medical dark ages or, conversely, at the beginning of the modern medical era. The story of how physicians and nurses of the time approached a number of cutaneous diseases of importance in the military context is related. Entities discussed include the army itch/camp itch phenomenon, sexually transmitted diseases, scurvy and nutritional disorders, smallpox and spurious vaccination, and hospital gangrene.

Impact of HPV infection on the development of head and neck cancer

PubMed Central

Betiol, J.; Villa, L.L.; Sichero, L.

2013-01-01

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is considered to be a distinct clinical entity with better prognosis than the classical tobacco- and alcohol-associated tumors. The increasing incidence of this neoplasia during the last decades highlights the need to better understand the role of HPV in the development of these cancers. Although the proportion of HNSCC attributed to HPV varies considerably according to anatomical site, overall approximately 25% of all HNSCC are HPV-DNA positive, and HPV-16 is by far the most prevalent type. In this review we discuss the existing evidence for a causal association between HPV infection and HNSCC at diverse anatomical head and neck subsites. PMID:23532264

Soft tissue fibrosarcoma of pre maxillary region in an adult: report of a unique pathological entity

PubMed Central

Naik, Smitha K.; Astekar, Madhusudhan; Rao, Dinesh

2012-01-01

Fibrosarcoma of the oral and maxillofacial region is a rare entity with poor prognosis. Most common sites are the extremities, with only one percent of fibrosarcoma arising in the head and neck area. Oral fibrosarcoma are locally infiltrative and destructive, spreads by haematogenous dissemination. The positive immunostaining for vimentin, together with negativity for muscular immunomarkers help to diagnosis the fibrosarcoma. Surgical management of fibrosarcoma in maxillofacial region is far from satisfactory, because of lack of inadequate clearance. This paper describes an unusual case of soft tissue fibrosarcoma of premaxillary region in an adult aged 71 years. PMID:24765457

Dermatologic infestations.

PubMed

Shmidt, Eugenia; Levitt, Jacob

2012-02-01

Head lice are transmitted by head to head contact. Optimal therapy includes malathion lotion 0.5% repeated in one week left on for 30 minutes to 8 hours. Spinosad topical suspension 0.9% repeated in one week left on for 10 minutes is another option. Scabies is transmitted mainly by direct contact but also via heavily infested fomites due to crusted scabies. Permethrin 5% cream to the body repeated in four days is often sufficient; however, scalp treatment with malathion lotion 0.5% is helpful in crusted scabies and in infested children. Oral ivermectin 200 mcg/kg is another option, repeated in four days. For scabies more than lice, fomites should be placed in a drier at 60 °C for 10 minutes to kill the arthropods. Treatment of close contacts in both cases will control outbreaks and repeated infestations. Both have been associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Bed bugs are a common cause for papular urticaria. Identification of the insect in the mattress or bedding confirms the diagnosis. Prevention involves encasing the mattress in a sealed plastic cover and extermination. Delusions of parasitosis is a diagnosis of exclusion that is best treated with an antipsychotic. © 2012 The International Society of Dermatology.

Synchronous Firefly Algorithm for Cluster Head Selection in WSN

PubMed Central

Baskaran, Madhusudhanan; Sadagopan, Chitra

2015-01-01

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) consists of small low-cost, low-power multifunctional nodes interconnected to efficiently aggregate and transmit data to sink. Cluster-based approaches use some nodes as Cluster Heads (CHs) and organize WSNs efficiently for aggregation of data and energy saving. A CH conveys information gathered by cluster nodes and aggregates/compresses data before transmitting it to a sink. However, this additional responsibility of the node results in a higher energy drain leading to uneven network degradation. Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) offsets this by probabilistically rotating cluster heads role among nodes with energy above a set threshold. CH selection in WSN is NP-Hard as optimal data aggregation with efficient energy savings cannot be solved in polynomial time. In this work, a modified firefly heuristic, synchronous firefly algorithm, is proposed to improve the network performance. Extensive simulation shows the proposed technique to perform well compared to LEACH and energy-efficient hierarchical clustering. Simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed method in decreasing the packet loss ratio by an average of 9.63% and improving the energy efficiency of the network when compared to LEACH and EEHC. PMID:26495431

The unusual reproductive system of head and body lice (Pediculus humanus)

PubMed Central

ANDREWES, S.; CLARK, J. M.; ROSS, L.

2017-01-01

Abstract Insect reproduction is extremely variable, but the implications of alternative genetic systems are often overlooked in studies on the evolution of insecticide resistance. Both ecotypes of Pediculus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae), the human head and body lice, are human ectoparasites, the control of which is challenged by the recent spread of resistance alleles. The present study conclusively establishes for the first time that both head and body lice reproduce through paternal genome elimination (PGE), an unusual genetic system in which males transmit only their maternally derived chromosomes. Here, we investigate inheritance patterns of parental genomes using a genotyping approach across families of both ecotypes and show that heterozygous males exclusively or preferentially pass on one allele only, whereas females transmit both in a Mendelian fashion. We do however observe occasional transmission of paternal chromosomes through males, representing the first known case of PGE in which whole‐genome meiotic drive is incomplete. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of this finding for the evolution of resistance and invite the development of new theoretical models of how this knowledge might contribute to increasing the success of pediculicide‐based management schemes. PMID:29266297

Fiber optic temperature sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawatari, Takeo (Inventor); Gaubis, Philip A. (Inventor)

2000-01-01

A fiber optic temperature sensor uses a light source which transmits light through an optical fiber to a sensor head at the opposite end of the optical fiber from the light source. The sensor head has a housing coupled to the end of the optical fiber. A metallic reflective surface is coupled to the housing adjacent the end of the optical fiber to form a gap having a predetermined length between the reflective surface and the optical fiber. A detection system is also coupled to the optical fiber which determines the temperature at the sensor head from an interference pattern of light which is reflected from the reflective surface.

Fiber optic temperature sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawatari, Takeo (Inventor); Gaubis, Philip A. (Inventor); Mattes, Brenton L. (Inventor); Charnetski, Clark J. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A fiber optic temperature sensor uses a light source which transmits light through an optical fiber to a sensor head at the opposite end of the optical fiber from the light source. The sensor head has a housing coupled to the end of the optical fiber. A metallic reflective surface is coupled to the housing adjacent the end of the optical fiber to form a gap having a predetermined length between the reflective surface and the optical fiber. A detection system is also coupled to the optical fiber which determines the temperature at the sensor head from an interference pattern of light which is reflected from the reflective surface.

The transverse force experienced by the radial head during axial loading of the forearm: A cadaveric study.

PubMed

Orbay, Jorge L; Mijares, Michael R; Berriz, Cecilia G

2016-01-01

When designing a radial head replacement, the magnitude and direction of forces applied across the proximal radio-ulnar joint (PRUJ) and the radiocapitellar joint must be included. These designs often focus on axial loads transmitted to the radial head by the capitellum; however, the radial head also bears a significant transverse force at the PRUJ. Load transmission by the central band of the interosseous ligament induces a force component in a lateral direction perpendicular to the axis of the limb, which is borne by the articular surfaces of the proximal and distal radio-ulnar joints. The objective of this study is to establish the relationship between distally applied axial forces and proximal transverse reaction forces. Five cadaveric, human forearms with intact interosseous membranes were used to measure the magnitude of transversely-directed forces experienced by the radial head during axial loading of the forearm at the lunate fossa. A Mark-10 test stand applied a gradual and continuous axial load on the articular surface of the distal radius. A Mark-10 force gauge measured the resultant transverse force experienced by the radial head in the proximal radioulnar joint. Classical mechanics and static force analysis were applied in order to predict lateral force values that would occur when the interosseous ligament is treated as the major load transmitter between the radius and ulna. Acquired data show that the radial head bears a force in the transverse direction that averages 18% (SD 3.89%) in magnitude of the axial force applied at the wrist. This figure is in close accordance with the predicted value of 22% that was calculated by way of free-body plotting. Physiologic forearm loading results in a clinically significant transverse force component transmitted through the interosseous ligament complex. The existence of transverse forces in the human forearm may explain clinical problems seen after radial head resection and suggest that radial head implants be designed to sustain substantial transverse forces. Basic science study, anatomical. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quadriplegia secondary to cervical spondylotic myelopathy-a rare complication of head and neck surgery.

PubMed

Chen, Wei-Fan; Kang, Chung-Jan; Lee, Sai-Cheung; Tsao, Chung-Kan

2013-02-01

Free tissue reconstruction after ablation of head and neck malignancy often requires extensive cervical manipulation, which may exacerbate preexisting cervical spondylosis and result in progression to cervical myelopathy. We present a rare case of postoperative quadriplegia caused by cervical spondylotic myelopathy after head and neck reconstruction. A 63-year-old man without a history of cervical spondylosis underwent resection of a gingivo-buccal squamous cell carcinoma with immediate reconstruction with free fibula osteocutaneous flap. On postoperative day 4, the patient was found to have quadriplegia. MRI demonstrated severe cervical myelopathy. Decompressive laminectomy was performed. The patient underwent an extensive rehabilitation program but only realized moderate improvement. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a rare but disastrous complication of head and neck surgery. We hypothesize that it is potentially avoidable with heightened awareness of this disease entity, preoperative identification of patients at risk, and prophylactic interventions Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Culture and Social Psychology: Converging Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dimaggio, Paul; Markus, Hazel Rose

2010-01-01

Views of culture in psychology and sociology have converged markedly in the past two decades. Both have rejected what Adams and Markus (2004) refer to as the "entity" conception of culture--the view that culture is coherent, stable, and located in the heads of collectivities' members--in favor of more supple and dynamic constructs. Culture, in…

Recurrence of inflammatory pseudotumor in the distal bile duct: Lessons learned from a single case and reported cases

PubMed Central

Fernández, EM López-Tomassetti; Luis, H Díaz; Malagón, A Martín; González, I Arteaga; Pallarés, A Carrillo

2006-01-01

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) or inflammatory pseudotumors (IPs) have been extensively discussed in the literature. They are usually found in the lung and upper respiratory tract. However, reporting of cases involving the biliopancreatic region has increased over recent years. Immunohistochemical study of these lesions limited to the pancreatic head or distal bile duct seems to be compatible with those observed in a new entity called autoimmune pancreatitis, but usually intense fibrotic reaction (zonation) predominates producing a mass. When this condition is limited to the pancreatic head, the common bile duct might be involved by the inflammatory process and jaundice may occur often resembling adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. We have previously reported a case of IMT arising from the bile duct associated with autoimmune pancreatitis which is an extremely rare entity. Four years after Kaush-Whipple resection, radiological examination on routine follow-up revealed a tumor mass, suggesting local recurrence. Ultrasound-guided FNA confirmed our suspicious diagnosis. This present case, as others, suggests that persistent follow-up is necessary in order to prevent irreversible liver damage at this specific location. PMID:16804988

The dynamics of head-on collisions of spherical stellar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narasimhan, K. S. V. S.; Alladin, Saleh Mohammed

1986-12-01

Energy changes in a head-on collision between two unequal Plummer model stellar systems (galaxies) are studied analytically under the impulsive approximation. The variation of the disruptive effects within and the mass escape from systems widely differing in mass and scalelength ratios are determined, and some physical implications regarding the dynamical stability of the systems undergoing head-on collisions are indicated. It is found that if two systems differ considerably in size, both systems generally survive the collision if (1) the mass of the bigger is greater than about six times the mass of the smaller and (2) the density of the smaller is more than about twenty-five times the entity of the bigger system, when the velocity at minimum separation is equal to the parabolic velocity of escape.

Masked Proportional Routing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolpert, David

2004-01-01

Masked proportional routing is an improved procedure for choosing links between adjacent nodes of a network for the purpose of transporting an entity from a source node ("A") to a destination node ("B"). The entity could be, for example, a physical object to be shipped, in which case the nodes would represent waypoints and the links would represent roads or other paths between waypoints. For another example, the entity could be a message or packet of data to be transmitted from A to B, in which case the nodes could be computer-controlled switching stations and the links could be communication channels between the stations. In yet another example, an entity could represent a workpiece while links and nodes could represent, respectively, manufacturing processes and stages in the progress of the workpiece towards a finished product. More generally, the nodes could represent states of an entity and the links could represent allowed transitions of the entity. The purpose of masked proportional routing and of related prior routing procedures is to schedule transitions of entities from their initial states ("A") to their final states ("B") in such a manner as to minimize a cost or to attain some other measure of optimality or efficiency. Masked proportional routing follows a distributed (in the sense of decentralized) approach to probabilistically or deterministically choosing the links. It was developed to satisfy a need for a routing procedure that 1. Does not always choose the same link(s), even for two instances characterized by identical estimated values of associated cost functions; 2. Enables a graceful transition from one set of links to another set of links as the circumstances of operation of the network change over time; 3. Is preferably amenable to separate optimization of different portions of the network; 4. Is preferably usable in a network in which some of the routing decisions are made by one or more other procedure(s); 5. Preferably does not cause an entity to visit the same node twice; and 6. Preferably can be modified so that separate entities moving from A to B do not arrive out of order.

The role of human papilloma virus and p16 in occult primary of the head and neck: a comprehensive review of the literature.

PubMed

Fotopoulos, George; Pavlidis, Nicholas

2015-02-01

Cancer of unknown primary of the head and neck is a challenging entity for the oncologist. The role of human papilloma virus/p16 in carcinogenesis and in prognosis is well established in certain HNSCC especially in that of the oropharynx. In the case of occult primary of the head and neck the role of HPV/p16 positivity is not well defined regarding prognosis and localization of the primary. An independent review of PubMed and ScienceDirect database was performed up to May 2014 using combinations of terms such as "occult primary of the head and neck", "CUP of the head and neck" "metastatic cervical squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary", "HPV" and "HPV and head and neck cancer". Literature review shows a strong association between HPV/p16 positivity and primary location in the oropharynx in patients with CUP of the head and neck as well as a better clinical outcome. HPV positivity and p16 overexpression could be used as surrogate markers in the search of the primary site of patients with CUP of the head and neck therefore maybe guiding treatment decisions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

75 FR 13489 - Natural Bristle Paint Brushes and Brush Heads from the People's Republic of China: Final Results...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-22

... Animal By-Products Import/Export Corp......... 351.92 Hunan Provincial Native Produce and Animal 351.92 By-Products Import/Export Corp Peace Target, Inc 351.92 PRC-Wide Entity 351.92 Notification Regarding..., 1986) (``Order''). Based on the notice of intent to participate and adequate response filed by the...

The unusual reproductive system of head and body lice (Pediculus humanus).

PubMed

DE LA Filia, A G; Andrewes, S; Clark, J M; Ross, L

2018-06-01

Insect reproduction is extremely variable, but the implications of alternative genetic systems are often overlooked in studies on the evolution of insecticide resistance. Both ecotypes of Pediculus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae), the human head and body lice, are human ectoparasites, the control of which is challenged by the recent spread of resistance alleles. The present study conclusively establishes for the first time that both head and body lice reproduce through paternal genome elimination (PGE), an unusual genetic system in which males transmit only their maternally derived chromosomes. Here, we investigate inheritance patterns of parental genomes using a genotyping approach across families of both ecotypes and show that heterozygous males exclusively or preferentially pass on one allele only, whereas females transmit both in a Mendelian fashion. We do however observe occasional transmission of paternal chromosomes through males, representing the first known case of PGE in which whole-genome meiotic drive is incomplete. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of this finding for the evolution of resistance and invite the development of new theoretical models of how this knowledge might contribute to increasing the success of pediculicide-based management schemes. © 2017 The Authors. Medical and Veterinary Entomology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal Entomological Society.

[Surgical therapy of giant tubulovillous adenoma of the duodenum and incidental serous cystadenoma of the head of the pancreas].

PubMed

Knoop, M; Vorwerk, T; Lüders, P; Hendrich, F

2001-01-01

A villous giant adenoma of the duodenum was diagnosed in a 56-year-old female patient with uncharacteristic upper abdominal discomfort after multiple previous laparotomies for various indications. A partial pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed as radical oncological procedure since the dignity of the neoplasm was uncertain. Histopathologic examination revealed medium-grade cell dysplasia of the villous adenoma but an incidental serous cystadenoma of the pancreatic head as well. The postoperative course was uneventful. The coincidence of these both rare neoplastic entities has yet not been described in the literature. The surgical options for treatment of both neoplasms are discussed.

[WHO classification of head and neck tumours 2017: Main novelties and update of diagnostic methods].

PubMed

Sarradin, Victor; Siegfried, Aurore; Uro-Coste, Emmanuelle; Delord, Jean-Pierre

2018-06-01

The publication of the new WHO classification of head and neck tumours in 2017 brought major modifications. Especially, a new chapter is dedicated to the oropharynx, focusing on the description of squamous cell carcinoma induced by the virus Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and new entities of tumors are described in nasal cavities and sinuses. In this article are presented the novelties and main changes of this new classification, as well as the updates of the diagnostic methods (immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics or molecular biology). Copyright © 2018 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Experimental support that ocular tremor in Parkinson's disease does not originate from head movement.

PubMed

Gitchel, George T; Wetzel, Paul A; Qutubuddin, Abu; Baron, Mark S

2014-07-01

Our recent report of ocular tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD) has raised considerable controversy as to the origin of the tremor. Using an infrared based eye tracker and a magnetic head tracker, we reported that ocular tremor was recordable in PD subjects with no apparent head tremor. However, other investigators suggest that the ocular tremor may represent either transmitted appendicular tremor or subclinical head tremor inducing the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). The present study aimed to further investigate the origin of ocular tremor in PD. Eye movements were recorded in 8 PD subjects both head free, and with full head restraint by means of a head holding device and a dental impression bite plate. Head movements were recorded independently using both a high sensitivity tri-axial accelerometer and a magnetic tracking system, each synchronized to the eye tracker. Ocular tremor was observed in all 8 PD subjects and was not influenced by head free and head fixed conditions. Both magnetic tracking and accelerometer recordings supported that the ocular tremor was fully independent of head position. The present study findings support our initial findings that ocular tremor is a fundamental feature of PD unrelated to head movements. Although the utility of ocular tremor for diagnostic purposes requires validation, current findings in large cohorts of PD subjects suggest its potential as a reliable clinical biomarker. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Spasm of accommodation associated with closed head trauma.

PubMed

Chan, R V Paul; Trobe, Jonathan D

2002-03-01

Spasm of accommodation, creating pseudomyopia, is generally associated with miosis and excess convergence as part of spasm of the near reflex. It may also exist as an isolated entity, usually attributed to psychogenic causes. We present six cases of accommodative spasm associated with closed head injury. All patients were male, ranging in age between 16 and 37 years. The degree of pseudomyopia, defined as the difference between manifest and cycloplegic refraction, was 1.5 to 2 diopters. A 3-year trial of pharmacologically induced cycloplegia in one patient did not lead to reversal of the spasm when the cycloplegia was stopped. All patients required the manifest refraction to see clearly at distance. The pseudomyopia endured for at least 7 years following head trauma. This phenomenon may represent traumatic activation or disinhibition of putative brain stem accommodation centers in young individuals.

I think, therefore I am? Examining conceptions of the self, soul, and mind.

PubMed

Anglin, Stephanie M

2014-10-01

In order to delineate among conceptions of the self, soul, and mind, participants reported where they believe these entities are located in the body and provided definitions of each entity. Results indicated that most people consider the self, soul, and mind localized in specific regions in the body. In contrast to previous research, however, some participants reported that the self is not centralized in one location. Participants tended to locate the self and mind in the head and the soul in the chest. The self and mind were commonly defined in mental terms and the soul as one's essence. These results suggest that people tend to distinguish the soul from the mind, both in how they define each entity and where they locate them in the body. Although some people locate the soul in the same region as the self, most people more closely align the mind with the self. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Nontraumatic head and neck emergencies: a clinical approach. Part 1: cervicofacial swelling, dysphagia, and dyspnea.

PubMed

Brea Álvarez, B; Tuñón Gómez, M; Esteban García, L; García Hidalgo, C Y; Ruiz Peralbo, R M

2016-01-01

Nontraumatic emergencies of the head and neck represent a challenge in the field of neuroradiology for two reasons: first, they affect an area where the thorax joins the cranial cavity and can thus compromise both structures; second, they are uncommon, so they are not well known. Various publications focus on nontraumatic emergencies of the head and neck from the viewpoints of anatomic location or of particular diseases. However, these are not the most helpful viewpoints for dealing with patients in the emergency department, who present with particular signs and symptoms. We propose an analysis starting from the four most common clinical presentations of patients who come to the emergency department for nontraumatic head and neck emergencies: cervical swelling, dysphagia, dyspnea, and loss of vision. Starting from these entities, we develop an approach to the radiologic management and diagnosis of these patients. Copyright © 2016 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Biology and genetics of human head and body lice.

PubMed

Veracx, Aurélie; Raoult, Didier

2012-12-01

Head lice and body lice have distinct ecologies and differ slightly in morphology and biology, questioning their taxonomic status. Over the past 10 years many genetic studies have been undertaken. Controversial data suggest that not only body lice but also head lice can serve as vectors of Bartonella quintana, and a better understanding of louse epidemiology is crucial. Here, we review taxonomic studies based on biology and genetics, including genomic data on lice, lice endosymbionts, and louse-transmitted bacteria. We recommend that studies of human lice employ morphological and biological characteristics in conjunction with transcriptomic date because lice seem to differ mainly in gene expression (and not in gene content), leading to different phenotypes. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolution in diagnosis and treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

PubMed Central

Mazloumi, Seyed Mahdi; Ebrahimzadeh, Mohammad H.; Kachooei, Amir Reza

2014-01-01

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is an idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head with variable complications and resultant deformity of the femoral head and osteoarthritis. Suggested risk factors are acetabular retroversion, obesity, latitude, hyperactivity, and coagulopathy. The most commonly applied classification is based on radiolucency in the lateral pillar of the femoral head, which is strongly correlated with the outcome. In the fragmentation stage of the disease involvement can be classified into three groups. After skeletal maturity, the outcome can be classified using the Stulberg classification based on the sphericity and congruence of the femoral head in relation to the acetabulum. The early goal of treatment is to prevent head deformation by weight transmitted forces during remodeling and ossification stages containment is the widely accepted principle of treatment. Although the Petrie cast still has a role in the short-term treatment of LCPD before and during the reossification stage, available data does not support additional benefits from braces during the course of LCPD. PMID:25207324

Anticancer activity of drug conjugates in head and neck cancer cells.

PubMed

Majumdar, Debatosh; Rahman, Mohammad Aminur; Chen, Zhuo Georgia; Shin, Dong M

2016-06-01

Sexually transmitted oral cancer/head and neck cancer is increasing rapidly. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is playing a role in the pathogenesis of a subset of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). Paclitaxel is a widely used anticancer drug for breast, ovarian, testicular, cervical, non-small cell lung, head and neck cancer. However, it is water insoluble and orally inactive. We report the synthesis of water soluble nanosize conjugates of paclitaxel, branched PEG, and EGFR-targeting peptide by employing native chemical ligation. We performed a native chemical ligation between the N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) ester of paclitaxel succinate and cysteine at pH 6.5 to give the cysteine-conjugated paclitaxel derivative. The thiol functionality of cysteine was activated and subsequently conjugated to multiarm thiol-PEG to obtain the paclitaxel branched PEG conjugate. Finally, we conjugated an EGFR-targeting peptide to obtain conjugates of paclitaxel, branched PEG, and EGFR-targeting peptide. These conjugates show anticancer activity against squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck cells (SCCHN, Tu212).

European guideline for the management of pediculosis pubis, 2010.

PubMed

Scott, G R; Chosidow, O

2011-06-01

Transmission of the crab louse Phthirus pubis generally occurs by close body contact. Diagnosis is usually clinical and screening for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is indicated. While most evidence is extrapolated from studies of head lice treatments, topical pediculicides are recommended and treatment of sexual contacts is indicated.

Compact telemetry package for remote monitoring of neutron responses in animals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, C. D.

1974-01-01

Battery-powered telemeter includes FM transmitter and is light enough to be mounted on animal's head. Animal has complete freedom of movement while its neuron responses are transmitted to receiver in laboratory. Construction may also be applied to monitor blood pressure, body temperature, and different muscular signals.

75 FR 60159 - Determination Concerning the Bolivian Military and Police Under the Department of State, Foreign...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-29

... DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 7189] Determination Concerning the Bolivian Military and Police... Pursuant to the authority vested in the Secretary of State, including under the heading ``International... violated internationally recognized human rights. This Determination shall be transmitted to the Congress...

46 CFR 113.40-10 - Detailed requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... ALARM SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT Rudder Angle Indicator Systems § 113.40-10 Detailed requirements. (a) Each rudder angle indicator system must have a transmitter at the rudder head that is actuated by movement of the rudder with the angular movements of the rudder transmitted to a remote indicator or indicators...

Tele-transmission of stereoscopic images of the optic nerve head in glaucoma via Internet.

PubMed

Bergua, Antonio; Mardin, Christian Y; Horn, Folkert K

2009-06-01

The objective was to describe an inexpensive system to visualize stereoscopic photographs of the optic nerve head on computer displays and to transmit such images via the Internet for collaborative research or remote clinical diagnosis in glaucoma. Stereoscopic images of glaucoma patients were digitized and stored in a file format (joint photographic stereoimage [jps]) containing all three-dimensional information for both eyes on an Internet Web site (www.trizax.com). The size of jps files was between 0.4 to 1.4 MB (corresponding to a diagonal stereo image size between 900 and 1400 pixels) suitable for Internet protocols. A conventional personal computer system equipped with wireless stereoscopic LCD shutter glasses and a CRT-monitor with high refresh rate (120 Hz) can be used to obtain flicker-free stereo visualization of true-color images with high resolution. Modern thin-film transistor-LCD displays in combination with inexpensive red-cyan goggles achieve stereoscopic visualization with the same resolution but reduced color quality and contrast. The primary aim of our study was met to transmit stereoscopic images via the Internet. Additionally, we found that with both stereoscopic visualization techniques, cup depth, neuroretinal rim shape, and slope of the inner wall of the optic nerve head, can be qualitatively better perceived and interpreted than with monoscopic images. This study demonstrates high-quality and low-cost Internet transmission of stereoscopic images of the optic nerve head from glaucoma patients. The technique allows exchange of stereoscopic images and can be applied to tele-diagnostic and glaucoma research.

A conformal transceive array for 7 T neuroimaging.

PubMed

Gilbert, Kyle M; Belliveau, Jean-Guy; Curtis, Andrew T; Gati, Joseph S; Klassen, L Martyn; Menon, Ravi S

2012-05-01

The first 16-channel transceive surface-coil array that conforms to the human head and operates at 298 MHz (7 T) is described. Individual coil elements were decoupled using circumferential shields around each element that extended orthogonally from the former. This decoupling method allowed elements to be constructed with arbitrary shape, size, and location to create a three-dimensional array. Radiofrequency shimming achieved a transmit-field uniformity of 20% over the whole brain and 14% over a single axial slice. During radiofrequency transmission, coil elements couple tightly to the head and reduce the amount of power necessary to achieve a mean 90° flip angle (660-μs and 480-μs pulse lengths were required for a 1-kW hard pulse when shimming over the whole brain and a single axial slice, respectively). During reception, the close proximity of coil elements to the head increases the signal-to-noise ratio in the periphery of the brain, most notably at the superior aspect of the head. The sensitivity profile of each element is localized beneath the respective shield. When combined with the achieved isolation between elements, this results in the capacity for low geometry factors during both transmit and receive: 1.04/1.06 (mean) and 1.25/1.54 (maximum) for 3-by-3 acceleration in the axial/sagittal plane. High cortical signal-to-noise ratio and parallel imaging performance make the conformal coil ideal for the study of high temporal and/or spatial cortical architecture and function. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Improvement of the SEP protocol based on community structure of node degree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Donglin; Wei, Suyuan

2017-05-01

Analyzing the Stable election protocol (SEP) in wireless sensor networks and aiming at the problem of inhomogeneous cluster-heads distribution and unreasonable cluster-heads selectivity and single hop transmission in the SEP, a SEP Protocol based on community structure of node degree (SEP-CSND) is proposed. In this algorithm, network node deployed by using grid deployment model, and the connection between nodes established by setting up the communication threshold. The community structure constructed by node degree, then cluster head is elected in the community structure. On the basis of SEP, the node's residual energy and node degree is added in cluster-heads election. The information is transmitted with mode of multiple hops between network nodes. The simulation experiments showed that compared to the classical LEACH and SEP, this algorithm balances the energy consumption of the entire network and significantly prolongs network lifetime.

Portable wireless power transmission system for video capsule endoscopy.

PubMed

Zhiwei, Jia; Guozheng, Yan; Bingquan, Zhu

2014-10-01

Wireless power transmission is considered a practical way of overcoming the power shortage of wireless capsule endoscopy (VCE). However, most patients cannot tolerate the long hours of lying in a fixed transmitting coil during diagnosis. To develop a portable wireless power transmission system for VCE, a compact transmitting coil and a portable inverter circuit driven by rechargeable batteries are proposed. The couple coils, optimized considering the stability and safety conditions, are 28 turns of transmitting coil and six strands of receiving coil. The driven circuit is designed according to the portable principle. Experiments show that the integrated system could continuously supply power to a dual-head VCE for more than 8 h at a frame rate of 30 frames per second with resolution of 320 × 240. The portable VCE exhibits potential for clinical applications, but requires further improvement and tests.

Vibrations transmitted from human hands to upper arm, shoulder, back, neck, and head.

PubMed

Xu, Xueyan S; Dong, Ren G; Welcome, Daniel E; Warren, Christopher; McDowell, Thomas W; Wu, John Z

2017-12-01

Some powered hand tools can generate significant vibration at frequencies below 25 Hz. It is not clear whether such vibration can be effectively transmitted to the upper arm, shoulder, neck, and head and cause adverse effects in these substructures. The objective of this study is to investigate the vibration transmission from the human hands to these substructures. Eight human subjects participated in the experiment, which was conducted on a 1-D vibration test system. Unlike many vibration transmission studies, both the right and left hand-arm systems were simultaneously exposed to the vibration to simulate a working posture in the experiment. A laser vibrometer and three accelerometers were used to measure the vibration transmitted to the substructures. The apparent mass at the palm of each hand was also measured to help in understanding the transmitted vibration and biodynamic response. This study found that the upper arm resonance frequency was 7-12 Hz, the shoulder resonance was 7-9 Hz, and the back and neck resonances were 6-7 Hz. The responses were affected by the hand-arm posture, applied hand force, and vibration magnitude. The transmissibility measured on the upper arm had a trend similar to that of the apparent mass measured at the palm in their major resonant frequency ranges. The implications of the results are discussed. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the shoulder and neck are important issues among many workers. Many of these workers use heavy-duty powered hand tools. The combined mechanical loads and vibration exposures are among the major factors contributing to the development of MSDs. The vibration characteristics of the body segments examined in this study can be used to help understand MSDs and to help develop more effective intervention methods.

Vibrations transmitted from human hands to upper arm, shoulder, back, neck, and head

PubMed Central

Xu, Xueyan S.; Dong, Ren G.; Welcome, Daniel E.; Warren, Christopher; McDowell, Thomas W.; Wu, John Z.

2016-01-01

Some powered hand tools can generate significant vibration at frequencies below 25 Hz. It is not clear whether such vibration can be effectively transmitted to the upper arm, shoulder, neck, and head and cause adverse effects in these substructures. The objective of this study is to investigate the vibration transmission from the human hands to these substructures. Eight human subjects participated in the experiment, which was conducted on a 1-D vibration test system. Unlike many vibration transmission studies, both the right and left hand-arm systems were simultaneously exposed to the vibration to simulate a working posture in the experiment. A laser vibrometer and three accelerometers were used to measure the vibration transmitted to the substructures. The apparent mass at the palm of each hand was also measured to help in understanding the transmitted vibration and biodynamic response. This study found that the upper arm resonance frequency was 7–12 Hz, the shoulder resonance was 7–9 Hz, and the back and neck resonances were 6–7 Hz. The responses were affected by the hand-arm posture, applied hand force, and vibration magnitude. The transmissibility measured on the upper arm had a trend similar to that of the apparent mass measured at the palm in their major resonant frequency ranges. The implications of the results are discussed. Relevance to industry Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the shoulder and neck are important issues among many workers. Many of these workers use heavy-duty powered hand tools. The combined mechanical loads and vibration exposures are among the major factors contributing to the development of MSDs. The vibration characteristics of the body segments examined in this study can be used to help understand MSDs and to help develop more effective intervention methods. PMID:29123326

Analysis of real-time head accelerations in collegiate football players.

PubMed

Duma, Stefan M; Manoogian, Sarah J; Bussone, William R; Brolinson, P Gunnar; Goforth, Mike W; Donnenwerth, Jesse J; Greenwald, Richard M; Chu, Jeffrey J; Crisco, Joseph J

2005-01-01

To measure and analyze head accelerations during American collegiate football practices and games. A newly developed in-helmet 6-accelerometer system that transmits data via radio frequency to a sideline receiver and laptop computer system was implemented. From the data transfer of these accelerometer traces, the sideline staff has real-time data including the head acceleration, the head injury criteria value, the severity index value, and the impact location. Data are presented for instrumented players for the entire 2003 football season, including practices and games. American collegiate football. Thirty-eight players from Virginia Tech's varsity football team. Accelerations and pathomechanics of head impacts. : A total of 3312 impacts were recorded over 35 practices and 10 games for 38 players. The average peak head acceleration, Gadd Severity Index, and Head Injury Criteria were 32 g +/- 25 g, 36 g +/- 91 g, and 26 g +/- 64 g, respectively. One concussive event was observed with a peak acceleration of 81 g, a 267 Gadd Severity Index, and 200 Head Injury Criteria. Because the concussion was not reported until the day after of the event, a retrospective diagnosis based on his history and clinical evaluation suggested a mild concussion. The primary finding of this study is that the helmet-mounted accelerometer system proved effective at collecting thousands of head impact events and providing contemporaneous head impact parameters that can be integrated with existing clinical evaluation techniques.

Anti-Hu Antibody Associated Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration in Head and Neck Cancer.

PubMed

Huemer, Florian; Melchardt, Thomas; Tränkenschuh, Wolfgang; Neureiter, Daniel; Moser, Gerhard; Magnes, Teresa; Weiss, Lukas; Schlattau, Alexander; Hufnagl, Clemens; Ricken, Gerda; Höftberger, Romana; Greil, Richard; Egle, Alexander

2015-12-22

Paraneoplastic syndromes are most frequently associated with small cell lung carcinoma, hematologic and gynecologic malignancies while reports in head and neck cancer are rare. We present the case of a 60-year old female patient who developed paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration upon locoregional recurrence of a poorly differentiated spindle cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus. The neurological symptoms, especially ataxia, stabilized after resection of tumor recurrence and concomitant chemoradiotherapy whereas anti-Hu-antibodies remained positive. Despite the unfavorable prognosis of paraneoplastic neurological disorders associated with onconeural antibodies, the patient achieved long-standing stabilization of neurological symptoms. We report the first patient with anti-Hu antibodies and paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration associated with a spindle cell carcinoma of the head and neck. We recommend that evaluation of neurological symptoms in patients with this tumor entity should also include paraneoplastic syndromes as differential diagnoses and suggest early extensive screening for onconeural antibodies.

Simultaneous electroencephalography-functional MRI at 3 T: an analysis of safety risks imposed by performing anatomical reference scans with the EEG equipment in place.

PubMed

Nöth, Ulrike; Laufs, Helmut; Stoermer, Robert; Deichmann, Ralf

2012-03-01

To describe heating effects to be expected in simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when deviating from the EEG manufacturer's instructions; to test which anatomical MRI sequences have a sufficiently low specific absorption rate (SAR) to be performed with the EEG equipment in place; and to suggest precautions to reduce the risk of heating. Heating was determined in vivo below eight EEG electrodes, using both head and body coil transmission and sequences covering the whole range of SAR values. Head transmit coil: temperature increases were below 2.2°C for low SAR sequences, but reached 4.6°C (one subject, clavicle) for high SAR sequences; the equilibrium temperature T(eq) remained below 39°C. Body transmit coil: temperature increases were higher and more frequent over subjects and electrodes, with values below 2.6°C for low SAR sequences, reaching 6.9°C for high SAR sequences (T8 electrode) with T(eq) exceeding a critical level of 40°C. Anatomical imaging should be based on T1-weighted sequences (FLASH, MPRAGE, MDEFT) with an SAR below values for functional MRI sequences based on gradient echo planar imaging. Anatomical sequences with a high SAR can pose a significant risk, which is reduced by using head coil transmission. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Design of optical transmitting antenna with enhance performance in visible light communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuang, Dang; Wang, Jianping; Lu, Huimin

2016-10-01

An optical transmitting antenna for visible light communication(VLC) is designed in this work, in which the antenna is positioned before the light-emitting diodes (LED) source to change the lighting distribution, in order to achieve uniform received power effect. The method to design antenna is introduced into physical optical lens principle. According to the energy conservation law and Snell law, the antenna is designed via establishing energy mapping between the luminous flux emitted by a LED source with Lambertian distribution and the target plane. The coordinates of the antenna model are obtained under matrix laboratory (MATLAB). The antenna model entity is generated through three dimensional (3D) composition software AutoCAD with the coordinates of antenna. Ray-tracing software Tracepro is used to trace the ray which through antenna, and validate the irradiance maps. The uniformity of illumination and received power of the designed VLC is improved from approximately 35% to over 83%.

Triple Threat: HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and the Impact on Military Forces in Sub-Saharan Africa

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

cultural practices, multiple sex partners, and the presence of other STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea ). In 1998, UNAIDS estimated that sexually transmitted...Although there are 20 diseases that normally fall under the heading of “STD,” the ones usually used as markers are gonorrhea , syphilis, chlamydia

Interactive Cable Television. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Active Learning Systems, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

This report describes an interactive video system developed by Active Learning Systems which utilizes a cable television (TV) network as its delivery system to transmit computer literacy lessons to high school and college students. The system consists of an IBM PC, Pioneer LDV 4000 videodisc player, and Whitney Supercircuit set up at the head end…

Demographics of Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Single Institution Experience

PubMed Central

Kitanova, Martina; Dzhenkov, Deyan L; Ghenev, Peter; Sapundzhiev, Nikolay

2017-01-01

Introduction Head and neck cancer (HNC) comprises a diverse group of oncological entities, originating from various tissue types and organ localizations, situated in the topographical regions of the head and neck (H&N). This single institution retrospective study was aimed at establishing the HNC patient demographics and categorizing the individual incidence of H&N malignancies, regarding their organ of origin and main histopathological type. Materials and methods All histologically verified cases of HNC from a single tertiary referral center were reviewed in a descriptive retrospective manner. Data sampling period was 47 months. Results Male to female ratio of the registered HNC cases was 3.24:1. The mean age of diagnosis was 63.84 ± 12.65 years, median 65 years. The most common HNC locations include the larynx 30.37% (n = 188), lips and oral cavity 29.08% (n = 180), pharynx 20.03% (n = 124) and salivary glands 10.94% (n = 68), with other locations such as the external nose, nasal cavity and sinuses and auricle and external ear canal harboring a minority of the cases. The main histopathological groups include squamous cell carcinoma 76.74% (n = 475) and adenocarcinoma 6.14% (n = 38), with other malignant entries such as other epithelial malignancies, primary tonsillar, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue or parenchymal lymphomas, connective tissue neoplasias, neuroendocrine and vascular malignancies diagnosed in a minority of cases. Conclusion Considered to be relatively rare, HNC represents a diverse group of oncological entities with individual and specific demographic characteristics. The reported single institution results appear representative of the national incidence and characteristics of HNC. PMID:28875091

Steel syndrome: dislocated hips and radial heads, carpal coalition, scoliosis, short stature, and characteristic facial features.

PubMed

Flynn, John M; Ramirez, Norman; Betz, Randal; Mulcahey, Mary Jane; Pino, Franz; Herrera-Soto, Jose A; Carlo, Simon; Cornier, Alberto S

2010-01-01

A syndrome of children with short stature, bilateral hip dislocations, radial head dislocations, carpal coalitions, scoliosis, and cavus feet in Puerto Rican children, was reported by Steel et al in 1993. The syndrome was described as a unique entity with dismal results after conventional treatment of dislocated hips. The purpose of this study is to reevaluate this patient population with a longer follow-up and delineate the clinical and radiologic features, treatment outcomes, and the genetic characteristics. This is a retrospective cohort study of 32 patients in whom we evaluated the clinical, imaging data, and genetic characteristics. We compare the findings and quality of life in patients with this syndrome who have had attempts at reduction of the hips versus those who did not have the treatment. Congenital hip dislocations were present in 100% of the patients. There was no attempt at reduction in 39% (25/64) of the hips. In the remaining 61% (39/64), the hips were treated with a variety of modalities fraught with complications. Of those treated, 85% (33/39) remain dislocated, the rest of the hips continue subluxated with acetabular dysplasia and pain. The group of hips that were not treated reported fewer complaints and limitation in daily activities compared with the hips that had attempts at reduction. Steel syndrome is a distinct clinical entity characterized by short stature, bilateral hip and radial head dislocation, carpal coalition, scoliosis, cavus feet, and characteristic facial features with dismal results for attempts at reduction of the hips. Prognostic Study Level II.

HPV Infection of the Head and Neck Region and Its Stem Cells.

PubMed

Pullos, A N; Castilho, R M; Squarize, C H

2015-11-01

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is an etiologic agent associated with the development of head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC)-in particular, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The HPV-positive HNSCC is characterized by genetic alterations, clinical progression, and therapeutic response, which are distinct from HPV-negative head and neck cancers, suggesting that virus-associated tumors constitute a unique entity among head and neck cancers. Malignant stem cells, or cancer stem cells, are a subpopulation of tumor cells that self-renew, initiate new tumors upon transplantation, and are resistant to therapy, and their discovery has revealed novel effects of oncovirus infection in cancer. In this review, we provide a virus-centric view and novel insights into HPV-positive head and neck pathogenesis. We discuss the influence of cancer stem cells, HPV oncoproteins, altered molecular pathways, and mutations in cancer initiation and cancer progression. We compiled a catalogue of the mutations associated with HPV-positive HNSCC, which may be a useful resource for genomic-based studies aiming to develop personalized therapies. We also explain recent changes in mass vaccination campaigns against HPV and the potential long-term impact of vaccinations on the prevention and treatment of HPV-positive head and neck cancers. © International & American Associations for Dental Research 2015.

Management of common head and neck masses.

PubMed

Tracy, Thomas F; Muratore, Christopher S

2007-02-01

Head and neck masses are a common clinical concern in infants, children, and adolescents. The differential diagnosis for a head or neck mass includes congenital, inflammatory, and neoplastic lesions. An orderly and thorough examination of the head and neck with an appropriate directed workup will facilitate the diagnosis. The most common entities occur repeatedly within the various age groups and can be differentiated with a clear understanding of embryology and anatomy of the region, and an understanding of the natural history of a specific lesion. Congenital lesions most commonly found in the pediatric population include the thyroglossal duct cyst and the branchial cleft and arch anomalies. The inflammatory masses are secondary to local or systemic infections. The most common etiology for cervical adenopathy in children is reactive lymphadenopathy following a viral or bacterial illness. Persistent adenopathy raises more concerns, especially enlarged lymph nodes within the posterior triangle or supraclavicular space, nodes that are painless, firm, and not mobile, or a single dominant node that persists for more than 6 weeks should all heighten concern for malignancy. In this review, we discuss the current principles of surgical management of the most common head and neck masses that present to pediatricians and pediatric surgeons.

Update on oral Chagas disease outbreaks in Venezuela: epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic approaches

PubMed Central

de Noya, Belkisyolé Alarcón; Díaz-Bello, Zoraida; Colmenares, Cecilia; Ruiz-Guevara, Raiza; Mauriello, Luciano; Muñoz-Calderón, Arturo; Noya, Oscar

2015-01-01

Orally transmitted Chagas disease has become a matter of concern due to outbreaks reported in four Latin American countries. Although several mechanisms for orally transmitted Chagas disease transmission have been proposed, food and beverages contaminated with whole infected triatomines or their faeces, which contain metacyclic trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, seems to be the primary vehicle. In 2007, the first recognised outbreak of orally transmitted Chagas disease occurred in Venezuela and largest recorded outbreak at that time. Since then, 10 outbreaks (four in Caracas) with 249 cases (73.5% children) and 4% mortality have occurred. The absence of contact with the vector and of traditional cutaneous and Romana’s signs, together with a florid spectrum of clinical manifestations during the acute phase, confuse the diagnosis of orally transmitted Chagas disease with other infectious diseases. The simultaneous detection of IgG and IgM by ELISA and the search for parasites in all individuals at risk have been valuable diagnostic tools for detecting acute cases. Follow-up studies regarding the microepidemics primarily affecting children has resulted in 70% infection persistence six years after anti-parasitic treatment. Panstrongylus geniculatus has been the incriminating vector in most cases. As a food-borne disease, this entity requires epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that differ from those approaches used for traditional direct or cutaneous vector transmission. PMID:25946155

Detection of bacterial pathogens including potential new species in human head lice from Mali

PubMed Central

Amanzougaghene, Nadia; Fenollar, Florence; Sangaré, Abdoul Karim; Sissoko, Mahamadou S.; Doumbo, Ogobara K.; Raoult, Didier

2017-01-01

In poor African countries, where no medical and biological facilities are available, the identification of potential emerging pathogens of concern at an early stage is challenging. Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, have a short life, feed only on human blood and do not transmit pathogens to their progeny. They are, therefore, a perfect tool for the xenodiagnosis of current or recent human infection. This study assessed the occurrence of bacterial pathogens from head lice collected in two rural villages from Mali, where a high frequency of head lice infestation had previously been reported, using molecular methods. Results show that all 600 head lice, collected from 117 individuals, belonged to clade E, specific to West Africa. Bartonella quintana, the causative agent of trench fever, was identified in three of the 600 (0.5%) head lice studied. Our study also shows, for the first time, the presence of the DNA of two pathogenic bacteria, namely Coxiella burnetii (5.1%) and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (0.6%), detected in human head lice, as well as the DNA of potential new species from the Anaplasma and Ehrlichia genera of unknown pathogenicity. The finding of several Malian head lice infected with B. quintana, C. burnetii, R. aeschlimannii, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia is alarming and highlights the need for active survey programs to define the public health consequences of the detection of these emerging bacterial pathogens in human head lice. PMID:28931077

Detection of bacterial pathogens including potential new species in human head lice from Mali.

PubMed

Amanzougaghene, Nadia; Fenollar, Florence; Sangaré, Abdoul Karim; Sissoko, Mahamadou S; Doumbo, Ogobara K; Raoult, Didier; Mediannikov, Oleg

2017-01-01

In poor African countries, where no medical and biological facilities are available, the identification of potential emerging pathogens of concern at an early stage is challenging. Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, have a short life, feed only on human blood and do not transmit pathogens to their progeny. They are, therefore, a perfect tool for the xenodiagnosis of current or recent human infection. This study assessed the occurrence of bacterial pathogens from head lice collected in two rural villages from Mali, where a high frequency of head lice infestation had previously been reported, using molecular methods. Results show that all 600 head lice, collected from 117 individuals, belonged to clade E, specific to West Africa. Bartonella quintana, the causative agent of trench fever, was identified in three of the 600 (0.5%) head lice studied. Our study also shows, for the first time, the presence of the DNA of two pathogenic bacteria, namely Coxiella burnetii (5.1%) and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (0.6%), detected in human head lice, as well as the DNA of potential new species from the Anaplasma and Ehrlichia genera of unknown pathogenicity. The finding of several Malian head lice infected with B. quintana, C. burnetii, R. aeschlimannii, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia is alarming and highlights the need for active survey programs to define the public health consequences of the detection of these emerging bacterial pathogens in human head lice.

Ultrasound as a Noninvasive Method to Assess Changes of Intracranial Volume and Pressure During Simulated Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murthy, G.; Yost, W. T.; Ballard, R. E.; Watenpaugh, D. E.; Kawai, Y.; Hargens, A. R.

1994-01-01

Headaches are commonly experienced by astronauts in microgravity and by subjects undergoing head-down tilt (simulated microgravity on Earth). Exposure to microgravity probably elevates blood pressure and flow in the head which may increase intracranial volume (ICV) and pressure (ICP) and in turn cause headache. Due to the slightly compliant nature of the cranial vault and the encasement of brain and its vasculature within this vault, any increase of ICV will increase ICP and slightly distend the cranium. Previous studies document perivascular edema and increased ICP in rhesus monkeys during head-down tilt. Elevated ICP has also been reported in humans during head-down tilt. ICP measurements in healthy humans are rare because of the invasiveness of currently-available measurement techniques. Therefore, we proposed a noninvasive ultrasound technique to assess changes of ICV and JCP. The ultrasound principle is based on compliance of the cranial vault. A 450 kHz ultrasound stimulus is transmitted through the cranium by a transducer every 7.5-10 msec. The ultrasound wave enters the brain tissue, reflects off the opposite side of the cranium and is received by the same transducer. The detected wave is compared for phase quadrature (90 deg.to transmitted wave). Because the electronic circuitry of the device maintains a 90 deg. phase (phi), any alterations in the detected wave caused by an increase of ICV and ICP will be reflected as a change in the wave frequency. Phase shift is directly proportional to path length of the wave, DELTA x, which is expressed as DELTA x = phi lambda/2 pi where lambda is wavelength. Elevated ICV and ICP expand the cranial vault and increase path length of the wave (a measure of intracranial distance). Increased path length equals reduced frequency of the detected wave. Reduced frequency is then related to elevated ICP. This technique has potential uses for ICP studies of astronauts in space and head trauma patients on Earth.

Comparison of International Guidelines on Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck: A Comprehensive Review of the Role of Radiation Therapy.

PubMed

Pittaka, Maria; Kardamakis, Dimitrios; Spyropoulou, Despina

2016-01-01

Mucosal melanomas of the head and neck are rare pathological entities that correlate with poor prognosis due to their high propensity for local failure and distant metastases. The exact role of radiation therapy in the management of mucosal melanoma patients has not yet been fully proven, even though in everyday clinical practice these patients are referred for radiotherapy, in an effort to improve locoregional control. The guidelines of various societies on the role of radiation therapy for the treatment of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck region are very limited. We reviewed and analyzed the guidelines developed in the U.S.A. (National Comprehensive Cancer Network), Canada (Cancer Care Ontario and Canadian Medical Association), Europe (European Society for Medical Oncology and European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology) and Australia and New Zealand (Cancer Council Australia) and isolated evidence for the management of mucosal melanomas of the head and neck region with radiation therapy worldwide. Copyright © 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

3 CFR 13549 - Executive Order 13549 of August 18, 2010. Classified National Security Information Program for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... agency” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 105; any military department as defined in 5 U.S.C. 102; and any other... authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in... with the SLTPS Advisory Committee, shall be executed between the head of the SLT entity and the U.S...

Muscle pain in the head: overlap between temporomandibular disorders and tension-type headaches.

PubMed

Svensson, Peter

2007-06-01

A variety of painful problems can affect the muscles in the head and face. Both temporomandibular disorders and tension-type headaches are believed to have a significant contribution from the skeletal muscles and have several clinical features in common. It still unclear, however, to what extent these two prevalent disorders are separate entities or have similar pathophysiological background. There is now reasonably good evidence that myofascial temporomandibular disorder patients are more likely to have a tension-type headache problem and vice versa, but the overlap is not complete. Studies have documented similarities regarding sensitization of the nociceptive pathways, dysfunction of the endogenous pain modulatory systems as well as contributing genetic factors, but there are also a number of distinct differences between temporomandibular disorders and tension-type headaches that need to be considered. Using the current classification systems, myofascial temporomandibular disorder pain and tension-type headache disorders do overlap and appear to share many of the same pathophysiological mechanisms, but it would be premature to consider them as identical entities since the importance of, for example, the affected muscles and associated function and genetic background needs to be established. Orofacial pain and headache specialists should collaborate to further develop diagnostic procedures and management strategies of temporomandibular disorders and tension-type headaches.

A Virus-like disease of chinook salmon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ross, A.J.; Pelnar, J.; Rucker, R.R.

1960-01-01

Consideration is given to a recurring disease of early feeding chinook salmon fingerlings at the Coleman, California, Federal Fish Cultural Station. The infection becomes manifest in the early spring months at low water temperatures and abates as the water temperature rises. Bacteriological studies have failed to yield the presence of a disease agent, either by cultural or staining procedures. The disease has been successfully transmitted from infected fish to healthy fish by the injection of bacteria-free filtrates prepared from diseased fish tissue. The causative agent is therefore believed to be a virus-like entity.

Counterfactual quantum certificate authorization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shenoy H., Akshata; Srikanth, R.; Srinivas, T.

2014-05-01

We present a multipartite protocol in a counterfactual paradigm. In counterfactual quantum cryptography, secure information is transmitted between two spatially separated parties even when there is no physical travel of particles transferring the information between them. We propose here a tripartite counterfactual quantum protocol for the task of certificate authorization. Here a trusted third party, Alice, authenticates an entity Bob (e.g., a bank) that a client Charlie wishes to securely transact with. The protocol is counterfactual with respect to either Bob or Charlie. We prove its security against a general incoherent attack, where Eve attacks single particles.

Satellite situation report, volume 31, number 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Data computed at GSFC, NORAD, or provided by satellite owners is reported. A space objects box score is presented of objects in orbit and decayed objects. Data of objects in orbit is presented in tabular form and the table headings include name of the object, catalog number, source, launch date, period minutes, inclination, apogee KM., perigee KM., and transmitting frequency.

A method for named entity normalization in biomedical articles: application to diseases and plants.

PubMed

Cho, Hyejin; Choi, Wonjun; Lee, Hyunju

2017-10-13

In biomedical articles, a named entity recognition (NER) technique that identifies entity names from texts is an important element for extracting biological knowledge from articles. After NER is applied to articles, the next step is to normalize the identified names into standard concepts (i.e., disease names are mapped to the National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings disease terms). In biomedical articles, many entity normalization methods rely on domain-specific dictionaries for resolving synonyms and abbreviations. However, the dictionaries are not comprehensive except for some entities such as genes. In recent years, biomedical articles have accumulated rapidly, and neural network-based algorithms that incorporate a large amount of unlabeled data have shown considerable success in several natural language processing problems. In this study, we propose an approach for normalizing biological entities, such as disease names and plant names, by using word embeddings to represent semantic spaces. For diseases, training data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) disease corpus and unlabeled data from PubMed abstracts were used to construct word representations. For plants, a training corpus that we manually constructed and unlabeled PubMed abstracts were used to represent word vectors. We showed that the proposed approach performed better than the use of only the training corpus or only the unlabeled data and showed that the normalization accuracy was improved by using our model even when the dictionaries were not comprehensive. We obtained F-scores of 0.808 and 0.690 for normalizing the NCBI disease corpus and manually constructed plant corpus, respectively. We further evaluated our approach using a data set in the disease normalization task of the BioCreative V challenge. When only the disease corpus was used as a dictionary, our approach significantly outperformed the best system of the task. The proposed approach shows robust performance for normalizing biological entities. The manually constructed plant corpus and the proposed model are available at http://gcancer.org/plant and http://gcancer.org/normalization , respectively.

Non-invasive Continuous Monitoring of Cerebral Edema Using Portable Microwave Based System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yuhao; Zhao, Minji; Wang, Huiqian; Li, Guoquan

2018-01-01

A portable non-invasive head detecting system based on microwave technology was developed for evaluation of cerebral edema change inside human brain. Real-time monitoring of cerebral edema in the brain helps the clinician to assess medical condition and treatment. In this work, a microwave signal was transmitted and coupled into an open-end circular waveguide sensor, incident on a 3D printed head phantom, and reflected back to receiver. Theoretically, the operation of this instrument depends on the conductivity contrast between cerebral edema and healthy brain tissues. The efficacy of the proposed detecting system is verified using 3D printed anatomically and dielectrically realistic human head phantoms with simulated cerebral edema targets with different size. Changes in the amplitude of time domain result were shown to be induced by the expansion or decrease of the edema volume. The eventual goal of this proposed head evaluating system is use in the hospital as an effective real-time monitoring tool.

Residual energy level based clustering routing protocol for wireless sensor networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Xu; Zhong, Fangming; Chen, Zhikui; Yang, Deli

2015-12-01

The wireless sensor networks, which nodes prone to premature death, with unbalanced energy consumption and a short life time, influenced the promotion and application of this technology in internet of things in agriculture. This paper proposes a clustering routing protocol based on the residual energy level (RELCP). RELCP includes three stages: the selection of cluster head, establishment of cluster and data transmission. RELCP considers the remaining energy level and distance to base station, while election of cluster head nodes and data transmitting. Simulation results demonstrate that the protocol can efficiently balance the energy dissipation of all nodes, and prolong the network lifetime.

Optoelectronic Mounting Structure

DOEpatents

Anderson, Gene R.; Armendariz, Marcelino G.; Baca, Johnny R. F.; Bryan, Robert P.; Carson, Richard F.; Chu, Dahwey; Duckett, III, Edwin B.; McCormick, Frederick B.; Peterson, David W.; Peterson, Gary D.; Reber, Cathleen A.; Reysen, Bill H.

2004-10-05

An optoelectronic mounting structure is provided that may be used in conjunction with an optical transmitter, receiver or transceiver module. The mounting structure may be a flexible printed circuit board. Thermal vias or heat pipes in the head region may transmit heat from the mounting structure to the heat spreader. The heat spreader may provide mechanical rigidity or stiffness to the heat region. In another embodiment, an electrical contact and ground plane may pass along a surface of the head region so as to provide an electrical contact path to the optoelectronic devices and limit electromagnetic interference. In yet another embodiment, a window may be formed in the head region of the mounting structure so as to provide access to the heat spreader. Optoelectronic devices may be adapted to the heat spreader in such a manner that the devices are accessible through the window in the mounting structure.

Head-coupled remote stereoscopic camera system for telepresence applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolas, Mark T.; Fisher, Scott S.

1990-09-01

The Virtual Environment Workstation Project (VIEW) at NASA's Ames Research Center has developed a remotely controlled stereoscopic camera system that can be used for telepresence research and as a tool to develop and evaluate configurations for head-coupled visual systems associated with space station telerobots and remote manipulation robotic arms. The prototype camera system consists of two lightweight CCD video cameras mounted on a computer controlled platform that provides real-time pan, tilt, and roll control of the camera system in coordination with head position transmitted from the user. This paper provides an overall system description focused on the design and implementation of the camera and platform hardware configuration and the development of control software. Results of preliminary performance evaluations are reported with emphasis on engineering and mechanical design issues and discussion of related psychophysiological effects and objectives.

Severe head lice infestation in an Andean mummy of Arica, Chile.

PubMed

Arriaza, Bernardo; Orellana, Nancy C; Barbosa, Helene S; Menna-Barreto, Rubem F S; Araújo, Adauto; Standen, Vivien

2012-04-01

Pediculus humanus capitis is an ancient human parasite, probably inherited from pre-hominid times. Infestation appears as a recurrent health problem throughout history, including in pre-Columbian populations. Here, we describe and discuss the occurrence of pre-Columbian pediculosis in the Andean region of the Atacama Desert. Using a light microscope and scanning electron microscopy, we studied a highly infested Maitas Chiribaya mummy from Arica in northern Chile dating to 670-990 calibrated years A.D. The scalp and hair of the mummy were almost completely covered by nits and adult head lice. Low- and high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy revealed a well-preserved morphology of the eggs. In addition, the excellent preservation of the nearly 1,000-yr-old adult head lice allowed us to observe and characterize the head, antennae, thorax, abdomen, and legs. Leg segmentation, abdominal spiracles, and sexual dimorphism also were clearly observed. The preservation of the ectoparasites allowed us to examine the micromorphology using scanning electron microscopy; the opercula, aeropyles, and spiracles were clearly visible. This case study provides strong evidence that head lice were a common nuisance for Andean farmers and herders. Head lice are transmitted by direct head-to-head contact; thus, this ancient farmer and herder was potentially infesting other people. The present study contributes to the body of research focusing on lice in ancient populations.

Power balance and loss mechanism analysis in RF transmit coil arrays.

PubMed

Kuehne, Andre; Goluch, Sigrun; Waxmann, Patrick; Seifert, Frank; Ittermann, Bernd; Moser, Ewald; Laistler, Elmar

2015-10-01

To establish a framework for transmit array power balance calculations based on power correlation matrices to accurately quantify the loss contributions from different mechanisms such as coupling, lumped components, and radiation. Starting from Poynting's theorem, power correlation matrices are derived for all terms in the power balance, which is formulated as a matrix equation. Finite-difference time-domain simulations of two 7 T eight-channel head array coils at 297.2 MHz are used to verify the theoretical considerations and demonstrate their application. Care is taken to accurately incorporate all loss mechanisms. The power balance for static B1 phase shims as well as two-dimensional spatially selective transmit SENSE pulses is shown. The simulated power balance shows an excellent agreement with theory, with a maximum power imbalance of less than 0.11%. Power loss contributions from the different loss mechanisms vary significantly between the investigated setups, and depending on the excitation mode imposed on the coil. The presented approach enables a straightforward loss evaluation for an arbitrary excitation of transmit coil arrays. Worst-case power imbalance and losses are calculated in a straightforward manner. This allows for deeper insight into transmit array loss mechanisms, incorporation of radiated power components in specific absorption rate calculations and verification of electromagnetic simulations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Head Lice of Pygmies Reveal the Presence of Relapsing Fever Borreliae in the Republic of Congo.

PubMed

Amanzougaghene, Nadia; Akiana, Jean; Mongo Ndombe, Géor; Davoust, Bernard; Nsana, Nardiouf Sjelin; Parra, Henri-Joseph; Fenollar, Florence; Raoult, Didier; Mediannikov, Oleg

2016-12-01

Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, occur in four divergent mitochondrial clades (A, B, C and D), each having particular geographical distributions. Recent studies suggest that head lice, as is the case of body lice, can act as a vector for louse-borne diseases. Therefore, understanding the genetic diversity of lice worldwide is of critical importance to our understanding of the risk of louse-borne diseases. Here, we report the results of the first molecular screening of pygmies' head lice in the Republic of Congo for seven pathogens and an analysis of lice mitochondrial clades. We developed two duplex clade-specific real-time PCRs and identified three major mitochondrial clades: A, C, and D indicating high diversity among the head lice studied. We identified the presence of a dangerous human pathogen, Borrelia recurrentis, the causative agent of relapsing fever, in ten clade A head lice, which was not reported in the Republic of Congo, and B. theileri in one head louse. The results also show widespread infection among head lice with several species of Acinetobacter. A. junii was the most prevalent, followed by A. ursingii, A. baumannii, A. johnsonii, A. schindleri, A. lwoffii, A. nosocomialis and A. towneri. Our study is the first to show the presence of B. recurrentis in African pygmies' head lice in the Republic of Congo. This study is also the first to report the presence of DNAs of B. theileri and several species of Acinetobacter in human head lice. Further studies are needed to determine whether the head lice can transmit these pathogenic bacteria from person to another.

Lipomatous hemangiopericytoma of the head and neck: immunohistochemical and DNA ploidy analyses.

PubMed

Alrawi, Sadir J; Deeb, George; Cheney, Richard; Wallace, Paul; Loree, Thom; Rigual, Nestor; Hicks, Wesley; Tan, Dongfeng

2004-06-01

Lipomatous hemangiopericytoma (LHPC) is a newly described rare soft tissue tumor with unpredictable biologic behavior and is difficult to diagnose by conventional histologic parameters. The molecular analyses of this entity to date are sparse. Only a few cases of LHPC have been reported. Although one case of LHPC in the sinonasal region was briefly reported, this is the first case in the head and neck region with detailed clinicopathologic features and molecular analysis of this entity. We reported a case of LHPC in a 55-year-old woman with a slowly growing lesion in the occipital area that was diagnosed by CT and MRI and removed surgically. Immunohistochemical and DNA ploidy analyses were performed. A panel of 16 markers was included for immunohistochemical analysis. Diffuse immunopositivity of CD57 in our case provides supportive evidence that LHPC is linked with HPC because this marker is also present in approximately 50% of conventional HPCs. CD57 should be used in the immunohistochemical panel in any lesion suspected to be LHPC. Furthermore, CD57 along with CD34 and XIIIa is thought to stain for primitive mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting a bimodal/multimodal differentiation of LHPC. By flow cytometry, we found that tumor cells were 100% diploid with the S-phase fraction (SPF) being 3.21%. A significant positive correlation was detected between nuclear proliferating index and SPF (p < 0.001, by Spearman analysis). These findings provide molecular evidence indicating a benign nature of LHPC. Contrary to the old belief that HPC has an aggressive nature, this variant of tumor looks less aggressive. The patient was followed for 1 year without any evidence of recurrence, supporting our pathologic hypothesis. Copyright 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 544-549, 2004

Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) Quarterly Report to the United States Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-30

James Mattis , Commander of CENTCOM, and General John Allen, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) warning that Afghan con...September 17, 2012, CENTCOM commander General James N. Mattis advised DoD heads of contracting to avoid contracting with 20 individuals and entities...Admiral James Stavridis, at Panetta’s left. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen stands at Panetta’s right. (DoD photo) SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL

I Am Not Captain Dunsel! A (Former) Head of an Academic Branch Library Replies to Steven Bell

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Redalje, Susanne J.

2009-01-01

For those unfamiliar with Star Trek, "Dunsel" was a term introduced in the episode titled "The Ultimate Computer." It is a term used by Star Fleet cadets to refer to an entity that serves no useful purpose, in this case a human who has been replaced by a machine. The episode touches on finding the best balance between human and machine to run a…

Evolution of an Astrocytic Hamartoma of the Optic Nerve Head in a Patient with Retinitis Pigmentosa - Photographic Documentation over 2 Years of Follow-Up.

PubMed

Loukianou, Eleni; Kisma, Nacima; Pal, Bishwanathan

2011-02-02

To report photographically the evolution of an astrocytic hamartoma of the left optic nerve head over a 2-year follow-up in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa. A 14-year-old boy was seen in the medical retina clinic with a 3-year history of night blindness. Best corrected visual acuity was 6/18 in both eyes. Colour vision was normal in both eyes and confrontation fields showed peripheral constriction. Fundus examination revealed bone spicule pigmentary changes at the retinal mid periphery typical of retinitis pigmentosa and superficial globules at the margins of both optic nerve heads. Electrodiagnostic tests confirmed moderately severe rod cone dystrophy with macular involvement bilaterally. Two years later, the ocular examination was unchanged except for the appearance of the optic nerve head lesion in the left eye. There was an increase in the size of the lesion which was diagnosed as an astrocytic hamartoma. Further investigations were recommended to exclude neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis. Astrocytic hamartomas of the optic nerve head and optic nerve head drusen have both been described in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. They can be a diagnostic dilemma although drusen are more common (10%). To differentiate these two entities it is very important to document any growth during the follow-up period which is suggestive of astrocytic hamartoma rather than optic disc drusen.

Intelligent Entity Behavior Within Synthetic Environments. Chapter 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kruk, R. V.; Howells, P. B.; Siksik, D. N.

2007-01-01

This paper describes some elements in the development of realistic performance and behavior in the synthetic entities (players) which support Modeling and Simulation (M&S) applications, particularly military training. Modern human-in-the-loop (virtual) training systems incorporate sophisticated synthetic environments, which provide: 1. The operational environment, including, for example, terrain databases; 2. Physical entity parameters which define performance in engineered systems, such as aircraft aerodynamics; 3. Platform/system characteristics such as acoustic, IR and radar signatures; 4. Behavioral entity parameters which define interactive performance, including knowledge/reasoning about terrain, tactics; and, 5. Doctrine, which combines knowledge and tactics into behavior rule sets. The resolution and fidelity of these model/database elements can vary substantially, but as synthetic environments are designed to be compose able, attributes may easily be added (e.g., adding a new radar to an aircraft) or enhanced (e.g. Amending or replacing missile seeker head/ Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) models to improve the realism of their interaction). To a human in the loop with synthetic entities, their observed veridicality is assessed via engagement responses (e.g. effect of countermeasures upon a closing missile), as seen on systems displays, and visual (image) behavior. The realism of visual models in a simulation (level of detail as well as motion fidelity) remains a challenge in realistic articulation of elements such as vehicle antennae and turrets, or, with human figures; posture, joint articulation, response to uneven ground. Currently the adequacy of visual representation is more dependant upon the quality and resolution of the physical models driving those entities than graphics processing power per Se. Synthetic entities in M&S applications traditionally have represented engineered systems (e.g. aircraft) with human-in-the-loop performance characteristics (e.g. visual acuity) included in the system behavioral specification. As well, performance affecting human parameters such as experience level, fatigue and stress are coming into wider use (via AI approaches) to incorporate more uncertainty as to response type as well as performance (e.g. Where an opposing entity might go and what it might do, as well as how well it might perform).

A patient-centered approach to counseling patients with head and neck cancer undergoing human papillomavirus testing: a clinician's guide.

PubMed

Chu, Amy; Genden, Eric; Posner, Marshall; Sikora, Andrew

2013-01-01

The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Cancer Institute have acknowledged human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 as an independent risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPVOPC) is a sexually transmitted entity that is on the rise; within the next 10 years, the annual number of HPV-associated OPC cases is projected to exceed the annual number of cervical cancer cases in the United States. Recognition of HPV status in OPC has broad implications beyond the traditional oncological concerns of timely diagnosis, accurate staging, and appropriate treatment of cancer patients. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends testing the tumor site for HPV-status during OPC management; it is likely this will become a standard component of care for patients with high-probability tumors of the oropharynx. As the practice of HPV testing becomes more common, it behooves providers to be able to adequately address the concerns of patients with HPVOPC. Although there are currently few relevant studies focusing on this population, existing literature on HPV-infected women and patients with cervical cancer strongly supports the concept that patients with HPVOPC need education to optimally address concerns such as self-blame, guilt, intimacy, and interpersonal relationships. When HPV testing is done, it should be accompanied by evidence-driven and patient-centered counseling to best minimize negative psychosocial outcomes and ensure optimum health promotion. Based on the current state of the literature, this article is intended to be a reference for physicians to effectively manage psychosocial outcomes when diagnosing patients with HPV-associated OPC.

Timing of head movements is consistent with energy minimization in walking ungulates

PubMed Central

Loscher, David M.; Meyer, Fiete; Kracht, Kerstin

2016-01-01

Many ungulates show a conspicuous nodding motion of the head when walking. Until now, the functional significance of this behaviour remained unclear. Combining in vivo kinematics of quadrupedal mammals with a computer model, we show that the timing of vertical displacements of the head and neck is consistent with minimizing energy expenditure for carrying these body parts in an inverted pendulum walking gait. Varying the timing of head movements in the model resulted in increased metabolic cost estimate for carrying the head and neck of up to 63%. Oscillations of the head–neck unit result in weight force oscillations transmitted to the forelimbs. Advantageous timing increases the load in single support phases, in which redirecting the trajectory of the centre of mass (COM) is thought to be energetically inexpensive. During double support, in which—according to collision mechanics—directional changes of the impulse of the COM are expensive, the observed timing decreases the load. Because the head and neck comprise approximately 10% of body mass, the effect shown here should also affect the animals' overall energy expenditure. This mechanism, working analogously in high-tech backpacks for energy-saving load carriage, is widespread in ungulates, and provides insight into how animals economize locomotion. PMID:27903873

Transparent thin shield for radio frequency transmit coils.

PubMed

Rivera, Debra S; Schulz, Jessica; Siegert, Thomas; Zuber, Verena; Turner, Robert

2015-02-01

To identify a shielding material compatible with optical head-motion tracking for prospective motion correction and which minimizes radio frequency (RF) radiation losses at 7 T without sacrificing line-of-sight to an imaging target. We evaluated a polyamide mesh coated with silver. The thickness of the coating was approximated from the composition ratio provided by the material vendor and validated by an estimate derived from electrical conductivity and light transmission measurements. The performance of the shield is compared to a split-copper shield in the context of a four-channel transmit-only loop array. The mesh contains less than a skin-depth of silver coating (300 MHz) and attenuates light by 15 %. Elements of the array vary less in the presence of the mesh shield as compared to the split-copper shield indicating that the array behaves more symmetrically with the mesh shield. No degradation of transmit efficiency was observed for the mesh as compared to the split-copper shield. We present a shield compatible with future integration of camera-based motion-tracking systems. Based on transmit performance and eddy-current evaluations the mesh shield is appropriate for use at 7 T.

Otolith-Canal Convergence In Vestibular Nuclei Neurons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickman, J. David; Si, Xiao-Hong

2002-01-01

The current final report covers the period from June 1, 1999 to May 31, 2002. The primary objective of the investigation was to determine how information regarding head movements and head position relative to gravity is received and processed by central vestibular nuclei neurons in the brainstem. Specialized receptors in the vestibular labyrinths of the inner ear function to detect angular and linear accelerations of the head, with receptors located in the semicircular canals transducing rotational head movements and receptors located in the otolith organs transducing changes in head position relative to gravity or linear accelerations of the head. The information from these different receptors is then transmitted to central vestibular nuclei neurons which process the input signals, then project the appropriate output information to the eye, head, and body musculature motor neurons to control compensatory reflexes. Although a number of studies have reported on the responsiveness of vestibular nuclei neurons, it has not yet been possible to determine precisely how these cells combine the information from the different angular and linear acceleration receptors into a correct neural output signal. In the present project, rotational and linear motion stimuli were separately delivered while recording responses from vestibular nuclei neurons that were characterized according to direct input from the labyrinth and eye movement sensitivity. Responses from neurons receiving convergent input from the semicircular canals and otolith organs were quantified and compared to non-convergent neurons.

Circumportal Pancreas-a Must Know Pancreatic Anomaly for the Pancreatic Surgeon.

PubMed

Luu, Andreas Minh; Braumann, C; Herzog, T; Janot, M; Uhl, W; Chromik, A M

2017-02-01

Circumportal pancreas is a rare congenital pancreatic anomaly with encasement of the portal vein and/or the superior mesenteric vein by pancreatic tissue. It is often overlooked on cross-sectional imaging studies and can be encountered during pancreatic surgery. Pancreatic head resection with circumportal pancreas is technically difficult and bears an increased risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula. A retrospective chart review of our data base for all patients who had undergone pancreatic head resection between 2004 and 2015 was performed. We identified six patients out of 1102 patients who had undergone pancreatic head surgery in the study period. CT-scan and MRI were never able to identify circumportal pancreas prior to surgery. The right hepatic an artery derived from the superior mesenteric artery in four cases (67%). Additional resection of the pancreatic body was always performed. Postoperative course was uneventful in all cases without occurrence of pancreatic fistula. Circumportal pancreas is a rare entity every pancreatic surgeon should be aware of. It is difficult to identify on cross-sectional imaging studies. A right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery should raise suspicion of circumportal pancreas. Additional pancreatic tissue resection should be performed during pancreatic head resections to avoid pancreatic fistula.

NACA Groundbreaking Ceremony

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1953-01-01

The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station, had initially been subordinate to the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory near Hampton, Virginia, but as the flight research in the Mojave Desert increasingly proved its worth after 1946, it made sense to make the Flight Research Station a separate entity reporting directly to the headquarters of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. But an autonomous center required all the trappings of a major research facility, including good quarters. With the adoption of the Edwards 'Master Plan,' the Air Force had committed itself to moving from its old South Base to a new location midway between the South and North Bases. The NACA would have to move also--so why not take advantage of the situation and move into a full-blown research facility. The Air Force issued a lease to NACA for a location on the northwestern shore of the Roger Dry Lake. Construction started on the NACA station in early February 1953. On a windy day, January 27, 1953, at a groundbreaking ceremony stood left to right: Gerald Truszynski, Head of Instrumentation Division; Joseph Vensel, Head of the Operations Branch; Walter Williams, Head of the Station, scooping the first shovel full of dirt; Marion Kent, Head of Personnel; and California state official Arthur Samet.

Head Lice of Pygmies Reveal the Presence of Relapsing Fever Borreliae in the Republic of Congo

PubMed Central

Amanzougaghene, Nadia; Akiana, Jean; Mongo Ndombe, Géor; Davoust, Bernard; Nsana, Nardiouf Sjelin; Parra, Henri-Joseph; Fenollar, Florence; Raoult, Didier; Mediannikov, Oleg

2016-01-01

Background Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, occur in four divergent mitochondrial clades (A, B, C and D), each having particular geographical distributions. Recent studies suggest that head lice, as is the case of body lice, can act as a vector for louse-borne diseases. Therefore, understanding the genetic diversity of lice worldwide is of critical importance to our understanding of the risk of louse-borne diseases. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we report the results of the first molecular screening of pygmies’ head lice in the Republic of Congo for seven pathogens and an analysis of lice mitochondrial clades. We developed two duplex clade-specific real-time PCRs and identified three major mitochondrial clades: A, C, and D indicating high diversity among the head lice studied. We identified the presence of a dangerous human pathogen, Borrelia recurrentis, the causative agent of relapsing fever, in ten clade A head lice, which was not reported in the Republic of Congo, and B. theileri in one head louse. The results also show widespread infection among head lice with several species of Acinetobacter. A. junii was the most prevalent, followed by A. ursingii, A. baumannii, A. johnsonii, A. schindleri, A. lwoffii, A. nosocomialis and A. towneri. Conclusions/Significance Our study is the first to show the presence of B. recurrentis in African pygmies’ head lice in the Republic of Congo. This study is also the first to report the presence of DNAs of B. theileri and several species of Acinetobacter in human head lice. Further studies are needed to determine whether the head lice can transmit these pathogenic bacteria from person to another. PMID:27911894

Alternative Splice in Alternative Lice

PubMed Central

Tovar-Corona, Jaime M.; Castillo-Morales, Atahualpa; Chen, Lu; Olds, Brett P.; Clark, John M.; Reynolds, Stuart E.; Pittendrigh, Barry R.; Feil, Edward J.; Urrutia, Araxi O.

2015-01-01

Genomic and transcriptomics analyses have revealed human head and body lice to be almost genetically identical; although con-specific, they nevertheless occupy distinct ecological niches and have differing feeding patterns. Most importantly, while head lice are not known to be vector competent, body lice can transmit three serious bacterial diseases; epidemictyphus, trench fever, and relapsing fever. In order to gain insights into the molecular bases for these differences, we analyzed alternative splicing (AS) using next-generation sequencing data for one strain of head lice and one strain of body lice. We identified a total of 3,598 AS events which were head or body lice specific. Exon skipping AS events were overrepresented among both head and body lice, whereas intron retention events were underrepresented in both. However, both the enrichment of exon skipping and the underrepresentation of intron retention are significantly stronger in body lice compared with head lice. Genes containing body louse-specific AS events were found to be significantly enriched for functions associated with development of the nervous system, salivary gland, trachea, and ovarian follicle cells, as well as regulation of transcription. In contrast, no functional categories were overrepresented among genes with head louse-specific AS events. Together, our results constitute the first evidence for transcript pool differences in head and body lice, providing insights into molecular adaptations that enabled human lice to adapt to clothing, and representing a powerful illustration of the pivotal role AS can play in functional adaptation. PMID:26169943

[Imflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of nose and paranasal sinuses in a little girl of 7-year-old].

PubMed

Lawson, S L A; Azoumah, D K; Lawson-Evi, K; N'Timon, B; Savi de Tove, H-M; Yehouessi-Vignikin, B; Kpemissi, E

2010-01-01

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours (IMTs) are clinical and pathological distinct entities with controversial biological entities. IMTs have been described in the lungs, abdomen, retroperitoneum and extremities but rarely in the head and neck region. This case report corresponds to an IMT of the nose and the paranasal sinuses in a little girl of 7 years of age. The computed tomography scan showed an expanding tumoral process without skull destruction. First case report in the west African region, this observation describes the treatment instituted according to the possible care in our medical area, and the treatment when the patient was referred to a centre with efficient technical platform. This case underlines the aggressiveness of this type of tumour: an invasive tumour with local-regional extension and high recurrence potential. Currently, after 2 years, the tumoral process is considered cured after several radical surgical excisions. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Systemic Growth of F. graminearum in Wheat Plants and Related Accumulation of Deoxynivalenol

PubMed Central

Moretti, Antonio; Panzarini, Giuseppe; Somma, Stefania; Campagna, Claudio; Ravaglia, Stefano; Logrieco, Antonio F.; Solfrizzo, Michele

2014-01-01

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important disease of wheat worldwide caused mainly by Fusarium graminearum (syn. Gibberella zeae). This fungus can be highly aggressive and can produce several mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON), a well known harmful metabolite for humans, animals, and plants. The fungus can survive overwinter on wheat residues and on the soil, and can usually attack the wheat plant at their point of flowering, being able to infect the heads and to contaminate the kernels at the maturity. Contaminated kernels can be sometimes used as seeds for the cultivation of the following year. Poor knowledge on the ability of the strains of F. graminearum occurring on wheat seeds to be transmitted to the plant and to contribute to the final DON contamination of kernels is available. Therefore, this study had the goals of evaluating: (a) the capability of F. graminearum causing FHB of wheat to be transmitted from the seeds or soil to the kernels at maturity and the progress of the fungus within the plant at different growth stages; (b) the levels of DON contamination in both plant tissues and kernels. The study has been carried out for two years in a climatic chamber. The F. gramineraum strain selected for the inoculation was followed within the plant by using Vegetative Compatibility technique, and quantified by Real-Time PCR. Chemical analyses of DON were carried out by using immunoaffinity cleanup and HPLC/UV/DAD. The study showed that F. graminearum originated from seeds or soil can grow systemically in the plant tissues, with the exception of kernels and heads. There seems to be a barrier that inhibits the colonization of the heads by the fungus. High levels of DON and F. graminearum were found in crowns, stems, and straw, whereas low levels of DON and no detectable levels of F. graminearum were found in both heads and kernels. Finally, in all parts of the plant (heads, crowns, and stems at milk and vitreous ripening stages, and straw at vitreous ripening), also the accumulation of significant quantities of DON-3-glucoside (DON-3G), a product of DON glycosylation, was detected, with decreasing levels in straw, crown, stems and kernels. The presence of DON and DON-3G in heads and kernels without the occurrence of F. graminearum may be explained by their water solubility that could facilitate their translocation from stem to heads and kernels. The presence of DON-3G at levels 23 times higher than DON in the heads at milk stage without the occurrence of F. graminearum may indicate that an active glycosylation of DON also occurs in the head tissues. Finally, the high levels of DON accumulated in straws are worrisome since they represent additional sources of mycotoxin for livestock. PMID:24727554

Amyloid and the origin of life: self-replicating catalytic amyloids as prebiotic informational and protometabolic entities.

PubMed

Maury, Carl Peter J

2018-05-01

A crucial stage in the origin of life was the emergence of the first molecular entity that was able to replicate, transmit information, and evolve on the early Earth. The amyloid world hypothesis posits that in the pre-RNA era, information processing was based on catalytic amyloids. The self-assembly of short peptides into β-sheet amyloid conformers leads to extraordinary structural stability and novel multifunctionality that cannot be achieved by the corresponding nonaggregated peptides. The new functions include self-replication, catalytic activities, and information transfer. The environmentally sensitive template-assisted replication cycles generate a variety of amyloid polymorphs on which evolutive forces can act, and the fibrillar assemblies can serve as scaffolds for the amyloids themselves and for ribonucleotides proteins and lipids. The role of amyloid in the putative transition process from an amyloid world to an amyloid-RNA-protein world is not limited to scaffolding and protection: the interactions between amyloid, RNA, and protein are both complex and cooperative, and the amyloid assemblages can function as protometabolic entities catalyzing the formation of simple metabolite precursors. The emergence of a pristine amyloid-based in-put sensitive, chiroselective, and error correcting information-processing system, and the evolvement of mutualistic networks were, arguably, of essential importance in the dynamic processes that led to increased complexity, organization, compartmentalization, and, eventually, the origin of life.

Socioeconomic status influences sex ratios in a Chinese rural population.

PubMed

Luo, Liqun; Ding, Rui; Gao, Xiali; Sun, Jingjing; Zhao, Wei

2017-01-01

According to the logic of the Trivers-Willard hypothesis, in a human population, if socioeconomic status is transmitted across generations to some extent, and if sons of high-status parents tend to have higher reproductive success than daughters, while daughters of low-status parents tend to have higher reproductive success than sons, then we should expect that offspring sex ratio is positively associated with socioeconomic status. This study examines whether the assumptions and prediction of this hypothesis apply to a rural population in northern China. Results show that (1) current family socioeconomic status is positively related to family head's father's socioeconomic status in around 1950, (2) low-status family heads have more grandchildren through their daughters than their sons, whereas high- or middle-status family heads have more grandchildren through sons, and (3) as family heads' status increases, they tend to produce a higher offspring sex ratio. Therefore, the assumptions and prediction of the hypothesis are met in the study population. These results are discussed in reference to past studies on sex ratio manipulation among humans.

Somatosensory temporal discrimination in essential tremor and isolated head and voice tremors.

PubMed

Conte, Antonella; Ferrazzano, Gina; Manzo, Nicoletta; Leodori, Giorgio; Fabbrini, Giovanni; Fasano, Alfonso; Tinazzi, Michele; Berardelli, Alfredo

2015-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold in patients with essential tremor (sporadic and familial) and to evaluate whether somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values differ depending on the body parts involved by tremor. We also investigated the somatosensory temporal discrimination in patients with isolated voice tremor. We enrolled 61 patients with tremor: 48 patients with essential tremor (31 patients with upper limb tremor alone, nine patients with head tremor alone, and eight patients with upper limb plus head tremor; 22 patients with familial vs. 26 sporadic essential tremor), 13 patients with isolated voice tremor, and 45 healthy subjects. Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values were normal in patients with familial essential tremor, whereas they were higher in patients with sporadic essential tremor. When we classified patients according to tremor distribution, somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values were normal in patients with upper limb tremor and abnormal only in patients with isolated head tremor. Temporal discrimination threshold values were also abnormal in patients with isolated voice tremor. Somatosensory temporal discrimination processing is normal in patients with familial as well as in patients with sporadic essential tremor involving the upper limbs. By contrast, somatosensory temporal discrimination is altered in patients with isolated head tremor and voice tremor. This study with somatosensory temporal discrimination suggests that isolated head and voice tremors might possibly be considered as separate clinical entities from essential tremor. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Evolution of an Astrocytic Hamartoma of the Optic Nerve Head in a Patient with Retinitis Pigmentosa – Photographic Documentation over 2 Years of Follow-Up

PubMed Central

Loukianou, Eleni; Kisma, Nacima; Pal, Bishwanathan

2011-01-01

Aim To report photographically the evolution of an astrocytic hamartoma of the left optic nerve head over a 2-year follow-up in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa. Methods A 14-year-old boy was seen in the medical retina clinic with a 3-year history of night blindness. Best corrected visual acuity was 6/18 in both eyes. Colour vision was normal in both eyes and confrontation fields showed peripheral constriction. Fundus examination revealed bone spicule pigmentary changes at the retinal mid periphery typical of retinitis pigmentosa and superficial globules at the margins of both optic nerve heads. Electrodiagnostic tests confirmed moderately severe rod cone dystrophy with macular involvement bilaterally. Results Two years later, the ocular examination was unchanged except for the appearance of the optic nerve head lesion in the left eye. There was an increase in the size of the lesion which was diagnosed as an astrocytic hamartoma. Further investigations were recommended to exclude neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis. Conclusion Astrocytic hamartomas of the optic nerve head and optic nerve head drusen have both been described in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. They can be a diagnostic dilemma although drusen are more common (10%). To differentiate these two entities it is very important to document any growth during the follow-up period which is suggestive of astrocytic hamartoma rather than optic disc drusen. PMID:21347192

Exploiting MeSH indexing in MEDLINE to generate a data set for word sense disambiguation.

PubMed

Jimeno-Yepes, Antonio J; McInnes, Bridget T; Aronson, Alan R

2011-06-02

Evaluation of Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) methods in the biomedical domain is difficult because the available resources are either too small or too focused on specific types of entities (e.g. diseases or genes). We present a method that can be used to automatically develop a WSD test collection using the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) Metathesaurus and the manual MeSH indexing of MEDLINE. We demonstrate the use of this method by developing such a data set, called MSH WSD. In our method, the Metathesaurus is first screened to identify ambiguous terms whose possible senses consist of two or more MeSH headings. We then use each ambiguous term and its corresponding MeSH heading to extract MEDLINE citations where the term and only one of the MeSH headings co-occur. The term found in the MEDLINE citation is automatically assigned the UMLS CUI linked to the MeSH heading. Each instance has been assigned a UMLS Concept Unique Identifier (CUI). We compare the characteristics of the MSH WSD data set to the previously existing NLM WSD data set. The resulting MSH WSD data set consists of 106 ambiguous abbreviations, 88 ambiguous terms and 9 which are a combination of both, for a total of 203 ambiguous entities. For each ambiguous term/abbreviation, the data set contains a maximum of 100 instances per sense obtained from MEDLINE.We evaluated the reliability of the MSH WSD data set using existing knowledge-based methods and compared their performance to that of the results previously obtained by these algorithms on the pre-existing data set, NLM WSD. We show that the knowledge-based methods achieve different results but keep their relative performance except for the Journal Descriptor Indexing (JDI) method, whose performance is below the other methods. The MSH WSD data set allows the evaluation of WSD algorithms in the biomedical domain. Compared to previously existing data sets, MSH WSD contains a larger number of biomedical terms/abbreviations and covers the largest set of UMLS Semantic Types. Furthermore, the MSH WSD data set has been generated automatically reusing already existing annotations and, therefore, can be regenerated from subsequent UMLS versions.

Large Metal Heads and Vitamin E Polyethylene Increase Frictional Torque in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Meneghini, R Michael; Lovro, Luke R; Wallace, Joseph M; Ziemba-Davis, Mary

2016-03-01

Trunnionosis has reemerged in modern total hip arthroplasty for reasons that remain unclear. Bearing frictional torque transmits forces to the modular head-neck interface, which may contribute to taper corrosion. The purpose of this study is to compare frictional torque of modern bearing couples in total hip arthroplasty. Mechanical testing based on in vivo loading conditions was used to measure frictional torque. All bearing couples were lubricated and tested at 1 Hz for more than 2000 cycles. The bearing couples tested included conventional, highly crosslinked (XLPE) and vitamin E polyethylene, CoCr, and ceramic femoral heads and dual-mobility bearings. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test for single-variable and analysis of variance for multivariant analysis. P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. Large CoCr metal heads (≥36 mm) substantially increased frictional torque against XLPE liners (P = .01), a finding not observed in ceramic heads. Vitamin E polyethylene substantially increased frictional torque compared with XLPE in CoCr and ceramic heads (P = .001), whereas a difference between conventional and XLPE was not observed (P = .69) with the numbers available. Dual-mobility bearing with ceramic inner head demonstrated the lowest mean frictional torque of all bearing couples. In this simulated in vivo model, large-diameter CoCr femoral heads and vitamin E polyethylene liners are associated with increased frictional torque compared with smaller metal heads and XLPE, respectively. The increased frictional torque of vitamin E polyethylene and larger-diameter femoral heads should be considered and further studied, along with reported benefits of these modern bearing couples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gender differences in sexual biomarkers and behaviors associated with human papillomavirus-16, -18, and -33 seroprevalence.

PubMed

Kreimer, Aimee R; Alberg, Anthony J; Viscidi, Rapheal; Gillison, Maura L

2004-04-01

The elevated risk for incident head and neck cancer among human papillomavirus (HPV)-16-seropositive individuals has substantiated a role for HPV in the etiology of head and neck cancers. The relationship between HPV seroreactivity and prevalent oral HPV infection in men and women without cancer has yet to be investigated. The goal of this study was to evaluate a possible association between oral HPV infection and HPV seroreactivity after adjustment for gender, sexual behaviors, and sexually transmitted disease. A cross-sectional study of factors associated with HPV-16, -18, and -33 seroreactivity was performed in a population of 586 men and women with and without HIV infection. Antibodies in sera were measured by use of a virus-like protein (VLP)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Exfoliated cells from the tonsillar and oral mucosa were analyzed for the presence of 38 mucosal HPV types by polymerase chain reaction. Women had significantly greater seroreactivity for all HPV types investigated when compared with men (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.0-6.0). Seroprevalence was greatest in men and women aged 35 to 45 years. Tonsillar HPV infection, oral sex with men, and HIV infection were independently associated with HPV seroreactivity in men after adjustment for age and number of sexual partners. In women, HSV-2 seropositivity and a history of sexually transmitted diseases were similarly important. Oral and tonsillar HPV infection were not associated with HPV seroreactivity in women. HPV seropositivity is associated with sexually transmitted diseases among women and possibly mucosal HPV exposures in men. Tonsillar HPV infection could impact seroprevalence, particularly in men.

Real medical benefit assessed by indirect comparison.

PubMed

Falissard, Bruno; Zylberman, Myriam; Cucherat, Michel; Izard, Valérie; Meyer, François

2009-01-01

Frequently, in data packages submitted for Marketing Approval to the CHMP, there is a lack of relevant head-to-head comparisons of medicinal products that could enable national authorities responsible for the approval of reimbursement to assess the Added Therapeutic Value (ASMR) of new clinical entities or line extensions of existing therapies.Indirect or mixed treatment comparisons (MTC) are methods stemming from the field of meta-analysis that have been designed to tackle this problem. Adjusted indirect comparisons, meta-regressions, mixed models, Bayesian network analyses pool results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), enabling a quantitative synthesis.The REAL procedure, recently developed by the HAS (French National Authority for Health), is a mixture of an MTC and effect model based on expert opinions. It is intended to translate the efficacy observed in the trials into effectiveness expected in day-to-day clinical practice in France.

Marine Algae as Source of Novel Antileishmanial Drugs: A Review.

PubMed

Tchokouaha Yamthe, Lauve Rachel; Appiah-Opong, Regina; Tsouh Fokou, Patrick Valere; Tsabang, Nole; Fekam Boyom, Fabrice; Nyarko, Alexander Kwadwo; Wilson, Michael David

2017-10-29

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus and transmitted by the female Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia sand flies. The currently prescribed therapies still rely on pentavalent antimonials, pentamidine, paromomycin, liposomal amphotericin B, and miltefosine. However, their low efficacy, long-course treatment regimen, high toxicity, adverse side effects, induction of parasite resistance and high cost require the need for better drugs given that antileishmanial vaccines may not be available in the near future. Although most drugs are still derived from terrestrial sources, the interest in marine organisms as a potential source of promising novel bioactive natural agents has increased in recent years. About 28,000 compounds of marine origin have been isolated with hundreds of new chemical entities. Recent trends in drug research from natural resources indicated the high interest of aquatic eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms, marine algae in the search for new chemical entities given their broad spectrum and high bioactivities including antileishmanial potential. This current review describes prepared extracts and compounds from marine macroalgae along with their antileishmanial activity and provides prospective insights for antileishmanial drug discovery.

Marine Algae as Source of Novel Antileishmanial Drugs: A Review

PubMed Central

Tchokouaha Yamthe, Lauve Rachel; Appiah-Opong, Regina; Tsabang, Nole; Nyarko, Alexander Kwadwo

2017-01-01

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus and transmitted by the female Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia sand flies. The currently prescribed therapies still rely on pentavalent antimonials, pentamidine, paromomycin, liposomal amphotericin B, and miltefosine. However, their low efficacy, long-course treatment regimen, high toxicity, adverse side effects, induction of parasite resistance and high cost require the need for better drugs given that antileishmanial vaccines may not be available in the near future. Although most drugs are still derived from terrestrial sources, the interest in marine organisms as a potential source of promising novel bioactive natural agents has increased in recent years. About 28,000 compounds of marine origin have been isolated with hundreds of new chemical entities. Recent trends in drug research from natural resources indicated the high interest of aquatic eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms, marine algae in the search for new chemical entities given their broad spectrum and high bioactivities including antileishmanial potential. This current review describes prepared extracts and compounds from marine macroalgae along with their antileishmanial activity and provides prospective insights for antileishmanial drug discovery. PMID:29109372

Alternative Splice in Alternative Lice.

PubMed

Tovar-Corona, Jaime M; Castillo-Morales, Atahualpa; Chen, Lu; Olds, Brett P; Clark, John M; Reynolds, Stuart E; Pittendrigh, Barry R; Feil, Edward J; Urrutia, Araxi O

2015-10-01

Genomic and transcriptomics analyses have revealed human head and body lice to be almost genetically identical; although con-specific, they nevertheless occupy distinct ecological niches and have differing feeding patterns. Most importantly, while head lice are not known to be vector competent, body lice can transmit three serious bacterial diseases; epidemictyphus, trench fever, and relapsing fever. In order to gain insights into the molecular bases for these differences, we analyzed alternative splicing (AS) using next-generation sequencing data for one strain of head lice and one strain of body lice. We identified a total of 3,598 AS events which were head or body lice specific. Exon skipping AS events were overrepresented among both head and body lice, whereas intron retention events were underrepresented in both. However, both the enrichment of exon skipping and the underrepresentation of intron retention are significantly stronger in body lice compared with head lice. Genes containing body louse-specific AS events were found to be significantly enriched for functions associated with development of the nervous system, salivary gland, trachea, and ovarian follicle cells, as well as regulation of transcription. In contrast, no functional categories were overrepresented among genes with head louse-specific AS events. Together, our results constitute the first evidence for transcript pool differences in head and body lice, providing insights into molecular adaptations that enabled human lice to adapt to clothing, and representing a powerful illustration of the pivotal role AS can play in functional adaptation. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution.

Expression transmission using exaggerated animation for Elfoid

PubMed Central

Hori, Maiya; Tsuruda, Yu; Yoshimura, Hiroki; Iwai, Yoshio

2015-01-01

We propose an expression transmission system using a cellular-phone-type teleoperated robot called Elfoid. Elfoid has a soft exterior that provides the look and feel of human skin, and is designed to transmit the speaker's presence to their communication partner using a camera and microphone. To transmit the speaker's presence, Elfoid sends not only the voice of the speaker but also the facial expression captured by the camera. In this research, facial expressions are recognized using a machine learning technique. Elfoid cannot, however, display facial expressions because of its compactness and a lack of sufficiently small actuator motors. To overcome this problem, facial expressions are displayed using Elfoid's head-mounted mobile projector. In an experiment, we built a prototype system and experimentally evaluated it's subjective usability. PMID:26347686

Surface coil proton MR imaging at 2 T.

PubMed

Röschmann, P; Tischler, R

1986-10-01

We describe the design and application of surface coils for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at high resonance frequencies (85 MHz). Circular, rectangular-frame, and reflector-type surface coils were used in the transmit-and-receive mode. With these coils, the required radio frequency power is reduced by factors of two up to 100 with respect to head and body coils. With the small, circular coils, high-resolution images of a small region of interest can be obtained that are free of foldback and motion artifacts originating outside the field of interest. With the rectangular-frame and reflector coils, large fields of view are also accessible. As examples of applications, single- and multiple-section images of the eye, knee, head and shoulder, and spinal cord are provided.

The use of osteochondral allograft with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells and hinge joint distraction in the treatment of post-collapse stage of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

PubMed

Gagala, J; Tarczynska, M; Gaweda, K; Matuszewski, L

2014-09-01

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is an entity which occurs mainly in young and active patients aged between 20 and 50. The success of hip joint preserving treatments ranges from 15% to 50% depending on the stage and amount of osteonecrotic lesion. Total hip replacement is indicated in late post-collapse hips but it has unsatisfactory survival because of the wear and osteolysis in young and active patients. Osteochondral allografts have been reported in the treatment of large articular lesions with defects in underlying bone in knee, talus and shoulder. By combining osteoconductive properties of osteochondral allograft with osteogenic abilities of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells it has a potential to be an alternative to an autologous graft. The adjunct of hinged joint distraction should minimize stresses in subchondral bone to promote creeping substitution and prevent femoral head collapse. Unlike current treatment modalities, it would provide both structural support and allow bony and articular substitution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

3 Tesla MRI of patients with a vagus nerve stimulator: initial experience using a T/R head coil under controlled conditions.

PubMed

Gorny, Krzysztof R; Bernstein, Matt A; Watson, Robert E

2010-02-01

To assess safety of clinical MRI of the head in patients with implanted model 100, 102, and 103 vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) Therapy Systems (Cyberonics, Inc., Houston, TX) in 3.0 Tesla MRI (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI). The distributions of the radiofrequency B(1) (+)-field produced by the clinically used transmit/receive (T/R) head coil (Advanced Imaging Research Incorporated, Cleveland, OH) and body coil were measured in a head and shoulders phantom. These measurements were supplemented by temperature measurements on the lead tips and the implantable pulse generator (IPG) of the VNS devices in a head and torso phantom with the same two coils. Clinical 3T MRI head scans were then acquired under highly controlled conditions in a series of 17 patients implanted with VNS. Phantom studies showed only weak B(1) (+) fields at the location of the VNS IPG and leads for MRI scans using the T/R head coil. The MRI-related heating on a VNS scanned in vitro at 3T was also found to be minimal (0.4-0.8 degrees C at the leads, negligible at the IPG). The patient MRI examinations were completed successfully without any adverse incidents. No patient reported any heating, discomfort, or any other unusual sensation. Safe clinical MRI head scanning of patients with implanted VNS is shown to be feasible on a GE Signa Excite 3T MRI system using one specific T/R head coil. These results apply to this particular MRI system configuration. Extrapolation or generalization of these results to more general or less controlled imaging situations without supporting data of safety is highly discouraged.

Comparison of the proliferation and excretion of Bartonella quintana between body and head lice following oral challenge.

PubMed

Kim, J H; Previte, D J; Yoon, K S; Murenzi, E; Koehler, J E; Pittendrigh, B R; Lee, S H; Clark, J M

2017-06-01

Human body and head lice are highly related haematophagous ectoparasites but only the body louse has been shown to transmit Bartonella quintana, the causative agent of trench fever. The mechanisms by which body lice became a vector for B. quintana, however, are poorly understood. Following oral challenge, green fluorescent protein-expressing B. quintana proliferated over 9 days postchallenge with the number of bacteria being significantly higher in whole body vs. head lice. The numbers of B. quintana detected in faeces from infected lice, however, were approximately the same in both lice. Nevertheless, the viability of B. quintana was significantly higher in body louse faeces. Comparison of immune responses in alimentary tract tissues revealed that basal transcription levels of peptidoglycan recognition protein and defensins were lower in body lice and the transcription of defensin 1 was up-regulated by oral challenge with wild-type B. quintana in head but not in body lice. In addition, the level of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species generated by epithelial cells was significantly lower in body lice. Although speculative at this time, the reduced immune response is consistent with the higher vector competence seen in body vs. head lice in terms of B. quintana infection. © 2017 The Royal Entomological Society.

Vestibular pathways involved in cognition

PubMed Central

Hitier, Martin; Besnard, Stephane; Smith, Paul F.

2014-01-01

Recent discoveries have emphasized the role of the vestibular system in cognitive processes such as memory, spatial navigation and bodily self-consciousness. A precise understanding of the vestibular pathways involved is essential to understand the consequences of vestibular diseases for cognition, as well as develop therapeutic strategies to facilitate recovery. The knowledge of the “vestibular cortical projection areas”, defined as the cortical areas activated by vestibular stimulation, has dramatically increased over the last several years from both anatomical and functional points of view. Four major pathways have been hypothesized to transmit vestibular information to the vestibular cortex: (1) the vestibulo-thalamo-cortical pathway, which probably transmits spatial information about the environment via the parietal, entorhinal and perirhinal cortices to the hippocampus and is associated with spatial representation and self-versus object motion distinctions; (2) the pathway from the dorsal tegmental nucleus via the lateral mammillary nucleus, the anterodorsal nucleus of the thalamus to the entorhinal cortex, which transmits information for estimations of head direction; (3) the pathway via the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis, the supramammillary nucleus and the medial septum to the hippocampus, which transmits information supporting hippocampal theta rhythm and memory; and (4) a possible pathway via the cerebellum, and the ventral lateral nucleus of the thalamus (perhaps to the parietal cortex), which transmits information for spatial learning. Finally a new pathway is hypothesized via the basal ganglia, potentially involved in spatial learning and spatial memory. From these pathways, progressively emerges the anatomical network of vestibular cognition. PMID:25100954

The molecular landscape of head and neck cancer.

PubMed

Leemans, C René; Snijders, Peter J F; Brakenhoff, Ruud H

2018-05-01

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) arise in the mucosal linings of the upper aerodigestive tract and are unexpectedly heterogeneous in nature. Classical risk factors are smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and in recent years, the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged, particularly in oropharyngeal tumours. HPV-induced oropharyngeal tumours are considered a separate disease entity, which recently has manifested in an adapted prognostic staging system while the results of de-intensified treatment trials are awaited. Carcinogenesis caused by HPV in the mucosal linings of the upper aerodigestive tract remains an enigma, but with some recent observations, a model can be proposed. In 2015, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) consortium published a comprehensive molecular catalogue on HNSCC. Frequent mutations of novel druggable oncogenes were not demonstrated, but the existence of a subgroup of genetically distinct HPV-negative head and neck tumours with favourable prognoses was confirmed. Tumours can be further subclassified based on genomic profiling. However, the amount of molecular data is currently overwhelming and requires detailed biological interpretation. It also became apparent that HNSCC is a disease characterized by frequent mutations that create neoantigens, indicating that immunotherapies might be effective. In 2016, the first results of immunotherapy trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors were published, and these may be considered as a paradigm shift in head and neck oncology.

The Travelling-Wave Primate System: A New Solution for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Macaque Monkeys at 7 Tesla Ultra-High Field.

PubMed

Herrmann, Tim; Mallow, Johannes; Plaumann, Markus; Luchtmann, Michael; Stadler, Jörg; Mylius, Judith; Brosch, Michael; Bernarding, Johannes

2015-01-01

Neuroimaging of macaques at ultra-high field (UHF) is usually conducted by combining a volume coil for transmit (Tx) and a phased array coil for receive (Rx) tightly enclosing the monkey's head. Good results have been achieved using vertical or horizontal magnets with implanted or near-surface coils. An alternative and less costly approach, the travelling-wave (TW) excitation concept, may offer more flexible experimental setups on human whole-body UHF magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, which are now more widely available. Goal of the study was developing and validating the TW concept for in vivo primate MRI. The TW Primate System (TWPS) uses the radio frequency shield of the gradient system of a human whole-body 7 T MRI system as a waveguide to propagate a circularly polarized B1 field represented by the TE11 mode. This mode is excited by a specifically designed 2-port patch antenna. For receive, a customized neuroimaging monkey head receive-only coil was designed. Field simulation was used for development and evaluation. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was compared with data acquired with a conventional monkey volume head coil consisting of a homogeneous transmit coil and a 12-element receive coil. The TWPS offered good image homogeneity in the volume-of-interest Turbo spin echo images exhibited a high contrast, allowing a clear depiction of the cerebral anatomy. As a prerequisite for functional MRI, whole brain ultrafast echo planar images were successfully acquired. The TWPS presents a promising new approach to fMRI of macaques for research groups with access to a horizontal UHF MRI system.

The Travelling-Wave Primate System: A New Solution for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Macaque Monkeys at 7 Tesla Ultra-High Field

PubMed Central

Herrmann, Tim; Mallow, Johannes; Plaumann, Markus; Luchtmann, Michael; Stadler, Jörg; Mylius, Judith; Brosch, Michael; Bernarding, Johannes

2015-01-01

Introduction Neuroimaging of macaques at ultra-high field (UHF) is usually conducted by combining a volume coil for transmit (Tx) and a phased array coil for receive (Rx) tightly enclosing the monkey’s head. Good results have been achieved using vertical or horizontal magnets with implanted or near-surface coils. An alternative and less costly approach, the travelling-wave (TW) excitation concept, may offer more flexible experimental setups on human whole-body UHF magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, which are now more widely available. Goal of the study was developing and validating the TW concept for in vivo primate MRI. Methods The TW Primate System (TWPS) uses the radio frequency shield of the gradient system of a human whole-body 7 T MRI system as a waveguide to propagate a circularly polarized B1 field represented by the TE11 mode. This mode is excited by a specifically designed 2-port patch antenna. For receive, a customized neuroimaging monkey head receive-only coil was designed. Field simulation was used for development and evaluation. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was compared with data acquired with a conventional monkey volume head coil consisting of a homogeneous transmit coil and a 12-element receive coil. Results The TWPS offered good image homogeneity in the volume-of-interest Turbo spin echo images exhibited a high contrast, allowing a clear depiction of the cerebral anatomy. As a prerequisite for functional MRI, whole brain ultrafast echo planar images were successfully acquired. Conclusion The TWPS presents a promising new approach to fMRI of macaques for research groups with access to a horizontal UHF MRI system. PMID:26066653

The European Society for Medical Oncology 'Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale' field-tested in infrequent tumour entities: an extended analysis of its feasibility at the Medical University of Vienna.

PubMed

Kiesewetter, Barbara; Raderer, Markus; Prager, Gerald W; Fuereder, Thorsten; Marosi, Christine; Preusser, Matthias; Krainer, Michael; Locker, Gottfried J; Brodowicz, Thomas; Zielinski, Christoph C

2017-01-01

The European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) is a new tool to quantify the clinical benefit that may be anticipated from a novel anticancer treatment. We present here an analysis on the feasibility of the ESMO-MCBS in less frequent tumour entities. This study evaluates the practicability of the ESMO-MCBS for metastatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), soft tissue sarcomas, glioblastoma, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, head/neck cancer, urothelial cancer and ovarian cancer at the Medical University Vienna. A three-step approach including data acquisition, assessment of ESMO-MCBS scores and evaluation of results with a focus on clinical feasibility was applied. In NET and thyroid cancer, all analysed trials were very comparable in design and efficacy, and the ESMO-MCBS scores appeared to be consistent with the clinical benefit seen in practice. For pancreatic cancer, it was more difficult to compare first-line trials due to diverging populations included in the respective studies. Concerning soft tissue sarcomas, the ESMO-MCBS was applicable for gastrointestinal stromal tumours(GIST) and 'non-GIST' soft tissue sarcoma with respect to data deriving from randomised studies. However, due to the heterogeneity of the disease itself and a limited number of controlled trials, limitations are noted. In ovarian cancer, the ESMO-MCBS supported the use of bevacizumab in high-risk patients. To date, there are only limited data for glioblastoma, head/neck cancer and urothelial cancer but whenever randomised trials were available, the ESMO-MCBS rating supported clinical decisions. Interestingly, nivolumab for salvage treatment of head/neck cancer rated extremely high. The ESMO-MCBS scores supported our common treatment strategies and highlight the potential of new immunomodulatory drugs. Our results encourage further development of the ESMO-MCBS.

Syntheses and self-assembly of novel asparagine-derived amphiphiles: Applications in the encapsulation of proteins, hydrophobic, and hydrophilic drug models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mfuh, Adelphe Mbufung

This thesis focuses mainly on the synthesis, characterization, and self-assembly of a novel series of asparagine-derived amphiphiles and their use in the preparation and stabilization of nano and microcapsules for the encapsulation of proteins, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic drug models. Chapter 1 gives a brief literature overview of lipid molecular assembly, which covers some aspects of morphological analyses, encapsulation of chemical entity and some reported characterization techniques of supramolecular assemblies. It introduces the scope of this dissertation and contains some information on stimulus responsive liposomal systems for controlled release of drug models. Chapter 2 introduces a novel asparagine-derived lipid bearing two fatty chains (C11 and C17) and a tetrahydropyrimidinone head group. It presents information on the synthesis and characterization of this lipid and describes the self-assembly and effects of this lipid in distearoyl phosphatidyl choline bilayer. Chapter 3 presents the synthesis and characterization of a series of ALAn,m (where n and m represent the length of the hydrocarbon chains on the asparagine-derived, heterocyclic head group). It contains data on the effect of chain length, solvent media and head group ionization on the conformational equilibrium about a tertiary amide bond in ALAn,m. The chapter also examines the influence of chain length on ALAn,m on the colloidal stability of DSPC liposomes. Chapter 4 presents the first example of an N,N-acetal linkage in a novel pH responsive nanocarrier system obtained from the cyclocondensation of dodecanal with sodium asparaginate. Data is presented on the spontaneous self-assembly, encapsulation studies and morphological characterization of the nano-systems with the inclusion of cholesterol as additive. Chapter 5 presents the development of a photoresponsive nanocarrier via the self- assembly of an asparagine-derived lipid containing a coumarin unit in the hydrophobic domain. The supramolecular assemblies of this lipid were examined for the ability to encapsulate and release chemical entity in response to UV-assisted [2+2]-photodimerization. Chapter 6 presents the fabrication of an organic core/inorganic shell microcapsules from the catanionic self-assemblies of a series of symmetrical asparagine-derived bolaamphiphiles and polyallyl amine, followed by surfacing coating with silica nanoparticles. Unlike layer-by-layer or polymer salt aggregates (PSA) capsules reported in the chemical literature, these particles show encapsulation for wider range of chemical entities with different solubility properties. Studies suggest that these particles efficiently encapsulated protoporphyrin IX. dimethylester, doxorubicin and a fluorescently labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA).

The Nature and Future of Shi’ite Fundamentalism

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-28

initially consisted of an exhaustive compilation of the memories of those who had known Mohammed, or knew others who had known him, sometimes several... memories , orally transmitted. The work of writing down the Hadith did not begin until some fifty years after the death of the Prophet, and two hundred...ways. By chanting religious tracts they eventually achieve a state of self- hypnosis , during which they may beat their own chests, slash their heads

Vibrating fuel grapple

DOEpatents

Chertock, deceased, Alan J.; Fox, Jack N.; Weissinger, Robert B.

1982-01-01

A reactor refueling method utilizing a vibrating fuel grapple for removing spent fuel assemblies from a reactor core which incorporates a pneumatic vibrator in the grapple head, enabling additional withdrawal capability without exceeding the allowable axial force limit. The only moving part in the vibrator is a steel ball, pneumatically driven by a gas, such as argon, around a track, with centrifugal force created by the ball being transmitted through the grapple to the assembly handling socket.

Miniaturized, on-head, invasive electrode connector integrated EEG data acquisition system.

PubMed

Ives, John R; Mirsattari, Seyed M; Jones, D

2007-07-01

Intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring involves recording multi-contact electrodes. The current systems require separate wires from each recording contact to the data acquisition unit resulting in many connectors and cables. To overcome limitations of such systems such as noise, restrictions in patient mobility and compliance, we developed a miniaturized EEG monitoring system with the amplifiers and multiplexers integrated into the electrode connectors and mounted on the head. Small, surface-mounted instrumentation amplifiers, coupled with 8:1 analog multiplexers, were assembled into 8-channel modular units to connect to 16:1 analog multiplexer manifold to create a small (55 cm(3)) head-mounted 128-channel system. A 6-conductor, 30 m long cable was used to transmit the EEG signals from the patient to the remote data acquisition system. Miniaturized EEG amplifiers and analog multiplexers were integrated directly into the electrode connectors. Up to 128-channels of EEG were amplified and analog multiplexed directly on the patient's head. The amplified EEG data were obtained over one long wire. A miniaturized system of invasive EEG recording has the potential to reduce artefact, simplify trouble-shooting, lower nursing care and increase patient compliance. Miniaturization technology improves intracranial EEG monitoring and leads to >128-channel capacity.

States' implementation of the Section 510 abstinence education program, FY 1999.

PubMed

Sonfield, A; Gold, R B

2001-01-01

As part of its reworking of the nation's welfare system in 1996, Congress enacted a major new abstinence education initiative (Section 510 of Title V of the Social Security Act), projected to spend $87.5 million in federal, state and local funds per year for five years. The new program is designed to emphasize abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage, at any age, rather than premarital abstinence for adolescents, which was typical of earlier efforts. The actual message and impact of the program, however, will depend on how it is implemented. Program coordinators in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were surveyed concerning implementation of the Section 510 abstinence education program in FY 1999. The questionnaire asked about expenditures and activities performed, about policies established for a variety of specific situations and about how the term "sexual activity" is defined and what specific components of the federal definition of "abstinence education" are emphasized. Forty-five jurisdictions spent a total of $69 million through the Section 510 program in FY 1999. Of this total, $33 million was spent through public entities, $28 million was spent through private entities and $7million (in 22 jurisdictions) was spent through faith-based entities. Almost all jurisdictions reported funding school-related activities, with 38 reporting in-school instruction and presentations. Twenty-eight jurisdictions prohibited organizations from providing information about contraception (aside from failure rates), even at a client's request, while only six jurisdictions prohibited information about sexually transmitted diseases. Few reported having a policy or rendering guidance about providing services addressing sexual abuse, sexual orientation or existing pregnancy and parenthood. Only six respondents said they defined "sexual activity" for purposes of the program, and 16 reported focusing on specific portions of the federal definition of "abstinence education." More than one in 10 Section 510 dollars were spent through faith-based entities. Programs commonly conducted in-school activities, particularly instruction and presentations, not only through public entities, but also through private and faith-based entities. Most jurisdictions prohibited the provision of information about contraception, about providers of contraceptive services or about both topics, even in response to a direct question and when using other sources of funding. Most also left definitions of "abstinence" and "sexual activity" as local decisions, thus not clearly articulating what the program is designed to encourage clients to abstain from.

Patient size and x-ray technique factors in head computed tomography examinations. II. Image quality.

PubMed

Huda, Walter; Lieberman, Kristin A; Chang, Jack; Roskopf, Marsha L

2004-03-01

We investigated how patient head characteristics, as well as the choice of x-ray technique factors, affect lesion contrast and noise values in computed tomography (CT) images. Head sizes and mean Hounsfield unit (HU) values were obtained from head CT images for five classes of patients ranging from the newborn to adults. X-ray spectra with tube voltages ranging from 80 to 140 kV were used to compute the average photon energy, and energy fluence, transmitted through the heads of patients of varying size. Image contrast, and the corresponding contrast to noise ratios (CNRs), were determined for lesions of fat, muscle, and iodine relative to a uniform water background. Maintaining a constant image CNR for each lesion, the patient energy imparted was also computed to identify the x-ray tube voltage that minimized the radiation dose. For adults, increasing the tube voltage from 80 to 140 kV changed the iodine HU from 2.62 x 10(5) to 1.27 x 10(5), the fat HU from -138 to -108, and the muscle HU from 37.1 to 33.0. Increasing the x-ray tube voltage from 80 to 140 kV increased the percentage energy fluence transmission by up to a factor of 2. For a fixed x-ray tube voltage, the percentage transmitted energy fluence in adults was more than a factor of 4 lower than for newborns. For adults, increasing the x-ray tube voltage from 80 to 140 kV improved the CNR for muscle lesions by 130%, for fat lesions by a factor of 2, and for iodine lesions by 25%. As the size of the patient increased from newborn to adults, lesion CNR was reduced by about a factor of 2. The mAs value can be reduced by 80% when scanning newborns while maintaining the same lesion CNR as for adults. Maintaining the CNR of an iodine lesion at a constant level, use of 140 kV increases the energy imparted to an adult patient by nearly a factor of 3.5 in comparison to 80 kV. For fat and muscle lesions, raising the x-ray tube voltage from 80 to 140 kV at a constant CNR increased the patient dose by 37% and 7%, respectively. Our two key findings are that for head CT examinations performed at a constant CNR, the mAs can be substantially reduced when scanning infants, and that use of the lowest x-ray tube voltage will generally reduce patient doses.

PubMed Central

Monga, S.; Jan, S.; Bahadur, S.; Jetley, S.; Kaur, H.

2017-01-01

SUMMARY Tuberculosis (TB) of the head and neck region is quite common in endemic countries, but is still misdiagnosed due to its varied presentation and different sites of involvement. The aims of the present study were to present the diversities of presentation of head and neck tuberculosis with the diagnostic predicaments faced during evaluation and to assess treatment response to anti-tubercular treatment (ATT). We analysed 48 patients with head and neck tuberculosis who presented to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in our tertiary care urban hospital over a period of two years from 2013 to 2015 and recorded their data, which included presenting complaints, local and systemic examination findings, investigation results and treatment outcomes. The results showed that majority (64.5%) of cases were female and none of the patients were HIV positive. The most common manifestation was cervical lymphadenopathy (81.25%) with level II being the most commonly affected (31.3%). Three of the 48 patients had coexisting pulmonary TB. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), histopathological diagnosis and acid fast bacilli (AFB) staining were used to confirm diagnosis. All patients were treated with Category I ATT, which achieved cure in 96.8% of cases. Though cervical lymphadenitis is the most common presentation of head and neck TB, isolated involvement of the sinonasal region, larynx, oral cavity and other sub-sites are not solely unknown entities. It is, therefore, important for clinicians to be aware of atypical and misleading presentations and consider TB as a major differential diagnosis in the head and neck region, even in non-immunocompromised individuals. PMID:29327734

Venous air embolism: An under-recognised entity in blunt-force trauma and the importance of radiology.

PubMed

du Plessis, Marna; du Toit-Prinsloo, Lorraine

2017-04-01

Air embolism (AE) is considered a rare event and can be either iatrogenic or traumatic. Various post-mortem methods to detect AE exist, of which radiology is preferred. The presence of air in the heart can be demonstrated using special dissection techniques where the heart is opened under water or by needle puncture from a water-filled syringe. Three cases of blunt-force head injury are presented herein, with AE being diagnosed by conventional radiography using a Lodox Statscan® full-body digital X-ray machine in all cases. This case series demonstrates that AE due to blunt-force trauma to the head and sinuses might be under-recognised in the forensic post-mortem setting. It also highlights the importance of radiology in diagnosing AE post-mortem, especially where the results of post-mortem techniques might be unsatisfactory.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx with metastasis to the eyelid.

PubMed

Assi, Hussein A; Patel, Raina; Mehdi, Syed

2015-10-01

Neuroendocrine tumors are a rare type of neoplasms that comprise only 0.5% of all malignancies.¹ They usually arise from the gastrointestinal tract and the lung.¹,² Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the head and neck is a relatively rare malignancy described in the literature. The larynx is the most commonly affected region of the head and neck.³,⁴ Nevertheless, small-cell carcinoma comprises only 0.5% of all laryngeal cancers.⁵ Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx carries variable prognosis depending on the histological subtype.⁶ Typical carcinoid rarely metastasizes, but atypical carcinoid and small-cell carcinoma have high rates of metastasis, usually in the lung and liver.² Cutaneous metastasis from neuroendocrine carcinoma is an extremely rare entity, with only few cases reported in the English literature.⁷,⁸ We report the case of an elderly man with recurrent laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma with metastasis to the eyelid. ©2015 Frontline Medical Communications.

Perineural spread in head and neck tumors.

PubMed

Brea Álvarez, B; Tuñón Gómez, M

2014-01-01

Perineural spread is the dissemination of some types of head and neck tumors along nervous structures. Perineural spread has negative repercussions on treatment because it requires more extensive resection and larger fields of irradiation. Moreover, perineural spread is associated with increased local recurrence, and it is considered an independent indicator of poor prognosis in the TNM classification for tumor staging. However, perineural spread often goes undetected on imaging studies. In this update, we review the concept of perineural spread, its pathogenesis, and the main pathways and connections among the facial nerves, which are essential to understand this process. Furthermore, we discuss the appropriate techniques for imaging studies, and we describe and illustrate the typical imaging signs that help identify perineural spread on CT and MRI. Finally, we discuss the differential diagnosis with other entities. Copyright © 2013 SERAM. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

A Man with Pancreatic Head Mass Lesion on Endoscopic Ultrasound and Granuloma on Cytopathology.

PubMed

Rad, Neda; Heidarnezhad, Arash; Soheili, Setareh; Mohammad-Alizadeh, Amir Houshang; Nikmanesh, Arash

2016-01-01

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is an unlikely malignancy accounting for less than 0.5% of pancreatic tumors. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific and may be clinically misdiagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Here we present an Iranian case of primary pancreatic lymphoma in a 47-year-old male suffering from jaundice and 20% weight loss. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a mixed echoic mass lesion at the head of pancreas. The patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of solid pancreatic mass and histopathologic diagnosis revealed granuloma. Computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy was performed and eventually histological examination showed granuloma that was coherent with the diagnosis of primary pancreatic lymphoma. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare entity presenting with nonspecific symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings. Computed tomography results in combination with clinical and radiological studies generally provide guidance for appropriate investigation.

A Man with Pancreatic Head Mass Lesion on Endoscopic Ultrasound and Granuloma on Cytopathology

PubMed Central

Rad, Neda; Heidarnezhad, Arash; Soheili, Setareh; Mohammad-Alizadeh, Amir Houshang; Nikmanesh, Arash

2016-01-01

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is an unlikely malignancy accounting for less than 0.5% of pancreatic tumors. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific and may be clinically misdiagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Here we present an Iranian case of primary pancreatic lymphoma in a 47-year-old male suffering from jaundice and 20% weight loss. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a mixed echoic mass lesion at the head of pancreas. The patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of solid pancreatic mass and histopathologic diagnosis revealed granuloma. Computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy was performed and eventually histological examination showed granuloma that was coherent with the diagnosis of primary pancreatic lymphoma. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare entity presenting with nonspecific symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings. Computed tomography results in combination with clinical and radiological studies generally provide guidance for appropriate investigation. PMID:28100998

Heads-up 3D Microscopy: An Ergonomic and Educational Approach to Microsurgery

PubMed Central

Mendez, Bernardino M.; Chiodo, Michael V.; Vandevender, Darl

2016-01-01

Summary: Traditional microsurgery can lead surgeons to use postures that cause musculoskeletal fatigue, leaving them more prone to work-related injuries. A new technology from TrueVision transmits the microscopic image onto a 3-dimensional (3D) monitor, allowing surgeons to operate while sitting/standing in a heads-up position. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing heads-up 3D microscopy as a more ergonomic alternative to traditional microsurgery. A feasibility study was conducted comparing heads-up 3D microscopy and traditional microscopy by performing femoral artery anastomoses on 8 Sprague-Dawley rats. Operative times and patency rates for each technology were compared. The 8 microsurgeons completed a questionnaire comparing image quality, comfort, technical feasibility, and educational value of the 2 technologies. Rat femoral artery anastomoses were successfully carried out by all 8 microsurgeons with each technology. There was no significant difference in anastomosis time between heads-up 3D and traditional microscopy (average times, 34.5 and 33.8 minutes, respectively; P = 0.66). Heads-up 3D microscopy was rated superior in neck and back comfort by 75% of participants. Image resolution, field of view, and technical feasibility were found to be superior or equivalent in 75% of participants, whereas 63% evaluated depth perception to be superior or equivalent. Heads-up 3D microscopy is a new technology that improves comfort for the microsurgeon without compromising image quality or technical feasibility. Its use has become prevalent in the field of ophthalmology and may also have utility in plastic and reconstructive surgery. PMID:27579241

Ultrasonic ranging for the oculometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guy, W. J.

1981-01-01

Ultrasonic tracking techniques are investigated for an oculometer. Two methods are reported in detail. The first is based on measurements of time from the start of a transmit burst to a received echo. Knowing the sound velocity, distance can be calculated. In the second method, a continuous signal is transmitted. Target movement causes phase shifting of the echo. By accumulating these phase shifts, tracking from a set point can be achieved. Both systems have problems with contoured targets, but work well on flat plates and the back of a human head. Also briefly reported is an evaluation of an ultrasonic ranging system. Interface circuits make this system compatible with the echo time design. While the system is consistently accurate, it has a beam too narrow for oculometer use. Finally, comments are provided on a tracking system using the Doppler frequency shift to give range data.

Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Non-Invasive Microwave Head Imaging System for Intracranial Haemorrhage Detection

PubMed Central

Mobashsher, A. T.; Bialkowski, K. S.; Abbosh, A. M.; Crozier, S.

2016-01-01

An intracranial haemorrhage is a life threatening medical emergency, yet only a fraction of the patients receive treatment in time, primarily due to the transport delay in accessing diagnostic equipment in hospitals such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Computed Tomography. A mono-static microwave head imaging system that can be carried in an ambulance for the detection and localization of intracranial haemorrhage is presented. The system employs a single ultra-wideband antenna as sensing element to transmit signals in low microwave frequencies towards the head and capture backscattered signals. The compact and low-profile antenna provides stable directional radiation patterns over the operating bandwidth in both near and far-fields. Numerical analysis of the head imaging system with a realistic head model in various situations is performed to realize the scattering mechanism of haemorrhage. A modified delay-and-summation back-projection algorithm, which includes effects of surface waves and a distance-dependent effective permittivity model, is proposed for signal and image post-processing. The efficacy of the automated head imaging system is evaluated using a 3D-printed human head phantom with frequency dispersive dielectric properties including emulated haemorrhages with different sizes located at different depths. Scattered signals are acquired with a compact transceiver in a mono-static circular scanning profile. The reconstructed images demonstrate that the system is capable of detecting haemorrhages as small as 1 cm3. While quantitative analyses reveal that the quality of images gradually degrades with the increase of the haemorrhage’s depth due to the reduction of signal penetration inside the head; rigorous statistical analysis suggests that substantial improvement in image quality can be obtained by increasing the data samples collected around the head. The proposed head imaging prototype along with the processing algorithm demonstrates its feasibility for potential use in ambulances as an effective and low cost diagnostic tool to assure timely triaging of intracranial hemorrhage patients. PMID:27073994

Down-hole periodic seismic generator

DOEpatents

Hardee, H.C.; Hills, R.G.; Striker, R.P.

1982-10-28

A down hole periodic seismic generator system is disclosed for transmitting variable frequency, predominantly shear-wave vibration into earth strata surrounding a borehole. The system comprises a unitary housing operably connected to a well head by support and electrical cabling and contains clamping apparatus for selectively clamping the housing to the walls of the borehole. The system further comprises a variable speed pneumatic oscillator and a self-contained pneumatic reservoir for producing a frequency-swept seismic output over a discrete frequency range.

Advanced downhole periodic seismic generator

DOEpatents

Hardee, Harry C.; Hills, Richard G.; Striker, Richard P.

1991-07-16

An advanced downhole periodic seismic generator system for transmitting variable frequency, predominantly shear-wave vibration into earth strata surrounding a borehole. The system comprises a unitary housing operably connected to a well head by support and electrical cabling and contains clamping apparatus for selectively clamping the housing to the walls of the borehole. The system further comprises a variable speed pneumatic oscillator and a self-contained pneumatic reservoir for producing a frequency-swept seismic output over a discrete frequency range.

Down hole periodic seismic generator

DOEpatents

Hardee, Harry C.; Hills, Richard G.; Striker, Richard P.

1989-01-01

A down hole periodic seismic generator system for transmitting variable frequency, predominantly shear-wave vibration into earth strata surrounding a borehole. The system comprises a unitary housing operably connected to a well head by support and electrical cabling and contains clamping apparatus for selectively clamping the housing to the walls of the borehole. The system further comprises a variable speed pneumatic oscillator and a self-contained pneumatic reservoir for producing a frequency-swept seismic output over a discrete frequency range.

Alignment of angular velocity sensors for a vestibular prosthesis.

PubMed

Digiovanna, Jack; Carpaneto, Jacopo; Micera, Silvestro; Merfeld, Daniel M

2012-02-13

Vestibular prosthetics transmit angular velocities to the nervous system via electrical stimulation. Head-fixed gyroscopes measure angular motion, but the gyroscope coordinate system will not be coincident with the sensory organs the prosthetic replaces. Here we show a simple calibration method to align gyroscope measurements with the anatomical coordinate system. We benchmarked the method with simulated movements and obtain proof-of-concept with one healthy subject. The method was robust to misalignment, required little data, and minimal processing.

Vibrating fuel grapple. [LMFBR

DOEpatents

Chertock, A.J.; Fox, J.N.; Weissinger, R.B.

A reactor refueling method is described which utilizes a vibrating fuel grapple for removing spent fuel assemblies from a reactor core. It incorporates a pneumatic vibrator in the grapple head which allows additional withdrawal capability without exceeding the allowable axial force limit. The only moving part in the vibrator is a steel ball, pneumatically driven by a gas, such as argon, around a track, with centrifugal force created by the ball being transmitted through the grapple to the assembly handling socket.

Optimizing Energy Consumption in Vehicular Sensor Networks by Clustering Using Fuzzy C-Means and Fuzzy Subtractive Algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimi, A.; Pahlavani, P.; Masoumi, Z.

2017-09-01

Traffic monitoring and managing in urban intelligent transportation systems (ITS) can be carried out based on vehicular sensor networks. In a vehicular sensor network, vehicles equipped with sensors such as GPS, can act as mobile sensors for sensing the urban traffic and sending the reports to a traffic monitoring center (TMC) for traffic estimation. The energy consumption by the sensor nodes is a main problem in the wireless sensor networks (WSNs); moreover, it is the most important feature in designing these networks. Clustering the sensor nodes is considered as an effective solution to reduce the energy consumption of WSNs. Each cluster should have a Cluster Head (CH), and a number of nodes located within its supervision area. The cluster heads are responsible for gathering and aggregating the information of clusters. Then, it transmits the information to the data collection center. Hence, the use of clustering decreases the volume of transmitting information, and, consequently, reduces the energy consumption of network. In this paper, Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) and Fuzzy Subtractive algorithms are employed to cluster sensors and investigate their performance on the energy consumption of sensors. It can be seen that the FCM algorithm and Fuzzy Subtractive have been reduced energy consumption of vehicle sensors up to 90.68% and 92.18%, respectively. Comparing the performance of the algorithms implies the 1.5 percent improvement in Fuzzy Subtractive algorithm in comparison.

Exploiting MeSH indexing in MEDLINE to generate a data set for word sense disambiguation

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Evaluation of Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) methods in the biomedical domain is difficult because the available resources are either too small or too focused on specific types of entities (e.g. diseases or genes). We present a method that can be used to automatically develop a WSD test collection using the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) Metathesaurus and the manual MeSH indexing of MEDLINE. We demonstrate the use of this method by developing such a data set, called MSH WSD. Methods In our method, the Metathesaurus is first screened to identify ambiguous terms whose possible senses consist of two or more MeSH headings. We then use each ambiguous term and its corresponding MeSH heading to extract MEDLINE citations where the term and only one of the MeSH headings co-occur. The term found in the MEDLINE citation is automatically assigned the UMLS CUI linked to the MeSH heading. Each instance has been assigned a UMLS Concept Unique Identifier (CUI). We compare the characteristics of the MSH WSD data set to the previously existing NLM WSD data set. Results The resulting MSH WSD data set consists of 106 ambiguous abbreviations, 88 ambiguous terms and 9 which are a combination of both, for a total of 203 ambiguous entities. For each ambiguous term/abbreviation, the data set contains a maximum of 100 instances per sense obtained from MEDLINE. We evaluated the reliability of the MSH WSD data set using existing knowledge-based methods and compared their performance to that of the results previously obtained by these algorithms on the pre-existing data set, NLM WSD. We show that the knowledge-based methods achieve different results but keep their relative performance except for the Journal Descriptor Indexing (JDI) method, whose performance is below the other methods. Conclusions The MSH WSD data set allows the evaluation of WSD algorithms in the biomedical domain. Compared to previously existing data sets, MSH WSD contains a larger number of biomedical terms/abbreviations and covers the largest set of UMLS Semantic Types. Furthermore, the MSH WSD data set has been generated automatically reusing already existing annotations and, therefore, can be regenerated from subsequent UMLS versions. PMID:21635749

MULTIPLE SHAFT TOOL HEAD

DOEpatents

Colbert, H.P.

1962-10-23

An improved tool head arrangement is designed for the automatic expanding of a plurality of ferruled tubes simultaneously. A plurality of output shafts of a multiple spindle drill head are driven in unison by a hydraulic motor. A plurality of tube expanders are respectively coupled to the shafts through individual power train arrangements. The axial or thrust force required for the rolling operation is provided by a double acting hydraulic cylinder having a hollow through shaft with the shaft cooperating with an internally rotatable splined shaft slidably coupled to a coupling rigidly attached to the respectlve output shaft of the drill head, thereby transmitting rotary motion and axial thrust simultaneously to the tube expander. A hydraulic power unit supplies power to each of the double acting cylinders through respective two-position, four-way valves, under control of respective solenoids for each of the cylinders. The solenoids are in turn selectively controlled by a tool selection control unit which in turn is controlled by signals received from a programmed, coded tape from a tape reader. The number of expanders that are extended in a rolling operation, which may be up to 42 expanders, is determined by a predetermined program of operations depending upon the arrangement of the ferruled tubes to be expanded in the tube bundle. The tape reader also supplies dimensional information to a machine tool servo control unit for imparting selected, horizontal and/or vertical movement to the tool head assembly. (AEC)

Concept and realization of a fully configurable and programmable data-acquisition system for the neutron scattering instruments at SINQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greuter, U.; Buehler, C.; Rasmussen, P.; Emmenegger, M.; Maden, D.; Koennecke, M.; Schlumpf, N.

We present the basic concept and the realization of our fully configurable data-acquisition hardware for the neutron scattering instruments at SINQ. This system allows collection of the different data entities and event-related signals generated by the various detector units. It offers a variety of synchronization options, including a time-measuring mode for time-of-flight determinations. Based on configurable logic (FPGA, CPLD), event rates up to the MHz range can be processed and transmitted to a programmable online data-reduction system (Histogram Memory). It is implemented on a commercially available VME Power PC module running a real-time operating system (VxWorks).

Synergism and Combinatorial Coding for Binary Odor Mixture Perception in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Chakraborty, Tuhin Subhra; Siddiqi, Obaid

2016-01-01

Most odors in the natural environment are mixtures of several compounds. Olfactory receptors housed in the olfactory sensory neurons detect these odors and transmit the information to the brain, leading to decision-making. But whether the olfactory system detects the ingredients of a mixture separately or treats mixtures as different entities is not well understood. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system, we have demonstrated that fruit flies perceive binary odor mixtures in a manner that is heavily dependent on both the proportion and the degree of dilution of the components, suggesting a combinatorial coding at the peripheral level. This coding strategy appears to be receptor specific and is independent of interneuronal interactions. PMID:27588303

Detection of bacterial pathogens in clade E head lice collected from Niger's refugees in Algeria.

PubMed

Louni, Meriem; Amanzougaghene, Nadia; Mana, Nassima; Fenollar, Florence; Raoult, Didier; Bitam, Idir; Mediannikov, Oleg

2018-06-15

Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, are obligate blood-sucking parasites. Phylogenetically, they occur in five divergent mitochondrial clades (A, D, B, C and E), each having a particular geographical distribution. Recent studies have revealed that head lice, as is the case of body lice, can act as a vector for louse-borne diseases. Here, we aimed to study the genetic diversity of head lice collected from Niger's refugees (migrant population) arriving in Algeria, northern Africa, and to look for louse-borne pathogens. Comparative head lice samples collected from indigenous population of schoolchildren (non-immigrant) were also analyzed to frame the study. In this study, 37 head lice samples were collected from 31 Nigerien refugees, as well as 45 head lice from 27 schoolchildren. The collection was established in three localities of eastern Algiers, north Algeria. Quantitative real-time PCR screening of pathogens bacteria and the genetic characterisation of the head lice satut were performed. Through amplification and sequencing of the cytb gene, results showed that all head lice of Nigerien refugees 37/82 (45.12%) belonged to clade E with the presence of four new haplotypes, while, of the 45 head lice of schoolchildren, 34/82 lice (41.46%) belonged to clade A and 11/82 (13.41%) belonged to clade B. Our study is the first to report the existence of clade E haplogroup in Nigerien head lice. DNA of Coxiella burnetii was detected in 3/37 (8.10%) of the head lice collected from 3 of the 31 (9.67%) migrant population. We also revealed the presence of Acinetobacter DNA in 20/37 (54.05%) of head lice collected from 25/31 (80.64%) of the Nigerien refugees, and in 25/45 (55.55%) head lice collected from 15/27 (55.55%) schoolchildren. All positive Nigerien-head lice for Acinetobacter spp. were identified as A. baumannii, while positive schoolchildren-head lice were identified as A. johnsonii 15/25 (60%), A. variabilis 8/25 (32%) and A. baumannii 2/25 (8%). Based on these findings from head lice collected on migrant and non-migrant population, our results show, for the first time, that head lice from Niger belong to haplogroup E, and confirm that the clade E had a west African distribution. We also detected, for the first time, the presence of C. burnetii and A. baumannii in these Nigerien head lice. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine whether the head lice can transmit these pathogenic bacteria from one person to another.

The Solar Umbrella: A Low-cost Demonstration of Scalable Space Based Solar Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Contreras, Michael T.; Trease, Brian P.; Sherwood, Brent

2013-01-01

Within the past decade, the Space Solar Power (SSP) community has seen an influx of stakeholders willing to entertain the SSP prospect of potentially boundless, base-load solar energy. Interested parties affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD), the private sector, and various international entities have all agreed that while the benefits of SSP are tremendous and potentially profitable, the risk associated with developing an efficient end to end SSP harvesting system is still very high. In an effort to reduce the implementation risk for future SSP architectures, this study proposes a system level design that is both low-cost and seeks to demonstrate the furthest transmission of wireless power to date. The overall concept is presented and each subsystem is explained in detail with best estimates of current implementable technologies. Basic cost models were constructed based on input from JPL subject matter experts and assume that the technology demonstration would be carried out by a federally funded entity. The main thrust of the architecture is to demonstrate that a usable amount of solar power can be safely and reliably transmitted from space to the Earth's surface; however, maximum power scalability limits and their cost implications are discussed.

Dengue, chikungunya … and the missing entity - Zika fever: A new emerging threat.

PubMed

Tilak, Rina; Ray, Sougat; Tilak, V W; Mukherji, Sandip

2016-04-01

Zika virus (ZIKV), a relative newcomer from the flavivirus group that includes dengue, Japanese encepahalitis and yellow fever, is one of the emerging pathogens that is fast transcending geographical boundaries. It is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the same Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which cause dengue and chikungunya. In addition to the vector-mediated transmission of Zika fever, probable human-to-human transmission through exchange of body fluids, including sexual and perinatal transmission and through blood transfusion, makes containment of this new entity more challenging. Moreover, a high index of suspicion by an astute physician is necessary for diagnosis of Zika fever in view of the similarity of symptoms with dengue and chikungunya, especially in areas, where these two diseases are already endemic. Zika, till recently, has had minimal impact, but its true potential is unfolding with increasing detection of congenital malformities, Guillain-Barré syndrome and other neurological and autoimmune syndromes in patients with recent history of ZIKV infection, or when mothers get infected with Zika during first or second trimester of pregnancy. The association, however, needs to be established, nonetheless it is important that we keep a close vigil on this emerging vector borne disease - the 'ZIKA' fever.

Exploding head syndrome: six new cases and review of the literature.

PubMed

Frese, Achim; Summ, Oliver; Evers, Stefan

2014-09-01

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is characterized by attacks of a sudden noise or explosive feeling experienced in the head occurring during the transition from wake to sleep or from sleep to wake. We present six new cases extending the clinical experience with the syndrome. We also reviewed all available cases from the scientific literature and evaluated the typical features of EHS. The female to male ratio is 1.5 to 1. The median age at onset is 54. In average, one attack per day to one attack per week occurs. Some patients suffer from several attacks per night. In about half of all patients, a chronic time course can be observed but episodic or sporadic occurrence is also common. The most frequent accompanying symptoms beside the noise are fear and flashes of light. Polysomnographic studies do not reveal any specific sleep pattern associated with EHS. Tricyclic antidepressants are helpful in some patients. However, most patients do not need treatment because of the benign nature of the syndrome. EHS is a well-defined disease entity with a benign nature. © International Headache Society 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Bone conduction reception: head sensitivity mapping.

PubMed

McBride, Maranda; Letowski, Tomasz; Tran, Phuong

2008-05-01

This study sought to identify skull locations that are highly sensitive to bone conduction (BC) auditory signal reception and could be used in the design of military radio communication headsets. In Experiment 1, pure tone signals were transmitted via BC to 11 skull locations of 14 volunteers seated in a quiet environment. In Experiment 2, the same signals were transmitted via BC to nine skull locations of 12 volunteers seated in an environment with 60 decibels of white background noise. Hearing threshold levels for each signal per location were measured. In the quiet condition, the condyle had the lowest mean threshold for all signals followed by the jaw angle, mastoid and vertex. In the white noise condition, the condyle also had the lowest mean threshold followed by the mastoid, vertex and temple. Overall results of both experiments were very similar and implicated the condyle as the most effective location.

BioCreative V CDR task corpus: a resource for chemical disease relation extraction.

PubMed

Li, Jiao; Sun, Yueping; Johnson, Robin J; Sciaky, Daniela; Wei, Chih-Hsuan; Leaman, Robert; Davis, Allan Peter; Mattingly, Carolyn J; Wiegers, Thomas C; Lu, Zhiyong

2016-01-01

Community-run, formal evaluations and manually annotated text corpora are critically important for advancing biomedical text-mining research. Recently in BioCreative V, a new challenge was organized for the tasks of disease named entity recognition (DNER) and chemical-induced disease (CID) relation extraction. Given the nature of both tasks, a test collection is required to contain both disease/chemical annotations and relation annotations in the same set of articles. Despite previous efforts in biomedical corpus construction, none was found to be sufficient for the task. Thus, we developed our own corpus called BC5CDR during the challenge by inviting a team of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) indexers for disease/chemical entity annotation and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) curators for CID relation annotation. To ensure high annotation quality and productivity, detailed annotation guidelines and automatic annotation tools were provided. The resulting BC5CDR corpus consists of 1500 PubMed articles with 4409 annotated chemicals, 5818 diseases and 3116 chemical-disease interactions. Each entity annotation includes both the mention text spans and normalized concept identifiers, using MeSH as the controlled vocabulary. To ensure accuracy, the entities were first captured independently by two annotators followed by a consensus annotation: The average inter-annotator agreement (IAA) scores were 87.49% and 96.05% for the disease and chemicals, respectively, in the test set according to the Jaccard similarity coefficient. Our corpus was successfully used for the BioCreative V challenge tasks and should serve as a valuable resource for the text-mining research community.Database URL: http://www.biocreative.org/tasks/biocreative-v/track-3-cdr/. Published by Oxford University Press 2016. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the United States.

Chemical-induced disease relation extraction with various linguistic features.

PubMed

Gu, Jinghang; Qian, Longhua; Zhou, Guodong

2016-01-01

Understanding the relations between chemicals and diseases is crucial in various biomedical tasks such as new drug discoveries and new therapy developments. While manually mining these relations from the biomedical literature is costly and time-consuming, such a procedure is often difficult to keep up-to-date. To address these issues, the BioCreative-V community proposed a challenging task of automatic extraction of chemical-induced disease (CID) relations in order to benefit biocuration. This article describes our work on the CID relation extraction task on the BioCreative-V tasks. We built a machine learning based system that utilized simple yet effective linguistic features to extract relations with maximum entropy models. In addition to leveraging various features, the hypernym relations between entity concepts derived from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)-controlled vocabulary were also employed during both training and testing stages to obtain more accurate classification models and better extraction performance, respectively. We demoted relation extraction between entities in documents to relation extraction between entity mentions. In our system, pairs of chemical and disease mentions at both intra- and inter-sentence levels were first constructed as relation instances for training and testing, then two classification models at both levels were trained from the training examples and applied to the testing examples. Finally, we merged the classification results from mention level to document level to acquire final relations between chemicals and diseases. Our system achieved promisingF-scores of 60.4% on the development dataset and 58.3% on the test dataset using gold-standard entity annotations, respectively. Database URL:https://github.com/JHnlp/BC5CIDTask. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

Dual optimization method of radiofrequency and quasistatic field simulations for reduction of eddy currents generated on 7T radiofrequency coil shielding.

PubMed

Zhao, Yujuan; Zhao, Tiejun; Raval, Shailesh B; Krishnamurthy, Narayanan; Zheng, Hai; Harris, Chad T; Handler, William B; Chronik, Blaine A; Ibrahim, Tamer S

2015-11-01

To optimize the design of radiofrequency (RF) shielding of transmit coils at 7T and reduce eddy currents generated on the RF shielding when imaging with rapid gradient waveforms. One set of a four-element, 2 × 2 Tic-Tac-Toe head coil structure was selected and constructed to study eddy currents on the RF coil shielding. The generated eddy currents were quantitatively studied in the time and frequency domains. The RF characteristics were studied using the finite difference time domain method. Five different kinds of RF shielding were tested on a 7T MRI scanner with phantoms and in vivo human subjects. The eddy current simulation method was verified by the measurement results. Eddy currents induced by solid/intact and simple-structured slotted RF shielding significantly distorted the gradient fields. Echo-planar images, B1+ maps, and S matrix measurements verified that the proposed slot pattern suppressed the eddy currents while maintaining the RF characteristics of the transmit coil. The presented dual-optimization method could be used to design RF shielding and reduce the gradient field-induced eddy currents while maintaining the RF characteristics of the transmit coil. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Forensic aspects of thermal changes in human head hair].

PubMed

Kijewski, Harald

2014-01-01

Under experimental conditions, head hairs of individuals of different age were exposed to defined increases of temperature up to 450 degrees C and examined by transmitted- and reflected-light microscopy with and without polarization. Preliminary tests had shown that the hair changes alone do not allow conclusions as to the temperature acting on the hair. Especially in the range of 200 to 300 degrees C, the temperature gradient during the heating process and the exposure time were additional influencing factors. Thick hair and hair with a high water content showed more pronounced thermal changes than thin hair. Elasticity and permeability of the cuticle and the cementing substance (cell membrane complex CMC) are also relevant factors. When heating head hairs lacking a medulla, a multiform pseudo-medulla formed under certain conditions. In the presence of thermally induced structural disturbances (e.g. by using hair straighteners), foreign substances can penetrate more easily into the hair shaft from outside. The possibility of such exogenous contamination has to be taken into consideration when performing chemical and toxicological analyses of hair.

Missile Manufacturing Technology Conference Held at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina on 22-26 September 1975. Panel Presentations. Test Equipment

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-01-01

in the computer in 16 bit parallel computer DIO transfers at the max- imum computer I/O speed. it then transmits this data in a bit- serial echo...maximum DIO rate under computer interrupt control. The LCI also provides station interrupt information for transfer to the computer under computer...been in daily operation since 1973. The SAM-D Missile system is currently in the Engineering De - velopment phase which precedes the Production and

Programmable Pacemaker

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

St. Jude Medical's Cardiac Rhythm Management Division, formerly known as Pacesetter Systems, Inc., incorporated Apollo technology into the development of the programmable pacemaker system. This consists of the implantable pacemaker together with a physician's console containing the programmer and a data printer. Physician can communicate with patient's pacemaker by means of wireless telemetry signals transmitted through the communicating head held over the patient's chest. Where earlier pacemakers deliver a fixed type of stimulus once implanted, Programalith enables surgery free "fine tuning" of device to best suit the patient's changing needs.

Vehicle Transponder for Preemption of Traffic Lights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, Conrad; Bachelder, Aaron

2006-01-01

The purpose of this article is to describe, in more detail, the transponder installed in each vehicle that participates in the emergency traffic-light-preemption system described in the immediately preceding article. The transponder (see figure) is a fully autonomous data--collection, data-processing, information-display, and communication subsystem that performs robustly in preemption of traffic lights and monitoring of the statuses of street intersections. This transponder monitors the condition of the emergency vehicle in which it is installed and determines when the vehicle has been placed in an emergency-response condition with its siren and/or warning lights activated. Upon detection of such a condition, the transponder collects real-time velocity and acceleration data from the onboard diagnostic (OBD) computer of the vehicle. For this purpose, the transponder contains an OBD interface circuit, including a microprocessor that determines the manufacturer and model of the vehicle and then sends the appropriate commands to the OBD computer requesting the speed and acceleration data. At the same time, data from an onboard navigation system are collected to determine the location and the heading of the vehicle. Then acceleration, speed, position, and heading data are processed and combined with a vehicle-identification number and the resulting set of data is transmitted to monitoring and control units located at all intersections within communication range. When the unit at an intersection determines that this vehicle is approaching and has priority to preempt the intersection, it transmits a signal declaring the priority and the preemption to all participating vehicles (including this one) in the vicinity. If the unit at the intersection has determined that other participating vehicles are also approaching the intersection, then this unit also transmits, to the vehicle that has priority, a message that the other vehicles are approaching the same intersection. The texts of these messages, plus graphical symbols that show the directions and numbers of the approaching vehicles, are presented on the display panel of a computer that is part of the transponder.

Meteoroid head echo polarization features studied by numerical electromagnetics modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vertatschitsch, L. E.; Sahr, J. D.; Colestock, P.; Close, S.

2011-12-01

Meteoroid head echoes are radar returns associated with scatter from the dense plasma surrounding meteoroids striking the Earth's atmosphere. Such echoes are detected by high power, large aperture (HPLA) radars. Frequently such detections show large variations in signal strength that suggest constructive and destructive interference. Using the ARPA Long-Range Tracking and Instrumentation Radar (ALTAIR) we can also observe the polarization of the returns. Usually, scatter from head echoes resembles scatter from a small sphere; when transmitting right circular polarization (RC), the received signal consists entirely of left circular polarization (LC). For some detections, power is also received in the RC channel, which indicates the presence of a more complicated scattering process. Radar returns of a fragmenting meteoroid are simulated using a hard-sphere scattering model numerically evaluated in the resonant region of Mie scatter. The cross- and co-polar scattering cross-sections are computed for pairs of spheres lying within a few wavelengths, simulating the earliest stages of fragmentation upon atmospheric impact. The likelihood of detecting this sort of idealized fragmentation event is small, but this demonstrates the measurements that would result from such an event would display RC power comparable to LC power, matching the anomalous data. The resulting computations show that fragmentation is a consistent interpretation for these head echo radar returns.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma variant: a clinicopathological case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Iwuagwu, F C; Rigby, H S; Payne, F; Reid, C D

1999-10-01

Juvenile xanthogranuloma is a relatively rare cutaneous lesion. In order to make an early diagnosis and be alert to the possibility of visceral complications and associated medical conditions, plastic surgeons should be aware of the entity. The classic presentation is that of successive eruptions in the head, neck and upper trunk of initially red papules or nodules which later become yellow and finally brown flattened plaques or macules. This report is of an unusual variant with atypical histology including frequent mitoses and a lack of Touton giant cells. Copyright 1999 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.

A new familial intrauterine growth retardation syndrome the "3-M syndrome".

PubMed

Spranger, J; Opitz, J M; Nourmand, A

1976-09-01

Two pairs of siblings are described with proportionate dwarfism due to skeletal hypoplasia of prenatal onset. The head size was normal for age and disproportionately large for height. The patients had a characteristic face different from that seen in the Silver-Russell syndrome. The family data are in accordance with autosomal recessive inheritance. In spite of some similarities, the bulk of clinical and genetic evidence suggests that the described intrauterine growth retardation syndrome is different from the Silver-Russell syndrome and presents an apparently "new" entity which has been designated 3-M syndrome.

Monophasic synovial sarcoma of posterior pharyngeal wall: a rare case report with unique reconstruction using lateral trapezius flap.

PubMed

Agarwal, Mudit; Singh, Abhishek; Abrari, Adleeb; Singh, Naveen

2017-04-01

Synovial sarcoma is a rare entity to be encountered in the head and neck region and is always a challenge in terms of diagnosis, treatment planning and reconstruction of the surgical defect. In our case, we faced a similar challenge for diagnosis and also have ventured for lateral trapezius flap as a new reconstructive option for such bulky tumour defects. We hereby present a 25-year old male patient with monophasic synovial sarcoma of posterior pharyngeal wall. The radiological and clinicopathological features along with various diagnostic tests and treatment options are discussed.

Successful treatment of solitary intraosseous haemangioma of the femoral neck.

PubMed

Xia, Zhan; Sittampalam, Kesavan; Howe, Tet Sen; Lo, Ngai Nung

2015-04-01

Intraosseous haemangiomas (IOHs) are benign vascular bone tumours that account for 1% of all primary bone tumours. They are most frequently seen in the vertebrae and skull, and are rarely found in long bones. Herein, we present an uncommon case of a 25-year-old woman with a solitary IOH that occupied the left femoral neck. We describe the clinical, radiological and histological details of the case, as well as the three-year outcome of the surgical treatment, which successfully preserved the femoral head. We also conducted a review of the literature on this uncommon entity.

The wounding of Alexander the Great in Cyropolis (329 BC): the first reported case of the syndrome of transient cortical blindness?

PubMed

Lascaratos, J

1997-01-01

I believe that the transient blindness which presented Alexander the Great after his being wounded on his head and/or his neck by a stone from a catapult during the siege of Cyropolis (329 BC) was in all probability a case of transient cortical blindness that was recognized as a special entity in the 1960s. I reached this conclusion after the comparative study of the Emperor's clinical picture provided by ancient texts, especially those of Plutarch and Quintus Curtius Rufus, with that of a modern medical bibliography.

Contemporary management of cancer of the oral cavity

PubMed Central

Genden, Eric M.; Silver, Carl E.; Takes, Robert P.; Suárez, Carlos; Owen, Randall P.; Haigentz, Missak; Stoeckli, Sandro J.; Shaha, Ashok R.; Rapidis, Alexander D.; Rodrigo, Juan Pablo; Rinaldo, Alessandra

2010-01-01

Oral cancer represents a common entity comprising a third of all head and neck malignant tumors. The options for curative treatment of oral cavity cancer have not changed significantly in the last three decades; however, the work up, the approach to surveillance, and the options for reconstruction have evolved significantly. Because of the profound functional and cosmetic importance of the oral cavity, management of oral cavity cancers requires a thorough understanding of disease progression, approaches to management and options for reconstruction. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most current management options for oral cavity cancers. PMID:20155361

An energy-efficient and secure hybrid algorithm for wireless sensor networks using a mobile data collector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dayananda, Karanam Ravichandran; Straub, Jeremy

2017-05-01

This paper proposes a new hybrid algorithm for security, which incorporates both distributed and hierarchal approaches. It uses a mobile data collector (MDC) to collect information in order to save energy of sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN) as, in most networks, these sensor nodes have limited energy. Wireless sensor networks are prone to security problems because, among other things, it is possible to use a rogue sensor node to eavesdrop on or alter the information being transmitted. To prevent this, this paper introduces a security algorithm for MDC-based WSNs. A key use of this algorithm is to protect the confidentiality of the information sent by the sensor nodes. The sensor nodes are deployed in a random fashion and form group structures called clusters. Each cluster has a cluster head. The cluster head collects data from the other nodes using the time-division multiple access protocol. The sensor nodes send their data to the cluster head for transmission to the base station node for further processing. The MDC acts as an intermediate node between the cluster head and base station. The MDC, using its dynamic acyclic graph path, collects the data from the cluster head and sends it to base station. This approach is useful for applications including warfighting, intelligent building and medicine. To assess the proposed system, the paper presents a comparison of its performance with other approaches and algorithms that can be used for similar purposes.

Contamination of dental unit water and air outlets following use of clean head system and conventional handpieces.

PubMed

Toomarian, Lida; Rikhtegaran, Sahand; Sadighi, Mehrnoosh; Savadi Oskoee, Siavash; Alizadeh Oskoee, Parnian

2007-01-01

Dental handpiece is a source of contamination because it is in constant touch with the oral cavity. Sterilization does not seem to be sufficient to prevent penetration of microorganisms into air and water lines of the unit, because negative pressure developed by valves (which are placed in water outlets) and post shut-off inertial rotation of handpiece result in water and debris being sucked into air and water outlets of dental unit. The aim of this study was to compare dental unit contamination following use of clean head system handpieces and conventional handpieces. Twenty-two dental units in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Shahid Beheshti Faculty of Dentistry were used for the purpose of this study. A 1.5×108 cfu/mm3 concentration of Staphylococcus epidermis (SE) was used to contaminate the air and water outlets of dental units. Ten clean head system handpieces and 10 conventional handpieces were used for 30 seconds in the above-mentioned suspension. Microbial samples were collected from the air and water lines. Culturing and colony counting procedures were carried out. Data was analyzed by t-test; a value of p<0.01 was considered significant. Results demonstrated a significantly lower SE contamination in water outlets following the use of clean head system (p<0.01). A lower tendency of clean head system handpieces to transmit SE compared to conventional system makes them a better choice for infection control.

Functional morphology of the primate head and neck.

PubMed

Nalley, Thierra K; Grider-Potter, Neysa

2015-04-01

The vertebral column plays a key role in maintaining posture, locomotion, and transmitting loads between body components. Cervical vertebrae act as a bridge between the torso and head and play a crucial role in the maintenance of head position and the visual field. Despite its importance in positional behaviors, the functional morphology of the cervical region remains poorly understood, particularly in comparison to the thoracic and lumbar sections of the spinal column. This study tests whether morphological variation in the primate cervical vertebrae correlates with differences in postural behavior. Phylogenetic generalized least-squares analyses were performed on a taxonomically broad sample of 26 extant primate taxa to test the link between vertebral morphology and posture. Kinematic data on primate head and neck postures were used instead of behavioral categories in an effort to provide a more direct analysis of our functional hypothesis. Results provide evidence for a function-form link between cervical vertebral shape and postural behaviors. Specifically, taxa with more pronograde heads and necks and less kyphotic orbits exhibit cervical vertebrae with longer spinous processes, indicating increased mechanical advantage for deep nuchal musculature, and craniocaudally longer vertebral bodies and more coronally oriented zygapophyseal articular facets, suggesting an emphasis on curve formation and maintenance within the cervical lordosis, coupled with a greater resistance to translation and ventral displacement. These results not only document support for functional relationships in cervical vertebrae features across a wide range of primate taxa, but highlight the utility of quantitative behavioral data in functional investigations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Analysis of two colliding fractionally damped spherical shells in modelling blunt human head impacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rossikhin, Yury A.; Shitikova, Marina V.

2013-06-01

The collision of two elastic or viscoelastic spherical shells is investigated as a model for the dynamic response of a human head impacted by another head or by some spherical object. Determination of the impact force that is actually being transmitted to bone will require the model for the shock interaction of the impactor and human head. This model is indended to be used in simulating crash scenarios in frontal impacts, and provide an effective tool to estimate the severity of effect on the human head and to estimate brain injury risks. The model developed here suggests that after the moment of impact quasi-longitudinal and quasi-transverse shock waves are generated, which then propagate along the spherical shells. The solution behind the wave fronts is constructed with the help of the theory of discontinuities. It is assumed that the viscoelastic features of the shells are exhibited only in the contact domain, while the remaining parts retain their elastic properties. In this case, the contact spot is assumed to be a plane disk with constant radius, and the viscoelastic features of the shells are described by the fractional derivative standard linear solid model. In the case under consideration, the governing differential equations are solved analytically by the Laplace transform technique. It is shown that the fractional parameter of the fractional derivative model plays very important role, since its variation allows one to take into account the age-related changes in the mechanical properties of bone.

A bone fide atypical fibroxanthoma of penis.

PubMed

Cuomo, Roberto; Addesso, Maria; Altieri, Roberto; D'Antonio, Antonio

2014-10-01

Malignant mesenchymal tumors of the penis are very rare and they have vascular origin. We present a case of a 71-year-old man with a painless nodule of 2.0 cm in diameter located in the penile foreskin. There was no history of urinary or sexually transmitted disease. An excisional biopsy revealed a markedly pleomorphic sarcoma resembling atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) associated with a squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The patient refused a wide re-excision and was free of disease after 36 months. Because the different therapeutic management and prognosis, differential diagnosis should be made with sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma: A diagnosis of AFX or malignant fibrous histiocytoma may be considered only after the complete exclusion of these two entities.

A head-mounted compressive three-dimensional display system with polarization-dependent focus switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Chang-Kun; Moon, Seokil; Lee, Byounghyo; Jeong, Youngmo; Lee, Byoungho

2016-10-01

A head-mounted compressive three-dimensional (3D) display system is proposed by combining polarization beam splitter (PBS), fast switching polarization rotator and micro display with high pixel density. According to the polarization state of the image controlled by polarization rotator, optical path of image in the PBS can be divided into transmitted and reflected components. Since optical paths of each image are spatially separated, it is possible to independently focus both images at different depth positions. Transmitted p-polarized and reflected s-polarized images can be focused by convex lens and mirror, respectively. When the focal lengths of the convex lens and mirror are properly determined, two image planes can be located in intended positions. The geometrical relationship is easily modulated by replacement of the components. The fast switching of polarization realizes the real-time operation of multi-focal image planes with a single display panel. Since it is possible to conserve the device characteristic of single panel, the high image quality, reliability and uniformity can be retained. For generating 3D images, layer images for compressive light field display between two image planes are calculated. Since the display panel with high pixel density is adopted, high quality 3D images are reconstructed. In addition, image degradation by diffraction between physically stacked display panels can be mitigated. Simple optical configuration of the proposed system is implemented and the feasibility of the proposed method is verified through experiments.

Improving whole brain structural MRI at 4.7 Tesla using 4 irregularly shaped receiver coils.

PubMed

Carmichael, David W; Thomas, David L; De Vita, Enrico; Fernández-Seara, Maria A; Chhina, Navjeet; Cooper, Mark; Sunderland, Colin; Randell, Chris; Turner, Robert; Ordidge, Roger J

2006-09-01

Both higher magnetic field strengths (> or =3 T) and multiple receiver "array coils" can provide increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for MRI. This increase in SNR can be used to obtain images with higher resolution, enabling better visualisation of structures within the human brain. However, high field strength systems also suffer from increased B(1) non-uniformity and increased power deposition, reaching specific absorption rate (SAR) limits more quickly. For these problems to be mitigated, a careful choice of both the pulse sequence design and transmit RF coil is required. This paper describes the use of a prototype array coil consisting of 4 irregularly shaped coils within a standard configuration for neuroimaging at 4.7 T (a head transmit/receive volume coil to minimise SAR and a head gradient insert for maximum gradient performance). With a fast spin echo (FSE) pulse sequence optimised for 4.7 T, this provides dramatically increased quality and resolution over a large brain volume. Using the array coil, a SNR improvement relative to the volume coil of 1-1.5 times in central brain areas and 2-3 times in cortical regions was obtained. Array coil images with a resolution of 352 x 352 x 2000 mum had a SNR of 16.0 to 26.2 in central regions and 19.9 to 34.8 in cortical areas. Such images easily demonstrate cortical myeloarchitecture, while still covering most of the brain in a approximately 12 min scan.

Frequency weightings based on biodynamics of fingers-hand-arm system.

PubMed

Dong, Ren G; Welcome, Daniel E; Wu, John Z

2005-07-01

The frequency weighting for assessing hand-transmitted vibration exposure is critical to obtaining a true dose-response relationship. Any valid weighting must have a solid theoretical foundation. The objectives of this study are to examine the biodynamic foundation for assessing the vibration exposure and to develop a set of biodynamic methods to formulate the frequency weightings for different anatomical locations of the fingers-hand-arm system. The vibration transmissibility measured on the fingers, hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and head was used to define the transmitted acceleration-based (TAB) frequency weighting. The apparent masses measured at the fingers and the palm of the hand were used to construct the biodynamic force-based (BFB) weightings. These weightings were compared with the ISO weighting specified in ISO 5349-1 (2001). The results of this study suggest that the frequency weightings for the vibration-induced problems at different anatomical locations of the hand-arm system can be basically divided into three groups: (a) the weighting for the fingers and hand, (b) the weighting for the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, and (c) the weighting for the head. The ISO weighting is highly correlated with the weighting for the second group but not with the first and third groups. The TAB and BFB finger weightings are quite different at frequencies lower than 100 Hz, but they show similar trends at higher frequencies. Both TAB and BFB finger weightings at frequencies higher than 20 Hz are greater than the ISO weighting.

Type-specific identification of anogenital herpes simplex virus infections by use of a commercially available nucleic acid amplification test.

PubMed

Van Der Pol, Barbara; Warren, Terri; Taylor, Stephanie N; Martens, Mark; Jerome, Keith R; Mena, Leandro; Lebed, Joel; Ginde, Savita; Fine, Paul; Hook, Edward W

2012-11-01

Herpes infections are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI), but diagnostic methods for genital herpes have not kept pace with the movement toward molecular testing. Here, we describe an FDA-approved molecular assay that identifies and types herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections for use in routine clinical settings. Paired samples from anogenital lesions were tested using the BD ProbeTec HSV Q(x) (HSVQ(x)) system, HSV culture and, a laboratory-developed PCR assay. Family planning, obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), or sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in the United States served as recruitment sites. Sensitivity and specificity estimates, head-to-head comparisons, measures of agreement, and latent-class analyses were performed to provide robust estimates of performance. A total of 508 participants (174 men and 334 women) with anogenital lesions were included; 260 HSV-2 and 73 HSV-1 infections were identified. No differences in test performance based on gender, clinic type, location of the lesion, or type of lesion were observed. The sensitivity of HSV-2 detection ranged from 98.4 to 100% depending on the analytical approach, while the specificity ranged from 80.6%, compared to the less sensitive culture method, to 97.0%, compared to PCR. For HSV-1, the sensitivity and specificity ranges were 96.7 to 100% and 95.1 to 99.4%, respectively. This assay may improve our ability to accurately diagnose anogenital lesions due to herpes infection.

Auxin-dependent compositional change in Mediator in ARF7- and ARF19-mediated transcription.

PubMed

Ito, Jun; Fukaki, Hidehiro; Onoda, Makoto; Li, Lin; Li, Chuanyou; Tasaka, Masao; Furutani, Masahiko

2016-06-07

Mediator is a multiprotein complex that integrates the signals from transcription factors binding to the promoter and transmits them to achieve gene transcription. The subunits of Mediator complex reside in four modules: the head, middle, tail, and dissociable CDK8 kinase module (CKM). The head, middle, and tail modules form the core Mediator complex, and the association of CKM can modify the function of Mediator in transcription. Here, we show genetic and biochemical evidence that CKM-associated Mediator transmits auxin-dependent transcriptional repression in lateral root (LR) formation. The AUXIN/INDOLE 3-ACETIC ACID 14 (Aux/IAA14) transcriptional repressor inhibits the transcriptional activity of its binding partners AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 7 (ARF7) and ARF19 by making a complex with the CKM-associated Mediator. In addition, TOPLESS (TPL), a transcriptional corepressor, forms a bridge between IAA14 and the CKM component MED13 through the physical interaction. ChIP assays show that auxin induces the dissociation of MED13 but not the tail module component MED25 from the ARF7 binding region upstream of its target gene. These findings indicate that auxin-induced degradation of IAA14 changes the module composition of Mediator interacting with ARF7 and ARF19 in the upstream region of their target genes involved in LR formation. We suggest that this regulation leads to a quick switch of signal transmission from ARFs to target gene expression in response to auxin.

Pseudo-Acetabulum due to Heterotopic Ossification in a Child with Post Traumatic Neglected Posterior Hip Dislocation.

PubMed

Pathak, Aditya C; Patil, Atul K; Sheth, Binoti; Bansal, Rohan

2012-01-01

Traumatic neglected dislocations of hip in children are rare entity. Neglected traumatic dislocations of hip in children along with heterotopic ossification are still rare. Post traumatic neglected hip dislocations are to be diagnosed as early as possible and have to be treated with precision and aggression as the outcome of treatment for the same is not predictable. 5 year female with post-traumatic neglected hip dislocation with heterotopic ossification forming a pseudoacetabulum postero-superiorly in which femur head was lodged. The girl was operated by open reduction using Moore's Posterior approach and showed good results. Here is a mention of a rare case with a good 18 months follow up with no complication. Post-traumatic neglected posterior hip dislocation mostly requires open reduction and relocation of femoral head in original acetabulum with concentric reduction. Heterotopic ossification is a rare but known complication of traumatic dislocation of hip in children. Good results can be achieved in such cases and regular follow-up of patient is required post-operatively.

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis of nonodontogenic origin: case report and review of literature.

PubMed

Suárez, Aldo; Vicente, Mario; Tomás, Jose A; Floría, Luis M; Delhom, José; Baquero, Mari C

2014-11-01

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a potentially fatal infection characterized by generalized necrosis of the cervical fascia that progresses rapidly. The incidence of this entity corresponds to 2.6% of all infections of the head and neck. The most frequent primary origin is dental infection, although other causes exist that should be evaluated.Delay in the diagnosis of this entity may lead to rapid progression and fatal outcome. Patients often present immunosuppression or systemic diseases that predispose them to this pathology. Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is associated with mortality rates of 7% to 20% depending on the extension of the cervical lesion. The highest rates correspond to cases that progress to mediastinitis or septic shock, which are the main and most frequent complications. Early detection and adequate emergency treatment are critical in the management of these patients and may reduce morbimortality and improve survival. The emergency services should be prepared to manage such cases efficiently, through a multidisciplinary treatment by coordinating emergency surgery with critical support and clinical stabilization of patients.We present a case of CNF of non odontogenic origin managed in our hospital.

Histopathology of malignant salivary gland tumours.

PubMed

Seifert, G

1992-07-01

This report is based upon the Salivary Gland Register in Hamburg and on the second revised edition of the WHO Histological Typing of Salivary Gland Tumours. The group of malignant salivary gland tumours contains carcinomas, malignant non-epithelial tumours, malignant lymphomas and secondary tumours. The various carcinomas are classified in a continuous separate listing because the different types are distinguished not only by histopathology, but also by differences in prognosis and treatment. The term "tumour" is replaced by "carcinoma" in two entities: acinic cell carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. New entities are: polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, basal cell adenocarcinoma, salivary duct carcinoma and malignant myoepithelioma. Carcinoma in pleomorphic adenoma can be distinguished as non-invasive and invasive carcinoma, and carcinosarcoma. Malignant non-epithelial tumours are mostly malignant fibrous histiocytoma, malignant schwannoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. The large majority of malignant lymphomas are non-Hodgkin-lymphomas with high differentiation. Many lymphomas are associated with chronic immunosialadenitis (Sjögren's syndrome). Secondary tumours are mostly metastases from primary squamous cell carcinomas or from melanomas of the skin (head and neck area). Haematogeneous metastases are very rare (mainly from lung, kidney or breast).

Development of a new near-IR laser system for clinical monitoring of cerebral oxygenation in the newborn infant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamza, Mostafa; Hamza, Mohammad; Hamza, Ahmad M.

1998-04-01

The provision of sufficient oxygen to the brain is a major goal for neonatologists to prevent major neuro-developmental handicaps and to improve the chances for intact survival of sick newborn infants. In this paper the authors present the theory and design of a new noninvasive device for transcutaneous monitoring of cerebral blood and tissue oxygenation using a differential absorption laser system. The new technique depends upon illuminating the head of the neonate with radiation from six near infrared laser diodes. The choice of the used laser wavelengths (775, 780, 810, 825, 830, 850 nanometers) follows the principles of near infrared spectroscopy for obtaining accurate measurements. Different constructions of fiber optic probes arranged around the head of the neonate along the biparietal diameter guide the transmitted and received laser signals for signal processing. The detailed description and operating characteristics of this system are presented.

Application of mitomycin-C for head and neck keloids.

PubMed

Stewart, Charles E; Kim, John Y

2006-12-01

Keloids of the head and neck are a relatively common entity in darker-skinned races, occurring in 5%-15% of skin wounds. Keloids are fibrotic lesions that are a result of an abnormal wound-healing process that lacks control of the mechanisms that regulate tissue repair and regeneration. The proliferation of normal tissue-healing processes results in scarring that enlarges well beyond the original wound margins. Many treatment modalities for keloids have been tried with variable amounts of success. Surgical excision, compressive therapy, silicon dressings, corticosteroid injections, radiation, cryotherapy, interferon therapy, and laser therapy have all been used alone or in combination. Despite this wide range of available treatments, recurrence rates typically remain in the 50%-70% range. In this study, we present our results in a series of 10 patients who were treated with surgical excision of head and neck keloids and the application of topical mitomycin-C. Mitomycin-C is a chemotherapeutic agent that inhibits DNA synthesis and fibroblast proliferation. It has been used in ophthalmologic procedures and airway surgery to decrease scar formation. In these 10 patients, we combined surgical excision of keloids with the application of topical mitomycin-C. The patients were then followed postoperatively for recurrence (range, 7-14 months). We have found topical application of mitomycin-C to be an effective therapy for prevention of keloid recurrence in the head and neck, with a success rate of 90% as reported in this series.

Handling or being the concept: An fMRI study on metonymy representations in coverbal gestures.

PubMed

Joue, Gina; Boven, Linda; Willmes, Klaus; Evola, Vito; Demenescu, Liliana R; Hassemer, Julius; Mittelberg, Irene; Mathiak, Klaus; Schneider, Frank; Habel, Ute

2018-01-31

In "Two heads are better than one," "head" stands for people and focuses the message on the intelligence of people. This is an example of figurative language through metonymy, where substituting a whole entity by one of its parts focuses attention on a specific aspect of the entity. Whereas metaphors, another figurative language device, are substitutions based on similarity, metonymy involves substitutions based on associations. Both are figures of speech but are also expressed in coverbal gestures during multimodal communication. The closest neuropsychological studies of metonymy in gestures have been nonlinguistic tool-use, illustrated by the classic apraxic problem of body-part-as-object (BPO, equivalent to an internal metonymy representation of the tool) vs. pantomimed action (external metonymy representation of the absent object/tool). Combining these research domains with concepts in cognitive linguistic research on gestures, we conducted an fMRI study to investigate metonymy resolution in coverbal gestures. Given the greater difficulty in developmental and apraxia studies, perhaps explained by the more complex semantic inferencing involved for external metonymy than for internal metonymy representations, we hypothesized that external metonymy resolution requires greater processing demands and that the neural resources supporting metonymy resolution would modulate regions involved in semantic processing. We found that there are indeed greater activations for external than for internal metonymy resolution in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ). This area is posterior to the lateral temporal regions recruited by metaphor processing. Effective connectivity analysis confirmed our hypothesis that metonymy resolution modulates areas implicated in semantic processing. We interpret our results in an interdisciplinary view of what metonymy in action can reveal about abstract cognition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the extent of hippocampal sparing according to the tilt of a patient's head during WBRT using linear accelerator-based IMRT and VMAT.

PubMed

Moon, Sun Young; Yoon, Myonggeun; Chung, Mijoo; Chung, Weon Kuu; Kim, Dong Wook

2016-05-01

In this paper, we report the results of our investigation into whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) using linear accelerator-based intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in lung cancer patients with a high risk of metastasis to the brain. Specifically, we assessed the absorbed dose and the rate of adverse effects for several organs at risk (OAR), including the hippocampus, according to the tilt of a patient's head. We arbitrarily selected five cases where measurements were made with the patients' heads tilted forward and five cases without such tilt. We set the entire brain as the planning target volume (PTV), and the hippocampi, the lenses, the eyes, and the cochleae as the main OAR, and formulated new plans for IMRT (coplanar, non-coplanar) and VMAT (coplanar, non-coplanar). Using the dose-volume histogram (DVH), we calculated and compared the effective uniform dose (EUD), normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) of the OAR and the mean and the maximum doses of hippocampus. As a result, if the patient tilted the head forward when receiving the Linac-based treatment, for the same treatment effect in the PTV, we confirmed that a lower dose entered the OAR, such as the hippocampus, eye, lens, and cochlea. Moreover, the damage to the hippocampus was expected to be the least when receiving coplanar VMAT with the head tilted forward. Accordingly, if patients tilt their heads forward when undergoing Linac-based WBRT, we anticipate that a smaller dose would be transmitted to the OAR, resulting in better quality of life following treatment. Copyright © 2016 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Developing a java android application of KMV-Merton default rate model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusof, Norliza Muhamad; Anuar, Aini Hayati; Isa, Norsyaheeda Natasha; Zulkafli, Sharifah Nursyuhada Syed; Sapini, Muhamad Luqman

2017-11-01

This paper presents a developed java android application for KMV-Merton model in predicting the defaut rate of a firm. Predicting default rate is essential in the risk management area as default risk can be immediately transmitted from one entity to another entity. This is the reason default risk is known as a global risk. Although there are several efforts, instruments and methods used to manage the risk, it is said to be insufficient. To the best of our knowledge, there has been limited innovation in developing the default risk mathematical model into a mobile application. Therefore, through this study, default risk is predicted quantitatively using the KMV-Merton model. The KMV-Merton model has been integrated in the form of java program using the Android Studio Software. The developed java android application is tested by predicting the levels of default risk of the three different rated companies. It is found that the levels of default risk are equivalent to the ratings of the respective companies. This shows that the default rate predicted by the KMV-Merton model using the developed java android application can be a significant tool to the risk mangement field. The developed java android application grants users an alternative to predict level of default risk within less procedure.

Cervical Vertigo: Historical Reviews and Advances.

PubMed

Peng, Baogan

2018-01-01

Vertigo is one of the most common presentations in adult patients. Among the various causes of vertigo, so-called cervical vertigo is still a controversial entity. Cervical vertigo was first thought to be due to abnormal input from cervical sympathetic nerves based on the work of Barré and Liéou in 1928. Later studies found that cerebral blood flow is not influenced by sympathetic stimulation. Ryan and Cope in 1955 proposed that abnormal sensory information from the damaged joint receptors of upper cervical regions may be related to pathologies of vertigo of cervical origin. Further studies found that cervical vertigo seems to originate from diseased cervical intervertebral discs. Recent research found that the ingrowth of a large number of Ruffini corpuscles into diseased cervical discs may be related to vertigo of cervical origin. Abnormal neck proprioceptive input integrated from the signals of Ruffini corpuscles in diseased cervical discs and muscle spindles in tense neck muscles secondary to neck pain is transmitted to the central nervous system and leads to a sensory mismatch with vestibular and other sensory information, resulting in a subjective feeling of vertigo and unsteadiness. Further studies are needed to illustrate the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of cervical vertigo and to better understand and manage this perplexing entity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Accelerating parallel transmit array B1 mapping in high field MRI with slice undersampling and interpolation by kriging.

PubMed

Ferrand, Guillaume; Luong, Michel; Cloos, Martijn A; Amadon, Alexis; Wackernagel, Hans

2014-08-01

Transmit arrays have been developed to mitigate the RF field inhomogeneity commonly observed in high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), typically above 3T. To this end, the knowledge of the RF complex-valued B1 transmit-sensitivities of each independent radiating element has become essential. This paper details a method to speed up a currently available B1-calibration method. The principle relies on slice undersampling, slice and channel interleaving and kriging, an interpolation method developed in geostatistics and applicable in many domains. It has been demonstrated that, under certain conditions, kriging gives the best estimator of a field in a region of interest. The resulting accelerated sequence allows mapping a complete set of eight volumetric field maps of the human head in about 1 min. For validation, the accuracy of kriging is first evaluated against a well-known interpolation technique based on Fourier transform as well as to a B1-maps interpolation method presented in the literature. This analysis is carried out on simulated and decimated experimental B1 maps. Finally, the accelerated sequence is compared to the standard sequence on a phantom and a volunteer. The new sequence provides B1 maps three times faster with a loss of accuracy limited potentially to about 5%.

The interaction of outgoing echolocation pulses and echoes in the false killer whale's auditory system: Evoked-potential study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Supin, Alexander Ya.; Nachtigall, Paul E.; Au, Whitlow W. L.; Breese, Marlee

2004-06-01

Brain auditory evoked potentials (AEP) associated with echolocation were recorded in a false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens trained to accept suction-cup EEG electrodes and to detect targets by echolocation. AEP collection was triggered by echolocation pulses transmitted by the animal. The target was a hollow aluminum cylinder of strength of -22 dB at a distance from 1 to 8 m. Each AEP record was obtained by averaging more than 1000 individual records. All the records contained two AEP sets: the first one of a constant latency and a second one with a delay proportional to the distance. The timing of these two AEP sets was interpreted as responses to the transmitted echolocation pulse and echo, respectively. The echo-related AEP, although slightly smaller, was comparable to the outgoing click-related AEP in amplitude, even though at a target distance as far as 8 m the echo intensity was as low as -64 dB relative to the transmitted pulse in front of the head. The amplitude of the echo-related AEP was almost independent of distance, even though variation of target distance from 1 to 8 m influenced the echo intensity by as much as 36 dB.

The interaction of outgoing echolocation pulses and echoes in the false killer whale's auditory system: evoked-potential study.

PubMed

Supin, Alexander Ya; Nachtigall, Paul E; Au, Whitlow W L; Breese, Marlee

2004-06-01

Brain auditory evoked potentials (AEP) associated with echolocation were recorded in a false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens trained to accept suction-cup EEG electrodes and to detect targets by echolocation. AEP collection was triggered by echolocation pulses transmitted by the animal. The target was a hollow aluminum cylinder of strength of -22 dB at a distance from 1 to 8 m. Each AEP record was obtained by averaging more than 1000 individual records. All the records contained two AEP sets: the first one of a constant latency and a second one with a delay proportional to the distance. The timing of these two AEP sets was interpreted as responses to the transmitted echolocation pulse and echo, respectively. The echo-related AEP, although slightly smaller, was comparable to the outgoing click-related AEP in amplitude, even though at a target distance as far as 8 m the echo intensity was as low as -64 dB relative to the transmitted pulse in front of the head. The amplitude of the echo-related AEP was almost independent of distance, even though variation of target distance from 1 to 8 m influenced the echo intensity by as much as 36 dB.

Two mode optical fiber in space optics communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hampl, Martin

2017-11-01

In our contribution we propose to use of a two-mode optical fiber as a primary source in a transmitting optical head instead of the laser diode. The distribution of the optical intensity and the complex degree of the coherence on the output aperture of the lens that is irradiated by a step-index weakly guiding optical fiber is investigated. In our treatment we take into account weakly guided modes with polarization corrections to the propagation constant and unified theory of second order coherence and polarization of electromagnetic beams.

Chikungunya Virus Infection of Aedes Mosquitoes.

PubMed

Wong, Hui Vern; Chan, Yoke Fun; Sam, I-Ching; Sulaiman, Wan Yusof Wan; Vythilingam, Indra

2016-01-01

In vivo infection of mosquitoes is an important method to study and characterize arthropod-borne viruses. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. In this chapter, we describe a protocol for infection of CHIKV in two species of Aedes mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, together with the isolation of CHIKV in different parts of the infected mosquito such as midgut, legs, wings, salivary gland, head, and saliva. This allows the study of viral infection, replication and dissemination within the mosquito vector.

In emergency departments, radiologists' access to EHRs may influence interpretations and medical management.

PubMed

Franczak, Michael J; Klein, Madeline; Raslau, Flavius; Bergholte, Jo; Mark, Leighton P; Ulmer, John L

2014-05-01

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) that meet federal meaningful-use standards is a major US national policy priority. Policy makers recognize the potential of electronic communication in delivering high-quality health care, particularly in an environment of expanding remote access to medical care and the ever-increasing need to transmit health care records across institutions. To demonstrate this principle, we sought to estimate the significance of EHR access in emergent neuroradiologic interpretations. Three neuroradiologists conducted a prospective expert-rater analysis of 2,000 consecutive head computed tomography (CT) exams ordered by emergency department (ED) physicians. For each head CT exam, the neuroradiologists compared medical information generated by ED physicians to information generated by the interpreting radiologists who had access to additional EHR-derived patient data. In 6.1 percent of the head CT exams, the neuroradiologists reached consensus--meaning two out of three agreed--that the additional clinical data derived from the EHR was "very likely" to influence radiological interpretations and that the lack of that data would have adversely affected medical management in those patients. Health care providers must recognize the value of implementing EHRs and foster their widespread adoption.

Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma of the posterior nasal septum: a rare clinical entity.

PubMed

Atmaca, Sinan; Bayraktar, Cem; Yıldız, Levent

2013-01-01

Angiofibroma of extranasopharyngeal origin is very rare. Although it is usually originated from any mucosal structure in the head and neck region, maxilla is the most common involvement site. The nasal septum is an exceptional anatomic site of an angiofibroma. Surgery is the best treatment modality and recurrence is very rare. Nasal septal angiofibromas must be considered in the differential diagnosis of nasal vascular masses arising from the nasal septum. In this article, we report a 37-year-old male case with nasal septal angiofibroma who underwent surgical resection of the tumor. This is the 16th case in the literature.

Cystic lymph node enlargement of the neck: filariasis as a rare differential diagnosis in MRI.

PubMed

Schick, Christoph; Thalhammer, Axel; Balzer, Jörn O; Abolmaali, Nasreddin; Vogl, Thomas J

2002-09-01

Cervical lymph node enlargement is a common feature of most inflammatory and neoplastic entities of the head and neck. Filariasis can lead to lymphangiectasis resembling lymph node enlargement; however, this is a rare differential diagnosis in European patients. As ethnic minorities are increasing throughout Europe and personal mobility, e.g. during holidays, is increasing, such rare differential diagnoses have to be taken into consideration. We present the case of an Iraqi patient referred to as for a suspected cystic lymph node mass that was verified histologically by open MRI biopsy and proved to be a cystic manifestation of filariasis.

Fracture of the clavicle following radical neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy: a case report and review of the literature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strauss, M.; Bushey, M.J.; Chung, C.

1982-11-01

The treatment of head and neck cancer with radiotherapy and radical neck dissection has many recognized complications. Radiotherapy in therapeutic doses can produce devascularization and weakening of bone. Radical neck dissection results in altered mechanics of the shoulder girdle and a disruption of normally balanced forces acting on the clavicle. An unusual case of clavicle fracture which is considered to have resulted from an interaction of the effects of these therapies is discussed. An approach for recognizing and distinguishing this entity by its time course, and radiographic and nuclide bone scan appearance is presented.

FTUC: A Flooding Tree Uneven Clustering Protocol for a Wireless Sensor Network.

PubMed

He, Wei; Pillement, Sebastien; Xu, Du

2017-11-23

Clustering is an efficient approach in a wireless sensor network (WSN) to reduce the energy consumption of nodes and to extend the lifetime of the network. Unfortunately, this approach requires that all cluster heads (CHs) transmit their data to the base station (BS), which gives rise to the long distance communications problem, and in multi-hop routing, the CHs near the BS have to forward data from other nodes that lead those CHs to die prematurely, creating the hot zones problem. Unequal clustering has been proposed to solve these problems. Most of the current algorithms elect CH only by considering their competition radius, leading to unevenly distributed cluster heads. Furthermore, global distances values are needed when calculating the competition radius, which is a tedious task in large networks. To face these problems, we propose a flooding tree uneven clustering protocol (FTUC) suited for large networks. Based on the construction of a tree type sub-network to calculate the minimum and maximum distances values of the network, we then apply the unequal cluster theory. We also introduce referenced position circles to evenly elect cluster heads. Therefore, cluster heads are elected depending on the node's residual energy and their distance to a referenced circle. FTUC builds the best inter-cluster communications route by evaluating a cluster head cost function to find the best next hop to the BS. The simulation results show that the FTUC algorithm decreases the energy consumption of the nodes and balances the global energy consumption effectively, thus extending the lifetime of the network.

Developing a space network interface simulator: The NTS approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hendrzak, Gary E.

1993-01-01

This paper describes the approach used to redevelop the Network Control Center (NCC) Test System (NTS), a hardware and software facility designed to make testing of the NCC Data System (NCCDS) software efficient, effective, and as rigorous as possible prior to operational use. The NTS transmits and receives network message traffic in real-time. Data transfer rates and message content are strictly controlled and are identical to that of the operational systems. NTS minimizes the need for costly and time-consuming testing with the actual external entities (e.g., the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) and the White Sands Ground Terminal). Discussed are activities associated with the development of the NTS, lessons learned throughout the project's lifecycle, and resulting productivity and quality increases.

Connecting Biology to Electronics: Molecular Communication via Redox Modality.

PubMed

Liu, Yi; Li, Jinyang; Tschirhart, Tanya; Terrell, Jessica L; Kim, Eunkyoung; Tsao, Chen-Yu; Kelly, Deanna L; Bentley, William E; Payne, Gregory F

2017-12-01

Biology and electronics are both expert at for accessing, analyzing, and responding to information. Biology uses ions, small molecules, and macromolecules to receive, analyze, store, and transmit information, whereas electronic devices receive input in the form of electromagnetic radiation, process the information using electrons, and then transmit output as electromagnetic waves. Generating the capabilities to connect biology-electronic modalities offers exciting opportunities to shape the future of biosensors, point-of-care medicine, and wearable/implantable devices. Redox reactions offer unique opportunities for bio-device communication that spans the molecular modalities of biology and electrical modality of devices. Here, an approach to search for redox information through an interactive electrochemical probing that is analogous to sonar is adopted. The capabilities of this approach to access global chemical information as well as information of specific redox-active chemical entities are illustrated using recent examples. An example of the use of synthetic biology to recognize external molecular information, process this information through intracellular signal transduction pathways, and generate output responses that can be detected by electrical modalities is also provided. Finally, exciting results in the use of redox reactions to actuate biology are provided to illustrate that synthetic biology offers the potential to guide biological response through electrical cues. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Bacterial vaginosis].

PubMed

Romero Herrero, Daniel; Andreu Domingo, Antonia

2016-07-01

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the main cause of vaginal dysbacteriosis in the women during the reproductive age. It is an entity in which many studies have focused for years and which is still open for discussion topics. This is due to the diversity of microorganisms that cause it and therefore, its difficult treatment. Bacterial vaginosis is probably the result of vaginal colonization by complex bacterial communities, many of them non-cultivable and with interdependent metabolism where anaerobic populations most likely play an important role in its pathogenesis. The main symptoms are an increase of vaginal discharge and the unpleasant smell of it. It can lead to serious consequences for women, such as an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus and upper genital tract and pregnancy complications. Gram stain is the gold standard for microbiological diagnosis of BV, but can also be diagnosed using the Amsel clinical criteria. It should not be considered a sexually transmitted disease but it is highly related to sex. Recurrence is the main problem of medical treatment. Apart from BV, there are other dysbacteriosis less characterized like aerobic vaginitis of which further studies are coming slowly but are achieving more attention and consensus among specialists. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Meeting the security requirements of electronic medical records in the ERA of high-speed computing.

PubMed

Alanazi, H O; Zaidan, A A; Zaidan, B B; Kiah, M L Mat; Al-Bakri, S H

2015-01-01

This study has two objectives. First, it aims to develop a system with a highly secured approach to transmitting electronic medical records (EMRs), and second, it aims to identify entities that transmit private patient information without permission. The NTRU and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cryptosystems are secured encryption methods. The AES is a tested technology that has already been utilized in several systems to secure sensitive data. The United States government has been using AES since June 2003 to protect sensitive and essential information. Meanwhile, NTRU protects sensitive data against attacks through the use of quantum computers, which can break the RSA cryptosystem and elliptic curve cryptography algorithms. A hybrid of AES and NTRU is developed in this work to improve EMR security. The proposed hybrid cryptography technique is implemented to secure the data transmission process of EMRs. The proposed security solution can provide protection for over 40 years and is resistant to quantum computers. Moreover, the technique provides the necessary evidence required by law to identify disclosure or misuse of patient records. The proposed solution can effectively secure EMR transmission and protect patient rights. It also identifies the source responsible for disclosing confidential patient records. The proposed hybrid technique for securing data managed by institutional websites must be improved in the future.

An adult spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma in the head and neck region with long-term survival: a case report

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction Spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck is a very rare tumor in adults. We report on one case with long-term survival. Case presentation A 41-year-old nonsmoking Caucasian man presented in June 2007 with a painless swelling under his tongue. A diagnosis of a soft tissue sarcoma, and a myofibrosarcoma in particular, was made via biopsy. After multimodal treatment, including local and systemic therapy, our patient remained disease-free until September 2010. The local recurrence was treated unsuccessfully with various chemotherapy regimens. In September 2011, our patient underwent surgical resection again, and a spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma was diagnosed. To analyze the mismatch between the original diagnosis of a myofibrosarcoma and the second diagnosis, the two specimens were reassessed, and a final diagnosis of a spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma was made. In 2012 and 2013, our patient suffered further recurrences that were surgically treated, and he is still alive with disease six years and 10 months after the initial diagnosis in June 2007. Conclusions In adults, the spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma tumor is very rare in the head and neck region. In contrast to childhood tumors, spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma in adulthood is often associated with a poor prognosis. In the present case, the radical surgical treatment might have helped to prolong the patient’s overall survival, which has lasted more than six years. To our knowledge, this is the longest overall survival reported so far for this tumor entity in the head and neck region. PMID:24946859

Head and Neck Sarcomas: The UCLA Experience

PubMed Central

Tajudeen, Bobby A.; Fuller, Jennifer; Lai, Chi; Grogan, Tristan; Elashoff, David; Abemayor, Elliot; St. John, Maie

2014-01-01

Purpose To profile the clinical presentation, subtype distribution, and treatment results of sarcomas of the head and neck at a single tertiary academic center over an 11-year period. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed by examining the records and reviewing the pathology of 186 patients with head and neck sarcomas treated at UCLA Medical Center from 2000 to 2011. Results The mean age of the study population was 49 +/− 22 years. 58% of the patients were male and 42% were female. Median duration of follow-up for the entire group was 18.5 months. The most common presenting symptom was a mass lesion in 59.9% of patients. The nasal cavity/sinus was the most common presenting site seen in 22% of patients. Solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma was the most common subtype. 15% of patients had evidence of prior radiation exposure. 26.3% of tumors were greater than 5cm and 35.5% were high-grade. Margins were positive in 31.2% of patients. Lymph node metastasis was rare at 6.5%. Perineural invasion was identified in 6.5%. Among all subtypes, 5-yr recurrence-free survival and overall survival were 50% and 49%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that grade and margin status were predictors of recurrence-free survival while grade and age affected overall survival. Conclusions Head and neck sarcomas are a rare entity frequently presenting as a mass lesion. In our series, lesions tended to be high-grade with a significant portion of surgical specimens having positive margins. Grade and margin status were the most important predictors of survival. PMID:24721744

Comparison of radiofrequency body coils for MRI at 3 Tesla: a simulation study using parallel transmission on various anatomical targets

PubMed Central

Wu, Xiaoping; Zhang, Xiaotong; Tian, Jinfeng; Schmitter, Sebastian; Hanna, Brian; Strupp, John; Pfeuffer, Josef; Hamm, Michael; Wang, Dingxin; Nistler, Juergen; He, Bin; Vaughan, J. Thomas; Ugurbil, Kamil; Van de Moortele, Pierre-Francois

2015-01-01

The performance of multichannel transmit coil layouts and parallel transmission (pTx) radiofrequency (RF) pulse design was evaluated with respect to transmit B1 (B1+) homogeneity and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) at 3 Tesla for a whole body coil. Five specific coils were modeled and compared: a 32-rung birdcage body coil (driven either in a fixed quadrature mode or a two-channel transmit mode), two single-ring stripline arrays (with either 8 or 16 elements), and two multi-ring stripline arrays (with 2 or 3 identical rings, stacked in the z-axis and each comprising eight azimuthally distributed elements). Three anatomical targets were considered, each defined by a 3D volume representative of a meaningful region of interest (ROI) in routine clinical applications. For a given anatomical target, global or local SAR controlled pTx pulses were designed to homogenize RF excitation within the ROI. At the B1+ homogeneity achieved by the quadrature driven birdcage design, pTx pulses with multichannel transmit coils achieved up to ~8 fold reduction in local and global SAR. When used for imaging head and cervical spine or imaging thoracic spine, the double-ring array outperformed all coils including the single-ring arrays. While the advantage of the double-ring array became much less pronounced for pelvic imaging with a substantially larger ROI, the pTx approach still provided significant gains over the quadrature birdcage coil. For all design scenarios, using the 3-ring array did not necessarily improve the RF performance. Our results suggest that pTx pulses with multichannel transmit coils can reduce local and global SAR substantially for body coils while attaining improved B1+ homogeneity, particularly for a “z-stacked” double-ring design with coil elements arranged on two transaxial rings. PMID:26332290

Warthin tumor: a curious entity--case reports and review of literature.

PubMed

Faur, Alexandra; Lazăr, Elena; Cornianu, Mărioara; Dema, Alis; Vidita, Camelia Gurban; Găluşcan, Atena

2009-01-01

Warthin tumor was first described in the American literature, by Aldred Warthin, in 1929, the pathologist who named this tumor papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum, but since than it was also knew as adenolymphoma, cystadenolymphoma, and Warthin tumor. Because of its microscopically appearance and unknown origin, this tumor entity is still fascinating head and neck surgeons and pathologist. We evaluate the histopathological aspect of Warthin tumors using Hematoxylin-Eosin stain, and immunohistochemical and histological techniques. We reviewed the medical record of patients with salivary gland tumors diagnosed at County Hospital of Timisoara from 2002-2008. In six years, 22 cases with Warthin tumor were diagnosed and among them 17 men and five women, with average age 58.47. The analysis showed that 77.27% of Warthin tumors occurred in men, and the main histopathological aspect was with 50% epithelial component. The stromal component showed a prominent B-cell population by staining with CD20, and histological techniques for mucin were positive, and reticulin fibers were revealed while using Gordon-Sweets stain. The standard and the histological and immunohistochemical techniques highlighted the complex and variable microscopical appearance of Warthin tumor that the pathologist should consider when a diagnosis for this tumor is to be considered.

Is gender becoming relevant in uro-oncological research? A bibliographical analysis.

PubMed

Kunath, Frank; Keck, Bastian; Bertz, Simone; Brookman-May, Sabine; May, Matthias; Vergho, Daniel; Hartmann, Arndt; Riedmiller, Hubertus; Wullich, Bernd; Burger, Maximilian

2013-10-01

Gender differences are increasingly recognized as important in numerous diseases and found to be relevant in various cancer entities. While a larger number of manuscripts on gender effects in gastro-intestinal and pulmonary neoplasms have been published, urological malignancies involving men and women alike seem less studied in this regard. The present analysis aimed at describing the role of gender effects in general oncological and uro-oncological research and is the first such bibliometrical analysis. The electronic database MEDLINE was searched for relevant medical subject headings from January 1991 to December 2011. Publication types, publishing journal and impact factors were identified. Trends were assessed by linear regression. The numbers of annual publications on all major tumour entities and on urological malignancies increased similarly. While the portion of publications on gender effects was below 1 % for each tumour entity, the annual increase of novel publications on gender effects was significant in most and prominent in pulmonary (1.87, 95 % CI 1.11-2.63; <0.0001) and colorectal neoplasms (2.16, 95 % CI 1.49-2.82; <0.0001). While the annual increase of novel publications on gender effects was significant in bladder cancer (0.33, 95 % CI 0.11-0.54; 0.005), it failed level of significance in renal cell cancer (0.25, 95 % CI -0.19-0.24; 0.82). While the overall role of gender effect seems small in general oncological research, it is increasing steadily. In uro-oncological research, such trend is also visible in bladder but not in renal cell cancer. Respective awareness on importance of gender effects should be raised.

Simultaneous or Early Sequential Rupture of Multiple Intracranial Aneurysms: A Rare and Insufficiently Understood Entity.

PubMed

Hou, Kun; Zhao, Jinchuan; Zhang, Yang; Zhu, Xiaobo; Zhao, Yan; Li, Guichen

2016-05-01

Simultaneous or early sequential rupture of multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) is encountered rarely, with no more than 10 cases having been reported. As a result of its rarity, there are a lot of questions concerning this entity need to be answered. A 67-year-old woman was admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University (Eastern Division) from a local hospital after a sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. Head computed tomography (CT) at the local hospital revealed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) that was concentrated predominately in the suprasellar cistern and interhemispheric fissure. During her transfer to our hospital, she experienced another episode of sudden headache. CT on admission to our hospital revealed that the SAH was increased with 2 isolated hematomas both in the interhemispheric fissure and the left paramedian frontal lobe. Further CT angiography and intraoperative findings were in favor of early sequential rupture of 2 intracranial aneurysms. To further elucidate the characteristics, mechanism, management, and prognosis of this specific entity, we conducted a comprehensive review of the literature. The mechanism of simultaneous or early sequential rupture of MIAs is still obscure. Transient elevation of blood pressure might play a role in the process, and preventing the sudden elevation of blood pressure might be beneficial for patients with aneurysmal SAH and MIAs. The management of simultaneously or early sequentially ruptured aneurysms is more complex for its difficulty in responsible aneurysm determination, urgency in treatment, toughness in intraoperative manipulation and poorness in prognosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anatomy of the Gynecomastia Tissue and Its Clinical Significance

PubMed Central

Blau, Mordecai; Hazani, Ron

2016-01-01

Background: Gynecomastia is a very common entity in men, and several authors estimate that approximately 50% to 70% of the male population has palpable breast tissue. Much has been published with regard to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of gynecomastia. However, the anatomy of the gynecomastia tissue remains elusive to most surgeons. Purpose: The purpose of this article was to define the shape and consistency of the glandular tissue based on the vast experience of the senior author (MB). Patients and Methods: Between the years 1980 and 2014, a total of 5124 patients have been treated for gynecomastia with surgical excision, liposuction, or a combination of both. A total of 3130 specimens were collected with 5% of the cases being unilateral. Results: The specimens appear to have a unifying shape of a head, body, and tail. The head is semicircular in shape and is located more medially toward the sternum. The majority of the glandular tissue consists of a body located immediately deep to the nipple areolar complex. The tail appears to taper off of the body more laterally and toward the insertion of the pectoralis major muscle onto the humerus. Conclusions: This large series of gynecomastia specimens demonstrates a unique and unifying finding of a head, body, and tail. Understanding the anatomy of the gynecomastia gland can serve as a guide to gynecomastia surgeons to facilitate a more thorough exploration and subsequently sufficient gland excision. PMID:27622122

Surgical Management of Head and Neck Soft Tissue Sarcoma: 11-Year Experience at a Tertiary Care Centre in South India.

PubMed

Sharma, Nivedita; George, Nebu Abraham; Singh, Rajesh; Iype, Elizabeth Mathew; Varghese, Bipin T; Thomas, Shaji

2018-06-01

Head and neck soft tissue sarcoma (HNSTS) is a rare neoplasm accounting for 1% of all head and neck tumours. Because of rarity and varied biological behaviour among various subtypes, knowledge about these tumours is limited. This study aimed at analysing clinicopathological, recurrence and survival pattern of surgically treated HNSTS. Case records of 28 patients of HNSTS who underwent surgery at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Trivandrum (India) between 2002 and 2012 were analysed retrospectively for demographic profile, clinical features, treatment given, recurrence pattern and outcome. The median age of patients was 37 years (range, 3-79) with male:female ratio of 3:2. Majority of patients presented with painless lump in the neck as the most common subsite affected followed by scalp and face. One patient had nodal disease, while none had distant metastasis at presentation. The most frequent histological subtypes were synovial sarcoma and fibrosarcoma followed by malignant fibrous histiocytoma, angiosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Majority (78.5%) of patients received adjuvant therapy in the form of radiation, chemotherapy or chemo-radiation. After mean follow-up of 49 months, four patients had died, and six developed local recurrence and four distant metastasis. The overall 5-year survival was 82.7% while 5-year disease-free survival was 55.3%. HNSTS is a rare entity that requires multimodality treatment to achieve optimum locoregional control and survival.

Electron Tomography Imaging of Surface Glycoproteins on Human Parainfluenza Virus 3: Association of Receptor Binding and Fusion Proteins before Receptor Engagement

PubMed Central

Gui, Long; Jurgens, Eric M.; Ebner, Jamie L.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT In order to deliver their genetic material to host cells during infection, enveloped viruses use specialized proteins on their surfaces that bind cellular receptors and induce fusion of the viral and host membranes. In paramyxoviruses, a diverse family of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses, including several important respiratory pathogens, such as parainfluenza viruses, the attachment and fusion machinery is composed of two separate proteins: a receptor binding protein (hemagglutinin-neuraminidase [HN]) and a fusion (F) protein that interact to effect membrane fusion. Here we used negative-stain and cryo-electron tomography to image the 3-dimensional ultrastructure of human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3) virions in the absence of receptor engagement. We observed that HN exists in at least two organizations. The first were arrays of tetrameric HN that lacked closely associated F proteins: in these purely HN arrays, HN adopted a “heads-down” configuration. In addition, we observed regions of complex surface density that contained HN in an apparently extended “heads-up” form, colocalized with prefusion F trimers. This colocalization with prefusion F prior to receptor engagement supports a model for fusion in which HN in its heads-up state and F may interact prior to receptor engagement without activating F, and that interaction with HN in this configuration is not sufficient to activate F. Only upon receptor engagement by HN’s globular head does HN transmit its activating signal to F. PMID:25691596

[Pontomedullary lacerations and concomitant injuries: a review of possible underlying mechanisms].

PubMed

Živković, Vladimir; Nikolić, Slobodan

2013-01-01

Anatomically, brainstem is constituted of medulla oblongata, pons and mesencephalon. Traumatic lesions of brainstem most commonly occur on pontomedullary junction. There are several possible mechanisms of pontomedullary lacerations. The first mechanism includes impact to the chin, with or without a skull base fracture, and most often leads to this fatal injury, due to impact force transmission through the jawbone and temporomandibular joint. The second mechanism includes lateral and posterior head impacts with subsequent hinge fractures, where occurrence of pontomedullary lacerations in these cases may depend on the energy of impact, as well as on the exact position of the fracture line, but less so on the head's movement. The third mechanism includes frontoposterior hyperextension of the head, due to frontal impact, concomitant with fractures or dislocations of upper spine. In the fourth mechanism, there is an absence of direct impact to the head, due to the indirect force of action after feet or buttocks-first impact. Most of these cases are accompanied by ring fractures as well. In situations such as these, the impact force is transmitted up the spinal column and upper vertebrae, and telescopically intruded into the skull, causing brainstem laceration. The jawbone and other facial bones can act as shock absorbers, and their fracture could diminish the energy transfer towards the skull and protect the brain and brainstem from injury. In all the cases with pontomedullary laceration posterior neck dissection should be performed during the autopsy, since upper spine injuries are often associated with this type of injury.

Morphometrics of the Southern Green Stink Bug [Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)] Stylet Bundle.

PubMed

Esquivel, J F; Droleskey, R E; Ward, L A; Harvey, R B

2018-03-29

The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a cosmopolitan pest of high-value cash crops, including cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.; Malvales: Malvaceae). The pest can ingest and transmit disease-causing bacterial and fungal pathogens of cotton. We hypothesized that the size of the food canal may contribute to selective transmission, as observed in previous reports. The objective of this study was to examine food canal size and other morphometric parameters of the southern green stink bug stylet bundle at two locations (labium and head) to improve our understanding of factors that may contribute to pathogen transmission. For the food canal, females possessed significantly larger canals than males, major axes were significantly longer than minor axes, and canal sizes were numerically higher at the labium compared with the head. For salivary canal, mean axes lengths were similar between sexes and the head and labium. For both food and salivary canals, axes lengths were longer and area was larger at the labium compared with the head. These findings indicate the presence of a "funnel effect" with canals becoming narrower proximally. Sex and location significantly affected the size of the intact stylet bundle. Results indicate the food canal size was not a factor affecting previously observed selective passive transmission. Major and minor axes measurements, coupled with morphological observations of canal shapes and observed "funnel effect" in the food and salivary canals, improve our understanding of the hemipteran stylet bundle and its relationship with the insect's internal morphology.

Three-dimensional numerical modeling of full-space transient electromagnetic responses of water in goaf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Jiang-Hao; Yu, Jing-Cun; Liu, Zhi-Xin

2016-09-01

The full-space transient electromagnetic response of water-filled goaves in coal mines were numerically modeled. Traditional numerical modeling methods cannot be used to simulate the underground full-space transient electromagnetic field. We used multiple transmitting loops instead of the traditional single transmitting loop to load the transmitting loop into Cartesian grids. We improved the method for calculating the z-component of the magnetic field based on the characteristics of full space. Then, we established the fullspace 3D geoelectrical model using geological data for coalmines. In addition, the transient electromagnetic responses of water-filled goaves of variable shape at different locations were simulated by using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Moreover, we evaluated the apparent resistivity results. The numerical modeling results suggested that the resistivity differences between the coal seam and its roof and floor greatly affect the distribution of apparent resistivity, resulting in nearly circular contours with the roadway head at the center. The actual distribution of apparent resistivity for different geoelectrical models of water in goaves was consistent with the models. However, when the goaf water was located in one side, a false low-resistivity anomaly would appear on the other side owing to the full-space effect but the response was much weaker. Finally, the modeling results were subsequently confirmed by drilling, suggesting that the proposed method was effective.

The damaging punch.

PubMed Central

Atha, J; Yeadon, M R; Sandover, J; Parsons, K C

1985-01-01

The mechanical properties of a boxing punch have been determined using several techniques. The results are consistent with the medical consequences of boxing discussed in the report of the Board of Science and Education Working Party on boxing. Data were gathered from a world ranked British professional heavyweight, Frank Bruno, as he punched an instrumented, padded target mass suspended as a ballistic pendulum. Within 0.1 s of the start the punch had travelled 0.49 m and attained a velocity on impact of 8.9 m/s. The peak force on impact of 4096N (0.4 ton), attained within 14 ms of contact, represents a blow to the human head of up to 6320N (0.63 ton). The transmitted impulse generated an acceleration of 520 m/s2 (53 g) in the target head. For comparison an equivalent blow would be delivered by a padded wooden mallet with a mass of 6 kg (13 lbs) if swung at 20 mph. Images FIG 1 FIG 2 PMID:3936571

Three-axis particle impact probe

DOEpatents

Fasching, George E.; Smith, Jr., Nelson S.; Utt, Carroll E.

1992-01-01

Three-axis particle impact probes detect particle impact vectors along x-, y-, and z-axes by spherical probe head mounted on the outer end of a shaft that is flexibly mounted in silicone rubber at the top of a housing so as to enable motion imparted to the head upon impact to be transmitted to a grounded electrode secured to the shaft within the housing. Excitable electrodes are mounted in the housing in a fixed position, spaced apart from the ground electrode and forming, with the ground electrode, capacitor pairs. Movement of the ground electrode results in changes in capacitance, and these difference in capacitance are used for measurement or derivation of momentum vectors along each of the three axes. In one embodiment, the ground electrode is mounted at the base of the shaft and is secured to a silicone rubber layer at the top of the housing, providing for cantilevered movement. In another embodiment, the shaft is mounted at its mid point in a flexible bushing so that it undergoes pivotal movement around that point.

PSPICE controlled-source models of analogous circuit for Langevin type piezoelectric transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yeongchin; Wu, Menqjiun; Liu, Weikuo

2007-02-01

The design and construction of wide-band and high efficiency acoustical projector has long been considered an art beyond the capabilities of many smaller groups. Langevin type piezoelectric transducers have been the most candidate of sonar array system applied in underwater communication. The transducers are fabricated, by bolting head mass and tail mass on both ends of stacked piezoelectric ceramic, to satisfy the multiple, conflicting design for high power transmitting capability. The aim of this research is to study the characteristics of Langevin type piezoelectric transducer that depend on different metal loading. First, the Mason equivalent circuit is used to model the segmented piezoelectric ceramic, then, the impedance network of tail and head masses is deduced by the Newton’s theory. To obtain the optimal solution to a specific design formulation, PSPICE controlled-source programming techniques can be applied. A valid example of the application of PSPICE models for Langevin type transducer analysis is presented and the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental measurements.

HPV and cancer of the oral cavity.

PubMed

Hübbers, Christian U; Akgül, Baki

2015-01-01

Increased awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) as an etiological cause of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has increased the interest in analysis of distinct oral sub-sites. It is currently under debate, whether HPV plays a role in the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OSCC). The weakness in most published studies is the lack of performing different HPV detection tests combined with analysis for biological activity of the virus. In addition, different sub-sites of the oral cavity had been combined to a single entity, which retrospectively leads to a highly heterogeneous basis of data. In this review we mainly discuss the unclear role of HPV in OSCC development.

Calcifying (juvenile) aponeurotic fibroma of the scalp.

PubMed

Thakur, Jagdeep S; Diwana, Vijay K; Sharma, Sudarshan; Thakur, Anamika

2011-10-01

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma is a benign tumor with a predilection for distal parts of the extremities; it is very rare in the head and neck region. It commonly affects young patients-hence the term juvenile in the name. It is fibroblastic in origin and considered a cartilage analogue of fibromatosis, but its exact etiology remains unknown. Clinically, this tumor needs to be differentiated from fibromatosis, nodular fasciitis, chondroma, schwannoma, and rheumatoid nodule. A 24-year-old woman presented with swelling in the forehead for the previous 6 months. Wide surgical excision of the lesion was performed, and histopathologic examination revealed a calcifying aponeurotic fibroma. We reviewed the literature on this rare clinical entity and present our hypothesis on its etiology.

Zero Launch Mass Three Dimensional Print Head

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Robert P.; Gelino, Nathan J.; Smith, Jonathan D.; Buckles, Brad C.; Lippitt, Thomas; Schuler, Jason M.; Nick, Andrew J.; Nugent, Matt W.; Townsend, Ivan I.

2018-01-01

NASA's strategic goal is to put humans on Mars in the 2030's. The NASA Human Spaceflight Architecture Team (HAT) and NASA Mars Design Reference Architecture (DRA) 5.0 has determined that in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is an essential technology to accomplish this mission. Additive construction technology using in-situ materials from planetary surfaces will reduce launch mass, allow structures to be three dimensionally (3D) printed on demand, and will allow building designs to be transmitted digitally from Earth and printed in space. This will ultimately lead to elimination of reliance on structural materials launched from Earth (zero launch mass of construction consumables). The zero launch mass (ZLM) 3D print head project addressed this need by developing a system that 3D prints using a mixture of in-situ regolith and polymer as feedstock, determining the optimum mixture ratio and regolith particle size distribution, developing software to convert g-code into motion instructions for a FANUC robotic arm, printing test samples, performing materials testing, and printing a reduced scale habitable structure concept. This paper will focus on the ZLM 3D Print Head design, materials selection, software development, and lessons learned from operating the system in the NASA KSC Swamp Works Granular Mechanics & Regolith Operations (GMRO) Laboratory.

Development of a vision non-contact sensing system for telerobotic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karkoub, M.; Her, M.-G.; Ho, M.-I.; Huang, C.-C.

2013-08-01

The study presented here describes a novel vision-based motion detection system for telerobotic operations such as distant surgical procedures. The system uses a CCD camera and image processing to detect the motion of a master robot or operator. Colour tags are placed on the arm and head of a human operator to detect the up/down, right/left motion of the head as well as the right/left motion of the arm. The motion of the colour tags are used to actuate a slave robot or a remote system. The determination of the colour tags' motion is achieved through image processing using eigenvectors and colour system morphology and the relative head, shoulder and wrist rotation angles through inverse dynamics and coordinate transformation. A program is used to transform this motion data into motor control commands and transmit them to a slave robot or remote system through wireless internet. The system performed well even in complex environments with errors that did not exceed 2 pixels with a response time of about 0.1 s. The results of the experiments are available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFxLaVWE3f8 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nvRcOzlWHw

From Livingstone to ecotourism. What's new in travel medicine?

PubMed

Houston, S

2000-01-01

To review recent developments in the field of travel medicine and to outline the knowledge and resources family physicians need for providing health advice to travelers headed for tropical or developing countries. Personal files; references from review articles and from a recent textbook of travel medicine; current guidelines on pretravel advice; and a review of the 1996 to 1999 MEDLINE database using "travel medicine" as a term and subject heading, "trave(l)lers' diarrhea" as a text word and subject heading, "immunization + travel," and "malaria + chemo prevention" were used as information sources. Priority was given to randomized controlled trials and recommendations of expert or national bodies. Some elements of travel medicine, such as malaria chemoprophylaxis, have become more complex. Some valuable new preventive measures, such as hepatitis A vaccine, treated bed nets, and antimalarial drugs, have become available. Some health risks, such as cholera, have been overemphasized in the past, whereas others, such as tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases, have been underemphasized. Information sources relevant for providing travel health advice have improved and expanded. Canadian evidence-based guidelines addressing most important travel health issues are now available. Travel medicine is a rapidly evolving field. Physicians intending to provide health advice to travelers to high-risk parts of the world should be well prepared and have access to good, up-to-date information.

Protection of quality and innovation in radiation oncology: the prospective multicenter trial QUIRO of DEGRO: evaluation of time, attendance of medical staff, and resources during radiotherapy with tomotherapy.

PubMed

Winkler, Cornelia; Duma, M N; Popp, W; Sack, H; Budach, V; Molls, M; Kampfer, S

2014-10-01

The technical progress in radiotherapy in recent years has been tremendous. This also implies a change of human and time resources. However, there is a lack of data on this topic. Therefore, the DEGRO initiated several studies in the QUIRO project on this subject. The present publication focuses on results for tomotherapy systems and compares them with other IMRT techniques. Over a period of several months, time allocation was documented using a standard form at two university hospitals. The required time for individual steps in the treatment planning process was recorded for all involved professional groups (physicist, technician, and physician) by themselves. The time monitoring at the treatment machines was performed by auxiliary employees (student research assistants). Evaluation of the data was performed for all recorded data as well as by tumor site. A comparison was made between the two involved institutions. A total of 1,691 records were analyzed: 148 from head and neck (H&N) tumors, 460 from prostate cancer, 136 from breast cancer, and 947 from other tumor entities. The mean value of all data from both centers for the definition of the target volumes for H&N tumors took a radiation oncology specialist 75 min, while a physicist needed for the physical treatment planning 214 min. For prostate carcinomas, the times were 60 and 147 min, respectively, and for the group of other entities 63 and 192 min, respectively. For the first radiation treatment, the occupancy time of the linear accelerator room was 31, 26, and 30 min for each entity (H&N, prostate, other entities, respectively). For routine treatments 22, 18, and 21 min were needed for the particular entities. Major differences in the time required for the individual steps were observed between the two centers. This study gives an overview of the time and personnel requirements in radiation therapy using a tomotherapy system. The most representative analysis could be done for the room occupancy times during treatment in both centers. Due to the partly small amount of data and differing planning workflows between the two centers, it is problematic to draw a firm conclusion with regard to planning times. Overall, the time required for the tomotherapy treatment and planning is slightly higher compared to other IMRT techniques.

An efficient and secure certificateless authentication protocol for healthcare system on wireless medical sensor networks.

PubMed

Guo, Rui; Wen, Qiaoyan; Jin, Zhengping; Zhang, Hua

2013-01-01

Sensor networks have opened up new opportunities in healthcare systems, which can transmit patient's condition to health professional's hand-held devices in time. The patient's physiological signals are very sensitive and the networks are extremely vulnerable to many attacks. It must be ensured that patient's privacy is not exposed to unauthorized entities. Therefore, the control of access to healthcare systems has become a crucial challenge. An efficient and secure authentication protocol will thus be needed in wireless medical sensor networks. In this paper, we propose a certificateless authentication scheme without bilinear pairing while providing patient anonymity. Compared with other related protocols, the proposed scheme needs less computation and communication cost and preserves stronger security. Our performance evaluations show that this protocol is more practical for healthcare system in wireless medical sensor networks.

Tinea genitalis: a new entity of sexually transmitted infection? Case series and review of the literature

PubMed Central

Luchsinger, Isabelle; Bosshard, Philipp Peter; Kasper, Romano Silvio; Reinhardt, Dominic; Lautenschlager, Stephan

2015-01-01

Objective Investigation on recent cases of tinea genitalis after travelling to South East Asia. Methods Patients with tinea in the genital region, which emerged after sex in South East Asia, underwent further assessment including microscopy, cultures and DNA analyses. Results The case series includes seven patients. In six patients, Trichophyton interdigitale (former Trichophyton mentagrophytes) was detected. Three patients suffered from a severe inflammatory reaction of the soft tissue and two of them needed hospitalisation due to severe pain. In four patients, cicatrising healing was noticed. Five patients were declared incapacitated for work. Conclusions Sexual activity should be considered as a potentially important and previously underappreciated means of transmission of T. interdigitale. To avoid irreversible scarring alopecia, prompt initiation of antifungal treatment is essential and adequate isolation and identification of the pathogen is mandatory. PMID:26071391

An Efficient and Secure Certificateless Authentication Protocol for Healthcare System on Wireless Medical Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Guo, Rui; Wen, Qiaoyan; Jin, Zhengping; Zhang, Hua

2013-01-01

Sensor networks have opened up new opportunities in healthcare systems, which can transmit patient's condition to health professional's hand-held devices in time. The patient's physiological signals are very sensitive and the networks are extremely vulnerable to many attacks. It must be ensured that patient's privacy is not exposed to unauthorized entities. Therefore, the control of access to healthcare systems has become a crucial challenge. An efficient and secure authentication protocol will thus be needed in wireless medical sensor networks. In this paper, we propose a certificateless authentication scheme without bilinear pairing while providing patient anonymity. Compared with other related protocols, the proposed scheme needs less computation and communication cost and preserves stronger security. Our performance evaluations show that this protocol is more practical for healthcare system in wireless medical sensor networks. PMID:23710147

Clinics, prognosis and new therapeutic options in patients with mucosal melanoma: A retrospective analysis of 75 patients.

PubMed

Schaefer, Tim; Satzger, Imke; Gutzmer, Ralf

2017-01-01

Mucosal melanomas represent a rare entity with different risk factors and molecular features compared to cutaneous melanomas. They arise most commonly from mucosal surfaces in the head/neck region, the female genital tract (FGT) and the anorectal region. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinics, prognosis, and treatment options of patients with mucosal melanoma, in particular with regard to different primary sites.We retrospectively analyzed 75 patients with mucosal melanomas diagnosed in the years 1993 to 2015 in our department. The primary melanomas were located in the head/neck region (n = 32), the FGT (n = 24), and the anorectal region (n = 19).The median age of the patients was 66 years. At initial diagnosis the primary melanoma was not completely resectable in 11 (15%) patients, 18 (24%) patients had regional lymph node metastases, and 7 (9%) patients distant metastases. During follow-up, 22 (29%) patients suffered from a local recurrence, in particular patients with primary melanoma in the head/neck region without postoperative radiotherapy. By multivariate analysis location of the primary melanoma in the head/neck area or anorectal region and presence of metastases at time of diagnosis represented poor prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival. In 62 tested individuals 7 KIT mutations were found, 2 BRAF mutations in 57 tested patients. Four patients received targeted therapies, 14 checkpoint inhibitors, 4 (1/1 on vemurafenib, 1/7 on ipilimumab, and 2/7 on PD-1 inhibitors) patients showed responses of more than 100 days duration.Mucosal melanomas are often locally advanced or metastatic at initial diagnosis, thus they require extensive staging procedures. The high rate of local recurrences in the head/neck region can be significantly reduced by postoperative radiotherapy. For the potential use of medical treatment a mutation analysis for KIT and BRAF genes should be performed. The use of new immunologic and targeted therapies has to be further evaluated.

Gonad establishment during asexual reproduction in the annelid Pristina leidyi.

PubMed

Özpolat, B Duygu; Bely, Alexandra E

2015-09-01

Animals that can reproduce by both asexual agametic reproduction and sexual reproduction must transmit or re-establish their germ line post-embryonically. Although such a dual reproductive mode has evolved repeatedly among animals, how asexually produced individuals establish their germ line remains poorly understood in most groups. We investigated germ line development in the annelid Pristina leidyi, a species that typically reproduces asexually by paratomic fission, intercalating a new tail and head in the middle of the body followed by splitting. We found that in fissioning individuals, gonads occur in anterior segments in the anterior-most individual as well as in new heads forming within fission zones. Homologs of the germ line/multipotency genes piwi, vasa, and nanos are expressed in the gonads, as well as in proliferative tissues including the posterior growth zone, fission zone, and regeneration blastema. In fissioning animals, certain cells on the ventral nerve cord express a homolog of piwi, are abundant near fission zones, and sometimes make contact with gonads. Such cells are typically undetectable near the blastema and posterior growth zone. Time-lapse imaging provides direct evidence that cells on the ventral nerve cord migrate preferentially towards fission zones. Our findings indicate that gonads form routinely in fissioning individuals, that a population of piwi-positive cells on the ventral nerve cord is associated with fission and gonads, and that cells resembling these piwi-positive cells migrate along the ventral nerve cord. We suggest that the piwi-positive ventral cells are germ cells that transmit the germ line across asexually produced individuals via migration along the ventral nerve cord. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spatial Updating and the Maintenance of Visual Constancy

PubMed Central

Klier, Eliana M.; Angelaki, Dora E.

2008-01-01

Spatial updating is the means by which we keep track of the locations of objects in space even as we move. Four decades of research have shown that humans and non-human primates can take the amplitude and direction of intervening movements into account, including saccades (both head-fixed and head-free), pursuit, whole-body rotations and translations. At the neuronal level, spatial updating is thought to be maintained by receptive field locations that shift with changes in gaze and evidence for such shifts have been shown in several cortical areas. These regions receive information about the intervening movement from several sources including motor efference copies when a voluntary movement is made and vestibular/somatosensory signals when the body is in motion. Many of these updating signals arise from brainstem regions that monitor our ongoing movements and subsequently transmit this information to the cortex via pathways that likely include the thalamus. Several issues of debate include (1) the relative contribution of extra-retinal sensory and efference copy signals to spatial updating, (2) the source of an updating signal for real life, three-dimensional motion that cannot arise from brain areas encoding only two-dimensional commands, and (3) the reference frames used by the brain to integrate updating signals from various sources. This review highlights the relevant spatial updating studies and provides a summary of the field today. We find that spatial constancy is maintained by a highly evolved neural mechanism that keeps track of our movements, transmits this information to relevant brain regions, and then uses this information to change the way in which single neurons respond. In this way, we are able to keep track of relevant objects in the outside world and interact with them in meaningful ways. PMID:18786618

Development of an implantable wireless ECoG 128ch recording device for clinical brain machine interface.

PubMed

Matsushita, Kojiro; Hirata, Masayuki; Suzuki, Takafumi; Ando, Hiroshi; Ota, Yuki; Sato, Fumihiro; Morris, Shyne; Yoshida, Takeshi; Matsuki, Hidetoshi; Yoshimine, Toshiki

2013-01-01

Brain Machine Interface (BMI) is a system that assumes user's intention by analyzing user's brain activities and control devices with the assumed intention. It is considered as one of prospective tools to enhance paralyzed patients' quality of life. In our group, we especially focus on ECoG (electro-corti-gram)-BMI, which requires surgery to place electrodes on the cortex. We try to implant all the devices within the patient's head and abdomen and to transmit the data and power wirelessly. Our device consists of 5 parts: (1) High-density multi-electrodes with a 3D shaped sheet fitting to the individual brain surface to effectively record the ECoG signals; (2) A small circuit board with two integrated circuit chips functioning 128 [ch] analogue amplifiers and A/D converters for ECoG signals; (3) A Wifi data communication & control circuit with the target PC; (4) A non-contact power supply transmitting electrical power minimum 400[mW] to the device 20[mm] away. We developed those devices, integrated them, and, investigated the performance.

Adolpho Lutz and controversies over the transmission of leprosy by mosquitoes.

PubMed

Benchimol, Jaime L; Romero Sa, Magali

2003-01-01

During his years of study in Switzerland and Germany, Adolpho Lutz published his first articles on zoology, clinical practice, and therapeutics. In Limeira, São Paulo, he began studies on animal and human diseases caused by germs and parasites. In 1885-86, Lutz traveled to Hamburg to study the morphology of germs related to skin diseases, in conjunction with Paul Gerson Unna, one of Germany's foremost dermatologists. He proposed the inclusion of Hansen's and Koch's bacilli in a new genus. In 1889, Unna nominated his student as physician-in-chief of the Leper Settlement on Molokai Island, Hawaii. From then on, Lutz sustained the theory that the disease was transmitted by mosquitos. He conducted research to prove this theory when he was head of the Instituto Bacteriológico de São Paulo (1893-1908) and, later, after he moved to the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (1908-1940). Although this research was not successful, on commissions and at congresses in which he participated until his death in October 1940, he still held to his conviction that leprosy was transmitted by mosquitoes.

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of minor salivary and seromucous glands of the head and neck region.

PubMed

Fonseca, I; Soares, J

1996-05-01

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of salivary glands is an uncommon and recently described entity occurring almost exclusively at the major salivary glands. This report provides an overview of the clinicopathologic profile of this neoplasm by including the personal experience on the clinical features, microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics, proliferation activity, and DNA tumor patterns of 12 lesions occurring at the minor salivary glands of the head and neck region, where basal cell adenocarcinoma is probably an underecognized entity, previously reported under different designations. Basal cell adenocarcinoma predominates at the seventh decade without sex preference. The tumors affecting the minor salivary glands occur most frequently at the oral cavity (jugal mucosa, palate) and the upper respiratory tract. The prevalent histologic tumor pattern is represented by solid neoplastic aggregates with a peripheral cell palisading arrangement frequently delineated by basement membrane-like material. The neoplastic clusters are formed by two cell populations: the small dark cell type (that predominates) and a large cell type. Necrosis, either of the comedo or the apoptotic type, is a frequent finding. Perineural growth occurs in 50% of the cases and vascular permeation in 25%. Immunohistochemistry identifies a dual differentiation with a reactivity pattern indicative of ductal epithelial and myoepithelial differentiation, which can be confirmed by electron microscopy. The differential diagnosis of the neoplasm includes its benign counterpart, the basal cell adenoma, solid variant of adenoid cystic carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, and basaloid squamous carcinoma. The tumors recur more frequently than lesions originating in major salivary glands. Mortality is associated with the anatomic site of the lesion, advanced stage, residual neoplasia at surgery, and tumor recurrence. The importance of recognizing basal cell adenocarcinoma outside major salivary glands is related to the clinical behavior of the neoplasm that seems to be less indolent than that of tumors arising in major salivary glands.

The performance of laboratory tests in the management of a large outbreak of orally transmitted Chagas disease.

PubMed

Noya, Belkisyolé Alarcón de; Díaz-Bello, Zoraida; Colmenares, Cecilia; Zavala-Jaspe, Reinaldo; Abate, Teresa; Contreras, Rosa; Losada, Sandra; Artigas, Domingo; Mauriello, Luciano; Ruiz-Guevara, Raiza; Noya, Oscar

2012-11-01

Orally transmitted Chagas disease (ChD), which is a well-known entity in the Brazilian Amazon Region, was first documented in Venezuela in December 2007, when 103 people attending an urban public school in Caracas became infected by ingesting juice that was contaminated with Trypanosoma cruzi. The infection occurred 45-50 days prior to the initiation of the sampling performed in the current study. Parasitological methods were used to diagnose the first nine symptomatic patients; T. cruzi was found in all of them. However, because this outbreak was managed as a sudden emergency during Christmas time, we needed to rapidly evaluate 1,000 people at risk, so we decided to use conventional serology to detect specific IgM and IgG antibodies via ELISA as well as indirect haemagglutination, which produced positive test results for 9.1%, 11.9% and 9.9% of the individuals tested, respectively. In other more restricted patient groups, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provided more sensitive results (80.4%) than blood cultures (16.2%) and animal inoculations (11.6%). Although the classical diagnosis of acute ChD is mainly based on parasitological findings, highly sensitive and specific serological techniques can provide rapid results during large and severe outbreaks, as described herein. The use of these serological techniques allows prompt treatment of all individuals suspected of being infected, resulting in reduced rates of morbidity and mortality.

A Novel Method for Quantifying Human In Situ Whole Brain Deformation under Rotational Loading Using Sonomicrometry.

PubMed

Alshareef, Ahmed; Giudice, J Sebastian; Forman, Jason; Salzar, Robert S; Panzer, Matthew B

2018-03-01

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the least understood injuries to the body. Finite element (FE) models of the brain have been crucial for understanding concussion and for developing injury mitigation systems; however, the experimental brain deformation data currently used to validate these models are limited. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology for the investigation of in situ three-dimensional brain deformation during pure rotational loading of the head, using sonomicrometry. Sonomicrometry uses ultrasonic pulses to measure the dynamic distances between piezoelectric crystals implanted in any sound-transmitting media. A human cadaveric head-neck specimen was acquired 14 h postmortem and was instrumented with an array of 32 small sonomicrometry crystals embedded in the head: 24 crystals were implanted in the brain, and 8 were fixed to the inner skull. A dynamic rotation was then applied to the head using a closed-loop controlled test device. Four pulses with different severity levels were applied around three orthogonal anatomical axes of rotation. A repeated test of the highest severity rotation was conducted in each axis to assess repeatability. All tests were completed within 56 h postmortem. Overall, the combined experimental and sonomicrometry methods were demonstrated to reliably and repeatedly capture three-dimensional dynamic deformation of an intact human brain. These methods provide a framework for using sonomicrometry to acquire multidimensional experimental data required for FE model development and validation, and will lend insight into the deformations sustained by the brain during impact.

Finite Element Modeling Techniques for Analysis of VIIP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feola, Andrew J.; Raykin, J.; Gleason, R.; Mulugeta, Lealem; Myers, Jerry G.; Nelson, Emily S.; Samuels, Brian C.; Ethier, C. Ross

2015-01-01

Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) syndrome is a major health concern for long-duration space missions. Currently, it is thought that a cephalad fluid shift in microgravity causes elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) that is transmitted along the optic nerve sheath (ONS). We hypothesize that this in turn leads to alteration and remodeling of connective tissue in the posterior eye which impacts vision. Finite element (FE) analysis is a powerful tool for examining the effects of mechanical loads in complex geometries. Our goal is to build a FE analysis framework to understand the response of the lamina cribrosa and optic nerve head to elevations in ICP in VIIP.

Chikungunya Virus: Pathophysiology, Mechanism, and Modeling

PubMed Central

Ganesan, Vaishnavi K.; Reid, St Patrick

2017-01-01

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus, is recurring in epidemic waves. In the past decade and a half, the disease has resurged in several countries around the globe, with outbreaks becoming increasingly severe. Though CHIKV was first isolated in 1952, there remain significant gaps in knowledge of CHIKV biology, pathogenesis, transmission, and mechanism. Diagnosis is largely simplified and based on symptoms, while treatment is supportive rather than curative. Here we present an overview of the disease, the challenges that lie ahead for future research, and what directions current studies are headed towards, with emphasis on improvement of current animal models and potential use of 3D models. PMID:29194359

Human Lice in Paleoentomology and Paleomicrobiology.

PubMed

Drali, Rezak; Mumcuoglu, Kosta; Raoult, Didier

2016-08-01

Lice are a classic example of cospeciation. Human lice confirm this cospeciation with lice specialized in hominids which differ from those of gorillas and chimpanzees. Head lice and body lice seem to belong to closely related species with different ecotypes and a different geographical distribution which may reflect population movements. Paleo-entomology allows us in some cases to trace the migrations of archaic human populations. The analysis of lice found on mummies in Egypt and South America has clarified a certain number of these migrations, also the study of lice and the diseases they transmit has shed a new light on the epidemics of the past.

Head and Neck Tuberculosis: Scenario in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North Eastern India

PubMed Central

Das, Debajit; Bhuyan, Uttal Taranga; Saikia, Nabajyoti

2016-01-01

Introduction Tuberculosis has affected mankind since time immemorial and with emergence of AIDS both extrapulmonary and pulmonary tuberculosis presents increased morbidity and mortality along with an increased financial burden upon the developing nations. Materials and Methods The study is a hospital based observational study of one year duration carried out in the Department of ENT in a tertiary care hospital of North Eastern India. Results Total of 63 cases were detected. Females comprised 60.3% of the study population as against 39.7% males. Most commonly affected age group were of 15 to 24 years age (57.1%). Cervical tubercular lymphadenitis was the most common lesion 90.5% (57 cases) followed by laryngeal tuberculosis 7.9% (5 cases) and tubercular otitis media with mastoiditis 1.6% (1 case). Level II lymph node was mostly affected either single or in groups (75.4%) followed by level III node (57.9%). Successful outcome of the treatment with Category I regimen was achieved in 96.8% of the cases. Conclusion Head and neck tuberculosis is not an uncommon disease and though cervical lymphadenitis is the most common presentation, isolated involvement of the larynx, ear and other subsites are not an entirely unknown entity. The clinical presentation of tuberculosis of the head and neck region can be varied and often misleading. It is therefore important for the clinician to be aware of the condition and consider it in their differential diagnosis. PMID:26894099

Poster - Thur Eve - 13: Quantifying specific absorption rate of shielded RF coils through electromagnetic simulations for 7-T MRI.

PubMed

Belliveau, J-G; Gilbert, K M; Abou-Khousa, M; Menon, R S

2012-07-01

Ultra-high field MRI has many advantages such as increasing spatial resolution and exploiting contrast never before seen in-vivo. This contrast has been shown to be beneficial for many applications such as monitoring early and late effect to radiation therapy and transient changes during disease to name a few. However, at higher field strengths the RF wave, needed to for transmitting and receiving signal, approaches that of the head. This leads to constructive and deconstructive interference and a non -uniform flip angle over the volume being imaged. A transmit or transceive RF surface coil arrays is currently a method of choice to overcome this problem; however, mutual inductance between elements poses a significant challenge for the designer. A method to decouple elements in such an array is by using circumferential shielding; however, the potential benefits and/or disadvantages have not been investigated. This abstract primarily focuses on understanding power deposition - measured through Specific Absorption Rate - in the sample using circumferentially shielded RF coils. Various geometries of circumferentially shielded coils are explored to determine the behaviour of shield width and its effect on required transmit power and power deposition to the sample. Our results indicate that there is an optimization on shield width depending on the imaging depth. Additionally, the circumferential shield focuses the field more than unshielded coils, meaning that slight SAR may even be lower for circumferential shielded RF coils in array. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Optimized 31P MRS in the human brain at 7 T with a dedicated RF coil setup

PubMed Central

van de Bank, Bart L.; Orzada, Stephan; Smits, Frits; Lagemaat, Miriam W.; Rodgers, Christopher T.; Bitz, Andreas K.

2015-01-01

The design and construction of a dedicated RF coil setup for human brain imaging (1H) and spectroscopy (31P) at ultra‐high magnetic field strength (7 T) is presented. The setup is optimized for signal handling at the resonance frequencies for 1H (297.2 MHz) and 31P (120.3 MHz). It consists of an eight‐channel 1H transmit–receive head coil with multi‐transmit capabilities, and an insertable, actively detunable 31P birdcage (transmit–receive and transmit only), which can be combined with a seven‐channel receive‐only 31P array. The setup enables anatomical imaging and 31P studies without removal of the coil or the patient. By separating transmit and receive channels and by optimized addition of array signals with whitened singular value decomposition we can obtain a sevenfold increase in SNR of 31P signals in the occipital lobe of the human brain compared with the birdcage alone. These signals can be further enhanced by 30 ± 9% using the nuclear Overhauser effect by B 1‐shimmed low‐power irradiation of water protons. Together, these features enable acquisition of 31P MRSI at high spatial resolutions (3.0 cm3 voxel) in the occipital lobe of the human brain in clinically acceptable scan times (~15 min). © 2015 The Authors. NMR in Biomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. PMID:26492089

Nasal Septal Angiofibroma in a Post-Menopausal Woman: A Rare Entity

PubMed Central

Dayana, Farah; Fadzilah, Fazalina Mohd; Gendeh, Balwant Singh

2015-01-01

Juvenile angiofibromas (JAs) are well-characterised in literature, arising typically in the posterolateral wall of the nasal cavity of young males. Numerous theories have been proposed to explain the occurrence of this unique and rare tumour. Angiofibromas originating in other sites within the head and neck have been described but this is exceedingly rare, constituting less than 2% of all diagnosed cases. Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare lesion, and more importantly, controversial. It is not known whether it is actually a relative of the well-known JA that is seen exclusively in adolescent males. We present the case of a post-menopausal woman with unilateral nasal obstruction who was unexpectedly diagnosed as nasal septal angiofibroma. PMID:26816925

Glial heterotopia of the orbit: a rare cause of proptosis.

PubMed

Bakhti, Souad; Terkmani, Fella; Tighilt, Nabila; Benmouma, Youcef; Boumehdi, Nazim; Djennas, Mohamed

2016-11-01

Glial heterotopia is defined as presence of normal glial tissue in an unusual location without connection with the brain. It is a very rare clinical entity occuring mostly in the head and neck region which is generally present at birth. Orbital location is very rare. We report a case of a 4-month-old girl presenting congenital proptosis with progressive increase. CT scan revealed an intraorbital mass without bony defect. The patient was operated, and resection was subtotal. Histologically, the tumor was composed of glial tissue with plexus choroid and pathologist concluded glial heterotopia. The child is under constant medical supervision because recurrences can be observed after incomplete resection; she had no new clinical signs at 18 months follow-up.

Nevus trichilemmocysticus: report of a new case of a recently recognized entity.

PubMed

Larralde, Margarita; Boggio, Paula; Abad, María Eugenia; Corbella, Cristina; Happle, Rudolf

2011-01-01

A new type of organoid epidermal nevus, characterized by the presence of multiple trichilemmal cysts disposed in a linear arrangement, was recently recognized and named nevus trichilemmocysticus. We report a 10-year-old girl with a congenital linear dermatosis affecting the head, neck, trunk, limbs, palms, and soles. Initially, the lesions that followed the lines of Blaschko consisted of yellowish plaques covered by verrucous papules and filiform hyperkeratoses. Additionally, since the age of 6 years, numerous cyst-like structures developed on the linear lesions involving the limbs. On histopathological examination, all of the excised cystic lesions were found to be trichilemmal cysts. Hence, we herein describe a new case of nevus trichilemmocysticus. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Familial endocrine myxolentiginosis.

PubMed

Panossian, D H; Marais, G E; Marais, H J

1995-11-01

We present an unusual case of a left atrial myxoma as a feature of a familial mesoectodermal disorder and review the literature. The new term "familial endocrine myxolentiginosis" is proposed, which is descriptive of the major clinical components of the syndrome. Myriad features of this disorder include (1) cardiac myxomas; (2) cutaneous myxomas; (3) multiple lentigines or blue nevi, particularly of the head and neck; (4) bilateral primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical hyperplasia; (5) unusual testicular tumors; (6) pituitary tumors; (7) myxoid fibroadenomas of the breast; (8) myxomatous disorder of the stroma of the breast; (9) ductal adenoma of the breast; and (10) psammomatous melanotic schwannoma. A tentative diagnosis is suggested by identifying two features and a definitive diagnosis is made by three or more features. The clinical and pathologic features of cardiac myxoma in familial endocrine myxolentiginosis are identical to those of familial cardiac myxoma: age < 40 years, atypical locations, multicentric origins, and recurrent presentations. A Venn diagram classification for cardiac myxomas is proposed. We include photographic, echocardiographic, biopsy, and adrenal computerized tomography documentation in our patient. Recognition of this disorder is important because of its clinical, surgical, and genetic implications. The availability of transesophageal echocardiographic technology should allow early diagnosis of this underdiagnosed entity. Clinicians should consider this entity in the differential diagnosis of their patients with any one of these manifestations.

Granular cell tumour of the neurohypophysis: an unusual cause of hypopituitarism.

PubMed

Bello, Carlos Tavares; Cipriano, Patricia; Henriques, Vanessa; Duarte, João Sequeira; Marques, Conceição Canas

2018-01-01

Granular cell tumours (GCT) are rare, slow-growing, benign neoplasms that are usually located in the head and neck. They are more frequent in the female gender and typically have an asymptomatic clinical course, being diagnosed only at autopsy. Symptomatic GCT of the neurohypophysis are exceedingly rare, being less than 70 cases described so far. The authors report on a case of a 28-year-old male that presented to the Endocrinology clinic with clinical and biochemical evidence of hypogonadism. He also reported minor headaches without any major visual symptoms. Further laboratory tests confirmed hypopituitarism (hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, central hypothyroidism and hypocortisolism) and central nervous system imaging revealed a pituitary macroadenoma. The patient underwent transcranial pituitary adenoma resection and the pathology report described a GCT of the neurohypophysis with low mitotic index. The reported case is noteworthy for the rarity of the clinicopathological entity. Symptomatic GCTs are rare CNS tumours whose cell of origin is not well defined that usually give rise to visual symptoms, headache and endocrine dysfunction.Imaging is quite unspecific and diagnosis is difficult to establish preoperatively.Surgical excision is challenging due to lesion's high vascularity and propensity to adhere to adjacent structures.The reported case is noteworthy for the rarity of the clinicopathological entity.

Cross Sectional Imaging of Solitary Lesions of the Neurocranium.

PubMed

Schäfer, Max-Ludwig; Koch, Arend; Streitparth, Florian; Wiener, Edzard

2017-12-01

Background  Although a wide range of processes along the neurocranium are of a benign nature, there are often difficulties in the differential diagnosis. Method  In the review CT/MRI scans of the head were evaluated retrospectively regarding solitary lesions along the neurocranium. The majority of the lesions were histologically proven. Results  The purpose of the review is to present typical pathologies of the neurocranium and provide a systematic overview based on 12 entities, their locations, prevalence and radiological characteristics. Conclusion  Processes, which primarily originate from the neurocranium have to be differentiated from secondary processes infiltrating the neurocranium. For this important diagnostic feature, MRI is typically essential, while the definitive diagnosis is often made on the basis of the medical history and the typical appearance on computer tomography. Key Points   · There are often difficulties in the precise differential diagnosis of solitary lesions along the neurocranium. Typical solitary pathologies of the neurocranium based on 12 entities were presented. Both magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are often essential for an exact differential diagnosis.. Citation Format · Schäfer M, Koch A, Streitparth F et al. Cross Sectional Diagnosis of Solitary Lesions of the Neurocranium. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2017; 189: 1135 - 1144. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Histograms of Human Papillomavirus-Positive and Human Papillomavirus-Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Assessment of Tumor Heterogeneity and Comparison with Histopathology.

PubMed

de Perrot, T; Lenoir, V; Domingo Ayllón, M; Dulguerov, N; Pusztaszeri, M; Becker, M

2017-11-01

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with human papillomavirus infection represents a distinct tumor entity. We hypothesized that diffusion phenotypes based on the histogram analysis of ADC values reflect distinct degrees of tumor heterogeneity in human papillomavirus-positive and human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. One hundred five consecutive patients (mean age, 64 years; range, 45-87 years) with primary oropharyngeal ( n = 52) and oral cavity ( n = 53) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma underwent MR imaging with anatomic and diffusion-weighted sequences ( b = 0, b = 1000 s/mm 2 , monoexponential ADC calculation). The collected tumor voxels from the contoured ROIs provided histograms from which position, dispersion, and form parameters were computed. Histogram data were correlated with histopathology, p16-immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction for human papillomavirus DNA. There were 21 human papillomavirus-positive and 84 human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. At histopathology, human papillomavirus-positive cancers were more often nonkeratinizing (13/21, 62%) than human papillomavirus-negative cancers (19/84, 23%; P = .001), and their mitotic index was higher (71% versus 49%; P = .005). ROI-based mean and median ADCs were significantly lower in human papillomavirus-positive (1014 ± 178 × 10 -6 mm 2 /s and 970 ± 187 × 10 -6 mm 2 /s, respectively) than in human papillomavirus-negative tumors (1184 ± 168 × 10 -6 mm 2 /s and 1161 ± 175 × 10 -6 mm 2 /s, respectively; P < .001), whereas excess kurtosis and skewness were significantly higher in human papillomavirus-positive (1.934 ± 1.386 and 0.923 ± 0.510, respectively) than in human papillomavirus-negative tumors (0.643 ± 0.982 and 0.399 ± 0.516, respectively; P < .001). Human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma had symmetric normally distributed ADC histograms, which corresponded histologically to heterogeneous tumors with variable cellularity, high stromal component, keratin pearls, and necrosis. Human papillomavirus-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas had leptokurtic skewed right histograms, which corresponded to homogeneous tumors with back-to-back densely packed cells, scant stromal component, and scattered comedonecrosis. Diffusion phenotypes of human papillomavirus-positive and human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas show significant differences, which reflect their distinct degree of tumor heterogeneity. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Role of the Yersinia pestis yersiniabactin iron acquisition system in the incidence of flea-borne plague.

PubMed

Sebbane, Florent; Jarrett, Clayton; Gardner, Donald; Long, Daniel; Hinnebusch, B Joseph

2010-12-17

Plague is a flea-borne zoonosis caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis mutants lacking the yersiniabactin (Ybt) siderophore-based iron transport system are avirulent when inoculated intradermally but fully virulent when inoculated intravenously in mice. Presumably, Ybt is required to provide sufficient iron at the peripheral injection site, suggesting that Ybt would be an essential virulence factor for flea-borne plague. Here, using a flea-to-mouse transmission model, we show that a Y. pestis strain lacking the Ybt system causes fatal plague at low incidence when transmitted by fleas. Bacteriology and histology analyses revealed that a Ybt-negative strain caused only primary septicemic plague and atypical bubonic plague instead of the typical bubonic form of disease. The results provide new evidence that primary septicemic plague is a distinct clinical entity and suggest that unusual forms of plague may be caused by atypical Y. pestis strains.

Crypto-Watermarking of Transmitted Medical Images.

PubMed

Al-Haj, Ali; Mohammad, Ahmad; Amer, Alaa'

2017-02-01

Telemedicine is a booming healthcare practice that has facilitated the exchange of medical data and expertise between healthcare entities. However, the widespread use of telemedicine applications requires a secured scheme to guarantee confidentiality and verify authenticity and integrity of exchanged medical data. In this paper, we describe a region-based, crypto-watermarking algorithm capable of providing confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity for medical images of different modalities. The proposed algorithm provides authenticity by embedding robust watermarks in images' region of non-interest using SVD in the DWT domain. Integrity is provided in two levels: strict integrity implemented by a cryptographic hash watermark, and content-based integrity implemented by a symmetric encryption-based tamper localization scheme. Confidentiality is achieved as a byproduct of hiding patient's data in the image. Performance of the algorithm was evaluated with respect to imperceptibility, robustness, capacity, and tamper localization, using different medical images. The results showed the effectiveness of the algorithm in providing security for telemedicine applications.

Techniques for integrating ‐omics data

PubMed Central

Akula, Siva Prasad; Miriyala, Raghava Naidu; Thota, Hanuman; Rao, Allam Appa; Gedela, Srinubabu

2009-01-01

The challenge for -omics research is to tackle the problem of fragmentation of knowledge by integrating several sources of heterogeneous information into a coherent entity. It is widely recognized that successful data integration is one of the keys to improve productivity for stored data. Through proper data integration tools and algorithms, researchers may correlate relationships that enable them to make better and faster decisions. The need for data integration is essential for present ‐omics community, because ‐omics data is currently spread world wide in wide variety of formats. These formats can be integrated and migrated across platforms through different techniques and one of the important techniques often used is XML. XML is used to provide a document markup language that is easier to learn, retrieve, store and transmit. It is semantically richer than HTML. Here, we describe bio warehousing, database federation, controlled vocabularies and highlighting the XML application to store, migrate and validate -omics data. PMID:19255651

Techniques for integrating -omics data.

PubMed

Akula, Siva Prasad; Miriyala, Raghava Naidu; Thota, Hanuman; Rao, Allam Appa; Gedela, Srinubabu

2009-01-01

The challenge for -omics research is to tackle the problem of fragmentation of knowledge by integrating several sources of heterogeneous information into a coherent entity. It is widely recognized that successful data integration is one of the keys to improve productivity for stored data. Through proper data integration tools and algorithms, researchers may correlate relationships that enable them to make better and faster decisions. The need for data integration is essential for present -omics community, because -omics data is currently spread world wide in wide variety of formats. These formats can be integrated and migrated across platforms through different techniques and one of the important techniques often used is XML. XML is used to provide a document markup language that is easier to learn, retrieve, store and transmit. It is semantically richer than HTML. Here, we describe bio warehousing, database federation, controlled vocabularies and highlighting the XML application to store, migrate and validate -omics data.

CRISTAPRESS: an optical cell for structure development in high-pressure crystallization.

PubMed

Boyer, S A E; Fournier, F E J; Gandin, Ch-A; Haudin, J-M

2014-01-01

An original optical high-pressure cell, named CRISTAPRESS, has been especially designed to investigate phase transitions of complex liquids, i.e., polymers, polymer blends, nano-composites, etc. The design of the cell is based on the optical properties of morphological entities through in situ light depolarizing microscopic observations. Pressure up to 200 MPa with a fine temperature control up to 300 °C can be applied. A striking advantage of this cell is the possibility to select the pressure transmitting medium that can be water, silicone oil, a fluid in the supercritical state, etc. The potential of the novel technique was demonstrated by carrying out time-resolved measurements during polymer crystallization induced by water pressure. These preliminary experimental investigations permit to discriminate the role of the barometric and thermal histories on the kinetics of polymer growth, as well as on the subsequent morphologies. It should lead to new reliable crystallization kinetics models.

Assessing potential removal of low-head dams in urban settings: an example from the Ottawa River, NW Ohio.

PubMed

Roberts, Sheila J; Gottgens, Johan F; Spongberg, Alison L; Evans, James E; Levine, Norman S

2007-01-01

This is a study of the scientific component of an effort to restore an urban river by removing a low-head dam. The Secor Dam is owned by a local government entity near Toledo, Ohio. The proposed removal of the last structure impeding flow on the Ottawa River has broad appeal, but the owner is concerned about liability issues, particularly potential changes to the flood regime, the presence of contaminated sediments behind the dam, and possible downstream transport of reservoir sediments. Assessing sediment contamination involved sediment sampling and analysis of trace metals and organic contaminants. Forecasting sediment transport involved field methods to determine the volume and textural properties of reservoir and upstream sediment and calculations to determine the fate of reservoir sediments. Forecasting changes in the flood regime involved HEC-RAS hydrological models to determine before and after dam removal flood scenarios using LiDAR data imported into an ArcGIS database. The resulting assessment found potential sediment contamination to be minor, and modeling showed that the removal of the dam would have minimal impacts on sediment transport and flood hazards. Based on the assessment, the removal of the dam has been approved by its owners.

EBG Based Microstrip Patch Antenna for Brain Tumor Detection via Scattering Parameters in Microwave Imaging System.

PubMed

Inum, Reefat; Rana, Md Masud; Shushama, Kamrun Nahar; Quader, Md Anwarul

2018-01-01

A microwave brain imaging system model is envisaged to detect and visualize tumor inside the human brain. A compact and efficient microstrip patch antenna is used in the imaging technique to transmit equivalent signal and receive backscattering signal from the stratified human head model. Electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure is incorporated on the antenna ground plane to enhance the performance. Rectangular and circular EBG structures are proposed to investigate the antenna performance. Incorporation of circular EBG on the antenna ground plane provides an improvement of 22.77% in return loss, 5.84% in impedance bandwidth, and 16.53% in antenna gain with respect to the patch antenna with rectangular EBG. The simulation results obtained from CST are compared to those obtained from HFSS to validate the design. Specific absorption rate (SAR) of the modeled head tissue for the proposed antenna is determined. Different SAR values are compared with the established standard SAR limit to provide a safety regulation of the imaging system. A monostatic radar-based confocal microwave imaging algorithm is applied to generate the image of tumor inside a six-layer human head phantom model. S -parameter signals obtained from circular EBG loaded patch antenna in different scanning modes are utilized in the imaging algorithm to effectively produce a high-resolution image which reliably indicates the presence of tumor inside human brain.

EBG Based Microstrip Patch Antenna for Brain Tumor Detection via Scattering Parameters in Microwave Imaging System

PubMed Central

Rana, Md. Masud; Shushama, Kamrun Nahar; Quader, Md. Anwarul

2018-01-01

A microwave brain imaging system model is envisaged to detect and visualize tumor inside the human brain. A compact and efficient microstrip patch antenna is used in the imaging technique to transmit equivalent signal and receive backscattering signal from the stratified human head model. Electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure is incorporated on the antenna ground plane to enhance the performance. Rectangular and circular EBG structures are proposed to investigate the antenna performance. Incorporation of circular EBG on the antenna ground plane provides an improvement of 22.77% in return loss, 5.84% in impedance bandwidth, and 16.53% in antenna gain with respect to the patch antenna with rectangular EBG. The simulation results obtained from CST are compared to those obtained from HFSS to validate the design. Specific absorption rate (SAR) of the modeled head tissue for the proposed antenna is determined. Different SAR values are compared with the established standard SAR limit to provide a safety regulation of the imaging system. A monostatic radar-based confocal microwave imaging algorithm is applied to generate the image of tumor inside a six-layer human head phantom model. S-parameter signals obtained from circular EBG loaded patch antenna in different scanning modes are utilized in the imaging algorithm to effectively produce a high-resolution image which reliably indicates the presence of tumor inside human brain. PMID:29623087

New developments in the management of head and neck cancer - impact of pembrolizumab.

PubMed

Saleh, Khalil; Eid, Roland; Haddad, Fady Gh; Khalife-Saleh, Nadine; Kourie, Hampig Raphaël

2018-01-01

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a heterogeneous group of upper aerodigestive tract malignancies, is the seventh most common cancer worldwide. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption were the most identified risk factors of HNSCC. However, human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted infection, has been determined as another primary cause of HNSCC. Early-stage disease is treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Recurrent or metastatic HNSCC is associated with poor prognosis with a median overall survival of 10 months. The EXTREME protocol is commonly used in first-line setting. Recently, pembrolizumab, an anti-programmed death-1 agent, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with disease progression on or after a platinum-based therapy. It demonstrated a durable objective response rate with a good safety profile and quality of life. Many ongoing trials are evaluating the use of pembrolizumab for the treatment of HNSCC in various indications such as adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting, maintenance and recurrent disease, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy. Finding those biomarkers predictive of response to immune checkpoints inhibitors has been a major concern. However, markers have been identified, such as PD-L1 expression, human papilloma virus infection, interferon-γ signature score, microsatellite instability and neoantigen production.

An Intraocular Camera for Retinal Prostheses: Restoring Sight to the Blind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stiles, Noelle R. B.; McIntosh, Benjamin P.; Nasiatka, Patrick J.; Hauer, Michelle C.; Weiland, James D.; Humayun, Mark S.; Tanguay, Armand R., Jr.

Implantation of an intraocular retinal prosthesis represents one possible approach to the restoration of sight in those with minimal light perception due to photoreceptor degenerating diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. In such an intraocular retinal prosthesis, a microstimulator array attached to the retina is used to electrically stimulate still-viable retinal ganglion cells that transmit retinotopic image information to the visual cortex by means of the optic nerve, thereby creating an image percept. We describe herein an intraocular camera that is designed to be implanted in the crystalline lens sac and connected to the microstimulator array. Replacement of an extraocular (head-mounted) camera with the intraocular camera restores the natural coupling of head and eye motion associated with foveation, thereby enhancing visual acquisition, navigation, and mobility tasks. This research is in no small part inspired by the unique scientific style and research methodologies that many of us have learned from Prof. Richard K. Chang of Yale University, and is included herein as an example of the extent and breadth of his impact and legacy.

Airborne Optical Communications Demonstrator Design And Preflight Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biswas, Abhijit; Page, N.; Neal, J.; Zhu, D.; Wright, M.; Ovtiz, G.; Farr, W. H.; Hernnzati, H.

2005-01-01

A second generation optical communications demonstrator (OCD-2) intended for airborne applications like air-to-ground and air-to-air optical links is under development at JPL. This development provides the capability for unidirectional high data rate (2.5-Gbps) transmission at 1550-nm, with the ability to receive an 810-nm beacon to aid acquisition pointing and tracking. The transmitted beam width is nominally 200-(micro)rad. A 3x3 degree coarse field-of-view (FOV) acquisition sensor with a much smaller 3-mrad FOV tracking sensor is incorporated. The OCD-2 optical head will be integrated to a high performance gimbal turret assembly capable of providing pointing stability of 5- microradians from an airborne platform. Other parts of OCD-2 include a cable harness, connecting the optical head in the gimbal turret assembly to a rugged electronics box. The electronics box will house: command and control processors, laser transmitter, data-generation-electronics, power conversion/distribution hardware and state-of-health monitors. The entire assembly will be integrated and laboratory tested prior to a planned flight demonstrations.

Reduce volume of head-up display by image stitching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu, Yi-Feng; Su, Guo-Dung J.

2016-09-01

Head-up Display (HUD) is a safety feature for automobile drivers. Although there have been some HUD systems in commercial product already, their images are too small to show assistance information. Another problem, the volume of HUD is too large. We proposed a HUD including micro-projectors, rear-projection screen, microlens array (MLA) and the light source is 28 mm x 14 mm realized a 200 mm x 100 mm image in 3 meters from drivers. We want to use the MLA to reduce the volume by virtual image stitching. We design the HUD's package dimensions is 12 cm x 12 cm x 9 cm. It is able to show speed, map-navigation and night vision information. We used Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) as our image source due to its brighter image output required and the minimum volume occupancy. The MLA is a multi aperture system. The proposed MLA consists of many optical channels each transmitting a segment of the whole field of view. The design of the system provides the stitching of the partial images, so that we can see the whole virtual image.

Simplified failure sequence evaluation of reactor pressure vessel head corroding in-core instrumentation assembly

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McVicker, J.P.; Conner, J.T.; Hasrouni, P.N.

1995-11-01

In-Core Instrumentation (ICI) assemblies located on a Reactor Pressure Vessel Head have a history of boric acid leakage. The acid tends to corrode the nuts and studs which fasten the flanges of the assembly, thereby compromising the assembly`s structural integrity. This paper provides a simplified practical approach in determining the likelihood of an undetected progressing assembly stud deterioration, which would lead to a catastrophic loss of reactor coolant. The structural behavior of the In-Core Instrumentation flanged assembly is modeled using an elastic composite section assumption, with the studs transmitting tension and the pressure sealing gasket experiencing compression. Using the abovemore » technique, one can calculate the flange relative deflection and the consequential coolant loss flow rate, as well as the stress in any stud. A solved real life example develops the expected failure sequence and discusses the exigency of leak detection for safe shutdown. In the particular case of Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (CCNPP) it is concluded that leak detection occurs before catastrophic failure of the ICI flange assembly.« less

Neighborhoods and Race/Ethnic Disparities in Adolescent Sexual Risk Behavior

PubMed Central

Carlson, Daniel L.; McNulty, Thomas L.; Bellair, Paul E.; Watts, Stephen

2013-01-01

Understanding the determinants of racial/ethnic disparities in adolescent sexual risk behavior is important given its links to the differential risk of teen pregnancy, childbearing, and sexually transmitted infections. This article tests a contextual model that emphasizes the concentration of neighborhood disadvantage in shaping racial/ethnic disparities in sexual risk behavior. We focus on two risk behaviors that are prevalent among Black and Hispanic youth: the initiation of sexual activity in adolescence and the number of sex partners. Using data from the 1997 National Longitudinal Study of Youth (N = 6,985; 48% female; 57% non-Hispanic White) evidence indicates that neighborhood disadvantage – measured by concentrated poverty, unemployment rates, and the proportion of female-headed households – partially explains Black and Hispanic disparities from Whites in the odds of adolescent sexual debut, although the prevalence of female-headed households in neighborhoods appears to be the main driver in this domain. Likewise, accounting for neighborhood disadvantage reduces the Black-White and Hispanic-White disparity in the number of sexual partners, although less so relative to sexual debut. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of these findings. PMID:24214727

Modeled and Observed Altitude Distributions of the Micrometeoroid Influx in Radar Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swarnalingam, N.; Janches, D.; Plane, J. M. C.; Carrillo-Sánchez, J. D.; Sternovsky, Z.; Pokorny, P.; Nesvorny, D.

2017-12-01

The altitude distributions of the micrometeoroids are a representation of the radar response function of the incoming flux and thus can be utilized to calibrate radar measurements. These in turn, can be used to determine the rate of ablation and ionization of the meteoroids and ultimately the input flux. During the ablation process, electrons are created and subsequently these electrons produce backscatter signals when they encounter the transmitted signals from radar. In this work, we investigate the altitude distribution by exploring different sizes as well as the aspect sensitivity of the meteor head echoes. We apply an updated version of the Chemical Ablation Model (CABMOD), which includes results from laboratory simulation of meteor ablation for different metallic constituents. In particular, the updated version simulates the ablation of Na. It is observed in the updated version that electrons are produced to a wider altitude range with the peak production occurs at lower altitudes compared to the previous version. The results are compared to head echo meteor observations utilizing the Arecibo 430 MHz radar.

Discussing a diagnosis of human papillomavirus oropharyngeal cancer with patients: An exploratory qualitative study of health professionals

PubMed Central

Dodd, Rachael H.; Marlow, Laura A. V.

2015-01-01

Abstract Background The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC) has now been well established. Clinicians' experiences and challenges of talking to patients about HPV have yet to be explored. Methods Fifteen health professionals caring for patients with oropharyngeal SCC were interviewed. Interviews were analyzed thematically. Results Participants expressed mixed views about explaining the causal role of HPV to their patients. Normalizing HPV and emphasizing the positive prognosis associated with it were regarded as key messages to be communicated. Challenging experiences included managing couples in a consultation and patients' concerns about transmitting HPV to their partners. Some participants described limitations to their HPV knowledge and identified the need for further information and training. Conclusion This study identified challenges experienced by health professionals working with patients with oropharyngeal SCC and highlights some key messages to convey to patients. Clinical guidance for health professionals and further information for patients about HPV‐positive oropharyngeal SCC are needed. © 2015 The Authors Head & Neck Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 394–401, 2016 PMID:25351993

Socioeconomic status influences sex ratios in a Chinese rural population

PubMed Central

Ding, Rui; Gao, Xiali; Sun, Jingjing; Zhao, Wei

2017-01-01

According to the logic of the Trivers–Willard hypothesis, in a human population, if socioeconomic status is transmitted across generations to some extent, and if sons of high-status parents tend to have higher reproductive success than daughters, while daughters of low-status parents tend to have higher reproductive success than sons, then we should expect that offspring sex ratio is positively associated with socioeconomic status. This study examines whether the assumptions and prediction of this hypothesis apply to a rural population in northern China. Results show that (1) current family socioeconomic status is positively related to family head’s father’s socioeconomic status in around 1950, (2) low-status family heads have more grandchildren through their daughters than their sons, whereas high- or middle-status family heads have more grandchildren through sons, and (3) as family heads’ status increases, they tend to produce a higher offspring sex ratio. Therefore, the assumptions and prediction of the hypothesis are met in the study population. These results are discussed in reference to past studies on sex ratio manipulation among humans. PMID:28674672

Interaction between the vestibulo-collic reflex and the cervico-collic stretch reflex in the decerebrate cat.

PubMed Central

Dutia, M B; Price, R F

1987-01-01

1. Interactions between the sagittal vestibulo-collic reflex (v.c.r.) and the cervico-collic stretch reflex (c.c.r.) have been studied in the neck extensor muscles biventer cervicis (b.c.) in the decerebrate cat. The v.c.r. was evoked by a 'standard' vestibular stimulus consisting of a sinusoidal nose-up, nose-down head movement of 6-8 deg amplitude at 1 Hz. The c.c.r. was evoked by sinusoidal stretching of the b.c. muscles at 1 Hz. The amplitude of muscle stretching, and its phase in relation to head movement, were systematically varied. 2. When muscle stretching was applied in phase with head movement (so that the muscles were stretched as the head moved in the nose-down direction), the gain of the combined (v.c.r. + c.c.r.) reflex in the b.c. muscles increased above that of the v.c.r. If the muscle stretching was applied out of phase with head movement (so that the muscles shortened as the head moved downward), the gain of the combined reflex was reduced to a value below that of the v.c.r. 3. The effects on the gain of the combined reflex varied in proportion to the amplitude of muscle stretching. The gain and phase of the combined reflex is modelled reasonably well by a linear vectorial addition between the v.c.r. and the c.c.r. over a wide range of amplitudes of muscle stretching. The linear summation model contains a proportionality constant K, which may represent a factor by which the two reflexes are 'calibrated' against each other. 4. If one of the b.c. muscles was held at a fixed length and the other stretched sinusoidally, the c.c.r. was evoked only in the stimulated muscle. Vestibular stimulation then summed with the c.c.r in the stimulated muscle, while on the contralateral side the reflex response was the same as that of the v.c.r. alone. It would appear therefore that the motoneurone pools of the b.c. muscles are organized as independent entities without mutually excitatory or inhibitory reflex linkages. This arrangement presumably allows flexibility in the supraspinal control of the b.c. muscles, which are often used either as synergists during sagittal head movement or as antagonists during horizontal or roll movements of the head. 5. The interaction between the v.c.r. and the c.c.r. results in an apparent 'servo-assistance' role for the muscle afferent feed-back from the b.c. muscles, amplifying or attenuating the reflex response of the muscles to a given head movement.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:3498829

Levels of detail analysis of microwave scattering from human head models for brain stroke detection

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In this paper, we have presented a microwave scattering analysis from multiple human head models. This study incorporates different levels of detail in the human head models and its effect on microwave scattering phenomenon. Two levels of detail are taken into account; (i) Simplified ellipse shaped head model (ii) Anatomically realistic head model, implemented using 2-D geometry. In addition, heterogenic and frequency-dispersive behavior of the brain tissues has also been incorporated in our head models. It is identified during this study that the microwave scattering phenomenon changes significantly once the complexity of head model is increased by incorporating more details using magnetic resonance imaging database. It is also found out that the microwave scattering results match in both types of head model (i.e., geometrically simple and anatomically realistic), once the measurements are made in the structurally simplified regions. However, the results diverge considerably in the complex areas of brain due to the arbitrary shape interface of tissue layers in the anatomically realistic head model. After incorporating various levels of detail, the solution of subject microwave scattering problem and the measurement of transmitted and backscattered signals were obtained using finite element method. Mesh convergence analysis was also performed to achieve error free results with a minimum number of mesh elements and a lesser degree of freedom in the fast computational time. The results were promising and the E-Field values converged for both simple and complex geometrical models. However, the E-Field difference between both types of head model at the same reference point differentiated a lot in terms of magnitude. At complex location, a high difference value of 0.04236 V/m was measured compared to the simple location, where it turned out to be 0.00197 V/m. This study also contributes to provide a comparison analysis between the direct and iterative solvers so as to find out the solution of subject microwave scattering problem in a minimum computational time along with memory resources requirement. It is seen from this study that the microwave imaging may effectively be utilized for the detection, localization and differentiation of different types of brain stroke. The simulation results verified that the microwave imaging can be efficiently exploited to study the significant contrast between electric field values of the normal and abnormal brain tissues for the investigation of brain anomalies. In the end, a specific absorption rate analysis was carried out to compare the ionizing effects of microwave signals to different types of head model using a factor of safety for brain tissues. It is also suggested after careful study of various inversion methods in practice for microwave head imaging, that the contrast source inversion method may be more suitable and computationally efficient for such problems. PMID:29177115

Horizontal Transmission of Cytosolic Sup35 Prions by Extracellular Vesicles.

PubMed

Liu, Shu; Hossinger, André; Hofmann, Julia P; Denner, Philip; Vorberg, Ina M

2016-07-12

Prions are infectious protein particles that replicate by templating their aggregated state onto soluble protein of the same type. Originally identified as the causative agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, prions in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) are epigenetic elements of inheritance that induce phenotypic changes of their host cells. The prototype yeast prion is the translation termination factor Sup35. Prions composed of Sup35 or its modular prion domain NM are heritable and are transmitted vertically to progeny or horizontally during mating. Interestingly, in mammalian cells, protein aggregates derived from yeast Sup35 NM behave as true infectious entities that employ dissemination strategies similar to those of mammalian prions. While transmission is most efficient when cells are in direct contact, we demonstrate here that cytosolic Sup35 NM prions are also released into the extracellular space in association with nanometer-sized membrane vesicles. Importantly, extracellular vesicles are biologically active and are taken up by recipient cells, where they induce self-sustained Sup35 NM protein aggregation. Thus, in mammalian cells, extracellular vesicles can serve as dissemination vehicles for protein-based epigenetic information transfer. Prions are proteinaceous infectious particles that propagate by templating their quaternary structure onto nascent proteins of the same kind. Prions in yeast act as heritable epigenetic elements that can alter the phenotype when transmitted to daughter cells or during mating. Prion activity is conferred by so-called prion domains often enriched in glutamine and asparagine residues. Interestingly, many mammalian proteins also contain domains with compositional similarity to yeast prion domains. We have recently provided a proof-of-principle demonstration that a yeast prion domain also retains its prion activity in mammalian cells. We demonstrate here that cytosolic prions composed of a yeast prion domain are also packaged into extracellular vesicles that transmit the prion phenotype to bystander cells. Thus, proteins with prion-like domains can behave as proteinaceous information molecules that exploit the cellular vesicle trafficking machinery for intercellular long-distance dissemination. Copyright © 2016 Liu et al.

The Sociospatial Network: Risk and the Role of Place in the Transmission of Infectious Diseases.

PubMed

Logan, James J; Jolly, Ann M; Blanford, Justine I

2016-01-01

Control of sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne pathogens is challenging due to their presence in groups exhibiting complex social interactions. In particular, sharing injection drug use equipment and selling sex (prostitution) puts people at high risk. Previous work examining the involvement of risk behaviours in social networks has suggested that social and geographic distance of persons within a group contributes to these pathogens' endemicity. In this study, we examine the role of place in the connectedness of street people, selected by respondent driven sampling, in the transmission of blood-borne and sexually transmitted pathogens. A sample of 600 injection drug users, men who have sex with men, street youth and homeless people were recruited in Winnipeg, Canada from January to December, 2009. The residences of participants and those of their social connections were linked to each other and to locations where they engaged in risk activity. Survey responses identified 101 unique sites where respondents participated in injection drug use or sex transactions. Risk sites and respondents' residences were geocoded, with residence representing the individuals. The sociospatial network and estimations of geographic areas most likely to be frequented were mapped with network graphs and spatially using a Geographic Information System (GIS). The network with the most nodes connected 7.7% of respondents; consideration of the sociospatial network increased this to 49.7%. The mean distance between any two locations in the network was within 3.5 kilometres. Kernel density estimation revealed key activity spaces where the five largest networks overlapped. Here, the combination of spatial and social entities in network analysis defines the overlap of vulnerable populations in risk space, over and above the person to person links. Implications of this work are far reaching, not just for understanding transmission dynamics of sexually transmitted infections by identifying activity "hotspots" and their intersection with each social network, but also for the spread of other diseases (e.g. tuberculosis) and targeting prevention services.

Social marketing to promote HPV vaccination in pre-teenage children: talk about a sexually transmitted infection.

PubMed

Cates, Joan R; Coyne-Beasley, Tamera

2015-01-01

A significant barrier to the delivery of HPV vaccine is reluctance by both healthcare providers and parents to vaccinate at age 11 or 12, which may be considered a young age. This barrier has been called "vaccine hesitancy" in recent research. In this commentary, we suggest using social marketing strategies to promote HPV vaccination at the recommended preteen ages. We emphasize a critical public health message of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as preventable and vaccination against HPV as a way to protect against its consequences. The message tackles the issue of vaccine hesitancy head on, by saying that most people are at risk for HPV and there is a way to prevent HPV's serious consequences of cancer. Our approach to this conversation in the clinical setting is also to engage the preteen in a dialog with the parent and provider. We expect our emphasis on the risk of STI infection will not only lead to increased HPV vaccination at preteen ages but also lay important groundwork for clinical adoption of other STI vaccines in development (HIV, HSV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea) as well as begin conversations to promote sexual health.

Social marketing to promote HPV vaccination in pre-teenage children: Talk about a sexually transmitted infection

PubMed Central

Cates, Joan R; Coyne-Beasley, Tamera

2015-01-01

A significant barrier to the delivery of HPV vaccine is reluctance by both healthcare providers and parents to vaccinate at age 11 or 12, which may be considered a young age. This barrier has been called “vaccine hesitancy” in recent research. In this commentary, we suggest using social marketing strategies to promote HPV vaccination at the recommended preteen ages. We emphasize a critical public health message of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as preventable and vaccination against HPV as a way to protect against its consequences. The message tackles the issue of vaccine hesitancy head on, by saying that most people are at risk for HPV and there is a way to prevent HPV's serious consequences of cancer. Our approach to this conversation in the clinical setting is also to engage the preteen in a dialog with the parent and provider. We expect our emphasis on the risk of STI infection will not only lead to increased HPV vaccination at preteen ages but also lay important groundwork for clinical adoption of other STI vaccines in development (HIV, HSV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea) as well as begin conversations to promote sexual health. PMID:25692313

Transceiver-Phased Arrays for Human Brain Studies at 7 T

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The paper describes technological advances in high-field (7 T) transceiver-phased arrays developed for magnetic resonance imaging of the human brain. The first part of this work describes an 8-element inductively decoupled split elliptical transceiver-phased array with selectable geometry, which provides an easy and efficient way of compensating for changes in mutual inductive coupling associated with difference in loading due to variability in head shape and size. The second part of the work describes a double-row 16-element (2 × 8) transceiver array to extend the homogeneous transmit B1 profile in the longitudinal direction. Multiplexing eight transmit channels between the two rows of the array provides homogeneous excitation over the entire volume. The final section describes design and construction of a double-tuned 31P/1H 16-element (8 at each frequency) array. The array improves transmission efficiency and B1 homogeneity at 1H frequency in comparison with 31P/1H quadrature transverse electromagnetic volume coil. For 31P studies, the array also improves transmission efficiency (38%), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for central brain locations (20%) and provides substantially greater SNR (up to 400%) for peripheral locations. PMID:23516332

Shock wave attenuation by grids and orifice plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Britan, A.; Igra, O.; Ben-Dor, G.; Shapiro, H.

2006-11-01

The interaction of weak shock waves with porous barriers of different geometries and porosities is examined. Installing a barrier inside the shock tube test section will cause the development of the following wave pattern upon a head-on collision between the incident shock wave and the barrier: a reflected shock from the barrier and a transmitted shock propagating towards the shock tube end wall. Once the transmitted shock wave reaches the end wall it is reflected back towards the barrier. This is the beginning of multiple reflections between the barrier and the end wall. This full cycle of shock reflections/interactions resulting from the incident shock wave collision with the barrier can be studied in a single shock tube test. A one-dimensional (1D), inviscid flow model was proposed for simulating the flow resulting from the initial collision of the incident shock wave with the barrier. Fairly good agreement is found between experimental findings and simulations based on a 1D flow model. Based on obtained numerical and experimental findings an optimal design procedure for shock wave attenuator is suggested. The suggested attenuator may ensure the safety of the shelter’s ventilation systems.

A portable high-definition electronic endoscope based on embedded system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Guang; Wang, Liqiang; Xu, Jin

2012-11-01

This paper presents a low power and portable highdefinition (HD) electronic endoscope based on CortexA8 embedded system. A 1/6 inch CMOS image sensor is used to acquire HD images with 1280 *800 pixels. The camera interface of A8 is designed to support images of various sizes and support multiple inputs of video format such as ITUR BT601/ 656 standard. Image rotation (90 degrees clockwise) and image process functions are achieved by CAMIF. The decode engine of the processor plays back or records HD videos at speed of 30 frames per second, builtin HDMI interface transmits high definition images to the external display. Image processing procedures such as demosaicking, color correction and auto white balance are realized on the A8 platform. Other functions are selected through OSD settings. An LCD panel displays the real time images. The snapshot pictures or compressed videos are saved in an SD card or transmited to a computer through USB interface. The size of the camera head is 4×4.8×15 mm with more than 3 meters working distance. The whole endoscope system can be powered by a lithium battery, with the advantages of miniature, low cost and portability.

The effectiveness of low-cost teleconsultation for emergency head computer tomography in patients with suspected stroke.

PubMed

Phabphal, Kanitpong; Hirunpatch, Siriporn

2008-01-01

Teleradiology in an emergency situation can be used to support rapid neurological decision-making when specialists are remote from the hospital concerned. We have developed a low-cost system using a PDA phone as the receiving equipment. The experimental system was based on a notebook PC to send the images and a PDA phone to receive them. We used commercially available toolbar software for transmitting the information through the mobile phone network. A total of 100 images from clinically suspected strokes within the previous 24 hours were transmitted to a neurologist. The mean size of the original picture was 20.9 kByte and the images were compressed by approximately 2:1 before transmission. The mean transmission time was 48 s per image. The diagnosis from the PDA phone image was in complete agreement with the diagnosis from the original image in cases of acute ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, metastasis and in normal scans. However, there was agreement in only 7 of the 8 cases (88%) of subarachnoid haemorrhage. The overall transmission cost was 400 Thai baht per case. The study showed that good accuracy can be achieved with a low-cost system for teleradiology consultation in stroke.

Laser ablation system, and method of decontaminating surfaces

DOEpatents

Ferguson, Russell L.; Edelson, Martin C.; Pang, Ho-ming

1998-07-14

A laser ablation system comprising a laser head providing a laser output; a flexible fiber optic cable optically coupled to the laser output and transmitting laser light; an output optics assembly including a nozzle through which laser light passes; an exhaust tube in communication with the nozzle; and a blower generating a vacuum on the exhaust tube. A method of decontaminating a surface comprising the following steps: providing an acousto-optic, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser light ablation system having a fiber optically coupled output optics assembly; and operating the laser light ablation system to produce an irradiance greater than 1.times.10.sup.7 W/cm.sup.2, and a pulse width between 80 and 170 ns.

Morphometric variability among the species of the Sordida subcomplex (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae): evidence for differentiation across the distribution range of Triatoma sordida.

PubMed

Nattero, Julieta; Piccinali, Romina Valeria; Macedo Lopes, Catarina; Hernández, María Laura; Abrahan, Luciana; Lobbia, Patricia Alejandra; Rodríguez, Claudia Susana; Carbajal de la Fuente, Ana Laura

2017-09-06

The Sordida subcomplex (Triatominae) comprises four species, Triatoma garciabesi, T. guasayana, T. patagonica and T. sordida, which differ in epidemiological importance and adaptations to human environments. Some morphological similarities among species make taxonomic identification, population differentiation and species delimitation controversial. Triatoma garciabesi and T. sordida are the most similar species, having been considered alternatively two and a single species until T. garciabesi was re-validated, mostly based on the morphology of male genitalia. More recently, T. sordida from Argentina has been proposed as a new cryptic species distinguishable from T. sordida from Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay by cytogenetics. We studied linear and geometric morphometry of the head, wings and pronotum in populations of these species aiming to find phenotypic markers for their discrimination, especially between T. sordida and T. garciabesi, and if any set of variables that validates T. sordida from Argentina as a new species. Head width and pronotum length were the linear variables that best differentiated species. Geometric morphometry revealed significant Mahalanobis distances in wing shape between all pairwise comparisons. Triatoma patagonica exhibited the best discrimination and T. garciabesi overlapped the distribution of the other species in the morphometric space of the first two DFA axes. Head shape showed differentiation between all pairs of species except for T. garciabesi and T. sordida. Pronotum shape did not differentiate T. garciabesi from T. guasayana. The comparison between T. garciabesi and T. sordida from Argentina and T. sordida from Brazil and Bolivia revealed low differentiation based on head and pronotum linear measurements. Pronotum and wing shape were different between T. garciabesi and T. sordida from Brazil and Bolivia and T. sordida from Argentina. Head shape did not differentiate T. garciabesi from T. sordida from Argentina. Wing shape best delimited the four species phenotypically. The proposed cryptic species, T. sordida from Argentina, differed from T. sordida from Brazil and Bolivia in all measured shape traits, suggesting that the putative new species may not be cryptic. Additional studies integrating cytogenetic, phenotypic and molecular markers, as well as cross-breeding experiments are needed to confirm if these three entities represent true biological species.

Millimeter spatial resolution in vivo sodium MRI of the human eye at 7 T using a dedicated radiofrequency transceiver array.

PubMed

Wenz, Daniel; Kuehne, Andre; Huelnhagen, Till; Nagel, Armin M; Waiczies, Helmar; Weinberger, Oliver; Oezerdem, Celal; Stachs, Oliver; Langner, Soenke; Seeliger, Erdmann; Flemming, Bert; Hodge, Russell; Niendorf, Thoralf

2018-08-01

The aim of this study was to achieve millimeter spatial resolution sodium in vivo MRI of the human eye at 7 T using a dedicated six-channel transceiver array. We present a detailed description of the radiofrequency coil design, along with electromagnetic field and specific absorption ratio simulations, data validation, and in vivo application. Electromagnetic field and specific absorption ratio simulations were performed. Transmit field uniformity was optimized by using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. Transmit field mapping was conducted using a phase-sensitive method. An in vivo feasibility study was carried out with 3-dimensional density-adapted projection reconstruction imaging technique. Measured transmit field distribution agrees well with the one obtained from simulations. The specific absorption ratio simulations confirm that the radiofrequency coil is safe for clinical use. Our radiofrequency coil is light and conforms to an average human head. High spatial resolution (nominal 1.4 and 1.0 mm isotropic) sodium in vivo images of the human eye were acquired within scan times suitable for clinical applications (∼ 10 min). Three most important eye compartments in the context of sodium physiology were clearly delineated in all of the images: the vitreous humor, the aqueous humor, and the lens. Our results provide encouragement for further clinical studies. The implications for research into eye diseases including ocular melanoma, cataract, and glaucoma are discussed. Magn Reson Med 80:672-684, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Orbital invasion routes of non-melanoma skin cancers and survival outcomes.

PubMed

Dundar, Yusuf; Cannon, Richard; Wiggins, Richard; Monroe, Marcus M; Buchmann, Luke O; Hunt, Jason P

2018-02-21

Overall non-melanoma head and neck skin cancer has a good prognosis; however, rarely patients have an aggressive variant which results in orbital invasion via perineural spread or direct extension. Despite these consequences, there are limited published studies defining this clinical entity. The main objectives of the current study are to describe orbital invasion patterns of non-melanoma head and neck skin cancers and their impact on survival. Retrospective case series from a tertiary-care, academic institution performed between 2004 and 2014. Demographic and tumour characteristics are reported as well as patterns of orbital invasion, types of treatments received, and survival outcomes. There were 17 consecutive patients with non-melanoma skin cancer and orbital invasion who met inclusion criteria. Average age at orbital invasion diagnosis was 70.8 years old. 76% were male. Mean follow-up time was 28.5 months. Of these patients, 71% had squamous cell carcinoma and 29% had basal cell carcinoma. Brow (41%) was the most common primary sub-site followed by cheek (23%) and temple (12%). 76% of patients had a history of prior treatment. The lateral orbital wall (41%) was the most common site of invasion, followed by the medial orbital wall (29%) and antero-superior invasion (23%). Age, histology, and location of orbital invasion were associated with disease-specific and overall survival. Orbital invasion for non-melanoma head and neck skin cancers creates a treatment dilemma and the patterns of invasion are described. In addition, the location of orbital invasion is associated with survival outcomes.

[Minor head injury management in Spain: a multicenter national survey].

PubMed

Brell, M; Ibáñez, J

2001-01-01

Despite of the high incidence of minor head injury, there is still controversy and disparity of criteria regarding its management. The lack of consensual protocols and clinical guidelines can lead to deficiencies in the attention to these patients and to inadequate use of resources. The objective of this study has been to describe the present situation of the management of this entity in the neurosurgical departments of the Spanish public hospitals, and to compare it with other European countries. A 57-item questionnaire regarding different aspects of minor head injury was designed and distributed to the 66 neurosurgical departments of the Spanish National Health System between December 1999 and February 2000. A 83.3% of responses were obtained. More than 92,000 patients per year are assisted at the Spanish third-level hospitals (general hospitals) after suffering a minor head injury. In-hospital on duty neurosurgeons are not available in 49.1% of the Spanish neurosurgical departments. Only in 7.3% of the centres the neurosurgeon is the first physician that assists these patients. However, in 52.7% of the hospitals neurosurgical evaluation is required if the patient refers transient loss of consciousness. A GCS score of 13 is still included in the group of minor head injuries in 29.1% of the centres. Although 89.1% of the surveyed neurosurgical departments considered as satisfactory the attention they provide to these patients, 85.5% think that it would be convenient to elaborate clinical guidelines. Cranial x-ray is considered a useful diagnostic tool by only 38.2% of the centres, however, 89.1% of them still use it as a routine. CT-scan is systematically indicated in all patients after suffering a mild head trauma only in 5.5% of the centres, although it is completely available in 74.5% of them. The study of economical costs shows that choosing cranial CT as screening tool in these patients would mean a 40.6% reduction in costs compared to a management based on x-ray plus in-hospital observation. This study shows the inter-hospital variability of minor head injury management in Spain. Clinical guidelines are considered as positive and necessary. Although the Spanish situation is similar to that in other European countries, following the tendency toward a broader cranial CT utilisation, would improve diagnosis profitability and economical efficiency. The results of this study may contribute to the creation of consensual protocols and clinical guidelines in our country that help in daily practice decision-making optimising assistance quality.

Encoding of Fundamental Chemical Entities of Organic Reactivity Interest using chemical ontology and XML.

PubMed

Durairaj, Vijayasarathi; Punnaivanam, Sankar

2015-09-01

Fundamental chemical entities are identified in the context of organic reactivity and classified as appropriate concept classes namely ElectronEntity, AtomEntity, AtomGroupEntity, FunctionalGroupEntity and MolecularEntity. The entity classes and their subclasses are organized into a chemical ontology named "ChemEnt" for the purpose of assertion, restriction and modification of properties through entity relations. Individual instances of entity classes are defined and encoded as a library of chemical entities in XML. The instances of entity classes are distinguished with a unique notation and identification values in order to map them with the ontology definitions. A model GUI named Entity Table is created to view graphical representations of all the entity instances. The detection of chemical entities in chemical structures is achieved through suitable algorithms. The possibility of asserting properties to the entities at different levels and the mechanism of property flow within the hierarchical entity levels is outlined. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Seven-tesla time-of-flight angiography using a 16-channel parallel transmit system with power-constrained 3-dimensional spoke radiofrequency pulse design.

PubMed

Schmitter, Sebastian; Wu, Xiaoping; Auerbach, Edward J; Adriany, Gregor; Pfeuffer, Josef; Hamm, Michael; Uğurbil, Kâmil; van de Moortele, Pierre-François

2014-05-01

Ultrahigh magnetic fields of 7 T or higher have proven to significantly enhance the contrast in time-of-flight (TOF) imaging, one of the most commonly used non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography techniques. Compared with lower field strength, however, the required radiofrequency (RF) power is increased at 7 T and the contrast obtained with a conventional head transmit RF coil is typically spatially heterogeneous.In this work, we addressed the contrast heterogeneity in multislab TOF acquisitions by optimizing the excitation flip angle homogeneity while constraining the RF power using 3-dimensional tailored RF pulses ("spokes") with a 16-channel parallel transmission system and a 16-channel transceiver head coil. We investigated in simulations and in vivo experiments flip angle homogeneity and angiogram quality with a same 3-slab TOF protocol for different excitations including 1-, 2-, and 3-spoke parallel transmit RF pulses and compared the results with a circularly polarized (CP) phase setting similar to a birdcage excitation. B1 and B0 calibration maps were obtained in multiple slices, and the RF pulse for each slab was designed on the basis of 3 calibration slices located at the bottom/middle/top of each slab, respectively. By design, all excitations were computed to generate the same total RF power for the same flip angle. In 8 subjects, we quantified the excitation homogeneity and the distribution of the RF power to individual channels. In addition, we investigated the consequences of local flip angle variations at the junction between adjacent slabs as well as the impact of ΔB0 on image quality. The flip angle heterogeneity, expressed as the coefficient of variation, averaged over all volunteers and all slabs could be reduced from 29.4% for CP mode excitation to 14.1% for a 1-spoke excitation and to 7.3% for 2-spoke excitations. A separate detailed analysis shows only a marginal improvement for 3-spoke compared with the 2-spoke excitation. The strong improvement in flip angle homogeneity particularly impacted the junction between adjacent TOF slabs, where significant residual artifacts observed with 1-spoke excitation could be efficiently mitigated using a 2-spoke excitation with same RF power and same average flip angle. Although the total RF power is maintained at the same level than that in CP mode excitation, the energy distribution is fairly heterogeneous through the 16 transmit channels for 1- and 2-spoke excitations, with the highest energy for 1 channel being a factor of 2.4 (1 spoke) and 2.2 (2 spokes) higher than that in CP mode. In vivo experiments demonstrated the necessity for including ΔB0 spatial variations during 2-spoke RF pulse design, particularly in areas with strong local susceptibility variations such as the lower frontal lobe. Significant improvement in excitation fidelity leading to improved TOF contrast, particularly in the brain periphery, as well as smooth slab transitions can be achieved with 2-spoke excitation while maintaining the same excitation energy as that in CP mode. These results suggest that expanding parallel transmit methods, including the use of multidimensional spatially selective excitation, will also be very beneficial for other techniques, such as perfusion imaging.

Seven-tesla time-of-flight angiography using a 16-channel parallel transmit system with power-constrained 3-dimensional spoke radiofrequency pulse design

PubMed Central

Schmitter, Sebastian; Wu, Xiaoping; Auerbach, Edward J.; Adriany, Gregor; Pfeuffer, Josef; Hamm, Michael; Ugurbil, Kamil; Van de Moortele, Pierre-Francois

2015-01-01

Objectives Ultra high magnetic fields of ≥7 Tesla have proven to significantly enhance the contrast in time-of-flight (TOF) imaging, one of the most commonly used non-contrast enhanced MR angiography techniques. Compared to lower field strength, however, the required RF power is increased at 7 Tesla and the contrast obtained with a conventional head transmit RF coil is typically spatially heterogeneous. In this work we address the contrast heterogeneity in multi-slab TOF acquisitions by optimizing the excitation flip angle homogeneity while constraining the RF power using 3D tailored RF pulses (“spokes”) with a 16 channel parallel transmission system and a 16 channel transceiver head coil. Material and Methods We investigate in simulations and in-vivo experiments flip angle homogeneity and angiogram quality with a same 3-slab TOF protocol for different excitations including 1-, 2- and 3-spoke parallel transmit RF pulses and compare the results with a circularly polarized (CP) phase setting similar to a birdcage excitation. B1 and B0 calibration maps were obtained in multiple slices and the RF pulse for each slab was designed based on 3 calibration slices located at the bottom/middle/top of each slab respectively. By design, all excitations were computed to generate the same total RF power for the same flip angle. In 8 subjects we quantify the excitation homogeneity and the distribution of the RF power to individual channels. In addition, we investigate the consequences of local flip angle variations at the junction between adjacent slabs as well as the impact of ΔB0 on image quality. Results The flip angle heterogeneity, expressed as the coefficient of variation, averaged over all volunteers and all slabs could be reduced from 29.4% for CP mode excitation to 14.1% for a 1-spoke excitation and to 7.3% for a 2-spoke excitations. A separate detailed analysis shows only a marginal improvement for 3-spoke compared to the 2-spoke excitation. The strong improvement in flip angle homogeneity particularly impacted the junction between adjacent TOF slabs, where significant residual artifacts observed with 1-spoke excitation could be efficiently mitigated using a 2-spoke excitation with same RF power and same average flip angle. Even though the total RF power is maintained at the same level than in CP mode excitation, the energy distribution is fairly heterogeneous through the 16 transmit channels for 1- and 2-spoke excitation, with the highest energy for one channel being a factor of 2.4 (1-spoke) and 2.2 (2-spoke) higher than in CP mode. In vivo experiments demonstrate the necessity of including ΔB0 spatial variations during 2-spoke RF pulse design, in particular in areas with strong local susceptibility variations such as the lower frontal lobe. Conclusion Significant improvement in excitation fidelity leading to improved TOF contrast, particularly in the brain periphery, as well as smooth slab transitions can be achieved with 2-spoke excitation while maintaining the same excitation energy as in CP mode. These results suggest that expanding parallel transmit methods, including the use of multi-dimensional spatially selective excitation, will also be very beneficial for other techniques, such as perfusion imaging. PMID:24598439

Fishtail deformity--a delayed complication of distal humeral fractures in children.

PubMed

Narayanan, Srikala; Shailam, Randheer; Grottkau, Brian E; Nimkin, Katherine

2015-06-01

Concavity in the central portion of the distal humerus is referred to as fishtail deformity. This entity is a rare complication of distal humeral fractures in children. The purpose of this study is to describe imaging features of post-traumatic fishtail deformity and discuss the pathophysiology. We conducted a retrospective analysis of seven cases of fishtail deformity after distal humeral fractures. Seven children ages 7-14 years (five boys, two girls) presented with elbow pain and history of distal humeral fracture. Four of the seven children had limited range of motion. Five children had prior grade 3 supracondylar fracture treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. One child had a medial condylar fracture and another had a lateral condylar fracture; both had been treated with conservative casting. All children had radiographs, five had CT and three had MRI. All children had a concave central defect in the distal humerus. Other imaging features included joint space narrowing with osteophytes and subchondral cystic changes in four children, synovitis in one, hypertrophy or subluxation of the radial head in three and proximal migration of the ulna in two. Fishtail deformity of the distal humerus is a rare complication of distal humeral fractures in children. This entity is infrequently reported in the radiology literature. Awareness of the classic imaging features can result in earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Presenting symptoms and clinical findings in HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer patients.

PubMed

Carpén, Timo; Sjöblom, Anni; Lundberg, Marie; Haglund, Caj; Markkola, Antti; Syrjänen, Stina; Tarkkanen, Jussi; Mäkitie, Antti; Hagström, Jaana; Mattila, Petri

2018-05-01

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is divided in two different disease entities depending on HPV involvement. We investigated differences in presenting symptoms and clinical findings in patients with HPV-positive and -negative OPSCC tumors. Altogether 118 consecutive patients diagnosed with primary OPSCC between 2012 and 2014 at the Helsinki University Hospital were included. HPV-status of the tumors was assessed by PCR detection of HPV DNA and immunostaining with p16-INK4a antibody. Fifty-one (47.7%) of the patients had HPV-positive and 56 (52.3%) HPV-negative tumors. Forty-nine (49/51, 96.1%) of the HPV+ tumors were also p16+ showing high concordance. The most common presenting symptom among HPV+/p16+ patients was a neck mass (53.1%), whereas any sort of pain in the head and neck area was more frequently related to the HPV-/p16- (60.0%) group. HPV+/p16+ tumors had a tendency to locate in the tonsillar complex and more likely had already spread into regional lymph nodes compared with HPV-/p16- tumors. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption were significantly more common among HPV-/p16- patients but also rather common among HPV+/p16+ patients. This analysis of symptoms and signs confirm that OPSCC can be dichotomized in two distinct disease entities as defined by HPV status.

Efficient chemical-disease identification and relationship extraction using Wikipedia to improve recall

PubMed Central

Lowe, Daniel M.; O’Boyle, Noel M.; Sayle, Roger A.

2016-01-01

Awareness of the adverse effects of chemicals is important in biomedical research and healthcare. Text mining can allow timely and low-cost extraction of this knowledge from the biomedical literature. We extended our text mining solution, LeadMine, to identify diseases and chemical-induced disease relationships (CIDs). LeadMine is a dictionary/grammar-based entity recognizer and was used to recognize and normalize both chemicals and diseases to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) IDs. The disease lexicon was obtained from three sources: MeSH, the Disease Ontology and Wikipedia. The Wikipedia dictionary was derived from pages with a disease/symptom box, or those where the page title appeared in the lexicon. Composite entities (e.g. heart and lung disease) were detected and mapped to their composite MeSH IDs. For CIDs, we developed a simple pattern-based system to find relationships within the same sentence. Our system was evaluated in the BioCreative V Chemical–Disease Relation task and achieved very good results for both disease concept ID recognition (F1-score: 86.12%) and CIDs (F1-score: 52.20%) on the test set. As our system was over an order of magnitude faster than other solutions evaluated on the task, we were able to apply the same system to the entirety of MEDLINE allowing us to extract a collection of over 250 000 distinct CIDs. PMID:27060160

Multiple intraosseous inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors presenting with an aggressive clinical course: case report.

PubMed

Sasagawa, Yasuo; Akai, Takuya; Itou, Shoutarou; Iizuka, Hideaki

2011-10-01

The authors report a rare case of multiple intraosseous inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors presenting with an aggressive clinical course. A 60-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of headache and 2 weeks of jaw pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a homogeneously enhancing mass in the right parietal bone with subcutaneous and intracranial invasion. Bone scintigraphy revealed 4 intraosseous lesions involving the cranium, mandible, ischium, and calcaneum. After admission, the patient showed left hemiparesis and seizures caused by rapid intracranial tumor extension. The cranial and mandible tumors were resected. Histopathological examinations of both specimens revealed myofibroblastic spindle cell proliferation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor was made. Two days postoperatively, the patient presented with a high fever and disturbance of consciousness with swelling of the subcutaneous tissues of the head and mandibular lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a massive intracranial extension of the tumor. Corticosteroid therapy induced remarkable shrinkage of all lesions, and relief from symptoms was obtained. Radiotherapy was then performed for residual tumors. Multiple intraosseous inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the bone are very uncommon and may mimic malignant tumors. It is important to recognize that this entity can occur in the cranium and as multiple bony lesions. The recommended treatment is complete surgical resection with adjuvant steroid treatment. Considering the aggressive nature of this entity, additional chemo- and/or radiotherapy may be warranted.

Adaptive quantization of local field potentials for wireless implants in freely moving animals: an open-source neural recording device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, Dominique; Clément, Maxime; Messaoudi, Belkacem; Gervasoni, Damien; Litaudon, Philippe; Buonviso, Nathalie

2018-04-01

Objective. Modern neuroscience research requires electrophysiological recording of local field potentials (LFPs) in moving animals. Wireless transmission has the advantage of removing the wires between the animal and the recording equipment but is hampered by the large number of data to be sent at a relatively high rate. Approach. To reduce transmission bandwidth, we propose an encoder/decoder scheme based on adaptive non-uniform quantization. Our algorithm uses the current transmitted codeword to adapt the quantization intervals to changing statistics in LFP signals. It is thus backward adaptive and does not require the sending of side information. The computational complexity is low and similar at the encoder and decoder sides. These features allow for real-time signal recovery and facilitate hardware implementation with low-cost commercial microcontrollers. Main results. As proof-of-concept, we developed an open-source neural recording device called NeRD. The NeRD prototype digitally transmits eight channels encoded at 10 kHz with 2 bits per sample. It occupies a volume of 2  ×  2  ×  2 cm3 and weighs 8 g with a small battery allowing for 2 h 40 min of autonomy. The power dissipation is 59.4 mW for a communication range of 8 m and transmission losses below 0.1%. The small weight and low power consumption offer the possibility of mounting the entire device on the head of a rodent without resorting to a separate head-stage and battery backpack. The NeRD prototype is validated in recording LFPs in freely moving rats at 2 bits per sample while maintaining an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (>30 dB) over a range of noisy channels. Significance. Adaptive quantization in neural implants allows for lower transmission bandwidths while retaining high signal fidelity and preserving fundamental frequencies in LFPs.

Adaptive quantization of local field potentials for wireless implants in freely moving animals: an open-source neural recording device.

PubMed

Martinez, Dominique; Clément, Maxime; Messaoudi, Belkacem; Gervasoni, Damien; Litaudon, Philippe; Buonviso, Nathalie

2018-04-01

Modern neuroscience research requires electrophysiological recording of local field potentials (LFPs) in moving animals. Wireless transmission has the advantage of removing the wires between the animal and the recording equipment but is hampered by the large number of data to be sent at a relatively high rate. To reduce transmission bandwidth, we propose an encoder/decoder scheme based on adaptive non-uniform quantization. Our algorithm uses the current transmitted codeword to adapt the quantization intervals to changing statistics in LFP signals. It is thus backward adaptive and does not require the sending of side information. The computational complexity is low and similar at the encoder and decoder sides. These features allow for real-time signal recovery and facilitate hardware implementation with low-cost commercial microcontrollers. As proof-of-concept, we developed an open-source neural recording device called NeRD. The NeRD prototype digitally transmits eight channels encoded at 10 kHz with 2 bits per sample. It occupies a volume of 2  ×  2  ×  2 cm 3 and weighs 8 g with a small battery allowing for 2 h 40 min of autonomy. The power dissipation is 59.4 mW for a communication range of 8 m and transmission losses below 0.1%. The small weight and low power consumption offer the possibility of mounting the entire device on the head of a rodent without resorting to a separate head-stage and battery backpack. The NeRD prototype is validated in recording LFPs in freely moving rats at 2 bits per sample while maintaining an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (>30 dB) over a range of noisy channels. Adaptive quantization in neural implants allows for lower transmission bandwidths while retaining high signal fidelity and preserving fundamental frequencies in LFPs.

Deep-brain stimulator and control of Parkinson's disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varadan, Vijay K.; Harbaugh, Robert; Abraham, Jose K.

2004-07-01

The design of a novel feedback sensor system with wireless implantable polymer MEMS sensors for detecting and wirelessly transmitting physiological data that can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, head injury, stroke, hydrocephalus, changes in pressure, patient movements, and tremors is presented in this paper. The sensor system includes MEMS gyroscopes, accelerometers, and pressure sensors. This feedback sensor system focuses on the development and integration of implantable systems with various wireless sensors for medical applications, particularly for the Parkinson's disease. It is easy to integrate and modify the sensor network feed back system for other neurological disorders mentioned above. The monitoring and control of tremor in Parkinson's disease can be simulated on a skeleton via wireless telemetry system communicating with electroactive polymer actuator, and microsensors attached to the skeleton hand and legs. Upon sensing any abnormal motor activity which represent the characteristic rhythmic motion of a typical Parkinson's (PD) patient, these sensors will generate necessary control pulses which will be transmitted to a hat sensor system on the skeleton head. Tiny inductively coupled antennas attached to the hat sensor system can receive these control pulses, demodulate and deliver it to actuate the parts of the skeleton to control the abnormal motor activity. This feedback sensor system can further monitor and control depending on the amplitude of the abnormal motor activity. This microsystem offers cost effective means of monitoring and controlling of neurological disorders in real PD patients. Also, this network system offers a remote monitoring of the patients conditions without visiting doctors office or hospitals. The data can be monitored using PDA and can be accessed using internet (or cell phone). Cellular phone technology will allow a health care worker to be automatically notified if monitoring indicates an emergency situation. The main advantage of such system is that it can effectively monitor large number of patients at the same time, which helps to compensate the present shortage of health care workers.

Sequencing of a new target genome: the Pediculus humanus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) genome project.

PubMed

Pittendrigh, B R; Clark, J M; Johnston, J S; Lee, S H; Romero-Severson, J; Dasch, G A

2006-11-01

The human body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus (L.), and the human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, belong to the hemimetabolous order Phthiraptera. The body louse is the primary vector that transmits the bacterial agents of louse-borne relapsing fever, trench fever, and epidemic typhus. The genomes of the bacterial causative agents of several of these aforementioned diseases have been sequenced. Thus, determining the body louse genome will enhance studies of host-vector-pathogen interactions. Although not important as a major disease vector, head lice are of major social concern. Resistance to traditional pesticides used to control head and body lice have developed. It is imperative that new molecular targets be discovered for the development of novel compounds to control these insects. No complete genome sequence exists for a hemimetabolous insect species primarily because hemimetabolous insects often have large (2000 Mb) to very large (up to 16,300 Mb) genomes. Fortuitously, we determined that the human body louse has one of the smallest genome sizes known in insects, suggesting it may be a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome in which many genes have been eliminated during its adaptation to human parasitism. Because many louse species infest birds and mammals, the body louse genome-sequencing project will facilitate studies of their comparative genomics. A 6-8X coverage of the body louse genome, plus sequenced expressed sequence tags, should provide the entomological, evolutionary biology, medical, and public health communities with useful genetic information.

Decoupling of a tight-fit transceiver phased array for human brain imaging at 9.4T: Loop overlapping rediscovered.

PubMed

Avdievich, Nikolai I; Giapitzakis, Ioannis-Angelos; Pfrommer, Andreas; Henning, Anke

2018-02-01

To improve the decoupling of a transceiver human head phased array at ultra-high fields (UHF, ≥ 7T) and to optimize its transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) performance, a single-row eight-element (1 × 8) tight-fit transceiver overlapped loop array was developed and constructed. Overlapping the loops increases the RF field penetration depth but can compromise decoupling by generating substantial mutual resistance. Based on analytical modeling, we optimized the loop geometry and relative positioning to simultaneously minimize the resistive and inductive coupling and constructed a 9.4T eight-loop transceiver head phased array decoupled entirely by overlapping loops. We demonstrated that both the magnetic and electric coupling between adjacent loops is compensated at the same time by overlapping and nearly perfect decoupling (below -30 dB) can be obtained without additional decoupling strategies. Tx-efficiency and SNR of the overlapped array outperformed that of a common UHF gapped array of similar dimensions. Parallel Rx-performance was also not compromised due to overlapping the loops. As a proof of concept we developed and constructed a 9.4T (400 MHz) overlapped transceiver head array based on results of the analytical modeling. We demonstrated that at UHF overlapping loops not only provides excellent decoupling but also improves both Tx- and Rx-performance. Magn Reson Med 79:1200-1211, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Computation of high-resolution SAR distributions in a head due to a radiating dipole antenna representing a hand-held mobile phone.

PubMed

Van de Kamer, J B; Lagendijk, J J W

2002-05-21

SAR distributions in a healthy female adult head as a result of a radiating vertical dipole antenna (frequency 915 MHz) representing a hand-held mobile phone have been computed for three different resolutions: 2 mm, 1 mm and 0.4 mm. The extremely high resolution of 0.4 mm was obtained with our quasistatic zooming technique, which is briefly described in this paper. For an effectively transmitted power of 0.25 W, the maximum averaged SAR values in both cubic- and arbitrary-shaped volumes are, respectively, about 1.72 and 2.55 W kg(-1) for 1 g and 0.98 and 1.73 W kg(-1) for 10 g of tissue. These numbers do not vary much (<8%) for the different resolutions, indicating that SAR computations at a resolution of 2 mm are sufficiently accurate to describe the large-scale distribution. However, considering the detailed SAR pattern in the head, large differences may occur if high-resolution computations are performed rather than low-resolution ones. These deviations are caused by both increased modelling accuracy and improved anatomical description in higher resolution simulations. For example, the SAR profile across a boundary between tissues with high dielectric contrast is much more accurately described at higher resolutions. Furthermore, low-resolution dielectric geometries may suffer from loss of anatomical detail, which greatly affects small-scale SAR distributions. Thus. for strongly inhomogeneous regions high-resolution SAR modelling is an absolute necessity.

Oncologic PET/MRI, part 1: tumors of the brain, head and neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

PubMed

Buchbender, Christian; Heusner, Till A; Lauenstein, Thomas C; Bockisch, Andreas; Antoch, Gerald

2012-06-01

In oncology, staging forms the basis for prognostic consideration and directly influences patient care by determining the therapeutic approach. Cross-sectional imaging techniques, especially when combined with PET information, play an important role in cancer staging. With the recent introduction of integrated whole-body PET/MRI into clinical practice, a novel metabolic-anatomic imaging technique is now available. PET/MRI seems to be highly accurate in T-staging of tumor entities for which MRI has traditionally been favored, such as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. By adding functional MRI to PET, PET/MRI may further improve diagnostic accuracy in the differentiation of scar tissue from recurrence of tumors such as rectal cancer. This hypothesis will have to be assessed in future studies. With regard to N-staging, PET/MRI does not seem to provide a considerable benefit as compared with PET/CT but provides similar N-staging accuracy when applied as a whole-body staging approach. M-staging will benefit from MRI accuracy in the brain and the liver. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available first experiences with PET/MRI and to outline the potential value of PET/MRI in oncologic applications for which data on PET/MRI are still lacking.

Neurosurgical interventions for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a single institution experience

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a frequent head and neck cancer in southern China and Southeast Asia. The majority of NPC patients are managed by radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and head and neck surgeons. Actually, neurosurgical interventions are warranted under specific circumstances. In this article, we described our experience as neurosurgeons in the management of NPC patients. Methods Medical records of NPC patients who received neurosurgical procedure at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were reviewed. Results Twenty-seven patients were identified. Among 27 cases, neurosurgical procedures were performed in 18 (66.7%) with radiation-induced temporal necrosis, 2 (7.4%) with radiation-induced sarcoma, 4 (14.8%) with synchronous NPC with primary brain tumors, 2 (7.4%) with recurrent NPC involving skull base, and 1 (3.7%) with metachronous skull eosinophilic granuloma, respectively. The diagnosis is challenging in specific cases and initial misdiagnoses were found in 6 (22.2%) patients. Conclusions For NPC patients with intracranial or skull lesions, the initial diagnosis can be occasionally difficult because of the presence or a history of NPC and related treatment. Unawareness of these entities can result in misdiagnosis and subsequent improper treatment. Neurosurgical interventions are necessary for the diagnosis and treatment for these patients. PMID:24034781

[Hemangiomas and vascular malformations of the head and neck].

PubMed

Hassmann-Poznańska, Elibieta; Kurzyna, Agnieszka

2006-01-01

This paper presents the review of current knowledge regarding vascular lesions of the head and neck. For many years the term hemangioma was used to describe all vascular lesions. Mulliken and Glowacki classified congenital vascular lesions and recognized two distinct entities, hemangiomas-vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Hemangiomas are usually not present at birth, proliferate during first year of life and then involute. They are composed of proliferating endothelial cells. Vascular malformations are always present at birth although not always apparent, increase slowly in size throughout whole life and never involute. They enlarge by hypertrophy of malformed vessels. Vascular malformations can be further subdivided according to the type of involved vessels as arterial, arteriovenous, venous, capillary or lymphatic. Accurate diagnosis of hemangiomas and vascular malformations remains a challenge for physicians. Although majority of hemangiomas are self limiting lesions some of them may develop complications such as; ulceration, airway obstruction, ophthalmic complications, psychosocial consequences. Segmental hemangiomas are associated with the risk of structural anomalies such as those that occur in PHACE syndrome. Clinical presentation and forms of treatment of various forms of vascular malformations are presented. Vascular malformations have to be treated according to their histopathology and location, as well as their hemodynamic features shown by radiological examinations.

Energy Efficient Medium Access Control Protocol for Clustered Wireless Sensor Networks with Adaptive Cross-Layer Scheduling.

PubMed

Sefuba, Maria; Walingo, Tom; Takawira, Fambirai

2015-09-18

This paper presents an Energy Efficient Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol for clustered wireless sensor networks that aims to improve energy efficiency and delay performance. The proposed protocol employs an adaptive cross-layer intra-cluster scheduling and an inter-cluster relay selection diversity. The scheduling is based on available data packets and remaining energy level of the source node (SN). This helps to minimize idle listening on nodes without data to transmit as well as reducing control packet overhead. The relay selection diversity is carried out between clusters, by the cluster head (CH), and the base station (BS). The diversity helps to improve network reliability and prolong the network lifetime. Relay selection is determined based on the communication distance, the remaining energy and the channel quality indicator (CQI) for the relay cluster head (RCH). An analytical framework for energy consumption and transmission delay for the proposed MAC protocol is presented in this work. The performance of the proposed MAC protocol is evaluated based on transmission delay, energy consumption, and network lifetime. The results obtained indicate that the proposed MAC protocol provides improved performance than traditional cluster based MAC protocols.

Morphology of sustentaculum tali: Biomechanical importance and correlation with angular dimensions of the talus.

PubMed

Mahato, Niladri Kumar

2011-12-01

The talus and the calcaneus share the bulk of load transmitted from the leg to the skeleton of the foot. The present study analyses the inter-relationship between the superior articular surface and the angular dimensions of the talus with the morphology of the sustentaculum tali. Identification of possible relationships between different angular parameters of the talus morphology and the sustentaculum tali in context of load transmission through the foot. One articular surface and three angular parameters at the junction of the head and the body were measured from dried human talar bones. Corresponding calcaneal samples were measured for four dimensions at the sustentaculum tali. Correlation and regression statistical values between parameters were worked out and analysed. Several parameters within the talus demonstrated significant correlations amongst themselves. The neck vertical angle showed a strong correlation with the articulating surface area below the head of the talus. The inter-relationship between articular and angular parameters within the talus demonstrates strong correlation for certain parameters. Data presented in the study may be helpful to adjust calcaneal and talar screw placement techniques, prosthesis designing and bio-mechanical studies at this important region. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How is sound conducted to the cochlea in toothed whales?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zosuls, Aleks; Mountain, David C.; Ketten, Darlene R.

2015-12-01

Toothed whales (Odontocetes) typically have small occluded ear canals and sea water has a characteristic impedance that is much more similar to the impedance of soft tissues of the head than is the case for the air-tissue interface in terrestrial mammals. This makes it plausible that significant acoustic energy is being transmitted to their middle ear by tissue conduction. In addition, some authors have proposed that sound reaches the cochlea via bone conduction rather than via the tympanic membrane. To address these issues, we have developed a method to measure stapes velocity in response to vibrational stimulation at arbitrary locations on heads and ears harvested from stranded animals. Stapes velocity was measured with a Laser Doppler Velocimeter at the footplate with the cochlea drained. In all species tested, the transfer function of stapes velocity referenced to actuator velocity showed a high-pass characteristic. The corner frequency varied with species and experiment between 4 kHz and 60 kHz. This is similar to what is seen in odontocete audiograms but the cutoff slope is typically steeper than in the audiograms. There was no indication of high frequency cutoff within our measurement range. Disrupting the ossicles and fat bodies affected the transfer functions.

The Feasibility and Acceptability of Google Glass for Teletoxicology Consults.

PubMed

Chai, Peter R; Babu, Kavita M; Boyer, Edward W

2015-09-01

Teletoxicology offers the potential for toxicologists to assist in providing medical care at remote locations, via remote, interactive augmented audiovisual technology. This study examined the feasibility of using Google Glass, a head-mounted device that incorporates a webcam, viewing prism, and wireless connectivity, to assess the poisoned patient by a medical toxicology consult staff. Emergency medicine residents (resident toxicology consultants) rotating on the toxicology service wore Glass during bedside evaluation of poisoned patients; Glass transmitted real-time video of patients' physical examination findings to toxicology fellows and attendings (supervisory consultants), who reviewed these findings. We evaluated the usability (e.g., quality of connectivity and video feeds) of Glass by supervisory consultants, as well as attitudes towards use of Glass. Resident toxicology consultants and supervisory consultants completed 18 consults through Glass. Toxicologists viewing the video stream found the quality of audio and visual transmission usable in 89 % of cases. Toxicologists reported their management of the patient changed after viewing the patient through Glass in 56 % of cases. Based on findings obtained through Glass, toxicologists recommended specific antidotes in six cases. Head-mounted devices like Google Glass may be effective tools for real-time teletoxicology consultation.

Right sided weakness with right subdural hematoma: motor deafferentation of left hemisphere resulted in paralysis of the right side.

PubMed

Derakhshan, Iraj

2009-08-01

A right handed man with trauma to the head was admitted with headache and seizures. A severe right sided weakness was noted after a blunt trauma to the right side of his head. MRI of brain revealed a right-sided subdural hematoma and a normal left hemisphere and downstream motor pathways. Bimanual simultaneous drawing and manual reaction times indicated that the patient was right hemispheric in laterality of his major hemisphere. The right sided weakness in this patient was due to temporary transcallosal disconnection (diaschisis) of the minor hemisphere (left, in this case) from the excitatory signals arising from those structures of his major hemisphere devoted to movements occurring on nondominant side, transmitted via the corpus callosum to his left hemisphere. This case draws attention to disparity between neural and behavioral handedness (laterality of major hemisphere versus that of the preferred hand). Drawing longer lines by the left hand in simultaneous bimanual tasks and a slower simple reaction time to central visual stimuli by the ostensible dominant hand permitted lateralization of the major hemisphere to the right. Thus, the neurally nondominant side (right) lagged behind the dominant (left) by an interval equal to interhemispheric transfer time.

Energy Efficient Medium Access Control Protocol for Clustered Wireless Sensor Networks with Adaptive Cross-Layer Scheduling

PubMed Central

Sefuba, Maria; Walingo, Tom; Takawira, Fambirai

2015-01-01

This paper presents an Energy Efficient Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol for clustered wireless sensor networks that aims to improve energy efficiency and delay performance. The proposed protocol employs an adaptive cross-layer intra-cluster scheduling and an inter-cluster relay selection diversity. The scheduling is based on available data packets and remaining energy level of the source node (SN). This helps to minimize idle listening on nodes without data to transmit as well as reducing control packet overhead. The relay selection diversity is carried out between clusters, by the cluster head (CH), and the base station (BS). The diversity helps to improve network reliability and prolong the network lifetime. Relay selection is determined based on the communication distance, the remaining energy and the channel quality indicator (CQI) for the relay cluster head (RCH). An analytical framework for energy consumption and transmission delay for the proposed MAC protocol is presented in this work. The performance of the proposed MAC protocol is evaluated based on transmission delay, energy consumption, and network lifetime. The results obtained indicate that the proposed MAC protocol provides improved performance than traditional cluster based MAC protocols. PMID:26393608

In vivo voltammetry: from wire to wireless measurements.

PubMed

Crespi, Francesco; Dalessandro, Davide; Annovazzi-Lodi, Valerio; Heidbreder, Christian; Norgia, Michele

2004-12-30

A novel telemetric system based on either differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) or direct current amperometry (DCA) by using a diffused infrared transmission channel is presented. Unlike similar pre-existing instruments based on infrared transmission, the present system works on a single-way communication, thus avoiding problems related to cross-talking between two-way channels. The infrared channel is also immune from electromagnetic interferences from the surrounding environment. Further advancement is the development of an original miniaturised system (dimension 1cm x 1.2 cm x 0.5 cm) with reduced weight (5-6 g), suitable for affixing to the rat head and allowing real time telemetric monitoring using DCA sampling of neurotransmitters such as dopamine or serotonin every 100 ms. The set-up is based on a transmitter (TX) circuit mounted on the animal's head and connected to the electrodes inserted into its brain. The TX circuit generates the proper electrical signals for DPV or DCA, collects the electrical response of the brain and transmits it, via an infrared channel, to a receiving station (RX) interfaced with a personal computer. The PC performs the sampling and elaboration of polarographic traces in a flexible and programmable way.

The effect of bone conduction microphone placement on intensity and spectrum of transmitted speech items.

PubMed

Tran, Phuong K; Letowski, Tomasz R; McBride, Maranda E

2013-06-01

Speech signals can be converted into electrical audio signals using either conventional air conduction (AC) microphone or a contact bone conduction (BC) microphone. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of the location of a BC microphone on the intensity and frequency spectrum of the recorded speech. Twelve locations, 11 on the talker's head and 1 on the collar bone, were investigated. The speech sounds were three vowels (/u/, /a/, /i/) and two consonants (/m/, /∫/). The sounds were produced by 12 talkers. Each sound was recorded simultaneously with two BC microphones and an AC microphone. Analyzed spectral data showed that the BC recordings made at the forehead of the talker were the most similar to the AC recordings, whereas the collar bone recordings were most different. Comparison of the spectral data with speech intelligibility data collected in another study revealed a strong negative relationship between BC speech intelligibility and the degree of deviation of the BC speech spectrum from the AC spectrum. In addition, the head locations that resulted in the highest speech intelligibility were associated with the lowest output signals among all tested locations. Implications of these findings for BC communication are discussed.

13 CFR 130.200 - Eligible entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Eligible entities. 130.200 Section... CENTERS § 130.200 Eligible entities. (a) Recipient Organization. The following entities are eligible to... community or junior college; (5) An entity formed by two or more of the above entities; or (6) Any entity...

Downhole hydraulic seismic generator

DOEpatents

Gregory, Danny L.; Hardee, Harry C.; Smallwood, David O.

1992-01-01

A downhole hydraulic seismic generator system for transmitting energy wave vibrations into earth strata surrounding a borehole. The system contains an elongated, unitary housing operably connected to a well head aboveground by support and electrical cabling, and contains clamping apparatus for selectively clamping the housing to the walls of the borehole. The system further comprises a hydraulic oscillator containing a double-actuating piston whose movement is controlled by an electro-servovalve regulating a high pressure hydraulic fluid flow into and out of upper and lower chambers surrounding the piston. The spent hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic oscillator is stored and pumped back into the system to provide high pressure fluid for conducting another run at the same, or a different location within the borehole.

Microcephaly caused by congenital Zika virus infection and viral detection in maternal urine during pregnancy.

PubMed

Regadas, Vanessa Couras; Silva, Márcio de Castro E; Abud, Lucas Giansante; Labadessa, Luiz Mario Pereira Lopes; Oliveira, Rafael Gouvêa Gomes de; Miyake, Cecília Hissae; Queiroz, Rodolfo Mendes

2018-01-01

Currently Latin America is undergoing a major epidemic of Zika virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Concern for Zika virus infection has been increasing as it is suspected of causing brain defects in newborns such as microcephaly and, more recently, potential neurological and autoimmune complications including Guillian-Barré syndrome and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. We describe a case of virus infection in a 25-year-old woman during the first trimester of her pregnancy, confirmed by laboratory tests only for the detection of viral particles in maternal urine, with imaging studies demonstrating the progression of cranial and encephalic changes in the fetus and later in the newborn, such as head circumference reduction, cerebral calcifications and ventriculomegaly.

The Future of the Internet in Science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guice, Jon; Duffy, Robert

2000-01-01

How are scientists going to make use of the Internet several years from now? This is a case study of a leading-edge experiment in building a 'virtual institute'-- using electronic communication tools to foster collaboration among geographically dispersed scientists. Our experience suggests: Scientists will want to use web-based document management systems. There will be a demand for Internet-enabled meeting support tools. While internet videoconferencing will have limited value for scientists, webcams will be in great demand as a tool for transmitting pictures of objects and settings, rather than "talking heads." and a significant share of scientists who do fieldwork will embrace mobile voice, data and video communication tools. The setting for these findings is a research consortium called the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Necrotizing and eosinophilic masticatory myositis in farmed mink: a preliminary description.

PubMed

Needle, D B; Hollinger, C; Shelton, G D; Fitzgerald, S D

2014-01-01

This report describes necrotizing and eosinophilic myositis affecting the masticatory muscles of a group of mink. Affected animals demonstrated sudden death with marked subcutaneous oedema over the dorsal head. The temporalis and masseter muscles were pale, swollen and friable. Histologic changes consisted of varying degrees of myodegeneration, myonecrosis and inflammation. Eosinophils were prominent in the inflammatory infiltrate. Similar to dogs, masticatory muscles in mink were found to contain unique type 2M fibres, suggesting a possible target for an immune response. Aerobic and anaerobic tissue cultures of the affected musculature revealed no significant pathogens. Histological and nutritional analyses were not typical of vitamin E/selenium deficiency. This case series supports the existence of a novel disease entity in mink with some features comparable with masticatory muscle myositis in dogs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Giant cell angiofibroma of the scalp: A benign rare neoplasm with bone destruction

PubMed Central

Arifin, Muhammad Z.; Tjahjono, Firman P.; Faried, Ahmad; Gill, Arwinder S.; Cahyadi, Alexander; Hernowo, Bethy S.

2013-01-01

Background: The incidence of extraorbital giant cell angiofibroma (GCA) is rare, with only one case located in the scalp reported in the literature. The morphological hallmark is histopathological examination showing richly vascularized pattern-less spindle cell proliferation containing pseudovascular spaces and floret-like multinucleate giant cells. Case Description: We report a case of a 30-year-old female with a primary complaint of a painless solitary nodule arising on the left parietal region of the scalp. Complete tumor removal through surgical intervention was achieved, and the postoperative period was uneventful. Conclusion: Diagnosing a highly vascularized tumor in the head and neck is challenging. Our case is unique in that it is presented as a GCA of the scalp, which is an extremely rare clinical entity, and also demonstrated bone destruction. PMID:24231802

A clinical review on megalencephaly

PubMed Central

Pavone, Piero; Praticò, Andrea Domenico; Rizzo, Renata; Corsello, Giovanni; Ruggieri, Martino; Parano, Enrico; Falsaperla, Raffaele

2017-01-01

Abstract Megalencephaly and macrocephaly present with a head circumference measurement 2 standard deviations above the age-related mean. However, even if pathologic events resulting in both megalencephaly and macrocephaly may coexist, a distinction between these two entities is appropriate, as they represent clinical expression of different disorders with a different approach in clinical work-up, overall prognosis, and treatment. Megalencephaly defines an increased growth of cerebral structures related to dysfunctional anomalies during the various steps of brain development in the neuronal proliferation and/or migration phases or as a consequence of postnatal abnormal events. The disorders associated with megalencephaly are classically defined into 3 groups: idiopathic or benign, metabolic, and anatomic. In this article, we seek to underline the clinical aspect of megalencephaly, emphasizing the main disorders that manifest with this anomaly in an attempt to properly categorize these disorders within the megalencephaly group. PMID:28658095

[HPV-associated head and neck cancer. The basics of molecular and translational research].

PubMed

Wittekindt, C; Wagner, S; Klussmann, J P

2011-09-01

Translational research refers to the interfaces between preclinical research and targeted short- and medium-term developments through to clinical standards. There are two distinct groups of oropharyngeal malignancies: those caused by tobacco and alcohol abuse and those caused by HPV infection. Although the prognosis of patients in the latter group is significantly better, this is not taken into consideration in the choice of treatment. However, less intensive use of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery, as well as targeted multimodal therapeutic approaches, is under research. This article summarizes the main events in the HPV life cycle, with emphasis on carcinogenic mechanisms and potential new molecular targets. Identifying distinct tumor entities of the oropharynx enables the design and development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies to reduce the incidence and mortality of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers in the near future.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling – A Proteomic Perspective

PubMed Central

Biarc, Jordane; Chalkley, Robert J.; Burlingame, A. L.; Bradshaw, Ralph A.

2011-01-01

The stimulation of various cellular processes through extracellular signals is of paramount importance in biological systems and is a central focus in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. The information transfer is accomplished in a variety of ways by the interaction of soluble, matrix-associated and cell bound ligands that either bind specifically to plasma membrane-associated proteins that act as receptors, or penetrate to the cytoplasmic/nuclear compartments to bind and activate receptors located there. The former class of entities generates intracellular signals that are transmitted and amplified by chemical modifications that are manifested as protein post-translational modifications (PTMs). These are both reversible and irreversible and range from phosphorylation of tyrosine, threonine and serine residues to endoproteolytic cleavages. Although the PTMs alter the activity and functions of many of the proteins in these cascades, the major outcomes of most of the signaling pathways are the activation/deactivation of transcriptional regulators with the concomitant changes in gene expression that generally underlie biological responses. PMID:21056590

Tinea genitalis: a new entity of sexually transmitted infection? Case series and review of the literature.

PubMed

Luchsinger, Isabelle; Bosshard, Philipp Peter; Kasper, Romano Silvio; Reinhardt, Dominic; Lautenschlager, Stephan

2015-11-01

Investigation on recent cases of tinea genitalis after travelling to South East Asia. Patients with tinea in the genital region, which emerged after sex in South East Asia, underwent further assessment including microscopy, cultures and DNA analyses. The case series includes seven patients. In six patients, Trichophyton interdigitale (former Trichophyton mentagrophytes) was detected. Three patients suffered from a severe inflammatory reaction of the soft tissue and two of them needed hospitalisation due to severe pain. In four patients, cicatrising healing was noticed. Five patients were declared incapacitated for work. Sexual activity should be considered as a potentially important and previously underappreciated means of transmission of T. interdigitale. To avoid irreversible scarring alopecia, prompt initiation of antifungal treatment is essential and adequate isolation and identification of the pathogen is mandatory. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Ground-water hydraulics - A summary of lectures presented by John G. Ferris at short courses conducted by the Ground Water Branch, part 1, Theory

USGS Publications Warehouse

Knowles, D.B.

1955-01-01

The objective of the Ground Water Branch is to evaluate the occurrence, availability, and quality of ground water.  The science of ground-water hydrology is applied toward attaining that goal.  Although many ground-water investigations are of a qualitative nature, quantitative studies are necessarily an integral component of the complete evaluation of occurrence and availability.  The worth of an aquifer as a fully developed source of water depends largely on two inherent characteristics: its ability to store, and its ability to transmit water.  Furthermore, quantitative knowledge of these characteristics facilitates measurement of hydrologic entities such as recharge, leakage, evapotranspiration, etc.  It is recognized that these two characteristics, referred to as the coefficients of storage and transmissibility, generally provide the very foundation on which quantitative studies are constructed.  Within the science of ground-water hydrology, ground-water hydraulics methods are applied to determine these constats from field data.

Improving Service Management in the Internet of Things

PubMed Central

Sammarco, Chiara; Iera, Antonio

2012-01-01

In the Internet of Things (IoT) research arena, many efforts are devoted to adapt the existing IP standards to emerging IoT nodes. This is the direction followed by three Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Working Groups, which paved the way for research on IP-based constrained networks. Through a simplification of the whole TCP/IP stack, resource constrained nodes become direct interlocutors of application level entities in every point of the network. In this paper we analyze some side effects of this solution, when in the presence of large amounts of data to transmit. In particular, we conduct a performance analysis of the Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), a widely accepted web transfer protocol for the Internet of Things, and propose a service management enhancement that improves the exploitation of the network and node resources. This is specifically thought for constrained nodes in the abovementioned conditions and proves to be able to significantly improve the node energetic performance when in the presence of large resource representations (hence, large data transmissions).

Development of a GIService based on spatial data mining for location choice of convenience stores in Taipei City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Chinte; Sun, Chih-Hong

2006-10-01

Motivated by the increasing accessibility of technology, more and more spatial data are being made digitally available. How to extract the valuable knowledge from these large (spatial) databases is becoming increasingly important to businesses, as well. It is essential to be able to analyze and utilize these large datasets, convert them into useful knowledge, and transmit them through GIS-enabled instruments and the Internet, conveying the key information to business decision-makers effectively and benefiting business entities. In this research, we combine the techniques of GIS, spatial decision support system (SDSS), spatial data mining (SDM), and ArcGIS Server to achieve the following goals: (1) integrate databases from spatial and non-spatial datasets about the locations of businesses in Taipei, Taiwan; (2) use the association rules, one of the SDM methods, to extract the knowledge from the integrated databases; and (3) develop a Web-based SDSS GIService as a location-selection tool for business by the product of ArcGIS Server.

ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC EXPOSURE FORM WLANS IN THE WEST BANK-PALESTINE.

PubMed

Lahham, Adnan; Sharabati, Afifeh; ALMasri, Hussein

2017-11-01

A total of 271 measurements were conducted at 69 different sites including homes, hospitals, educational institutions and other public places to assess the exposure to radiofrequency emission from wireless local area networks (WLANs). Measurements were conducted at different distances from 40 to 10 m from the access points (APs) in real life conditions using Narda SRM-3000 selective radiation meter. Three measurements modes were considered at 1 m distance from the AP which are transmit mode, idle mode, and from the client card (laptop computer). All measurements were conducted indoor in the West Bank environment. Power density levels from WLAN systems were found to vary from 0.001 to ~1.9 μW cm-2 with an average of 0.12 μW cm-2. Maximum value found was in university environment, while the minimum was found in schools. For one measurement case where the AP was 20 cm far while transmitting large files, the measured power density reached a value of ~4.5 μW cm-2. This value is however 221 times below the general public exposure limit recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, which was not exceeded in any case. Measurements of power density at 1 m around the laptop resulted in less exposure than the AP in both transmit and idle modes as well. Specific absorption rate for the head of the laptop user was estimated and found to vary from 0.1 to 2 mW/kg. The frequency distribution of measured power densities follows a log-normal distribution which is generally typical in the assessment of exposure resulting from sources of radiofrequency emissions. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Dengue-1 virus and vector competence of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) populations from New Caledonia.

PubMed

Calvez, Elodie; Guillaumot, Laurent; Girault, Dominique; Richard, Vaea; O'Connor, Olivia; Paoaafaite, Tuterarii; Teurlai, Magali; Pocquet, Nicolas; Cao-Lormeau, Van-Mai; Dupont-Rouzeyrol, Myrielle

2017-08-09

Dengue virus (DENV) is the arbovirus with the highest incidence in New Caledonia and in the South Pacific region. In 2012-2014, a major DENV-1 outbreak occurred in New Caledonia. The only known vector of DENV in New Caledonia is Aedes aegypti but no study has yet evaluated the competence of New Caledonia Ae. aegypti populations to transmit DENV. This study compared the ability of field-collected Ae. aegypti from different locations in New Caledonia to transmit the DENV-1 responsible for the 2012-2014 outbreak. This study also aimed to compare the New Caledonia results with the vector competence of Ae. aegypti from French Polynesia as these two French countries have close links, including arbovirus circulation. Three wild Ae. aegypti populations were collected in New Caledonia and one in French Polynesia. Female mosquitoes were orally exposed to DENV-1 (10 6 FFU/ml). Mosquito bodies (thorax and abdomen), heads and saliva were analyzed to measure infection, dissemination, transmission rates and transmission efficiency, at 7, 14 and 21 days post-infection (dpi), respectively. DENV-1 infection rates were heterogeneous, but dissemination rates were high and homogenous among the three Ae. aegypti populations from New Caledonia. Despite this high DENV-1 dissemination rate, the transmission rate, and therefore the transmission efficiency, observed were low. Aedes aegypti population from New Caledonia was less susceptible to infection and had lower ability to transmit DENV-1 than Ae. aegypti populations from French Polynesia. This study suggests that even if susceptible to infection, the New Caledonian Ae. aegypti populations were moderately competent vectors for DENV-1 strain from the 2012-2014 outbreak. These results strongly suggest that other factors might have contributed to the spread of this DENV-1 strain in New Caledonia and in the Pacific region.

Identification and clinical relevance of PD-L1 expression in primary mucosal malignant melanoma of the head and neck.

PubMed

Thierauf, Julia; Veit, Johannes A; Affolter, Annette; Bergmann, Christoph; Grünow, Jennifer; Laban, Simon; Lennerz, Jochen K; Grünmüller, Lisa; Mauch, Cornelia; Plinkert, Peter K; Hess, Jochen; Hoffmann, Thomas K

2015-12-01

Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is a rare and aggressive tumor entity with a poor prognosis. The standard treatment is radical tumor resection, with or without adjuvant radiation, where conventional chemotherapies in advanced stage or recurrent diseases have shown little benefit. Overexpression of the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a common feature in human cancer. Although PD-L1 is an acknowledged prognostic biomarker for dismal prognosis in other tumors of the head and neck, expression and clinical relevance of PD-L1 in mucosal melanoma have not been addressed so far. We assessed PD-L1 expression using immunohistochemical staining in 23 tumor samples from patients with primary mucosal melanoma and correlated expression status with clinicopathological and outcome data. Tumors were derived from the nasal cavity (43.5%), nasal sinuses (43.5%), and the conjunctiva (13%). All patients had undergone surgery; 39% of all patients received adjuvant radiation and 13% were administered systemic interferon therapy. The probability of 1- and 5-year overall survival was 87 and 34.8%, respectively. The mean overall survival was 51 months and the mean recurrence-free survival was 23 months. Immunohistochemical staining showed PD-L1 expression in 13% (3/23) of mucosal melanoma. In contrast, prominent PD-L1 staining was detected in 100% of tissue sections from a control group of cutaneous melanoma (n=9). PD-L1 expression in mucosal melanoma was not correlated with age, sex, nor anatomical localization of the tumor. Interestingly, patients with PD-L1-positive mucosal melanoma had a significantly longer recurrence-free survival (P=0.026). In contrast to cutaneous melanoma and some other malignancies, a relevant PD-L1 overexpression in mucosal melanoma could not be confirmed.

[Position paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology - current state of clinical and endoscopic diagnostics, evaluation, and therapy of swallowing disorders in children and adults].

PubMed

Arens, C; Herrmann, I F; Rohrbach, S; Schwemmle, C; Nawka, T

2015-03-01

Position Paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology - Current State of Clinical and Endoscopic Diagnostics, Evaluation, and Therapy of Swallowing Disorders in Children and AdultsSwallowing disorders are frequent. The main concern is mortality due to aspiration induced pneumonia and malnutrition. On the other hand quality of life is severely affected. The demographic trend indicates an increase of dysphagia in the future. Neurodegenerative diseases, tumors of the digestive tract and sequelae of tumor treatment in the head and neck region are the main pathologic entities.Predominantly ENT physicians and phoniatrists, are asked for diagnostics and therapy who will coordinate the interdisciplinary treatment according to the endoscopic findings.A differentiated approach in history, diagnostics, and symptom oriented treatment is necessary for the mostly complex disorders. The integration of non-medical personnel such as logopeds (speech language pathologists), physiotherapists, and occupational therapists in planning and executing an effective therapy expands and completes the patient-oriented care. Conservative treatment by these therapists is an important pillar in the treatment. Parts of the specific diagnostics can be taken over by them in close cooperation.In particular an interdisciplinary cooperation with the staff from intensive care medicine is indispensable.The diagnostic procedures of specific endoscopy as described in this position paper are part of the primary and fundamental tasks of ENT specialists and phoniatrists.Endoscopy is a medical service that is basically not delegable. Consequently substitution of the physician is precluded. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

[Introduction of the Screening Tool OncoFunction for Functional Follow-up of Head and Neck Patients].

PubMed

Zebralla, V; Pohle, N; Singer, S; Neumuth, T; Dietz, A; Stier-Jarmer, M; Boehm, A

2016-02-01

The follow-up for head and neck cancer (HNC) focussed on therapy control. Accessory long term functionality is important. Impairment of function is observed, but a comparable documentation is not established. Additional we frequently see psychooncological comorbidities, what complicates the assessment. This was the reason why Tschiesner et al. developed on the base of the "ICF Core set for head and neck cancer" a guideline for the Assessment of Function in HNC. In consequence of good results in other tumour entities we developed an electronic version (OncoFunction). In a proof of concept study all patients of our follow up consultation from 07/13 to 03/14 were included. OncoFunction was given to patients in a digital form using tablet computers. The results were visible to the physician in a concentrated form before consultation and were supplemented by a physician questionnaire. Furthermore we evaluated the usability in 202 patients. We had 682 patient contacts. 530 patient contacts (77, 7%) used the questionnaire. The physician questionnaire was answered in 470 times. Finally there are from 69.8% of the patient contacts full datasets available. Between users and non-users of the questionnaire we see no difference. The use of a computer-based screening and feedback system (OncoFunction) in clinical use is feasible and excellent assessed by patients. The patient data are visible in a compact form for the physician and problems can clear addressed to the patient. One more benefit is the standardized follow up documentation and the use of comparable data in research. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

LispSEI: The Programmer’s Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

defun print-entities ( str entities etype) (format t str ) (dolist (entity entities) (format t " -A" (entity-name entity *type)))) (detun entity-name...fields are munged only after the filters are executed. This makes things much easier. ;:Algorithm: (1) get initial list. (2) take out those entitles which...don’t meet all the constraints. 1, 3) pass the entities list through all the filters.(4) munge the appropriate fields (5)u return the result. (defn s

Management approaches for suspected and established Lyme disease used at the Lyme disease diagnostic center.

PubMed

Wormser, Gary P; McKenna, Donna; Nowakowski, John

2016-01-14

2015 marks the 27th year that the Lyme Disease Diagnostic Center, located in New York State in the United States, has provided care for patients with suspected or established deer tick-transmitted infections. There are five deer tick-transmitted infectious in this geographic area of which Lyme disease is the most common.For patients with erythema migrans, we do not obtain any laboratory testing. However, if the patient is febrile at the time of the visit or reports rigors and high-grade fevers, we consider the possibility of a co-infection and order pertinent laboratory tests.Our preferred management for Lyme disease-related facial palsy and/or radiculopathy is a 2-week course of doxycycline. Patients who are hospitalized for Lyme meningitis are usually treated at least initially with ceftriaxone. We have not seen convincing cases of encephalitis or myelitis solely due to Borrelia burgdorferi infection in the absence of laboratory evidence of concomitant deer tick virus infection (Powassan virus). We have also never seen Lyme encephalopathy or a diffuse axonal peripheral neuropathy and suggest that these entities are either very rare or nonexistent.We have found that Lyme disease rarely presents with fever without other objective clinical manifestations. Prior cases attributed to Lyme disease may have overlooked an asymptomatic erythema migrans skin lesion or the diagnosis may have been based on nonspecific IgM seroreactivity. More research is needed on the appropriate management and significance of IgG seropositivity in asymptomatic patients who have no history of Lyme disease.

Physician survey on knowledge and reporting practices of transfusion-transmitted infections in Canada.

PubMed

Farzad, Ezzat; Cator, Magalie; Giulivi, Antonio; Zhang, Jun

2004-01-01

To assess physicians' knowledge and reporting practices of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI). Cross-sectional postal survey. Family physicians and specialists. A survey questionnaire was sent by mail to 1,359 randomly selected physicians across Canada, and was followed up by a reminder telephone call. A total of 546 (40%) physicians completed and returned the questionnaire. The data from 512 eligible practitioners across Canada were analyzed. Almost all physicians were knowledgeable on the transmission of HIV, HBV and HCV through blood and plasma derivatives. However, physicians' knowledge, particularly the family physicians', was generally lower for less well-known TTIs. For example, only 7.2% of family physicians recognized Babesiosis as a TTI. Of the total 318 physicians who have encountered patients with possible TTI, 50% of them reported such cases to public health or other authorities and many reported to more than one organization. Of the total 159 non-reporting physicians, 91.1% explained that the cases were already reported by laboratories or other physicians. More than 90% of respondents think that it is important or very important that physicians report the cases of TTI to public health authorities for the purpose of surveillance, and more than 80% of them think that it is important or very important to include TTI as a separate entity in the communicable diseases surveillance systems. The majority of physicians recognize the more common TTIs and only 50% of them reported such cases. The majority of physicians support the reporting of TTI to public health authorities for surveillance. Recommendations are made to increase physicians' knowledge and reporting of TTI.

Polarization-sensitive descending neurons in the locust: connecting the brain to thoracic ganglia.

PubMed

Träger, Ulrike; Homberg, Uwe

2011-02-09

Many animal species, in particular insects, exploit the E-vector pattern of the blue sky for sun compass navigation. Like other insects, locusts detect dorsal polarized light via photoreceptors in a specialized dorsal rim area of the compound eye. Polarized light information is transmitted through several processing stages to the central complex, a brain area involved in the control of goal-directed orientation behavior. To investigate how polarized light information is transmitted to thoracic motor circuits, we studied the responses of locust descending neurons to polarized light. Three sets of polarization-sensitive descending neurons were characterized through intracellular recordings from axonal fibers in the neck connectives combined with single-cell dye injections. Two descending neurons from the brain, one with ipsilaterally and the second with contralaterally descending axon, are likely to bridge the gap between polarization-sensitive neurons in the brain and thoracic motor centers. In both neurons, E-vector tuning changed linearly with daytime, suggesting that they signal time-compensated spatial directions, an important prerequisite for navigation using celestial signals. The third type connects the suboesophageal ganglion with the prothoracic ganglion. It showed no evidence for time compensation in E-vector tuning and might play a role in flight stabilization and control of head movements.

Transmission of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) from Dendronereis spp. (Peters) (Nereididae) to penaeid shrimp.

PubMed

Haryadi, D; Verreth, J A J; Verdegem, M C J; Vlak, J M

2015-05-01

Dendronereis spp. (Peters) (Nereididae) is a common polychaete in shrimp ponds built on intertidal land and is natural food for shrimp in traditionally managed ponds in Indonesia. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an important viral pathogen of the shrimp, can replicate in this polychaete (Desrina et al. 2013); therefore, it is a potential propagative vector for virus transmission. The major aim of this study was to determine whether WSSV can be transmitted from naturally infected Dendronereis spp. to specific pathogen-free (SPF) Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) through feeding. WSSV was detected in naturally infected Dendronereis spp. and Penaeus monodon Fabricius from a traditional shrimp pond, and the positive animals were used in the current experiment. WSSV-infected Dendronereis spp. and P. monodon in a pond had a point prevalence of 90% and 80%, respectively, as measured by PCR. WSSV was detected in the head, gills, blood and mid-body of Dendronereis spp. WSSV from naturally infected Dendronereis spp was transmitted to SPF L. vannamei and subsequently from this shrimp to new naïve-SPF L. vannamei to cause transient infection. Our findings support the contention that Dendronereis spp, upon feeding, can be a source of WSSV infection of shrimp in ponds. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Determining Electrical Properties Based on B1 Fields Measured in an MR Scanner Using a Multi-channel Transmit/Receive Coil: a General Approach

PubMed Central

Liu, Jiaen; Zhang, Xiaotong; Van de Moortele, Pierre-Francois; Schmitter, Sebastian

2013-01-01

Electrical Property Tomography (EPT) is a recently developed noninvasive technology to image the electrical conductivity and permittivity of biological tissues at Larmor frequency in Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanners. The absolute phase of the complex radio-frequency (RF) magnetic field (B1) is necessary for electrical property calculation. However, due to the lack of practical methods to directly measure the absolute B1 phases, current EPT techniques have been achieved with B1 phase estimation based on certain assumptions on object anatomy, coil structure and/or electromagnetic wave behavior associated with the main magnetic field, limiting EPT from a larger variety of applications. In this study, using a multi-channel transmit/receive coil, the framework of a new general approach for EPT has been introduced, which is independent on the assumptions utilized in previous studies. Using a human head model with realistic geometry, a series of computer simulations at 7T were conducted to evaluate the proposed method under different noise levels. Results showed that the proposed method can be used to reconstruct the conductivity and permittivity images with noticeable accuracy and stability. The feasibility of this approach was further evaluated in a phantom experiment at 7T. PMID:23743673

SAR Reduction in 7T C-Spine Imaging Using a “Dark Modes” Transmit Array Strategy

PubMed Central

Eryaman, Yigitcan; Guerin, Bastien; Keil, Boris; Mareyam, Azma; Herraiz, Joaquin L.; Kosior, Robert K.; Martin, Adrian; Torrado-Carvajal, Angel; Malpica, Norberto; Hernandez-Tamames, Juan A.; Schiavi, Emanuele; Adalsteinsson, Elfar; Wald, Lawrence L.

2016-01-01

Purpose Local specific absorption rate (SAR) limits many applications of parallel transmit (pTx) in ultra high-field imaging. In this Note, we introduce the use of an array element, which is intentionally inefficient at generating spin excitation (a “dark mode”) to attempt a partial cancellation of the electric field from those elements that do generate excitation. We show that adding dipole elements oriented orthogonal to their conventional orientation to a linear array of conventional loop elements can lower the local SAR hotspot in a C-spine array at 7 T. Methods We model electromagnetic fields in a head/torso model to calculate SAR and excitation B1+ patterns generated by conventional loop arrays and loop arrays with added electric dipole elements. We utilize the dark modes that are generated by the intentional and inefficient orientation of dipole elements in order to reduce peak 10g local SAR while maintaining excitation fidelity. Results For B1+ shimming in the spine, the addition of dipole elements did not significantly alter the B1+ spatial pattern but reduced local SAR by 36%. Conclusion The dipole elements provide a sufficiently complimentary B1+ and electric field pattern to the loop array that can be exploited by the radiofrequency shimming algorithm to reduce local SAR. PMID:24753012

Skull flexure as a contributing factor in the mechanism of injury in the rat when exposed to a shock wave.

PubMed

Bolander, Richard; Mathie, Blake; Bir, Cynthia; Ritzel, David; VandeVord, Pamela

2011-10-01

The manner in which energy from an explosion is transmitted into the brain is currently a highly debated topic within the blast injury community. This study was conducted to investigate the injury biomechanics causing blast-related neurotrauma in the rat. Biomechanical responses of the rat head under shock wave loading were measured using strain gauges on the skull surface and a fiber optic pressure sensor placed within the cortex. MicroCT imaging techniques were applied to quantify skull bone thickness. The strain gauge results indicated that the response of the rat skull is dependent on the intensity of the incident shock wave; greater intensity shock waves cause greater deflections of the skull. The intracranial pressure (ICP) sensors indicated that the peak pressure developed within the brain was greater than the peak side-on external pressure and correlated with surface strain. The bone plates between the lambda, bregma, and midline sutures are probable regions for the greatest flexure to occur. The data provides evidence that skull flexure is a likely candidate for the development of ICP gradients within the rat brain. This dependency of transmitted stress on particular skull dynamics for a given species should be considered by those investigating blast-related neurotrauma using animal models.

Long-Term Effect of Serial Infections with H13 and H16 Low-Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Black-Headed Gulls

PubMed Central

Verhagen, Josanne H.; van Amerongen, Geert; van de Bildt, Marco; Majoor, Frank; Fouchier, Ron A. M.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Infections of domestic and wild birds with low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) have been associated with protective immunity to subsequent infection. However, the degree and duration of immunity in wild birds from previous LPAIV infection, by the same or a different subtype, are poorly understood. Therefore, we inoculated H13N2 (A/black-headed gull/Netherlands/7/2009) and H16N3 (A/black-headed gull/Netherlands/26/2009) LPAIVs into black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), their natural host species, and measured the long-term immune response and protection against one or two reinfections over a period of >1 year. This is the typical interval between LPAIV epizootics in wild birds. Reinfection with the same virus resulted in progressively less virus excretion, with complete abrogation of virus excretion after two infections for H13 but not H16. However, reinfection with the other virus affected neither the level nor duration of virus excretion. Virus excretion by immunologically naive birds did not differ in total levels of excreted H13 or H16 virus between first- and second-year birds, but the duration of H13 excretion was shorter for second-year birds. Furthermore, serum antibody levels did not correlate with protection against LPAIV infection. LPAIV-infected gulls showed no clinical signs of disease. These results imply that the epidemiological cycles of H13 and H16 in black-headed gulls are relatively independent from each other and depend mainly on infection of first-year birds. IMPORTANCE Low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) circulate mainly in wild water birds but are occasionally transmitted to other species, including humans, where they cause subclinical to fatal disease. To date, the effect of LPAIV-specific immunity on the epidemiology of LPAIV in wild birds is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of H13 and H16 LPAIV infection in black-headed gulls on susceptibility and virus excretion of subsequent infection with the same or the other virus within the same breeding season and between breeding seasons. These are the only two LPAIV hemagglutinin subtypes predominating in this species. The findings suggest that H13 and H16 LPAIV cycles in black-headed gull populations are independent of each other, indicate the importance of first-year birds in LPAIV epidemiology, and emphasize the need for alternatives to avian influenza virus (AIV)-specific serum antibodies as evidence of past LPAIV infection and correlates of protection against LPAIV infection in wild birds. PMID:26339062

75 FR 48625 - Amendment to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Dual Nationals and Third-Country...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-11

..., including technical data, within a foreign business entity, foreign governmental entity, or international..., directly employed by the foreign business entity, foreign governmental entity, or international... any defense article, any foreign business entity, foreign governmental entity, or international...

17 CFR 229.1107 - (Item 1107) Issuing entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false (Item 1107) Issuing entities....1107 (Item 1107) Issuing entities. Provide the following information about the issuing entity: (a) State the issuing entity's name and describe the issuing entity's form of organization, including the...

16 CFR 801.50 - Formation of unincorporated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Formation of unincorporated entities. 801.50... of unincorporated entities. (a) In the formation of an unincorporated entity (other than in... entity and the unincorporated entity itself may, in the formation transaction, be both acquiring and...

17 CFR 229.1107 - (Item 1107) Issuing entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false (Item 1107) Issuing entities....1107 (Item 1107) Issuing entities. Provide the following information about the issuing entity: (a) State the issuing entity's name and describe the issuing entity's form of organization, including the...

16 CFR 801.50 - Formation of unincorporated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Formation of unincorporated entities. 801.50... of unincorporated entities. (a) In the formation of an unincorporated entity (other than in... entity and the unincorporated entity itself may, in the formation transaction, be both acquiring and...

Efficient chemical-disease identification and relationship extraction using Wikipedia to improve recall.

PubMed

Lowe, Daniel M; O'Boyle, Noel M; Sayle, Roger A

2016-01-01

Awareness of the adverse effects of chemicals is important in biomedical research and healthcare. Text mining can allow timely and low-cost extraction of this knowledge from the biomedical literature. We extended our text mining solution, LeadMine, to identify diseases and chemical-induced disease relationships (CIDs). LeadMine is a dictionary/grammar-based entity recognizer and was used to recognize and normalize both chemicals and diseases to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) IDs. The disease lexicon was obtained from three sources: MeSH, the Disease Ontology and Wikipedia. The Wikipedia dictionary was derived from pages with a disease/symptom box, or those where the page title appeared in the lexicon. Composite entities (e.g. heart and lung disease) were detected and mapped to their composite MeSH IDs. For CIDs, we developed a simple pattern-based system to find relationships within the same sentence. Our system was evaluated in the BioCreative V Chemical-Disease Relation task and achieved very good results for both disease concept ID recognition (F1-score: 86.12%) and CIDs (F1-score: 52.20%) on the test set. As our system was over an order of magnitude faster than other solutions evaluated on the task, we were able to apply the same system to the entirety of MEDLINE allowing us to extract a collection of over 250 000 distinct CIDs. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

Collaborative human-machine analysis to disambiguate entities in unstructured text and structured datasets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davenport, Jack H.

2016-05-01

Intelligence analysts demand rapid information fusion capabilities to develop and maintain accurate situational awareness and understanding of dynamic enemy threats in asymmetric military operations. The ability to extract relationships between people, groups, and locations from a variety of text datasets is critical to proactive decision making. The derived network of entities must be automatically created and presented to analysts to assist in decision making. DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation (DAC) provides capabilities to automatically extract entities, relationships between entities, semantic concepts about entities, and network models of entities from text and multi-source datasets. DAC's Natural Language Processing (NLP) Entity Analytics model entities as complex systems of attributes and interrelationships which are extracted from unstructured text via NLP algorithms. The extracted entities are automatically disambiguated via machine learning algorithms, and resolution recommendations are presented to the analyst for validation; the analyst's expertise is leveraged in this hybrid human/computer collaborative model. Military capability is enhanced by these NLP Entity Analytics because analysts can now create/update an entity profile with intelligence automatically extracted from unstructured text, thereby fusing entity knowledge from structured and unstructured data sources. Operational and sustainment costs are reduced since analysts do not have to manually tag and resolve entities.

42 CFR 417.484 - Requirement applicable to related entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Requirement applicable to related entities. 417.484... entities. (a) Definition. As used in this section, related entity means any entity that is related to the... agrees to require all related entities to agree that— (1) HHS, the Comptroller General, or their...

26 CFR 301.7701-5 - Domestic and foreign business entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 18 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Domestic and foreign business entities. 301... foreign business entities. (a) Domestic and foreign business entities. A business entity (including an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner under § 301.7701-2(c)) is domestic if it is created...

22 CFR 96.8 - Fees charged by accrediting entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Fees charged by accrediting entities. 96.8... Duties of Accrediting Entities § 96.8 Fees charged by accrediting entities. (a) An accrediting entity may... fees approved by the Secretary. Before approving a schedule of fees proposed by an accrediting entity...

26 CFR 301.7701-5 - Domestic and foreign business entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 18 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Domestic and foreign business entities. 301... foreign business entities. (a) Domestic and foreign business entities. A business entity (including an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner under § 301.7701-2(c)) is domestic if it is created...

42 CFR 417.484 - Requirement applicable to related entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Requirement applicable to related entities. 417.484... entities. (a) Definition. As used in this section, related entity means any entity that is related to the... agrees to require all related entities to agree that— (1) HHS, the Comptroller General, or their...

An 8/15-channel Tx/Rx head neck RF coil combination with region-specific B1 + shimming for whole-brain MRI focused on the cerebellum at 7T.

PubMed

Pfaffenrot, Viktor; Brunheim, Sascha; Rietsch, Stefan H G; Koopmans, Peter J; Ernst, Thomas M; Kraff, Oliver; Orzada, Stephan; Quick, Harald H

2018-02-09

To design and evaluate an 8/15-channel transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) head-neck RF coil combination with region-specific B1+ shimming for whole-brain MRI with focus on improved functional MRI of the cerebellum at 7 T. An 8-channel transceiver RF head coil was combined with a 7-channel receive-only array. The noise parameters and acceleration capabilities of this 8Tx/15Rx coil setup were compared with a commercially available 1Tx/32Rx RF head coil. Region-specific 8-channel B1+ shimming was applied when using the 8Tx/15Rx RF coil. To evaluate the capability for functional MRI of the cerebellum, temporal SNR and statistical nonparametric maps for finger-tapping experiments with 14 healthy subjects were derived by applying a variable slice thickness gradient-echo echo-planar functional MRI sequence. The 8Tx/15Rx setup had a lower maximum noise correlation between channels, but higher average correlations compared with the 1Tx/32Rx coil. Both RF coils exhibited identical g-factors in the cerebellum with R = 3 acceleration. The enlarged FOV of the 8Tx/15Rx coil in combination with region-specific B1+ shimming increased homogeneity of the transmission field and temporal SNR in caudal cerebellar regions. Temporal SNR losses in cranial parts were reduced, resulting in more highly significant voxels in the caudally activated areas and identical patterns in the cranial cerebellar parts during a finger-tapping task. Compared with the 1Tx/32Rx RF coil, the presented 8Tx/15Rx RF coil combination successfully improves functional MRI of the human cerebellum at 7 T while maintaining whole-brain coverage. A clear temporal SNR gain in caudal cerebellar regions is shown. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Exosomes Derived from Squamous Head and Neck Cancer Promote Cell Survival after Ionizing Radiation

PubMed Central

Mutschelknaus, Lisa; Peters, Carsten; Winkler, Klaudia; Yentrapalli, Ramesh; Heider, Theresa; Atkinson, Michael John; Moertl, Simone

2016-01-01

Exosomes are nanometer-sized extracellular vesicles that are believed to function as intercellular communicators. Here, we report that exosomes are able to modify the radiation response of the head and neck cancer cell lines BHY and FaDu. Exosomes were isolated from the conditioned medium of irradiated as well as non-irradiated head and neck cancer cells by serial centrifugation. Quantification using NanoSight technology indicated an increased exosome release from irradiated compared to non-irradiated cells 24 hours after treatment. To test whether the released exosomes influence the radiation response of other cells the exosomes were transferred to non-irradiated and irradiated recipient cells. We found an enhanced uptake of exosomes isolated from both irradiated and non-irradiated cells by irradiated recipient cells compared to non-irradiated recipient cells. Functional analyses by exosome transfer indicated that all exosomes (from non-irradiated and irradiated donor cells) increase the proliferation of non-irradiated recipient cells and the survival of irradiated recipient cells. The survival-promoting effects are more pronounced when exosomes isolated from irradiated compared to non-irradiated donor cells are transferred. A possible mechanism for the increased survival after irradiation could be the increase in DNA double-strand break repair monitored at 6, 8 and 10 h after the transfer of exosomes isolated from irradiated cells. This is abrogated by the destabilization of the exosomes. Our results demonstrate that radiation influences both the abundance and action of exosomes on recipient cells. Exosomes transmit prosurvival effects by promoting the proliferation and radioresistance of head and neck cancer cells. Taken together, this study indicates a functional role of exosomes in the response of tumor cells to radiation exposure within a therapeutic dose range and encourages that exosomes are useful objects of study for a better understanding of tumor radiation response. PMID:27006994

Head-mounted LED for optogenetic experiments of freely-behaving animal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Ki Yong; Gnade, Andrew G.; Rush, Alexander D.; Patten, Craig D.

2016-03-01

Recent developments in optogenetics have demonstrated the ability to target specific types of neurons with sub-millisecond temporal precision via direct optical stimulation of genetically modified neurons in the brain. In most applications, the beam of a laser is coupled to an optical fiber, which guides and delivers the optical power to the region of interest. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are an alternative light source for optogenetics and they provide many advantages over a laser based system including cost, size, illumination stability, and fast modulation. Their compact size and low power consumption make LEDs suitable light sources for a wireless optogenetic stimulation system. However, the coupling efficiency of an LED's output light into an optical fiber is lower than a laser due to its noncollimated output light. In typical chronic optogenetic experiment, the output of the light source is transmitted to the brain through a patch cable and a fiber stub implant, and this configuration requires two fiber-to-fiber couplings. Attenuation within the patch cable is potential source of optical power loss. In this study, we report and characterize a recently developed light delivery method for freely-behaving animal experiments. We have developed a head-mounted light source that maximizes the coupling efficiency of an LED light source by eliminating the need for a fiber optic cable. This miniaturized LED is designed to couple directly to the fiber stub implant. Depending on the desired optical power output, the head-mounted LED can be controlled by either a tethered (high power) or battery-powered wireless (moderate power) controller. In the tethered system, the LED is controlled through 40 gauge micro coaxial cable which is thinner, more flexible, and more durable than a fiber optic cable. The battery-powered wireless system uses either infrared or radio frequency transmission to achieve real-time control. Optical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the head-mounted LED were evaluated.

MR-guided adaptive focusing of therapeutic ultrasound beams in the human head

PubMed Central

Marsac, Laurent; Chauvet, Dorian; Larrat, Benoît; Pernot, Mathieu; Robert, B.; Fink, Mathias; Boch, Anne-Laure; Aubry, Jean-François; Tanter, Mickaël

2012-01-01

Purpose This study aims to demonstrate, using human cadavers the feasibility of energy-based adaptive focusing of ultrasonic waves using Magnetic Resonance Acoustic Radiation Force Imaging (MR-ARFI) in the framework of non-invasive transcranial High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) therapy. Methods Energy-based adaptive focusing techniques were recently proposed in order to achieve aberration correction. We evaluate this method on a clinical brain HIFU system composed of 512 ultrasonic elements positioned inside a full body 1.5 T clinical Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system. Cadaver heads were mounted onto a clinical Leksell stereotactic frame. The ultrasonic wave intensity at the chosen location was indirectly estimated by the MR system measuring the local tissue displacement induced by the acoustic radiation force of the ultrasound (US) beams. For aberration correction, a set of spatially encoded ultrasonic waves was transmitted from the ultrasonic array and the resulting local displacements were estimated with the MR-ARFI sequence for each emitted beam. A non-iterative inversion process was then performed in order to estimate the spatial phase aberrations induced by the cadaver skull. The procedure was first evaluated and optimized in a calf brain using a numerical aberrator mimicking human skull aberrations. The full method was then demonstrated using a fresh human cadaver head. Results The corrected beam resulting from the direct inversion process was found to focus at the targeted location with an acoustic intensity 2.2 times higher than the conventional non corrected beam. In addition, this corrected beam was found to give an acoustic intensity 1.5 times higher than the focusing pattern obtained with an aberration correction using transcranial acoustic simulation based on X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans. Conclusion The proposed technique achieved near optimal focusing in an intact human head for the first time. These findings confirm the strong potential of energy-based adaptive focusing of transcranial ultrasonic beams for clinical applications. PMID:22320825

Influence of custom-made and prefabricated insoles before and after an intense run

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Each time the foot contacts the ground during running there is a rapid deceleration that results in a shock wave that is transmitted from the foot to the head. The fatigue of the musculoskeletal system during running may decrease the ability of the body to absorb those shock waves and increase the risk of injury. Insoles are commonly prescribed to prevent injuries, and both custom-made and prefabricated insoles have been observed to reduce shock accelerations during running. However, no study to date has included a direct comparison of their behaviour measured over the same group of athletes, and therefore great controversy still exists regarding their effectiveness in reducing impact loading during running. The aim of the study was to analyse the acute differences in stride and shock parameters while running on a treadmill with custom-made and prefabricated insoles. Stride parameters (stride length, stride rate) and shock acceleration parameters (head and tibial peak acceleration, shock magnitude, acceleration rate, and shock attenuation) were measured using two triaxial accelerometers in 38 runners at 3.33 m/s before and after a 15-min intense run while using the sock liner of the shoe (control condition), prefabricated insoles and custom-made insoles. No differences in shock accelerations were found between the custom-made and the control insoles. The prefabricated insoles increased the head acceleration rate (post-fatigue, p = 0.029) compared to the control condition. The custom-made reduced tibial (pre-fatigue, p = 0.041) and head acceleration rates (pre-fatigue and post-fatigue, p = 0.01 and p = 0.046) compared to the prefabricated insoles. Neither the stride nor the acceleration parameters were modified as a result of the intense run. In the present study, the acute use of insoles (custom-made, prefabricated) did not reduce shock accelerations compared to the control insoles. Therefore, their effectiveness at protecting against injuries associated with elevated accelerations is not supported and remains unclear. PMID:28245273

Chromosomal Translocations in Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae)-Facilitators of Adaptive Radiation?

PubMed

Adler, Peter H; Yadamsuren, Oyunchuluun; Procunier, William S

2016-01-01

A macrogenomic investigation of a Holarctic clade of black flies-the Simulium cholodkovskii lineage-provided a platform to explore the implications of a unique, synapomorphic whole-arm interchange in the evolution of black flies. Nearly 60 structural rearrangements were discovered in the polytene complement of the lineage, including 15 common to all 138 analyzed individuals, relative to the central sequence for the entire subgenus Simulium. Three species were represented, of which two Palearctic entities (Simulium cholodkovskii and S. decimatum) were sympatric; an absence of hybrids confirmed their reproductive isolation. A third (Nearctic) entity had nonhomologous sex chromosomes, relative to the other species, and is considered a separate species, for which the name Simulium nigricoxum is revalidated. A cytophylogeny is inferred and indicates that the two Palearctic taxa are sister species and these, in turn, are the sister group of the Nearctic species. The rise of the S. cholodkovskii lineage encompassed complex chromosomal and genomic restructuring phenomena associated with speciation in black flies, viz. expression of one and the same rearrangement as polymorphic, fixed, or sex linked in different species; taxon-specific differentiation of sex chromosomes; and reciprocal translocation of chromosome arms. The translocation is hypothesized to have occurred early in male spermatogonia, with the translocated chromosomal complement being transmitted to the X- and Y-bearing sperm during spermatogenesis, resulting in alternate disjunction of viable F1 translocation heterozygotes and the eventual formation of more viable and selectable F2 translocation homozygous progeny. Of 11 or 12 independently derived whole-arm interchanges known in the family Simuliidae, at least six are associated with subsequent speciation events, suggesting a facilitating role of translocations in adaptive radiations. The findings are discussed in the context of potential structural and functional interactions for future genomic research.

Prebiological evolution and the physics of the origin of life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delaye, Luis; Lazcano, Antonio

2005-03-01

The basic tenet of the heterotrophic theory of the origin of life is that the maintenance and reproduction of the first living systems depended primarily on prebiotically synthesized organic molecules. It is unlikely that any single mechanism can account for the wide range of organic compounds that may have accumulated on the primitive Earth, suggesting that the prebiotic soup was formed by contributions from endogenous syntheses in reducing environments, metal sulphide-mediated synthesis in deep-sea vents, and exogenous sources such as comets, meteorites and interplanetary dust. The wide range of experimental conditions under which amino acids and nucleobases can be synthesized suggests that the abiotic syntheses of these monomers did not take place under a narrow range defined by highly selective reaction conditions, but rather under a wide variety of settings. The robustness of this type of chemistry is supported by the occurrence of most of these biochemical compounds in the Murchison meteorite. These results lend strong credence to the hypothesis that the emergence of life was the outcome of a long, but not necessarily slow, evolutionary processes. The origin of life may be best understood in terms of the dynamics and evolution of sets of chemical replicating entities. Whether such entities were enclosed within membranes is not yet clear, but given the prebiotic availability of amphiphilic compounds this may have well been the case. This scheme is not at odds with the theoretical models of self-organized emerging systems, but what is known of biology suggest that the essential traits of living systems could have not emerged in the absence of genetic material able to store, express and, upon replication, transmit to its progeny information capable of undergoing evolutionary change. How such genetic polymer first evolved is a central issue in origin-of-life studies.

Prebiological evolution and the physics of the origin of life.

PubMed

Delaye, Luis; Lazcano, Antonio

2005-03-01

The basic tenet of the heterotrophic theory of the origin of life is that the maintenance and reproduction of the first living systems depended primarily on prebiotically synthesized organic molecules. It is unlikely that any single mechanism can account for the wide range of organic compounds that may have accumulated on the primitive Earth, suggesting that the prebiotic soup was formed by contributions from endogenous syntheses in reducing environments, metal sulphide-mediated synthesis in deep-sea vents, and exogenous sources such as comets, meteorites and interplanetary dust. The wide range of experimental conditions under which amino acids and nucleobases can be synthesized suggests that the abiotic syntheses of these monomers did not take place under a narrow range defined by highly selective reaction conditions, but rather under a wide variety of settings. The robustness of this type of chemistry is supported by the occurrence of most of these biochemical compounds in the Murchison meteorite. These results lend strong credence to the hypothesis that the emergence of life was the outcome of a long, but not necessarily slow, evolutionary processes. The origin of life may be best understood in terms of the dynamics and evolution of sets of chemical replicating entities. Whether such entities were enclosed within membranes is not yet clear, but given the prebiotic availability of amphiphilic compounds this may have well been the case. This scheme is not at odds with the theoretical models of self-organized emerging systems, but what is known of biology suggest that the essential traits of living systems could have not emerged in the absence of genetic material able to store, express and, upon replication, transmit to its progeny information capable of undergoing evolutionary change. How such genetic polymer first evolved is a central issue in origin-of-life studies.

Rectal squamous cell carcinoma in immunosuppressed populations: is this a distinct entity from anal cancer?

PubMed Central

COGHILL, Anna E.; SHIELS, Meredith S.; RYCROFT, Randi K.; COPELAND, Glenn; FINCH, Jack L.; HAKENEWERTH, Anne M.; PAWLISH, Karen S.; ENGELS, Eric A.

2015-01-01

Objective Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rectum is rare, but as with anal cancer, risk may be increased among immunosuppressed individuals. We assessed risk of rectal SCC in HIV-infected people. Design Population-based registry Methods We utilized the HIV/AIDS Cancer Match, a linkage of US HIV and cancer registries (1991–2010), to ascertain cases of anal SCC, rectal SCC, rectal non-SCC, and colon non-SCC. We compared risk in HIV-infected persons to the general population using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and evaluated risk factors using Poisson regression. We reviewed cancer registry case notes to confirm site and histology for a subset of cases. Results HIV-infected persons had an excess risk of rectal SCC compared to the general population (SIR=28.9; 95%CI 23.2–35.6), similar to the increase for anal SCC (SIR=37.3). Excess rectal SCC risk was most pronounced among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM, SIR=61.2). Risk was not elevated for rectal non-SCC (SIR=0.88) or colon non-SCC (SIR=0.63). Individuals diagnosed with AIDS had higher rectal SCC rates than those with HIV-only (incidence rate ratio=1.86; 95%CI 1.04–3.31). Based on available information, one-third of rectal SCCs were determined to be misclassified anal cancer. Conclusions HIV-infected individuals, especially with advanced immunosuppression, appear to have substantially elevated risk for rectal SCC. As for anal SCC, rectal SCC risk was highest in MSM, pointing to involvement of a sexually transmitted infection such as human papillomavirus. Site misclassification was present, and detailed information on tumor location is needed to prove that rectal SCC is a distinct entity. PMID:26372482

42 CFR 455.104 - Disclosure by Medicaid providers and fiscal agents: Information on ownership and control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., fiscal agents, and managed care entities provide the following disclosures: (1)(i) The name and address... entity, fiscal agent, or managed care entity. The address for corporate entities must include as... disclosing entity as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. (3) The name of any other disclosing entity (or...

Isolated dorsal column dysfunction due to an intraspinal Osteolipoma - Case report and review of literature.

PubMed

Aiyer, Siddharth N; Shetty, Ajoy Prasad; Kanna, Rishi; Maheswaran, Anupama; Rajasekaran, S

2016-01-01

Osteolipoma is a rare variant of the ubiquitous lipoma. Published literature appears in the form of isolated case reports affecting soft tissue structures in the head, neck and rarely affecting the spine. We present a unique instance of an intraspinal osteolipoma in the cervical spine, without evidence of accompanying spinal dysraphism and an atypical clinical presentation of isolated dorsal column dysfunction. We describe the clinical presentation, operative procedure and post-operative outcomes with histopathological findings of this rare entity. A 61-year-old male presented with impaired dorsal column sensation due to an intraspinal extradural ossifying lesion in the cervical spinal canal. The patient underwent excision of the lesion with complete resolution of symptoms. Ossifying lesion in the spinal canal may be frequent finding on radiological imaging but presence of possible adipose tissue in the lesion should raise suspicion of rare clinical scenario of an osteolipoma.

The incidence of Warthin tumours and pleomorphic adenomas in the parotid gland over a 25-year period.

PubMed

Luers, J C; Guntinas-Lichius, O; Klussmann, J P; Küsgen, C; Beutner, D; Grosheva, M

2016-12-01

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is reported to be the most common benign parotid tumour followed by Warthin tumour (WT), but the proportion of these two entities might have changed. Retrospective file analysis. Tertiary referral head and neck centre. Patients who underwent a parotidectomy within a period of 25 years (1990-2014). Rate of occurrence of PA and WT as well as the development of the PA/WT ratio over the years. Overall, 1818 patients with WT (707, 38.9%) and PA (1111, 61.1%) were identified. There was a dominance of PA over WT in all years. An increase in percentage of WT, from 24% in 1990 to 48% in 2014, in comparison with PA was evident. In our single-institution hospital-based material of parotidectomies, the percentage of WT in comparison with PA has significantly increased over the last 25 years. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Case of First Branchial Cleft Fistula Presenting with an External Opening on the Root of the Helical Crus

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background First branchial cleft anomalies (FBCA) are rare clinical entities of the head and neck. Typically, the tract of the FBCA begins in the external auditory canal and ends in the postauricular or submandibular region. Case Presentation We present a case of a 23-year-old man who had a first branchial cleft fistula with atypical opening on the root of the helical crus. Complete excision of the tract, including the cuff of surrounding cartilage, was performed. Histopathology revealed a fistular tract lined with squamous epithelium. To our knowledge, this is the first case to be reported of type I FBCA with an opening on the root of the helical crus. The low incidence and varied presentation often result in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Conclusions In the patients with FBCA, careful recognition of atypical variants is essential for complete excision. PMID:29560006

[Craniorachischisis in conjoined "diprosopus" twins. Case report and review of the literature].

PubMed

Carles, D; Serville, F; Horovitz, J; Maugey, B; Weichhold, W

1989-01-01

The pathological features in a case of craniorachischisis with incomplete twinning (diprosopus) are reported. The female fetus was born to a 27-year-old gravida 6, para 3 healthy woman who underwent a medical abortion at 13 week's gestation because of an anencephaly revealed by ultrasound examination. The head showed two fused faces with two mouths, two noses, two lateral completely formed eyes and two medially fused eyes covered by cutaneous tissue. X-ray examination demonstrated the symmetrically doubled spinal column. The brain and the spinal cord were absent (craniorachischisis). The larynx and the oesophagus, the other viscera and the limbs were normal in number, location and morphology as for a female singleton. This case with others from the literature, illustrates the relationship between conjoined twinning, neural tube defects (more particularly anencephaly) and female zygote and constitutes a real entity.

Gender equity and health sector reform in Colombia: mixed state-market model yields mixed results.

PubMed

Ewig, Christina; Bello, Amparo Hernández

2009-03-01

In 1993, Colombia carried out a sweeping health reform that sought to dramatically increase health insurance coverage and reduce state involvement in health provision by creating a unitary state-supervised health system in which private entities are the main insurers and health service providers. Using a quantitative comparison of household survey data and an analysis of the content of the reforms, we evaluate the effects of Colombia's health reforms on gender equity. We find that several aspects of these reforms hold promise for greater gender equity, such as the resulting increase in women's health insurance coverage. However, the reforms have not achieved gender equity due to the persistence of fees which discriminate against women and the introduction of a two-tier health system in which women heads of household and the poor are concentrated in a lower quality health system.

[Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasopharynx: A case report].

PubMed

Elloumi, F; Fourati, N; Siala, W; Ghorbell, L; Jlidi, R; Ghorbel, A; Frikha, M; Daoud, J

2014-06-01

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the head and neck is a rare entity. The parotid gland is the most commonly affected site. A nasopharyngeal site has not been previously described. We report a 35-year-old patient who consulted for tinnitus and nasal obstruction. The assessment found a nasopharyngeal tumour T4N0M0. The patient underwent 6 cycles of chemotherapy based on VP16 and cisplatin, followed by radiotherapy at a dose of 70 Gy to the nasopharynx and 50 Gy to the neck. The evolution was marked by clinical improvement and radiological stability. Six months after the end of treatment, the patient had a local and meningeal relapse. He received palliative care. He died 19 months after the end of treatment. Copyright © 2014 Société française de radiothérapie oncologique (SFRO). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Human Papilloma Virus in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - The Enigma Unravelled.

PubMed

Khot, Komal P; Deshmane, Swati; Choudhari, Sheetal

2016-03-01

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) has long been regarded as a disease entity having a remarkable incidence worldwide and a fairly onerous prognosis; thus encouraging further research on factors that might modify disease outcome. Squamous cell carcinomas encompass at least 90% of all oral malignancies. Several factors like tobacco and tobacco-related products, alcohol, genetic predisposition and hormonal factors are suspected as possible causative factors. Human papilloma virus (HPV), the causal agent of cervical cancer also appears to be involved in the aetiology of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. HPVpositive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) seems to differ from HPV-negative SCC. Many questions about the natural history of oral HPV infection remain under investigation. The aim of this review is to highlight the current understanding of HPV-associated oral cancer with an emphasis on its prognosis, detection and management.

Update on the classification and treatment of localized scleroderma.

PubMed

Bielsa Marsol, I

2013-10-01

Morphea or localized scleroderma is a distinctive inflammatory disease that leads to sclerosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It comprises a number of subtypes differentiated according to their clinical presentation and the structure of the skin and underlying tissues involved in the fibrotic process. However, classification is difficult because the boundaries between the different types of morphea are blurred and different entities frequently overlap. The main subtypes are plaque morphea, linear scleroderma, generalized morphea, and pansclerotic morphea. With certain exceptions, the disorder does not have serious systemic repercussions, but it can cause considerable morbidity. In the case of lesions affecting the head, neurological and ocular complications may occur. There is no really effective and universal treatment so it is important to make a correct assessment of the extent and severity of the disease before deciding on a treatment approach. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. and AEDV. All rights reserved.

An Enhanced PSO-Based Clustering Energy Optimization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network.

PubMed

Vimalarani, C; Subramanian, R; Sivanandam, S N

2016-01-01

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a network which formed with a maximum number of sensor nodes which are positioned in an application environment to monitor the physical entities in a target area, for example, temperature monitoring environment, water level, monitoring pressure, and health care, and various military applications. Mostly sensor nodes are equipped with self-supported battery power through which they can perform adequate operations and communication among neighboring nodes. Maximizing the lifetime of the Wireless Sensor networks, energy conservation measures are essential for improving the performance of WSNs. This paper proposes an Enhanced PSO-Based Clustering Energy Optimization (EPSO-CEO) algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network in which clustering and clustering head selection are done by using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm with respect to minimizing the power consumption in WSN. The performance metrics are evaluated and results are compared with competitive clustering algorithm to validate the reduction in energy consumption.

Thin optical display panel

DOEpatents

Veligdan, James Thomas

1997-01-01

An optical display includes a plurality of optical waveguides each including a cladding bound core for guiding internal display light between first and second opposite ends by total internal reflection. The waveguides are stacked together to define a collective display thickness. Each of the cores includes a heterogeneous portion defining a light scattering site disposed longitudinally between the first and second ends. Adjacent ones of the sites are longitudinally offset from each other for forming a longitudinal internal image display over the display thickness upon scattering of internal display light thereagainst for generating a display image. In a preferred embodiment, the waveguides and scattering sites are transparent for transmitting therethrough an external image in superposition with the display image formed by scattering the internal light off the scattering sites for defining a heads up display.

Virtual Reality: You Are There

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

Telepresence or "virtual reality," allows a person, with assistance from advanced technology devices, to figuratively project himself into another environment. This technology is marketed by several companies, among them Fakespace, Inc., a former Ames Research Center contractor. Fakespace developed a teleoperational motion platform for transmitting sounds and images from remote locations. The "Molly" matches the user's head motion and, when coupled with a stereo viewing device and appropriate software, creates the telepresence experience. Its companion piece is the BOOM-the user's viewing device that provides the sense of involvement in the virtual environment. Either system may be used alone. Because suits, gloves, headphones, etc. are not needed, a whole range of commercial applications is possible, including computer-aided design techniques and virtual reality visualizations. Customers include Sandia National Laboratories, Stanford Research Institute and Mattel Toys.

Evaluation of the Raven sUAS to detect and monitor greater sage-grouse leks within the Middle Park population

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hanson, Leanne; Holmquist-Johnson, Christopher L.; Cowardin, Michelle L.

2014-01-01

The Raven sUAS is a hand-launched reconnaissance and data-gathering tool developed for the U.S. Department of Defense by AeroVironment, Inc. Originally designed to provide aerial observation, day or night, at line-of-site ranges up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), the Raven sUAS has a wingspan of 4.5 feet (1.38 meters) and weighs 4.2 pounds (1.9 kilograms). A 60-minute lithium-ion rechargeable battery powers the system which also transmits live video (color or infrared imagery), compass headings, and location information to a ground control station. The Raven sUAS is typically operated by a three-person flight crew consisting of a pilot, mission operator, and a trained observer.

Position paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology – Current state of clinical and endoscopic diagnostics, evaluation, and therapy of swallowing disorders in children

PubMed Central

Arens, Christoph; Herrmann, Ingo F.; Rohrbach, Saskia; Schwemmle, Cornelia; Nawka, Tadeus

2015-01-01

Swallowing disorders are frequent. The main concern is mortality due to aspiration-induced pneumonia and malnutrition. In addition, quality of life is severely affected. The demographic trend indicates an increase of dysphagia in the future. Neurodegenerative diseases, tumors of the digestive tract, and sequelae of tumor treatment in the head and neck region are the main pathologic entities. Predominantly ENT physicians and phoniatricians are asked for diagnostics and therapy, and will coordinate the interdisciplinary treatment according to the endoscopic findings. A differentiated approach in history, diagnostics, and symptom-oriented treatment is necessary for these mostly complex disorders. Integration of non-medical staff such as speech therapists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists in planning and executing an effective therapy expands and completes the patient-oriented care. Conservative treatment by these therapists is an important pillar in the treatment. Parts of the specific diagnostics can be taken over in close cooperation. In particular, an interdisciplinary cooperation with the staff of intensive care medicine is essential. The diagnostic procedures of specific endoscopy as described in this position paper are part of the primary and fundamental tasks of ENT specialists and phoniatrists. Endoscopy is a medical service that is basically not delegable. Consequently, substitution of the physician is excluded. PMID:26770277

Conversation Intention Perception based on Knowledge Base

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

Yi Liu Gastritis Fracture Vomit Pain Bleeding thirst Anti-acid Clarithromycin styptic Aspirin Symptom Medicine Disease 1/117 1/157 1/20...occurrence frequency. Firstly, we compute the distance between two entities. For example, distance between entity Gastritis and entity Vomit is...considered as one as they are connected directly, distance between entity Gastritis and entity Fracture is two since they are con- nected through entity

7 CFR 1738.16 - Eligible entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Eligible entities. 1738.16 Section 1738.16... Eligible entities. (a) RUS makes broadband loans to legally organized entities providing, or proposing to provide, broadband services in eligible rural communities. (1) Types of eligible entities include...

7 CFR 1738.16 - Eligible entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Eligible entities. 1738.16 Section 1738.16... Eligible entities. (a) RUS makes broadband loans to legally organized entities providing, or proposing to provide, broadband services in eligible rural communities. (1) Types of eligible entities include...

7 CFR 63.4 - Eligible entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Eligible entity. 63.4 Section 63.4 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... IMPROVEMENT CENTER General Provisions Definitions § 63.4 Eligible entity. Eligible entity means an entity that...

Primary and secondary leiomyosarcoma of the oral and perioral region--clinicopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of a rare entity with a review of the literature.

PubMed

Schütz, Anja; Smeets, Ralf; Driemel, Oliver; Hakim, Samer George; Kosmehl, Hartwig; Hanken, Henning; Kolk, Andreas

2013-06-01

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) rarely occurs in the head and neck region. These tumors present with a wide range of clinical features, so the diagnosis is predicated on conventional microscopic findings coupled with immunohistochemical analysis. Clinical and histologic data of 7 patients with LMS of the head and neck were recorded retrospectively. In addition to routine immunohistochemistry, staining for cell cycle regulator proteins p16 and p21 was performed. Five LMSs (4 intraoral, 1 dermal cheek) occurred primarily in the oral and perioral region. Two LMSs (parietal and sinonasal) were diagnosed as metastases originating from the uterus and pelvis. Treatment of the primary LMSs consisted of radical tumor resection with clear margins. Distant metastases from LMSs were irradiated or excised as palliative treatment. Three of 5 patients (60%) with primarily excised LMS developed recurrence after an average of 7 months, with lung metastases occurring after 17 months. In 1 patient, cervical lymph node metastases were detected after 10 months. Of all patients, 5 died after an average survival period of 2.4 years. The mean survival period of the 5 patients with primary LMS of the head and neck was 3.3 years. All tumors were positive for vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin, with 57% of tumors showing positive nuclear expression of p16 and 71% of p21. Lack of p16 nuclear expression was associated with a shorter mean survival time (1.3 vs 4.3 yr for p16 positivity). Lung and cervical lymph node metastases often occur in LMS of the head and neck. Presurgical staging, including gynecologic examination, whole-body computed tomography, and sometimes positron-emission or computed tomography, to rule out LMS metastasis is mandatory. Surgical resection of the tumor should be given top priority. Lack of p16 reactivity may have a prognostic value for LMS because it was related to a trend toward poorer survival. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical Entity Recognition and Resolution to ChEBI

PubMed Central

Grego, Tiago; Pesquita, Catia; Bastos, Hugo P.; Couto, Francisco M.

2012-01-01

Chemical entities are ubiquitous through the biomedical literature and the development of text-mining systems that can efficiently identify those entities are required. Due to the lack of available corpora and data resources, the community has focused its efforts in the development of gene and protein named entity recognition systems, but with the release of ChEBI and the availability of an annotated corpus, this task can be addressed. We developed a machine-learning-based method for chemical entity recognition and a lexical-similarity-based method for chemical entity resolution and compared them with Whatizit, a popular-dictionary-based method. Our methods outperformed the dictionary-based method in all tasks, yielding an improvement in F-measure of 20% for the entity recognition task, 2–5% for the entity-resolution task, and 15% for combined entity recognition and resolution tasks. PMID:25937941

Secure data aggregation in wireless sensor networks using homomorphic encryption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Manish; Verma, Shekhar; Lata, Kusum

2015-04-01

In a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), aggregation exploits the correlation between spatially and temporally proximate sensor data to reduce the total data volume to be transmitted to the sink. Mobile agents (MAs) fit into this paradigm, and data can be aggregated and collected by an MA from different sensor nodes using context specific codes. The MA-based data collection suffers due to large size of a typical WSN and is prone to security problems. In this article, homomorphic encryption in a clustered WSN has been proposed for secure and efficient data collection using MAs. The nodes keep encrypted data that are given to an MA for data aggregation tasks. The MA performs all the data aggregation operations upon encrypted data as it migrates between nodes in a tree-like structure in which the nodes are leafs and the cluster head is the root of the tree. It returns and deposits the encrypted aggregated data to the cluster head after traversing through all the intra cluster nodes over a shortest path route. The homomorphic encryption and aggregation processing in encrypted domain makes the data collection process secure. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed secure data aggregation mechanism. In addition to security, MA-based mechanism leads to lesser delay and bandwidth requirements.

Laser illuminator and optical system for disk patterning

DOEpatents

Hackel, Lloyd A.; Dane, C. Brent; Dixit, Shamasundar N.; Everett, Mathew; Honig, John

2000-01-01

Magnetic recording media are textured over areas designated for contact in order to minimize friction with data transducing heads. In fabricating a hard disk, an aluminum nickel-phosphorous substrate is polished to a specular finish. A mechanical means is then used to roughen an annular area intended to be the head contact band. An optical and mechanical system allows thousands of spots to be generated with each laser pulse, allowing the textured pattern to be rapidly generated with a low repetition rate laser and an uncomplicated mechanical system. The system uses a low power laser, a beam expander, a specially designed phase plate, a prism to deflect the beam, a lens to transmit the diffraction pattern to the far field, a mechanical means to rotate the pattern and a trigger system to fire the laser when sections of the pattern are precisely aligned. The system generates an annular segment of the desired pattern with which the total pattern is generated by rotating the optical system about its optic axis, sensing the rotational position and firing the laser as the annular segment rotates into the next appropriate position. This marking system can be integrated into a disk sputtering system for manufacturing magnetic disks, allowing for a very streamlined manufacturing process.

Three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging of vascular anatomy in small animals using an optical detection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Edward Z.; Laufer, Jan; Beard, Paul

2007-02-01

A 3D photoacoustic imaging instrument for characterising small animal models of human disease processes has been developed. The system comprises an OPO excitation source and a backward-mode planar ultrasound imaging head based upon a Fabry Perot polymer film sensing interferometer (FPI). The mirrors of the latter are transparent between 590 - 1200nm but highly reflective between 1500-1600nm. This enables nanosecond excitation laser pulses in the former wavelength range, where biological tissues are relatively transparent, to be transmitted through the sensor head into the tissue. The resulting photoacoustic signals arrive at the sensor where they modulate the optical thickness of the FPI and therefore its reflectivity. By scanning a CW focused interrogating laser beam at 1550nm across the surface of the sensor, the spatial-temporal distribution of the photoacoustic signals can therefore be mapped in 2D enabling a 3D photoacoustic image to be reconstructed. To demonstrate the application of the system to imaging small animals such as mice, 3D images of the vascular anatomy of the mouse brain and the microvasculature in the skin around the abdomen were obtained non invasively. It is considered that this system provides a practical alternative to photoacoustic scanners based upon piezoelectric detectors for high resolution non invasive small animal imaging.

Hybrid graphene-copper UWB array sensor for brain tumor detection via scattering parameters in microwave detection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamlos, Mohd Aminudin; Ismail, Abdul Hafiizh; Jamlos, Mohd Faizal; Narbudowicz, Adam

2017-01-01

Hybrid graphene-copper ultra-wideband array sensor applied to microwave imaging technique is successfully used in detecting and visualizing tumor inside human brain. The sensor made of graphene coated film for the patch while copper for both the transmission line and parasitic element. The hybrid sensor performance is better than fully copper sensor. Hybrid sensor recorded wider bandwidth of 2.0-10.1 GHz compared with fully copper sensor operated from 2.5 to 10.1 GHz. Higher gain of 3.8-8.5 dB is presented by hybrid sensor, while fully copper sensor stated lower gain ranging from 2.6 to 6.7 dB. Both sensors recorded excellent total efficiency averaged at 97 and 94%, respectively. The sensor used for both transmits equivalent signal and receives backscattering signal from stratified human head model in detecting tumor. Difference in the data of the scattering parameters recorded from the head model with presence and absence of tumor is used as the main data to be further processed in confocal microwave imaging algorithm in generating image. MATLAB software is utilized to analyze S-parameter signals obtained from measurement. Tumor presence is indicated by lower S-parameter values compared to higher values recorded by tumor absence.

47 CFR 90.1103 - Designated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Designated entities. 90.1103 Section 90.1103... Designated entities. (a) This section addresses certain issues concerning designated entities in the Location... provisions. (1) A small business is an entity that, together with its affiliates and controlling interests...

47 CFR 90.1103 - Designated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Designated entities. 90.1103 Section 90.1103... Designated entities. (a) This section addresses certain issues concerning designated entities in the Location... provisions. (1) A small business is an entity that, together with its affiliates and controlling interests...

31 CFR 596.308 - Person; entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Person; entity. 596.308 Section 596... General Definitions § 596.308 Person; entity. (a) The term person means an individual or entity. (b) The term entity means a partnership, association, corporation, or other organization. ...

31 CFR 596.308 - Person; entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Person; entity. 596.308 Section 596... General Definitions § 596.308 Person; entity. (a) The term person means an individual or entity. (b) The term entity means a partnership, association, corporation, or other organization. ...

78 FR 22270 - Special Fraud Alert: Physician-Owned Entities

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-15

...] Special Fraud Alert: Physician-Owned Entities AGENCY: Office of Inspector General (OIG), HHS. ACTION... Physician-Owned Entities. Specifically, the Special Fraud Alert addressed physician-owned entities that... publication of the Special Fraud Alert on Physician-Owned Entities, an inadvertent error appeared in the DATES...

Interactive entity resolution in relational data: a visual analytic tool and its evaluation.

PubMed

Kang, Hyunmo; Getoor, Lise; Shneiderman, Ben; Bilgic, Mustafa; Licamele, Louis

2008-01-01

Databases often contain uncertain and imprecise references to real-world entities. Entity resolution, the process of reconciling multiple references to underlying real-world entities, is an important data cleaning process required before accurate visualization or analysis of the data is possible. In many cases, in addition to noisy data describing entities, there is data describing the relationships among the entities. This relational data is important during the entity resolution process; it is useful both for the algorithms which determine likely database references to be resolved and for visual analytic tools which support the entity resolution process. In this paper, we introduce a novel user interface, D-Dupe, for interactive entity resolution in relational data. D-Dupe effectively combines relational entity resolution algorithms with a novel network visualization that enables users to make use of an entity's relational context for making resolution decisions. Since resolution decisions often are interdependent, D-Dupe facilitates understanding this complex process through animations which highlight combined inferences and a history mechanism which allows users to inspect chains of resolution decisions. An empirical study with 12 users confirmed the benefits of the relational context visualization on the performance of entity resolution tasks in relational data in terms of time as well as users' confidence and satisfaction.

45 CFR 160.310 - Responsibilities of covered entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Responsibilities of covered entities. 160.310... Responsibilities of covered entities. (a) Provide records and compliance reports. A covered entity must keep such... entity has complied or is complying with the applicable administrative simplification provisions. (b...

22 CFR 96.103 - Oversight by accrediting entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Oversight by accrediting entities. 96.103... Relating to Temporary Accreditation § 96.103 Oversight by accrediting entities. (a) The accrediting entity... agency's application for full accreditation when it is filed. The accrediting entity must also...

43 CFR 426.10 - Public entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Public entities. 426.10 Section 426.10... INTERIOR ACREAGE LIMITATION RULES AND REGULATIONS § 426.10 Public entities. (a) Application of the acreage limitation provisions to public entities. Reclamation does not subject public entities to the acreage...

22 CFR 96.103 - Oversight by accrediting entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Oversight by accrediting entities. 96.103... Relating to Temporary Accreditation § 96.103 Oversight by accrediting entities. (a) The accrediting entity... agency's application for full accreditation when it is filed. The accrediting entity must also...

43 CFR 426.10 - Public entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Public entities. 426.10 Section 426.10... INTERIOR ACREAGE LIMITATION RULES AND REGULATIONS § 426.10 Public entities. (a) Application of the acreage limitation provisions to public entities. Reclamation does not subject public entities to the acreage...

76 FR 78335 - Identification of Additional Entities Pursuant to Executive Order 13469

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-16

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Foreign Assets Control Identification of Additional Entities... two entities that have been identified as entities in which the Zimbabwe Mining Development.... Therefore, all property and interests in property of such entities are blocked. DATES: The identification by...

45 CFR 160.310 - Responsibilities of covered entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Responsibilities of covered entities. 160.310... Responsibilities of covered entities. (a) Provide records and compliance reports. A covered entity must keep such... entity has complied or is complying with the applicable administrative simplification provisions. (b...

31 CFR 560.305 - Person; entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Person; entity. 560.305 Section 560.305 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) OFFICE OF... § 560.305 Person; entity. (a) The term person means an individual or entity. (b) The term entity means a...

18 CFR 46.5 - Covered entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Covered entities. 46.5... FOR PERSONS HOLDING INTERLOCKING POSITIONS § 46.5 Covered entities. Entities to which the general rule..., or a savings and loan association; (b) Any entity which is authorized by law to underwrite or...

45 CFR 162.923 - Requirements for covered entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Requirements for covered entities. 162.923 Section... Requirements for covered entities. (a) General rule. Except as otherwise provided in this part, if a covered entity conducts, with another covered entity that is required to comply with a transaction standard...

45 CFR 150.307 - Notice to responsible entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Notice to responsible entities. 150.307 Section... and Non-Federal Governmental Plans-Civil Money Penalties § 150.307 Notice to responsible entities. If... responsible entity or entities identified under § 150.305. The notice does the following: (a) Describes the...

31 CFR 800.211 - Entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Entity. 800.211 Section 800.211 Money... FOREIGN PERSONS Definitions § 800.211 Entity. The term entity means any branch, partnership, group or sub... separate legal entity) operated by any one of the foregoing as a business undertaking in a particular...

45 CFR 162.923 - Requirements for covered entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Requirements for covered entities. 162.923 Section... Requirements for covered entities. (a) General rule. Except as otherwise provided in this part, if a covered entity conducts, with another covered entity that is required to comply with a transaction standard...

46 CFR 67.41 - Governmental entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Governmental entity. 67.41 Section 67.41 Shipping COAST... DOCUMENTATION OF VESSELS Citizenship Requirements for Vessel Documentation § 67.41 Governmental entity. A governmental entity is a citizen for the purpose of obtaining a vessel document if it is an entity of the...

46 CFR 67.41 - Governmental entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Governmental entity. 67.41 Section 67.41 Shipping COAST... DOCUMENTATION OF VESSELS Citizenship Requirements for Vessel Documentation § 67.41 Governmental entity. A governmental entity is a citizen for the purpose of obtaining a vessel document if it is an entity of the...

18 CFR 46.5 - Covered entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Covered entities. 46.5... FOR PERSONS HOLDING INTERLOCKING POSITIONS § 46.5 Covered entities. Entities to which the general rule..., or a savings and loan association; (b) Any entity which is authorized by law to underwrite or...

45 CFR 150.307 - Notice to responsible entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Notice to responsible entities. 150.307 Section... and Non-Federal Governmental Plans-Civil Money Penalties § 150.307 Notice to responsible entities. If... responsible entity or entities identified under § 150.305. The notice does the following: (a) Describes the...

47 CFR 101.1429 - Designated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Designated entities. 101.1429 Section 101.1429... Designated entities. (a) Eligibility for small business provisions. (1) A very small business is an entity... exceeding $3 million for the preceding three years. (2) A small business is an entity that, together with...

42 CFR 6.3 - Eligible entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Eligible entities. 6.3 Section 6.3 Public Health... COVERAGE OF CERTAIN GRANTEES AND INDIVIDUALS § 6.3 Eligible entities. (a) Grantees. Entities eligible for coverage under this part are public and nonprofit private entities receiving Federal funds under any of the...

31 CFR 560.305 - Person; entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Person; entity. 560.305 Section 560.305 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) OFFICE OF... § 560.305 Person; entity. (a) The term person means an individual or entity. (b) The term entity means a...

42 CFR 6.3 - Eligible entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Eligible entities. 6.3 Section 6.3 Public Health... COVERAGE OF CERTAIN GRANTEES AND INDIVIDUALS § 6.3 Eligible entities. (a) Grantees. Entities eligible for coverage under this part are public and nonprofit private entities receiving Federal funds under any of the...

12 CFR 1238.7 - Publication of results by regulated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 10 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Publication of results by regulated entities... TESTING OF REGULATED ENTITIES § 1238.7 Publication of results by regulated entities. (a) Public disclosure of results required for stress tests of regulated entities. The Enterprises must disclose publicly a...

22 CFR 96.5 - Requirement that accrediting entity be a nonprofit or public entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... administering standards for entities providing child welfare services; or (b) A public entity (other than a... political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, that is responsible for licensing adoption agencies in a State and that has expertise in developing and administering standards for entities providing...

12 CFR 1237.10 - Limited-life regulated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 10 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Limited-life regulated entities. 1237.10... RECEIVERSHIP Limited-Life Regulated Entities § 1237.10 Limited-life regulated entities. (a) Status. The United... liquidity portfolio of a limited-life regulated entity. (c) Policies and procedures. The Agency may draft...

12 CFR 1237.10 - Limited-life regulated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 9 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Limited-life regulated entities. 1237.10... RECEIVERSHIP Limited-Life Regulated Entities § 1237.10 Limited-life regulated entities. (a) Status. The United... liquidity portfolio of a limited-life regulated entity. (c) Policies and procedures. The Agency may draft...

12 CFR 1237.10 - Limited-life regulated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 9 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Limited-life regulated entities. 1237.10... RECEIVERSHIP Limited-Life Regulated Entities § 1237.10 Limited-life regulated entities. (a) Status. The United... liquidity portfolio of a limited-life regulated entity. (c) Policies and procedures. The Agency may draft...

40 CFR 262.216 - Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... generated at an eligible academic entity. 262.216 Section 262.216 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Laboratories Owned by Eligible Academic Entities § 262.216 Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity. An eligible academic entity that generates hazardous waste outside of a...

40 CFR 262.216 - Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... generated at an eligible academic entity. 262.216 Section 262.216 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Laboratories Owned by Eligible Academic Entities § 262.216 Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity. An eligible academic entity that generates hazardous waste outside of a...

40 CFR 262.216 - Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... generated at an eligible academic entity. 262.216 Section 262.216 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Laboratories Owned by Eligible Academic Entities § 262.216 Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity. An eligible academic entity that generates hazardous waste outside of a...

40 CFR 262.216 - Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... generated at an eligible academic entity. 262.216 Section 262.216 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Laboratories Owned by Eligible Academic Entities § 262.216 Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity. An eligible academic entity that generates hazardous waste outside of a...

40 CFR 262.216 - Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... generated at an eligible academic entity. 262.216 Section 262.216 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Laboratories Owned by Eligible Academic Entities § 262.216 Non-laboratory hazardous waste generated at an eligible academic entity. An eligible academic entity that generates hazardous waste outside of a...

The Effect of Realistic Contexts on Ontological Judgments of Novel Entities

PubMed Central

Van Reet, Jennifer; Pinkham, Ashley M.; Lillard, Angeline S.

2014-01-01

Although a great deal of research has focused on ontological judgments in preschoolers, very little has examined ontological judgments in older children. The present study asked 10-year-olds and adults (N = 94) to judge the reality status of known real, known imagined, and novel entities presented in simple and elaborate contexts and to explain their judgments. Although judgments were generally apt, participants were more likely to endorse imagined and novel entities when the entities were presented in elaborate contexts. When asked to explain their reasoning, participants at both ages cited firsthand experience for real entities and general knowledge for imagined entities. For novel entities, participants referred most to indirect experiences when entities were presented in simple contexts and to general knowledge when those entities were presented in elaborate contexts. These results suggest that rich contextual information continues to be an important influence on ontological judgments past the preschool years. PMID:25914442

Relatedness-based Multi-Entity Summarization

PubMed Central

Gunaratna, Kalpa; Yazdavar, Amir Hossein; Thirunarayan, Krishnaprasad; Sheth, Amit; Cheng, Gong

2017-01-01

Representing world knowledge in a machine processable format is important as entities and their descriptions have fueled tremendous growth in knowledge-rich information processing platforms, services, and systems. Prominent applications of knowledge graphs include search engines (e.g., Google Search and Microsoft Bing), email clients (e.g., Gmail), and intelligent personal assistants (e.g., Google Now, Amazon Echo, and Apple’s Siri). In this paper, we present an approach that can summarize facts about a collection of entities by analyzing their relatedness in preference to summarizing each entity in isolation. Specifically, we generate informative entity summaries by selecting: (i) inter-entity facts that are similar and (ii) intra-entity facts that are important and diverse. We employ a constrained knapsack problem solving approach to efficiently compute entity summaries. We perform both qualitative and quantitative experiments and demonstrate that our approach yields promising results compared to two other stand-alone state-of-the-art entity summarization approaches. PMID:29051696

The Effect of Realistic Contexts on Ontological Judgments of Novel Entities.

PubMed

Van Reet, Jennifer; Pinkham, Ashley M; Lillard, Angeline S

2015-01-01

Although a great deal of research has focused on ontological judgments in preschoolers, very little has examined ontological judgments in older children. The present study asked 10-year-olds and adults (N = 94) to judge the reality status of known real, known imagined, and novel entities presented in simple and elaborate contexts and to explain their judgments. Although judgments were generally apt, participants were more likely to endorse imagined and novel entities when the entities were presented in elaborate contexts. When asked to explain their reasoning, participants at both ages cited firsthand experience for real entities and general knowledge for imagined entities. For novel entities, participants referred most to indirect experiences when entities were presented in simple contexts and to general knowledge when those entities were presented in elaborate contexts. These results suggest that rich contextual information continues to be an important influence on ontological judgments past the preschool years.

Enhancement of Chemical Entity Identification in Text Using Semantic Similarity Validation

PubMed Central

Grego, Tiago; Couto, Francisco M.

2013-01-01

With the amount of chemical data being produced and reported in the literature growing at a fast pace, it is increasingly important to efficiently retrieve this information. To tackle this issue text mining tools have been applied, but despite their good performance they still provide many errors that we believe can be filtered by using semantic similarity. Thus, this paper proposes a novel method that receives the results of chemical entity identification systems, such as Whatizit, and exploits the semantic relationships in ChEBI to measure the similarity between the entities found in the text. The method assigns a single validation score to each entity based on its similarities with the other entities also identified in the text. Then, by using a given threshold, the method selects a set of validated entities and a set of outlier entities. We evaluated our method using the results of two state-of-the-art chemical entity identification tools, three semantic similarity measures and two text window sizes. The method was able to increase precision without filtering a significant number of correctly identified entities. This means that the method can effectively discriminate the correctly identified chemical entities, while discarding a significant number of identification errors. For example, selecting a validation set with 75% of all identified entities, we were able to increase the precision by 28% for one of the chemical entity identification tools (Whatizit), maintaining in that subset 97% the correctly identified entities. Our method can be directly used as an add-on by any state-of-the-art entity identification tool that provides mappings to a database, in order to improve their results. The proposed method is included in a freely accessible web tool at www.lasige.di.fc.ul.pt/webtools/ice/. PMID:23658791

Temporospatial fate of bacteria and immune effector expression in house flies (Musca domestica L.) fed GFP-E. coli O157:H7

PubMed Central

Fleming, A.; Kumar, H.V.; Joyner, C.; Reynolds, A.; Nayduch, D.

2014-01-01

House flies (Diptera: Muscidae; Musca domestica L.) harbor and transmit a variety of human enteropathogens including E. coli O157:H7. Interactions between ingested bacteria and the fly gut directly impact bacterial persistence, survival and ultimately fly vector competence. We assessed the temporospatial fate of GFP-E. coli O157:H7 (GFP-ECO157) in house flies along with fly antimicrobial responses for 12 h post-ingestion. In flies fed GFP-ECO157, culture and microscopy revealed a steady decrease in bacterial load over 12 h, which was likely attributable to the combined effects of immobilization within the peritrophic matrix, lysis and peristaltic excretion. However, flies can putatively transmit this pathogen in excreta because intact bacteria were observed in the crop and rectum. qRT-PCR analysis of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) and lysozyme gene expression showed minimal upregulation in both the gut and carcass of house flies fed GFP-ECO157. However, these genes were upregulated in fly heads and salivary glands, and effector proteins were detected in the gut of some flies. Collectively, these data indicate that house flies can serve as reservoirs of E. coli O157:H7 for up to 12 h, and factors in addition to AMPs and lysozyme may contribute to bacteria destruction in the gut. PMID:24712451

Abnormal cardiovascular responses induced by localized high power microwave exposure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, S.-T; Brown, D.O.; Johnson, C.E.

1992-05-01

A hypothesis of microwave-induced circulatory under perfusion was tested in ketamine anesthetized rats whose heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, respiration rate, and body temperatures were monitored continuously. Fifty-eight ventral head and neck exposures in a waveguide consisted of sham-exposure and exposure to continuous wave (CW) and pulsed 1.25 GHz microwaves for 5 min. The 0.5 Hz and 16 Hz pulsemodulated microwaves were delivered at 400 kW peak power. The CW microwaves were 2 and 6.4 W. The average specific absorption rate was 4.75 W/kg per watt transmitted in the brain and 17.15 W/kg per watt transmitted in themore » neck. Respiration rate and mean arterial pressure were not altered. Changes in heart rate and pulse pressure were observed in rats exposed to higher power but not to the lower average power microwaves. Depression of pulse pressure, an indication of a decrease in stroke volume, and increased or decreased heart rate were noted in presence of whole-body hyperthermia. The cardiac output of those animals exposed to higher average power microwaves was considered to be below normal as hypothesized. Decreased cardiac output and normal mean arterial pressure resulted in an increase in the total peripheral resistance which was contrary to the anticipated thermal response of animals.« less

[Soil transmitted helminthiasis in Argentina. A systematic review].

PubMed

Socías, M Eugenia; Fernández, Anabel; Gil, José F; Krolewiecki, Alejandro J

2014-01-01

A systematic review of surveys performed between 1980 and 2011 (published in MEDLINE/Pubmed and/or LILACS indexed journals, available in the baseline data from a Mass Deworming National Program (MDNP, 2005) was used to identify the prevalence, distribution and detection of risk areas for soil transmitted helminth infections (STH) in Argentina. We found 310 publications in the database using the pre-defined key-words (medical subject headings) for research purposes. Only 24 articles with 26 surveillance sites in 8 provinces and a total of 5495 surveyed individuals fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Frequency rates for STH had a wide range: Ascaris lumbricoides: 0-67%, hookworms: 0-90%, Trichuris trichiura: 0-24.6 and Strongyloides stercoralis: 0-83%. The estimated combined incidence varied from 0.8% to 88.6%. Baseline surveys from the MDNP reporting on 1943 children from 12 provinces confirmed the heterogeneity, with combined STH frequency rates ranging from 0 to 42.7%. Surveys included in this review showed that the distribution of STH in Argentina is not homogeneous, with areas of high incidence (> 20%) in the northeastern and northwestern provinces where mass deworming activities would be highly beneficial. In several surveys, the high overall incidence was mostly due to hookworms and S. stercoralis, a situation to be considered when selecting diagnostic and therapeutic control strategies. The scarcity or absence of data from various provinces and the availability of less than 8000 surveyed individuals should be considered.

Aedes aegypti from temperate regions of South America are highly competent to transmit dengue virus

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Aedes aegypti is extensively spread throughout South America where it has been responsible for large dengue epidemics during the last decades. Intriguingly, dengue transmission has not been reported in Uruguay and is essentially prevalent in subtropical northern Argentina which borders Uruguay. Methods We assessed vector competence for dengue virus (DENV) of Ae. aegypti populations collected in subtropical Argentina (Corrientes) as well as temperate Uruguay (Salto) and Argentina (Buenos Aires) in 2012 using experimental oral infections with DENV-2. Mosquitoes were incubated at 28°C and examined at 14 and 21 days p.i. to access viral dissemination and transmission. Batches of the Buenos Aires mosquitoes were also incubated at 15°C and 20°C. Results Although mosquitoes from temperate Uruguay and Argentina were competent to transmit DENV, those from subtropical Argentina were more susceptible, displaying the highest virus titters in the head and presenting the highest dissemination of infection and transmission efficiency rates when incubated at 28°C. Interestingly, infectious viral particles could be detected in saliva of mosquitoes from Buenos Aires exposed to 15°C and 20°C. Conclusions There is a potential risk of establishing DENV transmission in Uruguay and for the spread of dengue outbreaks to other parts of subtropical and temperate Argentina, notably during spring and summer periods. PMID:24373423

Insight into RF power requirements and B1 field homogeneity for human MRI via rigorous FDTD approach.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Tamer S; Tang, Lin

2007-06-01

To study the dependence of radiofrequency (RF) power deposition on B(0) field strength for different loads and excitation mechanisms. Studies were performed utilizing a finite difference time domain (FDTD) model that treats the transmit array and the load as a single system. Since it was possible to achieve homogenous excitations across the human head model by varying the amplitudes/phases of the voltages driving the transmit array, studies of the RF power/B(0) field strength (frequency) dependence were achievable under well-defined/fixed/homogenous RF excitation. Analysis illustrating the regime in which the RF power is dependent on the square of the operating frequency is presented. Detailed studies focusing on the RF power requirements as a function of number of excitation ports, driving mechanism, and orientations/positioning within the load are presented. With variable phase/amplitude excitation, as a function of frequency, the peak-then-decrease relation observed in the upper axial slices of brain with quadrature excitation becomes more evident in the lower slices as well. Additionally, homogeneity optimization targeted at minimizing the ratio of maximum/minimum B(1) (+) field intensity within the region of interest, typically results in increased RF power requirements (standard deviation was not considered in this study). Increasing the number of excitation ports, however, can result in significant RF power reduction. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Optical radar-based device for measuring automobile belt displacement in real time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brennan, Brian W.; Gentile, John R.

1999-02-01

Ford Motor Company had a requirement to measure fan belt vibration on their 4.6 liter Cobra-Mustang engine. While this sensor was to be used in the laboratory, it would also be used for field testing of this engine. The general operation temperature was -40 to 120 degrees C, but there was an engine 'soak-back' requirement of up to 200 degrees C. The vibration requirement was 3g continuous at 10 Hz with 20g shock. Humidity was 0-95 percent. Without active cooling, the temperature environment eliminated engine mounted electronics and with it some more common approaches such as laser triangulation based sensing. A laser radar concept was developed which features remotely located electronics, fiber optic delivery and return of the signal and an engine mounted optic head. The three lens design of the receive optics is a compromise choice designed to maximize power at the receiver over the full travel of the belt. The electronic scheme consists of a time-to-amplitude converter based on a precise time interval derived from the phase difference of logic level pulse trains which in turn are formed by the 'exclusive O Ring' of the transmit and receive pulses. In practice, a 10 MHz pulse train is transmitted to the vibrating belt which coupled with some fast electronics results in about 1 0.1 mm resolution, sufficient for this application.

12 CFR 1238.6 - Post-assessment actions by regulated entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 10 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Post-assessment actions by regulated entities... TESTING OF REGULATED ENTITIES § 1238.6 Post-assessment actions by regulated entities. Each regulated entity shall take the results of the stress test conducted under § 1238.3 into account in making changes...

22 CFR 140.9 - Other non-governmental entities and individuals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

.... Section 140.9 applies to private voluntary agencies, educational institutions, for-profit firms, other non-governmental entities and private individuals. A non-governmental entity that is not organized under the laws... suspect that a proposed U.S. non-governmental entity or a key individual of such entity may be or may have...

22 CFR 140.9 - Other non-governmental entities and individuals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

.... Section 140.9 applies to private voluntary agencies, educational institutions, for-profit firms, other non-governmental entities and private individuals. A non-governmental entity that is not organized under the laws... suspect that a proposed U.S. non-governmental entity or a key individual of such entity may be or may have...

22 CFR 140.9 - Other non-governmental entities and individuals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

.... Section 140.9 applies to private voluntary agencies, educational institutions, for-profit firms, other non-governmental entities and private individuals. A non-governmental entity that is not organized under the laws... suspect that a proposed U.S. non-governmental entity or a key individual of such entity may be or may have...

42 CFR 438.808 - Exclusion of entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Exclusion of entities. 438.808 Section 438.808... Exclusion of entities. (a) General rule. FFP is available in payments under MCO contracts only if the State excludes from the contracts any entities described in paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Entities that must...

31 CFR 800.212 - Foreign entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Foreign entity. 800.212 Section 800... TAKEOVERS BY FOREIGN PERSONS Definitions § 800.212 Foreign entity. (a) The term foreign entity means any... majority of the equity interest in such entity is ultimately owned by U.S. nationals is not a foreign...

76 FR 28503 - Identification of Three Entities as Government of Libya Entities Pursuant to Executive Order 13566

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-17

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Foreign Assets Control Identification of Three Entities as Government of Libya Entities Pursuant to Executive Order 13566 AGENCY: Department of the Treasury. ACTION... names of three entities identified on May 5, 2011 as persons whose property and interests in property...

31 CFR 575.304 - Entity of the Government of Iraq; Iraqi Government entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Entity of the Government of Iraq; Iraqi Government entity. 575.304 Section 575.304 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to... SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 575.304 Entity of the Government of Iraq; Iraqi Government...

42 CFR 438.808 - Exclusion of entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Exclusion of entities. 438.808 Section 438.808... Exclusion of entities. (a) General rule. FFP is available in payments under MCO contracts only if the State excludes from the contracts any entities described in paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Entities that must...

76 FR 32069 - Safety Zone; Lorain Independence Day Fireworks, Black River, Lorain, OH

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-03

... grant or loan recipients, and will not raise any novel legal or policy issues. Small Entities Under the... economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small entities'' comprises small... number of small entities. This rule will affect the following entities, some of which may be small...

The electron microscope appearance of the subchondral bone plate in the human femoral head in osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

PubMed Central

LI, BAOHUA; MARSHALL, DEBORAH; ROE, MARTIN; ASPDEN, RICHARD M.

1999-01-01

The subchondral bone plate supports the articular cartilage in diarthrodial joints. It has a significant mechanical function in transmitting loads from the cartilage into the underlying cancellous bone and has been implicated in the destruction of cartilage in osteoarthritis (OA) and its sparing in osteoporosis (OP), but little is known of its composition, structure or material properties. This study investigated the microscopic appearance and mineral composition of the subchondral bone plate in femoral heads from patients with OA or OP to determine how these correspond to changes in composition and stiffness found in other studies. Freeze-fractured full-depth samples of the subchondral bone plate from the femoral heads of patients with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or a matched control group were examined using back scattered and secondary emission scanning electron microscopy. Other samples were embedded and polished and examined using back-scattered electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. The appearances of the samples from the normal and osteoporotic patients were very similar, with the subchondral bone plate overlayed by a layer of calcified cartilage. Osteoporotic samples presented a more uniform fracture surface and the relative thicknesses of the layers appeared to be different. In contrast, the OA bone plate appeared to be porous and have a much more textured surface. There were occasional sites of microtrabecular bone formation between the trabeculae of the underlying cancellous bone, which were not seen in the other groups, and more numerous osteoclast resorption pits. The calcified cartilage layer was almost absent and the bone plate was apparently thickened. The appearance of the osteoarthritic subchondral bone plate was, therefore, considerably different from both the normal and the osteoporotic, strongly indicative of abnormal cellular activity. PMID:10473297

Monitoring the reflection from an artificial defect in rail track using guided wave ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loveday, Philip W.; Taylor, Rebecca M. C.; Long, Craig S.; Ramatlo, Dineo A.

2018-04-01

Guided wave ultrasound has the potential to detect relatively large defects in continuously welded rail track at long range. As monitoring can be performed in near real time it would be acceptable to only detect fairly large cracks provided this is achieved prior to complete rail breakage. Heavy haul rail lines are inspected periodically by conventional ultrasound and sections with even relatively small cracks are removed; therefore, no sizable defects are available to demonstrate monitoring in the presence of realistic environmental operating conditions. Instead, we glued a small mass to the rail to simulate reflection from a crack and monitored the guided wave signals as the glue joint deteriorated over time. Data was collected over a two week period on an operational heavy haul line. A piezoelectric transducer mounted under the head of the rail was used in pulse-echo mode to transmit and receive a mode of propagation with energy confined mainly in the head of the rail. The small mass was attached under the head of the rail, at a distance of 375m from the transducer, using a cyanoacrylate glue, which was not expected to remain intact for long. Pre-processing of the collected signals involved rejection of signals containing train noise, averaging, filtering and dispersion compensation. Reflections from aluminothermic welds were used to stretch and scale the signals to reduce the influence of temperature variations. Singular value decomposition and independent component analysis were then applied to the signals with the aim of separating the reflection caused by the artificial defect from the background signal. The performance of these techniques was compared for different time spans. The reflection from the artificial defect showed unanticipated fluctuations.

Entity-based Stochastic Analysis of Search Results for Query Expansion and Results Re-Ranking

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-20

pages) and struc- tured data (e.g. Linked Open Data ( LOD ) [8]) coexist in var- ious forms. An important observation is that entity names (like names of...the top-L (e.g. L = 1, 000) results are retrieved. Then, Named Entity Recognition (NER) is applied in these results for identifying LOD entities. In...the next (optional) step, more semantic information about the identified entities is retrieved from the LOD (like properties and related entities). A

Leveraging Pattern Semantics for Extracting Entities in Enterprises

PubMed Central

Tao, Fangbo; Zhao, Bo; Fuxman, Ariel; Li, Yang; Han, Jiawei

2015-01-01

Entity Extraction is a process of identifying meaningful entities from text documents. In enterprises, extracting entities improves enterprise efficiency by facilitating numerous applications, including search, recommendation, etc. However, the problem is particularly challenging on enterprise domains due to several reasons. First, the lack of redundancy of enterprise entities makes previous web-based systems like NELL and OpenIE not effective, since using only high-precision/low-recall patterns like those systems would miss the majority of sparse enterprise entities, while using more low-precision patterns in sparse setting also introduces noise drastically. Second, semantic drift is common in enterprises (“Blue” refers to “Windows Blue”), such that public signals from the web cannot be directly applied on entities. Moreover, many internal entities never appear on the web. Sparse internal signals are the only source for discovering them. To address these challenges, we propose an end-to-end framework for extracting entities in enterprises, taking the input of enterprise corpus and limited seeds to generate a high-quality entity collection as output. We introduce the novel concept of Semantic Pattern Graph to leverage public signals to understand the underlying semantics of lexical patterns, reinforce pattern evaluation using mined semantics, and yield more accurate and complete entities. Experiments on Microsoft enterprise data show the effectiveness of our approach. PMID:26705540

Leveraging Pattern Semantics for Extracting Entities in Enterprises.

PubMed

Tao, Fangbo; Zhao, Bo; Fuxman, Ariel; Li, Yang; Han, Jiawei

2015-05-01

Entity Extraction is a process of identifying meaningful entities from text documents. In enterprises, extracting entities improves enterprise efficiency by facilitating numerous applications, including search, recommendation, etc. However, the problem is particularly challenging on enterprise domains due to several reasons. First, the lack of redundancy of enterprise entities makes previous web-based systems like NELL and OpenIE not effective, since using only high-precision/low-recall patterns like those systems would miss the majority of sparse enterprise entities, while using more low-precision patterns in sparse setting also introduces noise drastically. Second, semantic drift is common in enterprises ("Blue" refers to "Windows Blue"), such that public signals from the web cannot be directly applied on entities. Moreover, many internal entities never appear on the web. Sparse internal signals are the only source for discovering them. To address these challenges, we propose an end-to-end framework for extracting entities in enterprises, taking the input of enterprise corpus and limited seeds to generate a high-quality entity collection as output. We introduce the novel concept of Semantic Pattern Graph to leverage public signals to understand the underlying semantics of lexical patterns, reinforce pattern evaluation using mined semantics, and yield more accurate and complete entities. Experiments on Microsoft enterprise data show the effectiveness of our approach.

Bayesian Modeling of Temporal Coherence in Videos for Entity Discovery and Summarization.

PubMed

Mitra, Adway; Biswas, Soma; Bhattacharyya, Chiranjib

2017-03-01

A video is understood by users in terms of entities present in it. Entity Discovery is the task of building appearance model for each entity (e.g., a person), and finding all its occurrences in the video. We represent a video as a sequence of tracklets, each spanning 10-20 frames, and associated with one entity. We pose Entity Discovery as tracklet clustering, and approach it by leveraging Temporal Coherence (TC): the property that temporally neighboring tracklets are likely to be associated with the same entity. Our major contributions are the first Bayesian nonparametric models for TC at tracklet-level. We extend Chinese Restaurant Process (CRP) to TC-CRP, and further to Temporally Coherent Chinese Restaurant Franchise (TC-CRF) to jointly model entities and temporal segments using mixture components and sparse distributions. For discovering persons in TV serial videos without meta-data like scripts, these methods show considerable improvement over state-of-the-art approaches to tracklet clustering in terms of clustering accuracy, cluster purity and entity coverage. The proposed methods can perform online tracklet clustering on streaming videos unlike existing approaches, and can automatically reject false tracklets. Finally we discuss entity-driven video summarization- where temporal segments of the video are selected based on the discovered entities, to create a semantically meaningful summary.

26 CFR 301.7701(i)-4 - Special rules for certain entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 18 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Special rules for certain entities. 301.7701(i... rules for certain entities. (a) States and municipalities—(1) In general. Regardless of whether an entity satisfies any of the requirements of section 7701(i)(2)(A), an entity is not classified as a...

77 FR 23114 - Addition of Certain Persons on the Entity List: Addition of Persons Acting Contrary to the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-18

... exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) to entities identified on the Entity List require a license... CONTACT: Karen Nies-Vogel, Chair, End-User Review Committee, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Export...) to entities identified on the Entity List require a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security...

20 CFR 661.210 - Under what circumstances may the Governor select an alternative entity in place of the State...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... the membership structure includes any significant change in the organization of the alternative entity... labor organizations in the State. (c) If the alternative entity does not provide for representative... structure of the alternative entity is significantly changed after December 31, 1997, the entity will no...

26 CFR 301.7701-3 - Classification of certain business entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the new target corporation under section 338. (iii) Application to successive elections in tiered... of an entity does not result in the creation of a new entity for purposes of the sixty month... entity separate from A when A becomes the only member of X. X, however, is not treated as a new entity...

26 CFR 301.7701-3 - Classification of certain business entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the new target corporation under section 338. (iii) Application to successive elections in tiered... of an entity does not result in the creation of a new entity for purposes of the sixty month... entity separate from A when A becomes the only member of X. X, however, is not treated as a new entity...

26 CFR 301.7701-3 - Classification of certain business entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the new target corporation under section 338. (iii) Application to successive elections in tiered... of an entity does not result in the creation of a new entity for purposes of the sixty month... entity separate from A when A becomes the only member of X. X, however, is not treated as a new entity...

26 CFR 301.7701-3 - Classification of certain business entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the new target corporation under section 338. (iii) Application to successive elections in tiered... of an entity does not result in the creation of a new entity for purposes of the sixty month... entity separate from A when A becomes the only member of X. X, however, is not treated as a new entity...

Performance Analysis of a NASA Integrated Network Array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nessel, James A.

2012-01-01

The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program is planning to integrate its individual networks into a unified network which will function as a single entity to provide services to user missions. This integrated network architecture is expected to provide SCaN customers with the capabilities to seamlessly use any of the available SCaN assets to support their missions to efficiently meet the collective needs of Agency missions. One potential optimal application of these assets, based on this envisioned architecture, is that of arraying across existing networks to significantly enhance data rates and/or link availabilities. As such, this document provides an analysis of the transmit and receive performance of a proposed SCaN inter-network antenna array. From the study, it is determined that a fully integrated internetwork array does not provide any significant advantage over an intra-network array, one in which the assets of an individual network are arrayed for enhanced performance. Therefore, it is the recommendation of this study that NASA proceed with an arraying concept, with a fundamental focus on a network-centric arraying.

For telehealth to succeed, privacy and security risks must be identified and addressed.

PubMed

Hall, Joseph L; McGraw, Deven

2014-02-01

The success of telehealth could be undermined if serious privacy and security risks are not addressed. For example, sensors that are located in a patient's home or that interface with the patient's body to detect safety issues or medical emergencies may inadvertently transmit sensitive information about household activities. Similarly, routine data transmissions from an app or medical device, such as an insulin pump, may be shared with third-party advertisers. Without adequate security and privacy protections for underlying telehealth data and systems, providers and patients will lack trust in the use of telehealth solutions. Although some federal and state guidelines for telehealth security and privacy have been established, many gaps remain. No federal agency currently has authority to enact privacy and security requirements to cover the telehealth ecosystem. This article examines privacy risks and security threats to telehealth applications and summarizes the extent to which technical controls and federal law adequately address these risks. We argue for a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for telehealth, developed and enforced by a single federal entity, the Federal Trade Commission, to bolster trust and fully realize the benefits of telehealth.