Search

This paper reports a systematic investigation of Hastelloy-X (Hast-X) structures built by Laser Directed Energy Deposition in as-built and post heat-treated conditions. The optical microscopy shows microstructures with fine dendrites in as-built condition due to higher cooling rate during deposition, while recrystallized equiaxed grains are observed after post heat-treatment (at 1177 °C) due to recrystallization. X-ray diffraction studies reveal nickel γ-matrix with variation in crystallite size and a peak shift after post heat-treatment, primarily due to change in surface residual stress. Surface topography reveals the reduction in average roughness with post heat-treatment. Further, the maximum compressive residual stress of 350 MPa and maximum tensile residual stress of 252 MPa are observed at the surfaces of post heat-treated and as-built samples, respectively. The average micro-hardness changed from 239 HV 1.96N to 208 HV 1.96N after post heat-treatment. Single Cycle Ball Indentation studies indicated increase in energy storage capacity by a factor of 1.55 after post heat-treatment. Automated Ball Indentation studies quantify yield strength and ultimate strength as 478 MPa and 765 MPa in as-built samples, while 393 MPa and 630 MPa in post heat-treated samples, respectively. Further, crack propagation studies indicate an improvement in the fatigue life after post heat-treatment, while the specific wear rate increased by a factor of 1.72 with increased delamination in heat-treated samples. Thus, post heat-treatment of Hast-X samples changes the material properties significantly. • Post heat-treatment of Laser Directed Energy Deposited Hastelloy-X structures. • Dendritic microstructure with fine crystallites observed in as-built samples. • Homogenized microstructure and surface compressive stress after heat-treatment. • Improved fatigue behavior, energy storage and ductility after heat-treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the inter-tester repeatability of an upper limb direct kinematic (ULDK) model specifically for the reporting of elbow flexion-extension (FE) during overhead sporting movements, such as cricket bowling. The ULDK model consists of an upper arm and a forearm connected with a 6° of freedom elbow joint. The ULDK model was assessed for inter-tester repeatability by calculating elbow FE during cricket bowling in two sessions, with unique testers applying the kinematic marker set in each session. Analysis of both elbow FE time-varying waveforms (statistical parametric mapping = 0% time different) and extracted discrete events (no statistical differences, strong correlations > 0.9) support that this model is inter-tester repeatable at assessing elbow FE within the context of cricket bowling. This model is recommended as a framework in future studies for measuring elbow kinematics during other overhead sporting tasks, with recommendations for further participant-specific considerations. Graphical abstract ᅟ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Various clinical guidelines have been developed to predict intracranial findings and minimize the unnecessary head CT scans in mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) patients. However, the most appropriate guideline for routine practices might be highly dependent on the emergency department policies, qualifications of medical staff, and the level of infrastructure availability. This study aims to identify various indicators that can predict abnormal CT scan findings in clinically MTBI patients. Methods: Our retrospective analytical study included patients diagnosed with MTBI admitted to the Emergency Department of Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, Indonesia, from November 2022 to February 2023, age ≥18 years, and having undergone a brain CT scan. Multivariate analyses of several indicators were performed to identify the strongest indicators of abnormal CT scan findings. Results: Among 112 subjects, abnormal CT scan findings were identified in 38 subjects (33.9%). The proportion of men is greater (63.4%), with a median age of 33 (18-88) years. The most common mechanism was traffic accidents (83.0%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that skull fracture (OR 8.144, 95% CI 3.110-21.326) and signs of skull base fracture (OR 7.059, 95% CI 2.217-22.475) were the two strongest indicators in predicting abnormal CT scan findings. Conclusions: Skull fracture and signs of skull base fracture were the two strongest indicators of abnormal CT scan findings in clinically MTBI patients. Therefore, skull X-rays in the setting of limited CT scans and thorough clinical examination are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Various clinical guidelines have been developed to predict intracranial findings and minimize the unnecessary head CT scans in mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) patients. However, the most appropriate guideline for routine practices might be highly dependent on the emergency department policies, qualifications of medical staff, and the level of infrastructure availability. This study aims to identify various indicators that can predict abnormal CT scan findings in clinically MTBI patients. Methods: Our retrospective analytical study included patients diagnosed with MTBI admitted to the Emergency Department of Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, Indonesia, from November 2022 to February 2023, age ≥18 years, and having undergone a brain CT scan. Multivariate analyses of several indicators were performed to identify the strongest indicators of abnormal CT scan findings. Results: Among 112 subjects, abnormal CT scan findings were identified in 38 subjects (33.9%). The proportion of men is greater (63.4%), with a median age of 33 (18-88) years. The most common mechanism was traffic accidents (83.0%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that skull fracture (OR 8.144, 95% CI 3.110-21.326) and signs of skull base fracture (OR 7.059, 95% CI 2.217- 22.475) were the two strongest indicators in predicting abnormal CT scan findings. Conclusions: Skull fracture and signs of skull base fracture were the two strongest indicators of abnormal CT scan findings in clinically MTBI patients. Therefore, skull X-rays in the setting of limited CT scans and thorough clinical examination are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of a 46-year-old man with atypical naevus syndrome, having two previous melanomas removed and undergoing right axillary node clearance is presented. Evolving masses in his right axilla and thigh were reported. The patient finished the prednisolone cycle with complete resolution of the lichen planus (LP).

The article presents a case study of a 54-year-old woman who presented with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) treated with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab and her medical history included endometriosis and a cholecystectomy. It mentions her radiography were unremarkable and viral screen was negative for adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, influenza A and B respiratory syncytial virus. It also mentions mucin or elastophagocytosis with heterogeneous reaction.

Background: Accidental intravascular injection is a significant and potentially devastating risk of epidural block, particularly in parturients whose epidural veins are engorged and hence more easily pierced. This prospective randomized, double-blinded study determined whether the addition of epinephrine to epidural ropivacaine administered by gravity before catheter insertion was associated with fewer epidural catheter blood vessel penetrations.Method: Four hundred and two parturient patients receiving epidural block for elective C/S were randomly allocated to two groups; group I (n = 201) received only ropivacaine 0.75% with fentanyl 5 μg/mL, whereas group II (n = 200) also received epinephrine 5 μg/mL. Both groups received a total of 21 mL anesthetic solution in four increment doses of 3,5,5,5 mL by gravity into the needle through a 22 inch extension tubing before insertion of the closed-end tip catheter. An additional 3 mL of the anesthetic solution was then administered through the catheter.Results: Epidural epinephrine adjuvant was associated with fewer epidural vessel penetrations (4% vs. 16.5%, P < 0.0001). The addition of epinephrine also significantly reduced catheter insertion problems (12% vs. 23.5%, P-value 0.0024) including the need for catheter readjustment (4.5% vs. 16%, P-value 0.0002) or reinsertion (2.5% vs. 9%, P-value 0.0054). The addition of epinephrine significantly reduced incidence and severity of sedation and had faster onset of surgical block. Sensory level and overall satisfaction did not differ significantly among the groups.Conclusion: The addition of epinephrine to ropivacaine improves the safety and quality of epidural anesthesia when administered by gravity flow via the Hustead needle for cesarean sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates the mathematical software SAGE: Open Source Mathematics Software System developed by William Stein.

Black vine weevil (BVW), Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Fabricius), is a serious pest of cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Larvae feed undetected within the soil and cause damage to roots and underground vines. We correlated damage caused by feeding larvae from known BVW egg densities. Two cultivars of potted cranberry vines, 'Stevens' and 'McFarlin', were inoculated with 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 eggs per pot. Root damage and canopy health were assessed. 'Stevens' exceeded 'McFarlin' in dry shoot weight, total shoot length, total leaf area, and dry root weight before egg treatments. Damage to underground vines increased with increasing egg density and more damage was found in 'Stevens' than 'McFarlin' at the highest egg densities. In August, plant water use and total shoot length in 'McFarlin' were significantly greater in plants treated with 0-5 eggs per pot compared with plants treated with 40-80 eggs per pot. The effect on total shoot length was more pronounced in October. 'Stevens' showed no response to increasing BVW density for up to 24 weeks. Destructive measurements showed decreased root weight in 'McFarlin' but not 'Stevens'. Both cultivars showed a similar decrease in dry shoot weight, total shoot length, and percent green leaf area with increasing BVW egg density. Root damage increased as BVW egg density increased and this damage resulted in reduced plant water use for 'McFarlin'. Reduced shoot growth and leaf area was recorded for both cultivars, although these effects were more apparent in 'McFarlin' and at an earlier stage than in 'Stevens'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nosema pyrausta, an entomopathogenic microsporidium, is an important population regulator of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. This manuscript is a review of research on the relationships between N. pyrausta and O. nubilalis. N. pyrausta was described from O. nubilalis in Hungary in 1927 and from O. nubilalis in IA in 1950. It affects the basic biology of O. nubilalis by slowing larval development, reducing percentage pupation, and decreasing adult longevity, oviposition and fecundity. Infections are maintained in a population by vertical and horizontal transmission. Success of vertical transmission depends on intensity of infection. Horizontal transmission is dependent on stage of larval development at time of infection, quantity of inoculum, and host density. Abiotic and biotic factors coupled with N. pyrausta usually have an additive effect in decreasing the fitness of O. nubilalis, i.e., cold temperatures reduce fecundity and increase larval mortality, host plant resistance reduces the number of larvae per plant. Also, microbial and chemical insecticides are more effective in reducing plant feeding if the insect is infected with N. pyrausta. Predators in general feed on N. pyrausta-infected O. nubilalis with no decrease in fitness. Parasitoids do coexist with N. pyrausta, however, parasitoid fecundity is usually reduced when developing in a N. pyrausta-infected host. Previously unreported data are presented on the prevalence of N. pyrausta in O. nubilalis populations from many parts of the US. These data demonstrate that N. pyrausta continues to be present and fluctuate in populations of O. nubilalis as it has since its discovery in the US. Also, the dynamics of its presence remain similar through changes in corn production including crop rotations, reduced tillage and transgenic insect-resistant varieties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0 and the related strain Pf-5 are well-characterized representatives of rhizosphere bacteria that have the capacity to protect crop plants from fungal root diseases, mainly by releasing a variety of exoproducts that are toxic to plant pathogenic fungi. Here, we report that the two plant-beneficial pseudomonads also exhibit potent insecticidal activity. Anti-insect activity is linked to a novel genomic locus encoding a large protein toxin termed Fit (for P. luorescens nsecticidal oxin) that is related to the insect toxin Mcf ( akes aterpillars loppy) of the entomopathogen Photorhabdus luminescens, a mutualist of insect-invading nematodes. When injected into the haemocoel, even low doses of P. fluorescens CHA0 or Pf-5 killed larvae of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta and the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. In contrast, mutants of CHA0 or Pf-5 with deletions in the Fit toxin gene were significantly less virulent to the larvae. When expressed from an inducible promoter in a non-toxic Escherichia coli host, the Fit toxin gene was sufficient to render the bacterium toxic to both insect hosts. Our findings establish the Fit gene products of P. fluorescens CHA0 and Pf-5 as potent insect toxins that define previously unappreciated anti-insect properties of these plant-colonizing bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A newly discovered microsporidium infecting the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), provisionally placed in the genus Canningia, was studied to determine its impact on O. sulcatus. O. sulcatus populations from several locations were sampled and evaluated for microsporidiosis. A very low prevalence of the disease was observed in all locations surveyed (<3.0%). Laboratory studies were conducted by orally exposing both larvae and adults of O. sulcatus to varying concentrations of Canningia sp. spores. Larval bioassays at a variety of dosages (0, 10, etc.) were performed to evaluate pathogen infectivity, larval survival and growth. Adult bioassays (dosages: 0, 10, etc.) were performed to evaluate longevity, fecundity and mechanisms of vertical pathogen transmission. Larvae and adults were infected in all spore treatments. Larval growth was significantly reduced at dosages above 10 spores/larva. Adults infected at all dosages experienced high levels of mortality and fecundity was reduced to zero. Greenhouse trials were performed to determine if larvae feeding in soil acquired infections when spores were topically applied as a drench application (0, 105, 106, 107 spores/pot). Established larvae feeding on plant roots in pots developed infections when exposed to drench treatments of 106 and 107 spores/pot after 14–21 days. Canningia sp. is an acute pathogen of O. sulcatus infective to both larvae and adults. Topically applied spores also infected larvae feeding on roots in soilless potting media, suggesting the possibility of using this pathogen in a microbial control program. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article reports on partial fractions in calculus, number theory, and algebra. Most students view partial fractions in second-semester calculus as a miracle or a torture. However, students rarely understand why rational functions can invariably be written in terms of partial fractions. The rationale comes from abstract algebra, but a simple analogue in the natural numbers reveals several of the intricacies. It also examines partial fractions beyond accepting their existence for use in a technique of integration.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of the two primary direct insect pests of hazelnuts in Oregon to three species of entomopathogenic nematodes. The entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditis marelatus Pt. Reyes, Steinernema carpocapsae All and Steinernema kraussei L137) were used in laboratory soil bioassays to determine their virulence against filbertworm, Cydia latiferreana (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and filbert weevil, Curculio occidentalis (Casey) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). All three nematode species were infective in laboratory bioassays. Infectivity ranged from 73–100% and 23–85% for filbertworm and filbert weevil, respectively. Field results were similar to those found in the laboratory with filbertworm larvae being more susceptible to nematode infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the persistence of Metarhizium anisopliae (F52), measured as infectivity against black vine weevil larvae, in a soilless potting medium at six wholesale nursery locations across the Willamette Valley, Oregon. A granule formulation (0.30 and 0.60kg/m3) was incorporated into media at planting and fungal persistence determined over two growing seasons. The fungus persisted in the potting media over the duration of the experiment with 50–60% of the larvae exposed to treated media becoming infected at the end of the experiment. The percentage of infected larvae gradually declined from ⩾90% on week 3 to 40–60% by week 19. Larval infection rebounded over the fall and winter months of 2004 to 75–80% followed again by a slow decline over the course of the second growing season. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Laboratory soil bioassays were performed at economic field rates for in-furrow (3.85×106 spores/g dry soil) and broadcast (3.85×105 spores/g dry soil) applications with three isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (F52, ATCC62176, and ARSEF5520) and one isolate of Beauveria bassiana (GHA). All isolates tested were infective to second instar Delia radicum (L.). The conditionally registered M. anisopliae isolate (F52) performed best killing an average of 85 and 72% of D. radicum larvae at the high and low concentration, respectively. The mean LC50 and LC95 of F52 against second instar D. radicum was 2.7×106 and 1.8×108 spores/g dry soil, respectively. The use of F52 in an integrated management program is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wholesale container-grown ornamentals are often maintained at the nursery for at least two growing seasons and are subject to infestation by black vine weevil (BVW), Otiorhynchus sulcatus F., for several months each year. Therefore, a potting media amendment aimed at controlling BVW needs to persist for an extended period of time. These studies were conducted to determine the persistence and ecology of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin incorporated into peat and bark-based potting media with and without a crab meal amendment in container-grown Picea abies ‘Nidiformis.’ Rooted cuttings of P. abies were planted into potting media amended with M. anisopliae (1g of formulated product/L; ∼6 log10 CFU/g dry potting media). The fungal population in bulk potting media was quantitatively determined using selective media at 14, 21, 28, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91, 105, 119, 143, 175, 203, 231, 258, 287 and 342days. The fungal population in the rhizosphere was quantitatively determined at 203, 231, 258, 287, and 342days. M. anisopliae colonized the rhizosphere of P. abies and the fungal population in the rhizosphere was significantly greater than in the surrounding bulk media. M. anisopliae persisted in the peat and bark-based potting media at 6.22 and 5.74log10 CFU/g dry potting media for 342days, respectively. Bioassays using bark and peat-based potting media inoculated with M. anisopliae at 6 log10 CFU/g dry potting media resulted in 93.5% and 97.5% infection of last instar BVW, respectively. P. abies roots inoculated with M. anisopliae infected 76% of 2nd–3rd instar BVW. Inoculation of roots with M. anisopliae represents a novel method for delivering entomopathogenic fungi and would greatly reduce application costs. Factors associated with fungal biology outside the host may be more important than virulence in a laboratory bioassay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Develops a technique for continuous mass rearing of Otiorhynchus sulcatus in the laboratory using a meridic diet. Effect of small changes in diet composition on larval survival and growth; Reductions in larval survival and development; Modification of Otiorhynchus sulcatus diet; Increase in survivorship and weight.

Examines the temperature models for the Ware Hall school building. Control of a single thermostat to the temperature of all the rooms; Use of elementary differential equations to investigate the temperature issues associated with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit; Calculation of cooling and heating times for the laboratory and office.

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana infects a wide range of insects and survives as a soil saprophyte and a plant endophyte. The objective of our study was to determine the role of rainfall in dispersing B. bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin to the surface of corn (Zea mays) from soil with different levels of crop residue. Laboratory studies which simulated field tillage systems, had levels of crop residue which covered 0.53 (control), 34, 59 and 84% of the soil surface. Simulated rainfall in a raindrop tower at an intensity of 73 mm/h caused a significant increase in the mean number of B. bassiana colony forming units (CFU) isolated from the surface of corn plants. Plants receiving rain had a mean (±S.E.M.) of 8.8±2.8 CFU per plant; controls had a mean of 0.03±0.01 CFU per plant. The mg of soil collected from the surface of plants also was significantly influenced by rainfall. Plants receiving rain had a mean of 15.7±1.7 mg of soil per plant while controls had a mean of 3.4±0.4 mg of soil per plant. Linear regression revealed highly significant negative relationships between the mean mg of soil and the mean number of CFU per plant, over the four levels of crop residue. The amount of soil and number of CFU per plant decreased significantly with increasing levels of crop residue. In field studies with conservation- and no-till systems, results were similar to those recorded in the raindrop tower. The mean number of CFU and mg of soil per plant were both higher in conservation-till plots than in no-till plots, where surface residue averaged 45 and 95%, respectively. Rainfall plays an active role in the dispersal of B. bassiana from the soil environment to the surface of whorl-stage corn. Increased levels of crop residue reduce the amount of soil and fungal transfer to the surface of young corn. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Shows that Beauveria bassiana readily forms an endophytic relationship with Bacillus thuringienis- (Bt) transgenic and non-transgenic corn and causes no plant pathology. Levels of endophytism between transgenic events; Levels of endophytism between transgenic events; Seed germination in transgenic or isoline seeds soaked in a B. bassiana suspension; Foliar application of a granular formulation of B. bassiana.

Scapular position has been hypothesized to influence rotator cuff function, but no current methods exist to reliably measure shoulder rotation strength in different scapular positions. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable technique to measure isokinetic (ISOK) and isometric (ISOM) shoulder rotation strength with the scapula protracted. Ten healthy volunteers (5 male, 5 female, ages 20--41) completed two to three ISOM and five ISOK (90 degrees/second) internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) repetitions in a position of scapular protraction with the shoulder abducted 45 degrees in the scapular plane. Subjects returned 24--72 hours later to repeat testing. All torque measurements in the protracted position exhibited excellent intersession reliability (ICCs > 0.97). Shoulder rotational torque can be measured in the protracted scapula position with excellent reliability using the new technique described. Establishing the reliability of the protracted technique is a necessary prerequisite for the completion of future studies examining quantitative differences in rotational torque generation between the neutral and protracted scapula positions in the functional shoulder position of 45 degrees of scapular plane abduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions of C3a anaphylatoxin with vascular endothelium were studied in vitro using human endothelial cells in culture and 125I-labelled human C3a. Cultured endothelial cells took up 125I-C3a in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and inactivated it. Uptake was not associated with binding to specific receptors since the amount of radioactivity accumulated by the cells was not influenced by treatment with excess unlabelled peptide, metabolic inhibitors or by low temperature. Further, we observed that uptake was not saturated during 90 rain of incubation or within the concentration range of C3a tested (10-9-10-6 M). C3a was taken up more rapidly than other labelled, less basic compounds, including Tyr5-bradykinin, lysozyme and albumin. Examination of the cells by autoradiographic electron microscopy revealed labelled material within the cell cysoplasm but not within specific intracellular structures, such as vesicles or vacuoles. C3a was partially inactivated after incubation with endothelial cells for 15 min, but some spasmogenic activity was retained even after 90 min incubation. Since the peptide is readily inactivated by the cells, the radioactivity in the cytoplasm may be inactive C3a and possibly C3a fragments. The combination of uptake and inactivation of C3a by endothelial cells may be an effective means of removing the peptide from circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Admissible statistical tests of fixed level are derived for the hypotheses (a) of statistical independence and (b) of Markov dependence, against the alternative of a higher-order Markov dependence. The tests, which are related to the run test and to contingency tests, are conditional procedures given a complete sufficient statistic. Comparisons are made with chi-squared tests for independence using computer simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections that were associated with the drinking of unpasteurized milk in Washington and Oregon. The milk was obtained from a farm in Cowlitz County, Washington. Through a cow share program, the farm provided raw, or unpasteurized, milk to shareholders. The report discusses health hazards associated with consuming unpasteurized milk. Symptoms of the infected people included diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

The article summarizes the investigation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 cases associated with the farm in Cowlitz County, Washington in December 2005 and reinforces previous warnings about the health hazards of consuming raw milk. Among the persons who reported consuming raw milk from the farm, the relative risk for illness increased with the average number of cups of milk consumed daily. Inspectors from the Washington State Department of Agriculture noted improper procedures for handling fresh milk at the farm.

• Laser Directed Energy Deposition (LDED) of Inconel 718 (IN718) bulk structures. • First to report Fatigue crack propagation of LDED built IN718. • Z-pattern-90 samples revealed finer microstructures. • Fatigue crack propagation resistance of samples compared at different scan patterns. Considering the wide applications of Laser Directed Energy Deposition (LDED) based Additive Manufacturing built Inconel718 (IN718) bulk structures, fatigue crack propagation (FCP) studies are performed on LDED built IN718 structures at two different scan strategies (Z-pattern-0 and Z-pattern-90) for the first time. Microscopic analysis shows that the built structures are defect-free with slightly fine dendritic growth for Z-pattern-90 samples. FCP tests reveal striations ≤ 200 nm and show about 2.5 times higher FCP resistance for Z-pattern-90 as compared to Z-pattern-0. FCP resistance of thus built samples is observed to be in between forged and Laser Powder Bed Fusion built samples. This study provides an understanding of the FCP behaviour of LDED built IN718 for various engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights findings of a study related to dysphagia, which is common in the ageing population, with the prevalence in Great Britain estimated between 11 and 23 percent. It further discusses how identifying patients with swallowing difficulties and providing them with an alternative preparation to their medications is a simple but effective way to increase compliance.

Introduction: Young people with a first episode of psychosis can achieve full remission with prompt treatment. Throughout Canada, early psychosis intervention programs are implementing policies to ensure timely delivery of services. One of Canada's first early intervention services, the Prevention and Early Intervention for Psychosis program, set the guideline that all youth referred should receive an appointment within 72 hours. The availability of early intervention programs has increased significantly but the standards these programs have adopted to ensure timely delivery of services remains unknown. Objectives: This project aims to identify the policies and practices in early intervention programs that ensure timely delivery of services. Secondly, the project aims to understand the level of awareness of the 72-hour recommendation and the level of adoption of this recommendation. Thirdly, the project aims to identify the factors that facilitate and hinder a program's ability to reach and maintain their benchmarks for timely delivery of services. Methods: Participants included 17 service delivery providers from four early intervention programs located in socio-culturally distinct regions in Canada. Participants completed a survey about their program's service delivery policies and practices. We led individual semi-structured interviews with seven service providers to identify the barriers and facilitators to delivering timely care. We conducted frequency analyses of the survey data and thematic analysis of the interviews to identify emerging themes. Results: Forty-one percent of survey respondents indicated that their program implemented formal policies to minimize the delay to the first appointment, with benchmarks ranging from 72 hours to 12 weeks. The majority of program managers interviewed were aware of the 72-hour benchmark, voiced satisfaction with standards, and felt that establishing standards was helpful to delivering quality services. Average time between referral and first appointment ranged from 10 days to 12 weeks; however, more than half of survey respondents were unaware of the average delay in their program. Notable barriers to implementation included patient non-responsiveness, insufficient staffing, and missing patient contact information from referrals. The service providers reported engaged staff, flexible schedules, and team-based care as facilitators to meeting service delivery benchmarks. Conclusions: Benchmarks such as the 72-hour recommendation are an excellent step in improving timeliness of delivery of early intervention services. Common barriers to meeting benchmarks, such as patient adherence and staff resources may be difficult to overcome; however, implementing standardized referral forms and processes, increasing staff engagement, providing flexible schedules, and encouraging team-based care could improve timely delivery of services. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation and multi-objective analysis is carried out for laser additive manufacturing system-directed energy deposition (LAM-DED) of Hastelloy-X thin walls. The process parameters such as laser power, scan speed and powder feed rate are selected to understand their influence on track width, track height and build rate during LAMDED of the thin Hastelloy-X walls. The investigation is further extended to develop empirical models defining the parametric influence with good agreement to experimental measurements. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis is performed to find out the significant process parameters affecting the geometry and build rate in LAM-DED. ANOVA analysis shows that the most significant control parameter for track width, track height and build rate are power with a contribution of 85.40%, scan speed with a contribution of 48.07% and powder feed rate with a contribution of 58.77%, respectively. Multi-objective optimization using Grey relational analysis (GRA) derived an optimal process parameter combination of power of 600 W, scan speed of 0.3 m/min and powder feed rate of 11 g/min for maximum build rate and nominal track width of 1.7 mm. The developed methodology can be extended to LAM-DED of other track widths. The thin walls are successfully built using LAM-DED at the optimized process parameters and the measured track width of built wall is found to be within permissible limits. Macrostructural examination revealed that the built wall is defect-free in terms of cracks, porosity, foreign inclusions and similar defects. Microstructural examination shows fine dendritic growth in the direction of wall building. The work finds applications in building thin walled Hastelloy-X components of ultramodern systems, like Advanced Ultra Super Critical Power Plants involving extreme duty conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Understanding habitat selection of fungal entomopathogens is critical to improve the efficacy, persistence and cost of these fungi as microbial insecticides. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Metarhizium and Beauveria spp. isolated from the rhizosphere of strawberry, blueberry, grape and Christmas tree crops in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Entomopathogenic fungi were assigned to thirteen species based on molecular phylogenetic criteria. Four species of Metarhizium were isolated including Metarhizium brunneum, Metarhizium guizhouense, Metarhizium robertsii, and Metarhizium flavoviride var. pemphigi. Nine Beauveria species were isolated including, Beauveria brongniartii, an undescribed species referred to as Clade C and seven phylogenetic species of Beauveria bassiana. Strawberries and blueberries were significantly associated with M. brunneum and Christmas trees with M. guizhouense and M. robertsii. Grapes were significantly associated with B. bassiana phylogenetic species Bbas-16. All of the Metarhizium isolates screened were pathogenic to Otiorhynchus sulcatus larvae in laboratory bioassays but only M. brunneum and M. robertsii caused significant levels of infection. The study results suggest that certain species of Metarhizium and Beauveria are significantly associated with the strawberry, blueberry and Christmas tree rhizosphere and could potentially provide better control of O. sulcatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a rare case of blistering over the abdomen caused by lipodermatosclerosis, a chronic fibrosing panniculitis secondary to venous hypertension,[1] which is commonly seen on the lower legs in older patients. The patient had multiple chronic conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, morbid obesity, chronic kidney disease, multiple strokes and multiple myocardial infarctions. Antigravity measures such as bed rest, together with early treatment of lymphoedema and obesity may prevent irreversible lymphoedema and secondary complications. [Extracted from the article]

Results of a previous survey of 46 young adults with cancer led to the development of a professionally led support group to address their unique concerns. The intervention combined group therapy techniques with Psychoeducational strategies in six weekly sessions on the topics of anxiety about health and physical well-being, worry about fertility and raising children, problems in relationships, financial concerns, and body image. Pretest and posttests demonstrated significant improvement in the 14 participants' scores on a measure of psychological well-being but no changes in coping mechanisms or overall quality of life. Practice recommendations include expanding the group to eight sessions and providing less structure. Arguments in favor of time-limited group interventions for cancer patients are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article informs that during a series of studies devoted to clarifying the relative contributions of emotional and neurological factors to impaired performance in brain-damaged individuals, data were collected on, the effects of behavioral agitation during performance of a given task upon the quality of that performance, and the comparative effects of behavioral agitation, generalized anxiety and brain damage upon performance. This study compares performances on a perceptual-motor test by, a brains damaged group, essentially free from anxiety and agitation, two non-brain damaged psychiatric groups, one agitated and one non-agitated, and a control group.

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dsDNA antibodies are associated with renal disease. Less is known about comorbidities in patients without dsDNA or other autoantibodies. Using an electronic health record (EHR) SLE cohort, we employed a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) that scans across billing codes to compare comorbidities in SLE patients with and without autoantibodies. We used our validated algorithm to identify SLE subjects. Autoantibody status was defined as ever positive for dsDNA, RNP, Smith, SSA and SSB. PheWAS was performed in antibody positive vs. negative SLE patients adjusting for age and race and using a false discovery rate of 0.05. We identified 1097 SLE subjects. In the PheWAS of dsDNA positive vs. negative subjects, dsDNA positive subjects were more likely to have nephritis (p = 2.33 × 10−9) and renal failure (p = 1.85 × 10−5). After adjusting for sex, race, age and other autoantibodies, dsDNA was independently associated with nephritis and chronic kidney disease. Those patients negative for dsDNA, RNP, SSA and SSB negative subjects were all more likely to have billing codes for sleep, pain and mood disorders. PheWAS uncovered a hierarchy within SLE-specific autoantibodies with dsDNA having the greatest impact on major organ involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]