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We study numerically joint mixing of salt and colloids by chaotic advection and how salt inhomogeneities accelerate or delay colloid mixing by inducing a velocity drift Vdp between colloids and fluid particles as proposed in recent experiments [J. Deseigne et al., Soft Matter 10, 4795 (2014)]. We demonstrate that because the drift velocity is no longer divergence free, small variations to the total velocity field drastically affect the evolution of colloid variance σ² = (C²) - (C)². A consequence is that mixing strongly depends on the mutual coherence between colloid and salt concentration fields, the short time evolution of scalar variance being governed by a new variance production term P = -{C²V · Vdp)/2 when scalar gradients are not developed yet so that dissipation is weak. Depending on initial conditions, mixing is then delayed or enhanced, and it is possible to find examples for which the two regimes (fast mixing followed by slow mixing) are observed consecutively when the variance source term reverses its sign. This is indeed the case for localized patches modeled as Gaussian concentration profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We compare experimental data and numerical simulations for the dynamics of inertial particles with finite density in turbulence. In the experiment, bubbles and solid particles are optically tracked in a turbulent flow of water using an Extended Laser Doppler Velocimetry technique. The probability density functions (PDF) of particle accelerations and their auto-correlation in time are computed. Numerical results are obtained from a direct numerical simulation in which a suspension of passive pointwise particles is tracked, with the same finite density and the same response time as in the experiment. We observe a good agreement for both the variance of acceleration and the autocorrelation time scale of the dynamics; small discrepancies on the shape of the acceleration PDF are observed. We discuss the effects induced by the finite size of the particles, not taken into account in the present numerical simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We numerically study the induction mechanisms generated from an array of helical motions distributed along a cylinder. Our flow is a very idealized geometry of the columnar structure that has been proposed for the convective motion inside the Earth’s core. Using an analytically prescribed flow, we apply a recently introduced iterative numerical scheme [M. Bourgoin, P. Odier, J.-F. Pinton, and Y. Richard, Phys. Fluids 16, 2529 (2004)] to solve the induction equation and analyze the flow response to externally applied fields with simple geometries (e.g., azimuthal, radial). Symmetry properties allow us to build selected induction modes whose interactions lead to dynamo mechanisms. Using an induction operator formalism, we show how dipole and quadrupole dynamos can be envisioned from such motions. The method identifies the main induction mechanisms that generate dynamo action in the selected geometry. Here, it emphasizes the competition between α-effect and field expulsion as well as the role of scale separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher plants are commonly exposed to rapid changes in the amounts and proportions of ammonium and nitrate in their root environment. Some of the potential consequences of such changes have been determined by examining the suppressive effects of growing maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings with a high concentration (3 mM) of nitrogen on the subsequent uptake of nitrogen from a more dilute (0.2 mM) solution. To document the interactive role of nitrate and ammonium supply in suppression, ratios of these ions in the growth solution were maintained at 3:0, 2:1, 1:2 and 0:3. Rates of nitrate and ammonium uptake were then measured during initial (0-1 h) exposure to 0.2 mM KNO3 or NH4NO3 and hourly during a subsequent 7 h period of adaptation to the dilute solutions. Maximal suppression of nitrate uptake occurred only when both nitrate and ammonium were present (2:1 and 1:2) during prior growth. Nitrate uptake rates increased two- to three-fold as the seedlings adapted to the dilute KNO3 solution, but the presence of ammonium with nitrate in the prior growth solution restricted the rate and extent of recovery from suppression. Recovery was further restricted when ambient ammonium was present during the adaptation period. Neither the magnitude of suppression nor the rate and extent of recovery was readily explained by (a) the proportion of nitrate and ammonium present during prior growth, (b) carbohydrate concentrations in root and shoot tissues, (c) concentrations of nitrate and ammonium in the root tissue, or (d) indirect effects of ammonium on potassium uptake. Total nitrate reduction by the entire plant in the 8 h adaptation period decreased as the proportion of ammonium in the prior growth solution increased. Ambient ammonium restricted nitrate reduction only in seedlings previously grown entirely with ammonium. Thus the effect of ambient ammonium on nitrate reduction by the whole plant differed substantially from that on nitrate uptake. Since nearly all the ammonium taken up by the roots was assimilated, as well as that generated by nitrate reduction, it appears that carbohydrate supply did not limit the observed uptake of ammonium and nitrate. The accumulation in roots of both nitrate and specific metabolites of ammonium serving as negative effectors could account for most of the observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initial (0-1 h) net rates of nitrate and ammonium uptake from 200 μM NH4NO3 were progressively increased as 8-d-old maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings, grown on 5 mM nitrate, were exposed to nitrogen-free solutions for up to 48 h. Further nitrogen deprivation to 72 h resulted in a decline in the nitrate uptake rate. Nitrate uptake rates of plants at all stages of nitrogen deprivation increased steadily during an 8 h exposure to 200 μM NH4NO3. The pattern of the response of ammonium uptake during the 8 h adaptation period was considerably different. In nitrogen-replete plants the ammonium uptake rate increased steadily, but deprivation of nitrogen for 12 h and longer resulted in complex responses in which the initial rate was followed by a decline, a subsequent increase, and another decline. The responses of the nitrate uptake system are considered to reflect a lifting of the suppressive effects of nitrate and a product of nitrate assimilation during nitrogen deprivation, a concomitant degradation of an induced component of the nitrate uptake system during that time, and reinduction of the uptake system during the adaptation period. The responses of the ammonium uptake system are considered to reflect the interplay of suppression by a product of ammonium assimilation, the accumulation of root ammonium and associated ammonium efflux, and a stimulation by ammonium of its own uptake. As a consequence of the differential responses of the two uptake systems, nitrate and ammonium uptake rates were positively correlated, largely independent, or negatively correlated as the plants progressed through the 8 h adaptation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a stereoscopic multi-camera calibration method that does not require any optical model. It is based on a measure of the light propagation within the measurement volume only instead of modeling its entire path up to the sensors. The calibration uses simple plane by plane transformations which allow us to directly link pixel coordinates to light rays. The appeal of the proposed method relies on the combination of its simplicity of implementation (it is particularly easy to apply in any sophisticated optical imaging setup), its versatility (it can easily handle index-of-refraction gradients, as well as complex optical arrangements), and its accuracy {we show that the proposed method gives better accuracy than commonly used techniques, based on Tsai's simple pinhole camera model [R. Tsai, J. Rob. Autom. 3, 323 (1987)], while its numerical implementation remains extremely simple}. Based on ideas that have been available in the fluid mechanics community, this method is a compact turn-key algorithm that can be implemented with open-source routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a method for calculating moments and correlation functions of signal derivatives, which were rid of experimental noise without the use of filtering operations. The method is based on the computation of the ensemble-average of different time (or spatial) increments of the signal. The hypotheses are that the noise is white and not correlated with the signal; however, the method is also shown to work with colored noise. The method is first developed, considering white noise, and benchmarked with synthetic trajectories containing noise with variable signal-to-noise ratios. It is then tested on experimental trajectories in the context of Lagrangian tracking of particles in turbulent flows, either containing a short-correlated noise or a colored noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ADT in combination with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a well-established treatment for prostate cancer, though ADT is known to cause significant side effects impacting patients' quality of life. This study focuses on the lived experiences of prostate cancer patients on ADT, seeking to better understand how these treatment-related side effects impact their overall well-being. By exploring patient perspectives, we aim to provide valuable insights that can inform patient-centered care. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with patients diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer and treated with 6 months of ADT and EBRT, and who were enrolled on a larger protocol aiming to develop tailored treatment guidelines for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The interviews explored nuanced experiences with six treatment-related side effects: hot flashes, fatigue, weight gain, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and changes in body image. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed for themes. Saturation was achieved after interviews with 8 participants; 3 additional interviews were performed for validation. The duration of the interview was a median of 37 minutes [IQR 32-42]. All 11 participants experienced hot flashes, with descriptions ranging from "feeling increases in body temperature" and "heavy sweating" to "big jolts like an electric shock." Notably, men reported the predominance of severe nighttime hot flashes, causing loss of sleep and changes in their daily routines. Most participants did not expect the hot flashes to be as frequent and intense. Fatigue was pervasive, making day-to-day tasks more difficult, with some patients resorting to frequent naps to cope. Strategies to mitigate weight gain included dietary changes including "eating more greens and less sugar" and increased physical activity. Loss of libido and erectile dysfunction were universally reported, with varying emotional responses based on importance of sexual activity in personal relationships prior to diagnosis of prostate cancer. Sexually active men found medication "like Cialis" helpful, stating "it doesn't clear the problem or the issue, but it helps." There were 5 participants who reported changes in body image, including loss of muscle mass and feelings of weakness. While most patients managed ADT side effects, hot flashes were notably burdensome yet accepted as a tradeoff for treatment efficacy. Loss of libido and erectile dysfunction posed significant distress, particularly for sexually active men anticipating full recovery post-treatment. This study provides valuable insights into the nuanced experiences of patients undergoing ADT, emphasizing the need for tailored support in managing treatment-related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the melting dynamics of large ice balls in a turbulent von Kármán flow at very high Reynolds number. Using an optical shadowgraphy setup, we record the time evolution of particle sizes. We study the heat transfer as a function of the particle scale Reynolds number ReD for three cases: fixed ice balls melting in a region of strong turbulence with zero mean flow, fixed ice balls melting under the action of a strong mean flow with lower fluctuations, and ice balls freely advected in the whole apparatus. For the fixed particles cases, heat transfer is observed to be much stronger than in laminar flows, the Nusselt number behaving as a power law of the Reynolds number: Nu∝ReD0.8. For freely advected ice balls, the turbulent transfer is further enhanced and the Nusselt number is proportional to the Reynolds number Nu∝ReD. Furthermore, the surface heat flux is found to be independent of the particles size, leading to an ultimate regime of heat transfer reached when the thermal boundary layer is fully turbulent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate experimentally the spatial distributions of heavy and neutrally buoyant particles of finite size in a fully turbulent flow. Because their Stokes number (i.e., the ratio of the particle viscous relaxation time to a typical flow time scale) is close to unity, one may expect both classes of particles to aggregate in specific flow regions. This is not observed. Using a Vorono'i analysis we show that neutrally buoyant particles sample turbulence homogeneously, whereas heavy particles do cluster. These results show that several dimensionless numbers are needed in the modeling (and understanding) of the behavior of particles entrained by turbulent motions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (86Rb) influx from 200mmol m-3 KCl into dark grown, decapitated maize seedlings 6 d old) was stimulated by nitrate pretreatment. The stimulus was clearly evident by 6h exposure to nitrate and required 12-24 h for maximal expression. Decay of the nitrate-stimulated potassium influx was more than 50% complete within 3 h after transfer to nitrogen-free solutions. The stimulation of potassium influx was entirely accounted for by an increase in the influx component that was resistant to inhibition by presence of 200 mmol m-3 ambient ammonium. In contrast, the component of potassium influx that was sensitive to inhibition by ambient ammonium was unaffected by nitrate pretreatment. Exposure to the glutamine synthetase inhibitor L-methionine-dl-sulphoximine (MSX) during nitrate pretreatment stimulated the resistant component but the sensitive component was nearly eliminated. Pretreatment with ammonium increased the resistant component of potassium influx within 3 h, i.e. before it was increased by nitrate pretreatment, but the sensitive component was concomitantly restricted. The latter recovered partially during extended pretreatment with ammonium. The data indicate that the resistant component responded positively to increases in tissue ammonium concentrations whereas the sensitive component was unaffected by tissue ammonium except at concentrations in excess of 10 μmol g-1. Ammonium influx was also stimulated by nitrate pretreatment and to a greater extent than potassium influx. Presence of MSX with nitrate during pretreatment resulted in a further stimulation in ammonium influx. The parallel increases in root ammonium concentrations with the two pretreatments imply that part of the increase in ammonium influx was a consequnce of increased countertransport with endogenous ammonium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-week-old nitrogen-deficient wheat plants attained a high rate of nitrate uptake on the first day of exposure to nutrient solutions supplemented with KNO3. Ammonium uptake from similar solutions supplemented with NH4NO3 was also high during the first day of exposure, but nitrate uptake from this solution was lower than from the KNO3 treatment. During the next two to three days there was a progressive decrease in uptake of both nitrogen ions. A steady increase in uptake then occurred as the plants fully recovered from the nitrogen deficient state. The transient low nitrate uptake after three or four days of exposure to KNO3 was not due to an excessive accumulation of nitrate in the tissue, nor to a failure in nitrate reduction as indicated by the rate of nitrate accumulation relative to the uptake rate. Nitrogen supplied as 15N-nitrite during the low uptake period was effectively incorporated into organic forms and effectively translocated to the shoots Failure of the root tissue to increase in soluble carbohydrates during illumination was characteristic of the low uptake period. This contrasted with an increase in root soluble carbohydrates in the light during rapid uptake associated with full recovery from the nitrogen-deficient state. It is concluded that carbohydrate translocation to the root system was insufficient during the intermediate recovery period fot optimal nitrate uptake, although it was sufficient for effective reduction and translocation of nitrate and reduced nitrogen. Ammonium uptake from NH4NO3 was restricted during darkness by the third day whereas there was little difference between light and dark periods in nitrate uptake from KNO3 until about the sixth day of recovery. The extent to which ammonium restricted nitrate uptake increased progressively for two or three days following which a lessening influence seemed evident, and the effects were not directly associated with the rate of ammonium uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intact, 14‐day‐old nitrogen‐depleted wheat (Triticum vulgare cv. Blueboy) seedlings were exposed to solutions of 0.5 mM KNO2, 0.05 mM CaSO4 and 1 mM sodium 2‐[N‐morpholino]‐ethanesulfonate, pH 6.1. Nitrite uptake was determined from depletion of the ambient solution or from incorporation of 15N in the tissue. An initial nitrite uptake shoulder was followed by a relatively slow uptake rate which subsequently increased to a substantially greater rate. This accelerated phase was maintained through 24 h. Nitrite accumulated to a slight extent in the root tissues during the first few hours but declined to low values when the accelerated rate was fully developed, indicating an increase in nitrite reductase activity paralleling the increase in nitrite uptake capacity. About 50% of the nitrogen absorbed as nitrite was translocated to the shoots by 9–12 h. Development of the accelerated nitrite uptake rate was restricted in excised roots, in intact plants kept in darkness, by 400 μg puromycin ml−1 and by 1 mM L‐ethionine. When puromycin and L‐ethionine were added after the accelerated phase had been initiated, their effects were not as detrimental as when they were added at first exposure to KNO2. The two inhibitors restricted translocation more than uptake. The data indicate an involvement of protein synthesis and a requirement for movement of a substance from shoots to roots for maximal development of the accelerated nitrite uptake phase. A requirement for protein synthesis in the transport of soluble organic nitrogen from roots to shoots is also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commitment of international governments to limit global warming to 2 °C has led to an increased awareness and interest in sustainability from various stakeholders. Especially the ecological performances of corporations and their products regarding limiting greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) receives increasing attention. In Germany, almost 25% of the annual GHG emissions is generated by the industry sector primarily for the respective raw material production. The production of aluminum, which is mainly used for applications in the mobility sector, accounts for 1% of the entire German GHG emissions. However, currently, the assessment focus is set on the vehicle use phase. And, so far little attention is paid on the material production where about 75% of the value adding process of a car takes place in upstream supply chains. Current supplier selection decision making is dominated so far mainly by cost and quality factors. To integrate CO 2 e as an additional decision criteria, comparable site-specific CO 2 e emission data from suppliers is essential, but currently not existent. In order to close this gap, a model has been developed to assess the performance of raw material manufacturers on a site-specific level based on publicly available data only. The developed model is applied to all four primary aluminum manufacturing sites in Germany that produce via the electrolytic reduction of virgin aluminum oxide. The estimated site-specific results of the application range between 13,689 and 14,946 kgCO 2 e/ton of raw aluminum and demonstrate different levels of internal process know-how, process integration and optimization in the production process of raw aluminum. In consequence, there is an opportunity to reduce GHG emissions (up to −8.4%) for automotive and other manufacturing companies (e.g. the construction industry) by selecting more environmentally efficient suppliers for raw material and particularly aluminum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses studies related to decision-aids for prostate cancer screening. A randomized, comparative trial of a written decision-aid for prostate cancer screening was presented by researchers M. M. Schapira and J. VanRuiswyk. Results of their study indicated that the use of prostate cancer screening for the experimental and control groups did not have any significant difference. Researchers A. M. O'Connor, P. Tugwell and G. A. Wells also conducted a study on the goals of informed patient decision making.

Racial and ethnic minority cancer patients in the US are at high risk for financial toxicity (FT). Prior FT outcomes for Hispanic cancer patients is mixed, though risk factors including socioeconomic, insurance, and English language proficiency barriers may influence FT outcomes in this population, though available data are lacking for US Hispanic cancer patients with un/under-insurance and low English proficiency. Therefore, we examined factors associated with FT in Hispanic cancer patients treated with or without RT. We hypothesized that un/under-insured and Spanish-only speaking Hispanic cancer patients would have more severe FT and receipt of RT would increase FT. We conducted a multi-institution survey of Hispanic cancer patients receiving ambulatory oncology care. Depending on reported language preference, respondents underwent a Spanish- or English-language version of the Economic Strain and Resilience in Cancer (ENRICh) FT measure. Respondents were categorized in 3 groups: 1) un/under-insured Spanish-only speaking Hispanics (UN-Spanish) recruited from a public hospital for medically underserved patients 2) un/under-insured English-speaking Hispanics (UN-English, n=23) from the same facility and 3) insured English-speaking Hispanics (INS-English, n=31) from an academic comprehensive cancer center. Any receipt of RT, either pre- or post-survey, was recorded. Groups were compared via Fisher exact or Mann-Whitney U tests. A higher likelihood of severe overall FT occurred in UN-Spanish (OR=2.73, 95% CI 0.77-9.70; borderline P=0.12) and UN-English (OR=4.13, 95% CI 1.13-15.12; P=0.03) vs. INS-English Hispanics. However, the likelihood of FT did not differ between UN-Spanish and UN-English Hispanics in both models (P=0.59 and P=0.62 respectively). UN-Spanish Hispanics frequently identified completely lacking credit, savings, or income and food insecurity as key aspects of FT. Of 77 patients, 47 (61.0%) received RT as part of their cancer treatment. UN-Spanish (9/23, 39.1%) and UN-English (13/23, 56.5%) respondents were less likely to receive radiation as part of their treatment when compared to INS-English patients (25/31, 80.7%; p = 0.007). Respondents who received radiation treatment had similar overall FT score (median 3.8) when compared to those who had not (median 5.55; p = 0.214). Respondents who had already received RT demonstrated similar overall FT score (median 3.27) when compared with those who went on to receive RT (median 4.87; p = 0.559). In this pilot study focused on medically underserved, un/under-insured Hispanics with cancer, inadequate insurance was a key predictor of FT regardless of language. Receipt of RT did not appear to impact overall FT. However, un- and under-insured Hispanic cancer patients were less likely to receive radiation as part of their treatment course, which may reflect a disparity in access to care based on insurance status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze time series stemming from experiments and direct numerical simulations of hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. Simulations are done in periodic boxes, but with a volumetric forcing chosen to mimic the geometry of the flow in the experiments, the von Kármán swirling flow between two counterrotating impellers. Parameters in the simulations are chosen to (within computational limitations) allow comparisons between the experiments and the numerical results. Conducting fluids are considered in all cases. Two different configurations are considered: a case with a weak externally imposed magnetic field and a case with self-sustained magnetic fields. Evidence of long-term memory and [Math Processing Error] noise is observed in experiments and simulations, in the case with weak magnetic field associated with the hydrodynamic behavior of the shear layer in the von Kármán flow, and in the dynamo case associated with slow magnetohydrodynamic behavior of the large-scale magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personalized risk scores (PRS) may serve to enhance clinical decision making quality by providing accurate individualized estimates of patient outcomes. It is important to evaluate stakeholder views on the utility, usefulness and best-practices for a PRS calculator. We explored attitudes among physicians, nurse coordinators, patients, and caregivers toward integrating a PRS calculator into decision making about Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. Part of a 5-year multi-instutitional AHRQ project, we conducted 29 interviews with stakeholders to explore perspectives, understandings and attitudes about using PRS in LVAD decision making. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. All stakeholder groups unanimously voiced positive views towards integrating PRS in decision making. Stakeholders believe PRS can improve patients' decision-making by helping to better understand their condition and risks, prepare mentally and logistically for likely outcomes, and meaningfully engage in decision making. They also asserted PRS can improve clinicians' decision making by enhancing insight into outcomes , allowing clinicians to offer tailored pre-emptive care; by increasing confidence in decisions, particularly for "grey"/"edge" cases; and reducing bias and subjectivity. A majority (86%) also expressed potential concerns that developers should account for, related to ensuring accuracy, representativeness and relevance of the algorithms and training data sets used to generate PRS; whether PRS can account for significant uncertainty in outcomes due to clinical and non-clinical factors ; utility of PRS in relation to clinician's gestalt and expertise; potential negative reactions among patients such as information overload, misunderstanding, or negative emotions; and overreliance, if PR scores replace values-driven engagement. Findings suggest stakeholders are optimistic about integrating PRS into clinical decision making, but acceptability depends on prospectively demonstrating accuracy, relevance and evidence that benefits of PRS outweigh potential negative impacts on decision making quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: According to recently issued treatment guidelines, appropriate empiric choices for ambulatory patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are a macrolide, doxycycline (for patients aged ≥8 years), or an oral beta-lactam agent with good activity against pneumococci.Objective: This study was designed to compare cefditoren pivoxil, a new beta-lactam, with cefpodoxime proxetil, a beta-lactam with an established role in the treatment of CAP.Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind study conducted in the United States and South Africa. Ambulatory patients with a diagnosis of CAP were randomized to 14 days of treatment with cefditoren 200 or 400 mg BID or cefpodoxime 200 mg BID. Assessments of clinical cure and pathogen eradication were conducted at 2 visits during treatment, 1 posttreatment visit (≤48 hours after completion of treatment), and 1 follow-up visit (7–14 days after completion of treatment). The development of resistant pathogens was assessed at the follow-up visit but not thereafter. The relative cost of treatment was not assessed.Results: The study enrolled 851 patients. Comparable clinical cure rates were observed among evaluable patients in the 3 treatment groups at both the posttreatment and follow-up visits: at the posttreatment visit, cure rates were 90.5% (162/179) for cefditoren 200 mg, 89.7% (148/165) for cefditoren 400 mg, and 92.2% (153/166) for cefpodoxime 200 mg; at the follow-up visit, they were a respective 88.4% (160/181), 87.2% (143/164), and 90.4% (151/167). Of the 171 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated before treatment, 22 (12.9%) had reduced susceptibility to penicillin, 5 (2.9%) of them penicillin resistant (minimum inhibitory concentration ≥2 μg/mL). At the posttreatment visit, the overall eradication rates of pathogens isolated from microbiologically evaluable patients were 88.7% (134/151), 89.9% (134/149), and 95.7% (134/140) in the respective treatment groups (P = 0.031, cefditoren 200 mg vs cefpodoxime). Eradication rates of S pneumoniae were 93.8% (45/48), 95.7% (45/47), and 95.6% (43/45) in the respective treatment groups; those of Haemophilus influenzae were 90.2% (46/51), 97.7% (43/44), and 97.4% (37/38). The rates of resolution and/or improvement in clinical signs and symptoms were comparable between groups. The study drugs were well tolerated, with 1.7%, 2.5%, and 1.4% of patients in the respective groups discontinuing study drug prematurely due to a treatment-related adverse event, the majority of these associated with the digestive system.Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that cefditoren may have a role in the treatment of CAP in ambulatory patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Topological properties of physical systems play a crucial role in our understanding of nature, yet their experimental determination remains elusive. We show that the mean helicity, a dynamical invariant in ideal flows, quantitatively affects trajectories of fluid elements: the linking number of Lagrangian trajectories depends on the mean helicity. Thus, a global topological invariant and a topological number of fluid trajectories become related, and we provide an empirical expression linking them. The relation shows the existence of long-term memory in the trajectories: the links can be made of the trajectory up to a given time, with particles positions in the past. This property also allows experimental measurements of mean helicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The position of floating spheres trapped within an immersed turbulent water jet is investigated. Using the self-similarity properties of the jet velocity profile, the equilibrium problem is formulated in a rescaled space where the sphere is static and deformable. This approach is found to be related to a problem of elastic reconfiguration where elasticity arises here from the geometry of the flow instead of an actual deformation of a body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-time dynamics of large particles trapped in two nonhomogeneous turbulent shear flows is studied experimentally. Both flows present a common feature, a shear region that separates two colliding circulations, but with different spatial symmetries and temporal behaviors. Because large particles are less and less sensitive to flow fluctuations as their size increases, we observe the emergence of a slow dynamics corresponding to back-and-forth motions between two attractors, and a super-slow regime synchronized with flow reversals when they exist. Such dynamics is substantially reproduced by a one-dimensional stochastic model of an overdamped particle trapped in a two-well potential, forced by a colored noise. An extended model is also proposed that reproduces observed dynamics and trapping without potential barrier: the key ingredient is the ratio between the time scales of the noise correlation and the particle dynamics. A total agreement with experiments requires the introduction of spatially nonhomogeneous fluctuations and a suited confinement strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]