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The article presents a high gain metamaterial (MTM) integrated modified golden spiral antenna for THz (Terahertz) applications. The MTM unit cell is designed by two decagon SRRs (Split Ring Resonator). The proposed antenna has the dimensions of 100 x 100 μm² with MTM decagon rings on the ground. The MTM integrated antenna resonates at 2.80 THz, 3.15 THz, and 3.46 THz with impedance bandwidths of 2.77 THz-2:88 THz and 3.00-3.70 THz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Nudix hydrolase 15 [ NUDT15 ] genetic variants confer an increased risk of thiopurine-induced leukopenia [TIL]; however, their global prevalence in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of NUDT15 variants in IBD patients and incidence of TIL in these patients. Methods Six databases were searched from inception until July 2022. Studies reporting the frequency of any NUDT15 variant and/or frequency of leukopenia in adult IBD patients with these variants were included. A random effects model was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of variants, incidence of early [≤8 weeks] and late [>8 weeks] leukopenia, and relative risk of developing leukopenia. Results Twenty studies comprising 5232 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of the *1/*3 c.415C > T C/T diplotype was 13% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10–18%), *3/*3 c.415C > T T/T diplotype was 2% [95% CI: 1–2%], *1/*5 c.52G > A G/A diplotype was 2% [95% CI: 1–3%], and *1/*6 c.36_37insGGAGTC ins/- diplotype was 7% [95% CI: 4–12%]. The pooled prevalence of *1/*3 was high in Japanese [20%, 95% CI: 16–24%] and Chinese patients [18%, 95% CI: 12–27%]. The incidence of early leukopenia was 20% [95% CI: 16–26%] in *1/*3 patients, 99% [95% CI: 7–100%] in *3/*3 patients, and 49% [95% CI: 29–69%] in *1/*6 patients. The incidence of late leukopenia was 36% [95% CI: 26–49%] in *1/*3 patients. Conclusions NUDT15 variants are common and strongly predict TIL in IBD patients. Pre-treatment NUDT15 genotyping should be considered particularly in Asian populations, to guide thiopurine dosing and prevent myelotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study presents a novel microstrip line-feed compact square slot Circular-Polarization (CP) antenna for Ku-band applications. The proposed square slot antenna with circular trimmed corners was fabricated with the FR-4 substrate with the defected ground on the opposite side of the patch. The Axial Ratio Band-Width (ARBW) was considerably enhanced by adding a shorting pin and the Impedance Band-Width (IBW) was improved by etching the pentagon-shape slot in the defected ground. The antenna offered the wide CP IBW of 4.96 GHz (13.6 GHz-18.56 GHz), simulated ARBW of 4.85 GHz (14.51-19.30 GHz), and positive gain in the Ku-band. The presented antenna is appropriate for Ku-band applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future wireless communication needs antennas with multifunctional operation. This paper focuses on Terahertz Antenna that could be easily integrated with micro and nano devices. In this paper, an octagonal shaped Microstrip Fractal Antenna loaded with the EBG structure is designed for tri-band terahertz application. Triple band characteristic achieved by fractal radiating patch is loaded with Electronic Band Gap (EBG). The antenna features total size of 700-900 μm2 and resonates on three bands at 0.948 THz, 0.984 THz, and 1.040 THz. The result and performance indicates that the recommended antenna will be suitable for compact wireless devices and Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC). All simulation works have been completed using electromagnetic software Ansoft High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) and CST studio suite. The electromagnetic features like S11 parameters, VSWR, gain, efficiency, and radiation characteristics of the suggested antenna are also examined. The simulation results show that this antenna has 9 dB realized gain at a resonating frequency of 0.948 THz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a feasible way to construct a honeycomb structured microstrip antenna for UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) applications with dual notch characteristics. The antenna is designed based on the concept of the initial stage of honeycomb nest construction and Defected Ground Structure (DGS) with dual notch for UWB applications. The two notches for WiMAX (3.5 GHz center frequency) and WLAN (5.5 GHz center frequency) are introduced by etching two asymmetrical quarter-wavelength slots in the ground. The compact antenna of size 12 20 mm2 with simple geometry achieves very wide bandwidth of 3:1 13:8 GHz (covers UWB and higher frequency band) with dual notch characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lung Cancer Study Group has shown that lobectomy provides the best survival in patients with non–small cell lung cancer. However, as patients become older, lobectomy may not provide a survival advantage compared with sublobar resection. We analyzed the National Cancer Database for octogenarians with pathologic stage I lung cancer from 2004 to 2016. We then evaluated the patients who underwent lobectomy or sublobar (segmentectomy or wedge) resection for the treatment of cancer. We analyzed the 5-year survival rates of the groups as well as a cubic spline plot to determine age cutoffs where lobectomy does not provide improved survival. Among the octogenarians (227 134), there were 25 362 (26%) who had pathologic stage I lung cancer. There were 6370 (30%) patients who had sublobar resections (segmentectomy [n = 1192] and wedge resection [n = 5178]), whereas 14 594 (70%) patients had a lobectomy. There was significantly improved survival at 5 years with lobectomy compared with sublobar resection (48.5% vs 41.1%; P <.001). The cubic spline plot provided evidence that there was no age at which sublobar resection provided survival better than or equal to lobectomy (P <.001). In octogenarians with pathologic stage I lung cancer, lobectomy provided better 5-year survival compared with sublobar resection regardless of the age at surgical procedure. Hence, all patients with stage I cancer should be considered for a lobectomy if they are medically able to tolerate such a procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timed array technology is rapidly evolving in multiple areas such as high resolution imaging radar, automotive, medical, high data rate communication applications etc. Timed arrays by utilising True Time Delay (TTD) lines in place of phase shifters mitigate beam squint and pulse dispersion issues associated with wide instantaneous bandwidth arrays. This paper presents on review of evolutionary trends in TTD line architectures starting from coaxial cable to photonic integrated circuit. The paper also reports on critical parameters of TTD lines, their importance and implication in design of typical X-band imaging radar. Comparison of different TTD line architectures in terms of configuration, implementation, merits and demerits are discussed in detail for wideband array application. The paper also brings out the integration aspects of TTD lines as part of T/R modules and proposes suitable design schemes towards performance optimization and realisation of timed arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper is an effort to develop insight into the development in antennas for through wall imaging radar application. Review on literature on antennas for use in through wall imaging radar, fulfilling one or more requirements/specifications such as ultrawide bandwidth, stable and high gain, stable unidirectional radiation pattern, wide scanning angle, compactness ensuring portability and facilitating real-time efficient and simple imaging is presented. The review covers variants of Vivaldi, Bow tie, Horn, Spiral, Patch and Magneto-electric dipole antennas demonstrated as suitable antennas for the through wall imaging radar application. With an aim to open new research avenues for making better through wall imaging radar antenna, review on relevant compressive reflector antennas, surface integrated waveguide antennas, plasma antennas, metamaterial antennas and single frequency dynamically configurable meta-surface antennas are incorporated. The review paper brings out possibilities of designing an optimum through wall imaging radar antenna and prospects of future research on the antenna to improve radiation pattern and facilitate overall simple and efficient imaging by the through wall imaging radar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional fighter aircrafts are often equipped with fire control radar (FCR) using mechanically scanned antenna (MSA) with passive slots enclosed with monolithic conical radome. When the fighter platforms get upgraded with the modern active electronically steered array (AESA) FCR for better mission capabilities, even though radome change is desirable for optimum performance of AESA, it may not be feasible due to development time. This necessitate the evaluation of AESA radar with the existing monolithic radome. Hence active antenna aperture radiation pattern is required to be assessed with monolithic radome. To address this issue, simulation is preferred over physical testing, due to the reduced cost, time and complexity in measurements and ability to verify compatibility. In the present paper, the influence of monolithic radome on the active antenna radiation patterns are simulated and analysed. The characterisation studies helped for better optimisation of active aperture, optimum size for new radome development and additional space on fighter platforms that can be used for integration of new subsystems. Simulations are performed at two different locations of antenna inside radome. Experimental validations have been carried out to prove the efficacy of simulated results, which are in agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an improved design of a rectangular microstrip antenna at 920 MHz by backing it with an appropriate cavity wall to enhance the isolation between the transmitter and receiver antenna for use in applications, where the weak received power gets masked by the direct coupled power between two antennas. Antennas having 0.12 - cavity wall with separation gap of 0.36 - resulted in an isolation of 52.6 dB at a resonance frequency of 920 MHz with maximum and minimum isolation of 71.4 dB and 49.1 dB, respectively for 5% BW of the antenna designed. These antennas were fabricated and tested, which are used in the development of Continuous Wave Ground Penetrating Radar with an online graphical user interface; leading to the validation of the usefulness of proposed antennas. The isolation achieved at an optimised separation of the antennas enabled detection of metal targets as small as a bunch of wire buried 20 cm in the soil and non-metal, like wood and plastic buried in soil. It enabled the detection of a circular steel target of radius 12.5 cm buried at a depth of 65 cm in loose semi-dry pebbled soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer is a major health problem, especially in developing countries like India. Extended field radiotherapy (EFRT) for cancer cervix treatment remains a challenging task for radiation oncologists. In the last decade studies have shown that EFRT using intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is feasible in treating gynaecological malignancies but there is a dearth of literature on this specific topic from this part of the world where patient profile differs greatly in several aspects from that of the western world. The aim of the study was evaluation of treatment response and toxicity profile in cases of carcinoma cervix with metastatic para-aortic nodes treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy technique. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study the treatment records of 45 para-aortic node positive cervical cancer patients treated with EFRT (IMRT) and concurrent cisplatin were analysed for evaluation of loco-regional control and toxicities. Results: Forty-four patients received full course of treatment. Among those 44 patients, 93.2% achieved complete response. Overall, the treatment was tolerated well and toxicities were within acceptable limits. Acute grade 3-4 toxicities were observed mostly in the form of anaemia and leucopenia. Most common late toxicities were those of small and large intestine. Conclusion: EFRT with concurrent chemotherapy was successfully delivered for para-aortic nodes positive cervical cancer patients in Indian scenario where under-nutrition, infection, anaemia and several other factors adversely influence treatment outcome. Pelvic and para-aortic control rates were satisfactory. The technique was associated with an acceptable acute and late toxicity profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simple, low profile compact printed monopole antenna has been proposed for satellite based automatic identification system (SB-AIS). The design consists of a printed monopole, which has been meandered to achieve optimum size reduction. The detailed investigation in terms of bending of the arms of monopole, width of the patch and dimensions of the ground plane on the resonance frequency and input impedance is presented. The antenna is matched to a typical 50 Ω coaxial line without any requirement of external matching structures. The prototype of the antenna is fabricated and tested at an operating frequency of 161 MHz for SB-AIS, with compact size of 44.5 x 17 cm2. The measured results show that the antenna has a bandwidth of 15 MHz (9.3 per cent), gain of 1.87 dBi and beam-width of 82° in the elevation and omnidirectional in azimuthal plane. The size reduction is 53.8 per cent as compared to a linear printed monopole antenna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the communication industry is currently undergoing a major overhaul to accommodate greater bandwidth and higher data-rate to meet the rapidly growing data demand; terahertz range of frequencies from 100 GHz to 3 THz are being investigated as a possible replacement of the conventional mm-wave technology. In this paper, the technological readiness of Indian research community in this specific direction have been examined. The research development strategies that are required to gain momentum towards achieving a viable technology standard in THz communication in India are discussed. Technology recommendations towards product development required for initiation and advancement in THz communication are presented. We have also introduced a design of a shortrange THzcommunication configuration in conclusion, based on recent reports of successful realisation of THz communication which could be utilised for immediate realisation using commercially available resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefit of adjuvant treatment for esophageal cancer patients with positive lymph nodes after induction therapy and esophagectomy is uncertain. This in-depth multicenter study assessed the benefit of adjuvant therapy in this population. A retrospective cohort study from 9 institutions included patients who received neoadjuvant treatment, underwent esophagectomy from 2000 to 2014, and had positive lymph nodes on pathology. Factors associated with administration of adjuvant therapy were assessed using multilevel random-intercept modeling to account for institutional variation in practice. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed based on adjuvant treatment status. Variables associated with survival were identified using Cox proportional hazards modeling. The study analyzed 1082 patients with node-positive cancer after induction therapy and esophagectomy: 209 (19.3%) received adjuvant therapy and 873 (80.7%) did not. Administration of adjuvant treatment varied significantly from 3.2% to 50.0% between sites (P <.001). Accounting for institution effect, factors associated with administration of adjuvant therapy included clinically positive and negative prognostic characteristics: younger age, higher pathologic stage, pathologic grade, no neoadjuvant radiotherapy nonsmoking status, and absence of postoperative infection. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed patients receiving adjuvant therapy had a longer median survival of 2.6 years vs 2.3 years (P =.02). Cox modeling identified adjuvant treatment as independently associated with improved survival, with a 24% reduction in mortality (hazard ratio, 0.76; P =.005). Adjuvant therapy was associated with improved overall survival. Therefore, consideration should be given to administration of adjuvant therapy to esophageal cancer patients who have persistent node-positive disease after induction therapy and esophagectomy and are able to tolerate additional treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, defense technologies are rapidly evolving and are currently aiming at integrating diverse functionalities like radar, electronic warfare, communications, on a singular miniaturised platform. Hence, it cannot be denied that the advancements in modern active phased array radar technologies assume a critical role towards the achievement of this goal. A typical active phased array radar comprises of an active antenna array unit (AAAU) consisting of a large number of radiating elements, transmit/receive (T/R) modules with other associated RF and digital circuitry and power electronics. This paper presents mainly the developments in transmit/receive (T/R) module technology, which assimilates various stages of the technological evolution - past, current and futuristic. It discusses how these technologies contribute towards the improvement of efficiency, miniaturisation and reliability without compromising its performance parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Occupational therapists have been using various preparatory methods as part of the treatment sessions to prepare clients for occupational performance and participation in occupation. Studies have shown sensory stimulation both activates brain areas inducing cortical reorganization and modulates motor cortical excitability for the stimulated afferents, hence re-establishing the disrupted sensorimotor loop due to stroke. This pilot investigates the potential effects of using multisensory stimulation as a preparatory method prior to conventional training (CT) on upper-extremity motor recovery and self-care function in stroke patients. Method This was a quasi-randomized controlled pilot. Twelve participants (age in years = 67.17 + /−11.29) with upper extremity motor deficits were randomly allocated to multisensory therapy (n = 6) or conventional (n = 6) groups for 12-week training. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention using Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke (FMA), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity (Hong Kong version FTHUE-HK) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results Significant between-group differences were shown in FMA (p = 0.003), FTHUE-HK (p = 0.028) and MMT (p = 0.034). Conclusion Multisensory stimulation could be used as a preparatory method prior to CT in improving upper extremity motor recovery in stroke rehabilitation. Further well-designed larger scale studies are needed to validate the potential benefits of this application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We previously reported that early stage lung cancer patients who are considered high risk for surgery can undergo resection with favorable perioperative results and long-term mortality. To further elucidate the role of surgical resection in this patient cohort, this study evaluated the length of stay and total hospitalization cost among patients classified as standard or high risk with early stage lung cancer who underwent pulmonary resection. Methods A total of 490 patients from our institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons data from 2009 to 2013 underwent resection for clinical stage I lung cancer. High-risk patients were identified by American College of Surgeons Oncology Group z4032–z4099 criteria. Demographics, length of stay, and hospitalization cost between high-risk and standard-risk patients undergoing lobectomy and sublobar resection were compared. Univariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Multivariate analysis was performed using a linear regressions model. Results A total of 180 (37%) of patients were classified as high risk. These patients were older (70 years of age vs. 65 years of age; p < 0.0001), had worse forced expiratory volume in 1 second (57% vs. 85%; p < 0.0001), and had worse diffusion capacity of carbon dioxide (47% vs. 77%; p < 0.0001). The baseline cost and length of stay was represented by a thoracoscopic wedge resection in a standard-risk patient. A larger extent of resection, thoracotomy, or high-risk classification increased the cost and length of stay. Conclusions Our previous study showed that good clinical outcomes after surgery for early stage lung cancer can be achieved in patients classified as high risk. In this study, although surgery in high-risk patients led to slightly increased costs, these costs seemed negligible when viewed along with the patients’ excellent short-term and long-term results. This study suggests that surgical resection on high-risk patients with early stage lung cancer is associated with acceptable hospital lengths of stay and overall cost when compared with standard-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contextualizing subbasinal influences on accommodation and pace of the rapid landscape evolution during the base-level rise of the Upper Cretaceous (upper Cenomanian–lower Turonian) Greenhorn Cycle within the Western Interior of North America requires refined stratigraphic controls of key sediment successions. Herein, a blended analysis of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), chemical abrasion thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-TIMS), and δ13C isotopic data is utilized to identify two regionally significant ash-fall marker beds southeast of the Wasatch Plateau, specifically the TT1 and TT4, which bracket the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary and the Greenhorn Cycle transgression in the Western Interior Seaway (WIS). Based on our analysis of the recovered ash-fall zircons, a meaningful depositional age (DA) for the TT1 is 94.616 Ma ± 0.027 and 94.010 Ma ± 0.017 for the TT4 bentonite of the Tununk Shale. When coupled with the pre-existing biostratigraphic framework, correlation potential greatly increases with the (TT1) Naturita falling within the Sciponoceras gracile Assemblage Zone. Common molluscs associated with this biozone within the southern and central regions of Utah include Inoceramus pictus , Euomphaloceras spp., and Pycnodonte newberryi. The (TT4) Tununk within the upper portion of the Watinoceras coloradoense Assemblage Zone is commonly associated with the following mollusc genus within the areas to the south and north of the study area: Mytiloides and Morrowites. Furthermore, these dates constrain the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary, provide accurate chronostratigraphic markers for intra and interbasinal correlation and serve to strengthen global linkages to Ocean Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) during the Greenhorn Cycle transgression. • First ash-fall U–Pb zircon age dates for TT1 and TT4a (via CA-TIMS and LA-ICP-MS) south of the Wasatch Plateau, Central Utah. • Provide temporal correlation for Western Interior Sea Level Curves (flooding surface). • Provide novel linkages to the Ocean Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2). • Identification of coeval and non-coeval volcanism and sedimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simulation based decision support model was used in the redesign of an emergency department (ED) with close to 180,000 visits per year. In order to accommodate high patient volumes at a single site ED, improving patient throughput time is necessary to maintain operational efficiency and to provide high quality patient care. A throughput time goal of arrival to departure under 3 h for 80% of ED patients was selected as the redesign project objective. Using discrete event simulation modeling, target areas for improvement are identified including optimized process flow, resource allocation and operational policies. Simulation modeling allows ED leadership to make decisions on operational changes using quantitative information of the impact of what-if scenarios on key performance measures. Based on simulation data results, changes in ED processes were implemented that resulted in 81% of patients having a length of stay in the ED of less than 3 h; a 30% improvement in average patient length of stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period of 2008-2011 the restricted availability and price volatility of the mineral source of fluorine known as fluorspar (calcium fluorite) made commercial buyers around the world question whether there were alternative fluorine sources for chemical production. Presently there are significant opportunities for producers of phosphates from the minerals fluorapatite or francolite to offer a fluorine rich alternative to fluorspar or to sell fluorine-based chemicals isolated from fluorine containing waste streams from phosphate production. The technology to isolate fluosilicic acid (FSA) for sale or as a raw material for the production of downstream fluorine-containing chemicals is proven and available. The markets for fluorine-containing chemicals are valuable and growing in many different applications. This situation gives phosphate fertilizer and phosphate chemical producers the opportunity to serve new customers of fluorine-containing chemicals and reduces the environmental impacts from the disposal of fluorine containing waste streams. This presentation will further describe major features and events in the fluorine market and the opportunities and challenges in supplying a fluorine raw material alternative to fluorspar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the optimal duration of therapy with an anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agent and/or an immunomodulator for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We performed a systematic search of the literature to identify studies reporting after de-escalation (drug cessation or dose reduction) of anti-TNF agents and/or immunomodulators in patients in remission from IBD. Studies were reviewed according to the type of IBD and drug. Rates of relapse, factors associated with relapse, and response to re-treatment were determined. Our search yielded 6315 unique citations; we analyzed findings from 69 studies (18 on de-escalation [drug cessation or dose reduction] of immunomodulator monotherapy, 8 on immunomodulator de-escalation from combination therapy, and 43 on de-escalation of anti-TNF agents, including 3 during pregnancy) comprising 4672 patients. Stopping immunomodulator monotherapy after a period of remission was associated with high rates of relapse in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (approximately 75% of patients experienced a relapse within 5 years after therapy was stopped). Most studies of patients with Crohn's disease who discontinued an immunomodulator after combination therapy found that rates of relapse did not differ from those of patients who continued taking the drug (55%–60% had disease relapse 24 months after they stopped taking the immunomodulator). The only study in patients with ulcerative colitis supported continued immunomodulator use. Approximately 50% of patients who discontinued anti-TNF agents after combination therapy maintained remission 24 months later, but the proportion in remission decreased with time. Markers of disease activity, poor prognostic factors, and complicated or relapsing disease course were associated with future relapse. In conclusion, based on a systematic review, 50% or more of patients with IBD who cease therapy have a disease relapse. Further studies are required to accurately identify subgroups of patients who are good candidates for discontinuation of treatment. The decision to withdraw a drug should be made for each individual based on patient preference, disease markers, consequences of relapse, safety, and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the General Conference Mennonite churches from their establishment until they left the Mennonite church or rested themselves. It says that some of the younger ministers in the conference, such as John H. Oberholtzer of the Swamp congregation and Abraham Hunsicker of the Skippack congregation, intended change in the church in the 1840s.

Abstract: This study investigated the biochemical relationship between human follicular/oocyte maturity and the levels of follicular fluid purines. Intrafollicular levels of purine metabolites and creatinine are associated with oocyte presence, and the presence of such high levels of adenosine indicates a privileged site with no adenosine deaminase activity. Subgrouping according to oocyte recovery and fertilization revealed differences in correlation between the purine metabolites: Only where an oocyte was recovered and subsequently fertilized did follicular fluid adenosine, adenine, and hypoxanthine levels correlate with each other. Significantly, purines'' correlation with levels of the terminal degradation product, uric acid, could only be seen in failed fertilization samples. Given the established metabolic pathways for adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate/adenosine monophosphate degradation, the results indicate maximization of 2 purine salvage pathways (from adenine and hypoxanthine) that pivot on the presence of high adenosine levels. Such optimized recovery may be necessary to build a store of salvaged adenosine phosphate for oocyte survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alpha dystroglycan (α-DG) is a peripheral membrane protein important in cellular interaction with other cells and the extracellular matrix. Recent data suggests that the Dag1 gene, which encodes α-DG, is important for implantation. In addition to its importance in cellular function, α-DG also serves as a cellular receptor for members of the arenaviridae family of viruses, which can cause placental infection. Because of its apparent dual role in implantation and its role as a viral receptor, we sought to determine placental and uterine α-DG expression during mouse pregnancy. Dag1 is expressed throughout gestation in the placenta and to a lesser extent in the uterus, with the highest levels in early gestation. By Western blot analysis, the glycosylated protein is also expressed and the pattern of glycosylation changes to favor the most highly glycosylated forms at mid gestation. These data support the idea that α-DG may be a target for evolutionary host-pathogen interactions at the maternal–fetal interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this investigation the nature of the plastic zone ahead of a crack-tip in centrecracked tension, double-edge-notched tension, single-edge-notched tension, compact tension, extended compact tension, and single-edge-notched bend specimens have been assessed by elastic-plastic finite element analyses at different applied load levels (J integral). The magnitudes of the plastic zone size (PZS) in the investigated specimens have been compared using a new reference standard J/aσy where a is crack length and σy is yield stress of the material. The results demonstrate that the PZS is almost invariant with respect to specimen geometry up to a critical value of J/aσy at a specific a/W ratio. However, beyond this critical value, the magnitudes of the PZS are found to depend on the specimen geometry, which has been attributed to the varying in-plane constraints at the crack tip in various specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]