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As the Music Content Specialist for the Chicago Public Schools Department of Arts Education, I constantly learn from the teachers I support. I have the opportunity to spot patterns from [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated postponement of vascular surgery procedures nationally. Whether procedure volumes have since recovered remains undefined. Therefore, our objective was to quantify changes in procedure volumes and determine whether surgical volume has returned to its prepandemic baseline.

AbstractAround the world, deep borehole disposal is being evaluated for intermediate level-waste (ILW), high-level waste, and spent nuclear fuel. To facilitate a disposal concept options analysis for ILW in Australia, desktop and lab-based geoscientific investigations, together with generic post-closure safety assessments of deep borehole disposal of long-lived ILW, have been undertaken. This paper reports on geoscientific data obtained on crystalline rock and rock salt as model rocks for geological disposal. Petrophysical and mineralogical properties for these rocks have been investigated to provide realistic data for evaluation and input to post-closure safety assessments.For crystalline rock samples originating from depths between 700 to 1900 m, very low hydraulic conductivity (2 × 10−12to 3 × 10−11 m/s) and very low porosity (0.02% to 1.2%) were obtained. The noble gas isotopic composition of fluid inclusions from the same depth interval confirmed the rock had been devoid of recent interaction with meteoric water, thus providing potentially suitable conditions for geological disposal. Rock salt from a 802-m (heterogeneous sample with 40% halite) and a 1100-m (sample with 98% halite) depth also had a low hydraulic conductivity (5 × 10−10to 5 × 10−9 m/s at 802 m and 10−11to 2 × 10−10 m/s at 1100 m) and very low porosity (~0.8% for the heterogenous sample and ~0.2% for the pure halite sample).Post-closure safety assessments based on numerical modeling provided bounding conditions around the thermal evolution of the disposal environment in crystalline rock for low heat generating ILW (50 W per 180-L vitrified waste canister), including exploring the sensitivity of temperature evolution within the borehole and rock environment to parameters such as heat load, borehole depth, geothermal gradients, and rock thermal conductivity. The coupling of heat transport with radionuclide migration to account for buoyancy-driven transport was shown to have a limited impact on radionuclide migration.For a disposal borehole in crystalline rock, the radionuclide concentrations and annual dose rates from key radionuclides (99Tc and 79Se) for a 500-m, 1000-m, or 3000-m deep borehole were negligible (i.e., many orders of magnitude smaller than the threshold dose the International Atomic Energy Agency considers insignificant for humans, 0.01 mSv/year). For disposal in rock salt, a suite of numerical model scenarios explored the effectiveness of the engineered barriers, including the glass matrix, primary package, and overpack, assuming diffusion-dominated transport. These scenarios illustrated that the performance of the disposal system was insensitive to the presence or absence of engineered barriers, as dose rates at late time (>105 years) were nearly identical for all scenarios.These results indicate that the natural barrier provided by the salt is very effective at containing radionuclides, while the engineered barriers serve mainly to delay the arrival of the peak dose. While the results are preliminary, the post-closure safety assessments, supported by measured data from crystalline rock and rock salt, give confidence that deep borehole disposal of long-lived ILW would result in dose rates considered insignificant for humans within a few meters from the borehole.

Missense and truncating variants in the X-chromosome-linked CLCN4gene, resulting in reduced or complete loss-of-function (LOF) of the encoded chloride/proton exchanger ClC-4, were recently demonstrated to cause a neurocognitive phenotype in both males and females. Through international clinical matchmaking and interrogation of public variant databases we assembled a database of 90 rare CLCN4missense variants in 90 families: 41 unique and 18 recurrent variants in 49 families. For 43 families, including 22 males and 33 females, we collated detailed clinical and segregation data. To confirm causality of variants and to obtain insight into disease mechanisms, we investigated the effect on electrophysiological properties of 59 of the variants in Xenopusoocytes using extended voltage and pH ranges. Detailed analyses revealed new pathophysiological mechanisms: 25% (15/59) of variants demonstrated LOF, characterized by a “shift” of the voltage-dependent activation to more positive voltages, and nine variants resulted in a toxic gain-of-function, associated with a disrupted gate allowing inward transport at negative voltages. Functional results were not always in line with in silico pathogenicity scores, highlighting the complexity of pathogenicity assessment for accurate genetic counselling. The complex neurocognitive and psychiatric manifestations of this condition, and hitherto under-recognized impacts on growth, gastrointestinal function, and motor control are discussed. Including published cases, we summarize features in 122 individuals from 67 families with CLCN4-related neurodevelopmental condition and suggest future research directions with the aim of improving the integrated care for individuals with this diagnosis.

High-strength aluminum alloys, such as the AA7075 alloy, offer great potential for lightweight construction thanks to their high specific strength. However, high strength and low ductility are a challenge for processing these materials. In our study, three different process routes (T6, W-Temper, O) for roll forming of a hat profile are investigated experimentally and in an FE-simulation. Since the targeted production of the hat profile is hindered due to material failure in T6-condition, inline induction heating and subsequent water spray quenching is used to bring the material to the W-Temper state before roll forming. As a third option, a pre heat treatment is applied to a soft annealed (O) material state. The experimental results show fundamental differences of the forming processes, depending on the tempering condition. The FE-simulation involves the roll forming process for the production of a hat profile and shows a high agreement with the experiments. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate how inline solution annealing by induction heating for the W-Temper process affects the properties and the quality of the profiles produced.

Objective: In a platelet/endothelial biomarker substudy of the Sertraline Anti-Depressant Heart Attack Randomized Trial (SADHART), the authors sought to determine whether plasma levels of sertraline and its primary metabolite N-desmethylsertraline affect the release of platelet/endothelial biomarkers. Method: Fifty-five acute coronary syndrome patients with depression were randomly assigned to receive sertraline (N = 23) or placebo (N = 32). Twenty-six serial plasma samples collected at week 6 (N = 12) and week 16 (N = 14) were analyzed. Platelet factor 4 (PF4), [beta]-thromboglobulin ([beta]-TG), platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1), P-selectin, thromboxane [B.sub.2] (Tx[B.sub.2]), prostacyclin (6-keto-PGF1[alpha]), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Concentrations of sertraline and N-desmethylsertraline were determined by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection in autologous samples. Results: Strong, mostly time-dependent negative correlations were found for the plasma levels of sertraline and N-desmethylsertraline with PF4 (week 6:r=-0.69 and -0.33, respectively; week 16:r = -0.63 for both), [beta]-TG (week 6: r = -0.43 and -0.29; week 16: r = -0.66 and -0.57), PECAM-1 (week 6: r = -0.82 and -0.49; week 16: r = -0.60 for both), P-selectin (week 6: r = -0.82 and -0.49; week 16: r = -0.73 and -0.43), and Tx[B.sub.2] (week 6: r = -0.66 and -0.59; and week 16: r = -0.64 and -0.41). Regression analysis revealed some borderline correlations for endothelial markers such as 6-keto- PGF1[alpha] and E-selectin and a positive correlation for VCAM-1. Conclusions: This is the first documented evidence that plasma release of platelet/endothelial biomarkers is directly related to the levels of sertraline and N-desmethylsertraline in acute coronary syndrome patients receiving SSRI treatment for depression. The clinical significance of these findings should be assessed in the setting of a randomized clinical trial.

Objective: The efficacy of the branched-chain amino acids in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia in men with psychiatric disorders was tested. Method: Public-sector psychiatric patients with long histories of antipsychotic treatment and presumably long-standing tardive dyskinesia were randomly assigned to receive branched-chain amino acids or placebo. Treatment frequency was three times a day, 7 days a week for 3 weeks. The efficacy measure was a frequency count of videotaped tardive dyskinesia movements. Results: A robust and highly significant difference was observed between patients who received high-dose branched-chain amino acids (222 mg/kg of body weight t.i.d.) (N=18) and those who received placebo (N=18) in the percent change in tardive dyskinesia symptoms from baseline to the end of the 3-week trial. Significant and marked differences were seen between the two groups at the [greater than or equal to] 30% and [greater than or equal to] 60% levels of decrease in tardive dyskinesia symptoms. No clinically significant differences were seen between the pre- and posttrial results of physical examinations and laboratory screening tests. Minimal gastrointestinal symptoms occurred during the trial. The reduction in tardive dyskinesia symptoms in the amino acids group was not related to changes in antipsychotic and glucose plasma levels. A mechanism of response related to decreased amine neurotransmitter synthesis was suggested by the significant positive correlations observed between decreases in tardive dyskinesia symptoms and decreases in aromatic amino acid plasma concentrations over the course of the trial. Conclusions: Branched-chain amino acids constitute a novel, safe treatment for tardive dyskinesia, with a strong potential for providing significant improvement in the diseased physiognomy of the afflicted person.

In the land of myth, there lived a wild, white-winged horse named Pegasus. Pegasus charmed many with his graceful flight--especially the hero Bellerophon. Bellerophon wished to tame the wild Pegasus. [...]

Curiosity, compassion, and concern: Kids are at their best when they demonstrate these traits while using their minds, bodies, and spirits to learn, discover, and achieve. The outdoors provides a […]

A key component of Human Resources Management (HRM) workforce planning at the present stage involves ensuring that employees with the right skills and competencies match the organizational job description. The modern aviation industry has experienced a radical shift in global competition as a diversified network of low-cost and traditional carriers expands the reach, scope, and frequency of traditional passenger-carrying services. The demand for qualified, highly skilled professionals in flight operations and training is rapidly outpacing supply, pressuring airline recruiters to develop innovative strategies for attracting and communicating with job seekers.

Atherosclerotic disease of the innominate artery (IA) is rare and can lead to cerebral, upper extremity, and vertebral steal symptoms. Nonocclusive lesions can be treated with endovascular interventions, often with a hybrid approach while performing a right carotid endarterectomy (RCEA). Calcified IA lesions have a high risk of embolization to bilateral cerebral hemispheres. Occlusive lesions may require treatment through a median sternotomy and bypass. The purpose of our study is to review our short-term and long-term outcomes of IA revascularization.

Enhancing stress resilience in at-risk populations could significantly reduce the incidence of stress-related psychiatric disorders. We have previously reported that the administration of (R,S)-ketamine prevents stress-induced depressive-like behavior in male mice, perhaps by altering α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-mediated transmission in hippocampal CA3. However, it is still unknown whether metabolites of (R,S)-ketamine can be prophylactic in both sexes. We administered (R,S)-ketamine or its metabolites (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine ((2R,6R)-HNK) and (2S,6S)-hydroxynorketamine ((2S,6S)-HNK) at various doses 1 week before one of a number of stressors in male and female 129S6/SvEv mice. Patch clamp electrophysiology was used to determine the effect of prophylactic drug administration on glutamatergic activity in CA3. To examine the interaction between ovarian hormones and stress resilience, female mice also underwent ovariectomy (OVX) surgery and a hormone replacement protocol prior to drug administration. (2S,6S)-HNK and (2R,6R)-HNK protected against distinct stress-induced behaviors in both sexes, with (2S,6S)-HNK attenuating learned fear in male mice, and (2R,6R)-HNK preventing stress-induced depressive-like behavior in both sexes. (R,S)-ketamine and (2R,6R)-HNK, but not (2S,6S)-HNK, attenuated large-amplitude AMPAR-mediated bursts in hippocampal CA3. All three compounds reduced N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated currents 1 week after administration. Furthermore, ovarian-derived hormones were necessary for and sufficient to restore (R,S)-ketamine- and (2R,6R)-HNK-mediated prophylaxis in female mice. Our data provide further evidence that resilience-enhancing prophylactics may alter AMPAR-mediated glutamatergic transmission in CA3. Moreover, we show that prophylactics against stress-induced depressive-like behavior can be developed in a sex-specific manner and demonstrate that ovarian hormones are necessary for the prophylactic efficacy of (R,S)-ketamine and (2R,6R)-HNK in female mice.

ABSTRACTIntroductionRodent models of cancer lack many features associated with the disease in humans. Because dogs closely share an environment with humans, as well as comparable pathophysiology of cancer, they represent a powerful model with which to study novel approaches to cancer treatment.Areas coveredThe authors summarize the weaknesses of rodent models of cancer and the ongoing need for better animal models with which to study potential therapeutic approaches. The homology of cancer in dogs and humans is described, along with examples specific to several common cancer types.Expert opinionLaboratory mice and rats will continue to play a central role in cancer research; however, because of a variety of limitations, pet dogs with spontaneous cancer offer unique opportunities for research and should be included in the preclinical development of therapeutic compounds. Environmental homology between dogs and humans, along with biological and molecular similarities present circumstances that strengthen the translational rigor of studies conducted using canine patients. Progress will depend on a sufficient number of dogs to be diagnosed with cancer and available for use in studies; and essential to this will be the availability of enhanced resources for diagnosis of cancer in canine patients and reliable coordination between research scientists, veterinarians, and physicians.

For patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), randomized trials have found endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) is associated with lower perioperative morbidity and mortality than open surgical repair (OSR). However, OSR has fewer long-term aneurysm-related complications, such as endoleak or late rupture. Patients treated with EVAR and OSR have similar survival rates within two years after surgery, and OSR does not require intensive surveillance. Few have examined if patient preferences are aligned with the type of treatment they receive for their AAA. Although many assume that patients may universally prefer the less-invasive nature of EVAR, our preliminary work suggests that patients who value the lower risk of late complications may prefer OSR.

Large sedimentary basins with multiple aquifer systems like the Great Artesian Basin and the Beetaloo Sub-Basin are associated with large time and spatial scales for regional groundwater flow and mixing effects from inter-aquifer exchange. This makes them difficult to study using traditional hydrogeological investigation techniques. In continental onshore Australia, such sedimentary aquifer systems can also be important freshwater resources. These resources have become increasingly stressed because of growing demand and use of groundwater by multiple industries (e.g. stock, irrigation, mining, oil and gas). The social licence to operate for extractive oil and gas industries increasingly requires robust and reliable scientific evidence on the degree to which the target formations are vertically and laterally hydraulically separated from the aquifers supplying fresh water for stock and agricultural use. The complexity of such groundwater interactions can only be interpreted by applying multiple lines of evidence including environmental isotopes, hydrochemistry, hydrogeological and geophysical observations. We present an overview of multi-tracer studies from coal seam gas areas (Queensland and New South Wales) or areas targeted for shale gas development (Northern Territory). The focus was to investigate recharge to surficial karst and deep confined aquifer systems before industrial extraction on time scales of decades up to one million years and aquifer inter-connectivity at the formation scale. A systematic and consistent methodology is applied for the different case study areas aimed at building robust conceptual hydrogeological models that inform groundwater management and groundwater modelling. The tracer studies provided (i) in all areas increased confidence around recharge estimates, (ii) evidence for a dual-porosity flow system in the Hutton Sandstone (Queensland) and (iii) new insights into the connectivity, or lack thereof, of flow systems.

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVR) has a major financial impact on health care systems. We characterized reimbursement for index EVR hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries having surgery at Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) centers.

Exercise testing is frequently incorporated into management of patients with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary disease. A lifelong commitment to exercise promotes cardiac remodeling, leading to changes in structure and function of the atria and ventricles, commonly referred to as the “athletic heart.” Stress testing is also incorporated into the management of athletes for a variety of reasons, such as identifying the cause of exertional symptoms, determining level of fitness and training zones, or assessing for acquired cardiomyopathies. Exercise testing should be tailored to the athlete, since performance may vary from other populations as a result of a commitment to exercise training.

Endovascular repair of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) has dramatically reduced the morbidity and mortality of intervention. Injuries requiring zone 2 coverage of the aorta traditionally require left subclavian artery (LSA) sacrifice or open revascularization. Furthermore, these injuries are associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality and long-term morbidity. Here we report 1-year outcomes of total endovascular repair of BTAI with the GORE® TAG® Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis for LSA preservation.

Cell death is a fundamental biological process that is present in numerous disease pathologies. Fluorescent probes that detect cell death have been developed for a myriad of research applications ranging from microscopy to in vivoimaging. Here we describe a synthetic near-infrared (NIR) conjugate of zinc(II)−dipicolylamine (Zn2+-DPA) for in vivoimaging of cell death. Chemically induced in vivomodels of myopathy were established using an ionphore, ethanol, or ketamine as cytotoxins. The Zn2+-DPA fluorescent probe or corresponding control was subsequently injected, and whole animal fluorescence imaging demonstrated probe uptake at the site of muscle damage, which was confirmed by ex vivoand histological analyses. Further, a comparative study with a NIR fluorescent conjugate Annexin V showed less intense uptake at the site of muscle damage and high accumulation in the bladder. The results indicate that the fluorescent Zn2+-DPA conjugate is an effective probe for in vivocell death detection and in some cases may be an appropriate alternative to fluorescent Annexin V conjugates.

Autosomal recessive (AR) gene defects are the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID) in countries with frequent parental consanguinity, which account for about 1/7th of the world population. Yet, compared to autosomal dominant de novomutations, which are the predominant cause of ID in Western countries, the identification of AR-ID genes has lagged behind. Here, we report on whole exome and whole genome sequencing in 404 consanguineous predominantly Iranian families with two or more affected offspring. In 219 of these, we found likely causative variants, involving 77 known and 77 novel AR-ID (candidate) genes, 21 X-linked genes, as well as 9 genes previously implicated in diseases other than ID. This study, the largest of its kind published to date, illustrates that high-throughput DNA sequencing in consanguineous families is a superior strategy for elucidating the thousands of hitherto unknown gene defects underlying AR-ID, and it sheds light on their prevalence.

We present a detailed comparison of the microscopic dynamics and the macroscopic mechanical behavior of novel butyl rubber ionomers with tunable dynamics of sparse sticky imidazole-based sidegroups that form clusters of about 20 units separated by essentially unperturbed chains. This material platform shows promise for application as self-healing elastomers. Size and thermal stability of the ionic clusters were probed by small-angle X-ray scattering, and the chain and sticker dynamics were studied by a combination of broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) and advanced NMR methods. The results are correlated with the rheological behavior characterized by dynamic–mechanical analysis (DMA). While the NMR-detected chain relaxation and DMA results agree quantitatively and confirm relevant aspects of the sticky-reptation picture on a microscopic level, we stress and explain that apparent master curves are of limited use for such a comparison. The cluster-related relaxation time detected by BDS is much shorter than the elastic chain relaxation time, although the weak conductivity does follow the latter. The systematic trends across the sample series suggest that all relaxations are dominated by a cluster-related activation barrier, but also that the BDS-based cluster relaxation does not seem to be directly associated with the effective sticker lifetime. Nonlinear stress–strain experiments demonstrate a reduction of sticker lifetime on stretching and that the stored stress and the elastic recovery depend on the deformation rate.

Metal-halide perovskites are promising lasing materials for the realization of monolithically integrated laser sources, the key components of silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Perovskites can be deposited from solution and require only low-temperature processing, leading to significant cost reduction and enabling new PIC architectures compared to state-of-the-art lasers realized through the costly and inefficient hybrid integration of III−V semiconductors. Until now, however, due to the chemical sensitivity of perovskites, no microfabrication process based on optical lithography (and, therefore, on existing semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure) has been established. Here, the first methylammonium lead iodide perovskite microdisc lasers monolithically integrated into silicon nitride PICs by such a top-down process are presented. The lasers show a record low lasing threshold of 4.7 μJcm–2at room temperature for monolithically integrated lasers, which are complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor compatible and can be integrated in the back-end-of-line processes.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant health problem. A single existing FDA-approved drug for this ailment, becaplermin, is not standard-of-care. We previously demonstrated that upregulation of active matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is the reason that the diabetic wound in mice is recalcitrant to healing and that MMP-8 participates in wound repair. In the present study, we validate the target MMP-9 by identifying and quantifying active MMP-8 and MMP-9 in human diabetic wounds using an affinity resin that binds exclusively to the active forms of MMPs coupled with proteomics. Furthermore, we synthesize and evaluate enantiomerically pure (R)- and (S)-ND-336, as inhibitors of the detrimental MMP-9, and show that the (R)-enantiomer has superior efficacy in wound healing over becaplermin. Our results reveal that the mechanisms of pathology and repair are similar in diabetic mice and diabetic humans and that (R)-ND-336 holds promise for the treatment of DFUs as a first-in-class therapeutic.

Ongoing climate change affects growth and increases biotic and abiotic threats to Germany's forests. We analysed how these risks develop through the mid-century under a variety of climate change scenarios using the process-based forest model 4C. This model allows the calculation of indicators for fire danger, late frost risk for beech and oak, drought stress and nun moth risk. 4C was driven by a set of 4 simulations of future climate generated with the statistical model STARS and with 10 simulations of future climate based on EURO-CORDEX model simulations for the RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 pathways. A set of about 70000 forest stands (Norway spruce, Scots pine, beech, oak, birch), based on the national forest inventory describing 98.4?% of the forest in Germany, was used together with data from a digital soil map. The changes and the range of changes were analysed by comparing results of a recent time period (1971–2005) and a scenario time period (2011–2045). All indicators showed higher risks for the scenario time period compared to the recent time period, except the late frost risk indicators, if averaged over all climate scenarios. The late frost risk for beech and oaks decreased for the main forest sites. Under recent climate conditions, the highest risk with regard to all five indicators was found to be in the Southwest Uplands and the northern part of Germany. The highest climate-induced uncertainty regarding the indicators for 2011–2045 is projected for the East Central Uplands and Northeast German Plain.

Variants in CLCN4, which encodes the chloride/hydrogen ion exchanger CIC-4 prominently expressed in brain, were recently described to cause X-linked intellectual disability and epilepsy. We present detailed phenotypic information on 52 individuals from 16 families with CLCN4-related disorder: 5 affected females and 2 affected males with a de novo variant in CLCN4 (6 individuals previously unreported) and 27 affected males, 3 affected females and 15 asymptomatic female carriers from 9 families with inherited CLCN4 variants (4 families previously unreported). Intellectual disability ranged from borderline to profound. Behavioral and psychiatric disorders were common in both child- and adulthood, and included autistic features, mood disorders, obsessive–compulsive behaviors and hetero- and autoaggression. Epilepsy was common, with severity ranging from epileptic encephalopathy to well-controlled seizures. Several affected individuals showed white matter changes on cerebral neuroimaging and progressive neurological symptoms, including movement disorders and spasticity. Heterozygous females can be as severely affected as males. The variability of symptoms in females is not correlated with the X inactivation pattern studied in their blood. The mutation spectrum includes frameshift, missense and splice site variants and one single-exon deletion. All missense variants were predicted to affect CLCN4’s function based on in silico tools and either segregated with the phenotype in the family or were de novo. Pathogenicity of all previously unreported missense variants was further supported by electrophysiological studies in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We compare CLCN4-related disorder with conditions related to dysfunction of other members of the CLC family.

When it comes to eating out, recent research shows that people are more likely to head to places where they feel comfortable, rather than to new restaurants. In this type [...]

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is now established as first-line treatment for infrarenal aortic aneurysms in the United States. Recent data from randomized trials suggest that elective EVAR is cost-effective compared with open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (oAAA). Cost analysis for urgent aneurysm repair has not been reported. We evaluated the cost of elective and urgent EVAR and compared it with oAAA at a tertiary academic medical center.

Despite the recognized benefits of smoking cessation, many clinicians question if a brief smoking cessation intervention can help dedicated smokers with peripheral arterial disease understand nicotine dependence and harms related to smoking. We investigated the impact and durability of a multimodal smoking cessation intervention on patient attitudes regarding nicotine dependence and the health effects of smoking.

Little data exist regarding the effect of referral distance on outcomes after revascularization for critical limb ischemia (CLI). We tested the assumption that patients who travel longer distances for revascularization procedures have worse outcomes.

The unique behavior of colloids at liquid interfaces provides exciting opportunities for engineering the assembly of colloidal particles into functional materials. The deformable nature of fluid–fluid interfaces means that we can use the interfacial curvature, in addition to particle properties, to direct self-assembly. To this end, we use a finite element method (Surface Evolver) to study the self-assembly of rod-shaped particles adsorbed at a simple curved fluid–fluid interface formed by a sessile liquid drop with cylindrical geometry. Specifically, we study the self-assembly of single and multiple rods as a function of drop curvature and particle properties such as shape (ellipsoid, cylinder, and spherocylinder), contact angle, aspect ratio, and chemical heterogeneity (homogeneous and triblock patchy). We find that the curved interface allows us to effectively control the orientation of the rods, allowing us to achieve parallel, perpendicular, or novel obliquely orientations with respect to the cylindrical drop. In addition, by tuning particle properties to achieve parallel alignment of the rods, we show that the cylindrical drop geometry favors tip-to-tip assembly of the rods, not just for cylinders, but also for ellipsoids and triblock patchy rods. Finally, for triblock patchy rods with larger contact line undulations, we can achieve strong spatial confinement of the rods transverse to the cylindrical drop due to the capillary repulsion between the contact line undulations of the particle and the pinned contact lines of the sessile drop. Our capillary assembly method allows us to manipulate the configuration of single and multiple rod-like particles and therefore offers a facile strategy for organizing such particles into useful functional materials.

Among patients facing lower extremity amputation due to dysvascular disease, mortality risk is very high. Given this, as well as the importance of a patient-centered approach to medical care, informing patients about their possible risk of dying may be important during pre-operative shared decision-making. The goal of this investigation was to gain an understanding of patient and provider experiences discussing mortality within the context of amputation within the Veterans Health Administration.

The impacts of various thermo-mechanical process routes in forming of EN AW 7075 alloy on mechanical properties, microstructure and corrosion resistance were investigated. A simulated forming process of two very different conditions, i.e., T6 and W-Temper is the focus of the present study. Irrespective of soaking time and pre-deformation, specimens quenched in water exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to air-cooled ones. Shorter solution heat-treatment soaking time in the pre-deformed condition, i.e., T6-Temper, caused a drop in the elongation at fracture. Microstructural analysis revealed, regardless of pre-deformation and soaking time, a high fraction of fine η′ strengthening precipitates with stoichiometry close to MgZn upon artificial ageing in the specimens quenched in water. Mechanical properties and microstructural evolution indicate that pre-deformation of solution heat treated specimens before the ageing treatment, i.e., W-Temper, leads to dislocation multiplication and, eventually, further nucleation sites for precipitation. Thus, forming the W-Temper condition caused very similar resulting mechanical properties and microstructure compared to that of T6 condition. However, W-Temper forming was found to be detrimental for the stress corrosion cracking. Corrosion behaviour of air-cooled specimens was found to be very poor in general. Results obtained in the present work can facilitate the development of thermo-mechanical process routes for EN AW 7075 to eventually tailor mechanical properties, corrosion behaviour and microstructure.

Two new prenylated flavanones, 2 S-3′-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-enyl)licoflavone-4′-methyl ether ( 3) and 2 S-3′-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-enyl)abyssinone II ( 4), and four known flavanones ( 1, 2, 5, 6) were isolated from the stem bark of Erythrina addisoniae. The structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic and physicochemical data. None of the compounds showed antioxidative properties. 4′-Methylabyssinone V ( 1) and abyssinoflavanone VII ( 6) showed moderate cytotoxic activity (IC 50= 5 and 3.5 µmol/L, respectively), but apoptosis (caspase-3/7-activation, nuclear fragmentation) was selectively induced by abyssinoflavanone VII ( 6).

Major (above-knee or below-knee) amputation is a complication of diabetes and is seen more common among black and Hispanic patients. While amputation rates have declined for patients with diabetes in the last decade, it remains unknown if these improvements have equitably extended across racial groups and if measures of diabetic care, such as hemoglobin A1c testing, are associated with these improvements. We set out to characterize secular changes in amputation rates among black, Hispanic, and white patients, and to determine associations between hemoglobin A1c testing and amputation risk.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for asymptomatic patients with limited life expectancy may not be beneficial or cost-effective. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among survival, outcomes, and costs within 2 years following CEA among asymptomatic patients.

The development of additive manufacturing methods has enlarged rapidly in recent years. Thereby, the work mainly focuses on the realization of mechanical components, but the additive manufacturing technology offers a high potential in the field of optics as well. Owing to new design possibilities, completely new solutions are possible. This article briefly reviews and compares the most important additive manufacturing methods for polymer optics. Additionally, it points out the characteristics of additive manufactured polymer optics. Thereby, surface quality is of crucial importance. In order to improve it, appropriate post-processing steps are necessary (e.g. robot polishing or coating), which will be discussed. An essential part of this paper deals with various additive manufactured optical components and their use, especially in optical systems for shape metrology (e.g. borehole sensor, tilt sensor, freeform surface sensor, fisheye lens). The examples should demonstrate the potentials and limitations of optical components produced by additive manufacturing.

A steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) event with a stuck-open safety relief valve constitutes one of the most serious accident sequences in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) because it may create an open path for radioactive aerosol release into the environment. The release may be mitigated by the deposition of fission product particles on a steam generator's (SG's) dry tubes and structures or by scrubbing in the secondary coolant. However, the absence of empirical data, the complexity of the geometry, and the controlling processes have, until recently, made any quantification of retention difficult to justify. As a result, past risk assessment studies typically took little or no credit for aerosol retention in SGTR sequences. To provide these missing data, the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) initiated the Aerosol Trapping In Steam GeneraTor (ARTIST) Project, which aimed to thoroughly investigate various aspects of aerosol removal in the secondary side of a breached steam generator. Between 2003 and 2011, the PSI has led the ARTIST Project, which involved intense collaboration between nearly 20 international partners. This summary paper presents key findings of experimental and analytical work conducted at the PSI within the ARTIST program.

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine can improve major depressive disorder (MDD) within hours. To evaluate the putative role of glutamatergic and GABAergic systems in ketamine’s antidepressant action, medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) levels of glutamate+glutamine (Glx) and ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were measured before, during, and after ketamine administration using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Ketamine (0.5?mg kg-1intravenously) was administered to 11 depressed patients with MDD. Glx and GABA mPFC responses were measured as ratios relative to unsuppressed voxel tissue water (W) successfully in 8/11 patients. Ten of 11 patients remitted (50% reduction in 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and total score ?10) within 230?min of commencing ketamine. mPFC Glx/W and GABA/W peaked at 37.8%±7.5% and 38.0%±9.1% above baseline in ~26?min. Mean areas under the curve for Glx/W (P=0.025) and GABA/W (P=0.005) increased and correlated (r=0.796; P=0.018). Clinical improvement correlated with 90-min norketamine concentration (df=6, r=-0.78, P=0.023), but no other measures.

IMPORTANCE: Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can choose open repair or endovascular repair (EVAR). While EVAR is less invasive, it requires lifelong surveillance and more frequent aneurysm-related reinterventions than open repair. A decision aid may help patients receive their preferred type of AAA repair. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a decision aid on agreement between patient preference for AAA repair type and the repair type they receive. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this cluster randomized trial, 235 patients were randomized at 22 VA vascular surgery clinics. All patients had AAAs greater than 5.0 cm in diameter and were candidates for both open repair and EVAR. Data were collected from August 2017 to December 2020, and data were analyzed from December 2020 to June 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Presurgical consultation using a decision aid vs usual care. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had agreement between their preference and their repair type, measured using χ2 analyses, κ statistics, and adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS: Of 235 included patients, 234 (99.6%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 73 (5.9) years. A total of 126 patients were enrolled in the decision aid group, and 109 were enrolled in the control group. Within 2 years after enrollment, 192 (81.7%) underwent repair. Patients were similar between the decision aid and control groups by age, sex, aneurysm size, iliac artery involvement, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Patients preferred EVAR over open repair in both groups (96 of 122 [79%] in the decision aid group; 81 of 106 [76%] in the control group; P = .60). Patients in the decision aid group were more likely to receive their preferred repair type than patients in the control group (95% agreement [93 of 98] vs 86% agreement [81 of 94]; P = .03), and κ statistics were higher in the decision aid group (κ = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.60-0.95) compared with the control group (κ = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32-0.74). Adjusted models confirmed this association (odds ratio of agreement in the decision aid group relative to control group, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.10-7.70). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patients exposed to a decision aid were more likely to receive their preferred AAA repair type, suggesting that decision aids can help better align patient preferences and treatments in major cardiovascular procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03115346

In this study, the impact of impurities incorporated into plated nickel seed layer on silicide formation and the influence of annealing temperature on the fill-factor (FF) loss of solar cells with Ni-Cu contacts is investigated. The silicide growth of electroless plated nickel seed layer is significantly retarded compared with literature data on physical-vapor-deposition (PVD)-based nickel annealed at 550 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction reveal the presence of SiO2 at the Ni-Si interface and the formation of nickel phosphides in addition to nickel silicide. The retardation in silicide growth is attributed to the presence of (111) planes after the texturing process and contaminants in the seed layer. Varying the annealing temperature of fabricated cells from 350 °C to 425 °C led to a decrease in the average FF from 79.3% to 77.5%. The loss analysis is based on Suns-V oc measurements, illuminated current-voltage parameters, and dark current-voltage curve fitting based on a three-diode model. It reveals that the FF loss is dominated by increased junction recombination, whereas losses due to third-diode component become significant for annealing at 400 °C and higher temperatures. The results highlight the need to carefully tune the seed layer annealing parameters to the interface conditions and junction depth of solar cells.

Invented by Charles Goodyear, chemical cross-linking of rubbers by sulfur vulcanization is the only method by which modern automobile tires are manufactured. The formation of these cross-linked network structures leads to highly elastic properties, which substantially reduces the viscous properties of these materials. Here, we describe a simple approach to converting commercially available and widely used bromobutyl rubber (BIIR) into a highly elastic material with extraordinary self-healing properties without using conventional cross-linking or vulcanising agents. Transformation of the bromine functionalities of BIIR into ionic imidazolium bromide groups results in the formation of reversible ionic associates that exhibit physical cross-linking ability. The reversibility of the ionic association facilitates the healing processes by temperature- or stress-induced rearrangements, thereby enabling a fully cut sample to retain its original properties after application of the self-healing process. Other mechanical properties, such as the elastic modulus, tensile strength, ductility, and hysteresis loss, were found to be superior to those of conventionally sulfur-cured BIIR. This simple and easy approach to preparing a commercial rubber with self-healing properties offers unique development opportunities in the field of highly engineered materials, such as tires, for which safety, performance, and longer fatigue life are crucial factors.

Although patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) commonly undergo major limb amputation, the quality of life (QOL) of this group remains poorly described. Therefore, we sought to describe which domains vascular amputees consider important in determining their health-related QOL.

The Wright brothers made the dream of flight a reality back in 1903. Could they have imagined flight as we know it today? * In 1903, Flyer, the Wright brothers' [...]