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This article concerns with the neutrosophic vague soft graphs for treating neutrosophic vague soft information by employing the theory of neutrosophic vague soft sets with graphs. Operations like Cartesian product, cross product, lexicographic product, strong product and composition of neutrosophic vague soft graphs are established. The proposed concepts are explained with examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we focus on one type of labeling is called co-efficient of range labeling, we have introduced co-efficient of range labeling for Double star graph, Star trees, Spider Trees and Symmetrical Trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the concept of α, β - Q -fuzzy subgroup of a group, α, β - Q -fuzzy normal subgroup and both right and left cosets and discuss some of its properties. The main objective of this paper, we extend the concept of Q-fuzzy subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the concept of Q-fuzzy sub-bi-group and t-level Q-fuzzy sub-bi-group of the bi-group and discuss some main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The progressive increase in life expectancy of people with intellectual disability (ID) has resulted in enhanced survival into old age and has also seen a growth in research on both lifelong and emerging ageing‐related health issues. Health issues amongst provider‐supported adults have been previously studied, but these studies have not always included older community‐dwelling adults with ID. Methods: A study examining the extent of mental health of 391 community‐dwelling adults with ID age 60 and older in both metropolitan and rural areas of two East Coast Australian states was undertaken using a cross‐sectional survey. Examined were a range of demographic (age, sex, living arrangements, employment and socio‐economic status) and life (co‐morbidities, adverse life events and social support) factors. Data were parsed by two age groupings (60–65: n = 234 and >65: n = 157). Results: Findings revealed that older community‐dwelling adults with ID have many of the same mental health disorders as do other ageing people, with the exception of significant psychiatric disorders often associated with older age. Over a third (35%: n = 137) reported some one or more mental health disorders. Age, sex, location (rural or urban), financial hardship, social support or type of living arrangement were not statistically significant as risk factors for poor mental health. However, employment status was a clear predictor. Stepwise regression models showed a strong association between mental ill‐health and adverse life events and between mental ill‐health and multiple physical co‐morbidities. Conclusions: The cross‐sectional nature of the study limits causal inference. The cumulative effect of chronic health conditions and adverse life events cannot be prevented retrospectively. However, greater awareness amongst both health professionals and care staff that older adults with ID have a high likelihood of significant and/or repeated traumas and need better health care to limit physical co‐morbidity may assist in providing support that is better tailored to individual needs in older age to reduce the burden of mental ill‐health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-singular Kruskal-like coordinates of some black holes space-times in f (R) gravity are presented in this research paper, and are also removed by establishing Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates for Non-extremal case. Carter-like coordinates can also be built for its extreme case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrosophic graphs are employed as a mathematical key to hold an imprecise and unspecified data. Vague sets gives more intuitive graphical notation of vague information, that delicates crucially better analysis in data relationships, incompleteness and similarity measures. In this paper, the neutrosophic vague line graphs are introduced. The necessary and sufficient condition for a line graph to be neutrosophic vague line graph is provided. Further, homomorphism, weak vertex and weak line isomorphism are discussed. The given results are illustrated with suitable example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the study of the influence of the insertion layer (IL) on the magnetic properties of thin films of Co-Tb. Thin films of Ta (5 nm)/Co1−xTbx (20 nm)/Cu (3 nm)/Co1−xTbx (20 nm)/Ta (5 nm) as well as Ta (5 nm)/Co1−xTbx (40 nm)/Ta (5 nm) with x = 0.10 and 0.15 were grown on a silicon substrate using DC magnetron sputtering. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicate the amorphous nature of all prepared films. The measurement of surface roughness of Ta (5 nm)/Co1−xTbx (20 nm) and Co0.85Tb0.15 (20 nm)/Cu (3 nm)/Co0.85Tb0.15 (20 nm) films using 3D optical profilometer indicates a high surface roughness. The measured out-plane and in-plane magnetic hysteresis (M-H) curves indicate that Ta/Co1−xTbx (40 nm)/Ta films (i.e., without any IL) exhibit nearly magnetic isotropic behavior. However, Ta/Co1−xTbx (20 nm)/Cu (3 nm)/Co1−xTbx (20 nm)/Ta films exhibit in-plane magnetic anisotropy. The in-plane anisotropy was found to be significant for the case of x = 0.10 film with larger effective anisotropy constant (Keff). The values of saturation magnetization and squareness (Sq) of films are found to decrease with Cu insertion layer and it is likely due to the worsening of the Co-Tb/Cu interface. The post-annealing of the Co-Tb films with Cu IL helps to improve the value of MS and Keff but it reduces the HC and the squareness of the hysteresis curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, search for novel materials for bit patterned media (BPM) has been very intense due to their potential application in ultra-high-density hard disk drive. In a quest of finding new materials for BPM, we have taken up to study ordered array of nanostructured Co-Tb alloy. Thin films of Ta (1 nm)/Co1−xTbx (24 nm)/Ta (4 nm) (x = 0.10, 0.15, 0.18 and 0.33) alloys were deposited on the barrier layer of auto-assembled anodic alumina template using dc magnetron sputtering to form a nanostructured array, the so-called nanobump. Similar array of compounds on a flat Si substrate was also deposited for comparison (reference sample). The measurement of room temperature magnetization (M) versus field (H) curve indicates that the coercivity and the squareness [Mr/Ms] of nanobumps as well as reference samples were found to increase with increase of Tb content. However, the values of HC and Mr/MS for nanobumps were found to be higher than those of reference samples. The measurements of in-plane and out-plane M-H curves reveal that Co1−xTbx (x = 0.15, 0.20 and 0.33) nanobumps exhibit magnetic isotropy behaviour. The measurements of temperature variation of magnetization demonstrate that these films exhibit ferrimagnetism with a compensation temperature much above the room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aims to examine the impact of a tangent hyperbolic fluid flow confined by a stretching sheet with the existence of variable thermal conductivity, mixed convection, and magneto hydrodynamics. A mathematical model is developed in the form of partial differential equations (PDEs) and then converted into ordinary differential equations by using self-felicitous transformations. The technique of BVP4C (MATLAB package) has been used to simplify these ordinary differential equations. The numerical solution of skin friction, mixed convection, Nusselt number, and velocity and temperature profiles for different values of the involved parameters is indicated through tables and graphs. It can be noticed that the velocity profile decreases when the Hartmann number increases. The effect of Weissenberg number, inclined angle, and power law index for velocity profiles is also identical to the Hartmann number. The temperature profile decays due to an increment in the Prandtl number. Skin friction and the Nusselt number have also been explained. The physical reasoning for growth or decay of these parameters has been discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin films of Co1−xTbx (x = 0.10, 0.12, and 0.15) alloy have been prepared by a co-sputtering process using dc magnetron sputtering. The measurement of temperature variation of magnetization indicates that these films exhibit ferrimagnetism with Curie temperature (TC) much above the room temperature. The M–T curves under zero-field-cooled and field-cooled conditions indicate that Co0.85Tb0.15 film exhibits non-collinear sperimagnetic ordering due to competition between exchange interaction and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. An increase of coercivity, squareness, and change of magnetic isotropy to magnetic anisotropy behavior with the increase of Tb composition was observed. Particularly, Co0.85Tb0.15 is found to exhibit perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The relative reversal in these films follows the Kondorsky model. The post-annealing of the films helps to improve the squareness of the hysteresis curve, but it reduces the coercivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soft set theory is a mathematical tool to represent uncertainty, imprecise, and vagueness is often employed in solving decision making problem. It has been widely used to identify irrelevant parameters and make reduction set of parameters for decision making in order to bring out the optimal choices. This manuscript is designed with the concept of neutrosophic soft graph structures. We introduce the domination number of neutrosophic soft graphs and elaborate them with suitable examples by using strength of path and strength of connectedness. Moreover, some remarkable properties of independent domination number, strong neighborhood domination, weights of a dominated graph and strong perfect domination of neutrosophic soft graph is investigated and the proposed concepts are described with suitable examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the new concept of neutrosophic vague graphs are introduced form the ideas of neutrosophic vague sets. Moreover, some remarkable properties of strong neutrosophic vague graphs, complete neutrosophic vague graphs and self-complementary neutrosophic vague graphs are investigated and the proposed concepts are described with suitable examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bipolar model is a significant model wherein positive data revels the liked object, while negative data speaks the disliked object. The principle reason for analysing the vague graphs is to demonstrate the stability of few properties in a graph, characterized or to be characterized in using vagueness. In this present research article, the new concept of neutrosophic bipolar vague sets are initiated. Further, its application to neutrosophic bipolar vague graphs are introduced. Moreover, some remarkable properties of strong neutrosophic bipolar vague graphs, complete neutrosophic bipolar vague graphs and complement neutrosophic bipolar vague graphs are explored and the proposed ideas are outlined with an appropriate example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Grasslands are often managed with different intensities in the European Alps. Studies have shown that a medium management can benefit plant and animal biodiversity in these ecosystems. However, in recent decades abandonment of extensively managed meadows is an ongoing global challenge. Syrphids (hoverflies) have been recognized as a threatened group due to environmental drivers, and these managed grasslands provide preferred habitats for them. Yet, at what extent syrphids respond to grassland management strategies is little known. We investigated whether abandonment of managed mountain meadows (mown once a year, no fertilizer use) affects syrphid abundance, richness and species assemblages. Moreover, the influence of plant richness, flower frequency and surrounding landscape on syrphids were assessed. Four managed meadows were compared with four abandoned meadows in a mountainous region in Austria. Adult syrphids were sampled over two consecutive years (June and August 2015–2016) by sweep netting using line transects and observation plots. Syrphid abundance was significantly higher in managed than abandoned meadows and increased with increasing plant richness and flower frequency across management types. Management and sampling time also significantly affected syrphid species assemblages. Syrphid richness and abundance were not influenced by surrounding landscape. We conclude that both abandoned and managed meadows provide important habitat types for syrphids. Therefore, efforts should be made to maintain both managed and abandoned meadows in order to protect syrphid species within mountainous landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveillance of donor specific antibodies (DSA) post lung transplant is a relatively new practice with frequency varying per center. Decision to treat DSAs remain per clinician based on patient-specific data and center protocol. Donor derived cell free DNA (dd-cfDNA) has been utilized to indicate injury in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) and could potentially help determine which DSAs to treat. All LTRs with dd-cfDNA (%, AlloSure, CareDx) drawn between 1/2020-9/2022 were evaluated for DSAs. DSA characteristics including early (≤6 months post-transplant) vs late formation, persistence (DSA positivity on multiple HLA samples) vs transience, and DSA class type. Median dd-cfDNA was graphed relative to date of first DSA development. Of the 68 LTRs with ≥1 dd-cfDNA sent, 39 (57%) were DSA positive. Median time to first DSA across the cohort was 311 days (IQR 59, 691). Sixteen (41%) developed early DSAs at median 45 days (IQR 23, 71) vs 23 who formed them at median 611 days (IQR 400, 1223). Nine (23%) had persistent DSAs. Of note, 44% of LTRs with early DSAs experienced transience. Class I DSAs developed in 12 (31%) LTRs, class II in 22 (56%), and both class I and II in 5 (13%). Differences in dd-cfDNA between DSA characteristics are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. DSAs that formed >6 months post-transplant were associated with higher dd-cfDNA at time of and post-dnDSA formation (p<0.01). Persistence, formation of class II, and both class I and II were not statistically significant, however, there were numerically higher median dd-cfDNA following date of detection. Prior literature has suggested certain DSA characteristics are associated with greater propensity to lead to clinical antibody mediated rejection. We observed differences in magnitude of elevation and longitudinal trends of dd-cfDNA both pre- and post-dnDSA development that warrant further investigation in a larger cohort. These finding have the potential to give more insight into which patients and when to treat DSAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative impact of COVID on the respiratory system is well characterized in a general population. The increased complexity of COVID in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) and assessment of injury severity is less defined. We compared allograft injury as measured by donor derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in LTRs with post-transplant COVID. We hypothesized more severe COVID infection would be associated with higher lung injury, as evidenced by higher dd-cfDNA. All LTRs positive for COVID with peri-infection dd-cfDNA (%, AlloSure, CareDx) from Memorial Hermann Hospital (MHH) and University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSC-SA) were evaluated. LTRs were stratified on hospitalized vs not hospitalized for COVID. Time between dd-cfDNA result and COVID infection was calculated and graphed. LTRs with concurrent immune events (acute cellular rejection or antibody mediated rejection) were excluded. Twenty-eight LTRs had post-COVID dd-cfDNA results available (MHH 18, UTHSC-SA 10). Peri-COVID infection dd-cfDNA trends are shown in Figure 1. Seventeen (61%) were hospitalized and 39% (n=11) were not. Median max dd-cfDNA in hospitalized LTRs was 1.10% (IQR 0.82, 2.40) drawn at median 50 days (IQR 35, 151) post-COVID. Median max dd-cfDNA in not hospitalized LTRs was 0.94% (IQR 0.45, 1.80) drawn at median 81 days (IQR 43, 235). As dd-cfDNA levels were not drawn at the same times post-COVID between hospitalized and not hospitalized patients, differences cannot be directly compared. However, there are clear elevations in median dd-cfDNA among COVID hospitalized LTRs indicating a higher degree of allograft injury in those patients. Both the dd-cfDNA elevation preceding date of COVID positivity and the following decay between hospitalized and not hospitalized LTRs could be important prognostically. Investigation into effect of COVID treatment on dd-cfDNA, time to return to dd-cfDNA baseline levels, and resolution of pulmonary function are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this work, a 4-element wideband printed modified monopole based multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system is presented. The proposed design is compact, low profile, and suitable to be used for wireless handheld devices in 3G and 4G LTE bands. The covered measured frequencies lie between 2017 and 2265 MHz. The proposed design is evaluated for MIMO performance metrics. A defected ground structure that is based on a combination of an array of vertical slots and one circular slot is used to enhance the isolation. The envelope correlation coefficient was <0.1889. The MIMO antenna system is built on a double layer FR-4 substrate with height of 0.8mm and dielectric constant of 4.4. The total size of the design is 100 × 60 × 0.8 mm3. Good agreement between simulated and measured results is obtained. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2587-2591, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-sourced carbon has a valuable impact on zero carbon footprint materials for automotive, aerospace, water filtration and other applications. A new lignin, poly-(caffeyl alcohol) (PCFA, also known as C-lignin), has recently been discovered in the seeds of the vanilla orchid ( Vanilla planifolia ). In contrast to all known lignins which are comprised of polyaromatic networks, the PCFA lignin is a linear polymer derived almost totally from caffeyl alcohol monomers linked head to tail into benzodioxane chains via the ‘endwise’ radical coupling reactions that typify lignification. In this paper we investigate carbon fiber formed from this linear C-lignin and compare it to a Kraft lignin. The PCFA was extracted and electrospun into fibers without additional modification or blending of polymers. Nanoindentation shows an increase in transverse and axial modulus for PCFA carbon by around 250% and 25% respectively as compared to Kraft lignin carbon. Raman spectroscopy results indicate higher graphitic structure for PCFA carbon than that from Kraft lignin, as seen from G/D ratios of 1.92 vs 1.15 which was supported by XPS and TEM results. Size exclusion chromatography indicates a polydispersity index (PDI) for PCFA of 1.6 as compared to 2.6 for Kraft lignin and Zeta potential measurements show higher ionic conductivity for Kraft lignin as compared to PCFA reflecting higher impurities. The results indicate a new bio-source for carbon fibers based on this newly identified linear lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experimental study was conducted to investigate the clinico-hematological and mutagenic changes induced by concurrent oral administration of arsenic and copper sulphate in adult poultry males. After acclimatization, a total of 28birds were randomly divided into seven equal groups. All the experimental birds received arsenic and copper sulphate alone and in combinations at different doses for 30 days in the feed. Blood samples were collected from each bird at days 10, 20 and 30 of the experiment. Various clinical signs like decreased feed intake, body weight, ruffled feather, depression, dullness, ocular discharge, open mouth breathing, diarrhea and pale comb were observed at higher levels of arsenic and copper sulphate. In treated birds, the values of total erythrocytes counts, total leukocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly decreased, while packed cell volume and mean corpuscular volume increased. Moreover, frequency of erythrocytes with micronuclei, blabbed, lobed, notched and cells with nuclear remnants were significantly increased compared to controls. From the results of this study it can be concluded that arsenic and copper sulphate alone at higher levels and in combination even at lower levels have severe clinico-hematological and mutagenic effects in adult male birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study assessed the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among privately insured adults in the U.S. with one or more of the following autoimmune diseases: autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Materials and Methods Using the Truven Health MarketScan® Databases, patients 18-64 years of age with a diagnosis of AIHA, ITP, RA, or SLE in 2007 and a sex and age-group matched comparison group of enrollees were followed up through 2010 to identify VTE events. Survival curve and Cox proportional hazards analyses were conducted to assess differences between groups. Results Among patients with AIHA, ITP, RA, or SLE, or >1 of these diseases, the risk of at least one VTE event was 19.74, 7.72, 4.90, 9.89, and 13.35 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; among the comparison group, the risk was 1.91 per 1,000 person-years. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for VTE among patients with AIHA, ITP, RA, or SLE, or >1 of these diseases (when compared with the comparison group) tended to decline over follow-up time; at 1 year, the aHRs were 6.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.44-8.94), 2.95 (95% CI: 2.18-4.00), 2.13 (95% CI: 1.89-2.40), 4.68 (95% CI: 4.10-5.33), and 5.11 (95% CI: 4.26-6.14), respectively. Conclusion Having AIHA, ITP, RA, or SLE, or >1 of these diseases was associated with an increased likelihood of a VTE event. More research is necessary to develop better understanding of VTE occurrence among people with autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to determine the effect of the fineness modulus of fine aggregate on the quality and development of passive film and its subsequent effect on the corrosion of reinforced concrete structures. The study uses both electrochemical laboratory controlled experimentation and finite element modelling approach. Corrosion is an electrochemical process that requires an electrolyte for the occurrence of a corrosion reaction. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the effective corrosion rate with reference to the saturated area of the concrete only when there is corrosion of reinforced concrete structures. Theoretically and numerically, the saturated area depends on the capillary zone porosity, gel zone porosity and degree of saturation in the aggregate free volume of concrete, which is a heterogeneous material. It is thus important to understand the effect of aggregate fineness on the corrosion of steel rebars. Therefore, detailed investigations were conducted using a variety of fine aggregates and combinations thereof. The initiative for this research came from the observation that the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) around the steel bar in concrete does not contain coarse aggregate, but could be surrounded by mortar and not only paste. Hence, the fine aggregate volume may also influence the corrosion rate. Some fine aggregate, which is finer than coarse aggregate, could be present in the vicinity of the steel bar surface, depending on the fineness modulus, which may affect both the development of the passive layer and the corrosion rate. The previous research data in this area were found to be limited. Hence, these factors have been investigated in the present study. Both mortar and concrete prismatic specimens were cast, and the quality of passive layer development and the corrosion severity were compared between specimens to determine the effect of fine aggregate volume with respect to the respective fineness modulus values. The corrosion potential, current and rate values obtained through experimentation showed significant differences in their magnitudes with respect to the variation in the fineness modulus. A directly proportional relation was observed between the fineness modulus of fine aggregate and the corrosion of rebars. Therefore, in the light of the experimental results obtained in this study, a finite element based numerical model incorporating the effect of the fineness modulus of fine aggregate on corrosion of steel rebars in concrete has been developed and successfully verified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurateinterfacial tension data for fluid systems such as hydrocarbonsand water is essential to many applications such as reservoir oiland gas recovery predictions. Conventional interfacial tension measurementtechniques typically use optical images to analyze droplet shapesbut require that the continuous-phase fluid be optically transparentand that the fluids are not refractive index matched. Magnetic resonanceimages obtain contrast between fluids using other mechanisms suchas magnetic relaxation weighting, so systems that are impossible tomeasure with optical methods may be analyzed. In this article, wepresent high-field (9.4 T) MRI images of various droplets analyzedwith axisymmetric drop shape analysis. The resultant interfacial tensiondata show good agreement with literature data. The method is subsequentlydemonstrated using both opaque continuous phases and refractive-index-matchedfluids. We conclude with a brief consideration of the potential toextrapolate the methodology to lower magnetic fields (0.3 T), featuringmore accessible hardware; although droplet imaging is possible, resolutionand stability do not currently permit accurate interfacial tensionmeasurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present experimental study gross, histopathological and different serum biochemical effects of malathion were observed in male Japanese quail. For this purpose apparently active and sexually mature male Japanese quail (approximately 5-6 weeks and each group 15 birds) were kept in six groups (A-F). Malathion @ 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 mg/kg b.w mixed in corn oil was administered orally for 51 days. Grossly, swollen, edematous and congested lungs, congested kidneys, pale to yellowish, fragile liver and regression of thymus in birds fed malathion (100 and 125 mg/kg b.w) was observed. Histopathological examination revealed mild to moderate cytoplasmic vacuolation in liver and severe pyknosis/condensation in nucleus of kidneys in treated quail (50 and 75 mg/kg b.w) at day 51 of the experiment. However these changes were severe in quail administered higher levels (100 and 125 mg/kg b.w) of organophosphate throughout the experiment. Severer hemorrhage in lungs, thymus and intestine was also observed in birds at higher doses. A significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in serum albumin and serum total protein was recorded at higher levels (50, 75, 100 and 125 mg/kg b.w) of malathion. At day 17 of experiment serum creatinine and alanine transaminase was significantly increased in quail given higher levels (125 mg/kg b.w) of malathion. Significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) values of serum creatinine, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase at day 34 and 51 in treated quail (75, 100 and 125 mg/kg b.w) were also recorded. Serum lactate dehydrogenase was significantly increased throughout the experiment at different levels (50, 75, 100 and 125 mg/kg b.w). Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were also significantly increased in quail. These results provide the first experimental evidence that prolonged and increased levels of malathion induces oxidative stress and tissue changes in birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Longus colli provides stability to cervical spine during movements. In clinical practice, the clinicians teach exercises to longus colli to manage neck pain. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in thickness or anterior-posterior dimension (APD), shape ratio and contraction ratio of longus colli between subjects with neck pain and healthy controls. Materials and methods: A total of 12 subjects (6 with neck pain and 6 healthy controls) were recruited by predefined selection criteria. Ultrasound imaging of bilateral longus colli was conducted at the level C5-C6. Anterior-posterior dimension (APD) and lateral dimension (LD) were measured using Ultrasonography. Shape ratio (LD/APD) and contraction ratio (APD during contraction/APD during rest) were calculated. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the thickness of longus colli between healthy and neck pain subjects. Results and discussion: The results showed that the subjects with neck pain had smaller APD (Mean Rank=4.83, n=6) than healthy subjects (Mean Rank=8.17, n=6), U=16.00, z=-1.601 (corrected for ties), p=0.109, two tailed. Also, shape ratio showed higher values in neck pain subjects (Mean Rank=7.17, n=6) than normal subjects (Mean Rank=5.83, n=6), U=14.00, z=-0.641(corrected for ties) p=0.522, two tailed. In addition, contraction ratio was smaller in neck pain subjects (Mean Rank=4.83, n=6) than those healthy subjects (Mean Rank=8.17, n=6), U=8.00, z=- 1.601(corrected for ties) p=0.109, two tailed. Conclusion: There is a trend of reduced size of longus colli with the median of APD and smaller contraction ratio among patients with neck pain when compared to healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] First comparison of lattice-Boltzmann and pore network modelling of flow fields in porous media. [•] Quantitative comparison with experimentally acquired propagators. [•] Use of first three moments of the displacement propagator to statistically compare methods. [•] Experiments and simulation lattices all derived from the same rock core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed at an experimental investigation of the comparative corrosion phenomenon in the reinforcing steel of repaired chloride contaminated self-compacting concrete (SCRC) and ordinary concrete (OC) patches. This research is a continuation of a previous study in which macrocell specimens were prepared with OC having different chloride contaminations simulating the actual patch repair in the construction field. Here, in this research, the same specimens were prepared with SCRC to investigate more deeply the macrocell phenomenon in SCRC, which received limited attention in the past. Four prismatic specimens with two sets of 5 and 3% chloride contaminated SCRC at the two ends were prepared respectively, and the middle portion of these specimens was cast after 24 h with uncontaminated SCRC simulating the actual patch repair in the field. After 1 year of experimental observations of corrosion potentials and corrosion rates, interesting and novel results were obtained in comparison with OC and SCRC specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialysis patients with high body mass index (BMI) experience survival advantages as compared to dialysis patients with low BMI. Preliminary modelling results seem to confirm the dependence of survival probabilities on BMI, but also show that BMI is a too crude measure. The simulation results strongly indicate that body composition instead of BMI is the important factor. The purpose of this study is to confirm these findings by simulations with a mathematical model using concrete data concerning body composition. In addition, the authors present the results of a sensitivity analysis for the parameters of the model, which are confirmed by the results of parameter estimation procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 5% (wt/vol) whey protein isolate (WPI) dispersion (pH 6.5) with different concentrations of NaCl was submitted to dynamic heat treatment. Protein dispersions were characterized as to their rheological properties, particle sizes, morphology, denaturation temperatures, and protein surface hydrophobicity. At low ionic strength (<200 mmol/kg), gel elastic modulus increased and strongest gel stiffness was achieved. High salt concentrations lead to a weaker gel, whereas no gels at all were formed without salt. The gelation temperature was also influenced by ionic strength and an increase in denaturation temperature and thermal stability was also observed by using differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, heat-induced changes in secondary structures upon salt augmentation were followed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Secondary structural elements estimations obtained from amide I assignments were correlated with those from amide III assignments. Upon salt increase, no differences in secondary structure were observed without heating, whereas upon heating and without salt increase, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data revealed an increase in intermolecular β-sheets at the cost of β-turns and random coils, with no change in a-helical structures. However, NaCl addition along with dynamic heat treatment of WPI dispersion showed a stabilizing effect on the secondary structural elements of both amide I and amide III bands. Whey protein isolate dispersions in water were also characterized by transmission electron microscopy by a spherical shape with 2 populations (6 and 70 nm). Salt increase alone resulted in the formation of denser aggregates, whereas a transition from spherical/compact protein aggregates to linear ones was observed due to combined salt/heat effect. The important size of these edifices was confirmed by microscopy and light-scattering techniques. Moreover, protein surface hydrophobicity related to the number of hydrophobic sites available decreased significantly. Finally, experimental results demonstrated the strong interaction between ionic strength and dynamic thermal treatment on protein functional properties and their careful adjustment could enable the food industry to effectively use WPI as a gelling agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult hospitalizations in the U.S. from 2007-2009. A new program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called Partnership for Patients: Better Care, Lower Costs, aims to reduce the number of preventable VTE case in hospitals. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) analyzed data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) regarding VTE. The analysis determined an average of 547,596 VTE hospitalizations.