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In the Philippines, the number of earthquakes occurring has risen to an alarming rate. ’The Big One’ is one of the biggest expected catastrophes that is undoubtedly going to occur in the next decade as said by various experts. Buildings that were able to withstand the upcoming earthquakes, are to be inspected by engineers without knowing if the safety of the building is compromised. Thus, there is a need for a system that can inspect the cracks on the wall for faster and safer inspection. The objective of this study is to develop a crack detecting system capable of analyzing physical characteristics of cracks and mapping the surface of the wall. The model to be used for classifying and determining what cracks are, was trained with the use of Faster R-CNN machine learning architecture. Trained using the SDNET2018 combined with actual data generated by the proponents, the resulting system can detect cracks with an accuracy of 90% and classify the cracks according to the shape. The system also calculates its physical properties and has a recommender system that provides remarks on what necessary actions can be done.

Pharyngitis caused by group A streptococci (GAS) is one of the most common infections around the world. However, relatively little is known about which genes are expressed and which genes regulate expression during acute infection. Due to their ability to provide genome-wide views of gene expression at one time, microarrays are increasingly being incorporated in GAS research. In this study, a novel electrochemical detection-based microarray was used to identify gene expression patterns among humans with culture-confirmed GAS pharyngitis. Using 14 samples (11 GAS-positive and three GAS-negative) obtained from subjects seen at the Brooke Army Medical Center paediatric clinic, this study demonstrated two different clusters of gene expression patterns. One cluster expressed a larger number of genes related to phages, immune-system evasion and survival among competing oral flora, signifying a potentially more virulent pattern of gene expression. The other cluster showed a greater number of genes related to nutrient acquisition and protein expression. This in vivo genome-wide analysis of GAS gene expression in humans with pharyngitis evaluated global gene expression in terms of virulence factors.

STUDY DESIGN In vitro biomechanical flexibility experiment studying 5 sequential conditions. OBJECTIVE To determine the biomechanical differences among 3 fixation techniques after a simulated hangman's fracture. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Type II hangman's fractures are often treated surgically with a C2-C3 anterior cervical discectomy, fusion, and plating. Other techniques include direct fixation with C2 pars interarticularis screws or posterior C2-C3 fixation connecting C2 pars screws to C3 lateral mass screws. METHODS Seven cadaveric specimens (Oc-C4) were tested intact, after a simulated hangman's fracture, and after each fixation technique. Flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation were induced using nonconstraining torques while recording angular motions stereophotogrammetrically. RESULTS Direct screw fixation reduced motion an average of 61% +/- 13% during lateral bending and axial rotation compared to the injured state (P < 0.007). However, instability remained during flexion and extension. Posterior C2-C3 rod fixation provided significantly greater rigidity than anterior plate fixation during lateral bending (P < 0.008) and axial rotation (P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Direct fixation of the pars ineffectively limits flexion and extension after a Type II hangman's fracture. If pars screw fixation can be achieved, posterior C2-C3 fixation more effectively stabilizes a hangman's fracture than anterior cervical plating.

Three of thirteen Oryzomys acritus, Emmons and Patton 2005 (Rodentia: Muridae: Sigmodontinae) and 3 of 17 Oryzomys nitidus, Thomas 1884, collected from Noel Kempff National Park, Bolivia, from 2002 to 2005, tested positive for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis or L. (L.) mexicana and negative for Leishmania (Viannia) spp. using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Based on previous records of L. (L.) amazonensis in humans, rodents, and sand flies from Bolivia, and the geographic distributions of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) mexicana, it was concluded that the Oryzomys were infected with L. (L.) amazonensis. These results identify two additional species of Oryzomys as hosts of L. (L.) amazonensis, and identify an ecological region of Bolivia where L. (L.) amazonensis is enzootic.

Object. The authors compared the biomechanical stability resulting from the use of a new technique for occipitoatlantal motion segment fixation with an established method and assessed the additional stability provided by combining the two techniques. Methods. Specimens were loaded using nonconstraining pure moments while recording the three-dimensional angular movement at occiput (Oc)—C1 and C1–2. Specimens were tested intact and after destabilization and fixation as follows: 1) Oc—C1 transarticular screws plus C1–2 transarticular screws; 2) occipitocervical transarticular (OCTA) plate in which C1–2 transarticular screws attach to a loop from Oc to C-2; and (3) OCTA plate plus Oc—C1 transarticular screws. Occipitoatlantal transarticular screws reduced motion to well within the normal range. The OCTA loop and transarticular screws allowed a very small neutral zone, elastic zone, and range of motion during lateral bending and axial rotation. The transarticular screws, however, were less effective than the OCTA loop in resisting flexion and extension. Conclusions. Biomechanically, Oc—C1 transarticular screws performed well enough to be considered as an alternative for Oc—C1 fixation, especially when instability at C1–2 is minimal. Techniques for augmenting these screws posteriorly by using a wired bone graft buttress, as is currently undertaken with C1–2 transarticular screws, may be needed for optimal performance.

The acquisition of immunity following subclinical or resolved infection with the intracellular parasiteLeishmania donovanisuggests that vaccination could prevent visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The LACK (Leishmaniahomolog of receptors for activated C kinase) antigen is of interest as a vaccine candidate for the leishmaniases because of its immunopathogenic role in murineL. majorinfection. Immunization of mice with a truncated (24-kDa) version of the 36-kDa LACK antigen, delivered in either protein or DNA form, was found previously to protect against cutaneousL. majorinfection by redirecting the early T-cell response away from a pathogenic interleukin-4 (IL-4) response and toward a protective Th1 response. The amino acid sequence of theLeishmaniap36(LACK) antigen is highly conserved, but the efficacy of this vaccine antigen in preventing disease caused by strains other thanL. majorhas not been determined. We investigated the efficacy of a p36(LACK) DNA vaccine against VL because of the serious nature of this form of leishmaniasis and because it was unclear whether the LACK vaccine would be effective in a model where there was not a dominant pathogenic IL-4 response. We demonstrate here that although the LACK DNA vaccine induced a robust parasite-specific Th1 immune response (IFN-γ but not IL-4 production) and primed for an in vivo T-cell response to inoculated parasites, it did not induce protection against cutaneous or systemicL. donovanichallenge. Coadministration of IL-12 DNA with the vaccine did not enhance the strong vaccine-induced Th1 response or augment a protective effect.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of a bioresorbable plate and screw system that was developed for the treatment of unstable metacarpal fractures and to compare the strength and stiffness of this system with those of conventional titanium plates and screws. Using a 4-point bending test, we measured the strength and stiffness of these implants over a 12-week period of in vitro degradation. Our data suggest that these implants provide stable bending strength and stiffness for 8 weeks and gradually lose their strength over a period of 12 weeks. Further research is necessary to determine whether this level of fixation is adequate to stabilize unstable metacarpal fractures.

Influenza remains a serious worldwide health threat with numerous deaths attributed to influenza-related complications. It is likely that transmission of influenza and both the morbidity and mortality of influenza could be reduced if inexpensive but reliable influenza screening assays were more available to the general public or local medical treatment facilities. This report provides the initial evaluation of a pilot system designed by Lucigen Corp. (Middleton, WI, USA) as a potential rapid near point-of-care screening system for influenza A and influenza B. The evaluation of specificity and sensitivity was conducted on stored nasal swab samples collected from emergency department patients presenting with influenza-like symptoms at a large military academic hospital and on de-identified nasal swabs and isolated RNA from a local epidemiology laboratory. The gold standard for assessment of specificity and sensitivity was the Luminex® Respiratory Viral Panel.

Three of thirteen Oryzomys acritus, Emmons and Patton 2005 (Rodentia: Muridae: Sigmodontinae) and 3 of 17 Oryzomys nitidus, Thomas 1884, collected from Noël Kempff National Park, Bolivia, from 2002 to 2005, tested positive for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis or L. (L.) mexicana and negative for Leishmania (Viannia) spp. using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Based on previous records of L. (L.) amazonensis in humans, rodents, and sand flies from Bolivia, and the geographic distributions of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) mexicana, it was concluded that the Oryzomys were infected with L. (L.) amazonensis. These results identify two additional species of Oryzomys as hosts of L. (L.) amazonensis, and identify an ecological region of Bolivia where L. (L.) amazonensis is enzootic.

Progressive disease in the hamster model of visceral leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania donovani, in contrast to infection in mice, mimics the progressive disease observed in untreated humans. During progressive infection in hamsters, there was a vigorous type 1 cellular immune response, which is typically associated with control of infection, suggesting that there was ineffective IFN-γ-mediated macrophage activation. Indeed, at the site of infection, hamsters did not express NO synthase 2 (NOS2), which is the primary mechanism for control of infection in mice. Furthermore, in striking contrast to mouse macrophages, IFN-γ-activated hamster macrophages did not did not express NOS2 nor generate NO, and were unable to restrict the replication of intracellular L. donovani. The absent hamster NOS2 expression was not the result of NOS2 gene deletion and the NOS2 cDNA had an intact open reading frame. Furthermore, the impaired transcription of NOS2 mRNA was selective and not due to global impairment of IFN-γ signaling (members of the IFN-γ-signaling pathway were expressed and functional and IFN-γ up-regulated several primary and secondary response genes). Strikingly, the proximal hamster NOS2 promoter, like the human ortholog, had >20-fold less basal and IFN-γ/LPS-inducible activity than the corresponding mouse promoter. Thus, reduced basal and IFN-γ-induced activity of the hamster NOS2 transcriptional unit, which is unique to this small animal and similar to the human counterpart, accompanies the inability of the animal to control an intracellular pathogen.

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine that is a principal mediator of the innate immune response and modulator of acquired cell-mediated immunity. Administration of exogenous IL-12 can direct the host adaptive T cell response toward a type 1 phenotype. The co-administration of IL-12 with vaccine antigens has been shown to augment the vaccine-induced T(H)1 response and protection against intracellular pathogens. We show here that a canine IL-12 DNA, constructed by fusing the p35 and p40 subunit cDNAs with an interspacing linker, generated stable IL-12 transcripts when placed under control of a strong constitutive promoter. The protein expressed from this fused cDNA was fully functional in promoting a type 1 (IFN-gamma) and suppressing a type 2 (IL-4) cytokine response following both in vitro transfection of a canine cell line and in vivo delivery to dogs. This DNA construct may be useful as an adjuvant for vaccines that target tumors or intracellular pathogens of the dog.

Vaccination of dogs, the domestic reservoir of Leishmania chagasi , could not only decrease the burden of canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL), but could also indirectly reduce the incidence of human VL. Intramuscular vaccination of foxhounds with a Leishmania multicomponent (10 antigen) DNA vaccine resulted in antigen-induced lymphoproliferative and IFN-γ (but not IL-4) responses. This response was not augmented by co-administration of canine IL-12 or GM-CSF DNA adjuvants. The multicomponent DNA vaccine also induced a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to viable L. donovani promastigotes and led to a reduction of parasite burden in an in vitro intracellular infection model, and in the draining lymph node of dogs early after cutaneous challenge. Thus, the multicomponent DNA vaccine was effective in priming dogs for a parasite-specific type 1 cellular immune response, which was able to restrict parasite growth.

STUDY DESIGN A repeated measures in vitro flexibility experiment was performed in calf spines. OBJECTIVES To determine the biomechanical differences among three techniques for augmenting stability of an anterolateral lumbar threaded interbody cage. BACKGROUND Stand-alone interbody cages are known to inadequately stabilize the spine. Surgeons often add supplementary instrumentation for a more stable construct. METHODS Six L2-L5 calf spines (L3-L4 level instrumented) were tested: 1) intact; 2) with a single anterolateral interbody cage; 3) with cage plus anterolateral plating; 4) with cage plus lateral plating; and 5) with cage plus pedicle screw fixation. Specimens were loaded in each anatomic plane quasistatically (maximum 5.0 Nm). Angular motion was measured stereophotogrammetrically. RESULTS The stand-alone interbody cage allowed significantly less range of motion than normal during all loading modes except axial rotation. Addition of pedicle screws-rods, anterolateral plate, or lateral plate significantly further reduced range of motion in all planes. Pedicle screws slightly outperformed the anterolateral plate during extension and lateral bending and slightly outperformed the lateral plate during flexion, extension, and left axial rotation (range of motion differences

Globally, protein-energy malnutrition is the most frequent cause of immunodeficiency (58). Epidemiologic and experimental studies have documented an increased risk for visceral leishmaniasis, caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the Leishmania donovani complex, in the malnourished host (1, 2, 26). However, the immunologic basis for this association has not been established and standardized experimental models have not addressed this important issue. In this study, our goal was to investigate the mechanisms of the malnutrition-related susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis. There were three components of the study. First, we needed to create a murine model of malnutrition that was relevant to human malnutrition in developing countries. Although the mouse has been extensively used in animal models of malnutrition, there is no standard murine model of protein-energy malnutrition (69). Human malnutrition is complex, typically involving deficiency of protein and energy with superimposed deficits of other nutrients. Zinc deficiency usually accompanies protein-energy malnutrition (19). Iron deficiency is highly prevalent in developing countries and may accompany zinc deficiency due to a common risk factor, cereal-based diets with little meat (61). Thus, in this model, in addition to protein and energy, zinc and iron were selected as deficient nutrients. Much of the vast body of data that has been collected on human malnutrition is based on anthropometric measures, i.e., weight-for-age (WA), height-for-age, and weight-for-height (13). However, in previous mouse models of malnutrition, there have been no efforts to relate morphometric measures of nutritional status to either human anthropometric scales or immunocompetence. Weight-for-age determination is advantageous because it can be measured unambiguously, provides a synthesis of linear growth and body proportion (13), and correlates with probability of death in children in developing countries (36). In this study, murine WA was correlated with specific measures of host defense and risk for visceral L. donovani infection. A second component of the study was to examine possible defects in the mediator network of the innate immune system produced by malnutrition, because it is the early events that are likely to determine whether the inoculated parasites are controlled locally or disseminate to visceral organs. The innate immune system provides a first line of defense against pathogens and instructs the differentiation of Th0 cells into Th1 and Th2 cells (18). It has been estimated that the innate immune system provides protection against 98% of the pathogens that are encountered (34). Malnutrition has been associated with an increased risk of many infections (3); however, there are no animal models that specifically examine the effect of malnutrition on the innate immune response to infection. The third part of the study was to investigate the mechanism of visceralization (the process whereby parasites disseminate from the site of cutaneous inoculation and the draining lymph nodes to the liver, spleen, and bone marrow). To reach this goal, we needed to develop a more natural animal model of visceral leishmaniasis, using the vector stage of the parasite (promastigote) and the intradermal route of infection. Although the immunopathogenesis of murine visceral leishmaniasis has been investigated, previous studies have used an unnatural (intravenous) route of infection and/or the mammalian host stage of the parasite (amastigote) as the infecting inoculum (35, 40, 43, 48, 65). The intravenous route of inoculation negates the immune processing that would occur in the skin and in the draining lymph node and therefore does not accurately reflect the immune response that would occur in a natural cutaneous infection. Furthermore, models of visceral leishmaniasis that utilize the intravenous route of inoculation do not facilitate an understanding of the mechanism of visceralization. Selection of either amastigote or promastigote as the infective inoculum may also have an important bearing on the course of infection, because these two stages of the parasite possess disparate virulence factors (9) and produce different immune responses (20). In this study, we establish a murine model of polynutrient deficiency that is similar to human malnutrition in developing regions of the world. We demonstrate that the malnourished mouse has an altered innate immune defense and is at increased risk of visceralization following cutaneous L. donovani infection.

It is common practice in applied mechanics to develop finite element models for mechanical system behavior. Most structural integrity monitoring techniques, proposed to date, rely on an accurate model of the structure at hand. In many situations the structure being monitored is already built; in those cases, it is good engineering practice to ensure that the finite element model matches the behavior of the physical structure. However, no general-purpose technique exists or formally, statistically judging the quality of the finite element model. This paper applies a formal statistical procedure for the validation of finite element models of structural systems, when data taken during operation of the system are available. The statistical validation procedure is based on the bootstrap, and it seeks to build a tool for assessing whether or not a finite element model is an acceptable representation of the structure. The approach uses experimental data to construct confidence bounds that permit the assessment of the model. The case of a finite element model of an aluminum plate is presented.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

This investigation contributes to understand direct and indirect variables that influence consumer adoption of various data services from the consumer's perspective: entertainment, information, communications, and commercial transactions. We use structural equations and a Lancasterian demand to determine loads of variables in a technology adoption model with uncertainty and marginal prices that consumers are willing to pay for enhanced services, applied to Mexico. Additional to the structural equations, we find that the consumer is willing to pay up to US$ 50 monthly for premium services. The paper also gives directions for further research in adoption of enhanced technologies in emerging economies.

It is generally believed that tubal fimbriae function as a highly specialized and indispensable component of the ovum pickup mechanism. The present study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of creating a functional tubo-ovarian relationship following fimbriectomy. Fourteen New Zealand White rabbits underwent unilateral microsurgical fimbriectomy followed by creation of a distal ampullary flap which was oversewn to the exposed ovarian cortex. Two weeks after surgery, the animals were inseminated and induced to ovulate with an intravenous injection of 100 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin. Thirteen of fourteen uterine horns on the control side and ten of fourteen on the operated side became pregnant. The ratios of ova ovulated to those which implanted were 73.2% on the control side and 37.8% on the operated side. Morphologic studies revealed a normal complement of ciliated and secretory cells lining the endosalpinx of the juxtaposed ampullary flap. The portion of ovarian cortex covered by the flap similarly exhibited no morphologic abnormalities. These findings indicate that fertility can be maintained in the absence of fimbriae and suggest a surgical technique for restoration of fertility following elective sterilization by fimbriectomy or following pathologically induced destruction of the fimbriae.

The role of the uterotubal junction (UTJ) in fertility and ovum transport was investigated following unilateral microsurgical resection of the UTJ in 15 rabbits. Fourteen animals became pregnant on the UTJ resected side and 14 on the control side following artificial insemination and induction of ovulation. Fifty-two of 61 ova (85.2%) became implanted on the control side, and 56 of 68 ova (82.3%) became implanted on the resected side. Ten days after delivery, artificial insemination and induction of ovulation were repeated. Ovum transport was examined at 60, 66, and 72 hours. There was no significant difference in ovum transport between UTJ resected and control sides. The distribution of ova within the oviduct and the time of their entrance into the uterus was comparable in both sides. These results indicate that the UTJ is not necessary for normal fertility and ovum transport in the rabbit.