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Microtexture has been linked to large reductions in cold dwell fatigue (CDF) life of specific dual phase titanium alloy aeroengine components. A recently completed Metals Affordability Initiative (MAI) funded program led by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and includes ATI Forged Products, Boeing, GE Aviation, Rolls Royce (RR), Arconic, Titanium Metals Corporation (TIMET), PCC-Wyman Gordon (PCC-WG), Scientific Forming Technologies (SFTC), Materials Resources LLC (MRL) and The Ohio State University (OSU) has developed improved techniques for the characterization of microtexured regions (MTR) in titanium billet and forgings, and integrated computational materials engineering (ICME). These methods are aimed at developing and integrating process and property modeling tools for the prediction of microtexture and fatigue life in titanium components. These characterization and fatigue life prediction tools have near-term application off ramps that will enable use for process and product development and quality control. Key results for two widely used alloys, Ti-6242 and Ti-64, will be reviewed in this paper.

Abstract: Surgical crown lengthening procedures are performed to aid in the retention of prostheses by allowing proper tooth preparation, impression procedures and placement of restorative margins. A healthy periodontium is a key to a successful prosthesis. It is necessary to prepare periodontal tissues properly before restorative treatment to ensure good form, function, and esthetics of the masticatory apparatus, as well as patient comfort. There are different surgical techniques used for crown lengthening, eg, gingivectomy, apically displaced flap, crown lengthening with ostectomy, and lasers. The success of such procedures depends on the biological width. The present case series describes surgical crown lengthening procedures by using semiconductor diode laser, as the diode laser technique is easier, is well accepted by patients, and provideds predictable postoperative results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fin effects have great impact on the measured temperatures and the actual effects are dependent on the wire diameter. Researchers have developed an embedded computational submodel that can be sued in conjunction with a regular FEM model for the multidimensional calculation of the heating or cooling of a part.

Effective pest control can be achieved, if pesticides are properly applied at correct rate, at right time and on the target by appropriate equipment. The spray with conventional sprayer does not reach the bottom of the plant canopy and also the upper and lower side of leaves in required quantity. In view of this a new air sleeve boom sprayer was designed, developed and its performance was evaluated in the laboratory and field trials. The working principle of the sprayer was totally based on the replacement of air within the canopy with spray laden air. A laboratory set up was developed and tested on actual plant canopy of cotton crop at four experimental variables viz, air velocity (12, 20 and 26 m/s), air sleeve angle (-15°, 0°, 15° and 30°), nozzle angle (25°, 35° and 45°) and height of boom (50 cm and 70 cm). In the study, special emphasis was given to determine the effective droplet density and droplet size for the control of pests. The deposition of droplet was made at top, middle and bottom position of the plant and on upper and lower leaf surfaces. The results indicated that the recommended levels of droplet density and size were obtained at an air velocity of 26 m/s, air sleeve angle 30°, nozzle angle 35° and height of boom 70 cm during lab experiment. The deposition indices during field trials were also calculated at these selected levels of variables. The value of regression coefficient was calculated in laboratory experiments to determine the effect of air velocity, air sleeve angle, nozzle angle and height of boom and to confirm field experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total harvesting of Jowar requires two stages of cutting, one at the top for separating cobs and another at the bottom for fodder. The study aimed to determine the cutting force required for three Jowar (Sorghum officinarum) varieties at different combinations of blade parameters. The minimum value of force was observed at the combination of bevel angle 45° and rake angle 0° for the varieties CSV-20 (2.04 N) and CSV-23 (2.10 N); whereas, for the variety CSH-9 the minimum force (1.26 N) was measured at blade bevel angle 35° and blade rake angle 0°. Similarly minimum force of 1.86, 1.59 and 1.06 N for cutting the stalks of Jowar varieties CSV-20, CSV-23 and CSH-9, respectively were recorded at the combination of blade rake angle 0° and blade velocity 350 rpm. At a combined effect, minimum force was recorded at blade bevel angle 45° and blade velocity 350 rpm for all the three varieties selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good impression is a key to successful Prosthodontic treatment. Impression making becomes challenging when a patient has limited mouth opening due to oral submucous fibrosis or any other reason. This clinical report describes a quick and easy method for fabrication of a sectional custom impression tray, joined together with the help of die pins placed on the impression tray and die pin sleeves in an acrylic resin block. This sectional impression technique is simple, economical and easy to fabricate; with acceptable clinical result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the risks of compaction-induced deformation and potential failure of horizontal gravel-pack completions in a field located in deep water but at shallow depth below the seabed. It mentions that exploration, drilling and production of oil in deepwater fields including the Gulf of Mexico is an expensive and challenging task. It further offers information on the finite-element models developed for deep water exploration.

Purpose-This study aims to investigate how participants have interacted during the execution of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) searches, and whether they were satisfied or dissatisfied or confused.Design/methodology/approach-This is based on a sample of 18 OPAC users of the British Council Library in Kolkata.Findings-While implementing the verbal protocol method this study has developed a scheme of coding with the help of which the protocol data were analysed and proposed a generic model of online catalogue searching process flow. It is suggested that the method has a great potential in library and information science research.Originality/value-The paper suggests that the method has a great potential in library and information science research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finger amputations are one of the most frequently encountered forms of partial hand loss. Absence of finger causes marked psychological trauma, loss of grasp strength and social security. Prosthetic rehabilitation can be provided for such patients with individually sculpted custom restoration made of silicone elastomer. Retention is an important aspect in such prosthesis which can be achieved by finger rings, magnets or adhesive. This clinical case report presents a simple and easy way of retaining a silicone finger prosthesis with the fabrication of customized metal ring on the amputed stump and use of magnets giving adequate retention as well as minimising deviation of the prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taurodontism is considered a rare dental anomaly in modern men. It is a morpho-anatomical variation, which is characterized by enlarged body and pulp chamber, as well as apical displacement of the pulped floor. It mainly affects permanent dentition and the involved teeth are posteriors, mostly molars. One or several teeth in the same quadrant are affected. Clinically, taurodonts appear as normal teeth and are detected by routine radiographic examination during dental treatment Although taurodontism is a dental rarity, this unusual radicular form merits circumspect considerations in planning and treatment. Endodontic treatment of a taurodont tooth is challenging because it requires special care in identifying and handling the number of root canals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heusler alloys Co[SUB2]MnX, where X is Ge or Si, are predicted by the band theory to be a half-metallic ferromagnets, i.e., metals with all conduction electrons of the same spin state. To date, Heusler alloys have been measured with spin polarizations of 50%-60%, higher than Fe (∼40%), but not a true half metal. Structural defects involving site swapping between the Co and Mn sublattices have been proposed as a mechanism to diminish spin polarization. In this work, we present an anomalous x-ray diffraction measurement on Co[SUB2]MnGe to determine antisite disorder in thin films with a high precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to memory deficits and other cognitive disturbances, patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, notably apathy, which is a state of impaired motivation observed by deficits in goal directed behavior. Apathy is a multifaceted neuropsychiatric condition and appears to be a prognostic indicator, correlating with the progression of AD. Strikingly, recent studies point out that the neurodegenerative pathology of AD may drive apathy independent of cognitive decline. These studies also highlight that neuropsychiatric symptoms, in particular apathy, might manifest early in AD. Here, we review the current understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of apathy as a neuropsychiatric symptom of AD. Specifically, we highlight the neural circuits and brain regions recognized to be correlated with the apathetic symptomatology. We also discuss the current evidence that supports the notion that apathy and cognitive deficits may develop as independent but concurrent phenomena driven by AD pathology, suggesting its efficacy as an additional outcome measure in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials. The current and prospective therapeutic interventions for apathy in AD from a neurocircuitry based perspective are also reviewed., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim/purpose of Study: It is estimated that around 15 million babies are born prematurely every year and approximately one million children die each year due to complications of preterm birth (PTB). Many survivors face a lifetime of disability, including learning disabilities and visual and hearing problems. The current study aimed to characterize Lactobacillus species isolated from vaginal swabs and determine their antibiotic susceptibility., Material and Methods: 40 term and 20 preterm samples were processed by culturing on MRS agar and initial identification was carried out using sugar fermentation reactions and 16S rRNA PCR. Moreover, Lactobacillus species from preterm and term cases using paired samples, i.e. vaginal swabs and placenta tissues from 8 preterm delivering mothers were further recruited for metagenomics study to possibly detect uncultured Lactobacillus species known to cause PTB., Results: 40% samples from preterm delivering mothers lack any Lactobacillus species whereas in contrast vaginal microflora of all term delivering mothers carry one or more species of Lactobacillus. L. crispatus (46% in term group and 25% preterm group) was found to be the most abundant group followed by L. jensenii (25% in both groups) and L. gasseri (19% in term group and 10% in preterm group). The antimicrobial susceptibility profile suggests that preterm isolates were least resistant to linezolid (20% resistance rate) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (22% resistant rate) compared to term isolates (>60% for each drug group). Furthermore, the metagenomics data for paired samples (8 VS and 8 PT) from extreme PTB suggested that Lactobacillus Iners was the main difference between term and preterm deliveries. Moreover, overall lack of lactobacillus species or presence of rogue Lactobacillus species such as L. iners and L. vaginilis is associated with PTB. ERIC-PCR analysis using Lactobacillus crispatus revealed that all the pre-term samples are closely related and fall in same cluster while all the term samples fall in different cluster., Conclusion: The study not only provides a baseline data of distinct signatures of associated lactobacillus species with the PTB which may be further transmitted to new born infants but also developing further therapeutic interventions to better manage the PTB.

Background: Given the limited and diverse nature of published literature related to COVID-19 in pediatrics, it is imperative to provide evidence-based summary of disease characteristics for guiding policy decisions. We aim to provide comprehensive overview of epidemiological, clinical and biomarker profile of COVID-19 infection in pediatric population., Methods: For this umbrella review, published systematic reviews from PubMed and pre-print databases were screened. Literature search was conducted from December 2019 to April 2021. Details of clinical, radiological and laboratory features were collected from each review. Qualitative observations were synthesized and pooled prevalence of mortality and asymptomatic cases were assessed using meta-analysis., Results: Evidence synthesis of 38 systematic reviews included total 1145 studies and 334 398 children and adolescents. Review revealed that COVID-19 is relatively milder with better prognosis in pediatrics. However, patients with comorbidity are at higher risk. Meta-analysis of reviews showed that 21.17% (95% CI: 17.818-24.729) of the patients were asymptomatic and mortality rate was 0.12% (95% CI: 0.0356-0.246). Though there was no publication bias, significant heterogeneity was observed. Fever (48-64%) and cough (35-55.9%) were common symptoms, affecting almost every alternate patient. Ground-glass opacities (prevalence range: 27.4-61.5%) was most frequent radiographic observation. Rise in C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimer ranged from 14% to 54%, 12.2-50% and 0.3-67%, respectively. Some of the included reviews (44.7%-AMSTAR; 13.2%-GRADE) were of lower quality., Conclusion: Current umbrella review provides most updated information regarding characteristics of COVID-19 infection in pediatrics and can be used to guide policy decision regarding vaccination prioritization, early screening and identification of at-risk population., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Physicians. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

This paper presents a low-power integrated wireless telemetry system (Bio-WiTel) for healthcare applications in 401-406 MHz frequency band of medical device radiocommunication (MedRadio) spectrum. In this paper, necessary design considerations for telemetry system for short-range (upto 3 m) communication of biosignals are presented. These considerations help greatly in making important design decisions, which eventually lead to a simple, low power, robust, and reliable wireless system implementation. Transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) of Bio-WiTel system have been fabricated in 180 nm mixed mode CMOS technology. While radiating -18 dBm output power to a 50 antenna, the packaged TX IC consumes 250 μW power in 100% on state from 1 V supply, whereas the RX IC consumes 990 μW power from 1.8 V supply with a sensitivity of -75 dBm. Measurement results show that TX fulfils the spectral mask requirement at a maximum data rate of 72 kb/s. The measured bit error rate (BER) of RX is less than for a data rate of 200 kb/s. The proposed Bio-WiTel system is tested successfully in home and hospital environments for the communication of electrocardiogram and photoplethysmogram signals at a data rate of 57.6 kb/s with a measured BER of <10 for a maximum distance of 3 m.

Zinc phosphide (ZnP) containing rodenticide poisoning is a recognized cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in India. When standard conservative measures fail, the sole option is liver transplantation. Records of 41 patients admitted to a single centre with ZnP-induced ALF were reviewed to identify prognostic indicators for requirement of liver transplantation. Patients were analyzed in two groups: group I (n = 22) consisted of patients who either underwent a liver transplant (n = 14) or died without a transplant (n = 8); group II (n = 19) comprised those who survived without liver transplantation. International normalized ratio (INR) in group I was 9 compared to 3 in group II (p < 0.001). Encephalopathy occurred only in group I. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score in group I was 41 compared to 24 in group II (p < 0.001). MELD score of 36 (sensitivity of 86.7 %, specificity of 90 %) or a combination of INR of 6 and encephalopathy (sensitivity of 100 %, specificity of 83 %) were the best indicators of mortality. Such patients should undergo urgent liver transplantation.

Data exists to indicate a definite association between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The strength of this association varies between various causes of pancreatitis, with hereditary and tropical pancreatitis more likely to result in malignancy. Pathogenesis may involve genetic factors, diabetes, smoking and alcohol consumption. Clinically a significant overlap exists between the two conditions, with histology difficult to obtain and interpret in this setting. Biomarkers like CA19-9 and others may be useful, as is a variety of newer imaging modalities. Treatment needs to be individualised as surgery offers the only chance of cure, albeit in but a few.

Splenic abscess is an uncommon and life-threatening condition. Due to its nonspecific clinical picture, it remains a diagnostic challenge. Multiple radiological modalities are used for the diagnosis. In this retrospective study we analyzed 75 patients treated between 1999 and 2009. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the treatment received. Group I (n = 14) consisted of patients treated with only antibiotics, Group II (n = 19) patients were treated with percutaneous drainage and Group III (n = 42) with splenectomy. We tried to establish epidemiologic and clinical features and therapeutic options in splenic abscess. Our study suggests that percutaneous drainage is a safe and effective alternative to surgery especially in unilocular or bilocular abscesses thus allowing preservation of the spleen. It should be considered as the first line of treatment although splenectomy remains the final definitive procedure if percutaneous drainage fails.

Objectives: To analyse the experience of clinical attachment (CA) of international medical graduates (IMGs) and consultants., Design: Analysis of questionnaires and CVs., Setting and Participants: 573 IMGs applying for a house officer post and 102 consultant physicians working in North East England., Results: IMGs had spent a mean of 16 months unemployed, of which 3.8 months was spent on CAs. The median number of CAs was two and the average number of applications sent before obtaining a CA was 73. 90% of IMGs found their CA helpful and 57% would not take up a post without a CA first. Criticisms related to lack of responsibility, isolation and poor job prospects. 90% would apply for honorary posts if advertised. 73% had received induction at the onset of placement, but only 32% had been assessed at the end. 50% of consultants took CAs and only 4% were thinking of stopping doing so. Those without CAs blamed work pressure (43%) and pressure from their employer (23%)., Conclusions: There are deficiencies in pastoral care, the application process and assessment, but CAs are valued by IMGs and offered by half the consultants surveyed. New immigration rules will mean fewer IMGs will come to the UK, but CAs will be needed by those that do, as well by refugees and European Economic Area (EEA) graduates. The tradition of CAs for international graduates could be used to accommodate those coming to the UK on exchanges and scholarships and form part of the recently announced Medical Training Initiative for IMGs.

Objective: To determine the presence and concentration of CA-125 in periovulatory follicular fluid (FF) and serum after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and to determine if the CA-125 in these two compartments could be related to granulosa cell markers such as inhibin or estradiol., Study Design: Fifteen women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer were studied. A transvaginal, ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration was performed. CA-125, inhibin, estradiol and FSH were measured in FF and serum. Pearson and Spearman's Rank Correlation tests were performed., Results: CA-125 was measurable in 59% of follicles. Values ranged from undetectable to 3630 U/ml. Serum CA-125 ranged from undetectable to 126 U/ml. CA-125 and inhibin correlated negatively in FF and positively in serum., Conclusion: CA-125 was present in significant but variable concentrations in 59% of periovulatory follicles. A negative correlation was noted between CA-125 and inhibin or estradiol in the FF and a positive correlation with serum inhibin. No correlations were noted to oocyte retrieval or fertilization.

A chronic sheep model for Doppler umbilical vascular analysis was developed, in which indwelling Doppler probes were used. These were designed with a fixed angle of insonation and implanted directly on the umbilical cord to register umbilical artery velocity waveforms. The fetuses in eight pregnant ewes underwent maternal aortic and umbilical cord constrictions producing serial blood flow reductions. Occlusion of the umbilical cord and maternal aorta caused distinctly different waveforms. Cord occlusion produced an immediate response with an elevated systolic/diastolic ratio and disappearance of diastolic velocity. Maternal aortic occlusion produced a delayed response with drops in both systolic and diastolic velocity; diastolic velocity never reached zero. Although systolic/diastolic ratios are believed to reflect placental resistance, the maintenance of the systolic/diastolic ratio with diminution of systolic velocity suggests declining fetal cardiac output as an additional factor. It is possible to differentiate uteroplacental from umbilicoplacental insufficiency by Doppler methods. With technologic improvements Doppler ultrasonography may allow better analysis of acute stressful conditions during human labor.

A case of endometrioma of the right kidney with extensive involvement is presented. The patient complained of vague pain in the right lumbar region with no specific symptom relating to the kidney. An excretory urogram revealed a hydronephrotic kidney and diagnosis was a renal hydatid cyst. The 7 cases reported previously in the medical literature are reviewed briefly.