Parameterization of a Next Generation In-Vivo Forward Solution Physiological Model of the Human Lower Limb to Simulate and Predict Demographic and Pathology Specific Knee Mechanics

The human knee from a mechanical perspective is arguably one of the more complex of the joints of the human body and for this very reason there are a number of pathological factors that can adversely affect knee function, leading to pain, stiffness and an overall reduced quality of life. To rectify these disease conditions, a variety of intervention techniques exist, all of which are predicated on a thorough understanding of the forces and motions that occur at the knee.Various techniques have been developed to further the understanding of how the knee functions; however, many of these strategies involve time and cost consuming processes in order to assess functionality of the knee. Mathematical modeling is a methodology that uses mathematical equations of motion to solve for forces, or in the case of forward modeling, motions given a known set of forces. Such a model is capable of replicating the functionality of the knee in vivo.One application of such a model is in the context of total knee arthroplasty design. Intended for the restoration of functionality after late stage osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty devices are highly dependent on their associated design features and the use of a theoretical model affords the opportunity to test the performance of a device without ever needing to manufacture or implant it.In addition, there are also surgical applications where a mathematical model can test joints that otherwise cannot be evaluated under conventional means. This includes modeling of the healthy knee, as well as various functionality-limiting pathological conditions. Perhaps more importantly is the ability to evaluate different intervention techniques to determine the effectiveness in doing so identify which technique most effectively resolves the pathological issues.Advances to the model have focused on parameterization while contributing to a validated normal knee model, an enhancement on the efficiency of the muscles that drive flexion, facilitated methods to evaluate articular geometries and enhancements providing more realistic physiological motions. The model has also been enhanced to account for demographics, as well as abnormal pathology with additional parameters added to better understand gait mechanics at the knee

Signature Compilation for the Edinburgh Logical Framework

AbstractThis paper describes the Signature Compiler, which can compile an LF signature to a custom proof checker in either C++ or Java, specialized for that signature. Empirical results are reported showing substantial improvements in proof-checking time over existing LF checkers on benchmarks

RADAR – A randomised, multi-centre, prospective study comparing best medical treatment versus best medical treatment plus renal artery stenting in patients with haemodynamically relevant atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Prospective, international, multi-centre, randomised (1:1) trial to evaluate the clinical impact of percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS) on the impaired renal function measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with haemodynamically significant atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Patients will be randomised to receive either PTRAS using the Dynamic Renal Stent system plus best medical treatment or best medical treatment. Renal stenting will be performed under angiographic imaging. For patients randomised to best medical treatment the degree of stenosis measured by renal duplex sonography (RDS) will be confirmed by MR angio or multi-slice CT where possible. Best medical treatment will be initiated at randomisation or post procedure (for PTRAS arm only), and adjusted as needed at all visits. Best medical treatment is defined as optimal drug therapy for control of the major risk factors (blood pressure ≤ 125/80 mmHg, LDL cholesterol ≤ 100 mg/dL, HbA1c ≤ 6.5%). Data recordings include serum creatinine values, eGFR, brain natriuretic peptide, patients' medical history and concomitant medication, clinical events, quality of life questionnaire (SF-12v2™), 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement, renal artery duplex ultrasound and echocardiography. Follow-up intervals are at 2, 6, 12 and 36 months following randomisation.</p> <p>The primary endpoint is the difference between treatments in change of eGFR over 12 months. Major secondary endpoints are technical success, change of renal function based on the eGFR slope change between pre-treatment and post-treatment (i.e. improvement, stabilisation, failure), clinical events overall such as renal or cardiac death, stroke, myocardial infarction, hospitalisation for congestive heart failure, progressive renal insufficiency (i.e. need for dialysis), need of target vessel revascularisation or target lesion revascularisation, change in average systolic and diastolic blood pressure, change in left ventricular mass index calculated from echocardiography, difference in the size of kidney (pole to pole length) measured by renal duplex sonography, total number, drug name, drug class, daily dose, regimen and Defined Daily Dose (DDD), of anti-hypertensive drugs, and change in New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Approximately 30 centres in Europe and South America will enrol patients. Duration of enrolment is expected to be 12 months resulting in study duration of 48 months.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p><b>Trial registration number</b>: NCT00640406</p

Building Buzz without Big Bucks

Guerrilla marketing is a means of advertising that relies more on unconventional methods and less on big budgets. The goal is typically to do something that gets the targeted market or demographic talking so that word of mouth does most of the advertising legwork. Guerilla marketing was the technique employed to promote the 2010 Information Faire and Festival, or IF2, a new event sponsored by the Libraries of the College of the Holy Cross which invited students to learn in fun and engaging ways about the many library services and resources available. The Information Faire and Festival was highly successful with attendees commenting on our enthusiasm and creative marketing strategy