Physical Acoustics

Contains reports on two research projects.U. S. Navy (Office of Naval Research) under Contract Nonr-1841-(42)Joint Services Electronics Programs (U. S. Army, U. S. Navy, and U. S. Air Force) under Contract DA 36-039-AMC-03200(E

Physical Acoustics

Contains research objectives and reports on three research projects.U.S. Navy (Office of Naval Research) under Contract Nonr-1841(42

18F-THK5351 PET imaging, neuropathology and clinical progression in a tau mouse model

Aims: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other associated dementias remain a consistent and unruly problem for the aging population and health. The neuropathology of AD is characterized by the extracellular deposition of beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) and the formation of intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau (ptau), along with neuroinflammation and neuronal loss that ultimately induces to noticeable cognitive impairments. Abnormal ptau leads to the formation of insoluble, beta-sheet rich amyloid aggregates in tauopathies such as AD. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is a promising avenue that may identify tau aggregates in vivo cross-sectionally and longitudinally in various dementia conditions. Methods: The goal of this study is to characterize the longitudinal assessment of the tau tracer 18F-THK5351 by in vivo tau PET imaging concomitantly to behavior and tau pathology by histology and biochemistry from 6 to 12 months of age in tau transgenic P301S mice, a mouse model of tauopathies. Results: Our results demonstrate an augmentation of overall gross brain tau pathology by in vivo PET imaging in P301S mice compared to age-matched wild-type (WT) animals accompanied by P301S-model associated pathological tau and phenotypic and behavioral deficits. Conclusions: This longitudinal study provides new insights on the relationship between imaging diagnostic tools, the in vivo neuropathological temporal pattern and the clinical signs observed in animal models of AD that could benefit early disease diagnosis.This work was partially funded by Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Alzheimer’s Research Program Convergence Science. Research Award grant AZ160106 and Alzheimer’s Association New Investigator Research Grant NIRG-394284 to IMG. Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Physical Acoustics

Contains reports on four research projects.U. S. Navy (Office of Naval Research) under Contract Nonr-1841-(42)Joint Services Electronics Programs (U. S. Army, U. S. Navy, and U. S. Air Force) under Contract DA 36-039-AMC-03200(E

Conservation Tools: The Next Generation of Engineering--Biology Collaborations

The recent increase in public and academic interest in preserving biodiversity has led to the growth of the field of conservation technology. This field involves designing and constructing tools that utilize technology to aid in the conservation of wildlife. In this article, we will use case studies to demonstrate the importance of designing conservation tools with human-wildlife interaction in mind and provide a framework for creating successful tools. These case studies include a range of complexities, from simple cat collars to machine learning and game theory methodologies. Our goal is to introduce and inform current and future researchers in the field of conservation technology and provide references for educating the next generation of conservation technologists. Conservation technology not only has the potential to benefit biodiversity but also has broader impacts on fields such as sustainability and environmental protection. By using innovative technologies to address conservation challenges, we can find more effective and efficient solutions to protect and preserve our planet's resources

Spinons in a Crossed-Chains Model of a 2D Spin Liquid

Using Random Phase Approximation, we show that a crossed-chains model of a spin-1/2 Heisenberg spins, with frustrated interchain couplings, has a non-dimerized spin-liquid ground state in 2D, with deconfined spinons as the elementary excitations. The results are confirmed by a bosonization study, which shows that the system is an example of a `sliding Luttinger liquid'. In an external field, the system develops an incommensurate field-induced long range order with a finite transition temperature.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures; added references; scaling analysis, preserving spin rotational invariance, is extended to finite temperatur

The Large Enriched Germanium Experiment for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (LEGEND)

The observation of neutrinoless double-beta decay (0${\nu}{\beta}{\beta}$) would show that lepton number is violated, reveal that neutrinos are Majorana particles, and provide information on neutrino mass. A discovery-capable experiment covering the inverted ordering region, with effective Majorana neutrino masses of 15 - 50 meV, will require a tonne-scale experiment with excellent energy resolution and extremely low backgrounds, at the level of $\sim$0.1 count /(FWHM$\cdot$t$\cdot$yr) in the region of the signal. The current generation $^{76}$Ge experiments GERDA and the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR utilizing high purity Germanium detectors with an intrinsic energy resolution of 0.12%, have achieved the lowest backgrounds by over an order of magnitude in the 0${\nu}{\beta}{\beta}$ signal region of all 0${\nu}{\beta}{\beta}$ experiments. Building on this success, the LEGEND collaboration has been formed to pursue a tonne-scale $^{76}$Ge experiment. The collaboration aims to develop a phased 0${\nu}{\beta}{\beta}$ experimental program with discovery potential at a half-life approaching or at $10^{28}$ years, using existing resources as appropriate to expedite physics results.Comment: Proceedings of the MEDEX'17 meeting (Prague, May 29 - June 2, 2017

Sliding conduction by the quasi one-dimensional charge-ordered state in Sr14−x_{14-x}Cax_xCu24_{24}O41_{41}

Nonlinear conduction (NLC) of the two-leg spin ladder, Sr$_{14-x}$Ca$_x$Cu$_{24}$O$_{41}$, was investigated for the $x$=0, 1 and 12 materials . Although insulating materials ($x$=0 and 1) exibited the NLC both in the ladder- and rung directions, the NLC in the ladder direction of the $x$=0-material was found to be very special. We considered this to be due to the sliding motion of the charge ordered state, which was responsible for the resonance at microwave frequencies. We discussed possible candidates for the charge ordered state responsible for the NLC, including Wigner crystal in quasi one dimension (4$k_F$-CDW).Comment: 5 figure

Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial (SWIFFT) protocol : a pragmatic multi-centre randomised controlled trial of cast treatment versus surgical fixation for the treatment of bi-cortical, minimally displaced fractures of the scaphoid waist in adults

BACKGROUND: A scaphoid fracture is the most common type of carpal fracture affecting young active people. The optimal management of this fracture is uncertain. When treated with a cast, 88 to 90 % of these fractures unite; however, for the remaining 10-12 % the non-union almost invariably leads to arthritis. The alternative is surgery to fix the scaphoid with a screw at the outset. METHODS/DESIGN: We will conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of 438 adult patients with a "clear" and "bicortical" scaphoid waist fracture on plain radiographs to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of plaster cast treatment (with fixation of those that fail to unite) versus early surgical fixation. The plaster cast treatment will be immobilisation in a below elbow cast for 6 to 10 weeks followed by mobilisation. If non-union is confirmed on plain radiographs and/or Computerised Tomogram at 6 to 12 weeks, then urgent surgical fixation will be performed. This is being compared with immediate surgical fixation with surgeons using their preferred technique and implant. These treatments will be undertaken in trauma units across the United Kingdom. The primary outcome and end-point will be the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (a patient self-reported assessment of wrist pain and function) at 52 weeks and also measured at 6, 12, 26 weeks and 5 years. Secondary outcomes include an assessment of radiological union of the fracture; quality of life; recovery of wrist range and strength; and complications. We will also qualitatively investigate patient experiences of their treatment. DISCUSSION: Scaphoid fractures are an important public health problem as they predominantly affect young active individuals in the more productive working years of their lives. Non-union, if untreated, can lead to arthritis which can disable patients at a very young age. There is a rapidly increasing trend for immediate surgical fixation of these fractures but there is insufficient evidence from existing RCTs to support this. The SWIFFT Trial is a rigorously designed and adequately powered study which aims to contribute to the evidence-base to inform clinical decisions for the treatment of this common fracture in adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Register ( ISRCTN67901257 ). Date registration assigned was 13/02/2013

A novel biweekly pancreatic cancer treatment schedule with gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a common disease considered to be poorly responsive to antiblastic treatment. Recent clinical and preclinical results suggest that a combined treatment of gemcitabine (GEM), 5-flurouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) offers a clinical benefit in patients with advanced pancreas adenocarcinoma. The aim of this phase II clinical trial was to evaluate the antitumour activity and toxicity of a novel biweekly schedule of this combination in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A total of 42 patients received a 30 min infusion of FA (100 mgm2) and 5-FU (400 mgm2) (FUFA) on days 1–3, and GEM 1000 mgm2 on day 1 every 15 days. We observed 13 objective responses (two complete, 11 partial) and 23 stable diseases. The median time to progression was 9.75 months (95% Confidence Interval (CI), 6.88–12.62) and the median overall survival was 13.10 months (95% CI 9.64–16.56). There were seven cases of each grade III gastroenteric and haematological toxicity. The GEM plus FUFA combination appears to be well tolerated and very active in patients with pancreatic carcinoma