Comparison of Constant and Temperature Dependent Blood Perfusion in Temperature Prediction for Superficial Hyperthermia

The purpose of this study was to determine whether prediction of the 3D temperature profile for superficial hyperthermia using constant blood perfusion model could be matched to one with a temperature dependent blood perfusion. We compared three different constant blood perfusion scenarios with one temperature dependent blood perfusion using a layered model of biological tissue consisting of skin (2 mm), fat (10 mm) and muscle (108 mm). For all four scenarios the maximum temperature of 43 °C was found in the muscle tissue in the close proximity (1 – 3 mm) of fat layer. Cumulative histograms of temperature versus volume were identical for the region of 100x100x40 mm3 under the applicator aperture for the three constant blood perfusion models. For temperature dependent blood perfusion model, 85 % of the studied region was covered with the temperature equal or higher than 40 °C in comparison with 43 % for the constant blood perfusion models. Hence this study demonstrates that constant blood perfusion scenarios cannot be matched to one with a temperature dependent blood perfusion

Radio Labelings of Distance Graphs

A radio $k$-labeling of a connected graph $G$ is an assignment $c$ of non negative integers to the vertices of $G$ such that $$|c(x) - c(y)| \geq k+1 - d(x,y),$$ for any two vertices $x$ and $y$, $x\ne y$, where $d(x,y)$ is the distance between $x$ and $y$ in $G$. In this paper, we study radio labelings of distance graphs, i.e., graphs with the set $\Z$ of integers as vertex set and in which two distinct vertices $i, j \in \Z$ are adjacent if and only if $|i - j| \in D$.Comment: 14 page

Radio Occultation Data Analysis With Analytical Ray-Tracing

Radio occultation experiments are a sensing technique dedicated to the remote sounding of planetary atmospheres. The technique exploits the frequency shift of a radio signal due to refraction in a planetary atmosphere. The aim is to infer the physical properties of the neutral atmosphere (e.g., pressure and temperature) and ionosphere (e.g., the electron number density). For one-way occultations, the data processing usually relies on Abel transform algorithms when the atmosphere is spherically symmetric. For two-way occultations, such techniques require the introduction of approximate relationships for the bending experienced by the signal to be obtained. In this context, we introduce a new method to process two-way occultations data by spherically symmetric atmospheres using a ray-tracing approach. However, the numerical integration of the geometrical optics equation through the atmosphere requires a significant computational time due to initial pointing issues. For this reason, our novel algorithm exploits a closed-form solution to the equations of geometrical optics (Bourgoin et al., A&A, 624, A41, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201834962) applied to a spherically symmetric atmosphere. Within this approach, the bending is directly provided by the analytical solution and no numerical integration is required. In addition, we develop a procedure enabling us to disentangle the contributions from dispersive and neutral media in the frequency shift. This procedure is validated by comparing our vertical profiles to those obtained using Abel inversion or numerical ray-tracing for Mars and Titan occultation experiments. We show that our algorithm provides similar results to purely numerical ray-tracing algorithms while significantly decreasing the computational time

Design of a wideband multi-channel system for time reversal hyperthermia

Purpose: To design and test a wideband multi-channel amplifier system for time reversal (TR) microwave hyperthermia, operating in the frequency range 300 MHz-1 GHz, enabling operation in both pulsed and continuous wave regimes. This is to experimentally verify that adaptation of the heating pattern with respect to tumour size can be realised by varying the operating frequency of the antennas and potentially by using Ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse sequences instead of pure harmonic signals. Materials and methods: The proposed system consists of 12 identical channels driven by a common reference signal. The power and phase settings are applied with resolutions of 0.1W and 0.1 degrees, respectively. Using a calibration procedure, the measured output characteristics of each channel are interpolated using polynomial functions, which are then implemented into a system software algorithm driving the system feedback loop. Results: The maximum output power capability of the system varies with frequency, between 90 and 135W with a relative power error of +/- 6%. A phase error in the order of +/- 4 degrees has been achieved within the entire frequency band. Conclusions: The developed amplifier system prototype is capable of accurate power and phase delivery, over the entire frequency band of the system. The output power of the present system allows for an experimental verification of a recently developed TR-method on phantoms or animals. The system is suitable for further development for head and neck tumours, breast or extremity applications

Migrando por um ideal de amor: família conjugal, reprodução, trabalho e género

O artigo propõe uma leitura sobre migrações, gênero e trabalho através de modelos e experiências de família e amor de mulheres brasileiras de classe média em Portugal, que têm um projeto pessoal e individualizado que não se vincula à existência de redes migratórias de suporte do tipo familiar ou comunitário. Falaremos de mulheres brasileiras que migram procurando um ideal de amor e projetam uma migração cujo objetivo principal é a formação de uma família ou o estabelecimento de uma relação conjugal no destino

Preventative medical care in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory: a follow-up study of the impact of clinical guidelines, computerised recall and reminder systems, and audit and feedback

MIDDLESEX HOUSE,34-42 CLEVELAND ST, LONDON, ENGLAND, W1T 4L

A novel boswellic acids delivery form (Casperome (R)) in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a review

Standard pharmacological treatment of musculoskeletal conditions is often associated with relevant side effects. Botanical preparations endowed with a good tolerability profile, therefore, could have a role in the management of these disorders. Among different natural products, Boswellia serrata extracts have long been used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, given their marked anti-inflammatory activity and their ability to promote tissue regeneration. However, standard preparations of Boswellia serrata show overall modest pharmacokinetic properties, a limitation which may ultimately lead to reduced efficacy. In an effort to improve the pharmacokinetic properties, Casperome\uae, a lecithin-based formulation of Boswellia serrata extract representing the whole natural bouquet, has been developed. This formulation was effective in the treatment of Achilles tendonitis, epicondylitis, radiculopathies, ankle sprains and sport injuries as shown in several clinical studies, the majority of which with a randomized design and all evaluating a number of well-recognized parameters of efficacy for the therapy of musculoskeletal disorder. All studies were consistent in showing a prompt decrease of pain and improvement of functionality of the affected area after supplementation with Casperome\uae, without any relevant adverse effect. Remarkably, these symptomatic improvements were paralleled by reduced plasmatic levels of inflammatory markers and by a diminished need for rescue analgesics. On these bases, Casperome\uae may have a role in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Clinical studies in other similar conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis) appear warranted to further investigate the efficacy of this botanical product in more specific settings

CME: Idiopathische intrakranielle Hypertension

Zusammenfassung. Die idiopathische intrakranielle Hypertension ist eine sekundäre Kopfschmerzerkrankung und Optikusneuropathie bei erhöhtem intrakraniellem Druck. Sie betrifft vorwiegend adipöse Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter und stellt sowohl diagnostisch als auch therapeutisch eine interdisziplinäre Herausforderung dar. Häufigstes Symptom dieser Erkrankung sind von Photo- und/oder Phonophobie begleitete Kopfschmerzen, die semiologisch oftmals einer Migräne sehr ähnlich sind, gefolgt von transienten visuellen Obskurationen und pulssynchronem Tinnitus. Während dem Erhalt von Visus und Gesichtsfeld die oberste Therapiepriorität zukommt, spielt auch die adäquate Behandlung der oftmals hartnäckigen und chronischen Kopfschmerzen eine zentrale Rolle. Ein konservatives Vorgehen mittels Gewichtsreduktion und medikamentöser Therapie ist in den meisten Fällen ausreichend. Im Falle fulminanter Verläufe oder relevanter Visuseinschränkung kommen zusätzlich interventionelle Verfahren zum Einsatz. Das Management der Kopfschmerzen richtet sich nach der vorherrschenden Semiologie. CME: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Abstract. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a pressure-induced secondary headache disorder and optic neuropathy. It primarily affects obese women of childbearing age and poses an interdisciplinary challenge both diagnostically and therapeutically. The most common symptom of this disorder are headaches frequently accompanied by photo- and/or phonophobia, whose semiology often resembles that of migraine, followed by transient visual obscurations and pulsatile tinnitus. While protection of visual acuity and visual fields are of first therapeutical priority, adequate headache treatment also plays a key role. In the majority of cases, conservative treatment including weight loss and pharmacological therapy is sufficient. In case of a fulminant disease course or loss of visual function, interventional strategies can be applied additionally. Headache treatment is guided by the predominant semiology

Odour masking of tomato volatiles by coriander volatiles in host plant selection of Bemisia tabaci biotype B.

The silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is one of the most important pest insects in tomato crop systems worldwide. It has been previously demonstrated that intercropping tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. Mill. (Solanaceae)] with coriander [Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae)] reduces the incidence and severity of damage caused by B. tabaci. However, it is not yet known how coriander affects the insect?s behaviour. We evaluated the attractiveness of tomato constitutive volatiles to B. tabaci and what effect coriander constitutive volatiles have on the insect?s behaviour. To this end, we conducted three bioassays in a multiple-choice four-arm olfactometer (?×? type), measuring B. tabaci behaviour when offered tomato and coriander constitutive volatiles presented alone as well as together. We also evaluated the colonisation and establishment of B. tabaci in experimental plots with only single tomato plants and tomatoes intercropped with coriander in a greenhouse. Bemisia tabaci males and females recognised tomato constitutive volatiles as a positive stimulus (kairomonal effect), indicating that semiochemicals from this plant can play an important role in the insect?s host plant selection. Coriander constitutive volatiles reduced the attractiveness of tomato volatiles but no repellency to these volatiles was observed. Greater numbers of adults and nymphs of B. tabaci per plant were observed in tomato monoculture plots than in tomato intercropped with coriander. We suggest that coriander constitutive volatiles have an odour masking effect on tomato volatiles, thus interfering in the host plant selection of B. tabaci

Efeito do consórcio cultural no manejo ecológico de insetos em tomateiro.

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