Investigation of the Appropriateness of Sensitized Luminescence to Determine Exciton Motion Parameters in Pure Molecular Crystals

A wealth of experimental data has been collected over the years regarding the sensitized luminescence of molecular crystals. Indeed, such observations have played a primary role in attempts to characterize the dynamical aspects of exciton transport in these materials. Nonetheless, as has been noted previously, serious questions of interpretation remain concerning the relationship between primary experimental observables and microscopic parameters which govern exciton transport and capture. In the past these questions have led to an uncertainty, not always acknowledged, in the values of exciton diffusion constants reported in the literature. On the other hand, careful analysis of some recent experiments suggests that this uncertainty is much larger than is commonly assumed, and calls into question the utility of sensitized luminescence experiments as a quantitative probe of exciton transport. In this paper we carefully review these questions and show how they arise in a quantitative analysis of time-dependent sensitized luminescence in naphthalene, anthracene, and 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene crystals. This work, in conjunction with similar analyses of exciton-annihilation and transient-grating experiments, leads us to conclude that sensitized luminescence in its present form is useful as a probe of the capture process but not of exciton motion in pure crystals unless it is aided by independent additional experiments. We propose and discuss such experiments which might assist in disentangling effects arising from the capture process from those associated with exciton motion

Defect Detection in Concrete Bridge Decks Using Radar

This paper summarizes the findings of a study on the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for nondestructive evaluation of concrete bridge decks. GPR has been found to be a proven technique for condition assessment of bridge decks [1]. However, most GPR studies have involved testing in the field, where the conditions are complex [2]. The objective of the present study is to assess the effect of isolated anomalies on the radar waveforms and determine the capabilities and limitations of the GPR technique under controlled laboratory conditions. Also, a radar data analysis model previously developed by Halabe et al. [3] was further improved, and its accuracy of prediction was compared to the actual conditions existing in the laboratory specimens

Genetic Determinants of Clozapine-Induced Metabolic Side Effects

Objective: Atypical antipychotics are linked to a higher incidence of metabolic side effects, including weight gain, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. In this study, we examined the prevalence and potential genetic predictors of metabolic side effects in 60 adult patients on clozapine. Method: Genetic variants of relevance to clozapine metabolism, clearance, and response were assessed through targeted genotyping of cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP2C19, the efflux transporter ABCB1, the serotonin receptor (HTR2C), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR). Clozapine levels and other potential confounders, including concurrent medications, were also included in the analysis. Results: More than half of the patients were obese (51%), had metabolic syndrome (52.5%), and 30.5% were overweight. There was a high prevalence of antipsychotic polypharmacy (61.9%). With multivariable linear regression analysis, LEP -2548G\u3eA, LEPR c.668A\u3eG, and HTR2C c.551-3008 C\u3eG were identified as genetic predictors of body mass index (BMI) after considering effects of clozapine dose, blood level, and concurrent medications (adjusted R2 = 0.305). Metabolic syndrome was found to be significantly associated with clozapine level and CYP2C19∗2 and LEPR c.668 G alleles. Clozapine levels in patients with metabolic syndrome were significantly higher compared to those without metabolic syndrome (1886 ± 895 vs. 1283 ± 985 ng/mL, P \u3c 0.01) and were associated with the CYP2C19∗2 genotype. No association was found between the genetic variants studied and lipid or glucose levels. Conclusion: This study confirms a high prevalence of metabolic side effects with clozapine and suggests higher clozapine level and pharmacogenetic markers in CYP2C19, LEP, LEPR, and HTR2C receptors as important predictors of BMI and metabolic syndrome

Impact of implant thread design on insertion torque and osseointegration:a preclinical model

Successful osseointegration of endosteal dental implants has been attributed to implant design, including the macro-, micro- and nano- geometric properties. Based on current literature pertaining to implant design, the resultant cellular and bone healing response is unknown when the thread thickness of the implants is increased, resulting in an increased contact area in implants designed with healing chambers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two implant designs with different thread profiles on the osseointegration parameters and implant stability at 3- and 6-weeks in vivo using a well-established preclinical dog model. A total of 48 type V Ti alloy implants were divided in two groups according to their thread design (D1= +0.1x/mm and D2= +0.15x/mm) and placed in an interpolated fashion into the radii of six beagles. Insertion torque was measured at time of placement, radii were extracted for histological processing following 3- and 6-week healing intervals. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed in terms of bone to implant contact (%BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy within implant threads (%BAFO). Statistical analyses were performed through a linear mixed model with fixed factors of time and implant thread design. Surface roughness analysis demonstrated no significant differences in Sa and Sq between D1 and D2 implant designs, which confirmed that both implant designs were homogenous except for their respective thread profiles. For insertion torque, statistically significant lower values were recorded for D1 in comparison to D2 (59.6 ± 11.1 and 78.9 ± 10.1 N?cm, respectively). Furthermore, there were no significant differences with respect to histological analysis and histomorphometric parameters, between D1 and D2 at both time points. Both thread profiles presented equivalent potential to successfully osseointegrate in the osteotomies, with D2 yielding higher mechanical retention upon placement without detrimental bone resorption

Percussion hemoglobinuria - a novel term for hand trauma-induced mechanical hemolysis: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Extracorpuscular hemolysis caused by mechanical trauma has been well described in relation to lower extremity use, such as in soldiers and runners. Terms such as "march hemoglobinuria", "foot strike hemolysis" and "runners hemoglobinuria" have previously been coined and are easily recalled. Newer cases, however, are being identified in individuals vigorously using their upper extremities, such as drum players who use their hands to strike the instrument. Given the increased recognition of upper extremity-related mechanical hemolysis and hemoglobinuria in drummers, and the use of hand drumming worldwide, we would like introduce a novel term for this condition and call it "percussion hemoglobinuria".</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 24-year-old Caucasian man presented with reddish brown discoloration of his urine after playing the djembe drum. Urine examination after a rigorous practice session revealed blood on the dipstick, and 0 to 2 red blood cells per high power field microscopically. The urine sample was negative for myoglobulin. Other causes of hemolysis and hematuria were excluded and cessation of drum playing resulted in resolution of his symptoms.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The association of mechanical trauma-induced hemoglobinuria and playing hand percussion instruments is increasingly being recognized. We, however, feel that the true prevalence is higher than what has been previously recorded in the literature. By coining the term "percussion hemoglobinuria" we hope to raise the awareness of screening for upper extremity trauma-induced mechanical hemolysis in the evaluation of a patient with hemoglobinuria.</p

Communication Gaps Associated With Donor‐Derived Infections

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/109830/1/ajt12978.pd

Incidence of Post-ablation Syndrome Following Image-Guided Percutaneous Cryoablation of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Study

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the incidence of post-ablation syndrome (fever and flu-like symptoms) and impact on the quality of life in the first 10 days following percutaneous image-guided cryoablation for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods: A prospective study of all cryoablation procedures with biopsy proven RCC was conducted with institutional review board approval between 08/2012 and 04/2016. Sixty-four patients (43 males and 21 females) underwent cryoablation. Mean age was 68 (range 24–86). A telephone questionnaire survey was conducted on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 following cryoablation, and complications were recorded. Data collected included temperature, degree of flu-like symptoms, severity of pain, percentage of pain relief with analgesics, interference with general activity and with work (graded on a 0–10 Numeric Intensity Scale). Results: Following cryoablation, six patients (9%) out of 64 developed post-ablation syndrome. Thirty-three patients (52%) developed flu-like symptoms only, which completely resolved by day 10 in 25 patients (39%). One patient had pyrexia only, which was self- limiting by day 10. Twenty-four patients (38%) were asymptomatic. Pain (mean score = 2.1) and interference on general activities (mean score = 1.8) and work (mean score = 2) following cryoablation peaked on day 3 and improved subsequently. Forty-six patients (72%) had 90–100% pain relief by day 10. No major complications were observed. Conclusion: The full spectrum of post-ablation syndrome following cryoablation occurs in approximately 9% of patients; however, 61% of patients experience flu-like symptoms in the first 10 days, which are self-limiting

Negative phenotypic and genetic associations between copulation duration and longevity in male seed beetles

Reproduction can be costly and is predicted to trade-off against other characters. However, while these trade-offs are well documented for females, there has been less focus on aspects of male reproduction. Furthermore, those studies that have looked at males typically only investigate phenotypic associations, with the underlying genetics often ignored. Here, we report on phenotypic and genetic trade-offs in male reproductive effort in the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. We find that the duration of a male's first copulation is negatively associated with subsequent male survival, phenotypically and genetically. Our results are consistent with life-history theory and suggest that like females, males trade-off reproductive effort against longevity