1,149 research outputs found
Yield precursor in primary creep of colloidal gels
Predicting the time-dependent yielding of colloidal gels under constant
stress enables control of their mechanical stability and transport. Using
rotational rheometry, we show that the shear rate of colloidal gels during an
early stage of deformation known as primary creep can forecast an eventual
yielding. Irrespective of whether the gel strain-softens or strain-hardens, the
shear rate before failure exhibits a characteristic power-law decrease as a
function of time, distinct from the linear viscoelastic response. We model this
early-stage behavior as a series of uncorrelated local plastic events that are
thermally activated, which illuminates the exponential dependence of the yield
time on the applied stress. This precursor to yield in the macroscopic shear
rate provides a convenient tool to identify the fate of a gel well in advance
of the actual yielding
Two Modes of Cluster Dynamics Govern the Viscoelasticity of Colloidal Gels
Colloidal gels formed by strongly attractive particles at low particle volume
fractions are composed of space-spanning networks of uniformly sized clusters.
We study the thermal fluctuations of the clusters using differential dynamic
microscopy by decomposing them into two modes of dynamics, and link them to the
macroscopic viscoelasticity via rheometry. The first mode, dominant at early
times, represents the localized, elastic fluctuations of individual clusters.
The second mode, pronounced at late times, reflects the collective,
viscoelastic dynamics facilitated by the connectivity of the clusters. By
mixing two types of particles of distinct attraction strengths in different
proportions, we control the transition time at which the collective mode starts
to dominate, and hence tune the frequency dependence of the linear viscoelastic
moduli of the binary gels
A Nonpolynomial Optimal Algorithm for Sequencing Inspectors in a Repeat Inspection System with Rework
Assuming that two types of inspection errors are nonidentical and that only the items rejected by an inspector are reworked and sent to the next inspection cycle, we formulate a combinatorial optimization problem for simultaneously determining both the minimum frequency of inspection-rework cycles and the optimal sequence of inspectors selected from a set of available inspectors, in order to meet the constraints of the outgoing quality level. Based on the inherent properties from our mathematical model, we provide a nonpolynomial optimal algorithm with a time complexity of O(2m)
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AAVR-Displaying Interfaces: Serotype-Independent Adeno-Associated Virus Capture and Local Delivery Systems.
Interfacing gene delivery vehicles with biomaterials has the potential to play a key role in diversifying gene transfer capabilities, including localized, patterned, and controlled delivery. However, strategies for modifying biomaterials to interact with delivery vectors must be redesigned whenever new delivery vehicles and applications are explored. We have developed a vector-independent biomaterial platform capable of interacting with various adeno-associated viral (AAV) serotypes. A water-soluble, cysteine-tagged, recombinant protein version of the recently discovered multi-AAV serotype receptor (AAVR), referred to as cys-AAVR, was conjugated to maleimide-displaying polycaprolactone (PCL) materials using click chemistry. The resulting cys-AAVR-PCL system bound to a broad range of therapeutically relevant AAV serotypes, thereby providing a platform capable of modulating the delivery of all AAV serotypes. Intramuscular injection of cys-AAVR-PCL microspheres with bound AAV vectors resulted in localized and sustained gene delivery as well as reduced spread to off-target organs compared to a vector solution. This cys-AAVR-PCL system is thus an effective approach for biomaterial-based AAV gene delivery for a broad range of therapeutic applications
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the sphenoid sinus presenting as isolated oculomotor nerve palsy
BACKGROUND:
Solitary involvement of the sphenoid sinus has rarely been reported in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Isolated oculomotor nerve palsy is uncommon as an initial presentation of malignant tumors of the sphenoid sinus.
CASE PRESENTATION:
A 53-year-old woman presented with a three-month history of headache and diplopia. Neurological examination revealed complete left oculomotor nerve palsy. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated a homogenous soft-tissue lesion occupying the left sphenoid sinus and invading the left cavernous sinus. The patient underwent transsphenoidal biopsy and the lesion was histologically diagnosed as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell type. Tumor cells were positive for CD20 and negative for CD3. Following six cycles of chemotherapy, the left oculomotor nerve palsy that had been previously observed was completely resolved. There was no enhancing lesion noted on follow-up MRI.
CONCLUSION:
It is important to recognize that non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the sphenoid sinus can present with isolated oculomotor nerve palsy, although it is extremely rare. The cranial nerve deficits can resolve dramatically after chemotherapy.ope
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