Stiffness of individual quadriceps muscle assessed using ultrasound shear wave elastography during passive stretching

Background: Until recently it has not been possible to isolate the mechanical behavior of individual muscles during passive stretching. Muscle shear modulus(an index of muscle stiffness) measured using ultrasound shear wave elastography can be used to estimate changes in stiffness of an individual muscle. The aims of the present study were(1) to determine the shear modulus—knee angle relationship and the slack angle of the vastus medialis oblique(VMO), rectus femoris(RF), and vastus lateralis(VL) muscles;(2) to determine whether this differs between the muscles.Methods: Nine male rowers took part in the study. The shear modulus of VMO, RF, and VL muscles was measured while the quadriceps was passively stretched at 3°/s. The relationship between the muscle shear modulus and knee angle was plotted as shear modulus—knee angle curve through which the slack angle of each muscle was determined.Results: The shear modulus of RF was higher than that of VMO and VL when the muscles were stretched over 54°(all p < 0.01). No significant difference was found between the VMO and VL(all p > 0.05). The slack angle was similar among the muscles: 41.3°± 10.6°, 44.3°± 9.1°, and 44.3°± 5.6° of knee flexion for VMO, RF, and VL, respectively(p = 0.626).Conclusion: This is the first study to experimentally determine the muscle mechanical behavior of individual heads of the quadriceps during passive stretching. Different pattern of passive tension was observed between mono-and bi-articular muscles. Further research is needed to determine whether changes in muscle stiffness are muscle-specific in pathological conditions or after interventions such as stretching protocols.

On Mars, Location and Orientation of Dykes Exposed along the Valles Marineris Walls Reveal Expected and Unexpected Stress Fields

Structural and geomorphological analysis of the Martian surface in the visible spectral range using the NASA/Viking images in the 90’s,complemented by experimental modelling(Mège and Masson,1996a;Mège et al.,2003)suggested that the Valles Marineris trough(chasma)system is aligned with a mafic dyke swarm,named the Syria Planum Dyke Swarm.Cross-cutting relationships and

The Ophir Chasma Dyke Swarm: Description and Implications for the Genesis of the Valles Marineris Northern Troughs

An extensive survey of dykes in the Valles Marineris troughs(chasmata)on Mars has been undertaken.Most dykes are observed along the chasma walls(Mège and Gurgurewicz,2016),in the spur-and-gully morphology that

Design of Calibration Experiments for Identification of Manipulator Elastostatic Parameters

The paper is devoted to the elastostatic calibration of industrial robots, which is used for precise machining of large-dimensional parts made of composite materials. In this technological process, the interaction between the robot and the workpiece causes essential elastic deflections of the manipulator components that should be compensated by the robot controller using relevant elastostatic model of this mechanism. To estimate parameters of this model, an advanced calibration technique is applied that is based on the non-linear experiment design theory, which is adopted for this particular application. In contrast to previous works, it is proposed a concept of the user-defined test-pose, which is used to evaluate the calibration experiments quality. In the frame of this concept, the related optimization problem is defined and numerical routines are developed, which allow generating optimal set of manipulator configurations and corresponding forces/torques for a given number of the calibration experiments. Some specific kinematic constraints are also taken into account, which insure feasibility of calibration experiments for the obtained configurations and allow avoiding collision between the robotic manipulator and the measurement equipment. The efficiency of the developed technique is illustrated by an application example that deals with elastostatic calibration of the serial manipulator used for robot-based machining.

Endoscopic management of an esophagopericardial fistula after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation

A case is reported of a 76-year-old man with a past history of atrial fibrillation. A radiofrequency ablation procedure was suggested following several failed cardioversion attempts. However, an esophagopericardial fistula complicated the procedure. This life-threatening complication was successfully managed using both the placement of a covered esophageal stent and surgical pericardial and mediastinal drainage. In fact, no persisting fistula could be detected when the esophageal stent was removed seven weeks later. Atrioesophageal and esophagopericardial fistulas are two of the most severe complications associated with cardiological radiofrequency ablation procedures. They are responsible for majority of the deaths associated with this procedure. Despite the extremely high morbimortality associated with cardiothoracic surgery in such conditions, this treatment is the gold-standard for the management of such complications. This case report emphasizes the importance and efficacy of the endoscopic approach as part of a multidisciplinary management approach to this serious adverse event following radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Impact of Meteorological Drought on Streamflows in the Lobo River Catchment at Nibéhibé, Côte d’Ivoire

The management of water resources in watersheds has become increasingly difficult in recent years due to the frequency and intensity of drought sequences. The Lobo River catchment, like most tropical regions, has experienced alternating wet and dry periods. These drought periods have a significant impact on the availability of water resources in the basin. The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of meteorological drought on flows in the Lobo River catchment. Therefore, using the Normalized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and the Drought Flow Index (SDI), the characteristics of droughts were studied. The results of this study show that meteorological droughts were more frequent than hydrological droughts in the Lobo River watershed. However, the hydrological drought was longer and more intense than the meteorological drought. The greater relationship between meteorological and hydrological drought was observed at the Daloa and Vavoua station (0.43 < r < 0.50) compared to the Zuenoula station (r < 0.5). In addition, there was a resumption of precipitation and runoff between 2007 and 2013 in the basin. The study of these climatic trends would be very useful in the choice of management and adaptation policies for water resources management.

Scattering characteristics of conducting cylinder coated with nonuniform magnetized ferrite

An analytical technique, referred to as the scattering matrix method （SMM）, is developed to analyse the scattering of a planar wave from a conductolution for the nonuniform fering cylinder coated with nonuniform magnetized ferrite. The SMM srite coating can be reduced to the expressions for the scattering and penetrated coefficients in four particular cases： nonuniform magnetized ferrite cylinder, uniform magnetized ferrite-coated conducting cylinder, uniform ferrite cylinder as well as homogeneous dielectric-coated conducting cylinder. The resonant condition for the nonuniform ferrite coating is obtained. The distinctive differences in scattering between the nonuniform ferrite coating and the nonuniform dielectric coating are demonstrated. The effects of applied magnetic fields and wave frequencies on the scattering characteristics for two types of the linear profiles are revealed.

Comparison of Different Regularized and Shrinkage Regression Methods to Predict Daily Tropospheric Ozone Concentration in the Grand Casablanca Area

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is one of the pollutants that have a significant impact on human health. It can increase the rate of asthma crises, cause permanent lung infections and death. Predicting its concentration levels is therefore important for planning atmospheric protection strategies. The aim of this study is to predict the daily mean O3 concentration one day ahead in the Grand Casablanca area of Morocco using primary pollutants and meteorological variables. Since the available explanatory variables are multicollinear, multiple linear regressions are likely to lead to unstable models. To counteract the multicollinearity problem, we compared several alternative regression methods: 1) Continuum Regression;2) Ridge & Lasso Regressions;3) Principal component regression (PCR);4) Partial least Square regression & sparse PLS and;5) Biased Power Regression. The aim is to set up a good prediction model of the daily ozone in the Grand Casablanca area. These models are fitted on a training data set (from the years 2013 and 2014), tested on a data set (from 2015) and validated on yet another data set data (from 2015). The Lasso model showed a better performance for the prediction of ozone concentrations compared to multiple linear regression and its other alternative methods.

Strain Partitioning Controlled by Oblique Ramp in Intracratonic Chains in Tunisia: Example of Gafsa Basin

The aim of this contribution is the interpretation of intracratonic chains in African plates, but it is important to verify some parameters such us the oblique convergence between Africaand Europa plates. Particularly In southern central of atlassic Tunisian belts, the slickenside examination of directional preexisting faults of N120 direction shows the coexistence of thrusting and strike-slip faults striation. In the limits of these faults principally in some tectonics lens we distinguish abnormal contacts with Triassic facies. The kinematic evolution of Gafsa basin resumed in the geometry of strike-slip faults connected in the thrusting system, this movement resulted from the oblique convergence on Ben Younes, Bou Ramli and Attig chains during compressive phases. This deformation style requires a shortening axis oblique to the NW-SE accidents (N120). The strain partitioning model verify the geometry of faults and equivalent evolution of folds and confirms the Triassic decollement level but without integrated of basement structures in the deformation. It permeated a passive transport of deformation observed in cover structure.

Adaptation of the Feedforward Postural Response to Repeated Continuous Postural Perturbations

We examined the adaptation of the postural response to repeated predictable platform oscillations. Our main goals were to determine whether the short-term changes that occurred during a minute long continuous postural perturbation trial were maintained in subsequent trials and to determine how many trials were required before participants fully adapted to the postural task. Ten participants performed ten minute-long postural trials on a platform that oscillated at 0.25 Hz before increasing to 0.50 Hz half way through each trial. Postural muscle onset latencies, burst amplitudes, and anterior posterior displacements of the center of pressure (COP) and center of mass (COM) were calculated for the last five cycles performed in each trial at 0.50 Hz. The postural strategy evolved in two phases: 1) immediate decrease in COP displacement;2) earlier activation of the postural muscles with smaller muscle burst amplitudes. After seven trials the postural response remained consistent.

Anticancer Activities and QSAR Study of Novel Agents with a Chemical Profile of Benzimidazolyl-Retrochalcone

The present pharmacochemical and modelling work focused on a benzimidazolyl-chalcone series. These previously synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro for their anticancer activities against a panel of seven human cancer cell lines and normal fibroblasts. Among the new benzimidazole-supported chalcones, nine (9) compounds (compounds 1 - 4, 6 - 8 and compounds 10 and 11) showed promising anticancer activities with IC50s ranging from 0.83 to 2.58 μM. Compounds 2 and 6 with IC50s of 0.83 and 0.86 μM, respectively, were shown to be potent inhibitors of HCT-116 colon cancer cell proliferation. It was therefore necessary, for a development of this new series of chalcones, to establish through a QSAR study, their quantum descriptors according to the DFT calculation method and following the B3LYP/6-31+G (d,p) theory. These descriptive and predictive studies focused on the colon HCT 116 cell line which was found to be more sensitive to the anticancer action of our benzimidazolyl-retrochalcones. QSAR study showed that the electronic energy (Eelec), lipophilicity (logP), chemical softness (S) and chemical hardness (η) of benzimidazolyl-retrochalcones play an important role in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.

Analytical Modeling and Experimental Validation of Electromagnetic Field Radiated by In-house PLC Lines

Broadband PLC （power line communication） technology is a main factor of the development of digital convergence in the indoor network. It uses the already existing power cable infrastructure for communication purposes. The EM （electromagnetic） field radiating from the cable could, however, disturb other communication systems, and thus should be evaluated. The MoM （method of moment） and the FEM （finite element method） have been studied to estimate the EVI field emitted from the power cable. However, the M oM is difficult to treat the dielectric material of the cable and the FEM is time consuming. This paperpresents a new approach to estimate the radiated EM fields caused by PLC sy stems from the CM current along the cable, based on the transmission line theory. The proposed model has the advantage of using the measured primary parameters of the cable. An experimental analysis of the EM radiation distribution is also presented. A comparison showed that the model results agree quite well with the measurements performed in this study.

Deciphering the Role of Klf10 in the Cerebellum

Recent studies have demonstrated a new role for Klf10, a Krüppel-like transcription factor, in skeletal muscle, specifically relating to mitochondrial function. Thus, it was of interest to analyze additional tissues that are highly reliant on optimal mitochondrial function such as the cerebellum and to decipher the role of Klf10 in the functional and structural properties of this brain region. In vivo (magnetic resonance imaging and localized spectroscopy, behavior analysis) and in vitro (histology, spectroscopy analysis, enzymatic activity) techniques were applied to comprehensively assess the cerebellum of wild type (WT) and Klf10 knockout (KO) mice. Histology analysis and assessment of locomotion revealed no significant difference in Klf10 KO mice. Diffusion and texture results obtained using MRI revealed structural changes in KO mice characterized as defects in the organization of axons. These modifications may be explained by differences in the levels of specific metabolites (myo-inositol, lactate) within the KO cerebellum. Loss of Klf10 expression also led to changes in mitochondrial activity as reflected by a significant increase in the activity of citrate synthase, complexes I and IV. In summary, this study has provided evidence that Klf10 plays an important role in energy production and mitochondrial function in the cerebellum.

Efficacy,Safety and Characteristics of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II and IV Utilization for Various Percutaneous Occlusions in Children under 10 Years

Objectives:We aim to describe the efficacy,safety,and characteristics of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug(AVP)II and IV“off-label”use for multiple cardiovascular occlusions in children under 10 years.Methods:Observational retrospective multicenter(2007–2020,6 centers)review of paediatric procedures using AVP II or IV.Results:A total of 125 children(49.6%aged≤1 year,147 lesions)underwent 136 successive procedures(success rate:98.5%)using 169 devices(109 AVP IV,60 AVP II).The mean device diameter was 7.7±3.2 mm(4–20 mm).The median AVP size to vessel diameter ratio was 1.3(0–2).The median age and weight at implantation were 1.0 year(0.01–9.98)and 8.4 kg(1–69).Procedures were heterogeneous(55 patent ductus arteriosus(PDA),28 collaterals,18 sequestrations,22 arteriovenous/veinovenous/coronary fistulas,6 vertical veins,6 conduits,5 ventricular septal defects,7 miscellaneous).Day 1 and 6-month occlusion rates were respectively 94.8%and 98.5%.Major adverse events(MAE)occurred in 5.2%of cases(no procedure-related deaths),and more frequently in weight≤5 kg(p=0.01),younger patients(p=0.03)during PDA closure(p=0.02)of tubular types(p=0.02)using larger devices(p=0.03)and AVP II(p=0.003).Independent predictor of MAE risk was a higher AVP diameter to patient weight ratio(Odds-ratio:2.33,95%confidence interval 1.31–4.13,p=0.004,optimal cut off:1.45).Conclusions:Both AVPs are safe and effective for percutaneous occlusions in children under 10.Such devices represent an alternative“off label”use for well selected paediatric patients.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A and sciatic nerve crush rat models:insights from proteomics

The sensorimotor and histological aspects of peripheral neuropathies were already studied by our team in two rat models:the sciatic nerve crush and the Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A disease.In this study,we sought to highlight and compare the protein signature of these two pathological situations.Indeed,the identification of protein profiles in diseases can play an important role in the development of pharmacological targets.In fact,Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A rats develop motor impairments that are more severe in the hind limbs.Therefore,for the first time,protein expression in sciatic nerve of Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A rats was examined.First,distal sciatic nerves were collected from Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A and uninjured wild-type rats aged 3 months.After protein extraction,sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry was employed.445 proteins mapped to Swiss-Prot or trEMBL Uniprot databases were identified and quantified.Of these,153 proteins showed statistically significant differences between Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A and wild-type groups.The majority of these proteins were overexpressed in Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A.Hierarchical clustering and functional enrichment using Gene Ontology were used to group these proteins based on their biological effects concerning Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A pathophysiology.Second,proteomic characterization of wild-type rats subjected to sciatic nerve crush was performed sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.One month after injury,distal sciatic nerves were collected and analyzed as described above.Out of 459 identified proteins,92 showed significant differences between sciatic nerve crush and the uninjured wild-type rats used in the first study.The results suggest that young adult Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A rats(3 months old)develop compensatory mechanisms at the level of redox balance,protein folding,myelination,and axonogenesis.These mechanisms seem insufficient to hurdle the progress of the disease.Notably,response to oxidative stress appears to be a significant feature of Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1A,potentially playing a role in the pathological process.In contrast to the first experiment,the majority of the proteins that differed from wild-type were downregulated in the sciatic nerve crush group.Functional enrichment suggested that neurogenesis,response to axon injury,and oxidative stress were important biological processes.Protein analysis revealed an imperfect repair at this time point after injury and identified several distinguishable proteins.In conclusion,we suggest that peripheral neuropathies,whether of a genetic or traumatic cause,share some common pathological pathways.This study may provide directions for better characterization of these models and/or identifying new specific therapeutic targets.

Early dynamic transcriptomic changes during preoperative radiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer: A feasibility study

AIM: To develop novel biomarkers of rectal radiotherapy, we measured gene expression profiles on biopsies taken before and during preoperative radiotherapy. METHODS: Six patients presenting with a locally advanced rectal cancer (T>T2, N0/Nx, M0) eligible for preoperative radiotherapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions) were selected in a pilot study. Six tumor and 3 normal tissues biopsies were taken before and during radiotherapy,after a dose of 7.2 Gy at a median time of 1 h following irradiation (0:27-2:12). Tumor or normal tissue purity was assessed by a pathologist prior to RNA extraction. Mean RNA content was 23 μg/biopsy (14-37) before radiotherapy and 22.7 μg/biopsy (12-35) during radiotherapy. After RNA amplification, biopsies were analysed with 54K HG-U133A Plus 2.0 Affymetrix expression micro-arrays. Data were normalized according to MAS5 algorithm. A gene expression ratio was calculated as: (gene expression during radiotherapy-gene expression before radiotherapy)/gene expression before radiotherapy. Were selected genes that showed a ratio higher than ± 0.5 in all 6 patients. RESULTS: Microarray analysis showed that preoperative radiotherapy significantly up-regulated 31 genes and down-regulated 6 genes. According to the Gene Ontology project classification, these genes are involved in protein metabolism (ADAMDEC1 ; AKAP7 ; CAPN5 ; CLIC5 ; CPE ; CREB3L1 ; NEDD4L ; RAB27A), ion transport (AKAP7 ; ATP2A3 ; CCL28 ; CLIC5 ; F2RL2 ; NEDD4L ; SLC6A8), transcription (AKAP7 ; CREB3L1 ; ISX ; PAB-PC1L ; TXNIP), signal transduction (CAPN5 ; F2RL2 ; RA- B27A ; TNFRSF11A), cell adhesion (ADAMDEC1 ; PXDN ; SPON1 ; S100A2), immune response (CCL28 ; PXDN ; TNFRSF11A) and apoptosis (ITM2C ; PDCD4 ; PVT1). Up-regulation of 3 genes (CCL28 ; CLIC5 ; PDCD4) was detected by 2 different probes and up-regulation of 2 genes (RAB27A ; TXNIP) by 3 probes. CONCLUSION: Micro-arrays can efficiently assess early transcriptomic changes during preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer, and may help better understand tumor radioresistance.

草甘膦从寄主植物向寄生植物菟丝子传导的研究

本研究结果表明,当将韧皮部输导型除单剂草甘膦施于被菟丝子寄生的豆科作物叶片上时,它可以通过维管束从寄主向寄生植物传导并大量积累于后者的茎尖生长点。菟丝子这种掠夺并积累寄主韧皮部运输性物质的特性可以作为其化学防治的出发点。

Carbon Nanotube/Cellulose Nanocrystal Hybrid Conducting Thin Films

Cellulose nanocrystals(CNCs)have a high ability to disperse single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWNTs)in aqueous media and to form hybrids.These hybrids are used to grow layer-by-layer thin films of controlled thickness.Thanks to the presence of SWNTs,these films are conducting.In this article,we describe the process by which the CNC/SWNT hybrids are obtained and discuss the electrical properties of the hybrid-based layer-by-layer films.

The Ogaden Dyke Swarm: Red Sea Rifting Continued in the Somalia Plate?

Opening of the Red Sea started while the core of the lavas of the Ethiopian Large Igneous Province（LIP）was being erupted at;0 Ma（Hughes et al.,1991）and has continued to the Present.In the southern Red Sea,oceanic

Novel Epistemic and Predictive Heuristic for Semantic and Dynamic Social Networks Analysis

Using Kripke semantics, we have identified and reduced an epistemic incompleteness in the metaphor commonly employed in Social Networks Analysis (SNA), which basically compares information flows with current flows in advanced centrality measures. Our theoretical approach defines a new paradigm for the semantic and dynamic analysis of social networks including shared content. Based on our theoretical findings, we define a semantic and predictive model of dynamic SNA for Enterprises Social Networks (ESN), and experiment it on a real dataset.