An aggregation strategy of maximum size constraints in density-based topology optimization

Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization - The maximum size constraint restricts the amount of material within a test region in each point of the design domain, leading to a highly constrained...     

Purification of a tumoral marker recognized by monoclonal antibody Po66 and associated with human lung squamous cell carcinoma

This paper reports on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) by cultured mononuclear adherent cells derived from bone marrow of 25 patients affected by myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) of different FAB subtypes. Mean production of GM-CSF was much lower than in controls, without significant differences among different subtypes. Mean production of TNF was similar in MDS patients and in controls, but noteworthy differences were observed between patients with RA, RAEB and RAEB-t and patients with RARS and CMML. Growth of bone marrow granulocyte macrophage and erythroid progenitors did not correlate with TNF and GM-CSF production, although in MDS subtypes with higher GM-CSF levels, colony growth was slightly higher than in subtypes with lower GM-CSF production.     

Clustering of polarization-encoded images

Polarization-encoded imaging consists of the distributed measurements of polarization parameters for each pixel of an image. We address clustering of multidimensional polarization-encoded images. The spatial coherence of polarization information is considered. Two methods of analysis are proposed: polarization contrast enhancement and a more-sophisticated image-processing algorithm based on a Markovian model. The proposed algorithms are applied and validated with two different Mueller images acquired by a fully polarimetric imaging system.     

Functional results of the laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (followup greater than 2 years)

Adjuvant immunotherapy with interferons and/or interleukin 2 (IL-2) is widely used for advanced kidney cancer. However, the results are not satisfactory so far. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the inducible activity of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells against autologous human renal cell carcinoma. The effect of interleukin 7 (IL-7) on IL-2-induced LAK activity was assessed by the autologous assay system which we have established. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with renal cell carcinoma were stimulated with IL-2 and/or IL-7, and tested for antitumor activity against autologous renal cell carcinoma. In all 10 cases tested, IL-7 alone induced LAK activity. Moreover, IL-2-induced LAK activity was augmented by the concomitant addition of IL-7. Flow cytometry revealed an increase in IL-2-receptor-positive lymphocytes following incubation with IL-7. These results suggest that combination therapy using IL-2 and IL-7 may be a useful treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.     

Relationship between auditory intensity discrimination in noise and olivocochlear efferent system activity in humans

The intravenous (i.v.) steroid anesthetic, eltanolone, compares favorably to propofol with respect to its induction characteristics. This double-blind investigation was designed to compare the induction and recovery profile of eltanolone (versus propofol) when it was used for both induction and maintenance of ambulatory anesthesia. Eighty-three consenting ASA physical status I-III outpatients undergoing minor gynecologic or urologic procedures lasting 10-40 min were randomly assigned to one of three anesthetic treatment groups. All patients received midazolam, 2 mg i.v., and fentanyl, 50 micrograms i.v., before induction of anesthesia. The control group (Group 1) was induced with propofol, 2.4 mg/kg i.v. (18-60 yr or ASA physical status I or II) or 1.6 mg/kg i.v. (61-80 yr and/or ASA physical status III), followed by intermittent bolus doses of 0.6 mg/kg i.v. in combination with N2O 67% for maintenance of anesthesia. In Group 2, anesthesia was induced with eltanolone, 0.75 mg/kg i.v., (18-60 yr and/or ASA physical status I or II) or 0.5 mg/kg i.v. (61-80 yr and/or ASA physical status III), and maintained with intermittent bolus injections of 0.2 mg/kg i.v. and N2O 67%. Group 3 received eltanolone, 1.0 mg/kg i.v. (18-60 yr and/or ASA physical status I or II), or 0.75 mg/kg i.v. (61-80 yr and/or ASA physical status III), followed by intermittent bolus injections of 0.2 mg/kg i.v. and N2O 67%. In addition to recording the induction and recovery times and side effects, psychomotor testing was performed before and at 30-min intervals after anesthesia. Induction times (57 +/- 23, 67 +/- 26, and 61 +/- 22s, respectively) were similar in all three groups. Although eltanolone produced no pain on injection (versus 52% in the propofol group), 10% of the eltanolone-treated patients (versus none in the propofol group) developed transient cutaneous (rash-like) reactions. The total dose of study medication used during the anesthetic period was 9.2 +/- 3.7 mg.kg-1.h-1 in the propofol group compared with 3.3 +/- 1.4 mg.kg-1.h-1 and 3.3 +/- 1.9 mg.kg-1.h-1 in Groups 2 and 3, respectively. Early recovery times were significantly shorter after propofol anesthesia. However, times to ambulation, micturition, and being judged "fit for discharge," as well as recovery of cognitive function, were similar in all three groups. Although ethanolone seems to be a safe and effective i.v. anesthetic, these data suggest that it is unlikely to replace propofol in the ambulatory setting. Implications: Eltanolone is an investigational steroid anesthetic that causes less pain on injection and less cardiovascular depression than propofol (the most widely used intravenous anesthetic in the outpatient setting). Unfortunately, emergence from anesthesia after ambulatory surgery is slower with eltanolone compared with propofol. Therefore, it is unlikely that eltanolone will replace propofol for outpatient anesthesia.     

Psychopathological profile of tinnitus sufferers: evidence concerning the relationship between tinnitus features and impact on life

This study involving 281 French tinnitus sufferers sought to investigate possible correlations between psychopathological profile and scores obtained from three tinnitus questionnaires. The patients all completed a French version of the Mini-Mult--a shortened Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory--and French translations of three questionnaires designed especially for the clinical assessment of tinnitus: Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ), Subjective Tinnitus Severity Scale (STSS) and Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ). Significant correlations were found (p < 0.0001) between scores on various Mini-Mult scales and total or factor 1 THQ and total TRQ scores. No significant correlation was found between the STSS and any Mini-Mult score.