Surfactant replacement therapy in acute respiratory distress syndrome from viral pneumonia

A modified natural surfactant was administered to a patient with life-threatening adult respiratory distress syndrome caused by viral pneumonia. Subsequently, there was a marked improvement in gas exchange. In order to assess the mechanism for improved oxygenation, computed tomography of the lungs was done. Quantitative analysis of the scans taken before and after surfactant administration indicates that improvement in gas exchange was largely due to the expansion of underinflated and collapsed lung areas. Although this is a single case report, it provides insight into the possible beneficial effect of instilled surfactant in severe respiratory distress from viral pneumonia.     

Abrasive wear of dental composite resins

Abrasive wear is a major problem in the application of dental composite resins. In this study the friction and wear behaviours of two types of dental composites: one containing relatively coarse filler particles and some microfillers (Estilux) and another containing only microfiller particles (Durafill), have been investigated by using a scratch testing machine. Experimental results show that the coefficients of friction in both composites are essentially constant for applied loads up to 20 N. The wear resistance of Durafill is better than Estilux. Under the same testing conditions, the size, shape and distribution of the filler particles are more important variables than applied load and sliding speed in controlling the wear mechanism. It is shown that for Estilux, plastic ploughing by the diamond indenter is the predominant mechanism. For Durafill, however, the formation and propagation of tensile cracks on the worn surface is the main wear mechanism. The effects of two different indenters, diamond and enamel, on the basic wear mechanisms are also discussed.     

Drugs, memory, and metamemory: A dose-effect study with lorazepam and scopolamine.

This experiment was designed to use the graded dose-related amnesia produced by the benzodiazepine lorazepam (1.0, 2.0 mg/70 kg, oral) and the anticholinergic scopolamine (0.3, 0.6 mg/70 kg, subcutaneous) as a tool to explore the cognitive and neurochemical mechanisms underlying metamemory in the judgment of learning paradigm, with a placebo-controlled independent groups design in healthy volunteers (n=12/group). Results provide evidence for a pharmacological dissociation between effects on memory versus metamemory (relative accuracy of item-by-item monitoring) across a range of levels of memory performance and suggest that the drugs selectively impair those aspects of metamnemonic monitoring that require participants' awareness of their overall current state of functioning (absolute accuracy of prospective item-by-item monitoring, prospective global monitoring) but not those that rely solely on assessment of individual item characteristics (relative accuracy of item-by-item monitoring). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A new ‘Tailor-made’ methodology for the mechanical behaviour analysis of rubber-like materials: II. Application to the hyperelastic behaviour characterization of a carbon-black filled natural rubber vulcanizate

The purpose of this paper is the modelling of the mechanical behaviour of an elastomeric material, through detailed experimental and numerical procedures, specific to large strains. The experimental technique is based on in-plane kinematics measurements using a speckle extensometer, from which the whole two-dimensional field of in-plane displacements is obtained by a digital image processing [Polymer (2002)]. This part of the work concerns the identification of the constitutive equation for a carbon black natural rubber (NR) vulcanizate. We start by quoting some theoretical considerations relative to rubber elasticity and stress-softening effect, which is the counterpart of the filler reinforcement. Then, we describe the experimental procedure and present data for both non-preconditioned and preconditioned samples. Next, the identification of the constitutive law parameters using a minimization algorithm is driven. Finally, we present the validation of the constitutive model, by its implementation into the finite element code SYSTUS and the numerical simulation of the response of a double edge notched tensile (DENT) specimen.     

Arthroscopic replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament with a double semitendinosus tendon

At the university hospital of emergency surgery in Innsburck and at the emergency services department of the hospital in Schwaz, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed in 467 patients between January 1992 and September 1993. In 117 cases, a double semitendinous tendon was used as an autograft. A total of 60 of these patients were followed up at an average of 20 months (13-33) after reconstruction. The results were rated according to the OAK and the Tegner scores. Objective measurements of instability were carried out by a KT 1000 arthrometer. In addition, 21 patients underwent computer-interfaced dynamometer testing using a Cybex 6000. Standardized loading of the thigh muscles was performed at angular velocities of 60 degrees/s (3 repetitions) and 240 degrees/s (30 repetitions): peak torques and total work were analyzed. The mean age was 23.5 years (17-55): 48 were male, 21 female. The main reasons for the ACL ruptures were sports injuries (51 cases). The patients were classified into three groups according to the data of the repair (group 1 reconstruction up to 1 week after trauma-28 patients: group 2: reconstruction between the 2nd and 6th week after trauma-15 patients: group 3: reconstruction 6 and more weeks after trauma-26 patients). In group 1. additional ruptures of the menisci. lesions of the MCL. and chondromalacia were seen in 71.4%. in group 2 in 73.3% and in group 3 in 80.8%. The average rating in the OAK score was 90.16 points: 38 patients (55.70%) had excellent results. 18(26.09%) were good. 9(13.04%) were fair and 4(5.80%) were poor. The Tegner activity score showed a reduction of 0.36 points on average. The largest amount of anterior translation was performed with the KT 1000 manual drawer test (2.29 mm on average compared with the contralateral side). Dynamometer testing showed a statistically significant difference in flexor and extensor mechanism (compared with the non-involved side) in both peak torques and total work. A repeat arthroscopy became necessary in five cases: arthrofibrosis in three and incipient joint infection in two cases.     

Reliability aspects of microsensors and micromechatronic actuators for automotive applications

In modern cars microsensors and micromechatronic actuators play an essential and still increasingly important role as the interface between the vehicle with its complex functions of motor management, chassis systems, safety as well as comfort and convenience on the one hand and the respective electronic control units on the other hand. They have to fulfill their task in a harsh environment over the entire lifetime of an automobile. Therefore reliability aspects have moved more and more into the focus of engineering and research activities in microsystem technology. A methodical procedure is described that allows reliability issues to be approached efficiently. The implementation of the methodology is illustrated with real-life examples of reliability aspects of hot film mass air flow sensors, inertial sensors as well as piezoelectric actuators.     

A new ‘tailor-made’ methodology for the mechanical behaviour analysis of rubber-like materials: I. Kinematics measurements using a digital speckle extensometry

This paper is the first part of a work devoted to the setting-up of a methodology for the mechanical behaviour characterization of rubber-like materials, using a digital speckle extensometer. We present here the experimental approach, specific to large strain measurements. The proposed method is based on in-plane kinematics measurements using an optical extensometer. The whole two-dimensional field of in-plane displacements is obtained by a digital image processing. We discuss then the correlation calculations and how to achieve the optimal subset matching. Next, we specify how to derive the principal stretch ratios, and the accuracy on these components, issued from a subsequent numerical calibration.Finally, we present experimental data dealing with a carbon black, filled natural rubber, issued from uniaxial traction tests, pure shear tests, and tensile tests performed on double-edge notched tensile specimens.