Feedback Mode Research Articles

Synaptic NMDA receptor signalling controls R-type calcium channel recruitment.

Regulation of extracellular Ca2+ influx by neuronal activity is a key mechanism underlying synaptic plasticity. At the neuronal synapse, activity-dependent Ca2+ entry involves N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs); the relationship between NMDARs and VGCCs, however, is poorly understood. Here, we report that neuronal activity rapidly (1h) regulates recruitment of R-type VGCCs in hippocampal neurons through synaptic NMDAR signalling. This finding reveals a link between two key neuronal signalling pathways, suggesting a feedback mode for regulation of synaptic Ca2+ signalling.

Adversarial subsequences for unconditional text generation

Generative Adversarial Nets (GAN) has been successfully introduced to unconditional generating text to alleviate exposure bias. However, the discriminator in this model only evaluates the entire sequence, which causes feedback sparsity and mode collapse. To tackle these problems, we propose a novel mechanism. The mechanism first segments the entire sequence into several subsequences. Then, these subsequences, together with the entire sequence, are evaluated individually by the discriminator. Finally, these feedback signals are all used to guide the learning of GAN. This mechanism learns the generation of both the entire sequence and the subsequences simultaneously. Learning to generate subsequences is easy and is helpful in generating an entire sequence. It is easy to improve the existing GAN-based models with this mechanism. Although Li et al. (2017) segments the generated responses in a conditional text generation task, i.e., a dialogue system, they conclude it is weaker than the Monte Carlo search. However, for unconditional text generation, we observe that adversarial learning on subsequences works well. We rebuild three previous models with our mechanism, and the experimental results on two benchmark datasets show these models are improved greatly and outperform the state-of-the-art model.

Soft-probe-scanning electrochemical microscopy reveals electrochemical surface reactivity of E. coli biofilms

Investigating and understanding dynamic biofilm growth mechanisms is challenging, often because state-of-the-art optical characterization tools provide limited information. Micrometric electrochemical imaging of Escherichia coli biofilms using Soft-Probe-Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (Soft-Probe-SECM) is herein presented as a complementary technique. A soft microelectrode is scanned over biofilms in a gentle contact mode, which is essential to provide a constant working distance. The on-film reduction of an electro-active compound, here the oxidized form of ferrocene methanol, is used to create in situ biofilm metabolic activity maps by applying the feedback mode of SECM. SECM approach curves of identically grown biofilms suggest that the SECM-based detection of metabolic activity is surface-confined. The analysis could therefore be carried out on entire biofilms as well as on tape-stripped biofilm surface layers. The method is further capable of distinguishing between biofilms containing E. coli cells either with or without ampicillin-resistance. Finally, the SECM detection of the degradation of an E. coli biofilm in the presence of different gentamicin concentrations is presented.

Biofeedback for Post-stroke Gait Retraining: A Review of Current Evidence and Future Research Directions in the Context of Emerging Technologies.

Real-time gait biofeedback is a promising rehabilitation strategy for improving biomechanical deficits in walking patterns of post-stroke individuals. Because wearable sensor technologies are creating avenues for novel applications of gait biofeedback, including use in tele-health, there is a need to evaluate the state of the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of biofeedback for post-stroke gait training. The objectives of this review are to: (1) evaluate the current state of biofeedback literature pertaining to post-stroke gait training; and (2) determine future research directions related to gait biofeedback in context of evolving technologies. Our overall goal was to determine whether gait biofeedback is effective at improving stroke gait deficits while also probing why and for whom gait biofeedback may be an efficacious treatment modality. Our literature review showed that the effects of gait biofeedback on post-stroke walking dysfunction are promising but are inconsistent in methodology and therefore results. We summarize sources of methodological heterogeneity in previous literature, such as inconsistencies in feedback target, feedback mode, dosage, practice structure, feedback structure, and patient characteristics. There is a need for larger-sample studies that directly compare different feedback parameters, employ more uniform experimental designs, and evaluate characteristics of potential responders. However, as these uncertainties in existing literature are resolved, the application of gait biofeedback has potential to extend neurorehabilitation clinicians' cues to individuals with post-stroke gait deficits during ambulation in clinical, home, and community settings, thereby increasing the quantity and quality of skilled repetitions during task-oriented stepping training. In addition to identifying gaps in previous research, we posit that future research directions should comprise an amalgam of mechanism-focused and clinical research studies, to develop evidence-informed decision-making guidelines for gait biofeedback strategies that are tailored to individual-specific gait and sensorimotor impairments. Wearable sensor technologies have the potential to transform gait biofeedback and provide greater access and wider array of options for clinicians while lowering rehabilitation costs. Novel sensing technologies will be particularly valuable for telehealth and home-based stepping exercise programs. In summary, gait biofeedback is a promising intervention strategy that can enhance efficacy of post-stroke gait rehabilitation in both clinical and tele-rehabilitation settings and warrants more in-depth research.

Optimization of Surface Electromyography-Based Neurofeedback Rehabilitation Intervention System.

In this paper, we study the effects of the neurofeedback method of surface EMG on electrophysiology and evaluate its effects on postural control, balance, and motor function using relevant scales. We optimize the neurofeedback rehabilitation intervention system based on surface EMG, study the objective assessment of neurofeedback rehabilitation intervention of surface EMG, and initially try to apply mirror therapy to the treatment of surface EMG. According to the different treatment methods, they were divided into the drug-only group, drug combined with electroacupuncture group, drug combined with facial muscle function training group, and drug combined with electroacupuncture combined with facial muscle function training group. Starting from the 10th day of the disease course, a course of 15 days contains three courses of treatment with a 3-day break for each course. Patients were tested on day 10, day 25, and day 40 of the disease course and the results of each test were recorded and analyzed. The results of each test were recorded and analyzed. The efficacy of four different methods for simple neurofeedback rehabilitation was compared according to the mean ratio of the root mean square of the patient's affected and healthy sides. The close relationship between surface EMG neurofeedback rehabilitation intervention and rehabilitation efficacy was also investigated, and the effect of different feedback modes on neurofeedback rehabilitation intervention was explored for the neurofeedback protocol and whether the use of the optimized neurorehabilitation protocol could achieve improved efficacy and have a sustained effect. The study showed that neurofeedback training interventions based on optimized surface EMG can achieve good long-term results, as demonstrated by improved postural control, balance, and motor function of patients; optimized neurofeedback rehabilitation intervention systems; and guiding physicians or nurses to work more effective clinically.

An Analysis of Teachers’ Oral Feedback in EFL Classroom Interaction at SMP Negeri 10 Batam

The present research aims to figure out (1) types of oral feedback used by teachers’ in EFL classroom interaction (2) teachers’ reasons for using oral feedback in EFL classroom interaction, and (2) students’ perceptions about teachers’ oral feedback in EFL classroom interactions. The study employed qualitative descriptive research with the three teachers of SMP Negeri 10 Batam and also students for grade seven, eight and nine as the participants. Observation and Stimulated Recall Interview (SIR) were used to conduct the data, and the data were analysed by using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The result of this research showed that the teachers used 6 types of oral feedback, namely correction, recast, clarificationrequest, metalinguistic feedback, elicitation and repetitionfrom the theory of (Lightbown and Spada, 1999). However, the average of teachers’ oral feedback use showed a low percen teachers employed oral feedback because of teachers’ responsibility and obligation to provide it, the effective and efficient feedback mode, the utility of oral feedback, positive effect to students, and consequences of none of oral feedback.Through a stimulated recall interview, the teachers admitted that they are still not optimal in providing input to the students. Mostly, the perceived positively to oral feedback. Some students found felt sensitive to oral feedback. Nevertheless, they still realized to its positive effect on the result of their work or performance

The types and effects of feedback received by emergency ambulance staff: a systematic mixed studies review with narrative synthesis.

Aims:The phenomenon of feedback is well-researched within the wider healthcare context, where it is suggested that feedback can improve patient care and patient safety by enhancing clinical performance and staff mental health (Ivers et al., 2012). Within a pre-hospital context, systematic reviews have been conducted for automated feedback from defibrillators and debrief after simulation, but not on the wider concept of feedback. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, describe and synthesise the published literature on the types and effects of feedback received by emergency ambulance staff.Methods:This study is a systematic mixed studies review including empirical primary research of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods methodology published in peer-reviewed journals in English. Studies were included if they explored the concept of feedback as defined in this review, i.e. the systematised provision of information to emergency ambulance staff regarding their performance within pre-hospital practice and/or patient outcomes. The search strategy consisted of three facets: ambulance staff synonyms, feedback synonyms and feedback content. Databases searched on 11 June 2020 from inception were MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycInfo, HMIC, CINAHL and Web of Science. Study quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (Hong et al., 2018), and data were analysed using narrative synthesis guided by Popay et al. (2006) following a parallel-results convergent synthesis design.Results:The search strategy yielded 2424 articles, excluding duplicates. Seventy-eight studies met the inclusion criteria after full-text review, of which 37 only mentioned feedback as a solution to improving specific circumstances (e.g. decision-making, burnout). The remaining 41 studies consisted of: 34 interventional pre-hospital feedback studies; four non-interventional feedback studies; and three preparatory studies. The source, content and mode of pre-hospital feedback represented in the studies varied greatly and encompassed feedback on behaviour and/or feedback on outcomes of behaviour (Michie et al., 2013). The main outcome measure of included studies was quality of care (e.g. quality of CPR, adherence to guidelines) but softer measures such as staff wellbeing, professional development and clinical decision-making were also represented.Conclusion:It is anticipated that the review findings will be useful to guide the development of future pre-hospital feedback interventions, for which there is growing interest in the national and international pre-hospital setting. Further empirical research is required to explore whether the published literature reflects current pre-hospital practice.

Local super anti-magic total face coloring on shackle graphs

We define graph G as a nontrivial, finite, connected graph which contains vertex set V (G), edge set E(G), and face set F (G). We also define g as bijective function that mapping vertex, edge, and face labeling to natural number which starting from 1 until |V(G)| for vertex label, from |V(G)| + 1 until |V(G)| + |E(G)| for edge label, and the last for face label from |V (G)| + |E(G)| + 1 until |V (G)| + | E (G)| + |F(G)|. If there are different weights in any neighboring two faces f1 and f2 has w(f1) = w(f2) for f1, f2 G F (G), so g is considered a local super anti-magic total face labeling. A proper face coloring from local super anti-magic total face labeling caused by assigns the color of face weights to local super anti-magic total face coloring. The minimum number of colors needed for local super anti-magic total face coloring is called The chromatic number of the local super anti-magic total face coloring. γlatf (G) can be denoted as the chromatic number of the local super anti-magic total face coloring. Encryption keys can possibly be created from the result of local super anti-magic total face coloring that can be used to construct a modified Affine cipher and Cipher Feedback Mode. As a result, we have one the orem for the chromatic number of local super anti-magic total face coloring and two algorithms for establishing super anti-magic total face coloring on shackle graphs in Cipher Feedback Mode.

Feedback factory: multiple faint radio jets detected in a cluster at z = 2

ABSTRACT We report the detection of multiple faint radio sources, that we identify as active galactic nucleus (AGN) jets, within CLJ1449+0856 at z = 2 using 3 GHz Very Large Array observations. We study the effects of radio-jet-based kinetic feedback at high redshifts, which has been found to be crucial in low-redshift clusters to explain the observed thermodynamic properties of their intracluster medium (ICM). We investigate this interaction at an epoch featuring high levels of AGN activity and a transitional phase of ICM in regards to the likelihood of residual cold gas accretion. We measure a total flux of $\rm 30.6 \pm 3.3\, \mu Jy$ from the six detected jets. Their power contribution is estimated to be $1.2 \, (\pm 0.6)\, \times 10^{44} \, \rm erg\, s^{-1}$, although this value could be up to $4.7 \, \times 10^{44} \, \rm erg\, s^{-1}$. This is a factor of ∼0.25–1.0 of the previously estimated instantaneous energy injection into the ICM of CLJ1449+0856 from AGN outflows and star formation that have already been found to be sufficient in globally offsetting the cooling flows in the cluster core. In line with the already detected abundance of star formation, this mode of feedback being distributed over multiple sites, contrary to a single central source observed at low redshifts, points to accretion of gas into the cluster centre. This also suggests a ‘steady state’ of the cluster featuring non-cool-core-like behaviour. Finally, we also examine the total infrared–radio luminosity ratio for the known sample of galaxies within the cluster core and find that dense environments do not have any serious consequence on the compliance of galaxies to the infrared–radio correlation.

Video and text feedback on ESL writing: Understanding attitude and negotiating relationships

Technology enables multiple modalities (e.g., audio, video, and text) for providing feedback on students’ writing. As interest in technology-mediated feedback grows, it is important to consider how different modalities can impact instructors’ evaluative language choices. These choices can influence student emotions and student-instructor relationships. Thus, a better understanding of language use across feedback modes can provide insight into how interpersonal considerations can be negotiated in feedback. In this study, we explore how video and text impact language choices in the formative feedback of three instructors in US university ESL writing courses. Feedback on 136 essays was analyzed using the appraisal framework, with a focus on attitude. This analysis provides a nuanced, linguistically grounded understanding and description of how evaluation is conveyed, while highlighting the social or interpersonal aspects of language within the communicative context of responding to student writing. Text feedback was found to be more negative, while video offered more balance and showed greater concern for social relationships in the feedback process. Finer grain analysis suggested that instructors may engage with students differently across feedback modes, prompting future possibilities for instructor training.

A measurement model of entrepreneurship education effectiveness based on methodological triangulation

Based on the Methodological Triangulation, this paper proposes and validates a new model for measuring the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education on the three dimensions- entrepreneurial competencies, barriers, and intentions, which are usually studied independently in the literature. A total of 308 entrepreneurship education students, who enrolled in two different campuses at a major Chinese university, participated in this study to explore the feedback mode of three key variables. The findings show that the improvement of participants’ entrepreneurial competencies, the reduction of entrepreneurial barriers, and the change of entrepreneurial intention reflect the effectiveness of entrepreneurial education for college students. The proposed model can comprehensively measure the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education by discussing the relations among three key variables and the scope of the model application. The model provides solutions for the development and improvement of entrepreneurship education programs and a standard framework for comparative research on cross-regional or cross-cultural entrepreneurship education.

Evolution of Stellar Feedback in H ii Regions

Abstract Stellar feedback is needed to produce realistic giant molecular clouds and galaxies in simulations, but due to limited numerical resolution, feedback must be implemented using sub-grid models. Observational work is an important means to test and anchor these models, but limited studies have assessed the relative dynamical role of multiple feedback modes, particularly at the earliest stages of expansion when H ii regions are still deeply embedded. In this paper, we use multiwavelength (radio, infrared, and X-ray) data to measure the pressures associated with direct radiation (P dir), dust-processed radiation (P IR), photoionization heating (P H II ), and shock-heating from stellar winds (P X) in a sample of 106 young, resolved H ii regions with radii ≲0.5 pc to determine how stellar feedback drives their expansion. We find that the P IR dominates in 84% of the regions and that the median P dir and P H II are smaller than the median P IR by factors of ≈6 and ≈9, respectively. Based on the radial dependences of the pressure terms, we show that H ii regions transition from P IR-dominated to P H II -dominated at radii of ∼3 pc. We find a median trapping factor of f trap ∼ 8 without any radial dependence for the sample, suggesting this value can be adopted in sub-grid feedback models. Moreover, we show that the total pressure is greater than the gravitational pressure in the majority of our sample, indicating that the feedback is sufficient to expel gas from the regions.

Dye Regeneration Kinetics of Sensitized Nickel Oxide Films under Illumination Investigated by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) feedback mode has been used to investigate regeneration kinetics on P1 (4-(bis-{4-[5-(2,2-dicyanovinyl) thiophene-2-yl] pH-enyl} amino) benzoic acid) dye sensitized nickel oxide (NiO) electrodes in contact with reduced iodide liquid electrolyte in different electrolyte solvents. We were used acetonitrile, ethanol, methanol and propylene carbonate solvents for comparison under illumination of different wavelengths. We found significant variation of regeneration kinetics parameters such as regeneration rate constant (keff), the reduction rate constant (kred) and absorption cross-section (Φhv) in different illumination intensity and different solvents.

Does Diagnostic Feedback Promote Learning? Evidence From a Longitudinal Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment

Assessment for learning emphasizes the importance of feedback to promote learning. To explore whether cognitive diagnostic feedback (CDF) promotes learning and whether it is more effective than traditional feedback in promoting learning, this study conducted a quasi-experiment by utilizing a longitudinal cognitive diagnostic assessment to compare the effect of three feedback modes on promoting learning, including CDF, correct–incorrect response feedback (CIRF), and no feedback. The results provided some evidence for the conclusion that CDF can promote students’ learning and is more effective than CIRF in promoting learning, especially in more challenging areas of knowledge.

Less Is More—Cyclists-Triathlete’s 30 min Cycling Time-Trial Performance Is Impaired With Multiple Feedback Compared to a Single Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to (i) compare different modes of feedback (multiple vs. single) on 30 min cycling time-trial performance in non-cyclist’s and cyclists-triathletes, and (ii) investigate cyclists-triathlete’s information acquisition.Methods: 20 participants (10 non-cyclists, 10 cyclists-triathletes) performed two 30 min self-paced cycling time-trials (TT, ∼5–7 days apart) with either a single feedback (elapsed time) or multiple feedback (power output, elapsed distance, elapsed time, cadence, speed, and heart rate). Cyclists-triathlete’s information acquisition was also monitored during the multiple feedback trial via an eye tracker. Perceptual measurements of task motivation, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and affect were collected every 5 min. Performance variables (power output, cadence, distance, speed) and heart rate were recorded continuously.Results: Cyclists-triathletes average power output was greater compared to non-cyclists with both multiple feedback (227.99 ± 42.02 W; 137.27 ± 27.63 W; P < 0.05) and single feedback (287.9 ± 60.07 W; 131.13 ± 25.53 W). Non-cyclist’s performance did not differ between multiple and single feedback (p > 0.05). Whereas, cyclists-triathletes 30 min cycling time-trial performance was impaired with multiple feedback (227.99 ± 42.02 W) compared to single feedback (287.9 ± 60.07 W; p < 0.05), despite adopting and reporting a similar pacing strategy and perceptual responses (p > 0.05). Cyclists-triathlete’s primary and secondary objects of regard were power (64.95 s) and elapsed time (64.46 s). However, total glance time during multiple feedback decreased from the first 5 min (75.67 s) to the last 5 min (22.34 s).Conclusion: Cyclists-triathletes indoor 30 min cycling TT performance was impaired with multiple feedback compared to single feedback. Whereas non-cyclist’s performance did not differ between multiple and single feedback. Cyclists-triathletes glanced at power and time which corresponds with the wireless sensor networks they use during training. However, total glance time during multiple feedback decreased over time, and therefore, overloading athletes with feedback may decrease performance in cyclists-triathletes.

Multiphase feedback processes in the Sy2 galaxy NGC 5643

We study the multiphase feedback processes in the central ∼3 kpc of the barred Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 5643. We used observations of the cold molecular gas (ALMA CO(2−1) transition) and ionized gas (MUSE IFU optical emission lines). We studied different regions along the outflow zone, which extends out to ∼2.3 kpc in the same direction (east-west) as the radio jet, as well as nuclear and circumnuclear regions in the host galaxy disk. The CO(2−1) line profiles of regions in the outflow and spiral arms show two or more different velocity components: one associated with the host galaxy rotation, and the others with out- or inflowing material. In the outflow region, the [O III]λ5007 Å emission lines have two or more components: the narrow component traces rotation of the gas in the disk, and the others are related to the ionized outflow. The deprojected outflowing velocities of the cold molecular gas (median Vcentral ∼ 189 km s−1) are generally lower than those of the outflowing ionized gas, which reach deprojected velocities of up to 750 km s−1 close to the active galactic nucleus (AGN), and their spatial profiles follow those of the ionized phase. This suggests that the outflowing molecular gas in the galaxy disk is being entrained by the AGN wind. We derive molecular and ionized outflow masses of ∼5.2 × 107 M⊙ (αCOGalactic) and 8.5 × 104 M⊙ and molecular and ionized outflow mass rates of ∼51 M⊙ yr−1 (αCOGalactic) and 0.14 M⊙ yr−1, respectively. This means that the molecular phase dominates the outflow mass and outflow mass rate, while the kinetic power and momentum of the outflow are similar in both phases. However, the wind momentum loads (Ṗout/ṖAGN) for the molecular and ionized outflow phases are ∼27−5 (αCOGalactic and αCOULIRGs) and &lt; 1, which suggests that the molecular phase is not momentum conserving, but the ionized phase most certainly is. The molecular gas content (Meast ∼ 1.5 × 107 M⊙; αCOGalactic) of the eastern spiral arm is approximately 50−70% of the content of the western one. We interpret this as destruction or clearing of the molecular gas produced by the AGN wind impacting in the eastern side of the host galaxy (negative feedback process). The increase in molecular phase momentum implies that part of the kinetic energy from the AGN wind is transmitted to the molecular outflow. This suggests that in Seyfert-like AGN such as NGC 5643, the radiative or quasar and the kinetic or radio AGN feedback modes coexist and may shape the host galaxies even at kiloparsec scales through both positive and (mild) negative feedback.

Screech feedback loop and mode staging process of axisymmetric underexpanded jets

Acoustic measurements and time-resolved schlieren visualizations are performed on underexpanded jets issuing from a convergent nozzle to investigate the screech feedback loop and the mode staging phenomenon. In the present experiments, the nozzle pressure ratio ranges from 2.00 to 4.00. The instability mode of the jet successively experiences the axisymmetric A1 and A2 modes, the flapping B mode and the helical C mode with the increase of the pressure ratio. Dynamic mode decomposition is conducted on the schlieren images to extract the flow structures associated with different screech tones. When the jet transforms from the B mode to the C mode, a secondary axisymmetric u mode is identified. The results of wavelet analyses show that multiple screech modes can coexist during the staging processes from the A2 mode to the B mode and from the B mode to the C mode. The coexistence state of screech modes is studied based on the modal analysis results. The high amplitude parts associated with the B mode move upstream during the transformation process from the A2 mode to the B mode and move downstream during the transformation process from the B mode to the C mode.

Active galactic nucleus feedback in an elliptical galaxy with the most updated AGN physics: Parameter explorations

ABSTRACT In a previous work, we have proposed a sub-grid model of active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback by taking into account the state-of-the-art AGN physics, and used that model to study the effect of AGN feedback on the evolution of an isolated elliptical galaxy by performing 2D high-resolution (i.e. the Bondi radius is well resolved) simulations. In that work, typical values of model parameters were adopted. In this work, we extend that study by exploring the effects of uncertainties of parameter values. Such a study is also useful for us to understand the respective roles of various components of the model. These parameters include the mass flux and velocity of AGN wind and radiative efficiency in both the hot and cold feedback modes, and the initial black hole (BH) mass. We find that the velocity of AGN wind in the hot mode is the most important quantity to control the typical accretion rate and luminosity of AGN, and the mass growth of the BH. The effect of the wind on star formation is less sensitive. Within the limited parameter range explored in this work, a stronger AGN wind suppresses star formation within ∼100 pc but enhances star formation beyond this radius, while the star formation integrated over the evolution time and the whole galaxy roughly remain unchanged. AGN radiation suppresses the BH accretion in a mild way, but dust is not considered here. Finally, a smaller initial BH mass results in a more violent evolution of the BH accretion rate. The corresponding AGN spends more time in the high-luminosity state and the percentage of BH mass growth is higher. Our results indicate the robustness of AGN feedback in keeping the galaxy quenched.

Laser Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer with Immunostimulating Interstitial Laser Thermotherapy Protocol: Safety and Feasibility Results From Two Phase 2a Studies

PurposeAblative techniques have emerged as new potential therapeutic options for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). We explored the safety and feasibility of using TRANBERG|Thermal Therapy System (Clinical Laserthermia Systems AB, Lund, Sweden) in feedback mode for immunostimulating Interstitial Laser Thermotherapy (imILT) protocol, the newest ablative technique introduced for the treatment of LAPC. MethodsThe safety and feasibility results after the use of imILT protocol treatment in 15 patients of a prospective series of postsystemic therapy LAPC in two high-volume European institutions, the General and Pancreatic Unit of the Pancreas Institute, of the University of Verona, Italy, and the Department of Surgical Oncology of the Institut Paoli-Calmettes of Marseille, France, were assessed. ResultsThe mean age was 66 ± 5 years, with a mean tumor size of 34.6 (±8) mm. The median number of cycles of pre-imILT chemotherapy was 6 (6-12). The procedure was performed in 13 of 15 (86.6%) cases; indeed, in two cases, the procedure was not performed; in one, the procedure was considered technically demanding; in the other, liver metastases were found intraoperatively. In all treated cases, the procedure was completed. Three late pancreatic fistulas developed over four overall adverse events (26.6%) and were attributed to imILT. Mortality was nil. A learning curve is necessary to interpret and manage the laser parameters. ConclusionsSafety, feasibility, and device handling outcomes of using TRANBERG|Thermal Therapy System with temperature probes in feedback mode and imILT protocol on LAPC were not satisfactory. The metastatic setting may be appropriate to evaluate the hypothetic abscopal effect.#NCT02702986 and #NCT02973217.

Providing Dynamic Stability of a Multirip Saw Module Performing Plane Rotational–Translational Motion as a Part of a Saw Unit

In this paper novel technical decisions in the field of creating saw benches are developed that multiply the advantages and eliminate the disadvantages of the existing equipment. An analytical solution to the problem of dynamic stability of bands of a multirip saw module performing plane rotational–translational motion as a part of a saw unit is proposed for the first time. A structural force scheme of the multirip saw module is presented that allows conducting high-quality cutting by tensioned saw bands in the mode of negative feedback. The proposed solution technique invites varying the parameters of the multirip saw module to optimize the size and mass characteristics and to reduce the financial and labor expenses during creation of similar saw equipment and its practical use.