Unpredictable Phase Research Articles

One-step fabrication of single-phase hydroxyapatite coatings on Ti-alloy implants by electrostatic spray deposition: From microstructural investigation to in vitro studies

The intrinsic characteristics of calcium phosphate-based ceramics (composition, crystallinity , morphology) enable them to be successfully used as osseoconductive coatings on load-bearing implants. Among these compounds, hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the leading material owing to its similarity with the mineral component of bone tissue. In this work, electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) using an organic phosphorus precursor was employed as a suitable one-step coating technique that might overcome the drawbacks of the widely used plasma-spraying process related to extremely high processing temperatures, such as unpredictable phase changes of the feedstock , particle release and delamination . The key ESD parameters (type of the solvent(s), total reagent concentration, nominal Ca/P ratio in the precursor solution, solution flow-rate, substrate temperature, and nozzle-to-substrate distance) were systematically studied to tune, precisely, the microstructure and the crystallite size of single-phase HAP coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates. In vitro studies with MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were performed during 24 h exposure to selected ESD-derived HAP coatings. All coatings were found to support cell viability. Moreover, the coating properties, i.e. , crystallite size and microstructure, played an extremely important role in the behavior of osteoblast-like cells. A higher cellular response was observed when low crystalline HAP coatings were employed. • HAP coatings fabricated in one-step on Ti6Al4V by electrostatic spray deposition. • In-depth study of ESD processing parameters to control HAP coating microstructure. • Independently tuning of the coating microstructure and the crystallite size of HAP. • Fabrication from thin dense HAP films to highly porous hierarchical structures. • Low crystalline HAP ESD films present a high in vitro MG-63 cytocompatibility.

Pathogenesis of Behçet's Syndrome: Genetic, Environmental and Immunological Factors.

Behçet's syndrome (BS) is a rare systemic vasculitis, characterized by a wide range of different clinical involvements and unpredictable phases of recurrence and remission. BS can be described as a multifactorial disease with an incompletely known etiopathogenesis; in fact, though presenting some peculiar features, such as its typical geographic distribution and the strong association with the well-known genetic predisposing factor HLA-B*51, the cause behind the onset and progression of the disease remains currently not fully understood. Besides genetic HLA and non-HLA predisposing associations and epigenetic influence, environmental factors also play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease, and among these, infectious agents (both bacterial and viral) and specific microbiome alterations are considered of particular relevance in BS pathogenesis. BS has been included for decades among autoimmune diseases, in light of evidence showing T- and B-cell aberrant responses. However, because of recurrent mucocutaneous lesions and episodes of inflammation without antigen-specific T-cell or autoantibody responses, BS has also been classified among autoinflammatory disorders. Nevertheless, differently from autoinflammatory diseases, BS mildly responds to therapies targeting IL-1, its onset is not usually in childhood, and has high neutrophilic vasculitic involvement. Finally, given the association with HLA class I alleles, similar to spondyloarthropathies, the concept of BS as a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I -opathy has been introduced. Understanding the complex etiopathogenesis of BS is essential to identify modifiable risk factors of BS occurrence or exacerbation and to develop targeted therapies. This review summarizes current evidence on the main genetic, environmental and immunological factors contributing to BS development.

Кризис современной культуры: взгляд из истории русской философии (Федотов – Вейдле – Ландау – Бицилли) Материалы «круглого стола»

On August 26, 2021, with the support of “Voprosy filosofii” was held a “round table”, the participants of which considered it meaningful and relevant to address the legacy of experiencing and philosophical reflection of critical epochs by peo­ple who have fully endured the “breakdown” of being and an anthropological crisis – for comprehending the disturbing changes taking place in modern soci­ety. In this regard, the intellectual biographies of thinkers who felt a colossal shock in the 1920s and who tried to comprehend their local experience as a global are exceptional. In the authors’ focus are ideas and arguments of the philosophers of the Russian Abroad about the crisis of their contemporary culture (Fedotov – Weidle – Landau – Bicilli). The “round table” is an attempt to correlate their experience with the modern reality of the anthropological crisis. The studying intellectuals underlined the death of culture as the main threat to the life of the social organism. The salvation of culture, first of all, depends on the spiritual efforts of people. From this point of view, philosophy has to com­prehend the principles that make it possible to resist the processes of cultural de­struction. And in this regard, the personality of the philosopher is of exceptional importance, his willingness to live and work “as if history would never end, and at the same time, as if it ended today” (G.P. Fedotov). The philosophy of culture forms the ideal of personal choice as a free submission to universal human goals. The relevance of the intellectual and spiritual search of the “Russian Abroad” thinkers can't be overestimated since this crisis continues today, entering ever new, previously unpredictable phases. The struggle for culture continues. There­fore, the intellectual searches of the "Russian Abroad" thinkers are essential to­day. The core of the discussions was three actual topics in the context of their comprehension by the philosophers: 1. The crisis of religious consciousness; 2. The crisis of scientific rationality; 3. Crisis of cultural identity.

Adolescents\u2019 experiences of fluctuating pain in musculoskeletal disorders: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

BackgroundAdolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain experience daily fluctuations in pain. Although not all fluctuations are bothersome, pain flares are a distinct type of symptom fluctuation with greater impact. Since literature on the experience of pain flares is non-existent, the aim of this review was to (i) synthesise the qualitative literature on adolescents’ experiences of fluctuating pain in musculoskeletal disorders in order to (ii) identify knowledge gaps to inform future research on pain flares.MethodsElectronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO), grey literature and reference lists were searched from inception to June 2018 for qualitative studies reporting adolescents’ experiences of pain. Comprehensiveness of reporting was assessed using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Health Research. Studies were analysed using thematic synthesis.ResultsOf the 3787 records identified, 32 studies (n = 536) were included. Principal findings were synthesised under three key themes: 1) symptom experience, 2) disruption and loss, and 3) regaining control. The first theme (symptom experience) describes adolescent’s perception and interpretation of pain fluctuations. The second theme (disruption and loss) describes the physical, social and emotional constraints faced as a result of changes in pain. The third theme (regaining control) describes coping strategies used to resist and accommodate unpredictable phases of pain. Each theme was experienced differently depending on adolescents’ characteristics such as their developmental status, pain condition, and the duration of the pain experience.ConclusionsAdolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain live with a daily background level of symptoms which frequently fluctuate and are associated with functional and emotional difficulties. It was not clear whether these symptoms and challenges were experienced as part of ‘typical’ fluctuations in pain, or whether they reflect symptom exacerbations classified as ‘flares’. Further research is needed to explore the frequency and characteristics of pain flares, and how they differ from their typical fluctuations in pain. The review also highlights areas relating to the pain experience, symptom management and health service provision that require further exploration to support more personalised, tailored care for adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Phase thermal stability and mechanical properties analyses of (Cr,Fe,V)-(Ta,W) multiple-based elemental system using a compositional gradient film

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) generally possess complex component combinations and abnormal properties. The traditional methods of investigating these alloys are becoming increasingly inefficient because of the unpredictable phase transformation and the combination of many constituents. The development of compositionally complex materials such as HEAs requires high-throughput experimental methods, which involves preparing many samples in a short time. Here we apply the high-throughput method to investigate the phase evolution and mechanical properties of novel HEA film with the compositional gradient of (Cr,Fe,V)-(Ta,W). First, we deposited the compositional gradient film by co-sputtering. Second, the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the (Cr0.33Fe0.33V0.33)x(Ta0.5W0.5)100−x (x = 13–82) multiple-based-elemental (MBE) alloys were investigated. After the deposited wafer was annealed at 600°C for 0.5 h, the initial amorphous phase was transformed into a body-centered cubic (bcc) structure phase when x = 33. Oxides were observed on the film surface when x was 72 and 82. Finally, the highest hardness of as-deposited films was found when x = 18, and the maximum hardness of annealed films was found when x = 33.

Optimizing User Satisfaction of Mobile Workloads Subject to Various Sources of Uncertainties

The success of mobile devices and applications is directly linked to a user's satisfaction of the quality of service—a metric used to denote the user's perception of the quality of an application. The first and necessary building block to manage user satisfaction is to establish accurate performance and power models which are sensitive to the mobile device's controllable features such as scalable voltage and frequency. Traditionally, performance and power models have been developed with deterministic workloads in mind – assuming long term, stable operating conditions. However, this is insufficient for mobile workloads, which are subject to many sources of variability leading to unpredictable phases of computation. This work establishes the importance and value of modeling the many sources of variations in mobile workloads. A completely data-driven approach is presented that provides accurate estimates of a workload's statistical characteristics, without any assumptions regarding its underlying statistical distribution. The method is light-weight allowing for real-time model evaluation and update. To demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach, the design of a dynamic voltage and frequency scaling controller is presented and implemented on an existing mobile device. The proposed controller achieves an energy efficiency improvement of 19 percent over existing Android frequency governors.

A36 Methodology for recording reliable wrist extensors and wrist flexors compound muscle action potentials

The electrophysiological examination of wrist extensor (WE) and wrist flexor (WF) muscles is often part of the overall evaluation or therapy of patients with weakness due to central or peripheral disorders involving the motor pathway. Unfortunately, though, the WE and WF compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) have often an irregular shape and multiple phases. This would require measuring the area of the response in order, for instance, to quantify the proportion of corticospinal tract fibers activated by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with respect to the pool of spinal motoneurons, which would lead to the CMAP. However, unpredictable phase cancellation and shape inconsistency may lead to equivocal results. It would be desirable to obtain CMAPs and MEPs in WE and WF of large amplitude and little dispersion, to reach comparable data within and between subjects. Objective Determine the best location, size and interdistance for the recording electrodes over the WE and WF muscles, and calculate the proportion of excitable corticospinal fibers activated with TMS in healthy volunteers. Methods We conducted the study in 16 subjects. We recorded the MEPs in various recording sites along the dorsal and ventral sides of the forearm, over the WE and WF muscles, respectively. We used circular adhesive electrodes (i.e diameter of 20 mm), 2.5 cm apart (controls) or 35 × 45mm rectangular electrodes referenced 2.5 cm apart from active or above wrist extensor retinaculum. Latencies, amplitudes, duration and turns of evoked MEP were compared. Results We used 130% above threshold intensity and analyzed a mean of 10 MEPs in each site. The WE and WF CMAPs recorded using larger electrodes with reference at the wrist showed greater amplitude and duration, and less number of turns. Conclusions The muscle area and their insertion sites can in part explain the waveform of MEP’s. For laboratory recordings, the surface electrodes should have the appropriate size for the target muscle allowing more “regular” CMAPs.

Advances in the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: the role of pegylated interferon β-1a

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease with unpredictable phases of relapse and remission. The cause of MS is unknown, but the pathology is characterized by infiltration of auto-reactive immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in widespread neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Immunomodulatory-based therapies emerged in the 1990s and have been a cornerstone of disease management ever since. Interferon β (IFNβ) was the first biologic approved after demonstrating decreased relapse rates, disease activity and progression of disability in clinical trials. However, frequent dosing schedules have limited patient acceptance for long-term therapy. Pegylation, the process by which molecules of polyethylene glycol are covalently linked to a compound, has been utilized to increase the half-life of IFNβ and decrease the frequency of administration required. To date, there has been one clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of pegylated IFN. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the role of IFN in the treatment of MS and evaluate the available evidence for pegylated IFN therapy in MS.

Adaptive range-spread maneuvering target detection in compound-Gaussian clutter

Adaptive detection of range spread maneuvering target embedded in compound-Gaussian clutter is an important challenge for radar engineers. For the long integration, maneuvering target suffers from inevitable range walks across cells as well as unpredictable phase change at individual range cells. Therefore, the traditional adaptive normalized matched filter detectors are ineffective in long integration duration. In this paper, combining adaptive normalized matched filter with sliding high-order cross-correlation integration, a new adaptive range-spread target detector is proposed. Firstly, the long integration duration is segmented into short disjoint subintervals. In each subinterval, it is assumed that no range walking across cells happens and target's complex returns accord with the traditional rank-one parameter models. In each subinterval, the coherent integration output vector is obtained by the adaptive normalized matched filter along the slow-time dimension in different range cells. If a target is present, the coherent integration outputs of each subinterval share similar waveforms except for unknown range walks. Otherwise, when a target is absent, the coherent integration output vectors estimated from individual subintervals are uncorrelated positive random vectors without similarity. Further, the sliding high-order cross-correlation integration of these coherent integration output vectors is calculated for target detection. The new detector combines the short-time coherent integration and long-time similarity integration. The experimental results using raw radar target data and simulated clutter data show that the new detector achieves better detection performance for range-spread maneuvering targets than the existing detectors.

The Effects of Feeding Unpredictability and Classical Conditioning on Pre-Release Training of White-Lipped Peccary (Mammalia, Tayassuidae)

Some authors have suggested that environmental unpredictability, accompanied by some sort of signal for behavioral conditioning, can boost activity or foster exploratory behavior, which may increase post-release success in re-introduction programs. Thus, using white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), a vulnerable Neotropical species, as a model, we evaluated an unpredictable feeding schedule. Associating this with the effect of classical conditioning on behavioral activities, we assessed the inclusion of this approach in pre-release training protocols. The experimental design comprised predictable feeding phases (control phases: C1, C2 and C3) and unpredictable feeding phases (U1- signaled and U2- non-signaled). The animals explored more during the signaled and non-signaled unpredictable phases and during the second control phase (C2) than during the other two predictable phases (C1 and C3). The peccaries also spent less time feeding during the signaled unpredictable phase (U1) and the following control phase (C2) than during the other phases. Moreover, they spent more time in aggressive encounters during U1 than the other experimental phases. However, the animals did not show differences in the time they spent on affiliative interactions or in the body weight change during the different phases. The signaled unpredictability, besides improving foraging behavior, showing a prolonged effect on the next control phase (C2), also increased the competition for food. The signaled feeding unpredictability schedule, mimicking wild conditions by eliciting the expression of naturalistic behaviors in pre-release training, may be essential to fully prepare them for survival in the wild.

Imaging adherent cells in the microfluidic channel hidden by flowing RBCs as occluding objects by a holographic method.

Imaging through turbid media is a challenging topic. A liquid is considered turbid when dispersed particles provoke strong light scattering, thus destroying the image formation by any standard optical system. Generally, colloidal solutions belong to the class of turbid media since dispersed particles have dimensions ranging between 0.2 μm and 2 μm. However, in microfluidics, another relevant issue has to be considered in the case of flowing liquid made of a multitude of occluding objects, e.g. red blood cells (RBCs) flowing in veins. In such a case instead of severe scattering processes unpredictable phase delays occur resulting in a wavefront distortion, thus disturbing or even hindering the image formation of objects behind such obstructing layer. In fact RBCs can be considered to be thin transparent phase objects. Here we show that sharp amplitude imaging and phase-contrast mapping of cells hidden behind biological occluding objects, namely RBCs, is possible in harsh noise conditions and with a large field-of view by Multi-Look Digital Holography microscopy (ML-DH). Noteworthy, we demonstrate that ML-DH benefits from the presence of the RBCs, providing enhancement in terms of numerical resolution and noise suppression thus obtaining images whose quality is higher than the quality achievable in the case of a liquid without occlusive objects.

Maternal and Environmental Effects on Symbiont-Mediated Antimicrobial Defense

Bacteria produce a remarkable diversity of bioactive molecules with antimicrobial properties. Despite the importance of such compounds for human medicine, little is known about the factors influencing antibiotic production in natural environments. Recently, several insects have been found to benefit from symbiont-produced antimicrobial compounds for defense against pathogenic microbes. In the European beewolf, Philanthus triangulum (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae), bacteria of the genus Streptomyces provide protection against pathogens by producing antimicrobials on the larval cocoon during hibernation, thereby significantly enhancing the survival probability of the beewolf larva. To investigate the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on antibiotic production, we exposed beewolf cocoons to different environmental conditions and quantified the amount of Streptomyces-produced antibiotics by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results revealed no significant influence of temperature, humidity, or pathogen load on the antibiotic amount, indicating that antibiotic production is not affected by current environmental conditions but rather may be optimized to serve as a reliable long-term protection during the unpredictable phase of beewolf hibernation. However, the amount of antibiotics was positively correlated with the symbiont population size on the cocoon, which in turn is affected by the number of Streptomyces cells provided by the mother into the brood cell. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between the amount of hydrocarbons and the number and length of bacterial cells in the antennal gland secretion, suggesting that maternal investment affects symbiont growth and, thus, antibiotic production on the larval cocoon.

Medical management of Crohn's disease.

The clinical course of Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by unpredictable phases of disease activity and quiescence. The majority of CD patients experience mild to moderate disease or are in clinical remission over significant periods during the course of their disease. These patients can be treated conservatively with 5-aminosalicylates or budesonide depending on the disease location. Those patients with more severe forms of the disease who require corticosteroids should be treated more aggressively with early introduction of immunomodulator and/or biologic therapy, which may help to prevent the complications associated with CD. It has been suggested that therapies directed at mucosal healing may favorably modify the natural history of CD. As newer, more effective medications become available and new therapeutic approaches are introduced (top-down therapy), mucosal healing, and not solely clinical remission, may well become the preferred treatment objective.

The effects of predictable and unpredictable feeding schedules on the behavior and physiology of captive brown capuchins ( Cebus apella)

Responses to different feeding schedules in group living capuchins ( Cebus apella) were evaluated. Animals were fed on a predictable schedule for 6 weeks followed by 6 weeks on an unpredictable schedule (varied by early, on-time, or late feedings). Behavior was sampled via scan sampling at 1 min intervals 1 h pre-feed and 1 h post-feed. It was hypothesized that meal unpredictability would alter behavior and fecal cortisol concentrations. Major differences in behavior typically associated with stress or anticipation (e.g. abnormal behavior, self-directed behavior) were not observed when feedings were switched to an unpredictable schedule. However, differences in other behavioral measures suggest that a predictable schedule is better for the well being of the animals. In the predictable schedule animals spent more time in proximity, activity, and social behavior. Though some changes in behavior during the unpredictable phase were positive (e.g. more foraging, less tension), they were restricted to on-time and early feeds. More negative changes in behavior were seen in the unpredictable phase, specifically on on-time and late feed days. In particular, in the hour before feeding animals spent less time in proximity, less time engaged in social behavior, and more time inactive. This pattern suggests that anticipation of feeding is particularly pronounced when feeding times are delayed in an unpredictable manner. Cortisol concentrations were significantly higher during the unpredictable phase than the predictable phase. Subjects did not habituate to the unpredictable feeding schedule, as evidenced by sustained elevated cortisol concentrations during the sixth week of the unpredictable feeding schedule when compared to cortisol concentrations during the predictable phase. The results of both the behavioral and physiological data suggest that predictable feeding schedules may be most beneficial to the well being of captive capuchins.

Improved complex spectral domain OCT for in vivo eye imaging

Complex Spectral domain Optical Coherence Tomography (CSdOCT) increases twice the depth of imaging in comparison with SdOCT by suppressing one of the mirror images. We present a new method of data processing, which further reduces the residual mirror images in CSdOCT. The method takes into account object movements, always present in experiments in vivo, which introduce unpredictable phase shifts. The method is free of polychromatic phase error originating from the wavelength dependence of the phase shift introduced by the reference mirror translation. Tomograms of the anterior chamber of the human eye in vivo are chosen to demonstrate a potential of the technique.

Statistical mechanics of the mixed majority–minority game with random external information

We study the asymptotic macroscopic properties of the mixed majority-minority game, modeling a population in which two types of heterogeneous adaptive agents, namely ``fundamentalists'' driven by differentiation and ``trend-followers'' driven by imitation, interact. The presence of a fraction f of trend-followers is shown to induce (a) a significant loss of informational efficiency with respect to a pure minority game (in particular, an efficient, unpredictable phase exists only for f<1/2), and (b) a catastrophic increase of global fluctuations for f>1/2. We solve the model by means of an approximate static (replica) theory and by a direct dynamical (generating functional) technique. The two approaches coincide and match numerical results convincingly.

Generation of physical random numbers with a variable‐capacitor parametron

AbstractIn the present study, a random number generator which physically produces nonperiodic uniform random number was developed using the parametron principle. The parametron is an oscillation circuit at one‐half of the excited frequency. The phase of the parametron cannot be predicted because it depends on the noise in the parametron circuit. The random number was generated by detecting the unpredictable phase. The randomness of the data generated by the present method was confirmed by the spatial distribution and by statistical random tests. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 86(2): 24–32, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.10040

Thermal design of gallium arsenide MESFETs for microwave power amplifiers

In the traditional design of microwave power amplifiers using gallium arsenide field effect transistors, the active devices are mounted onto a thermally conducting heatsink, and matching circuits at the input and output take the form of microstrip, usually using aluminium oxide as the dielectric. The thermal attachment of the transistor is often a problem with this technology and the use of many bond wires can lead to manufacturing problems because of unpredictable phase shifts associated with their variable length. The author describes a number of surface mount alternatives to this technology and assesses the associated thermal implications. Three dielectric alternatives are considered, namely aluminium oxide, aluminium nitride and diamond.

Frequency-response characteristics of a perfect lens masked by polarizing devices

The imaging characteristics of a perfect lens partially masked by a linear polarizer can be varied continuously either by rotating an analyzer placed at the output side or by changing the state of polarization of the input beam. In this paper we study the frequency-response characteristics and the point-spread function of such a system. It is also shown that the proposed system can be adapted either for apodization or for superresolution simply by rotating the analyzer. The fact that the unpredictable phase introduced by the mask has no harmful effect on the performance of the system makes it convenient for several applications. Expressions are obtained for the optical transfer function and the point-spread function of such a system. Some specific cases are illustrated graphically, and some probable applications are discussed.

Dynamic response of a cricadian pacemaker

The stability of the Culex circadian oscillation in darkness was tested by perturbing it with bright light pulses. (1) In the absence of perturbation the overt circadian rhythm persists in darkness for at least 2 weeks (Fig. 5). (2) The circadian pacemaker, as perceived by the response to a standard phaseresetting signal, also follows a regular cycle in the absence of perturbation (Fig. 4). (3) Almost all light pulse perturbations quickly shift the phase of both overt rhythm and pacemaker, and the system resumes normal oscillation within 24 h (Figs. 6, 7, 8, and 9). (4) By contrast, perturbations driving the pacemaker near its phase singularity cause unpredictable phase shifts and/or disrupt individuals' overt rhythms for many cucles (Figs. 12, 13, and 14). Such pulses also sharply reduce the perceived amplitude of the pacemaker's oscillation (Figs. 10, 11, and 15). Most mosquitoes resume normal oscillation within a week but in some cases abnormalities persist for at least 2 weeks. The results re-emphasize the analogy between the circadian pacemaker and a simple limit cycle oscillator. The lasting anomalous behaviour of some mosquitoes after some pulses can either be explained by invoking a weakly unstable singularity, or simply treated as a minor, and perhaps revealing, deviation from prediction.