Multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity is currently evaluated on the basis of neurological examinations such as Ashworth Scale (AS) and 0–10 NRS. Severity of spasticity is difficult to quantify. We ...investigated the use of real time elastography (RTHE) ultrasounds for evaluating objectively the muscle fibers status in MS spasticity patients and their changes after a new antispasticity treatment. Two studies were performed. In study A, 110 MS patients underwent a neurological evaluation based on the AS and RTHE. The RTHE images were scored with the new 1-5 muscle fibers rigidity imaging scale, here called MEMSs (Muscle Elastography Multiple Sclerosis Score). The correlation between AS and MEMSs was found to be statistically significant. In study B, 55 MS patients treated with THC:CBD oromucosal spray for their resistant spasticity were followed prospectively. MS spasticity was evaluated by the 0–10 NRS scale at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. MEMSs’ figures were obtained at both timepoints. Responders to THC:CBD oromucosal spray (pre-defined as an improvement ≥20% in their 0–10 NRS spasticity score vs. baseline) were 65% of sample. These patients had a mean 0-10 NRS reduction of 1.87 and a MEMSs reduction of 1.97 (
P
values <0.0001). The remaining 35% of patients, classified as clinically non-responders, showed still a significant mean reduction in MEMSs (0.8,
P
= 0.002). Our overall results showed that RTHE, operativized throughout MEMSs, could be an objective gold standard to evaluate MS muscle spasticity as well as the effectiveness of antispasticity therapy.
The WADAPT (Wireless Allowing Data And Power Transmission) consortium has been formed to identify the specific needs of different projects that might benefit from wireless communication technologies ...with the objective of providing a common platform for research and development in order to optimize effectiveness and cost. Wireless technologies have developed extremely fast over the last decade and are now mature enough to be a promising alternative to cables and optical links, with a possibility of revolutionizing detector design. Although wireless readout has the qualities and properties to be used in many collider detectors, this article focuses on the transmission of large amount of data from vertex detectors at high rate, low power budget and in potential high radiation environment. For vertex detectors, the 60 GHz band has proven to be adequate and commercial products are already available, providing 6 Gbps data links. This technology allows efficient partitioning of detectors in topological regions of interest, with the possibility of adding intelligence on the detector to perform four-dimensional reconstruction of the tracks and vertices online, in order to attach the tracks to their vertex with great efficiency even in difficult experimental conditions, and conveniently substitutes a mass of materials (cables and connectors). Early transceiver module products have been successfully tested for signal confinement, crosstalk, electromagnetic immunity and resistance to radiation. In the long run, emerging 140 GHz bands could also be used for higher data rates (>100 Gbps) at future high energy and luminosity hadron colliders.
A cooperative program between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Austrian Space Agency (ASA), Pratt & Whitney, Engineering Evaluation and Design, and Plansee AG was ...undertaken to determine the feasibility of achieving significant weight reduction of hypersonic propulsion system structures through the utilization of TiAl. A trade study defined the weight reduction potential of TiAl technologies as 25–35% compared to the baseline Ni-base superalloy for a stiffener structure in an inlet, combustor, and nozzle section of a hypersonic scramjet engine. A scramjet engine inlet cowl flap was designed, along with a representative subelement, using design practices unique to TiAl. A subelement was fabricated and tested to assess fabricability and structural performance and validate the design system. The TiAl alloy selected was PLANSEE's third generation alloy Gamma Met PX,
1
1
Gamma Met PX is a trademark of PLANSEE AG, Austria.
a high temperature, high-strength γ-TiAl alloy with high Nb content. Characterization of Gamma Met PX sheet, including tensile, creep, and fatigue testing was performed. Additionally, design-specific coupons were fabricated and tested in order to improve subelement test predictions. Based on the sheet characterization and results of the coupon tests, the subelement failure location and failure load were accurately predicted.
The effect of a service environment exposure on the mechanical properties of a high Nb content TiAl alloy, Gamma MET PX
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Gamma MET PX is a trademark of PLANSEE AG, Austria. Alloy composition is ...based on TNB alloys developed by GKSS Research Center, Germany.
, was assessed. Gamma MET PX, like other TiAl alloys, experiences a reduction of ductility following high temperature exposure. Exposure in Ar, air, and high-purity oxygen all resulted in a loss of ductility with the ductility reduction increasing with oxygen content in the exposure atmosphere. Embrittling mechanisms, including bulk microstructural changes, moisture induced environmental embrittlement, and near surface effects were investigated. The embrittlement has been shown to be a near-surface effect, most likely due to the diffusion of oxygen into the alloy.
Tewari et al compare the growth speed dependence of the morphology, spacing, and spatial distribution of eutectic cells and dendrites with that for the single-phase cells and dendrites. The results ...of the study suggest that the growth mechanisms of two-phase eutectic cells and dendrites must be different from those of the single-phase cells and dendrites. Further theoretical development is needed to quantitatively predict growth speed dependence of morphology and spacing of the two-space eutectic cells and dendrites.
The eutectic composition Ni-33Al-33Cr-1Mo has been directionally solidified (DS) via a modified Bridgman technique at rates ranging from 7.6 to 508 mm/h to determine if the growth rate affects the ...mechanical properties. A growth rate of 127 mm/h represents the best combination of fast processing and mechanical properties for this system.
Intact portions of melon, the echolocation organ of the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), and the corresponding raw oils were analyzed by means of one‐ and two dimensional 1H and 13C NMR ...techniques. For comparative purposes the tissue and the raw oil of head blubber were also examined. Complete assignments of the spectra were obtained. Furthermore, dynamics of the lipid components was investigated by means of 13C NMR spin lattice relaxation time (T1). Analysis of the data revealed that lipid molecules in the tissue compartments experience a liquid‐like microenvironment and that T1 values depend on the lipid composition and/or organization in the intact tissue framework. In particular, a dependence of the T1 values on the wax esters content in melon intact tissues was found. A possible correlation between dynamic parameters and sound propagation properties has been hypothesized.
13C NMR spectroscopy, in conjunction with HPLC and GC techniques, has been used to study the molecular composition of lipids extracted from commercial products of bottarga. To this goal, both the ...saponifiable and unsaponifiable fractions of lipid extracts were also examined by
13C NMR. Among the major lipid classes wax esters (WE) showed a concentration of more than 50
mol%, triacylglycerols (TAG) and phospholipids (PL) represented a minor fraction. Concentrations up to 29
mol% of free fatty acids (FFA) were found. The most represented fatty alcohol was 16:0 that accounted for more than 50%, among fatty acids the most represented were 16:1
n-7, 22:6
n-3, 18:1
n-9, 16:0, and 20:5
n-3, in particular the
n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) averaged 40
mg/g of the edible portion.
13C NMR spectroscopy put in evidence that cholesterol was present in its free and esterified forms and its total content was measured as ca. 10
mg/g of the edible portion.
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