A new particle-based method, the material point method (MPM), has recently been extended to handle explicit cracks in a new algorithm called CRAMP or “CRAcks with Material Points.” This new method has several advantages for numerical work on fracture. Compared to finite element analysis, CRAMP can handle cracks with similar algorithmic efficiency, but is better at handling crack surface contact...

ABSTRACT Host-derived antimicrobial peptides play an important role in the defense against extracellular bacterial infections. However, capacity of derived from macrophages as potential antibacterial effectors intracellular pathogens remains unknown. In this study, we report that normal (wild-type, WT) mouse increased their expression cathelin-related peptide (CRAMP, encoded by Camp) after infe...

In an accompanying paper [2], we developed the Shorten [3] model of skeletal muscle by incorporating equations such as surface calcium fluxes. further research in this paper, succeeded reproducing cramp, well its prevention and reversal, investigating contraction which regulatory networks are involved, using extended comparison with original model. Incorporation data from a traditional medicine...

Musician's dystonia is generally considered a sporadic disorder. We present three families with the index patient affected by musician's dystonia, but other forms of upper limb focal task-specific dystonia (FTSD), mainly writer's cramp, in seven relatives. Our results suggest a genetic contribution to FTSD with phenotypic variability, including musician's dystonia.

Ferguson, D. (1971). Brit. J. industr. Med., 28, 280-285. An Australian study of telegraphists' cramp. An investigation of telegraphists' cramp in an Australian public service organization attempted to assess the prevalance of the disorder, the degree of its transfer from morse to keyboard operating, and possible contributory influences. From an interview of 516 telegraphists in Sydney, Melbour...

The treatment of writer's cramp, a task-specific focal hand dystonia, needs new approaches. A deficiency of inhibition in the motor cortex might cause writer's cramp. Transcranial direct current stimulation modulates cortical excitability and may provide a therapeutic alternative. In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, we investigated the efficacy of cathodal stimulation of th...

In this paper, kinematic characteristics of writing are compared in 5 patient with writer’s cramp who performed a set of standardized writing task. The kinematic characteristics thumb and forefinger force before and during cramp. The effect of writing on different inclined supporting surfaces is also investigated. Our results indicate that inclined surfaces aspects of writing discomfort in writ...

INTRODUCTION Writer's cramp is a specific focal hand dystonia causing abnormal posturing and tremor in the upper limb. The most popular medical intervention, botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) therapy, is variably effective for 50-70% of patients. BoNT-A non-responders undergo ineffective treatment and may experience significant side effects. Various assessments have been used to determine re...

Döring et al reveal how neutrophils promote atherosclerosis, and suggest a way to stop it. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with lipid accumulation in the vessel wall. Although the inflammation is known to be promoted, at least in part, by neutrophils, the precise mechanism by which these cells contribute to atherogenesis remains unclear. When activated, neutrophils...