Liquid cooling concepts for power electronics applications have historically used single-phase water/glycol mixtures or deionized water as a primary coolant. Engineered dielectric liquids such as perfluorinated fluorocarbons and fluoroketones are also used, especially in power semiconductor applications for traction and for semiconductor testing, relying on sensible heat transport via a single-phase mechanically pumped loop. Common dielectric fluids such as refrigerants used as coolants in mechanically-pumped two-phase systems have recently been commercialized for cooling IGBT semiconductors in power electronics. Comparative performance data is described. Advanced cooling systems can impact power semiconductor performance, electronic system cost, system volume, and electrical architecture.


Aim. To summarise and analyse data on the species diversity, distribution and substrate spectra of wood-inhabiting basidial macromycetes growing on fruit trees in the Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, Oryol and Tambov Regions.Material and Methods. The work involved a critical examination of literature sources, LE, OHHI, and VU herbaria. We undertook field researches in 2019-2020, identified specimens collected based on light microscopy techniques and isolated the basidial fungi in a pure culture.Results. Data on 97 species of basidial macrofungi from 68 genera associated with Malus, Pyrus and Prunus wood in the Central Black Earth Region are summarised. Antrodia serpens and Ceriporia torpida are newly known to Russia. 65 new dikaryot-ic strains for 22 species of Agaricomycetes have been introduced into the LE-BIN. A total of 65 species are associated with Malus, 34 species with Pyrus and 29 species with Prunus. Five species (Lyomyces crustosus, Stereum hirsutum, Trametes hirsuta, T. ochracea and T. versicolor) grow on all three genera of host. These species specialise in fruit trees include Sarcodontia crocea and Phellinus pomaceus.Conclusion. Pathogenic activity has been clearly observed for 32 species of fungi found on trunks and branches of living trees, causing necrosis and trunk rot. Furthermore, it is recommended that regular phytopathological monitoring of orchards should be carried out, taking the group of xylotrophic fungi into account.


Background In previous chamber studies of diesel exhaust exposure by the Umea group, volunteers were exposed to particle mass concentrations (PM) of 300 µg/m 3 for 1 hour. Clear effects were found in bronchial biopsies and BAL, but not in crude lung function tests. Aim To examine whether exposure to diesel exhaust at 300 µg/m 3 for 3 hours would cause symptoms, signs and or lung function changes. Methods Eighteen healthy subjects were exposed twice to diesel exhaust at 300 µg/m 3 , and twice to clean air ( 3 ), in a double-blind cross-over design, at least one week apart. NO 2 levels were about 1.4 ppm. Before and after exposure medical examination and spirometry were performed. Symptom scores and PEF were assessed before, and after 15, 75, and 135 minutes of exposure. Generalized Estimating Equation models were used to analyze changes from baseline, adjusted for exposure sequence. Results Symptom scores for eyes and throat were higher during diesel exhaust exposure than during filtered air after 75 and 135 minutes. Signs of irritation in upper airways were more common after diesel exhaust exposure. PEF increased during filtered air exposure, but decreased during diesel exhaust, with a statistically significant difference after 75 and 135 minutes. There were no such differences for spirometry. Discussion and Conclusion Increased symptoms and signs from eyes and upper airways were to be expected, while a decrease of PEF has not been reported previously. Repeated PEF measurements during exposure may be a statistically more powerful design than spirometry before and after exposure. Symptoms, signs, and lung function changes were found at exposure levels much lower than occupational limit values.


BACKGROUND
Perigraft collections and wound complications are common after kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine whether intraoperative drain placement had an effect on the risk of these complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Adult patients who underwent kidney transplantation in our center between January 2006 and December 2014 were included. Information regarding absence/presence of drain, imaging studies, and complications (perigraft collection and wound complications) were collected. The effect of drains on outcomes was analyzed using logistic regression after adjustment for baseline characteristics.

RESULTS
Baseline characteristics were similar for 'drain' (n=374) and 'no drain' (n=283) groups. Forty-eight percent (n=317) of the patients were imaged. Fewer patients with a drain (40%) were imaged to diagnose a perigraft collection compared to those without a drain (60%, p<0.001). Perigraft collections and wound complications were detected in 28% (n=186) and 14% (n=90) of the cohort, respectively. Presence of a drain was associated with a significantly lower rate of perigraft collections (odds ratio 0.62, 95% CI [0.43-0.88], p=0.011). However, risk of wound complications was similar for those with a drain versus without a drain (odds ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.42-1.07, p=0.096). Among the 225 patients with a complication, the subsequent intervention rate was the same for those with or without a drain (adjusted odds ratio 1.23, 95% CI 0.61-2.46. p=0.562).

CONCLUSIONS
Drain placement is not associated with a significant reduction in wound complications following kidney transplant and does not reduce the risk of clinically significant perigraft collections. Since it is associated with reduced need for imaging to diagnose collections, it has the potential to reduce transplant costs.


A study of the structure of Batson's plexus and the pathological data gathered from a large series of cases, suggest that this perivertebral venous system is an additional metastatic route, as the one described by Walker.


Using a new European Commission-sponsored longitudinal dataset – the VICO dataset – we assess the impact of independent (IVC) and corporate venture capital (CVC) investments on the economic performance of European high-tech entrepreneurial firms during the period 1992-2010. After controlling for potential sources of endogeneity and selection bias, our results indicate that both IVC and CVC investments boost portfolio firms' economic performance. These effects are mostly due to an increase in real sales value. Moreover, the dynamics of the impact of VC investments on firms' overall economic performance and its components – real sales value, real fixed assets, and real labor costs – differs depending on the type of investor. Finally, we do not detect any impact related to the syndication of investments by both IVC and CVC investors.


The paper describes computer analysis of concentration dependence of oxygen activity coefficients fo in binary liquid titanium-base alloys containing ions of copper, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, zirconium and aluminum. The study covers calculations of oxygen activity coefficient fo and sulphur activity coefficient fs in binary melts of the systems Cu - Fe, Cu - Ni, Cu - Co, Ni - Co, Fe - Ni, Fe - Co as a function of the concentration of metal components.


In view of the fact that alkyl α-cyanoacrylates are usually prepared by thermal degradation of the corresponding polymers, the degradation of polycyanoacrylates under nitrogen at 230-160°C was investigated by means of a heat balance. The degradation velocity of the polymer decreased in the following order: when anionic polymerization products were used, methyl-> ethyl-> isopropyl-> n-butyl-> cyclohexyl-> 2-ethylhexyl-> isobutyl-; when products obtained from alkyl cyan-oacetes through coudensation with formaldehyde were used, ethyl-> methyl-> cyclohexyl-. The degradation velocities were found to be of the first order of the polymer for the cyclohexyl derivative and of the 1/2 order for the rest of the polymers. The effects of the polymerization degree on the degradation were clarified and the activation energies calculated.


Recent studies have shown that the rhodium (II) acetate decomposition chemistry observed for a-diazoketones tethered to thienyl, furanyl, and benzofuranyl moieties is dependent not only on the nature of the heteroatom but also on the length of the aliphatic tether linking the diazoketone moiety with the aromatic fragment. The present thesis expands on these results and focuses on a-diazoketones tethered to benzothiophenes, pyrroles and indoles by a methylene linker. In the case of benzothiophenes, it was shown that the rhodium catalyst decomposition of I-diazo-4-(3-benzothienyl)-2-butanone (146) and 1-diazo-4-(3benzothienyl)-2-butanone (152) allow for the isolation of 1,2,3a,3b-tetrahydro-3Hbenzo[b]cyclopenta[1,3]cyclopropa[1 ,2-d]thiophen-3-one (147) and 1,2,3a,3btetrahydro-3H-benzo[b]cyclopenta[1,3]cyclopropa[1,2-d]thiophen-3-one (153). However treatment of 1-diazo-3-(3-Benzothienyl)-2-Propanone (165) with Rh(II) acetate results in the formation of 2,3-Dihydro-1H-benzo[b]cyclopenta[d]thiophen-2-one (159), while 1diazo-3-(2-Benzothienyl)-2-Propanone with the same condition gives 5,5-bis( 1benzothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-2(5H)-furanone (166) along with the tricycle 159. The chemistry of the pyrrolyl and the indolyl moieties linked to terminal adiazoketone systems was also investigated. The decomposition of I-diazo-(2-pyrrolyl)-2propanone (173) results in the formation of two products; the N-H insertion product IHpyrrolizin-2(3H)-one (176) and the alkylation product 4,6-dihydrocyclopenta[b]pyrrol5(1 H)-one (180). When 1-Diazo-3-(3-indoly)-3-propanone (194) is treated with catalytic amount of Rh (II) 3,4-dihydrocyclopenta[b]indol-2(1H)-one (193) is isolated quantitatively. The later reaction when monitored using IH NMR the intermediate 200 can be seen whose structure was confirmed by the comparison to series of model compounds. The mechanisms underlying these reactions as well as their synthetic utility is discussed.


Retrosynthetic planning, which aims to find a reaction pathway to synthesize a target molecule, plays an important role in chemistry and drug discovery. This task is usually modeled as a search problem. Recently, data-driven methods have attracted many research interests and shown promising results for retrosynthetic planning. We observe that the same intermediate molecules are visited many times in the searching process, and they are usually independently treated in previous tree-based methods (e.g., AND-OR tree search, Monte Carlo tree search). Such redundancies make the search process inefficient. We propose a graph-based search policy that eliminates the redundant explorations of any intermediate molecules. As searching over a graph is more complicated than over a tree, we further adopt a graph neural network to guide the search over graphs. Meanwhile, our method can search a batch of targets together in the graph and remove the inter-target duplication in the tree-based search methods. Experimental results on two datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. Especially on the widely used USPTO benchmark, we improve the search success rate to 99.47%, advancing previous state-of-the-art performance for 2.6 points.


Spinach chloroplast NAD(P)-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (NAD(P)-GAPDH; EC, 220.127.116.11) was purified as the 600-kDa oligomer of low specific activity. Incubation of the enzyme with either a reductant or a 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3bisPGA) generating system, but most effectively with both, resulted in an increase of the apparent NADPH-dependent activity. Only the 1,3bisPGA treatment caused dissociation and yielded the 150-kDa heterotetramer (A2B2). The higher activity of the tetramer is largely due to a decreased KM value for the substrate 1,3bisPGA. Reductive treatment alone does not dissociate the enzyme. Reduction was equally effective with glutathione as with dithiothreitol or with reduced thioredoxin f. The concentration of 1,3bisPGA required to obtain 50% activity (K alpha) was 19.5 +/- 4.1 microM for the untreated enzyme and 2.0 +/- 1.4 microM for the thiol-pretreated enzyme. Thus, in vitro 1,3bisPGA, alone or--at much lower concentrations--together with a reductant can activate (and dissociate) NAD(P)-GAPDH. The enzyme exhibits similar K alpha values in its reduced and its oxidized form for ATP (1-2 mM), NADP (50-200 microM), and NADPH (0.3-0.5 mM) as positive effectors, but these effectors do not lead to any activation when present together with 0.14 mM NAD. Only 1,3bisPGA retained its characteristic effect in the presence of NAD. The dissociated enzyme reaggregates upon removal of the positive effectors. From these results it is concluded (i) that the role of the reduction of the NAD(P)-GAPDH in vivo is to increase its sensitivity toward the activator 1,3bisPGA and (ii) that the actual activation (and aggregation) state of the enzyme in chloroplasts in the light is regulated by the concentration of 1,3bisPGA as activator in the stroma and its actual activity by the availability of 1,3bisPGA as substrate.


An important issue for regional tectonics and earthquake hazard estimation is whether large earthquakes are "characteristic", more frequent than would be inferred from the rates of smaller events. A challenge in resolving this question is that the rates of small earthquakes are typically determined from the seismologically recorded earthquake history, whereas the rates of large earthquakes are inferred from paleoseismic observations. As a consequence, different results from comparing the two can arise depending on the specific assumptions made and time and space sampling used.

In general, earthquake recurrences approximately follow a log-linear, b -value, or Gutenberg-Richter relation, log N = a - bM , with b ∼1, such that the logarithm of the annual number ( N ) of earthquakes above a given magnitude ( M ) decreases linearly with magnitude (Ishimoto and Iida, 1939; Gutenberg and Richter, 1944). Studies of specific areas, however, which commonly address the short history of seismological observations by combining seismological data for smaller earthquakes with paleoseismic data or geologic inferences for larger earthquakes, sometimes infer that large "characteristic" earthquakes occur more frequently than expected from the log-linear frequency-magnitude relation observed for smaller earthquakes (Schwartz and Coppersmith, 1984).

Whether characteristic earthquakes are real or apparent in any given region is an interesting question (Kagan, 1996; Wesnousky, 1996). A number of effects can give rise to apparent characteristic earthquakes or "uncharacteristic" earthquakes, ones that appear to occur less frequently than expected from the rates of smaller earthquakes (Stein and Newman, 2004). One bias can result from a short recorded earthquake history, in particular if its length is comparable to the mean recurrence time of large earthquakes predicted by a Gutenberg-Richter distribution. A second bias can result from errors in estimating the size or frequency of the largest earthquakes from the paleoseismic record (Stein and Newman, 2004; …


This document describes the error rate performance of the enhanced Turbo Coding scheme proposed in R1-164635 at RAN1#85 meeting and detailed in R1-167413.


Consider a sequence of outcomes from Markov dependent two-state (success–failure) trials. In this paper, the exact distributions are derived for three longest-run statistics: the longest failure run, longest success run, and the maximum of the two. The method of finite Markov chain imbedding is used to obtain these exact distributions, and their bounds and large deviation approximation are also studied. Numerical comparisons among the exact distributions, bounds, and approximations are provided to illustrate the theoretical results. With some modifications, we show that the results can be easily extended to Markov dependent multistate trials.


IMPORTANCE This study addresses the most common initial symptoms of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and investigates differences between human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive vs HPV-negative tumors. OBJECTIVES To analyze the most common initial symptoms in patients with OPSCC and to determine if any differences in initial symptoms occur between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Retrospective single-institution review of medical records of previously untreated patients with OPSCC diagnosed from January 1, 2008, toMay 20, 2013, who were evaluated by 1 physician (the senior author, T.A.D.) at the Medical University of South Carolina. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We determined the most common initial symptoms of OPSCC and analyzed differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors. RESULTS Neck mass (in 39 patients [44%]) and sore throat (in 29 patients [33%]) comprised the most common initial symptoms in OPSCC. Patients who were HPV-positive were more likely to initially notice a neck mass than HPV-negative patients (51% vs 18%; P = .02), whereas HPV-negative patients were more likely to notice sore throat (53%vs 28%; P = .09), dysphagia (41% vs 10%; P = .05), or odynophagia (24%vs 6%; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study provides preliminary evidence supporting neck mass and sore throat as the initial symptoms of patients with OPSCC. Patients who were HPV-positive more commonly complained of a neck mass as the initial symptom, whereas HPV-negative patients more commonly had symptoms related to the primary tumor site, including sore throat, dysphagia, and/or odynophagia.


Author(s): Hsieh, Kuo-Kai | Advisor(s): Wang, Li-C. | Abstract: Design verification has been a challenging problem due to the increasing complexity of modern system-on-chip (SoC) designs and it is considered one of the costliest processes in hardware design flow. This dissertation investigates a major labor-intensive task, generating tests to hit a given coverage point, in simulation-based verification, and proposes an autonomous software system capable of completing the task. A key feature of the proposed system is its learning capability -- it can learn from examples provided by human engineers to improve itself. There are three major components in the proposed system: test generation, a knowledge database, and rule learning algorithms. The proposed system is able to retrieve information from the database, use the information to analyze simulation results, and generate new tests based on the analysis. Several machine learning techniques are used in the proposed system. For test generation, a novel method, constrained process discovery, is used to learn a test case generation model from manually developed tests. The test case generation model can create new tests and increase its test generation capability by learning from tests developed by humans. For creating a knowledge database, text mining methods are used to extract important design features from design documents. Experiments showed that the extracted signals can be utilized as observation points to infer important hardware events. Last, a novel rule learning method, VeSC-CoL, is proposed to analyze simulation results. VeSC-CoL can handle extremely imbalanced data, which is common in verification, while traditional rule learning methods cannot.


Machine learning models usually assume i.i.d data during training and testing, but data and tasks in real world often change over time. To emulate the transient nature of real world, we propose a challenging but practical task: text classification in-the-wild, which introduces different non-stationary training/testing stages. Decomposing a complex task into modular components can enable robust generalisation under such non-stationary environment. However, current modular approaches in NLP do not take advantage of recent advances in parameter efficient tuning of pretrained language models. To close this gap, we propose ModularPrompt, a label-modular prompt tuning framework for text classification tasks. In ModularPrompt, the input prompt consists of a sequence of soft label prompts, each encoding modular knowledge related to the corresponding class label. In two of most formidable settings, ModularPrompt outperforms relevant baselines by a large margin demonstrating strong generalisation ability. We also conduct comprehensive analysis to validate whether the learned prompts satisfy properties of a modular representation.


Potential hydrocarbon reservoir rocks may be emplaced on or under the outer continental margin by several different processes or combinations of processes: I. Normal processes of distribution of sediments are reasonably well understood from studies of the modern oceans, but the lessons of these studies cannot be applied indiscriminately to interpretation of pre-Quaternary sediments and continental margins because of the profound effects of Quaternary sea level fluctuations. II. The products of these processes of deposition may be displaced relative to present sea level by several mechanisms. These displaced facies may constitute prospective reservoir rocks only if they could otherwise have been favorable before displacement and if their reservoir characteristics are not a versely affected during the displacement processes. IIA. Eustatic sea level changes of the past may have resulted in accumulation of shore zone sediments, for example, as much as a few hundred meters below the present shore zone. IIB. Crustal thinning and block faulting are common during early rifting stages of formation of what become intraplate continental margins, followed by subsidence of porous and permeable continental, shore zone, and shallow marine sediments to abyssal depths, where they may be covered by pelagic sediments and/or prograding wedges of normal continental margin facies. IIC. The process of subduction may be accompanied by transfer of sediments from the underthrusting plate to the leading edge of the overriding plate, followed by uplift in imbricate thrust sheets to he crest of a non-volcanic ridge or edge of a marginal plateau lying outboard of a volcanic arc or Andean Type continental margin. This phase of uplift may then be followed by subsidence under the forearc basin. IID. Sediment accumulations of outer shelf or slope environments may be displaced into deeper water base-of-slope environments by submarine sliding. Such slides or olistostromes may occur on either intraplate or plate edge margins. Slope instability may result from either depositional or tectonic over-steepening and may be triggered by either oceanographic or tectonic disturbance.


Pandanus odoratissimus (P. odoratissimus) belongs to the Pandanus genus from Pandanaceae. The research involving this coastal species was reviewed and compiled. From the literature, the pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigations including chromatographic analysis were carried out on the leaves extract. Two phenolic compounds, four lignan type compounds plus a benzofuran derivative were published as the constituents of this plant. In addition, the biological work was also conducted. This included the investigation of antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities of the fractions. In this paper, the microscopical study utilising Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is presented. From the photomicrographs, both fruits and leaves of P. odoratissimus contained singly scattered and bundles of calcium oxalate raphides, observed as acicular crystals, having the shape of narrow, long and pointed needles. In addition, another morphological type of calcium oxalate was also observed. The styloids were detected as rectangular crystals having extensions around their four edges. Previously, the styloids were found in a different Pandanus species, P. gasicus and Freycinetia, another genus of Pandanaceae. In summary, this is the second report of the simultaneous occurrences of two crystalline shapes from a Pandanus.


Purpose This study was to investigate whether a systematized bladder training (BT) program is effective for patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). Methods A prospective study was conducted on 105 patients with OAB from March 2009 to November 2011. We developed a 30 minutes BT program, which consisted of first, refraining from going to the bathroom after feeling an urge to void, second, in order to stop thinking about voiding, ceasing action and thought temporarily, and third, performing pelvic floor exercises 5 to 6 times. Before and after BT, the patients filled out voiding diaries as well as the following questionnaires; International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for overactive bladder (ICIQ-OAB), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q), the short form 36-item health survey (SF-36) questionnaire, the work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire, and a patients' perception of treatment benefit (PPTB). Results A final analysis was performed from on 85 patients (38 male, 47 female) with idiopathic OAB. After the first BT, the results of the ICIQ-OAB showed improvement in frequency, nocturia, and urgency (P<0.05), and all domains of IPSS questionnaires showed significant improvement (P<0.05). Among the SF-36 domains, the role-physical domain showed significant improvement after the first BT, and the general health domain showed significant improvement after the second. The voiding diaries showed statistically significant changes in maximal voided volume after the first BT, and nocturia index and nocturnal polyuria index after the second BT. According to the PPTB questionnaire, the perceived usefulness of BT increased after each session, and almost all of the patients replied that BT improved their symptoms. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that BT was effective in improving many OAB related symptoms and quality of life in patients with idiopathic OAB. More clinical application of BT could be implemented in the future.


A conceptual model that incorporates critical thinking, collaborative learning, and just‐in‐time education is presented for use in the hospitality industry. The theory and constructs of the model and a method for application to the industrial training setting are explained. The concepts of the model have relevant application to both industry and academic education settings. Continuing education opportunities, which are designed using the proposed model, would allow current managers in the industry to update their decision‐making, problem solving and communication skills. .


Abstract— A cladogram of green plants involving all major extant groups of green algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, and seed plants is presented. It is partly based on contributions by B. Mishler and S. Churchill, H. Wagner, and P. Crane. The relationships of green plants to other green organisms (Prochloron, euglenophytes) are discussed. The characters and subclades of the cladogram are briefly discussed, with an attempt to indicate weak points. The possibility of including some major extinct groups is considered. A cladistic classification consistent with the cladogram is presented. Grades are abandoned as taxa and major clades like the division Chlorophyta (green algae excluding micro‐monadophytes and charophytes sensu Mattox and Stewart), the division Streptophyta (charophytes + embryophytes), the subdivision Embryophytina (land plants or embryophytes), the superclass Tracheidatae (tracheophytes), and the class Spermatopsida (seed plants) are recognized.


In the present paper, we describe experimental investigations of unipolar arcs generated in a vacuum arc plasma. An effect of additional injection of the high-frequency power is studied. A coaxial floating arc probe of special design is used for the arc characteristic measurements, and the arc tracks on the polished probe electrodes are studied. The breakdown rate of the probe in the high-frequency plasma discharge is found to have an abrupt cutoff with a frequency approaching the critical value of about 10/sup 7/ Hz. Independent measurement of electrode erosion confirms this effect. The eroded mass reaches the value of 10/sup -12/ kg/spl middot/s/sup -1/ for zero frequency and falls to the value of 10/sup -13/ kg/spl middot/s/sup -1/ for frequency approaching 10/sup 7/ Hz.


Cardiotocography (CTG), which measures the fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal uterine contractions (UC) simultaneously, is used for monitoring fetal well-being during delivery or antenatally at the third trimester. Baseline FHR and its response to uterine contractions can be used to diagnose fetal distress, which may necessitate therapeutic intervention. In this study, a machine learning model based on feature extraction (autoencoder), feature selection (recursive feature elimination), and Bayesian optimization, was proposed to diagnose and classify the different conditions of fetuses (Normal, Suspect, Pathologic) along with the CTG morphological patterns. The model was evaluated on a publicly available CTG dataset. This research also addressed the imbalance nature of the CTG dataset. The proposed model has a potential application as a decision support tool to manage pregnancies. The proposed model resulted in good performance analysis metrics. Using this model with Random Forest resulted in a model accuracy of 96.62% for fetal status classification and 94.96% for CTG morphological pattern classification. In rational terms, the model was able to accurately predict 98% Suspect cases and 98.6% Pathologic cases in the dataset. The combination of predicting and classifying fetal status as well as the CTG morphological patterns shows potential in monitoring high-risk pregnancies.


ABSTRACT The capsid of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), a nonenveloped virus of the family Birnaviridae, has a T=13l icosahedral shell constituted by a single protein, VP2, and several disordered peptides, all derived from the precursor pVP2. In this study, we show that two of the peptides, pep11 and pep46, control virus assembly and cell entry. Deletion of pep11 or even simple substitution of most of its residues blocks the capsid morphogenesis. Removal of pep46 also prevents capsid assembly but leads to the formation of subviral particles formed by unprocessed VP2 species. Fitting with the VP2 atomic model into three-dimensional reconstructions of these particles demonstrates that the presence of uncleaved pep46 causes a steric hindrance at the vertices, blocking fivefold axis formation. Mutagenesis of the pVP2 maturation sites confirms that C terminus processing is necessary for VP2 to acquire the correct icosahedral architecture. All peptides present on virions are accessible to proteases or biochemical labeling. One of them, pep46, is shown to induce large structural rearrangements in liposomes and to destabilize target membranes, demonstrating its implication in cell entry.


[1] The south polar terrain (SPT) of Saturn's moon Enceladus is a mysteriously active region that exhibits intriguing tectonic signatures and widespread fracturing. The central region of the nearly-circular SPT is depressed into the surface by a few hundred meters and bounded by a ring of cliffs roughly 1 km high. In this study, we investigate whether this depression and surrounding mountainous uplift is consistent with the morphology of terrestrial rift basins and the possibility that the SPT could have formed during a tectonic event analogous to those of such rift basins on Earth. Using three mechanical models of basin formation, we compare our predicted topography of the SPT with observed topography of the region. The first of three models we consider assumes crustal stretching by factor b, and predicts a basin depth of roughly 600 m, closely matching previously published estimates of the depth at the SPT. Models of extension and compression, assuming an elastic response in the ice crust, predict best-fit mountain uplift of roughly 1820 m and 1130 m, respectively. Our preferred model suggests that the icy shell in the SPT has been stretched, but the extension is (partially) balanced by compression along the edges of the basin leading to the uplift of the mountains along the boundary, thereby implying that the SPT may have a tectonic origin analogous to that of a terrestrial basin.


Heart failure is a progressive clinical syndrome marked by venous congestion and maladaptive neurohormonal activation in the setting of left ventricular dysfunction. More recently, another face of this syndrome is beginning to emerge involving metabolic derangements implicating other organs—adipose tissue, skeletal muscle—and the endocrine systems of leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor—regulating their mass and function. The metabolic abnormalities which have been described thus far include the following: (1) Systemic and myocardial insulin resistance; (2) Mitochondrial dysfunction; (3) Progressive weight loss leading to cardiac cachexia in the more advanced stages; and (4) Myocardial energetic failure associated with a downregulation of fatty acid uptake and oxidation resulting in a rigid shift from fatty acid to glucose as the primary energy source for maintenance of ATP flux in the heart—a preferential switch to a fetal-like gene program regulating cardiac energetics. Despite the important advances to date, our understanding of all the components comprised by the metabolic phenotype of human heart failure is certainly incomplete, if not rudimentary.


The current technological trend depicts a scenario in which space, and more generally the environment in which the computation takes place, represents a key aspect that must be considered in order to improve systems context awareness. Reasoning about such context can be interpreted as spatial reasoning, which means not only to be able to carry out inferences about the space itself, but also inferences about spatially related information according a given background knowledge. Past works have shown that hybrid modal logics are a powerful and rich formalism to model qualitative spatial reasoning and reasoning on information spread into graph-like structures. In this paper we present the preliminary results we obtained in designing and implementing HyLMoC, a model checking system for hybrid modal logics. The functionalities of the model checker are based on backend module that accepts as inputs a list of hybrid modal formulas and the specification of a labeled graph structure that is compliant with the characteristics of a Kripke model. The current implementation of the backend allows to perform different reasoning tasks with respect to those inputs: Local and Global model checking, and All-worlds model checking.


BACKGROUND
Globally, cannabis is the most widely used and variably regulated illicit drug. The rates of use appeared to be stable in Australia at the time of the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, but levels of cannabis use disorder are rising and treatment seeking is increasing internationally.

OBJECTIVE
This article describes the prevalence of cannabis use, associated disorders (eg harms with early and frequent use), and information on assessment and management. Links to a range of free online and telephone resources are provided.

DISCUSSION
Cannabis use is common and around one in 10 people who ever used cannabis will go on to develop a cannabis use disorder diagnosable according to the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition criteria. Substance use disorders comorbid with mental health conditions are common, and the two should be assessed and treated concurrently. A screening algorithm and review of the evidence for psychosocial interventions, including technological platforms such as web-based and telephone, is provided.


A case of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is reported. The patient was a 44-year-old man. The tumor occupied Ea approximately C (E less than C) and was a large protruding mass. Partial esophagectomy (Ei approximately Ea) and total gastrectomy with splenectomy (R2), postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (DTIC.CDDP) and radiation against the metastatic lesion of the right adrenal were performed. The patient died eight months postoperatively with massive multiple metastases to the liver. Histologically, the tumor tissue was diagnosed as primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus with junctional change and esophageal melanocytosis.


Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the most important causes of mortality in Iran. Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Dietary modification such as cereal bran consumption is an approach to reduce this risk factor. The purpose of this present study was to compare the effects of rice bran and wheat bran on serum lipids in hypercholesterolemic women.
Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial in which 19 women aged 35-65 years with fasting serum total cholesterol 240-300 mg/dl randomly allocated in two groups of wheat bran and rice bran. All subjects recieved 40 g/day bran in addition to their usual diet for 4 weeks.
 Anthropometric measurements, dietary assessments by using a 24-hr dietary recall questionnaire and determination of serum lipids were done at the beginning and the end of the study. Data were statistically analyzed by t-test and paired t-test.
Results: There were no significant differences between groups for mean body weight, BMI and dietary confounding factors. During 4 weeks, wheat bran significantly reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL-C by 11% and 21% respectively (P<0.01) but rice bran had no effects on these parameters. No significant changes were found in mean serum triglyceride, HDL-C levels, LDL-C/ HDL-C and total cholesterol/ HDL-C ratios in both groups.
Conclusion: It is concluded that wheat bran have benefical effects on serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels in hypercholesterolemic women in comparision with rice bran.


Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL

The sigma-2 receptor is overexpressed in various human tumors. Sigma-2 receptor selective radiotracers have been shown to target various solid tumors in rodents and in human patients using positron emission tomography. Sigma-2 receptor ligands can be internalized into tumor cells by the endocytotic pathway. Therefore, sigma-2 receptor ligands are excellent candidates as tumor-targeted delivery agents when covalently attached to drugs. Smac is a protein released from mitochondria into the cytosol in response to apoptotic stimuli. Small-molecule Smac mimetic compounds (SMC) have been developed by several laboratories as anticancer drugs. In this study we validate sigma-2 ligand as a tumor-targeting drug delivery agent for treating ovarian cancer. We have synthesized sigma-2 ligand-conjugated SMC (SSMC), SW III-123. Our data show that SW III-123 has adequate sigma-2 receptor binding affinities (Kiα2 =190 nM and Kiα1 =2046 nM). SW III-123 exhibits potent antitumor activities with EC50 values at 4.0 μM, 2.3 μM and 2.4 μM in human ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV-3, CaOV-3, and BG-1, respectively. In contrast, unconjugated SMC, SW IV-52s, shows little cytotoxicity in these cell lines (EC50 > 200 μM). These results suggest that the sigma-2 ligand has successfully delivered SMC into ovarian cancer cells. Western blot results show that SW III-123 degrades inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), XIAP and cIAP-1, in SKOV-3 cells, possibly by interacting with the baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) domains of IAPs. SW III-123 cleaves caspase-3, 8, and 9 dose-dependently in SKOV-3 cells, indicating that SW III-123 kills ovarian cancer cells by activating both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. In conclusion, sigma-2 ligand is a promising tumor-targeting drug delivery agent. SSMC will likely offer a novel class of therapeutic drugs for treating ovarian cancer.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5690. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5690


A technique is described for the preparation of banded chromosomes from early equine embryos cultured for less than 10 h in a medium containing bromodeoxyuridine. In addition to standard Giemsa staining and C-banding, chromosomes thus prepared can also be R-banded by either the RBA or the RB-FPG methods. This technique is rapid, repeatable, and limits cell loss, making it ideal for the preparation of early embryos.


Nickel acetylacetonate of 0.2 M aqueous solution is used to synthesize (NiO) thin films by pulsed spray pyrolysis method onto glass substrates. Structural and morphological properties of the deposited films were examined using (XRD) and (FESEM) techniques. The results revealed that at low substrate temperatures and short spray time, the obtained films were amorphous, whereas the films deposited at higher temperatures and long spray time has a cubic phase. Cross-sectional FESEM is used to properly estimate films thicknesses. The energy band gap is calculated to be 3.52–3.89 eV using optical spectrum measurements. Electrochromic properties of NiO films deposited on FTO working electrode substrates are measured in a three-electrode cell containing KOH with Ag/AgCl reference electrode at a scan rate of 20 mV/s. The charge density increases with the thickness, and it is 98.0 mC/cm2 at the thickness of 360 nm after 30-min deposition time at 400 °C and for most of the samples the film stability increases after cycling.


Translational medicine is concerned with the translation of research discoveries into clinical applications for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases. Here we briefly review the research concerning the role of the renal sympathetic nerves (efferent and afferent) in the control of renal function, with particular reference to hypertension. The accumulated evidence is compelling for a primary role of the renal innervation in the pathogenesis of hypertension. These research discoveries led to the development of a catheter-based procedure for renal denervation in human subjects. A proof-of-principle study in patients with hypertension resistant to conventional therapy has demonstrated that the procedure is safe and produces renal denervation with sustained lowering of arterial pressure.


Effective diffusivities of various artificial tracers of 0.59-2.78 E-6 cm2 s"1 for Maastrichtian chalk (Danish), and of 0.919-6.22 E-7 cm2 s"1 for Eocene (Israeli) chalk samples were obtained with the help of through-diffusion experiments. The variations can be explained by Archie's law with a distinct cementation factor for the chalk varieties tested. The Eocene chalk shows small relative diffusivity resulting in an extremely large m value of 3.3 due to its narrow and wide range of pore-throat sizes. The rock capacity factors obtained indicate retardation of pyranine in all chalk samples and batch experiments performed in parallel confirmed the sorptive behaviour of pyranine in chalk.


Abstract:This article places Doctor Duchenne de Boulogne's 1862 study, Mécanisme de la physionomie humaine, in dialogue with Emile Zola's 1872 novel, La Curée, arguing that both texts experimented with copied human expressions and their reader's ability to decode them. In the first part, this article shows that Duchenne's use of photography and his recasting of sculptures trained the reader to detect how facial expressions were copied and modified in different media. In the second part, this article proposes that Zola's narrative, which is an adaptation of Racine's Phèdre, mirrors and extends this form of perceptual training in its use of photography, tableaux vivants, and an embedded stage production of the play it copies. By highlighting practices of making and observing copies, Duchenne's study and Zola's novel cultivated a form of spectatorship in which human expressivity was perceived, and evaluated, through an appreciation of the technical means of its reproduction.


This grainy old photograph from The Courier-Mail of 2 April 1971, under the headline 'The Three Ancients', shows three grey-haired men — James Devaney (identified as being 80 years old), Frank Francis (75), and Robert S. Byrnes (71) — standing around a middle-aged woman who sits at a Victorian-style desk in front of a photograph of the Queen. The caption explains this puzzling image. As an April Fool's Day gesture, the self-styled 'three ancients', all former presidents of the Queensland Branch of the Federation of Australian Writers (FAW(Q)), are singing a song called 'Three Ex-P's' (to the tune of 'Three Blind Mice') to the current president, Maureen Freer. The three men, we are assured, 'have made a large contribution to the cultural activities of Queensland'.


Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are the most common manifestations of small vessel disease, and often co-occur in patients with cerebral vascular disease. Hypertension is widely accepted as a risk factor for both CMBs and WMH. However, the effect of hypertension on the association between CMBs and WMH remains unclear. We hypothesized that the relationship between CMBs and WMH is determined by hypertension. One hundred forty-eight patients with acute cerebrovascular disease who were admitted to PLA general hospital in Beijing, China from February 2010 to May 2011 were recruited in this study. CMBs on T2*-weighted angiography (SWAN) were assessed using the Brain Observer Microbleed Rating Scale criteria. The severity of the WMH was separately assessed as either peri-ventricular hyperintensities (PVH) or deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH). The association among CMBs and the severity of WMH, and hypertension were determined. CMBs were found in 65 (43.9%) patients. The frequency of CMBs was related to the severity of DWMH and PVH. CMBs were more frequently observed in patients with hypertension compared to patients without hypertension (51.3% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.001). Hypertension was an independent risk factor for CMBs (odds ratio 5.239, p = 0.001) and DWMH (odds ratio 2.373, p = 0.040). Furthermore, the relationship between the presence of CMBs and the severity of DWMH was only found in patients with hypertension (r = 0.298, p<0.01). However, CMBs were associated with PVH independently of hypertension. This study demonstrated that hypertension determined the association between CMBs and DWMH.


To better understand suicide loss survivors' experiences and barriers to accessing support and mental health care, 28 (21 women and 7 men) suicide loss survivors were interviewed. Using qualitative analysis of 28 in-depth, semi-structured phone interviews data, three categories emerged: Life before Suicide, Life after Suicide, and Meaning of Life. This deeper understanding of suicide loss survivors along with inclusion of experiences of male and rural participants' suicide loss, fill previously identified research gaps. Our findings suggest importance in providing emotional support and mental health resources to those with suicide intent or experiences with suicide loss. Most importantly, the recognition of suicide loss survivors extends beyond the immediate family and includes cousins, friends, and work associates. Recognition of extended suicide loss survivors' bereavement will provide additional opportunities for healthcare providers to effectively intervene with this vulnerable population.


Extinction-driven, body-size reduction of seed dispersers (i.e. an ecological downsizing resulting from severe defaunation) can entail the loss of unique ecological functions, and impair plant regeneration. However, the manner in which the downsizing of mutualistic animals affects seed dispersal and plant recruitment remains understudied. Here, we took advantage of a natural experiment in the Canarian archipelago to document the consequences of lizards body-size reduction (Gallotia, Lacertidae) on the recruitment of Neochamaelea pulverulenta (Rutaceae), which relies exclusively on these frugivores for seed dispersal. Subsequent to the arrival of humans (ca. 2000–2500 yr BP), the extinction of large-bodied lizards generated a gradient of increasing defaunation on the three islands inhabited by this plant. We hypothesized a significant reduction, and eventually collapse, of early seedling recruitment mirroring the defaunation intensity of the frugivores. We sampled 42 populations spanning the whole geographic range of the plant to examine the quantitative (age structure pattern) and qualitative components (proportion of seedlings growing outside the canopy, number of seedlings established outside the canopy relative to the number of adults – effective recruitment rate, and seedling vigour) of plant regeneration. Our results show that the age structure patterns did not differ among the three contrasted insular scenarios. However, we found significant reductions in seedling recruitment outside the canopy, effective recruitment rate, and delayed negative effects on seedling vigour in populations hosting smallto medium-sized lizard species. Thus, extirpation of large seed-dispersers did not cause substantial reductions in quantitative components of seed dispersal, but determined declines in qualitative aspects impairing dispersal effectiveness. Our study highlights the importance of examining all components of the dispersal and recruitment process to properly document the regeneration outcomes of plants in defaunated, downsized ecological scenarios. , Stift g th t al. hav nam rig expe e de ized Harr h fra ing e © 2014 Geobotanisches Institut ETH


We investigate the dependence of the threshold current of broad-area lasers on the stripe width. A comparison of differently deep-etched devices fabricated from the same wafer reveals that the stripe width dependence of the threshold current is caused by the current spreading effect. We propose a simple method to obtain a transparency current density characterizing a particular epitaxial structure without being influenced by current spreading.


Highly interconnected power grid is developing more and more complex. Cascading failure in such complex power grid, which can be triggered by some disturbances, will have global catastrophic effects over the entire networks. So the research on cascading failure of complex power grid is of significant concern. The foundation of such research is the modeling. In this paper, the mechanism of cascading failure in power grid is firstly explained. Then respectively from the point of view in artificial power system and complex network, several existing models are introduced and commented. And some feasible methods, which should be paid more attention to in the future, in order to prevent and control cascading failure are also analyzed and discussed


Scheduling scientific applications in parallel on non-dedicated, heterogeneous systems, where the computing resources may differ in availability, is a challenging task, and requires efficient execution and robust scheduling methods. Dynamic loop scheduling methods provide means to achieve the desired robust performance. These methods are based on probabilistic analyses and are inherently robust. However, a methodology is required to measure the robustness of the dynamic loop scheduling methods that ensures their performance in unpredictably changing computing environments. In this paper, a methodology is proposed for performing robustness analysis of the dynamic loop scheduling techniques using a metric, formulated in earlier work, to measure their robustness in heterogeneous computing systems with uncertainties. The dynamic loop scheduling methods have been implemented in a simulation. The experimental results were used as an input to the proposed methodology, which in turn has been used to experimentally analyze the robustness of a number of dynamic loop scheduling methods on a heterogeneous system with variable availability.


Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC

γ-TmT, a tocopherol mixture that is rich in γ-tocopherol (γ-T), containing 56.8% γ-T, 24.3% δ-T, 13.0% α-T and 1.5% β-T, has been shown to inhibit colon, lung, mammary and prostate tumorigenesis in our previous studies, whereas α-T was ineffective. The present work investigated the inhibition of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP)-induced prostate carcinogenesis in CYP1A-humanized (hCYP1A) mice by γ-TmT. Male hCYP1A mice, maintained on the AIN93M diet or the same diet supplemented with 0.3% γ-TmT, were treated with a dose of PhIP (200 mg/kg, i.g.). At week 40 after PhIP treatment, all mice developed high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (hgPIN) in the dorso-lateral glands. The hgPIN was associated with elevated levels of 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), DNMT1, COX-2 and p-AKT, as well as with loss of expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN, E-cadherin, GSTP1 and Nrf2 in the dorso-lateral glands. In the γ-TmT group, the number of glands with hgPIN (per 100 glands) was significantly lower than the control group (14.6 ± 4.87 vs. 34.81 ± 3.87, p < 0.01). The γ-TmT treatment also prevented the elevation of 8-oxo-dG, COX-2 and p-AKT and the loss of PTEN and Nrf2. The γ-TmT treatment significantly increased the plasma levels of γ-T and δ-T (to 1.7 and 0.8 μM, respectively) as well as their side-chain degradation metabolites, carboxyethyl hydroxychromans and carboxymethylbutyl hydroxychromans (to 2.6-4.0 μM, higher than their parent tocopherols). In a short-term experiment, PhIP-treatment elevated levels of 8-oxo-dG, γH2AX and DNMT1, and caused gene expression changes in several p53-associated genes, including p53bp1, p21WAF1/CIP1, cyclin D1, Bax, Igf1 and cyclinG1 at 1 and/or 3 days after PhIP treatment. Dietary γ-TmT treatment partially prevented the elevation of 8-oxo-dG, γH2AX and DNMT1. This action may contribute to the prostate cancer preventive effect of tocopherols. The presently observed inhibitory activities of γ-TmT against prostate carcinogenesis are hypothesized to be due to the decrease of oxidative stress and inhibition of AKT phosphorylation by γ- and δ-tocopherols, and this hypothesis remains to be tested further (supported by NIH grants CA159361 & CA133021).

Citation Format: Guangxun Li, Hong Wang, Anna B. Liu, Jayson X. Chen, Mao-Jung Lee, Chung S. Yang. Tocopherols inhibit the dietary carcinogen PhIP-induced prostate carcinogenesis in a CYP1A-humanized mouse model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 202. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-202


Recent developments in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) enable interconnected vehicles to support ubiquitous services. Various emerging service applications are promising to increase the Quality of Experience (QoE) of users. On-board computation tasks generated by these applications have heavily overloaded the resource-constrained vehicles, forcing it to offload on-board tasks to other edge intelligence (EI)-assisted servers. However, excessive task offloading can lead to severe competition for communication and computation resources among vehicles, thereby increasing the processing latency, energy consumption, and system cost. To address these problems, we investigate the transmission-awareness and computing-sense uplink resource management problem and formulate it as a time-varying Markov decision process. Considering the total delay, energy consumption, and cost, quantum-inspired reinforcement learning (QRL) is proposed to develop an intelligence-oriented edge offloading strategy. Specifically, the vehicle can flexibly choose the network access mode and offloading strategy through two different radio interfaces to offload tasks to multiaccess edge computing (MEC) servers through WiFi and cloud servers through 5G. The objective of this joint optimization is to maintain a self-adaptive balance between these two aspects. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce the transmission latency and computation delay.


Abstract The integration of ac-dc power converters to manage the connection of generation to the grid has increased exponentially over the last years. PV or wind generation plants are one of the main applications showing this trend. High power converters are increasingly installed for integrating the renewables in a larger scale. The control design for these converters becomes more challenging due to the reduced control bandwidth and increased complexity in the grid connection filter. A generalized and optimized control tuning approach for converters becomes more favored. This paper proposes an algorithm for estimating the dynamic performance of the stationary frame current controllers, and based on it a generalized and optimized tuning approach is developed. The experience-based specifications of the tuning inputs are not necessary through the tuning approach. Simulation and experimental results in different scenarios are shown to evaluate the proposal.


Over the past two decades many reports have demonstrated the value of non-canonical amino acids (ncAA) as single bioactive molecules, scaffolds and building blocks for drug discovery, for probing protein function, as parts of bioactive peptides, for design of antibody-drug conjugates, and for design of new biomaterials. We have reviewed state-of-the art biocatalytic approaches to synthesise ncAAs, including metabolic engineering, and addressed recent advances made in the field of synthetic biology to allow direct incorporation of ncAAs in proteins. We have then focused on the role of ncAAs in modification and improvement of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and discussed how using orthogonal translation systems can contribute to more efficient synthesis of AMPs while simultaneously improving their bioavailability. Finally, we have addressed the latest achievements in application of ncAAs for the modification of anticancer peptides (ACP).


We have already established a pair of human autologous clones, tumorspecific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte clone 1.,,%,« , and tumor target clone HMC-1-8, that were derived from the metastatic pleura! effusion of a patient with mammary carcinoma. In this paper, we describe the target antigen that was defined by monoclonal antibody 3A2. This monoclonal antibody selectively inhibited the cytotoxic action of T.,,M, , against HMC1-8 autologous tumor target cells, but not the cytotoxicity of lymphokine-activated killer and possibly natural killer cells against HMC-1-8 cells. Western blot analysis using the 3A2 monoclonal antibody identified a molecule with an approximate molecular weight of 92,000. This antigen was highly expressed on autologous primary cancer cells of breast carcinoma tissue, but not on the normal mammary gland in the same patient. Moreover, this antigen can be detected on approximately 50% of human allogeneic breast carcinomas, but not on other neoplastic tissues such as gastric and colonie carcinomas except for one out of 10 prostatic carcinomas. Nonneoplastic normal cells did not express this antigen. It was also suggested that the antigen is not murine mammary tumor virus-related products. These data suggest that 3A2-defined anti gen could participate in the cytotoxicity by human autologous cytotoxic T-lymphocytes as the target molecule expressed on tumor cells.


This article presents details on two currently used methods of labelling peptides with radioiodine. The solid phase enzymatic iodination with lactoperoxidase is very suitable for radioimmunoassays and receptor assays. The iodogen labelling technique has been successfully used in this laboratory for preparing radioiodinated radiopharmaceuticals. Other iodination methods are also briefly discussed.


Synopsis Magnetic Susceptibility Mapping is moving closer to clinical application. To reduce scan time, clinical images are often acquired with reduced resolution and coverage in the through-slice dimension. The e쫟�ect of these factors has been studied using only balloon phantoms and downsampled brain images. Here, we used MR images acquired at low resolution or low coverage and compared these with images simulated in volunteers and a realistic numerical phantom. Simulated susceptibility maps were very similar to maps from acquired images. Our results show that low resolution and very low coverage both lead to loss of contrast and errors in susceptibility maps.


Abstract 4282

Mutations of BCR-ABL1 have been observed in 50% of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who develop resistance to imatinib. The gate-keeper mutation T315I is one of the mutations with universal resistance to imatinib and to the second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that are approved for the treatment of patients with imatinib failure. The use of new kinase inhibitors with in vitro activity against T315I mutation as well as other agents with different mechanisms of actions is being evaluated in clinical trials. We report the case of a 57-year old man that was diagnosed with CML in 2003. Patient received initial therapy with standard-dose imatinib that was subsequently increased to 800 mg daily. He did achieve a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) 9 months post dose escalation. He was followed by RT-PCR for BCR-ABL1. . In May, 2007, the patient BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio increased to 16.38 but the patient remained in CCyR. BCR-ABL1 sequencing revealed the T315I mutation in 100% of cells ([Figure 1][1]). One month later the patient lost CCyR (5% Philadelphia-positive [Ph+] cells) and the BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio was 5.08. The patient was started on the T315I specific inhibitor KW-2449 (100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days, every 3 weeks). Patient had a progressive decline in percentage of cells with the T315I mutation ([Figure 1][1]). However, at the same time he had an increase in percentage of Ph+ cells. In September, 2007, three months after starting therapy with KW-2449, patient had no cytogenetic response (80% Ph+ cells, PCR for BCR-ABL1 ratio > 100) and the T315I mutation was undetectable. At that time, a new ABL1 sequencing revealed the F359I mutation (no quantification was done). Patient was maintained on KW-2449 for the next 6 months, without significant improvement in cytogenetic response nor BCR-ABL1 ratio, but the clone with the T315I mutation did not reappear. In February, 2008, the patient lost hematologic response and presented with an elevated white blood cell count of 22×109/L. The F359I mutation was still present. Therapy with KW-2449 was stopped and the patient started dasatinib 100 mg/day and Interferon-a 3,000,000 units. Three months later, the patient acheived CCyR with a BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio of 0.05. At the last evaluation, 16 months after the start of dasatinib and interferon combination, the patient was maintaining CCyR and major molecular response. In conclusion, this case illustrates the benefit of the use of combination therapy, mainly TKI and agent with different mechanism of action either sequentially (TKI followed by KW-2449) or concomitantly (TKI + interferon) in eradicating resistant disease with T315I clone.

![Figure 1][2]

Figure 1
Serial Monitoring of Ph+ Cells, T315I Cells and BCR-ABL1/ABL1 Ratio

Disclosures: Cortes: Novartis: Research Funding. Jabbour: Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb : Speakers Bureau.

 [1]: #F1
 [2]: pending:yes


Many surgeons have seen iliac and crural phlebitis develop from the tenth to the twentieth day (usually about two weeks) after abdominal operation which had been aseptic throughout and followed by prompt and perfect healing of the wound. A disease which appears so unexpectedly and converts a simple operation, with the promise of speedy recovery, into one of suffering, inconvenience and prolonged confinement and disability, merits further study and consideration. Though seldom fatal, it is always a most unwelcome complication and a vexatious disappointment to both patient and surgeon. The typical cases seem to occur after an interval operation, for example, a clean appendectomy. In 1903 I expressed the opinion1that I had never seen a case of iliac or femoral phlebitis after an abdominal, rectal or genitourinary operation that was not due to infection. Sepsis, I considered, the commonest cause, even if the operative field did not seem


Friction Stir Welding process is a novel green solid state joining process for soft materials such as aluminium alloys. The weld quality is governed by the proper selection of parameters such as forge force rotational speed of the tool,
 welding speed, backing plate material etc. Thermal boundary condition at the bottom of the work piece plays an important role for obtaining the sound joint. The backing plate material governs these thermal conditions. In this case study, high thermal
 diffusivity backing plate material which consisted of AA2099 was used for joining of the plates of Structural Aluminium alloy. It was observed that the tensile strength was improved.


This report presents an unique lipoma arborescence case involving the knee joint in a 52-year-old male patient who is previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis, thereby undergoing symptomatical treatment for 3 years. In the course of symptomatic treatment, patients symptoms including pain, local tenderness, and pressure feeling were frequently exacerbated without improvement. Given the persistent symptoms; comparative assessment of knee radiographies and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated gradual evolving changes over the years like increased joint effusion, pronounced semimembranosus-gastrocnemius bursitis along with villous synovial changes suggestive of lipoma arborescens. In this particular case report, we highlighted a peculiar case of lipoma arborescens extending into periarticular bursae over which developed in settings of degenerative knee joint.


We demonstrate buffer-gas cooling, high-resolution spectroscopy and cycling fluorescence of cold barium monofluoride (BaF) molecules. Our source produces an intense and internally cold molecular beam containing the different BaF isotopologues with a mean forward velocity of 190 m/s. For a well-collimated beam of 138BaF we observe a flux of more than 1e10 molecules/sr/pulse in the X2Sigma, N=1 state in our downstream detection region. Studying the absorption line strength of the intermediate A'Delta state we infer a lifetime of 790+\-346 ns, significantly longer than previously estimated. Finally, highly-diagonal Franck-Condon factors and magnetic remixing of dark states allow us to realize a quasi-cycling transition in 138BaF that is suitable for future laser cooling of this heavy diatomic molecule.


We study numerical convergence in local two-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of self-gravitating accretion discs with a simple cooling law. It is well known that there exists a steady gravitoturbulent state, in which cooling is balanced by dissipation of weak shocks, with a net outward transport of angular momentum. Previous results indicated that if cooling is too fast (typical time-scale 3 Ω−1, where Ω is the local angular velocity), this steady state cannot be maintained and the disc will fragment into gravitationally bound clumps. We show that, in the two-dimensional local approximation, this result is in fact not converged with respect to numerical resolution and longer time integration. Irrespective of the cooling time-scale, gravitoturbulence consists of density waves as well as transient clumps. These clumps will contract because of the imposed cooling, and collapse into bound objects if they can survive for long enough. Since heating by shocks is very local, the destruction of clumps is a stochastic process. High numerical resolution and long integration times are needed to capture this behaviour. We have observed fragmentation for cooling times up to 20 Ω−1, almost a factor of 7 higher than in previous simulations. Fully three-dimensional simulations with a more realistic cooling prescription are necessary to determine the effects of the use of the two-dimensional approximation and a simple cooling law.


This paper presents a spectrally weighted balanced truncation (SBT) technique for tightly coupled integrated circuit interconnects, when the interconnect circuit parameters change as a result of statistical variations in the manufacturing process. The salient features of this algorithm are the inclusion of the parameter variation in the RLCK interconnect, the guaranteed passivity of the reduced transfer function, and the availability of provable spectrally weighted error bounds for the reduced-order system. This paper shows that the variational balanced truncation technique produces reduced systems that accurately follow the time- and frequency-domain responses of the original system when variations in the circuit parameters are taken into consideration. Experimental results show that the new variational SBT attains, in average, 30% more accuracy than the variational Krylov-subspace-based model-order reduction techniques.


Precision measurements of multiboson production are a validation of the Standard Model. These multiboson processes are a background to Higgs boson measurements and searches for Beyond the Standard Model physics. In this contribution, we presented recent measurements of multiboson final states performed in CMS, involving W, Z and photon combinations. Inclusive and differential cross sections were compared to different theoretical predictions. Phase space regions that provide sensitivity to anomalous triple or quartic gauge couplings were also shown. These coupling strengths are directly related to the broken electroweak symmetry and deviations from the SM are a clear signal of new physics.


Oxidative stress has been strongly associated with Parkinson disease (PD) aetiology. We investigated the effects of blueberry extract (BBE) supplementation on α-synuclein induced phenotypes in a Drosophila melanogaster model of PD. Enhanced α-synuclein expression in D. melanogaster dopaminergic (DA) neurons can reduce lifespan and we have performed longevity assays to measure the effects of BBE on D. melanogaster survival. Flies expressing α-synuclein in their DA neurons fed BBE had up to an 8 day, or 15%, greater median lifespan than those fed a standard control diet. In addition, BBE improved α-synuclein-induced developmental defects in the Drosophila eye. Our biometric analyses revealed that individuals fed BBE had less atypical ommatidia as well as an increased number of mechanosensory bristle cells than those fed a control diet. We propose that BBE, rich in naturally occurring antioxidants, promotes the survival of neurons in tissues with increased levels of α-synuclein through a protective cell survival mechanism.


Conducting research in emergencies – including following conflict or disaster - is essential to understanding the prevalence of mental health and psychosocial problems, and to strengthening the evidence base for interventions. Recognising that all research must be conducted ethically, questioning what underpins researchers' construction and management of ethical research procedures and practice are important. To address these questions this thesis presents a qualitative study exploring researchers' understanding and experiences of research ethics in their everyday practice of post-conflict mental health research. Research involves a multi-site case study conducted in three post-conflict countries in South Asia. 35 qualitative interviews were conducted with researchers ranging from primary investigators (n=5) to field supervisors (n=7) and frontline research assistants (n=23). Adopting a phenomenological epistemology foregrounds researchers' everyday lived experience of research ethics, acting as an entry point to explore the continuum between procedural and in-practice ethics. Interview questions explored procedural ethics such as ethical review; as well as ethics-in-practice such as enacting informed consent. As a result of interpreters' involvement in qualitative interviews, and conducting a proportion of interviews online, this thesis presents methodological considerations arising from the research process. Thematic data analysis highlights researchers' acceptance of a principalist research ethics framework. Analysis draws attention to the multiple social worlds co-producing and applying procedural ethical documents such as the research protocol and informed consent forms, applying the theoretical framework of boundary objects to explore how researchers negotiate this process. This analysis reveals researchers' autonomy when applying procedures to practice, foregrounding the situated nature of moral judgements in research where the demands of ethics, methodology, and context are balanced to reach conclusions about the right course of action. Further analysis of researchers' practice of enacting informed consent highlights the underpinning role of trust which manifests itself at societal, organisational, and interpersonal levels. In researchers' narratives trust is seen as a critical resource, both instrumentally to facilitate research conduct, and normatively as demonstrating researcher integrity and adherence to ethical research standards. Alongside trust is its natural antithesis: that of control, which is evident in descriptions of efforts to monitor and verify the trustworthiness of researchers' practice in the field. Overarching findings are three meta-themes of trust, control, and voice which emerge methodologically in qualitative interviewing with interpreters and via online platforms; and in relation to research findings exploring the intersection between procedural and in-practice research ethics. Fundamentally this thesis contributes to the existing research ethics literature by drawing attention to the role of the researcher at the centre of procedural and in-practice ethics. Recommendations are drawn to support reclaiming the researchers' voice in asserting the scope and application of ethics in post-conflict mental health research.


The multiple-comparison procedure originally proposed by R. A. Fisher (1935) for the 1-way analysis of variance context has several desirable properties when K (the number of groups) is equal to 3. In this article, the logic of the procedure is described in conjunction with those properties. A discussion follows of how the Fisher procedure can be similarly applied in a number of other K=3 (and, more generally, 2-degree-of-freedom) hypothesis-testing situations. Finally, the Fisher logic is combined with recent sequential applications of the Bonferroni inequality to illustrate the utility and versatility of that combination for the applied researcher


The grain orientation of Sn-based solder joints on copper pillars under the combined action of electron wind force and temperature gradient greatly affects their electromigration damage. The copper pillars with Sn-1.8Ag lead-free solder on the top was subjected to a current density of 1.5 × 104 A/cm2 at 125 °C to study the electromigration behaviors. The grain orientation was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) detector. Metal dissolution and voids formation in the cathode as well as massive intermetallic compounds(IMC) accumulation in the anode were observed after electromigration. Closer examination of solder joints revealed that the Sn grain whose c-axis perpendicular to electric current may have retarded Cu diffusion to anode and IMC accumulation. In addition, the newly formed Cu6Sn5 exhibited preferred orientation related to the electric current direction.


The appearance of a miniature vertebral body that conforms in its contours to its larger host is no mere radiological curiosity, but a sign of significant alteration in bone growth. The same importance may be attached to such an appearance in the innominate bones and the round bones of the carpus and tarsus.1 Usually, the "bone within a bone" appearance in the spine results from a previous severe systemic illness or intermittent chronic disease (Figs 1 and 2). The analogous finding in the faster-growing long bones (ie, the transverse metaphyseal lines of Park and Harris) are much more commonly observed but less important. Nonetheless, the pathological findings are identical in the spine, long bones, and innominate bones. Osteoblasts form a thin, transversely oriented bony template on the underside of the zone of proliferative cartilage that has stopped growing during the period of stress or illness. With recovery, chondroblastic and


The identification of transmission sections is used to improve the efficiency of monitoring the operation of the power grid. In order to test the validity of transmission sections identified, an assessment process is necessary. In addition, Transmission betweenness, an index for finding the key transmission lines in the power grid, should also be verified. In this paper, chain attack is assumed to check the weak links in the grid, thus verifying the transmission betweenness implemented for the system. Moreover, the line outage distribution factors (LODFs) are used to quantify the change of power flow when the leading line in transmission sections breaks down, so that the validity of transmission sections can be proved. Case studies based on IEEE 39 and IEEE 118 -bus system proved the effectiveness of the proposed method.


The uprising which shook France in May 1968 also had a revolutionary effect on the country's most prominent film journal. Under editors Jean-Louis Comolli and Jean Narboni, Cahiers du cinéma embarked on a militant turn that would govern the journal's work over the next five years. With a Marxist orientation inspired by the thinking of Louis Althusser, Jacques Lacan and Roland Barthes, the "red years" of Cahiers du cinéma produced a theoretical outpouring that was formative for the establishment of film studies as an academic discipline in the 1970s, and is still of vital relevance for the contemporary audiovisual landscape. It was also the seminal experience for a generation of critics who have dedicated the following half-century to the task of critically responding to the cinema.

The Red Years of Cahiers du Cinéma (1968-1973) gives a historical overview of this period in the journal's history, combining biographical accounts of the critics who were involved with Cahiers in the post-1968 and theoretical explorations of the text they wrote.


Political election manifestos are public declarations of political parties, in which they explicitly stipulate their policies in a bid to win over the electorate. This study explores, in situ, the semantic underpinnings of modal auxiliary verbs in the 2012 manifesto of a popular Ghanaian political party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and demonstrates perceptibly that modal auxiliary verbs have the propensity to reveal very subtle and nuance meanings of the nature of political discourse. Rooted in a content qualitative research paradigm, the analysis reveals that modal auxiliary verbs are used extensively in the manifesto to give the message a sense of intention, promise, obligation and necessity in a conscious and strategic attempt to persuade the electorate. To this end, we avow that political rhetoric is conditioned by specific aims and exact themes. The findings of the study bear implications for pedagogy, the theory of modality, text construction and/or composition and further discourse analytical studies on political speeches, particularly on political manifestos.


In this communication, we describe the integration of microarray sensor technology with logic capability for screening combinations of proteins and DNA in a biological sample. In this system, we have demonstrated the use of a single platform amenable to both protein detection and protein-DNA detection using molecular logic gates. The pattern of protein and DNA inputs results in fluorescence outputs according to a truth table for AND and INHIBIT gates, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of performing medical diagnostics using a logic gate design. One possible application of this technique would be direct screening of various medical conditions that are dependent on combinations of diagnostic markers.


About one in ten older people are affected by major depression, especially those with chronic medical illnesses and/or cognitive impairment. Late-life depression has a major impact on the affected person, his or her caregiver, the health system and the wider society. The elderly population is particularly at risk of being underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. Assessment should seek to diagnose late-life depression, to identify factors interacting with the mood disorder, self-harm or suicide risk and any features of cognitive or functional impairment. Treatment is usually multimodality involving lifestyle modification, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Electroconvulsive therapy may be indicated in older people with severe or treatment-resistant depression. Management of late-life depression must always take into account coexisting medical illnesses together with their bidirectional effects on depression and cognitive impairment.


This paper develops a methodology for approximating the posterior first two moments of the posterior distribution in Bayesian inference. Partially specified probability models that are defined only by specifying means and variances, are constructed based upon second-order conditional independence in order to facilitate posterior updating and prediction of required distributional quantities. Such models are formulated particularly for multivariate regression and time series analysis with unknown observational variance–covariance components. The similarities and differences of these models with the Bayes linear approach are established. Several subclasses of important models, including regression and time series models with errors following multivariate t, inverted multivariate t and Wishart distributions, are discussed in detail. Two numerical examples consisting of simulated data and of US investment and change in inventory data illustrate the proposed methodology.


In this study our main goal is to evaluate the HRCT evaluation of 105 suspected COVID 19 patients of MMCH and RT-PCR correlation. This experimental and observational study was done at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from May 2020 to October 2020. Where 105 suspected COVID 19 patients of MMCH and RT-PCR correlation were included in the study. During the study, 43.05% of the patients exposed indirectly to the virus, followed by 44.1% didn't exposed any virus, 21% exposed directly. Diabetes mellitus was 35.7%, HTN - 46.2%, 82.95% had fever, 72.45% had cough, 78.75% had respiratory distress and 49.35% had no diseases. After CT scan diagnosis, positive to infection were found in 98 patients, among them 34 patients had mild type, 22 had severe type of infection where as in RT-PCR diagnosis 69 were positive and 36 were negative to infection. From our study we can conclude that, the most common pattern of COVID-19 pneumonia on HRCT images are pure GGO and GGO and Crazy Paving. Also GGO with consolidation with prominent distribution in the posterior and peripheral part of the lung. Further study is very much needed for better outcome.


As integrated circuit technology enters the nanometer era, global interconnects are becoming a bottleneck for overall chip performance. In this paper, we show that wafer-level package interconnects are an effective alternative to conventional on-chip global wires. These interconnects behave as LC transmission lines and can be exploited for their near speed of light transmission and low attenuation characteristics. We compare performance measures such as bandwidth, bandwidth density, latency, and power consumption of the package-level transmission lines with conventional on-chip global interconnects for different International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) technology nodes. Based on these results, we show that package-level interconnects are well suited for power demanding low-latency applications. We also analyze different interconnect options such as memory buses, long inter tile interconnects, clock, and power distribution


Background A potential role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis and ongoing inflammation of psoriatic disease, with similar pathways impacting skin and joint disease, suggests that cytokine-targeting strategies aimed at blocking signaling through the IL-17 receptor may be beneficial in treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Objectives To determine efficacy and safety of brodalumab, a human anti-interleukin-17 receptor A monoclonal antibody, in patients with PsA. Methods Adults (age 18 to 75 years) with PsA (Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis [CASPAR] and ≥3 tender and ≥3 swollen joints) for ≥6 months were randomized to receive brodalumab (140 or 280 mg Q2W) or placebo (pbo), stratified by body weight (≤100 kg, >100 kg) and by prior biologic use. Primary endpoint was proportion of subjects achieving an American College of Rheumatology 20% response (ACR20) at week 12. Secondary endpoints included ACR50, ACR70, changes in DAS 28 and ACR components. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events (AEs). Analyses were based on intent to treat using non-responder imputation (binary endpoints) or last observation carried forward imputation (continuous endpoints). Results 168 subjects were randomized; 113 to brodalumab and 55 to pbo. 159 subjects (95%) completed the study (defined as 12 weeks of study evaluations). The majority of subjects were female (64%), white (94%), and rheumatoid factor negative (92%). Mean (SD) age, weight, and duration of PsA were 52.2 (11.6) years, 90.6 (21.1) kg, 8.7 (7.6) years, respectively. Median C-reactive protein (CRP) was 5.0 mg/L. Biologics were previously used by 51% (86/168) of subjects. ACR20 was achieved at week 12 by 37% and 39% of subjects in the 140- and 280-mg brodalumab groups, respectively, compared with 18% of subjects in the pbo group (p < .05). The ACR20 response rates in biologic-naïve subjects were 36% (140 mg), 37% (280 mg), and 20% (pbo); comparable with the respective rates of 37%, 42%, and 16%, in subjects with prior biologic exposure. At week 12, the ACR50 responses were 4% (pbo), 14 (140 mg; p=.051), and 14% (280 mg; p=.047). There were consistent improvements in other secondary endpoints such as DAS 28 and components of the ACR including CRP. AEs were generally balanced among treatment groups and pbo. The most common AEs were upper respiratory tract infection (7% pbo; 12% brodalumab), headache (7%; 6%), nasopharyngitis (6%; 0%), psoriatic arthropathy (6%; 4%), injection site erythema (6%; 3%), injection site pain (6%; 2%), fatigue (4%, 7%), diarrhea (4%; 6%), nausea (4%; 5%), dizziness (4%; 5%) and arthralgia (2%; 4%). A total of 4 subjects reported SAEs during the study: cellulitis (pbo), abdominal pain (140 mg), cellulitis and cholecystitis (280 mg). No clinically significant neutropenia (≥Grade 2) was reported in this study. No deaths and no mycobacterial or fungal/opportunistic infections were reported. Conclusions Brodalumab treatment was associated with significant clinical response and acceptable safety profile in subjects with PsA. These results support continued evaluation of brodalumab for treatment of PsA. Acknowledgements This study was funded by Amgen Inc. Jon Nilsen, PhD (Amgen Inc.) provided medical writing support. Disclosure of Interest P. Mease Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, BiogenIdec, Bristol Myers, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant for: Abbvie, Amgen, BiogenIdec, Bristol Myers, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, BiogenIdec, Bristol Myers, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, UCB, M. Genovese Grant/research support from: Amgen Inc, Consultant for: Amgen Inc, M. Greenwald Grant/research support from: Amgen Inc, C. Ritchlin Grant/research support from: Amgen Inc, Consultant for: Amgen Inc, Abbott Laboratories, Centocor Inc, Ortho Biotech Inc, Genentech, and Wyeth, A. Beaulieu Grant/research support from: Amgen Inc, R. Newmark Shareholder of: Amgen Inc, Employee of: Amgen Inc, J. Feng Shareholder of: Amgen Inc, Employee of: Amgen Inc, N. Erondu Shareholder of: Amgen Inc, Employee of: Amgen Inc, A. Nirula Shareholder of: Amgen Inc, Employee of: Amgen Inc


Abstract. The ubiquitous accumulation of microplastic (MP) particles across
all global ecosystems accompanies their uptake into soil food webs. In
this review, we analyzed studies on passive translocation, active ingestion,
bioaccumulation and adverse effects within the phylogenetic tree of
multicellular soil faunal life. The representativity of these studies for
natural soil ecosystems was assessed using data on the type of plastic,
the shape, the composition, the concentration and the time of exposure. Available studies cover a wide range of soil organisms, with emphasis on
earthworms, nematodes, springtails, beetles and lugworms, each focused on
well-known model organisms. Thus, about 58 % of the studies used
inappropriate concentrations or units, whereas 42 % applied MP concentrations
similar to amounts in slightly to very heavily polluted soils. In many
cases, however, polystyrene microspheres were used, which represent a combination of
plastic type and shape that is easily available but does not reflect the
main plastic input into soil ecosystems. In turn, MP fibers are strongly
underrepresented compared with their high abundance within contaminated soils.
A few studies also examined the comminution of macroplastic by the soil
fauna. Further properties of plastic such as aging, coating and additives
have been insufficiently documented. Despite these limitations, there is a
recurring pattern of active intake followed by a population shift within the
gut microbiome and adverse effects on motility, growth, metabolism,
reproduction and mortality in various combinations, especially at high
concentrations and small particle sizes. For the improvement of future studies, we identified the problems with past
experiments, and we recommend that coming studies consider the type,
shape, grade of aging, specific concentrations of MP fractions and long-term
incubation in both natural and contaminated soils.


Drug discovery can benefit from a proactive-knowledge-attainment philosophy which strategically integrates experimentation and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling. Our programs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) illustrate such an approach. Compounds that inhibit the generation of brain beta amyloid (Aβ), especially Aβ42, are being pursued as potential disease-modifying therapeutics. Complexities in the PK/Aβ relationship for these compounds have been observed and the data require an advanced approach for analysis. We established a semimechanistic PK/PD model that can describe the PK/Aβ data by accounting for Aβ generation and clearance. The modeling characterizes the in vivo PD (i.e., Aβ lowering) properties of compounds and generates insights about the salient biological systems. The learning from the modeling enables us to establish a framework for predicting in vivo Aβ lowering from in vitro parameters.


A numerical method for computing the dynamics of a platelike particle dispersed system is presented. The particle simulation method (PSM) for fiber suspensions is extended to handle a platelike particle, which is modeled with an array of spheres. Each pair of adjacent spheres is connected and deformed by three types of springs; stretch, bend, and twist. The motion of the platelike particles in flow is followed by solving the translational and rotational equations of motion for each constituent sphere. The mobility matrix for each particle is calculated to obtain the hydrodynamic force and torque exerted on each sphere. For the hydrodynamic interaction among particles, the near-field lubrication force is considered when the separation between spheres belonging to different particles is close, but the far-field part is neglected. The method was applied to the dilute and concentrated system. For the dilute system, the motion of isolated square and rectangular platelike particles was calculated in a simple shear flow. The computed rotation orbits of a rigid square platelike particle were in good agreement with those calculated by Jeffery's equation for an oblate spheroid (disk). The characteristic behavior, which is unknown from the classical theory, of the rigid rectangular particle and the soft square particle was revealed. For the concentrated system, transient behavior of the platelike particles in a simple shear flow was calculated by dispersing them into a unit cell with periodic boundaries. The planar orientation of particles was observed in the microstructure of the concentrated system, and furthermore the orientation of the major axis of particles in the shear direction appeared in the rectangular platelike particle dispersed system.


Autogenous bone grafting is widely used. In particular cancellous bone is osteoconductive, but the morbidity at donor sites is a reason to use bone substitutes. In 5 years we have treated 64 patients affected by orthopaedic (arthrodesis of the ankle or the foot, THP revision) or traumatologic problems (acute fractures of tibial plateau, non-union or malconsolidation) with mineral bone substitutes (Pyrost or Osteoplantl). In a prospective clinical study, these substitutes were implanted as follows: the bone defect was filled by bone substitute (usually 5 ml)and we evaluated regeneration of bone defect by X-ray, MR and histological evaluation of osteogenic cells (at removal of osteosynthesis). In 85% of cases the regeneration of the bone defects was complete; in the other cases a partial or insufficient regeneration was found. In different animal investigations Pyrost has been shown to have osteoconductive and osteostimulative effects: these substitutes have no antigenic propriety. In conditions of low osteogenetic potency, the combination of bone substitutes and autogenic bone marrow affects bone formation. In disadvantageous bone bed, bone substitutes must be augmented with bone marrow and in large segmental defects combination with autogenic bone grafts is recommended. A prerequisite for the application of bone substitutes in large defects is a sufficient primary stability of the bone bed. The application in infected tissue is not favourable.


Presents a spoken Japanese digits recognition system using LVQ (learning vector quantization). LVQ is very effective for phoneme recognition and its algorithm is very simple. The authors try to utilize the LVQ algorithm using a word, not a phoneme, as one unit. Input vectors in the authors' system are the mel-cepstrum coefficients generated from beginning points to end points of spoken digits. In the recognition process the authors only find the closest reference vector to the input vector. Experiments are executed for two cases. One is for some isolated spoken digits. The other is for some continuous spoken digits (the speech speed, V, is 1<V<3 [word/sec]). The recognition rate of isolated spoken digits was 99.2%. That of continuous spoken digits was 95.4%. Experimental results show this method is effective for spoken digits recognition.<<ETX>>


Cardiac tagging magnetic resonance imaging (t-MRI) is the gold standard for regional myocardium deformation and cardiac strain estimation. However, this technique has not been widely used in clinical diagnosis, as a result of the difficulty of motion tracking encountered with t-MRI images. In this paper, we propose a novel deep learning-based fully unsupervised method for in vivo motion tracking on t-MRI images. We first estimate the motion field (INF) between any two consecutive t-MRI frames by a bi-directional generative diffeomorphic registration neural network. Using this result, we then estimate the Lagrangian motion field between the reference frame and any other frame through a differentiable composition layer. By utilizing temporal information to perform reasonable estimations on spatiotemporal motion fields, this novel method provides a useful solution for motion tracking and image registration in dynamic medical imaging. Our method has been validated on a representative clinical t-MRI dataset; the experimental results show that our method is superior to conventional motion tracking methods in terms of landmark tracking accuracy and inference efficiency. Project page is at: https://github.com/DeepTag/cardiac_tagging_motion_estimation.