Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death world-wide. Tumorigenesis is a multistep process that involves several genetic aberrations. For example, K-RAS (onc-K-RAS), the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer, is expressed in about 25% of NSCLC. In addition, NSCLC often carry mutations or epigenetic modifications that affect the expression of the CDKN2a locus, which comprises the p16INK4a and the p14ARF (p19ARF in mice) tumor suppressor genes, which in turn regulate the retinoblastoma and the p53 tumor suppressor pathways.

NSCLC tumorigenesis is faithfully recapitulated in transgenic mice where onc-K-Ras expression invariably induces adenomas and, after a long latency, adenocarcinomas. To characterize the consequence of concomitant onc-K-RAS expression and CDKN2a inactivation, we generated p16CDK4/p19ARF null mice expressing onc-K-Ras in the respiratory epithelium.

We determined that Cdkn2a deficiency promotes rapid progression of lung adenomas to adenocarcinomas, which display aggressive features. We determined the status of activation of oncogenic signaling networks downstream of onc-K-Ras with phosphospecific antibodies and by expression profiling. We discovered that NSCLC that arises in CDKN2A deficient mice display dysregulation of RhoA, a small GTPase implicated in the regulation of the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and motility of cancer cells in culture. These activities are pertinent to tumorigenesis, however it is not known whether RhoA plays a role in the maintenance of established tumors.

Surprisingly, we determined that RhoA is required for the survival of NSCLC derived lines expressing onc-K-RAS and deficient for either INK4a or the p53 tumor suppressor both when cultured in vitro and as xenografts in vivo. Cell death was due to a proapoptotic program and was accompanied by disruption of the cytoskeleton. Moreover, by performing loss and gain of function experiments we identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein as the principal downstream target of RhoA responsible for this effect. Experiments in vivo with specific inhibitors are ongoing and will be presented at the meeting.

Our findings reveal a previously unappreciated context dependent requirement of the RhoGTPase to maintain viability of established NSCLC. We propose that RhoA and its signaling network are novel therapeutic targets in NSCLC.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3850. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3850


What is propeller efficiency at full scale? This question is asked equally by ship operators and by propeller and propulsion system manufacturers. The question reflects the need to measure propeller efficiency at full physical scale and during regular operation of the vessel. The question has a context: the ship operator wants to reduce the fuel consumption and forecast maintenance; and, the manufacturer wants to improve the design of the propeller and optimize the propulsion system. In this thesis, we work towards an answer by designing methods to determine propeller efficiency at full scale. In accordance to the hydrodynamics community, we define propeller efficiency as the ratio of the power produced to the power consumed. The power produced and the power consumed are the product of thrust and advance velocity, and, of torque and angular velocity, respectively. Thus, propeller efficiency at full physical scale requires full scale measurements of thrust, torque, angular velocity, and advance velocity. Up-to-date, thrust and advance velocity are thought to be the bottlenecks in estimating propeller efficiency at full scale. Recently, a prototype thrust sensor has been developed that seems to have solved the problem of propeller thrust measurements. The remaining bottleneck, the measurement of advance velocity, is a main topic of this thesis. The advance velocity cannot be directly measured on board of a vessel with the current sensor technology. We replace the advance velocity by ship's speed-through-water up to a factor. This factor is known as the wake fraction. Since the speed-through-water is measurable at full scale, we need to find the wake fraction. For that we apply mathematical modeling in combination with full scale measurements during rigourously defined conditions. The method to determine propeller efficiency at full-scale relies on five principles: mathematical models, design of measurements, identification of parameters, statistical analysis of data, and identification of stationary states. Propeller efficiency at full scale can only be defined when the ship is in a stationary state; also in the practice of propeller model tests and CFD simulations the propeller efficiency is determined under stationary conditions. First, we developed a concept of stationarity of a process; it means that the trend is close to zero, and small oscillations about the trend are allowed. Second, we developed a method that automatically extracts the stationary excerpts from the full scale measurements. The mathematical models that we elaborate on in this thesis are inspired by the classical mathematical models for guidance and control of vessels. In this mathematical environment, relationships between advance velocity, thrust, torque, speed-through-water, and angular velocity are defined on basis of physical laws and empirically established relationships. The mathematical models introduce parameters that are unknown at full physical scale. One of these parameters is the wake fraction. For realistic values of parameters the model mimics the ship behavior. From the measurements we want to obtain the model parameters by estimation. For that, we construct a regression kind of method that minimizes the difference between the measurements data and the output of the mathematical model when we feed it by full scale measurements. Our measurement design includes the functional specification for a data collection system, a list of signals with details on sampling frequency and resolution, a design of propulsion tests, and processing of measurements. The result of that processing is the selection of stationary states and their characteristics. A central piece of the data collection system is the propeller thrust sensor. In fact, this thesis would not have been written as it is without the availability of the thrust sensor. The speed-through-water measured by the speed log is equally important. It is generally known that speed logs are not reliable. Thus, we had to focus on getting a reliable speed-through-water. For this purpose, we designed an algorithm that reconciles the speed-through-water with other measured navigation signals. The combination of mathematical models and propulsion test measurements yields the model parameters. The value of each model parameter is calculated by a mathematical algorithm that needs measurements of stationary or dynamic states as input. The mathematical models structure these algorithms. It is at this stage that the external factors come into play. External factors, for instance, wind, waves, and sea currents, are not explicitly modeled so that their influence is noticeable in the model parameters. For instance, the parameters of the ship resistance force account also for the wind-induced resistance. Consequently, the estimated propeller efficiency at full scale is influenced by the external factors. If our findings were put into practice, the best would be to create a ship-tailored lookup table of reference model parameters and reference propeller efficiency as function of external conditions that would represent the reference states. At predefined time intervals, the reference state would be updated by new propulsion tests. During ship operations the reference model parameters would be used to retrieve the propeller efficiency relative to the selected reference states. At sea, vessels have typical operational profiles that are concentrated at one or two predefined velocities. As a result, the relative propeller efficiency forms clusters of data points. Propeller efficiency is function of state variables connected to ship propulsion and external factors. Under the influence of the state variables the data clusters are more or less densely packed. We use statistical tools to analyze these data clusters. To evaluate the data clusters we introduce the concept of precision that, in our definition, is the normalized standard deviation of the data clusters. Filtering the data clusters based on propulsion state variables increase the precision, i.e., the clusters become more densely packed. The clusters of data points indicate that the external factors account for most of the variations in propeller efficiency. We expect that this is the de facto situation of propeller efficiency at sea. Thus, what is propeller efficiency at full scale? Propeller efficiency is an indicator with values between 0 and 1. This indicator is measured by a sensor: a mathematical algorithm structured by a mathematical model and fed with full-scale measurements. Under specified conditions, this sensor measures the propeller efficiency with high precision. The ship owners and the propeller and propulsion system manufacturers may use the full-scale propeller efficiency to compare different propeller designs at similar conditions, to track long-term changes in propeller efficiency for the maintenance forecast, to optimize fuel consumption as function of external conditions, or to plan the optimal route of the vessel.


Community residential care (CRC) is growing, with cognitive impairment the most common reason for CRC placement. We enrolled cognitively impaired and noncognitively impaired residents, informal caregivers, and providers in 219 CRC facilities for this study. Residents with cognitive impairment were older (p < .001), needed more activities of daily living (ADL) assistance (p < .001), and had a higher frequency of behavior problems (p < .001) than noncognitively impaired residents. Cognitively impaired and noncognitively impaired residents did not significantly differ in the facility-related factors they perceived as important or in the amount of control they felt they had over the decision to move. Including residents with cognitive impairment in future research and separately analyzing residents by cognitive status will give a more accurate picture of the needs of CRC residents.


OBJECTIVE
The knowledge that one carries the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele risk factor for Alzheimer's disease was recently found to have little short-term psychological risk. The authors investigated the impact of knowledge of carrying the risk allele on subjective ratings of memory and objective memory test performance of older adults.

METHOD
Using a nested case-control design, the authors administered objective verbal and visual memory tests and self-rating scales of memory function to 144 cognitively normal older adults (ages 52-89) with known APOE genotype who knew (ε4+, N=25; ε4-, N=49) or did not know (ε4+, N=25; ε4-, N=45) their genotype and genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease prior to neuropsychological evaluation.

RESULTS
Significant genotype-by-disclosure interaction effects were observed on several memory rating scales and tests of immediate and delayed verbal recall. Older adults who knew their ε4+ genotype judged their memory more harshly and performed worse on an objective verbal memory test than did ε4+ adults who did not know. In contrast, older adults who knew their ε4- genotype judged their memory more positively than did ε4- adults who did not know, but these groups did not differ in objective memory test performance.

CONCLUSIONS
Informing older adults that they have an APOE genotype associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease can have adverse consequences on their perception of their memory abilities and their performance on objective memory tests. The patient's knowledge of his or her genotype and risk of Alzheimer's disease should be considered when evaluating cognition in the elderly.


The potential for systematic errors in radiotherapy of a breathing patient is considered using the statistical model of Bortfeld et al (2002 Phys. Med. Biol. 47 2203–20). It is shown that although averaging over 30 fractions does result in a narrow Gaussian distribution of errors, as predicted by the central limit theorem, the fact that one or a few samples of the breathing patient's motion distribution are used for treatment planning (in contrast to the many treatment fractions that are likely to be delivered) may result in a much larger error with a systematic component. The error distribution may be particularly large if a scan at breath-hold is used for planning.


We report the results of 24,475 blood lead determinations (PbB) performed by the Occupational Toxicology Laboratory of Florence between 1976 and 1995. Biological monitoring was carried out in 383 factories localized in the districts of Florence, Prato, Pistoia, Lucca and Pisa. The most represented production fields were colouring ceramic factories, artistic ceramics, transfer-pictures for ceramics, glass factories, typographies, glass decoration factories, chemical factories. In twenty years, the median values of PbB decreased from 48 to 17 micrograms/100 ml in males and from 40 to 8 micrograms/100 ml in females. The 95 degrees centile ranged from 84 to 46 micrograms/100 ml for males and from 63 to 42 micrograms/100 ml for females. In the 1988-95 period, we observed an increase of both the 95 degrees centile and the maximal values because of the inclusion of data from workers employed in factories where the "decorazione a scavo" technique, which is characterized by elevated environmental lead concentrations, was used. In the period 1991-93, the ranges of PbB observed in glass decoration factories were 13-160 micrograms/100 ml for males and 4-80 micrograms/100 ml for females, respectively.


The management of campus inventory about document and process should be considered as an emergency situation to be improved to offer the better quality services from the campus of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat Unviersity. The improvement of campus inventory document and process is now vital to the success of the both on campus and off campus to use the same system. One of the important university policy stated that modern online system needed to implement as soon as possible. The major objectives of this research were to understand the flow of document and process of campus inventory and to offer guidelines to improve the flow of document and process of campus inventory to be highly effective. In order to find the results, the using a qualitative research technique was properly conducted with a total of 20 main staff who involved with the campus inventory system from various departments of university at the summer of the year 2019. An in-depth interview format was designed and conducted to gain more in-sight information from the focus group. The findings from the respondents unveiled that the sample group all agreed that the system of campus inventory about document and process should be upgraded to 100 percent online. Since there were many benefits of online systems, the inventory document and process online system must be quickly implemented and all the involved staff must be re-trained for the new upgraded system. Moreover, the system must be able to monitoring constantly and conducted a survey to gain feedback and suggestions to improve better quality of campus inventory system.


This investigation was conducted to establish the yield of parts or organs of chickens brought for slaughter at a poultry processing plant in Harare. Results of the study will furnish management and other poultry farmers with information that will enable them to identify yield losses and sustainable ways of minimizing resultant costs. To determine the yield, a sample of 50 live birds of different mass range was taken and their masses recorded. The birds used in the first run were obtained from different growers and mixed to form the batch. The bird weights were grouped in the following categories: 800-100g, 100-1200g, 1200-1400g, 1400-1600g and 1600-1800g. Ten samples per each mass category were taken and the live masses of the birds were recorded before the commencement of the operations. The mass of each carcass was recorded at the various levels of processing that included bleeding, plucking, removal of head, feet, offals and neck to obtain the clean carcass. The processes were repeated with bird batches from four different growers, namely farms A, B, C and D in order to make broader comparisons and assessments. Calculations were carried out to determine percentage losses at various levels of processing activities. The mass of the clean bird was found to be directly proportional to the mass of the live bird. The percent yield of feathers, neck, head, blood and offals was almost independent of the mass of the bird. Percent yield for similar organs was comparable from one grower to another (p> 0.05). On average, 70% of the live mass of the bird was utilizable while 30% was lost on removal of visceral organs, feathers and blood. Feathers constituted a by-product with the highest percentage followed by the intestines. Other uses of feathers, besides rendering, should be identified to maximise on income generated from their utilization. Key words: Yield, Poultry, Feathers, Live, Birds


The outer membrane proteins of the marine aquatic animal pathogen, Vibrio alginolyticus, play an important role in the virulence of the bacterium and are potential candidates for vaccine development. In this study, the gene encoding an outer membrane protein-OmpU was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits against the purified recombinant OmpU, and the reaction of the antibody was confirmed by Western blotting using the isolated OmpU and the recombinant OmpU of V. alginolyticus. To analyze the immunogenicity of the recombinant OmpU, crimson snapper, Lutjanus erythropterus Bloch, were immunized by intraperitoneal injection, and antibody response was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results demonstrated that the recombinant OmpU produced an observable antibody response in all sera of the vaccinated fish. The vaccinated fish were challenged by virulent V. alginolyticus and observed to have high resistance to infection. These results indicate that the recombinant OmpU is an effective vaccine candidate against V. alginolyticus in L. erythropterus.


Localized fibroma represents a rare entity arising from the pleura. Currently its histogenesis and clinical behaviour are still controversial. A case of a 64-year-old male is here presented; clinical and histopathological features are then discussed on the basis of a review of the Literature. At present, an en-bloc resection of the tumor, including wide margins of the surrounding lung tissue, seems to be the most appropriate surgical choice.


Artemisinin, a prominent anti-malaria drug, is being investigated for its potential as a repurposed cancer treatment. However, its effectiveness in tumor cell lines remains limited, and its mechanism of action is unclear. To make more progress, the PROteolysis-TArgeting chimera (PROTAC) technique has been applied to design and synthesize novel artemisinin derivatives in this study. Among them, AD4, the most potent compound, exhibited an IC50 value of 50.6 nM in RS4;11 cells, over 12-fold better than that of its parent compound, SM1044. This was supported by prolonged survival of RS4;11-transplanted NOD/SCID mice. Meanwhile, AD4 effectively degraded PCLAF in RS4;11 cells and thus activated the p21/Rb axis to exert antitumor activity by directly targeting PCLAF. The discovery of AD4 highlights the great potential of using PROTACs to improve the efficacy of natural products, identify therapeutic targets, and facilitate drug repurposing. This opens a promising avenue for transforming other natural products into effective therapies.


Background In the interrupted time series (ITS) approach, it is common to average the outcome of interest at each time point and then perform a segmented regression (SR) analysis. In this study, we illustrate that such 'aggregate-level' analysis is biased when data are missing at random (MAR) and provide alternative analysis methods. Methods Using electronic health records from the UK, we evaluated weight change over time induced by the initiation of antipsychotic treatment. We contrasted estimates from aggregate-level SR analysis against estimates from mixed models with and without multiple imputation of missing covariates, using individual-level data. Then, we conducted a simulation study for insight about the different results in a controlled environment. Results Aggregate-level SR analysis suggested a substantial weight gain after initiation of treatment (average short-term weight change: 0.799kg/week) compared to mixed models (0.412kg/week). Simulation studies confirmed that aggregate-level SR analysis was biased when data were MAR. In simulations, mixed models gave less biased estimates than SR analysis and, in combination with multilevel multiple imputation, provided unbiased estimates. Mixed models with multiple imputation can be used with other types of ITS outcomes (eg, proportions). Other standard methods applied in ITS do not help to correct this bias problem. Conclusion Aggregate-level SR analysis can bias the ITS estimates when individual-level data are MAR, because taking averages of individual-level data before SR means that data at the cluster level are missing not at random. Avoiding the averaging-step and using mixed models with or without multilevel multiple imputation of covariates is recommended.


The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act attempts to address prevailing deficiencies in long-term care (LTC) financing through the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, a national voluntary LTC insurance program administered by the Federal government. The CLASS Act is intended to supplement rather than supplant assistance received from other payers. Furthermore, its reliance on a cash benefit allocated by beneficiaries with the assistance of counseling services makes it consistent with the consumer-directed philosophy increasingly favored by the LTC advocacy community. Largely due to inadequate take-up, however, particularly among better than average risks, it is unlikely that implementation of the CLASS Act will fundamentally alter the current public-private partnership for LTC financing. Instead, voluntary enrollment combined with a lack of medical underwriting could lead to disproportionate numbers of high-cost enrollees. This could result in premium increases that further discourage participation on the part of the broader population. Barring making the program mandatory, there are a number of comparatively minor changes policymakers could make to strengthen the risk pool, though doing so will involve a trade-off between attracting better-off risks while eschewing those likely to need the benefit most. Thus, although the CLASS Act may provide a meaningful benefit for those who enroll, its impact on improving the affordability of LTC for most Americans will likely be limited. Most will continue to rely on substantial unpaid care, out-of-pocket payments when formal care is required, and Medicaid when all other money has run out.


Liver cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride, lipid peroxide and glutathione levels as well as glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase activities were determined in rats fed a high-cholesterol (2%, w/w), high-cholic acid (0.5%, w/w) diet for 3 months. Cholesterol feeding caused an increase in hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but no change was observed in hepatic phospholipid levels. In addition, a significant increase in hepatic lipid peroxide levels and a significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase activities have been observed. However, hepatic glutathione content after cholesterol feeding remained unchanged. These results show that cholesterol feeding leads to the stimulation of hepatic lipid peroxidation as well as impairment of glutathione-related enzyme activities in rats.


Cultures, histories and post-migration experiences require analysis when developing health and social welfare responses to assist refugee women affected by domestic violence. The author reflects on research undertaken into the well being of East Timorese women asylum seekers in Australia and applies human rights theory to argue that universal standards of personal safety for women should be paramount; however, understanding cultural difference, including gender roles and tolerance to domestic violence in the country of origin, is essential in the development of appropriate policies and interventions. Additionally, the psychosocial effects of war and persecution, and various interrelated post-migration experiences, are articulated as probable causal factors. Changes in identity or perceptions of self, unemployment, isolation of women from family and social supports, insecure residency status, and increased access to alcohol and psychotropic substances are identified as factors that require consideration in the development of policies and interventions to address domestic violence affecting refugee women.


Empirical studies have pointed out that interaction in the technological platforms used by social movements is usually very low, even if other authors have argued that Web 2.0 increases the possibilities for participation and interaction. This article presents a quali-quantitative analysis of the Facebook page of the Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity. The aim is to investigate whether this page is a space for dialogue and interaction or whether the dominant logic is the simple diffusion of online content. Results reveal that Facebook appears as a space for the publication of information, rather than a network for building a participatory debate.


This letter reports a new fabrication method of polymeric, nonspherical microlens arrays based on the soft replica molding process, employing elastomeric molds with desired microlens patterns. The elastomeric molds are made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and prepared through an innovative process consisting of excimer laser microdrilling, spin coating, and soft replica molding. The demonstrated microlens arrays, made of polymethylmethacrylate, include three footprints with diameters of 50, 100, and 150 /spl mu/m. Results show the microlens arrays have both good surface uniformity and high-quality optical properties. The resulting microlenses have focal lengths varying from tens to hundreds of micrometers and present low f-number ranging between 0.8 and 1.5. The facts that the PDMS elastomeric molds are chemically inert and that all processing steps are executed in ambient environment and at low temperature render the proposed approach a potential method for mass production of microlens arrays.


The aim was to evaluate the effect of different zirconia discontinuous fiber fractions on radiopacity and other selected properties of glass discontinuous fiber-reinforced flowable composite (Exp-SFRC). Exp-SFRC was prepared by mixing 30 wt% of resin-matrix and 45 wt% of particulate-fillers to 25 wt% of various weight-fractions of E-glass/zirconia discontinuous fiber-fillers (25:0, 20:5, 15:10, 10:15, 0:25 wt%). Flexural strength and fracture toughness were determined for each experimental material. Radiograph of each Exp-SFRC and aluminium step wedge were taken to determine the radiopacity. Degree of conversion and light-transmission were also measured. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the microstructure of the Exp-SFRC. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that fractions of E-glass/zirconia discontinuous fiber-fillers had significant effect (p<0.05) on radiopacity and other tested properties of the Exp-SFRCs. Replacing low fraction of E-glass fiber with zirconia fiber-fillers can increase the radiopacity of the fiber-reinforced composite without deteriorating the mechanical properties, although, degree of conversion was decreased.


We re-think DRAM power modes by modeling and characterizing inter-arrival times for memory requests to determine the properties an ideal power mode should have. This analysis indicates that even the most responsive of today's power modes are rarely used. Up to 88% of memory is spent idling in an active mode. This analysis indicates that power modes must have much shorter exit latencies than they have today. Wake-up latencies less than 100ns are ideal. To address these challenges, we present MemBlaze, an architecture with DRAMs and links that are capable of fast power up, which provides more opportunities to power down memories. By eliminating DRAM chip timing circuitry, a key contributor to power up latency, and by shifting timing responsibility to the controller, MemBlaze permits data transfers immediately after wake-up and reduces energy per transfer by 50% with no performance impact. Alternatively, in scenarios where DRAM timing circuitry must remain, we explore mechanisms to accommodate DRAMs that power up with less than perfect interface timing. We present MemCorrect which detects timing errors while MemDrowsy lowers transfer rates and widens sampling margins to accommodate timing uncertainty in situations where the interface circuitry must recalibrate after exit from power down state. Combined, MemCorrect and MemDrowsy still reduce energy per transfer by 50% but incur modest (e.g., 10%) performance penalties.


Background. The increased incidence of skin cancers in transplant patients is well documented; however, few data exist on the risk of subsequent skin tumors in a given patient after the first skin cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the individual rate of subsequent skin cancers in kidney (KTR) and heart transplant recipients (HTR) after the first squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to assess risk factors for tumor multiplicity. Methods. In all, 188 patients (121 KTR/67 HTR) were studied for up to 5 years. The cumulative number of SCC, basal cell carcinomas, Bowen's diseases, premalignant keratoses, and keratoacanthomas was recorded yearly after the first SCC. Results. Overall, 71% of patients developed 757 new skin tumors. At 5 years, 100% of HTR and 88% of KTR had presented new tumors. However, the mean number of all tumors was significantly higher in KTR (3.4 vs. 2.0, 4.8 vs. 2.6, 6.6 vs. 2.9, 8.5 vs. 3.5, and 9.7 vs. 4.6 at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively). Transplantation before 1984, multiple tumors at first consultation, eye and hair color, and skin type were predictive of multiple tumors. Early minimization of immunosuppression and of sun exposure tended to be associated with a reduced rate of all tumors and of SCC, respectively. Conclusions. Although the proportion of HTR developing new tumors is greater as compared with KTR, the mean number of tumors per patient is higher in KTR. This could be due to a longer immunosuppression in patients younger at transplantation.


We suggest a version of Nullstellensatz over the tropical semiring, the real numbers equipped with operations of maximum and summation.


In the past, we have succesfully used machine learning approaches for sentiment analysis. In the course of those experiments, we observed that our machine learning method, although able to cope well with figurative language could not always reach a certain decision about the polarity orientation of sentences, yielding erroneous evaluations. We support the conjecture that these cases bearing mild figurativeness could be better handled by a rule-based system. These two systems, acting complementarily, could bridge the gap between machine learning and rule-based approaches. Experimental results using the corpus of the Affective Text Task of SemEval '07, provide evidence in favor of this direction.


This paper documents a study aiming to determine if rapid prototype models built using the University's Objet30 3D printer are suitable for use in hypersonic tunnel testing in the T-ADFA Shock Tunnel Facility. Suitability is assessed based on model survivability and behaviour in T-ADFA, part characteristics, cost, time, and the variation between predicted ANSYS deflections and actual deflection of the 3D printed objects in T-ADFA. Rapid-prototype (RP) modelling is an economical manufacturing technique of particular interest to the aerospace industry as it can produce intricate geometries quickly, reducing the delay between design and ground testing phases, which potentially enables faster new aerospace vehicle introduction. This thesis project demonstrates that 3D printing can be used successfully to rapidly fabricate viable shock tunnel models. The aim is achieved through the analytical and experimental deformation characteristics evaluation of 40 x 40mm 3D-printed flat plates of variable thicknesses, as well as computational analysis and manufacture of both simple and complex geometries, being a 10 degree half angle blunt cone and sharp cone, as well as the fabrication of a space shuttle geometry.


Among bit plane coding field, coding of significance layer is an important topic. According to the advantage of quad-tree representation on codeword reduction for large zero blocks, zero block coding is a potential method in significance coding. However, traditional embedded zero block coding method exhibits repeated node visits in recursive procedure calling. In this paper, a top-to-button significance coding methodology is proposed to reduce the repeated node visiting. On the other hand, the produced coefficients are reduced at the same time. According to the experiment results, the visited node count and transmitted codeword of proposed work is smaller than original embedded zero block coding and the significance layer in Wavelet transformed coefficients of JPEG 2000. Besides, the reduction of node visiting count increases the significant bit updating efficiency. The results prove the efficiency and the effectiveness of codeword reduction of proposed work.


For nearly a thousand years, certain copies of the Qurʾān have been ascribed to such prominent Islamic figures as Imām ʿAlī and other Shīʿa Imāms. Although no evidence of ascription is found from the first three centuries, nearly two hundred copies of such manuscripts and fragments are found today around the world, especially in Shiite areas. After a historical overview of the phenomenon and classification of the various types of ascribed codices, this article provides evidence for the rejection of these ascriptions and that establishes the colophons as forgeries. The last part of the article includes a table of about two hundred Qurʾānic manuscripts ascribed to Shīʿa Imāms preserved in libraries and museums all over the world.


In this work, we propose the use of the Mueller Coherency matrix of biological tissues in order to increase the information from tissue images and so their contrast. This method involves different Mueller Coherency matrix based parameters, like the eigenvalues analysis, the entropy factor calculation, polarization components crosstalks, linear and circular polarization degrees, hermiticity or the Quaternions analysis in case depolarisation properties of tissue are sufficiently low. All these parameters make information appear clearer and so increase image contrast, so pathologies like cancer could be detected in a sooner stage of development. The election will depend on the concrete pathological process under study. This Mueller Coherency matrix method can be applied to a single tissue point, or it can be combined with a tomographic technique, so as to obtain a 3D representation of polarization contrast parameters in pathological tissues. The application of this analysis to concrete diseases can lead to tissue burn depth estimation or cancer early detection.


There has been a significant concern regarding the potential health risks for humans and animals via foods and feeds that are contaminated with different agents. Particularly, mycotoxin contamination is of great importance as it is widespread and unpreventable. In both foods and feeds, molds produce secondary metabolites called mycotoxins; these are produced generally after the fungi reach their maturity. Depending on the definition used, hundreds of fungal compounds are recognized as mycotoxins. However, the attention is mainly focused on aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumunisins,ergot, patulin and trichoththeneces, which are considered the most important threats for human and animal health. Mycotoxin contamination causes a fundamental problem all over the world including developed countries. Additionally, the economic impact of mycotoxins is another global concern on the agricultural markets. These concerns are based on toxicological data, which show that naturally occurring levels of mycotoxins have adverse effects in farm and laboratory animals as well as humans.  Owing to the significant health risks and economic impacts, considerable investigations are being performed to diminish their harmful effects and to prevent their formation. In order to limit their levels, much research has been focused on detecting the mycotoxins in contaminated food and feedstuffs. This review will focus on information about primary mycotoxins, their occurrence, its public health implication, economic impact, and control strategies. Keywords : Mycotoxins; Aflatoxin; Ergot; Public health


The downfall of Coleman Silk, main character of The Human Stain, resembles the fate fallen upon the heroes of the ancient Greek tragedy. In Philip Roth's contemporary tragedy, public opinion plays the role of a judging and condemning chorus. The omnipresent threat that flows from this chorus is perfectly expressed in the vague, but devastating "everyone knows" that precedes the accusations that will demolish the career, the family and almost the mental health of the protagonist. Roth intertwines the fiction with the historical reality the novel arises from. In this way, he reveals the strict social control public opinion works, as well as its common punishment mechanisms.


In 1929 Flinn and Seidlin1reported the results of treating three cases of radium poisoning in painters of luminous dials by injections of parathyroid extract-Collip over a period of seven weeks. Their report was remarkable in that it showed a loss in radioactivity of about 50 per cent. In 1931 Flinn2reported an increase in the elimination of radium from the human body when the patients were given viosterol for some time. A marked decrease in radioactivity was again observed. The decrease in radioactivity was measured directly on the living subjects with an electroscope by the gamma method or by testing the radon present in the expired air of the patients. Our patients were four radioactive girls of the New Jersey radium patients who were placed under the supervision of a commission consisting of Dr. James Ewing, Dr. E. B. Krumbhaar, and Dr. Lloyd F. Craver.


The role of PD-L1 as a patient selection biomarker is emerging, with clinical outcome data from numerous studies demonstrating enrichment of responders. PD-L1 expression as a continuous variable measured via IHC presents a number of challenges to the clinical community including: 1) the relevant expression levels for treatment decision making 2) how well the cut-off can be deployed routinely in the clinical setting and 3) the lack of a 'gold standard' that establishes PD-L1 truth, and against which assays in development can compare. To fully determine the clinical utility of PD-L1 as a predictor of response, it is critical to first remove concerns that relate to test performance. During companion diagnostic development, the assay undergoes a comprehensive analysis of performance and evaluation in the population of intended use. Prior to pre market approval (PMA), the assay must demonstrate that it meets the criteria for safe and effective use as determined through statistically relevant acceptance criteria established by the sponsor. Following commercialisation of the assay, performance is assessed in the real world setting through various external quality assurance schemes with the goal of reducing inter-laboratory variation and establishing assay standardisation. The latter is critical to the maintenance of test quality and ensuring patient care. We will present a detailed overview of the quality standards observed for IHC-based companion diagnostic approvals. Previously approved PMA and cleared 510(k) assay summaries of safety and effectiveness data (SSED) will be reviewed. Published EQA Quality assessments will be compared to data obtained from SSED. Set against this is the quality level that has been achieved with the Ventana SP263 PD-L1 assay. Citation Format: Anita Midha, Jill Walker, Marlon C. Rebelatto, Costi Sabalos, Amita Mistry, Nicole Schechter. The importance of quality standards to support test performance for the purpose of treatment decision making. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B004.


Parasitological examination was conducted in 10 cases of sudden death which occurred in calves raised in the southern part of Japan where sawdust litter confinement pens were used. Extensive infection of the small intestine with Strongyloides papillosus (SPL) was observed in every necropsied case. Inspection of the pens where the fatal cases were detected revealed the presence of a number of infective larvae of SPL in sawdust litter, suggesting that this material was conducive to the growth of the larvae and that per cutem infection of calves with the larvae was promoted by the use of this management system. The scabs, which were occasionally found at coronary bands in the field cases, were considered to result from per cutem infection with the larvae. The autopsy revealed the presence of some migratory larvae in various tissues. An attempt was made to reproduce the sudden death symptoms by experimentally infecting calves with the larvae. Ten calves which were infectedpercutemwith more than 320,000 larvae per 100 kg of body weight died suddenly from 10.8 to 27.4 days after the infection. Clinical and parasitological findings in these experimental cases were similar to those of the field cases. Outbreaks of the disease in the farms ceased following the administration of thiabendazole or ivermectin. Discipline: Animal health Additional keywords: infection, new disease, outbreak, sawdust


Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 is associated with oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPC). Antibodies (Abs) to HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins have been detected in patient sera, however Abs to other early HPV-derived proteins have not been well explored.

Experimental Design: Abs to the HPV16 proteome were quantified using a novel multiplexed bead assay, using C-terminal GST fusion proteins captured onto Luminex beads. Sera were obtained from two cohorts of untreated OPC patients with known Abs to HPV16 Virus-Like Particles (VLP) (N=10), HPV18 VLP (N=10), healthy controls (N=20), and from a validation cohort of untreated patients with OPC (N=30), partners of patients with HPV16+ OPC (N=11), and healthy controls (N=30).

Results: OPC patients in the known VLP+ cohort had elevated serum Abs to HPV16 E1, E2, E4, E6, and E7, and L1 antibody levels but not E5. The ratios of specific median fluorescent intensity (MFI) to p21-GST compared to controls were: E1 50.7 vs. 2.1; E4 14.6 vs. 1.3; E6 11.3 vs. 2.4; E7 43.1 vs. 2.6; and L1 10.3 vs. 2.6 (each p<0.01). No cross-reactivity was detected between HPV16 E7 and HPV18 E7 Abs. In the validation cohort, HPV16 E1, E2, and E7 antibody levels were most significantly elevated compared to healthy control samples (p<0.0001) and partners of OPC patients (p<0.01).

Conclusion: A novel multiplexed bead assay for the detection of HPV16-specific Abs demonstrates that patients with HPV16+ OPC have detectable Abs to multiple early genes, in particular E1, E2 and E7. These Abs are potential biomarkers for HPV-associated OPC.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 902. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-902


This study is a prospective review of 136 multiple gestations identified sonographically in the first trimester. Of these, 35 (25.7%) demonstrated the "vanishing twin" phenomenon, often with associated bleeding. The prognosis for the remaining fetus/fetuses was a good in dichorionic and bad in monochorionic twin pregnancy.


The 3α Faddeev equation using 2α RGM kernel involves redundant components whose contribution to the total wave function completely cancels out. We propose a practical method to solve this Faddeev equation, by eliminating the admixture of such redundant components. A complete equivalence between the present Faddeev approach and a variational approach using the translationally invariant harmonic-oscillator basis is numerically shown with respect to the 3α bound state corresponding to the ground state of C.


This article intends to be an approach to road network rehabilitation in the context of the new challenges for the near future. Firstly, the current methodology used in the maintenance and rehabilitation and its impact on the pavement life cycle costs is presented. Secondly, the role of innovation at the service of society in the field of road engineering is presented in order to assure a high level of the ride quality, as well as a sustainable construction and rehabilitation of road pavements.


A one-stage nasolabial island flap isolated on the facial artery and vein is described for floor of mouth reconstruction. The donor site is closed primarily. The advantages of the procedure are that the one-stage procedure obviates the need for division and inset of a distant flap, the arterialized flap brings its own blood supply to the irradiated area; the donor site in elderly patients provides a large amount of redundant skin, which stretches easily across the midline or to the roof of the palate; and the donor defect is cosmetically acceptable. A disadvantage is that the procedure yields transient upper lip palsy and drooling that persists for several weeks.


The aim of this study was to identify, categorize and evaluate the attributes considered by the consumers during their coffee buying decision. A descriptive and quantitative survey with 459 coffee consumers was conducted in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. The results indicate that the attributes considered by the consumers can be grouped into five factors based on importance: (i) Product features - Organoleptic Characteristics, (ii) Brand and Tradition, (iii) Food safety, (iv) Availability and Product Offering, (v) Packaging. The theoretical contributions of this work are the identification of attributes considered by the consumers for buying coffee, the significance verification of these attributes, as well as the separation into factors, which allows a better understanding of the decision-making process of coffee consumers. The contributions of this research for management practices are related to the technical characteristics of the product, food safety, brand, label and packaging management, which are seen as very important factors. Moreover, distribution and trade marketing along the distribution channels are also aspects to be considered. These aspects must be worked out throughintegrated marketing communication. Finally, the research presents its limitations and several suggestions for future studies.


The gravity and magnetic anomalies over the western Snake River Plain suggest that the plain is underlain by a layer of dense magnetic rock that may be the Miocene Columbia River Basalt Group and by a thin upper crust. The western Snake River Plain may have formed as a rift in Miocene time in response to northeast lateral spreading with the accumulation of more than a kilometre of basalt in the rift. The plain apparently is now in approximate isostatic balance with adjoining highlands.


APPLICATIONS OF INSTRUMENTAL METHODS. Biomedical Spectroscopy. Biomolecules Analysis. Carbohydrate Analysis. Chemical Weapons Chemicals Analysis. Clinical Chemistry. Coatings. Environment: Trace Gas Monitoring. Environment: Water and Waste. Field Portable and Transportable Air and Vapor Measurement. Food. Forensic Science. Industrial Hygiene. Nucleic Acids Structure and Mapping. Particle Size Analysis. Peptides and Proteins. Pesticides. Petroleum and Liquid Fossil Fuels Analysis. Pharmaceuticals and Drugs. Polymers and Rubbers. Process Instrumental Methods. Pulp and Paper. Remote Sensing. Steel and Related Materials. Surfaces. THEORY AND INSTRUMENTATION. Atomic Spectroscopy. Chemometrics. Electroanalytical Methods. Electronic Absorption and Luminescence Spectroscopy. Gas Chromatography. Infrared Spectroscopy. Kinetic Determinations. Liquid Chromatography. Mass Spectrometry. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy. Nuclear Methods. Radiochemical Methods. Raman Spectroscopy. Thermal Analysis. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Auger Electron Spectroscopy. X-ray Spectrometry. GENERAL ARTICLES.


Teleoperation of humanoid robots enables the integration of the cognitive skills and domain expertise of humans with the physical capabilities of humanoid robots. The operational versatility of humanoid robots makes them the ideal platform for a wide range of applications when teleoperating in a remote environment. However, the complexity of humanoid robots imposes challenges for teleoperation, particularly in unstructured dynamic environments with limited communication. Many advancements have been achieved in the last decades in this area, but a comprehensive overview is still missing. This survey article gives an extensive overview of humanoid robot teleoperation, presenting the general architecture of a teleoperation system and analyzing the different components. We also discuss different aspects of the topic, including technological and methodological advances, as well as potential applications.


Some properties of current-loop models are explored, and some implications are discussed. The elliptical ring observed to be centered on the supernova can be interpreted as light from ions trapped in the magnetic field of a circular current loop. The current is 1.5*10/sup 12/ A for a model where gravitational force on 0.03 solar masses of trapped matter balances the electrodynamic expansion of the loop. The magnetic energy of the loop is 2*10/sup 41/ erg. Consideration of the magnetized clouds in the solar wind as an analogous source for such a loop leads to the conclusion that the loop formed over the lifetime of the progenitor star. >


Passive samplers have been proven as a useful tool for sampling the bioavailable fraction of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in sediment. Polyethylene (PE) sheets used as passive samplers enable the quantification of a wide range of the bioavailable HOCs in situ and ex situ. The sediment of Newark Bay and Passaic River historically is a source of legacy HOCs such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as well as emerging contaminates such as organophosphate esters (OPEs). Here we examine the distribution of PCBs, PCDD/Fs, and OPEs in Newark Bay utilizing a new form of passive sampling device based on a Danforth anchor that is not reliant on the use of divers for deployment. In the first sampling campaign in the Passaic River we compared our new anchor sampler to a previously used circular sampler. Minimal differences between the two samplers were found, confirming that the new sampler performed similarly to prior tools. The second campaign focused on Newark Bay, utilizing the anchor samplers for 10 bay sites and the circle samplers for 2 river sites. PCBs in the water column and sediment porewater of Newark Bay were evenly distributed with PCB 18 and 28 the dominant congeners at most sites. At all sites, porewater concentrations inferred from ex situ equilibrations exceeded those from the in situ passive samplers by 2–3 fold. The difference between the two sampling methods could be due to temperature differences or bioturbation. The concentration gradient between the water column and the sediment porewater implied that the sediment took up PCBs from the water column. OPEs were primarily detected in the lower part of Newark Bay suggesting that the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers were not sources of OPEs. Overall, we demonstrated the ability of our new sampling device to characterize legacy and emerging HOCs in sediment porewater and the water column and that this type of sampler could be effectively used at other contaminated sites.


The paper contains the results of experimental studies on galvanic features of "implant-construction alloy" contact pair. These results may be used as criteria for implant-retained restorations alloy choice.


PURPOSE
We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of flexible ureteroscope for treating kidney stones and the risk factors for infectious complications following flexible ureteroscope (FURS) with a holmium laser.

METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the data of 227 patients with kidney stones who underwent flexible ureteroscope with a holmium laser at our hospital from January 2012 to September 2014, including gender, age, comorbidity, urine analysis results, urine culture results, blood test results, stone size, operative duration, and residual stones. Patients with and without infectious complications were assigned to groups A and B, respectively. The dependent variables were postoperative infectious complications, and the risk factors for infectious complications following FURS were assessed using Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS
All the surgeries were successfully completed. The total stone-free rate was 81.9% (n = 186), and the incidence of infectious complications after FURS was 8.37% (n = 19). Fifteen patients (6.61%) developed fever postoperatively, 10 patients (4.41%) developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), 6 patients with fever were considered to have SIRS (2.64%), and 2 patients had sepsis (0.88%). Univariate analyses of groups A and B indicated that pyuria, stone size, operative duration, and infectious stones were risk factors for infectious complications after FURS (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that pyuria (P = 0.017), operative duration (P = 0.026), and infectious stones (P = 0.030) were independently related to infectious complications.

CONCLUSION
Pyuria, operative duration, and infectious stones were risk factors for infectious complications following FURS. Hence, routine urinalysis findings should be carefully considered, particularly the finding of pyuria.


Skin allergen sensitization can induce atopic dermatitis (AD), which is considered the starting point of the 'atopic march'. The 'atopic march' is the progression of AD in infancy to allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma in childhood. We hypothesize that the skin microbiome drives immune maturation, and that the maturation state at the time of skin allergen sensitization determines the allergic airway inflammation phenotype following allergen challenge. Neonatal and adult mice were subjected to a 3-week epicutaneous allergen sensitization protocol followed by intranasal allergen challenges. Skin and lung tissue inflammation was assessed using histological and FACS analysis. Skin transcriptome and microbiome was analyzed using RNA-seq and 16S rRNA sequencing. The immune maturation state at the time of first sensitization determines a Th2 vs. a mixed Th2/Th17 driven allergic inflammation in both the skin and the lung. Naive neonatal mouse skin exhibited decreased antigen presenting cell frequencies and a decreased antigen uptake and processing capacity compared to adults. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes associated with immune response and bacterial response pathways were enriched in adult skin compared to neonatal skin. Similar genes were downregulated in adult germ-free mouse skin, suggesting an important role for the microbiome. Epicutaneous allergen sensitization in adult mice was characterized by increased Staphylococcus aureus abundance on the skin, and neutrophil accumulation and increased IL17 gene expression in both the skin and the lung. Taken together, the skin microbiome drives immune maturation and exacerbation of both skin and airway inflammation.


Advancement of engineering by computer systems in product development has reached full integration of model construction activities, models, and engineering processes. A recently recognized demand by product development against engineering systems is improved decision assistance. However, this requires computer intelligence that relies on local even personal knowledge and can not be built in a general purpose engineering system. Because of development of open system architectures and services in engineering or by conventional term CAD/CAM/CAE systems, capabilities for development of intelligence in application environments are available. The authors analyzed leading engineering informatics and proposed a set of methods for decision assistance. These methods are interrelated and integrable in professional engineering systems. Two main issues are definition of sets of parameters of modeled objects and management of frequent changes of modeled objects during product development. In the center of this methodology, constrained parameters act as restricting factors for modification of parameters of associative engineering objects. Paper starts with an outlook to engineering systems and preliminary results by the authors. Following this, groups of essential information in the proposed modeling are summarized and procedures for handling of that information are detailed. Next, construction of models in course of sequences of changes, and management of changes of modeled engineering objects, are explained. Changes are created or verified by behavior analysis. Finally, coordinated application of behavior analysis, intent combination, view creation, and change management is discussed to support decision-making processes


BACKGROUND
Urea is a well-known humectant. The aim of our study was to evaluate the in vivo effect of 10% urea lacquer on nail quality.

METHODS
60 healthy probands with brittle nails were included in a randomized, controlled study. The nail lacquer was applied once (n=30) or twice daily (n=30) on one hand for 28 days, while the other hand served as untreated control. Assessments included clinical evaluations and bioengineering measurements.

RESULTS
Application of the nail lacquer was well-tolerated and led to a significant clinical improvement of nail surface morphology, nail plate consistency, reflection of the nail plate surface, appearance of the cuticle and the nail fold. Sonographic nail density was slightly increased. No relevant changes were found in nail thickness and transonychial water loss.

CONCLUSIONS
Nail lacquer containing urea improves the cosmetic appearance of fingernails.


Objective: This study evaluates the role of tourist motivation in the determination of destination and ecotourism loyalty using push and pull motivation theory and the theory of planned behavior. The paper also analyses the mediating effects of satisfaction and destination image in the relationships between motivation and the two types of loyalty. Method/analysis: Primary data has been gathered from surveys involving 522 Vietnamese tourists traveling to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park in the Czech Republic. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques in R. Findings: The findings support both direct and indirect positive associations between tourist motivation and destination and ecotourism loyalty. In terms of ecotourism loyalty, the effect is mediated by destination image. In terms of destination loyalty, the effect is mediated by satisfaction and destination image. Novelty/improvement: This study has further expanded the theory of planned behavior in the context of ecotourism by linking it to travel career pattern theory and functionalist theory. These are complementary theories that can explain the behavior of ecotourists and help operators and marketers adjust their strategies to attract and retain visitors to ecotourist destinations. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-05-014 Full Text: PDF


Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are key enzymes for the oxidative metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids into products that influence cell signaling, structure, and metabolism. Previous data on comparative levels of various LOX products in human tumorigenesis are limited primarily to retrospectively collected surgical samples from cancer patients. Therefore, we examined LOX product profiles by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in the major steps of colorectal tumorigenesis (normal, polyp, and cancer) in a clinical study of 125 subjects (49 with a normal colon, 36 with colorectal polyps, and 40 with colorectal cancer) who underwent prospective colorectal biopsies to control for various potential confounding factors (e.g. diet, medications). Mean 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) levels were significantly higher in normal colons (mean = 36.11 ng/mg protein, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.56-40.67) than in paired colorectal cancer mucosa (mean = 27.01 ng/mg protein, 95% CI: 22.00-32.02; P = 0.0002) and in normal colons (mean = 37.15 ng/mg protein, 95% CI: 31.95-42.34) than in paired colorectal polyp mucosa (mean = 28.07 ng/mg protein, 95% CI: 23.66-32.48; P 4 (LTB 4 ) levels were detected between normal, polyp and cancer mucosa. Downregulation of 15-LOX-1 expression, the rate limiting enzyme for 13-HODE production, in human colorectal neoplastic mucosa was confirmed by quantitative real time PCR in a subset colorectal cancer patients for whom samples with adequate RNA quality were available. This study establishes that reduced 13-HODE levels are a specific alteration in the LOX product profile associated with human colorectal tumorigenesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2897.


Occlusion in deciduous dentition varies among children of different populations and races. Paucity of information in Nepalese literature provided the motive for this study. The objective of this study was to examine the occlusal traits of Primary Dentition among children aged 2-6 year old. A cross-sectional study comprising total of 307 children all having deciduous teeth were included in the study. The dentition was examined using a mouth mirror and explorer under illuminated light in Department of Pedodontics and the data was recorded. All the children were screened for molar and canine relationship, overjet, overbite, spaced and non-spaced dentition. Out of the total, Mesial step terminal plane (62%-left; 58%-right), Flush terminal (33%-left; 36% -right) and Distal step (5%-left; 6%-right) were seen. Most of the children had class I canine relation (83%-left; 84%-right), ideal overjet (68.4%), overbite (63.1%) and spaced dentition. Statistical significant difference was found among the gender with respect to overjet. Presence of spacing was more in maxilla than in mandible which was statistically significant. These findings suggested desirable occlusal characteristics and spacing in primary dentition. However, future longitudinal studies are required to examine whether the transition of these occlusal characteristics will lead to favorable outcome in permanent dentition.


The intermolecular orbital theory was applied to the Diels-Alder reaction of naphthalene, phenanthrene and 1,2-benzanthracene with maleic anhydride. The expected positions of thermal addition in the alternant bydrocarbons were in agreement with experiment. It was also possible to explain the relative proportions of two isomeric adducts with the calculated stabilization energies. Comparison of the results with paralocalization energies of Brown gave agood linear correlation.


Abstract The time efficiency and principles of ergonomics related to timber skidding are based on the time consumption per work cycle as well as on the time consumption per individual work operations. Regarding the demands on the environmental requirements and ever increasing cost of work, it is necessary to objectively evaluate the inevitable time consumption required for timber skidding using all technologies. The paper summarised the results of time studies for skidder technologies. The time study compares the time consumption and productivity of cable skidders and cable-grapple skidders, with the main focus on developing time prediction models. The main aim of the study was to objectify the skidder time consumption and establish the impact of production factors on the time consumption of partial work operations of skidders. Within the time study 231 work cycles were measured, and 53 snapshots of work day with using methods continual time study. The overall time consumption of the work cycle and gross production rate of the monitored cable and cable-grapple skidders is affected by the following production factors: the skidding distance, volume of skidded logs and number of skidded logs. The impact of individual production factors on the overall time consumption of the work cycle is different for each group of skidders. Non-operation times of the skidder operators' shifts represent 24.6% with the highest part taken by the technical operation of the work place. The mean gross production rate of the monitored skidders varied from 33.3 to 6.91 m3 h−1.


In this work, it was shown that the crucial aspect for practical applications of a newly discovered (In + Nb) co-doped TiO2 material is the temperature stability of its dielectric permittivity (e′). Despite an extremely large e′ value of ≈5.1 × 104 and a low loss tangent (tan δ ≈ 0.03) successfully obtained in 10% (In + Nb) co-doped TiO2, careful inspection revealed that e′ was largely changed below room temperature (RT) as a result of an ambient-RT dielectric relaxation, giving rise to a large value of the temperature coefficient. However, this result can be effectively improved by decreasing the co-doping concentration. Although this dielectric relaxation also occurred in 2.5% (In + Nb) co-doped TiO2, its e′ variation below RT was slight. Notably, very high e′ ≈ 1.57 × 104 and ultra-low tan δ ≈ 0.006 (at 30 °C and 102 Hz) with an excellent temperature coefficient of less than ±7% in the range of −70 to 180 °C were achieved. The giant e′ response over a broad temperature range in (In + Nb) co-doped TiO2 was primarily due to the polarization of highly localized electrons in large defect-dipole clusters. The additional polarization relaxation near the RT range might be associated with interfacial polarization of delocalized electrons originating from uncorrelated Nb25+Ti3+ATi defect dipoles.


This paper presents a control technique of the variable series capacitor (VSrC) using a neural network (NN). The NN trains the dynamics of the fuzzy controller proposed by the authors. Therefore the NN can improve power system stability without load angle information with a difficult measurement. The training signals for the NN are obtained by the optimum fuzzy controller searched by genetic algorithm (GA). The effectiveness of this control method is verified by simulation results of a multi-machine power system.


This paper presents the results of two-dimensional numerical modeling of crustal fluid flow in a collisional overthrust setting during emplacement of syn-metamorphic mafic sills. An important feature of the fluid flow in the presence of magmatic intrusions is the long-lived prograde up-temperature (up-T) flow of fluid. This upward flow is driven by dehydration reactions in the rocks underlying the intrusions and upward is the consequence of the inverted thermal profile that appears within the depth range of magmatism. If magma is intruded at mid-crustal depths following crustal collision, the up-T flow regime may persist for as much as 5 Myr. Such long-lived up-T fluid flow is not observed in models without magmatism. Strong retrograde reactions in rocks surrounding intrusions may give rise to downward up-temperature flow into the heated but rapidly cooling areas of the crust during exhumation, but the fluid fluxes in these areas are typically small. The total time-integrated fluid fluxes produced by magmatism and crustal overthickening in the middle and deep crust are substantial, in some cases reaching 3,000 m3 m−2 over 35 Myr. Early magmatic events may give rise to fluid fluxes exceeding 1,000 m3 m−2 in only 1 Myr. The strong dehydration that accompanies the emplacement of hot magma into the relatively low-temperature wall rock leads to hydrofracturing of large volumes of crustal rocks surrounding intrusions. The fractured rock region may extend over tens of kilometers from the zone of magma emplacement. More hydrofracturing is predicted for the middle and deep crust than for the shallow crust because of the exponential decrease of crustal permeability with depth that is assumed in our models. Endothermic dehydration, exothermic retrograde hydration, and the latent heat of wall rock fusion can all influence thermal budgets. In the final part of the paper we integrate the results of the fluid flow modeling presented here, the reconstructions of thermal evolution presented in Part I, and field-based data for the type locality of Barrovian and Buchan metamorphism in Scotland. Many key phenomena predicted by our numerical models are observed in the Scottish Dalradian, including the very short thermal peaks attained over a relatively narrow time span across a broad range of metamorphic zones; penecontemporaneous Barrovian, Buchan, and granulite facies metamorphism; steep Metamorphic Field Temperature Gradients (MFTGs) in the vicinity of intrusions; and petrological evidence consistent with up-temperature fluid flow. Our results suggest that some controversial aspects of regional metamorphism in the Scottish Dalradian, including heat transfer processes and the steep MFTGs, may be plausibly explained by the effects of plutonism.


It is well known that the computation of the Basset-like history force is very demanding in terms of CPU and memory requirements, since it requires the evaluation of a history integral. We use the recent rational theory of Beylkin & Monzón (Appl. Comput. Harmon. Anal., vol. 19, 2005, pp. 17–48) to approximate the history kernel in the form of exponential sums to reformulate the viscous history force in a differential form. This theory allows us to approximate the history kernel in terms of exponential sums to any desired order of accuracy. This removes the need for long-time storage of the acceleration histories of the particle and the fluid. The proposed differential form approximation is applied to compute the history force on a spherical particle in a synthetic turbulent flow and a wall-bounded turbulent channel flow. Particles of various diameters are considered, and results obtained using the present technique are in reasonable agreement with those achieved using the full history integral.


The expressions for the displacements, microrotation, stresses and temperature distribution on the free surface of micropolar thermoelastic medium possessing cubic symmetry as a result of inclined load have been obtained. The inclined load is assumed to be a linear combination of a normal load and a tangential load. The Laplace and Fourier transforms have been employed to solve the problem. A special case of moving inclined load has been deduced by making the appropriate changes. The variations of the displacements, microrotation, stresses and temperature distribution with the horizontal distance have been shown graphically for both the problems.


Domestic violence in rural areas presents special problems for law enforcement. In 1997, the Latah County, Idaho sheriff's office, police department, prosecutor's office, and the local Violence Against Women agency received a STOP Violence Against Women Act of 19941 grant from the Idaho Department of Law Enforcement to improve services to domestic violence victims. As an important first step, a needs assessment of county services available to victims was necessary. A standardized, close-ended questionnaire was developed and administered to the entire population of domestic violence service providers in Latah County—law enforcement, and legal, social, and medical service providers. Results revealed that service providers had the most knowledge about their own professions and were more critical of other local service provider agencies than of their own. A description of the needs assessment process, the survey instrument, the data collected, data analyses, and implications are discussed.


Background and Purpose We examined responses of rabbit pial arterioles to three different stimuli before and after induction of cortical spreading depression. Methods In urethane-anesthetized rabbits equipped with a closed cranial window, we measured pial arteriolar diameter during baseline conditions, topical application of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), topical application of acetylcholine, and inhalation of 10% CO2 in air (arterial hypercapnia) before cortical spreading depression and 30, 60, and 120 minutes after cortical spreading depression. Cortical spreading depression was induced by localized application of a 5% KCI solution anterior to the arteriole being measured. Results Average baseline diameter was approximately 90 μm. During cortical spreading depression, arteriolar diameter increased to a peak value that was 50 ± 4% above baseline (n=32). Before cortical spreading depression, arteriolar diameter changed 47 ± 7% (n=9) during hypercapnia, 17 ± 3% (n=4) during 10−9 mol/L CGRP, 42 ± 10% (n=7) during 10−7 mol/L CGRP, 29 ± 6% (n=4) during 10−6 mol/L acetylcholine, and 61 ± 13% (n=6) during 10−4 mol/L acetylcholine. Arteriolar responsiveness to any of these stimuli was not changed significantly by prior cortical spreading depression. Conclusions Dilator capacity of pial arterioles is still intact in urethane-anesthetized rabbits after cortical spreading depression. (Stroke. 1993;24:1740-1745.)


The National Grid is a training scheme that represents a unique partnership between Deaneries and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in offering through national competition, equitable access to high quality subspecialty training. Paediatrics is unusual in that within the umbrella Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training in paediatrics there is the potential to train in one of 13 recognised paediatric subspecialties.


Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) tolerance, a negative therapeutic effect, is a gradual decline in antinociception because of its repeated or prolonged use. This study aims to explore the role of thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), having neuro-protection properties, in EA tolerance (EAT). Methods: Rats were treated with EA once daily for eight consecutive days to establish EAT, effect of Tβ4 on the development of EAT was determined through microinjection of Tβ4 antibody and siRNA into the cerebroventricle. The mRNA and protein expression profiles of Tβ4, opioid peptides (enkephalin, dynorphin and endorphin), and anti-opioid peptides (cholecystokinin octapeptide, CCK-8 and orphanin FQ, OFQ), and mu opioid receptor (MOR) and CCK B receptor (CCKBR) in the brain areas (hypothalamus, thalamus, cortex, midbrain and medulla) were characterized after Tβ4 siRNA was administered. Results: Tβ4 levels were increased at day 1, 4, and 8 and negatively correlated with the changes of tail flick latency in all areas. Tβ4 antibody and siRNA postponed EAT. Tβ4 siRNA caused decreased Tβ4 levels in all areas, which resulted in increased enkephalin, dynorphin, endorphin and MOR levels in most measured areas during repeated EA, but unchanged OFQ, CCK-8, and CCKBR levels in most measured areas. Tβ4 levels were negatively correlated with enkephalin, dynorphin, endorphin, or MOR levels in all areas except medulla, while positively correlated with OFQ and CCK-8 levels in some areas. Conclusion: These results confirmed Tβ4 facilitates EAT probably through negatively changing endogenous opioid peptides and their receptors and positively influencing anti-opioid peptides in the central nervous system.


PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and low dose leucovorin (LV) combination in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients with unresectable or recurrent colorectal carcinomas were prospectively accrued. Up to one prior chemotherapy regimen was allowed. Patients received oxaliplatin, 85 mg/m(2), administered as a 2-hour infusion on day 1, followed by LV, 20 mg/m(2), as a bolus and 5-FU, 1,500 mg/m(2), via continuous infusion for 24 hours on days 1 and 2. Treatment was repeated every 2 weeks until disease progression or adverse effects prohibited further therapy.

RESULTS
Between August 1999 and May 2004, 31 patients were enrolled in this study. Of the patients enrolled, 24 and 31 were evaluable for tumor response and survival analysis, respectively. The patients' characteristics included a median age of 59, with 6 (19%) having had prior chemotherapy. No patient achieved a complete response, but nine (38%) attained a partial response. Seven (29%) patients maintained a stable disease and 8 (33%) experienced increasing disease. The median duration of the response was 6 months. After a median follow-up of 9.6 months, the median time to progression was 3.8 months, with a median survival of 10.7 months. The hematological toxicities were mild to moderate, with no treatment-related mortality or infection. The major non-hematological toxicity was gastrointestinal toxicity.

CONCLUSION
The combination chemotherapy of oxaliplatin, low dose LV and continuous infusion of 5-FU is safe and has a cost-benefit, but is a moderately effective regimen in advanced colorectal cancer. A randomized trial comparing low and high dosages of leucovorin in the FOLFOX regimen is warranted.


Fermion Behavior in an Optical Lattice Due to their extreme tunability, optical lattices loaded with fermions and bosons are expected to act as quantum simulators, answering complicated many-body physics questions beyond the reach of theory and computation. Some of these many-body states, such as the Mott insulator and the superfluid, have been achieved in bosonic optical lattices by simply changing the characteristic depth of the lattice potential wells. Now, Hackermüller et al. (p. 1621) describe an unusual effect in an optical lattice loaded with fermions: When the strength of the attraction between the fermions is increased adiabatically, instead of contracting, the gas expands in order to preserve entropy. Thermodynamic effects cause an ultracold potassium gas to expand unexpectedly when the attraction between atoms is increased. The interplay of thermodynamics and quantum correlations can give rise to counterintuitive phenomena in many-body systems. We report on an isentropic effect in a spin mixture of attractively interacting fermionic atoms in an optical lattice. As we adiabatically increase the attraction between the atoms, we observe that the gas expands instead of contracting. This unexpected behavior demonstrates the crucial role of the lattice potential in the thermodynamics of the fermionic Hubbard model.


This paper examines the possibility of using the combination of waste Sheet Glass Powder as fine aggregate and Portland cement with 20% optimum replacement of flyash as cementitious binder offers an economically viable technology for high value utilization of industrial waste. Using of SGP in concrete is an interesting possibility for economy on waste disposal sites and conservation of natural resources. Natural sand was partially replaced (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) with SGP and 20% optimum replacement of flyash in Portland cement. Compressive strength, Tensile strength (cubes and cylinders) and Flexural strength up to 180 days of age were compared with those of concrete made with natural fine aggregates. Fineness modulus, specific gravity, moisture content, water absorption, Bulk density, %voids, % porosity (loose and compact) state for sand (S) and SGP were also studied. The test results indicate that it is possible to manufacture low cost concrete containing Sheet glass powder (SGP) with characteristics similar to those of natural sand aggregate concrete provided that the percentage of SGP as fine aggregate up to 30% along with flyash 20% optimum in cement replacement can be used respectively.


Clustering is an unsupervised machine learning methodology where unlabeled elements/objects are grouped together aiming to the construction of well-established clusters that their elements are classified according to their similarity. The goal of this process is to provide a useful aid to the researcher that will help her/him to identify patterns among the data. Dealing with large databases, such patterns may not be easily detectable without the contribution of a clustering algorithm. This article provides a deep description of the most widely used clustering methodologies accompanied by useful presentations concerning suitable parameter selection and initializations. Simultaneously, this article not only represents a review highlighting the major elements of examined clustering techniques but emphasizes the comparison of these algorithms' clustering efficiency based on 3 datasets, revealing their existing weaknesses and capabilities through accuracy and complexity, during the confrontation of discrete and continuous observations. The produced results help us extract valuable conclusions about the appropriateness of the examined clustering techniques in accordance with the dataset's size.


Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) have emerged as a promising, yet challenging, solution to enhance spectrum utilization, thanks to the technology of cognitive radios. A well-known property of CRNs is the potential heterogeneity in channel availability among secondary users. Therefore, multicast throughput in CRNs may suffer from significant degradation because of this property since a link-level broadcast of a frame may only reach a small subset of destinations that are able to receive on the same channel. This may necessitate multiple sequential transmissions of the same frame by the source on different channels to guarantee delivery to all receivers in the destination set. In case of high data generation rate, delivery delay will be high due to the repeated transmissions by the source. In this paper, we propose an assistance strategy to reduce the effect of the channel heterogeneity property on the multicast throughput in cognitive radio wireless mesh networks (CR-WMNs). This assistance strategy is composed of two main activities: first, allowing multicast receivers to assist the source in delivering the data, and second, allowing the transmission of coded packets so that multicast receivers belonging to different multicast groups can decode and extract their data concurrently. Results show that the proposed assistance paradigm reduces multicast time and increases throughput significantly.


Art products are media to show the identities of their makers as well as the identities of society members enjoying them. Cultural and communal traits of society where the arts created and appreciated are reflected through the arts. Wayang Gung is a classic art from South Kalimantan rarely performed nowadays. Wayang Gung depicts cultural values of Banjarese people in the past. As one of valuable oral literatures of Banjarese, linguistic element of Wayang Gung is worth investigating to reveal identities and cultural trace of Banjarese people. In this study, scripts of Wayang Gung are collected through documentation technique and analyzed using Ethnolinguistics approach. Ethnolinguistics is chosen for analyzing tool as it focuses on investigating language used in society with the culture of that society. Furthermore, ethnolinguistics seeks to reveal identities of the language users. The results of this study show that Banjarese people consider.


Using a phenomenological Ginzburg–Landau model that includes entrainment, we identify the possible ground states for the neutron and proton condensates in the core of a neutron star, as a function of magnetic field strength. Combining analytical and numerical techniques, we find that much of the outer core is likely to be a "type-1.5" superconductor (instead of a type-II superconductor as often assumed), in which magnetic flux is distributed inhomogeneously, with bundles of magnetic fluxtubes separated by flux-free Meissner regions. We provide an approximate criterion to determine the transition between this type-1.5 phase and the type-I region in the inner core. We also show that bundles of fluxtubes can coexist with non-superconducting regions, but only in a small part of the parameter space.


The effect of using downsampling for arbitrary views inside a multi-view sequence on the multi-view coding (MVC) efficiency is explored. A bit rate adaptive approach is proposed to consider downsampling certain views prior to encoding with relevant downscaling ratios. The inter-view references, if any, are downsampled to the same resolution and the decoded view is upsampled back to the original resolution. The results over several multi-view test sequences imply that up to 0.9 dB gain or 20% reduction in bit rate can be achieved, reducing the computational complexity in the encoder significantly at the same time.


Nanoparticles are well established vectors for the delivery of a wide range of biomedically relevant cargoes. Numerous studies have investigated the impact of size, shape, charge, and surface functionality of nanoparticles on mammalian cellular uptake. Rigidity has been studied to a far lesser extent, and its effects are still unclear. Here, the importance of this property, and its interplay with particle size, is systematically explored using a library of core-shell spherical PEGylated nanoparticles synthesized by RAFT emulsion polymerization. Rigidity of these particles is controlled by altering the intrinsic glass transition temperature of their constituting polymers. Three polymeric core rigidities are tested: hard, medium, and soft using two particle sizes, 50 and 100 nm diameters. Cellular uptake studies indicate that softer particles are taken up faster and threefold more than harder nanoparticles with the larger 100 nm particles. In addition, the study indicates major differences in the cellular uptake pathway, with harder particles being internalized through clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis as well as macropinocytosis, while softer particles are taken up bycaveolae- and non-receptormediated endocytosis. However, 50 nm derivatives do not show any appreciable differences in uptake efficiency, suggesting that rigidity as a parameter in the biological regime may be size dependent.


Zanamivir is a potent and specific inhibitor of influenza A and B virus neuraminidase, that is now approved for the treatment, and is currently under development for the prophylaxis of influenza. To assess the safety of this drug in asthmatics, 13 subjects with mild/moderate asthma [forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1)> or =70% predicted, reversibility of FEV1 to salbutamol > or =15%, concentration of methacholine causing a drop of 20% in the FEV1 (PC20FEV1)< or =8 mg ml(-1)], were recruited to a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, two way cross-over study. Subjects received 10 mg zanamivir as a dry powder (2 x 5 mg blisters via a Diskhaler Sovnn Plastics Ltd., Berkshire, U.K.), or a matching placebo, twice daily on day 1 and then four times daily from day 2 to day 14, in two separate periods separated by a washout period of 7 days. PC20FEV1 to methacholine was determined pre-study, on day 1 after the evening dose and on day 14 after the last dose of the study drug. FEV1 was measured pre-study and at regular intervals on days 1 and 14. Laboratory safety tests were performed on days 1, 7 and 15. Morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and any adverse events were recorded in a diary card. Eleven subjects completed the study. One was withdrawn due to non-compliance, and one due to an adverse event that occurred during the placebo period. On day 1 the geometric mean PC20 for zanamivir was 36% lower than for placebo [ratio to placebo 0.64, (90% CI 0.44, 0.93)] and on day 14 this was 33% lower with zanamivir [ratio to placebo 0.67 (90% CI 0.38, 1.15)]. Both these confidence intervals were within the pre-defined interval of 'no clinically significant effect' of 0.25-4 (i.e. a change of two doubling doses of methacholine PC20FEV1 which was considered clinically significant). The time weighted mean FEV1 was 0.15 l (5.4%) lower for zanamivir on day 1 compared to placebo (90% CI 0.03, 0.28; P=0.050) and 0.01 l higher compared to placebo on day 14 (90%CI -0.12, 0.10; P=0.912). The day 1 changes were not associated with any significant symptoms or requirement for rescue bronchodilator therapy. Furthermore there was no apparent treatment difference over the 14 day dosing period in FEV1 data (90% CI: -0.11, 0.05, P=057). The mean morning PEFR was 4 l min(-1) less for zanamivir than for placebo (90% CI: -11, 3) and mean evening PEFR was 9 l min(-1) less (90% CI: -24, 5). The study treatments were well tolerated by the subjects with no clinically significant adverse events attributable to zanamivir treatment. Zanamivir inhaled as a dry powder does not significantly affect the pulmonary function and airway responsiveness of subjects with mild/moderate asthma and therefore its use in such patients subjects is not precluded.


This investigation was carried out between 1997 and 2002 in order to research the forest vegetation of Karagol-Sahara National Park (Artvin). This vegetation was studied according to the traditional Braun-Blanquet approach. A total of 114 quadrats were examined. In the area under review, forest vegetation is represented by Querco petraea-Piceetum orientalis ass. nov., Fraxinetosum angustifoliae subass. nov., Crataegetosum microphyllae subass. nov., Junipero oxycedri-Pinetum sylvestris ass. nov., Fago orientalis-Abietum nordmannianae ass. nov., Pino sylvestris-Piceetum orientalis ass. nov., Abieti nordmannianae-Piceetum orientalis ass. nov., Abieti nordmannianae-Pinetum sylvestris ass. nov., and Junipero communi-Pinetum sylvestris ass. nov. Seven associations and 2 subassociations are new syntaxa to science. The distribution of the associations in the investigation area and their brief ecologies are provided. Some soil samples taken from various plots representing different plant associations were analysed.


Most research on polymer degradation is for single polymers, even though the thermal decomposition of polymer mixtures is of interest both practically and theoretically. Polymer degradation rates depend on the mixture type, and adding a polymer can increase, decrease, or leave unchanged the degradation rate of the first polymer. We show how distribution-kinetics theory, based on molecular-weight distributions (MWDs), provides expressions for degradation rates of binary polymer mixtures. The approach accounts for initiation, termination, hydrogen abstraction, and radical chain scission in the governing equations for MWDS. Molecular-weight moments yield expressions for molar and mass concentrations and rate coefficients for combinations of random and chain-end scission. Experimental data show the concentration effect of poly((x-methyl styrene)) (PAMS) on the degradation of polystyrene dissolved in mineral oil at 275 {degrees}C in a batch reactor. Samples analyzed by gel permeation chromatography yielded the time evolution of the MD. The results indicated that, owing to the interaction of mixed radicals with polymer by hydrogen abstraction, polystyrene degradation rate decreases with increasing PAMS concentration.


Abstract Recent studies have shown that CD25 expression at the time of diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may be associated with an unfavorable outcome. We focus on patients with AML without complete remission (CR) and examine the clinical correlation between surface CD25 expression at the time of transplant and subsequent transplant outcomes. We observed a significant difference in overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) between CD25 positive (+) (n = 22) and negative (−) groups (n = 44) (2-year OS; CD25 (+) group: 5% vs. CD25 (−) group: 40%, p < 0.0001, 2-year DFS; 5% vs. 29%, p < 0.0001, 2-year CIR; 77% vs. 52%, p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that CD25 expression was an independent adverse factor for OS (p = 0.002) and relapse (p = 0.001). Patients with AML with residual CD25 positive blasts at the time of transplant may require additional therapy before or after transplant to improve survival.


Abstract Crushed ore in Adirondack wollastonite mines (New York) shows textural evidence for wollastonite dissolution and cementation by calcite and opal. The reaction CaSiO3 + CO2 = CaCO3 + SiO2 is a model reaction for silicate weathering and carbonation that has not been characterized in the field until now (outside of controlled experiments). Cemented samples from the Lewis and Fox Knoll mines contain up to 3% and 6% calcite, respectively, and contain modern 14C. Carbon isotope ratios have an organic signature at both mines but more strongly at Lewis (δ13C from –9‰ to –29‰ VPDB), which, along with observed filamentous biofilms, supports a microbial role in mineralization. Differences are seen between wollastonite weathering in these mines vs. wollastonite weathering in lab experiments and field studies of carbonate formation in other rock types. Grains surrounded by reaction products reach complete dissolution here, indicating that passivation by jacketing is not important at the field sites. Also, dissolved ions do not all form in situ reaction products, suggesting that solutes are leaving the system. A key finding of this study is the strong organic δ13C signature of calcite cements at the Lewis mine, which also show higher calcite content per years of exposure compared to cements at the Fox Knoll mine. Although microbial fractionation complicates isotopic assessment of atmospheric CO2 sequestration, our findings suggest sequestration rates are enhanced by geomicrobiological activity.


Selective capture of microorganisms is an effective and rapid technique for microbe detection. In this article, we obtained aptamers targeting live bacterial cells E. coli as recognition and capture elements by using a whole-cell based aptamer selection, and integrated the isolated aptamers into a microfluidic device for selective capture of microorganisms. Eight rounds of selection were performed; the specificity and affinity of aptamers to the target bacterial cells were also characterized using flow cytometric analysis. A total of 40 aptamer sequences were obtained, and the apparent dissociation constant Kd of the representative aptamer displaying the highest binding affinity was estimated to be 24.8 ± 2.7 nM. After sequencing of the pool showing the highest binding affinity to E. coli, a DNA sequence of high affinity to the bacteria was integrated into the microfluidic device as recognition and capture elements for selective capture of microorganisms. The results demonstrated that the aptamer-based microfluidic device was able to capture E. coli selectively to distinguish different species of bacteria. This investigation is envisaged to provide a new avenue for the development of lab-on-chip devices for selective capture of microorganisms, which could be beneficial for portable, rapid and economic microbial detection in food safety, environmental monitoring and medical diagnosis.


1. Metacercariae of Centrocestus species were found from a brackish water fish, Tribolodon taczanowskii Steindachner in the downstream of Hyungsan river. 2. Thirty one fishes out of 154 examined (31.8 per cent) were infected with the metacercariae of Centrocestus. sp. 3. Metacercariae were fed to the mouse experimentally and adult worms were recovered from the intestinal mucosa. And they were identified C. asadai Mishima and compared with the prereported Centrocestus sp.


Negotiations to include high-temperature, high-shear viscosity limits in Engine Oil Viscosity Classification SAE J300 have been in progress for twelve years, with vigorous activity since late 1984. Every effort is being made to define a system that will maintain continuity with the current J 300. Although agreement with the concept in principle has been reached, consensus on the choice of limits has remained elusive. Because resolution of the technical details and highly emotional issues surrounding limits for some of the viscosity grades appears to remain well beyond reach, it seems unlikely that any full-scale classification system will appear in the near future. However, it is likely that limits for specific viscosity grades of major interest to engine manufacturers will soon be added to SAE J300.