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California bearing ratio (CBR) test is one of the comprehensive tests used for the last few decades to design the pavement thickness of roadways, railways and airport runways. Laboratory-performed CBR test is considerably rigorous and time-taking. In a quest for an alternative solution, this study utilizes novel computational approaches, including the kernel ridges regression, K-nearest neighbor and Gaussian process regression (GPR), to predict the soaked CBR value of soils. A vast quantity of 1011 in situ soil samples were collected from an ongoing highway project work site. Two data divisional approaches, i.e., K-Fold and fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering, were used to separate the dataset into training and testing subsets. Apart from the numerous statistical performance measurement indices, ranking and overfitting analysis were used to identify the best-fitted CBR prediction model. Additionally, the literature models were also tried to validate through present study datasets. From the results of Pearson's correlation analysis, Sand, Fine Content, Plastic Limit, Plasticity Index, Maximum Dry Density and Optimum Moisture Content were found to be most influencing input parameters in developing the soaked CBR of fine-grained plastic soils. Experimental results also establish the proficiency of the GPR model developed through FCM and K-Fold data division approaches. The K-Fold data division approach was found to be helpful in removing the overfitting of the models. Furthermore, the predictive ability of any model is considerably influenced by the geological location of the soils/materials used for the model development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ageing of asphalt mixes catalyses the occurrence of several pavement distresses. This study assessed the influence of the nature and quantity of the filler on the ageing susceptibility of asphalt concrete. The designed asphalt mixes containing control filler (stone dust) and four industrial wastes (copper tailing, glass powder, Kota stone dust, and red mud) were added in different amounts (4, 5.5, 7, and 8.5%). The ageing susceptibility of asphalt mixes was analysed by comparing the performance of un-aged and long-term aged asphalt mixes in terms of Marshall stability (MS), tensile strength ratio (TSR), indirect tensile strength (ITS), Marshall quotient (MQ), and Cantabro loss (CL) using ageing indices. The statistical analysis of the results was performed using multiple two-way ANOVA tests. The analysis inferred that the nature of filler and their amount in asphalt mixes had a statistically significant effect on their ageing susceptibility as observed from the changes in their TSR, CL, MQ, and MS. However, ageing susceptibility of asphalt mixes corresponding to their ITS values seemed to be significantly influenced only by the amount of the filler. The ageing susceptibility of asphalt concrete mixes is found to be greatly influenced by their apparent film thicknesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to recycle bauxite residue (red mud) as an alternative to conventional stone dust filler in asphalt concrete mix. For this, relevant physical, chemical and morphological properties of both fillers were determined. Subsequently, asphalt concrete mixes incorporating both fillers were prepared using Marshall mix design procedures, and their performances against primary aspects (strength, rutting resistance, cracking resistance, moisture susceptibility, ravelling resistance, long-term ageing, active and passive adhesion) were investigated. Although red mud mixes had higher optimum asphalt content than conventional mixes, they also delivered higher Marshall stability, rutting resistance and cracking resistance. This was majorly attributed to fineness and porosity of red mud which facilitates uniform distribution of filler and higher absorption of asphalt binder. Red mud was highly alkaline and hydrophobic in nature and had the presence of adhesion promoters like calcite in its composition. Hence, red mud mixes displayed satisfactory resistance against moisture permeation and had good active-passive adhesions. Although red mud mixes had marginally lower resistance against ravelling and long-term ageing than the conventional mix, red mud could effectively be utilised as a filler in asphalt concrete mixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a novel approach to utilize waste wood ash (WA) generated from incineration of fuelwood as filler in bituminous concrete mixes. The bituminous mixes containing WA was designed as per Marshall mix design, and their engineering properties were compared with the mixes containing hydrated lime (HL) at equal mass proportions ranging from 4-7%. The performance of bituminous mixes was compared using methods like static creep test, indirect tensile strength test, Cantabro test, retained Marshall stability test, active and passive analysis. The economic and environmental feasibility of both types of mixes were also analyzed by comparing their cost and greenhouse gas emission. Additionally, the mastics containing both fillers at the filler-binder ratio in the range of 0.6-1.2 were prepared and their viscoelastic properties, as well as rutting (after short-term ageing) and fatigue (after long term ageing) resistance, were analyzed using multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) and linear amplitude sweep (LAS) tests respectively. Mastics containing WA displayed higher fatigue life and marginally lower rutting resistance than HL mastics. Irrespective of the type of filler, rutting, and cracking resistance of both bituminous mixes were found to increase with the quantity of filler. At optimum filler content, WA mixes exhibited 10, 30, and 41% lower moisture, cracking, and raveling resistance than conventional HL mixes. However, WA mixes also consumed relatively lower optimum binder content and found to be 7% more cost-effective and 62% more environmentally friendly than HL mixes. The overall conclusions of this study ascertain the utility of WA as an alternative filler in bituminous concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of adhesion is one of the primary mechanisms of physical distress in asphalt mixes since it negatively affects the durability of asphalt mix. The effect of filler on this mechanism was explored by analyzing active and passive adhesions between the aggregates and the bitumen that constitute asphalt mix. As part of the analysis, the measurement of mixing times and Boiling Water Tests were conducted. Five types of fillers of different sources, constituting of conventional (natural stone dust) and waste fillers (glass powder from glass industry, bauxite residue from aluminum industry, Kota stone dust from dimension stone industry and copper tailings from mining industry) were added at variable compositions (4, 5.5, 7 and 8.5% by weight of aggregates) in mixes to generalise the conclusions. The statistical analysis of results confirmed that type of filler and their quantity in asphalt mixes, significantly affect both active and passive adhesion. The results also indicated that use of calcium-based fillers (natural stone dust and Kota stone dust) result in significant improvement in both adhesions. Whereas, use of silica-based glass powder filler results in the worst active and passive adhesions and should be used judiciously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the performance of asphalt concrete mixes containing five different wastes fillers [carbide lime (CL), copper tailings (CT), glass powder (GP), red mud (RM), and rice straw ash (RSA)] to a conventional mix containing stone dust (SD). The comparison was made using a novel ranking methodology, which is based on the various engineering properties of the asphalt mixes, and the priority assigned by the designer to each property. Various physical and chemical properties of the fillers were initially determined. Subsequently, the asphalt mixes were designed at their optimal binder contents and their stability, volumetric properties, cracking resistance, moisture susceptibility, rutting resistance, and active and passive adhesion were assessed based on various accepted standards. All mixes displayed satisfactory stability and volumetric properties, and the fillers having finer particles (RM, CT, CL, and GP) formed mixes with superior cracking and rutting resistance. Mixes containing calcium-based fillers (CL and SD) showed excellent adhesion and moisture resistance, while the GP mixes showed very poor moisture resistance. RM and RSA were determined as the best- and worst-performing fillers, respectively, based on the proposed ranking methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the suitability of seven different waste materials as fillers in place of conventional material in dense graded bituminous macadam mix. Waste materials under consideration are glass powder, limestone dust, red mud, rice straw ash, brick dust, carbide lime and copper tailings. Ordinary Portland cement was adopted as a conventional filler. Detailed physical, geometrical and chemical characterization of fillers was carried out. Thereafter, bituminous mixes were prepared using waste materials and their strength, volumetric properties and performance against various distresses (rutting, cracking and moisture susceptibility) were assessed. At similar bitumen content, all waste modified mixes delivered satisfactory mechanical and volumetric performances as demanded by paving specifications. Mixes with finer fillers (red mud and limestone dust) displayed superior stiffness and cracking resistance. Similarly mixes having filler with a predominance of calcium minerals (carbide lime and limestone dust) displayed superior adhesion and moisture resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: South Asia, a historically low-incidence region for breast cancer, has produced many recent studies examining reproductive factors. We compiled these studies to confirm the reality of the significant association reported in the first, 1996 review of induced abortion as a risk factor, independent of abortion's known effect in abrogating the protection afforded by full-term pregnancy. Methods: We searched the medical literature for English language studies on breast cancer incidence in women in South Asia published from 1 January, 2000 through 30 June, 2017, using Pubmed, Scholar-Google, and bibliographic searches. Studies were included which reported overall data on induced abortion and/or abortion non-specifically. All 20 eligible studies were of retrospective, case-control design. Data from individual studies were combined using random effects modeling, following the determination of significant heterogeneity. Results: Cumulative OR for all 20 studies was 2.51 (95%CI: 1.67-3.75) and 3.91 (95%CI: 1.02-14.97) for the five studies which reported specific data on induced abortion. Significant dose-dependence was observed among all 5 studies which stratified by number of abortions. Meta-regression of OR v. abortion prevalence among controls was statistically signibcant, as observed in a 2013 meta-analysis in China. Conclusion: The moderately strong association identified between abortion and breast cancer explains in part the spread of the breast cancer epidemic to South Asia as it has become Westernized. Continuing denial of the abortion-breast cancer association can only ensure that the acknowledged worldwide breast cancer epidemic will continue to worsen, costing many millions of women their lives over the next several decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses reductionism, biology, and historical biologists and their theories. He suggests biology was corrupted by its embrace of reductionism and discusses the views of biologists including William Harvey, Charles Darwin, and biochemist A.I. Oparin. He examines cell theory which was developed by Theodor Schwann and Matthias Schleiden in 1838. He talks about the theory of vitalism and how the theory fell apart as a result of research into urea by Friedrich Wohler.

The article presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining Abortion and Breast Cancer links (ABC Link) in Asian nations. It suggests that women who have one or more abortions have an average increase risk of breast cancer with a significant dose effect by number of abortions. It claims that research into ABC link has been covered up to keep women ignorant to their assertion that abortion is linked to breast cancer.

Thermoacoustic stability assessment of gas turbine combustors requires an acoustic impedance boundary condition for the downstream turbomachinery. Actuator disk type analytical methods offer rapid predictions of acoustic impedance in an iterative design process; previous studies show that this class of models works well for cascades consistent with a two-dimensional assumption. Real turbines, however, are three-dimensional with multiple stages, coolant flows, and leakage flows. The first part of this paper validates a cambered semi-actuator disk model for the acoustic impedance of a realistic multi-stage turbine using non-linear time-marching computations: the two methods agree to within 9% for incident pressure waves and 14% for incident entropy waves. Simulations of the multi-stage turbine with different inlet conditions confirm that, to a close approximation, inlet corrected flow and hence Mach numbers and acoustic impedance are constant during off-design operation. The second part of the paper then applies both analytical and computational approaches to families of parametrically generated turbine stages to quantify three-dimensional design effects. The results show that the influence of hub-to-tip ratio on acoustic impedance is weak, and the two-dimensional analytical model is accurate even for high aspect ratio stages. Front-loaded camber lines increase axial Mach number within blade passages, raising acoustic impedance by up to 51% compared to a datum quadratic camber line. Varying the stator–rotor axial gap changes the relative phase of reflections from vanes and blades, causing the total impedance to either increase or decrease, at different frequencies, by up to 11%. The cambered semi-actuator disk method consistently captures the correct trends, showing that the physical basis of the model is sufficient to produce a broadly applicable design tool for rapid assessment of turbine impedance boundary conditions. • Analytical model matches time-marching computations of 3D turbines to ∼ 10% impedance. • Acoustic impedance of multi-stage turbine is constant during off-design operation. • At constant annulus-averaged flow, acoustic impedance insensitive to hub-to-tip ratio. • Front-loaded aerofoils increase acoustic impedance by up to 51%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: As the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to spread in Africa and Asia, use of the injectable contraceptive steroid DMPA is widespread and has been increasing. Since studies dating back to 1992 have suggested that DMPA may increase the transmission of HIV to women, we endeavored to determine if the extant epidemiological and biological evidence is sufficient to conclude that DMPA use constitutes a definite hazard to women's health. Methods: We searched Medline using the search terms: contraceptives or contraception AND HIV and searched bibliographies of articles thus identified. We included in the meta-analysis all studies examining the association between use of DMPA (or injectable contraceptives comprising mostly DMPA) and the presence (cross-sectional studies, n = 8) or acquisition (longitudinal studies, n = 16) of HIV+ status in women, using a random effects models to estimate odds ratios (ORs; cross-sectional studies) and hazard ratios (HRs; longitudinal studies). Studies were excluded if the comparison group included women using any form of steroidal contraception. Results: Statistically significant positive associations between DMPA use and HIV positivity were observed both in cross-sectional (OR = 1.41, 95% Cl 1.15 - 1.73) and longitudinal studies (HR = 1.49, 95% Cl 1.28 - 1.73). The biological plausibility of increased vulnerability to HIV infection due to progestational action (via thinning of the vaginal epithelial barrier and immunosuppression) as well as glucocorticoid agonistic immunosuppression, are discussed. Conclusion: The epidemiological and biological evidence now make a compelling case that DMPA adds significantly to the risk of male-to-female HIV transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the author's claim that published research confirms an evidentiary link between induced abortion and breast cancer risk as of 2015, and it mentions the results of a nation-wide study of women with breast cancer in Japan. Pregnancy-related research is examined, along with the concept of reporting bias and various flaws in studies dealing with abortion. The legalization of abortion in Denmark is assessed along with breast cancer research studies in China.

Wollastonite is abundantly available in Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh states of the Indian Union as a low-cost material. In this study, investigations were made on pastes and mortars to evaluate its potential as a new material for admixing with ordinary portland cement with or without microsilica. Its physical and chemical properties were analyzed. Wollastonite consists of 45.6% of CaO and 48% of SiO2, mostly in amorphous form. It has an average specific surface area of 842.7 m2/kg and retention on 45-micron sieve of 3.20%. When ground to fine powder, it attains an average particle size of 4 microns which is about 4.5 times finer than ordinary portland cement. Scanning electron microscope images show that wollastonite particles were solid, acicular in shape, and have rough surfaces. Several cementitious mix proportions of ordinary portland cement, wollastonite, and microsilica were investigated for normal consistency, initial and final setting time of paste, and compressive strength of mortar. Test results indicate that the mortar, which contains 82.5% cement, 10% wollastonite, and 7.5% microsilica, as cementitious material attains the highest compressive strength. The mortar, which contains 77.5% cement, 15% wollastonite, and 7.5% microsilica, as cementitious material achieves compressive strength higher than the conventional OPC mortar along with rendering maximum cement replacement for better economy of concrete work. It was observed that the compressive strength of mortar varied logarithmically with the days of moist curing and linearly with the proportion of admixing. Suitable predictive models are presented accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Wollastonite with or without microsilica was evaluated as a new material for partial replacement of cement in M40 grade pavement quality concrete. Wollastonite is abundantly available in the Udaipur belt of Rajasthan state in the Indian union as a low cost material. Its physical and chemical properties were analyzed. This particular wollastonite consists of 45.6% of CaO and 48% of SiO2, mainly in amorphous form and has an average specific surface area of 842.7m2/kg. Five finalized concrete mix proportions including the control mix were investigated for saturated water absorption, rate of water absorption, coefficient of water absorption and chloride ion penetration. Test results indicate that up to 15% of wollastonite and 7.5% microsilica can be advantageously admixed with cement to significantly improve the water tightness of concrete due to reduction in pore space and refinement of microstructure. Mathematical relationships existing between these parameters were studied and predictive graphs were developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes a project undertaken as part of a masters degree at Kingston University that looked at factors which influence adopters' decisions about the ages of children that they want to adopt. This subject is topical because currently many adoptive parents want to adopt very young children, but many of the children waiting for placements are older. Relevant literature is reviewed to place the project in context and to provide a theoretical perspective on adopters' decision-making on the preferred ages of children at the time of placement. The views of adopters and adoption social workers were sought using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The majority of adopters who responded wanted to adopt children who were as young as possible. Adoption social workers who responded reported difficulties finding placements for older children. Data obtained suggests that the strategies designed to encourage adopters to consider adopting older children may have limited effect. In the conclusion, tentative suggestions are made about the implications of this project for adoption practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the abortion breast cancer link in some historical scientific detail, offering a perspective on an issue that is at the center of a long-running public policy debate that plays out in legislatures, courtrooms, and newspaper editorials, as well as in scientific and medical journals. Even as politically correct studies have been promulgated to neutralize the data proving the abortion breast cancer link, even stronger data have emerged in recent years that firmly link abortion to premature births in subsequent pregnancies, which in turn raise the risk of breast cancer in mothers and cerebral palsy in prematurely born children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the abortion breast cancer link in some historical scientific detail, offering a perspective on an issue that is at the center of a long-running public policy debate that plays out in legislatures, courtrooms, and news-paper editorials, as well as in scientific and medical journals. Even as politically correct studies have been promulgated to neutralize the data proving the abortion breast cancer link, even stronger data have emerged in recent years that firmly link abortion to premature births in subsequent pregnancies, which in turn raise the risk of breast cancer in mothers and cerebral palsy in prematurely born children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Methods: Oxidant stress is proposed to be an important pathogenic factor in liver damage related to alcohol. The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a group of polymorphic enzymes that are important in protection against oxidant stress. As there is evidence for genetic susceptibility to alcohol-related liver disease we have compared the frequency of polymorphisms of GSTM1, M3, P1, T1 and A1 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on leucocyte DNA in patients from North Staffordshire, Birmingham and Liverpool with alcohol-related chronic liver disease heavy drinking and normal local controls. Results: There were no significant differences in GSTM 1, GSTM3 or GSTP 1 genotype frequencies among patients, drinking and non-drinking controls from the three centres. There was a significant increase in the GSTT1 null Liverpool alcoholic liver disease (ALD) patients compared with corresponding non-drinking controls (26.3 and 14.6%, respectively; P = 0.044, odds ratio (OR) = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1-4.7) though this was not repeated in the Binningham and North Staffordshire cohorts. For GSTA1, the -69 CC genotype was associated with increased risk of ALD in the Liverpool group, but a reduced risk in the North Staffordshire group. Conclusions: We have failed to demonstrate within the limitation of a case-control study a reproducible significant association of GST polymorphisms with susceptibility to ALD but there are suggestions that GSTA1 and GSTT1 warrant further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ambient noise model CANARY calculates noise coherence and array noise response by treating the noise sources as surface distributions rather than points. This assumption leads to simplification of the propagation, even in range-dependent environments, and by allowing variations in the source density one can represent distant storms or groups of ships. Included is a description of the numerical algorithms used to calculate coherence. Some recently developed analytical solutions for uniform source distributions and uniformly sloping seabed are used as test cases for CANARY. Some additional examples demonstrate CANARY's performance in more realistic environments and conditions including wind and shipping sources, and comparisons are made with the noise model RANDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soaring quantity of solid garbage resulting from fast population expansion requires immediate sustainable waste management strategies. A viable strategy is to reutilise solid waste products as alternative resources in construction, thereby preserving limited raw materials. The study evaluates the prospects of substituting ceramic waste tile powder (CWTP) partially for cement in foam concrete (FC) to improve environmental sustainability while satisfying essential concrete performance criteria. The study investigates the composition, morphology, and pozzolanic activity of CWTP, together with its impact on the mechanical, microstructural, and durability characteristics of FC. CWTP replaced cement at 10 %, 30 %, 50 %, 70 %, and 90 %, and its effects on compressive, flexural, tensile strengths, porosity, and water absorption were evaluated over time. This study tackles several of significant challenges, including how to integrate waste materials—which frequently degrade performance—while maintaining strength and durability of Foam Concrete. Significant findings indicate that substituting up to 50 % of cement with CWTP yields mechanical qualities that conform to ACI 523 R 2014 criteria, while simultaneously enhancing durability, including improved resistance to sulphates, chlorides, and abrasion. Microstructural study by SEM and XRD validated the advantageous pozzolanic response of CWTP, especially during the later phases of curing. This study presents a new durability index (DI) for evaluating FC mixtures in harsh environments, determining that 50 % CWTP substitution maximises both strength and durability. The results highlight the promise of CWTP as a sustainable substitute for cement, providing environmental advantages and technological viability in foam concrete applications. [Display omitted] • Foam concrete formulated with protein-based foaming agent (1:40 dilution) and up to 90 % CWTP replacement. • Comprehensive characterization of CWTP via XRF, XRD, and SEM to optimize microstructural performance in FC. • Evaluated mechanical properties , density, porosity, and sorptivity of FC with CWTP. • Proposed Durability Index (DI) shows optimal resistance to sulfate, chloride, and abrasion at 50–70 % CWTP substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A review of biliary tract complications was performed in 32 patients who underwent liver transplantation by the Western Australian Liver Transplantation Service during a 2-year period. Methods: A review was made of patient data collected prospectively, and confirmed by retrospective casenote review. Results: A total of 30 patients (31 grafts) survived more than 2 days after transplantation, and of these 28 had an end-to-end biliary anastomosis. Analysis of these 28 patients found that eight of 17 patients with T-tubes had complications: three leaks at T-tube removal; two strictures and leaks; and three strictures. Six of 11 patients without a T-tube had complications: one leak; three strictures and leaks; and two strictures. Predisposing factors were present in eight of the 14 patients with biliary tract complications: hepatic artery stenosis in three; and one each with hepatic artery thrombosis; biliary calculi; donor-recipient bile duct mismatch; severe cellular rejection; and prolonged postoperative hypotension. Acute rejection, steroid-resistant rejection and cytomegalovirus infection were all significantly more common in those patients with biliary tract complications compared with those without. There was no difference in cold ischaemic time or donor age. Twelve of the 14 patients with biliary complications required endoscopic stenting with or without balloon dilation, and eight patients required radiological percutaneous drainage of bile collections. Only one patient required biliary reconstruction and two patients required re-transplantation. One patient died of uncontrolled infection. Of three patients who underwent choledochojejunostomy, biliary leak developed in two... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the implementation of Soviet Union policy in Northeast Africa. Emergence of governmental reform and a socialist revolution; Impact of the military regime on Ethiopia and Somalia; Limitations on Soviet Union foreign policies.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection with the newly described hepatitis G virus (HGV) in a liver transplant cohort, and to establish the frequency and nature of hepatitis in those with and without HGV infection. A reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction technique was employed to determine viraemia in the patients, and liver biopsies taken at different times after transplantation were assessed histologically. Hepatitis G virus RNA was detected in 47% of the liver transplant recipients investigated. Those positive for HGV had received significantly more blood or blood products than the HGV-negative patients. The frequency of abnormal liver function tests was similar in HGV-positive and HGV-negative recipients. Bile duct epithelial cell damage was more frequently seen in those with HGV viraemia. This study indicates that almost half of the liver transplant recipients in Northern England are positive for HGV, and that infection is associated with exposure to blood and blood products. It appears that, in the immunosuppressed patient, HGV does not cause clinically significant liver disease, at least up to 2 years after transplantation. If HGV infection is associated with hepatitis outside this clinical setting, it is likely that the liver damage is immunopathologically mediated rather than as a result of direct viral cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of selected hormones and drugs on freshly isolated mouse preputial gland cells have been studied. The steroid hormones, testosterone, DHT, androstanediol, androsterone and androstanedione all failed to stimulate and estradiol failed to inhibit, either DNA or lipid synthesis under the conditions studied. Thyroxine and insulin had no effect on lipogenesis but epinephrine and PGE2 caused significant stimulation as did Bt2cAMP. The antilipemic drugs clofibrate, nicotinic acid and hydroxycitrate were all able to inhibit lipogenesis. Of the anti-acne drugs only L-DOPA was able to inhibit lipogenesis, neither tetracycline nor trans-retinoic acid showed any effect. Pyridoxine was unable to inhibit lipogenesis but DMSO caused dramatic stimulation though it was without effect on DNA synthesis. Evidence is presented which suggests that the lack of response to steroid hormones is not due to the inability of the cells to take up and metabolize the steroids but is due to the fact that the time-span of exposure is not long enough to elicit a cellular response. It is concluded that these freshly isolated cells are suitable for the study of those effects of hormones and drugs which occur within the first 3 hr after exposure to the compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modeling of traffic noise is more debated around intersections due to traffic flow and road geometry complexity. The available intersection-specific traffic noise models cannot be transferred to predict the traffic noise at intersections in the mid-sized Indian cities due to traffic heterogeneity, variety in driving conditions, and vehicle compositions. This article aims to develop an intersection-specific traffic noise model by collecting data at 19 intersections in Kanpur, India. The data include a wide range of traffic, road, and weather-related variables. Furthermore, significant input variables are determined and used in the statistical regression model to develop an intersection-specific traffic noise model for the mid-sized Indian cities. This study develops a separate entrance and exit arm model based on the corresponding influencing variables. The coefficient of determination (R2) value is 0.74 and 0.69 for the developed model at the entrance and exit arms, respectively, whereas these models achieve R2 values of 0.73 and 0.67 in the validation step. Also, the performance of developed models is evaluated on the standard and mean absolute errors as performance metrics. This study finds that traffic volume and receiver distance are relatively the most important variables in the entrance and exit arm noise models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Study analyzed the suitability of brick dust, concrete dust, glass powder, and limestone dust as fillers. • Asphalt concrete mastics and mixes containing waste materials were designed and tested. • Most of the wastes delivered satisfactory performance against various pavement distresses. • Some waste were also found to be environmentally friendly and economically viable. • A ranking method is also suggested to investigate the overall performance of the mixes. This study explored the potential of four construction wastes namely brick dust (BD), concrete dust (CD), glass powder (GP), and limestone dust (LD) as fillers in asphalt concrete mixes using a decision-based ranking framework. The asphalt concrete mixes containing aforesaid fillers were designed and their optimum asphalt content and effective filler-binder ratios were assessed. The mastics corresponding to the estimated filler-binder ratio were prepared and their viscoelastic properties, as well as resistance against fatigue and rutting resistance, were analyzed. Asphalt concrete mixes containing waste fillers were also assessed against cracking, moisture permeation, and rutting. Additionally, the economic benefits and environmental viability of various wasted were also compared. The aptness of fillers was evaluated using a ranking methodology; in which suitable weightage is given to different test results, based on possible conditions on the field by the decision-makers. Asphalt mix containing fine fillers (LD, CD, and GP) exhibited superior resistance against rutting as well as cracking resistance. Asphalt mixes containing CD and LD displayed better moisture resistance due to the calcium-based minerals in them. Mixes containing LD and BD fillers were found to be more economical and environmentally friendly than conventional stone dust mixes. Based on the suggested ranking methodology, LD and GP emerged as the best and poor performing fillers respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rice straw ash (RSA) particles are acicular and hydrophilic in nature. • Up to 10% replacement of OPC by RSA and by microsilica (MS) is possible in mortar cubes. • MS is more effective than RSA in improving the mechanical strengths of concrete. • The admixing of MS and RSA significantly enhances the durability properties of concrete. • The admixing of 10% RSA reduces the slab thickness of rigid pavement by 11%. This study investigated the potential of rice straw ash (RSA) (produced from open-air burning of rice straw) and microsilica (MS) as a pozzolan in rigid pavements. Proportions of RSA (5%–30%), MS (2.5%–10%) and combination of RSA (5%, 10%) + MS (5%, 7.5%) by weight of OPC in the paste and mortar were studied. Various tests like normal consistency, setting time, soundness and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were performed on the cementitious paste. It was observed that the admixing of MS did not affect the setting times and soundness of the cement paste but increased the normal consistency while admixing of RSA remarkably increased all of them. It was also found that OPC can be replaced by RSA up to 10% and by MS up to 7.5% in mortar without any loss of compressive strength. In the assessment of mechanical strengths of concrete, it was found that RSA and MS increase various strengths of concrete up to 7% and up to 24%, respectively. Furthermore, these results were validated by XRD and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. In the evaluation of durability properties of concrete, it was observed that MS and RSA significantly increase the defense mechanism of concrete to water absorption, chloride ion penetration, acid attack and accelerated carbonation curing (ACC). The design thickness of the concrete slab of the selective concrete mixes was computed as per structural design in accordance with IRC 58:2015. The cost comparison was made on the basis of the total cost of 1 m3 of concrete and the total cost of constructing 1 km of 4 lane National Highway (NH) (one-way carriageway). The admixing of 10% RSA reduces the slab thickness by 11%, cost of 1 m3 of concrete by 3% and cost of constructing NH by 14%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Suitability of dried limestone sludge (LS) as filler in bituminous concrete mixes was assessed. • Material characterization of LS and conventional stone dust were done. • Mixes consisting both fillers were designed at four different filler contents and tested. • LS mixes delivered superior performance against rutting, fatigue and ravelling. • Cost and energy analysis were done and predicted lower manufacturing costs and lesser greenhouse gas emissions. The dimensional limestone industries produce a substantial amount of waste limestone sludge during the polishing of stone slabs. The storage and disposal of this non-biodegradable sludge cause issues regarding environmental pollution, shortage of disposal land, increase in transportation cost, and several other associated problems. This study investigated the usability of dried limestone sludge (LS) instead of conventional stone dust (SD) as filler in bituminous concrete mixes. The performance of SD and LS incorporated mixes in several aspects was compared, and the amount of LS needed to ensure optimum bituminous mix behavior is determined. The physical and chemical properties of both fillers were initially explored. Then bituminous concrete mixes having both fillers added at four different proportions (4, 5.5, 7.0, and 8.5% by weight of aggregates) were prepared using the Marshall mix design method and their optimum bitumen contents (OBC) were determined. The performance of both mixes was studied. LS mixes displayed paramount rutting resistance, fatigue resistance, indirect tensile strength, ravelling, and resilient modulus than conventional mixes. It mostly attributed to the fine nature of LS, which ensured its better distribution. LS mixes also had lower OBC than SD mixes due to lower porosity and bitumen extender action of LS. LS displayed a good affinity towards bitumen due to calcite in its composition, which led to excellent adhesion and moisture resistance in its mixes. The test results suggested that the utilization of chosen LS as filler at an optimum filler percentage of 6.45% can result in formation of bituminous mixes with satisfactory engineering properties, lower bitumen content as well as lower greenhouse gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study reviews 20 different widely produced wastes as alternative fillers in asphalt concrete mixes. • Influence of physical and chemical properties of wastes over performance of asphalt mixes was analyzed. • Suitable wastes when added to an optimum concentration could produce superior asphalt mixes. • Critical gaps in existing literatures are identified and future scope of research is proposed. The amendment of producing asphalt mixes with waste materials serves as an avenue to limit the enormous volume of wastes produced from various sources. This also reduce the consumption of naturally mined materials, therefore, minimizing the carbon footprint and pavement industry impact on the environment. This manuscript reviews the wide spectrum of more than 20 well known but under-utilized wastes produced from various sectors (industrial, agricultural, municipal, mining, construction and demolition) which could be utilized as fillers in asphalt mixes. Emphasis was given to the physical and chemical properties of the wastes and their influence on the performance of mixes against primary distresses. This manuscript is likely to motivate researchers and serve as a guideline for adopting non-traditional fillers by highlighting areas likely requiring further research and refinement. Several studies in the recent times have suggested that the use of waste materials in optimum proportion as fillers would lead to production of sustainable asphalt mixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argues that there is a relation between induced abortion and breast cancer. Criticism against reporting bias of the finding; Other researchers' claim that there is lack of evidence and a definitive conclusion about the study.

The article provides an answer to a question regarding the diagnosis of a 77- year old Caucasian women suffering from shortness of breath and lethargy.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Cancer Risk Among Users of Oral Contraceptives: Cohort Data From the Royal College of General Practitioners' Oral Contraception Study" by P.C. Hannaford, S. Selvaraj, A. M. Elliott, V. Angus, L. Iversen, and A. J. Lee in the September 29, 2007 issue.

Presents a letter to the editor about breast cancer and induced abortions.

Presents a letter to the editor of the July 1999 issue of the 'Breast Journal,' regarding the article 'Intranuclear helioid carcinoma' by Grekou et al. Complaint that there are no histologic images.