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This review focuses on the issue of the effectiveness of biological and targeted treatment in seropositive and seronegative patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rando-mized trials preferentially enroll strongly active patients, i.e. mostly seropositive, with a minority of patients being seronegative. Therefore, the evidence of efficacy in seronegative patients comes primarily from meta-analyses of open-label extensions and registries. Due to different methodologies, results are sometimes inconsistent. However, a larger body of evidence demonstrates that rituximab and abatacept are more effective in seropositive patients, and a trend for efficacy has also been shown for tocilizumab. In contrast, anti-TNF drugs are as effective in both seropositive and seronegative patients. In randomized controlled trials, tofacitinib was more effective in seropositive than in seronegative patients. In conclusion, although some differences in the efficacy of biological and targeted drugs have been found between seropositive and seronegative patients, the differences are not so large as to be the only selection criterion in the selection of a biological or targeted drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: FDG PET imaging of the brain is not ideal in patients with a brain tumor due to a high physiological accumulation of FDG in the brain tissue. These suboptimal results stimulated seeking for different radiopharmaceuticals for better imaging of brain tumors. Goal: To verify a possiblity of the use of 11C-methionine for evaluation of patients with brain tumors. Method: 18 patients with brain tumors were included to the phase I clinical trial; 16 of them were evaluated, 12 had a glioblastoma, 2 an astrocytoma, 1 an oligodendroglioma and 1 a testicular tumor metastasis. PET acquisition of all patients was performed after injection of 11C-methionine at 5, 20 and 35 minutes post injection, respectively, to assess the accumulation in the tumors. Safety evaluation of injected tracer was a part of this study. Results: Increased accumulation of 11C-methionine in the tumor was detected in all evaluated patients; it reached 2.5fold higher values comparing to a normal brain tissue measured by a maximal value of standardized uptake value (SUVmax). Conclusion: 11C-methionine is a useful radiopharmaceutical for the assessment of the brain tumor extent in patients with a high-grade gliomas or recurrent or progressive gliomas with a low grade in which a transformation to the high-grade gliomas can be considered. Key words : PET/CT, 11C-methionine, brain tumors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the availability of multiple disease-modifying therapies and the increase in early diagnosis due to newborn screening, the disease course of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is rapidly changing. Individuals with SMA and their caregivers are increasingly requesting information on the combination of currently approved therapies. Limited data are available on combination treatment and additional evidence is needed. We performed a multicenter retrospective review of children with SMA who were treated with the survival of motor neuron (SMN) gene transfer therapy, onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA; ZOLGENSMA®), and subsequently received risdiplam (EVRYSDI®), an orally administered, SMN2 splicing modifier. This case series included individuals with a genetically confirmed SMA diagnosis from six neuromuscular centers across the USA. When available, demographics and clinical characteristics, including sex, race, ethnicity, SMN2 copy number, age at symptom onset and diagnosis, respiratory support requirements, swallowing function and neuromotor scores (at the time of diagnosis as well as before and after risdiplam initiation), were described. Adverse events and hospitalizations were recorded. Differences in outcomes based on the severity of symptoms before treatment, length of time until treatment, SMN2 copy number and other factors were evaluated. The rationale for combination therapy initiation was highlighted, including any domains where suboptimal response to OA therapy was noted. Real-world experiences across six diverse centers in the USA will inform on the overall tolerability and safety of this combination therapy, as well as report on any gains individuals experience above their prior response with single therapy. These results will provide a greater understanding of the risk-benefit profile for the combined use of risdiplam after OA and insights into the decision-making process, challenges and opportunities for combination approaches in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a chronic allergic disease characterised by genetic predisposition. The exact pathogenesis of the disease is still not fully understood. Blood parameters, lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokines and other molecules involved in pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, and Th1/Th2 polarisation in peripheral blood were assessed in clinically healthy dogs and dogs with AD by haematological examination, flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. The group of diseased dogs was further divided into subgroups according to the severity of clinical signs expressed as CADESI-03 (canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index) values. The group of dogs with CAD showed mild neutrophilia without general leucocytosis, reduced numbers of B-lymphocytes (P < 0.05), increased relative numbers of T-lymphocytes (P < 0.01) decreased absolute numbers of double-positive lymphocytes (P < 0.001) and NK cells (P < 0.05) as compared with healthy controls. The expression levels of IL-10 mRNA were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the group with CAD. Correlation with CADESI-03 was observed in expression levels of CCL3 (P < 0.05), CCL5 (P < 0.05) and SOCS-3 mRNAs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the disease stage investigated in the present study is characterised by a chronic inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equal-channel angular pressing was conducted at room temperature and extrusion was performed up to 12 passes using route where the billets were rotated by 90° in the same sense between consecutive passes. Tensile creep tests were performed at 473, 573 and 673 K at different constant applied stresses. It was observed that the original coarse grain size of unprocessed alloy was reduced to 0.3 μm after 8 equal-channel angular pressing passes and the grain growth during creep was restricted by precipitates with the mean diameter ≈ 4:0 nm. No significant effect on creep resistance was found after one equal-channel angular pressing pass at 473 and 573 K. However, the longest time to fracture was exhibited by alloy after 2 equal-channel angular pressing passes at 573 and 673 K but with further increasing number of equal-channel angular pressing passes a decrease in the time to fracture was observed. Nevertheless, the beneficial effect of equal-channel angular pressing on creep resistance was still documented after 8 passes for temperatures of 473 and 573 K. By contrast, creep tests performed at 673 K showed that the time to fracture of ultrafine-grained material is shorter as compared with that for as-received state. The 3D laser measurement of surface showed that the creep fracture process is accelerated by formation of vertical surface step relief and cavitation at the intersection of the shear bands during creep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reports have shown that stressful situations may affect the production of unconjugated pterins (neopterin and biopterin). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of castration on neopterin and biopterin plasma concentrations in piglets, using 2 groups of 12 piglets allocated to castrated and uncastrated (control) groups. Pterin concentrations were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Blood samples were also analzyed for leukocyte profiles and plasma cortisol concentrations. A time x treatment interaction (P < 0.05) was detected for neopterin concentrations, such that neopterin was greater (P < 0.01) at 1 h after surgery in castrated piglets compared with precastration concentrations, and neopterin was greater (P = 0.05) in castrated than in control piglets at 1 h. Castration had no effect on biopterin concentration (P > 0.1). Time effects (P < 0.05) for neutrophil and lymphocyte concentrations and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were found. A time x treatment interaction (P < 0.01) was detected for plasma cortisol concentrations, such that cortisol was greater (P < 0.01) at 1 and 24 h after surgery in castrated piglets compared with precastration concentrations and was greater (P < 0.01) in castrated than in control piglets at 1 and 24 h. This study showed that castration activated the immune system of piglets as demonstrated by an increase in plasma neopterin concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common versions (referred to as self-calibrated here) of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) are calibrated and then applied to the same weather series. Therefore, the distribution of the index values is about the same for any weather series. We introduce here the relative SPI and PDSI, abbreviated as rSPI and rPDSI. These are calibrated using a reference weather series as a first step, which is then applied to the tested series. The reference series may result from either a different station to allow for the inter-station comparison or from a different period to allow for climate-change impact assessments. The PDSI and 1–24 month aggregations of the SPI are used here. In the first part, the relationships between the self-calibrated and relative indices are studied. The relative drought indices are then used to assess drought conditions for 45 Czech stations under present (1961–2000) and future (2060–2099) climates. In the present climate experiment, the drought indices are calibrated by using the reference station weather series. Of all drought indices, the PDSI exhibits the widest spectrum of drought conditions across Czechia, in part because it depends not only on precipitation (as does the SPI) but also on temperature. In our climate-change impact experiments, the future climate is represented by modifying the observed series according to scenarios based on five Global Climate Models (GCMs). Changes in the SPI-based drought risk closely follow the modeled changes in precipitation, which is predicted to decrease in summer and increase in both winter and spring. Changes in the PDSI indicate an increased drought risk at all stations under all climate-change scenarios, which relates to temperature increases predicted by all of the GCMs throughout the whole year. As drought depends on both precipitation and temperature, we conclude that the PDSI is more appropriate (when compared to the SPI) for use in assessing the potential impact of climate change on future droughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the trial was to determine the efficacy of organic Se from Se-enriched yeast in placental transfer to piglets in the conditions of a Czech pig farm. In group I (n = 8) the sows were fed during gestation and lactation a diet supplemented with inorganic Se (sodium selenite, 0.3 mg/kg of Se for the gestation and 0.38 mg/kg of Se for the lactation diet). In group II (n = 8) the diet of the sows was supplemented with organic Se from Se-enriched yeast (0.3 mg/kg of Se for the gestation and 0.38 mg/kg of Se for the lactation diet). Se concentrations in the whole blood, colostrum and milk were higher (P < 0.01) in the group of sows fed with the organic Se form. No differences in GSH-Px activities in the whole blood were found between the two groups of sows. The concentrations of Se in piglet tissues (heart P < 0.05, liver P > 0.01, muscle P > 0.01) were also higher when the organic form was provided. It is concluded that the use of the organic Se from Se-enriched yeast in sows resulted in greater transfer of Se to their progeny, however it did not have a positive effect on the antioxidant system of the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A comparison is made between the creep characteristics of the unreinforced squeeze-cast AZ91 and QE22 magnesium alloys and their hybrid composites reinforced with 7vol.% short carbon fibres and 15vol.% SiC particulates. Although the creep resistance of the reinforced AZ91 alloy is considerably improved by comparison with the unreinforced matrix alloy, no beneficial effect of hybrid reinforcement on the creep resistance of QE22 was found. A detailed microstructural evaluation of the materials was performed. It was possible to relate the creep results to the microstructural features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Development and metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are characterized by multiple genetic alterations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously expressed regulatory noncoding RNAs. Previous, mainly preclinical studies showed altered expression levels of several miRNAs in CRC. Methods: In our study, the expression levels of miR-21, miR-31, miR-143 and miR-145 in 29 primary colorectal carcinomas and 6 non-tumor adjacent tissue specimens were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. miRNA expression levels were also correlated with commonly used clinicopath-ologic features of CRC. Results: Expression levels of analyzed miRNAs significantly differed among tumors and adjacent non-tumor tissues: miR-21 (p = 0.0001) and miR-31 (p = 0.0006) were upregulated, and miR-143 (p = 0.011) and miR-145 (p = 0.003) were downregulated in tumors. For the first time, a high expression of miR-21 was associated with lymph node positivity (p = 0.025) and the development of distant metastases (p = 0.009) in CRC patients. Thus, expression of miR-21 correlated with CRC clinical stage (p = 0.032). Furthermore, tumors >50 mm in maximal tumor diameter were characterized by lower expression of miR-143 (p = 0.006) and miR-145 (p = 0.003). We found no correlation between analyzed miRNAs and serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen. Conclusion: Our results suggest possible roles of miR-21, miR-31, miR-143 and miR-145 in CRC. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method has been developed and evaluated for the quantification of eight major polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) in sewage sludge. The PBDEs were extracted from wet and dry sludge in a microwave extraction unit using a hexane/acetone mixture for 35 min at a controlled temperature of 130 °C. The extract was concentrated, cleaned up on a silica gel column, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in the negative chemical ionization (NCI) mode. The MAE procedure exhibited higher extraction efficiency, specifically for BDE (brominated diphenylether) 209, than the conventional Soxhlet extraction. The test congeners were clearly separated under specific instrumental operating conditions, at a source temperature of 230 °C and a column length of 20 m. The present analytical method showed recovery efficiencies ranging from 80 to 110% when applied to the PBDE-free sludge spiked with eight PBDE congeners. The efficiency of the MAE method was confirmed using sludge obtained from four sewage treatment plants (STPs). The results indicate that BDE 47, 99, and 209 are the most abundant congeners present in these sewage sludges, which is consistent with previous reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four low alloy steels with different contents of molybdenum and vanadium were investigated. The steels were annealed at 773, 793, 853, 873, 933, 973, and 993 K for 500, 1000, 3000, and 10000 h. Techniques of transmission electron microscopy and thermodynamic calculations (ThermoCalc) were used to characterise influence of the steel bulk composition and the annealing conditions on evolution of carbides M3C, M2C, M7C3, M23C6, M6C, and MC (M=metallic element). Changes in structure types and metal compositions of the carbides were characterised in detail. The work was done with the intention to obtain more information about the secondary phase evolution in low alloy steels used in energy industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previously published time–temperature–precipitation diagrams showing carbide evolution were modified with the use of additional experimental data. The same low alloy steels as investigated originally were annealed at 793 and 873K for 3000 and 10,000h which, compared to the longest annealing time in the previous investigation of 1000h, brings the system closer to equilibrium. Carbides extracted into carbon replicas were characterised by transmission electron microscopy, including electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results of the additional experiment presented in the modified diagrams provide more information about the evolution and stability of M3C, M2C, M7C3, M23C6, M6C and MC in the investigated steels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neonatal iron deficiency on immune functions in young piglets. While control piglets were not given any iron preparation until the age of 21 days, another group of piglets was given 200 mg of Fe3+-dextran i.m. on day 3. Red blood cell parameters in the former, iron-deficient group were characteristic of hypochromic anaemia. In addition, the total leucocyte count ( P < 0.01), relative and absolute neutrophil count ( P < 0.01) and absolute lymphocyte count ( P < 0.05) in peripheral blood were found significantly lower in iron-deficient piglets than in their iron-supplemented counterparts. Lymphocyte activity as measured by in vitro lymphocyte transformation test was impaired in iron-deficient piglets. A statistically significant decrease in circulating B-lymphocyte numbers was found in non-supplemented animals. Iron deficiency apparently negatively influenced the immunocompetence in piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ni–Al–Cr system, as a relatively simple yet sufficiently representative model system for commercial Ni-based superalloys, has been studied in the γ+γ′ two-phase field. The phase boundaries and chemical composition of γ and γ′ phases were calculated by means of the software Thermo-Calc applying both the general compound energy model (J. Alloys Comp. 247 (1997) 20) and the compound energy model with constraints to bond energy for the γ′ phase (Intermetallics 6 (1998) 487). Values obtained are compared with experimental values for four alloys with Cr contents in the range 0–15 at.% after long-term annealing at 900 °C. The experimental determination of chemical composition of existing phases was performed by means of energy-dispersive X-ray analysis in a scanning transmission microscope. The comparison shows acceptable agreement between calculated and experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Constant stress tensile creep tests were conducted to failure at temperatures of 423 and 473 K on an AZ 91 (Mg–9wt.%Al–1wt.%Zn) alloy reinforced with 20 vol.% Al2O3 short fibres and on an unreinforced AZ 91 matrix alloy. The creep resistance of the reinforced material was considerably improved by comparison with the matrix alloy. A microstructural investigation revealed that the most frequent morphology of the β-phase precipitates in the composite is continuous Mg17Al12 platelets. Detailed investigations using transmission electron microscopy indicate that the matrix microstructure has no significant influence on the creep properties of these two materials. This result confirms the proposal that the creep strengthening of the composite is controlled by an effective load transfer between the matrix and the fibres. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present investigation was primarily aimed at cross-comparing the agricultural drought declaration potential of a 4-month averaged Composite Drought Index (CDIavg) vs. its end of the season monthly (i.e. CDIsep) values over one of the most drought-prone states (i.e. Karnataka) of India. The afore-stated composite drought indices were based on a combination of three indicators, namely Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Evaporative Stress Index (ESI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index anomaly (NDVIanamoly). Because kharif season (June to September) is considered to be one of the most important seasons for farming in India, the drought declaration potential of the developed composite drought indices (i.e., CDIavg and CDIsep) was evaluated in terms of their cross-comparison with the government declared droughts and crop yield anamolies during 18 - kharif cropping seasons of the validation years from 2001 to 2018. The investigation revealed superior performance of the (objective and spatially distributed) composite drought index-based approaches over the conventional (subjective and lumped) drought declaration protocols being followed by the state and the central governments. Amongst the proposed two composite drought index-based approaches, the end of the season composite drought index (i.e., CDIsep) based protocol was observed to be comparatively more precise in targeting varied category drought hit areas. The investigation thus demonstrated immense potential of the validated approach for rational allocation of government relief funds, in proportion to the intensity and extent of droughts, across the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines secondary immunodeficiency in dogs with infectious diseases. Frequency and depth of immunosuppression; Inhibition of phagocytosis; Reduction in activity of lymphocytes.

The Directives on Economic and Social Development of the Czechoslovak SSR for 1976-1988, adopted by the Fifteenth Congress of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, pointed out that one of the principal requirements at the present time is implementation of a course aimed at more active "incorporation of the Czechoslovak economy into the international division of labor, particularly in the process of integration within the framework of COMECON." This refers especially to consistent implementation of the provisions of the Complex Program for Further Intensifying and Improving Cooperation and Development of Socialist Economic Integration of Member States of COMECON. The efforts of the socialist countries to assure a more active role to foreign-exchange financial relations in solving the tasks of developing mutual economic collaboration among the member states of COMECON in the process of socialist economic integration assumes great importance under these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure AISI 316L steel is investigated after solution heat treatment (1050 °C/H2O) and structural sensitization (650 °C). Two quite different intergranular corrosion tests are used to determine the degree of structural sensitization due to the precipitation of secondary phases along the grain boundaries (mainly the M23C6 and σ-phase): the oxalic acid etch test and the electrochemical potentio-kinetic reactivation test. Generally, the dissolution of chromium-rich carbides (M23C6) is provoked by oxalic acid etch tests, whereas the chromium-depleted zones, in the vicinity of chromium-rich carbides (M23C6), are attacked by electrochemical potentio-kinetic reactivation tests. Both intergranular corrosion tests are used to determine the maximum degree of structural sensitization. Thus structural analysis by carbon replicas reveals the Laves phase, and both the M23C6 and (Cr,Mo) x(Fe,Ni) y phases. The results of intergranular corrosion tests are related to the findings of the structural analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about leukemia treatment.

Tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) have been promoted as indicators of forest biodiversity and to guide conservation practices. Ensuring the provision of diverse TreMs in the long term is crucial for the survival of many forest-dwelling species. Yet, this task is challenging in the absence of information regarding TreM dynamics. We analysed the temporal development of TreMs on 11,569 living trees in temperate European forests. To identify drivers of change in TreM abundance and richness over a period of 3–12 years, we estimated the rates of TreM persistence and loss events at the tree-level using survival analysis methods: persistence was characterised by consistency and increment events (when TreM numbers were maintained or increased) and loss was defined as a reduction in TreM numbers or their disappearance. Stratified Cox proportional hazards models were fitted for different TreM groups. Our study revealed a highly dynamic TreM development on living habitat trees, particularly on large trees. While specific TreMs are prone to disappearing, irrespective of tree species or TreM groups, total TreM richness persists over a 12-year period. TreMs such as crown deadwood, epiphytes or woodpecker cavities are prone to decrease in the long term. However, large trees were more likely to maintain a certain degree of TreM richness. Increasing diameters resulted in high persistence rates in seven TreM groups and concomitantly low loss rates in four of them (exposed sap- and heartwood, concavities). Selecting habitat trees based on TreMs should consider the likelihood of TreMs being lost over time, to ensure the long-term provision of microhabitats for associated species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, gold nanoparticles produced by eukaryotic cell waste (AuNP), were analyzed as a transfection tool. AuNP were produced by Fusarium oxysporum and analyzed by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used before and after conjugation with different nucleic acid (NA) types. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS) was used to determine the AuNP concentration. Conjugation was detected by electrophoresis. Confocal microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to assess transfection. TEM, SEM, and EDS showed 25 nm AuNP with round shape. The amount of AuNP was 3.75 ± 0.2 µg/µL and FTIR proved conjugation of all NA types to AuNP. All the samples had a negative charge of − 36 to − 46 mV. Confocal microscopy confirmed internalization of the ssRNA-AuNP into eukaryotic cells and qPCR confirmed release and activity of carried RNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electrolyte diode is an electrochemical microsystem showing complex nonlinear behaviour due to interactions of diffusion, migration and chemical reactions. In our recent works we have developed a mathematical model of the electrolyte diode which predicted steep concentration and potential profiles on a spatial interval of several micrometers in the closed mode. The main aim of this work is the experimental verification of the concentration and potential profiles predicted by the model. In this work two techniques for direct observation of spatial concentration and potential profiles in the electrolyte diode are presented. Two different methods were used: (i) visualization of the acid–base boundary using acid–base indicators and (ii) direct measurements of electric potential profiles using the array of microelectrodes. As the presence of an indicator changes the properties of the system, there is a good agreement between modelling and experimental results only at relatively low values of external potential difference. Results of the other method confirm the model predictions in broad range of external potential difference values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work provides a theoretical basis for a partially saturated regime of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). The partially saturated LIF regime, where the dependence of the fluorescence signal on the laser-power is non-linear, benefits from higher signal-to-noise ratio at the cost of more complex measurement evaluation when compared to the typically used linear regime. Starting from a well-established three-level model, and considering a realistic temporal and spatial profile of the laser pulse, approximate formulas were found that describe the dependence of fluorescence signal on laser pulse energy in commonly used experimental arrangements. These formulas can be used to determine absolute concentration from partially saturated LIF measurements. This method was applied to the atomic lead measurement and to the study of the decomposition of lead hydride in various versions of flames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The development of colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by multiple genetic alterations. Transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs) are a subset of 481 sequenc es longer than 200 bp, which are absolutely conserved between orthologous regions of human, rat and mouse genomes, and are actively transcribed. It has recently been proven in cancer systems that differentially expressed T-UCRs could alter the functional characteristics of malignant cells. Genome-wide profiling revealed that T-UCRs have distinct signatures in human leukemia and carcinoma. Methods: In our study, we examined the expression levels of uc.43, uc.73, uc.134, uc.230, uc.339, uc.388 and uc.399 in 54 samples of primary colorectal carcinomas and 15 samples of non-tumoral adjacent tissues by real-time PCR. T-UCR expression levels were also correlated with commonly used clinicopathological features of CRC. Results: Expression levels of uc.73 (p = 0.0139) and uc.388 (p = 0.0325) were significantly decreased in CRC tissue, and uc.73 indicated a positive correlation with overall survival (p = 0.0315). The lower expression of uc.388 was associated with the distal location of CRC (p = 0.0183), but no correlation of any evaluated T-UCR with clinical stage, grade and tumor diameter was observed. Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest that uc.73 and uc.388 could be potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in CRC patients. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rosuvastatin (RST) and atorvastatin (ATO) are prescription drugs and members in the statin family used for the treatment of elevated cholesterol levels. A method using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for the determination of ATO, RST and its metabolite rosuvastatin lactone (RSTL) in sewage and surface water samples has been developed. In the influent and effluent samples collected from 11 sewage treatment plants located in Ontario, Canada, ATO, RST, and RSTL were detected in all samples with median concentrations of 166ngL−1 (influent) and 77ngL−1 (effluent) for ATO, 448ngL−1 (influent) and 324ngL−1 (effluent) for RST, as well as 158ngL−1 (influent) and 41ngL−1 (effluent) for RSTL. Due to the inter-conversion between RST and RSTL, the total concentration of RST and RSTL in a sewage sample should be reported. The median removal rate by wastewater treatment was 66% for ATO and 22% for RST and RSTL combined. These statins were quite persistent in sewage. After a storage period of 21 and 62days, there was only a slight decrease in ATO concentration and no change in the total RST concentrations. These three compounds were also detected in a number of surface water samples at low ngL−1 concentrations. This is the first reported occurrence and fate of RST and RSTL in the Canadian aquatic environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on the study that presented a methodology for the analysis of a regional drought climatology for the Czech Republic. It developed a methodology, called Integrated Climatological Drought Indicator (ICDC), which allowed for an objective identification of the drought-prone regions of the country were areas with a chance of moderate or extreme drought. It found that 12.3 and 3% of the country area happen to be prime agricultural areas. It showed that most of the 233 stations had grown significantly drier during the studied period.

Abstract: Spatially two-dimensional nonequilibrium mathematical model describing electroosmotic flow through a submicrometer channel with an electric charge fixed on the channel walls is presented. This system is governed by the hydrodynamic, electrostatic, and mass transport phenomena. The model is based on the coupled mass balances, Poisson, Navier–Stokes, and Nernst–Planck equations. Nonslip boundary conditions are employed. The effect of an imposed electric field on the system behavior is studied by means of a numerical analysis of the model equations. We have obtained the following findings. If the channel width is comparable to the thickness of the electric double layer, the system behaves as an ion-exchange membrane and the dependence of the electric current passing through the channel on the applied voltage is strongly nonlinear. In the case of negatively (positively) charged walls, a narrow region of very low conductivity (so-called ionic gate) is formed in the free electrolyte near the channel entry facing the anode (cathode) side. For a wide channel, the electric current is proportional to the applied voltage and the velocity of electrokinetic flow is linearly proportional to the electric field strength. Complex hydrodynamics (eddy formation and existence of ionic gates) is the most interesting characteristics of the studied system. Hence, current–voltage and velocity–voltage curves and the corresponding spatial distributions of the model variables at selected points are studied and described in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatographic (LC) method was developed for the determination of selected fluoroquinolone (FQ) drugs including ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin in municipal wastewater samples. Extraction of the FQs was carried out with a weak cation exchanger SPE cartridge, the Oasis WCX. The cartridge was washed with water and methanol as a cleanup before the FQs were eluted by a mixture of methanol, acetonitrile, and formic acid. Separation of the FQs was achieved by using a Zorbax SB-C8 column under isocratic condition at a flow rate of 0.2mL/min. Recoveries of the FQs in spiked final effluent samples were between 87 and 94% with a relative standard deviation of less than 6%. Several techniques have been evaluated for the detection of FQs in sewage extracts; they included fluorescence detection and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry using either mass-selective detection or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). When they were applied to sewage influent and effluent samples, the LC–MS/MS technique operating in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode proved to be best suited for the determination of FQs in sewage samples as it provided the highest sensitivity (limit of quantification 5ng/L) and selectivity. The observation of signal suppression (matrix effect) for some FQs in ESI LC–MS and LC–MS/MS is discussed and a solution is proposed. The three FQs were detected in all the sewage samples tested in this work, with median concentrations between 34 and 251ng/L. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fatigue lifetime under stress control of ultrafine-grained Cu of 99.9% purity prepared by equal channel angular pressing is shown to exceed that of conventionally grained cold worked counterparts by a factor of 1.7 in the low-, high- and very-high-cycle region. The electron back scattering diffraction technique did not reveal changes of bulk microstructure due to cyclic loading. Minor changes of dislocation microstructure were detected by transmission electron microscopy. Qualitative change from moderate cyclic hardening to cyclic softening was observed with increasing stress amplitude. Comparison of S–N data with those available in literature shows substantially higher lifetime of the material studied in this work in the high- and very-high-cycle region. This effect is attributed to the high stability of the grain structure and lower purity of the examined ultrafine-grained copper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The occurrence, fate, and effects of phenols with endocrine-disrupting properties as well as some pharmaceuticals and personal-care products in the environment have frequently been discussed in recent literature. In many cases, these compounds were determined by using individual methods which can be time-consuming if results for multiple parameters are required. Using a solid-phase extraction procedure with an anion exchanger in this work, we have developed and optimized a multi-residue method for the extraction of 21 phenols and acids in sewage influent and effluent. The phenols and acids were then selectively eluted in separate fractions and were converted into pentafluoropropionyl (PFP) and tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) derivatives, respectively, for gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (GC/MS) determination. When applied to the sewage samples under study, the results for nonylphenol, bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), 17ß-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), salicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and a few other acidic drugs were consistent with those determined previously by individual methods. Using the same procedure, we also report, for the first time, the occurrence of 2-phenylphenol and parabens in those sewage samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Blade nickel superalloy CMSX-4 widely used in the aero industry and its potential low cost alternative, superalloy CM186LC intended for use in the industrial gas turbines, were subjected to ultra-high-cycle fatigue at high mean stresses to model the effect of vibrations superimposed on sustained load. Circumferentially notched cylindrical specimens of single crystals with the axis orientation of [001] were tested at 850°C in air. For small amplitudes of the cyclic stress superimposed on the sustained stress the time to fracture is slightly increasing with increasing stress amplitude. This trend is reversed for higher stress amplitudes where the time to fracture quickly decreases with increasing stress amplitude. Fatigue crack initiation and following crack propagation are here the decisive failure mechanisms. Cyclic stress component leads to the formation of persistent slip bands running through the γ matrix and the γ′ precipitates. These bands represent sites for the initiation (in interaction with casting pores and other defects) and early propagation of fatigue cracks. The early crack propagation along the slip planes is later replaced by non-crystallographic propagation of the dominant crack. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fatigue notch sensitivity of ultrafine-grained (UFG) copper of purity 99.9% produced by equal channel angular pressing was determined on cylindrical specimens with circumferential notches of different radii and compared with the notch sensitivity of conventional copper. Notch sensitivity of UFG copper is higher than that of its conventional counterpart. Electron back scattering diffraction technique showed that the UFG copper of purity 99.9% is not prone to grain coarsening during cycling. The grain structure within plastic zone around the cracks was found to differ substantially from that outside the plastic zone: the grains were markedly elongated, but their size was preserved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extremely coarse-grained high purity (99.99%) aluminium was subjected to equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) to refine its grain size. The ECAP was conducted at room temperature with a die that had a 90° angle between the die channels and one or repetitive pressing followed either route A, B and C. Constant stress compression creep was conducted at 473 K on billets after different number of ECAP passes (up to eight passes) and, for comparison purposes, on unpressed material. The creep resistance of the ECAP processed material was markedly improved with respect to unpressed material. In addition the creep behaviour of pressed material depends on the number of ECAP passes, because the microstructure and microtexture is homogenized with increasing number of passes. Processing route had little apparent effect on the creep behaviour of pressed material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Single crystals of CM186SC superalloy with 〈0 0 1〉 orientation were subjected to creep and creep/fatigue loading at a temperature of 850 °C. Time to creep fracture of notched specimens was found to be higher than that of smooth specimens for the same net stress. Superposition of a cyclic stress component on the static stress component leads to the formation of persistent slip bands running through the γ matrix and the γ′ precipitates both in the dendritic and eutectic regions and to a shortening of the lifetime at higher stress amplitudes. CM186SC crystals exhibit a lower resistance against creep and creep/fatigue loading than CMSX-4 crystals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Creep behavior and degradation of creep properties of high-temperature materials are phenomena of major practical relevance, often limiting the lives of components and structures designed to operate for long periods under stress at elevated temperatures. Because life expectancy is, in reality, based on the ability of the material to retain its high-temperature creep strength for a period of at least twice the projected design life, methods of creep property assessment based on physical changes in the material that are likely to occur during service exposure rather than simple parametric extrapolation of the short-term data are necessary. This work attempts to highlight the problem areas just in this respect. Physical models in the prediction of microstructure–creep property relationship in creep-resistant steels are reviewed. The proposed approaches are illustrated by recent experimental results on modified high creep strength 9–12%Cr martensitic steels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ni-based superalloys with aluminium belong to systems with order–disorder transition for the γ and γ′ structures. Because of the complexity of these alloys, quaternary systems can be taken as suitable and sufficiently representative model systems for a theoretical study of their phase equilibria. In recent years several assessments including various model descriptions of ordered phases and ordering based on the CALPHAD formalism have been made with the aim to describe phase diagrams of relevant binary, ternary and some quaternary systems. For our study, the Ni–Al–Cr–Co system was chosen and phase boundaries of γ and γ′ phase equilibrium were calculated based on the data for lower-order systems. The calculations were performed by means of the software ‘Thermo-Calc’. Values obtained were compared with experimentally determined phase information for five alloys with constant Ni content (70 at.%) after long-term annealing at 900°C. The experiments were realized by means of energy-dispercive microanalysis in scanning transmission electron microscopy. For better agreement of theory with experiment, an thermodynamic optimization was performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A continuous laminar flow reactor for the synthesis of nanopowder in microemulsion is described. The reactor is suitable for separated handling with nucleation, growth, and stabilization processes. The synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles was selected as a model case. A water−sodium dodecyl sulphate−cyclohexene system was used as the microemulsion system for dissolving reactive aqueous solution, precursor, and a particle stabilizer. The product was purified and transferred to the aqueous phase. The result was a colloid solution of iron oxide nanoparticles in water of 50–200 nm in size with a zeta potential ranging from –25 to –57 mV. The product was characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, powder XRD, dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and electron diffraction. The results showed that water-in-oil microemulsion method is useful for the synthesis of nanopowders to obtain large amounts of stable product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]