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Although hundreds of keV in energy gain have already been demonstrated in dielectric laser accelerators (DLAs), the challenge of creating structures that can confine electrons for multiple millimeters remains. We focus here on dual gratings with single-sided drive, which have experimentally demonstrated energy modulation numerous times. Using a Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulation to find the fields within various DLA structures and correlating these results with particle tracking simulation, we look at the impact of teeth height and width, as well as gap and offset, on the performance of these structures. We find a tradeoff between electron throughput and acceleration; however, we also find that for any given grating geometry, there is a gap and offset that will allow some charge acceleration. For our 780 nm laser wavelength, this results in a 1200 nm optimal gap size for most gratings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited sensitivity of circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) stems from their extremely low concentration in the whole circulating blood, necessitating enhanced detection methodologies. This study sought to amplify assay-sensitivity by employing diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA) to screen large blood volumes. Sixty patients were subjected to DLA, with a median processed blood volume of ~ 2.8 L and approximately 5% of the resulting DLA-product analyzed using CellSearch (CS). Notably, DLA significantly increased CS-CTC detection to 44% in M0-patients and 74% in M1-patients, yielding a 60-fold increase in CS-CTC enumeration. DLA also provided sufficient CS-CTCs for genomic profiling, thereby delivering additional genomic information compared to tissue biopsy samples. DLA CS-CTCs exhibited a pronounced negative prognostic impact on overall survival (OS), evidenced by a reduction in OS from 28.6 to 8.5 months (univariate: p = 0.002; multivariable: p = 0.043). Additionally, a marked enhancement in sensitivity was achieved (by around 3-4-times) compared to peripheral blood (PB) samples, with positive predictive values for OS being preserved at around 90%. Prognostic relevance of CS-CTCs in PDAC was further validated in PB-samples from 228 PDAC patients, consolidating the established association between CTC-presence and reduced OS (8.5 vs. 19.0 months, p < 0.001). In conclusion, DLA-derived CS-CTCs may serve as a viable tool for identifying high-risk PDAC-patients and aiding the optimization of multimodal treatment strategies. Moreover, DLA enables comprehensive diagnostic profiling by providing ample CTC material, reinforcing its utility as a reliable liquid-biopsy approach. This high-volume liquid-biopsy strategy presents a potential pathway for enhancing clinical management in this malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequential pattern mining algorithms extract trendy sequence appearances inside ordered transactional datasets such as market basket datasets. There is a lack of research employing big data processing techniques to locate frequent sequences on large‐scale datasets. Furthermore, there is a need for optimized sequential pattern mining algorithms that run on ordered one‐dimensional sequences. We also observe a lack of sequential pattern search studies in the literature, where the focus is centered around multi‐dimensional data sequences. Existing approaches that deal with ordered one‐dimensional datasets suffer from scalability issues as the amount of data to be analyzed is enormous. This research investigates the big data processing techniques used to find frequent sequences in large‐scale datasets. It also proposes a scalable sequence pattern mining algorithm called Sequential Pattern Acquisition by Reducing Search Space (SPARSS) designed for distributed data processing systems that efficiently handle large datasets containing sequential one‐element data. It introduces a prototype implementation of SPARSS and provides information on the SPARSS's memory and time requirements, which were calculated as part of experimental studies on a real‐world dataset. The results confirm our expectations and demonstrate SPARSS's superior scalability and run‐time efficiency compared to other distributed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti lymphoma potentials of Vernonia cinerea were evaluated. In a short-term in vitro study, ethyl acetate extract (VCEA) was found to be cytotoxic to DLA cells with an LC50 of 61.24 μg mL−1. GC-MS analysis of VCEA revealed presence of several volatile molecules including nerolidol. Molecular docking study using nerolidol with Ferroportin-1 predicted strong binding affinity, indicating ferroptosis induction which was later confirmed by in vitro assays. VCEA also demonstrated strong reduction in the proliferation of YAC-1, another lymphoma cell line with G2/M arrest leading to apoptosis. The tumor reduction potentials of VCEA was further confirmed using the DLA-induced solid tumor model in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-power pulsed laser-MAG hybrid welding was carried out by different heat source arrangement methods (lead mode, distance between laser spot and welding wire tip (DLA)). The coupling effect and welding characteristics of hybrid heat sources under different modes were studied by using high-speed image (HSI) and real-time electrical signals. HSI observation and electronic signals showed that the lead mode and DLA significantly affected the coupling state of the heat source and welding characteristics (weld morphology, process stability, and droplet transfer). The influence of lead mode on weld forming was more significant than that of DLA. In laser-lead mode, when DLA = 1 ~ 2 mm, the laser and arc generated a perfect coupling effect, resulting in a good weld formation, less spatter, and greater penetration. In arc-lead mode, the weld formation was poor and the undercut defect was common, while the penetration was greater than that in laser-lead mode. In terms of welding process stability, the arc-lead mode was better than the laser-lead mode. When DLA = 1 ~ 2 mm, stable droplet transfer could be realized under both modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hundreds of keV in energy gain have already been demonstrated in dielectric laser accelerators (DLAs), the challenge of creating structures that can confine electrons for multiple millimeters remains. We focus here on dual gratings with single-sided drive, which have experimentally demonstrated energy modulation numerous times. Using a Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulation to find the fields within various DLA structures and correlating these results with particle tracking simulation, we look at the impact of teeth height and width, as well as gap and offset, on the performance of these structures. We find a tradeoff between electron throughput and acceleration; however, we also find that for any given grating geometry, there is a gap and offset that will allow some charge acceleration. For our 780 nm laser wavelength, this results in a 1200 nm optimal gap size for most gratings.

Abstract Background In Europe, golden jackals (Canis aureus) have been expanding their range out of the southern and southeastern Balkans towards central Europe continually since the 1960s. Here, we investigated the level of functional diversity at the MHC class II DLA-DQA1 exon 2 in golden jackal populations from Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. Specifically, we tested for positive selection on and geographic variation at that locus due to adaptation to supposedly regionally varying pathogenic landscapes. To test for potential fitness effects of different protein variants on individual body condition, we used linear modeling of individual body mass indexes (bmi) and accounted for possible age, sex, geographical, and climatic effects. The latter approach was performed, however, only on Serbian individuals with appropriate data. Results Only three different DLA-DQA1 alleles were detected, all coding for different amino-acid sequences. The neutrality tests revealed no significant but positive values; there was no signal of spatial structuring and no deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium across the studied range of expansion. However, we found a signal of trans-species polymorphism and significant test results for positive selection on three codons. Our information-theory based linear modeling results indicated an effect of ambient temperature on the occurrence of individual DLA-DQA1 genotypes in individuals from across the studied expansion range, independent from geographical position. Our linear modeling results of individual bmi values indicated that yearlings homozygous for DLA-DQA1*03001 reached values typical for adults contrary to yearlings carrying other genotypes (protein combinations). This suggested better growth rates and thus a possible fitness advantage of yearlings homozygous for DLA-DQA1*03001. Conclusions Our results indicate a demographic (stochastic) signal of reduced DLA-DQA1 exon 2 variation, in line with the documented historical demographic bottleneck. At the same time, however, allelic variation was also affected by positive selection and adaptation to varying ambient temperature, supposedly reflecting geographic variation in the pathogenic landscape. Moreover, an allele effect on body mass index values of yearlings suggested differential fitness associated with growth rates. Overall, a combination of a stochastic effect and positive selection has shaped and is still shaping the variation at the studied MHC locus.

The organic sulfur compounds dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) play major roles in the marine microbial food web and have substantial climatic importance as sources and sinks of dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Seasonal shifts in the abundance and diversity of the phytoplankton and bacteria that cycle DMSP are likely to impact marine DMS (O) (P) concentrations, but the dynamic nature of these microbial interactions is still poorly resolved. Here, we examined the relationships between microbial community dynamics with DMS (O) (P) concentrations during a 2-year oceanographic time series conducted on the east Australian coast. Heterogenous temporal patterns were apparent in chlorophyll a (chl a) and DMSP concentrations, but the relationship between these parameters varied over time, suggesting the phytoplankton and bacterial community composition were affecting the net DMSP concentrations through differential DMSP production and degradation. Significant increases in DMSP were regularly measured in spring blooms dominated by predicted high DMSP-producing lineages of phytoplankton (Heterocapsa , Prorocentrum , Alexandrium , and Micromonas), while spring blooms that were dominated by predicted low DMSP-producing phytoplankton (Thalassiosira) demonstrated negligible increases in DMSP concentrations. During elevated DMSP concentrations, a significant increase in the relative abundance of the key copiotrophic bacterial lineage Rhodobacterales was accompanied by a three-fold increase in the gene, encoding the first step of DMSP demethylation (dmdA). Significant temporal shifts in DMS concentrations were measured and were significantly correlated with both fractions (0.2–2 μm and >2 μm) of microbial DMSP lyase activity. Seasonal increases of the bacterial DMSP biosynthesis gene (dsyB) and the bacterial DMS oxidation gene (tmm) occurred during the spring-summer and coincided with peaks in DMSP and DMSO concentration, respectively. These findings, along with significant positive relationships between dsyB gene abundance and DMSP, and tmm gene abundance with DMSO, reinforce the significant role planktonic bacteria play in producing DMSP and DMSO in ocean surface waters. Our results highlight the highly dynamic nature and myriad of microbial interactions that govern sulfur cycling in coastal shelf waters and further underpin the importance of microbial ecology in mediating important marine biogeochemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organic sulfur compounds dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) play major roles in the marine microbial food web and have substantial climatic importance as sources and sinks of dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Seasonal shifts in the abundance and diversity of the phytoplankton and bacteria that cycle DMSP are likely to impact marine DMS (O) (P) concentrations, but the dynamic nature of these microbial interactions is still poorly resolved. Here, we examined the relationships between microbial community dynamics with DMS (O) (P) concentrations during a 2-year oceanographic time series conducted on the east Australian coast. Heterogenous temporal patterns were apparent in chlorophyll a (chl a) and DMSP concentrations, but the relationship between these parameters varied over time, suggesting the phytoplankton and bacterial community composition were affecting the net DMSP concentrations through differential DMSP production and degradation. Significant increases in DMSP were regularly measured in spring blooms dominated by predicted high DMSP-producing lineages of phytoplankton (Heterocapsa, Prorocentrum, Alexandrium, and Micromonas), while spring blooms that were dominated by predicted low DMSP-producing phytoplankton (Thalassiosira) demonstrated negligible increases in DMSP concentrations. During elevated DMSP concentrations, a significant increase in the relative abundance of the key copiotrophic bacterial lineage Rhodobacterales was accompanied by a three-fold increase in the gene, encoding the first step of DMSP demethylation (dmdA). Significant temporal shifts in DMS concentrations were measured and were significantly correlated with both fractions (0.2–2 μm and >2 μm) of microbial DMSP lyase activity. Seasonal increases of the bacterial DMSP biosynthesis gene (dsyB) and the bacterial DMS oxidation gene (tmm) occurred during the spring-summer and coincided with peaks in DMSP and DMSO concentration, respectively. These findings, along with significant positive relationships between dsyB gene abundance and DMSP, and tmm gene abundance with DMSO, reinforce the significant role planktonic bacteria play in producing DMSP and DMSO in ocean surface waters. Our results highlight the highly dynamic nature and myriad of microbial interactions that govern sulfur cycling in coastal shelf waters and further underpin the importance of microbial ecology in mediating important marine biogeochemical processes.

[Display omitted] Understanding deagglomeration, agglomerate formation and structure for very small nanoparticles (NPs), due to their more facile agglomeration, is critical for processing or tailoring agglomerates for nanostructured materials. We propose that by controlling and fine-tuning the interplay of agglomeration (colloidal interaction) and deagglomeration (hydrodynamic forces), the design of agglomerate size, microstructure and morphology is possible even for very small NPs. Here, we investigate very small SnO 2 NPs (10 nm) generated in the gas phase as model system. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are used to study dispersions in aqueous media across the entire pH range (2–12) at various NaCl concentrations treated with ultrasound. Parallel to size and size distribution, agglomerate morphology and microstructure are analyzed by means of the mass fractal dimension, d m and modeled with ab initio shape simulations. The critical coagulation concentration (CCC) is determined for the alkaline region where the SnO 2 NPs are highly charged. Quantitative analysis of SAXS and DLS data reveals that size and size distribution of the agglomerates depend similarly on the electrostatic interaction influenced by pH and salinity as observed by the zeta potential. In contrast d m is mainly influenced by the salt concentration. Ab initio shape simulations support these experimental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of changes in population size and migration on variation in functional immunity genes in the previously bottlenecked population of the grey wolf, Canis lupus. Location: Eastern/Central Europe: Poland, Czechia, Slovakia. Methods: We genotyped 7 immunity genes: three MHC‐DLA genes (dog leukocyte antigen) and four Toll‐like receptor (TLR) genes among 130 wolves originating from three populations: two lowland (Baltic and Central European), and highland Carpathian. We contrasted the population structure in immunity genes with a neutral structure based on 13 microsatellites, and we analysed signatures of selection in the immunity loci. Results: We found high overall genetic variance in immunity genes and no evidence for decreased diversity in the recently established populations. The population structure in immunity loci was weak, with pairwise FST lower than for neutral markers. Although the results of neutrality tests were not significant, we identified codons under selection, both positive and negative. Main Conclusions: We demonstrated that despite recent population expansion which is expected to result in decreased genetic diversity, the diversity of immunity genes in the newly established wolf population is similar to those in the source population. This suggests that migrations do not cause allele loss in grey wolf. Signatures of selection on codon level, but not in tests using allele frequencies, suggest the contrasting effects of demography and selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MHC genes are highly polymorphic as antigen presenting molecules for adaptive immune response in vertebrates. In this study, we evaluated the diversity of dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) class II genes among two Korean breeds, the Sapsaree and the Jindo, and three Chinese native breeds, Tibetan Mastiff, Pug, and Pekingese, and determined their genetic relationships. Sequence-based typing of DLA-DRB1 and DLA-DQB1 was performed in 138 dogs. We identified 27 alleles for DRB1 and 24 for DQB1, including five new alleles. DRB1*015:01 was shared among all five breeds and was a major allele for the Pug, Tibetan Mastiff, and Sapsaree. The observed heterozygosity for the five breeds ranged from 0.67 to 1.00 for DRB1 and from 0.80 to 1.00 for DQB1. A total of 40 DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes, including nine new haplotypes, were identified. Interestingly, most haplotypes (33/40, 82%) were specific to a single breed, and only seven were present in multiple breeds. Haplotype sharing analysis together with previously available data from 109 breeds revealed that compared to within region distances, Asian breeds were more distant than breeds from other regions. As a first report on the analysis of DLA genes of dog breeds in Korean peninsula, our results show that these breeds carry unique DLA class II haplotype lineages. Our results indicate that the diversity and breed specificity of DLA class II genes are much higher among East Asian breeds than among breeds from other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The fractal growth of chromium dendrites in electrodeposition was studied. • The DLA simulation results are consistent with the actual experimental results. • Dendrite morphology is closely related to particle motion. • The dendritic clusters are primarily composed of three-dimensional grains. This investigated the fractal growth behavior of dendrites during the electrodeposition of chromium metal within two-dimensional confined interface. The effect of influencing factors (voltage, electrolyte concentration, catalyst concentration, and deposition time) on the morphology and fractal dimension of the deposited dendrites was investigated using zero-dimensional point electrodes and one-dimensional wire electrodes. The results indicate that as the voltage and electrolyte concentration increase, the fractal dimension of the point electrode decreases, while that of the wire electrode increases. Additionally, increasing the concentration of the catalyst and the deposition time led to an increase in the fractal dimension for both the point electrode and the wire electrode. This is due to the morphology of the dendritic clusters growing more open or denser depending on the aggregation mode of particles under different experimental conditions. This further leads to changes in fractal dimension. A diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) model was developed to simulate the motion of particles during deposition. The model demonstrates that the changes in fractal dimension and the morphology of the aggregates formed by particles moving randomly are consistent with the experimental results. Finally, the distribution of grains on the sediment surface revealing that fractal dendrite clusters in a two-dimensional sediment interface consist of three-dimensional grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Europe, golden jackals (Canis aureus) have been expanding their range out of the southern and southeastern Balkans towards central Europe continually since the 1960s. Here, we investigated the level of functional diversity at the MHC class II DLA-DQA1 exon 2 in golden jackal populations from Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. Specifically, we tested for positive selection on and geographic variation at that locus due to adaptation to supposedly regionally varying pathogenic landscapes. To test for potential fitness effects of different protein variants on individual body condition, we used linear modeling of individual body mass indexes (bmi) and accounted for possible age, sex, geographical, and climatic effects. The latter approach was performed, however, only on Serbian individuals with appropriate data. Results: Only three different DLA-DQA1 alleles were detected, all coding for different amino-acid sequences. The neutrality tests revealed no significant but positive values; there was no signal of spatial structuring and no deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium across the studied range of expansion. However, we found a signal of trans-species polymorphism and significant test results for positive selection on three codons. Our information-theory based linear modeling results indicated an effect of ambient temperature on the occurrence of individual DLA-DQA1 genotypes in individuals from across the studied expansion range, independent from geographical position. Our linear modeling results of individual bmi values indicated that yearlings homozygous for DLA-DQA1*03001 reached values typical for adults contrary to yearlings carrying other genotypes (protein combinations). This suggested better growth rates and thus a possible fitness advantage of yearlings homozygous for DLA-DQA1*03001. Conclusions: Our results indicate a demographic (stochastic) signal of reduced DLA-DQA1 exon 2 variation, in line with the documented historical demographic bottleneck. At the same time, however, allelic variation was also affected by positive selection and adaptation to varying ambient temperature, supposedly reflecting geographic variation in the pathogenic landscape. Moreover, an allele effect on body mass index values of yearlings suggested differential fitness associated with growth rates. Overall, a combination of a stochastic effect and positive selection has shaped and is still shaping the variation at the studied MHC locus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model of particle-cluster aggregation on the rewired small-world network is studied. In this model, particles can adjoin to the end of the rewired long-range edges. The rewired long-range edge is controlled by two parameters, the reconnecting probability and distance controlling parameter. The simulation results indicate that, with the increasing of the length and the number of rewired long-range edges, the patterns become diffuse and the fractal dimensions of the aggregates decrease. The range of the value of dimension and the feature of patterns obtained in the model are consistent with the amyloid deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on identification of antiproliferative mechanism of Murva by in silico methods and compared the in vivo anticancer activity of methanol extracts of Marsdenia tenacissima (MEMT) and Sansevieria roxburghiana (MESR), are known to be Murva. PASS online study was carried out with Dresgenin from M.tenacissima and Lupeol from S.roxburghiana to know the possible biological activities and were taken as ligands for the target BCL-2 protein. Tryphan blue dye exclusion assay was done with different concentration of MEMT and MESR. In in vivo, 90 mice were organized in to 9 groups with ten mice in each. All animals except group I, intraperitoneal inoculated with DLA cell lines. Group I-normal control received distilled water, Group II cancer control received distilled water, Group III -received 20mg/kg of standard 5-Fluorouracil, i.p, Group IV - 100mg/kg of Venetoclax, p.o, Group V &VI treated with 100 and 200mg/kg of MEMT, Group VII &VIII treated with 50 and 100mg/kg of MESR and IX received combination of MEMT & MESR for 14 days. On 15th day haematological and tissue antioxidant level were measured. Insilico study results revealed that ligand has antineoplastic and Caspase 3 stimulant activity, binding scores of -9.1 and -9.2 (Kcal/mol) with BCL-2. In vitro cytotoxicity result showed MEMT (56%), MESR (68%) and the combination (92%) of cell death. In in vivo study, most significant (p<0.001) effect with combination on altered haematological and antioxidant level. The pharmacological effect was due the binding of Dresgenin and Lupeol binds with BCL-2 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We approach the problem of implementing mixed-datatype support within the general matrix multiplication (gemm) operation of the BLAS-like Library Instantiation Software framework, whereby each matrix operand A, B, and C may be stored as single- or double-precision real or complex values. Another factor of complexity, whereby the matrix product and accumulation are allowed to take place in a precision different from the storage precisions of either A or B, is also discussed. We first break the problem into orthogonal dimensions, considering the mixing of domains separately from mixing precisions. Support for all combinations of matrix operands stored in either the real or complex domain is mapped out by enumerating the cases and describing an implementation approach for each. Supporting all combinations of storage and computation precisions is handled by typecasting the matrices at key stages of the computation—during packing and/or accumulation, as needed. Several optional optimizations are also documented. Performance results gathered on a 56-core Marvell ThunderX2 and a 52-core Intel Xeon Platinum demonstrate that high performance is mostly preserved, with modest slowdowns incurred from unavoidable typecast instructions. The mixed-datatype implementation confirms that combinatorial intractability is avoided, with the framework relying on only two assembly microkernels to implement 128 datatype combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease, AD) and symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) are two clinical conditions with an autoimmune etiology that occur in multiple dog breeds. In man, autoimmunity is associated with polymorphisms in immune-related genes that result in a reduced threshold for, or defective regulation of, T cell activation. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes encode molecules that participate in these functions, and polymorphisms within these genes have been associated with autoimmune conditions in dogs and humans. Bearded collies have a relatively high prevalence of autoimmune diseases, particularly AD and SLO. Our study assessed the relationship between particular MHC (dog leukocyte antigen, DLA) class II haplotypes and the two autoimmune diseases most common in this breed. Moreover, five unrelated breeds at increased risk for AD were studied for comparative purposes and analyzed in the context of extant literature. Results A single DLA class II three-locus haplotype, determined by sequence-based typing, was associated with increased risk for AD (DLA-DRB1*009:01/DQA1*001:01/DQB1*008:02) in bearded collies. Comparative analysis with the five additional breeds showed limited allele sharing, with DQA1*001:01 and DQB1*002:01 being the only alleles observed in all breeds. A distinct three-locus risk haplotype (DLA-DRB1*001:01/DQA1*001:01/DQB1*002:01) was associated with AD in the West Highland white terrier and Leonberger. Two different risk haplotypes were associated with increased risk for SLO in the bearded collie (DLA-DRB1*018:01/DQA1*001:01/DQB1*002:01 and DLA-DRB1*018:01/DQA1*001:01/ DQB1*008:02). Conclusion Two-locus DQ haplotypes composed of DLA-DQA1*001:01 in association with DLA-DQB1*002:01 or DLA-DQB1*008:02 make up the four risk haplotypes identified in the present study and are also found in other risk haplotypes previously associated with diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism across different dog breeds. Our findings build upon previously published data to suggest that this two-locus (DQ) model serves as a good indicator for susceptibility to multiple organ-specific autoimmune diseases in the canine population. However, it is also clear that additional loci are necessary for actual disease expression. Investigation of affected and unaffected dogs carrying these predisposing DQ haplotype signatures may allow for the identification of those additional genetic components that determine autoimmune disease expression and organ specificity.

The immune system is one of the most important biological systems of our body. Immunomodulation is either increase or decrease in the immune response. Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of the leaves of Thespesia populnea (Family Malvaceae) in cancer cell line induced Balb/c mice. Methods: Various extracts of the leaves of Thespesia populnea (TpFf) were evaluated for the flavonoid content and the higher content of flavonoid was found to be in ethyl acetate extract and it was used to evaluate the potential immunomodulatory activity. The ethyl acetate flavonoid extract was evaluated for immunomodulatory activity in in vivo studies, using Balb/c mice as the animal model. The extract was tested for hematological parameters, immunological parameters, weight and Cellularity of lymphoid organs and Histopathological observation of spleen and thymus, using sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as the antigen. PBS served as a control in all the tests. Findings: The ethyl acetate extract exhibited a significant decrease in the WBC and increase in the RBC and Hb when compared to Ehrlich's lymphoma ascites (ELA) and Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) induced groups. It also resulted in a significant increase in the IL-2, IFN-γ, weight of spleen and thymus and Cellularity of lymphoid organs and malignant changes observed in the DLA and EAC tumor induced spleen and thymus sections. Conclusion: The ethyl acetate extract was found to stimulate the immune responses in Balb/c mice induced ELA and DLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost all efforts to optimize high-performance matrix-matrix multiplication have been focused on the case where matrices contain real elements. The community's collective assumption appears to have been that the techniques and methods developed for the real domain carry over directly to the complex domain. As a result, implementors have mostly overlooked a class of methods that compute complex matrix multiplication using only real matrix products. This is the second in a series of articles that investigate these so-called induced methods. In the previous article, we found that algorithms based on the more generally applicable of the two methods--the 4M method--lead to implementations that, for various reasons, often underperform their real domain counterparts. To overcome these limitations, we derive a superior 1M method for expressing complex matrix multiplication, one which addresses virtually all of the shortcomings inherent in 4M. Implementations are developed within the BLIS framework, and testing on microarchitectures by three vendors confirms that the 1M method yields performance that is generally competitive with solutions based on conventionally implemented complex kernels, sometimes even outperforming vendor libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study to look at the characteristics of funds accepting the $2.7 trillion taxpayer guarantee of money market mutual funds during the 2008 financial crisis. Fund shares that benefited from Federal Reserve's asset-backed commercial paper program were significantly more likely to get bailed out by taxpayers and sponsors. The paper tests if funds adhering to the SEC's 2010 liquidity reforms prior to their enactment were less likely to be bailed out in 2008. Finally, it examines if funds subject to the 2014 floating NAV regulations were more likely to be bailed out in 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a modified DLA model, based on a fractional diffusion mechanism, as a novel approach to modeling fractal growth. The specific memory performance of fractional operators can be reflected macroscopically in aggregated patterns eventually. The influence of the model's order on the structure and behavior of its pattern is further quantitatively described by anisotropy index and fractal dimension. Some simulations are provided to illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of the main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) is one of the leading causes of acute blindness in dogs, with an unknown etiology and no effective treatment. Certain breeds such as Dachshunds are overrepresented among SARDS patients, and therefore, the syndrome is suspected to have a genetic component. The objective of this study was to determine if a genetic locus associated with SARDS in Dachshunds could be identified using a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Procedures: Genome‐wide association mapping was performed in 15 SARDS‐affected and 16 unaffected Dachshunds. Genotyping of three classical DLA class II genes (DLA‐DRB1, DLA‐DQA1, and DLA‐DQB1) was performed in 34 SARDS‐affected and 66 unaffected Dachshunds to evaluate for an association in this region. Results: Although no single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were of genome‐wide statistical significance (PBonferroni < 0.05), 5 of the top 9 SNPs were in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Using DLA typing, the allele DLA‐DRB1*09401 was identified as a risk factor for the development of SARDS (P = 0.0032, OR = 4.0). The alleles DLA‐DQB1*00101 (P = 0.0050, OR = 0.31), DLA‐DQA1*00901 (P = 0.0087, OR = 0.33), and a previously identified DLA‐DRB1allele described as "DRB1‐T" (P = 0.0284, OR = 0.37) were identified as protective factors. Conclusions: Although far from definitive, association of SARDS with alleles of immunologic importance further supports the hypothesis that autoimmunity may play a role in the pathogenesis of SARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addison's disease (AD) is a life-threatening endocrine disorder that occurs spontaneously in both humans and dogs. Associations between MHC class II genes and AD have been shown in several human studies. Our goal was to identify MHC class II associations with AD in a large population of Standard Poodles, a breed highly predisposed to AD. We sequenced exon 2 of the class II genes DLA-DRB1, DLA-DQA1, and DLA-DQB1 in 110 affected and 101 unaffected Standard Poodles and tested for association with AD. After correcting for population structure, two haplotypes were found to confer risk of developing AD in a sex-specific manner: DLA-DRB1*015:01-DQA1*006:01-DQB1*023:01 in males (x2p = 0.03, OR 2.1) and DLA-DRB1*009:01-DQA1*001:01-DQB1*008:01:1 in females (x2p = 0.02, OR 8.43). Sex-specific associations have been previously described in human populations, but this is the first report of this kind in dogs. Consistent with findings in other studies, we found the DLA-DQA1*006:01 allele (x2p = 0.04) to be associated with AD in males independent of haplotype. In females, the haplotype DLA-DRB1*009:01-DQA1*001:01-DQB1*008:01:1 confers a very high risk for developing AD, although its frequency was rare (9 of 124 females) in our study population. Further studies are warranted to validate the findings of this exploratory dataset and to assess the usefulness of this haplotype as a risk marker for AD in female Standard Poodles. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating MHC class II disease associations in large populations, and accounting for both biological sex and population structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low power pulsed laser-induced MAG hybrid welding can be applied to welding at a certain workpiece inclination angle, with excellent welding stability, proving its potential for application in all position welding. • The mechanism of D LA and workpiece inclination angle on droplet transfer in low power pulsed laser-induced MAG hybrid welding was revealed. • This work provides a theoretical basis for the popularization and application of laser-induced MAG all-position hybrid welding technology. In this work, the effects of workpiece inclination angles (θ), distance between laser spot and wire tip (D LA) on arc morphology, droplet transfer characteristics and stability were investigated by high-speed images (HSI), mathematical statistics and real-time electric signals. The coupling effect of heat source was evaluated by taking penetration as the main reference index. At the same time, the stability of the droplet transfer was evaluated based on the droplet transfer characteristics and the variation coefficient of current and voltage. The results showed that D LA had significant effect on droplet transfer in laser- induced MAG hybrid welding with varied workpiece angles. At D LA was 1 mm, the laser plasma compressed the arc, leading to the increase of the electromagnetic resistance of droplet transfer, which would prolong the formation and shedding time of droplet, making the droplet transfer mode change from "multi drop per pulse" to "one drop per pulse", and improving the stability of droplet transfer. The D LA affected the droplet transfer path and space instantaneous flight velocity. When D LA was −1 and 1 mm, the displacement of the droplet transfer reaches the minimum and maximum, respectively. When D LA was 1 mm, the droplet transfer was the most stable and maximum velocity could be obtained with varied workpiece inclination angles. This work provides a theoretical basis for the popularization and application of laser-induced MAG all-position hybrid welding technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se emplea el plasma de la descarga luminiscente anormal DLA en la remoción del lubricante de compactos de hierro pulvimetalúrgico en atmósfera de hidrógeno, con el fin de establecer las condiciones óptimas del ciclo térmico en la configuración catódica para mantener las propiedades ofrecidas del hierro. Para la preparación de las mezclas se utiliza un mezclador rotatorio. El material se conforma con presión uniaxial en matriz cilíndrica, calculando su densidad y porosidad. Con TGA y DSC se estudian la descomposición térmica y la eliminación del lubricante; luego, se realizan los ciclos de remoción en la DLA. Con TGA se monitorea el estado de remoción del lubricante de cada ciclo en la DLA. Se caracterizan los compactos en verde y los del proceso de remoción con microscopia óptica y SEM. Se halló una adecuada remoción en la configuración catódica a 400 °C durante 10 minutos, removiéndose la totalidad de lubricante. El ciclo propuesto conviene en aplicaciones industriales por las altas tasas de calentamiento alcanzadas con reducción del consumo de energía, así como de la necesaria en mantener la descarga, referidas a los hornos resistivos utilizados.

Diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA) is based on continuous centrifugation that collects mononuclear cells from peripheral blood with a density of 1.055–1.08 g/ml. As epithelial cells have a similar density, DLA cocollects circulating tumor cell (CTCs) along with the targeted mononuclear cells. Here, we report on our single center experience applying DLA in 40 nonmetastatic and metastatic breast cancer patients and its impact on CTC detection. We found that the use of just 5% of the DLA product (corresponding to a median peripheral blood volume of around 60 ml) in the CellSearch® assay already leads to a significant increase in CTC detection frequency and yield. The implementation of the method was unproblematic, and we did not observe any adverse events in our patient cohort. Extrapolating the CTC counts in the DLA samples to the whole DLA product indicated that enormous CTC numbers could be harvested by this approach (around 205x more CTCs than in the 7.5 ml blood sample in M1 patients). In conclusion, DLA is a clinically safe method to collect CTCs from liters of blood enabling a real liquid biopsy. Yet, further technical developments are required to process whole DLA products and exploit the full potential of this approach. As it is foreseeable that DLA will be used by several groups, and hopefully ultimately brought to the patients in a routine setting, we discuss recommendations on the minimum of required information for reporting on DLAs to allow comparison across different approaches. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We present a methodology for designing and measuring pulse front tilt in an ultrafast laser for use in dielectric laser acceleration. Previous research into dielectric laser accelerating modules has focused on measuring high accelerating gradients in novel structures, but has done so only for short electron–laser coupling lengths. Here we demonstrate an optical design to extend the laser–electroninteraction to 1 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of laser-tungsten inert gas hybrid welding with filler wire experiments were performed on the TA15 titanium alloys to investigate the effect of welding parameters, such as the distance between the axis of the laser beam and the tip of the tungsten electrode (Dla), the defocused distance of the laser beam, and its CO2 concentration in the shielding gas, on the weld appearance and dimension. The mechanism of the weld formation was then analyzed. The results demonstrated that by adjusting space position between the heat sources and protecting the shielding gas content, the undercut defect could be suppressed effectively in the hybrid welding process. With the increase in the Dla, defocused distance, and CO2 concentration, the width of the top weld presented an increasing trend, while the width and reinforcement of the backside showed a decreasing trend. The ridgelike appearance may be effectively suppressed if the Dla, defocused distance of the laser beam, and CO2 concentration in the argon shielding gas were more than 2 mm, 4 mm, and 2%, respectively, because the Dla, defocused distance, and CO2-determined energy concentration, surface tension, and Marangoni convection determine the molten metal flow direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The clinical outcome of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs varies from subclinical infection to severe disease. Researchers attribute this variability in clinical manifestations to the ability of the immune response to limit pathogen multiplication and dissemination, which is, in part, likely determined by the immune response genes. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that MHC class II genes are associated with disease outcome of experimental L. infantum infection in Beagles. Dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) class II haplotypes were characterised by sequence-based typing of Beagle dogs experimentally infected with L. infantum during vaccine challenge studies. Variability of response to infection was determined by clinical score, serology and quantification of L. infantum DNA in the bone marrow over the study period. Dogs showed limited DLA diversity and the DLA profiles of dogs recruited for the different vaccine challenge studies differed. There were variable responses to infection, despite the apparent restriction in genetic diversity. One haplotype DLA-DRB1*001:02–DQA1*001:01–DQB1*002:01 was associated with increased anti- Leishmania antibodies in one infection model, but no DLA associations were found in other groups or with parasite load or clinical score. Examination of this particular DLA haplotype in a larger number of dogs is required to confirm whether an association exists with the immune or clinical responses to L. infantum infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new revolution in materials science is being driven by our ability to manipulate matter at the molecular level to create structures with novel functions and properties. The aim of this paper is to explore new strategies to obtain plasmonic metal nanostructures through the combination of a top down method, that is electron beam lithography, and a bottom up technique, that is the chemical electroless deposition. This technique allows a tight control over the shape and size of bi- and three-dimensional metal patterns at the nano scale. The resulting nanostructures can be used as constituents of Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrates, where the electromagnetic field is strongly amplified. Our results indicate that, in electroless growth, high quality metal nanostructures with sizes below 50 nm may be easily obtained. These findings were explained within the framework of a diffusion limited aggregation (DLA) model, that is a simulation model that makes it possible to decipher, at an atomic level, the rules governing the evolution of the growth front; moreover, we give a description of the physical mechanisms of growth at a basic level. In the discussion, we show how these findings can be utilized to fabricate dimers of silver nanospheres where the size and shape of those spheres is controlled with extreme precision and can be used for very large area SERS substrates and nano-optics, for single molecule detection.

In this paper we study the structure of the limit aggregate A∞ =U n≥0 An of the one-dimensional long range diffusion limited aggregation process defined in (Ann. Probab. 44 (2016) 3546-3579). We show (under some regularity conditions) that for walks with finite third moment A∞ has renewal structure and positive density, while for walks with finite variance the renewal structure no longer exists and A∞ has 0 density. We define a tree structure on the aggregates and show some results on the degrees and number of ends of these random trees. We introduce a new "harmonic competition" model where different colours compete for harmonic measure, and show how the tree structure is related to coexistence in this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A drying droplet changes its morphological pattern depending upon complex pattern forming system. To control the distribution of solute particles in a droplet during drying is an important aspect in many scientific and industrial purposes. In this work, with the help of optical microscopy, we study characteristic patterns generated in dried drops of colloidal copper sulphate (CuSO5H2O) solution on surface of glass. At lower concentration of salt solution the growth pattern follows a monofractal structure whereas at higher concentration, the self-assembled pattern gradually gets disappeared. Calculating the fractal dimension (FD) of the generated patterns by box counting method with help of imageJ, it is observed that the patterns resemble DLA structure through a specific range of concentration of the salt solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel 4-benzyl-morpholine-2-carboxylic acid N ′ -[2-(4-benzoyl-phenoxy)-acetyl]-hydrazide derivatives 8a-j has been synthesized from (4-hydroxy-aryl)-aryl methanones through a multi-step reaction sequence and then evaluated for anti-proliferative activity in vitro against various types of neoplastic cells of mouse and human such as DLA, EAC, MCF-7 and A549 cells. From the cytotoxic studies and structural activity relationship of compounds 8a-j , it is clear that methyl group on the B ring of benzophenone is essential for antiproliferative activity and bromo at ortho position (compound 8b ) and methyl at para position (compound 8f ) on A ring of benzophenone are significant for extensive anti-mitogenic activity. Investigation on clonogenesis and Fluorescence-activated cell sorting suggests that compounds 8b and 8f have the potency to exhibit the prolonged activity with cell cycle arrest on G2/M phase against cancer progression. Further, the compounds 8b and 8f inhibit murine ascites lymphoma through caspase activated DNase mediated apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The golden jackal ( Canis aureus ) is one of the less studied carnivores and research on its major histocompatibility complex (MHC) variability is just at its early stages. MHC genes encode cell-surface receptors that serve to bind and present antigens to T cells, which is essential to initiating specific immunological responses in vertebrates. In this paper we present for the first time patterns of genetic diversity and natural selection on MHC class II DLA-DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 loci in the golden jackal using samples from two geographically distinct regions in Croatia and further compare them to the values found in its congener grey wolf ( Canis lupus ). Diversity of golden jackals at all three loci was markedly lower than that of grey wolves (allelic richness values were 4, 2 and 3 in jackal versus 11.9, 6.6 and 10.2 in wolves for DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1, respectively) and can be attributed to a genetic drift rather than to the lack of historical positive selection. The finding of high evolutionary distances (16.3% for DRB1 and 8.5% for DQB1) and a substantial number of codons predicted to be under the influence of positive selection (11 for DRB1 and 9 for DQB1) suggests that the investigated golden jackal population still contains considerable functional diversity necessary for the presentation of varied foreign peptides. In contrast to neutral genetic variation, our results suggest that the Dalmatian population has a higher MHC diversity than the Slavonian population, casting doubt on its supposed isolation and calling for a more extensive investigation of the MHC variability of southern Balkan jackal populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are considering a novel distributed reconfigurable intelligent surfaces assisted (RIS-assisted) millimeter-wave (mmWave) multi-user multi-input multi-output (MIMO) beamspace system. Beamspace systems offer a low-scattering communication to users through beams. To enrich the propagation environment, multiple reconfigurable intelligent surfaces are installed on top of the surrounding buildings to provide an additional communication link, between the base station and users, by introducing phase shifts in the incoming signal arriving at it. Such systems allow the selection of two distinct beams for each user. The first beam is directly steered towards the user and the second beam is steered to the user via RIS. The selection of desirable beams is required to reduce the number of radio frequency (RF) chains at the transmitter. In this paper, we propose a beam selection algorithm that can assign two distinct and unshared beams to each user after optimally adjusting the phases of each RIS. Additionally, we propose a max–min fairness power allocation scheme to obtain a minimum achievable rate for each user. Simulation results compare the sum-rate performance with the existing beam selection algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxadiazole moiety is known for its anticancer activity through its antiangiogenic and mitostatic potential. Taking this as a cue, the present study was designed to investigate the anti-cancer potential of selected oxadiazole derivatives. Twelve 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (AMK OX-1 to AMK OX-12) were synthesized and were tested for IC values through brine shrimp lethality assay and MTT assay on HeLa and A549 cell lines. Four compounds, AMK OX-8, 9, 11 and 12 showed potential cytotoxicity activity with low IC value. These compounds produced considerable cytotoxic effect on Hep-2 and A549 cancer cell lines. However, they were found to be comparatively safer to normal cell lines, viz., V-79 cell lines than to the tested cancer cell lines, such as HeLa, A 549, and Hep2 cell lines. The mechanism of cytotoxicity was evaluated through nuclear staining and DNA ladder assay. Although DNA ladder assay showed DNA fragmentation (apoptotic phenomenon) in Hep-2 cells treated with only AMK OX-12, the staining procedures using acridine orange, ethidium bromide and propidium iodide showed apoptotic bodies in cells treated with AMK OX-8, 9 and 12 also. In JCI staining on isolated mitochondria of Hep2 cells, AMK OX-8, 9-11 and 12 displayed increasing fluorescence intensity with time which confirmed involvement of mitochondrial pathway and intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. All four compounds were found to be safe in acute oral toxicity study in Swiss albino mice. These derivatives were effective in reducing tumor size and weight in the in vivo DLA-induced solid tumor model. They were found to be significantly effective in reducing tumor volume and tumor weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study harmonic measure in finite graphs with an emphasis on expanders, that is, positive spectral gap. It is shown that if the spectral gap is positive then for all sets that are not too large the harmonic measure from a uniform starting point is not more than a constant factor of the uniform measure on the set. For large sets there is a tight logarithmic correction factor. We also show that positive spectral gap does not allow for a fixed proportion of the harmonic measure of sets to be supported on small subsets, in contrast to the situation in Euclidean space. The results are quantitative as a function of the spectral gap, and apply also when the spectral gap decays to 0 as the size of the graph grows to infinity. As an application we consider a model of diffusion limited aggregation, or DLA, on finite graphs, obtaining upper bounds on the growth rate of the aggregate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the antiproliferative and apoptogenic mechanistic studies of methanol extract of Anthocephalus cadamba (MEAC) on Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells treated mice. Determination of antiproliferative activity was performed by using different DLA cells (2×106 cells, i.p.) inoculated mice groups (n = 12). Groups were treated for 14 consecutive days with MEAC at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/Kg b.w. respectively. The mechanism of antiproliferation activity of MEAC was investigated through morphological studies by acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EB) double staining method. Comet assay was estimated to check the DNA damage induced apoptosis property. Furthermore, flow cytometry (FACS) was used to quantitatively detect the apoptotic rate by double labeling techniques using Annexin-V FITC/propidium iodide staining analysis and apoptotic proteins expression done by western blotting assay method. MEAC exhibited significant (p<0.01) decrease the tumor volume, viable cell count, tumor weight and elevated the life span of DLA tumor bearing mice. Analysis of AO/EB staining and flow cytometry showed that MEAC possessed apoptosis induced antitumor activity on DLA cells in a dose dependant manner. Dose dependent induction of DNA damage on DLA cells were observed after MEAC treatment, which was evident from the appearance of comet tail length. Pro-apoptotic gene, Bax was up-regulated and down-regulation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, suggesting that Bcl-2 family involved in the control of apoptosis. Experimental results revealed that MEAC possess potent antitumor activity via induction of cancer cell apoptosis mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of benzophenones possessing pyridine nucleus 8a – l were synthesized by multistep reaction sequence and evaluated for antiproliferative activity against DLA cells by in vitro and in vivo studies. The results suggested that, compounds 8b with fluoro group and 8e with chloro substituent at the benzoyl ring of benzophenone scaffold as well as pyridine ring with hydroxy group exhibited significant activity. Further investigation in mouse model suggests that compounds 8b and 8e have the potency to activate caspase activated DNase (endonuclease) which is responsible for DNA fragmentation, a primary hallmark of apoptosis and thereby inhibits the Dalton’s lymphoma ascites tumour growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In flocculation processes, particulates randomly collide and coagulate with each other, leading to the formation and sedimention of aggregates exhibiting fractal characteristics. The diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) model is extensively employed to describe and study flocculation processes. To more accurately simulate flocculation processes with the DLA model, the effects of particle number (denoting flocculation time), motion step length (denoting water temperature), launch radius (representing initial particulate concentration), and finite motion step (representing the motion energy of the particles) on the morphology and structure of the two-dimensional (2D) as well as three-dimensional (3D) DLA aggregates are studied. The results show that the 2D DLA aggregates possess conspicuous fractal features when the particle number is above 1000, motion step length is 1.5–3.5, launch radius is 1–10, and finite motion step is more than 3000; the 3D DLA aggregates present clear fractal characteristics when the particle number is above 500, the motion step length is 1.5–3.5, the launch radius is 1–10, and the finite motion step exceeds 200. The fractal dimensions of 3D DLA aggregates are appreciably higher than those of 2D DLA aggregates.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are very attractive surrogate markers for systemic cancer. Currently, major efforts are being made to use these rare cells in the sense of a liquid biopsy to gain molecular information for rational therapeutic decision-making. The advancements in molecular analyses of CTCs down to the single-cell level have been significant in recent years and some applications are ready to be used in clinical studies. As discussed in this review, a major challenge for translating such molecular CTC-based assays into the clinic is the extremely low frequency of CTCs and the associated problems of their reliable detection and isolation. A potential solution to overcome the low CTC frequency is the recently introduced diagnostic leukapheresis that permits screening of liters of blood. Discussed here are the challenges as well as the current efforts implementing this method into clinical workflows to realize more reliable liquid biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An alternative option to conventional drilling is casing drilling. This technology is among the greatest developments in drilling operations. Great operational and financial challenges has confronted the conventional drilling methods, which include the cost of purchasing, inspecting, handling, transporting the drill string and also during tripping operation (that is tripping in-and-out of the drill string). The tripping in-and-out of the drill string leads to Non Productive Time (NPT) and as well contributes to well control difficulties. Casing Drilling, also known as Casing while Drilling (CwD) or Drilling with Casing (DwC) makes use of standard oilfield casing instead of drillstring. It involves drilling and casing a well simultaneously. Drilling while casing the wellbore, handles issues such as stability, lost circulation, fluids control and the need to bridge troublesome zones. In casing drilling technique, downhole tools can be retrieved, through the casing on wire-line, which implies tool recovery or replacement can take minutes against hours through conventional approach. This technique employs wireline-retrievable tools and a drill-lock assembly, thus allowing the changing of bit and BHA, electrical logging, coring and even directional or horizontal drilling. This paper focuses on advances in casing drilling and their applications. The study also discusses the constant development of Displaceable DrillShoe, DS 3, in conjunction with field trials and applications, which will further boost its capabilities, thereby pushing the frontier of casing drilling applications as well as tofurther improve on the casing drilling technology by the application retrievable liner drilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to efficiently describe arbitrarily shaped dielectric lens antennas based on spherical harmonics is proposed. It makes use of a Fourier-Laplace series and requires a low number of expansion coefficients, only. Symmetries can be included to impose special geometries or to further reduce the number of coefficients. The efficiency of the approach enables a fast optimization of the surface. This is particularly useful for electrically small lenses. Three exemplary lens designs based on different specifications are obtained through optimization. The manufacturing is discussed and the radiation characteristics are explored and validated through measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]