Search

Several Zika virus (ZIKV) seroprevalence studies have been conducted in Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas, and the Caribbean. However, studies on ZIKV seroprevalence are limited in Malaysia though several studies have shown that the disease is endemic in the Malaysian state of Sabah. To evaluate the seroprevalence of ZIKV infection, 818 serum samples were collected from febrile patients and healthy blood donors from the Kudat and Kota Kinabalu districts in Sabah from 2017 to 2018. They were screened for ZIKV infection by IgM and IgG ELISA, and positive ZIKV IgM samples were subjected to a 90% neutralization test for confirmation. Twenty-four (6% [95% CI 4 to 8]) confirmed and two (0.5% [95% CI 0.13 to 1.8]) probable ZIKV infections were detected among 400 febrile illness patients. Of 418 healthy blood donor samples, six (1.4% [95% CI 0.65 to 3]) were determined as confirmed ZIKV infections and six (1.4% [95% CI 0.65 to 3]) indicated probable ZIKV infection. This is the first study on the seroprevalence of ZIKV infections among patients and healthy blood donors in Sabah. Compared with previous studies in Malaysia, this study shows that the incidence of ZIKV infection has increased. It also suggests that a sero-surveillance system is essential to determine the circulation of ZIKV in Sabah, Malaysia.

Introduction A well-known 'flip flop' phenomenon exists between whole-body scans (WBS) and 18FFDG PET imaging in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) such that cancer progression is typically associated with reduced iodine uptake and increased FDG avidity. Patients with FDG avidity have a poor clinical outcome while those with iodine avid lesions are more responsive to radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) and have a better prognosis. A spectrum however exists, as thyroid cancers become less well differentiated, when they will be both iodine and FDG avid. Current scoring systems in thyroid cancer are limited to a single imaging data set. We propose a new scoring system (I-PET) combining WBS and FDG findings to identify patients more likely to be refractory to RAI, and who may be ideal candidates for 're-differentiation' before RAI treatment. Methods Retrospective analysis of 142 patients age > 18 with differentiated thyroid cancer who had a 18FFDG PET and WBS within a 6 month period of each other between 2010 and 2020. Initial pair of 18F FDG PET and WBS were reviewed by two independent nuclear medicine physicians and an IPET score was assigned: IPET [0]: Iodine –ve, FDG –ve, IPET [1]: Iodine +ve, FDG –ve, IPET [2]: Iodine +ve, FDG +ve and IPET [3]: Iodine –ve, FDG +ve. Patients with FDG +ve lesions (I-PET 2 and I-PET 3) were further classified into group 'a' and 'b' if SUVmax was less than or greater than 5 respectively. Follow-up data was obtained by chart review. Progression was defined as either structural recurrence as per RECIST 1.1 or equivalent clinical assessment, or biochemical incomplete response with an unstimulated Tg > 1ug/L. The study was approved by IRB (ETH00674/ STE01494). Results Of the 142 patients included in the study 121 patients had follow up data available for review. At baseline, 49 patients were classified as IPET [0], 10 as IPET [1], 16 as IPET [2] and 46 as IPET [3]. Progression was identified in 49% (59/121) patients; of which 54 were structural and 5 biochemical. Patients classified as [2b] and [3b] had a recurrence rate of 88% (7/8) and 78% (25/32) respectively, while IPET [0] patients had 22% (11/49) recurrence (p < 0.001). Patients classified as IPET [3b] were 10.4 times more likely to commence on tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy (p=0.005) and had a 8.1 times greater mortality rate (p=0.02) than patients in the other IPET groups. Conclusion IPET score is a novel scoring system incorporating WBS and 18FFDG PET imaging which predicts progression and death in patients with FDG avid thyroid cancer. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:48 p.m. - 1:53 p.m.

We propose a new scoring system (I-PET) combining whole body scan (WBS) and FDG findings to identify patients who have or are likely to become refractory to radioactive iodine.Retrospective analysis of 142 patients age18 with differentiated thyroid cancer who had a F-18 labelled fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (Of 142 patients included in the study 121 patients had follow-up data available for review. At baseline, 49 patients were classified as I-PET [0], 10 as I-PET [1], 16 as I-PET [2] and 46 as I-PET [3]. Progression was seen in 11/49 (22%) of I-PET [0], 4/10 (40%) of I-PET [1], 10/16 (63%) of I-PET [2] and 34/46 (74%) of I-PET [3] (p 0.001). I-PET [2B] and I-PET [3B] had a progression rate of 88% (7/8) and 78% (25/32), respectively. I-PET [3B] were 9.6 times more likely to commence multikinase inhibitor therapy (p = 0.001) and had 8 times greater mortality (p = 0.003) than patients in other I-PET groups combined.I-PET is a simple readily acquired imaging biomarker that potentially enhances the dynamic risk stratification and guide treatment in thyroid cancer.

The dengue virus (DENV) has been endemic in Myanmar since 1970, causing outbreaks every 2–3 years. DENV infection symptoms range from mild fever to lethal hemorrhage. Clinical biomarkers must be identified to facilitate patient risk stratification in the early stages of infection. We analyzed 45 cytokines and other factors in serum samples from the acute phase of DENV infection (within 3–5 days of symptom onset) from 167 patients in Yangon, Myanmar, between 2017 and 2019. All of the patients tested positive for serum DENV nonstructural protein 1 antigen (NS1 Ag); 78.4% and 62.9% were positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG), respectively; and 18.0%, 19.8%, and 11.9% tested positive for serotypes 1, 3, and 4, respectively. Although the DENV-4 viral load was significantly higher than those of DENV-1 or DENV-3, disease severity was not associated with viral load or serotype. Significant correlations were identified between disease severity and CCL5, SCF, PDGF-BB, IL-10, and TNF-α levels; between NS1 Ag and SCF, CCL5, IFN-α, IL-1α, and IL-22 levels; between thrombocytopenia and IL-2, TNF-α, VEGF-D, and IL-6 levels; and between primary or secondary infection and IL-2, IL-6, IL-31, IL-12p70, and MIP-1β levels. These circulating factors may represent leading signatures in acute DENV infections, reflecting the clinical outcomes in the dengue endemic region, Myanmar.

Songklanakarin Journal of Science an Technology (SJST), 44, 3, 668-675

BackgroundZika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. Outbreaks of ZIKV infection have occurred in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Americas and the Caribbean. Although most ZIKV infections are asymptomatic, cases of neurological manifestations have been described. The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence of ZIKV infection among the asymptomatic persons in Myanmar in 2018.MethodsA total of 284 serum samples from apparently healthy persons were collected from Yangon, Myanmar in 2018. They were analysed for ZIKV infection by immunoglobulin M (IgM) capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), IgG indirect ELISA, 50% focus reduction neutralization test, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and conventional RT-PCR.ResultsOf the 284 apparently healthy persons, 31.3% were positive for the presence of IgM against ZIKV and 94.3% were positive for anti-flavivirus IgG. Among the ZIKV IgM-positive samples, we confirmed ZIKV infection in 15.8% of asymptomatic persons by neutralization test and real-time RT-PCR.ConclusionsWe conclude that ZIKV infection was increasing among asymptomatic persons in the same area in Myanmar during 2018 compared with 2017. It is highly recommended to strengthen the surveillance system for ZIKV to prevent possible outbreaks.

By means of the raw material grading the porous permeable material was prepared with the electrofused corundum with the porcelain PFL-1 bond. The samples with improved properties were obtained when introducing in the mass of 5 weigh percent of porcelain bond (above 100 % of the fller) after the burning at 1450 оC. Their ultimate strength at bending was 14,6 MPa, the open porosity was 44 % and the gas permeability factor was 0,85 micron2. Ref. 10. Tab. 3.

Porous permeable materials are prepared by selecting the grain size composition with electromelted corundum filler and porcelain mix PFL-1 binder. Specimens with an improved set of properties are prepared with addition to the composition of 5 wt.% porcelain binder (above 100% filler) after firing at 1450°C. Specimen ultimate strength in bending is 14.6 MPa, open porosity 44%, and gas permeability coefficient 0.85 μm2.

Background: Dengue (DEN) is a neglected tropical disease, and surveillance of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes and genotypes is critical for the early detection of outbreaks. Risk factors for outbreaks include the emergence of new genotypes and serotype shifting. Methodology and principal findings: To understand the genomic and viral characteristics of DENV-infected patients, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study among pediatric patients admitted at the 550-bedded Mandalay Children Hospital during the 2018 DEN endemic season. We conducted virus isolation, serological tests, viremia level measurement, and whole-genome sequencing. Among the 202 serum samples, we detected 85 samples with DENV (46 DENV-1, 10 DENV-3, 26 DENV-4 and three multiple serotype co-infections) via reverse transcription quantitative/real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and we obtained 49 DENV isolates (31 DENV-1, 10 DENV-3 and 8 DEN-4). We did not detect DENV-2 in this study. The viral genome levels in serum did not differ significantly among virus serotypes, infection status (primary versus secondary) and disease severity. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, we identified DENV-1 genotype-1, DENV-4 genotype-1 and DENV-3 genotype-3 and genotype-1 which was detected for the first time. Next-generation sequencing analysis revealed greater frequencies of nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations per gene in the nonstructural genes. Moreover, mutation rates were also higher among DENV-1. Conclusion/Significance: In conclusion, there was an increasing trend of DENV-3 cases during DENV endemic season in 2018 with the first detection of the genotype 1. However, DENV-1 has remained the predominant serotype in this study area since 2013, and we identified stop codon mutations in the DENV-1 genome. This report is the first to feature a complete genome analysis of the strains of DENV-3 and DENV-4 circulating among pediatric patients in Myanmar. This study highlighted the importance of annual surveillance for a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of DENVs., PLoS ONE, 16(6), art. no. e0251314; 2021

A 57-year-old woman with a history of previous bilateral breast polyacrylamide hydrogel injection presented for 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging to investigate recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Incidental symmetrical FDG-positive accumulation was noted in the bilateral axillae tracking between the interpectoral planes. The finding is consistent with a chronic inflammatory process secondary to the migration of the polyacrylamide hydrogel injections.

UTCC International Journal of Business and Economics, 12, 3, 143-158

The conventional electricity grid system has many critical issues, which could lead to power instability, blackout, and many other issues. One main perspective is to consume the relative amount of distributed renewable energy in the adaptation system. Prosumer Consortium Model in a small community can be one of the solutions to reduce the price of electricity, increase efficiency and provide a better electronification for University, moreover, to solve the frequent blackout of electricity at university level in developing countries. It can be the learning opportunity for the researchers as well as the complementary benefit for the consumers inside university's grid., Comment: The First National Conference on Engineering Research

Background Sri Lanka experienced its largest dengue outbreak in 2017 with more than 185,000 dengue cases including at least 250 fatalities. Objectives Our study aimed to characterize the clinical, immunological and virological features of confirmed dengue patients in Sri Lanka during the outbreak in 2017 when unusual manifestations of severe dengue were observed. Study design Sera from 295 patients who were admitted to Teaching Hospital Kandy, Kandy, Sri Lanka between March 2017- January 2018 were subjected to NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG ELISAs, virus isolation, conventional and real time RT-PCR and next generation sequencing. Results Primary and secondary infections were detected in 48.5 % and 51.5 % of the study population, respectively. Two hundred twenty five DENV strains were isolated (219 DENV-2, one DENV-3, two DENV-4, two mixed infections of DENV-2 and -3 and one mixed infection of DENV-2 and -4). Unusual and severe manifestations such as encephalitis, encephalopathy, liver failure, kidney failure, myocarditis, Guillain–Barre syndrome and multi-organ failure were noted in 44 dengue patients with 11 deaths. The viraemia levels in patients with primary infection and unusual manifestations were significantly higher compared to those in patients with secondary infection. A new clade of DENV-2 Cosmopolitan genotype strains was observed with the strains closely related to those from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Taiwan. Conclusions The new clade of DENV-2 cosmopolitan genotype observed in Sri Lanka in 2017 caused an unprecedented, severe dengue outbreak. The emergence of DENV-3 and DENV-4 in the 2017 outbreak might cause future outbreaks in Sri Lanka.

Porous permeable materials of electromelted corundum with fineness of 2 – 3 and 0.5 mm are prepared with a porcelain mix binder. Ratios in filler fractions 2 – 3 and 0.5 mm: 0/95, 35/60, 40/55, 45/50, 50/45, and 95/0. Specimens are compacted under a pressure of 24, 50, and 100 MPa and fired at 1350 and 1450°C. Sintered specimen ultimate strength in bending is from 1.9 to 15.3 MPa, open porosity 17 and 26%, gas permeability coefficient of single-fraction compositions from 1.19 to 3.27 μm2. The porous permeable ceramic material obtained is promising for use in the form of filters and ceramic membrane substrates.

After acute myocardial infarction (AMI), neutrophils are recruited to the affected myocardium. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) produced by neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) damages cardiomyocytes and potentially expands the primary infarct. Rat cardiomyocyte-like cells were incubated with isolated human neutrophils treated with chemical activators in the absence or presence of nitroxide 4-methoxy-Tempo (MetT; 25 μM) for 4, 6 or 24 h; studies with reagent HOCl served as positive control. Treating cardiomyocytes with activated neutrophils or reagent HOCl resulted in a marked increase in protein tyrosine chlorination and a decline in protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity. On balance our data also supported an increase in phosphorylation of MAPK p38 and ERK1/2 suggestive of an intracellular hyperphosphorylation status and this was accompanied by decreases in cell viability, as judged by assessing caspases-3/7 activity. For cells exposed to activated neutrophils receptor-mediated uptake of transferrin decreased although total matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was unaffected. Addition of MetT ameliorated protein tyrosine chlorination, decreased MAPK activity and restored receptor-mediated transferrin uptake and PTP activity in cardiomyocytes. Overall, adverse effects of neutrophil-derived HOCl on cultured cardiomyocytes were ameliorated by MetT suggesting that nitroxides may be beneficial to inflammatory pathologies, where neutrophil recruitment/activation is a prominent and early feature.

Strong porous permeable ceramic is studied, prepared by selection of grain size compositions with filler of electromelted corundum grades F600 (100 – 200 μm), F360 (40 – 60 μm), and F120 (10 – 20 μm). The strengthening binders used are very fine corundum powder (~2 μm), alloyed with 0.25 wt.% MgO; a mixture of SiC (particle size 3 – 4 μm) and MgO (particle size 1 – 2 μm) in a ratio of 2:1. Specimens in the form of bars 60 × 15 × 5.5 mm are prepared by uniaxial semidry compaction under a pressure of 50 MPa (for single fraction compositions) and 25 MPa (for three-fraction compositions). Specimens are fired in air at temperatures from 1350 to 1550°C. Specimen open porosity varies from 28 to 43%, and ultimate strength in bending from 1 to 36 MPa. The best strength is obtained using a binder in the system SiC–MgO (5 wt.% binder above 100% of filler, σben = 36 MPa, and open porosity is 30%).

Porous permeable ceramic is prepared from electromelted corundum (EMC) with fineness of about 0.5 mm with added porcelain. Compositions are prepared with different ratios of EMC/porcelain: 99/1, 97/3, 95/5, 93/7, and 90/10. Specimens in the form of bars with a size of 40 × 7 × 6.5 mm are prepared by uniaxial semidry compaction under a pressure of 25 and 50 MPa and fired at 1350 and 1450°C. Specimen open porosity varies from 22 to 30%, and ultimate strength in bending from 1.1 to 9.3 MPa. Porous ceramic is promising for filters and ceramic membrane substrates.

The strengthened porous ceramics was investigated in the article which had been obtained by the grain composition mix design using the electro-fused corundum aggregates: F600 (particle size is 100‒200 micron); F360 (40‒60 micron) and F120 (10‒20 micron). In the capacity of strengthening binders the highly dispersed corundum powders (about 2 micron) doped with 0,25 wt. % of MgO; and the mixture of SiC powder (3‒4 micron) and of MgO powder (1‒2 micron) in the ratio of 1:2 were used. The test-beams of the size 60×15×5,5 mm were obtained by means of uniaxial semi-dry compacting under the pressure of 50 MPa (for mono-fractional compositions) and of 25 MPa (for three-fractional compositions). The samples were burnt on the air at the temperatures from 1350 to 1550 °C. The open porosity varied from 28 to 43 %, the ultimate bending strength varied from 1 to 36 MPa. The highest strength was attained when the SiC‒MgO binder was used (5 wt. % of the binder over 100 % of the aggregate, the ultimate bending strength was 36 MPa, the open porosity was 30 %). Ref. 12. Tab. 5.

UTCC International Journal of Business and Economics, 11, 1, 186-215

A study is made of a strong porous ceramic based on granular mixes of a filler—electrofused corundum with particle sizes of 2 – 3 and 0.5 mm (95 wt.% of the mix) — and a porcelain binder (5 wt.%). Several mixes were prepared with different values for the 2 – 3 mm/0.5 mm ratio of filler-particle sizes: 0/95, 35/60, 40/55, 45/50, 50/45, and 95/0. The specimens were pressed at pressures of 25, 50 and 100 MPa and fired at temperatures of 1350 and 1450°C. The sintered specimens ranged from 19 to 143 MPa in ultimate flexural strength and 17 to 26% in open porosity. The results are attributed to the formation of a framework in the semifinished product along with regions outside the framework. The new porous permeable ceramic is promising for use in the form of filters and supports for ceramic membranes.

The Lyhamyar deposit is a large Sb deposit in the Southern Shan Plateau, Eastern Myanmar. The deposit is located in the Early Silurian Linwe Formation, occurring as syntectonic quartz-stibnite veins. The ore body forms an irregular staircase shape, probably related to steep faulting. Based on the mineral assemblages and cross-cutting relationships, the deposit shows two mineralization stages: (1) the pre-ore sedimentary and diagenetic stage, and (2) the main-ore hydrothermal ore-forming stage (including stages I, II, and III), i.e., (i) early-ore stage (stage I) Quartz-Stibnite, (ii) late-ore stage (stage II) Quartz-calcite-Stibnite &plusmn, Pyrite, and (iii) post-ore stage (stage III) carbonate. The ore-forming fluid homogenization temperatures from the study of primary fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite indicate that the ore-forming fluid was of a low temperature (143.8&ndash, 260.4 &deg, C) and moderate to high-salinity (2.9&ndash, 20.9 wt. % NaCl equivalent). Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes suggest that the ore-forming fluids of the Lyhamyar deposit were derived from circulating meteoric water mixed with magmatic fluids that underwent isotopic exchange with the surrounding rocks. Sulfur in Lyhamyar was dominated by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) with dominant magmatic source sulfur. The lead isotope compositions of the stibnite indicate that the lead from the ore-forming metals was from the upper crustal lead reservoir and orogenic lead reservoir. On the basis of the integrated geological setting, ore geology, fluid inclusions, (H-O-S-Pb) isotope data, and previous literature, we propose a new ore-deposit model for the Lyhamyar Sb deposit: It was involved in an early deposition of pyrite in sedimentary and diagenetic stages and later Sb mineralization by mixing of circulating meteoric water with ascending magmatic fluids during the hydrothermal mineralization stage.

Dyslipidaemia and increased oxidative stress have been reported in severe obstructive sleep apnea, and both may be related to the development of cardiovascular disease. We have previously shown in a randomized crossover study in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea that therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure treatment for 8 weeks improved postprandial triglycerides and total cholesterol when compared with sham continuous positive airway pressure. From this study we have now compared the effect of 8 weeks of therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure and sham continuous positive airway pressure on oxidative lipid damage and plasma lipophilic antioxidant levels. Unesterified cholesterol, esterified unsaturated fatty acids (cholesteryl linoleate: C18:2; and cholesteryl arachidonate: C20:4; the major unsaturated and oxidizable lipids in low-density lipoproteins), their corresponding oxidized products [cholesteryl ester-derived lipid hydroperoxides and hydroxides (CE-O(O)H)] and antioxidant vitamin E were assessed at 20:30 hours before sleep, and at 06:00 and 08:30 hours after sleep. Amongst the 29 patients completing the study, three had incomplete or missing [CE-O(O)H] data. The mean apnea -hypopnoea index, age and body mass index were 38 per hour, 49 years and 32 kg m(-2) , respectively. No differences in lipid-based oxidative markers or lipophilic antioxidant levels were observed between the continuous positive airway pressure and sham continuous positive airway pressure arms at any of the three time-points [unesterified cholesterol 0.01 mm, P > 0.05; cholesteryl linoleate: C18:2 0.05 mm, P > 0.05; cholesteryl arachidonate: C20:4 0.02 mm, P = 0.05; CE-O(O)H 2.5 nm, P > 0.05; and lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin E 0.03 μm, P > 0.05]. In this study, accumulating CE-O(O)H, a marker of lipid oxidation, does not appear to play a role in oxidative stress in obstructive sleep apnea. National Health and Medical Research Council project grant 301936

Contraceptive uptake in Maela Camp 2013 to 2015. (PDF 214 kb)

Contraceptive uptake in Maela Camp 2013 to 2015. (PDF 214 kb)

Focus group discussion. (PDF 192 kb)

Cross sectional survey questions. (PDF 209 kb)

The endemic roofed turtle Kachuga trivittata has been extirpated over most of its former range in the Ayeyarwady River system of Myanmar. Only two small remnant populations are known to survive. In a small stretch of the upper Chindwin River K. trivittata persists because local Shan villages traditionally ban the killing of large adult K. trivittata. The population has nevertheless declined dramatically during the last few years because of the erosion of the ban by migrant fishermen from central Myanmar who do not observe the local regulation, and because of the overexploitation of eggs. The traditional regulation of the Shan villages offers a basis, through its reinforcement and education of migrants, for a species recovery programme. Further actions will include the protection of nests and eggs, and eventually the banning of camps and seasonal settlements on sandbanks used by K. trivittata for nesting. K. trivittata also still persists in the Dokhtawady River in a small area subjected to low exploitation pressure in the recent past because of the dangers of a frontline between the government army and an army of insurgents. The opening of this area following a truce brought this population close to extinction and a hydroelectric dam under construction will alter the ecology of this stretch of river. We propose to assess the potential use of the future impoundment lake for the recovery of this K. trivittata population.

The Gulf of Thailand is characterized by shallow-water depth wells with bottomhole static temperature ranging from 240 to more than 420°F. These wells are drilled to an average of 12,000 ft MD and 9,000 ft TVD with a fast paced-batch drilling strategy. Most cement jobs are done offline, and on the surface section can be as frequent as 6 jobs per day. With multiple rigs, operators can require more than 100 cementing operations per month and cement volumes as high as 18,000 bbl. This efficient operations environment creates a demand for a logistically and operationally simple cement system that can be applied in all well sections and across the full range of expected temperatures. An advanced, lightweight seawater-based cementing concept was tested for this application. This new cementing system uses a single blend with only 3 to 4 primary liquid additives (including a stable, high-temperature, multi-functional polymer) to adjust all primary cement jobs for the entire wellbore. A sophisticated lab testing program was conducted for the innovative cementing concept according to the required demands on cement slurry design given the harsh wellbore conditions in the Gulf of Thailand. Tests revealed that the developed cementing systems meet all well requirements despite low densities of 13.3 to 14.0 ppg with high water content. This advanced cementing system was introduced in 2011 and has gradually been used on all wells since then – to date more than 500 wells in the Gulf of Thailand. In addition to improving logistics, use of the system has enhanced cement bond quality in production tubing cementing jobs. This improvement also reduced pay at risk due to insufficient cement isolation. This is evident in the whole range of well temperatures.

In this paper, Adaptive Noise Cancellation using Dynamic Fuzzy Neural Networks (D-FNN) algorithm is attempted. The D-FNN algorithm is a hierarchical online self-learning algorithm based on Extended Radial Basis Function Neural Networks. The salient features of the algorithm are: (1) It provides an efficient learning method; (2) The weights are modified by the Recursive Least Square method; (3) No iteration is needed. Simulation studies and comparisons with other algorithms show that the D-FNN algorithm is superior in terms of simplicity of structure, learning efficiency and performance in canceling noise adaptively.

The Gulf of Thailand is characterized by shallow-water depth wells with bottomhole static temperature ranging from 240 to more than 420°F. These wells are drilled to an average of 12,000 ft MD and 9,000 ft TVD with a fast paced-batch drilling strategy. Most cement jobs are done offline, and on the surface section can be as frequent as 6 jobs per day. With multiple rigs, operators can require more than 100 cementing operations per month and cement volumes as high as 18,000 bbl. This efficient operations environment creates a demand for a logistically and operationally simple cement system that can be applied in all well sections and across the full range of expected temperatures. An advanced, lightweight seawater-based cementing concept was tested for this application. This new cementing system uses a single blend with only 3 to 4 primary liquid additives (including a stable, high-temperature, multi-functional polymer) to adjust all primary cement jobs for the entire wellbore. A sophisticated lab testing program was conducted for the innovative cementing concept according to the required demands on cement slurry design given the harsh wellbore conditions in the Gulf of Thailand. Tests revealed that the developed cementing systems meet all well requirements despite low densities of 13.3 to 14.0 ppg with high water content. This advanced cementing system was introduced in 2011 and has gradually been used on all wells since then – to date more than 500 wells in the Gulf of Thailand. In addition to improving logistics, use of the system has enhanced cement bond quality in production tubing cementing jobs. This improvement also reduced pay at risk due to insufficient cement isolation. This is evident in the whole range of well temperatures.

Selenite may exert its cytotoxic effects against cancer cells via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated sources of, and the cellular response to, superoxide radical anion (O2 (·-)) generated in human A549 lung cancer cells after treatment with selenite. A temporal delay was observed between selenite treatment and increases in O2 (·-) production and biomarkers of apoptosis/necrosis, indicating that the reduction of selenite by the glutathione reductase/NADPH system (yielding O2 (·-)) is a minor contributor to ROS production under these conditions. By contrast, mitochondrial and NADPH oxidase O2 (·-) generation were the major contributors. Treatment with a ROS scavenger [poly(ethylene glycol)-conjugated superoxide dismutase (SOD) or sodium 4,5-dihydroxybenzene-1,3-disulfonate] 20 h after the initial selenite treatment inhibited both ROS generation and apoptosis determined at 24 h. In addition, SOD1 was selectively upregulated and its perinuclear cytoplasmic distribution was colocalised with the cellular distribution of selenium. Interestingly, messenger RNA for manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, inducible haem oxygenase 1 and glutathione peroxidase either remained unchanged or showed a delayed response to selenite treatment. Colocalisation of Cu and Se in these cells (Weekley et al. in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 133:18272-18279, 2011) potentially results from the formation of a Cu-Se species, as indicated by Cu K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectra. Overall, SOD1 is upregulated in response to selenite-mediated ROS generation, and this likely leads to an accumulation of toxic hydrogen peroxide that is temporally related to decreased cancer cell viability. Increased expression of SOD1 gene/protein coupled with formation of a Cu-Se species may explain the colocalisation of Cu and Se observed in these cells.

In this thesis, Adaptive Noise Cancellation using Dynamic Fuzzy Neural Networks (D-FNN) algorithm is studied. Master of Science (Computer Control and Automation)

Model structure. Decision tree diagrams for hepatitis B prevetion in newborns: (A) Vaccine only (B) HBIG after RDT (C) HBIG after confirmatory test. (PDF 99Â kb)

Model structure. Decision tree diagrams for hepatitis B prevetion in newborns: (A) Vaccine only (B) HBIG after RDT (C) HBIG after confirmatory test. (PDF 99Â kb)