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There has been a growing interest in additive manufacturing in recent years, with researchers actively working on improving component quality through adjustments to printing parameters, lead time, and productivity. Rapid L-PBF printing has emerged as an attractive approach to expedite component manufacturing. However, employing a rapid building strategy may lead to additional internal flaws, which can be addressed during a Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) cycle. In this study, Inconel 718 was L-PBF printed using two distinct strategies: one involving the creation of a dense 1 mm shell with loosely packed powders in the core and the other utilizing different sets of printing parameters for the shell and core, respectively. These strategies resulted in a 60% and 45% printing time reduction, respectively, compared with the time requirement for printing same-size cubic samples with optimized parameters. Additionally, full densification and porosity elimination were achieved through a HIP-quench approach, obviating the need for further heat treatment. The study presents the final microstructures and retained flaws, along with assessing the degree of recrystallization via EBSD analysis and evaluating mechanical properties using hardness measurements and compression tests.

Multiarray systems are widely used in sonar and radar applications. They can improve communication speeds, target discrimination, and imaging. In the case of a multibeam sonar system that can operate two receiving arrays, we derive new adaptive tests to improve detection capabilities compared to traditional sonar detection approaches. To do so, we more specifically consider correlated arrays, whose covariance matrices are estimated up to scale factors, and an impulsive clutter. In a partially homogeneous environment, the two-step generalized likelihood ratio test and Rao approach lead to a generalization of the adaptive normalized matched filter test and an equivalent numerically simpler detector with a well-established texture constant false alarm rate behavior. Performances are discussed and illustrated with theoretical examples, numerous simulations, and insights into experimental data. Results show that these detectors outperform their competitors and have stronger robustness to environmental unknowns.

Phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient in many agroecosystems and, apart from affecting plant growth, can also limit biological N2fixation (BNF) by leguminous plants. Thus, increasing P supply can have a positive effect on BNF particularly in P-deficient soils. Here, we provide new insights into the response of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), widely adopted as a legume cover crop, to P limitations, by comparing the effects of inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) P supply on plant growth and BNF capacity. This was achieved by means of a greenhouse experiment in which rhizobia-inoculated hairy vetch was grown in a P-limited agricultural soil and changes in plant growth, nitrogen (N) and P uptake, BNF capacity, and soil phosphatases activities were evaluated as a function of Pi and Po inputs, in the form of orthophosphate or phytic acid, respectively. When compared to P-deficient conditions where BNF was primarily limited by plant growth rather than directly due to the high P costs of symbiotic N fixation, Pi addition substantially enhanced plant growth (threefold), nodule formation (16-fold), P acquisition (sixfold), and BNF efficiency (sevenfold). In contrast, even with the addition of the highest dose of Po, the increase in plant growth, nodule formation, P acquisition, and BNF capacity (1.7, 3.5, 2.4 and 2.1-fold, respectively) was much less expressed, indicating that hairy vetch could only minimally access Po sources over the growth period in order to alleviate the P limitation effect on N2fixation in under P-deficient conditions. These findings suggest that hairy vetch will not be able to provide sufficient BNF for improving soil N inputs in low-fertility cropping systems that rely on organic inputs.

Evaluar el nivel de exposición a plaguicidas y su correlación con indicadores de salud percibida y biomarcadores de daño (alteraciones genotóxicas y de actividad enzimática de la butirilcolinesterasa), en la población de agroaplicadores de cultivos extensivos (ACE) de la Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina.

Molecular alterations in genes involved in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) promote cancer initiation and foster tumour progression. Cancers deficient in MMR frequently show favourable prognosis and indolent progression. The functional basis of the clinical outcome of patients with tumours that are deficient in MMR is not clear. Here we genetically inactivate MutL homologue 1 (MLH1) in colorectal, breast and pancreatic mouse cancer cells. The growth of MMR-deficient cells was comparable to their proficient counterparts in vitro and on transplantation in immunocompromised mice. By contrast, MMR-deficient cancer cells grew poorly when transplanted in syngeneic mice. The inactivation of MMR increased the mutational burden and led to dynamic mutational profiles, which resulted in the persistent renewal of neoantigens in vitro and in vivo, whereas MMR-proficient cells exhibited stable mutational load and neoantigen profiles over time. Immune surveillance improved when cancer cells, in which MLH1 had been inactivated, accumulated neoantigens for several generations. When restricted to a clonal population, the dynamic generation of neoantigens driven by MMR further increased immune surveillance. Inactivation of MMR, driven by acquired resistance to the clinical agent temozolomide, increased mutational load, promoted continuous renewal of neoantigens in human colorectal cancers and triggered immune surveillance in mouse models. These results suggest that targeting DNA repair processes can increase the burden of neoantigens in tumour cells; this has the potential to be exploited in therapeutic approaches.

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes the formation of pseudo blood vessels constructed of tumor cells that have acquired endothelial-like properties. VM channels endow the tumor with a tumor-derived vascular system that directly connects to host blood vessels, and their presence is generally associated with poor patient prognosis. Here we show that the transcription factor, Foxc2, promotes VM in diverse solid tumor types by driving ectopic expression of endothelial genes in tumor cells, a process that is stimulated by hypoxia. VM-proficient tumors are resistant to anti-angiogenic therapy, and suppression of Foxc2 augments response. This work establishes co-option of an embryonic endothelial transcription factor by tumor cells as a key mechanism driving VM proclivity and motivates the search for VM-inhibitory agents that could form the basis of combination therapies with anti-angiogenics.

Dialysis patients exhibit an inverse, L- or U-shaped association between blood pressure and mortality risk, in contrast to the linear association in the general population. We prospectively studied 9333 hemodialysis patients in France, aiming to analyze associations between predialysis systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and nonfatal cardiovascular endpoints for a median follow-up of 548 days. Blood pressure components were tested against outcomes in time-varying covariate linear and fractional polynomial Cox models. Changes throughout follow-up were analyzed with a joint model including both the time-varying covariate of sequential blood pressure and its slope over time. A U-shaped association of systolic blood pressure was found with all-cause mortality and of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with cardiovascular mortality. There was an L-shaped association of diastolic blood pressure with all-cause mortality. The lowest hazard ratio of all-cause mortality was observed for a systolic blood pressure of 165 mm Hg, and of cardiovascular mortality for systolic/diastolic pressures of 157/90 mm Hg, substantially higher than currently recommended values for the general population. The 95% lower confidence interval was approximately 135/70 mm Hg. We found no significant correlation for either systolic, diastolic, or pulse pressure with myocardial infarction or nontraumatic amputations, but there were significant positive associations between systolic and pulse pressure with stroke (per 10-mm Hg increase: hazard ratios 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.07 and 1.23; and 1.20, 1.11 and 1.31, respectively). Thus, whereas high pre-dialysis blood pressure is associated with stroke risk, low pre-dialysis blood pressure may be both harmful and a proxy for comorbid conditions leading to premature death.

Background p16 has been indicated as a suitable surrogate biomarker of HPV infection. The prognosis of p16-positive oropharynx tumors (OTs) of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology is better than that of p16-negative tumors.Methods We analyzed 209 samples of head and neck SCC to establish a predictive cutoff for p16 and determine the role of p16 positivity in OTs versus non-OTs. We compared the outcomes of tumors harboring any percentage of p16-positive cells (≥1%) with those of p16-negative OTs. We then considered 3 cutoffs (10%, 50% and 70% positive cells) to evaluate the outcome of OTs/non-OTs with similar p16 expression and p16-positive versus p16-negative tumors stratified by patient age.Results p16-negative tumors among OTs and non-OTs were 29% and 49%, respectively (p = 0.0054). The cumulative distribution showed that the positive values were located around 2 focus points: 2% and 96%. Subgroup analysis showed that only OTs occurred in young patients (aged <65 years) and that there was a ≥70% gain in survival in cases with p16-positive cells.Conclusions p16 positivity influences outcome only in young patients and OTs (p = 0.048).

New materials are being developed for architectural and design purposes. The recycling of waste is presented as an opportunity for new applications based on increased industrial waste and raw material shortages. Seeking an alternative to wooden panels, regional waste without sustainable disposal is being used as inputs in the production of lignocellulosic panels. We present the results of two experiments. The first one consists in the development of peanut husks ground-treated and untreated panels made in order to determine the influence of different particle sizes, shapes and their combinations, aiming to the physical and mechanical characterization of compact panels properties. In the second experiment, compact panels with whole peanut husks were made with polyurethane resin using castor oil painting. The object of this study was to analyze the influence of this new resin, without formaldehyde emissions, in the resulting panels physical and mechanical properties. It was concluded that the smaller particles had a positive influence in the panels physical-mechanical properties, and that the property characterization of panels made with castor oil resin was satisfactory for use in interior furniture. Peanut husks panels show good prospects for their integration in the field of design and architecture.

A new simple cumulative index, named Critical Index (CI), linearly dependent on traffic load and outdoor 222Rn levels (as related to the air mixing condition) was introduced in order to determine the cumulative effect of traffic and atmospheric dilution on PM10(particles with aerodynamic diameter < 10 μm) and Benzene concentrations in Milan (Italy) air in the years 2000 and 2001. Benzene, PM10data were obtained from the public air quality monitoring stations. The traffic load was evaluated by the number of vehicles circulating in a street in the centre of Milan. Outdoor 222Rn measurements were carried out by the authors. Traffic data and mixing layer height (estimated through the outdoor 222Rn air activity) combined in a cumulative index, allowed to demonstrate the correlation of traffic load with high Benzene and PM10pollution levels without exception.Implications:Through the introduction of a new simple cumulative index that is linearly dependent on traffic load and outdoor radon levels (as related to the air mixing condition), it was possible to ascertain the cumulative effect of traffic and atmospheric dilution on PM10and benzene concentrations in Milan air in the years 2000 and 2001. The proposed methodology will be used to monitor the situation with data collected 10 yr later, in order to evaluate air quality improvement taking into account the influence of different meteorological conditions of the two periods compared.

To correlate the presence or absence of a factor XI gene mutation with factor XI activity in patients with severe or partial reduction in factor XI.

This study assessed how stroking in backstroke varies with performance status and sex. A total of 36 subjects were separated into two groups of 18 by sex and further divided into two subgroups of nine, faster and slower, based on velocity in the 100-m event. Stroking parameters and coordination indexes were measured at this 100-m pace. Index 1 characterizes the continuity between propulsive phases of each arm and Index 2, the simultaneity between the beginning of the pull of one arm and of the recovery of the other arm. It is shown that the entry-catch and clearing vary (p< .05) between men (4.5% ± 3.7 and 27.1% ± 9.0) and women (8.3% ± 8.5 and 20.0% ± 4.6). Index 1 indicates that women have a better continuity than men (7.4% ± 6.3 vs −10.7% ± 3.6; p<.05). Performance is mainly explained (p<.05) by the increase in the entry and catch (r= .58 for men and .75 for women) at the expense of clearing (respectively, r= −.70 and –.53, p<.05). For men, Index 2 indicates that the simultaneity is higher in faster than in slower swimmers (10.6 ± 7.0% vs 15.5 ± 7.4%; p<.05) and is correlated with performance (r= −.47, p<.05). Index 2 is related to the clearing (r= .71), the number of kicks per cycle (K · C−1, r= −.61), and the pull (r= .60). For women, the performance is explained by Index 1 (r= .48, p< .05). Index 1 is related (p<.05) to stroke rate (r= .84), the clearing (r= −.70), and K · C−1(r= −.61). K · C−1increases from 6.4 ± .70 for the faster to 7.8 ± 2.0 for the slower group (p< .05).

In this contribution we describe how to obtain instanton effects in four dimensional gauge theories by computing string scattering amplitudes in D3/D(-1) brane systems. In particular we show that the disks with mixed boundary conditions, which are typical of the D3/D(-1) system, are the sources for the classical instanton solution.

This study analyzes apnea (A), exhalation (E), and inhalation (I) duration with respect to stroke organization in front crawl as a function of inhalation side, swim velocity and performance level. Thirty-six male subjects comprised two groups based on performance level: more expert (ME) and less expert (LE) swimmers. All swam with one inhalation per cycle to the preferred side at speeds corresponding to two specific race paces: 100-m (V100) and 800-m (V800) velocities. The breathing arm (BA) is located on the inhalation side, and the non-breathing arm (NBA) on the opposite side. The sound of air passing in and out of the swimmers' mouths was captured by a microphone and synchronized with video frames. Stroke phases and arm coordination were identified by video analyses. Arm coordination was quantified using two indices of coordination (IdC) corresponding to the lag time between the beginning of the BA (IdC-BA) or NBA (IdC-NBA) propulsive action and the end of that of the other arm. As velocity increases, the ME are observed to reduce I during BA recovery (-19.4 ± 31.6 %, p &lt; 0.05) while the LE increase A (+ 34.8 ± 25.2 %, p &lt; 0.05) during BA entry, catch and recovery and NBA pull and push. These variations are related to a lengthening of the pull for both arms at the expense of BA non-propulsive phases. At V100, the ME have greater E (p &lt; 0.05) during BA entry and catch (+ 21.1 ± 38.2 %) and NBA push (+ 26.3 ± 39.5 %) compared to the LE. This increase, at the expense of A, corresponds to a shorter BA push and NBA recovery. At V800, the ME exhibit a longer A (p &lt; 0.05) during BA recovery (+ 19.9 ± 33.2 %) and NBA pull (+ 24.2 ± 31.5 %), and decreased I during NBA push and pull. These differences are related to a shortening of BA recovery and pull and a longer push for both arms. These breath and stroke adaptations correspond to an increase in stroke rate and IdC-BA with the velocity and performance level. This study points out the breathing-propelling aspects of coordination that indicate technical skill in swimming.

We report on a cross-laboratory study of type 2N von Willebrand disease (vWD). We tested 101 selected plasma samples for factor VIII and factor VIII binding activity of von Willebrand factor (vWF). Of these plasma samples, 31 were cotested by 2 specialist centers using different detection procedures for vWF-factor VIII binding: there was good agreement between results obtained by chromogenic assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In total, 8 patients with type 2N vWD were identified. The 2-stage factor VIII assay detected a deficiency of factor VIII relative to vWF antigen in all 8 patients; the 1-stage factor VIII assay detected a relative deficiency in only 3 patients. Four patients were homozygous for the most common type 2N mutation (R854Q), 3 patients were presumed to be compound heterozygotes, and in 1 patient no type 2N mutations were identified. In this study of patients from 5 specialist centers in Australia, type 2N vWD was found in 5 families. The 2-stage factor VIII assay was more useful as a screening test than the 1-stage assay, and both vWF-factor VIII binding assays were equally effective.

The treatment of carcinoma of the head and neck in recent years has improved significantly, chiefly thanks to progress in surgery and radiotherapy. Despite these advances, the survival statistics reported in the literature show no appreciable evidence of radical improvement. The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact on survival achieved with the combination of surgical and postoperative radiotherapy in patients with advanced head and neck carcinomas and to identify the prognostic value of several host- and tumor-related factors that can influence the results of combined treatment. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 394 patients with stage III and IV carcinoma of the head and neck, of whom 170 (43%) underwent surgery alone and 224 (57%) received combined surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. The 394 patients were stratified for a set of variables including the patient's condition, the characteristics of the tumor, and the modality of treatment. Univariate analysis revealed that coexistent medical diseases, the size and site of the primary lesion, the stage of the tumor, and certain pathologic features had a negative impact on survival. Multivariate analysis showed that the removal of lymph nodes and postoperative radiotherapy can have a positive influence and can improve the prognosis. We compared the survival rates of the patients treated with surgery alone with those of the patients who underwent combined treatment, and we observed that the two survival curves were comparable, even if there was a bias because the combined treatment group consisted of patients with negative prognostic factors. The meaning of these results, compared with data from the literature, has been discussed.

The treatment of carcinoma of the head and neck in recent years has improved significantly, chiefly thanks to progress in surgery and radiotherapy. Despite these advances, the survival statistics reported in the literature show no appreciable evidence of radical improvement. The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact on survival achieved with the combination of surgical and postoperative radiotherapy in patients with advanced head and neck carcinomas and to identify the prognostic value of several host‐ and tumor‐related factors that can influence the results of combined treatment. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 394 patients with stage III and IV carcinoma of the head and neck, of whom 170 (43%) underwent surgery alone and 224 (57%) received combined surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. The 394 patients were stratified for a set of variables including the patient's condition, the characteristics of the tumor, and the modality of treatment. Univariate analysis revealed that coexistent medical diseases, the size and site of the primary lesion, the stage of the tumor, and certain pathologic features had a negative impact on survival. Multivariate analysis showed that the removal of lymph nodes and postoperative radiotherapy can have a positive influence and can improve the prognosis. We compared the survival rates of the patients treated with surgery alone with those of the patients who underwent combined treatment, and we observed that the two survival curves were comparable, even if there was a bias because the combined treatment group consisted of patients with negative prognostic factors. The meaning of these results, compared with data from the literature, has been discussed.

We study the gauge and gravitational interactions of the stable non-BPS D-particles of the type I string theory. The gravitational interactions are obtained using the boundary state formalism while the SO(32) gauge interactions are determined by evaluating disk diagrams with suitable insertions of boundary changing (or twist) operators. In particular the gauge coupling of a D-particle is obtained from a disk with two boundary components produced by the insertion of two twist operators. We also compare our results with the amplitudes among the non-BPS states of the heterotic string which are dual to the D-particles. After taking into account the known duality and renormalization effects, we find perfect agreement, thus confirming at a non-BPS level the expectations based on the heterotic/type I duality.

The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the durations of exhalation (DE), inhalation (DI), and inhalatory apnea (DAI) expressed as percentage of stroke-cycle duration using two groups (more expert and less expert) of 6 front crawl swimmers each at near 100-m speed (high speed) and 800-m speed (low speed). Two breathing conditions were considered, breathing to the preferred side with and without a nose-clip. The relationships between stroking characteristics (swimming speed, stroke rate, and stroke length) and the three durations of breathing were examined as a function of skill and swimming speed. The data show that use of a nose-clip does not significantly change those measures. At high speed, the more expert group had a lower inhalation and a higher exhalation than the less expert group. The stroke rate correlated with speed .92 (p<.01) and was mainly associated with inhalation (r= -.78, p<.01). Inclusion of exhalation as a second variable improved significantly (p<.01) the accuracy of the regression up to .97. At low speed, the less expert had lower inhalatory apnea than the more expert. Stroke length correlated with speed .86 (p<.01) and was mainly associated with inhalatory apnea (r= .70, p<.05). At high speed, the more expert had a lower inhalation than at low speed, while durations of exhalation and inhalatory apnea did not vary significantly. On the contrary, the less expert had a lower exhalation and a higher inhalatory apnea, while duration of inhalation remained relatively unchanged. The present study shows that these durations and their relations to stroking characteristics could be considered significant indicators of skill in swimming.

Aims and background To compare the impact of different modalities of general practitioner (GP) involvement, including the introduction of target payments, on the attendance rate of organized population-based screening programs for breast cancer in Italy.Study design The study was conducted between 1994 and 1996 in four Italian cities where mammographic screening programs are active: Caltanissetta (CL), Firenze (Fl), Modena (MO) and Torino (TO). The impact on attendance rate of different invitation strategies based on active GP involvement was tested in each center. The additional effect of economic incentives was also assessed. The incentives were proportional to the level of compliance attained by each GP and weighted by the size of his eligible patients’ list.Results In the Firenze project, an invitation signed by the GP and the project co-ordinator attained a statistically significant higher participation (difference: 4.2%, χ2= 7.42, P = 0.006). In Caltanissetta and Torino there was a significant increase of about 7% in the response rate to the postal reminder in the groups contacted by the GPs. No difference was observed in the Modena project between the two groups.Conclusions The main contributions of GP involvement can be: “cleaning up'’ the invitation lists, especially when computerized archives with the mammographic history of the target population are not available; increasing the women's participation by signing the invitation letter, by counseling and active participation in the invitation phase; co-operating in the reminder phase by recalling women non responders at first invitation. The offer of target payment had a certain impact on the screening uptake, but not easily distinguishable from GP signature of the invitation letter; further studies of appropriate design should be planned. Organizational factors, such as availability of a list of non-responders, might be crucial in order to enhance the effect of the GPs’ action.

In this study we evaluated the effects of surgical and radiotherapy treatment on local control in 126 patients with malignant tumors of the parotid gland. The most frequently observed malignant tumors were high-grade tumors (68%). Surgical treatment was performed in 81 patients (83.5%). Total conservative parotidectomy was the most frequent procedure (74%), and radiotherapy was performed in 81 patients (83.5%). The global survival rate was approximately 54% at 5 years, whereas disease-free survival was 47% at 5 years. No statistically significant difference in survival rate was found between conservative (52% at 5 years) and radical treatment of the seventh cranial nerve (43% at 5 years). The incidence of recurrent cancer was 25.7% (25 of 97), of which 88% developed during the first 2 years. We report some of the clinical and histologic factors that can influence the prognosis of the disease. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:627-32.)

In this study we evaluated the effects of surgical and radiotherapy treatment on local control in 126 patients with malignant tumors of the parotid gland. The most frequently observed malignant tumors were high-grade tumors (68%). Surgical treatment was performed in 81 patients (83.5%). Total conservative parotidectomy was the most frequent procedure (74%), and radiotherapy was performed in 81 patients (83.5%). The global survival rate was approximately 54% at 5 years, whereas disease-free survival was 47% at 5 years. No statistically significant difference in survival rate was found between conservative (52% at 5 years) and radical treatment of the seventh cranial nerve (43% at 5 years). The incidence of recurrent cancer was 25.7% (25 of 97), of which 88% developed during the first 2 years. We report some of the clinical and histologic factors that can influence the prognosis of the disease.(Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:627–32.)

The incidence reported for carcinomas of the head and neck currently peaks between the sixth and seventh decades of life. In this retrospective study we were interested in learning whether age is a potentially significant prognostic factor for survival. We considered a set of variables in a series of 134 patients, divided into two groups; between 65 and 70 years of age, and older than 70. Stage I–II tumors were present in 44 patients, while locally advanced lesions (stages III–IV) were present in 90. Statistical analysis of survival was performed using the actuarial survival rates according to Kaplan-Meier; significance was evaluated using the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed according to the Cox logistic regression model to determine the prognostic significance of any of the variables. Univariate analysis was performed on a series of variables regarding the patient, tumor and treatment. In the younger group, age appeared to be a favorable prognostic factor. Tumor size had a significant effect on disease-free survival, both globally and between the two groups (p<0.05). Lymph node status substantially influenced the five-year survival rate (p=0.001). Tumor invasion of the lymph nodes led to a difference between the two groups. Survival was lower in the younger than in the older group. There was a significant difference (p<0.01) in survival between patients who had undergone surgery (75%) and those who received radiotherapy alone (33%). Multivariate analysis of these variables showed that disease stage, and treatment of lymph nodes were both significant (p=0.0016 and p=0.0002, respectively). Survival rates for the so-called “young elderly” (65–70 years) are generally higher than that for those aged 70 and over. Following accurate and comprehensive assessment by the anesthesiologist and the internist, and appropriate adjustment of the patient’s nutritional and metabolic status, combined radical surgery and radiotherapy can and must be performed. Minimal palliative interventions, in the belief that tumor growth is biologically less aggressive in the elderly patient, should be avoided.

In this study we evaluated the effects of surgical and radiotherapy treatment on local control in 126 patients with malignant tumors of the parotid gland. The most frequently observed malignant tumors were high‐grade tumors (68%). Surgical treatment was performed in 81 patients (83.5%). Total conservative parotidectomy was the most frequent procedure (74%), and radiotherapy was performed in 81 patients (83.5%). The global survival rate was approximately 54% at 5 years, whereas disease‐free survival was 47% at 5 years. No statistically significant difference in survival rate was found between conservative (52% at 5 years) and radical treatment of the seventh cranial nerve (43% at 5 years). The incidence of recurrent cancer was 25.7% (25 of 97), of which 88% developed during the first 2 years. We report some of the clinical and histologic factors that can influence the prognosis of the disease.(Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:627–32.)

Aims and Background The choice of treatment in limited squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx often depends on individual and tumor factors. Data of the literature clearly show that surgery and radiotherapy tend to give identical results in terms of survival. We examined 196 cases of T1-T2/N0 cancers of the glottic larynx. We review the literature and discuss the indications and the efficacy of the various available treatments.Methods and Study Design 196 consecutive cases of T1-T2/N0 cancers of the glottic larynx were examined. In 54.5% the tumor was confined to the vocal cord; in 38.2% it extended to the anterior commissure, in 4.6% to the arytenoid cartilage and in 2.5% to the floor of the ventricle. We performed partial laryngeal surgery in 41.3% (81 cases). Radiotherapy alone was employed in 58.6% (115 cases).Results In T1a and T1b cases there was no statistically significant difference in 5-year disease-free survival. In T2 cases the NED survival of patients who underwent partial laryngectomies (90% of cases) was significantly better (P <0.05) than among patients given radiotherapy (73%). NED survival at 5 years in patients with the primary tumor on a vocal cord, ventricle or anterior commissure was 78%, 80% and 81%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference among the various sites. It is possible that involvement of the anterior commissure exposes patients to greater risk of recurrence when radiotherapy alone is used (5 out of 23 cases, 21.7%, compared to 3 out of 52 cases, 5.7%, among our surgically treated patients).Conclusions When the tumor is confined to the vocal cord and mobility is not impaired (T1a), surgery and radiotherapy give comparable results, and the latter yields a better functional outcome. When the anterior commissure is involved, recurrences appear to be less likely after surgery. In T2 glottic carcinoma, surgery gives better results than radiotherapy alone. In any event, the choice of treatment should be patient-specific and based on a careful analysis of the factors involved in each case.

Subjects which had been consuming drinking water with a high vanadium content, namely, 0.34 mg/l (0.34 ppm), for at least 10 years were investigated. Research was aimed at correlating the frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) in human lymphocytes with vanadium values in water and urine. A questionnaire was administered to each subject to find any other vanadium‐related symptom. Data collected on both SCE and CA suggest that vanadium at concentrations affecting population under study (i.e. 0.34 mg/l) does not induce a significantly higher response.

Aims and background The metastatic spread of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) to the cervical lymph nodes is a negative prognostic factor in terms of survival. We have used multivariate analysis to identify the possible prognostic significance of a number of clinical and pathological characteristics in relation to possible involvement of the cervical lymph nodes in a series of 396 patients.Method 396 patients with SCCHN were studied. Variables regarding the patient, the carcinoma and histology were analysed by multivariate analysis using BMDP's PLR programme.Results Some variables appear to represent predisposing factors for tumor spread to the lymph nodes: tumor site (supraglottic larynx: P=0.005; base of the tongue: P=0.02; hypopharynx: P=0.02), grading (P=0.001), and a number of histological parameters (lower degree of histological differentiation: P=0.001; vascular permeation: P=0.04; perineural invasion: P<0.05; prevalently plasmocytic infiltrate: P<0.05).Conclusion The identification of cases at risk for metastasis can be improved by the assessment of prognostic factors, with a consequent improvement in treatment strategies.

Aims and background Epithelial malignant tumors of the lacrimal drainage system are rare. The most prevalent type is squamous cell carcinoma. These tumors generally present with aspecific symptoms suggestive of chronic dacryocystitis, with the result that diagnosis and treatment are often delayed.Methods and study design We present the case of a patient with a squamous cell carcinoma of the lacrimal ducts and discuss the clinical and pathological features of these neoplasms, together with diagnostic and therapeutic strategies according to the data available in the literature.Results and conclusion The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to this kind of rare tumors has to be planned carefully. Radiographic examination of all masses arising in the medial canthus is essential. Dacryocystography allows the identification of space-occupying tumors in the lacrimal sac. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide the most useful information about the extent of the neoplasm and its relationship with surrounding bone structures and soft tissues. Histological examination of a biopsy sample obtained by standard dacryocystectomy is essential to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment of choice is primarily surgical, consisting of complete resection with long-term follow-up. A number of surgical procedures have been described, which are more or less aggressive depending on the extension of the tumor. Radiotherapy is indicated when bone or lymphatic invasion is evident, and when neoplastic cells are present in the resection margins. Radiotherapy alone is not considered a treatment of choice, but only a palliative option in selected cases. The follow-up data available in the literature are incomplete. In most of the literature reports, relapse occurs in 50% of patients within 5 years.

The introduction of new treatment methods has stimulated the identification of further prognostic factors capable of defining the clinical and biological characteristics of the tumor type in question and improving treatment programming. The aim of this study was to identify which characteristics of the host and tumor are of prognostic value in relation to the onset of locoregional tumor recurrence. A total of 396 patients were studied. The tumor site distribuition can be summarized as follows: 267 laryngohypopharyngeal, 74 oropharyngeal, 55 oral cavity. Variables regarding patient, tumor and histology were evaluated for the purpose of analysis. Multivariate analysis of these prognostic factors was performed using PLR software by BMDP. Mean tumor recurrence time was 19 months. Seventeen of the 29 variables anlysed did not influence the probability of tumor recurrence. Two variables reduced the risk of tumor recurrence: age >61 years and abundant and prevalently lymphocytic intra- and peritumoral infiltrate. The study of tumor recurrence onset mechanisms is justified by its impact on the evolution of disease. The use of multivariate analysis in this study showed that some clinical and pathological characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck have a statistically significant impact on tumor recurrence.

In 1991 a co-operation between Public Health Office (U.S.S.L.) n° 18 of Brescia and the Chemical Section Laboratories of U.S.S.L. n° 38 of Milan concerning the possible environmental impact of foundry industrial activities performing metallic scraps recovering, has been undertaken.Soil and surfaces have been classified in conformity with the National Toxicological Consultative Commission (C.C.T.N.) recommendation dated 12/02/1988'; owing to the characteristics of the processed material, besides heavy metals, polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) have been looked for.The particulate matter collected from the filters positioned over the arc furnaces in 14 foundry plants has been characterized and classified, according both to C.C.T.N.1 and to the Interministerial Board regulation dated 27/07/1985 for the first application of the Republic President Decree Law (D.P.R.) n° 915/1982, concerning wastes classification, based, in this case, on these toxic chlorinated compounds concentrations. From the very beginning, high levels of PCDDs and PCDFs have been detected, corroborating the very few literature data from foundry plants2. The results obtained on 14 different foundries allow us to draw already some information, acceptable from the point of view of the statistical validity, about the pollution produced by this industry.

Abstract: In this part II, narrow cubature error bounds given by Lether are used and made suitable for comparing direct and composite integration techniques for two-dimensional Gauss-Legendre formulae. The results we obtain support the conclusion that in many cases composite formulae turn out to be preferable in comparison with direct ones.

Abstract: In this paper direct and composite two dimensional integration formulae are compared, and conditions are given under which certain error bounds turn out to be better for either one or the other approach.

We consider free scalar matter covariantly coupled to background W-gravity. Expanding to second order in the W-gravity fields, we study the appropriate anomalous Ward-Takahashi identities and find the counterterms which maintain diffeomorphism invariance and its W-analogue. We see that a redefinition of the vielbein transformation rule under W-diffeomorphism is required in order to cancel nonlocal contributions to the anomaly. Moreover, we explicitly write all gauge invariances at this order. Some consequences of these results for the chiral gauge quantization are discussed.

Abstract: This paper deals with the numerical solution of boundary value problems of the type:

Summary: This report presents a covering algorithm for the implementation of logical structures by means of building-blocks of given types. The results obtained through the algorithm are not rigorously optimal, but compare very favourably with those obtained by expert designers. A specific example is handled with details on the logical structure and algorithm specifications.

Abstract: C. Y. LEE has given [1] an algorithm for connecting two points with a path optimal with reference to given functions. In the case of planar paths and for the optimisation of the number of crossings the above algorithm assumes the simplified form presented in SIMPLIFICATION OF LEE'S ALGORITHM FOR SPECIAL PROBLEMS by E. Majorani, also included in this n0 of CALCOLO. This article extends such a simplified algorithm (which in the two point case will be calledsimple algorithm) to then-terminal case. The extention is far from being obvious, when the required path has to be rigorously optimal.The algorithm has been programmed for the OLIVETTI ELEA 9003 computer.