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The hydrate is a severe threat to the flow assurance of oil and gas transportation pipelines. For this reason, the behavior of hydrate slurry flow in the bend is investigated based on the Computational Fluid Dynamics-Population Balance Model (CFD-PBM) considering the aggregation and breakage of hydrate. Meanwhile, the effects of the bend angle, the velocity, the hydrate volume fraction, and the initial hydrate particle size on the hydrate concentration and the particle size are discussed in detail. The results show that hydrate is prone to aggregate on the outside of the elbow in the L-pipe. As the bend angle decreases, the hydrate concentration increases slightly, while the high-concentration region, the large particle size region, and the particle size decrease in the elbow. The high velocity can reduce hydrate aggregation in the elbow. However, the high hydrate concentration and the large particle size are not conducive to safe transportation. When the particle size is greater than 84 μm, there exists a blockage risk in the elbow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the multi-objective problem of deploying wireless sensor networks with cooperative distance-based sensing coverage. This problem considers deploying a number of sensor nodes to cove multiple target points on a deployment area. Based on the locations of target points and the sensor nodes with their own inner and outer coverage radii, the distance-based sensing coverages of target nodes by sensor nodes are divided into three categories: full coverage (i.e., within the inner coverage radius), no coverage (i.e., outside the outer coverage radius), and partial coverage (i.e., between the inner and outer radii). Furthermore, this paper additionally considers the cooperative sensing coverage in which the sensing coverage of a target point is provided by more than one sensor node. The decision of sensor deployment in this paper is to select sensor nodes from potential sensor node positions so as to simultaneously maximize the collective sensing coverage of all target points and minimize the total distances between each target point and the selected sensor node(s). This paper first formulates this problem as a multi-objective optimization model, and then develops a solution procedure to determine the best non-dominated solution set for the problem model. Numerical experiments for the concerned problem by the proposed solution approach are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a supersymmetric type-I seesaw framework with non-universal scalar masses at the GUT scale to explain the long-standing discrepancy of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. We find that it is difficult to accommodate the muon g-2 while keeping charged-lepton flavor violating processes under control for the conventional SO(10)-based relation between the up sector and neutrino sector. However, such tension can be relaxed by adding a Georgi-Jarlskog factor for the Yukawa matrices, which requires a non-trivial GUT-based model. In this model, we find that both observables are compatible for small mixings, CKM-like, in the neutrino Dirac Yukawa matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination method of beneficial wrinkle and preform shape is proposed to solve the problem of non-uniform thickness distribution during hydroforming of a variable diameter tubular component. The effect of loading path for the hydroform part and the preform shape are simulated by LS-DYNA. At the same time, the wall thickness deviation of the maximum and minimum of the hydroformed part is considered as the optimal target and the loading path for the preform shape is optimized to obtain the beneficial wrinkles by response surface methodology. Simultaneously, hydroforming experiments were conducted to verify the simulation results. Study shows that the loading path plays an important role in the forming of the beneficial wrinkles, which influence the cracking and the wrinkling defects. Only the loading path is appropriate can the beneficial wrinkles be formed and the wrinkles are flattened in the subsequent calibrating process. Response surface methodology is an effective way to obtain the optimal loading path, and the desired loading path can be achieved by controlling the relationship of the axial feeding and the internal pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large diameter thin-walled tubes are prone to wrinkle due to a low stability of anti-wrinkles, non-uniform material flow, and contact sequence to the die cavity during hydroforming process. Although wrinkling defects can be controlled by reducing the diameter of the initial tube to some extent, the severe thinning will occur. A method of using local constraints was proposed to eliminate wrinkling defects that occurred on thin-walled hydroformed tubes. The effect of axial constraint, hoop constraint, and axial-and-hoop constraint on wrinkling behavior of large diameter thin-walled tubes has been investigated by using numerical simulation and experiment methods. In addition, the trajectory of principal stress of the wrinkling zones with different local constraints has been discussed. The results show that axial compressive stress of the two wrinkling zones can be reduced by 6.8 and 23.0% by using axial constraint, respectively. Hoop constraint reduces axial compressive stress by 11.7% at the two wrinkling zones. And the axial compressive stress remarkably decreased by 22.3 and 31.8% using axial-and-hoop constraint. The results reveal that the application of local constraints can effectively restrict the occurrence of wrinkle by decreasing axial compressive stress during hydroforming of large diameter thin-walled tubes. Finally, a desired part without defects has been manufactured successfully by axial-and-hoop constraint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical simulation and experimental methods were conducted to study the non-uniform thickness during hydroforming of a rectangular cross-sectional component by using a bent tube, which is thickened inside and thinned outside. A method of changing the contact sequence of the tube to the die surface is proposed to improve thickness distribution of hydroformed part. There are four contact sequences, Side-and-Side (SS), Side-and-Fillet (SF), Fillet-and-Side (FS) and Fillet-and-Fillet (FF), that are proposed through the preform shape for a rectangular section. The effect of contact sequence on thickness distribution was studied. The results show that SF or FF contact sequence makes the fillet corner contact with the die surface first and suppresses the further thinning in hydroforming. On the contrary, SF or SS contact sequence makes the straight side of the bend inside contact with the die surface first and benefits the full deformation of the thickening region in hydroforming. Among them, the SF contact sequence is the best for the uniformity of thickness, and SF and FF contact sequences are useful to ensure the minimum thickness of the section and help to avoid cracking defects. On the basis of it, two contact sequences, SS and FF, were applied to an instrument panel bar, respectively. There is a cracking defect in the circular section for the SS sequence, while there is no defect in the straight and circular sections for the FF sequence. And the sound part is successfully developed and applied to the assembly of the instrument panel bar of Chrysler 300C car in mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bending springback plays an important role in hydroforming of curved hollow components, and the effect will be more apparent with the increase of the strength of the material. In order to predict and eliminate the effect of springback on hydroforming process, springback of DP590 welded tube was investigated in computer numerical control (CNC) bending process using theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and experimental methods. The effects of the bending angles, the diameter-thickness ratio d/t, and the relative bending radius R/d on springback are studied, and the influence factor of the weld position is considered. The theoretical and experimental results show that the springback of the DP590 welded tube with 65 mm in diameter and 2.6 mm in thickness varies within the range from 4.0 to 4.9 % and the amount of springback is influenced by the tube diameter and thickness. The springback reduces from 7.0 to 3.5 % when the diameter-thickness ratio is increasing from 10 to 40. On the contrary, the springback increases from 3.7 to 7.2 % when the relative bending radius is increasing from 1.2 to 4.0. The effect of weld position on springback is very little, but it has a negative effect on defects of hydroforming and wall thickness distribution. It is liable to crack when hydroforming if the weld locates on the outside or neutral layer of the bend. Finally, springback rules and weld effect are applied to form a control arm. A sound part had been successfully manufactured to avoid flash and crack defects considering the appropriate springback compensation and weld position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing use of advanced high strength steel for automotive components, hydro-formed hollow components have the advantage of both high strength and high stiffness. In order to manufacture a 780 MPa torsion beam satisfied with both improved safety and lightweight, hydro-forming process of 780 MPa torsion beam was studied by experimental research and numerical simulation. Pre-form design according to central composite method was carried out to avoid forming flash and bursting during hydro-forming. Response surface model of the effect of pre-form structure on thickness distribution was developed, and significance of structural parameters on the response value was discussed. According to the genetic algorithm, an optimum pre-form shape has been obtained. An experiment was carried out on the basis of the optimum pre-form shape, and the effect of loading paths was deeply discussed on hydro-forming process. It is shown that the axial feeding within acceptable range can significantly improve the thickness distribution and forming accuracy. Finally, a well hydro-formed torsion beam is manufactured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of oral moxifloxacin for aerobic vaginitis (AV). We also identified factors that are associated with therapeutic efficacy. This prospective study enrolled general gynecological outpatients at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between September 2012 and May 2014. Women diagnosed with AV ( n = 102) were recruited. All enrolled women were treated with oral moxifloxacin, 400 mg once daily for 6 days (one course). Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated based on microscopic criteria, and cure rates were calculated. Women who were microscopically improved (but not cured) received a second course of therapy. Women classified with microscopic failure were treated using other strategies. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors that may be associated with a cure after one course of therapy. After one course of therapy, 65.7 % (67/102) of women were cured, 29.4 % (30/102) of women were improved (but not cured), 4.9 % (5/102) of women failed to respond to the therapy. After two courses of therapy, 85.3 % (87/102) of women were cured, 9.8 % (10/102) of women were improved, 4.9 % (5/102) of women failed to respond to the therapy, and clinical improvement was achieved in additional women. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, women with a baseline vaginal pH value of <5.0 had a 3.5-times higher chance of being cured, compared with those with a baseline vaginal pH value of ≥5.0 (OR, 3.503; 95 % CI, 1.278-9.601). Moxifloxacin is an effective therapeutic option for patients with AV. Most women with AV were cured with one course of moxifloxacin. For those with a higher vaginal pH value of ≥5.0 before treatment, two courses of therapy should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydro-pressing method was proposed to solve the problems in tube hydroforming process, such as too high pressure, nonuniform thickness distribution, and difficult forming of section corners. The process of hydro-pressing a tube seems like pressing of a solid bar. Theoretical analysis was performed, and the calculation formulas of hydro-pressing process parameters were given. Experimental research was conducted on hydro-pressing process of rectangular cross section with curved sides and bowtie cross-sectional components. The effects of supporting pressure, displacement of the pressing on section shape, and thickness distribution were investigated. The difference was compared between the hydro-pressing forming and the conventional mechanical pressing. It is demonstrated that the supporting pressure and pressing displacement are the essential parameters that influence cross-sectional shape and thickness. The dent defect disappears gradually as the supporting pressure increases and the thickness varies unobvious during hydro-pressing process of a rectangular cross section with curved sides. When the supporting pressure is 15 MPa, the maximum thinning of the rectangular cross section with curved sides is only 1.92 %. For a bowtie cross section, the required pressure is far less than that of conventional hydroforming for the same corner radius. Thickness distribution of section corner zone is more uniform than that formed by conventional hydroforming. Compared with conventional hydroforming, the hydro-pressing is a valid method to form the closed section tubular parts with the same perimeter and different cross-sectional shapes, which remarkably improves thickness distribution and reduces the forming pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is a key enzyme in prostaglandin (PG) metabolism. This study provides important evidence for inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth by 15-PGDH through the 15-keto-prostaglandin E2 (15-keto-PGE2)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ)/p21WAF1/Cip1 signaling pathway. Forced overexpression of 15-PGDH inhibited HCC cell growth in vitro, whereas knockdown of 15-PGDH enhanced tumor growth parameters. In a tumor xenograft model in severe combined immunodeficiency mice, inoculation of human HCC cells (Huh7) with overexpression of 15-PGDH led to significant inhibition of tumor growth, whereas knockdown of 15-PGDH enhanced tumor growth. In a separate tumor xenograft model in which mouse HCC cells (Hepa1-6) were inoculated into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice, intratumoral injection of adenovirus vector expressing 15-PGDH (pAd-15-PGDH) significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth. The antitumor effect of 15-PGDH is mediated through its enzymatic product, 15-keto-PGE2, which serves as an endogenous PPARγ ligand. Activation of PPARγ by 15-PGDH-derived 15-keto-PGE2 enhanced the association of PPARγ with the p21WAF1/Cip1 promoter and increased p21 expression and association with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Depletion of p21 by short hairpin RNA reversed 15-PGDH-induced inhibition of HCC cell growth; overexpression of p21 prevented 15-PGDH knockdown-induced tumor cell growth. These results show a key 15-PGDH/15-keto-PGE2-mediated activation of PPARγ and p21WAF1/Cip1 signaling cascade that regulates hepatocarcinogenesis and tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of total replacement of fish oil (FO) with pork lard (PL), soybean oil (SO), or tea seed oil (TO) on growth and fatty acid compositions of hybrid tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus). Four diets were formulated to contain 4.5 % of each of the different lipid sources. Each diet was assigned to triplicate groups of 15 hybrid tilapia with the same initial body weight (4.6 ± 0.5 g). After a 10-week feeding, the FO, SO, and TO groups had similar final body weight. The mean hepatosomatic index in the FO group was significantly lower than the other groups (2.5 vs 2.9-3.0; P < 0.05). Whole-body lipid levels were highest in the TO group (5.2 ± 0.4 %) and lowest in the FO group (4.3 ± 0.5 %). Total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations were greater in the SO and FO groups (5.5 ± 0.1 and 7.1 ± 0.2, respectively) than in the PL and TO groups (1.7 ± 0.1 and 1.4 ± 0.1, respectively). The FO group had a 2- to 4-fold reduction in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio relative to the other groups. The concentrations of both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in the FO group than in the other groups. Our data demonstrate that total replacement of dietary FO with SO or TO has little effects on growth of hybrid tilapia but reduces the contents of health-benefiting DHA and EPA in fish body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is a key enzyme that couples with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) for the production of PGE2. Although COX-2 is known to mediate the growth and progression of several human cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the role of mPGES-1 in hepatocarcinogenesis is not well established. This study provides novel evidence for a key role of mPGES-1 in HCC growth and progression. Forced overexpression of mPGES-1 in two HCC cell lines (Hep3B and Huh7) increased tumor cell growth, clonogenic formation, migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of mPGES-1 inhibited these parameters, in vitro. In a mouse tumor xenograft model, mPGES-1-overexpressed cells formed palpable tumors at earlier time points and developed larger tumors when compared with the control (P<0.01); in contrast, mPGES-1 knockdown delayed tumor development and reduced tumor size (P<0.01). Mechanistically, mPGES-1-induced HCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration involve PGE2 production and activation of early growth response 1 (EGR1) and β-catenin. Specifically, mPGES-1-derived PGE2 induces the formation of EGR1-β-catenin complex, which interacts with T-cell factor 4/lymphoid enhancer factor 1 transcription factors and activates the expression of β-catenin downstream genes. Our findings depict a novel crosstalk between mPGES-1/PGE2 and EGR1/β-catenin signaling that is critical for hepatocarcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geranylgeranyltransferase I inhibitors (GGTIs) represent a new class of anticancer drugs. However, the mechanism by which GGTIs inhibit tumor cell growth is still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that GGTI-298 and GGTI-2166 induce apoptosis in both cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant human ovarian epithelial cancer cells by inhibition of PI3K/AKT and survivin pathways. Following GGTI-298 or GGTI-2166 treatment, kinase levels of PI3K and AKT were decreased and survivin expression was significantly reduced. Ectopic expression of constitutively active AKT2 and/or survivin significantly rescue human cancer cells from GGTI-298-induced apoptosis. Previous studies have shown that Akt mediates growth factor-induced survivin, whereas p53 inhibits survivin expression. However, constitutively active AKT2 failed to rescue the GGTIs downregulation of survivin. Further, GGTIs suppress survivin expression and induce programmed cell death in both wild-type p53 and p53-deficient ovarian cancer cell lines. These data indicate that GGTI-298 and GGTI-2166 induce apoptosis by targeting PI3K/AKT and survivin parallel pathways independent of p53. Owing to the fact that upregulation of Akt and survivin as well as inactivation of p53 are frequently associated with chemoresistance, GGTIs could be valuable agents to overcome antitumor drug resistance.Oncogene (2004) 23, 706-715. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1207171 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to identify prognostic variables for toxicity and survival in patients with cancer participating in phase I clinical trials and compare characteristics of those treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy (CT) and non-cytotoxic drugs (non-CT). Data were collected from 420 (114 CT, 306 non-CT) patients enrolled in 16 phase I trials (five CT and 11 non-CT trials) in one cancer centre. Analyses of all patients were used to compare treatment groups, identify predictive variables for toxicity and to estimate prognostic factors in overall survival (OS). These were used to develop a prognostic index (PI). Multivariate analysis found those patients with better performance status, fewer sites of metastases, baseline Hb>12 g dl(-1) and WBC or LDH in the normal range had significantly better OS. Male gender, platelet count <450 x 10(9) l(-1), high WBC or treatment with a non-CT phase I agent significantly reduced the chance of grade 3/4 toxicity. Overall survival was not significantly different between the CT and non-CT groups (260 vs 192 days, P=0.47) except for those with liver metastases (228 vs 137 days, P=0.02). Overall tumour response was 4.9% (95% CI: 2.7-7.0%). The PI identified three distinct patient groups with median survival of 321, 257 and 117 days. In conclusion, entry into a phase I trial of a non-CT drug is a safe option for heavily pretreated patients with cancer. The PI generated from these data can estimate the survival probability for patients entering phase I studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pre-neutron-emission mass distribution is a critical physical constant in neutron-induced fission reaction. In this work, the Monte Carlo dropout neural network (MC-Dropout NN) method is applied to evaluate the pre-neutron-emission mass distributions of neutron-induced typical actinides (232Th, 235U, 238U, 237Np, 239Pu) fission. This method can reproduce precise mass distributions and give the uncertainty of predictions. Moreover, based on the MC-dropout NN learning of the existing experimental fission yields, the unknown yields and their uncertainty can be given. Finally, we predict pre-neutron-emission mass distributions of neutron-induced fission of 232Th and 238U at incident neutron energy below 45 MeV and study the influence of pre-fission neutrons on fission yields. Given the good agreements with experimental data, the neural network approach is a very useful tool in the field of nuclear data evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-intensity accelerator-based D-D/D-T fusion neutron source (ZF-400) with a thick adsorption target is designed with an intensity of 10 13 n/s. A high-current microwave ion source is used to produce a large current deuteron beam, and neutrons are generated by irradiating the deuteron beam on a deuterium-adsorption target or tritium-adsorption target. According to the particle-in-cell (PIC) code, the length of the whole high-current D+ beam transport line is 500cm, the D+ beam transfer efficiency is up to 96%, and various components can match each other. On the rotating target, the D+ beam spot size is about 20.0 mm with energy of 450 keV. Based on the heat conduction theory, the thick adsorption rotating target with water-cooling can withstand the D+ ions beam with 450 kV/50 mA and ensure that the temperature is less than 200 °C. According to the multi-layer computing model, neutron energy spectra, angular distributions and yields for the thick target can be calculated with remarkable precision. The neutron energy spectra are non-mono-energetic neutrons for the ZF-400 neutron generator, the neutron angular distributions are anisotropic distributions, and they can provide neutrons with an intensity of 2. 8 × 10 11 n/s (D-D) and 1. 4 × 10 13 n/s (D-T), respectively, with the deuteron of 450 keV/50 mA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the effects of 1 year of engagement in ≥ 300 min/week of organized sports on inflammatory levels and vascular structure in adolescents. The sample was composed of 89 adolescents (11.6 ± 0.7 years old [43 boys and 46 girls]), stratified according to engagement in ≥ 300 min/week of sport practice during at least 12 months of follow-up (n = 15, sport practice; n = 74, non-sport practice). Arterial thickness (carotid and femoral) was assessed by ultrasound scan, while high sensitive C-reactive protein levels were used to assess inflammatory status. Trunk fatness (densitometry scanner), biological maturation (age at peak height velocity), blood pressure, and skipping breakfast were treated as covariates. Independently of body fatness and biological maturation, the group engaged in sports presented a higher reduction in C-reactive protein (mean difference -1.559 mg/L [95%CI -2.539 to -0.579]) than the non-sport group (mean difference -0.414 mg/L [95%CI -0.846 to 0.017]) (p = 0.040). There was a significant relationship between changes in C-reactive protein and changes in femoral intima-media thickness in the non-sport group (r = 0.311 [95%CI 0.026 to 0.549]).Conclusion: Inflammation decreased in adolescents engaged in organized sports, independently of trunk fatness and biological maturation. Moreover, inflammation was related to arterial thickening only in adolescents not engaged in sports. What is Known: • Intima media thickness is a relevant marker of cardiovascular disease in pediatric groups, being affected by obesity and inflammation. • The importance of monitoring inflammatory markers from childhood is enhanced by the fact that alterations in these inflammatory markers in early life predict inflammation and alterations in carotid IMT in adulthood. What is New: • Anti-inflammatory properties related to physical exercise performed at moderate intensity, on inflammation and alterations in IMT are not clear in pediatric groups. • Due to the importance that sport participation has assumed as a promoter of improvements in health and quality of life, it is necessary to understand its potential benefits for cardiovascular health during human growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solar radio burst is the enhancement of radio emission during the release of solar magnetic energy. It is an important indicator of the level of solar activity. In this paper, we propose a solar radio-burst forecast model that takes the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)/Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) full-disk solar magnetograms as inputs. The model takes advantage of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to automatically extract the effective feature information from the input images. Through multiple trainings, the relationship between the magnetic-field characteristics of the full-disk solar magnetograms and the solar radio bursts is established, so it is possible to predict the presence or absence of a solar radio burst on that day. The experimental results demonstrate that the forecast Accuracy of the proposed model is 0.875 ± 0.007. The True Skill Statistic (TSS) is 0.723 ± 0.026, and the Heidke Skill Score (HSS) is 0.713 ± 0.019. These results indicate the strong reliability and wide applicability of the forecast model proposed in this paper. The proposed model is also used to predict solar type-II and type-III bursts, respectively. It is found that the prediction performance for type-III bursts is better than that of type-II bursts. The result is well explained from the differences of their formation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Foreign direct investment (FDI) to China has motivated increased labor migration to export processing zones (EPZs). Work environments with high occupational stress, such as production line jobs typical in EPZs, have been associated with adverse mental health symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional survey that examined occupational stress and symptoms of poor mental health was implemented among Chinese women factory workers in three electronic factories in the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area. Symptoms of mental health measured in the survey were hopelessness, depression, not feeling useful or needed, and trouble concentrating. Crude and adjusted prevalence odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated with logistic regression. Results: Responses were collected from 696 women factory workers. Participants were aged 18–56 years (mean 28 ± 5.8), 66% of whom were married and 25% of whom were migrants. Nearly 50% of participants reported at least one symptom of poor mental health. After adjusting for covariates associated with each outcome in the bivariate analysis, high job strain was associated with hopelessness (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.58, 4.56), not feeling useful (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.22, 3.43), and feeling depressed (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.16, 2.72). Conclusion: This study expands on the international body of research on the well-being of women working in the global supply chain and provides evidence on the associations between occupational stressors, migration, and social support on symptoms of poor mental health among women workers. Future research to better understand and improve psychological health and to prevent suicide among workers in China's factories is critical to improve the health of China's labor force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the last decade, the approach to the management of brain tumours and the understanding of glioblastoma tumour biology has advanced and a number of therapeutic interventions have evolved, some of which have shown statistically significant effects on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival in glioblastoma. The aim of this study is to compare survival in glioblastoma patients over a 10-year period (1999-2000 and 2009-2010).Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Identification of all histologically confirmed glioblastoma in a single centre in years 1999, 2000, 2009 and 2010, and production of survival analysis comparing 1999-2000 and 2009-2010 were achieved.Results: A total of 317 patients were included in the analysis (133 in year 1999-2000, and 184 in year 2009-2010). Cox regression analysis showed that the survival was significantly longer in patients in years 2009-2010 than those in 1999-2000 at P<0.001 with HR=0.56, confidence interval (CI) (0.45-0.71). The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 20.7% and 4.4%, respectively, for patients in 1999-2000, improving to 40.0% and 10.3%, respectively, for patients in 2009-2010. The comparisons between the two groups in survival at 1, 2 and 3 years are all statistically significant at P<0.001, respectively. The median OS was 0.36 and 0.74 in 1999-2000 and 2009-2010 groups, respectively.Conclusions: Over this period, OS from glioblastoma has increased significantly in our unit. We believe this is due to the institution of evidence-based surgical and oncological strategies practised in a multidisciplinary setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pipeline is the most important transmission way of oil and gas. Rockfall impact is one of the factors that result in above ground oil-gas pipelines accidents. Deformation of oil-gas pipeline caused by rockfall impacts were investigated using finite element method. Pipeline deformation caused by spherical and cube rockfalls were discussed under radial impact, inclined impact, and eccentric impact. The results show that crater depth of spherical rockfall impact is bigger than the cube rockfall with the same volume. The smaller curvature radius of rockfall's contact zone has a greater harm to oil-gas pipeline. Angle part impact of irregular rockfall is very harmful for oil-gas pipeline. Under inclined impact, the maximum plastic strain of spherical rockfall impact crater appears when incidence angle α is 45°. Pipeline is prone to rupture when α is small under cube rockfall impact. The plastic strain distribution of the impact crater is more uneven with the increasing of the incidence angle. Plastic strain zone of pipeline decreases with the increasing of eccentricity k under eccentric impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To perform a quantitative review of the evidence on the diagnostic value of inflammatory markers in maternal serum or umbilical cord blood for the diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS).Study Design:We searched multiple databases for studies published through March 2013 that evaluated the diagnostic performance of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and leukocyte count (white blood cell, WBC) in either umbilical cord blood or maternal serum for diagnosis of EONS. We summarized test performance characteristics with the use of forest plots, hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves and bivariate random effects models.Result:Our search identified 3874 citations, of which 15 studies evaluating 2178 episodes of suspected neonatal infection were included for analysis. IL-6 in cord blood with a pooled-positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 9.47 (95% confidence interval: 3.86 to 23.3), PCT in cord blood with a LR+ of 5.72 (1.56 to 21.0) and IL-6 in maternal serum with a LR+ of 5.47 (2.10 to 14.2) can be qualified as a valid rule-in test. IL-6 in cord blood with a LR− of 0.10 (0.05 to 0.21) and PCT in cord blood with a LR− of 0.20 (0.12-0.37) can be qualified as a useful rule-out test. Either CRP or WBC was inadequate for diagnosis of EONS.Conclusion:For cord blood sample, IL-6 or PCT can be used as reliable rule-in and rule-out tool. For maternal serum, only IL-6 appeared to be sufficient for rule-in diagnosis. An interventional study may be needed to answer whether the addition of these tests will improve the outcome of patients with EONS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When calculating the AC loss of REBa2Cu3O7−x (REBCO, RE = rare earth) coated conductor cable with stacked geometry, it is often considered that the tapes in the cable is perfectly stacked (there is no transverse misalignment of the tapes). However, the actual stacked cable will have transverse misalignment. The influence of transverse misalignment of tapes on the AC loss of the whole cable needs to be studied in order to understand the actual situation. In this paper, the 2-D H formulation calculated the AC loss of the cable with 10 tapes stacked in three cases. In the first case, the cables are perfectly stacked without lateral misalignment between the tapes. In the second case, the tapes of the cable are oblique to one side. In the third case, the tapes are disordered with each other. The result shows that under the transport current at 50 Hz, when the transport current is less than 0.75Ic0, the transport loss of the cable with obliquely stacked cable is more than the perfectly stacked cable, and when the transport current is greater than 0.75Ic0, the transport loss of the perfectly stacked cable is slightly larger than the obliquely stacked cable. Moreover, the transport loss of disorderly stacked cable is more than perfectly stacked cable at 50 Hz. When the transport current amplitude and the misalignment distance between the tapes in the cable are constant, the transport loss of obliquely stacked cable and disorderly stacked cable relative to perfectly stacked cable both increases first and then decreases as the frequency increases. Under the 50 Hz magnetization field, the magnetization loss of the perfectly stacked cable is less than the cables with oblique misalignment and disorder misalignment. When the amplitude of the external magnetic field and the misalignment distance between the tapes in the cable are constant, the magnetization loss of obliquely stacked cable and disorderly stacked cable relative to perfectly stacked cable also increased first and then decreased as the frequency increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of addition of single and binary additives on the performance of dye-sensitized TiO solar cells based on electrolytes containing an ionic liquid (IL), 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide (DMPII) has been studied. Among the seven additives used, the addition of 2-(dimethylamino)-pyridine (DMAP) to IL resulted in best cell efficiency, which showed further enhancement with the addition of 5-chloro-1-ethyl-2-methylimidazole (CEMI) as second additive. The efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) based on an electrolyte containing binary additives (DMAP and CEMI in equal molar ratios) has been found to increase by 62·5% from 4·35 to 7·07%. The dependence of different photovoltaic performance parameters ( V, J, ff, η) of DSC upon temperature has been studied over a 30-120°C range and only a small decrease in conversion efficiency has been observed. The electrolyte containing binary additives (DMAP and CEMI) shows best cell performance up to 120°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an adaptive lag synchronization based method for simultaneous identification of topology and parameters of uncertain general complex dynamical networks with and without time delays. Based on Lyapunov stability theorem and LaSalle's invariance principle, an adaptive controller is designed to realize lag synchronization between drive and response systems, meanwhile, identification criteria of network topology and system parameters are obtained. Numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chorea gravidarum is uncommon movement disorder of pregnancy, characterized by involuntary, abrupt, non-rhythmic movements. It can be idiopathic or secondary to the underlying pathology. A 28-year-old, primigravida woman who was 8 weeks and 6 days of gestation presented with a history of involuntary choreiform movements in the left side limbs and facial twitch for 2 weeks. The symptoms started just after onset of severe emesis gravidarum. There was no meaningful medical history or family history, and she was taking no regular medication. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed moyamoya disease. The symptoms, as well as the hyperemesis gravidarum, improved with gestational age; however, they were sustained up to 30 weeks of gestation. She delivered 2.61 kg, healthy male neonate at 40 weeks’ pregnancy by vaginal delivery under epidural analgesia. After 3 years later, she got pregnant again, and delivered at 41 weeks of pregnancy without complication. She experienced similar but milder symptoms to that of the first pregnancy until the late second trimester. After the delivery, full evaluation was lost due to her refusal. In this report, we present the case of a patient with chorea gravidarum in which moyamoya disease acts as an etiologic factor and a review of literature with management proposal.Journal of Perinatology (2009) 29, 317–319; doi:10.1038/jp.2008.183 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structures of salts (C18H22N3)(NO3) (I) and (C8H24N4)[ZnCl4]Cl2(II), based on protonated polyamines (diethylenetriamine and N,N′-bis(2-aminoethyl)piperazine) are studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Salt I exhibits a wave-like 1D chain formed by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds from monoprotonated (C18H22N3)+ cations and NO3− anions. In salt II, multi-protonated N,N′-bis(2-aminoethyl)piperazinium ions are connected into two types of infinite subloop chains through N-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯Cl halogen bonding contacts from (C8H24N4)4+ cations and [ZnCl4]2− and Cl− anions. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surfaces shows the intermolecular interactions involved in the crystal structures. The corresponding quantitative information is presented by fingerprint plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different torque control algorithms are compared and evaluated for rear wheel drive electric vehicle (EV COMS) with in-wheel motors on split-mu road. The performance of direct yaw moment control, slip ratio control and integral control of both direct yaw moment and slip ratio control are studied by applying these control algorithms to electric vehicle for a straight motion on a split-mu road. The split-mu road disturbs the straight motion and vehicle will deviate from straight path with some error. In simulation, driver model is applied and driver effort of steering wheel angle eliminates this error in all the three cases. The simulation results show that the integral torque control schemes exhibit better performance as compared to direct yaw moment control and slip ratio control as it needs very little driver effort for vehicle straight motion. The three torque control schemes are also compared experimentally on a split-mu road using EV COMS. The desired yaw rate is set to zero in the software and the vehicle trajectory with reference to the desired straight path is recorded and compared. The integral control showed little deviation of test vehicle yaw rate from the desired zero yaw rate as compared to the other two control algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) plays a crucial role in reproductive immunology. We obtained a full-length cDNA encoding Chinese zokor ZP3, using rapid amplification of cDNA ends-polymerase chain reaction (RACE-PCR). The cDNA contains an open reading frame of 1269 nucleotides encoding a polypeptide of 422 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence has a high degree of homology with those of hamster (78%), mouse (76%), and rat (74%). XhoI and SacI sites after restriction give an1158 bp fragment of zokor ZP3 cDNA, excluding the signal sequence and transmembrane-like domain, which was cloned under the phage T7 promoter-lac operator control in the pET-28a(+) vector. Recombinant pET-zokorZP3(r-ZP3) was expressed as a poly-histidine fusion protein in E. coli strain BL21 (DE3). Optimum expression of r-ZP3 was observed at 28°C, 1 mM IPTG and 2 h of inducing. The purified protein was tested by Western blot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article “Failure Analysis and Finite Element Simulationof Above Ground Oil–Gas Pipeline Impacted by Rockfall" that was published in the July 29, 2014 issue is presented.

Background: Combined therapy of metronomic cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and high-dose celecoxib targeting angiogenesis was used in a phase II trial.Methods: Patients with advanced cancer received oral cyclophosphamide 50 mg o.d., celecoxib 400 mg b.d. and methotrexate 2.5 mg b.d. for two consecutive days each week. Response was determined every 8 weeks; toxicity was evaluated according to CTC version 2.0. Plasma markers of inflammation, coagulation and angiogenesis were measured.Results: Sixty-seven of 69 patients were evaluable for response. Twenty-three patients had stable disease (SD) after 8 weeks, but there were no objective responses to therapy. Median time to progression was 57 days. There was a low incidence of toxicities. Among plasma markers, levels of tissue factor were higher in the SD group of patients at baseline, and levels of both angiopoietin-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 increased in the progressive disease group only. There were no changes in other plasma markers.Conclusion: This metronomic approach has negligible activity in advanced cancer albeit with minimal toxicity. Analysis of plasma markers indicates minimal effects on endothelium in this trial. These data for this particular regimen do not support basic tenets of metronomic chemotherapy, such as the ability to overcome resistant tumours by targeting the endothelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

navigation algorithm is indispensable for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). During driving, UGVs follow a global path. In this study, we propose a navigation algorithm using Real Time Kinematic (RTK)-Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) units and encoders to complement global path planning. Sometimes GPS systems lose their signals and receive inaccurate position data due to many factors, such as edifice and barrier obstructions. This paper shows that GPS deviations can be solved using a Dead Reckoning (DR) navigation method with encoders and that position errors can be decreased through the use of RTK-DGPS units. In addition to this method, we will introduce a new waypoint update algorithm and a steering algorithm using RTK-DGPS units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ by GW501516, a specific PPARδ ligand, significantly inhibited interleukin (IL)-1β-induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This effect of GW501516 was dependent on transforming growth factor-β, and was mediated through the up-regulation of IL-1 receptor antagonist. The inhibitory effect of GW501516 on VSMC proliferation was associated with cell cycle arrest at the G1 to S phase transition, which was accompanied by the induction of p21 and p53 along with decreased cyclin-dependent kinase 4 expression. Inhibition of cell migration by GW501516 was associated with the down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in IL-1β-treated VSMCs. Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase significantly reduced the GW501516-mediated inhibition of IL-1β-stimulated VSMC proliferation. These results suggest that PPARδ plays an important role in the pathophysiology of diseases associated with the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) is a Notch ligand that is upregulated by hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and is reported to have a role in tumor angiogenesis. Evidence from xenograft studies suggests that inhibiting Dll4-Notch signalling may overcome resistance to anti-VEGF therapy. The aim of this study was to characterise the expression of Dll4 in colon cancer and to assess whether it is associated with markers of hypoxia and prognosis.Method: In all, 177 colon cancers were represented in tissue microarrays. Immunohistochemistry was performed using validated antibodies against Dll4, VEGF, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, HIF-2alpha, prolyl hydroxylase (PHD)1, PHD2, PHD3 and carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9).Results: The expression of Dll4 was observed preferentially in the endothelium of 71% (125 out of 175) of colon cancers, but not in the endothelium adjacent to normal mucosa (none out of 107, P<0.0001). The expression of VEGF was significantly associated with HIF-2alpha (P<0.0001) and Dll4 (P=0.010). Only HIF-2alpha had a significant multivariate prognostic effect (hazard ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.57). Delta-like ligand 4 was also expressed by neoplastic cells, particularly neoplastic goblet cells.Conclusion: Endothelial expression of Dll4 is not a prognostic factor, but is significantly associated with VEGF. Assessing endothelial Dll4 expression may be critical in predicting response to anti-VEGF therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal-like tumours account for 15% of invasive breast carcinomas and are associated with a poorer prognosis and resistance to therapy. We hypothesised that this aggressive phenotype is because of an intrinsically elevated hypoxic response. Microarrayed tumours from 188 patients were stained for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, prolyl hydroxylase (PHD)1, PHD2, PHD3 and factor inhibiting HIF (FIH)-1, and carbonic anhydrase (CA) IX stained in 456 breast tumours. Tumour subtypes were correlated with standard clincopathological parameters as well as hypoxic markers. Out of 456 tumours 62 (14%) tumours were basal-like. These tumours were positively correlated with high tumour grade (P<0.001) and were associated with a significantly worse disease-free survival compared with luminal tumours (P<0.001). Fifty percent of basal-like tumours expressed HIF-1alpha, and more than half expressed at least one of the PHD enzymes and FIH-1. Basal-like tumours were nine times more likely to be associated with CAIX expression (P<0.001) in a multivariate analysis. Carbonic anhydrase IX expression was positively correlated with tumour size (P=0.005), tumour grade (P<0.001) and oestrogen receptor (ER) negativity (P<0.001). Patients with any CAIX-positive breast tumour phenotype and in the basal tumour group had a significantly worse prognosis than CAIX-negative tumours when treated with chemotherapy (P<0.001 and P=0.03, respectively). The association between basal phenotype and CAIX suggests that the more aggressive behaviour of these tumours is partly due to an enhanced hypoxic response. Further, the association with chemoresistance in CAIX-positive breast tumours and basal-like tumours in particular raises the possibility that targeted therapy against HIF pathway or downstream genes such as CAs may be an approach to investigate for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the significance of lymphatic count, vascular count and angiogenic growth factors using immunohistochemistry in 108 tumour specimens of epithelial ovarian cancer with antibodies to lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor (LYVE-1), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) in epithelial ovarian cancer to understand the pathogenesis of metastasis in ovarian cancer. The effect of prognostic variables on progression-free and overall survival was assessed. On multivariate analysis, bulky residual disease after surgery was the best prognostic indicator (P<0.001) for progression-free and overall survival (P<0.001). Lymphatic count was statistically significant as a prognostic factor for progression-free (P=0.05) and overall survival (P=0.04). However, lymphatic count did not impact on survival curves. No correlation was found between lymphatic count and age, histological subtype, FIGO stage or residual disease. Vascular count, VEGF or TP expressions were not significant in either analysis. Lymphatic spread may be significant in aiding metastases in ovarian cancer but requires other biological factors to act in conjunction, as it does not have clearcut prognostic significance. Dissemination of ovarian cancer does not occur primarily through vascular or lymphatic routes but may occur through direct intraperitoneal spread of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of α1-acid glycoprotein into bilirubin/cholesterol mixed monolayers with various component molar ratios is investigated using surface pressure-area (π- A) isotherms and ( dπ/ dA)- A curves. The results showed that the surface area per molecule increased after the adsorption/insertion of glycoprotein molecules into the monolayers. The compressibility of mixed monolayers increased as a result of hydrogen bonding between bilirubin and glycoprotein molecules, while the interactions between bilirubin and cholesterol are weakened. The adsorption of glycoprotein into a monolayer induced changes in molecular surface area depending on the surface pressure and molar fraction of bilirubin. The transmission electron microscopy of mixed monolayers confirmed the insertion of glycoprotein particles of spherical shape with an average diameter of about 80 nm into the monolayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nf2 tumor suppressor codes for merlin, a protein whose function is largely unknown. We have previously demonstrated a novel interaction between merlin and TRBP, which inhibits the oncogenic activity of TRBP. In spite of the significance of their functional interaction, its molecular mechanism still remains to be elucidated. In this report, we investigated how merlin inhibits the oncogenic activity of TRBP in association with cell growth conditions. In the human embryonic kidney 293 cell line, the level of endogenous merlin increased, whereas that of endogenous TRBP significantly decreased along with the increase in cell confluence. We demonstrated that the carboxyl-terminal region of TRBP was responsible for this phenomenon using stable cell lines expressing deletion mutants of TRBP. The overexpression of merlin decreased the protein level of TRBP, and the ubiquitin-like subdomain of merlin's FERM domain was important for this activity. We also demonstrated that TRBP is ubiquitinylated and the ubiquitinylated forms of TRBP are accumulated by ectopically expressed merlin or cell confluence in the presence of MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. Furthermore, we showed that the regulation of TRBP in response to cell confluence was abolished upon knockdown of merlin expression by specific small interfering RNA. Finally, we showed that ectopically expressed merlin restored cell–cell contact inhibition in cells stably expressing TRBP but not in TRBPΔc. These results suggest that merlin is involved in the regulation of TRBP protein level by facilitating its ubiquitination in response to such cues as cell–cell contacts.Oncogene (2006) 25, 1143–1152. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1209150; published online 10 October 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) on anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) is shown to be a facile, flexible route to the synthesis of catalytic membranes with precise control of pore wall composition and diameters. The oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexane was shown to depend strongly on pore diameter and to be more specific than similarly active alumina powder catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known regarding the association between smoking and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and speed of sound (SOS) are believed to provide information on bone quality besides information on bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to investigate (1) current tobacco smoking; (2) lifetime tobacco smoking; and (3) years since smoking cessation, in relation to QUS and BMD parameters in 36-year-old men and women. Data came from the ninth measurement of the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study (AGAHLS), in which 165 men (36 smokers and 129 nonsmokers) and 178 women (33 smokers and 145 nonsmokers) participated, with an average age of 36 years (SD=0.7). BUA (dB/MHz) and SOS (m/s) of the calcaneus were assessed by using the CUBA Clinical instrument. BMD of the lumbar spine (L1–L4), total hip, and total body were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We used multiple linear regression analyses with correction for body weight, physical activity, calcium intake, and alcohol consumption. We found no significant associations between smoking and any of the BMD parameters in 36-year-old men and women. However, both current and lifetime tobacco smoking were significantly and negatively associated with BUA in women but not in men. Lifetime tobacco smoking was significantly and negatively associated with SOS in both sexes. The latter association was independent of body weight, calcium intake, physical activity, and alcohol consumption in women, but not in men. Our results suggest that both current and lifetime tobacco smoking are associated with a deterioration in bone quality but not with a reduction in BMD. However, since BMD parameters and QUS parameters were not measured at the same sites, our results may also simply suggest that the calcaneus is affected by smoking at an earlier stage than the lumbar spine, hip, and total body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DEC1, also known as SHARP-2 or Stra13, plays important roles in embryonic development, proliferation, apoptosis and cell differentiation in the mouse. DEC1 was recently identified as hypoxically induced in cDNA microarray studies of the human renal carcinoma cell line RCC4, to be regulated through hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and via HIF-1alpha, able to block adipocyte differentiation. Nevertheless, its distribution and role in hypoxia and differentiation in human breast cancer are unknown. We therefore examined the pattern and level of expression of DEC1 using immunohistochemistry in whole tissue sections in normal, in situ and invasive breast carcinomas, and correlated the level of expression of DEC1 and clinicopathological factors and hypoxic tumour markers in 253 invasive carcinomas on tissue microarrays. We observed an increase in DEC1 expression during progression from normal to in situ and invasive carcinoma. Expression was not restricted to the tumour cell element but was also observed in endothelial, fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. There was a significant positive correlation between DEC1 and tumour grade (P=0.01), HIF-1alpha (P=0.04) and the hypoxically regulated gene angiogenin (P<0.0001), but no significant associations were observed with patient age (P=0.15), lymph node status (P=0.8), tumour size (P=0.3), oestrogen receptor (P=0.45), epidermal growth factor receptor (P=0.27) or Chalkley vessel count (P=0.45). There was no difference in relapse-free (P=0.84) or overall (P=0.78) survival. These findings suggest that DEC1 plays an important role in the progression to invasive breast cancer and that it may provide a mechanism by which hypoxia blocks tumour differentiation, and may contribute to a more aggressive phenotype. Reversing this phenotype may alter the biological behaviour of individual tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of recent epidemiological studies suggest that birth weight is related to adult bone mineral status. Since birth weight might also be related to muscle strength and fat-free mass, which are important determinants of bone health, the aim of this study was to investigate the following: is birth weight related to bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar level, at the hip and of the total body, and to structural properties of the heel bone, to fat-free mass (FFM) and to muscle strength, at the age of 36 years? Two hundred and eighty-two subjects (162 women) underwent dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement for the assessment of BMC and BMD at different sites and the FFM and/or measurement of the structural properties of the heel bone, which were estimated with speed of sound (H-SOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation. Muscle strength was assessed with two fitness tests (static arm-pull, and high jump). Information on birth weight was gathered by means of a questionnaire. The data were analyzed by application of multiple linear regression. Birth weight was positively related to FFM. In a crude model, birth weight was found to be positively associated with BMC, but not after adjustment for adult body weight. No significant associations were found between birth weight and muscle strength or birth weight and BMD. Furthermore, birth weight was inversely related to H-SOS. No other relationships were observed. Results support the fetal origins hypothesis that lower birth weight is related to lower BMC and FFM, but not that birth weight is associated with BMD and muscle strength. Furthermore, FFM was not identified as a link between birth weight and musculoskeletal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to quantify the level of serum DNA in different groups of primary breast cancer patients and in healthy controls using real-time quantitative PCR in order to determine whether such measurements have diagnostic or prognostic value. A total of 96 serum samples of patients with primary breast cancer before surgery (with positive or negative lymph nodes and with high or low relapse-free survival) as well as 24 healthy controls were analysed. DNA concentrations in the serum of the patients differed significantly from the concentration of serum DNA in the controls (medians were 221 and 63?ng?ml-1, respectively, P<0.001 M-W test). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the patient groups (P=0.87, M-W test). The serum DNA levels were elevated independently of the size of primary tumour or lymph node metastases. The overall survival of patients with serum DNA concentrations >221?ng?ml-1 was better than patients with serum DNA concentration ?221?ng?ml-1 (Kaplan-Meier, P=0.028).British Journal of Cancer (2004) 90, 1211-1215. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6601609 www.bjcancer.com Published online 2 March 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genes involved in signal transduction are major candidates in association studies on affective disorders and responses to antidepressants. We investigated whether the C825T polymorphism of the ß3 subunit of G protein (GNB3) gene is associated with the symptom severity or treatment response of major depressive disorders (MDDs) in a Korean sample of 106 MDD patients; our study also included 133 healthy controls. Hypertensive subjects were excluded from the study because association between GNB3 variants and hypertension has been reported in previous studies. We found significantly more carriers of the 825T allele in MDD patients than in normal controls (?2=6.37, P=0.012; OR=2.19, 95% CI 1.18-4.05). The T-allele carriers showed higher scores than those with the CC genotype in the baseline total and in some subcategories of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (P<0.05). We also found a statistically significant association between T-allele carriers and antidepressant treatment response (P<0.05). These results suggest that the T allele of the C825T polymorphism in the GNB3 gene is associated with MDD. It was also demonstrated that MDD patients bearing the T allele had a severe symptomatology and a better response to antidepressant treatment than patients without the T allele.The Pharmacogenomics Journal (2004) 4, 29-33. doi:10.1038/sj.tpj.6500217 Published online 2 December 2003 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]