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We report the occurrence of micrometer-sized silver particles in the red ('impact' or 'ejecta') layer of the Fish Clay. These appear to be embedded into the biogenic/abiogenic calcite matrix. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicates that these microparticles are composed of pure silver (>99% of the total weight). Scanning electron microscopy images reveal irregular and predominantly rounded shapes with rugged surfaces. Numerous silver microparticles are spherical, and some exhibit dendritic textures. These microparticles were probably originated during the Chicxulub asteroid impact event, or immediately afterwards, and dispersed globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of the paper includes theoretical considerations, the conducting of experimental tests, and the analysis of exposed test results related to determination of the coefficient of static friction of previously heat-treated contact pairs. One contact element is previously, before the procedure of determining the coefficient of static friction, heated at temperatures in the range of ambient temperature to 280°C and then cooled down to ambient temperature. The results of experimental tests of five different materials show that depending on the heat treatment of one contact element, there is a significant decrease in the coefficient of static friction. The authors of the paper consider that the reasons for the decreasing coefficient of static friction are related to oxide formation and changes in the surface layer of the contact element which is previously heat-treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas are slow-growing but commonly advanced malignancies with increasing incidence and prevalence. While locoregional disease can be effectively managed with resection, treatment of recurrent, progressive or metastatic disease has until recently been limited to palliative embolization and cytoreducitve surgery, with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents being the last resort. However, novel molecular targeted therapies inhibiting malignant cell proliferation and neoangiogenesis, as well as new cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs and somatostatin analogues, are all being investigated for their potential use in advanced neuroendocrine tumors. Long-acting release forms of octreotide have been shown to not only improve symptoms in carcinoid syndrome but to also delay progression of gastrointestinal NETs. On the other hand, phase III trials have demonstrated everolimus (with octreotide) and sunitinib to increase progression-free survival in pancreatic NETs. Use of bevacizumab has also shown promise in a phase II study, and results of an ongoing phase III trial comparing it to interferon are eagerly expected. Use of radiolabeled somatostatin analogues is still under investigation, though several phase II studies are encouraging. New cytotoxic agents, most notably temozolomide and capecitabine, are already in use, but their relative effectiveness compared to streptozocin in pancreatic NETs is yet to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]