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FDM is a prominent AM process from which 3D models can be generated. Optimisation algorithms are used to get best levels of process parameters. The aim of this article is to analyse statistically the L16 OA and its corresponding responses in order to obtain optimal process parameter level combinations which could make the product efficient. The process parameters considered were extrusion temperature and infill density. The optimal parameter settings obtained were an extrusion temperature of 220°C and an infill density of 80%. Each parameter was considered at four different levels. Since there were two factors at four levels, L16 OA was preferred to design the experimental plan. The process parameters were selected based on the output responses. A total of 16 samples for each response were manufactured and tested, and statistical analysis was carried out. Statistical approaches like ANOVA analysis and S/N ratio analysis were used to get significance of factors and optimal parameter settings, and analysis was performed using MINITAB 16. Validation tests were carried out with optimal parameter settings as input parameters. Statistical analysis showed that extrusion temperature was a more significant factor compared to infill density for both tensile and compressive strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparative assessments and an overview of mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of rail axles are presented. This review focused on the effects of compositions and microstructure on fatigue, fretting and corrosion fatigue of rail axles. The two main steel grades: low carbon steels for commuter trains and high strength low alloy steels for high-speed trains have ferrite-pearlite microstructures with 20–40 µm ferrite grain sizes. Minimum allowable yield and ultimate tensile strengths are 330 MPa and 600 MPa, and the minimum longitudinal and transverse toughnesses are 35 J and 22 J. Most axle failures are associated with surface and sub-surface defects with micro-cracks nucleating from ballast (small-sized pebbles in rail tracks), minute oscillatory movement leading to fretting, microstructural inclusions, and corrosion pits. The implications for structural integrity are highlighted and areas for future research directions are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absolute photoabsorption cross section of imidazole, and that of 1-methylimidazole, have been measured from threshold up to 10.8 eV using synchrotron radiation. For each molecule, the absorption spectrum exhibits several broad bands due to transitions into excited valence states and some sharp structure associated with Rydberg states. Assignments have been proposed for some of the observed absorption bands using calculated transition energies and oscillator strengths. Quantum defect analyses have also helped guide these assignments. Natural transition orbital plots indicate that many of the electronically excited states have a mixed Rydberg/valence character. This mixing leads to irregularities in both the transition energies and the relative intensities of the absorption bands ascribed to Rydberg states. The vibrational progressions belonging to some of the Rydberg states have been interpreted using simulations of the corresponding cation's vibrational structure obtained within the Franck-Condon model employing harmonic frequencies and normal modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An automated instrument to measure specific surface area (SSA) of powdered materials was designed using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm method. A sample of known SSA was introduced to make the method simple, accurate, and fast. The cost of the instrument was reduced by operating the instrument at a fixed partial pressure. A piezoelectric sensor was introduced to detect the changes in gas flow rates with better sensitivity and low cost. The analyzer was used to analyze the SSA of an unknown sample, to compare the SSA of two samples, and to identify unknowns using the SSA. The error of the instrument was less than 0.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study is to systematically quantify the along-track resolution of Satellite for Argos and AltiKa (SARAL)/AltiKa and Environmental Satellite (ENVISAT)-RA2 altimeters over continental margins. Spectral coherence and power spectral density estimated from pairs of stacked (averaged) sea surface height (SSH) profiles from repeat tracks as a function of wave number are used to estimate along-track resolution and noise characteristics, respectively. The analyses were carried out along 96 SARAL/AltiKa and ENIVISAT-RA2 tracks covering continental margins of India, Gulf of Mexico, and South America. Our study clearly suggests that for all three sites the short-wavelength resolution of SARAL/AltiKa (15–18 km) is ~27–33% better than ENVISAT-RA2 (22–25 km) data. Variations in sediment thickness along the continental margins have significant influence in the along-track resolution of both altimeters. Strong geoid signals owing to thin sediments (0.1–0.3 km thick) along the South American margin provided higher resolution for both SARAL/AltiKa (15 km) and ENVISAT-RA2 (22 km) altimeters. Conversely, over the continental margins of India and Gulf of Mexico with huge sediment thickness (1–20 km), the resolution of SARAL/AltiKa and ENVISAT-RA2 drops to 18 and 25 km, respectively. We also observe that resolution of both altimeters is higher by 1–2 km for continental margins with narrow shelf. The present study has implications in the generation of high-resolution marine geoid and gravity anomalies using SARAL/AltiKa along with other altimeters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vast market of ornamental plants and flowers generates a large amount of wastes, from where fibers can be extracted. The mechanical properties of these fibers have not yet been reported. Therefore, the possibility of using them as fiber-reinforcement in polymer matrix composites is an open question. In this work the tensile mechanical properties of fibers obtained from the stem of three types of ornamental plants – Etlingera elatior, Costus comosus and Heliconia bihai – are evaluated and compared to the tensile properties of other lignocellulosic fibers. Besides, the tensile strength of the fibers is discussed in terms of the Weibull statistical distribution. E. elatior showed high values for both Young's modulus and tensile strength, comparable to the properties of fibers with already large use, such as jute. Therefore, fibers extracted from the stem of this ornamental plant are potential candidates to be used as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. C. comosus and H. bihai on the other hand are low modulus fibers, and their use in composites will be restricted as fillers, reducing cost but not enhancing mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro Electro-Discharge Machining is a precision machining process that uses electrical discharge to produce small-scale components with high accuracy. A metal workpiece is machined in this process by repeatedly generating spark between a tool electrode and the workpiece, removing material in a controlled manner. The significance of µ-EDM lies in its ability to produce highly accurate and complex components with a high surface finish, making it ideal for use in various industries, including aerospace, medical, and electronics. The critical parameters to the success of µ-EDM include the electrical discharge energy, voltage, current, pulse duration, and spark gap between the tool electrode and workpiece, including the shape and size of the tool electrode. This review article discusses the µ-EDM process used to machine biological materials and also examines the µ-EDM, dry µ-EDM procedure, and the features of biomedical materials for biocompatibility, 3D micro shape machining with tool wear composition, and thin film coating for microelectrodes. The impact of introducing nanoparticles to dielectric fluids is further clarified in this article. This study addresses the prospective future research subjects and application areas for the µ-EDM process in order to fulfill the demanding criteria for biomaterials and their usage in the production of bioimplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residues obtained from the sustainable harvest of heart of palm from pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) palms can be managed to produce long and chopped fibers. These fibrous residues can be used to manufacture agglomerated panels and also serve as reinforcement in polymer–matrix composites. In this work, the characteristics of pejibaye fibrous residues are commented and the flexural mechanical properties of agglomerated panels made with these residues are determined and compared with the properties of conventional wood-based agglomerated panels. Also, panels using both pejibaye residues and residues from coconut plantations were manufactured and their flexural mechanical behavior was determined and compared to panels manufactured using only pejibaye residue. The results obtained show that the flexural mechanical properties of pejibaye agglomerated panels fall within the boundaries established by international standards for interior use (general applications–dry conditions). The hybrid coir/pejibaye panel showed the best set of properties, presenting a performance better than the agglomerated panels manufactured with only one kind of fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Railway networks in Australian alone require replacing a large amount of aging timber components in excess of 280,000 m³/a. The replacement of timber track components is responsible for producing greenhouse gas emissions six times greater than equivalent reinforced concrete counterparts. Sydney Harbour Bridge presently experiences similar problem. A feasibility study to develop an innovative solution for the replacement of aging timber transoms installed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge was conducted to evaluate environmental, safety and financial benefi ts. The development of alternative composite structure to replace the timber components overcomes some potential compatibility issues with track stiffness as well as structural and geometrical track systems. This study firstly presents a novel and resilient alterative by incorporating steel-concrete composite theory and combining the capabilities of being precast and modular, in order to reduce the depth, weight and required installation time relative to conventional concrete track slab systems. Finite element analysis of the composite structures and its behaviours incorporating the bridge system are highlighted in this paper. A three-dimensional model of steel-concrete composites was developed by using ABAQUS. Non-linear material properties and contact interfaces have been simulated to mimic actual support conditions of existing stringers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This investigation demonstrates the safety of the composite panels under train derailment loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated the associations between food intake – especially omega-3 (n-3) – and depressive symptoms in climacteric women. Methods: Four hundred climacteric women were included in this research. The Kupperman Index, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and a 3-day food diary were used to investigate climacteric symptoms, depressive symptoms, and food intake, respectively. Sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric variables were also explored. Results: Statistically significant associations were observed between depression and climacteric symptoms, climacteric phase, previous history of depression, antidepressant drug use, family income, sleep pattern, and consumption of carbohydrates, fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and B12. No association was observed between n-3 consumption and depression. Conclusion: Climacteric symptoms and food intake are important factors linked to depression during the climacteric period. Further studies are needed to clarify the changes in this phase of women's lives, as well as to investigate the role of the diet in the depression treatment or prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal transplantation has been performed successfully for over 100 years. Normally, HLA typing and systemic immunosuppressive drugs are not utilized, yet 90% of corneal allografts survive. In rodents, corneal allografts representing maximal histoincompatibility enjoy >50% survival even without immunosuppressive drugs. By contrast, other categories of transplants are invariably rejected in such donor/host combinations. The acceptance of corneal allografts compared to other categories of allografts is called immune privilege. The cornea expresses factors that contribute to immune privilege by preventing the induction and expression of immune responses to histocompatibility antigens on the corneal allograft. Among these are soluble and cell membrane molecules that block immune effector elements and also apoptosis of T lymphocytes. However, some conditions rob the corneal allograft of its immune privilege and promote rejection, which remains the leading cause of corneal allograft failure. Recent studies have examined new strategies for restoring immune privilege to such high-risk hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absolute photoabsorption cross section of trimethylene oxide has been measured between threshold and 30 eV using monochromated synchrotron radiation. Below the ionization threshold the spectrum exhibits numerous sharp peaks associated with Rydberg states belonging to series converging onto the [image omitted] limit. At excitation energies above the ionization threshold at 9.680 eV intravalence transitions play a dominant role, resulting in the appearance of prominent broad bands. Ab initio multireference configuration interaction calculations have been performed to obtain excitation energies for valence electron transitions into Rydberg or virtual valence orbitals. These theoretical predictions have enabled assignments to be proposed for most of the structure due to Rydberg series converging onto the [image omitted] limit. The calculations show that configuration interaction is important in the description of some of the excited states. The photoabsorption spectrum of trimethylene oxide has been compared with those of ethylene oxide, ethylene sulphide and trimethylene sulphide to identify and characterize the principal Rydberg excitations that these related three- or four-membered ring molecules have in common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the development of microcavity single photon sources in which optical and electrical confinement is achieved by means of a ring of low refractive-index aluminium oxide, buried within an etched mesa. The aluminium oxide is formed by the wet oxidation of aluminium rich AlGaAs layers. We demonstrate Purcell-enhanced emission from a quantum dot coupled to an oxide-confined cavity mode. When integrated into a diode architecture, the oxide annulus serves as a current aperture and electroluminesence is only observed from quantum dots in the confined current path. The oxide aperture does not impede the electrical properties of the diode, allowing the device to be driven using high frequency electrical pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valence shell photoelectron spectrum of cyanogen chloride has been studied using HeI and synchrotron radiation. In the outer valence region the molecular orbital model of ionization holds, and the main bands can be associated with single-hole states. However, in the inner valence region electron correlation effects become important, and these result in complex satellite structure being observed. Vertical ionization energies and spectral intensities have been computed using the Green's function approach, and the results have facilitated an interpretation of the experimental spectra. Photoelectron angular distributions and branching ratios have been measured and have been used to assess the bonding characteristics of the outer valence molecular orbitals. The experimental data for the 8σ orbital display an energy dependence which suggests that photoionization from this orbital may be influenced by the chlorine 3p Cooper minimum. The extent to which the 8σ orbital can be considered as a chlorine atom lone-pair is discussed. Vibrational structure has been observed in the X[sup 2]Π, Ā[sup 2]∑[sup +] and B[sup 2]Π photoelectron bands recorded with HeI radiation, and has been assigned to progressions involving the υ[sub 1][sup +] and υ[sub 3][sup +] modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term exposure of rats to ozone results in lung inflammation characterized by increased permeability damage and the infiltration of neutrophils into the airways. The present study compared these ozone-induced inflammatory responses in different strains of male rat, Brown Norway rats from Charles River Laboratories, Inc. (BN-CRL), and Harlan Sprague Dawley, Inc. (BN-HSD), and Fischer 344 (F344), Sprague-Dawley (SPD), and Wistar (WSTR) male rats from Hilltop Lab Animals, Inc. Ozone-induced permeability damage was indicated by recoveries of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) albumin 20 h following single exposures of 6 h to either air or 1 ppm or 2 ppm O [sub 3]. Although BALF albumin recoveries from air-exposed rats were not significantly different between strains, ozone exposures resulted in a range of enhancements of BALF albumin of 2-, 9-, 17-, 7-, and 20-fold following exposures of BN-CRL, BN-HSD, F344, SPD, and WSTR rats to 2 ppm ozone, respectively. Concomitant strain differences in the number of ozone-induced BAL-recoverable neutrophils were not observed, except for BN-CRL rats, which demonstrated significantly lower numbers. However, the degree of ozoneinduced permeability damage did directly correspond to differences observed in the numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils in the peripheral blood and collagenase tissue digest of lavaged and perfused lungs prior to ozone exposure. Ozone-resistant BN-CRL rats exhibited the highest numbers of blood and lung tissue neutrophils and eosinophils when compared with ozone-susceptible WSTR rats exhibiting the lowest number of these granulocytes. These data suggested that the presence of high numbers of blood and tissue granulocytes at the onset of short-term ozone exposures might provide a certain degree of protection against subsequent pathological events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HeI excited photoelectron spectra of the boron trihalides have been recorded with improved resolution, and several new vibrational progressions have been observed in the spectra of BCl3, BBr3 and BI3. The spectra illustrate, as would be expected, that spin-orbit coupling becomes important in the heavier trihalides, and affects the photoelectron band structure strongly. Progressions involving excitation of the symmetric stretching vibrational mode are observed in all four molecules. Some of the new structure revealed in the photoelectron spectra of BCl3, BBr3 and BI3 is assigned, and the molecular orbital configurations in BBr3 and BI3 are discussed, taking into account existing theoretical predictions and the present experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When products of an uncertain quality are sold with a warranty, the expected warranty cost depends on the reliability of the product and on the quality uncertainty. This cost can be reduced through the use of redundancy and/or quality control techniques. However, these routes increase the manufacturing cost. This paper develops a model to determine the optimal redundancy and quality control strategies that achieve a trade-off between the two costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of excavations carried out in the Roman civil settlement at Heronbridge, two kilometres from the legionary fortress at Chester (Deva), since its discovery in 1929 arc summarized and the overall history and character of the site assessed. Evidence from other provinces is deployed to show that the existence of two, nucleated civilian settlements in the immediate vicinity of a legionary fortress was a common, rather than an irregular, occurrence. The possible reasons for this phenomenon of 'Siedlungsdualität' are discussed and it is suggested that the more distant settlement, unlike the canabae, lay outside the boundaries of the prata legionis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the tremendous attention given to conservation projects in the Neotropics, few published studies have documented remote sensing studies in tropical highland areas. Even fewer publications have addressed the use of topographic normalization methods in these regions. This article discusses the influence of anisotropic reflectance patterns on land cover classification for two study areas characterized by very rugged terrain and high relief. Landsat Thematic Mapper subscenes for sites in both Costa Rica and Ecuador were corrected using both Lambertian and non-Lambertian models. While use of the Lambertian model proved inappropriate for these mountainous areas, application of the non-Lambertian model enhanced classification accuracies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different approaches to the classification of remotely sensed data of mangroves are reviewed, and five different methodologies identified. Landsat TM, SPOT XS and CASI data of mangroves from the Turks and Caicos Islands, were classified using each method. All classifications of SPOT XS data failed to discriminate satisfactorily between mangrove and non-mangrove vegetation. Classification accuracy of CASI data was higher than Landsat TM for all methods, and more mangrove classes could be discriminated. Merging Landsat TM and SPOT XP data improved visual interpretation of images, but did not enhance discrimination of different mangrove categories. The most accurate combination of sensor and image processing method for mapping the mangroves of the eastern Caribbean islands is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes a chemical systematization of molecular clusters, in an attempt to answer questions regarding the molecular transition from metallic to non-metallic properties. Statement of issues and problem in molecular clusters; Classes of cluster compounds that are widely studied; Description of clusters formed in molecular beams; Significance of clusters containing millions of atoms.

Development duration in the cactus is directly related to changes in the environment caused by the management, which can result in advancing or delaying the harvest. The aim of this study was to analyse the growth, phenology and cutting time of irrigated cactus intercropped with millet, with and without the use of mulch. The experimental design was of randomised blocks (regular arrangement) with four treatments: monocropped cactus, and intercropped cactus and millet, both with and without mulch. The cladode area index and dry matter were used to calculate the morphophysiological indices. The total number of cladodes on the plant was used to delimit the phenological phases. The ideal cutting time for the crop was determined from the dry matter. Under the monocrop system with mulch, the cactus was superior to the other systems regarding morphophysiological indices. The intercrop caused a reduction in phenophase 2 of the cactus and the advancement of phenophase 3, but there was no reduction in crop yield. The ideal cutting time was between 2,300 and 2,400°C day. The irrigated intercropping of cactus and millet advances the cutting time of the forage cactus, irrespective of the use of mulching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 40-year-old woman suffering from serous cystadenoma of the right ovary. Topics discussed include her blood count and ovaries found to be normal, her computerized tomography revealing thin-walled multi-loculated cystic mass in pelvis, her laparoscopy revealing multiple grape-shaped fluid-filled cysts, and immunohistochemical stains diagnosing Benign cystic mesothelioma.

The article discusses case study of a 37-year-old Caucasian woman who had a 5-year history of idiopathic infertility, who underwent Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection and Embryo Transfer (ICSI-ET) in December 2012. It is noted that the case study intends to highlight increased clinical awareness of Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) during the first-trimester trans-vaginal ultrasound (TVU) with regard to in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are dependent on patient- and disease-characteristics, treatment, and socioeconomic factors. AML outcomes between resource-constrained and developed countries have not been compared directly. We analyzed two cohorts: from São Paulo state, Brazil (USP, n = 312) and Oxford, United Kingdom (OUH, n = 158). USP cohort had inferior 5-year overall survival compared with OUH (29% vs. 49%, adjusted-p=.027). USP patients have higher early-mortality (23% vs. 6% p<.001) primarily due to multi-resistant Gram-negative bacterial and fungal infections. USP had higher 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse (60% vs. 50%, p=.0022), were less likely to undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) (28% vs. 75%, p<.001) and waited longer for HSCT (median, 23.8 vs. 7.2 months, p<.001). Three-year survival in relapsed patients was worse in USP than OUH (10% vs. 39%, p<.001). Our study indicates that efforts to improve AML outcomes in Brazil should focus on infection prevention and control, and access to HSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excess body fat leads to obesity-related morbidity and population/ethnicity-specific cut-off values of anthropometric measures are useful for better diagnosis. This study assesses the suitability of newly-developed Sri Lankan anthropometric cut-off values in the diagnosis of obesity in Sri Lankan children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Colombo, Sri Lanka involving 5-15 year old children. Height, weight, waist (WC), and hip (HC) circumferences were measured. Total body fat (FM) was measured using whole body BIA. WHR and WHtR were calculated. Validity of anthropometric measures in detecting childhood obesity (Sri Lankan BMI/WC; IOTF, WHO, British and CDC BMI and British WC cut-off values) were evaluated. Results: Nine hundred and twenty children were assessed. FM showed significant associations with BMI ( r = 0.92, p < 0.001), WC ( r = 0.90, p < 0.001) and HC ( r = 0.85, p < 0.001), but poor association with WHR ( r = 0.17, p < 0.001). However, WHtR had a high association with FM ( r = 0.75, p < 0.001) and %FM ( r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Based on %FM cut-offs, 85 (22.8%) girls and 101 (18.5%) boys were obese. All international anthropometric cut-off values under-estimated obesity. Sri Lankan WC and BMI cut-off values over-estimated obesity. International BMI based cut-off values had high specificity (>99%) but a low sensitivity (∼12-33%), while Sri Lankan BMI cut-off values had high sensitivity (>93.1) but low specificity (>79.7). Conclusions: Internationally available BMI cut-off values are poor in diagnosing obesity in Sri Lankan children. Newly developed Sri Lankan BMI cut-off values for children improved the diagnosis. WC can be used successfully as an alternative diagnostic tool of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern brown howler monkey, Alouatta guariba clamitans, is one of the largest Neotropical primates. The objective of this study was to describe the origin and antimeric distribution of brachial plexus nerves in A. g. clamitans and, thereby, to provide information for comparative anatomy and for anatomy applied to loco-regional anaesthetic blocking in primates. For this purpose, a macrodissection of 10 thoracic limbs of corpses that were collected from highways was performed, and the corpses were stored in 10% formaldehyde solution. The brachial plexus was essentially formed from the ventral spinal branches of segments C5 to T1, although in one specimen the contribution of C4 and in another specimen the contribution of T2 was registered. There was a grouping of ventral branches in cranial, medium and caudal trunks, and branches of C5 and C7 were the ones that mostly contributed to the origin of nerves from the plexus. Comparatively, the brachial plexus from A. g. clamitans reflected characteristics that are typical in the primate order, but also of mammal species that require versatility and precision in movements of the thoracic limbs. On the basis of that similarity, it is proposed that anatomic landmarks for anaesthetic block techniques used in other primate species may be successfully applied to A. g. clamitans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deposition of particles from an air flow onto a single cylindrical fiber perpendicular to the flow in a uniform electrical field is theoretically investigated. Both the electrostatic deposition and the direct interception are taken into account to calculate the deposition efficiency in potential and viscous flows. The results are compared to the Zebel model in which only the electrostatic deposition is considered. The effects of the electrostatic parameter, interception parameter, and velocity field as well as the dielectric constant of the cylinder on the deposition efficiency are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study detailed the sequence of recurring inflammatory events associated with episodic allergen exposures of mice resulting in airway hyperreactivity, sustained inflammation, goblet-cell hyperplasia, and fibrogenesis that characterize a lung with chronic asthma. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized female BALB/cmice were exposed to saline-control or OVA aerosols for 1 h per day for episodes of 3 d/wk for up to 8 wk. Lung inflammation was assessed by inflammatory cell recoveries using bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) and tissue collagenase dispersions. Cell accumulations were observed within airway submucosal and associated perivascular spaces using immunohistochemical and tinctorial staining methods. Airway responsiveness to methacholine aerosols were elevated after 2 wk and further enhanced to a sustained level after wk 4 and 8. Although by wk 8 diminished OVA-induced accumulations of eosinophils, neutrophils, and monocyte-macrophages were observed, suggesting diminished responsiveness, the BAL recovery of lymphocytes remained elevated. Airway but not perivascular lesions persisted with a proliferating cell population, epithelial goblet-cell hyperplasia, and evidence of enhanced collagen deposition. Examination of lung inflammatory cell content before the onset of the first, second, and fourth OVA exposure episodes demonstrated enhancements in residual BAL lymphocyte and BAL and tissue eosinophil recoveries with each exposure episode. Although tissue monocyte-macrophage numbers returned to baseline prior to each exposure episode, the greatest level of accumulation was observed after wk 4. These results provide the basis for establishing the inflammatory and exposure criteria by which episodic environmental exposures to allergen might result in the development of a remodeled lung in asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy provides a rapid method for estimating pulp carbohydrate content. Previous studies have used a variety of sample preparation methods; however, the influence of preparation method on calibration performance has not been examined. This study compares carbohydrate content calibrations for four sample preparation methods (coarse, fine, and milled pulp, and handsheets). Fifty-nine unbleached pulps (52 single-tree, 7 mill composite) with known carbohydrate composition (arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose, and xylose) were prepared using the four methods. NIR spectra were collected from the samples, which were divided into calibration (40 samples) and prediction sets (19 samples). Calibrations were created for each combination of preparation method and carbohydrate, and tested on the prediction set. Calibration statistics were good for rhamnose and xylose but weaker for other carbohydrates. Coarse and fine pulp produced the best calibrations, but they were not significantly different from calibrations for handsheets; milled pulp provided the weakest calibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We have previously demonstrated that normal prepubertal growth over 1 year is composed of growth spurts lasting an average of 8 weeks, separated by periods of very slow growth or stasis. We have now analysed short-term growth patterns in eight children with different growth disorders: Turner syndrome (n = 2), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR, n = 1) and growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD, n = 5). Methodology: Height was measured daily in the morning by parents over 4-12 months. Regression and time series analysis were used to characterize short-term growth. In two boys (GHD and IUGR) their normal twin brother was measured in parallel. Results: All height velocity curves, based on regression analysis, showed a biphasic pattern, characterized by growth spurts of varying amplitudes and periods of very slow growth or growth stasis. When compared to growth curves in normal children, the principal qualitative differences in GHD and Turner syndrome were increased stasis time and reduced growth spurt amplitude. In IUGR reduced amplitude and length of growth spurts were seen, but the time spent in stasis was similar to normal children. Two naive patients with GHD increased the amplitude of their growth spurts by a mean 0.013 cm day[sup -1] on GH treatment, with the mean length of their growth spurts increasing by 10 days. Their time spent in stasis decreased from 19% to 6% on GH. In two subjects with GHD the growth pattern during maintenance GH treatment was similar to that seen in normal children. Using time series analysis significant periodicities in height measurements were seen in the majority of children with growth disorders, which disappeared in patients with GHD in the catch-up phase after commencing GH therapy. Conclusions: (1) The growth spurts and stases seen in normal children are also observed in those with growth disorders, (2) different growth disorders have variable effects on the spurt-stasis model of childhood growth, (3) catch-up growth on GH in children with GHD was achieved by increasing the amplitude of the growth spurts and reducing the time spent in stasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tight junctions (TJ) are essential components of polarized epithelia, and E-cadherin is important for their formation and maintenance. The bronchial epithelial cell line, 16HBE14o- expresses E- and P-cadherin, but not N-cadherin. E- and P-cadherin levels changed during culture, the former increasing after confluence, and the latter were markedly reduced. All detectable E-cadherin was bound to β- and γ-catenins. We investigated involvement of E-cadherin with epithelial integrity using an E-cadherin specific, function-blocking antibody, SHE78-7. Surprisingly, apical SHE78-7 exposure caused a prompt fall in transepithelial resistance (TER), while TER remained unchanged for 8 hrs after basal exposure then dropped. SHE78-7 exposure increased epithelial permeability to mannitol, inulin, and 9.5 kDa and 77 kDa dextrans and caused fragmentation and loss of the tight junction protein, ZO-1, from the cell borders in some areas. Ultrastructural studies showed that all junctional intercellular contact was lost in the center of SHE78-7 induced lesions. Near the lesion periphery, epithelial structure was maintained, but TJs were dysfunctional as shown by ruthenium red penetration. Analysis of epithelial penetration by SHE78-7 revealed discrete, local defects in the apical barrier at the top of some cell hills that permitted rapid access of the antibody to E-cadherin near the apical surface. In contrast, after basal exposure, antibody initially engaged with E-cadherin nearer the basal surface and only accessed apical E-cadherin later. Taken together with the TER measurements, these data suggest compartmentalization of E-cadherin function within 16HBE14o- cells, with only the apical E-cadherin adjacent to the tight junctions contributing to the function of the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from 46 schools in western Kenya were used to investigate the performance of school-based questionnaires, on reported blood in stool and water-contact patterns, as indicators of the prevalence of human infection with Schistosoma mansoni. Prevalence of infection was associated with the prevalence of self-reported blood in stool, recent history of swimming and recent history of fishing. It was shown that use of a threshold of 30% of subjects reporting blood in stool would identify 42.9% of the 'high-prevalence' schools (i.e. prevalence ≥ 50%) and 87.5% of the 'low-prevalence' schools (i.e. prevalence < 50%). A threshold of 25% reporting swimming would identify 57.1% and 93.7% of the high- and low-prevalence schools, respectively. Blood in stool appears to be too coarse an indicator to identify schools for mass treatment correctly. Although the use of multiple questions improved the diagnostic performance of the questionnaire in identifying the high-prevalence schools, it was unclear how questions can best be combined in other settings. However, there is a direct relationship between prevalence of S. mansoni infection and distance of the school from the lakeshore; analysis indicated that use of a threshold of 5 km from the lakeshore would correctly identify most (90%) of both the low- and high-prevalence schools. Distance to the lakeshore may therefore be used to screen schools in much of East Africa (i.e. those areas close to the Great Lakes where the infection is known to be prevalent and where much of the region's population is concentrated). In other areas of transmission, such as irrigation areas, further studies are still required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the results of a study on the treatment of women with advanced mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer with platinum-based chemotherapy. Response rate of patients who received the treatment; Percentage of patients that progressed on chemotherapy; Survival rate of patients with the disease.