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Islet transplantation is an effective treatment for selected patients with type 1 diabetes. However, an accurate test still lacks for the early detection of graft rejection. Blood samples were prospectively collected in four university centers (Geneva, Grenoble, Montpellier, and Strasbourg). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with donor splenocytes in the presence of interleukin-2. After 24 h of incubation, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) ELISpot analysis was performed. After a total of 5 days of incubation, cell proliferation was assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis for Ki-67. Immunological events were correlated with adverse metabolic events determined by loss of ≥1 point of β-score and/or an increased insulin intake ≥10%. Twenty-five patients were analyzed; 14 were recipients of islets alone, and 11 combined with kidney. Overall, 76% (19/25) reached insulin independence at one point during a mean follow-up of 30.7 months. IFN-γ ELISpot showed no detectable correlation with adverse metabolic events [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.57]. Similarly, cell proliferation analysis showed no detectable correlation with adverse metabolic events (CD3+/ CD4+AUC = 0.54; CD3+/CD8+AUC = 0.55; CD3-/CD56+AUC = 0.50). CD3-/CD56+cell proliferation was significantly higher in patients with combined kidney transplantation versus islet alone (6 months, p= 0.010; 12 months, p= 0.016; and 24 months, p= 0.018). Donor antigen-stimulated IFN-γ production and cell proliferation do not predict adverse metabolic events after islet transplantation. This suggests that the volume of transplanted islets is too small to produce a detectable systemic immune response and/or that alloimmune rejection is not the sole reason for the loss of islet graft function.

Anxiety disorders are common, comorbid, and disabling conditions, often underdiagnosed and under-treated, typically with an early onset, chronic course, and prolonged duration of untreated illness. The present study aimed to explore the influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors in relation to onset and latency to treatment in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). A total of 157 patients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis of PD (n=49), GAD (n=68), and OCD (n=40) were recruited, and epidemiological and clinical variables were collected through a specific questionnaire. Statistical analyses were carried out to compare variables across diagnostic groups. PD, GAD, and OCD patients showed a duration of untreated illness of 53.9±81.5, 77.47±95.76, and 90.6±112.1 months, respectively. Significant differences between groups were found with respect to age, age of first diagnosis, age of first treatment, family history of psychiatric illness, onset-related stressful events, benzodiazepine prescription as first treatment, antidepressant prescription as first treatment, and help-seeking (self-initiated vs. initiated by others). Patients with GAD, PD, and OCD showed significant differences in factors influencing onset and latency to treatment, which may, in turn, affect condition-related outcome and overall prognosis. Further studies with larger samples are warranted in the field.

A quantitative in situ investigation of the structure of the catalytic layer of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells using material-sensitive and conductive atomic force microscopy is reported. The distribution and size of the ionomer phase at the surface of the catalytic layer is retrieved from adhesion force mappings, measured at high humidity and up to 75 °C. The average ionomer layer thickness varies between 7 and 13 nm for three differently prepared samples, as concluded from the histograms. Evidence of a lamellar structure of the thinner ionomer layers is presented. A significant thinning of the ionomer layers after long-term fuel cell operation is observed.

A fully relativistic formulation of quantum mechanics is derived by introducing a Lagrangian density of the fields between the excited and ground states and taking the action integral. The change in action, or photon, is a four-dimensional localization of fields that is defined symmetrically with respect to the field boundaries. Due to this photon model, we interpret the three mathematical formulations of atomic structure; matrix mechanics, wave mechanics, and path integrals, as different mathematical methods of describing the superposed physical components of an excited state; nucleus, electron, and photon. Recent experiments with slow and stopped light are shown to support this theoretical interpretation. The derivation of quantum theory with respect to fields requires new interpretations of the uncertainty principle, correspondence principle, complementarity, and force.

Clock rate in a noninertial system varies with respect to velocity and gravitational potential. Because time is linear and the variations occur simultaneously, two sets of coordinates are required to account for the separability of clock variables: one set that is velocity dependent and another due to gravitational field that is acceleration dependent. It is shown how these conditions may be satisfied mathematically with an action integral of a Lagrangian density between surfaces to describe atomic systems. Time uncertainty in inertial and noninertial systems is discussed.

ATM and ATR DNA damage response (DDR) kinases contain elastic domains. ATM also responds to reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATR to nuclear mechanical stress. Mre11 mediates ATM activation following DNA damage; ATM mutations cause Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T). Here, using in vivoimaging, electron microscopy, proteomic and mechanobiology approaches we study how ATM responds to mechanical stress. We report that cytoskeleton and ROS, but, not Mre11, mediate ATM activation following cell deformation. ATM deficiency causes hyper-stiffness, stress fiber accumulation, YAP nuclear enrichment, plasma and nuclear membrane alterations during interstitial migration, and H3 hypermethylation. ATM locates to actin cytoskeleton and, following cytoskeleton stress, promotes phosphorylation of key cytoskeleton and chromatin regulators.

Surgical site infections (SSI) are common healthcare-associated infections. SSIs after kidney transplantation (K-Tx) can endanger patient and allograft survival. Multicenter studies on this early post-transplant complication are scarce. We analyzed consecutive adult K-Tx recipients enrolled in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS) that received a K-tx between May 2008 and September 2020. All data were prospectively collected with the exception of the categorization of SSI that was performed retrospectively according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. A total of 58 out of 3059 (1.9%) K-Tx recipients were affected by SSIs. Deep incisional (15, 25.9%) and organ/space infections (34, 58.6%) predominated. In the majority of SSIs (52, 89.6%) bacteria were detected, most frequently Escherichia coli(15, 28.9%), Enterococcusspp. (14, 26.9%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (13, 25.0%). A BMI ≥25kg/m2(multivariable OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.07-4.34, P=0.023) and delayed graft function (multivariable OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.56-5.34, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for SSI. In Cox proportional hazard models, SSI was independently associated with graft loss (multivariable HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.35-10.38, P=0.011). In conclusion, SSI was a rare complication after K-Tx. BMI ≥25kg/m2and delayed graft function were independent risk factors. SSI were independently associated with graft loss.

This publication is an update of the “Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis – Brazilian Society of Dermatology” published in 2019, considering the novel, targeted-oriented systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The initial recommendations of the current consensus for systemic treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis were based on a recent review of scientific published data and a consensus was reached after voting. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology invited 31 experts from all regions of Brazil and 2 international experts on atopic dermatitis who fully contributed to the process. The methods included an e-Delphi study to avoid bias, a literature search and a final consensus meeting. The authors added novel approved drugs in Brazil and the indication for phototherapy and systemic therapy for AD. The therapeutical response to systemic treatment is hereby reported in a suitable form for clinical practice and is also part of this updated manuscript.

IntroductionObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent, disabling, and comorbid condition that is frequently under-recognized and poorly treated. OCD phenotypes may differ in terms of clinical presentation and severity. However, few studies have investigated whether clinical phenotypes differ in terms of latency to treatment (ie, duration of untreated illness[DUI]), duration, and severity of illness. The present study was aimed to quantify the aforementioned variables in a sample of OCD patients.MethodsOne hundred fourteen outpatients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis of OCD were recruited, and their main clinical features were collected. Severity of illness was assessed through the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), and the main phenotypes were identified through the Y-BOCS Symptom Checklist. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, followed by a Bonferroni post-hoc test, were performed to compare DUI, duration, and severity of illness across subgroups.ResultsIn the whole sample, the mean DUI exceeded 7 years (87.35±11.75 months), accounting for approximately half of the mean duration of illness (172.2±13.36 months). When subjects were categorized into 4 main clinical phenotypes, respectively, aggressive/checking (n=31), contamination/cleaning (n=37), symmetry/ordering (n=32), and multiple phenotypes (n=14), DUI, duration, and severity of illness resulted significantly higher in the aggressive/checking subgroup, compared to other subgroups (F=3.58, p<0.01; F=3.07, p<0.01; F=4.390, p<0.01).DiscussionIn a sample of OCD patients, along with a mean latency to treatment of approximately 7 years, regardless of the phenotype, patients had spent half of their duration of illness (DI) without being treated. DUI, duration, and severity of illness resulted significantly higher in the aggressive/checking subgroup.

The demise of classical realism is traced to a meeting in 1926 between Bohr and Schrödinger, as recalled by Heisenberg [Physics and Beyond; Encounters and Conversations(Harper, 1972)]. The arguments are revisited today by imagining an encounter of the same men after the path integral formulation, or “sum over histories” model was introduced. Schrödinger wants a fully relativistic quantum theory that can be visualized, while Bohr favors existing theories based on mathematical models. Recent experimental evidence suggests that excited atomic states consist of three field sources; nucleus, electron, and photon; that can be described by an action integral as a fully relativistic quantum theory. The proposed derivation conceives of photons as four-dimensional localizations of field energy that are both determinable and exact. Probability distributions, such as interference patterns on a screen, are interpreted as projections in two dimensions of four-dimensional structure.

In today's continuously evolving media landscape, consumers expect brands to engage with them over multiple channels. Indeed, 87 per cent of people surveyed want meaningful interactions with brands. Yet only 17 per cent think that brands actually deliver that interaction effectively. With such an opportunity in front of all brand marketers, it is critically important to understand how to set priorities and maximise communication channels in order to engage effectively with customers and other key stakeholders. This paper provides the reader with six key tenets for assessing and establishing channel priorities for a brand's marketing and engagement efforts. Tenets centre on the premise that brands should not try to be all things to all people but rather should identify those channels which both offer the strongest return on investment in reaching very targeted audience segments and which align with the brand's overall voice and content. Often overlooked and critically important is a focus on search and paid amplification in order to ensure broader reach.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the effects of structural asymmetries related to the use of interest rate swaps within the European Union (EU) on the sustainability of public debt. The fiscal consolidation required to comply with the European budgetary rules increased for some countries the incentives to use debt related instruments (i.e., financialization of debt). Indeed, in the period 2006–2020, 17 EU countries used interest rate swaps to hedge their public debt. Dynamic panel data analysis results show that a 1 percent increase in the ratio of interest rate swaps to debt, ceteris paribus, leads to an improvement of the primary surplus over GDP by 0.49, thus ameliorating the sustainability of public debt. However, financial contracts imply additional risks that can ultimately impact in the medium term on public debt, which are not currently assessed by the standard Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA). The aim of the paper is to fill this gap and discuss the main policy implications of the use of swap. In the post pandemic era, the political economy of debt reduction should properly consider the financial risks related to swaps.

Latency to first pharmacological treatment duration of untreated illness (DUI) in psychiatric disorders can be measured in years, with differences across diagnostic areas and relevant consequences in terms of socio-occupational functioning and outcome. Within the psychopathological onset of a specific disorder, many factors influence access and latency to first pharmacotherapy and the present study aimed to investigate such factors, through an ad-hoc developed questionnaire, in a sample of 538 patients with diagnoses of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (SZ), mood disorder (MD), and anxiety disorder (AD). Patients with SZs showed earlier ages at onset, first diagnosis and treatment, as well as shorter DUI compared with other patients (43.17 months vs. 58.64 and 80.43 months in MD and AD; F=3.813, P=0.02). Patients with MD and AD reported more frequently onset-related stressful events, benzodiazepines as first treatment, and autonomous help seeking compared with patients with SZs. In terms of first therapist, psychiatrist referral accounted for 43.6 of the cases, progressively decreasing from SZ to MD and AD (57.6, 41.8, and 38.3, respectively). The opposite phenomenon was observed for nonpsychiatrist clinician referrals, whereas psychologist referrals remained constant. The present findings confirm the presence of a relevant DUI in a large sample of Italian patients with different psychiatric disorders (5 years, on average), pointing out specific differences, in terms of treatment access and latency, between psychotic and affective patients. Such aspects are relevant for detection of at-risk patients and implement early intervention programs.

The present study evaluated short- and long-term efficacy and tolerability of augmentative vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in a group of patients with treatment-resistant depression (N = 6). A statistically significant improvement in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS21) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale after 3 months (P= 0.039 and P= 0.05, respectively) was found in comparison with baseline (VNS implant). After 12 months, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS21), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impression (P= 0.01, P= 0.005, and P= 0.001, respectively). Patients showed an overall favorable tolerability. Present data support VNS short- and long-term efficacy and tolerability in a small group of patients with treatment-resistant depression. Further controlled investigation is necessary to confirm the present open findings.

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of cell-based immune assays in the detection of alloreactivity after islet transplantation and to correlate these results with clinical outcome. Mixed lymphocyte cultures were performed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from recipients (n= 14), donors, or third party. The immune reactivity was assessed by the release of IFN-γ (ELISpot), cell proliferation (FACS analysis for Ki67), and cytokine quantification (Bioplex). Islet function correlated with the number of IFN-γ-secreting cells following incubation with donor cells (p= 0.007, r= –0.50), but not with third party cells (p= 0.61). Similarly, a high number of donor-specific proliferating cells was associated with a low islet function (p= 0.006, r= −0.51). Proliferating cells were mainly CD3+CD4+lymphocytes and CD3-CD56+natural killer cells (with low levels of CD3+CD8+lymphocytes). Patients with low islet function had increased levels of CD4+Ki67+cells (p≤ 0.0001), while no difference was observed in CD8+Ki67+and CD56+Ki67+cells. IFN-γ, IL-5, and IL-17 levels were increased in patients with low islet function, but IL-10 levels tended to be lower. IFN-γ-ELISpot, proliferation, and cytokines were similarly accurate in predicting clinical outcome (AUC = 0.77 ± 0.088, 0.85 ± 0.084, and 0.88 ± 0.074, respectively). Cellular immune reactivity against donor cells correlates with posttransplant islet function. The tested assays have the potential to be of substantial help in the management of islet graft recipients and deserve prospective validation.

The dynamics of many large floodplain rivers are dominated by the flood pulse. The high kinetic energy of the erosive flows associated with the flood pulse forms and reforms the river channel. In general, the flood pulse supports the immense abundance and diversity of river life by transporting nutrients and organic matter into backwaters in spring, supporting primary and secondary production during the summer and redistributing these products to channels as water levels recede. Both North American and South American fluvial‐dependent large river fishes exhibit complex, system‐level longitudinal and/or lateral movements across life stages that allow them to exploit flood pulse‐driven spatial heterogeneity and seasonal connectivity to feed, reproduce and avoid harsh conditions. We argue that two hydraulic variables, the magnitudes of velocity and the spatial velocity gradient, are necessary and sufficient to both understand fish ‘hydro‐navigation’ as well as explain patterns in biogeochemistry and fluvial geomorphology and thereby create a new conceptual framework for large floodplain rivers integrating fluid dynamics, channel morphology, biogeochemical cycling and important elements of fish ecology. We illustrate the framework using summary data from the São Francisco River, Brazil that contains sub‐basins possessing different levels of impact and also from the lower Paraná River (Argentina) where natural processes can still be studied. We believe the framework is an important element of large river restoration because it directly links the unique physical and chemical processes of large floodplain rivers to life requirements important to fishes and other biota. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Clinical risk classification is inaccurate in predicting relapse in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, sometimes resulting in patients receiving inappropriate chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation (SCT). We studied minimal residual disease (MRD) as a predictive factor for recurrence and as a decisional tool for postconsolidation maintenance (in MRDneg) or SCT (in MRDpos). MRD was tested at weeks 10, 16, and 22 using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction with 1 or more sensitive probes. Only patients with t(9;22) or t(4;11) were immediately eligible for allogeneic SCT. Of 280 registered patients (236 in remission), 34 underwent an early SCT, 60 suffered from relapse or severe toxicity, and 142 were evaluable for MRD at the end of consolidation. Of these, 58 were MRDneg, 54 MRDpos, and 30 were not assessable. Five-year overall survival/disease-free survival rates were 0.75/0.72 in the MRDneggroup compared with 0.33/0.14 in MRDpos(P= .001), regardless of the clinical risk class. MRD was the most significant risk factor for relapse (hazard ratio, 5.22). MRD results at weeks 16 to 22 correlated strongly with the earlier time point (P= .001) using a level of 10−4or higher to define persistent disease. MRD analysis during early postremission therapy improves risk definitions and bolsters risk-oriented strategies. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00358072.

In the hit to lead process, a drug candidate is selected from a set of potential leads by screening its binding with potential targets. This review focuses on the lead identification assays that employ a bio-chemical or bio-physical test to detect molecular recognition events between proteins and small molecules in a parallel format.These tests require either the lead or the target immobilization followed by incubation with the set of potential interaction partners and detection of a signal related to the target-ligand binding. In the first part of the review the different detection strategies amenable for drug screening are discussed. In the second part, a review of immobilization approaches for leads or targets, allowing the parallel screening of arrays of molecules, is presented.

Dirac noted in his first paper on quantum electrodynamics [Proc. Roy. Soc. A 114, 243 (1927)] that, “The theory is non-relativistic only on account of the time being counted throughout as a c-number [classically], instead of being treated symmetrically with the space coordinates.” His suggestion for a relativistic theory of quantum mechanics is carried out here by describing the atom in configuration space as the action integral of a Lagrangian. Atomic structure is described with discrete coordinates in Minkowski space, while the atom itself resides in the curved space-time continuum of the gravitational field, the background space of quantum gravity. Although it does not meet the more ambitious goals of a string theory or loop quantum gravity, it is the first successfultheory. In other words, it is the first theory to describe how gravitational fields interact with quanta at the microscopic level. This paper is dedicated to the thousands of theoretical physicists who have defended nonrelativistic theory since its inception in 1926 without questioning its limitations even as it lost touch with reality and became ever more difficult to believe.

Effective rehabilitation of large rivers requires a concept of normal floodplain river behavior - the reference condition - to understand system-level disturbance history and to develop plans to improve river health. However, reference conditions are difficult to obtain for large rivers. Using Correspondence Analysis of a select subset of the world's great rivers, we show that the Parana and Mississippi Rivers are relatively similar at the watershed scale based on general geographical and physico-chemical variables, although these rivers differ substantially in disturbance history. We believe that the less disturbed Parana River provides reference conditions for the more disturbed Mississippi River for some processes and functions whereas the Mississippi River provides a compelling vision of the future state of the Parana River unless sustainable development plans are developed and implemented. By integrating information between them, this pair of rivers provides a unique opportunity for scientists to develop more robust conceptual models and improved deterministic models to better guide river management and rehabilitation actions. We suggest that development of large river reference conditions may be better obtained through expanded inter-hemispheric scientific collaboration on multiple systems than through increased focus on a single impacted system.

Novel 1-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one (VP) derivatives, namely 3,3-di(ethoxycarbonyl)-1-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one (DEVP) and 3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-1-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one (EVP), were obtained through a two-step synthetic pathway involving the abstraction of a hydrogen atom α to the lactam C&dbd;O, followed by condensation with ethyl chloroformate. By properly selecting the reaction conditions, DEVP could be obtained in high yields, through a straightforward purification procedure. Both DEVP and EVP were converted to sodium 1-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one-3-carboxylate (VP-COONa) by saponification of the ester group, followed by decarboxylation reaction in the case of DEVP. All monomers were homo- and copolymerized with VP by radical polymerization, the structure of the polymer obtained was determined by means of ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and molecular weights were analyzed by means of size exclusion chromatography. The resultant DEVP- and EVP-based polymers also underwent hydrolysis with alkali solutions, followed by decarboxylation reaction in the case of DEVP units, which led in all cases to one carboxylate function linked to the lactam ring. The reactivity ratios for the copolymerization of DEVP with VP were determined in methanol solution according to the Kelen−Tüdös procedure, through polymerization experiments performed at different feed, in which compositional drifts were followed by monitoring monomer conversions by means of ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The values of the reactivity ratios obtained were rDEVP = 0.63 and rVP = 0.33. The validity of these parameters was checked by means of the classical Skeist equation.

Purpose To investigate whether topical nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are useful, in the absence of concomitant corticosteroid therapy, in limiting postoperative inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery.Methods A total of 328 patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group, active-controlled study. Anterior chamber inflammation (ACI) was evaluated as the primary efficacy parameter. Only patients with moderate inflammation (ACI score of ≤4) the day after surgery were randomized and treated with NSAIDs. A novel topical formulation containing 0.2% sodium naproxen was compared with 0.1% diclofenac. Both were administered three times a day for 14 consecutive days. Ocular inflammation was measured after 7 and 14 days by using slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Safety parameters were also evaluated at the same time.Results Both treatments were equally effective in controlling postsurgical inflammation. No statistically significant differences between treatment groups were observed for the safety variables. No serious adverse events (AEs) occurred during the course of the study. The most frequent AE reported with naproxen was eye redness.Conclusions NSAIDs can effectively be used without concurrent administration of corticosteroids to control postoperative inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery. In addition, naproxen ophthalmic solution may be considered a suitable alternative to the currently available NSAIDs.

By real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR), we evaluated BCL2/IgH+cells in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) from 86 patients with follicular lymphoma treated with the sequential administration of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) and rituximab. At diagnosis, the amount of BCL2/IgH+cells in the BM was low (1 BCL2/IgH+cell in 1000-100 000 normal cells) in 43% of patients, intermediate (1 in 100-1000) in 34%, and high (> 1 in 100) in 23%. A 2 log decrease of BCL2/IgH+cells was achieved after CHOP and an additional 2 log reduction following rituximab. By multivariate analysis, a low level of BCL2/IgH+cells in the BM at diagnosis was the best predictor for the achievement of a complete clinical and molecular response. At 5 years, the event-free survival rates of patients with a low/intermediate or high tumor infiltration in the BM were 59% and 32%, respectively. The freedom from recurrence of patients who achieved a molecular response in the BM, no matter whether after CHOP alone or CHOP and rituximab, was 64% as compared to 32% for patients who did not (P< .006). RQ-PCR performed at presentation on BM samples predicts treatment response and long-term clinical outcome in patients with follicular lymphoma.

By real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR), we evaluated BCL2/IgH+ cells in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) from 86 patients with follicular lymphoma treated with the sequential administration of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) and rituximab. At diagnosis, the amount of BCL2/IgH+ cells in the BM was low (1 BCL2/IgH+ cell in 1000-100 000 normal cells) in 43% of patients, intermediate (1 in 100-1000) in 34%, and high (> 1 in 100) in 23%. A 2 log decrease of BCL2/IgH+ cells was achieved after CHOP and an additional 2 log reduction following rituximab. By multivariate analysis, a low level of BCL2/IgH+ cells in the BM at diagnosis was the best predictor for the achievement of a complete clinical and molecular response. At 5 years, the event-free survival rates of patients with a low/intermediate or high tumor infiltration in the BM were 59% and 32%, respectively. The freedom from recurrence of patients who achieved a molecular response in the BM, no matter whether after CHOP alone or CHOP and rituximab, was 64% as compared to 32% for patients who did not (P < .006). RQ-PCR performed at presentation on BM samples predicts treatment response and long-term clinical outcome in patients with follicular lymphoma.

This report describes the design and analysis of an extruded aluminum truss-work bridge railing for NCHRP Report 350 test levels three and four conditions. The objective of this research is to determine if the barrier will pass the NCHRP Report 350 full-scale crash tests for test levels three and four by using the nonlinear dynamic finite element program LS-DYNA. A subsequent AASHTO LRFD analysis supported the LS-DYNA results. The design documented in this report was found to be of comparable strength to other F-shaped bridge railings so that successful crash test results are highly likely.

Fluorescence anisotropy decay spectroscopy is a suitable tool for investigating the size and the shape of biological molecules. We coupled this technique to an optical microscope in order to reduce the excitation volume and to allow its application to spatially inhomogeneous samples. Phase modulated measurements of the fluorescence anisotropy decay were performed by feeding an intensity modulated linearly polarized laser beam to the epifluorescence port of a microscope. Here we report the test of the dynamic response of the microscope by comparing the lifetime and fluorescence polarization anisotropy decays obtained in cuvettes in a standard phase modulation fluorometer and on tiny drops on the microscope stage. We show that once a correction factor for the objective depolarization is introduced in the best-fit functions for the data analysis of the decays, the results obtained on the two setups are comparable. Some applications are reported here on long DNA tracts as well on short DNA fragments containing structural anomalies.