Tissue Cytokine Responses in Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

To elucidate the local tissue cytokine response of dogs infected with Leishmania chagasi, cytokine mRNA levels were measured in bone marrow aspirates from 27 naturally infected dogs from Brazil and were compared with those from 5 uninfected control animals. Interferon-γ mRNA accumulation was enhanced in infected dogs and was positively correlated with humoral (IgG1) but not with lymphoproliferative responses to Leishmania antigen in infected dogs. Increased accumulation of mRNA for interleukin (IL)4, IL-10, and IL-18 was not observed in infected dogs, and mRNA for these cytokines did not correlate with antibody or proliferative responses. However, infected dogs with detectable IL-4 mRNA had significantly more severe symptoms. IL-13 mRNA was not detectable in either control or infected dogs. These data suggest that clinical symptoms are not due to a deficiency in interferon-γ production. However, in contrast to its role in human visceral leishmaniasis, IL-10 may not play a key immunosuppressive role in dogs

A numerical trim methodology study for the Kriso container ship with bulbous bow form variation

The application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is the fastest developing area in marine fluid dynamics as an alternative to Experimental Fluid Dynamics (EFD). While EFD employs well-established methods for predicting a ship's performance, CFD is still challenged to reach a reliable level of accuracy in a reasonable amount of time. In the present study, this issue is addressed in the context of trim optimization by exploring the combination of time-inexpensive potential flow simulations with high-fidelity Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulations. This approach allowed covering a broad fore body design space by running a large number of potential flow simulations while at the same time important flow effects due to viscous forces were included by running URANS simulations over the full speed range for a small set of simulations. The KCS baseline design results were validated against an experimental towing tank dataset ensuring a valid CFD setup and thus demonstrating its competitiveness to EFD

Optically Transparent Composite Material and Process for Preparing Same

Glass ribbon-reinforced transparent polymer composites which provide excellent optical transparency and a low distortion level over a wide temperature range while exhibiting superior mechanical properties as compared to non- reinforced polymer counterparts, and equivalent properties as compared to glass fiber-reinforced counterparts

Factors Related to the Selection of a Real Estate Agency or Agent

Real estate firms attempting to maintain or increase their market share want to know the characteristics of the firm or individual agents that are important to market participants. A survey of homeowners conducted during August 1987 found the following: 1) the individual agent is more important than the firm itself in the selection of a real estate firm; 2) knowing an agent of the firm was the primary factor considered in the selection of a real estate firm; and 3) agent characteristics of selling ability, competence, integrity, knowledge of the market, and understanding the client's needs and concerns were most important.

Powering lights with piezoelectric energy harvesting floors

The present work introduces a new technology for converting energy from steps into electricity. It starts with a study of the mechanical energy available from steps in a busy corridor. The subsequent development efforts and devices are presented, with an iterative approach to prototyping. Methods for enhancing the piezoelectric conversion efficiency have been determined as a part of the process and are introduced in the present article. Capitalizing on these findings, we have fabricated energy-harvesting devices for stairs that power embedded emergency lighting. The typical working unit comprises an energy-harvesting stair nosing, a power management circuit, and an embedded light-emitting diode that lights the tread in front of the user with an illuminance corresponding to emergency standards. The stair nosing generates up to 17.7 mJ of useful electrical energy per activation to provide up to 10.6 seconds of light. The corresponding energy density is 0.49 J per meter square and per step, with an 8.5 mm thick active layer

An optimized intermolecular force field for hydrogen bonded organic molecular crystals using atomic multipole electrostatics

This is the author accepted manuscript. It is currently under an indefinite embargo pending publication by the International Union of Crystallography.We present a re-parameterization of the a popular intermolecular force field for describing intermolecular interactions in the organic solid state. Specifically, we optimize the performance of the exp-6 force field when used in conjunction with atomic multipole electrostatics. We also parameterize force fields that are optimized for use with multipoles derived from polarized molecular electron densities, to account for induction effects in molecular crystals. Parameterization is performed against a set of 186 experimentally determined, low temperature crystal structures and 53 measured sublimation enthalpies of hydrogen bonding organic molecules. The resulting force fields are tested on a validation set of 129 crystal structures and show improved reproduction of the structures and lattice energies of a range of organic molecular crystals compared to the original force field with atomic partial charge electrostatics. Unit cell dimensions of the validation set are typically reproduced to within 3% with the re-parameterized force fields. Lattice energies, which were all included during parameterisation, are systematically underestimated when compared to measured sublimation enthalpies, with mean absolute errors of between 7.4 and 9.0%.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (Doctoral Training Account studentship

Nuclear Physics with Electroweak Probes

In recent years, the italian theoretical Nuclear Physics community has played a leading role in the development of a unified approach, allowing for a consistent and fully quantitative description of the nuclear response to electromagnetic and weak probes. In this paper I review the main achievements in both fields, point out some of the open problems, and outline the most promising prospects.Comment: Invited Talk at the XII Workshop on Theoretical Nuclear Physics in Italy, Cortona, October 8-10, 200

Recent developments in targeting access to high cost medicines in Australia

BACKGROUND: In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has developed a set of arrangements to control access to high-cost medicines to ensure their use is cost-effective. These medicines include the tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNFIs) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this first phase of a qualitative study was to explore basic views on the restricted access to TNFIs in order to confirm where further investigation should take place in the next phase. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2004 with a member of the four relevant stakeholder groups. Participants were asked their opinions about features of the establishment, process and effects of the system of restricted access to TNFIs. Views on the collaboration between stakeholder groups in the decision-making process were also collected. RESULTS: The principle of 'controlled access' to TNFIs was supported in general. There were concerns regarding some of the specific eligibility criteria. Wider and more transparent stakeholder consultation was judged desirable. Some flexibility around prescribing of TNFIs by physicians, and regular review of the arrangements were proposed. These themes will inform the next phase of the study. CONCLUSION: This first phase highlighted a range of issues associated with the PBS arrangements restricting access to TNFIs. Timely review and report of issues and concerns associated with such policy developments that arose in practice are essential. There is a need for a more comprehensive exploration across a wide range of stakeholders with different perspectives that will in turn be helpful in guiding policy and practice around national arrangements to manage access to high-cost medicines