Sequential stopping for high-throughput experiments

In high-throughput experiments, the sample size is typically chosen informally. Most formal sample-size calculations depend critically on prior knowledge. We propose a sequential strategy that, by updating knowledge when new data are available, depends less critically on prior assumptions. Experiments are stopped or continued based on the potential benefits in obtaining additional data. The underlying decision-theoretic framework guarantees the design to proceed in a coherent fashion. We propose intuitively appealing, easy-to-implement utility functions. As in most sequential design problems, an exact solution is prohibitive. We propose a simulation-based approximation that uses decision boundaries. We apply the method to RNA-seq, microarray, and reverse-phase protein array studies and show its potential advantages. The approach has been added to the Bioconductor package gaga

Robotic prostatectomy : an update on functional and oncologic outcomes

Since the first procedure performed in 2000, robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been rapidly gaining increasing acceptance from both urologists and patients. Today, RARP is the dominant treatment option for localised prostate cancer (PCa) in the United States, despite the absence of any prospective randomised trial comparing RARP with other procedures. Robotic systems have been introduced in an attempt to reduce the difficulty involved in performing complex laparoscopic procedures and the related steep learning curve. The recognised advantages of this kind of minimally invasive surgery are three-dimensional (3D) vision, ten-fold magnification, Endowrist technology with seven degrees of freedom, and tremor filtration. In this article, we examine this technique and report its functional (in terms of urinary continence and potency) and oncologic results. We also evaluate the potential advantages of RARP in comparison with open and laparoscopic procedures. Copyright

the effect of different selenium sources during the finishing phase on beef quality

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Review of the development of cesium iodide photocathodes for application to large RICH detectors

CsI photocathodes were studied in order to evaluate their potential use as large photo converters in RICH detectors for the PID system of ALICE at LHC in heavy-ion collider mode. It has been demonstrated that a quantum efficiency close to the reference value obtained on small samples can be obtained on CsI layers evaporated on large pad electrodes operated in a MWPC at atmospheric pressure. We present a survey of the results obtained in the laboratory on small samples irradiated with UV-monochromatic beams and with large area RICH detectors of proximity-focusing geometry in a 3 GeV/c pion beam

HER2 status predicts for upfront AI benefit: A TRANS-AIOG meta-analysis of 12,129 patients from ATAC, BIG 1-98 and TEAM with centrally determined HER2

The BIG 1-98 trial was financed by Novartis and coordinated by the IBCSG [clinicaltrials.gov IDs = NCT00004205], including the design of the trial, data management, medical review, pathology review, and statistical support. The ATAC Trial was funded by AstraZeneca [clinicaltrials.gov IDs = NCT00849030] and Cancer Research UK. The TEAM trial was funded by Pharmacia/Pfizer [clinicaltrials.gov IDs = NCT00279448] and aspects of the biomarker work was funded by Cancer Research UK. John Bartlett was supported by funding from OICR which is provided through the Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science

Low Emission Small Two-Stroke Engines

The scavenging process of two-stroke engines is unfavorably characterized by the loss of large part of the fresh charge from the exhaust port. Besides, bad combustion and misfire occur at light loads, because of the excessive ratio of residual gas to fresh gas within the cylinder. To avoid fuel loss from the exhaust port, the solution is direct fuel injection, as well as charge stratification is the solution for light-load operation. With direct fuel injection and charge stratification, the simple two-stroke engine with loop-and-crankcase scavenging for small motorbikes can satisfy present exhaust emission limits even without catalytic converter. Direct injection and charge stratification equalize two-stroke and four-stroke engines as regards exhaust emissions and fuel economy, or give a slight superiority to two-stroke engines thanks to their intrinsic EGR and low friction. Besides, two-stroke engines deliver higher torque, especially at low engine speeds and, of course, have double firing frequency that improves torque regularity. High-pressure liquid fuel injection is able to control the mixing process inside the cylinder for getting either stratified charge at partial loads or quasi-homogeneous conditions, as it is required at full load. The most difficult aims are keeping stable stratification when engine operating conditions change and, at very light loads, avoiding excessive dilution and spreading of fuel vapour in consequence of burned gas expansion. New-concept engine designs are shown in this paper. Shapes of piston and head, together with scavenging-duct orientation have been optimised to obtain stable in-cylinder flow field features (independently of engine speed) and proper fuel distribution at ignition time. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) predictions at different loads and speeds are reported and discussed