Study of Cherenkov Light Lateral Distribution Function around the Knee Region in Extensive Air Showers

The Cherenkov light lateral distribution function (LDF) was simulated with the CORSIKA code, in the energy range (10^13-10^16) eV. This simulation was performed for conditions and configurations of the Tunka EAS Cherenkov array for two primary particles (p and Fe). Basing on the simulated results, many approximated functions are structured for two primary particles and different zenith angles. This allowed us to reconstruct the EAS events, which is, to determine the type and energy of the primary particles that produced showers from signal amplitudes of Cherenkov radiation which measured with Tunka Cherenkov array experiment. Comparison of the calculated LDF of Cherenkov radiation with that measured at the Tunka EAS array shows the ability for identifying of the primary particle that initiated the EAS cascades determining of its primary energy around the knee region of the cosmic ray spectrum.Comment: 13 Pages, 8 figures, Submitted and accepted at the Serbian Astronomical Journa

HLA Profile in Iraqi Rheumatic Valvulitis Patients

Background: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is the most polymorphic genetic system in man. The genes of this region influence susceptibility to certain disease. Objectives: This study was established to shed light on the possible association of HLA class I and II antigens with RV patients. Patients and Methods: Lymphocytotoxicity assay for HLA for class I and II typing had been done for (100) Iraqi patients suffering from rheumatic valvulitis (RV), the control groups consisting of (75 healthy individuals and 35 non rheumatic heart disease (NRHD) patients ). Results: The results showed a significant association of A33-Ags with these patients as compared with healthy and cardiac controls (P=0.005), (P=0.033) respectively. Another interesting finding was the low frequency of A1 in RV patients when compared with healthy control (p=0.002), suggesting that A1 allele may confer protective effect against this disease. In addition significant association between blood group B and RV was evident (p=0.04). An interesting observation was a strong association of blood group B and A33 among those patients (P<0.001). Conclusion: The present results are consistent with hypothesis that susceptibility to RV is genetically linked and in turn may be associated mainly with A33 in Iraqi patients

Amino acid analysis of lipases from oil pollutant isolates: Cunninghamella verticillata and Geotrichum candidum

Lipase is an enzyme commonly used in food, dairy, and other industries. Fungal lipases are more commonly used due to their secretion and easier production. Analyses of the amino acid composition of microbial lipases will hasten their potential usage in industrial applications. In this study, the major amino acid compositions of lipases secreted by oil pollutant isolates (Cunninghamella verticillata and Geotrichum candidum) enriched with fatty substances were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Among eight major amino acids found in these lipases, histidine and ornithine were predominant. Lysine was absent from lipase generated by C. verticillata, while glutamine was absent from that produced by G. candidum. Conversely, glutamic acid, asparagine, histidine and arginine were present in slightly higher amounts in G. candidum. However, a slight decrease in aspartic acid and ornithine was observed in G. candidum. Analyses of the amino acids composition of lipase can potentially facilitate to predict the nature of this enzyme

Intratumoral pan-ErbB targeted CAR-T for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: interim analysis of the T4 immunotherapy study

Background: Locally advanced/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To target upregulated ErbB dimer expression in this cancer, we developed an autologous CD28-based chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) approach named T4 immunotherapy. Patient-derived T-cells are engineered by retroviral transduction to coexpress a panErbB-specific CAR called T1E28ζ and an IL-4-responsive chimeric cytokine receptor, 4αβ, which allows IL-4-mediated enrichment of transduced cells during manufacture. These cells elicit preclinical antitumor activity against HNSCC and other carcinomas. In this trial, we used intratumoral delivery to mitigate significant clinical risk of on-target off-tumor toxicity owing to low-level ErbB expression in healthy tissues. // Methods: We undertook a phase 1 dose-escalation 3+3 trial of intratumoral T4 immunotherapy in HNSCC (NCT01818323). CAR T-cell batches were manufactured from 40 to 130 mL of whole blood using a 2-week semiclosed process. A single CAR T-cell treatment, formulated as a fresh product in 1–4 mL of medium, was injected into one or more target lesions. Dose of CAR T-cells was escalated in 5 cohorts from 1×107−1×109 T4+ T-cells, administered without prior lymphodepletion. // Results: Despite baseline lymphopenia in most enrolled subjects, the target cell dose was successfully manufactured in all cases, yielding up to 7.5 billion T-cells (67.5±11.8% transduced), without any batch failures. Treatment-related adverse events were all grade 2 or less, with no dose-limiting toxicities (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V.4.0). Frequent treatment-related adverse events were tumor swelling, pain, pyrexias, chills, and fatigue. There was no evidence of leakage of T4+ T-cells into the circulation following intratumoral delivery, and injection of radiolabeled cells demonstrated intratumoral persistence. Despite rapid progression at trial entry, stabilization of disease (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1) was observed in 9 of 15 subjects (60%) at 6 weeks post-CAR T-cell administration. Subsequent treatment with pembrolizumab and T-VEC oncolytic virus achieved a rapid complete clinical response in one subject, which was durable for over 3 years. Median overall survival was greater than for historical controls. Disease stabilization was associated with the administration of an immunophenotypically fitter, less exhausted, T4 CAR T-cell product. // Conclusions: These data demonstrate the safe intratumoral administration of T4 immunotherapy in advanced HNSCC

Bernard Shaw's cosmopolitan perspective An approach to selected plays in international settings

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:D36962/81 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

The Impact of 3D Digital Modeling on the 3D Design Aspects in Urban Design Plans

Some experts suggest that urban design plans in US cities may lack adequate coverage of the three-dimensional design aspects of the built environment. 3D digital models may help designers visualize and interact with design alternatives, large urban data sets, and 3D information more effectively, thus correcting this problem. Case studies of recent urban design plans that have used 3D digital models may indicate whether these technologies can increase the quality of the plan. This research discusses the role 3D urban models can play in supporting designers in addressing the 3D design aspects. A literature review focused on reviewing secondary sources to construct or adopt theoretical propositions against which the empirical data can be compared and contrasted. A case study involved investigating the methods with which 3D models have been used in developing a selected urban design plan. The content analysis of the case study refuted the premise that the plan would inadequately address 3D aspects and utilize 3D information, and indicated an effective usage of 3D modelling to analyze and represent most of the 3D and 2D information elements and issues. The results are consistent with a hypothesis that the effective usage of 3D modelling would result in the effective coverage of 3D information and issues. The effective usage of the modelis functionalities has improved the quality of the decision-making process through improving designersi cognitive capabilities and providing a platform for communicating design ideas among and across design teams