Effect of spring-back in v-tool bending of high-strength steel sheet metal plates

This paper deals with the effects of technological parameters used in the V-die bending process, on the obtained product properties and dimensions. By variation of the tool geometry, several cases of steel sheet bending process are observed through the FEM simulations. Also by variation of different mechanical material properties, effects on product geometry are observed. Since the automobile manufacturers mostly use the high strength steel sheet metal plates, there is a need for the successful tool construction and optimization in order to produce quality products

A common variant of the MACC1 gene is significantly associated with overall survival in colorectal cancer patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The newly discovered metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) gene is a key regulator of the HGF/MET pathway. Deregulation of HGF/MET signaling is reported as a prognostic marker for tumorigenesis, early stage invasion, and metastasis. High expression levels of MACC1 have been associated with colon cancer metastasis and reduced survival. Potential links between the genetic diversity of the MACC1 locus and overall survival are unknown. We therefore investigated the association between MACC1 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and overall survival in a large cohort of colorectal cancer patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study included 318 subjects with histopathologically proven colorectal cancer at the Academic Teaching Hospital Feldkirch, Austria. Survival data were provided by the federal agency for statistics in Austria. Genomic DNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens; six tagging SNPs (rs1990172, rs3114446, rs10275612, rs3095007, rs3095009, and rs7780032), capturing most of the common variants of the MACC1 locus, were genotyped by SNaPshot assays.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Over a mean follow up period of 5.3 (± 1.0) years, 94 deaths were recorded. Carriers of the G-allele of SNP rs1990172 showed a significantly decreased overall survival (additive HR = 1.38 [1.05-1.82]; <it>p </it>= 0.023). Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and UICC tumor stage confirmed this result (HR = 1.49 [1.12-1.98]; <it>p </it>= 0.007). Other investigated genetic variants of the MACC1 gene were not significantly associated with overall survival (<it>p</it>-values > 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>For the first time, our study investigated the influence of MACC1 tagging polymorphisms on overall survival suggesting SNP rs1990172 as a predictor for reduced overall survival in colorectal cancer patients. Further studies will be required to validate our findings.</p

Preliminary results of surgical equine embryo transfer after open pulled straw vitrification

International audienc

Protest

Holzer B. Protest. In: Jahraus O, Nassehi A, Grizelj M, Saake S, Kirchmeier C, Müller J, eds. Luhmann‐Handbuch. Leben – Werk – Wirkung. Stuttgart/Weimar: J.B. Metzler; 2012: 193-196

Influence of continuous breeding goats on return to cyclicity in seasonal breeding goats

The boer goats which originated from the South African Republic are continous breeding animals when kept in the northern hemisphere and they kidd three times in 2 years. In this study, a mixed herd was monitored to determine whether boer goats could induce return to cyclicity in sesonal breeding goats. All goats (n = 20) were pluriparous and kidded during January and February. During January a mixed group was formed (10 boer goats kept together with 10 domestic breed goats). At the same time a group of domestic breed goats (n = 12), kept in the same manner, 40 km away from the experimental group was used as controls. Blood samples were collected every 72 h to determine level of progesterone in both herds. Goats were monitored at the same time to observe for signs of oestrus. Progesterone concentrations in sera samples were determined using a RIA method. Data were analysed by ANOVA using Statistica software. We observed visual oestrus in all boer goats and in eight domestic breed goats from the mixed group during March and April. Progesterone concentrations confirmed the presence of functional corpora lutea between two visual cycles in these animals. No visual oestrus or increases in progesterone were observed in the control group of goats. In conclusion, continuous breeding boer goats induced oestrus in 80% (n = 8) of seasonal breeding goats when kept in a mixed herd