Ternary superconductor "NbTiTa" for high field superfluid magnets

The possibility exists to obtain a higher Hc{sub 2}' upper critical field in the NbTi system which is normally limited by a spin-orbit coupling term. The introduction of scattering reduces this coupling. The spin-orbit scattering rate is proportional to Z{sup 4} and therefore leads logically to the introduction of a high atomic number element which is more or less similar with respect to all of the other properties, i.e., Tc. Previous studies have shown Tantalum to be an excellent choice. The present work represents an attempt to obtain a high current density, high field ternary magnet conductor (Jc (10T, 2K, {rho}eff = 10{sup {minus}12} {Omega}-cm)) > 2000A/mm{sup 2}. This goal was met, but the conductor was clearly not optimized

épée: A Support Environment for Process Engineering Software

This paper describes 'ep'ee, a distributed environment for the integration of software applications. It was developed with the aim of aiding the process of design by providing the necessary support for a design information management system. The software environment is first described in general terms and then our specific application of 'ep'ee to process engineering design is presented. 'ep'ee uses an object-oriented approach to data management. Data are represented as objects whose definitions, via templates, reflect the process engineering design environment. The use of focussed methods promotes a consistent look and feel to the tools in the environment. Method reuse reduces software development costs and increases users' confidence in the reliability of the methods. The benefits of the history recording mechanism in 'ep'ee and its object publishing facilities are described. A history record is a critical component of a high level design management system. This, together with the s..

Conventional supportive cancer care services in Australia: A national service mapping study (The CIA study)

Aim: Cancer and its treatment produce significant acute and long-term adverse effects in cancer survivors, resulting in a range of supportive cancer care needs across the disease trajectory. To enhance supportive cancer care in Australia, this study sought to understand and describe conventional services offered nationwide, specific to their structure (ownership, setting, duration), process (participants, delivery mode, referral pathways), and outcomes (evaluation). Methods: A survey canvassing 13 conventional supportive cancer care interventions was electronically distributed to 265 cancer organizations in all Australian states and territories over 2019 and 2020. Cancer organizations were invited to participate if they provided at least one cancer-directed treatment (ie, surgery, radiation therapy, or systemic therapies); or clinical cancer care to adults, adolescents, or children; or conventional supportive care interventions to cancer survivors. Results: A response rate of 46% (n = 123/265) was achieved, with 72% of cancer organizations (n = 88) delivering at least one intervention. Most were provided as outpatient or inpatient services, with few at home ( \u3c 13%) or via telehealth ( \u3c 10%). Psychological therapy (90%), self-care (82%), exercise (77%), healthy eating (69%), and lymphedema (69%) services were most common. Fatigue management (51%) and pelvic health (32%) were less common. Services offering massage, return-to-work, cognitive therapy, sleep hygiene, and leisure were underrepresented ( \u3c 31%). Conclusion: Provision of conventional supportive cancer care services continues to evolve in Australia. Multiple areas of care require development of dedicated services to address supportive cancer care intervention shortfalls across the country. Online resources and telemedicine are currently underutilized modalities that are available for further development

Darunavir Outcomes Study: Comparative Effectiveness of Virologic Suppression, Regimen Durability, and Discontinuation Reasons for Three-Class Experienced Patients at 48 Weeks

Several new antiretroviral (ARV) agents for treatment experienced HIV-infected patients have been approved since June 2006, including darunavir (DRV) and raltegravir (RAL). While efficacious in clinical trials, the effectiveness, durability, and tolerability of these new ARVs remains understudied in the context of routine clinical care. The Darunavir Outcomes Study is a prospective cohort study of three-class ARV-experienced patients changing regimens at the 1917 Clinic after 1/7/2006. All treatment decisions were at the discretion of primary providers. Multivariate (MV) logistic regression for 48 week VL <400c/ml and Cox models for regimen durability were completed. Propensity score methods controlled for sociodemographics. Among 108 patients, mean age of 46, 48% were white, 80% male, with prior exposure to a mean 10.5 ARVs. Overall, 64% of patients achieved 48-week VL <400 c/ml. In MV modeling DRV/rll (OR = 5.77;95%CI = 1.62–20.58) and RAL (OR = 3.84;95%CI = 1.23–11.95) use increased odds of 48-week suppression. Use of these agents exhibited a trend towards prolonged regimen durability in Cox models. Among those highly ARV-experienced, regimens containing DRV/r and/or RAL were more likely to achieve 48-week VL <400 c/ml and exhibited a trend towards prolonged durability. New agents have transformed the treatment landscape for ARV-experienced patients, with effectiveness in routine clinical care mirroring efficacy in clinical trials

An ILK/STAT3 pathway controls glioblastoma stem cell plasticity

Glioblastoma (GBM) is driven by malignant neural stem-like cells that display extensive heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity, which drive tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Here, we show that the extracellular matrix-cell adhesion protein integrin-linked kinase (ILK) stimulates phenotypic plasticity and mesenchymal-like, invasive behavior in a murine GBM stem cell model. ILK is required for the interconversion of GBM stem cells between malignancy-associated glial-like states, and its loss produces cells that are unresponsive to multiple cell state transition cues. We further show that an ILK/STAT3 signaling pathway controls the plasticity that enables transition of GBM stem cells to an astrocyte-like state in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we find that ILK expression correlates with expression of STAT3-regulated proteins and protein signatures describing astrocyte-like and mesenchymal states in patient tumors. This work identifies ILK as a pivotal regulator of multiple malignancy-associated GBM phenotypes, including phenotypic plasticity and mesenchymal state