Congruences of lines in P5\mathbb{P}^5, quadratic normality, and completely exceptional Monge-Amp\`ere equations

The existence is proved of two new families of locally Cohen-Macaulay sextic threefolds in $\mathbb{P}^5$, which are not quadratically normal. These threefolds arise naturally in the realm of first order congruences of lines as focal loci and in the study of the completely exceptional Monge-Amp\`ere equations. One of these families comes from a smooth congruence of multidegree $(1,3,3)$ which is a smooth Fano fourfold of index two and genus 9.Comment: 16 page

Fermat hypersurfaces and Subcanonical curves

We extend the classical Enriques-Petri Theorem to $s$-subcanonical projectively normal curves, proving that such a curve is $(s+2)$-gonal if and only if it is contained in a surface of minimal degree. Moreover, we show that any Fermat hypersurface of degree $s+2$ is apolar to an $s$-subcanonical $(s+2)$-gonal projectively normal curve, and vice versa.Comment: 18 pages; AMS-LaTe

Flexural performance of cold-formed steel section in a composite beam system

The application of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) as a structural member in buildings as composite associate was rarely demonstrated due to limited technical information available about its usage in the system, despite the prospects of the CFS section in the composite system of construction in buildings as well as in light weight industrial applications as nowadays proven. Therefore, this paper aimed at demonstrating the potentials of using CFS section as a structural member in a composite beam system. Four-point bending test was used to determine the flexural strength capacities of the composite system. Results of flexural tests conducted on the composite specimens incorporating the CFS coupled with bolted shear connector proved it to be structurally feasible. In conclusion, the CFS can be employed as a structural member to eliminate the use of Hot Rolled Steel (HRS) section in small and medium size buildings and in lightweight industrial composite constructions as demonstrated

Can cold-formed steel section be use as a sustainable structural member in building and civil engineering constructions? A mini review

Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) section for several decades was not considered as a structural member in building and civil engineering constructions due to inadequate technical information available about its usage, despite the potentials it demonstrated as proven by current research studies. Therefore, this paper aimed at demonstrating the structural capability of CFS section as a sustainable structural member in building and civil engineering constructions. Some research studies conducted reported in this paper shows the possibility of CFS section to be utilized as a structural member in the construction industries. Results from the research studies reported shows that flexural capacities were found to be increased when the CFS section was integrated compositely. In conclusion, and as demonstrated in this paper based on the studies reported, the CFS section can be employed as a sustainable structural member in small and medium size buildings, civil engineering and in lightweight industrial constructions

Feeding ecology of the transparent goby <em>Aphia minuta</em> (Pisces, Gobiidae) in the northwestern Adriatic Sea

The feeding ecology of the transparent goby Aphia minuta was examined in spring (May 2003) in the coastal waters off Comacchio, in the northwestern Adriatic Sea. Stomach content analysis indicated A. minuta to be a planktivorous species, feeding exclusively on pelagic invertebrates. The diet composition was dominated by the calanoid copepods Acartia clausi and Temora longicornis, followed in decreasing order of importance by other copepods (especially calanoids and Oncaea spp.) and larvae of decapods, polychaetes and bivalves. A. minuta exhibited a generalistic feeding strategy with a relatively broad niche width. Abundant taxa in the environment, such as A. clausi and T. longicornis, were seldom selected, whereas rare taxa, such as larvae of polychaetes and decapods, were highly selected. According to the observed ontogenetic shift in diet, small-size individuals relied preferentially on juvenile T. longicornis and Oncaea spp., whereas large-sized specimens consumed preferably A. clausi and calanoids. The positive relationship found between prey and fish size may help to mitigate the intraspecific competition for food resources

Hilbert functions and Jordan type of Perazzo Artinian algebras

We study Hilbert functions, Lefschetz properties, and Jordan type of Artinian Gorenstein algebras associated to Perazzo hypersurfaces in projective space. The main focus lies on Perazzo threefolds, for which we prove that the Hilbert functions are always unimodal. Further we prove that the Hilbert function determines whether the algebra is weak Lefschetz, and we characterize those Hilbert functions for which the weak Lefschetz property holds. By example, we verify that the Hilbert functions of Perazzo fourfolds are not always unimodal. In the particular case of Perazzo threefolds with the smallest possible Hilbert function, we give a description of the possible Jordan types for multiplication by any linear form.Comment: 23 page

Regression of left ventricular mass following conversion from conventional hemodialysis to thrice weekly in-centre nocturnal hemodialysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Increased left ventricular mass (LVM) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis. Among patients receiving conventional hemodialysis (CHD, 3×/week, 4 hrs/session), we evaluated whether dialysis intensification with in-centre nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD, 3×/week, 7-8 hrs/session in the dialysis unit) was associated with regression of LVM.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a retrospective cohort study of CHD recipients who converted to INHD and received INHD for at least 6 months. LVM on the first echocardiogram performed at least 6 months post-conversion was compared to LVM pre-conversion. In a secondary analysis, we examined echocardiograms performed at least 12 months after starting INHD. The effect of conversion to INHD on LVM over time was also evaluated using a longitudinal analysis that incorporated all LVM data on patients with 2 or more echocardiograms.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirty-seven patients were eligible for the primary analysis. Mean age at conversion was 49 ± 12 yrs and 30% were women. Mean pre-conversion LVM was 219 ± 66 g and following conversion, LVM declined by 32 ± 58 g (p = 0.002). Among patients whose follow-up echocardiogram occurred at least 12 months following conversion, LVM declined by 40 ± 56 g (p = 0.0004). The rate of change of LVM decreased significantly from 0.4 g/yr before conversion, to -11.7 g/yr following conversion to INHD (p < 0.0001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Conversion to INHD is associated with a significant regression in LVM, which may portend a more favourable cardiovascular outcome. Our preliminary findings support the need for randomized controlled trials to definitively evaluate the cardiovascular effects of INHD.</p

A phase I trial of Flavopiridol in relapsed multiple myeloma

PURPOSE: Flavopiridol is primarily a cyclin-dependent kinase-9 inhibitor, and we performed a dose escalation trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose and safety and generate a pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of relapsed myeloma after at least two prior treatments were included. Flavopiridol was administered as a bolus and then continuous infusion weekly for 4 weeks in a 6-week cycle. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were treated at three dose levels (30 mg/m(2) bolus, 30 mg/m(2) CIV to 50 mg/m(2) bolus, and 50 mg/m(2) CIV). Cytopenias were significant, and elevated transaminases (grade 4 in 3 patients, grade 3 in 4 patients, and grade 2 in 3 patients) were noted but were transient. Diarrhea (grade 3 in 6 patients and grade 2 in 5 patients) did not lead to hospital admission. There were no confirmed partial responses although one patient with t(4;14) had a decrease in his monoclonal protein >50 % that did not persist. PK properties were similar to prior publications, and immunohistochemical staining for cyclin D1 and phospho-retinoblastoma did not predict response. CONCLUSIONS: Flavopiridol as a single agent given by bolus and then infusion caused significant diarrhea, cytopenias, and transaminase elevation but only achieved marginal responses in relapsed myelom

Individually-tailored multifactorial intervention to reduce falls in the Malaysian Falls Assessment and Intervention Trial (MyFAIT): A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of an individually-tailored multifactorial intervention in reducing falls among at risk older adult fallers in a multi-ethnic, middle-income nation in South-East Asia. Design: Pragmatic, randomized-controlled trial. Setting: Emergency room, medical outpatient and primary care clinic in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants: Individuals aged 65 years and above with two or more falls or one injurious fall in the past 12 months. Intervention: Individually-tailored interventions, included a modified Otago exercise programme, HOMEFAST home hazards modification, visual intervention, cardiovascular intervention, medication review and falls education, was compared against a control group involving conventional treatment. Primary and secondary outcome measures: The primary outcome was any fall recurrence at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were rate of fall and time to first fall. Results: Two hundred and sixty-eight participants (mean age 75.3 ±7.2 SD years, 67% women) were randomized to multifactorial intervention (n = 134) or convention treatment (n = 134). All participants in the intervention group received medication review and falls education, 92 (68%) were prescribed Otago exercises, 86 (64%) visual intervention, 64 (47%) home hazards modification and 51 (38%) cardiovascular intervention. Fall recurrence did not differ between intervention and control groups at 12-months [Risk Ratio, RR = 1.037 (95% CI 0.613–1.753)]. Rate of fall [RR = 1.155 (95% CI 0.846–1.576], time to first fall [Hazard Ratio, HR = 0.948 (95% CI 0.782–1.522)] and mortality rate [RR = 0.896 (95% CI 0.335–2.400)] did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Individually-tailored multifactorial intervention was ineffective as a strategy to reduce falls. Future research efforts are now required to develop culturally-appropriate and affordable methods of addressing this increasingly prominent public health issue in middle-income nations

The read-across hypothesis and environmental risk assessment of pharmaceuticals

This article is made available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund. Copyright © 2013 American Chemical Society.Pharmaceuticals in the environment have received increased attention over the past decade, as they are ubiquitous in rivers and waterways. Concentrations are in sub-ng to low μg/L, well below acute toxic levels, but there are uncertainties regarding the effects of chronic exposures and there is a need to prioritise which pharmaceuticals may be of concern. The read-across hypothesis stipulates that a drug will have an effect in non-target organisms only if the molecular targets such as receptors and enzymes have been conserved, resulting in a (specific) pharmacological effect only if plasma concentrations are similar to human therapeutic concentrations. If this holds true for different classes of pharmaceuticals, it should be possible to predict the potential environmental impact from information obtained during the drug development process. This paper critically reviews the evidence for read-across, and finds that few studies include plasma concentrations and mode of action based effects. Thus, despite a large number of apparently relevant papers and a general acceptance of the hypothesis, there is an absence of documented evidence. There is a need for large-scale studies to generate robust data for testing the read-across hypothesis and developing predictive models, the only feasible approach to protecting the environment.BBSRC Industrial Partnership Award BB/ I00646X/1 and BBSRC Industrial CASE Partnership Studentship BB/I53257X/1 with AstraZeneca Safety Health and Environment Research Programme