Practical aspects of batch sedimentation control based on fractional density changes

In this paper, a method of monitoring a batch sedimentation process and of controlling the removal of clarified liquid from the batch settler is presented. The proposed method is based only on pressure measurement, and thus an optic sensor is not required. It is shown, that it is possible to monitor the progress of batch sedimentation by measuring hydrostatic pressure at a certain distance from the bottom of the settler. This approach ensures a relatively low-cost control and monitoring of this process. A mathematical model of the phenomenon being used is presented and validated using an experimental batch sedimentation pilot plant. Guidelines for the location of pressure sensor are presented based on simulation investigations. Experimental results also show that it is possible to distinguish between temporary surface disturbances and failure of the sedimentation process.     

Primary Amenorrhea Due to Anatomical Abnormalities of the Reproductive Tract: Molecular Insight

Congenital anomalies of the female reproductive tract that present with primary amenorrhea involve Müllerian aplasia, also known as Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome (MRKHS), and cervical and vaginal anomalies that completely obstruct the reproductive tract. Karyotype abnormalities do not exclude the diagnosis of MRKHS. Familial cases of Müllerian anomalies and associated malformations of the urinary and skeletal systems strongly suggest a complex genetic etiology, but so far, the molecular mechanism in the vast majority of cases remains unknown. Primary amenorrhea may also be the first presentation of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, steroid 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 deficiency, and Leydig cells hypoplasia type 1; therefore, these disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the congenital absence of the uterus and vagina. The molecular diagnosis in the majority of these cases can be established.     

Solution to a problem of guarding territory

There are two players on the plane: an invader I with maximal speed v > 1 and a defender D with maximal speed 1. It is shown that the disk of radius rv(v − 1)⁻¹ (where r denotes the ‘destruction radius’ of the defender) is the domain of largest area which can be guarded by the defender.     

A population randomization-based multi-objective genetic algorithm for gesture adaptation in human-robot interaction

In recent years,vision-based gesture adaptation has attracted great attention from many experts in the field of human-robot interaction,and many methods have be...     

Heme Oxygenase-1 Has a Greater Effect on Melanoma Stem Cell Properties Than the Expression of Melanoma-Initiating Cell Markers

Melanoma-initiating cells (MICs) contribute to the tumorigenicity and heterogeneity of melanoma. MICs are identified by surface and functional markers and have been shown to display cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. However, the existence of MICs that follow the hierarchical CSC model has been questioned by studies showing that single unselected melanoma cells are highly tumorigenic in xenotransplantation assays. Herein, we characterize cells expressing MIC markers (CD20, CD24, CD133, Sca-1, ABCB1, ABCB5, ALDH^high) in the B16-F10 murine melanoma cell line. We use flow cytometric phenotyping, single-cell sorting followed by in vitro clonogenic assays, and syngeneic in vivo serial transplantation assays to demonstrate that the expression of MIC markers does not select CSC-like cells in this cell line. Previously, our group showed that heme-degrading enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can be upregulated in melanoma and increase its aggressiveness. Here, we show that HO-1 activity is important for non-adherent growth of melanoma and HO-1 overexpression enhances the vasculogenic mimicry potential, which can be considered protumorigenic activity. However, HO-1 overexpression decreases clone formation in vitro and serial tumor initiation in vivo. Thus, HO-1 plays a dual role in melanoma, improving the progression of growing tumors but reducing the risk of melanoma initiation.     

What Inhibits Natural Killers’ Performance in Tumour

Natural killer cells are innate lymphocytes with the ability to lyse tumour cells depending on the balance of their activating and inhibiting receptors. Growing numbers of clinical trials show promising results of NK cell-based immunotherapies. Unlike T cells, NK cells can lyse tumour cells independent of antigen presentation, based simply on their activation and inhibition receptors. Various strategies to improve NK cell-based therapies are being developed, all with one goal: to shift the balance to activation. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of ways NK cells can lyse tumour cells and all the inhibitory signals stopping their cytotoxic potential.     

Cowoven polypropylene/glass composites with polypropylene + polymer liquid crystal interlayers: Dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis

Simultaneous macroscopic and molecular reinforcement of polypropylene with glass fibers and Polymer Liquid Crystals (PLCs) is evaluated. Interlayers of polypropylene (PP) + poly(ethylene terephthalate) /0.6 p-hydroxybenzoic acid PLC blends are introduced between the cowoven polypropylene + glass fiber plies. Analysis was conducted using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The results indicate that low fractions of PLC material in the composite have dual benefits of increased rigidity and toughness. The crystallization kinetics are influenced by the dual nucleating effects of both reinforcing agents. A decrease in crystallinity is associated with increasing PLC presence. Degradation kinetics of the composites demonstrate only one kinetic step in contrast to the interlayers alone.