Prognostic analysis of stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases: a single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Brain metastasis (BM) is a common event during the development of many cancers, and is also one of the main causes of death of patients. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective treatment for BM. The prognostic effects of various clinical factors on local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) after SRS treatment are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze the intracranial progression free survival (iPFS) and OS of patients receiving SRS treatment, and explore the relationship between various clinical characteristics and patient prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected the clinical information of patients who were diagnosed with BM and received SRS treatment in our center between 2018 and 2021. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis and KM analysis for iPFS and OS were conducted in R software to investigate the prognostic effects of clinical characteristics. RESULTS: In total, 183 patients that received SRS in our center were enrolled in the cohort. The median iPFS for all patients was 8.87 months (95% CI 6.9-10.6), and the median OS was 16.5 months (95% CI 12.9-20.7). BM number > = 5 (HR 1.965 [95% CI 1.381-2.796], p < 0.001, FDR-corrected p < 0.001) was found to be strong predictor for shorter iPFS and OS. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with cumulative intracranial tumor volume (CITV) > = 2.14 cm3 and number > = 5 had shortest iPFS (P < 0.001) and OS (P = 0.007), compared with other subgroups. For patients with more than 5 BMs, SRS plus whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) could achieve better local control, compared with SRS alone group (P = 0.0357). Peripheral blood inflammation indicators were associated with the prognosis of BM patients in univariate Cox analysis, but not in multivariate Cox analysis. CONCLUSIONS: BM number is an independent prognostic factor for BM patients. The prognosis of patients in the subgroup with larger CITV and more BM is the worst. For patients with more than 5 BM, the combination of SRS and WBRT can improve the local control, but cannot prolong the OS.

Research on Attitude Detection and Flight Experiment of Coaxial Twin-Rotor UAV.

Aiming at the problem that the single sensor of the coaxial UAV cannot accurately measure attitude information, a pose estimation algorithm based on unscented Kalman filter information fusion is proposed. The kinematics and dynamics characteristics of coaxial folding twin-rotor UAV are studied, and a mathematical model is established. The common attitude estimation methods are analyzed, and the extended Kalman filter algorithm and unscented Kalman filter algorithm are established. In order to complete the test of the prototype of a small coaxial twin-rotor UAV, a test platform for the dynamic performance and attitude angle of the semi-physical flight of the UAV was established. The platform can analyze the mechanical vibration, attitude angle and noise of the aircraft. It can also test and analyze the characteristics of the mechanical vibration and noise produced by the UAV at different rotor speeds. Furthermore, the static and time-varying trends of the pitch angle and yaw angle of the Kalman filter attitude estimation algorithm is further analyzed through static and dynamic experiments. The analysis results show that the attitude estimation of the UKF is better than that of the EKF when the throttle is between 0.2σ and 0.9σ. The error of the algorithm is less than 0.6°. The experiment and analysis provide a reference for the optimization of the control parameters and flight control strategy of the coaxial folding dual-rotor aircraft.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of pertussis epidemiology in Latin America and the Caribbean: 1980-2015.

OBJECTIVES: In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), pertussis disease incidence has reportedly increased since 2000 despite high vaccine coverage. A systematic review of pertussis literature and a meta-analysis was conducted to understand the burden of disease in LAC. METHODS: A systematic literature review was completed, using relevant search terms. Original articles describing pertussis epidemiology and vaccine coverage in LAC published between 1980 and 2015 were identified. Applying a Bayesian meta-analysis random-effects model, we calculated pooled estimates and corresponding 95% credible intervals (95% CrIs) for pertussis incidence, case fatality ratio (CFR), pertussis prevalence among contacts, and coverage with three doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine (DTP3). RESULTS: A total of 59 studies meeting our selection criteria were identified, representing 15 countries. Of the 59, 15 of them provided incidence data, with 7 of the 15 reporting a pertussis case definition. The pertussis incidence estimate for the 1980-1999 period was 17.8 cases per 100 000 persons (95% CrI: 5.9-29.7); for the 2000-2015 period, it was 2.5 cases per 100 000 persons (95% CrI: 1.8-3.2). For the 1980-2015 period, the CFR, in 19 studies reviewed, was 3.9% (95% CrI: 2.9%-4.9%); for that same period, in 5 studies reviewed, pertussis prevalence among contacts was 24.9% (95% CrI: 13.7%-36.1%). Pooled DTP3 vaccine coverage estimates, in a total of 20 studies reviewed for the following three time periods, were: 1980-1990, 72.4% (95% CrI: 64.6%-80.2%); 1991-2000, 79.0% (95% CrI: 66.1%-91.9%); and 2001-2015, 90.0% (95% CrI: 87.7%-92.3%). CONCLUSION: A decrease in pertussis incidence and an achievement of moderately high DTP3 vaccine coverage since the early 2000s was observed. The review highlights the need for increased publication of pertussis data at the country level and for LAC as a whole in order to better understand the true burden of the disease. Application of a standardized case definition and use of active case finding would aid in obtaining more accurate estimates of the disease burden in LAC.

The Impact of Obesity and Diabetes on the Risk of Disease and Death due to Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infections in Adults.

BACKGROUND: Invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. We analyzed whether obesity and diabetes were associated with iGAS infections and worse outcomes among an adult US population. METHODS: We determined the incidence of iGAS infections using 2010-2012 cases in adults aged ≥ 18 years from Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs), a population-based surveillance system, as the numerator. For the denominator, we used ABCs catchment area population estimates from the 2011 to 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. The relative risk (RR) of iGAS was determined by obesity and diabetes status after adjusting for age group, gender, race, and other underlying conditions through binomial logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether obesity or diabetes was associated with increased odds of death due to iGAS compared to normal weight and nondiabetic patients, respectively. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2012, 2927 iGAS cases were identified. Diabetes was associated with an increased risk of iGAS in all racial groups (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] ranged from 2.71 to 5.08). Grade 3 obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40) was associated with an increased risk of iGAS for whites (aRR = 3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.00-4.01). Grades 1-2 (BMI = 30.0-<40.0) and grade 3 obesity were associated with an increased odds of death (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55, [95% CI, 1.05, 2.29] and OR = 1.62 [95% CI, 1.01, 2.61], respectively) when compared to normal weight patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results may help target vaccines against GAS that are currently under development. Efforts to develop enhanced treatment regimens for iGAS may improve prognoses for obese patients.

Ozone, Fine Particulate Matter, and Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease Mortality in the United States.

RATIONALE: Short-term effects of air pollution exposure on respiratory disease mortality are well established. However, few studies have examined the effects of long-term exposure, and among those that have, results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long-term association between ambient ozone, fine particulate matter (PM2.5, particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less), and chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) mortality in the contiguous United States. METHODS: We fit Bayesian hierarchical spatial Poisson models, adjusting for five county-level covariates (percentage of adults aged ≥65 years, poverty, lifetime smoking, obesity, and temperature), with random effects at state and county levels to account for spatial heterogeneity and spatial dependence. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We derived county-level average daily concentration levels for ambient ozone and PM2.5 for 2001-2008 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's down-scaled estimates and obtained 2007-2008 CLRD deaths from the National Center for Health Statistics. Exposure to ambient ozone was associated with an increased rate of CLRD deaths, with a rate ratio of 1.05 (95% credible interval, 1.01-1.09) per 5-ppb increase in ozone; the association between ambient PM2.5 and CLRD mortality was positive but statistically insignificant (rate ratio, 1.07; 95% credible interval, 0.99-1.14). CONCLUSIONS: This study links air pollution exposure data with CLRD mortality for all 3,109 contiguous U.S. counties. Ambient ozone may be associated with an increased rate of death from CLRD in the contiguous United States. Although we adjusted for selected county-level covariates and unobserved influences through Bayesian hierarchical spatial modeling, the possibility of ecologic bias remains.

A bionic bird jumping grasping structure design based on stm32 development board control.

During takeoff and landing, birds bounce and grab with their legs and feet. In this paper,the lower limb structure of the bionic bird is designed with reference to the function of jumping and grasping, and the PID algorithm based on the development module of stm32 development board is used to speed control the lower limb driving element, so that the motor and the bishaft steering gear move with the rate change of sine wave. According to the speed of grasping response time and the size of grasping force, the structure of the bionic bird paw is designed. Based on the photosensitive sensor fixed in the geometric center of the foot, the grasping action of the lower limb mechanism is intelligently controlled. Finally, the kinematic verification of the lower limb structure is carried out by ADAMS. Experiments show that the foot structure with four toes and three toes is more conducive to maintaining the stability of the body while realizing the fast grasping function. In addition, it can effectively improve the push-lift ratio of the bionic ornithopter by adjusting the sinusoidal waveform rate of the motor speed.

Risk and prognostic factors of brain metastasis in lung cancer patients: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results population­based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Brain is a common metastasis site in lung cancer patients. However, homogeneous and heterogeneous risk/prognostic factors of brain metastasis for lung cancer patients have not been comprehensively elucidated. This study aimed to explore the brain metastasis risk and prognostic factors in lung cancer patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. METHODS: Lung cancer data were downloaded from SEER database to investigate risk factors for developing brain metastasis using logistic regression analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to identify potential prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to evaluate the survival. Propensity score matching was conducted to eliminate baseline differences between two groups. RESULTS: A total of 10 818 (14.1%) patients with brain metastasis were diagnosed among 76 483 lung cancer patients. For non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), distant liver/bone/lymph node metastases, higher T, N stages were risk factors. Black race, bone metastases and distant lymph node metastases and T4 were brain metastasis risk factors for SCLC patients. Cox analysis suggested that older age, male, primary lesion at main bronchus, liver/ bone/distant lymph node metastases, T2-4, N1-3, no surgery/chemotherapy/radiotherapy were associated with worse prognosis of NSCLC-brain metastasis patients. Age older than 80, liver/bone metastases, without radiotherapy and chemotherapy were associated with worse prognosis of SCLC-brain metastasis patients. Surgery of primary site could prolong the overall survival (OS) of NSCLC patients with brain metastasis, but not SCLC. CONCLUSION: In this study, we analyzed the homogeneous and heterogeneous risk/prognostic factors of brain metastasis in lung cancer patients. What is more, our results showed that surgery of primary site was associated with longer OS of NSCLC patients with brain metastasis.

Prediction of distant organ metastasis and overall survival of lung cancer patients: a SEER population-based cohort study.

Background: Distant organ metastasis is a common event in lung cancer (LC). However, the preferential metastatic pattern of different pathological types of LC and its effect on prognosis have not been comprehensively elucidated. This study aimed to explore the distant metastasis pattern and construct nomograms predicting the metastasis and survival of LC patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Methods: LC data were downloaded from the SEER database to conduct logistic regression and investigate risk factors for developing organ metastasis. A Cox regression analysis was conducted to investigate prognostic factors of LC. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate overall survival outcomes. Nomograms were constructed to predict the probability of organ metastasis and the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival probability of LC patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the nomograms. All statistical analyses were conducted within R software. Results: The liver is the most common metastatic organ of small cell carcinoma. The brain is the most likely metastasis site of large cell carcinoma, and bone is the most likely metastasis site for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Patients with triple metastases (brain-bone-liver) have the worst prognosis, and for nonsquamous carcinoma with single organ metastasis, liver metastases conferred the worst prognosis. Our nomograms based on clinical factors could predict the metastasis and prognosis of LC patients. Conclusion: Different pathological types of LC have different preferential metastatic sites. Our nomograms showed good performance in predicting distant metastasis and overall survival. These results will provide a reference for clinicians and contribute to clinical evaluations and individualized therapeutic strategies.

Optimization of Cu/Sn Alloy Sputtering Process Based on Orthogonal Experimental Design Method.

The performance of supercapacitors is directly influenced by the conductivity of polypyrrole, which serves as the electrode material. In order to balance considerations of cost-effectiveness and conductivity, this study employs magnetron sputtering to fabricate a copper-tin alloy layer as the conductive layer for polypyrrole. The deposition of a copper-tin alloy film through magnetron sputtering has a significant impact on the polymerization effect of pyrrole as well as being a crucial factor influencing the performance of supercapacitors. Various parameters, including working pressure, sputtering time, and sputtering power, affect the conductivity of the copper-tin alloy film. Furthermore, the degree of influence of each parameter on the conductivity of the copper-tin alloy film varies. This study utilizes an orthogonal experimental design to investigate the impact of various factors and levels on the conductivity and uniformity of a metal film. The objective is to optimize the process parameters for the creation of a copper-tin alloy film with desirable characteristics. Experimental results indicate that the working voltage, sputtering time, and sputtering power significantly influence the coefficient of variation, deposition rate, target current, and operating voltage of the film. Furthermore, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM tests are conducted on samples prepared using the identified optimal process parameters. In addition, we demonstrate various approaches to enhance the experiment's reliability. The findings indicate that the most favorable process parameters for achieving optimal results are a working pressure of 0.065 Pa, a sputtering time of 20 min, and a sputtering power of 70 W. It was observed that the sputtering time significantly influences the uniformity of the copper-tin alloy film, whereas the sputtering power has a minimal impact on its uniformity. The deposition rate is primarily influenced by the working pressure, with the greatest effect observed. Conversely, the sputtering time has the least impact on the deposition rate. Similarly, the target current is predominantly affected by the sputtering power, exhibiting the greatest influence, while the sputtering time has the least effect. Furthermore, the working voltage is most significantly influenced by the working pressure, whereas the sputtering time has the least impact on the working voltage.

Structure Design and Characterization of 3D Printing System of Thermal Battery Electrode Ink Film.

In this paper, a 3D printing system for a thermal battery electrode ink film is set up and investigated based on the on-demand microdroplet ejection technology. The optimal structural dimensions of the spray chamber and metal membrane of the micronozzle are determined via simulation analysis. The workflow and functional requirements of the printing system are set up. The printing system includes a pretreatment system, piezoelectric micronozzle, motion control system, piezoelectric drive system, sealing system, and liquid conveying system. Different printing parameters are compared to obtain optimized printing parameters, which can be attributed to the optimal pattern of the film. The feasibility and controllability of 3D printing methods are verified by printing tests. The size and output speed of the droplets can be controlled by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the driving waveform acting on the piezoelectric actuator. So, the required shape and thickness of the film can be achieved. An ink film in terms of nozzle diameter = 0.6 mm, printing height = 8 mm, wiring width = 1 mm, input voltage = 3 V and square wave signal frequency = 35 Hz can be achieved. The electrochemical performance of thin-film electrodes is crucial in thermal batteries. The voltage of the thermal battery reaches its peak and tends to flatten out at around 100 s when using this printed film. The electrical performance of the thermal batteries using the printed thin films is found to be stable. This stabilized voltage makes it applicable to thermal batteries.

U.S. census unit population exposures to ambient air pollutants.

BACKGROUND: Progress has been made recently in estimating ambient PM(2.5) (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 µm) and ozone concentrations using various data sources and advanced modeling techniques, which resulted in gridded surfaces. However, epidemiologic and health impact studies often require population exposures to ambient air pollutants to be presented at an appropriate census geographic unit (CGU), where health data are usually available to maintain confidentiality of individual health data. We aim to generate estimates of population exposures to ambient PM(2.5) and ozone for U.S. CGUs. METHODS: We converted 2001-2006 gridded data, generated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (EPHTN), to census block group (BG) based on spatial proximities between BG and its four nearest grids. We used a bottom-up (fine to coarse) strategy to generate population exposure estimates for larger CGUs by aggregating BG estimates weighted by population distribution. RESULTS: The BG daily estimates were comparable to monitoring data. On average, the estimates deviated by 2 µg/m(3) (for PM(2.5)) and 3 ppb (for ozone) from their corresponding observed values. Population exposures to ambient PM(2.5) and ozone varied greatly across the U.S. In 2006, estimates for daily potential population exposure to ambient PM(2.5) in west coast states, the northwest and a few areas in the east and estimates for daily potential population exposure to ambient ozone in most of California and a few areas in the east/southeast exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for at least 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: These estimates may be useful in assessing health impacts through linkage studies and in communicating with the public and policy makers for potential intervention.

Simulation and Test of a MEMS Arming Device for a Fuze.

To solve the structural strength problem of a MEMS arming device for a fuze, a kind of arming device applied to a certain type of 40 mm grenade is designed. This paper introduces the working principle of the arming device; simulates the shear pin, rotary pin and locking mechanism in the device; designs a variety of different test tools for test verification; and further increases the explosion reliability and arming safety tests. The results show that the arming device improves the structural strength and can meet the action requirements of a certain type of 40 mm grenade for safety release, as well as the application requirements of explosion reliability and arming safety.

Test and Improvement of a Fuze MEMS Setback Arming Device Based on the EDM Process.

This paper introduces the working principle of a MEMS safety and arming (S&A) device for a fuze that is installed perpendicular to the axis of the projectile. Additionally, the application of low-speed wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) in the fabrication of the device is proposed. Microsprings are susceptible to flexural deformation and secondary deformation in the EDM process, a problem that is solved by designing the auxiliary support beam, using multiple cuts, destress annealing and optimizing the processing parameters. The difficult problem of setback slider deformation in the principle prototype test is properly solved by establishing V-shaped grooves at both ends of the setback slider. The connection mode between the microspring and the frame is changed to a clearance fit connection. The improved setback arming device can guarantee service process safety and launch reliability. The maximum overload that can be withstood in service processing is 20,000 g, and the minimum overload for safety release during launch is 12,000 g. The results show that the EDM process can greatly reduce the machining cost while improving the machining precision and machining speed, which can compensate for the defects of the current manufacturing technology.

EFNA1 is a potential key gene that correlates with immune infiltration in low-grade glioma.

ABSTRACT: EFNA1 is a key gene that is associated with the pathogenesis of several human cancers. However, the prognostic role of EFNA1 in many cancers and the relationship between EFNA1 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in different cancers remain unclear.The expression levels of EFNA1 in 33 types of cancer in the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database were collected via the UCSC Xena browser. The clinical data of LGG (low grade glioma) patients were downloaded from the TCGA database. The glioma data from the CGGA (Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas) database were also downloaded to verify the results. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the prognostic value of EFNA1 in different cancers using R software. We verified the differential expression of EFNA1 in glioma and normal brain tissue via gene expression profiling interactive analysis. We evaluated the relationship between the expression level of EFNA1 and the clinicopathological features of LGG patients via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The immune infiltration levels were evaluated via tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) and CIBERSORT, and the correlations between EFNA1 and immune cell levels were investigated via TIMER. Finally, we conducted gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to explore the potential mechanisms.Data from the TCGA database showed that EFNA1 was differentially expressed in many kinds of cancers when compared with normal tissues. Upregulated EFNA1 expression in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC), and LGG correlated with shorter patient overall survival (OS) times. The Cox regression analysis revealed that the expression of EFNA1 was also a risk factor for the disease-specific survival (DSS) and progression-free interval (PFI) of LGG patients. The multiple Cox regression analysis revealed that EFNA1 was an independent prognostic factor for LGG patients. In addition, EFNA1 expression was increased in the WHO grade III group and the 1p19q non-codeletion group. Moreover, EFNA1 expression was positively correlated with the levels of infiltrating CD4+ T cells, myeloid dendritic cells and neutrophils in LGG. GSEA suggested that several GO and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) items associated with nervous system function and apoptotic pathway were significantly enriched in the EFNA1-low and EFNA1-high expression phenotypes.EFNA1 may play a pivotal role in the development of LGG and may serve as a potential marker for LGG prognosis and therapy.

Theoretical prediction of the trigger linkage, cage strain, and explosive sensitivity of CL-20 in the external electric fields.

In order to add safely external electric fields into the systems of the explosives with strong cage strain, the effects of the external electric fields on the strengths of trigger linkages, cage strain energies (CSEs), surface electrostatic potentials (ESPs), as well as impact and shock initiation sensitivities of CL-20 were investigated using the B3LYP and M06-2X methods with 6-311++G(2d,p) basis set. The results show that the changes of the strengths of the N-NO2 bonds are more notable than those of the bonds forming cage, and the changes involving the N-NO2 bonds attached to the five-membered ring are more significant than those attached to the six-membered ring. In most cases, the CSEs in the electric fields are stronger than those in no field. From the BDEs, the N-NO2 cleavage is the decomposition reaction pathway in detonation initiation. However, from the surface ESPs, the N-NO2 cleavage, C-N and C-C bond breaking may initiate the reactions. The global ESPs are more reasonable and reliable to estimate the impact sensitivities of the cage-shaped explosives. The changes of the bond lengths, Mulliken bond orders, nitro group charges and BDEs correlate well with the external electric field strengths. Interestingly, an abnormal result is found that the h50 values in the electric fields are larger than those in no field.

Measuring skin cancer risk in African Americans: is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification Scale culturally sensitive?

OBJECTIVE: Fitzpatrick's Skin Type Classification Scale often is used to assess sun sensitivity and skin cancer risk. Because the scale was developed with Whites, its utility and validity with Blacks may be limited by its reliance on the European-cultural terms suntan and sunburn. We tested the hypothesis that most Blacks would be unable to classify their skin into the four Fitzpatrick skin types. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: A random, statewide sample of 2085 California Black adults were administered a survey to categorize their skin into the Fitzpatrick types of always burn/never tan (I), usually burn/rarely tan (II), rarely burn/usually tan (III), and never burn/always tan (IV). We also added a response option not available in the scale, "none of the above describes me." Questions on sunscreen use and demographics were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Self-reported skin type. RESULTS: 1231 (59%) selected none of the above, and only 559 (26.8%) categorized themselves as type IV. When the none option is removed and the 59% who chose it were excluded as non-responders, the 559 who selected type IV constitute 65.5% of the remaining sample. Those who selected none were significantly less likely than all others to use sunscreen, and income and residential segregation were the strongest predictors of type I/II skin. CONCLUSION: Standard administration of the Fitzpatrick Scale excludes the majority of Blacks, yields data that overestimate Black population prevalence of type IV skin, and excludes the Blacks who are least likely to use sunscreen. Suggestions are provided for improving the cultural sensitivity of the skin-type assessment.

Role of EFNA1 in tumorigenesis and prospects for cancer therapy.

Cancer is one of the major threats to human health. It is of vital importance to reveal the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, identify effective biomarkers and develop novel treatments to improve patient outcome. EFNA1 (ephrinA1) is a member of the EFN family, and it has been studied extensively since its discovery in 1990. Increasing evidence indicates that EFNA1 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of tumors. We provide a detailed overview of the expression and prognostic value of EFNA1 in different types of human malignancies. We briefly discuss the mechanisms of EFNA1 induction in hypoxic environments and its pro-angiogenic function in different cancer cells. We describe the effects of EFNA1 on tumor growth, invasiveness and metastasis. We summarize recent advances in EFNA1-associated cancer therapeutics with emphasis on the prospect of novel anti-tumor methods based on EFNA1.

Trends in colorectal cancer incidence rates by age, race/ethnicity, and indices of access to medical care, 1995­2004 (United States).

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates in the US decreased rapidly since 1998. This is largely thought to reflect increases in utilization of CRC screening through detection and removal of adenomatous polyps. However, the extent to which the decrease varies by age, race/ethnicity, and differences in access to medical care is largely unknown. METHODS: Temporal trends in CRC incidence rates were examined from 1995 to 2004 by regression analysis according to age (50-64, ≥ 65), race/ethnicity (whites, African Americans, and Hispanics), and categories of county-level indicators of access to care (poverty, primary care physician supply [PCP], uninsured rate [age 50-64], and metro/nonmetro) using incidence data from 19 cancer registries, covering about 53% of the US population. Changes in colorectal endoscopic screening and fecal occult blood stool test (FOBT) from 1995-1997 to 2002-2004 for the same set of county-level indicators were also analyzed, using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). RESULTS: Among whites, CRC incidence rates decreased significantly from 1998 through 2004 in age ≥ 65, but not in age 50-64 in counties with high uninsured or poverty rates, fewer PCPs, or in nonmetro areas. Among African Americans or Hispanics, rates did not decrease in age 50-64 in general and age ≥ 65 in counties with high poverty rates, low PCP supply, and nonmetro counties (African Americans). Colorectal endoscopic screening rates increased significantly among whites in both age groups, but not among Hispanics (aged 50-64 in general and aged ≥ 65 residing in high poverty counties) or African Americans residing in counties with higher uninsured rates (age 50-64), low PCP supply, high poverty rates, and nonmetro counties (age ≥ 65). FOBT rates remained unchanged during the study time period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that individuals residing in poorer communities with lower access to medical care have not experienced the reduction in CRC incidence rates that have benefited more affluent communities; these disparities may be related to health care access barriers to colorectal endoscopic screening.

Calibration Technique of a Curved Zoom Compound Eye Imaging System.

A calibration method for the designed curved zoom compound eye is studied in order to achieve detection and positioning of spatial objects. The structure of the curved zoom compound eye is introduced. A calibration test platform is designed and built based on the image characteristics of the compound eye, which can be constructed in the large field view for the calibration target. The spot images are obtained through image processing. The center of the spot is calculated by Gauss fitting method. This method is highly simple and intuitive, and it can be used in a zoom surface compound eye without any complex procedures. Finally, the corresponding relationship between the spot center coordinates and the incident light vector of the corresponding sub-eye is established, and the calibration of the multi vision positioning system is completed.

Trends in the incidence of colorectal cancer in relation to county-level poverty among blacks and whites.

OBJECTIVE: The overall incidence of colorectal cancer has been decreasing rapidly in the United States since 1998. The extent to which the recent accelerated decline varies by socioeconomic status has not been examined. We analyzed trends in colorectal cancer incidence rates from 1992-2004 by area socioeconomic status, race, gender and stage at diagnosis. METHODS: Incidence data from 13 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results reporting areas were used to examine temporal trends in age-standardized colorectal cancer incidence rates from 1992-2004 by race, gender, stage at diagnosis and 3 levels of county poverty (counties with <10%, 10% to <20% and > or =20% of residents living below the poverty level). RESULTS: Among whites, colorectal cancer incidence rates decreased in both men and women residing in low- and moderate-poverty areas. The decrease involved both early- and late-stage disease in men and late-stage disease in women. In contrast, among those residing in high-poverty areas incidence rates increased for early-stage disease in men; rates were stable for late-stage disease in men and for both categories of stage in women. Among blacks, incidence rates decreased only in men residing in low-poverty areas. CONCLUSIONS: The recent decrease in colorectal cancer incidence has not yet benefited persons residing in high-poverty areas. Additional effort is needed to extend prevention and early detection measures to all segments of the population.