The ultrasensitive detection of prostate cancer biomarker based on resonant Rayleigh light-scattering response of single Au nanoparticle

A proof-of-concept study was reported on analysis of antigen-antibody recognition based on resonant Rayleigh scattering response of single Au nanoparticles on a microimaging chamber. As benefited by a traditional dark-field microscope and a spectrograph, tiny 30 nm Au nanoparticles were effectively used as nanosensors to monitor changes in refractive index induced by every single binding of the adsorbates. The individual Au nanoparticles were observed with very high signal-to-noise ratio, and a LSPR ?max shift of about 2.5 nm accounting for the detection of PSA antigen with concentration as low as 0.1 pg ml-1 was recorded. This resulted in the successful demonstration of a non-labelling detection system for proteins as well as thousands of different chemical or biological species with possibility of miniaturization and multiplexing scheme.

Modelling of aircraft manufacturing cost at the concept stage

The work presented is concerned with the estimation of manufacturing cost at the concept design stage, when little technical information is readily available. The work focuses on the nose cowl sections of a wide range of engine nacelles built at Bombardier Aerospace Shorts of Belfast. A core methodology is presented that: defines manufacturing cost elements that are prominent; utilises technical parameters that are highly influential in generating those costs; establishes the linkage between these two; and builds the associated cost estimating relations into models. The methodology is readily adapted to deal with both the early and more mature conceptual design phases, which thereby highlights the generic, flexible and fundamental nature of the method. The early concept cost model simplifies cost as a cumulative element that can be estimated using higher level complexity ratings, while the mature concept cost model breaks manufacturing cost down into a number of constituents that are each driven by their own specific drivers. Both methodologies have an average error of less that ten percent when correlated with actual findings, thus achieving an acceptable level of accuracy. By way of validity and application, the research is firmly based on industrial case studies and practice and addresses the integration of design and manufacture through cost. The main contribution of the paper is the cost modelling methodology. The elemental modelling of the cost breakdown structure through materials, part fabrication, assembly and their associated drivers is relevant to the analytical design procedure, as it utilises design definition and complexity that is understood by engineers.

Making 'party identification' more versatile: operationalising the concept for the multiparty setting

The conventional operationalisation of the concept of party identification is not appropriate for the multiparty setting. I offer new measures that facilitate multiple, and negative as well as positive, identities. Using survey evidence from Northern Ireland, these new measures are validated in a number of ways and their role in a comprehensive model of voting is illustrated.

Birth technology competence: a concept analysis

Aim. To identify birth technology competencies used by midwives to support women during the birthing process and to explore the concept of birth technology competence in midwifery practice in order to inform both education and practice. Objective. To define attributes of birth technology competence. Method. The Chinn and Kramer framework for concept analysis was used to examine sources including popular and professional literature, government reports and statutory regulation. The model allows for the exploration of three areas of experience, which interact to form the meaning of an idea or concept – feelings, values and attitudes associated with the concept, the symbolic label for the concept and the concept itself. Results. Exploration of the literature led to the development of exemplar cases that illuminate tentative attributes of the concept, contained within three domains – interpersonal skills, professional knowledge and clinical proficiency. Implications. Following testing in midwifery practice to ensure its transferability into the clinical context, the theoretical perspective developed here will provide a basis to inform education and practice in relation to the use of technology.

An evaluation of cyclooxygenase-2 as a prognostic biomarker in mid-gut carcinoid tumours

Background/Aims:Mid-gut carcinoids (MGC) are the most common of the gastrointestinal carcinoid tumours. There is a lack of reliable prognostic indicators for MGC. Cox-2 and Bcl-2 were evaluated as prognostic biomarkers in a cohort of well-characterised non-appendiceal MGC. Methods: Tissue from the primary MGC tumours of 37 patients was subjected to immunohistochemical detection of Cox-2 and Bcl-2. In 9 cases tissue from secondary lesions was also examined. The study assessed whether tumour-associated Cox-2 and Bcl-2 expression were related to patient survival. Results: Cox-2 expression was demonstrated in 30/36 primary tumours. When all tumours were analysed Cox-regression analysis indicated a trend towards worsening survival with increasing Cox-2 histoscore (intensity x proportion; hazard ratio 1.53, 95%CI 0.93, 2.52; p=0.09). Analysis of Cox-2 positive tumours revealed a highly significant association between increasing histoscore and decreased survival (hazard ratio 3.03, 95%CI 1.33, 6.91, p=0.008). Tumour-associated Bcl-2 expression had no effect on patient survival (hazard ratio 1.12, 95% CI 0.42, 2.99 p=0.82). There was no significant association between Cox-2 and Bcl-2 expression (ï?£2 p=0.16), or Cox-2 histoscore and Bcl-2 expression (MWU p=0.59). Analysis of the Cox-2 histoscores of primary tumours and their corresponding secondary lesions, revealed a statistically significant trend towards increasing histoscore in the latter (Wilcoxon p=0.04). Conclusions: This study has provided evidence that Cox-2 expression in primary MGC may be associated with a more negative prognostic outlook.

BRCA1, a potential biomarker in the treatment of breast cancer

To date, estrogen receptor, progestogen receptor, and HER2/neu represent molecular biomarkers currently used in routine clinical practice to aid treatment decisions. Over the last few years, a large body of preclinical and retrospective clinical data has accumulated that suggests that BRCA1 mutation functions as a novel predictive marker of response to chemotherapy. This article reviews the role of BRCA1 as a predictive marker of chemotherapy response in breast cancer and examines the link between BRCA1 deficiency and the basal-like phenotype. Search strategy. Data for this article were identified through MEDLINE and PubMed searches for published reports using the terms BRCA1, breast cancer, basal-like, chemotherapy, prognosis, and predictive markers. In some cases, due to the restriction of space, readers are referred to review articles to allow further reading. Only articles published in English were included.