Presence Of Chips Research Articles

Abstract 2277: Understanding the impact of clonal hematopoiesis on multiple myeloma: Insights from exosomal RNA analysis and survival analysis

Abstract Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) is a trait characterized by the accumulation of somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells in certain adults. It has been observed that the presence of CHIP can have significant implications for the development and prognosis of various blood cancers. Multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer involving the abnormal proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, is one such condition. Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles, play a role in cell communication by carrying information between cells. Analysis of UK Biobank data confirmed the poor prognosis of multiple myeloma patients with CHIP and identified a potential of paracrine effect on plasma cancer cells. To gain deeper insights into this paracrine effect on plasma cells, we attempted to analyze cell-to-cell interaction, such as the expression of miRNAs in exosomes, through exosome RNA sequencing. In our research, exosomes were extracted from bone marrow samples of 30 multiple myeloma patients, and exosome RNA sequencing was performed. Differential expression of miRNAs was identified. A total of 14 down-regulated miRNAs were identified based on adjusted p value < 0.05, log2 fold change < -1. We found that hsa-let-7f-5p, hsa-let-7a-5p, and hsa-miR-148a-3p, which are mainly miRNAs targeting MAP kinase, were significantly down-regulated in the CHIP cases. A computational tool was used to predict and integrate the target genes and pathways regulated by these DE miRNAs. The results suggested that certain inflammatory and oncogenic pathways including the MAPK signaling pathways, were not effectively suppressed in cases with CHIP (KEGG, p < 0.005). In addition, the chemokine signaling pathway and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction (KEGG, p < 0.005) related to the paracrine effect, integrins in angiogenesis (PID, p < 0.005) related to poor prognosis and metastasis of cancer were also not adequately inhibited in the CHIP cases. Using UK Biobank data, we called somatic CHIP variants excluding those with VAF < 0.02 and analyzed them against ICD-10 codes. Hazard ratios (HR) were computed through Cox proportional regression with covariates. CHIP presence significantly correlated with MM diagnosis (HR: 1.64, CI: 1.35-2, p < 0.001), notably in TET2 mutation carriers (HR: 2.35, CI: 1.63-3.4, p < 0.001). TET2 mutations intensified MGUS to MM progression (HR: 5.0, CI: 2.27-11.0, p < 0.001). CHIP in MM impacted EFS (HR: 1.61, CI: 1.25-2.1, p < 0.001), with TET2 mutation carriers facing higher hazards (HR: 1.66, CI: 1.05-2.6, p = 0.031). CHIP, especially TET2 mutations, significantly contribute to adverse MM outcomes and MGUS to MM evolution. Our findings provide insight into how CHIP influences the tumorigenesis and cancer progression of MM. Citation Format: Jeongmin Park, GangPyo Ryu, Daniel Nachun, Maggie Maurer, Siddhartha Jaiswal, Dong-Yeop Shin, Ja Min Byun, Junshik Hong, Youngil Koh, Sung-Soo Yoon. Understanding the impact of clonal hematopoiesis on multiple myeloma: Insights from exosomal RNA analysis and survival analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2277.

Association between clonal hematopoiesis-related gene mutations and unfavorable functional outcome in patients with large-artery atherosclerotic stroke

BackgroundClonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a phenomenon that characterizes individuals with somatic mutations that are related to hematologic malignancy but without hematologic abnormalities. Presence of CHIP is associated with the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through the activation of the interleukin 6 (IL-6) pathway; however, its role on unfavorable functional outcomes in different etiologies of ischemic stroke remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between CHIP-related gene mutations and unfavorable functional outcomes of ischemic stroke with different etiologies.MethodsWe prospectively studied a cohort of 3396 stroke patients with identified etiologies, and identified CHIP and the presence of the IL6R variant (IL6R p.Asp358Ala) by whole-genome sequencing. The IL6R p.Asp358Ala coding mutation was used as a genetic inhibition for IL-6 signaling. The primary outcome was unfavorable functional outcome [(Modified Rankin Scale), mRS 2–6] at 3 months.ResultsOf the 3396 patients, 110 (3.2%) were CHIP carriers and the median age was 62 years (IQR, 54.0–69.0). The CHIP increased the risk of unfavorable functional outcome among patients with hyper-inflammation status of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) > median levels in patients with large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.00–5.98, p = 0.049, pinteraction = 0.01). Presence of IL6R variant (IL6R p.Asp358Ala) could attenuate the risk of unfavorable functional outcome only in patients with CHIP (OR 0.30, 95%CI 0.12–0.76, p = 0.01, pinteraction = 0.02), and especially in LAA patients with CHIP (OR 0.1, 95%CI 0.02–0.42, p = 0.002; pinteraction = 0.001).ConclusionCHIP is associated with unfavorable functional outcomes in patients with LAA stroke and hyper-inflammation. Genetic IL-6 signaling inhibition might attenuate the risk of unfavorable functional outcomes in CHIP carriers, especially in LAA stroke patients.

Mousterian human fossils from El Castillo cave (Puente Viesgo, Cantabria, Spain).

El Castillo cave is a well-known site because of its Paleolithic archaeology and parietal rock art. This paper is focused on the human remains found by V. Cabrera in the Mousterian Unit XX assigned to MIS 4 and early MIS 3. The fossils consist of one upper left second premolar (ULP4), one incomplete proximal hand phalanx, and one partial femoral head. The tooth and the phalanx were assigned to adults, whereas the femoral head belonged to an immature individual due to the absence of fusion traces to the metaphyseal surface. The external morphology and metrical characterization of the Castillo-1466 (ULP4) tooth crown was quantified and compared to the variability of other Neanderthal dental remains and a sample of modern human populations. We also quantified its 3D enamel thickness distribution, its roots morphology, as well as the presence of chipping, and their possible relation to masticatory or paramasticatory activities. Castillo-1466 shows crown dimensions compatible with middle-sized Neanderthal teeth, but with a remarkably thicker enamel than other Neanderthal premolars, such as Marillac 13. The femoral head and the hand phalanx fragment are compared to published values for Neanderthals, although both partial fossils lack diagnostic features precluding any clear taxonomic diagnostic. Therefore, their attribution to Neanderthals is assumed based on the dating of the layers in which they were discovered. El Castillo cave Mousterian fossils represent another contribution to the knowledge of the Middle Paleolithic populations of Northern Spain, where different sites along the Cantabrian mountains yielded several human remains assigned to MIS 4 and early MIS 3.

New methods for identifying diagnostic indicators of the technical condition of aircraft gas turbine engine reduction gearboxes

Planetary gearboxes of aviation gas turbine engines are their most stressed units. Control of their technical condition under operating conditions by measuring the oil temperature and the presence of chips in it by a visual endoscopic method does not provide the required completeness of control. High vibration activity of gearboxes, especially in case of development of a widespread defect in the form of wear of tooth flanks, requires additional methods of assessment of their technical condition. The practice of operating such complex and stressed objects shows that vibroacoustic diagnostics is the most effective one. However, for aviation gas-turbine engines its use is connected with certain difficulties. First of all, it is the change of vibration intensity when the engine is relocated from the test bench to the object. At the engine manufacturer's stand, as a rule, the collection of experimental material for the development of methods of vibration-based diagnostics of defects is carried out. To overcome the above-mentioned problem, we suggest new methods for detecting diagnostic signs of tooth flank wear. Both vibration processes and signals of standard tachometric sensors of input and output gearbox shaft rotation frequency are used. A set of diagnostic features on the basis of frequency parameters is proposed. The use of some of them makes it possible to assess the technical condition of the engine gearbox during operation, for example in the performance of routine maintenance work.

MM-205: Clonal Hematopoiesis in Multiple Myeloma, Relations with Treatment Toxicity

Context Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell neoplasm with a mean age of diagnosis of 68. The main targets in the treatment are immunomodulatory therapies and ASCT. CHIP mutations are common in plasma cell neoplasms. CHIP have been shown to be associated with previous cytotoxic treatment. Objective To detect accompanying somatic mutations, dysplasia, and presence of CHIP in MM patients. To evaluate in terms of treatment-related toxicities (TrTs) in patients with CHIP. Design The data of 45 MM patients who underwent bone marrow biopsy and studied NGS between February 2020 and January 2021 at Trakya University Hospital were retrospectively re-evaluated. Patients or Other Participants The mean age of the patients was 63.67; 24 of the patients were female and 21 were male. Bone marrow biopsy was performed in all patients and NGS was studied. The treatments received by the patients were retrospectively analyzed and recorded. Interventions The patients were diagnosed with MM using the WHO 2016 Myeloid Neoplasm Classification. Somatic mutation results were analyzed by the QIAact Myeloid DNA NGS Panel molecular analysis. Hematologic TrTs National Cancer Institute’s common nomenclature criteria was used for adverse events. Results When the data of 45 MM patients were analyzed, CHIP was detected in 35 patients. Mutational profile showed DNMT3A mutation in 11 patients, TET2 in 13 patients, RAS in 10 patients and other mutations including ASXL1, CSFR3R or RUNX1 in 11 patients. Though anemia is an end organ damage of MM, DNMT3A positivity was related with initial presentation of anemia (p=0.043). Thrombocytopenia was observed at the time of diagnosis in two patients with positive RAS (p=0.006). We found that patients using maintenance lenalidomide or bortezomib after ASCT were associated with the development of anemia in DNMT3A positive patients, but not with the development of anemia in TET2 positive patients. Neutropenia after treatment was observed in 22 patients, and in 20 of these patients, CHIP was present (p=0.039). Anemia after treatment was observed in 32 patients and 27 of these patients had CHIP (p=0.009). Conclusions Patients with CHIP are more prone to develop cytopenia and other toxicities with treatment. Patients cannot receive optimal myeloma treatment by delays or dose reductions in treatment. Investigation of CHIP in MM patients is necessary in treatment planning and follow-up.

From the apron into the pit: the deposition of the complete debris from the manufacture of a bifacial preform at the Middle Paleolithic site of Kabazi V, level III/4-2

At Kabazi V, level III/4-2, the entire debris from the manufacture of a bifacial preform was found deposited in a small anthropogenic pit. The bifacial preform itself was missing. The fact that it was possible to refit all larger blanks, as well as several chips, from the pit, whereas refits with artifacts discarded on the surface of the corresponding archeological level were not found, underlines the character of the pit’s contents as a closed find sensu stricto. The only explanation for the presence of chips of very small size from the same nodule, alongside the larger ones, in the pit fill is the use of an apron to collect all detached items during the process of flaking. Among the numerous anthropogenic pits from the Crimean Middle Paleolithic, the one found at Kabazi V, level III/4-2, and two other examples from Zaskalanya V and Zaskalnaya VI stand out for the intentional deposition of carefully selected artifacts in them. The sizes of the pits match the volumes of the artifacts deposited, which emphasizes the close relationship between the construction of the pits and the artifacts’ deposition. This article explores the significance of the three cases of artifact deposition referred to above to our understanding of segmented production processes and of why these depositions occurred. The most evident interpretation is that they were caches of equipment stored as insurance for unforeseen circumstances, which is indicative of substantial planning depth and a recurrent use of logistical territories.

Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN) Commonly Presents in the Setting of Prior or Concomitant Hematologic Malignancies (PCHM): Patient Characteristics and Outcomes in the Rapidly Evolving Modern Targeted Therapy Era

Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN) Commonly Presents in the Setting of Prior or Concomitant Hematologic Malignancies (PCHM): Patient Characteristics and Outcomes in the Rapidly Evolving Modern Targeted Therapy Era

Abstract LB-B02: Detection of Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential in Solid Tumors: Implications for Interpretation of Molecular Testing

Abstract Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is caused by the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells that harbor oncogenic mutations. CHIP is associated with older age and increased mortality, and has been detected in a substantial percentage of the normal peripheral blood of cancer patients. Here, we hypothesize that CHIP may also be detected in solid tumor sequencing assays due to the presence of admixed hematopoietic cells; some mutations present in these data, especially those present at lower mutation allele frequency (MAF) relative to the tumor major clone, may signal the presence of CHIP rather than alterations in the solid tumor, and directly impact diagnosis, treatment, and patient prognosis. Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), even without matched normal DNA, provides an unbiased view of both heterogeneous solid tumor cells and admixed non-tumor populations. CGP using the FoundationOne® and FoundationOne®Heme platforms was used to profile 97,670 solid tumors, with 257 shared genes interrogated via DNA-seq by both assays. These tumors were categorized into 23 cancer types. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between genomic alterations and patient age. The probability that each mutation’s MAF was significantly less than expected from tumor purity was calculated. CHIP-associated mutations were defined as those in the NCCN guidelines for Myelodysplastic Syndrome or previously detected CHIP in healthy individuals. CHIP-associated alterations should correlate with increasing age regardless of tumor type. Therefore, the log odds ratio of alteration rate for each disease group and gene combination before and after age 60 was calculated. After correction for multiple hypotheses, only DNMT3A, TET2, SF3B1, and ASXL1 had significantly more alterations after age 60 across all disease groups (p <0.05). Concordantly, the rates of mutations within DNMT3A, TET2, SF3B1, and ASXL1 were strongly correlated with increasing patient age (DNMT3A p = 9.1E-75;TET2 p = 1.8E-109; SF3B1 p = 3.4E-47; ASXL1 p = 1.9E-41). Moreover, mutations in these genes were detected at decreased MAFs in patients older than 60 years (DNMT3A p <1.3E-6; TET2 p <3.1E-15; ASXL1 p <6.1E-7; SF3B1 p <2.7E-13). To validate that these mutations existed in non-tumor elements, CGP of 1,636 solid tumors treated at Rutgers were analyzed; 36 patients had TET2 and DNMT3A mutations at MAFs significantly below the expected (p <0.05). The median age of these patients was 68 years; 53% of them had a history of smoking, and 58% had chemotherapy and/or radiation prior to CGP. Matched peripheral blood samples were available for 13 patients; microdissected lymphocytes from a lymph node biopsy without histologic evidence of tumor were available for another patient. When these hematopoietic samples were sequenced, 11 out of 14 (79%) had the same TET2 or DNMT3A mutation found in the solid tumor. For the other three patients, the mutations were detected exclusively in microdissected tumor cells enriched from the original samples. Overall, our analysis provides compelling evidence that when CHIP-associated mutations are observed in high-depth CGP of solid tumor samples at MAFs significantly different than expected, caution is necessary for appropriate patient management, and a hematologic workup should be considered in the appropriate clinical context. Citation Format: Eric A. A. Severson, Gregory M. Riedlinger, Mendel Goldfinger, Caitlin Connelly, Shakti Ramkissoon, Garrett Frampton, Jeffrey Ross, Vincent Miller, Jo-Anne Vergilio, Julia Elvin, Mohammad Hadigol, Kim M. Hirshfield, Lorna Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Shridar Ganesan, Hossein Khiabanian. Detection of Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential in Solid Tumors: Implications for Interpretation of Molecular Testing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-B02.

Clonal Hematopoiesis Associated with Adverse Outcomes Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

▪BackgroundClonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is an age-related phenomenon characterized by the presence of somatic mutations in peripheral blood (PMIDs: 25426837, 25426838). Although CHIP was originally defined in healthy older adults without cytopenias, it can be found in other contexts as well. For example, one recent report described four patients with therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (TMN) arising after treatment for other cancers, all of which were driven by TP53 mutations that could be found at very low levels in samples drawn years before the development of TMN (PMID: 25487151). However, there has not yet been a more systematic study of CHIP in this type of context.In this study, we sought to understand how CHIP behaves and influences outcomes in the context of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), arguably the most extreme selective pressure that can be studied in the context of native hematopoiesis. We hypothesized that in patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) undergoing ASCT, the presence of CHIP at the time of transplantation would be associated with an increased risk of TMN and other adverse outcomes.MethodsWe analyzed exome sequencing data from 10 patients with TMN after ASCT (City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA), and performed targeted sequencing of 116 genes on banked, mobilized peripheral blood from an additional 401 patients with NHL who underwent ASCT (Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA), to determine whether there is a clonal connection between CHIP at the time of ASCT and subsequent TMN, and to determine whether the presence of CHIP at the time of ASCT influences subsequent outcomes.ResultsIn 7 of 10 TMN patients for whom we analyzed exome sequencing data, mutations present at the time of TMN were also detectable in the pre-ASCT sample. PPM1D, a key mediator of the DNA damage pathway, was mutated in 2 patients, as was TP53 (2 patients), TET2 (2 patients) and PRPF8 (1 patient). In our larger cohort of 401 unselected ASCT patients, CHIP was common (121 patients, 30.2%) and was associated with older age but not with other demographic or treatment-related factors. PPM1D was the most commonly mutated gene (54 mutations in 48 patients).In the ASCT cohort of 401 patients, 18 patients developed TMN. The presence of CHIP at the time of ASCT significantly increased this risk: the 10-year cumulative incidence of TMN, with death and allogeneic transplant as competing risks, was 12.4% for patients with CHIP, compared to 3.5% for patients without CHIP (P=0.002, Figure 1A). Moreover, the presence of CHIP at the time of ASCT conferred significant risks beyond TMN alone, as patients with CHIP had significantly inferior overall survival compared to patients without CHIP (10-year OS 30.6% versus 60.9%, P=0.0003, Figure 1B). This difference was driven primarily by late mortality and not by an increased risk of relapse or by the difference in rate of TMN. Although other variables were associated with OS in univariate analysis, multivariate analysis in a Cox proportional hazards model showed that only older age (60 or above), aggressive lymphoma, and presence of CHIP were significantly associated with survival.ConclusionWe show that CHIP at the time of ASCT for NHL is common and is associated with an increased risk of TMN and decreased overall survival independent of the TMN risk. These results have substantial clinical and translational implications. They suggest the need to specifically study the connection between CHIP and lymphoma more deeply, which could be accomplished by assessing CHIP in patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma prior to the administration of any chemotherapy or mobilizing agents. They also suggest the need to consider alternative therapeutic approaches for patients with lymphoma and a high risk of TMN who are being considered for ASCT. Finally, they underscore the need to study clonal hematopoiesis in the context of treatment for other cancers to determine whether these results may be relevant to an even larger number of patients. [Display omitted] DisclosuresLindsley:MedImmune: Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Mar:H3 Biomedicine: Other: Spouse's employment. LaCasce:Forty Seven: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Koreth:LLS: Research Funding; amgen inc: Consultancy; takeda pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; kadmon corp: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; prometheus labs inc: Research Funding; millennium pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Ritz:Kiadis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Soiffer:Kiadis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Juno: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Experimental investigation of thermal aspects in a cutting tool using comsol and inverse problem

The direct measurement of the temperature in a machining process is difficult to accomplish due to the movement of the piece as well as the presence of chips. Thus, the use of inverse heat conduction techniques convey a good alternative to obtain these temperatures, since these techniques allow the use of experimental data obtained from accessible regions. This work proposes the use of a nonlinear inverse problem technique in connection with COMSOL to estimate the heat flux and the temperature field on a turning cutting tool in transient regime. The main purpose of the present work is to show the improvements performed in relation to the authors’ previous work to develop the complex geometry of a machining process. Specification function, which is an inverse problem technique, was implemented in a MATLAB program to estimate the heat flux applied on the tool, from the experimental temperature records. Once the heat flux is known, COMSOL is again utilized to obtain the temperature field on the cutting tool. A comparison of the numerical and experimental temperature results validates the methodology.

Equipment for the Study of Machinability by Drilling under Constant Force Feed

The problem of machinability evaluation by constant force feed drilling was addressed in this paper. One of the objectives of the research presented in this paper was the decrease of the influence exerted by the presence of chips in drill channels and achieving equipment able to correspond to such a requirement. The use of value analysis method allowed identifying a solution of device able to ensure simpler conditions for materialization of test corresponding to machinability evaluation by drilling under constant force feed. One analyzed various machining schemas for achieving a drilling process. Equipment for drilling under constant force feed was designed. Essentially, a vertical feed motion up down could be achieved by the device for clamping the test piece, while the drilling tool achieves the rotation motion. The feed motion is generated under the action of some weights. One also developed a preliminary experimental research for verifying the conditions of equipment operation.

Investigation of inter-channel crosstalk mitigation by assist light in a TOAD switch by using electrical equivalent circuit model of SOA

The paper investigates in depth analysis of inter-channel crosstalk in a terahertz optical asymmetric de-multiplexer (TOAD) switch. Large signal multi-wavelength circuit model of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) has been developed for crosstalk analysis of the TOAD. The circuit model is particularly suitable for numerical simulation of an integrated TOAD switch in presence of chip and package parasitics. Mitigation of inter-channel crosstalk by continuous wave (cw) assist light is studied experimentally and good prediction accuracy with the numerical result is obtained. It is found that the range of input probe power can be increased by 10 dB when assist light is injected and no error floor is observed. Best performance of crosstalk mitigation is obtained when assist light wavelength is set to the edge of 3 dB bandwidth of the SOA.

A Retrospective Study on the Incidence of Chipping of Zirconia-Based Restorations

Purpose: To establish the incidence of chipping of zirconia-based restorations, either implant or tooth supported in a retrospective study. Material and methods: Sixty patients received 222 cemented units of zirconia-based restorations. One hundred thirteen units were cemented on teeth, 97 on implants and 12 units were pontics. After the delivery of the restorations, during the recalls, the patients were examined in regard to the presence of chipping of the veneering ceramic. Location of the restoration, the type of support and the design of the restoration were assessed as possible factors influencing chipping rate. Results: During an observation period of up to 5,5 years, 27 (12,16%) zirconia-based units showed chipping of the veneering ceramic. A total of 14 units had to be remade, resulting in a survival rate of 93,69% of the zirconia-based restorations. The chipping rate seemed to be higher in restorations on implants than those supported by teeth. In the molar region chipping occured twice as often as in the premolar and front regions (15,83% vs 7,84%). An increased chipping rate was observed in multi-unit restorations (13,95%) as compared to single-unit restorations (9,67%). Conclusion: Chipping of the porcelain veneering is the most frequent complication of zirconia-based restorations. They should be recommended with care in the molar region, especially as multi-unit restorations.

Effect of alternative techniques to ageing on lees and use of non-toasted oak chips in alcoholic fermentation on the aromatic composition of red wine

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different enological treatments on the volatile composition of red wine: ageing on lees with and without adding β-glucanase enzymes; the use of a commercial yeast derivative with and without β-glucanase enzymes; and the use of non-toasted chips in fermentation. The results indicated that the presence of chips during the fermentation enhanced the formation of 2-phenylethanol, ethyl esters and fusel alcohol acetates, but affected the levels of some of the lactones and volatile phenols studied negatively. In addition, it was found that wine lees and commercial yeast derivatives can bind some of the volatile compounds studied, mainly ethyl esters and fusel alcohol acetates. After 6 months in bottle, in general, the differences found between the control wine and wines fermented with chips were maintained. However, between the control wine and the wines treated with natural or commercial yeast, the differences disappeared, although not for all the compounds studied. Finally, an important effect of the addition of β-glucanase enzymes was not observed.

Non starter lactic acid bacteria biofilms: A means to control the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in soft cheese

The possibility to consider non starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) biofilms as a means to control the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in soft cheeses was evaluated. In particular, the aptitude to form biofilm of four NSLAB strains ( Lactobacillus plantarum DSM1055, Lactobacillus casei DSM20011, Lactobacillus curvatus DSM20019 and Lactobacillus paracasei DSM20207) was investigated. All tested strains were able to form biofilm on stainless steel and the highest quantities were produced when NSLAB were present simultaneously (about 6 Log CFU cm −2). Then, experimental cheeses were made in presence of chips containing 7-days NSLAB biofilms and inoculated with L. monocytogenes (about 2 Log CFU g −1). Results demonstrated that NSLAB biofilms can be considered a useful means to delay the growth of L. monocytogenes in soft cheeses: the maximum cell load attained at the stationary phase was about 6 Log CFU g −1 in experimental cheeses against about 7 Log CFU g −1 observed in control samples.

Evaluation of the strength of a new type of detachable joint in a compound glass shell

1. Compound shells with a detachable joint directly connecting the glass elements showed a satisfactory breaking strength under the effect of a single external hydrostatic pressure and can be recommended for working under such conditions up to loads amounting to no more than 0.3 of the calculated value characteristic for monolithic shells similar to them. 2. For the successful realization of direct joining of the glass elements and for eliminating their premature damage and destruction in the joint zone, it is necessary to polish their contact surface with respect to the third class of precision and to provide an arithmetic mean deviation of the profile of the contact surfaces of not more than 0.32 μm. 3. The strength of the assembled shells with a detachable butt joint is determined by the value of the contact strength of the material under conditions of the interaction of glass with glass in the joint in the presence of large specific compressive forces and technological imperfections of the contact surfaces of the joint. The most dangerous type of such imperfections is the presence of chips and gas bubbles on the contact surfaces. Misalignment of the contact surfaces in the plane of the joint, causing the occurrence of inside overhanging edges, also substantially reduces the strength of the compound shells. 4. The direct contact between glass elements on the surface of detachment does not provide a high level of operational capability of the joint in the case of repeated static loading by an external pressure and can be recommended only for one-time (1–10 cycles) use. 5. The cyclic strength of the detachable butt joint of compound shells is entirely determined by the aforementioned factors and its level of stress under conditions of frictional interaction of the contact surfaces. 6. Strengthening of the contact surfaces of glass elements by chemical etching does not improve the joint; the bearing capacity of the compound spherical shell remains at the former level.

In-Process Measurement of Surface Roughness in Turning by Laser Beams

A new technique for in-process measurement of surface roughness is introduced which employs an optical method by using double laser beams. This makes it possible to detect the surface roughness not only along the circumferential path but also along the feed direction even during machining. The experimental results show that the presence of chipping and chattering can be detected sensitively along both measurements directions and the maximum roughness value is always obtainable from the reading along the feed direction.