Service-Learning or the learning based on service is defined as a method of teaching and learning
strategy which optimized experiences in serving the community. Although this practice of teaching
and learning has given positive impacts; practitioners and researchers alike are still uneven in
their consent regarding the best way to define and characterize the concept of Service-Learning.
The main focus of this article is to analyze the key elements in the definition about Service
Learning. This article will discuss and elaborate on the concept of Service Learning into four main
parts, namely; a general explanation of Service-Learning, different kinds of participation in
Service-Learning, the approaches in Service-Learning and the impacts of Service-Learning. In
confronting the challenges of the 21st century learning strategy, the implementation of Service-
Learning as a learning process based on experiences is timely because it provides students with a
strong knowledge for the content of the course, the skills required by the market career, also in
instilling positive values required for community development and community change.


Clamping claw (1) for clamping at least two component to be connected layers (2), comprising: - a first claw (8) having a first free end; - a second claw (9) with a second free end; and - a locking mechanism (7); said second claw (8) at its first free end, the opposite end about an axis (14) is rotatably supported on the side opposite to the second free end of the end of the first jaw arm (8) so that the clamping claw (1) to close around the axis (14) is collapsible; wherein the locking mechanism (7) is designed to enable the closing of the clamping jaw (7) and in order to counteract an uncontrolled opening of the clamping claw (1) counter; and wherein the first claw (8) relative to the second claw arm (9) about the axis (14) is pivotable about at least 130 °.


Objective: To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with imported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Beijing Methods: A case-control study was performed to retrospectively analyze 69 cases of imported COVID-19 from abroad and 147 cases of domestic confirmed COVID -19 from China as a control group from January 20 to March 20, 2020admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University The epidemiological and clinical characteristics were compared Statistical analyses were performed by t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test and Fisher exact test Results: The main sources of the cases in the import group were from the UK, Italy, Spain and other European countries, with 44 9%(31/69)of the overseas students entering the country by air The age of the imported group (27 (21,40)) was lower than the domestic group(43 (32,59)), the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (U=2828 500, P<0 01) Compared with the domestic group, the proportion of cases with contact history of confirmed cases in the imported group was lower (30 4% (21/69) vs68 0% (100/147)), the interval between onset and admission≤7 days was higher (81 2%(56/69) vs 66 0% (97/147)), the proportion of mild cases was higher ( 42 0% (29/69) vs 10 9% (16/147) ), the proportion of cases with underlying diseases was lower( 21 7% (15/69) vs 44 2% (65/147) ) The differences between the two groups were all statistically significant (X2=26 935, 5 233, 33 049 and 10 175, respectively, all P<0 05) Seventeen cases with olfactory abnormality and 12 cases with taste abnormality were found in the imported group, while no olfactory and taste abnormality was found in the domestic group The proportions of fever, weakness, muscleache and dyspnea were all lower than those of the domestic group, the differences between the two groups were all statistically significant (X2=13 851, 8 118,9 730 and 16 255, respectively, all P<0 05) The proportions of cases with decreased lymphocyte absolute numbers ( 37 7% (26/69) vs 67 3% (99/147)) and increased CRP level (15 9% (11/69) vs 51 8% (72/139)) were both lower than the domestic group, and the differences between the two groups were both statistically significant (X2=18 015 and 24 722, respectively, both P<0 01) The proportions of cases with bilateral lesions, ground glass shadow and consolidation of chest CT were lower than those of the domestic group and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (X2=37 098, 11 961 and 5 099, respectively, all P<0 05) In terms of complications, the proportions of cases with acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute myocardial injury were lower (2 9% (2/69) vs 10 9% (16/147) and 4 3% (3/69) vs 14 0% (16/114), respectively), and there were statistically significant differences between the two groups (X2= 4 017 and 4 335, respectively, both P<0 05) In terms of treatment, there were no cases received mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenerator in the imported group, and the proportions of patients received oxygen therapy and antibiotic treatment were significantly lower than those in the domestic group (13 0% (9/69) vs 26 5% (39/147) and 13 0% (9/69) vs 39 5% (58/147), respectively) and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (X2=4 942 and 15 797, respectively, both P<0 05) Conclusions: The majority of imported COVID-19 cases are mainly from European and American countries, mostly young and middle-aged, and mostly mild and ordinary types The symptoms of olfactory and taste abnormality are found for the first time


Presently the matter" indoor air quality" (IAQ) has been serious. In this paper, focusing on features of IAQ, influence factors of IAQ are discussed and put forward several measures to improve IAQ. At last, expresses the author's opinion on the IAQ' research directions in the future.


This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync/4.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Dear Editor, In a recent special article published in this journal, the authors described the Korean government's performance in battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as relatively good in terms of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as social distancing and wearing masks, along with testing, tracing, and treatment. However, they also emphasized that little attention has been paid to health equity in measures to control the pandemic by considering social determinants of health such as poor housing, precarious working conditions, disrupted healthcare services, and suspension of social services. With this, they proposed that a people-centered perspective can be a key approach to address the problem [1]. This article is indeed an honest observation and evaluation regarding the inequality of health services that are supposed to be provided to all citizens of Korea during this health crisis. However, I would like to point out that this is a global concern that needs immediate attention from every national government. A perfect example of this is the situation of our detained community members or those behind bars because of crimes committed. In another study, the authors clearly described the serious situation of an increasing number of prisoners in China, Iran, and the United States who were infected with COVpISSN 1975-8375 eISSN 2233-4521


In a recent Letter [1] Brezgen et al. claim that a classical model of interactions is in principle unsuitable to reproduce interferometer experiments with C70 molecules, and that an optical model based on the de Broglie waves of the molecule explains the experimental data. In their Letter they clarify to a certain extent the objections raised by one of the authors [2] concerning their previous publication [3]. The clarification is much appreciated. However, it is not fully convincing. To support their claim Brezgen et al. compute the visibility of the interference fringes based on two separate models: (i) A 'classical' model from geometrical optics, in which the movement of the molecules through a succession of optical gratings is described as rigid rays casting a shadow pattern at the detector plane; and (ii) a 'quantum' model, where the scalar potential of the grating leads to a phase shift of the de Broglie wave associated with the molecule. Additionally, the consequences of including a van der Waals term which gives a shift in scalar potentials is analyzed within both models. These models are simplistic for various reasons. Most importantly, the main conclusion that the visibility of the interference fringes depends on the quantum character of the description is only based on the observation that the classical model does not have any term depending on the velocity of the molecules. But this is a deficiency of the model rather than something characteristic for the movement of molecules on classical trajectories. When the temperature of a molecular beam is increased, its changed velocity and translational energy will change its spatial distribution. This statistical effect has been analyzed in [2]. Fig. 1 (a) shows that it results in a velocity dependence of the visibility of the interference fringes of the earlier experiments in [3] within an entirely classical model as far as the movement of the atomic nuclei is concerned. This is no surprise for quantum chemists or theoretical solid state physicists, who are routinely using the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. In surface science or biochemistry such calculations have been successfully applied over the last decades to describe atomic movement with classical Lagrangians in the field of their electrons. The description of van der Waals forces is problematic as well. In atom interferometry van der Waals forces are known to change the effective slit widths of diffraction gratings. But these descriptions can only be used as a good approximation for the long range forces, when there are no larger interaction terms. At high temperatures molecular vibrations lead to a fluctuating molecular dipole moment. We have computed the dipole moment of C60 molecules at the temperature of the experiments in [3] by first principles density functional theory (see Fig. 1 (b)) [4]. As can be seen, the molecular dipole moment oscillates periodically along its path. These fluctuations are much larger in their amplitudes and time periods than the also time-dependent polarizations of the electronic shells of atoms responsible for van der Waals interactions. Whether the interactions of these fluctuating molecular dipoles with the diffraction gratings have a significant effect on the visibility of the interference fringes can only be answered, when a detailed model of the electronic structure of the surface of these gratings is provided.


Objective:To evaluate the function of ursolic acid on the proliferation of human Hepatoma carcinoma cells SMMC-7721.And to study the effect of ursolic acid on the apoptosis of SMMC-7721 by flow cytometry.Methods:Human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells were co-cultured with different doses of ursolic acid for 24 h,72 h,respectively.The absorbance value was evaluated by neutral red staining method.The influence of ursolic acid on the proliferation of hepatoma cells was evaluated;and the apoptosis was detected by using flow cytometry.Results:Ursolic acid on the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells had obvious inhibition effect(P 0.05 or P 0.01) and presented time-dose related manner.The half inhibitory concentration(IC50) of ursolic acid on SMMC-7721 cells strain was 12.59 μg·mL-1and 8.32 μg·mL-1,respectively.The result indicated that the apoptosis rate was up to 14.07% and there was a positive correlation between the drug concentration and the apoptosis rate.Conclusion:Ursolic acid on the proliferation of hepatoma SMMC-7721 cell line has the obvious inhibitory action.The inhibition may be related to the induction of apoptosis of hepatoma cells.


One kind of highway tunnel entrance blackout transition facility design. The facility mainly transparent glass plate (2), multi-channel arched steel column (3), onion skin form the opaque film (5) and the light-shielding facility constitute retroreflective system; wherein the arcuate steel column (3) gradually increased outwardly from the entrance end of the tunnel wall (1), and a transparent glass plate (2) on a common flared opening columns; onion skin transparent glass plate-shaped inner layer is provided an opaque light-shielding film, a light shielding film plane contour, side projection are Boltzmann curve, a triangular hollow steel arcuate sides. IF steel retroreflective system includes a delineator post (7), intermediate guardrail delineator (8), the high-frequency fence elevation tag (9), a high frequency pavement marking line (10), and a high frequency road signs projections (11) . The present invention can improve the tunnel entrance space, illumination, reference dramatic transition, the black hole effect to alleviate the tunnel entrance.


Reaction of title compounds (I) with ammonia affords products (II) with conservation of the three-membered ring, whereas reaction with amines (III) is accompanied by ring opening [ (IV)] and successive heterocyclization furnishing pyrrolopyrrole derivatives (V).


The paper considers linguo-pragmatic features of the genre of publishing discourse le priere d'inserer (fourth page of the cover of the book) having an impact on its future. We cite the opinions of the French publishers, the main trends in writing abstracts.


Abstract An accurate and robust method has been developed for the general multiharmonic analysis of forced periodic vibrations of bladed discs subjected to abrupt changes of elastic and damping properties at contact nodes located on the interfaces of the components. The approach is based on an analytical formulation of friction contact interface elements which provides exact expressions for multiharmonic forces and stiffness matrices of the elements. The analytical formulation overcomes the numerical difficulties associated with searching for a solution of the non-linear equations, which have been inherent so far for the considered systems, and provides a breakthrough in the analysis of the non-linear forced response of bladed discs and other structures with gaps and friction interfaces. An effective reduction method is reported that allows the size of the resolving equations to be decreased to the number of DOFs (degrees of freedom) at the contact surfaces, while preserving completeness and accuracy of the whole large-scale model. Numerical investigations demonstrate the outstanding properties of the proposed approach with respect to computational speed, accuracy and stability of calculations for practical gas-turbine structures.


This paper estimates the income elasticity of house prices over a long-term time period of 1991 to 2012 for 144 LGAs in New South Wales of Australia. The income elasticity of house prices is estimated to be 0.69 by multi-factor panel data models accounting for cross-section dependence and serial correlation. The estimate conrms a co-integrated long-run relationship between real house prices and real income. Alternatively, the income elasticity is estimated to be 0.46 using traditional


The armed conflict faced by Colombian population from this last half century has produced more than five million displaced people in recent decades (near to 10% of the national population). Women and their children are an important part of this group. This paper focuses on women heads of households –which are authorities in the home and are responsible for its protection – that have been victims of forced displacement and have arrived in the city of Medellin. In particular, it focuses on the life strategies implemented by them over the years to deal with situations of violations of their rights and violence. Because of their rural origins, their low education, their numerous descendants, they must face new threats in the big city and are exposed to situations of uprooting, violence, poverty and social exclusion.


In this paper, a flexible and miniaturized RFID strain sensor tag with chip is proposed for the detection of metal surface strain. The flexible miniature RFID tag is composed of a flexible substrate, tag microstrip antenna and RF chip. Its flexible substrate and small size makes it suitable for more application scenarios and reduces the cost of a single tag. The flexible RFID sensor tag is designed and the parameters are optimized firstly. Then, the strain detection performance of the tag is studied through numerical simulation. Finally, a quantitative detection approach of metal surface strain is proposed, which can realize the quantitative nondestructive and wireless detection for the metal component surface strain. The designed RFID strain sensor are expected to be applied in the surface strain monitoring for the bearing in the EEF bogie of the high-speed train as well as the interlaminar stress in hydrogen storage tank as well.


To order the complete compilation report, use: ADA429790 The component part is provided here to allow users access to individually authored sections f proceedings, annals, symposia, etc. However, the component should be considered within [he context of the overall compilation report and not as a stand-alone technical report. ABSTRACT Dvelopment efforts since the late 1970s have resulted in a generalized method for ranking health hazards. This method provides the basis for a wide range of applications where decisions are needed for allocating resources on the basis of health risk considerations. It has been used for more than a decade to solve real problems and it is supported by 23 publications in the open literature. The diversity of this generalized methodology allows us to provide support in a great number of problem areas. We give four examples in this manuscript: (i) the relative toxicities of petroleum mixtures: (2) a method to derive Emergency Response Planning Guides: (3) an estimate of the possible carcinogenic potency of tungsten. an alternative material to depleted uranium for heavy armor penetrators. and (4) an approach to low dose extrapolation. Our experience suggests that many more applications of the original concept and variations on it can be of utility in military situations. Some potentially fruitful areas may be in the: development of a health-risk-ranking system for alternative solutions to manufacturing, waste management, and remediation: provision of a basis for identifying levels of hazardous agents which are below health concerns, or which should be of concern: development of a framework for evaluating chemicals and radioactive materials on the same basis, and in the development of a battery of in vitro bioassays which could take the place of long-ten whole animal tests.


We aim to detect high-refractive index media by substituting metal diffraction grating with a metal film. The advantages of this structure are miniaturization, wide-range detection, and versatility. The Au gratings were fabricated on a glass substrate by electron beam lithography and lift-off process. Using a 635 nm laser, we measured the dependence of reflectance on the light incident angle. At a grating period of 600 nm, the sensor detected 1-bromonaphthalene (refractive index n =1.65) and ethyl alcohol (n = 1.36).


Abstract Chronic uveitides can lead to serious sequlae over time including blindness. Human Leukocyte antigen (HLA) plays an important role in immunological response of the eyes. Some of these uveitides are associated with certain Human Leukocyte antigen (HLA) types. This article reviews these relationships and their significance.


• MINT Inc's Hug Salt and Pepper Shaker reflects a high propositional density. The doorbell rings. I glance out the window and see a Federal Express delivery truck. I open the door, exchange pleasantries with the driver, sign for my package using a nifty industrial-strength PDA, and then watch her scurry down the stairs and back into the truck. As she races away to the next delivery, I take an extra moment to look at the FedEx logo on the side of the truck, as I always do, and smile. Some people smile when they see children playing in a park. Others when they see one of those rare red-and-purple-sky sunsets. I smile when I see good design. I like the FedEx logotype in particular because it employs one of my favorite design principles: propositional density. Look at the logotype. Read it. See anything interesting? Even if you did not consciously process the arrow created by the negative space between the " E " and the " X, " there is a good chance you processed it subconsciously. The arrow, pointing left to right, brings to mind concepts like " movement, " " forward thinking, " and " safety, " which, incidentally, align with the words I would use to characterize my delivery experience this morning. That the FedEx logotype reinforces attributes that the company wants to associate with its brand makes the design a good one. That it achieves this extra meaning without any additional elements is what makes it a great design, a propositionally dense design. And, to paraphrase Robert Frost, that makes all the difference. Propositional density is the amount of information conveyed by an object or environment per unit element. The principle borrows from Noam Chomsky's seminal Syntactic Structures and builds on the style of application promoted by Brooks Landon in his approach to teaching writing. Landon emphasizes sentence development in effective writing and asserts that the best writing is generally made up of longer, not shorter, sentences. The key to effective writing, he argues, involves the density of propositions in the sentence as much as more traditional writing fodder such as syntax, rhythm, and balance. To Landon, the sentence is a visible piece of writing. The propositions advanced by a sentence are assumptions and ideas, not necessarily written out. He offers the following metaphors: I like to think of the written sentence as the part …


The theory of the formation of the Isaiah Targum in two principal phases was first advanced in 1982. The bexegetical framework organized then current translations of Hebrew text into a powerful vehicle of opposition to the Romans and propaganda for restoration of the Temple. During the fourth century, the second exegetical framework of the Isaiah Targum was developed. The two renderings of Isaiah which this chapter considers by means of examples of interpretations of the Tannaitic and Amoraic meturgemanin permit us insight into the development of distinct methods of the transformation of meaning from the Hebrew text into the Aramaic Targum. The Tannaitic meturgeman transforms the Hebrew of Isaiah literally into a messianic theology of eschatological vindication. The Amoraic meturgeman transforms both the work of his predecessor and those parts of the Hebrew text which had not already been rendered into Aramaic by means of systematic indications of God's transcendence. Keywords: Amoraic meturgemanin; Aramaic Targum; book of Isaiah; Hebrew text; Isaiah Targm; messianic theology; Tannaitic meturgeman


&dquo;Life in the communities of Deep South follows an ordered pattern. The inhabitants live in a social world clearly divided into two ranks, the white caste and the Negro caste. These color-castes share disproportionately in the privileges and obligations of labor, school, and government and participate in separate families, associations, cliques, and churches. Only in the economic sphere do the caste sanctions relax, and then but for a few persons and in limited relationships. Within the castes are social classes, not so rigidly defined as the castes but serving to organize individuals and groups on the basis of 'higher' and 'lower' status, and thus to restrict intimate social access. Both the caste system and the class system are changing through time; both are responsive to shifts in the economy, in the social dogmas, and in other areas of the social organization. Both are persisting, observable systems, however, recognized by the people who live in the communities ; they form Deep South's mold of existence.&dquo; &dquo;


Should courts have the power to examine the legislature's enactment process and strike down statutes enacted contrary to procedural lawmaking requirements? This idea remains highly controversial. While substantive judicial review is well-established and often taken for granted, many judges and scholars see judicial review of the legislative process as utterly objectionable. This Article challenges that prevalent position and establishes the case for judicial review of the legislative process.The Article contends that, ironically, some of the major arguments for substantive judicial review in constitutional theory, and even the arguments in Marbury v. Madison itself, are actually more persuasive when applied to judicial review of the legislative process. Furthermore, the Article claims that some of the arguments raised by leading critics of judicial review may actually be employed as arguments justifying judicial review of the lawmaking process. Therefore, countering the orthodoxy in American constitutional law and theory, the Article argues that judicial review of the enactment process is no less important and is, in fact, more justifiable than substantive judicial review.


This paper proposes a novel adaptive SVPWM control strategy with delailed discussion.This control algorithm is verified through simulation by EMTDC/PSCDA,then implemented by the controller DSP TMS320F2407 in the active filter.The experimental result proves the correctness and the advance of the algorithm used in active filter.


A generalized relationship to describe bond coupling constants is introduced. This expression includes the contributions for hybrid orbitals and the net atomic charges. The resulting expression provides an excellent description of directly bonded CH coupling constants. This equation is suitable both for hydrocarbons and for molecules with I+ and I− substituents.


The following is an edited transcript of an interview originally broadcast on the CBC Radio programme Stereo Morning In May 1985. It was conducted when Augusto Boal and his company were visiting Montreal to present a lecture and demonstration of Theatre of the Oppressed as part of the first Festival de théâtre des Amériques at that time. CTR thanks Anne Gibson, former executive producer of Stereo Morning, for access to the interview.


AIMS\ To investigate the relationship between the expression of nm23 protein and metastatic potential in human hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS\ The nm23 proteins were detected in 24 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma by immunogold silver staining method. The specific antibody was rabbit antihuman NDPK (Chain A,B) antibody. RESULTS\ NDPK level does not statistically correlate with both metastatic potential and some other clinicopathologic factors such as tumor size, number and the background liver diseases(P0.05). CONCLUSIONS\ The combined products expression of nm23 gene (NDPK_A,B) does not relate to the metastatic potential in human hepatocellular carcinoma.


Probabilistically checkable proofs of proximity (PCPP) are proof systems where the verifier is given a 3SAT formula, but has only oracle access to an assignment and a proof. The verifier accepts a satisfying assignment with a valid proof, and rejects (with high enough probability) an assignment that is far from all satisfying assignments (for any given proof).
In this work, we focus on the type of computation the verifier is allowed to make. Assuming P $\neq$ NP, there can be no PCPP when the verifier is only allowed to answer according to constraints from a set that forms a CSP that is solvable in P. Therefore, the notion of PCPP is relaxed to almost perfect probabilistically checkable proofs of proximity (APPCPP), where the verifier is allowed to reject a satisfying assignment with a valid proof, with arbitrary small probability.
We show, unconditionally, a dichotomy of sets of allowable computations: sets that have APPCPPs (which actually follows because they have PCPPs) and sets that do not. This dichotomy turns out to be the same as that of the Dichotomy Theorem, which can be thought of as dividing sets of allowable verifier computations into sets that give rise to NP-hard CSPs, and sets that give rise to CSPs that are solvable in P.


production, and the like, are avoided. These and other pertinent materials of interest, such as major sources of media data and application of linear programming, are helpfully provided in the appendix to the individual chapters. The short, illustrative cases presented as part of the text add to the clarity of the topics. Some may consider the chapters (4 through 7) on fundamental concepts of consumer behavior and segmentation (Chapter 9) as overlapping with the coverage provided in other courses, such as a course in consumer behavior and/or marketing management. As the authors point out, this section can be covered rapidly or deleted. Perhaps some amount of overlap is desirable so that 109


Abstract 4528 Background: The role of high-dose melphalan (HDM) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM) continues to evolve in the era of novel agent. Although data from clinical trials with novel agens are very promising, it is evident that ASCT remains the golden standard for all available patients; moreover combination with proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agens will ensure further benefits and prolongation of overall survival to patients. Aim: To investigate the indication, frequency and results of HDM and ASCT in MM patients in the era of novel agens. Methods: Before inclusion to the Registry of Monoclonal Gammopathy (RMG) of the Czech Myeloma Group (CMG), all persons signed the informed consent forms. Out of 1448 newly diagnosed patients (654 aged≤ 65 years) reported in the RMG in the period 2007–2011, 26.7% (386/1448) underwent ASCT as part of primo therapy. A cohort of 229 patients underwent ASCT as part of the first, second and third relapse (R1–3) treatment in the same time period. Time to progression in different disease settings, objective response rate, and safety were included as exploratory outcomes. Efficacy was assed using the IMWG criteria. A distinctive aspect of this analysis involves comparison of frequency of ASCT during this period of time. Results: A total of 59% (386/654) of newly diagnosed patients under 65 years underwent ASCT as part of primo therapy. Frequency of indication between patients with age ≤ 65 years was similar (56–63%) during the last five years. Melphalan 200mg/m 2 was the most frequently used HDM (94%) in primo therapy. The same was true for R1 (73%), R2 (46%) but not R3 where most frequent (49%) HDM was melphalan 100mg/m 2 . Transplant related mortality day+100 ranged between 0.8 to 1.1% during five consecutive years for all treatment settings together and was zero for primo therapy in the year 2007 and 2009–10. Overall responses to ASCT (primo therapy vs. R1 vs. R2 vs. R3) were: ORR 93% (30.5%≥CR) vs. 93% (20%≥CR) vs. 72% (8%≥CR) vs. 54% (4.1%≥CR). Medians of Time to Progression (TTP from the time of ASCT; primo therapy vs. R1 vs. R2 vs. R3) were: 26.2 vs. 15.6 vs. 5.8 vs. 4.8 months and the difference were statistically significant (p Conclusion: ASCT is a safe treatment strategy in MM independently of disease advance, although for patients with more advanced disease, reduced dose of melphalan (100mg/m 2 ) should be considered. ASCT is very effective treatment not only for newly diagnosed MM patients but also for patients in the first relapse. The indication in relapse setting should be considered more frequently than is currently common in the shadow of enthusiasm for novel drugs. Acknowledgment: This work was supported by national grants IGA NT12215-4, IGA NT12130-4, GACR P304/10/1395, IGA NT11154-4, MSM 0021622434 Disclosures: Hajek: Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen Cilag: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Spicka: Janssen Cilag: Consultancy, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Maisnar: Janssen Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bayer (Schering): Honoraria.


Performance characteristics of the US Army DT-236 battlefield personnel dosimetry system were evaluated using the Health Physics Research Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The DT-236 dosimeter is designed to measure total (neutron plus gamma) radiation dose using a radiophotoluminescent (RPL) detector for gamma rays and a silicon diode for fast neutrons. Areas considered in this evaluation included preirradiation dose indication; accuracy and precision of total, gamma, and neutron dose measurements; fading; angular response; temperature dependence; and relative dosimeter response in air and on various body locations. Experimental results for a variety of radiation fields and dose levels indicate that the existing system overestimates total, neutron, and gamma radiation doses in air by about 20 to 60% relative to reference values. Associated measurement precisions were about +-5% of the means for doses above approximately 0.5 Gy. Fading characteristics, angular dependence, and temperature dependence of the RPL and diode systems were consistent with results expected based on detector characteristics and previous performance studies. Recommendations to improve existing reader performance and measurement accuracy are also presented.


Abstract In his paper entitled "How to Challenge Intuitions Empirically Without Risking Skepticism," Jonathan Weinberg challenges the practice of using intuitions to substantiate philosophical theses by appealing to the principle (defended empirically) that we ought to trust only evidence sources that are not "hopeless," where an evidence source is hopeless when it exhibits "fallibility unmitigated by a decent capacity for detecting and correcting the errors it entails." Since intuitions are hopeless, they ought not be trusted. I respond by appealing to an alternative principle and defend this alternative by arguing that it explains data regarding the conduct of many our epistemic practices better than Weinberg's principle of hopefulness.


In order to improve the classification accuracy of EEG signals a classification method based on an artificial bee colony algorithm and back propagation BP neural network is implemented In order to improve the poor global search abilities and sensitivity to initial weights of BP neural networks the global search factor is used to enhance an artificial bee colony algorithm search formula which is proficient in exploration but required further development A crossover operation is used to improve the global search capacity of the artificial bee colony algorithm This enhanced algorithm is further used to optimize the sensitivity of the BP neural network to initial weights enabling classification of EEG signals The experiment results show that the proposed algorithm produces a highly accurate EEG signal classification of 91 5% with an accelerated convergence speed


The Ground Software Maintenance Facility (GSMF) is designed to support development and maintenance of spacelab ground support software. THE GSMF consists of a Perkin Elmer 3250 (Host computer) and a MITRA 125s (ATE computer), with appropriate interface devices and software to simulate the Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE). This document is presented in three sections: (1) GSMF Overview; (2) Software Structure; and (3) Fault Isolation Capability. The overview contains information on hardware and software organization along with their corresponding block diagrams. The Software Structure section describes the modes of software structure including source files, link information, and database files. The Fault Isolation section describes the capabilities of the Ground Computer Interface Device, Perkin Elmer host, and MITRA ATE.


Several factors have caused an increase in the demand for methods that are able to automatically fit the parameters of neuron models. More and more computing power becomes available to neuroscientists so is less difficult to extensively explore the fitness landscape created by, for example, varying the densities or kinetics of the ion channels in a neuron model. Because of the detail used in some compartmental neuron models, it is becoming difficult to hand-tune these parameters. Also the advent of massive modeling efforts like the Blue Brain project has increased the number of cell types that need to be modeled, and the effort that is put into the field. This workshop brings together neuroscientists that have proposed different techniques to search the fitness landscape for optimal parameters that generate neuron model output reproducing experimental data well. But while a lot of progress has been made we are clearly not (yet) as good at parameter fitting as the integrate-and-fire modelers and a wide variety of approaches are being pursued. The workshop will focus on methodological issues: speakers have been invited to give talks that not only point to success, but also to failures or problems


The joining of high performance Thermoplastic Composite (TPC) structures by Ultrasonic Welding (USW) is considered a promising alternative for mechanical joining or adhesive bonding methods. The process is fast, clean, and highly automated. In the USW process, an intermediate, unreinforced polymer layer is required at the weld interface to concentrate the heat generation at this weld interface and is called the Energy Director (ED). This research investigates a new method to manufacture and apply this ED at the weld interface, being Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). With FDM, complex products can be manufactured directly from a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model, without additional mould or special tooling required. The goal is to simultaneously manufacture and adhere a dedicated ED geometry on a consolidated TPC substrate with FDM, such that no additional fixation step of the ED is required before welding. The new technique is successfully applied with a PEEK (Polyether ether Ketone) ED and a consolidated CF/PPS (Carbon fibre/Polyphenylene Sulfide) substrate. The deposited ED has sufficient bonding with the substrate that it remained fixated during handling prior to and during the weld process. This resulted in a successful weld, having similar strength and quality as found with welds having a loose, flat film as ED. A challenge encountered in using FDM as manufacturing method of the EDs, is a non-uniform thickness distribution occurring in the ED. Additional research on the influence of a variation in thickness is done, where it is found to reduce the overall single Lap Shear Strength (LSS), and divide the fracture surface of a single weld in two areas welded to different weld stages.


Abstract The growth rate, age, size distribution, and commercial size-classes of northern quahogs Mercenaria mercenaria were determined at seven stations in Christmas Creek, Little Cumberland and Cumberland islands, Georgia. Experimental commercial harvesting was then allowed within the area, and afterward Christmas Creek was rechecked to determine the effects of harvesting on the clams. Northern quahogs in Christmas Creek reached commercial size (44.4 mm shell length) in 2–2.2 years. Mean age in the population was 16.1 years, and some individuals reached 36 years; 71% of the population was more than 10 years old. Shell lengths were as large as 105 mm and averaged 76.2 mm. Commercial harvest occurred sporadically from April to June 1986 and 1987. Four clammers harvested 70,015 clams from Christmas Creek during 56 person-days in 1986; two clammers harvested 66,400 clams during 44 person-days in 1987. Mean density of northern quahogs decreased by at least a factor of four at the four stations resampled. Mea...


The effect of Nitromint sublingual tablet and Nitromint aerosol (EGIS) has been studied in ambulance practice. Both drug forms relieved or controlled the complaints and symptoms, and proved to be effective in a great number of cases. Due to it's easier storage and easier applicability the aerosol is more advantageous than the sublingual tablet. Occasionally the simultaneous use of the two products is also beneficial. Supposedly the indication field of nitroglycerin will be extended in the near future and Nitromint preparations will be used in oxyology also for controlling other clinical conditions in which smooth muscle spasm has a major role.


third solution turned back to the ancient school of Antioch in which "the humanity of Christ and the union of the natures was sought for in an active principle of unity." (p. 302). John Caird, William Temple and A. E. Garvie belong to this group. In the light of such works as D. M. Baillie's God Was in Christ it can be seen that the discussion has gone on to great profit, and the value of this volume as a guide to the study of this important period is very great. Dale Moody


(57) Abstract: The present invention relates to a method relates solution new and improved for packaging contact lenses, also for processing the contact lens in such solutions, to improve the comfort of a lens during wear on. In particular, the present invention relates to certain non-ionic surfactant (which is poly (containing oxyalkylene) copolymer, and has a molecular weight of 4000~30,000) relates to a packaging solution containing. Such surfactants, over an extended period of time, is held on the surface of an unused lens, resulting in resulting surface-modified to persist in the eye, thereby the wetting properties of the new contact lenses used for the first time, significant giving improved further, even several hours after lens insertion, to prevent drying, and to improve the lubricity.


To test whether the species richness of understorey insectivorous birds on forest islands induced by a major hydroelectric dam is best explained by either the island biogeography theory (IBT) or the habitat amount hypothesis (HAH). Given the low dispersal ability of the focal species group and the hostile water matrix, we predict that the species richness will be predominantly driven by an island effect as posited by the IBT, rather than a sample area effect as posited by the HAH.


I n the last five years, in vivo "P NMR studies of cancer have become common. Unfortunately, as the number of N M R studies of tumors has increased, a bewildering array of apparently different patterns of growth and response to therapy has been revealed. In order for N M R to become a useful tool for cancer research or clinical management, phenomena must be identified that have a strong correlation with tumor growth or response to therapy. The limits and exceptions to emerging "rules" must be established. In order to accomplish these goals several advances will be required: (1) Well-defined in vifro systems must be used to determine which changes occur a t the cellular and which occur a t the tumor tissue level. An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for NMR-observable changes will greatly facilitate the identification of those changes likely to be useful and reliable, and will contribute to our basic understanding of tumor cell metabolism. (2) The role of tumor type, drug, and dose in determining spectral characteristics and spectral changes must be established by careful comparisons. (3) Studies must be extended to other nuclei. Most previous investigations have used "P NMR, which allows only a small number of metabolites to be observed. Compounds observed in the 'H or I3C spectrum may show important changes upon tumor growth or response to therapy. We have been using transplantable tumors grown subcutaneously in mice and rats to study tumor growth and response to therapy. Recently, we have employed "P spectroscopy to address several basic questions regarding the mouse tumor model: the effects of anesthetics on the in vivo "P spectra of tumors; the relationship between N M R-observable changes following chemotherapy and commonly used therapeutic indices; and the effects of drug dosage on the NMR-observable response to treatment. We have been examining techniques for in vivo 'H spectroscopy with suppression of the water and lipid resonances to reveal tumor metabolites. One of the tumor lines studied in vivo (radiation-induced fibrosarcoma, RIF-1) has also been grown in a cell culture perfusion system suitable for the N M R spectrometer. This system allows the tumor cells to be observed by "P and 'H spectroscopy in a highly controlled environment suitable for studies of mechanism.


Vegetables with high carotenoids content can help to prevent many diseases. Lettuce is one of the most consumed vegetables all over the world that present potential for biofortification investment. However, there are few genotypes of lettuce biofortificated on the market and for direct use in plant breeding. Evaluate new lettuce genotypes that are rich in carotenoids are essential in order to know the commercial potential and their usefulness as possible parents in breeding programs. Therefore, the experiment aimed to evaluate the agronomic potential and genetic dissimilarity between lettuce genotypes with different levels of carotenoids. It was conducted in a randomized block design, with 83 treatments and two replications. During the course of the trial, were evaluated quantitative characters: leaf chlorophyll content (a, b and total), canopy diameter and number of leaves; and qualitative characters: size, color and shape of the leaves. The genetic diversity was obtained by multivariate analyzes using the sum of quantitative and qualitative data and, after that, using different grouping methods (UPGMA and Tocher). The genotypes showed genetic dissimilarity and agronomic potential for different lettuce segments and high carotenoids content. Among the evaluated characters, total chlorophyll content represented the main contribution for genetic variability. There was no coherence between the hierarchical method of UPGMA and the optimization method of Tocher when used for determinate the genetic diversity between lettuce genotypes with different levels of carotenoids.


Solid metallic connections have been successfully formed between two standard levels of metallization using a focused IR laser system. This new process of laser formed connections has been used to link chains with resistances of less than 0.8 /spl Omega/ per connection. Commercial laser repair systems used extensively by the memory industry were employed to perform over 100000 individual links over a wide set of laser parameters without failure. This technology has the potential to replace laser fuse cutting techniques to program wiring in silicon-on-silicon, wafer scale integration (WSI), and system-on-a-chip applications. Furthermore, because it is an additive process and the passivation remains completely intact, it lends itself to redundancy with perfect yield and exceptional reliability.


Chronic liver disease is associated with increased operative risk of open‐heart surgery. In this study, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) carried high periprocedural mortality, but transfemoral TAVR appeared to be superior to SAVR in terms of long‐term survival. Better risk stratification tools are needed for patients with liver dysfunction to avoid futile TAVR and SAVR procedures.


D. Milstein and M. C. de Oliveira. 2005. Molecular phylogeny of Bangiales (Rhodophyta) based on small subunit rDNA sequencing: emphasis on Brazilian Porphyra species. Phycologia 44: 212–221. In an attempt to clarify the position of the Brazilian Porphyra species within the order Bangiales, phylogenetic trees were inferred on the basis of nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) sequences. The internal transcribed spacers ITS-1 and ITS-2 and the 5.8S rRNA gene were sequenced for discrimination of the closely related species Porphyra drewiana, P. spiralis var. spiralis and P. spiralis var. amplifolia. Occurrence of SSU rDNA group I introns is reported for some Porphyra species and a novel position for a group I intron is described for Bangiopsis sp. (Porphyridiales). The Brazilian species, P. acanthophora var. acanthophora, P. acanthophora var. brasiliensis, P. drewiana, P. spiralis var. amplifolia, P. spiralis var. spiralis and Porphyra sp. 'Piaui' formed a monophyletic group within a large polytomy that includes Bangia collections and Porphyra species from distinct locations. The Brazilian species Porphyra sp. 'Baleia' grouped strongly with P. suborbiculata from Japan and New Zealand, indicating that this cosmopolitan species also occurs in the South Atlantic. South African P. capensis grouped with two New Zealand species.


We use 2800 line km of seismic reflection data to map the offshore character and geometry of the Hikurangi subduction thrust and outer forearc wedge to depths of ∼15 km. For 200 km along‐strike south of Hawke Bay, the subduction thrust is relatively smooth, dips less than 8°, and the wedge is characterized by accretion of young sediment and topographic slopes of less than 3°. In Hawke Bay and north for 200 km, a kink in the subduction thrust is apparent, with a downdip increase in dip to angles greater than 8° at depths of 10–15 km; there is a corresponding steepening of the topographic slope to greater than 3° outboard of the kink and the wedge is characterized by lithified sedimentary rock and slope failure. The kink in the subduction thrust is a locus of inherent weakness in the subducting slab; we suggest its occurrence relates to a northward increase in subduction rate that controls initial slab dehydration and fluid release rates and hence intraslab deformation patterns. The subduction thrust geometry, in combination with a northward increase in subducting plate roughness and decrease in the amount of sediment accreted, causes the observed spatial change in character of the subduction thrust and forearc wedge.


To establish the role of T-lymphocyte subpopulations in the processes of liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy (pHx)and vice versa, the effect of factors produced in regenerating liver on lymphatic tissue, a series of studies has been conducted.Specifically, in this work we have analyzed (a) the consequences of in vivo depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes on hepatic DNA, RNA, and proteins ; and (b) the consequences of pHx on phenotypic profile of cells in spleen of mice depleted of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. The data revealed that depletion of CD8 and depletion of both CD4-and CD8-positive T lymphocytes significantly augment the content of hepatic proteins and RNA in regenerating liver. The latter treatment translocated also the peak of protein synthesis from second to firs post-Hx day. On the other hand, pHx stimulated the recovery of CD4+ cells in CD4-depleted mice and augmented the proportion of CD8+ cells in both CD8- and CD4+CD8-depleted mice. The data point to the existence of hepatoregulatory lymphatic cells or cytokines and to the hepatic origin of substances that lead to the induction of lymphocytes with morphogenetic properties.


FUZZY MODELING OF VERBAL INFORMATION FOR PRODUCTION SYSTEMS The subject of the article's research is the formalization of unstructured or semistructured verbal information for a fuzzy production system. The purpose of the work is to develop a method of constructing membership functions for fuzzy sets of terms of a linguistic variable that will allow formalizing unstructured or semistructured verbal information for fuzzy production systems. The following tasks are solved in the article: to develop a method of constructing the membership functions to determine the sequence of stages: the stage of modeling verbal information in the form of digraphs, the stage of constructing the order relation on the elements of this model, the step of determining a linguistic variable based on the created model, and determining the functions of fuzzy sets of linguistic terms variable. Methods are used: graph theory, mathematical induction, fuzzy modeling. Results obtained: a method for constructing the membership function of linguistic variables that formalizes unstructured or semi-structured qualitative information for fuzzy production systems is developed. For this purpose, the process of constructing the membership function has been broken down into stages. The implementation of the first stage requires the creation of a model of unstructured or semistructured verbal information. Three models of information based on oriented trees are considered with increasing complexity. A model based on an acyclic oriented graph is considered as a generalization. Such a model is the basis for processing information that has a structure of greater complexity. The second stage provides a theoretical basis for constructing the order relation for the elements of the models under consideration. For the implementation of the third stage, a method of identifying the order elements on the basis of the positional system is proposed. Based on the ID of each ordered element, functions of fuzzy sets of terms of a linguistic variable are constructed. Appropriate procedures have been developed to implement the steps. Conclusions : application of the method will allow automating the assignment of vectors of input and output information, to automate the formation of fuzzy sets of terms of the corresponding linguistic variables, will allow to build fuzzy products as a knowledge base of a fuzzy production system, and to train such a system.


in length, and at its distal end has a tapering mount 0-236 in. (6 mm.) in length. At its proximal end there is a female Luer lock fitting, which can be firmly attached to a Luer or Luer lock syringe (see photograph). Our technique of primary operative cholangiography follows very closely that of Schulenburg (1966). Two points are worth mentioning. Firstly, if the supine patient is tilted to the right by means of sandbags under the left buttock and lower left chest, then the radiological shadow of the vertebral column will not obscure the definition of the common duct. Secondly, it is useful to dissect out the cystic duct at the beginning of the operation ; a ligature is placed round it close to the gall bladder and tied. Immediately beyond this ligature a small cut is made with scalpel or scissors in the wall of the cystic duct and the tapered mount of the cannula tip is inserted into the duct lumen. A second ligature tied round the duct, distal to the cannula insertion, will now hold the cannula firmly in position. After three films have been taken, injecting 1 ml., 5 ml., and 10 ml. of radio-opaque dye-for example, iodipamide (Biligrafin 50%)-a third ligature is tied round the cystic duct flush with the common duct. The cystic duct is then divided between the second and third ligatures, and the gall bladder and cystic duct (with cannula attached) are removed. By using this technique there is minimal spillage of potentially infected bile into the peritoneal cavity. The cannula is sterilized and marketed in a sealed plastic envelope. Essentially the cannula is disposable, though it can be used five or six times if carefully washed through postoperatively and then resterilized in a formalin cabinet. The cannula is made by Portex Ltd., Hythe, Kent, under the title of Stoke-onTrent cholangiogram cannula. My thanks arc due to Mr. D. S. Allen, Product Manager of Portex Ltd., for his help and co-operation.


The author reviews the book The British Barbershopper. A Study in Socio-Musical Values by Liz Garnett published in 2005 by Ashgate Publishing.


Low plasticity burnishing of coated titanium parts is provided, wherein a Ti-based coating can have embedded defects, the defects can impart one or more of structural weaknesses to the coating and coated parts, and the coating is subjected to a burnishing process to impart a residual compressive stress to alleviate at least one of the structural weaknesses. As a method(100) for treating a deposited Ti-based material, the material including a matrix having first nominal chemical composition and a first characteristic grain size and first characteristic grain structure, and a plurality of discontinuities within the matrix, the method comprises the step(108) of burnishing the material. The burnishing comprises fluid roller burnishing. The method further comprises the step(104) of depositing the material onto a substrate by at least one of electron beam physical vapor deposition, cathodic arc deposition and sputtering. The method further comprises the step(110) of shot peening the substrate on a second area which is not covered by the material, wherein the material is on a first area of the substrate.


I N 1973, the Japanese government, despite its conservative composition and general reputation for backwardness in social policy, decided to pay all the medical and hospital costs for nearly everyone aged 70 or over. Ten years later, in the midst of an apparent fiscal crisis, it enacted a Health Care for the Aged Law which purported to restrain costs and to establish a new "health maintenance" system, although in fact it did neither. The purpose of this article is to describe how bureaucratic, interest-group, and party politics interacted with social problems and policy solutions within shifting economic environments to produce these two fascinating decisions.


The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) has conducted an international survey to assess students' level of achievement. The result from the PISA assessment shows that Australia has a world-class education system, but finds that there is still work to be done to raise the achievement level of Indigenous, remote and poorer students.


A prospective study of thyroid function was performed in 25 thermally Sinjured patients. These patients are divided into two groups. The first group contains five patients with greater than 50% burn size studied longitudinally during the first 15 days following thermal injury. Significant suppression of serum concentrations of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (Ta) and elevation of serum concentrations of 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT3) were seen. The free thyroxine index and serum TSH concentrations remained within the normal range. To assess the clinical significance of these alterations in peripheral thyroid hormone concentrations, a second group of 20 patients was studied. We r.,C' measured the free serum levels ofT 4 (FT4) and T3 (Flr3) in ten patients, mean V" i age 34 years, mean burn size 56%, studied during a period of clinical deterioration, and in ten patients of comparable age and burn size who were clinically stable. Both FT 4 and T3 values were significantly lower in the unstable patients (p < 0.01). All FT3 values for the unstable patients (M ± SE), 193 ± 14 pg/dl, were below the normal range for Flr of 230 to 669 pg/dl, and significantly lower than those observed in the stable patients (M ± SE), 430 + 59 pg/dl (p < 0.00 1). This correlation of biochemical hypothyroidism with clinical deterioration may have functional significance for the critically ill trauma patient. The recovery course of the severely burned patient is in our laboratory related the hypermetabolism following characterized by hypermetabolism. Although severely thermal injury to increased sympathetic nervous system burned patients demonstrate many of the clinical fea-activity (38). Metabolic rate correlated closely with the tures associated with hyperthyroidism, such as elevated urinary catecholamine excretion rate, and post-traumatic basal metabolic rate, tachycardia, hyperventilation, by-hypermetabolism could be attenuated by administration perpyrexia, hyperkinesia, and weight loss, studies of thy-of beta but not alpha adrenergic blocking agents. roid function by Cope and Stanbury and their colleagues Alterations in peripheral thyroid economy occur fol-in 1953 disclosed normal 'I uptake and normal concen-lowing a wide variety of stress and disease states. The trations of serum protein bound iodine in thermally changes which generally occur are characterized by a injured man (14). In 1970, Caldwell showed no increase decrease in serum concentrations of 3,5,3'-triiodothyro-in thyroid activity during periods of increased oxygen nine (T.3) and a rise in 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT 3). It consumption associated with full-thickness burn in an has been proposed that these reciprocal alterations in …


Seoul has 424 traffic fatalities in 2010 and 227 of them related to pedestrian crashes. In addition, it revealed that 40% of pedestrian fatalities occurred during jaywalking. Through the effective methods preventing jaywalking can save lots of people, and it can reduce social costs pertinent to pedestrian crashes. Therefore, this study is to suggest the methods preventing jaywalking through conducting literature reviews, human factors with pedestrian and vehicle characteristics, as well as geometric features of accident site or spot. Firstly, in order for examining the contributing factors of accident, this research conducts statistical analysis on pedestrian accidents specifically in jaywalking. Secondly, the analysis on human factors about pedestrian and drivers revealed that drivers with high speed play pivotal roles in pedestrian fatalities. Thirdly, Road and environment factors showed both expected and contradictory results through analyzing total numbers of lane or dry/icy pavement conditions. Consequently, this study can be used to prevent and alleviate pedestrian accidents as well as expected to be applied to future researches about pedestrian safety facilities.


The potential limitation of a stochastic volume scatter on large aperture, ocean acoustic systems has resulted in the development of propagation and scattering models formulated in terms of two-point coherence functions. By incorporating two additional features, these models can be regarded as generalizations of those originally developed for a similar application, but which involved electromagnetic signals in the atmosphere. One feature is an inhomogeneous background medium, resulting in an acoustic channel, which is a necessary input in discussing long-range propagation. The second is an extreme anisotropy which characterizes the scattering mechanism operative in the ocean. The models are discussed in physical terms; and the differences effected by the above-described factors are emphasized.


Background Dengue is increasing rapidly in endemic regions. Data on incidence among travelers to these areas are limited. Five prospective studies have been performed thus far, mainly among short-term travelers. Objective To obtain the attack and incidence rate (AR, IR) of dengue virus (DENV) infection among long-term travelers and identify associated risk factors. Methods A prospective study was performed among long-term travelers (12–52 weeks) attending the Public Health Service in Amsterdam. Clients planning to travel to (sub)tropical countries were invited to participate. Participants kept a travel diary, recording itinerary, symptoms, and physician visits. Pre- and post-travel blood samples were serologically tested for the presence of Anti-DENV IgG antibodies. Seroconversion was considered suggestive of a primary DENV infection. Anti-DENV IgG present in both corresponding samples in combination with a post-/pre-travel ratio of ≥4:1 was suggestive of a secondary infection. Risk factors for a DENV infection were studied using poisson regression. Results In total, 600 participants were included; median age was 25 years (IQR: 23–29), 35.5% were male, and median travel duration was 20 weeks (IQR: 15–25). In 39 of 600 participants (AR: 6.5%; 95% CI 4.5–8.5%) anti-DENV IgG test results were suggestive of a recent infection, yielding an IR of 13.9 per 1,000 person-months traveling (95%CI: 9.9–19.1). No secondary infections were found. IR for Asia, Africa, and America were comparable and 13.5, 15.8, and 13.6 per 1,000 person-months respectively. Of participants with a recent DENV infection, 51% did not report dengue-like illness (DLI) or fever, but 10% were hospitalized. In multivariable analysis, travelers who seroconverted were significantly more likely to be vaccinated with ≥2 flavivirus vaccines for the current trip or to have reported DLI in >1 consecutive weeks. Conclusions Long-term travelers are at substantial risk of DENV infection. Half of those with a DENV infection reported no symptoms, but 10% were hospitalized, demonstrating the importance of advising anti-mosquito measures during travel.


The over-all stoichiometry of the reactions involving titanium tetrachloride and various organometallic compounds has been determined. While titanium tetrachloride reacts with aluminum ethyldichloride and lead tetraethyl according to a 1:1 stoichiometry for any ratio investigated, the reaction between aluminum triethyl and titanium tetrachloride proceeds according to different paths when the ratio of the reagents is changed. Equations describing the reactions between aluminum triethyl and titanium tetrachloride, where the stoichiometries are respectively 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, are derived. Although a certain amount of hydrogen has been isolated after hydrolysis of the products of these reactions, no definite evidence is found for the presence of Ti(II).In all the experiments (except those in which an Al/Ti ratio greater than unity was used) substantial amounts of ethyl chloride and ethylene have been found, together with the main gaseous components, ethane and butane. A higher alkane was also isolated from the so...


The use of a speech recognition system with telephone channel environments, or different microphones, requires channel equalisation. In speech recognition, the speech models provide a bank of statistical information that can be used in the channel identification and equalisation process. The authors consider HMM-based channel equalisation, and present results demonstrating that substantial improvement can be obtained through the equalisation process. An alternative method is to use a set of features which is more robust to channel distortion. Channel distortions result in an amplitude-tilt of the speech cepstrum, and so differential cepstral features should provide a measure of immunity to channel distortions. In particular the cepstral-time feature matrix, in addition to providing a framework for representing speech dynamics, can be made robust to channel distortions. They present results demonstrating that a major advantage of cepstral-time matrices is their channel insensitive character.


Chinese traditional culture represents such obvious bureaucratic and supporting characteristics as paying attention to ethic restriction, emphasizing harmoniousness, unification and stabilization, taking people as essential and sturdy and pursuing, etc.. These are in favor of conservative and cooperative innovation activities of Chinese firms and in favor of gradual innovation, but against breaking innovation and inspiration stimulation of innovative capabilities of individuals, so we need culture innovation.


Speech is a way of expressing ideas in the form of words or discourse that is prepared to be spoken in front of the audience. Speech contains a message that is tailored to the situation when the orator delivers the speech. In addition to the message to be conveyed, the ideology and thoughts of an orator are also reflected in his speech. Therefore, an orator must have expertise in delivering his speech.This research is aims to determine the purpose and background of the Shinzo Abe Policy Speech at the 195th Session of Diet. The speech was delivered by Abe after he was re-elected as Prime Minister of Japan after the general election on October 22, 2017.Researcher used the critical discourse analysis of Teun A. van Dijk's model to dissect the ideology contained in the speech to focus on text analysis. Based on the results of this research, it can be interpreted implicit meanings in the text through linguistic elements, such as tematic, skematic, semantic, sintaxs, stilistic, and retoric.


Ecological traits and pollination mode associated with dioecious sexual expression in plants are likely to influence their reproductive success and levels of genetic diversity. Dioecy is an uncommon condition in Bromeliaceae. Currently, there is limited information on the reproductive ecology and genetics of dioecious and epiphytic bromeliads. Therefore, we studied the reproductive biology and genetic diversity of the epiphytic and dioecious bromeliad Aechmea mariae-reginae in Costa Rica. Flowering of pistillate and staminate plants in one population showed high synchrony and were pollinated by non-hermit hummingbirds. Sex ratio was biased to males (3.5:1). Fruit set was relatively high (68%) but there was high female reproductive variance (C. V. = 59.7%). The species is capable of parthenocarpic fruit production. Using eight nuclear microsatellite markers and six populations, we found moderate to high levels of genetic variation (HE = 0.571–0.726). Populations showed significant genetic structure (G'ST = 0.385) and Bayesian population assignment grouped them into lowland and montane clusters. Isolated montane populations had slightly lower genetic diversity probably due to lower effective population size caused by biased sex ratios and recent habitat fragmentation that limits long-distance pollinator movements and results in isolation by distance. If habitat fragmentation and isolation persist, populations in montane habitats may be at higher risk of decline and extinction.


The Madhyamaka School, established by Nāgārjuna in around 150 to 250 CE, is one of the Indian Mahāyāna schools. Nāgārjuna was born into a Brahmin family in South India and brought up with a traditional Hindu education. Although he was clever, he was initially addicted to physical pleasures. When he realized that such desires are not conducive to happiness but to misery and suffering, he went forth1 at a stūpa on a mountain. He first learned Mahānayāna Buddhism, but he remained unsatisfied. He was looking for deep and profound teachings. He eventually acquired Mahāyāna texts and was awakened to the truth of Mahāyāna Buddhism. He dedicated the rest of his life to propagating the ideas of Mahāyāna Buddhism.


Problems associated with offshore measurement are discussed here. There is no substitute for the human element on offshore platforms. Most problems in offshore measurement do have solutions. The sooner the problem is recognized and corrected can depend on how frequently a station can be visited. Advanced planning, good design, safe work practices and a realistic approach are the only solutions to offshore measurement problems. Good work practices, with well trained personnel can avert many problems and offer smooth safe operations.


The article examines the effective part of the phenomenon of bilingualism in the education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan with an emphasis on the specifics of the parallel learning of English and Kazakh languages. In addition the analysis of scientific pedagogical literature in linguistics, philosophy and pedagogy, psycholinguistics, social linguistics. The study identifies the main trends, types and aspects of multilingual education. In this article emphasizes the role of bilingualism in the field of intercultural communication, as well as in everyday life. The authors made appropriate conclusions regarding native ethnolingual in formation of secondary language personality. Researchers indicated the importance of a language of international communication together with knowledge of native language, contributing to the growth of the state's image in the international arena. The authors pointed out that research shows the importance of the development of the main types of speech activity: listening, speaking, reading, writing within the framework of bilingual education.


The invention relates to metal material with composite gradient layer and the preparation method, in particular to magnesium or magnesium alloy material with composite gradient layer and the preparation method. The magnesium or magnesium alloy material with composite gradient layer comprises substrate, a corrosion resistant layer and a titania biological gradient layer from inside to outside, wherein, the substrate is pure magnesium or magnesium alloy; the corrosion resistant layer is titanium with the thickness of 2 to 30Mum and the purity of more than 99%; the titania biological gradient layer is a porous biological activity coating which comprises titania, substance containing calcium and phosphorus and is 2 to 20Mum thick. The method comprises the steps of preparing substrate, presetting pure titanium corrosion resistant layer and constructing titania biological gradient layer. The magnesium or magnesium alloy material with composite gradient layer can be used in medical field as metal hard tissue implant biomaterial. The preparation method has the advantages of composite technology, simple and economical method, easy operation and no environmental pollution.


A blend zone model for excimer laser refractive surgery is presented. Firstly, a blend function is designed. Then, an expand ablation depth in the blend zone is constructed using the ablation depth on the edge of the optical zone. Finally, the model is developed by multiplying the blend function and the expand ablation depth. The simulation of the model on computer and results of clinical practice have been studied. Sixteen eyes with myopic astigmatism underwent LASIK using the blend zone model. One day postoperatively, mean uncorrected visual acuity was 1.06±0.24 compared to 0.09±0.04 preoperatively. One month after surgery, mean uncorrected visual acuity was 1.42±0.36. All eyes reached uncorrected visual acuity of 1.0 or better. The computer simulation and especially LASIK results show that the model gradually smoothes out the connection of the optical zone and untreated zone. The model has two parameters that make it very useful in adjusting the diameter of the optical zone and changing the width of the blend zone. The ablation depth in the optical zone does not increase when the width of the blend zone is changed. The model not only can be applied to the correction of refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism, but also can be used in wavefront guided laser refractive surgery. Visual acuity after excimer laser refractive surgery has been remarkably improved using this model.


This paper presents some project themes proposed by the authors and the methodology adopted in its supervision, in a transdisciplinary approach. We describe the projects and discuss the most relevant aspects of this approach, from the technical and pedagogical points of view. The stronger points of this methodology are some similarities with the environment that recent graduated students might find in the employment market. Balancing the pros and cons we conclude that due to the project interdependencies, benefits are mainly on technical skills improvement and in mutual responsibilities to accomplish tasks on schedule.


An accurate and robust ±nV T extractor is introduced. Basically, the circuit consists of a current comparator and a source follower. The output of the comparator controls the bias current level in the follower, and thus its low output resistance is divided by the loop gain providing high accuracy in most applications. Experimental results using commercial matched MOS transistor array TC4007, which have been compared with the value obtained by classical methods, confirm the validity of the proposed circuit


Moose ( Alces alces ) population density in the Kirov region of Russia is often overestimated when using the relationship between the distance between a residential area and the initial sighting of moose tracks. This paper presents a modified approach to provide better estimates when using this techinique. Statistically valid density estimation techniques, standardization of estimation points and routes, landscape characteristics, and time have been addressed in the new approach. Moose density is estimated once annually based on the distance to the first track, and annual surveys should maintain a like protocol. This improved method will provide more accurate population density estimates critical to prevent regional overharvest of moose.


This paper introduces reconfigurable computing (RC) and specifically chooses one of the prototypes in this field, MorphoSys (M1) from UCI. Mapping of different linear algebraic functions, namely vector-scalar operations, onto this hardware is proposed. A performance analysis study of the M1 RC is also presented to evaluate the efficiency of the algorithm execution on the M1 system. For instance, two algorithms on an 8/spl times/8 RC array M1 were run, and numerical examples were simulated to validate our results, using the MorphoSys mULATE program, which simulates MorphoSys operations.


Since the 1980s,higher education in India has been privatized.This process was promoted by national government;however,there is tension of control versus anti-control between the local governments and private higher educational institutions.Basing on this,the article follows the development trend of disputes and conflicts between self-financing professional colleges in Kerala in South India,and discusses the complicated relationship among different social members(institutions,organizations and individuals),market and different governmental authorities.


In the clinical laboratory liver profile is studied by determinations performed on blood samples to assess liver function, which in the group of liver diseases causing cholestasis is reduced or stopped bile flow, which can be obstructed greater or lesser extent at any point in the liver cells and the duodenum , thus reaching regarded as a health problem in our society. In the parish of Gualel there have been no cases of people with this type of alterations , so it was considered this type of study in this parish so that in the present investigation was proposed as objectives: Determine the values Gamma Glutamyl Transferase, Alkaline Phosphatase and Bilirubin by the colorimetric method and / or enzyme in adults 40-70 years of the parish Gualel , establish the relationship between the values of Gamma Glutamyl Transferase , Alkaline Phosphatase and Bilirubin as presumptive factor cholestasis. This research is a descriptive and cross-sectional sample had like 125 people who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, concluding that 14% of the total population range had elevated glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase and Bilirubin , just way could be identified with altered values 44% at ages 40 to 47 years .

KEY WORDS: Cholestasis, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase, Alkaline phosphatase and Bilirubin.


The technology transfer from semantics research to mainstream computing has been hampered by specialization of techniques at the expense of calculational clarity. A "popular semantics" is proposed as a remedy.


Abstract This article contrasts data from two ethnographic studies carried out at different points in time with working class families in Trombetas, a bairro on the outskirts of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The first study was conducted from 1988 to 1991, and the second in 2009. We develop two main themes: (1) the changing meanings of literacy in relation to the shift from Catholicism to Neo-Pentecostalism; and (2) the growing use of new technologies and multimodal means of communication in association with religious secular and commercial practices. For the first theme, we employ the notion of indexicality as a way of analyzing the changes taking place in this context. We point to the significant presence of Evangelical churches in Trombetas in 2009, and to the specific ways in which the reading and writing practices of some members of two families were bound up with religious beliefs and identities. In addressing the second theme, we draw attention to the meanings associated with the new technologies and the multimodal resources drawn upon by different family members in 2009. The article foregrounds the advantages that accrue from adopting a Literacy Studies perspective – one that focuses on the ways in which research participants, of different generations, actively pursue their own purposes (religious, secular or commercial), drawing on the modes of communication available to them and one that reveals the diversity and complexity of actual practices on the ground in local settings such as that of Trombetas.


Estimates of ice volume over the last 120 ka, from marine isotope Stage (MIS) 5d (∼110 ka) through MIS 3 (60–26 ka) are uncertain. Weiss et al. (2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021PA004361) offer an innovative new constraint on past sea level using the oxygen isotopes (δ18O) of planktic (surface and thermocline dwelling) foraminifers to infer the salinity of the Sulu Sea in the Indo‐Pacific Ocean and assess flow through the Karimata Strait (Indonesia) over the last glaciation. Based on the timing of Karimata Strait flooding, the study concludes that local relative sea level in the Karimata Strait was >−8 ± $\pm $ 6 m during MIS 5c (∼100 ka) and >−12 ± $\pm $ 6 m during MIS 5a (∼80 ka), relative to present. For MIS 3, a maximum possible relative sea level of −16 ± $\pm $ 6 m is determined. Here, these results are placed into the context of current knowledge of last glacial sea‐level change and the implications for climate forcings and feedbacks (e.g., global average surface temperature and greenhouse gases) and ice sheet growth are discussed. By tracing past ocean circulation patterns that are modulated by the depth of shallow straits such as the Karimata Strait, Weiss et al. (2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021PA004361) provide independent constraints on local sea level, which are essential for improving global mean sea level reconstructions on late Pleistocene glacial‐interglacial cycles.


Two methods are described which measure invasion in solid tumors: 1) average tumor extension, i.e. the distance between the edge of the primary tumor mass and the furthest extension of tumor nests in the adjacent stroma, and 2) total surface of tumor exposed to stroma, obtained by multiplying the volume within 1 mm of the outer margin of the primary tumor by the stereologically derived ratio of tumor surface to its volume. These techniques are applied to a retrospective review of 73 consecutive cases of female breast cancer with known lymph node status and without distant metastases at the time of the original diagnosis. The study explores how these parameters discriminate 10‐year survivors from non‐survivors and compares them with other known significant parameters of tumor aggressiveness, i.e. axillary lymph node status, mitotic count, tumor diameter, tumor/desmoplasia ratio, necrosis/tumor ratio, gland space/tumor ratio, nuclear volume (= nuclear grade), and age at diagnosis. This study concludes: 1) Each parameter of invasion, adjusted in the analysis for lymph node status and mitotic count, emerges as statistically significant with low invasion in the primary tumor conferring a better prognosis than high invasion. 2) The associations low mitoses/low invasion, high mitoses/low invasion and low mitoses/high invasion tend to indicate a favorable 10‐year survival, while the combination high mitoses/high invasion results in poor survival. 3) There was a greater percentage of high invasion cases in the LN > 0 subgroup compared to the LN 0 subgroup, suggesting that high invasion in the primary tumor predisposes to metastases, but this trend did not always reach statistical significance. 4) The proposed methodology offers a practical approach for measuring invasion in solid tumors.


Two types of icosahedral quasicrystals, F- and P-types, formed at 563°C in the Zn60Mg40-xHox alloy depending on Ho content. In the composition range of 6≦x≦10, F-type icosahedral quasicrystal formed as a major phase in these alloys. The intensity of superlattice reflections which occurred due to F-type ordering became weaker in the alloys with lower Ho content. At x=5, P-type icosahedral quasicrystal formed, coexisting with MgZn2-type Laves phase at 563°C and 503°C. Some electron diffraction patterns of the P-type icosahedral quasicrystal exhibited diffuse scattering intensity at positions corresponding to F-type superlattice reflections. By annealing at 403°C, a mixture of the P-type icosahedral quasicrystal and the MgZn2-type phase changed to a mixture of the F-type quasicrystal and a decagonal quasicrystal. The former state was reversibly obtained by additional annealing at 503°C. These experimental results support the interpretation that the three types of quasicrystals form as a thermodynamically stable state in the Zn–Mg–Ho alloy system.


Logistic regression is used to examine medical ser- vice recommendations by staff in California's diagnostic and treat- ment centers to a clinical, non-random sample of Alzheimer's dis- ease clients (N . = 822). Dependent variables include physician consultation, medical clinic, medication management, and psychiat- ric services. Predictor variables include patients' enabling, need, predisposing characteristics, family consideralions. and organization affiliation. Significant predictors include previous service use, pa- tient functioning, family characteristics, and the specific center rec- ommending h e service.


The purpose of this study to determine the level of critical thinking skills of students of SMK Negeri Patronage of North Sumatra province, the study population is all students of class X SMK Patronage of North Sumatra Province (165 students) and samples were students of class X RPL SMK Patronage of North Sumatra Province (35 students), the instrument used is the provision of preliminary tests, based on the initial test results are obtained 65.6% or as many as 23 students have the ability to think critically on the low category and 34, 3% or as many as 12 students have the ability to think critically at very low category


AIM:To observe the cytological changes of hepatocytes undergoing apoptosis induced by acute kidney injury(AKI) in rats.METHODS: The rat models of AKI,including ischemic and non-ischemic AKI,were established.Western blotting,immunohistochemical staining,light and electron microscopy were used in this study.RESULTS: Cellular necrosis in renal tubules,as the basic morphological changes of ischemic AKI,and renal tubular cells undergoing apoptosis were evident in ischemic AKI.Meanwhile,tumor necrosis facotor receptor α(TNFRα) and caspase-3 was strongly expressed in the livers from AKI rats.Caspase-3-positive cells were evident in the livers from AKI rats.Microscopic examinations revealed that hepatocytes undergoing apoptosis and para-apoptosis were observed in damaged livers of both ischemic and non-ischemic AKI animals.No significant difference of hepatic apoptosis between ischemic and non-ischemic AKI animals was observed.CONCLUSION: Either apoptosis,caspase-dependent cell death or para-apoptosis are involved in hepatic injury induced by AKI.TNFRα initiation and cleaved caspase family are the pathways of hepatocytes undergoing apoptosis induced by AKI.


This article presents an overview of local government studies and particularly of recent developments. It looks first of all at the changing social and economic factors which influence the operation of local government. Globalization, political and institutional changes, demographic trends—all these structure the environment of local government. The article then looks at the changes in local government, best understood as a movement towards local governance. Finally, the article raises questions about the kinds of local government that would be the most desirable and most appropriate given the changes that are taking place.


This work focuses on enabling 3D interaction assistance by adding adaptivity depending on the tasks, objectives, and the general interaction context. We model the context using Conceptual Graphs (CG) based on an ontology. Including CG in our scene manager (Virtools) allows us to add semantic information and to describe the available tools. We handle rules leading to adaptation with a logic programming layer (Prolog+CG) included in the Amine platform. This project is a step towards Intelligent Virtual Environments, which proposes a hybrid solution by adding a separate semantic reasoning to classic environments. The first case study automatically manages few modalities depending on the distance to objects, user movement, available tools and modality risks.


Genitals are like snowflakes: No two are alike. Thus, the mechanics of sex can be puzzling at times. There are many potential reasons why things may not be fitting perfectly. For women who have never had vaginal intercourse, the first few times experiencing penetration can be uncomfortable or painful. There are a few reasons for this: First, penetrative sexual encounters can be the first time that the hymen(a thin membrane covering the opening of the vagina) is broken, which for some can be painful and be accompanied by some slight bleeding. However, there are other ways a woman might have broken or stretched her hymen that are not sexual.


Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a fatal condition characterized by hyperinflammation and pulmonary microvascular leak. With no pharmacological cure, treatment remains only supportive. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have recently generated excitement as a potential therapy, presumably functioning through paracrine mechanisms which may rely on the release of extracellular vesicles like microparticles (MPs). However, the mechanism by which MPs modulate the pathology of ARDS is poorly understood yet may pave the way to develop cell‐free cell therapeutics.


Changes in the numbers of serotoninand substance P-immunoreactive (IR) cells occur in several animal models of diabetes. It is not known, however, whether these changes are a result of actual cell loss or are caused by modified gene expression in cells showing co-localization of serotonin and substance P. The pattern of monoand co-expression of serotonin, as well as of substance P, was therefore investigated in gastrointestinal endocrine cells from animal models of human type 1 and type 2 diabetes, namely non-obese diabetic (NOD) and obese diabetic (ob/ob) mice. Immunocytochemical staining by the avidin-biotin complex method was performed for computerized image analysis of each cell type, and by immunofluorescence double staining to study co-localization. Tissues from antrum, proximal duodenum and distal colon were investigated. Co-localization of serotoninand substance P-IR was found in all investigated parts of the gut. In antrum, substance P immunoreactivity was found exclusively in serotonin-IR cells. In both NOD and ob/ob mice there was a reduced number of substance PIR cells, but an unchanged serotonin-IR cell count, which thus tallies with a shut-off of substance P expression in antral enterochromaffin cells. In duodenum, both diabetes models showed a decreased number of serotonin-IR cells. Furthermore there was a decreased number of substance P-IR cells in the type 2 model. The proportion of serotonin-IR cells showing substance P-immuno-reactivity was decreased in both diabetic models, thus indicating a shut-off of substance P-gene expression . However, this does not fully explain the changes in duodenum, but the diabetic state probably affects the number of mono-expressed cells as well. In colon, no change was found in diabetic mice regarding co-localization of substance P and serotonin. However, pre-diabetic NOD mice showed a decreased proportion of substance P in serotonin-IR cells, which might be explained by the increased number of serotonin-IR cells,


We study the construction and decoding of binary multilevel coset codes. This construction, originally introduced by Blokh and Zyablov in 1974 and by Zinov'ev in 1976, shows remarkable analogies with most recent schemes of coded modulations. Basic elements of the construction are an inner code, head of a partition chain having suitable distance properties, and a set of outer codes, generally nonbinary. For each partition level there is an outer code whose alphabet has the same order of the partition: in this way it is possible to associate every partition subset to a code symbol. It is well known that these codes can be efficiently decoded by the so called "multistage decoding." We show that good codes (in terms of performance/complexity) can be constructed using Reed-Muller (RM) codes as inner codes. To this aim RM codes are revisited in the framework of the above construction and decoding techniques. In particular we describe a family of decoders for RM codes which include Forney's (1988) and Hemmati's (1989) decoders as special cases. Finally, we present some examples of efficient binary codes based on RM codes, and assess their performance via computer simulation. >


Small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) are considered as the backbone of the manufacturing industry in China, and a breeding ground for business ideas for the knowledge-based economy. Flexible integration of resources and engineering collaboration of self-governed SMEs is expected to facilitate the strengthening of the competitive position of SMEs. The paper studies the theoretics and methods about the E-HUB platform. Discusses the design and implementation of the proposed platform. The E-HUB facilitates engineering collaboration and extends capabilities and capacities of its business partners with joint engineering, knowledge and manufacturing resources. Based on E-HUB, the SMEs can solve their complex engineering tasks and participate in projects far exceeding their individual capabilities.


Folklore students of several generations have grown up on Kenneth Goldstein's A Guide for Field Workers in Folklore (1964). When they prepared to go in the field, they used his Guide, and they consulted it again when they arrived there. His cogent advice followed them, tucked conveniently in their pocket or pocketbook, reassuring them in doubt and offering solutions in uncertain situations. In the loneliness of the field, the Guide became a companion to which researchers turned in crisis and in joy. Make "safety copies of all recordings and notes" (p. 143), Goldstein's sound advice followed them wherever they went. If pay an informant you must, consider it a gesture of "good will and friendship" rather than "a payment of incentive" (p. 170); and for your own sake stay away from any "hostile factionalism" that is inevitably present in any community (p. 73). Disciplines Folklore | Near and Middle Eastern Studies This book chapter is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn.edu/nelc_papers/146


In silico methods for detecting functionally relevant genetic varian ts re important for identifying genetic markers of human inherited disease. Much research has focused on proteincoding variants since coding regions have well-defined physicochemical and functional properties. However, many bioinformatics tools are not applicable to variants outside the codingregions. Here, we increase RSVP'sthe classification performance of our Regulatory Single Nucleotide Variant Predictor (RSVP) for variants that cause regulatory abnormalities from an AUC of 0.90 to 0.97 by incorporating genomic regions identified b y the ENCODE project into our Regulatory Single Nucleotide Variant Predictor ( RSVP). RSVP is comparable to a recently published tool, Genome-Wide Annotation of Variants (GWAVA) ;, and both RSVP and GWAVA perform better on regulatory variants than a traditional va riant predictor, Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) . However, our method outperforms GWAVA on variants located at similar distances to the transcription start si te as the positive set ( AUC: 0.96) compared to GWAVA (AUC: 0.71). Much of this disparity is due to RSVP's incorporation of features pertaining to the nearest gene (expression, GO terms, etc), which are not included in GWAVA. Our findings hold out the promise of a framework for the asse ssm nt of all functional regulatory variants, providing a means to predict which ra re or de novo variants are of pathogenic significance.


Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Recent studies have demonstrated several benefits to semi-extended leg position for intramedullary nailing (IMN) without increased complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how surgeon preference for flexed versus semi-extended positioning has changed over time. Methods: We distributed an anonymous online survey to orthopaedic surgeons via the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) website. We compared surgeon demographics and preferred leg positioning for tibial nailing. Results: Twenty-seven percent of surgeons reported substantial experience (>50% of cases) with semi-extended positioning during training, while 49% of surgeons preferred semi-extended nailing in current practice (P<0.001). Surgeons who practiced in the U.S. (P<0.001) or who completed a trauma fellowship (P<0.05) were more likely to have had exposure to the semi-extended positioning during training. Surgeons who practiced in the U.S. (P<0.001), supervised residents (P<0.05) or had completed a trauma fellowship (P<0.01) were significantly more likely to currently prefer the semi-extended positioning. Surgeons in the U.S. (P<0.01), or who supervised residents (P<0.05) were more likely to have changed from the hyper-flexed to semi-extended position. Facilitating reduction in proximal fractures was the most cited reason for switching to the semi-extended position (28%). Conclusions: Semi-extended has become the preferred position during intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures among U.S. surgeons, those supervising residents, or those completing a trauma fellowship. Flexed nailing remains the preferred technique for international surgeons. Further investigation of extended nailing techniques is necessary. However, given its preference for the conventional flexed nailing, the international community may benefit from further educational interventions, demonstrating the benefits of extended nailing.