We estimate the expected precision at a multi-TeV muon collider for measuring the Higgs boson couplings with electroweak gauge bosons, $HVV$ and $HHVV\ (V=W^\pm,Z)$, as well as the trilinear Higgs self-coupling $HHH$. At very high energies both single and double Higgs productions rely on the vector-boson fusion (VBF) topology. The outgoing remnant particles have a strong tendency to stay in the very forward region, leading to the configuration of the "inclusive process" and making it difficult to isolate $ZZ$ fusion events from the $WW$ fusion. In the single Higgs channel, we perform a maximum likelihood analysis on $HWW$ and $HZZ$ couplings using two categories: the inclusive Higgs production and the 1-muon exclusive signal. In the double Higgs channel, we consider the inclusive production and study the interplay of the trilinear $HHH$ and the quartic $VVHH$ couplings, by utilizing kinematic information in the invariant mass spectrum. We find that at a centre-of-mass energy of 10 TeV (30 TeV) with an integrated luminosity of 10 ab$^{-1}$ (90 ab$^{-1}$), one may reach a 95\% confidence level sensitivity of 0.073\% (0.023\%) for $WWH$ coupling, 0.61\% (0.21\%) for $ZZH$ coupling, 0.62\% (0.20\%) for $WWHH$ coupling, and 5.6\% (2.0\%) for $HHH$ coupling. For dim-6 operators contributing to the processes, these sensitivities could probe the new physics scale $\Lambda$ in the order of $1-10$ ($2-20$) TeV at a 10 TeV (30 TeV) muon collider.


Microplastics (MPs) are cosmopolitan in distribution and an emerging threat to life and the environment. These particles are not restricted to human-inhabited lands but also found in different mountains and glaciers where the human population is relatively low. These MPs make their way to the river ecosystem from glaciers, rains, and municipal and industrial effluents. The current study was designed to highlight MPs' pollution in water, sediments, and fishes of the Swat River: originating from the Hindu Kush Mountain Range. These samples were collected from eight different sites across the river. The average MPs concentrations were 305.79 ± 289.66 MPs/m 3, 588.29 ± 253.95 MPs/kg, and 12.54 ± 8.02 MPs/individual the water, sediments, and fish samples, respectively. The highest MPs concentrations (753.71 ± 330.08 MPs/m 3 ) in water were recorded near Mingora City, whereas MPs concentrations (834.0 ± 367.21 MPs/kg) were the highest on the same site. Among the selected fish species, the highest number of MPs was observed in Shizothorax plagiostomus. In contrast, the lowest in Wallago attu being 17.08 ± 8.27 Among the selected fish species, the highest number of MPs was observed in Shizothorax plagiostomus, whereas the lowest in Wallago attu being 17.08 ± 8.27 MPs/individual and 5.0 ± 2.36 MPs/individual, respectively. Fibres were the most prevalent MPs in all the matrices representing 80%, 92%, and 85% of the total MPs count in water, sediments, and fish samples. These findings highlighted that the high concentration of MPs prevailing in the river originating from high-altitude freshwater sources and awareness, education, ecotourism, sustainable reduction in plastic use, and strict rules and regulations could be helpful to prevent the anthropogenic menace.


An integrated and compact model for probability of failure in carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs) that includes 1) void CNFETs, 2) carbon nanotube (CNT) density variation, and 3) metallic CNTs is presented based on binomial probability distribution. Comparison with experimental data shows that the compact model successfully predicts the failure probability in CNFET devices. The model is used in a new design space to explore tradeoffs, key limitations, and opportunities for today's gigascale CNFET integrated systems. To achieve 1-part-per-billion failure rate in a gigascale system, it is shown that an asymmetrically correlated stack of 25 CNFETs, each containing 18 CNTs in the channel can be used when the probability of metallic CNT occurrence is reduced to 3%. However, if the density of metallic CNTs approaches zero, then a similar failure rate can be achieved with a single CNFET that contains 15 CNTs in the channel.


This paper provides the first systematic study of the temporal and cross-sectional variation in the risk premium of the expectations hypothesis (EH) at very short end of the term structure. Using a unique and comprehensive dataset of European repurchase (repo) rates, we explain the sources and time variation affecting the risk premium. Our results show that the EH cannot be rejected when loans are secured by safe collateral and that unconventional monetary policy can substantially reduce risk premiums. By contrast, the EH is violated when interest rates are affected by funding risk and collateral risk.


Genetic diversity among four populations of Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis from Narodo, Yeonggwang, Taean and Chinese Bohai Bay was assessed by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) DNA fingerprinting. Total numbers of AFLP bands generated (ranging from 251 to 254) and average percent of polymorphic bands (27.1 to 28.1 %) were similar in the four populations. Heterozygosity and genetic diversity within or among the populations were very low for the populations with average values ranging from 0.1177 to 0.1288 and from 0.1099 to 0.1194, respectively. Analyses of pairwise distance, Fst index and genetic similarity among the populations also revealed the similar results with very low genetic differentiation each other. These results suggest that all the wild populations tested in the present analysis may be belonging to the same genetic origin, and also that they may have a close relationship in genetic structure without any significant differentiation.


We report 2 unusual cases of tandem bullets. Case 1 is a homicide involving a piggyback screw. Case 2 is a suicide involving multiple tandem bullets as a result of improper ammunition size. Tandem bullet injuries can have a wide variety of presentations. Therefore, it is essential that forensic pathologists understand the mechanisms of tandem bullet wounds and familiarize themselves with the autopsy and radiological findings seen in tandem bullet injuries. This report supports that use of incorrect caliber ammunition and the lodgment of foreign objects in the barrel of a gun are possible causes of tandem bullet injuries.


A statistical technique X-IDDQ for extracting defect information from IDDQ data is presented that is effective for detection of defects in ICs. The technique treats the IDDQ measurements in a holistic manner to come up with a statistic X that is highly correlated to the presence of defects. X-IDDQ facilitates binning of ICs and enhances the test process by early identification of faults. The transformation metrics, for evaluating X statistic from IDDQ measurements, obtained using one batch works extremely well for different batches, facilitating its use with manufacturing-line testing.


Jepara regency is the center for wooden furniture industries in Indonesia, and the products are generally marketed through a number of channels. Observed from the artisan to the last consumers, there were 5 common patterns of marketing channels in Jepara regency. The structure of the furniture market in Jepara is segmented based on product, quality, and price, therefore this condition has resulted in the monopolistic competition market structure at artisan level and showroom (furniture shops). Artisans of furniture in Jepara usually get the most orders in July, September, and December. The increase in furniture production was influenced by the religious celebrations of Idul Fitri and Christmas. The survey of furniture shops revealed that most raw materials used by the shops were half-done or unfinished furniture bought from the artisan. The best selling furniture design was elegant design with carved ornaments. In the meantime, the survey result of the households in Jepara which envolved households with permanent, semi-permanent, and nonpermanent houses as respondents showed that each type had a different value in the process of searching for information concerning furniture models and places to buy furniture.


The recent conflict between the French government and the EU over Roma motivates a more general examination of the EU's free mobility policies. The article describes three additional situations, access to land in desirable locations, access to universities, and access to health care, in which the EU's policies with respect to mobility can lead to Pareto sub‐optimal outcomes. More generally, the article challenges the now widely held presumption, which underlies debates like these over rights, that there exists some set of universal human rights of which free movement is a member. A utilitarian theory of constitutional rights is offered instead. The article demonstrates that some constitutional rights, as those contained in the U.S. Bill of Rights, do fit the theory rather well. The UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights are used as examples of universal human rights, which are difficult to defend under the theory proposed here, or under any other theory.


Abstract A coccosphere bearing coccoliths of both Calcidiscus leptoporus (MURRAY & BLACKMAN) LOEBLICH & TAPPAN and Coccolithus pelagicus (WALLICH) SCHILLER has been observed in a sediment sample of Late Pleistocene age from the northern North Atlan tic.


The recent body of research reveals fundamental limitations to the categorical concept of a personality disorder that has led researchers to adopt a new personality disorder concept. During the last decade DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic classifications have accepted the dimensional view towards personality pathology. Despite the differences between the two classifications, the joint aspect of both models is the construct of Levels of personality functioning. The construct of personality functioning involves personality (dys)function in the self and interpersonal domains. This two-step conceptualization includes (a) impairments of self and interpersonal functioning, indicating general signs and severity of personality disorder, and (b) pathological personality traits, reflecting 'stylistic' differences in the expression of personality disorder. The new conceptualization of personality disorder reflects the innovative multi-theoretical integration of known, empirically-based personality assessment paradigms. The relationship between personality functioning and interpersonal, psychodynamic, and personological paradigms provides the theoretical integrity and empirically-based structure necessary to understand the overall severity of personality pathology. Many methods (interviews, self-assessment scales, and questionnaires) have already been developed for the assessment of personality functioning, and their development will be encouraged by the ICD-11 classification established in 2022. At present, only one instrument has been developed in Lithuania for assessing the level of personality functioning in young people aged 12–18 (Barkauskienė & Skabeikytė, 2020). The empirical data about the validity of this construct and its capability to differentiate between the normal and impaired personality in adults and adolescents provide promising results, but are still accumulating. Research suggests that adolescence is a stage in development when personality pathology can fully unfold and be validly confirmed, which opens up opportunities for early intervention. Although the dimensional personality disorder model needs to further prove its importance, there is already evidence that it is less stigmatizing and returns psychology and personality into the concept of a personality disorder. This review presents changes in the conceptualization of personality disorders by discussing them from both clinical and developmental perspectives and highlighting the results of key research in recent years.


Introduction: In transient global amnesia (TGA), the etiology or pathogenesis is still in debate. It has been commonly suggested that TGA might be related to an ischemic event, migraine, or epileptic seizures. With the characteristic findings of diffusion-weighted images (DWI), cerebrovascular disease can be regarded as a cause of TGA. Hypothesis: Transient global amnesia may be associated with regional cerebral perfusion, especially in patients with DWI lesions. The aim of the present study is to reveal the clinical or radiological difference between TGA patients with and without acute lesions. Methods: We identified retrospectively TGA patients who fulfilled the standard criteria from January 2010 through March 2015. Within 72 hours from symptom onset, all patients were evaluated with brain MR images and an electroencephalography. According to the presence of acute lesion in the hippocampus, clinical features, vascular risk factors, and regional perfusion status with SPECT images were compared. Results: Of 61 TGA patients (mean age 60.6, female 18 patients), 20 patients had acute focal lesions in the hippocampus (size: 3.36 ± 0.64mm, 7 in the right, 9 in the left, and 2 in bilateral lesions). All lesions were located in the lateral border (CA1 region) of the hippocampus. In the comparison of clinical features, the duration of amnestic symptom was shorter in the lesion negative group than in the lesion positive group (5 hours, IQR 2.5-8.8 vs. 8 hours, IQR 5-13.5, p=0.07). However, there was no difference between TGA patients with and without DWI lesions in cerebrovascular risk factors or laboratory results. Of 23 patients underwent a cerebral SPECT, 6 patients who had DWI lesions had no abnormal findings. Of 17 patients without lesions, only 3 patients exhibited mild focal perfusion defect in both medial temporal, left frontal, and left fronto-temporal region, respectively. Conclusions: Except amnestic symptom duration, we failed to reveal any clinical difference including perfusion defect between TGA patients with and without DWI lesion. It might suggest the low probability of hypoperfusion in the hippocampus regardless of the presence of brain DWI lesions.


Bone exposure to heat in the presence of moisture breaks the phosphodiester bonds of the backbone, leaving sheared DNA in bone cells. This also limits the possibility of generating a complete profile of the victim. With the increasing incidence of fire outbreaks over the past few years, a paradigm shift to establish identity has been observed, from morphological identification of victims to STR profiling. For this study, 10 bone samples were taken from burnt human bodies that were recovered from different fire outbreak scenes. The DNA from these burnt human tissues was isolated using four different extraction methods: the organic extraction method, the total demineralisation method, the Qiagen kit method, and the Chelex extraction method. STR profiles of victims were generated on a genetic analyser using an AmpFlSTR Identifiler® Plus Kit and analysed on Gene Mapper ID-X. DNA isolated from bones using the total demineralisation extraction method and organic extraction method was of the highest quality due to the efficient removal of inhibitors. DNA obtained using these two methods successfully generated the STR profiles of the victims. The quality of isolated DNA obtained through the Qiagen kit was comparatively low, but STR profiles of the victims were successfully generated. The Chelex kit failed to extract good quality DNA of high quantity from the burnt bones, encountering inhibition in all samples at varying degrees. This study concludes that total demineralisation and the Qiagen kit are sophisticated and reliable methods to obtain a good yield of DNA from burnt human bones, which can be used for the identification of victims.


Using a Bayesian context, new measures of accuracy and skill are proposed to verify weather element forecasts from ensemble prediction systems (EPSs) with respect to individual observations. The new scores are in the form of probabilities of occurrence of the observation given the EPS distribution and can be applied to individual point forecasts or summarized over a sample of forecasts. It is suggested that theoretical distributions be fit to the ensemble, assuming a shape similar to the shape of the climatological distribution of the forecast weather element. The suggested accuracy score is simply the probability of occurrence of the observation given the fitted distribution, and the skill score follows the standard format for comparison of the accuracy of the ensemble forecast with the accuracy of an unskilled forecast such as climatology. These two scores are sensitive to the location and spread of the ensemble distribution with respect to the verifying observation. The new scores are illustrated using the output of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts EPS. Tests were carried out on 108 ensemble forecasts of 2-m temperature, precipitation amount, and windspeed, interpolated to 23 Canadian stations. Results indicate that the scores are especially sensitive to location of the ensemble distribution with respect to the observation; even relatively modest errors cause a score value significantly below the maximum possible score of 1.0. Nevertheless, forecasts were found that achieved the perfect score. The results of a single application of the scoring system to verification of ensembles of 500-mb heights suggests considerable potential of the score for assessment of the synoptic behavior of upper-air ensemble forecasts. The paper concludes with a discussion of the new scoring method in the more general context of verification of probability distributions.


People try to acquire resources at work which they value such as autonomy, social relationships, and feedback about their performance. These job resources are functional in achieving work goals and may stimulate personal growth, learning, and development. As such, job resources initiate a motivational process that may lead to work engagement and positive organizational outcomes, including enhanced performance (Bakker & Demerouti, 2008; Schaufeli & Bakker, 2004). This premise is consistent with traditional motivational approaches such as job characteristics theory (Hackman & Oldham, 1980) and self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). According to the former approach, particular job characteristics such as skill variety, autonomy, and feedback have motivating potential and indirectly predict positive outcomes like intrinsic motivation (a concept closely related to work engagement), through the activation of positive psychological states. In a somewhat similar vein, self-determination theory posits that job resources are motivating because they fulfill basic human needs, such as the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Consequently, work contexts that provide resources such as job control (autonomy), feedback (competence), and social support (relatedness) would enhance well-being and increase intrinsic satisfaction at work (Ryan & Frederick, 1997).


This paper performs the first order normalization that will be employed in the study of the nonlinear stability of triangular points of the perturbed restricted three – body problem with variable mass. The problem is perturbed in the sense that small perturbations are given in the coriolis and centrifugal forces. It is with variable mass as the mass of the third body varies with time. It is found that these perturbations and varying mass are capable to bring a change in the Lagrangian function, and consequently in the basic frequencies. They become successful in affecting the angle coordinates but remain unsuccessful in changing the action momenta coordinates. The transformation utilized for reduction of the second order part of the Hamiltonian to the normal form is also dependent on the perturbed basic frequencies. Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics Vol. 10 2006: pp. 41-46


The most widely established diagnostic criteria for the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia have now been in use for almost a decade. Although consensus criteria have provided a much needed standard for frontotemporal dementia research, a growing body of evidence suggests that revisions are needed to improve their applicability. In this article, we discuss the limitations of current diagnostic criteria and propose the establishment of an international consortium to revise diagnostic and research criteria for the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia.


Customer retention is very important issue. In this reasons, many studies have been conducted for customer retention to demonstrate the potential of data mining through experiments and case studies. But current customer retention procedures only focus on detection of potential defectors based on likelihood of defection overlooking cost. In this paper, we propose an economic procedure for profit maximizing based on the customers' LTV and behavior state transition cost. For the aim of this paper, we use past and current customer behavior by integrating data mining techniques. In this procedure, SOM is used to determine the possible states of customer behavior from past behavior data. Based on this state representation, a Markov chain is applied to generate likelihood of state transition.


Large and wide-ranging carnivores typically display genetic connectivity across their distributional range. American black bears (Ursus americanus) are vagile carnivores and habitat generalists. However, they are strongly associated with forested habitats; consequently, habitat patchiness and fragmentation have the potential to drive connectivity and the resultant structure between black bear subpopulations. Our analysis of genetic structure of black bears in the southern Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and Colorado (n = 296) revealed two discrete populations: bears in northern Wyoming were distinct (FST = 0.217) from bears in southern Wyoming and Colorado, despite higher densities of anthropogenic development within Colorado. The differentiation we observed indicates that bears in Wyoming originated from two different clades with structure driven by the pattern of contiguous forest, rather than the simple distance between populations. We posit that forested habitat and competitive interactions with brown bears reinforced patterns of genetic structure resulting from historic colonization. Our work suggests that forested habitat is an important force structuring populations in the southern Rocky Mountains, even for populations of highly vagile carnivores.


Advances in Paediatric Polysomnography have led to increased recognition of sleep-disordered breathing in children suffering form Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Because of the unique physiological alterations during sleep, respiratory muscle dysfunction in DMD may be recognised during sleep early in the disease. Recognised patterns include: 1) hypoxaemia; 2) obstructive apnoea, central apnoea, and hypopnoea. These may have important contribution to development of progressive cardiorespiratory failure. Early diagnosis with nocturnal polysomnography is the most conclusive way to assess nocturnal respiratory insufficiency in DMD children. Potential use of non-invasive ventilatory support should be discussed with patient and care takers early in the disease.


Often the most well known "documentary videogames" are the most controversial. JFK Reloaded—a game based on the assassination of American president John F. Kennedy—is one of the better known examples. When it rose to public attention in 2004, the game added fuel to a growing outcry over violence and inappropriate content in videogames. It was explicitly condemned by the Kennedy family—and even used to signify the moral vacuum of digital games in an episode of the television series Law and Order . JFKR has always fallen back in defense on its "documentary" status– specifically, that the core simulation at the heart of the gameplay, and supporting game elements such as vantage points, are based meticulously on real Warren Commission data. I will argue a strong indexical relation in JFKR lies between the game and the documents—not the historic act itself. As such, the game's primary strength as a documentary work is in re-engaging the archive, rather than simulating history.


This paper aims to discuss aspects related to contractual arrangements between producers and processors in pork system, in the state of Parana. Specifically in that state, the performance of that chain is highlighted, justifying the study of factors and conditions directing arrangement choice (integration contracts). The research is supported by TCE and MCE theories. Methodological procedures included qualitative assumptions and a descriptive field research. As results, it has been identified that the arrangement choice (contracts) is justified by the perception of higher levels of coordination and specificity in transaction, as well as higher control due to power asymmetry in the relation. Despite the existence of asset specificity, the possibility to measure and insert in contracts attributes enables contractual arrangements, as an alternative to vertical integration. Thus, contractual formalization seems to indicate appropriate governance structure for processors, making possible standardization, transaction cost reduction and guaranteeing property rights. Keywords : pork chain; contractual arrangement; transaction costs and measurement costs.


Synthesis of high quality colloidal Cerium(III) doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Y3 Al5 O12 :Ce3+ , "YAG:Ce") nanoparticles (NPs) meeting simultaneously both ultra-small size and high photoluminescence (PL) performance is challenging, as generally a particle size/PL trade-off has been observed for this type of nanomaterials. The glycothermal route is capable to yield ultra-fine crystalline colloidal YAG:Ce nanoparticles with a particle size as small as 10 nm but with quantum yield (QY) no more than 20%. In this paper, the first ultra-small YPO4 -YAG:Ce nanocomposite phosphor particles having an exceptional QY-to-size performance with an QY up to 53% while maintaining the particle size ≈10 nm is reported. The NPs are produced via a phosphoric acid- and extra yttrium acetate-assisted glycothermal synthesis route. Localization of phosphate and extra yttrium entities with respect to cerium centers in the YAG host has been determined by fine structural analysis techniques such as X-ray diffration (XRD), solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-STEM), and shows distinct YPO4 and YAG phases. Finally, a correlation between the additive-induced physico-chemical environment change around cerium centers and the increasing PL performance has been suggested based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) data, and crystallographic simulation studies.


A protein chromosome scaffold structure has been proposed that acts as a structural framework for attachment of chromosomal DNA. There are several troubling aspects of this concept: (1) such structures have not been seen in many previous thin-section and whole-mount electron microscopy studies of metaphase chromosomes, while they are readily seen in leptotene and zygotene chromosomes; (2) such a structure poses problems for sister chromatid exchanges; and (3) the published photographs show a marked variation in the amount of scaffold in different whole-mount preparations. An alternative explanation is that the scaffold in whole-mount preparations represents incomplete dispersion of the high concentration of chromatin in the center of chromosomes, and when the histones are removed and the DNA dispersed, the remaining nonhistone proteins (NHPs) aggregate to form a chromosome-shaped structure. Two studies were done to determine if the scaffold is real or an artifact: (1) Chinese hamster mitotic cells and isolated chromosomes were examined using two protein stains -EDTA-regressive staining and phosphotungstic acid (PTA) stain. The EDTA-regressive stain showed ribonucleoprotein particles at the periphery of the chromosomes but nothing at the center of the chromosomes. The PTA stain showed the kinetochore plates but no central structures; and (2) isolated chromosomes were partially dispersed to decrease the high concentration of chromatin in the center of the chromosome, then treated with 4 M ammonium acetate or 2 M NaCl to dehistonize them and disperse the DNA. Under these circumstances, no chromosome scaffold was seen. We conclude that the scaffold structure is an artifact resulting from incomplete dispersion of central chromatin and aggregation of NHPs in dehistonized chromosomes.


A 72-year-old Japanese man was referred to a hospital because of urinary retention. Digital rectal examination revealed a stony, hard nodule in the prostate. A high level of serum PSA was not detected. Prostatic biopsy was performed, and pathological examination indicated adenocarcinoma of the prostate. He was referred to our hospital for treatment. Imaging examinations revealed no metastases (T4N0M0), so we re-evaluated the biopsy specimens. Immunohistochemical examination revealed prostatic small cell carcinoma. His levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (Pro-GRP) were high. We treated him with combination chemotherapy comprising irinotecan and cisplatin, and the treatment was effective. After four courses of the chemotherapy, levels of NSE and Pro-GRP had decreased, and the prostatic mass had decreased in size. Needle rebiopsy of the prostate demonstrated no evidence of malignancy. Adjuvant external beam radiation therapy was also performed. The patient iss till alive at 18 month after diagnosis with no evidence of relapse or metastasis of the disease.


Contents: Foreword Introduction, Judith L. Gibbons and Karen Smith Rotabi Part I Policy and Regulations: The rise and fall of intercountry adoption in the 21st century: global trends from 2001 to 2010, Peter Selman Social policy approaches and social work dilemmas in intercountry adoption, Jonathan Dickens Implications of the Hague Convention on the humanitarian evacuation and 'rescue' of children, Kathleen Ja Sook Bergquist Human rights considerations in intercountry adoption: the children and families of Cambodia and Marshall Islands, Jini L. Roby and Trish Maskew Fraud in intercountry adoption: child sales and abduction in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Guatemala, Karen Smith Rotabi Perspectives on child welfare: ways of understanding roles and actions of current USA adoption agencies involved in intercountry adoptions, Mary Katherine O'Connor and Karen Smith Rotabi. Part II Sending Country Perspectives: Child welfare in Romania: contexts and processes, Cristina Nedelcu and Victor Groza Challenging the discourse of intercountry adoption: perspectives from rural China, Kay Johnson Intercountry adoption and child welfare in Guatemala: lessons learned from pre- and post- ratification of the 1993 Hague Convention on the protection of children and cooperation in respect of intercountry adoption, Kelley McCreery Bunkers and Victor Groza Ethiopia at a critical juncture in intercountry adoption and traditional care practices, Kelley McCreery Bunkers, Karen Smith Rotabi and Benyam Dawit Mezmur Maternal thinking in the context of stratified reproduction: perspectives of birth mothers from South Africa, Riitta HA gbacka Exiting or going forth? An overview of US outgoing adoptions, Dana Naughton. Part III Outcomes for Intercountry Adoptees: Review of meta-analytical studies on the physical, emotional, and cognitive outcomes in intercountry adoptees, Femmie Juffer and Marinus H. van IJzendoorn Medical status of internationally adopted children, Laurie C. Miller Cognitive competence, academic achievement, and educational attainment among intercountry adoptees: research outcomes from the Nordic countries, Monica Dalen Families with intercountry adopted children: talking about adoption and birth culture, Femmie Juffer and Wendy Tieman Post-racial utopianism, white color-blindness and 'the elephant in the room': racial issues for transnational adoptees of color, Tobias HA binette. Part IV The Debate: The debate, Elizabeth Bartholet and David Smolin. Part V Pragmatists: Improving the Process: Best practices in implementing the Hague Convention, Judith L. Gibbons and Karen Smith Rotabi Intercountry adoptions and home study assessments: the need for uniform practices, Thomas M. Crea Understanding and preventing intercountry adoption breakdown, JesA * s Palacios Openness and intercountry adoption in New Zealand, Rhoda Scherman All grown up: the rise of the Korean adult adoptee movement and implications for practice, Hollee McGinnis Truth, reconciliation, and searching for the disappeared children of civil war: El Salvador's search and reunion model defined, Carmen MA^3nico and Karen Smith Rotabi Looking to the future, Judith L. Gibbons and Karen Smith Rotabi References Indexes.


The article analyzes the problems related to the non-application of the provisions of Chapter 17 – Public ecosystem benefits of the Forest Act. The necessity of the adequate valuation of the ecosystem services from the forest territories and their transformation into a remunerated financial resource is argued. A proposal for supplementing the current legal framework is formed, as well as conclusions on the topic.


Many in vitro studies focus on effects of wall shear stress (WSS) and wall shear stress gradient (WSSG) on endothelial cells, which are linked to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in the arterial system. Limitation in available flow chambers with a constant WSSG in the testing region makes it difficult to quantify cellular responses to WSSG. The current study proposes and characterizes a type of converging parallel plate flow chamber (PPFC) featuring a constant gradient of WSS. A simple formula was derived for the curvature of side walls, which relates WSSG to flow rate (Q), height of the PPFC (h), length of the convergent section (L), its widths at the entrance (w0) and exit (w1). CFD simulation of flow in the chamber is carried out. Constant WSSG is observed in most regions of the top and bottom plates except those in close proximity of side walls. A change in Q or h induces equally proportional changes in WSS and WSSG whereas an alteration in the ratio between w0 and w1 results in a more significant change in WSSG than that in WSS. The current design makes possible an easy quantification of WSSG on endothelial cells in the flow chamber.


The materials plasma exposure experiment (MPEX) is a linear plasma divertor simulator currently undergoing conceptual design. The facility will expose material samples to steady-state plasma fluxes to examine plasma–material interactions (PMIs) that are expected in the next generation of fusion devices. The plasmas will be generated by a helicon source, with electron and ion heating sources of up to 800 kW possible. The peak heat fluxes of the target are expected to be up to 10 MW/m2. The facility will be capable of handling low-activation neutron-irradiated samples in order to examine the multivariate effects of neutron damage and plasma fluence. Neutron-irradiated samples are planned to be roughly of 10-mm diameter; however, plasma-facing components up to $60 \times 600$ mm can be accommodated. The steady-state nature of the device will require the magnetic confinement of the plasma to be achieved with superconducting magnets, with a maximum on-axis field of 2.5 T. In addition, since MPEX will be a steady-state device, in-vessel components need to be water cooled. The primary in-vessel components will be the target, the dump plate, the limiter, the skimmers, and the microwave absorber. The conceptual design of these components is presented here, including analyses that confirm that the designs are adequate to meet the requirements of MPEX operation.


Antibodies were raised in rabbits to highly purified preparations of bovine brain clathrin. The serum stained by immunofluorescence rat liver sections at tight junctions in a pattern that was identical to that previously reported (B. R. Stevenson et al.: J. Cell Biol. 103, 755-766 (1986] in which a monoclonal antibody specific to a 220 kDa (ZO-1) liver tight junction component was used. The serum also stained regions of the cell surface corresponding to the positions of intercellular junctions in confluent MDCK and HepG-2 cell cultures. Analysis of brain clathrin preparations resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis by immunoblotting with the serum indicated reaction with clathrin heavy and light chains as well as towards a 220 kDa polypeptide that was a minor component. Affinity purification of the serum provided antibodies directed mainly to clathrin light chains and these antibodies, as well as an independent antiserum to clathrin heavy chains, immunofluorescently stained liver tissue and cells in a manner typical of coated membranes/vesicles. These results suggested, by difference, that antibodies to a 220 kDa polypeptide, a minor constituent in brain clathrin preparations, were responsible for staining intercellular tight junctions in epithelia. The 220 kDa polypeptide present in brain clathrin preparations was demonstrated to be immunologically distinct from liver myosin heavy chain as well as erythrocyte and brain ankyrin. Comparison by two-dimensional mapping of the 220 kDa in brain clathrin with the clathrin heavy chain (180 kDa) polypeptide showed they were different proteins, but the 220 kDa polypeptide present in rat liver tight junctions was highly similar to the 220 kDa present in bovine brain clathrin preparations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Pichia stipitis NAD+-dependent xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH), a medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductase, is one of the key enzymes in ethanol fermentation from xylose. For the construction of an efficient biomass-ethanol conversion system, we focused on the two areas of XDH, 1) change of coenzyme specificity from NAD+ to NADP+ and 2) thermostabilization by introducing an additional zinc atom. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to examine the roles of Asp207, Ile208, Phe209, and Asn211 in the discrimination between NAD+ and NADP+. Single mutants (D207A, I208R, F209S, and N211R) improved 5∼48-fold in catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) with NADP+ compared with the wild type but retained substantial activity with NAD+. The double mutants (D207A/I208R and D207A/F209S) improved by 3 orders of magnitude in kcat/Km with NADP+, but they still preferred NAD+ to NADP+. The triple mutant (D207A/I208R/F209S) and quadruple mutant (D207A/I208R/F209S/N211R) showed more than 4500-fold higher values in kcat/Km with NADP+ than the wild-type enzyme, reaching values comparable with kcat/Km with NAD+ of the wild-type enzyme. Because most NADP+-dependent XDH mutants constructed in this study decreased the thermostability compared with the wild-type enzyme, we attempted to improve the thermostability of XDH mutants by the introduction of an additional zinc atom. The introduction of three cysteine residues in wild-type XDH gave an additional zinc-binding site and improved the thermostability. The introduction of this mutation in D207A/I208R/F209S and D207A/I208R/F209S/N211R mutants increased the thermostability and further increased the catalytic activity with NADP+.


A sclerosing cholangitis confined to the intrahepatic ducts occurred in a 64-year-old man with a clinical picture of prolonged cholestatic jaundice. Two laparotomies and an operative cholangiogram demonstrated a normal extrahepatic biliary tree. The most prominent histological feature in the liver biopsy was the replacement of medium-sized bile ducts by fibrous cords. Electron microscopic examination of the liver showed changes attributable to cholestasis and cholesterol clefts in dense bodies. Needle-like and curved membrane-bounded inclusions of an obscure nature were also observed in some of the dense bodies. It is suggested that this case, together with nine histologically similar cases which have been labelled in the literature as `primary biliary cirrhosis', represents a subgroup of sclerosing cholangitis in which only the intrahepatic ducts are affected.


We present theoretical study on quantum tunnelling in n-coupled single-molecule magnets (SMMs) by spin-coherent-state path integral. It is found that, due to weak coupling between SMMs, the tunnelling process involving more than one-spin-flip is effectively blocked and the main contribution to the relaxation of the magnetization comes from the tunnelling processes involving just one-spin-flip. Starting from the negative saturated magnetization, the effect of the antiferromagnetic on tunnelling coupling is found to be qualitatively different from the ferromagnetic coupling. A criterion is developed to determine both the nature and the strength of the exchange coupling from the position of the first resonance of a spherical sample with homogeneous magnetization.


This paper provides evidence of segregation-generated differences in political recruitment networks. By taking explicit account of social-geographical differentiation in the urban landscape, we evaluate—in prior work largely neglected—contextual effects on requests for participation. Consistent with previous research, we find that those activists who try to convince others to participate in political life systematically use a set of selection criteria when deciding whom to approach. However, using recent data based on a sample of inhabitants of Swedish cities and properties of their neighborhoods, we also show that the degree of (aggregate-level) social exclusion negatively influences (individual-level) recruitment efforts. This contextual effect stems both from the disproportional population composition as such in residential areas, and from recruiters' rational avoidance of areas marked by high levels of social exclusion. We conclude that these logics jointly reinforce urban inequalities regarding the chances for ordinary citizens to be invited to political life.


Crops tolerant to salt and boron have an advantage when grown in soils, near power plants, that are contaminated by saline cooling tower water or by waste products such as coal fly ash containing high levels of B. In addition, tolerant crops may have higher yields in arid and semi arid regions where salt and B problems coexist. This greenhouse study was conducted in order to compare the response of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to combinations of high levels of solution B and chloride salts. The plants of both species were grown in 10-L plastic buckets containing silica sand and were irrigated with half-strength Hoagland's No. 1 nutrient solution to which boric acid and a mixture of NaCl and CaCl 2 .2H 2 O on a 1:1 equivalent ratio were added. Boron treatments consisted of 5, 20, and 25 mg.L -1 and the target electrical conductivity (EC) levels were 1, 4, 8, 12, and 15 dS.m -1 . The maximum growth and yield for tepary bean occurred at 5 mg.L -1 B and 4 dS.m -1 . These values of B and salinity were 6.5 and 4 times higher than those threshold values reported for kidney bean. Furthermore, tepary bean produced profitable yield (80% of control) in the 5 mg.L -1 B, 8 dS.m -1 treatment and it even produced beans at B concentration as high as 20 mg.L - B, four times higher than that observed for kidney bean.


In autonomic-blocked rats treated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 7.5 mg/kg), heart rate increased 18% and mean arterial pressure increased 48%. Thyroidectomy, along with autonomic blockade, hampered the chronotropic response but did not modify the effect on blood pressure. After 150 min of autonomic blockade, the experimental end point, total nitric oxide (NO) production by heart NO synthases (NOS) decreased 61%: from 54 to 21 nmol NO.min-1.g heart-1. Mitochondrial NOS (mtNOS) and sarcoplasmic reticulum endothelial NOS activities decreased 74% and 52%, respectively. Mitochondria isolated from whole heart showed a well-coupled oxidative phosphorylation with high respiratory control and ADP-to-O ratios, decreased mtNOS activity (55-60%), and decreased mtNOS protein expression (70%). Immunohistochemistry with anti-inducible NOS antibody linked to gold particles localized mtNOS at the inner mitochondrial membranes. Histochemical right atrial NOS (NADPH-diaphorase) decreased 55% after heart denervation. The effects of autonomic denervation on the NO system were partially prevented by thyroidectomy performed simultaneously with autonomic blockade. Western blot analysis indicated a very rapid mtNOS protein turnover (half time=120 min) with a process of protein expression that was upregulated by thyroidectomy and a degradation process that was downregulated by the autonomic nervous system. The observations suggest that NO-mediated pathways contribute to pacemaker heart activity, likely through the NO steady-state levels in the right atrium and the whole heart.


In this postgraduate thesis, there is an attempt to find and model the relations, which connect the subject headings to their potential subdivisions. Considering this, it has been created an ontology, which contains an amount of the subject headings of the library of the Ionian University. These subject headings are connected to each other, when there is a common subdivision. The ontology was constructed with the contribution of the program Protege. The ultimate purpose was to embody this ontology to an ontology navigation application of semantic web. There is a detailed reference to the Library of Congress and the rules that exist for the creation of subject headings, which they have been used as a standard for the composition of the subject headings of the Library of Ionian University. Thereafter, there is an analysis of the subject headings and a detailed description of the process that followed to create the ontologies.


While significant attention has been dedicated to explaining women's election to office, fewer studies have assessed female politicians' access to positions of power within legislatures. This latter topic became particularly salient in the British House of Commons following the 2010 general election, when recently adopted reforms introduced intracameral elections for select committee members and chairs. This article outlines three hypotheses concerning the influence of candidate sex on election outcomes: a gender bias against female candidates, a gender advantage favoring female candidates, and gender-neutral outcomes. Drawing on two original data sets, the results not only fail to support the gender-bias hypothesis but also demonstrate that women were advantaged in the interparty elections for committee chairs. These findings offer new insights into both the position of female legislators in the UK Parliament and gender and the allocation of power within national assemblies more generally.


The purpose of this paper is to show the development of Petersen coil and compensated network in the high voltage power distribution networks of China. There were two correlative questions when the Petersen coil is used, one is to restrict the series resonance under normal conditions, and the other is to choose the grounded line correctly. The KD-XH Coil, which uses the servo-control adjustment, has high response speed (less than 5 milliseconds), continuously adjustable current output (from zero to rated value) and linear V-A characteristic, and shows high accuracy in applications as soon as the grounding fault occurs.


Aim: Clinical and biological studies in the past years underlined the proinflammatory action of the citokine Tumoral Necrosis Factor in the pathophysiolology of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis. Knowing that the high dilution of substances can have an inverted effect, our hypotesis was that dillution made of TNF-alfa can decrease the clinical manifestation of such diseases.
Materials and method: We included as a pilot group 10 patients presented in Lotus Life Integrative Medicine Center or Profamilia Medical Center Iasi with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis previously diagnosed by specialists, under speciality treatment with insufficient results and patients who deliberately expressed their preference for alternative treatment. We decided to exclude the patients which during the study could present aggravation of symptoms.
The treatment protocol consisted in the administration under the tongue of the dilution of TNF-alfa 9CH in liquid form, 12 drops twice a day for at least 3 months. This was prepared diluting from Guna TNF-alfa 4CH in distiled water, completing with 30% of alcohol in the last solution. Patients under other medications continued to take their previous treatment unchanged. We called the patients for follow-up after 3 months. We took the written consent from the patients and the approval of the Ethical Committee of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa" of Iasi.
Results: To analize the results we followed the subjective evolution of the patients, the total surface and thickness of eruptions in psoriasis patients and the pain intensity and stiffness in arthritis patients. Under this conditions, all the patients showed amelioration, with 2 out of 6 psoriasis patients showing complete clearance of eruptions. No patient reported adverse reactions during the treatment
Conclusions: Even though the group of patients was small and not appropriate for statistical data the presence of a clinical response in all the patients and the absence of adverse reactions sustains the opportunity to extend the research on this subject.


Edgeworth's paradox of taxation occurs when an increase in the unit cost of a product causes a multiproduct monopolist to reduce prices. We give simple illustrations of the paradox and a general analysis of the case of linear marginal cost and demand conditions, and we characterize which matrices of cost pass-through terms are consistent with profit maximization. When the firm supplies at least one pair of substitute products, we show how Edgeworth's paradox always occurs with a suitable choice of cost function. We then establish a connection between Ramsey pricing and the paradox in a form relating to consumer surplus.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine an integrative model combining teachers' perceptions of transformational leadership practices (TLPs) and different subsystems of the social ecological model (SEM) within the context of country culture (US vs Israel).

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study was conducted among 615 Israeli teachers and 541 US teachers. The leadership practices inventory (LPI) questionnaire was used, and analyses focused on the interaction effects of ecological subsystems and country on teachers' perceptions of TLP.

Findings
Results indicated that some universal leadership aspects appear in both the USA and Israel, with modeling the way being most dominant and Challenging the Process least dominant. However, the findings also indicated some specific national leadership aspects. For example, Israeli teachers perceive their school principals' TLP to be significantly higher than do US teachers in all five dimensions. In addition, the study indicated significant differences between Israel and the USA regarding aspects of TLP, after taking school level into account. The results are explained by Hofstede's culture dimensions.

Originality/value
This study focuses on teachers' perceptions of TLP in relation to SEM, which has been largely ignored in educational leadership studies. The findings may help to develop an integrative policy related to both TLP and SEM, which will enhance the impact that school leadership may have in both countries, taking the cultural context into consideration.


Purpose
This paper aims to review existing literature about both e-recruitment and training comprehensiveness to find out if there was a link to perceptions of the organization among employees. The authors felt this would lead to more positive beliefs and higher levels of employer branding (EB).

Design/methodology/approach
To test their beliefs, they analyzed literature published between 1964 and 2017. The strategy was to use the databases of Emerald, EBSCO, Scopus, ProQuest and JSTOR, and search engines like Google Scholar. They searched for key words and came up with 51 articles, 17 dealing with employer branding, 23 about e-recruitment and employer branding, and 11 about training comprehensiveness and employer branding.

Findings
The authors felt the literature review confirmed their beliefs that e-recruitment was a good way to create a more positive view of organizations, and training comprehensiveness helped to develop both employee skills and levels of commitment.

Originality/value
Very little research has previously addressed e-recruitment and training comprehensiveness as drivers of EB.


A growing body of literature examines whether corporate clients derive sufficient value from the law firms that they engage. Yet little attention has been paid to whether clients optimally select among law firms in the first place. One entry-point is to identify discrepancies in the quality of counsel selected by different corporate clients for the very same work. Using a large sample of loans, this Article finds that major U.S. public companies select lower-ranked law firms for their financing transactions than do private equity-owned companies, controlling for various deal characteristics. While some of this discrepancy can be attributed to value-maximizing behavior, agency and other information problems within public companies may distort their choice of counsel. Contrary to the thrust of existing commentary, U.S. public companies may well be spending too little on outside counsel.


The aims of this review were to identify symptoms experienced by head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and their prevalence, as well as to compare symptom coverage identified in HNC specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Searches of Ovid Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL were conducted to identify studies. The search revealed 4569 unique articles and identified 115 eligible studies. The prevalence of reported symptoms was highly variable among included studies. Variability in sample size, timing of the assessments, and the use of different measures was noted across studies. Content mapping of commonly used PROMs showed variability and poor capture of prevalent symptoms, even though validation studies confirmed satisfactory reliability and validity. This suggests limitations of some of the tools in providing an accurate and comprehensive picture of the patient's symptoms and problems.


Aim of this review was to describe the novel approaches on genetic traceability of livestock products. The term traceability, regarding the livestock production sector, means the ability to keep under unfailing control the products origin and animals identity along all passages of the food chain, from farm to fork. In this way it represents a warranty both for the consumers and the producer and it will permit to know where, who and how a product has been produced. It is clear that traceability could be an important tool in order to preserve and to turn to account the livestock products, especially for typical ones. Different kinds of traceability (conventional, aromatic, geographic and genetic) are discussed in order to explain the principles on which they are based and their possible applications. Genetic traceability is based on DNA identification technology through the use of molecular markers. The genetic traceability might be used at four different levels: individual, cohort/group, breed and species. Regarding genetic traceability, the effective discrimination at level of unique animal identification depends on reducing the probability to find two individual sharing, by chance, the same genetic profile to an acceptable low threshold. For example in a standard proceeding even a two locus test with polymorphic markers as microsatellites (one in sixty-four chance of error, i.e. accidental match) might be sufficient to reach a verdict, but for a forensic case, eight loci (one in 16.8 million chance of error) might be sufficient to reach a verdict. The effective discrimination from the point of animals group (herd, breed or species) identification is based on two different approaches: deterministic and probabilistic. Deterministic approach is based on the analyses of neutral molecular markers specific for each breed and/or genes with different allelic forms fixed within breed as genes affecting coat colour. Probabilistic approaches are based on two methods, the first using the allelic frequencies typical of each group (herd, breed or species) while the second using genetic distances among groups. In conclusion, this review, showed as the novel approaches on genetic traceability of livestock products is an available method even if it should be improved in terms of cost reduction for single sample, work effort, reproducibility and accuracy of results. At the time genetic traceability is an important method for origin identification of livestock products and a tool for guarantee conventional traceability system as routine method for food safety.


This article investigates the feasibility of using machine learning algorithms to predict the loads experienced by a landing gear during landing. For this purpose, the results on drop test data and flight test data will be examined. This article will focus on the use of Gaussian process regression for the prediction of loads on the components of a landing gear. For the learning task, comprehensive measurement data from drop tests are available. These include measurements of strains at key locations, such as on the side-stay and torque link, as well as acceleration measurements of the drop carriage and the gear itself, measurements of shock absorber travel, tyre closure, shock absorber pressure and wheel speed. Ground-to-tyre loads are also available through measurements made with a drop test ground reaction platform. The aim is to train the Gaussian process to predict load at a particular location from other available measurements, such as accelerations, or measurements of the shock absorber. If models can be successfully trained, then future load patterns may be predicted using only these measurements. The ultimate aim is to produce an accurate model that can predict the load at a number of locations across the landing gear using measurements that are readily available or may be measured more easily than directly measuring strain on the gear itself (for example, these may be measurements already available on the aircraft, or from a small number of sensors attached to the gear). The drop test data models provide a positive feasibility test which is the basis for moving on to the critical task of prediction on flight test data. For this, a wide range of available flight test measurements are considered for potential model inputs (excluding strain measurements themselves), before attempting to refine the model or use a smaller number of measurements for the prediction.


Summary form only given as follows. The JINR-IAP FEM-oscillator was elaborated during the last few years based on 0.8 MeV/200 A/250 ns linac LIU-3000 (JINR, Dubna). This 30-GHz FEM generates currently 20 MW/200 ns pulses with spectrum width of ~6 MHz and repetition rate of up to 1 Hz. The high efficiency and stability of the FEM was achieved by using reversed guide magnetic field regime and advanced type of Bragg resonator, i.e. resonator with a step of phase of corrugation. The parameters achieved allow the FEM to be used in several applications. A test facility to study surface heating effects at 30 GHz was constructed based on the FEM. Information about the life time of the metals in strong RF-fields would be beneficial, in particular, when designing high-gradient accelerating structures for future linear colliders. The special cavity was made for modeling temperature regime of a high-Q accelerating structure. The experimental set-up was verified in 105 pulses with the necessary temperature rise in the test cavity of up to 150degC during each pulse. The experiment in consequence of ~106 pulses is in progress currently. One more important application of the powerful FEM is testing of RF breakdown strength of different materials. The experiment on studying volume and surface (multipactor) breakdown at a silicon disc is under development. This work is aimed to elaborate the control systems for powerful microwave flows and fast switches for microwave pulse compressors. Investigation of possibility to use JINR-IAP FEM in medical and biological applications was also started. The effect of the powerful 30-GHz pulses on the biological tissue and, in particular, on the cancer cells was studied. Project to advance JINR-IAP FEM into sub-mm wavelengths is developed. We propose to use a two-wave regime when the backward mm-wave (forming in the Bragg resonator) is used as an electromagnetic wiggler to provide stimulated scattering into a sub-mm forward wave at a multiple frequency. A 360 GHz generator was designed based on the linac LIU-3000 to operate with a 100-kW power at 12th frequency harmonic of the pumping wave. In the first experiments the operability of novel FEM scheme was demonstrated and radiation with the wavelength shorter than 1 mm was registered with the power estimated at 10-kW level.


The condensation of a supersaturated vapor enclosed in a finite system is considered. A phenomenological analysis reveals that the vapor is found to be stable at densities well above coexistence. The system size at which the supersaturated vapor condenses into a droplet is found to be governed by a typical length scale which depends on the coexistence densities, temperature and surface tension. When fluctuations are neglected, the chemical potential is seen to show a discontinuity at an effective spinodal point, where the inhomogeneous state becomes more stable than the homogeneous state. If fluctuations are taken into account, the transition is rounded, but the slope of the chemical potential versus density isotherm develops a discontinuity in the thermodynamic limit. In order to test the theoretical predictions, we perform a simulation study of droplet condensation for a Lennard-Jones fluid and obtain loops in the chemical potential versus density and pressure. By computing probability distributions for the cluster size, chemical potential, and internal energy, we confirm that the effective spinodal point may be identified with the occurrence of a first order phase transition, resulting in the condensation of a droplet. An accurate equation of state is employed in order to estimate the droplet size and the coexisting vapor density and good quantitative agreement with the simulation data is obtained. The results highlight the need of an accurate equation of state data for the Laplace equation to have predictive power.


Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the improvements of volume and basal area estimations, when spectral data from the Pleiades were complemented with auxiliary data. The study area was located in the Darabkola's forest of Sari, Iran. In-situ data were collected for 144 circular sample plots, with 17.84 m radius, which were distributed using a simple random sampling design. Tree information included diameter at breast height (DBH) of all trees within the sample plots, and the height of some trees. By using DBH and tree height, the volume and basal area per hectare was also computed for each plot. Geometric and radiometric corrections of spectral data were applied to the images. In addition, the auxiliary maps of slope, aspect, elevation, soil pH and texture (through ground sampling and interpolation), precipitation and temperature (through interpolation of climate stations) were prepared. Digital values corresponding to ground plots were extracted from spectral bands and auxiliary data and considered as independent variables while volume and basal area were selected as dependent variables. The forest modeling was carried out using a non-parametric method of random forest (RF), using 70% of the sample plots as training data. The results were validated using the remaining 30% sample plots. The results indicated that by using both spectral and auxiliary data, the RMSE was reduced by 5% compared to using only spectral data for volume modeling. The corresponding advantage of using both spectral and auxiliary data was 1% to 3% when basal area was modeled.


This article focuses on how critical reviews of Bulworth can be said to draw attention to political discourse when discussing the film's satirical aspirations. This entails a consideration of contemporary American reviews, which are discussed in relation to a conceptualization of satire in terms of a discursive practice. It is concluded that satire is understood, in quite unproblematic terms, both as a determinant for and as attributing a tone to the political discourse.


INTRODUCTION
In Argentina, trauma is the most common cause of death among children older than 1 year old, has a high morbidity rate, and results in large costs for the health system.

OBJECTIVE
To identify causes of injuries in patients admitted to the hospital due to a trauma, and to analyze the relationship between epidemiological factors and severe trauma.

POPULATION AND METHODS
Prospective study. Children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years old admitted to the hospital due to unintentional trauma between April 2012 and March 2013 were included. They were divided into two groups based on severity according to the pediatric trauma score (8 or lower) to identify risk factors by means of a logistic regression model. PREDICTIVE OUTCOME MEASURES: patients' and parents' demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, event data, initial care, course, and risk factors. Patients were stratified into three age groups for the analysis of the type of injury and the anatomic location.

RESULTS
Two hundred and thirty-seven patients were included. Traumatic brain injuries were predominant among children younger than 3 years old, while limb fractures were most common among children older than 3 years old. In the bivariate analysis, foreign parents, a state of poverty or destitution, an immediate preventable cause, dangerous heights, and an unsafe heating system were statistically significant outcome measures. Based on multiple regression, outcome measures included were foreign parents, living in a slum area, an immediate preventable cause, and an unsafe heating system.

CONCLUSIONS
The main cause of trauma was related to falls from heights, and some of the studied socioeconomic factors were associated with a higher risk of trauma. This information may be useful to develop prevention measures.


One of the first stages in the design of a PSS or a FACTS-based stabiliser in a multimachine power system is the selection of the best installing location. Among the most popular techniques used to perform this selection, two groups of indices from the residue and the damping torque analysis (DTA) methods were considered to be different both in their calculation and principle of derivation. However, the authors have found that these two groups of indices are in fact closely related to each other, and indeed are equivalent under certain conditions. In the paper, this finding is presented by considering the relationship between these two groups of indices and shows how equivalence may be concluded. Thus a deeper insight into the residue and DTA methods emerges which facilitates a comparison between the accuracy of these indices.


Background Pulmonary tuberculosis is one of the most important health concerns. Pulmonary fungal infections have clinical and radiological characteristics similar to tuberculosis which may be easily misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. This study aimed to evaluate tuberculosis (TB) status and coinfection of TB with pulmonary fungal infections in patients referred to reference laboratory of health centers Ghaemshahr city during 2007–2017. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted during eleven years, between 2007–2017, on 3577 patients with suspected TB referred to health centers of Ghaemshahr City. For isolation, sputum smear preparation and Ziehl-Neelson staining in companying with microscopy direct observation and KOH 10% + white Calcofluor staining was used. The culture of fungi was performed on Sabouraud Dextrose agar, Czapek and chrome agar media. Then, data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16) through Student's t-test, Fisher test, and Odds Ratio. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Of 3577 patients, 10731 smears were prepared, 3.6% (n=130) of patients were identified as smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis, 86.4% (n=3090) were smear negative and 10% (n=357) drug-resistant TB. The mean age of patients was 48±1.8 years. With increasing age, the prevalence of TB has increased which was statistically significant (P value <0.05). Prevalence of tuberculosis in the age group over than 57 years in males and females had an ascending trend. Amongst the positive tuberculosis patients, 16/130 cases (12.3%) had the coinfection of TB with fungi microorganisms. Conclusion Our findings showed the coinfection of fungi agents in patients with tuberculosis that should be considered.


In recent clinical studies, vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) are mainly used in combination with chemotherapy. However, an often overlooked concern in treatment combination is the VDA-induced impairment of chemotherapy distribution in the tumor. The work presented here investigated the impact of blood flow shutdown induced by Combretastatin A4 (CA4) on gemcitabine uptake into mouse hepatocarcinoma. At 2 h after CA4 treatment, using DCE-MRI, a significant decrease in the perfusion-relevant parameters Ktrans and Vp were observed in treated group compared with the control group. The blood flow shutdown was indeed confirmed by a histology study. In a third experiment, the total gemcitabine uptake was found to be significantly lower in treated tumors, as assessed in a separate experiment using ex vivo fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The amount of active metabolite gemcitabine triphosphate was also lower in treated tumors. In conclusion, the blood flow shutdown induced by VDAs can impact negatively on the delivery of small cytotoxic agents in tumors. The present study outlines the importance of monitoring the tumor vascular function when designing drug combinations.


Purpose: Neonatal brachial plexus injury (NBPI) causes disabling and incurable muscle contractures, arising from impaired longitudinal growth of denervated muscles. This growth impairment is caused by dysregulation of muscle proteostasis characterized by increased proteasome-mediated protein degradation. Myostatin (MSTN), a secreted growth differentiation factor and prominent muscle-specific negative regulator of proteostasis, drives muscle protein degradation. MSTN signaling is thus a possible pathway through which denervation impairs muscle growth and a potential muscle-specific molecular target for preventing contractures. This study uses pharmacologic inhibition of MSTN signaling in a mouse model of NBPI to test the hypothesis that NBPI induces contractures through MSTN-dependent impairment of longitudinal muscle growth. Methods: Unilateral NBPI was generated in postnatal day (P)5 mice. Mice were treated weekly with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) or ACVR2B-Fc, a soluble inhibitory decoy receptor for MSTN, starting at P4. Mice were sacrificed at P33, whereupon elbow and shoulder range of motion were measured to assess contractures. Brachialis muscles were prepared for microCT assessment of cross-sectional area (CSA) and volume, then processed for sarcomere length measurement as a readout of longitudinal muscle growth. Total protein content in biceps was assessed via Bradford assay. Protein degradation in triceps was quantified via 20S proteasome β1 subunit activity assay. Results: In female mice, myostatin inhibition with ACVR2B-Fc enhanced muscle weight and total protein content of denervated biceps (Figure 1), increased cross-sectional and volumetric growth of denervated brachialis (Figure 2), preserved longitudinal growth in denervated brachialis (Figure 3), and reduced elbow and shoulder contracture severity in the denervated limbs (Figure 4). Analysis of protein dynamics demonstrates the improvements in female denervated muscles were associated with a reduction in proteasome β1 subunit activity (Figure 5). However, no such improvements in denervated muscles occurred in male mice with ACVR2B-Fc. Conversely, myostatin inhibition increased muscle weight, CSA, volume, and total protein content of the normally innervated, contralateral control muscles in both male and female mice (Figures 1 and 2). Conclusion: Our findings reveal MSTN as a driver of impaired muscle growth and contracture formation in female but not male mice. This sex dimorphism lies in the pathophysiology of denervation-induced contractures rather than drug pharmacodynamics, given the sex-independent effects of MSTN inhibition on normally innervated muscle. Future studies must rigorously interrogate the contributions of sex in contracture pathophysiology. Significance: Our discovery identifies MSTN as a signaling target for modulating contractures in females and highlights the overlooked role of sex in the pathophysiology of acquired neuromuscular disorders. Level of Evidence: Not Applicable FDA: The FDA has not cleared the following pharmaceuticals and/or medical devices for the use described in this presentation.


OBJECTIVES: To assess the adherence of patients with osteoporosis to their medications and to identify measures to improve it.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study.

METHOD: Patients who attended the osteoporosis clinic of University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) from March 2004 to February 2005 were included. Patients were interviewed by a clinical pharmacist, supplied with osteoporosis medications and interviewed again two months later.

RESULTS: A total of 294 patients were included in this study. The most commonly prescribed osteoporosis medications were alendronate (88.0%), followed by calcium supplements (65.5%), calcitriol (9.9%), raloxifene (3.9%), and hormone replacement therapies (2.9%). In addition, 70.4% of the patients were taking complementary medicines such as vitamin C, B, multivitamins and glucosamine. Only 170 (57.8%) patients took their osteoporosis medications exactly as instructed. In general, reasons for non-adherence were: forgetfulness, away from home, busy with other things and side effects. The most commonly reported side effect was gastrointestinal disturbances. Demographic data of patients, diagnosis, knowledge of patients, and the total number of medications prescribed were not significantly associated with alendronate and calcium adherence (p>0.05). Only 42.9% of the patients knew the name of their medications. For patients on alendronate, the mean score of patients' knowledge on osteoporosis and alendronate was 68.9 ± 13.4%. The most common question asked by the patients was how to take their alendronate. However, 69.6% patients believed that their quality of life was good.

CONCLUSIONS: Only 57.8% of the patients took their medications exactly as instructed. Patients'knowledge on osteoporosis and their medications required improvement. This indicates a need for pharmacists to counsel these patients.


Ultrastructural changes in cells of the mouse footpad are described which occurred during the log phase of multiplication, the plateau, and the stationary phase of growth of Mycobacterium leprae.BALB/c mice were inoculated in the right hind footpad with 5 × 103 organisms and sacrificed in pairs at 86 to 173 days after inoculation. Tissue samples were prepared for electron microscopy by standard techniques. During the early growth phase of M. leprae in the mouse footpad, few organisms can be detected. Those present are in macrophages and are bound by a single membrane. The cytoplasm of the macrophage is less dense around the organism. There are few lysosomes, and the bacteria do not appear to be degenerating. At the peak of the growth phase, the organisms within a macrophage are bound by either a single or double membrane. There is an increased number of vacuoles, which are also bound by a double membrane, and lysosomes. During the stationary phase, most of the macrophages have taken on a vacuolar appearance and contain lysosomes. The vacuoles are bound by a double membrane, as are most of the organisms within the macrophage. Many of these organisms appear to be degenerating. Occasionally, organisms are encountered in the sarcoplasm of striated muscle. They are usually bound by a single membrane and do not appear to be degenerating.


Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (HH)/GLI signaling pathway has been implicated in the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The zinc finger transcription factors GLI1 and GLI2 are considered mediators of the HH signal in epidermal cells, although their tumorigenic nature and their relative contribution to tumorigenesis are only poorly understood. To shed light on the respective role of these transcription factors in epidermal neoplasia, we screened for genes preferentially regulated either by GLI1 or GLI2 in human epidermal cells. We show here that expression of the key antiapoptotic factor BCL2 is predominantly activated by GLI2 compared with GLI1. Detailed promoter analysis and gel shift assays identified three GLI binding sites in the human BCL2 cis-regulatory region. We found that one of these binding sites is critical for conferring GLI2-specific activation of the human BCL2 promoter and that the selective induction of BCL2 expression depends on the zinc finger DNA binding domain of GLI2. In vivo, GLI2 and BCL2 were coexpressed in the outer root sheath of hair follicles and BCC and in plasma cells that infiltrated BCC tumor islands. On the basis of the latter observation, we analyzed plasma cell-derived tumors and found strong expression of GLI2 and BCL2 in neoplastic cells of plasmacytoma patients, implicating HH/GLI signaling in the development of plasma cell-derived malignancies. The results reveal a central role for GLI2 in activating the prosurvival factor BCL2, which may represent an important mechanism in the development or maintenance of cancers associated with inappropriate HH signaling.


Automated Number Plate Recognition organization would greatly enhance the ability of police to detect criminal commotion that involves the use of motor vehicles. Automatic video investigation from traffic surveillance cameras is a fast-emerging field based on workstation vision techniques. It is a key technology to public safety, intelligent transport system (ITS) and for efficient administration of traffic without wearing helmet. In recent years, there has been an increased scope for involuntary analysis of traffic activity. It defines video analytics as computer-vision-based supervision algorithms and systems to extract contextual information from video. In traffic circumstancesnumeroussupervise objectives can be continue by the application of computer vision and pattern gratitude techniques, including the recognition of traffic violations (e.g., illegal turns and one-way streets) and the classification of road users (e.g., vehicles, motorbikes, and pedestrians). Currently most reliable approach is through the acknowledgment of number plates, i.e., automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).


In early November 2014, over 300 delegates met in Hobart, Tasmania for the 18th Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) Biennial Conference. Titled 'Sustainability: Smart Strategies for the 21st Century', this conference sought to bring together innovative thinking, practice and research in the field of environmental and sustainability education. This special conference issue of the Australian Journal of Environmental Education captures a snapshot of some of that thinking. While it is by no means a comprehensive account of the many conversation threads that permeated the conference, we hope that readers will find the articles in this special issue a stimulus to your thinking and practice.


In this article, we outline the evidence demonstrating the pervasiveness of sex and race/ethnic workplace discrimination, paying particular attention to the areas of hiring, compensation, and evaluations and promotions. Key sociological explanations for why and how these forms of employment discrimination occur are also examined. Although discrimination is often considered as discrete acts that occur within employment arrangements, the existing research suggests the presence of an underlying set of processes and choices that accumulate over time. These processes have clear implications for how discrimination is understood and the ways in which such events compound over career trajectories. Based on our examination of this literature, we suggest areas for improved theorizing, measurement, and analysis.


A porous silica gel plate impregnated with a colorimetric reagent, 4-amino-3-penten-2-one (Fluoral-P) has been fabricated for the first time to determinate formaldehyde. The reaction of formaldehyde and Fluoral-P produced a yellow product 3,5-diacetyl-1,4-dihydrolutidine (DDL), which was further photographed by a smartphone. A good linear relationship has been found between the intensity of blue component from the digital image and formaldehyde concentration in the range of 0–50 mg L−1 with low detection limit of 2.2 ± 0.1 mg L−1. A good precision in the range of 0.59–7.75%RSD and an accuracy with the relative error of +3.7% from control samples are also obtained. These results demonstrate that our developed low-cost sensor, together with digital image colorimetry, has potential for sensitively and quickly measuring formaldehyde.


In recent years, significant emphasis is being placed on identifying naturally occurring cancer preventive and interventive agents. In this regard, a polyphenolic fraction isolated from grape seeds (hereafter referred as GSP) has recently been shown by us and others to prevent tumorigenesis in mouse skin models. Chemical analysis of GSP has shown that it is largely constituted with procyanidins that are strong antioxidants. Breast cancer is the most common invasive malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in United States women. Accordingly, here we investigated the effect of GSP on mitogenic signaling and regulators of cell cycle and apoptosis as molecular targets for the growth arrest, apoptotic death, and/or differentiation of estrogen-independent MDA-MB468 human breast carcinoma cells. Treatment of cells with GSP (at 25-, 50-, and 75-microg/ml doses for 1-3 days) resulted in a highly significant inhibition (90% to complete, P < 0.001) of constitutive activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 in a dose-dependent manner after 72 h of treatment. Whereas GSP treatment of cells did not show a conclusive effect on MAPK/ JNK1 activation, a moderate to highly significant inhibition (15-70%, P < 0.1-0.001) of constitutive activation of MAPK/p38 was also observed in a dose-dependent manner as early as 24 h of GSP treatment. GSP-treated cells also showed a strong induction (1.7-2.7 fold, P < 0.001) of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Cip1/p21 and a decrease (10-50%, P < 0.1-0.001) in cyclin-dependent kinase 4. Consistent with these findings, GSP-treated cells resulted in their accumulation in G1 phase of the cell cycle in a dose-dependent manner. An irreversible growth inhibition (44-88%, P < 0.001) was also observed in 50 and 75 microg/ml GSP-treated cells in a time-dependent manner. Additional studies assessing the biological fate of GSP-treated cells showed that they do not undergo apoptotic death, as evidenced by a lack of DNA fragmentation, poly (ADP ribose) polymerase cleavage, and apoptotic morphology of the cells. A morphological change suggestive of differentiation was observed in GSP-treated cells that was further confirmed by a significant induction (1.7-2.6 fold, P < 0.001), in both a dose- and time-dependent manner, in cytokeratin 8 protein level, a marker of differentiation. An irreversible growth-inhibitory effect of GSP possibly via terminal differentiation of human breast carcinoma cells suggests that GSP and the procyanidins present therein should be studied more extensively to be developed as preventive and/or interventive agents against breast cancer in humans.


The author performed xeno-coating in 12 patients when traditional therapeutic and surgical methods for treating patients with severe corneal ulcers proved to be ineffective. The xenograft with suture fixation to the conjunctiva was retained on the surface of the affected cornea for up to 14 days, which allowed full corneal epithelization. Relief of the inflammatory process in the cornea was achieved not only due to the mechanical protection of the affected cornea from the external environment but also strengthening of local immunity and the regenerative process of secretory immunoglobulin sgl - A in the lacrimal fluid. Immunoglobulin A in the lacrimal fluid increased by 1.1 mg, the amount of tissue enzyme IL - 4 has also increased by 1.2 mg ml, which is direct evidence of achieving regenerative process and epithelization of corneal defects.


Purified al-proteolytic inhibitor from human plasma was shown to inhibit trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasmin, and thrombin. This inhibitor is probably identical with the inhibitor previously known as serum trypsin inhibitor, al-antitrypsin, or antiplasmin. The enzymes were affected by the inhibitor via two different mechanisms. Trypsin and chymotrypsin reacted instantaneously in stoichiometric manner, and the enzyme substrate had no effect on the reaction. The inhibition of plasmin and thrombin was time-dependent and of nonstoichiometric nature, and it was retarded by the presence of enzyme substrate. Even so, kinetic studies failed to show a competition reaction between the substrate and the inhibitor on a single site of the enzyme molecule. It is therefore suggested that the inhibition mechanism might be an enzymatic inactivation of the proteolytic enzymes concerned. This inactivation was irreversible in the sense that no enzymatic activity could be recovered after acid dissociation of the enzyme-inhibitor complex. It was shown by differential titration that the inhibitory activity of the inhibitor towards all four enzymes is due to a single molecular entity; this conclusion is also suggested by the high purity of the inhibitor preparation. On the basis of its stoichiometric combination with trypsin, the cq-proteolytic inhibitor was estimated to have a molecular weight of 47,000 and to comprise about 2% of plasma proteins.


The disruptive voltages used to test the self-restoring insulations are influenced by the actual atmospheric conditions in which they are performed. The main factors of influence are atmospheric pressure and humidity, the ambient temperature having an indirect role on the first parameters. As a result, different standards have been elaborated in order to specify the correction factors, based on the data collected during experiments. A procedures' unification to satisfy the multitude of real cases (electric field structures, voltage levels and distances between electrodes) is in itself a difficult approach. The work summarizes the currently used procedures for determining the atmospheric correction factors and presents their sensitivity with the atmospheric parameters registered for over 25 years in a laboratory located at low altitude, during of carrying out industrial tests of some insulator strings with rated voltages between 110 kV and 400 kV.


Susceptibility to fenitrothion in all stages of unfed ticks Ixodes ricinus increases with their age and this fact is reflected in the effectiveness of various dosages of insecticides applied for area control. The following minimum, but fully effective dosages of the dust Metation P-5 and the spray Metation E-50 (both preparations contain fenitrothion) for application in separate seasons have been ascertained: In September and October 1 kg of fenitrothion per ha of treated area ensures complete control of unfed ticks until the winter of current year. In Aril 3 kg of fenitrothion per ha is necessary, if tick control is to be ensured until the appearance of the new generation, i.e. until the end of August. In May the control of unfed ticks is ensured by 1 kg of fenitrothion per ha, in June to August by 0.3 kg per ha is fully efficacious.


Archival documents functioning as "storing humanity memory", the activity of archive institutions which are significant articulations of intellectual potentiality play significant role to solve this actual scientific problem. In present days, the archives of Uzbekistan, which have approximately 150 year-history play significant role in the development of contemporary science and social life. Because, as an institution incarnating documentary information relating to the activity of state and society, archives are considered to be a specific "laboratory" of History. Having survived the Soviet policy of centralization and the residual principle of financing the activities of the archives, in modern Uzbekistan the regulatory and legal framework of archives has been radically reformed, international relations of archives on informatization and improving services are strengthening, and the qualified archival specialists are trained. Uzbekistan remained the system of direct subordination of the Main Archive Department concerning with archival affairs to the highest governmental executive body: to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The main objective of the Agreement is the exchange of information, research and development, description, study of archival collections containing documents relating to the issue of "Holocaust" and its history. Gradually from the tackling of internal logistical problems, the State Archive of Uzbekistan began to turn to the issues of improving the quality of acquisition, accounting, preservation and creation of appropriate conditions for the use of archival documents.


Loss of tissue organization is one of the earliest manifestations of tumorigenic progression in breast cancer. It is well known that during structural and functional differentiation, mammary epithelial cells form polarized and organized structure called acini, which can be recapitulated in 3D culture system. Interestingly, we have recently found that gene expression of the extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) is differentially regulated in normal mammary epithelial cells (HMEC), in the 2D culture compared to the 3D culture system. We have previously shown that overexpression of EcSOD in EcSOD-null breast cancer cells resulted in inhibition of growth and invasion. Since heightened oxidative stress has been widely implicated in the etiology of human cancers and EcSOD is the predominant enzyme that modulates extracellular oxidative stress, understanding gene regulation of EcSOD is important in developing pharmalogical interventions for breast cancer. The expression of EcSOD in mammary epithelial cells was not recognized until recently. In fact, EcSOD mRNA and protein expression were not detectable in commercially available normal mammary epithelial cells which were cultured in 2Dcondition. However, our immuno-histological studies revealed a definitive positive staining for EcSOD in normal breast tissues specifically in mammary epithelium of the lobule and duct. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that EcSOD gene expression is lost when mammary tissue organization is disrupted. Therefore, we examined whether culturing HMEC in a 3D context, in the presence of extracellular matrix signaling and with the proper tissue organization, will reactivate EcSOD gene expression. Indeed, EcSOD gene expression was activated in HMEC after 4 days of 3D culture. We have further shown that the 3D cultured HMEC formed organized and polarized acinar structures by using immuno-fluorescence microscopy. Intriguingly, the expression of EcSOD dramatically decreased in a time dependent manner after passing the 10-day acini back into the 2D culture. Moreover, we observed a marked reduction of EcSOD immunoreactivity in ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) compared to normal mammary tissues. In addition, more than 87% of clinical mammary adenocarcinoma samples showed decreased EcSOD mRNA expression levels compared to their normal counterparts. We have further shown that EcSOD mRNA expression was strongly induced in 2D cultured HMEC after treatment with a DNA methyl transferase inhibitor and to a lesser extend with a histone deacetylase inhibitor. Furthermore, the diminished expression of EcSOD in 2D cultured HMEC is tightly associated with CpG hypermethylation of the EcSOD promoter. These results suggest that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in regulating EcSOD gene expression and the loss of EcSOD expression in mammary adenocarcinomas could be due to aberrant CpG methylation of the EcSOD promoter. Taken together, our study implies that mammary tissue organization is required for EcSOD expression and that restoring EcSOD expression in mammary adenocarcinomas could be an effective strategy for breast cancer treatment. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-05-07.


This paper presents an exploratory study on agile techniques for software testing Test-Driven Development and Behaviour-Driven Development for integration with the agile software development technique known as Domain-Driven Design. It also comprises a comparison between both test approaches, enhancing the strengths and weaknesses of each one. To make it feasible the integration proposal, an example of domain using Apache Isis framework was developed. According to the study performed, the possibility of creating an automatic test generator to make it agile the validation of entities attributes of the domain model was noted.


Endemic hypovitaminosis D contributes to osteoporosis development. However, variation in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) measurement is reported and confounds the diagnosis of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. This report emphasizes the marked variability observed in serum 25OHD measurements between laboratories.Initially, postmenopausal women had serum 25OHD determinations: 42 in laboratory A, 20 in laboratory B. Their mean (sem) serum 25OHD concentrations were 46 (2.1) and 21 (2.3) ng/ml in laboratories A and B, respectively. Furthermore, there was little overlap in serum 25OHD among these clinically similar individuals. Specifically, 17% of those measured in laboratory A but 90% in laboratory B were below an arbitrary threshold value of 32 ng/ml.Subsequently, serum was obtained from 10 healthy adults. Two aliquots from each individual, one of which was spiked with 20 ng/ml 25OHD, were sent to six laboratories. Substantial variability was noted between these six laboratories. The mean serum 25OHD concentration ranged from 17.1-35.6 ng/ml. Similarly, the mean increase produced by spiking with 20 ng/ml ranged from 7.7-18.0 ng/ml.In conclusion, 25OHD assays yield markedly differing results; whether an individual is found to have low or normal vitamin D status is a function of the laboratory used. If the medical community is to make progress in correcting widespread hypovitaminosis D, 25OHD measurement must be standardized.


While the chimera states themselves are usually believed to be chaotic transients, the involvement of chaos behind their self-organization is not properly distinguished or studied. In this work, we demonstrate that small chimeras in the local flux dynamics of an array of magnetically coupled superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) driven by an external field are born through transiently chaotic dynamics. We deduce analytic expressions for small chimeras and synchronous states which correspond to nonchaotic attractors in the model. We also numerically study the bifurcations underlying the multistability responsible for their generation. Transient chaos manifests itself in the short term flux oscillations with erratically fluctuating amplitudes, exponential escape time distribution and irregular dependence of the escape time to initial conditions. We classify the small chimera states in terms of the position of the non-synchronized member and numerically construct their basin of attraction. The basin is shown to possess an interesting structure consisting of both ordered and fractal parts, which again can be attributed to transient chaos.


Physicians and public health officials need to intensify their efforts to detect and treat high blood pressure, because the incidence of hypertension-related morbidity and mortality has stopped declining, and fewer than 30% of hypertensive patients have their blood pressure under control. The JNC VI report outlines the current standard of care for treating hypertension.


Techniques are developed to utilize wind data from a network of stations to study mesoscale flow pat- terns and transport in the lower planetary boundary layer. The data sample for this study is hourly averaged wind data for the year 1969 from 21 stations over the Upper Snake River Plain of southeastern Idaho. Examination of 6-hourly wind field plots for the entire year reveals a strong correlation of the flow patterns with a topographic varia- tion of relatively minor amplitude. Plots of patterns of trajectories of hypothetical "particles" released once an hour from a single location for the entire year are typed according to season and release period during the day. These patterns provide an estimate of a transport clima- tology; a climatology not available from a wind rose at the source. Evidence is presented that demonstrates that esti- mates of transport from the source wind can be seriously in error due to marked spatial variations in the flow.