Using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data, we reconstructed the scattering shape of the Hemagglutinin (HA) trimer protein from five different influenza strains. Comparison with the known crystal structures-based information aided in identifying volumes pertaining to the glycosylation in the HA trimers. By merging sequence information on HA proteins from pathogenic strains of influenza, we identified a novel druggable pocket composed of residues which remained conserved during evolution, lack propensity to be glycosylated, and play important role in maintaining interchain contacts in the pH-sensitive head group. To test our hypothesis that molecules reactive to this site may retard pH-induced opening of HA trimer in strain-independent manner, we performed in vitro screening of peptides representing interacting epitopes for their ability to retard pH-induced opening of HA trimers. Results brought forth that some of the 20 peptides tested can retard low pH-induced opening/association of HA proteins across different subtypes, thus propagating notion that the drug site and peptides identified here may pave way towards strain-independent anti-influenza molecules.


How did modern territorial states come to replace earlier forms of organization, defined by a wide variety of territorial and non-territorial forms of authority? Answering this question can help to explain both where our international political system came from and where it might be going. In this dissertation, I argue that the use of new mapping technologies in early modern Europe was a fundamental driver of these monumental political developments. New cartographic tools altered how political actors understood political space, authority, and organization, reducing the wide variety of medieval political forms down to the unique territorial form of the sovereign state. Mapping and its use was necessary--though not sufficient--to drive the complex process leading to our world of territorial states. Using evidence from the history of cartography, peace treaties, and political practices, I argue that early modern mapping changed the fundamental framework of political interaction. Authority structures not depicted on maps were ignored or actively renounced in favor of those that were, leading to the implementation of linear boundaries between states and centralized territorial rule within them. These fundamental characteristics of modern statehood appeared first in the representational space of maps and only subsequently in political practices on the ground. My exploration of this relationship reveals that maps and their depictions were causal, not epiphenomenal, to the transformation of politics.The role of cartography in the formation of modern states is made evident when depictions in maps are compared against actual boundary practices and the language of peace treaties. Clear linear divisions between territorial political units, while pervading maps since the sixteenth century, did not become common in practice until late in the eighteenth century. For their part, mapmakers never intended to reshape political ideas and structures. Rather, their choice to depict the world as composed of homogenous political territories was independent of politics. It was driven by the dual incentives of a commercial market for aesthetically pleasing printed maps and the underlying geometric structure of early-modern cartography that is provided by the globe-spanning grid of latitude and longitude. Thus, by linking developments in cartography to political ideas and outcomes, my dissertation yields an analysis of the complex relation between technological and political change that acknowledges the importance of both material and ideational factors to the constitution of political institutions such as the state and the international system. My historical case also yields implications for how we might better understand transformative political change, particularly in today's globalizing international system.


Selection of imported construction material for any construction projects are affected by some reasons and certain factors. During the design stage, architect and engineer who are the party involved have to consider many aspects and factors for selection of imported construction material in construction project. For the construction stage, there have many implications that can happen cause by selection of imported construction material in construction project. Exactly, this research is doing to identify the factors of affected demand for imported material in construction. Other than that, this research also would like to identify the implications of selection imported construction material during implements construction project. A number of 100 questionnaire forms have been distributed to industrial party which is consist 2 types of respondent there are party involve in design stage and selection of construction material those are architect and engineer and also party involve in construction process that are contractors. Outcome of analysis show the factors listed by priority which the factor demand of client is the most consideration during the selection of imported construction material, whereas for implication of selection of imported construction material show that increasing in cost have most effected during the execution of construction project.


The inactive truncated 52 Kilodaltons (kDa) Listeriolysin O (LLO) produced by a transposon Tn1545-induced Listeria monocytogenes non-hemolytic/avirulent mutant previously described (Gaillard et al. (1986) Infect. Immun. 52, 50-55), that lacks a 48 aminoacid fragment at the C-terminal end including the single cysteine residue essential for activity (Mengaud et al. (1988) Infect. Immun. 56, 766-772), bound to the SH-cytolysin membrane receptor cholesterol, as did the active 60 kDa toxin. These results indicate that the missing fragment is a functionally important region needed in the 60 kDa LLO to cause membrane-disruption but not to bind to cholesterol, which strongly suggests that in LLO (and presumably in the other SH-cytolysins, in accordance with their structural and functional homologies) different domains are involved in cytolytic activity and cholesterol binding. The cysteine residue contained in the missing fragment, therefore, would not be essential for cholesterol binding, as is currently thought, rather it seems to be essential specifically for cell lysis.


D O I: 10 .2 51 79 /t je m .2 01 862 12 0 Objective: Iron and iodine, which are the two important micronutrients, are still deficient in a large number of women worldwide. This study aimed to examine the thyroid volumes of iron deficient, anemic women before and after correction of the anemia in a mildly iodine deficient environment. Material and Methods: Sixty six women aged 18-45 years were prospectively enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria included serum hemoglobin (Hb) level <11.0 g/dL, ferritin level <13 ng/mL, thyroid hormones within normal reference ranges and negative thyroid antibodies. Oral iron supplement (567 mg ferrous sulfate, twice a day) for six months was prescribed and strongly recommended. All patients were re-evaluated at the end of the iron treatment. Results: Initially, the median (minimum/maximum) Hb and ferritin levels of patients were 10.2 g/dL (5.6/11.1) and 3.95 ng/mL (0.44/10.7), respectively. Six months later, median Hb and ferritin values increased significantly to 13.15 g/dL (9.3/15.6) (p<0.001) and 19.575 ng/mL (3.74/79) (p<0.001) respectively. Median thyroid volume decreased significantly from 15.705 mL (7.15/54.2) to 13.212 mL (6.11/52.8) (p<0.001). The patients were grouped according to the improvements in Hb and ferritin levels, initial thyroid gland volume, and response to the treatment. The reduction in thyroid gland size, at the end of the treatment, was more significant in patients with improvement in both Hb and ferritin levels as compared to those with improvement only in Hb levels (p<0.05). Conclusion: Iron may be responsible for efficient organification of iodine, active iodine utilization from thyroglobulin, and control of hyperkinetic blood-flow to the thyroid gland. The findings of this study support that other than iodine, iron supplementation has a significant effect on the regression of thyroid volume in women with iron deficiency anemia.


OBJECTIVE
Identify veterinarians' practices, recommendations and perceptions when preventing tetanus in horses in Australia.

METHODS
Graduated members of Equine Veterinarians Australia participated in an online survey about the prevention of tetanus in horses in Australia.

RESULTS
Of 77 respondents (response rate ~ 8%), 50 (65%) reported that they had attended collectively 145-152 cases of tetanus in horses in Australia (1.1 cases of tetanus observed/10 veterinarian-years since qualification). The estimated case fatality rate (CFR) was at least 79%. Puncture wounds were most frequently suspected as the entry point (32%; n = 47). Five respondents (7%) reported cases of localised tetanus. Three respondents reported generalised tetanus within 2 weeks of tetanus antitoxin (TAT) administration. Respondents did not report any cases of tetanus in horses which had been vaccinated according to manufacturer's recommendations. All respondents recommended vaccination, but over 50% (N = 45) stated 'lack of veterinary recommendation' as often or sometimes a reason why clients did not vaccinate horses. Opinions varied on the use of TAT for peri-exposure prophylaxis; 67% of respondents dosed TAT independent of body weight, with the rest dosing according to body weight. Cases of Theiler's disease related to the use of TAT were not reported in Australia by respondents.

DISCUSSION
The caseload of equine tetanus appears relatively low among equine veterinarians in Australia. Consistent with the literature, estimated CFR was high. Respondents' recommendations and perceptions about tetanus vaccination were generally consistent but varied regarding TAT usage. Evidence for TAT usage is limited and we recommend studies of TAT efficacy in horses.


Abstract Well-timed detection of the defects (e.g., fatigue cracks and corrosive damages) in aircraft structures is the question of vital importance. Periodic in-service non-destructive inspection (NDI) is necessary to prevent expensive aircraft breakdowns during in-service life. Eddy current (EC) NDI method have many advantages for in-service aircraft inspection due to high mobility and the possibility to detect fatigue cracks without direct contact with the inspected surface (even through a protective coating without removal). Last decades some enhanced EC techniques were developed for aircraft in-service inspection in the Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of National Academy of Sciences (Lviv) in collaboration with Ukrainian and foreign aircraft companies. Proposed earlier EC efficiency coefficient was applied for the selection of the ferrite-core EC probe parameters. Investigations concerned with the crack detectability for single-coil EC probes of different sizes were carried out to improve the inspection procedures. The sensitivity of the developed single-coil EC probe was experimentally investigated. The possibility to distinguish the signals associated with detected defect and lift-off was shown. The new inspection procedure was proposed for full suppression of the noise concerned with the rivet edge influence. The high-frequency EC flaw detector of Leotest VD 3.03 type based on self-generator mode and miniature single-coil EC probes application was developed for detection of the surface-breaking fatigue cracks. The original scheme of double-circuit self-generator with intermittent oscillations was invented and investigated. The pulse-repetition frequency of high-frequency oscillations was used as an informative parameter. The important feature of the developed self-generating scheme is the effective suppression of the lift-off influence (the changes of the clearance between the EC probe and the inspected object surface during the scanning). Developed EC flaw detectors of Leotest VD 3.03 type and inspection procedures were successfully implemented into the maintenance practice for detection of the fatigue cracks initiated in the wing and the fuselage structures and aviation engines in many companies such as ANTONOV AIRCRAFT, Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant, Konotop aircraft repair plant «AVIAKON», Ukrainian International Airlines, MOTOR-SICH, State Enterprise "IVCHENKO-PROGRESS", etc.


The article analyzes the present state, trends in and prospects for the participation of the Republic of Belarus (RB) in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Emphasizing the importance of the EAEU for Byelorussia and that of Byelorussia for the EAEU, the author points out that in the Union Byelorussia expects to reach such priority goals as broadening its external markets, removing barriers in the trade with other participants, implementing a number of important investment projects and increasing the country's transportation and logistical resources. For the partner countries and the EAEU as a whole, Byelorussia is highly important, above all, due to its geo-economical position and a vast transition potential; besides, pursuing an active innovation policy, the country has accumulated such a significant economic, scientific and technological potential that it is generally recognized as one of the leaders in modernization and digitalization of economy in the EAEU area. Thoroughly discussed are the economic relations of the RB with the partner countries, primarily with Russia with the focus on mutual trade and cooperation between the countries in various areas over the last years. As a country with an export-oriented and open economy, the RB argues vigorously in favor of the quickest elimination of restrictions in mutual trade, thus envisioning common commodity markets in the EAEU area, primarily in energy resources. At the same time, there are problems and contradictions inherent in Byelorussia's participation in the Union, those being connected with intermittent difficulties in the country's relations with Moscow. The article suggests a number of ways which might be helpful for overcoming the existing differences between the two countries. The prospects for further participation of Byelorussia in the EAEU, concludes the author, are largely dependent on its own modernization as well as its incorporation in the mega-structures of Eurasian integration such as the Chinese initiative of the Silk Road Economic Belt.


We have investigated the core levels and the valence band of (Ge2Sb2Te5)1−x(In3Sb1Te2)x quaternary phase system (IGST) by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A systematic shift of Sb 3d and Ge 2p core-level peaks toward lower binding energies side was observed with increasing indium amount, whereas the In 3d and Te 3d core peaks showed less change. The Sb 3d and Ge 2p core-level shift is attributed to an increase in the electronic charge of p-electrons dependent of indium amount. The valence band spectra show a distinct change in the sp configuration with indium concentration change. The change in the local bonding as the indium amount increase has a profound impact on both local atomic arrangement and amorphous-to-crystalline transformation temperature. The difference in the photoemission spectra have been discussed according to a simple structural model suggesting that the Na site in IGST can be occupied by Te, Sb, In, and vacancy, whereas in GST it is occupied only by Te.


Iconicity and Afrikaans reduplication
While the relationship between the form and meaning of a lexical item is in most cases seen as being arbitrary or unmotivated, there is a growing awareness that many reduplications are indeed motivated in that their form does resemble their referent in some way or other. This non-arbitrary relationship is best understood as being iconic in nature. The main focus of the paper is Afrikaans reduplication, understood as representing various types of diagrammatic iconicity. It will be argued that the iconic possibilities of a set of reduplicated speech elements should not be restricted by assuming semantic cores from which all meanings or functions of reduplications are then derived, and indicated, with reference to a wide range of examples mainly from recent Afrikaans prose, how these can be interpreted as being directly representative of various kinds of diagrammatic iconicity, such as repetition, intensification, duration and interruption. Key Words: iconic, reduplication, repetition, duration, interruption Kernbegrippe: ikonies, reduplikasie, herhaling, duur, onderbreking Journal for Language Teaching Vol.38(2) 2004: 334-348


The preliminary Learning in Local Government program inventory prepared by ACELG in 2010 included a profile of existing vocational and higher education courses relevant to some of the key skills shortage areas in local government. The identified skills shortage areas were civil engineering, urban planning, building surveying and environmental health. Post-graduate university courses that contained a specific focus and tailored content for local government were also identified and profiled, both within Australia and also internationally. In addition, the inventory included a sample of innovative professional development initiatives that utilise content and modes of delivery tailored to the needs of local government more generally. A practitioner survey was then undertaken in 2010 to explore experiences with education and professional development, as well as practitioner perspectives on their own and the sector's future needs and opportunities. This report builds on these two bodies of work to explore opportunities and gaps in education and training in the same four areas of skills shortage, while also drawing some broader lessons. Clearly, the four identified areas do not cover all those sectors of the local government workforce where skills shortages are being experienced. It is well known, for example, that many councils are having difficulty recruiting and retaining semi-skilled staff such as plant operators, especially where they are competing in the same market as the mining industry. However, a more comprehensive investigation was beyond the scope of the project at this stage. In examining further the education and training needs involved in addressing skills shortages in local government, the following questions focused the research: • What kind of education and training is available for the identified local government skill shortage areas? • What are the gaps in training? • Is the currently available training sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of the local government workforce? • Who is best placed to deliver each of the components? Universities or Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers? • How well are these components connecting to deliver pathways for individuals? Prepared by Geraldine O'Connor and Sarah Artist, UTS: Centre for Local Government


Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (RS) is said to be an operation that is suitable for the younger osteoarthritic population, allowing them to rehabilitate more rapidly. We wished to establish whether this was true and compared 35 consecutive RS (33 patients) with 41 consecutive total hip replacements (THR) (40 patients) and looked specifically at postoperative pain, speed of rehabilitation and length of hospital stay. A rehabilitation score was used. RS patients were significantly younger than THR patients (mean 53.0 years for RS, 64.7 years for THR; p<0.0001). However, no significant difference was found in the mean rehabilitation score at any stage after surgery or in the speed of rehabilitation between the two groups. Neither postoperative pain nor the length of hospitalisation was significantly different between the two groups. We conclude that resurfacing arthroplasty has no evidence of an advantage over total hip replacement in the speed of postoperative rehabilitation.


Objective To investigate the technical and clinical outcomes of plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) for the treatment of gastric varices (GV) and to evaluate the role of intra-procedural cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) performed during PARTO to confirm its technical success. Materials and Methods From January 2016 to December 2016, 17 patients with GV who had undergone PARTO were retrospectively evaluated. When the proximal part of the afferent vein was identified on a fluoroscopy, non-contrast CBCT images were obtained. In patients with incomplete embolization of GV, an additional injection of gelatin sponges was performed. Follow-up data from contrast-enhanced CT and upper intestinal endoscopy, as well as clinical and laboratory data were collected. Results Plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration procedures were technically successful in all 17 patients. Complete embolization of GV was detected on CBCT images in 15 patients; whereas, incomplete embolization was detected in two. Complete embolization of GV was then achieved after an additional injection of gelatin sponges in these two patients as demonstrated on the 2nd CBCT image. The mean follow-up period after PARTO was 193 days (range, 73–383 days). A follow-up CT obtained 2–4 months after PARTO demonstrated marked shrinkage or complete obliteration of GV and portosystemic shunts in all 17 patients. There were no cases of variceal bleeding during the follow-up. Conclusion Plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration is technically and clinically effective for the treatment of GV. In addition, intra-procedural CBCT can be an adjunct tool to fluoroscopy, because it can provide an immediate and accurate evaluation of the technical success of PARTO.


The military-strategic environment in the North Atlantic is changing. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) safeguards a region of stability, cooperation, and respect for international law, but it needs to address Russia's new strategic capabilities and increased military activity in the maritime domain. This article examines current defense and security challenges in the North Atlantic with emphasis on what NATO should do to secure the transatlantic sea lines of communication.The North Atlantic is Norway's key strategic area. Fisheries, maritime transport, tourism, and the extraction of oil, natural gas, and minerals are all important economic drivers for prioritizing this region. Our long coastline creates an enormous expanse of territorial waters and economic zones, and more than 80 percent of the ocean areas over which we have jurisdiction are located north of the Arctic Circle. Thus, Norwegian territorial rights cover parts of the North Atlantic, the Barents Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. Norway, with a population of just five million people, has jurisdiction over more than 2.2 million square kilometers of sea, an area which is seven times larger than our mainland territory. With great resources comes great responsibility.Compared to most quarters of the world, the Arctic is a region of stability, respect for international law, and well-functioning multilateral institutions. It is most often associated with environmental concerns and commercial endeavors. Climatic changes are causing reductions in ice coverage and ice volumes, and large areas are becoming more accessible. At times, expectations have been high for the economic potential, be it shipping, exploitation of oil and gas reserves, fishing, or tourism. Such activities add to the inherent strategic importance of the region. However, although there is a potential for increased economic activity, development is slow, especially in today's oil and gas market as prices do not cover the required investment costs. Additionally, climate conditions are also tough, with extreme cold and much wind and fog.One might ask why I draw the reader's attention to the North at a time when other regions make international headlines. Indeed, we are experiencing an unprecedented complexity in the European security environment. New and old hybrid, conventional, and asymmetric threats are combined and interwoven, presenting us with an unpredictable and multifaceted security landscape. The Ukraine crisis demonstrated that conflict in Europe is not a phenomenon of the past. Once again, conflict has been waged with overt and covert military means on European soil. Terrorism has struck the heart of Europe several times in recent years, and geographic distance to areas of conflict is no security guarantee. We are seeing unbelievable human suffering, disregard of human rights, disrespect of international law, climate hazards, economic constraints, and social despair. Europe is facing new realities in the east and in the south. Our commitment to universal values is being tested; we must work hard to uphold Western unity and cooperation.There are also challenges from within. European politics are not in good shape. The combination of migration, economic turmoil, and social difficulties is a fundamental challenge, and we are witnessing radicalization and extremism, combined with the use of violence, to try to achieve the objectives of certain actors. The legitimacy and role of international political institutions, such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and NATO, are being questioned and spurring disagreements in and between countries. Radical movements-from both the political left and right-are gaining a foothold, with anti-establishment and anti-modernity sentiments a common feature. At the same time, the refugee crisis is testing the functioning of our cooperative mechanisms. Political polarization within and between countries is a challenge to our ability to make good decisions, including within the realm of security policy. …


Classical ideal free theory predicts that the distribution of consumers within a patchy environment should correspond to the distribution of resources. Tests of this prediction have inappropriately compared ratios of mean resource levels and mean consumer densities, rather than means of ratios. We show that this error, which has propagated through hundreds of studies, leads to a systematic bias: the theory will appear to underestimate the number of consumers occupying poor patches. We explain the correct way to test ideal free theory and apply it to published data; the classical model is then seen to yield far more accurate predictions than previously thought.


In 2020 and 2021, the German investment screening laws, namely Außenwirtschaftsgesetz (AWG) and Außenwirtschaftsverordnung (AWV) were again subject to considerable reform induced by new legislation at the European level and a reshaped industry policy agenda at the national level. This article critically reviews the most significant changes brought about by one law (Erstes Gesetz zur Änderung des Außenwirtschaftsgesetzes und anderer Gesetze) and three ordinances (Fünfzehnte, Sechzehnte und Siebzente Verordnung zur Änderung der Außenwirtschaftsverordnung) and provides an overview of the reformed screening procedure. Although claims in this direction have been made, neither the reform nor the underlying Screening Regulation (EU) 2019/452 have altered the objective of review – the protection of public order or security – or bar for governmental intervention – actual and sufficiently serious danger. Both these were not 'overwritten' by secondary law and continue to be determined by the pertinent jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Notwithstanding this, the reform has considerably widened the 'sensitive sectors' in which pertinent investments must be notified to and cleared by the authorities. 'Gun jumping' is prohibited and parties moving forward nonetheless risk criminal prosecution. Reform has also standardised the deadlines for governmental intervention and brought about procedural clarity. What the many and frequent changes reveal on a more fundamental level is a progressing politicisation and securitisation of investment screening law.


It is a good stimulant to lymphatic activity, and soon produces a much more healthy-looking granulation area, and when the slough has separated healing is much more rapid in such cases than I can obtain by any other method. I usually soak a piece of lint in the lotion of the size of the sore part and cover with cotton-wool and a moderately firm bandage, and redress once or twice a day. I believe the action is mainly that of the sugar, which is hypertonic, and also probably makes up for a deficiency of sugar in the parts, which retards active cell proliferation. It is equally valuable in -the sloughing type of ulcer which one finds in many diabetic cases, but I have not found it do any good when so applied to parts where there is a threatened slough and the skin is not broken. I would be interested to know if others get similar results. -I am, etc., London, S.E.6, Feb. 18. LAWRENCE WEIR BAIN.


Estimates of adult body mass are usually considered as equivalent of mean population body size in most studies of ancient mammals. However, given that any population is composed in part of subadult individuals, this approach overestimates the mean population body mass and biomass. For this reason, more realistic estimates of mean population body mass should be used. In this paper, we: 1) test five different proxies of population mean mass; and 2) estimate the total prey biomass in the paleoecosystems from the Orce and Atapuerca sites as an approach for estimating their carrying capacity. Our results for past ecosystems support the use of survival profiles derived from the Weibull model (SPW), as they show values in better agreement with those of extant populations. They also estimate higher carrying capacities for the faunal assemblages of Orce than for those of Atapuerca. We suggest that the environmental conditions of Orce could have played an important role in the first peopling of Europe.


Since the power consumption of FPGA is larger than that of ASIC under the condition to perform the same function using the same scaling, the application of FPGA is limited especially in portable electronic devices. In this paper, we propose a novel low-power FPGA architecture based on coarse-grained power gating to reduce power consumption. The new placement algorithm and routing resource graph for sleep regions is also presented. After enhancing the CAD framework, a detailed discussion is given under different region size supported by the new FPGA architecture. As a result, our proposed FPGA architecture combined with the new placement and routing algorithm can reduce 19.4% in the total power consumption compared with the traditional FPGA. By using our proposed method, FPGA is promising to be widely applied to portable devices.


The paper presents current knowledge about the clinical course, diagnostic and treatment of chlamydial infections in the neonatal period. In the neonatal period, infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis are in the majority of maternal origin. Chlamydia mother to child transmission occurs during vaginal birth. It can also occur but rarely, during caesarean section after premature rupture of membranes. Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the genitourinary system in pregnancy increases the danger of intrauterine growth restriction and foetal death. It rises the perinatal morbidity of foetuses and newborns and increases the risk of premature deliveries. Chlamydia trachomatis infection in newborns manifests as conjunctivitis and ophthalmia and less commonly as pharyngitis and otitis media. Erythromycin is applied in prophylaxis and treatment of Chlamydia infections.


Regulation of estrogen-independent growth by microRNAs Hailong Wu and Yin-Yuan Mo Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL Tamoxifen (TAM) has proven to be effective in the treatment of breast cancer. The primary target of TAM in vivo is estrogen receptor (ER), and thus levels of ER expression are the best predictors of benefit from TAM. Unfortunately, over 30% of ER-positive tumors fail to respond to TAM therapy; moreover, those breast tumors that initially respond to TAM will frequently develop resistance to the treatment. Although it is believed that this is likely due to the activation of estrogen-independent signaling, the precise molecular mechanism is not fully understood. This poses a significant challenge to the determination of treatment options for ER positive breast tumors. In this study, we performed in vivo selection experiments using the breast cancer MCF-7 cells infected with a pooled human microRNA library. It is well known that the ER positive MCF-7 cells do not grow tumors in a xenograft mouse model unless estrogen is provided. We found that the MCF-7 cells infected with the microRNA library, but not the vector control, did grow tumors, suggesting that certain microRNAs are able to support the estrogen-independent growth. To characterize microRNA-induced tumors, we recovered cells from the tumors in cell culture and found that they were more resistant to TAM than the MCF-7 cells with vector control. Moreover, they were able to grow in estrogen-free medium. Further analysis revealed that pAkt was activated in the recovered cells. Studies are underway to determine which microRNA(s) is required for this estrogen-independent growth and to identify their target genes. Together, these results suggest that microRNAs are important players in regulating the estrogen-independent growth and thus, identification of such microRNAs will provide new insight into estrogen-independent tumor growth and TAM resistance. (supported by grants CA102630 from NCI and BC075563 from DOD ). Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 2526.


We propose a novel approach to enable the coexistence between Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) radar and downlink multiuser multi-input single-output communication system. By exploiting the constructive multiuser interference (MUI), the proposed approach tradeoff useful MUI power for reducing the transmit power, to obtain a power efficient transmission. This paper focuses on two optimization problems: a) Transmit power minimization at the base station (BS), while guaranteeing the receive signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) level of downlink users and the interference-to-noise ratio level to radar; b) Minimization of the interference from BS to radar for a given requirement of downlink SINR and transmit power budget. To reduce the computational overhead of the proposed scheme in practice, an algorithm based on gradient projection is designed to solve the power minimization problem. In addition, we investigate the tradeoff between the performance of radar and communication, and analytically derive the key metrics for MIMO radar in the presence of the interference from the BS. Finally, a robust power minimization problem is formulated to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed method in the case of imperfect channel state information. Numerical results show that the proposed method achieves a significant power saving compared to conventional approaches, while obtaining a favorable performance-complexity tradeoff.


New methods to identify trace amount of food components and/or contaminants (infectious pathogens and chemicals) rapidly, accurately, and with high sensitivity are in constant demand to prevent foodborne illnesses. Multipurpose biofunctionalized engineered nanomaterials are very promising for the detection of food components and contaminants. The unique optical and magnetic properties of the nanoscale materials are very useful in the analysis of food. The objectives of this review paper are to discuss the development of applications of nanoscale structures related to food industries and to provide an overview of available methods of detecting food components and contaminants with particular emphasis on the use of nanoparticles.


In the emerging social software, 'Web2.0' environment, the production of ideas takes place in a collaborative, participatory mode which breaks down the boundaries between producers and consumers and instead enables all participants to be users as much as producers of information and knowledge, or what can be described as produsers. These produsers engage not in a traditional form of content production, but are instead involved in produsage – the collaborative and continuous building and extending of existing content in pursuit of further improvement. This paper examines the overall characteristics of produsers and produsage, and identifies key questions for the produsage model.


This paper presents two methods for approximating a proper subset of the entries of a Hessian using only function evaluations. These approximations are obtained using the techniques called \emph{generalized simplex Hessian} and \emph{generalized centered simplex Hessian}. We show how to choose the matrices of directions involved in the computation of these two techniques depending on the entries of the Hessian of interest. We discuss the number of function evaluations required in each case and develop a general formula to approximate all order-$P$ partial derivatives. Since only function evaluations are required to compute the methods discussed in this paper, they are suitable for use in derivative-free optimization methods.


The exposure to paired electric impulses and vibromassage promotes completeness of repair in the treatment of injured peripheral nerves of the limb. The effect is achieved due to marked stimulation of myelinization and differentiation of the nerve fibers, regeneration of the nerve system in the denervated muscle.


Choosing a favourite image is very difficult to do, not least because different images are important to us for different reasons. I have decided to focus here on an image that is not only intrinsically beautiful, but that also emphasizes the importance of looking and seeing properly when trying to understand the world around us. For me, this image, the adaxial surface of the petal of Veronica caucasia, exemplifies how looking at things in different ways can provide unexpected insights into the way nature works.


XMM-Newton, with its high throughput and excellent spatial and spectral resolution, is an ideal instrument for spectro-imaging observation of clusters. Presented here is an XMM-Newton mosaic observation of A2163, from which a new radial temperature profile is derived. The issue of background subtraction is addressed in some detail as a proper treatment of the background is essential for the derivation of correct temperatures, and thus, of the correct total cluster mass.


Background Obesity is associated with long‐term health consequences including cardiovascular disease. Separating the independent effects of childhood and adulthood obesity on cardiovascular disease risk is challenging as children with obesity typically remain overweight throughout the lifecourse. Methods and Results This study used 2‐sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization to estimate the effect of childhood body size both independently and after accounting for adult body size on 12 endpoints across the cardiovascular disease disease spectrum. Univariable analyses identified strong evidence of a total effect between genetically predicted childhood body size and increased risk of atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease, and varicose veins. However, evidence of a direct effect was weak after accounting for adult body size using multivariable Mendelian randomization, suggesting that childhood body size indirectly increases risk of these 8 disease outcomes via the pathway involving adult body size. Conclusions These findings suggest that the effect of genetically predicted childhood body size on the cardiovascular disease outcomes analyzed in this study are a result of larger body size persisting into adulthood. Further research is necessary to ascertain the critical timepoints where, if ever, the detrimental impact of obesity initiated in early life begins to become immutable.


Infections by soil-transmitted helminths is still a public health problem in Indonesia. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and the hookworms- mainly Necator americanus- were the most encountered. The rural villages near Yogyakarta in Central Java, Indonesia, were studied for the endemicity of the worms. The population in the two villages were around 1200 people and regarded the same in respect of low socio-economic level and low educational level. However, different occupations were applied in the villages. In the villages of Kasongan the main occupation was working in home industries making clay handicrafts such as ceramics and potteries, with bare hands. The materials were clay and sand, obtained from the soil surrounding the houses and from the riverbanks nearby. Environmental sanitation was very poor : most of the people had no latrines, defecation occurred in the field or in the vicinity of the river. The climate was hot and humid. The village of Godehan was inhabited mostly by farmers, who also raised fish in open fishponds in the gardens or in the ricefields. Most of the houses did not have a latrine and defecation occurred in the fishponds or in the surroundings of the river. Faecel examinations were done by Kato's thick smear and modified Harada Mori culture technique. Soil samples were also taken from the several places and examined for A. lumbricoides eggs. The prevalence rates of the soil transmitted helminths in Kasongan village were significantly higher than those in Godehan village. A. lumbricoides infections were 50.8% and 11.5%; T. trichiura infection were 82.6% and 36.6% and N. americanus infections were 76.5% and 25.3%, in Kasongan and Godehan respectitively. Soil samples were found positive for A. lumbricoides eggs in 28.3% of 538 soil samples in Kasongan and in 2.7% of 183 samples in Godehan. The results indicated, that perhaps occupation was a factor for the significant differences in endemicity in the two villages.


Phase stepping interferometry is used to measure the size of near-cylindrical nanowires. Nanowires with nominal radii of 25 nm and 50 nm were used to test this by comparing specific measured optical phase profile values with theoretical values calculated using a wave-optic model of the Phase stepping interferometry (PSI) system. Agreement within 10% was found, which enabled nanowire radii to be predicted within 4% of the nominal value. This demonstration highlights the potential capability for phase stepping interferometry to characterize single nanoparticles of known geometry in the optical far-field.


In this study, we aimed to detect viruses in hard ticks using the small RNA sequencing based method. A 235-bp DNA segment was detected in Dermacentor nuttalli (hard ticks) and D. silvarum (hard ticks) from sheep and bovine, respectively. The detected 235-bp segment had an identity of 99% to a 235-bp DNA segment of African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) and contained three single nucleotide mutations (C38T, C76T and A108C). C38T, resulting in an single amino acid mutation G66D, suggests the existence of a new ASFV strain, which is different from all reported ASFV strains in NCBI GenBank database. These results also suggest that ASFV could have a wide range of hosts or vectors, beyond the well known Suidae family and soft ticks. Our findings pave the way toward further studies of ASFV transmission and development of prevention and control measures.


The purpose of this study was manufacturing microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) as the thermal energy storage material, containing paraffin wax with polyurethane (PU) shell. The microcapsules were synthesized using three stages of the PCM surface modification, the preparation of modified-paraffin wax nanoparticles via the new method, and the microencapsulation process of PCM through the interfacial polymerization. The chemical structure, morphology, and thermal properties of the modified-nanoparticles and microcapsules were characterized according to the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. All of the results showed that the microcapsules of the modified paraffin wax with PU shell were synthesized successfully and the melting/crystallization enthalpy of PCM into the microcapsules were measure 38/38.9 J/g, and the mean particle diameter of microcapsules were calculated from 2 to 4 .


Wayang Panji is a puppet based on Panji stories that developed in Southeast Asia. The story of Panji in the art of wayang is found in Malang mask puppet art, Krucil Kediri puppets, Madurese puppeteers' puppets, Banjar Kalimantan puppets, Thai Siamese puppets, and wayang puppets in Kelantan Malaysia. The development of Panji culture in Indonesia has been partly through the Panji Nusantara Week activity, which is held once a year, and features performances of Panji-themed arts in several cities in Indonesia. The Panji Cultural Week, which has been held for the past few years, has yet to touch all areas of Panji-themed art, both in Indonesia and abroad. Panji wayang art, which is one of the Panji cultural products, is overlooked by practitioners of Panji culture, even though Panji wayang art is spread across several regions in Indonesia and in several Southeast Asian countries. This research sought to develop Panji-themed wayang art in the Southeast Asian region, so that it has parallels with other Panji-themed arts, through the development of the Panji wayang network in the Southeast Asian region. The Panji Nusantara wayang network aims to build cultural communication between actors and observers of Panji wayang art in the Southeast Asia region and serve as a publication media for Panji puppets for the general public. The cultural communication media was formed as a virtual collaborative performance event, while the wayang Panji publication media is in the form of a digital application-based platform that contains a database for the Panji Nusantara puppet, profiles of the Panji wayang artists, and a roster of the performance activities. This research used the Willis design development method combined with ethnographic methods. The research data were collected in East Java and Kelantan Malaysia.
Keywords: Development, puppet, panji nusantara, southeast asia


SVOBODA J., POLAK J. (2002): Distribution, variability and overwintering of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in the Czech Republic. Plant Protect. Sci., 38: 125–130. The incidence of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) was monitored in the south Moravian region of the Czech Republic during 1997–2001. Crops of gherkin, squash, zucchini and cucumbers were found infected with ZYMV, manifested by symptoms of severe stunting and yellowing with deformed leaves and fruits. Twenty to eighty percent of infected plants were recorded. Six isolates of ZYMV from four localities were differentiated on indicator plants; three of them were maintained as being typical f or differences in pathogenicity. Overwintered weed species were tested for the presence of the virus. ZYMV was detected by ELISA in one plant of Tripleurospermum maritimum out of 46 tested, and in two plants of Stellaria media out of 29 tested in 2001. Such tests were repeated in 2002, and ZYMV was detected in three plants of T. maritimum out of 45 tested, in three plants of S. media out of 52, and in two plants of Trifolium repens out of 17 tested. The virus was successfully transmitted from T. maritimum, S. media and T. repens to indicator plants of Cucurbita pepo convar. giromontiina. Back-transmission of ZYMV was proved by ELISA, electron microscopy and symptoms. T. maritimum was found to be a new natural host of ZYMV.


There is a call, internationally, for educators to take an active role in fostering children's wellbeing. Whilst initiatives for early identification and support are important, children's everyday classroom experiences can have a powerful influence on wellbeing, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This presents opportunities for teachers to re-examine ways of offering classroom experiences that promote good mental health. One such approach is that of teachers sharing classroom decision-making with their pupils. Little is known about the way in which teachers conceive of, plan for and maintain shared decision-making in the classroom. This makes it hard to advise and train teachers on how to develop shared decision-making with pupils and for school leaders to encourage and enable teachers to do so. This thesis explored three primary school teachers' experience of shared decision-making in their own classrooms. Multiple interviews were carried out with each participant interspersed with classroom 'go-alongs' (Kusenbach, 2003). Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Key findings reveal that shared decision-making can be both joyful and unsettling for teachers. They are continually balancing the demands of a highly-prescribed curriculum with the relatively unpredictable directions a lesson can take once pupils are involved in class-level decision-making. Participants reported that pupils' responses to opportunities to participate in class decision-making were varied, uncovering inequalities between children which participants attributed to upbringing, socioeconomic status, gender and prior school experience. Participants endeavoured to develop shared decision-making with pupils in the absence of models or theory to guide their practice. This thesis concluded that three main areas of development are needed to support increased shared decision-making in future classrooms: a) increased awareness of the practice; b) promotion of 'teacher voice'; and c) the development of a theoretical framework and models of classroom practice.


Prediction error filtering has been widely used for deconvolution. The mean squared error in prediction is a monotonically nonincreasing function of operator length, and the value of the error is readily available from the Wiener‐Levinson algorithm. In general, the value of this error for the infinitely long operator is not known a priori. It is shown that the final value of the error can be obtained by considering the Kolmogorov spectrum factorization. Simple criteria can then be established for operator effectiveness and length.


A method for the formation of a low-temperature hybrid gate dielectric for high-performance, top-gate ZnO nanowire transistors is reported. The hybrid gate dielectric consists of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and an aluminum oxide layer. The thin aluminum oxide layer forms naturally and spontaneously when the aluminum gate electrode is deposited by thermal evaporation onto the SAM-covered ZnO nanowire, and its formation is facilitated by the poor surface wetting of the aluminum on the hydrophobic SAM. The hybrid gate dielectric shows excellent electrical insulation and can sustain voltages up to 6 V. ZnO nanowire transistors utilizing the hybrid gate dielectric feature a large transconductance of 50 μS and large on-state currents of up to 200 μA at gate-source voltages of 3 V. The large on-state current is sufficient to drive organic light-emitting diodes with an active area of 6.7 mm(2) to a brightness of 445 cd/m(2). Inverters based on ZnO nanowire transistors and thin-film carbon load resistors operate with frequencies up to 30 MHz.


Objectives The study aims to establish a predictive nomogram of diabetic retinopathy(DR) for the middle-aged population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods This retrospective study screened 931 patients with T2DM between 30 and 59 years of age from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. The development group comprised 704 participants from the 2011-2016 survey, and the validation group included 227 participants from the 2017-2018 survey. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to determine the best predictive variables. The logistic regression analysis built three models: the full model, the multiple fractional polynomial (MFP) model, and the stepwise (stepAIC) selected model. Then we decided optimal model based on the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). ROC, calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to validate and assess the model. An online dynamic nomogram prediction tool was also constructed. Results The MFP model was selected to be the final model, including gender, the use of insulin, duration of diabetes, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and serum phosphorus. The AUC was 0.709 in the development set and 0.704 in the validation set. According to the ROC, calibration curves, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, the nomogram demonstrated good coherence. The nomogram was clinically helpful, according to DCA. Conclusion This study established and validated a predictive model for DR in the mid-life T2DM population, which can assist clinicians quickly determining who is prone to develop DR.


This paper presents analyses of impacts of lay adjudicators' participation in criminal matters in Japan due to the introduction of the new lay adjudication system – the Citizen Judge System [Saiban-in Seido] – in 2009. Since the late twentieth century, the introduction of the lay adjudication system seems to have been in international movement democratising the criminal justice system. This paper is devoted to an evaluation of the new system in terms of the balance between the concepts of democracy and a fair trial with consideration of the citizen judge procedures and the role of the citizen judges. In view of the closed nature of the Japanese criminal procedures and secrecy in the citizen judge system, this study will point out the challenges which prevent the fulfilment of democratic values in the practice of the citizen judge system.


This paper describes the application of semi-active variable stiffness damper (SAVSD) for response control of the seismically excited structure. The SAVSD consists of hydraulic damper connected in the form of bracing in a selected story of frame structure. The SAVSD changes its stiffness depending upon the structural response and accordingly adds the control forces in the structural system. In this paper, the comparative study and the performance of SAVSD under different ratios of damper stiffness to structural story stiffness is presented. The specific objective of this study is to evaluate the optimum value of damper stiffness ratio and its importance in structural response reduction. The optimum stiffness ratio is investigated for the structure subjected to four different types of earthquake ground motions. Here, the switching control law and newly proposed modified switching control law are used and the results are compared with uncontrolled and passive control cases. A numerical study is performed on five and ten-story shear building with different configurations of damper placement. The numerically evaluated optimum parametric values are considered for the analysis of the optimum damper placement in the structure. It is revealed that, the proposed modified switching control law is very effective in reducing the story displacements and inter-story drifts without increasing the top floor accelerations. The numerical results of various analyses indicate that SAVSD shows better performance over the passive dampers in reducing the structural responses.


Protein kinase C (PKC) is thought to play a role in tumor progression and drug resistance of colon carcinomas. Specifically, the PKC alpha isoform has been implicated in drug resistance and responsiveness of colon carcinoma cells to growth factors. Therefore, in this study we determined the effect of downregulating PKC alpha expression by transfecting human colon carcinoma cells with an antisense PKC alpha expression vector and then determined the sensitivity of these cells to the anticancer drugs mitomycin C (MMC), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and vincristine (Vin). Transiently transfecting the human colon carcinoma cell lines Moser, SW480 and HT29 with antisense PKC alpha expression vector (but not antisense PKC beta expression vector) consistently increased the sensitivity of these cells to MMC, 5-FU and VIN by several-fold. Sensitivity to these drugs was then further determined in the Moser colon carcinoma cell line stably transfected with antisense PKC alpha expression vector. This stably transfected cell line, which expressed a high level of antisense PKC alpha RNA with a concurrent reduction of PKC alpha protein expression, was found to exhibit an increased sensitivity to these anticancer drugs. Thus, strategies designed to downregulate PKC alpha expression may have potential in improving the responses of colon carcinoma cells to cytotoxic drugs.


Prostatic abscess is a rare and difficult condition to diagnose. Here we report two cases of type 2 diabetic patients with similar presenting features. Both had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus on admission and grew Staphylococcus aureus from blood cultures and aspirates. Diagnosis was made following computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment was with intravenous antibiotics and no surgical intervention was required. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.


For the analysis of biological analytes in complex matrices, it is difficult to achieve extraction of analytes and enrichment in an aqueous-aqueous single-drop microextraction system. In this study, we proposed a pH-dependent polydopamine (PDA)-coated vesicle/Fe3O4 magnetic aqueous-aqueous in a single-drop microreactor (SDMR) for the direct fluorescence detection of glutathione S-transferase (GST), a metabolic enzyme involved with crucial biological processes, in biological samples. After extracting and enriching the GST target from an aqueous-aqueous single-drop interface, the extraction process was conducted rapidly in 6 s in the SDMR system. The GST was first extracted from the sample solution via the GST-Aptamer on the polydopamine-coated vesicle/Fe3O4 nanospheres (Fe3O4@PDA@GST-Aptamer). Then, as the pH changed from weakly acidic to weakly alkaline in the SDMR system, the GST and GST-Aptamer were released from Fe3O4@PDA@GST-Aptamer nanospheres and captured by polydiacetylene vesicles via the capture probe. These changes altered the effective conjugation length and angle of the vesicle trunk, generating a highly enhanced fluorescence signal. This not only achieved the purpose of target enrichment but also reduced interferences posed by matrix effects. The approach can be used for the direct detection of GST in genuine urine and blood without any sample pretreatment. The linear range was 0.005 to 0.5 μg/mL, and the limit of detection was 0.834 ng/mL. The recoveries of GST in genuine blood samples ranged from 90.8 to 108.0% and in urine from 91.6 to 102.8%. The method has the capability of handling complex samples directly by enabling microextraction in an aqueous-aqueous single-drop system.


In this study, we reported PVA nanocomposite films enhanced by polyethyleneimine (PEI)-lignin contained cellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) via the solvent casting method. An easy and available method was preformed to prepare LCNFs using a supermasscolloider from unbleached bamboo waste after a mild alkaline pretreatment. The results demonstrate that LCNF–PEI can greatly improve mechanical, hydrophobic, anti-UV shielding and antibacterial properties of the composite films. The tensile strength of LPP1 film was improved to 54.56 MPa, which was higher than 39.37 MPa of PVA film. The water contact angle of films increased from 35° to 104° with an increase in LCNF content from 0 to 6 wt%. Meanwhile, the nanocomposite film demonstrated the effect of full shielding against ultraviolet light when the amount of LCNF–PEI reached 6 wt%. The addition of LCNF–PEI endowed excellent antibacterial activity (against S. aureus and E. coli), which indicated potential applications in the packaging field.


The energy sector's position as the second-largest contributor to Indonesia's total emissions underscores a critical environmental challenge. This concern is further compounded by the substantial carbon footprint attributed to coal-based power plants. As a result, the energy sector has been included in an updated Indonesian Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce 314 million metric tons CO 2 eq by 2030. The energy transition program in the subsector of electricity power plants, shifting from non-renewable fossil fuels to sustainable renewable sources, is one of the programs that will play a significant role in reducing emissions. However, the transition to renewable energy will necessitate numerous synergistic efforts in policy, technical, and financial arenas. This paper qualitatively identifies challenges and constraints of Indonesia's energy transition mechanism from four aspects: national energy planning; regulatory and legal framework; technology and infrastructure; and renewable energy financing. The study exposes diverse challenges, highlighting the complexity that characterizes the transition process and the need for a holistic approach, where policy decisions are seamlessly integrated with technological advancements and bolstered by robust financial support. This holistic approach will give information about the strategic decision-making by dissecting the intricacies of the energy transition, incentivizing renewable energy adoption through financial mechanisms, recalibrating regional structures, and instituting organizational reforms, paving pragmatic paths forward.


The stability of growing uni-lamellar vesicles is investigated using the formalism of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The vesicles, which are assumed to be in an otherwise aqueous solution, are growing due to the accretion of lipids to the bilayer which forms the vesicle membrane.The thermodynamic description is based on the hydrodynamics of a water-lipid mixture together with a model of the vesicle as a discontinuous system in the sense of linear nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The approach assumes that the energy of the bilayer membrane is given by the spontaneous curvature model attributed to Helfrich. Furthermore, the rate at which lipids incorporate into the membrane is taken to be proportional to the surface area of the membrane. In this way, the relevant forces and fluxes of the system are identified in the context of a stability analysis. The resulting constitutive equation for the flux of water across the membrane is used to analyse the stability of spherical vesicles that are subject to different perturbations.First, a simplified approach is presented which restricts perturbations to axisymmetric ellipsoids. In that case, the analysis is carried out using an explicit Cartesian parametrisation. A perturbation theory which describes more general deformations is then developed and applied to the case of arbitrary axisymmetric perturbations. It is found that there are generically two critical radii at which changes of stability occur. For the case where the perturbation takes the form of a single zonal harmonic, only one of these radii is physical and is given by the ratio $2L_p / L_\gamma$, where $L_p$ is the hydraulic conductivity and $L_\gamma$ is the Onsager coefficient related to changes in membrane area due to lipid accretion. The stability of such perturbations is related to the value of l corresponding to the particular zonal harmonic: those with lower l are more unstable than those with higher l. The conditions under which general axisymmetric perturbations reduce to explicit ellipsoidal calculations are also found.A heuristic explanation for the results is proposed whilst possible extensions of the current work and the need for experimental input are also discussed.


In recent years Adaptive Critic Designs (ACDs) have been applied to adaptive flight control of uncertain, nonlinear systems. However, these algorithms often rely on representative models as they require an offline training stage. Therefore, they have limited applicability to a system for which no accurate system model is available, nor readily identifiable. Inspired by recent work on Incremental Dual Heuristic Programming (IDHP), this paper derives and analyzes a Reinforcement Learning (RL) based framework for adaptive flight control of a CS-25 class fixed-wing aircraft. The proposed framework utilizes Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and includes an additional network structure to improve learning stability. The designed learning controller is implemented to control a high-fidelity, six-degree-of-freedom simulation of the Cessna 550 Citation II PH-LAB research aircraft. It is demonstrated that the proposed framework is able to learn a near-optimal control policy online without a priori knowledge of the system dynamics nor an offline training phase. Furthermore, it is able to generalize and operate the aircraft in not previously encountered flight regimes as well as identify and adapt to unforeseen changes to the aircraft's dynamics.


PURPOSE
To provide an overview of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene alterations and the pharmacology, clinical effectiveness, dosage and administration, cost, and place in therapy of erdafitinib in bladder cancer.

SUMMARY
Erdafitinib (Balversa, Janssen Pharmaceuticals) is a novel pan-FGFR inhibitor recently approved for the treatment of patients with advanced urothelial cancer with specific FGFR genetic alterations who have received at least one prior platinum-containing regimen. Erdafitinib binding to the FGFR2 and FGFR3 receptors inhibits FGF activity, resulting in cell death. Erdafitinib is available in tablet form, and the current recommended daily dosing is 8 mg, with dose escalation to 9 mg after 14 to 21 days of therapy if tolerated. A phase 2 clinical trial demonstrated that patients who received erdafitinib experienced on average 5.5 months of progression-free survival (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2-6.0 months). In addition, 40% (95% CI, 31-50%) of patients responded to erdafitinib therapy. Patients receiving erdafitinib therapy should be monitored specifically for elevations in serum phosphate levels and changes in vision. Other adverse effects include anemia, thrombocytopenia, and electrolyte abnormalities.

CONCLUSION
Erdafitinib is the first small-molecule FGFR inhibitor approved for use in advanced bladder cancer.


Objective Investigating the effect of ferroptosis in the tumour microenvironment to identify combinatory therapy for liver cancer treatment. Design Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), which is considered the master regulator of ferroptosis, was genetically altered in murine models for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) to analyse the effect of ferroptosis on tumour cells and the immune tumour microenvironment. The findings served as foundation for the identification of additional targets for combine therapy with ferroptotic inducer in the treatment of HCC and liver metastasis. Results Surprisingly, hepatocyte-restricted GPx4 loss does not suppress hepatocellular tumourigenesis. Instead, GPx4-associated ferroptotic hepatocyte death causes a tumour suppressive immune response characterised by a CXCL10-dependent infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that is counterbalanced by PD-L1 upregulation on tumour cells as well as by a marked HMGB1-mediated myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC) infiltration. Blocking PD-1 or HMGB1 unleashes T cell activation and prolongs survival of mice with Gpx4-deficient liver tumours. A triple combination of the ferroptosis inducing natural compound withaferin A, the CXCR2 inhibitor SB225002 and α-PD-1 greatly improves survival of wild-type mice with liver tumours. In contrast, the same combination does not affect tumour growth of subcutaneously grown CRC organoids, while it decreases their metastatic growth in liver. Conclusion Our data highlight a context-specific ferroptosis-induced immune response that could be therapeutically exploited for the treatment of primary liver tumours and liver metastases.


SUMMARY Seed production of annual medics was measured at four sites in Syria and Jordan between 1986/87 and 1988/89. Plots sown to medic in the first year were sown to wheat in the second year, and medic regeneration was measured in the third year. At three of the sites, adjacent plots were established in the second and third years and herbage production, and regeneration where appropriate, were measured in the third year. In this way, genotype × site interactions were used to assess medic adaptation to wheat/pasture rotations, continuous pasture and newly sown pasture. Seed production was correlated with rainfall, the mean yield of 14 genotypes ranging from zero at 160 mm to 1 tonne/ha at 510 mm. Medicago polymorpha produced the highest yields, though not at the lowest rainfalls. Yields of M. rotata were also above average. There was, however, wide variation between species in seed weight, pod weight and seeds/pod. Regeneration was better after wheat than after pasture. Herbage production was slightly better after pasture than after wheat, and both were greatly superior to that of newly sown pasture. After 2 years' germination, most genotypes retained more than half (mean 60%) and up to 99% of the seed produced in the first year. Genotype × environment interactions were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression (Finlay & Wilkinson 1963) and principal component analysis (PCA). Because adaptation in pasture plants depends on many variables, PCA proved to be the most useful technique and the simplest to apply. ANOVA and regression were limited by their inability to process more than one variable at a time. Regression analysis is further limited by requiring a greater number of sites. Based on seed production, seed survival, seedling regeneration and herbage production, certain locally collected genotypes of M. rigidula, M. noeana, M. polymorpha and possibly M. rotala, were adapted to conditions in Syria and Jordan. A similar methodology could be used to test pasture legumes throughout west Asia and north Africa


THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL ATTITUDES, GUILT, KNOWLEDGE, AND PROPENSITY FOR SEXUAL AROUSAL ON SELF-REPORTED SEXUAL RESPONSE TO A SEXUALLY EXPLICIT STIMULUS Samantha Landry Advisory Committee: University of Guelph, 2016 Dr. Tuuli Kukkonen Dr. Robin R. Milhausen In order to determine whether response to a sexually explicit stimulus could be predicted by demographic, attitudinal, knowledge, and religiosity factors, this study invited individuals to the Psychophysiology of Sexual Health lab at the University of Guelph for testing. Fifty-five participants visited the lab on one occasion where they answered a number of questionnaires and watched a series of video stimuli while continuously monitoring their sexual arousal. Participants reported being sexually aroused by the stimuli, however, this arousal was not predicted by the above factors. Several between group differences in sexual response outcomes were found on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, level of sex guilt and religiosity. This study contributes to existing research on factors that impact sexual response. Contrary to prior research, results of this study indicate no significant differences in self-reported sexual arousal to a sexual stimulus between males and females.


Recent reports have shown that n-3 PUFA-enriched phospholipids have various beneficial effects. The proportion of DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the phospholipids might affect their biological functions. In the present study, marine DHA-enriched phospholipids (DHA-PL) and EPA-enriched phospholipids (EPA-PL) were administered to high fat (HF) diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice for 8 weeks to compare their effects on obesity-related metabolic disorders. DHA-PL and EPA-PL significantly decreased epididymal and perirenal adipose tissue weights, reduced blood pressures and lowered serum and hepatic triacylglycerol levels in HF diet-induced obese mice. Serum insulin, MCP-1 and IL-6 levels were also efficiently reduced by treatment with DHA-PL and EPA-PL. The anti-obesity and lipid-lowering effects of EPA-PL were superior to DHA-PL, while DHA-PL exhibited better anti-hypertension effects than EPA-PL. The effects of DHA-PL and EPA-PL on glucose intolerance and inflammation were basically equivalent. DHA-PL and EPA-PL up-regulated genes involved in insulin-sensitizing actions in the adipose tissue and suppressed hepatic SREBP-1c mediated lipogenesis. EPA-PL also significantly activated PPARα mediated fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver. These results indicate that DHA-PL and EPA-PL could efficaciously alleviate obesity-related metabolic disorders but the ameliorative degree and regulatory mechanisms are not identical.

Practical applications: This investigation would be useful in the selective development of functional foods containing DHA-PL or EPA-PL contributing to the prevention and treatment of chronic metabolic disease in humans. The study also showed the chemical compositions of phospholipids fractions of squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) egg and sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) that may be useful for further studies.


This paper describes the change of the chemical flow assurance mitigation strategy for a major deep water waxy crude oil pipeline in SE Asia. The case relates to an application of a Pour Point Depressant (PPD)/Wax Inhibitor (WI) chemical that is critical in maintaining subsea flow assurance due to cooling of a waxy crude oil over the length of the 210 km deep water subsea pipeline. The paper further describes how the injection strategy was successfully changed. New chemical key performance indicators (KPIs) were initially determined based on chemical performance and risk mitigation requirements. Results of the laboratory new chemical formulation, qualification and subsequent successful field trial are presented. Other significant benefits yields are also discussed.
 KPI targets for the PPD/WI application were first determined based on field application performance and requirements. Candidate PPD/WI chemicals were selected based on the KPI requirements and initially screened to evaluate performance in reducing the crude oil pour point. Product development was then further refined once a definitive correlation between chemical structure and performance for the specific waxy crude oil was identified. Subsequently, more detailed laboratory testings were performed, including rheology measurements, coaxial shearing paraffin deposition and dynamic wax flow loop measurements. Field trial was later conducted to gradually obtain the optimum dosage while closely monitoring both onsite and in the lab to confirm the product effectiveness.
 Key to the success of the change was the identification of the opportunity to switch the PPD injection from subsea to topsides. This decision enabled a much wider portfolio of PPD chemistries to be evaluated. New topside PPD was identified which was able to reduce the pour point of the crude oil from 18°C to 9°C using a low dose rate of ~100 ppm, which is a ~40% reduction in chemical consumption compared to the previous chemical used. The new chemical was piloted without any disruption to the facilities and/or production. Furthermore, the field trial created significant benefits by reducing OPEX through the reduction in waxy pigging debris and chemical logistics, improving HSE and reducing the risk of chemical non-deliverability due to umbilical blockages.
 This paper demonstrates the re-evaluation of a field's flow assurance strategy to realize significant benefits by challenging conventional wisdom regarding the need for subsea PPD/WI injection in waxy deep water fields. Understanding the gel strength of the crude through detailed evaluation and monitoring of the shear force needed to break the gel during a shutdown by using an optimized PPD/WI product/dosage is an important parameter to look at to ensure effective field optimization, rather than relying on the standard method of pour point monitoring.


This paper argues that there is much to be learned about business and by looking back at how the Quakers—who have been largely forgotten and overlooked in management studies' founding narratives—were organized and how they ran their businesses. The paper presents a brief history of the Quakers focusing on the beliefs and practices that contributed to their success from 1650 to c. 1880, and which also contributed to their demise from the latter part of the nineteenth century onwards. We also reflect on the various lessons that can be learned through studying the Quakers and their approach to management.


Background In the nuclear industry and other safety-critical domains, recognising human behaviour as a key factor for improving safety culture is essential. Yet the focus has traditionally been on technical and procedural issues rather than human factors (HF). As HF remain both a resource and risk for nuclear safety, we need to improve our abilities to identify, analyse and learn about them. The aim of this study was to determine how the safety experts and supervisors of two nuclear power plants (NPPs) define HF, and to identify current HF procedures and the need for new HF tools as a part of safety management. Methods We studied the current HF procedures in safety management using document analysis. Safety experts (n = 8) from two NPPs participated in a two-day workshop, in which a new HF tool was tested in the investigation of three operational events. We interviewed 22 safety experts and supervisors (20 from the NPPs, 2 from the regulator side), in order to study the current views and procedures of HF, and the development needs for new HF tools in the domain. Results Current safety procedures, for example, event analysis, still focus on technical aspects. HF procedures are seen as a way to inhibit individual errors. Several human performance tools were implemented at the NPPs, but none of them highlighted human success factors. Current HF tools were not actively used to analyse operational events, and no tools were used to summarise information from reports or their analyses for top management purposes. There was no model for normalising personnel's capacity after unwanted events at work: consequence management was seen more as the correcting of operative items. Conclusions To improve HF management in the nuclear industry, practical HF tools are needed, as is stated in safety legislation and guidelines. To improve safety competence, it would be useful to further study the prerequisites and the hindrances of applying new HF tools in nuclear and other safety-critical industries.


Two methods are examined for influencing the stability thresholds of alpha driven toroidal Alfven eigenmode (TAE) instabilities in the deuterium-tritium (DT) operation of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR). These are: (a) increasing the TAE drive through raising the central q(0) value (in order to centre the peak alpha pressure gradient on the lower m gap locations) and (b) decreasing the TAE damping rate on the background ions through cooling perturbations such as helium puffs or injected pellets. A gyrofluid model of the TAE is used that is inherently non-perturbative and includes continuum damping, ion/electron/neutral beam Landau damping, ion FLR effects and a generalized resistivity (finite E1 effects). Specific TFTR DT cases are analysed using a combination of measured and inferred profiles. The resulting predicted thresholds are generally consistent with an observed lack of strong TAE activity. However, it is found that special techniques, especially increasing q(0), can significantly lower the alpha driven TAE threshold into ranges that should be experimentally accessible


Kazem Ardaneh, ∗ Remi Meyer, Mostafa Hassan, Remo Giust, Chen Xie, Benoit Morel, Ismail Ouadghiri-Idrissi, Luca Furfaro, Luc Froehly, Arnaud Couairon, Guy Bonnaud, and Francois Courvoisier † FEMTO-ST Institute, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, CNRS,15B avenue des Montboucons, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France Key Laboratory of Opto-electronic Information Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China CPHT, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Route de Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau, France CEA, Centre de Paris-Saclay, DRF, Université Paris-Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France (Dated: September 3, 2021)


We propose a new method for measuring the individual attenuation distribution of passive branched optical networks and describe our experimental results. This test method employs two techniques. One is a passive optical distribution technique, whereby communication light is uniformly distributed to all branched fibers, and test lights are distributed to each branched fiber according to their wavelength. The other is an attenuation distribution measurement technique using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) which can control the test light wavelength.


Acute hyperglycemia causes various cardiovascular responses; however, the underlying pathophysiology in vivo is myriad and complex, of which mutual interactions remain poorly understood. We analyzed the cardiovascular effects of acute hyperglycemia in comparison with those of hyperosmolality alone. Three g/kg of D-glucose (n = 4) or D-mannitol (n = 4) was intravenously infused to isoflurane-anesthetized intact dogs. Glucose infusion increased plasma glucose level and osmolality, whereas mannitol infusion similarly changed osmolality to glucose infusion but decreased glucose level. Glucose infusion decreased total peripheral vascular resistance, but increased heart rate, left ventricular contraction, left ventricular preload and cardiac output without altering mean blood pressure. Mannitol infusion likewise changed them, but its positive chronotropic and inotropic effects were less potent than those of glucose infusion. Glucose infusion prolonged PR interval, QRS width and QTcV. Mannitol infusion similarly changed them, but its QTcV prolongation was smaller than that of glucose infusion. Glucose infusion-induced cardiovascular responses would be basically attributed to osmolality-dependent mechanisms, whereas its positive chronotropic and inotropic effects along with repolarization delay may be enhanced by osmolality-independent mechanisms, including hyperglycemia by itself and insulin release.


Sensor measurements can be used in dairy farming for the detection of heat and diseases. A new model has been developed to process the measured variables in a combined way. It is based on time series models for yield, temperature, conductivity and activity, and a probability distribution for the concentrates leftovers. The parameters of the time series models and the probabilities are fitted on-line for each cow after each milking by Kalman filters. This makes it possible to combine the variables and to generate cow-specific alerts. Some results are given.


In this study was found that inflammation in interstitial lung tissue of mice C57Bl/6 after intratracheal injection of the bleomycin is accompanied by the increase of the bone marrow and circulating blood cells with the phenotype (CD3, CD45R (B220), Ly6C, Ly6G (Gr1), CD11b (Mac1), TER-119), Sca-1 + , c-Kit + , CD34 - (hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (granulocyte-erythroid-macrophage-megakaryocytic (CFU-GEMM) and granulocyte precursors (CFU-G)). These results demonstrate that the intraperitoneal reserpine injection reduces alveolar interstitium and alveolar passages infiltration by inflammatory cells and prevents the connective tissue growth in the lung parenchyma. Supposedly, the reserpine anti-inflammatory effect is caused by the reduced activity of the bone marrow HSCs differentiation in CFU-G, the decrease of circulating HSCs and progenitor hematopoietic cells and the violation of their migration in bleomycin-treated lungs. These data suggest the decrease caused by the reserpine in deposition of collagen fibers in the lung's parenchyma associated with the decrease in the inflow of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and fibroblast progenitor bone marrow-derived cells to lungs. Thus, reserpine violates the MSCs differentiation into fibroblast-like cells.


Abstract Purpose: Evaluate effectiveness of active exercise interventions for improving gross motor activity/participation of school-aged, ambulant/semi-ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Five databases were searched for papers including school-aged children with CP, participating in active, exercise interventions with gross motor outcomes measured at the Activity/Participation level. Interventions with previous systematic reviews were excluded (e.g. hippotherapy). Evidence Level and conduct were examined by two raters. Results: Seven interventions (34 studies) met criteria. All studies reported on gross motor function, however, a limited number investigated participation outcomes. Strong positive evidence was available for Gross Motor Activity Training (n= 6, Evidence Level II–IV), and Gross Motor Activity Training with progressive resistance exercise plus additional physiotherapy (n = 3, all Evidence Level II). Moderate positive evidence exists for Gross Motor Activity Training plus additional physiotherapy (n = 2, all Evidence Level II) and Physical Fitness Training (n = 4, Evidence Level II–V). Weak positive evidence was available for Modified Sport (n = 3, Evidence Level IV–V) and Non-Immersive Virtual Reality (n = 12, Evidence Level II–V). There was strong evidence against Gross Motor Activity Training plus progressive resistance exercise without additional physiotherapy (n = 4, all Evidence Level II). Interpretation: Active, performance-focused exercise with variable practice opportunities improves gross motor function in ambulant/semi-ambulant children with CP. Implications for rehabilitation Active exercise interventions improve gross motor function of ambulant/semi-ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Gross Motor Activity Training is the most common and effective intervention. Practice variability is essential to improve gross motor function. Participation was rarely measured and requires further research, particularly in interventions that embed real-world participation opportunities like Modified Sport.


"Discover your erogenous zone" is a declaration that is difficult to ignore, and on a full size billboard poster it is impossible. This was the slogan that Club 18-30 used to sell young adults their Mediterranean holidays, promising sexual adventure and alcoholic excess.

The campaign, perhaps inspired by the Benetton school of copywriting, succeeded in inflaming the local press, which ran headlines such as "outraged by sexy selling." The Advertising Standards Authority received 314 complaints from all parts of the United Kingdom accusing the posters of being obscene, irresponsible, and offensive. This included one from us. As the agency responsible for the public health of Birmingham residents, we wrote to the authority complaining that the posters had undermined sexual health promotion efforts and may have promoted the idea that anticipated sexual activity will be risk free.

The Advertising …


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of the use of thick spiral silk knotting instead of sublaminar wiring for C1-C2 arthrodesis in patients with atlantoaxial instability.

METHODS
We retrospectively evaluated 16 patients (10 females, 6 males; mean age: 43.4 years; mean follow-up: 34 months) with atlantoaxial instability who underwent C1-C2 fusion by reduction and sublaminar spiral silk knotting. All patients underwent open reduction, bounding both laminae with thick spiral silk instead of wiring and arthrodesis with autografting. Reduction rates, screw position and fusion rates were evaluated using computed tomography.

RESULTS
Preoperative mean atlantodental interval (ADI) was 8 (range: 6 to 11) mm and postoperative ADI was 2.1 (range: 0.5 to 2.5) mm. There was no dural or spinal cord injury. Complete reduction was observed in all cases. Fusion was unsuccessful in 1 case (6.25%). Postoperative mean flexion ADI was 10 mm and mean extension ADI was 1 mm. Graft separation between C1-C2 was observed in slice tomographic examination in one patient. Malposition was observed in 2 screws (4%).

CONCLUSION
The sublaminar silk knotting technique appears to provide safe anatomical reduction. As this method is cheap and simple and does not require extra implantation, loosen, create neurologic compromise or cause radiologic crowding, it can be considered an alternative surgical technique to sublaminar wiring.


SUMMARY We investigate the scattering properties of one-dimensional, periodically and
non-periodically forced oscillators. The pattern of singularities of the
scattering function, in the periodic case, shows a characteristic hierarchical
structure where the number Nc of zeros of the solutions plays the role of an
order parameter marking the level of the observed self-similar structure. The
behavior is understood both in terms of the return map and of the intersections
pattern of the invariant manifolds of the outermost fixed points. In the
non-periodic case the scattering function does not provide a complete
development of the hierarchical structure. The singularities pattern of the
outgoing energy as a function of the driver amplitude is connected to the
arrangement of gaps in the fundamental regions. The survival probability
distribution of temporarily bound orbits is shown to decay asymptotically as a
power law. The "stickiness" of regular regions of phase space, given by KAM
surfaces and remnant of KAM curves, is responsible for this observation.


Ultra-wideband communications is a new field of technology that has a wide range of applications from range finding to wide bandwidth communications. Ultra-wideband signals are unusual because their bandwidth to center frequency ratio is not small and can be greater than 100%. Recent developments of integrating this technology on a chip have made it versatile and low cost. A number of ITS areas can benefit by this technology including Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI), Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS), Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), Transportation Planning, Collision Avoidance, and Automated Highway Systems (AHS). This paper describes the basics of UWB technology, describes its features, provides background on the technology, and provides some possible applications of UWB to ITS. This paper is not intended to be overly detailed in any one area, but, to provide information about a technology to a wide audience.


In the present paper we investigate the exact average number of attempts until saturation when a square lattice is ceaselessly bombarded with beta-bell (beta> or =1) particles, i.e., linear particles that require beta consecutive lattice sites to be adsorbed. When that average number is normalized with the corresponding single-particle average, a scale invariant behavior is revealed with a scaling exponent alpha=0.017 +/- 0.001, independent of beta (beta>1). The scale behavior is suggested by the branching characteristics governing the sequential random adsorption of beta-bell (beta>1) particles, which is indeed a consequence of configurational correlations.


The development of a novel structured questionnaire instrument to measure health-related quality of life (HRQL) in individual farmed pigs was described previously (companion paper). The instrument embraces the measurement of positive welfare, and was developed with farmers and stockpersons, for use by them on-farm. This paper describes the development of a scoring methodology for the instrument and provides evidence for its construct validity. Field testing on four commercial farm units indicated that scores for health and affect correctly allocated 88.7% of pigs to known treatment groups and strongly predicted previously defined intervention levels. The tool was also used in an experimental study alongside other measures to identify the impact of early-life challenges (mixing of pregnant gilts and tail-docking neonatal pigs) on subsequent pig welfare, and identified long-term changes in HRQL of prenatally stressed piglets, a finding supported by other measures. This work describes a novel approach to farm-level welfare assessment in which entirely animal-based HRQL measurement can provide a measure of welfare at the herd level while retaining information about individuals within the herd and about aspects of provision that can be targets of intervention to improve welfare, and promotes a move from welfare assurance to welfare enhancement.


Controlling invasive plant species is a vital task for habitat restoration. Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is an invasive species that has extensively established in and threatens floodplain forests along the Upper Mississippi River. To explore the use of direct seeding to facilitate re-establishment of floodplain forest ecosystems along the Upper Mississippi River, we studied competition between reed canary grass and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) under greenhouse conditions. Shading decreased reed canary grass biomass and root:shoot ratio, but oak density did not affect reed canary grass growth and development. Shading increased reed canary grass seedling height. The presence of reed canary grass reduced oak biomass and seedling height but increased oak root:shoot ratio. Shading decreased oak biomass only in the high oak density treatment when reed canary grass was absent. In addition, oak biomass was greater in the high oak density treatment. These findings suggest that eradication of reed canary grass prior to seeding is necessary, and control efforts should continue after seeding to increase the possibility of restoring floodplain forest ecosystems along the Upper Mississippi River.


Objective: Current guidelines recommend a serum potassium (sK) level of 4.0-5.0 mmol/L in acute myocardial infarction patients. Recent trials have demonstrated an increased mortality rate with an sK level of >4.5 mmol/L. The aim of this study was to figure out the relation between admission sK level and in-hospital and long-term mortality and ventricular arrhythmias. Methods: Retrospectively, 611 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were recruited. Admission sK levels were categorized accordingly: <3.5, 3.5-<4, 4-<4.5, 4.5-<5, and ≥5 mmol/L. Results: The lowest in-hospital and long-term mortality occurred in patients with sK levels of 3.5 to <4 mmol/L. The long-term mortality risk increased for admission sK levels of >4.5 mmol/L [odds ratio (OR), 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42–5.9 and OR, 2.27; 95% CI 0.44-11.5 for sK levels of 4.5-<5 mmol/L and ≥5 mmol/L, respectively]. At sK levels <3 mmol/L and ≥5 mmol/L, the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias was higher (p=0.019). Conclusion: Admission sK level of >4.5 mmol/L was associated with increased long-term mortality in STEMI. A significant relation was found between sK level of <3 mmol/L and ≥5 mmol/L and ventricular arrhythmias.


Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE) is a hyperpolarisation technique that commonly uses [Ir(H)2(carbene)(substrate)3]Cl complexes to catalytically transfer magnetisation from para-hydrogen derived hydride ligands to coordinated substrates. Here, we explore the reactivity of a novel class of such catalysts based on sulfoxide containing [IrCl(H)2(carbene)(DMSO)2], which are involved in the hyperpolarisation of pyruvate using SABRE. We probe the reactivity of this species by NMR and DFT and upon reaction with sodium pyruvate establish the formation of two isomers of [Ir(H)2(η2-pyruvate)(DMSO)(IMes)]. Studies with related disodium oxalate yield [Ir2(H)4(IMes)2(DMSO)2(η2-κ2-Oxalate)] that is characterised by NMR and X-ray diffraction.


Snakebite envenomations are classified as Category A Neglected Tropical Diseases by the World Health Organization. In Brazil, 405 snake species are distributed among 11 families, with the genera Bothrops and Crotalus being the most studied and main responsible for severe and lethal envenomations. In the country, Crotalus genus (i.e., rattlesnakes) is represented by Crotalus durissus species, showing seven different subspecies distributed along the country, including Crotalus durissus ruruima, which inhabits Roraima, the Brazilian nothermost state from Amazon forest. Here, we report a fatal case of a severe envenomation following a rattlesnake bite. The patient presented classic crotalic neurological signs and symptoms such as ptosis, drooling of saliva, sluggishness, macroscopic hematuria, and oliguria, which evolved to acute kidney failure (AKF) and hemodynamic instability. Although the patient was treated with the specific antivenom therapy, the severe envenomation resulted in three cardiac arrests and death of the victim in less than 38 h. This study discusses the causes of the patient death, the features of rattlesnake venom-induced AKF, and shows evidences that the Brazilian crotalic antivenom should be improved to treat rattlesnake envenomations caused by C. d. ruruima venom in Roraima state.