OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of yellow wine polyphenols on the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats.

METHODS
Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into control group (Control), diabetic cardiomyopathy group (DCM) and diabetic cardiomyopathy treated with yellow wine polyphenols group (DCM+YWP). A single intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) was utilized to establish a rat model of DCM. The rats in control group were treated with citrate buffer at the same dose of a single intraperitoneal injection. DCM+YWP group were treated with 18 mg/kg Yellow wine polyphenols by ig after modeling. After treated for 12 weeks, the general condition of rats were observed. The cardiac structure and function of the rats were observed by Doppler echocardiography. The ultrastructure of myocardium were observed using electron microscopy. The inflammation index of myocardial tissue was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The oxidative stress in myocardial tissues was assessed by oxidative stress detection kits. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 (cleaved) in myocardial were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS
Compared with DCM group, the blood glucose levels and body weight of rats in the DCM+YWP group were not changed significantly. Echocardiography showed that left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter were decreased (P<0.05), while fractional shortening and E/A ratio and Ea/Aa ratio were elevated (P<0.05). The levels of tumor factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin 1β(IL-1β) and interleukin 6(IL-6) in myocardium were decreased (P<0.05). The levels of oxidative stress malondiadehyde(MDA) were decreased and Superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) were increased in myocardial tissue (P<0.05). The expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (cleaved) protein in myocardium were decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was increased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Yellow wine polyphenols can improve the diabetic cardiomyopathy rat cardiac function, attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic rats, inhibit the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in diabetic cardiomyopathy.


Abstract. A multilayer approach is set up for local gravity field modeling based on the idea of multi-resolution representation merging heterogeneous gravity data. Different layers of Poisson wavelets' grids are formed to recover the signals at various levels, where the shallow and deep layers mainly capture the short- and long-wavelength signals, respectively. The depths of these layers beneath the topography are linked to the locations that the anomaly sources locate, estimated by the wavelet decomposition and power spectrum analysis. For testing the performance of this approach, a gravimetric quasi-geoid over the North Sea in Europe called QGNSea V1.0 is computed and compared with other existing models. The results show that the multilayer approach outperforms the traditionally used single-layer one in high-frequency bands, and the former fit the gravity data better, especially in regions with a tendency toward topographical variation. The evaluation with GPS/leveling data show the accuracies of QGNSea V1.0 modeled from the multilayer approach are improved by 0.3 cm, 0.6 cm and 0.8 cm in the Netherlands, Belgium and parts of Germany, respectively, compared to the original solution computed from the single-layer approach. Further validation with existing models show QGNSea V1.0 has the best quality, which may be beneficial for studying the ocean circulation between the North Sea and neighbouring waters.


Busulfan systemic exposure correlates with regimen-related toxicity, engraftment and relapse in select patients receiving high-dose oral busulfan (HD-BU) (1 mg/kg dose or 40 mg/m dose every 6 h for 16 doses) as part of a preparative regimen for bone marrow transplantation. Therapeutic drug monitoring is frequently conducted after the first HD-BU dose in order to determine necessary dose adjustments. Limitations with this method include the need for rapid determination of busulfan plasma concentration and difficulties with estimating apparent oral clearance in patients who exhibit delayed absorption of HD-BU. This pharmacokinetic study was conducted to evaluate the ability of the apparent oral clearance obtained after administering a lower (0.25 mg/kg) test dose and the traditional (1 mg/kg) first dose to predict the dose required to achieve a desired area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) at steady-state (13th dose). In addition, the pharmacokinetic parameters of test, first and 13th dose were compared to assess intrasubject variability. Twenty-nine patients received a test dose of oral busulfan (0.25 mg/kg) the day immediately prior to initiation of HD-BU. Busulfan serum concentrations were measured following the test, first and 13th doses using gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The AUC and apparent oral clearance were calculated using non-compartmental analysis. Therapeutic drug monitoring following the first dose of HD-BU was conducted for clinical purposes in six patients, and dose adjustment between the first and 13th dose occurred in only two patients. The dose-corrected test dose and first dose AUC and apparent oral clearance were not bioequivalent (two one-sided t-tests, +/-20%). The first dose and 13th dose AUC and apparent oral clearance were also not bioequivalent. Six of the 29 patients receiving HD-BU dose based on weight (1 mg/kg) would have achieved a steady-state AUC of 3600-5400 ng x h/ml, a frequently used target AUC, as compared to eight and 13 patients if their dose was based on the apparent oral clearance following the test dose and first dose HD-BU, respectively. Monitoring busulfan concentrations after a test dose or a first dose provides a better estimate of the dose needed to achieve the target steady-state AUC as compared to traditional weight-based dosing. However, significant intraindividual variability exists in the apparent oral clearance of busulfan and follow-up therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended particularly if the desired target AUC range is narrow.


ABSTRACT Antibiotic-resistant enterococci are being increasingly identified as causal agents of infection. Trovafloxacin is a new fluoronaphthyridone with enhanced activity against gram-positive cocci and variable activity reported against Enterococcus spp. Twenty-one strains of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and two strains of Enterococcus faecalis (one vancomycin resistant) were studied at an initial inoculum of 106 CFU/ml in time-kill assays with trovafloxacin (3 mg/liter), ampicillin-sulbactam (100/50 mg/liter), and the combination. Six strains of E. faecium (five vancomycin resistant) also were studied in an in vitro two-compartment dynamic model that mimics human pharmacokinetics with trovafloxacin simulated at 300 mg every 12 h (q12h), ampicillin-sulbactam at 2/1 g q6h, and the combination. Peripheral compartments were sampled q2h for 30 h for bacterial counts. Trovafloxacin MICs ranged from 0.5 to 32 mg/liter, and the nine strains of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium for which MICs were ≤2 mg/liter were more likely to show a reduction of 2 log units or more in viable counts in time-kill assays than were strains for which MICs were higher. Synergism with ampicillin-sulbactam was found for only one strain (trovafloxacin MIC, 16 mg/liter). Similar results were obtained in the pharmacokinetic model, with 2- to 4-log-unit reductions in viable bacteria for trovafloxacin-susceptible strains. Although no convincing evidence of synergism was found, ampicillin-sulbactam in combination minimized late bacterial regrowth of two trovafloxacin-susceptible strains. These data suggest that this high dose of trovafloxacin (with or without ampicillin-sulbactam) might be useful against strains of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium for which MICs were ≤2 mg/liter.


This study evaluated the correspondence between parent and teacher assessments of children as a function of a child's degree of developmental disability and examined whether this correspondence changed over the course of a preschool year. Children ages 2.5 to 6 years old identified as having severe (n = 96), mild/moderate (n = 66), or no disabilities (n = 63), were rated by parents and teachers on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale at the beginning and end of the preschool year. Preassessment results indicated a significant correlation between parent and teacher ratings and differences in the absolute levels of informants' assessment for children with severe disabilities but not for children with mild/moderate or no disabilities. Implications for assessment of children with disabilities and planning for the children are discussed.


Background The black-blood (BB) technique was developed to suppress the signal from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to provide improved depiction of vessel walls. Purpose The aim was to compare three-dimensional turbo spin echo T1-weighted imaging (3D TSE T1WI) with or without two BB techniques (delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation [DANTE], and improved motion-sensitized driven equilibrium [iMSDE]) for high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) of the vessel walls of intracranial arteries. Study type Prospective. Population Fourteen healthy volunteers who underwent 3D T1WI for examination of intracranial vessel walls. Field strength/Sequence 3 Tesla, 3D TSE T1WI (SPACE and BrainVIEW) and BB (DANTE and iMSDE). Assessment SPACE with or without DANTE, and BrainVIEW with or without iMSDE, were acquired in each subject. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed image quality, vessel wall delineation, BB effect, CSF, and acceptability using visual scoring systems, and measured signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in vessel walls, lumen, and CSF, while blinded to the presence and type of BB technique used. Statistical tests Repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman tests were performed for the comparisons, followed by Bonferroni correction. Results The 3T T1WI sequences without BB are significantly superior in vessel wall delineation (P = 0.001). Black CSF scores were lower in SPACE with DANTE than SPACE without DANTE, and in BrainVIEW without iMSDE than SPACE without DANTE (P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in BB effect, image quality, and acceptability between the four 3D T1WI sequences (p > .05). The SNRVessel wall, CNRWall-Lumen, and CNRWall-CSF were higher (all p < .001) on SPACE with and without DANTE than on BrainVIEW with and without iMSDE. SNRLumen were higher (all p < .001) on BrainVIEW with and without iMSDE than on SPACE with and without DANTE. SNRCSF was higher (all p < .001) on BrainVIEW with iMSDE than on SPACE with DANTE. Data conclusion Both 3D TSE T1WI sequences were acceptable for intracranial vessel wall evaluation, with or without BB techniques. Therefore, BB techniques may not necessarily be required with 3D TSE T1WI with a long ETL and TR (below 1160 ms).


Energy levels of the double Λ hypernucleus (ΛΛ)(11)Be are calculated within the framework of a ααnΛΛ five-body model. Interactions between constituent particles are determined so as to reproduce reasonably the observed low-energy properties of the αα, ααn nuclei and the existing data for Λ-binding energies of the αΛ, ααΛ, αnΛ, and ααnΛ systems. An effective ΛΛ interaction is constructed so as to reproduce, within the αΛΛ three-body model, the B(ΛΛ) of (ΛΛ)(6)He, which was extracted from the emulsion experiment, the NAGARA event. With no adjustable parameters for the ααnΛΛ system, B(ΛΛ) of the ground and bound excited states of (ΛΛ)(11)Be are calculated with the Gaussian expansion method. The Hida event, recently observed at KEK-E373 experiment, is interpreted as an observation of the ground state of the (ΛΛ)(11)Be.


We present an anemometer technique characterized by an instrument in a sealed enclosure without moving parts. Measurements taken with our improved sphere anemometer in comparison to cup anemometer and hot-wire anemometer data subjected to wind gusts are discussed. The hot-wire anemometer serves as a reference with high temporal and spacial resolution. A manually driven "gust generator" produced gusts at low frequencies of about 1Hz. All measurements were carried out in the wind tunnel at the University of Oldenburg.


In this work, we report on a comparative analysis of the bromine permeability for three separator groups under the operating conditions of a non-flow zinc–bromine battery. A new method for the synthesis of porous heterogeneous membranes based on a cation-exchange resin followed by treatment with tetrabutylammonium bromide is proposed. It was shown that the modified membrane significantly reduced the bromine permeability (crossover) with an acceptable increase in the ionic conductivity of the separator group. Leakage currents not exceeding 10–20 µA/cm2 were achieved, and the Coulomb efficiency was over 90%. The ionic conductivity (at AC) of a membrane soaked with water was compared for different pretreatment conditions. The frequency dependence of the membrane resistance is shown. The features of the conduction mechanism of the modified membrane are discussed.


Genomic imprinting refers to parent-of-origin–specific gene expression. Human chromosome band 11p15.5 houses a large cluster of genes that are imprinted. Dysregulation of this gene cluster is associated with the overgrowth and tumor predisposition syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Several genes in this imprinted cluster encode proteins involved in growth regulation, e.g. the paternally expressed IGF2 and the maternally expressed cell-cycle regulator cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor, CDKN1C. Disruption of imprinted gene expression can result from genetic or epigenetic alterations. Genetic alterations such as duplication, deletion, translocation, inversion, and mutation in imprinted regions have been shown to cause disease. In addition, epimutations that are extrinsic to the primary DNA sequence have also been shown to cause disease. These epimutations usually involve gain or loss of methylation at regulatory differentially methylated regions. Recently, several human diseases in addition to Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome have been reported to have molecular alterations at chromosome 11p15.5. These include isolated hemihyperplasia, Russell-Silver syndrome, and transient neonatal diabetes mellitus. These molecular alterations and their phenotypic effects on growth are discussed.


ABSTRACT The Eagle Mills-Werner sequence occurs in deep wells (12,000 to 18,000 ft.) in northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas. Eagle Mills sandstones unconformably overlie the Paleozoic complex and disconformably underlie the Werner Conglomerate. Werner-Louann evaporites overlie Eagle Mills-Werner siliciclastics. Basaltic sills and dikes transect these sandstones and conglomerates. Eagle Mills-Werner strata consist of greenish-gray conglomerates and green, red, and pink, coarse-grained, lithic-feldspathic arenites which are interbedded with red, gray, and green shales and siltstones. Lithic arenites and conglomerates contain volcanic and sedimentary rock fragments. These strata represent nonmarine paleoenvironments developed within grabens and are the earliest record of Gulf of Mexico rifting. Eagle Mills-Werner sandstones have undergone a complex diagenetic history, including: chlorite cementation, compaction, quartz and feldspar overgrowths, early carbonate cementation, dissolution of framework grains, chloritization and albitization of feldspars, late cementation by ferroan calcite and ferroan dolomite and late replacement by anhydrite and pyrite. Pyrobitumens coat early chlorite cements indicating that most diagenesis post-dated hydrocarbon migration. This suite of authigenic phases records progressive burial of Eagle Mills-Werner strata into a high-temperature diagenetic regime where thermochemical sulfate reduction was the dominant process.


Abstract Pelvic ring fractures are a common consequence of high-energy blunt trauma with a high rate of morbidity and mortality due to associated injuries, especially to the head, pelvic viscera, and vascular structures. The Young and Burgess classification system is the most widely utilized for categorizing pelvic ring injuries and assessing stability. The initial identification of these injuries often comes from an anteroposterior radiograph; however, computed tomography examination with three-dimensional volume-rendered reconstructions represents the reference standard and has essentially eliminated the requirement for inlet and outlet views. The appropriate treatment depends on a good knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the pelvis. This review article underlines the importance of the integrity of ligaments to pelvic stability and describes the patterns of pelvic ring injuries and their associated mechanisms of injury.


Problem-solving interventions have documented effectiveness in treating distress among a variety of clientele. The authors discuss the application of training in social problem solving with family caregivers of persons who have incurred severe physical disabilities. Specifically, the authors outline training procedures (i.e., Project FOCUS) that enable counselors to assist family caregivers in developing effective problem-solving skills that may translate to increased wellness for each caregiver, and by extension, their care recipients.


During the 1960~80s Korean breath-hold women divers (haenyeo) received attention from environmental physiologists, especially Professor Suk-Ki Hong and colleagues, due to their unique ability to resist cold water wearing only a thin cotton bathing suit (so-jung-ee). Eventually, Haenyeos began to wear wetsuits to avoid severe cold stress instead of the cotton bathing suit from the mid 1970's. With advancing social industrialization, the number of haenyeos rapidly decreased and a total of 4,507 haenyeos works as of 2013. The average age of haenyeos is 70 years old and the oldest haenyeos currently diving is 92 years old. Today, some senior haenyeos over fifty years old share the diving experiences of their youth by wearing the classic cotton bathing suits. At present it is predicted that the tradition of haenyeos could cease to exist in 10-15 years because of their aging. At this point in time, it is worth reviewing the history of haenyeos' diving practices and acclimatization/deacclimatization to cold. The present review described the diving practices and physiology of haenyeos related to cotton bathing suits and wetsuits. Finally, we suggest interdisciplinary research on haenyeos from the viewpoint of social-environmental physiology and intangible cultural heritage.


Austrian British philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein is one of the greatest philosophers in the 20th century. He mostly works in analytic philosophical thought in topics as diverse as logic and language, perception and intention, ethic and religion, aesthetic and culture. Philosophers often create their own vocabularies by giving special meanings to ordinary terms and phrases. Wittgenstein coinages the term of "language games" and the 'private language argument". His argument on the language is the rules of the use of ordinary language is neither right nor wrong, neither true nor false, the language is merely useful for the particular applications in which they are applied . Language is defined not as a system of representation but as a system of devices for engaging in various sorts of social activity, hence 'the meaning of the word is its use in the language.


In this paper, a simple green route combustion method of synthesis was adopted for the synthesis of Zinc oxide nano particles using Euphorbia milli latex as fuel. As prepared product was characterized by Powder X Ray Diffractometer (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Rietveld refinement, Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The concentration of plant extract plays an important role in controlling the size of the particle and its morphology. PXRD graphs showed that the particles were well crystallised. The average particle size was calculated using Scherrer equation and advanced WH plots. The average particle size is around 50nm. This result was also supported by SEM and TEM analysis. FTIR shows the characteristic peak of ZnO at 435 cm-1. SEM and TEM micro graphs show that the particles are spherical in nature. EDS of SEM analysis confirmed that the elements are only Zn and O. No other impurity elements were found in the sample. Crystal parameters were determined using Rietveld refinement. From UV-Visible spectra band gap energy was found to be 3.44 eV. This method is fast, eco friendly and convenient for the synthesis of ZnO nano particles (NPs).


In order to have an optimized NVH design concept, the design engineers must exchange during the development a lot of attributes that together defines the new engine NVH performance. Moreover, each engine NVH system performance is dependent of many variables. In this respect, 6-Sigma methodology (DMAIC and DCOV) is an excellent tool to support engineers to evaluate systems variables and achieve the required performance.Engine mount brackets' vibrations have high priority for the NVH performance of the powertrain. Effects of major components on the engine mount vibrations come up as a major topic whenever an error state takes place and improvement is required. This study aims to identify the effect of engine block, ladderframe, head and transmission stiffness and mass properties on 2EO acceleration levels of the 4 cylinder engine power train. Dynamic analysis will be performed under the kinematic engine loadings. There are 2 steps for identifying the objective. The first step is to eliminate the factors which has not significant main and cross effect on engine mount vibrations.Full factorial DOE runs with two levels are performed for this purpose. Hyperstudy tool is used for the DOE design, simulation automation and post processing. After defining the effective factors, 256 Latin Hypercube DOE runs are performed to obtain response surfaces and meta–model. DOE runs are done in Hyperstudy, results are exported to enCORE and transfer functions are calculated by Kriging method.According to the results, a proposed course of action for engine mounts' accelerations DOE study is prepared and a methodology for this course is executed.© 2014 ASME


Methane hydrates are found in enormous quantities along all the continental margins. The magnitude of the carbon pool locked in the methane hydrate reservoir is not known precisely, but estimates range from 10
 3
 to 10
 6
 Gt C. Methane hydrates are also of interest because of their potential role in climate change. When these marine methane hydrates begin to dissociate, the methane trapped in the methane hydrates is released into the ocean and the atmosphere. This review focuses on the dissociation mechanism of methane hydrates that are rather unique and involve a number of conditions, and presents current understanding of the effects of methane hydrate on the chemical and physical properties of seawater. We discuss past events about the dissociation of methane hydrate in the various geological periods. It will be shown how the previously mentioned sufficient flux of methane from hydrate dissociation can cause an oceanic anoxic event and a major global warming. These events maybe are occurring and will be believed to influence the climate change in the future.


This chapter summarizes the results of two major international projects JADE and JADE 2. These examined the exploitation, circulation, use and significance of artefacts made from jadeite and other green rocks from the Western Alps in Neolithic Europe. The most-widely travelled of all the prehistoric materials, these Alpine jades seem to have been accorded special significance by many and diverse communities, particularly in Western Europe. This "Europe of jade" contrasts, however, with the "Europe of copper" in eastern and southeast Europe, where copper (along with gold) was the main material of choice in terms of socially-valued substances, while objects of Alpine jade are scarce.


Angiotensin II (AII; 1.0 microliter of 10(-10) M) injected bilaterally into the anterior hypothalamus-preoptic area of the brain produced a 100% increase in mean whole blood LH concentrations in ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol and progesterone. Injections of equal volumes and concentrations of the peptide into the third cerebral ventricle or into the posterior hypothalamus did not affect blood LH values. The effects of AII administration into the rostral hypothalamus were dose-related and specific. Equimolar injections of angiotensin I or angiotensin III into this region did not significantly affect blood LH levels. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the anterior hypothalamus-preoptic area, compared to the third ventricle or more caudal brain sites, is particularly sensitive to the specific stimulatory actions of AII on LH release.


Given that systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is the most common illness presented by the adults who come to primary care in México, in this supplement a group of cardiologists, as well as other specialists, from the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) offer a systematic review, a critical analysis, and a national consensus of guidelines as a frame of reference to the daily clinical practice in order to mitigate SAH in México.


The design of confocal Raman microscope, which achieves efficient temporal discrimination of Raman signal against fluorescence, is proposed and experimentally realized using TiO2 as a material for Kerr-gating. The new instrument is tested for the variety of biological systems. The possible applications are outlined together with the routes for further improvement.


Four tectonostratigraphic terranes have been distinguished outside the edge of the East European Craton (EEC) in Poland (Fig. 1a) on a map by W. Pozaryski and P. Karnkowski (1992) and in W. Pozaryski et al. (1992). Two of them (Pomeranian and Łysogory Terranes) are questioned by the present authors. These areas are rather parts of the EEC passive margin (miogeocline), deformed in Late Caledonian limes into a fold-and-thrust bell (Fig. 1b). The Malopolska Block and Upper Silesian Block are possible terranes, the former being of proximal character. It was detached from the EEC to the southeast of its present position, shifted northwestwards along a transform fault and re-accreted in the Late Caledonian epoch. The origin and tectonic nature of the Upper Silesian Block are disputable. Both terranes were covered by the Devonian-Carboniferous overlap sequence which was tectonically activated towards the end of the Variscan epoch. Apart from the terrane problem, the extent of the outer Variscan foldbelt and its internal structure are considered. It is most probably a Namurian-Westphalian fysch zone with local intramontane depressions. Its front lies approximately along the line: Gorzow-Poznan-Wielun, thus lying farther to the south than the Variscan front proposed on the discussed map.


Cache memories are commonly used to reduce the number of slower lower-level memory accesses, thereby improving the memory hierarchy performance. However, high cache miss-ratio can severely degrade system performance. It is therefore necessary to anticipate the cache misses to reduce their frequency. Prefetching, is one such technique, which allows memory systems to import data into the cache before the processor needs it. Aggressive prefetching can significantly reduce cache misses but may lead to cache pollution and also increase memory traffic. An innovative hardware-based prefetching technique is proposed which overcomes these problems while providing improved cache hit-rate. Our trace driven simulations show an improvement of around 60% in the miss rates for an instruction cache employing the LRU-FP block replacement algorithm with the proposed pre-fetch scheme as compared to the miss rates obtained due to a sequential prefetch mechanism.


Abstract Background: Prenatal care consists of a series of clinical visits and services offered to pregnant women throughout the antepartum period. Despite advances in the extent of prenatal care use in Iran, some women still avoid using these services. It is, therefore, very important to investigate the prevalence of prenatal care use, and to identify the factors associated with it. This study analyzes prenatal care use in Fars Province between 2000 and 2010, identifying the associations between women's demographic and socio-economic characteristics and prenatal care use. Methods: The study is quantitative and based on secondary data drawn from IDHS 2000 and MIDHS 2010. The sample consisted of 765 individuals from Fars Province. The data were weighted to reflect the characteristics of the rural-urban population. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS-18. In the inferential analysis, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were applied. Results: It was indicated that both the quantity and quality of prenatal care increased during 2000–2010. Obstetricians and gynecologists became the primary reference point for women accessing healthcare during this period. Our study indicates that, in the final analytical model, the educational attainment (OR=1.32, P=0.035), urban place of residence (OR=10.49, P=0.003), sanitary and health status of households (OR=5.04, P<0.001), and knowledge of family planning (OR=1.14, P<0.001) were significantly related to the use of prenatal care. Conclusion: Women who do not have access to prenatal care are mainly from families with low socio-economic status. Thus socially vulnerable groups receive deficient prenatal care, indicating the need for government investment and planning in a comprehensive insurance system.


Enhancing hierarchical structural complexities of metal-organic nanocapsules is an effective way of introducing new functions and properties. Herein, we present the synthesis of novel magnesium-seamed C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arene nanocapsules with hierarchical structural complexity via both exterior and endohedral functionalization. The exterior functionalization is realized by using a variety of covalently modified pyrogallol[4]arene ligands, while the endohedral functionalization is achieved via coordination-driven self-assembly. Especially, functionalization of nanocapsule interior by attaching a proline hexad via metal coordination will shed light to the design and synthesis of metal-organic species with heteroligated architectures.


Background: The upper respiratory tract harbors diverse communities of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic organisms, originating from both the oral and nasopharyngeal microbiota. Among the primary sites of microbial colonization in the upper airways are the adenoids. Alterations in the adenoid microbiota have been implicated in the development of various conditions, including secretory otitis media. Aim: This study aims to employ 16S rRNA genetic sequencing to identify the most common bacteria present on the surface of adenoids in children with otitis media with effusion and compare them with children without pathologies in the tympanic cavity. Additionally, we seek to determine and compare the bacterial diversity in these two study groups. Materials and Methods: A total of nineteen samples from the adenoid surfaces were collected, comprising two groups: thirteen samples from children without middle ear effusion and six samples from children with secretory otitis media. The libraries of the V3–V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was made and sequenced using MiSeq platform. Results: The most prevalent phyla observed in both groups were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. The most common bacterial genera identified in both groups were Haemophilus, Streptococcus, Moraxella, Fusobacterium, and Bordetella, with Fusobacterium and Moraxella being more prevalent in the groups that had no middle ear effusion, while Haemophulus and Streptococcus were more prevalent in the otitis media with effusion group, although not in a statistically significant way. Statistical analysis shows a trend towards bacterial composition and beta diversity being similar between the study groups; however, due to the limited sample size and unevenness between groups, we should approach this data with caution. Conclusion: The lack of prolific difference in bacterial composition between the study groups suggests that the role of the adenoid microbiome in the development of otitis media with effusion may be less significant.


Nevada, and especially Las Vegas, is unimaginable without gambling. Tourists flock to gambling venues large and small to try their luck. Residents work in many facets of the industry, and gambling revenues are an important part of the state's economy.


S.J. Jensen, Z.C. ABSTRACT S.J. Jensen, Z.C. Ruhe, A.F. Williams, D.Q. Nhan, et al. (J Bacteriol 205:e00113-23, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1128/jb.00113-23) demonstrate that a type VI secretion system (T6SS) immunity protein, Tli, functions to both neutralize and activate its cognate toxin, Tle, in Enterobacter cloacae. Their results reveal the surprising finding that Tli function differs, depending on its subcellular localization. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of T6SS immunity proteins, which are commonly viewed as monofunctional toxin-neutralizing antidotes.


Abstract Information on the distribution and predictors of obesity in Africa is needed to identify populations at risk and explore intervention options. Our objectives were to (a) examine the prevalence and geographic distribution of overweight and obesity among Cameroonian women; (b) evaluate change in anthropometric indicators among urban women between 2009 and 2012; (c) examine associations between household and individual characteristics and overweight and obesity; and (d) examine relationships between body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity, and inflammation. We analysed data from a nationally representative survey conducted in 3 geographic strata (North, South, and Yaoundé/Douala) in Cameroon in 2009 and a survey in Yaoundé/Douala in 2012. Participants selected for this analysis were nonpregnant women, ages 15–49 years (n = 704 in 2009; n = 243 in 2012). In 2009, ~8% of women were underweight (BMI < 18.5) and 32% overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25.0). Underweight was most common in the North (19%) and overweight and obesity in the South (40%) and Yaoundé/Douala (49%). Prevalence of BMI ≥ 25.0 in Yaoundé/Douala did not differ in 2012 compared with 2009 (55.5% vs. 48.7%; P = 0.16). Residence in urban areas, greater maternal age, and TV ownership were independently related to overweight and obesity in national and stratified analyses. In Yaoundé/Douala in 2012, 48% (waist‐to‐hip ratio > 0.85) to 73% (waist circumference > 80 cm) had abdominal obesity. Body mass index was positively associated with abdominal obesity and inflammation. Though causal inferences cannot be drawn, these findings indicate population subgroups at greatest risk for overweight and associated health consequences in Cameroon.


Within the post 11 years 2,722 retinal detachments needed surgery. The mostly used procedure of Custodis consists in an implant, which covering the area of the hole is impressed into the sclera by mattress sutures. In 70% of our cases--due to Custodis--we succeeded in avoiding drainage of the subretinal fluid. Since 1966 the additional diathermy and/or lightcoagulation was mostly replaced by cryopexy. Summarizing the number of retinal detachments operated in the University clinic of Münster during 1955--1957 (Pau), 1958--1961 (Böke) as well as ours (1966--1977), 4,030 retinal surgeries (minus 10% encircling procedures) underwent within 18 years a Custodis procedure. The success rate of 85% indicates that Custodis' technic enables to optimal results.


The ground effect aerodynamics and flow physics of a 2D dragonfly wing hovering (the Reynolds number is 157) in an inclined stroke plane are investigated via solving 2D unsteady incompressible laminar flow Navier-Stokes equations. An analysis road map is proposed to explain the influence of the ground on the flow field, pressure distribution on the wing surface, and the aerodynamic force. In the analysis road map, the flow relative to the wing surface induced by the wing motion and vortex is classified into vertical and parallel wing surface flows. The vertical flow impinges on the wing surface to form a positive pressure zone. In contrast, the parallel flow generates the boundary layer and further concentrated vortex and secondary vortex, which induce negative pressure on the wing surface. The ground impacts the flow relative to the wing in three ways: changing the trajectory of the shed vortex by the mirror effect, promoting the deformation and fusion of the vortices, and causing the cushion effect at extremely small ground clearance.


Abstract Lacustrine deposits exposed around Lake Aricota, Peru (17° 22′S), a 7.5-km2 lake dammed by debris flows, provide a middle to late Holocene record of lake-level fluctuations. Chronological context for shoreline deposits was obtained from radiocarbon dating of vascular plant remains and other datable material with minimal 14C reservoir effects (<350 yr). Diatomites associated with highstands several meters above the modern lake level indicate wet episodes. Maximum Holocene lake level was attained before 6100 14C yr B.P. and ended ∼2700 14C yr B.P. Moderately high lake levels occurred at 1700 and 1300 14C yr B.P. The highstand at Lake Aricota during the middle Holocene is coeval with a major lowstand at Lake Titicaca (16°S), which is only 130 km to the northeast and shares a similar climatology. Comparisons with other marine and terrestrial records highlight emerging contradictions over the nature of mid-Holocene climate in the central Andes.


We propose a novel landmark matching based method for aligning multimodal images, which is accomplished uniquely by resolving a linear mapping between different feature modalities. This linear mapping results in a new measurement on similarity of images captured from different modalities. In addition, our method simultaneously solves this linear mapping and the landmark correspondences by minimizing a convex quadratic function. Our method can estimate complex image relationship between different modalities and nonlinear nonrigid spatial transformations even in the presence of heavy noise, as shown in our experiments carried out by using a variety of image modalities.


Introduction
 Chromosomal translocations involving the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL, also called KMT2A) gene account for around 80% of the acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) and 35%-50% of the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosed in infants, and are associated with poor outcomes. Despite improvements of conventional chemotherapies and treatments, patients with MLL-rearranged leukemia have weak response to treatment and poor prognosis. There is thus an urgent need to understand the molecular pathogenesis of these leukemias to develop more effective therapies. Gene expression studies show that MLL-leukemias uniquely display over-expression of Lysosome-associated Membrane Protein 5 (LAMP5) in both ALL and AML In normal hematopoiesis, LAMP5 expression is restricted to non-activated plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), where it has been shown to be required for transport of TLR9 from VAMP3+/LAMP2+/LAMP1- endolysosomal vesicles to the LAMP1+ late lysosomal compartments, modulating the signaling and production of Type I interferon to TNF production. Here, we tested the hypothesis that LAMP5 is required for MLL leukemia wherein it modulates innate immune signaling.
 Methods and Results
 In previous studies, we found LAMP5 expression being restricted to MLL-fusion leukemia cell lines. Additionally, in an inducible model, LAMP5 expression directly correlated with that of the MLL-fusion protein MLL-AF9. . Knockdown on LAMP5 in MLL-fusion leukemia cells inhibited their propagation both in vitro and in vivo whereas the non-MLL leukemias were unaffected. To determine the mechanisms by which LAMP5 promotes growth in MLL leukemias, first we studied the localization of LAMP5 in these cells. Using immunofluorescent confocal microscopy we detected LAMP5 mainly in LAMP2+/LAMP1+ compartments. Additionally, LAMP5 co-localized with MYD88, a known scaffold protein required for IL1R/TLR signaling. Accordingly, LAMP5-knockdown abrogated TLR signaling as evidenced by reduced activation of JNK, MAPK p38, IRF7 and NFKB. Conversely, over-expression of LAMP5 in the non-MLL leukemia cell line Kasumi-1 led to increased activation of JNK, p38, IRF7 and NFKB, indicating that the innate-immune signaling pathway is regulated by LAMP5 expression in leukemias.r
 Conclusions
 Collectively, these results demonstrate that LAMP5 is required for the survival of MLL leukemia and that it plays an important role in the activation of the IL1/TLR signaling pathway. Overall, based on our results and the limited expression in normal hematopoiesis, we propose that LAMP5 could potentially serve as a therapeutic target with a wide therapeutic-window to treat MLL-leukemias.

 No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Sand-culture experiments were carried out in full daylight at successive weekly intervals between March and December 1969, to investigate the effects of seasonal changes in climatic factors on the growth of Helianthus annuus and Phaseolus vulgaris in Freetown. Values for a number of growth parameters were calculated from the dry weights of the leaves, stems, and roots, and from the leaf areas. Simultaneously the diurnal changes in climatic factors were recorded. Multiple regressions linking light, temperature, and relative humidity with some of the growth parameters were calculated. The total variance accounted for in the regressions of relative growth-rate, net assimilation rate, and leaf weight ratio on light, temperature, and relative humidity ranged from 51 to 60 per cent in P. vulgaris. In H. annuus relative humidity was less important; the percentage proportion of total variance accounted for in the regression of leaf weight ratio (and leaf area ratio in both species) on light and temperature was not significant. The results showed that H. annuus grew faster than P. vulgaris , but the latter's growth was depressed less by the dull weather of the rainy season. The relative growth-rates of both species were positively dependent on light and temperature while their net assimilation rates were negatively dependent on relative humidity, and their leaf area ratios negatively dependent on light. All parameters used except leaf area ratio and leaf area to leaf weight ratio showed seasonal variations corresponding to dry and rainy seasons. The initial and final values of leaf area ratio and weight ratios were always different but did not vary in the same direction in both species. The results are discussed in relation to similar work done elsewhere.


In this paper, a novel no-asbestos brake composite reinforced by natural bamboo fibers is studied. The bamboo fibers are modified by heat treatment, alkali treatment and coupling treatment respectively. Tribological performance of different fibers reinforced composites are developed by means of friction test and microstructure observation. The results show that heat treatment of bamboo fibers at 140 for 4 hours makes the friction and wear characteristics of brake composites more stable than the untreated ones, but poor wear resistance at low temperature and heat fade still exist. There is no significant change on fiber surface. The alkali treatment of 17% NaOH solution for 12 hours contributes to desirable combination of higher friction coefficients and lower wear rates, and the surface morphology shows a number of deep grooves that avail the interface bonding. The effect of coupling treatment with KH550 on tribological performance of composites have the similar rule to that of the alkali treated ones except of heat fade, and the fiber surface is evenly coated with the coupling agent, which enhances the bonding of fibers and resin but fails at elevated temperature.


A comparative analysis of different Resistive Memories proposed as Non Volatile Memories for embedded applications is here presented. Based on today scenario of industry-standard Floating Gate solutions, key factors as performances, reliability and technology maturity are considered when facing more innovative memory cells. In particular the race seems to be open at 28nm, where different players are proposing different memories integrated in the Back End Of the Line. Original results obtained on multi-megabits array integrating Phase Change Memories are here discussed covering cell scalability, High Temperature data retention and extended endurance capability, all in line with eNVM application requirements.


(Formerly Hydrologic Significance of Faultsin the Great Smoky Mountains National Park)'(E75-10C30) HYDBOLOGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF1INEAMENTS IK CEMIBAL TENNESSEEQuarterly Progress Report, 1 Jun. - 31Auy. 1974 (Geological Survey, Bay SaintLouis, Miss.) 6 p HC $3.25 CSCL 08HBy Gerald K. Moore and Este F. Hollyday


This paper analyses the impact of family background, gender and cohort on educational attainment in France and Germany, relying on a theoretical model imbedded in the human capital theory. In a second step, the educational process is decomposed into school and post-school achievement. The same conceptual framework applies at both stages, but a correlation is permitted between them. Empirically, this boils down to estimating a multivariate ordered probit model. The results show that in spite of huge differences in the distribution of education in France and Germany, these countries prove surprisingly similar with respect to the impact of family background and cohorts. However, there are significant dissimilarities depending on the stage observed in the educational career, in particular with respect to gender differences.


Abstract Through a critical analysis of the convergence properties of spectral series, it is shown that Clark's method of solution leads to a divergent series; hence all his recent results on quasi-geostrophic wave propagation in distorted background flows are erroneous. A general condition for convergence is derived. The convergent solution (if it exists) to a general second-order recurrence formula is given, which is then applied to Clark's problem, yielding an exact closed form solution. The solution consists of an interacting trio of waves whose wavenumbers add up to zero. With results thus obtained, it is found that the propagation of wavenumber 2 disturbances is not affected by wavenumber 1 finite-amplitude distortions in the background flow, in disagreement with the result of Clark.


This qualitative study examines the broad acculturation experience of Sudanese refugees and how they perceive that formal, non-formal, and informal education experiences provide pathways for the social, political, and economic influences of their adjustment experience in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It contributes to the literature beyond findings of many refugee studies in the specific examination of Sudanese refugees in a non-gateway metropolitan area, with a focus other than economic or occupational adjustment. The resettlement agency's principal focus has been assisting the refugees at their point of landing through an initial period toward the objective of self-sufficiency in the economic environment of the United States in compliance with the United States Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) stated Resettlement Program guidelines. The success of that resettlement policy is dependent on so many factors beyond the control of the resettlement agencies charged with compliance with the program objectives. Part of the challenge with this study is that there is limited involvement with the refugees after they have met the initial requirements for the fast track to employment, which satisfies the United States Resettlement Program. As is evidenced in this study the refugees' forced migration experiences and pre-migration education experiences are significant factors in their adjustment experience. Another factor highlighted by this study for policy consideration is whether the refugee has some English speaking skills and ability as is supported by past research. The study participants in all cases are literate in the language of their homeland and in almost all cases have some English speaking language skills. Notwithstanding the remarkable resilience of the refugees and the persistence of the resettlement agency staff members and their resettlement program affiliates to reach federal government objectives, this study's findings offer considerations and recommendations for enhanced program effectiveness, notably offering more comprehensive services and providing better linkages to community agencies, especially those providing education.


Nanomotors convert chemical energy into mechanical motion. For a given motor type, the underlying chemical reaction that enables motility is typically well known, but the detailed, quantitative mechanism by which this reaction breaks symmetry and converts chemical energy to mechanical motion is often less clear, since it is difficult experimentally to measure important parameters such as the spatial distribution of chemical species around the nanorotor during operation. Without this information on how motor geometry affects motor function, it is difficult to control and optimize nanomotor behavior. Here we demonstrate how one easily observable characteristic of nanomotor operation-the visible trajectory of a nanorotor-can provide quantitative information about the role of asymmetry in nanomotor operation, as well as insights into the spatial distribution of motive force along the surface of the nanomotor, the motive torques, and the effective diffusional motion.


The paper studies optimal monetary policy and its implication for the term structure of interest rates when the nominal short rate is bounded at zero. We state the monetary authority's optimization problem in continuous time according to two specifications, interest rate stabilization and interest rate smoothing. For the former the optimization problem is solved analytically, while numerical procedures are adopted for the latter. The paper then turns to study implications for the term structure of interest rates under risk-neutrality. Term structure equations are solved numerically and implications for yield curves and yield volatility curves are discussed. Data for a low-interest rate country like Japan for 1996-2003 exhibits s-shaped yield curves and yield volatility curves. According to our results this shape is consistent with a smoothing objective for the short rate.


Inspired by the phrase "Growing In Wisdom," which was part of a phrase in the Atla Organizational Ends from 2016 to 2020, this Listen and Learn presentation looks at a project that was to partner library staff with faculty to promote information literacy as it related to integrating work in theological education. What role does wisdom play in denominational guidelines and accrediting standards? Integrating Work in Theological Education, edited by Kathleen A. Cahalan, Edward Foley, Gordon S. Mikoski (Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2017), describes the importance of both theory and practice in preparing students for ministry. What is the role of the library in integrating work? How can the library be a partner with faculty in theological education?


Objectives: To determine the presence of A and B blood group antigens on vascular endothelial cells of intestinal tissue and compare tissue resected for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with tissues resected for non-NEC pathologies (spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP), intussusception, Hirschsprung disease, intestinal atresia, etc.) in an effort to implicate blood group antigen expression on bowel endothelium as a mechanism of bowel injury in NEC via a humoral immune-mediated inflammatory response.
Methods :Intestinal tissue from 21 patients with NEC and 23 non-NEC patients (5 of which were SIP) was stained with monoclonal antibodies against blood group antigens A and B. Vascular endothelial lined spaces were examined for expression of these blood group antigens and graded as 0 (no staining) to 3 (marked staining).
Results: Control group birth gestational age (GA) ranged from 26 to 40 weeks (Mdn=36.4-37.0). Both NEC and SIP groups had birth GA ranging from 24 to 37 weeks (Mdn=29.3 and Mdn=27.6, respectively). Overall, A and B blood group antigens were appropriately expressed on the endothelium of all intestinal tissue regardless of the presence of NEC. The A antigen appeared to stain more intensely than the B antigen in most tissue, except for the NEC sample from an AB blood type patient in which A and B antigens stained equally intense (grade 3). Multivariate regression analysis confirms the significantly inverse relationship between gestational age and NEC, but a significant relationship could not be established between blood group or IHC scoring of the blood group antigen expression and NEC. 1.4 Conclusions: Blood group antigens, A more than B or AB together, may increase the risk of a neonate to develop NEC in the presence of passively or actively transferred isoagglutinins.


Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease where malignant clonal proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow leads to disruption of normal hematopoiesis and bone marrow failure. Most treatment improvements have consisted of limited chemotherapeutic interventions, and morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high. While patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy have the options of epigenetic treatments with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis), and the preclinical research underpinning these treatments is robust and promising, clinical response rates have been poor. Therefore, we have derived a unique treatment strategy combining poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) with DNMTis, and we have previously demonstrated efficacy of this combination in AML in both in vitroand in vivomodels. This combination increases the amount and retention time of PARP1 at laser-induced DNA damage sites, increases DNA DSBs and tumor cytotoxicity, blunts cell self-renewal, and leads to strong anti-tumor responses. These results form the basis for our ongoing Phase I/II clinical trial of this combination therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory AML.
 To identify molecular pathways underpinning this combination, genome-wide expression microarray analysis was performed on RNA extracted from multiple BRCA-intact sporadic AML cell lines treated with single agents or drug combination. Interestingly, combination drug treatment, more than either single treatment alone, up regulated genes in immune response pathways, including interferons, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway genes. In both AML cell lines (N=10) and primary samples (N=8), we used qPCR to validate these expression increases, with particular focus on interferon type 1-inducible genes, including IFI6, IFI27, IFI30, IRF7, ISG15, and OASL. These interferon-inducible genes were similarly increased in selected AML clinical trial samples post combination treatment. Interferon stimulation studies showed that treatment of multiple cell lines with IFN-β similarly up regulates our genes of interest, and suggests that the immune system plays a pivotal role in mediating the effects of our combination treatment.
 To functionally validate this immune involvement in vivo, we use an immune competent mouse model that spontaneously develops AML. The bone marrow cells collected from leukemic FLT3/ITD;NHD13 mice are transplanted into sublethally irradiated syngeneic recipients where they undergo clonal leukemic expansion and expression of specific surface markers (CD45.1 vs CD45.2) allow for the tracking of both host and transplanted blood cells. After validating that our combination treatment increases survival and reduces tumor burden in this in vivo model, we isolated mononuclear cells from spleens and livers and found that mice in the combination therapy group had increased T cell populations with increased PD1, CD28 and 4-1BB expression. Tal single agent and combination therapy treated mice also had decreased myeloid-derived suppressor cells and increased antigen presenting cells, specifically dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages. Finally, upon ex vivo stimulation, T cells from mice receiving combination therapy produced significantly more IFN-γ and GM-CSF than mice from other treatment groups.
 These results indicate that our combination therapy results in immune activation, and suggest the potential to target the immune system in order to induce anti-tumor effects, enhance efficacy of our combination treatment and improve clinical outcomes in AML.

 Lapidus: KinaRx, LLC: Other: Founder and Scientific Advisor.


The Database-driven Cognitive Radio Network is regarded as a promising way for a better utilization of radio channels without introducing the interference to the primary user. However, it is also facing a series of security threats. In this study, we identify a new kind of location privacy related attack which could geo-locate a secondary user from the spectrum he used. We propose a Spectrum Utilization based Location Inference Algorithm, which is based on the intersection of the possible location sets revealed by each channel access or channel transition event under the presence of the primary user. We implement our algorithm on the data extracted from Google Earth Coverage Maps released by FCC. Our experiement results show that, $80\%$ SUs could be located to 10 cells based on 25 or less channels.


In the highly competitive worldwide construction industry, a slight inaccuracy of estimation can easily cause the loss of a project. Erroneous experience‐based cost estimates or allocations of onsite supervisory manpower often offset the profit gained from the project and may even jeopardize the management processes. To counter these types of problems, we develop a model using mathematical analysis and case‐based reasoning to automate the allocation of onsite supervisory manpower and its costs. The method is founded upon laborious data collection processes and analysis by matching statistical assumptions, and is applicable to construction projects for residential buildings, industrial office buildings, commercial buildings and industrial construction. In the modelling the costs and allocation of onsite supervisory manpower are quantified for both owners and contractors before initiating or bidding on the projects. The findings confirm that the degree of variation of the model predictions has an accuracy rate at 88.47%. Single‐site construction projects with the following characteristics: a non‐crashing schedule, a floor area of less than 35 000 m2, a height of less than 50m, can be accurately predicted and the assignment of supervisory manpower feasibly automated.


Recent experimental and theoretical studies indicate that coherent VLF waves, such as lightning-generated whistlers and signals from ground-based VLF transmitters, can often produce significant pitch angle scattering in energetic particles in the magnetosphere. However, the relative importance of these waves in controlling the lifetimes of energetic particles is only partially understood due to limited knowledge of the global distribution of the coherent waves throughout the magnetosphere. The present paper presents a preliminary global study of VLF transmitter signals and low-latitude whistlers received at 245 km altitude on the space shuttle. The observations were made in a 5-day period during the STS 3 mission of the space shuttle in March 1982. The threshold sensitivity of the wave receiver when mounted in the shuttle bay was 0.3 pT ± 10 dB (set by the shuttle electromagnetic interference), which was sufficient to detect the whistler mode signals in large regions of the ionosphere. We find that the direct signals from a 10-kW transmitter located at 28°S magnetic latitude were received in a roughly circular region with a diameter of 6000 km centered around the transmitter. The signals propagating through the magnetosphere from a 500-kW magnetically conjugate transmitter at 40°N magnetic latitude were received inside a region extending 5000 km in longitude and 2000 km in latitude. Finally, the direct signals from a 1 MW-transmitter at 31°S magnetic latitude were received in a region extending 22,000 km in longitude, while the latitudinal extent (5000 km) was limited by the shuttle orbit and the day/night terminator. Except for one case, signals were received only during nighttime. Extremely small dispersion whistlers were detected on L-shells between 1.04 and 1.11, suggesting that the lack of ducted whistlers on magnetic field lines in this range is not due to transmission loss across the D region boundary or to high ionospheric absorption loss, but most likely to a lack of ducts.


The ability of a species to show plasticity throughout its range is suggested to be significant to the survival, maintenance, and expansion of populations. In the Southern Ocean, plastic traits may have enabled resilience since the onset of cooling, and given species the capacity to exploit empty niches after the retreat of ice in interglacial periods. Phenotypic plasticity has rarely been investigated in Southern Ocean invertebrates however, and the cold stenothermal environment, which prevails, has often been considered homogenous in its selection on fauna. Previous ecological studies have often pooled together material collected within predetermined biogeographic regions to overcome the limitations of sampling difficulties. Subtle differences between environments may however, be forcing ecological divergence in species, with possible implications for speciation processes. This thesis investigates the phenotypic plasticity and reproduction among populations of the small shallow-water brooding bivalve Lissarca miliaris over its Antarctic range, and of deep-sea protobranch bivalves Yoldiella ecaudata, Y. sabrina, and Y. valettei from contrasting benthic regions. The reproductive studies of L. miliaris revealed a previously unknown hermaphrodite trait, maximising the reproductive efficiency in a short-lived species where the female's capacity to brood its young is limited. Reproduction is also described for the first time in deep-sea Antarctic protobranch bivalves and demonstrates lecithotrophic larval development. Additionally, Y. valettei shows evidence of simultaneous hermaphroditism, which may increase the likelihood of successful reproduction in low population densities. Phenotypic plasticity is observed among populations of bivalves, irrespective of geographical proximity, and with no latitudinal trends, but subtle differences in the environment. Significant differences in morphology and growth rates are identified among populations, and reproductive plasticity identified in L. miliaris and Y. sabrina. Increasing atmospheric temperature is also measured to show an effect on the ecophysiology of intertidal populations of L. miliaris at Signy Island over the past 40 years, with increasing growth rates at the cost of smaller offspring and pressure from endolithic algal decay.


This study attempts to use empirically based appraisals of regional fertility patterns in West Germany as a basis for forecasts of future fertility. Nondemographic fertility determinants must be stressed in such an investigation: about 90% of the fertility decline in Berlin between 1970-77 was due to changes in reproductive behavior rather than in age structures. The analysis seeks to quantify the nondemographic influences on fertility and to use the resulting measure as a basis for forecasts of future development of fertility in the different regions. The crude birth rate general fertility rate total fertility rate net reproduction rate and standardized fertility rate are defined and explained and some comparisons presented for the years 1970 1974 and 1977 for different regions defined on the basis of density and settlement structure. A typology of 5 regional types is constructed on the basis of changes in the standardized fertility rate between 1970-1977 and between 1974-77. Necessary assumptions for forecasting future fertility on this basis and a suggested procedure for making such predictions are supplied. An example of application of the procedure is included.


This study focused on the teaching techniques used by the English teachers at SD Islam Al-Munawwaroh Pamekasan. Consequently, the purposes of this study were: 1) To know the teaching techniques used by the teachers in teaching English at SD Islam Al-Munawwaroh Pamekasan. 2) To know the
strength and the weakness of the teaching techniques employed by the English teachers at SD Islam Al-Munawwaroh Pamekasan. In this study the descriptive qualitative design was used to obtain the data. Two teachers were involved as the subject of this study. There were two instruments used in taking the data 1) Observation and 2) Interview.
The research findings showed that the techniques used by the teachers in teaching English were story telling, English song, game, dictation, dialogue, and drama, question and answer techniques. Furthermore, the strengths of story telling, was the students would be easier to understand, and remember the lessons.
The weakness of story telling was the teachers got difficulty to find out the useful tool because it was limited. The strengths of English song technique were made
the students easier to understand the lessons and remember new words in that song. The weaknesses of English song technique were not all of the material can be a song, after the teachers used this technique the students lost their
concentrations to continue the lesson. The strengths of game technique were the students would be easier to catch, understand, and remember the lessons. This technique also could stimulate the students' interest to learn English because they like playing games. The weaknesses of this technique were made the students were not interested in the teacher explanation anymore after they have fun activities, time consuming, and the class was crowded which could disturb the other classes. The strengths of dictation technique were made the students understand the process of writing and reading the words. The weaknesses of this
technique were made the students difficult to rewriting and pronouncing the words correctly because the process of writing and pronouncing the words were different. The strengths of dialogues and drama techniques were made the
teachers understand the student's talent in expressing themselves, pronouncing the words and the intonation of the dialogue correctly. The weaknesses of those techniques were needed more time, made the students got lazy to memorize and
perform the dialogue and drama because they did not have high self confidence.
The strengths of question and answer technique was could help the teachers explain the topic clearly. The weakness was made the students got bored easily with the teacher's explanation.


New adenosine deaminase variants ADA C and ADA D were found by means of agarose gel electrophoresis in pig erythrocytes. Family data supported the hypothesis that these are controlled by codominant alleles ADAC and ADAD. The ADAC allele was present in Large White (q = 0.076), Landrace (q = 0.037) and their crosses with other breeds. The ADAD allele was present in Duroc (q = 0.067) and its crosses. Allele frequencies for six pig breeds are given.


Acute organophosphate pesticide poisoning is common in India. Organophosphates inhibit acetylcholinesterase resulting in cholinergic hyper-stimulation of the muscle and significant muscle weakness. Prolonged muscle weakness that is poorly defined with respect to its pathogenesis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of the poisoning. Although acetylcholinesterase inhibition is the primary event that leads to prolonged muscle weakness of organophosphate poisoning, the absence of accompanying acetylcholine induced muscarinic signs suggests the involvement of additional non-cholinergic pathological reactions. This study explores non-cholinergic pathomechanisms that may contribute to organophosphate induced muscle weakness.
The muscle is a high energy requiring organ and low ATP levels slow contraction and weaken the muscle. Organophosphate poisoning is characterized by intense muscle activity that follows severe inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. This may lead to ATP depletion in the muscle if utilization is faster than generation.
Organophosphate poisoning leads to nitric oxide elevation which is associated with organophosphate induced myopathy. This is by nitric oxide induced mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased ATP production.
We suggest that organophosphate induced nitric oxide inhibits mitochondrial ATP synthase and prevents sufficient ATP synthesis for muscle activity that occurs on poisoning. Inadequate muscle ATP levels, in addition to acetylcholinesterase inhibition, contribute to muscle weakness following organophosphate pesticide poisoning.
The aim of this study was to examine ATP generation and nitric oxide modulation of mitochondrial function in contributing to muscle paralysis induced by acute severe organophosphate pesticide poisoning.
Acute monocrotophos poisoning rapidly induced muscle weakness that progressed to paralysis followed by complete regaining of muscle power in rats. Strong inhibition of muscle acetylcholinesterase was the primary toxicity responsible for induction of muscle weakness, and recovery of enzyme activity was important for regaining muscle power, which was enabled by a rapid metabolic clearance of monocrotophos from the muscle.
Muscle weakness was also due to nitric oxide induced inhibition of ATP synthesis and inadequate energy. Reversal of this inhibition increased energy generation which may be important in preventing prolonged muscle weakness associated with severe organophosphate poisoning in humans.


Finite-size and surface effects in fine particle systems are investigated by Monte Carlo simulation of a model of a $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (maghemite) single particle. Periodic boundary conditions for a large enough system have been used to simulate the bulk properties and the results compared with those for a spherical shaped particle with free boundaries to evidence the role played by the surface on the anomalous magnetic properties displayed by these systems at low temperatures. Several outcomes of the model are in qualitative agreement with the experimental findings. A reduction of the magnetic ordering temperature, spontaneous magnetization, and coercive field is observed as the particle size is decreased. Moreover, the hysteresis loops become elongated with high values of the differential susceptibility, resembling those from frustrated or disordered systems. These facts are a consequence of the formation of a surface layer with higher degree of magnetic disorder than the core, which, for small sizes, dominates the magnetization processes of the particle. However, in contradiction with the assumptions of some authors, our model does not predict the freezing of the surface layer into a spin-glass-like state. The results indicate that magnetic disorder at the surface simply facilitates the thermal demagnetization of the particle at zero field, while the magnetization is increased at moderate fields, since surface disorder diminishes ferrimagnetic correlations within the particle. The change in shape of the hysteresis loops with the particle size demonstrates that the reversal mode is strongly influenced by the reduced atomic coordination and disorder at the surface.


Low-dose methotrexate therapy has been recently proposed as an alternative therapy for patients with severe steroid-dependent asthma. This study examined the role of low-dose methotrexate in the management of asthma. Fourteen subjects with stable, severe asthma were enrolled. Patients received orally methotrexate 15 mg/week. Only 2 of 14 patients responded to methotrexate 2 to 3 years after the study's termination. The doses of steroids could be reduced. Side effects were observed in nearly 50% of patients; 7 subjects required the discontinuation of treatment. Low-dose methotrexate therapy may have probably a role in small selected group of steroid-dependent asthmatics.


Most individuals experience their dominant arm as being more dexterous than the non-dominant arm, but the neural mechanisms underlying this asymmetry in motor behaviour are unclear. Using a delayed reach task, we have recently demonstrated strong goal-directed tuning of stretch reflex gains in the dominant upper limb of human participants. Here, we used an equivalent experimental paradigm to address the neural mechanisms that underlie the preparation for reaching movements with the non-dominant upper limb. We found only minor goal-directed differences in the short latency stretch reflex of the non-dominant limb. There were consistent effects of load, preparatory delay duration and target direction on the long latency stretch reflex. However, by comparing stretch reflex responses in the non-dominant arm with those previously documented in the dominant arm, we demonstrate that goal-directed tuning of short and long latency stretch reflexes is markedly weaker in the non-dominant limb. The results indicate that the motor performance asymmetries across the two upper limbs is partly due to the more sophisticated control of reflexive stiffness in the dominant limb, likely facilitated by the superior goal-directed control of muscle spindle receptors. Our findings therefore suggest that independent fusimotor control plays a role in determining performance of complex motor behaviours and support existing proposals that the dominant arm is better supplied for executing more complex tasks, such as trajectory control. Key points Most of us routinely rely on the dominant arm to perform more complex and demanding motor tasks, but the mechanisms enabling the superior motor performance of the dominant limb are unclear. A better understanding of the motor asymmetry across the two arms might provide key insight into core sensorimotor principles. This study shows that goal-directed tuning of short and long latency stretch reflexes in the non-dominant arm is markedly weaker than in the dominant arm. Our results suggest that the more sophisticated control of reflexive stiffness in the dominant limb, likely facilitated by superior fusimotor control, partly underpins the laterality of motor performance.


The soil sample was collected and screened for isolation of higher antibiotic producing bacterial strain. The isolated bacterial strain was tentatively identified as Bacillus sp. by biochemical characters using Bergey's manual. The present study is focused on the optimization of different parameters for production of peptide antibiotic (Bacitracin) using synthetic medium. The antibacterial activity of isolate was analyzed against S. aureus. The nutritional ingredients for bacitracin production were found as glucose (1%) and L-glutamic acid (0.5 %) as carbon and nitrogen source respectively. The prominent bacitracin production was obtained after 48 hrs incubation at 40°C temperature and at 7 pH.


ABSTRACT Enterotoxigenic Escherichiacoli (ETEC) causes considerable morbidity and mortality due to diarrheal illness in developing countries, particularly in young children. Despite the global importance of these heterogeneous pathogens, a broadly protective vaccine is not yet available. While much is known regarding the immunology of well-characterized virulence proteins, in particular the heat-labile toxin (LT) and colonization factors (CFs), to date, evaluation of the immune response to other antigens has been limited. However, the availability of genomic DNA sequences for ETEC strains coupled with proteomics technology affords opportunities to examine novel uncharacterized antigens that might also serve as targets for vaccine development. Analysis of whole or fractionated bacterial proteomes with convalescent-phase sera can potentially accelerate identification of secreted or surface-expressed targets that are recognized during the course of infection. Here we report results of an immunoproteomics approach to antigen discovery with ETEC strain H10407. Immunoblotting of proteins separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) with sera from mice infected with strain H10407 or with convalescent human sera obtained following natural ETEC infections demonstrated multiple immunoreactive molecules in culture supernatant, outer membrane, and outer membrane vesicle preparations, suggesting that many antigens are recognized during the course of infection. Proteins identified by this approach included established virulence determinants, more recently identified putative virulence factors, as well as novel secreted and outer membrane proteins. Together, these studies suggest that existing and emerging proteomics technologies can provide a useful complement to ongoing approaches to ETEC vaccine development.


Our study was undertaken to assay gentisate, an oxidation metabolite of salicylate, in plasma and synovial fluid (SF) samples from patients taking antiinflammatory doses of aspirin. A close correlation between plasma and SF concentrations was found for (1) salicylate, (2) salicylurate, and (3) gentisate, in 20 patients studied. Our data suggest ready equilibration of these compounds between the plasma and synovial spaces. In vitro experiments confirmed that in the presence of an oxy radical flux, salicylate is oxidized to gentisate. However, no evidence was obtained to implicate peripheral conversion of salicylate to gentisate in inflamed joints where oxy radicals may be produced.


Objective: To evaluate the frequency of hearing impairment and the prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal variables associated with hearing impairment in neonates at the Indus hospital in Karachi. Study Design: Prospective, Observational, Cohort study. Setting: Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Sheikh Saeed Memorial Campus (SSMC) of Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) Karachi, Pakistan. Period: July 2020 to June 2022. Material & Methods: We screened 426 neonates for hearing impairment utilizing otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) Auditory brainstem response test (ABR) and "brainstem auditory evoked response" (BERA). Babies who failed OAE and ABR test underwent BERA. Babies with abnormal BERA report were proven to have hearing impairment. Results: A total of 426 neonates were screened through the study period. Of these 426, 134 (31.5%) were unsuccessful and a second stage OAE test was conducted where 63 (47.0%) passed and 71 (53.0%) did not. The ABR test was administered to 71 neonates, 42 (59.2%) failed the test and received referrals for diagnostic BERA. Of those 42 neonates, 15 neonates tested positive for BERA, 10 of them were found to have sensor neural hearing loss while 5 had conductive hearing loss. Neonatal jaundice patients were more likely to experience hearing impairment (p=0.011). Family history of hearing loss (p=0.001) and fetal distress (p=0.043) were significantly related with hearing impairment. Conclusion: The result of our study has discovered a significant number of risk factors for hearing loss, which is crucial since it will allow for close monitoring of the kids who have these risk factors. Furthermore, our research emphasizes the need of newborn hearing screening in our country, since this screening is not generally carried out in all facilities.


Amidst growing displacement, global policy is increasingly oriented towards the inclusion of refugees in national education systems in countries of exile. This shift is understood to enable improved education for refugees as well as post-school opportunities but also means that refugee young people must often contend with education in unfamiliar languages. This article engages the definition of social justice as 'parity of participation' to examine the relationship between economic, political, and cultural participation and language in refugee education. Analysing 76 semi-structured interviews with Sudanese and South Sudanese refugee heads-of-households living in Uganda, national Ugandan teachers working in schools attended by refugee and national children, and policymakers and program leaders intervening in refugee education, this article considers tensions between education policies premised on English for economic opportunity and the kinds of political, cultural, and economic participation refugees seek in the present and for the future.


This paper examines the conditions of the Palestinian refugees in host locations by focusing on the political, social and citizenship rights. In doing so, the paper utilizes examples from current locations of displacement to draw some analysis to the debate around citizenship rights and its association to the right of return question. The imbalance of political power and political instability in host location, particularly in Arab states continues to be the major factor of refugee hardship. This is relevant as it is unmasked the truth behind host states' policies about Palestinian refugees and the right of return in particular. In fact, this article brought forward some different argumentation in each case as principle position unites most Arab states. Moreover, the article illustrate how Arab states views the plight of Palestinian refugee may not necessarily be about protecting the right of return but may be used for other implicit reasons such as local and international political agenda.


Advances in genomic studies have revealed that hybridization in nature is pervasive and raised questions about the dynamics of different genetic and evolutionary factors following the initial hybridization event. While recent research has proposed that the genomic outcomes of hybridization might be predictable to some extent, many uncertainties remain. With comprehensive whole-genome sequence data, we investigated the genetic introgression between two divergent lineages of nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) in the Baltic Sea. We found that the intensity and direction of selection on the introgressed variation varied across different genomic elements: while functionally important regions had experienced reduced rates of introgression, promoter regions showed enrichment. Despite the general trend of negative selection, we identified specific genomic regions that were enriched for introgressed variants and within these regions, we detected footprints of selection, indicating adaptive introgression. We found the selection against the functional changes to be strongest in the vicinity of the secondary contact zone and weaken as a function of distance from the initial contact. Altogether, the results suggest that the stabilization of introgressed variation in the genomes is a complex, multi-stage process involving both negative and positive selection. In spite of the predominance of negative selection against introgressed variants, we also found evidence for adaptive introgression variants likely associated with adaptation to Baltic Sea environmental conditions.


Four patients with homozygous sickle cell disease and severe proctocolitis are described. The current prevalence is three patients per 1,000 attending a sickle cell clinic. The reasons for the apparent predisposition of sickle cell disease to proctocolitis could not be determined but was revealed by the large follow-up clinic.


Repeated cycles (multiple generations) of nuclear transfer procedures have the potential of producing a large number of identical offspring from the micromanipulation of one mammalian embryo. This paper outlines the differences in nuclear transfer procedure efficiencies and developmental rates for the various stages and generations of embryos. We report the production of 54 genetically identical embryos that developed to the morula stage from one parent embryo. When a limited number of nuclear transfer embryos (clones) were transferred to recipient females, first, second, and third generation calves were born. Clones cultured for 5 days in the sheep oviduct had a greater number of cells (28.1 +/- 1.7) than clones cultured for 4 days (17.8 +/- 1.7). However, fusion rates were lower for Day 5 clones (Day 5, 57% vs. Day 4, 68%; p < 0.001) used as donors for the next generation of cloning. Different generations of clones also varied in fusion rates. Fusion rates generally declined with each additional generation and ranged from 66% for the parent-donor embryos to 52% for second generation donors (p < 0.01). Developmental rates were highest for first and third generation donors (20% and 19%) and lowest for second generation donors (10%; p < 0.001). Further understanding of the factors that are conducive to high developmental rates and nuclear reprogramming may make it possible to produce an unlimited number of genetically identical animals.


Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide/sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (DTAB/SDBS) complex formulation of scale effect on the spontaneous formation of vesicles and the influence of different factors on the stability of vesicles were discussed, structure and morphology of vesicles were observed.


This article examines effects of tempo and familiarity of background music in TV advertising. Based on the resource-matching rationale stating that processing of a message is maximized when the resources demanded by the processing task match those people are able to make available, the authors predict an inverted-U-shaped relationship between the tempo and message recall. The prediction is fully supported when familiar music is used, but not when unfamiliar music is used in the background. Possible explanations of the results are offered and their implications are discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


Abstract Introduction Incidentaloma is defined as an tumor diagnosed accidentally using imaging studies performed due to other indications. The aim of this paper was to describe the diagnostic and treatment problems experienced by patients with adrenal incidentaloma in a clinical practice. Material and methods In years 2009-2012 there were 33(16,5%) adrenal tumors diagnosed incidentally out of 200 cases treated due to adrenal pathology. The group consisted of 54 patients aged 27-77. In 15(45,5%) patients the diagnosis was made based on ultrasound examination, while in 18(54,5%) the tumor was visualized in CT/MRI. Results Only after the diagnostics was finalized, in which in all cases no signs of hormonal activity were detected, 26(78,8%) patients were qualified for the surgery. In 7(21,2%) cases no indications for such a management were found. The latter group was followed-up and in all patients the indications for the surgery arose due to enlargement of the tumor or/and the existence of hormonal activity. Our observations suggest that the incident finding of adrenal tumor is an indication of long-term observation. The analysis of our material shows that all patients observed needed surgical treatment. Conclusions The small adrenal tumors under follow-up have a tendency to enlarge and acquire hormonal activity. Long-term observation significantly increases the costs of treatment in that group, which eventually results in surgical management.


In developing complementary metal-oxide semiconductor logic circuits using N-type semiconducting nanowires, threshold voltage (Vth) control is crucial because the driving voltage should be established in relation to the Vth dispersion of transistors. In this study, using N2 plasma treatment, positive shifts of SnO2 nanowire transistor (NWT) devices were produced as desired without degrading the nanowire surfaces. The NWT devices exhibited positive Vth shifts of ∼0.9 and ∼1.5 V and decreases in on-currents of ∼20% and ∼40% at plasma source powers of 200 and 400 W, respectively, without any changes in subthreshold slope or off-current. The positive Vth shifts and decreases in on-current can be explained by assuming that nitrogen ions (N3−) filled in for the existing oxygen vacancies (Vo, Vo+, and Vo++) and that consequently, the amount of oxygen vacancies playing a role in electron-trapping decreased.


The contribution of the British Colonies in supporting Britain in its quest to promote English and British culture amongst Afrikaner children during and in the aftermath of the Anglo Boer War is examined in this article. A cursory background to the circumstances that shortly preceded the Anglo Boer War is provided to present the context of the study. Next, the role of the press in shaping opinions on and attitudes towards the key role players in the war is offered. This aspect is included since it points to how the opinions of British colony teachers who were recruited to teach Afrikaner children in South Africa had been shaped. This section is followed by an overview of concentration camp schools and an outline of the prevailing conditions of schooling at that time. Hereafter the experiences of teachers who had been recruited from each of three British Colonies New Zealand, Canada and Australia – are presented. These experiences give the reader insight into how teaching occurred, what it comprised and how it was received by Afrikaner children who survived the concentration camps. This article aims to add to the body of knowledge on schooling during the time of the Anglo Boer War and the role that the British played in the provisioning of education. The article also outlines the attempts of the British to Anglicise Afrikaner youth. The research evidences that the explicit role of these teachers was to inculcate the English language and customs in Afrikaner children during and after the Anglo Boer War.


Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a critical element of the innate immune system and are potent producers of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Recently, however, the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 has been observed in all ILC subtypes (ILC1s, ILC2s, and ILC3s) suggesting their ability to adopt a regulatory phenotype that serves to maintain lung and gut homeostasis. Other studies advocate a potential therapeutic role of these IL-10-expressing ILCs in allergic diseases such as asthma, colitis, and pancreatic islet allograft rejection. Herein, we review IL-10 producing ILCs, discussing their development, function, regulation, and immunotherapeutic potential through suppressing harmful inflammatory responses. Furthermore, we address inconsistencies in the literature regarding these regulatory IL-10 producing ILCs, as well as directions for future research.


AIDS is a global problem affecting people regardless of economic status, ethnicity, age, occupation, or gender. Although, initially perceived as a gay men's disease, the fastest growing population in the AIDS epidemic is women. African American women represent over half the reported cases of AIDS among women in the United States. An epidemiological analysis is presented about AIDS among African American women. Utilizing feminist empowerment strategies and multidimensional prevention/intervention strategies to engage the African American community, social workers, and health professionals is suggested.


KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HISTORICAL TEXTS REGARDING THE OTTOMAN PERIOD FOUND IN A MANUSCRIPT OF NIKOLAOS KARATZAS MS 5 of the Kourilas Collection, now preserved at the University of Ioannina, contains 41 historical texts concerning mainly the history of the Ottoman Empire during the 17th and 18th centuries. The manuscript was written by the eminent 18th-century collector and scholar Nikolaos Karatzas. Many of the texts are unedited. This preliminary study includes a list of these texts, their incipits and some paleographical notes. MACHI PAIZI-APOSTOLOPOULOU


Drug-resistant focal epilepsy is the failure of antiepileptic drugs scheduled to obtain epileptic free brain activities. In human brain, cerebral hemispheres are the most commonly involved brain regions in epilepsy. In case of antiepileptic drugs failure, surgical treatment is the best cure possible. However, correct localization of epileptogenic region is a challenging task for neurologists, while for computer scientists, automatic localization is. This research work's aim is to explore the functional activities of all brain regions in drug-resistant focal epileptic patients and achieve high accuracy for the classification of epileptogenic region (ER) with the high-density electroencephalographic (hdEEG) data. The proposed system includes frequency analysis for feature extractions followed by individual subject's registration of hdEEG signals with anatomical brain images for most precise localization of ER possible. The datasets attained from feature extraction process are then preprocessed for class imbalanced and then evaluated using different machine learning algorithms including the techniques under Bayesian networks, Lazy networks, Meta techniques, Rule based systems and Tree structured algorithms. Considering human brain as stationary object as well as dynamic object, frequency-based and time-frequency based features were considered in 12 subjects respectively. Through this novel approach, 99.70% accuracy is achieved to classify ER from healthy regions using KSTAR and using IBK algorithm, 91.60% accuracy has been achieved to classify generator from propagator.


The design of a Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy for the closed-loop operation of an Artificial Pancreas (AP) to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus is considered. The contribution of this paper is to propose a velocity-weighting mechanism, within an MPC problem's cost function, that facilitates penalizing predicted hyperglycemic blood-glucose excursions based on the predicted blood-glucose levels' rates of change. The method provides the control designer some freedom for independently shaping the AP's uphill versus downhill responses to hyperglycemic excursions; of particular emphasis in this paper is the downhill response. The proposal aims to tackle the dangerous issue of controller-induced hypoglycemia following large hyperglycemic excursions, e.g., after meals, that results in part due to the large delays of subcutaneous glucose sensing and subcutaneous insulin infusion - the case considered here. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated using the University of Virginia/Padova metabolic simulator with both unannounced and announced meal scenarios.


This article explores women's pathways to participation in environmental justice advocacy in California's San Joaquin Valley. Many scholars find that women become environmental justice activists according to a common set of experiences in which apolitical women personally experience an environmental problem that launches them into a life activism to protect the health of their families. Although a small group of the 25 women the author interviewed fit this description, overall the interviews reveal a much more diverse array of paths into environmental justice activism. The author's data complicate the idea that environmental justice activism is the first political activity for most women environmental justice activists and that they are motivated to become activists primarily in order to protect the health of their families. The author discusses the significance of these findings and concludes with a call for scholars to revisit the question of women's pathways into environmental justice activism.


The botanical antimicrobial agent prepared from citrus fruits (BAAC) was prepared to provide inhibitory ability to packaging paper The BAAC diluted in 05% and 1% starch solution respectively was applied to packaging paper by the thin coating technique The antimicrobial packaging paper displayed great inhibitory effect against the putrefying microbes including fungi, yeast and bacteria In addition to antimicrobial activity of the packaging papers, their physical properties such as tensile strength, burst strength, tear strength and bending stiffness could be Improved by simultaneous treatment with starch
Both the Item packaging by tissue paper and the outer packaging by corrugated boxes, which were treated by the thin coating of BAAC and starch, exhibited great ability In preserving freshness of stored mandarin oranges The more treatment of BAAC was made In the packaging paper, the greater freshness-preserving ability was generated.


Developments in the resuscitation of the severely injured trauma patient in the last decade have been through the increased understanding of the early pathophysiological consequences of injury together with some observations and experiences of recent casualties of conflict. In particular, the recognition of early derangements of haemostasis with hypocoagulopathy being associated with increased mortality and morbidity and the prime importance of tissue hypoperfusion as a central driver to this process in this population of patients has led to new resuscitation strategies. These strategies have focused on haemostatic resuscitation and the development of the ideas of damage control resuscitation and damage control surgery continuum. This in turn has led to a requirement to be able to more closely monitor the physiological status, of major trauma patients, including their coagulation status, and react in an anticipatory fashion.


Vandalism and theft are important issues relating to the construction site. Incidents of vandalism and theft sometimes depending on the type of construction work and this varies between road and highway construction, housing construction , airport , dam structure , and also the construction of the stadium. Contractors always lose materials, tools and expensive equipment because theft and vandalism whether by site workers or criminals who recognize an easy opportunity. The total losses from vandalism and theft on construction sites have been increasing dramatically over the past decade. The objective of this study is to study the risk management in construction to investigate the causes and effect of theft and vandalism problem
construction site, to carry out recommendation the preventive measure to reduce theft and vandalism problems occur at construction site. To achieve the objective of this study, interview was conducted to get more detail information about the theft and vandalism problem and also the risk management in construction site. Besides that the questionnaire also distributed to the person that in charge the construction site.