The aim of this paper is to asses to what extent an optical tracking system (OTS) used for position tracking in virtual reality can be improved by combining it with a human scale haptic device named Scalable-SPIDAR. The main advantage of the Scalable-SPIDAR haptic device is the fact it is unobtrusive and not dependent of free line-of-sight. Unfortunately, the accuracy of the Scalable-SPIDAR is affected by bad-tailored mechanical design. We explore to what extent the influence of these inaccuracies can be compensated by collecting precise information on the nonlinear error by using the OTS and applying support vector regression (SVR) for calibrating the haptic device reports. After calibration of the Scalable-SPIDAR we have found that the average error in position readings reduced from to 263.7240±75.6207 mm to 12.6045±8.4169 mm. These results encourage the development of a hybrid haptic-optical system for virtual reality applications where the haptic device acts as an auxiliary source of position information for the optical tracker.


Current vertical-beam entomological radars record the polarization direction corresponding to the maximal ventral-aspect radar cross section (RCS) as the insect's orientation. For so-called "parallel" insects, this direction is indeed their orientation; but for "perpendicular" insects, it is at right angles to the orientation. Current entomological radars cannot discriminate the parallel and perpendicular cases. This article shows here that discrimination is possible using the relative phase of the scattering matrix (SM) eigenvalues. Multifrequency fully polarimetric ventral aspect SM measurements of 80 insect specimens of 12 species have been made in a microwave anechoic chamber. The relationship of the polarization direction corresponding to the maximal RCS and the radar frequency has been analyzed, and from these results a method of discriminating parallel and perpendicular insects, based on the relative phase of the SM eigenvalues, is proposed. The method is applicable to X- and Ku-band observations, with a high correct-identification rate, and can be used with both fully polarimetric entomological radars and coherent rotating-polarization units, but not with the noncoherent rotating-polarization configuration used in traditional vertical-looking radars (VLRs). Finally, the performance of the method is discussed, and it is found that it has better performance for middle and large insects at X-band and small and middle insects at Ku-band.


INTRODUCTION
A process-oriented instrument was developed for the summative assessment of student performance during problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials. This study evaluated (1) the acceptability of the instrument by tutors and (2) the consistency of assessment scores by different raters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A survey of the tutors who had used the instrument was conducted to determine whether the assessment instrument or form was user-friendly. The 4 competencies assessed, using a 5-point rating scale, were (1) participation and communication skills, (2) cooperation or team-building skills, (3) comprehension or reasoning skills and (4) knowledge or information-gathering skills. Tutors were given a set of criteria guidelines for scoring the students' performance in these 4 competencies. Tutors were not attached to a particular PBL group, but took turns to facilitate different groups on different case or problem discussions. Assessment scores for one cohort of undergraduate medical students in their respective PBL groups in Year I (2003/2004) and Year II (2004/2005) were analysed. The consistency of scores was analysed using intraclass correlation.

RESULTS
The majority of the tutors surveyed expressed no difficulty in using the instrument and agreed that it helped them assess the students fairly. Analysis of the scores obtained for the above cohort indicated that the different raters were relatively consistent in their assessment of student performance, despite a small number consistently showing either "strict" or "indiscriminate" rating practice.

CONCLUSION
The instrument designed for the assessment of student performance in the PBL tutorial classroom setting is user-friendly and is reliable when used judiciously with the criteria guidelines provided.


The present work deals with design, synthesis, mechanistic study and biological evaluation of novel, diverse compounds as potential inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Multi-complex-based method has been suggested to generate a comprehensive pharmacophore map of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) based on a collection of 13 crystal structures of human CDK2 inhibitor complex. The proposed chromeno [4',3':4,5] N pyrido [2,3-d] pyrimidine-1,7-dione derivatives were prepared via a multicomponent reaction of 6-aminothiouracil with salicylic aldehyde and acetylacetic ester. The elucidation of the reaction mechanism was investigated and was confirmed by synthetic and spectroscopic methods. All the newly synthesized compounds were tested as CDK2, as antitumor agents and all of them were found to be active.


Touch interaction has quickly become the de-facto means of interacting with handheld devices due to its perceived attractiveness and low hardware cost. This study proposes a strategy for identifying users based on touch dynamics. Users' touch behavior is monitored and several unique features are extracted including left versus right hand dominance, one-handed versus bimanual operation, stroke size, stroke timing, symmetry, stroke speed and timing regularity. An experiment involving 20 users reveals that the strategy is successful in identifying users and their traits according to the touch dynamics. The results can be used for automatic user interface customization. However, more research is needed before touch characteristics can be applied to increasing the security of handheld touch-based devices.


The ultrafast and precise single-onset action potential (AP) of the bushy cells (BCs) in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) plays an important role in precise processing of temporal auditory information for localizing sound sources and communication cues. The specialized properties of high conductance of the low-voltage-activated potassium (K+LVA) channel contribute to generate ultrafast and precise single-onset APs in BCs. However, the developmental changes of K+LVA distribution and their contributions to shape neuronal excitability of BCs remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the developmental changes in neuronal excitability of BCs and K+LVA distribution at different developmental periods. Using electrophysiological recording, we first characterized the firing pattern of BCs in response to a sequence of current injections at different developmental periods. The expression of the K+LVA subunit Kv1.1 in AVCN was examined with Western blot. The results indicated that BCs showed single-onset AP firing patterns and paused multiple APs firing patterns at the postnatal time of day 7 (P7) and were then refined into single-onset firing patterns at P14 and P21. With development, the active membrane properties, including latency and half-width of AP, and passive membrane properties, including capacitance, input resistance, and time constant, were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the refinement of firing patterns in BCs was correlated with the upregulation of the Kv1.1 channel in AVCN. In summary, the present study indicated that BCs optimize precise and single-onset firing with development, possibly driven by the changes in membrane properties and upregulation of Kv1.1 in AVCN.


We propose a model for a sulfur-plus-gold sensitization center, which is derived by replacing one of two interstitial silver ions with a monovalent gold ion in a model for sulfur sensitization center proposed in this series of papers, and predict that (a) the incorporation of gold ions into silver halide grains is enhanced by the presence of sulfur sensitization centers owing to stronger bond formation of sulfide ions with gold ions relative to that with silver ions, and that (b) an electron trap for a sulfur-plus-gold sensitization center is shallower and has larger cross section than that fur a sulfur sensitization center, since a gold ion is larger than a silver ion. The prediction (a) was supported by the measurement of the amount of gold ions incorporated into AgBr grains by means of an isotopic tracer technique with a gold sensitizer labeled with 198 Au. The prediction (b) was supported by the measurements of the activation energy and frequency factor of the rate of development of developer fog, which resulted from the electron transfer from a developer to sensitization centers.


lnterconnection components like connectors, pins, and printed wiring board fingers are usually required to satisfy manufacturers and/or users specifications prior to being used. This entails monitoring such components for quality and, if necessary, controlling or resolving problems that arise. The following examples of such situations are discussed: 1) incoming material inspection procedures for monitoring quality of precious metal inlays used as contact finish, involving contact resistance measurements; 2) pass-fail requirement testing and demerit rating of discolored pins with electroplated gold finishes; 3) cleaning procedure for excessive lubricant in contact area; 4) controlling for uniformity in coverage of lubricant on contact areas; 5) resolving resistance failure of pins from solder reflow contamination with proper cleaning and production procedures; and 6) resolving resistance failure of connector contacts by using such analytical techniques as laser mass spectroscopy and gas chromatograph mass spectroscopy to detect failure mode and develop cleaning procedures.


In mammals, adult neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus produces neurons contribute to learning and memory functions. However, more recent evidence suggests that neurogenesis may also happen in other regions of the brain such as striatum, spinal cord, and hypothalamus (Reviewed in (Riddle, 2007)). It is important to determine if neurogenesis also occurs in non-neurogenic regions of the adult brain such as CB and 3V. This would be of importance for potential future therapeutic applications for brain repair, and also to help understand the fundamental function of the different regions of the adult brain.

This thesis tested the hypothesis that neural stem cells (NSCs) are present in the mature cerebellum (CB) and the lining of the third ventricle (3V). Based on this hypothesis, one of the major goals of this thesis was to isolate and characterise NSCs isolated from CB and 3V of adult mouse and weather they could generate neuronal and glial cells in vitro. Immunohistochemical analysis for NSC-associated markers revealed that the mature CB in mouse, chick, and primates contains a population exhibiting NSCs characteristics. Results showed that this population was the Bergmann glial located in the Purkinje cell layer (PCL) of the cerebellar cortex, which express Sox1, Sox2, Sox9, BLBP, and GFAP in a similar pattern. Some of these markers are common for neural stem/progenitor cells or radial glial cells in other brain regions. Observations in the 3V revealed that tanycytes lining the ependymal layer also express NSC and astrocytic markers. Moreover, cells were isolated from the CB and 3V of adult GFP+/-Sox1 mice and tested their ability to form neurospheres, their response to EGF and FGF-2, and their differentiation into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. CB and 3V-isolated cells were found to grow in culture, expand, and differentiate into neuronal and glial phenotypes. It was also observed that CB-derived NSCs could survive and differentiate into neuronal and glial lineages after long term removal of either EGF or FGF-2, although cultures were optimal in the presence of both mitogens. We also observed that cells cultured in either EGF or FGF-2 for 3 weeks had different effects on both CB and LV cells in terms of cell fate specification toward neuronal and glial lineages. This finding suggests the heterogeneity of NSCs population in the adult brain. The identification and mapping of the different NSC populations present in the adult brain offers some important opportunities for regenerative medicine approaches.

In order to better characterise the cerebellar population of cells identified above, adult Bergmann glial was observed in a mouse model of cerebellar damage caused by the loss of PCs in pcd5J mutant mice. Calbindin immunostaining at different time-points showed that PC degeneration was visible at P21, then progressed rapidly and became considerable at P26 (nearly 70-80% loss), and by P100 all PCs were lost. Immunohistochemical analysis on sections of CB from pcd and wild type counterparts revealed an increase in Bergmann glia cells at P100 as well as the upregulation of GFAP expression. GFAP+ BG exhibited thick disorganised processes in the molecular layer (ML) at P100 in the mutant mice, with some cell bodies mispositioned in the ML, and significant shrinkage of both ML and internal granular layer (IGL). The increase in the number of Sox1+, Sox2+, and Sox9+ BG in 3 month old mutant mice was not visible at earlier time points analysed. These findings indicate that the PCs loss in pcd5J mice precede and possibly trigger the increase in the Sox1+, Sox2+ and Sox9+ cell population in the CB. Our results also showed that no proliferation activity was observed in the pcd mouse CB at revealed by Ki67 staining, suggesting that the CB microenvironment might not be permissive for neurogenesis even after PCs loss. In vitro isolation of NSCs the CB of P21 pcd mice was carried out, and although cultures appear slower to establish than wild type controls these cells did form neurospheres and express NSC markers. Further characterisation of CB-derived NSCs from pcd mice and their growth and differentiation potential will help better understand the dynamics and possible therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders affecting the CB. The characterisation of CB and 3V derived NSCs from adult mouse CB has provided important information regarding their differences with NSCs derived from neurogenic region in the brain, the lateral ventricle (LV).


Abstract The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of climate change on the soil-water regime of the Záhorská lowlands. The consequences of climate change on soil-water storage were analyzed for two crops: spring barley and maize. We analyzed the consequences of climate change on soil-water storage for two crops: spring barley and maize. The soil-water storage was simulated with the GLOBAL mathematical model. The data entered into the model as upper boundary conditions were established by the SRES A2 and SRES B1 climate scenarios and the KNMI regional climate model for the years from 2071 to 2100 (in the text called the time horizon 2085 which is in the middle this period). For the reference period the data from the years 1961-1990 was used. The results of this paper predict soil-water storage until the end of this century for the crops evaluated, as well as a comparison of the soil-water storage predictions with the course of the soil-water storage during the reference period.


In a supply chain the variability of the orders received by the supplier can be greater than the demand variability. This phenomenon is named bullwhip effect. Some researchers are quantified the bullwhip by measuring the differences between observed variances in the different stages of the supply chain. The bullwhip effect refers to the phenomenon of amplification and distortion of demand in a supply chain. By eliminating or controlling this effect, it is possible to increase product profitability reducing useless costs such as stock-out and obsolescence costs. The bullwhip itself it is not a good index of the chain's performance, because it does not consider the oscillations that occur in the inventories, which also may affect the supply chain performance.


Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. In order to improve diagnosis and prognosis, new
sensitive and specific biomarkers are needed. Tissue biomarkers carry expression and morphological information of
the tissue where they are expressed. However their use is still limited by technological problems, lack of standardized
procedures and inadequate interpretation.
In this work we investigated a group of tissue biomarkers as well as new technologies and computerized approaches
for consistent and reproducible analyses. We also tested an automated approach for performing Gleason grading.
In order to validate previous in silico studies, we investigated the expression of ERG (as a surrogate marker of
TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion status) and TATI (encoded by SPINK1) proteins in a large TMA of localized prostate
cancer patients. We observed a mutually exclusive expression pattern, further supporting the idea of tailored
treatment for genotypically different cancers. In the second and third studies we introduce the use of image analysis
for an integrated approach that uses Time Resolved Fluorescence Imaging on PSA and AR, immunofluorescence
on cytokeratin as well as brightfield microscopy on H&E and p63/AMACR. The workflow includes the following
automated steps: multi-modality image registration, identification of regions of interest, recognition of benign versus
cancer areas and protein quantification. PSA seemed to decrease in cancer while AR increased in AMACR+ and
decreased in AMACR- cancer tissue compared to benign. Finally, we developed a system based on SIFT features
and BoW approach to automatically perform Gleason grading. The system was able to distinguish between grades
with very high accuracy.


Seed priming is a cost-effective, practical, environmental, and farmer-friendly method to improve seed germination that can potentially increase the growth and yield of plants. The priming process enhances various physiological and biochemical mechanisms of defense and empowers the seeds or seedlings to overcome different environmental stresses. However, under critical circumstances, plants are hindered from absorbing specific chemical priming reagents owing to their larger size, molecular structure, or lack of carriers. Therefore, nanoscale materials having exceptional physiochemical properties and a large surface/volume ratio are expected to be better absorbed by the seeds/seedlings as priming agents in comparison to bulk chemicals and can trigger enhanced molecular interactions at the cellular level. Further, the flexibility in altering the surface chemical properties of the nanomaterials can facilitate better interaction with the seeds/seedlings while inhibiting the wastage of priming agents. In this review, we have systematically discussed the potentiality of various nanostructured materials as priming agents in alleviating the adverse effects of various abiotic stresses, viz., drought, salinity, high temperature, cold temperature, and heavy metals, by studying the growth parameters and physiological and biochemical response of various crop plants subjected to these stress conditions. Also, we have highlighted the molecular mechanism and activation of genes involved in enabling abiotic stress tolerance in plants after being primed with nanostructured materials.


The Great Patriotic War was one of the cruelest wars of the XXth century. Especially great suffering in the USSR it brought to children. They grew up very quickly. This generation did not have childhood; their childhood was embedded in the war. Keeping their war memories alive Galina and Slava Lebedevy as one of the representatives of this generation decided to establish an organization named "Children burnt by war" in Arkhangelsk putting as their main aim the transmission of their knowledge to young generations as a means of creating continuity in society. The creation of the organization of the Lebedevys was also a way of adaptation to new conditions of life: lacking support from the state after the breakdown of the USSR they started their struggle for social justice to enhance the life of the people of their generation. They wanted to restore their position in the new society, to regain dignity and counteract the rapidly decreasing respect from the younger generations. Through the establishment of the organization, they have become actively involved themselves into the political life of the city and the country in order to be heard, understood and recognized.


Background Few studies have examined the relationship of sarcopenia with the microcirculation. The current study investigated the relationship of sarcopenia with microcirculatory function, as assessed by skin perfusion pressure (SPP), in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods In total, 102 T2DM patients who underwent SPP measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. SPP was assessed using the laser Doppler technique. Sarcopenia was defined as low height-adjusted appendicular muscle mass (men, <7 kg/m2; women, <5.7 kg/m2) using BIA. We divided the participants into two groups based on SPP (≤50 and >50 mm Hg), and an SPP below 50 mm Hg was considered to reflect impaired microcirculation. Results Fourteen patients (13.7%) were diagnosed with impaired microcirculatory function of the lower limb based on SPP. The prevalence of sarcopenia in all subjects was 11.8%, but the percentage of patients with an SPP ≤50 mm Hg who had sarcopenia was more than triple that of patients with an SPP >50 mm Hg (28.6% vs. 9.1%, P=0.036). A significant positive correlation was found between SPP and appendicular muscle mass adjusted for height (P=0.041 for right-sided SPP). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients with sarcopenia had an odds ratio of 4.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 24.9) for having an SPP ≤50 mm Hg even after adjustment for confounding factors. Conclusion These results suggest that sarcopenia may be significantly associated with impaired microcirculation in patients with T2DM. Nonetheless, the small number of patients and wide CI require cautious interpretation of the results.


We obtained a pure hydrocarbon tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivative with the characteristic of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and mechanoluminescence (ML). The centrosymmetric crystal in the space group of C2 and the non-polar molecule indicate that the ML property is not related to the piezoelectric effect in the crystal; alternatively, a strong static electric interaction may be responsible for its ML phenomenon.


We compare three theoretical frameworks for pursuing explanatory integration in psychiatry: a new dimensional framework grounded in the notion of computational phenotype, a mechanistic framework, and a network of symptoms framework. Considering the phenomenon of alcoholism, we argue that the dimensional framework is the best for effectively integrating computational and mechanistic explanations with phenomenological analyses.


Lysine 72 (using the vertebrate numbering system) is trimethylated in cytochromes c from fungi and plants but not from higher animals. We have investigated the characteristics of an amino acid sequence required for trimethylation of lysine 72 by examining 21 altered iso-1-cytochromes c from Saccharomyces cerevisiae having single replacements in the region encompassing residues 67 through 77. These results indicated that tyrosine 74 is critical for trimethylation of lysine 72, whereas replacements at other positions did not produce significant diminutions. Various replacements of tyrosine 74 resulted in different levels of inhibition, with the Y74F replacement causing no significant reduction, and the Y74E and Y74K replacements completely or almost completely preventing trimethylation of lysine 72. However, other similarly spaced lysine and tyrosine residues at other sites in the protein did not result in trimethylation of the lysine residue. Thus, a properly situated aromatic residue, determined by the overall conformation of apocytochrome c in the vicinity of lysine 72, appears to be essential for trimethylation.


Mitochondrial antigens released from damaged cells act as "danger signals" capable of promoting innate immune cell migration and activation via formyl peptide receptors (FPRs). Lung epithelial cells are equipped to migrate and mount innate immune responses in the context of acute lung injury. The goal of this study was to determine whether lung epithelial cells express FPRs, which are capable of responding to mitochondrial antigens to promote wound closure and inflammation. Using human Beas2B lung epithelial cells grown to confluency and subjected to linear scratch injury, it was found that mitochondrial antigens enhanced epithelial wound closure, and this phenomenon was inhibited by cyclosporin H, a selective inhibitor of FPR. Although mitochondrial antigens also promoted IL-8 release, this release was not FPR dependent and was unrelated to FPR-induced lung epithelial cell wound closure. The expression of functional FPR was confirmed in Beas2B and primary human tracheobronchial epithelial cells, particularly in lamellipodia at the leading edge of the closing wound. The expression of FPR was increased in response to TNF-α, LPS, scratch injury, and mitochondrial antigen treatment. Considered together, these data confirm that human lung epithelial cells express functional FPRs, which are capable of responding to endogenous mitochondrial danger signals, to promote wound closure.


The analysis of literature and patents related to the possibilities of biotechnology for optimizing the domestic meat processing plants was the aim of the article. The analysis of the results of the use of biotechnological methods in the meat processing industry is given. The prospects for their implementation are evaluated. The main development strategy of technological meat processing to develop the methods of obtaining high quality and safe meat products is highlighted. Targeted use of special strains of microorganisms in production of functional meat products offers some opportunities. Thus, such action is associated with formation of the follo wing specific dietary components: organic acids, bactericins, enzymes, vitamins and others. They promote to improve the sanitary microbiological, organoleptic, functional and technological parameters of meat products. Using of denitrifying microbial strains could reduce the residual content of sodium nitrite in the finished product, minimizing the possible carcinogenic and mutagenic impact of this compound on a human body, producing functional safe products while maintaining its high organoleptic characteristics.


This study addresses the stabilisation problem for a class of networked control systems (NCSs) with time delays and packet losses. Motivated by the fact that static state feedback control shows offset in the plant output when non-zero disturbance acts on NCSs, the proposed method emphasises the implementation issue and employs state feedback integral control to achieve non-zero disturbance rejection and zero steady-state error. The resulting closed-loop system is transformed into a discrete-time switched system, and the stability conditions are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The corresponding stabilising controller design technique is also developed based on the stability conditions. Simulation and experimental examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the bending mechanical properties and provide reference for orthodontists to select the proper wires during alignment stage.

METHODS
In order to analyze the load deflection rate of NiTi round wire quantitatively, some NiTi round wires of different cross-sectional dimension (0.36, 0.41, 0.46 mm) were selected. Then loading-unloading experiments were carried out with the micro-orthodontic archwire testing apparatus and double end bending test could be accomplished with the wire in a 0.56 mm x 0.71 mm standard incisor edgewise bracket slot.

RESULTS
Under the load of 0.03 N.m, 0.36 and 0.41 mm NiTi round wire showed excellent super-elasticity, while 0.46 mm NiTi round wire didn't. When the optimal moment produced by the archwire was between 0.01 N.m and 0.02 N.m, the bending range of 0.36, 0.41 and 0.46 mm NiTi round wires was from 21.0 degrees to 49.5 degrees , 7.2 degrees to 23.7 degrees , and 6.5 degrees to 9.5 degrees , respectively after deducting the contact angle.

CONCLUSIONS
On the premises of yielding effective orthodontic force, the preferable NiTi round wire for alignment was the one which could produce continuous and slowly declining force.


Left ventricular function has been measured in calves before and after the production of a myocardial infarct by ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery. In 20 animals function was measured after the area of the acute infarct had been excised and the left ventricle repaired by direct suture. Infarcts equal to 20% of the left ventricle were found to impair left ventricular function, and significant immediate improvement in function was measured in one-third of the animals in which an infarct was resected.


Like all other branches of medicine, ophthalmology has made such fantastic strides during the last 100 years that the preceding millennia appear to us telescoped into a jumble of ignorance, incompetence, and superstition. The Renaissance prepared the European spirit for the subsequent blossoming of modern fundamental science during the golden age of science, the 17th and 18th centuries, which, in turn, led to the phenomenal development of the applied sciences since 1800. A closer scrutiny of the earlier state of science and of medicine, in particular before 1500, permits us, however, to discern that our subject during the Dark Ages had its ups and downs, its progresses and its regressions. Let us see what lessons may be drawn from history! What are the sources of medieval ophthalmology? Medical books and manuscripts, letters and reports, and numerous legal and other documents relating to the practice of ophthalmology. During the middle ages,


A cryogenic storage ring (CSR) is under construction at the MPI-K Heidelberg. It consists of electrostatic elements and has a circumference of ~35 m. The CSR shall be used for storage of rotationally non-excited molecules and highly charged ions, therefore extremely low temperatures (<4K) and gas pressures (10 -15 mbar) are required. The ring shall also be operational at room temperature and bakeable to at least 300°C. The maximum energy of singly charged ions is 300 keV, the intensities will be in the range 1 nA – 1 μA. For the mass range, A<100 is taken as reasonable design value, in later stages of CSR operation experiments with heavier ions are foreseen. Due to the exceptional boundary conditions we are working on new or further developments for most of the diagnostics devices. For example our RGMs have to produce their own local pressure bumps. The MCPs have to work at temperatures around 4 K. The beam position pickups shall be operated in resonant mode for increased sensitivity. Our beam profiler will use secondary electrons from a stopper plate, which allows beam imaging in the intensity range 10 2 to 10 12 pps. For intensity measurements a SQUID CCC system is under discussion.


In situ neutron powder diffraction measurements show that the orthorhombic-to-tetragonal phase transition in YBa2Cu307 —,which occurs near 700 C in a pure oxygen atmosphere, is an order-disorder transition in which the disordering of oxygen atoms into a normally vacant site destroys the one-dimensional Cu-0 chains present in the room-temperature orthorhombic structure. For both structures, the oxygen stoichiometry decreases monotonically with increasing temperature. The transition temperature depends on the oxygen partial pressure and occurs when the stoichiometry is near YBa2Cu3065. The tetragonal structure has a partially occupied, nearly octahedral Cu-0 arrangement, in contrast to the orthorhombic structure which has one-dimensional Cu-0 chains. The observed depression of the superconducting transition temperature in tetragonal YBazCu307 —", which has been quenched from high temperature, could result either from the disordering of oxygen atoms which destroys the one-dimensional chains or from the absence of Cu + ions.


We have investigated the effect of the PEDOT:PSS electrode/molecule contact on the charge transport characteristics of large-area molecular junctions. We incorporated two different benzenethiolate molecules into the molecular junctions: 4-methylbenzenethiol (MBT) and benzene- 1,4-dithiol (BDT). They have an identical backbone structure but different top end-groups. From statistical analysis, we found that the tunneling transport behavior showed a significant difference between the two prototype conjugated molecules, which was attributed to their distinct electrical contacts at the PEDOT:PSS electrode/molecule interface. We also observed an enhancement of the junction conductance at elevated temperatures, which would be caused by the increased grain size of the conducting PEDOT-rich cores and the removal of residual solvents or water in the junctions.


Abstract:Literacy "sponsorship" in refugee communities is not without its risks and limitations. For potential sponsors, risks include the commodification of refugee voices, while limits include inaccurate generalizations of those being sponsored. This essay draws from a case study of refugee student discourse to discuss how a more explicit decolonial approach to sponsorship can help sponsors rethink a giver-receiver paradigm. This approach would first deconstruct imperialist discourses of power and then replace them with new, alternatives to meaning-making. While contingent on local contexts, this study aims to set an agenda for continued debate within refugee community literacy support projects.


ABSTRACT VX-787 is a novel inhibitor of influenza virus replication that blocks the PB2 cap-snatching activity of the influenza viral polymerase complex. Viral genetics and X-ray crystallography studies provide support for the idea that VX-787 occupies the 7-methyl GTP (m7GTP) cap-binding site of PB2. VX-787 binds the cap-binding domain of the PB2 subunit with a KD (dissociation constant) of 24 nM as determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The cell-based EC50 (the concentration of compound that ensures 50% cell viability of an uninfected control) for VX-787 is 1.6 nM in a cytopathic effect (CPE) assay, with a similar EC50 in a viral RNA replication assay. VX-787 is active against a diverse panel of influenza A virus strains, including H1N1pdm09 and H5N1 strains, as well as strains with reduced susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs). VX-787 was highly efficacious in both prophylaxis and treatment models of mouse influenza and was superior to the neuraminidase inhibitor, oseltamivir, including in delayed-start-to-treat experiments, with 100% survival at up to 96 h postinfection and partial survival in groups where the initiation of therapy was delayed up to 120 h postinfection. At different doses, VX-787 showed a 1-log to >5-log reduction in viral load (relative to vehicle controls) in mouse lungs. Overall, these favorable findings validate the PB2 subunit of the viral polymerase as a drug target for influenza therapy and support the continued development of VX-787 as a novel antiviral agent for the treatment of influenza infection.


We present a federated learning framework that is designed to robustly deliver good predictive performance across individual clients with heterogeneous data. The proposed approach hinges upon a superquantile-based learning objective that captures the tail statistics of the error distribution over heterogeneous clients. We present a stochastic training algorithm which interleaves differentially private client reweighting steps with federated averaging steps. The proposed algorithm is supported with finite time convergence guarantees that cover both convex and non-convex settings. Experimental results on benchmark datasets for federated learning demonstrate that our approach is competitive with classical ones in terms of average error and outperforms them in terms of tail statistics of the error.


One of the most important factors in determining the success of a construction project in terms of speed, quality cost and safety of work is the formwork used in the project as it accounts about 40% of the total project cost of the structure. When considering a construction projects both the client and contractor want to finish the job early as the client wants to use the building for the intended purpose as soon as possible. The contractor wants to finish the construction as soon as possible to gain a higher profit. The most efficient way to speed up the work in high-rise building construction is by achieving a very short floor cycle. The floor cycle of a building mainly depend on the formwork type as it is the main time factor of a building project. The aim of this paper is to present about the existing formwork types in Sri Lanka and to show how each one will affect the project duration, project cost and the quality of the work. For that a research has been carried out and the results will present in this paper.


Existing geocode quality metrics provide little utility for those interested in the spatial uncertainty associated with a geocoded location. The per-geocode metrics describe aspatial characteristics of individual aspects of the geocoding process, while the per-dataset spatial metrics provide only general information that may not apply to a single geocode of interest. In this paper we develop a method for describing the certainty of a geocoded datum as a spatial probability surface based on an uncertainty propagation model which takes into account the certainty stemming from each portion of the geocoding process. This surface-based geocode output structure provides a more truthful view of the uncertainty present in these data and will enable more realistic estimates of information derived from them in such tasks as environmental exposure modeling.


This study aims to investigate the pattern of landslides on the cliffs forming the railway with steep slopes. This research was conducted at Rejosari Natar Station, South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province. The point of observation is at STA 30 + 250. The data in this study were divided into primary and secondary data. Primary data is the data that is directly obtained in the field by taking soil samples which are then processed in the laboratory. The secondary data is the soil characteristics data of the railroad structure starting from the rail load, rail bearings, ballast layers, sub-ballast layers, and sub-grade. These will be used as input in conducting railroad analysis using Plaxis modelling. Plaxis modeling requires these variables and parameters to be analyzed based on the amount of vertical settlement, total stress, and safety factor values that occur due to rail loads. Reserach found that the value of the soil safety factor was <1.25. This means that the soil condition is in a critical condition for collapse and the ground will experience landslides which can endanger the safety of the passing trains. For this reason, improvements are needed in the soil that will experience landslides


WHO and IUAT-LD recommend repeated microscopy in order to improve the detection of contagious cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Our aim was to determine the contributions of radiology and microscopy in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. From January 1998 to April 1999 radiography and microscopy were performed for 275 patients who were admitted to the pneumology service. Pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence was higher among women aged 10 to 29 years than among men of the same age (p = 10(-6)). 188 (68.4%) women tested positive, 49 (17.8%) tested positive at the second microscopy and 1 (0.36%) at the the third. The main radiological lesions were nodules + infiltrats (46.2%), nodules + infiltrats + cavity (26.2%) and infiltrats + cavity (6.5%). Repeated microscopy significantly increased the proportion of pulmonary tuberculosis cases detected (from a prevalence 68.4% to 86.5%).


In sound fields, the incident wave and the reflected wave are superimposed together; but sometimes we need to isolate the sound waves. In this paper, we present two methods of isolating the incident wave and the reflected wave in the sound fields, the two methods are: the double-pressure sensor method; and, the pressure-velocity sensor method. The double-pressure sensor method involves obtaining the sound pressure from two different locations, and solving the sound pressure and particle velocity at the midpoint of the double-pressure sensor by the accumulative method. The pressure-velocity sensor method involves accessing the sound pressure and velocity at a certain position. And we give the reason for errors of the double-pressure sensor method. For the double-pressure sensor method, many factors could affect the separation results of the incident wave and the reflected wave because of the approximate deduction in the accumulative separation process. Factors that may have affected the result include: the primary sound source frequency; the sampling rate; the distance between the double sensors; the distance between the midpoint of the two sensors and the reflection surface; and, the reflection coefficient. If we can obtain the sound pressure and particle velocity at the same point in the sound field, and bypassing the approximate deduction, the change in these parameters would not have any impact on the separation results. Therefore, we use the pressure-velocity sensor method in order to isolate the incident wave and the reflected wave. We carried out the experiment in a standing wave tube by the pressure-velocity sensor method, and processed the experimental data obtained in the standing wave tube. And we analyze the effect of isolating the incident sound wave and the reflected sound wave. We find that the pressure-velocity sensor method is a good method.


In vitro propagation via somatic embryogenesis is an efficient alternative to large-scale propagation of plant material. Nevertheless, there are no reports of development of complete somatic embryogenesis protocols, with plant production of lettuce. This study aimed to establish lettuce in vitro propagation of Paris White and Red Salad Bowl genotypes, evaluating embryogenic callus induction, somatic embryos regeneration and subsequent conversion into plants. For somatic embryogenesis induction, two sources of explants (whole and sectioned cotyledons) were grown on MS medium containing 10.75μM NAA and 0.89μM BA. Callus proliferation occurred in MS medium supplemented with 24μM AIA and 0.15μM BA. For somatic embryos maturation and conversion into plants, we used MS medium devoid of growth regulator under three conditions: semi-solid medium with and without activated charcoal, and liquid medium. The sectioned explant source was statistically superior only for genotype Paris White. For somatic embryos regeneration, we observed that, in genotype Paris White, the liquid medium was statistically higher than semi-solid media, and for genotype Red Salad Bowl, activated charcoal-added semi-solid medium was the better. Considering the potential commercial applicability of somatic embryogenesis for seedlings mass production of lettuce Paris White genotype, somatic embryos induction, proliferation, maturation and conversion into plants protocols were adequate, especially in liquid system.


Milk from dairy cows is a staple dietary component for humans all over the world. Regardless of whether milk is consumed in its purest, unaltered form or as high-end products such as fine cheese or ice cream, it needs to be of high quality when taken from the cow, produced at a low price and produced in a system that consider aspects such as animal health, animal welfare and sustainability. This thesis investigated the role of milk removal and the importance of residual milk on milk yield, milk composition and milking efficiency in dairy cows. The specific aspects examined were whether residual milk retained in the udder, specifically its fat component, is involved in regulation of milk synthesis and secretion and whether removal of this residual milk influences milk yield, composition and quality, measured as milk fatty acid composition and free fatty acid content. The results showed that milking efficiency could be increased by increasing the pulsation ratio or using a higher cluster or teat cup take-off threshold, without negative effects on milk yield or milk composition. Milking time in automatic milking systems could thereby be decreased by one minute per cow and milking or more. Milk fatty acid composition was affected by several treatments tested, but the content of free fatty acids and the size distribution of milk fat globules were unaffected. Residual milk yield increased both due to repeated residual milk removal and to use of a higher cluster take-off level. Residual milk removal also increased the relative proportion of short-chain fatty acids in milk. The overall conclusion of this thesis is that residual milk removal in mid-lactation dairy cows does not affect milk yield and that milking efficiency in an automatic milking system can be increased with higher takeoff levels without affecting milk yield or composition. No evidence of a regulatory mechanism in residual milk was found, but residual milk removal increased milk fat synthesis.


Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that the redistribution of blood volume and concomitant relative central hypervolemia induced by water immersion to the neck (NI) results in a significant natriuresis which is quantitative identical to that induced by the acute administration of 2 liters of saline. Since the central hypervolemia induced by NI occurs without concomitant alterations in serum sodium and potassium concentration, the NI model was utilized to assess the role of volume in the regulation of both plasma renin (PRA) and plasma aldosterone (PA) in man. Nine normal subjects were studied on two occasions while in balance on a 10 meq Na, 100 meq K diet; Control and NI. The conditions of seated posture and time of day were identical. Blood for PRA and PA was obtained at 30-min intervals for 6 h. NI produced a profound suppression of PRA as early as 30 min with maximal suppression (62%) by 180 min (P less than 0.001). Recovery from NI was associated with a prompt return to pre-study levels. The changes in PA paralleled those of PRA with regard to both the rapidity and magnitude of the suppression (r = 0.993: P less than 0.001). These data emphasize the importance of central volume per se as a primary determinant of PRA and PA regulation in normal man. Furthermore, the current studies confirm the importance of the renin-angiotensin axis in the control of volume-related changes in PA in normal man. The ability of NI to induce a prompt and parallel suppression of PRA and PA without concomitant alterations in plasma composition, suggests that NI may be a preferred investigative tool for assessing the effects of volume expansion on renin-aldosterone.


Received Jun 3, 2022 Revised Apr 30, 2023 Accepted May 29, 2023 COVID-19 increases the awareness of cleanliness and sanitation in society. Trends in launching sanitizer and disinfectant products have risen significantly to meet customer demand. However, the existing commercial sanitizer products are mostly chemical-based and may cause adverse effects. Therefore, ecoenzyme is a perfect bio-waste utilization for nonchemical-based sanitization products. The authors investigated eco-enzymes' effectiveness in an aerosol spray from fruit waste for a pleasant natural disinfectant. This review aimed to compile results from previous studies on fruit waste by systematically reviewing empirical studies on household waste practices to develop an eco-enzyme following the PRISMA guidelines. A digital search in five databases from Google Scholar, PubMed, Garuda, Sinta, and Open Alex resulted in 24 relevant journals, considering keywords such as eco-enzyme, disinfectant, and organic waste. The mapping results show that eco-enzyme is feasible and economical for disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces due to its antimicrobial activity. The presence of acetic acids and enzymes (i.e., lipases and amylases) can inhibit specific strains of microorganisms, namely Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp.


Rapid tranquillisation and physical restraint should be considered for use in patients with disturbed or violent behaviour only when other strategies have failed, say guidelines published this week for the NHS in England and Wales.

The guidance recommends that short term measures for managing disturbed or violent behaviour in psychiatric inpatient settings and accident and emergency departments should be based on comprehensive risk assessment and risk management. All mental health service providers should ensure that their services have a full risk management strategy for assessing risk and preventing violence. This should include measures to calm down a potentially violent situation and intervene safely when violence occurs.

Rapid tranquillisation, physical restraint, and seclusion should be considered only after these measures have failed to calm the service user, the guidance warns. The intervention selected must be a reasonable and proportionate response to the risk posed by …


Abstract When Parvathi Krishnan (MP, Coimbatore Madras) entered India's parliament on 28 March 1958, it was just a regular workday. She questioned a government minister about his policies toward railway workers, and solicited funds to repair a post office in her constituency. And yet as a woman legislator, she balanced the everyday tasks of governance with the difficulties of functioning in a male-centred institution. This essay, based on research in legislative debates in Madras and Bihar as well as in parliament, argues that especially for the period from 1957 to 1962, when so much of the legislative process was still in flux, women legislators challenged government structures even as they participated in making them. Their work—for the state and for their constituents—necessarily shaped the institutions to which they were elected. Looking beyond high-profile policies like the Five-Year Plans, this essay reveals the complex task of governing and the critical roles of women in it.


Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are one of the most commonly occurring cancers in the age groups heavily represented in the U.S. Navy. The Navy has a wide range of potential occupational exposures. This study was initiated to identify any occupational associations of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that may adversely affect naval readiness. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in U.S. Navy active duty enlisted personnel during the period 1974-1983 with the general U.S. population, and to assess if risk varied by naval occupation or length of service. The Naval Health Research Center's computer-based disease registry was used to conduct a prospective study of all white U.S. Navy enlisted men during 1974-1983 to test for the existence of any short-term risk possibly due to occupation. Men in 80 occupations, ranging from clerk to journalist to machinist and boiler operator were observed for 3,704,864 person-years; mean length of service was 5.1 yr, but 19% of person-years were contributed by men who had served at least 11 yr. Incident cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas were identified and verified using Medical Board findings or review of original medical records. Average annual age-specific and age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated. Examination of pathology records and medical review boards confirmed 68 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The annual age-adjusted incidence rate per 100,000 person-years in Navy men was significantly lower than in the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population, probably due to screening and other selection factors associated with Navy service that result in a healthy worker effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Background: International consensus on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) recommends coefficient of variation (CV) as the metric of choice to express glycemic variability (GV) with a cutoff of 36% to define unstable diabetes. Even though, CV is associated with hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients, the evidence on the use of one particular measure of GV in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients as a predictor of hypoglycemia is limited. Methods: A cohort of T1DM ambulatory patients was evaluated using CGM. Number and incidence rate of events <54 and <70 mg/dL were calculated. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of different glycemic indexes and clinical variables were performed to identify those associated with hypoglycemia. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for each of the glycemic indexes was performed to define the best index and its optimal cutoff threshold to discriminate patients with events of hypoglycemia. Results: Seventy-three patients were included. A total of 128 events <54 mg/dL were recorded in 34 patients, and 350 events <70 mg/dL were registered in 51 patients. CV was the only variable significantly associated with hypoglycemia <54 mg/dL in the multivariate analysis (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.88, P = 0.008). CV, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), and mean glucose were associated with events <70 mg/dL. ROC curve analysis showed that, among GV metrics, CV had the best performance to discriminate patients with events <54 mg/dL (area under the curve [AUC] 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.95) and events <70 mg/dL (AUC 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68-0.90) with optimal cutoff thresholds values of 34% and 31%, respectively. Among glycemic risk (GR) indexes, low blood glucose index (LBGI) showed the best performance. Conclusions: This analysis shows that CV is the best GV index, and LBGI the best GR index, to identify patients at risk of clinically significant hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia alert events in T1DM patients.


Gravimetric changes in marble and limestone briquettes exposed to outdoor environment at five sites in the eastern United States have been monitored since 1984. An earlier report describes procedures and results obtained in 1984--1988. This report presents the results of the exposure period 1984--1988 and reviews and summarizes those of prior years. A linear relationship was found between cumulative gravimetric losses and exposure period or rain depth. These losses resulted in an average recession rate of 14 to 24 {mu}m/yr for marble and twice that for limestone. Variations in recession among the various exposure sites can be ascribed to differences in rain depth and hydrogen ion concentration. The annual recession rates obtained from gravimetry yielded rates that were for marble twice those obtained from runoff experiments, and more than three times those for limestone; this indicates that physical erosion plays an important role. Gravimetric monitoring of exposed briquettes is continuing in a planned 10-yr program.


Carica papaya L. is an economically relevant fruit crop in some tropical and subtropical countries. Though this species shows three polygamous sexual types, commercial production of the fresh fruit is mainly established from hermaphrodite lines. As a result of the cross-pollinating reproductive mechanism of hermaphrodite C. papaya, cultivation areas also show unwanted female plants. Comparatively, hermaphrodite plants exhibit considerable variation in regards to yield, fruit quality, and susceptibility to pathogens. In this context, the present work aimed at establishing a somatic embryogenesis protocol to provide regenerants from leaves of hermaphrodite C. papaya plants. Leaf explants, collected in the rainy season, provided high frequency of friable embryogenic calli (FEC). In culture medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic, FEC overgrew into a yellowish friable mass that fully covered the leaf explants. The somatic embryogenesis process occurred asynchronously, with new globular embryos continuously forming from the FEC. Torpedo and early cotyledonary somatic embryos matured in medium containing polyethylene glycol, activated charcoal and abscisic acid. These embryos were germinated, and normal seedlings were recovered. Based on these outcomes, the tissue culture protocol presented here may be considered a successful alternative for large-scale and clonal propagation of adult hermaphrodite plants of C. papaya.


It seems that, the degree of adaptation and implementation of human rights values has turned to be the corner stone for evaluation of state in a globalizing world. Although in every corner of the world raise the voices of individuals and minorities in glorification of the human rights, but still exist some regimes that resist accepting these global standards of human rights. We are concern to see how the IRI –as a theocratic regime with the pervasive human rightsis challenged in adapting and implementing these values. It is a complicated case, because the regime receives its legitimacy from practice of Islamic rules and values. Acceptance of the human rights as a secular product of human being is in sharp contrast with celestial law of Islam. Moreover, adaptation of these rights might jeopardize the regime's internal legitimacy, and ignoring the rights also costs the regime decline of international respect. Hence, the project aims to investigate the challenges of the IRI in adapting and implementing these values. Table of


A spatial scanning-probe array system for silicon-on-insulator (SOI) integrated circuit is proposed in this paper. The operating fundamentals, specifications, and simulations are presented in this paper. The proposed system is designed to scan the circuit in order to examine the surface and detect die cracks. The post signal processing by using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for scattered optical signal is also proposed and simulated.


T cell activation and proliferation requires a reducing microenvironment that is provided by dendritic cells (DC). Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) can suppress autoimmunity by inhibiting CD4+CD25- effector T cells (Teff). The mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we have tested the hypothesis that inhibition by Treg cells of DC-induced extracellular redox remodeling is a component of the Treg immunosuppressive mechanism. We demonstrate that the increase in extracellular Cys concentration upon co-culture of DCs with Teff cells results from the system xc--dependent import of cystine, its conversion to glutathione, which is subsequently exported and degraded by γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and a dipeptidase, to furnish Cys. Suppression of DC-dependent Teff cell proliferation by Treg cells is correlated with a significant diminution in extracellular Cys concentration and is abrogated by addition of exogenous Cys. The decrease in the extracellular redox potential during T cell activation is associated with an increase in the levels of exofacial surface thiols in both DCs and T cells, which is diminished in the presence of Treg cells. This study elucidates the pathway of thiol release by DCs in response to T cell stimulation, demonstrates that Treg cells interfere with the process of extracellular redox remodeling and identifies a novel mechanism for immunomodulation.


Abstract     The Frankfurt School is characterized by its critical nature and it is the result of the Marxist socialist thought as it contributed to the development of the German thought in particular and the Western thought in general through important ideas put forward by a number of pioneers in the various generations of the school and most notably through the leading pioneer in the first generation, Marcuse, and the leading pioneer of the second  generation, Habermas, whose political ideas had an important impact on global thinking and later became the basis of the attic of many critical ideas. In spite of the belief of the school members in the idea of the criticism of power and community, each had his own ideas that distinguish him from the others.


Web Services are one of the most promising technologies for the development of component based systems. Nevertheless, there are still several open issues which limit their potential benefits and impair their adoption. Among these, lack of effective techniques for systems dependability forecasting is a key problem. The approaches proposed in the literature are mainly borrowed from traditional software reliability theory, and they typically do not take into account specific characteristics of the Web Services technology. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to reliability evaluation of a web services based system. The approach exploits the concept of reliability patterns to derive an aggregate reliability function for a wide class of workflow processes. A new technique is also used to determine the reliability of individual services.


One hundred and seven previously untreated patients with measurable metastatic colorectal cancer who were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and leucovorin (LV) in two different maximum doses and schedules were retrospectively analyzed. Group A, 52 pts, was treated with LV 200 mg/m2/D i.v. push, followed by 5FU 700 mg/m2/D i.v. 1 h infusion for 5 D. Cycle was repeated every 21 D. Group B, 55 pts, was treated with LV 500 mg/m2/D in a 2 h infusion and 5FU 600 mg/m2/D i.v. bolus at mid-time of LV infusion, repeated every week for 6 wk followed by 2-wk rest period. There was no difference in response (A 8%, B 11%). Median survival for A was 37 (2-131) wk, B was 59 (1-112) wk (P = 0.021), time to progression for A was 20 (0-131) wk, B 30 (0-102) wk (P = 0.021). Administered mean dose intensity of LV was 350.8 mg/m2/wk in group A and 405.0 mg/m2/wk in group B without any significant difference; that of 5FU was significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (1205.3 vs 468.9 mg/m2/wk, respectively) (p < 0.0001). This difference was a consequence of the planned dose intensity for this drug in the two treatment regimens. Toxicity was more frequent and intense in group A for mucositis (P < 0.001), fatigue (P < 0.01), and neurotoxicity (P < 0.05), and in group B for neutropenia (P < 0.001) and nausea-vomiting (P < 0.001). There were one and four iatrogenic deaths in group A and B patients, respectively (NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


As climate research increases our understanding of the atmosphere's chemistry, serious theories are emerging that address the problems associated with engineering climate. New proposals suggest that it may be possible to reverse the trend in global warming and to replenish the diminishing ozone layer.

A special Union session titled Global Environmental Engineering, to be held at the Fall AGU Meeting in San Francisco, will bring researchers together to discuss the science and problems associated with engineering climate change. According to Ralph Cicerone, one of the session co-conveners, "It is not our intention to propose solutions to the problems facing our climate, nor to suggest methods for altering the environment. Rather, we recognize that many people would like to see them critically reviewed to see if some of the concepts in climate engineering have merit."


Conducting polyaniline (PANI) and inorganic Na+-Montmorillonite (Na+-MMT) nanocomposite material was prepared via a microemulsion polymerization method. To observe the morphology of the as-synthesized PANI/Na+-MMT nanocomposite, SEM images were employed. D-spacing of the PANI/Na+-MMT nanocomposite obtained from the XRD was found to become wider than that of pure Na+-MMT particles due to the successful intercalation of PANI into Na+-MMT layers. The fabricated PANI/Na+-MMT nanocomposite based electrorheological (ER) fluid was prepared by dispersing the particles in insulating silicone oil. Dynamic mechanical properties of the ER fluid were investigated via an oscillatory testing method using a vertical oscillation rheometer under an applied electric field, showing typical ER behavior.


A methodology for computing the maximum velocity profile for a planned trajectory of the robot is described in this paper. The profile is computed considering the robot and environment dynamics as well as the constraints of the sensing apparatus. The mobile objects can be arbitrary in number and their direction and velocity of motion is not known. The only known information about the moving objects is the maximum velocity they can possess. The robot that moves with the computed velocity profile can assure from its side that it would not collide onto any of the numerous moving objects that could intercept its future trajectory. The methodology has been incorporated onto a motion planner for a nonholonomous robot and the results presented. The motivation here is to facilitate the process of having safe and understanding robots. Hence the planned velocity profiles are in general conservative though the robot could perhaps do better on-line. However at planning time the robot's immobility before collision is guaranteed.


The middle stretch of the Madeira River has supported an intensive commercial fishery for several decades. Developed in an area of rapids and waterfalls, this fishery focuses primarily on catfish stocks, mainly pimelodids. Data from fish landings collected in the years immediately prior to the start in operations of two large hydroelectric dams were used to estimate growth and mortality rates for Pirinampus pirinampu (Spix & Agassiz) and Brachyplatystoma platynemum Boulenger. In addition, stock assessment was carried out for both species, and the results used to evaluate the status of the fishery. Mean population parameters were L∞ = 80.85 cm (total length), k = 0.52 year−1, ϕ = 3.53, A0.95 = 6 year, M = 0.87, F = 1.41–1.64 and Z = 2.28–2.51 for P. pirinampu; and L∞ = 95.55 cm (total length), k = 0.28 year−1, ϕ = 3.40, winter point = 0.41, A0.95 = 11 year, M = 0.55, F = 0.16–0.35 and Z = 0.71–0.90 for B. platynemum. Yield-per-recruit analysis indicated P. pirinampu was overfished and that the stock of B. platynemum was under-exploited. Moreover, overfishing of the P. pirinampu stock and the effects of fragmentation caused by the construction of the dam should be monitored.


Objective To understand the epidemic situation of Japanese B Encephalitis(JE)in Weifang during 2000-2007 and provide the scientific basis for controlling JE in the future.Methods The data of JE from NNDRS during 2004-2007 was analyzed by Exel2003.Results(1)During 2004-2007,the reported incidenceof JE is 0.36/100000,0.15/100000,0.12/100000,0.11/100000,respectively.(2)The JE cases were mainly reported in some Provinces including Qingzhou,Linqu Counties.(3)About 90% of the reported JE cases were adults greater than 15years old.Conclusion The results reveal that the reported incidence of JE has gradually decreased and suggest that the effectiveness of the Jeprevention and control has achieved enormous success.


Severely burned patients need extensive initial fluid resuscitation. Formulas to calculate fluid needs during burn shock are well established. However, protocols for normalizing circulating fluid volume after cellular integrity has recovered do not exist. Resultant electrolyte shifts can cause hypernatremia, a possible sign of hypovolemia, which may in turn result in decreased tissue perfusion, subsequently affecting burn wound healing. The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to explore the hypothesis that hypernatremia in burn patients is a possible sign of systemic dehydration and that dehydration may affect burn wound skin graft take. Medical chart data from otherwise healthy burn victims with deep partial-thickness burns (total burn surface area [TBSA] >10%) who underwent skin grafting 7 days post injury were reviewed. Thirty (11 female; 19 male) patients with an average TBSA of 30% (± 11%) and an Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI) score of 7.9 (± 1.8) were included. Of those, 17 had normal average serum levels between day 2 and 6 following injury and 13 developed hypernatremia (serum sodium ≥146 mmol/L) an average of 5.5 days (± 1.5) after injury. Patients in this group underwent an average of 1.3 (± 0.8) re-grafting procedures compared to 0.35 (± 0.5) for patients without hypernatremia (P = 0.001). There was good correlation (r = 0.525) between daily infusion-diuresis ratios (IDR) and serum sodium levels, as well as between serum sodium levels and re-skin grafting occurrences (r = 0.62). The results indicate that research to confirm that hypernatremia is an indicator of dehydration and affects skin graft take is warranted and that protocols to optimize fluid volume following burn shock treatment are needed.


The main complication of totally implantable venous access devices is deep venous thrombosis on catheter. It may dramatically reduce the already limited venous capacity of patients undergoing chemotherapy and obturate catheters, causing pulmonary embolism or functional disorders. These thromboses usually involve veins of the superior vena cava system where the catheters are implanted. Generally, they occur early, are extensive and often asymptomatic. Doppler ultrasonography is the diagnostic investigation of choice, phlebography being reserved for particular cases or to specify the limits of the thrombus. In a series of 412 vein access devices implanted and systematically monitored by Doppler ultrasonography, we found 57 thromboses (13.8%), 15 partial and 42 complete. The lowest thrombosis rate was observed in the right internal jugular vein (10% vs 20 to 23%, p = 0.006). Thirty-two patients received a systemic fibrinolytic treatment, 16 with streptokinase (SK), five with urokinase (UK), four with tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and seven with SK/UK association. No serious side effects were observed. Sixteen repermeabilizations (50% of fibrinolysis) were obtained. There were no significant differences with respect to the fibrinolytic, the initial characteristics of thrombosis or the patients. Patients without fibrinolysis received 3 weeks of low molecular weight heparin (curative doses) then warfarin. Only one patient was repermeabilized with this treatment (significative difference with fibrinolysis: p = 0.009). Fibrinolysis is indicated in symptomatic thrombosis and/or in cases of extension to the innominate vein or the superior vena cava. Systematic monitoring by Doppler ultrasonography and prophylactic anti-thrombotic treatment are recommended in patients with implantable venous access devices in order to decrease the occurrence of thromboses, to detect asymptomatic patients at an early stage and to increase the effectiveness of fibrinolysis.


Parkinson's disease is perhaps the most well-known neurodegenerative disorder that mainly occurs due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons and consists of motor/non-motor symptoms. The progression of the symptoms is often varying from one person to another to the diversity of the disease. The condition causes a huge burden both on those affected, as well as their families. Accurate diagnosis is critical and challenging but still, no specific diagnostic process is available. The computer-aided diagnosis techniques of signalling and imaging processing are very helpful in the prediction and classification of PD. This review gives a brief description of different methods of classification for early detection and also highlights the most profitable research directions by focusing on continuous monitoring patterns of daily activities, interactions, and routine that may provide the data on status changes, clinical management, and controlling self-correction


Cues indicating environmental threat have been shown to influence women's preferences for physical traits in men. For example, women's beliefs about their vulnerability to aggression are associated with a stronger preference for physical formidability and aggressive dominance in male bodies and faces. In the current study, we extend these previous findings by testing whether dangerous world beliefs predict accuracy in processing facial cues associated with affiliation or deception. In addition, we include a sample of men to determine if these effects generalize to both genders. In the present study, participants viewed a series of images of a target displaying both Duchenne (genuine) and non-Duchenne (posed) smiles and were asked to categorize them as real or fake; participants also completed the Belief in a Dangerous World scale. Results revealed that for women, greater dangerous world beliefs predicted greater accuracy in discriminating real and fake smiles; no relationship was observed between dangerous world beliefs and smile detection accuracy for men. These findings uniquely demonstrate that dangerous world beliefs predict greater accuracy in adaptive face perception; however, this relationship seems to be specific to women.


Abstract We discuss liquid-fuel molten salt (cooled) reactors (MSRs); how they will operate under normal, transient, and accident conditions; and the results of an expert elicitation to determine the corresponding thermal-hydraulic and neutronic phenomena important to understanding their behavior. Identifying these phenomena will enable the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), U.S. Department of Energy, and industry to develop or identify modeling functionalities and tools required to carry out confirmatory and licensing analyses that examine the validity and accuracy of an applicant's calculations and help determine the margin of safety in plant design. The NRC frequently does an expert elicitation using a Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) to identify and evaluate the state of knowledge of important modeling phenomena. However, few details about the design of these reactors and the sequence of events during accidents are known, so the process used was considered a preliminary PIRT. A panel comprising a group of subject matter experts met to define phenomena that would need to be modeled and considered the impact/importance of each phenomenon with respect to specific figures of merit (FoMs) (e.g., salt temperature, velocity, and composition). Each FoM reflected a potential impact on radionuclide release or loss of a barrier to release. The panel considered what the path forward might be with respect to being able to model the phenomenon in a simulation code. Results are explained for both thermal and fast spectrum designs, with an emphasis on the thermal-hydraulic takeaways. It was concluded that compared to light water reactors, the lack of high-pressure operation, energetic break flow, depressurization, and quench front tracking may simplify some aspects of an MSR analysis. However, MSRs have new phenomena both for a license applicant and NRC confirmatory analysis. There is a need for enhanced understanding of physical properties for MSRs that encompass several individual thermophysical properties, including thermal conductivity, viscosity, specific heat, density, optical properties, thermodynamic properties, volatilities, solubilities, etc. Salt composition is closely linked to both these properties and the neutronics of the system. Additionally, the large number of MSR concepts and system designs means that there is wide variation in the potential modeling needs for these systems.


Two calendar systems are developing globally, namely the Syamsiyah system (solar system) and the Kamariah system (lunar system). The lunar system is a calendar used by Muslims and has utility in worship rituals based on the calendar period. Qur'an and Hadith have mentioned this completely, namely, one year consists of twelve months. This study aims to determine the determination of the beginning of the lunar month using the rukyat method and to determine the extent to which the implementation of the rukyat method can be accepted by the Indonesian people. The type of research in this article is qualitative research or also known as naturalistic research methods. The data analysis techniques used were condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that the rukyat method is one of the methods of determining the lunar month, which has been carried out since the time of the Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. and his companions, even today it is still used by Muslims around the world, including in Indonesia. Rukyat is a method of determining the beginning of the lunar month by paying attention to important matters and conditions. As for the obstacles of the sighting as determining the beginning of the lunar month, there are several factors, namely the eye of the observer, the shape of the new moon, weather, seeing, the height of the new moon, the distance of the bow and the observer's psychology


The paper illustrates a set of teaching practices applied by the author in the course of Ecology, addressed to third year students of the First Cycle Degree (BSc) in Environmental and Land Engineering, at the University of Trento (Italy). The features of the university context and the main characteristics of these students are described, also referring to changes which have occurred over time. On the basis of a twenty-five-year teaching experience, the author highlights the challenges and opportunities of an approach aimed at involving students in the learning process, raising interest and curiosity towards ecological issues, stimulating students' emotional competencies and  their capacity to critically reflect on their own educational experience. In conclusion some comments are made regarding the need for a greater engagement by the academic staff towards non-conventional teaching and learning experiences. In particular, a more integrated method of evaluation of the quality of teaching is sought, effective in taking into account different approaches and techiniques and comparing learning outcomes.


We describe microneutralization assays that used automated 96-well enzyme-linked immunospot (ELI-SPOT) readout instrumentation to measure human anti-dengue virus (DENV) antibodies in CV-1 cells that were stably transfected to express human FcgammaRIIA (CD32) using conventional Vero cells as a comparator. Classic plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) end-point titers were determined by probit analysis. Neutralization titers against DENV measured in CV-1 transfectants were expressed in terms of both conventional 50% to 90% PRNT end-point titers and differential infectivity of antibody-treated virus in control and CD32-expressing CV-1 cells. Significantly reduced PRNT titers and strikingly heightened infectivity (up to 100-fold) of antibody-treated DENV was observed in CV-1 CD32 transfectants compared with that observed in control CV-1 or Vero cells. Because DENVs may preferentially replicate in CD32-expressing monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells, in vivo, it is possible that CD32 introduced into a conventional DENV neutralization assay might provide results that better correlate with protection.


Post disaster reconstruction is a vital phase in disaster management cycle. It aims to restore and improve pre-disaster living condition of affected communities. It is an opportunity to lay foundation for long-term risk reduction, also to contribute safer and sustainable development. Research has shown that permanent re-construction following a natural disaster is often inefficiently managed, uncoordinated, and importantly overlooks the long term requirements of the affected community. Adopting a long-term approach to re-construction however is required to ensure sustainable housing provisions and sustainability of local communities. Following the Tsunami devastation in 2004 in Sri Lanka, thousands of houses were damaged and destroyed and were rebuilt. Two approaches; "Donor Driven" approach and "Owner Driven" approaches have been employed to rebuild post disaster housing reconstruction. Studies revealed smooth flow of this construction process was disturbed by certain gaps that occurred throughout the above post disaster reconstruction programme. How these housing schemes perform in the long-term is seldom investigated. As the post tsunami housing schemes have now been in place for a reasonable period of time, it is timely to investigate how the schemes have performed up to now. A key step towards assessing long-term performance is to identify criteria to be used for assessment. In light of the above, this paper documents and suggest Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to be assessed in order to investigate the long-term performance of post-disaster housing reconstruction projects in Sri Lanka. An extensive literature review and expert interviews aided this task. Findings of this research will inform the policy-makers and practitioners to outline the KPIs to investigate how the post-disaster housing re-construction projects have performed in the long-term.


STUDY OBJECTIVE
The aim was to study the effects of d.l-sotalol, d-sotalol or atenolol on the rate of rise of extracellular potassium concentration [( K+]o) and the electrophysiological changes that occur during myocardial ischaemia.

DESIGN
The study was performed in isolated, arterially perfused interventricular septa from rabbit. Six septa were treated with d.l-sotalol 10(-4) mol.litre-1, six with d-sotalol 10(-4) mol.litre-1, six with atenolol 10(-5) mol.litre-1, and there were seven untreated controls. At these concentrations d.l and d-sotalol are equipotent in their class III effect, though d-sotalol has only 7% of the beta blocking activity of the racemic form, and atenolol is equipotent in its beta blocking activity to d.l-sotalol. [K+]o and electrophysiological variables were compared before and during a 30 min period of global zero flow ischaemia.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
Prior to ischaemia [K+]o, measured using potassium sensitive valinomycin electrodes, was similar in all the groups. [K+]o rose during ischaemia in all the groups, and at 30 min was 13.0 (SEM 0.7) mmol.litre-1 in the control group which was not different from 12.7(0.5) mmol.litre-1 in the atenolol group. In the d.l and d-sotalol groups the increases were markedly attenuated, reaching 9.2(1.0) and 8.8(0.7) mmol.litre-1 respectively. During ischaemia the class III effect of d.l and d-sotalol was lost within 6 min though the fall in maximum upstroke velocity of the action potentials (dV/dtmax) and the extent of resting membrane potential (Em) depolarisation were less in comparison to the control and atenolol groups.

CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate an attenuation by sotalol of the ischaemic rise in [K+]o, with preservation of dV/dtmax and Em, despite the loss of an effect on action potential duration. This potentially antiarrhythmic effect of sotalol in ischaemic myocardium is attributable to a direct membrane effect rather than beta adrenoceptor antagonism.


Background Studies determining factors associated with the setting and content of care in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis (OA) are mainly confined to patient demographics or disease-related factors associated with total joint replacement (TJR). To our knowledge, no studies integrated patient-related factors and factors related to the general practitioner (GP) or general practice to predict TJR, neither took attention to the content of previously utilized care. Moreover, it is unknown which factors are associated with the continuation of non-surgical care in patients once referred to secondary care. Objectives To identify both socio-demographic, health-related, disease-related and content-of-care-related factors at the level of the patient, as well as socio-demographic factors at the level of the GP and the general practice associated with 1) treatment restricted to primay care, 2) TJR, and 3) continuation of non-surgical treatment after a referral to secondary care in patients with hip/knee OA. Methods Data were used from a two-year observational prospective cohort study including 313 patients with hip/knee OA visiting their GP with a new episode of complaints1. Logistic multilevel analyses were conducted to identify relevant factors. Results The referral rate to secondary care amounted 53%. TJR was applied in 34% of this referred subpopulation, representing 18% of the total population. Non-referred patients less often reported knee OA, were faced with less severe complaints and were treated less extensively by non-surgical interventions than referred patients. Identified factors associated with treatment restricted to primary care were less limitations in physical functioning (p≤.01) and non-use of physiotherapy (p=.03), intra-articular injections (p≤.01), and radiological assessments (p≤.01). TJR was associated with the use of radiological assessment (p<.01) and physiotherapy (p<.01). In the subpopulation of referred patients, having a paid job (p=.02), non-use of physiotherapy (p≤.01), and non-use of NSAIDs (p=.05) were associated with continuing non-surgical treatment. Variances were mainly located at the level of the patient (90->99.9%), followed by the general practice (<0.1-5.3%) and the GP (<0.1-4.7%). Conclusions The present study shows that the setting and content of care in patients with hip/knee OA is mainly associated with the content of previously utilized care. In particular, it could be suggested that patients who did not receive physiotherapy are more likely to stay in primary care or, once referred, to continue non-surgical treatment compared to patients who received physiotherapy. Remarkably, pain severity and limitations in activities are not independently associated with TJR. Since only 34% of the patients referred to secondary care receive a TJR, GPs probably could optimize their referrals to secondary care by first ensuring optimal primary care has been delivered. References Smink AJ, van den Ende CH, Vliet Vlieland TP, et al. "Beating osteoARThritis": development of a stepped care strategy to optimize utilization and timing of non-surgical treatment modalities for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2011 Dec;30(12):1623-9. Acknowledgements Financial support was provided by the Dutch Arthritis Association and the Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy Disclosure of Interest : None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.2208


The mechanism of catalytic hydroarylation of olefins by the homogeneous Ru(Tp)(CO)(Ph)(NCCH3) catalyst recently reported by Gunnoe et al. is characterized using quantum mechanics (density functional theory). The catalytic cycle features two key steps, 1,2-olefin insertion and C-H activation via an unusual mechanism, oxidative hydrogen migration. We find that these two key steps are competitive and that improving the rate of one step is detrimental to the rate of the other. The Ru catalyst has better balance and consequently higher activity than the previously explored Ir-based system.


: Antibiotic prophylaxis and febrile morbidity following non-elective Caesarean section were studied retrospectively. Febrile morbidity was found to be 5.4% in the treated group as compared to 20% in the untreated group. Percentage of endomyometritis was 2.2% in the treated group and 16% in the untreated group. Our results prove the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing Caesarean section. Antibiotic application in 79% of all these patients led to a significant reduction in puerperal febrile morbidity and endomyometritis. Experience shows that positive results gained by the study do not have a positive feedback on the ward if there is lack of communication or reconfirmation.


Background: The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants calls for more data on SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine response. Aims: We aimed to assess the response to a third mRNA vaccine dose against SARS-CoV-2 in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Methods: This was a single-center, observational prospective study of IBD patients who received a third mRNA vaccine dose against SARS-CoV-2. Antibody titers were taken post-third-dose at one and three months using the Roche Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2-S enzyme immunoassay. Titers less than 0.8 units/mL were considered negative according to the manufactures. Titers between 0.8 units/mL and 250 units/mL were considered non-neutralizing. Titers greater than 250 units/mL were considered neutralizing. Results: Eighty-three patients were included, all of whom had detectable antibodies at 3 months post-third dose. A total of 89% showed neutralizing and 11% non-neutralizing titers. Participants with non-neutralizing titers were more likely to be on systemic corticosteroids (p = 0.04). Two participants seroconverted from negative to positive, whereas 86% with non-neutralizing titers boosted to neutralizing levels. Only one participant with neutralizing titers after a third dose had a decrease to a non-neutralizing level within 3 months. Conclusions: Our findings support the ongoing recommendations for additional doses in immunocompromised individuals. However, longitudinal studies with a greater-sized patient population are needed.


A research guide for TOK classes in Secondary School. The IB TOK Guide identifies eight Areas of Knowledge. There is a relationship between Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge and reflecting on the relationships enables us to identify and construct knowledge in different AoK.


Deuterochloroform (CDCl3) is a common deuterated solvent for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. The synthesis of significant amounts of CDCl3 for both research use and large undergraduate organic laboratories in a safe and inexpensive manner is appealing. Herein, we describe a convenient laboratory scale preparation of CDCl3 that employs a reduction and decarboxylation of hexachloro-2-propanone (HCP) catalyzed by various pyridines. A PVP catalyst gives cleaner reaction and greater catalyst stability through multiple rounds of recycling, justifying its higher cost compared to pyridine.


INTRODUCTION:
Ever since man discovered fire he also accidentally burnt himself. India has an ancient culture where the fire is worshipped traditionally. It is probably the potential fury of an unharnessed fire that made man bow before it. Burns are among the oldest injuries that man still suffers from. The burn injury can be one of the most serious and devasting forms of trauma that man can sustain. A burn injury not only destroys the cutaneous barrier but it also leads to profound changes in almost all other organ systems so much so, burn injury has been considered to be the "Universal Trauma Model".
Millions of people around the world are hospitalized for the treatment of burns each year and thousands die. The daily cost of care for a burn victim is tremendous. The economic loss to any nation is staggering and must be measured not only in currency but in the permanent loss of millions of
productive years. Painful and lengthy hospitalization, multiple stages of surgery, permanent disfigurement and disability, prolonged rehabilitation, loss of income and job and enormous financial burden are some of the horrors looming large over the burn victims.
AIM OF STUDY:
The aim of the study is to compare and analyze the outcome of two methods of Burn Wound Care viz.
1. Open Exposure method vs
2. Closed collagen method (using collagen membrane as temporary cover).
The study and results are being analyzed in terms of
1. Mortality differences,
2. Morbidity differences:
_ Fluid and electrolytes loss.
_ Pain relief.
_ Wound infection.
_ Wound healing and contraction.
_ Duration of hospital stay.
METHODS AND MATERIALS:
This is a prospective clinical trial and the study period extends from 2010 to 2013.
Patient selection:
Of all the burns patients admitted to Thanjavur Medical College Hospital and Rajah Mirasudar Hospital, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur, during the above said period 60 patients were selected based on the following selection criteria and these patients are subjected to this clinical trial.
1. Patients aged 50 years or less than 50 years.
2. Patients having burns of less than 50% TBSA.
3. Patients having no or mild inhalation injury.
4. Patients who do not have any cardiopulmonary compromise.
5. Patients who reached the hospital before the end of 24 hours since injury.
Selected patients were divided into two groups (Group I and Group II) with each group having 30 patients. Each group contained 24 adult patients and 6 paediatric patients.
CONCLUSION:
This study is a small sample clinical trial. The conclusions drawn up here are purely based on the statistical data obtained in the trial. These inferences may need further elucidation by larger clinical trials and follow up.
The comparative analysis of two methods of early burn wound care viz.
1. Open Exposure method vs
2. Closed collagen method – using collagen as temporary cover resulted in the following conclusions.
3. There was no change in the mortality rate of both group patients studied. Mere application of collagen cover to the burn wound did not alter the mortality rate.
4. The pain relief was generally dramatic and continuous in patients treated with collagen membrane as a temporary cover to the burn wound than the patient treated by open method.
5. The need of analgesics, sedatives and anxiolytics was more in patients treated by conventional open method than the patients treated with collagen.
6. Fluid requirement in the form of intravenous fluids during the post resuscitation period was more in patients treated with open method than the patients treated with collagen cover as fluid and electrolyte loss was comparatively less in these patients.
7. Enteral feeding was started comparatively earlier in the collagen group than the patients treated with open method.
8. Burn wound infection was prevalent in all the patients studied but the onset of infection was delayed and intensity of burn wound infection was relatively less in patients studied with collagen than the patient treated by open method.
9. The wound infection should be carefully monitored if collagen is applied as there is always a small risk of hidden submembrane infection, which may be overlooked, posing a danger of severe sepsis.
10. There was no observable change in the healing of First degree burns in both groups. But the healing time was relatively quick following collagen application in the second and Third degree burn areas.
11. Duration of the hospital stay was also comparatively less in patients treated with collagen cover.


An inimitable illustration of a green-light-induced, regioselective difunctionalization of terminal alkynes has been disclosed using sodium arylsulfinates and carboxylic acids in the presence of eosin Y as the photocatalyst. The present methodology is further demonstrated by employing NH4SCN as an S-centered nucleophile instead of carboxylic acid. The mechanistic investigation reveals a radical-induced iodosulfonylation followed by a base-mediated nucleophilic substitution. The mechanism is supported by various studies, viz., radical-trapping experiment, fluorescence quenching, and CV studies. In this protocol, (Z)-β-substituted vinylsulfones are obtained, exclusively covering a broad range of alkynes and nucleophiles, which are often unaddressed. The present strategy can tolerate structurally discrete substrates with steric bulk and different electronic properties, which provides a straightforward and practical pathway for the synthesis of highly functionalized (Z)-β-substituted vinylsulfones. Herein, C-O and C-S bonds are assembled simultaneously with the concomitant introduction of important functional groups, viz., ester, thiocyanate, and sulfone.


A study was made of bovine hemoglobin polymer obtained by a new method: intraerythrocytic polymerization of hemoglobin followed by isolation of hemoglobin polymer. The polymer obtained had weighted mean and numerical average molecular mass of 388 kD and 134 kD, respectively, P 32 mm Hg, arteriovenous difference 5.1 vol%, Hill's coefficient 2.14, oxygen output rate constant 55 sec, and it retained its activity during long-term storage. Its solution in a concentration of 9-10 g/dl has a viscosity of 2.34, and an oncotic pressure of 240 mm water. Bovine hemoglobin polymer is nontoxic and capable of long-term circulation in the blood. Its safety and clinical effectiveness should be studied in an extended biological experiment.


This article contributes to the literature on undocumented youth activism and citizenship by assessing undocumented youth's challenges to a growing regime of migration control in the US. It uses Doug McAdam's tactical interaction as an analytical lens to explore two consecutive high-risk campaigns, ICE infiltrations and expulsion/re-entry. In this subset of activism, undocumented youth have directly taken on technologies of migration control by forcing the state to adjudicate their status through direct action protest; they have exposed state abuses of law by infiltrating detention centers and have subverted deportation by seeking humanitarian aid and re-entry. Undocumented youth use their liminal legal status and their valorized social status to access and launch their challenges from these invisible spaces of migration control. In doing so, I argue, they are challenging the contours of citizenship and destabilizing the state's power to police and criminalize the unauthorized. Assessing these challenges is especially timely given that political movements are expanding their tactics to challenge punitive enforcement measures that states are implementing to control these "illegal" and "expelled" populations.


Aim: The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of Impedance Therapy (IT) in the treatment of degenerative disc disease by
confirming the presence of the "disc grow-up" (DGU) phenomenon.
Method: The set consisted of 55 patients with DDD with an average age of 51.3 years divided into two groups – the experimental
group and control group. The experimental group consisted of 29 patients with an average age of 56.7 years. The control group
consisted of 26 patients with an average age of 45.8 years.
Results: In the experimental group of patients with DDD, who received IT, the DGU phenomenon with a success rate of 76% was
observed, with an average increase in the volume of the intervertebral disc of 31% (p <0.000). In the control group of patients
receiving standard electrotherapy, the DGU phenomenon was not proven – the DDD progressed normally with a mean volume
reduction of 15% (p <0.000).
Conclusions: Degenerative disc disease as a disease of modern civilization is treatable. It can be concluded that the theory, that
degenerative disc changes are irreversible has been overcome by the impact of impedance therapy.