The objective for the next generation of Mars landers is to enable a safe landing at specific geological features of scientific interest. To meet this goal requires precision landing «lOkm) with the capability to perform local hazard avoidance maneuvers. This is in contrast to the first generation of Mars landers, ex. Viking and Pathfinder, which have provided successful landing on Mars, but by design, were limited to large scale (lOOs ofkms) landing sites with limited local hazards.


Following mixed-methods sequential design and drawing on the message-audience congruence concept and homophily theory, across three studies in the UK, we examined the effect of gendered wording and endorser's gender on the effectiveness of leaflets promoting walking. In Study 1, a mall-intercept study achieved 247 completed questionnaires. Results demonstrated that men and women indicated the highest behavioural intentions for communal wording presented by a male endorser. However, pairwise comparisons revealed that when the wording of the advert was agentic and the endorser was male, males indicated significantly higher scores of behavioural intentions compared with females. Attitude towards the ad for women was highest for communal wording/female endorser; for men it was for agentic wording/male endorser. In Study 2, consumers' views towards the gendered content were explored in 20 semi-structured interviews. In study 3 we examined the impact of the respondent's gender role identity on gendered content effectiveness. Overall, when controlled for level of gender role identity, only masculine males evaluated leaflets featuring communal wording negatively which suggests that wording matters only for masculine males, but not for other men and women. Theoretically, we identified that gender-based message-respondent congruence is not a necessary aspect of communications to be effective, except for one group: masculine males. Our study identified dominant gender role identity as a factor that explained respondents' preferences for presented stimuli. Specifically, males who display masculine gender role identity differ in evaluations of communal wording from all other groups. Social and commercial marketers who target men and women with exercise-related services should consider the use of agentic wording endorsed by a male endorser when targeting masculine men to increase the likelihood of eliciting positive attitudes towards the communication. However, such distinctions should not be associated with differences in women's evaluations or men who do not report masculine gender role identity.


Introduction: In view of the diagnostic difficulties associated with sputum- negative pulmonary TB (PTB), we aimed at exploring if bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples can be subjected to smear- microscopy and rapid mycobacterial culture (by Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube method) to achieve improved diagnosis of this condition. Methods: Patients presenting with clinico-radiological features suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis and whose sputum smears were negative for acid- fast bacilli (AFB) or who could not expectorate sputum were prospectively enrolled in this study. BAL samples collected from them were subjected to smear- microscopy for AFB and micro-MGIT culture. BAL samples were also inoculated on Lowenstein- Jensen (LJ) slants. Results: A total of 105 patients (74 males) were recruited in the study, with a mean (±SD) age of 51 (± 15) years. The diagnosis of PTB was made in 52 patients on the basis of clinico- radiological presentation, with or without microbiological confirmation. Thirty- four patients (65.4 %) had microbiologically confirmed PTB. Of them, AFB was detected in 12 BAL samples, while culture- positivity was noted in 24 and 27 patients by the LJ and MGIT methods respectively. Inter- test agreement between the LJ and MGIT methods was found to be significant (κ= 0.655; p= Conclusion: Examination of BAL samples by smear- microscopy and micro-MGIT culture can, therefore, provide a rapid and definitive diagnosis of PTB in sputum- negative patients. Keyword: MGIT, micro-MGIT, smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchoscopy.


A mounting device (8) comprises a simple structure fixing means, fixing means so that a catheter hub or a simple medical product can be easily fixed to the patient without the need to use a needle and suture or tape. A unitary retaining member (30) defining a preferably comprises a positioning mechanism (28) of the base (34). A positioning mechanism and accessory medical device (12) interacts with the medical device is positioned relative to the retaining member. Preferably the positioning means further guiding the medical device mounting fitting (24) contacts a bonding member holding the outer surface of a member. In one form, the positioning means comprises one or more engaging holes defined in the medical device accessory (12) (20) of post (28) fit. In the rest of the form, the positioning means comprises a saddle, the saddle defines an arc of channels, receiving a convex surface to the medical device, or may be fit to a shape fitting receiving groove. A holding member attached to the flexible anchor pad (32), the flexible anchor pad comprising a tacky bottom surface, can be attached to the patient's skin. In use, the caregiver in positioning a medical device and position established by the positioning means on the guide, and the fitting member connected with the adhesive on the retaining member.


Sparganosis, also known as larval diphyllobothriasis, is a rare disease of humans as man is not a natural host in the life cycle of Spirometra spp. Diagnosis of the latter is difficult as it mimics other conditions that commonly cause subcutaneous or visceral fluid collection. Clinical diagnosis of this particular case was also erroneously labelled as tuberculosis but later labelled as a case of sparganosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case from India where a sparganum-like parasite was isolated in drain fluid from the perinephric area.


Tissue effect interventions by means of surgical scalpel, elecrtokauter and CO2-laser ray in the mouth cavity of 20 white rats has been examined. According to their light microscopical examinations both the laser and the electrokauter caused thermal injuries taking place in typical zones while by the scalpel the cut surface in rendered ragged. The band-width of the thermoinjury caused by the kauter is a multiple of that caused by the laser. It has been proved by means of scanning electronmicroscopical examinations that interventions by means of laser result in sharp wound borders, the wounds cut by means of kauter are characterised by the presence of a great number of carbonized specks while by means of the scalpel a mechanical tear of the tissues is brought about. By means of electronmicroscopical examination the characteristics of the typical thermoinjured zones are described. It has been established that in the case of laser the injury of the ultra-structure extends to 400 microns while in case of electrokauter it reaches a width of 1500 microns. The excellent haemostatic effect brought about by the thermoeffect by means of the laser, in contrast to the broad thermoinjured zone caused by the kauter, is obtained at a very mild thermoinjury.


The frequency of occurrence of certain price points in Internet-based selling is investigated in order to determine what drives the observed regularities and variations. Theories based on consumer perceptions of price and quality images, and on rational inattention to price-endings are explored by specifying and testing empirical models for price-endings using more than 1.5 million daily observations on multiple product categories sold by 90 Internet-based retailers collected over a two-year period. The results show that a firm's on-line reputation and relative price levels affect the price-endings chosen in different product categories, and that 9-ending prices increase consumer purchases. These findings support an image theory of store quality and price. The use of 9-ending prices varies across Internet selling formats in a way consistent with differences in the rational attentiveness these channels engender in consumers. This research on the role of information technology in price-setting provides insights for marketers who wish to optimize price-setting decisions in the competitive environment of Internet retailing.


Premixed non-setting calcium hydroxide is frequently used as interim root canal dressing in endodontically involved permanent teeth and as obturating paste in deciduous teeth in pediatric dentistry. Wide apex in both cases makes it more prone for deliberate extrusion especially when applied with pressure delivery systems. Contrary to common belief the mix was not resorbed in two years with the complaint of insufficiency in mastication. Large mass of calcium hydroxide in bone delayed healing process even after its removal. The present case report intends to demonstrate unusual behavior of bone in response to oily non-setting preparation of calcium hydroxide. Therefore its application with pressure syringe should be reconsidered in pediatric dentistry.


ABSTRACT Purpose: To confirm the therapeutic efficacy of conbercept for the treatment of macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: In this prospective, randomized, and comparative study, patients were randomized and divided into conbercept (n = 18) and ranibizumab (n = 17) groups. After an initial intravitreal injection of either conbercept or ranibizumab, a pro re nata (PRN) strategy was adopted based on loss of visual acuity (VA) or increase in central macular thickness (CMT). Results: All patients were followed for ≥6 months. Baseline best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were 0.67 ± 0.37 and 0.511 ± 0.23 logMAR in the conbercept and ranibizumab groups, respectively (p = 0.087, t-test). Baseline CMTs were 512.5 ± 115.22 and 491.23 ± 114.72 µm in the conbercept and ranibizumab groups, respectively (p = 0.993, t-test). Significant improvements in BCVA and reduction of CMT were observed in both groups at each follow-up visit and compared to baseline values (p < 0.05, t-test). No significant differences in improvement of BCVA (p > 0.05, t-test) or reduction of CMT (p > 0.05, t-test) were noted in either group. Mean numbers of injections were 2.28 ± 0.96 and 2.65 ± 1.17 for the conbercept and ranibizumab groups, respectively (p = 0.478, t-test), with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: Intravitreal injection of conbercept is shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of ME secondary to BRVO, based on 6-month follow-up data.


Aims To determine patterns of universal and secondary healthcare use in children seriously or fatally harmed from maltreatment in England Methods The authors analysed recorded use (and lack of use) of universal and secondary healthcare for children subject to a serious case review (SCR) in England 2005–2007. SCRs occur when a child ≤17 years dies or is seriously harmed, maltreatment is (suspected to be) a factor, and there are lessons for interagency working. Our purposive sample (N=40) was regionally representative and similar (in ethnicity, gender and type of incident) to all SCRs in England 2005–2007 (N=189). The authors used standardised templates and multiple layered readings to extract data from the 40 SCR overview reports. Results Two-thirds of children were ≤5 years at the time of the incident (toi) (N=26/40) Half (N=20) were boys. Seventy per cent died (N=28/40) and 30% were seriously harmed. Eighty percent of children (N=32/40) were recorded as using/being registered with ≥1 universal care service, of which a third (N=10) had full recorded use of all age-relevant universal care (antenatal care, vaccinations, general practitioner registration, health visitor/midwife/school nurse); 28% (N=9/32) only had recorded contact with a midwife/health visitor/school nurse; and 40% (N=13/32) had missed appointments. Two-thirds (N=25/40) had ≥1 of the following recorded: known chronic conditions (N=16); secondary care follow-up (N=21); admission (N=12). Four out of five families were known to children's social care (CSC) (N=31/40), of whom a third (N=10/31) had no recorded health problems/admissions or secondary healthcare. Six children (15%) were not recorded as known to either CSC or secondary healthcare, of whom three were young babies and two older teenagers. There was much missing data. Conclusion Primary care services, particularly midwives, health visitors and school nurses, were important for these children but missed appointments were common. Chronic conditions and/or secondary healthcare were common and CSC knew most of these families. SCRs cannot assess unmet healthcare needs because of poor quality data. Data linkage between SCRs and healthcare databases would improve understanding of the contribution of health to the care of children who die or are seriously harmed and would release professional time for reflection about the case.


The formulation of the problem in this study are: How is the principle position Rechterlijk Pardon in the criminal system in Indonesia, how the principles are applied Rechterlijk Pardon in a criminal ruling Decision Number 241 / Pid.B / 2019 / PN.Mjl andHow the development / concept of the Rechterlijk Pardon principle in the renewal of the Indonesian criminal law that will come related to the draft criminal law on the monodualistic principle?This study uses a sociological juridical approach, with descriptive analytical research specifications. The data used in this study are secondary data obtained through library research and primary data obtained through field research which are then analyzed qualitatively using legal theory, the forgiveness agency theory, criminal justice system theory, and progressive legal theory. Based on the results of that study The position of the Rechterlijk Pardon Principle in the Criminal System in Indonesia is forgiveness is a form of forgiveness / deliverance from mistakes made. As a form of forgiveness, then with forgiveness, someone who is guilty is not sentenced or does not need to feel the punishment. Provisions such as this basically exist in conditional criminal conduct (voorwaardelijke veroordeling) regulated in Article 14a-14f of the Criminal Code. Conditional penalties are also referred to by part of the community with the term criminal trial or there is also termed as conditional punishment. Application of the Rechterlijk Pardon Principle in Criminal Verdicts Number 241 / Pid.B / 2019 / PN.Mjl it is applied later to act as the final safety valve in the criminal justice system if a case is not filtered at the prosecution and preliminary hearing judge stage. Development / Concept of the Rechterlijk Pardon Principle in the Future Renewal of Indonesian Criminal Laws Associated with the Draft Criminal Laws on the Monodualistic Principle are Forgiveness institution, is an important element to answer problems that cannot be accommodated with only 3 (three) types of decisions (free, loose, criminal funds).Keywords : Institutions; Forgiveness; Rechterlijk Pardon; Considerations; Judges; Decisions.


Automatic grading of programming assignments is an important topic in academic research. It aims at improving the level of feedback given to students and optimizing the professor time. Several researches have reported the development of software tools to support this process. Then, it is helpfulto get a quickly and good sight about their key features. This paper reviews an ample set of tools forautomatic grading of programming assignments. They are divided in those most important mature tools, which have remarkable features; and those built recently, with new features. The review includes the definition and description of key features e.g. supported languages, used technology, infrastructure, etc. The two kinds of tools allow making a temporal comparative analysis. This analysis infrastructure, etc. The two kinds of tools allow making a temporal comparative analysis. This analysis shows good improvements in this research field, these include security, more language support, plagiarism detection, etc. On the other hand, the lack of a grading model for assignments is identified as an important gap in the reviewed tools. Thus, a characterization of evaluation metrics to grade programming assignments is provided as first step to get a model. Finally new paths in this research field are proposed.


Soil CO2 effluxes from recently added 13C-labeled phytomass versus endogenous soil organic matter (SOM) were studied in an acid soil from Atlantic pine forests (NW Spain). After several cultures to incorporate fresh 13C-enriched Lolium perenne to a Humic Cambisol with predominance of humus--Al over humus--Fe complexes, potential soil C mineralization was determined by laboratory aerobic incubation (84 days). Isotopic 13C analyses of SOM fractions were assessed to know in which organic compartments the 13C was preferentially incorporated. Although in the 13C-labeled soil the C mineralization coefficient totalized less than 3% of soil C, the 13C mineralization coefficient exceeded 14%, indicating a greater lability of the newly incorporated organic matter. Organic compounds coming from added phytomass showed a higher lability and contributed considerably to the total soil CO2 effluxes (52% of total soil CO2 evolved during the first decomposition stages and 27% at the end), even though added-C comprised less than 4% of total soil C. Good determination coefficients, when values of CO2--C released were fitted to a first-order double exponential kinetic model, support the existence of two C pools of different lability. Kinetic parameters obtained with this model indicated that phytomass addition augmented the biodegradability of the labile pool (instantaneous mineralization rate k increased from 0.07 d(-1) to 0.12 d(-1)) but diminished that of the recalcitrant pool (instantaneous mineralization rate h decreased from 2.7 x 10(-4) d(-1) to 1.6 x 10(-4) d(-1)). Consequently, the differentiation between both SOM pools increased, showing the importance of SOM quality on CO2 emissions from this kind of soil to the atmosphere.


Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC

Background: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is associated with unsuccessful clinical cancer treatment. Different proteins are enhanced in MDR including the efflux pump P-glycoprotein (Pgp/MDR1) and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP). Newly, it has been reported that Pgp and microRNAs (miR) associated with it can be transferred through of membrane microparticles (MPs) from MDR cells to sensitive cells. Based on that, we analyzed intercellular transfer of Pgp, IAPs (c-IAP1, survivin and XIAP) and miRs related to Pgp and tumorigenesis, from MDR cells to sensitive cells through MPs. Besides that, we also analyzed NFκB and YB-1 oncogenic pathway in sensitive cells after co-culture with MDR cells-derived MPs - both transcriptional Pgp and/or IAPs regulators.

Methods: MDR cells-derived MPs were isolated by ultracentrifugation, identified by flow citometry and analyzed for proteins (Pgp/MDR1 and IAPs) by Western blot, for mRNA (Pgp/MDR1 and IAPs) and for miRs (miR-27a, -451 and -21) by qRT-PCR. Sensitive cancer cells were co-culture with MDR cells for 24 separated by Transwell inserts, with isolated MPs, and culture with conditioned medium from MDR cells; and then analyzed for proteins (Pgp/MDR1, IAPs, IBα and YB-1), immunofluorescence (Pgp, NFκB and YB-1), mRNA (Pgp, IAPs and YB-1), miRs (miR-27a, -451 and -21), and drug resistance profile by annexin-V/PI staining.

Results: It was observed that MDR cells-derived MPs carry miR-27a, -451 and -21; Pgp and IAPs mRNA and proteins except for XIAP mRNA. After co-culture, sensitive cells acquired Pgp mRNA and protein and showed clusters of Pgp suggesting the presence of MPs. It was also observed an enhancement of IAPs (mRNA and protein) except for cIAP1; and a reduction of drug-inducible apoptosis index. No changes were observed in Pgp or IAPs in cells cultured with conditioned medium, which show that co-culture inducing proteins enhancement is not related with shedding soluble molecules by MDR cells. In parallel, we observed equivalent Pgp and IAPs enhancement when sensitive cells were co-culture with MDR cells-derived MPs, which show that co-culture inducing Pgp and IAPs changes are direct related with MPs. Also, sensitive cells co-cultured with MDR cells showed NFκB translocated to the nucleus and peri or nuclear YB-1 localization suggesting theirs participation on Pgp and IAPs endogenous expression. In addition, we observed an enhancement on miR-21, - 27a and -451, which also suggest a positive endogenous regulation of Pgp and IAPs.

Conclusion: Our data show that sensitive cells acquired multifactorial resistance through intercellular transfer of resistant cells-derived MPs, and suggest that oncogenic pathways could be involved with this phenomenon. These findings contribute to our knowledge for the emergence of MDR in cancer cells and could be helpful for new treatment approaches.

Citation Format: Paloma Silva de Souza, Andre L. de Souza Cruz, Joao Paulo de Biaso Viola, Raquel Ciuvalschi Maia. Multidrug resistant tumor cells-derived microparticles induce a multifactorial resistance phenotype through regulation of oncogenic-related pathways in sensitive cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 879. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-879


Lumbar interbody fusion techniques are becoming more and more minimally invasive. AxiaLIF technique can be used in low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease or minor spondylolisthesis, but there are risks for fusion failure. Intravertebral bone graft is performed in painful osteoporotic or posttraumatic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Until now, no attempt has been made to apply intravertebral bone graft with AxiaLIF technique. So first, we hypothesize a novel method for tridimensional intravertebral bone graft with a special designed bone grafting instrument and describe it vividly. The special instrument would mainly consist of a hollow tube and a rod, the distal parts of them would be shape into 45o slope, so the direction of grafting would be decided by the slope. By rotating the tube we can deliver cancellous bone granules in one plane, but by retreating the tube we can perform tridimensional intravertebral bone graft. Second, intravertebral bone graft is supposed to be performed combined with AxiaLIF technique in order to create biologic vertebral reconstruction and raise fusion rate. We believe this is the first description of such a method, future clinical studies are needed to validate these hypotheses.


Background: Social phobia (SP) is an inappropriate anxiety; experienced in social situations in which the person feels observed by others and could be criticized by them so he/she attempts to avoid such situations.Objectives: This study aims to identify the prevalence of (SP) among the medical students, as well as the socio- demographic characters will be investigated.The effect of (SP) on the students that is; their academic performance and the response to different type of treatments.Methods: Three hundred eighty students of both genders were selected randomly from Al-Qadissia Medical College in Al- Diwania city. These students were interviewed using the International Diagnostic Checklist of ICD.10 Social Phobia. The academic performance of subjects meeting a diagnosis of (SP) was studied. Their response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (Fluoxetine) and comprehensive cognitive behavioral therapy were evaluated.Results: The result showed that the prevalence of (SP) among the medical student is (12.6 %). female students had higher rates than males (17.4%, 7.9%) respectively. positive family history of any psychiatric disorder was found more in students having (SP) . Eating or speaking in public appeared to be the most common feared situations avoided by the diagnosed students. (SP) appeared to have no effect on the students academic performance. Both treatment (Fluoxetine, Comprehensive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) had good response (48%, 52.8%) respectively.Conclusions: Significant differences are found between the rate of SP and different sexes. SP appeared to have no effect on the students academic performance. Both active treatments had good response; in addition they have nearly equal result.


The receptor for advanced glycation end products is associated with a series of physiological and pathological processes. Here, we studied the evolution of this multiligand receptor in primates and murine rodents. The evolutionary analyses reveal that adaptive selection had contributed to the variation at a number of amino acid sites in both taxa. Further, the major adaptively selected sites of both taxa are located on the extracellular ligand‐ and intracellular adaptor‐binding regions and receptor oligomerization‐related surfaces. The co‐occurrence of adaptive evolution on the homologue domains suggests that they could play similar roles in these taxa. In terms of advantage fitness, the adaptive changes at these sites could contribute to host defence against the potential challenges towards these interactions and relevant signalling pathways, or the specificity of these essential points.


A first list of dangerous substances to supervise was drawn up by the Environmental Protection Agency - EPA (the USA). International Conventions (e.g. Oslo-Paris) attempted to give priorities among the substances. This list was since reduced, but twenty five years of observations (in continuous protocols) along the French littoral, allow to draw up an objective assessment of the levels of contaminations, recorded progress, remanent deteriorations, and of the effectiveness of measures taken. The time-constants recorded before observing the results of these measures are important: they integrate the physicochemistry of the coastal and estuary processes, but also inertia, even hysteresis of the socio-economic system which implement these measures.


The aim of the article is to analyse the results of the district round of the Czech Geography Olympiad in 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 with a focus on the spatial differentiation of success in completing the competition's tasks. This quantitatively oriented study tries to answer the question: In what way are the results of the district round of the Geography Olympiad as a competition for students gifted in geography spatially differentiated? To answer the research question, we analysed the overall results of the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 competitions, while primarily focusing on the differences in the success rate between regions. The results of the analysis showed significant differences between the regions of Czechia, and within some districts, especially the Plzeň and Pardubice Regions, as well as significant differences between districts. On the other hand, within other regions, for example, the Ústí nad Labem, Karlovy Vary, and Liberec Regions, no statistically significant differences were identified.


The rapid growth of electronic systems and devices operating within the gigahertz (GHz) frequency range has increased electromagnetic interference. In order to eliminate or reduce the spurious electromagnetic radiation levels more closely in different applications, there is strong research interest in electromagnetic absorber technology. Moreover, there is still a lack of ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation in a broad frequency range using thin thickness. Thus, this study examined the effect of incorporating magnetic and dielectric materials into the polymer matrix for the processing of radar absorbing materials. The experiment evaluated the sample preparation with different weight percentages of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) mixed with Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (Nickel-Zinc-Ferrite) loaded into epoxy (P) as a matrix. The prepared samples were analysed by examining the reflectivity measurements in the 8 – 18 GHz frequency range and conducting a morphological study using scanning electron microscopy analyses. The correlation of the results showed that different amounts of MWCNT influenced the performance of the microwave absorber. As the amount of MWCNTs increased, the reflection loss (RL) peak shifted towards a lower frequency range and the trend was similar for all thicknesses. The highest RL was achieved when the content of MWCNTs was 2 wt% with a thickness of 2 mm with an RL of – 14 dB at 16 GHz. The 2.5 GHz bandwidth corresponded to the RL below -10 dB (90% absorption) in the range of 14.5 – 17 GHz. This study showed that the proposed experimental route provided flexible absorbers with suitable absorption values by mixing only 2 wt% of MWCNTs.


OF THE THESIS CHYSEL in Ciona intestinalis: Ensuring Co-Expression of Multiple Proteins in Equimolar Amountsby Frances A. McQueen Master of Science with a Concentration in Molecular Biology San Diego State University, 2012 Generating and studying transgenes is a powerful technique for studying gene function in vivo. An expression vector capable of producing multiple proteins from a single transcript in equimolar amounts would be a useful molecular tool. Such a vector would allow for the co-expression of multiple genes, resulting in distinct protein products that retain their native function. This tool could be used as a means to identify successfully transfected embryos, provide a way to target proteins to various subcellular locations, drive expression of multiple genes in equimolar amounts, and facilitate production of stably transfected ascidian lines. Here, I developed a bicistronic vector using CHYSEL (cis-acting hydrolase element) technology and demonstrate successful expression of discrete protein products in equimolar amounts. Further, the capabilities of CHYSEL were compared to those of an operon system and to the single-gene, two-plasmid approach. CHYSEL was shown to out perform both the operon and two-plasmid approach in regards to the production of discrete protein products in equivalent amounts. Adoption of CHYSEL technology will supply our lab with a useful molecular biology tool, providing the ability to perform certain experiments previously unavailable to us.


An infrared-sensitive micromachined bolometer integrated with a single-crystal silicon diode as temperature sensor was designed and fabricated. An island of single-crystal silicon containing the diode underneath the bolometer membrane was centered and thermally isolated from the substrate. Diode temperature sensitivity biased by constant current was found to be -2.6 mVK/sup -1/ and bolometer thermal conductivity of 2.0/spl times/10/sup -7/ WK/sup -1/. Due to its negligible self-heating effect, the bolometer could be biased permanently and its output signal integrated for an unlimited time. The utilization of diode-based bolometer as focal plane array basic block is discussed.


The paper explores the close affinity between creativity and creative writing in Pakistan. The data collected from the questionnaire and focus group interview with a large public sector university's Master of Arts in English students– who are also in-service school teachers – discovers that English teachers in Pakistan do not teach to develop the creative abilities of pupils. The findings explicitly reveal that these teachers choose topics from the textbooks and explain them for writing in the classroom. The evidence shows that English teachers are confused about strategies needed in rousing learners' interest in creative writing. Thus, in Pakistan, English teachers must be encouraged and trained to engage in activities that are essential for enhancing creativity and creative writing.


The defects of BP neural network, such as low convergence speed, falling into local minimum easily, bad generalization ability, can depress the calculation accuracy of BP neural network and damage its practical effect. So the research of improving BP neural network has great theoretical and practical significance. The paper advances a new fuzzy neural network algorithm to overcome the defects of original BP neural network algorithm and evaluate rural public service performance. First, the paper designs a new calculation structure based on fuzzy and BP neural network theory, and selects new selftraining methods for the improved fuzzy neural network algorithm; Second, the performance of the advanced algorithm is also analyzed form four aspects in theory; Finally, based on analyzing and constructing the evaluation indicator system, the improved fuzzy neural network algorithm is applied to evaluate rural public service performance and the experimental results show that the superiorities of the improved algorithm include high evaluation accuracy, fast convergence speed, small oscillation, simple algorithm process.


We have previously shown beneficial effects of dietary protein restriction on transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) expression and glomerular matrix accumulation in experimental glomerulonephritis. We hypothesized that these effects result from restriction of dietary L-arginine intake. Arginine is a precursor for three pathways, the products of which are involved in tissue injury and repair: nitric oxide, an effector molecule in inflammatory and immunological tissue injury; polyamines, which are required for DNA synthesis and cell growth; and proline, which is required for collagen production. Rats were fed six isocaloric diets differing in L-arginine and/or total protein content, starting immediately after induction of glomerulonephritis by injection of an antibody reactive to glomerular mesangial cells. Mesangial cell lysis and monocyte/macrophage infiltration did not differ with diet. However, restriction of dietary L-arginine intake, even when total protein intake was normal, resulted in decreased proteinuria, decreased expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA and TGF-beta 1 protein, and decreased production and deposition of matrix components. L-Arginine, but not D-arginine, supplementation to low protein diets reversed these effects. These results implicate arginine as a key component in the beneficial effects of low protein diet.


Intensive care units are special units that differ from other units of the hospital in terms of its treatment methods, technical equipment, physical appearance and sensory environment. Intensive care units that the advanced technological developments used in set the stage for appearing of sensory changing such as sensory deprivation and sensory pressure for patients by the reasons such as difference and intensity of the treatment, extra environmental stimulus, and lack of social support systems as well as being lifesaving. That's why, while meeting the care and treatment requirements of intensive care patients, a holistic nursing care in which the patients' psychosocial requirements are not ignored as well as their physical requirements is meaningful and important. In this article, writers aim to attract attention to the sensory input problems that the intensive care patients experienced and to explain nursing approaches that can be served in this direction.


In recent years some of the most accredited health agencies have expressed a growing interest in Health Impact Assessment. This interest has arisen from the scientific evidence that demonstrates possible future health gains, especially in highly developed countries, can result not only from direct health interventions (both preventive and curative) but, above all, by the development of social, economic and environmental policies that take into consideration the policies impact on citizens' health; many determinants do not originate from the health sector. Health is often central or the first ranked topic of each pending political decision. Strong and rigorous epidemiological approaches employed in health during the past decade or so have allowed us to identify causal relationships for diseases as well as health promoting factors. In the same way, epidemiological observation has provided us with a number of well-founded interpretative elements concerning the current situation, for example,health inequities among different social groups and


To investigate the pathophysiology of intracoronary thrombus formation we measured whole blood aggregation in response to ADP, platelet activating factor (PAF) and collagen, along with thromboxane B2 (TXB2) production during collagen induced aggregation, plasma TXB2 and plasma levels of lyso-PAF, in 38 subjects with and without ischaemic heart disease (12 with acute myocardial infarction, 9 with prolonged ischaemic chest pain without infarction and 17 normals). Lyso-PAF was measured, after in vitro acetylation to active PAF, by bioassay using 14C-serotonin labelled rabbit platelets. TXB2 was measured by radioimmunoassay. Plasma TXB2 was elevated at presentation only in patients with myocardial infarction (p less than 0.01). While impedance aggregation was similar in the three groups, aggregation to collagen resulted in greater release of TXB2 in subjects with myocardial infarction (p less than 0.01), an abnormality persisting 2-4 months later. Plasma lyso-PAF levels were significantly depressed throughout the first week in subjects with infarction (p less than 0.002), but after 2 to 4 months the level was greater than in normal subjects (p less than 0.001), changes presently unexplained. It is possible that the disorder of platelet function preceded and predisposed to coronary thrombosis. The findings strengthen the grounds for aspirin therapy in acute myocardial infarction.


We present calculations on the physical properties of Ti4AlN3 obtained from first principles, as well as some general observations concerning this group of materials. We further report mechanical data obtained through numerical simulations for some representative phases, and elaborate on the issue of high pressure stability. By examining the density of states of Ti4AlN3, we conclude that it is a semimetal, and we predict an opening up of the band gap around the Fermi level with increasing pressure.


The Threatened Species Programme at the South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, is integrated to include both ex situ and in situ conservation activities. Plant conservation is driven by South Africa's Strategy for Plant Conservation which was developed in response to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. This case study examines the conservation of Erica verticillata (whorl heath), a flagship for threatened species at Kirstenbosch, and documents the integration of ex situ with in situ conservation at three areas on the Cape Flats. The whorl heath was thought to be extinct by 1950. Horticulturists have since rediscovered eight clones in botanic gardens worldwide, the Heather Society and commercial growers. Ex situ conservation in botanic garden collections and the Millennium Seed Bank has since allowed in situ conservation in the critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos vegetation type. The process of restoring the whorl heath presented many challenges. Initially attempts were hampered by limited available knowledge on suitable niche habitats. Pioneering work carried out at Rondevlei Nature Reserve identified the suitable habitat and this was applied in subsequent in situ work at Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area and at Tokai Park – the only natural areas remaining in or near this species' historical distribution range. Successful re-establishment of this species depends upon its capacity to recruit after fire, which is an essential ecological process in the fynbos. Many clones have been in cultivation for a long time and are poor seed producers: seed production was first recorded at Rondevlei only after additional clones were planted together. Only one population (Rondevlei) to date has seen a fire and thus has recruited seedlings; however these are competing with vigorous companion plants. The study continues and is currently exploring the role of herbivory in the restoration process. The key lesson learnt to date is the need to include sustainable management of the entire ecosystem in the restoration process and not limit it to single species. Success in restoring a species depends upon a healthy stand of the vegetation type in place, along with pollinators and other key fauna and other natural ecosystem processes. It is recommended that successful re- establishment of a species in fynbos requires the reintroduced population to survive three fire cycles.


This study was conducted in Diyala governorate/Iraq during wintering period of the sunn pest from Dece. 2016 to Feb. 2017. Three species of sunn pest was diagnostic. These species are Eurygaster integriceps (Puoton, 1881), E. testudinaria (Geoffory, 1785) and E .maura (len.1758).E .maura  was new species recorded to Iraq funna .E. integriceps is The most abundance of the three species hibernated  in the fields of the four region of Diyala governorate. The results showed that the three species of genus Eurygaster which diagnostic in Diyala governorate were overwintered as an adults under bushes ,dead leaves, weed ,date palm leaf base .The heights total number of adults(68,56,51 and 44adults/5m2) was found under cogon grass(Imperata cylindrican L.), Bermuda grass(Cyndo dactylon L.),Grape tree(Vitis vinifera L.)and Eucalyptus tree(Eucalyptus spp.) respectively. Higher densities were recorded in Muqdadiyah (200), Balad rooz (193), Kalas (113) and decreased to( 65) adults in  Khanakin. Found that the higher percentage for species E. integriceps then followed E. testudinaria finally the species E. maura in all region in Diyala governorate.


This thesis studies the problem of finding the most reliable path between two nodes on a graph, when the exact travel times are unknown. It is desirable that a path is quick on average, while at the same time the arrival time should be easy to predict. Therefore the objective is to minimize a weighted sum of mean and standard deviation. Since this objective function is non-linear and non-convex, standard methods cannot be used. We analyze and implement the algorithm proposed by Xing and Zhou (2011) to find close-to-optimal paths. The algorithm is based on a Lagrangian substitution approach, which results in a sequence of shortest path problems. The Lagrangian multipliers are updated using subgradient optimization. The analysis of Xing and Zhou (2011) is extended in two ways. First, instead of minimizing a weighted sum of mean and standard deviation, we analyze the objective of maximizing on-time arrival probability, in case of a normal distribution. Second, the algorithm is extended to allow for rerouting decisions along the way. For both extensions, examples are presented that illustrate the theory and the algorithms. All methods are tested on a number of randomly generated graphs.


The maximum complex correntropy criterion (MCCC) has been extended to complex domain for dealing with complex-valued data in the presence of impulsive noise. Compared with the correntropy based loss, a kernel risk-sensitive loss (KRSL) defined in kernel space has demonstrated a superior performance surface in the complex domain. However, there is no report regarding the recursive KRSL algorithm in the complex domain. Therefore, in this paper we propose a recursive complex KRSL algorithm called the recursive minimum complex kernel risk-sensitive loss (RMCKRSL). In addition, we analyze its stability and obtain the theoretical value of the excess mean square error (EMSE), which are both supported by simulations. Simulation results verify that the proposed RMCKRSL out-performs the MCCC, generalized MCCC (GMCCC), and traditional recursive least squares (RLS).


Diurnal frequent urination is a common condition in elementary school children who are especially at risk for associated somatic and behavioral problems. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug that has been used in both partial and generalized seizures and less commonly adverse effects including psychiatric and behavioral problems. Diurnal frequent urination is not a well-known adverse effect of LEV. Here, we reported 2 pediatric cases with epilepsy that developed diurnal frequent urination after LEV administration. Case 1 was a 6-year-old male patient who presented urinary frequency and urgency in the daytime since the third day after LEV was given as adjunctive therapy. Symptoms increased accompanied by the raised dosage of LEV. Laboratory tests and auxiliary examinations did not found evidence of organic disease. Diurnal frequent urination due to LEV was suspected, and then the drug was discontinued. As expected, his frequency of urination returned to normal levels. Another 13-year-old female patient got similar clinical manifestations after oral LEV monotherapy and the symptoms became aggravated while in stress state. Since the most common causes of frequent micturition had been ruled out, the patient was considered to be diagnosed with LEV-associated psychogenic frequent urination. The dosage of LEV was reduced to one-third, and the frequency of urination was reduced by 60%. Both patients got the Naranjo score of 6, which indicated that LEV was a "probable" cause of diurnal frequent urination. Although a definite causal link between LEV and diurnal urinary frequency in the 2 cases remains to be established, we argue that diurnal frequent urination associated with LEV deserves clinician's attention.


With rising concern for environmental protection, the use of ozone has been increasingly studied in the pulp and paper industry. Feasible models for efficient quality prediction and process control are in high industrial demand. In this study, the reaction kinetics of delignification and viscosity during the ozone bleaching process (OBP) of low-consistency hardwood pulp (LCHP) are explored using exponential and zero-order response models, respectively. The effects of ozone dose, reaction temperature, reaction time, and pH on the changes in residual lignin content and pulp viscosity were analyzed. The corresponding kinetic parameters, such as the reaction order, rate constant (k), and activation energy (E), were also obtained. The models suggest that temperature should be one of the most significant factors affecting the effectiveness of the OBP system. The strategy to improve the OBP selectivity is based on reducing the reaction temperature while increasing the ozone concentration and pH in the reaction system.


Visual simulation system is an important part of VR(Virtual Reality), and control law simulation is a general method of verifying the control algorithm. A visual simulation system that combined with control law simulation system was constructed for the application of pilot simulation training and as a method for the control designer to observe the control effects in visual forms. In this system, the 3D model was realized, and the simulation environment and special effects were added and established. The real-time results of flight simulation were transmited by Reflective Memory Network, and it was used to drive the scene model. The aircraft flight control laws simulation and visual simulation are realized. Besides, some key technologies of the scene simulation system, such as dynamics Modeling, scene modeling, real-time network communication and the input of peripheral device were also been described in detail.⋅


Abstract In comparative works on nationalism, Latin America is usually portrayed as a world region that is devoid of nationalist and separatist movements, while in Europe nationalist movements seeking greater self-determination or separate statehood can be easily observed. This article takes a different perspective. Applying the concept of territorial autonomy movements, it pursues a cross-regional comparison of Santa Cruz in Bolivia, Guayas in Ecuador, and Catalonia in Spain to show that movements strikingly similar with regards to their core claims, diagnostic frames, and tactics do in fact exist across the Iberian world. The chapter then draws on social movement theory to account for the recent intensification of territorial autonomy mobilizations in these cases. We argue that in all three substate units (1) threats of political exclusion emanating from contestations over established power-sharing arrangements triggered territorial grievances; (2) the formation of dense associational networks and new alliances with subnational party and state representatives enhanced the organizational resources of territorial challengers; and (3) broader protest cycles, and their concern with direct democracy and/or multicultural group rights, provided territorial challengers with new framing strategies to justify their demands.


Because of the current threat of toxic chemicals and chemical warfare agents, personal protection is important for soldiers and first responders, as well as the civilian population. This paper describes the development of a cotton non-particulate nonwoven composite fabric and the evaluation of its adsorption capability for protection against toxic chemical ingress which can be harmful or lethal. In addition, this paper focuses on the evaluation of toxic chemical adsorption capabilities of various chemical protective substrates that have the potential to be used in military applications. The development of a three-layered cotton based decontamination wipe and its adsorption of 0.1 % w/v pinacolyl methylphosphonate in butanol, is presented. Adsorption is quantified using a modified gravimetric procedure developed using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results demonstrate the adsorption performance of a new cotton-based, non-particulate flexible composite that has a high potential to be used as a portable decontamination wipe. This research is unique in the area of individual protection and addresses the requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for seeking and evaluating highly efficient, non-particulate, and skin-friendly materials that provide necessary chemical protection while minimizing any discomfort or irritation.


【We performed to evaluate the safety of GMOs for a long term exposure in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In this study, groups often or fifteen SD rats were fed one of the following four diets for 90 days: (1) AIN-76A rodent diet only; (2) AIN-76A rodent diet containing 5% genetically modified soybean from USA; (3) AIN-76A rodent diet containing 5% genetically non-modified soybean from USA; (4) AIN-76A rodent diet containing 5% genetically non-modified soybean from Korea. The effects of AIN-76A rodent diet containing genetically modified soybean on body weights, food uptake, water consumption, hematology, serum bio-chemistry, urinalysis, organ weights, gross findings and histopathological findings were not significantly different, compared with others. Taken together, these results suggested that genetically modified soybean did not induce any toxic effects in rats treated for 90 days.】


On the basis of the analysis of 156 hospitalized patients, the most important traits differentiating metastasis of various organs to the bones have been presented. It has been found that the bones are most frequently invaded by kidney cancer, somewhat less frequently by breast cancer and the bronchus cancer and markedly more rarely by cancer of other organs. The types of metastasis expansion in the bones were determined radiologically: the most frequent--osteolytic, less frequent--mixed, and the osteoplastic type (prostate cancer, gall-bladder cancer, and pancreas cancer). Metastasis is situated most often in the spine and the femur. The authors have also presented the tactics of diagnosis of metastasis by using data from anamnesis, clinical and radiological examination and directed specialist examinations, for instance arteriography of the kidneys at suspicion of kidney cancer. In spite of complex diagnostics the source of metastasis was not found in over a dozen of patients.


BACKGROUND
Platelet P-selectin plays an important role in inflammation and contributes to thrombosis and hemostasis. Fibrinogen may take part in inflammation, thrombosis, and hemostasis via enhancement of platelet P-selectin expression. This study aimed to discover the correlation between them in atherosclerosis model of Sprague Dawley (SD) rat.

METHODS
Diet-induced atherosclerosis SD rats were adopted as experimental models. The blood from the common abdominal aorta of the rats was obtained to measure the biochemical characteristics and for the check of flow cytometry. Then the aortas were separated carefully, taken out, put into 10% (w/v) neutral formalin for later use. Then fibrinogen and P-selectin expression were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS
SD rats were induced to atherosclerosis model by high fat diet and vitamin D2 injected. It was discovered that the binding of fibrinogen and the expression of P-selectin on the platelet increase in atherosclerosis model (Group H) than in that in the control group (Group Z), there were closely interrelated. High levels of fibrinogen and P-selectin express on the artery of atherosclerosis rat model.

CONCLUSIONS
Fibrinogen and P-selectin are concerned with atherosclerosis. Fibrinogen can interact with P-selectin in order to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, high levels of fibrinogen and P-selectin can be regarded as risk factors for markers of atherosclerosis.


This paper describes the use of commercially available ceramic capacitors as an alternative for lead-containing and relatively expensive lead zirconate titanate (PZT)- based nanoactuators. A PZT actuator is compared with actuators made from both X5R- and Y5V-type ceramic dielectric capacitors using white light interferometry and a spectrometer. This work is useful because these capacitors can provide an economical nanomotion capability to research laboratories or industrial products. Measuring the displacement of the capacitors is also useful when designing electronic products to ensure undesired operation is not caused by the piezoelectric motion. Additionally, unlike the PZT material, the alternative ceramic materials do not contain lead, which is needed for full compliance with the Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) initiative.


Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD), consisting of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao (Huangqi, HQ) and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Danggui, DG), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with the function of tonifying Qi and promoting blood. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to comprehensively identify the chemical constituents in DBD and those entering into the rat serum after gastric perfusion. A combination of the UNIFI platform and Global Natural Product Social molecular networking (GNPS) was used to analyze the chemical composition of DBD. As a result, 207 compounds were unambiguously or tentatively identified including 60 flavonoids, 38 saponins, 35 organic acids, 26 phthalides, 12 phenylpropanoids, 11 amino acids and 25 others. Furthermore, a total of 80 compounds, including 29 prototype components and 51 exogenous metabolites, were detected in the serum of rats. Phase I reactions (oxidation, reduction, and hydration), phase II reactions (methylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation), and their combinations were the main metabolic pathways of DBD. The results provided fundamental information for further studying the pharmacological mechanisms of DBD, as well as its quality control research.


Delineation of discrete reservoirs is essential in the development of a petroleum field. This may be especially complex in offshore situations where numerous wells deviate from one or more platforms. An offshore field in southern California is an example where reservoir delineation was needed prior to designing a secondary flooding program. A data base, containing directional survey data and measured depths of stratigraphic horizons, was used to generate structural cross sections at user-defined planes. These cross sections aided in the structural interpretation by outlining the plunging anticline, identifying faults, and revealing the variability in zone thicknesses. Digital well-log data were used by the Stacked Curves System to assist in the stratigraphic interpretation. Color stratigraphic cross sections were generated on a zone-by-zone basis to compensate for the changing locations of the deviated boreholes. Lithology and porosity variations were easily determined from the color cross sections. Merging the information obtained from structural and stratigraphic cross sections provided a detailed geologic picture of the field allowing the strategic location for injection wells. End_of_Article - Last_Page 557------------


Background: The interaction between azole antifungal therapy and immunosuppressant tacrolimus (TAC) is a barrier to use. Objective: This study quantified the drug interaction between low-dose fluconazole (LDF) and TAC to determine the appropriate TAC dose adjustment when used concurrently in renal transplant recipients. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective chart review of renal transplant patients >18 years who received LDF or nystatin (NYS), and TAC. The primary outcome was the difference in tacrolimus total daily dose (TAC TDD) for LDF versus NYS groups. Secondary outcomes included days with supratherapeutic, therapeutic and subtherapeutic tacrolimus levels, time to therapeutic level, incidence of adverse drug reactions and graft rejection. Results: We evaluated 94 patients and included 81. Low-dose fluconazole received a greater TAC TDD prior to post-operative day (POD) 10 (10.5 ± 4.7 mg vs. 7.1 ± 4.5 mg, p < 0.001), but a decreased TAC TDD POD 10 - 30 (8.6 ± 2.2 mg vs. 9.8 ± 0.8 mg, p < 0.001) and following LDF discontinuation (6.9 ± 0.1 mg vs. 9.0 ± 0.4 mg, p < 0.001). Low-dose fluconazole had more patient-days with supratherapeutic (17.9 ± 7.0 vs. 13.9 ± 8.5; p = 0.02) but fewer with subtherapeutic (6.7 ± 5.7 vs. 12.9 ± 7.2; p < 0.01) TAC levels. There was no difference in patient-days with therapeutic TAC levels (15.9 ± 5.8 vs. 14.4 ± 6.6, p = 0.28), meanwhile LDF required less patient-days to therapeutic TAC level (7.1 ± 2.7 vs. 11.5 ± 7.7; p < 0.01). There was no difference in adverse drug reactions between groups and no incidence of graft rejection. Conclusion: A 20% reduction in TAC TDD is warranted in renal transplant patients when used concomitantly with LDF to achieve therapeutic levels.


69 UDC 811.111'42 CHALLENGES OF DISCOURSE MODES CATEGORIZATION T. B. Maslova Kyiv, National Technical University of Ukraine "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" email@example.com With the current tendency to treat discourse phenomena as pragmatic rather than linguistic, the term "modes of discourse" has become an important concept in studying the organization of monological written discourse. However, there are some other linguistic terms which are closely related to, or sometimes even overlapping with, the concept of discourse modes, and this may lead to a problem of confusion. For this reason, the paper first of all elucidates the differences between discourse and text, register and genre, so that to point out the distinction between approaches to dealing with texts of various types. Next, it investigates diverse classifications of text types developed over the years by different authors (J. Kinneavy, E. Werlich, R. Longacre, D. Biber, J.-M. Adam, T. Virtanen, James R. Martin, M. Fludernik, C. Smith), indicating the key principles of categorization, such as correlation with cognitive strategies, speech acts, linguistic features, and so on. Finally, one arrives at the conclusion that modes of discourse, which could be used synonymously with text types, concern the pragmatic properties of the text, and reveal rhetorical patterns used to achieve certain communicative goals in a coherent discourse. It is thus the goal of further research in the field of discourse studies to come up with the typology of modes of discourse applicable for particular types of discourse.


Lung cancer is a major public health problem worldwide and the leading cause of cancerrelated mortality in developed countries. Significant advances have been made especially with the discovery of targeted agents. However, only a small proportion of patients carry activating mutations; until recently conventional chemotherapy and angiogenesis inhibitors were the preferred treatment for the vast majority of patients. Now, the successful experience of anti-PD-1 agents may have opened the door to a novel and previously unexplored dimension in the treatment of lung cancer: immunotherapy. In this mini-review we will discuss the current applications and future consequences related this topic, paying special attention to the clinical studies that constitute the scientific evidence to supports its use.


A method of contact-bonding lenses to fibre endfaces is outlined. The lenses are of the same diameter as the fibre. Contact bonding reduces the adjustment effort compared with that required for independent lenses. Measurements performed on fibres with contact-bonding lenses using a GaAs laser diode as a light source showed a clear increase in coupling efficiency for the launching of light into the fibre.


Background: This study examined localized muscle fatigue responses from submaximal quasi-static work protocols and additionally how it compares to purely static work. The goal was to produce research that enhances the understanding of the demands on muscles during manual work to aid in preventing injuries stemming from localized muscle fatigue. Injury rates remain a problem in manual labour sectors, particularly for the lower back and shoulder regions for the manufacturing, service and construction sectors, and for knee and elbow flexors in the sports sector. Few studies have looked at quasi-static work and what the resulting fatigue characteristics are, especially when compared to purely static or purely dynamic work. This comparison is particularly important due to the fact that risk assessment tools that are currently utilized to assess risk in the working environment are based on fatigue studies that focus on purely static or purely dynamic work. This requires attention as many working situations are neither static nor dynamic, but rather quasi-static in nature, with aspects of both dynamic and static muscle components. The scope of this study only encompasses the comparison between purely static and quasi-static work. Objectives: This study had two objectives, firstly, to determine what the fatigue characteristics of quasi-static work are and how it compares to fully static work. Secondly, to determine whether an underlying static component within an otherwise dynamic muscle force affects localized muscle fatigue compared to quasi-static work that has equal amounts of effort but with no underlying static component. Methods: Four experimental conditions were tested, each on four muscles, namely the medial deltoid, bicep brachii, bicep femoris and erector spinae muscles. To test the two objectives of this study, 16 volunteers performed a five minute fatigue protocol, that either entailed a fully static condition which involved: 1) producing a steady force at 25 percent of maximum voluntary force, 2) a quasi-static condition with fully dynamic muscle force that alternates the required force level between zero and 50 percent of maximum force, 3) a quasi-static condition with an underlying static component of five percent of maximum force, or 4) a quasi-static condition with a large underlying static component of 15 percent of maximum force. All the experimental conditions in this ii study had the same average workload of 25 percent of maximum voluntary force over time and thus total workload. The dependant variables of interest were ratings of perceived exertion, changes in muscle fibre recruitment (% of maximum EMG activity), maximum force and center frequency from a spectral analysis of the surface electromyography. These were measured throughout the protocols at one minute intervals to determine how muscle fatigue progressed, and how the fatigue responses differed between conditions. Results: The data from comparing fully static and quasi-static work showed that of the variables measured, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and maximum force data indicated that for bicep brachii and bicep femoris muscles, fully static work is more fatiguing than work that alternates between zero and 50 percent of maximum force. The results for the medial deltoid and erector spinae muscles were inconclusive. The findings regarding the comparison between quasi-static conditions with and without an underlying static component revealed that an underlying static component results in greater fatigue when compared to a quasi-static condition with no static component. The results may also suggest that a larger static component coupled with a smaller peak force results in less fatigue than a condition with a small underlying static component coupled with a higher peak force in some scenarios, provided total work is kept constant. All conditions had to have the same workload in order to be validly compared and thus the condition with a larger underlying static component had a lower peak force compared to the condition with no underlying static component or the condition with a small underlying static component. Conclusions: This study presented evidence that quasi-static work does not induce fatigue when measured by RPE and drop in maximum force in the same way as static work. Additionally, the results indicate that a larger underlying static component does not necessarily fatigue a muscle faster if the overall workload is kept constant. However, the results do suggest that any underlying static component will increase the demand on a muscle when compared to a muscle exertion with no static component. When considering the available literature on how muscles fatigue during low level static contractions, the current understanding is that the larger the force during a static contraction, the faster the onset of fatigue and decrements in performance occur. The results of this study suggest that this same relationship cannot iii be applied to quasi-static work where an underlying static component is part of an otherwise dynamic muscle force. Thus total workload or peak force may play a larger role than the static muscle exertion in some scenarios.


In the last few years, the automotive industry has adopted the Six Sigma program aiming the performance increasing in the competition market. This tool is used as basis of quality control and strategic planning for production, providing significant improvements in direct and indirect costs of production. This paper provides a successful result obtained in an automotive industry in which the quality had been improved through the strategy proposed by Six Sigma. This company, after applying the Six Sigma methodology, had successfully reduces the amount of defects in the automotive seats in the assembly line. After the implementation, the company achieved higher quality process and its costs decreased, reducing to less than 50 % the number of seats with defects. The study contributes to the management practices, by identifying new applications with Six Sigma and further analysis of manufacturing with financial performance as well as to discuss the implications of these findings for practice and for future research.


Background: Health professionals must change the ethics of the "third person", where moral actions carried out by other people are judged as correct / incorrect, for the ethics of the first person oriented to personal excellence, vocation to good and to dignity of a person. Objective: To explore the knowledge and ethical training of health professionals working in the field of Nephrology. Method: A survey of 37 items on the basic notions of ethics was applied to the participants of the annual IMIN Meeting. Results: 85 surveys were obtained, 79% think that the laws enacted today respond to economic interests; 82% express that we cannot accept moral absolutes, however, 89% think that practical reason that directs our behavior recognizes human good in search of plenitude. 44% feel that it is not possible to act according to justice on a regular basis, and 94% express that virtue ethics look to the integral good of the person. Conclusions: The philosophical reflection, so typical of the human being, constitutes an ethical requirement in search of the truth of the good that must be chosen to achieve fullness, in the work of health agents in the field of Nephrology.

Keywords: bioethics, nephrology, personal autonomy.


This paper studies the asset side market discipline effect in Mexico, whether borrowers pay higher interest rates (price‑based mechanism) to high‑quality banks, and consequently, whether borrowers discipline their banks. Borrowers continuously require credit and they choose large banks because their lending activity is trustworthy (a reinancing‑solvency motive). In addition, borrowers prefer banks with lower loan losses to signal their creditworthiness to other stakeholders (a certiication‑signaling motive). Using a sample of 37 banks over the years 2008 to 2012 and a dynamic panel model, we found evidence in favor of these motives through a price‑based mechanism, that is, the Mexican borrowers are willing to pay higher rates to larger banks with higher capital ratios and reserves for loan losses, or lower nonperforming loans. As a result, the Mexican banks face market discipline induced by borrowers, albeit this discipline is absent in retail and largest banks.


Introduction: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leakage is usually caused by developmental abnormalities and is rare, accounting for approximately 5% of the cases of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.[1] To the best of our knowledge, clival dysplasia-caused CSF rhinorrhea has never been reported in the neurosurgical field. Conclusion: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is often treated by surgery, and a transsphenoidal approach repair is the main surgical method used, offering the advantages of less trauma, fewer complications, rapid postoperative recovery, and low recurrence rate.


All the members of Eucharitidae are parasitoid of ants. Argentina has 14 genera and 41 species, but little is known about their biology. Herein are provided new data for host associations (host ant and/or host plant) of Galearia latreillei, Kapala spp., Latina rugosa, Orasema aenea, and Orasema sp. A revision of the most relevant biological aspects of Dicoelothorax platycerus, Latina rugosa, Neolirata alta, N. daguerrei, Lophyrocera variabilis, Orasema argentina, O. salebrosa, O. simplex, O. susanae, O. worcesteri, and O. xanthopus is included. New records of K. sulcifacies, Lo. plagiata, and Ob. semifumipennis in Argentina are presented. Galearia proseni is synonymized with G. latreillei.


This thesis presents a' detailed study of the regulation of Independent Local Radio by the Independent Broadcasting Authority. The I.B.A. is an independent regulatory agency established to decide questions affecting both public and private rights. Two key functions performed by regulatory agencies are identified: law-elaboration and law-application. Lawelaboration is a quasi-legislative power which involves both the making of policy and the subsequent articulation of that policy through rule-making. Law-application entails the application of those rules in individual decisions. It is argued that the exercise of such powers can usefully be analysed in terms of legitimacy. What can validate the exercise of legislative powers by an unelected and largely unaccountable agency? In addressing this question, use is made of four ideal-type models of regulatory legitimacy: (1) legislative; (2) accountability; (3) due process; and (4) expertise. The general conclusion drawn is that it would be problematical for the I.B.A. to claim legitimacy for its policies and rules on the basis of its legislative mandate, its accountability, its respect for due process or its expertise. In particular, it is argued that there is little direct correlation between the I.B.A.'s activities and its legislative mandate. This is stated to be a problem inherent in the nature of the relqtionship between the legislature and a regulatory agency. It is argued that the present system of regulating I.L.R. is in need of reform if it is to make out a more convincing case for its legitimacy. The two main approaches to reform are deregulation and procedural innovation. Administrative lawyers have tended to focus on the latter type of reform. It is argued that administrative lawyers should widen their horizons beyond the procedural and become concerned with the outcome of the regulatory process: the concern should be with substantive as well as procedural legitimacy


Although campylobacter has been the most commonly recognized bacterial cause of gastro-intestinal infection in England and Wales since 1981, there are few reported campylobacter outbreaks. Of the 2374 general outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease reported to CDSC between 1995 and 1999, for which an aetiological agent was identified, campylobacter accounted for only 50 (2%). Foodborne transmission was identified in 35 outbreaks and the majority took place in commercial catering establishments; waterborne transmission was responsible for a further four outbreaks. Isolates of Campylobacter jejuni were referred for typing from 25 outbreaks. In 13 outbreaks all isolates were the same subtype, as defined by serotype and phage type, while in the remainder more than one campylobacter subtype was involved.


Open and Distance Education if well organized, is an adequate alternative to conventional education. For acceptability of this assertion, the public, governments, employers of labour and other stakeholders need to be convinced that ODL institutions are not providing half-baked education. Also, for the public and other shareholders enthusiasm and interest that are usually hard earned to be sustained, there is need for total commitment to the implementation of some established indices of sustainability. The thrust of this paper is in the appraisal of the extent to which two ODL institutions in Nigeria adhere to the principles of sustainability. A set of questionnaire was developed and used to collect data which were analyzed using simple non-parametric statistics. Suggestions which were aimed at improving the service delivery, in the institutions used for the study in particular, and other sister institutions especially in the developed countries were highlighted.


Various microorganisms are involved in the fermentation of Mageoli , Korean traditional liquor. Among them, the most predominant microorganism is yeast, including Saccharomyces cerevisae . This study investigated the effects of crude polysaccharides separated from Mageoli mash (CP-M) on activation of peritoneal macrophages in cell culture medium. Four types of yeasts, S. cerevisae 89-1-1, 98-2, 268-3, and 113-4, were used. When peritoneal macrophages were treated with 10 μ g/mL of CP-M fermented with S. cerevisae 113-4, the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in the medium was highest (33.3 μ M). The concentrations of IL-6 and -12 were also highest at 116.3 pg/mL and 59.8 pg/mL, respectively. In the case of CP-M cultured at 15, 20, and 30ºC after inoculation with S. cerevisae 113-4 and fermented at different temperatures, production of NO and IL-6 by peritoneal macrophages did not change compared to the control. For CP-M obtained after fermentation at 25ºC, however, NO concentration increased 2.7 ~ 3.3 fold and IL-6 concentration by 5.7 fold compared to the control. Furthermore, the effect of fermentation period on expression of CP-M functionality was examined. NO production by CP-M of the 5th day mash was highest, increasing 2.2 fold compared to 0-day CP-M. However, there were no significant differences in concentration of IL-6 or -12 according to different fermentation periods, although CP-M showed a large decrease after 10 days. The results show that fermentation conditions with the highest activity were observed in CP-M inoculated with S. cerevisae 113-4 and fermented at 25ºC for 5 days. CP-M consisted of 78.6% neutral sugar, 11.6% acidic polysaccharide, and 9.8% protein. In particular, the sugar composition of neutral sugar consisted of mannose (47.8%), glucose (29.6%), and galactose (12.7%). Based on the results, CP-M is assumed to be an extracellular polysaccharide originating in yeast with high mannose content.


The dual-bus optical network with nonregenerative stations has become popular. In general, the nonregenerative station implementation is better than the regenerative station implementation in media access control delay, cost, and susceptibility of station failures, etc. In this paper, two novel cycle-based protocols, named as synchronous wavelength sharing protocol (SWSP) and synchronous wavelength reusing/sharing protocol (SWRP), are proposed for nonregenerative wavelength-division-multiplexing dual-bus networks. The simulation results show that the network throughput and delay of SWRP are better than those of SWSP, when the numbers of wavelengths and tunable receivers are both limited, and/or the network traffic load is heavy.


Abstract:It is argued here that the incommensurability between the two cultural/intellectual traditions continues to impede the effort of comparative philosophy. Consequently, comparative philosophy between two radically distinct culturallanguage communities is severely compromised. Rational comparison between them is problematic, difficult, and in some measure even seems unattainable.


[Introduction] The outcome of patients with unresectable and postoperative recurrent biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) is mostly miserable and most patients are possible candidates for palliative chemotherapy. Gemcitabine is a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue that is commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for advanced BTC. Gemcitabine is transported into the cell mostly by human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1(hENT1). The hENT1 expression has been demonstrated to play an important role in predicting clinical outcome after gemcitabine chemotherapy for several types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate a predictive marker for good prognosis of gemcitabine chemotherapy for unresectable and postoperative recurrent BTC. [Materials and methods] The analysis was performed on samples from 25 patients with unresectable (6 patients) and postoperative recurrent (19 patients) BTC treated with gemcitabine at the host institute between January 1997 and January 2011. The hENT1 expression levels in tumors were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The clinical and histopathological variables were analyzed to evaluate predictive values for survival. [Results] Of the 25 tumor specimens, 18 (72%) specimens had positive hNET1 immunostaing, while 7 (28%) specimens were classified as negative. No statistical significant differences were found between the expression of hENT1 and patient characteristics (gender, age, tumor stage, lymph node stage, lymph duct invasion, vascular invasion, perineural invasion). In the univariate analysis, hENT1 expression was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS). The median OS was 15.3 versus 4.2 months, respectively in patients with positive versus negative hENT1 staining (p=0.006). As a result of multivariate analysis, hENT1 expression was useful as a predictive marker for good prognosis with significant difference (p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 711. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-711


Purpose. Determining the range of optimal values of peripheral density of the blade cascades of an axial impeller with low specific speed (ns ≈ 300) by means of numerical simulation. Design/methodology/approach. Series of small-sized axial impellers were designed, in which the relative axial length changed at 0.8,  1.0, 1.2, 1.4 from the base axial length and the number of blades changed from 6 to 10. Hub/tip ratio and blade setting angle of the  impeller remained unchanged. Numerical simulation in the software ANSYS CFX was conducted and dependences of head and the  hydraulic efficiency from flow rate were obtained. Findings. The optimum range of values of the density of the blade cascades of an axial impeller with low specific speed was  obtained, which corresponds to τ = 0,95 ... 1,25. Higher values should be chosen as needed to provide high pressure ratio. Originality/value. Obtained limiting value of density of the blade cascades of an axial impeller can be used in the design of axial  turbomachinery with low flow rate at work on an incompressible medium


Abstract This paper examines the joint impact of infrastructure capital and institutional quality on economic growth using a large panel dataset covering 99 countries and spanning the years 1980–2015. The empirical strategy involves estimating a simple growth model where, in addition to standard controls, infrastructure, institutional quality, and their interaction are included as explanatory variables. Potential endogeneity concerns are addressed by employing generalized method of moments estimators that utilize internal instruments. We find that the interaction terms between infrastructure capital and institutional quality show a positive and significant impact on economic growth. These results are robust to a variety of alternative specifications and institutional quality measures. Hence, our results suggest that maximizing returns from infrastructure capital requires improving the quality of institutions.


Antisense oligonucleotides have been covalently attached to asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) via disulfide bond conjugation chemistry. These conjugates were characterized extensively by an array of chemical, chromatographic, and spectroscopic means. Multiple (approximately six) oligonucleotides can be conjugated to each ASGP molecule. The molecular conjugates were used to deliver antisense oligonucleotides complementary to the mRNA of the interleukin 6 signal transduction protein (gp130) to modulate the acute phase response of hepatoma (HepG2) cells in vitro. These conjugates were biologically active, as measured by inhibition of the cytokine-stimulated up-regulation of the acute phase protein haptoglobin. The level of inhibition was comparable to that found with previous technology featuring noncovalent complexes of ASGP-poly(L-lysine) and oligonucleotide. Because of the ability to control the stoichiometry of the conjugate and its unimolecular nature (as opposed to bimolecular for the noncovalent conjugates), this methodology holds great promise for further development and application.


Dunyazad is a system which creates narrative choices à la Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books. It attempts to generate choices that achieve specific poetic effects. This paper demonstrates Dunyazad's ability to manage player expectations by having it generate three distinct choice structures: obvious choices, relaxed choices, and dilemmas. Using answer set programming, Dunyazad's choice generation system directly encodes a theory of choice poetics, so flaws in its output can inform both the system and the theory itself. Survey data presented here thus not only validate that players' perceptions match Dunyazad's intentions, but also have implications for the theory of choice poetics. Statistical analysis of our data indicates that Dunyazad can successfully construct obvious choices, relaxed choices, and dilemmas.


In this paper, an adjustable reset pulse phase frequency detector (PFD) for phase-locked loop (PLL) is proposed and analyzed. The proposed PFD adjust the width of the reset pulse when the reference clock and the feedback clock of the PLL are in phase to reduce the static phase error at the PLL output. The proposed PFD is implemented using 45nm CMOS thin oxide device with a 0.9-V supply voltage. A comparison between PLL using proposed PFD architecture and PLL using conventional PFD architecture is done. The pre-layout simulation results show a reduction of ∼61% in static phase error when the proposed PFD is implemented on the PLL compared to when the conventional PFD is implemented.


UNLABELLED
The effect of sensory and extrinsic attributes on consumer intentions to purchase the Japanese traditional fermented soybean product natto was evaluated using conjoint analysis. Six attributes with 2 levels each were chosen and manipulated: price (high compared with low), the country of origin of the soybeans (domestic compared with imported), stickiness (strong compared with moderate), smell (rich compared with moderate), attached seasonings (attached compared with no attached seasonings), and the environmental friendliness of the packaging (high compared with low). A fractional factorial design was applied and 8 hypothetical product labels were produced. A sample of 479 Japanese housewives ranked these product labels based on their purchase intentions. Overall purchase intention was affected by country of origin, attached seasonings, and price; those attributes accounted for 81.0%, while the sensory attributes of the product accounted for 19.0% of purchase intents. In order to estimate market segments for the natto products based on consumer preference, a cluster analysis was performed. It identified 4 segments of consumers: 1 oriented to attached seasonings, another conscious of the price, and the other 2 oriented to origins. The behavioral and demographic characteristics of the respondents had a limited influence on segment membership.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION
  This research was conducted to understand how consumers valuate various sensory and nonsensory product attributes based on their assessment of the overall product in the case of Japanese fermented soy product (natto). The data of this research would be of great importance both in understanding consumer behavior and in designing strategies for product development.


This paper explores the dynamics of publishing of non-Russian Soviet literatures in Soviet Estonia, establishing the output of titles and the most popular source literatures. The analysis follows the position of Soviet national literatures during four periods in political history: the Stalinist years, the Thaw, Stagnation, and Perestroika. The study uses statistical yearbooks, bibliographies, archival material, as well as research literature as sources. The publishing of Soviet literature was strongly regulated by the publishing authorities and dependent on ideological directions. The analysis demonstrates that the proportion of the non-Russian Soviet literatures started to increase during the Thaw period, but the peak of its production was reached during the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s due to official pressure. The total number of source literatures was 49, demonstrating the diversity of translation production, although they were represented equally. The top source literatures were Latvian, Lithuanian, and Ukrainian. The interest of the literary circles and reading audiences in the translations was rather weak, although the top authors attracted the attention of the more intellectual segment of readers.


Using spherical ansatz, we construct dual equations for non-abelian gauge fields in Minkowski space. The analytically continued instanton is shown to satisfy the dual equations but assumes a more ansatz. It is not the solution of MIT second order differential equation. The symmetries of the solution function space are examined. The relevant physics is reviewed.


This study presents an approach to Hidden Markov Models (HMM)-based spontaneous speech synthesis with pronunciation variation for better spontaneity. Pronunciation variation generally occurs in spontaneous speech and plays an important role in expressing the spontaneity. In this study, a state-based transformation function is adopted to model the relation between read speech and the corresponding spontaneous speech with pronunciation variations. The transformation function is then used to generate the state-based pronunciation variations. Due to the lack of training data, the articulatory features are used to cluster the transformation functions using Classification and Regression Trees (CARTs) such that the unseen pronunciation variation with the same articulatory features can be generated from the transformation function in the same cluster. Objective and subjective tests are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The experimental results show that the proposed transformation function achieves a significant improvement on spontaneity in synthesized speech.


Extracellular ATP, released at sites of inflammation or tissue damage, activates the P2X7 receptor, which in turn triggers a range of responses also including cell proliferation. In this study the ability of the human cathelicidin LL-37 to stimulate fibroblast growth was inhibited by commonly used P2X7 blockers. We investigated the structural requirements of the growth-promoting activity of LL-37 and found that it did not depend on helix sense (the all-d analog was active) but did require a strong helix-forming propensity in aqueous solution (a scrambled analog and primate LL-37 orthologs devoid of this property were inactive). The involvement of P2X7 was analyzed using P2X7-expressing HEK293 cells. LL-37 induced proliferation of these cells, triggered Ca2+ influx, promoted ethidium bromide uptake, and synergized with benzoyl ATP to enhance the pore and channel functions of P2X7. The activity of LL-37 had an absolute requirement for P2X7 expression as it was blocked by the P2X7 inhibitor KN-62, was absent in cells lacking P2X7, and was restored by P2X7 transfection. Of particular interest, LL-37 led to pore-forming activity in cells expressing a truncated P2X7 receptor unable to generate the non-selective pore typical of the full-length receptor. Our results indicate that P2X7 is involved in the proliferative cell response to LL-37 and that the structural/aggregational properties of LL-37 determine its capacity to modulate the activation state of P2X7.


The authors assessed the influences of several risk factors--self-esteem, history of unwanted sexual contact (USC), depression, and sorority membership--on eating-related and weight-related attitudes and behaviors. Findings provide support for the roles of self-esteem, depression, and USC on restricting attitudes. According to the authors' model, these independent variables predicted restricting attitudes that then predicted restricting behaviors. Implications for preventive interventions and the study's limitations are discussed. ********** Major diagnosable eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are experienced by at least 2.5% to 5% of adolescents and young adults (Doyle & Bryant-Waugh, 2000; Rosenvinge, Borgen, & Borrensen, 1999), Furthermore, even more individuals in this age group experience a combination of subthreshold symptoms falling under the diagnostic umbrella of eating disorders not otherwise specified (NOS), the specific syndrome of binge eating disorder, or subthreshold eating-related concerns that are problematic but do not meet any of these diagnostic criteria. For example, in one study, researchers found that 20% of female college students surpassed the cutoff score for disordered eating (Nelson, Hughes, Katz, & Searight, 1999). Furthermore, Schwitzer, Rodriguez, Thomas, and Salimi (2001) found that on one campus, 80% of the college-age women who had used the counseling center's multidisciplinary eating disorder intervention program reported moderate eating concerns presenting as mixed symptoms rather than fully diagnosable anorexia or bulimia. The most common symptoms reported by the investigators included regular binge eating, problematic daily exercise, and occasional purging. Associated features included overconcern with body image and self-esteem, as well as intermittent depression. Weight-Related and Eating-Related Attitudes and Behaviors According to well-established cognitive psychology perspectives, cognitive processes including plans, goals, expectancies, and attitudes give rise to behavioral responses or actions (Reeve, 1992). Correspondingly, in the cognitive theory of eating disorders, researchers believe that the fundamental mechanism driving eating-related disorders is one's attempt to overcome problems with self-esteem by evaluating oneself disproportionately by means of weight and shape and subsequently restricting intake (Pike, Loeb, & Vitousek, 2000). In fact, according to the cognitive and social influence literatures, because social and media messages regarding the importance of weight and shape are commonplace in Western cultures, attitudes regarding the importance of restricting are quite prevalent and therefore easily internalized by individuals. Even among children, 81% of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat (Mellin et al., 1991), whereas only 46% of 9- to 11-year-olds are "sometimes" or "very often" on diets (Gustafson-Larson & Terry, 1992). In turn, according to the theories, these cognitive attitudes may lead to problematic eating and weight-management behaviors. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to assess risk factors associated with eating- and weight-related attitudes, as well as eating- and weight-related behaviors among female college students. We believed it was important to gain a better understanding of potential risk factors influencing both attitudes and behaviors separately because research has demonstrated that problematic attitudes toward eating and weight as well as subthreshold eating and weight-related behaviors are much more prevalent than diagnosable eating disorders (Doyle & Bryant-Waugh, 2000; Schwitzer et al., 2001). Additionally, research supports the exceptionally high rates of disordered eating attitudes and lower, but still high, rates of disordered eating behaviors in children (Mellin et al., 1991). We chose to separate eating-related attitudes and behaviors in the dependent variable to more closely approximate the picture painted by previous research. …


Collaboration in the schools is an important intervention for providing services to students and staff members. The majority of studies regarding collaborative consultation between school psychologists and teachers have been conducted at the elementary and middle school levels. Further, little has been written about teaching collaborative consultation at the university level to preservice educators.This article describes a two-year project designed to teach collaboration at the university level to two groups of high school teacher interns and school psychology students enrolled in separate courses. Teacher trainees identified problems within their classrooms with which they needed assistance and school psychology students collaborated with them to find appropriate interventions. The process was examined at the end of each spring semester for two years through focus groups led by the two university professors. Analysis of the group interactions indicated similarities and differences between the two student groups. First-year students spent a great deal of time and energy establishing a relationship with their partners and supporting this positive interaction, however, specific, practical interventions were neglected. Students in the second-year group were better able to collaborate on the implementation of actual interventions. This was attributed to additional structure and accountability measures added to the courses. Recommendations for future collaboration training experiences are outlined by the authors.


Dear Sir, We were very interested to read the case report by Holliman et al. [Br J Obstet Gynaecol(l991) 98,832-8341 demonstrating again the problems of confident antenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. We would like to know which serological studies confirmed acute toxoplasma infection in a woman for whom the time of seroconversion was unknown. High titres of specific IgM persist for many years following primary infection (Fuccillo et al. 1987). Sever (1990) argues that toxoplasmosis screening in pregnancy is therefore of little clinical value. The patient described underwent amniocentesis (with a risk of fetal loss of 0.5-1%) and cordocentesis with a risk of fetal loss of 2-3% (Daffos et al. 1985; MacKenzie et al. 1991), whilst the risk of fetal infection in primary maternal toxoplasmosis is thought to be between 1.5 and 6.0% (Desmonts et al. 1985). Some units perform cordocentesis only if antenatal seroconversion is demonstrated (Desmonts et al. 1985). Cordocentesis is still a subspecialist investigation and it is unlikely that it can be offered to all patients with a positive toxoplasma titre and a history of flu-like illness in pregnancy. If a definite diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis cannot be reached the pregnant woman will be left with a high level of stress and the obstetrician with the decision if he should give potentially harmful, prophylactic medication. R. Pittrof Registrar G. Shahib Registrar Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Arrowe Park Hospital Upton Wirral L49 5PE


In a posterior silk gland extract, covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA is in a superhelical state that supports more transcription of fibroin gene than does linear DNA. A HeLa cell extract showed neither the supercoiling activity nor the preference for the transcription of ccc DNA over linear DNA. These activities could be added to the HeLa cell extract. Phosphocellulose fractionation of the posterior silk gland extract yielded a flow-through fraction and a 0.6 M KCl eluate fraction that were required for the supercoiling and for the efficient transcription of the ccc template in the acceptor HeLa cell extract. The 0.6 M KCl fraction had a DNA topoisomerase II activity, and the flow-through fraction contained a supercoiling factor that, with the aid of topoisomerase II, introduced negative supercoils into ccc DNA. When both fractions were added to the posterior silk gland extract, more supercoiling occurred than with the extract alone. Several genes were optimally transcribed under various extents of supercoiling. The fibroin gene and adenovirus 2 major late promoter were fully transcribed as partially supercoiled templates. The sericin gene required more supercoiling for full transcription, whereas no preference for supercoiling was seen with the transcription of hsp70. These results suggest that DNA topology plays a role in the regulation of gene expression.