Nano discs recently evolved as a novel tool for studying the membrane associated proteins and serve as an effective drug delivery system. Nano discs constitute disc shaped nano particles and can be defined as a membrane system which is synthetic in nature and aids in the study of membrane proteins. It is mainly made of phospholipid bilayer and the water repelling edge is isolated by amphipathic proteins called membrane scaffolding proteins [MSP]. Micelles present in the nano disc mimics the property of the biological membrane proteins. It is a powerful technology that competently delivers the drug components in to the right cells in the right tissues. Membrane scaffold proteins are primarily expressed, purified and characterized and self-assembled to form Nano discs by the process of dialysis using biobeads. Nano discs are proven to be effective in the study of membrane proteins because they can fluidize and counterbalance and also help in reclusion, refinement, biophysical and biochemical studies of them. It also presents a more genuine environment than liposomes, bicelles, amphipols and detergent micelles. Major technological advantages of nano discs include the higher stability and carrier capacity and also the increased feasibility of incorporating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances of drug carrier. Thus nano discs serves as an excellent system in its ability to precisely control its composition and provide a nano scale membrane surface for investigating molecular recognition events. This article reviews the emphasis of nanodiscs in studying membrane proteins as well as its effectivity in transforming into a major drug delivery system. An overview of published literatures between 1996 and 2017 was conducted to write the review.


In earlier work, we argued that the pattern of cross-national correlates of civil war onset can be  best explained by interpreting several influential variables as indicators of state weakness. This argument was speculative, however, in that partial correlations from a statistical model using country-year data cannot rule out multiple possible mechanisms linking the explanatory variables to civil war onset. To explore mechanisms, we turned to narrative, and justified a procedure for case selection called "random narratives" as having advantages compared to the reliance on convenience samples. This paper, juxtaposing statistical expectations with historical narrative, illustrates what we can learn more generally about the causes of civil war even from Japan, a country that has not experienced a civil war in our period of study, and one of our randomly selected country cases. The narrative reveals that there have been deep grievances in the post WWII era resulting in several uprisings. These were efficiently cauterized and prevented from developing into insurgencies by a security state that had high information and great discipline in its non-use of violence. The narrative evidence is consistent with our interpretation of state weakness as an important variable for explaining cross-sectional and over-time variation in civil war onset. From this case study we cannot rule out that societal grievances are lower on average in Japan than in civil war-afflicted states, but we can rule out that there were no intensely held grievances capable of motivating violent rebellion in post-war Japan, particularly in the late 1940s and 1950s.


A total of 295 patients, parents and unaffected sibs from 106 CF‐families in central and northeastern Switzerland were investigated with probes 7C22(D7S16), metH, metD, pKM19, pXV‐2c and pJ3.11(D7S8) for eight DNA polymorphisms (RFLP's). Linkage disequilibrium to the CF locus and haplotype frequencies were compared to those in other populations. They are comparable to other Caucasian populations and, for pKM 19 and pXV‐2c, very close to the findings in Italy. The prevalence of certain haplotypes among the CF and the normal allele‐bearing chromosomes indicate that the majority of the CF cases are probably the result of one ancient mutation in a common ancestor, but that there may be allelic heterogeneity accounting for an important proportion of patients, that may differ between countries or regions. Informative family constellations for the different polymorphisms in Switzerland and strategies for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis are discussed. Haplotype analyses for each country and its ethnic subgroups are recommended.


Diversity of drugs against bacterial infections, and development of resistance to such drugs are increasing. We formulate and analyze a deterministic model for the population dynamics of sensitive and resistant bacteria to multiple bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics, assuming that drug resistance is acquired through mutations and plasmid transmission. Model equilibria are determined from qualitative analysis, and numerical simulations are used to assess temporal dynamics of sensitive and drug-resistant bacteria. The model presents three possibilities: elimination of bacteria, persistence of only resistant bacteria, or coexistence of sensitive and resistant bacteria. Evolution to one of these scenarios depends on thresholds numbers involving sensitive and resistant bacteria.


Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the leading cause of blindness among adults. However, adherence to diabetic retinopathy screening (DRS) significantly reduces blindness. A substantial proportion of diabetics have suboptimal compliance to DRS, which inversely affects their outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the level of adherence to DRS and to explore the factors possibly associated with poor adherence to regular screening among diabetics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted that encompassed 404 adult diabetic patients attending outpatient clinics in four hospitals in Riyadh. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection that included five main sections: sociodemographic data, diabetic profile, assessment of knowledge about DR, attitude toward DRS, and barriers to DRS. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY); qualitative variables were described as percentages, and quantitative variables were described as means ± standard deviation (SD). We used the chi-square test to measure the associations between qualitative variables and binary logistic regression analysis to predict the independent barriers to DRS. Result The average age of the participants was 54 years, and 69.1% were females. The average duration of diabetes was 12.3 years. Type 2 DM was the most prevalent form of DM (63.6%). DR was reported by 20% of participants. Poor knowledge about DRS was prevalent in 51%. More than one-fifth were never screened for DR. About one-third of participants agreed that cost was an important contributing barrier. Adequate knowledge, increased duration of diabetes, and presence of neurological complications increased independent adherence to screening. Conclusion One-fifth of participants reported having DR. Half the participants had poor knowledge about DR, which formed a major barrier against regular screening. However, most participants had positive attitudes about DR screening. Therefore, intervention strategies to increase patients' awareness of DR might be the cornerstone of ensuring proper adherence to DRS.


ABSTRACT Enterococcus mundtii has rarely been isolated from environmental or human sources. We report the identification of E. mundtii as a pathogen of human infectious disease by DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA and sodA genes in a case of endophthalmitis developed in a 66-year-old immunocompetent gardener.


The Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB) developed an online survey, called the Observatory of Students and Graduates, aimed at entities in Portugal as a means of gathering information about the stakeholders view of IPB graduates and students, regarding skills for employability. Of the total (424) entities contacted, 118 responded, representing 28% of the total. It was noted that 79 of the responses have included IPB students and graduates in their staff, being 27% entities of the Agroforestry-food sector, 16% from the Consulting, Real Estate and Finance sector, and 14% from the Transport and Commerce sector. IPB graduates and students's skills were discussed from the perspective of employers. 12 skills were listed, with an average of 95% of responses between "Very Important" and "Important".´The skills that stood out the most were: "Learning" and "Motivation/Involvement". The lowest priority skills were: "Physical: Robustness and manual dexterity", followed by "General Culture". These data point to the clear fact that the soft skills have greater relevance than hard skills. One of the justifications is that the advent of artificial intelligence, and other technologies that have been performing functions that overlap with technical - human knowledge.


Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) try to interpret brain signals , such as EEG , to issue some command or to characterize the cognitive states of the subjects. A strong limitation is that BCI tasks require a high concentration of the user , de facto limiting the length of experiment and the size of the dataset. Furthermore , several BCI paradigms depend on rare events , as for event-related potentials , also reducing the number of training examples available. A common strategy in machine learning when dealing with scarce data is called data augmentation ; new samples are generated by applying chosen transformations on the original dataset. In this contribution , we propose a scheme to adapt data augmentation in EEG-based BCI with a Riemannian standpoint : geometrical properties of EEG covariance matrix are taken into account to generate new training samples. Neural network are good candidates to benefit from such training scheme and a simple multi-layer perceptron offers good results . Experimental validation is conducted on two datasets : an SSVEP experiment with few training samples in each class and an error potential experiment with unbalanced classes (NER Kaggle competition) .


BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recurrent stenosis and closure of neostium is considered a major factor for surgical failure in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (Endo DCR). The main objective of this study is to evaluate the role of mitomycin c and silicone stent in maintaining the patency of the neostium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endo DCR were done in 180 patients. Group A included 40 patients where only mucosal flap was created, group B included 40 patients where silicon tube stents were used. Group C 40 included those in whom mitomycin c was applied to the neo ostium. Group D 40 included those in whom stenting along with mitomycin c was used. All the surgeries were done under general anaesthesia. RESULTS: In our study, 90% success in syringing patency was seen in group A, 85% success in syringing patency was seen in group B at 6 months of follow-up. 95% success was seen in group C. 100% success rate was seen in patients with mitomycin c application and stenting. Significant difference in success rate was seen group D. CONCLUSION: Significant difference in EDCR success rates were seen with the use of mitomycin c along with stenting in our study.


Kleene's computability theory based on his S1-S9 computation schemes constitutes a model for computing with objects of any finite type and extends Turing's `machine model' which formalises computing with real numbers. A fundamental distinction in Kleene's framework is between normal and non-normal functionals where the former compute the associated Kleene quantifier $\exists^{n}$ and the latter do not. Historically, the focus was on normal functionals, but recently new non-normal functionals have been studied, based on well-known theorems like the uncountability of the reals. These new non-normal functionals are fundamentally different from historical examples like Tait's fan functional: the latter is computable from $\exists^{2}$ while the former are only computable in $\exists^{3}$. While there is a great divide separating $\exists^{2}$ and $\exists^{3}$, we identify certain closely related non-normal functionals that fall on different sides of this abyss. Our examples are based on mainstream mathematical notions, like quasi-continuity, Baire classes, and semi-continuity.


The Temperate Pasture Sustainability Key Program (TPSKP) was established across south-eastern Australia to test the hypotheses that an improved perennial grass content in pastures would result in fewer weeds, better water use (and hence lesser impacts on soil salinity), and lower soil acidification rates. Grazing tactics were seen as a means to enhance or maintain the perennial grass content. Soil and water sustainability experiments in summer and winter dominant rainfall environments showed fewer weeds, improvements in water use and less acidity under perennial versus annual grass pastures. Further work is needed to determine if these gains are sufficient to make perennial grass pastures sustainable in the long-term as some nitrate leakage still occurred at the winter rainfall site. Indicators were developed to rate the sustainability of treatments within experiments. A subset of these indicators was common across experiments and could readily be used by farmers to provide an initial assessment of the soil and water sustainability of their pasture systems. These are: the mineral nitrogen at the bottom of the root zone (40–60 cm); soil pH at the surface and bottom of the root zone and perennial grass content by species. Managing pastures through droughts is a critical aspect of grazing management in Australia. Experiments within the TPSKP demonstrated that perennial grasses survived during drought when maintained above critical lower biomass values. These values ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 t DM/ha depending upon species. Over all experiments, there was general support for the view that maintaining a higher level of biomass in pastures resulted in more sustainable systems. Twenty-three grazing experiments using an open communal grazing design showed that most perennial grasses were sensitive to grazing at some stage in their seasonal growth cycles. The exceptions were inconclusive for several reasons e.g. the grazing pressure may not have been high enough at those sites to elucidate any effects; they occurred where the perennial grass content was less than 10% or exceeded 70%, of the sward; or were confounded by interactions between species where the species under study was not dominant. After taking these exceptions into account, it was then possible to determine where grazing tactics could be expected to work. Species differed in their response to grazing. Some perennial grasses were more sensitive to grazing during periods of stress (e.g. dry summers) than when actively growing (e.g. cocksfoot), while the reverse applied with others (e.g. phalaris). Of the grasses sensitive to grazing when actively growing, sensitivity of some was largely confined to the reproductive period (e.g. perennial ryegrass). Across most experiments, continuous grazing resulted in either a decline in or no net benefit to, the perennial grass content. Microlaena stipoides was the only species to respond to increased grazing pressure — this only applied in spring. The experiments clearly showed that tactical rests were an important tool for grassland management. The effects recorded were predominantly expressed through impacts on vegetative growth and survival of existing plants. Short-term experiments and dry seasons did not enable recruitment processes to be studied. Within pastures, grazing tactics can influence many species. The challenge is to use the TPSKP outcomes to develop strategies that optimise the composition of these swards. Due to the short-term nature of these experiments the results were evaluated within a conservative framework and often simply on the absolute level of parameters. Techniques need to be developed to more effectively monitor the process (i.e. rates of change), rather than the consequences (i.e. ends). The information gained in this program needs to be incorporated into practical strategies for better management of pastures and tested at a commercial scale. The TPSKP was one of the largest, coordinated pasture programs ever attempted. Some major outcomes were the experience gained by a large number of grassland scientists in running such programs, the development and acceptance of standardised measurement protocols and a much stronger network among grazing systems scientists committed to achieving improved management systems.


Extracellular vesicles are nanovesicles released by many cell types into the extracellular space. They are important mediators of intercellular communication, enabling the functional transfer of molecules from one cell to another. Moreover, their molecular composition reflects the physiological status of the producing cell and tissue. Consequently, these vesicles have been involved in many (patho)physiological processes such as immunomodulation and intestinal epithelial repair, both key processes involved in inflammatory bowel disease. Given that these vesicles are present in many body fluids, they also provide opportunities for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic applications. In this review, we summarize functional roles of extracellular vesicles in health and disease, with a focus on immune regulation and intestinal barrier integrity, and review recent studies on extracellular vesicles and inflammatory bowel disease. We also elaborate on their clinical potential in inflammatory bowel disease.


Abstract The effects of maternal hypothyroidism on neonatal outcomes were not definitely confirmed. We conduct a systematic review of the literatures on the impact of maternal hypothyroidism on neonatal outcomes. We searched Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases complemented by manual searches in article references without language restrictions published from 1946 to April 2015. Nine trials are included. For preterm birth in pregnancies of hypothyroidism women, there is an increased tendency (RR 1.18; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.40; p = 0.06). The same result is seen relating to the low birth weight (RR 1.31; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.72; p = 0.05). Regarding small for gestational age there is no significant increase. Children who were born from mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy have increased birth weight (MD 32.35, 95% CI 7.46 to 57.24; p = 0.01). The impact of maternal hypothyroidism shows a trend of reduced risk of large for gestational age (RR 1.17; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.38; p = 0.06). Our review suggests that mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to children with higher birth weight or LGA, and L-T4 supplementation should be recommended. The risk of preterm birth and low birth weight also tends to be higher in children with hypothyroidism mothers.


Reproducing Kernel Particle Method (RKPM) is a mesh-free technology which has proven very useful for solving problems of elastic-plastic fracture mechanics. In this study, the stress intensity factor (SIF) at the crack-tip in a work-hardening material is obtained using RKPM. Ramberg-Osgood stress-strain relation is assumed and the crack-tip SIF before and after formation of the plastic zone are examined. To impose the essential boundary conditions, penalty method is used. To construct the shape functions in the vicinity of the crack and crack-tip, both the diffraction and visibility criteria are employed and the crack tip region is also refined using more particles in two various model particle arrangements. The effects of different dilation parameters on SIF under plane-stress and plane-strain conditions are studied for plane-stress and plane-strain conditions. Results show that dilation parameter has a great impact on the performance of the RKPM and especially on the SIF value for the edge crack problems. The main objective is to study the effects of different dilation parameters on SIF value under plane-stress and plane-strain conditions at the crack-tip using diffraction and visibility criteria.


The advances in communication, computation, and sensing technologies have led researchers, academics, and aircraft industries to strive to design efficient enabling technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). UAVs are being deployed for surveillance, monitoring, and various other operations in a wide range of military, consumer, and commercial applications. A web of UAVs forming a heterogeneous network offers a dynamic solution for providing wireless and Internet connectivity to devices, sensors, and machines in various situations, such as during natural disasters and over mountainous terrain, among others. Thus, achieving high-speed wireless communication for nextgeneration communication systems (5G) has emerged as one of the applications of UAVs. Remote sensing and surveillance as well as critical infrastructure monitoring and control are further applications that UAV technologies are disrupting.


To the Editor.— Amyloidosis includes a group of disorders with a variety of clinical features that generally are a result of the deposition of a proteinaceous, finely fibrillar, eosinophilic, hyaline extracellular substance.1The diagnosis of amyloidosis is established by histological examination and special stains of tissue obtained by biopsy or, more commonly, at autopsy. The clinical manifestations of the disease are usually subtle and nonspecific. The following case of amyloidosis is noteworthy because the patient's initial condition was that of an acute abdomen secondary to rupture of the spleen. Report of a Case.— A 49-year-old man was brought to the Ben Taub General Hospital emergency room with a complaint of left upper quadrant abdominal pain that had become progressively worse during several days. He gave no history of trauma or abdominal injury in the previous week. He denied past specific chronic or acute illnesses. However, he did state that


Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were obtained by mechanical release from a solitary rapidly grown tumor of a patient with mycosis fungoides. The preparations separated by density gradient centrifugation contained a major portion of CD3+ CD8+ WT31+ CD5- large T-cell blasts and a minor portion of non-blastic TIL predominantly of the CD3+ CD4+ phenotype. Using cDNA-probes for the constant region of the T-cell receptor beta-genes, the large cell fraction was identified as tumor by its distinct monoclonal rearrangement. TIL were expanded by culture in recombinant interleukin 2 and cloned by limiting dilution. Phenotypic analysis of expanded TIL and two clones further analyzed in more detail showed CD3+, CD4+, CD8-, and 2H4+ (CD45R+) expression. Cloned and uncloned TIL showed no NK and LAK activity, no proliferative response, and no cytotoxic activity against autologous tumor cells. These cells were unable to suppress the proliferative response of alloreactive T-cell clones stimulated by B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (i.e., they had no suppressor-effector activity), but strongly suppressed proliferation responses in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte culture (i.e., they most likely had suppressor-inducer activity). This was not the case when irradiated tumor cells were added. The present results demonstrate continuous in vitro growth of CD4+ and 2H4+ T-cell clones with suppressor-inducer activity obtained from TIL, and indicate that a subpopulation of TIL may down-regulate immune responses which may lead to suppression of antitumor immunity.


Abstract Two analogues of oxytocin in which the glutamine residue at position 4 has been replaced by isoleucine and leucine residues, respectively, have been prepared by total synthesis via the stepwise p-nitrophenyl ester method. The [4-isoleucine]-oxytocin and [4-leucine]-oxytocin were tested for a number of biological activities, [4-Isoleucine]-oxytocin possesses about 16% of the avian vasodepressor, 7% of the oxytocic, and 45% of the milk-ejecting activities of oxytocin. This analogue possesses negligible pressor and antidiuretic activities. [4-Leucine]-oxytocin possesses approximately 9% of the avian vasodepressor, 2.5% of the oxytocic, and 16% of the milk-ejecting activities of oxytocin. This analogue has no antidiuretic activity. It has a weak and inconsistent depressor effect on the blood pressure. [4-Isoleucine]-oxytocin and [4-leucine]-oxytocin are both considerably less potent than [4-valine]-oxytocin with respect to their avian vasodepressor, oxytocic, and milk-ejecting activities. Of particular interest is the fact that [4-leucine]-oxytocin exhibits in the rat a potent diuretic and natriuretic effect. Futhermore, it inhibits the antidiuretic activity of arginine-vasopressin.


Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults, and is primarily characterized by muscle weakness and myotonia, yet some of the most disabling symptoms of the disease are cognitive and behavioral. Here we evaluated several of these non-motor symptoms from a cross-sectional time-point in one of the largest longitudinal studies to date, including full-scale intelligence quotient, depression, anxiety, apathy, sleep, and cerebral white matter fractional anisotropy in a group of 39 adult-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1 participants (27 female) compared to 79 unaffected control participants (46 female). We show that intelligence quotient was significantly associated with depression (P < 0.0001) and anxiety (P = 0.018), but not apathy (P < 0.058) or hypersomnolence (P = 0.266) in the DM1 group. When controlling for intelligence quotient, cerebral white matter fractional anisotropy was significantly associated with apathy (P = 0.042) and hypersomnolence (P = 0.034), but not depression (P = 0.679) or anxiety (P = 0.731) in the myotonic dystrophy type 1 group. Finally, we found that disease duration was significantly associated with apathy (P < 0.0001), hypersomnolence (P < 0.001), IQ (P = 0.038), and cerebral white matter fractional anisotropy (P < 0.001), but not depression (P = 0.271) or anxiety (P = 0.508). Our results support the hypothesis that cognitive deficits, hypersomnolence, and apathy, are due to the underlying neuropathology of myotonic dystrophy type 1, as measured by cerebral white matter fractional anisotropy and disease duration. Whereas elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety in myotonic dystrophy type 1 are secondary to the physical symptoms and the emotional stress of coping with a chronic and debilitating disease. Results from this work contribute to a better understanding of disease neuropathology and represent important therapeutic targets for clinical trials.


In this paper, silicon nanowire (SiNW) array-patterned microcantilever sensors excited in the in-plane resonance mode have been designed, fabricated, characterized, and used for enhanced detection of atmospheric aerosols (i.e., cigarette smoke and carbon black aerosols). The selective surface modification of the cantilever is mainly performed by a combination of nanoimprint lithography (NIL), photolithography, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) cryogenic dry etching. Diameter and aspect ratio of the vertical SiNWs can be adjusted depending on the nanoimprint stamp and etching performance, with the currently realized cylindrical structure diameter of 300 nm and varied aspect ratios of 3 - 7. In resonance characterization, the fabricated sensors exhibit high measured quality factors (Q-factors) of 7000 +- 1300 during in-plane mode operation in air. The aerosol sampling efficiency can be increased by a factor of 1.5 higher than that of a corresponding plain cantilever in a cigarette smoke exposure experiment because of the rise in collection surface area of the sensor given by the SiNWs. Moreover, the calibrated mass concentration of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) monitored by the SiNW-patterned cantilever is found to be close to that measured by a standard aerosol NP monitoring instrument (fast mobility particle sizer: FMPS, TSI 3091, TSI Inc.).


This paper uses recent advances in the development of testable implications of the Cagan model of hyperinflation. It extends the range of candidate functional forms of the demand for real balances in hyperinflations to include nonstandard versions in which the absolute inflation elasticity is a decreasing function of inflation. These nonstandard functional forms are of interest because they are known to have desirable theoretical properties. This paper finds empirical justification for a nonstandard form that performs at least as well as the traditional semilogarithmic functional form.


Fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), distantly related to tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and a receptor for TWEAK cytokine, has been implicated in several biological responses. In this study, we have investigated the role of Fn14 in skeletal muscle formation in vitro. Flow cytometric and Western blot analysis revealed that Fn14 is highly expressed on myoblastic cell line C2C12 and mouse primary myoblasts. The expression of Fn14 was decreased upon differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. Suppression of Fn14 expression using RNA interference inhibited the myotube formation in both C2C12 and primary myoblast cultures. Fn14 was required for the transactivation of skeletal α-actin promoter and the expression of specific muscle proteins such as myosin heavy chain fast type and creatine kinase. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Fn14 receptor in C2C12 myoblasts decreased the levels of myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and myogenin upon induction of differentiation. Conversely, overexpression of MyoD increased differentiation in Fn14-knockdown C2C12 cultures. Suppression of Fn14 expression in C2C12 myoblasts also inhibited the differentiation-associated increase in the activity of serum response factor and RhoA GTPase. In addition, our data suggest that the role of Fn14 during myogenic differentiation could be independent of TWEAK cytokine. Collectively, our study suggests that the Fn14 receptor is required for the expression of myogenic regulatory factors and differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes.


The temperature dependence of EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) cumulants was investigated for bulk Cu and a thin film of Cu by means of the path-integral effective classical potential method. By using the semi-empirical embedded-atom method as a potential, agreement between the experiments and calculations is found to be excellent for bulk Cu. In the thin Cu(111) film, anisotropic anharmonic vibration was clearly observed; the out-of-plane vibration is much more enhanced and more anharmonic than the lateral vibration. The results are semiquantitatively consistent with the previous experimental data on Cu(111)/graphite. Such a vibrational enhancement should be the driving force for the roughening transition and/or the surface pre-melting at higher temperature. The practical usefulness of the path-integral effective classical potential method combined with the embedded-atom method is demonstrated.


The effects of both clot-bound and circulating plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) on endogenous fibrinolysis were investigated in a rat model of pulmonary embolism. Iodine-125 fibrin(ogen)-labeled blood-clot homogenates were delivered through the left jugular vein to the lung microvasculature, and the subsequent extent of the clot lysis was monitored by measuring the release of 125I-fibrin degradation products (FDPs) into the blood. Clots that had incorporated activated PAI-1 ex vivo were subsequently protected from dissolution in vivo in a dose-responsive manner (half-maximal concentration [IC50] = 4.3 micrograms/ml). PAI-1-containing clots also resisted lysis, as measured by the release of the specific FDP D-dimer. Plasma levels of plasminogen activator (PA) and PAI activity were unaltered by administration of PAI-1-containing clots, and the clot-protective effects of clot-bound PAI-1 were reversed by exogenous tissue-type plasminogen activator administration. Clot lysis was also inhibited in a dose-responsive manner (IC50 = 58 micrograms/kg) by intravenous bolus delivery of activated PAI-1 to the circulation. The clot-protective effects of circulating PAI-1 were correlated with dose-dependent increases in plasma PAI-1 antigen and activity levels and decreases in plasma PA levels (IC50 = 37 micrograms/ml). There was no evidence of any accumulation of circulating PAI-1 in the lungs. Latent PAI-1, whether delivered with or delivered after the clot homogenates, did not affect the clot-lytic process. Activated and latent PAI-1 was cleared from the circulation in a monophasic manner, with a half-life of approximately 32 and 7 minutes, respectively. The results indicate that both clot-bound and circulating PAI-1 are potent inhibitors of fibrinolysis in vivo. Clot-bound PAI-1 may inhibit PAs in the immediate vicinity of the clots, whereas circulating PAI-1 may act systemically by controlling overall levels of PAs present in the blood.


The operation process or environment usually has a significant influence on system lifetime. In this paper, a lifetime optimization approach based on linear programming (LP) is proposed to maximize the transportation system lifetime, in which a semi-Markov (SM) model is used to model the operation process. In the proposed method, we first formulate the optimization problem as an LP model that is used to find the optimal transient probability of each state. Then, an analytical method is performed to obtain the corresponding optimal sojourn-time distribution parameters of the SM process. Finally, the proposed approach is applied to a port oil transportation system to show that it can efficiently ensure that the transportation system has a long lifetime.


Nine herbicides were tested in a field trial during 2001 and 2002 for the ability to suppress growth of established plants of yellow old world bluestem (OWB) that had invaded native vegetation in central Kansas. Herbicide treatments were applied to OWB at the V4 stage of growth using the Nebraska staging method. At 9 wk after treatment (WAT), plots treated with imazapyr at 1.40 kg ai/ ha had much lower OWB plant frequency than the untreated plots, and plots sprayed with imazapyr and bromacil at 7.84 kg ai/ha had much lower OWB tiller densities than the control plots. Imazapyr and glyphosate at 3.36 kg ai/ha provided greater OWB control than other herbicides. At the first frost after treatment application, imazapyr and bromacil treatments continued to have lower OWB frequency and tiller density than the control plots. Visible herbicide control was closely related to end-of-season yield (R = −0.97). Imazapic at 0.16 kg ai/ha, glyphosate, sulfometuron at 0.21 kg ai/ ha, bromacil, and imazapyr controlled OWB from 54 to 94%. Split applications, altered timing of herbicide application, or varied rates of herbicides that exhibited suppressive potential may further improve efficacy of these herbicides. Nomenclature: Bromacil; glyphosate; imazapic; imazapyr; sulfometuron; yellow bluestem, Bothriochloa ischaemum (L.) Keng #3 DIHIS. Additional index words: Biomass, frequency, native vegetation, old world bluestem, suppression, tiller density. Abbreviations: CRP, conservation reserve program; OWB, old world bluestem; WAT, weeks after treatment.


Author(s): Shedd, Taylor | Abstract: The endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) population is an icon of the Pacific Northeast. The population has experienced a 10 percent decline in population since 2005 and now number only 76 individuals, the lowest abundance in more than 30 years. The SRKWs have been shown to be food-limited with declines in survival and reproduction in years following low salmon availability. Diet studies conducted on the SRKWs have shown a strong prey preference for Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the summer, yet uncertainty remains about prey preferences and foraging behavior. To help fill this data gap, I used high-resolution aerial images to quantify and describe foraging behavior from a new perspective. Specifically, I reviewed images collected by a small unmanned hexacopter during five individual month-long field efforts between 2015 and 2017. From this collection 29 distinct foraging events were documented in 2,384 images that allowed for photogrammetry measurements of fish size, and species identification of fish preyed upon. The data show that there is a clear difference in the size of fish chased versus the size of fish confirmed to be captured and shared with other members of the pod, suggesting that the whales may be selectively targeting certain size or age classes of fish. Most of the fish observed within the study were determined to be Chinook salmon with the possibility of other salmonid species also being preyed upon. Of the 18 successful foraging events, prey-sharing occurred 88% of the time, with 62.5% of prey-sharing behavior occurring between mothers and calves. This knowledge is important to the successful management and protection of this unique and critically endangered population. Knowing targeted species and size classes of fish can allow for better fishing and recovery strategies, which may lead to increased foraging success of the SRKWs.


Since the publication of API Recommended Practice (RP) 1173: Pipeline Safety Management Systems, in July 2015, the energy pipeline trade groups in North America (American Petroleum Institute, Association of Oil Pipelines, American Gas Association, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, and the American Public Gas Association) have worked collaboratively to develop tools and programs to assist energy pipeline operators with the development and implementation of Pipeline Safety Management System (Pipeline SMS) programs and processes. These resources include a Planning Tool, Implementation Tool and Evaluation Tool, as well as an industry-developed Maturity Model that describes a continuum of implementation levels, based on conformance to RP 1173 as well as implementation effectiveness.
 These resources can be found online and are supplemented by the Pipeline SMS Third-Party Assessment Program developed by API. Applying API's experiences with successful safety programs in other segments and with significant contributions from the Pipeline SMS Implementation Team (aforementioned trade groups and various industry operators), the Pipeline SMS Third-Party Assessment Program is designed to be a key tool to facilitate Pipeline SMS implementation and to share and benchmark information to drive improvements in safety performance. The assessments also provide the pipeline industry with an objective, third-party option to test their systems and address the conformity auditing (API RP 1173, Section 10.2.2) and performance and maturity evaluation (API RP 1173, Section 10.2.3 to 10.2.5) requirements of the recommended practice. In 2019, pilot assessments were conducted and in 2020 the Assessment Program is being implemented. Through the piloting process, significant insights were gained into the practical application of the industry Maturity Model and how the assessments can contribute to an operator's journey improving safety performance. Aligning with the flexibility and scalability goals of RP 1173, the pilot experiences included liquids transmission and gas distribution operators with varying approaches to pipeline SMS implementation. We will discuss the lessons learned through the piloting process and how the plan-do-check-act cycle was applied to improve the processes for planning, staffing and conducting the assessments to ensure that value is being provided to the pipeline industry.
 An independent assessment through the API Pipeline SMS Third-Party Assessment Program can validate internal efforts to increase maturity of programs, as well as provide operators with benchmarking data so that they can understand where other operators are in their maturity journey.


The authors have grown InP crystals doped with elements from the second long period (Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh and Pd) by the high-pressure gradient freeze method or by the liquid encapsulated Czochralski technique. Samples have been characterised electrically by Hall effect measurements and chemically analysed by spark source mass spectroscopy and secondary-ion mass spectrometry. They found the 4d impurities are introduced with a concentration of many 1015 cm-3. Nevertheless by spectroscopic measurements (electron paramagnetic resonance, photoluminescence and optical absorption) the authors have detected no lines which could be related to a ground or an excited state of the 4d impurity in isolated form.


The effects of aging on pituitary GH, PRL, and alpha-tubulin messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured in 3-, 12-, and 27-month-old male C57BL/6J mice by dot-blot hybridization. The amount of GH and PRL mRNA in the pituitary deceased dramatically with age. However, total poly(A+) RNA (mRNA), as measured by hybridization with radioactively labeled oligo-(dT), was not altered during aging. In addition, there were no age-related changes in the level of alpha-tubulin mRNA. Thus, the effects of aging on GH and PRL mRNA levels are specific; the levels of the majority of cellular mRNAs are not altered with age. GH and mRNA levels decreased 35% between 3 and 12 months (P less than 0.05) and a total of 75% after 27 months (P less than 0.01). PRL mRNA levels decreased 65% between 12 and 27 months (P less than 0.01), although there was no significant decrease before 12 months. Whereas T3 is the most potent regulator of GH gene expression, we did not detect any significant age-related change in serum T3 levels. These results suggest that factors other than T3 play a role in the age-related decline in GH and PRL gene expression.


Introduction In today's Western world, people have to work longer before they can retire and the working population is ageing. In healthcare, due to an increase in complexity, severity and extent of the demand for health care, it is of great importance to invest in retention of nurses, who are considered particularly vulnerable in staying employable. A structured dialogue between employee and supervisor is seen as promising opportunity to improve sustainable employability of nurses and the corresponding required working behaviour. In order to accomplish so-called 'joint ownership', composing an intervention programme will be planned in joint effort by a constructive dialogue between employee and supervisor. The aim of this qualitative study was assess the needs of employees and supervisors towards the aforementioned approach to improve sustainable employability of nurses. Method A structured needs assessment was performed to answer the question of what are the realistic, attainable and useful characteristics of an intervention, in which nurses and their supervisors have a constructive dialogue on sustainable employability. The so-called Vitality Scan is filled out beforehand and used as a starting point of the dialogue, during which customised follow-up actions are arranged if appropriate. We performed six focusgroup interviews, three amongst employees (n=13) and three amongst supervisors (n=15). Qualitative data analysis was performed using Atlas.ti. Results Both employees and supervisors perceived a safe psychosocial working environment as most essential. We found a positive attitude and intention towards the characteristics of the Vitality Scan and dialogue. The (time) effort and amount of self-efficacy amongst supervisors were considered potential barriers as well as facilitators. Thorough training of the supervisors was considered necessary. Conclusion Nurses and supervisors are positive towards working on sustainable employability of nursing staff using the designed intervention. Several existing facilitators and barriers in the organisation were addressed and practical improvements were suggested.


The ventral premotor cortex in primates is thought to be involved in sensory-motor integration. Many of its neurons respond to visual stimuli in the space near the arms or face. In this study on the ventral premotor cortex of monkeys, an object was presented within the visual receptive fields of individual neurons, then the lights were turned off and the object was silently removed. A subset of the neurons continued to respond in the dark as if the object were still present and visible. Such cells exhibit "object permanence," encoding the presence of an object that is no longer visible. These cells may underlie the ability to reach toward or avoid objects that are no longer directly visible.


We investigate the escape of Ly$\beta$ from emission nebulae with a significant population of excited hydrogen atoms in the level $n=2$, rendering them optically thick in H$\alpha$. The transfer of Ly$\beta$ line photons in these optically thick regions is complicated by the presence of another scattering channel leading to re-emission of H$\alpha$, alternating their identities between Ly$\beta$ and H$\alpha$. In this work, we develop a Monte Carlo code to simulate the transfer of Ly$\beta$ line photons incorporating the scattering channel into H$\alpha$. Both H$\alpha$ and Ly$\beta$ lines are formed through diffusion in frequency space, where a line photon enters the wing regime after a fairly large number of resonance scatterings with hydrogen atoms. Various line profiles of H$\alpha$ and Ly$\beta$ emergent from our model nebulae are presented. It is argued that the electron temperature is a critical parameter which controls the flux ratio of emergent Ly$\beta$ and H$\alpha$. Specifically for $T=3 \times 10^4{\rm\ K}$ and H$\alpha$ line center optical depth $\tau_\alpha=10$, the number flux ratio of emergent Ly$\beta$ and H$\alpha$ is $\sim 49$ percent, which is quite significant. We propose that the leaking Ly$\beta$ can be an interesting source for the formation of H$\alpha$ wings observed in many symbiotic stars and active galactic nuclei. Similar broad H$\alpha$ wings are also expected in Ly$\alpha$ emitting halos found in the early universe, which can be potentially probed by the {\it James Webb Telescope} in the future.


Ceramic bearings have been used for femoral heads or acetabular liners of hip prosthesis due to their low wear rate arising from their high hardness and elastic modulus, as well as their excellent long-term biocompatibility as a result of their high chemical stability and resistance to corrosion. Alumina (Al2O3) and zirconia (ZrO2) are two main ceramics which have been used widely in the hip joint replacements. In order to take benefit of advantages of both hardness of alumina and toughness of zirconia and eliminate or limit the disadvantages of them, ZTA (Zirconia Toughened Alumina) composites have been used widely as the hip joint prostheses in clinical surgery consisting of fine ZrO2 particles dispersed in a dense, fine-grained Al2O3 matrix. However, there is still a need to improve their mechanical properties. One of the main possible improvements can be through the addition of small amounts of additives which are expected to give a measurable change in the characteristics of the composites and make a new generation of materials for orthopaedic applications. Titanium oxide is one of the additives which has been widely used in ceramics mainly as a sintering aid, and is found to improve the fracture toughness and wear resistance of alumina ceramics, as well as enhance the density and augment tetragonal phase stability of zirconia ceramics. Moreover, it has been shown that the mechanical properties of conventional ceramics, such as strength, hardness and wear resistance, could be enhanced by reducing the grain size, particularly to the nanoscale dimension. On the other hand, mechanical and tribological properties such as wear, friction and lubrication are the most important indicators to be considered in design and material selection for bearing surfaces. Although the effect of titania on mechanical and wear properties of alumina has been widely studied, there is not much research on its effect on ZTA composites, particularly in nano-sized ceramics. Thus, the current study focused on developing a new ceramic composite for hip joint replacements having higher mechanical properties and better tribological properties by both reducing the grain size and making a titania addition. The samples were prepared by mixing the starting powders, consolidation, sintering, and polishing process. The volume percent of Y-TZP used in this study was kept to 15 vol.% for all the samples, below the percolation limit of 16 vol.%, and the different composite containing no titania (pure ZTA), 0.1 mole.%, 0.5 mole.%, 2 mole.% and 5 mole.% of TiO2 were produced. The starting powders were mixed using an attrition miller for 3.5 hours in the aqueous environment of zirconia and alumina powders and distilled water and the pH value of the slurry brought to 4.5 by adding drops of dilute nitric acid. The slurry was then freeze-dried for 48 hours and crushed using an agate mortar and pestle and passed through a 180, 90, and 45 µm sieves using sieve shaker. The samples with 20mm diameter and 3gr mass were prepared in a graphite die and processed using spark plasma sintering. A uniaxial pressure of 16 KN was applied during the sintering process from 700°C and 3, 5, 7 and 10 minutes dwell time and 1400°C, 1450°C, 1500°C, and 1550°C temperatures were selected for sintering the samples. Then, the samples were ground and polished and etched thermally in the clean furnace for 20 minutes and at the temperature 100°C below their sintering temperature. After the samples were prepared, density measurements, XRD analysis, SEM characterisation, and mechanical testing were carried out on the samples. Due to a very difficult and time-consuming preparation process for wear samples, few samples of each series of ZTA, ZTA + 0.1 mole.% TiO2, and ZTA + 0.5 mole.% TiO2 showing high density and reasonable mechanical properties were selected for reciprocating wear tests. Thus, ZTA samples with sintering time of 7 minuets and temperature of 1450°C, 1500°C, 1550°C; ZTA+ 0.1 mole.% TiO2 samples with sintering time of 5 mintes and temperature of 1450°C, 1500°C, 1550°C; and ZTA+ 0.5 mole.%TiO2 samples with sintering time of 5 minutes and temperature of 1400°C, 1450°C, and 1500°C were prepared. The reciprocation wear test procedures were designed for 24 hours with normal load of 1N, 4N and 8N, and 8 hours with normal load of 16N. The selected reciprocating speed was 600 rpm (10 Hz) and the stroke length was set as 10 mm for all the test procedures. Fresh lubricant of 25 vol.% bovine serum was introduced every 8 hours during the test to avoid degradation. 3D optical microscopy, wear rate calculation, Raman spectroscopy, AFM, LFM and SEM microscopy were then carried out on the worn surfaces. The results showed that all the samples were reasonably dense having relative density more than 97.5% of the theoretical density with greater density at higher sintering temperature. Small amounts of 0.1 and 0.5 mole.% titania addition improved sinterability and densification of the samples; however, the relative density decreased for all sintering temperatures and times for higher content of titania to 2 and 5 mole.%. Similarly, titania addition increased the grain growth with its higher rate for alumina than zirconia. XRD patterns and SEM studies showed the formation of ZrTiO4 occurred adjacent to monoclinic zirconia grains. No traces of aluminium titanate peaks or any particular anisotropic alumina grains or in-situ fibres in SEM images were identified in this research. The opposite effect of the amount of titania on hardness and toughness was found in which titania addition enhanced toughness significantly although it affected hardness adversely, mainly due to its improved crack deflection mechanism. The specific wear rate found to be in mild region with the specific wear rate less than 10-6 mm3/Nm, with higher amount at higher loads and coarser microstructure. Samples containing 0.5 mole.% titania showed tangibly higher wear resistance and less damaged surface, particularly at high loads. The presence of a tribolayer with a thickness around 100 nm was confirmed in this study. Wear mechanisms for tests at low loads and materials with fine microstructures were found to be polishing, differential wear, grain pull-out, 3rd body abrasion and grooves, while large microcracking and removing craters of fractured grains were found to be dominant wear mechanisms in high loads and coarser microstructures. Thus, the significant outcome of this research was that reducing the grain size using SPS technique could significantly improve mechanical and wear properties of ZTA composites and titania addition was found to be beneficially effective in improving these characteristics.


Patients with end-stage renal disease are at high risk of developing cardiovascular dis‐ ease. In addition to the major traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (ie, ad‐ vanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking), recent studies suggest that chronic kidney disease is an independent risk factor [1] Several groups have reported that coronary artery disease severity and lesion complexity are associated with a decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate [2,3] Recent epidemiological studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that chronic kidney disease is associated with in‐ creased mortality rate in patients with cardiovascular disease [4,5]. Notwithstanding the deep deleterious effects chronic renal disease itself plays in endothelial and medial arterial wall, renal failure leads to both significant increases in morbidity and decreases in life sur‐ vival, particularly in hemodialysis patients, who represent the most severe and advanced expression of renal disease.


Parent-adolescent relationships are highly bidirectional in nature, with parental behaviors affecting adolescents' adjustment and with adolescents' behaviors, in turn, eliciting parental practices. However, there is more to adolescents' agency in the socialization process than simple reciprocity. Adolescents contribute actively to the quality and nature of the parent-adolescent relationship by giving meaning to parental behaviors and by engaging in cognitive-behavioral responses to parenting. These processes are discussed in the context of autonomy-relevant parenting, a dimension of parenting with pivotal importance for adolescents' psychosocial adjustment. We call for more research on the micro-processes involved in adolescents' agency because such research can yield a deeper insight in adolescents' differential susceptibility to parenting (depending on factors such as age, culture, and personality). It can also help to explain the multifinality involved in parenting, with, for instance, controlling parenting relating to distinct developmental problems in different adolescents. Finally, such research has applied value because it can help identify adolescents most at risk for the consequences of adverse parenting, and because it can help inform prevention programs aimed at strengthening constructive parent-adolescent communication.


A.-Salmonella organisms have the usual susceptibility of non-sporogenous bacteria to heat; that is to say, at 550 C. they are killed within 30 minutes, and at higher temperatures in proportionally shorter periods, survival at over 700 C. being measured in seconds rather than in minutes. The following culinary methods of using egg or egg powder must be considered in this light. In the preparation of salad creams no heat is employed; the organisms survive unless killed by vinegar. When poaching eggs (this applies only to shell eggs) the yolk is not adequately heated and the organisms survive; this is the commonest mode of infection. The same applies to light boiling. In scrambling and omelette-making, if the whole of the mixture is coagulated the organisms will be killed; if any of it remains fluid they may not. Only cake-making may be considered entirely safe.


Pore fluid flow is an important factor influencing the diagenetic evolution of rocks, as has been shown by various diagenetic studies, especially in connection with fluid inclusion measurements. A 3D- computer model is presented, which allows to simulate coupled mass and heat transport in porous rocks. The model is used to study the interaction of heat and mass transport with respect to the temporal and spatial evolution of sandstones. Mineral dissolution or precipitation change the mineralogical composition of rocks, and modify the physical properties at the same time. Altering the permeability of the rock affects the fluid flow system in the rock which determines the mass transport of the entire system. In addition to mass transport, fluid flow transports thermal energy, which may modify the temperature evolution of the rock. The model will be used to examine the effect of convective heat and mass transport on temperature and diagenetic evolution of clastic rocks. Although the model cannot claim to simulate nature, it can be used to study the effect of different mechanisms, and their interaction within the coupled system. For practical applications, the model may be used to determine possible flow rates, which are necessary to explain the observed diageneticmore » and thermal history of sandstones.« less


A curriculum on English for cultural tourism communication was designed, developed, and implemented for Thai adult learners in Doem Bang Nang Buat, Suphan Buri, based on adaptation of the grassroots model (Taba, 1962) and relevant research. This study focused on measurement of the learning outcomes and satisfaction levels of Thai adult learners with an English for Cultural Tourism Communication course. Participants were 21 adult learners living in the community of Doem Bang Nang Buat in Suphan Buri. Data were collected through pretests and posttests, a questionnaire, and participant observation, and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. Content analysis was also applied. The results indicated that the learning outcomes of the adult learners improved significantly as the posttest mean scores were higher than the pretest mean scores at the statistical significance level (p < .05). The satisfaction levels of adult learners with the course were rated overall as very satisfied regarding teaching competencies, materials and methods, activities, learning facilitation, and knowledge and understanding of lessons. The study suggests that an English language development curriculum for adult learners should concentrate on learner needs and interests with the aim of presenting everyday English situations in an effort to enable learners to apply English language knowledge and skills to their professions. Furthermore, collaboration between native and non-native English speakers along with the utilization of technology in a positive learning environment is seen as necessary to enhance adult learning.


Ion currents collected at the metal wall connected to the cathode in a high-current (2 to 20 kA) vacuum arc are experimentally studied. Arcs are burned by exploding a Cu wire between a 60 mm diameter anode and a 30 mm diameter cathode made of various materials in a demountable chamber. The wall draws a larger ion current from a Cu cathode than from a Zn cathode and a smaller current than from a Mo cathode. The anode melting is caused for an 8 kA arc in a 4 mm gap between the Cu anode and the Mo cathode. A high-speed movie shows that the diffuse-arc mode appears in the same gap configuration between the Cu anode and the Zn cathode up to 15 kA. The anode-mode transition is found to occur when the collected ion current attains a certain value independent of the cathode material. The behaviour of the wall ion current associated with the ion generation between the anode and the arc plasma is briefly discussed, proposing a new idea for modelling the anode spot formation.


Bleeding Gums in R.A.F. Personnel: Value of Ascorbic Acid SIR,-We are sorry that in our reference to the early descriptions of scurvy in our article (Aug. 19, p. 239) we did not make it clear that we were referring to uncomplicated scurvy. As Dr. Glazebrook points out (Sept. 9, p. 353), Lind states that "when a person has had a preceding fever or tedious fit of sickness" the gums may be first affected. These conditions, of course, did not apply to the healthy R.A.F. personnel examined by us. In the description of ordinary scurvy given by Lind, as well as more recently by Hess (Scurvy Past and Presenit, J. B. Lippincott, 1920, p. 176), the gums are specifically stated to become sore and to bleed after the onset of other signs and symptoms (change of complexion, listlessness, breathlessness, pains in joints). McMillan and Inglis, in their recent excellent description of fifty-three cases of scurvy (Aug. 19, p. 233), also say that "bleeding gums were noted on eighi occasions, being present only in association with gross changes elsewhere," although these authors apparently did not apply friction to elicit this sign. The " apparent success in treatment with ascorbic acid " often occurs in experiments with no adequate controls, and our explanation of this apparent success obviously could not apply to the experiment of Roff and Glazebrook, where controls were examined. The condition of bNeeding gums with " sponginess," which we noted frequently, seemed, however, to be identical with these authors' " gingivo-stomatitis." We considered whether our results differed from theirs because of the different intake of ascorbic acid, but in some of our experiments the difference was small. (More recent surveys on R.A.F. personnel over-seas have shown no increased incidence even when the intake was as low as 9 to 16 mg. daily.) Because of the different results achieved in two apparently similar experiments we were careful to limit our concltusions to R.A.F. personnel and to state that " this does not exclude the possibility that other subjects living under different dietary conditions might benefit from treatment with ascorbic acid." Is this English sufficiently plain? The objections raised to our article by Dr. E. P. Evans (Sept. 2, p. 321) can hardly be taken seriously. We and others have carried out numerous saturation tests in which ascorbic acid, administered by the method described in our article, has always produced " saturation " and then appeared in the urine. This could scarcely have happened if the ascorbic acid is destroyed in the mouth or is not absorbed from the alimrentary tract, as postulated by Dr. Evans. Dr. Malik (Sept. 2, p. 328) asks what we mean by " dLmmy" tablets. The tablets used were made of starch flavoured with tartar:c acid, which so far as we know has no effect on any dental disease.-We are, etc., W. P. STAMM.


Research has demonstrated links between children's poor peer relations and various forms of child and adult psychosocial maladjustment. Social skills training programs have been developed to increase children's social competence and reduce the risk for later problems. The Sheidow Park Social Problem Solving Program is a curriculum based cognitive social skills training program, designed for Australian primary school children. The present research evaluated the effects of this program on a variety of dimensions of children's social competence. Subjects were Reception/Year 1 children in two classes of a South Australian suburban primary school. The teacher of one class implemented the social skills program, while the other class experienced no formal social skills intervention. The results indicated that the various measures of social competence employed were relatively independent of one another, supporting the need for a comprehensive range of measures in social skills training research. The Sheidow Park program demonstrated a significant effect on children's sense of social self-competence and the degree to which they perceived a variety of challenging social situations as difficult to deal with. However, the program had no effect on teacher and peer ratings of children's social competence or on children's satisfaction with their wider social network. The findings are explained within the context of attribution and cognitive dissonance theories, and the strengths and limitations of both the Sheidow Park program and the present research are discussed. Suggestions for future research and modifications to the program are made.


The expression of aromatase was evaluated in 38 breast carcinomas by an immunohistochemical method (ABC) using an specific polyclonal antibody against human placental aromatase. Fifteen tumors (40%) showed significant immunoreactivity, as defined by cytoplasmic positivity of moderate intensity present in at least 15% of the cells. The results were correlated with the estrogen and progesterone hormone receptor status and several clinicopathologic parameters such as age, tumor size, lymph node status, and stage of the disease. There was a significant, but inverse, correlation between the aromatase activity and the estrogen receptor status (P = 0.04), indicating the likelihood of negative estrogen if substantial aromatase activity was present. No statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of intratumoral aromatase and the rest of the parameters studied (P greater than 0.7). Nor was there a correlation between the aromatase content of the tumors and the menopausal status. The degree of intratumoral heterogeneity of the aromatase content was minimal in six cases where multiple samples from each tumor were analyzed. This is the first study reporting the detection of aromatase in archival material from breast carcinomas using immunohistochemical techniques. The lack of biologic significance of its presence in breast cancer reported here and by others using biochemical assays should be validated in larger series with longer follow-up. The method described can be readily used for that objective.


Most studies have concluded that interleukin-23 (IL-23) plays a unique role in promoting IL-17 secreting T cells. While some reports have also characterized IL-23 as having redundant pro-inflammatory effects with IL-12, we have instead found that IL-23 can regulate the innate immune response in a novel manner, by antagonizing IL-12 induced secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Our recent data documents the rapid, innate production of IFN-γ from memory CD8 T cells, as well as NK cells, stimulated with IL-12 and IL-18. When splenocytes are cultured with IL-23, IFN-γ secretion in response to IL-12 is dramatically reduced, as measured by ELISA and intracellular cytokine staining. The impact of IL-23 is most prominent in CD8 T cells, but can also be seen in NK, NK-T, and CD4 T cells. We also show that IL-23 can regulate the induction of IFN-γ by endogenously produced IL-12 from Listeria monocytogenes infected macrophages. Furthermore, IL-23 appears to act directly on purified CD8 T cells to negatively regulate IFN-γ induced by IL-12. We are currently investigating the mechanism by which IL-23 inhibits IFN-γ secretion. In addition, experiments to determine if IL-23 can inhibit other effector functions are ongoing. Our data suggest that IL-23 may be a key player in determining the responsiveness of lymphocytes to IL-12 and their subsequent secretion of IFN-γ.
 This research is supported by NIH AI064592.


In dry environments, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is grown under mulching for water conservation and improving tuber yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). A meta-analysis was conducted to determine how mulching improved tuber yield and NUE in potato and how yield and NUE is influenced by fertilization, tillage practices, and growing environment in China. A search of peer-reviewed publications was performed to collect data on the effects of mulching on yield and NUE in potato grown in China. The data included were from field studies with a mulching and a no mulching treatment and data on tuber yield and NUE. A total of 169 publications (17 in English and 152 in Chinese) containing 1802 observations from 105 sites were compiled into the dataset. Mulching significantly increased both tuber yield and NUE by an average of 24% compared to no mulching, respectively. Plastic film mulching was more effective in improving yield and NUE than straw mulching. The yield and NUE increase were highest under plastic film mulching on ridge-furrow plots and straw mulching on flat plots. Mulching was more effective at improving yield and NUE in the Northwest dryland region at a plant density between 55,000 and 70,000 plants ha−1 and with application of synthetic N and P2O5 at rates of 100−200 kg ha−1, K fertilization at 0−100 kg K2O ha−1, and without organic fertilization. Integrated use of organic fertilizer and mulching was found to reduce synthetic N and P fertilizer input by 50% and K fertilizer input by 100% for production without affecting yield and NUE. These results demonstrate that mulching increases yield and NUE in potato in China, but the benefits occur when the growing region, tillage, and fertilization practices are appropriately considered.


SYRIA NEVER RECOVERED FROM THE trauma of the Six-Day War. To this day, its defeat on the battlefield and the loss of the Golan Heights remain open wounds. A formative event in the history of the Syrian state, this chapter of Syrian history informs also the personal and political biography of its leaders. Hafiz al-Asad himself, president of Syria for the last thirty years (1970-2000), was serving at the time as Minister of Defense. Asad was thirty-seven years old and at the start of his political career when the war broke out. It was a baptism of fire. British journalist Patrick Seale, close confidant and biographer of the Syrian president, had the following to say about Asad the man and his policy from that point on:


BACKGROUND & AIMS
Gain-of-function mutations in the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase gene and rare mutations in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) gene are important events in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) development. Different mutations are reportedly associated with distinctive phenotypes and possibly clinical behavior. We investigated the correlation among mutation type, phenotype, and clinical course in a preimatinib, population-based series of GIST with long-term follow-up.

METHODS
Genomic DNA from 177 GIST patients was analyzed for KIT exons 9, 11, 13, and 17 and PDGFRA exons 12 and 18 mutations using denaturating high-performance liquid chromatography and bidirectional sequencing.

RESULTS
KIT exon 11 mutations were detected in 101 of 177 GIST (61 deletions, 23 missense mutations, and 17 duplications); wild-type (WT) KIT and PDGFRA were detected in 63; KIT exon 9 and exon 17 mutations in 6 and 1, respectively; and PDGFRA exons 12 and 18 mutations in 3 each. GIST >5 cm vs GIST </=1 cm had mutations in 73% and 33%, respectively. KIT exon 11 deletions were significantly associated with a higher proportion of high risk or overtly malignant groups compared with WT GIST. KIT exon 11 deletions adversely affected outcome. KIT exon 11 duplications and exon 9 mutations were found exclusively in gastric and small intestinal GIST, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
KIT exon 11 deletion is an independent adverse prognostic factor in patients with GIST.


It is important to detach that nor all the investors interpret in the same way the relevant information divulged in the market, what can be explained by the following  divergent or different conditions: beliefs, values, quality of the database that they use, level of technical knowledge and importance they attach to the qualitative and quantitative information extracted from the object of evaluation. The research aims to understand the logic of the process of financial decision-making of part of the individual segment in  Brazil. Therefore, an inquiry of heuristics and the biases present in the decision making of those people, considering that the investor and the consumer are influenced by various factors. A research based on basic fundamentals of behavioral finance was applied in a demographically qualified sample of subscribers of one of the main Brazilian publishing companies. Of this total, we have obtained response from 641 Brazilians segmented by gender, age, income and education. In the research, the presence of heuristics and biases was evaluated in each group, such as overconfidence, representativeness, anchorage and procrastination. The results showed that both reason and emotion influence the participants' answers of the bulk of the sample. Most people felt that their financial behavior is more rational than that of their peers. As expected, the study indicated significant differences in behavior according to gender, age, education and income. Key words: Behavioral finance. Efficient market. Risk. Return.


Based on the relative documents, the author analyzed them in possible directions and found a few factors that intensive exercise resulted in the increase of free radical. The paper expatiated on body's harms by reason of too much free radical in body and expounded the basic principle and the methods of sweeping the over free radical in body.


The rate constant for the reaction OH(X2Pi) + OH(X2Pi) --> O(3P) + H2O has been measured over the temperature range 293-373 K and pressure range 2.6-7.8 Torr in both Ne and Ar bath gases. The OH radical was created by 193 nm laser photolysis of N2O to produce O(1D) atoms that reacted rapidly with H2O to produce the OH radical. The OH radical was detected by quantitative time-resolved near-infrared absorption spectroscopy using Lambda-doublet resolved rotational transitions of the first overtone of OH(2,0) near 1.47 microm. The temporal concentration profiles of OH were simulated using a kinetic model, and rate constants were determined by minimizing the sum of the squares of residuals between the experimental profiles and the model calculations. At 293 K the rate constant for the title reaction was found to be (2.7 +/- 0.9) x 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), where the uncertainty includes an estimate of both random and systematic errors at the 95% confidence level. The rate constant was measured at 347 and 373 K and found to decrease with increasing temperature.


Measuring the distance between concepts is an important field of study of Natural Language Processing, as it can be used to improve tasks related to the interpretation of those same concepts. WordNet, which includes a wide variety of concepts associated with words (i.e., synsets), is often used as a source for computing those distances. In this paper, we explore a distance for WordNet synsets based on visual features, instead of lexical ones. For this purpose, we extract the graphic features generated within a deep convolutional neural networks trained with ImageNet and use those features to generate a representative of each synset. Based on those representatives, we define a distance measure of synsets, which complements the traditional lexical distances. Finally, we propose some experiments to evaluate its performance and compare it with the current state-of-the-art.


Objective The objective was to evaluate the influence of different dietary crude protein (CP) levels during the growth phase on reproductive characteristics and reproductive efficiency as well as the body development of adult male Japanese quail. Methods Three hundred one-day-old male quails were distributed into five treatments with diets containing different CP levels (18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, and 26%) in a completely randomized design, with six replicates of ten birds each. The CP diets were applied only during the growth phase (1 to 35 days). At 36 days of age, the birds were transferred to 30 laying cages with three males and nine females each, and all birds received the same diet formulated to meet production-phase requirements until 96 days of age. Results The growth rate of the birds increased linearly (p<0.01) with increasing dietary CP, but the age of maximum growth decreased (p<0.05). At growth maturity, all birds had the same body weight (p>0.05). At 35 days of age, higher weight gain was obtained (p<0.05) with diets containing 22% CP or higher. No effects on feed conversion were observed in this phase. The increase in dietary CP enhanced (p<0.01) nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion but did not affect (p>0.05) nitrogen retention. Testis size, seminiferous tubular area, number of spermatogonia, and germinal epithelial height at 35 days of age increased linearly (p<0.05) with dietary CP, while the number of Leydig cells decreased (p<0.01). The Sertoli cell number at 60 days of age increased linearly (p<0.01) with dietary CP. Dietary CP levels did not affect cloacal gland size, foam weight, foam protein concentration, semen volume, or flock fertility at 90 days of age. Conclusion Dietary CP concentration affected body and testicular development in male Japanese quails but did not affect reproductive efficiency.


Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) encrustations occur in most desert soils, including polar ones, and such encrustations preserve records of geochemical, hydrological, and atmosphere processes affecting these soils. We have collected a series of CaCO3 encrustations found underneath surface rocks in the soils and tills of Taylor Valley, McMurdo Dry Valleys (~78°S lat.), Antarctica. These encrustations were analyzed for 87Sr/86S and δ18O and δ13C to determine what relation they have with the underlying soils, and the material in which they are in contact, and to identify the processes that control their formation. In all but one case, the isotopic data indicate that the source of Sr to these encrustations is not from the rock on which it is associated. The primary source of Sr (and by analogy Ca) is either from dust that has been deposited through aeolian processes or from the aggregate of till material within the soils. The δ13C values for Taylor Valley encrustations ranged from 5.7 to 11.0‰, and are consistent with a carbon source from atmospheric CO2. The δ18O values range from –8.1 to –11.2‰ and are heavier than expected for equilibrium calcite precipitation from Taylor Valley meteoric water. Taken together these results indicate that the CaCO3 was formed by rapid evaporation of films beneath clasts that had become supersaturated with respect to CaCO3.


THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEVEL OF PERCEIVED DEPRESSION AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG THE UNMARRIED Chu Sze Yin The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the level of perceived depression and life satisfaction among the unmarried. this study was determined through demographic factors including gender, age, race and life satisfaction. The subject of the study was 69 employees from Shin Yang Sdn. Bhd. Instruments used were Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). The data obtained was analyzed with descriptive statistic and inference test. Independent sample t-test and one-way ANOV A were used to analyze the relation between independent variables, which were gender, age and race . Pearson' s Correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the level of perceived depression and life satisfaction. The result of the study showed that there was no significant differences among the independent variables. The study also showed that there was significant relationship between the level of perceived depression and life satisfaction.


Resource allocation is essential to the selection and implementation of innovative projects in science and technology. With large stakes involved in concentrating large fundings over a few promising projects, current "winner-take-all" models for grant applications are time-intensive endeavours that mobilise significant researcher time in writing extensive project proposals, and rely on the availability of a few time-saturated volunteer experts. Such processes usually carry over several months, resulting in high effective costs compared to expected benefits. Faced with the need for a rapid response to the Covid19 pandemic in 2020, we devised an agile "community review" system to allocate micro-grants for the fast prototyping of innovative solutions. Here we describe and evaluate the implementation of this community review across 147 projects from the "Just One Giant Lab's OpenCOVID19 initiative" and "Helpful Engineering" open research communities. The community review process uses granular review forms and requires the participation of grant applicants in the review process. Within a year, we organised 7 rounds of review, resulting in 614 reviews from 201 reviewers, and the attribution of 48 micro-grants of up to 4,000 euros. We show that this system is fast, with a median process duration of 10 days, scalable, with a median of 4 reviewers per project independent of the total number of projects, and fair, with project rankings highly preserved after the synthetic removal of reviewers. We investigate the potential bias introduced by involving applicants in the process, and find that review scores from both applicants and non-applicants have a similar correlation of r=0.28 with other reviews within a project, matching previous observations using traditional approaches. Finally, we find that the ability of projects to apply to several rounds allows to both foster the further implementation of successful early prototypes, as well as provide a pathway to constructively improve an initially failing proposal in an agile manner. Overall, this study quantitatively highlights the benefits of a frugal, community review system acting as a due diligence for rapid and agile resource allocation in open research and innovation programs, with particular implications for decentralised communities.


Abstract Psychological support systems for retiring elite athletes can assist them in making career transitions out of sport. The purpose of this study is to further advance research in this area, with a specific focus the developmental experiences related to the sport career transition process in Japan. One retired Olympic medalist was analyzed with a life story analysis method. The findings highlight the psychological difficulties experienced by retiring athletes and the system requirements to help them make an optimal transition.


The 1989 Convention of the Rights of the Child, issued by the United Nations, provided a far more detailed and supposedly binding set of conditions and rights than the 1924 Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which would define childhood globally. And yet the dying and injustice and exploitation continue. "The century of the child and beyond" considers the impact of war and conflict on children; the creation of global agencies and organizations designed to provide aid to and advocate for children; health, poverty, and quality of life; child labor and slavery; changes and challenges in education; modern forms of families; and the globalization of children's culture.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how the pattern of trade relations between the USA and African countries is gradually shifting toward reciprocity. It therefore demonstrates that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)was conceived to be a building block toward future bilateral trade agreements. Design/methodology/approach – This paper adopts a historical approach to the USA's policy toward Africa in general and in trade matters in particular. It critically reviews the chronology of US involvement in the continent. Findings – Although it was designed as a preferential trade arrangement, AGOA was intended to evolve into reciprocal trade agreements. This is what the USA started doing even prior to the entry into force of the AGOA, by entering into Trade and Investment Framework Agreements with individual countries or blocs. It also transpires that the deployment comes as a response to the European Union which is already engaged in the redefinition of its own trade relations with Africa since 2004. Originality/value – The paper is important in many respects. Not only it is a study of the US practice as preference-granting country, but it is also interested in the typology of trade agreements concluded by the USA in other regions of the world. This is important to indicate and analyze the types of provisions African countries should be expected to face when the time of entering into reciprocal binding trade treaties arrives.


YAlO3:Eu phosphor was synthesised by a solution combustion method. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) confirms the orthorhombic phase of yttrium aluminate (YAlO3). The crystal structure, photoluminescence properties and concentration quenching of YAlO3:Eu phosphors were systematically investigated. The excitation spectra indicate that the phosphors can be efficiently excited by 394 nm, which is matched well with the emission wavelength of near-UV LED chip. All the samples show the characteristic red emission of Eu3+ ions (D0 FJ, J = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4). The maximum intensity of luminescence is observed at the Eu3+ concentration around x = 0.015. The concentration quenching of Eu3+ in YAlO3:Eu phosphor can be mainly attributed to quadrupole–quadrupole interaction. The results indicate that YAlO3:Eu phosphors exhibit potential applications in the field of near-UV LED as an efficient redemitting phosphors.


For many years C‐MAC has used thick film technology in many electronic products for a large range of customer applications. A high degree of integration has been achievable, together with high reliability. Recently, however, new materials have been developed allowing for a further miniaturization. This paper reports on the development of a multilayer technology, based on the combination of state‐of‐the‐art Fodel® materials with Diffusion Patterning™ dielectric and and standard thick film materials. The combination of such materials allows for the manufacture of high density products, addressing the present and future needs of many new applications. Besides the process technology for manufacturing the substrate, different assembly technologies like dip and reflow soldering and chip and wire bonding have been successfully investigated. In comparison to LTCC, this technology offers the possibility of using only a few layers, therefore allowing for faster product development, more flexibility during manufacturing and optimisation of cost.


Emergency cardiac catheterization and coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction (MI) have a continuing role in the thrombolytic era. Although thrombolytic therapy has revolutionized the treatment of MI, it has significant shortcomings: about 75% of patients with acute MI cannot be treated with thrombolytic agents, 25% of treated patients will have persistent occlusion of the infarct-related artery, 70% will have a residual stenosis greater than or equal to 70%, and 20% of treated patients will experience reocclusion. Cardiac catheterization identifies the coronary anatomy for mechanical revascularization and allows the unstable patient to receive special therapy, such as intra-aortic balloon pumping. Many large clinical studies have evaluated approaches to coronary angioplasty for acute MI. Deferred angioplasty has indisputable advantages over immediate routine angioplasty. Direct angioplasty without concomitant thrombolytic therapy has acceptable success and complication rates, so that it can be considered the treatment of choice for acute MI in centers with an angioplasty program if thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated. Patients at very low risk may not require cardiac catheterization routinely before discharge, since their good prognosis cannot be improved by invasive evaluation and intervention. Emergency surgical revascularization is indicated in a very small percentage of cases.


This study aims to test the feasibility of using the developed e-module, and determine student responses after using the e-module.This type of research is research and development using the ADDIE development model. The instruments used in this study wereinterviews with chemistry teachers, validation sheets, and student response questionnaires. This research was conducted at SMAN04 Bengkulu City with a research sample of 30 students of class XII IPA 2. From the result of the research obtained the feasibilitylevel of e-module based on Learning Cycle 7E on the media aspect of 93.75% while the material aspect was 80.40%. Ifaccumulated, the average percentage of the feasibility level of the developed e-module is 87.075%. Based on the results of thevalidation by the e-module validator, the developed module is "very feasible". Based on the results of student responses to thedeveloped e-module, it was obtained a percentage of 85.20% which was included in the "very good" category. The results of thisstudy indicate that E-module Based on Learning Cycle 7E on Materials Buffer solution is very feasible to use and very feasible tobe applied in the learning process.


The aim of this research was to identify Staphylococcal enterotoxin of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Swiftlet' nest. Indonesia has a lot of natural resources, one of them is Switflet'snest, as a food. It consist of 17 essensial amino acids, minerals, and any vitamins. Nowdays, it is founded Staphylococcus aureus in Switflet'snest. But not all of Staphylococcus aureus cause staphylococcal switflet'snest poisoning. Only Staphylococcus aureus strain enterotoxigenic produce enterotoxin. The characteristics of enterotoxin are resistant of 100oC heat for 30 minutes, proteolytic enzyme resistant and superantigen, which can stimulate lymphocyte subpopulation directly and fast (1-6 hours) which will cause gastroenteritis, emetic, nausea, and vomit.The result of this experiment showed that Staphylococcus aureus strain enterotoxigenic D and P on number 9B. Detection of Forward Sequences was based on DNA Sequencing analysis result was related to the sep gene. The result of phenotype detection depicted that DNA fragment is able to ligated to pMOSBlue-T vector. Measurement of the length plasmid recombinant increases ± 3500 basepairs. After transformation to Escherichia coli DH5α, plasmid recombinant has T7 Promoter and being supported by RNA polymerase of Escherichia coli DH5α was capable to express enterotoxin, its ± 26 kDa weight molecules. To confirm an expression of enterotoxin D was done by latex agglutination is based on with antigen-antibody reaction which was specific D.


Many controls of a power assisting wheelchair have been proposed for the forward direction. But, there are not so many researches on the lateral control designs. This paper copes with two problems that can easily happen in wheelchair driving: keeping the wheelchair straight despite disturbances in the lateral direction and driving with only one hand. Lateral disturbance rejection control design should be different from the forward disturbance attenuation control. Our control design takes this point into account, so it can offer excellent lateral support. This lateral control is also related with one hand propulsion of the wheelchair. Changing the extent of controls can achieve the one hand propulsion. That extent will be decided based on the user's intention, and that intention can be estimated using a phase plane. These control designs are experimented.


Background Blood pressure (BP) is a key modifiable risk factor for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with current guidelines recommending strict control to reduce the risk of progression of both CKD and cardiovascular disease. Trials involving BP lowering require multiple visits to achieve target BP, which increases the costs of such trials, and in routine care, BP measured in the clinic may not accurately reflect the usual BP. Objective We sought to assess whether a telemonitoring system for BP (using a Bluetooth-enabled BP machine that could transmit BP measurements to a tablet device installed with a bespoke app to guide the measurement of BP and collect questionnaire data) was acceptable to patients with CKD and whether patients would provide sufficient BP readings to assess variability and guide treatment. Methods A total of 25 participants with CKD were trained to use the telemonitoring equipment and asked to record BP daily for 30 days, attend a study visit, and then record BP on alternate days for the next 60 days. They were also offered a wrist-worn applanation tonometry device (BPro) which measures BP every 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. Participants were given questionnaires at the 1- and 3-month time points; the questionnaires were derived from the System Usability Scale and Technology Acceptance Model. All eligible participants completed the study. Results Mean participant age was 58 (SD 11) years, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 36 (SD 13) mL/min/1.73m2. 13/25 (52%) participants provided >90% of the expected data and 18/25 (72%) provided >80% of the expected data. The usability of the telemonitoring system was rated highly, with mean scores of 84.9/100 (SE 2.8) after 30 days and 84.2/100 (SE 4.1) after 90 days. The coefficient of variation for the variability of systolic BP telemonitoring was 9.4% (95% CI 7.8-10.9) compared with 7.9% (95% CI 6.4-9.5) for the BPro device, P=.05 (and was 9.0% over 1 year in a recently completed trial with identical eligibility criteria), indicating that most variation in BP was short term. Conclusions Telemonitoring is acceptable for patients with CKD and provides sufficient data to inform titration of antihypertensive therapies in either a randomized trial setting (comparing BP among different targets) or routine clinical practice. Such methods could be employed in both scenarios and reduce costs currently associated with such activities. Trial Registration International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN13725286; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13725286 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74PAX51Ji).


Points to be covered: 1. Fisheries Department responsibility for protection of fishery resources in the state and contiguous waters extending seaward over the O.C.S. area. 2. The relative position of the fishing industry within the economic structure of Washington State and the importance of coastal fish stocks in the local, regional, and world food picture: the relative importance of anadromous, pelagic, and demersal fish stocks locally; and how values are established as the result of fish kills during seismic programs. 3. Fishing methods and areas where conflict is apt to be encountered with seismic exploration. 4. Permit provisions and requirements. 5. The problem of allowing seismic fleets to operate on a reasonable basis and to the fullest extent possible consistent with protection of fishery resources. 6. Public relations and what local reaction can do to your program. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1763------------


Introduction Backside illuminated image sensors with a 4.0μm global shutter (GS) pixel have been fabricated in a 45nm/65nm stacked CMOS process as a proof-of-concept vehicle. The pixel components for photon-to-voltage conversion are formed on the top substrate (the 1st layer). Each photo converted signal from the 1st layer pixel is stored in sample-and-hold (S/H) capacitors on the bottom substrate (the 2nd layer) via micro hybrid-bump (HB) interconnection to achieve a voltage domain GS function. The 2 sets of voltage domain storage capacitor per pixel enable a multiple gain readout to realize single exposure high dynamic range (SEHDR) [1] in the GS operation.


Chronic exposed to high arsenic via drinking water is
worldwide public health problem. A large number of epidemiological studies showed
that exposed to arsenic cause the human body skin lesions and also induce cancer,
cardiovascular and other kind of diseases. So arsenism not only affect the
person's work capability and life quality but also result in economic losses
and mental suffering. How to prevent and control the effects of high arsenic?
What intervention is more important and necessary for arsenism? How to scientifically
assess the interventions effect of short-term and long-term? Through a
systematic follow-up investigation in different high arsenic regions in Inner
Mongolia, the environmental arsenic and human body internal arsenic exposure
were analyzed, the clinical characteristics and signs of arsenism patients were
examined. We established the evaluation system of intervention and control
measures for population exposed to high arsenic. This evaluation system and
control measures included government and exposed population. For government,
change water supply and keep it work well and health education is very important.
For exposed population, improving the diet and treating the symptoms or signs
related to arsenic is more necessary. Arsenic in human body such as nail or
urine sample arsenic must be reduced to normal value and this index show that
the subject if still or not expose to high arsenic.


EU private international law (EU PIL) plays an important role regarding an effective functioning of the EU internal market and the development of an Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. In the context of weaker contracting party protection, the EU has enacted numerous directives providing for substantive protective rules regarding contracts involving consumers, employees and other weaker parties. On the other hand, EU PIL provides conflict rules that determine the law applicable to cross-border contracts (Rome I Regulation on the law applicable to contractual obligations), including special rules regarding the aforementioned contracts. When, as a result of the conflict rules of the Rome I Regulation, a non-Member State law is applicable, the substantive protective rules of the respective EU directives are not applied. Therefore, both areas of law must be coordinated. This study answers whether EU PIL and EU secondary law are well coordinated regarding the protection of weaker contracting parties and, when not, how can they achieve a mutual understanding. After analysing the different conflict rules that EU PIL (specifically, the Rome I Regulation) offers regarding the protection of weaker contracting parties, and their interaction with several EU directives, a call for a more EU-focused PIL method is made. This is, the difference between intra-EU and extra-EU situations regarding the application of EU directives protecting weaker contracting parties and involving EU mandatory law should be more reflected in the Rome I Regulation, and some text proposals are suggested in this regard.