We report a measurement of the time-dependent CP asymmetry of B0->D(*)CP h0 decays, where the light neutral hadron h0 is a pi0, eta or omega meson, and the neutral D meson is reconstructed in the CP eigenstates K+ K-, K0S pi0 or K0S omega. The measurement is performed combining the final data samples collected at the Y(4S) resonance by the BaBar and Belle experiments at the asymmetric-energy B factories PEP-II at SLAC and KEKB at KEK, respectively. The data samples contain ( 471 +/- 3 ) x 10^6 BB pairs recorded by the BaBar detector and ( 772 +/- 11 ) x 10^6, BB pairs recorded by the Belle detector. We measure the CP asymmetry parameters -eta_f S = +0.66 +/- 0.10 (stat.) +/- 0.06 (syst.) and C = -0.02 +/- 0.07 (stat.) +/- 0.03 (syst.). These results correspond to the first observation of CP violation in B0->D(*)CP h0 decays. The hypothesis of no mixing-induced CP violation is excluded in these decays at the level of 5.4 standard deviations.


In a previous study, a model was suggested to relate between capital structure of industrial companies listed in ASE (represented by average debt ratio) as an independent variable, and systematic risk of these companies' shares (represented by beta coefficient) as a dependent variable. The previous study also suggested to use calculated beta coefficient to determine the optimal capital structure of industrial companies. To do so, the required rate of return on investing in a company's share has to be determined using CAPM (Capital Asset Pricing Model) then, EPS (Earning Per Share) of that company has to be discounted by the required rate of return calculated. Researcher was motivated to check suggested model's practicality and to present a mathematical relationship that can help financial managers of Jordanian industrial companies take good decisions about their companies' capital structures. So, beta coefficients of industrial companies were estimated using the relationship suggested by the previous study, then CAPM was used to calculate required rates of return on investment in these companies' shares, then, required rates of return were used to discount EPS of each company. The resulted values were called "Theoretical Values" of each share. If the model of the previous study holds, then the theoretical values calculated should explain the actual market prices of shares. So, a number of regression models were developed to describe relationship between theoretical values and market values of industrial companies shares. Regression models explained satisfactory percentages of market values variance. This study was concluded by suggesting a tested mathematical relationship that can be used to determine optimal capital structure of companies listed in industrial sector of ASE.


Background: Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is an inflammatory cytokine that responds as an acute phase reactant during acute myocardial infarction. Conflicting data describe the role of anti-IL-1 interventions to reduce cardiac remodeling after AMI. IL-1 Trap is a modified recombinant fusion protein that binds circulating IL-1. Our study evaluated the effects of murine IL-1 Trap on cardiac remodeling after AMI resulting from permanent surgical coronary artery ligation. Methods: Mice received treatment with intraperitoneal injection of murine IL-1 Trap (1 mg/kg [n = 5], 5 mg/kg [n = 5], or 30 mg/kg [n = 5]) or NaCl 0.9% (saline; n = 10) every 48 hours after surgery. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline and 7 days after surgery. Inhibition of IL-1 signaling was determined by measurement of IL-6 plasma levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) after IL-1β injection. Apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling) was measured in murine heart samples and in a primary culture of murine cardiomyocytes. Results: Mice treated with 5 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg IL-1 Trap had more favorable cardiac remodeling and echocardiographic assessment of infarct size at 7 days compared with saline (P < 0.05 for each comparison). Treatment with IL-1 Trap also reduced apoptosis and IL-6 levels compared with saline treatment. Conclusions: IL-1 Trap ameliorates cardiac remodeling and reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis after experimental acute myocardial infarction in the mouse.


As aresult of increasing demandfor potable water, local and national initiatives to conserve municipal water supplies have been implemented. Many of these initiatives focus on reducing irrigation of turfgrass in urban landscapes and may totally ban irrigation during periods of severe water shortage. Proper selection of adapted turfgrass species and cultivars is vital to long-term water conservation initiatives. Turfgrasses that can survive and recover from extended hot and dry periods under limited to no irrigation would best meet water conservation objectives. The present study was conducted to evaluatetherecuperativepotentialoftransplantedplugsof24commonlygrowncultivars of three warm-season turfgrass species after incremental increases in water stress imposed by withholding all water for up to 60 days. A 2-year field study was conducted consisting of eight blocks containing 25 plots each. Each block was planted with one plot each of eight cultivars of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon sp.), seven cultivars of st. augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum sp.), and nine cultivars of zoysiagrass (five of Zoysia japonica sp. and four of Zoysia matrella sp.). Four blocks were planted on native soil with no restriction to rooting, whereas the other four had an effective root zone of only 10 cm of soil. Cup cutter plugs were collected at predetermined intervals, transported to College Station, TX, replanted, and grown under well-watered conditions. Measurements of the lateral spread of the plugs were taken every 10 to 14 days for the first 60 to 70 days after planting (DAP). The lateral spread of plugs collected after 0 days of summer dry-down (DSD) was greatest for bermudagrass, intermediate for st. augustinegrass, and lowest for zoysiagrass. In most cases there were no consistent differences between cultivars within a species. All species grown on the 10-cm deep root zone were unable to survive the 60-day period without water and died within the first 40 days. For each species, lateral spread was increasingly delayed or reduced with increasing DSD. Although all three species grown on native soil were able to survive and recover from a 60-day period without water, the bermudagrass cultivars had the most rapid recovery rates measured as lateral spread of transplanted plugs.


Human immune serum globulin preparations were treated with highly purified human plasmin to remove their anticomplementary activity. The extent of anticomplementary activity removed and the amount of fragmentation obtained from immune serum globulin preparation depended upon the amount of plasmin added and the length of incubation time. The enzymatic reaction was stopped by removing plasmin with bentonite adsorption. Two types of plasmin‐treated immune serum globulin that may be used for intravenous injection were obtained. One was a more fragmented product (35 to 45%) with lower anticomplementary activity, the other was a less degraded product (15 to 20%) with slightly higher anticomplementary activity. Antibody content of the former preparation was somewhat reduced while that of the latter preparation was virtually unchanged from the untreated immune serum globulin.


Psychophysiological responses of two rival sport fan groups were assessed within the context of Lang's biphasic theory of emotion. Twenty-four participants, placed in two groups based on their identification with local sport teams, viewed 6 pictures from 6 categories: team-relevant pleasant sport, team-irrelevant sport, team-relevant unpleasant sport, erotica, household objects, and mutilation. Fans rated appetitive sport pictures higher in pleasure and arousal compared to aversive sport pictures. Physiological measures (startle probe-P3, the startle eye-blink reflex, slow cortical potentials to picture onset, and skin conductance) differentiated both appetitive and aversive team-relevant categories from team-irrelevant pictures, and increased orbicularis oculi EMG was found only for team-relevant appetitive pictures. These results suggest there are differences between rival sport fans in response to the same pictorial stimuli, and further suggest that fans provide an ideal population in which to measure ...


The McKinnons gold mine, ∼35 km southwest of Cobar in New South Wales is a non-operational opencut mine with extensive regolith profile development down to a depth of ∼80 m. Twenty-three oriented paleomagnetic samples, from saprolite at different levels through the profile, yielded two well-defined paleomagnetic poles, one of Paleocene age (60 ± 10 Ma), and the other of Miocene age (15 ± 4 Ma). These reflect two periods of remagnetisation associated with deep, intense, oxidative weathering under humid conditions. They provide important time constraints for the history of climate change, weathering and landscape evolution of the Cobar region.


The increasing incidence of obesity and associated metabolic complications is a worldwide public health issue. The role of the gut in the pathophysiology of obesity, with an important part for microbiota, is becoming obvious. In rodent models of diet-induced obesity, the modifications of gut microbiota are associated with an alteration of the intestinal permeability increasing the passage of food or bacterial antigens, which contribute to low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. In human obesity, intestinal permeability modification, and its role in the crosstalk between gut microbiota changes and inflammation at systemic and tissular levels, are still poorly documented. Hence, further characterization of the triggering mechanisms of such inflammatory responses in obese subjects could enable the development of personalized intervention strategies that will help to reduce the risk of obesity-associated diseases.


The excision of modified bases from DNA by Escherichia coli endonuclease III was investigated. Modified bases were produced in DNA by exposure of dilute buffered solutions of DNA to ionizing radiation under oxic or anoxic conditions. The technique of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify and quantify 16 pyrimidine- and purine-derived DNA lesions. DNA substrates were incubated either with the native enzyme or with the heat-inactivated enzyme. Subsequently, DNA was precipitated. Pellets were analyzed by GC/MS after hydrolysis and derivatization. Supernatant fractions were analyzed after derivatization without hydrolysis. The results provided unequivocal evidence for the excision by E. coli endonuclease III of a number of thymine- and cytosine-derived lesions from DNA. These were 5,6-dihydrothymine, 5-hydroxy-5-methylhydantoin, thymine glycol, 5-hydroxy-6-hydrothymine, 5,6-dihydrouracil, alloxan, uracil glycol, and 5-hydroxy-6-hydrouracil. None of the purine-derived lesions was excised by endonuclease III. The present work extends the substrate specificity of E. coli endonuclease III to another thymine-derived and four cytosine-derived lesions. It is the first investigation of the substrate specificity of this repair enzyme in the context of a large number of pyrimidine- and purine-derived lesions in DNA.


Fifteen anthropologists have contributed fourteen essays to this book, examining a wide array of topics from the point of view of political economy. Part I deals with non-capitalist societies and ranges from an examination of Columbus' first contact with natives of the New World (by Morton Fried) to that perennial favorite of anthropologists, the classical kingdom of Dahomey (by Naomi Katz and David Kemnitzer). Part II, which explores capitalist societies, ranges from agrarian reform in Bolivia (by Madeline Barbara L6ons) to the anthropology of the multi-national corporation (by June Nash). Part III comprises two essays: Barbara J. Price, "Turning State's Evidence: Problems in the Theory of State Formation," and Eleanor B. Leecock, "Louis Henry Morgan on Government and Property." While the introduction mentions a gamut of influences from neoclassical and classical economists to Karl Polanyi, the predominant theoretical inspiration is from Marx; and many of the essays devote considerable space to elementary exposition of Marxian principles in the course of applying them to the particular subject matter of the essay. More than anything else, the book demonstrates the naivete of anthropologists on the subject. For the most part they simply do not know enough about political economy or even about simple economic principles to be able to say anything of great moment. The. most interesting essays are case studies which provide some detailed examination of particular aspects of pre-capitalist or capitalist society. But even in these cases the strait jacket imposed by simple-minded Marxian theory tends to limit their interest and usefulness. The Marxian framework is frequently a thin disguise to permit individual ideological preconceptions to dominate the exposition. Perhaps the nadir in the quality of the essays is a superficial examination of the multi-national corporation from the perspective of anthropology. This essay simply neglects the growing literature on economic organization theory, of which the author appears to be completely unaware. Probably the best essay is that of Eleanor Leecock on Louis Henry Morgan, an impressive nineteenth-century figure whose pioneering study provided the inspiration for Engel's famous book on the origins of the family, private property, and the state.


There have been reports of the presence of heavy metals at a concentration above the limit specified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for food and drink products in Nigeria. This work was designed to compare the levels of zinc, copper, lead, cadmium, iron and arsenic in selected Nigerian soft drinks with the specified recommended limits by the World Health Organization. These heavy metals in selected Nigerian soft drinks were estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy after digestion of soft drinks with nitric acid. The results obtained showed that 30% of the selected drinks conformed to WHO specifications for the heavy metals analyzed while the remaining 70% had heavy metal contents which exceeded the maximum limits specified by WHO.


Objective Pregnancy is characterized by progressive insulin resistance. The present study evaluated whether the adiponectin/leptin ratio is associated with insulin resistance in pregnancy, since this ratio has been shown to be associated with insulin resistance in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods In this cross-sectional study, adiponectin and leptin concentrations were measured in pregnant women using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA–IR). Results Mean ± SD age of the participants (n = 74) was 30.76 ± 4.27 years, mean ± SD gestational age was 26.81 ± 3.52 weeks and median body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy was 22.68 kg/m2 (interquartile range 20.75–26.79 kg/m2). There was a significant correlation between the HOMA–IR and leptin concentration, but not between the HOMA–IR and adiponectin concentration. There was a significant inverse correlation between the HOMA–IR and adiponectin/leptin ratio. The adiponectin/leptin ratio was inversely correlated with BMI before pregnancy. Conclusion The adiponection/leptin ratio inversely correlates with HOMA–IR in pregnancy.


Over the last years, software development in domains with high security demands transitioned from traditional methodologies to uniting modern approaches from software development and operations (DevOps). Key principles of DevOps gained more importance and are now applied to security aspects of software development, resulting in the automation of security-enhancing activities. In particular, it is common practice to use automated security testing tools that generate reports after inspecting a software artifact from multiple perspectives. However, this raises the challenge of generating duplicate security findings. To identify these duplicate findings manually, a security expert has to invest resources like time, effort, and knowledge. A partial automation of this process could reduce the analysis effort, encourage DevOps principles, and diminish the chance of human error. In this study, we investigated the potential of applying Natural Language Processing for clustering semantically similar security findings to support the identification of problem-specific duplicate findings. Towards this goal, we developed a web application for annotating and assessing security testing tool reports and published a human-annotated corpus of clustered security findings. In addition, we performed a comparison of different semantic similarity techniques for automatically grouping security findings. Finally, we assess the resulting clusters using both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods.


This paper examines the usefulness and specifics of the Hopfield neural network as applied to optimal economic/environmental dispatching of thermal generating units in an electric power system. A simulator is developed and criteria for selecting its parameters are discussed to obtain an optimal dispatch in the minimum amount of iterations. Particular emphasis is placed on the effects of variations in the selection of Hopfield parameters both with respect to the final result and the number of iterations required to reach a final solution. >


a b s t r a c t The present study describes the association between Intelligence and Creativity, considered from Cattell's approach and divergent thinking respectively, and by means of two empirical studies. The first study (S1), analyzed the relationship between fluid intelligence (gf) and figural creativity in 359 children from 8 to 14 years old, finding an association between gf and every creativity indicator except for elaboration. The second study (S2), evaluated the correlation between crystallized intelligence (gc) and gf and verbal creativity in a sample consisted of 120 adolescents between ages 15 and 18 years, showing a positive association between intelligence and verbal creativity and asserting gc as the trait of the intelligence which predicts verbal creativity. Results from both studies support the hypothesis that assumes that creativity and intelligence are separated constructs which overlap in some aspects, and suggest that intellectual skills (gc vs. gf) are selectively associated with the different types of creativity (verbal vs. figural) and their indicators.


This paper presents a new framework for modeling the fine microstructure of knowledge creation dynamics. Our focus is on the creation of working knowledge used in innovation, for example, the knowledge used by a researcher in the economics profession. The framework has been developed to address the following questions: What is the appropriate way to model the operational structure of working knowledge? How are specific new ideas, research papers, and patents created by a research worker or a group of them, based on the current stock of knowledge? What roles do dynamics, heterogeneity of ideas, heterogeneity of researchers, and cities or regions play? Using our framework, first we study how a researcher creates a new literature, choosing new assumptions, models, implications, and observations in each step. Next, we examine how two researchers interact in creating new complete literatures together. Finally, we discuss how to extend the analysis to N-person case in multiple cities or regions. In the last NARSA meetings in Atlanta, we presented preliminary results on the same topic. In this paper, we report further advances on modeling the fine microstructure of knowledge creation dynamics.


1. Radiologist and MRI coordinator at Diagnósticos da América (DASA-RJ); Professor of Radiology at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) School of Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8070-3993. By 2050, approximately 22% of the world's population is expected to over 60 years of age. The increase in life expectancy and consequent aging of the population have led to a higher prevalence of chronic non-contagious diseases, which are now considered to constitute a new "epidemic"(1). One of the chronic non-contagious diseases that represents a risk to the health of the elderly population is osteoporosis(1,2). Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that is prevalent in the elderly, predominantly in postmenopausal females; the resulting bone loss facilitates the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures, which have a great impact on quality of life, causing a significant loss of functionality, as well as increasing morbidity and mortality(3). Given the multifactorial nature of the disease, prevention and early diagnosis are the greatest allies for healthy aging. Bone densitometry plays a decisive role in the screening and monitoring of individuals at risk for osteoporosis. Since 1993, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has been recommended by the World Health Organization as the method of choice for the quantification of bone mass, being used for the diagnosis and therapeutic follow-up of osteoporosis(4). Since 2014, DEXA has been the diagnostic method of choice in Brazil because it is noninvasive, uses extremely low doses of radiation, provides an accurate assessment of fracture risk, and is the most suitable means available for evaluating individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis(5–8). However, despite the fact that DEXA is a established method in the management of osteoporosis, a question arises(9): Is there is a revolutionary high-tech examination that does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, is accessible, is replicable, and is capable of replacing densitometry? Trentadue et al.(10) conducted advanced research using 3.0-tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping, as a means of screening for and diagnosing osteoporosis in postmenopausal patients. A 3.0-tesla MRI scanner employs the strongest magnetic field allowed in humans, with advanced technology, excellent multiplanar capacity capable of generating high-resolution images and high tissue contrast, thus enabling accurate diagnoses of numerous conditions involving the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the abdominal/pelvic organs, and the musculoskeletal system, especially the bone marrow(11). Although DWI is the method of choice for bone marrow assessment, there are numerous factors that influence the appearance of the bone marrow, including age, metabolic diseases, anemia, hematopoietic marrow reconversion, hematological disorders, and metastatic tumors(11). Those factors are prevalent after the age of 60 and make it difficult to perform an isolated DWI assessment of the bony framework, which is composed of mineralized bone, thus preventing the accurate analysis of the reduction in bone mass density necessary for the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis. We must recognize that MRI technology, including advanced techniques, is not superior to bone densitometry, which has proven to be more cost-effective for the early detection of osteoporosis, due to its low cost and lack of contraindications. In contrast, 3.0-tesla MRI not only is expensive and difficult to access but is also contraindicated in many situations, such as in patients with claustrophobia or with a pacemaker, as well as having limits regarding patient weight and abdominal circumference, and it still requires patient collaboration, which makes it difficult to replicate at scale. Given that the aging of the population will become one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century, with implications for various sectors of society, especially the health care sector, we need to contribute in the field of diagnosis effectively and accurately to promote healthy longevity(12). It is therefore important to implement and operationalize health care for the elderly with preventive, treatment, and rehabilitation activities to maintain functional capacity and quality of life(12–14). Our mission is to identify high-tech diagnostic methods or methods that are capable of actively contributing to individual and collective actions, aiming at specific prevention,


It was demonstrated that Vitamin A may be crucial for heart morphogenesis during pregnancy. Both deficiency and excess of Vitamin A could induce certain congenital heart disease. In the gastrula stage, vitamin A could play a specific role in the process of heart development because of activating many gene regulations, in order to promote heart development. In this article, the advance of mechanism study on vitamin A associated with congenital heart disease were reviewed.


Introduction A major step of the evidence-based medicine (EBM) process is to locate the most current evidence in support of clinical care. This requires identifying and searching appropriate evidence-based resources. Medical library faculty at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine teach these skills as part of a dedicated EBM course at the end of the second year of the medical school curriculum. Methods A 3-hour "Locating the Best Available Evidence" session is divided into two major components: an optional 50-minute didactic lecture followed by a mandatory 2-hour interactive lab. Students formulate a PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome) question from a case, develop search strategies, and gather evidence. Formative feedback is provided to the students to help them prepare for a final case presentation. Results Session effectiveness is assessed using course evaluations and the case presentation grade. Course evaluations indicate that students find this session structure to be especially helpful in learning the breadth of available EBM resources, preparing for their course case presentations, and acquiring skills for clinical clerkships. Quality of the case presentations also indicates students have acquired the necessary skills to be successful in practicing EBM skills in clerkship rotations and residency. Discussion Whether institutions have a dedicated EBM course or integrate EBM skills into the medical school curriculum, this session could easily be adapted and implemented. It could also be tailored for graduate or continuing medical education environments in any specialty.


Objective: to find perioperative analgesic effectiveness of low dose Ketamine in radical nephrectomy operations and comparing its anodyne potency with Nalbuphine Hcl (Nalbin).
Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: Armed forces institute of urology from Sep 2016 to June 2019.
Methodology: The 60 randomly selected surgical patients for radical nephrectomy were divided into two groups in a random manner. The Anaesthetic technique used in both groups (K and N) was standard along with 10 mg injection Nalbin given to both groups at induction. Group-K (n=30) patients had IV Ketamine bolus 0.3 mg /kg followed by 0.1 mg/kg/h infusion at induction till completion of surgery. Group-N (n=30) received a similar volume of saline in bolus as well as an infusion. The pain score (VAS) at different intervals and total Nalbin consumed in 12 hours were recorded for each group. Patient satisfaction and complications were recorded during this period.
Results: The effective intraoperative analgesia was achieved with an infusion of low dose Ketamine which continued till completion of surgery as seen in group K which has reduced Nalbin requirement 8.8± 3.5 mg (Group N 25±5 mg). There was a statistically significant reduction in overall pain scores and Nalbin demand (P≤0.05) in the Ketamine group (p≤0.00, 0.036, 0.286, 0.257, 0.253 respectively). Patient satisfaction was better in the Ketamine group but few patients in this group had delayed recovery.
Conclusion: Intraoperative low-dose Ketamine infusion provides good postoperative analgesia while reducing the need for opioid analgesics, which must be con


Immunohistochemical techniques were employed to investigate the distribution of the chemokine CXCL14, in the mouse pancreas. CXCL14-immunoreactive cells were detected in the peripheral region of the pancreatic islets and were immunoreactive for somatostatin, but not for glucagon, insulin, and pancreatic polypeptide. Immunoelectron microscopy indicated that the CXCL14-like peptide and somatostatin co-existed in the secretory granules. CXCL14, secreted from somatostatin-containing cells, may modulate insulin secretion in a paracrine fashion, and play a novel role in glucose homeostasis in addition to its well-known chemotactic activities.


Background: Puerarin (7,4'-dihydroxyisoflavone-8-β-glucopyranoside) is a natural flavonoid compound isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Radix puerariae. Recent studies have demonstrated that puerarin has potential anti-tumor effects via induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation. However, the effect and molecular mechanism of puerarin in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unknown.Methods: The effects of puerarin on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs), and tumor growth and metastasis in PDAC xenograft mouse model were performed. In addition, Akt/mTOR signaling activity was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro.Results: Puerarin treatment significantly repressed PCC proliferation in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Puerarin induced the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis of PCCs by causing a Bcl-2/Bax imbalance. Moreover, puerarin inhibited PCC migration and invasion by antagonizing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In nude mouse model, PDAC growth and metastasis were reduced by puerarin administration. Mechanistically, puerarin exerted its therapeutic effects on PDAC by suppressing Akt/mTOR signaling. Importantly, puerarin bound to the kinase domain of mTOR protein, affecting the activity of the surrounding amino acid residues associated with the binding of the ATP-Mg2+ complex. Further studies showed that the inhibitory effects of puerarin on PCCs were abolished by a mTOR activator MHY1485, indicating a crucial role of mTOR in anti-tumor effects of puerarin in PDAC. As a result, puerarin hindered glucose uptake and metabolism by downregulating the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) dependent upon HIF-1α and glucose transporter GLUT1.Conclusion: Puerarin has therapeutic potential for the treatment of PDAC by suppressing Akt/mTOR activity.


Castillon, J.-P. & J.-B. Castillon (2018). A new threatened species of Euphorbia sect. Goniostema (Euphorbiaceae) from northern Madagascar. Candollea 73: 187–191. In French, English and French abstracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2018v732a2Euphorbia longitubicinicyathium J.-P. Castillon & J.-B. Castillon (Euphorbiaceae), a new species from northeastern Madagascar is described and illustrated with field photographs. The new species belongs to Euphorbia sect. Goniostema Baill. ex Boiss. and is morphologically related to non thorny species of the east coast of Madagascar (e.g. Euphorbia geroldii Rauh, Euphorbia robivelonae Rauh or Euphorbia thuarsiana Baill.) but differs by its larger dimensions, its habit and its long trumpet shaped cyathia.


The effect of the presence of limestone on the graphitization of carbon was investigated by the heat treatments of the carbon sample under the quasi-hydrostatic pressure of 3.2 kbar. The carbon sample used was a coke (PV-7) prepared by carbonization of polyvinylchloride up to 680°C. It was placed between two disks of limestone so as to make a sandwich-type specimen. The heat treatments were performed in a simple piston-cylinder type vessel at various temperatures of 800–1300°C for 20–240 min. Above 1000°C, the carbon specimens were obtained as caked tablets. The profiles of (002) diffraction line of these carbon tablets were found to be composite, consisting of a sharp component profile at 26.5° and a broad one at lower angle than 26.2°. The component GM corresponding to the sharp component profile seemed to have the graphite structure. The content of the component GM increased very rapidly with the increase in heat treatment temperatures above 1000°C. Phenomenally, the developement of the graphite struct...


Organ perfusion is regulated by vasoactivity and structural adaptation of small arteries and arterioles. These resistance vessels are sensitive to pressure, flow and a range of vasoactive stimuli. Several strongly interacting control loops exist. As an example, the myogenic response to a change of pressure influences the endothelial shear stress, thereby altering the contribution of shear-dependent dilation to the vascular tone. In addition, acute responses change the stimulus for structural adaptation and vice versa. Such control loops are able to maintain resistance vessels in a functional and stable state, characterized by regulated wall stress, shear stress, matched active and passive biomechanics and presence of vascular reserve. In this modeling study, four adaptation processes are identified that together with biomechanical properties effectuate such integrated regulation: control of tone, smooth muscle cell length adaptation, eutrophic matrix rearrangement and trophic responses. Their combined action maintains arteries in their optimal state, ready to cope with new challenges, allowing continuous long-term vasoregulation. The exclusion of any of these processes results in a poorly regulated state and in some cases instability of vascular structure.


In this paper, we aim to design a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) based control solution to navigating a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to fly around an unexplored target area under partial observation, which serves as Mobile Base Stations (MBSs) providing optimal communication coverage for the ground mobile users. To handle the information loss caused by the partial observability, we introduce a novel network architecture named Deep Recurrent Graph Network (DRGN), which could obtain extra spatial information through graph-convolution based inter-UAV communication, and utilize historical features with a recurrent unit. Based on DRGN and maximum-entropy learning, we propose a stochastic DRL policy named Soft Deep Recurrent Graph Network (SDRGN). In SDRGN, a heuristic reward function is elaborated, which is based on the local information of each UAV instead of the global information; thus, SDRGN reduces the training cost and enables distributed online learning. We conducted extensive experiments to design the structure of DRGN and examine the performance of SDRGN. The simulation results show that the proposed model outperforms four state-of-the-art DRL-based approaches and three heuristic baselines, and demonstrate the scalability, transferability, robustness, and interpretability of SDRGN.


Mohammad Mannan is an Assistant Professor at the Concordia Institute for Information Systems Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal. He has a PhD in Computer Science from Carleton University (2009) in the area of Internet authentication and usable security. He was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto from 2009 to 2011 (funded by an NSERC PDF, and ISSNet). His research interests lie in the area of Internet and systems security, with a focus on solving high-impact security and privacy problems of today's Internet. email@example.com


A variably twisting wing has many beneficial qualities that can improve aircraft performance for a variety of flight conditions. Beneficial variable wing twist features include a means to reduce induced drag in cruise conditions, to increase lift performance, and to increase roll control. However, the actuation hardware usually required to twist large scale wings, especially given their structural stiffness, presents a substantial limitation. Through the use of shape memory alloy (SMA) torque tubes and other associated active spars, such structural deformations can be enabled. In this work, we consider the development of a benchtop and wind tunnel testing platform for potentially assessing the response of a variety of SMA-based wing twisting concepts. Using additive manufacturing (3D printing), we have designed, built, and tested a small scale prototype. The SMA actuated twisting wing developed herein consists of a rapid prototype shell that was specifically designed using a finite element approach to maintain stiffness in bending while reducing torsional rigidity. Using LabView and a simple PID controller, we have shown that an SMA torque tube was able to drive and steadily maintain the spanwise linear twist in the wing under both benchtop and wind tunnel conditions. This prototype will allow future assessment of new control schemes, new SMA actuator materials, and new structural configurations toward the development of flight-capable self-twisting wings.


We have developed a novel in-line solution for the characterization and metrology of high-aspect ratio (HAR) semiconductor structures using transmission small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The solution consists of the Sirius-XCD® tool, NanoDiffract for XCD (NDX) analysis software and high-performance computing infrastructure. The solution provides quantitative information on the orientation and shape of HAR structures, such as 3D NAND channel holes and DRAM capacitors, and can be used for development and control of the critical etch processes used in the formation of such structures. The tool has been designed to minimize expensive cleanroom space without sacrificing performance with typical measurements taking only a few minutes per site. The analysis is done using real-time regression in parallel to the measurements to maximize the throughput of the solution. We will illustrate the key features of the solution using data from a HAR reference wafer and provide results for hole shape and tilt across the wafer together with complimentary data from other techniques. We will also discuss future opportunities for both stand-alone XCD applications and possibilities of XCD-OCD synergies including hybrid metrology in solving complex high-aspect ratio (HAR) and other applications.


Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) created a global pandemic (COVID-19) that has resulted in massive health and economic losses. The current unavailability of treatments leaves vaccination as the only way to control this disease. There are four vaccines (Sinopharm, Pfizer—BioNTech, Sputnik, and AstraZeneca) available in Bahrain. This project aimed to study the most common side effects resulting from the first and second doses of these four vaccines. Data were collected through an online questionnaire answered by 311 individuals who received both doses of one of these four vaccines. The results of this study revealed that regardless of the vaccine identity, participants experienced more side effects from the second dose. Among the different side effects, pain at the site of injection was primarily observed after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine (43%), which was followed by the AstraZeneca vaccine (31%). Moreover, fever was observed in participants after the first dose of the Sputnik vaccine (37%), while headache was mainly observed after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine (32%). It is important to note that fatigue was observed after the first dose of all four vaccines but was reported by the highest proportion of respondents in the Pfizer group (28%). Interestingly, there are some side effects, such as pain at the site of injection, that are correlated with fever (r = 0.909). Similarly, headache is correlated with fever (r = 0.801) and pain at the site of injection (r = 0.868). Overall, it was observed that recipients of the Sinopharm vaccine reported the mildest side effects among all four vaccines. The crucial finding of this study is that the first and second dosage post-vaccination side effects were modest and predictable with no occurrences of hospitalization; this information can assist in lessening vaccine apprehension.


The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Listeria spp. in fish obtained from Urmia fish markets. A number of 194 fish comprising Oncorhynchus mykiss (n=42), Sander lucioperca (n=38), Cyprinus carpio (n=30), Hypophthalmiachthys molitrix (n=48), Abramis brama (n=12), Astacus leptodactylus (n=12) and Silurus glanis(n=12) were obtained from different fish markets of Urmia from June 2009 to February 2010. Listeria isolation was performed in two stages including enrichment in cold and selective plating. After colony formation, in order to confirming the genus of the Listeria, a fragment of Prs gene using Listeria genus specific primers was amplified from isolated bacteria using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results revealed that Listeria was isolated from 24 fish (12.37%). The highest prevalence of Listeria was observed in both A. brama and A. leptodactylus with 25%, while the lowest prevalence of Listeria was seen inS. lucioperca (9.7%). From the total of 24 Listeria isolates, five isolates (21%) were confirmed to be L. monocytogenes; seven isolates were L. ivonoi (29%) while L. Seeligeriwas not isolated from any examined fish. The study showed that L. monocytogenes and other Listeria species are common contaminant of fish obtained from Urmia fish markets, and this may pose serious public health implications.

 Key words: Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, fish, PCR, Urmia.


The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of olive oil application on knee pain among patients with osteoarthritis in selected hospitals at SangliMiraj and Kupwad corporation area. The study objectives were to assess the existing level of knee pain among patients with osteoarthritis in experimental and control group, to assess the level of knee pain after olive oil application in experimental group, to compare the level of pain in experimental and control group, and to find out the association of level of pain before olive oil application among patients with osteoarthritis with their selected demographic variables in both the groups. Hypothesis for this study was H0- There is no significant effect of olive oil application on level of knee pain among patients from experimental and control group. H1- There is significant effect of olive oil application on level of knee pain among patients from experimental and control group. Quantitative research approach with two groups pre test post test was used for this study. The conceptual framework used in this study was general system theory by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy. 60 samples were selected for the study by non-probability purposive sampling technique (30 samples of experimental group and 30 of control group). In experimental group, pain level was assessed prior to the intervention, after which olive oil is applied to the patients for once a day for 14 days and pain score level of day 1st,day 7th and day 14th was compared, Where as in control group daily routine care was given and pain score level was noted on same days as in experimental group. Data was collected using demographic data and Numerical pain rating scale. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study result was, Variations are found in mean and SD scores in experimental and control group. P value is less than 0.005. There is significant difference in the level of knee pain among osteoarthritis patients. The reduction of pain is also seen in the control group, but not as significantly as in experimental group.Results shows that there is an effect of olive oil on knee pain among patients with osteoarthritis as the mean score for pain has seen to be reduced more in the experimental group as compared to that of control group.as a result, it can be concluded that using olive oil to alleviate knee pain in osteoarthritis patients is an effective and safe approach of pain control.


The classical models of Hertz, Sneddon and Boussinesq provide solutions for problems of indentation of a semi-infinite elastic massif by a sphere, a sphere or a cone and a flat punch. Although these models have been widely tested, it appears that at small scales and for flexible materials, surface tension can contribute to considerably to the mechanical response to indentation. The scales are typically those of the less than one micron for an elastomer and less than one millimetre for a gel. The exploitation of certain experimental results of microscopy or nanoindentation remain approximate due to the absence of models incorporating the effect of surface tension.


The seed proteome of a low phytic acid (lpa) rice line (Os-lpa-XS110-1), developed as a novel food source, was compared to that of its parental line, Xiushui 110 (XS-110). Analysis by surfaced enhanced laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) allowed the detection of a potential low molecular weight biomarker and identification of 23 differentially expressed proteins that include stress-related proteins, storage proteins, and potential allergens. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that triose phosphate isomerase (TPI) and fructose bisphosphatealdolase (FBA), two major differentially expressed proteins, are involved in myo-inositol metabolism. Accumulation of globulin was also significantly decreased in the lpa line. This study demonstrates the potential of proteomic and bioinformatic profiling techniques for safety assessment of novel foods. Furthermore, these techniques provide powerful tools for studying functional genomics due to the possibility of identifying genes related to the mutated traits.


The skin provides direct protection to the human body from assault by the harsh external environment. The crucial function of this organ is significantly disrupted in genodermatoses patients. Genodermatoses comprise a heterogeneous group of largely monogenetic skin disorders, typically involving mutations in genes encoding structural proteins. Therapeutic options for this debilitating group of diseases, including epidermolysis bullosa, primarily consist of wound management. Genome editing approaches co-opt double-strand break repair pathways to introduce desired sequence alterations at specific loci. Rapid advances in genome editing technologies have the potential to propel novel genetic therapies into the clinic. However, the associated phenotypes of many mutations may be treated via several genome editing strategies. Therefore, for potential clinical applications, implementation of efficient approaches based upon mutation, gene and disease context is necessary. Here, we describe current genome editing approaches for the treatment of genodermatoses, along with a discussion of the optimal strategy for each genetic context, in order to achieve enhanced genome editing approaches.


An automated hematology analyzing system was developed in our lab, intended to replace large, expensive equipments in the most common clinical laboratory test - complete blood cell count (CBC). Based on segmented nucleus images, the nucleus shape recognition plays an essential role in the system for the purpose of cell type differentiation and immature cell classification. A neural-net based shape recognition algorithm is used to classify the cells based on the contour radius and curvature features. Promising classification results have been achieved. This result is also compared with the result of another shape recognition algorithm that adopts the most commonly used shape descriptor, Fourier descriptors, as the features.


Different kinds of hemicellulose-based hydrogels have been made by radical polymerization using hydrosoluble hemicellulose from spruce chips with a number-average molecular weight and polydispersity of 2400 and 1.5 respectively. 80% of the hemicellulose was galactoglucomannan. and the remainder mainly 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan. Hemicellulose/poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) based hydrogels were prepared by polymerization in water of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate with hemicellulose modified with well-defined amounts of methacrylic functions. The chemical modification of hemicellulose was performed in dimethyl sulfoxide using 2[(l-imidazolyl) formyloxy]ethyl methacrylate as modifying agent. The kinetics of the modification reaction were monitored by H-1 NMR. The degree of modification of the hemicellulose used for the hydrogel synthesis varied from 10% to 40%. The ratio of modified hemicellulose to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the hydrogels was 1: 1 by weight. The resulting hydrogels were elastic, homogeneous, soft, transparent and easily swollen in water.


We read with great interest the recent CUA guidelines on prostate biopsy methodology.1 We note that the recommendation regarding high-grade prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) states that "in the current era of extended biopsy schemes, HGPIN is no longer considered a strict indication for repeat biopsy and patients should be followed clinically."1 Our Canadian research group, set out to specifically address the issue of HGPIN on prostatic needle biopsy (PNB) after 2 large review articles authored by high profile urological pathologists, rendered differing conclusions regarding the significance of HGPIN on PNB.2,3 We used a large Canadian database containing over 12 000 patients undergoing initial PNB and concluded that HGPIN, when multifocal, is a significant risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa) carrying an odds ratio (OR) of 1.38.4 In fact, the risk generally increases with the extent of HGPIN such that increasing cores involved correlates with increasing risk of PCa on follow-up PNB.4 Our initial study, although well-controlled with a benign group and statistically sound, did contain a mixture of prostate sampling protocols, so we recently repeated the study, specifically limiting the analysis to include only extended biopsy protocols yielding 10 or more cores.5 On the repeat study, we again found the same results. Patients with multifocal HGPIN carry a significantly increased risk of detecting PCa on follow-up PNB compared to patients with benign findings on initial PNB.5 Again, there is a general elevation in risk with increasing volume of HGPIN in the initial sample with 1 core showing no increased risk of PCa (OR 0.68) but 2 cores and >2 cores involved by HGPIN showing ORs of 2.57 and 3.61, respectively.5 Our studies show that HGPIN, when multifocal, is still a significant independent risk factor for PCa, even in the current era of extended PNB protocols. While it is a sound recommendation that patients with unifocal HGPIN be followed clinically with PSA and DRE, it is our recommendation and practice that patients with multifocal HGPIN should undergo a repeat biopsy within 1 year even in the absence of PSA or DRE changes. We also suggest that pathologists with expertise in urological pathology be involved in the CUA guideline development and review process, especially when recommendations are being rendered for entities diagnosed solely on the basis of morphological findings.


BACKGROUND
Recent researches have found that NiS can cause the malignant transforming activity and carcinogenicity on human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE). Its molecular mechanism may be involved in mutation of genes and abnormal expression of transcription factors on 16HBE. And so, this study takes advantage of a model of 16HBE transformed by NiS and screens the differentially expressed genes between 16HBE cells and NiS treated 16HBE cells (NiS-16HBE) using cDNA microarray.

METHODS
The total RNA was extracted from 16HBE cells and NiS-16HBE cells. The cDNA probes were prepared by labeling with Cy3-dCTP and Cy5-dCTP respectively through reverse transcription. The mixed probes were then hybridized to the cDNA microarray chips containing 4000 human genes. The chips were scanned by ScanArray 4000 laser scanner. The acquired fluorescent signals were analyzed by GenPix Pro 3.0 software. Bioinformation function of those differentially expressed genes was analysed.

RESULTS
A total of 151 genes exhibited differential expression between 16HBE cells and NiS-16HBE cells. The expression of 70 genes ( 46.36%) was down-regulated and that of 81 genes (53.64%) was up-regulated.

CONCLUSIONS
The regulation of genes including stress response genes, immune related genes, DNA synthesis and repair genes, metabolism genes, pro-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes may be involved in transforming activity of NiS.


The widespread use of x-rays for diagnostic examinations requires greater attention to the hazards incident to radiologic procedures. Exposure of radiologists and technical personnel to scattered radiation has been assessed in several experimental and clinical studies, and proper protective recommendations have been made (1–5). Concurrently, observations regarding radiation dosages to patients undergoing a variety of diagnostic examinations have been recorded (2, 6–10). Exposure of the female genital tract has received particular attention because of the possible production of genetic damage by irradiation of the ovaries (11). Radiation levels to which an intrauterine fetus may be exposed during diagnostic procedures have also been given due consideration, with respect to induction of various fetal malformations (12). Since radiation effects are largely dependent upon dosage, a more precise determination of exposure during diagnostic procedures appears necessary. Accurate data concerning radiographic expo...


We investigate the doped perovskite manganites using some elementary strong–correlation models. We focus mainly on the electronic motion through double–exchange and include the spin and lattice fluctuations solely to lift any residual degeneracy. We consider the low–energy physics of the strong–coupling limit, incorporating the spatial structure of the orbitals carefully. Due to a mismatch between the point–symmetries of the orbitals and the lattice, we find a highly geometrically frustrated Hubbard–like model. When orbital super–exchange is dominant, the system finds ordering very difficult, and when the charge–carrier motion is dominant, the styles of orbital order are expected to be fairly complicated. Unless the system exhibits Fermi–liquid behaviour, the strong–correlations are suggested to be uncontrollable at present.


In a recent work, beating in the reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) intensity oscillations were observed during molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of GaAs with Sn as a surfactant. The strength of beating is found to be dependent on the Sn submonolayer coverage with strong beating observed for 0.4 monolayer coverage. For a fixed temperature and flux ratio (Ga to As), the period of oscillation decreases with increasing Sn coverage. In this work, we have developed a rate equation model of growth to investigate this phenomenon. In our model, the GaAs covered by the Sn is assumed to grow at a faster rate compared to the GaAs not covered by Sn. Assuming that the electron beams reflected from the Sn covered surface and the rest of the surface are incoherent, the results of the dependence of the RHEED oscillations on Sn submonolayer coverages for various Sn coverages were obtained and compared with experimental data and the agreement is good.


The effects of the current revolution in the organisation and financing of medical care are important for physicians. In all major countries, physicians are increasingly concerned about the controls being placed on their practices.


The subject of skull fractures and intracranial injuries is filled with so many ramifications that one cannot cover all its intricacies in a single paper. Many of its problems are still subject to controversy. One can only hope to clarify a few of these controversies and leave with the reader a few high lights in the management of skull fractures which experience has shown to be useful. I have reviewed practically every article written on skull fractures since 1900. These articles review 20,000 cases of skull fractures, but for statistical study I could use only 8,649 of the reported cases. This study has developed the lack of uniformity in classifying skull fractures, in classifying the associated cerebral injuries, in the mortality statistics and in working up clinical and roentgenographic observations that justify the diagnosis of skull fracture. Too often the statistics are based on the individual's interpretation of his cases,


Great anomalies, usually regarded as "regional," clutter gravity and magnetic maps. These anomalies are removed in the process of isolating residual features that are significant as basement and (or) sedimentary effects. A study of these deep crustal features on detailed regional maps of Oklahoma reveals that: (1) each large gravity anomaly has a corresponding large magnetic anomaly, and (2) the most probable depth values calculated from selected large magnetic and gravity anomalies, assuming the same source (dense rocks rich in magnetite), show a surface, well below the top of the crystalline basement, which has considerable relief. The relief includes pronounced lateral displacements along faults, all east-west in trend. The most appropriate name for this surface is the "Algoman surface," the U. S. Geological Survey designation for the vast worldwide surface which reflects the great unconformity which followed the end of the Archean (early Precambrian). Prior to this time, it now appears, the earth had very little oxygen in its atmosphere, and minerals such as magnetite and uraninite, for example, escaped oxidation and were preserved below this Algoman surface. Widespread mapping of this interface has both tectonic and mining significance, because the positions of this surface near the present crystalline basement are commonly associated with mineralization. Speculatively, the folding of the "Archean" rocks and the relief of the Algoman surface may be in part a manifestation of great tidal movements prevalent if the orbit of the moon, projected back 2.5 billion years, was much closer to the earth. End_of_Article - Last_Page 348------------


Abstract 3437 Each unit of blood donated is processed and stored individually resulting in wide variability in the amount of red blood cells (RBCs) collected, RBC properties and in the 24 hour post-transfusion RBC survivability. As a result, each unit differs in its RBC content, its ability to deliver oxygen and potentially its effects on the recipient. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of pooling and the use of novel additive solutions in producing a more uniform, standardized RBC product. RBCs were either stored in an approved additive solution with a 42 day shelf life (AS-3) or a solution which potentially enables an extended 50 to 100 day shelf life (EAS-81). The storage characteristics of individual RBC units were compared to pooled RBC products prepared by the same units and suspended in AS-3 and EAS-81 with comparable final hematocrits. Two sets of 5 individual leukoreduced group A, D-positive blood group RBC units were divided and stored as individual RBC products or as pooled products. Individual and pooled units tested as group A, D-positive and had a negative antibody screen. Quality indices were measured (ATP, 2,3 DPG and hemolysis) for all individual and pooled units weekly for 5 weeks. After 5 weeks of storage RBC units stored in EAS-81 showed higher ATP concentrations (2.53–4.20 μmole/g hemoglobin) compared to units stored in AS-3 solution (1.53–1.98 μmole/g hemoglobin). ATP concentration values of pooled units of EAS81:AS-3 (3.35:1.77 μmole/g hemoglobin) were close to average (3.24:1.64 μmole/g hemoglobin) values obtained from 5 individual unit concentrations (Figure). Next, after 5 weeks hemolysis was higher in EAS-81 (0.57–0.94% hemolysis) as compared to AS-3 solution (0.18–0.35% hemolysis); possibly due to cells being passed through an additional leukoreduction filter. The hemolysis values of pooled units of EAS-81: AS-3 (0.51:0.27%) was lower for EAS-81 but the same for AS-3 as the average values obtained from individual units (0.80:0.27%). Lastly, after 2 weeks of storage 2,3 DPG values obtained were lower for AS-3 units (2.71–3.84 μmole/g hemoglobin) as compared to EAS-81 units (3.40–7.10 μmole/g hemoglobin). 2,3-DPG concentration of pooled unit EAS-81:AS-3 (7.10:3.38 μmole/g hemoglobin) were higher compared to average of individual unit (4.74:3.19 μmole/g hemoglobin). 2,3 DPG concentration was negligible for 3 week measurement for all the units. In conclusion, RBCs stored in EAS-81 have higher ATP and 2,3-DPG levels than units stored in AS-3; pooled units maintain ABO/D typing without new antibody or antigen formation, and appear to have slightly better storage characteristics than individually stored units. Thus, our data support pooling RBC units is a valid method to provide more uniform RBC products with better storage characteristics, especially if stored in EAS-81, in the future. Disclosures: Stassinopoulos:Cerus: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Hess:U. S. Army, Hemerus Medical, LLC: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties.


. This book is an account of the early years of Occupational Therapy with cerebral palsied in Scotland. It begins with the planning of treatment programmes at Westerlea School.In 1948 and goes on to describe the development of an outpatient programme in 1954 and the establishment of the first sheltered workshop for Spastics in Great Britain in 1960 and which is later transferred to purpose built premises at New Trinity Centre in 1976.


Critical infrastructure systems are vital to underpin the functioning of a society and economy. Due to the ever-increasing number of Internet-connected Internet-of-Things (IoT)/Industrial IoT (IIoT), and the high volume of data generated and collected, security and scalability are becoming burning concerns for critical infrastructures in industry 4.0. The blockchain technology is essentially a distributed and secure ledger that records all the transactions into a hierarchically expanding chain of blocks. Edge computing brings the cloud capabilities closer to the computation tasks. The convergence of blockchain and edge computing paradigms can overcome the existing security and scalability issues. In this article, we first introduce the IoT/IIoT critical infrastructure in industry 4.0, and then we briefly present the blockchain and edge computing paradigms. After that, we show how the convergence of these two paradigms can enable secure and scalable critical infrastructures. Then, we provide a survey on the state of the art for security and privacy and scalability of IoT/IIoT critical infrastructures. A list of potential research challenges and open issues in this area is also provided, which can be used as useful resources to guide future research.


Energy-assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) uses a laser-optical system integrated into the magnetic head to heat locally a fine-grained material of high magnetic anisotropy energy density above its Curie temperature, and store single bits in very small areas without being limited by the superparamagnetic effect. However, localized laser heating may affect the thermal stability of the carbon overcoat of the hard disk. To examine the effect of laser heating on the overcoat thermal stability, ultrathin amorphous carbon (a-C) films of similar thickness (~ 3.6 nm) synthesized by filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were subjected to repetitive heating under different laser powers. Carbon hybridization and surface roughness of the a-C films were examined by Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. For the laser power range studied (150-300 mW), a-C films produced by the FCVA technique demonstrated superior thermal stability than CVD films of similar thickness. To investigate the possibility of further reducing the magnetic spacing, thinner (~ 0.9 nm) a-C films deposited by the FCVA method were subjected to the same laser heating conditions. Although the thermal stability of the FCVA-synthesized a-C films exhibited thickness dependence, even the thinner (~ 0.9 nm) FCVA film demonstrated higher thermal stability than the much thicker (~ 3.6 nm) CVD film. The results of this study illustrate the high potential of FCVA as a coating method for EAMR.


Abstract. A dynamic model of whole leaf C3 photosynthesis is constructed using a modified version of the Farquliar-von Caemmerer approach. The model is designed to provide a physiological basis to understand observations of assimilation in environments with varying photon flux densities, including induction phenomena. The model couples the effect of light activation and dark deactivation of enzymes, stomatal conductance responses, and variations in the pools of carbon cycle intermediates. The dynamic components are viewed on three time scales, the slowest of which (min to h) involves changes in stomatal conductance and the activation stale of Rubisco. On a time scale of seconds to a few minutes, adjustments in pools of biochemical components of the photosynthetic pathway occurs. The most rapid time scale corresponds to the equilibration time of intercelluar CO2 concentration through gaseous diffusion and is here assumed to occur instantaneously. The model form includes a single pool for reduced intermediates including RuBP, a single pool for components of the glycolate pathway, and a third component corresponding to the activation state of Rubisco. This is coupled to a previously described model for the dynamics of stomatal conductance, giving a final model form consisting of six non-linear ordinary differential equations, of which three control conductance dynamics and three control assimilation. The coupling between these occurs through the variable pi, the intercellular partial pressure of CO2. Only three of the parameters for the assimilation portion of the model require dynamic data to estimate. The remaining parameters are estimated from steady-state data. The model is calibrated using previously collected data on the tropical understory plant Alocasia macrorrhiza and is shown to have qualitatively similar behaviour to that of experimental measurements using simple changes in PFD, as well as a complex sequence of such changes.


One of the major applications of implicit suface modeling systems has been the generation of cartoon-like characters. Recently, additional modeling methods have been combined with implicit sufaces to create much more complex models. These methods include constructive solid geometry (CSG), warping, and two-dimensional texture mapping (among others). The BlobTree has been introduced to organize all of these elements into a single structure which allows both local and global applications of each of these techniques in a general and intuitive fashion. The BlobTree lends itself well to rapid and direct specijication of complex models, however current implementations of the BlobTree have not been engineered for eficiency, and peform poorly when attempting to render large models. In this work we apply established techniques, such as spatial subdivision and tree optimization, to the BlobTree. The objective is to increase efJiciency during rendering without restricting the functionality of the BlobTree as a modeling tool.


CAR-T-cells are currently manufactured for clinical use by infection of human T-cells with viral vectors containing the CAR gene. T lymphocytes have to be stimulated and expanded ex vivo because the viral vectors infect fresh natural lymphocytes very poorly. The viral vector approach is extremely expensive due to the high cost of virus production and the high cost of long-term cell expansion that could take 10-14 days in a GMP facility. The viral vector approach also has a huge biologic downside: ex vivo expanded T-cells become bulky and lose efficacy against tumor cells. The use of electroporation technology in CAR-T-cell manufacturing has attracted increasing interests for its low cost and the wide range of applications, including transposon based stable CAR expression, transient expression and genome editing. However, actual clinical use of electroporation technology in CAR-T has been difficult and several clinical trials have met significant problems due to the poor transfection efficiency and decreased T-cell survival with traditional electroporation methods. Through theoretical analysis of the other existing electroporation technologies, we found that they all have problems in electrophysical design. The problems include physical design of devices, electrical pulse selection, and buffer composition. With a redesigned electroporation system, we can now achieve very high transfection efficiency for T-cells while maintaining cell survival. For Sleeping Beauty transposon-based CAR expression, we found that over a period of two to three weeks the efficiency can get to 60% to 90% with fasT-cell proliferation. The protein expression time after electroporation is very short. For simple GFP plasmids we can observe GFP expression after only 30 minutes. Unlike viral vectors, electroporation works well on fresh natural T-cells, thereby eliminating the need for expensive cell expansion and virus production altogether and cutting the huge economic burden of CAR-T therapy. By reinfusion of more natural T-cells, the antitumor efficacy of CAR-T-cells could be improved while the side effects of cytokine release syndrome could be minimized. Citation Format: Jian Chen, Xiaofeng Xia. Novel electroporation method for quick CAR-T-cell manufacture [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A026.


The first half of the twentieth century was marked by the simultaneous development of logic and mathematics. Logic offered the necessary means to justify the foundations of mathematics and to solve the crisis that arose in mathematics in the early twentieth century. In European science in the late nineteenth century, the ideas of symbolic logic, based on the works of J. Bull, S. Jevons and continued by C. Pierce in the United States and E. Schroeder in Germany were getting popular. The works by G. Frege and B. Russell should be considered more progressive towards the development of mathematical logic. The perspective of mathematical logic in solving the crisis of mathematics in Ukraine was noticed by Professor of Mathematics of Novorossiysk (Odesa) University Ivan Vladislavovich Sleshynsky. Sleshynsky (1854 –1931) is a Doctor of Mathematical Sciences (1893), Professor (1898) of Novorossiysk (Odesa) University. After studying at the University for two years he was a Fellow at the Department of Mathematics of Novorossiysk University, defended his master's thesis and was sent to a scientific internship in Berlin (1881–1882), where he listened to the lectures by K. Weierstrass, L. Kronecker, E. Kummer, G. Bruns. Under the direction of K. Weierstrass he prepared a doctoral dissertation for defense. He returned to his native university in 1882, and at the same time he was a teacher of mathematics in the seminary (1882–1886), Odesa high schools (1882–1892), and taught mathematics at the Odesa Higher Women's Courses. Having considerable achievements in the field of mathematics, in particular, Pringsheim's Theorem (1889) proved by Sleshinsky on the conditions of convergence of continuous fractions, I. Sleshynsky drew attention to a new direction of logical science. The most significant work for the development of national mathematical logic is the translation by I. Sleshynsky from the French language "Algebra of Logic" by L. Couturat (1909). Among the most famous students of I. Sleshynsky, who studied and worked at Novorossiysk University and influenced the development of mathematical logic, one should mention E. Bunitsky and S. Shatunovsky. The second period of scientific work of I. Sleshynsky is connected with Poland. In 1911 he was invited to teach mathematical disciplines at Jagiellonian University and focused on mathematical logic. I. Sleshynsky's report "On Traditional Logic", delivered at the meeting of the Philosophical Society in Krakow. He developed the common belief among mathematicians that logic was not necessary for mathematics. His own experience of teaching one of the most difficult topics in higher mathematics – differential calculus, pushed him to explore logic, since the requirement of perfect mathematical proof required this. In one of his further works of this period, he noted the promising development of mathematical logic and its importance for mathematics. He claimed that for the mathematics of future he needed a new logic, which he saw in the "Principles of Mathematics" by A. Whitehead and B. Russell. Works on mathematical logic by I. Sleszynski prompted many of his students in Poland to undertake in-depth studies in this field, including T. Kotarbiński, S. Jaśkowski, V. Boreyko, and S. Zaremba. Thanks to S. Zaremba, I. Sleshynsky managed to complete the long-planned concept, a two-volume work "Theory of Proof" (1925–1929), the basis of which were lectures of Professor. The crisis period in mathematics of the early twentieth century, marked by the search for greater clarity in the very foundations of mathematical reasoning, led to the transition from the study of mathematical objects to the study of structures. The most successful means of doing this were proposed by mathematical logic. Thanks to Professor I. Sleshynsky, who succeeded in making Novorossiysk (Odesa) University a center of popularization of mathematical logic in the beginning of the twentieth century the ideas of mathematical logic in scientific environment became more popular. However, historical events prevented the ideas of mathematical logic in the domestic scientific space from the further development.


Common issues of designing analog circuits in a CMOS mixed-signal environment are summarized. Effects of power supply noise and regulation, substrate noise, cross talk, and layout and floor planning are briefly discussed and a condensed description of proposed solutions are presented. In addition, process scalability for analog circuits built in a mixed-signal chip is reviewed. Design of analog circuits with ability to scale into different CMOS technologies are often neglected in a mixed-signal design which typically culminates in major modifications, or a complete design change for the analog blocks when a the process is changed.


Constant Proportion Portfolio Insurance (CPPI) is a strategy designed to give participation in a risky asset while protecting the invested capital. Some gap risk due to extreme events is often kept by the issuer of the product: a put option on the CPPI strategy is included in the product. In this paper we present a new method for the pricing of CPPIs and options on CPPIs, which is much faster and more accurate than the usual Monte-Carlo method. Provided the underlying follows a homogeneous process, the path-dependent CPPI strategy is reformulated into a Markov process in one variable, which allows to use efficient linear algebra techniques. Tail events, which are crucial in the pricing are handled smoothly. We incorporate in this framework linear thresholds, profit lock-in, performance coupons... The American exercise of open-ended CPPIs is handled naturally through backward propagation. Finally we use our pricing scheme to study the influence of various features on the gap risk of CPPI strategies.


In this paper we focus on optical time division multiplexed (TDM) switching and its main distinguishing characteristics compared with other optical subwavelength switching technologies.We review and discuss in detail the synchronization requirements that allow for proper switching operation. In addition, we propose a novel synchronization algorithm that enables automatic synchronization of software defined networking controlled all-optical TDM switching nodes connected in a ring network. Besides providing synchronization, the algorithmalso can facilitate dynamic slot size change and failure detection. We experimentally validate the algorithm behavior and achieve correct operation for three different ring lengths. Moreover,we experimentally demonstrate data plane connectivity in a ring network composed of three nodes and show successful wavelength division multiplexing space division multiplexing transmission and switching of data bursts when using the proposed algorithm to provide synchronization.


SYNOPSIS Environmental activists have targeted the mining industry in an attempt to prevent development, which has resulted in the industry's becoming defensive and retro-active. This paper argues that mining managements should go on the offensive and champion the environment through leadership in environmental policy and research and development, rather than reacting to anti-mining campaigns. In the formulation of an environmental policy for the mining industry, a clear understanding of the concept of sustainable development is of paramount importance.


A platform for intimate integration of high-frequency gallium nitride (GaN) micromechanical resonators and AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) is reported. For the first time, cascade of a two-port GaN bulk acoustic resonator and AlGaN/GaN HEMT was co-fabricated on a silicon substrate. A high quality factor (Q) of 7413 is reported for a GaN contour-mode resonator at the resonance frequency of 119.8 MHz. More than 30 dB of signal tuning was achieved by using integrated HEMT for signal readout and amplification at the resonator output.


Nowadays, many cardiology health care centers and hospitals adopt new technologies to improve interaction with their patients. The Electronic Health Records (EHR) offer health care centers and institutions the possibility to improve the management of their patients' health data. Currently, many physicians are using EHRs to improve health care quality and efficiency. A large number of companies have emerged to provide hospitals with the opportunity to adopt EHRs within a health care platform proposing different functionalities and services which achieve certain certification criteria. This paper identifies the current list of certified EHRs for cardiovascular medicine and assesses the specifications of the EHRs selected. The result of this paper may assist EHR seekers for cardiovascular medicine in their tasks.


Abstract Background The study was conducted to determine the effects of isolated acute intracranial hypertension (AICH) on extracerebral organs. Design A total of 14 mechanically ventilated pigs were randomized to two groups of seven each: (1) control and (2) AICH. Methods AICH was induced by inflating an intracranial balloon catheter. The inflation volume was adjusted to keep intracranial pressure between 30 and 40 cm H2O. Hemodynamics, gas-exchange, and global oxygen delivery parameters were observed over a 4-hour period. At the end of the 4-hour period, tissue samples of heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys were collected and histologically graded for inflammation, edema, and cell damage (necrosis) using semiquantitative scores. Results Animals with AICH had increased heart rate and cardiac output, and higher scores for inflammation, edema, and necrosis in heart, lung, kidney, and liver tissues (all p < 0.05). Peripheral and mixed-venous oxygen saturations were unaffected. Conclusions Isolated AICH induces injury to multiple extracerebral organs, even in the absence of hypoperfusion or hypoxemia.


Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a relatively recent phenomenon for companies and their stakeholders. However, we cannot ignore its historical roots. Many companies, especially in industry, developed social and environmental policies and practices a long time ago. These practical and historical dimensions still remain absent from the academic literature on CSR. In this paper, we set out to study a case over an extended period—from 1950s until 1970s—in order to understand how manufacturers took into account the various economic, social and environmental aspects of their activity, when they made an investment and subsequently ran an aluminium production site. The case of the company Alucam, implanted in Cameroon, shows how manufacturers integrated the Triple Bottom Line well before the 'invention' of CSR. Since its creation in 1957, this plant designed to produce primary aluminium has systematically applied a policy that simultaneously integrated the economic, environmental and social impacts of its activity. However, such visible permanency masks important changes in the way that CSR has been applied over time. This case study provides a better understanding of the process of building CSR in the aluminium industry. With that goal in mind, our methodology is historical. Research was mainly carried out by means of studying the Alucam archives. Such empirical research, highlighting the reality of the practices implemented in companies, constitutes an original contribution to the history of CSR.


A direct correlation between the reaction activity and the surface structure of a catalyst is generally needed to better understand the mechanisms behind the heterogeneous catalysis process. In this work, we employed planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) to spatially resolve the CO2 distribution just above a Pd(100) surface, and simultaneously monitored the optical reflectance of the surface, during CO oxidation. We show that when the reaction is in the mass transfer limited regime, the inhomogeneity of the gas composition over the sample can lead to an inhomogeneity of the surface reflectance change arising from oxide formation and surface roughening. The combination of PLIF and surface reflectance also makes it possible to spatially resolve and simultaneously follow the dynamics of the gas phase and the surface on a subsecond time scale during self-sustained reaction oscillations of a Pd(100) surface, providing insights into the gas–surface interaction.


Communities of Alaska's North Slope face increased stresses from cumulative effects of industrial development, resource use, and changing cryospheric and socioeconomic conditions. Given these multiple pressures, what avenues exist for citizens and decision makers to exchange knowledge about impacts of oil resource extraction in Alaska, and how do the successes and failures of knowledge exchange affect the resilience of the local social ecological system? We focused our research on the risk management process of Alaska North Slope oil resources, drawing on literature that has grown out of the risk society thesis and concepts of resilience science. We surveyed state and federal initiatives designed to increase local and indigenous stakeholder engagement in science and policy issues because such guidelines and regulations impact on the abilities of local peoples and communities to adapt sustainability strategies. Perceived risks and desired outcomes of stakeholders on the front lines of climate change and resource development should inform regulations that aim to anticipate future impacts and needed adaptation strategies. Integration of local values and perceptions in an adaptive risk management approach is fundamental in resilience-based ecosystem stewardship. The three case studies we have presented show that current provisions fail to equitably include the local and indigenous knowledge of Alaska's North Slope Borough communities in environmental risk mediation in proportion to the scope of risks inherent in current oil development policies. Our findings underscore the need for new, proactive risk management strategies that build on local stakeholders' rationalities on the trade-offs of risks and opportunities.


The main factor of the success in treating the functional Cl III case is to treat the patient in an early stage. For this purpose, today the chin-cap, combined with bite plate and FR III appliances are used. In this article we tried to introduce the FR III appliance and also wanted to demonstrate two cases whom were treated by us.


Humanism is charged with fostering a harmful anthropocentrism that has led to the exploitation of non-human beings and the environment. Posthumanist and transhumanist ideas prominently aim at rethinking our self-understanding and human-nature relations. Yet these approaches turn out to be flawed when it comes to addressing the challenges of the "age of the humanity", the Anthropocene. Whereas posthumanism fails in acknowledging the exceptional role of human beings with regard to political agency and responsibility, transhumanism overemphasizes human capabilities of controlling nature and only deepens the human-nature dualism. Therefore, a critical and humble version of humanism is suggested as a viable alternative. Drawing on pragmatist thinkers William James and F.C.S. Schiller, a resource for de-centering the human being is provided that critically reflects our role in the larger ecosystem and underlines human potentials as well as human responsibilities.


Infant Formula Milk is milk specifically formulated as a substitute for breast milk for babies up to 6 (six) months old (Permenkes RI, 2013). Infant aged 6 months, onlyneedbreastfeeding(ASI) as the main food and drink (Kemekes RI, 2010). ASI is easy to digest and immediately absorbed by babies. Malnutrition, alergie, colic, constipation, and obesty are less likely to occur in infants who consume bottle milk. Bottle milk feeding is inducated for babieswho are for some reasonsare not get nutrition by breastfeedor in addition if milk production is not sufficient for infants. Nationally from 5000 babies aged 6 months, 200 (11%) of them are abese, this figure is increasing drastically by 2015 from 6000 babies, 400(15%) of them are obase. This is in line with decreased breastfeeding and increased bottle milk feeding.
The purposeof this research is to knowthe relationship between bottle milk feeding with overweight (obesty) on infants aged 6 months in puskesamas ketapang 2 year 2017.The type of research includes simple analytic research with retrospective research design. Research location at puskesmasketapang 2 sampit. The population in this study were all mother who had infants aged 6 months who were in puskesmasketapang 2 from October to December 2017 amounted to 68 people  with sampling technique totaly sampling. The technique of data collection is by usinga check list.
The result of this research is most 47% infants who are overweight, 47 %  of them using bottle milkmilk .The result of statistic analicys test using Chi Square test got the value with significance x2 count =18,375 that is bigger the real standart x2 table =3,84146 which has meaning H0 is refused and H1 is eccepted means it is proven that there is a significant relationship between the use of infant formula milk with overweight (obesty).
               The conclusion of this research isthere's a significant relationship between giving an infant formula milk with overweight (obesty)PuskesmasKetapang2sampit. The advice for health workers especially is to further improve comprehensive counseling from pre pregnancy to childbirth about exclusive breastfeeding and preparation of breastfeeding. The advice for health workers especially is to further improve comprehensive counseling from pre pregnancy to childbirth about exclusive breastfeeding and preparation of breastfeeding.


Abstract Legitimation is a fraught process for private security companies operating in Mexico and other countries in the Global South where the police have a poor reputation. Mexican private security companies have an ambivalent relationship with the police, which causes firms to engage in two seemingly contradictory practices. Companies attempt to gain legitimacy by aligning with the image of the police to earn a sense of "symbolic stateness" while simultaneously distancing themselves from Mexico's actual police forces so as to disassociate from the institution's poor reputation. Consequently, collaboration between public and private security is limited, despite official attempts by the Mexican state to foster positive contact between them. Overall, this study contributes to the growing literature on private security by providing novel insights into the strategies private security firms utilize to navigate within states possessing delegitimated security forces, and the resulting lucrative political economy landscape.


In 22 girls with Ullrich-Turner-Syndrome (UTS) aged 1.3 to 17.6 years basal and LHRH-stimulated gonadotropin (Gn)-concentrations as well as spontaneous variations of Gn-secretions were measured in order to recognize age dependent changes. Basal Gn-concentrations were elevated in the 1-year old girl, showed normal values in patients whose bone age was less than 11 years and were elevated again in the group with a bone age greater than 11 years. Stimulated LH and FSH concentrations were significantly elevated in all age-groups when compared with the values of age-matched controls. Minimal and maximal Gn-concentrations during spontaneous secretion were low in patients with a bone age less than 11 years, whereas a distinct elevation could be noted in the 1-year old child and in the elder group when compared with age-matched controls. According to these findings the typical age-dependent change of Gn-secretory dynamics could also be demonstrated in children with UTS albeit on an elevated level. A bone age of 11 to 11.5 years, when serum concentrations of Gn rise in healthy girls followed by onset of puberty seems to be the biological indicator for changes of the hypothalamo-hypopituitary level also in girls with Ullrich-Turner-Syndrome.


Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles were synthesized hydrothermally at various reaction temperatures (140, 160, 180,200)°C. Crystal structure and surface morphology were studied corresponding to the reaction temperature. The X,-ray diffraction results, reveals that CdS nanoparticles were prepared have high crystallinity with polycrystalline nature and hexagonal wurtzite phase. The preferential orientation was along (002) and (110) planes. The average crystallite size was tended to increase with the increase of reaction temperature which about (21-24) nm. The structure parameters such as dislocation density and microstrain was examined. CdS nanoparticle images in Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) indicates rounded ball (cauliflower), the particle size was in the range of (23-245) nm and the smallest size was obtained for the nanoparticles at reaction temperature 200°C. The antibacterial activity of cadmium sulfide CdS nanoparticles was estimated against two types of common bacteria (Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus). It was found that there is a strong antibacterial activity and the greatest effect was for the prepared nanoparticles at reaction temperatures 160 and 180 oC, and the highest activity was found against (E. coli) bacteria as well as with the increase of nanoparticles concentration. This work combines microbiology and nanotechnology, perform probable advances in the formulation of a new kind of antibacterial.


ABSTRACT: Managers exercise considerable discretion over how they announce an accounting restatement in a press release. Some firms issue a press release that discloses the restatement in the headline (high prominence). Others provide a press release with a headline on a different subject (for example, earnings news) but describe the restatement in the body of the release (medium prominence). The remaining firms discuss the restatement at the end of the press release in a footnote to operating results (low prominence). Mean three‐day returns differ considerably across these three categories of prominence (−8.3, −4.0, and −1.5 percent, respectively). We find that disclosure prominence is significantly negatively associated with returns in a model that controls for the seriousness of the GAAP violation, restatement magnitude, other restatement characteristics, and potential endogeneity. Similarly, we find the likelihood of class action lawsuits is significantly reduced with less prominent disclosure.


The present study was designed to assess effect of controlled vestibular stimulation on stress, spatial and verbal memory scores in underweight female students. 8 cases of underweight participants and 8 age matched healthy (controls) of females were included in the present study by convenient sampling after obtaining voluntary, free, written informed consent. No vestibular stimulation was given for healthy participants (control group) and 28 days of vestibular stimulation was given for (intervention group) underweight participants. Vestibular stimulation was achieved by swinging on a swing, according to their comfort. (Back to front direction) as previously described. DASS scale was used to assess depression, anxiety and stress levels and Spatial and verbal memory test used to assess cognitive functions. Underweight participants are having higher depression, anxiety and stress scores than controls on day o and decreased followed by intervention. Within the underweight participants (intervention group), depression and stress scores was significantly lower on 28th day when compared with day 0. Spatial and verbal memory scores were lower in underweight participants and improved after vestibular stimulation. Within the underweight participants (intervention group), verbal memory scores were significantly improved on 28th day when compared with day 0. In conclusion, this study provides preliminary evidence for the beneficial effect of controlled vestibular stimulation in underweight female students. We recommend further detailed study in this area, to recommend vestibular stimulation for underweight students.


Self-directed learning is an approach to language learning: that the learner is trying to progress independently of a language classroom. Then, in the learning process, students' engagement is very important. In fact, not all students have high engagement in the learning process. Some previous studies found that the self-directed learning (SDL) affected students' engagement (SE) levels. This present study focuses on knowing and finding the correlation between self-directed learning (SDL) levels and students' engagement (SE) levels in English language learning. This study is quantitative research, specifically a correlational study. The data are gathered using two questionnaire sets to measure self-directed learning levels and students' engagement levels. The sample of this study are students of the 7th grade of Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri (MTsN) 02 Sidoarjo, who have been attended in English language learning. The findings indicate that the majority of students have moderate self-directed learning of English. Furthermore, the results showed that most of the students of MTsN 02 Sidoarjo have moderate students' engagement levels. The total score from both variables is calculated with the Pearson Product Moment Correlation, using SPSS 16.0 for Windows. The value of the Pearson coefficient is found to be (+)0.707 which indicates the positive and strong correlation between self-directed learning (SDL) levels and students' engagement levels in English language learning. Hence, the alternative hypothesis (H1) of this study which states that there is a correlation between self-directed learning (SDL) levels and students' engagement (SE) levels, is accepted. This correlation result indicates that the higher of the students' self-directed learning levels, the more likely for them to have higher of their students' engagement levels. Hence, the teacher or lecturer of English language learning needs to maintain the students' engagement by motivating and facilitating the students in their English learning.


The linear stability of a flat Stokes layer is investigated. The results obtained show that, in the parameter range investigated, the flow is stable. It is shown that the Orr-Sommerfield equation for this flow has a continuous spectrum of damped eigenvalues at all values of the Reynolds number. In addition, a set of discrete eigenvalues exists for certain values of the Reynolds number. The eigenfunctions associated with this set are confined to the Stokes layer while those corresponding to the continuous spectrum persist outside the layer. The effect of introducing a second boundary a long way from the Stokes layer is also considered. It is shown that the least stable disturbance of this flow does not correspond to the least stable discrete eigenvalue of the infinite Stokes layer when this boundary tends to infinity.


In October 2013, unusual chlorotic patches were observed on the middle leaves of a few tomato plants cv. Lotty grown in a greenhouse located in the countryside of Fasano (Apulia, southern Italy). Younger leaves and fruits were symptomless and no aggravation of symptoms was detected as time went by. Electron microscope observations of leaf dips revealed the presence of filamentous virus particles ca. 520 nm in length. Mechanical inoculations with leaf extracts from symptomatic tomatoes elicited a mosaic reaction in Nicotiana benthamiana, but not in tomato plants cv. UC82, which, however, were systemically infected, as shown by RT-PCR. A RT-PCR product of the expected size (ca. 700 bp) was obtained using the degenerate broad-spectrum potexvirus primers Potex5/Potex1RC (van der Vlugt and Berendsen, 2002). The amplicon was custom sequenced (BMR Genomics, Italy) and the sequence deposited in GenBank under the accession No. KM923762. BLAST alignment showed that the 700 bp amplicon shared 97-99% homology with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of several isolates of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) genotype CH2, 82% homology with the LP and EU genotypes, and 79-80% with the US genotype. A RT-PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the RdRp amplicon with EcoRI and BglII restriction endonucleases confirmed that our isolate, designated PUG1, belongs to the CH2 genotype (Hanssen, 2010). Our observations and assays are consistent with the presence of PepMV in the tomato plants tested, and the fact that PUG1 is a mild isolate of the virus. PepMV has previously been recorded from tomato in three Italian regions, i.e. Sardinia, Sicily and Campania, but this the first report from Apulia.