We solve for the first time (*) a longstanding puzzle of quantitative finance that has often been described as the Holy Grail of volatility modeling: build a model that jointly and exactly calibrates to the prices of S&P 500 (SPX) options, VIX futures, and VIX options. So far the best attempts, which used parametric continuous-time (jump-)diffusion models on the SPX, only produced approximate fits. We use a very different, nonparametric and discrete-time approach. Given a VIX future maturity T1, we consider the set P of all joint probability measures on the SPX at T1 the VIX at T1, and the SPX at T2 = T1 + 30 days which are perfectly calibrated to the full SPX smiles at T1 and T2, and the full VIX smile at T1, and which also satisfy the martingality constraint on the SPX as well as the requirement that the VIX is the implied volatility of the 30-day log-contract on the SPX.

We first consider robust hedging in this setting. By casting the superreplication problem as what we call a dispersion-constrained martingale optimal transport problem, we establish a strong duality theorem and, as a result, prove that the absence of joint SPX/VIX arbitrage is equivalent to the set P of jointly calibrating models being nonempty. Should they arise, joint arbitrages are identified using classical linear programming. In the absence of joint arbitrage, we then provide a solution to the joint calibration puzzle by solving what we call a dispersion-constrained martingale Schrödinger problem: we choose a reference measure and build the unique jointly calibrating model that minimizes the relative entropy. We establish several dual versions of the problem, one of which has a natural financial interpretation in terms of exponential utility indifference pricing, and prove absence of duality gaps. The minimum entropy jointly calibrating model is explicit in terms of what we call the dual Schrödinger portfolio, i.e., the maximizer of the dual problems, should it exist. We numerically compute this Schrödinger portfolio using an extension of the Sinkhorn algorithm, in the spirit of De March and Henry-Labordère (2019). Our numerical experiments show that the algorithm performs very well in both low and high volatility regimes.

Along the way, we provide new variants, as well as a new proof, of strong duality theorems for the classical Schrödinger problem and for a mixed Schrödinger-Monge-Kantorovich problem (also known as entropic optimal transport problem) that has recently attracted a lot of attention in the optimal transport community, which are interesting in themselves. Our methodology applies not only to the VIX, but also to any index computed as a function of the price of an option on some underlying asset.

(*) A first, much shorter version of this article was published in Risk in April 2020. This version includes new theorems, proofs, analysis, and numerical tests. In particular it develops a theory of dispersion-constrained martingale Schrödinger problems and proves strong duality results for them.


Recently, Riblet has given the exact dimensions of a family of rectangular coaxial lines with given impedance by conformal mapping. Before then the same problem was treated in [3], [4]. However, the previous literature does not include the case when the side of the outer and inner rectangle are in the ratio 2:1 both in width and in height: if in [1, eq. (11)] we put OA = DE or EO = AB, modulus k coincides with modulus h and the rectangular line becomes a square coaxial section, which is a special case of Bowman.


Introduction: Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) are living longer due to therapeutic advancements. With improving MM outcomes, supportive care measures focused on optimizing quality of life and minimizing treatment-related toxicities have become more relevant. Patients with MM report high rates of bone pain, skeletal-related events and infections for which bisphosphonates, influenza vaccination, and antiviral prophylaxis have been recommended. The extent to which these supportive care measures are used during routine clinical practice and the factors predicting utilization remain unknown.
 Methods: We selected older adults (age >65 years) diagnosed with MM between 2008-13 from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare linked database. We excluded patients diagnosed at autopsy or by death certificate, those without continuous Medicare Parts A and B coverage from 12 months prior to diagnosis through death or end of study (12/31/2014). Additionally, we required continuous Part D claims from 12 months prior to diagnosis to 2 years after diagnosis. We required patients to receive anti-myeloma therapy and survive the first full flu season after diagnosis. Outcomes of interest included proportion of patients receiving guideline concordant supportive care therapy defined as 1) bisphosphonate therapy (zoledronic acid or pamidronic acid) within first 12 months after diagnosis, 2) influenza vaccination in the first flu season after diagnosis, and 3) receipt of antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir) among patients receiving bortezomib therapy. We estimated a multivariable logistic regression model for each outcome to evaluate potential predictors of supportive care use including patient characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, comorbidity, disability status, diagnosis of CKD, socio-economic status, year of diagnosis), provider volume/experience (number of MM patients treated during a 12 month look back), and facility type (hospital outpatient vs community).
 Results: A total of 1,569 Medicare beneficiaries met our eligibility criteria. The median age was 74 years with 47% male and 73% non-Hispanic whites. Only 66% of Medicare beneficiaries on active MM therapy received bisphosphonates within 1 year of diagnosis. 53% of patients received influenza vaccination in the first flu season following diagnosis, and 44% received antiviral prophylaxis while receiving bortezomib therapy. Sensitivity analysis with and without pre-existing chronic kidney disease showed that 48% and 72% received bisphosphonates respectively. In the multivariate analysis, predictors of bisphosphonate non-usage included increasing age, (odds ratio [OR] for 85+ years 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.58 compared to 66-69 years), non-Hispanic black and Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.34-0.76 and OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.35-0.91 respectively compared to whites), and higher comorbidity index (for Elixhauser index of 3+ OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.29-0.57 compared to 0). Significant predictors of flu shot non-usage included non-Hispanic black ethnicity (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.34-0.70 compared to whites), living in West (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.38-0.75 compared to Midwest), having Medicaid dual coverage (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.49-0.89) and lower comorbidity burden (For Elixhauser index of 3+ OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.07-1.93 compared to 0). Meanwhile, predictors of antiviral prophylaxis non usage included earlier years of diagnosis (global P<0.01, with increasing OR for more recent years), and higher comorbidity burden (For Elixhauser index of 3+ OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.24-0.67 compared to 0).
 Conclusion: We found significant under-utilization of supportive care measures focused at bone health and infection prevention among elderly adults with MM in the US. Similar to prior work evaluating utilization of novel MM therapies and transplantation, we found significant racial disparities in receipt of MM supportive care. Future studies should seek to identify reasons for such under-utilization of supportive care during MM therapy so that appropriate interventions may be implemented.

 Zeidan: Agios: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Incyte: Employment; Gilead: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Podoltsev:Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; LAM Therapeutics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Daiichi Snakyo: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding. Gore:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Ma:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy. Davidoff:Celgene: Research Funding. Huntington:Celgene: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy.


The onset of adolescence--the period of transition between childhood and adulthood--is usually accompanied by dramatic and often difficult changes in the life of a young person. Biological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors all contribute to influence an adolescent's personal development and self-esteem. Studies have shown that adolescent girls tend to have lower self-esteem and more negative assessments of their physical characteristics and intellectual abilities than boys have. These findings may explain why the incidence of suicide attempts, depression, and eating disorders is substantially higher in girls. Future research on methods for promoting self-esteem may help reduce the negative feelings of adolescent girls, as well as the problems that stem from them.


The authors propose the architecture and describe the technologies of a distributed design system of complex VHDL objects. They also present the main functional modulesof subsystems and their interrelationships. A multi-agent approach is a basis for system organization, eight types of role agents are developed. The proposed description of existing agents which allows us to understand the role and place of each agent in the work of the whole system as well as the formation of a full design solution. A methodological basis of the design includes structural-functional linguistic models which are formed from the designed device VHDL description. The paper describes the program structure peculiarities on VHDL language to create a library of objects, solve design tasks by several designers in parallel, use objects from other projects and test projects with the same methodology. The article represents a design process in the system from development of designed devices specifications to saving design decisions in the knowledge base. It also describes the concept of MVC template in the form of sequence diagrams to represent functional authorization and broadcasting code on VHDL hardware description language in the structural and functionallinguistic model. The proposed system provides the development and filling of VHDL programs library which allows reusing design decisions with data modification according to requirements for new tasks. Implementation of this system allows making design more efficient due to the transfer of routine operations (search and synthesis of the design solutions) to agents as well as improving the quality of process control of collective design and reducing development costs.


in sequence spaces is explored much more deeply, using the methods of functional analysis. I t is implicit in the results here tha t many matrix transformations are automatically bounded. I t would have been in the spirit of functional analysis to make these conclusions explicit. Also, this would have simplified and illuminated the proof that the class (c, c) of matrices which transform c into itself is a Banach algebra. By observing that (c, c) is precisely the class of bounded linear transformations of c into itself, it is immediate from the general results in Chapter 4 that it is a Banach space. A disadvantage of this book for private reading is the vast number of definitions which occur. For instance, the student who needs a really elementary text might find semi-norm, paranorm, p-norm and norm too much to swallow. As a course book, however, where guidance on the relative importance of these concepts can be given, it should prove very useful for those classes for whom the standard texts are too sophisticated.


Maintaining the proper balance between excitation and inhibition is critical for the normal function of cortical circuits. This balance is thought to be maintained by an array of homeostatic mechanisms that regulate neuronal and circuit excitability, including mechanisms that target excitatory and inhibitory synapses, and mechanisms that target intrinsic neuronal excitability. In this review, I discuss where and when these mechanisms are used in complex microcircuits, what is currently known about the signaling pathways that underlie them, and how these different ways of achieving network stability cooperate and/or compete. An important challenge for the field of homeostatic plasticity is to assemble our understanding of these individual mechanisms into a coherent view of how microcircuit stability is maintained during experience-dependent circuit refinement.


The proposal of this work consisted in presenting a service of psychological attendance to the ones who are experiencing a significant loss, be it by the death of a person of a significant relationship, as a familiar or a friend, the death of a pacient or the loss of health at the time of hospitalization, within others, and the results of such service were discussed. The methodological focus was based in the analysys over the structuration process and the implantation of a service of this specialty in a public college hospital, where the authors developed the assistance to the ones who experience this kind of loss. The results showed the importance of this service, which was demanded not only by the ones who experience loss of health or death of a significant person but also by education and health professionals.


A comprehensive performance card is one of the technologies that are based on strategic change and the re-evaluation of strategic objectives to support creative business processes. The card is connected to advanced information systems and networks to achieve high levels of performance aimed at reducing operational costs, improving quality, attention to knowledge assets and social performance, and increasing speed and flexibility by narrowing the gap between actual achievement and what should be achieved to achieve specific results.
     The current study tried to ask a question about the problem: Is it possible to adopt the Balanced Scorecard in evaluating the strategic performance of the surveyed company?  In order to implement the balanced performance card, the research attempted to build a theoretical framework related to the evaluation of the strategic performance by adopting Balanced Scorecard technology and a practical framework that includes the development of the Balanced Scorecard to measure the strategic performance of the surveyed company and to obtain feedback from a sample of its employees. The General Company for Northern Cement was selected as the field of application for research and used questionnaire and interviews to collect data from the 48-person sample represented by first line managers, and department heads of administrative and productive divisions. The study used statistical methods, including arithmetic and standard deviations, to describe study variables, to analyze respondents' answers, and to test hypotheses.


Background: Chronic energy malnutrition and anemia are nutritional problems in pregnant women that often occur in developing countries. Nutritional intervention in pregnant women is needed to prevent any nutritional problems in both the mother and the fetus. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of nutrition education along with egg and milk supplementation on the knowledge and nutritional attitudes and nutritional status of a pregnant women. Methods: The study design was pre-experimental with one group pretest posttest. Subjects were 45 pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Nutritional interventions were given in the form of nutrition education along with egg and milk supplementation for pregnant women (90 days). The data collected consisted of pregnancy history, food consumption, household food security, nutritional knowledge and attitudes, midupper arm circumference, and hemoglobin levels. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Wilcoxon tests.Conclusions: Nutrition education intervention had an effect on increasing nutritional knowledge of pregnant women, and supplementation of egg and milk for three months increased the mid-uppper arm circumference. Nutritional intervention is needed as an effort to prevent chronic energy malnutrition in pregnant women.


We use a grid of 30 line-blanketed unified stellar photosphere and wind models for O-type stars; computed with the code  in order to evaluate its potential in the near-infrared spectral domain. The grid includes dwarfs, giants and supergiants. We analyse the equivalent width behaviour of the 20 strongest lines of hydrogen and helium in spectral windows that can be observed using ground-based instrumentation and compare the results with observations. Our main findings are that: i) He /He  line ratios in the J, H and K bands correlate well with the optical ratio employed in spectral classification, and can therefore be used to determine the spectral type; ii) in supergiant stars the transition from the stellar photosphere to the wind follows a shallower density gradient than the standard approach followed in our models, which can be mimicked by adopting a lower gravity in our prescription of the density stratification; iii) the Brγ line poses a number of peculiar problems which might partly be related to wind clumping; and iv) the Brα line is an excellent mass-loss indicator. For the first and last item we provide quantitative calibrations.


The authors have calculated the potential energy curves for the molecular states of K2 dissociating to K(4s+4s), K(4s+4p), K(4s+5s) and K(4s+3d), using a Hartree-Fock pseudopotential method to describe the alkali core, followed by a configuration interaction computation. Comparison is made with experimentally determined potential curves and with other theoretical results. The core-valence interactions in the potassium atom are investigated through an all-electron calculation, and an improved set of excitation energies to be used to obtain London-type dispersion terms is proposed. The electron distributions in the high-lying valence states and Rydberg states of K2 and Na2 are analysed and compared.


This study develop an optimization model for bus transit network based on road network and zonal OD. The model aims at achieving minimum transfers and maximum passenger flow per unit length with line length and non-linear rate as constraints. The coarse-grain parallel ant colony algorithm (CPACA) is used to solve the problem. To effectively search the global optimal solution, we use a heuristic pheromone distribution rule, by which ants' path searching activities are adjusted according to the objective value. Parallel ACA is carried out for shortening the calculation time. The model is tested with survey data of Dalian city. The results show that an optimized bus network with less transfers and travel time can be obtained, and the application of CPACA effectively increases the calculation speed and quality.


PAF1 complex is a transcriptional complex composed of PAF1, CTR9, CDC73, LEO1, RTF1 and SKI8 in human. It plays a key role in the regulation of every step of transcription, from initiation to termination. PAF1 complex associates with RNA polymerase ΙΙ during transcription, and regulates modification patterns of surrounding histones or chromatin structure via recruitment of histone modifying enzymes or chromatin remodeling factors to the actively transcribed site. In yeast, PAF1 complex has been also proposed to involve in other DNA associated processes, like DNA recombination, replication, and repair. However, detailed molecular mechanism of this regulation has not been fully understood. We recently observed significant DNA breakage in the PAF1 complex depleted cells. DNA repair of artificially introduced DNA break by I-SceI endonuclease was less efficiently repaired in these cells, indicating the connection between the DNA damage repair and active transcription. The molecular mechanism of this regulation will be discussed. Citation Format: Garin Park, Nari Kim, Joo-Yeon Yoo. Involvement of PAF1 complex in the DNA damage response [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on DNA Repair: Tumor Development and Therapeutic Response; 2016 Nov 2-5; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2017;15(4_Suppl):Abstract nr B13.


A project is currently being conducted which aims to assess student's learning experiences of an independent field-based activity in a third year course offering in Ecology at the University of Newcastle. Students as part of the course are required to carry out independent fieldwork on an animal species of their choice documenting the subject's behavioural repertoire and subsequently creating and testing hypotheses about the behaviours observed. The activity has been designed based on Ramsden's (1992) principles of a student-centred approach to learning which aims to create a learning context which fosters a 'deep-approach' to learning. A deep approach is characterised by an intention to understand, focussing on the concepts applicable to solving problems (hypothesis testing), relating previous knowledge to new knowledge and has an internal or intrinsic motivational emphasis. Deep approaches empower students to take an active and independent role in their own learning experiences. Preliminary results of student feedback via a questionnaire and a series of open ended written responses will be assessed examining the success of the activity in terms engendering independence and internal motivation, encouraging problem solving skills and thus fostering a deep approach to student learning.


In a thymine-deprived culture, the mutant cells (deficient in dTDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase activity and named Ter-15) lose viability at a faster rate, form longer filaments for the first 60 min and lose thymidine nucleotides and dTDP-sugar pools at a faster rate for the first 15 min than those of the parent cells, but the dTDP-sugar pool in the parent cells is maintained at high concentration for the first 90 min during thymine starvation. In the recovery of cell growth after re-addition of thymine into the thymine-deprived culture, parent cells recommence growth immediately, but the mutant cells (Ter-15) show a lag-phase for 45 min after which time their growth recommences. The rate of dTTP synthesis for the first 10 to 15 min after re-addition of thymine to thymine-deprived cultures of parent and mutant (Ter-15) cells is three-fold higher than that of thymine nondeprived culture (control), but the rates of dTMP and dTDP-sugar syntheses are the same as those of the control. The total DNA synthesis after re-addition of thymine is equal to that of the control, and the period of thymine starvation other than the number of viable cells during thymine starvation plays an important role. After separation of the filament cells from normal-sized cells by sucrose gradient centrifugation, the initial rate of DNA synthesis of filament cells is three-fold faster than that of normal-sized cells. These results show that the dependency of DNA synthesis upon dTTP concentration is maintained after re-addition of thymine into thymine-deprived culture.


Quantum illumination uses entangled light that consists of signal and idler modes to achieve higher detection rate of a low-reflective object in noisy environments. The best performance of quantum illumination can be achieved by measuring the returned signal mode together with the idler mode. Thus, it is necessary to prepare a quantum memory that can keep the idler mode ideal. To send a signal towards a long-distance target, entangled light in the microwave regime is used. There was a recent demonstration of a microwave quantum memory using microwave cavities coupled with a transmon qubit. We propose an ordering of bosonic operators to efficiently compute the Schrieffer–Wolff transformation generator to analyze the quantum memory. Our proposed method is applicable to a wide class of systems described by bosonic operators whose interaction part represents a definite number of transfer in quanta.


Based on a 5-kW cw CO2 laser, an atmospheric-pressure plasmatron for the gas-phase synthesis of diamond films is fabricated. The conditions of the existence of a laser plasma in molecular gas mixtures are determined. The minimal radiation powers required for maintaining a stationary optical discharge (SOD) are measured at different concentrations of the components of Ar—CH4—H2 gas mixtures and different flow velocities. The emission spectra of the SOD plasma are measured in pure Ar and the Ar—H2—CH4 mixture along and across the propagation direction of the plasma jet. The characteristic green emission spectrum at the plasma periphery exhibits the intense lines of the C2 radical, which is responsible, in our opinion, for the formation of polycrystalline diamond films.


: An indirect immunohistochemical technique was established to detect pre-S1 and pre-S2 proteins in liver with monoclonal antibodies, and altogether 80 samples of liver were studied. Under light microscope, pre-S1 and pre-S2 were known to be expressed in a similar way and might be divided into three patterns: diffusion type, inclusion type and membrane type. Membranous type expression of both pre-S1 and pre-S2 was associated with activity of the liver diseases and liver cell necrosis. Pre-S1 and Pre-S2 were also expressed in several samples of hepatocellular carcinoma.


Experimentally observed leaky modes of a dielectric waveguide are characterised by a weak tunnelling of the light through the waveguide and its long-time propagation along the waveguide. Traditional mathematical models of leaky waveguide modes meet some contradictions resolved using additional considerations. We propose a model of leaky modes in a waveguide free from the above contradictions, akin to the quantum mechanical model of the "pseudo-stable" Gamow-Siegert states.
By separating variables, from the complete problem for plane inhomogeneous waves we obtain a non-self-adjoint Sturm-Liouville problem to determine the complex coefficient of the phase delay of the studied mode. The solution of the complete wave problem determines the propagation cone for the leaky mode of the waveguide, inside which there are no contradictions. Thus, solution is in qualitative agreement with experimental data.


Aims: To evaluate and compare the recall rate in congenital hypothyroidism screening project in Isfahan, first using an approach involving measures of both TSH and T4 and then using TSH alone. Methods: From June 2002 to January 2005, serum TSH and T4 level of referred neonates were measured at 3rd to 7th day of birth through venous sampling. If neonates' serum TSH was >20 mIU/l or T4 was <6.5 µg/dl by the first protocol, or TSH was >20 mIU/l by the second protocol, they were recalled. TSH and T4 were measured using an immunoradiometric assay and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Neonates with TSH > 10 and T4 < 6.5 on their second measurement were considered as congenitally hypothyroid. Results: Serum T4 and TSH of 29,425 neonates by first and 57,235 neonates by second recall approach were measured. Recall rate was higher in the first protocol (2.2% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.05). Most of the recalled neonates in the first protocol were recalled for low T4 level (p < 0.05). The prevalence of CH was 1 in 350 livebirths. Conclusion: Although the recall rate was in the acceptable range by either approach, the TSH alone protocol seems to be a more sensitive and practical approach with the least recall burden and considering the high prevalence of CH in our region merit adaptation of widespread screening for CH using TSH measurements from heel stab blood spotted on filter paper.


Component level performance thresholds are widely used as a basic means for performance management. As the complexity of managed systems increases, manual threshold maintenance becomes a difficult task. This may result from a) a large number of system components and their operational metrics, b) dynamically changing workloads, and c) complex dependencies between system components. To alleviate this problem, we advocate that component level thresholds should be computed, managed and optimized automatically and autonomously. To this end, we have designed and implemented a performance threshold management sub-system that automatically and dynamically computes two separate component level thresholds: one for controlling Type I errors and another for controlling Type II errors. We present the theoretical foundation for this autonomic threshold management system, describe a specific algorithm and its implementation, and evaluate it using real-life scenarios and production data sets. As our present study shows, with proper parameter tuning, our on-line dynamic solution is capable of nearly optimal performance thresholds calculation.


Abstract Moyamoya is a progressive steno-occlusive cerebrovascular pathology of unknown aetiology that usually involves the terminal portions of the internal carotid arteries and/or the proximal portions of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries bilaterally. The pre-operative Suzuki staging system and post-operative Matsushima grade are nearly universally used markers of natural history and surgical revascularization results, respectively, but their correlation with clinical and radiographic manifestations of moyamoya has not been systematically evaluated in a large cohort. This study evaluated the strength of correlations between pre- and post-operative angiographic parameters and clinical status among paediatric patients with moyamoya. The participants included 58 patients of mean age 11 years at the time of surgery who underwent bilateral indirect revascularization in the same procedure at Boston Children's Hospital, between January 2010 and December 2015. All included patients had available pre-operative and 1-year post-operative digital subtraction angiography. Clinical data included presenting symptoms, degree of functional incapacity, and peri-operative and long-term complications. Radiographic data included pre-operative Suzuki stage, degree of arterial stenosis, a novel collateral score, the presence of hypovascular territories on digital subtraction angiography, and post-operative Matsushima grade and evolution of stenosis. Chi-squared test and Pearson coefficient were used for correlation studies for categorical variables and Spearman's rho was used for correlation studies for continuous variables. Results showed that Suzuki stage, collateral score and degree of stenosis were insufficient to predict clinical presentation, pre-operative incapacity and radiographic presentation, whereas the presence of hypovascular territories was correlated with all of these. At 1-year follow-up, Matsushima grade was insufficient for predicting peri-operative or long-term complications, nor did it correlate with post-operative incapacity. The presence of hypovascular territories at 1-year follow-up was correlated with the incidence of post-operative ischaemic symptoms.


This paper presents a history of policy and legislation affecting settlement of the Far Eastern Economic Region of the USSR, a similar history for the Pacific Division of the US, and compares the major differences and similarities between the policies and legislation of these 2 nations with respect to settlement of what are now the Pacific territories of the 2 nations. By policy regarding settlement is meant legislation intentionally designed to acquire sovereignty and then populate a region with persons owing allegiance to the given nation. By legislation regarding settlement is meant simply those laws which have consequences for settlement regardless of intent. The history starts with the early 17th century for the USSR and with the early 19th century for the US. In the USSR and in the US, areas adjacent to the Pacific Ocean were annexed by means of direct governmental measures. During the 17th century the efforts on the part of the Tsarist government of Russia to annex territory resulted in armed conflict with the troops of the Chinese Empire. In the middle of the 19th century, following the substantial weakening of Chinese military prowess and in the face of territorial demands on China by the British and French, the Russians were able to impose treaties on the Chinese granting them substantial Pacific territories until then under Chinese rule. A war of conquest against Mexico in 1846-48 made possible for the US the acquisition of California. In addition, a treaty with England in 1846 gave international recognition to US sovereignty in Oregon and Washington. Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867, and Hawaii was annexed to the US in 1898. In both nations the construction of railroads to link the Pacific coast with the rest of the nation was actively promoted by governmental legislation. In the US and in the USSR migration to the Pacific region has been promoted by direct financial subsidies to settlers -- in the US by the Homestead Act and irrigation-water subsidies to farmers and in the USSR by transportation subsidies and an elevated level of wages. Ethnic minorities felt to be subsersive were evacuated from both nations during World War II. These similarities in policy between the USSR and the US were not accidental and resulted, in the 1st place, because in both nations there was an imbalance between the distribution of the population and the distribution of natural resources. Secondly, they resulted because each nation has felt the need to extend its power and to defend its territory against other nation states. Yet, at the present time the Soviet government believes the national interest demands the continuation of a large flow of in-migrants to the Far Eastern Economic Region, while the US federal government has largely lost its interest in promoting the development of the Pacific Division since the natural attractiveness of the area (with the exception of Alaska) has served to entice sufficient migrants to develop its resources fully.


OBJECTIVE
To research the effect of a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication in patients with HCC of post-TACE.

METHOD
45 patients with HCC of post-TACE, as the treatment group, were treated by a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication and routine methods of protecting liver. Other 37 patients, as the control group, with the same clinical feature were treated by routine methods of protecting liver only. In the later 1 month, accumulated points of clinical symptom, hepatic function and AFP were observed in all of the patients. And the clinical effect of the two groups was compared.

RESULT
One week later, in the treatment group, there is no improvement in anorexia but nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude were improved more obviously than pretherapy in both a week and one month later (P < 0.01 or P <0.05). In the control group, anorexia were improved a week later (P <0.05), but there is no improvement in nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude at the same time, and one month later all of the indexes above improved (P <0.01 or P <0.05). Accumulated points of clinical symptom was decreased more obviously in the treatment group than in the control group in both a week and one month later (P <0.05). At the end of the therapy, in the both groups, ALT, TBIL and AFP all improved except ALB, (P <0.01 or P <0.05). And TBIL improved more obviously in the treatment group than in the control one month later (P <0.05).

CONCLUSION
This complex prescription of Chinese crude drug can lighten the adverse reaction of post-TACE. And also it can promote the recovery of liver function and evaluate the quality of lives of such patients.


Oil infusion tended to decrease acetate incorporation into lipids by perirenal adipose tissue in vitro, without changing glucose incorporation into glyceride-glycerol. Lipolysis (glycerol release) tended to increase when suboptimal concentrations (4 x 10 o 7M) of isoproterenol were used. Free fatty acid release (basal and isoproterenol stimulated) was significantly increased. Clonidine (an alpha-2 agonist) decreased the isoproterenol (4 x 10-7M) stimulated release of glycerol and free fatty acid, but only in oil-infused cows.


This paper is concerned with the numerical solution of functional-differential and func-tional equations which include functional-differential equations of neutral type as special cases. The adaptation of general linear methods is considered. It is proved that A-stable general linear methods can inherit the asymptotic stability of underlying linear systems.Some general results of numerical stability are also given.


Whether compassion for all beings in Buddhism, or "love of enemy" in Christianity, unconditional love is one of the principal concerns of all world religions. The profound wisdom of various religious traditions has inspired many to embrace the ideal of universal compassion. One example of such an uncompromising love is Martin Luther King, Jr., who in spite of the overwhelming hostility of his white opponents, continued to adhere to the principle of unconditional love. How do contemporary, average Christians compare? Would average believers show compassion to strangers in need by emulating the example of a Good Samaritan, or would they bypass the needy? Questions like these have been posed and processed by many psychologists for over fifty years. In what follows, I will present the results of a number of studies that suggest the complex nature of religious influences. Research shows that people who are more religious are not necessarily more loving or tolerant than those who are less religious. At the same time, research on the psychology of religion provides insight into which characteristics of religious people are associated with more tolerant behavior. Furthermore, there is growing scientific evidence that mindfulness meditation, which originated in the Buddhist religious tradition, might encourage an openminded awareness and compassion for others. I will argue that contemplative traditions, such as mindfulness meditation in Buddhism, can become a valuable spiritual resource in fostering the ideal of unconditional love.


Background: Peritonitis due to hollow viscous perforation is common cause of emergency surgery in India. Despite advances in surgical skills, antimicrobial agents and supportive care the morbidity and mortality of secondary peritonitis remains high. Prognosis and outcome of it depends on many factors which includes patient related factors, disease specific factors and management. Categorizing patients into different risk groups would help in management. Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) is based on measuring simple clinical parameters in case of hollow viscous perforation. This study was conducted to know efficacy of MPI for predicting morbidity and mortality in hollow viscous perforation. Methods: 50 patients with peritonitis undergoing surgical treatment at Dr. D.Y. Patil medical college, Nerul were included in study. Demographic, clinical data, surgical treatment, outcome were documented and analysed. Results: The morbidity and mortality rate were higher in patients with MPI >29. Surgical site infections were most common complication in patients with MPI 21. More ICU stay was required in in patients with MPI <21. Conclusions: MPI which is very easy to calculate is simple and effective in predicting morbidity and mortality in patients with hollow viscous perforation.


A recently developed humanized mouse has been used to assess the immune response evoked against the isolated attenuated C9 parasite clone (C9-M; carrying a single insertion disrupting the open reading frame (ORF) of PF3D7_1305500) of Plasmodium falciparum. Significant human RBC engraftment was achieved by ameliorating the residual non-adaptive immune response using clodronate-loaded liposome treatment. Controlled reactive professional phagocytic leukocytes in immunodeficient mice allowed for sizeable human blood chimerism and injected huRBCs acted as bona fide host cells for P. falciparum. huRBC-reconstituted immunodeficient mice received infectious challenge with attenuated P. falciparum C9 parasite mutants (C9-M), complemented (C9-C), and wild type (NF54) progenitors to study the role of immune effectors in the clearance of the parasite from mouse circulation. C9-M and NF54 parasites grew and developed in the huRBC-reconstituted humanized NSG mice. Further, the presence of mutant parasites in deep-seated tissues suggests the escape of parasites from the host's immune responses and thus extended the survival of the parasite. Our results suggest an evasion mechanism that may have been employed by the parasite to survive the mouse's residual non-adaptive immune responses. Collectively, our data suggest that huRBCs reconstituted NSG mice infected with attenuated P. falciparum is a valuable tool to explore the role of C9 mutation in the growth and survival of parasite mutants and their response to the host's immune responses. This mouse might help in identifying novel chemotherapeutic targets to develop new anti-malarial drugs.


A substantial number of individuals who undergo cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) drop out before receiving a full course of treatment. Therapeutic alliance, defined as the working relationship between the therapist and client, is a dynamic process within therapy that may change over time. Research suggests that therapeutic alliance is associated with dropout in various treatments. However, no studies have yet examined the association between therapeutic alliance and dropout in CPT, and few studies have examined therapeutic alliance longitudinally over the course of treatment. Examining alliance in CPT through different methods may increase clinicians' understanding of how to tailor interventions to prevent treatment dropout. The present study examined the association between therapeutic alliance and treatment dropout among 169 participants in a randomized implementation effectiveness trial. In total, 33.1% of clients dropped out over the course of CPT, and nearly half of these individuals dropped out during the first six sessions. Continuous-time survival analysis results indicated that mean ratings of alliance significantly predicted treatment dropout, Wald χ2 (1, N = 167) = 4.08, Exp(β) = .64, p = .043, whereas initial alliance, late alliance, and change in alliance over treatment did not. These findings suggest that overall therapeutic alliance is an important predictor of dropout from CPT.


Abstract Wound dressings are very useful materials for accelerating the wound healing process. In this study, nanofibrous wound dressings were produced from blending solution of Poly-lactic acid(PLA)/Chitosan(C)/Starch(S)/Zinc oxide(Z) by electrospinning method. Morphology, chemical interaction, mechanical, water uptake and weight loss tests were performed on each samples. Moreover, the biocompatibility of primary dermal fibroblast (ATCC, PCS-201-012) on prepared wound dressings was investigated with MTT assays in vitro, and the samples were found suitable for cell viability and proliferation. These results suggest that produced nanofibrous wound dressings can be promising candidate for wound dressing applications. Graphical Abstract


Literature review is one of the most important phases of research. Scientists must identify the gaps and challenges about certain area and the scientific literature, as a result of the accumulation of knowledge, should provide enough information. The problem is where to find the best and most important articles that guarantees to ascertain the state of the art on that specific domain. A feasible literature review consists on locating, appraising, and synthesising the best empirical evidences in the pool of available publications, guided by one or more research questions. Nevertheless, it is not assured that searching interesting articles in electronic databases will retrieve the most relevant content. Indeed, the existent search engines try to recommend articles by only looking for the occurrences of given keywords. In fact, the relevance of a paper should depend on many other factors as adequacy to the theme, specific tools used or even the test strategy, making automatic recommendation of articles a challenging problem. Our approach allows researchers to browse huge article collections and quickly find the appropriate publications of particular interest by using machine learning techniques. The proposed solution automatically classifies and prioritises the relevance of scientific papers. Using previous samples manually classified by domain experts, we apply a Naive Bayes Classifier to get predicted articles from real world journal repositories such as IEEE Xplore or ACM Digital. Results suggest that our model can substantially recommend, classify and rank the most relevant articles of a particular scientific field of interest. In our experiments, we achieved 98.22% of accuracy in recommending articles that are present in an expert classification list, indicating a good prediction of relevance. The recommended papers worth, at least, the reading. We envisage to expand our model in order to accept user's filters and other inputs to improve predictions.


Objective We compared the efficacy of tibial intraosseous (TIO) administration of epinephrine in a pediatric normovolemic versus hypovolemic cardiac arrest model to determine the incidence of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and plasma epinephrine concentrations over time. Methods This experimental study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of epinephrine and/or incidence of ROSC after TIO administration in either a normovolemic or hypovolemic pediatric swine model. Results All subjects in the TIO normovolemia cardiac arrest group experienced ROSC after TIO administration of epinephrine. In contrast, subjects experiencing hypovolemia and cardiac arrest were significantly less likely to experience ROSC when epinephrine was administered TIO versus intravenous (TIO hypovolemia: 14% [1/7] vs IV hypovolemia: 71% [5/7]; P = 0.031). The TIO hypovolemia group exhibited significantly lower plasma epinephrine concentrations versus IV hypovolemia at 60, 90, 120, and 150 seconds (P < 0.05). Although the maximum concentration of plasma epinephrine was similar, the TIO hypovolemia group exhibited significantly slower time to maximum concentration times versus TIO normovolemia subjects (P = 0.004). Conclusions Tibial intraosseous administration of epinephrine reliably facilitated ROSC among normovolemic cardiac arrest pediatric patients, which is consistent with published reports. However, TIO administration of epinephrine was ineffective in restoring ROSC among subjects experiencing hypovolemia and cardiac arrest. Tibial intraosseous–administered epinephrine during hypovolemia and cardiac arrest may have resulted in a potential sequestration of epinephrine in the tibia. Central or peripheral intravascular access attempts should not be abandoned after successful TIO placement in the resuscitation of patients experiencing concurrent hypovolemia and cardiac arrest.


Aim. To compare the data of pre- and postnatal expert echocardiographic diagnostics of obstructive left heart defects (LHD) to identify a possible predictors and reasons for hypo- and overdiagnosis of this.Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of data from expert echocardiography of 194 fetuses and newborns with suspected obstructive LHD (coarctation of the aorta (CA), interruption of the aortic arch, aortic stenosis (AS), CA or interruption of the aortic arch with AS, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)) was performed.Results. After birth, critical obstructive LHD was confirmed in 59,3% of newborns (115 out of 194): in cases of prenatally diagnosed CA — in 41% of children (42 out of 103); AS — in 67% (4 out of 6); CA with AS — in 65,9% (27 out of 41); HLHS — in 93,9% (39 out of 44); or interruption of the aortic arch with and without AS — in 100% (11 out of 11). After birth, the discrepancy in diagnoses of critical congenital heart defects was detected in 2 cases — obstructive LHD were not confirmed, but total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (APVD) was detected. In children with a confirmed diagnosis of HLHS after birth, there was a hypodiagnosis of obstructive forms of APVD in three newborns.Conclusion. The probability of confirming a critical obstructive LHD after birth is higher, the more LHD were hypoplasized during intrauterine imaging. APVD may be "hemodynamically masked" as HLHS when prenatal echocardiography is performed. The combination of HLHS and obstructive forms of APVD can lead to HLHS "hemodynamic aggravation" due to an additional decrease in blood flow of left heart.


606 patients (405 men and 201 women) with HP infection were examined, 121 (m 67; f 54) found clinical or clinical and laboratory signs of iron deficiency, the frequency of iron deficiency in the examined group of patients with HP was 19.9% (16.8-23.3; CI 95%). 25 (20.7%) were diagnosed with anaemia, 66 (54.5%) patients had a latent deficit of iron, 30 patients (24.8%) showed only a decrease in TS, which is typical for pre-latent iron deficiency. 38 (31.4%) patients had a «true» iron deficiency, 44 (36.4%) patients had a combined variant of iron deficiency, and 39 (32.2%) iron deficiency developed as a result of chronic inflammation. There was a significant difference in the level of hepcidin in patients with different options for iron deficiency. In patients with "isolated" iron deficiency, it was 12.4 ± 2.3 ng/ml, vs 48.2-± 20.2 ng/ml vs 189.7 ± 31.1 ng / ml in patients with a combined pathogenic variant of iron deficiency and in patients with iron deficiency of chronic inflammation, respectively.


The shear modulus of solid H{4}e exhibits an anomalous increase at low temperatures that behaves qualitatively similar to the frequency change in torsional oscillator experiments. We propose that this stiffening of the shear modulus with decreasing temperature can be described with a glass susceptibility assuming a temperature-dependent relaxation time τ(T). Below a characteristic crossover temperature T{X}, where ωτ(T{X})∼1, a significant slowing down of dynamics leads to an increase in the shear modulus. We predict that the maximum change of the amplitude of the shear modulus and the height of the dissipation peak are independent of the applied frequency ω. Our calculations also show a qualitative difference in behavior of the shear modulus depending on the temperature dependence of τ(T).


The physiological reaction of postocclusive local reactive hyperemia is regulated by neurovascular mechanisms and it reflects the function of microcirculation. Thermoregulatory changes occur first, in the form of increased skin surface temperature, which is usually followed by an increase in local blood flow. This study investigated a correlation between tourniquet duration on the upper arm, and the appearance of reactive hyperemia in the distal parts of the upper limb. Changes were registered with infrared thermometer and infrared thermography, which provided us a highly precise view of distribution of reactive hyperemia. Changes of oxygen saturation of peripheral arterial blood and blood pressure were also recorded. Our research has shown that longer duration of tourniquet leads to more intense and longer lasting reactive hyperemia in the palmar region, followed by higher temperatures of the skin surface, without any changes in postocclusive values of SpO2.


To the Editor.— In the August issue of theArchives(108:257,258, 1973) there is a report of what purports to be "an unusual case of molluscum contagiosum occurring in epidermal inclusion cysts." I believe this diagnosis to be due to an error in histologic interpretation. What the authors have pictured are not "epidermal inclusion cysts," but merely tangential sections through contiguous, dilated, horn-filled pilar infundibula, the epithelial cells of which contain the characteristic "bodies" of molluscum contagiosum. The accompanying schematic drawings portray the histologic characteristics of molluscum contagiosum when a cut is tangential (Fig 1) and when the section is properly oriented, ie, when the cut is perpendicular (Fig 2). It can be seen that the histopathologic alteration of molluscum contagiosum is confined to pilar infundibula and not to the intervening or surrounding epidermis. There is truly no such structural anomaly as "epidermal inclusion cyst." The structures that are being


Background: Previously our group associated early life gut microbial alterations in one-year-old children with risk of active asthma at school age. These early life alterations were characterized by significant reductions in four bacterial genera and a decreased production of microbial derived metabolites. We hypothesize that this early life gut microbial dysbiotic state is also associated with asthma diagnosed in children by three years of age and aim to identify additional bacterial populations that might be contributing to this asthmatic phenotype.

Methods: 286 children enrolled in the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) study were classified according to the diagnosis of asthma by three years of age. Bacterial 16S rDNA from 3-month and 1-year stool samples from these children was extracted, amplified, and subjected to high throughput Illumina sequencing. Bacterial genera were quantified by quantitative PCR in 16S rDNA samples from all asthmatic children and a subset of controls. An exact logistic regression model was used to assess the effects of potentially confounding variables (i.e. antibiotic exposure, mode of birth).

Results: 16S sequence analysis of our sample cohort (286 subjects) identified differentially abundant bacterial populations between asthmatics and controls at 3-months of age. Additionally, qPCR identified significant shifts in the abundance of specific bacterial genera at 3-months and 1-year of age in the asthmatic group when compared to controls.

Conclusions: Shifts in the relative abundance of certain gut bacterial populations in early life are associated with asthma diagnosed in children by three years of age.


ABSTRACT The pathogenicity and immunogenicity induced in BALB/c mice by intranasal (i.n.) inoculation of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains H10407 (O78:H11:CFA/I:LT+:ST+) and B7A (O148:H28:CS6:LT+:ST+) (two ETEC strains previously used in human challenge trials) were studied. The i.n. inoculation of BALB/c mice with large doses of ETEC strains H10407 and B7A caused illness and death. The H10407 strain was found to be consistently more virulent than the B7A strain. Following i.n. challenge with nonlethal doses of H10407 and B7A, the bacteria were cleared from the lungs of the mice at a steady rate over a 2-week period. Macrophages and neutrophils were observed in the alveoli and bronchioles, and lymphocytes were observed in the septa, around vessels, and in the pleura of the lungs in mice challenged with H10407 and B7A. In mice i.n. challenged with H10407, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies were measured at high titers to the CFA/I and O78 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigens. In mice i.n. challenged with B7A, low serum IgG antibody titers were detected against CS6, and low serum IgG and IgM antibody titers were detected against O148 LPS. The serum IgG and IgM antibody titers against the heat-labile enterotoxin were equivalent in the H10407- and B7A-challenged mice. The CFA/I and O78 LPS antigens gave mixed T-helper cell 1-T-helper cell 2 (Th1-Th2) responses in which the Th2 response was greater than the Th1 response (i.e., stimulated primarily an antibody response). These studies indicate that the i.n. challenge of BALB/c mice with ETEC strains may provide a useful animal model to better understand the immunogenicity and pathogenicity of ETEC and its virulence determinants. This model may also be useful in providing selection criteria for vaccine candidates for use in primate and human trials.


Owing to the differences between China English and Chinese English and the role China English plays in current era of a rising China, the introduction of China English into English language classroom should be considered as a new teaching con cept to meet the eagerness of pushing China to the world.


Metacognitive skills are one of the skills needed in a 21st century lesson in science learning. Empowerment of thinking and metacognitive skills needs to be done so that learners become independent learners. Metacognitive skills are influenced by learning strategies. This PBL strategy in learning is expected to help students to improve students' metacognitive abilities in science learning.This study aims to determine the improvement of metacognitive skills of students who are taught with PBL strategies. The results showed that PBL strategies can improve students' metacognitive skills on different abilities. The students' metacognitive improvement on PBL strategy is 73.93% and conventional is 59.51%. PBL strategy can be used in science learning to improved metacognitive skill in Deli Serdang.


The debate about the independent prognostic responsibility of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is still in turmoil. Growing findings about the predictive role of left atrial (LA) function are emerging in several scenarios. This study aims to define FMR linkage to cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and the interplay with LA function in a prospective cohort of consecutive heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

 286 consecutive outpatients with chronic HFrEF were enrolled. FMR was quantified by effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA). Global peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) was measured by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of congestive HF hospitalization and CV death. The majority (81%) of patients were men (mean age: 67 ± 11 years, mean LVEF: 32 ± 6%). The median global PALS was 17.7% ranging from 2.7% to 49.2%. FMR was quantifiable in 240 (84%) patients. During a median follow-up period of 6.4 (IQR: 3.9–7.7) years, the primary endpoint occurred in 88 (31%) patients (35 HF admissions, and 53 deaths). EROA showed independent prediction for the primary endpoint [HR: 1.30 (1.05–1.57), P = 0.01]. The spline modelling of the risk by EROA values showed an excess event risk starting at about the EROA value of 0.1 cm2 (Figure 1). There was a remarkable graded association between the EROA strata, even if tested per 0.1 cm2 increase, and the risk of congestive HF hospitalization and CV death (P = 0.0004). Any FMR grade presenting with reduced LA function (PALS < 14%) was associated with dismal outcome (event rate of 63 ± 10% for EROA exceeding 0.3 cm2 and 49 ± 6% for EROA ≥0.1 cm2 at 5 years). Conversely, the presence of EROA ≥0.1 in the context of preserved global PALS showed a better outcome (Figure 2). 47 Figure 1 47 Figure 2

 Our results refine the independent association between FMR and CV outcome among HFrEF outpatients. The risk of CV events starts at a low EROA value, reaching a severe level above the threshold of 0.3 cm2. Within a moderate EROA range, the LA function mitigates the clinical consequences of the mitral regurgitation, providing measurable proof of the interplay between the regurgitation and the LA compliance.


A new universality class of quantum criticality emerging in itinerant electron systems with strong local electron correlations is discussed. The quantum criticality of a Ce- or Yb-valence transition gives us a unified explanation for unconventional criticality commonly observed in heavy fermion metals such as YbRh2Si2, β-YbAlB4, YbCu5−xAlx, and CeIrIn5. The key origin is due to the locality of the critical valence fluctuation mode emerging near the quantum critical end point of the first-order valence transition, which is caused by strong electron correlations for f electrons. The wider relevance of this new criticality and important future measurements to uncover its origin are also discussed.


OBJECTIVES
Functional characterization of a mutant Candida albicans drug resistance protein (Cdr1p) by overexpression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

METHODS
We overexpressed green fluorescent protein-tagged Cdr1p in S. cerevisiae AD1-8u- host and introduced a point mutation to substitute T1351 with F in Cdr1p. The cells expressing T1351F mutant Cdr1p were analysed for their functional activity using minimum inhibitory concentration, spot assay, and fluconazole efflux. The binding activity of photoaffinity analogues 8-azidoATP, iodoarylazidoprazosin and azidopine to the mutant T1351F Cdr1p was also characterized.

RESULTS
The T1351F mutant Cdr1p-expressing cells were susceptible to anisomycin, cycloheximide, fluconazole, miconazole and nystatin. The mutant protein was expressed to the same level as that of native Cdr1p in S. cerevisiae cells and was properly localized to the cell surface. There was also no difference between the mutant variant and the native protein's ability to bind a photoaffinity analogue of ATP, 8-azidoATP, or the radiolabelled photoaffinity agents iodoarylazidoprazosin and azidopine. However, the substitution of T1351 resulted in considerable reduction in its ability to export fluorescent substrate rhodamine 6G. The synergy between calcineurin inhibitors FK520 and azoles was abrogated in cells expressing the T1351F mutant variant of Cdr1p.

CONCLUSIONS
The results from this study suggest that the T1351 in the predicted transmembrane domain (TMD) 11 of Cdr1p is not only important for drug-substrate transport but also has a role in governing synergy of FK520.


The Three Mile Island Unit 2 accident of March 28, 1979 presents unique research opportunities that can provide valuable information on nuclear power plant safety philosophy and safety systems performance. The Technical Integration Office at Three Mile Island was established by the Department of Energy to manage a broad-based research and development program. One significant part of this effort is the Instrumentation and Electrical Program, which operates: (1) to identify instruments and electrical components that failed during or since the accident; (2) to test and analyze them in order to identify the causes of failure; and (3) to assess the survivability of those that did not fail. The basis for selection of equipment is discussed, and the testing methodology is described. Also, some results of Instrumentation and Electrical Program work to date are presented.


SUMMARY
This article argues that anthropological theories and strategies can inform the production of an ethnographic text without being or becoming the primary foci of the text. By considering the unorthodox discursive strategies of three ethnographies and one ethnographic novel—Amitav Ghosh's In an Antique Land (1992), Robert Murphy's The Body Silent (1990), Paul Rabinow's Making PCR (1996), and Laura Bohannan's Return to Laughter (1964)—I suggest that ethnographers need not always explicitly articulate their theoretical constructs to deploy those constructs in their work, and that the rhetorical mode of narration may be uniquely serviceable to this aim. [narrative, rhetorical modes, literary ethnography, critical pedagogy, situated epistemologies, philosophy of social science]


Motivation Proteins involved in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and membraneless organelles (MLOs) are recognized to be decisive for many biological processes and also responsible for several diseases. The recent explosion of research in the area still lacks tools for the analysis and data integration among different repositories. Currently, there is not a comprehensive and dedicated database that collects all disease-related variations in combination with the protein location, biological role in the MLO and all the metadata available for each protein and disease. Disease related protein variants and additional features are dispersed and the user has to navigate many databases, with different focus, formats and often not user friendly. Results We present DisPhaseDB, a database dedicated to disease related variants of LLPS proteins and/or are involved in MLOs. It integrates 10 databases, contains 5.741 proteins, 1.660.059 variants and 4.051 disease terms. It also offers intuitive navigation and an informative display. It constitutes a pivotal starting point for further analysis, encouraging the development of new computational tools. Availability and Implementation The database is freely available at http://disphasedb.leloir.org.ar. Contact email@example.com and firstname.lastname@example.com Graphical abstract


Women Extension wing is a sole department which provides a platform for the women extension workers to interact directly with the female farmers. The present study was conducted in 2011 to overview the activities of women extension wing in district Muzaffarabad-AJ & K. For this study all the female extension staff was interviewed, including 16 Lady Extension Assistants and 4 Lady Extension Officers. Multistage sampling was used to select the required sample, 67 female farmers were randomly selected from the three selected villages. A pre-tested questionnaire and interview schedule was used for data collection. Female extension staff was satisfied from the extension department activities; they faced problems of communication and lack of cooperation. On the other hand, it was found that majority (46%) of female farmers was illiterate but had several year experiences which were helpful to them in applying the knowledge given by the extension workers practically. It was observed that 100% female farmers knew female extension staff both by name and face, and also satisfied from their activities. Majority (96%) were owner-cultivators as they grow vegetables and crops on their lands. About 58% of the female respondents had >5000 rupees monthly increase in income because of their participation in agricultural activities. They faced problems; lack of education, awareness and financial problems while participating in agricultural development. It is concluded that majority of the female extension staff and female farmers were satisfied from activities of women extension wing. Also, women extension wing is carrying out activities which are beneficial to female farmers. By using Chi-square test it is cleared that there is a non-significant association between the farming experience and the satisfaction from extension wing activities. It was recommended that female extension workers should be in regular contact with the female farmer, and number of trainings for both the farmers and staff should be increased by the Extension department. Also, audio-visual aids should be used for educating farmers. Keywords; Women; Extension wing; Agricultural Development


Summary Hand eczema is a common dermatosis affecting the hands. Exposure to irritants, allergens and endogenous factors play interrelated roles in the aetiology of this disease. Consequently, it is rarely possible to identify all causative factors and remove them entirely. In a substantial number of patients, hand eczema develops into a chronic condition even when an initial causative agent is avoided. In general, hand dermatitis is considered chronic if it lasts more than 6 months in the absence of external causal factors. Patients with CHE suffer from painful cracks, blisters, itching and bleeding, which can limit manual dexterity and prevent employment[1]. These types of patients with CHE have a poor prognosis; it is a self perpetuating condition with a long-lasting and chronically relapsing course. Mild cases of CHE are usually managed with conscientious use of emollients and topical corticosteroids, and avoidance of irritants, but severe CHE is debilitating if it is refractory to this standard regimen. Severe CHE causes substantial occupational, functional, social and psychological disability, including prolonged sick leave and unemployment, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social phobia. Currently patients with severe CHE refractory to topical corticosteroids have limited treatment options suited for chronic use, and few clinical trials have investigated new therapies in this setting. None of the current treatment options present an alternative to Alitretinoin for the treatment of refractory CHE.


Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA

Background: Onapristone is a type I anti-progestin, which prevents the progesterone receptor (PR) monomers from dimerizing, inhibits ligand-induced phosphorylation and prevents association of the PR with its co-activators, thus preventing PR-induced transcription. Onapristone has the potential to treat patients with endometrial cancer, breast cancer, uterine sarcomas, a potential subset of ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and other tumors in which the progesterone receptor plays a role in growth, proliferation and metastasis. [11C]-radiolabeled onapristone and its visualization via PET-scan, coupled with pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, has the potential to determine tissue-specific and blood PK parameters including tumor/tissue and plasma concentrations, whole body distribution and half-life of onapristone. The aim of this study is the development of a rapid Good Manufacturing Product (GMP) synthesis of parentally administered [11C]onapristone.

Methods: The production of [11C]-labeled radiopharmaceuticals used a Tracerlab® FX c-Pro (GEMS) synthesis module. Carbon-11 was produced at Institut Curie-Hopital Rene Huguenin via the 14N(p,α)11C nuclear reaction using a PETTrace cyclotron (GEMS) equipped with a carbon-11 target. Carbon-11 is delivered from the cyclotron as [11C]CO2 in the synthesis module, and reduced to [11C]CH4. Methane is halogenated to [11C]CH3I and converted to [11C]methyl triflate (CH3OTf). To prepare [11C]onapristone, the module was loaded with 1mg of N-desmethyl-onapristone (Arno Therapeutics) and 500µL of DMSO in the reaction vessel (Sigma®). [11C]CH3OTf was bubbled into the reaction vessel and heated at +50°C for 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was then diluted with 1 ml of mobile phase and purified using a semi-preparative HPLC column: Sunfire C18 5µm 250X10mm (Waters®), mobile phase: acetonitrile (Sigma®)/water (Waters®) 50/50 v/v; flow rate 4 mL/min. The product fraction was collected in 40mL of sterile water and was passed through a C18 SEP PAK (Waters®). This fraction was eluted with isotonic saline (Braun®) and ethanol (Sigma®). The resulting formulation was passed through a 0.22µm sterilizing filter into a sterile dose vial.

Results: 10 tests were performed. Time of synthesis was 50 minutes. The amount of carbon-11 delivered was 12-14GBq for the irradiation parameters as follows: 10 min; 10µA. The decay-corrected yield of reducing [11C]CO2 to [11C]CH4 was >99%. The yields of preparing [11C]CH3I were 27-29%. Time retention of [11C]onapristone was 8.5-9.5 minutes and the non-decay-corrected radiolabelling yields were 1-2%.

Conclusions: We have successfully developed a fully-automated production of [11C]onapristone ready for use in clinical trials.

Citation Format: Olivier Madar, Julien Fouque, Stefan Proniuk, Keyvan Rezai, Samuel Huguet, Alexander Zukiwski, Erard M. Gilles, Alice S. Bexon, Francois Lokiec. Synthesis of [11C]onapristone for clinical investigation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1646. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1646


Introduction: NK/T-cell lymphomas (NKTCL) are being reported with increased frequency in HIV-infected patients in the HAART era. However, there has been no comprehensive review of these emerging HIV-associated lymphomas. We present, to our knowledge, the first comprehensive review of the epidemiology, clinical and pathologic features, therapeutic options, and outcome in HIV-associated NKTCL. Methods: A total of 93 cases of NKTCL in HIV-infected individuals were identified in a literature review using PubMed and cited articles from 1996 until March 2007. Data regarding epidemiology (country), demographics (age, gender), clinical features (presentation, tumor location), HIV status (CD4, AIDS-defining illness, coinfections), lymphoma (WHO/EORTC subtype, immunophenotype, Ann Arbor stage), treatment, and outcome were extracted. Results: Cases were reported worldwide (USA, Europe, South America, Asia), with a 15x increased incidence compared to the general population. Patients were of median age 38 years (range 1–63) at presentation, exhibited a 4:1 male predominance, and had a median CD4 count of 184 cells/mm3. Up to 54% had a prior AIDS-defining illness. The most common clinical findings were lymphadenopathy, B symptoms, erythroderma and pruritus. All subtypes were noted including Peripheral T-cell (n=36), Cutaneous T-cell including Mycosis fungoides (n=25), Anaplastic Large Cell (n=13), Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (n=8), NK cell (n=4), and other lymphomas (2 AILD, 2 Enteropathy-associated, 1 PEL, 1 Intravascular). Most expressed CD45RO and CD3 antigens, CD4>CD8, CD30 in a subset (n=23), and EBV was detected in 20 cases (mainly extranodal PTCL, cutaneous ALCL, and NK cells). Most (74%) were extranodal (50% involving skin) and 26% nodal. Staging (60 patients) overall showed stage I (27%), II (3%), III (17%), and IV (53%).There was no standard therapeutic approach, with 46% given one modality, 17% multimodal treatment, and 12% were untreated in reported cases. HAART was rarely used. Death occurred in 55% of patients and median overall survival (83 patients) was 1.1 years from the time of diagnosis. Conclusions: NKTCL afflicted HIV-infected persons are likely to be young males with AIDS who have a CD4 count under 200 cells/mm3 at presentation. They are also prone to present with extranodal disease, skin involvement, and at an advanced stage. Although a standard treatment approach is still required, the prognosis of HIV-associated NKTCL remains poor. The role of HAART needs to be further explored.


Evidence now implicates tumour necrosis factor α in global impairment of intestinal barrier function, and may be the link between the leaky gut and Crohn's disease

Intestinal epithelial barrier function and Crohn's disease are intimately related. An impaired barrier in association with active inflammation leads to increased exposure of the mucosal innate and acquired immune system to proinflammatory molecules. This has been implicated as a major driving force for mucosal inflammation. In active disease, macromolecules can permeate the barrier at an increased rate via, for example, breaks in the integrity of the epithelium (ulceration, erosions, or nests of apoptotic cells)1 via increased pinocytotic uptake of luminal proteins,2,3 and via increased proportion of M cells in the terminal ileum.4 Impaired barrier function may precede the clinical development of the disease and might represent a marker of increased susceptibility to Crohn's disease. This notion derives from observations made in several centres using different techniques that paracellular permeability is abnormal in 10–20% of first degree relatives of patients with Crohn's disease.8,9,11 That this reflects exposure to an environmental factor is supported by the observations from three studies that increased intestinal permeability is also found in 13–36% of spouses of patients with Crohn's disease.8,9,11

Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and Crohn's disease are intimately related. Mucosal levels and inflammatory cell production of TNF-α are elevated. Therapy with monoclonal antibodies to TNF-α, such as infliximab, leads …


BACKGROUND: The unfavorable evolution of approximately 1/3 of the patients with colorectal cancer, classified in the Dukes B stage, shows to be desirable the addition of another approaches morphologic prognostics. The reports of the literature about prognostic significance of cellular differentiation, mucus' presence and the pattern of growth of the invasive margin in colorectal cancer were controversial. AIMS: To evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor differentiation, mucus' presence and the growth pattern of the invasive margin in patients with colorectal carcinomas classified in Dukes B stage. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A retrospective study of 156 patients who had undergone curative resection for colorectal cancer was made at the Department of Gastroenterology Surgery of the "Hospital do Servidor Publico Estadual", in Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. Their mean age was 58 (range 28-83) years and consisted of 94 (60.26%) women and 62 (39.74%) men. The cellular differentiation was classified in two degrees: low and high malignancy degree, in agreement with the area of predominant differentiation of the tumor. Tumors with at least 60% of its volume in mucus were called mucinous carcinoma. The growth of the invasive margin was classified as expanding when the tumor showed a well-delineated and circumscribed border pushing the adjacent structures and infiltrating when the tumor advances by a process of seemingly effortless dissection between the normal structures of the bowel wall. RESULTS: There were predominance of tumors of low malignancy (139 (89.10%)), non-mucinous (142 (91.03%)) and with margin of the infiltrating type (123 (78.85%)). Only the growth of the invasive margin influenced the survival of 5 years. Patients with tumor exhibiting margin of the expanding type, presented a favorable outcome than those with margin of the infiltrating type - 81.82% x 60.98%. CONCLUSION: The type of growth of the invasive tumor margin may help to identify the prognosis of low and high-risk subgroups of patients.


Abstract The implementation of SAMSAT (One stop Administrative System) Corner program makes taxpayers greatly assisted. This is because the service in the SAMSAT Corner is provided until night time. However, behind the good service system in SAMSAT Corner, of course, there are still some shortcomings starting from a lack of rules or legal grounds about SAMSAT Corner to services which still give unfair selection treatment of customers. The purpose of this study was to know forms of service of SAMSAT Corner and to know ideal models of tax payment services based on the input of the community. This study used a qualitative descriptive method to obtain data, the writer made observations by watching directly the phenomena happening in the field and conducted in-depth interviews with resource persons associated with SAMSAT Corner service system and taxpayers as service users of SAMSAT Corner. The findings showed that were several innovations suggested by the community, they are, SAMSAT Banking, SAMSAT Go To Village Program and SAMSAT Drive Thru. Beside that there are very important obstacles from this study, there are still brokers as main comprtitors for the innovation of SAMSAT. Keywords : Obstacles of SAMSAT, Community Inovation, Public Service Quality


The rhizomes of Dioscorea septemloba (DS) is one of traditional Chinese medicine, which can be used for treatments of urethral and renal infections, as well as rheumatism. Nevertheless, detailed information on DS chemical compositions is still scarce. Therefore, the present work is aimed at investigating the phytochemical components of DS using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in negative ion mode. The proposed method provided tentative identification of 32 components, 6 of which were determined to be new. The present study highlighted the importance of DS as a promising source of medicinal ingredients and provides valuable information on the new potential components in DS.


Objective: To investigate the antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, and apoptotic effects of extracts of Achillea biebersteinii (ABE) and combined treatments of ABE with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on HT-29 cells. Methods: The effects of ABE, 5-FU, and combined treatments on the viability of HT-29 cells were determined by 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Isobologram analysis was used to determine synergism between ABE and 5-FU. The apoptotic and anti-angiogenic effects were determined by cell death detection and human vascular endothelial growth factor ELISA method, respectively. Transcriptional and translational expressions of p53, Bax, Bcl-2, p38 MAPK, Akt, PTEN, and mTOR were also evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis. Results: ABE decreased the viability of HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Combined treatment of hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts of Achillea biebersteinii with 5-FU at IC50 doses decreased the cell viability to 26.0%, 19.1%, and 14.9%, respectively (P<0.001). Furthermore, ABE treatment alone and combination with 5-FU, induced apoptosis, significantly downregulated mTOR, Akt, Bcl-2 expression, upregulated p53, Bax, PTEN, p38 MAPK expression, and exhibited anti-angiogenetic effects. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ABE shows synergism with 5-FU and inhibits the proliferation of HT-29 cells by inducing apoptosis and suppressing angiogenesis, which may provide biological evidence for further use of ABE in the treatment of colorectal cancer.


Abstract Background: Contemporary medicine has expressed concern about lay incursions into the diagnostic process buttressed by commonly available medical information on line. Even while the world wide web is a new structure, there is a long historical precedent for this concern. With the emergence of scientific medicine in the late 19th century came a strong belief in the role of diagnosis, not only to explain disease symptoms but also to differentiate the physician from a range of other unreliable practitioners. Along with this focus on diagnosis came also a concern expressed by doctors about patients' inclination to self-diagnose, or to propose candidate diagnoses for the problems that ailed them. Methods: This paper uses Zerubavel's social patterning method. Using material written by doctors from the late 19th until the mid-20th century, I explore comments about, and attitudes towards, self-diagnosis. Results: Three areas of concern about self-diagnosis are expressed by doctors. First, self-diagnosis produces anxiety in the patient. Second, it interferes with doctor-patient relationship. Finally self-diagnosis is commonly linked to commercial interests. Conclusions: Contemporary concerns about self-diagnosis are part of an ongoing social pattern, which simultaneously promotes diagnosis as means for explaining disease but also protests when the diagnostic explanations originate with the patient.


Summary
Parasitoid acceptance of host individuals that differ in suitability is dynamic, varying with physiological state and experience. Female parasitoids with high egg loads and low life expectancy (i.e. time limited) are more willing to accept hosts with low suitability for progeny development than females with low egg loads and high life expectancy (i.e. egg limited). However, studies of dynamic acceptance behaviour in parasitoids have only considered high- vs. low-suitability host individuals within the same host species.
Here, we report the first results on whether acceptance of individuals from different host species that vary in suitability is also dynamic, using two aphid parasitoid species in the genus Aphelinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae).
Stressors (starvation and age) and experience that increase time limitation did not affect the acceptance of low-suitability host species by two Aphelinus species with reciprocal specificities.
Oviposition in a high-suitability host species increased with egg load, but did not vary with egg load for females exposed to low-suitability host species. This is an unexpected pattern since it results in proportionally higher acceptance of low-suitability hosts with decreasing egg load.
The stability of behavioural host specificity in these parasitoids under very stressful conditions might be explained by (i) frequent transient egg limitation, (ii) higher fitness from egg resorption than oviposition or (iii) neural constraints on host recognition.
If neural constraints restrict the ability of these specialists to change their behaviour under stress, we predict that generalist species of Aphelinus should show greater dynamism in acceptance of low-suitability hosts. We are testing this prediction using Aphelinus species with very broad host ranges.


Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been used increasingly for modelling com-plex hydrological processes. In this paper, we present a self-organizing polynomial neural network (SOPNN) algorithm, which combines the theory of bio-cybernetic self-organizing polynomial (SOP) with the artificial neural network (ANN) approach. With the SOP feature of seeking the best combination of polynomial model parame-ters through optimal reduction of the partial polynomial nodes in the network and the ANN function of seeking minimum error at each layer of the network, the algorithm possesses superiority in nonlinear modelling of dynamic systems. The developed al-gorithm is applied to model a real-time rainfall-runoff process. The results demon-strate the capability of the SOPNN approach in addressing difficult issues of ANN modelling: selection of appropriate model inputs, optimization of the network struc-ture and error minimization. The comparison of modelling results shows that the SOPNN algorithm performs better in complex hydrological modelling than two other nonlinear approaches: the group method of data handling (GMDH) algorithm and the traditional back-propagation network (BPN) algorithm


Three case reports demonstrate the principle of guided tissue regeneration for increasing alveolar bone around exposed implant threads. In all three cases there was regeneration of tissue that had a hard, firm consistency and clinically resembled normal bone. A special flap design maximized implant coverage and prevented barrier exposure during healing.


Abstract Introduction. Direct coercion is a part of medical intervention in which the patient's autonomy as a basic human right is limited. In clinical practice, there are situations in which the use of coercion is indeed necessary to protect the patient and his/her environment against the effects of growing aggression. A very important element of action in such cases is to ensure the safety of both the patient through professional care, and of the personel executing the coercive measure. Aim. The aim of this thesis is to analyze the legal scope and applicability of coercive measures in nursing practice. Method. The exegesis of a legal text was used, which allows to present the legal conditions and rules of conduct in case of using direct coercion in psychiatric institutions and non-psychiatric units. Conclusions. Regardless of the type of institution, the decision to use direct coercion should be carefully considered in terms of both the patient's good and safety. This is a unique operation. It should be done in accordance with legal guidelines in this regard, what significantly determines the employees' safety.


The SNO+ experiment is primarily looking for neutrinoless double-beta decay, an unobserved, lepton number violating radioactive decay. This is achieved by loading liquid scintillator with tellurium whose isotope 130Te decays via double beta decay with a Q-value of 2527 keV. An optical calibration system, located outside the scintillator, has been developed to help meet the radiopurity requirements of the experiment. This thesis describes the hardware component of the optical calibration system which calibrates the timing and charge response of the photomultiplier tube array of SNO+. A set of quality assurance tests showed that the system was at the required standard for installation. Data taken with SNO+ and the optical calibration system showed that the system was stable enough for photomultiplier tube calibration, identified resolvable issues with the SNO+ data acquisition system and allowed measurement of single photoelectron spectra. Data quality checks have been developed to ensure data is of calibration standard. The sensitivity of SNO+ to neutrinoless double-beta decay with nearly 800 kg of 130Te and five years data taking is investigated with a comprehensive evaluation of systematic uncertainties. Two new methods for acquiring a greater sensitivity to neutrinoless double-beta decay were developed; a one dimensional fit in event energy and a multidimensional fit in event energy and position. A simple event counting analysis, developed previously by the collaboration, was shown to be sensitive to systematic uncertainties. A fit in an extended energy range was shown to constrain the systematics and achieve a half-life sensitivity of 9.30x1025 yr corresponding to a 5.6% improvement over the counting analysis which neglected systematic uncertainties. The multidimensional analysis with systematics included achieved a 20% improvement over the counting analysis with a half-life sensitivity of 1:06 x 1026 yr, corresponding to an effective Majorana mass between 52 to 125 meV.


Abstract:  Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, is an emerging infectious disease implicated in declines of amphibian populations around the globe. An emerging infectious disease is one that has recently been discovered; has recently increased in incidence, geography, or host range; or is newly evolved. For any given outbreak of an emerging disease, it is therefore possible to state two hypotheses regarding its origin. The novel pathogen hypothesis states that the disease has recently spread into new geographic areas, whereas the endemic pathogen hypothesis suggests that it has been present in the environment but recently has increased in host range or pathogenicity. Distinguishing between these hypotheses is important, because the conservation measures needed to slow or stop the spread of a novel pathogen are likely to differ from those needed to prevent outbreaks of an endemic pathogen. Population genetics may help discriminate among the possible origins of an emerging disease. Current evidence suggests chytridiomycosis may be a novel pathogen being spread worldwide by carriers; until we know how much genetic variation to expect in an endemic strain, however, we cannot yet conclude that B. dendrobatidis is a novel pathogen.


Background: Spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine for lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries is limited by the fixed duration of action and cannot be prolonged except with usage of spinal catheters which increase the chance of infection and occurrence of haemodynamic instability when used in high doses. To minimize the instability in haemodynamics, several neuraxial adjuvants have been used. Methods: We carried out a prospective randomized double-blind study in 60 patients posted for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Patients were divided into two groups of 30 each. Both groups received 3 mL of intrathecal hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine. In addition, ketamine group (Gr K) received ketamine 0.1mg/kg body weight intathecal (made to total volume of 0.5 mL); saline group (Gr S) received equal volumes of 0.9% normal saline intrathecally. The onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade and intraoperative haemodynamics were studied. Results: Addition of ketamine in comparison to saline administration produced significantly earlier onset (5.2±1Vs. 3.4±1; p=0.000), prolonged duration of sensory block (129.7±14.9 Vs. 111.3±11; p=0.000) and long duration of postoperative analgesia (150.8±11.7Vs. 127.8±12.8; p=0.000). Conclusion: Addition of ketamine to intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine provides better intraoperative spinal block characteristics, stable haemodynamics and longer duration of postoperative analgesia.


Not only are soil erosion and overall loss of soil fertility serious issues for loess‐derived soils of developing nations, such as Iran, but they are also global problems. This research investigated the role of land use change and its effect on soil degradation in cultivated, pasture, and urban lands, when compared with native forest in terms of declining of soil quality and fertility. Multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis and cluster analysis were employed to determine the relative magnitude of anthropogenic and natural influences on soil quality. Partial least squares (PLS), principal component regression, and ordinary least squares regression were used to predict soil cation exchange capacity using soil characteristics. Principal component analysis identified five primary components of soil quality. PC1 explained 41·01% of the total variance, PC2 accounted for 15·29%, and PC3 accounted for 11·3%. PC4 and PC5 accounted for 7·37% and 4·19% of the total variance, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed that the lowest soil quality occurred in urban soils. An exponential semivariogram using PLS predictions revealed stronger spatial dependence among cation exchange capacity [r2 = 0·80, root mean square error (RMSE) = 1·99] than the other methods, principal component regression [r2 = 0·84, RMSE = 2·45] and ordinary least squares [r2 = 0·84, RMSE = 2·45]. Therefore, the PLS method provided the best model for the data. In stepwise regression analysis, mean weight diameter and labile carbon were selected as influential variables in all soils. This study quantified reductions in numerous soil quality parameters resulting from extensive land‐use changes and urbanization in the Ziarat watershed in northern Iran. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Abstract The present studies tested the hypotheses that short-term fasting would reduce leptin gene expression and circulating concentrations of leptin and insulin in mature, ovariectomized, estradiol-implanted cows and that intracerebroventricular infusions of recombinant ovine leptin (oleptin) would attenuate reductions in insulin concentration and stimulate LH secretion. Ovariectomized cows were assigned to either control (normal fed; n = 6) or fasted (60 h of fasting; n = 7) groups and infused with 200 μg recombinant oleptin three times at hourly intervals on Day 2 (n = 6 per group). Fasting decreased plasma concentrations of insulin (P < 0.01) and leptin (P < 0.04) but, as expected, did not reduce plasma concentrations of glucose or any LH secretion variable. Central infusion of leptin on Day 2 increased (P < 0.01) plasma concentrations of leptin in both control and fasted groups. Concomitantly, leptin treatment increased plasma insulin (P < 0.01) and LH (P < 0.03) concentrations in fasted but not in control cows. Increases in overall mean and baseline concentrations of LH after leptin treatment were the result of an augmentation of the size of LH pulses. The effects of fasting on leptin gene expression and the potential diurnal effects on circulating leptin were examined in a group of cows (n = 12) not treated with leptin. Fasting for 60 h reduced (P < 0.001) leptin gene expression by 30%, and no diurnal effects on circulating leptin were observed. These results indicate that although short-term fasting does not reduce the frequency or amplitude of LH pulses or the concentration of LH in mature cows, this nutritional perturbation clearly sensitizes both the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and endocrine pancreas to exogenous leptin, which in these experiments resulted in heightened secretion of both LH and insulin.


In this paper we present a model of rental housing market in which houses are treated as indivisible commodities. We provide a recursive equation which determines a competitive equilibrium and argue that we can regard the competitive equilibrium as a representative of the set of all competitive equilibria. Using this representative equilibrium, we provide several propositions on comparative statics, that is, we consider how the competitive rents change when certain parameters of the model change.


• The comparison of the predictive values of binary diagnostic tests is an important topic in the study of statistical methods applied to medical diagnosis. In this article, we study a global hypothesis test to simultaneously compare the predictive values of multiple binary diagnostic tests in the presence of ignorable missing data. The global hypothesis test deduced is based on the chi-squared distribution. Simulation experiments were carried out to study the type I error probability and the power of global hypothesis test and of other alternative methods when comparing the predictive values of two and three binary diagnostic tests respectively.


This paper examines the poverty reduction effects of trade openness and structural transformation in Africa. The study uses a panel data covering the period from 1981 to 2010 and constituting 43 African countries. Using System generalized methods of moments, findings show that trade openness initially exacerbates poverty by about 1.3% and after one period lag, it reduces it by about 1.2%. Structural transformation lagged two periods, on the other hand, led to poverty reduction of about 3%. Further, the results show that infrastructure development and fostering the participation of the private sector in the continent greatly contribute towards poverty reduction. The study also confirms the famous 'Bhagwati hypothesis' that growth is good for the poor, as an increase in GDP per capita found to have a proportionate reduction in poverty levels (0.7 to 1%). The study also investigated the causality between trade openness and structural transformation, and the results demonstrated that there is a bi-causality relationship between the two variables. As a robustness check, the results were validated using fixed effects, random effects, and panel vector auto regression (PVAR) models. Thus, the implication is that despite the initial costs inflicted on the poor, African economies need to focus on reforms that help them achieve structural transformation in its broader sense and boost international trade.


Few global Christianity publications offer in one place information that is as helpful and broad based as the World Christian Encyclopedia. A continuing project on the social scientific study of religion pioneered by David Barrett, this third edition assembles a large amount of unique material about religious belonging from around the globe. It benefits from extensive experience and a comprehensive information database built over the years by Gordon-Conwell's Centre for the Study of Global Christianity. This is the first edition without Barrett as one of its editors. Its launch comes at a time when World Christianity has grown to be an important field of study in many universities around the world.