The Jeanne d'Arc Basin is a relatively small passive-margin rift basin that underlies what is now the northeastern corner of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. In the Late Cretaceous and early Paleogene, the basin formed an elongated depression where sediment accumulated in and along the margins of a shallow-shelf sea. Seismic and well data were used to examine the Late Cretaceous and Paleogene evolution of the basin and to formally revise the existing stratigraphic classification scheme. In the Late Cretaceous, the western margin of the basin was characterized by a well-developed shelf and slope system comprised of the sand-prone Otter Bay and Fox Harbour members and the distally equivalent shale-prone Red Island and Bay Bulls members, respectively. These members record two main progradational episodes that are separated by a regional unconformity and a thick shale interval corresponding to the Bay Bulls Member. East of the shelf-slope system, Upper Cretaceous shale and sparse sandstone of the Dawson Canyon Formation and chalk of the Petrel Member and Wyandot Formation were deposited in a relatively condensed section. In the early part of the Paleogene, two main sandstone units, herein named the Avondale and South Mara members, were deposited east of the well-developed latest Cretaceous slope in the lower part of the Banquereau Formation. The Avondale Member corresponds to small sand-prone submarine fans deposited on the basin floor in the early Paleocene. The submarine fans were fed primarily by two canyons that incised the western margin of the basin, eroding the Late Cretaceous shelf and slope. Also in the Paleocene, siliceous shale and siltstone of the Tilton Member were deposited above bathymetric highs along the western and southern basin margins. The exact temporal relationship between the Tilton and Avondale members is poorly understood. The South Mara Member was deposited in the latest Paleocene and early Eocene. In the southern parts of the basin, it forms a regressive sandstone unit above the Tilton Member, deposited during a period of renewed shelf-slope progradation. In the central and northern parts of the basin, the South Mara Member corresponds to small, sand-prone submarine fans, similar to those deposited in the early Paleocene.


Paramedics often have to make lifesaving decisions within a limited time in an ambulance. They sometimes ask the doctor for additional medical instructions, during which valuable time passes for the patient. This study aims to automatically fuse voice and text data to provide tailored situational awareness information to paramedics. To train and test speech recognition models, we built a bidirectional deep recurrent neural network (long short-term memory (LSTM)). Then we used convolutional neural networks on top of custom-trained word vectors for sentence-level classification tasks. Each sentence is automatically categorized into four classes, including patient status, medical history, treatment plan, and medication reminder. Subsequently, incident reports were automatically generated to extract keywords and assist paramedics and physicians in making decisions. The proposed system found that it could provide timely medication notifications based on unstructured voice and text data, which was not possible in paramedic emergencies at present. In addition, the automatic incident report generation provided by the proposed system improves the routine but error-prone tasks of paramedics and doctors, helping them focus on patient care.


ABSTRACT Eukaryotic DNA replication is preceded by the assembly of prereplication complexes (pre-RCs) at or very near origins in G1 phase, which licenses origin firing in S phase. The archaeal DNA replication machinery broadly resembles the eukaryal apparatus, though simpler in form. The eukaryotic replication initiator origin recognition complex (ORC), which serially recruits Cdc6 and other pre-RC proteins, comprises six components, Orc1-6. In archaea, a single gene encodes a protein similar to both the eukaryotic Cdc6 and the Orc1 subunit of the eukaryotic ORC, with most archaea possessing one to three Orc1/Cdc6 orthologs. Genome sequence analysis of the extreme acidophile Picrophilus torridus revealed a single Orc1/Cdc6 (PtOrc1/Cdc6). Biochemical analyses show MBP-tagged PtOrc1/Cdc6 to preferentially bind ORB (origin recognition box) sequences. The protein hydrolyzes ATP in a DNA-independent manner, though DNA inhibits MBP-PtOrc1/Cdc6-mediated ATP hydrolysis. PtOrc1/Cdc6 exists in stable complex with PCNA in Picrophilus extracts, and MBP-PtOrc1/Cdc6 interacts directly with PCNA through a PIP box near its C terminus. Furthermore, PCNA stimulates MBP-PtOrc1/Cdc6-mediated ATP hydrolysis in a DNA-dependent manner. This is the first study reporting a direct interaction between Orc1/Cdc6 and PCNA in archaea. The bacterial initiator DnaA is converted from an active to an inactive form by ATP hydrolysis, a process greatly facilitated by the bacterial ortholog of PCNA, the β subunit of Pol III. The stimulation of PtOrc1/Cdc6-mediated ATP hydrolysis by PCNA and the conservation of PCNA-interacting protein motifs in several archaeal PCNAs suggest the possibility of a similar mechanism of regulation existing in archaea. This mechanism may involve other yet to be identified archaeal proteins.


This technical note studies the negative imaginary properties of descriptor linear systems based on state-space realizations. Under the assumption of a minimal realization, necessary and sufficient conditions are established to characterize the negative imaginary properties of descriptor systems in terms of linear matrix inequalities with equality constraints. In particular, a negative imaginary lemma, a strict negative imaginary lemma and a lossless negative imaginary lemma are developed. A multiple-input and multiple-output RLC circuit network is used as an illustrative example to validate the developed theory.


Preface Part I: General Aspects 1. Design of Heterogeneous Catalysts for Fuels and Chemicals Processing: An Overview Juan J. Bravo-Suarez, Raghunath V. Chaudhari, and Bala Subramaniam Part II: Computer-Aided Design 2. Computational Studies of Structure and Catalytic Activity of Vanadia for Propane Oxidative Dehydrogenation Lei Cheng and Larry A. Curtiss 3. Molecular Simulation of Carbon Capture in a Series of Isoreticular Zeolitic Imidazolate Materials Yao Houndonougbo Part III: Spectroscopic Characterization 4. Utilizing Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for the Study of Interfacial Phenomena: Probing Interactions on an Alumina Surface Eric V. Formo, Zili Wu, Shannon M. Mahurin, and Sheng Dai Part IV: Kinetics-Aided Design 5. Interactions of Sulfur Oxides with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) Hom N. Sharma, Steven L. Suib, and Ashish B. Mhadeshwar Part V: Applications Hydrodesulfurization 6. Hydrodesulfurization Studies on SBA-16 Supported Molybdenum Hydrotreating Catalysts Kapil Soni, Thallada Bhaskar, Manoj Kumar, Kamaraju Seetha Rama Rao, and Gudimella Murali Dhar Epoxidation 7. Characterization and Catalytic activity of Cu-TUD-1 for Styrene Epoxidation Muthusamy Poomalai Pachamuthu, Anand Ramanathan, Kannan Santhi, and Rajamanickam Maheswari 8. Rapid Room Temperature Synthesis of Ce-MCM-48: An Active Catalyst for trans-Stilbene Epoxidation with tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide Anand Ramanathan, Rajamanickam Maheswari, Prem S. Thapa, and Bala Subramaniam Syngas Conversion 9. Rhodium Nanoparticles Confined in Ordered Mesoporous Carbon: Microscopic Characterization and Catalytic Application for Synthesis Gas Conversion to Ethanol Song-Hai Chai, Jane Y. Howe, Michelle Kidder, Xiqing Wang, Viviane Schwartz, Steven H. Overbury, Sheng Dai, and De-en Jiang Dehydrogenation 10. Carbon-Mediated Catalysis: Oxidative Dehydrogenation on Graphitic Carbon Viviane Schwartz, Steven H. Overbury, and Chengdu Liang Emerging Areas ? Renewables Conversion 11. Supported Hybrid Enzyme-Organocatalysts for Upgrading the Carbon Content of Alcohols Kapil Kandel, Stacey M. Althaus, Marek Pruski, and Igor I. Slowing 12. Activity and Selectivity of Base Promoted Mono and Bimetallic Catalysts for Hydrogenolysis of Xylitol and Sorbitol Xin Jin, Bala Subramaniam, and Raghunath V. Chaudhari 13. The Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Properties and Hydrodeoxygenation Activity of Ni2P Catalysts Prepared Using Citric Acid Victoria M. L. Whiffen and Kevin J. Smith 14. Hydrocarbon Production from Carboxylic Acids via Catalytic Deoxygenation: Required Catalytic Properties Zhong He and Xianqin Wang Editors' Biographies Indexes Author Index Subject Index


One hundred and thirty-seven very low birthweight (VLBW) children were compared at 12 years with a sample of matched peers on a number of psychiatric symptoms including Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, anxiety, and antisocial behaviour using the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment parent interview and various parent and child questionnaires. The main psychiatric risk was Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADH) disorders, with 31/136 (23%) VLBW children meeting clinical criteria, compared to 9/148 (6%) of peers. VLBW children were also more likely to have generalised anxiety and more symptoms of depression. More than one quarter of VLBW children (38/136; 28%) showed a psychiatric disorder of some type compared to 9% (14/148) of peers. VLBW children are at increased risk of psychiatric symptoms especially ADHD. This outcome is discussed in relation to neurological, demographic, and cumulative impairment factors.


Our aim in this study was to validate a stress-process model for Hispanic caregivers of adults with mental retardation that incorporates family functioning. The model postulates that maladaptive adult behaviors are related to poorer family relationships and higher levels of family burden, which in turn is related to caregiver psychological distress and self-reported health. The 153 Hispanic caregivers were interviewed in their homes with structured interviews and self-report measures. We analyzed cross-sectional data using structural equation modeling. The hypothesized model provided an excellent fit to the data. Also, family relationships mediated the relationship between maladaptive adult behaviors and family burden, and higher levels of family burden were related to greater caregiver distress. Acculturation was negatively related to caregiver distress.


The hyperresponsiveness of small arteries to norepinephrine is well documented in essential hypertensive patients. Our objective was to investigate in situ the reactivity to norepinephrine of the diameter of large arteries which are involved in the arterial disease of hypertension as well as small arteries. Brachial artery diameter, blood flow velocity, local volumic blood flow and local vascular resistances were determined non invasively using a pulsed Doppler system in 19 patients with essential hypertension and 9 normotensive subjects, before and after placebo (glucose) or increasing doses of norepinephrine (10, 20 and 40 ng/kg/min; i.v.) given in a single blind fashion. In hypertensive patients, norepinephrine (40 ng/kg/min) induced (i) a significant decrease in brachial artery diameter, local blood velocity, volumic flow and conductance and (ii) a small increase in mean arterial pressure. These hemodynamic changes did not occurred in the placebo group and were significantly greater in hypertensive patients than in normotensive subjects although plasma norepinephrine increased to the same extent in both groups. We conclude that in hypertensive patients, the increase in vascular reactivity to norepinephrine involves not only the resistive vessels, but also the large arteries thus decreasing their conducting and buffering function.


This research aims at finding the types of procedures applied in translating Indonesian plant phrases into English, as well as analyzing the mapping of meaning components of the phrases from the source language to the target language. The data source is a bilingual biology textbook for senior high school students. The data in this study are in the form of two-word noun phrases about plants. Data were collected using observation method, random sampling method, and note-taking technique. The data were analyzed by using theories of translation procedures proposed by Vinay and Darbelnet and Natural Semantic Metalanguage. The result showed that the types of translation procedures applied are transposition and literal translation. The meaning components of the phrases of the source language are mostly transferred to the target language.


Remote sensing can be used as a complementary tool in water quality monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to develop models to estimate the spatial distribution of chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a) in Los Molinos reservoir using Landsat 7 ETM + and ASTER imagery. Los Molinos reservoir (32 o 49 'S, 64 o 32' W) is a multipurpose system used as the second source of water supply for Cordoba's city. Physical, chemical and biological parameters were measured in the water body coinciding with the passage of the satellites by the study area. Using different statistical techniques, satellite information was related to field data obtaining algorithms that best explained the distribution of Chl-a. These models were validated and used to construct maps providing spatially rich information on patterns of water quality throughout the reservoir. Both sensors could be used for Chl-a monitoring. ASTER sensor, with higher spatial resolution that ETM+, showed a better relationship between observed versus estimated Chl-a data allowing a better discrimination of the spatial variation of the analysed parameter. The generated models can provide a basis for planning future water quality monitoring in different water bodies.


Many refineries are burdened with 50 year and older substations that are at the end-of-life with obsolete equipment. They are susceptible to failure during normal process unit operations. Several substations are in similar condition and require a risk assessment to determine the priority and the year the selected substations are replaced. An interdisciplinary team that understands the risks associated with the substation is required to evaluate the consequences of a power loss to the process unit, such as environmental impacts, loss of production and safety integrity of the equipment. The team will also advise during the design of a new substation that is maintainable and maximizes reliability. This paper discusses the implementation of a 10 year plan to replace aging process unit substations in a large Southern California refinery. The paper emphasizes key aspects of planning and scheduling construction work and outages in operating refinery units and discusses technical challenges and lessons learned. It also presents an overview of the general cost categories and highlights least considered items that impact the total cost of the program. The paper demonstrates how an assembled team that is knowledgeable with process unit operating, reliability maintenance, and process unit optimizing can design a substation that is maintainable, reliable, and through the life of the substation maximize profits through on-line availability of electrical power for the process unit.


The task of semantic segmentation is an important one in the context of 3D building modelling. Indeed, developments in 3D generation techniques have rendered the point cloud ubiquitous. However pure data acquisition only captures geometric information and semantic classification remains to be performed, often manually, in order to give a tangible sense to the 3D data. Recently progress in computing power also opened the way for massive application of deep learning methods, including for semantic segmentation purposes. Although well established in the processing of 2D images, deep learning solutions remain an open question for 3D data. In this study, we aim to benefit from the vastly more developed 2D semantic segmentation by performing transfer learning on a photogrammetric orthoimage. The neural network was trained using labelled and rectified images of building façades. Another programme was then written to permit the passage between 2D orthoimage and 3D point cloud. Results show that the approach worked well and presents an alternative to help the automation process for point cloud semantic segmentation, at least in the case of photogrammetric data. * Corresponding author


Background: COVID-19 vaccine has been available in China since the beginning of the 2021, however, certain numbers of people are reluctant for some reasons to vaccinate. The high vaccine coverage is crucial for controlling disease transmission. Meanwhile, the vaccine hesitancy might be a barrier to the establishment of sufficient herd immunization. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine among different population groups, and explores the characteristics of different groups about vaccine hesitancy and common barriers and facilitators to vaccination decisions.Methods: The current survey was performed among students, public health professionals, medical workers and general population from January to March 2021 among Chinese from seven cities located in seven geographical territories of China. The questionnaire contained sociodemographic information, concerns about COVID-19 epidemic, general vaccination behavior and attitudes, the General Vaccine Hesitancy Scale, the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and other potential factors of vaccine hesitancy. Univariate analysis was conducted by chi-squared test, and variables were significant at P < 0.10 were then included in a multivariable regression model.Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 64.1% in our study, and a higher prevalence (73.7%) was in public health professionals compared to students (58.3%), medical workers (64.9%) and general population (61.1%). The results of multivariate analysis indicated that public health professionals were more likely to be hesitant against COVID-19 vaccine than general population (OR: 1.469, 95% CI: 1.069-2.019. And participants who needed transparent information about COVID-19 vaccine development, efficacy and safety (OR: 1.609, 95% CI: 1.343-1.928) and who have received negative information of COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 1.300, 95% CI: 1.130-1.496) were more likely to have vaccine hesitancy.Conclusions: Appropriate training in knowledge and communication skills about vaccines are necessary for public health professionals to help themselves and the public to increase their willingness of vaccination. Reducing the spread of misinformation and disseminating facts in a timely and accurate way will likely reduce vaccine hesitancy. Also, to establish suitable communication strategies between the government and the public and a warning system on infodemic would be helpful to improve public's confidence in vaccination.


Summary

Methods of using isotopic abundances of dated common lead samples to obtain the time since which the Earth's upper mantle has preserved heterogeneities in its composition are reviewed. This time has often been referred to as the "age of the Earth". Several modifications of these methods are suggested. The measured abundances of eighty young lead ores are examined in detail, and it is concluded that the age of the Earth is 4.3 × 109 years.


Populations of different types of spermatogonia and their mitotic activity were analyzed in the monkey Macaca fascicularis: 3 adults aged 5-6 yr and 3 young aged 2-3 mo. Two young and two adult monkeys received injections of 3H-thymidine for radioautographic study of the relationships between Type A spermatogonia: dark Type A (Ad), pale Type A (Ap) and transition Type A (At). In the adult the number of Ad and At spermatogonia did not change significantly throughout the seminiferous epithelium cycle. The number of Ap spermatogonia doubled at Stage VII, and half divided at Stage IX to give rise to B1 spermatogonia. The durations of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and spermatogenesis were estimated as 10.5 days and 42 days respectively. In the young and adult monkeys, some Ap spermatogonia and a lesser number of At spermatogonia were labeled one h after injection of precursor. At longer intervals after injection, the number of labeled At spermatogonia increased significantly, and some Ad as well as Ap spermatogonia were also labeled. These results indicate that Ap spermatogonia are renewal stem cells, and Ad spermatogonia are reserve stem cells. The differences in labeling after isotope exposure suggest that Ap cells may give rise successively to At and Ad cells.


Modern radiotherapy methods require sophisticated treatment planning and radiation dose delivery routines, which in turn demand stringent quality assurance. This paper describes recent advances in three-dimensional optical computed tomography (OCT) readout for radiation dosimetry in which a tissue-equivalent radiochromic gels is used to achieve sub-millimetre spatial resolution for (512)3 voxel arrays in readout times of about half an hour.


Despite the intense research on the neurobiology of stress, the role of serotonin (5-HT)1A receptors still remains to be elucidated. In the hippocampus, post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors activation induces anxiolytic effects in animals previously exposed to stressful situations. However, little is known about somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors in the median raphe nucleus (MRN). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of 5-HT1A receptors located in the MRN in rats exposed to forced swim stress. After recovering from surgery, rats were forced to swim for 15 min in a cylinder. Intra-MRN injections of saline, 8-OH-DPAT (3 nmol/0.2 µL) and/or WAY-100635 (0.3 nmol/0.2 µL) were performed immediately before or after pre-exposure or 24 h later (immediately before test). Non-stressed rats received the same treatment 24 h or 10 min before test. Our data showed that 8-OH-DPAT increased latency to display immobility while decreasing time spent immobile in almost all experimental conditions. These effects were not prevented by previous treatment with WAY-100635. No effects of different treatments were described in non-stressed animals. Taken together, our data suggest that in addition to activation of 5-HT1A, 5-HT7 receptors may also be involved in the behavioural consequences of exposure to swim stress.


The present study analyzes the staining pattern of DNA in situ end-labeling techniques of human and rabbit atherosclerotic plaques. Both the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase end-labeling and the in situ nick translation technique detected, besides apoptotic nuclei, numerous round vesicles with diameters from 0.5 to 5 microns within the atherosclerotic plaques. These vesicles did not contain DNA but contained calcium. A pretreatment with EDTA or citric acid abolished the labeling of the vesicles but did not influence the detection of apoptotic nuclei. Ultrastructurally, the vesicles were of variable diameter and density, and their aspect was compatible with matrix vesicles, which are well known in epiphyses during bone formation. The larger vesicles contained cell organelles, and the small vesicles were very dense. X-ray microanalysis demonstrated high calcium and phosphorus levels within the most dense vesicles. Different stages of the process were present in the plaques. In this way we could demonstrate that cytoplasmic fragmentation of smooth muscle cells and subsequent formation of matrix vesicles are a frequent finding in atherosclerotic plaques. The association of apoptotic cell death and formation of matrix vesicles could be an interesting pathway in explaining calcification of atherosclerotic plaques. Both the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase end-labeling and the in situ nick translation technique detected simultaneously apoptotic nuclei and matrix vesicles if calcium is not removed from the sections.


http://repository.ust.hk/ir/ This version is available at HKUST Institutional Repository via If it is the author's pre-published version, changes introduced as a result of publishing processes such as copy-editing and formatting may not be reflected in this document. For a definitive version of this work, please refer to the published version. Short-term depression enables real-time tracking in neural systems


Four bar linkages (sometimes called three bar linkages) have been investigated by mathematicians, engineers and artists for over three hundred years. A natural extension to three dimensions generates a family of aesthetically interesting surfaces. The Lemniscate The plane curve known as the lemniscate was first described by Jakob Bernouilli in 1694 (in Acta Eruditorium). There are several elegant ways to construct this curve [1], perhaps the best known is by means of a four-bar linkage, known as Watt's linkage. This was widely used in steam-driven beam engines to generate approximate straight line motion [2]. Two bars of unit length pivot around points that are fixed √2 apart (by a notional third bar). They are joined by a fourth bar, length √2, and the mid-point of this bar moves on a lemniscate, while its ends describe unit circles (figure 1). John Sharp has written an article that describes some less well-known properties of this curve [3]. Figure 1: The lemniscate of Bernouilli as a locus of a point on a four bar linkage. More General Curves It is easy to see that this arrangement can actually generate a five parameter (one is a scale factor) family of curves by altering the lengths of the four bars and the position of the drawing point on the fourth bar (possibly extended). Computer geometry packages provide a convenient way to investigate these curves, and there are several interactive animations available on the internet, for example [4]. The drawing point need not lie on the fourth bar but could be fixed to it some distance away, an idea that was used by Daniel Wood, an architectural mason, at the end of the nineteenth century [5]. Figure 2 shows one of the plates from his book. The pivoting bars are strings, each labelled S, the fourth bar is a triangle, labelled T, and the drawing point is labelled P.The idea was developed further by Richard S. Hartenberg, a professor of mechanical engineering, who co-authored a book on linkages [6], and published a paper in Leonardo describing


OBJECTIVE
Real-time data capture (RTDC) techniques have rapidly developed with the advent of computer and information technology. We plan to discuss the use of RTDC in the assessment of pain, including issues pertaining to its rationale, sampling protocols, and our opinion on the current status of the methodology.

DESIGN
This is "thought" piece involving no systematic data collection methods.

RESULTS
We described the rationale for using RTDC, including issues in recall bias, the desire for detailed information about pain, and the ability to examine within-person associations between pain and other variables. The mechanics of RTDC implementations were discussed with a focus on sampling protocols and data collection methods. The final section concerned the status of RTDC. Current acceptance of RTDC is evaluated and three issues in the science of RTDC were discussed: the interpretation of differences between recall and the average of momentary assessments for the same period; if RTDC is advancing our understanding of pain; and, the issue of what consumers of pain assessments actually desire. RTDC extensions to feedback based on momentary assessments are also discussed.

CONCLUSION
Real-time data collection can be a useful methodology for improving our understanding of pain and especially of its dynamic nature in real-world settings.


Our study supports the hypothesis of global non-stationarity of the return time series. We bring forth both theoretical and empirical evidence that the long range dependence (LRD) type behavior of the sample ACF and the periodogram of absolute return series and the IGARCH effect documented in the econometrics literature could be due to the impact of non-stationarity on sta- tistical instruments and estimation procedures. In particular, contrary to the common-hold belief that the LRD characteristic and the IGARCH phenomena carry meaningful information about the price generating process, these so-called stylized facts could be just artifacts due to structural changes in the data. The effect that the switch to a different regime has on the sample ACF and the periodogram is theoretically explained and empirically documented using time series that were the object of LRD modeling efforts (S&P500, DEM/USD FX) in various publications.


Abstract Prior literature has shown the female Japanese population experiences higher susceptibility to mental health disorders. The causal influences of help-seeking for distressed women were investigated through analysis of 24 interviews of Japanese immigrant women in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. The Clinical Ethnographic Narrative Interview (CENI) was utilized as the interviewing technique, investigating Japanese culture as a determinant of personal wellness. This study was a grounded theory examination of the interactions among gender, social context, cultural displacement, and a causal model for Japanese women's distress experiences. The resulting theoretical model revealed the familial and social dynamics traditional to Japanese culture developed feelings of poor self-worth common amongst study participants. This negative perception of self was exacerbated by gendered challenges of expatriation and intense pressures within this region's Japanese migrant community. These findings show the need for increased contact with at-risk populations to understand their causal models and help-seeking behaviors and expectations.


Evolution operator of a combined system consisting of the measured qubit and the auxiliary system is derived. Conditions on the choice of parameters in the formula for the reconstruction of the measured qubit states are obtained. The evolution operator of the combined system leads to the probability operator (or effect) with a structure that corresponds to unsharp measurements.


Summary: Surgical treatment of cingulate gyrus epilepsy is associated with good results on seizures despite its rarity and challenging aspects. Invasive EEG monitoring is often mandatory to assess the epileptogenic zone in these patients. To date, only small surgical series have been published, and a consensus about management of these complex cases did not emerge. The authors retrospectively analyzed a large surgical series of patients in whom at least part of the cingulate gyrus was confirmed as included in the epileptogenic zone by means of stereo-electroencephalography and was thus resected. One hundred twenty-seven patients were selected. Stereo-electroencephalography-guided implantation of intracerebral electrodes was performed in the right hemisphere in 62 patients (48.8%) and in the left hemisphere in 44 patients (34.7%), whereas 21 patients (16.5%) underwent bilateral implantations. The median number of implanted electrodes per patient was 13 (interquartile range 12–15). The median number of electrodes targeting the cingulate gyrus was 4 (interquartile range 3–5). The cingulate gyrus was explored bilaterally in 19 patients (15%). Complication rate was 0.8%. A favorable outcome (Engel class I) was obtained in 54.3% of patients, with a median follow-up of 60 months. The chance to obtain seizure freedom increased in cases in whom histologic diagnosis was type-IIb focal cortical dysplasia or tumor (mostly ganglioglioma or dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor) and with male gender. Higher seizure frequency predicted better outcome with a trend toward significance. Our findings suggest that stereo-electroencephalography is a safe and effective methodology in achieving seizure freedom in complex cases of epilepsy with cingulate gyrus involvement.


Background Increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with poor functional capacity and systemic inflammation in lupus,1 alterations in rituximab (RTX) pharmacokinetics,2 and failure to achieve trial endpoints among patients treated with RTX for ANCA-associated vasculitis.3 Although RTX is not approved for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN), current EULAR/ERA-EDTA guidelines include RTX for use in refractory cases.4 The effect of BMI on outcomes of patients treated with RTX for LN is unknown. Objectives To assess the association between pre-treatment BMI and renal response using data from the LUNAR trial. Methods LUNAR randomized 144 patients with ISN/RPS class III or IV LN to RTX (2 doses of 1000 mg at baseline and month 6) or placebo in combination with mycophenolate and a steroid taper.5 BMI was measured at the screening visit. Complete renal response (CRR) was defined as achievement of UPCR <0.5, normal serum creatinine not increased from baseline by >15%, and inactive urinary sediment at week 52. Alternative definitions of response and achievement of CRR at week 78 were also considered. Logistic regression was used to model interactions and to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI. Peripheral CD19+ B cell measurements were examined. Results We identified qualitative interactions between BMI and treatment for CRR and alternative response measures. In unadjusted analysis, each 5 kg/m2 increase in pre-treatment BMI was associated with OR =0.47 (95% CI 0.24–0.92) in the RTX group and OR =1.44 (95% CI 0.93–2.23) in the placebo group for achievement of CRR (P value for interaction =0.006). The results of analysis adjusted for baseline UPCR and serum creatinine are presented in the Table. A sensitivity analysis identified consistent associations between BMI and response in the RTX group only. Among patients in the RTX group, increased BMI was associated with increased time to peripheral CD19+ count <5 cells/μL (Figure).Table 1 Adjusted OR (95% CI) per 5 kg/m2 increase in pre-treatment BMI P value for interaction Response measure Rituximab (n=72) Placebo (n=72) CRR 0.48* (0.23–0.97) 1.60* (1.01–2.55) 0.005 Overall renal response 0.78 (0.51–1.19) 1.42 (0.94–2.16) 0.045 UPCR <0.5 0.61* (0.38–0.97) 1.37 (0.91–2.07) 0.010 UPCR <0.7 0.58* (0.37–0.92) 1.33 (0.87–2.02) 0.010 CRR at week 78 0.53* (0.29–0.99) 1.58 (0.99–2.52) 0.006 *P <0.05. All endpoints were measured at week 52 except where specified. Conclusions In this exploratory analysis of the LUNAR trial, BMI was inversely associated with renal response among patients treated with RTX. We did not observe this same relationship between BMI and response among patients in the placebo group, and in fact found evidence of a positive correlation between BMI and one measure of response in this group. Among patients treated with RTX, BMI was associated with time to B cell depletion, generating the hypothesis that the observed differences in response are mediated by differences in the timing and/or degree of B cell depletion. These findings warrant additional analyses to better understand the relationships between patient characteristics, pharmacokinetics, B cell depletion, and treatment response in the LN population. References Oeser Arthritis Rheumatol 2005. Müller Blood 2012. Bertsias Ann Rheum Dis 2012. Rovin Arthritis Rheumatol 2012. LUNAR trial NCT00282347. Disclosure of Interest M. Cascino Employee of: Roche/Genentech, L. Gomez Mendez Grant/research support from: Roche/Genentech, J. Garg Employee of: Roche/Genentech, L. Dragone Employee of: Roche/Genentech, M. Dall'Era: None declared, P. Brunetta Employee of: Roche/Genentech


Abstract. Agriculture is the main source of ammonia (NH3) in France, an important gaseous precursor of atmospheric particulate matter (PM). National
and global emission inventories are known to have difficulty representing the large spatial and temporal variability inherent to
atmospheric NH3. In this study, we compare NH3 emissions in France during spring 2011 from one reference inventory, the TNO
inventory, and two alternative inventories that account in different manners for both the spatial and temporal variabilities of the emissions:
(i) the NH3SAT satellite-derived inventory based on IASI NH3 columns and (ii) the CADASTRE-CIT inventory that combines
NH3 emissions due to nitrogen fertilization calculated with the mechanistic model VOLT'AIR on the database of the CADASTRE_NH3
framework and other source emissions from the CITEPA. The total spring budgets, from March to May 2011, at the national level are higher when
calculated with both alternative inventories than with the reference, the difference being more marked with CADASTRE-CIT. NH3SAT and
CADASTRE-CIT inventories both yield to large NH3 spring emissions due to fertilization on soils with high pH in the northeastern part of
France (65 and 135 kt NH3, respectively, vs. 48 kt NH3 for TNO-GEN), while soil properties are not accounted for by the
TNO-GEN methodology. For the other parts of France, the differences are smaller. The timing of fertilization and associated ammonia emissions is
closely related to the nitrogen requirements and hence the phenological stage of the crops, and therefore to the crop year's specific weather
conditions. Maximum emissions are observed in March for 2011 for some regions for both alternative inventories, while April is the period with
maximum emissions for the reference inventory regardless of the region or the year. Comparing the inventories at finer temporal resolutions, typically at
daily scale, large differences are found. The convergence of alternative, independent and complementary methods on the spatiotemporal representation
of the spring NH3 emissions, particularly over areas where the contribution of mineral fertilizer spreading to the spring budget is strong,
encourages further developments in both prospective complementary directions, as this will help improve national NH3 emission inventories.


ABSTRACT Cocultivation of cellulolytic and saccharolytic microbial populations is a promising strategy to improve bioethanol production from the fermentation of recalcitrant cellulosic materials. Earlier studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cocultivation in enhancing ethanolic fermentation of cellulose in batch fermentation. To further enhance process efficiency, a semicontinuous cyclic fed-batch fermentor configuration was evaluated for its potential in enhancing the efficiency of cellulose fermentation using cocultivation. Cocultures of cellulolytic Clostridium thermocellum LQRI and saccharolytic Thermoanaerobacter pseudethanolicus strain X514 were tested in the semicontinuous fermentor as a model system. Initial cellulose concentration and pH were identified as the key process parameters controlling cellulose fermentation performance in the fixed-volume cyclic fed-batch coculture system. At an initial cellulose concentration of 40 g liter−1, the concentration of ethanol produced with pH control was 4.5-fold higher than that without pH control. It was also found that efficient cellulosic bioethanol production by cocultivation was sustained in the semicontinuous configuration, with bioethanol production reaching 474 mM in 96 h with an initial cellulose concentration of 80 g liter−1 and pH controlled at 6.5 to 6.8. These results suggested the advantages of the cyclic fed-batch process for cellulosic bioethanol fermentation by the cocultures.


The E6 and E7 early genes of human papillomavirus type 16 have been shown in vitro to play a central role in the transforming capability of this virus. To explore their effects on differentiating epithelial cells in vivo, we used a bovine cytokeratin 10 (K10) promoter to target the expression of E6 and E7 to the suprabasal layers of the epidermis of transgenic mice. In two different lines of mice efficiently expressing the transgene, animals displayed generalized epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis in the skin and the forestomach, both known to be sites of K10 expression. Northern (RNA) blot analysis revealed high levels of E6 and E7 transcripts, and in situ hybridizations localized these transcripts to the suprabasal strata of epidermis. In vivo labeling of proliferating cells showed two distinct effects of E6 and E7 expression in the epidermis: (i) an increase in the number of growing cells in the undifferentiated basal layer and (ii) abnormal proliferation of differentiated cells in the suprabasal strata. The expression of c-myc in the skin of transgenics was higher than that in control animals. The induction of c-myc transcription by topical application of tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate was prevented by simultaneous treatment with transforming growth factor beta 1 in nontransgenic skin but not in transgenic skin. In addition, transforming growth factor alpha was found to be overexpressed in the suprabasal layers of the transgenic epidermis. These findings suggest that autocrine mechanisms are involved in the development and maintenance of epidermal hyperplasia. Animals of both lines developed papillomas in skin sites exposed to mechanical irritation and wounding, suggesting that secondary events are necessary for progression to neoplasia. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the tumor promoter activities of human papillomavirus type 16 in epithelial cells in vivo.


G UILDS OF ARTISANS, brotherhoods, and confraternities flowered in Western Europe during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. To be sure, a corporate spirit was part of the European ethos itself, as has been shown by the presence of burial societies of early Christians in Rome. Their importance greatly increased, however, in the late middle ages, a product of an age responding to the stoic doctrines of St. Francis and St. Dominic, coupled with an entirely secular phenomenon-the emergence of the city. Victims of famine and plague deserted the countryside for the cities, only to fall prey to unemployment, poverty, and enforced vagrancy. The establishment of confraternities of lay men and women had the dual objective of protecting members against such misfortunes and practicing works of charity. Such brotherhoods represented the birth of a social conscience in Europe. The Iberian Peninsula did not remain immune to this corporate sentiment sweeping Europe. Furthermore, the societies of Spain and Portugal included different religions, races, and languages, and afforded opportunities for frequent intercultural contacts. By the fifteenth century there existed in the cities of Spain and Portugal Catholic brotherhoods that counted among their members blacks brought from Africa as slaves, as well as whites of Iberian stock. Despite minor administrative differences, all brotherhoods pos-


The importance of the scientific publications for the social and economic development of the societies is shown. The importance of those publications for public and private research institutions, especially for the universities is indicated. Reference is given to the Venezuelan presidential decree declaring as luxury expenses the publications of public institutions and therefore unable to access to public funds. This has obvious negative effects on the advance of science in our country. It is remarked that internet and other virtual media are not an alternative because they do not reach the areas and people of low income, such as hospitals, schools, etc., in rural areas.


INTRODUCTION: The word ''Adolescent'' is derived from the Latin word 'adolescere' which means to grow to maturity that indicate the defining features of adolescence. During puberty the physical changes occur which transform the body of child into that of an adult,
changes in body size, and changes in body proportions.
Adolescent period is the formative period when maximum amounts of changes take place and pubertal change is one of them. The main pubertal change that occurs in girls is menstruation. This is an important landmark in the process of growth and maturation and prepares them for motherhood. Yesterday's girl is today's adolescent and tomorrow's mother. (1)
AIM OF THE STUDY: Assess knowledge regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls
MATERIAL AND METHOD: A Quasi-experimental one group pre-test post-test study was used in order to evaluate effectiveness of structured teaching programme (the Independent variable) on knowledge regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene (the dependent variable) among adolescent girls of selected by purposive sampling technique school of Jodhpur. Each participant was informed about the study and that they could withdraw at any time and a written consent was also obtained.
RESULT: The findings of the study reveals that in pre-test majority (54.17%) in the experimental group and 91.67% in the control group were having below average knowledge and 45.83% in the experimental group and 8.33% in the control group were having above average knowledge. However the majority of the demographic variable such as age, religion, age of menarche, type of family, educational status, educational status of mother, and sources of information were found not significant association with the level of knowledge regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among adolescent's girls except place of residence, monthly family income.
CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that there was a significant improvement on the post-test level of knowledge after implementing STP. This indicates that STP was effective in increasing the knowledge of adolescent girls.
KEY WORDS: Knowledge, adolescent girls, menstrual hygiene, structured teaching programme.


In this study, determining of the suitable landing areas on the topographical maps were determined for emergency landing of the Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) during flight. In order to reach desired goals of this work, Shuttle radar topography mission maps (SRTM) was used. Nowodays, UAV have been intensively used in civillian and military applications. There are urgent needs on increasing of autonomy of the UAVs, decreasing human expertise and making smarter of UAV systems has become an inevitable necessity. Unexpectable stiuations (i.e. motor or comminatication failure, etc...) can arise while missions of the UAV. Emergency landing system must be activated by autonomously and then landed on the ground in safely while occuring some failure mentioned above. Two different techniques were chosed for determining probable landing areas by using digital elevation maps (SRTM). Firstly, surface fitting approximation was applied by using Least Squares Error (LSE). The slope of the points were calculated to specify of the smoothness rate of the landing areas. Smooth areas were signed by using SRTM datas. Image processing techniques were utilized for marking of the smooth areas and determinig boundries of the landing areas. The smooth landing areas were groupped with Blob analysis. The noise of the ground specified as landing areas were reduced with morphological image processing (performs morphological openning). UAVs system can be made smarter with specifying of the landing areas and planning of the path according to emergency cases. With designed systems, the UAV could be guided to the suitable landing zones vice versa undesirable areas by limiting of the landing path in the emergency cases of the UAV.


A 36-year-old woman was admitted for initiation of hemodialysis for chronic renal failure. Two days after catheter placement the patient developed a fever that persisted and resulted in subsequent removal of the catheter. Although blood cultures were negative, cultures of the catheter tip were positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis. An initial vancomycin dose was well tolerated, but the patient later experienced numbness and tingling of her lower back accompanied by pain ten minutes after initiation of the second dose. Symptoms abated when the vancomycin infusion was discontinued, and the drug was subsequently well tolerated when reinstituted at a slower infusion rate. Similar symptoms were observed five minutes into a vancomycin infusion a week later that also resolved after decreasing the infusion rate. Patients on hemodialysis receiving vancomycin should be carefully monitored during drug administration for the development of paresthesia and spasmodic lower back pain.


Distributed lightpath provisioning is expected to play a key role in next-generation WDM optical networks. A major challenge in distributed lightpath provisioning is the potentially significant degradation of network blocking performance caused by outdated link-state information, occurring especially under traffic with short average durations of connections. To address this problem, various parallel reservation schemes have been proposed, with the common feature of applying multiple capacity-search and/or reservation operations executed simultaneously. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of these distributed parallel reservation schemes in wavelength-routed networks. Specifically, we develop general yet accurate analytical models to provide insights into the behavior of the different schemes. We also conduct extensive simulation study. Numerical results show that by using simple parallel reservation schemes, in particular through multiple reservations on several different routes, blocking probabilities caused by outdated link-state information can be drastically lowered and network performance can be significantly improved. The tradeoff between control traffic loads and network blocking performance is also evaluated.


Boiled down to its essentials, the grant's purpose was to develop and demonstrate the viability of compressed air energy storage (CAES) for use in renewable energy development. While everyone agrees that energy storage is the key component to enable widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, the development of a viable scalable technology has been missing. The Department of Energy has focused on expanded battery research and improved forecasting, and the utilities have deployed renewable energy resources only to the extent of satisfying Renewable Portfolio Standards. The lack of dispatchability of solar and wind-based electricity generation has drastically increased the cost of operation with these components. It is now clear that energy storage coupled with accurate solar and wind forecasting make up the only combination that can succeed in dispatchable renewable energy resources. Conventional batteries scale linearly in size, so the price becomes a barrier for large systems. Flow batteries scale sub-linearly and promise to be useful if their performance can be shown to provide sufficient support for solar and wind-base electricity generation resources. Compressed air energy storage provides the most desirable answer in terms of scalability and performance in all areas except efficiency. With the support of the DOE, Tucson Electric Power and Science Foundation Arizona, the Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy (AzRISE) at the University of Arizona has had the opportunity to investigate CAES as a potential energy storage resource.


The Science Communication Competition is now in its eighth year. As in previous years, it aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist. In 2015, a new branch of the competition was launched to include video entries. Overall this year's competition attracted 74 entries and these were reviewed by our external panel of expert judges. The second prize in the written category was awarded to Jenna Herbert from the University of Oxford, whose article is presented here; the second prize in the video category was Ellie Staniforth from the University of Glasgow. Ellie's video can be viewed at bit.ly/scicomm22018.


The uterus of Miniopterus fraterculus (Thomas & Swan 1906) is bicornuate and asymmetrical, the right uterine horn being larger than the left in parous and nulliparous females. Ovarian and uterine function is asymmetrical; 94% of observed ovulations originated in the left ovary and all implantations occurred in the right uterine horn. Growth and development of ovarian follicles follow the typical eutherian mammalian pattern. The preovulatory Graafian follicle differs from that of most hibernating verspertilionids in that the cumulus oophorus is relatively small. Two types of follicular atresia occur. The first type, in which the stratum granulosum degenerates before degeneration of the oocyte, occurs in multilaminar follicles. The second type occurs in primary and early secondary follicles and is characterized by the oocyte showing the first signs of regression.


The northern extent of the Navajo volcanic field (NVF) is defined by several diatreme complexes that evolved from swarms of north-northeast-trending mafic dikes exposed near Mesa Verde National Park (MVNP). Field evidence indicates that the eruptive phases were generated by multi-stage degassing and fluidization of mantle magmas. This produced diatreme buds that developed along dikes, lateral eruptions that scoured and were injected into adjacent sedimentary strata, and the formation of dome-shaped blind diatremes. New 40Ar/39Ar age constraints on mafic dikes exposed near MVNP indicate a time of emplacement of ~24 Ma, within the accepted age range of magmatism for the NVF. Swarms of mafic dikes with similar composition to NVF rocks are exposed as far north as Placerville, approximately 75 kilometers north of MVNP. Mafic dikes exposed near Mt. Wilson yield a 40Ar/39Ar age of ~7 Ma. The younger dikes are either part of NVF magmatism or another distinct period of potassic magmatism in the region. Oligocene to Miocene mafic dikes exposed from MVNP to Placerville are potassic to ultrapotassic alkaline basalts to basaltic andesites with mineral associations that are similar to those found in minette dikes in other parts of the Navajo volcanic field. All of these rocks have chemical affinities that are consistent with partial melting of metasomatized lithospheric mantle with possible minor contributions from other mantle sources. The protracted period of Oligocene to Miocene potassic magmatism in southwestern Colorado makes up part of mantle magmatism that led to the emplacement of mafic-dike swarms across the northern margin of the San Juan basin after 30 Ma. The dominant north-to-northeast trends of these dike swarms lend evidence for incipient west to northwest rifting in southwestern Colorado that is aligned with a regional zone of crustal anisotropy (Colorado Mineral belt), and high heat flow related partial melting in the mantle (the Aspen anomaly). Regional extension and influx of mantle magmas into the crust in southwestern Colorado in the Middle to Late Tertiary were a probable catalyst to crustal melting in the adjacent San Juan volcanic field, and potassic mantle magmas in particular may have made an important contribution to the production of these crustal magmas.


Body size is one of the most important factors regarding herbaceous perennial plants life-histories, and several fitness components of these organisms are related to size. Clonal plants show distinct kinds of reproduction and can develop offspring by sexual or asexual ways. We aimed to understand how body size affects Comanthera nivea (Eriocaulaceae) sexual reproduction and to verify how clonal growth is related to flower head production in this species. We sampled 600 rosettes in rupestrian grasslands and performed linear regression analysis between body size and number of produced flower heads. We also compared the flower head production between isolated rosettes and rosettes within clones. Our results showed that body size was significantly related, but explained only a small part of flower head production. The flower head production was higher in rosettes within clones than in isolated ones. The clones presented a rosette or a small group of rosettes that concentrated the sexual reproduction. Clonality was positively associated with sexual reproduction. Clonality can represent an important way of allowing the persistence of plants by sexual reproduction in markedly seasonal stressful environments. The cases of clonality enhancing the sexual reproduction must be considered and put in focus on reproductive biology research.


Respiring mitochondria establish a proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane (MIM) that is used to generate ATP. Protein-independent mitochondrial uncouplers collapse the proton gradient and disrupt ATP production by shuttling protons back across the MIM in a protonophoric cycle. Continued cycling relies on the formation of MIM-permeable anionic species that can return to the intermembrane space after deprotonation in the mitochondrial matrix. Previously described protonophores contain acidic groups that are part of delocalised π-systems that provide large surfaces for charge delocalisation and facilitate anion permeation across the MIM. Here we present a new class of protonophoric uncoupler based on aryl-urea substituted fatty acids in which an acidic group and a π-system are separated by a long alkyl chain. The aryl-urea group in these molecules acts as a synthetic anion receptor that forms intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the fatty acid carboxylate after deprotonation. Dispersal of the negative charge across the aryl-urea system produces lipophilic dimeric complexes that can permeate the MIM and facilitate repeated cycling. Substitution of the aryl-urea group with lipophilic electron withdrawing groups is critical to complex lipophilicity and uncoupling activity. The aryl-urea substituted fatty acids represent the first biological example of mitochondrial uncoupling mediated by the interaction of a fatty acid and an anion receptor moiety, via self-assembly.


Work at the intersection of vision science and deep learning is starting to explore the efficacy of deep convolutional networks (DCNs) and recurrent networks in solving perceptual grouping problems that underlie primate visual recognition and segmentation. Here, we extend this line of work to investigate the compactness and generalizability of DCN solutions to learning low-level perceptual grouping routines involving contour integration. We introduce V1Net, a bio-inspired recurrent unit that incorporates lateral connections ubiquitous in cortical circuitry. Feedforward convolutional layers in DCNs can be substituted with V1Net modules to enhance their contextual visual processing support for perceptual grouping. We compare the learning efficiency and accuracy of V1Net-DCNs to that of 14 carefully selected feedforward and recurrent neural architectures (including state-of-the-art DCNs) on MarkedLong -- a synthetic forced-choice contour integration dataset of 800,000 images we introduce here -- and the previously published Pathfinder contour integration benchmarks. We gauged solution generalizability by measuring the transfer learning performance of our candidate models trained on MarkedLong that were fine-tuned to learn PathFinder. Our results demonstrate that a compact 3-layer V1Net-DCN matches or outperforms the test accuracy and sample efficiency of all tested comparison models which contain between 5x and 1000x more trainable parameters; we also note that V1Net-DCN learns the most compact generalizable solution to MarkedLong. A visualization of the temporal dynamics of a V1Net-DCN elucidates its usage of interpretable grouping computations to solve MarkedLong. The compact and rich representations of V1Net-DCN also make it a promising candidate to build on-device machine vision algorithms as well as help better understand biological cortical circuitry.


CONTEXT
Conflicting predictions of malnutrition for the long-term prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) exist.

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between malnutrition and long-term prognosis of patients with CAD.

DATA SOURCES
Four databases were searched for articles from February 11, 1936, to September 10, 2022.

DATA EXTRACTION
Cohort studies adjusting for multiple cardiovascular risk factors with data on CAD and malnutrition were included. Malnutrition was measured and defined by different nutritional evaluation tools. The hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were synthesized. Subgroup analyses were performed based on study design, assessment tools, ethnicity/race, follow-up, sample size, and types of CAD. Meta-regression was used to compare whether the effect sizes of the 2 subgroups were statistically significant.

DATA ANALYSIS
A total of 30 cohort studies were included, totaling 81 361 participants with CAD. Nutritional evaluation tools, including the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT), Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, Mini-Nutritional Assessment, and Prognostic Nutritional Index, were used. Malnutrition increased all-cause mortality (HR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.53, 1.93) and MACEs (HR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.35, 1.60) in patients with CAD. Subgroup analysis revealed the results were consistent across study design, ethnicity/race, follow-up, sample size, and types of CAD. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression revealed that malnutrition was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.91, 2.68) and MACEs (HR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.69, 3.08) in patients with stable CAD than those with other types of CAD. Meta-regression revealed that the GNRI (HR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.65, 2.93) was more effective than CONUT (HR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.78) in predicting all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSION
Malnutrition independently increased all-cause mortality by 72% and MACEs by 47% in patients with CAD, especially with stable CAD. The GNRI is a more effective nutritional evaluation tool than CONUT in predicting all-cause mortality.


This paper examines how processes around a statistical reporting tool in the Swedish public administration, the BESTA classification system, influences power relations between governmental employers, their employees and trade unions, as the different actors use this tool to influence decision making on pay. It shows that a group of organizational actors, HR staff, which is often seen as marginal to organizational decision making, actually does have a certain degree of invisible power.The analysis is mainly based on structuration theory (Giddens, 1984) which provides an explanation of the relationship between organisational structure, routines and human actions.  Lamont & Beljean & Clair's (2014) concept of cultural processes in organizations is also used, as it is a concept suited to analyzing routine organizational processes which unintentionally produce and reproduce inequality. The empirical data consists of interviews and a workshop with personnel administrators in different governmental agencies and interviews with trade union representatives.In BESTA, each governmental employment position is coded indicating the area of work and the qualification level. The classification system is materialized in the BESTA handbook. The employers supply the National Agency for Government Employers (below called the Agency) with the codings and salaries of all their employees, and, in return, can assess the statistics and get reports about national salary levels.This paper focuses on the process of coding new positions. BESTA is involved in several other organizational processes: Yearly salary negotiations which most often happen between employer and union representatives, salary revisions (for example the mandatory comparisons every three years between men's and women's salaries) and sometimes layoffs.According to structuration theory, organizations (and other social systems) are comprised of actions carried out by human actors who are mutually dependent on each other. Processes and routines are expressed through different rules and resources that enable and limit the practices. The dimensions signification, legitimation, and domination provide continuity to processes and routines over time and enable the interdependent relationships between the actors to be reproduced or transformed (Giddens, 1984).The different power relationships and actions taken by different actors in relation to the BESTA codes affect both the coding process and pay levels.    Cultural processes, as defined by Lamont & Beljean & Clair (2014) create inequality as a side effect of an organizational routine, involving both individual and interactional aspects. BESTA coding is normally done by an individual HR official, who may consult the manager of the new employee. Sometimes the decision is collective, in that HR staff consult each other or use written cheat sheets or implicit agreements. The code is negotiated with the trade union representatives, but in case of disagreement the employer's choice is valid.A categorization process is execution of power. Categorization is always a definition of that which is categorized, as no categorization system takes into account all aspects of what is categorized. The process of categorization privileges some aspects of a phenomenon and suppresses others. It lays a foundation for the subsequent evaluation of the different categories in relation to each other, for example in distribution of status or material benefits (Jones, 2009).The mandate of the HR staff to categorize is an example of a resource that enables domination (Giddens, 1984).Even if negotiations with union representatives can alter the coding decisions, the code decided by the HR representative, with its possible biases, is the starting point of the discussion.  And when negotiations end in disagreement the power clearly belongs to the HR staff. The resulting code is then a tool in salary negotiations.The HR staff, however, do not experience this power. They describe BESTA as a purely statistical tool and the coding as a minor and unimportant part of their job. Much of the BESTA coding happens by habit, which is a characteristic of cultural processes (Lamont & Beljean & Clair, 2014).However, while asserting that BESTA codes are only a statistical tool, when discussing the codes, the HR staff recurrently tell about relationships between code and salary in organizational practices: First and foremost, even if there are no formal obstacles to salary overlaps between different qualification levels of a code, and they to some degree do occur, the norm in salary negotiations is to keep into the salary range for the code. Secondly, as local salary comparisons and revisions normally take the codes as their starting point, faulty codings (e.g. a position on a lower qualification level than would be appropriate) can conceal undue salary differences.  Thirdly, sometimes the salary, rather than work tasks, decides the code, and the relationship between the code and the salary becomes circular. The underlying rules for coding and pay setting are thus mixed and sometimes even conflicting (Giddens, 1984).The official status of BESTA as a reporting tool is also used as an explanation for why employees are not informed about the existence of the code system or their own codes. The idea of having a number of employees arguing about their codes is very unattractive for HR officials who see the coding as a minor task. This furtiveness about the codes could be interpreted as a strategy from the HR staff to keep an employer power base unknown to employees. However, the interviews indicate that it can also simply be interpreted as a wish to not be questioned, because the coding process is insecure. In addition, justified complaints would mean extra work and introducing undesirable instability in the system.Thus, the material object, the BESTA classification manual, becomes a tool in cultural processes, which contribute to unequal power relationships between employers (and within employer organizations between HR personnel and managers), unions and employees, and which have a potential to result in unequal salary outcomes– in spite of the original ambition of BESTA to be a tool by which such inequalities could be detected and corrected.References:Jones, Reece (2009) Categories, borders and boundaries. Progress in Human Geography 33 (2) 174-189.Giddens, A. (1984) The Constitution of Society. Outline of the Theory of Structuration, Cambridge: Polity Press.Lamont, Michele & Beljean, Stefan & Clair, Matthew (2014) What is missing? Cultural processes and causal pathways to inequality. Socio-Economic Review, 12: 573-608.


Results are presented from the first underground data run of ZEPLIN-II, a 31 kg two phase xenon detector developed to observe nuclear recoils from hypothetical weakly interacting massive dark matter particles. Discrimination between nuclear recoils and background electron recoils is afforded by recording both the scintillation and ionisation signals generated within the liquid xenon, with the ratio of these signals being different for the two classes of event. This ratio is calibrated for different incident species using an AmBe neutron source and 60 Co γ -ray sources. From our first 31 live days of running ZEPLIN-II, the total exposure following the application of fiducial and stability cuts was 225 kg × days. A background population of radon progeny events was observed in this run, arising from radon emission in the gas purification getters, due to radon daughter ion decays on the surfaces of the walls of the chamber. An acceptance window, defined by the neutron calibration data, of 50% nuclear recoil acceptance between 5 keV ee and 20 keV ee , had an observed count of 29 events, with a summed expectation of 28.6 ± 4.3 γ -ray and radon progeny induced background events. These figures provide a 90% c.l. upper limit to the number of nuclear recoils of 10.4 events in this acceptance window, which converts to a WIMP-nucleon spin-independent cross-section with a minimum of 6 . 6 × 10 − 7 pb following the inclusion of an energy dependent, calibrated, efficiency. A second run is currently underway in which the radon progeny will be eliminated, thereby removing the background population, with a projected sensitivity of 2 × 10 − 7 pb for similar exposures as the first run.


The power consumed by the Rushton and 60° pitch-blade impellers with Newtonian fluids and CMC shear thinning solutions have been obtained as a function of impeller rotational speed. The Power number with the Rushton impeller increased gradually with Reynolds number while it remained almost the same with the 60° pitched blade impeller with a sudden drop in power at a point where the discharge flow change from a radial flow to an axial one. A good correlation between the power numbers of the Newtonian fluid and CMC solutions in turbulent flow have been obtained with both impellers, in particular with the Rushton impeller, when a shearing constant of 54 was used. With the 60° pitch-blade impeller, the CMC solution had the effect of delaying the flow transition to a higher Reynolds number with higher concentration causing more of a delay.


In this work, we report on an unconventional experimental procedure useful for thermometric measurements on the basis of high-resolution vibrational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) generated using conventional lasers. The high spectral dispersion of 0.02 cm(-1)/pixel is achieved by means of some specific spectral arrangements (single-mode pump laser and diffraction grating providing spectra at the sixth order) and is further strengthened by the use of a relay lens system mounted before the charge-coupled device camera. Surprisingly, at the high spectral dispersion of our measurements, a significant and persistent thermometric inaccuracy is observed. The effect arises from an inevitable spectral modulation of defined frequency hidden in the main CARS signal of the gas under study, and to secure a good thermometric evaluation, we describe a Fourier approach that is experimentally demonstrated for the typical nitrogen CARS spectrum measured at room temperature. Copyright (C) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Less)


The rise in the network society might lead to a decline in face-to-face contact as people substitute it with more mediated forms, or an increase in both face-to-face and mediated contact as complements, with unknown consequences for social support. This article examines trends in social contact, mediated contact (phone, online, etc.), and social support in 2002, 2006 and 2010, using aggregated ABS General Social Survey data. Results show an aggregate decline in face-to-face contact and rise in mediated contact in Australia between 2002 and 2010, but no aggregate decline in perceived social support, and a strong positive individual-level association between both forms of contact and social support. There are, however, signs of an emerging class-based digital divide, with low-income older men and less educated respondents reporting lower levels of mediated contact and social support by 2010.


Populations of marine species wax and wane over time and space, reflecting environmental forcing, biological dynamics, and in some cases human perturbations, such as fishing, habitat destruction, and climate change (1). The growing availability of multidecadal observational records opens new windows on how ocean ecosystems function, but the analysis and interpretation of such long time-series also requires new mathematical tools and conceptual models (2). Population time-series often show strong variations at decadal time-scales, and a central question is whether this arises from nonlinear biological processes or simply tracking of external physical variability (3). Borrowing from climate research, Di Lorenzo and Ohman (4) develop a new approach for deciphering links between physical forcing and biological response, using as a test case time-series of marine zooplankton abundances off the coast of California.


Abstract This article documents the reconstructed domestic masculinity of a retired Chinese man during the COVID‐19 quarantine period in China. It is based on participant observation of the man and his family as a case study. It demonstrates how the man turns kitchen work into a "masculine" job, and uses it as a contested terrain for constructing hegemonic masculinity by adopting scientific discourse explicitly and traditional patriarchal discourse implicitly. It also highlights women's conscious and deliberate interactions with the man in contributing to the making of hegemonic masculinity for the sake of their own values of happiness. The author seeks an understanding of the intersection of aging, patriarchal norms, and women's agency through the case of the co‐production of a retired man's hegemonic masculinity in the context of the COVID‐19 quarantine.


Abstract Traumatic or amputation neuromas are neoformations developing after damage to a peripheral nerve. They are not proper tumors but rather a reactive process or a frustrated attempt of nerve regeneration. Traumatic neuromas are potentially found in every sensory peripheral nerve and often at the site of past surgical intervention, including orbital surgery. A 29-year-old Northern African migrant presented progressive exophthalmos and progressive loss of acuity in left eye, which had started about 6 months before after a cranio-facial trauma caused by a violent assault. MRI of the orbits showed a massive intra-orbital, intra-conical lesion, clearly compressing and dislocating the optic nerve and extending posteriorly to the orbital apex. Surgery was performed through lateral approach of Kroenlein and led to complete excision of the lesion. Histology revealed fibrotic, adipose and striated muscle tissues, a disordered, non-neoplastic overgrowth of small and large fascicles of nerves, inflammatory infiltrates, and fibrosis with sparse calcifications were diffusely observed in a background of fat, scar and striated muscle tissued. Patient was discharged on the fifth day in good health condition, without deficit of eye motion but without recovery of visual acuity. In conclusion, this case demonstrates that traumatic neuromas may arise in the orbit in patients with minor direct trauma to nerves and without previous surgical treatment.


BACKGROUND: COPD increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. Dyspnea on exertion can be associated with COPD or heart failure or both. N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is a marker of cardiac dysfunction, and exercise testing can identify subtle heart abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cardiac dysfunction adds to the mechanism of dyspnea caused primarily by impaired lung function in patients with mild to moderate COPD. METHODS: With 19 COPD patients and 10 healthy control subjects we measured physiologic variables and collected venous blood samples before and during incremental and constant-work-rate exercise, and measured NT-pro-BNP. RESULTS: Peak oxygen uptake and constant-work exercise time were significantly lower in the COPD group than in the control group (16 ± 4 mL/min/kg vs 19 ± 6 mL/min/kg, P = .04, and 7.8 ± 6.5 min vs 14.8 ± 7.3 min, P = .02). Between the groups there were no significant differences in anaerobic threshold, oxygen pulse (oxygen uptake divided by heart rate), or heart-rate reserve (difference between predicted and measured maximum heart rate). Both at rest and during constant-work exercise, NT-pro-BNP was not significantly higher in the COPD group than in the control group. In the COPD patients there was no significant correlation between constant-work exercise time and NT-pro-BNP at rest or during exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Heart failure did not contribute to exercise intolerance in patients with mild to moderate COPD.


SURVIVAL ANALYSIS WITH INTERNAL CATEGORICAL TIME-VARYING COVARIATES Charles D.G. Keown-Stoneman Advisors: University of Guelph, 2017 Dr. J. Horrocks Dr. G.A. Darlington In the study of time-to-event data, an important feature is the ability to include time-varying covariates. Concerns have been raised over the use of Cox models in the presence of internal time-varying covariates. Multi-state models have been proposed as an acceptable alternative approach for internal time-varying covariates. A motivating example throughout this thesis is the development of bipolar disorder. It has been proposed that bipolar disorder progresses in a predictable sequence of clinical stages. In Chapter 2 the objective is to compare Cox models and non-parametric multi-state models in the presence of other psychiatric diagnoses. These diagnoses are coded as binary time-varying covariates in a Cox model or as states in a non-parametric multi-state model. A common assumption in Cox models with time-varying covariates is that the effect of a covariate on the event of interest is constant and permanent after it has changed. Chapter 3 presents a modification to the usual Cox model for binary time-varying covariates that allows the influence of a covariate to exponentially decay over time. Methods for generating data using the inverse cumulative density function for the proposed model are developed. Likelihood ratio tests and AIC are investigated as methods for comparing the proposed model with the commonly used permanent exposure model. A simulation study is performed and three different example data analyses are presented. One advantage to parametric multi-state models is the inclusion of misclassification. Until now, this approach has largely been confined to exponential waiting times within each state. In Chapter 4 we introduce Bayesian parametric multi-state models with unknown misclassification of states and Weibull distributed waiting times between states. Weibull waiting times allow transitions between states to depend on the time spent in the current state, a feature lacking in exponential waiting times. To fit the proposed Bayesian model, a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) MetropolisHastings algorithm is employed. The motivating example on the progression of bipolar disorder is presented along with simulation results. From the example analysis, there is evidence that assuming Weibull waiting times is an improvement over assuming exponential waiting times in the study of bipolar disorder.


The solubility, electrical conductivity, and other properties of polyaniline (PANI) are highly dependent on its oxidation state. In this work, polyaniline (PANI1) prepared by peroxodisulphate induced polymerization of aniline in acidic aqueous medium in presence of benzenediazonium chloride salt was found to exist in lower oxidation state than emeraldine form of PANI and was highly soluble in common organic solvents. This polymer was subjected to positron annihilation spectroscopic study to investigate the correlation between the oxidation state of the polymer and defect sites generated by different degrees of protonation that in turn affect its electrical conductivity. The positron annihilation lifetime data were resolved to yield a three-component fit for PANI1 subjected to different levels of protonation. The variation of positron annihilation parameters (τ1,I2) and Doppler broadening parameters (R, S) as a function of protonation level of the polymer indicate the dopant sites increase initially on protonation and reach a saturation value after a certain level of acidification. The lower value of electrical conductivity and the intensity of intermediate lifetime component (I2) for PANI1 compared to PANI in emeraldine oxidation state indicate the presence of lesser number of quinoid–imine moieties that could undergo protonation and thus yield highly enriched trapping centers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011


the cartilages, followitng on several attacks of inflammation, apparently of the synovial membrane, extending over a space of about twelve months, and caused by an accident received at that time. He recovered partially under a course of mercury and counter-irritation to the joint, and was discharged with the knee put up in a starch bandage. The increase of pain and swelling, however, soon compelled him to take off the bandage, and he re-applied at the above date-the same symptoms, viz., starting of tlhe limb, and great pain at night, with fluid effusion into the syniovial membranie, having recurred. He was again treate(d on the same plan; but as it was not thought desirable to give him calomel again, the bichloride of mercury was adminiistered, and issues put in on either side of the joint. He experienced some relief at first; but after a two month's trial of this treatment it became evident that suppuration had been established, and that it was necessary to sacrifice the joint. It was therefore determined to excise the knee. This was done on July 9tlh by the H-shaped incision, the patella being turned up in the upper flap. Two large cavities were found filled with pus in connexion with the joint. The synovial membrane was much thickened, and the cartilages (quite removed from the ends of the bones, which were themselves slightly carious. The caries, however, penetrated no great distance. The ends of the tibia and femur were removed, but the patella was left behind, its deep surface having been gouged wlhere it was eroded. 'The limb was then put in a splint swung from the cradle. T'Ihere was a little tendency to hnmorrhage during the next few days, and considerable pain in the wound, so that opiates were necessary every night. The incisions soon began to unite, so that it was necessary to break them down in order to liberate confined matter. When the parts had become a little consolidated, a good deal of comfort was experienced from removing the splint and placing the limb in a "junk-pillow." On August 27th, the swelling having much dinminished, and the parts being considerably consolidated, it was thought safe to allow hiim to lie outside the bed with a bandage over his knee. This, however, soon brought on some pain and inflammation about the woound, so that he bad to keep his bed ten days longer. He w,as finally released from confinement to bed on September 6th, by which time the wound had contracted to a sinus on eacli sicle of the patella. On the 18th of September the consolidation hadl so far advanced that he was able to raise his leg. Finally he was discharged on Nov. Ilthl, being then able to walk wvell wvith tlhe assistance of a stick, and with so little shorteniing of the limb, that a high heeled boot sufficed to afford him firma standin,g. IIEMARKS. This case is offered as an example of one in which all the circumnstances met which are held to indicate excision of the knee-joint, and in which all the success was attained of wlliell that operation is capable. The indications were these:-1. Tlhat the patient's health was sufficiently good to stand the drain upon his system, and to promise good repair and sound anchylosis. 2. That the disease had commenced in the soft parts, and that there was no constitutional taint which maiglit render tlhe local measure nugatory. 3. That the disease in the bones was so limited as to render it certain that it could be completely removed by excision. The justice of the selection was proved by the event of the patient's recovery in a moderate time (little more than would have been required af'ter amputation), and with a perfectly useful limb. As this operation is now undergoing a pretty warm discussioIn, such instances as these may be useful. The case may also serve to show that the surgeons of this Hospital are not opposed on principle to the operation, and that the severe remarks made upon them, on that supposition, by Mr. Butcher, in a recent paper, were perhaps somewhat hasty.


The flower buds of Magnolia biondii, M. denudata, and M. sprengeri are the materials of Xinyi, a traditional Chinese medicine. The harvest of flower buds and habitat fragmentation caused by human disturbance heavily threatens the natural regeneration and survival of these three Magnolia species. With the aim to support the conservation and improve the effectiveness of conservation, we performed an assessment on habitat suitability, influences of environmental variables on habitat suitability, and the conservation gap of these three Magnolia species, based on the Maxent modeling method. The results indicated that: (1) altitude, annual mean temperature, extreme temperature, temperature fluctuation, annual precipitation, and extreme precipitation are the most influential environmental variables for the distribution of M. sprengeri, M. biondii, and M. denudata; (2) obvious habitat differentiations were observed among M. biondii, M. denudata, and M. sprengeri. M. sprengeri tends to be located in further northern areas with higher altitudes, lower temperatures, and lower precipitation compared to M. biondii and M. denudata; and (3) a large proportion of suitable habitats have been left without protection. Woodland and forest shared the largest area out of the suitable habitats. However, grassland, agricultural land, residential land, and mining and industry areas also occupied large areas of suitable habitats.


Various methods of measuring the dielectric integrity of gate oxide to qualify wafer fabrication foundries have developed over time. Test durations range from seconds to hours depending on the conditions used and applied. There is a view that the longer the test duration the more accurate the reliability prediction. The cost and delays associated with the lengthy package level TDDB (time dependent dielectric breakdown) test have resulted in it being applied less often and being replaced by wafer level tests. This paper evaluates two methods of wafer level tests, namely: ramped Q/sub BD/ testing applying a fixed initial current (as generally used in the production environment); ramped Q/sub BD/ testing applying a fixed initial current density (more commonly reported in the literature). The above tests are compared to the package level constant voltage TDDB test. This paper provides a thorough investigation into the oxide area dependency for both Q/sub BD/ and TDDB tests. This paper also investigates the potential correlation between both the Q/sub BD/ and TDDB tests. Finally, these correlations are used to implement on-line control equations that can be utilised by manufacturing to quickly compare their Q/sub BD/ results to required product lifetimes.


Background Since 2012 England has seen year-on-year reductions in people accessing specialist community alcohol treatment, and year-on-year increases in alcohol-related hospital admissions. Aims We examined perceived barriers to accessing specialist treatment, and perceived reasons behind hospital admission increases. Method We conducted focus groups (n = 4) with service users and semi-structured interviews (n = 16) with service providers and service commissioners at four specialist community alcohol services in England, which experience either high or low rates of alcohol dependence prevalence and treatment access. Themes and subthemes were generated deductively drawing upon Rhodes' risk environment thesis. Data were organised using the framework approach. Results Data reveal a treatment sector profoundly affected at all levels by changes implemented in the Health and Social Care Act (HSCA) 2012. Substantial barriers to access exist, even in services with high access rates. Concerns regarding funding cuts and recommissioning processes are at the forefront of providers' and commissioners' minds. The lack of cohesion between community and hospital alcohol services, where hospital services exist, has potentially created an environment enabling the reduced numbers of people accessing specialist treatment. Conclusions Our study reveals a treatment sector struggling with a multitude of problems; these pervade despite enaction of the HSCA, and are present at the national, service provider and individual service level. Although we acknowledge the problems are varied and multifaceted, their existence is echoed by the united voices of service users, service providers and service commissioners.


One of the primary activities involved in oil & gas recovery is the drilling operation that allows access to the reservoir rock. Cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co) is used to protect downhole components and is subject to both abrasive wear and corrosive degradation, called a tribocorrosion system. The combined result of these degradation mechanisms produces high and sometimes unpredictable wear rates that lead to challenges in the prediction of component service life. The objective of this study is to lay the foundations for a new way of understanding of WC-Co when exposed to tribocorrosion through use of numerical modelling and experimental techniques.A new numerical modelling technique, the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), is proposed as a suitable method for the study of WC-Co. FDEM software Y-Geo, originally used for geomechanical applications, is used to simulate fracture explicitly in a WC-Co microstructure. For the first time a model was able to capture the discrete steps of fracture behaviour described from experimental observations. Furthermore, the simulated final fracture path matched closely with that obtained experimentally.Through the process of creating a fracture model a number of knowledge gaps were highlighted in the current literature. In order to move towards a greater collaboration between the modelling and experimental sides of the field a new experimental focus on the degradation of microstructure and material properties at the mesoscale is proposed. Established mechanical and electrochemical techniques are coupled in new ways in order to bring a greater understanding to the degradation of WC-Co when exposed to corrosive environments. Potentiodynamic polarisation tests in acidic solutions (sulphuric acid) indicate 'pseudo passive' behaviour, whereas alkaline solutions (sodium hydroxide) show no signs of passivation although is more prone to pitting. Nanoindentation and Palmqvist tests (used for measuring fracture toughness) are performed on the corroded surfaces and compared against uncorroded samples. There is a clear decline in the fracture properties with acidic conditions having the largest impact.This project looks to set a new course for the study of tribocorrosion by explicitly modelling tribocorrosion through understanding the effect of corrosion on both microstructure and intrinsic material properties.


Background: Severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) is a significant health concern and a major social and financial burden for society. It is a leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries. Outcome prediction following severe traumatic brain injury is of great clinical and economic importance especially in developing countries, where health resources are limited. This study aimed at predicting outcome among patients with severe traumatic brain injury using selected admission.

Patients and Method: Following institutional ethic committee approval, forty consecutive patients admitted into ICU were enrolled in the study, after consent was obtained from patient relations. Patients who were apneic, did not have CT-scan, had penetrating head trauma or severe extra cranial injury were excluded from the study. Demographic variables were age, gender, cause of injury. Intensive Care admission variables recorded were post resuscitation GCS, admission haemoglobin concentration, blood sugar level, systolic blood pressure, CT scan profile and type of brain injury. All Patients were initially mechanically ventilated using IPPV for 48 hours, thereafter patients were placed on weaning mode of either SIMV or BiPAP. Sedation was reduced for spontaneous breath trial Patient outcome was categorized into two groups: favourable outcome for those with good recovery and moderate disability and unfavourable outcome for those who died, were severely disabled and those in persistent vegetative state, using the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 14 days and 3 months follow up. The data obtained was analyzed electronically using SPSS version 20 and presented using relevant tables and figures. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to determine incidence of unfavourable outcome at 14 days and 3 months. Chi square test was used to determine the association between the selected variables and outcome. All selected variables were subjected to univariate regression to determine the predictors of outcome at 3 months, with confidence interval set at 95%. P<0.05.

Results: Fourty patients were enrolled in the study, 3 patients were not available for follow up and were removed from the study. The overall incidence of unfavourable outcome at 14 days was 100% while at 3 months post-injury it was 81.1%. Road traffic accident was the major cause of traumatic brain injury and there was a Male: Female ratio of 8:1. Hypotension (P=0.015), hyperglycemia (P=0.016), midline brain shift>5 mm (P=0.039), absent or compressed cistern (P= 0.007), heamoglobin concentration<10 g/dl (P=0.041), were significant predictors of unfavourable outcome at 3 months on univiriate regression analysis.

Conclusions: Our study revealed hypotension, hyperglycaemia, anaemia mid-line brain shift greater than 5 mm and absent or compressed cistern on brain CT-scan are statistically significant predictors of unfavourable outcome at univiriate analysis following severe traumatic brain injury at 3 months post trauma.


In 2000, LawrenceGostin published the first edition ofPublic Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint. With that book, which now has a third edition in progress, Gostin sought to 'explain why public health law is a coherent field, distinct from other intellectual activities at the intersection of health and law'.1 Gostin's book played a major role in triggering a 'renaissance' of public health law, which, although possessing deep historical roots, had largely been lost in the shadow of health care law in the second half of the 20th century.2 Since 2000, there has been a 'proliferation of public health law scholarship, with new law school courses, new casebooks, new treatises, and an ever-growing number of law review articles and symposia'.3 While world events such as the emergence of HIV/AIDS and the threat of bioterrorism attacks led to a renewed interest in public health issues, Gostin deserves much of the credit for crystallizing that interest into an emerging academic discipline. With his new book, Global Health Law, Gostin has once again assumed the task of outlining a new field.4 As the O'Neill Professor of Global Health Law at Georgetown Law and the director of Georgetown's O'Neill Institute for Global Health Law, Gostin has written extensively about global health law over the past decade.5 With this book, he seeks to organize the subject in a systematic way, while exploring in depth some key


Core body temperature measurement using an ingestible pill has been proven effective for field-based ambulatory applications. The ingestible pill overcomes many impracticalities related with traditional methods of assessing core body temperature, however, it suffers from two key issues: random gaps due to missing data and outliers due to electromagnetic intereference. In this paper, we propose a principled convex optimization based framework for preprocessing the raw core body temperature signal. The proposed framework assumes that the raw core body temperature signal consists of two components: a smooth low-frequency component and a transient component with sparse outliers. We derive a computationally efficient algorithm using the majorization-minimization procedure and show its performance on simulated data. Finally, we demonstrate utility of the proposed method for estimating the circadian rhythm of core body temperature in cognitively normal elderly.


This paper describes the adaptation of an open-source ecological momentary assessment smart-watch platform with three sets of micro-survey wellness-related questions focused on i) infectious disease (COVID-19) risk perception, ii) privacy and distraction in an office context, and iii) triggers of various movement-related behaviors in buildings. This platform was previously used to collect data for thermal comfort, and this work extends its use to other domains. Several research participants took part in a proof-of-concept experiment by wearing a smartwatch to collect their micro-survey question preferences and perception responses for two of the question sets. Participants were also asked to install an indoor localization app on their phone to detect where precisely in the building they completed the survey. The experiment identified occupant information such as the tendencies for the research participants to prefer privacy in certain spaces and the difference between infectious disease risk perception in naturally versus mechanically ventilated spaces.