Abstract
In 2008 the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Department of Education (TasED) entered into a high-level Partnership agreement. The Partnership in Teaching Excellence, funded by the Federal Smarter Schools National Partnerships – Improving Teacher Quality agreement, included higher education funded places for teachers wishing to complete a Master's degree, and at the other end of the profession, an innovative alternative teacher education pathway for final-year pre-service teachers (PSTs), run as a competitive scholarship program. The intent of the program was threefold, to assist PSTs in becoming quality reflective practitioners with the capacity to work in high needs schools, explore ways of improving mentor teachers and PSTs' reciprocal relationships, and increase the retention of teachers in TasED schools. Begun at a time of intense industrial action, the Partnership program appeared rather one-sided with little apparent benefit conferring to the University and was at all times highly contentious.

Using Kagan's six stages of collaboration as a framework, and drawing on interviews with the first cohort of scholarship PSTs, and a range of personal files documenting the beginnings of the Partnership, including minutes of meetings, PST results, and unpublished reviews commissioned by the TasED, this chapter explores the beginnings of the Partnership, as together those on the ground worked out what "Partnership" meant. It presents an evaluation of those initial successful first years, including the learning outcomes of the PSTs and discusses the lessons learned for establishing future university/school Partnership. The Partnership program continued to 2013, when Federal funding for the project was discontinued.


It is widely held that the content of perceptual experience is propositional in nature. However, in a well-known article, "Is Perception a Propositional Attitude?" (2009), Crane has argued against this thesis. He therein assumes that experience has intentional content and indirectly argues that experience has non-propositional content by showing that from what he considers to be the main reasons in favour of "the propositional-attitude thesis", it does not really follow that experience has propositional content. In this paper I shall discuss Crane's arguments against the propositional-attitude thesis and will try to show, in contrast, that they are unconvincing. My conclusion will be that, despite all that Crane claims, perceptual content could after all be propositional in nature.


Introduction: The present case series evaluates the efficacy of a hydroxyapatite graft material in the management of grade II furcation involvement in first molars. Material and methods: Eight patients presenting with a total of 9 grade II furcation defects in relation to the facial aspect of either maxillary or mandibular first molars were treated with a porous hydroxyapatite alloplast. The clinical outcomes were measured in terms of change in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level (vertical and horizontal) at 6 months post-operatively. Radiographs were used as supplements. Results: At 6 months, there was a mean pocket depth reduction of 3.12±1.25 mm, a mean vertical attachment gain of 2.75±1.17 mm, and a mean horizontal attachment gain of 3.25±1.28 mm. Radiographs showed bone fill at all treated sites. The outcomes were better in mandibular teeth compared to maxillary teeth. The use of hydroxyapatite graft is effective in reducing pocket depth and bringing out gain in attachment levels when used in grade II furcation defects. Key words:Grade II furcation, bone grafts, hydroxyapatite.


AIMS
Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) was recently shown to predict future cardiovascular (CV) events. Psoriasis both increases CV risk and impairs CEC. However, whether having poor CEC is associated with coronary plaque burden is currently unknown. We aimed to assess the cross-sectional relationship between coronary plaque burden assessed by quantitative coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with CEC in a well-phenotyped psoriasis cohort.

METHODS AND RESULTS
Total burden and non-calcified burden (NCB) plaque indices were assessed in 101 consecutive psoriasis patients using quantitative software. Cholesterol efflux capacity was quantified using a cell-based ex vivo assay measuring the ability of apoB-depleted plasma to mobilize cholesterol from lipid-loaded macrophages. Cholesterol efflux capacity was inversely correlated with NCB (unadjusted β-coefficient -0.33; P < 0.001), and this relationship persisted after adjustment for CV risk factors (β -0.24; P < 0.001), HDL-C levels (β -0.22; P < 0.001), and apoA1 levels (β -0.19; P < 0.001). Finally, we observed a significant gender interaction (P < 0.001) whereby women with low CEC had higher NCB compared to men with low CEC.

CONCLUSIONS
We show that CEC is inversely associated with prevalent coronary plaque burden measured by quantitative CCTA. Low CEC may therefore be an important biomarker for subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in psoriasis.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV
NCT01778569.


AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA

1458

Purpose: This study assessed the effectiveness of a recombinant peptide at rapidly and non-invasively determining glioma response to radiation therapy within the endothelium of treated tumors. Methods: Phage-displayed peptide libraries were subjected to biopanning in vivo on GL261 brain tumor xenografts that were treated with 40 mg/kg Sunitinib and 3 Gy of ionizing radiation (IR). After 4 rounds of biopanning in heterotopic tumors and 2 rounds of biopanning in orthotopic tumors, phage peptide recovered from the 6th selection was sequenced to determine identity of phage peptide bound to tumor endothelium specific for Sunitinib+IR. Sensitivity and specificity of peptide detection of tumor susceptibility to IR were studied with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and near infrared resonance (NIR) imaging. Biological effects of peptide binding in the tumor were assessed by tumor size measurement and histological examination of apoptosis. Results: Via sequencing analysis of phage recovered from the in vivo biopanning of the T7 library GIRLRG was isolated most frequently (43.75%) along with AARLY (37.5%) and HMWRDSQ (18.75%). NIR imaging was used to monitor the biodistribution of the GIRLRG free peptide in glioma-bearing mice treated with or without IR for 5 consecutive days. At the end of treatment, we found that IR elicited a 24% decrease in tumor volume over the untreated control (p 2.5 fold increase in radiance compared to the untreated controls (p<0.05). IHC staining of the gliomas showed that the GIRLRG peptide binds within treated tumor endothelium but not within untreated tumors. Conclusions: GIRLRG peptide binds specifically to the vascular endothelium of radiation-treated glioma. Conjugation of the peptide to near infrared imaging agents can be used to show that GIRLRG binds more specifically to IR treated glioma than to untreated glioma, such that delay in tumor growth due to IR treatment correlates to more intense peptide binding. Eventually this could lead to the peptide's conjugation to a nanoparticle-drug complex and result in radiation targeted drug delivery.


An all-digital on-chip delay measurement (OCDM) architecture with high delay measurement resolution and low supply voltage sensitivity for efficiently detection and diagnosis in the high performance system-on-chip (SoC) applications is presented. Based on the proposed differential delay line pair (DDLP) and an cascadestage delay line, the quantization resolution of the proposed OCDM not only has a high immunity to supply voltage variations without an extra self-biasing or calibration circuit, but also achieves to several picoseconds. Simulation results show that delay measurement resolution can be improved to 1.04 ps, and the average delay resolution variation is 11 fs with ±10% supply voltage variations. In addition, the proposed design can be implemented in all-digital design manner, making it very suitable for SoC applications as well as system-level integration.


This study aimed at the employment types of the hotel employee into regular workers and contingent workers, and examine the difference between the two on their job involvements and satisfaction. The results are summarized as follows: First, the job involvement of the regular workers is significantly higher than of contingent workers in terms of organized issue in work place. Second, the job satisfaction is compared with two group, regular workers have positive effects on the education and training opportunities than contingent workers. Third, organizational commitment have a good influence on contingent workers than contingent workers according to the job satisfaction. Therefore, the executives in hotel industry make better employment environment with long-range policy and appropriate compensation on their abilities without any distinction of the employment types in hotel industry.


This paper introduces a new control approach for the Multilevel Parallel Hybrid Active Power Filter (M-PHAPF) which can compensate harmonics and variable reactive power demand of loads by controlling the DC link voltage adaptively in medium voltage applications. By the means of this novel control method, M-PHAPF obtains a better and more efficient performance in the compensation of harmonics and reactive power compared to when using conventional control methods. The performance and stability of the proposed method are verified with a simulation model realized in PSCAD/EMTDC with different case studies. The simulation results demonstrate that harmonic compensation performance meets the requirements of the IEEE-519 standard.


In this work, we propose a novel method to improve texture based tumor segmentation by fusing cell density patterns that are generated from tumor growth modeling. To model tumor growth, we solve the reaction-diffusion equation by using Lattice-Boltzmann method (LBM). Computational tumor growth modeling obtains the cell density distribution that potentially indicates the predicted tissue locations in the brain over time. The density patterns is then considered as novel features along with other texture (such as fractal, and multifractal Brownian motion (mBm)), and intensity features in MRI for improved brain tumor segmentation. We evaluate the proposed method with about one hundred longitudinal MRI scans from five patients obtained from public BRATS 2015 data set, validated by the ground truth. The result shows significant improvement of complete tumor segmentation using ANOVA analysis for five patients in longitudinal MR images.


Aim. To present the formation stages and modern possibilities for cardiorehabilitation in conditions of Health-Resort "Ust-Kachka" with estimation of the efficiency of two regimes of physical rehabilitation in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and methods. Statistical accountability of specialized cardiological unit (SCU) of Health Resort Ust-Kachka was carried out; 28 men aged 38-58 (50,89 ± 5,97 years) were examined so as to assess physical component of cardiorehabilitation. Results. Since 1978 at specialized cardiological unit for aftercare of MI patients at Health Resort Ust-Kachka, rehabilitation was rendered to 24614 patients with MI, 757 with unstable stenocardia. For patients of group 1, a 24-day rehabilitation program included individually selected dosed physical exercises ( n = 14) controlled by medical staff. For group 2 ( n = 14), active physical training was not conducted by the reason of patients' refusal. Active physical rehabilitation permits to reach a significant reduction in the functional class of heart failure from 1,29 ± 0,61 to 0,71 ± 0,47 ( p = 0,013) as compared to an uncertain tendency of comparison group that was proved by the data of a 6-minute walking test, as well as to optimize the lipid spectrum parameters. Conclusions. Rehabilitation in conditions of SCU of Health Resort Ust-Kachka encloses physical, psychological, medicamentous aspects and measures for the secondary MI prevention. The obtained results of active physical rehabilitation efficiency are to be taken into consideration in the program of psychological rehabilitation, so to raise patients' loyalty and motivation for exercise therapy.


This research tried to criticize they followed T'oegye(退溪) and Yulgok(栗谷)'s mind theory, which previous research find out, by analyzing Lee-Ik(李瀷)'s mind theory. For these works I reconsidered structures of mind and also some issues of Four-Seven Debate(四端七情論) from it. First of all, he pointed out 'Jigak-Sim(知覺心)' and 'Euhlee-Sim(義理心)' were revealed based on dualistic structures of 'Hyulyook-Sim(血肉心)' and 'Sinmyung-Sim(神命心)'. Hyulyook-Sim directly participates on Jigak-Sim as heart which called HyungGi(形氣). And Sinmyung-Sim makes Euhlee-Sim with controling that Jigak-Sim. He brought up 'SimWhal theory(心活論)' according to these activities. Based on these SimWhal theory, I looked issues ITom Four-Seven Debate. In 'Li bal-Sol(理發說)', Sung(性) is only for GiJilJiSung(氣質之性) and Sim which surrounded sung is separated with Sinmyung-Sim and Hyulyook-Sim, also things manifested from it have only differences from HyungGi. This opinion became a ground of Seven-Four can not be separated from awaring HyungGi is conditions of existential of human. In the controversy of 'GongHeeNo(公喜怒)' does not think Hyulyook-Sim should be exist without controls of Sinmyung-Sim and also there were no wise discussion showed in the process of connection with Sinmyung-Sim. The discussions as above, we can see Sim theory of Lee Ik became totally different with T'oegye and Yulgok's one. Especially He got different results ITom understanding about duality of Hyulyook-Sim and Sinmyung-Sim effects on steady role of Jigak-Sim and Euhlee-sim's manifestation, for reinforcement of T'oegye's 'Hobal-Sol(互發說)'. In other words emphasis by characteristic of human innate, and also understands of Hyulyook-Sim is necessary for being human. And also became look positive daily emotions by letting Seven emotions(七情) is not really different with Four beginnings(四端). This shows at last desire became affirmative, then it makes us to discuss more closed with human, by bring into humans existential condition. I think this theory strongly effects to scholars think the way of Silhak(實學) after all.


We report an extremely rare case of primary ovarian Burkitt lymphoma. A 15‐year‐old girl was referred to our department because of persistent constipation and abdominal distension. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 10‐cm‐diameter solid tumor located on the right side of the uterus. Serum lactate dehydrogenase and carbohydrate antigen‐125 levels were elevated at 3250 IU/L and 235.7 U/mL, respectively. Initially, ovarian dysgerminoma was suspected, but poor performance and progressive disease were suggestive of malignant lymphoma. However, bone marrow aspiration and ascitic fluid cytology findings were not indicative of lymphoma. Laparotomy was performed to confirm pathology. On laparotomy, the right ovary was firm and enlarged, but the uterus and left ovary were normal. Diffuse thickness of retroperitoneal space was observed. Right salpingo‐oophorectomy was performed, and the tumor was diagnosed as Burkitt lymphoma. Although intensive chemotherapy was administered, the patient died 171 days after the initial operation.


Congenital Toxoplasma gondii infection may lead to abortion, stillbirth, neonatal death as well as severe congenital toxoplasmosis in the newborn infants. No doubt, early and proper diagnosis of infection pregnant women or her baby pave the way to effective treatment and minimize complications. In this study; the PCR and ELISA-IgM were used to diagnose active toxoplasmosis. The results revealed that PCR detected very recently infection (23/70 subjects) than ELISA-IgM (18/70 ones). However, the use of both ELISA-IgM and PCR together improved the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.


The pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase Cdelta1 (PH(PLCdelta)) binds Ins(1,4,5)P(3) and PtdIns(4,5)P(2) specifically, and can be used to detect changes in Ins(1,4,5)P(3) in single cells. A fusion construct of PH(PLCdelta) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP-PH(PLCdelta)) associates with the plasma membrane due to its association with PtdIns(4,5)P(2). However, PH(PLCdelta) has greater affinity for Ins(1,4,5)P(3) than PtdIns(4,5)P(2), and translocates to the cytosol as Ins(1,4,5)P(3) levels rise. Prolonged activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor 1alpha expressed in Chinese-hamster ovary cells or endogenous M(3) muscarinic receptors in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells gave an initial transient peak in translocation, followed by a sustained plateau phase. This closely followed changes in cell population Ins(1,4,5)P(3) mass, but not PtdIns(4,5)P(2) levels, which decreased monophasically, as determined by radioreceptor assay. Translocation thus provides a real-time method to follow increases in Ins(1,4,5)P(3). Graded changes in Ins(1,4,5)P(3) in Chinese-hamster ovary-lac-mGlu1alpha cells could be detected with increasing glutamate concentrations, and dual loading with fura 2 and EGFP-PH(PLCdelta) showed that changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration closely paralleled Ins(1,4,5)P(3) production. Moreover, Ins(1,4,5)P(3) accumulation and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization within single cells is graded in nature and dependent on both agonist concentration and receptor density.


The drawing textures of aluminum, copper, gold, silver, and Cu-7.3% Al bronze wires are approximated by major <111>+minor <100>, except silver wire, which can have the <100> texture at extremely high reductions. The <111> component in the drawing textures of aluminum, copper, gold, and silver transform to the <100> component after recrystallization. On the other hand, the <111> deformation texture of the Cu-7.3% Al bronze wire, which has very low stackingfault- energy, remains unchanged after recrystallization. The <100> + <111> recrystallization textures change to the <111> texture after abnormal grain growth. The Brass component {110}<112> in rolling textures of high stacking-fault-energy metals such as aluminum, copper, Cu- 16% Mn, and Cu-1% P changes to the Goss orientation {110}<001> after recrystallization. However, the Brass orientation in rolling textures of low stacking-fault-energy fcc metals such as brass and silver appears to change to an orientation approximated by the {236}<385> orientation after annealing. The texture changes are discussed based on the strain-energy-release-maximization model for medium to high stacking-fault-energy metals and on grain growth for low stacking-fault energy metals.


Conducting experiments in large-scale distributed systems is usually time-consuming and labor-intensive. Uncontrolled external load variation prevents to reproduce experiments and such systems are often not available to the purpose of research experiments, e.g. production or yet to deploy systems. Hence, many researchers in the area of distributed computing rely on simulation to perform their studies. However, the simulation of large-scale computing systems raises several scalability issues, in terms of speed and memory. Indeed, such systems now comprise millions of hosts interconnected through a complex network and run billions of processes. Most simulators thus trade accuracy for speed and rely on very simple and easy to implement models. However, the assumptions underlying these models are often questionable, especially when it comes to network modeling. In this paper, we show that, despite a widespread belief in the community, achieving high scalability does not necessarily require to resort to overly simple models and ignore important phenomena. We show that relying on a modular and hierarchical platform representation, while taking advantage of regularity when possible, allows us to model systems such as data and computing centers, peer-to-peer networks, grids, or clouds in a scalable way. This approach has been integrated into the open-source SimGrid simulation toolkit. We show that our solution allows us to model such systems much more accurately than other state-of-the-art simulators without trading for simulation speed. SimGrid is even sometimes orders of magnitude faster.


This paper introduces the system being developed at NASA Ames Research Center, intended for the Mars '09 Smart Lander, to robustly place sensors or tools against rocks in a single communications cycle. Science targets must be assessed prior to instrument placement in order to segment them from the background and determine where, if possible, to position the instrument. An initial result of this research effort is a novel Bayesian based method for segmenting rocks from the ground using 3D data.


A case is presented, of a patient in whom a foreign body (metallic pin) was imbedded in the body of the pancreas, by penetrating from the level of D3. The case underwent surgery with good results.


This paper is a critical literature review of the relationships between cultural beliefs, stereotypes and executive selection outcome. Culture refers to the values, beliefs and codes of practice that make a community. Organizational culture represent and constituent of the larger societal culture. Employees bring along with them elements of their environmental culture into the organization. The societal cultures influence the perceptions, beliefs and values of employees and find their way in the decision making process, including executive selection decisions. It is for this reason that studies of organizational culture must be done within the context of the larger society in which it operates. This paper identifies the study of the relationship between cultural beliefs, stereotypes and executive selection outcome as an existing gap in understanding social influences in executive selection outcome.


NF-κB transcription factors are regulators of a wide spectrum of genes involved in immune responses and inflammation as well as cellular proliferation and survival. Transcriptionally competent NF-κB dimers are retained in the cytoplasm of resting cells by binding to inhibitors of NF-κB (IκBs). Stimuli that activate NF-κB converge on the activation of the IκB kinase (IKK), resulting in phosphorylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation of IκB. This releases functional NF-κB dimers that rapidly move to the nucleus where they regulate transcription of NF-κB-dependent target genes. The study of signalling to NF-κB from T and B lymphocyte antigen receptors is a field of intense investigation, and much attention is focused on the complex of the molecular scaffolding proteins Carma1, Bcl10 and MALT1. Together, these are crucial for the organisation of a structure beneath the activated receptor, termed the immunological synapse. IKK is recruited to this structure and becomes activated, subsequently leading to activation of NF-κB. Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous intracellular messenger that is involved in the regulation of numerous aspects of cellular function, including transcription. NF-κB activity is known to be regulated by changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels, such as those created by antigen receptor activation, but the mechanisms are to a large extent undefined. Ca2+ signals in cells are transmitted predominantly by the ubiquitous Ca2+ sensor protein calmodulin (CaM). Signalling that increases the intracellular Ca2+ concentration leads to binding of Ca2+ to CaM, which changes its structure, thereby allowing it to interact with a new range of target proteins. The studies of NF-κB signalling in lymphocytes presented here reveal that CaM is involved, both directly and indirectly, in the regulation of NF-κB. CaM was found to interact directly and in a Ca2+-dependent manner with the NF-κB proteins RelA and c-Rel after their signal-induced release from IκB. The interaction of CaM with c-Rel, but not RelA, was found to be inhibitory for its nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity on Ca2+-regulated IL-2 and GM-CSF promoters; thus, CaM binding was found to differentially regulate c-Rel and RelA in lymphocytes. CaM was also shown to interact directly and in a Ca2+-dependent manner with Bcl10. The interaction was mapped to the Carma1-interacting CARD domain of Bcl10 and was found to have a negative effect on the ability of Bcl10 to bind to Carma1. Binding of CaM to Bcl10 also had a negative effect on activation of NF-κB after T cell receptor stimulation, since a point mutant of Bcl10 with reduced binding to CaM showed increased activation of an NF-κB reporter in Jurkat T cells, which was further enhanced by TCR-activating stimuli. In addition, CaM was found to positively regulate NF-κB activation indirectly through CaM-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Inhibitors of CaM and CaMKII were shown to inhibit IκBα degradation in lymphocytes induced by phorbol ester or T cell receptor stimulation. The actions of CaMKII were mapped to a point upstream of IKK activation and further studies revealed that CaMKII is recruited to the immunological synapse, where it inducibly interacts with and phosphorylates Bcl10 at multiple sites. Phosphorylation of Bcl10 by CaMKII was shown to be important for the ability of Bcl10 to activate NF-κB, since mutation of the phosphorylation sites of Bcl10 inhibited Bcl10-induced transcriptional activity of NF-κB, in part by preventing signalinduced ubiquitination and degradation of Bcl10.


Human studies suggest that maternal viral infection during pregnancy correlates with an increased frequency of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the offspring. This observation has been modeled in rodents subjected to maternal immune activation (MIA). The immune cell populations involved in induction of ASD-like behavior in the MIA model have not been identified. Using both genetic mutants and blocking antibodies, here we show that RORgt-expressing T lymphocytes (e.g. Th17 cells) and the effector cytokine interleukin-17a (IL-17a) in mice are required in mothers for MIA-induced behavioral abnormalities in the offspring. We also find that MIA induces an abnormal cortical phenotype, which is dependent on maternal IL-17a, in the fetal brain. Our data suggest that therapeutic targeting of Th17 cells in susceptible pregnant mothers may reduce the likelihood of bearing children with inflammation-induced ASD-like phenotypes.


The purpose of this paper is to study the determinants of aggregate fund flows to both equity and hybrid mutual funds. We test three hypotheses that help explaining the relationship between mutual fund flows and stock market returns, namely; the feedback-trader hypothesis, the price-pressure hypothesis and the information-response hypothesis. Our study relies on Swedish quarterly data on mutual fund flows over the period 1998 to 2013. The methodology is two-fold; through our structural models (AR(1)) we can say something regarding the relationship between mutual fund flows and financial macro variables. The analysis is further strengthened by utilizing a vector autoregressive model (VAR) to test for Granger causality in order to determine the order of events. Similar to both Warther (1995) and Jank (2012), we only find support for the information-response hypothesis. Additionally, we find new financial variables that have predictive power in determining mutual fund flows, namely; market fear (VIX), exchange rate, households' expectation regarding inflation as well as outflows from mutual bond funds. Our study contributes to the body of literature in two ways. First, it complements recent findings on determinants of mutual fund flows but we also add to the knowledge by included new macro financial variables describing the real economy. Secondly, the vast majority of previous studies have used US data, we add to that a deeper understanding of determinants of mutual fund flows in smaller economies by using Swedish data.


SIR,-In your leading article on this subject (26 April, p. 157) the statement is made that "with few exceptions the nature of the lesion can be establislhed only if it is reseoted and submitted to pathological examination." We have found that aspiration biopsy under television fluoroscopic control' has markedly increased the number of such lesions whose nature can be establi-sAed without resection. Out of a total of 334 patients examined a definitive diagnosis was made in 70%. The lesion was malignant in 83% of cases and non-malignant in 29%. By integrating this technique with the usual investigations (sputum cytology, bronchoscopy with biopsy and/or bronchial washings, and mediastinoscopy) we have been able to obtain a definitive diagnosis without thoracotomy in over 90%,b of all carcinomas which have passed through our unit in the past few years. Specific diagnoses have also been obtained in some cases of tuberculosis, fungal infections, and sarcoidosis by the use of aspiration biopsy. The only significant complication of this technique is pneumothorax, which has occurred in approximately 25 % of patients, half of whom have required temporary intubation.-I am, etc.,


New Zealand hospitals are facing medical workforce shortages and an ageing population with increasing multimorbidity. To be sustainable in the future, the future medical workforce will need expertise in dealing with the complexity of people living with multiple physical and mental health issues. This will require a greater focus on generalism within the speciality colleges, and generalist doctors within the hospital settings, as well as their traditional home of community settings. Doctors' career choices will need to be matched to changing community need. The Transalpine Health Services generalist, specialist and sub-specialist workforce model developed by the West Coast and Canterbury health systems points the way to future sustainable provision of a quality patient hospital experience as close to home as possible, for people who live in provincial New Zealand, through a regional network approach. System-wide changes are suggested to support a more balanced future medical workforce. These include greater valuing of careers in generalism, aligning of incentives to promote medical careers based in generalism, developing regional networks that cross existing District Health Board boundaries to provide patient care, and application of system outcome metrics that measure quality of care and patient outcomes in an integrated health system.


This article considers the perspective of the key social actors (students, teachers and university management) regarding distance education development in Russia. In the modern information and digital age, distance education – based on the possibility of disseminating knowledge through modern computer technologies – is being actively introduced into the Russian higher education system. The pace of implementation is increasing in Russia, yet its assessment as a new form of learning and teaching is ambiguous. There are clear advantages to this form when compared with traditional face-to-face classroom instruction including: the accessibility of education to a wide audience; the possibility to earn a degree irrespective of place of residence; variability of learning time selection; relatively low tuition fees. At the same time, however, many believe that the quality of education received by distance students is lower than that received via face-to-face teaching, due to both the lack of student' readiness and the difficulties related to pedagogical process organization and management. This study considers whether distance higher education will continue to develop in Russia. The answer to this question depends to a large extent on the perspective of the key social actors. The study analyses their attitudes to distance education and make the following conclusions: 1) University management generally accept this form because of its economic advantage and attitudes of the higher education authorities. Students also vote in favour, because it allows them to earn a degree without giving up work, family and home-related commitments. The most negative assessment is given by teachers who conduct classes at a distance and can compare distance learning outcomes with those in the traditional face-to-face classroom instruction.
Keywords: distance education, quality of education, social actors, students, teachers, university management


OBJECTIVE
To analyze CYP21A2 gene mutation in two families with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) and to explore the correlation between genotype and clinical phenotype.

METHODS
Two patients with 21-OHD and their families were investigated. CYP21A2 gene mutation was analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing.

RESULTS
The probands from family 1 and 2 have been respectively diagnosed with simple virilizing and non-classical 21-OHD. Both showed increased baseline serum 17hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), but had no evidence of salt loss. Computer tomography revealed bilateral adrenal hyperplasia in both patients. After 1 year treatment, both had conceived successfully. DNA sequencing revealed that the proband of family 1 had compound heterozygous mutations for IVS2 13 A>G and Ile172Asn. Her father was heterozygous for Ile172Asn, whilst her mother and brother were heterozygous for IVS213A/C>G. In family 2, the proband was heterozygous for Arg341Trp and Gln318X. Her father, sister and nephew were heterozygous for Arg341Trp, whilst her mother was heterozygous for Gln318X. her brother and niece were non-affected. Carriers of single heterozygous mutations in both families had no clinical sign.

CONCLUSION
In both families, the disease has been caused by compound heterozygous mutations, for which there has been a good genotype-phenotype agreement. Screening of CYP21A2 gene can facilitate both diagnosis and genetic counseling.


The internal alpha dose assessment (ICRP 65, 1994) depends on the value of the equilibrium factor F. This parameter is generally not measured and a mean conventional value ranging between 0.4 and 0.6 is assumed, possibly leading to a significant bias in the dose assessments. In this paper, a method for the measurement of F is reported, based on the total aerosol sampling on filters and immediate gross beta counting of 214Pb and 214Bi activities. Measurements are interpreted according to a Raabe-Wrenn and Jacobi simplified room model, leading to an estimate of the individual airborne activities of short-lived radon daughters, the removal parameter and the equilibrium factor. The method was laboratory tested and validated and it is being qualified by field surveys in different indoor environmental conditions.


Abstract In C4 species, β-carbonic anhydrase (CA), localized to the cytosol of the mesophyll cells, accelerates the interconversion of CO2 to HCO3–, the substrate used by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) in the first step of C4 photosynthesis. Here we describe the identification and characterization of low CO2-responsive mutant 1 (lcr1) isolated from an N-nitroso-N-methylurea- (NMU) treated Setaria viridis mutant population. Forward genetic investigation revealed that the mutated gene Sevir.5G247800 of lcr1 possessed a single nucleotide transition from cytosine to thymine in a β-CA gene causing an amino acid change from leucine to phenylalanine. This resulted in severe reduction in growth and photosynthesis in the mutant. Both the CO2 compensation point and carbon isotope discrimination values of the mutant were significantly increased. Growth of the mutants was stunted when grown under ambient pCO2 but recovered at elevated pCO2. Further bioinformatics analyses revealed that the mutation has led to functional changes in one of the conserved residues of the protein, situated near the catalytic site. CA transcript accumulation in the mutant was 80% lower, CA protein accumulation 30% lower, and CA activity ~98% lower compared with the wild type. Changes in the abundance of other primary C4 pathway enzymes were observed; accumulation of PEPC protein was significantly increased and accumulation of malate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme decreased. The reduction of CA protein activity and abundance in lcr1 restricts the supply of bicarbonate to PEPC, limiting C4 photosynthesis and growth. This study establishes Sevir.5G247800 as the major CA allele in Setaria for C4 photosynthesis and provides important insights into the function of CA in C4 photosynthesis that would be required to generate a rice plant with a functional C4 biochemical pathway.


Bloch and Wannier functions of the Kohn type for a quite general one-dimensional Hamiltonian with inversion symmetry are studied. Important clarifications on null minigaps and the symmetry of those functions are given, with emphasis on the Kronig–Penney model. The lack of a general selection rule on the miniband index for optical transitions between edge states in semiconductor superlattices is discussed. A direct method for the calculation of Wannier–Kohn functions is presented.


The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients suffering from head and neck cancer at the beginning of the specific treatment, through the use of biochemical parameters. Body weight (w, kg) and height (h, m) were determined, and the BMI calculated in 20 adults, who attended TRU, Angel Roffo Institute of Oncology. Blood samples were collected from fasting patients. Specific serum protein fractions of potential usefulness in nutrition studies: transthyretin (TTR), transferrin (Transf), C3 (C3c) and C4 complement (C4c); and acute phase serum fractions: ceruloplasmin (Cp), haptoglobin (Hapto) and protein C reactive (PCR) were measured by single radial immunodiffusion technique on agar gel layers (Biocientı́fica S.A., Argentina and Binding Site, UK). Clinical aspects were evaluated by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA that determines electrical properties of the body resistance (R) and capacitance (Xc)); and basal metabolism (BM). We calculated the phase angle (arc tangent of the ratio Xc to R in degrees) that measures lean body mass. Biochemical parameters (mg/dl), and BMI (kg/m) expressed as means and SD, were compared with reference values (VR).


Inspired by high-entropy alloys, we study the design of steels that are based on high configurational entropy for stabilizing a single-phase solid solution matrix. The focus is placed on the system Fe–Mn–Al–Si–C but we also present trends in the alloy system Fe–Mn–Al–C. Unlike in conventional high-entropy alloys, where five or more equiatomically proportioned components are used, we exploit the flat configurational entropy plateau in transition metal mixtures, stabilizing solid solutions also for lean, non–equiatomic compositions. This renders the high-entropy alloying concept, where none of the elements prevails, into a class of Fe-based materials which we refer to as high-entropy steels. A point that has received little attention in high-entropy alloys is the use of interstitial elements. Here, we address the role of C in face-centered cubic solid solution phases. High-entropy steels reveal excellent mechanical properties, namely, very high ductility and toughness; excellent high rate and low-temperature ductility; high strength of up to 1GPa; up to 17% reduced mass density; and very high strain hardening. The microstructure stability can be tuned by adjusting the stacking fault energy. This enables to exploit deformation effects such as the TRIP, TWIP, or precipitation determined mechanisms.


In this paper, author uses set theory to construct a logic model of abstract figure from binary relation. Based on the uniform quantified structure, author gives two logic system for graph traversal and graph coloring respectively, moreover shows a new method of cutting graph. Around this model, there are six algorithms in this paper including exact graph traversal, Algebra calculation of natural number, graph partition and graph coloring.


Scarcity of irrigation water supplies is leading to the need to consider deficit irrigation that is the intentional under-irrigation of crops resulting in evapotranspiration and yield reduction. We present analytical tools that can be used to assist irrigators and water managers in assessing the water balance and economic consequences of deficit irrigation alternatives. We combine a water balance model of an irrigated field with crop production functions and nonlinear optimization to identify optimal cropping choices and annual irrigation water allotments to crops. The methodology has been developed for planning for deficit irrigation management for conditions ranging from one field for a single year to allocation programs that focus on farms with multiple fields and multiannual water supply constraints. Example applications are presented to illustrate the methodology for typical conditions in the Central Great Plains of the United States.


Background Hypermutated colorectal cancer (CRC) reportedly accounts for 15%–17% of all cases of CRC. However, the proportion and number of patients with hypermutated CRC cannot be unappreciated. Additionally, therapy options for these patients differ from those for CRC patients, with a greater potential benefit from immunotherapy. Materials and methods We sequenced the tumor mucosa of CRC patients with >24 months of follow-up data at our center and identified mutation profiles of hypermutated CRC as a training data set (Zhejiang University [ZJU]); we then collected patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) as a validation data set. Recurrently mutated genes were combined to calculate a compound score via Cox proportional hazards model. Patients with higher-than-median scores were segregated as the high-risk group. Outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses using Python (3.6.0) and R (3.4.0). Results We constructed a 4-gene signature (ACVR2A, APC, DOCK2, and POLE), with training in 45 hypermutated patients at ZJU and validation in 24 hypermutated patients from TCGA. Patients in the high-risk group showed poor survival (adjusted HR =9.85, 95% CI: 2.07–46.81, P=0.004). Further subgroup analysis was performed for stage II and III colon cancer (HR =10.91, 95% CI: 1.36–87.5, P=0.005) and high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) CRC (HR =12.57, 95% CI: 1.57–100.69, P=0.002) subgroups, which verified that our signature is universal. We then compared our prognostic signature with other risk factors (including MSI status, POLE driver mutation, BRAF-p.V600E, tumor mutational burden, and TNM staging). The results proved that our 4-gene signature is better than the other risk factor for prognosis in hypermutated CRC. Conclusion Our 4-gene signature is a good predictor of survival for hypermutated CRC, and this signature is powerful in stage II and III colon cancer and MSI-H CRC. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm the power of the 4-gene signature in patients receiving immunotherapy.


Dictyostelium discoideum, the model organism for the evolutionary supergroup of Amoebozoa, is a social amoeba that, upon starvation, undergoes transition from a unicellular to a multicellular organism. In its genome, we identified two genes encoding for tRNA nucleotidyltransferases. Such pairs of tRNA nucleotidyltransferases usually represent collaborating partial activities catalyzing CC- and A-addition to the tRNA 3′-end, respectively. In D. discoideum, however, both enzymes exhibit identical activities, representing bona-fide CCA-adding enzymes. Detailed characterization of the corresponding activities revealed that both enzymes seem to be essential and are regulated inversely during different developmental stages of D. discoideum. Intriguingly, this is the first description of two functionally equivalent CCA-adding enzymes using the same set of tRNAs and showing a similar distribution within the cell. This situation seems to be a common feature in Dictyostelia, as other members of this phylum carry similar pairs of tRNA nucleotidyltransferase genes in their genome.


Pathogen sensing via pattern recognition receptors triggers massive reprogramming of macro-phage gene expression. While the signaling cascades and transcription factors that activate these responses are well-known, the role of post-transcriptional RNA processing in modulating innate immune gene expression remains understudied. Recent phosphoproteomics analyses revealed that members of the SR and hnRNP families of splicing regulatory proteins are dynamically post-translationally modified in infected macrophages. To begin to test if these splicing factors play a privileged role in controlling the innate immune transcriptome, we analyzed steady state gene expression and alternatively spliced isoform production in ten SR/hnRNP knockdown RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines following infection with the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (Salmonella). We identified thousands of transcripts whose abundance was increased or decreased by SR/hnRNP knockdown in macrophages. We observed that different SR/hnRNPs control the expression of distinct gene regulons in uninfected and Salmonella-infected macrophages, with several key innate immune genes (Nos2, Mx1, Il1a) relying on multiple SR/hnRNPs to maintain proper induction and/or repression. Knockdown of SR/hnRNPs promoted differential isoform usage (DIU) for a number of key immune sensors and signaling molecules and many of these splicing changes were again, distinct in uninfected and Salmonella-infected macrophages. Finally, after observing a surprising degree of similarity between the DEGs and DIUs in hnRNP K and U knockdown macrophages, we found that these cells are better able to restrict vesicular stomatitis virus replication than control cells, supporting a role for these hnRNPs in controlling infection outcomes in macrophages ex vivo. Based on these findings, we conclude that many innate immune genes have evolved to rely on one or more splicing regulatory factors to ensure the proper timing and magnitude of their induction, bolstering a model wherein pre-mRNA splicing is a critical regulatory node in the innate immune response.


Dynamic materials have emerged as valuable substrates for a broad range of applications in 3D cell culture because of their viscoelastic properties that closely mimic the in vivo cell microenvironment. Disulfide-based crosslinks in covalent polymer materials have shown dynamic character through thiol-disulfide exchange. However, control over their formation in these materials remaining challenging. Herein, we report a strategy for generating disulfide crosslinks in polymer materials in a controlled manner cyclic thiosulfinate-functionalized monomers. Mono-S-oxo-1,2-dithiolane ( ODT ) was reacted with 4-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) to obtain the hydrogel macromer, PEG-4ODT , and subsequently with thiol PEGs to rapidly form hydrogels with dynamic and self-recovering properties. To increase the stability of the formed networks, static thiol/vinyl sulfone crosslinks were introduced into the same hydrogel, while retaining their self-healing character and improving their stablility for long term cell culture (14 days). Additionally, this viscoelastic hydrogel supported the culture of hESC-derived cardiomyocytes in 3D, showing cells with elongated morphologies, spontaneous beating and cell alignment while none of them was observed in static hydrogels. The ODT unit was proven to be efficient in rapid hydrogel formation while maintaining the viscoelastic character of the materials. Together with thiol/vinyl sulfone crosslinks, the dynamic hydrogel was validated as an efficient matrix for the long term 3D culture of cardiomyocytes that facilitates their native behavior ( e.g. alignment, beating) and further underlines the importance of the use of dynamic materials for 3D cell culture applications.


Abstract It is shown that the specific heat jump at the superconducting transition temperature in pnictide and cuprate superconductors is produced by ferroelastic fluctuations just below the transition temperature. The amplitude of the corresponding lattice distortion is estimated. It is shown that a contribution from ferroelastic fluctuations to the specific heat jump is also present in lowtemperature superconductors.


The known association between insulin resistance and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) has been studied by determination of the prevalence of a positive family history of diabetes in a consecutive series of oligomenorrheic women with polycystic ovaries and eumenorrheic women with normal ovaries who served as controls. A significantly greater proportion of the families of the patients with PCOD had at least one member affected by type 2 diabetes (39.1% of the PCOD group and 7.6% of the controls; p < 0.001). Both obese (54.8%) and non-obese women (24.2%) with PCOD had an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes within their families. Paternal and maternal family members affected were in similar proportions, there being no evidence of preferential transmission through the female line in this study. The increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the families of women with polycystic ovaries is further evidence for the association between PCOD and insulin resistance, and provides a possible explanation for the familial nature of the ovarian disorder.


In industrial production, electrical connections are essential in various devices, and the instantaneous disconnection of electrical connections is a common failure situation in electronic circuit interconnections, while existing instruments and technologies monitor low contact instantaneous time accuracy, contact reliability and vibration resistance are poor. In this paper, an improved STM32-based transient detector detection system is proposed, which outputs the instantaneous and stable electrical signals to the comparator TLV3502 for comparison. The embedded STM32FI03 chip processor captures the output electrical signals of the comparator to calculate the transient jump time, and displays the measurement results through improved limiting lag filtering method, thus achieving high accuracy, fast speed and wide range of instantaneous measurements.


Summary: In this work an investigation of the chain end groups produced in the free radical copolymerization of vinilydene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) is performed. Type and amount of chain end groups are evaluated by a meticulous analytical characterization of VDF/HFP copolymer. At first pulsed gradient spin-echo nuclear magnetic resonance (spin-echo NMR) is used to identify all the chain end groups also at very low concentration (equal to 0.1 mmol · Kg−1). The instrument sensitivity is increased of an order of magnitude in comparison with the traditional NMR. Moreover potentiometric titration and ion chromatography (IC) are also used to study the chain end groups and, as a consequence, the nature and the amount of the acidity showed by the polymer chains. In details two intensity of acidity are detected by potentiometric titration, namely strong and weak. The strong acidity is associated to the presence of residual surfactant and can be removed washing the polymer, while the weak acidity is due to free molecules of fluoride acid (HF). The standard ion chromatography facility is properly modified to quantify the fluoride in the polymer matrix without any pre extraction in water. Thanks to this the HF concentration in the polymer is evaluated with high accuracy. A detailed kinetic scheme for the VDF/HFP polymerization is also proposed taking into account all the findings obtained studying the chain end groups.


Heatwave events are of major concern in the global context, since they can significantly impact ecosystems, economies and societies. For this reason, more detailed analyses of the characteristics and trends of heatwaves represent a priority that cannot be neglected. In this study, the interannual and decadal variability of seven indices of heatwaves were investigated during the warmest period of the year (June–August) by using an enhanced resolution reanalysis model (ERA5-Land) over a 71-year period (1950–2020) for the area of Greece. Heatwaves were defined as periods where two thresholds, based on a modified version of the Excess Heat Factor index (EHF) and the 95th percentile of the maximum daily temperature, were exceeded for at least three consecutive days. Greece experiences almost yearly 0.7 heatwaves on average during the whole period of study, while this value has increased by ~80% since 1990. Trend analysis revealed that heatwaves have become more frequent, longer, and more intense since 1950. The percentage of the land area that experiences at least one heatwave per year was almost doubled in the examined period. An increasing trend in the number of heatwaves that occurred in June was identified.


Abstract  Based on the analyses of 43 elements in 16 samples of the raw coal and feed coal collected from the northern Ordos basin and Shanxi Province, the modes of occurrence of these elements were studied using the method of cluster analysis and factor analysis, and the cleaning potential of the hazardous elements relatively enriched in the coals was discussed by analyzing six samples of the cleaned coal from the coal‐washing plants and coal cleaning simulation experiments. The results shows that the elements Br and Ba show a strong affinity to the organic matter, Cs, Cd, Pb, Zn and Hg partly to the organic matter, and the other trace elements are mainly associated with the mineral matter. Cs, Mo, P, Pb, Zn and S have positive correlations with the two principal factors, reflecting the complexity of their modes of occurrence. Some elements that were thought to show a faint relationship (Be with S and Sb with carbonates) in other rocks are found to have a strong interrelation in the coals. Clay minerals (mainly kaolinite) dominate in the coals, and Ta, Th, Ti, Sc, REE, Hf, U, Se, W, V, Nb, Mo, Al, P, Cr, Pb and Zn are distributed mostly in kaolinite, while K, Rb, Cs, and Na have much to do with illite. Conventional cleaning can reduce the concentrations of most hazardous elements in various degrees. The hazardous elements S, As, Sb, Se, Mo, Pb, Cd and Hg relatively enriched in some coals from the area studied have a relatively high potential of environmental risks. However, by physical coal cleaning processes, more than 60% of As and Hg were removed, showing a high degree of removal, more than 30% of Sb, as well as S, Pb and Cd partly associated with the inorganic matter were removed. Se and Mo showing a relatively low degree of removal could be further removed by deep crushing of the coal during physical cleaning processes, and the concentrations of S, Pb, Cd and Hg with a partial association with the organic matter could be decreased in such ways as the coal blending. Cluster analysis together with factor analysis is a rapid and effective way to deduce the mode of occurrence of an element from bulk samples, and the removability data of most hazardous elements are basically consistent with their modes of occurrence suggested, which indicates that the statistical analysis could predict the cleaning potential of hazardous elements during the physical coal cleaning.


As modern radiotherapy technology advances, radiation dose and dose distribution have improved significantly. As part of a natural evolution, there has recently been renewed interest in therapy, particularly in the use of heavy charged particles, because these types of radiation serve theoretical advantages in all biological and physical aspects. The interactions of alpha particle with matter were studied and the stopping powers of alpha particle with Breast Tissue were calculated by using Beth-Bloch equation, Zeigler's formula and SRIM software, also the Range and Liner Energy Transfer (LET) and Breast Thickness As well as Dose and Dose equivalent for this particle were calculated by using Mat lab language for (0.01-200) MeV alpha energy.


Ten kinds of trees were selected for preparing dry and wet stick samples. Concentrations of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) in particular matter produced by sticks samples in the flaming and smoldering were analyzed through the Thermal Optical Carbon Analyzer (Model 2001A). The results showed that mean values of OC (EF(OC)), EC (EF(EC)), PM (EF(PM)) emission factors were 6.8, 2.1, 16.5 g x kg(-1) in the dry stick flaming smoke, 57.5, 11.1, 130.9 g x kg(-1) in the dry stick smoldering smoke, 13.6, 3.3, 30.5 g x kg(-1) in the wet stick flaming smoke, 57.6, 9.6, 125.6 g x kg(-1) in the wet stick smoldering smoke. Compared to the flaming condition, EF(OC), EF(EC), EF(PM), were much higher in the smoldering condition. In the flaming condition, EF(OC), EF(EC), EF(PM) had positive correlations with the moisture content. The mean values of OC/PM, EC/PM, TC/PM (TC = OC + EC) were 45%, 10%, 55%, and the mass fractions of OC was much higher in smoldering condition than those in flaming condition, but the mass fractions of EC was lower in the smoldering condition. Compared to dry sticks, the smoke of wet sticks combustion had higher mass fractions of OC and lower mass fractions of EC. The mean value of OC/EC was 3.3 (2.5-5.2) in the dry stick flaming smoke, and was 5.2 (4.3-6.3) in the dry stick smoldering smoke, in the wet stick flaming smoke was 4.1 (3.1-5.3), and was 6.2 (4.2-8.4) in the wet stick smoldering smoke. Compared to the flaming condition, the mean value of OC/EC was higher in the smoldering condition, and the mean value of OC/EC was much higher in high moisture content stick combustion smoke. The correlation coefficient between OC and EC was 0.985 in dry stick combustions, and was 0.915 in wet stick combustions. So, based on the flaming and smoldering condition, the correlation between OC and EC was significant in different moisture contents of sticks.


Marx and Engels' peace thought is vital to Marxist theory. They used historical materialism and materialist dialectics as world outlook and methodology to study peace. They analyzed the root and nature of war, revealed various ways to achieve peace under different conditions, and made a blueprint of a permanent peaceful world of the future human communist society. In the face of major changes in the current world unseen in a century and the increasing uncertainty and instability in China's security, it is highly valuable that we deeply study Marx and Engels' peace thought again. Using Marxist standpoints to rationally analyze the domestic and international situations help us comprehensively and accurately grasp the theme of the times. It is of practical significance to strengthen the peaceful development concept, actively build a community with shared future, and continuously realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.


Innovative materials play essential roles in safety, clean energy, transportation, human health, and industrial productivity. Whether exploring alternative energy sources or developing stronger, lighter materials and sophisticated nanodevices—scientists turn to Thermo Fisher Scientific to help them find answers. Our solutions offer vast exploration and experimentation capabilities. Our expertise helps refine materials imaging, analysis, and characterization. As a result, customers have scaled new heights of discovery and recognition, and a few have even won the Nobel Prize.


In this note we prove a theorem on nonvacuum initial data for general relativity. The result presents a "rigidity phenomenon" for the extrinsic curvature, caused by the nonpositive scalar curvature. More precisely, we claim that in the case of an asymptotically flat nonvacuum initial data if the spatial metric has everywhere nonpositive scalar curvature, then the extrinsic curvature cannot be compactly supported.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of patients with AIDS complicated by tuberculosis(TB).

METHODS
The clinical features of 23 patients with AIDS complicated by tuberculosis admitted from 1997 to July 2004 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS
Of the 23 patients, most (94.3%) were young or middle-aged, and 11 (47.8%) died within half a year. The main HIV transmission was via sexual contact in 15 (65.2%) patients. Loss of body weight by 5 - 15 kg was present in all patients, cough for over 1 month in 15 (65.2%), and multiple opportunistic infections were complicated in most cases. Out of the 23 cases, 14 (60.9%) showed only pulmonary TB, and 8 (34.8%) showed lymph node TB. In 12 cases with infiltrated pulmonary TB, X-ray showed bilateral infiltration and no cavity formation was found. Slightly positive PPD test was found in 2 (8.7%) cases, and positive acid-fast bacilli was detected in sputum in 1 case (4.4%). The pre-treatment CD(4)(+) cell number in 23 patients was much lower than that in AIDS patients without complicated TB (P < 0.05). The pre-treatment CD(4)(+) cell number in patients died shortly after diagnosis was much lower than that in survived patients (P < 0.05). The HIV RNA level in the 23 patients was much higher than that in patients without complication of TB (P < 0.05). The mortality in patients treated with therapy against both TB and HIV was much lower than that in patients untreated or treated only with anti-TB therapy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
For patients with AIDS complicated by TB, the high negative rate in PPD test and the atypical chest X-ray manifestations are common. However, lymph node TB is quite common with high mortality. The pre-treatment CD(4)(+) level decreases significantly, and is associated with mortality. The TB bacilli may accelerate HIV virus duplication. It is suggested that the patients be treated with a combination of anti-TB and anti-HIV therapies.


Background: In periodontics, there is a need for objective measurements in monitoring disease processes& in assessing the effectiveness of treatment. Elevated temperature is one of 4 cardinal inflammatory signs& is a potential indicator of periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to determine& compare the severity of periodontal disease by subgingival temperature measurements in health& disease state, determine the correlation between periodontal parameters (bleeding on probing& probing depth) and subgingival temperature measurements& compare gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow with subgingival temperature. Material & Methods: 10 male subjects ranging in age (35-55) years were measured at 4 sites per tooth for subgingival temperature, GCF flow, probing pocket depth& bleeding on probing.GCF collected by means of endodontic paper points size 30. Subgingival temperatures were measured using digital thermometer while sublingual temperature was measured by sublingual digital thermometer. To compensate for subject-to-subject variations in core temperature, site temperatures were measured& expressed as a difference relative to sublingual temperature. Following measurement of subgingival temperature, probing depth& bleeding on probing were recorded using periodontal probe. Results: The results indicated that subjects differed in their mean temperature difference. Similarly, temperature at a site in relation to its location in the mouth, pocket depth, bleeding on probing, GCF flow& inflammatory status. Analysis of the results revealed a significant (p<0.05) difference between mean temperature difference of healthy& diseased sites, anterior& posterior, maxillary& mandibular teeth for both healthy& diseased sites. A natural posterior to anterior temperature gradient was observed with the posterior sites being hotter than the anterior sites& mandibular sites hotter than maxillary sites. Tooth by tooth analysis showed that diseased teeth have higher temperature than anatomically equivalent healthy teeth. Subgingival temperature also correlates significantly (p<0.05) with certain clinical parameters like probing depth, bleeding on probing while GCF flow differed significantly from subgingival temperature. Conclusion: subgingival temperature measurements can be used as a successful mean of diagnosis or monitoring periodontal condition, but additional studies are necessary to develop thermometry as a diagnostic aid in periodontal practice.


We present a multi-wavelength analysis of three compact galaxy groups, Hickson compact groups (HCGs) 16, 22, and 42, which describe a sequence in terms of gas richness, from space- (Swift, Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and Spitzer) and ground-based (Las Campanas Observatory and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory) imaging and spectroscopy. We study various signs of past interactions including a faint, dusty tidal feature about HCG 16A, which we tentatively age-date at <1 Gyr. This represents the possible detection of a tidal feature at the end of its phase of optical observability. Our HST images also resolve what were thought to be double nuclei in HCG 16C and D into multiple, distinct sources, likely to be star clusters. Beyond our phenomenological treatment, we focus primarily on contrasting the stellar populations across these three groups. The star clusters show a remarkable intermediate-age population in HCG 22, and identify the time at which star formation was quenched in HCG 42. We also search for dwarf galaxies at accordant redshifts. The inclusion of 33 members and 27 "associates" (possible members) radically changes group dynamical masses, which in turn may affect previous evolutionary classifications. The extended membership paints a picture of relative isolation in HCGs 16 and 22, but shows HCG 42 to be part of a larger structure, following a dichotomy expected from recent studies. We conclude that (1) star cluster populations provide an excellent metric of evolutionary state, as they can age-date the past epochs of star formation; and (2) the extended dwarf galaxy population must be considered in assessing the dynamical state of a compact group.


True and latent pacemaker cells were differentiated in the frog heart sino-atrial area. Within the first 5 min in the hyposodium solution, a decrease of the overshoot and maximal velocity of depolarization occurred. The true pacemaker cells did not reveal any changes of the AP parameters within 30-60 min. The cells of true pacemaker exhibited a higher sensitivity to the hypocalcium solution. The data obtained suggested a scheme of the whole cycle of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ exchange.


The growth-related protein p23 of the Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) is preferentially expressed in the exponentially growing tumor; its synthesis is translationally controlled. p23 mRNA is efficiently translated in the wheat germ cell-free lysate. In contrast, p23 mRNA present in poly(A)+RNA isolated from EAT is not translated in cell-free systems of EAT and reticulocytes. Moreover, translation of a p23 transcript is inhibited in the presence of total poly(A)+RNA. This inhibition is abolished by the removal of the 5'-UTR of the p23 transcript. Solution hybridization/RNase protection experiments point to the presence of a nucleotide sequence complementary to the 5'-UTR of p23 mRNA which might be involved in p23 mRNA inhibition.


This study was carried out to establish an improved bioassay system, whole-plant bioassay which is more effective in developing natural herbicides for foliar treatment such as herbicidal essential oils. Two bioassay systems using four weed species (Echinochloa crus-galli, Digitaria sanguinalis, Aeschynomene indica, and Abutilon theophrasti), spraying method and spotting method, were established. Spraying method is applicable if the amount of test compounds is enough, while spotting method is useful for the small amount of test compounds. The initial application rate was desirable at . Herbicidal activities were higher in the NOP treatment when compared to the Tween 20 treatment. To efficiently evaluate volatile compounds such as essential oils, if the compound-treated pots were incubated in dew chamber for about 10hrs, better results were obtained in the degree and stability of herbicidal responses. When the efficiency of bioassay systems established in this study was compared, the spraying method was minimized four times to the conventional method that has beed used for screening of synthetic compounds in KRICT. On the other hand, in the spotting method, screening for development of a natural herbicides was possible even in level of 1/100 test volume and 1/200 amounts of test compound compared to the spraying method.


Introduction: Diarrhea is an endemic disease that causes extraordinary events (pandemic) and is often accompanied by death in Indonesia. Previous reports showed that children who practice poor hand washing or without using soap and running water are 2.175 times more likely to experience diarrhea. It was also discovered that exclusive breastfeeding can form antibodies and other nutrients that protect babies from infections such as diarrhea. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the most influential factors between hand washing habits and exclusive breastfeeding on the incidence of diarrhea in Indonesia. Methods: This study used a meta-analysis method. Results and Discussions: The results showed that the pooled PR value of the hand washing habit variable e1.06 = 2.886 (95% CI 0.87 - 1.24) was greater than the exclusive breastfeeding e0.53 = 1.698 (95% CI 0.36 – 0.70). The data were obtained from articles and journals with a cross-sectional study design. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, people who did not apply proper hand washing habits are 2,886 times more at risk of diarrhea. Furthermore, babies who were not exclusively breastfed were 1,698 times more likely to have diarrhea than those who received exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The results showed that the most influential factor between the two variables was the hand washing habit variable.


Flower-like BiOBr sub-microstructures about 500 nm in diameter have been synthesized in the presence of tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB) via a solution route at room temperature. SEM observation shows that these sub-microflowers are composed of nanoflakes with the thickness of 20 nm. The photocatalytic activities of flower-like BiOBr were evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and phenol under visible-light and UV-light irradiation, which presented the efficiencies up to 97% within 1.5 h and 45% within 4 h, respectively.


This paper provides an overview of research, guidelines, and clinical considerations for the use of medications for chronic pain in the management of patients with an alcohol use disorder. A review of the literature identified randomized controlled trials, epidemiological cohort studies, consensus guidelines, and one systematic review and meta-analysis. Where gaps in the literature existed, clinical experience of the authors is included. Use of nonopioid medications should be given priority and may offer a more favorable risk profile as well as benefits beyond pain management, such as improvement in anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Pregabalin and gabapentin have additional benefits to decrease alcohol cravings or time to relapse after a period of abstinence from alcohol. Drug interactions between selected analgesics and alcohol, disulfiram, or naltrexone require careful consideration.


SUMMARY SH waveforms recorded by a dense regional seismic network are used to constrain the shear wave velocity structure of the upper-mantle transition zone beneath northeast China. By modelling triplication waveforms we show that a 130-km-thick layer of increased seismic velocities is overlying a broad slightly depressed 660 km discontinuity. This anomaly can be associated with the westward extension of the stagnant Pacific slab that is deflected and still cold. The transition zone, as a whole, is featured by low shear wave velocity and high Vp/Vs ratio, which infer H2O content of ∼0.2–0.3 wt. per cent [(3.0–4.5)×10 4 ppm H/Si] atop the 660 km discontinuity. We interpret that the fast eastward retreat of the Japan Trench facilitated the slab flattening when the subducting oceanic lithosphere hit the bottom of the transition zone, and the leading edge of the slab is currently trapped in a water-bearing mantle beneath northeast China.


The present study was aimed to estimate population parameters including asymptotic length (L∞), growth rate (K), growth performance index (Φ′), natural mortality rate (M), fishing mortality rate (F), exploitation rate (E), and maximum exploitation rate (Emax) of Ilisha africana in coastal waters of Ghana for effective management measures and utilization using FiSAT. Of the total 804 specimens, asymptotic length, growth rate, and growth performance index were 23.6 cm, 0.48 per year, and 2.428, respectively. The total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality rate, and fishing mortality rate were 1.47 per year, 1.13 per year, and 0.34 per year, respectively. The exploitation rate (E) and maximum exploitation rate (Emax) were 0.23 and 0.56, respectively, indicating low exploitation rate of I. africana stocks in Ghanaian coastal waters. The induction of recruits into the stock of I. africana species was all year round, suggesting no recruitment for the assessed fish species. Although the exploitation of the assessed fish species was optimum, there is the need to ensure continuous monitoring of fishing effort and adherence to mesh size regulations in order to sustain the fishery.


UNLABELLED
Devic neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or Devic's syndrome is an uncommon clinical syndrome associating unilateral or bilateral optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Usually reported in adults, childhood cases constitute a distinctive clinical entity.

CASE REPORT
We report a case of NMO occurring in a 9-year-old girl, admitted for paraplegia, sphincter troubles as acute installation bladder retention and of a sudden decline of the visual acuity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormalities of spinal cord signal with hypo intensity in T1-weighted images and hyper intensity in T2-weighted images along the spinal cord. However, the cerebral region was normal. Visual evoked potentials were consistent with retrobulbar optic neuropathy. Our patient received corticosteroids (methyl prednisolone) during 5 days followed by oral prednisone. At week three, an immunosuppressant (azathioprine) was added. Clinical outcome was favourable with disappearance of sphincter troubles, a correction of the visual acuity and a progressive disappearance of motor troubles.

CONCLUSION
Pediatric Devic's NMO is rare. It is a different clinical entity with an excellent visual and neurological prognosis. Review of the literature shows that recurrence is rare in children and seems to be without long-term sequelae with corticosteroids and immunosuppressant therapy.


The development of outstanding noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has attracted broad interest. Herein, a novel one-dimensional (1D) HER hybrid catalyst consisted of cobalt phosphide (CoP) and molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) nanoparticles wrapped by nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon (called CoP/Mo2C-NC) was successfully fabricated by a facile continuous-flow method and a simple two-step annealing process. During these processes, the successful synthesis of the MoO3 nanorods coated with cobalt zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (Co-ZIF-67) (Co-ZIF-67@MoO3) through the continuous-flow method plays a key role. The as-synthesized CoP/Mo2C-NC hybrid electrocatalyst exhibits a significantly enhanced HER electrocatalytic activity over the entire pH range relative to that of the control materials CoP, Mo2C-NC, and physically mixed CoP and Mo2C-NC. The outstanding HER catalytic performance is mainly due to the fact that the electron cloud transfers from Co to Mo in CoP/Mo2C-NC through the Co-P-Mo bond, resulting in the formation of a high valence state for Co (Co3+) species and lower valence states for Mo (i.e., Mo2+, Mo3+) species, providing the abundant HER active sites. Moreover, the Gibbs free energy (Δ GH*) of CoP/Mo2C-NC obtained by the density function theory calculations indicates a good balance between the Volmer and Heyrovsky/Tafel steps in HER kinetics. Such a cobalt zeolitic imidazolate framework-mediated strategy depicted in this work offers an interesting perspective for developing highly efficient noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.


The objective of this study is to propose the architectural basic data for the planning of kindergarten attached to the elementary school. For this study, we selected and investigated 23kindergartens in Gwangju city. The results of this study are as follows. 1) The elementary school in separated style had the advantage of securing educational space and reducing interference with students of elementary school. But it had the problem in using the facilities of elementary school. So we have to consider the kindergarten to be located near by dinning room, multi-purpose hall. 2) Concentrating the entrance, it makes the inside and outside space use easily. For the actual use, we have to establish facilities for convenience in outer-space. 3) For each room, we suggest guides as follow. The classroom and the playroom have to be combined for flexibility and supervision. In the planning of toilet, it must have sliding door for confirm the inside situation and reasonable height partition to consider the student's body-size. The shape of teacher's room must be open-type for supervising children but protect the entry of children. There is consideration for the material room and the sleeping room for all-day-long class.


A seasonal model of the F region electric-field-induced plasma drifts prevailing during magnetically quiet periods, and of their day-to-day variability, has been established on the basis of 3 years of measurements (1973--1975) above Saint-Santin (44/sup 0/ 39'N, 2/sup 0/ 12'E) with the French quadristatic incoherent scatter facility. It is expressed analytically with the help of a steady component and of the first four diurnal harmonic oscillations and can be used both as a base line for magnetospheric disturbance studies and in itself as a source of information on the morphology of ionospheric wind dynamo electric fields. For all seasons these drifts appear to be dominated by a semidiurnal oscillation in the north-south direction and by a diurnal one in the east-west direction. During the daytime the flow is northwestward in the morning and then southeastward in the afternoon. Seasonal effects are dominated by a marked contrast between summer and the two other seasons. Summer is characterized by a disappearance of the morning northward drifts and a more complex harmonic content of the east-west drifts, with a larger contribution of the secondary semidiurnal and terdiurnal components. Comparison with recent dynamo calculations shows an improved agreement on the north-south component of themore » drifts, even though it still leaves a significant gap between theory and experiment. The results provide evidence that the attempt to realize a good theory/experiment coincidence meets several difficulties of a fundamental nature: one is the lack of a simple summer/winter symmetry in the observed drifts, which reveals the importance of longitude effects introduced by the real earth's magnetic field; another is the large day-to-day variability within each season, which is comparable to the diurnal amplitude itself. Both show the need of worldwide coordinated efforts for the acquisition of simultaneous incoherent scatter data as well as for their interpretation.« less


For software engineering, if two code fragments are closely similar with minor modifications or even identical due to a copy-paste behavior, that is called software/code clone. Code clones can cause trouble in software maintenance and debugging process because identifying all copied compromised code fragments in other locations is time-consuming. Researchers have been working on code clone detection issues for a long time, and the discussion mainly focuses on software engineering management and system maintenance. Another considerable issue is that code cloning provides an easy way to attackers for malicious code injection. A thorough survey work of code clone identification/detection from the security perspective is indispensable for providing a comprehensive review of existing related works and proposing future potential research directions. This paper can satisfy above requirements. We review and introduce existing security-related works following three different classifications and various comparison criteria. We then discuss three further research directions, (i) deep learning-based code clone vulnerability detection, (ii) vulnerable code clone detection for 5G-Internet of Things devices, and (iii) real-time detection methods for more efficiently detecting clone attacks. These methods are more advanced and adaptive to technological development than current technologies, and still have enough research space for future studies.


In this paper the authors will describe a system-level, multi-physics based development of PowerBuoy® products at Ocean Power Technologies (OPT). The PowerBuoy is a moored system which extracts useful electrical power from waves. Different PowerBuoy solutions have been developed for different markets (gridconnected systems vs. smaller autonomous systems) and/or different customer applications. The PowerBuoy design approach focuses on clarification of operational requirements at the onset of the effort. An iterative closed-loop process optimizes various aspects of the system. The goal is a solution that addresses all Key Performance Parameters while minimizing life cycle cost. This paper will outline the PowerBuoy design process, which consists of the following steps, illustrated by examples from recent development efforts.


The results of the studies on age and growth of Metapenaeus affinis, one of the dominant species of penaeid shrimps in the coastal waters off Maharashtra are presented. From monthly size-frequency data, the growth parameters for males and females were estimated employing modal progression and computer based FiSAT software package using ELEFAN program, Bhattacharya method, Gulland-Holt plot, Faben's method, Appeldoorn's method and von Bertalanffy plot. The estimates obtained by Bhattacharya analysis and Gulland-Holt plot were: L = 162 mm, K = 2.25 for males and L = 204 mm, K = 1.91 for females. Males and females were found to attain 145 mm and 174 mm at the end of one year and their life spans were 1.16 and 1.4 years respectively.


CONTEXT
Recurrent genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) may be treated episodically, but this may not be sufficient for patients with frequent recurrences.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and safety of famciclovir in the suppression of recurrent genital HSV infection.

DESIGN
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.

SETTING
Thirty university, hospital, or private outpatient referral centers in Canada and Europe.

PATIENTS
A total of 455 patients (223 men, 232 women) aged 18 years or older with a history of 6 or more episodes of genital herpes during 12 of the most recent 24 months, in the absence of suppressive therapy, received study medication.

INTERVENTION
Oral famciclovir, 125 mg or 250 mg 3 times daily or 250 mg twice daily, or placebo for 52 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Time to the first recurrence of genital HSV infection; the proportion of patients remaining free of HSV recurrence at 6 months; frequency of adverse events.

RESULTS
In an intent-to-treat analysis, famciclovir significantly delayed the time to the first recurrence of genital herpes at all dose regimens (hazard ratios, 2.9-3.3; P<.001); median time to recurrence for famciclovir recipients was 222 to 336 days compared with 47 days for placebo recipients. The proportion of patients remaining free of HSV recurrence was approximately 3 times higher in famciclovir recipients (79%-86%) than in placebo recipients (27%) at 6 months (relative risks, 2.9-3.1; P<.001); efficacy was maintained at 12 months. Famciclovir was well tolerated with an adverse experience profile comparable to placebo.

CONCLUSIONS
Oral famciclovir (125 mg or 250 mg 3 times daily or 250 mg twice daily) is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for the suppression of genital HSV infection in patients with frequent recurrences.


ABSTRACT Purpose: All-terrain vehicles (ATV's) are a hazardous source of injury in many contexts and geographical regions, but to date have not been investigated in Saskatchewan. Methods: Baseline surveys from the Saskatchewan Farm Injury Project were examined at two time points in terms of: (1) rates and correlated characteristics of reported ATV use; and (2) qualitative content analysis of injury events involving ATVs. The sample of eligible farmers was 2,972 in 2007 and 1,702 in 2013. Findings: Self-reported ATV use increased on Saskatchewan farms over the five-year period, both in terms of the number of individuals using ATV's on the farm and the days per year of operation. ATV use is significantly more common on farms with livestock, among male farmers, and among younger farmers. Farmers with low back pain were also more likely to report ATV use. Qualitative content analysis of farmers' reported "most serious injury" on the farm revealed themes related to: (1) tasks undertaken with ATV's at the time of the incident (e.g., stock work and personal transport); (2) contributing factors (vehicle, environmental and driver); and (3) safety reflections. Conclusion: The apparent trends of increasing ATV use on Saskatchewan farms and serious nature of the injury incidents reported indicate that this is an issue worthy of further investigation.


To understand the VA status, the detectable rate of the sub-clinical VA deficiency and the correlation of VA and iron in the rural school-age children of Beijing Mountain Area. In the dietary survey, blood samples were collected by venopunction and serum VA, and hematological index were determined in 305 children 7-13 years. The intakes of dietary energy, protein and iron were > 85% of the RNI and AI, but dietary intake of VA were (513.7 +/- 286.1) microgram to be 59.7% of the RNI; The average concentration of serum VA was (1.01 +/- 0.29) mumol/L, 59.0% of subjects have serum VA lower than 1.05 mumol/L, in which, 12.8% of them were lower than 0.70 mumol/L, and only 41.0% of subjects were normal levels of serum. With aggravation of iron deficiency from ID to IDA phase, the average serum VA concentrations were descending from 1.02 mumol/L in ID phase to 0.97 mumol/L in IDA phase. But the trend has no statistical significance. The results showed that sub-clinical VA deficiency was 59.0% in the rural school-age children, so VA deficiency was a main nutritional problem in rural school-age children of Beijing mountain area.


Managers have been neglected in health literacy research. There still is little known about the health-literacy status and needs of commercial industry managers. This article reduces the existing knowledge gap by presenting findings of an exploratory qualitative study. We conducted 23 separate semi-structured interviews of managers from all management levels (low, middle and top) and experts in the field of health management and/or personnel management. The qualitative interviews were analysed according to Mayring's content analytic approach using MAXQDA. The findings indicate that managers do have considerable information levels about existing health topics and relevant problems but have difficulties of discernment as to which sources of information can be activated or accessed in a timely fashion due to work and information overload. Even those who devise strategies often fail in implementing health-literate behavior. Experts and managers had fairly consistent views on the importance of health literacy among managers. Most agreed that mental health was neglected and that company conditions were important in influencing the ability to act in a way that promoted health literacy. The findings also show that strengthening of managerial self-perception, self-regulation and self-control, raising awareness and ability to take personal responsibility for one's own health, developing skills in handling large amounts of information and fostering open and trusting communication are all essential.


Abstract The Songling and Majiayu peridotite blocks occur in the Eastern Block, North China Craton (NCC). Geothermobarometry data show that the Songling peridotites began exhumation from a depth of c. 70 km (c. 23 kbar). During exhumation, the Songling peridotites were intruded by an upper-crust-derived, high-δ18O (up to +7.28‰ in zircon) trondhjemitic dyke at 2.47 Ga and experienced granulite-facies metamorphism. The Songling peridotites have hybrid mantle wedge (HMW) -like high SiO2 (> 45 wt%), high FeOt (c. 10 wt%) content, high modal orthopyroxene abundance (> 35%) and high ϵ Nd(t) (+18.4 to +21.4), which were generated by the reaction between peridotite and eclogite-derived melts. The clinopyroxenes from the Songling peridotites were in equilibrium with a Nb-, Zr- and Ti-depleted arc-like magma. The Majiayu peridotites are characterized by depletion of Nb, Zr and Hf and are highly enriched in FeOt, Th and light rare earth elements (LREEs), which can be interpreted as an open system reaction between hydrous melts and fore-arc mantle peridotites. These two peridotite blocks are considered to be arc-related mantle peridotites that experienced melt extraction and metasomatism in different styles. They were exhumed to the north margin of the North China Craton during the c. 2.47 Ga arc–continent collision along the Zunhua structural belt.


OBJECTIVE
this study aims to demonstrate the suitability of the process used to condition the extemporaneous mixtures of parenteral nutrition for distribution, considering the objective of preserving the cold chain during transport until it reaches the patient, necessary to ensure stability, effectiveness and safety of these mixtures.

METHOD
concurrent validation, design and implementation of a protocol for evaluating the process of packaging and distribution of MNPE developed by a pharmaceutical laboratory. Running tests, according to predefined acceptance criteria. It is performed twice, in summer and on routes that require longer transfer time. Evaluation of conservation of temperature by monitoring the internal temperature values of each type of packaging, recorded by data loggers calibrated equipment.

RESULTS
the different tests meet the established criteria. The collected data ensure the maintenance of the cold chain for longer than the transfer time to the most distant points.

CONCLUSIONS
this study establishes the suitability of the processes to maintaining the cold chain for transfer from the laboratory to the patient pharmacist. Whereas the breaking of cold chain can cause changes of compatibility and stability of parenteral nutrition and failures nutritional support, this study contributes to patient safety, one of the relevant dimensions of quality of care the health.


This paper aims to compare the macroeconomic performance of three European socialist economies (Hungary, Poland, Yugoslavia) with developing and developed countries during the eighties. Using panel data for 87 countries, we measure macroeconomic performance with two frontier efficiency techniques: the stochastic frontier approach, and the time-varying WITHIN model proposed by Cornwell, Schmidt and Sickles (1990). We conclude in favor of the underperformance of socialist countries in relation to developed countries but also to developing countries, which may be explained by the features of the socialist economic system.


ABSTRACT This Special Issue asks: what is the current place of militarism in relation to security where Africa is concerned? It aims to contribute to emerging debates interested in critical inquiry of the relation between militarism and security, and to explore its diverse articulations in African settings. We advance an international political sociological (IPS) approach to militarism in order to explore militarised security politics as a field of contested practices and logics. We discuss why this approach enables us to uncover the interconnected historical patterns and power relations in which practices and logics of security and militarism become linked and grounded in simultaneously local and transnational African settings.


This paper is devoted to the problem of estimating the end of life of electric power equipment. Several statistical methods and models commonly used in reliability engineering are discussed, focusing on (a) the technical merit of each described method, and (b) the suitability of each method for determining the end of life of power equipment. Description of statistical methods considers both censored and uncensored observations. The problem of model selection for analysis of censored data is given special consideration: a novel approach is proposed for this. The points made in the text are illustrated by several numerical examples pertaining to the lifetime of transformers, however the methods can be applied for other types of electric or electronic equipment (e.g., electronic relays).


The whole family of generalised soliton solutions of the Weyl class for Einstein's equations in vacuum is considered. A classification scheme for the distinct types of metrics belonging to this family is given and emphasis is placed on the asymptotically flat solutions. The physical interpretation of the occurring parameters is also briefly considered.


Introduction:
 Emerging evidences have inconsistently reported that dietary components mediate the relationship between low socioeconomic status (SES) and higher cardiometabolic risk, but the findings are limited in Korean.

 Hypothesis:
 We tested the hypothesis whether the education level as a proxy for SES is associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and this association is mediated by dietary pattern.

 Methods:
 We used nationally representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2008-2011) for cross-sectional analyses (Total number of subjects=22 607, 30-64 yrs). Dietary data were assessed using food frequency questionnaire including 63 food items and were categorized into seven food groups based on the Korea nutrient database. Metabolic syndrome was defined using revised National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. The possible mediating effect of dietary components (fruit, vegetable, red meat, milk, and soft-drink) on the association between education level and metabolic syndrome was tested using a multiple mediation model.

 Results:
 Education levels had direct and indirect effects via dietary consumption patterns on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Higher education level was directly associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (Odds ratio [OR]: 0.854, 95% Confidence Intervals [CIs]: 0.817-0.894). Regarding the medicating effect of dietary patterns, higher education level was indirectly associated with decreased prevalence of metabolic syndrome by high in fruit intake (OR: 0.983, 95% CIs: 0.947-0.992), red meat intake (OR: 0.991, 95% CIs: 0.985-0.996), milk intake (OR: 0.994, 95% CIs: 0.992-0.998), and by low in soft-drink intake (OR: 0.995, 95% CIs: 0.992-0.998). Gender modified the association between education level and metabolic syndrome prevalence. In women, there was significant inverse relationship between education level and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome with significant mediating effect of dietary pattern on metabolic syndrome. Conversely, mediating effect of dietary pattern was not observed in men.

 Conclusions:
 In conclusion, there was inverse association between education level and prevalence of metabolic syndrome, which is partially explained by specific dietary components in Korean adults. Our results provide information for establishing dietary guideline and nutrition policy to prevent and manage metabolic syndrome.


The hydrostatic compression of piezoelectric single crystals of La(3)Nb(0.5)Ga(5.5)O(14) (LNG) and La(3)Ta(0.5)Ga(5.5)O(14) (LTG) was studied at pressures of up to 23 GPa in diamond-anvil high-pressure cells using single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The reflection-intensity data for LNG and LTG were collected at pressures of up to 22.8 GPa and 16.7 GPa, respectively. Both compounds show anisotropic behaviour under pressure, which is caused by differences in bonding parallel to the a and c directions. The compression of strongly rigid structures leads to increasing internal strains and results, at pressures of 12.4 (3) GPa for LNG and 11.7 (3) GPa for LTG, in a transition to lower symmetry. The compressibilities along the c axis are almost the same for LNG and LTG through the whole investigated pressure range. In contrast, the pressure dependencies of the a axis of these materials are similar only for the initial phase, and the axial compressibilities for the high-pressure polymorphs of LNG and LTG are significantly different to each other. The volume compressibilities of trigonal LNG and LTG (space group P321) are about 0.007 GPa(-1); respective bulk moduli are 145 (3) GPa and 144 (2) GPa. The monoclinic high-pressure phases (space group A2) of LNG and LTG show differing compressions, which can be explained by the substitution of Ta(5+) for Nb(5+). Thus, the bulk moduli for the high-pressure polymorphs of LNG and LTG are B(0) = 93 (2) GPa and B(0) = 128 (12) GPa, respectively. The volume compressibilities of the high-pressure phases at 0.011 GPa(-1) for LNG and 0.008 GPa(-1) for LTG are higher than the initial phases, this effect being more pronounced in the case of LNG.


Experimental study of liquid flow and heat transfer in an annular channel is performed. The channel consisted of two coaxial tubes with the diameters of 42.2 and 20 mm. An obstacle covering a quarter of the channel section was placed in the channel to produce a strong three-dimensional disturbance of the flow. Measurements of local wall shear stress are performed using an electrochemical technique. Measurements of heat transfer, time-averaged and fluctuational wall shear stress are performed at various points relative to the obstacle, this allowed to study the field of the hydrodynamic parameters of the flow.The experimental data obtained can be used for validation of existing and developing computer codes accounting for a 3-D structure of turbulent flows.Copyright © 2014 by ASME