Four immunoenzymatic tests for detecting Clostridium difficile toxins A and B were studied: two rapid tests (Tox A/B QUIK CHEK-Techlab and NoviView Toxine-A-Hiss diagnostics) and two Elisa tests (C. difficile TOX A/B II -Techlab and Toxin A+B Elisa Test, Novitec-Hiss diagnostics). The results were compared to those obtained with ImmunoCard Tox A+B -ICTAB (Meridian), C. difficile Toxine A (Oxoid) for rapid test and Elisa Premier A+B Meridian for Elisa. A total of 41 stools and 16 isolates were studied with rapid tests. On stools, the sensitivity and specificity of QUIK CHEK test was 94.1% and 100% respectively compared to the test ICTAB. On the isolates, sensitivity and specificity was 100%. With the Noviview test, the sensitivity on stools and isolates was respectively 88.2 and 85.7% and the specificity was 100% compared to Oxoid. A total of 38 stools were studied with Elisa tests. With Techlab test compared to the test Premier, sensitivity and specificity was 100%. The Novitec test gave five false negative reactions with consequently a sensitivity of 70.6%.


Recently, it has been shown that temporal metamaterials based on impulsive modulations of the constitutive parameters (of duration much smaller than a characteristic electromagnetic timescale) may exhibit a nonlocal response that can be harnessed so as to perform elementary analog computing on an impinging wavepacket. These short-pulsed metamaterials can be viewed as the temporal analog of conventional (spatial) metasurfaces. Here, inspired by the analogy with cascaded metasurfaces, we leverage this concept and take it one step further, by showing that short-pulsed metamaterials can be utilized as elementary bricks for more complex computations. To this aim, we develop a simple, approximate approach to systematically model the multiple actions of time-resolved short-pulsed metamaterials. Via a number of representative examples, we illustrate the computational capabilities enabled by this approach, in terms of simple and composed operations, and validate it against a rigorous numerical solution. Our results indicate that the temporal dimension may provide new degrees of freedom and design approaches in the emerging field of computational metamaterials, in addition or as an alternative to conventional spatially variant platforms.


Albumin and glycosylated albumin from serum and urine of 10 diabetic patients have been studied by ultrathin‐layer isoelectric focusing andsilver staining. Both total serum albumin and its glycosylated form were microheterogeneous with a main band focused in the pH 4–5 range; in the case of glycosylated ablumin several cathodic bands with pI's up to 7 were found to form a discretely abundant population among the total species. Some similarites and some striking differences were observed for urinary albumin, which, beside the main unmodified albumin with pI ca. 4.8, was enriched in microheteregeneous more anodal bands (PI 4.0–4.7 species). All these anodal bands were tightly bound by concanavalin A‐Sepharose, suggesting their identity as glycosylatedalbumin. these observations indicate that the glycosylation of albumin is not an equimolar reaction, but it can involve many sites of attachement of carbohydrates. The also suggest that albumin species with higher net negative charge and higher content of carbohydrates are preferentially able to pass through the glomerular barrier, providing the descriptive basis of diabetic albuminuria. Their relevance to diabetic nephropathy is a goal for further work.


The concept of citizenship seen as having rights and duties and assuming social responsibility related to transformation begins when rights and duties are seen together. This can occur to be possible when young people leave the passive position to play the role of a changer. A team of teachers from a private school adding political education in their curriculum developed a study involving the concepts of citizenships and democracy, together with the work in the local city council. Around 100 senior high school students from the first grade shared all the legislative routine exercising their democracy – the fundamental standard for a political education. In that matter this team fulfilled one of its main goals: the citizenships education. The student was in contact with the political theory and the analyses of its social reality, finding out the need of a major social participation and a conscious sense of politics and mainly the social responsibility that everybody has to face when we have all the constant changes of a society.


The paper presents a stability criterion and a method for computing the H/sub /spl infin// norm of 2D discrete systems. Both methods are based on linear matrix inequalities (LMI), and, hence, they are computationally tractable. In deriving these methods, the finite-order Fourier series approximation of the solution for frequency-dependent LMI (FDLMI), and the properties of the quadratic form representation of finite-order Fourier series play key roles. From the point of view of the proposed methods, existing LMI-based methods can be regarded as ones which are obtained by the Fourier series approximation of order zero, and thus, it is expected that the proposed methods lead to less conservative results. This is illustrated by numerical examples. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is also illustrated by numerical examples.


BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The erythropoietic response in hemodialysis patients depends on several physiologic factors. Most epidemiologic studies include the effect of these factors by representing them as confounders. This study tested the hypothesis that iron stores, inflammation, dialysis adequacy, nutritional status, and hyperparathyroidism act as nonlinear effect modifiers of the erythropoietic response and quantified the magnitude of those effects over clinically relevant ranges.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS
The following retrospective data from 209 hemodialysis patients receiving Epoetin alfa (Epo) were collected: monthly: predialysis hemoglobin (Hgb), transferrin saturation, serum albumin, dialysis adequacy (Kt/V); quarterly: predialysis serum ferritin and intact parathyroid hormone over a period of 13 to 69 months. The study analyzed the dynamic relationship between hemoglobin and Epo, considering nonlinear effect modification by ferritin, transferrin saturation, Kt/V, albumin, and parathyroid hormone individually.

RESULTS
Maximum Hgb response to Epo was achieved for serum ferritin between 350 and 500 ng/ml, transferrin saturation greater than 30%, Kt/V greater than 1.4, and albumin greater than 3.8 g/dl. Hgb sensitivity to Epo decreases by about 30% as parathyroid hormone increases from 0 through 1000 pg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS
Serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, Kt/V, serum albumin, and intact parathyroid hormone are markers of nonlinear effect modification of the erythropoietic response in hemodialysis patients.


Advance care planning (ACP) is a method used for patients to express in advance their preferences for life-sustaining treatments at the end of life. With growing ethnocultural diversity in Canada, health-care providers are managing an increasing number of diverse beliefs and values that are commonly associated with preferences for intensive mechanical ventilation (MV) treatment at the end of life. This study aimed to identify and describe the approaches used by health-care providers to set advance care plans for MV with seriously ill patients from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds. Semistructured interviews were conducted with health-care providers from acute-care settings. Using a value-based approach in ACP was deemed an effective method of practice for managing and interpreting diverse beliefs and values that impact decisions for MV. However, personnel, organizational, and systemic barriers that exist continue to hinder the provision of ACP across cultures.


Based on the annual investigation data of biological resources in Lidao artificial reef zone in 2009, an Ecopath model of the Lidao artificial reef ecosystem was constructed to analyze the energy flow pattern and the system attributes of the ecosystem. The model was consisted of 19 functional groups, basically covering the main processes of the energy flow in the Lidao artificial reef ecosystem. The functional groups were divided according to the relationships of the corresponding positions between appeared fishes and artificial reefs, and the planktonic heterotrophic bacteria were included into the model as a functional group. The fishes appeared in the investigation zone were divided into seven functional groups, and the trophic levels of the functional groups varied from 1.00 to 3.72. The type I fishes had the highest trophic level. The total system throughput was estimated to be 10786.68 t x km(-2) x a(-1), 27% of which flowed to detritus, and 17% flowed out the ecosystem in the forms of fishing and sediment. The total net primary productivity of the system was 4131.97 t x km(-2) x a(-1) and the total energy transfer efficiency was 10.5%. The proportion of the total flow originated from detritus was 39%, and that from primary producers was 61%, indicating that the energy flow was dominated by food web rather than detritus. The ratio of total primary productivity to total respiration of the system was 1.84, the connectivity index was 0.20, and the Finn's cycling index and the mean path length of the energy flow were 4.5% and 2.62, respectively. This study showed that the Lidao artificial reef ecosystem had a relatively low maturity and stability, was at a developing stage, and had weak resistance against outside interference. The ecological environment and the output of fisheries in the artificial reef zone would have inter-annual fluctuations, and thus, the eco-environment restoration of the artificial reef ecosystem could only be realized by the sustainable maintaining of the ecosystem.


In this paper we compare the findings of epidemiologic studies of childhood leukemia that examined at least two of ELF magnetic fields and/or distance to power lines, and exposure to radon and gamma radiation or distance to nuclear plants. Many of the methodologic aspects are common to studies of non-ionising (i.e. ELF-MF) and ionising radiation. A systematic search and review of studies with more than one exposure under study identified 33 key and 35 supplementary papers from ten countries that have been included in this review. Examining studies that have looked at several radiation exposures, and comparing similarities and differences for the different types of radiation, through the use of directed acyclic graphs, we evaluate to what extent bias, confounding and other methodological issues might be operating in these studies. We found some indication of bias, although results are not clear cut. There is little evidence that confounding has had a substantial influence on results. Influence of the residential mobility on the study conduct and interpretation is complex and can manifest as a selection bias, confounding, increased measurement error or could also be a potential risk factor. Other factors associated with distance to power lines and to nuclear power plants should be investigated. A more complete and consistent reporting of results in the future studies will allow for a more informative comparison across studies and integration of results.


DEAD-box proteins (DBPs) that are usually RNA helicases have important roles in eukaryotic and bacterial RNA metabolism. Recent studies have reported that certain prokaryotic DBPs exhibit ATP-independent nucleic acid displacement and annealing activities. We investigated one putative RNA helicase, CshA DEAD-box protein, from vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain Mu 50 for ATP-independent activities on nucleic acids. We herein report that CshA has two novel ATP-independent activities - annealing of complementary single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and strand exchange on short double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). These DNA strand annealing and exchange activities are independent of Mg2+ ion or ATP binding and hydrolysis. ssDNA annealing activity as well as versatile DNA strand exchange activity of CshA suggests a possible role in dsDNA break repair processes.


As a frequently-occurred phenomenon in the high-latitude region, ionospheric scintillations affect the stable service of the positioning navigation and timing service of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), calling for an urgent need of monitoring the scintillations accurately. The monitoring of scintillations usually adopts a special type of receiver, called an ionospheric scintillation monitoring receiver (ISMR), which cannot cover the whole high-latitude region due to its loss distribution. Geodetic receivers are densely distributed, but set at a 30s-sampling-interval usually. It is a controversial issue, namely, the accuracy of the scintillation index extracted from 30s-sampling-interval observations. This paper evaluates the accuracy of two 30s-sampling-interval indices in monitoring scintillations from both the time and space aspects using observations collected in the whole year of 2020. The accuracy in the time aspect is assessed with the phase scintillation index from ISMR as the reference through the following three-pronged approaches, i.e., the accuracy of the daily scintillation occurrence rates in the year 2020, the correlation with space weather parameters, and the variation pattern of the scintillation occurrence rate with the local time and day of the year 2020. The accuracy in space is studied based on the scintillation grid model considering the following two aspects, i.e., the scintillation monitoring performance in a Swarm satellite observation arc, and the statistical scintillation occurrence rate in the whole research region throughout the year 2020. The results of this paper reveal the efficiency of the 30s-sampling-interval scintillation indices in monitoring scintillations and detecting the occurrence patterns in the high-latitude region. The outcome of this paper can provide a basic idea for introducing the widely distributed geodetic receivers to monitor and model the scintillations in the high-latitude region.


The main objective of this study is to analyze internal and external factors and recommend strategies for the development of betta fish cultivation. The method used is a descriptive qualitative method with case study techniques, while the selection of respondents uses a purposive sampling method through participatory observation with interviews based on questionnaires. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) and quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) analysis techniques are carried out to plan the required management strategies. The results showed that the IFE matrix analysis had a total score of 3.159 and EFE 2.835. In the SWOT matrix, allocating the betta fish cultivation business is located in quadrant I which can be interpreted as an aggressive growth (growth-oriented strategy) and on profitable growth. QSPM analysis results obtained top priority is to improve the quality and number of betta fish produced with a STAS value of 5.749. Based on this top priority, it can be used as input and reference consideration in making policies on betta fish cultivation business which includes strategic factors in the long term.


Background Sexually transmitted infections and HIV represent a major public health challenge in European Union/European Economic Area. In 2011, 346911 chlamydia, 39179 gonorrhoea, 28038 HIV and 19798 syphilis cases were reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Improving prevention efforts is therefore a priority, especially among populations groups that are most vulnerable to infection, including young people, MSM, migrants and people living with HIV/AIDS. Methods A mapping exercise of European sexual health data, programmes, initiatives and policies was conducted aiming to increase the understanding of how HIV/STI can be prevented in the general population and among vulnerable population groups. Results Synergies and gaps in the availability of data and in policies and programming were identified across EU/EEA. Eleven countries ever adopted a national sexual health strategy and 24 implemented a national HIV/STI prevention strategy. Specific HIV/STI prevention strategies targeting vulnerable groups were identified for: young people (24 countries), MSM (22 countries), sex workers (19 countries), migrants (20 countries) and injecting drug users (24 countries). National surveys on sexual knowledge, attitude and practise were conducted in general population by 19 countries. Eighteen countries collect data on sexual health in MSM, 9 in PLHIV and 6 in migrants. Sexuality education is mandatory in 20 countries. In the last 5 years, 24 Member States conducted HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns. Conclusions The following mechanisms are considered to support Member States and to promote a comprehensive approach for HIV/STI prevention in the context of sexual health: endorse synergy between European bodies and NGOs in regards to data collection, reporting and publication; development of a standardised set of indicators for collecting comparable data; development of an evidence-based framework to allow countries to evaluate their sexual health interventions; facilitate communication among (inter)national experts through a dedicated sexual health platform.


Crystals of phosphoglucomutase, grown in 2.1 M ammonium sulfate, "desalted", and suspended in a 30% polyoxyethylene-8000/1 M glycine solution as described in the accompanying paper [Ray, W. J., Jr., Puvathingal, J. M., Bolin, J. T., Minor, W., Liu, Y., & Muchmore, S. W. (1991) Biochemistry 30 (preceding paper in this issue)], were treated with glucose phosphates to form an equilibrium mixture of the catalytically active substrate/product complexes. However, this treatment extensively fractured the crystals, even when very dilute solutions of glucose phosphates were used. But formation of the desired complexes was achieved, without fracturing, by introducing the glucose phosphates at high salt concentration, where they do not bind significantly to the enzyme, and maintaining their presence during subsequent sulfate-removal steps, in order to obtain essentially uniform binding throughout the crystal at all times. Although this procedure produced unfractured crystals of the catalytically active complexes, an adjustment in water activity was required to prevent the crystals from slowly liquefying in the presence of the added glucose phosphates. After this adjustment, the quality of diffraction-grade crystals subjected to this treatment was not significantly altered. An even larger adjustment in water activity was required to stabilize crystals that had been largely converted into a mixture of vanadate-based transition-state analogue complexes [cf. Ray, W. J., Jr., & Puvathingal, J. M. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 2790-2801] by means of an analogous procedure. The rationale for, and the implications of, this adjustment of water activity are discussed. The phenomenon of lattice-based binding cooperativity also is discussed together with a possible role for such cooperativity in the fracturing of protein crystals during formation of ligand complexes and possible ways to circumvent such fracturing based on the annealing of crystals at fractional saturation. An assay for quantifying the extent of formation of the vanadate-based transition-state analogue complexes in crystals of phosphoglucomutase is described. A solution to problems associated with producing and maintaining a steady-state in treated crystals is discussed within the context of maximizing the fraction of the crystalline enzyme present as a complex with one such inhibitor, glucose alpha-1-phosphate-6-vanadate. One of these problems, achieving a substantial reduction in sulfate concentration, could not be successfully addressed by employing the desalting procedure used to produce the substrate/product complexes, because of reduced diffusional rates in the final solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Severe cardiac arrhythmias developing in the course of seizures increase the risk of SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). Hence, epilepsy patients with pre-existing arrhythmias should receive appropriate pharmacotherapy. Concomitant treatment with antiarrhythmic and antiseizure medications creates, however, the possibility of drug–drug interactions. This is due, among other reasons, to a similar mechanism of action. Both groups of drugs inhibit the conduction of electrical impulses in excitable tissues. The aim of this review was the analysis of such interactions in animal seizure models, including the maximal electroshock (MES) test in mice, a widely accepted screening test for antiepileptic drugs.


Neutron reactions with silicon nuclei can be responsible for much of the soft errors rate (SER) observed, for instance, in high density memories. The nuclear reactions create ionizing particles that then can induce charge collection at sensitive nodes. In many cases, the nuclear reaction produces a shower of ions. Models for the prediction of SER are much more complicated if all the simultaneously created ions must be considered. In this paper, we examine the proportion of events in which a shower of particles is actually involved. Spallation reaction effects for incident neutrons in the 50-2000 MeV energy range are analyzed using a simple spherical structure. Calculations are performed using BRIC (B_ruyeres le Chatel I_ntra-nuclear C_ascade), an improved version of HETC (High Energy Transport Code). The results show that the proportion of events actually due to showers is less than 2% of the total number of SER's.


The genomic architecture of protocadherin (Pcdh) gene clusters is remarkably similar to that of the immunoglobulin and T cell receptor gene clusters, and can potentially provide significant molecular diversity. Pcdh genes are abundantly expressed in the central nervous system. These molecules are primary candidates for establishing specific neuronal connectivity. Despite the extensive analyses of the genomic structure of both human and mouse Pcdh gene clusters, the definitive molecular mechanisms that control Pcdh gene expression are still unknown. Four theories have been proposed, including (1) DNA recombination followed by cis-splicing, (2) single promoter and cis-alternative splicing, (3) multiple promoters and cis-alternative splicing, and (4) multiple promoters and trans-splicing. Using a combination of molecular and genetic analyses, we evaluated the four models at the Pcdh-gamma locus. Our analysis provides evidence that the transcription of individual Pcdh-gamma genes is under the control of a distinct but related promoter upstream of each Pcdh-gamma variable exon, and posttranscriptional processing of each Pcdh-gamma transcript is predominantly mediated through cis-alternative splicing.


Multi-armed bandit problems are the predominant theoretical model of exploration-exploitation tradeoffs in learning, and they have countless applications ranging from medical trials, to communication networks, to Web search and advertising. In many of these application domains the learner may be constrained by one or more supply (or budget) limits, in addition to the customary limitation on the time horizon. The literature lacks a general model encompassing these sorts of problems. We introduce such a model, called "bandits with knapsacks", that combines aspects of stochastic integer programming with online learning. A distinctive feature of our problem, in comparison to the existing regret-minimization literature, is that the optimal policy for a given latent distribution may significantly outperform the policy that plays the optimal fixed arm. Consequently, achieving sub linear regret in the bandits-with-knapsacks problem is significantly more challenging than in conventional bandit problems. We present two algorithms whose reward is close to the information-theoretic optimum: one is based on a novel "balanced exploration" paradigm, while the other is a primal-dual algorithm that uses multiplicative updates. Further, we prove that the regret achieved by both algorithms is optimal up to polylogarithmic factors. We illustrate the generality of the problem by presenting applications in a number of different domains including electronic commerce, routing, and scheduling. As one example of a concrete application, we consider the problem of dynamic posted pricing with limited supply and obtain the first algorithm whose regret, with respect to the optimal dynamic policy, is sub linear in the supply.


A mark-recapture study conducted in 1987–1992 provided weight measurements of juvenile male northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) on St. Paul Island, Alaska, at ages ranging from approximately 1.5 mo to 5 yr. Males born in 1987 tended to weigh less at ages 3 and 4 yr than those born in other years. Weights of individuals at ages 2, 3, and 4 yr were significantly correlated with their weights as pups (P < 0.05). Weights at ages 2 and 3, 3 and 4, and 4 and 5 yr were significantly correlated (P < 0.001), although weight changes with age were highly variable. Data indicate that larger than average male pups born during 1987–1990 were more likely to survive, but this effect was less evident than among pups born during 1960–1965 when average pup weights were lower.


The influence of the electric field dependence of the differential conductivity on superconducting state stability in multifilamentary superconducting composites is studied theoretically. The obtained stability criterion allows one to determine the upper limit of the values of transport current and background electric field in the superconductor. To illustrate the theory, the superconducting state stability is studied in a wire in a range of sufficiently high magnetic fields.


Ms. Wicks describes a radically different approach to classroom music instruction now in use in El Paso - an approach that focuses on the wide variety of musical genres that are part of the cultural heritage of the U.S./Mexico border region. Although it is not widely known, El Paso-Juarez is the largest international border community in the world.(1) Influenced by a constant give-and-take across the U.S./Mexico border, the region also partakes of the traditions of three Native American groups, the distinct cultural heritage of southern New Mexico, and the contributions of small but vibrant Korean, German, Greek, Middle Eastern, Indian, Filipino, and African American communities.(2) Bilingualism involving English and Spanish or other first languages is widespread, and Hispanics make up more than 72% of the population. Creating a New Curriculum A little over a year ago, a group of us formed an independent consortium of educators to consider this extensive diversity as we looked for ways to increase the relevance of classroom instruction for our unique population of students. We turned to what has become a shrinking part of the national curriculum: music. If music is a resource that individuals use to articulate their cultural heritage, we asked, could students be better motivated if we placed the music that means the most to them at the core of their complex learning experiences? Thinking in these terms led us to create the Borders Music Project, which set out to devise a radically different approach to classroom music instruction: a curriculum based on a wide variety of local musical genres, including Tejano pop and other border-influenced styles. This emphasis on American regional and popular styles constitutes a true departure from the "classical-music-only" subject matter that is typical of a majority of American music programs. And our region, with its rich blend of cultures, offers the perfect proving ground for such an experiment. Striving to be inclusive rather than exclusive, we decided that the curriculum should begin with a broad introduction to the diverse musical riches of the world's cultures. With this grounding, the focus could then be narrowed to the music native to our region. To implement the program, we have taken a dual approach: teacher training and student instruction. Teacher Training First, through a program at Chapman College in Albuquerque (the history of which is explained in a later section of this article), we are offering generalized training to teachers from all disciplines, inviting them to take rich musical materials back into their own classrooms. The fall 1996 course was "Music Cultures of the World," an introduction to world, American, and regional music styles and history from an anthropological perspective. In spring 1996 we are offering "Introduction to Human Cultures," a cultural anthropology course with expanded sections on music, symbolic interaction, and human expressive forms. In these introductory courses, the teachers are also taught the fundamentals of music theory, which they can then pass on to their students. The program is still experimental, and new discoveries continue to be made, but so far teachers have applied the perspectives and resources from our courses in exciting new ways as they approach teaching in a multicultural format. Bilingual teachers, for example, use regional and world music to teach language skills; social studies and English language teachers have used such forms as the ancient Spanish poetic decimas or popular corridos to teach poetry and fiction or to encapsulate major current events. (Corridos are blow-by-blow histories involving cultural heroes, and new corridos are written constantly both in our region and in other areas bordering Mexico, such as Los Angeles and San Antonio. In fact, several of these musical histories started circulating on the streets here immediately following the death of Selena. …


When has an agent converged? Standard models of the reinforcement learning problem give rise to a straightforward definition of convergence: An agent converges when its behavior or performance in each environment state stops changing. However, as we shift the focus of our learning problem from the environment's state to the agent's state, the concept of an agent's convergence becomes significantly less clear. In this paper, we propose two complementary accounts of agent convergence in a framing of the reinforcement learning problem that centers around bounded agents. The first view says that a bounded agent has converged when the minimal number of states needed to describe the agent's future behavior cannot decrease. The second view says that a bounded agent has converged just when the agent's performance only changes if the agent's internal state changes. We establish basic properties of these two definitions, show that they accommodate typical views of convergence in standard settings, and prove several facts about their nature and relationship. We take these perspectives, definitions, and analysis to bring clarity to a central idea of the field.


Background Tofacitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor for the treatment of RA. In Phase 3 studies, tofacitinib demonstrated safety and efficacy at 5 and 10 mg BID when used as monotherapy or with conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDs (csDMARDs). Objectives To examine the safety profile of tofacitinib 5 mg BID as monotherapy and combination therapy in the Phase 3 clinical development RA program. Methods Safety data for tofacitinib were obtained from six double-blind Phase 3 studies of 6–24 months' duration and stratified by whether tofacitinib was administered as monotherapy (NCT00814307, ORAL Solo; NCT01039688, ORAL Start) or with csDMARDs (NCT00960440, ORAL Step; NCT00847613, ORAL Scan; NCT00856544, ORAL Sync; and NCT00853385, ORAL Standard). Patients in ORAL Start were methotrexate (MTX)-naïve while patients in all other studies had an inadequate response to cs or biologic DMARDs. Endpoints included: serious adverse events (SAEs), discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs), serious infection events (SIEs), opportunistic infections, herpes zoster (HZ), malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal perforations, all-cause mortality and laboratory safety data. Results Tofacitinib 5 mg BID was administered as monotherapy in 616 patients (243 from ORAL Solo and 373 from ORAL Start, mean age 51.1 years [yrs], mean RA duration 4.9 yrs, 49.8% received glucocorticoids [GC]) and combination therapy in 973 patients (mean age 53.4 yrs, mean RA duration 8.9 yrs, 57.8% received GC). Incidence rates (IRs) for SAEs, discontinuations due to AEs, SIEs and HZ were generally lower in patients receiving tofacitinib monotherapy vs combination therapy. A similar trend was observed when patients were stratified by GC use; however confidence intervals were wide and overlapping for some outcomes (Table). IRs for SIEs and HZ were greater for patients who received GC compared with those who did not, irrespective of whether tofacitinib was given as monotherapy or in combination. Similar proportions of patients in the monotherapy and combination therapy groups had confirmed laboratory decreases in haemoglobin, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, and increases in liver enzymes and serum creatinine (Table). Conclusions In this analysis, IRs for SAEs, discontinuations due to AEs, SIEs and HZ were lower in the tofacitinib 5 mg BID monotherapy group vs the combination therapy group; however, IRs should be interpreted with caution as the data are from controlled studies of limited duration and MTX-naïve patients with shorter disease duration were included in the monotherapy group only. Acknowledgement Previously presented (Kivitz A et al. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67(S10): Abstr 2143) and reproduced with permission from Arthritis Rheumatol. This study was funded by Pfizer Inc. Editorial support was provided by S Johnson of Complete Medical Communications and funded by Pfizer Inc. Disclosure of Interest A. Kivitz Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Consultant for: Pfizer Inc, Speakers bureau: Pfizer Inc, B. Haraoui Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Janssen, Pfizer Inc, Roche and UCB, J. Kaine Speakers bureau: Pfizer Inc and Bristol-Myers Squibb, V. Castellano Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, E. Bananis Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, C. A. Connell Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, H. Fan Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, L. Takiya Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc


The injection of fluid in the upper crust, notably for the development or exploitation of geothermal reservoirs, is often associated with the onset of induced seismicity. Although this process has been largely studied, it is not clear how the injected fluid influences the rupture size of the induced events. Here we re-investigate the induced earthquakes that occurred during an injection at Soultz-sous-Forêts, France in 1993 and studied the link between the injected fluid and the source properties of the numerous induced earthquakes. We take advantage that deep borehole accelerometers were running in the vicinity of the injection site. We estimate the moment and radius of all recorded events based on a spectral analysis and classify them into 663 repeating sequences.  We show that the events globally obey the typical scaling law between radius and moment. However, at the scale of the asperity, fluctuations of the moment are important while the radii remain similar suggesting a variable stress drop or a mechanism that prevents the growth of the rupture. This is confirmed by linking the event source size to the geomechanical history of the reservoir. In areas where aseismic slip on pre-existing faults has been evidenced, we observed only small rupture sizes whereas in part of the reservoir where seismicity is related to the creation of new fractures, a wider distribution and larger rupture sizes are promoted. Implications for detecting the transition between events related to pre-existing faults and the onset of fresh fractures are discussed.


Intramedullary melanotic schwannomas (IMS) are rare lesions, with only 8 cases reported in the literature to date. We herein describe the case of a 40-year-old male patient with an IMS of the cervical cord, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the ninth reported case of IMS, and review the relevant literature. The patient presented with numbness of the left arm that gradually worsened over a period of 4 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine with gadolinium enhancement revealed an intramedullary lesion at the level of C1-C2. The mass was T1 hyperintense, T2 hypointense and homogeneously enhanced. During surgery, an intramedullary dark gray lesion was identified and was partially removed. The left arm numbness partially subsided 2 weeks after surgery. Although rare, IMS is associated with characteristic MRI findings (T1 hyperintensity, T2 hypointensity and homogeneous enhancement) and MRI is the preferred method for evaluating lesions of the spinal cord. Correct diagnosis is crucial for management planning; therefore, immunohistochemical examination is required. In addition, IMS cases must be closely followed up, particularly when the mass cannot be completely resected.


Online peer-to-peer markets decentralize the distribution of resources, creating a trust problem in economic exchange on the internet. Individual characteristics of trustees — as determinants for being trusted — are therefore increasingly important. In light of this societal development, this study investigates the role of socioeconomic status and reputation as drivers of interpersonal trust. Some have argued that lower status trustees are trusted more easily because over the life course, they repeatedly rely on others' resources. Others state that higher status trustees are perceived as being more trustworthy, because they are more vulnerable to social control and loss of reputation. We propose a novel, experimental method for examining interpersonal trust situations that resembles the reality of peer-to-peer market platforms. 626 subjects in an online experiment were asked to place trust in their preferable trustee based on the asking price, and seller characteristics. The results from conditional logistic regression models showed that status increases perceived trustworthiness and positively affects the trust premium for past trustworthy behavior. Strong reputation effects were found, sending out a warning for inequitable emergent inequality of trust through reputation cascading.


Decoctions of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae) leaves are employed to manage diabetes mellitus among the Ibo communities of Eastern Nigeria. In this study, we studied the ameliorative effects of the aqueous extract of P. americana leaves (AEPAL) on alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia in Wistar rats. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) of AEPAL was determined in rats. The effects of extract on blood glucose and lipids levels; and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The effects of AEPAL on relative organs weights, body weight changes as well as food and water consumption were monitored for 28 days in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats and histopathological changes of the pancreas examined. The estimated oral LD50 of AEPAL was greater than 5000 mg kg–1. AEPAL (125–500 mg kg–1) significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels and hyperlipidaemia in the alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats. The extract significantly reversed the decreased body weight, increased food and water intake; and attenuated elevated levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), urea, total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rat. Histological examination of the pancreas showed regeneration of the β–cells of the Islet of Langerhans in the extract treated alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rat. Our findings revealed that AEPAL contains biologically active components with potential hypoglycaemic activity, thus supporting its further development for the management of diabetic mellitus.

 Key words: Persea americana, acute toxicity, antidiabetic, β–cells, metformin.


For the purpose of grid peak load shifting, chilled water storage has been paid more and more attentions to integrated with air-conditioning system. In this paper, a new air conditioning system with directly chilled water storage is given. With peak-valley Price, cost for power consumption can be saved 15%-20% by coordinated operation between chilled water storage system and air conditioning system. By sensitivity analysis of system economic performance on ratio of peak price to valley price, it is revealed that with much higher ratio of peak price to valley price, not only system economic performance can seldom be improved, but also chilled water storage is restricted for engineering utilization. This paper supplies theory reference for engineering application of chilled water storage technology.


The stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method, which is based on a first-order state-space stochastic model, has been utilized for system identifications in various engineering applications. This paper is to study the difference of the projection-driven (SSI) and covariance-driven (SRA) methods using measured data from a real offshore platform. In theory, the SSI and SRA methods are similar in many ways. Firstly, they are modeled by the same state-space equations, and utilized exactly the same noisy response data. Secondly, they both estimate the modal parameters through a system realization algorithm that involves the truncated singular value decomposition of a kernel matrix. In practical applications, the sole difference of the two methods is related to the computation of either projection or covariance from the same noisy raw data, noting that both the projection and covariance operations are aimed to cancel out the (uncorrelated) noise. For the operational modal analysis of a real offshore structure, the projection-driven method was recommended over the covariance-driven method when these methods were employed together with a stability diagram to identify the "true" system poles, because multiple spurious poles could be stabilized in its stabilization diagram at the frequency locations that are near to the true poles associated with strongly excited modes while implementing the covariance-driven SRA method.


The purpose of present study is to evaluate the nephroprotector activity of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of fruits of Pedalium murex (300 and 600mg/kg body weight, p.o.) against cadmium chloride-induced (3mg/kg/d s.c.) renal toxicity in rats. The effect of plant extracts were examined in terms of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, urinary protein, urine to serum creatinine ratio, lipid peroxidation, gluthione,catalase in kidney.In present study, Cadmium induced nephrotoxicity characterized by significant elevation of serum markers levels, increased urinary protein excretion, raised LPO levels, reduced GSH and CAT levels, reduced creatinine clearance. Co-administration of either ethanolic or aqueous extract with CdCl2 was significantly prevented the renal injury in dose dependent manner. The present study provides the corroborative scientific evidence for the folklore use of Pedalium murex in urinary troubles.


How should we assess programming skills? Asking students to write code in a traditional hand-written exam can produce results like those in Figure 1. It is nearly impossible to meaningfully grade such code. With sufficient effort one can get some idea of whether the general idea is correct, but to assess programming skill we need much more than this. For example, there will almost certainly be errors in the code; how do we know whether the student would be able to correct those errors or not?


The main purpose of this work is to solve the problem of electromagnetic scattering from a chiral cylinder of arbitrary cross-section above an infinite perfect electric conducting (PEC) plane. Using image theory, this problem is reduced to two chiral cylinders in free-space. Surface equivalence principle is used to obtain three different equivalent problems for this two-cylinder problem. Then, the method of moments is used to solve these equivalent problems numerically. It is known that the image of a chiral body through a ground plane is another chiral body with the same permittivity and permeability but opposite chirality. Using this property, the two-body problem in the moment method may be reduced to a one-body problem with a complicated moment matrix. Computed numerical results include scattered fields and equivalent surface currents on the cylinder.


Multiple Sclerosis affects mainly women and consists in intermittent or chronic damages to the myelin sheaths, focal inflammation, and axonal degeneration. Current therapies are limited to immunomodulators and antiinflammatory drugs, but there is no efficient treatment for stimulating the endogenous capacity of myelin repair. Progesterone and synthetic progestins have been shown in animal models of demyelination to attenuate myelin loss, reduce clinical symptoms severity, modulate inflammatory responses and partially reverse the age‐dependent decline in remyelination. Moreover, progesterone has been demonstrated to promote myelin formation in organotypic cultures of cerebellar slices. In the present study, we show that progesterone and the synthetic 19‐nor‐progesterone derivative Nestorone® promote the repair of severe chronic demyelinating lesions induced by feeding cuprizone to female mice for up to 12 weeks. Progesterone and Nestorone increase the density of NG2+ oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and CA II+ mature oligodendrocytes and enhance the formation of myelin basic protein (MBP)‐ and proteolipid protein (PLP)‐immunoreactive myelin. However, while demyelination in response to cuprizone was less marked in corpus callosum than in cerebral cortex, remyelination appeared earlier in the former. The remyelinating effect of progesterone was progesterone receptor (PR)‐dependent, as it was absent in PR‐knockout mice. Progesterone and Nestorone also decreased (but did not suppress) neuroinflammatory responses, specifically astrocyte and microglial cell activation. Therefore, some progestogens are promising therapeutic candidates for promoting the regeneration of myelin. GLIA 2015;63:104–117


Reversibly fluorescent switchable materials have important applications in the fields of ultrahigh-density optical data storage, molecular switches, logic gates, molecular wires, optical/electronic devices, sensors, bioimaging and so on. Some systems have been developed based on smart luminescent polymers and organic photoswitchable molecules. However, the use of such materials for practical applications is dramatically restricted by their intrinsic drawbacks such as low ON/OFF ratios, irreversibility and poor environmental resistance. An imperative challenge toward real applications is to design and fabricate photoluminescence switching devices with high on/off contrast and fast response time, and especially to obtain multicolored systems, in which the photoluminescence wavelength can be easily tuned in the visible region. Here we report the first inorganic example of a multicolored photoluminescence switching system by controlling the organization of crown-type polyoxometalates (POMs) and CdSe@CdS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) into the layer-by-layer (LBL) nanostructures. The photoluminescence of this system can be switched on and off reversibly upon application of step potentials for different redox states, owing to the energy transfer between reduced POMs and QDs. This system displays a quick response (off 17 s, on 38 s), high on/off contrast (∼91%), good cycling performance (the modulation ratio is only decreased by 19% after 200 cycles) and also has the advantage of low power consumption. Furthermore, reversible four-state fluorescence switching is realized by integrating different-sized QDs in one multifunctional system.


An experimental investigation of frequential protrusion of four solid rods into the draft tube of a propeller turbine operating under partial discharge has been undertaken. The effectiveness of mitigating the pressure fluctuations associated with the rotating vortex rope (RVR) has been quantified using pressure measurements on the wall of the draft tube cone. Three azimuthal configurations of the phase difference between the rods, and four protrusion lengths were investigated. It is shown that the rotating component of the RVR decreases, irrespective of the azimuthal configuration and protrusion length, with imposed phase differences in the same direction as the runner rotation being the most effective, reducing the amplitude of the rotating component by a maximum of 62%. However, for each azimuthal configuration, the plunging mode of the RVR is amplified for large protrusion lengths, with the smallest amplification occurring for the case of 180 degrees phase difference between protrusions. Therefore, to quantify the most efficient configuration in mitigating the harmful effects of the RVR, an overall assessment of its effects on the entire turbine must be made before a conclusion can be drawn.


Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) induces a persistent but latent infection in cattle. Viral latency is invoked by a protein known as plasma blocking factor (PBF) that is found in both bovine and human plasma. We report here on pathways that mediate latency in the presence of PBF. Reporter-gene constructs driven by the promoters of 6 retroviruses were used to measure the production of chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) in cell lines cultured with or without defibrinated bovine plasma. Plasma inhibited CAT production only in constructs containing an NFkappaB-binding element proximal to the initiation site (BLV, human immunodeficiency virus, and human T-cell leukemia virus). The promoters of Bovine immunodeficiency virus, Feline immunodeficiency virus, or Feline leukemia virus were not inhibited in the presence of bovine plasma. Using gel mobility shift assays, we demonstrated that activation of viral transcription upon stimulation with phorbol esters and ionomycin was mediated through the NFkappaB element and that this was abrogated in the presence of plasma. Furthermore, analysis of individual NFkappaB proteins in nuclear extracts of mononuclear cells or Jurkat cells showed that all 5 members of the NFkappaB family were upregulated in response to stimulation, but only p52 was significantly downregulated in the presence of bovine plasma. Thus, we infer that plasma effects are mediated through interference with either p52 translocation to the nucleus or p52 synthesis.


This study aimed to test in vitro a RNA-interference based antiviral approach for rabies with short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against rabies virus nucleoprotein mRNA. BHK-21 cells were infected with serial dilutions of PV rabies virus strain and transfected with a pool of three siRNAs. Direct immunofluorescence staining showed a 5-time decrease in virus titer when compared to a non-treated plate, showing a promising new approach to the development of antivirals for rabies treatment.


The newly formed United Arab Emirates appears to be making strides towards the empowerment of women, with women becoming visible in public roles—particularly as professional broadcasters in the media and high-ranking ministers in government posts. However, some evidence suggests that in reality, the progress of women may be a patriarchal image created merely for the sake of appearances as part of the emerging nation's political agenda that seeks to convey the image of a 'modern' state. Fundamentally laws are still biased against women and the education system is still embedding gender bias into the minds of youths via the nation's core curriculum. On the positive side, those visible roles given to women as part of nation-state building and cultural identity projects cannot fail to lead to changes in the social perception of women. However, the fear is that the more the state focuses on creating an image; real change at the grass roots level will be sidelined.


Background. Posttransplant non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare complication but associated with high mortality. The extent to which human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatching influences the rate of posttransplant lymphoma has not been clarified. Methods. Data on lymphomas occurring in the first 3 years posttransplant were analyzed among first kidney transplants from deceased donors performed between 1985 and 2007 and reported to the Collaborative Transplant Study. Results. Of 152,728 patients included, 593 non-Hodgkin lymphomas were diagnosed. Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that HLA-A mismatches had no influence on the rate of lymphoma. One and two HLA-DR mismatches were associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.21 (95% confidence interval 1.00–1.45, P=0.047) and 1.56 (95% confidence interval 1.21–1.99, P<0.001), respectively. For lymphoma of the kidney and central nervous system, HRs for two HLA-DR mismatches were 2.29 (P=0.007) and 2.17 (P=0.029), respectively. Two HLA-B mismatches were also significantly associated with lymphoma in the kidney (HR 2.82, P=0.009). Conclusion. Mismatches at the HLA-DR locus are a significant risk factor for posttransplant non-Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly in the kidney and central nervous system, whereas two HLA-B mismatches increase the risk for the development of lymphoma of the kidney.


Introduction. The current stage of globalization challenges is determined by the increasing importance of tourism and its impact on the world economy as well as on the national economies of countries. Tourism is explained by meeting the specific human needs associated with restoring health and improving productivity, and is provided not only by tourism companies but also by businesses in other industries. It is determined that tourism activity has a significant impact on natural resources, and eco-tourism is considered as a "trend" of the present, because it is associated with the formation of environmental consciousness, aimed at harmonization with nature and awareness of the need to preserve the environment. Therefore, integrated studies of the impact of tourism on the natural resources using and nature conservation must be considered in the light of the relationship between the environment, the economic complex and the population.
The purpose of the publication is to determine the location, research trends and prospects for the development of eco-tourism.
Results. The article explores the issues of the features and tendencies of the ecological tourism development. The analysis of tourism as an economic phenomenon and its influence on the region development is conducted. It has been proven that natural conditions and resources are a major part of the potential that determines tourism development opportunities. The definition of eco-tourism is presented and it is substantiated that this tourism is an integral component of sustainable development, leading to harmonization of ecological, socio-cultural and economic relations. The conditions of development of ecological tourism of the country and Odessa region and its prospects for growth are determined.
Conclusions. The analysis of current trends indicates significant prospects for the growth and further development of eco-tourism. It can be predicted that the country can become one of the most attractive for the development of ecological tourism considering the significant tourist and recreational potential, the species biodiversity and the network components of nature conservation areas.
Keywords: eco-tourism, natural conditions, sustainable development, nature conservation areas, recreational potential, ecosystem, nature reserve fund objects, natural complexes.


The equatorial location gives to Lake George (surface area 250 km2) a climatic régime which makes for an exceptionally unvaried physico-chemical environment within the water mass throughout the year. This is enhanced by peculiarities of the local geomorphometry and the morphometry of the lake. Incident solar energy, according to 10-day running means, varies during the year only ± 13% of the daily mean of 1970 J cm-2. The mean air temperature of 23 °C is always equable (mean daily temperature = 29.5 ± 1.5 °C, mean nightly, 16.5 ± 1.5 °C), and is in equilibrium with the minimum water temperature of the bottom layers of the lake, the surface temperatures of which are usually about 30 °C. The effect of two, approximately equal, dry seasons is offset by the presence of mountainous catchment areas which have a high runoff and thus permit a continuous flow through the lake, which amounts to a mean flushing rate of 2.8 times the mean lake volume per year, so sustaining the supply of primary nutrients. These features promote a continuous productivity, although the allochthonous supplies of nutrients are not thought to be important compared to the total flux of nutrients within the lake. The wind régime, which is strongly influenced by local convectional rather than continental forces, assists convection currents in the water in effecting a nocturnal turbulence which provides an efficient recirculation of nutrients within the shallow water column (2.4 m). This turbulence, alternating with diurnal stratification, against the background of the relative constancy of the climate, means that the lake is dominated by a 24 h physiological cycle rather than the seasonal succession of other latitudes. Some evidence indicates that the concentric distribution of plankton in the lake is established by wind initiated rotary currents. Wave movements at the sediment/water interface are thought to disturb the majority of the sediment surface area possibly down to between 5 and 14 cm in depth, with a mean frequency of an order of magnitude of once every 3 weeks. Progressive organic enrichment has existed throughout the lake's history (3600 ± 90 years), but during the last approximately 700 years an equilibrium appears to have been reached as shown by a retarded rate of change of organic deposition.


In this paper, we propose a new approach for clustering faces of characters in a recorded television title. The clustering results are used to catalog video clips based on subjects' faces for quick scene access. The main goal is to obtain a reasonable result for cataloging in a short time as soon as the recording phase is over. To enable high-speed processing, similarities of shots where the characters appear are used to estimate corresponding faces instead of calculating distance between each face feature. Two kinds of experiments are conducted to evaluate the method. With the fastest method, processing time is less than 1 second per hour of video clips, which is 1000 times faster than in the case of using rigorous face verification with facial feature extraction. The difference between these methods when used to catalog video clips was within allowable error.


This research develops a sensorless hydraulic servo system of Parallel-Typed robot for harbour construction. Purpose of the robot is to mechanize the construction, which is accomplished through a joystick's operating by a stoneworker (or diver). The robot is attached on the end of an excavator as its attachment or transported by a crane to reach the desired place. The embedded compact controller is installed on the robot body and controlled by wireless telecommunication. For underwater work, it is necessary to waterproof the robot and its sensors. Especially, a sensor waterproof is a main drawback for the underwater robot. This leads us to develop a hydraulic robot position controller using an observer which gives the position information without any position sensor. We design a neural network to identify the displacement change according to the command voltage to servo valve. To verify the sensorless controller, this paper presents the performance of the sensorless control for which the position is given by the observer comparing with that of the sensor control for which the position is measured by LVDT sensors. †국립창원대학교 원 ( ) E-mail : firstname.lastname@example.com TEL : (055)275-7553 FAX : (055)262-5064 * 국립창원대학교 원 ( ) ** 국립창원대학교 대한기계학회 2004년도 추계학술대회 논문집


Tebipenem pivoxil (TBPM-PI) is an oral carbapenem antibiotic for treating otolaryngologic and respiratory infections in pediatric patients. This agent is a prodrug to improve intestinal absorption of TBPM, an active form, and an absorption rate of TBPM-PI is higher than those of other prodrug-type β-lactam antibiotics. In the present study, we hypothesized that a certain mechanism other than simple diffusion is involved in the process of improved intestinal absorption of TBPM-PI and examined the mechanism. TBPM-PI uptake by Caco-2 cells was decreased by ATP-depletion and lowering the temperature to 4 °C, suggesting the contribution of carrier-mediated transport mechanisms. This uptake was partially decreased by ACE inhibitors, and the reduction of the absorption by captopril was observed by in vivo study and in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion study in rat, supporting the contribution of influx transporters. Since some ACE inhibitors and β-lactam antibiotics are reported to be substrates of PEPT and OATP families, we measured transporting activity of TBPM-PI by intestinally expressed transporters, PEPT1, OATP1A2, and OATP2B1. As a result, significant transport activities were observed by both OATP1A2 and OATP2B1 but not by PEPT1. Interestingly, pH dependence of TBPM-PI transports was different between OATP1A2 and OATP2B1, showing highest activity by OATP1A2 at pH 6.5, while OATP2B1-mediated uptake was higher at neutral and weak alkaline pH. OATP1A2 exhibited higher affinity for TBPM-PI (K(m) = 41.1 μM) than OATP2B1 (K(m) > 1 mM) for this agent. These results suggested that TBPM-PI has high intestinal apical membrane permeability due to plural intestinal transport routes, including the uptake transporters such as OATP1A2 and OATP2B1 as well as simple diffusion.


. This paper describes a simple, fast algorithm for the computation of Steenrod and Dyer-Lashof operations on BU. The calculations are carried out in H*(BU, Z(i>) and H^BU, Z(í)) where p local lifts are determined by the values on primitives and Cartan formulas. This algorithm also provides a description of Steenrod and Dyer-Lashof operations on the fiber of any H map (or infinite loop map) BU -> BU, and applications to the classifying spaces of surgery which arise in this fashion will appear shortly.


This paper is rather theoretical approach and to answer research questions: is it possible to build a comprehensive framework integrated all these three theories (IO, OE and RBV) in strategic management to explain performance of firm in one industry?; and how are all these three theories integrated conceptually? After reviewing literature related to all main three theories of strategic management, it can be seen that each theory looks performance from its own different perspective. This paper tried to argue a mechanism by complementary views among these three perspectives. As a result, a comprehensive integrated framework was proposed. Moreover, this study tried to provide several solutions to operationalize the conceptual framework in reality, or test it empirically. These solutions are related to variables indicating constructs in the framework, measurement of variables and analytical methodology. In general, this paper is expected to make several contributions to mostly academics. It provides a good suggestion for future studies in this field.


Background: Breast cancer is the most common solid tumor to cause cutaneous metastases. These are incurable and the treatment goal is geared toward local control with surgical excision, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, treatment can be challenging in subjects with end-stage liver disease and a multidisciplinary approach is warranted. Case Report: In this case report, we present a 61-year-old female with primary biliary cirrhosis and human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER-2)-positive breast cancer, who subsequently developed cutaneous metastases. We briefly describe the treatment challenges due to underlying end-stage liver disease, and an exceptional response to trastuzumab and nab-paclitaxel. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach to local control and attenuated doses of nab-paclitaxel and trastuzumab suggest a durable response to HER-2-positive breast cancer with cutaneous metastasis. Subjects with end-stage liver disease pose unique challenges and toxicities, warranting additional research and drug development for less hepatotoxic antineoplastic agents.


Except for the case of Japan during a part of the shogunal period, it seems inevitable that Asian historians would be justifiably uneasy with the term, "feudalism." This is unfortunate since some concept like feudalism is a desideratum, if not a necessity, in discussing early Indian history. Yet, one can hardly avoid uneasiness, even distress, when the term feudalism is permitted to convey many meanings which are associated with European feudalism from the ninth to the thirteenth century and which have no clear and consistent reality in India. Professor Sharma permits such a transfer of specific European traits and relationships from the confused model of European feudalism, and, though he occasionally recognizes the distortions produced in this way, his piecemeal qualifications result in methodological confusion which must be added to an already high order of diversity generated by the Indian data. Moreover, in the absense of clear definitions and given, as one always is in India, great diversity, Sharma's attempt to show a developmental process from the fourth to the thirteenth century cannot succeed. He has designated periods in the career of Indian "feudalism" without indicating (and hence without defending) the basis of his periodization. Indeed, the periods he utilizes appear to be the standard dynastic ones for Northern India and nothing more. The basic shortcoming in this study is that Sharma has made no contribution to the conceptual clarity of the term feudalism as it might be applied in India. Does the term have utility in India, or is it so laden with connotations of the European feudal order that it can only be applied to Europe or to Japan which appeared to independently achieve a similar social order? The continuing work of medievalists of Europe seems to indicate that Europe itself between 800 and 1200 A.D. developed quite diverse forms all aggregated under the term feudalism, and that the term requires careful use. Given certain conditions such as a dominantly agrarian society, poor communications, primacy of local norms and behavior, simple technology, and a low level JOURNAL OF ASIAN STUDIES


. Urban environments are increasingly pervaded by ICT devices. Soon, citizens and technologies could collaboratively constitute large-scale socio-technical organisms supporting both individual and collective awareness. This paper illustrates a modern awareness framework designed to deal with the complexity of this scenario. The framework is able to collect and classify data streams in a modular way by supporting service oriented, reconfigurable components. Furthermore, we evaluate an innovative meta-classifcation scheme based on state-automata for (i) improving energy efficiency, (ii) improving classification accuracy and (iii) improving software engineering of aware systems, without affecting the overall performance.


The paper analyzes the results of an empirical research obtained with the help of a sample of students. The research of persistence was carried out within the framework of the dispositional concept of personality traits and individuality by A. I. Krupnov. The techniques developed by A. I. Krupnov as well as the author's test of persistence were used in the study. After allocating the levels of persistence, the features of self-realization were analyzed in each group of the respondents. The specificity of self-realization was revealed in the context of the author's polysystemic concept, the author's multidimensional questionnaire on personality's self-realization (MQPSR) was used as a diagnostic tool. The empirical study revealed statistically significant differences in the specifics of self-realization of the students with different levels of persistence manifestation. The respondents with a high level of persistence realize themselves more successfully in different spheres of life due to the obvious active behaviour, optimistic attitude, high motivation, creative methods and techniques of self-expression, internal self-regulation and constructive behavior. The students with low persistence lack successful self-realization because of passivity, pessimism, external locus of self-control, a high level of barriers and standard simple schemes of self-expression.


The nature of transport and energy use is radically changing along with the upward trend of electric vehicles (EVs). This poses a challenge for the existing electricity distribution infrastructure. Key questions are: what efforts are required to guarantee that the network infrastructure has sufficient capability to deliver energy and power to the customers, and how does this development affect the network value and distribution fees? In this study, this challenge is approached from the economic perspective of an electricity distribution company. In this study, a generic model to analyse the network effects of EVs is presented. One significant result is that depending on the EV charging methods, the power demand (peak load) may increase dramatically or remain almost at the present level. Correspondingly, the required network reinforcements and distribution fees can be tens of percents lower than today or they can be higher, depending on how much intelligence is integrated into the charging process.


It is now understood that compact, mixed use development prevents the ill effects of sprawl and can mitigate climate change significantly. There is an innovative land use technique that can be used by communities to manage and define future growth in a way that provides for such developments and creates more livable places, places that are environmentally, socially, and fiscally sound. Specifically, a community may create Priority Growth Districts, or PGDs, and thereby direct development to selected locations and also specify design standards that meet the needs of the community's current and future residents. Priority Growth Districts are called Planned Unit Developments, Planned Residential Developments, Traditional Neighborhood Developments, and a variety of other terms in local zoning codes. The authors prefer the term "Priority Growth District" to support compact, mixed use developments at moderate densities because it expresses an underlying policy of critical importance in our time. The policy is that land use planning and regulation need not support development in all parts of the community but can and should designate priority zoning districts for the absorption of most of the organic population and economic growth.


The cerebellum is a key-actor in motor control. Attempting to extract the motor codes underlying the organization of movement and the rules of signal processing applied by the cerebellar modules has been and remains a major goal for many researchers worldwide. There is an impressive body of evidence showing that the cerebellar pathways influence basic aspects of movement control including: anticipation, timing of motor commands, sensorimotor synchronization, sensorimotor associations and tuning of the magnitudes of muscle activities. The cerebellum contains more neurons than any other part of the brain and is considered as an extremely powerful machine for deciphering information. In this issue, we have gathered scientists working on the field of motor control to provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the contribution of this remarkable circuitry in the elaboration and shaping of motor commands.


The impact of COVID-19 vaccination in the elderly has received relatively little attention, particularly in a scenario predominated by the gamma variant. The aim of this study was to assess vaccination coverage and its relationship to changes in the pattern of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. This was an ecological study with Brazilian Ministry of Health data on hospitalizations and deaths, assessing vaccination coverage based on a two-dose regimen, in addition to two vaccination regimens associated with a significant protective effect, one partial (35 days or more after the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine) and the other complete (14 days or more after the second dose of the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine). Based on the date of initial symptoms, patterns of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths were assessed comparatively in elderly 60-69 years and 70 years or more in two groups of Epidemiological Weeks (EW) in 2020 (unvaccinated) and 2021 (vaccinated). Hospitalization and death rates were estimated with Poisson regression. In the groups 60-69 and 70 years or more, vaccination coverage rates were 41.8% and 54.8%, as well as 53.5% and 90.1%, in the EW groups 18-20/2021 and 21-23/2021, respectively. Both EW groups in 2021 showed a substantial change in the patterns of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, with an increase in the risk of hospitalization and death in unvaccinated younger individuals and an important reduction in vaccinated elderly, especially those 60-69 years of age, besides overall reductions of 62% (95%CI: 52-69) and 63% (95%CI: 43-75) in hospitalization and death rates, respectively. Our results emphasize the importance of mass vaccination, especially during an epidemic such as in Manaus, marked by high circulation of the gamma variant.


Several past studies have shown that attention and perception can depend upon the phase of ongoing neural oscillations at stimulus onset. Here, we extend this idea to the memory domain. We tested the hypothesis that ongoing fluctuations in neural activity have an impact on memory encoding using a picture paired-associates task to gauge episodic memory performance. Experiment 1 capitalized on the principle of phase reset. We tested if subsequent memory performance fluctuates rhythmically, time-locked to a reset cue presented before the to-be-remembered pairs. We found indication that behavioral performance was periodically and selectively modulated at theta frequency (∼4 Hz). In Experiment 2 we focused on prestimulus ongoing activity using scalp EEG recorded while participants performed the pair-associate task. We analyzed subsequent memory performance as a function of theta and alpha activity around the presentation of the to-be-remembered pairs. The results of the pre-registered analyses, using large electrode clusters and generic spectral ranges, returned null results of prestimulus phase-behavior correlation. However, we found that post-stimulus theta-power modulations in left frontal scalp predicted subsequent memory performance. This post-stimulus effect in theta power was used to guide a post-hoc prestimulus phase analysis, narrowed down to more precise scalp location and frequency. This analysis returned a correlation between prestimulus theta phase and subsequent memory. Altogether, these results suggest that the prestimulus theta activity at encoding has an impact on later memory performance.


ITO thin films were deposited on glass substrates using e-beam evaporation. The influence of post-deposition annealing on the optical properties of the films was investigated in detail. It was found that the annealing conditions strongly affect the optical properties of the films. The transmittance of films annealed in forming gas (mixed 80% N2 and H2) at first increases dramatically with increasing annealing temperatures up to 300oC but then drops for higher temperature anneals around 400oC. An interesting phenomenon is that the transmittance of the darkened film can recover under further 400oC annealing in air. Atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy have been employed to obtain information on the chemical state and crystallization of the films. Analysis of this data suggests that incorporation and decomposition reactions of oxygen can be controlled to reversibly change the optical properties of the ITO thin film. Keyword: ITO, thin film, post-annealing


Chickpea cooking water (CCW), known as aquafaba, has potential as a replacement for egg whites due to its emulsion and foaming properties which come from the proteins and starch that leach out from chickpeas into the cooking water. High pressure (HP) processing has the ability to modify the functional characteristics of proteins. It is hypothesized that HP processing could favorably affect the functional properties of CCW proteins by influencing their structure. The objective of this study to evaluate the effect of HP treatment on the associated secondary structure, emulsion properties and thermal characteristics of CCW proteins. A central composite rotatable design is used with pressure level (227–573 MPa) and treatment time (6–24 min) as HP variables, and concentration of freeze dried CCW aquafaba powder (11–29%) as product variable, and compared to untreated CCW powder. HP improves aquafaba emulsion properties compared to control sample. HP reduces protein aggregates by 33.3%, while β-sheets decreases by 4.2–87.6% in which both correlated to increasing protein digestibility. α-helices drops by 50%. It affects the intensity of some HP treated samples, but not the trend of bands in most of them. HP treatment decreases Td and enthalpy because of increasing the degree of denaturation.


Purpose: This research was conducted to know the implementation of corporate social responsibility activities at Grand Inna Kuta hotel, which is focused on the implementation corresponding to international regulation, national regulation, and local regulation concerning of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Research methods: By using descriptive qualitative method, this research describes CSR activities which refer to world tourism code of ethics, Indonesian republic government regulation, and local regulation which is the last in its relation with local culture i.e. Tri Hita Karana. Results and discussion: The result shows that there are 6 corporate social responsibility activities which conducted by Grand Inna Kuta namely; blood donor activity, beach cleaning activity, trees plant activity, tribute to the village, social assistance, and social assistance during Covid 19 pandemic. Conclusion: All the activities are a reflection of the local culture theory Tri Hita Karana which means harmonic relationship between human and God, human and human, and human and ecology.


Biographies are usually written about individuals who have fascinated us because of their accomplishments, opinions, or legacy. Although Western civilization recognizes the stories of the lives of biblical persons as well Greek and Roman philosophers and leaders, English literature attributes the first English biography to that of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell because of the detailed research which formulated the description of Samuel Johnson and the objectivity with which it was written. Historical biographies relate the biography to concurrent historical events and provide a historical background to the events of the person's time. These kinds of biographies enlighten the reader on both the history of the time and its impact on the individual and when relevant to the role that the individual played in shaping the historical events. Historical fiction is a genre, which creates a fictional story surrounding real historical events. Although this genre has been spawned, in part, by the desire to learn more about a person or a period of history, it can sometimes be challenging for the reader to separate the fiction from the "reality" of history. All of these genres are enjoyable reading or escapes to another time and place for the reader.

The recent paper by Barton et al. (1) perhaps warrants defining a new genre – historical biography for translational medicine. The criteria for this genre should encompass (i) an accurate and comprehensive chronology of the relevant events and dates of the biographee, (ii) a description of the medical science at the time and the scientific question(s) that was (were) addressed, (iii) the other scientists/physicians who advanced the field to that point in time, (iv) the nature of the advancement made by the biographee, (v) the nature of the scientific obstacles that had to be overcome, (vi) the manner or method by which the person overcame the obstacles, (v) the method or manner of the advance from the fundamental research to clinical medicine, and (vii) the methods by which the person overcame the road blocks to the widespread utilization of the methodology and/or its utilization in the community or population at large.

Barton and co-authors have masterfully accomplished this task in their biography of Andreas Gruntzig. While there have been other biographies of this pioneer in the field of angioplasty, the biography by Barton and co-authors not only provides new details about their subject, obtained from newly identified documents and personal accounts from co-workers, but also provides considerable more insights into the character of the man and the challenges that he faced. This article accomplishes all of the above criteria for a historical biography for translational medicine.

Translational medicine or translational science in the field of medicine has attracted considerable recent attention. It grew from the concerns that the explosion of biomedical basic science was not being translated into meaningful improvements in patient care or not being accomplished in an expeditious manner commensurate with the large expenditures in research and the growing needs to treat patients or prevent disease occurrence (2). The problems facing the translation of medical science from basic research to widespread clinical practice have been described and discussed (2, 3). Obstacles for translational research have been dichotomized into two roadblocks. The first roadblock (labeled T1) refers to those obstacles impeding the "transfer of new understandings of disease mechanisms gained in the laboratory into the development of new methods for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention, and their first testing in humans" (2). A second roadblock (T2) occurs at the level of "the translation of results from clinical studies into everyday clinical practice and health decision making." (2). Each of these roadblocks can have different origins and set of characteristics. It is likely that there are a number of important basic research accomplishments that have not been translated into clinical medicine because of T1 blocks. Similarly, there are likely useful procedures that have not overcome T2 blocks. Thus, there is a need to learn from people such as Andreas Gruntzig who successfully overcome these roadblocks.

In some curriculum, medical students are required to read a biography of a major medical figure. This exercise is designed to commemorate medical pioneers and provide a history of the biomedical tradition as part of a medical education. Historical biography for translational medicine can provide medical students and senior faculty with an understanding of how to overcome roadblocks in translational medicine.

To some extent, the accomplishments of a great person cannot be replicated by others without such talent. The characteristics, however, are still instructive and provide us with guideposts for career learning. What have we learned about Andreas Gruntzig from this biography? Success was accomplished by dedication, persistence, hard work, passion, unwavering dedication to attain the goal, and not being defeated by rejection. His comment that "I have dedicated my life to vascular disease" (1) stands in contrast to the often banal comment one might hear from many persons on their choice of career. The intensity of the "inner fire" that drove Andreas Gruntzig was evident to those around him (1). The intensity of his passion, however, did not prevent him from making friends in the field, some of whom were instrumental in overcoming the roadblocks.

Andreas Gruntzig was well trained in medicine and research as well as being exposed to leading medical "thinkers" and teachers in his training. This training included areas that superficially did not appear to be directly related to angioplasty such as public health and epidemiology but likely shaped his mode of thinking and problem solving. His education played a role in creating or nurturing the characteristics that are necessary for translational medicine. Hard work without any early recognition characterized his early years; "without any support from the federal funding agencies, working at home in the evenings and on weekends in addition to his full-time clinical duties, Gruntzig had succeeded in having functional, hand-made balloon catheters at his disposal" (1).

Medical administrative leadership, at its best fosters, creativity, and good biomedical science. At its worst, medical administration can throttle or extinguish great ideas and projects. Several times Andreas Gruntzig was discouraged from or told that he would not be able to do coronary angioplasty at his institutions. His persistence undoubtedly did not win him favor with his superiors or at his home institutions. Persistence in seeking out like minded individuals, however, was necessary for him to develop his concepts and techniques.

Barton and colleagues document through meticulous research, the many physicians and scientists who advanced the field to that point from where Andreas Guntzig made his leap forward (1). This kind of information pays tribute to individuals whose major contributions were the essential foundation of the field. It also recalls the medieval comment, later made famous by Sir Isaac Newton that one sees further standing "on the shoulder of giants" (4). In addition, the advancement of coronary angioplasty required a number of individuals who recognized the value of the work being done by Andreas Gruntzig and permitted him to proceed with his plans without necessarily directly contributing to the intellectual property of coronary angioplasty. Barton and colleagues document, the contribution of these facilitators and colleagues as well.

Andreas Gruntzig overcame the road blocks to the widespread utilization of coronary angioplasty by developing and leading teaching sessions and seminars on his techniques. These sessions drew people's attention and kindled the "inner fire" in others to spread the technology to different medical centers.

Historical biographies for translational medicine need to be written by experts in the field together with those who know the details of the life and times of the biographee. It requires detailed research and the capacity to explain the biomedical issues, the process involved and the technical details of the subject matter. The value of the excellent contribution by Barton et al. (1) not only provides us with medical history and commemorates the advance but also provides us with important lessons to overcome some of the contemporary challenges in translational medicine.


1 International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. 2 Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. 3 Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. 4 Irrigation and Drainage, Department of Water Engineering, College of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran. 5 College of Agriculture, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran. 6 Environmental Science and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.


This report, prepared with the participation of experts from the Institute of the Economy and Transport Development, presents the results of quantitative assessment of freight traffic growth prospects along the China–EAEU–EU axis. The report provides a description of general trends affecting development of freight transport subject to commodity structure and mode of transport. Special attention is paid to factors driving changes in freight traffic. The authors present their view of the impact that freight rates have on the metrics of freight traffic being rechannelled to EAEU transport infrastructure and the operation of certain factors, such as regularity (rhythmicity) and timeframes of cargo deliveries. The final part of the report offers an assessment of additional freight traffic which may be attracted to transport routes along the China–EAEU–EU axis, in the short and long term.


One important finding concerns the fact that job separations for older workers constitute mostly a one-way exit out of the labor force, despite the fact that an ageing society calls for an active labor market participation from us all. Also, the allocation of labor for younger workers has shown to be imperfect due to inefficient labor mobility. This thesis has shown how flexibility in several dimensions could improve the labor market position, and hence participation, of older workers. For example, flexible wage schemes may alleviate barriers to older workers' labor market participation on the labor demand side, while flexibility in working hours reduces barriers on the labor supply side. These examples of flexibility may result in a better labor market match for workers individually, but an improved allocation of labor will eventually also generate wealth and economic growth in the economy as a whole.


In the south Mediterranean countries and especially the North Africa, the water demands, sincemany decades, have increased while the conventional water availability has decreased dramatically. These trends continue. The obligation to use other non conventional water resources such as desalinating water or waste water reuse becomes a necessity. This work reports the comparison of the nanofiltration and reverse osmosismembranes in Brackish water desalination for the production of potable water with satisfactoryWHO and Moroccan standards. The experiments were carried out using a pilot plant having two modules equipped with various spiral commercialmembranes. The influence on the desalination performances of many running parameters such as pressure, recovery rate was studied. The performances of three commercialmembranes on salt rejection and on energy consumption were compared.


Previous research has suggested that workforce mixing—simultaneously using contingent workers and standard employees—can negatively affect standard employee attitudes and behaviors. In this study, we consider the impact of two reasons employers choose to use contingent workers (to enhance standard employee employment stability and to reduce labor costs) on standard employee withdrawal behaviors (absenteeism and turnover). We posit that when the aim of using contingent labor is to enhance standard employee employment stability (employment stability contingent labor strategy or ESCLS), the effects on standard employee withdrawal behaviors will differ from when the aim is to reduce labor costs (labor cost contingent labor strategy, or LCCLS). Using a sample of 90 firms that employ a mixed workforce, we examine the influence of ESCLS, LCCLS, and high investment HR systems (HIHRS) on standard employee withdrawal behaviors at the firm level. In addition to supporting the hypothesized direct (positive) effect of LCCLS on standard employee withdrawal behaviors, this study's results support the hypothesized moderating effects of HIHRS on the negative relationship between ESCLS and standard employee withdrawal behaviors and the positive relationship between LCCLS and standard employee withdrawal behaviors. Implications for research and practice and suggestions for further research are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Large-scale cross-bedded units with mud-draped bottomsets and foresets occur in several shallow-marine sand formations attributed to tidal sand waves. The deposition and preservation of mud drapes on sand waves are favoured by a large sand-wave asymmetry, a high bottom concentration of suspended mud, large timevelocity asymmetry and low strength of tidal currents, and a high eccentricity of the tidal-current ellipse. The deposits formed on a strongly asymmetrical sand wave beneath a strongly asymmetrical current during one semidiurnal or diurnal tidal cycle will be a distinctive couplet composed of (i) a compound mud drape, with an internal silt-sand parting formed by the subordinate tidal stream, overlain by (ii) a group of sandy foresets and bottomsets deposited by the dominant stream. As the tides wax from neaps towards springs, and subsequently wane toward the next neaps, the spacing of drapes between sandy foresets will at first increase and then decline, whence a bundling or clustering of mud layers, and a periodicity in the streamwise arrangement of drapes and sandy foresets, will appear within the cross-bedding set. Tidal regime and the bed-material erodibility determine the character of these spring-neap depositional cycles, or bundles. The number of sand layers, their accumulated thickness, and their range in thickness within a spring-neap depositional cycle all increase as the tidal currents grow in strength relative to the threshold speed for sand erosion. Nontidal factors may modify the tidally dependent spring-neap pattern of drapes and foresets, among which wave action seems most important. Mud deposition is suppressed at times of heightened wave-activity, with the result that spring-neap depositional cycles become abbreviated in the number of identifiable sedimentary episodes while acquiring an exaggeratedly large range in drape spacing. Long term changes of tidal regime, such as occur between equinoxes and solstices, should be detectable as gradual changes through a long sequence of spring-neap bundles. The Folkestone Beds of the western and northeastern Weald include many thick cross-bedded units with mud drapes often visibly bundled. At three western sites, the sands are fine to medium grained, with some coarse-grade and even pebbly material. The drapes there, consisting of fine- to very-fine-grained kaolinitic silt, range in thickness mainly between about 0.002 mm and 0.02 m. The spacing between groups of sandy foresets and bottomsets changes in an orderly way along the cross-bedding sets, varying from as little as about 0.01 m to several metres. With reference to the model, and with the help of time-series and Fourier analysis, the character of the drapes themselves, and the nature of the depositional cycles to which they contribute, it seems likely that the Folkestone Beds were deposited from diurnal tidal currents of spatially changing strength assisted by a strong unidirectional current. The limitation of drapes to western and northeastern areas is consistent with the restriction of the more eccentric tidal currents to nearshore areas, even though the currents seem to have been strongest nearest to shore. The length of the depositional cycles in the Folkestone Beds - proposed to record spring-neap tidal cycles-is consistent with the slightly longer year (in terms of solar days) inferred for early Cretaceous times on various independent grounds.


It is essential for physicians to obtain the accurate venous tree from abdominal CT angiography (CTA) series in order to carry out the preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation for hepatic surgery. In this process, one of the important tasks is to separate the given liver venous mask into its hepatic and portal parts. In this paper, we present a novel method for liver venous tree separation. The proposed method first concentrates on extracting potential vessel intersection points between hepatic and portal venous systems. Then, the proposed method focuses on modeling the vessel intersection neigh-borhoods with a robust twin-line random sample consensus (RANSAC) shape detector. Finally, the proposed method conducts the venous tree separation based on the results of the twin-line RANSAC as well as physical constraints posed by Murray's Law. We test our method on 22 clinical CTA series and demonstrate its effectiveness.


IntroductionIn South Africa about 1500 people become HIV infected every day. More than half of these new infections occur in young people. HIV/AIDS programmes have been implemented to combat the disease, but yet the incidences are still on the increase.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of high school learners about HIV/AIDS in the Paarl and Wellington area.MethodologyThis study made use of a quantitative study design, by means of a self-administered questionnaire in order to reflect the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of high school learners in the Paarl and Wellington areas regarding HIV/AIDS. Convenient sampling was used to obtain a large enough sample size to represent the learner population represented by the high schools in Paarl and Wellington. Data analysis was done usingthe SPSS version 10.0 to obtain frequencies, means and percentages. Cross-tabulations were done to determine relationships between variables.ResultsThis study confirms that the learners have basic knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. The learners make use of this knowledge during some stages of their decision-making but a lack of more in-depth knowledge in certainareas may put them at risk of becoming HIV infected. They might not perceive themselves to be at risk. Their beliefs and attitudes in some instances did afford them the opportunity to make certain safer choicesregarding their sexual health.ConclusionIt is evident that the HIV/AIDS education programmes is making an impact to improve the knowledge of the learners. Further research is however needed to find even more effectives means to provide learners andthe rest of the population with more in-depth knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS.


A 61-year-old woman with suspected schizophrenia has been attending an outpatient geriatrics service for some time, initially with memory complaints and panic attacks. During treatment, the diagnosis schizophrenia was rejected and psychopharmaceuticals were largely phased out, which improved cognitive functions. Eventually, flashbacks of incest experienced in childhood remained together with REM sleep pathology. The flashbacks, nightmares and the REM sleep pathology were responsive to rivastigmine. Rivastigmine use for the treatment of REM sleep pathology is known in the literature, but it has never been described previously that rivastigmine also impacts on flashbacks and nightmares..