Coexistence, democracy, citizenship, peace, tolerance, respect, cooperation, empathy and other similar terms are some concepts that make up the principles and aims of present education. For this reason, education managers design, develop and assess processes that try to reduce problems of coexistence. The main aim of this chapter is to show strategies for detecting problems of coexistence at school and to analyze the students' role in these processes. The background of the chapter is based on the following topics: school as a conflictive place, types of problems in coexistence, definitions and characteristics of the term conflict and models to improve coexistence at schools. After considering these ideas, the next step involves the analysis of some strategies for detecting problems of school coexistence. An important part of these strategies emphasizes student role in this task. However, students are often not properly trained to detect problems of coexistence at schools. Consequently, there are some processes for creating a school context based on democratic resolution of conflicts.


Triptolide (TP) is one of the most common systemic treatments for inflammatory and immune diseases in China for centuries. However, TP exhibits some disadvantages, such as poor solubility in water, poor bioavailability, liver toxicity, renal toxicity, and other side effects. In order to reduce the adverse effects of TP, researchers have developed numerous strategies to address the adverse properties of triptolide. Nano-carrier-based triptolide delivery systems represent an emerging technology and are one of the strategies of nanomedicine that combines diagnostic and therapeutic applications in a single agent. In this approach, we developed a glutathione-activated carrier-free nanodrug of triptolide (CyssTPN) as a trackable drug delivery system. In this system, CyssTP self-assemble to form a carrier-free nanodrug, which possesses a monodisperse spherical morphology with hydrodynamic average sizes of about 50 nm. In addition, CyssTPN had good stability under different physiological conditions (pH, high salt, etc.). Apart from cellular imaging and cell uptake, CyssTPN can be tracked by the activation of TP ability in real-time and applied for cancer cell treatment efficiently. The result showed that CyssTPN could improve solubility, reduce the side effects, and increase the bioavailability of triptolide. It could also track triptolide activation timely and tumor therapy successfully.


Abstract. Pluto and Charon exhibit strikingly different surface appearances, despite their similar densities and presumed bulk compositions. Systematic mapping has revealed that much of Pluto's surface can be attributed to surface-atmosphere interactions and the mobilization of volatile ices by insolation. Many mapped valley systems appear to be the consequence of glaciation involving nitrogen ice. Other geological activity requires or required internal heating. The convection and advection of volatile ices in Sputnik Planum can be powered by present-day radiogenic heat loss. On the other hand, the prominent mountains at the western margin of Sputnik Planum, and the strange, multi-km-high mound features to the south, probably composed of H2O, are young geologically as inferred by light cratering and superposition relationships. Their origin, and what drove their formation so late in Solar System history, is under investigation. The dynamic remolding of landscapes by volatile transport seen on Pluto is not unambiguously evident in the mapping of Charon. Charon does, however, display a large resurfaced plain and globally engirdling extensional tectonic network attesting to its early endogenic vigor.


We consider shared listings on two South African equity exchanges: the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the A2X Exchange. A2X is an alternative exchange that provides for both shared listings and new listings within the financial market ecosystem of South Africa. From a science perspective it provides the opportunity to compare markets trading similar shares, in a similar regulatory and economic environment, but with vastly different liquidity, costs and business models. A2X currently has competitive settlement and transaction pricing when compared to the JSE, but the JSE has deeper liquidity. In pursuit of an empirical understanding of how these differences relate to their respective price response dynamics, we compare the distributions and auto-correlations of returns on different time scales; we compare price impact and master curves; and we compare the cost of trading on each exchange. This allows us to empirically compare the two markets. We find that various stylised facts become similar as the measurement or sampling time scale increase. However, the same securities can have vastly different price responses irrespective of time scales. This is not surprising given the different liquidity and order-book resilience. Here we demonstrate that direct costs dominate the cost of trading, and the importance of competitively positioning cost ceilings. Universality is crucial for being able to meaningfully compare cross-exchange price responses, but in the case of A2X, it has yet to emerge in a meaningful way due to the infancy of the exchange -- making meaningful comparisons difficult.


Researchers have found a potential new target for drugs to control appetite, for which there could likely be a billion-dollar demand: In today9s issue of
 Cell, a team reports the discovery of two related peptides, from the brains of rats, that trigger eating in the animals. Unlike most other peptides that have been found to turn up hunger, these are made only in a brain area called the lateral hypothalamus, previously identified as the brain9s "feeding center" because its destruction caused experimental animals to stop eating and starve to death. The newly discovered peptides may be key to that brain area9s normal function. What9s more, because researchers already know the identity of the receptors through which these peptides work, they can now begin to look for drugs that either mimic or block their appetite-enhancing effects.


Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common types of dementia in the aging population. We aimed to evaluate anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of M. longifolia extract for treating the disease. alcoholic extract and essential oil of M. longifolia were prepared and tested for their antioxidant activity in in-vitro assays as well as anti Alzheimer effect of extract and essential oil at 10% LD50 was evaluated relevant to their anti-inflammatory effect, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity in aluminium chloride model. In in-vitro study, M. longifolia showed potent antioxidant effects as radical scavenger and inhibitor for lipid peroxidation. In in-vivo study, the essential oil significantly decreased production of hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in brain tissue as compared to AL-intoxicated group. Mint extract and oil increased glutathione concentration, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as well as total antioxidant capacity in brain tissue. Treating intoxicated rats with extract or oil decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines in sera and brain tissue. Extract and oil decreased (IL-1β) ,IL-6 and (TNF-α) in intoxicated rats, also inhibited production of to be nearly at the same level of -ve control group. Both extract and oil showed the same effect on IL- 1β in brain tissue but had low effect on TNF-α while they elevated inhibition percentage of IL-6 concentration in brain tissue with concomitant inhibition of cholinergic biomarker as inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, respectively and cholinesterase . M. longifolia extract and essential oil may have anti Alzheimer effect through their effect as antioxidant agents, anti-inflammatory agents and as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.


The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 confers equality on all South African citizens regardless of race and gender. It has been reported that, under apartheid, gender inequality was a way of life and even social liberation movements observed it. Education is not exempt from gender inequality; the Department of Education in 2003 produced the Gender Equality In Education policy. The then Minister of Education committed to the policy and adopted the mainstreaming of gender and the training of education administrators in the implementation of gender equity programmes. Despite these efforts, male dominance continues in areas such as educational leadership. This paper employs a case study approach to investigate the role of institutional culture in undermining the constitutional aim of attaining gender equality. Using feminist critical policy analysis theory to study the mentoring and management style employed in a South African rural high school, the article concludes that despite the policy imperatives, the conservative and patriarchal tendencies within educational leadership undermine the attainment of gender equality. To attain success, implementation of gender policies needs to be strictly monitored.


An experimental study of the melt densification of polyethylene powders filled with natural fibres is presented. The aim was to understand the underlying principles applicable to the consolidation of thermoplastic polymer-natural fibre systems processed by rotational moulding. This process has been developed at POLYCOM and has been reported previously in the literature. A sintering oven with PID-controlled temperature was equipped with a stereo microscope and image acquisition facilities. Sintering sequences were studied using image analysis procedures. Initial studies with two kinds of polymer particle and one type of fibre were carried out in order to identify some of the governing processes. Other studies included the use of multi-particle beds with many fibres having different concentrations, and the measurement of powder permeability and density. The influence of sintering temperature and time on the sintered specimens' density is also reported. Natural fibres induce voids in the sintered specimens and retard coalescence between the polymer particles. The experimental results were in good agreement with previous data obtained from the rotational and compression moulding of natural fibre reinforced thermoplastics.


We present a low-cost microexposure tool for projection lithography at 14.4 nm we have designed and operated at the ENEA Research Centre, Frascati. It is a laboratory-scale system based on a Schwarzschild-type projection optics which uses a laser-plasma soft X-ray source, equipped with a patented debris mitigation system in order to preserve the collector optics. As a preliminary result, we achieved a 90-nm optical resolution patterning on commercial resist. A sharp improvement in resolution size is expected when operating this tool by a large-output energy excimer laser in order to obtain a single-shot patterning.


References 1. Snyder RA, Elias PM. Toxic epidermal necrolysis and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Dermatol Clin. 1983; 1:235-248. 2. Alexander JO. Arthropods and Human Skin. Berlin: SpringerVerlag, 1984;221-223. 3. Maretic Z. Latrodectism: Variations in clinical manifestations provoked by Lalrodectus species of spiders. Toxicon. 1983; 21:457-466. 4. Burnett JW, Calton GJ, Morgan RJ. Latrodectism: Black widow spider bites. Cutis. 1985;36:I21.


Key discussions regarding Russia's economic policy are now taking place between the two camps of economists. The foremost proponent of the ideas in the first camp is Alexey Kudrin, former Vice-Prime Minister, PhD in Economics. The second camp has crystalized itself around Sergey Glaziev, Advisor to the President of Russia, Doctor of Economics, Academician. Both options of economic policy which are proposed by these two schools of thought mean a lot of pain to produce any gain. The first part of this article analyzes the weaknesses of these two options. The second part of the article offers an alternative analysis of the causes responsible for the ups and downs of the Russian economy. An action plan is put forward which, within a few months, would allow the Ruble exchange rate to be stabilized and would ensure that the Russian economy grows regardless of the world market prices for major goods of the Russian primary materials exports.


Abstract When drilling ice cores deeper than ∼100 m, drill liquid is required to maintain ice-core quality and to limit borehole closure. Due to high-pressure air bubbles in the ice, the ice core can crack during drilling and core retrieval, typically at 600–1200 m depth in Greenland. Ice from this 'brittle zone' can be contaminated by drill liquid as it seeps through cracks into the core. Continuous flow analysis (CFA) systems are routinely used to analyse ice for chemical impurities, so the detection of drill liquid is important for validating accurate measurements and avoiding potential instrument damage. An optical detector was constructed to identify drill liquid in CFA tubing by ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy at a wavelength of 290 nm. The set-up was successfully field-tested in the frame of the NEEM ice-core drilling project in Greenland. A total of 27 cases of drill liquid contamination were identified during the analysis of 175 m of brittle zone ice. The analyses most strongly affected by drill liquid contamination include insoluble dust particles, electrolytic conductivity, ammonium, hydrogen peroxide and sulphate. This method may also be applied to other types of drill liquid used at other drill sites.


Background : The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze (1) the effect of developing a model of training on basic exercise of badminton in children aged 10-11 years (through drill exercise approach) (2) comparing the effectiveness level of the original conventional training with the development of technical training models Badminton Basics for Early Childhood 10-11 Years (Through Drill Practice Approach) (3) creating products in the form of training models for basic Badminton in Early Childhood 10-11 Years Old (Through Drill Practice Approach). Subjects and Methods : This study uses the Model Development method. The data obtained in this study are qualitative data and quantitative data. The population is PB Putra Utama Sukoharjo members aged 10-11 years in the early age category, amounting to 12 people and divided into 2 groups, namely the trial group and the control group respectively. the number of 6 children. Results : Based on expert validation and group trials. Experts and experts assess the aspects of material quality and content aspects with an average of 87.2% including valid categories to be used, while badminton experts and experts assess the aspect of appearance and effectiveness aspects with a mean score of 90.02% including valid categories for use. Assessment of coaches/trainers through small group trials a percentage of 85.76% valid categories for use. The results of large group trials, based on the aspect of appearance, content aspects, and aspects of the training program, obtained an average score of 80.79% including valid categories for use. 4) The average increase in the trial group (59.06%) was higher than the control group (44.482%). 5) This product is declared valid and effective. Conclusion : The conclusions of this study are (1) Development of the basic exercise model of badminton punch on early childhood aged 10-11 years (through drill training approach) influences the significant increase in mastery of basic punch techniques, (2) Development of basic technical training models Badminton punches in early childhood aged 10-11 years (through drill training approach) are more effective than conventional models or exercises (3) products in the form of exercise models for basic badminton in children aged 10-11 years (through drill practice approach) are good books and video tutorials become an exercise model that is suitable for the growth and development of early childhood 10-11 years effective and easy to understand as a guide in applying the exercise model.


The brick layer model is normally employed in impedance spectroscopy calculations when the material system is homogeneous. Here, we use probability distributions to modify this model for real inhomogeneous materials. In the plot of Z' against Z''/f we find that the straight lines change into curves for inhomogeneous phases. We can also distinguish between the effects of overlap and the effects of distribution from the shape of the plot. By fitting the impedance spectra, we can evaluate the degree of homogeneity of the phase. Analysis of a negative temperature coefficient ceramic shows that the new model can fit real experimental data very well.


: Microelectrode method was applied to the study of the influence of sodium bile salts (BS), saponin and between-80 on the end-plate potentials (EPP) of m. sartorius of Rana ridibunda. Bile salts in a concentration of 10(-5) g/ml did not change these potentials significantly. With increase of the BS concentration up to 10(-4) g/ml the amplitude of EPP increased 1.5- 3 times. The action of these substances in a concentration up to 10(-3) g/ml caused similar, but more rapid, increase in the EPP amplitude, and then the amplitude decreased. Saponin and tween-80 were less efffective in their action on EPP, but evoked muscle contraction. It is suggested that an increase in the EPP amplitude as a result of the action of the mentioned agents was chiefly connected with stimulation of the acetylcholine release by the nerve terminals.


The immune system deploys a complex network of cells and signaling pathways to protect host integrity against exogenous threats, including measles virus (MeV). However, throughout its evolutionary path, MeV developed various mechanisms to disrupt and evade immune responses. Despite an available vaccine, MeV remains an important re-emerging pathogen with a continuous increase in prevalence worldwide during the last decade. Considerable knowledge has been accumulated regarding MeV interactions with the innate immune system through two antagonistic aspects: recognition of the virus by cellular sensors and viral ability to inhibit the induction of the interferon cascade. Indeed, while the host could use several innate adaptors to sense MeV infection, the virus is adapted to unsettle defenses by obstructing host cell signaling pathways. Recent works have highlighted a novel aspect of innate immune response directed against MeV unexpectedly involving DNA-related sensing through activation of the cGAS/STING axis, even in the absence of any viral DNA intermediate. In addition, while MeV infection most often causes a mild disease and triggers a lifelong immunity, its tropism for invariant T-cells and memory T and B-cells provokes the elimination of one primary shield and the pre-existing immunity against previously encountered pathogens, known as "immune amnesia".


Economists stress the leading role that inclusive institutions play among the various factors that foster a country's economic growth. In this article, we show that it might be misleading to mistake the codification of a formal rule for its effective administrative implementation. As the case of the German state Wuerttemberg demonstrates, a government's lip service to the principle of equal treatment does not guarantee that the local patent authority refrains from discriminating against foreign patentees by charging comparatively high patent fees. We conclude that the introduction of a stringent and formally fair patent law alone does not guarantee that foreign inventors' intellectual property rights are protected as well as those of the domestic patentees.


This paper investigates urban governance empirically by applying social network analysis methods to data gathered through structured interviews in London and New York. We explore how decisions are made in complex institutional environments inhabited by various types of actors. Owing to the time-consuming data collection and treatment processes, the research zooms in on transport. The comparative approach enabled the detection of different structural features in the governance networks shaping transport strategies in both cities. The perceived relative power, influence, dependence and/or affinity between the actors involved is discussed based on network attributes. The evidence suggests that transport governance in London is more centralised (and, arguably, more technocratic and integrated), in the sense that a few prestigious entities are clearly more prominent. In New York the institutional environment is typified by many checks and balances (and, arguably, more democratic and fragmented), where central actors are less obvious.


Positive Thinking Attracts Happiness. This guide helps individuals understand and improve the quality of their lives with positive thoughts. Its shows you what stress can do to your body, and how meaning and joy can lead to success.


Yields and quality were compared on young bearing 'Bearss' lemon (Citrus limon L.) trees grown with 3 rates of N and K and 2 levels of soil moisture over a 4-year period. Increased rates of N application increased fruit production, incidence of fruit with scab, and green fruit; and decreased acid content of juice. Potassium applications increased the acid content of juice. Irrigation increased fruit size and decreased the number of green fruit after curing. A leaf N content of 2.2 to 2.6% is suggested for optimum fruit production for 'Bearss' lemon under Florida conditions.


Green computing is the environmentally responsible use of computers and related resources. Such practices include the implementation of energy-efficient central processing units (CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste). Green IT is taking on a bigger role for many reasons, this book covers all areas including an increased awareness of environmental danger; concern about power bills; regulatory requirements; government procurement rules; and a sense that corporations should embrace social responsibility. But IT is still responsible for 2% of all carbon releases, and it's coming from many sources. Fast memory for instance is getting to be a surprisingly high energy consuming item. This is a great book as it highlights Green IT in a clear and compelling way and shows how, really, the business case for sustainability has been largely proven. This is a quality, believable business book that will help especially managerial staff understand this topic in biz terms most known to them.


The main objective of this article is to outline an account of the evolution of the analytic (Free State) type of possessive noun phrases in Spanish Arabic and the loss of the synthetic (Construct State) type in Shamaliya Arabic, two relatively unknown varieties that are historically related. Possessive noun phrases can vary at the level of Syntax, PF or the Lexicon. Variation at the level of Syntax yields the distinction between the synthetic type and the analytic type. These have the same underlying structure but different derivations determined by the values of an EPP feature associated with Num, the DP-equivalent of clausal T. When Num has the [+EPP] value, it triggers subject-raising of the possessor to Spec, Num leading to the derivation of the synthetic type. When Num has the [−EPP] value, the possessor remains in-situ and consequently triggers the appearance of the genitive preposition. The evolution of the analytic type involves the acquisition of the [−EPP] value and the loss of the synthetic type the loss of the [+EPP] value. Variation at PF involves deletion or not of the definiteness feature/article of the head noun or the possessor in the synthetic type, which yields three logical patterns: [N the -N], [ the -N N] and [ the -N the -N]. Spanish Arabic had all three patterns, while Moroccan Arabic and other varieties have only the first pattern. Finally, variation at the level of the Lexicon accounts for differences relating to which preposition is used in possessive noun phrases. The Maghreb/Western varieties make use of the genitive preposition, while the Mashreq/Eastern varieties tend to make use of the dative preposition instead.


The reliability of cast components is dependent on the quality of the casting process. During this highly transient filling phase the prevention of free surface turbulence and consequential oxide entrainment is critical to ensure the mechanical integrity of the component. Past research has highlighted a number of events that lead to entrainment of surface oxides. Using FLOW-3D, flow structures that result in surface entrainment events have been simulated and an algorithm developed that allows entrainment and defect motion to be tracked. This enables prediction of the quantity and motion of oxide film generated from each event. The algorithm was tested experimentally and compared to experimental data from previously published work. A quantitative criterion is proposed to assess the damage of each type of event. Complete running systems have also been studied to understand how they could be assessed for quality of filling based on the flows within them.


The theory of moment stability of random linear systems is extended to systems containing stationary, possibly correlated, Gaussian random parameters with rational nonwhite spectra. Sufficient conditions for the stability of the moments of the system are derived. Several stronger results are obtained for some restricted systems.


Major interactions are known to trigger star formation in galaxies and alter their color. We study the major interactions in filaments and sheets using SDSS data to understand the influence of large-scale environments on galaxy interactions. We identify the galaxies in filaments and sheets using the local dimension and also find the major pairs residing in these environments. The star formation rate (SFR) and color of the interacting galaxies as a function of pair separation are separately analyzed in filaments and sheets. The analysis is repeated for three volume limited samples covering different magnitude ranges. The major pairs residing in the filaments show a significantly higher SFR and bluer color than those residing in the sheets up to the projected pair separation of ∼50 kpc. We observe a complete reversal of this behavior for both the SFR and color of the galaxy pairs having a projected separation larger than 50 kpc. Some earlier studies report that the galaxy pairs align with the filament axis. Such alignment inside filaments indicates anisotropic accretion that may cause these differences. We do not observe these trends in the brighter galaxy samples. The pairs in filaments and sheets from the brighter galaxy samples trace relatively denser regions in these environments. The absence of these trends in the brighter samples may be explained by the dominant effect of the local density over the effects of the large-scale environment.


BACKGROUND
Local Pulse Pressure (PP) is an independent determinant of carotid artery wall thickness, stronger than mean BP. The present study was designed to assess whether a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist or an ACE inhibitor-based treatment was able to reduce carotid artery wall hypertrophy through the reduction in carotid PP rather than by lowering mean BP, and whether the influence of local PP reduction could also be detected at the site of a muscular artery, the radial artery.

METHODS AND RESULTS
Ninety-eight essential hypertensive patients were randomised to 9 months of double-blind treatment with either celiprolol or enalapril. Arterial parameters were determined with high resolution echotracking systems. PP was measured locally with PP applanation tonometry, and independently of mean BP. After 9 month's treatment, mean BP, carotid PP and intima-media thickness (IMT) decreased significantly, with no difference between the tow groups. The reduction in carotid pression pulsée, but not in mean BP, was a major independent determinant of the reduction in carotid IMT. Radial artery IMT and PP decreased significantly with both treatments. However, the reduction in radial artery IMT was not related to the changes in radial artery PP.

CONCLUSION
The regression of carotid artery wall hypertrophy during long-term antihypertensive treatment was dependent on the reduction in local PP rather than on the lowering of mean BP. The effect of PP lowering on IMT reduction was observed at the site of an elastic artery but not at the site of a muscular artery.


We report a case of anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma occurred in a male of 13 years, who presented a syndrom of intracranial hypertension for a year and a half. CT-scan and MRI revealed a cystic and solid tumor in the left parietal lobe. The surgical resection was total. Histopathological examination demonstrated a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with malignant transformation. Seven months later, the patient has a  deterioration of his general condition, the CT revealed a tumor recurrence, which was reoperated. The patient died a few days after surgery. This rare case of anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is presented, discussed and illustrated in this paper. Nous rapportons un cas de xanthoastrocytome pleomorphe anaplasique chez un garcon de 13 ans. Il presentait un syndrome d'hypertension intracrânienne depuis un an et demi. L'imagerie a visualise une lesion a double composante kystique et charnue de localisation parietale gauche. L'exerese chirurgicale a ete totale. L'examen histologique a revele un xanthoastrocytome pleomorphe anaplasique. Sept mois plus tard, le patient a presente une alteration de l'etat general, et le scanner  encephalique a montre une recidive tumorale qui a ete reoperee. Le patient est decede quelques jours apres l'intervention.


This paper is concerned with the single-row facility layout problem (SRFLP). A globally optimal solution to the SRFLP is a linear placement of rectangular facilities with varying lengths that achieves the minimum total cost associated with the (known or projected) interactions between them. We demonstrate that the combination of a semidefinite programming relaxation with cutting planes is able to compute globally optimal layouts for large SRFLPs with up to 30 facilities. In particular, we report the globally optimal solutions for two sets of SRFLPs previously studied in the literature, some of which have remained unsolved since 1988.


The lasing performance of deeply etched distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers was improved to a threshold current as low as 7.2 mA and a differential quantum efficiency as high as 50% with high uniformity. The reflectivity of the 15-DBR reflector was estimated to be as high as 95% from the threshold current dependence on the active region length. A preliminary test under room-temperature CW operation showed stable operation for a duration in excess of 4000 hours.


I analyze the optimal information disclosure problem under commitment of a "contest designer" in a class of binary action contests with incomplete information about the abilities of the players. If the contest designer wants to incentivize the players to play in equilibrium a particular strategy profile, she can design an information disclosure rule, formally a stochastic communication mechanism, to which she will commit and then use to "talk" with the players. The main tool to carry out the analysis is the concept of Bayes Correlated Equilibrium recently introduced in the literature. I find that the optimal information disclosure rules involves private information revelation (manipulation), which is also cost-effective for the designer. Furthermore, the optimal disclosure rule involves asymmetric and in most cases correlated signals that convey only partial information about the abilities of the players.


The equations of motion describing buoyant fluids are often simplified using a set of approximations proposed by J. Boussinesq one century ago. To resume, they consist in assuming constant fluid properties, incompressibility and conservation of calories during heat transport. Assuming fulfilment of the first requirement (constant fluid properties), we derive a set of 4 criteria for assessing the validity of the two other requirements in turbulent Rayleigh-Benard convection. The first criterion $\alpha \Delta \ll 1 $ simply results from the incompressibility condition in the thermal boundary layer ($\alpha$ and $\Delta$ are the thermal expansion coefficient and the temperature difference driving the flow). The 3 other criteria are proportional or quadratic with the density stratification or, equivalently with the temperature difference resulting from the adiabatic gradient across the cell $\Delta_{h}$. Numerical evaluations with air, water and cryogenic helium show that most laboratory experiments are free from such Boussinesq violation as long as the first criterion is fulfilled. In ultra high Rayleigh numbers ($Ra>10^{16}$) experiments in He, one of the stratification criteria, scaling with $\alpha \Delta_{h}$, could be violated. This criterion garanties that pressure fluctuations have a negligible influence both on the density variation and on the heat transfer equation through compression/expansion cycles. Extrapolation to higher $Ra$ suggests that strong violation of Boussinesq approximation could occur in atmospheric convection.


Conducted biomineralogical studies indicate piezoelectric properties of apatite, which is one of the major components of bone. This publication presents hypothetical correlations between piezoelectric properties of bone apatite and the accompanying electromagnetic phenomena in bones and their environment. It notes the correlations between electrical properties of bones and changes in the electromagnetic field around bones, as well as connections between external pressure changes etc. and electrical phenomena in the bones.


Sex trafficking: The global market in women and children. Kathryn Farr. 2005. New York: Worth Publishers. pp.262, ISBN:0-7167-5548-3, US $24.95 (Paperback). Sex trafficking has gained considerable media attention over the past few years. The purpose of this book, as stated by the author, is to "spread the word about the trafficking industry--its sources, operations and structures" (preface). The lens from which sex trafficking is perceived and understood in this book fits a radical feminist perspective; the notion that women's oppression is due to worldwide patriarchy. Farr states that her lens of viewing the sources of sex trafficking is "economic and patriarchal" (preface). She describes sex trafficking as a structured form of violence, and throughout this book presents its sources, operations and configurations. The book's main focus is to look at the process and the industry of sex trafficking from a radical feminist perspective. I position myself within this book review as an ally of the non-dominant perspective of sex trafficking, not evidenced in the media and in national trafficking policy. Trafficking is a phenomenon that seems unable to escape its historical association with prostitution and migration control. My understanding of trafficking is "not as the enslavement of women, but as the trade and exploitation of labor under conditions of coercion and force" (Kempadoo, 2005, viii). This perspective addresses trafficking as transnational migration of labor with a focus on the unsafe working conditions of migrants and their fights as humans. This feminist lens is different from that of this book, in that more weight is given to the voices of women from developing countries as opposed to the influence of Western media regarding the phenomenon of sex trafficking. It is crucial to note that Farr acknowledges the view of sex trafficking in the context of transnational migration of labor into the sex industry (or migrant sex work) that can involve abuses, but her perspective represents the abolitionist stance towards the issue of sex trafficking. This perspective maintains that any type of prostitution is slavery and thus, considered violence against women. While this perspective takes an abolitionist stance toward prostitution, from this lens, many of the complexities of trafficking into the sex industry are placed aside and assumptions are made about women of developing countries who are cast as victims of violence that need to be saved. Casting women as victims of sex trafficking while turning to the state to protect these women and prosecute 'evil' criminal organizations, can be dangerous. This stance often results in harming, rather than helping, migrant women who find themselves in violent and abusive labor conditions. When reading this book, it is important to consider alternative frameworks for understanding trafficking into the sex industry, while appreciating Farr's thorough research that has been analyzed and presented through her particular lens. The topic of sex trafficking is well-researched and very organized in this book. The phenomenon of sex trafficking is structured into sections that describe the process of sex trafficking as well as other forms of violence against women. In chapter one, Farr notes the "increasingly high volume and wide scope of sex trafficking industry" referring to the movement of people from "sending countries" to "receiving countries" (12). Farr claims that the fastest growing sending region--the former USSR--serves as a context for the supply side of trafficking. While the magnitude of sex trafficking has received media attention, recent reports and studies have questioned the numbers reported by the U.S. Department of State and others who provide such statistics but do not explain how these statistics were collected. The fact that the sex industry is a hidden economy illuminates the reality that statistics on the number of individuals who are trafficked into the sex industry are very difficult to gather. …


Experimental fluid‐percussion models produce brain injury by rapidly injecting saline into the closed cranium of rats. In this study our purpose was to determine how the central histaminergic system, which controls excitability and neurotransmitter release through G‐protein coupled receptors, is affected by the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury. We found that mast cell infiltration, as a result of the trauma, occurred primarily in the injured cortex and did not proceed beyond the fimbria of the hippocampus. In comparing injured animals with controls we found that H3 receptor binding densities are significantly decreased bilaterally in the cortex but are significantly increased bilaterally in the thalamus. H3 receptor binding densities may well be affected by mast cell secretion of mediators (i.e. histamine, heparin, leukotrienes), evidenced by detection of a cosecreted enzyme (mast cell tryptase) in the extracellular region. Moreover, we detected significant decreases in H1 and H3 receptor mRNA as well as Cu/Zn‐dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD) mRNA in the thalamic region closest to the trauma. These significant decreases delineate the extent of cellular damage because of trauma and may underlie sustained cognitive and motor deficits displayed by these animals.


This study mainly aims to determine the effect of layered curriculum on problem solving skills of students  in science and technology course. The study group of the research is the 6th grade students of an elementary school in the center of Malatya. The mixed method, which includes quantitative and qualitative research patterns, was used.  In the quantitative dimension of the study; in order to find the answers for the1st, 2nd and 3th sub problems, the study group consists of 60 students, 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. In the quantitative dimension, "The Problem Solving Skills Test" which is developed by the researcher has been used.  In the study, the qualitative data have been collected during the application by quoting from the students' diaries and researchers' diaries and after the application by using semi structured interview forms and examining documents. To analyze the quantitative data t-test was used and to analyze the qualitative data, descriptive analysis and content analysis were used. The study, while significant differentiation has not been observed between point average of control group students in pre-test problem solving skills and post-test point average; there has been a significant differentiation in favor of the post-test between point average of experimental students pre-test and post-test problem solving skills. Experimental group students encountered problems particularly in B and A layers during the period they performed Layered Curriculum activities. Also, there has been a significant differentiation in favor of the experimental group between experimental group students who were subjected to the Layered Curriculum activities and control group students who continued the existing curriculum. It was concluded that, experimental group students took responsibility in Layered Curriculum activities both individually and within a group, and used their problem solving skills when they face a problem.


We have developeda simple and reproducible fingerprinting method for screeningthegenomefor regionsof DNA thathavealteredpatternsof DNA methylationassociatedwith oncogenictransformation.Restriction enzymes with different sensitivities to cytosine methylation in their rec ognition sites were used to digest genomic DNAs from primary tumors, cell lines, and normal tissuesprior to arbitrarily primed PCR amplifica tion.Fragmentsthatshowed ifferential methylationwereclonedand sequencedafter resolvingthe PCR productson high-resolutionpolyacryl amidegels.The clonedfragmentswerethenusedasprobesfor Southern analysisto confirm differential methylationof theseregionsin colon tissues and cell lines. Forty-four DNA fragments associated with a total of five differentregionsof genomicDNA containingmethylationsiteswere detectedin 10matchedsetsof normalandtumorcolonDNAsand7 colon cancercell lines.A novelCpG islandwasalsoisolatedthat wasfoundto be frequently hypermethylated in bladder and colon tumors. We have demonstratedthat thistechniqueisa rapidandefficientmethodthatcan beusedtoscreenfor alteredmethylationpatternsin genomicDNA andto isolatespecificsequences associatedwith thesechanges.


Abstract This paper argues that the process of imaginative engagement with the world and its others depicted in the work of John Keats is one that is underwritten by the dissolution and annihilation of the poetic self as fundamental to the ethical relation. Through an examination of Keats's letters to Fanny Brawne from the Isle of Wight and his long poem entitled The Fall of Hyperion. A Dream, I illustrate the way in which the ethical relation generated by the self in retreat before the loved one gestures towards the poem's insistence upon the opening of culture and society to the ethical concerns of that which is beyond language and which is yet to arrive. I argue that the Keatsian ethical relation disables claims to power upon which identity and knowledge are constructed in order to configure the realm of society and culture as one that must be necessarily open to the world and the future if it is to avoid the oppression and destruction generated by a knowledge gained at the expense of others and the world. It simultaneously gestures towards a notion of community beyond identity and underscores the sheer possibility inherent to relation in general.


A major issue that has been a subject for quite some time is whether there will be a scarcity of metals in the bedrock in the future and whether or not we might end up with a problem similar to that of the big oil crisis in the mid-seventies. Following the oil crisis many oil companies started up with risk management to control future risks. This work presents how Swedish mining companies work with risk management to handle risks that might come up in the future due to metal scarceness. How Swedish mining companies look at the possible metal scarceness and if they use risk management in their decision-making process is studied. By doing interviews with Swedish owned mining companies it was found that the mining companies did not see the future metal scarcity as a risk, even though 2/3 of the companies acknowledged the scarceness to be a reality. Nor did they use risk management for that specific issue. However, risk management in other issues related to metal scarcity was found, and by using different financial risk analyses the companies could look at probabilities and consequences of different risks. With these findings in mind the suggestion for mining companies is not to put effort, money and resources into metal scarcity risk management since it cannot be controlled, but instead put effort, money and resources into finding substitutes for metals and recycling the metals already in rotation.


The process of robotic automated fiber placement has been enhanced by combining the technologies of an accurate articulated robotic system with a modular Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) head. The accurate robotic system is comprised of an off-the-shelf 6-axis KUKA Titan KR1000L750 riding on a linear axis with an option for an additional part rotator axis. Each of the robot axes is enhanced with secondary position encoders. The modular fiber placement head features a robotic tool changer which allows quick-change of the process heads and an onboard creel. The quick-change fiber placement head and simplified tow path yields terrific process reliability and flexibility while allowing head preparations to occur offline. The system is controlled by a Siemens 840Dsl CNC which handles all process functions, robot motion, and executes software technologies developed by Electroimpact for superior positional accuracy including enhanced kinematics utilizing a high-order kinematic model. Part programming and simulation are performed offline using CGTech VERICUT Composite Programming and VERICUT Composite Simulation. This combination of technologies results in a system that has high path accuracy and process flexibility at a lower cost than traditional fiber placement machines.


A method for the separation of cyclodextrins by capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect detection is described. It is based on the formation of inclusion complexes with benzoate which simultaneously forms a UV absorbing constituent of the background electrolyte used for the separation.


Founded largely on the theoretical work of Hyland, (2002), Hyland & Sancho Guinda (2012) and Matsuda and Jeffery (2012), this study constructs a framework of components used in the construction of an author's voice in academic discourse such as pronouns and grammatical voice constructs as well as interactions with referencing and academic authorities. An Omani-authored corpus containing texts from a number of key developmental stages in academic writing are evaluated and compared to a standardized model of written discourse practice, with publications drawn from authors in established communities of practice writing in the same genre. Rather than focussing on the failings of writers, the project seeks to establish the differences in core academic values and highlight the misconceptions currently taking place within the teaching, writing and expectations of constructing academic discourse and anticipates the realities of the dialectization of academic writing currently taking place in areas such as the Arabian Gulf. Key terms: Academic Writing, Discourse, Academic Voice, Omani Writers.


: Sb. new cobalt(III) complexes of the type cis-J3-(Co(trien)(4-R-Py)CI]C 2, where R = H, Me, Et, t-Bu, COMe and CN have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, UV-Vis, FT-IR and 1 H NMR spectral techniques. Tbe results of the spectral studies revealed that these complexes posses a cis-P arrangement of ligands around the metal ion. Molar conductance measurements supported the 1 : 2 nature of these complexes. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated that the complexes were diamagnetic. Thermal studies revealed that these complexes are thermally stable up to 115 °C. The redox potential values obtained from differential pulse voltammetric technique of these complexes indicated that the redox behaviour depends on the nature of the sixth ligand.


We tested the hypothesis that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) induces barrier dysfunction of pulmonary microvessel endothelial monolayers (PMEM) mediated by specific tyrosine residues in beta-actin. PMEM were transfected with a wild-type, mutant [tyrosine(198) to phenylalanine(198) (Y198F)], mutant Y218F, or mutant Y306F beta-actin construct tagged with enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP-beta-actin). The cellular compartmentalization of wild-type and mutant EYFP-beta-actin was displayed using EYFP fluorescence of the tagged beta-actin. beta-Actin was quantified for the EYFP-tagged and native beta-actin using Western blot assay. The effect of the EYFP-beta-actin on a cell junction protein was assessed by association of EYFP-beta-actin with beta-catenin using confocal microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation. The permeability of PMEM was assessed by the clearance rate of Evans blue-labeled albumin. The cellular compartmentalization of wild-type and mutant EYFP-beta-actin was similar to the native beta-actin. Incubation of PMEM with TNF (100 ng/ml) for 0.5 h resulted in increases in permeability to albumin and a decrease in association of the EYFP-beta-actin with beta-catenin. However, the expression of the EYFP-Y198F beta-actin and EYFP-Y218F beta-actin prevented the effect of TNF on beta-catenin and barrier function. The vehicle, wild-type EYFP-beta-actin, and mutant Y306F beta-actin had no affect on the response to TNF. The data indicate that TNF induces an increase in endothelial permeability that is dependent on tyrosine(198) and tyrosine(218) in beta-actin.


This paper examines the ambiguous relationship between feminism and the state through the lens of sex discrimination legislation. Particular attention will be paid to the changing nature of the state as manifested by its political trajectory from social liberalism to neoliberalism over the last few decades. As a creature of social liberalism, the passage of sex discrimination legislation was animated by notions of collective good and redistributive justice, but now that neoliberalism is in the ascendancy, we see a resiling from these values in favour of private good and promotion of the self through the market. This cluster of values associated with neoliberalism not only serves to reify the socially dominant strands of masculinity, it also goes hand-in-glove with neoconservatism, which is intent on restricting the inchoate freedoms of women. The erosion of social liberal measures has caused many feminists to feel more kindly disposed towards the liberal state. Some attempt to unravel the contradictions relating to feminism and the state with particular regard to the key discourses of equality of opportunity.


The homogeneous partly pinned fluid systems are simple models of a fluid confined in a disordered porous matrix obtained by arresting randomly chosen particles in a one-component bulk fluid or one of the two components of a binary mixture. In this paper, their configurational properties are investigated. It is shown that a peculiar complementarity exists between the mobile and immobile phases, which originates from the fact that the solid is prepared in presence of and in equilibrium with the adsorbed fluid. Simple identities follow, which connect different types of configurational averages, either relative to the fluid-matrix system or to the bulk fluid from which it is prepared. Crucial simplifications result for the computation of important structural quantities, both in computer simulations and in theoretical approaches. Finally, possible applications of the model in the field of dynamics in confinement or in strongly asymmetric mixtures are suggested.


Testosterone regulation of prostate gland growth has been shown to involve reciprocal interaction with inhibin and activin. This study was therefore conducted to correlate the effect of testosterone on prostate gland proliferation and differentiation with the level of expression of inhibin alpha and betaA subunits. Immature dogs were treated with testosterone for 0, 3, 7, and 14 days and prostate gland growth was assessed by morphological and immunohistological localization of differentiation and proliferation markers. The results showed that testosterone treatment resulted in an initial significant increase in PCNA proliferation index by days 3 and 7, followed by a significant decrease by day 14 post-treatment. Interestingly, the decrease of cell proliferation was associated with structural and biochemical changes characteristic of glandular and stromal differentiation of the prostate gland. These changes include progressive glandular ductal canalization and inter-ductal stroma differentiation which were apparent from a gradual shift from vimentin expression to vimentin and alpha-actin expression. Testosterone also had a differential effect on inhibin alpha and beta subunits. Although testosterone treatment resulted in significant and constant inhibition of alpha subunit mRNA expression, it resulted in a significant increase of betaA mRNA expression by day 3, followed by a decrease by days 7 and 14. These results indicated that testosterone acts first to drive proliferation of undifferentiated prostatic cells and then to maintain a low proliferation turnover of differentiated cells. Because it has been shown that activin is an antagonistic regulator of androgens, the attenuated stimulatory effect of testosterone on cell proliferation by day 14 might be mediated, at least in part, by interplay between testosterone and activin.


Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1) is a global chromatin organizer and gene expression regulator essential for T-cell development and breast cancer tumor growth and metastasis. The oligomerization of the N-terminal domain of SATB1 is critical for its biological function. We determined the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of SATB1. Surprisingly, this domain resembles a ubiquitin domain instead of the previously proposed PDZ domain. Our results also reveal that SATB1 can form a tetramer through its N-terminal domain. The tetramerization of SATB1 plays an essential role in its binding to highly specialized DNA sequences. Furthermore, isothermal titration calorimetry results indicate that the SATB1 tetramer can bind simultaneously to two DNA targets. Based on these results, we propose a molecular model whereby SATB1 regulates the expression of multiple genes both locally and at a distance.


In recent years, marker-assisted selection (MAS) has been intensively used to increase potato breeding efficiency. Large-scale studies of the potato genome and genes exploiting next-generation sequence (NGS) approaches are required for broad application of MAS, genomic selection as well as genomic editing (the newest approach for creating potato with desired properties). In this review, trends in potato NGS-based research are overviewed, and related Internet resources are systematized. Special attention is given to peculiarities of the models and the approaches used in potato genetic studies, taking into account the complex organization of its genome and a high level of heterozygosity. In genetic studies diploids are used often, including diploid potato species, artificially obtained heterozygous dihaploids and homozygous double monoploids. The availability of artificially created diploid forms played an essential role in potato genome sequencing, which was completed in 2011. The Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium activities included not only constructing genome libraries, sequencing, assembling and annotation of the genome, but also genome sequence-based investigations uncovering features of potato genome evolution, SNP identification, analysis of genes and gene networks regulating resistance to phytopathogens and technological characteristics. An important outcome of the genome sequencing was further identification of more than 8 thousand SNPs and approbation of the Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) method on potato, which is the basis for potato genomic selection and for discovery of economically important genes using genome wide association studies (GWAS). Optimization of existing bioinformatic tools to support these studies, taking into account potato genome organization peculiarities, are carried out. This review gives analysis of databases containing potato genome and transcriptome sequencing results, as well as accompanying resources. This information should prove useful while planning comparative assays of potato transcriptome or application of DNA-markers. Sequencing of the genome as well as transcriptomes and microRNomes of cultivated potato and its wild relatives, on one hand, is of fundamental interest, assisting in detecting features of genome evolution, ontogenetic development and mechanisms of various environmental stresses responses. On the other hand, it is the basis for a wide range of practical applications for developing effective genomic and gene-specific markers and marker-assisted breeding of new potato cultivars with desired properties.


Due to the time-varying nature of wireless channels and the Internet backbone traffic, it is a challenging task to maintain the quality of wireless multimedia streaming throughout the transmission. An effective solution is to adapt the codec setting based on the wireless channel condition or the Internet backbone state. In this chapter, we present three cross-layer codec adaptation algorithms that adjust the codec setting in real-time based on media access control frame error rate, received signal strength indication, and path bandwidth respectively. Results show that the algorithms are effective in achieving good video quality for wireless multimedia streaming over wireless links. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2136-7.ch024


Koenig, K. M. and Beauchemin, K. A. 2011. Optimum extent of barley grain processing and barley silage proportion in feedlot cattle diets: Growth, feed efficiency and fecal characteristics. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 411-422. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of forage proportion and extent of processing of barley grain on growth, intake, feed conversion efficiency, and fecal characteristics of feedlot cattle. Crossbred steers (120; 407±31 kg) were housed individually and assigned to 10 diets (n=12): two degrees of temper rolling of barley grain [processing index (PI) of 82% (standard) or 87% (coarse)] were combined with five levels of barley silage [3, 6, 9, 12, and 15% of dietary dry matter (DM)]. The PI was determined as the weight of grain after processing expressed as a percentage of the weight before processing. Cattle were slaughtered after 104-109 d on feed, at a final weight of 576 kg, SEM = 5.1. There were very few interactions between grain processing and silage proportion for the variables measured. Grain processing had no effect (P>0.05) on average daily gain (1.59 kg d-1, SEM = 0.057) or final weight. Feeding PI-87% barley tended to increase dry matter intake (DMI) over the experiment (7.63 vs. 7.34 kg d-1, SEM = 0.123, P=0.10) compared with feeding PI-82% barley. Higher DMI of cattle fed PI-87% barley corresponded to lower estimated starch digestibility, as a result of increased appearance of whole kernels and grain fragments in feces. Consequently, gain:feed ratio tended (0.210 vs. 0.219, SEM = 0.0035, P=0.06) to decrease by 4% with PI-87% versus PI-82% barley. Similarly, silage proportion had no effect on gain but DMI increased (P=0.05) linearly from 7.19 to 7.75 kg d-1 (SEM = 0.194) with increasing proportion of silage. Consequently, gain:feed ratio decreased linearly from 0.225 to 0.202 (SEM = 0.0056) with increasing silage proportion. Optimum proportion of barley silage to maximize feed conversion efficiency was 3 to 6% of DM. Decreasing the extent of barley processing or increasing the silage proportion may reduce the risk of acidosis, but feed conversion efficiency is lowered. Formulating diets to reduce the incidence of digestive disorders may decrease the cost of mortalities and treatment of sick animals, thereby improving animal health and welfare, but these costs are unlikely to offset the increased cost of gain in commercial feedlots.


Abstract. Pricillia CC, Patria MP, Herdiansyah H. 2021. Environmental conditions to support blue carbon storage in mangrove forest: A case study in the mangrove forest, Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3304-3314. Mangrove ecosystems can provide ecosystem services to mitigate climate change by absorbing and storing carbon in their systems. The question arises of how to manage a mangrove forest to store more carbon. The Nusa Lembongan mangrove forest was examined to assess the optimal environmental settings for blue carbon storage in the mangrove ecosystem. Five stations were selected purposively. The parameters observed in each station were aboveground living biomass, mangrove stand density, clay percentage in soil, bulk density, water content, soil organic carbon (%C), and soil organic nitrogen (%N). Based on this study, the total carbon stock in mangrove forest Nusa Lembongan was 68.10 ± 20.92 Mg C ha-1 and equals to 249.95 ± 76.77 MgCO2 ha-1 with a significant contribution of soil carbon stock. This study indicates that the essential parameters that can promote carbon sequestration in mangrove forest Nusa Lembongan were aboveground living biomass, soil organic carbon content and soil organic nitrogen content. In addition, as soil organic carbon content also negatively correlates with bulk density, it also can be considered. These findings can contribute to blue carbon planning and management to improve the effectiveness of the blue carbon project.


A diverse array of molecules involved in signal transduction have recently been recognised as containing a new homology domain, the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. These include kinases (both serine/threonine and tyrosine specific), all currently known mammalian phospholipase Cs, GTPases, GTPase-activating proteins, GTPase-exchange factors, "adapter" proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, and kinase substrates. This has sparked a new surge of research into elucidating its structure and function. The NMR solution structure of the PH domains of beta-spectrin and pleckstrin (the N-terminal domain) both display a core consisting of seven anti-parallel beta-sheet strands. The carboxy terminus is folded into a long alpha-helix. The molecule is electrostatically polarised and contains a pocket which may be involved in the binding of a ligand. The PH domains overall topological relatedness to the retinoid binding protein family of molecules would suggest a lipid ligand could bind to this pocket. The prime function of the PH domain still remains to be elucidated. However, it has been shown to be important in signal transduction, most probably by mediating protein-protein interactions. An extended PH domain of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK), as well as that of several other molecules, can bind to beta gamma subunits of the heterotrimeric G-proteins. The possibility that the PH domain, which is found in so many signalling molecules, being generally involved in beta gamma binding is provocative of implicating these proteins in G-protein signal transduction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


This study examined racial socialization processes among 94 African American parents of third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade children as they were predicted by children's ethnic identity exploration and unfair treatment as well as by parents' ethnic identity and discrimination experiences. Findings indicated that children's ethnic identity exploration and parents' perceptions that their children had been treated unfairly by an adult because of their race were both significantly associated with the frequency of messages to children regarding discrimination (Preparation for Bias). Parents' perceptions of children's unfair treatment from an adult and children's perceptions that they had been treated unfairly by peers were significantly associated with parents' cautions and warnings to children about intergroup relations (Promotion of Mistrust). Moreover, the influence of parents' perceptions on Promotion of Mistrust were especially pronounced when children also reported unfair treatment from adults. Children's identity exploration and unfair treatment were not associated with parents' emphasis on ethnic pride, heritage, and diversity (Cultural Socialization/Pluralism). Thus, findings suggest that parental factors are most central in the racial socialization messages that children receive. However, children's perceptions of discrimination and information seeking regarding their own history appear to have some influence on parental messages about race.


* Critical valvular aortic stenosis(AS) is a life threatening congenital heart anomaly in neonates or infants. The main cause of death is rapidly progressing left ventricular failure. The treatment goal of critical AS is to save left ventricular function early. Before the 1980s, the preferred treatment was surgical valvotomy, however, that operative method had a high mortality rate and risk of re- procedure. These surgical problems encouraged balloon aortic valvuloplasty technique for initial life saving. There were some vascular approaches for balloon aortic valvuloplasty(e.g. femoral artery and vein, umbilical artery and vein, carotid artery). Each approach has some advantages and disadvantages. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty through the right carotid artery makes access to the aortic valve easy, has less vascular complication, and short procedure time and effect of saving femoral artery for reballooning. We had three cases of transcarotid balloon aortic valvuloplasty in infants with critical AS. In our long-term follow up, we had good results, except carotid artery thrombosis in one case. We report the first three Korean cases of balloon aortic valvuloplasty though carotid artery cutdown procedure for critical AS with a brief review of literatures. (J Korean Pediatr Soc 2000;43:820-827)


Electrochemical chloride extraction is a new technique for mitigating chloride-induced corrosion of the reinforcing bars in concrete bridges. To demonstrate the feasibility of applying this technique on full-sized concrete bridge members and to identify needed improvements to the technology, the technique was tried on two concrete deck spans and three concrete piers in Virginia. For the two deck spans, an anode system consisting of felt-sandwiched catalyzed titanium mesh kept wet by an electrolyte was used. An electrical charge of 741 to 1077 A-hr/sq m was applied between the anode and the steel bar for 57 or 58 days. Approximately 72 to 82% of the chloride ions was removed from the concrete at the depth of the first mat of steel bars. For the three piers, an anode system consisting of wet cellulose fibers and steel or titanium mesh was used. An electrical charge of 249 to 382 A-hr/sq m was applied between the anode and the steel bars for 72 to 77 days. The system for the piers appeared to be relatively less effective than that for the deck spans, removing approximately 13 to 53% of the chloride ions from the concrete near the steel bars. In addition, more problems were encountered with this treatment system. No damage to the concrete attributable to the treatment was observed with either system, and it is likely that shorter treatment times would have sufficed. Based on potential surveys, the bars in the concrete piers were still passive at 4 years after treatment. To facilitate the comparison between electrochemical chloride extraction and other corrosion control options, such as impressed-current and galvanic cathodic protection, preliminary information on the costs and projected service lives of all options is provided.


Introduction: Knowledge about the size and proportion of upper anterior teeth allows dental rehabilitation taking into consideration the local parameters of a population. The aim of this research is to determine the width, length and the relationship between width and length of central incisor, lateral incisor and canine teeth in both sexes in young Chilean population. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed. Study subjects included 187 dentistry students from two Chilean cities (mean age 21.35±2.7 years, 52.9% men). The teeth width and height were measured and the width/height ratio was calculated. Differences in measurements according to sex was analyzed (p<0.05; STATA v.10.0). Results: The width and height of the teeth were statistically and proportionally larger in men (p<0.05). The width/height ratio of lateral and canine incisors was significantly higher in women (p<0.05). Conclusion: In a sample of young Chileans, upper anterior teeth were longer and wider in men. However, the width/height ratio of teeth was found to be significantly higher in women.


s Designing the handle bar assembly of a two wheeler holds many challenges together with valuation of the structural strength of the mating components. While the handle bar is subjected to buckling, the housing and the other frame experiences tensile, compressive and shear stress. The situations during braking and the forces generated due to road bumps and pot holes can increases the problem. This work shall focus on conducting linear stress analysis while evaluating and rationalizing the loads. Finite element analysis of handle bar assembly is carried out using Altair solver code RADIOSS. In this study the handle bar assembly is excited with acceleration obtained from road load data to evaluate the strength of mountings on handle-bar. Model is prepared using Catia V5R20, Pre processer Hyper Mesh and Post processing is done using Hyper View. The Finite element analysis outcomes are also well allied by the experimental results in which failure site and pattern is accurately matched. Further modifications have been made in design to come across the strength requirement.


The Geita gold mine, owned by AngloGold Ashanti, is located in the north west of Tanzania on the African Rift Belt in a seismically active. It is also located in an environmentally sensitive area as it is directly upslope of Lake Victoria. The Tailings Storage Facility was constructed as a side valley dam with its maximum design embankment elevation 1216m (i.e. 35m above ground level) and store capacity approximately 60 million tons of tailings. The feasibility of increasing this wall ultimately to 1246m (i.e. 65m above ground level) thereby increasing its capacity by 88.5 million tons, is the topic of this submission. The static liquefaction potential of the tailings was evaluated using an array of field and laboratory tests. It was found that the majority of the tailings displayed contractive behaviour, implying that should a failure of the outer wall occur a liquefaction type failure could result. The stability of the facility for the current and future raised geometries was investigated under static and dynamic loading conditions. Feasible solutions were evaluated in terms of their appropriateness. A viable solution using material readily available at this remote site was found and is currently under construction.


The focus of this paper is on the newly identified UL55 gene of DEV in our laboratory.Available bioinformatic tools were used to describe its molecular characteristics. A identified nucleotide sequence about 561bp of DEV UL55 ,consisting a complete ORF, was deduced to encode a protein with 186 amino acids.The 20.7981 kDa protein whose singnal peptide and transmembrane region are both absent. Codon usage analysis shows the gene could be well expressed in Escherichia BL21.The putative protein is hydrophilic on the whole,its antigen epitope centralizes at the Extended strand (Ee) and Random coil (Cc) regions as well as the corresponding hydrophilic regions.It was predicted to be a nucleoprotein, which is probably invovled in viron entry,assembly,egress,maturation and release as its homologous.However, UL55 protein just plays an accessory role. Phylogenetic tree based on amino acids and its reference herpesvirus reaveals that there is a close relationship between DEV and Mardivirus genus.However, DEV is clustered within a monophyletic clade among others , suggests it is an intermediate taxonomic entity and should be placed in a single genus within the herpetoviridae subfamily.Despite its preliminary characterization, this study can clearly direct our research to elucidate its biological function and physiological features of this newly identified UL55 gene.


Abstract : The purpose of the test is to determine the relative performance of the test material to that of asbestos-cement board and red oak flooring under similar test conditions. Results are given for flamespread, fuel contributed, and smoke developed. The values obtained from burning the test material represents a comparison with that of asbestos-cement board expressed as zero and red oak flooring expressed as 100.


In this paper, we discuss how the World Health Organisation's concept of health can direct- ly or indirectly function as a cultural determinant of health and increase or maintain social inequalities in health. This goes against the sustainable development goals of the United Nations and accentuates a need to replace or complement the existing health definition. The paper concludes with a what an alternative definition should include.


Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy is essential for development and its dysregulation is involved in maternal diabetes-induced fetal malformations. Maternal diabetes induces fetal eye defects by reducing macular thickness and macular volume. We utilized the Streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes model to investigate the role of autophagy in maternal diabetes-induced embryonic eye defects. We found that maternal diabetes induced eye defects in the embryonic day (E15) embryos including anophthalmia, microphthalmia. The Haematoxylin Eosin staining showed some severe defects: coloboma, smaller lens, and smaller volume of eyes. In some cases, there were failures to fully develop eye structures. In these embryonic eye defects, the thickness of retinal was significantly thinner than that in the nondiabetic group. Our hypothesis is that maternal diabetes induces embryonic eye malformations by suppressing autophagy. Maternal diabetes increased cell apoptosis and suppressed cell proliferation in retinal of the eye. We found that autophagy-related genes (ATGs) was robustly expressed in the lens and retina of the eyes of mouse embryos and was suppressed by maternal diabetes. Maternal diabetes suppressed the expression of pax6, a key gene in visual system development. Taken together, our data demonstrates that autophagy is important for eye development and maternal diabetes induces embryonic eye defects by inhibiting autophagy. Disclosure W. Lu: None. P. Yang: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (R01DK083243, R01DK101972, R01HL131737, R01HL134368, R01DK103024)


Motile recombinants may be obtained by crossing Escherichia coli strain K12, F+, with the non-flagellated strain E. coli strain B, F-. The flagella of the recombinants have the same antigenic pattern as those of the F+ parent and the locus controlling motility is linked to loci controlling tyrosine requirement and fermentation of arabinose and galactose (gal
5).


A 52-year-old male patient, with metabolic syndrome, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), insomnia, generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and analgesic medication, who has been suffering from nu-merous nocturnal episodes of insomnia and restlessness. He had to be rescued by the emergency service when presenting a state of great confusion, agitation and a deep and marked tachycardia. The medica-tion review allows us to associate these adverse events with an excess dose of quetiapine caused by the interaction with darunavir. The intervention consists of informing the doctor of the suspected influence of the interaction of darunavir with quetiapine and proposing the substitution of the antipsychotic for another that uses a different metabolic pathway. Darunavir is expected to increase the plasma concentra-tions of these antipsychotics, such as quetiapine (CYP3A inhibition). Co-administration of darunavir and quetiapine may be potentially serious as quetiapine-associated toxicity may be increased. The psychiatrist substitutes quetiapine for clotiapine. As of this change in medication, the patient no longer experiences any of the problems that afflicted him, in addition to the fact that he has regained sleep.


In the present study, the taxonomic positions of five strains (C, 17-2, LMG 10779T, LMG 18969 and LMG 11483) of Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides were re-evaluated by a polyphasic approach, including the analyses of 16S rRNA, pheS and rpoA gene sequences, cellular fatty acids, average nucleotide and amino acid identities (ANI and AAI), digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), and phenotypic features. Based on rpoA sequence analysis, the five strains and L. pseudomesenteroides LMG 11482T were divided into two groups: strains C, LMG 10779T and LMG 18969; strains 17-2, LMG 11483 and LMG 11482T. Each of the two groups had almost identical rpoA sequences. The rpoA sequence similarity between strain LMG 10779T and L. pseudomesenteroides LMG 11482T was 95.6 %. Strains LMG 11483 and 17-2 had 98.1 and 97.2 % ANI values, 83.5 and 73.2 % dDDH values, and a 97.0 % AAI value with L. pseudomesenteroides LMG 11482T, greater than the threshold for species demarcation, indicating that strains LMG 11483 and 17-2 belong to L. pseudomesenteroides. Strains LMG 18969 and C shared 97.1 and 98.2 % ANI values, 73.4 and 83.2 % dDDH values, and 96.9 and 96.6 % AAI values with strain LMG 10779T, greater than the threshold for species demarcation, indicating that strains LMG 10779T, LMG 18969 and C represent the same species. The ANI, dDDH and AAI values between strain LMG 10779T and the type strains of phylogenetically related species were 75.2-92.5, 20.0-48.2 and 75.3-93.9 %, respectively, below the thresholds for species demarcation, indicating that strain LMG 10779T represents a novel species within the genus Leuconostoc. On the basis of the results presented here, (i) strains 17-2 and LMG 11483 belong to L. pseudomesenteroides, and (ii) strains LMG 10779T, LMG 18969 and C are considered to represent a novel species within the genus Leuconostoc, for which the name Leuconostoc falkenbergense sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain LMG 10779T (=CCUG 27119T).


SUMMARY Introduction. Evaluation of Leishmania drug susceptibility depends on in vitro SbV susceptibility assays, which are labour-intensive and may give a biased view of the true parasite resistance. Molecular markers are urgently needed to improve and simplify the monitoring of SbV-resistance. We analysed here the gene expression profile of 21 L. braziliensis clinical isolates in vitro defined as SbV-resistant and -sensitive, in order to identify potential resistance markers. Methods. The differential expression of 13 genes involved in SbV metabolism, oxidative stress or housekeeping functions was analysed during in vitro promastigote growth. Results. Expression profiles were up-regulated for 5 genes only, each time affecting a different set of isolates (mosaic picture of gene expression). Two genes, ODC (ornithine decarboxylase) and TRYR (trypanothione reductase), showed a significantly higher expression rate in the group of SbV-resistant compared to the group of SbV-sensitive parasites (P<0·01). However, analysis of individual isolates showed both markers to explain only partially the drug resistance. Discussion. Our results might be explained by (i) the occurrence of a pleiotropic molecular mechanism leading to the in vitro SbV resistance and/or (ii) the existence of different epi-phenotypes not revealed by the in vitro SbV susceptibility assays, but interfering with the gene expression patterns.


By integrating the cooperative approach with the fast annealing coevolutionary algorithm (FAEA), a so-called cooperative fast annealing coevolutionary algorithm (CFACA) is presented in this paper for the purpose of solving high-dimensional problems. After the partition of the search space in CFACA, each smaller one is then searched by a separate FAEA. The fitness function is evaluated by combining sub-solutions found by each of the FAEAs. It demonstrates that the CFACA outperforms the FAEA in the domain of function optimization, especially in terms of convergence rate. The current algorithm is also applied to a real optimization problem of protein motif extraction. And a satisfactory result has been obtained with the accuracy of prediction achieving 67.0%, which is in agreement with the result in the PROSITE database.


In last years, the energy efficiency in non-interconnected islands became an important topic, since the electricity production is often based on diesel generators, thus contributing to the global warming. Italian government recently emitted two decrees to promote the introduction of renewable energy technologies in 21 non-interconnected islands, both for electrical and thermal uses. In this paper, the economic and environmental feasibility of the introduction of renewable energies in the island of Pantelleria was assessed adopting an optimization approach. Furthermore, the flexibility provided from the local desalination plant and the domestic water heaters was evaluated. The final demands for electricity, air conditioning, domestic hot water and freshwater were analyzed, and the island was schematized as a multi-carrier energy hub and optimized through a mixed integer linear programming algorithm. Results prove that the renewable energies may provide a strong reduction of operating costs and greenhouse emissions of diesel generators in non-interconnected islands, although the optimal configurations differ according to the objective function of the optimization.


Piezoelectric polymers, particularly poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers attract attention from researchers due to their stretchability, flexibility, lightweight, and most importantly their biocompatible nature. In this research work, we report on the preparation of polymer composite films as flexible piezoelectric generators (PGs) and their electroactive phase (β- and γ-phase) formation. The piezoelectric properties of copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) have been enhanced by incorporating polyaniline (PANI) and methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) into it for a higher yield of the electroactive phases where a traditional electrical poling treatment was avoided. The remarkable enhancement in the piezoelectric phase (i.e., β-phase) of the P(VDF-HFP) copolymer has been reported in this work, and it is found that the overall improvement of the piezoelectric β-phase and the conversion of the degree of crystallinity is governed by the incorporation of the PANI and CH3NH3PbI3 fillers as revealed by the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis further confirmed the interfacial dipole-dipole interaction of PANI with the P(VDF-HFP) copolymer matrix. Piezoelectric generators (PGs) fabricated from the composite films show an open circuit piezoelectric voltage output of 5 volts and an output power of 8.2 nW. The capacitor charging capability by simple repetitive finger touch and release motions (a pressure amplitude of ∼14 kPa) of the flexible PGs promises their applicability as a piezoelectric-based energy harvester where different mechanical vibrations can be utilized.


We introduce a short-range repulsive force model to tackle near-contact interactions when the collision occurs between bubbles. In contrast to the previous numerical method adopting the adaptive mesh refinement technique, such a mesoscale model can be applied to a relatively coarse mesh, which can prevent the nonphysical coalescence between bubbles without excessive mesh refinement. We assume that the repulsive force is inversely proportional to the third power of distance, as a reasonable approximation to the short-range phase interactions. The model is validated against two different experiments. In both experiments, two identical bubbles rising side by side were considered. First, the experiment performed in a water-glycerol mixture helps determine the model parameter K. Second, three typical combinations of bubble size and initial separation distance are simulated, presenting different types of interactions, i.e., coalescence, bouncing coalescence, and bouncing separation, agreeing well with the second experiment, which was performed in pure water. Owing to its simplicity, this model can be easily implemented into existing codes, and it can be extended to the case with multiple bubbles or droplets.


The idea of 'innovative agonology' came into being in 2016 in the Archives of Budo journal with the thematic section 'Prophylactic and Therapeutic Agonology". Innovative agonology (IA) is an applied science dedicated to promotion, prevention and therapy related to all dimensions of health and regarding the optimization of activities that increase the ability to survive (from micro to macro scales). The basic method of IA in the research and application sphere is a complementary approach in the broadest possible cognitive-behavioural perspective.At the essence of any particular science is the substantiation of its claims. Since any time one needs to either maintain health, survive, eliminate or slow down the effects of destructive factors, the key phenomenon is some form of combat, so the justification for these necessary actions is provided by the science of struggle. All five existing theories of struggle are published in Polish, with the terminology of Tadeusz Kotarbiński's (1938) general theory of struggle (agonology) prevailing over the others. Kotarbiński placed military struggles on the 'ground floor', parliamentary and judicial disputes, commercial competition, sports fights, etc. on the 'middle floor', and he reserved the top floor' for the general theory of action (praxeology), which includes agonology  but not vice versa. Since the usefulness of almost every scientific discovery is considered from a military perspective, it is not surprising that another theory (detailed one) by Józef Konieczny concerns destruction (1969). Paradoxically, Jarosław Rudniański published the theory of non-armed struggle during martial law in Poland under a camouflaged title (1983). In 1989, when Russian troops were still stationed (they left Poland on September 17, 1993), he re-issued the work (without camouflage) and supplemented it with the theory of compromise. At that time (1991) I published the theory of defensive struggle together with the theoretical basis for complementary prevention and therapy of somatic and mental health and increasing personal safety (survival). The law of the only possibility, as defined in my theory of combat sports (2000), is universal enough to be used in interpretations of even such remote phenomena as miraculous healings.Rudniański defined general rule of struggle as "an action in which a material or surrounding all the action's time is in independent motion from an acting one, creating simultaneously strong and various resistance; act this way to be able at any moment possibly change both a plan of action and its manner". Such a broad rule encompasses every case of human struggle with the need to overcome (fight) against factors that threaten one's own or others' health or life, as well as the defence of universally recognized values, nature, cultural products, technology, etc.Familiarity (by at least one member of the research or practical problem-solving team) with the languages and algorithms of detailed struggle theories, as well as with the basics of complementary research methodologies, is a prerequisite to minimize the possibility of omitting important details.


Ethnopharmacological relevance—The herbal formula Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan (HLXL) and its modifications have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for about one hundred years to alleviate pain and inflammation. Aim—To investigate the effects of HLXL on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced multiplejoint arthritis in rats. Materials and Methods—Male Lewis rats, 190–210g, were immunized subcutaneously at the base of the tail with 200 μl of heat-killed M. tuberculosis in mineral oil (5 mg/ml). HLXL (2.30g/kg and 4.60g/kg) or vehicle control (n=8 per group) was administered orally (i.g.) once a day between days 16–25 post-CFA injection. The rats were observed for signs of arthritis with arthritic changes (erythema, edema, induration) being scored on a scale of 0 to 4 of increasing severity using a standard scoring system. The maximum arthritis score per rat was 16. A plethysmometer was used to measure edema volume in each paw. Adverse effects of HLXL were monitored by closely observing the animals for unusual behavioral changes. Levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) in local tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 25 post-CFA. Results—HLXL significantly decreased arthritis scores between days 23–25 in the 2.30g/kg group and 21–25 in the 4.60g/kg group (p<0.05). It reduced paw edema on days 22 and 24 in the 2.30g/kg group and on days 20, 22 and 24 in the 4.60g/kg group compared to control (p<0.05). Local tissue TNF-α and IL-1β levels on day 25 post-CFA injection were significantly (p<0.05) lower in rats treated with HLXL than in control rats. No observable adverse effects were found. Conclusion—The data suggest that HLXL produces significant anti-arthritic effects that may be mediated by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it appears to be safe.


The HLA-B27 antigen was determined in 652 patients with low back pain which had lasted for more than 3 months. A clinical and roentgenological examination of the sacroiliac joints and the thoraco-lumbar spine was performed in all the patients. The control group consisted of 302 unrelated persons who did not show signs of low back pain. Antigen HLA-B27 was found in 276 of these 652 patients attending the ward for rheumatic diseases (42.4 per cent) and in 37 of the 302 unrelated persons in the control group (12.2 per cent). The difference is statistically highly significant (P less than 0.001). Ankylosing spondylitis was found in 128 out of the 276 patients with low back pain and antigen HLA-B27. This demonstrates the importance of this antigen in the differential diagnosis of low back pain.


The production of oil and gas reservoirs, or the storage of gas in geological formations, always has direct repercussions on the fluid content and pore pressure, and hence on the seismic properties of reservoir rocks. This article describes the laboratory methods used to measure the effect of variations in differential pressure and saturating fluid on elastic wave propagation velocities in reservoir rocks. The pressure effect is easy to measure in the laboratory, via the Hertz coefficient, exponent of the power function linking the velocity to the differential pressure. It is difficult to estimate the representativity of core samples that have undergone the sudden stress relaxation caused by coring. A statistical comparison of the measurement results on surface samples and core samples confirms the reality of this damage. The values measured in the laboratory are often values from above. They are very useful for setting the upper bounds of the anticipated effect of differential pressure. This effect is often negligible in many limestone reservoirs. It may be high or overpressurized in shallow sandstone reservoirs (underground storage facilities). The effect of the saturating fluid is quantified by the Gassmann formula, the value of which is usually confirmed by experiment. The use of this formula requires the knowledge of certain elastic properties of the rock. These moduli can be determined at the laboratory. We propose an original method that is also simple in principle, based on the experimental measurement of the quasi linear relation predicted by the Biot-Gassmann theory, between the bulk modulus Ksat of the saturated rock and the bulk modulus Kfl of the saturating fluid. In sandstones, during substitution experiments, the liquids used must not disturb the clay minerals (and weathered feldspars). Apart from the case of perfectly clean sandstones, it is therefore highly preferable to preserve an irreducible saturation of brine (Swi) and hence to work with two-phase saturation (brine/hydrocarbons). In limestones, which usually contain no clay, fluid substitution experiments are facilitated by the possibility of single-phase flushing by liquids with highly varied bulk modulus. The advantage procured by this experimental expedient is unfortunately diminished by the difficulty of signal processing caused by the "path dispersion" mechanism corresponding to the scattering on heterogeneities of nonnegligible size compared with wavelength. These heterogeneities (obviously associated with the complex diagenesis of limestones) are omnipresent but not always detectable by a conventional petrographic study. The use of phase velocities in processing transmitted signals is the safest means to help solve this difficulty. In the case of rocks of simple mineralogical composition (limestone, clean sandstone), the knowledge of the bulk modulus of the solid matrix Kgrain offers an excellent means to check the results, thereby substantially facilitating interpretation.


Purpose of review The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are the cornerstone of therapy for dyslipidemia. A significant portion of patients are not adherent to statin therapy, due to either intolerance from muscle symptoms or fears of myopathy reported in the media. The diagnosis and management of patients with statin-induced myopathy will be reviewed. Recent findings Based on a review of healthy clinical-trial participants, the placebo-corrected incidences of minor muscle pain, myopathy (with significant elevations in creatinine kinase), and rhabdomyolysis are 190, 5, and 1.6 per 100 000 patient years, respectively. More recent prospective observational data yield better, real-world estimates of muscle complaints (>10%) in patients started on high-dose statins. Current data suggest that important patient characteristics, statin–drug pharmacokinetics, and statin–drug interactions play a role in myopathy. Myopathy is more related to statin dose and blood levels than to LDL reductions. Evidence for managing myopathic patients with coenzyme Q10 is not conclusive. Summary It is important to maintain perspective by looking at the impact of statin myopathy relative to the impact of preventing atherosclerotic complications. The potential benefits of therapy must outweigh the risks. In the case of statin therapy the benefit/risk ratio is overwhelmingly positive.


The activity of the Na,K-ATPase can be sensitive to physiological changes in Cai. Intracellular proteins such as calnaktin, calmodulin, and protein kinase C could regulate the pump during transient changes in Cai. The mechanisms by which these proteins interact with the Na,K-ATPase, their distribution in different kinds of cells, and their role in regulating the Na,K-ATPase are not yet determined. Preliminary data indicate that an increase in Cai within the physiological range could be associated with either a stimulation or an inhibition of enzyme activity or a change in the affinity of the Na,K-ATPase for ouabain. The type of response probably depends on the kind of cell, its associated intracellular proteins, and its physiological state. Ca and intracellular proteins could play a key role in the regulation of the Na,K-ATPase by hormones.


Acne is a common skin condition that can lead to significant scarring and psychological disturbance. The existing oral and topical anti-acne medications are limited by efficacy, adverse effects and patients' compliance. Lasers or light sources are explored as therapeutic options for acne. Light treatment targets the function of the pilosebaceous glands and reduction of Propionibacterium acnes that are pathogenic factors of acne. Patients whose acne is resistant to conventional treatments or who are intolerant to their side effects may be candidates for light treatment. Blue light, red light, pulsed dye laser, mid-infrared laser, intense pulsed light, photodynamic therapy have been studied in this regard. Long-term efficacy of light-based therapy is still lacking and careful selection of patients is necessary given its cost and discomfort.


The paper presents an experimental investigation of very small strain stiffness of unsaturated sand. A triaxial test apparatus was equipped with bender elements and compression discs in order to assess the stiffness at very small strains by measuring the velocity of propagation of shear and compression waves through an unsaturated sample. The negative water column method was adopted to apply suction at the base of the sample. The experiments were designed to investigate the independent effect of suction and degree of saturation on the wave propagation velocities. This was achieved by testing the sand sample on both the drying and wetting path.


The Condor matchmaker provides a powerful mechanism for optimally matching between user task and resource provider requirements, making the Condor system a good choice for use as a meta-scheduler within the Grid. Integrating Condor within a wider Grid context is possible but only through modification to the Condor source code as each new mechanism for connection to remote resources is defined. In this paper we describe how the emerging standards for job submission and resource description can be integrated into the Condor system, thereby allowing arbitrary remote Grid resources which support these standards to be brokered using Condor.