This study aimed to explore the psychological welfare, as indicated by postnatal depressive symptomatology, life satisfaction, and posttraumatic growth (growth after contending with stressful birth events), of Israeli gay fathers through surrogacy in comparison to heterosexual fathers. For that purpose, a sample of 167 Israeli fathers (M = 35.6, SD = 4.4) was recruited (68 identified as gay fathers through surrogacy and 99 as heterosexual fathers). Participants completed questionnaires assessing their postnatal depressive symptomatology, life satisfaction, and sense of posttraumatic growth after becoming fathers. Results indicated that gay fathers through surrogacy reported higher levels of life satisfaction and posttraumatic growth than heterosexual fathers. Yet, gay fathers also reported higher levels of postnatal depressive symptomatology than heterosexual fathers when life satisfaction or posttraumatic growth values were low or medium. The findings were interpreted in light of the hardships associated with cross-border surrogacy and the psychological outcomes associated with succeeding to become fathers after contending with them. The study contributes to the limited literature on postnatal depressive symptomatology and posttraumatic growth among gay fathers through surrogacy and provides clinicians and policymakers with relevant information on the psychological strengths and potential difficulties associated with cross-border surrogacy among gay fathers.


Recently the Department of Pathology, Cooper Medical Center, suffered a sudden reduction in its operating budget. Here the author explains the cause of the crisis and he outlines, for those whose laboratories may experience a similar cut in funds, the steps his department took to meet the reduction without decreasing significantly the laboratory services provided.


This study examined the effect of selfquestioning strategy as a generative learning strategy on the Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners'reading comprehension performance. The participants in this study were seventy five undergraduate students from two universities, Garmsar Payame Noor University and Sabzevar Tarbiat Moallem University, majoring in English. Out of the total seventy five students, only sixty students met the criterion of scoring between two standard deviations above and two standard deviations below the mean of Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) proficiency test and were chosen as intermediate subjects of the current study. The selected students were pre-tested on a reading comprehension test. This resulted in thirty students at Payame Noor University and thirty at Sabzevar Tarbiat Moallem University were chosen and assigned to two groups of the experimental and control, respectively. They were given the same texts taught by the researchers during four sessions. In the control group, learners were allowed to use their own self-preferred strategies. But the experimental group was taught how to apply the self-questioning strategy. Then, both groups were post-tested on the achievement of the instructed texts. The results revealed that the use of the self-questioning strategy did have a significant effect on the readers' comprehension performance and the learners  in the experimental group outperformed the learners in the control group. Also, significant differences were found favoring the male learners in the comprehension level after using the self-questioning strategy.


With interest, we read the recent publication by G. Banton et al. Exposure to 4% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) during multiple breath washout (MBW) in infants was associated with diminished minute ventilation (VE) and increased tidal volume (VT). 1 Infants studied were heterogeneous regarding disease state, age, and use of sedation.Wewondered if changes in breathing pattern are reproducible in a more homogenous cohort of a narrow age range and always measured without sedation. In order to answer this, we took advantage of existing data from our birth cohort and assessed post-hoc breathing pattern encountered during 4% SF6 exposure for MBW. We analyzed tidal breathing and MBWSF6 measurements conducted between 2004 and 2014 in 30 preterm infants with a gestational age at birth between 23.9–35.4 weeks, and in 30 healthy term-born controls. The Ethics Committee of Bern approved the study, written parental informed consent was obtained. Lung functionwasmeasured during natural, quiet sleep as described. Each infant underwent one tidal breathing measurement (dry medical air) lasting 10min, followed by at least two MBWSF6 measurements using an open bypass system (Exhalyzer D, Eco Medics AG, Switzerland). Infants breathed the SF6 gas mixture via face mask until an equilibrium (washin) was established between inand exhaled SF6 fractions. The setup was switched to dry medical air for subsequent washout. Primary outcomes were VT, coefficient of variation of VT (CVVT), respiratory rate, and VE. These were compared (i) between the tidal breathing and MBWSF6 measurements and (ii) within tidal breathing measurements to assess physiological fluctuations. Data distribution was visually assessed and paired t-tests were applied using Stata (Release 11. College Station, TX: StataCorp LP). The mean (range) postmenstrual age was 45 (43–49) weeks at the time of the study. Four percent SF6 induced hypopnea in both preterm and healthy infants. When comparing 100 breaths duringmedical air versus 20 breaths during SF6 washin, VT and VE declined while respiratory rate did not. Mean decrease in VE was 140.0ml/min (95% CI: 70.0–210.1; P< 0.001) in preterm infants and 166.0 ml/min (87.2–244.9; P< 0.001) in healthy controls. The relative mean change of VE was 14% in preterm infants and 10% in healthy controls. Interestingly, VTand VE remained comparably low during SF6 washout (Fig. 1). When comparing the last 20 breaths during medical air versus 20 breaths during SF6 washin, VT and VE also declined. VT decreased by 3.1ml (1.9–4.3; P< 0.001) in preterm infants and 3.1ml (1.5–4.8; P< 0.001) in controls. Accordingly, VE decreased by 196.9ml (137.4–256.4; P< 0.001) in preterm infants and of 117.0ml (46.9–187.0; P1⁄4 0.002) in controls. Comparing the first 20 breaths with the last 20 breaths during medical air to assess physiologic fluctuations, VT andCVVTdid not change systematically. In 90%of infants, reduction of VE upon inhalation of SF6 exceeded their own physiologic variability (mean þ2 standard deviations of changes). This effect was even larger in infants remaining asleep (n1⁄4 41/60) compared to those who woke up between tests irrespective of preterm birth. In contrast to the previous study, in our protocol the setup's CO2 sensor was only attached for tidal breathing but not for MBW measurements. Therefore, we additionally assessed 10 healthy term born infants with the CO2 sensor insertedalsoduringMBW.All these infants remainedasleep during the testing session. The effect size and direction of change in breathing pattern was akin. Comparing 100 breaths during medical air versus 20 breaths during SF6 washin, VE declined by 198.8ml (97.6–230.0, P1⁄4 0.002) without relevant changes in end-tidal CO2. We reassure that exposure to 4% SF6 during MBW systematically influences breathing pattern in infants. This also supports findings in adults, in whom inhalation of a


The lipid droplet (LD) is a universal organelle governing the storage and turnover of neutral lipids. Mounting evidence indicates that elevated intramuscular triglyceride (IMTG) in skeletal muscle LDs is closely associated with insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, the identification of the skeletal muscle LD proteome will provide some clues to dissect the mechanism connecting IMTG with T2DM. In the present work, we identified 324 LD-associated proteins in mouse skeletal muscle LDs through mass spectrometry analysis. Besides lipid metabolism and membrane traffic proteins, a remarkable number of mitochondrial proteins were observed in the skeletal muscle LD proteome. Furthermore, imaging by fluorescence microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) directly demonstrated that mitochondria closely adhere to LDs in vivo. Moreover, our results revealed for the first time that apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), the principal apolipoprotein of high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, was also localized on skeletal muscle LDs. Further studies verified that apo A-I was expressed endogenously by skeletal muscle cells. In conclusion, we report the protein composition and characterization of skeletal muscle LDs and describe a novel LD-associated protein, apo A-I.


The French Massif Central is a key basement relief. This region experienced an intense period of alkaline volcanism, beginning with the Cantal Stratovolcano at 11 Ma and ending at 3 Ma. To quantify the palaeoelevation of the Cantal Stratovolcano and to replace it in the frame of the uplift history of the Massif Central, we first reconstructed the vegetation and climate based on a pollen analysis of the Murat diatomites, which were deposited in a maar lake. The vegetation was organized in three different belts: a Glyptostrobus swamp around the lake; a mixed forest; and, at higher altitudes, a conifer forest. The climate estimated using the climatic amplitude method indicates temperatures between 11.4 and 17°C. Using these estimates and comparison with contemporaneous sites, we infer a palaeoelevation for Murat between 710 and 930 m a.s.l. This site was therefore uplifted by 130 to perhaps 350 m during the Early Pliocene, leading to a reorganization of the drainage pattern and the capture of rivers flowing from the northern edge of the Massif Central towards the Atlantic Ocean. Our study confirms that the Cantal Stratovolcano was a high volcano (>2500 m) before its progressive dismantling during glacial episodes in the Pleistocene.


This paper describes two new automated, high pressure thick-walled cylinder (TWC) devices that have been designed and built in order to study wellbore instability in saturated hard clays. Both devices have the same internal diameter (Di = 2.5 cm) but different outer diameter (Do = 7.6 and 15.2 cm) and allow for independent control of the vertical stress and radial pressures acting on the inner and outer walls of the annular soil specimen, as well as pore water pressure. The apparatus design enables back-pressure saturated specimens to be re-consolidated under stress path control, and simulation of shearing due to de-pressuring of the model wellbore under a variety of drainage conditions. Test results for resedimented Boston blue clay (RBBC) show that there are minimal effects of specimen height on the model borehole response. A comparison of tests from the two TWC devices indicates that the outer diameter of the specimen has a significant effect on the cavity pressure-volume behavior and on the redistribution of pore pressures within the test specimen. The borehole response is influenced by drainage conditions, where drained tests attain lower minimum borehole pressure than undrained tests.


The enhancement of the geological heritage is necessary at a time when the growth and expansion of urban areas, the exploitation of fossils and minerals, are real threats to these geosites. The objective of this paper is to apply GIS technology in identifying geological geosites in Morocco by the interpretation of data related to geological geosites in Morocco using consistent net of survey control points, and allegation of other data which will help to identify and clarify this objective. Our work can be summarized in 3 axes as follows: (i) mapping of geosites using Geographic Information Systems (Mines, dinosaur tracks, fossils), (ii) contribution to a policy of preservation and enhancement of geological sites with all the partners concerned and to inform and raise awareness among the various stakeholders (government departments, local authorities, associations), as well as the general public, and (iii) proposal for a model valuation sheet to be dedicated to each geosite. The main aimis to elaborate a synthesis, which can be used as decision-making tool for the decisionmakers. This paper also does not thus aspire in the least to be a work dealing with the geology of Morocco or an exhaustive inventory of the known geological geosites in Morocco. It only aspires to be a useful instrument within the reach of those who want to know a part of our geology. On other hand, we shall not hide the fact that we have also tried convey to the reader the special, unique and valuable character of Moroccan geological geosites, so that he may understand the importance of their care and preservation.


Introduction Inhaled particulate pollutants have been shown to produce systemic changes in DNA methylation. Global hypomethylation has been associated to viral sequence reactivation, possibly linked to the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways occurring after exposure. We aimed at evaluating the effects of PM exposure on DNA methylation of the Wp promoter of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV-Wp) and the promoter of the human-endogenous-retrovirus w (HERV-w), chosen as a paradigm of an exogenous virus and an endogenous retroviral sequence, in workers in an electric furnace steel plant with well-characterised exposure to metal-rich particulate matter. Methods We measured EBV-Wp and HERV-w DNA methylation through bisulfite PCR Pyrosequencing on peripheral blood leukocytes DNA obtained from 63 male healthy workers, on the first day of a work week (baseline, after 2 days off work) and after 3 days of work (post-exposure). We determined individual exposure to inhalable particles and metals for all subjects. Paired t-test was used to compare baseline and post-exposure samples. Linear mixed models were fitted to evaluate the association between metal-rich particle exposure and DNA methylation. Results Comparing samples obtained at baseline and after 3 days of work, the mean methylation of EBV-Wp was significantly higher at baseline compared to post-exposure (baseline=56.7; postexposure=47.9; p-value=0.009), whereas the mean methylation of HERV-w did not significantly differ. In a regression model adjusted for age, body mass index and smoking, nickel, arsenic and lead had a positive association with EBV-Wp methylation (nickel: β=16.16, p-value<0.001; arsenic: β=13.0, p-value=0.02; lead: β=16.53, p-value<0.001). Conclusions The difference observed comparing baseline and postexposure samples may be suggestive of a rapid change in EBV methylation induced by air particles, while correlation between EBV methylation and metal exposure may represent an adaptive mechanism that should be further characterised in future investigations.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of a biophysical (lamellar body count [LB]) with a biochemical test lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio (L/S) for the evaluation of fetal lung maturity (FLM) in cases of intermediate-borderline pulmonary maturity.

STUDY DESIGN
We studied 105 cases with one or both intermediate (2.1-2.4:1 for L/S and/or 15,000-19,000/microL for LB) or borderline (2.5:1 for L/S and/or 20,000/microL for LB count) FLM indices and no phosphatidylglycerol who delivered within 72 hours of amniocentesis, excluding multiple gestation and contaminated amniotic fluid samples. The biophysical x biochemical marker (B x B) was calculated by multiplying L/S by the corresponding LB, then dividing by 10(3). By using the ROC curve, a cutoff of 50 was found.

RESULTS
B x B values were lower in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) than in the non-RDS group (30 [23-41] vs. 52 [50-70], P < .001; median, 25-75%). All RDS cases had a B x B value < 50. Diagnostic accuracy for B x B was: sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 83%; positive predictive value, 61%; negative predictive value, 100%. Sensitivity and positive predictive values were higher for B x B than L/S.

CONCLUSION
B x B may be a useful tool for cases with borderline FLM.


The Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools Prototype Project, or LANDFIRE Prototype Project, originated from a recent mapping project that developed a set of coarse-scale spatial data layers for wildland fire management describing fire hazard and ecological status for the conterminous United States (Hardy and others 2001; Schmidt and others 2002; www. fs.fed.us/fire/fuelman). Schmidt and others (2002) used linear succession transition pathways to estimate vegetation conditions that occurred on historical landscapes represented by combinations of land cover types and structural stages from existing vegetation databases. The comparison of current landscape conditions with these historical successional sequences provided a means for assessing departure and for creating an index, called Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC), that reflects the magnitude of departure (see Hann 2004).


Background and objective: The quality of care given by healthcare workers to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) is believed to be influenced by their knowledge, attitudes and willingness. Despite the emerging role of physiotherapists for PLWH, there appears to be little information on their knowledge, attitudes and willingness to take care of PLWH. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and willingness to provide care for people living with HIV/AIDS among Nigerian physiotherapists from some selected hospitals in south- western Nigerian. Methods: An adapted questionnaire from previous studies among nurses and health care workers respectively was used for this cross-sectional survey. One hundred and thirty-five questionnaires were distributed; only 126 were returned and fully completed yielding a response rate of 93%. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statics of Chi-square. Significance was set at 0.05 alpha level.  Results: The mean score for knowledge, attitude and willingness was 82.5 (out of 95.0), 8.5 (out of 40.0) and 12.5 (out of 15) respectively. Sixty one point one percent of the respondents had moderate knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Fifty one point six percent had positive attitudes towards PLWH and 90.5% of respondents were willing to care for PLWH. There was significant relationship between years of clinical experience and each of knowledge, attitude and willingness to provide care for PLWH (p=0.001). Conclusion: Nigerian physiotherapists demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, positive attitudes and willingness to provide care for PLWH. Years of clinical experience is an important determinant of the quality of care given by physiotherapist to PLWH.


Recent work on the ordered Fe-Al based intermetallics (B2-FeAl and D03-Fe3Al) for potential high temperature applications is reviewed with emphasis on improvements in mechanical properties achievable by processing and compositional control. Constitution and microstructure as well as the role of crystalline defects, including vacancies, dislocations, tubes, antiphase boundaries and grain boundaries are discussed. The influence and behaviour of these defects with respect to strength, work hardening, ductility and fracture are analysed. Proposed mechanisms for deformation and recent investigations on creep and fatigue of these materials are also reviewed. Current literature on ternary additions, multi-phase alloys and non-equilibrium processing is discussed.


The role of Bcl6 in regulating anti-viral immune responses is relatively unclear currently. Further investigation was hindered by the development of lethal inflammation in global Bcl6 deficient mice. To circumvent this and explore the cell type-specific role of Bcl6 in regulating anti-viral immunity, we have generated myeloid cell-specific Bcl6 deficient mice (Bcl6 cKO) by crossing Bcl6 fl/fl mice to LysMcre mice. In contrast to global Bcl6 deficient mice, Bcl6 cKO mice exhibited no signs of autoimmunity and tissue inflammation under homeostatic conditions. Using a murine influenza A/PR8 (IAV) infection model, we found that Bcl6 cKO mice showed drastically increased host resistance to IAV. We observed that although airway virus titers are comparable between control and Bcl6 cKO mice, Bcl6 cKO mice had greatly diminished IAV spreading in the lungs. Correspondingly, Bcl6 cKO mice developed milder pulmonary inflammation compared to control mice, characterized by the decreased levels of airway cytokines/chemokines and diminished inflammatory cell infiltration into the lungs. Interestingly, alveolar macrophage depletion abrogated the phenotype of decreased host morbidity and mortality to IAV infection in Bcl6 cKO mice, suggesting that Bcl6 deficiency in tissue resident alveolar macrophages mediates the effects of enhanced host resistance to IAV infection. Together, our data suggest that Bcl6 expression in lung resident macrophages dampens the efficient development of pulmonary anti-viral immune responses. Current studies are focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which macrophage Bcl6 expression inhibits host innate and adaptive immunity during IAV infection.


During well construction, it is important to know when a bit is damaged to the point where it must be tripped out and replaced with a new bit. Continuing to drill with a damaged bit or pulling out a bit prematurely are both bad decisions leading to increased drilling costs. A bit pull advisory system was therefore developed and deployed in the field to help the rig crew make better informed bit pull decisions.
 A bit degradation metric was first developed to estimate the wear on the drill bit as it is drilling. This bit degradation metric utilized a physics-based model to be generalizable both for vertical as well as horizontal wells. Next this metric along with other trends in data were combined using a Bayesian network to arrive at a bit effectiveness belief. This was then further combined with calculations of the time to trip out a damaged bit and replace it with a new bit, to arrive at bit pull beliefs for various scenarios of expected future ROP and distance to total depth (TD).
 The bit degradation metric was first applied offline on 80 historical wells that consisted of wells drilled in Egypt, North Sea and the US land, and verified to a high degree of accuracy. It was then integrated into a drilling data aggregator and deployed in the field. The physics-based model utilized in the calculation of the bit degradation metric required contextual data, which was automatically routed to the data aggregator from various data sources. The bit pull beliefs for a range of expected ROPs and distance to TD were made available both as channels that can be visualized in vertical charts as well as a heat map. When a bit pull belief suggested a trip out, the driller was first asked to monitor for drilling dysfunctions such as stick slip, bit balling, whirl, etc., and attempt to correct it. Failing that, the bit was to be pulled out. This system is now operational on rigs in Egypt, North Sea and the US, and the response from the field personnel has been positive to date.
 This is the first drill bit damage tracking advisory that has been deployed on a rig site data aggregator. Using the bit degradation metric and the bit pull beliefs, the rig site team is always able to determine the extent of damage to the bit and whether the bit must be pulled out or not. The system thus helps in reducing ILT and NPT costs by reducing the time drilled with damaged bits and eliminating premature trips out.


There are many molecular biology approaches to the analysis of microRNA (miRNA) and target interactions, but the experiments are complex and expensive. For this reason, in silico computational approaches able to model these molecular interactions are highly desirable. Although several computational methods have been developed for predicting the interactions between miRNA and target genes, there are substantial differences in the results achieved since most algorithms provide a large number of false positives. Accordingly, machine learning approaches are widely used to integrate predictions obtained from different tools. In this work, we adopt a method called multidimensional multiclass GP with multidimensional populations (M3GP), which relies on a genetic programming approach, to integrate and classify results from different miRNA-target prediction tools. The results are compared with those obtained with other classifiers, showing competitive accuracy. Since we aim to provide genome-wide predictions with M3GP and, considering the high number of miRNA-target interactions to test (also in different species), a parallel implementation of this algorithm is recommended. In this paper, we discuss the theoretical aspects of this algorithm and propose three different parallel implementations. We show that M3GP is highly parallelizable, it can be used to achieve genome-wide predictions, and its adoption provides great advantages when handling big datasets.


The aim of this paper is to present an online economical quality-control procedure for attributes in a process subject to quality deterioration after random shift and misclassification errors during inspections. The process starts in control (State I) and, in a random time, it shifts to out of control (State II). Once at State II, the non-conforming fraction increases according to a non-decreasing function ψ(z), where z is the number of items produced after a shift. The monitoring procedure consists of inspecting a single item at every m produced items, which is examined r times independently to decide its condition. Once an inspected item is declared non-conforming, the process is stopped and adjusted. A direct search technique is used to find the optimum parameters which minimize the expected cost function. The proposed model is illustrated by a numerical example. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


This paper discusses the influence of the political situations on changing the idea in the material used in contemporary installation art in the Arab region. There was a change in the idea of the Arabic artworks which used the same material as in other global artworks but with a different idea. The study compared artworks (study sample) and global artworks that used the same material. The study sample contained two Arabic contemporary installation artworks from 2010 -2015 to confirm if political situations were the reason
for this change in idea. The findings proved the influence of these political situations on changing the idea in Arabic contemporary installation art.


In a future distribution network, it is difficult to maintain voltage because a large number of distributed generators are introduced to the system. The authors have proposed an autonomous decentralized voltage control method using power factor control of distributed generators and multi-agent technology. However, the control method does not include the function which saves the reactive power output of distributed generators. In this paper, we propose a new control method which can save the excessive reactive power output. The method is formulated as a differential-difference type equations considering the time-delay with communications between the agents. The proposed method is tested in 4-node and 24-node model. The relationship between control performance and time-delay is discussed.


Transcranial Doppler sonography has become a widely used method for detecting cerebral circulating microemboli (ME) arising from the carotid arteries or the heart. Yet, studies on subgroups of patients with distinct cardiac sources of embolism are still limited. The same holds true for investigations on the relationship between microembolization and hemorheological parameters. A total of 142 patients suffering from left ventricular aneurysm (LVA, n = 52), severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVD, n = 43), or chronic atrial fibrillation (AF, n = 47) were enrolled in this study. All patients had been neurologically asymptomatic for at least 1 month. Further relevant embolic disorders of the carotid arteries and the heart had been excluded. Unilateral monitoring for ME over the middle cerebral artery was performed for 30 min. Blood was drawn after each monitoring for determination of plasmatic coagulation parameters, as well as plasma viscosity, and platelet reactivity. The overall prevalence of ME was 31%, with a slightly higher prevalence in patients with LVA (37%) compared to patients suffering from AF (30%) or LVD (26%). With single-factor analysis, a trend towards higher ME prevalences was found with (a) a history of remote embolic events, (b) ineffective anticoagulation, (c) increased platelet aggregation, or (d) increased plasma viscosity (all p > 0.1). The combination of ineffective anticoagulation in conjunction with increased platelet aggregation, however, was significantly associated with higher ME rates even after adjustment for other factors by logistic regression analysis. Our results demonstrate a low ongoing microembolic activity in asymptomatic patients suffering from LVA, LVD and AF. An activated plasmatic coagulation system together with increased platelet aggregation contributes to ME generation.


Bulk-type all-solid-state Li-ion batteries have emerged as the enabler to achieve better safety and to use Li metal negative electrodes for higher energy density. However, all-solid-state half-cells fabricated using In or Li–In counter electrodes (CEs) have been routinely tested to assess working electrodes (WEs) without any verification. Moreover, there have been few reports on the in-depth analysis of all-solid-state full-cells, which is imperative for practical applications. In this work, for the first time, we report novel bulk-type all-solid-state three-electrode cells that enable successful deconvolution and diagnosis of the voltages of positive and negative electrodes even for cells having thin solid electrolyte (SE) layers. In the first case study, that of Sn/Li–In half-cells, earlier termination of Li–In CEs than Sn WEs, which results in unexpectedly low capacity, is measured. This problem is solved by percolating Li–In with SEs. For the second case, namely, that of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2/graphite full-cells having only 50–60 μm-thick SE layers (which are fabricated by a scalable wet-slurry process), internal short circuits by penetrating growth of Li metal during charging at high C-rates are revealed for the first time. Further, a unique dischargeability to 0 V for LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2/graphite or LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2/Si–C full-cells is described.


Abstract Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, avian gastric yeast, is a common cause of gastrointestinal disease in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). To better understand the clinical disease in budgerigars presented in a practice population, we reviewed the occurrence, clinical signs, and treatment success of M ornithogaster disease in budgerigars during a 2.5-year period at the Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig (Leipzig, Germany). The yeast was diagnosed by microscopic examination of fresh fecal samples. Male budgerigars of all ages were most affected. Most clinical signs in birds with confirmed positive results were nonspecific, except for the occurrence of undigested seeds in the feces. Although radiographic appearance of a dilated proventriculus is indicative of a M ornithogaster infection, it is difficult to recognize because of the small size of the budgerigars. Birds with positive results were treated with amphotericin B (100 mg/kg PO q12h) for 4 weeks. Treatment was stressful for the birds because of the handling required and the long treatment duration, and therapeutic results were unsatisfactory. Therefore, the indications for treatment with amphotericin B should be carefully considered in birds with positive M ornithogaster results. An increased occurrence of the infection in association with other pathogens was detected.


Hybrid zones involving Pseudophryne (Anura: Leptodactylidae) provide direct evidence for the operation of postmating reproductive isolating mechanisms in animals in a natural situation. Significant introgression is prevented by hybrid inviability but there is no evidence for the reinforcement of premating isolating mechanisms. These parapatric hybrid zones are of unknown etiology, but are interpreted as being relatively old and persistent.


Aluminum toxicity is a major limiting factor for turfgrass establishment and growth when soil pH is <5.0. Limited information on aluminum resistance is available among warm-season turfgrasses and these turfgrasses often grow in the areas with acid soil conditions. The objectives of this study were 1) to evaluate seeded bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) cultivars for the ability to tolerate a high level of aluminum and 2) to measure the extent of aluminum damage to the root systems. In total, 16 bermudagrass cultivars were evaluated under greenhouse conditions using a solution culture and an acid Tatum soil (Clayey, mixed, thermic, typic, Hapludult). The soil had pH 4.4% and 69% exchangeable aluminum. A concentration of 640 μM aluminum and a pH 4.0 was used for solution culture. The grasses were grown for 28 days in solution culture; 28 days in the acid Tatum soil; and 78 days in the acid Tatum soil before harvesting. Aluminum resistance was determined by measuring the longest root length, the longest shoot length, dry root weight, dry shoot weight, and shoot to root ratio in comparing the control to obtain the relative Al resistance among the cultivars. The results indicate that seeded bermudagrass cultivars differ in their aluminum resistance.


Drawing on the most recent wave of the German Residential Energy Survey (GRECS), this paper estimates the contribution of individual appliances to household electricity consumption. Moving beyond the standard focus of estimating mean effects, we combine the conditional demand approach with quantile regression methods to capture the heterogeneity in the contribution of each appliance to the distribution of household electricity consumption. While reflecting correlations, rather than causal relationships, our results indicate substantial differences in the end-use shares across households originating from the opposite tails of the electricity consumption distribution, highlighting the added value of applying quantile regression methods in estimating consumption rates of electric appliances.


BACKGROUND
Hip fracture is a major public health concern for older adults, requiring surgical treatment for patients presenting at hospitals across Australia. Although guidelines have been developed to drive appropriate care of hip fracture patients in hospitals, data on health outcomes suggest these are not well-followed.

OBJECTIVE
This study aims to examine whether clinician measures of safety, teamwork and leadership, and patient perceptions of care are associated with key indicators of hip fracture care and the extent to which there is agreement between clinician perceptions of hip fracture care performance and actual hospital performance of hip fracture care.

METHODS
Retrospective analysis was performed on a series of questionnaires used to assess hospital department- and patient-level measures from the Deepening our Understanding of Quality in Australia study. Data were analysed from 32 public hospitals that encompassed 23 leading hip fracture clinicians, 716 patient medical records and 857 patients from orthopaedic public hospital wards.

RESULTS
Aggregated across all hospitals, only 5 of 12 of the key hip fracture indicators had ≥50% adherence. Adherence to indicators requiring actions to be performed within a recommended time period was poor (7.2-25.6%). No Patient Measure of Safety or clinician-based measures of teamwork, safety climate or leadership were associated with adherence to key indicators of hip fracture care. Simple proportionate agreement between clinician perceptions and actual hospital performance was generally strong, but few agreement coefficients were compelling.

CONCLUSION
The development of strong quality management processes requires ongoing effort. The findings of this study provide important insights into the relationship between hospital care and outcomes for hip fracture patients and could drive the design of targeted interventions for improved quality assurance of hip fracture care.


Aiming at the difficulty of feature extraction in the case of multicomponent and strong noise in the traditional rolling bearing fault diagnosis method, this paper proposes a bearing fault diagnosis network with double attention mechanism. The original signal with noise is decomposed into a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by the Empirical Mode Decomposition method. The Pearson correlation coefficient is discussed to filter the IMFs components for signal reconstruction. The spatial features of the reconstructed signal are extracted by attention convolutional networks. Then, time series features are extracted based on the long short-term memory method. Furthermore, the importance of temporal features is measured through a temporal attention mechanism. The Softmax layer of the constructed network is used as the classifier for fault diagnosis. Comparing this method with the existing methods of experiments, the proposed method has not only better diagnosis accuracy but also stronger antiinterference ability and generalization ability, which can accurately diagnose and classify the bearing fault types. The fault diagnosis accuracy rate for each load is above 99%.


The classical approach of within-subject analysis in event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) first relies on (i) a detection step to localize which parts of the brain are activated by a given stimulus type, and then on (ii) an estimation step to recover the temporal dynamics of the brain response. To date, specially in region-based analysis, the two questions have been addressed separately while intrinsically connected to each other. This situation motivates the need for new methods in neuroimaging that go beyond this unsatisfactory trade-off. In this paper, we propose a generalization of a region based Bayesian detection-estimation approach that addresses (i)-(ii) simultaneously as a bilinear inverse problem. The proposed extension relies on a 2-class Gamma-Gaussian prior mixture modeling to classify the voxels of the brain region either as activated or unactivated. Our approach provides both a spatial activity map and a HRF estimation using Monte Carlo Markov chain (MCMC) techniques. Results show that this novel mixture model yields lower false positive rates and a better sensitivity in comparison with a 2-class Gaussian mixture


Fibromatosis is an uncommon, relatively benign though locally infiltrating neoplasm consisting of well‐differentiated fibroblasts surrounded by collagen bundles. The majority of the literature suggests that prevention of local recurrence mandates wide (en bloc) excision. Few more than a dozen cases of primary breast fibromatosis have been reported. Herein the clinical characteristics, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic options are presented. Management should be based upon principles utilized for extra‐mammary primary disease–en bloc resection. This may require total mastectomy and removal of pectoralis major muscle. Breast reconstruction should be deferred for a minimum of 3 years, during which time the majority of recurrences will have become manifest.


INTRODUCTION
The present paper was aimed at indicating and discussing the possible problems related to inhaler devices by considering the knowledge and practices of the physicians regarding the inhalation therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study is a prospective, cross-sectional survey carried out by Turkish Respiratory Society Inhalation Therapy Group between February 2010 and February 2011 with a participation of ten individual centres. Seven inhaler devices that were available on the market in the country were assessed. The data on the problems that 684 clinicians actively attending patients with respiratory disorders experienced in daily clinical practice or their evaluations of their patients were obtained through the questionnaire.

RESULTS
The respondents, most of whom were pulmonologist (37.5%), and pediatrist (38.1%), had been,on average, 11.6 years in profession. The source of information on inhalers and administration techniques were reported to be mainly the internet and patient leaflets. Of the participants only 18.5% reported to have had adequate knowledge of inhaler devices and proper administration techniques. Most of the participants stated that they themselves provided the instructions of administration and that the method was often verbal explanation. The physicians believed that although approximately 60% of the patients used the drug correctly, 40.7% made critical mistakes to have adverse effects on the therapeutic outcome. The most important criteria on which the physians lay greater emphasis in choosing the inhaler devices were the physical capability, skills and age of the patients.

CONCLUSION
The awareness of proper use of inhaler devices is a fundamental prerequisite for effective inhalation therapy has been improved in physicians. The results of the present study have shown that more effort is required for professional training. Assisting the physicans with medical personnel for training of the patients and educational motivation are required.


Taking care of the health of the population of the Tver region is an important area of social regional policy. The main task of the dental service of the Tver region is to preserve and strengthen the health of citizens of the Tver region, increase the role of prevention of dental diseases, form a model of the organization of the dental industry, ensuring the availability and quality of dental care, improving the efficiency of dental services, the volumes, types and quality of which should correspond to the level of morbidity and the needs of the population, advanced achievements of medical science. P u r p o s e . To review statistical data on the provision of dental care to children in public institutions of the Tver region. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . The review, analysis, collection and comparison of aggregated data for 2016–2020 in Tver and the Tver region were carried out: statistical data on demography, analysis of dental service performance indicators, analysis of indicators of accessibility of dental care to the children's population by questioning parents/legal representatives of children's patients, analysis of personnel potential and questioning of dentists in the profile "Pediatric dentistry". R e s u l t s . This article is devoted to an overview of the activities of public health institutions of the Tver region providing dental care to the children's population within the framework of compulsory medical insurance. The results of the study indicate that the prevalence of dental caries among children of the Tver region is consistently high. Further preventive programs and additional research are needed to improve the dental health of children.


When optical radiation is focused on a nanoscale field emitter tip, the potential and emitted current follows each cycle of the radiation field. Nonlinearity causes mixing of the optical radiation from two lasers so that current oscillations from dc to over 500 THz can be created at the tip. Several different methods are considered for coupling these signals directly from the tip, while avoiding losses from shunting by the anode capacitance, and prototypes are described that use two of these methods. Analyses, which are consistent with measurements of the current oscillations in field emission that are caused by a transistor-transistor logic amplitude-modulated laser diode, show that this technique offers promise as a new method for wide-band-tunable terahertz sources.


This paper describes an empirical research inspired by an ethnomethodological approach, through which an educational project, designed for families with autism spectrum disorders children, was investigated. Both the epistemic work, and the didactic path, focus on a particular type of action: the spontaneous one, defined as "play signs" because it is considered as playful communication.The latter is easily recognizable, because it is an expressions freely issued by a person, therefore stand out in contrast to a non-spontaneous action. By adopting the Motor Praxeology theoreticalframework, playful signs were analysed and classified as elements of a precise "praxeological code". That operation seems extremely useful, in order to precisely evaluate some dimensions,such as: type of action, particularly in relation to the context; development of both individual child and the group; educational offer's impact. Evidences show that the project it appears consistentwith the expected goals, confirming that the stimuli provided by games played in a swimming pool context, are effective for the improvement of participants' communication development and autonomy. In other words, the study did not limit itself to the project's efficacy approval, but to show elements and methods able to achieve the expected aims.


As a promising thermal spray technology, the very low pressure plasma spray (VLPPS) process has been significantly used to deposit thin, dense and homogenous ceramic coating materials for special application needs in recent years. In this study, a home-made transferred arc nozzle was mounted on a low power F100 plasma torch for enhancing the plasma jet energy under very low pressure conditions. Thin and dense alumina (Al2O3) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic coatings with an average thickness of 30-40 µm were successfully elaborated by VLPPS process below 1 mbar. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was used to analyze the properties of the plasma jet with or without powder injection. The microstructures of the coatings were observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the YSZ coatings displayed a bimodal microstructure that was composed of splats formed by melted particles and a little amount of vapor condensation from evaporated particles. However, vapor condensation could not be observed in the Al2O3 coatings formed by lamellar splats only. The Vickers microhardnesses of both coatings were also evaluated.


This study identifies how weather-related factors affect crash severity and the number of fatalities from roadway crashes. We use pooled cross-section data for weather-related variables from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and crash data from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). The novelty of our paper compared to existing research is the use of weather-related factors as regressors in a multinomial logit model. We use crash severity as the dependent variable. The results show that a unit increase in the specific humidity is associated with a change in the odds of fatal crashes by a factor of 0.2195, keeping other contributory factors constant. This research also shows that an increase in temperature is associated with an increase in the odds of a fatal accident. Moreover, it is observed that a one-unit increase in precipitation results in a 1.1151-unit increase in the odds of the risk of fatal crashes compared to that of non-fatal crashes. After a detailed inspection, wind speed was discovered to be an insignificant weather parameter with regard to accident severity. Furthermore, the number of fatalities is displayed graphically in a time series to thoroughly examine the fatality trend's relationship with the monthly averaged weather variables. It is expected that the findings of this research will provide policy makers with insights into the weather-related causes of crash severity and assist in the execution of necessary measures to decrease unexpected and avoidable losses on Bangladesh's roads.


Classification of multispectral optical satellite data using machine learning techniques to derive land use/land cover thematic data is important for many applications. Comparing the latest algorithms, our research aims to determine the best option to classify land use/land cover with special focus on temporary inundated land in a flat area in the south of Hungary. These inundations disrupt agricultural practices and can cause large financial loss. Sentinel 2 data with a high temporal and medium spatial resolution is classified using open source implementations of a random forest, support vector machine and an artificial neural network. Each classification model is applied to the same data set and the results are compared qualitatively and quantitatively. The accuracy of the results is high for all methods and does not show large overall differences. A quantitative spatial comparison demonstrates that the neural network gives the best results, but that all models are strongly influenced by atmospheric disturbances in the image.


This paper introduces a new technique to control a single phase active power filter based on a full-bridge current source inverter. The active power filter is controlled through the sensor of the input current, allowing the compensation for current harmonics and phase displacement of any linear, nonlinear and multiple loads. Theoretical analysis, design procedure, simulation and experimental results are provided.


Why do firms outsource research and development (R&D) for some products while conducting R&D in-house for similar ones? An innovating firm risks cannibalizing its existing products. The more profitable these products, the more the firm wants to limit cannibalization. We apply this logic to the organization of R&D by introducing a novel theoretical model in which developing in-house provides the firm more control over the new product's location in product space. An empirical analysis of our testable predictions using pharmaceutical data concerning patents, patent expiration, and outsourcing at various stages of the R&D process supports our theoretical findings.

Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.


Development of teacher's creative individuality is a dynamic process of personality transformation and self-development. Aim of the article is to determine the possibilities to facilitate students' self-dependent professional activities as a condition of creativity. Within the framework of the article, the results of the experts' judgment method are analyzed using content analysis. Experts' assessment confirms the correspondence of the model to the consummation of student's individual development and learning objectives. Students' creative professional activity is contributed by facilitation of student-oriented and social-oriented studies activity; provision of the action approach; ensuring the unity of theory and practice between the study courses and pedagogical practice as well as in the content of each one.


Rainfall accumulation depths over a given area are strongly dependent on the shape of the storm together with its direction of advection. A method to produce design storms exhibiting anisotropic spatial scaling is presented by combining a state‐of‐the‐art stochastic rainfall generator STEPS with the linear generalized scale invariance (GSI) notation. The enhanced model is used to create ensembles of design storms based on an extreme storm with a distinct rainband shape observed in Melbourne, Australia. Design storms are generated both with and without accounting for anisotropy. Effect of anisotropy on precipitation characteristics is studied using the entire region covered by the radar (radar scale) and at a significantly smaller catchment scale. A rainfall‐runoff model is applied to route the rainfall through the catchment into streamflow. Accounting for anisotropy allows for a more realistic description of precipitation features at the radar scale. At the catchment scale, anisotropy increases the probability of high rainfall accumulations, which translates into greater flood volumes. No discernible difference was observed in streamflow characteristics after controlling for the accumulation over the catchment. This could be explained by a lower importance of anisotropy relative to other factors affecting streamflow generation, and by the difficulties in creating representative rainfall temporal properties at the catchment scale when the radar scale is used for model calibration. The proposed method provides a tool to create ensembles of design storms when the anisotropic shape of the fields is of importance.


We analyse photomixing using a structure akin to a high-electron mobility transistor. We develop a device model which takes into account the resonant excitation of plasma oscillations in the high-electron mobility transistor and near-ballistic transport of the photogenerated carriers. The transport of the photogenerated carriers is considered using an ensemble Monte Carlo particle modelling. It is shown that the velocity overshoot due to near-ballistic propagation of just photogenerated electrons can substantially increase the efficiency of the resonant photomixing and generation of terahertz radiation.


Background: In light of increasing productivity demands and modern changes to work/life balance, physician wellness has become a more pertinent topic among physicians. We investigated whether modern pediatric orthopaedic surgeons are at higher risk for early mortality than their historic cohorts. Methods: Data was collected from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), which records the passing of its members. The members were sorted into the decennial nearest their birth year. Using publicly available data from the US Social Security Administration, we determined life expectancy from age 45 for all deceased members (LE45), and compared this to their actual age at death. Results: There was a total of 45 deceased POSNA members included. POSNA members born nearest the deciles of 1930 and 1940 had only one instance of a member dying more than 15 years prior to their expected age at death, compared to eight instances from the 1950 and 1960 deciles. There was one member each from the 1950 and 1960 deciles dying more than 30 years prior to their expected age at death, compared to three from the 1970 decile. Conclusions: Although this data is difficult to analyze due to limitations in the denominator, the results are concerning and highlight the importance of more understanding of how to improve physician wellness. Additional study is necessary to further investigate if younger surgeons are at risk for early mortality.


The spore coat of Bacilli is a relatively complex structure comprised of about 70 species of proteins in 2 or 3 layers. While some are involved in assembly or protection, the regulation of many are not well defined so lacZ transcriptional fusions were constructed to six Bacillus anthracis spore coat genes in order to gain insight into their possible functions. The genes were selected on the basis of the location of the encoded proteins within the coat and distribution among spore forming species. Conditions tested were temperature and media either as solid or liquid. The most extensive differences were for the relatively well expressed fusions to the cotH and cotM genes, which were greatest at 30°C on plates of a nutrient rich medium. The cotJ operon was moderately expressed under all conditions although somewhat higher on enriched plates at 30°C. Cot S was low under all conditions except for a substantial increase in biofilm medium. Cot∝ and cotF were essentially invariant with a somewhat greater expression in the more enriched medium. The capacity of a subset of coat genes to respond to various conditions reflects a flexibility in spore coat structure that may be necessary for adaptation to environmental challenges. This could account, at least in part, for the complexity of this structure.


Purpose of the article . In the first article on the semiotics of the Ukrainian and Polish avant-garde, his philosophical aesthetic and cultural context was considered, in particular, in light of the ideas of the Lviv-Warsaw Philosophical School. To continue this problem, the semiotic parallels (homology) in the works of the Ukrainian and Polish avant-gardists of the first third of the twentieth century are being analyzed. On the basis of the unity of cultural, aesthetic-semiotic and art-study analysis of artistic achievements of artistic avant-garde in Ukraine and Poland, an understanding of the cultural and historical peculiarities of the creative dialogue of artists working in similar ideological and aesthetic paradigms is achieved. Methodology. The research is based on the aesthetic-semiotic concepts of the representatives of the Lviv-Warsaw School of Philosophy (S. Baley, R. Ingardin, S. Lisse, L. Hvysteck) and the founders of the semantic philosophy of art (K. Bell, B. Croce, S. Langer, G. Rickert) and modern semiotics of culture (Y.Mukarzhovsky, Y.Loman, U.Eko). Interdisciplinary synthesis of philosophical and cultural, aesthetic and art-study approaches is used. Scientific novelty. From the standpoint of modern semiotics, for the first time, symbolic complexes and semantic contents in the works of the Ukrainian and Polish avant-garde are analyzed. Models of semiotic parallels (homologies) are created in the works of leading artists of Ukraine and Poland of the first third of the XX century. The method of extrapolation of the aesthetic-semiotic ideas of the Lviv-Warsaw School of Philosophy is used to understand the similarity and dialogism in the artistic imagery of individual artists. Conclusions. Phenomenological, intuitive, neo-positivist orientations of scientific and artistic and aesthetic thinking have caused cubistic, futuristic, abstract, and constructivist quests of avant-garde artists. The aesthetic principles of the semiosis of avant-guardism in Ukraine were laid by V. Kandinsky, K. Malevich, O. Bogomazov, in Poland - T. Piper, V. Steshinsky, G. Stazhevsky. The development of the Ukrainian and Polish avant-garde of these times is, in particular, a kind of "dialogue" between artistic groups and individual artists in Warsaw and Kiev, Krakow and Lviv. The intellectual atmosphere of these creative "competitions" is symptomatic of the scientific and philosophical positions of the Lviv-Warsaw School of Philosophy with its neo-positivist and phenomenological orientations, and especially - the semantic philosophy of art, which corresponded to the establishment of a new semiosphere of avant-garde imagery. The peculiarities of the dialogue of the artists are analyzed on the examples of aesthetic-semiotic and artistic parallels between V. Kandinsky and Y.T.Pyper (theoretical justification of the avant-garde in art), K. Malevich and V. Stshinsky and G. Stazhevsky (the search for suprematist and constructivist artistic language ), O. Bogomazov and artists of the "Krakow group" (the path from Cubism and Futurism to expressive and lyrical abstraction). It is summarized that the semiotics of the Ukrainian and Polish avant-garde of the first third of the 20th century coincides in the sphere of "significant forms" of non-classics in fine arts.


Concern is growing that the U.S. capital markets are losing market share to overseas competitors. A decline in foreign initial public offerings indeed suggests that the U.S. equity market is becoming less attractive to certain issuers. However, evidence on the competitiveness of the U.S. equity market is mixed, since the trends affecting it are likewise shaping equity markets abroad. A less ambiguous decline in the share of global issuance can be seen in the U.S. corporate bond market, which is facing a growing challenge from the Eurobond market.


This paper undertakes to examine collaboration in the National Dual Training System (NDTS) in Malaysia that follows the example of the Dual Training System in Germany. The ultimate goal of the collaboration is to produce a highly competent, skilled and educated work force relevant to the needs of the industries of Malaysia in particular. It has conceived in the notion that such an apprentice system would produce graduates that are competent, skilled and knowledgeable commensurate with industry standards. However, it is necessary for there to be a certain amount of collaboration between educational institutions, the workplace and its development in TVET arenas. This research identifies several key factors that will form the framework for the dual system collaboration. The identified key factors are, a) goal setting, b) partnership development, c) collaboration management, d) impact of learning and competence, e) evaluation of collaborative performance and dual system in use. 23 interviews, 100 survey questionnaires and 4 focus group discussions and workshops provided the data. The results showed that the factors development of partnerships, partnership management, the impact of learning and skills development are most critical in the formation of a collaboration framework. This paper will attempt to determine the importance of collaboration that is needed for the integration of workplace, education and technology (WET) to be successful in a nation's development of its work force. This paper will also highlight the actual collaboration in the workplace in Malaysia.


ABSTRACT Sepsis is the leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critical care patients. A cornerstone of sepsis-associated AKI is dysregulated inflammation driven by excessive activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway. MUC1, a membrane-bound mucin expressed in both epithelial tubular cells and renal macrophages, has been shown to be involved in the regulation of TLRs. Therefore, we hypothesized that MUC1 could mitigate the renal inflammatory response to TLR4 activation. To test this hypothesis, we used a murine model of endotoxin-induced AKI by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. We showed that Muc1−/− mice have a more severe renal dysfunction, an increased activation of the tissular NF-kB pathway and secreted more pro inflammatory cytokines compare to Muc1+/+ mice. By flow cytometry, we observed that the proportion of M1 (pro-inflammatory) macrophages in the kidneys of Muc1−/− mice was significantly increased. In human and murine primary macrophages, we showed that MUC1 is only induced in M1 type macrophages and that macrophages derived from Muc1−/− mice secreted more pro-inflammatory cytokines. Eventually, in HEK293 cells, we showed that MUC1 cytosolic domain (CT) seems necessary for the negative regulation of TLR4 by proximity ligation assay, MUC1-CT is in close relationship with TLR4 and acts as a competitive inhibitor of the recruitment of MYD88. Overall our results support that in the context of endotoxin-induced AKI, MUC1 plays a significant role in controlling disease severity by regulating negatively the TLR4-MD2 axis.


Cryptomys darlingi occurs in the mesic Miombo woodland of north-eastem Zimbabwe. It occurs in colonies of up to nine individuals, in which reproduction is limited to one of the largest males and the largest female in the colony.

Reproduction and details of colony size and number of breeding animals in a colony are described for five complete field-captured colonies.

In captivity, mating is not confined to a particular season, and up to three litters of pups are orn per annum. The reproductive female initiates the pre-copulatory behaviour. The gestation lengti is 56–61 days (n = 2). The new-born pups are altricial and litter size is small x = 1.7 ± 0.5 (n = 6). In this case, the pups first left the nest 10 days after birth, began to eat solids when 14 days old, and were fully weaned at five weeks. They began to spar with each other when 36–40 days old, but did not disperse and were incorporated into the colony. This suggests that the Mashona mole-rat colonies are composed of a founding pair and at least three successive litters of pups.


Thermomechanical stress analysis of Flip-chip-on-flex (FCOF) has been investigated. The effect of bonding pressure on the reliability is analyzed. Key findings are: shear forces are the dominant forces acting across the interconnect and govern the reliability of the package, FCOFs bonded at higher pressures develop lower shear stress and packages with higher bump heights exhibit better performance. This study encompasses testing of packages under thermal shock treatment and results being verified by a 2D linear elastic model. Parametric studies that might provide useful design guidelines are also included.Copyright © 2003 by ASME


The present study was carried out to investigate the neuroprotective effect of luteolin on amyloid β (Aβ) (25–35)‐induced neurotoxicity using cultured rat cortical neurons. After exposure of primary cultures of rat cortical cells to 10 μM Aβ (25–35) for 48 h, cortical cell cultures exhibited marked apoptotic death. Pretreatment with luteolin (1, 10 μM) significantly protected cortical cell cultures against Aβ (25–35)‐induced toxicity. Luteolin (1, 10 μM) showed a concentration‐dependent inhibition on 10 μM Aβ (25–35)‐induced apoptotic neuronal death, as assessed by MTT assay. Furthermore, luteolin reduced apoptotic characteristics by DAPI staining. For Western blot analysis, the results showed that the protective effect of luteolin on Aβ (25–35)‐induced neurotoxicity was mediated by preventing of ERK‐p, JNK, JNK‐p, P38‐p and caspase 3 activations in rat primary cortical cultures. Taken together, the results suggest that luteolin prevents Aβ (25–35)‐induced apoptotic neuronal death through inhibiting the protein level of JNK, ERK and p38 MAP kinases and caspase 3 activations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


The peanut worm (Sipunculus nudus) is an economically important fishery resource in China. To determine how dietary carbohydrate and protein levels affect the growth performance of juvenile S. nudus and identify the mechanisms underlying observed patterns, five isoenergetic and isolipidic diets with different levels of carbohydrate and protein were formulated and fed to juvenile S. nudus; the experimental groups were referred to as EG1, EG2, EG3, EG4, and EG5, respectively. After 90 days of feeding, S. nudus had significantly lower survival rates when fed D5 compared with other diets (P < 0.05), and the highest survival rate was observed in EG2 individuals. The weight gain rate and specific growth rate were significantly higher in EG2 compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Metabolomic profiling using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed 83 significantly differential metabolites (POS: 59; NEG: 24), which were identified via an in-house MS2 database. Pathway analysis indicated that the significantly different metabolites were involved in 22 metabolic pathways (POS: 9; NEG: 13), including tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; phenylalanine metabolism; D-glutamate and D-glutamine metabolism; proline and arginine metabolism; aspartate, alanine, and glutamate metabolism; and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. These analyses implied that the biosynthetic capabilities of juvenile S. nudus were greater in the EG2. The results of this research enhance our understanding of the effects of dietary carbohydrate and protein levels on the growth performance of juvenile S. nudus.


A finite element (FE) analysis of experimentally observed creeping thermal plumes in a medium whose viscosity is strongly temperature-dependent is performed. Such plumes are considered to play an important role in numerous geological processes and numerical modelling is often the only option to study their physics. Initial simulations by means of the general-purpose Galerkin finite element package NACHOS-II demonstrated serious deficiencies of the method in modelling plumes with large viscosity contrasts, in spite of several options for the solution (mixed or penalty formulation) and the elements (continuous or discontinous pressure). In agreement with observations from FE simulations of isothermal Stokes flow in other studies, we have isolated the violation of the div = 0 or incompressibility constraint as the major culprit in the failure of the FE method. It is demonstrated that the a posteriori computed discrete divergence (DDIV) can be used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the reliability of the FE solution and to rank the solution and element options provided in the NACHOS code. On the basis of these considerations, the combination of the mixed method with a Q2-P1 (discontinuous pressure) element turns out to be the most suitable for the present plume problem but is still unable to sufficiently enforce the div = 0 condition. With a goal to remedy this detrimental behaviour, several FE modifications and new approaches have been taken. These include: (i) use of a new scaling option for the governing equations which has the effect of equilbrating the stiffness matrices and thus improving their condition; (ii) implementation of several iterative solution techniques such as the iterated penalty and the Uzawa algorithm for the augmented Langrangian to better accommodate the dual role of the pressure; (iii) use of a multistep Newton method to better handle the high non-linearity of the coupled flow/transport problem. Although each of these options (or a combination of them) is able to improve on the quality of FE solution, the most startling amelioration has been gained with option (iii). Use of the latter resulted in very satisfactory modelling of the experimentally observed plumes.


Osteoarthritis (OA) is currently considered as a heterogeneous disease that can be represented by different subtypes. It is the study of OA phenotypes that is one of the strategic areas for the development of researches on this nosological entity, which will further allow a personified approach to patient therapy and ensure the rational use of financial resources of health care.The paper describes in detail the current researches on this issue. It discusses attempts to identify different OA types according to demographic data (age, race, gender, etc.), comorbidity (including depression), nature of pain (intensity, pathophysiological mechanisms of its development), biochemical markers, genetic and biomechanical predictors, hormonal status in patients, and structural changes detected by ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography, etc.


In this report, we describe 11 Greek patients with atrophie blanche (AB). All patients had characteristic skin lesions: petechial or purpuric papules or hemorrhagic bullae, that became necrotic and formed ulcers which in turn, became atrophic scars with hyperpigmentation of the surrounding skin. The majority of patients presented these skin lesions on the lower limbs. Two had idiopathic AB, 3 in association with venous insufficiency of the lower extremities and 6 with livedo reticularis (LR) and/or Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Prior to our evaluation, most of these patients were diagnosed as having skin vasculitis and were treated with prednisone and/or cyclophosphamide. We conclude that AB is a distinct clinical entity with characteristic skin lesions affecting the legs. The disease is associated mainly with LR and RP. Very careful clinical assessment is needed to avoid incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary and potentially harmful therapeutic intervention.


Two new species of pterygosomatid mites parasitizing Sinai fan-fingered gecko Ptyodactylus guttatus Heyden (Phyllodactylidae) from Israel are described: Geckobia bochkovi sp. nov. and Geckobia synthesys sp. nov. The former species is the most similar to Geckobia squameum Bertrand, Paperna, and Finkelman, 1999, but differs by the presence of a well-outlined, slightly concave propodonotal shield in its anterior and posterior margin, fine-pointed dorsal setae that slightly increase in length from the anterior to the posterior part of the idiosoma, leg setae l'FI and l'GI, shape of coxal setae 4a, 4b and 4c which are slender and smooth or with barely discernible serration. The latter species is most similar to Geckobia keegani Lawrence, 1953 but differs in the shape of the propodonotal shield, which is almost straight in its posterior margin, the presence of five pairs of setae on the shield, 19-28 pairs of idiosomal ventral setae, three genital setae and leg setae l'GI, l'GIV, vFI-II, vFIII-IV, lFIII-IV and vTrIV.


The result of theoretical psychological analysis of the criminal activity are pleaded with the sidelines of career approach; the model of criminal action is described.


In today's automotive business a lot of new features with safety relevance are added to the vehicles. Therefore customers require high quality and reliability. The semiconductor industry provides a major contribution to the increased performance and functionality of car electronics and needs to develop sophisticated strategies for quality learning and continuous improvement in order to meet the challenging expectations of customers towards zero defects. The goal is no longer to improve quality "just by improving yield" but to apply active quality learning by identifying, analyzing and understanding outliers of any distribution during the whole production and testing processes which would normally not be relevant for yield but are a potential risk for quality. Within this refined approach, traditional failure analysis - concentrating on non-functional chips - has to evolve. Due to this new challenge, advanced failure analysis has also to handle the variations to enable Zero Defect Manufacturing.


This is a review of Fair Trade for All: How Trade Can Promote Development. It critically appraises certain aspects of the book especially from the developing countries' standpoints.


A silicon load cell (force sensor) that is based on a new operating principle is presented. The force is measured by compressing a meander-like strain gage. A second strain gage, which is not loaded, is used for temperature compensation and for compensation of bending and stretching stresses in the chip. Also, the same changes in a zero-load resistor values are eliminated. It is shown that the output of the bridge is a linear function of the total force and independent of the force distribution on the silicon chip. Measurements up to 1000 kg show a linear response and a short-term repeatability to within 0.1%. Creep after 30 min within 1.2%.


Many Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy control-synthesis problems in literature are expressed as the problem of finding decision variables in a double convex sum (fuzzy summation) of positive definite matrices. Matrices' coefficients in the summation take values in the standard simplex. This paper presents a triangulation approach to the problem of generating simplicial partitions of the standard simplex, in order to set up a family of sufficient conditions and, in parallel, another family of necessary ones for fuzzy summations. The conditions proposed in this paper are asymptotically exact as the size of the involved simplices decreases: its conservativeness vanishes for a sufficiently fine partition (sufficiently dense mesh of vertex points). The set of conditions is in the form of linear matrix inequalities, for which efficient software is avaliable.


Binge buying of medical practices has entered rehab, according to an analysis by the Center for Healthcare Industry Performance Studies. For hospitals, that's meant a shift to acquiring more profitable practices. On top of that, they're putting more physician pay at risk and tying it to productivity.


Noncollinear acoustooptic tunable filters using TeO(2) crystals are described. An anisotropic Bragg diffraction is studied applying simple design expressions to a tilt type in which an acoustic wave is launched a little off the [110] axis. Tuning property, filter bandwidth, angular aperture, required acoustic power, deflection angle, divergenceless configuration, and rapid spectrum scanning have been discussed. These filter properties have been confirmed with measurements using three kinds of filter devices: a basic type, an acoustically enhanced type, and a large angular aperture type. A 5-A bandwidth at 4000 A was obtained by slow scanning. A 32-A separation at 4000 A was observed by a rapid scanning of 0.5 msec throughout the visible region with an extremely low electric drive power.


Secondary electron imaging combined with immersion lens and through-the-lens detection has been used to analyze various semiconductor junctions. Dopant contrast imaging was applied for multi-doped 4H–SiC, growth-interrupted n+/p and n/n+ homoepitaxial interfaces, and an AlGaAs/GaAs p-n junction light-emitting diode structure. Dopant contrast was explained by the local variation in secondary electron escape energies resulting from the built-in potential difference. The effect of varying electron affinity on contrast for the heterostructures is also discussed. The contrast profile of the n-doped AlGaAs compared reasonably well to the simulated valence bandedge energy using a previously determined efficiency of dopant ionization.


The pharmacokinetics of pipecuronium 0.07 mg kg-1 and pancuronium 0.1 mg kg-1 were compared in 39 ASA class I or II patients. Plasma concentrations of these agents were measured for 6 h following administration, using a sensitive and specific capillary gas chromatographic assay. Concentration v. time data were analysed by non-linear regression and fitted to a two- or three-compartment model as appropriate. Neuromuscular blockade was assessed by measuring the mechanical evoked response of the adductor pollicis muscle to train-of-four stimulation of the ulnar nerve. Pipecuronium had a larger steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) (309 (SD 103) ml kg-1) and greater plasma clearance (Cl) (2.4 (0.6) ml kg-1 min-1) than pancuronium (199 (54) ml kg-1 and 1.5 (0.4) ml kg-1 min-1, respectively). The volumes of the central compartment, distribution and elimination half-lives and mean residence times were similar for both agents and within the range expected for drugs of this type. The durations of action (injection to 25% recovery of twitch tension) of pipecuronium and pancuronium were similar: 98.0 (36.1) min and 117.2 (35.8) min, respectively. We conclude that the time courses of neuromuscular blockade following pipecuronium and pancuronium are similar, despite the differences in Vss and Cl.


Timelines of longitudinal studies are often anchored by specific events. In the absence of the fully observed anchoring event times, the study timeline becomes undefined, and the traditional longitudinal analysis loses its temporal reference. In this paper, we considered an analytical situation where the anchoring events are interval censored. We demonstrated that by expressing the regression parameter estimators as stochastic functionals of a plug‐in estimate of the unknown anchoring event time distribution, the standard longitudinal models could be extended to accommodate the situation of less well‐defined timelines. We showed that for a broad class of longitudinal models, the functional parameter estimates are consistent and asymptotically normally distributed with a n convergence rate under mild regularity conditions. Applying the developed theory to linear mixed‐effects models, we further proposed a hybrid computational procedure that combines the strengths of the Fisher's scoring method and the expectation‐expectation (EM) algorithm for model parameter estimation. We conducted a simulation study to validate the asymptotic properties and to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed method. A real data example was used to illustrate the proposed method. The method fills in a gap in the existing longitudinal analysis methodology for data with less well‐defined timelines.


Using recently developed codes for density-functional total-energy calculations we trace the structural and electronic response of the hexagonal phase of selenium to applied pressure. We find that the anomalous linear expansion coefficient is well reproduced, and the structure reduces its volume by straightening its twofold-coordinated chains and bringing them closer together. The characteristic overbinding of the local-density approximation causes an effect akin to a spurious pressure on the system rather than a straightforward volume rescaling. The model also predicts a band gap closing rapidly with pressure within the same structural space group. This is not the observed metallization pressure, which in practice is induced by a structural phase transition. We further show that the valence bands are correctly associated with covalent bonds, lone pairs and s-type atomic orbitals, with the lone pairs being the least strongly bound.


In a previous hybridisation study it was found that six African schistosome species could be distinguished by their egg morphology and snail infectivity, and that their hybrids were also distinct. The present paper describes complementary studies on the behaviour of the same parasites in rodents. Statistically significant differences were found between the behaviour of each pair of sibling species with regard to some of the following characters: percentage of worm recovery; rate of egg production; percentage distribution of eggs in the liver, small and large intestines. This is further evidence that these forms are distinct species. There were also significant differences between the hybrids and their "parental" species, and between the behaviour of the parasites in mice and hamsters. The distinct behaviour of the hybrids raises the possibility of genetically modifying these parasites in order to attenuate their pathogenicity with a view to using hybrids as heterologous immunising agents.


PC10 is a monoclonal antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a nuclear protein associated with the cell cycle. We have evaluated the effects of tissue fixation on PC10 immunoreactivity in sections of paraffin embedded rat tissues. Immunoreactivity was well preserved in tissues after fixation with alcohol-based solutions for 3-24 hr. Fewer PC10-positive cells were detectable in samples fixed with formaldehyde-containing solutions compared with samples fixed with alcohol for the same time. Loss of PC10 immunoreactivity in formaldehyde fixed tissues was progressive, and quantifiable as early as after 3 hr fixation. Consequently, alcohol-based fixatives are strongly recommended for any immunocytochemical prospective study using PC10 antibody. In contrast, loss of PC10-immunoreactivity is always predictable, but difficult to quantitate, using formaldehyde fixed specimens. This aspect should be considered when using PC10 antibody in retrospective studies with routinely-processed archival material.


Based on a collaborative autoethnographic research project, this article explores the emotional dimension of the injured sporting body. It takes as its analytic focus the journey, rehabilitative, emotional and narrative, of two middle-aged, non-elite, middle/long-distance runners who experienced serious, long-term knee injuries. The study examines the interactional and narrative elements of the rehabilitative journey, focusing on dimensions of the emotion management, emotion work, and emotional intersubjectivity of the researcher/author and her training partner as they struggled to contend with the liminality of the injured athletic role, and to maintain positive identities in the face of serious threat to their running selves.


In the seventies, a lot of work was done concerning surface association to points digitized with a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). The function of minimization is based on the distance between the points Mi and the geometric element. It depends on the criterion of minimization. This function is nonlinear. A number of researchers have developed methods to speed up the calculations of diverse tasks and to simplify the displacement matrix. These methods imply conditions such as small displacements. An other condition is that every point has the same precision of measurement. In this paper a non-linear method is presented to calculate, the first (mean) and second (uncertainty) statistical moments of best fit surface parameters.


An in vivo-directed evolutionary strategy was used to obtain a thermostabilized Escherichia coli hygromycin B phosphotransferase, using a host-vector system of Thermus thermophilus. Introduction of the mutant gene containing two amino acid substitutions, S52T and W238C, which was previously reported by Cannio et al. [J. Bacteriol., 180, 3237-3240 (1998)], did not confer hygromycin resistance on T. thermophilus cells at 55 degrees C; however, five spontaneously-generated independent mutants were obtained by selection of the transformants at this temperature. Each mutant gene contained one amino acid substitution of either A118V or T246A. Further selection with increasing temperature, at 58 degrees C and then 61 degrees C, led to acquisition of three more substitutions: D20G, S225P and Q226L. These mutations cumulatively influenced the maximum growth temperature of the T. thermophilus transformants in the presence of hygromycin; T. thermophilus carrying a mutant gene containing all the five substitutions was able to grow at up to 67 degrees C. This mutant gene, hph5, proved useful as a selection marker in the T. thermophilus host-vector system, either on the plasmid or by genome integration, at temperatures up to 65 degrees C.


A rapid and convenient colorimetric method is described for the determination of isoprenaline sulphate in pharmaceutical preparations. This method is based on measuring the intensity of the orange colour developed when isoprenaline sulphate is allowed to react with thiosemicarbazide in an alkaline medium. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range 2·0–16·0 µg ml–1. Data on precision and accuracy are presented. As the catecholic function with unsubstituted adjacent positions is required for the development of the colour, the method is highly specific.


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy has become a first-line treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Several techniques combining stent retrievers and distal aspiration catheters have been described. We aimed to characterize the efficacy of 2 commonly used techniques according to clot characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Soft (mean stiffness = 95.77 [SD, 5.80] kPa) or stiff (mean stiffness = 205.63 [SD, 6.70] kPa) clots (3 × 10 mm and 2 × 10 mm, respectively) were embolized to the distal M1 segment of the MCA in an in vitro model. The technique was randomly allocated (1:1): stent retriever assisted vacuum-locked extraction (SAVE) versus complete retraction (Solumbra). The primary end point was the percentage of first-pass recanalization. Secondary end points were periprocedural distal embolization measures. RESULTS: A total of 130 mechanical thrombectomies were performed (50 for soft clots and 15 for stiff clots per arm). Overall, the rate of first-pass recanalizaton was 35% with Solumbra and 15% with SAVE (P < .01). For stiff clots, the first-pass recanalizaton was equal for both methods (27%; P = 1.00). With soft clots, the first-pass recanalizaton was higher with Solumbra (38%) than with SAVE (12%; P < .01). When we used soft clots, the maximum embolus size (mean, 1.19 [SD, 0.9] mm versus 2.16 [SD, 1.48] mm; P < .01) and total area of emboli (mean, 1.82 [SD, 2.73] versus 3.34 [SD, 3.2]; P = .01) were also lower with Solumbra than with SAVE. CONCLUSIONS: Clot characteristics may influence the efficacy of the thrombectomy technique. In occlusions caused by soft clots, complete retrieval into the distal aspiration catheters achieved higher rates of first-pass recanalizaton and lower embolization.


This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury in Wistar rats. 24 female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 8): a control group, a LPS-challenged group, and a LPS plus dexmedetomidine group. Inflammation, oxidative stress, Nrf2/Keap1, and Akt signal were determined. The results showed that LPS caused inflammation and oxidative stress via increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative products. Dexmedetomidine treatment alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-challenged rats. Nrf2/Keap1 was inhibited and Akt signal was activated in the lung after exposure to LPS, while dexmedetomidine activated Nrf2/Keap1, which further mediated expressions of antioxidant genes. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine alleviated inflammatory response and oxidative stress in LPS-induced lung injury in rats via influencing Nrf2/Keap1 signal.


Factors affecting prescribtion of antidepressant medications by family physicians in Istanbul province Objective: In the family physician system, depression and anxiety disorders are frequently encountered and antidepressant medications are often prescribed in recent years. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the factors affecting the prescription of antidepressants by family physicians. Methods: In our study, 120 family physicians working at six districts in Istanbul were contacted and the data were collected by administering a 30-item questionnaire prepared by the investigators. Results: Eighty point eight percent of the participating family physicians reported that they had sufficient education and practice for diagnosing depression. Fourty seven point five percent of them found their education inadequate for the treatment of patients. Only 1.5% of them were able to define all of the symptoms of depression. Eighty nine point two percent pointed out that they needed regular training about the use of antidepressants in treatment. We found that 81.7% of the physicians preferred prescribing the same antidepressant molecule as their primary option. Sixty six point seven percent stated that they believed the antidepressants could cause dependency and 72.2% believed that a large number of patients would recover without any medication. Conclusion: With the introduction of family physician practice across the country as of the end of 2010, we entered a new era in terms of the management of psychiatric disorders in primary care. We can suggest that new measures and arrangements are needed to improve the knowledge and attitudes of family physicians about the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.


PURPOSE
To study the deformation response of three distinct contact lenses with known structures, which served as corneal models, under different chamber pressures using ultra-high-speed (UHS) Scheimpflug imaging.

METHODS
Three hydrophilic contact lenses were mounted on a sealed water chamber with precisely adjustable pressure: TAN-G5X (41% hydroxyethylmethacrylate/glycolmethacrylate, 550 µm thick), TAN-40 (62% hydroxyethylmethacrylate, 525 µm thick) and TAN-58 (42% methylmethacrylate, 258 µm thick). Each model was tested five times under different pressures (5, 15, 25, 35 and 45 mmHg), using ultra-high-speed Scheimpflug imaging during non-contact tonometry. 140 Scheimpflug images were taken with the UHS camera in each measurement. The deformation amplitude during non-contact tonometry was determined as the highest displacement of the apex at the highest concavity (HC) moment.

RESULTS
At each pressure level, the deformation amplitude was statistically different for each lens tested (p<0.001, ANOVA). Each lens had different deformation amplitudes under different pressure levels (p<0.001; Bonferroni post-hoc test). The thicker lens with less polymer (TAN-G5X) had a higher deformation (less stiff behavior) than the one that was thinner but with more polymer (TAN-40), when measured at the same internal pressure. The thinnest lens with less polymers (TAN-58) had a lower deformation amplitude (stiffer behavior) at higher pressures than the thicker ones with more polymer (TAN-40 and TAN-G5X) at lower pressures.

CONCLUSIONS
UHS Scheimpflug imaging allowed for biomechanical assessment through deformation characterization of corneal models. Biomechanical behavior was more influenced by material composition than by thickness. Chamber pressure had a significant impact on deformation response of each lens.


Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are commonly found in cruciferous vegetables. A variety of biological activities have been ascribed to ITCs, such as inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes and induction of phase II enzymes in animal models. ITCs are also able to block cell‐cycle progression and induce apoptosis in human cancer cells in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the ITC sulforaphane to protect cultured human lymphocytes from micronucleus (MN) induction by four different mutagens: ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), vincristrine (VIN), H2O2 and mitomycin C (MMC). To understand the mechanisms of action of sulforaphane, the cultures were treated with the compound before, during and after treatment with the mutagens; in addition, the cultures were evaluated for the induction of apoptosis. Up to 10 μM, sulforaphane was non‐genotoxic by itself, while 30 μM sulforaphane reduced the replicative index of the cells by more than 60%. Moreover, 1–10 μM sulforaphane reduced the MN frequency induced by EMS, VIN, H2O2 and MMC in at least one of the treatment protocols; it had no effect on H2O2–MN induction in the post‐treatment protocol, and it increased MN induction by MMC in the pre‐treatment protocol. Apoptosis was produced in the cultures treated with sulforaphane alone. The fraction of apoptotic cells was increased after co‐ or post‐treatment with sulforaphane and EMS and MMC, suggesting that sulforaphane‐mediated apoptosis may remove highly damaged cells induced by these agents. Other mechanisms are involved in the anti‐genotoxic activity of sulforaphane against VIN and H2O2. Taken together, our findings indicate that under certain conditions sulforaphane possesses anti‐genotoxic activity in vitro and that further studies are warranted to characterize this property in vivo. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Research subject . The object of the study is the Ulyuk-Bar gold deposit ore-bearing rocks, located in the Bashkir meganticlinorium (the Southern Urals). Methods . The article presents the first data on the distribution of rare earth elements (REE), platinum group elements (PGE) and Au, obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) on "ELAN- 6100 DRC" and "Agilent 7700" with the use of the computer data processing program "TOTALQUANT", which includes automatic accounting of isotopic and molecular overlays on the mass spectral analytical lines of the determined elements. The chemical composition of ore minerals (native gold, pyrite, pyrrhotite, gersdorfite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, and galena) was determined using an REMMA-202M scanning electron microscope with an LZ-5 X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometer and detectors for secondary and reflected electrons. Results. As a result of the studies, the enrichment of heavy lanthanides from ore-bearing rocks of the Ulyuk-Bar deposit in comparison with the sandstones and shales of the Bolshoi Inzer Formation outside of the ore field was established. It is shown that the noble-metal geochemical specialization of ore-bearing sediments of the Bolshoi Inzer Formation of the Ulyuk-Bar deposit is similar in a number of parameters to rocks of the Mashak Formation of the Shatak complex, formed under the influence of Middle Riphean magmatism on sedimentary rocks of the upper layers of the earth's crust. Based on the calculation of the age of the minerals thorium and uranium, according to the isotopic studies of Rb-Sr (996 ± 26 Ma) and K-Ar (676–706 Ma) methods and galena by the Pb-Pb method (950 Ma), it was established that mineralization was formed in two stages. The first of which is associated with tectono-thermal activation at the border of the Middle and Late Riphean, and the second was realized about 600 Ma ago. Conclusions. It is concluded that the REE-EPG-Au taxonomy of ore-bearing deposits of the Ulyuk-Bar deposit is due to the polychrony and polygenicity of ore formation processes associated with the Middle Riphean plume magmatism, manifested over a vast territory, and the Late Vendian dynamothermal collisional metamorphism.