Trypsin inhibitors (TIs) are widely distributed in plants and are known to play a protective role against herbivores. TIs reduce the biological activity of trypsin, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of many different proteins, by inhibiting the activation and catalytic reactions of proteins. Soybean (Glycine max) contains two major TI classes: Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) and Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI). Both genes encoding TI inactivate trypsin and chymotrypsin enzymes, which are the main digestive enzymes in the gut fluids of Lepidopteran larvae feeding on soybean. In this study, the possible role of soybean TIs in plant defense against insects and nematodes was investigated. A total of six TIs were tested, including three known soybean trypsin inhibitors (KTI1, KTI2 and KTI3) and three genes encoding novel inhibitors identified in soybean (KTI5, KTI7, and BBI5). Their functional role was further examined by overexpression of the individual TI genes in soybean and Arabidopsis. The endogenous expression patterns of these TI genes varied among soybean tissues, including leaf, stem, seed, and root. In vitro enzyme inhibitory assays showed significant increase in trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities in both transgenic soybean and Arabidopsis. Detached leaf-punch feeding bioassays detected significant reduction in corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) larval weight when larvae fed on transgenic soybean and Arabidopsis lines, with the greatest reduction observed in KTI7 and BBI5 overexpressing lines. Whole soybean plant greenhouse feeding bioassays with H. zea on KTI7 and BBI5 overexpressing lines resulted in significantly reduced leaf defoliation compared to non-transgenic plants. However, bioassays of KTI7 and BBI5 overexpressing lines with soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) showed no differences in SCN female index between transgenic and non-transgenic control plants. There were no significant differences in growth and productivity between transgenic and non-transgenic plants grown in the absence of herbivores to full maturity under greenhouse conditions. The present study provides further insight into the potential applications of TI genes for insect resistance improvement in plants.


Throughout much of the history of research into second language acquisition (SLA), the role of learners' first language (L1) has been a hotly debated issue. Prodromou (2000) refers to the mother tongue as a 'skeleton in the closet', while Gabrielatos (2001) calls it a 'bone of contention'. Such views are but a mere reflection of the different methodological shifts in English Language Teaching, which have brought about new and different outlooks on the role of the mother tongue. The conflict itself is taking place in academic circles rather than in classrooms, where the use of L1 is still considered unacceptable owing to the predominance of the communicative method in language teaching.

Research on the role that mother tongue has for the non-native learners of English has been conducted around the world, however none in North Macedonia. This research aims to explore some of the controversy regarding the use of the student's first language (L1), as well as to suggest translation activities as a beneficial tool for the students of South East European University in Tetovo, North Macedonia. It also provides insights into native language interference in the process of translating from students' mother tongue into English, and vs.


Purpose
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate in the context of quality assurance (QA), how stakeholders define quality education and its connections to maximize value for the stakeholder using a grounded theory approach.

Design/methodology/approach
A four-stage research design using grounded theory methodology was used to develop and elicit a theory, after which a single-case study design with embedded coding and analysis was used to examine the QA – Maximize Value for stakeholder's relationships. The sample consisted of 16 participants who had visibility over the entire QA – Maximize Value relationship, were knowledgeable, willing to participate and had between 4 and 12 years' higher education experience. The data was collected through focus, elite groups and in-depth interviews based on the participants' perspectives of their experiences. The collected data was subjected to content analysis. The following research questions focused on: definition of QA, the definition of quality education and stakeholders' expectations for the education setting.

Findings
The study identified 10 categories that drive the QA – Maximize Value for stakeholder relationships in higher education settings. The categories are, namely, the definition of QA; definition of quality management; value for governing council; value for lecturers and staff; value for students; value for employers; value for government; definition of quality education; continuous improvement; and QA in universities. The main findings of the research related to "how" and "why" QA create value for stakeholders. The results of the study indicate that the governing council representatives' (key stakeholders) expected value creation through improved management and proper education policy. The expected value creation for lecturers and university staff included career advancement, good working conditions of service, remuneration and the excellent performance of students. The paper finds that QA in higher education is contingent on senior management commitment to the strategic decision on overall objectives, management of the facility, financial and human resources, which are geared toward ensuring effective teaching, student learning and value maximization for all stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications
The limitation of the study is that the major stakeholders considered were all from universities. Other stakeholders such as employers from the industry and other sectors should be included in a future study.

Practical implications
Based on the study findings, two major implications for training of senior management, deans and heads of departments in the concepts of QA to maximize value for all stakeholders; and the QA system selected for the university must be "fit for purpose" were drawn, leading to recommendations for future practice. These findings can help universities to develop strategies that improve educational quality and maximize value for all stakeholders. The authors suggested some propositions that can be examined in-depth in future research endeavors so as to enhance the understanding of the predictors of QA in education and the expectations of different stakeholders.

Originality/value
The originality of the study lies in the perspective of experienced participants who had visibility over the entire QA –Maximize Value relationship and were knowledgeable. Based on the use of the grounded theory approach and the view of major stakeholders used in this research, the findings emphasize the stakeholders' – driven definition of quality education that focuses on value maximization for all stakeholders. This is different from the majority of the existing definitions in the quality literature that are primarily standard-driven, focusing on meeting a pre-defined set of standards, specifications, requirements and are set internally or externally. The approach provides an opportunity to increase the credibility and rigor of grounded theory research.


In this article, we have designed and constructed a new multisurface (MS) high temperature superconductor (HTS) Maglev measurement system to investigate the enhancement of magnetic force properties of Maglev systems via MS HTS configurations above conventional permanent magnetic guideway (PMG). We have investigated both the static force and stiffness behavior and dynamic response characteristics of these MS HTS–PMG arrangements in different field cooling heights (FCHs). Optimum cooling height is determined as FCH 20–30 for both six- and four-HTS configurations. The maximum levitation force values of HTS–PMG arrangement with six-HTS were obtained bigger than that of four-HTS in the unit cryostat volume of MS arrangement, indicating that the HTSs at the bottom side of the cryostat make contribution to the loading capacity of Maglev systems. In the present article, it is observed that the magnetic flux density of bottom surface in addition to upper surface of the PMG can make a contribution to loading performance, vertical and lateral stability of Maglev systems. It is thought that the designed measurement facility and results of this study will be beneficial to increase the magnetic flux density in the unit volume via MS HTS–PMG arrangements for future design and construction of the HTS Maglev systems.


Some novel organometallic compounds were prepared by complexing the antibiotics, tetracycline, azithromycin, cefotaxime, cephalexine, and antibacterials, ofloxacin, norfloxacin and gatifloxacin with bismuth citrate. They were characterized by UV, IR, NMR and elemental analysis-Their antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori and other microorganisms was investigated. Tetracycline- bismuth citrate was found to possess strong activity against H. pylori with a lowest inhibitory concentration of 125 mg/l. These complexes exhibited moderate activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus pumilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The findings suggest that the activity of these organometallic compounds might be specifically directed agafhst H. pylori.


The author illustrates a stage-by-stage psychotherapeutic model, proposed for patients with chronic osteomyelitis, within the framework of complex postoperative rehabilitation; the mentioned model is intended for the elimination of manifested psychopathological reactions caused by surgical intervention, and the solution of internal personal conflicts. The article demonstrates the effectiveness of psychotherapy in 241 patients of the department of purulent orthopaedics. The author comes to the conclusions concerning the expediency of psychotherapeutic courses for all the patients with locomotor system pathology, who are subjected to prolonged treatment.


For data communication over any medium, it is necessary to determine the characteristics of the communication channel. Powerline channel has been considered as a medium not only for low-rate, control communications, but also for high-speed data communications. In order to implement advanced communication technologies, the complete knowledge of the broadband powerline channel, including the analysis of the channel capacity, are required. This paper strives to widen the understanding of broadband indoor powerline channel by focusing on the properties of indoor powerline channels and its noise behavior. Capacity of the PLC-channel is optimized by using a water-pouring algorithm.


The link between autoimmune diseases and primary immunodeficiency syndromes has been increasingly appreciated. Immunologic evaluation of a young man with autoimmune enterocolopathy and unexplained infections revealed evidence of immunodeficiency, including IgG subclass deficiency, impaired Ag-induced lymphocyte proliferation, reduced cytokine production by CD8+ T lymphocytes, and decreased numbers of NK cells. Genetic evaluation identified haploinsufficiency of NFAT5, a transcription factor regulating immune cell function and cellular adaptation to hyperosmotic stress, as a possible cause of this syndrome. Inhibition or deletion of NFAT5 in normal human and murine cells recapitulated several of the immune deficits identified in the patient. These results provide evidence of a primary immunodeficiency disorder associated with organ-specific autoimmunity linked to NFAT5 deficiency.


Background: The triple A syndrome (AAAS), also termed Allgrove syndrome (AS), is a very rare chromosome recessive disorder that was 1 st identified in 1978 by Jeremy Allgrove and colleagues in 2 unrelated siblings. In most cases, there is no associated family history. The syndrome comprises of A chalasia, A ddisonianism and A lacrimia. It has an estimated prevalence of 1 per 1,000,000 individuals. About 200 cases have been reported worldwide as of date, showing a great variability in severity as well as in clinical manifestations. Consistent oral findings could be noticed such as high arched palate, oral pigmentation, fissured or atrophic tongue, and xerostomia Case report: We report the case of a 25-year-old girl who presented with Triple A Syndrome with all characteristic clinical features. Conclusion : The aim of this case report is to highlight the dental involvement in Allgrove syndrome. In addition, we aim to emphasize the need for the oral physician to accurately diagnose the condition, manage the oral manifestations, and to collaborate with other dental specialists to provide optimum dental care to these patients.


Background and Aim: A pleural effusion, an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, usually occurs in patients when the rate of fluid formation exceeds the rate of fluid removal. Interest in the diagnostic utility of proteins present in the pleural effusion has recently increased. The differential diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy and malignant pleural effusion is a difficult task in high tuberculous prevalence areas. The aim of the present study is to identify novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of pleural fluid using proteomics technology. Methods: We analyzed the proteins in pleural fluid from patients using a technique that combined 2D liquid-phase electrophoresis (2-DE), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Patients with transudative pleural effusions, tuberculous, or malignant effusions were enrolled in the study. Results:  We identified a total of 10 proteins with high confidence. Bioinformatics analysis of the MS data identified pathologically relevant proteins and potential diagnostic markers for tuberculous pleurisy and malignant pleural effusion associated with lung cancer, including trasthyretin, haptoglobin, metastasis-associated protein(MTA)1, t-complex protein 1, Fibroblast growth factor-binding protein 1, human ceruloplasmin, Lysozyme precursor, Gelsolin, Clusterin C complement lysis inhibitor, and Peroxirexdoxin 3. Conclusion: These findings will aid in the development of novel diagnostic tools for tuberculous pleurisy and malignant pleural effusion of lung cancer and also provide new insight into the diverse functions of proteins in tuberculosis and cancer pathogenesis.


Piezocatalytic materials have considerable application potential in wireless therapy. Most of these applications require biocompatible nanomaterials for in vivo targeting and control of intracellular processes. However, the piezocatalytic performance of a material decreases at a nanometer size regime, and most of the biocompatible materials have poor piezocatalytic efficiency. In particular, hydroxyapatite or calcium phosphate-based nanomaterials have weak piezocatalytic properties that limit the biomedical application potential. Here, we show that anisotropic shape and Au nanoparticle conjugation can enhance the piezocatalytic property of a calcium phosphate nanomaterial by 10 times and the performance approaches that of the bulk/nanoparticle form of well-known BaTiO3. The colloidal form of calcium phosphate nanowires/nanorods/nanospheres (2-5 nm diameter and 30-1000 nm length) and their Au nanoparticle (5-8 nm) composites are prepared, and their piezoelectric properties have been investigated with piezoresponse force microscopy. It has been observed that the anisotropic nanowire structure of calcium phosphate can enhance the piezoelectric property by 2 times and Au nanoparticle conjugation can enhance it up to 10 times with a piezoelectric constant value of 72 pm/V, which is close to the value of the bulk/nanoparticle form of BaTiO3. This enhanced piezoelectric property is shown to enhance the piezocatalytic reactions by 10 times. The approach has been used to design colloidal nano-bioconjugate for selective labeling of cancer cells, followed by wireless cell therapy via medical-grade ultrasound-based intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. The developed approach and material can be extended for wireless therapeutic applications and for controlling intracellular processes.


In many medical schools, students undergo an integrated basic sciences/ clinical course from Year 1. Interestingly, despite the years of training at both an undergraduate and postgraduate level, it is clear that many of us rarely practice the strategy of prevention being better than cure. From a hospital perspective, junior doctors, for example, can easily treat an exacerbation of COPD or an episode of decompensated liver disease, but rarely do they spend time discussing the grave implications of smoking or continued alcohol misuse. Similarly, many patients are often admitted following repeated drug overdoses, but once over the withdrawal phase patients are often waved farewell with words to the effect of, 'We can't force you to stop doing what you are doing, the decision rests with you.' The same can also be said for those heavily obese patients with their associated complications of hypertension and diabetes. I wonder how much time is actually spent encouraging individuals to lose weight when they are admitted with a systolic of 200 mm Hg or excessively high blood sugars? Now I am sure all medically trained individuals have a more than adequate understanding of the importance of public health, but it is something that is rarely touched upon during medical school and even practiced later on in postgraduate training. Maybe as doctors we shy away from areas we may view as 'soft medicine'. Or is it due to the fact that as a result of limited training, we do not feel confident in engaging with our patients at length about its importance.


The potamid freshwater crab genus Shanphusa Yeo & Ng, 2007, currently contains two species from Shan State in Myanmar (= Burma): S. browneana (Kemp, 1918) (type species) and S. curtobates (Kemp, 1918). A third species, S. ywarngan sp. nov. is described from a cave in the region. The new species can easily be distinguished from its congeners by various carapace features, shape of the male telson, and structure of the male first gonopod.


Objective(s): Lectin-like low density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1) has pivot role in vascular complications, which is upregulated in numerous pathological conditions. Since exercise has beneficial effects in prevention of hyperlipidemic complications, present study examined protective effects of aerobic exercise through reduction of LOX-1 expression in heart during dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: Four groups of rats were used (N=25): Normal, Normal and exercise, High fat and High fat and exercise. High fat diet (HFD) was made by adding 10% animal oil, 2% cholesterol and 0.5% colic acid to standard rodent chow. Exercise protocol consisted of swimming 1 hr/day, and 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Plasma lipids were evaluated at the end of experiment, 48 hr after final session of exercise. At the end, rats were sacrificed and heart was removed for determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and LOX-1 expression. Results: HFD meaningfully changed lipid profile (>50%), but chronic exercise had no significant effects on lipid profile. LOX-1 expression was significantly increased in heart of rats fed with HFD, while swimming exercise considerably reduced gene expression of LOX-1. MDA content was significantly enhanced in rats fed with HFD (4.37±0.6 nmol/mg, P<0.01) compared to normal group (1.56±0.48 nmol/mg), whereas swimming exercise decreased MDA level of heart in rats fed with HFD (2.28±0.32, P<0.01). Conclusion: Findings indicated that swimming exercise is able to diminish heart expression of LOX-1 receptor concomitant reduction of oxidative stress. Since these parameters are involved in generation of dyslipidemic complications, swimming exercise is a good candidate to reduce these complications.


Polyphenolics such as tannins and flavonoids are proved as powerful antioxidants to resolve cellular stress, sustain homeostasis in the body and prevent stress-associated disorders. Plant-based medicine gained importance due to its safety margin and multiple benefits. Regular intake of antioxidants is an alternative to avoid serious illness. The current investigation is aimed to measure the phenolic, flavonoid content, the antioxidant activity of Justicia tranquebariensis L.f. and Cycas beddomei leaves. The selected plants are used by tribes and traditional medicine to cure various diseases. Total phenolic content was estimated using the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method, taking gallic acid as standard. At the same time, total flavonoid content was determined by aluminum chloride colorimetric assay using Rutin as standard.The absorbance was measured at 760 nm and 510 nm, respectively. Antioxidant activity was measured by two In vitro methods (DPPH and NO free radical scavenging assay) using standard protocols, where Ascorbic acid served as a reference standard. Results disclosed that the total phenolic content for the methanolic extracts of C. beddomei (36.14 ± 1.72) and J. tranquebariensis (28.57 ± 0.91) was found to be higher than petroleum ether extracts. Similarly, C. beddomei (28.13 ± 2.48) is richer in flavonoids than Jtranquebariensis (20.32 ± 1.24). In DPPH assay, methanolic extract C. beddomei (78.21%) is more effective to inhibit the free radicals than J. tranquebariensis (73.05%) with IC50 values 41.55µg/ml and 59.52 µg/ml respectively at higher doses that are comparable to standard ascorbic acid (84.34%, IC50 =63.27 µg/ml). Similarly, in NO free radical scavenging assay, methanolic extract of C. beddomei (72.54%) stood best among all to scavenge the free radicals with IC50 values 50.06 µg/ml, whereas ascorbic acid is found to inhibit 83.26% with IC50 values 39.75µg/ml. The presence of various secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenols, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, saponins, especially tannins and flavonoids, either alone or in combination, may be responsible for the observed scavenging property. The quantity of the phenolic compounds and flavonoids can be directly correlated to the exhibited activity.


Price movements in the residential property market are often small-scale and can lead to regional over- / undervaluations that cannot be reported on an aggregated level. However, the derivation of regionalized price developments demands for appropriate methods and sufficient big data sample sizes. Therefore, the Austrian residential property price Index, which is published quarterly by Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB), has been methodically revised: Instead of the previously used time dummy approach, which only allows for an evaluation at the model region level, the new index is based on double imputation methods, which makes possible an almost arbitrary regionalization. In this study, we describe the impact of the methodical changes on the index developments on an aggregated level. Furthermore, the new models allow a more granular regional breakdown of the index series. The resulting data series can be used for a more detailed monitoring of developments in the residential property market and can serve even as an input for a more granular regionalized fundamental indicator for residential property prices.


Objectives To investigate the protective effects of erythropoietin on cardiac function of diabetic rats and its mechanism Methods Forty-five male SD rats (180–200 g) were randomly divided into three groups: normal control (CON, n=15), STZ-induced diabetic rats (DM, n=15), and diabetic rats treated with EPO (DM+EPO, n=15). Diabetic rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of STZ. These rats were fed under standard conditions. The rats in DM+EPO group received EPO (1000 U/kg per injection) at 7-day intervals after diabetic model was established. Rats in CON group and DM group received the same dose of saline. At the beginning of experiment and the end of the 12th week blood samples of rats were collected to analyse red blood cell count and fasting blood glucose. Echocardiography was performed to get the parameters of cardiac function in rats and blood was collected to analyse the count of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) at the end of the 12th week. CTGF protein expression in myocardial tissue was detected by immunohistochemical method, while VEGF protein and VEGF mRNA expressions were examined by realtime RT-PCR and western blot respectively. Results (1) Red blood cell count and fasting blood glucose: The average red blood cell count of the CON group, DM group and DM+EPO group at the end of the 12th week was (8.16±0.37)×1012/l, (7.68±0.44)×1012/l and (8.63±0.47)×1012/l respectively. No significant difference was found between DM+EPO group and CON group, as well as between CON group and DM group (p > 0.05). But DM+EPO group was significantly higher than diabetic group (p<0.01). The average fasting blood glucose of the three groups was 4.13±0.43 mmol/l, 20.27±1.20 mmol/l and 21.37±1.53 mmol/l respectively. No significant difference was found in fasting blood glucose between DM+EPO group and DM group (p > 0.05), but the two groups were both higher than CON group (p<0.01). In DM+EPO group the fasting blood glucose at the beginning and the 12th week had no difference (p >> 0.05). (2) Index of cardiac function measured by echocardiography: The average of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of three groups was 79.4±8.12%, 65.7±5.49% and 75.6±4.87% respectively. LVEF of DM group was significantly lower than CON group, while DM+EPO group was significantly higher than DM group (p<0.01). But the difference between DM+EPO group and CON group was not significant (p>0.05). (3) The count of EPCs (%) in blood: The count of EPCs in blood for the DM+EPO group was much higher than CON group and DM group (51.75±1.91 vs 7.65±0.90 or 2.71±0.74, p< 0.01), and CON group was higher than DM group (p<0.01). (4) The expression of CTGF in myocardial tissue: Mild positive staining with VEGF was observed in CON group, while VEGF staining was strongly seen in DM group and moderate in DM+EPO group. (5) The expression of VEGF mRNA: The expression of VEGF mRNA for DM+EPO group was much higher than CON group and DM group (0.81±0.031 vs 0.65±0.040 or 0.29±0.053, p<0.01), and DM group was lower than CON group (p<0.01). (6) The expression of VEGF protein: The expression of VEGF protein for the DM+EPO group was much higher than CON group and DM group (0.59±0.026 vs 0.40±0.032 or 0.23±0.024, p<0.01), while DM group was lower than CON group (p<0.01). Conclusions (1) EPO can improve the cardiac function of diabetic rats. (2) EPO can increase the count of EPCs in blood, upregulate the expression of VEGF and downregulate the expression of CTGF of myocardial tissue in diabetic rats. 3. EPO can protect cardiac function in diabetic rats probably via improving microvascular function and inhibiting fibrosis of myocardial tissue.


ABSTRACT Background: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among elderly hospital inpatients. Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluated 189 participants using the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Mini-mental State Examination and the Katz and Lawton Index, to assess dependence regarding activities of daily living (ADL). Results: Most of the participants were women, aged between 60 and 92 years, with low levels of educational attainment and personal income, and non-qualified occupations. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 56%, but only 3% had a psychiatric diagnosis registered in their medical records. Univariate analysis showed significant associations between depressive symptoms and low educational level and income, marital status, number of hospitalizations in the previous year, cognitive decline, dependence regarding basic and instrumental ADL, and death. After logistic regression, the only variables that remained significantly associated with depression were low educational level, dependence regarding basic ADL, and death. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were independently associated with low educational level and dependence regarding basic ADL. Hospitalized elderly people with depressive symptoms were more likely to die. It is essential to diagnose and treat depression properly in this population to minimize its negative impacts.


Aims. Flip-flops are top-hat-like X-ray flux variations, which have been observed in some transient accreting black hole binary systems, and feature simultaneous changes in the spectral hardness and the power density spectrum (PDS). They occur at a crucial time in the evolution of these systems, when the accretion disc emission starts to dominate over coronal emission. Flip-flops remain a poorly understood phenomenon, so we aim to thoroughly investigate them in a system featuring several such transitions.
Methods. Within the multitude of observations of Swift J1658.2-4242 during its outburst in early 2018, we detected 15 flip-flops, enabling a detailed analysis of their individual properties and the differences between them. We present observations by XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, Astrosat, Swift, Insight-HXMT, INTEGRAL, and ATCA. We analysed their light curves, searched for periodicities, computed their PDSs, and fitted their X-ray spectra, to investigate the source behaviour during flip-flop transitions and how the interval featuring flip-flops differs from the rest of the outburst.
Results. The flip-flops of Swift J1658.2-4242 are of an extreme variety, exhibiting flux differences of up to 77% within ∼100 s, which is much larger than what has been seen previously. We observed radical changes in the PDS simultaneous with the sharp flux variations, featuring transitions between the quasi-periodic oscillation types C and A, which have never been observed before. Changes in the PDS are delayed, but more rapid than changes in the light curve. Flip-flops occur in two intervals within the outburst, separated by about two weeks in which these phenomena were not seen. Transitions between the two flip-flop states occurred at random integer multiples of a fundamental period of 2.761 ks in the first interval and 2.61 ks in the second. Spectral analysis reveals the high and low flux flip-flop states to be very similar, but distinct from intervals lacking flip-flops. A change of the inner temperature of the accretion disc is responsible for most of the flux difference in the flip-flops. We also highlight the importance of correcting for the influence of the dust scattering halo on the X-ray spectra.


We investigate the phase structure of dense QCD using the Schwinger-Dyson equation (SDE) with the improved ladder approximation in the Landau gauge. We use the gluon propagator with the electric mode corrected by Debye screening and the magnetic mode corrected by Landau damping. We solve the coupled SDE for the Majorana masses of the quark and antiquark (separately from the SDE for the Dirac mass) in the low density and intermediate density regions. In the low density region, both the SDEs for the Majorana masses and the Dirac mass have nontrivial solutions that correspond to the color symmetry breaking (CSB) vacuum and the chiral symmetry breaking (χSB) vacuum. Comparing the values of the effective potential in the two vacua, we show that the phase transition from the χSB vacuum to the CSB vacuum is of first order. The resultant value of the critical chemical potential is about 210 MeV, which is smaller than that obtained from the SDE analysis including only the Dirac mass. The momentum dependences of the Majorana masses of the quark and antiquark are shown to be quite different, although the masses are of the same order.


In article legal fixing with subjects of the Russian Federation of the principles of municipal service in modern conditions is considered. The principles of municipal service create possibility of legal protection of citizens from illegal actions of officials, the heads striking their rights. To prevent abuses of officials and an administrative arbitrariness, violation of the rights and interests of the citizen the system of legal control over municipal service is called.


In an open crossover study, the pharmacokinetics of three-day and five-day regimens of azithromycin were compared. Fourteen healthy volunteers received oral doses of azithromycin once-daily, over three days (500 mg/day) and over five days (500 mg on day 1, followed by 250 mg/day on days 2-5). Plasma and urine concentrations were determined by HPLC. Azithromycin was found to be absorbed rapidly on the first and the last days of both regimens, with mean Tmax ranging between 2.5-3 h. On day 1, peak plasma concentrations were 0.37 mg/L and 0.31 mg/L, respectively, with three- and five-day regimens, and increased to 0.42 mg/L on the last day of the three-day regimen, but decreased to 0.18 mg/L at the end of the five-day regimen. Similarly, the AUC0-24 increased from 1.30 to 1.88 h.mg/L during the three-day regimen, and decreased from 1.24 to 0.80 h.mg/L on the five-day regimen. After absorption, azithromycin was distributed rapidly; the respective half-lives were 2.4 h and 2.2 h with the three-day and five-day regimens. Thereafter, a polyphasic decline of plasma concentrations was observed; the average half-lives between 8-48 h after administration were 27.9 h (three-day regimen) and 35.8 h (five-day regimen). In urine, 5.5% (three-day regimen) and 4.6% (five-day regimen) of the total dose was found as unchanged azithromycin over a 12-day period. The observed pharmacokinetics of azithromycin with both regimens conformed with the known pharmacokinetic behaviour of the drug. The treatment-related differences seen in the plasma concentrations were as expected from the different dosage schedules.


Indwelling venous catheters were responsible for 19 of 44 hospital-acquired septicemias. The catheter was in place an average of 5.2 days and was associated with phlebitis or infected wounds or both in 18 cases (95%). Etiologic agents were Staphylococcus aureus , 13; gramnegative bacilli, 5; and a nonpathogenic yeast. Neither associated diseases (12) nor inappropriate diagnosis (12) nor treatment (9) influenced survival (17 [89%]), provided the catheter was removed. Both related deaths were due to S aureus ; endocarditis was a complication in one. The septicemia rate for the 756 patients with catheters in place more than 48 hours was 2.5%. House physicians maintained 10% of the total catheters but were responsible for 17 (89%) of the related septicemias. We recommend daily observation of the catheter and immediate removal from phlebitic sites.


Existing evidence suggests that children from around the age of 8 years strategically alter their public image in accordance with known values and preferences of peers, through the self-descriptive information they convey. However, an important but neglected aspect of this 'self-presentation' is the medium through which such information is communicated: the voice itself. The present study explored peer audience effects on children's vocal productions. Fifty-six children (26 females, aged 8–10 years) were presented with vignettes where a fictional child, matched to the participant's age and sex, is trying to make friends with a group of same-sex peers with stereotypically masculine or feminine interests (rugby and ballet, respectively). Participants were asked to impersonate the child in that situation and, as the child, to read out loud masculine, feminine and gender-neutral self-descriptive statements to these hypothetical audiences. They also had to decide which of those self-descriptive statements would be most helpful for making friends. In line with previous research, boys and girls preferentially selected masculine or feminine self-descriptive statements depending on the audience interests. Crucially, acoustic analyses of fundamental frequency and formant frequency spacing revealed that children also spontaneously altered their vocal productions: they feminized their voices when speaking to members of the ballet club, while they masculinized their voices when speaking to members of the rugby club. Both sexes also feminized their voices when uttering feminine sentences, compared to when uttering masculine and gender-neutral sentences. Implications for the hitherto neglected role of acoustic qualities of children's vocal behaviour in peer interactions are discussed. This article is part of the theme issue 'Voice modulation: from origin and mechanism to social impact (Part II)'.


In this paper, we introduce the concept of fuzzy (r, s)-pre-semicontinuous mappings on intuitionistic fuzzy topological spaces in Sostak`s sense. The concepts of fuzzy (r, s)-pre-semineighborhood and fuzzy (r, s)-quasi-pre-semineighborhood are given. The characterizations for the fuzzy (r, s)-pre-semicontinuous mappings are obtained. Also, we introduce the notions of fuzzy (r, s)-pre-semiopen and fuzzy (r, s)-pre-semiclosed mappings, and then we investigate some of their characteristic properties.


In accordance with thenational and international trend in creating the equitable, efficient and cost effective health care systems and with the Romanian healthcare reform, a tool for assisting creation of guideline models and evidence- based guidelines was developed and assessed by implementation of an evidence-based standardized guideline model. By the use of the MySQL and PHP features, an original evidence-based guideline developed methodology was implemented into the GUIDELINE(ONLINE) system. The application is hosted on AcademicDirect domain and is accessible at the following address: http://vl.academicdirect.org/medical_informatics/guidelines. The GUIDELINE (ONLINE) opens the pathway through creation of standardized guideline models and clinical practice guideline in native language.


In xerographic printing applications, using laser beam exposure, the image is constructed pixel by pixel through the interaction of a scanning laser beam with a photoreceptor surface. Sequential scans overlap, allowing the complete exposure of the photoreceptor or the exposure of isolated lines and pixels in direct response to the modulated laser beam. The same technique is used to generate images in cathode ray tubes where a scanning electron-beam interacts with a phosphor screen.


Background. Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) occur in 12-13 % of young women, 65-70 % of outpatients and 30 % of inpatients with gynecological diseases. The consequences of PID include infertility, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, menstrual disorders, etc. Treatment of PID is a multidisciplinary problem in the field of gynecology, urology, and venereology.
Objective. To describe the modern treatment of PID.
Materials and methods. Analysis of literature sources on this issue; own study to study the effectiveness of the PID treatment with Reosorbilact ("Yuria-Pharm") and levofloxacin + ornidazole (Grandazole, "Yuria-Pharm"). Women of the main group were additionally prescribed fluconazole, diclofenac, vaginal baths with Dekasan ("Yuria-Pharm"). The treatment lasted 7 days. Treatment of the comparison group included ceftriaxone, metronidazole, diclofenac, doxycycline, fluconazole, chlorhexidine.
Results and discussion. Chronic PID often have a latent course. 70 % of them are caused by the specific flora (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrheae, anaerobes, gram-negative bacteria). The frequency of mixed polymicrobial processes and polychemical resistance is increasing. The presence of bacterial vaginosis allows the infections to recur constantly. Pathogens that cause PID can also cause extragenital pathological conditions (perihepatitis, Reiter's syndrome, enteritis, colitis, cholecystitis). Diagnostic criteria for PID are the following: pain in the appendages or when the cervix is displaced during the bimanual examination, fever, leukorrhea and menorrhagia. If PID is suspected, a bimanual examination should be performed to rule out acute appendicitis. Ultrasound or computed tomography should be performed to rule out tuboovarian tumors and make a differential diagnosis with intestinal or urinary tract disease. The etiological diagnosis requires microbial and molecular examination of the contents of the vagina and cervix. Fluoroquinolones with metronidazole for 14 days are the first line therapy of uncomplicated PID. Chronic inflammation has no mechanisms of self-completion and can last for years and decades. In gynecology, chronic inflammation is divided into infectious, allergic and autoimmune type. Patients with recurrence of chronic PID are characterized by mixed infections and the formation of biofilms, allergies, low efficiency of immune cells. To overcome the polychemical resistance of pathogens, it is advisable to use effective hydrodynamic drugs that can act as a hydraulic conductor of the antibacterial agent, improve microcirculation in the inflammatory focus, optimize venous hemodynamics and lymphatic drainage. Sorbitol has all these properties. In addition, sorbitol increases the tropism of fluoroquinolones to gram-positive microorganisms and has own bacteriostatic effect. In the own study, it was found that the increase in the resistance index of the ovarian arteries was associated with increased intensity of pain in the lower abdomen, pathological vaginal discharge and fever, which justifies the use of vasoactive drugs in the treatment of PID. In the Reosorbilact and Grandazole treatment groups, normalization of clinical and laboratory parameters occurred in 100 % of women, whereas in 12.1 % of control group members the result was considered insufficient, requiring antibiotic replacement and continuation of therapy.
Conclusions. 1. In women with PID, there is a connection between blood flow in the ovarian arteries and the severity of the clinical signs of PID, which justifies the use of hemodynamic drugs. 2. Improvement of intrapelvic hemodynamics on the background of Reosorbilact was the key to successful use of Grandazole. 3. Co-administration of Reosorbilact and Grandazole is a promising method of empirical therapy of PID.


From 1982 to 1990, 300 adults received liver transplants in Birmingham UK with a median intraoperative blood transfusion rate of 23.5 units for the first 50 patients falling to 8 units for the last 50. The major factors in the reduction of blood usage were the experience of the team, the use of venovenous bypass and the use of an argon beam coagulator. Univariate analysis of preoperative factors in an attempt to predict patients at risk of excessive intraoperative transfusion showed that levels of serum sodium, urea, creatinine, haemoglobin, patient weight and the presence of ascites were significantly related to the quantity of blood transfused, although stepwise discriminant analysis showed that only blood urea and platelet count had an independent association with transfusion. The final model was poorly predictive of intraoperative transfusion requirements. Technical factors rather than patient-related factors are more important in the control of intraoperative bleeding in newly established transplant programmes.


The leaf anatomy has been shown as an important tool to understand the interaction between this organ and its microclimate but this topic is still unclear for citrus plants. The objective of this study was to analyze the leaf structure of Ponkan, Fremont and Thomas tangerine and Murcott tangor. Fully expanded leaves were collected collected, from the 2nd and 3rd nodes of plagiotropic branches facing West, at three crown heights (lower, middle and upper). The leaves were fixed in 70% ethanol and embedded in historesin and sectioned in a semi-automatic microtome. The sections were stained with toluidine blue; images were captured under a light microscope coupled and analyzed to measure leaf tissue thickness. The Fremont tangerine leaves had greater epidermis thickness on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces and secretory cavity diameter as well as a shorter distance between secretory cavities, whereas the Murcott leaves had greater palisade and spongy parenchyma thickness. Thus, Fremont and Murcott are potential varieties for xeric conditions, as they are able to reduce transpiration and make optimal use of high incident radiation. The microclimates created by plant architecture may affect the leaf anatomy of the Ponkan, Fremont and Thomas and Murcott trees, allowing anatomical plasticity.


Composition and abundance of weed populations often change in response to new or extensively used weed management practices. Glyphosate-resistant (GR) technology is one such weed management practice now used extensively. A recent survey of weed scientists was conducted to address weed shifts in GR corn, cotton, and soybean. Twelve scientists in 11 states responded to the survey. Averaged over estimates from scientists, GR corn, cotton, and soybean were planted on 15, 90, and 88% of the hectarage in 2003, respectively. Acreage of GR corn is expected to rise, whereas only minor changes in acreage of GR cotton or soybean are expected. Weed shifts have not been observed in GR corn but have occurred in GR cotton and soybean. In GR cotton, Amaranthus, Commelina, Ipomoea, and Cyperus species as well as annual grasses were noted as becoming more problematic. Similar to cotton, Ipomoea and Commelina species are becoming more troublesome in GR soybean. In addition, in GR soybean, various winter annuals, lambsquarters species, and waterhemp species were noted as becoming more problematic. All scientists felt that weeds shifts were occurring, and two-thirds of these scientists noted that weed shifts are currently of economic concern. The scientists recommend the following to help manage weed shifts: additional herbicides in mixture with glyphosate, rotation to herbicides other than glyphosate, rotation to non–GR crops, and greater use of soil-applied herbicides. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; waterhemp species, Amaranthus tuberculatus and Amaranthus rudis; corn, Zea mays L.; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. Additional index words: Invasive weeds, noxious weeds. Abbreviation: GR, glyphosate-resistant.


The random graph model of parallel computation introduced by Gelenbe et al. depends on three parameters: n, the number of tasks (vertices); F, the common distribution of T1,…, Tn, the task processing times, and p = pn, the probability for a given i < j that task i must be completed before task j is started. The total processing time is Rn, the maximum sum of Ti's along directed paths of the graph. We study the large n behavior of Rn when npn grows sublinearly but superlogarithmically, the regime where the longest directed path contains about enpn tasks. For an exponential (mean one) F, we prove that Rn is about 4npn. The "discrepancy" between 4 and e is a large deviation effect. Related results are obtained when npn grows exactly logarithmically and when F is not exponential, but has a tail which decays (at least) exponentially fast. © 1994 John Wiley L Sons, Inc.


BACKGROUND
One of the indications postulated for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is the distinction between ventilatory and cardiocirculatory reasons of an exercise limitation. Though data such as anaerobic threshold, breathing- and heart-rate-reserve, difference of arterial and alveolar oxygen pressure, ratio of ventilation to O2 and CO2 output and aerobic capacity are commonly considered in CPX interpretation, exact choice of parameters and cut-off-points is not definitely clear. The aim of our study therefore was to scrutinize the validity of these parameters and the recommended cut-off-points. A second goal was to evaluate the reliability of a standardized CPX interpretation as postulated by Wassermann and Palange.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
We examined 19 patients with congestive or ischemic cardiomyopathy, 24 subjects with chronic obstructive or interstitial lung disease (n = 11 resp. n = 13). The control group consisted of 15 healthy people. During incremental cycle exercise we measured the ventilatory frequency, the peak O2 uptake and the oxygen pulse as well as the above mentioned parameters. Data were interpreted according to Wassermann and Palange in order to confirm the diagnosis of a cardiocirculatory or ventilatory conditioned exercise limitation. Additionally we determined the cut-off-points with the highest diagnostic value for our patient groups.

RESULTS
According to Palange only 7% of the diagnosis could be confirmed, 55% were correctly ascertained by data interpretation according to Wassermann. Breathing reserve (45% of maximum voluntary ventilation) proved to be the only parameter with satisfying selectivity (sensitivity = 75%; specificity = 95%). Diagnostic value of all other recorded data was worse by far.

CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows that standardized interpretation of CPX data does not lead to the correct diagnosis in a satisfying percentage. In any case results have to be confirmed by conventional tests such as ECG or spirometry, so that the additional diagnostic value of CPX in patients with an exercise limitation of unknown origin has to be seen very critically. Except breathing reserve from our point of view there is still no valid parameter or cut-off-point to distinct cardiocirculatory from ventilatory exercise limitation that can be recommended.


Chorioangioma is a rare kind of benign placental tumor. Generally, patients have no clinical symptoms if tumors are small. The giant chorioangiomas would trigger multiple complications, which result in adverse outcome of fetus. However, the fetus sudden death caused by the large tumor with no complications was really less reported. We herein present a case of intrauterine fetal death due to a giant placental chorioangioma to remind the clinicians that the treatment should be performed as soon as possible to avoid this kind of tragedy.


In this essay, I challenge genealogies that anoint Baruch Spinoza the founder of liberal democracy and liberal individualism. Spinoza's departure from mainstream liberal individualism manifests most starkly in his argument for freedom of thought and expression–the argument invariably cited to prove Spinoza's liberal credentials. When Spinoza defends freedom of speech, in The Theologico Political Treatise, he endorses a mode of democratic citizenship, and an ethos of public discourse, devoid of the heroic self-display endorsed by theorists like John Stuart Mill. According to Spinoza, philosophy and democracy are mutually reinforcing: philosophers can pursue challenging lines of inquiry in a democracy that grants freedom of speech, and the democracy that welcomes philosophy proves more resilient than a tyranny that polices opinion. Philosophy enhances democracy because philosophers comport themselves in ways that expand egalitarian community: specifically, philosophers observe anonymous protocol. According to Spinoza, democratic philosophers should aspire to the role of courteous friend–not the role of celebrity, martyr, or disciple. Spinoza's argument for anonymity remains relevant for contemporary democratic theorists: Spinoza offers a compelling alternative to dominant modes of philosophical citizenship.


Abstract:During the 1980s, Canada entrenched within legislation an understanding of multiculturalism as a core constituent of national identity in accordance with the principles of diversity and equality. This paper explores how Brian Doyle problematizes the notion of multiculturalism in his 1984 novel Angel Square by exploring the hostility and violence inherent in children's play. In so doing, it focuses on Doyle's eleven-year-old protagonist, Tommy, who confronts the evils of post-war anti-Semitism while working toward an ecumenical vision of peace despite religious, cultural, and linguistic differences.


Neuroimaging is essential in brain studies for the diagnosis and identification of disease, structure, and function of the brain in its healthy and disease states. Literature shows that there are advantages of multitasking with some deep learning (DL) schemes in challenging neuroimaging applications. This study examines the feasibility of using multitasking in three different applications, including tissue segmentation, cross-modality conversion, and bias-field correction. These applications reflect five different scenarios in which multitasking is explored and 280 training and testing sessions conducted for empirical evaluations. Two well-known networks, U-Net as a well-known convolutional neural network architecture, and a closed architecture based on the conditional generative adversarial network are implemented. Different metrics such as the normalized cross-correlation coefficient and Dice scores are used for comparison of methods and results of the different experiments. Statistical analysis is also provided by paired t-test. The present study explores the pros and cons of these methods and their practical impacts on multitasking in different implementation scenarios. This investigation shows that bias correction and cross-modality conversion applications are significantly easier than the segmentation application, and having multitasking with segmentation is not reasonable if one of them is identified as the main target application. However, when the main application is the segmentation of tissues, multitasking with cross-modality conversion is beneficial, especially for the U-net architecture.


The problem of robust beamforming for antenna arrays with arbitrary geometry and magnitude response constraints is one of considerable importance. Due to the presence of the non-convex magnitude response constraints, conventional convex optimization techniques cannot be applied directly. A new approach based on iteratively linearizing the non-convex constraints is then proposed to reformulate the non-convex problem to a series of convex subproblems, each of which can be optimally solved using second-order cone programming (SOCP). Moreover, in order to obtain a more robust beamformer against array imperfections, the proposed method is further extended by optimizing its worst-case performance using again SOCP. Different from some conventional methods which are restricted to linear arrays, the proposed method is applicable to arbitrary array geometries since the weight vector, rather than its autocorrelation sequence, is used as the variable. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed method is comparable to the optimal solution previously proposed for uniform linear arrays, and it also gives satisfactory results under different array specifications and geometries tested.


Explicit consideration of in-stream flow requirement (IFR) has now become almost mandatory in many rivers before irrigation withdrawal is made. Thereby, the primary objective was to evaluate the IFR through hydrological approaches and compare the condition with current flow variability and trends. Flow records were collected from five discharge stations for IFR estimation. Performance of the river was also judged with respect to nine hydraulic cross-sectional data and stage data of ten water-level monitoring stations of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). Results show that since 2000, the upper Karatoawas able tomeet IFR, but the lowest part of the river experienced severe deterioration in addressing its dry season functionality. Also, the decreasing trend in off-stream availability is recognized as a threat to the Singra site resulting from severe aggradations of the river beds. Attention to the less off-stream availability at Singra raises concerns over sustaining the river from drying out. It is now evident that a hydrological approach of IFR is more than just an initial rough estimate. Such a precautionary method works well to provide quick technical support and decision reference for a complex system, in particular, to find specific drying out parts of a river of concern.


During the 18th century conflicts between the Comanches of the southern Plains and the Spanish Mexicans and their Pueblo allies in New Mexico, the valley of Mora was a natural corridor to the settlements of the Rio Grande valley for trade and warfare. The walls of Picuris Pueblo on the other side of Jicarilla mountain sheltered native Tiwas as well as their neighbors. When peace came, mestizo settlers headed east to Mora to begin farming and ranching. The land was fertile, but water was scarce, since it naturally flowed west to the Rio Grande. As early as 1817, settler Jose Antonio Olguin approached the elders of Picuris where he had lived for years, for permission to divert some water from one of the Tres Ritos del Rio Pueblo over the mountain to the other side. Since then the controversies and competition for water have grown over the years. With adjudication of water rights of Mora approaching, what is the valueof oral history in legal proceedings? How would it be possible to consult living voices to create a legally recognizable source of information? Several examples of this oral and documentary process illustrate the case of the trans-mountain "waterfall acequias" of Mora, including an inconclusive 1882 legal case filed by Picuris Pueblo, declarations of pueblo leaders, local interviews, and a 2008 children's book, Juan the Bear and the Water of Life by the authors of this article. Although there is little possibility for any of these testimonies to complement future legal proceedings, it is important to understand cultural processes of historical validation where the documentary record is so sparse


Geometric phases are well known to be noise-resilient in quantum evolutions/operations. Holonomic quantum gates provide us with a robust way towards universal quantum computation, as these quantum gates are actually induced by nonabelian geometric phases. Here we propose and elaborate how to efficiently implement universal nonadiabatic holonomic quantum gates on simpler superconducting circuits, with a single transmon serving as a qubit. In our proposal, an arbitrary single-qubit holonomic gate can be realized in a single-loop scenario, by varying the amplitudes and phase difference of two microwave fields resonantly coupled to a transmon, while nontrivial two-qubit holonomic gates may be generated with a transmission-line resonator being simultaneously coupled to the two target transmons in an effective resonant way. Moreover, our scenario may readily be scaled up to a two-dimensional lattice configuration, which is able to support large scalable quantum computation, paving the way for practically implementing universal nonadiabatic holonomic quantum computation with superconducting circuits.


This textbook contains four sections: first, an overview of general disease processes, and then a section for each of the title categories: pathology, radiology, and genetics. Two chapters in the general disease section nicely address embryology, the neonatal period, and placenta with pathophysiology and morphological development adequately covered. Another chapter evaluates spontaneous abortion, recurrent fetal loss, and the malformed fetus. This chapter is excellent and provides a good review and approach for the obstetrician, pediatrician, pathologist, and geneticist. Evaluation of the fetus or tissue in pregnancy loss is a crucial examination, which is too often avoided or inadequately performed. It is unfortunate to discard or neglect the only potential source of explanation for a family of such a devastating event. Chapter four discusses congenital anomalies in a basic, general format, probably obviating its usefulness within this text. "The Brain" initiates the section on pathology. Although such important associations as occipital


Visualization has shown its ability to produce powerful tools for analyzing, understanding, and communicating data and making it accessible for several different tasks and purposes. Impact of visualization to everyday work and personal lives is demonstrated by many successes stories---such as the increasing prevalence of Tableau, the interactive visualizations produced by the New York Times, or toolkits like VTK/Paraview to name just a few. A large community of casual and professional users are increasingly consuming and producing both interactive and static visualizations.While interactive visualizations move from research into practice at an increasing rate, it still remains an important challenge to find appropriate methods to evaluate their utility and usability. There is a growing need in the community to develop special approaches and metrics for evaluation at all stages of the development life cycle that address specific needs in visualization. This need is reflected, for example, in the increasing number of papers on visualization evaluation---not just at BELIV but also in other venues such as the IEEE VIS conferences and EuroVis. The goal of the BELIV workshop is to continue to provide a dedicated event for discussing visualization evaluation and to spread the word on alternative and novel evaluation methods and methodologies in our community.


The problem of attitude tracking using rotation matrices is addressed using an approach which combines inverse optimality and $\mathcal{L}_{2}$ disturbance attenuation. Conditions are provided which solve the inverse optimal nonlinear $H_{\infty}$ control problem by minimizing a meaningful cost function. The approach guarantees that the energy gain from an exogenous disturbance to a specified error signal respects a given upper bound. For numerical simulations, a simple problem setup from literature is considered and results demonstrate competitive performance.


Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive optical imaging technique providing approximately 10 micrometer resolution of tissue in vivo. Within ophthalmology, OCT has already proven its value and is routinely used for diagnosing retinal diseases. In many other areas the potential of OCT is explored worldwide, while the technique itself is further developed with improved imaging speed, resolution and extensions such as functional imaging.

This thesis focuses on improvements and tailoring of OCT for applications within dermatology, especially skin cancer diagnostics. A two-fold approach combining clinical measurements and development of better suited OCT equipment has been attempted. The diagnostic value at the current stage of OCT has been evaluated in a cooperation with medical doctors. The study included 100 patients and showed a need for further improvements of the technique to make accurate diagnosis possible. Studies with a smaller number of patients investigated the possibility of using OCT for thickness measurements of lesions and human nails. The results were in correlation with ultrasound measurements, but with a higher precision. In addition to these diagnostic studies, an attempt to monitor treatment progress of photodynamic therapy was initiated. The use of Doppler OCT for measuring blood flow changes has the potential to tailor the treatment individually eventually with an improved outcome. A Doppler OCT system was tested using phantoms and normal skin followed by patient investigations. Addressing the technical difficulties of performing these measurements and suggesting possible solutions was the major outcome.

Regarding the technical development, the primary concern was to improve the resolution of the imaging technique, in particular the depth resolution. A high depth resolution OCT system was constructed for imaging with a resolution of about 2 micrometer and this system was tested with a number of light sources. The possible advantages for diagnostic purposes were not evaluated because none of the light sources were suited for imaging. The focus has therefore been testing of the system showing promising results. With a suited light source the diagnostic value of an increased resolution might be evaluated using this system.


While anthropologists have reflected on ethics and power since the late 1960s, the specific dilemmas that arise in research conducted with children and youth have scarcely been addressed. Nevertheless, critical anthropology's reflections on power relations and reflexivity can valuably contribute to the interdisciplinary debate in the field of childhood studies, by complexifying categories of voice, dependency and agency, which are often taken for granted in the ethical conversation. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with undocumented youth in Montreal, this article argues for the importance of a critical understanding of childhood within a wider context of interdependence, and consequently, for a redefinition of ethics as a reflexive and relational space of intersubjectivity.


Municipal District Heating Services and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems can produce waste heat in the form of steam condensate and hot water. The authors have developed a system to use this thermal pollution to heat the soil and growth medium of green roofs and outdoor gardens. The system enables plant life to survive colder climates and increases growth often in excess of 20% (Power2013-98172). In New York City test heated green roofs, the system can save vast amounts of normally required cooling water that is tapped from the overburdened municipal supply (IMECE2013-65200).Existing small scale green roofs in New York City and larger scale heated green roof retrofit in New York City is presented to indicate additional construction details, thermal considerations, and potential code compliance considerations.Copyright © 2014 by ASME


Infectious diseases of the nervous system . Edited by larry e davisand peter g e kennedy. (Pp 544, £65.00.) Published by Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford, 2000. ISBN 0-7506-4213-0

Infections of the nervous system often present to and are managed by neurologists, rather than infectious disease physicians. A number of books on these infections have been published recently, but mainly written by infectious disease physicians, who often have a different perspective to neurological disease than neurologists. This book, edited by two neurologists and written mainly by neurologists, aims to …


Matric suctions of several compacted soil specimens of a low-plastic soil were measured using null-type axis-translation technique. The study showed that in general, the dynamically compacted specimens reached equilibrium sooner than the statically compacted specimens and exhibited greater matric suctions. For a given compaction type (dynamic or static), the influence of an increase in the dry density due to an increase in the compaction effort had practically negligible influence on the measured matric suctions. Comparison of the null-type test results with the suction-water content soil-water characteristic curves of the soil showed some disagreements particularly for matric suctions greater than 20 to 30 kPa. Continuity in the water phase between the soil water, the water in the ceramic disk, and the water in the compartment below the ceramic disk, was verified soon after the measurements of matric suction were completed by increasing the chamber air pressure and monitoring the corresponding water pressure increase below the ceramic disk. The test results clearly showed a lack of continuity in the water phase during the suction measurements. Use of various interface materials (viz., a wet filter paper, slurries prepared from the tested soil and a kaolinite) significantly improved the water phase continuity; however, reduced the matric suctions of the soil specimens tested.


We present in this case report the return to flying duty of a pilot with vocal cord paralysis secondary to removal of a thymoma. We discuss the importance of glottic function as it pertains to the unique aviation environment. We also discuss the anatomy and physiology of the glottis, the evaluation for vocal cord paralysis, and surgical approaches for paralyzed vocal cords. Although the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is low in the military aviation community, it is important to recognize that its sequelae can be managed so that the aviator may return to flight duties.


Toxicity associated with low doses of methotrexate (MTX) is low, but it may be fatal. Bone marrow suppression and mucositis are among the common side effects of low dose MTX toxicity. Different risk factors have been reported for toxicities associated with low doses of MTX, including accidental use of higher doses, renal dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, and polypharmacy. In this paper, we present a female patient who had mistakenly used 7.5 mg of MTX daily instead of the same dose of MTX on Thursday and Friday. She was presented with mucositis and diarrhea to the emergency department. Moreover, we searched the databases Scopus and PubMed for available studies and case reports on toxicities associated with MTX dosing errors. The most frequently observed toxicities included gastrointestinal lesions, nausea, vomiting, skin lesions, and bone marrow suppression. Leucovorin, hydration, and urine alkalinization were among the most frequently used treatments. Finally, we summarize the data on the toxicities of low doses of MTX in different diseases.


Many hormones and neurotransmitters act by raising the intracellular level of free calcium in the target cells. The calcium is released from internal calcium stores, and this article discusses the links that exist between receptors in the cell membrane and the mobilization of calcium from these intracellular stores. Inositol lipids play a key role in these events.


Preschool-aged children in the U.S. have suboptimal diets. Interventions to improve child nutrition focus on parents and their role in shaping social and physical home environments, which influence children's eating behaviors. Dietary assessment tools selected to measure intervention objectives, and how results are interpreted in key findings, are essential when examining children's diets. The objectives of this review were to (1) describe dietary assessment tools used in intervention studies in young children focused within the home environment; and (2) examine how the application of these dietary assessment tools addressed intervention objectives. PubMed and Web of Science were searched for English-language nutrition intervention studies that included children aged 2–5 years, had a home environment component, used a dietary assessment tool, and reported on diet-related outcomes. Seventeen studies were included. Intervention objectives focused on overall diet, specific food groups, eating occasions, and obesity prevention/treatment. Concordance of key findings with intervention objectives, type of tool used, and multiple tools within the same study varied with 8 studies aligning in objective and tool, 1 discordant in both, and 8 partially concordant or too broad to determine. This review highlights current challenges in measuring dietary intake in preschoolers and provides recommendations for alternative applications and strategies.


With increasing sensitivity of electronic equipment and automated controls in modern power systems, the power quality monitoring become growing concerns for many industrial facilities and a common practice for utilities. Studies of power quality phenomena have emerged as an important subject in recent years due to renewed interest in improving the quality of the electric supply. Power quality issue has attained considerable attention in last decade due to the increased use of power electronics in residential, commercial and industrial. The most frequently power quality events occur are voltage sag, voltage swell and harmonics distortion. All of the power quality events may interrupt working processes or even cause electronic devices to malfunction. Therefore, it is very important to detect and classified the power quality event occur. This study presents methods to detect and classify power quality events using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Wavelet Transform. This method is tested for a large class of test conditions simulated in MATLAB and focused on the three major of power quality problems which are voltage sag, voltage swell and harmonics distortion in 22 kV distribution network. For the result of this study, the two methods used are able to classify and identify the power quality events. The ANOVA method can detect the range and type of power quality events occur and the wavelet transform can identify the location and time for every problem occur in this distribution network.


AbstractTo identify the main thermodynamic processes that sustain the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), an eddy available potential energy budget analysis is performed on a regional model simulation with moisture constrained by observations. The model realistically simulates the two MJO episodes observed during the winter of 2007/08. Analysis of these two cases shows that instabilities and damping associated with variations in diabatic heating and energy transport work in concert to provide the MJO with its observed characteristics. The results are used to construct a simplified paradigm of MJO thermodynamics.Furthermore, the effect of moisture nudging on the simulation is analyzed to identify the limitations of the model cumulus parameterization. Without moisture nudging, the parameterization fails to provide adequate low-level (upper level) moistening during the early (late) stage of the MJO active phase. The moistening plays a critical role in providing stratiform heating variability that is an importan...


Rationale: Dieulafoy lesions are aberrantly large submucosal arteries most frequently associated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage. They are rarely identified in the bronchial submucosa and can cause massive hemoptysis. Patient concerns: We present three episodes of massive hemoptysis in two patients, the first with comorbid Alagille syndrome including multiple cardiac and pulmonary vascular abnormalities and the second with thyroid cancer metastatic to the mediastinum. Diagnoses: All episodes were due to Dieulafoy lesions of the bronchus based on bronchoscopic appearance. Interventions: Bronchoscopic ablation using Nd:YAP laser was attempted both patients. Outcomes: Nd:YAP laser successfully ablated the Dieulafoy lesion in the first case with long-term relief from recurrent hemoptysis. The first episode in the second patient responded to bronchial artery embolization; laser ablation of a different Dieulafoy lesion responsible for the second episode was unsuccessful but additional bronchial artery embolization has provided relief from further episodes. Lessons: Bronchoscopic ablation of Dieulafoy lesions of the bronchus can provide durable relief from recurrent symptoms. Clinical and anatomical features should be considered carefully before intervention, which should only be attempted by experienced operators with appropriate ancillary support available.


An effect of two glucocorticosteroids on the transport of the essential trace element, manganese, is described. Mice receiving high doses of prednisolone or cortisol accumulated more radiomanganese in their carcasses and retained less in their livers than did untreated controls. In some respects this effect was similar to that seen when manganese salts were administered as significant metabolic loads. It was brought on regardless of whether the injected isotope was in the divalent ionic form or in the plasma-bound form. Treatment with mineralocorticosteroids alone did not affect manganese metabolism as tested here. Furthermore, Zn65 did not respond to the glucocorticoid effects exhibited by Mn54.


The presence of electric or microwave fields can modify the long-range forces between ultracold dipolar molecules in such a way as to engineer weakly bound states of molecule pairs. These so-called field-linked states [A. V. Avdeenkov and J. L. Bohn, Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 043006 (2003).PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.90.043006; L. Lassablière and G. Quéméner, Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 163402 (2018).PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.121.163402], in which the separation between the two bound molecules can be orders of magnitude larger than the molecules themselves, have been observed as resonances in scattering experiments [X.-Y. Chen et al., Nature (London) 614, 59 (2023).NATUAS0028-083610.1038/s41586-022-05651-8]. Here, we propose to use them as tools for the assembly of weakly bound tetramer molecules, by means of ramping an electric field, the electric-field analog of magnetoassociation in atoms. This ability would present new possibilities for constructing ultracold polyatomic molecules.


Carbon quantum dots (C-dots) were synthesized by laser irradiation graphite flakes in polymer solution and display size and excitation wavelength dependent photoluminescence (PL) behavior. Our studies show that the size distribution of C-dots can be controlled by tuning laser pulse width and affects fluorescence quantum yield (FQY) of C-dots. FQY of C-dots from 0.4 ms pulse width is above five times higher than that from 2.0 ms pulse width. The possible mechanism of one-step synthesis and size control of C-dots via laser irradiation was also proposed in the present work.


Since the early 1950's, the Poison Canyon mine has been considered a classic example of uranium geology. Owing to present economic condtions, a close examination of the redistributed mineralization is taking place. Because of the evolution of the structure and geomorphology of Poison Canyon, the primary mineralization went through further oxidation and reduction. Enriched solutions of uranium migrated downdip through permeable sands. These solutions were controlled by north-trending fracture patterns, with some vertical movement along major faults. The uranium collected in structural and lithological traps, forming amoeba-like orebodies with the higher grade mineralization located in the fractures. First-generation redistributed ore is primarily coffinite. Forming later is second-generation redistributed ore, which is mainly tyuyamunite. The latter formed from further oxidation and redistribution of the primary and first-generation mineralization, combined with an increasing nearness to surface. The authigenic minerals in the redistributed mineralization are found in carbon-deficient sands. The redistributed minerals are locally associated with pascoite, although this mineral is rare. The radiometric equilibrium of the primary minerals differs from that of the redistributed minerals. The uranium has been leached from the primary minerals making chemical values less than radiometric values. The redistributed minerals are chemically greater than radiometric, producing a favorablemore » equilibrium. The percent extraction in the mill process is greater for the redistributed ore than for the primary ore. The paragenetic position of the different minerals has a direct bearing on these observations.« less


The major concern in developing a sensor for reflectance pulse oximetry is the ability to measure large and stable photoplethysmograms from light which is backscattered from the skin. Utilizing a prototype optical reflectance sensor, locally heating the skin is shown to increase the pulsatile component of the reflected photoplethysmograms. Additional improvements to signal-to-noise ratio were achieved by increasing the active area of the photodetector and optimizing the separation distance between the light source and photodetector. The results from a series of in vivo studies to evaluate a prototype skin-reflectance pulse oximeter in humans are presented.<<ETX>>


Regulation of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is important for cell survival and genome integrity in the face of genotoxic stress. The Mec1/Rad53/Dun1 DNA damage response kinase cascade exhibits multifaceted controls over RNR activity including the regulation of the RNR inhibitor, Sml1. After DNA damage, Sml1 is degraded leading to the up-regulation of dNTP pools by RNR. Here, we probe the requirements for Sml1 degradation and identify several sites required for in vivo phosphorylation and degradation of Sml1 in response to DNA damage. Further, in a strain containing a mutation in Rnr1, rnr1-W688G, mutation of these sites in Sml1 causes lethality. Degradation of Sml1 is dependent on the 26S proteasome. We also show that degradation of phosphorylated Sml1 is dependent on the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, Rad6, the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Ubr2, and the E2/E3-interacting protein, Mub1, which form a complex previously only implicated in the ubiquitylation of Rpn4.


In this paper, the power system models established by artificial neural networks (ANNs) including generator, excitation system and governor are presented. Meanwhile, the three parts of the generation unit are connected together as a detail model. Furthermore, the detail model is written into power system network equations and the power system transient process is calculated using them. The calculation results demonstrate that artificial neural network models can give a precise description of a generator's transient processes.


Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare pediatric liver tumor with a poor prognosis. A characteristic DNAJB1-PRKACA gene fusion has been identified in a specific subtype, fibrolamelar HCC (FL-HCC). In the majority of pediatric cases of non-FL-HCC, a genetic cause has not been identified. We hypothesize that gene fusions could play a role in the tumorigenesis of pediatric HCC. The goal of this project is to utilize RNA sequencing to identify chimeric transcripts in pediatric HCC that could improve molecular characterization and identify potential oncogenic drivers of this disease. Materials and Methods: We have used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to survey a cohort of 8 FL-HCCs, 4 pediatric HCCs, and 6 normal liver samples for chimeric transcripts. High quality RNA (RIN: 6.6-9.7) was extracted from fresh-frozen tissue and strand-specific, poly-A+ RNA-seq libraries were prepared for Illumina sequencing. Approximately 85 million paired-end reads (42.5 million fragments) of 2 x 100 bp length were generated per sample. Fusion transcripts in the tumor samples were detected using deFuse (v.0.6.1) on FASTQ files followed by subtraction of fusions also called in the normal liver dataset. The remaining calls in the HCC dataset were then filtered for the COSMIC Cancer Gene Census list to identify fusions involving known oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Candidate fusions were verified using BLAST and validated by RT-PCR. Results: On average, 150 fusion transcripts were predicted per tumor sample using the deFuse algorithm. Further filtering by the normal liver dataset reduced the number of calls in the tumor datasets by ~60%. As expected, DNAJB1-PRKACA fusions were identified in the FL-HCC cohort with no additional fusions detected. Filtering by the COSMIC Cancer Gene Census list resulted in five additional fusion calls in HCC (three unique events in two tumors) two of which were confirmed by RT-PCR. The first event is an inversion within the APC and AP3B1 genes that results in the two in-frame fusion transcripts, APC-AP3B1 and APC3B1-APC , but no full-length APC transcript. The second event is a deletion encompassing the TERT promoter that results in the in-frame fusion LPCAT1-TERT . An increase in TERT expression is seen in this tumor as compared to both normal liver and other pediatric HCC tumors. Filtering for in-frame fusions involving non-COSMIC genes did not reveal any fusions in the two remaining HCCs and further analysis of these cases is ongoing. Conclusion: The detection of chimeric transcripts by RNA-seq has allowed us to identify two unique structural events involving known cancer genes in two pediatric non-fibrolamellar HCCs. The chimeric transcripts found in these tumors provide further insight into the tumorigenic events of pediatric HCC. Supported by research grants from Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas RP101195 and RP120715 and National Institute of General Medical Sciences T32GM008307. Citation Format: Katherine Haines, Angshumoy Roy, Linghua Wang, Pavel Sumazin, Kyle R. Covington, Donna M. Muzny, Vijetha Kumar, Harsha Doddapaneni, Hsu Chao, David A. Wheeler, Gail Tomlinson, D. Williams Parsons, Sharon E. Plon, Dolores Lopez-Terrada. Discovery of chimeric transcripts involving APC and TERT in pediatric HCC by RNA sequencing. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research: From Mechanisms and Models to Treatment and Survivorship; 2015 Nov 9-12; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(5 Suppl):Abstract nr A33.


For the final podcast of the series, Ros Gray and Shela Sheikh will introduce how planting was central to colonialism and explain why it is vital that we recognise the ongoing effects of colonial botany and the plantation system. They will discuss how gardens – from botanical collections to municipal parks – are historical sites of exclusion and labour as well as leisure and enjoyment, detailing the hierarchies that exist within these spaces, and describing how artists have actively sought to decolonise these spaces through planting with reference to ongoing projects in London.


A global lack of pain and palliative care services means that millions of people each year spend their last weeks and days suffering serious, but avoidable physical and psychological pain. More usually understood as a national issue, this multiple methods study considers why palliative care should be considered an issue for the international development community.
Use of Global Social Policy as a theoretical lens to view development reveals opportunities for palliative care to make gains within the incoming global health priority of achieving Universal Health Coverage. It is argued that there is a need to move beyond consideration of palliative care as a moral concern towards new ways of 'framing' the issue. Presentation of palliative care as being economically beneficial is therefore encouraged. By doing so may allow the presentation of palliative care as an important element of international development and attract new funding streams.
A systematic review reveals a lack of 'international evidence' for palliative care, particularly in low and middle income countries. More encouragingly, opportunities are revealed for existing policies and practices to be 'transferred' to other similar settings. Yet, an analysis of the national contexts from which palliative care has (and has not) developed shows that countries which have not developed palliative care are likely to face significant challenges in the delivery of basic healthcare. This raises serious questions regarding how such countries can also integrate palliative care into their health systems.
International palliative care experts were consulted to find out how they thought the field can move forwards through global advocacy. The far-reaching benefits of palliative care encourage the need for palliative care to be constructed in new ways. However ongoing disunity regarding whether palliative care is a long term approach or an end of life intervention threatens to undermine how activists can construct tractable arguments for palliative care to policymakers.


The depth of investigation of gradient arrays using point, finite, and infinite line sources over homogeneous isotropic ground has been studied. The depth of investigation depends for all cases on the radial distance of the plotting point (i.e., the midpoint of the line joining the potential probes) and separation between the current electrodes. For point electrode systems, it also depends upon azimuth of the plotting point, whereas for finite line electrode systems, it depends upon the azimuth and the length of the line electrode.The depth of investigation at the center of the array is maximum (0.145 L) for infinite line electrodes, decreases to 0.135 L for finite line electrodes of length L, and becomes least (0.125 L) for the point source, where L is the separation between the current electrodes.The depth of investigation for finite line electrodes of unit length L is practically independent of the y-coordinate which is mathematically the case for infinite line electrode systems. The depth of investigation is least toward the current electrode and increases as one moves away from the current electrode; it ultimately reaches the maximum value of 0.135 L at the center of the system. The depth of investigation for point electrode systems is also minimum near the current electrode and increases with the increase of azimuth for any radial distance.


Disclosed are algorithms for controlling multiple states of a dynamic system, such as controlling positioning and cable sway in cranes. Exemplary apparatus and methods may be implemented using first and second serially coupled feedback loops coupled to a plant and payload that are to be controlled. The first feedback loop comprises a first control module. It generates a filtered actuator command from an error signal derived from a signal representing a desired system state and a feedback signal indicative of the actual system state. The generated signal is operative to position the payload. The second feedback loop comprises a second control module that generates a second actuator command that is operative to cause the plant to have an output of zero, to eliminate disturbance-induced oscillations. Input shaping may be employed in the first loop for eliminating motion-induced oscillations. The first control module is used for precise payload positioning, and the second control module is used to reject disturbance-induced oscillations. A model reference loop may be employed that outputs a modeled response that is an estimate of the response of the plant in the absence of external disturbances, and which may be used to generate a second actuator command for causing the plant to follow the modeled response.


Aims: The present paper focused on compare the PID-5 mean score levels across two matched community and clinical samples of Portugal and the UAE. Background: The generalizability and universality of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders has been thoroughly studied through the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) across countries and languages. However, studies comparing Western and Middle Eastern countries are still limited, in particular those who assess the PID-5 measurement invariance. Objectives: We examined measurement invariance of the PID-5 scales across matched Emirati and Portuguese clinical and nonclinical groups, as well as compare and contrast the PID-5 mean score levels across both countries and samples. Methods: The Arabic and the Portuguese versions of the PID-5 was administered to Emirati community participants (N = 300, 80% women and 20% men, Mage = 27.95) which were matched with Portuguese community participants (N = 300, 80.3% women and 19.7% men, Mage = 28.96), as well as clinical participants of the UAE (N = 150, 61.3% women and 38.7% men, Mage = 31.29) and Portugal (N = 150, 52% men and 48% women, Mage = 44.97). We examined measurement invariance through an unrestricted Factor Analysis based program, and mean scores levels were compared and analyzed. Results: Our findings supported the PID-5 measurement invariance across the Emirati and Portuguese clinical samples pointing to the universality and generalizability of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders. The Emirati psychiatric sample exhibited somehow higher results than the Portuguese psychiatric participants, albeit the small effect size for most of the PID-5 scales. Conclusion: Further research is needed to examine the applicability of the PID-5 across non-clinical representative samples of Portugal and the UAE, and other Middle Eastern countries.


Experiments and numerical analyses were conducted to investigate the reflection and shielding effects of jet noise by a horizontal tail and an aft-mounted engine. An acoustic test using a cold jet at a Mach number of 0.98 was carried out with a 28.8-mm-diameter exhaust nozzle and a T-tail model. The effects of the position and angle of the horizontal tail were investigated using the boundary element method and a fitted jet noise source model. The experimental results showed that the sound pressure level increased by 1.5 dB in the downward direction of the aircraft at a Strouhal number of 0.94. The numerical analysis results showed that the reflection effect was highly dependent on the relative position and size of the horizontal tail, the location of the source, and the angle of the horizontal tail. In addition, the effect of the reflected direction was ascertained to find an appropriate horizontal tail and engine arrangement that reduces noise. It was found that the greatest influence in terms of the effective perceived noise level occurred when the reflected direction was 60° from the jet axis.


5116 Background: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been correlated with RCC stage and grade, and overexpression can lead to dysregulation of dendritic cells (DC) and CD4+/CD25+/FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). A previous trial of celecoxib in combination with IFNα2b in RCC (Rini et al, Cancer. 2006) demonstrated an association between more intense COX-2 RCC tumor staining and clinical response.

METHODS
Pts with cytokine-naïve mRCC with at least 10% maximal COX-2 tumor staining received IFNα2b MU five times/week plus celecoxib 400 mg BID continuously. Baseline tumor tissue was stained for COX-2, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, Treg and DC (s100 and CD208). Peripheral blood prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), DC and Treg number/function and intracellular T cell cytokine production were measured at baseline, at the end of cycles 2 and 4 and at end of treatment. Activation of DC was assessed by IL-12 and IL-10 mRNA and protein production by ELISA. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were DC / Treg number and cytokine production changes with therapy. The trial tested a null hypothesis of ORR <20% vs. alternative hypothesis of ORR >40%; beta = 0.8 and alpha = 0.05 (n = 34). Immune parameters were analyzed using non-parametric methods.

RESULTS
Fourteen pts have been enrolled; 79% male, median age 62 (range, 43-74) and 64% ECOG performance status 0. All pts had prior nephrectomy and 36% had received prior tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI); MSKCC Risk Group was favorable 14%, intermediate 71%, and unfavorable 14%. The ORR was 21% and 69% of pts experienced tumor shrinkage. Median PFS is 4.4 months. Toxicity was as expected for IFN therapy. Baseline 3+ COX-2 staining was associated with elevated peripheral blood PGE2 levels (p = 0.02), reduced DC IL-12 expression (p = 0.04) and reduction in IFN gamma-producing CD3+CD4+ T-cells (p = 0.04) compared to a control group of RCC pts with <10% 3+ COX-2 staining (n = 21). No significant changes in immunomodulatory cells were observed with therapy.

CONCLUSIONS
COX-2 inhibition in combination with IFNα2b in maximal COX-2-expressing mRCC pts has clinical activity. COX-2 RCC tumor expression promotes an immunosuppressive phenotype. [Table: see text].


The impressive scale of online auctions sales and the economic eco-system of private and commercial providers, made eBay & Co. interesting for science. As part of this work determinants will be identified which affect the outcome of online auctions to a large extent. We observed that for identical (new) products often different prices were charged and that the price volatility is bound to the auction characteristics. By evaluating a large number of online auctions using the decision tree method we derive significant rules that determine the auction success. This gives the market participants, but also the platform operator, additional insights they can take into account with regard to their market activities.


In GaN layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy as well as metal organic vapor phase epitaxy significant differences were found in the appearance of deep defects detected by thermal admittance spectroscopy as compared for deep level transient spectroscopy measurements. While, thermal admittance spectroscopy measurements which were made under zero bias conditions only show thermal emissions at activation energies between 130 and 170 meV, further deep levels existing in these GaN layers were evidenced by transient spectroscopy. This discrepancy is explained by a pinning effect of the Fermi level at the metal/GaN interface induced by high a concentration of the deep levels showing up in thermal admittance spectroscopy. The authors compare their results with a GaAs:Te Schottky-diode as a reference sample. Here, both spectroscopic methods give exactly the same deep level emissions.


The literature of community paleoecology is filled with examples in which long-term environmentally-controlled faunal transitions are misidentified as forms of ecologic succession. This has obscured a fundamental community-level process - community replacement - involving gradual to abrupt substitution of one benthic community for another as a result of subtle to sharp changes in habitats over subevolutionary time. In gradually changing environments, replacement takes place through conformational reorganization of species-abundance distributions within established communities, yielding sequences of slightly different fossil associations. Environments that change very rapidly drastically feature a different type of community replacement involving species turnover, wherein environmental tolerance limits of community members are closely approached or exceeded. Paleoecologists should be alert to the strong likelihood that many temporal transitions involving autochthonous fossil associations are, in fact, community replacement sequences.


The distribution of AchE activity in the cochleae of 42 normal guinea pigs was studied with thiocholine Cu-ferrocyanide method. Light microscopy revealed the AchE activity in the following areas: 1. the inner spiral bundle, 2. the spiral tunnel bundle, 3. the upper tunnel radial fibers, and 4. the large nerve endings at the base of the outer hair cells. Activity of AchE was most abundant in the basal turn and decreased gradually towards the apex. There was also a decreasing AchE from the first to the third row of outer hair cells. In the fourth turn, AchE activity was demonstrated only in the large nerve endings under the first row of outer hair cells. Under electron microscopy, the reaction was found to be localized to the following structures: 1. the axolemma of the small efferent fibers and their presynaptic enlargements in the inner spiral bundle, 2. the outer surface of the upper tunnel radial fibers and the spiral tunnel bundle, and 3. the large efferent nerve endings in contact with the base of the outer hair cells.