OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review of the world literature to determine current success rates of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment.

METHODS
Computer searches were performed to identify systematic reviews or meta-analyses of treatment studies of H pylori infection. The searches included specifications for Asia, Africa, North America, South America and Europe.

RESULTS
The data supported the current worldwide recommendation to use proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy with clarithromycin and either metronidazole or amoxycillin. There are, however, regional differences in success rates that are not completely explained by resistance to either metronidazole or amoxycillin. For second-line therapy, quadruple therapy using a PPI with bismuth, metronidazole and tetracycline (PPI-BMT) is superior to an alternative PPI-based triple therapy.

CONCLUSION
There is worldwide consensus that PPI-based triple therapy, preferably with clarithromycin and amoxycillin or clarithromycin and metronidazole, is used as first-line therapy. Quadruple therapy of PPI-BMT is the preferred rescue medication after initial failure of therapy.


In order to shed some light on the mechanism by which inflammation modulates the immune response, the kinetics of IL-1 production and of the cells producing it as well as the control mechanisms involved were studied in a variety of animal models. In the case of casein-induced peritoneal inflammation in rabbits, IL-1 beta mRNA expression was found to be limited to the early stage--peaking at 2 h and lasting for only 5 h, a period corresponding to that in which new antigen introduction induces an enhanced immune response. This suggests that IL-1 beta is an inflammation-induced immune potentiation factor. Among 5-h peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) staining with anti-rabbit-IL-1 beta goat antibody, 99% were PMNs. Surprisingly, 9-h and 16-h PECs, which display negative IL-1 activity, also stained for IL-1 beta antigen. This seemingly contradictory data can be explained by the existence of a hypothetical processing protease subject to limited activation, and by a newly isolated 13 kD IL-1 antagonist produced during the later stages of inflammation.


We investigate generalized Navier–Stokes (GNS) equations that couple nonlinear advection with a generic linear instability. This analytically tractable minimal model for fluid flows driven by internal active stresses has recently been shown to permit exact solutions on a stationary two-dimensional sphere. Here, we extend the analysis to linearly driven flows on rotating spheres. We derive exact solutions of the GNS equations corresponding to time-independent zonal jets and superposed westward-propagating Rossby waves, qualitatively similar to those seen in planetary atmospheres. Direct numerical simulations with large rotation rates obtain statistically stationary states close to these exact solutions. The measured phase speeds of waves in the GNS simulations agree with analytical predictions for Rossby waves.


Multivariate Statistical Process Control (MSPC) approaches are now widely used for performance monitoring, fault detection and diagnosis in industrial processes. Conventional MSPC approaches are based on latent variable projection methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA). These methods are suitable for steady-state processes. For the systems where transient values of the processes must be taken into account, the usage of conventional PCA method causes false alarms and missing data that significantly compromise the reliability of the monitoring systems. In this paper a method is proposed to overcome false alarms which occur in the transient states according to changing process conditions and the missing data problem. The proposed monitoring method is implemented and validated experimentally on an electromechanical process. The monitoring results confirm that the proposed methodology affords credible fault detection for both the steady-state and transient operations.


The basic aim of these reflections is to answer the question what is the retrospective picture of socialisation processes, as seen by the researched prisoners. Such general issue combines the interpretation of socialisation, perception of its overt and hidden meaning, as well as personal reflection regarding own experiences. Taking the above into account, the author attempted to present individual, biographical experiences of a very specific group, i.e. citizens of Russia and former Soviet republics, whose period of childhood proceeded in the 1970s and 1980s. The interviews were conducted among a group of prisoners currently serving sentence in Polish prisons, but socialised during the period of Soviet Union. The methodological procedure followed qualitative research paradigm, oriented at reconstruction of experiences from the childhood and youth. Keywords: socialisation, personal experiences, biography, values and socialization experiences. DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.15823/p.2015.061


Embryonic stem cells provide their major contribution to embryogenesis through formation of germ layers as they have pluripotency potential and capacity for self-renewal. Retention of pluripotency of these stem cells depends on expression/level of transcription factors, i.e., SOX2, OCT4 and NANOG. During organogenesis, the altered expression of the molecules also influences these stem cells to lose their pluripotency and turn toward the lineage selection. As the differentiation progresses, the maintenance of the somatic cells including the oral squamous cells also depends on differential expression of the transcription factors to some extent. Recently, many experimental and observational studies documented the significant contribution in carcinogenesis of various human cancers. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the evidences indicating about the putative role of these master pluripotency regulators in various phases of oral carcinogenesis i.e. initiation , progression and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.


SIR,—The paper by Mr. Green in the last number of the GEOLOGICAL MAGAZINE on the supposed ice-marks on the Bloody Stone, between Cromford and Bonsall, led me, as Mr. Mackintosh's letter had led him, to pay a visit to the spot, in hopes of discovering something more. My hopes in that respect were however not realised; but I saw what Mr. Green saw, and tried to take some rubbings from the smoothest parts of the grooved rock I could find. I send them to you with this, in case they should prove an additional help, in the absence of better, towards solving the question whether the markings are glacial or not. The three large rubbings are from different parts of the surface marked F in Mr. Green's ground-plan, two of them (the two smaller) were taken close to where the line HK cuts the rock. The small rubbing is from a fragment of the rock near D, it is well polished, and the grooves were nearly at right angles to the footpath. I have sketched in the rest of the specimen in order to show the distinct division between the chert and the Limestone. The grooved rock could be traced some way beneath the path by clearing away the earth and stones, and more could be seen in other places by removing the turf. I could discover no further traces of ice-work in the neighbourhood. A rough observation taken with a pocket aneroid gave about 246 feet as the height of the Bloody Stone above the toll-gate at the foot of the bridlepath to Bonsall, and I should think the Stone would be about 300 feet above the Derwent. May the rounded form of the hill be due to ice-work ? The opposite side of the dale consists of steep and well-wooded Limestone cliffs. A small stream widened into ponds runs along the bottom of the dale. The bearings laid down on the rubbings are magnetic.—I am, &c.


This essay discusses three contrasting versions of the relationship between good and evil in contemporary China: a spirit medium who maneuvers between them, a charismatic Christian group that forges an identity by defending the border between them, and an official state and religious discourse of banal goodness and universal love that seeks to annihilate evil. Each defines good and evil differently, but more importantly, each imagines the nature of the boundary itself differently—as permeable and negotiable, clear and defensible, or simply intolerable. These varied conceptions help to shape alternate views of empathy, pluralism, and the problem of how to live with otherness.


BACKGROUND
During the debonding phase every clinician has to take care of preserving the enamel structure and tooth temperature. The objective of this study is to analyze in vitro the increase of the pulp chamber temperature and the wearing of enamel surface, during adhesive removal after debonding.

METHODS
60 extracted human teeth were selected. An orthodontic bracket was bonded on each tooth and after bracket removal, intraoral scanner pictures were used to evaluate ARI for each tooth. 3 different burs were tested: Tungsten-carbide multiple blade, Arkansas stone and Ceramic bur. A mechanical arm controlled by a dedicated software was used to reproduce a repeatable act of composite removal. To analyze in vitro the pulp chamber temperature during the composite removal procedure, teeth were treated endodontically placing a thermocouple through the root canal from the apex. A software registered temperature changes in a continuous manner. The enamel surface of every tooth was tested after the removal of composite with an optical stereoscopic microscope.

RESULTS
An association existed between maximum internal pulp chamber temperature variation and irrigation (P-value < 0.0001) and between maximum internal pulp chamber temperature variation and bur type (P-value = 0.0133), with a significantly lower temperature increase produced by the Arkansas bur. A significant difference among groups was detected for ESI and EDI assessment (P-value = 0.002, P-value = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS
Considering the initial setup, temperature variation analysis showed more conservative results using the Arkansas burs with irrigation. ESI and EDI indexes showed significant enamel surface damage using Tungsten-carbide burs.


Introduction Obesity can worsen fibromyalgia (FM) and very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is a potential therapeutic option for diseases that share clinical and pathophysiological features with FM. In this pilot interventional study, we investigated the effects of VLCKD in obese women with FM. Methods Female patients with FM and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30  kg/m2 were eligible for VLCKD. The ketogenic phase (T0 to T8) was followed by progressive reintroduction of carbohydrates (T8 to T20). Changes in BMI, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were evaluated. A change of 14% in FIQ was considered clinically relevant. The longitudinal association between BMI and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) was assessed using generalized estimating equations. Results Twenty women were enrolled. Two discontinued the intervention. The mean age of the 18 patients who reached T20 was 51.3  years and mean BMI was 37.2  kg/m2. All patients lost weight during the first period of VLCKD and this achievement was maintained at T20. Mean BMI decreased from 37.2  kg/m2 at T0 to 34.8  kg/m2 at T4, 33.5  kg/m2 at T8 and 32.1  kg/m2 at T20 (p < 0.001). A significant reduction of mean FIQ from 61.7 at T0 to 37.0 at T4 and to 38.7 at T8 (p < 0.001) was observed and it was maintained at T20 with a mean FIQ of 39.1 (p = 0.002). Similar results were obtained for HADS, EQ-5D and SF-36. Analysing each participant, the reduction of FIQ was clinically meaningful in 16 patients (89%) at T4, in 13 (72%) at T8 and in 14 (78%) at T20. No significant association was observed between change in BMI and improvement of the PROs over time. Adverse effects were mild and transient. No major safety concerns emerged. Conclusion These are the first data on the efficacy of VLCKD in FM. All patients achieved improvement in different domains of the disease, which was maintained also after carbohydrate reintroduction. Our results suggest that ketosis might exert beneficial effects in FM beyond the rapid weight loss. Clinical trial registration This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05848544.


This thesis is concerned with the analysis of spatial and temporal structures of epidemiological data using modern Bayes techniques. Mainly autoregressive distributions as Gaussian Markov random fields or random walks are used as smoothing priors.
Such extensive models can be estimated using MCMC methods only. Some effective algorithms are introduced to get estimates in acceptable time. Especially for space time
interactions such algorithms are essential.
As example spatial Bayesian models are applied for wildlife disease incidence data. Discrete and continous frameworks for spatial analysis are compared on a data set on infant mortality cases. Age-period-cohort models are discussed in detail and an extension for spatial data is presented. Finally a stochastic model for space time data on infectious diseases is described.


— The project was undertaken to determine the effects of modified tissue culture protocols e.g. age of culture and hormone levels (2,4-D) in generating somaclonal variation. Moreover, the utility of molecular markers (SSR and MSAP) in sorting off types/somaclones were investigated. Results show that somaclonal variation is in effect due to prolonged subculture and high 2,4-D concentration. The resultant variation was observed to be due to high level of methylation events specifically cytosine methylation either at the internal or external cytosine and was identified by methylation sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP). Simple sequence repeats (SSR) on the other hand, was able to associate a marker to a trait of interest. These therefore, show that molecular markers can be an important tool in sorting out variation/mutants at an early stage.


Training and development plays an important role in improving organizational effectiveness. This is much needed by Indian public sector enterprises in the competitive environment after liberalization and globalization. The objectives of the study are to: (i) Understand current training and development policies and practices of a public sector enterprise; and (ii) Critically analyze them and to find scope for further improvements to make them more effective. In order to make the training more effective in improving organizational as well as individual performance, it is important that perception regarding effectiveness of training be made positive. This can be done by employees' involvement in training and development activities, by creating good learning environment, by providing encouragement in terms of promotion or increment and above all, by linking training more closely to work practices. INTRODUCTION Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) have played an important role in Indian economy since the enactment of Industrial Policy Resolution, 1956. These enterprises played a very crucial part in developing the industrial base of an agrarian economy with poor infrastructural facilities. State's intervention was deemed necessary in view of low level of employment opportunities and lack of trained manpower (Pant, 2000). The townships developed around the PSEs brought in a new era of economical and educational development. After the implementation of New Economic Policy in 1991, Indian PSEs are facing high level of competition in product market as well as labor market. In order to compete in liberalized and open market scenario, Indian PSEs need to improve overall organizational effectiveness and productivity to ensure competitive edge. These changes necessitate the need of training and development of personnel in these PSEs. Indian Public Sector is passing through massive changes due to advancement in science and technology and competition from private sector. India has nearly one-sixth of the world's population. This over abundant human resource needs to be converted to asset. This is possible only through proper training and development. The former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi rightly sensed this need and had established a separate Ministry for Human Resource Development in 1985. He stressed on the development of human resources and because of his initiatives, training had taken a front seat in the national economy. Later on, most of the PSEs realized the need and importance of training their employees for better and improved results. The human resource development approach is essential in order to have the optimum utilization of manpower for the benefit of both, the employees and the organization. After opening up of the economy, there has been tremendous amount of pressure on the PSEs to increase productivity of their employees on one hand and reduce surplus manpower on the other. PSEs have found out the route to reduce their manpower strength by adopting Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). The biggest challenge in VRS is to safeguard talent drain. Talented employees see this as an opportunity and are moving away from PSEs in search of high paid jobs in private and multinational companies, which leads to scarcity of trained manpower. On the one side they get lump sum compensation package by opting for VRS and on the other side they will be attracted by MNCs and other private sector enterprises (The Indian Express, January 25, 2001; Business Line, June 08, 2000; www.syndicatebank.com). Nearly 40% of the employees in Reliance Petroleum were drawn from the public sector (Vittal, 2001). This again emphasizes the need and importance of training and employee retention in PSEs. Research conducted by TVRLS on VRS also proves that good outside opportunity is one of the important reasons for employees opting for VRS (www.tvrls.com). Government of India promoted PSEs to fulfill the social objectives since the time of the first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. …


Enzyme modification remains the most important mechanism of aminoglycoside resistance. The genetic determinants of these enzymes are easily disseminated even in bacterial populations with no apparent genetic relationship. The availability of molecular techniques has enabled researchers to distinguish more accurately the various genes involved in aminoglycoside resistance and to study more in depth the heterogeneity of these genes. Genetic analysis has revealed a high degree of heterogeneity in the genes encoding these modifying enzymes. Inevitably, this has led to a very complex situation that has generated some confusion and controversy, particularly when it concerns the nomenclature of these genes. Moreover, the picture has become even more intricate by the use of two systems of nomenclature. In the standard nomenclature for bacterial plasmids proposed by Novick et al. (3), the genes encoding the aminoglycoside acetyltransferases, nucleotidyltransferases, and phosphotransferases are designated aac, aad, and aph, respectively. In the family of the acetylating enzymes, aacA stands for a 6′-N-acetyltransferase, while aacB and aacC stand for a 2′-N-acetyltransferase and a 3-N-acetyltransferase, respectively. This designation can be followed by a number to indicate a subdivision. In this nomenclature, aacA7 is supposed to be the seventh discovered gene encoding a 6′-N-acetyltransferase enzyme. In the second widely used nomenclature (see reference 4), the gene designation is written in the same way as in the enzyme designation, but in italic and lowercase characters. In this nomenclature, the aacA gene would be described as an aac(6′) gene. This designation can be followed by a roman numeral to indicate a subdivision and a lowercase character to distinguish the various genes encoding a particular enzyme. Hence, the aac(6′)-Im gene is the 13th gene encoding a 6′-N-acetyltransferase type I enzyme. It is clear that the simultaneous use of two systems of nomenclature can be the cause of misunderstandings and confusion. Indeed, a given designation can refer to various genes and vice versa.

To illustrate this, we would like to refer to our recently published article on a gene encoding a 6′-N-aminoglycoside acetyltransferase, which we arbitrarily called aac(6′-)-Il (2). However, Bunny et al. had already published an article on an aacA7 gene that encoded a protein designated AAC(6′)-Il, indicating that the gene, aacA7, was to be considered as the equivalent of the aac(6′)-Il gene (1). Thus, unintentionally and in error, we used a designation that had already been used. To avoid confusion, we propose to rename our gene the aac(6′)-Im gene. Interestingly, both genes were found to be associated with a sulI-type integron. The aacA7 gene was found on the multidrug-resistant plasmid pBWH301 and was linked with the catB3, aadB, oxa2, and orfD gene cassettes. However, comparison of the derived amino acid sequences of the newly described AAC(6′) proteins encoded by the two genes revealed that the two predicted proteins were different. In a 154-amino-acid overlap with the aacA7 gene product, the protein corresponding with the aac(6′)-Im gene possessed 21.0% identity and 47.6% similarity. These two amino acid sequences have been compared to the different amino acid sequences of the AAC(6′)-I family. After inclusion of the aacA7 gene, we reconstructed the phylogenetic tree (see Fig. 2 in reference 2). From the deduced phylogeny of these sequences, it was found that the product of the aacA7 gene belonged to the second subfamily of AAC(6′)-I enzymes comprising AAC(6′)-Ig, -Ik, -Ij, -Ih, -Id, -If, and -Ic. The AAC(6′)-Il protein was more related to -Id, -If, and -Ic than to the cluster of proteins encoded by genes found in Acinetobacter spp. The protein encoded by the aac(6′)-Im gene is located in the third subfamily together with AAC(6′)-Ia and AAC(6′)-Ii and is closely related to AAC(6′)-Ia (64.2% identity and 77.6% similarity with a 165 amino acid overlap) (2).

In conclusion, it seems highly desirable to come to a consensus on the gene nomenclature. It is not our intention to promote one system or another but rather to launch the discussion. The main aim of a uniform nomenclature is clarity in order to enhance communication. This can be achieved only if the nomenclature is generally accepted and consequently used. Furthermore, it cannot be denied that there is an urgent need for a central and easily accessible database, such as a Website. This will certainly facilitate the exchange of information and avoid further confusion. It is our opinion that the American Society for Microbiology can play a catalyzing role in this discussion.


Canadian fire weather index system (FWI) is the most widely used fire weather index system in the world. Its fuel moisture prediction is also a very important research method. In this paper, litter moisture contents of typical forest types in Tahe Forestry Bureau of Northeast China were successively observed and the relationships between FWI codes (fine fuel moisture code FFMC, duff moisture code DMC and drought code DC) and fuel moisture were analyzed. Results showed that the mean absolute error and the mean relative error of models.established using FWI moisture code FFMC was 14.9% and 70.7%, respectively, being lower than those of meteorological elements regression model, which indicated that FWI codes had some advantage in predicting litter moisture contents and could be used to predict fuel moisture contents. But the advantage was limited, and further calibration was still needed, especially in modification of FWI codes after rainfall.


Background: Airway Epithelial Cells (AECs) are the first line of defence against inhaled microbes and pollutants from the environment including nanoparticles. Unresolved AEC injury is proposed to contribute to Th2 inflammation and asthma pathogenesis. Aim: To determine the cytotoxic effects of and the pro inflammatory secretory phenotype of 16HBE14o bronchial epithelial cells dosed with ZnO and CeO 2 nanoparticles. Methods: 16HBE14o bronchial epithelial cells were cultured and their identity confirmed using immunocytochemistry. Cultured confluent monolayers of 16HBE14o were dosed with increasing concentrations of ZnO and CeO 2 nanoparticles. An acid phosphatase assay was carried out to determine the cytotoxic effect of the nanoparticles on the cell line. Further, ELISAs were used to determine the concentration of IL-8 and IL-33 in supernatants from control and nanoparticle treated 16HBE14o. Finally apoptosis assays and measurements of ROS were carried out. Results: High ZnO nanoparticle concentrations (50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml) had cytotoxic effects on 16HBE14o cells. Low ZnO nanoparticle Concentrations (2.5 μg/ml to 25 μg/ml) induced the secretion of IL-8 but not IL-33 by 16HBE14o bronchial epithelial cells. Low concentrations of both ZnO and CeO 2 nanoparticles induce ROS production in 16HBE14o cells. Cerium dioxide had no significant effect in any of the other assays. Conclusion: ZnO nanoparticles are cytotoxic on 16HBE14o cells via necrosis. ZnO nanoparticles cause IL-8 production in 16HBE14o cells.


The arrival, establishment and pest status of Halyomorpha halys in Europe and non-native countries in Asia have been well-documented, with thorough characterisation of the genetic diversity and occurrence of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) haplotypes in Switzerland, France, Hungary, Italy and Greece. However, a number of gaps exist in terms of the characterisation of the haplotype diversity and occurrence of H. halys along the invasion front that covers eastern Europe, western and central Asia. To contribute towards filling this gap, the COI haplotype diversity and distribution were investigated for H. halys collected in Serbia, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Kazakhstan. A total of 646 specimens were analysed and five haplotypes were found (H1, H3, H8, H33 and H80). Haplotype H1 was present in all five countries investigated and was the only haplotype detected amongst > 500 specimens collected from Ukraine, Russia and Georgia. H1 (82%) was the dominant haplotype found in Kazakhstan, alongside H3 (18%). In contrast to the low or no diversity observed in these four countries, Serbia had higher haplotype diversity and was represented by five haplotypes. Although H3 was dominant (47%) in Serbia, H1 was also prevalent (40%); the remaining haplotypes (H8, H33 and H80) were minor contributors (1–11%) to the haplotype composition. The results are discussed in context with other known populations in neighbouring countries and patterns of haplotype diversity indicate the movement of successful invasive populations in Europe to generate secondary invasions along the eastern front of the invasion in Eurasia. Possible scenarios regarding the spread of particular haplotypes in these regions are discussed, along with suggestions for future research to fill existing gaps.


Nutrigenetics is a promising field, but the achievability of expected benefits is challenged by the methodological limitations that are associated with clinical research in that field. The mere existence of these limitations suggests that promises about potential outcomes may be premature. Thus, benefits claimed in scientific journal articles in which these limitations are not acknowledged might stimulate biohype. This article aims to examine whether nutrigenetics clinical research articles are a potential source of biohype. Of the 173 articles identified, 16 contained claims in which clinical applications were extrapolated from study results. The methodological limitations being incompletely acknowledged, these articles could potentially be a source of biohype.


This study intends to estimate the profit of a movie through the construction of a predictive model that uses several Data Mining techniques, namely neural networks, regression and decision trees. The model will allow obtaining the prediction of box office revenue. Three different dependent variable approaches were used (interval, categorical and binary) aiming to study the difference and predictive influence that each one has on the results. Two metrics were used to determine the most accurate predictions: the misclassification error for the categorical models and the average squared error for the continuous one. In this study, the best predictive results were obtained through the use of multi-layer perceptron. Regarding the representative distinction between the dependent variable, the multiclass model presents a much higher error rate comparing to the remaining ones, which is explained with the increase of the number of classes to predict.


Abstract Introduction Thrust Joint Manipulation (TJM) is a widely used intervention in spinal care, however there are differences in its use between countries and spinal regions. This survey analyzes the frequency of use of TJM, examines the thoughts about the effectiveness of, and the perceptions of Dutch certified manual therapists regarding safety, comfort, use and barriers related to the application of spinal TJM techniques. Method The 19-question e-survey was based on a similar survey in the U.S. Since the Netherlands has a separate professional standard for the upper cervical spine, questions enabled differentiation between upper- and mid/lower cervical spine. The survey was launched during a national manual therapy congress and distributed via social media (April-July 2018). Descriptive analyses, MANOVA and qualitative analyses were used. Results From the 211 responses, 150 were male, with a mean age of 44.9 (±11.2) years, a mean clinical experience of 12.8 (±9.6) years as manual therapist, 87% had a master's degree and 97% worked in a private practice. Except for the upper cervical spine, more than 80% of the participants felt that TJM was safe, were comfortable performing TJM. Overall >80% of participants perform additional screening prior to TJM. Concerns about safety is the greatest barrier for upper cervical TJM. Discussion Findings indicate that overall Dutch manual therapists believe TJM to be safe and effective and are comfortable performing them, except for the upper cervical spine, where concerns exist regarding safety and acquiring written informed consent. Level of evidence 2b.


This study was an attempt in order to investigate microvascular architecture in various kinds of the filiform papillae of the rat utilizing the plastic injection method. Filiform papillae of the rat were grouped into three types; the simple and the giant conical and the true filiform. Additionally, the simple conical papillae could be subgrouped into type I, II and digitiform papillae, and the forked filiform as an intermediate form between the giant conical and the true filiform, based on their function and microvasculature. The capillary loop of the true filiform papillae was the simplest, hair-pin loop. The basic form of the loop was similar to the loop of the simple conical type I, II, and digitiform papillae respectively, although that of type II, having two or three ascending crura, was the most complicated of the three. Capillary loops of the giant conical papillae consisted of three or five ascending crura which passed upward in the pharyngeal side, the descending crura consisted or similar capillaries and passed downward at the lingual apex side. Each of the crura possessed its own loop. It can be said conclusively that this detailed investigation of the intrapapillary microvascular architecture in the rat has enabled a morphological classification of the papillae to be made.


The exploration of biochemical networks, such as gregulation, metabolic, protein interaction and signal transduction networks helps to understand better ce llular processes, properties and functions of biolo gical system. An important task of biological systems investigation is explora tion of biochemical networks evolution and dynamic changes of their structure under pressure of the mutations and natural selecti on that are mentioned as the main evolution forces. Proposed network growth models have been used to establish topological prop erties of biochemical networks, such as scale-free degree distribution, ultra- small-world property, centrality and modularity. Bu t they consider network evolution implicitly, gener ally and ignore important properties of biological systems. To demonstrate an d investigate the evolution course of biochemical n etworks structure caused by genetic mutations, chosen by natural selection and depending of the biological system properties, evol ution models are needed what takes into account these features. In this pap er evolution modelling procedure is introduced as w ell as algorithm of biochemical networks structure that occurs as a res ult of genetic alterations by pressure of natural sand takes into account different importance levels of biochemical processe s.


Mother earth is giving many materials in the natural form as well as in mineral form. Among them the marbles, granites and other variety of slabs for house hold flooring purposes. The people demand for variety of flooring materials leads to develop various types of ceramic tile. In India ceramic tiles industry is one of the fast growing one. More than two hundred units are manufacturing the ceramic tiles situated around Morbi, Rajkot, Gujarat, India. The basic raw materials required for manufacturing the various types of ceramic tiles are natural minerals. The following are the minerals used to manufacture the ceramic tiles i.e. quartz, feldspar, zircon, china clay, talc, grok, Aluminum oxide etc.,


Physical exercise plays an important role in cancer prevention as well as in the prevention and treatment of cancer related fatigue during and after treatment. Some of these effects are presented in the thesis of M.J. Velthuis. In Part I effects of physical exercise on anthropometric measurements are examined in the Sex Hormones and Physical Exercise (SHAPE) study, a randomised controlled trial in 189 sedentary healthy postmenopausal women. Results showed that the exercise programme did not affect weight, body mass index or hip circumference. However, the programme did positively influence body composition, i.e. more lean mass instead of fat mass was found in women allocated to the exercise programme. This may be related to a lower risk of breast cancer and other chronic diseases. In Part II effects of physical exercise during cancer treatment are presented. Main outcomes were cancer related fatigue, health care utilisation, sick leave and production losses. A systematic literature review of questionnaires that measure cancer related fatigue showed that the 'Brief Fatigue Inventory' scored highest among one-dimensional questionnaires on several psychometric properties and user-friendliness. Among multi-dimensional questionnaires the 'Fatigue Symptom Inventory' scored highest. It is recommended to repeat the assessment of psychometric properties, even of these previously validated questionnaires, to ensure that they comply with increasingly stringent quality criteria. Supervised aerobic exercise programmes during breast cancer treatment seem to be a promising and feasible therapy in the management of cancer related fatigue. That was the conclusion of a meta-analysis of the evidence from randomised controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of exercise during cancer treatment on reducing fatigue. However, scientific evidence for exercise in patients with other cancers than breast cancer was not found. This meta-analysis resulted in the design of a randomised controlled trial to study the effects of physical exercise in patients during treatment of breast or colon cancer. This study is called the Physical Activity during Cancer Treatment (PACT)-study. In the trial (cost)effectiveness of an 18-week supervised group exercise programme will be compared to usual care. The aim is to include 150 breast and 150 colon cancer patients undergoing treatment. The PACT study, coordinated by the Comprehensive Cancer Centre Middle Netherlands (IKMN) and the University Medical Center Utrecht, is financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) and the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF Kankerbestrijding). The study started in 2010 and results are expected in 2013. Part III includes two studies on effects of physical exercise as a part of rehabilitation after cancer treatment. The reliable and valid assessment of the level of fear of movement prior to cancer rehabilitation may be helpful. To assess fear of movement in cancer survivors the 11-item 2-factor model of the Modified Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-Fatigue (TSK-F) showed the best fitting model. Regular physical exercise programmes may be effective in patients without fear of movement, while programmes with a specific focus on reducing fear of movement may be offered to cancer survivors with increased levels of fear.


Key trends in basic and application-oriented research on nanomaterials are considered. It is noted that some studies are now carried out abroad and in domestic laboratories, while some other are to be initiated in the near future. It is emphasized that effective research in the field in question is possible only provided that laboratories are equipped with advanced instrumentation.


Aim To investigate the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression and −173 G/C polymorphism of the MIF gene in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Method Ninety-one patients with diagnosis of NAFLD and 104 healthy controls were included in the study. MIF −173 G/C polymorphism was detected using the PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism based method. NAFLD was stratified as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), probable NASH and steatosis, respectively in groups 1, 2 and 3, according to NAFLD Activity Score. MIF expression was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Results Mean age of the patients was 50.1±9.6 years, and 54 of them were male. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were 50/83, 42/63 and 31/32, respectively in groups 1, 2 and 3, (P<0.05). Both the MIF expression of hepatocytes and mononuclear cells were more prominent in groups 1 and 2 than group 3. There was no correlation between MIF expression of hepatocytes and fibrosis stage. However, MIF expression of mononuclear cells significantly increased according to fibrosis stage (P<0.05, R : 0.2). There was no significant correlation between MIF genotype and MIF expression in the liver. Conclusion MIF expression is significantly increased especially by mononuclear cells in liver tissue of patients with NASH secondary to inflammation. Thus, it should be considered as a consequence not a causal factor.


Reaction of resorcinarene octols with tris-hydroxymethylmethylamine (TRIS), formaldehyde, and alcohols results in tetraalkoxymethylation of the resorcinol rings. Harsh acylation of aminomethylated resorcinarenes with acid anhydrides leads to the complete acylation of eight hydroxyls and substitution of the amino versus acyloxy groups. Acyloxymethylated resorcinarene 6b can be transformed into a tetrabromomethylated derivative 7 through the reaction with HBr in acetic acid.


Land surface temperature (LST) is a crucial parameter in the interaction between the ground and the atmosphere. The Sentinel-3A Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) provides global daily coverage of day and night observation in the wavelength range of 0.55 to 12.0 μm. LST retrieved from SLSTR is expected to be widely used in different fields of earth surface monitoring. This study aimed to develop a split-window (SW) algorithm to estimate LST from two-channel thermal infrared (TIR) and one-channel middle infrared (MIR) images of SLSTR observation. On the basis of the conventional SW algorithm, using two TIR channels for the daytime observation, the MIR data, with a higher atmospheric transmittance and a lower sensitivity to land surface emissivity, were further used to develop a modified SW algorithm for the nighttime observation. To improve the retrieval accuracy, the algorithm coefficients were obtained in different subranges, according to the view zenith angle, column water vapor, and brightness temperature. The proposed algorithm can theoretically estimate LST with an error lower than 1 K on average. The algorithm was applied to northern China and southern UK, and the retrieved LST captured the surface features for both daytime and nighttime. Finally, ground validation was conducted over seven sites (four in the USA and three in China). Results showed that LST could be estimated with an error mostly within 1.5 to 2.5 K from the algorithm, and the error of the nighttime algorithm involved with MIR data was about 0.5 K lower than the daytime algorithm.


This article questions the claim that the way German governments have responded to Muslim demands for accommodating Islam fits a German national model. The empirical focus is on Islamic religious instruction in five German Länder. The evidence presented shows that there is not one but several German models. Länder with Christian Democratic dominance were more supportive of confessional religious instruction than Länder where the left was stronger. At the same time Christian Democrats initially were more reluctant to extend the privilege of religious instruction to Muslim groups. In Länder where Article 7 III of the German constitution applied, corporatist hurdles were an obstacle for Muslim groups, but this was less the case in Berlin. Religion–state institutions are important for understanding how European countries have dealt with the growing presence of Islam, but it is equally important to understand the politically contested nature of these institutions.


Light is a fundamental environmental cue which influences the migration of many marine organisms. For the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis, light is believed to drive the diel vertical migration behaviour of their planktonic larvae. Salmon lice are of critical importance to the salmonid industry due to the damage they cause to wild and farmed hosts. Salmon lice larvae have an eyespot and are positively phototactic, yet how light intensity alters their vertical distribution remains unclear. Here, we tested how light intensity (0, 0.5, 10 and 80 μmol m−2 s−1), dispersal duration (1, 4 and 12 h) and release point (surface or bottom) influenced the vertical migration of salmon lice nauplii and copepodids under controlled conditions in experimental columns. Overall, higher light intensity increased the proportion of nauplii that aggregated at the surface. Copepodid behaviour differed from that of nauplii, as they swam upwards in both light and fully dark conditions, and surface aggregations increased with dispersal duration. Results from the experiments did not support the existing view that light strongly influences the vertical position of copepodids in the water column. Combined with previous work, our results reveal that salmon lice larval stages display different vertical responses to light, temperature and salinity, which may be explained by the different strategies of nauplii (maximise survival and dispersal) and copepodids (maximise host-finding success). Our results have implications for salmon lice dispersal models, where re sponses of copepodids and nauplii to light are currently parametrised by the same equations. Implementing stage-specific behaviours towards light may improve the outputs of dispersal models.


Abstract Backgound Perinatal Mental Illness (PMI) is a key cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in the UK, with one goal of midwives to identify those at risk during pregnancy. At present, the system of preliminary identification of existing PMI in the UK involves the midwife asking pregnant women the Whooley questions at the antenatal booking interview. Aim: To explore midwives experiences of asking the Whooley questions with pregnant women. Method: A qualitative interpretive study explored midwives' (n = 8) experiences of asking the Whooley questions in one maternity unit in England (UK). Data were gathered through semistructured interviews and analysed using Framework Analysis (FWA). Findings: Themes and subthemes identified included: (1) no clear understanding of purpose, (1a) discomfort when disclosure occurs, (2) feeling pressurised for time, (3) resultant dissatisfaction and frustration; (3a) lack of knowledge and how to refer, (3b) lack of training around PMI, (3c) relying on experience and use of intuition. Discussion: The development and evaluation of an education curriculum to prepare midwives to effectively use case-finding instruments such as the Whooley questions to identify pregnant women at risk is required.


This article presents a study of 40 Swedish idioms. Firstly it focusses on to what degree the expressipns are listed in five contemporary Swedish dictionaries, and secondly to what extent the stated form of the expressions in the dictionaries corresponds to the actual usage af the expressions as they are reflected in the text corpus Parole. Among other things, the study indicates that there is good correspondence in approxirnately half of the cases. However in other cases the differences are more apparent. For example one often sees a distinct variation in the usage of an idiom in Parole, but this variation does not appear in the dictionaries. In other cases the opposite is true, i.e. the usage in Parole is relatively homogeneous but, in spite of this, alternative forms are shown in the dictionaries. The principal aim of the study is to initiate a discussion on the principles that are applied when listing idioms in dictionaries and on whether text corpora are utilised to their full potential.


Heart disease is a leading cause of mortality. Currently, PET is the gold standard for determining the viability of heart tissue. CT is gaining popularity as a transmission (Tx) source for attenuation correction (AC), but due to the differences in scan duration between the emission and Tx scans, breathing motion can cause mis-registration leading to errors in the final image. We explored this problem in the context of a large animal model chosen for its similarities to human physiology. This study investigates the effects of CT based AC (CTAC) and the use of 4D CT for respiratory gated AC, in an in vivo canine model of cardiac PET. Five 22 kg dogs were sedated, ventilated, and injected with 250 MBq of FDG. 4D CT Tx, gated PET, and /sup 68/Ge Tx (GeAC) scans were acquired. Both the 4D CT and the gated PET scans were broken into 15 frames of 0.5 seconds in length. The data were reconstructed using OSEM, applying five different AC maps: Ge, end expiration CT, end inspiration CT, average CT, and phase-matched CT. Ungated PET images were then created by summing the reconstructed gates together. Tendencies were present for end-expiration CTAC to cause over corrections on the anterior side of the heart, while the same was true for end-inspiration CTAC on the inferior side of the heart. On average we found regional differences of up to 3%, though in individual cases these differences were up to 20% on the anterior side and -10% on the inferior side of the heart. Comparing the average CTAC to the phase-matched CT corrected image showed both data sets to be nearly identical. Finally, when the average CTAC was compared to the GeAC image, differences were found along the lateral side of the heart. On average these percentage differences were up to 4%, however in individual cases they were up to 20%. Overall the observed tendencies indicate that there are respiratory motion artifacts, which can be large in individual cases.


Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the pressure of the pulmonary artery is disproportionally high for a certain level of pulmonary blood flow. Values of mean pulmonary artery pressure of more than 25 mm Hg at rest or 30 mm Hg during exercise allow the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Sustained or chronic pulmonary hypertension may be secondary to known diseases, mainly to those of cardiac or pulmonary nature, or may be a primary abnormality of the pulmonary circulation, with or without identification of associated conditions. Advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms of vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling have brought better prospects for the treatment of the disease. The correct use of vasodilators and anticoagulants, the new vasodilators, as epoprostenol and its analogs, and surgical techniques have increased the survival of many patients. Pneumologists can view cases of pulmonary hypertension as complications of pulmonary diseases or as a result of dyspnea investigation. Despite its etiology, pulmonary hypertension represents a clear abnormality that affects the right ventricle and can be potentially fatal to patients. Image methods have made the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension more accessible and non-invasive. Six cases of patients with pulmonary hypertension of different causes are presented and discussed. In conclusion, according to new concepts, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension is no longer an irreversible condition, and the identification of associated conditions with potential treatments can be favorable in the management of the patients with pulmonary hypertension.


This paper reports on recent genetic trends from the New Zealand sheep industry using data from the national across flock sheep genetic evaluation run by Sheep Improvement Ltd. (SIL). Results build on a previous study which found that rates of genetic progress increased substantially following the formation of SIL, and introduction of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Central Progeny Test. This study, containing additional flocks shows that the rates of genetic progress in recent time periods were lower than previously estimated, with only modest increases in the most recent time period. Genetic trends for a sample of flocks using molecular marker technologies have increased and these flocks now sit above industry average. Current average levels of genetic merit, and rates of change achieved varied widely amongst flocks. Rates of progress achieved within New Zealand Dual Purpose flocks were comparable with Australia, whilst rates of progress for Terminal Sire flocks were lower. However, rates of gain achieved by leading Terminal Sire flocks are comparative with Australia. Opportunities exist to further increase both genetic merit and rates of gain within the New Zealand sheep industry.


Quarries and aggregate crushers are basic requisites for construction industry and quarry dust is a byproduct of rubble crusher units. Geotechnical and mineralogical characterization of quarry dust and its interaction behavior with soils can lead to viable solutions for its large-scale utilization and disposal. The effect of addition of quarry dust on properties of red earth and two different cohesive soils; viz. kaolinite, Cochin marine clay was studied in detail. The results indicate that compaction characteristics and CBR of soils are improved by addition of quarry dust. Problems associated with the construction of highways over clayey subgrade can be reduced significantly by mixing with quarry dust.


mmigration of peoples and their music from their countries of origin to other places has been a fact of life for centuries. To illustrate the factors affecting musical life in the new host country, this paperl compares the situation of Japanese immigrants to two Latin American countries, Peru and Brazil, and tries to isolate differences in immigration patterns and lifestyle and their effects on musical life and style (see Olsen 1980, 1982 for detailed descriptions of musical life in the two countries). In addition, music is used to compare and measure the cultural identity and cultural assimilation of the Japanese in the two countries. Today Brazil has the largest population of Japanese living outside of Japan, with the numbers of Japanese and their descendants estimated at between 800,000 and one million. Peru has approximately 80,000 Japanese and their descendants, making it the second most Japanese-populated country in South America, and third in the Western Hemisphere, as seen in Table 1 (after Gardiner 1975:133).


A 74-year-old man with multiple soft tissue lesions in the lung, which were suspected to be metastatic neoplasms, underwent F-FDG PET/CT scan to detect primary malignancy. The images demonstrated that the lung and 2 retroperitoneal lymph nodes were the only affected organ or tissues with suspected primary lung neoplasms. Multiple intestinal-type adenocarcinoma was eventually diagnosed by CT-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy.


ABSTRACT We demonstrate that apolipoprotein E -deficient (ApoE−/−) mice are highly susceptible to tuberculosis and that their susceptibility depends on the severity of hypercholesterolemia. Wild-type (WT) mice and ApoE−/− mice fed a low-cholesterol (LC) or high-cholesterol (HC) diet were infected with ∼50 CFU Mycobacterium tuberculosis Erdman by aerosol. ApoE−/− LC mice were modestly more susceptible to tuberculosis than WT LC mice. In contrast, ApoE−/− HC mice were extremely susceptible, as evidenced by 100% mortality after 4 weeks with tuberculosis. The lung pathology of ApoE−/− HC mice was remarkable for giant abscess-like lesions, massive infiltration by granulocytes, elevated inflammatory cytokine production, and a mean bacterial load ∼2 log units higher than that of WT HC mice. Compared to WT HC mice, the gamma interferon response of splenocytes restimulated ex vivo with M. tuberculosis culture filtrate protein was delayed in ApoE−/− HC mice, and they failed to control M. tuberculosis growth in the lung. OT-II cells adoptively transferred into uninfected ApoE−/− HC mice had a weak proliferative response to their antigen, indicating impaired priming of the adaptive immune response. Our studies show that ApoE−/− deficiency is associated with delayed expression of adaptive immunity to tuberculosis caused by defective priming of the adaptive immune response and that elevated serum cholesterol is responsible for this effect.


Ayurveda is a Tantra which mainly aims at preserving the health of an individual and to treat the illness of a patient. The structure and function of bodily entities vary in health and disease conditions accordingly. The study of these structures acts as a yardstick to understand the health and illness of a person. One such indicator of health or disease is hair(Kesha).Kesha being one such parameter of health, description about it regarding its formation, characteristics,variation according to different body constitution(Prakruti),beneficial and harmful factors for Kesha, its maintenance, importance in clinical diagnosis and prognosis of a disease etc. is available in Ayurveda. In this article, an attempt is made to understand Kesha Sharira according to Charaka Samhita.


Background Anterior instability of the shoulder is a frequently encountered clinical problem that is seen after avulsion of the capsulolabral complex from the glenoid rim (Bankart lesion). Recently, it has been determined that avulsion of the glenohumeral ligaments is an infrequent but important cause of recurrent instability after shoulder injury. Although the various forms of this injury have been described in the literature, no standardized nomenclature exists. This is of concern given the need for different surgical approaches to repair the various forms of this injury and therefore the inherent need to accurately convey the location of the avulsion and presence of concomitant injuries. Hypothesis Based on the available literature for humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament lesions, a nomenclature can be created to enhance the understanding and improve communication about these uncommon but important pathologic changes that occur with shoulder instability. Study Design Systematic review. Methods The findings pertaining to 6 patients with humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament lesions encountered at our institution were combined with a literature search of the MEDLINE database conducted using the PubMed search engine of the National Library of Medicine and National Center for Biotechnology Information. Results The West Point nomenclature was developed to clearly describe the various forms of humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament lesions encountered as well as their associated injuries. Conclusions The West Point nomenclature provides a practical and easy to understand means by which to classify humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament lesions. This allows for more effective communication, which should result in improved clinical care.


This research paper describes a new method in which the discovery and construction of man-made structures, specifically medieval castles, in a three dimensional environment can be intelligently constructed given only a random terrain and simple user-defined suggestions. Our method of procedural modeling makes use of convex hulls, extracted from a given terrain, to provide several construction elements that are used to complete the finished model.In developing the procedurally modeled castles, we employed hybrid multi-fractals using Perlin noise as way to generate random terrains. It was essential to implement the random/fractal terrain generation to provide sufficient means of testing several cases, as opposed to using the same terrain over and over. This provided a fast and efficient means of testing a component of the modeling method on several different terrains.The approach this modeling procedure first takes is common among the construction of man made buildings. Just as one would do when first setting up a tent, for example, the first step is to locate a suitable site. The target for such a search is a satisfactory foundation in which to build upon. Our approach was to search the generated terrain for those facets whose normals are within some tolerance of straight up. This will find those portions of the terrain that are the most horizontal and, therefore, offer the most potential for a natural foundation for the castle, and require the least movement of soil.Once the horizontal facets of the terrain have been located they are grouped together. Now the decision as to what shape the encompassing foundation will take must be made. This is done because in most cases the grouped facets will contain holes or appear to branch which does not lend itself well to a foundation. Obviously bounding squares, rectangles, circumferences, or any other user defined shape, for that matter, could do this job. In fact, many castles are indeed built in such a way that they are quite symmetric and using a user defined shape may provide a very desirable foundation. However, our method implements a more general approach that provides a unique foundation and therefore a unique castle construction each time it is presented with a terrain.Our approach to foundation shape creation is to use the points from the grouped horizontal facets and use the convex hull of these points as the boundary of the foundation. One major advantage and positive visual effect that using a convex hull foundation provides over a user defined bounding shape is that it gives the appearance of the castle being built to suit its environment with minimal modification to the terrain.To provide easy access to these candidate foundation hulls, a scoring system was created which accepts a user's request for a convex hull from the set generated initially. The request defines desired attributes such as position, altitude, and area along with weights that specify the importance of the attributes. The foundation finder then scores the hulls according the the user's request and returns the highest scoring hull.We discovered that the convex hulls lent themselves very nicely to the other elements of the castle. Castle walls could be built simply by using either the foundation convex hull or a similar hull by using the hull's sides to project onto the terrain where the walls should be built. In addition, concentric outer and inner walls could be built by using hulls varying in scale and by perturbing the points of the hull to provide additional randomness. The towers along the walls could simply be placed at the points along the boundary of the hulls.The convex hulls were also employed in the creation of the castle moat. Using three hulls; one for the inner shore, another to define the middle band of the moat where it is at its deepest, and one for the outer shore, the terrain can be interpolated into a v-shape to create the moat. Additional terrain interpolation was also implemented to erode raised foundations back into the generated terrain to prevent sharp cliff-like artifacts. This too used convex hull boundaries to specify the points that were to interpolated.Convex hulls were also used when expanding the size of the castles. Castles often outgrew their usefulness and would need to be expanded in order to further serve a meaningful purpose. We again put to use the request system when expanding the area of a castle by using the first foundation request that was used to obtain the first convex hull foundation. Using the same request lets us retrieve the most similar, more importantly closest, piece of foundation-worthy land. We can then create a new convex hull using an enlarged version of our initial foundation hull and the newly requested convex hull, for example, in order to create a new outer wall.


Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to conventional chemotherapy in the pre-ALK inhibitor era Patients and Methods We retrospectively screened 381 consecutive NSCLC patients without known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or KRAS mutation who were diagnosed between 2007 and 2008 at a single center, and identified ALK rearrangements by fluorescence in situ hybridization Additional 44 ALK-positive patients from other period were included for the analysis of clinical outcomes Results Of the 381 tumors screened, four were excluded because the samples were unevaluable Twenty-one (5 6%) showed ALK rearrangements, with twenty adenocarcinomas and one pleomorphic carcinoma Of the entire 65 ALK-positive patients, 32 patients received pemetrexed as a second- or further-line therapy, in whom response rate was 34 4% (11/32) and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4 0 months Among these 31 patients, 20 specimens were available for thymidylate synthase (TS) expression analysis Low expression of TS were found in 80% (16/20), with a trend toward longer PFS than TS-positive patients (median PFS 4 0 vs 1 0 months, P = 0 095) Conclusions The prevalence of ALK rearrangement was 5 6% among EGFR and/or KRAS wild-type/unknown NSCLC population Low TS protein expression might be associated with better clinical outcomes in ALK-positive NSCLC patients after pemetrexed given as a second- or further-line therapy Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1718. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1718


BACKGROUND
The United States Food and Drug Administration is investigating possible diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVES
To retrospectively review DCM cases for signalment, diet information, echocardiographic changes, and survival.

ANIMALS
Client-owned dogs (n = 71).

METHODS
Medical records of dogs diagnosed with DCM between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2018 were reviewed. Dogs were grouped into "traditional" or "nontraditional" diet categories and whether or not diet was changed after diagnosis.

RESULTS
For dogs eating nontraditional diets, those that had their diets changed had a larger percentage decrease in normalized systolic left ventricular internal dimension (P = .03) and left atrial:aorta ratio (P < .001) compared to those that did not have their diets changed. Survival time was significantly longer for dogs with DCM eating nontraditional diets that had their diets changed (median survival, 337 days; range, 9-1307 days) compared to dogs eating nontraditional diets that did not have their diets changed (median survival, 215 days; range, 1-852 days; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Dogs with DCM eating nontraditional diets can experience improvement in cardiac function after diet change but additional research is needed to examine possible associations between diet and DCM.


Two dimensional (2-D) images of electron temperature fluctuations with high temporal and spatial resolution have been employed to study the sawtooth oscillation (m/n=1/1 mode) in Toroidal EXperiment for Technology Oriented Research (TEXTOR) tokamak plasmas. 2-D imaging data revealed new physics which were not available in previous studies based on the 1-D electron temperature measurement and X-ray tomography. Review of the physics of the sawtooth oscillation is given by comparative studies with prominent theoretical models suggest that a new physics paradigm is needed to describe the reconnection physics of the sawtooth oscillation. The new insights are: A pressure driven instability (not a ballooning mode) leads to the X-point reconnection process. The reconnection process is identified as a random 3-D local reconnection process with a helical structure. The reconnection time scale is similar for different types of sawtooth oscillation ("kink" and tearing type) and is significantly faster than the resistive time scale. Heat flow from the core to the outside of the inversion radius during the reconnection process is highly collective rather than stochastic.


Natural language explanations of deep neural network decisions provide an intuitive way for a AI agent to articulate a reasoning process. Current textual explanations learn to discuss class discriminative features in an image. However, it is also helpful to understand which attributes might change a classification decision if present in an image (e.g., "This is not a Scarlet Tanager because it does not have black wings.") We call such textual explanations counterfactual explanations, and propose an intuitive method to generate counterfactual explanations by inspecting which evidence in an input is missing, but might contribute to a different classification decision if present in the image. To demonstrate our method we consider a fine-grained image classification task in which we take as input an image and a counterfactual class and output text which explains why the image does not belong to a counterfactual class. We then analyze our generated counterfactual explanations both qualitatively and quantitatively using proposed automatic metrics.


The characteristics and mechanisms of extreme precipitation events over Central Asia are investigated based on daily data and percentile criteria. The composited extreme precipitation events have a life cycle of about ten days. The precipitation signal is weak but significant from eight to two days before the peak. Then it amplifies rapidly and reaches its peak in two days. The earliest precipitation signal appears over the northwest of Central Asia and moves southeastward. It maximizes over northern Central Asia and the windward side of the mountainous region, suggesting the role of orography in the precipitation extremes. Diagnosis suggests that the precipitation extremes are closely tied to a quasi-stationary planetary wave train emanating from the North Atlantic and the resultant disturbed Asian subtropical jet. The sharpened and accelerated Atlantic jet ten days before the precipitation peak feeds a cyclonic anomaly at its exit region, which disperses energy downstream and forms a well-defined barotropic Rossby wave train in the Asian subtropical jet, resulting in an anomalous cyclone to the west of Central Asia. On the one hand, the cyclone-induced water vapor transport into Central Asia enhances the moisture content and increases the convective instability in the lower troposphere, providing a favorable thermodynamical condition for deep convections. On the other hand, the vorticity and temperature advection induced by this cyclone and the mechanical lifting on the windward side of mountains provide a favorable dynamical condition for ascending motion, which triggers the release of convective instability and the occurrence of precipitation extremes in Central Asia.


OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to understand and synthesize the realm of knowledge on intermittent work capacity (IWC) about strategies to support work sustainability. Specifically, this review focused on literature that examined productive work with individuals who have chronic pain due to Fibromyalgia, Breast Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

METHODS
A scoping review of research conducted across 10 databases. Nature of the knowledge base on return to work barriers and strategies and future recommended strategies needed to support persons with IWC in maintaining work participation were charted and thematically analyzed and organized into micro, meso and macro categories.

RESULTS
Majority of the knowledge base reflects factors impeding and facilitating employment or re-employment at the micro level. At the micro level, self advocacy was a strategy that persons with IWC used to maintain employment and navigate stigmatizing work environments to meet their needs. At the meso level education and knowledge sharing with employers to increase awareness was underscored; at the macro level introduction of new policies was recommended.

CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest the need for future greater examination of the dialectical relationships across micro, meso and macro level strategies to overcome work disparities for persons with IWC.


CHEMICAL COMPATIBILIZATION IN SISAL FIBERS REINFORCED PLA COMPOSITES Even though poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is fragile under impact and has low toughness, the polymer stands out for its stiffness and high tensile strength. This polymer is an interesting material not only for short-term applications, such as disposable products, but is also suitable for durable goods. Although PLA is a potential substitute for conventional polymers, its use is limited by high costs. Incorporation of vegetal fibers in PLA matrix has been evaluated as a manner of costs reduction and, consequently, raise the economic competitiveness of the polymer. Poor interfacial adhesion has been observed as consequence of chemical incompatibility of the phases in the composites, resulting in unsatisfactory mechanical performance. Addition of PLA grafted with maleic anhydride, PLA-g-MA, is a possible alternative to improve interfacial adhesion. Aiming costs reduction and, simultaneously, enhance or, at least, maintain PLA's high mechanical performance, this project investigated the effects of addiction of two types of compatibilizers, prepared by reactive extrusion, with different chemical characteristics: one of them with higher molar mass and lower acidity content and the other with lower molar mass and higher acidity content. Composites containing 10 and 30% wt of sisal fibers were prepared by extrusion. Two levels of compatibilizers mass content, 2 and 6%, were used in formulations. Results of size exclusion chromatography analysis revealed intense molar mass reduction of the matrixes during processing, in presence of sisal fibers. In contrast, the presence and content of compatibilizer had no significant influence on matrixes degradation. Nucleating effect of sisal fibers to PLA crystallization on composites was verified. Were attained increases of 90 and 120% on impact strength and Young modulus in composites, respectively. The objective of maintaining the tensile strength of PLA in the composites was achieved. Meanwhile, no gains were reached on the property, even in presence of compatibilizers.


Many plant species are autopolyploid, a condition frequently associated with improvements in both vegetative and reproductive vigor. The possible contribution of miRNAs to this improvement was investigated by characterizing the miRNA content of a diploid and an autotetraploid form of Chrysanthemum nankingense. 162 and 161 known miRNA sequences were identified in 2x and 4x library. The length of 22 and 25 nt was predominant in diploid. However, 21 and 24 nt showed dominance in autotetraploid. It seems likely that autopolyploidization have had an immediate effect the distribution of miRNAs. In addition, the abundance of the miRNAs differed markedly between the two ploidy levels and contributed to their targets diversity. A number of target genes associated with miRNAs play important roles in growth and development. The conclusion was that some miRNAs likely make a contribution to the vigor displayed by autotetraploid C. nankingense.


A copper-catalyzed enantioselective [3 + 3] cycloaddition of 3-ethynyl-2-oxoindolin-3-yl acetates with 1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-ones for the construction of optically active spirooxindoles bearing a spiro all-carbon quaternary stereocenter has been realized. With a combination of Cu(OTf)2 and chiral tridentate ketimine P,N,N-ligand as the catalyst, the reaction displayed broad substrate scopes, good yields, and high enantioselectivities. This represents the first catalytic asymmetric propargylic cycloaddition with tertiary propargylic esters as the bis-electrophiles for access to chiral spirocyclic frameworks.


INTRODUCTION
Hypersplenism is a common complication of portal hypertension. Cytopenia in hypersplenism is predominantly caused by splenomegaly. Distal splenorenal shunt (Warren) with partial spleen resection is an original surgical technique that regulates cytopenia by reduction of the enlarged spleen.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was to present the advantages of distal splenorenal shunt (Warren) with partial spleen resection comparing morbidity and mortality in a group of patients treated by distal splenorenal shunt with partial spleen resection with a group of patients treated only by a distal splenorenal shunt.

METHOD
From 1995 to 2003, 41 patients with portal hypertension were surgically treated due to hypersplenism and oesophageal varices. The first group consisted of 20 patients (11 male, mean age 42.3 years) who were treated by distal splenorenal shunt with partial spleen resection. The second group consisted of 21 patients (13 male, mean age 49.4 years) that were treated by distal splenorenal shunt only. All patients underwent endoscopy and assessment of oesophageal varices. The size of the spleen was evaluated by ultrasound, CT or by scintigraphy. Angiography was performed in all patients. The platelet and white blood cell count and haemoglobin level were registered. Postoperatively, we noted blood transfusion, complications and total hospital stay. Follow-up period was 12 months, with first checkup after one month.

RESULTS
In the first group, only one patient had splenomegaly postoperatively (5%), while in the second group there were 13 patients with splenomegaly (68%). Before surgery, the mean platelet count in the first group was 51.6 +/- 18.3 x 10(9)/l, to 118.6 +/- 25.4 x 10(9)/l postoperatively. The mean platelet count in the second group was 67.6 +/- 22.8 x 10(9)/l, to 87.8 +/- 32.1 x 10(9)/l postoperatively. Concerning postoperative splenomegaly, statistically significant difference was noted between the first and the second group (p < 0.05). Comparing the postoperative platelet count between the first and second group, we found that there was a very significant statistical difference, too (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION
Distal splenorenal shunt (Warren) with partial spleen resection is a very reliable surgical technique in treatment of hypersplenism and decompression of oesophageal varices caused by portal hypertension and has advantage in treatment of hypersplenism over the distal splenorenal shunt method.


Background : Biofortified yellow cassava has great potential to alleviate vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa and can be used as a complementary approach to other interventions. However, direct evidence whether yellow cassava can significantly contribute to the vitamin A intake and status of populations is required. The overall aim of this thesis is to provide proof of principle whether biofortified yellow cassava can improve the vitamin A status of schoolchildren in Kenya. Methods : The research was conducted in Kibwezi district, Eastern Kenya. First the effect of daily consumption of yellow cassava was assessed in 342 primary school children in Kenya in a randomized controlled feeding trial with serum retinol concentration as primary outcome. Furthermore we investigated the sensory and cultural acceptability of yellow cassava in a cross-sectional study (n=140) in three primary schools for children as well as their caretakers. Next we studied the diagnostic performance of several proxy markers to assess vitamin A deficiency in comparison with serum retinol concentration as a field based method to assess vitamin A deficiency (n=375). And last we used the dietary intake data of children in the randomized controlled trial to model the potential contribution of yellow cassava to the nutrient adequacy of micronutrient intake using linear programming. Results : The randomized controlled feeding trial collected complete data for 337 children with a compliance of 100%. Primary analyses (per protocol) showed that serum retinol concentrations in the yellow cassava group, increased with 0.04 μmol/L (95%CI: 0.00‒0.07 μmol/L) compared to the white cassava group and secondary analyses showed that serum β-carotene concentration increased with 524% (448%‒608%). No evidence of effect modification by initial vitamin A status, zinc status, or polymorphisms in the β-carotene monooxygenase gene was found. In the acceptability study 72% of caretakers and children were able to detect a significant difference in taste between white and yellow cassava and indicated to prefer yellow cassava because of its soft texture, sweet taste and attractive color. Serum concentrations of retinol binding protein, transthyretin and C-reactive protein combined showed excellent diagnostic performance in estimating vitamin A deficiency in primary school children, with an area under the curve of 0.98. Adding yellow cassava to the diet as a school lunch improved the nutrient adequacy of the diet of schoolchildren, however, even with the addition of nutrient dense foods such as fish and oil, nutrient adequacy could not be ensured for fat, riboflavin, niacin, folate and vitamin A. Conclusions : Consumption of yellow cassava is acceptable and improves the serum retinol concentrations of primary school children in Kenya. The combination of three proxy markers is a promising approach to measure vitamin A deficiency in a low resource setting. Yellow cassava contributes to a better nutrient adequacy but should be accompanied by additional dietary guidelines and interventions to fill the remaining nutrient gaps.


Objective The objective of this paper is to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue, anxiety and depression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and higher levels of pain and to compare them to patients with lower levels of pain and controls. Method Patients were dichotomized into two groups based on SLE-related pain score on the visual analog scale (VAS): low-pain group (76%, n = 64, VAS 0–39 mm) and high-pain group (24%, n = 20, VAS 40–100 mm). Sex- and age-matched controls were randomly selected from the general population. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires regarding self-reported pain, HRQoL, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Medical assessments also were recorded. Result Fatigue score in the high-pain group (median, 36.5; interquartile range (IQR), 32.5–39.7) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to the low-pain group (median, 23; IQR, 14.6–34.1), as well as scores for anxiety (median, 9; IQR, 6.5–11.5) and depression (median, 7.5; IQR, 5.5–9) (p < 0.001). The high-pain group had significantly lower scores compared to the low-pain group in all dimensions in the SF-36 (p ≤ 0.001–0.007). No statistical differences were detected between the low-pain group and controls in any measurement except for the dimensions physical function, general health, vitality and social function in SF-36. Conclusion Patients with SLE scoring higher degrees of pain were burdened with more fatigue, anxiety and depression and lower levels of HRQoL compared to patients with lower levels of pain who did not differ significantly from the general population in most dimensions. These results elucidate the importance of identifying patients with higher degrees of pain who are probably in need of more extensive multidimensional interventions to decrease symptom burden.


This article focuses on the uniaxial compression behavior of concrete hollow brick masonry assembly. This study was performed both by experimental and analytical approaches. In the first experimental part, the compression tests were done according to the European standard EN1052-1. It is highlighted from the tests that this concrete hollow brick masonry is a very high dispersive material and that the compression behavior of this masonry is similar and depends principally on that of bricks. In addition, the vertical splitting failure modes reflect the effect of "expanding/restraining" for this type of masonry and the elastic properties determined from these tests are comparable with the values found in the literature. Then, in the analytical approach, the simple calculations were done by different existed models to predict the compressive strength of masonry prism. A comparison of the results obtained by using these models with those of experimentation shows that only the model which takes into account the effect of vertical joints is mostly adapted for the safe design of this masonry prism under uniaxial compression load.


Bursty bulk flows (BBFs) play an important role for the mass, energy, and magnetic flux transport in the plasma sheet, and the flow pattern in and around a BBF has important consequences for the localized energy conversion between the electromagnetic and plasma mechanical energy forms. The plasma flow signature in and around BBFs is often rather complicated. Return flows and plasma vortices are expected to exist at the flanks of the main flow channel, especially near the inner plasma sheet boundary, but also farther down‐tail. A dipolarization front (DF) is often observed at the leading edge of a BBF, and a flux pileup region (FPR) behind the DF. Here we present Cluster data of three FPRs associated with vortex flows observed in the midtail plasma sheet on 15 August 2001. According to the principles of Fu et al. (2011, 2012c), two of the FPRs are considered to be in an early stage of evolution (growing FPRs). The third FPR is in a later stage of evolution (decaying FPR). For the first time, the detailed energy conversion properties during various stages of the FPR evolution have been measured. We show that the later stage FPR has a more complex vortex pattern than the two earlier stage FPRs. The two early stage FPR correspond to generators, E·J<0, while the later stage FPR only shows weak generator characteristics and is instead dominated by load signatures at the DF, E·J>0. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is one of the first times BBF‐related plasma vortices have been observed to propagate over the spacecraft in the midtail plasma sheet at geocentric distances of about 18RE. Our observations are compared to recent simulation results and previous observations.


The Company under study dedicated to the distribution of cleaning products has presented high operating costs resulting from a disorganized management in the processes of purchases and inventories. This is a problem that happens to many companies in the retail sector because, it does not have tools or controls that allow it to evaluate its development in such processes. To solve this problem, a management of purchases and inventories is proposed based on tools that involve the development of demand forecasting in order to be able to evaluate the trend and fluctuation of the demand, so that the company is prepared for any change. On the other hand, an ABC classification of products to be able to take into account those products that have a higher turnover. In addition, the development of economic lots, safety stocks and replenishment points to track inventories in the warehouse. Finally, an adequate control of the management by means of procedures, policies and formats that will allow a standardization and a correct flow of said processes. All this, in order to contribute to the reduction of operating costs and increase the utility of the company. Keywords-Inventories, distribution companies, demand management, ABC classification, supply logistics.


Vitamin D deficiency, in general, is usually correlated with increased risks of chronic pulmonary disease such as COVID-19 infection. However, the mechanisms are still unknown. Herein, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphism and COVID-19-infected Iraqi patients. The study has been conducted on patients with Covid-19 during the period extended from June, 2021 to April, 2022. 300 samples were collected from healthy and infected people. The demographic characteristics of patients (age, gender and residency) are shown non-significant in all. However, the distribution of DBP (rs12785878-T/G) Polymorphism was detected by Allele Specific PCR technique. The association between DBP (rs12785878) gene polymorphism and risk of Covid-19 is also shown, the heterozygous genotype TG was more frequent in the patients' group in comparison with the control group, 66 versus 58, respectively. Therefore, genotype TG was a genetic risk factor for Covid-19 with an odds ratio of 2.4074 (95% confidence interval of 1.2462-4.6505) and an etiologic fraction of 0.2963. In the addition, the homozygous genotype GG was more frequent in the patients' group in comparison with the control group, 65 versus 54, respectively, Therefore, genotype GG was a risk factor for Covid-19 with an odds ratio of 1.0578 (95% confidence interval of 0.6386-1.7522) and an etiologic fraction of 0.0299. thus, it can be seen that Covid-19 disease has a direct effect on the level of vitamin D in patients infected with the virus compared to healthy people.


Abstract The recent advancements in the field of data mining have made vast progress in extracting new information and hidden patterns from large datasets which are often overlooked by the traditional statistical approaches. These methods focus on searching for new and interesting hypothesis which were previously unobserved. Road safety researchers working with the crash data from developed world have seen encouraging success in obtaining new insight into crash mechanism through data mining. An attempt was made in this study to apply these advance methods and evaluate their performance in manifesting crash causes for Bangladesh. The study applies hierarchical clustering to identify hazardous clusters, random forest to find important variables explaining each of these clusters, and classification and regression trees to unveil their respective crash mechanisms for the road crash data of Bangladesh. The results identified several new interesting relationships and acknowledged issues related to quality of data.


5416 Activating mutations of KIT are found in association with several human neoplasms including subsets of patients with GIST, AML or systemic mast cell disorders (SM). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have proven clinical activity in these diseases, but responses are largely partial or incomplete. We previously demonstrated that dasatinib (formerly BMS-354825), a small-molecule low ATP-competitive inhibitor of SRC and ABL tyrosine kinases, potently inhibits imatinib-sensitive as well as -resistant mutant KIT isoforms. We now show that, inhibition of KIT phosphorylation (as a surrogate for kinase activation) does not completely inhibit AKT activity allowing continued activation of the mTOR-p70S6kinase pathway. In our study, we used mastocytosis, leukemia and hematopoietic cell lines with endogenous or exogenous mutant KIT isoforms (wildtype, D816V, D816Y, V560G). The inhibitory effect of dasatinib and/or rapamycin on KIT-dependent downstream pathways was evaluated by immunoblotting. In addition, the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of monotherapy vs. combination therapy were also evaluated. We report herein, that KIT activates downstream pathways important for cell viability and cell survival including the MAP Kinase (MAPK), STAT and PI3K/AKT pathways. Dasatinib inhibited KIT activation and resulted in decreased phosphorylation of members of the MAPK1/2, STAT3 and AKT pathways. Notably, dasatinib treatment abolished phosphorylation of AKT Ser-473 whereas AKT Thr-308 remained constitutively phosphorylated. This partial inhibition of AKT activity was insufficient to completely inhibit downstream kinases, such as p70S6Kinase, a known substrate of mTOR (Target Of Rapamycin). To determine the biological effect of more completely inhibiting AKT-dependent signaling, we tested combinations of dasatinib with rapamycin, using doses of that did not have any significant anti-tumor effects when administered as monotherapy. The combination of dasatinib and rapamycin demonstrated strong additive to synergistic inhibition of cellular proliferation and induction of apoptosis. We conclude that inhibition of oncogenic KIT signaling by dasatinib is insufficient to completely inhibit AKT-dependent signaling (e.g. p70S6kinase). Thus, combination therapy of KIT-dependent malignancies using a TKI such as dasatinib along with rapamycin may improve clinical efficacy compared with TKI monotherapy.


Lightweight building systems in general suffer from limited sound insulation, especially at low frequencies. Furthermore, theoretical models have severe limitations regarding prediction of the impact sound insulation, and the design is to a high extent based upon experience and measurements. Recommendations in Norway includes the frequency range down to 50 Hz, which means to include the spectrum adaptation term CI,50-2500 and C50-5000. One possible solution to improve the properties at low frequencies is to add mass and increase the stiffness of the construction. We refer to lightweight building systems combining wood and cement-based materials as hybrid constructions. The paper will present analysis of relevant measurement results of hybrid wood joist floor constructions from laboratory and field objects. The paper will discuss possible improvements of such floor constructions. From the "Silent Timber Build project", some relevant laboratory measurement data exist. Due to the impact sound insulation focus, some apartments with hybrid joist floors have been built and data collected. This paper is a part of a project at SINTEF Building & Infrastructure aiming to develop robust solutions also involving HVAC components inside the partition structure. Further progress in this project will include new laboratory measurements and a fire test.


In this paper, a number of possibilities are presented and discussed for the ownership of distributed storage devices (DSD) in a Smart Grid environment. The cases in which the distribution system operator (DSO) has either full control (grid owned storage) or no control whatsoever over the operation of the DSD (independently owned storage) will be differentiated. For each ownership possibility, the technical and regulatory implications are discussed, with analysis and validation of the results being performed on real MV distribution networks, both rural and urban. In order to evaluate each ownership possibility, a number of multi-period optimization models are presented, corresponding to different assumptions in regards to the operation of the DSD. The resulting daily operation strategies are subsequently used as a basis for carrying out distribution reinforcement planning.


Increasing enrollment and costs in introductory geoscience classes are making the logistics of organizing on-location field trips challenging; but with modern technology, virtual field trips (VFTs) can provide a proxy. Students entering college today are digital natives with short attention spans, suggesting they would find a VFT appealing and easy to navigate. While not a replacement for an actual field trip, VTFs offer interactive alternatives to traditional lectures, and several have been successful in engaging and educating students. This proposed VFT utilizes the iconic geology of Yosemite National Park to teach the effects of climate change at geologic and anthropogenic timescales. The story is told along Yosemite's four roads and is designed for use as a roadside geology accompaniment in the park, or as a standalone interactive tool in the classroom. VFT stops narrate the geologic history of the area and use photos with illustrated overlays to further describe concepts.


A biologically plausible neural network model named Perception Coordination Network (PCN) is proposed for online multi-modal concept acquisition and binding. It is a hierarchical structure inspired by the structure of the brain, and functionally divided into the primary sensory area (PSA), the primary sensory association area (SAA), and the higher order association area (HAA). The PSA processes many elementary features, e.g., colors, shapes, syllables, and basic flavors, etc. The SAA combines these elementary features to represent the unimodal concept of an object, e.g., the image, name and taste of an apple, etc. The HAA connects several primary sensory association areas like a function of synaesthesia, which means associating the image, name and taste of an object. PCN is able to continuously acquire and bind multi-modal concepts in an online way. Experimental results suggest that PCN can handle the multi-modal concept acquisition and binding problem effectively.


Antitumor activities of five platinum analogs, including cisplatin, carboplatin, 254-S, DWA2114R, and NK121, were compared using five human lung cancer cell lines and 19 tumor specimens obtained from lung cancer patients. The antitumor activity was evaluated by determining the ratio of the maximum tolerated dose of each drug to the 70% tumor growth inhibitory concentration in a colony assay. Cisplatin was the most potent agent, followed by 254-S and carboplatin. DWA2114R and NK121 were less potent than cisplatin and 254-S. Cross-resistance to adriamycin was also investigated using an adriamycin-resistant small cell lung cancer subline, SBC -3/ADM30. SBC-3/ADM30 was 1.7- to 4.0-fold more resistant to cisplatin, carboplatin, NK121, and DWA2114R, than was the parent line, SBC-3, and the subline was 2.0-fold more sensitive to 254-S. Using SBC-3, in vitro combination effects of etoposide and cisplatin, carboplatin, or 254-S were evaluated by the median-effect principle. Synergism was noted when cisplatin and etoposide were combined at a fixed molar ratio of 1:1. Combination of carboplatin and etoposide showed an additive effect. The combination of 254-S and etoposide was antagonistic at low concentrations, but was markedly synergistic at higher concentrations. These data suggested the efficacy of 254-S in the treatment of lung cancer.


Title The Anterior Preoptic Neurons of the Frog, Rana catesbeiana and Toad, Bufo bufo japonicus : Control of Mating Behavior Author(s) Urano, Akihisa Citation Current trends in comparative endocrinology : proceedings of the ninth International Symposium on Comparative Endocrinology, Hong Kong, 7-11 December 1981, eds. B. Lofts and W.N. Holmes, ISBN: 9622090397, pp. 1125-1126 Issue Date 1985 Doc URL http://hdl.handle.net/2115/43995 Type proceedings File Information CTCE_1125-1126.pdf


In this article we analyze the community capital implications of an emerging canola biofuel value chain within wheat-producing regions of the United States as radical changes are taking place in energy markets and prices drop. We analyze the intersections of the motivations that encourage and sustain value chain participation and stocks and investments of community capitals. We use the Community Capitals Framework (Flora et al. 2016) to analyze the ways that new biofuel value chains affect various types of capital within rural communities, and to understand the context, processes, and impacts of decision-making within the biofuel value chain. Interviews and focus groups with actors along the value chain including farmers, processors, transporters, plant breeders, extension professionals, and farm service suppliers identify motivational factors and how community resources affect participation decisions.


Kongsbreen, a tide-water glacier located in Kongsfjorden, is the most active calving glacier in Svalbard. Three SPOT images are used to determine its flow speed and calving rate. The position of fourteen reference points was determined on the coast or mountain sides, and the changes in position of 144 characteristic features on the glacier surface were calculated. The obtained speed profiles arc consistent with the findings from previous works from 1962-64 and 1983-86. When comparing the obtained longitudinal profile to the data from 1962–64. it is found that the flow velocity at a given distance from the front has been nearly constant. The results from the SPOT images analysis are completed by using existing topographic works. The present study shows that SPOT images (panchromatic as well as multichannel), recorded with a periodicity of one year, can be used to determine precisely the annual flow speed and calving rate of active glaciers such as Kongsbreen. Images recorded with a periodicity of two, three or four weeks can allow identical determination on tide-water glaciers during a surging active phase.