Falls can lead to serious injuries, hospitalization and sometimes death, and are considered the number one cause of disabilities among elderly people, making falls a key concern in the healthcare sector. Advances in medical technology and healthcare mechanisms have driven the development of new responses to the healthcare needs of a growing elderly population. Ambulatory accelerometer devices have been applied to develop reliable and robust fall detection systems. This paper assesses fall detection systems using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) as a CPU in addition to data transmission. In this paper, we give a survey of the different fall detection systems based on FPGAs in the literature, definition of the main theoretical points of fall detection accelerometers-based systems, existing techniques and algorithms and we give an overview of the main steps to design a fall detection system.


Odour annoyance represents one of the most emerging aspects related to odour emissions, produced by industrial plants and constitutes an indicator of an unhealthy environment, strongly felt by population. Odour emission is considered as one of the most important causes of population complaints and its evaluation represents a matter characterized by great complexity. The management of the complaints of the citizens, living in the surroundings of odour sources, represents a very hard topic to face for public authorities. Taranto city, located in the South of Italy, is seriously afflicted by a strong environmental pollution produced by the different plants in the industrial area. In this area a project of citizen science has been applied by means of an experimental methodology for the detection and evaluation of olfactory annoyance, called Odortel®; it is able to integrate automatic remote systems in order to record the olfactory perception of human receptors and to collect odour samples in real time. In this project citizens play a key role to alert the public authority by means of a phone switchboard, communicating in real time the perception of odor events and their intensity. The application of Odortel® in the area of Taranto has permitted, for the first time, to manage the population complaints in a systematic way, to prove the refinery as the source and, at the same time, to perform improvements in sampling-analysis process.


In recent years, the British government has increasingly sought to intervene to prevent forced marriages and `honour killings'. But its new-found concern for the plight of South Asian women belies a deeper structure of racism, particularly against Muslims, and collusion with South Asian patriarchy. It is argued that initiatives such as the recent proposal for legislation on forced marriages are not empowering to women but are driven by the state's need to police South Asian communities, an approach that has colonial roots. The lack of support given to grassroots South Asian women's organisations and the continuing deportation of women at risk of violence reveal the partial nature of the state's commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence and other forms of oppression.


This research analyzed influences from store images of the integrated fresh pork retailing centers in Taiwan. Important and satisfactory store image characteristics are discussed. Several images of the retailing centers exhibit statistically significant differences of perceptions between important and satisfactory store characteristics. Purchasing behavior and demographic factors explain some differences of consumer perceptions. Based on the results, this research suggests the integrated fresh pork retailing centers focusing on the issues of selecting locations, improving sanitary standards of meat products, and adopting marketing-oriented management.


Molecular mechanisms are important to inform targeted intervention and are often encoded in gene sets or pathways. Existing machine learning approaches often face challenges in simultaneously reducing the high dimensionality and learning effective features that are discriminative in predicting the disease types with the usual presence of confounding variables. We aim to improve accuracy and interpretability of prediction models by introducing Supervised Confounding Aware Non-negative Matrix Factorization for Polygenic Risk Modeling (ScanMap) for genetic studies. ScanMap selects informative groups of genes that embody multiple interacting molecular functions by using a supervised model that integrates both groups of genes and confounding variables in predicting disease type and status. The learned groups of genes reflect interacting molecular mechanisms, which are suitable features for polygenic risk modeling. These learned features are then used in training a softmax classifier for disease type and status prediction. We evaluated ScanMap against multiple state-of-the-art unsupervised and supervised matrix factorization models using large scale NGS datasets. ScanMap outperformed all comparison models significantly (p < 0.05). Feature analysis was performed to illuminate the insights and benefits of gene groups learned by ScanMap in disease risk prediction.


Several anthropometric measurements were studied for their prediction of scoliosis in 896 children (430 girls and 466 boys) who were free from scoliosis at entry. The children were examined annually from the average age of 10.8 to 13.8 years to follow up their trunk asymmetry, posture, and growth. Scoliosis developed in 24 boys and 41 girls (Cobb angle >10° in a posteroanterior standing radiograph) during the 3 years. In both girls and boys, trunk asymmetry measured by the forward bending test was found to be the most powerful determinant of the incidence of scoliosis. In the whole cohort the adjusted odds ratio was 1.61 and its 95% confidence interval was 1.42-1.82 per one millimeter increase in trunk hump. Using spinal pantography the degree of thoracic kyphosis in girls (odds ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.09, per one degree) and the degree of lumbar lordosis in boys (odds ratio = 1.07,95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.13, per one degree) were significant predictors of future scoliosis. In the children both sexes who eventually had scoliosis, body height, sitting height, and growth of sitting height were greater than in other children, but these factors carried no statistical significance in the logistic analyses. There were differences between the prescoliotic girls and other girls in both mean age (11.8 vs 12.1 years, P = 0.02) and value (5.5 cm vs 6.1 cm/yr, P = 0.08) of peak sitting height velocity. The authors conclude that a number of characteristics related to trunk asymmetry, posture and growth, independently of one another predict the development of manifest scoliosis in prepubertal children


In 1964, Bowen et al 1 described two siblings with congenital abnormalities including (1) marked hypotonia, (2) multiple renal cortical cysts, (3) glaucoma, (4) hepatomegaly, (5) hypoprothrombinemia, (6) developmental abnormalities of the brain, (7) congenital stippled epiphyses, and (8) a clinical appearance suggestive of Down's syndrome. Since the sibs in this family were Zellweger's patients, his name is now used for the designation of this syndrome. In the present paper two siblings are recorded who display similar clinical features. The purpose of this article is to show some other unusual features of this syndrome and to point out close similarities as well as differences between this condition and chondrodystrophia calcificans congenita (Conradi's disease). Report of Cases Case1.—This child was born on Aug 13, 1967, at term after a normal pregnancy, labor, and delivery, weighing 4,092 gm (9 lb). Her parents were healthy, unrelated Caucasians, with an unremarkable family history.


We consider the wavelength converter based on four wave mixing (FWM) in a semiconductor travelling wave amplifier, because it presents a large detuning bandwidth, an optical control of detuning (e.g. by tunable lasers), and the frequency translation is independent of signal modulation format. Such characteristics allow this type of device to be suitable for application in a multicarrier transport network. We analyse the employment of SOA's as optical frequency converters in two different types of optical cross connect (OXC) architecture, depending on the switching technique that is performed in the optical layer: a combination of wavelength and space division switching and a pure wavelength switching.


In the last two years, the embedded DSP market has been swept up by the general increase in interest in multicore that has been driven by companies such as Intel and Sun. One reason for this is that there is now a lot of focus on tooling in academia and also a willingness on the part of users to accept new programming paradigms. This industry-wide effort will have an effect on the way multicore DSPs are programmed and perhaps architected. But it is too early to say in what way this will occur. Programming multicore DSPs remains very challenging. The problem of how to take a piece of sequential code and optimally partition it across multiple cores remains unsolved. Hence, there will naturally be a lot of variations in the approaches taken. Equally important is the issue of debugging and visibility. Developing effective and easy-to-use code development and real-time debug tools is tremendously important as the opportunity for bugs goes up significantly when one starts to deal with both time and space. The markets that DSP plays in have unique features in their desire for low power, low cost, and hard real-time processing, with an emphasis on mathematical computation. How well the multicore research being performed presently in academia will address these concerns remains to be seen.


Catch rates for the 13 most abundant species caught in the
deep-set Hawaii-based longline fishery over the past decade (1996–2006) provide evidence of a change among the top North Pacific subtropical predators. Catch rates for apex predators such as blue shark (Prionace glauca), bigeye (Thunnus obesus) and albacore (Thunnus alalunga) tunas,
shortbill spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris), and striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax) declined by 3% to 9% per year and catch rates for four midtrophic species, mahimahi
(Coryphaena hippurus), sickle pomfret (Taractichthys steindachneri), escolar (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum), and
snake mackerel (Gempylus serpens), increased by 6% to 18% per year. The mean trophic level of the catch for these 13 species declined 5%, from 3.85 to 3.66. A shift in the ecosystem to an increase in midtrophic-level, fast-growing and short-lived species is indicated by the decline in apex
predators in the catch (from 70% to 40%) and the increase in species with production to biomass values of 1.0 or
larger in the catch (from 20% to 40%). This altered ecosystem may exhibit more temporal variation in response
to climate variability.


Can you see the moon?Does it look like a big round ball? Or is it just a sliver of light in the sky? The moon seems to change. But it doesn't really. The moon revolves around the Earth. It takes about four weeks to make the journey, and as it travels round we can only see certain parts of it. Try the simple experiment described inside using an orange, a pencil, and a flashlight, and you'll understand why the moon seems to change.


This is a retrospective study of 15 cases with symptomatic basilar artery atherosclerotic chronic stenosis. One patient presented with reversible ischemic neurological deficits and another with completed infarction, the rest of patients presented with progressive transient neurological deficits (TIA) that was refractory to medical treatment. The protocol of PTA included the use of single lumen balloon catheter (Stealth; Boston Scientific, Boston, MT) and the pre-balloon inflation injection of Urokinase (UK). All lesions were successfully dilated except for one. Those with uncomplicated successful dilatation had good control of their neurological status with disappearance of the pre-PTA TIA. The authors conclude that PTA for basilar artery atherosclerotic lesions is possible and a promising procedure when the patients are carefully selected and the operation is performed by a team with good experience in such lesions.


UNLABELLED
The aim of this study was to evaluate comparatively the predictive power of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), two anthropometric parameters used in daily practice, for detecting cardio-metabolic diseases, in a rural community in north-east Romania.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
We evaluated 3248 persons, aged 19 or over, for whom we collected the following data: medical history, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure value and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Both WC and BMI help correctly determine the presence of arterial hypertension, diabetes and dislipidemia. However, the cut-off value of each of these parameters differs for each pathology. The predictive value of WC for different cardio-metabolic diseases is maintained even at normal or borderline overweight values of BMI.


The CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramic powder was inserted in the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymeric matrix, with an increasing weight fraction of the filler, to form a flexible and high dielectric constant composite at the GHz region. The structural characterization of the samples was performed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The complex permittivity was calculated by the small perturbation theory using two resonant cavities (2.7 GHz and 5.0 GHz). Several classical models (Maxwell Garnett, Lichtenecker, effective medium theory (EMT), and Yamada) were used to fit the real part of the complex permittivity of the composite as a function of the weight fraction of CCTO powder inserted in the PVA matrix. The best predictions for the dielectric behavior of these samples were obtained with the EMT and Yamada models.


The improper and excessive use in agriculture of chlorpyrifos–methyl (CPSM) and chlorpyrifos–ethyl (CPSE) may affect the health of human beings. Herein, a fluorescence-based immunochromatographic assay (FICA) was developed for the simultaneous determination of CPSM and CPSE. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) with equal recognition of CPSM and CPSE was generated by the careful designing of haptens and screening of hybridoma cells. Instead of labeling fluorescence with mAb, the probe was labeled with goat-anti-mouse IgG (GAM-IgG) and pre-incubated with mAb in the sample. The complex could compete with CPS by coating antigen in the test line. The new format of FICA used goat-anti-rabbit IgG (GAR-IgG) conjugated with rabbit IgG labeled with fluorescence microspheres as an independent quality control line (C line). The novel strategy significantly reduced nonspecific reactions and increased assay sensitivity. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed FICA showed a linear range of 0.015–64 mg/L and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.015 mg/L for both CPSE and CPSM. The average recoveries of CPS from spiked food samples by FICA were 82.0–110.0%. The accuracy was similar to the gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) results. The developed FICA was an ideal on-site tool for rapid screening of CPS residues in foods.


The pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline (OTC) were investigated in rainbow trout in freshwater at 10.5 oC. A group of 70 fish received OTC, an intravascular injection (i.v.) of 5 mg/kg body weight. Another group of 105 fish were fed medicated feed containing a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. OTC plasma concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The pharmacokinetic parameters were described by a two-compartment open model giving distribution half-lives of 0.907 h and 16.058 h, and elimination half-lives of 33.5 h and 27 h for i.v. and oral administration of OTC, respectively. After i.v. administration of OTC, other pharmacokinetic parameters estimated were the area under the curve (AUC: 145.078 ± 4.45 mg.ml-1.h-1) and mean residence time (MRT: 40.604 ± 1.150 h). Following oral administration, AUC was 34.46 ± 1.189 mg.ml-1.h-1; MRT was 59.272 ± 1.541 h; Cmax was 0.577 mg/ml and Tmax was 36 h. The oral bioavailability (F) of OTC in rainbow trout was found to be only 1.187%.


The m-SnO2 powders loaded with noble metals (nM/m-SnO2, n; the amount of noble metals loaded (wt%), M: Pd or Au) have been prepared and their H2-sensing properties have been investigated in this study. The loading of Pd or Au to m-SnO2 was very effective in improving H2 sensing properties of almost all sensors. However, the response of nPd/m-SnO2 decreased with an increase in the amount of Pd loading at a higher temperature, probably because of a high catalytic oxidation activity of H2. Keyword: mesoporous, noble metal, hydrogen sensing, oxidation activity


Stocks are securities that can be bought or sold by individuals or institutions as a sign of participating or possessing a company in the amount of its proportions. From the lens of market capitalization values, stocks are divided into 3 groups: large capitalization (Big-Cap), medium capitalization (Mid-Cap) and small capitalization (Small-Cap). Longitudinal data is observation which is conducted as n subjects that are independent to each subject observed repeatedly in different periods dependently. Smoothing technique used to estimate the nonparametric regression model in longitudinal data is local polynomial estimator. Local polynomial estimator can be obtained by WLS (Weighted Least Square) methods. Local polynomial estimator is very dependent on optimal bandwidth. Determination of the optimal bandwidth can be obtained by using GCV (Generalized Cross Validation) method. Among the Gaussian kernel, Triangle kernel, Epanechnikov kernel and Biweight kernel, it is obtained the best model using Gaussian kernel. Based on the application of the model simultaneously, it is obtained coefficient of determination of 97,80174% and MSE values of 0,03053464. Using Gaussian kernel, MAPE out sample of data is obtained as 11,74493%.


With the help of basic network models, this paper sets out to assess the role of major rivers played in influencing and organizing interactions and communication between late Hallstatt-period communities in the south-western part of the Carpathian Basin


In every tight formation reservoir, natural fractures play an important role for mass and energy transport and stress distribution. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) make no exception, and stimulation aims at increasing the reservoir permeability to enhance fluid circulation and heat transport. EGS development relies upon the complex task of predicting accurate hydraulic fracture propagation pathway by taking into account reservoir heterogeneities and natural or preexisting fractures. In this contribution, we employ the variational phase‐field method, which handles hydraulic fracture initiation, propagation, and interaction with natural fractures and is tested under varying conditions of rock mechanical properties and natural fractures distributions. We run bidimensional finite element simulations employing the open‐source software OpenGeoSys and apply the model to simulate realistic stimulation scenarios, each one built from field data and considering complex natural fracture geometries in the order of a thousand of fractures. Key mechanical properties are derived from laboratory measurements on samples obtained in the field. Simulations results confirm the fundamental role played by natural fractures in stimulation's predictions, which is essential for developing successful EGS projects.


Objective: The fundamental objective of this analysis is to assess the potential effect of the phenolic plant extract from Syzygium cumini against bacterial culture. This response indicates the antibacterial properties of the phenolic extract of the plant which can be exploited as a feasible antibacterial agent. Methods: The antibacterial activity of the phenolic-rich extract was tested against human pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, glycosides, terpenoid, and tannins. Results: The phenolic extract showed potent inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacterium S. aureus and Gram-negative bacterium P. aeruginosa. The zone of inhibition obtained in the antibacterial assay was scrutinized, and the results obtained were analyzed in terms of the antibacterial activity. Conclusion: Hereby, inferring from the experimental outcomes, the phenolic plant extract of S. cumini can be used as an effective antibacterial agent.


Abstract ITIL (IT infrastructure library) is a specific, detailed, and widely used service management framework commonly implemented with relevant IS controls from ITG frameworks resulting in integrated ITIL deployment. Since cultural differences impact ITG implementations, it remains unknown whether the success factors of ITG implementation that are applicable in one context can be transposed into a distinctly different context and lead to integrated ITIL deployment. Hence the objective of this study is to come up with a set of success factors from the Asian context gleaned through (I) a high level ITG model and (2) an ITIL specific perspective resulting in a classified set of success factors from an ITG perspective for integrated ITIL deployment. This is done through an exploratory study of six successful LTG/ITIL implemented organizations in the United Arab Emirates through interviews with key IS audit and security personnel. Information is obtained from the respondents on the appropriate success factors to be used for ITIL deployment rather than their experiences in implementing ITIL. While valuable research have been done on 'best practices', 'critical success factors', 'success factors', and 'adoption factors' for ITIL implementation, the objective in this study is not only to test the existing list in a different context but also extend and classify the list from a broader ITG and ITIL specific perspective, and to provide contextual positioning of success factors for practitioners


Summary Orofacial injuries are common in sporting activities, depending on type of sport and many other factors. Temporomandibular injuries and disorders have been found in 2 – 6 % of all orofacial injuries cases, and they are the result of macrotraumas and microtraumas of the mandible, the temporomandibular joint and adjacent anatomic structures. The results of such traumas are of different symptomatology and can lead to a temporary or permanent cessation of sporting activity. Most injuries in sports, including orofacial and temporomandibular disorders, are predictable and therefore preventable. Measures for preventing orofacial injuries and temporomandibular disorders in sporting activities include various types of protection appliances: extraoral, interdental (intraoral) and combined mouth and teeth protectors. Interdental sports guards (mouthguards) can be stock or ready-made, mouth-formed or custom-made mouthguards. These mouthguards, mutually different in quality, play a very important role in prevention of orofacial and temporomandibular tissue injuries. Use of mouthguards significantly reduces the number of orofacial tissue injuries, and also reduces the severity of sustained injuries. Sports injuries, including those to orofacial and temporomandibular area, regardless of whether they are incurred in recreational or competitive sport, require multidisciplinary approach, both in diagnostics and treatment and in implementation of prevention measures. Sports physicians, coaches, sports officials, parents and athletes themselves, should also be permanently educated on the exceptional importance of prevention measures, thus making the role of dentist in sport unavoidable.


Dispersion is the relation existing between frequency (o) and propagation vector (k) in a wave. For electromagnetic waves in a vacuum, this is the well known relation o 1⁄4 ck, where c is the light speed in vacuum, but the presence of matter changes this simple relation in a way that depends on the interaction between the wave and the medium. In linear wave theory, the mathematical treatment of the interaction is valid for any kind of wave phenomena encountered in electrodynamics, mechanics of continuous media, plasma physics, electronics, etc. Therefore, the authors of the book put this phenomenon in a general mathematical frame, showing that any physical situation may be treated in a unified way in the theory of linear waves, in both cases of equilibrium and non-equilibrium media. Correctly, the authors ask themselves what is the need of a book on this subject, on which a number of textbooks already exist. The answer is that they have made an effort to present a mathematical approach valid irrespectively of the physical nature of the wave process. They offer the general theory of linear waves as a branch of mathematical physics describing the waves, irrespective of the physical nature of the media. After a first chapter which introduces the general formalism and the definitions, in the remaining chapters, a number of situations are considered, and although emphasis is on electromagnetic waves, other kinds of undulatory phenomena are also considered. To show how the general formalism should be applied, in the second chapter, several problems are discussed starting from the trivial situation of an electromagnetic plane wave in vacuum. The discussion continues with application to a great number of situations in plasma, considering next metals, isotropic dielectric, magneto-hydrodynamic waves and acoustic waves in crystals. Plasmas and plasma-like media deserve special attention all along the book. The third chapter shows how the dispersion relations are derived in the case of waves in coupled media. The slow amplitude method is employed and electromagnetic waves are considered. Dissipation is taken into account. A section is devoted to dispersion relations in periodic structures deriving in an elegant way the Bragg dispersion relations. The non-harmonic case is dealt with in the fourth and fifth chapter in which the equilibrium and nonequilibrium cases, respectively, are considered. The last two chapters treat the theory of instability and the case of radiation emitted by sources in motion, respectively. A general theory of instabilities of linear systems is given, in which the criteria for absolute and convective instabilities are formulated and compared, and Green's functions for some non-equilibrium media are calculated. Along with traditional information, the book contains also new original results. Three appendices are enclosed. One on the absorption of the energy of a localised source, extending the discussion given in the text to the case of a non-harmonic source. The second on the theory of electromagnetic wave scattering by a free electron, and the last one on electromagnetic wave emission, obtained by the solution of the wave equation with prescribed charge and current densities. A meagre list of 36 references is given at the end of the book. It is simply a list of books, many in the Russian language or available in Russia because they were translated in Russian. There is no alphabetical index of arguments, and no author is quoted in the text. The text is based on lectures given by the authors to senior physics students at Moscow State University. The English translation is good. The typographical presentation is good, and the book is easily read. The unified treatment of dispersion is very appealing, and the presentation is clear; therefore, the book recommends itself not only to experts and students of the field but also to anybody who wants to have a general and unified information of the argument. I add that although the treatment is exquisitely mathematical, it is agreeably read also by a physicist.


Methyldopa is an enzyme inhibitor and an effective antihypertensive agent in man. In a study of 33 hypertensive patients, mean blood pressure levels were reduced more than 10% for the sitting position in 61%, and for the standing position in 71%. There were indications of liver damage in seven patients, probable drug fever in one, fluid retention in four, and aggravation of angina pectoris in two. The best indication for the use of methyldopa appeared to be renal insufficiency in hypertensive patients. The authors hesitate to advocate other than investigational use of this drug until the significance of its effects on the heart and liver are more clearly established.


The importance of chromatic and achromatic cues in aposematism is well established, but in situ experiments investigating their comparative roles within a single warning signal remain rare. In a predation experiment, we examined their relative importance in pink warty sea cucumbers Cercodemas anceps Selenka, 1867, by asking (1) Do chromatic and achromatic cues have significant effects on attack rate? (2) Are their effects independent? (3) Does one have more influence on attack rate than the other? Using a multispectral imaging-based technique, we fabricated 4 types of clay models based on the hues, chroma and luminance levels of the animals and the background. Models were deployed in sets of 4 at 2 sites (n = 65 sets) for 3 days, and the number of imprints from predation attempts was recorded. A generalised linear mixed model analysis showed that both types of cues had significant but independent effects on attack rates and that chromatic cues had a greater effect compared to achromatic ones. This study, the first manipulative investigation into holothurian aposematism, demonstrates the potential for chromatic and achromatic cues to play distinct roles in animal signalling, and highlights the importance of accurate experimental models.


Background Females compared with males display greater sensitivity in response to noxious stimulation and especially the pressure pain and electrical stimulation are largest1). In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), females compared with males score significantly higher on ESR, patient's global assessment, tender joint count (TJC), HAQ, DAS28ESR, and DAS28CRP just before initiation of first biologics therapy2). Barnabe3) supports that treatment with disease-modifying therapy results improvement in mean pain scores for both sexes: however, female absolute scores remain higher in RA. But there is no article on a correlation between the TJC and the swollen joint count (SJC) in terms of sex in RA. Objectives To investigate sex differences in the gaps between the TJC and the SJC in patients with RA. Methods We detected the data of the patients who had more than 6 swollen joints and less than 10 years disease duration just before initiation of first biologics therapy. The TJC and the SJC were evaluated using 28 joints. We determined the gaps between the TJC and the SJC (TJSJ gap) using the following equation: TJSJ gap = TJC- SJC. Demographic data and disease activity parameters were collected at base line, 3 and 6 months after biologics treatment started. The differences between females and males were compared using a t-test and a Fisher's exact tests. Results A total of 115 patients, of whom 25 were males and 90 females, were detected. Of these patients, 49 received infliximab treatment, 49 eternercept treatment, 8 adalimumab treatment, 5 tocilizumab treatment and 4 abatacept treatment and there are no sex differences in the sort of biologics treatment. At base line, there are no sex differences in age, disease duration, SJC, evaluator's global assessment, patient's global assessment, ESR, DAS28ESR, DAS28CRP, CDAI, SDAI, and concomitant prednisolone and methotrexate. But TJC and TJSJ gap were higher, and CRP was lower in females. There were no sex differences of all variable except higher TJSJ gap at 3 months and higher TJC at 6 months in females. The mean TJC for males and females, were 7.5, 10.7 at base line, and 3.0, 4.2 at 3 months, and 1.5, 3.8 at 6 months, respectively. The mean SJC for males and females, were 9.5, 9.2 at base line, and 4.0, 3.1 at 3 months, and 2.3, 2.7 at 6 months, respectively. The mean TJSJ gap for males and females, were -2.00, 1.53 at base line, and -1.05, 1.09 at 3 months, and -0.86, 1.05 at 6 months, respectively. Conclusions Despite a similar disease activity, females compared with males had more tender joints than swollen joints, just before initiation of first biologics therapy in patients with RA. Sex differences in gaps between the tender joint count and the swollen joint count decreased over time after biologics therapy started. References Joseph L. Riley 3rd, et al.: Sex differences in the perception of noxious experimental stimuli: a meta-analysis. Pain 1998, 74(2-3): 181-187 Nienke Lesuis, et al.: Gender and the treatment of immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis: an observational study. BMC Med. 2012 Aug 1;10:82. Cheryl Barnabe, et al.: Sex differences in pain scores and localization in inflammatory arthritis: A systematic review and metaanalysis. J Rheumatology 2012, 39: 1221-30. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Portable microwave test packages used to evaluate a new 34-m-diameter beam-waveguide (BWG) antenna are described. The experimental methodology involved transporting test packages to different focal points of the BWG system and making noise temperature, antenna efficiency, and holography measurements. Comparisons of data measured at the different focal points enabled determinations of performance degradations caused by various mirrors in the BWG system. It is shown that, due to remarkable stabilities and accuracies of radiometric data obtained through the use of the microwave test packages, degradations caused by the BWG system were successfully determined. >


A novel hybrid integrated scheme is proposed for a high-performance resonant micro-optic gyro (RMOG), which requires a low-loss micro-ring resonator for mass production. A new record for the RMOG is established experimentally with a short fiber ring resonator and an integrated signal detecting and processing circuit. The finesse of the short fiber ring resonator with a length of 60 cm and a diameter of 4.77 cm is as high as 202, and the theoretical sensitivity of the RMOG is better than 0.3°/h assuming the average optical intensity at the photodetector is 1 mW. The 60 cm long spliceless micro-ring resonator is experimentally proved to be sufficient for a tactical-grade RMOG. An angle random walk coefficient of 0.64°/√h and a typical bias stability below 9.6°/h for the integration time of 50 s are successfully demonstrated using an innovative open-loop approach for an operation time of 1600 s.


In order to rehabilitate islands of the Kerguelen Archipelago degraded by the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), a program of eradication by poisoning was implemented from 1992 onwards on three islands: Verte Island (148 ha), Guillou Island (145 ha) and Cochons Island (165 ha). The poison used was a first-generation anticoagulant, chlorophacinone (0.05 g kg –1 ) on wheat bait treated to prevent germination. Bait was applied during the winter (July) in 1992 on Verte Island, in 1994 on Guillou Island and in 1997 on Cochons Island. Before poisoning, there were about 1250–1300 rabbits on Verte and Guillou Islands (9 rabbits per hectare) and 2600 rabbits on Cochons Island (16 rabbits per hectare). In total, about 1200, 1300 and 1600 kg of bait were distributed respectively on each island. Fifteen days after poisoning commenced 90% of the rabbits had died on Verte and Guillou Islands and 80% on Cochons Island. Two months later, only a small number of individuals survived; these were eliminated by shooting or poisoning, except on Cochons Island where a second bait application was necessary in the winter of 1999. No rabbits or tracks have been observed since 1994 on Verte Island, and since 1996 on Guillou Island, and the elimination of the last individuals is under way on Cochons Island. Inadvertent poisoning of non-target species by primary poisoning mainly involved two species of native birds (Larus dominicanus, Anas eatoni) and the mouse (Mus musculus) on Guillou and Cochons Islands. The cat (Feliss catus) on Guillou Island was the only species killed by secondary poisoning. The results are compared with other rabbit-eradication operations using a second-generation anticoagulant.


This paper proposes "Electric Spring" (ES) based on Single Phase three-level Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter to achieve effective demand side management for stabilizing smart grid fed by substantial intermittent renewable energy sources (RES). Considering the most attractive features of multilevel inverter (MLI), an effective structure of Electric Spring is proposed for suppressing voltage fluctuation in power distribution network arising due to RES and maintaining the critical load voltage. Also, the operation of ES in capacitive as well as inductive mode is discussed. Further, the paper describes droop control method for parallel operation of distributed electric spring for stabilization the power grid. An exclusive dynamic performance of the system using electric spring has been tested and demonstrated through detailed MATLAB simulation.


Introduction: Evaluating diabetes prevalence and prediabetes risk in rural settings can be difficult due to sparse population coverage and limited data.
 Objective: To evaluate diabetes burden and prediabetes risk in a rural county with documented poor health outcomes.
 Methods: In 2021, we mailed health surveys to all households in Sullivan County, a rural county with the second-worst health outcomes of all counties in New York State. We included questions on demographics, medical history, and the American Diabetes Association's Prediabetes Risk Test in our survey. A score of 5 points or higher on this test is considered high risk for having prediabetes. To help mitigate non-response bias, statistical raking was performed using age, sex, race/ethnicity, and health insurance strata. We analyzed diabetes prevalence and prediabetes risk by demographic characteristics. We also used geospatial analysis within the county to assess for clustering of diagnosed diabetes cases and elevated prediabetes risk scores.
 Results: Of 4,725 survey responses analyzed, the adjusted diabetes prevalence in our sample was 14% compared to the 20BRFSS estimate of 8.6% for Sullivan County. In this rural area, diabetes prevalence was notably higher among non-Hispanic Black (23%) and Hispanic (16%) residents compared to non-Hispanic White (13%) residents. Prediabetes risk scores were elevated among 41% of respondents without a history of diabetes. Nearest neighbor analyses revealed that hotspots of diagnosed diabetes and high prediabetes risk scores were primarily located in more urban areas of this rural county.
 Conclusion: Our mailed health survey to all residents in Sullivan county demonstrated higher diabetes prevalence compared to modelled BRFSS estimates that are based on a small telephone sample. Our results suggest the need for better diabetes surveillance in rural communities, which may benefit from interventions specifically tailored for improving glycemic control among rural residents.

 D.C.Lee: None. N.A.Mcgraw: None. L.Thorpe: None. C.Quintero arias: None. M.Rony: None. R.Patel: None. E.Jensen: None. R.Petcu: None. D.M.Imas: None. B.Elbel: None. R.Anthopolos: None.

 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK124400)


is not too clear. For instance in C.A.G. xviii. 2. xxi—xxiii Busse published Pseudo-Elias 22. 1-12 and 16-21, not 22. 1-24, as we might think from Westerink, p. x, and while Westerink gives Busse credit for his emendations to 12. 6-19, he does not mention the points on which Busse anticipated him elsewhere. As an editor Westerink is confident and robust, inserting whole lines of conjecture into the text, e.g. in 8. 20 and 19. 30, and never at a loss for a filling to a lacuna, whether of his own spotting (e.g. 33. 1) or indicated in the manuscripts (e.g. 43. 38-9). The book contains good indexes, and parallels in David, Elias, and other authors are generously cited.


In this paper, the kinematics and inverse dynamics of a novel kind of mechanism called a general 3-PRS parallel mechanism is investigated. In the kinematics study, the inverse kinematics solution is derived in closed form, and the forward kinematics problem is resolved by the Newton iterative method seeking for an on-line solution to this issue. The inverse dynamics analysis is approached with two methods: Lagrangian formulations and principle of virtual work. After deriving the dynamic model by a Lagrangian formulation approach, the simulation results of two introduced examples quantitatively and qualitatively verify the accuracy of the derived dynamic equations. By introducing a simplifying hypothesis, a simplified dynamic model is set up using principle of virtual work, also a computer simulation is performed on this reduced model. The simulation results demonstrate that the simplified dynamic model is reasonable under such kind of assumptions through comparison with the precise model derived from the Lagrangian formulation. The inverse dynamics analysis provides a sound basis to develop controllers for controlling over a general 3-PRS parallel robot.


Purpose: To report the results of combined ab externo and ab interno revision with mitomycin C (MMC) of failed filtering blebs in glaucoma patients. Methods: Glaucoma patients with a failed trabeculectomy who had undergone internal and external revision with MMC in the last 6 years with at least 12 months of follow-up were considered. All study patients followed the same protocol in the operating room: injection of 0.2 mL of MMC (0.4 mg/mL) 2 cm lateral from the bleb followed by internal revision with an iris spatula and external revision with a 26-G × ½" needle. Success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥6 mm Hg and ≤18 mm Hg with (qualified) or without (absolute) any ocular hypotensive drugs. Results: The study included 25 eyes of 22 glaucoma patients. Mean age was 65.2 ± 10.5 years. Mean follow-up was 26.9 ± 10.3 months. The IOP was reduced from 24.5 ± 6.0 mm Hg preoperatively to 10.0 ± 3.3 mm Hg at the last visit (p<0.001). The number of ocular hypotensive medications was reduced from 1.8 ± 1.0 to 0.2 ± 0.6 (p<0.001). There was no change in visual acuity (0.83 ± 0.75 vs 0.83 ± 0.74, p = 0.7). Three patients developed choroidal detachment, another eye had a transient hypotony with maculopathy, and 2 patients developed cataract. Absolute success was achieved in 80% of eyes, and qualified success in 16% of eyes. Conclusions: Combined ab externo and ab interno revision with MMC can be an effective technique to revitalize failed filtering blebs in glaucoma patients with minimal complications.


AIM
To construct phage display library of anti-chymopapain scFv.

METHODS
V(H) and V(L) gene repertoires were amplified from splenocyte mRNA by RT-PCR and joined by a (Gly(4)ser)3 linker to obtain scFv genes. The scFv genes were then cloned into phagemid pFAB5C to construct phage display library. Affinity selection and ELISA were used to identify specific phage antibody to chymopapain.

RESULTS
After 4 rounds of panning, high affinity scFv was obtained.

CONCLUSION
Phage display library of anti-chymopapain scFv was successfully constructed, and scFv with binding ability to chymopapain was obtained.


Introduction:  Cerebral hydatid disease (CHD) is rare and the multiple-cystic variety is even rarer. In this paper, we report a case of multiple CHD and explore a possible link with a preceding spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).
Case presentation: A 27-year old gentleman with a history of surgically-evacuated, spontaneous ICH presented with severe headache, left-sided weakness - Medical Research Council (MRC) grade II - and recurrent tonic-clonic seizures, while on a full dose of anti-epileptic medication. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed multiple intra-axial cystic lesions in the right hemisphere. The cysts were removed intact using Dowling's technique through a large temporoparietal craniotomy. The surgery went uneventful and the patient recovered as expected. Post-operatively, a prophylactic course of albendazole (200 mg) was prescribed. On his one-year follow-up visit, the patient was symptom-free and his weakness had improved (left upper limb: MRC grade IV and full power of the left lower limb). The computed tomography (CT) scan showed no new findings.
Conclusion: Primary cerebral hydatid disease is rare and the multiple-cyst variety is even rare. In this case, a peculiar association with a surgically-treated ICH was explored with possible theories to suggest future research directions.


In this paper, we study Lie symmetry and conserved quantities for a mechanical-electrical system. The criterion of the Lie symmetry for this system is given. The generalized Hojman conserved quantity and generalized Lutzky conserved quantity deduced from the Lie symmetry for the system are obtained. An example is presented to illustrate the results.


This paper presents the design and implementation of a campus-patrol robot project. Autonomous patrol and web-presence are set as two basic functionalities of the campus-patrol robot. The robot is equipped with diverse sensors. Different data fusion techniques have been applied. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) is used to fuse the data from GPS and electronic compass for the localization and navigation task. And a Bayesian data fusion strategy is used to solve the problem of obstacle detection and avoidance. The web presence of the patrol robot is assured through a website and a web-based remote control platform which allows users to access the real images captured by the patrol robot and to control the viewing angle from a remote place via Internet. Keywords: autonomous patrol robot; multi-sensor data fusion; obstacle avoidance.


Nonlinear quantum-mechanical phenomena in strong laser fields, such as high-order harmonic generation (HHG) and above-threshold ionization (ATI) are significantly modified if the applied laser field is bichromatic and/or elliptically polarized. Numerical results obtained within the strong-field approximation are presented for two special cases. We show results for HHG by plasma ablation in a bichromatic linearly polarized laser field. We also consider the ATI process in bicircular field which consists of two coplanar counter-rotating circularly polarized fields.


Intermittency of multiplicity distributions in proton-antiproton collisions and electron-positron annihilation is studied using the dimension invariance approach. It is shown that virtual states occur in these processes and that the corresponding effective fractal dimensions can be obtained using the multifractal analysis of the experimental data. The problem of dynamical and statistical fluctuations is also discussed in the context of the dimension invariance approach.


The device structure and the device design methodology to achieve the low voltage-low power sub-0.1 μm MOS devices are discussed. It is shown in the simulation that it is difficult to simultaneously satisfy two requirements to suppress the short channel effect and to improve the device performance in the sub-0.1 μm devices. It is experimentally demonstrated that the short channel effect can be sufficiently suppressed by employing the double punchthrough stopper structure even in the sub-0.1 μm devices with the gate length of 0.07 μm if the reduced improvement of the device performance is allowed.


UNLABELLED
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: Management of papillary and follicular cancer of the thyroid varies somewhat between centers because of the generally good prognosis and the absence of well-controlled therapeutic trials. The internationally recognized TNM system is widely used to modulate treatment and follow-up to the individual situation.

PRIMARY TREATMENT
Surgery is indicated in well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Total thyroidectomy is required for clinically patent tumors (> or = 1 cm) and small tumors (< 1 cm) recognized prior to surgery. For small tumors found at histology examination, reoperation is discussed in terms of prognosis. Post-operative 131-iodine is indicated when surgical resection is incomplete or in case of unfavorable prognosis. External radiotherapy is currently reserved for exceptional cases with unremoved tumoral tissue unresponsive to 131-iodine.

FOLLOW-UP
All operated patients are given L-thyroxine to achieve euthyroidism and low TSH levels (< 0.1 microU/ml). Early detection of relapse is based on combined thyroglobulin assay and whole body 131-iodine scintigraphy. Both are performed during the first year of follow-up after a period of thyroid hormone withdrawal. Human recombinant TSH will soon be available allowing selection of patients with a detectable thyroglobulin level after stimulation; these patients should have a 131-iodine scintigram. If thyroglobulin remains undetectable during L-thyroxine treatment, an annual dosage is indicated and other exams are unwarranted.

RELAPSE
Surgery is indicated in case of small areas of active recurrent tumoral tissue in a cervical location. If a high-sensitivity scintigram does not show iodine uptake, the surgical procedure is completed by radiotherapy or possibly chemotherapy with doxorubicin. Small recurrent tumors in other areas respond to 131-iodine (3.7 GBq). Surgery, 131-iodine and radiotherapy are usually indicated for large ectopic recurrences. Chemotherapy is ineffective.

CURRENT PROTOCOLS
Standard primary therapy generally provides cure and most patients are followed by annual thyroglobulin and TSH assays. Other explorations beginning with a whole-body 131-scintigram may be indicated in selected patients.


Smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation is an important process during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It is well known that alterations of VSMC phenotype play a role in the progression of several cardiovascular disorders including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling the differentiation and development of VSMC are largely unknown. Mesenchyme homeobox 1 (MEOX1) is expressed in the early developing somite and derivatives during embryogenesis. Somite has been shown to be one of the origins or progenitors for SMC. Therefore, in this study, we studied the role of MEOX1 in SMC differentiation. We found that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induces MEOX1 expression in the initial phase of SMC differentiation of pluripotent mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells. MEOX1 expression appears to be mediated by both PI3 kinase and Smad3 signaling pathways because blockade of these two pathways by specific inhibitors leads to a decreased expression of MEOX1 and SMC markers. Importantly, knockdown of MEOX1 by specific shRNA suppresses TGF-β-induced expression of SMC early markers including SM22α and calponin. MEOX1 overexpression, on the other hand, increases SMC marker expression. These results indicate that MEOX1 is a novel regulator for TGF-β-induced SMC differentiation.


The emerging IEEE 802.16e Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) network is one of the most promising solutions to provide ubiquitous wireless access with high data rates, high mobility, and wide coverage. In the paper we develop a novel Connection Admission Control (CAC) algorithm for IEEE 802.16e mobile BWA networks to simultaneously improve the utilization efficiency of network resources and guarantee Quality of Services (QoS) for handoff connections. The proposed CAC scheme dynamically adjusts the amount of reserved bandwidth for handoff users according to the arrival distributions of handoff and new coming connections. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CAC algorithm can increase the number of admitted connections and also provide handoff QoS.


Adam Smith made two positive claims about slavery in the context of developing economies. First, Smith explains that slavery is in general highly inefficient. By his account, the net product under freedom is 12 times larger than under slavery. Second, he observes that, despite its inefficiencies, slavery persists in most of the world. Taken together, these claims create a fundamental puzzle: Why do elites – owning slaves and holding political control – fail to make themselves better off by freeing their slaves? Smith gives two very different answers to this puzzle. The first is psychological. Smith asserts that people have a fundamental desire to dominate others, and slavery provided that opportunity for slaveholding elites. The first explanation is the most commonly advanced in the literature. Yet no where else does Smith use the assumption of domination. This explanation therefore seems ad hoc. I favor instead Smith's second explanation. This argument, far less known, involves commitment problems. Freeing the slaves would deprive slaveholders of their property. How would they be compensated? In principle, a long-term compensation scheme could solve this problem. But in the undeveloped societies Smith discusses, such as feudal Europe, long-term contracts were difficult to enforce. Indeed, I show that both parties to the long-term compensation scheme had incentives to dishonor it. In the presence of commitment problems, masters could not be assured they would, in fact, be better off freeing their slaves. Slaveholders therefore rationally avoided emancipation despite its inefficiency


Microbiological diagnosis of OAI is based on culture on several media. French experts recommend the use of liquid media such as Schaedler broth, but many laboratories use blood culture media with automated detection in substitution because it is more convenient. ABSTRACT Microbiological diagnosis of osteoarticular infections (OAIs) is based on culture on several media. Experts recommend the use of liquid media, such as Schaedler broth, but many laboratories use blood culture media with automated detection instead for convenience. We aimed to evaluate the performance of culturing in BacT/Alert (bioMérieux) bottles for the microbiological diagnosis of OAI versus culturing in Schaedler broth. This prospective study was conducted on all osteoarticular specimens sent to the microbiology laboratories of the Versailles and Diaconesses Croix Saint-Simon hospitals between October 2016 and February 2017. Each sample was inoculated onto solid agar, into BacT/Alert bottles incubated for 14 days, and into a Schaedler broth incubated for 14 days with daily reading. The gold standard was defined as follow: OAI was diagnosed for a patient if at least two samples were positive for a nonskin microorganism and at least three for a cutaneous species. The times to detection were compared. A total of 1,616 specimens from 349 patients were collected. BacT/Alert bottles were significantly more sensitive than the Schaedler process for OAI diagnosis (114/135 OAI detected by BacT/Alert bottles; 91/135 OAI detected by Schaedler broth; +17.0% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 6.8%, 27.3%]; P = 0.0004). The time to detection was significantly shorter using BacT/Alert bottles (2.0 ± 2.2 days) than using Schaedler broth (4.6 ± 3.6 days, P < 0.0001). The culture of osteoarticular specimens in BacT/Alert bottles allows bacterial enrichment with an automated detection of positivity. Their use decreased detection time and increased sensitivity, making it a useful tool for the diagnosis of OAI that should be included among the recommended media. IMPORTANCE Microbiological diagnosis of OAI is based on culture on several media. French experts recommend the use of liquid media such as Schaedler broth, but many laboratories use blood culture media with automated detection in substitution because it is more convenient. We report here a prospective multicentric study evaluating the performance of culture in BacT/Alert (bioMérieux) bottles for microbiological diagnosis of OAI in comparison with culture in Schaedler broth. A total of 1,616 osteoarticular specimens from 349 patients were collected and inoculated onto agar, into BacT/Alert aerobic and anaerobic bottles, and into a Schaedler broth. BacT/Alert bottles were significantly more sensitive than the Schaedler process for OAI diagnosis (+17.0% [95% CI, 6.8%, 27.3%], P = 0.0004). The time to detection was significantly shorter for the BacT/Alert bottles (2.0 ± 2.2 days) than for Schaedler broth (4.6 ± 3.6 days, P < 0.0001). This study suggests that the use of BacT/Alert bottles should be recommended in microbiological diagnosis of OAI.


This article looks at China studies produced in Pakistani think tanks, and then it explores nexuses between knowledge and policy. Think tanks are considered as 'knowledge reservoirs'. Their knowledge is taken as input and feedback on important policy issues. Their close relationship with policy institutions, in terms of, their contributions, feedback, inputs, and ideas help shape policies. In Pakistan, think tanks have played a pivotal role in generating ideas, discourses and public opinion in society. Interestingly, these domestic images on China and Pakistan-China relations in Pakistani think tanks show how historical knowledge could contribute to shaping Pakistan's China policy. The study argues that the previous studies on China and Pakistan-China relations have been dictated by power politics factors in which India and US have loomed large. In this article, a Constructivist perspective of International Relations is chosen to understand, how ideas, discourses, studies, and knowledge could shape Pakistan's policy towards China. Adopting the qualitative approach, this research collected data through primary and secondary sources. It conducted interviews from the senior think tank analysts in Pakistan. This study revealed that indigenous knowledge produced in Pakistani think tanks, in particular, China Studies, have positively contributed to shaping Pakistan's China policy.


Abstract Action research bridges the gap between theory and practice in education by empowering the teachers as the primary investigators. This study examines a semester long project in which second year teachers implemented classroom-based research endeavors in their classrooms while taking part in a graduate class. The researcher shares teacher-selected topics, challenges, and findings from the projects. Benefits of having teachers participate in action research projects in a supportive environment are shared. Introduction Often research about classrooms and schools is implemented by researchers outside of K-12 settings. While these findings certainly contribute to the understanding of teaching and learning, teachers need to be involved in the study of their own practice so they can see how assessment can be valuable information for their classrooms. "If we think of the self-study and action research as embedded assessments, the participants are doing the research and gaining in their own professional and personal development as a result of doing the research" (Oja, 2002, p. 1). Action research bridges the gap between theory and practice in education by empowering the teachers as the primary investigators. Teachers study classroom or school problems, collecting data on new practices with the goal of improving student academic or social learning or school climate (Capobianco, Horowitz, Canuel-Browne, & Trinarchi, 2004; Jaworski & Lee, 1997). Johnson (2002) describes the 'Action Research Quadrant' as "a two way flow of information in AR where theories and research related to best practice are used to understand and observe what is happening in a classroom setting, and at the same time, the data is used to understand or inform theories and research related to best practice" (p. 17). Involving teachers in the process of research invites teachers to take risks and make changes in their teaching practices and philosophy (Johnson, 2002). Action research promotes teachers' professional growth by giving them ownership of their practices, involving them in the reflective process, expanding their pedagogy, and highlighting the connection between teaching and student achievement (Hensen, 1996). Using action research as a form of staff development increases professionalism in education (Tomlinson, 1995) and allows teachers to become agents of change (Hensen, 1996). This article describes a semester long project in which second year teachers implemented classroom-based research endeavors in their classrooms while taking part in a graduate class, "Teacher as Inquirer." The Project The elementary and middle school teachers involved in action research projects were enrolled in a two-year graduate program in teacher education. While seeking certification they were teaching in urban, Catholic schools. Some participants were struggling with classroom management issues and were not yet confident in their teaching ability. A few were questioning their decision to stay in the teaching profession and some were disheartened by their experience. On the first day of class the participants voiced frustrations. They wanted practical ideas and strategies that they could bring back to their classrooms where they were teaching a class of 25-30 inner-city students in a school with limited resources and materials. Designing the course around participants' needs, the instructor used a model of action research which incorporated a cycle of planning, acting, observing and reflecting (Hopkins, 1985; Keemis, 1982). In the planning stage, a problem is identified and a strategy to address the problem is designed. Next, in the acting stage and observing stage, the strategy is incorporated and the teacher records the results using various methods. Conclusions are drawn in the reflection stage and the original plan may be modified. Participants were asked to examine their practices and identify the struggles that they were facing or select strategies they would like to try. …


We show that the number of conjugacy classes of maximal finite subgroups of a lattice in a semisimple Lie group is linearly bounded by the covolume of the lattice. Moreover, for higher rank groups, we show that this number grows sublinearly with covolume. We obtain similar results for isotropy subgroups in lattices. Geometrically, this yields volume bounds for the number of strata in the natural stratification of a finite-volume locally symmetric orbifold.


A new approach, which combines the Penn State/National Center for Atmospheric Research mesoscale model MM5 with a recently developed statistical downscaling scheme, has been investigated for the prediction of rainfall over scales (grid sizes) ranging from the atmospheric model scale (> 10 km) to subgrid scale (around 1 km). The innovation of the proposed dynamical/statistical hybrid approach lies on having unraveled a link between larger-scale dynamics of the atmosphere and smaller-scale statistics of the rainfall fields [Perica and Foufoula-Georgiou, 1996a], which then permits the coupling of a mesoscale dynamical model with a small-scale statistical parameterization of rainfall. This coupling is two-way interactive and offers the capability of investigating the feedback effects of subgrid-scale rainfall spatial variability on the further development of a rainfall system and on the surface energy balance and water partitioning over the MM5 model grids. The results of simulating rainfall in a strong convection system observed during the Oklahoma-Kansas Preliminary Regional Experiment for STORM-Central (PRESTORM) on June 10-11, 1985 show that (1) the dynamical/statistical hybrid approach is a useful and cost-effective scheme to predict rainfall at subgrid scales (around 1 km) based on larger-scale atmospheric model predictions, and (2) the inclusion of the subgrid-scale rainfall spatial variability can significantly affect the surface temperature distribution and the short-term (< 24 hour) prediction of rainfall intensity.


SUMMARY Various mechanisms that enable and improve transmission success of myxozoan actinospore stages towards fish hosts are described, based upon a combination of experimental data and functional analysis of morphological characters. For this purpose, laboratory-reared actinospores of Myxobolus cerebralis, Myxobolus parviformis, Henneguya nuesslini and Myxobolus pseudodispar were employed to exemplarily investigate aspects of host attachment and invasion. The process of polar filament discharge of M. cerebralis actinospores was analysed, showing that full discharge occurs in less than 10 msec. Additionally, a mechanism that rapidly contracts the discharged filament after discharge is described for the first time. Its purpose is most likely to bring the actinospore apex rapidly into intimate contact with the surface of the host. Unlike M. cerebralis, M. parviformis actinospores did not discharge polar filaments after mechanical and chemical stimulation, suggesting a different mode of triggering. For H. nuesslini actinospores, experimental results indicated that polar filament discharge is independent of external calcium-ion concentration but is influenced by osmolality. After attachment of an actinospore and prior to penetration into the host, an ensheathed unit ('endospore'), containing the sporoplasm, was emitted from the valves in a manner which varied from species to species. Experimentally induced sporoplasm emission was time-dependent and was found to be independent of polar filament discharge in H. nuesslini. Remarkably, it could be concluded that the sporoplasm is able to recognize host-stimuli while still within the intact spore. An updated summary of the sequential course of events during host recognition and invasion by actinospores is given.


The simple perturbative description of the main polarization effects in molecular systems is tested and calibrated using the modified Hamiltonian MNDO SCF results for the cyano group CN- perturbed by positive or negative point charges. The relative importance of various polarization channels is examined and the reliability of the MNDO predictions is investigated by testing them against the respective ab initio modified Hamiltonian results. It is shown that the δ-function approximation of the point-charge perturbative potential leads to semiquantitatively correct density relaxation patterns, already within one-channel approximation.


Stabilization of a linear time-invariant single-input single-output plant with a variable operating condition is considered. The plant is represented as an interpolation of two nominal models described by proper stable factorizations of their transfer functions. An interpolation of stabilizing controllers for the nominal plant models is applied to the interpolated plant. The stabilization problem is reduced to a Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem, and the necessary and sufficient condition is derived for the existence of a stabilizing controller. It is shown that the class of systems stabilizable by interpolated controllers is larger than that stabilizable by fixed controllers.


uk Abstract- The future generation wireless networks will demand more intelligent and adaptive hand over decision mechanisms to fulfill users' expectations in terms of seamless mobility over extensive area, minimum usage cost, high data rate and adequate QoS provision and so on. The use of fuzzy logic is one of the methods to enhance system intelligence. Most fuzzy logic based approaches proposed in the literature are monolithic in which the decision are made by a single decision engine. As a result, the decision engine needs a large number of fuzzy rules to reach the final decision. This computational complexity requires a significantly long execution time, which may not be acceptable for real-time applications. We are proposing a new modular handover decision algorithm based on fuzzy logic, which aims to reduce the execution time. The results show that this approach has a significant advantage over a monolithic approach. Keywords-modular, ' monolithic; fuzzy logic,' "andover decision,' wireless networks


: Policy Integration Of Environmental Education With The School "Adiwiyata" (Study In SMAN 1 Puncu Sub District Puncu Kediri Regency). Environmental education is one of embodiment of law no 32 of 2009 on protection and management of the environment, especially article 65 paragraph 2 that on of the right of the society is getting environmental education. policy integration of environmental education in SMAN 1 Puncu, Puncu districts, Kediri districts is realized in from of implementation of program that made by the government and run by the schools. The realization of integratitation of environmental education in schools, then the schools proved to rush to get to school that is able to build a life that love to the environmental and achieve Adiwiyata School. Government program is the implementation of the environmental management by maintaining preserving the environment. program conducted schools not running optimally, still constrained the rest of the eruption, still found a violation, the support obtained do not meet needs. Recomendatations that can be given by researchers is the school should promote environmental education to achieve Adiwiyata, overcome by making the tool or container dew maker, crack down or empower the school community, the addition of discipline, should cooperate with stakeholders who have a business, the processed organic fertilizer can be sold out of school for school entry.


We study the guiding properties of laser-written dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguides (DLSPPWs). The guiding structures such as straight waveguides, S-bends, Y-splitter, resonant filters, and Mach- Zehnder interferometers are realized by two-photon induced polymerization of commercial photolithographic resists. The height of the components can be adjusted by spin-coating of the material. Minimum widths of 400 nm of the DLSPPWs fabricated directly on thin metal films can be achieved. Replica molding of polymer surface structures allows a further reduction of the DLSPPW width down to 200 nm. The DLSPPWs are characterized by leakage radiation microscopy in the visible and near infrared spectral region. We demonstrate the possibility to selectively excite different modes in the waveguides. Fourier-plane imaging allows a direct observation of the excited modes of the DLSPPWs. The simultaneous excitation of fundamental and higherorder modes results in a mode-beating, providing the possibility to control the splitting ratio of guided SPPs in Y-splitters. The experimental results are supported by theoretical modelling using the finite-difference time domain method.


A novel multicomponent thick metallic glass coating has been synthesised by laser cladding. The maximum coating thickness was I mm. The clad cooling rate restrained the epitaxial growth of dendrites in the metallic glass coating. The metallic glass had high glass forming ability with a wide supercooled liquid region ranging from 59 to 70 K. The metallic glass coating also revealed high hardness and good corrosion resistance.


A general procedure is presented for determining the distribution of translational energies released in unimolecular ionic reactions occurring in the analyser of a mass spectrometer. It is shown that the method is applicable to reactions in which the average kinetic energy release covers a wide range (< 1 meV to ca. 3 eV). The treatment avoids making approximations either in the calculation of metastable peak shapes or in the subsequent determination of the translational energy distribution. Excellent agreement is achieved between experimental and calculated metastable peak shapes and the kinetic energy distributions represent the first accurate values obtained by a generally applicable technique. The relation between the average kinetic energy released and the width at half height of the corresponding metastable peak has been explored for peaks of various shapes. For gaussian-type peaks the kinetic energy release calculated from the half height is smaller by a factor of two to three than the average value, while for dish topped peaks it approximately equals the average value.


Extracellular proteases belong to the main virulence factors of pathogenic fungi. Their proteolytic activities plays a crucial role in the acquisition of nutrients from the external environment, destroying host barriers and defenses, and disrupting homeostasis in the human body, e.g., by affecting the functions of plasma proteolytic cascades, and playing sophisticated regulatory roles in various processes. Interestingly, some proteases belong to the group of moonlighting proteins, i.e., they have additional functions that contribute to successful host colonization and infection development, but they are not directly related to proteolysis. In this review, we describe examples of such multitasking of extracellular proteases that have been reported for medically important pathogenic fungi of the Candida, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cryptococcus, Rhizopus, and Pneumocystis genera, as well as dermatophytes and selected endemic species. Additional functions of proteinases include supporting binding to host proteins, and adhesion to host cells. They also mediate self-aggregation and biofilm formation. In addition, fungal proteases affect the host immune cells and allergenicity, understood as the ability to stimulate a non-standard immune response. Finally, they play a role in the proper maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Knowledge about the multifunctionality of proteases, in addition to their canonical roles, greatly contributes to an understanding of the mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity.


Land-use changes have made considerable impacts on humans and nature such as biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is recognized as important elements for land use planning and regional natural resources conservation to identify the major causes of land use changes and to predict a process of changes and effects. This study, by using a spatially explicit Dyna-CLUE model, analyzed correlations between driving factors, quantified location characteristics of different land use types using logistic regression analysis and examined future land use changes and its effects in Yangpyeong and Yeoju region. We expected land use changes based on the three scenarios with different future land demands and simulated future changes for spatial variations of land use for the 20 years. The outcomes shows that larger change was found in agricultural areas than forest areas, based on the change in built-up areas. The changes in forest areas, which were mainly occurred in edge area, were expected to affect a large impact on its ecotone. It was found to be the importance of the management of forest edge and the necessity of the environmentally sound and sustainable development in order to conserve natural resources of the region.


Background Headache is the most common reason for referral to a neurology outpatient clinic but many headaches can be managed in primary care. Methods We audited 100 consecutive headache referrals against Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) referral criteria and the Neuro Network Vanguard (NNV) headache pathway. Results The mean age was 41 years (range 16 -90), 67% were female and 31% had previously seen a neurologist for headaches. Referrals were appropriate in 44% and 49% according to LTHT and NNV guidelines, respectively. Migraine was the suspected diagnosis in 50% of referrals - half of these tried two or more preventative medications. The clinic consultations of 89 of the 100 referrals were reviewed: 72% were diagnosed with migraine (of which 53% were chronic). Following consultation, migraine was the final diagnosis in 49% of referrals that proposed an alternative diagnosis; 9% referred as suspected migraine received a different diagnosis. Conclusion Less than half of the referrals received were appropriate according to LTHT and NNV criteria. Migraine was the major referral reason and ultimate diagnosis. Empowering primary care to manage migraine is an urgent local priority and may reflect a national issue.


Infants' visual perception of number change was investigated in three Studies. These studies focused on inf4nts' perception of events in which the total number of objects in a small group was changed through addition of another object. Involving 60 infants 5 months of aea, Study I attempted to determine whether subjects perceived tbe properties in additions of one object to sets of one or two moving objects as: (1) change versus ron-chapqe, (2) the size of the set that was changed, or (3) the number of vbjects added to a set. A similar study was conducted with 12 infapts 15 months of age. Study II, involving 12 infants who were 8 motths old and 20 infants 13 months old, investigated whether infants perceived events that involved Addition of an object and whether they could discriminate such ari Addition from a non-change and a larger change. In Study III, 12 infants 13 months of age were involved in 4n attempt to determine whether they perceived that the addition of opft object to a certain set of orOects specifies one outcome only. Geoftrally, findings indicated that infants up ta 13 months of age seeto to be able to perceive components of events that involve number change. Such components were the number that is changed and the siyft of the change. However, they did not seem to perceive the re1atiorishiP of such components under A number transformation. (RH) Reproductions %upplied by EDRS are the best that, can be made from the original document. *********************f************************************f************ lot ,.., 1.1.4;.glEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ,-,ffice, of Flucational Research sop Nrcho 00coment hes been reomcluceb ae, r6,01.0° tram Me Person or Organization PERCEPTION OF NLJNIBER CHANGE IN INFANCY Oricroeling it 0 Knot "Ines have been made to inv,ove rewollAhon Quality ----......^, la PooiS Of view or oPinions Mtoat:lin th mftrii cip not neces represent sarily Olticial OZ DONtion or Policy Erik van Loc)oP\ek and Ad W. Smitsman Urt coholic toNrsity of Nijmegen postbua 9104, Gson 4E Nijmegen, Netherlands paper presented at the Meetno Of the Society for Research 0 Child Development, Baltimore, plarylan, Aril 1987. LU Our research addresses the do'Olopment of early number perception. It may be argued that tile devwVIllent of number perception Presupposes detection of number constancy .shd etection of changes that effect mimber. Children should k now which tran4fNations involve a change of numw and which do not. For example, chan,wN tpatial relationships among a collection of objects through movement do% Wt change their number, whereas addition or deletion of objects does. RecoAl: findings suggest that certain rItimerical skills are available in ipfancy (0,. Cooper, 1984; Starkey & Cooper, 1980; Strauss & Curtis, 1981, 1984). It 1/ , however, not clear from these studies whether infants perceive /lumber teakancy and number change. Number can be conceived as 0A invariant property of a collecti.04 of objects. Under certain oonditip40 Ihere is visual informAtion availole to the perceiver that specifies uurnb5 onstancy. SuOl information is available when objects move and their spatiol. Ipositions change continuously over time (Smitsman, 1985). We have oPtady demonstrated that infarits of 5-months of age can perceive nlittivAP constancy (van Loosbroek & 8miV#mar., 1986). But we do not yet knoW whetAr infants are able to recognize aamber changes such as When objects Aro 'eleted or added. Therefore, inf#nts visual perception of number chaNe it/s investigated in a series of st Specifically, we focussed on inf4u01 perception of events in which atinrli number of objects was charbged th rt addition of a novel object.


The institutionalization of the studies of Political Economy in the Spanish University took place for Real Cédula of july 12, 1807, which arranged that it was giving in the Faculty of Laws in the ninth year of her study plan. In the general context of what happened in all the Universities of the Kingdom, in this work there is studied how this subjet as taught in the Faculty of Law of the University of Seville in the period 1807-1936: teachers who gave it, programme and books of text that were in use and intellectual environment in the one that developed their educational and investigative labor.


In most computational organizational models, the designers of traditional task allocation mechanisms generally make an implicit assumption that organizational agents will report their true capabilities to the mechanisms. This assumption is not true any more for the virtual organizations. One of the most important benefits of a virtual organization is executing synthetic tasks by forming temporary team composed of experts from different fields and independent organizations through Internet. In this paper, we formalize a synthetic task allocation problem to the algorithmic mechanism design optimization problem (Nisan and Ronen, 1999). Each synthetic task needs to be accomplished through the cooperation among agents who belong to different groups that are self-interested and have different specialties. The objective of this problem is to minimize the total amount of time of finishing a bunch of synthetic tasks. We developed two incentive compatible mechanisms for the synthetic task allocation problem studied in this paper.


The 3'- and 5'-terminal sequences of the five large double-stranded RNA species (L-dsRNA; 4.5-6.0 X 10(6) daltons) of EP713, a hypovirulent strain of Endothia parasitica, were determined by mobility-shift and enzymatic methods. All the L-dsRNAs appeared to have identical terminal sequences. A heteropolymer sequence was found at one 3'-terminus and a poly(A) sequence of variable length at the other. It was possible to label only one 5'-terminus using polynucleotide kinase and [gamma-32P]ATP, and this was shown to be a poly(U) sequence of variable length. We propose that the dsRNAs have the following structure, where X represents a blocking group: (Formula: see text). A recombinant plasmid containing dsRNA-related sequences was constructed. Hybridization analysis using the recombinant probe indicated that the sequence homology among the L-dsRNAs extended beyond these terminal regions and was also shared by small dsRNAs (0.3-0.45 X 10(6) daltons).


Recent studies on cloud-radio access networks (CRANs) assume the availability of a single processor (cloud) capable of managing the entire network performance; inter-cloud interference is treated as background noise. This paper considers the more practical scenario of the downlink of a CRAN formed by multiple clouds, where each cloud is connected to a cluster of multiple-antenna base stations (BSs) via high-capacity wireline backhaul links. The network is composed of several disjoint BSs' clusters, each serving a pre-known set of single-antenna users. To account for both inter- cloud and intra-cloud interference, the paper considers the problem of minimizing the total network power consumption subject to quality of service constraints, by jointly determining the set of active BSs connected to each cloud and the beamforming vectors of every user across the network. The paper solves the problem using Lagrangian duality theory through a dual decomposition approach, which decouples the problem into multiple and independent subproblems, the solution of which depends on the dual optimization problem. The solution then proceeds in updating the dual variables and the active set of BSs at each cloud iteratively. The proposed approach leads to a distributed implementation across the multiple clouds through a reasonable exchange of information between adjacent clouds. The paper further proposes a centralized solution to the problem. Simulation results suggest that the proposed algorithms significantly outperform the conventional per-cloud update solution, especially at high signal-to-interference-plus- noise ratio (SINR) target.


The electronic structure of porous Si is investigated using soft–X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Significant changes are observed as compared to bulk Si, which we interpret as due to altered electronic structure in the Si nanostructures. By imposing standing wave boundary conditions on the valence band wave functions, we calculate the fluorescence spectrum for thin Si sheets of different orientations. For a (100)-oriented sheet, the calculation is in good agreement with the experimental spectra, suggesting that the nanostructure in porous Si is predominantly in the form of thin Si (100)-type sheets.


Main purpose of the study is to identify the impact of working capital management on profitability of selected listed manufacturing companies from financial year 2003-2007. Correlation and regression analysis were performed. Results reveals that cash conversion cycle (CCC) and return on assets (ROA) are negatively correlated the value of -0.127 which is highly significant at 1 percent level of significance, which means that as the cash conversion cycle increases ROA decreases. In addition inventory conversion period (ICP) is highly significant at 1 percent level. It indicates that with increasing level of ICP, ROA will be increased -0.065 levels. Further the coefficient of the CCC variable is negative at a value of -0.0503 and p value is 0.006. This implies that an increase in the number of day's cash conversion cycle by 1 day is associated with a decline in ROA by 5.03%. The results suggest that managers can increase profitability of manufacturing firms by reducing the number of day's inventories and accounts receivable


Erich Auerbach held an expansive notion of what philology is and does. Taking literature as his starting point (often under the rubric of a concrete Ansatzpunkt, be this a phrase, an isolated feature of style, or a self-contained logical sequence), Auerbach restlessly sought to establish nothing less than an intellectual—or better yet, spiritual (he often calls it "inner")—history of the Western European mind as it lunged into contemporary modernity. Literary forms were for Auerbach a gateway to forms of thought, feeling, and expression. Philology was the method best suited to grasping these. The result was a philology of the world (Weltphilologie)—a politically, ideologically, and ethically engaged counter-philology that is as relevant today as it was in his own lifetime.


Adult cortex is organized into distributed functional communities. Yet, little is known about community architecture of children's brains. Here, we uncovered the community structure of cortex in childhood using fMRI data from 670 children aged 9-11 years from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study. Children showed similar community structure to adults in early-developing sensory and motor communities, but differences emerged in transmodal areas. Children have more cortical territory in the limbic community, which is involved in emotion processing, than adults. Regions of association cortex interact more flexibly across communities, creating uncertainty for the model-based assignment algorithm, and perhaps reflecting cortical boundaries that are not yet solidified. Uncertainty was highest for cingulo-opercular areas involved in flexible deployment of cognitive control. Collectively, our findings suggest that community boundaries are not solidified by middle childhood, an instability that provides important context for children's thoughts and behaviors.


Introduction Around 4,000 babies die unexpectedly in the last trimester of pregnancy or during labour every year, giving a stillbirth rate of 5.2 in 1000 in the United Kingdom (UK). Over one third of stillbirths are small-for-gestational-age fetuses with half classified as being unexplained, although substandard care is thought to be a contributory factor. Aims (1) To find out the rates of stillbirth in our trust. (2) To assess any substandard care factors in contributing to the cause of stillbirth. Methods A retrospective study was performed. Antenatal and intrapartum stillbirth from January 2008 – December cases 2009 were analysed. Exclusion criteria includes: deaths due to congenital abnormality, death occurred less than 24 weeks. Results During the 2 years study period, there were 6326 deliveries and there were 23 stillbirths (3.63 per 1 000). Most stillbirths occurred during uncomplicated pregnancies (16 out of 23 (70%)). For the remaining 7 stillbirths, 3 out of 7 stillbirths (43%) were small-for-gestational age but growth restriction was only suspected in 1 stillbirth (14%), 1 out of 7 was due to severe impacted head at delivery and 3 out of 7 were due to organisational factors, staffing shortages and delays in interpretations of CTG, resulting in late decisions in delivery. Overall 6 out of 23 (26%) stillbirths were due to substandard care. Conclusion Recognition and prompt management of suspected growth restriction, improvement and training in CTG interpretation, staffing levels, and Implementation of guidelines might result in a reduction of stillbirths.


The efficient tetravalent vaccine is urgently needed to provide long-term and all-round immunity against dengue virus. In order to construct the tetravalent attenuated vaccine, the well defined B-cell and T-cell epitopes of the glycoprotein of the DEN-1 HAWAII strain were predicted and analyzed by using network servers. The long RT-PCR was established to amplify the cDNA of DEN-2 NGC strain for constructing infectious dengue virus clone.Furthermore, the infectious transcript technology was utilized, using cDNAs as templates, the viral RNA could be transcribed in vitro, and the experiment on its infectivity was carried out. Our results showed that the dengue virus -specific RNA fragment could be detected from infected mice brain and cells, and the virion could be observed. To lay a foundation for the development of the protective tetravalent vaccine, further studies are needed for the construction of a chimeric virus by using the B- and T-cell epitopes of the glycoprotein.


Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is being used increasingly in vehicle structures because of its relatively high stiffness and strength but light weight. Understanding then exploiting the electromagnetic behaviour of CFRP would enhance further some aspects of vehicle performance. The conductivity of unidirectional (UD) CFRP laminates was measured over the X-band. It was found that UD CFRP acts as a conductive surface when the E-field is parallel, and a lossy dielectric when the E-field is perpendicular, to the orientation of the fibres. Microstrip antennas were produced with quasi-isotropic CFRP ground planes and showed resonant frequency of the antenna was 10 % higher when the microstrip antenna was mounted parallel to the first ply fibre orientation.


OBJECTIVE
To study the incidence of Graves' disease and the associated factors.

METHODS
Totally 100,123 people aged 15 to 79 years in Daqing area were surveyed epidemiologically. The investigation was conducted for two years.

RESULTS
All 301 patients with Graves' disease were first diagnosed, with 74 (1.6@1000) males and 227 (4.1@1000) females. The total incidence was 3.0@1000, showing significant differences between ages and between occupations. Investigation of 18 associated factors for Graves' disease by using the logistic multivariate regression analysis showed the pathological factors of the virus infection history, psychological stimulation, food, drugs, family history, education and distribution.

CONCLUSION
This study may suggest the theoretical evidence for prevention and treatment of Graves' disease.


We calculate Λα, Σα and Ξα potentials from the nuclear-matter G-matrices of the SU 6 quark-model baryon-baryon interaction. The α-cluster wave function is assumed to be a simple harmonic-oscillator shell-model wave function. A new method is proposed to derive the direct and knock-on terms of the interaction Born kernel from the hyperon-nucleon G-matrices, with explicit treatments of the nonlo-cality and the center-of-mass motion between the hyperon and α. We find that the SU 6 quark-model baryon-baryon interactions, FSS and fss2, yield a reasonable bound-state energy for 5 Λ He, −3.18 ∼ −3.62 MeV, in spite of the fact that they give relatively large depths for the Λ single-particle potentials, 46 ∼ 48 MeV, in symmetric nuclear matter. An equivalent local potential derived from the Wigner transform of the nonlocal Λα kernel shows a strong energy dependence for the incident Λ-particle, indicating the importance of the strangeness-exchange process in the original hyperon-nucleon interaction. For the Σα and Ξα potentials, we only discuss the zero-momentum Wigner transform of the interaction kernels, since these interactions turn out to be repulsive when the two isospin contributions for the ΣN and ΞN interactions are added up. These components show a strong isospin dependence: They are attractive in the isospin I = 1/2 (Σα) and I = 0 (Ξα) components and repulsive in I = 3/2 (Σα) and I = 1 (Ξα) components, which indicate that Σ and Ξ potentials could be attractive in some particular systems such as the well-known 4 Σ He system.


Background:HIV-1 shedding from the female genital tract is associated with increased sexual and perinatal transmission and has been broadly evaluated in cross-sectional studies. However, few longitudinal studies have evaluated how the immune microenvironment effects shedding. Methods:Thirty-nine HIV-1–infected women had blood, cervicovaginal lavage, and biopsies of the uterine cervix taken quarterly for up to 5 years. Cytokines/chemokines were quantified by Luminex assay in cervicovaginal lavage, and cellular phenotypes were characterized using immunohistochemistry in cervical biopsies. Comparisons of cytokine/chemokine concentrations and the percent of tissue staining positive for T cells were compared using generalized estimating equations between non-shedding and shedding visits across all women and within a subgroup of women who intermittently shed HIV-1. Results:Genital HIV-1 shedding was more common when plasma HIV-1 was detected. Cytokines associated with cell growth (interleukin-7), Th1 cells/inflammation (interleukin-12p70), and fractalkine were significantly increased at shedding visits compared with non-shedding visits within intermittent shedders and across all subjects. Within intermittent shedders and across all subjects, FOXP3+ T cells were significantly decreased at shedding visits. However, there were significant increases in CD8+ cells and proportions of CD8+FOXP3+ T cells associated with HIV-1 shedding. Conclusions:Within intermittent HIV-1 shedders, decreases in FOXP3+ T cells at the shedding visit suggests that local HIV-1 replication leads to CD4 T-cell depletion, with increases in the proportion of CD8+FOXP3+ cells. HIV-1–infected cell loss may promote a cytokine milieu that maintains cellular homeostasis and increases immune suppressor cells in response to HIV-1 replication in the cervical tissues.


The aim of this article is to evaluate the contribution of the banking sector to the economic growth of 16 Latin American countries, from 1979 to 2006. The econometric procedure is based on a panel data technique with fixed effects, classifying the countries in two samples according to their income level. Findings tend to corroborate the positive effects of banking expansion on growth rates, according to the predictions of endogenous growth models. However, they also indicate that credit activity could have a negative impact on growth while credits are directed essentially to consumers and the public sector, at the expense of the productive sector.


The authors examined the bilateral field advantage (BFA) using a sequential name-face (Experiment 1) or face-name (Experiment 2) matching task with both famous and nonfamous stimuli. In both experiments, the first stimulus (name in Experiment 1, face in experiment 2) was followed by a delay of 1,500 ms. The second stimulus (face in Experiment 1, name in Experiment 2) was then presented during a speeded response interval. Experiment 1 indicated a BFA for famous faces, but not for recently familiarized nonfamous faces. Experiment 2 indicated a BFA for names regardless of familiarity level. These results are compatible with prior findings of a BFA for meaningful stimuli as opposed to nonmeaningful ones, but only if previously unknown personal names are considered meaningful while previously unknown faces are not. These findings suggest that personal names are processed by bilateral neural networks whether they are previously known or not, whereas this is not the case for faces. Our findings have additional implications for working memory-based theories of why the BFA arises, and for the time course of meaningful association formation.