Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) mediated Oropharyngeal Squamous Carcinoma (OPSC) is becoming more relevant and alarming as oral exposure to HPV is increasing. HPV is a DNA virus that infects keratinocytes found in the epithelia of oral cavity. HPV genome translocation to the host nucleus and subsequent expression of oncoproteins E6 and E7 is a hallmark in development of HPV positive OPSCC. E6 allows a cell to bypass p53 regulation, and E7's interaction with pRb allows progression of cell cycle despite abnormalities, ultimately, permitting proliferation. However, HPV infection alone does not trigger malignant transformation as supported by the fact that only a few individual with persistent HPV infection develop carcinoma. Therefore, we believe that additional genetic alteration or epigenetic regulation must take place to create an environment favorable for malignant transformation and lead to development of cancer. We utilized human oral keratinocyte-16B (HOK-16B), a non-transformed oral keratinocyte harboring HPV-16 genome, and high-throughput RNAi Decode Library to create an event that may alter the phenotype of HOK-16B. We have identified and confirmed A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 23 (ADAM23) silencing in HOK-16B results in high cell proliferation rate. It also increases tumorigenic potential in vitro tumor sphere assay and anchorage independent soft agar assay. Furthermore, its increased tumorigenic potential led to formation of cyst in vivo xenograft experiment with immuncompromised mice. Microarray analysis of HOK-16B with ADAM23 silenced showed that a number of genes were upregulated, prominently, CLDN-1, which plays a critical role in cell-cell interaction, and metastasis in aggressive breast cancers. In addition, attenuating E6 or/and E7 expression in ADAM23 knocked-down HOK-16B showed, ADAM23 cooperates with these oncoproteins to enhance tumorigenic potential of HOK-16B. Furthermore, diminished expression of ADAM23 in HPV positive HNSCC supports the silence of ADAM23 and co-expression of E6 and E7 would lead to malignant transformation. These findings imply that ADAM23 could be a useful therapeutic and prognostic marker screening individuals in high-risk of developing HPV positive HNSCC.


Issue reporting and resolution is a software engineering process supported by tools such as Issue Tracking System (ITS), Peer Code Review (PCR) system and Version Control System (VCS). Several open source software projects such as Google Chromium and Android follow process in which a defect or feature enhancement request is reported to an issue tracker followed by source-code change or patch review and patch commit using a version control system. We present an application of process mining three software repositories (ITS, PCR and VCS) from control flow and organizational perspective for effective process management. ITS, PCR and VCS are not explicitly linked so we implement regular expression based heuristics to integrate data from three repositories for Google Chromium project. We define activities such as bug reporting, bug fixing, bug verification, patch submission, patch review, and source code commit and create an event log of the bug resolution process. The extracted event log contains audit trail data such as caseID, timestamp, activity name and performer. We discover runtime process model for bug resolution process spanning three repositories using process mining tool, Disco, and conduct process performance and efficiency analysis. We identify bottlenecks, define and detect basic and composite anti-patterns. In addition to control flow analysis, we mine event log to perform organizational analysis and discover metrics such as handover of work, subcontracting, joint cases and joint activities.


We investigate random density matrices obtained by partial tracing larger random pure states. We show that there is a strong connection between these random density matrices and the Wishart ensemble of random matrix theory. We provide asymptotic results on the behavior of the eigenvalues of random density matrices, including convergence of the empirical spectral measure. We also study the largest eigenvalue (almost sure convergence and fluctuations).


Ergotamine is a purified ergot alkaloid that has been suspected of being teratogenic. Animal data have shown effects mainly at doses toxic to the mother. Clinical reports in humans have been anecdotal, but in many the malformations are consistent with vascular injury. However, epidemiologic studies have not shown any clear increase in malformations among exposed infants. This may reflect the limited exposure and toxicity when used episodically. Ergot toxicity which can result in severe vasospasm does not spare the fetus or mother and ergotamine should not be considered without risk. Ergotamine should be avoided in pregnancy, and the counselling of the woman with an exposed fetus should focus on possible toxic exposure.


BACKGROUND
In a context of secondary immunodeficiency, hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can be responsible for chronic liver disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We investigated HEV infection in patients with primary immunodeficiency treated (or not) with immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy (IgRT) in France, a country with a high seroprevalence of HEV. In a nationwide study of individuals with primary immunodeficiency, 533 patients (349 and 184 receiving IgRT or not, respectively) were tested for HEV RNA and anti-HEV antibodies. In addition, 23 batches of five different commercially available immunoglobulin preparations were screened for anti-HEV IgG.

RESULTS
Three of the 533 patients displayed markers of a recent HEV infection (HEV RNA in one case, and anti-HEV IgG and IgM in two) but no evidence of chronic liver disease. The overall seroprevalence of HEV was 50% (266 out of 533), with values of 68% and 16% in patients receiving IgRT or not, respectively (p<0.001). Anti-HEV IgG were detected in all batches of immunoglobulin preparations, although the titer varied from 3 to 127 IU/g IgG. Seroconversion was observed in 15 of the 22 (68%) patients tested before and after IgRT.

DISCUSSION
No cases of chronic HEV-related disease were detected among patients with primary immunodeficiency and hypogammaglobulinemia, whether they received IgRT or not. This confirms that patients with primary immunodeficiency have a low risk of chronic infection despite a seroprevalence close to that observed in the French general population and that IgRT, which confers a high HEV seroprevalence, might play a key role in protection against chronic infection.


This paper presents a novel memristor-based dynamical system with circuit implementation, which has a 2×3-wing, 2×2-wing, and 2×1-wing non-Shilnikov type of chaotic attractors. The system has two index-2 saddle-focus equilibria, symmetrical with respect to the x-axis. The system is analyzed with bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponents, demonstrating its complex dynamical behaviors: the system reaches the chaotic state from the periodic state through alternating period-doubling bifurcations and then from the chaotic state back to the periodic state through inverse bifurcations, as one parameter changes. It shows two interesting phenomena: a jump-switching periodic state and jump-switching chaotic state. Also, the system can sustain chaos with a constant Lyapunov spectrum in some initial conditions and a parameter set. In addition, a class of symmetric periodic bursting phenomena is surprisingly observed under a particular set of parameters, and its generation mechanism is revealed through bifurcation analysis. Finally, the circuit implementation verifies the theoretical analysis and the jump-switching numerical simulation results.


Kidney biopsies are used sparingly to diagnose kidney injury in the clinic. Here we have conducted a small exploratory study to directly compare the low-grade kidney injury monitoring performance of serum safety biomarkers, novel urine safety biomarkers, microscopic histopathology and targeted gene expression alterations in kidney biopsy specimens in rhesus monkeys treated with tobramycin. Targeted gene expression increases were observed in the kidney biopsy samples and whole kidney sections for kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), clusterin (CLU), osteopontin (OPN) messenger RNA transcripts. In addition, increases of the urinary kidney safety protein biomarkers including KIM-1, CLU, OPN were also observed. These increases in gene expression and urinary protein end point were in concordance with the eventual low-grade kidney lesions seen in terminal tissue sections. In contrast, conventional serum biomarkers blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were not as sensitive in monitoring kidney injury. Although these data do not support routinely adding kidney biopsies to regular toxicology studies, they provide evidence on the value and limitations of incorporating gene expression profiling on kidney biopsy specimens, further underscore the value of urinary kidney safety biomarkers for improved low-grade kidney injury monitoring, and open the door for future definitive studies.


A theory is developed for the excess photon noise in the detected photocurrent of the multimode laser. Two simple cases are treated: in one, the modes are uncoupled and in the other, they are phase locked. Both cases can be realized when a gas laser is operated under saturation conditions well above threshold, where complicated mode interactions make a detailed analysis difficult. As predicted, the excess photon noise is zero dB, within experimental error, for the phase-locked case; and it is approximately 20 ± 3dB for a stable vibration isolated laser operating in a multimode, nonlocked condition. Precautions have been taken to eliminate extraneous noise due to power supply ripple and the like, and the highly nonideal contribution of the photomultiplier has been subtracted out.


We examine the phase-dependent effects in resonance fluorescence of a two-level atom driven by a trichromatic modulated field. It is shown that the fluorescence spectrum depends crucially on the sum of relative phases of the sideband components compared to the central component, not simply on the respective phases. The appearance or disappearance of the central peak and the selective elimination of the sideband peaks are achieved simply by varying the sum phase. Once the sum phase is fixed, the spectrum keeps its features unchanged regardless of the respective relative phases.


A field experiment in growing winter rape was carried out during the period 2009-2011 in a family farm (owned by Mr. M. Bednarczyk) located in Jaroszewice (Lublin region), on podzolic soil. Plant biometric features as well as yield and seed qualitative parameters (oil, protein and glucosinolate content) were evaluated depending on the following rates of soil NPK fertilizers and on foliar fertilization (autumn spraying with the fertilizer solution): 100% and 75% of NPK as well as urea + nickel chelate + MgSO4H2O; 100% and 75% of NPK as well as urea + Plonvit R + MgSO 4 H 2 O). Plots without foliar fertilization (only 100% of NPK) were the control treatment. The other experimental factor was the seeding rate (2.5 kg×ha -1 – 30 cm row spacing; 4 kg×ha -1 – 18 cm row spacing). Foliar spraying was done once in the autumn in the second decade of October. Tillage as well as mechanical and chemical control of agricultural pests in the plantation were typical for this plant species and consistent with the recommendations for winter rape protection. A hypothesis was made that the application of foliar fertilizers would have a beneficial effect on winter rape productivity, at the same time maintaining the high quality of raw material. It was also assumed that a reduction in the seeding rate of winter oilseed rape would result in reduced plant lodging and an increased number of siliques per plant; as a consequence, seed and oil productivity would be at a level not lower than that obtained at the higher seeding rate. The present study has proved that foliar fertilization of winter oilseed rape in the autumn period contributes to improved plant winter hardiness and increased productivity. The application of foliar fertilizers also enables the rates of basic mineral NPK fertilizers to be reduced by 25% without detriment to seed yield. Foliar fertilizers have been found to have a weaker effect on changing the chemical composition of rapeseed. The study has shown that, from the productive point of view, it is justified to use the lower seeding rate (2.5 kg×ha -1 ), since winter rape yield (seed and oil yield) did not significantly differ from that found in the case of the higher seeding rate (4.0 kg×ha -1 ).


The prevalence of developmental delays is increasing year by year and is common in preschool-aged children with developmental delays, and visual impairment is a common problem in children with developmental delays. Visual development is critical to preschoolers learning. Children with visual problems often have difficulties in picture recognition, image comprehension, and memory, resulting in difficulties in daily living and learning. However, traditional paper-based training is tedious and lacking in interactivity, game training can make up for these problems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to design a visual-perceptual play training system for children with preschool developmental delays, to investigate the usability and perception of the system for children with developmental delays. In this study, the recommendations of the heuristic evaluation were iteratively designed to ensure the functionality of the system. The system will be tested with an eye-tracking device to verify its suitability for use with children with developmental delays and to further suggest considerations and limitations for future research when designing software and interfaces for children with developmental delays. The results of this study showed that the best participants focused on the correct answer and the specified pattern, while the worst participants tended to focus on irrelevant things and had high overall attention on the screen. It was found that for the preferences section of the interface, placing the specified pattern in the center of the interface or closer to the options resulted in better performance of the children's perceptual training, and clearly rewarded feedback kept them motivated to learn and less distracted. The system will continue to be optimized in the future in the hope that it will help pre-schooler's visual cognitive learning and help parents understand their children's visual ability.


BACKGROUND
This study examines the efficacy of the predicting power for need for mechanical ventilation and duration of mechanical ventilation of three different scoring systems in a medical-surgical intensive care unit.

METHODS
One-hundred eighty critically ill patients were included prospectively in our study in a consecutive period of seven months. On the day of admission, data were collected from patients to compute the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and III, and Infection Probability Score (IPS). The sensitivity, specificity, and overall correctness of prediction were calculated, and the cut-off point giving the best likelihood ratio was determined. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was computed.

RESULTS
For prediction of need for mechanical ventilation the best cut-off points were 52 for APACHE III, 12 for APACHE II, and 12 for IPS. The area under the curve was 0.89 in APACHE III, 0.74 in APACHE II and 0.82 in IPS. There were statistical differences between APACHE III, APACHE II and IPS in terms of likelihood ratio and the area under the curve (P<0.05). None of the three scoring systems provide good discrimination in prediction of more than 5 days respiratory support under mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSION
For prediction of need for mechanical ventilation, the APACHE III has better accuracy than APACHE II or IPS.


Free radicals can cause many problems on the body. Coffee and tea is a daily drink of many people and have antioxidant activity as an antidote to free radicals. The aim of this research was to compare the antioxidant activity of various coffee and tea products are circulating in Samarinda using DPPH method. The highest antioxidant activity of was SK3 coffee with 95.24%. The highest antioxidant activity was ST9 tea with 88.26%.


Self-censorship is subtle and difficult to observe, but its effects are potent and pernicious. We argue that policies encouraging self-censorship not only make it easier to stifle critical viewpoints, they also disadvantage those on the periphery of politics and power. Our guiding intuition is that actors without a connection to the regime have an informational disadvantage about what is on and off limits, which causes them to self-censor to a greater extent than those with more proximate links to the regime. We explore this hypothesis through the case of China, one of the world's most restrictive information environments and a sanctum of self-censorship. Leveraging evidence from virtual field experiments and online surveys, we show that self-censorship practiced by censors, journalists, and even average netizens is closely related to their relative proximity to the regime. Specifically, members of the private media and politically unconnected individuals self-censor to a greater extent than their public sector and state-affiliated peers. This surprising finding helps explain how China's rulers have been able to successfully contain and control a mushrooming information sector with only moderate use of overt censorship. It also helps explain how and why China's state-backed media, despite a reputation for pro-regime bias, remain surprisingly competitive in the domestic market.


Lipoproteins of intervertebral discs, spinal cord and blood were studied spectrofluorimetrically in experimental atherosclerosis. Lipoproteins and hydroperoxides accumulated in the intervertebral discs under dystrophic conditions. Blood serum lipoproteins were involved in pathogenesis of these atheromatous impairments in the intervertebral discs. Content of lipoproteins in the discs might be normalized by means of diet-fasting therapy.


Development of unique theranostic nanoplatforms for tumor imaging and therapy remains an active topic in current nanomedicine. Here, we designed a novel targeted theranostic nanoplatform for enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided chemotherapy by constructing layered double hydroxide (LDH)-stabilized ultrasmall iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid (HA) modified as targeting agents, and anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) loaded with a high loading efficiency. Methods: The structure and release property of LDH-Fe3O4-HA/DOX nanoplatforms were characterized systematically. B16 melanoma cells with CD44 receptors overexpressed were used as model cells to determine the biocompatibility, targeting capability, and therapeutic efficiency of nanoplatforms. For in vivo experiment, hyaluronidase (HAase) pretreatment was combined with nanoplatform administration to investigate the MR imaging and chemotherapeutic effect. Results: The LDH-Fe3O4-HA nanohybrids possess good colloidal stability and cytocompatibility, display an r1 relaxivity 10-fold higher than the pristine ultrasmall Fe3O4 (4.38 mM-1 s-1 vs 0.42 mM-1 s-1), and could release drug in a pH-responsive manner. In vitro experiments demonstrate that LDH-Fe3O4-HA/DOX nanohybrids are able to specifically target B16 cells overexpressing CD44 receptors and effectively release DOX to nucleus. In vivo results show that with the pretreatment of tumor tissue by HAase to degrade the overexpressed HA in extra-cellular matrix, the designed nanoplatforms have a better tumor penetration for significantly enhanced MR imaging of tumors and tumor chemotherapy with low side effects. Conclusion: The designed LDH-Fe3O4-HA/DOX nanohybrids may be developed as a novel targeted theranostic nanoplatform for enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging-guided chemotherapy of CD44 receptor-overexpressing tumors.


To examine the comparative effects of different frequencies of electrical stimulation (ES) on angiogenesis and gene expression, New Zealand white rabbits with femoral artery ligation in one hindlimb and electrode implantation on the sciatic nerve of the same hindlimb were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control group, 1 Hz group, 10 Hz group, and 40 Hz group. The ES procedure involved 5 min stimulation, followed by 5 min rest, repeated 8 times daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The resting blood flow (RBF) was measured via the microspheres technique. Collateralization was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Angiogenic factors were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Both RBF and capillary density were significantly increased in the 10 Hz and 40 Hz groups, but were not changed in the 1 Hz group. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA was highest in the 40 Hz group. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) mRNA was significantly elevated only in the 40 Hz group. VEGF receptor fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk-1) mRNA was upregulated equally in the 10 Hz and 40 Hz groups, but fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) mRNA did not change in any group. Our results suggest that the optimal frequency of ES for angiogenesis is within the 10-40 Hz range.


Computed tomography (CT) is an extremely valuable diagnostic tool. Recent advances, particularly multidetector technology, have provided increased and more diverse applications. However, there is also the potential for inappropriate use and unnecessary radiation dose. Because some data indicate that low-dose radiation (such as that in CT) may have a significant risk of cancer, especially in young children, it is important to limit CT radiation by following the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. There is a variety of strategies to limit radiation dose, including performing only necessary examinations, limiting the region of coverage, and adjusting individual CT settings based on indication, region imaged, and size of the child. The pediatric health care provider has a pivotal role in the performance of CT and may be the only individual who discusses these important CT radiation issues with the child and family. For this reason, this article will summarize the issues with CT patterns of use and radiation risk, and provide dose reduction strategies pertinent to pediatric health care providers.


Electronic spectra of conjugated polyynes [H(C≡C) n T H, n T = 1 to 7] and cumulenes [H 2 (C) n C H 2 , n C = 1 to 9] were calculated by means of the time-dependent density functional theory (TD DFT) and, for a group of selected molecules, also by the symmetry-adapted cluster configuration interaction method (SAC-CI). A comparison was made between calculated and published experimental spectral data. It turned out that the TD DFT (with B3LYP) was a reliable tool for calculation of band positions in the longest-wavelength region. In the case of cumulenes, except allene, only data for alkyl and phenyl derivatives are available. The characteristics of cumulenes split into two distinctly separate classes, planar (with an even number of carbon atoms, D 2h ) and non-planar (with an odd number of carbon atoms, D 2d ). Special attention was paid to the influence of substituents of various types on the position of the first intensive bands of polyynes and polyenes. Plotting wavenumbers of these bands against the reciprocal number of the CC triple bonds (polyynes) or the CC double bonds (polyenes) lead to (partial) rectification and made the extrapolation to infinite chains easier. While the extrapolated value for infinite polyynes (and derivatives like dimethyl or dicyano) amounts to about 16 000 cm -1 , for anions and radical anions derived from the parent polyynes, the extrapolated value tends to significantly smaller values or possibly to zero. The situation with polyenes and their derivatives and heteroanalogues is similar; small deviations from zero with chains without significant bond alternation seem likely.


The article is about the memory of the Kresy Wschodnie (Eastern Borderlands) in post-war Poland. As a result of the settlements of the peace conference in Yalta, Poland lost half its territory in the east. Censorship in PRL prohibited the talk about the history of eastern Polish provinces. Kresowianie couldn't speak loudly where they came from, in the place of birth, communist wrote them to the USSR. Kresy Wschodnie were considered the cradle of patriotism and traditional values – traits associated with resistance to communist rule. Kresowianie banished from the land inhabited for hundreds of years, they had to find a new reality. The article presents the issue of the memory of the Kresy through the prism of Lviv. Lviv was a particularly important town in the Eastern Borderlands. The city was a very important scientific, cultural and economic center. The city has evolved a unique atmosphere and a specific urban culture. The memory of Lviv in the PRL, was carried by his former inhabitants.


This study examines the effects of prenatal exposure to dexamethasone (DEX) on postnatal testosterone production in male rats. Pregnant female rats were treated on gestation days 14-19 with DEX (100 microg/kg body weight per day; n = 9) or vehicle (n = 9). Results show that 35-day-old male offspring from DEX-treated pregnant females (n = 42) had decreased levels of serum testosterone (45.6% lower, P < .05) compared with control offspring (n = 43), although serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were not significantly altered. These findings suggest that a direct programming of developing gonadal cells occurs in response to high levels of maternal glucocorticoid. Indeed, testosterone production was significantly reduced in Leydig cells isolated from immature offspring of DEX-treated pregnant females compared with controls (48.3%, P < .001), and LH stimulation of these cells did not compensate for the lowered steroidogenic capacity. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was also affected, because significant reductions in both serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; 26.2%, P < .001) and corticosterone (CORT; 32.3%, P < .001) were measured in DEX-exposed immature male offspring. In contrast, adult male offspring from DEX-treated dams had significantly higher levels of serum ACTH (39.2%, P <. 001) and CORT (37.8%, P < .001). These same animals had higher serum testosterone (31.6%, P < or = .05) and a significant reduction in serum LH (30.8%, P < .001). Moreover, Leydig cells isolated from these adult offspring exhibited an increased capacity for testosterone biosynthesis under basal (38.6%, P < .001) and LH-stimulated conditions (33.5%, P < .001). In summary, sustained changes in steroidogenic capacity were observed in male rats exposed to high levels of glucocorticoid during prenatal development. More specifically, DEX exposure in utero perturbed Leydig cell testosterone production in both pubertal and adult rats.


As the 2030 target year for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) draws closer, development practitioners are increasing their activities in regions where poverty is predominant. In 2018, Nigeria attained an unenviable position of being the country with the highest number of persons living in extreme poverty in terms of poverty count, overtaking India. However, aggregate national level data often hide the huge disparity in the poverty rates at the sub-national (state) level. This study intends to demonstrate the geographic aspects of poverty in Nigeria alongside the underlying factors that contribute to entrenching the cycle of poverty in some states in Nigeria. By highlighting these factors, the study hopes to draw the attention of policy makers and development practitioners to the fact that unless there are strong, coordinated and sustained efforts to change these underlying factors, it may be difficult for Nigeria to meet the SDGs in 2030.


The method of analysis of electromagnetic processes in an inductor with a W-shaped ferromagnetic core is presented. The inductor is designed for contactless excitation in any metal plate of magnetic field pulses and high density currents. The inductor magnetic core has a movable middle part for an additional pulsed physical impact on the metal plate. Thus, the action of the inductor is for achieving a magnetoplastic effect (MPE) in metal plates with plastic deformation. Current pulses in the winding of the inductor are performed by discharging a capacitor on the circuit. A thyristor is included in the inductor circuit, which makes it possible solve the transient electromagnetic problem in a metal plate using the finite element method. The conditions for obtaining a unipolar pulsed electromagnetic field in a metal plate are investigated. The method in this article is used for calculation electromagnetic problems in the inductor with magnetic core 164x100x33 mm. Magnetic forces which acting on the movable part of the magnetic circuit and on the metal plate is obtained. References 11, figures 6.


We investigate some new two-dimensional evolution models belonging to the class of convective Cahn-Hilliard models: (i) a local model with a scalar order parameter, (ii) a nonlocal model with a scalar order parameter, and (iii) a model with a vector order parameter. These models are applicable to phase-separating system where concentration gradients cause hydrodynamic motion due to buoyancy or Marangoni effect. The numerical study of the models shows transition from coarsening, typical of Cahn-Hilliard systems, to spatiotemporally irregular behavior (turbulence), typical of the Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation, which is obtained in the limit of very strong driving. The transition occurs not in a straightforward way, but through the formation of spatial patterns that emerge for intermediate values of the driving intensity. As in driven one-dimensional models studied before, the mere presence of the driving force, however small, breaks the symmetry between the two separating phases, as well as increases the coarsening rate. With increasing driving, coarsening stops. The dynamics is generally irregular at strong driving, but exhibits specific structural features.


Background Although Abatacept (ABA) is widely used in treatment of RA. there isn't enough data about its effectiveness in patients with early (ERA) and long-standing (LS) rheumatoid arthritis. Objectives To compare effect of ABA in patients (pts) with different stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Patients (n=80) with active RA and an inadequate response to synthetic DMARDs or biologics (adalimumab, rituximab, tocilizumab) were divided in two groups, patients with less than three years duration (ERA) and more than three years duration (LS RA) of RA. Pts with early RA and LS RA were 51% and 49%, respectively. Most of them were women, age 49±13 years, with a high disease activity (DAS28=5,28±1,1), RF-positive (75,7%) and ACPA-positive (75%). Infusions of abatacept (10 mg/kg) were provided three times every 2 weeks followed by every 4 weeks. Disease activity was assessed by DAS28. Results were assessed every 12 weeks according to EULAR criteria. Results Initially patients with early RA has DAS28 5,26±0,89, with long-standing RA - 5,3±1,3. ABA decrease activity of RA in both groups, after 3 months of therapy good and moderate response by EULAR criteria was achieved in 82.2% in the group of ERA and in 67.5% of patients with LS RA (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in achieving good EULAR response between two groups after 3 months (26,47% - ERA; 25,7% - LS RA) and 6 months of therapy (31,9% - ERA; 35,2% - LS RA). However, the number of non-responders to the therapy in pts with LS RA was significantly higher both after 3 months and 6 months (32,35% and 25,3%) as compared to pts with ERA (17.6% and 17.02% respectively). There were registered 25 adverse events (AE) in 19 (23%) pts. The most frequent AE were upper respiratory tract infections - 8 pts. One pt has herpes zoster and one, abscess of the right thumb. Conclusions Abatacept has shown significant clinical benefit in patients who had an inadequate response to previous therapy. There was no significant difference in achieving good EULAR response between pts with early and LS RA. There were more patients with an inadequate response to ABA in the LS RA group. ABA was well tolerated, AE were registered only in 23% of patients. ABA is an effective drug with a good safety profile in the treatment of both LS and ERA. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Stroke is a common disease worldwide, with an estimated incidence of 150 per 100 000 in developed countries. Moreover, stroke is a leading cause of disability and rehabilitation is a major part of patient care. Most research into stroke rehabilitation has focused on the effect of interventions on recovery in different forms of impairment and disability. The substantial increase in the number of clinical trials investigating rehabilitation in the past 20 years shows the rising interest of rehabilitation clinicians in evidence-based care. The most promising options for motor recovery of the arm include constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and robotic-assisted strategies. Beneficial interventions to improve postural stability and gait include fitness training, high-intensity therapy and repetitive task training. However, information about the clinical effect of various strategies of cognitive rehabilitation and strategies for aphasia and dysarthria is scarce. Nevertheless, we believe that neuroplasticity enhanced due to neuromodulation of different neuronal systems will play a major role in the field of neurorehabilitation in the future.


The optical absorption of single-crystal CoO and MnO both above and below the N\'eel temperature is reported and interpreted. The absorption spectrum in each case is similar to that found in dilute paramagnetic salts of the same ions. Tanabe and Sugano's strong-field theory was used to interpret the data. In CoO the tetragonal distortion of the cubic lattice present in the antiferromagnetic phase was experimentally observed. An estimate of the strength of the tetragonal field is given. It is also found that the temperature dependence of the absorption coefficient in CoO is in accord with a second order electric dipole-phonon transition mechanism.


We examined eight patients with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine: four were localized in the duodenum and four in the jejunum. We performed six curative resections: two pancreatoduodenectomy, two total pancreatectomy and two jejunal resections; in two cases, only by-pass was performed. Three patients who were resected are alive after more than five years; the other patients died between nine and forty-one months after surgery. The evaluation of the data from our experience and from literature shows that the consistently negative results are related to a delay in diagnosis and therapy.


Objective. Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) patients have the potential to regain some ambulatory function, and optimal reorganization of remaining circuits can contribute to this recovery. We hypothesized that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may promote active recovery of motor function during gait rehabilitation. Methods. A total of 17 incomplete SCI patients were randomized to receive active rTMS or sham stimulation coupled with rehabilitation therapy; 3 patients who began in the sham group crossed over to the active rTMS group after a washout period of more than 3 weeks. Active rTMS consisted of 15 daily sessions over the leg motor area (at 20 Hz). We compared lower-extremity motor score (LEMS), 10-m walking test for walking speed, timed up and go, Walking Index for SCI Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale, and Spinal Cord Injury Spasticity Evaluation Tool at baseline, after the last session, and 2 weeks later in the active rTMS and sham stimulation groups. Results. A significant improvement was observed after the last rTMS session in the active group for LEMS, walking speed, and spasticity. Improvement in walking speed was maintained during the follow-up period. Sham stimulation did not induce any improvement in LEMS, gait assessment, and spasticity after the last session and neither during follow-up. Conclusion. In incomplete SCI, 15 daily sessions of high-frequency rTMS can improve motor score, walking speed, and spasticity in the lower limbs. The study provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of rTMS in the lower extremities in SCI rehabilitation.


In 20th century a new ideological paradigm emerged in architecture, leading to mutations of function, form and technology, and marking a break with the traditional configuration of spaces, compositional and aesthetic forms. This trend has imposed an architecture based on simple and functional shapes and industrial materials, without excessive ornamentation. Through some selection criteria it is possible to recognize in the modern production "signs and meanings" of historical-documentary value, to be preserved and protected. Currently, there is a lack of consensus in local and national regulations on the criteria to be used for the selection of works to be recovered rather than demolished, on the materials and construction techniques or about the interventions on the Modern Movement architecture, often guided only by economic criteria. The main challenge is how to recover the existing heritage and adapt it to the necessary conditions of habitability, functionality and sustainability of the XXI century, without breaking with its own identity characterized by rationalism, functionalism and industrialized technology. Through a case study in Argentina, this research intends to propose a methodology for the selection of modern works in order to apply recovery and conservation interventions and to guide any projects according to a holistic approach.


This study builds on the emergence of new gifting practices using e-hongbaos which are monetary gifts transferred between individuals made possible by digital communication platforms. This is an exploratory study on the impact of these innovations on intra-organizational relationships. Three types of intra-organizational relationships are considered: the employee's relationship with the organization, with the team, and with the manager. The findings of the study indicate positive impacts of e-hongbao at all organizational levels. The authors also identify the varying effects of e-hongbao on intra-organizational relationship outcomes depending on the occasion of gifting, as well as the mode, direction, and measure. Specifically, 'group' e-hongbao, a gamified group-gift enabled by the digitalization of gifting, has the strongest influence on intra-organizational relationships. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for theory and practice in the workplace and also offer future research directions.


Abstract Aerobatics is a sport whose specificity significantly differs from other air disciplines. Aerial figures performed in a confined space (referred to as a 'box') are a challenge not only for the pilots, but also for the jury evaluating the competition. Subjective scores of the judges are converted by a dedicated FPS (Fair Play System) system. FPS is the basis for the ACRO scoring software (Aerobatic Contest Result Organizer) used to convert and publish the results of aerobatic contests organized worldwide. Due to the multi-aspect nature of data processing, the system is not always understood by the players. The paper attempts to explain various stages of calculations and explore issues associated with standard judging. This aspect is extremely important, not only for the competing pilots, but also for the judges and the viewers.


The importance of this study stems from, it concentrates on new approach applying both practical and theoretical aspects to study structure of Direct orange dye 26 (DO-26) as an important dye widely used for dyeing of cotton or viscose for red orange direct printing. It also can be used for silk, wool, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide fiber fabric and pulp dyeing. It proficiently compare practical with theoretical results of structural identification of the given important dye, via carful inspection of various phenomena detected in its two symmetrical arms around urea center. Direct orange dye 26 (DO-26) structure has been studied applying both practical spectroscopic and theoretical investigations. DFT-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) calculations are performed to investigate its structure, and the electronic vibrational properties. Correlation is found between experimental and calculated data. An intra-molecular hydrogen bonding interaction had been detected and characterized in dye skeleton using Atoms-in-molecule analysis employment. The hydrogen bonding present in the dye structure affecting its vibrational properties had been discussed. Natural population analysis like HOMO and LUMO and high quality molecular electrostatic potential plots along with various electronics had been presented at the same level of theory. Chemical reactivity descriptors from conceptual density functional theory point of view, structure activity relationship descriptor were obtained. The experimental UV/Visible and FT-IR spectral data of the dye DO-26 (D1) had been presented. These data had been supported by TD-DFT calculations to simulate the experimental spectra with computing the natural transition orbitals (NTO) and the orbital composition. The variation of charge transfer length (Δr) and variation in its dipole moment with respect to ground state (ΔmCT) had been computed in order to study the charge redistribution due to the excitations. Actually there is a problem that, degradation of this dye in wastewater by different techniques leads to various unknown fragments but on using theoretical possibilities it can be expected what happened in practical work.


We present a novel electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure, which can be used to manufacture low-cost waveguiding structures at high frequencies. The unit cell of the proposed EBG consists of glide-symmetric holes in parallel plate waveguide. Using this unit cell in groove gap waveguide technology has a number of advantages over pin-type EBG at high frequencies, such as acquiring higher accuracy because of larger periodicity as well as an easier and cheaper manufacturing process. The performance of the proposed waveguiding structure is demonstrated using both a straight and a double 90° bent lines through simulation and measurement.


A complete suite of algorithms for parallelizing compilers to generate efficient SPMD code for SOR problems is presented. By applying unimodular transformation before loop tiling and parallelization, the number of messages per iteration per processor is reduced from 3/sup n/-1 in the conventional parallel SOR algorithm to 2/sup n/-1, where n is the dimensionality of the data set. To maintain the memory-scalability, a novel approach to use the local dynamic memory of parallel processors to implement the skewed data set is proposed.


Seventeen patients with the skeletal stigmata of Marfan's syndrome or the physical and radiographic findings of Marfan's aortic disease (or both) were studied using intravenous digital subtraction aortography. Digital subtraction aortography revealed a dilated aortic root in 16 of the 17 patients. One of the 17 had mildly dilated aortic sinuses with a normal ascending aorta. All of the four children (less than or equal to 16 years of age) had aortic diameters which were greater than the 95th percentile for their body surface area. The average aortic root diameter in the adult patients was 6.8 cm (range, 4-11 cm). Three of the 17 had aortic dissection, two of which were detected by digital subtraction aortography and two by aortic root injection. Four of 13 adults and three children had pulmonary arterial diameters which exceeded 4 cm. Six patients underwent ascending aorta and valvular replacement and were studied with digital subtraction aortography after surgery. All preoperative and postoperative studies were of adequate diagnostic quality. Aortic root diameters calculated from intravenous digital subtraction angiograms correlated well with those derived from echocardiography (r2 = 0.92). We conclude that intravenous digital subtraction aortography is effective in diagnosing and following Marfan's aortic disease both before and after surgery.


Transcriptomics is increasingly being used on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to unveil physiological insights related to their performance during production processes. The rich transcriptome data can be exploited to provide impetus for systems investigation such as modeling the central carbon metabolism or glycosylation pathways, or even building genome‐scale models. To harness the power of transcriptome assays, we assembled and annotated a set of RNA‐Seq data from multiple CHO cell lines and Chinese hamster tissues, and constructed a DNA microarray. The identity of genes involved in major functional pathways and their transcript levels generated in this study will serve as a reference for future studies employing kinetic models. In particular, the data on glycolysis and glycosylation pathways indicate that the variability of gene expression level among different cell lines and tissues may contribute to their differences in metabolism and glycosylation patterns. Thereby, these insights can potentially lead to opportunities for cell engineering. This repertoire of transcriptome data also enables the identification of potential sequence variants in cell lines and allows tracing of cell lineages. Overall the study is an illustration of the potential benefit of RNA‐Seq that is yet to be exploited. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 965–976. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


relapse was more often allowed to proceed to an advanced stage before a further course of treatment was given, by which time the advantage conferred by the previous course had been lost. With busulphan, on the other hand, the advantage gained by the initial therapy was more often consolidated by maintenance therapy or by a further course at an early stage of relapse. Thus, as used in this particular trial, busulphan therapy was clearly superior to radiotherapy on a number of important counts. While chemotherapy has the advantage of ease of administration, it must be emphasized that careful haematological control is essential. No patient should be treated with cytotoxic drugs unless adequate laboratory supervision is available. And, as the report stresses, busulphan therapy requires unrelenting vigilance. The prescription of pills is deceptively easy, but the potential dangers cannot be exaggerated. Apart from toxic depression of the bone marrow (with the attendant risk of aplasia), on which its therapeutic efficacy depends, busulphan may produce skin pigmentation and amenorrhoea. A more serious but rare side-effect is a peculiar wasting syndrome with features resembling Addison's disease and pulmonary fibrosis, but no cases of this kind were reported in the trial.


3,4-Benzocoumarins were obtained by oxidative cyclisation of biphenyl-2-carboxylic acids. The parent benzocoumarin was also formed by oxidation of 2′-substituted acids with elimination of the substituent (OMe, NO2, and CO2H and in low yield Me and Cl) but 2′-benzoylbiphenyl-2-carboxylic acid gave 5-benzoyl-3,4-benzocoumarin and 2′-cyanobiphenyl-2-carboxylic acid yielded fluorenone and phenanthridine-1,10-carbolactone. Similar oxidations of cis-cinnamic acids gave poor yields of coumarins, markedly increased by the presence of an o-methoxy-group. The mechanisms of these reactions are discussed.


The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) bispectrum of the temperature anisotropies induced by a network of cosmic strings is derived for small angular scales, under the assumption that the principal cause of temperature fluctuations is the Gott-Kaiser-Stebbins (GKS) effect. We provide analytical expressions for all isosceles triangle configurations in Fourier space. Their overall amplitude is amplified as the inverse cube of the angle and diverges for flat triangles. The isosceles configurations generically lead to a negative bispectrum with a power law decay l^(-6) for large multipole l. However, collapsed triangles are found to be associated with a positive bispectrum whereas the squeezed triangles still exhibit negative values. We then compare our analytical estimates to a direct computation of the bispectrum from a set of 300 statistically independent temperature maps obtained from Nambu-Goto cosmic string simulations in a Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) universe. We find good agreement for the overall amplitude, the power law behaviour and angle dependency of the various triangle configurations. At l~500 the cosmic string GKS effect contributes approximately the same equilateral CMB bispectrum amplitude as an inflationary model with |fNL|~10^3, if the strings contribute about 10% of the temperature power spectrum at l=10. Current bounds on fNL are not derived using cosmic string bispectrum templates, and so our fNL estimate cannot be used to derive bounds on strings. However it does suggest that string bispectrum templates should be included in the search of CMB non-Gaussianities. Comment: 15 pages, 12 figures, uses RevTex. References and physical discussion added. Matches published version


When designing robust controllers, H-infinity synthesis is a common tool to use. The controllers that result from these algorithms are typically of very high order, which complicates implementation. However, if a constraint on the maximum order of the controller is set, that is lower than the order of the (augmented) system, the problem becomes nonconvex and it is relatively hard to solve. These problems become very complex, even when the order of the system is low.


The effect of low concentrations of cyclic GMP (guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate) on the in vitro enzymatic activities of DNA-dependent RNA polymerases isolated from human peripheral blood lymphocytes has been investigated. In agreement with earlier studies which employed isolated nuclei as the enzyme source, an increase in the activity of partially purified RNA polymerase I is observed in the presence of cyclic GMP (10(-8) to 10(-10)M). RNA polymerase II activity is inhibited by the presence of cyclic GMP at concentrations between 10(-4) and 10(-10)M. RNA polymerase III activity is stimulated in a bimodal fashion by the presence of cyclic GMP with maximal activity noted at 10(-8) to 10(-10) M and 10(-5)M. In addition, [3H]cyclic GMP binds specifically to chromatographic fractions which are known to contain RNA polymerases I, II and III. This binding to RNA polymerases II and III is apprarently less tenacious as demonstrated by dissociation studies. The observations provide additional evidence for a role for cyclic GMP in the regulation of RNA synthesis.


Mermithid nematodes, such as Ovomermis sinensis, are used as biological control agents against many insect pests, including cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). However, given the host's robust immune system, the infection rate of O. sinensis is low, thus restricting its widespread use. To understand the host defense mechanisms against mermithid nematodes, we identified and characterized a protein involved in the recognition of O. sinensis, the potential O. sinensis‐binding protein C‐type lectin 1 (HaCTL1a and/or HaCTL1b), which was eluted from the surface of O. sinensis after incubation with H. armigera plasma. HaCTL1b is homologous to the previously reported HaCTL1a protein. HaCTL1 was predominantly expressed in hemocytes and was induced by the steroid hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone through ecdysone receptor (HaEcR) or ultraspiracle (HaUSP), or both. Binding assays confirmed the interactions of the HaCTL1 proteins with O. sinensis but not with Romanomermis wuchangensis, a parasitic nematode of mosquito. Moreover, the HaCTL1 proteins were secreted into the hemocoel and promoted hemocyte‐mediated encapsulation and phagocytosis. A knockdown of HaEcR and/or HaUSP resulted in compromised encapsulation and phagocytosis. Thus, HaCTL1 appears to modulate cellular immunity in the defense against parasitic nematodes, and the 20‐hydroxyecdysone–HaEcR–HaUSP complex is involved in regulating the process.


Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) services in vehicular networks on millimeter-wave bands present a significant challenge, considering the necessity of constantly adjusting the beam directions. Conventional methods are mostly based on classical control theory, e.g., Kalman filter and its variations, which mainly deal with stationary scenarios. Therefore, severe application limitations exist, especially with complicated, dynamic Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) channels. This paper gives a thorough study of this subject, by first modifying the classical approaches, e.g., Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and Particle Filter (PF), for non-stationary scenarios, and then proposing a Reinforcement Learning (RL)-based approach that can achieve the URLLC requirements in a typical intersection scenario. Simulation results based on a commercial ray-tracing simulator show that enhanced EKF and PF methods achieve packet delay more than 10 ms, whereas the proposed deep RL-based method can reduce the latency to about 6 ms, by extracting context information from the training data.


Electrochemistry
Platinum (Pt) electrodes can undergo oxidation and reduction that can alter their surface morphology. Deng et al. used atomic force microscopy to follow changes in surface morphology of a smooth Pt foil in sulfuric acid as it was cycled between various oxidizing and reducing potentials. After oxidizing the surface at or above 1.8 volts, mild reduction (∼0.8 volts) created Pt ions in the surface region, which, upon further reduction, deposited Pt nanoparticles and created a rough surface. The formation of nanoparticles depended critically on oxide thickness. Thinner oxides created fewer nucleation sites, which led to fewer, but larger, nanoparticles.

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 140 , 13285 (2018).


The analysis and research of power system necessitates the current computing. However, the bottleneck of current computing lies in the limited computing capacity in power system. Cloud computing's service-oriented characteristics advance a new way of service provisioning called utility based computing, which could provide powerful computing capability for current computing. However, toward the deployment of practical current computing Cloud, we encounter one challenge that the existing job scheduling algorithms under utility based computing do not take hardware/software failure and recovery in the Cloud into account. In an attempt to address this challenge, we introduce the failure and recovery scenario in the current Cloud computing entities and propose a Reinforcement Learning (RL) based algorithm to make job scheduling in the current computing Cloud fault tolerant. We carry out experimental comparison with Resource-constrained Utility Accrual algorithm (RUA), Utility Accrual Packet scheduling algorithm (UPA) and LBESA to demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed approach.


We demonstrate efficient heralded generation of high purity narrow-bandwidth single photons from a transient collective spin excitation in a hot atomic vapor cell. Employing optical homodyne tomography, we fully reconstruct the density matrix of the generated photon and observe a Wigner function reaching the zero value without correcting for any inefficiencies. The narrow bandwidth of the photon produced is accompanied by a high generation rate yielding a high spectral brightness. The source is, therefore, compatible with atomic-based quantum memories as well as other applications in light-atom interfacing. This Letter paves the way to preparing and measuring arbitrary superposition states of collective atomic excitations.


Abstract Background There is a demand for stewardship implementation and research in ambulatory and SOT populations. Few studies focus on outpatient stewardship interventions, and none has focused on timely recognition of CMV in outpatient SOT recipients. This study sought to determine the effect of real-time CMV result notification paired with pharmacist intervention on virologic and clinical outcomes in outpatient SOT recipients. Methods Quasi-experimental study comprised of two 6-month phases. In the pre-intervention phase, pharmacists were not involved in management of outpatient CMV viremia. In the intervention phase, pharmacists received real-time email notification of positive blood CMV results for review and intervention as necessary. The primary endpoint was rate of viremia eradication at 21 days from therapy initiation. Secondary endpoints: time to antiviral initiation and viremia eradication, rate of CMV invasive disease and hospital admission, and adverse drug events. Results 88 of 213 screened patients were included in the primary analysis (n = 49 and 39 in the pre-intervention and intervention groups, respectively). Baseline characteristics were similar, including transplant type (34% vs. 41% liver, 24% vs. 28% kidney, 14% vs. 17% lung, 14% vs. 10% heart), CMV serostatus (53% vs. 64% D+/R-), and maintenance immunosuppression. A total of 73 recommendations were made with 89% acceptance. Baseline CMV viral load >10,000 IU/mL occurred in 12 (24%) vs. 6 (15%) patients (P = 0.29). Of treated patients, 42 (85%) vs. 32 (82%) achieved CMV eradication at 21 days (P = 0.64), 10 (20%) vs. 5 (12%) required admission for CMV management (P = 0.35), 7 (14%) vs. 3 (7%) developed CMV invasive disease (P = 0.50), and 29 (60%) vs. 25 (66%) received antiviral within 5 days (P = 0.61). There were no statistically significant differences in time to antiviral initiation (45 vs. 41 hours; P = 0.64) or viremia eradication (19 vs. 18 days; P = 0.44). Conclusion CMV eradication at 21 days was not significantly different between groups; however, fewer patients in the intervention experienced elevated baseline viral load, CMV invasive disease, and hospital admission. These secondary endpoints suggest possible benefit from the intervention and warrant further characterization and study. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


The sesquiterpenoids are a large class of naturally occurring compounds with biological functions and desirable properties. Oxidation of the sesquiterpene (+)-valencene by wild type and mutants of P450cam from Pseudomonas putida, and of P450BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium, have been investigated as a potential route to (+)-nootkatone, a fine fragrance. Wild type P450cam did not oxidise (+)-valencene but the mutants showed activities up to 9.8 nmol (nmol P450)(-1) min(-1), with (+)-trans-nootkatol and (+)-nootkatone constituting >85% of the products. Wild type P450BM-3 and mutants had higher activities (up to 43 min(-1)) than P450cam but were much less selective. Of the many products, cis- and trans-(+)-nootkatol, (+)-nootkatone, cis-(+)-valencene-1,10-epoxide, trans-(+)-nootkaton-9-ol, and (+)-nootkatone-13S,14-epoxide were isolated from whole-cell reactions and characterised. The selectivity patterns suggest that (+)-valencene has one binding orientation in P450cam but multiple orientations in P450BM-3.


Abstract Objective Subjective age has been implicated in a range of health outcomes but its associations with Fear of Falling (FoF) are unknown. The present study examined the relation between subjective age and FoF in large national sample. Methods Participants were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS, 2011–2017). 1,679 participants provided data on FoF, subjective age, demographic factors, depressive symptoms, prior falls, self-rated health and measures of the Short Physical Performance Battery. FoF was assessed again 7 years later. Results Regression analyses revealed that an older subjective age was related to a 24% higher likelihood to develop FoF 7 years later. This association was independent of age, sex, educational attainment, race and prior falls. In addition, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and physical inactivity mediated the associations between subjective age and FoF. Conclusions The present study showed that an older subjective age is related to the development of FoF over time, and further identified psychological and functional pathways that may explain this association. These results confirm the role of subjective age on one of the markers of frailty in the aging population.


A novel linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/polypropylene (PP) thermostimulative shape memory blends were prepared by melt blending with moderate crosslinked LLDPE/PP blend (LLDPE–PP) as compatibilizer. In this shape memory polymer (SMP) blends, dispersed PP acted as fixed phase whereas continuous LLDPE phase acted as reversible or switch phase. LLDPE–PP improved the compatibility of LLDPE/PP blends as shown in scanning electron microscopic photos. Dynamic mechanical analysis test showed that the melt strengths of the blends were enhanced with increasing LLDPE–PP content. A shape memory mechanism for this type of SMP system was then concluded. It was found that when the blend ratio of LLDPE/PP/LLDPE–PP was 87/13/6, the blend exhibited the best shape memory effect at stretch ratio of 80%, stretch rate of 25 mm/min, and recovery temperature of 135°C. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.


Our experiment make the zeroing of the torsion balance easier at small distance, and the non-Newtonian force of α=0.01, λ=0.25cm can be detected.


We propose an approach for adding non-functional properties (exception handling, atomicity, security, persistence) to services' coordinations. The approach is based on an Active Policy Model (AP Model) for representing services' coordinations with non-functional properties as a collection of types. In our model, a services' coordination is represented as a workflow composed of an ordered set of activities, each activity in charge of implementing a call to a service' operation. We use the type Activity for representing a workflow and its components (i.e., the workflow' activities and the order among them). A non-functional property is represented as one or several Active Policy types, each policy composed of a set of event-condition-action rules in charge of implementing an aspect of the property. Instances of active policy and activity types are considered in the model as entities that can be executed. We use the Execution Unit type for representing them as entities that go through a series of states at runtime. When an active policy is associated to one or several execution units, its rules verify whether each unit respects the implemented non-functional property by evaluating their conditions over their execution unit state, and when the property is not verified, the rules execute their actions for enforcing the property at runtime. We also proposed a proof of concept Active Policy Execution Engine for executing an active policy oriented workflow modelled using our AP Model. The engine implements an execution model that determines how AP, Rule and Activity instances interact among each other for adding non-functional properties (NFPs) to a workflow at execution time. We validated the AP Model and the Active Policy Execution Engine by defining active policy types for addressing exception handling, atomicity, state management, persistency and authentication properties. These active policy types were used for implementing reliable service oriented applications, and mashups for integrating data from services.


Understanding the visiospatial aspects of anatomic structures is one of the most important aspects of studying gross anatomy. In this paper we are describing a tool that self-constructs 3D virtual body structures (VBS) 'right in-front-of your-eyes'. Furthermore, manipulation capabilities, such as translucent visualization, interactive rotation, translation, and scaling, incorporated into VBS facilitate fundamental learning experience that leads one to 'build 3D models in the mind', providing a validation of computer-assisted individual learning. Creating 3-D virtual body structures from actual human data has long been a dream of many computer scientists and Medical doctors. Now, with the advances in computer hardware and software technologies, our Virtual Body Structure technique, and the Visible Human project, that dream is becoming a reality.


Abstract Two praying mantids, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis Saussure and Tenodera angustipennis Saussure, are commonly found in the same old-field habitats in the eastern United States and in much of temperate zone Asia. Naturally established populations of these two species were studied intensively over two consecutive years (2010 and 2011) in an old field in southeastern Virginia, to compare life history features relevant to how they coexist, or whether one or the other of them is likely to be more successful in the same habitat. Populations of both species declined about 50% from 2010 to 2011 (adults from 47 to 21 for T. a. sinensis; 37 to 20 for T. angustipennis), but T. a. sinensis oviposited 10 oothecae and T. angustipennis only one in 2011. Tenodera a. sinensis was more abundant in the study site in both years, hatched earlier, and matured and oviposited earlier than T. angustipennis. Fewer females of both species survived to maturity in 2011 than in 2010, possibly indicating a reduction in prey or habitat suitability in 2011. We suggest that T. angustipennis will always be at a disadvantage as a result of its smaller body size, because of interspecific predation (and potentially competition) from its congener, lower clutch size, and susceptibility to egg parasitism. Further, environmental variability across field habitats and years profoundly affects populations of both species in successional old fields.


Previous study of the histologic structure of nerve roots1has provided criteria for the differentiation of sensory and motor roots. On the basis of these criteria it was possible to demonstrate that the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus-spinal accessory complex contain certain roots which conform in structure to motor roots and others to sensory roots. It was my purpose in this study to follow the nerve fibers of these roots to their respective nuclei in the medulla oblongata and thus to test these conclusions. MATERIAL The material for this study consisted of the brain stems of a 7 month premature human fetus, a full term newborn infant and a human adult, all of which were stained for myelin sheaths by the Weigert-Pal technic. In addition, the brain stem of a human adult was sectioned and stained with thionine for nerve cells after fixation in alcohol, and another was impregnated


BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-known risk factor for stroke. Predicting the risk is important to prevent the first and secondary attacks of cerebrovascular diseases by determining early treatment. This study aimed to predict the ischemic stroke in AF patients based on the massive and complex Korean National Health Insurance (KNHIS) data through a machine learning approach.

METHODS
We extracted 65-dimensional features, including demographics, health examination, and medical history information, of 754,949 patients with AF from KNHIS. Logistic regression was used to determine whether the extracted features had a statistically significant association with ischemic stroke occurrence. Then, we constructed the ischemic stroke prediction model using an attention-based deep neural network. The extracted features were used as input, and the occurrence of ischemic stroke after the diagnosis of AF was the output used to train the model.

RESULTS
We found 48 features significantly associated with ischemic stroke occurrence through regression analysis (p-value < 0.001). When the proposed deep learning model was applied to 150,989 AF patients, it was confirmed that the occurrence ischemic stroke was predicted to be higher AUROC (AUROC = 0.727 ± 0.003) compared to CHA2DS2-VASc score (AUROC = 0.651 ± 0.007) and other machine learning methods.

CONCLUSIONS
As part of preventive medicine, this study could help AF patients prepare for ischemic stroke prevention based on predicted stoke associated features and risk scores.


Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was introduced into rectorite (REC)/carbon black/natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites by two ways: (1) the direct incorporation of ENR and (b) the incorporation of a spray-dried REC/ENR compound. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the REC layers presented a nanodispersion structure in the REC/ENR compound. The vulcanization characteristics indicated that ENR increased the crosslinking density of the composites. The stronger reaction between the REC layers and ENR was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the spray-dried REC/ENR compound blended with NR versus that in the REC/NR master batch blended with ENR. As a result, the physical properties, such as the mechanical properties, cutting and chipping resistance, and abrasion resistance, of the composites were greatly increased by the addition of the REC/ENR compound. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013


For the management of cryptocurrencies or cryptographic tokens, many users employ a software wallet that facilitates the interaction with a blockchain in general or with on-chain programs (smart contracts) in particular. While many blockchain wallets execute their core program code off-chain, some wallets implement core functionality on-chain as smart contracts with the intent to increase trust and security by using transparent and verifiable execution.In this work, we investigate smart contracts for wallets with regard to the functionality that makes use of cryptographically secured blockchain technology. We focus on wallet contracts deployed on Ethereum, as it is the most prominent platform for tokens and smart contracts with readily available data. We aim at a better understanding of this frequently deployed group of smart contracts by analyzing characteristics of wallet contracts and grouping them into six types. To this end, we present approaches to identify wallet contracts by analyzing source code, bytecode, and execution traces extracted from transaction data. Moreover, we investigate usage scenarios and patterns. From the derived data, we extract blueprints for wallets and compile a ground truth. We provide numbers and temporal perspectives regarding the creation and use of wallets.


We report on the electronic properties of Mn12 molecules chemically grafted on the functionalized Au(111) surface studied by means of scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy at room temperature. Reproducible current-voltage curves were obtained from Mn12 molecules showing a large region of low conductance around the Fermi energy. In agreement with the tunneling spectroscopy results the bias voltage variation upon scanning leads to apparent height changes of the Mn12 clusters. We discuss these findings in the light of the recent band structure calculations and electronic transport measurements on single Mn12 molecules.


ABSTRACT The widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a lack of new pharmaceutical development have catalyzed a need for new and innovative approaches for antibiotic drug discovery. One bottleneck in antibiotic discovery is the lack of a rapid and comprehensive method to identify compound mode of action (MOA). Since a hallmark of antibiotic action is as an inhibitor of essential cellular targets and processes, we identify a set of 308 essential genes in the clinically important pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 446 strains differentially expressing these genes were constructed in a comprehensive platform of sensitized and resistant strains. A subset of strains allows either target underexpression or target overexpression by heterologous promoter replacements with a suite of tetracycline-regulatable promoters. A further subset of 236 antisense RNA-expressing clones allows knockdown expression of cognate targets. Knockdown expression confers selective antibiotic hypersensitivity, while target overexpression confers resistance. The antisense strains were configured into a TargetArray in which pools of sensitized strains were challenged in fitness tests. A rapid detection method measures strain responses toward antibiotics. The TargetArray antibiotic fitness test results show mechanistically informative biological fingerprints that allow MOA elucidation.


In research and investigations satellite images become more popularity to getting data to accomplish their needs. While getting this data some disturbances are getting along with this that is nothing but poor image quality. To overcome this we present DWT to decompose the input image into different sub bands with powerful theoretical tool to analyze the nonlinear image. Identifying the areas of the edges through threshold decomposition and edges are sharpened by using morphological filters. By this we are improving the better quality of image.


Tubixaba tuxaua is a phytonematode that causes damage to crops and was recently identified in soil samples from Paraguay. Due to the scarcity of local information on the damage caused to soybean cultivation, a study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects on development and yield caused by different densities of Tubixaba tuxaua in the soybean crop. The experiment was carried out in field conditions, in the 2016/2017 cycle, in Tempiaporenda, Caazapá, Paraguay, in a plot with 10 years of soybean production. According to the symptoms observed 48 days after sowing, 3 areas of infestation were delimited and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 12, 6 and 7 repetitions, for the areas of high, medium and free infestation of Tubixaba tuxaua respectively. The variables analyzed were; population of the nematode, foliar area, dry mass, height of plant, number of pods, weight of 100 grains and yield. The results showed statistical differences between the treatments for all the variables except weight of 100 grains. It was observed that in areas with a greater population of nematodes, there was a decrease in plant height, number of pods, foliar area, dry mass and yield with a decreasing tendency.


Research to determine the effect of type and dosage of manure on the growth and yield of french bean and also type and dosage of manure that can increase growth and yield, implemented in December 2016 - February 2017 in the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Timor University, Sasi Village. The research used Randomized Block Design with two factors, namely, the first factor is the type of manure, consisting of cow manure, pig manure, goat manure. The second factor is the dosage of manure, consisting of 5 t / ha, 10 t / ha, 15 t / ha. The results showed no interaction between the type and dosage of manure. Giving of pig manure with the dosage of 15 t / ha can give the highest growth, ie at the end of vegetative reaching height 56,78 cm and highest yield in the form of, number of pods per plant most (39 pods), number of fresh pods per plot (235 pods) , fresh pods per heaviest plant (240 g), and fresh pods per heaviest plot (1.28 kg).


High doses of iodine-131 (I-131) are commonly used in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after total or subtotal thyroidectomy, in order to ablate the remaining cancer or normal thyroid tissue. Multiple different false-positive scans can occur in the absence of residual thyroid tissue or metastases. The authors present a case of abnormal uptake of radioactive iodine in the Aspergilloma, potentially masquerading as pulmonary metastases.


A chemical-free, environmentally friendly and harmless water immersion method is developed to delaminate anode oxidationtitania nanotube (TNT) arrays from Ti foils to obtain a free-standing TNT membrane. The as-synthesized TNT membrane with tunable thickness which is controlled by anodization time are used in low-temperature dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a second layer to improve the DSSC efficiency. Compared with the common titania nanoparticle electrode, a water-delaminated TNT membrane electrode of 16 μm in thickness can significantly enhance the DSSCs photovoltaic performance with a short-circuit current density from 3.87 to 7.63 mA cm−2 and a fill factor from 0.637 to 0.708, which combinatorially lead to a remarkable increment of photo conversion efficiency from 1.70% to 3.68%. The results show that, owing to its vertically aligned ordered nanotube structure, the TNT arrays exhibit trifunctional behavior when used as an electrode, which are charge generation, light scattering and I3− diffusion improvement.


BACKGROUND
Material circumstances and collective psychosocial processes have been invoked as potential explanations for socioeconomic inequalities in health; and, linking social capital has been proposed as a way of reconciling these apparently opposing explanations.

METHODS
We conducted multilevel logistic regression of self-rated health (fair or poor vs excellent, very good, or good) on 14 495 individuals living within 41 statistical local areas who were respondents to the 1998 Tasmanian Healthy Communities Study. We modelled the effects of area-level socioeconomic disadvantage and social capital (neighbourhood integration, neighbourhood alienation, neighbourhood safety, social trust, trust in public/private institutions, and political participation), and adjusted for the effects of individual characteristics.

RESULTS
Area-level socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with poor self-rated health (beta = 0.0937, P < 0.001) an effect that was attenuated, but remained significant, after adjusting for individual characteristics (beta = 0.0419, P < 0.001). Social trust was associated with a reduction in poor self-rated health (beta = -0.0501, p = 0.008) and remained significant when individual characteristics (beta = -0.0398, P = 0.005) were included. Political participation was non-significant in the unadjusted model but became significant when adjusted for individual characteristics (beta = -0.2557, P = 0.045). The effects of social trust and political participation were attenuated and became non-significant when area-level socioeconomic disadvantage was included.

CONCLUSION
Area-based socioeconomic disadvantage is a determinant of self-rated health in Tasmania, but we did not find an independent effect of area-level social capital. These findings suggest that in Tasmania investments in improving the material circumstances in which people live are likely to lead to greater improvements in population health than attempts to increase area-level social capital.


The objective was to identify the factors influencing the outcome of homologous intrauterine insemination (IUI-H). Nine hundred and sixty-eight couples underwent 2246 IUI-H cycles. The clinical pregnancy rate (PR) per IUI-H cycle and per couple, and the miscarriage and multiple pregnancy rates were 11.8%, 27.4%, 23.3%, and 12.0%, respectively. IUI-H for combined infertility (n = 118) was 3 times less efficient than IUI performed for unexplained infertility (n = 289), OR = 0.293 (95% CI, 0.098-0.872). PRs did not differ in CC, letrozole and gonadotropin cycles, but compared with CC, Gonal-F was twice as efficient, OR = 1.994 (95% CI, 1.137-3.495). The cycles with at least 3 follicles ≥17 mm were twice as successful as the cycles with 1 follicle only, OR = 1.836 (95% CI, 1.061-3.177). The success of IUI-H increases with higher inseminated motile sperm count (IMC), from 3.6×106 up to 12×106, where it reaches a plateau.


Background: The diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) requires the establishment of hemolysis and demonstration of autoantibodies against red cells. Most laboratories use the conventional Coomb's test for the demonstration of the autoantibodies. However, in approximately 4-8% of the patients who present with the clinical and haematological features of AIHA, the direct agglutination test is negative on repeated testing. Attempts are therefore being made to identify a test which could be more sensitive than the conventional test, yet retaining the simplicity and cost effectiveness of the test. Aims & Objective:  Comparison between Gel card and Conventional Direct Coombs Test for diagnosis of autoimmune haemolytic anemia. Material and Methods: Direct Coomb's test done by conventional methods and Gel card methods. In the present study, the efficacy of the newly developed gel card test has been compared with the conventional Coomb's test for detection of autoantibodies in 100 cases clinically suspected to have haemolytic anemia in Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital, Jamnagar. Results and Conclusion: The gel card picked up the antibodies in all the cases that were detected to be positive by the conventional test. In addition the gel card also picked up 2 tests which were negative by the conventional method. In view of the high sensitivity, specificity and the simplicity of the procedure this test (Gel Method) may be effectively used for diagnosis of AIHA. K ey Words: Auto Immune hemolytic anemia, Direct coomb's test, Gel Card


This is the first of two collections by top scholars working on the history of the Silk Road. This collection's main focus is the first millennium CE when the Silk Road trade was at its height. Most of the entries are organized chronologically and geographically, concentrating on the sites (like Niya and Loulan) which flourished in the third and fourth centuries, then Turfan and Samarkand (500-800), and closes with the period after 800, when Tang China withdrew its troops from the region and the local peoples reverted to a largely barter economy. Coverage ends in 1000, when the first cities on the western edge of the Taklamakan converted to Islam. Introductory texts provide general overviews of the trade (including classic pre- and post-war studies), followed by a brief survey of the ancient trade routes. Of particular interest in this collection are the Silk Road's most famous group of travellers, the Sogdians, a people from the region of Samarkand (in today's Uzbekistan) thanks to Chinese archaeologists who have recently uncovered several tombs that allow us to see how the Sogdians gradually adjusted to Chinese culture, decorating their tombs with detailed scenes of everyday life.


Five sheep developed severe nervous signs after being drenched with Albizia versicolor pod-material. Four of these sheep were treated with pyridoxine hydrochloride (a vitamin B6) when the symptoms of toxicity became life-threatening. All the treated sheep recovered dramatically and completely after treatment while the untreated one died 2 h after receiving pod-material. A therapeutic dose of 20-25 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride/kg body mass given twice with an 8 h interval is the recommended treatment regimen. The route of administration will depend on the severity of symptoms. Chemical pathology and post-mortem findings are discussed.


Abstract In this contribution we report on the morphological structures formed in blends of microphase-separated 3-miktoarm star terpolymers of polystyrene-armpolybutadiene- arm-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (SBV*) and polystyrene-block-polybutadiene (SB), polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (SV), poly(2-vinylpyridine)- block-poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) (VC) diblock copolymers. The morphologies are characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Blends with similar morphologies as known from linear triblock terpolymers are found, like core-shell structures based on cylinders or gyroids. Other blends show very distorted morphologies, or morphologies similar to the ones found for pure 3-miktoarm star terpolymers. While attractive interactions between blocks of the two species enhance the formation of common superlattices, blends with too large diblock copolymers tend to macrophase-separate.


Managing a multi-reservoir system is complicated, due to conflicting interests among various objectives. This study proposes an optimization-based approach for the operations of a multi-reservoir system. An advanced real-time control technique, Model Predictive Control (MPC), is adopted to control a multi-reservoir system with two control objectives, i.e., flood mitigation and water conservation. The case study area is the Sittaung River basin in Myanmar, where the current reservoir operating rule needs to be improved for a more effective operation. A comparison between an MPC-based operation and the current operation is presented by using performance indicators. The result shows a reduction of the system's vulnerability by 0.9 percent using MPC. Due to the physical constraint of the reservoirs, it is impossible to completely eliminate the flood risk at Taungoo City during high inflow events. However, the results indicate that the potential flood risk can be mitigated by improving the current operating rule.


This chapter introduces a for-profit way to repair persistent problems in free enterprise economics and commerce. Today, continuous advances in technology and human capabilities fail to produce a commensurate, across-the-board rise in the standard of living and quality of life for households and communities. Instead, win-lose competition over money and proliferation of competitive duplication put downward pressure on profits, wages and the purchasing power of families. Despite an ever-growing economic pie, everyone does not enjoy a secure income. This is a money issue, not a productivity issue. Eventually, so-called equilibrium is achieved when businesses downsize, merge and/or fail. But businesses fail while there are still unmet needs for their products and services revealing a missed business opportunity. An innovative alternative is to monetize and market currently underutilized productive capacity using a new form of business scrip termed Ledger Dollars (L$) L$ increase purchasing power within a cooperative network of business and community stakeholders. L$ are analogous to loyalty rewards—backed by unsold products and services—but reward more than consumer spending and enhance cooperation and eco-sustainability. Ledger Dollars constitute a new financial asset class designed to improve traditional fiat-centered economics and advance the now popular Triple-Bottom-Line of People, Planet and Profits.


The LHCb experiment has distinctive features, providing novel possibilities for production measurements needed to improve the interpretation of cosmic ray observations in the space or through atmospheric showers. In particular, LHCb has the unique possibility, among the LHC experiments, to be operated in fixed-target mode using its internal gas target. The energy scale achievable at the LHC, the different available nuclear targets and the excellent detector capabilities for vertexing, tracking and particle identification offer unique opportunities. Using a helium target, the first measurement of antiproton production in proton-helium collisions was achieved using a 6.5 TeV proton beam, for antiproton energies in the range 12-110 GeV. The results are particularly relevant to the interpretation of the recent precise measurements of the antiproton flux in cosmic rays.


The left ventricular systolic ejection phase was cineangiographically analyzed in an attempt to evaluate left ventricular performance. Forty-eight patients were classified into five groups: (1) 9 controls; (2) 5 patients with PMD (congestive type) (COCM); (3) 9 patients with PMD hypertrophic type) (HCM), (4) 9 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD); and (5) 16 patients with mitral stenosis (MS). The rate of volume change (deltaV/deltat) and the volume change as a percentage of stroke volume (deltaV/SV) in patients with COCM and IHD were lower in the early systole and higher in the mid-systole as compared with the control group. Normalized systolic ejection rate (NSER) and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf) for the early and late systole were significantly lower in patients with COCM and IHD than in the control group. In two patients with IHD in whom normal indices of left ventricular performance and no asynergy were observed, NSER and Vcf were normal in the late systole but were significantly lower in the early systole. In all 48 patients, deltaV/deltat, deltaV/SV, NSER and Vcf were compared statistically with conventional ejection phase indices and isometric phase indices. delthV/SV for the midstystole showed a negative correlation with EF, MNSER and mVcf. NSER and Vcf for all three phases showed a good correlation with Vmax, max dp/dt and R-max dp/dt but a better correlation with EF, MNSER and mVcf. It was concluded that NSER and Vcf for the early systole were sensitive indices of left ventricular performance and may be utilized to detect subtle depression of left ventricular performance.


The reduction in the level of nitric oxide ( NO) is a purported mechanism of delayed vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrage (SAH). Evidence in support of a causative role for NO includes the disappearance of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) from the adventitia of vessels in spasm and destruction of NO by hemoglobin released from the clot into the subarachnoid space. The aim was to determine whether a potent vasodilator and donor NO nitroglicerine to Reverse vasospasm in a experimental model SAH in rabbit, when administered through the cerebrospinal fluid to the adventitial side of the constricted blood vessel. The degree of vasospasm in all experiments was assessed by cerebral arteriography. This study indicates that intrathecally administered nitroglycerine is effective in dilation of the spastic artery and in reversing cerebral vasoconstriction in experimental SAH model without any significant changes in the systemic circulation. This method may represent an important therapentic intervention to reverse cerebral vasospasm due to SAH.


Abstract Cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra of tridymite and cristobalite have broad peaks around 430 and 400 nm, respectively, both of which can be assigned to the [AlO4/M+]0 defect. The CL intensities of these spectral peaks in the blue region decrease with prolonged exposure to electron irradiation, similar to the short-lived luminescence observed in quartz, although quartz shows a lower decrease in CL intensity compared to these minerals. Cristobalite has a higher CL intensity reduction rate during irradiation than does tridymite. Irradiation of these minerals at low temperatures results in a more rapid decay of CL emission, whereas that of quartz shows no apparent change in the rate of CL emission at similar temperatures. Confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy of the electron irradiated surface of these minerals reveals the amorphization caused by the interaction of the electron beam with the surface layer to a depth of several micrometers. This suggests that such structural destruction diminishes the activity of CL emission centers related to the [AlO4/M+]0 defects by migration of monovalent cations associated with exchanged Al in the tetrahedral sites. Both samples present a considerable reduction of their CL intensities at higher temperature, suggesting a temperature quenching phenomenon. The activation energy in the quenching process was evaluated by a least-squares fitting of the Arrhenius plots, assuming the Mott-Seitz model. The result implies that the energy of non-radiative transition in this process might be transferred to lattice vibrations as phonons in two different manners. This might be related to different irradiation responses of the CL with a change in sample temperature.


Colloidal CdSe quantum dots were chemisorbed on a gold electrode using a variety of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) consisting of dithiols and rigid disulfides. After absorption of a photon with an energy larger than the band gap, a long-lived excited state is formed in the quantum dot; this state can decay by electron tunneling via the gold. The rate of photoinduced tunneling was measured directly by intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS), and its distance dependence was studied using rigid SAMs separating the Q-CdSe and Au. The tunneling rate was found to depend exponentially on the distance, with a decay length of 2 A.


Micropapillary components are located in distinct, empty spaces resembling lymphatic vessels and consist of clusters of cancer cells that adhere tightly to one another. These structures do not have a fibrovascular core. Invasive micropapillary components (IMPCs) exhibit reverse polarity, which results in a characteristic 'inside-out' structure. The aim of the present study was to examine the histological significance of the micropapillary component in colorectal carcinoma compared with conventional colorectal adenocarcinoma. Among 115 patients, 5 (4.3%) were diagnosed with a micropapillary colorectal component based on hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis. To exclude identification of poorly-differentiated clusters of adenocarcinoma cells in the lymphatic vessels, immunohistochemical analysis with D2-40 was performed, and epithelial membrane antigen was used to confirm the specific 'inside-out' structure of IMPCs. IMPCs were observed to positively correlate with histopathological type (P=0.001) and tumor invasion in venous vessels (P=0.033). Furthermore, the presence and number of lymph node metastases was greater in IMPC cases compared with conventional carcinoma cases; however, these differences were not statistically significant (P=0.087 and P=0.094, respectively). In addition, IMPC cases were not significantly associated with the presence of inflammatory infiltrate in the invasive front of the tumor (P=0.098). Therefore, the present study indicates that the IMPC serves a histopathological and prognostic role in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer due to its aggressive and invasive behavior. IMPC is rare in cases of colorectal cancer and remains a great diagnostic challenge in pathomorphology with further detailed investigation required in the future.


There are discussed dynamic variants of identification processes. Being based on a model of normal and pathological variants of identification they distinguish three basic forms of a possible temporal vector: postfigurative, configurative and prefigurative. Their possible combinations, crossings and basic restrictions are described.


Federal research regulations require participants to be informed about whether medical care or compensation for injury is available in more than minimal risk studies and prohibit language in informed consent documents that waives, or appears to waive, legal rights. The objectives of this study were to compare data collected in 2000 and 2012 to identify significant changes in types of institutional compensation policies at U.S. research institutions, and assess the relationship between institutional characteristics and different types of policies. We found that research-related injury compensation policies did not change substantially during the time period. A significant percentage of policies contain language that can be reasonably interpreted as waiving, or appearing to waive, legal rights. Level of funding, public vs. private status, and institutional involvement in clinical research were associated with different types of policies. The lack of substantial change in compensation policies supports arguments for a national policy.


The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has been changing over the years with the emergence of BIM. The small and medium sized enterprises are not left out of the change, bringing distortion to their business environment and process. Extant studies have revealed that Structure Capital (SC) is an integral part of the innovative capacity of firms, this study examines the capability of SC on Architectural SME firms in Nigeria. The research was designed in three stages, empirical enquiry, analysis, and synthesis. The empirical enquiry comprised of theory formulation and fieldwork data collection. The theory formulation was achieved by proposing an evaluation framework using a systematic literature review on three SC components; system structure, infrastructure and facilities, and process and scheme. The evaluation framework constituted a set of independent variables comprising thirteen indicators categorised under these three components. The evaluation framework was used to collect data from the fieldwork. It involved a questionnaire survey and case study interviews with a sample of SME architectural firms in Nigeria. The survey involved administering questionnaires to 334 firms which yielded 217 completed questionnaires. Six case study interviews were also conducted within the same period.  The survey data enabled the evaluation of the framework using a multiple regression analysis. To examine the relationship between these components and the BIM Business Value Capital (BBVC), a multiple linear regression and correlation analysis was conducted to assess whether the independent variables predict the dependent variable. The result indicated that all the three components of the SC have a significant correlation with BBVC. However, some indicators were not found to be useful in predicting BBVC, which include: flexible administrative systems and knowledge management system structures. In comparison, the availability of specific office infrastructures for BIM and the availability of in-house training were found to be useful. The research concluded that the development of the SC of SME firms in the AEC industry is essential for the business process of BIM adoption. Keywords: BIM, Structure Capital (SC), SME, Architect, BBVC. DOI : 10.7176/IKM/9-2-06