Virtual studios have long been used in commercial broadcasting. However, most virtual studios are based on "blue screen" technology, and its two-dimensional (2-D) nature restricts the user from making natural three-dimensional (3-D) interactions. Actors have to follow prewritten scripts and pretend as if directly interacting with the synthetic objects. This often creates an unnatural and seemingly uncoordinated output. In this paper, we introduce an improved virtual-studio framework to enable actors/users to interact in 3-D more naturally with the synthetic environment and objects. The proposed system uses a stereo camera to first construct a 3-D environment (for the actor to act in), a multiview camera to extract the image and 3-D information about the actor, and a real-time registration and rendering software for generating the final output. Synthetic 3-D objects can be easily inserted and rendered, in real time, together with the 3-D environment and video actor for natural 3-D interaction. The enabling of natural 3-D interaction would make more cinematic techniques possible including live and spontaneous acting. The proposed system is not limited to broadcast production, but can also be used for creating virtual/augmented-reality environments for training and entertainment


Supported atomically dispersed metal catalysts are at the frontier of catalysis research, promising combined advantages of well-defined sites and high selectivity, with high stability and easy separation characterizing solid catalysts. We report that addition of an organic chelating agent in the final stage of impregnation, allows the metal precursor to be anchored and isolated without the need for anchoring sites on the support. The resulting isolated atoms are characterized with scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermal desorption of carbon monoxide. This "chelate fixation" (CheFi) method can yield relatively high loadings of single atoms (e.g., Pt, Ru, Ir), up to at least 1 atom nm-2 on a variety of carbon (e.g., black, activated carbon, diamond) and oxide (e.g., TiO2, SiO2) supports.


Effect of heat treatment process on the microstructure and properties of Mg-Nd-Gd-Zr alloy were investigated. The results show that appropriate heat treatment may refine the microstructure of alloy, and improve its mechanical properties. The optimum heat treatment process of Mg-Nd-Gd-Zr alloy is 530 ℃ for 2 h and then aging at 200 ℃ for 2 h. After heat treating, the alloy possesses good mechanical properties. Its hardness and tensile strength reaches 93.4 HV and 187 MPa, respectively.


Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common cause of dementia that encompasses 3 clinical subtypes: a behavioral/dysexecutive (frontal) variant and 2 variants with prominent language impairments. There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for FTD although symptomatic treatments such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and atypical antipsychotic agents are frequently used to manage behavioral abnormalities associated with this disorder. Evidence for the use of currently available symptomatic treatments in each FTD clinical subtype is reviewed. In addition, the implications of new genetic and neuropathologic information about FTD for the design of future clinical trials and the eventual development of FTD-specific disease-modifying treatments are discussed.


In the present research paper, the approximate analytical solutions of the modified radial Schrodinger equation (MSE) have been obtained with a newly proposed potential called generalized Hellmann–Kratzer potential (GHKP) model by using the improved approximation scheme to the centrifugal term for any l-states. The potential is a superposition of the Hellmann–Kratzer potential model and new terms proportional with (1/ r3, 1/ r4,  exp (-ar)/r2 and exp (-ar)/r3), appears as a result of the effects of noncommutativity properties of space and phase on the Hellmann–Kratzer potential model. We applied the generalized Bopp's shift method and standard perturbation theory, in the nonrelativistic noncommutative three-dimensional real space phase (NC: 3D-RSP) instead to solving MSE directly with star product. The bound state energy eigenvalues for the some diatomic molecules such as, N2, CO, NO and CH  and obtained in terms of the generalized the Gamma function, the discreet atomic quantum numbers ((j, n, l, s, and m)), two infinitesimal parameters(a, b) which are induced automatically by position-position and phase-phase noncommutativity properties, in addition to, the dimensional parameters (V1, V, a, re, De) of GHKP model. Furthermore, we have shown that the corresponding Hamiltonian operator in (NC: 3D-RSP) symmetries is the sum of the Hamiltonian operator of the HKP model and two operators, the first one is the modified spin-orbit interaction while the second is the modified Zeeman operator for the previous diatomic molecule.


Recently our modern society is demanding flexible, low-cost, and lightweight electrochemical energy storage systems, which are very important in variety of applications ranging from portable consumer electronics to large industrial-scale power and energy management. Among different energy storage systems, flexible supercapacitors have been considered as one of the most promising candidates due to their significant merits such as high power density along with the unique properties of being flexible, lightweight, shape versatile, and eco-friendly in comparison to other energy storage systems. In this regard, this review article describes the principles of supercapacitors and the recent research progress on flexible supercapacitor electrodes, for which metal substrates, carbon-based paper, conventional paper, textiles, sponges, and cables are used as substrates to fabricate high-performance flexible supercapacitors. Finally, the future challenges and perspectives for the development of flexible supercapacitors based on bendable substrates and their applications are discussed.


We report a combined valence band photoemission and Auger spectroscopy study of single crystalline Ca(Fe,Co)2As2 and Ba(Fe,TM)2As2 with TM=Ni or Cu. The valence band photoemission data show directly that the TM-states move to higher binding energies with increasing atomic number, contributing less and less to the states close to the Fermi level. Furthermore, the 3d8 final state of the LVV Auger decay, which is observed for Ni and Cu, unambiguously reveals the accumulation of charge at these impurities. We also show that the onsite Coulomb interaction on the impurity strongly increases when moving from Co over Ni to Cu. Our results quantify the impurity potentials and imply that the superconducting state is robust against impurity scattering.


Introduction: Though a substantial number of studies indicate the nexus between childhood trauma, PTSD, and dissociative disorders among adolescents, Indian literature is mostly silent. As reported incidents of child abuse are alarming in India, it was important to explore further on the subject. Objective: To explore the relationship between childhood trauma and other clinical correlates like anxiety, PTSD and behavioural problems in adolescents diagnosed with dissociative disorder. Method: 50 adolescents aged 13-18 years with a medical diagnosis of dissociative disorder were included. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit the patients from a child guidance clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Child Dissociative Checklist (CDC), Children's Impact of Events Scale (CRIES -13), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARD), and Youth self-Report (YSR from Child Behaviour Checklist) were administered. Results: The sample consisted of 62% females and 38% males. A significant relationship was found between dissociation and anxiety, panic disorder and separation anxiety disorder. CDC had a positive correlation with internalisation, externalisation and behaviour problems. Regression analysis showed that behavioural problems and PTSD (CRIES-13) as two significant predictors of anxiety. Although there was no significant difference between adolescents with childhood trauma and without it, still the presence of trauma emerged as a significant predictor of dissociative disorders. Conclusion: The findings indicated that dissociation had a significant association with childhood trauma, behaviour problems, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. Thus, culturally appropriate trauma-focused interventions for the treatment of mental illnesses and the underlying trauma should be designed for addressing dissociative disorders in this age group.


This work extends the set of works which deal with the popular problem of sentiment analysis in Twitter. It investigates the most popular document ("tweet") representation methods which feed sentiment evaluation mechanisms. In particular, we study the bag-of-words, n-grams and n-gram graphs approaches and for each of them we evaluate the performance of a lexicon-based and 7 learning-based classification algorithms (namely SVM, Na\"ive Bayesian Networks, Logistic Regression, Multilayer Perceptrons, Best-First Trees, Functional Trees and C4.5) as well as their combinations, using a set of 4451 manually annotated tweets. The results demonstrate the superiority of learning-based methods and in particular of n-gram graphs approaches for predicting the sentiment of tweets. They also show that the combinatory approach has impressive effects on n-grams, raising the confidence up to 83.15% on the 5-Grams, using majority vote and a balanced dataset (equal number of positive, negative and neutral tweets for training). In the n-gram graph cases the improvement was small to none, reaching 94.52% on the 4-gram graphs, using Orthodromic distance and a threshold of 0.001.


Over the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced melanoma and ensured significant improvement in overall survival versus chemotherapy. ICI or targeted therapy are now the first line treatment in advanced melanoma, depending on the tumor v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) mutational status. While these new approaches have changed the outcomes for many patients, a significant proportion of them still experience lack of response, known as primary resistance. Mechanisms of primary drug resistance are not fully elucidated. However, many alterations have been found in ICI-resistant melanomas and possibly contribute to that outcome. Furthermore, some tumors which initially responded to ICI treatment ultimately developed mechanisms of acquired resistance and subsequent tumor progression. In this review, we give an overview of tumor primary and acquired resistance mechanisms to ICI and discuss future perspectives with regards to new molecular targets and combinatorial therapies.


Since successfully gaining host city status for the Olympics in 2012, London's ability to accommodate such an event has been the subject of much debate in the media. A significant part of their attention has focused upon the ever-increasing costs to host and stage the Games in London (BBC News, 2008a, 2008b; BBC Sport, 2007; Booth, 2008; Merrick, 2008; Neenan, 2008). The aim of this article is to discuss the commercial relationships between Olympic sponsors, the IOC and the bodies responsible for delivering London 2012 Olympic Games and to highlight any ethical implications emerging. The focus will be on the contrasting tensions between world-wide and domestic sponsorship for the Olympics. For example, the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 changed the way in which Olympic sponsorship was conducted and the way in which Olympic sponsorship programmes have evolved since then. The article will then examine some domestic issues regarding the funding required to pay for the 2012 London Games and the use of National Lottery money towards this. Ethical considerations between the commercialization of the Olympics Games and the Olympic Movement are also raised as these may conflict with concerns for public health and the Olympic Ideal itself, now seemingly being underwritten and dependant upon the whims of commercial sponsorship.


Abstract In view of the recent antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up in Kenya, surveillance of transmitted HIV drug resistance (TDR) is important. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among newly HIV-1 diagnosed, antiretroviral-naive adults in Mombasa, Kenya. Surveillance drug resistance mutations (SDRMs) were identified according to the 2009 WHO list. HIV-1 subtypes were determined using REGA and SCUEAL subtyping tools. Genotypic test results were obtained for 68 of 81 participants, and SDRMs were identified in 9 samples. Resistance to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (K103N) occurred in five participants, yielding a TDR prevalence of 7.4% (95% confidence interval 2.4-16.3%). Frequencies of HIV-1 subtypes were A (70.6%), C (5.9%), D (2.9%), and unique recombinant forms (20.6%). The TDR prevalence found in this survey is higher than previously reported in different regions in Kenya. These findings justify increased vigilance with respect to TDR surveillance in African regions where ART programs are scaled-up in order to inform treatment guidelines.


Within the past 3 years, the FDA has approved five new treatment options for patients with CLL. While these advances improve patient outcomes and the quality of care, there is a need for advanced practitioners to stay up to date and informed in order to translate these advances into the clinical setting.


Compartment syndrome after an adder bite is extremely rare, whose effects are only secondary to the cytotoxic and hemorrhagic effects of venom. Here we reported a case of compartment syndrome in the upper limb following an adder bite in the thenar eminence. Elevated compartment pressure was documented and immediate surgical fasciotomy was practiced. The patient achieved complete recovery with a good functional result. We discussed the controversies on fasciotomy and non-invasive measures in such a situation, and recommended intracompartmental pressure monitoring during the management of compartment syndrome following adder bites.


The article presents an overview of modern approaches to the identification and justification of the choice of management tactics for patients with malocclusion and crowding of teeth. The questions of the etiology and pathogenesis of malocclusion that occurred both in early childhood and in older age are highlighted. There is a high prevalence of malocclusion in the population, which creates a number of medical problems (tooth erasability and mobility, changes in the upper-mandibular joint, abnormalities of the biomechanics of the lower jaw), but also a number of aesthetic and psychological problems. The classification of malocclusion anomalies is given. The article describes the currently relevant visualization methods for diagnosing malocclusion, which allow us to assess the severity of changes and adequately select the optimal method of correction, including orthopantomography and telerentgenography. The application of the calculation method is justified, which allows to establish the fact of a lack of space in the dental arch and to identify the need for its increase in case of crowding of teeth. Indications for extraction of teeth for correction of malocclusion have been determined. The factors determining the success of corrective treatment and the stability of the achieved results are listed.


The paper presents some achievements in complex mod elling and simulation in mechatronics, being underlined some characteristics of the mechat ronics field together with applications of the mech a- tronics design principles. Some aspects of the opti mized and integrated design having as main part the modelling and simulation of the system are presente d. The facilities of the programs used for kinemati c and dynamic simulation of multi-body systems are em phasized. Some mechatronic systems are presented as examples of modelling and simulation in MATLAB/S imulink (MS), SolidDynamics (SD) or MotionIn- ventor (MI) programs with accent on robots for micr o and nano manipulations of cells, industrial robot s, and precessional drives .


In a wide range of changes in the concentration of the initial components, the influence of the components of the initial substances on the patterns of formation of a gas-sensitive material was studied. It was found that the initial solution has the highest stability (18.5 days) at the ratio of contents: TEOS: water: ethanol: HCI=1:20: 30: 0.05. As a result of the study of the regularities of sol-gel synthesis of semiconductor gas-sensitive materials based on tetraethoxysilane and metal oxides Zn, Ti, and W, the following highly efficient gas-sensitive materials were selected, and the optimal operating temperature for the sensitive elements of semiconductor sensors H 2 S, NH 3 , and CH 4 : H 2 S (t opt .=350°C; 95WO 3 +5CuO), NH 3 (t opt .=350 °C; 95TiO 2 +5Fe 2 O 3 ), CH 4 (t opt .= 400°C; 90ZnO+10CoO). The results obtained were used in the development of thin-film semiconductor ssensors for H 2 S, NH 3 , and CH 4 with a substrate based on a spiral of a glazed platinum microwire. The metrological parameters of sensors based on gas-sensitive materials synthesized with and without a template (polyethylene glycol) were studied during the experiments. It has been found that the sensitivity of a metal oxide composite film obtained in the presence of a template in the determination of H 2 S, NH 3 , and CH 4 is higher than that of a film obtained without a template.


To investigate the functional role of dendrites of thalamocortical neurones, we have used our one-compartmental model to construct a multi-compartmental model with dendritic regions chosen according to a representative soma-to-dendritic terminal path of an X cell of the cat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. The multi-compartmental model with dendritic low-threshold CA2+ and delayed rectifier K+ channels yields more accurate results than the one-compartmental model when simulating tonic firing and oscillatory activities, and provides a useful means for the study of propagation of excitation on the dendrites.


The authors are developing a multifingered robot hand which is modeled on a human hand. The aim is to identify the technologies necessary for this type of robot hand. The hand consists of 4 fingers, each with 4 joints actuated by DC motors via wires. The hand is attached to the tip of a 6-degree-of-freedom arm. The fingers and the arm are controlled by 6 32-bit microprocessor boards. Each finger has a tactile sensor on the fingertip. This consisting of a silicone rubber cap with a cavity filled with an incompressible fluid. Using these sensors and potentiometers mounted at one side of each joint, contact forces and positions of the fingertips are controlled. Three or four fingers grasp an object cooperatively when each finger is force-controlled using the tactile sensors independently. Evaluation tests of the position and the force control were executed, and experiments requiring the robot hand to pick up a pen and write characters were conducted.


The mobile network based on SDR demands special methods of the software updating, such as methods of a DB adapted to SDR. This paper represents the approach to updating the software of SDR systems.


In her commentary (Dreßing this collection) on my target article (Pacherie this collection), Dreßing suggests that the story I offer is not just a creation myth but also an attempt to give an explanation of the function of conscious intentions in the physical world and as such answerable to both metaphysical and empirical constraints. Here, I try to clarify which of my claims should be understood as simply speculations about the origins of our capacity of intentions and which I take to be empirical claims. In response to the metaphysical and empirical challenge Dreßing raises, I argue that Dretske's distinction between structuring and triggering causes may help us see how explanations in terms of physical properties and explanations in terms of mental properties may not compete but rather complement each other. I argue that this distinction may also help us assuage certain worries raised by neuroscientific findings.


This study is a replication of the previous study by Nouri and Parker (1998), but implemented in the public sector. This study aimed to examine the effect of budgetary participation on managerial performance in public sector organizations / government agencies in the payment areas of KPPN (State Treasury Office) Solok, West Sumatra, in order to obtain results from different institutions (inter-ministerial). This study also aimed to test whether organizational commitment and budget adequacy can serve as mediating the relationship between budgetary participation and managerial performance. The research data is the primary data obtained through questionnaires given to 128 structural unit s in several government agencies. A total of 43 questionnaires were returned and 31 questionnaires filled out completely and can be processed. Data were processed using path analysis and SmartPLS ver 2.0. with six hypotheses to test the direct and indirect effects of budget participation on performance managerial. PLS were used to predict the relationship between variables. The test results support three hypotheses and reject the other three hypotheses. The results of this study showed a direct effect of budgetary participation on managerial performance. Budgetary participation also significantly affect the budget adequacy and budget adequacy have positive effect on organizational commitment. However, organizational commitment and adequacy of the budget is not proven to act as an intervening variable. This research suggests the public sector organizations / government for budgetary participation can be applied well because it can improve performance and provide sufficient budget to keep the loyalty / commitment of employees.


Formal description techniques (FDT's) are being developed for the specification of communication protocols and other distributed systems. Some of them (namely SDL and Estelle) are based on an extended state transition model and promote a "transition-oriented" specification style. Another one (namely Lotos) and most highlevel programming languages promote a style which is called "structured." The correspondence compares these two specification styles in the framework of rendezvous interactions between different system modules. The advantages of each of the two styles are discussed in relation with an example of a virtual ring mutual exclusion protocol. Transformation rules between the two approaches are given. An extension to the state transition oriented FDT's is also suggested in order to allow for a structured specification style.


ABSTRACT We describe here the development of a single-reaction multiplex PCR assay for the enterotoxin genes from Staphylococcus aureusthat utilizes a universal toxin gene primer in combination with toxin-specific primers to amplify characteristic toxin gene products. In combination with a new DNA purification method, the assay can detect enterotoxin genes A to E from a pure culture within 3 to 4 h. The test was used to characterize a diverse set of environmental S. aureus isolates, and a 99% correlation with toxin typing using standard immunological tests was found. The design of the assay allows it to be extended to include both newly characterized and as-yet-unknown toxin genes.


Let us consider the problem of robust spectral density estimation. Conventional methods to obtain estimates of spectral density function are not robust in the presence of outlying observations. We present different methods to robustly estimate the spectral density function that are insensitive against outliers. The proposed methods are applied to simulated and real data and the results are compared. As a special practical application we focus on the frequency-domain analysis of short-term heart rate variability measurements of diabetes patients.


The Bacteroides conjugative transposon CTnDOT encodes an integrase, IntDOT, which is a member of the tyrosine recombinase family. Other members of this group share a strict requirement for sequence identity within the region of strand exchange, called the overlap region. Tyrosine recombinases catalyze recombination by making an initial cleavage, strand exchange and ligation, followed by strand swapping isomerization requiring sequence identity in the overlap region, followed by the second cleavage, strand exchange and ligation. IntDOT is of particular interest because it has been shown to utilize a three-step mechanism: a sequence identity-dependent initial strand exchange that requires two base pairs of complementary DNA at the site of cleavage; a sequence identity-independent strand swapping isomerization, followed by a sequence identity-independent cleavage, strand exchange and ligation. In addition to the sequence identity requirement in the overlap region, Lambda Int interactions with arm-type sites dictate the order of strand exchange regardless of the orientation of the overlap region. Although IntDOT has an arm-binding domain, we show here that the location of sequence identity within the overlap region dictates where the initial cleavage takes place and that IntDOT can recombine substrates containing mismatches in the overlap region so long as a single base of sequence identity exists at the site of initial cleavage.


Sepsis is a common and often treacherous medical emergency with a high mortality and long-term complications in survivors. Though antibiotic therapy can reduce death rate of sepsis significantly, it impairs gut microbiota (GM), which play imperative roles in human health. In this study, we compared the therapeutic effects of antibiotics, probiotics, and Chinese medicine QRD on the survival rates of septic model and observed the GM characteristics of experimental rats via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The 72 h survival rates of septic rat demonstrated the significant therapeutic effects in the three groups treated with antibiotics (AT), Chinses medicine QRD (QT), and probiotics (PT), which were elevated from the survival rate of 26.67% for the sepsis control group (ST) to 100.0% for AT, 88.24% for QT, and 58.33% for PT. The original characteristics of GM identified in the sham operation controls (SC) were relatively similar to those in PT and QT; nevertheless, the AT rats were shown dramatically decreased in the GM diversity. In addition, the septic rats in AT were revealed the higher abundances of Escherichia Shigella, Proteus, Morganella, Enterococcus, and Lysinibacillus, but the lower those of Parabacteroides, Alistipes, Desulfovibrio, Bacteroides, Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, Oscillibacter, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminiclostridium 9, when compared to the PT and QT rats. By contrast, the GM of PT and QT rats shared similar diversity and structure. Our findings indicated that QRD increased the survival rates without impairment of the GM characteristics, which provides novel insights into the role of Chinese medicine in therapy and long-term recovery of sepsis.


Sir .—In a recent issue of theJournal(132:139, 1978), Krauss and Auld and colleagues informed us that in their nursery, neonates who are well enough to be fed and to breath room air are managed with umbilical arterial catheters for "anticipated respiratory distress," whatever that may be. Although the authors twice protested their innocence of the clinical management decisions, they are hardly absolved. Both Krauss and colleagues 1 and Auld 2 have warned us of the dangers of umbilical arterial catheters. Perhaps they should attempt to correct the glib attitude that appears to prevail in their own nursery. As far as the substance of their article is concerned, it is not true that "these findings are similar to those of Yao and colleagues. 3 " Yao et al found that peripheral circulation was markedly (49%) decreased 15 to 30 minutes after a feeding. The data presented by Krauss et


The electronic structure of electron-doped polycrystalline Mg$_{1-x}$Al$_{x}$(B$_{1-y}$C$_{y}$)$_2$ was examined by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and first-principle electronic structure calculations. We found significant changes in the boron $K$ edge fine structure, suggesting the two bands of the B $K$ edge, the $\sigma$ and the $\pi$ band are being simultaneously filled as the electron doping concentration of Mg$_{1-x}$Al$_{x}$(B$_{1-y}$C$_{y}$)$_2$ was increased. Our density-functional theory calculations confirm the filling of the $\sigma$ band states close to the Fermi level, which is believed to cause the loss of superconductivity in highly doped MgB$_2$, since the electron-phonon coupling of these states is thought to be responsible for the high superconducting transition temperature. Our results do not show significant differences in the electronic structure for electron doping on either the Mg or the B site, although many superconducting properties, such as $T_c$ or H$_{c_2}$ differ considerably for C- and Al- doped \MB. This behavior can not be satisfactorily explained by band filling alone, and effects such as interband scattering are considered.


This paper presents a new method of simulating transient responses of multi.machine power system following a large disturbance. The conventional model used in the simulation is composed mostly of synchronous machine models, in which the armature transients are neglected, and steady state transmission system equations. This is because it is very complicated to treat the transmission system and the armature circuits of synchronous machines as differential equations. Naturally the model can not evaluate the effects of these transients neglected. The new method proposed uses the new synchronous machine model and the steady state transmission system model. The former is obtained by modifying slightly the conventional armature transient neglected model. Thus the resultant simulation model has almost the same structure as the conventional one. However it can evaluate approximately the effects of armature transients on the dynamical behaviour of the synchronous machines. For example, it can evaluate easily the angular back swing following a three phase short-circuit fault. In addition, the new method can also estimate the maximum values of developed torque, induced voltage and armature current of synchronous machines at the moment when the disturbance occurred and it was cleared.


Although information has rapidly developed concerning the intracellular localization of plant proteins, relatively few reports concern the intracellular location of endo- and exo-proteolytic activities. Relatively few proteases have been purified, characterized, and associated with a specific cellular location. With the exception of the processing proteases involved in transport of proteins across membranes, little progress has yet been made concerning determination of in vivo products of specific proteases. Information on the turnover of individual proteins and the assessment of rate-limiting steps in pathways as proteins are turned over is steadily appearing. Since chloroplasts are the major site of both protein synthesis and, during senescence, degradation, it was important to show unambiguously that chloroplasts can degrade their own constituents. Another important contribution was to obtain evidence that the chloroplasts contain proteases capable of degrading their constituents. This work has been more tenuous because of the low activities found and the possibility of contamination by vacuolar enzymes during the isolation of organelles. The possible targeting of cytoplasmic proteins for degradation by facilitating their transport into vacuoles is a field which hopefully will develop more rapidly in the future. Information on targeting of proteins for degradation via the ubiquitin (Ub) degradation pathway is developing rapidly. Future research must determine how much unity exists across the different eukaryotic systems. At present, it has important implications for protein turnover in plants, since apparently Ub is involved in the degradation of phytochrome. Little information has been developed regarding what triggers increased proteolysis with the onset of senescence, although it appears to involve protein synthesis. Thus far, the evidence indicates that the complement of proteases prior to senescence is sufficient to carry out the observed protein degradation. This field of study has great practical implications, e.g. maintaining photosynthesis during seed-fill in order to obtain greater crop yields. The current use of stay green' variants in the populations of several crop plants to produce increased yields shows the potential for future development. The near future should see exciting discoveries in these areas of research that will have far reaching effects on the construction of transgenic plants for future research accomplishments and agricultural use.


As watermelon is farmed primarily by protected and successive cultivation techniques, a number of pesticides are required for the control of pests and diseases. To evaluate the harmful effects of pesticides in watermelon and to guarantee consumers' safety, a rapid screening process for pesticides is required. A LC-MS/MS method was applied for the direct quantitation of 44 pesticide residues in watermelon. A Zorbax XDB-C(18) column was selected for analysis, with a mobile phase consisting of a gradient system of water and 5 mM methanolic ammonium formate. MS/MS experiments were performed in ESI positive ion and multiple reaction monitoring modes. The LOQs were in the range of 1-26 microg/kg, thereby indicating good sensitivity. Most of the recoveries ranged between 70-131% with RSDs < or = 20%. We suggested that the amount of pesticide residues such as pyroquilon (pyn), boscalid (bd), and dimethomorph (di) in amides (AM) and cinosulfuron (ci) in ureas (UR) may have been overestimated for the pesticides owing to increased alpha-error risk, whereas the amounts of pesticide residues, such as imibenconazole (ie) in the triazoles (TR) and fenpyroximate (fee) in the imidazoles (IM), may have been underestimated as the result of increased beta-error risk. The current method allowed for the rapid quantitation and identification of low pesticide levels in the watermelon samples. No pesticide residues were detected in any of the surveyed watermelons obtained from eight local markets in the Republic of Korea. Statistical analysis of the recoveries classified the 44 pesticides into nine groups and three overall categories.


A generic, electro-thermo-mechanically coupled finite element program is developed for three-dimensional simulation of resistance welding. The developed computer program has reached a level of a complete standalone software that can be utilized as a tool in the analysis of resistance welding processes. Contact between deformable objects is modeled by the penalty method to handle multiple objects that appear in joining processes. Two algorithms are implemented for the identification of contact pairs. Simulations are presented for two metal forming processes involving contact and a number of resistance welding processes, which cover a wide range of spot welding and projection welding applications. Three-dimensional simulation of spot welding enables the analysis of critical effects like electrode misalignment and shunt effects between consecutive spots. A single-sided spot welding case involving three-dimensional contact is also presented. This case was suggested by and discussed with a German steel manufacturer. When it comes to projection welding, a natural need for three-dimensional analysis arises in many cases because of the involved geometries. Cross-wire welding and welding of square nuts to sheets by projection welding are presented by means of experiments and simulations. These two cases are used to explore the capabilities of the developed simulation software by comparing experiments and simulations. A number of other projection welding cases are presented for further application of the software. These include joining of parallel sheets by circular projections and joining of perpendicular sheets by longitudinal projections. In the former case, the effects of unequal projection heights are analyzed, and in the latter case, the simulations are compared to the corresponding experiment by a Japanese company that proposed the case. Another industrial case, by a German company, is joining of micro components. The joining is based on mechanical locking, and the deformation is accommodated by resistance heating, which at the same time is used to melt a polymer coating locally for creating electrical contact necessary for the end-product. All the above cases are modeled by meshing techniques included in the computer program. Structured, isoparametric meshing is utilized for setting up initial meshes of individual objects. Unstructured, all-hexahedral meshing is utilized for creating initial meshes of objects defined by CAD surfaces and is applied for remeshing of selected objects in order to carry on certain simulations. The all-hexahedral meshing procedures are enhanced by adaptive bounding boxes, facilities for handling multi-object simulations and overall improved by applying topology based criteria in the creation of hexahedral meshes. Simulation time is significantly reduced by a developed parallel skyline solver. The new solver is developed for shared memory and can be implemented in existing finite element codes by changing the call to the solver, as long as the system matrix is prepared in skyline format. Finally, the above models and procedures are operated by a developed graphical interface including its own pre and post processing facilities. This combines the above into a new complete, standalone software: SORPAS 3D.


OBJECTIVE
To examine trends in varicella and herpes zoster (HZ) hospitalization following the availability and subsequent National Immunization Programme funding of one-dose varicella vaccination in Australia.

METHODS
Varicella vaccination coverage for children born between 2001 and 2009 was obtained from the Australian Childhood Immunization Register. Principal or any coded varicella or HZ hospitalizations were retrieved from the national hospital morbidity database from 1998 to 2010. Trends in hospitalization rates in different age groups and indigenous status were assessed. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated between periods before and after implementation of immunization programme funding.

FINDINGS
In the first year of the funded immunization programme, varicella vaccine coverage reached 75% in children aged 24 months and more than 80% in children aged 60 months. Compared with the pre-vaccine period, varicella hospitalization rates during the funded programme were significantly lower for age groups younger than 40 years; with the greatest reduction in children aged 18-59 months (IRR: 0.25; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.22-0.29). Indigenous children had a higher varicella hospitalization rate compared with non-indigenous children before vaccine implementation (IRR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4-2.7), but afterwards reached equivalence (IRR: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.7-1.6). The age-standardized HZ hospitalization rate declined between the periods (IRR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92-0.97).

CONCLUSION
Rapid attainment of high coverage reduced varicella hospitalizations in the targeted age group, particularly for indigenous children, but also in non-targeted age groups, with no increase in HZ hospitalizations. This suggests high one-dose varicella vaccine coverage can have a substantial impact on severe disease.


Our efforts in this research have been geared towards analyzing the operational environments of manufacturing firms in Aba, South-East, Nigeria. Specifically, the case study was Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abia chapter. Eight five percent of MAN"s membership was studied. Percentages and test of proportion were used to analyse the data and for hypotheses testing. The study revealed among others that: Government policies impact negatively on entrepreneurship development in Nigeria generally and in Aba specifically. And that manufacturing enterprises in Aba are concentrated in the production of light and consumer oriented goods. These two factors are better described as the harsh economic environments of manufacturers, the cumulative effects of which include: operating below installed capacity, losing business opportunities, incurring losses and closing shop; contributing very little to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), at 4.20% in 2011, inability to provide/create employment opportunities, in a country where the rate of unemployment is very high; and inability to compete globally and earn foreign exchange for themselves and the economy, etc. It is against the backdrop of the negative impact of government policies, and the harsh operational environment of the manufacturing sector, that the study made far reaching recommendations. Key words: Manufacturing, Operational environments, Competitiveness, Gross Domestic Product, Capacity Utilization.


This investigation demonstrates the use of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for the treatment of disseminated granuloma annulare (GAD), a rare and chronic inflammatory skin disease. In this case, progressive GAD was treated with DMF, resulting in significant improvement of skin lesions within 5 weeks and complete healing within 7 months. Clinical response was associated with a reduction in inflammatory cells, including both T cell subsets (CD4+ > CD8+), CD183+/CXCR3+ cells, Langerhans cells (CD1a+), myeloid DCs, M1- and M2-like macrophages and the activation marker HLA-DR in immunohistochemical analysis. These findings support the use of DMF as a promising treatment option for this rare skin condition.


Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurologic disorders and affects approximately 1% of the population. Most complex seizures arise from the temporal lobes and the condition of 20-30% of these patients is refractory to medication. Many can be rendered seizure free with surgery. Epilepsy surgery requires accurate identification of the site and extent of the epileptogenic area responsible for seizures. EEG is accepted as a gold standard, however only 50% of the patients are safely diagnosed. The need for invasive monitoring with possible hemorrhage or infection has been greatly reduced by the introduction of new technologies such as PET, SPECT and MRI in the clinical practice. MRI demonstrate morphologic changes in approximately 80% of patients with epilepsy. However, structural lesions may not always correlate with clinical, EEG and pathologic localization of epileptogenic foci. Seizures are associated with pronounced changes in regional cerebral blood flow. The real power of SPECT lies in the opportunity of ictal examinations, with a sensitivity ranging from 90 to 97%. Interictal PET studies using 18F-FDG measure regional glucose metabolism, have been investigated for their value as non-invasive focus-localizing techniques. These studies have sensitivity ranging from 80 to 85%. The benzodiazepine binding site that are associated with and modulate the activity of GABA receptors have been imaged by SPECT (using 123I-iomazenil) and PET (using 11C-Flumazenil). Combined measurements of benzodiazepine binding sites and perfusion/metabolism provide a more accurate visualization of epileptogenic site than perfusion or metabolism measurements alone. Functional imaging modalities (PET and SPECT) are highly important in the presurgical evaluation of patients with medically refractory complex partial seizures.


Background and Aim: It is not known how electrocochleography components of action potentials (AP) and summating potentials (SP) are changed in response to CE-chirp stimulus using extratympanic electrodes. This study was done for comparing summating potentials and action potentials specifications in response to CE-chirp and click stimuli. Methods: Electrocochleography components of action potentials and summating potentials were recorded in 16 normal hearing subjects (8 men and 8 women) aged 22-30 years (mean: 26.7 with SD 2.5 years) with audiometric (250-8000 Hz) hearing thresholds of 15 dB HL or better in response to click and CE-chirp stimulus at 90 dB nHL. Amplitude, duration, latency and area of summating potentials and action potentials and SP/AP amplitude and area ratios were compared. Results: Among the measured parameters, action potentials amplitude in response to CE-chirp stimulus (0.41 with SD 0.26 µV) was significantly smaller than action potentials amplitude in response to click (0.61 with SD 0.29 µV) stimulus (p<0.005). Relative frequency of detecting summating potentials in response to CE-chirp (68.7%) was lower than (100%) click (p<0.005). Conclusion: Recording electrocochleography component of summating potentials and action potentials with CE-chirp stimulus at high intensity level in normal hearing individuals shows no advantage over click stimulus. Small amplitude of summating potentials as a major problem of extratympanic electrocochleography cannot be solved using CE-chirp stimulus.


The contributions of this article include a new concept, a new question, and a new method. This article proposes the concept of functional community, which is different from conventional topological community. Functional community is defined with two meanings: (1) tighter internal coupling for better efficiency within the same community; (2) more internal transmission from source to sink nodes within the same community. Then a new question about how to detect functional communities in power grids is analyzed, and most existing algorithms are not applicable. Therefore, a new method is put forward. Corresponding to meaning 1, electrical coupling strength (ECS) is defined to replace conventional adjacency matrix; corresponding to meaning 2, power supply strength is defined and integrated with ECS to form the newly defined electrical functional strength. Based on these two changes, we apply the proposed power supply modularity as a benchmark to evaluate any partitioning of power grids. Moreover, the Newman fast algorithm is modified with power supply modularity maximization to detect functional communities in power grids. The capability of the proposed partitioning method is demonstrated via the IEEE-118, IEEE-300 bus systems, and an Italian power grid. We argue that the conventional topological modularity may exaggerate the community characteristics of power grids and is inferior to the power supply modularity in detecting some functional features in communities. The work can also give inspiration to other engineering networks for functional communities.


A mathematical heat transfer model was used to investigate process control strategies for making thermoset polymer composite materials by Laminated Object Fabrication (LOF). The temperature of the laminator was manipulated in order to control the uniformity and overall level of cure through the thickness of a 20-layer part. When the laminator temperature was held constant throughout the LOF build process, as is normally the case in practice, the model predicted that the resulting panel would have a steep cure gradient from top to bottom. This was considered to be undesirable. The model was then used in conjunction with an optimization algorithm to determine a temperature program for the laminator which would result in panels with a more desirable spatial cure profile (i.e. constant). Computer model simulations demonstrated that it should be feasible to control both the level and distribution of cure in thermoset composite panels layed-up with LOF by simply manipulating the laminator temperature with simple and realistic heating schedules.


Beauvericin (BEA) is a cyclic hexadepsipeptide that derives from Codyceps cicadae. Our previous study results indicated that the cytotoxic effects of BEA on human A549 lung cancer cells BEA occur through an apoptotic pathway, which involves the up-regulation of cytochrome c release from mitochondria, upregulation of caspase 3 activity, and cellular and morphological changes. In this study, we identified that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor U0126 inhibits the cytotoxic effects of BEA on A549 cells. After exposing human A549 cells to 10 μM BEA, we observed a significant and dose-dependent increase in the percentage of hypoploid (sub-G1) phase cells in the A549 population. Following the pretreatment of the A549 cells with 25 μM U0126, the distribution of A549 cells in the sub-G1 phase decreased significantly. The BEA treatment resulted in a significant increase apoptosis in A549 cells by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Moreover, the MEK1/2 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase)-ERK42/44 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases)-90RSK (ribosomal s6 kinase) signaling pathway was activated in BEA-induced apoptotic A549 cells. Furthermore, treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 was capable to attenuate the BEA induced typical apoptotic morphological change, apoptotic cells, and MEK1/2-ERK42/44-90RSK signaling pathway. These results suggested that MEK1/2-ERK42/44-90RSK signaling pathway may play a important role in BEA-induced apoptosis in human NSCLC A549 cancer cells.


BACKGROUND
The results of open pilot studies suggest that the serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonist buspirone might be effective in social phobia.

METHOD
In the present study, the efficacy of buspirone was investigated in patients with social phobia using a 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled design. Thirty social phobic patients (DSM-IV) were treated with either buspirone 30 mg daily or placebo. Efficacy of treatment was measured using the Social Phobia Scale (subscores anxiety and avoidance) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety.

RESULTS
Taking a reduction of 50% or more on the Social Phobia Scale as a criterion for clinically relevant improvement, only 1 patient on buspirone and 1 on placebo were classified as responder to treatment. A subjective and clinically relevant improvement was reported by 4 patients (27%) on buspirone and 2 patients (13%) on placebo. There were no statistically significant differences between buspirone and placebo on any of the outcome measures. Generally speaking, buspirone was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION
The results of the study do not support the results of open studies, in which a reduction of social anxiety and social avoidance was reported in patients with social phobia treated with buspirone.


The National Institute of Standards and Technology's Intelligent Systems Division has been researching automated guided vehicle (AGV) control based on advanced two-dimensional (2D) imaging sensors that detect dynamic, standard test pieces representing humans towards improving AGV safety standards. Experiments and results are presented in this paper showing the measurement of dynamic standard test pieces from an automated guided vehicle as compared to ground truth. The experimental results will be used to develop standard test methods and to recommend improved standard stopping distance exception language to AGV standards.


Diabetic pregnant patients belong to a high-risk group from a genetic counselling point of view. Therefore serum AFP estimation and ultrasound examination was carried out in 36 diabetic pregnancies, between the 16-20 gestational weeks. Healthy infants were delivered in 28 cases, fetal malformations or diseases were diagnosed in 3 cases (2 exencephaly and 1 polycystic kidney disease), 5 pregnancies ended up with stillbirth and/or severe fetopathy. According to our findings, the feto-maternal AFP balance is altered in poorly controlled diabetic pregnant patients. Therefore the maternal serum AFP concentration does not always reflect the AFP content of amniotic fluid. It is supposed that the low serum AFP concentration in diabetic patients is due to the disturbed AFP balance, which cannot be observed in well controlled pregnant diabetics. In the pregnancy of diabetic mothers both serum AFP and ultrasound examination should be carried out. With further improvement in the preconceptional treatment of diabetic patients not only the number of malformations caused by hyperglycaemia should diminish, but the problems of false negative and false positive serum AFP values caused by the disturbance in carbohydrate metabolism should also become less frequent.


Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC

Suppression of cell invasion and migration by inhibitors to ROS level in human lung cancer cells

Chih-hsien Huang, Chun-Yu Cho, Shih-Ying Chun, Chih-Chen Hong, Shuang-En Chuang

National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli county, Taiwan

Abstract: Accumulating evidence has implicated oxidative stress in the regulation of cancer cell behavior, including proliferation, invasiveness and metastasis. Oxidative stress can generate large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to various the regulation from endogenous or exogenous stimulation. It is widely accepted that increased ROS levels are considered to be closely linked to the increased metastasis and the removal of ROS is a rational strategy to inhibit metastasis (Nishikawa Cancer letters 2008; 266:53-59). To explore this hypothesis, the human lung adenocarcinoma, CL1 series of cell lines (i.e., CL1-0, CL1-3, and CL1-5, increasing invasiveness), was established by selection of cancer cell populations of gradually increasing invasiveness using the Transwell invasion chamber assay. We have observed that the CL1 sublines have increased ROS levels in parallel with the trend of invasiveness, using 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) as a probe to detect and quantify ROS. Further, we evaluated the expression of various NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms with RT-PCR analysis. There were no significant differences in the expression of NOX2, NOX4, NOX5, and p22phox, except that NOX1 was detected in none of the CL1 sublines. Only the mRNA expression of ENOX2 (the external cell surface form of NOX), a tumor-associated NADH oxidase, has a trend parallel with increased ROS levels. Similarly, Western blotting showed a linear correlation between ROS levels and the respective steady-state levels of cellular ENOX2. In parallel with the amount of ENOX2 protein, the steady-state levels of superoxide were also increased in CL1 sublines using a modified colorimetric nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay. Our observations from wound healing assay have clearly migration ability of shown that both N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and diphenyliodonium (DPI) can inhibit migration ability of CL1-5 cells. Due to NAC and DPI inhibit ROS generation, the role of ROS in metastasis was further evaluated by matrigel traswell assay using CL1-5 cells that have high invasive potential. Similarly, NAC efficiently inhibits CL1-5 cells invasion in a dosage dependent manner. From the result of MMP zymophgraphy, decreased MMPs, such as MMP-2 and MMP-9, by NAC treatment suggests that endogenous ROS may play an important role in cell migration and invasion. Since NAC and DPI reduce endogenous ROS level by directly neutralizing ROS and inhibiting NADPH oxidase respectively, these data indicate that ROS participates in the regulation of cancer cell migration and invasion.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 426.


Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with corona virus disease and without corona virus disease. Study Design: Cross-sectional/observational Place and Duration: Psychiatry department of KMC Teaching Hospital Khairpur Mirs for four months duration from 1st July, 2020 to 30th October, 2020. Methods: Two hundred and twenty patients of both genders were presented in this study. Patients detailed demographics were recorded after taking written consent. Patients were ages between 20-70 years. Among all the patients, 110 patients (group I) with covid-19 disease taken as cases and 110 non-covid 19 patients (group II) were taken as control. Prevalence of depression and anxiety were measured by DASS-21. Complete data was analyzed by SPSS 27.0 version. Results: Mean age of the patients in group I and II was 42.38 ±12.44 years and 41.22±12.85 years. Mean BMI in group I was 23.46±1.52 kg/m2 and in group II it was 24.33±1.58 kg/m2. 76 (69.10%) and 70 (63.64%) patients were males while 34 (30.91%) and 40 (36.36%) were females in cases and control. Frequency of depression and anxiety was significantly among patients with covid-19 disease as compared to without covid-19 disease patients (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Anxiety and depression was significantly associated with COVID-19 disease. Medically ill patients should develop techniques for rapid diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety.


Dissolved organic matter (DOM) translocated from O horizons has been viewed as the main source of subsoil carbon (C) in Spodosols. However, recent studies in other soil types have concluded that little O horizon DOM reaches the subsoil directly. We investigated whether C derived from O horizons contributes to deep-soil C stores in six Spodosol profiles under coniferous (red pine) or deciduous (sugar maple) forests. We used spectroscopic, stable-isotope and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis of DOM and solid phase soil samples to assess whether O horizon C was transported directly to deep soil horizons or had been exchanged with mineral soil organic matter (SOM) pools. All three approaches indicated that O horizons are the source of the majority of DOM entering B horizons, with little contribution from desorbed SOM. Despite a greater stock of O horizon C in red pine stands, there was no difference between forest types in the quantity of C delivered to B horizons (18 g C m–² y–¹). However, C derived from O horizons accounted for ∼95% of the C entering B horizons in sugar maple stands, but only ∼80% in red pine stands. Molecular analysis of DOM and SOM also showed a greater resemblance of B horizon SOM to DOM in sugar maple stands; however, it also clearly indicated the importance of microbial processing of input C in the formation of B horizon SOM. Our results demonstrate the strong connection between O horizons and deep soil C stocks in these sandy Spodosols and indicate that future changes in the quantity or quality of DOM entering the mineral soil have the potential to alter the delivery of surface C to depth.


High endothelial venules (HEV) are vessels characteristic of lymph nodes specialized for promoting lymphocyte migration between blood and the nodal parenchyma. The studies outlined in this article constitute an overview of work done in my laboratory to investigate some functional aspects of HEV and a group of venules that develop in sites in lymphocyte accumulation in non-lymphoid tissues which resemble HEV in many ways and are therefore known as HEV-like vessels. This is followed by a hypothesis to explain the development of HEV-like vessels and its importance for lymphocyte traffic.


Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC

Cancer/testis (C-T) genes encode a heterogeneous group of immunogenic proteins expressed almost exclusively in normal testis, which are aberrantly expressed in various human malignancies. On the basis of their tissue specificity and immunogenicity, C-T antigens are considered to be promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that the DNA demethylating agent, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC) and the histone deacetylase inhibitor, depsipeptide (DP), synergistically induce CT-X genes such as NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 expression in lung cancer cells, but not cultured normal human respiratory epithelia. In the present study, we have extended our analysis of epigenetic mechanisms mediating expression of NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 in a panel of cultured lung cancer lines and normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. Pyrosequencing experiments revealed that NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 promoters were hypermethylated in H841 lung cancer cells and NHBE cells that do not express these C-T genes, but were hypomethylated in H1299 cells exhibiting high-level NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 expression. Repression of NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 in NHBE cells, as well as A549, Calu-6, and H841 lung cancer cells coincided with expression of the polycomb repression mark, H3K27Me3 within the NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 promoters. In contrast, euchromatin marks such as H3K4Me2, H3K4Me3, and H3K9Ac were increased within the NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 promoters in H1299 lung cancer cells expressing these C-T genes. Knock-down of EZH2 was insufficient to induce NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 expression in H841 cells; however, knock-down of EZH2 markedly enhanced DAC-mediated activation of these C-T genes in lung cancer cells. DZNep, a novel inhibitor of EZH2 expression enhanced NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 activation by DAC in cultured lung cancer cells, but not NHBE cells. Expression of NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 in untreated H1299 cells or H841 cells following sequential DAC/DZNep exposure coincided with marked DNA demethylation, and reduced H3K27Me3 levels within the promoter of these C-T genes. In addition, DZNep mediated dose-dependent apoptosis, and enhanced cytotoxicity mediated by DAC and DP as well as trichostatin A (TSA) in lung cancer cells. Cytokine and chromium release experiments revealed that following sequential DAC/DZNep/TSA exposure, HLA-A0201+ lung cancer cells were recognized and lysed by allogeneic peripheral blood lymphocytes transduced with retroviral vectors encoding HLA-A0201-specific T cell receptors recognizing peptide epitopes of NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3, thus confirming the relevance of C-T gene activation in tumor targets. Collectively, these data suggest that combining DZNep with DNA demethylating agents and HDAC inhibitors may be a novel epigenetic strategy to augment antitumor immunity in lung cancer patients.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4876.


We demonstrate an electrically reconfigurable silicon microring resonator-based filter with waveguide-coupled feedback. Our experiments and scattering-matrix-based modeling show that the resonance wavelengths, extinction ratios, and line shapes depend on the feedback coupling and can be controllably tuned by means of carrier injection to the feedback- waveguide. We also demonstrate nearly uniform resonance line shapes over multiple free-spectral ranges by nearly phase-matching the feedback and the microring.


Editor—In terms of the issue of nurse and pharmacist prescribing Avery and Pringle are right to raise the issue of patient safety, which must be at the heart of all we do.1

We have been in the forefront of nurse prescribing in our general practice and have found both good practice and some frustrations. Intrinsically we have found our extended and supplementary nurse prescribing to be safe. Nurses by their training are driven by the concept of competency, and we have found it central to the way of working to assess and prescribe only within the bounds of clear competency. The introduction of safe nurse prescribing has undoubtedly been helped by the presence of a strong and open clinical team supporting the nurses throughout their initial training and on an ongoing basis. Our frustration has been the lack of integration of nurse prescribing with our clinical computer system.

This has, as the editorial points out, removed a potential safety feature open to doctors when they prescribe. There are ways around this, but it would have been far better to encourage computer prescribing by nurses from the outset. We need a rapid roll-out of nurse prescribing software on general practitioners' and community clinical computing systems before April 2006.


Children with dyslexia are synonymous with having difficulties in learning to read. Dyslexic children commonly encounter visual, auditory and kinesthetic deficits which cause aninability to process the information in their brain despite no visual, hearing and motor impairments. The current teaching approach used is through traditional instruction such as books, flashcards, boards and many more. However, children with dyslexia require a multisensory approach which allows them to utilize all their senses, be it eyes, ears, voice, and tactile, in learning. Tangible interaction has gained a reputation as an alternative approach to bring richness and intuitiveness of a multimodal using physical tangible objects while interacting with a digital space. In order to provide the appropriate tools for dyslexic children in learning, design guidelines of tangible interaction learning model are established and supported by theories and other related works in the dyslexia domain. In regards to the design guidelines, an initial tangible interaction prototype called Disleksia Belajar 3dT is going to be developed for children with dyslexia. The prototype may serve as an interactive and supportive tool for dyslexic children to learn Malay language.


Background Signaling through Toll-Like Receptor 9 (TLR9) is a central event in the activation of normal B cells and in the production of pathogenic autoantibodies in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought evidence for direct effects of repository corticotropin injection (RCI; H.P. Acthar Gel), an FDA-approved treatment for selected cases of SLE, on isolated human B lymphocytes activated in vitro by engagement of TLR9 and the B cell receptor. Methods CD19 +B cells from healthy volunteers (n=3) were activated in vitro with the TLR9 ligand ODN 2395 and anti-IgM. RCI was added to cultures at concentrations over a 20-fold range (controls received equal volumes of placebo gel). Messenger RNA was isolated from cells after one day in culture and cDNA libraries were prepared for multiplexed high-throughput sequencing on an Illumina HiSeq 2500. Analyses of RNA-Seq reads utilized Illumina CASAVA pipeline Version 1.8. RUVSeq R package v3.1 and edgeR were used to identify differentially expressed genes in paired comparisons between unstimulated and TLR9/anti-IgM activated cells and between activated cells treated with RCI and placebo. Results Treatment of B cells in steroid-free medium with ODN 2395/anti-IgM resulted in significant, reproducible induction of 162 distinct mRNAs (mean induction=8.87±0.95 fold; range=2.5–118.3-fold) and suppression of 80 mRNAs (mean suppression to 21.8%±0.8% of baseline; range=6% to 39% of baseline) at 24 hours. RCI treatment resulted in significant, reproducible suppression of 14 of the ODN 2395/IgM-induced mRNAs (mean suppression to 23.6%±3.1% of stimulated value; range 9.9% to 41.2%). The RCI-suppressed mRNAs included two key regulators of class switch recombination, AICDA and BATF. RCI treatment also resulted in significant, reproducible induction of 5 of the ODN 2395/IgM-suppressed mRNAs (mean induction by RCI=7.65±2.34 fold; range=4.7 to 16.9-fold). The RCI-induced mRNAs included SLAM family member Ly9 (SLAMF3), a cell surface receptor capable of inhibiting autoantibody responses. No ODN 2395/IgM-induced mRNAs were further increased after RCI treatment and no ODN 2395/IgM-suppressed mRNAs were further reduced after RCI treatment (p=0.0002; Fishers exact test). Conclusions RCI treatment of human B cells cultured under steroid-free conditions and activated with TLR9 agonist ligand and B cell receptor stimulation resulted in reversal of elements of the early mRNA activation response, including two key regulators of somatic hypermutation, AICDA and BATF. Whether these effects are related to clinical actions of RCI in SLE will be of interest for future investigation. Funding Source(s): Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals


Conflicts in the water sector are now well-known, and also increasingly researched by economists, particularly in relation to major ideological differences over state-run versus privatized municipal systems. A major dividing line is over how to access and sustain the financing required to expand and maintain municipal grids. In the context especially of third world urban processes, a crucial determinant is whether market-based pricing of water can generate health benefits to justify new capital investments. Such benefits have typically required strong public systems that offer adequate water supply (with sufficient proximity to source) at an affordable price. A variety of financial and fiscal pressures emerged since the 1980s, leaving full cost recovery as the core practice required by international aid agencies, multilateral financiers, and multinational corporations. Those firms were attracted by high potential profits which, ultimately, could not be realized (in part because of currency deterioration and profit repatriation problems), and hence systems were not maintained or expanded, and health benefits not realized. As commodification of water spread during the era of globalization, so too did an international civil society network demanding—and often winning— decommodification of water and deglobalization of water-capital, returning service delivery to local public institutions, often on grounds of improved public health. JEL classification:D63, H44, L95, Q25


the use of barbiturates to severe intractable insomnia and the revocation of licences for barbiturate combination products on grounds of lack of safety and, in some cases, efficacy. I was most concerned when it was brought to my attention that, as a consequence of a pharmacist suggesting an "alternative," a number of practitioners are prescribing Becosym Syrup (containing nicotinamide, pyridoxine, riboflavine, and thiamine) diluted with phenobarbitone elixir. The outcome is that a therapeutically undesirable but pharma ceutically evaluated product has been replaced by a mixture which is both therapeutically undesirable and pharmaceutically questionable. Indeed, the data sheet for Becosym Syrup states that maintenance of stability cannot be guaranteed when it is diluted, even with syrup BP. This is a sad case of misguided pharmacists and prescribers acting together in direct opposition to the recommendation of the Committee on the Review of Medicines, and both the Pharmaceutical Society and the British Medical Association must condemn this practice. C Payne London W5


We exhibit a possible road toward a strong converse for the quantum capacity of degradable channels. In particular, we show that all degradable channels obey what we call a "pretty strong" converse: when the code rate increases above the quantum capacity, the fidelity makes a discontinuous jump from 1 to at most 1/√2, asymptotically. A similar result can be shown for the private (classical) capacity. Furthermore, we can show that if the strong converse holds for symmetric channels (which have quantum capacity zero), then degradable channels obey the strong converse. The above-mentioned asymptotic jump of the fidelity at the quantum capacity then decreases from 1 to 0.


Objective: Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by the intestinal microbiota, plays a protective role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but the mechanisms involved in this process remain unelucidated. We aimed to explore the effect of butyrate on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury through the gut-brain neural circuit. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group (sham), I/R group (I/R), I/R+ butyrate group (butyrate), and I/R+ butyrate+ vagotomy group (vagotomy). The rats were treated with sodium butyrate for 4 weeks, and the gut-brain neural circuit was investigated by subdiaphragmatic vagotomy. Results: Butyrate treatment significantly reduced the infarct size and decreased the expression of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase myocardial isoenzyme (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) compared with the values found for the I/R group. In addition, the I/R-induced increases in inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were attenuated by butyrate. However, the above-mentioned protective effects were diminished by subdiaphragmatic vagotomy. The RNA sequencing results also revealed that the butyrate-induced protective changes at the cardiac transcription level were reversed by vagotomy. An analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) and the detection of norepinephrine (NE) showed that butyrate significantly inhibited the I/R-induced autonomic imbalance, but this inhibition was not observed in the vagotomy group. Butyrate treatment also suppressed the neural activity of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and superior cervical ganglion (SCG), and both of these effects were lost after vagotomy. Conclusions: Butyrate treatment significantly improves myocardial I/R injury via a gut-brain neural circuit, and this cardioprotective effect is likely mediated by suppression of the sympathetic nervous system.


The incorporation of economic approaches into policymaking requires special skills on the part of the economist. This article examines the use of economics in government as illustrated by the experience of the natural resources agencies. It presents ten guiding rules for the practicing policy economist: (1) be economical about the use of economics; (2) discount for political demand; (3) dare to be "quick-and-dirty"; (4) think like a manager; (5) analyze equity as well as efficiency; (6) know your market; (7) pay your organizational dues; (8) profit from action-forcing events; (9) do not oversell economic analysis; and (10) learn policy economics by doing it.


We present examples of a wireless sensor network as applied to wearable digital music controllers. Recent advances in wireless Personal Area Networks (PANs) have precipitated the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for low-power, low-cost wireless sensor networks. We have applied this new technology to create a fully wireless, wearable network of accelerometers which are small enough to be hidden under clothing. Various motion analysis and machine learning techniques are applied to the raw accelerometer data in real-time to generate and control music on the fly.


In Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs), skyrmions can be characterized by pairs of linking vortex rings coming from two-component wave functions. Here we construct skyrmions by studying critical points of Gross-Pitaevskii functionals with two-component wave functions. Using localized energy method, we rigorously prove the existence, and describe the configurations of skyrmions in such BECs.


The droplet ejection behavior from drop-on-demand printhead are investigated numerically for Newtonian and shear-thinning fluid. The numerical simulation is performed using a volume-of-fluid model. In this study, we compare the printable range in terms of Z number and pinch-off time for Newtonian and shear-thinning fluids. The printability range are found to be 1.08 Z 12.9 for Newtonian fluid and 0.8 Z 12.9 for shear-thinning fluid. However, air entrainment is observed during merging of primary and satellite droplet within the printability range. The pinch-off time of the shear-thinning fluid is apparently shorter compared to the corresponding Newtonian fluid due to shear-thinning effects and the differences in the pinch-off time is enlarged significantly when the capillary number is larger than 0.5.


With anatase-type titanium dioxide as the raw materials, the rutile type titanium dioxide single crystal is prepared using the floating zone method. The results of XRD measurements show that the grown crystal is highly crystalline with a rutile structure, which has orientation to the c-axis. The four Raman vibration characteristic peaks (143, 240, 450 and 610 cm(-1)) at room temperature show that the crystalline structure of the single crystal is a typical rutile phase, meanwhile a new Raman peak at around 690 cm(-1) is found. The results of the Raman measurement at various temperatures for the single crystal show that the Raman frequency shifts are different.


To statistically test and evaluate the significance of asymmetric upward thickening and thinning trends and other cyclic patterns in turbidite successions, twenty-eight bed-by-bed sections with a wide coverage in geological time, tectonic settings, facies characteristics, and depositional environments were measured and described. First, 286 sandstone packets were selected from the 28 turbidite sections through statistically based segmentation. Then, these packets were examined by three powerful correlation tests (Kendall's, Spearman's, and Pearson's correlation tests) and four tests for randomness. Only 34 (11.9%) of the sandstone packets pass tests designed to identify asymmetry at the 10% significance level. Monte Carlo simulation and the binomial probability analysis indicate that the number of asymmetric sequences identified in the original set of turbidite sandstone packets is indistinguishable from the number which can be produced by random processes. -- Eighty-six sandstone packets were tested for upward coarsening and fining trends. It was found that as many as 50% of sandstone packets from coarse-grained channel fills fine or coarsen upward. Upward fining sequences dominate, which is interpreted as the result of channel filling or the stacking of onlapping deposits at a channel mouth. -- The Hurst statistic provides a measure of long-term persistence. Sixteen (84.2%) of 19 turbidite sections show the Hurst phenomenon, i.e., irregular and non-periodic clustering of high and low values of bed-thickness, grain-size, and sandstone percentage. This clustering is related to vertical changes of sedimentary facies caused by lateral shifting of environments on the fan surface. The strength of the clustering, inferred from Hurst K values, might be useful as an index to distinguish submarine fan environments: channel-Ievee complexes tend to have strong clustering; lobe-interlobe deposits tend to display moderate clustering; and basin-floor sheet sand systems tend to have weak clustering. -- Combining facies characteristics observed in the field with the statistical results provides some criteria for the identification of submarine fan environments, and yields four preliminary fan models. (1) Type 1 sandy fans typically form in forearc basins, are fed by littoral sources or fan deltas, and are characterized by very coarse (pebbly sandy) sediments. Both channel and lobe deposits are well developed. A significant number of upward fining sequences can be found in channel deposits. Channel-interchannel complexes, particularly channel-levee complexes, display strong clustering of bed-thickness, grain-size and other parameters. (2) Type 2 sandy fans mainly form in forearc basins but also in foreland basins, and are fed by littoral sources or small rivers. The basic features of this model are similar to those of model 1, but pebbly sediments are absent or rare, and upward fining sequences lack significance. (3) Type 1 muddy fans tend to form in passive margins, foreland basins or foredeeps, and are fed by a large river delta. They are typically characterized by nested sandy bodies of channel and crevasse-splay-lobe deposits in very well-developed muddy levee deposits, which causes strong clustering of bed-thickness, grain-size and other parameters. Channels might gradually die out without a sandy lobe at the end. (4) Type 2 muddy fans form in the same tectonic settings as model 3, but sediments are mainly derived from failure at the shelf break, resulting in well-developed megaturbidite beds with thick mud caps. The large, muddy turbidity currents responsible for these beds are usually unchannelized and efficiently transport sandy sediments to form wide spread basin-floor sand sheets.


Back pain will affect up to 84 % of people at some point in their lives. It is a
major public health problem in Western society leading to disability and
economic loss through work absence, physician visits and hospitalisation. A
major cause of back pain is the natural degeneration of the intervertebral discs
(IVDs) and osteoarthritis of the facet joints which increase with age. Spinal
fusion is a common treatment that has been used for decades. The procedure
involves the fusion of two vertebrae restricting motion in the functional spinal
unit (FSU). Currently, tissue engineering methods are being researched to
develop facet cartilage and IVD repair and replacement therapies for early
intervention in the disease process with the aim of restoring tissue function and
motion. There is a need for pre-clinical simulations to test these novel early
intervention therapies.
The aim of this study was to characterise facet cartilage and IVD tissue in an
ovine model in order to develop models of the healthy and degenerated ovine
FSU which could be used in pre-clinical simulations of future therapies.
Ovine spines from animals of different ages were dissected and IVDs and
facets from cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions were studied using
photography, μCT and histology. The results showed that degeneration in the
FSU began at 5-6 years of age. Since tissue from one year old sheep was
skeletally immature, tissue from 3-4 year olds was accepted as healthy and
used for further characterisation in order for comparisons to be made between
ovine and human tissue.
IVDs and facet cartilage from cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the spines
of 3-4 year old sheep were characterised using photography, histology,
(haematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue, Sirius red and Miller's elastin stains),
immunohistochemistry, assay for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and
indentation testing to determine the biomechanical properties. The cells were
isolated from FSU`s tissues, cultured and phenotyped using
immunofluorescence. Facet cartilage was rich in GAGs throughout the tissue
structure with normal articular cartilage collagen distribution. The percentage of
GAGs in dry weight facet cartilage was 8.47 %. Elastin was also found within
the lamellae layers of the annulus fibrosus (AF) and cartilage end plate (CEP).
Immunohistochemistry showed high expression of collagen II, chondroitin
sulphate, collagen VI, collagen III and fibronectin in both facet cartilage and IVD
tissue with varying distributions and intensities. The isolated FSU cells showed
high expression of collagen types II, III and VI, fibronectin, CD44, SOX-9 and
chondroitin-6-sulphate.
Facet cartilage showed very similar characteristics to other articular cartilages in
terms of the key macromolecules present. Facet cartilage in the cervical region
appeared thicker and contained more GAGs in comparison to the thoracic and
lumbar regions. This may be due to the greater range of motion experienced in
the cervical region and the need for extra support. A relationship between the
presence of collagen types III and VI and elastin was also observed in facet
cartilage. This may be due to the similar role of these proteins in providing
anchorage of the chondrocyte to the ECM in facet cartilage.
In order to mimic degenerated human facets, ovine facets were treated with
chondroitinase ABC in order to remove GAGs from the cartilage. Eight cervical
facets were treated with 0.05 U.ml-1 (w/v) chondroitinase ABC solution and
analysed using photography, indentation, GAG assay, histology and
immunohistochemistry to determine their effect.
The chondroitinase ABC method was shown to remove GAGs from facet
cartilage, as seen in degenerated cartilage. This approach can be used to treat
ovine FSU's to create degenerate models for in vitro pre-clinical simulations for
testing future therapies such as those developed through tissue engineering.


The tilting of a specimen may not only result in defocusing effect, but also in a change of irradiated volume during texture measurement for thin films and coatings by using X-ray diffraction. The influence on diffraction intensity has to be considered in order to obtain an accurate result of texture analysis. The effect of irradiated volume can be formulated as a function of the thickness and the linear absorption of a studied film material, the tilt angle of the specimen and the Bragg angle of diffraction, and then eliminated. In view of that the preparation of a randomly oriented specimen would be difficult, a simple and convenient method is hereby proposed to correct the defocusing effect from known data of existing bulk powder specimens with random orientation by interpolation (or extrapolation). The two correction methods were experimentally verified to be effective and reliable.


Neuromorphic computing systems have demonstrated many advantages for popular classification problems with significantly less computational resources. We present in this paper the design, fabrication and training of a programmable neuromorphic circuit, which is based on printed electrolytegated field-effect transistor (EGFET). Based on printable neuron architecture involving several resistors and one transistor, the proposed circuit can realize multiply-add and activation functions. The functionality of the circuit, i.e. the weights of the neural network, can be set during a post-fabrication step in form of printing resistors to the crossbar. Besides the fabrication of a programmable neuron, we also provide a learning algorithm, tailored to the requirements of the technology and the proposed programmable neuron design, which is verified through simulations. The proposed neuromorphic circuit operates at 5V and occupies 385mm2 of area.


- In order to evaluate compressive strength of centrally-loaded steel column at elevated temperature, new FE analysis techniques and assumptions of model were applied in this study. It also includes comparison with the existing studies, and a new design equation for centrally-loaded steel column at elevated temperature was proposed. The proposed equation was the most accurate of the three design equations(EC3, AISC, proposed equation) when comparing with the coefficient of determination on the simulated results and test results.


There is growing concern in Australia about the residual risk of acts of terrorism or violent extremism posed by offenders after their release to the community from jail. A number of legislative measures have been passed that attempt to address this particular risk. Terrorism risk assessment tools are central to the effective operation of these new laws. Although existing tools demonstrate potential in assisting decision makers in identifying and managing persons that pose a risk of extremist violence there remain several challenges. These tools provide a useful guide to information gathering and analysis, however the assessment process is time consuming and resource intensive. Further, existing tools are currently given limited weight by the courts which impairs the effectiveness of legal measures designed to address residual risk.


Philostratus9 eight-book work on Apollonius of Tyana begins with an elaborate frame narrative in which the narrator describes how the empress Julia Domna commissioned him to edit a recently discovered authoritative account of that sage9s career, written by one his disciples. This narrative has clear marks of conscious fictionality, and identifies the Apollonius with such pseudepigraphic works as Dictys Cretensis and The Wonders beyond Thule . This article will explore how this claim functions within Philostratus9 larger narrative self-presentation. Philostratus in effect presents the reader with two models of how one obtains authoritative knowledge about cultural phenomena. The first is seen in the frame narrative, and involves single key texts authorized by politically powerful figures. The second is seen in the rest of the narrative, and involves wide-ranging research and critical argument by cultural professionals such as the narrator himself. Philostratus, although he would appear more to endorse the second model, ironically undercuts them both. The tension thus created is crucial to Philostratus9 portrait of his protagonist9s ambiguously human or divine status. It also has a key political component, however, inasmuch as various members of the Severan dynasty, like Philostratus9 Julia, were claiming for themselves the power both to re-write political history and to redefine their status within Greco-Roman cultural discourse. The frame narrative and narratorial persona of the Apollonius are a uniquely sophistic reflection on the relationship of political power to Hellenic paideia .


The jaw oflater selenodont artiodactyls is significantly longer, relative to jaw width and tooth size, than in the earliest members of this group. Although this change has a number of potentially beneficial effects, there is at least one adverse effect. A longer jaw reduces the width-to-length ratio, which eventually limits the length of the cheek tooth row at its anterior end. Buttressing the skull against torsional forces is best accomplished by tracts of bone that join the anterior and posterior divisions of the skull and that bridge the weak zone at the orbital region. As the jaw lengthens, some of the anterior premolars necessarily come to lie in front of the most anterior of these buttressing tracts. Bite force at these teeth cannot be transferred in an optimal manner from the anterior to the posterior divisions of the skull, torsion is less well resisted, and one or more anterior premolars are lost, even though there is more than enough space because of the presence of a long diastema.


This article includes contents of recorded oral histories from Sigfredo Carrion, William Sanchez, Gustav Heninburg, and Raul Davila recounting the events that took place in Branch Brook Park in 1974; events also known as the Puerto Rican Riots. These events were witnessed by members of the Puerto Rican community living in the city at the time, as well as respected members of the city council and leaders of social activist groups. These oral histories were carefully read and analyzed in order to construct a brief and comprehensive retelling of those events for those unfamiliar with the subject. Much of the evidence used was found in the New Jersey Hispanic Research and In-formation Center located at the Newark Public Library. This article also examines the frustrations and concerns facing the Puerto Rican community as told by those who experienced them firsthand, and explains the breaking point that led the community to finally come together and de-mand their voices be heard. The results of this uprising led to the creation of local organizations, such as La Casa de Don Pedro, and the construction of a more visible Puerto Rican identity with-in the city.


AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to describe the hip fracture patients' own perceptions of their situation and views of their responsibility in the rehabilitation process.

BACKGROUND
Although much research has been conducted on various aspects of the rehabilitation process in patients with a hip fracture, no attention has been given to the patients' own views of their situation at the start of this transitional process.

METHOD
Thirteen informants with a hip fracture, aged 71-93 years, were interviewed postoperatively at a Swedish hospital. Phenomenographic analysis of the interview transcripts was performed.

RESULTS
The informants varied greatly in their engagement in the rehabilitation process, in their conceptions of who was responsible for their recovery and in their views on the need for information pertinent to their condition. Three categories of description were formulated: the Autonomous, i.e. patients who were self-sufficient and used to taking care of themselves and who searched for relevant information; the Modest, i.e. frail patients in need of more support who wanted information, but did not ask for it; and the Heedless, i.e. patients who were already dependent, who were not aware of their own responsibility and not interested in information. The informants also shared some traits: they all needed more information although not all were aware of it, they all worried about their future ability to walk again and they all had a strong zest for life.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Our results suggest that differences in patients' perspectives on the rehabilitation process need to be taken into account to enhance outcomes. Inadequate knowledge and engagement on the part of patients, with a hip fracture, probably have an impact on their rehabilitation outcome, but the degree of impact is uncertain.


Objective. This work evaluated the updated PennPET Explorer total-body (TB) PET scanner, which was extended to 6 rings with updated readout firmware to achieve a 142 cm axial field of view (AFOV) without 7.6 cm inter-ring axial gaps. Approach. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 2-2018 measurements were performed with modifications including longer phantoms for sensitivity and count-rate measurements and additional positions for spatial resolution and image quality. A long uniform phantom and the clinical trials network (CTN) phantom were also used. Main results. The total sensitivity increased to 140 kcps MBq−1 for a 70 cm line, a gain of 1.8x compared to the same system with axial gaps; an additional 47% increase in total counts was observed with a 142 cm line at the same activity per cm. The noise equivalent count rate (NECR) increased by 1.8x without axial gaps. The peak NECR is 1550 kcps at 25 kBq cc−1 for a 140 cm phantom; due to increased randoms, the NECR is lower than with a 70 cm phantom, for which NECR is 2156 kcps cc−1 at 25 kBq cc−1 and continues increasing. The time-of-flight resolution is 250 ps, increasing by <10 ps at the highest activity. The axial spatial resolution degrades by 0.6 mm near the center of the AFOV, compared to 4 mm resolution near the end. The NEMA image quality phantom showed consistent contrast recovery throughout the AFOV. A long uniform phantom demonstrated axial uniformity of uptake and noise, and the CTN phantom demonstrated quantitative accuracy for both 18F and 89Zr. Significance. The performance evaluation of the updated PennPET Explorer demonstrates significant gains compared to conventional scanners and shows where the current NEMA standard needs to be updated for TB-PET systems. The comparisons of systems with and without inter-ring gaps demonstrate the performance trade-offs of a more cost-effective TB-PET system with incomplete detector coverage.


Generally Research scholars and PG students spend a lot of time in reading and reviewing a Technical paper .Then surveying comes a big question to do it. In this work, I presented a simple article to take a good start for beginners at research. This work provides readers to practically implement it.


We have studied whether activation of cell adhesion kinase beta (CAKbeta) is involved in stretch-induced signaling pathway in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Cyclic stretch (1 Hz) induced a rapid (within 1 min) phosphorylation of CAKbeta, whose effect was time and strength dependent. Both Ca(2+) and Na(+) ionophores (A23187 and monensin) stimulated phosphorylation of CAKbeta in a similar fashion to mechanical stretch. The stretch-induced phosphorylation of CAKbeta was inhibited completely by an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator [1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis(acetoxymethyl ester)] and largely by gadolinium, but only partially by an extracellular Ca(2+) chelator (EGTA). An angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist (CV11974) abolished the phosphorylation of CAKbeta stimulated by angiotensin II, but not by mechanical stretch. Mechanical stretch rapidly (within 1 min) increased the association of CAKbeta with c-Src, but not pp125(focal adhesion kinase). Stretch-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was inhibited by EGTA and an inhibitor of the Src kinase family [4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine], but not by cytochalasin D, to disrupt actin polymerization. 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine or cytochalasin D did not affect stretch-induced phosphorylation of CAKbeta. These data suggest that mechanical stretch stimulates activation of CAKbeta, followed by its association with c-Src, which requires ion influx mainly via stretch-activated nonselective ion channels, thereby leading to activation of the p21(Ras)/ERK1/2 cascade in vascular smooth muscle cells.


This is the first report in literature on three-dimensional imaging of organs via sonography. The relevant experiments were performed in vitro. Whereas MRI and CT can produce three-dimensional images of bodies by means of appropriate computer programmes, we had to search for special techniques in sonography that would communicate to the computer the exact positioning and arrangement of the individual segments to be reconstructed to supply a three-dimensional image. In MRI and CT the individual segments are arranged parallel to one another; the distance between the individual segments is known; all the computer has to do is to add up these segments to produce a spatial image. In contrast to this, conventional sonography cannot supply parallel segments or sections due to the unevenness of the human skin. Hence, it was not possible to use the computer programmes compiled for the three-dimensional reconstruction of MRI and CT images, in sonography; special transducer guides had to be constructed before this could be realised. One of our special constructions enabled parallel shifting of the transducer to obtain parallel segments or sections, and another construction enabled rotation of the transducer to obtain segments or sections differing from one another by a known angle of displacement. In this manner the computer was able to reconstruct an organ to supply a three-dimensional image--a first-time achievement. Using these devices, we examined a kidney in a water-bath. By means of outlining of the individual sonographic segments, only their surfaces are depicted, and these are reconstructed to produce a three-dimensional body by means of newly developed computer programmes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)