BACKGROUND
The fluid challenge (FC) response is usually evaluated as binary, which may be inadequate to describe the complex interactions between heart function and vascular tone response after fluid administration. We applied a clustering approach to assess the different phenotypes of cardiovascular responses to FC administration, considering the associations of all the baseline variables potentially influencing pressure and flow response to a FC. Secondarily, we evaluated the reliability of baseline hemodynamic variables in discriminating fluid responsiveness, which is considered the standard approach at the bedside.

METHODS
Five merged datasets from elective surgical patients receiving a FC dose ≥4 mL/kg, infused over 10 minutes. In a principal component approach, hierarchical clustering was used to define hemodynamic phenotypes of response to FC administration. Hierarchical cluster analysis with Ward linkage was carried out to define similar patient groups using the Gower distance for the mixed combination of continuous and categorical variables. No a priori criteria of fluid responsiveness were applied. The area (AUC) under the pre-FC variables' receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) was also built to predict fluid responsiveness, defined as SVI ≥10% after FC.

RESULTS
We analyzed 223 patients. The cluster analysis identified three hemodynamic clusters of patients: cluster 1 (98 patients, 44.0%) showed an average increase of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and Stroke Volume Index (SVI) of 17.3% (11.9-23.1) and 13.1% (0.5-23.4) at the end of FC, respectively. These patients showed baseline flow and pressure variables slightly below physiological ranges, with high pulse pressure variation (PPV). Cluster 2 (68 patients, 30.5%) showed no increase of MAP and SVI at the end of FC. These patients showed baseline flow and pressure variables within physiological ranges, with low hear rate (HR) and PPV. Cluster 3 (57 patients, 25.5%) showed no MAP increase and an SVI increase of 13.1 (2.1-19.6). These patients showed baseline pressure variables within physiological ranges, low flow variables associated to high HR and PPV. The pulse pressure variation (PPV) showed an AUC of 0.82 (0.03), with a grey zone ranging from 6% to 12%, including 86 (38.5%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS
Clustering analysis identified three hemodynamic clusters with different response phenotypes to FC. This promising approach may enhance the ability to detect fluid responsiveness at the bedside, by considering the specific association of parameters and not the presence of a single one, such as the PPV. In fact, in our cohort the reliability of the PPV was limited, showing high sensibility and specificity only above 12% and below 6%, respectively, and a grey zone including 38.5% of patients.


The stratosphere is one of the main potential sources for subseasonal to seasonal predictability in midlatitudes in winter. The ability of an atmospheric model to realistically simulate the stratospheric dynamics is essential in order to move forward in the field of seasonal predictions in midlatitudes. Earlier studies with the ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic atmospheric model (ICON) point out that stratospheric westerlies in ICON are underestimated. This is the first extensive study on the evaluation of Northern Hemisphere stratospheric winter circulation with ICON in numerical weather prediction (NWP) mode. Seasonal experiments with the default setup are able to reproduce the basic climatology of the stratospheric polar vortex. However, westerlies are too weak and major stratospheric warmings too frequent in ICON. Both a reduction of the nonorographic, and a reduction of the orographic gravity wave and wake drag lead to a strengthening of the stratospheric vortex and a bias reduction, in particular in January. However, the effect of the nonorographic gravity wave drag scheme on the stratosphere is stronger. Stratosphere‐troposphere coupling is intensified and more realistic due to a reduced gravity wave drag. Furthermore, an adjustment of the subgrid‐scale orographic drag parameterization leads to a significant error reduction in the mean sea level pressure. As a result of these findings, we present our current suggested improved setup for seasonal experiments with ICON‐NWP.


Background. The Salter-Harris II fracture is the most common transphyseal fracture of all types of fractures, per-total and for each bone extremity that has a growth cartilage. This type of fracture rarely occurs in the humeral palette and the metaphyseal fragment is located laterally or medially. No cases with ventral or dorsal metaphyseal fragment have been described. Purpose. To bring into notice a fracture, type Salter-Harris II, with posterior metaphyseal fragment, represented by a posterior corticospongiosis lysereum(thickening) and the olecranon fossa, associated with periosteal rupture and soft tissue interposition. Study design: Case report Methods: A 9-year-old patient shows signs of traumatic injury, as a result of a direct impact on the right elbow. After a radiological examination, the diagnosis of Gartland type III supracondylar fracture is established, a closed reduction is practiced and it is immobilized in a plaster cast. The radiological control after the orthopedic reduction highlighted an unsatisfactory reduction. A surgery and an open reduction and internal fixing in "double X" were performed. Results: The preoperative diagnosis of Salter-Harris II fracture, with posterior Holland fragment, was made with difficulty and may be a surprise on intraoperative exploration. Open anatomical reduction and the fixation in "double X" allowed a firm synthesis of the fracture, verification of stability, intraoperatively, lack of mobilization in the plaster splint, starting recovery on the first postoperative day and full recovery of elbow mobility in 32 days. Conclusions: Salter Harris type II fracture with posterior fragment dislocated by tilting, translation and asymmetric rotation, irreducible is operated by open reduction and internal fixation. The fixation in "double X" ensured a better stabilization and allowed the recovery of flexion and extension in 32 days from surgery.


This paper presents a novel five-phase open-end winding drive system supplied by the dual non-square matrix converter. The input to each of the matrix converter is three phase utility grid system and the output is five phase voltages with variable voltage and frequency. The two matrix converters feeding the five-phase open-end load are supplied from a common single three-phase utility source of 50 Hz. Space vector based PWM algorithm is developed to control the five-phase open-end load The proposed control technique eliminates the common-mode voltage across the machine winding and hence no zero sequence currents will be produced and therefore no isolated supply is required for the dual three-to-five phase matrix converter system. Further the proposed technique will enhance the five phase machine phase voltage to 1.5 times the input supply voltage. A simple R-L load is considered in the paper. The paper presents the analytical approach to obtain the expression of modulating signals that are used to generate the switching pulses for the matrix converter. Simulation results are presented to support the idea of the proposed modulation scheme.


Crab chelae are a model system for studying the relationship between the biomechanics of an organism's structure and its ecolgical role. This study investigated how chelae dimorphism may correlate with specialization in function in the land crab Cardisoma carnifx (Herbst 1791). This was achieved by comparing field observations of preferential claw usage during diurnal activities to a mechanical model drived from anatomical claw measurements, claw closing effort of captured specimens, and calculations of expected closing force. Behavior, mechanical scaling, and effort were also compared between males and females. Foraging, eating, and lead claw entering burrow showed significant differences in claw use frequency. It was also found that the major and minor claws scaled differently with respect to carapace length, with the major claw displaying positively allometric scaling and the minor claw displaying near-isometric scaling. Measurement of claw closing effort with respect to claw length showed high correlation in male minor and female major claws. In males, expected force measurements showed a greater rate of growth in the minor claw than in the major claw with respect to claw lengh, but in females, expected force in the major claw exhibited a greater rate of growth. A possible explanation for the differences in design between sexes may be that there are functional differences between male nd female chelae, such as the primary use of male minor claw and female major claw in gripping objects when stressed.


Rotor disks for gas turbines are heavy components and are usually designed following a safe-life approach, where the low-cycle fatigue analysis is carried out referring to design life curves with suitable probabilistic margins. However, in the case of such a heavy component there is the possibility of rare occurrence of undetected defects or, better, the need to identify the defect acceptability for the different rotor regions (considering stress, temperature, mission profile).In order to carry out such calculations for a turbine rotor disk a software named AStrID (Assessment of the Structural Integrity of Disks) has been developed in close cooperation between Politecnico di Milano and Ansaldo Energia (AEN). This paper summarizes its background and some of the relevant features.© 2013 ASME


High energy neutrino physics has been an active field of research at all proton accelerators over the last two decades and has played a key role in the development and verification of the standard model. The author reviews the experimental techniques of neutrino physics, traces the main developments, summarises the present status of the field and gives some hints on future activities. The author concentrates on those fields of physics where neutrino experiments have made unique contributions, namely the structure of the charged and neutral weak currents, the verification of the quark parton model and the determination of the quark and gluon distributions in the nucleon including their scaling violations, and the study of new particle production in neutrino interactions.


Climate change can negatively impact groundwater resources due to its influence on the hydrologic cycle. In view of the Philippines' heavy reliance on groundwater resources, it is important to quantify these effects to serve as basis for sustainable groundwater resources management. This study aimed to simulate and predict the effects of climate change on groundwater levels on selected productive shallow aquifer system in Bay, Laguna, Philippines, using a numerical groundwater model. Model simulations using various climate change scenarios, based on the lower and upper limits of predicted air temperature from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Third Assessment Report, indicated that groundwater levels generally decline as temperature increases and as precipitation decreases. In a low temperature condition, the model showed that groundwater levels will decline at an average rate of 0.10785 m, 0.11286 m and 0.11294 m per decade of 0, 10, and 20 percent decrease in annual precipitation, respectively. This could mean that by the end of 2050, groundwater levels are likely to decrease by 0.43138 m, 0.45143 m and 0.45177 m if rainfall decreases by 0, 10, and 20 percent. Using the high temperature increase scenario, the model predicted a 0.43924 m, 0.45 m, and 0.45439 m decrease in groundwater levels under 0, 10 and 20 percent annual precipitation reduction scenarios, respectively. This corresponds to a decadal groundwater decline of 0.10981 m, 0.11250 m and 0.11360 m. This study generated quantitative results that could be used as basis for further research in aid of formulation or refinement of policies addressing climate change and water resources sustainability.


The resource-based view (RBV) ascribes superior firm performance to firm resources and capabilities. In recent years, much debate about the value of e-business has been raised because of the costly investments required. Although studies have found positive relationships between e-business and firm performance, there is a need to further investigate into these topics. Since innovation has become a key factor for increasing the competitiveness of firms and e-business has been proposed as complement to innovation, this paper analyses, based on the RBV perspective, whether companies with high level of Internet resources and with high e-innovation are more effective electronically. The methodology involved a large sample firms and data collected by the European e-Business Market Watch, an established e-business observatory sponsored by the European Commission. Results indicated that differences of e-sales effectiveness of firms with high and low Internet resources were not statistically significant, while on the contrary firms with a high level of e-innovation outperformed on e-sales effectiveness.


Methods for identification of bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasmas were used to study pharyngitis in patients from a pediatric practice. Etiologic agents were recovered from 50% of 715 cultures from patients with pharyngitis and from 22% of 206 cultures from asymptomatic household contracts. Pharyngitis was diagnosed most often in children ages 6 through 8 years, and over one half of these illnesses were associated with group A streptococcus infections. Viruses were the most important cause of pharyngitis in infants, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae was associated with pharyngitis in early adolescence. Disease produced by viruses or M pneumoniae could not be distinguished from classical streptococcal pharyngitis. Mycoplasma hominis, which has produced exudative pharyngitis in adult volunteers, was not recovered from persons in this investigation; however, in other studies performed concurrently, M hominis was isolated from 0.5% of subjects including three adults with pharyngitis.


Background Dose tapering of biological therapies (BT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) is frequent in Spain. However, there is variability in BT optimization (BTO). So, Spanish Society of Rheumatology published in 2015 recommendations on how to optimize BT (1). Nevertheless, there is no solid evidence on which patient profiles BTO is appropriated. Objectives To develop appropriateness criteria for BTO in patients with RA, axial SpA (axSpA) or peripheral SpA (pSpA) Methods The RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was used. Five rheumatologists experienced in RA and/or SpA clinical research selected and defined the variables considered relevant when deciding reduction of BT in order to define patient profiles. Ten BT experienced rheumatologists anonymously rated 1 (completely inappropriate) to 9 (completely appropriate) each profile after reading evidence synthesis. Then, in a meeting, classification variables and profiles with disagreement were revised and all profiles were scored again. Profiles with a median score >6 were considered appropriate, those with a median score <3.5 were considered inappropriate and the remaining uncertain. In addition, a study of the prevalence of these profiles was performed in 9 Spanish hospitals. Results Combining the options of variables 2,304 different profiles were obtained for RA, 768 for axSpA, and 3,072 for pSpA. 327 (14.2%) profiles in RA, 80 (10.4%) in axSpA, and 154 (5%) in pSpA were considered appropriate for BT dose reduction. By contrast, 749 (53.3%) profiles in RA, 270 (54.4%) in axSpA, and 1243 (54.5%) in pSpA were considered inappropriate. The remaining profiles were considered uncertain. In the preliminary study to determine profiles prevalence, we collected information from 242 RA, 171 axSpA and 172 pSpA patients that underwent BTO. We found that BTO was performed appropriately in 23% RA, 67% axSpA and 61% pSpA patients. BTO was indicated in uncertain profiles in 67% RA, 23% axSpA and 37% pSpA patients. Only in RA we detected BT dose reduction in patient profiles considered inappropriate (2%). Conclusions Appropriateness criteria for BT dose reduction in three inflammatory conditions were developed and the preliminary prevalence study suggests that BTO was wiselly applied. However, further research in this field is needed to determine the real prevalence of clinical profiles of patients undergoing BTO in daily clinical practice and validate these criteria in real life. References Gonzalez-Alvaro I et al. Rheumatology 2015; 54: 1200–1209. Disclosure of Interest I. Gonzalez-Alvaro: None declared, C. Sánchez-Piedra Grant/research support from: Unrestricted grant from Abbvie, R. Almodovar: None declared, J. Bachiller: None declared, A. Balsa: None declared, A. Blasco Grant/research support from: Unrestricted grant from Abbvie, R. Caliz: None declared, G. Candelas: None declared, C. Fernández-Carballido: None declared, A. García-Aparicio: None declared, B. García-Magallόn: None declared, R. García-Vicuña: None declared, A. Gomez-Centeno: None declared, A. Ortiz: None declared, R. Sanmartí: None declared, J. Sanz: None declared, B. Tejera: None declared, I. Notario: None declared, M. Soto: None declared, C. Plasencia: None declared, V. Hernández: None declared, M. Espinosa: None declared, C. Ramos: None declared, P. Lazaro Grant/research support from: Unrestricted grant from Abbvie


In this study the Land Surface Parameters comprising Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), surface temperature, albedo, vegetation growing period and dryness quotient were estimated using the NOAA-AVHRR data from a tropical region in central Maharasthra, India to identify the arid and drought regions. The climatic conditions in the drought prone districts were analyzed from the rainfall, water balance, growing period parameters determined from long term mean meteorological data in the study region. A comparative analysis of remote sensing based land surface parameters with the climatic parameters revealed that the drought prone areas were associated with typic arid to dry semi-arid climate, very low NDVI of 0.15 to 0.30, low span of growing season of 60 to 120 days, a high surface albedo of 16.7 to 23.5 per cent, dryness quotient 2.2 to 4.7 and high land surface temperature of 300 K in contrast to the high rainfall zones in the state. These parameters are found to vary between 1992 and 1995 as per the variation in the rainfall. The study revealed that the remote sensing based parameters were highly useful in the detection of arid and drought prone regions and can be operationally used for the purpose with a prior long term analysis of the data. The study also indicated the influence of the the global ElNino / Southern Oscillation phenomena for the aridity and drought events in the region apart from regional parameters.


This paper presents a new phase unwrapping algorithm based on the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry. This method is the result of combining an UKF with path-following strategy and an omni-directional local phase slope estimator. This technique performs simultaneously noise filtering and phase unwrapping along the high-quality region to the low-quality region, which is also able to avoid going directly through the noisy regions. In addition, phase slope is estimated directly from the sample frequency spectrum of the complex interferogram, by which the underestimation of phase slope is overcome. Simulation and real data processing results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, and show a significant improvement with respect to the extended Kalman filtering (EKF) algorithm and some conventional phase unwrapping algorithms in some situations.


2 and the se-verity of joint erosions in rheumatoid ar-thritis. We designed a pilot double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial to evaluate the short-term efficacy of the administration of recombinant human IL-1ra on biomarkers of inflammation and nutrition in 22 MHD We hypothesized that the administration of 100 ABSTRACT Chronic inflammation is highly prevalent in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and associates with increased mortality. IL-1 (cid:3) , a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is elevated in MHD patients. A balance between IL-1 (cid:3) and its naturally occurring antagonist may determine the inflammatory response and its consequences in this population. We performed a pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the administration of recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) on biomarkers of inflammation and nutrition in MHD patients with three consecutive high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) measurements (cid:1) 5 mg/L. We randomly assigned 22 patients to placebo or IL-1ra (1:1) for 4 weeks; 14 completed the trial. Patients in the IL-1ra arm had a 53% reduction in mean hsCRP compared with 1% in the placebo arm ( P (cid:2) 0.008), a 40% reduction in mean IL-6 levels compared with a 20% increase in the placebo arm ( P (cid:2) 0.03), and a 23% increase in mean prealbumin compared with 6% in the placebo arm ( P (cid:2) NS). In conclusion, the administration of IL-1ra in MHD patients can lower biomarkers of inflammation. Whether IL-1ra administration improves survival in this population requires additional long-term studies.


The diverse histories of national and transnational design have included research on institutions, collectives, and entities that developed projects concerned with the practice or teaching of design, with longer or shorter permanence, towards a historiographic construction built on their legacy. In this context, we examine the transience and exceptional nature of Empresa Editora Nacional Quimantú, a state publishing project carried out in Chile between 1971 and 1973 by a socialist and democratically elected government that ended abruptly due to a military coup. From a qualitative and quantitative methodological perspective, as well as archival work, we analyse the intersections between design and the editorial guidelines of its catalogue (books and magazines), in addition to the trajectory of the largest publishing enterprise formed in the country, during a brief operating period of two and half years. This instance opened a space for collaboration and experimentation between directors, designers, and workers within management structures. The presence of a large-scale social publishing model is studied for its unprecedented print runs in the national readership market, where the 'design' factor—in terms of form, content, and strategy—had a fundamental role, and the volume of printed books exceeded the country's total population. Interrogating the archives, collections, and titles designed under Quimantú—a project that has acquired a 'publishing mythology' character for its fleetingness and high production levels—opens the possibility of looking into a heritage of editorial products designed with the urgency of taking culture to popular sectors, and the immediacy of a political process of radical changes that appealed for the mass production of images, texts, and discourses. Finally, the problem of production time becomes relevant as content production teams, collections' designs, and the dissemination and sales spaces introduced some ideas and innovations into the Chilean publishing milieu.


The responses to sympathetic stimulation of fetal sheep adrenal-demedullated or sympathectomised by infusion of guanethidine sulphate have been studied. Sympathetic responses in such denervated or sympathectomised fetuses was studied by intravenous infusion of adrenaline or noradrenaline at about 0.4 micrograms/min per kg. This infusion increased plasma concentration 100-200 fold and there was no significant difference between the control fetuses and those in the vasrious treatment groups. Catecholamine infusions at these rates normally have little effect upon fetal blood gas and pH values, but in adrenal-demedullated fetuses adrenaline infusion drepressed fetal arterial PO2 by 4-6 mmHg (P less than 0.05). The heart rate and blood pressure responses to catecholamine infusion in sympathectomised fetuses was, as expected, much increased. Similar observations were made on adrenal-demedullated fetuses, an unexpected finding, and this is taken to illustrate loss of the adrenal medulla is associated with enhanced responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation in peripheral tissues. The majority of the endocrine and metabolic responses, as reflected in fetal plasma concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, insulin, glucose, lactate and fatty acids, to catecholamine infusion were similarly much enhanced by adrenal-demedullation and chemical sympathectomy. Of particular note was a substantial increase in the responsiveness of the fetal adrenal, as reflected in plasma cortisol, to stimulation by ACTH, a change that usually induces labour, but not so in the present sheep. The results on increased sensitivity in adrenal-demedullated fetuses are discussed in relation to likely tissue mechanisms mediating the changes.


In this study is established model of pricing scheme internet multi link bottleneck in multi service network to determine the modified model and its solution. Modification of this model is based on a local server data. As an Internet Service Provider (ISP), the ISP requires a new pricing scheme in maximizing revenue and provides better quality service to internet users. Model established by setting up the base price as variable and premium quality service as variable and constant. The model used is solved by using software LINGO 11.0 to obtain the optimal solution. The results obtained show that ISP can adopt the form of the model to generate maximum revenue and give the option settings on the ISP internet fee in accordance with the desired destination ISP. The optimal solution obtained from modified model is maximum ISP's revenue reached. Maximum ISP's revenue is obtained on base price(α) and premium quality service (β) as variable for Ii= Ii-1. ISP can use that scheme to reach their goal. Keyword : Pricing Scheme Internet, Multi Link Bottleneck, Multi Service Network.


Arctic hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) are monogastric carnivores that go through extreme fasting and re-feeding in early life. They are born isolated on sea ice; suckle high-fat milk for four days and may then fast for up to one month before they start hunting and feeding on small prey (fish and crustaceans). Previous studies of the gut microbiota in pinnipeds have focused on the large intestine, while little data exist on the small intestinal microbiota. In this study, the bacterial microbiome in the proximal and distal small intestine of four captive two-year old seals (two males and two females) fed herring (Clupea harengus) was sampled post-mortem and characterized using 16S rRNA metabarcoding from the V1–V3 hypervariable region of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The seals were originally born in the wild and taken into human care at the end of the suckling period. Molecular-based analysis using Illumina Hiseq resulted in 569,910 16S rRNA sequences from the four seals (both sampling sites together). Taxonomical classification applying a naive Bayesian algorithm gave 412 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). Firmicutes was the major phylum across samples (Proximal (P): 90.5% of total sequences, on average; Distal (D): 94.5%), followed by Actinobacteria (P: 7%; D: 0.3%) and Proteobacteria (P: 1.7%; D: 1.9%). Bacterial spp. belonging to the Clostridium (P: 54.1%; D: 41.6%) and SMB53 (P: 15.3%; D: 21.5%) constituted the major genera in both the proximal and distal small intestine. Furthermore, comparison with hindgut and fecal samples from geographically diverse marine mammals highlighted similarities in the microbiome between our seals and those sharing similar aquatic environments. This study has provided a first reliable glimpse of the bacterial microbiota in the small intestine microbiome of hooded seals.


Mechanisms for biological phosphorus removal from wastewaters in an upflow granular aerated filter are evaluated. The feasibility of excess phosphorus uptake on fixed bacteria is demonstrated on pilot scale and the limiting parameters are established. The influence of the duration of anaerobic and aerobic states and of substrate loadings on phosphorus removal is verified, as well as the impact of alternating aeration on nitrification. Because bacteria are attached, hydraulic retention time of biomass and water can be separated and the exposure of bacteria to anaerobic or aerated conditions can be optimised.


This paper analyzes the quality of the administration of information, identifying deficiencies in the information systems, used in the negotiation process for concession of bank credit, to small and mid-sized companies, under the business managers' perspective. The results make the deficiencies evident and confirm the need for change in the systems of administration of information, in order to allow for both an improvement in the negotiation process of bank credit as well as a larger economical efficiency of the available resources.


During the past decade intensive work by psychologists, physiologists, and ophthalmologists has shown that the human electroretinogram (ERG) is a result of two basic forms of response—scotopic and photopic. The differentiation of these two components has been achieved through the study of the ERG in normal, color-blind, and night-blind subjects, under different states of adaptation, with stimuli of varying wavelengths and intensities. The scotopic and photopic components of the human ERG are similar in that each consists of a negative deflection succeeded by a positive one. There is a difference, however, in their temporal characteristics, the photopic response following a more rapid course than the scotopic response. Furthermore, the photopic positive wave (x-wave) maintains a constant latency and implicit time,* regardless of the experimental condiregardless of the experimental conditions, tions, whereas the scotopic positive wave (b-wave) shows a marked variation. It is the purpose of this investigation to study the


Synopsis The first degree relatives of three groups of women were interviewed; 51 women who had had an illness within two weeks of childbirth and no non-puerperal episodes (the puerperal group), 33 who had puerperal and non-puerperal episodes (the mixed group), and 19 women with bipolar manic-depressive disorder who had non-puerperal episodes only (the manic-depressive group). Over 60% of the affected relatives in all three groups had affective illnesses; in the main these were not puerperal. There were significantly more first degree relatives who had had general practitioner or hospital treatment for psychiatric illness in the puerperal group and in the mixed group than in the manic-depressive group. The puerperal patients had a better prognosis in terms of their illness (number of relapses and time on medication), work functioning and social functioning than the manic-depressive group and the mixed group. The mixed group had an earlier age of onset than the manic-depressive group and the puerperal group. The hypothesis that puerperal psychosis is the same as bipolar manic-depressive disorder was not upheld. The mixed group and the puerperal group were similar with respect to the risk in first degree relatives but differed in terms of prognosis. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to puerperal episodes in first-degree relatives, although the rate of puerperal psychosis in the first-degree relatives of the puerperal patients was significantly greater than in the general population. The hypothesis that there is a specific genetically determined puerperal psychosis was not supported. Women who had had an illness with an onset within two weeks of childbirth (mixed and puerperal) subsequently had an illness following 36% of their childbirths. In women who had had puerperal and non-puerperal episodes (mixed) the risk was higher; over 50 % of deliveries in these women were followed by psychiatric illness.


Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has the highest prevalence and lowest treatment rate of all mental disorders in Korea. Over the last 30 years, there has...


Abstract France has retained its position as the world's favourite tourism destination. Accounting for around 83 million visitors and 4.2% of the total employment, the tourism sector in France contributes to nearly 9% of the total GDP. However, as reported by the World Tourism Organization, road and air travel related to tourism activities account for approximately 10% of the total CO2 emissions in the atmosphere, thereby contributing to severe air pollution. Thus, initiatives are necessary to prevent environmental damage that could have a corresponding detrimental effect on the tourism industry itself and slow down the country's economic growth. This study utilises a vector error correction model (VECM) to investigate the relationship between polluting emissions, GDP levels, and tourism flows in France to test the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis for the period 1995–2014. Additionally, based on a joint analysis of long-run parameters and causality links, appropriate policy strategies are proposed to promote robust and sustainable long-run economic growth.


The electronic energy band structure, site- and angular-momentum-decomposed densities of states (DOS) and charge-density contours of perovskite SrTiO3 in the paraelectric cubic phase are calculated by the first-principles tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbitals method with atomic sphere approximation using density functional theory in its local density approximation. The calculated band structure shows a direct band gap of ~1.4 eV at the gamma point in the Brillouin zone. The total DOS is compared with experimental x-ray photoemission spectra. From the DOS analysis, as well as charge-density studies, we conclude that the bonding between Sr and TiO3 is mainly ionic and that the TiO3 entities bond covalently. Using the projected DOS and band structure we have analysed the interband contribution to the optical properties of SrTiO3 . The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function and hence the optical constants (such as the reflectivity, refractive index, extinction coefficient and absorption coefficient) and the electron energy-loss spectrum are calculated. The calculated spectra are compared with the experimental results for SrTiO3 in the cubic phase and are found to be in good agreement with the experimental results in low-energy regions. The role of band-structure calculation as regards the optical properties of SrTiO3 is discussed.


This chapter presents an overview of the international law regarding expropriation of foreign-owned property, and then considers the intersection between investor protections and sustainable development. It focuses on recent investor-state dispute settlement cases. The chapter talks about development of principles, such as investor expectations, in the analysis of expropriatory behavior are desirable to ensure that investors' rights to enjoy their property may be balanced with wider sustainability concerns. It focuses on the level of protection provided under investment treaties for two reasons: (1) investment treaty protections have the widest application, and (2) the prevalence of recent practice through investor state arbitration, particularly under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), provides a richer source of material for elucidating the law of expropriation. Keywords:foreign-owned property; international law; North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); uncompensated expropriation


Background Pain treatment is a real challenge for Public Health and a requirement for the quality and evolution of a health system. It responds primarily to a humanist and ethical objective, intrinsic to the dignity of the humankind. The physical pain and moral suffering experienced during all ages of life make those already weakened by the disease even more vulnerable. Treatment compliance is essential to the efficacy of the treatment offered. Side effects or undesirable effects may be caused by non compliance when they appear in the first 24 or 48 hours after treatment. Objectives The objectyive is to describe the side effects perceived during the first 48 hours and spontaneously cited by the subjects treated with an analgesic. Methods Prospective, longitudinal, multicenter observational study, conducted in France using data collected by the general practitioners who agreed to participate. Results Patients were treated either with a paracetamol-codeine combination (n=742) or with a paracetamol-tramadol combination (n=107). Nausea/vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and constipation were the 4 most commonly cited side effects. In the first group, prevalence after 24h was 9.56%, 2.96%, 4.44% and 1.08% respectively, versus 13.89%, 7.41%, 2.78% and 2.78% in the second group. On the 2nd day, prevalence in the first group was 3.9%, 2.01%, 3.4% and 2.8% respectively, versus 11.1%, 3.7%, 1.85% and 2.78% in the second group. Prevalence of at least one side effect perceived during the 7 days of treatment was 29.74% in the first group versus 40.74% in the second treatment group. Conclusions A study published in 2005 (1) indicated 37% constipation, 24% nausea and vomiting and 22.4% dizziness for a group of patients undergoing treatment. It appeared that the patients treated with one of the two drug combinations had fewer complaints of the same side effects. References Patients and chronic pain. Exercer Magazine Jan 2005, Le Goaziou et al. Disclosure of Interest C. Taieb Employee of: PFSA


Minimal invasive surgery (MIS) is the preferred method for performing medical operations today due to its lower cost, fast healing, and minimal post-operative pain and discomfort to the treated patients. It is rapidly expanding with the development and miniaturization of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) endoscopic imaging systems. Laser surgery has also proved itself to be a preferred tool of operation over standard tools in a lot of the cases. Development of a reliable flexible fiber or waveguide will enable surgeons to bring the laser beam transcendoscopically within body cavities. It will combine the endoscopy technique with the advantageous laser interaction with tissue to create a powerful surgical tool which will be the ultimate choice of operating procedure. A number of research groups have suggested flexible waveguides for the mid-IR region between 2.5 and 11 /spl mu/m, which contains very important and useful laser wavelengths and is not covered by silica fibers. The chief goals for the development of such delivery devices are summarized. The different solutions suggested are broadly described and thoroughly analyzed for their performance and potential.


Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disease due to the global pandemic of metabolic diseases. Dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism plays a central role in the initiation and progression of NAFLD. With the advancement of lipidomics, an increasing number of lipid species and underlying mechanisms associating hepatic lipid components have been revealed. Therefore, the focus of this mini-review is to highlight the links between hepatic lipid species and their mechanisms mediating the pathogenesis of NAFLD. We first summarized the interplay between NAFLD and hepatic lipid disturbances. Next, we focused on reviewing the role of saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, oxidized phospholipids, and their respective intermediates in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The mechanisms by which monounsaturated fatty acids and other pro-resolving mediators exert protective effects are also addressed. Finally, we further discussed the implication of different analysis approaches in lipidomic. Evolving insights into the pathophysiology of NAFLD will provide the opportunity for drug development.


Most observers agree that more than 20 years of UN climate negotiations have been a failure. Some argue that the top-down approach is one important reason for this and that a bottom-up approach or more exclusive club approaches would have rendered better results. Based on experience with these approaches so far this is far from self-evident and there are limits to what can be achieved by clever institutional design when deep-seated political conflicts prevail. Many approaches are also hybrids between the various approaches and the future climate regime will probably contain elements of both the top-down and the bottom-up approach. However no quick fixes can be expected for this exceedingly 'malign' problem.


The non-monotonic behavior of the electron repulsion energy and the inter-electronic distance, as a function of the internuclear separation, in the 3Πu excited state of the hydrogen molecule has been assessed by explicit calculation and analysis of the electron-pair density distribution functions from high level ab initio full configuration interaction wave functions, for both the 3Πu and the 1Πu states. Additionally, Hund's rule as applied to these two states has been accounted for in terms of simple electronic shielding effects induced by wave function antisymmetrization.


We have performed direct measurements and quantum molecular-dynamics simulations for expanded aluminum at densities two to nine times lower than the normal solid density and internal energies ranging from 7 to 70 kJ/g. The simulation results were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data and reproduce well the main trends observed in the measured dependencies of the electrical resistivity and pressure versus internal energy along isochores. A systematic study of the optical conductivity spectra, one-particle density of states, and the distributions of the electronic charge over supercell shows that the transition of expanded aluminum to a nonmetallic state takes place close to the density at which the constant volume derivative of the electrical resistivity on internal energy becomes negative.


Abstract— Routine monitoring of occupational radiation exposure is done primarily to demonstrate compliance with dose limits. Statistical analysis of past and present dose records provides a useful tool in the management of institutional radiation safety programs. In this study, a statistical analysis of annual dose records from 1985–1999 from a large tertiary care medical center with a cyclotron and radiopharmaceutical production facility is performed. A total of 6,089 annual dose records, categorized into ten occupational groups, were included in the analysis. Dose distribution is skewed, with 85% of workers receiving an annual dose of less than 1.0 mSv, while 1.3% have doses ≥10 mSv. The mean annual dose of all monitored workers during this 15-y period ranged from 0.5 to 1.2 mSv. Large variation in the mean annual dose exists among the different occupational groups. Four occupational groups were identified as relatively highly exposed, namely cyclotron and radiopharmaceutical production, cardiac catheterization, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic radiology. These four occupational groups also showed different trends in the mean annual dose. A correlation study showed that total annual collective dose has no linear association with the number of monitored workers, the number of measurably exposed workers, or the number of workers with annual dose between 0.1 to <10 mSv. Moderate correlation (r = 0.64) was observed between the annual collective dose and the collective dose of workers with an annual dose between 0.1 to <10 mSv. A strong and significant correlation (r = 0.95) exists between the total annual collective dose and both the number of workers with annual dose of ≥10 mSv and the corresponding collective dose due to these highly exposed workers. Although the fraction of these highly exposed workers is small (about 1%), they have a significant impact on the total collective dose and their contribution can be as high as 50%. Workers with annual dose of ≥10 mSv tend to concentrate in a few identified occupational groups and not across all occupational groupings. The cyclotron and radiopharmaceutical production department is of particular concern due to its high individual dose levels and increasing mean annual dose trend for the last 5 y. Radiochemists and cyclotron engineers tend to receive an annual dose exceeding the dose limit. A plot of the collective dose of highly exposed workers vs. the total collective dose shows that if a dose constraint of 10 mSv is imposed on highly exposed occupational groups, the total collective dose is expected to be about 200 person-mSv.


Abstract Derivative-free optimization (DFO) involves the methods used to minimize an expensive objective function when its derivatives are not available. We present here a trust-region algorithm based on Radial Basis Functions (RBFs). The main originality of our approach is the use of RBFs to build the trust-region models and our management of the interpolation points based on Newton fundamental polynomials. Moreover the complexity of our method is very attractive. We have tested the algorithm against the best state-of-the-art methods (UOBYQA, NEWUOA, DFO). The tests on the problems from the CUTEr collection show that BOOSTERS is performing very well on medium-size problems. Moreover, it is able to solve problems of dimension 200, which is considered very large in DFO.


The authors present a case of an incidental finding of an asymptomatic retrogastricaly localized bronchogenic cyst. In a 3.5 year old boy, abdominal US, which was performed because of constipation complains, revealed a cystic mass. MRI study confirmed the presence of a simple cyst, located in the retrogastric region. The patient underwent laparotomy and the cyst, measuring 3 cm in a diameter, was removed from the omental bursa. During the postoperative period, no complications or symptoms were recorded. Histologicaly, the finding was surprisingly identified as a bronchogenic cyst. Occurence of bronchogenic cysts within the abdominal cavity is reported very rarely in the literature.


HER3 (ERBB3) is a member of the EGFR/HER family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), consisting of EGFR, HER2, HER3 and HER4. Unlike the other HER family members, HER3 lacks intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and therefore needs to form heterodimers with EGFR, HER2 or other kinase-proficient RTKs to be functionally active. Dimerization is induced by overexpression of EGFR or HER2 in a ligand-independent (LI) manner. In this process HER3 acts as a driver in divergent cancer types including HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) via induction of the PI3K-AKT pathway. Alternatively, heregulin (NRG1/HRG), the major HER3 ligand, induces a conformational shift in HER3 which leads to dimer formation with a partner RTK in a ligand-dependent (LD) manner. We have developed an antagonistic human monoclonal antibody against HER3, termed MEDI3379, and tested it in multiple breast cancer cell lines. We observed effective suppression of constitutive pHER3 and pAKT with MEDI3379, leading to anti-proliferation effects in cell culture models. Preclinical evaluation of MEDI3379 demonstrated antitumor activity in several orthotopic BC xenografts in nude mice which did not express HRG. For example, the BC xenograft model BT474 with amplified HER2 responded to MEDI3379 (65% dTGI). In conclusion, our findings with targeting of HER3 in mouse models support continued development of MEDI3379 for cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-07-05.


Type 4 spinal vascular malformations are called perimedullary arteriovenous fistulae, in which there is a shunt between a radicular artery and intradural veins. We report the spinal MR imaging and angiography findings of the angiography-induced closure of a type 4 spinal vascular malformation.


Psychoactive substances are a class of chemical substances which could cause public health threats. Cognitive disorders are a category of mental health disorders that primarily affect cognitive abilities. Tau protein could maintain neuronal cytoskeleton stabilization. Post-translational modification of tau, especially phosphorylation, is an important way to regulate the structure and function of tau and phosphorylated tau is closely related to cognitive function. Lots of studies have reported the phenomenon that psychoactive substances can cause cognitive function impairment. We reviewed recent related studies and discussed them by drug classification. We mainly focused on cognitive disorders caused by acute or chronic exposure of each drugs, animal experiments and the mechanisms associated with tau phosphorylation, then compared the similarities and differences among them, trying to find out the common rules. The results suggested that tau phosphorylation is involved in psychoactive substance-induced cognitive disorder and different psychoactive substances may act by affecting amount or activity of different kinases and phosphatases in the metabolic pathway of tau. We demonstrated that tau protein is a potential target for psychoactive substances induced cognitive disorder treatments.


We discuss the status of the kilometer-scale neutrino detector IceCube and its low energy upgrade Deep Core and review its scientific potential for particle physics. We subsequently appraise IceCube's potential for revealing the enigmatic sources of cosmic rays. After all, this aspiration set the scale of the instrument. While only a smoking gun is missing for the case that the Galactic component of the cosmic ray spectrum originates in supernova remnants, the origin of the extragalactic component remains as inscrutable as ever. We speculate on the role of the nearby active galaxies Centaurus A and M87.


Bromate is a byproduct formed as a result of disinfection of bromide-containing source water with ozone or hypochlorite. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has recognized bromate as a possible human carcinogen, thus it is essential to determine in drinking water. Present work highlights a development of sensitive and fast analytical method for bromate determination in drinking water by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The quality parameters of the developed method were established, obtaining very low limit of detection (0.01 ng/mL), repeatability and reproducibility have been found to be less than 3% in terms of relative standard deviation when analyzing a bromate standard at 0.05 μg/mL with 0.4 min analysis time. Developed method was applied for the analysis of metropolitan and bottled water from Saudi Arabia; 22 samples have been analyzed. Bromate was detected in the metropolitan water samples (from desalinization source) at concentrations ranging between 3.43 and 75.04 ng/mL and in the bottled water samples at concentrations ranging between 2.07 and 21.90 ng/mL. Moreover, in comparison to established analytical methods such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the proposed method was found to be very sensitive, selective and rapid for the routine analysis of bromate at low level in drinking water.


The effect of nine different pesticides on the growth of yeasts isolated from the leaves of fruit and forest trees was investigated. Four insecticides (with the active ingredients: thiacloprid, deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin, and thiamethoxam) and five fungicides (with the effective substances: bitertanol, kresoxim-methyl, mancozeb, trifl oxystrobin, and cupric oxychloride) were tested. The concentrations of chemicals were those recommended by the manufacturers for the spraying of trees. The yeast strains isolated from the leaves of fruit trees were not sensitive to any of the insecticides. The majority of yeast strains isolated from the leaves of forest trees were either not sensitive or only to a small extent. While Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Pichia anomala were not affected by any insecticide, the strains of Cryptococcus laurentii and Rhodotorula glutinis showed the highest sensitivity. The effects of fungicides on the growth of isolated yeasts were more substantial. The fungicide DithaneⓇ DG (mancozeb) completely inhibited the growth of all yeasts. All strains isolated from fruit tree leaves were more resistant to the tested fungicides than those isolated from the leaves of forest trees. The most resistant strains from the leaves of fruit trees belonged to the species Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Pichia anomala, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whereas Cryptococcus albidus and C. laurentii, originating from the leaves of forest trees, showed the highest sensitivity to fungicides


A suit of wood-based composite nondestructive virtual instrument system based on Labview was designed in this paper. The sample of poplar Laminated Veneer Lumber was used to discuss the feasibility of the applications of virtual instrument in the wood-based composite nondestructive test. The main results are as follows: the longitudinal resonance elasticity modulus that was measured by virtual instrument can be the token of conventionality static elasticity modulus and FFT because they had prominent correlation under the level of 0.01.


In this paper, we attempt to compare the results of stochastic
frontier models that control for unobserved heterogeneity in the inefficiency
model, and unobserved (parameter) heterogeneity in the production model
respectively. We estimate a "true" random effect, and random parameter
stochastic frontier models in a panel data framework. An application of these
models is presented using data of rural and community banks in Ghana from 2006
to 2011. Our results show that the two models address the issue of unobserved
heterogeneity, and therefore omitted unobserved heterogeneity in the production
model may always show up in the estimated inefficiency.


Abstract Introduction Frailty is a complex condition that affects many aspects of patients' wellbeing and health outcomes. Objectives We used available Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and administrative data to determine definitions of frailty. We also examined whether there were differences in demographics or health conditions among those identified as frail in either the EMR or administrative data. Methods EMR and administrative data were linked in British Columbia (BC) and Manitoba (MB) to identify those aged 65 years and older who were frail. The EMR data were obtained from the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) and the administrative data (e.g. billing, hospitalizations) was obtained from Population Data BC and the Manitoba Population Research Data Repository. Sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, prescribed medications, use and costs of healthcare are described for those identified as frail. Results Sociodemographic and utilization differences were found among those identified as frail from the EMR compared to those in the administrative data. Among those who were >65 years, who had a record in both EMR and administrative data, 5%-8% (n=191 of 3,553, BC; n=2,396 of 29,382, MB) were identified as frail. There was a higher likelihood of being frail with increasing age and being a woman. In BC and MB, those identified as frail in both data sources have approximately twice the number of contacts with primary care (n=20 vs. n=10) and more days in hospital (n=7.2 vs. n=1.9 in BC; n=9.8 vs. n=2.8 in MB) compared to those who are not frail; 27% (BC) and 14% (MB) of those identified as frail in 2014 died in 2015. Conclusions Identifying frailty using EMR data is particularly challenging because many functional deficits are not routinely recorded in structured data fields. Our results suggest frailty can be captured along a continuum using both EMR and administrative data.


The factors that enhance the waterborne spread of bacterial epidemics and sustain the epidemic strain in nature are unclear. Although the epidemic diarrheal disease cholera is known to be transmitted by water contaminated with pathogenic Vibrio cholerae, routine isolation of pathogenic strains from aquatic environments is challenging. Here, we show that conditionally viable environmental cells (CVEC) of pathogenic V. cholerae that resist cultivation by conventional techniques exist in surface water as aggregates (biofilms) of partially dormant cells. Such CVEC can be recovered as fully virulent bacteria by inoculating the water into rabbit intestines. Furthermore, when V. cholerae shed in stools of cholera patients are inoculated in environmental water samples in the laboratory, the cells exhibit characteristics similar to CVEC, suggesting that CVEC are the infectious form of V. cholerae in water and that CVEC in nature may have been derived from human cholera stools. We also observed that stools from cholera patients contain a heterogeneous mixture of biofilm-like aggregates and free-swimming planktonic cells of V. cholerae. Estimation of the relative infectivity of these different forms of V. cholerae cells suggested that the enhanced infectivity of V. cholerae shed in human stools is largely due to the presence of clumps of cells that disperse in vivo, providing a high dose of the pathogen. The results of this study support a model of cholera transmission in which in vivo-formed biofilms contribute to enhanced infectivity and environmental persistence of pathogenic V. cholerae.


We give a representation of the classical theory of multiplicative arithmetic functions (MF)in the ring of symmetric polynomials. The basis of the ring of symmetric polynomials that we use is the isobaric basis, a basis especially sensitive to the combinatorics of partitions of the integers. The representing elements are recursive sequences of Schur polynomials evaluated at subrings of the complex numbers. The multiplicative arithmetic functions are units in the Dirichlet ring of arithmetic functions, and their properties can be described locally, that is, at each prime number $p$. Our representation is, hence, a local representation. One such representing sequence is the sequence of generalized Fibonacci polynomials. In general the sequences consist of Schur-hook polynomials. This representation enables us to clarify and generalize classical results, e.g., the Busche-Ramanujan identity, as well as to give a richer structural description of the convolution group of multiplicative functions. It is a consequence of the representation that the MF's can be defined in a natural way on the negative powers of the prime $p$.


Management accounting and management control change and design has been the topic of several studies. The traditional manner for studying such processes is to use ostensive theories like institutional theory or structuration theory – or even a combination of them both. In this paper I attempt to open up the black box of management fashion design. I argue that a new approach – a performative approach – is needed to understand this process and I propose that the management fashion theory is a suitable starting point for such studies due to its use of culture creation theorists. In accounting for the procedures of a minor and explorative R&D project which had as one of its goals to develop a management control system I visualizes how nothing turned into something. In this process I shun light on the non applicability of institutional theory as a mean of understanding these procedures.


The vast majority of the Earth's ice-free land surface has been shaped by fluvial and related slope geomorphic processes. Drainage basins are consequently the most common land surface organization units. Mining operations disrupt this efficient surface structure. Therefore, mine restoration lacking stable drainage basins and networks, "blended into and complementing the drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain" (in the sense of SMCRA 1977), will be always limited. The pre-mine drainage characteristics cannot be replicated, because mining creates irreversible changes in earth physical properties and volumes. However, functional drainage basins and networks, adapted to the new earth material properties, can and should be restored. Dominant current mine restoration practice, typically, either lacks a drainage network or has a deficient, non-natural, drainage design. Extensive literature provides evidence that this is a common reason for mined land reclamation failure. These conventional drainage engineered solutions are not reliable in the long term without guaranteed constant maintenance. Additionally, conventional landform design has low ecological and visual
integration with the adjoining landscapes, and is becoming rejected by public and regulators, worldwide. For these reasons, fluvial geomorphic restoration, with a drainage basin approach, is receiving enormous attention. Its origin is the US SMCRA of 1977, followed by scarce but continued literature on the topic from the US, Canada, Australia and Spain. This literature claimed for the need of replicating the patterns and complexity that stable landforms have in natural catchments. However, that option has not been viable until the development of, still few, fluvial geomorphic design methods and software. This contribution summarizes the lessons learned from the application of one of them (GeoFluv-Natural Regrade) in Spain. Although the overall results are truly positive, two issues need attention: the stability of fluvial channels when additional runoff connects with designed channels and the difficulties for implementing the geomorphic designs as planned.


The study focuses on the process of Sedentarization of nomads on the outskirts of the city of N'Djamena, which is spreading and modifies the way of life of the population through the monopolization of lands belonging to public domain of the State. The objective of this study is to understand how nomads settle around the city. Three years of monitoring, from October 2019 to October 2022, and a three-month survey (September to December) of 67 nomads and 90 sedentary households were conducted. The survey covered only 2 quartiers, namely Walia and Toukra. 35.8% of the nomads have settled and 64.2% continue to be nomads, while maintaining shelters under the forest to store their materials during the rainy season. 26.67% of farmers grow both market gardening and sorghum, 33.33% grow sorghum exclusively and 40% grow only market gardening. These activities are the main sources of income and food for these people. The sale of milk and small ruminants is also source of income for herders. A better understanding of the sedentary system of the nomads and an integrated management of the space around the town will allow us to envisage mechanisms to mitigate possible conflicts between farmers and herders.


Micronutrients are critical factor for plant production. The main target of this study was to evaluate the effect of rates and time of zinc foliar application on growth, nutrient contents, yield and its components of wheat Sakha94 and Gemmieza9 cultivars under sandy soils conditions. In this regard two field experiments were conducted during 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons at Ismailia Agricultural Experimental Station of the Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. Statistical analysis of the illustrated data indicated that all studied characters were significantly affected by zinc foliar application. The highest values of grain and straw yield were resulted under two sprays as compared to the other treatments of zinc application. The results showed that there were high significant differences among varieties in response to zinc application for all studied characteristics except No. of grains/spike in the first season. Gemmieza9 cultivar surpassed Sakha94 for all studied traits of yield component. The interaction between zinc foliar treatments and the two cultivars had highly significant effects for all studied characters except No. of spikes/m2 in the first season only. The grains content from N, Zn and Fe were significantly affected due to Zn foliar application and there were significant differences between the two wheat cultivars for their grain nutrients content in their responding to Zn foliar application in both seasons. The Gemmieza9 cultivar gave the highest N grain content, while Sakha94 gave the highest Zn and Fe grain content in both seasons. Also, the data of grains nutrient content were significantly affected by the interaction between treatments of Zn foliar spray and wheat cultivars in both seasons, where the twice foliar spray of Zn gave a higher content of grains from N and Zn, while in spraying once gave a higher iron grains content in both cultivars and seasons. Generally, it can be concluded from this study that Gemmieza 9 wheat cultivar achieved the highest values of grain and straw yields and yield attributes by zinc as foliar application under sandy soil condition. In addition, the long-term of zinc foliar application has the most beneficial effects on grain yield among the other types of fertilization.


Paratuberculosis, or Johne's Disease (JD) is a debilitating chronic enteritis mainly affecting ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). This organism causes worldwide economic losses to the livestock industry, and is of public health importance due to the potential zoonotic risk between MAP and Crohn's disease (CD) in humans. Without economical treatments, or a vaccine capable of preventing infection without causing cross-reactions with bovine tuberculosis, test-and-cull methods for disease control are imperative. Unfortunately, difficulties in diagnostics and long subclinical stage hinder adequate control and is further complicated by variation in MAP exposure outcome. Interestingly, the majority of infections result in asymptomatic presentation and never progress to clinical disease. One contributing factor is host genetics, where polymorphisms in innate immune genes have been found to influence resistance and susceptibility to disease. Candidate genes identified across studies overlap with those found in CD and tuberculosis including; Solute carrier family 11 member 1 gene (SLC11A1), Nucleotide-binding-oligomerization domain containing gene 2 (NOD2), Major histocompatibility complex type II (MHC-II), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes. This review will highlight evidence supporting the vital role of these genes in MAP infection outcome, associated challenges, and implications for the future of JD research.


An online monitoring and simulation tool (OMST) is used to determine, analyse, simulate and predict the multiphase flow behaviour in an extraction column within the context of model predictive control (MPC). The simulation was done with the droplet population model OPOSPM using an adapted moments method for online simulation. For validation, steady-state and transient experiments are performed, where rotor speed and dispersed volume flow rate are changed using the EFCE system toluene–water. OMST deviations are between 3% (droplet sizes in steady state) and 20% (hold-up in dynamic step-changes) which are highly dependent on the quality of the parameter estimation.


Network analysis is a technique which determines the various sequences of activities concerning a project and the project completion time. The popular methods of this technique which is widely used are the critical path method and program evaluation and review techniques. The aim of this paper is to present an analytical method for measuring the criticality in an (Atanassov) intuitionistic fuzzy project network. Vague parameters in the project network are represented by (Atanassov) intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. A metric distance ranking method for (Atanassov) intuitionistic fuzzy numbers to a critical path method is proposed. (Atanassov) Intuitionistic fuzzy critical length of the project network is found without converting the (Atanassov) intuitionistic fuzzy activity times to classical numbers. The fuzzified conversion of the problem has been discussed with the numerical example. We also apply four different ranking procedures and we compare it with metric distance ranking method. Comparison reveals that the proposed ranking method is better than other raking procedures.


A new Internet protocol (IPv6) is being deployed with new features and improvements for the devices that are connected to the network. Unfortunately, the current Internet Protocol (IPv4) and the new Internet Protocol (IPv6) are incompatible with each other. During the time of migration from IPv4 to IPv6 networks, when both versions are available and the users of Internet want to connect without any restrictions, a transition mechanism is required. A number of transition mechanisms have been proposed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in order to ensure smooth and independent changeover from IPv4 to IPv6 networks. In this paper, we propose a new flexible transition scheme which is known as the Bi-Directional Mapping System (BDMS) that deals with the IPv4/IPv6 address mapping transition as well as converting the received packets to their destination environment. Our new transition scheme (BDMS) is simple, efficient, and easy to implement. BDMS reduces the packet size compared with tunneling mechanisms and reduces the costs of the IPv6 network compared with the dual stack mechanisms.


Relating soil structure to soil hydraulic properties is an important issue for understanding and managing soil functioning. Fractal models were applied to relate soil water retention and soil structure. One such model developed by Rieu and Sposito (1991a) predicts an equality of (i) soil matrix fractal dimensions derived from 'aggregate bulk density- aggregate size data' and (ii) soil fractal dimensions derived from water retention. The objective of this work was to test the statistical hypothesis of such equality for model soil systems of packed soil aggregates. Typic Argiudol and Typic Argiaquol soils were sampled at eight locations that differed in long-term management practices. Soil water retention was measured at 12 levels of soil matric potential ranging from -1200 to -20 kPa. The 'aggregate bulk density-aggregate size' data were obtained for seven ranges of aggregate sizes from 0.25 to 16 mm. The statistical hypothesis about the equality of mass fractal dimension as derived from the aggregate bulk density data and the scaling dimension of water retention could not be rejected in our study.


BACKGROUND
Many investigations of the relationship between ulcerative colitis (UC) and heat-shock protein (Hsp) 60 have been reported. We have already established an animal model exhibiting UC-like lesions caused by administration of Escherichia coli expressing Yersinia enterocolitica Hsp60. In this study, we therefore attempted to induce mouse colitis by purified Y. enterocolitica Hsp60.

METHODS
Purified Y. enterocolitica Hsp60 was injected intraperitoneally into B10A/SgSn mice at a dose of 3 microg/0.2 ml once a week for 2 months, and morphological changes in the intestine were examined by light and electron microscopical analysis. Autoimmune responses were also examined.

RESULTS
The mice treated with Y. enterocolitica Hsp60 exhibited immune reaction between large intestine and autologous serum. Light and electron microscopically, degradation of glandular ducts, erosions, ulceration, crypt abscess-like formation, infiltration of inflammatory cells and absence of perivascular reticular fibers in lamina propria mucosae and subepithelial reticular layer were observed.

CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that administration of Y. enterocolitica Hsp60 induces UC-like lesions with autoimmune responses.


Petrographic and
 geochemical studies of the serpentinites from the Tehuitzingo body,
 the main ophiolitic outcrop of the Paleozoic Acatlan Complex of
 southern Mexico, provide new petrogenetic evidence and preliminary
 data on the nature of the fluids that interacted with an original
 mantle peridotite. Textures of the studied serpentinites show the
 principal events of recrystallization and metasomatism, but the
 diagnostic phases associated with the high pressure events related
 to subduction were erased. Preliminary H and O isotope studies in
 serpentinite and chorite suggest the involvement of marine water,
 probably under oceanic conditions during the first serpentinization
 event. Accessory chromite in the serpentinites is characterized by
 #Cr ~0.6 and serpentinites display low abundances of Ti, Na, Nd, Sm,
 Lu and Hf, which suggest that Tehuitzingo serpentinites represent
 relicts of a depleted mantle formed in a suprasubduction zone,
 probably in a back-arc setting that experienced partial melting in
 excess of 18%. Normalized REE patterns of the studied serpentinite
 samples are characteristic of peridotites from both suprasubduction
 (SSZ) and mid-ocean ridge (MOR) zones. This preliminary, but
 important, result may be related to the probable presence of
 lithospheric mantle slivers tectonically juxtaposed on the Acatlan
 Complex.


This paper examines self-employment in Canada at the beginning of the twentieth century. As in the late 20th century, self-employment one hundred years ago was associated with greater human capital, and negatively related to wages in the local district. We also find strong evidence of immigrant assimilation in selfemployment, and modest evidence of higher self-employment in enclaves with greater concentration of immigrants. An analysis of recent immigrants supports the hypothesis that liquidity constraints are a strong determinant of self-employment. While religion and individual human capital are highly correlated, we find that the direct effects of membership in different Christian denominations were small.


The opportunities for school counsellor involvement with the family have been briefly reviewed. Several theoretical orientations to family counselling were proposed and some ideas advanced underlying public and professional acceptance of school counsellor work with the family. Based upon this perspective, family counselling procedures were identified, some directions formulated relative to health and pathology in the family, family instability and related symptomatology. In the light of these conceptions, a brief analysis of three family programs was undertaken as a means of promoting growth, enrichment and change in the family.


The assessment of nodal involvement in patients with rectal cancer (RC) is fundamental in disease management. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is routinely used for local and nodal staging of RC by using morphological criteria. The actual dimensional and morphological criteria for nodal assessment present several limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. For these reasons, several different techniques, such as Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM), Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI), and Dynamic Contrast Enhancement (DCE) in MRI have been introduced but still not fully validated. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT plays a pivotal role in the assessment of LNs; more recently PET/MRI has been introduced. The advantages and limitations of these imaging modalities will be provided in this narrative review. The second part of the review includes experimental techniques, such as iron-oxide particles (SPIO), and dual-energy CT (DECT). Radiomics analysis is an active field of research, and the evidence about LNs in RC will be discussed. The review also discusses the different recommendations between the European and North American guidelines for the evaluation of LNs in RC, from anatomical considerations to structured reporting.


Background Elongated Huntingtin (Htt) protein causes testes atrophy in models and a cascade of biological events in and out of the nervous system, including inflammation and production of factors such as cytokines. Recent evidence documented that testis-derived porcine Sertoli cells show neuroprotective properties. Objective To investigate whether therapeutic approaches by peripheral transplantation of microencapsulated SCs may represent an effective strategy to counteract cell dysfunction within and out of the nervous system in HD. Methods In order to prevent any transmission of infectious adventitious agents to the cells graft recipients, we have isolated porcine Sertoli (pSC) monolayers, obtained from specific pathogen free (SPF) certified neonatal pigs and born in the unique SPF colony. Cells were assessed for viability, by ethidium bromide and fluorescein diacetate (EB/FD), and characterised for Müllerian inhibiting substance (AMH), insulin-like 3 (INSL3), alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMI), both by immunofluorescence (IF) and cytofluorimetric analysis (CA). pSC were encapsulated in alginate microcapsules (Ba-MCpSCs) and pSC functional competence was evaluated by AMH, inhibin B, TGF-β, IGF-I secretion. Results We report the high purity of our pSC monolayers (95% of AMH+cells), with negligible contamination of Leydig (2%) and peritubular cells (3%). Microencapsulation did not alter pSC viability and even after 4 months post-implantation, has demonstrated that this treatment provide clear evidence of the neuroprotective and antiinflammatory effects by a single intraperitoneal injection in peritoneal cavity. Conclusions The procedure we describe has the potential for human application in clinical practice. The beneficial effects of pSC monolayers, obtained from specific pathogen free (SPF) certified pSC transplantation in HD models, provide new perspectives for innovative, not particularly invasive, xenograft therapy in HD.


Abstract In this study, effect of Si content on nugget diameter in electric resistance spot welded dual-phase(DP) steel was investigated. The cold rolled DP steels with different Si content (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 wt.%) were used and thickness of those sheet was 1.2mm. With increasing Si content, nugget diameter was increased at the same welding current. This is attributed to increase of heat input result from high resistivity. Also, nugget diameter was increased with an increase in Si content for the same heat input. For this reason, the melting point of DP steel is lowered with an increase in the Si content. And solid DP steel can easily be transformed to a liquid phase because the low melting point. Finally, a prediction formula for the nugget diameter(N.D.) could be obtained in terms of heat input(Q) and melting point(M.P) as follows: N.D.(mm) = 0.11Q(J) - 0.0031 M.P.(℃) + 0.32Key Words : Electric resistance spot welding, Si content, Nugget diameter, Resistivity, Melting point, Yield strength


A system has been developed to allow the easy use of every digital integrated circuit in experiments proposed to students at various levels and on various courses. This system can be used from the simplest assembly to more sophisticated models for a relatively low cost. Furthermore, it can easily be developed according to future necessities of teaching and to the appearance of new components.


Water samples were collected at seven sites located along the River Nakdong on 30 occasions. Water quality, size and the fractal dimension (dF) of suspended particles were measured. The laser light scattering method was used to obtain the size and dF of suspended particles. The average size of particles in this river ranged from 89 microm and 169 microm, which appears to be relatively coarse compared with other rivers worldwide. The average dF of suspended particles in this study ranged from 1.8 to 1.9. Slight variations in fractal dimension values and other particle characteristics results from various measuring methods available. The correlation analysis showed that DO, TN, NO3 and chlorophyll-a had significant positive relationships with particles size, whereas flow rates and temperature had negative relationships. However, the factors which had positive relationships with particles size showed negative relationships with the dF of suspended particles. Generally, as the size of particles increased, the fractal dimension of particles decreased which indicated that the shape of the larger particles became more irregular relative to that of the smaller ones. To obtain and apply the statistical functional relationship between water quality characteristics, multiple linear regression equations of the size and fractal dimension of particles on explanatory variables such as pH, BOD, TSS, DO, T-N and T-P have been established.


Acknowledgments vii Introduction 1 1. Reading and Writing 13 2. Cutting 93 3. Diagnosing 130 4. Curating 159 5. Testifying and Teaching 199 6. Exposition 275 Impression 300 Notes 307 Clinical Terms and Jargon 345 Bibliography 349 Illustrations 375 Index 379


Supporting the application of positive psychology in the workplace, the Shirom Melamed Vigor Scale (SMVS), which assesses vigorous feelings at work, was adapted to the Thai context. The Thai SMVS contains 14 items as in the original scale and was validated using a sample of 585 employed participants in Thailand. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis are consistent with the conceptual model of vigour as consisting of physical strength, cognitive liveliness, and emotional energy, with a suggestion that a 13-item scale can also be used. As expected, vigour has been found to be conceptually distinct from some similar constructs, and independent from job burnout. Vigour also showed unique predictive effects on employees' health. These results support the previously-proposed conceptual framework of vigour and indicate crucial roles of positive emotion in the work setting. In concordance with a positive organisational psychology approach, applications of the Thai vigor scale are discussed with respect to its potential for enhancing employees' wellbeing and productivity.


Fresh buffalo milk is the raw material used traditionally to prepare mozzarella cheese by hand. The characteristic smooth texture of mozzarella is obtained through a unique step during its manufacturing process, which is plasticizing or stretching of the cheese curd in hot water. Buffalo milk during about one month after calving is unsuitable for mozzarella production as reported by Angsholm dairy farm in Uppsala, Sweden, and also by other mozzarella producers.
The aim of this study was to investigate changes in milk composition in lactating water buffaloes for about five weeks after calving in relation to mozzarella cheese properties. Individual and bulk milk samples from six Mediterranean buffaloes were analyzed in terms of milk composition, total calcium content, protein profile and ionic calcium concentration. Milk gross composition was analyzed based on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Total calcium content was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry according to IDF 119: 2007 and IDF 154: 1992. Milk protein analysis was done by capillary electrophoresis. Ionic calcium was determined using calcium ion-selective electrode.
Results showed that total calcium content of buffalo milk during the first five weeks of lactation was lower than reported for the average buffalo milk in mid and late lactation. The result of calcium activity of the milk was found to be in favor of obtaining a harder gel. Milk protein analysis revealed that buffalo milk in the first period of lactation is considerably lower in κ-CN and β-CN concentrations than the reported concentration in buffalo milk.


In sparse regression modeling via regularization such as the lasso, it is important to select appropriate values of tuning parameters including regularization parameters. The choice of tuning parameters can be viewed as a model selection and evaluation problem. Mallows' $C_p$ type criteria may be used as a tuning parameter selection tool in lasso-type regularization methods, for which the concept of degrees of freedom plays a key role. In the present paper, we propose an efficient algorithm that computes the degrees of freedom by extending the generalized path seeking algorithm. Our procedure allows us to construct model selection criteria for evaluating models estimated by regularization with a wide variety of convex and non-convex penalties. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that our methodology performs well in various situations. A real data example is also given to illustrate our procedure.


The effect of high dose aprotinin was evaluated in a prospective study on 100 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Special attention was made on postoperative blood loss and transfusions of bank blood postoperatively. In the first part of the study, after induction of anesthesia, a loading dose of 2,000,000 kallikrein-inhibiting-unit (KIU) = 280 mg aprotinin was given intravenously over a 30-min period. Immediately afterward, a continuous infusion of 500,000 KIU/h was started and maintained until skin closure. Another 2,000,000 KIU was added to the priming volume of the heart-lung machine. A control group of 50 patients was randomized with similar indication for surgery and past cardiac history. The total loss from the thoracic drains was significantly reduced in the aprotinin group as compared with the loss in the control group (490 +/- 265 ml versus 1045 +/- 380 ml). In a separate group of risk patients (redo-operations, infective endocarditis) the total blood loss was even more significant reduced in the aprotinin group (690 +/- 195 ml versus 1585 +/- 290 ml). Patients of the aprotinin group received markedly less bank blood postoperatively (350 +/- 100 ml versus 900 +/- 240 ml without aprotinin). Part II of the study (36 patients) consisted of lower dosage (2,000,000 KIU intravenously during induction of anesthesia only or 2,000,000 KIU in the priming volume of the heart-lung machine only). Patients who received aprotinin in the heart-lung machine only showed no significant difference regarding blood loss and blood requirement to patients with high dose aprotinin. It appears possible that aprotinin reduces the activation of the coagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass and preserves platelet function without affecting platelet consumption during the extracorporeal circulation. The results of our study demonstrate that high dose aprotinin markedly reduces blood loss as well as homologous blood requirement in the early postoperative course of cardiosurgical patients. Similar effects due to reduced aprotinin dose have been observed in patients receiving aprotinin in the extracorporeal circulation only.


Additive manufacturing techniques, colloquially referred to as 3D printing, increasingly will place pressure on the world's patent systems in a manner akin to the challenges the copyright systems faced due to digital files. Unlike copyright, however, the digital files themselves do not, under present law, constitute the patented invention itself. A co-author and I have advocated that, under current US law, there should be infringement based on the digital files themselves, if someone sells or offers to sell the file that will "print�? the patented invention. We dubbed this "digital infringement.�? Additionally, others have called for mechanisms to protect patent holders from losing control of their invention by, for example, drafting claims that are specific to such digital files. While such digital infringement would afford patent owners greater protections against 3D printing, it also creates issues of its potential the extraterritorial reach. The same case that opened the door to digital infringement in the US – Transocean – also has the potential to dramatically expand the extraterritorial reach of a US patent. In theory, anyone in the world offering to sell or selling the digital file to someone in the US could not be liable for patent infringement in the US. Also, if the sale results in massive copies of the invention outside of the US, it could be possible for a party to responsible for the damages arising from those copies, so long as there was a domestic act of infringement. US case law currently prevents such a damages award, but it is not clear the courts answered the questions correctly. The chapter explores this dynamic and offers possible mechanisms for addressing this concern, such as a consideration of conflict of laws prior to any assessment of liability.


In designing the landing gear of an airplane, one of the most important factors to consider, is the effect of landing airplane on body, and the role of shock absorber as an energy absorber resulting from landing. In this thesis, the landing gear of airplane has been analyzed using two approaches namely theoretical and simulation software. First, dynamic equations of landing airplane were investigated in six degrees of freedom and then, these equations were converted into space state and consequently solved using MATLAB software. In second approach, the airplane was modeled in ADAMS and different states of landing such as landing with two wheels, landing with three wheels, passing over a bump and taxi were compared and analyzed. Finally, using the above approaches velocity and displacement of airplane mass center were investigated, discussed and compared.


Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing or known as OFDM has been a prominent digital communication scheme and was introduced in the 4G network. This technique can be described as an exceptional multicarrier instance where the signal data is transmitted using separate subcarriers through a total of the subcarriers at a lower rate. Although OFDM seems perfect for the development of 5G networks and upcoming 6G, this type of digital modulation still suffers from intersymbol interference (ISI). Enhancement Cascaded Least Square (ECLS) which is a sequence of adaptive algorithms has been proposed in this research to overcome ISI that occurs due to multipath propagation. ECLS is a combination of updated Recursive Least Square (URLS) and Normalized Least Mean Square (NLMS). URLS will reduce complexity while NLMS will overcome problem of convergence before being combined to become ECLS. The research outcome will be illustrated in Bit error rate (BER) to analyse lower interference and Mean Square Error (MSE) to analyse convergence. This research justified that ECLS can minimize the existence of interference in wireless communication systems.


Abstract 69 road sections with amphibian mortality known from 2006 in Lviv Region (Western Ukraine) were repeatedly surveyed in 2017. 2078 dead individuals of nine amphibian species were detected and identified on the road surface (Triturus cristatus, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo, Hyla orientalis, Rana temporaria, Rana arvalis, Pelophylax ridibundus and Pelophylax esculentus). The most numerous victims appeared to be B. bufo (72.8 %) and R. temporaria (22.6 %) which is almost the same as in 2006 (90.5 % together). However, the qualitative and quantitative composition has decreased in a decade (compare 3555 individuals of 13 amphibian species in 2006). As we suppose, the main reasons for amphibian population decline in the region are contamination, degradation and disappearance of the breeding ponds as well as the increased traffic intensity. According to the estimation of our research four B. bufo populations are under the excessive influence of roads and transportation, and need to be protected. One of these road sections was fenced up by temporary amphibian fences during the breeding migration (April 2018). Amphibian mortality on the fenced road section dropped down instantly: over thousand individuals of B. bufo and R. temporaria were caught alive into the bucket-traps and safely moved across the road.


The composition of fatty acid of Sperata aor, a fish consumed as food by the people of gangetic West Bengal, India was investigated to determine its nutritional value. Our investigation shows the presence of PUFA's namely EPA (0.22%), DHA (0.74%), Linolenic acid (0.39%), Linolelaedic acid (30.45%), γ-Linolenic acid (0.24%), Eicosatrienoic acid (0.38%), Arachidonic acid (0.55%) in the fish. The biosynthetic pathway for the synthesis of prostaglandins and cell membranes in mammals requires the presence of Linolelaidic acid which is present in good quantity in this fish. However, its high concentration in human body may lead to heart ailments also. Arachidonic acid, associated with growth, development and health of infants as well as adults is present in the fish. Palmitoleic acid (C16:1) a constituent of adipose tissue in humans, is also present in the fish (42.29%), has the ability to suppress inflammation, and is also known to combat obesity. Though presence of low total SFA (6.20%) is positive nutritional aspect the consumption of this fish however should be restricted due to its not so healthy ω-3:ω-6 ratio (1:4).


2 , Hwan-Sik Na Abstract Analysis of the various constituents and determination of biological activities in the different parts (root, stem, and leaf) of Allium victorialis var. platyphyllum were carried out. Potassium and calcium were detected in higher contents (mg/100 g fresh wt.) than other minerals. The total phenolic content (mg tannic acid eq./100 g dry wt.) decreased in the order of leaves (792.7±16.6) > stems (160.3±6.8) > roots (101.5±2.7), and the total flavonoid content (mg quercetin eq./100 g dry wt.) was as follows: leaves (497.9±11.1), roots (35.7±0.4), stems (18.5±1.4). DPPH radical-scavenging activity and inhibition activity against the formation of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxide in rat blood plasma was higher in the leaves than in roots and stems. Extracts of A. victorialis separated by parts displayed antimicrobial activity against Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, of which the strongest activity was against C. perfringens.


By analyzing a French program that targeted low-achieving and socially disadvantaged junior high schools we provide evidence that school-based compensatory education policies create sorting effects. We use geocoded original data and a regression discontinuity framework to show that the program decreases the individual probability of attending a treated school and symmetrically increases the probability of attending a private school. The effects are driven by pupils from high socioeconomic backgrounds, resulting in an increase in social segregation across schools.


BACKGROUND: Many materials, including organic and synthetic prosthesis, have been described as substitutes of the genitourinary tract. The most commonly used is the ileum, which has many advantages, as easy mobilization and regular vascular pattern. However, the ideal substitute for urinary tract has not been found yet. Ileocystoplasty is not a harmless procedure, and so, investigations are constantly being made to find new substitutes. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is an extracelular matrix that can be used as a reabsorbable scaffold for tissue engineering. It allows blood vessels ingrowth, epithelial and connective cells proliferation, induces growing factors production and acquires macro and microscopic characteristics similar to the native tissue. In the urinary tract, previous experimental studies have demonstrated that SIS promotes bladder regeneration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of an autologous SIS implant used for bladder augmentation. METHOD: Eight mongrel dogs, weighing between 8 and 15 kg, were prepared for surgery under general anesthesia. A 3cm full-thickness midline cystotomy was performed, followed by immediate augmentation with autologous small intestine submucosa patch graft. On the 30th post-operative day, the animals were re-operated and a fragment of the urinary bladder wall including its patch was removed for histopathogical study. RESULTS: All implants were well incorporated. Macroscopically, SIS could not be distinguished from the native bladder tissue. Mild adherences occurred on the anterior parietal peritoneum. No other macroscopic complications were found. Acute inflammatory response was absent, and chronic inflammatory cells were seen in mild degree. Foreign body reaction was not present, implying satisfactory biological acceptation of the SIS patch graft. Epithelialization was complete in 7/8 implants. Fibroblastic proliferation was moderate. The densitometry of collagen revealed a greater amount of collagen III. Submucosa patch absorption was moderate in most cases. CONCLUSION: We concluded that autologous small intestine submucosa promotes bladder tissue regeneration. Small intestinal submucosa can represent a new option in urinary tract reconstruction.


The fitness sector has always been linked to the analysis of the loyalty of its consumers. Different studies have shown the importance of sports service and human resources for greater customer loyalty. However, few works have studied how the physical environment or servicescape influences the behavior of consumers in fitness centers based on gender and age. Therefore, the objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between servicescape and the loyalty of fitness center consumers, analyzing through the Importance-Performance Matrix Analysis (IPMA) what the aspects to improve according to gender and age are. The sample was 10,368 fitness center customers (5864 women and 4504 men). After the IPMA, it was concluded that the main improvement margins in general in fitness centers were the equipment and the facility condition, and the facility layout. In turn, in relation to gender and age, the aspects with room for improvement were to a greater extent for equipment and facility condition in women over 21 years of age, and in facility layout for women between 21 and 40 years old and 51–60 years old. Regarding men, the aspects with the highest performance margins were the equipment and facility condition in all the age groups, the facility layout in men up to 50 years old, and the signage in men up to 40 years old and from 51 to 60 years old.


An active-current-controlled bias scheme is proposed for atmospheric-plasma generation using a plasma-on-a-chip. A current mirror circuit was used for a pulsed atmospheric discharge. The circuit was able to suppress the discharge current overflow during the glow discharge, which has been known to cause an arc transition. It was successfully demonstrated that such an active-current-controlled scheme can improve the stability of the atmospheric plasma and the lifetime of a plasma-on-a-chip. Moreover, the generated atmospheric plasma was diagnosed by using N2 emission spectra. Electron temperatures for varying the bias conditions were also evaluated.