Fusing multiple modalities for affective computing tasks has proven effective for performance improvement. However, how multimodal fusion works is not well understood, and its use in the real world usually results in large model sizes. In this work, on sentiment and emotion analysis, we first analyze how the salient affective information in one modality can be affected by the other in crossmodal attention. We find that inter-modal incongruity exists at the latent level due to crossmodal attention. Based on this finding, we propose a lightweight model via Hierarchical Crossmodal Transformer with Modality Gating (HCT-MG), which determines a primary modality according to its contribution to the target task and then hierarchically incorporates auxiliary modalities to alleviate inter-modal incongruity and reduce information redundancy. The experimental evaluation on three benchmark datasets: CMU-MOSI, CMU-MOSEI, and IEMOCAP verifies the efficacy of our approach, showing that it: 1) achieves better performance than prior work as well as manual selection of the primary modality; 2) can recognize hard samples whose emotions are hard to tell; 3) mitigates the inter-modal incongruity at the latent level when modalities have mismatched affective tendencies; 4) reduces model size to less than 1M parameters while outperforming existing models of similar sizes.


Hyperlactemia is defined as whole blood lactate levels > 2 mmol/L. Type-B lactic acidosis refers to conditions wherein overproduction of lactate is not related to reduction in tissue oxygen. The occurrence of severe lactic acidosis in malignancies is a rare and often pre-terminal complication. We present two HIV positive patients with type-B lactic acidosis as a pre-terminal event after being diagnosed with non –Hodgkins' lymphoma. The first patient, a 45-year-old male, HIV positive since 2012 on therapy admitted with h/o of pedal edema, generalized weakness and decreased appetite 1 week duration. Abdominal ultrasound scan revealed bilateral moderate hydro-ureteronephrosis with large left pleural effusion, cytology revealed malignant serous lymphoma confirmed by supraclavicular lymph node biopsy. Before initiation of chemotherapy, his general condition rapidly worsened with onset of lactic acidosis (10 mmol/L) and he expired. The second patient, a 59-year-old male presented with acute hematemesis. He was detected to be HIV positive 2 months earlier and was on anti-retroviral therapy. Evaluation revealed a diagnosis of diffuse B large cell lymphoma extending from gastric fundus to pylorus. CT abdomen showed diffuse and extensive disease in the stomach with splenic, peritoneal, lung metastasis and diffuse intraabdominal lymphadenopathy. He was started on chemotherapy two days later, he had a massive hematemesis with deterioration in clinical condition, severe metabolic acidosis and hyperlactemia of 19 mmol/L. Patient expired despite bicarbonate infusion, high dose thiamine and hemodialysis. Type-B lactic acidosis is a rare event in hematological malignancies and often is a poor prognostic factor determining survival.


"Stem cell tourism," the practice of offering unproven cellular preparations to patients as approved therapy, is rising in neurology. Currently, the experiences of patients and reported complications from these procedures are unknown in the United States. We evaluate academic neurologists' experiences with stem cell tourism and assess perceived competency on discussing this topic with patients. We found a lack of neurologist preparedness to discuss stem cell therapies with patients and an alarming list of unreported complications from these unregulated procedures. We also identified an urgent need for neurologist education and the creation of a national registry for reporting patient complications resulting from experimental stem cell interventions. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:661–668


Kidney diseases including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are among the largest health issues worldwide. Dialysis and kidney transplantation can replace a significant portion of renal function, however these treatments still have limitations. To overcome these shortcomings, a variety of innovative efforts have been introduced, including cell-based therapies. During the past decades, advances have been made in the stem cell and developmental biology, and tissue engineering. As part of such efforts, studies on renal cell therapy and artificial kidney developments have been conducted, and multiple therapeutic interventions have shown promise in the pre-clinical and clinical settings. More recently, therapeutic cell-secreting secretomes have emerged as a potential alternative to cell-based approaches. This approach involves the use of renotropic factors, such as growth factors and cytokines, that are produced by cells and these factors have shown effectiveness in facilitating kidney function recovery. This review focuses on the renotropic functions of bioactive compounds that provide protective and regenerative effects for kidney tissue repair, based on the available data in the literature.


We find explicit free resolutions for the D-modules Df s and D[s]fs/D[s]fs+1, where f is a reduced equation of a locally quasi-homogeneous free divisor. These results are based on the fact, also proved in this paper, that every locally quasihomogeneous free divisor is Koszul free. Introduction In this paper we study the module Df , where D is the ring of germs at 0 ∈ C of linear holomorphic differential operators and f is a reduced local equation of a locally quasi-homogeneous free divisor D ⊂ (C, 0). The module Df s encodes an enormous amount of geometric information of the singularity f = 0, but usually it is hard to work with in an explicit way. We prove the following results (see corollary 5.8 and theorem 5.9): (A) Let f = 0 be a reduced local equation of a locally quasi-homogeneous free divisor of C, and let {δ1, . . . , δn−1} be a basis of the module of vector fields vanishing on f . Then 1. The δi generate the ideal AnnD f . ∗The authors are supported by PB97-0723.


Influenza is a seasonal infectious disease widespread across the globe. In Russia the share of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections account for up to 90% of all infectious diseases. Scientific and reasonable method of influenza prevention is vaccination. However, traditional current influenza vaccines can't induce protection against various virus strains that differ substantially in terms of their antigenic structure, and thus require periodic updates to its immunogenic components. In addition, there is the risk of a pandemic caused by an entirely new antigen in relation to variants of influenza virus A. Attempts to improve on traditional approaches to vaccination have focused primarily on improving production technologies and to increase immunogenicity of vaccines. Therefore, the urgent task is the creation of vaccines able to induce immune response a broad spectrum against different influenza virus strains and human strains of avian influenza, also can cause disease in humans. Protective effect of universal vaccine should be the induction of integrated immune response, based on the formulation of cross-reactive antibodies and T cells. The development of such universal vaccine could remove the need for periodical strain composition update of existing vaccines and, accor dingly, will be able to give the vaccine manufacturer itself, production planning regardless of epidemic seasons. Currently, the most widely studied antigens as key components of flu vaccines are proteins M2 and NP as well as the hemagglutinin of influenza virus. This review summarizes and lists some data of domestic and foreign research on a universal influenza virus vaccine.


Operation up to 300 °C of low-voltage 4H-SiC n-p-n bipolar transistors and digital integrated circuits based on emitter-coupled logic is demonstrated. Stable noise margins of about 1 V are reported for a two-input or- nor gate operated on - 15 V supply voltage from 27 °C up to 300 °C. In the same temperature range, an oscillation frequency of about 2 MHz is also reported for a three-stage ring oscillator.


This paper estimates the amount of carbon sequestered by vegetation and soil in the country parks of Hong Kong from 1978 to 2004. It does so by comparing satellite images of each country park from 1978, 1991, 1997, and 2004, and calculating the area of woodland, scrubland, and grassland in each image. The amount of carbon sequestered in both vegetation and soil is then estimated using aggregate data from other studies. This study shows that there was little overall ecological succession in the country parks from 1978 to 2004, but the amount of carbon sequestered doubled during that period. The paper concludes that limitations in the quality of the satellite images and in the data used to quantify the carbon sequestered by vegetation and soil call for more research before this method is used for policy planning.


Whether music's appeal to the senses detracts from or contributes to devotion is an important question for all religious traditions. This interdisciplinary, cross-cultural collection is intended as a first step towards a phenomenology of religious music. Topics range from the mystical strain in Jewish liturgical music to music in the Theravada Buddhist heritage. Contributors include Lois Ibsen al Faruqi, Bruce B. Lawrence, John Ross Carter, and Donna Marie Wulff.


One of the most important activities in agriculture is irrigation, which has a high ecological impact and expends around 85% of the freshwater that humanity consumes. In the irrigation process, most of the water is transported by networks of open-channel irrigation systems (OCIS) to each farmer. Despite the importance of the process, in Colombia these systems are not automatized in order to reduce the waste of water. Additionally, several studies address the control problem in non-interactive channels, however in OCIS the water is usually transported by interactive channels. In this paper, a modeling and control strategy for interactive channels are proposed. The model is based on mass balance and considers interactions, delays, and potential energy difference along the channels. The control strategy used is backstepping. The model is compared with EPA-SWMM, and the control strategy is tested over the proposed model. The results show that the model is suitable for control systems design and the control strategy is able to overcome parameter variation, channel interaction, nonlinearities, and internal delays.


Thiopurines promote Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphomas, nonmelanoma skin cancers and acute myeloid leukemias. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents may inhibit or activate carcinogenesis according to the cellular pathways that are activated. A mild increase in the risk of melanoma has been reported in patients exposed to anti-TNF agents. Transplanted patients with previous history of cancer are at high risk of cancer recurrence when receiving posttransplant immunosuppressive therapy, particularly within the first 2 years of treatment. Few data exist for patients with chronic inflammatory disease. In the CESAME cohort that included essentially patients receiving thiopurines, there was no excess incidence of recurrent or new cancer associated with exposure to immunosuppressive therapy in the patients with previous cancer at cohort entry. In clinical practice, the decision to start or resume immunosuppressive therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with recent cancer should be discussed case by case with cancer specialists. However, taken into account the experience of transplant specialists, it could be suggested not to consider a waiting period for women with adequately treated uterine high-grade cervical dysplasia. For invasive cancers, a waiting period of 2 years should be considered if possible. During this period, treatment of IBD should be restricted to 5-aminosalicylic acid, steroids, nutritional therapy, or surgery, except in case of aggressive IBD that cannot be controlled by these methods. A longer waiting period of 5 years could be recommended for the most aggressive forms of cancers, such as melanomas, aggressive breast cancers, sarcomas, urinary tract cancers, and myelomas.


This article examines the presentation of culture in texts designed for adult learners of English as a second language in Canada. Guiding the analysis is a view of culture as a process of making sense of the world and a site of struggles of people with multiple and shifting identities over meaning and representation. The article discusses the role of texts as culture bearers in second language classrooms. It also addresses aspects of the method of critical discourse analysis, which is employed to tackle the following questions: What is considered cultural knowledge in the selected texts? Whose views of culture are presented in the texts? Do these texts allow students to explore and negotiate their own cultural experiences in the new Canadian environment? The article concludes that in the selected texts culture is constructed as a national attribute consisting of sets of stable values and behavior patterns, a construction that ignores the conflicts and fluidity of cultural forms that characterize human encounters.


Erosion measurements on copper cathodes show the erosion rate to be dependent on different variables, such as arc current, arcing time and cathode size. The experimental results offer an explanation of the large variation in erosion rate values as found by earlier experiments. The behavior of other cathode metals proves to be similar. An analysis shows the variation in erosion to be caused by changes in the output of neutral species. It is concluded that ions and neutrals differ in origin of generation, the cathode spots being the centres of fully ionized metal vapour, while neutrals are formed in surrounding areas.


OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated psychological and behavioral aspects of quality of life and medical care utilization in a population of gay men whose intake records at a New York City agency indicated the presence of an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection at least three years before entry into the study.

METHODS
Fifty-three men participated in a standardized psychiatric assessment of current mood disorders, psychiatric distress, future outlook, quality of life, and physical functioning using several clinician- and self-rated scales and a semistructured interview.

RESULTS
Almost all of the men had experienced more than one episode of life-threatening illness, and many had been led to believe that they had only months to live. Nevertheless, low rates of current syndromal mood disorders and psychiatric distress were found. Degree of physical impairment was unrelated to psychiatric distress or life satisfaction, although men with more limited physical function were less optimistic about the future.

CONCLUSIONS
Nearly all study participants displayed an extraordinary psychological resiliency and shared the conviction that good times lay ahead and that life continued to be worthwhile.


Intensive care data are valuable for improvement of health care, policy making and many other purposes. Vast amount of such data are stored in different locations, on many different devices and in different data silos. Sharing data among different sources is a big challenge due to regulatory, operational and security reasons. One potential solution is federated machine learning, which is a method that sends machine learning algorithms simultaneously to all data sources, trains models in each source and aggregates the learned models. This strategy allows utilization of valuable data without moving them. One challenge in applying federated machine learning is the possibly different distributions of data from diverse sources. To tackle this problem, we proposed an adaptive boosting method named LoAdaBoost that increases the efficiency of federated machine learning. Using intensive care unit data from hospitals, we investigated the performance of learning in IID and non-IID data distribution scenarios, and showed that the proposed LoAdaBoost method achieved higher predictive accuracy with lower computational complexity than the baseline method.


In order to predict the sail membrane dynamics precisely, it is necessary to use the on-orbit measurement data. However, the on-orbit sail membrane measurement data are incomplete (missing spatio-temporal data) because of sensor placement limitations and sunlight reflection. This paper proposes an empirical data driven model in which past measurement data and current incomplete measurement data are used to estimate sail membrane dynamics and the confidence intervals of the estimated dynamics are obtained via a bootstrap method. Further, the applicability of the proposed empirical data driven model is evaluated via numerical and vacuum chamber experiments. The experimental model used comprises a spin deployable space membrane structure consisting of a square membrane, a center hub, and tethers.


Abstract Teachers often assume that personal experience is a rich resource for classroom chat and a gold standard for meaningful exchange of information. But in this paper, we first present three kinds of reasons for suspecting that primary intersubjectivity—the 'me and you' relationship in which personal experiences are directly exchanged between interlocutors—may be highly circumscribed in affordances for second or foreign language learners and, in contrast, secondary intersubjectivity—with more third-person reference and more imagined experiences—may offer higher levels of grammatical creativity. Firstly, and most theoretically, Vygotsky's work on the development of imagination suggests that one of the more important steps is freeing word meanings from recalled perceptual experience. Secondly, research from both teaching young learners a second language and from first language acquisition confirms that one way this happens is that interactions based on primary intersubjectivity give way to those based on secondary intersubjectivity, where children develop joint attention to some object or person external to the dyad. Thirdly, we present some data from Korean elementary school classrooms showing that children are markedly more 'constructive'—that is, much freer from the influence of fixed expressions—when they are talking about textbook characters than when they are talking about themselves.


The finite element method has established itself as an efficient numerical procedure for the solution of arbitrary-shaped field problems in space. Basically, the finite element method transforms the underlying differential equation into a system of algebraic equations by application of the method of weighted residuals in conjunction with a finite element ansatz. However, this procedure is restricted to even-ordered differential equations and leads to symmetric system matrices as a key property of the finite element method. This paper aims in a generalization of the finite element method towards the solution of first-order differential equations. This is achieved by an approach which replaces the first-order derivative by fractional powers of operators making use of the square root of a Sturm-Liouville operator. The resulting procedure incorporates a finite element formulation and leads to a symmetric but dense system matrix. Finally, the scheme is applied to the barometric equation where the results are compared with the analytical solution and other numerical approaches. It turns out that the resulting numerical scheme shows excellent convergence properties.


In 1985 Malaysia has changed from agricultural into industrial based economy. The industrial sector represents the highest consuming sector across all other sectors and accounts for about 48% of total energy demand. This study is concerned with an energy saving, economic and environmental analysis of industrial boilers in Malaysia. There are three principles that have been investigated: Installation of variable speed drive; fuels switching between diesel and other types of fuels such as natural gas and biomass; and installation of heat recovery systems in these boilers. After implementation of VSD, the results obtained when reducing the speed of water pumps by 60% show that 4 GWh, 93.6% of energy, RM 863,375 and 2,160 ton of CO2 could be saved annually which all represent high energy saving, environmental and economic benefits. Also it has been found that when switching between diesel fuel and biomass gas by a percentage of 50% for both instead of using 100% of diesel fuel, 11,946 ton of CO2 and RM 1,872,532 could be saved annually. Finally installation of economizer has proven its viability with 2,529,779 KWh energy saving, RM 238,573 bill saving and 2,150 ton of CO2 per annul.


Collagen and MMPs play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (1). In POP samples a switch between type I and type III collagen together with a simultaneous activation of MMPs have been observed and the main consequence of these changes is the loss of mechanical support in the vaginal wall (2). Aim of this study was to prove that AGEs induces the activation of MMPs through ERK1/2 and synchronically stimulates changes in collagen composition directly through Smads. The case group consisted of 20 patients suffering from stage III genital prolapse undergoing colpohysterectomy and anterior and posterior plastic vaginal surgery and 10 control patients treated with laparohysterectomy for uterine fibromatosis. Histological and Immunohistochemical analysis using AGE, RAGE, ERK 1/2, Smads 2-3, Smad 7, MMP-3 and collagen I-III were performed. AGE and ERK 1/2 were also evaluated using Western-Blot analysis. POP samples from anterior vaginal wall showed disorganization and a distortion of the normal muscularis architecture. In POP samples AGE, ERK 1/2, Smad 2-3, MMP-3 and collagen III were upregulated in muscularis whereas in controls Smad 7 and collagen I were increased in the same layer. RAGE was mild or absent both in controls and prolapse. In summary we suggest the possible role of these new markers in the pathogenesis of POP but further studies are required to elucidate if the change of these molecules is the reason or the result of POP disease.


successive batches was found to be 1-36%/0 (CV). British comparative thromboplastin is monitored externally using a different procedure, which allows for a slightly greater variation between successive batches.3 The international sensitivity indexes of successive batches are, however, extremely unlikely to differ by more than 5%zo and the differences between the two British comparative thromboplastin reference preparations (BCT/099 and BCT!253) are well within the published acceptance limits for external monitoring.3 International normalised ratios are provided with all batches of British comparative thromboplastin and Manchester comparative reagent and should be used in reporting results of prothrombin time whenever clinical trials are performed, and if a patient is to travel abroad. In Britain the situation is simplified by the fact that the international normalised ratio and British ratios obtained with the routine reagent Manchester comparative reagent are interchangeable within the established therapeutic range of 2-0 to 4-0. Some confusion has arisen in published reports concerning the additional term British corrected ratio. The British corrected ratio is obtained by calibrating other thromboplastins -that is, national reference preparations, commercial reagents, and home made human brain extracts-against British comparative thromboplastin using the original calibration method.4 This procedure is no longer necessary in hospitals in Britain as the use of Quick test reagents other than Manchester comparative reagent is now insignificant. For manufacturers' products and national reference preparations the newly established international normalised ratio terminology should be introduced to provide a uniform method of reporting. In view of the cumulative, clinical experience in anticoagulant dosage with British ratios it may be helpful, however, to use the terms British ratio and international normalised ratio concomitantly until the new system is fully implemented and becomes familiar to clinicians world wide. Finally, Dr Shinton's example of a prothrombin time ratio of 3-1 with rabbit thromboplastin being equivalent to a ratio


Experimental investigations on the gate-oxide and body-diode reliability of commercially available Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs from the second generation are performed. The body-diode conduction test is performed with a current density of 50 A/cm2 in order to determine if the body-diode of the MOSFETs is free from bipolar degradation. The second test is stressing the gate-oxide. A negative bias is applied on the gate oxide in order to detect and quantify potential drifts.


In a case-control-study an epidemiological investigation of cancer of the endometrium was carried out. 407 patients with cancer of the endometrium were compared with a control group of 450 women. The patients with endometrial cancer differed from the control group in the following manner: Significantly higher incidence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Overweight could not be printed out reliably, but there are so many corresponding statements in literature about a higher degree of overweight that there could be no doubt about it. Furthermore the patients with carcinoma of the uterine corpus had an earlier menarche, a later menopause, a smaller number of deliveries and more menstrual abnormalities. They were more exposed to radiation in the pelvis, the incidence of malignant tumors was higher in their families. So factors of high risk related to cancer of the endometrium could be defined.


We propose a defect-enhancement system for periodic patterns using a nonlinear spatial filter that uses photoinduced anisotropy of a bacteriorhodopsin film. The nonlinear filter passes low-intensity beams while blocking high-intensity beams. The system enhances the defects in real time because the anisotropy induced on the bacteriorhodopsin film by the first sample does not have to be rewritten if subsequent samples have the same periodic structure. It can also be applied to moving samples due to the shift invariance of the Fourier pattern. In the experiments we detected 10 µm defects in a photomask for a liquid crystal display. The dependence of the contrast ratio of the enhanced defect to the background on the intensity of the probe beam is also measured.


Timed Concurrent State Machines are an application of Alur's Timed Auto- mata concept to coincidence -based (rather than interleaving) CSM modeling technique. TCSM support the idea of testing automata, allowing to specify time properties easier than temporal formulas. Also, calculation of a global state space in real -time domain (Region Concurrent State Machines) is d e- fined, allowing to store a verified system in ready-to-verification form, and to multiply it by various testing automata.


CdSe films were electrochemically prepared on ITO electrode in aqueous solution applying a constant potential. Structural, morphological and optical features of CdSe thin films were examined with FE-SEM, XRD and UV-visible spectrophotometry techniques. XRD results revealed CdSe films were deposited, in the form of cubic crystals from aqueous solution of Cd 2+ and Se 4+ , in presence of Na 2 SO 4 supporting electrolyte. Band gap values of CdSe films were found between 1.88 and 2.0 eV. Wide band gap ZnO was electrochemically deposited on narrow band gap CdSe to improve its optoelectronic properties. Band gap value of CdSe/ZnO nanonorods was determined as 2.7 eV. Mott-Schottky equation was utilized to calculate flat band potential (E FB ), as well as charge carrier density (N D ) of materials. N D values were found as 1.623×10 20 and 9.186×10 20 cm -3 for CdSe and CdSe/ZnO, respectively. ZnO offers higher stability and lower band gap is promising material to be utilized in solar cell applications.


Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services are key enablers of both essential safety and security applications and economically beneficial capacity and efficiency applications worldwide. Whether users are ground-based, sea-based or in the air, their primary/go-to source of PNT has become a Global Navigation Satellites System (GNSS), with the US Global Positioning System (GPS) being the most widely used. Starting in 2001, with the publishing of the landmark Volpe Transportation Systems Center's GPS Vulnerability Report and leading up to the Department of Homeland Security sponsored GPS Interference Testing in 2012, the world has became much more aware of the vulnerability of GNSS-based services – especially in 2011, as the result of significant interest in using the spectrum directly adjacent to GPS for mobile communications services. This was an important wake up call to the world. But while users of GNSS positioning and navigation services are usually at least cognizant of the source of their services, many users of GPS precise time and frequency are oblivious to both the source of these services and their inherent vulnerability. In fact many time and frequency users are not even aware of how GNSS-provided time is crucial to their operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an Alternate Position, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) program to research various alternative strategies. These strategies are necessary to ensure a safe, secure, and effective transition of the US National Airspace System (NAS) to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). While discussing some of the position and navigation aspects of this program, this paper concentrates on the need for a robust time and frequency alternative to GNSS that will support aviation and have the potential to provide robust precise time and frequency services to other user communities. Alternatives strategies to be explored include use of existing NAS ground-based navigation aids, high power ground waves, antenna technologies, and alternative satellite constellations. INTRODUCTION To discuss the need for "a robust precise time and frequency alternative," on must first define what is meant by "robust." Although a number of alternative definitions can be found, the one preferred by the authors, as this is a systemic issue, is "the ability to overcome adverse conditions." By extrapolating this basic concept, we provide the following basic axiom: Robust Time and Frequency Services denotes the provision of strong, sturdy precise time and frequency services that are able to withstand or overcome adverse conditions, and as we are dealing with radionavigation signals, the adverse conditions we must overcome can be categorized as interference. Radio frequency interference (RFI) comes is many "flavors." It can be intentional or unintentional; predictable or unpredictable, manmade or environmental, crude or sophisticated (jamming or spoofing); and/or widespread or localized. When we speak of a harsh radionavigation environment, we envision one in which we must overcome some type of interference to arrive at the accuracy, availability, integrity, continuity, or coverage required by our specific applications. So why is "good" time so important? Because time is the means by which we precisely position and navigate, the means by which we can safely and efficiently separate airplanes in flight. Recently it has become increasingly apparent that it is through the denial or manipulation of good time that spoofers intend to adversely affect GNSS position and navigation users. The problem is clear – current GNSS time and frequency are not robust, many users are not aware of their dependence on GNSS time and frequency, and GNSS time and frequency services support the vast majority of critical infrastructure/key resource (CIKR) sectors. Figure 1 lists the 18 CIKR Sectors recognized by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and shows that 15 of the 18 rely on GNSS provided time. As a part of the Transportation sector, the FAA clearly recognizes the need for precise time and has maintained a significant non-GNSS based infrastructure to ensure the safety and security of the NAS; however, as the NAS migrates to NextGen, the need for precise PNT services and hence the need for robust alternatives will only increase.


OBJECTIVE The possible relationship between herpes zoster and acute urinary retention was investigated. METHODS Two cases of acute urinary retention secondary to herpes zoster are described. The pathophysiological mechanisms that influence this condition are analyzed. RESULTS Herpes zoster appears to play an important role in the development of micturition disorders. CONCLUSIONS Acute urinary retention can result from herpes zoster infection, although it usually resolves spontaneously.


The results of three studies, each designed to obtain functional requirements for the design of a graphics-based traveler information system, are reported. In the first study, the results of a survey are reviewed in which four commuter groups are identified with regard to the impact of traffic information on mode choice, departure time, and alternate route decisions. In the second study,the usability of five prototype traffic information screens are reported. In the last study, the results of a phone interview designed to provide an in-depth understanding of commuter traffic information needs is discussed.


ABSTRACT Background: Child abuse is a common global devastating issue for the patient and physician. It can lead to much unpleasant and danger and even death. One of the most essential parts of a doctor's job is to help people in need and a child should be top priority as they are dependent for protection and care. Objectives: To analyze the experience and knowledge of Saudi residents from both specialty family medicine and pediatrics working in Riyadh city toward the recognition and diagnosis of child abuse and neglect and spot the light on the barriers that prevent its reporting and to assess the need for further training. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four major tertiary hospitals in Riyadh (KKUH, National Guard Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Sultan Medical City) from March 2019 to January 2020. Results: Most participants did not have sufficient knowledge regarding the physical assessment of suspected child abuse and neglect. The result showed no significant difference in terms of knowledge and attitude between family physicians and pediatrics working in tertiary centers in Riyadh. Conclusion: The study concluded that the Saudi residents from both specialties, that is, family medicine and pediatrics, had insufficient knowledge regarding child abuse. In addition, the residents had positive attitudes toward child abuse prevention. Finally, the study recommends conducting awareness campaigns to increase the knowledge of physicians about child abuse and the predictive factors.


Automated License Plate Recognition Systems (ALPRS) are being adopted by law enforcement agencies in order to enhance capabilities, expand collection of relevant data, and expedite the process of comparing license plates with lists of vehicles of interest. It is becoming a significant tool for law enforcement and public safety agencies nationwide. Within seconds ALPR systems automatically capture images of license plates, transform those images into data, compare that data to databases, and alert officers when there is a match. Maximizing the value of ALPR can only be achieved through proper planning, implementation, training, deployment, and management of the technology and the information it provides. Like all law enforcement resources, ALPR must be carefully managed to ensure quality of data, security of the system, compliance with laws and regulations, and privacy of information. A random sample of 500 State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies was surveyed. A total of 305 agencies responded to the survey. Three-quarters of respondents indicated that they were not using ALPR, while 70 agencies responded that they were using ALPR. A longer, more detailed follow-on survey was sent to the 70 agencies who confirmed they were using ALPR with 40 agencies responding. Respondents typically implemented mobile ALPR systems, and were using ALPR for auto theft, vehicle and traffic enforcement, and investigations. Agencies reported increases in stolen vehicle recoveries, arrests, and productivity. Fewer than half had developed ALPR policies. Over half updated their ALPR hot lists wirelessly, and nearly half updated these lists daily. A total of 40% of respondents retain ALPR data for six months or less. Five respondents indicated they retain ALPR data indefinitely, and two indicated that retention is based on the storage capacity of the equipment installed.


ing met either Mr. ten Hoor or Mr. Cort personally. Both writers have taken a worthy crack (Mr. ten Hoor might not admit this!) at the ignorant, and against the arrogance of the ignorant a thing which has been growing too fast in our country, and indeed elsewhere. It is fortunate, though perhaps slightly paradoxical, that as ignorance is overcome by intellectual growth, the arrogance generally tapers off. Whether this be paradox or not, let us have more of it. As never before, we need the decency that comes with wisdom, intelligence, breeding, understanding not only for our individual selves but at least a few others also.


In this work, a vision is proposed from a complexity viewpoint about the systematic implications of human genome manipulation. Evolution is the central biological process that helps us understand the diversity of the living world. Today, it is held as the prevalent viewpoint without taking into account that human beings are, in addition to their genetic endowment, products of interaction with their surroundings, as much biological as social. Although it can be of great benefit to humanity, the manipulation of the human genome can also be utilized for discriminatory ends and domination, besides the unforeseeable consequences due to the emergent properties that result from each procedure.


BACKGROUND Early trauma deaths have the potential for salvage with immediate surgery. We studied time from injury to death in this group to qualify characteristics and quantify time to the operating room, yielding the greatest opportunity for salvage. METHODS The Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study (PTOS) is a comprehensive registry including all Pennsylvania trauma centers. PTOS was queried for adult trauma patients from 1999 to 2010 dying within 4 hours of injury. The distribution of time to death (TD) was examined for subgroups according to mechanism of injury, hypotension (defined as systolic blood pressure ⩽ 90 mm Hg), and operation required. The 5th percentile (TD5) and the 50th percentile (TD50) were calculated from the distributions and compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS The PTOS yielded 6,547 deaths within 4 hours of injury. The overall TD5 and TD50 were 0:23 (hour:minute) and 0:59, respectively. Median penetrating injury times were significantly shorter than blunt injury times (TD5/TD50, 0:19/0:43 vs. 0:29/1:10). Median time was significantly shorter for hypotensive versus normotensive patients (TD5/TD50, 0:22/0:52 vs. 0:43/2:18). Operative subgroups had different TD5/TD50 (abdominal surgery [n = 607], 1:07/2:26; thoracic surgery [n = 756] 0:25/1:25; vascular surgery [n = 156], 0:35/2:15; and cranial surgery [n = 18], 1:20/2:42). CONCLUSION Early trauma deaths have the potential for salvage with immediate surgery. We found TD to vary based on mechanism of injury, presence of hypotension, and type of surgery needed. With the use of TD5 and TD50 benchmarks in these subgroups, a trauma system may determine if decreased time to the operating room decreases mortality. Trauma systems can use these data to further improve prehospital and initial hospital phases of care for this subset of early death trauma patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiologic study, level III.


Windarsih G, Utami DW. 2017. Evaluation of neck blast resistance and agronomical performances on double haploid rice population in greenhouse and endemic field. Nusantara Bioscience 9: 371-377. Blast disease caused by fungal Pyricularia grisea Sacc. is one of the most destructive diseases of rice in the world. The development of blast-resistant rice varieties will be essential to control this disease. This research aimed (i) to compare the resistance response to neck-blast among DH lines from double cross IR54/Parekaligolara//Bio110/Markuti and the differential varieties against three selected Indonesian blast races in greenhouse, (ii) to identify the gene(s) that caused the resistance to neck-blast based on the association between the resistance response and the genotype evaluation using molecular markers linked to Pi1, Pi33, Pib, Pir4 and Pir7 genes, and (iii) to evaluate the resistance response to leaf and neck blast on DH lines in endemic field (Sukabumi) and the agronomical performance of selected DH lines in optimum field in Ciasem of Subang, West Java, Indonesia during December 2013 to March 2014. Eleven double haploid lines from double-crossing IR54/Parekaligolara//Bio110/Markuti, the differential varieties as resistant control and the US2 variety for susceptible control were observed for neck-blast resistance response to three blast races in greenhouse and endemic field (Sukabumi), while the agronomical performances were observed in field of Ciasem-Subang. The results based on the genotyping evaluation, leaf and neck blast resistance, either in greenhouse and endemic location, and the agronomical performance in field showed that 5 selected double haploid lines had leaf and neck blast resistance and good performance on field trial. Thus they are promising for use either for further testing forwarding into releasing variety or used as donor for further blast resistant breeding activities.


Streptococcus species are common causes of human infection. These Gram-positive, encapsulated bacterial pathogens infect diverse anatomic spaces, leading to infections including skin and soft tissue infection, endocarditis, pneumonia, meningitis, sinusitis, otitis media, chorioamnionitis, sepsis, and even death. Risk for streptococcal infection is highest in low- and middle-income countries where micronutrient deficiency is common. Epidemiological data reveal that vitamin D deficiency is associated with enhanced risk of streptococcal infection and cognate disease outcomes. Additionally, vitamin D improves antibacterial defenses by stimulating innate immune processes such as phagocytosis and enhancing production of reactive oxygen species (oxidative burst) and antimicrobial peptides (including cathelicidin and lactoferrin), which are important for efficient killing of bacteria. This review presents the most recent published work that studies interactions between the micronutrient vitamin D, the host immune system, and pathogenic streptococci as well as comparisons with other relevant infection models.


We look at lattices in Iso+(H2R)Iso+(HR2), the group of orientation preserving isometries of the real hyperbolic plane. We study their geometry and dynamics when they act on CP2CP2 via the natural embedding of SO+(2,1)↪SU(2,1)⊂SL(3,C)SO+(2,1)↪SU(2,1)⊂SL(3,C). We use the Hermitian cross product in C2,1C2,1 introduced by Bill Goldman, to determine the topology of the Kulkarni limit set ΛKulΛKul of these lattices, and show that in all cases its complement ΩKulΩKul has three connected components, each being a disc bundle over H2RHR2. We get that ΩKulΩKul coincides with the equicontinuity region for the action on CP2CP2. Also, it is the largest set in CP2CP2 where the action is properly discontinuous and it is a complete Kobayashi hyperbolic space. As a byproduct we get that these lattices provide the first known examples of discrete subgroups of SL(3,C)SL(3,C) whose Kulkarni region of discontinuity in CP2CP2 has exactly three connected components, a fact that does not appear in complex dimension 11 (where it is known that the region of discontinuity of a Kleinian group acting on CP1CP1 has 00, 11, 22 or infinitely many connected components).


© Educational Research Association, All rights reserved. Abstract: In each classroom, it is possible to find students who prefer engaging in win-lose struggle to see who is best in completing the assignment, working independently to complete the assignment, working together in small groups, helping the others achieve the task and learn better. Students' learning goals are structured to promote cooperative, competitive or individualistic efforts. Each student has a different preference when it comes to the goal structure. In this study conducted with 92 teacher trainees at the English language Teaching Department during the fall academic term 2008-2009, the aim is to highlight the characteristics of each goal structure and to show that in the class dynamics it is possible to find that different groups prefer different goal structures and even the same individual may prefer using the different structures and not employing only one type of social interdependence. For this purpose a semi structured interview was conducted and students gave different answers and expressed their preferences for the learning styles and did not show a predominant choice on one style only.


The resource efficiency of different implementations of the branch-and-bound method for the classical traveling salesman problem depends, inter alia, on ways to organize a search decision tree generated by this method. The classic «time-memory» dilemma is realized herein either by an option of storing reduced matrices at the points of the decision tree, which leads to reduction in the complexity with additional capacity cost, or matrix recalculation for the current node, which leads to an increase in complexity while saving memory. The subject of this paper is an experimental study of temporal characteristics of solving the traveling salesman problem by the branch-and-bound method to identify a real reduction of span time using additional memory in a selected structure of a decision tree. The ultimate objective of the research is to formulate recommendations for implementing the method in practical problems encountered in logistics and business informatics. On the basis of experimental data, this paper shows that both considered options of the classic algorithm for the traveling salesman problem by the branch-and-bound method generate software implementations with an exponential dependence on the execution time of the input length. The experimental results permit us to suggest that the applicability of an additional memory capacity of no more than 1 GB results in a significant (up to five times) reduction of the time span. The estimate of the resulting trend makes it possible to recommend practical application of the software implementation of the branch-and-bound algorithm with storage of matrices with a really available 16 GB random-access memory and with limitation of the expected average computation time of about one minute on modern personal computers whereby problems having a dimension no more than 70 can be solved exactly.


1. Intracellular recordings were made from arterioles lying in the submucosa of guinea‐pig small intestine. 2. Low frequency perivascular nerve stimulation evoked subthreshold excitatory junction potentials which facilitated. 3. Higher frequency stimulation caused summation of excitatory junction potentials and the initiation of muscle action potentials. 4. Arteriolar constriction was only observed following the initiation of a muscle action potential.


Cooperatives and associations of informal sector workers could become key players in global efforts to alleviate extreme poverty and enhance disaster resilience in urban slums and informal settlements. By engaging these worker-led organizations in community-based efforts to reduce disaster risk, the urban poor who live in informal settlements and work informal jobs can exert their collective power to overcome their social and economic marginalization. Such a strategy can build safer communities and lead to the extension of worker rights and social protections to those toiling in the informal economy.


Paneth cells of intestinal crypts contribute to host defense by producing antimicrobial peptides that are packaged as granules for secretion into the crypt lumen. Here, we provide evidence using light and electron microscopy that postsecretory Paneth cell granules undergo limited dissolution and accumulate within the intestinal crypts of cystic fibrosis (CF) mice. On the basis of this finding, we evaluated bacterial colonization and expression of two major constituents of Paneth cells, i.e., alpha-defensins (cryptdins) and lysozyme, in CF murine intestine. Paneth cell granules accumulated in intestinal crypt lumens in both untreated CF mice with impending intestinal obstruction and in CF mice treated with an osmotic laxative that prevented overt clinical symptoms and mucus accretion. Ultrastructure studies indicated little change in granule morphology within mucus casts, whereas granules in laxative-treated mice appear to undergo limited dissolution. Protein extracts from CF intestine had increased levels of processed cryptdins compared with those from wild-type (WT) littermates. Nonetheless, colonization with aerobic bacteria species was not diminished in the CF intestine and oral challenge with a cryptdin-sensitive enteric pathogen, Salmonella typhimurium, resulted in greater colonization of CF compared with WT intestine. Modest downregulation of cryptdin and lysozyme mRNA in CF intestine was shown by microarray analysis, real-time quantitative PCR, and Northern blot analysis. Based on these findings, we conclude that antimicrobial peptide activity in CF mouse intestine is compromised by inadequate dissolution of Paneth cell granules within the crypt lumens.


Epidermal growth factor (EGF) mediates breast cancer cell chemotaxis and metastasis through mechanisms that involve the growth-regulatory mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex mTORC2, but the mechanisms involved remain obscure. Here, we report that the rapamycin-insensitive mTORC2 component protein Rictor is a critical mediator of metastasis in breast cancer cells. In patients with ductal carcinoma, Rictor expression was associated with increased lymph node metastasis. EGF induced translocation and colocalization of Rictor with protein kinase Cζ (PKCζ), a pivotal molecule in chemotaxis signaling. Further, Rictor coimmunoprecipitated with PKCζ in the absence of the mTORC2 complex. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Rictor inhibited EGF-induced PKCζ phosphorylation and translocation along with phosphorylation of the key F-actin binding protein cofilin. In parallel, Rictor knockdown reduced cellular chemotactic capacity and ablated pulmonary metastasis in a xenograft mouse model of breast cancer. Our findings identify Rictor as an important mediator of chemotaxis and metastasis in breast cancer cells.


Nepal has endowed high potential of water resources, covering 395,000 ha (48%) area within 45,000 km in length of 6000 rivers with 170 billion m3 annual runoff and 45,610 MW feasible hydroelectricity generation. Since 1911, 500 kW power generation at Pharping, now reached 782.45 MW production in 2016. Nepal government has planned to increase its current 67.3% access in electricity to 1426 MW (87%), by 2022. Globally, 16.6% generation of hydroelectricity, 1,079 GW production, in 2015 will be increased to 1,473 GW by 2040 as projected. Although, hydropower is considered as a renewable clean energy, dam closure, influence within the downstream river and connected ecosystems have consequent impacts on hydropower production. Nepal's topography offered more RoR types of hydropower and has more risk of landslide, flooding, GLOFs, LDOFs, and flash floods. Despite, Nepal contributes 0.027% of total global Green House Gas (GHG) emissions; Nepal has focused on renewable energy, hydropower production, targeting 12000 MW by 2030 to fulfill its growing demand of 11,500 MW. Consequent development of clean energy, GHG reduction, single Bhotekoshi hydropower can reduce 160092 tons CO2/year. The energy-related CO2 emissions increased 43.2 billion metric tons by 2040 globally, which can be reduced through promotion of clean energy.


Abstract The present study was investigated to study the impact of Rare earth elements in growth of wheat. The soil samples were collected from rare earth environments and analyzed by ICP-MS to know constituents of the rare earth elements. Cerium and Neodymium are abundant in the analyzed samples. The physical parameters of the wheat biomass are evaluated with and without treatment of REEs and also treated with REEs and a bacterial strain ( Pseudomonas sp.,). From the results it is evident that a significant increase in root and shoot length, dry weight and wet weight of plants treated with REEs. The production stress resistant end product (phenol) is measured and the total content of soluble phenols is calculated. Seeds treated with element alone show two fold increases in the production of phenol. The diverse parts of plant samples (root, shoot and leaves) are digested analyzed by ICP-OES analysis. It reveals that a maximum accumulation of REEs (Cerium and Neodymium) in plant tissues and higher input of REEs yields high accumulation and lower inputs yield low accumulation. The seeds treated with culture are shown drastic change in the accumulation of REEs by wheat. --- 1 Department of Microbiology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, India 2 Department of Microbiology, Sourashtra College, Madurai – 625 00, India


This study, commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, explores the working conditions of migrant women in agriculture in the EU, focusing on some case studies in Italy and Spain. In particular, it aims to examine the factors that render women vulnerable to exploitation, paying attention to gendered dynamics and power relations. The study contends that to prevent and combat exploitation in agriculture it is necessary to implement concerted actions aimed at tackling, from a human rights and gender perspective, the structural factors of a socio-economic system which fosters and relies on workers' vulnerability.


A new nozzle bank for an ejector-chemical oxygen-iodine laser consisting of two-dimensional slit nozzles with a trip-jet mixing system was designed, fabricated, and tested in the cold flow operation regime. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to optimize the trip system design. Horizontal Pitot scan experiments demonstrated that the mixing ability of the trips is excellent. The Mach number of the mixed flow was approximately 3. The average Pitot pressure at the laser cavity was more than 100 Torr. Backpressure tests were conducted, and the results of these tests revealed that the static pressure in the cavity remained constant at approximately 10 Torr until the supersonic diffuser breaks back and the cavity unstarts at a backpressure of approximately 80 Torr.


OBJECTIVE
BYSH, a herbal formula, was evaluated for efficacy and safety in a pilot study for patients with advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS
The pilot study was designed as a single-center open-label trial. Patients with HRPC were treated with BYSH for 24 weeks. The primary end point was the changes in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Safety parameters such as liver and renal functions were monitored during the study period.

RESULTS
Ten patients were eligible for the study. Most of them had stable PSA levels while taking BYSH. However, at the end of the BYSH treatment, the level of PSA increased. The median survival from diagnosis of HRPC was 16.4 months. Liver and renal functions remained normal. BYSH was well tolerated and no patient reported adverse events during the study period.

CONCLUSION
Although it is inappropriate to make a conclusion based on the pilot study results, the trend of improvement is obvious. Further investigations should be conducted to demonstrate its clinical benefits. We have also briefly reviewed some plant products which are patented and also available in market.


Muon ionization cooling involves passing particles through solid or liquid absorbers. Careful simulations are required to design muon cooling channels. New features have been developed for inclusion in the transfer map code COSY Infinity to follow the distribution of charged particles through matter. To study the passage of muons through material, the transfer map approach alone is not sufficient. The interplay of beam optics and atomic processes must be studied by a hybrid transfer map-Monte-Carlo approach in which transfer map methods describe the deterministic behavior of the particles, and Monte-Carlo methods are used to provide corrections accounting for the stochastic nature of scattering and straggling of particles. The advantage of the new approach is that the vast majority of the dynamics are represented by fast application of the high-order transfer map of an entire element and accumulated stochastic effects. The gains in speed are expected to simplify the optimization of cooling channels which is usually computationally demanding. Progress on the development of the required algorithms and their application to modeling muon ionization cooling channels is reported.


duct of two involutions is investigated. It is shown that it is always possible to do this in the analytic case and not always possible in the continuous case. In the intermediate cases several necessary and sufficient conditions are developed for determining whether or not such a factorization is possible. Included is a construction which allows one to determine an explicit factorization. Indication is given of the application of this material to the same problem in higher dimensions. This work is related to some material in Dynamics.


Extreme rainfall events pose considerable threats to society and critical infrastructure yet, by definitions, these events are rare. Reliable estimates of the likelihood of such events are required to assist with impact quantification and risk management. Regional frequency analysis of pooled extreme rainfall to estimate the likely impacts of a changing climate is a well established method to assess the probability of these extremes. Previous analyses of country‐wide changes to UK extreme daily rainfall have used the 9 Hadley UK Precipitation (HadUKP) regions (Alexander and Jones, 2000), which are not appropriate for use with extremes. While these characterize well the mean daily intensity and frequency within each region, extreme rainfall climatology differs from that of the mean characteristics. As a result the existing HadUKP regions do not represent extreme rainfall behaviour adequately, with regard to the frequency, intensity or timing of extreme events. Focussing on many extreme rainfall characteristics, such as the seasonal timing and magnitude of maxima, this article presents a formal representation of extreme regions which specifically describe extreme spatial and temporal characteristics. The article concludes with a brief exploration of improved event estimation using these extreme rainfall regions. The new regional definitions provide clearer upward trends in annual maxima over the period 1961–2010 than those estimated using the HadUKP regional pools. © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society


In this study the mesoscale atmospheric circulation over the southwestern Ross Sea sector during winter is examined. The hydrostatic meso-gamma-scale atmospheric model MAR (Modele Atmospherique Regional) is used. Polar night is assumed, and an idealized large-scale situation is prescribed, with zero geostrophic forcing. The impact of a partial sea-ice cover on the atmospheric circulation is assessed by prescribing lead fractions in the range of the observed values (i.e., between 0% and 30%). Simulations show that the propagation of katabatic airstreams over Terra Nova Bay is facilitated by the presence of leads because the identity of cold, dense, katabatic air is better marked in warmer environmental maritime conditions. Boundary layer fronts and mesocyclone activity are associated with the katabatic airstreams. They are enhanced by the presence of leads. In particular, when the lead fraction is prescribed to be between 20% and 30%, the model simulates mesocyclone intensities comparable to those observed. Taking into account that such a lead fraction is situated in the upper range of the observed values in the central Ross Sea during winter, these results suggest that winter Ross Sea mesocyclones could nor always result from a pure mesoscale forcing. In contrast to the summer situation, no snow precipitation occurs for the simulated winter case, probably because of the too-low absolute humidity content of the air. Such model behavior is in agreement with the observations, which reveal a summer precipitation maximum at McMurdo Station on Ross Island. It is also found that the position of the simulated mesocyclone over Terra Nova Bay is nor sensitive to the lead fraction. Furthermore, this meteorological situation favors the advection of relatively mild and moist maritime air over a long distance in the ice-sheet interior. This process, which is referred to as a moist-air intrusion, could affect the Antarctic ice-sheet mass balance.


In this work, an improved three-electrode half cell and corresponding working electrode was designed and implemented to establish an environment as close as possible to that of an actual direct methanol fuel cells, and especially, to meet the requirements for long-time degradation analysis. A series of accelerated degradation tests and the high potential activation treatments of E-TEK anode gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) were carried out to confirm the stability and applicability of the electrochemical devices. The data were acquired by combinations of electrochemical analyses (EIS, CO-Stripping and CV) and ICP-MS analyses in the accelerated degradation tests of E-TEK anode GDEs and high potential treatments. Special attention has been paid to analyzing the amount of Ru dissolved in supporting electrolyte by ICP-MS, which provides quantitative information of Ru dissolution non-destructively.


Imagine feeling different than how you look, like you don't belong in the body that you were born in to. Visualize feeling like you should be a different gender, but society is pressuring you to be happy with the gender you are born in to. Try to put yourself in the shoes of a child who feels uncomfortable because society forces them to play into strict gender roles the day they are born. Now, finally, think about how hard this must be for a child to go through when their parents, their peers, their surroundings, and society does not accept them for who they are. Being bullied for wanting to look on the outside, the way they feel on the inside, is something that can happen to transgender children or children with gender dysphoria. According to Miller (2020), "Young people who are transgender feel powerfully that they wish to be — or are — the other gender. They not only want to dress and act and be accepted as the other gender, but may feel extremely uncomfortable in their bodies, and want to change them, through hormone therapy or surgery, to align with their gender identity" (para. 2). Children who feel they need to be the other gender and want to transition, need proper care and concern. Furthermore, not having the proper education, awareness, or perspective on information related to transgender children or children with gender dysphoria can lead to negative impacts such as mental health issues, or even bullying and stigma from peers, parents, and society in general. It would be a gross understatement to think that it would not have a significant impact on a child's mental health if they are not being supported. Regardless of age, those who feel a disconnect between their experienced gender and their assigned gender experience a source of profound suffering and distress, the term for this acute distress is gender dysphoria (Miller, 2020). In this paper, I will be discussing mental health issues in transgender children and children who have gender dysphoria.


This Text Book is designed to introduce the reader (students) to the contribution of Muslim scholars in comparative religion through their selected writings. Firstly, Qur'an and Prophetic Sunnah will be studied as essential foundations addressing the right methodology for the science of comparative religion. Muslim scholars have been inspired by the Quranic methodology and Prophetic way concerning their writings on other religions. Secondly, the history and development of the discipline of comparative study of other religions from both, Muslim scholars and Western scholars will be briefly discussed in a comparative way. Thirdly, methodologies of selected Muslim scholars employed in the study of other religions will be examined and analysed in light of a proper classification: (1) Documentary Approach – Ibn Nadim and Shahrastani; (2) Travelogue Approach: Ibn Batuta; (3) Polemical, Refutative and Analytical Approach(s): Isa al-Warraq, Ibn Hazm, and Ibn Taymiyyah; (4) Comparative, Descriptive and Objective Approach(s): Al-Biruni, Al-Faruqi and Al-Fattah. The contribution of each Muslim scholar will be discussed as follow: (1) Scholar's Chronology, (2) his selected work(s), (3) methodology, and (4) analysis of selected texts from his writings in the original language in order to reveal the methods employed by him in the study of other religion(s).


This study asserts that the effects of board characteristics on firm innovation need to be evaluated with reference to contingency variables. A literature review suggests that relatively few studies adopt a contingency view when examining the outcomes of boards of directors. This study examines the influence on firm innovation of characteristics such as board size, outsider ratio and board diversity, and suggests that their influence is contingent upon firm size. The model is tested on a sample of Italian companies and finds support for the contingency hypothesis. This study advances research on boards of directors by emphasizing the importance of context.


The training and teaching qualifications are all indicative of the quality of education. Several schools of thought examine the training and teaching qualification for teaching in higher education, considering the economic or educational focus. This article seeks to distinguish two approaches, revealing elements that show the intricate relations between them. Reflects also on the effects of the completion of necessary legal aspects related to the titration to higher education and describes public policies for training, qualification and evaluation of teachers of higher education in Brazil. Seeks to not only raise, but emphasized the need for discussion about the teacher training for the exercise of the teaching in higher educaction.


The gene encoding beta-amylase was cloned from Bacillus polymyxa 72 into Escherichia coli HB101 by inserting HindIII-generated DNA fragments into the HindIII site of pBR322. The 4.8-kilobase insert was shown to direct the synthesis of beta-amylase. A 1.8-kilobase AccI-AccI fragment of the donor strain DNA was sufficient for the beta-amylase synthesis. Homologous DNA was found by Southern blot analysis to be present only in B. polymyxa 72 and not in other bacteria such as E. coli or B. subtilis. B. polymyxa, as well as E. coli harboring the cloned DNA, was found to produce enzymatically active fragments of beta-amylases (70,000, 56,000, or 58,000, and 42,000 daltons), which were detected in situ by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned 3.1-kilobase DNA revealed that it contains one open reading frame of 2,808 nucleotides without a translational stop codon. The deduced amino acid sequence for these 2,808 nucleotides encoding a secretory precursor of the beta-amylase protein is 936 amino acids including a signal peptide of 33 or 35 residues at its amino-terminal end. The existence of a beta-amylase of larger than 100,000 daltons, which was predicted on the basis of the results of nucleotide sequence analysis of the gene, was confirmed by examining culture supernatants after various cultivation periods. It existed only transiently during cultivation, but the multiform beta-amylases described above existed for a long time. The large beta-amylase (approximately 160,000 daltons) existed for longer in the presence of a protease inhibitor such as chymostatin, suggesting that proteolytic cleavage is the cause of the formation of multiform beta-amylases.


There are many inputs into the dairy replacement herd which impact not only on the cost of rearing heifers from birth to first calving, but also on their future longevity and production potential. This study determined the current cost of rearing dairy heifers in the UK through the calculation and analysis of individual costs on a subset of 102 UK dairy farms. Each farm was visited and an extensive heifer rearing questionnaire was completed. Current heifer rearing practices were recorded to provide insight into critical management decisions. A cost analysis workbook was developed to calculate the costs of inputs in the preweaning period for labour, calving, feed, housing, health treatments and vaccinations, waste storage, machinery and equipment, and utilities. The average age at weaning was 62 d. The mean cost of rearing from birth to weaning was £195.19 per heifer with a mean daily cost of £3.14 (excluding the opportunity cost of the calf). This ranged from £1.68 to £6.11 among farms, reflecting major differences in management strategies and efficiency. The highest contribution to total costs came from feed (colostrum, milk, starter and forage) at 48.5% with milk feeding making up the greatest proportion of this at 37.3%. The next major expenses were bedding and labour, contributing 12.3% and 11.2% respectively. Unsurprisingly, delaying age at weaning increased total cost by £3.53 per day. Total costs were on average 45% higher on organic farms than conventional due to higher feed costs and later weaning. Calving pattern also had a strong association with the total cost being lowest with spring calving, intermediate with autumn calving and highest in multi block and all year round calving herds.


This paper proposes a buffer-assisted amplify-and-forward (AF) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) relay for communication between two ground nodes without a direct link. These communications are essential in disaster rescue areas where fairness plays a significant role. To achieve fairness, we aim to maximize the minimum information rate. The traditional way of prefixed scheduling the time slots to transfer and receive at the UAV do not guarantee that the communication system uses high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) communication links instead of low SNR links. Therefore, we choose to employ a buffer at the UAV to store the information and transfer it to the destination nodes in the high SNR links. The pairing of time slots is necessary here since we are using a buffer, and we do not know in which time slot data is transmitted to the destination node after it is received at the UAV. Consequently, we formulate a fairness maximization problem by jointly optimizing the trajectory and power control. Unfortunately, this formulation results in a non-convex problem. We propose a solution based on the principles of the minorize-maximize (MM) algorithm and linear programming relaxation techniques to solve the fairness problem and pairing of time slots. Numerical results demonstrate that the trajectory, power control and paired slots favor the UAV and ground nodes to communicate in the high SNR channel links, thus maintaining fairness.


A facile and scalable exfoliation approach is developed to prepare large-flake, few-layer MoS2 nanosheets with the assistance of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). CNTs not only facilaite the efficient exfoliation of MoS2 nanosheets, but also benefit their subsequent electrochemical applications for both hydrogen evolution and sodium-ion storage. This CNT-mediated exfoliation approach can be extended to other kinds of 2D materials.


Background and Objective: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are the leading nosocomial pathogens in Iran. We aimed at evaluating the resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and enterococci to the antibiotics recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Material and Methods: Two-hundred forty Staphylococcus aureus and 203 Enterococcus isolated from urine, wound, blood, trachea, stool and other clinical specimens of inpatients and outpatients were obtain from some hospitals in Tehran. Sensitivity of S. aureus to oxacillin, vancomycin, chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, erythromycin, clindamycin and linezolid were determined by disk diffusion according to CLSI (M100-S22) guidelines. Likewise, sensitivity of enterococci to ampicillin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, tigecycline, linezolid, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin was invesditated by the same method. Results : Of 240 S. aureus isolates, 56%, 46.6% and 40.4%were resistant to oxacillin, erythromycin and clindamycin, respectively. We found one S. aureus isolate with low susceptibility to vancomycin (VISA; 0.5%). All S. aureus isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin and linezolid. Of 203 Enterococcus spp., 47.3%, 24.6%, 9.4%, 85.2%, 11.3% and 4.4% were resistant to ampicillin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin, respectively. All these isolates were sensitivity to tigecycline and linezolid. Conclusion: Resistance of S. aureus isolates to oxacillin, erythromycin and clindamycin was significant. Enterococci isolates were remarkably resistant to ampicillin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin. Given our results, we suggest vancomycin, chloramphenicol, linezolid and nitrofurantoin for S. aureus infections and tigecycline and linezolid as drugs of choice for enterocoocal infections treatment.


In this study, the antithrombotic and thrombolytic ability of second fermented extract of Ophiopogon japonicus (FEOJ) was verified in thrombosis-induced rats. Thrombosis was induced by oral administration of 2% carrageenan for 4 weeks. Five experimental groups (n = 9/group) involved in the study were control group, thrombosis group, low-dose FEOJ group (2 mL/kg, low-dose Ophiopogon japonicus [LOJ]), middle-dose FEOJ group (6 mL/kg, medium-dose Ophiopogon japonicus [MOJ]), and high-dose FEOJ group (12 mL/kg, high-dose Ophiopogon japonicus [HOJ]). The clotting time (CT), bleeding time (BT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and fibrinogen (FBG) were assessed in blood samples, and histological studies were performed on liver and lung tissues. The results demonstrated delayed CT only in MOJ and HOJ groups and delayed BT in all FEOJ groups compared with those in thrombosis and control groups (P < .05). Similarly, APTT was significantly delayed only in MOJ and HOJ groups, and PT was significantly delayed in all FEOJ groups, compared with those in control and thrombosis groups (P < .05). Although concentrations of FBG were similar in control, thrombosis, and LOJ groups, the tendency for decreased concentration of FBG (statistically nonsignificant) in MOJ and HOJ groups has been observed. Histological examination of livers and lungs revealed that thrombosis was partially improved in FEOJ group compared with the thrombosis group. In conclusion, CT, BT, PT, and APTT were prolonged in FEOJ group more than in control and thrombosis groups, thereby, depicting antithrombotic and thrombolytic effects. However, concentration-dependent effects of FEOJ were more prominent in MOJ and HOJ groups than in the LOJ group.


This study was inspired by the observation that foreign financial service firms operating in the City of London do not suffer the liability of foreignness to the extent suggested by theory. To examine the reasons for this departure from theory, the study advances a theoretical framework that distinguishes between three types of advantages that together account for the competitive performance of MNEs relative to that of indigenous firms. Empirical analyses of a sample of 296 foreign financial service firms in the City of London shows that in this particular context major sources of competitive performance are the firm-specific advantages and the advantages of multinationality, where British firms may not necessarily possess an advantage over foreign firms. An examination of the validity of the findings, in order to assess the extent to which this situation is unique to the City of London or rather signifies a more general trend that requires theoretical modifications and extensions, is emphasised as a major task for future research.


Initial conditions for the thermoluminescence theory described in the first part of the present work were determined. The initial populations of possible states of the photosystem II reaction center and thermoluminescence of higher plants for different excitation conditions were estimated. The estimation enables one to explain the known experimental conditions favoring the appearance of certain thermoluminescence peaks. The possibility of applying the theory to the deconvolution of experimental curves into components was shown.


Introduction. Today, foreign language competence of a person is a necessary means of active social and professional life. Despite this, quite a lot of young people do not always have the desire to learn foreign languages. This paradox made the motivation to learn foreign languages a popular issue to research worldwide. The article presents the scoping review of international studies devoted to the issue of motivation to learn foreign languages. First of all, it is necessary to understand the research trends in the study of this issue in general, and to determine factors, which influence the lack of students' interest to learn foreign languages in particular.The aim of the present research is to outline the current focus trends and to define the gaps in international research papers aimed at investigating the issue of motivation for foreign languages learning.Methodology and research methods. The methodological framework of the current research is based on the qualitative content analysis of relevant empirical research on this issue from the periodicals indexed by the international databases Scopus and Web of Science over the last 15 years. This review will provide an understanding of the degree of knowledge of the analysed issues at the international level.Results. The research works on the issues of motivation for foreign languages learning were divided into two main categories: the research works concentrated on inner - academic and professional factors, and the works which deal with the outer - social factors of influence. Within these groups, the existing research trends and the most promising research areas were identified (for instance, the influence of peers on the motivational sphere of students). Amongst the numerous works investigating external (socio-economic) factors of influence, there is insufficient research on the influence of macro-political and macro-economic factors on the motivation for learning languages (for instance, foreign languages learning preferences). The research outcomes will contribute to understanding the factors, which influence the students' lack of interest in learning foreign languages.The scientific novelty is in the originality of the demonstrated review, which includes many scientific papers performed by scientists from all over the world and based on various research procedures. In the review, the geographical principle of data selection was not used and the publication date was not taken into account. The main selection criterion was a research paper to be published in a journal peer-reviewed by international databases over the last 15 years.Such a principle was necessary to understand research trends in the issue of motivation for mastering a foreign language competence and to determine similar (or specific) factors for different countries, which cause students' lack of interest in learning foreign languages.Practical significance. The results of the obtained analysis will give understanding of the reasons for the lack of students' motivation to study foreign languages. Moreover, it will help to find a solution to this international challenge.


Objectives. To determine the prevalence of acute stress disorder (ASD) and comorbidity with major depressive disorder (ASD+MDD) in flood victims from Tingo Maria, Huanuco (Peruvian central jungle), 20 days after the traumatic event. Material and methods: One hundred and twenty injured (people relocated after disaster) and 110 affected (people living in their own homes) were surveyed and compared. Was applied to structured clinical interview for disorders axis I from DSM-IV, clinical version. The prevalence of the disorders studied were stratified by age, being a woman, having a partner at the time of occurrence of the disaster, unemployed time of the disaster, not to speak Spanish and have low levels of education. The data were analyzed in STATA v.8.0. Results. The 64.8% (95CI: 58.6-71.0) of the study population had ASD and the 28.3% (95CI: 22.4-34-1) had ASD+MMD. The people injured showed higher prevalence of ASD, 80%, compared with 48.2% for those affected (P<0.001). In the case of ASD+MMD prevalences were 40.0% and 15.5%, respectively (P<0.001). Women are more likely to develop ASD (OR: 4.3; 95CI: 1.6-11.2) and ASD+DDM (OR: 8.7; 95CI: 1.9-40.9) adjusted of other factors. Conclusions. There are significant differences between the prevalence of mental disorders of the people living in a shelter or in their own homes; being higher in those who are forced to live in temporary shelters. Women are more susceptible to these mental disorders.


PCT No. PCT/FR87/00089 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 25, 1988 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 25, 1988 PCT Filed Mar. 24, 1987 PCT Pub. No. W087/05850 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 8, 1987.The invention relates to a method of producing perforations in a solid material in sheet form, an irradiation device for working the method and the resulting perforated material.


Summary Factor XII (FXII) levels were determined in plasma samples from 29 normal donors, 10 patients with inherited FXII deficiency (all lupus anticoagulant [LA] negative) and 67 LA positive patients, using clotting (FXIIct), chromogenic substrate (FXIIcs) and immunochemical (FXIIag) assays. Excellent correlations were obtained in the three FXII assays with the LA negative samples and between the FXIIcs and FXIIag assays in the LA positive samples. Correlations between both the FXIIcs and FXIIag with FXIIct in the LA positive patients were poor. Of 67 LA positive samples studied, 25 (37.3%) showed lower values in the FXIIct assay; 13 (19.4%) of these patients were pseudo FXII deficient with values of FXII below the lower limit of normal. These results indicate that a diagnosis of FXII deficiency can be made inappropriately in the presence of phospholipid antibodies and that such a diagnosis should not be made by FXIIct assay alone.


Peculiarities of cluster properties are considered and processes involving them discussed. Generation methods and applications in material fabrication are described. The kinetics of cluster growth in expanding vapor is analysed. The absorption and emission properties of clusters as systems of bound atoms are examined. The properties of a cluster plasma, i.e., a cluster-containing ionized gas, are discussed in relation to cluster light sources.


A 35-year-old man presented with a local swelling of the penis, which increased until the entire penis was thick and swollen. After infectious and obstructive causes had been eliminated, a diagnosis of 'penis friction oedema' was made. The swelling disappeared during several weeks of abstinence from sexual intercourse. Penile abnormalities can be divided into venereal diseases (STDs), incidental affections of the skin or mucous membranes in that location, and disorders of vascularisation and lymph drainage. A traumatic disorder of lymph drainage is sometimes referred to, unjustifiably, as 'penile venereal oedema'; it is a result of friction and manifests itself as local or total penile oedema or as a cordlike congestion of the lymphatic vessels. The diagnosis is by exclusion and the treatment is temporary abstinence from sexual intercourse.


1) A Bence-Jones type protein (Cryo-Ver) showing the cold precipitation phenomenon has an extremely low intrinsic fluorescence when excited at 280-295 nm. 2) This fluorescence increases considerably upon denaturation of the molecule by heat or guanidine hydrochloride. Guanidine is about twice as effective as heat in terms of fluorescence yield. 3) The heat-denatured protein is still reactive with anti-cryoVer antibodies, at variance with the guanidine-treated samples. 4) Since the protein contains two tryptophans per mole, one in the constant portion of the molecule, the other in the variable region, it is proposed that heat treatment affects only the variable region, which seems involved in the cryoprecipitation phenomenon.


Ewing sarcoma, the second most frequent bone tumor of young adults, is most frequently characterized by a specific translocation t(11;22) leading to the formation of the aberrant transcription factor EWS‐FLI1. By analyzing transcriptional profiles of Ewing tumors with other pediatric tumors, we identified genes that were highly and very specifically over‐expressed in Ewing sarcomas, as compared to the others. Beside already identified EWS‐FLI1 targets like NKX2‐2 or NR0B1, we focused our attention on a novel potential EWS‐FLI1 target gene: the protein kinase C beta (PRKCB). Firstly, we confirmed at the protein level, that PRKCB is highly expressed in different Ewing cell lines. Secondly, EWS‐FLI1 shRNA inhibition experiments in different Ewing cell lines demonstrated that the PRKCB over‐expression is dependent on the expression of the fusion protein. Thirdly, using luciferase reporter experiments together with chromatin immunoprecipitation, we could show that EWS‐FLI1 can bind directly to the PRKCB promoter and regulate its activity, demonstrating that PRKCB is a new direct target of EWS‐FLI1. Finally, we investigated the role of the two different PRKCB isoforms in Ewing cells by inhibiting either both or the second one only by knock‐down experiments. Both strategies led to a dramatic decrease of cell proliferation together with a massive cell death, indicating that at least PRKCB isoform 2, which seems to be the most expressed isoform in Ewing cells, is crucial for Ewing cell survival. We obtained the same results while using specific inhibitor compounds of PRKCB. Altogether, these results show that protein kinase C beta is highly expressed in Ewing tumors and that its inhibition could be of major interest for developing new therapeutic strategies. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):A20.


The biodiversity in home gardens is a part of the nation's biodiversity and has a leading role for a community to produce the supplementary food, vitamins, proteins, minerals, fat, crude fiber from fruit and vegetables to meet the needs of their daily lives. This study aims to identify the diversity of plants and animals found in the researched home gardens, describe the benefits of both for the community, and utilize the results of this study as a learning source of biology, especially biodiversity. The sample members in this study were determined by stratified random sampling done instrata, namely the region, sub-district, village, and hamlet, As many as 20 respondents had been involved randomly from each hamlet, including from Brajan (Minggir sub-district) and Berjokulon (Godean sub-district) in Yogyakarta Special Province, Indonesia. The data were collected through observation, questionnaires and in-depth interviews and analyzed by the vegetation analysis, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, and the descriptive analysis technique. The results show that in Minggir there have been 163 types of plants and 24 types of animals. The plant diversity index (DI) is 3.99, its fairness index is 0.79, and its wealth index is 19.76. Besides, Godean has 143 types of plants and 24 types of animals with its plant DI, fairness index, and wealth index respectively are 3.96, 0.79, and 19.75. The plant biodiversity in home gardens based on their benefits is classified into crops, fruit, vegetables, coloring and flavoring plants, ornamental plants, medicinal plants, plantation crops, building material plants, and crafts. The animals can be classified into economically valuable animals, pets for fun, and wild animals. The results of this study can be used as a biology learning resource, especially biodiversity.


Urocystis skirgielloi M. Piątek sp. nov. is described and illustrated on the basis of infected leaves of Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. & Schult. collected in India. This is the first Urocystis species on the grass genus Heteropogon as well as on any grass genera belonging to the subtribe Anthistiriinae of the tribe Andropogoneae ( Poaceae ).


Spin-orbit coupled semiconducting nanowires with proximity-induced superconductivity are expected to host Majorana zero modes at their endpoints when a sufficiently strong magnetic field is applied. The resulting phase would be a one-dimensional topological superconductor. However, while a variety of experiments have been performed observing a zero bias conductance peak (suggestive of Majorana zero modes), the topological nature of these physical systems is still a subject of debate. Here we suggest a quantitative test of the degree to which a system displaying a zero bias peak may be considered topological. The experiment is similar to previous measurements of conductance, but is performed with the aid of a quantum dot at the wire's end. We arrive at the surprising result that the non-local nature of the topological system may be identified through a local measurement.


Two cases in a family with Kufs' disease had lethal arrhythmias and heart muscle disease. Autopsy findings showed an abundant accumulation of lipofuscin-like lipopigments in most neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). The heart showed a slight increase in the accumulation of the lipofuscin-like lipopigments in the myocardial fibers, slight to severe fibrosis and infiltration of fat cells in the myocardium. The lipopigments both in the heart and in neurons of the CNS had curvilinear profiles on electron microscope and reacted immunohistochemically to polyclonal antibodies against subunit c of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase. The degenerative process in this heart muscle disease might be attributable to the same metabolic abnormality as seen in the neuronal degeneration associated with Kufs' disease.


We describe results from imaging observations of atomic line and continuum emission in the 550.6 nm region on Alcator C-Mod. Both the 550.6 nm neutral molybdenum emission and the adjacent 549 nm continuum emission are imaged separately to isolate line emission. A few complications of using imaging to infer erosion in this wavelength region are discussed including subtraction of continuum emission and determination of an appropriate S/XB coefficient. Diagnostics of surface erosion and thermography using these emissions are briefly reviewed, and used to study phenomenology during ohmic operation, ion cyclotron range of frequencies heating (ICRH), and lower hybrid current drive (LHCD). In addition to broadening of Mo I emission regions in the outer divertor and main limiter during ICRH compared to ohmic operation, mid-plane localized heating of the main limiter associated with fast-ion impact is observed which exceeds the divertor heat flux. During LHCD operation, several localized regions of increased brightness associated with hot spots are interpreted as heating due to localized density peaking, which re-iterates the importance of imaging continuum emission for subtraction. These sources of surface heating exacerbate plasma–material interactions at the device wall and may require additional mitigation if they cannot be avoided in future machines.


With the development of economic society, people pay more attention to the requirements of environment protection, reverse logistics gradually attract the interest of people. So the effect of MIS toward reverse logistics becomes much obvious. The traditional development model B/S or C/S structure can not satisfy the reverse logistics system information sharing and security requirements. This article describes the system function model design, and logic structure design and safety design is investigated. The design and realization method of reverse logistics management information system was also put forward.


Objective To investigate the effects of Yiqi Jiedu decoction on cell proliferation and cell cycle in nasal and/or nasopharyngeal epithelia of TgN (p53mt-LMP1)/HT transgenic mice. Methods The generation G4 of TgN (p53mt-LMP1)/HT transgenic positive and negative mice with 8 months age were randomly divided into 4 groups as follws: positive treating with NS (TC), positive treating with Yiqi Jiedu decoction (TM), negative treating with NS (NC) and negative treating with Yiqi Jiedu decoction (NM) groups. Epithelial tissue samples were taken from nasal cavity and nasopharynx of mice respectively were detected for pathohistological evaluation with H-E staining procedures and cell cycle characteristics analysis with flow cytometry. Results Atypical hyperplasia was very significant in nasal and 10r nasopharyngeal tissue in TC group, the occurring rates of precancerous lesions in nasal and/or nasopharyngeal epithelia in TM, NC and NM groups were respectively 90.9%, 10%, 0% and 0% (P<0.01). Compared with NC group, the number of nasal or nasopharyngeal epithelial cells in TC group in G0/G1 phase were markedly decreased, and with Sand G2/M phases obviously increased and the proliferation index (PI) increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with TC group, the number of nasal or nasopharyngeal epithelial cells in TM group in G0/G2 phase was markedly increased, and in Sand G2/M phases obviously decreased and the proliferation index (PI) reduced significantly (P<0.01) which was near to the normal level, and there were not significant differences between TM and NC group. Conclusion The decoction is effective to reverse of inhibit the atypical hyperplasia in nasal and nasopharyngeal epithelia of TgN (p53mt-LMP1)/HT transgenic positive mice, and one of the mechanisms maybe prevent cells entering S phase and then control cells proliferating in nasal and nasopharyngeal epithelia.


The mechanism by which smooth lipopolysaccharide (LPS) protects Salmonella typhimurium C5 from the lethal action of specific antibody and complement has been investigated. Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), which sensitize S. typhimurium C5 to the bactericidal action of immune serum, were shown to cause appreciable structural modification of the smooth LPS associated with these cells. Mg2+ was shown to reverse the sensitization of C5 by Tris, but this divalent cation was unable to reverse the sensitizing effect of Tris plus EDTA, which, unlike Tris, caused relatively large amounts of O-antigenic components to be released from the C5 cell wall. The possibility that smooth LPS blocks the interaction of activated complement components with receptors on the cell wall is discussed.


Patients have the right to safe and quality health care (HC). They contact hospitals  or other health care institutions (HCI) expecting help in restoringor strengthening health and do not expect to suffer any health damage or lose life. However, research shows that every tenth hospitalised patient suffers from adverse events (AE) resulting from shortcomings characteristic of a HC organisation orservice provision. More than half of AE could have been prevented provided systematic prevention measures had been implemented. The prevalence of AE and their damage to patients, HC organisations, the entire HC sector and national economies remains unacceptably high. Implementation of actions to improve patient safety (PS) and ensure the provision of safer patient care has become the most important HC challenge of the 21st century. Notwithstanding the extensive international PS movement that has emerged during the last two decades and plenty of international and national initiatives aimed at improving PS, a substantial breakthrough in ensuring safe patient care still remains a goal to be achieved. The main cause of disappointment is failure to implement international and national level PS improvement initiatives at the local (health care organization and its departments) level. There is no managerial adaptation mechanism to customize international and national level PS practices thus adapting them for hospital needs, specifics and potential. The article presents and substantiates the comprehensive management model of PS events (Model) for hospitals and other HC organisations to use as a basis in developing and implementing comprehensive systems for PS management with the aim of more effectively expanding the scope of safe practices and implementing prevention of PS events as well as improving their management. The proposed Model consists of three structural blocks the integrated interaction of which is aimed at ensuring: (a) identification of the best international and national PS practice and its implementation at hospitals; (b) creation of conditions necessary to develop safe practice with the aim of ensuring and improving PS at hospitals; (c) detection, evaluation and development of safe practice; (d) comprehensive prevention and management of unsafe practice at hospitals thus ensuring and improving PS and contributing to the improvement of performance and achievement of the goals of the entire organisation. The article discusses structure and functions of the Model, its integration witho ther activities within the organization, interaction with other institutions and organizations that participate in ensuring PS at hospitals, including problems related to its implementation at different hospitals.