Background and Aims Thalassemia is a genetic and crucial disease. Approximately 240 million peoples are suffering from this disease. Every year 10 million children are suffering from this disease.Hb-E dieases is available in south east Asia, north east India and Bangladesh. Originalally Hb-E disease is 5 times more than Beta Thalassemia in Bangladesh. Method The outbreak of this disease is not calculated at this moment but carrier is 15 million. We are collected experimental data from 3 hundred voluntiers in our center. They have not family history of Thalassemia. In that experimental data Beta Thalassemia carrier 2.33% and Hb-E Carrier 10%. If we are experiment among the people who have history of Thalassemia, this disease is increased no doubt. This disease have actually no curable treatment except BoneMarrow tranplantation. Treatment cost is excessive and unbearable. Only time to time Blood transfusion and costly drug is given for the increasing of life span. Treatment cost of every 30kg child need 4 lac taka every year. If 2 bag blood need every patient in every month, 1 lac 20 thousand bag blood will be need every month in Bangladesh. Result Bonemarrow tranplantation is the only curable treatment of this disease. About 3 million to 10 million taka need for this treatment. Above this situation we learn that prevention is only way to reduce this diseases. Screening system NESTROFT is available in our center. Only 10 taka need. Some cases DNA analysis will be need. Conclusion Antenatal diagnosis is important and available in our center. If the foetus suffering from this disease legal termination of pregnancy should be need. This way we can free from the disease.


This research investigates the issue of determining the sizes of oil palm plantation in four different regions (north, northeast, central, and south) of Thailand and the transportation network between the regions from plantation to mill. A methodology is developed based on optimization model that will allow policy makers to decide how much land should be allocated for plantation in each region and to specify transportation route moving fresh fruit brunches (FFB) to crushing mills to satisfy demand and minimize cost of management in crude palm oil production when given different regional conditions of the size of harvesting area, yield, percentage of extracted oil, crushing mill capacity, and cost. The regional constraints are considered in the model when FFB are allowed to transport to mills in other regions. A numerical experiment is conducted to illustrate the model.


A previously undescribed type of encephalomyelopathy after prophylactic intrathecal methotrexate (MTX) treatment for acute leukemia is reported. The patient was treated systemically with vincristine, MTX, stereoids and mercaptopurine. Radiation therapy was not given. The neurologic symptoms started 24 hours after the completion of the fifth intrathecal MTX instillation and death ensued 18 days later. The lesions consisted of superficial and sharply circumscribed areas of incomplete necrosis with astrocytosis on the base of the brain and along the insula regions, around the foramina of Luschka, and over the superior and inferior colliculi. Similar superficial lesions were found over the surface of the cerebellum and along most of the surface of the spinal cord. Most of the affected areas in the brain were located under the large subarachnoid cisterns. In the cord the lesions were most pronounced along the entrance zones of the roots. There was also a severe loss of anterior horn cells. There were no signs of meningeal leukemia, no pathological changes in the vessels, and no inflammation. It is suggested that the changes were caused by the intrathecal MTX treatment.


in this paper we consider an autonomous one dimensional Cellular Nonlinear Network (CNN) that consists of chain of N simple cells based on Josephson Junctions (JJ's) coupled by linear inductors. In fact the subject is the well known Josephson Transmission Line (JTL) that is used in many applications in superconductor electronics and more specially in Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) technique. When the last cell is connected with the first one a ring of Josephson Junctions is formed. Using the framework of the Cellular Nonlinear Network we consider the JTL under the umbrella of the system theory. Based on describing functions method we rigorously prove the existence and stability of periodic solutions in the cellular nonlinear network model considered. The results are confirmed by simulations.


OBJECTIVE
To report the 6-year progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and associated risk factors among African American patients with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

METHODS
Participants from the New Jersey 725 included 483 African American patients with type 1 diabetes who underwent reexamination as part of a 6-year follow-up. Evaluations included a structured clinical interview, ocular examination, 7 stereoscopic fundus photographs, and blood pressure measurements. Severity of DR was determined via masked grading of fundus photographs. Biological evaluation included blood and urine assays.

RESULTS
During the 6-year period, 56.1% of patients at risk showed progression of DR; 15.0% showed progression to proliferative DR; and 15.9% developed macular edema. A baseline high glycosylated hemoglobin level and systemic hypertension were significant risk factors for progression of DR, progression to proliferative DR, and incidence of macular edema. Progression to proliferative DR was significantly associated with baseline older age, renal disease, and severity of DR. The incidence of macular edema was significantly associated with baseline older age, low socioeconomic status, severity of DR, and total serum cholesterol level.

CONCLUSIONS
Six-year progression of DR is high in African American patients with type 1 diabetes. Improving glycemic and blood pressure control may reduce the ocular morbidity of diabetes in African Americans.


Getting oriented mesoporous thin films with functionalized pores accessible from the substrate surface remains one key challenge in materials science, and jumping the step forward to multifunctional layers with perpendicular nanochannels has still to be achieved. Here, a general method is introduced combining the electrochemically assisted deposition of ordered and oriented azide‐ and thiol‐functionalized mesoporous silica with a selective sequential azide‐alkyne and thiol‐ene "click chemistry" approach to prepare nanostructured and vertically aligned hybrid films bearing tunable amounts of organo‐functional groups. High‐resolution electron microscopy is used to evidence the high level of mesostructural order and pore orientation, while the effectiveness of the functionalization processes is proven from spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements. Voltammetric data also demonstrate that both the accessibility through the films and the properties of the incorporated functions are maintained upon derivatization. Feasibility of this simple and generic strategy is illustrated here for two couples of model derivatives (ethynylcobaltocenium/vinylferrocene and propargyl alcohol/allyl cyanide) but such stepwise postfunctionalization can be extensively used for the incorporation of a variety of organic functions in mesoporous silica films.


In this paper, we address the problem of extending the lifetime of sensor nodes, in particular those that are located close to the base station, using a new parity forwarding technique. The parity-forwarding refers to a relaying strategy in which a relay node sends a parity of the decoded codeword to facilitate transmission by other nodes. In this scheme, the relay completely decodes the transmitted codeword but only forwards a parity symbol to the destination, which reduces the encoding complexity and bandwidth/power expenditures at the relay. It is shown that this strategy achieves the capacity of a new class of single source, single destination, degraded two- relay networks by Razaghi, P. and Yu, W. (2006).


We are interested in understanding the underlying generation process for long sequences of symbolic events. To do so, we propose COSSU, an algorithm to mine small and meaningful sets of sequential rules. The rules are selected using an MDL-inspired criterion that favors compactness and relies on a novel rule-based encoding scheme for sequences. Our evaluation shows that COSSU can successfully retrieve relevant sets of closed sequential rules from a long sequence. Such rules constitute an interpretable model that exhibits competitive accuracy for the tasks of next-element prediction and classification.


By-catch is one of the main sources of anthropogenic mortality in marine species of conservation concern worldwide. Between 2006 and 2008, the Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa) coordinated a monitoring programme of cetacean by-catch in Italian pelagic trawlers, funded in compliance with European Regulation 812/2004. Sixteen independent observers monitored a total of 3141 hauls. The observation coverage ranged between 0.9 and 6.3% of the regional fishing effort. Almost all by-catch events were recorded in the northern Adriatic Sea. By-catch rates of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) were 0.0006 and 0.0255 individuals per haul, respectively. Given the low number of observed deaths, reliable estimates of total mortality for these two species were not obtained. The annual number of by-caught turtles was 863 (CV=0.15), with 99% released alive. A 'hotspot' for turtle captures was found off Goro (south Venice). The existence of lethal interactions makes it important to understand whether the scale of this mortality is sufficient to pose a threat at population level. Finally, annual by-catch estimates for rays and sharks were 5436 (CV=0.08) and 5414 (CV=0.15), respectively. Thintail threshers (Alopias vulpinus), piked dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and smooth-hounds (Mustelus mustelus), which are both commercial and vulnerable to overfishing, were taken in large numbers.


As the CMOS technology is continuously scaling down, nano-scale integrated circuits are becoming susceptible to harsh-radiation induced soft errors, such as double-node upsets (DNUs) and triple-node upsets (TNUs). This paper presents a shuttle C-elements based low-cost and robust latch (namely SCLCRL) that can recover from any TNU in harsh radiation environments. The latch comprises seven primary storage nodes and seven secondary storage nodes. Each pair of primary nodes feeds a secondary node through one C-element (CE) and each pair of secondary nodes feeds a primary node through another CE, forming redundant feedback loops to robustly retain values. Simulation results validate all key TNUs' recoverability features of the proposed latch. Simulation results also demonstrate that the proposed SCLCRL latch can approximately save 29% silicon area and 47% D-Q delay on average at the cost of moderate power, compared with the state-of-the-art TNU-recoverable reference latches of the same-type.


We present a concurrent framework for Win32 programming based on Concurrent ML, a concurrent language with higher-order functions, static typing, lightweight threads and synchronous communication channels. The key points of the framework are the move from an event loop model to a threaded model for the processing of window messages, and the decoupling of controls notifications from the system messages. This last point allows us to derive a general way of writing controls that leads to easy composition, and can accommodate ActiveX Controls in a transparent way.


Recently, the ultrafine 2D structured nanocomposite of graphene (Gr)–nanodiamonds (NDs) produced by a microwave-assisted chemical route was found to have attractive structural properties. This new 2D structured nanocomposite may be employed for a wide spectrum of applications including thermoelectricity (TE) applications. It is well established that TE materials should be highly effective to be used for designing operative devices for powering or cooling small devices. To fulfill such an objective, the functional TE material should possess a high-power factor and low thermal conductivity. In this study, NDs were successfully integrated into Gr with a magnificent structural alteration to the Gr layers/sheets. This structural modification was found to impact the TE final outcome above and below room temperature (RT). The obtained results showed that at 215 K the power factor value was increased from 4 μW m−1 K−2 for the pure Gr to ∼20 μW m−1 K−2 for the Gr–NDs nanocomposite. At higher T, e.g. 365 K, these values slightly decreased, but with clear superiority for the Gr–NDs nanocomposite. The thermal conductivity of the Gr–NDs nanocomposite was significantly reduced to ∼12% of that of the pure Gr, which could reflect a significant enhancement in the value of the figure of merit by >45 times. Furthermore, the output power generated by a single small leg module made of the Gr–NDs nanocomposite was measured and found to be measurable. The obtained values are still relatively low for practical application, but this newly produced material has great potential to be further developed for TE applications.


From an industrial perspective, the exploitation of microalgae as protein source is of great economical and commercial interest due to several attractive characteristics. However, the protein extraction efficiency is limited by the multiple layers of rigid and thick cell walls that are enriched with recalcitrant structure of cellulose. Therefore, an efficient method of cell disruption is necessary to disintegrate the cell wall and promote the release of protein contents. The conventional methods for downstream processing, e.g. disruption, isolation, extraction, concentration and purification, are energy-intensive and costly because they typically compose of several operational units. To reduce the overall process cost and establish an economical feasible process for the large-scale production of microalgae derived products, a more cost-effective and ecofriendly technique in downstream processing is in critical demand. One of the main challenges for protein extraction from microalgae cells is the recalcitrant structure of microalgae cell wall. This work aims to provide a guideline on the selection of the solvent to facilitate the proteins release during the cell disruption process. The influences of various solvent types (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol and water) were evaluated and compared based on the protein yields. It was found that water solvent released the highest protein concentration from microalgae compared to the other tested solvents.


Objectives The presence of critically ill patients may impact care for other ED patients. We sought to evaluate whether the presence of a critically ill child was associated with the time to (1) receipt of the first medication among other patients, and (2) administration of diagnosis-specific medications. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of all paediatric ED visits over 3 years. Patients were exposed if they arrived during the first hour of a critically ill patient's care. The primary outcome was the time from arrival to first medication administration. Secondary outcomes were time to corticosteroids in asthma and time to antibiotics for fever/neutropenia. We modelled times to medication using median regression, adjusting for demographics, arrival time and weekday, and census (number of patients in the ED). Results We analysed 170 112 visits. Median times to first medication for those exposed to 0, 1 and >1 simultaneous critically ill patients were 90 min (IQR 54–146), 96 min (IQR 58–157) and 113 min (IQR 72–166), respectively (p<0.001). The increase in time to corticosteroids among exposed patients versus unexposed was 6 min (IQR 2–14, p=0.11) and in time to antibiotic for fever/neutropenia was −4 min (IQR −4 to −11, p=0.13). Modelled time to first medication increased 3.1 min (95% CI 0.5 to 5.7) among all exposed patients (p=0.02). Time to first medication increased 15.3 min (95% CI 14.7 to 15.9) for each 10 patient increase in census. Conclusions The presence of critically ill patients was associated with a delay in medication administration to others. Census independently predicted medication delays.


This study was performed to determine the effects of Aloe vera on indomethacin induced ulcers in rats. Albino rats (Wister strain) of either sex weighing between 150 and 200 gms were randomly allotted into four groups with six animals each. Indomethacin was administered orally in the dose of 20 mg/kg body weight and kept fasting for 6 h. A. vera powder was mixed with gum acacia, the solution was administered orally through the oral gavage to rats in the dose of 200 mg/kg. Omeprazole (20 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally as a standard drug for present study. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed and stomachs were opened and stored in 5% formalin solution, ulcer index and histological changes were studied. Student-'t' test analysis was used for the present study. It was found that A. vera showed statistically significant anti-ulcer activity comparable to standard drug omeprazole. The mean ulcer indexes of two drugs were statistically significant (P value is < 0.001). Therefore, the results were suggestive of anti ulcerogenic activity of A. vera.


Abstract Interactions between the bone marrow microenvironment and MDS tumor clones play a role in pathogenesis and response to treatment. We hypothesized G-CSF and plerixafor may enhance sensitivity to azacitidine in MDS. Twenty-eight patients with MDS were treated with plerixafor, G-CSF and azacitidine with a standard 3 + 3 design. Subjects received G-CSF 10 mcg/kg D1–D8, plerixafor D4–D8, and azacitidine 75 mg/m2 D4–D8, but the trial was amended to reduce G-CSF dose to 5 mcg/kg for 5 days after 2 patients had significant leukocytosis. Plerixafor was dose escalated to 560 mcg/kg/day without dose limiting toxicity. Two complete responses and 6 marrow responses were seen for an overall response rate (ORR) of 36% in evaluable patients, and ORR of 53% in patients receiving the triplet. Evidence of mobilization correlated with a higher ORR, 60% vs. 17%. Plerixafor, G-CSF and azacitidine appears tolerable when given over 5 days and has encouraging response rates. KEY POINTS Plerixafor and G-CSF can be safely combined with azacitidine for 5 days in patients with MDS. The overall response rate of 53% for evaluable patients with this regimen is higher than expected and more responses were seen in patients with blast mobilization.


Abstract Designated driver service in Korea offers a convenient and affordable solution for drunk drivers to reach their destinations with their own vehicles. We investigate the influence of this service availability on drunk driving behaviors, using Korean panel data from 1998 to 2011. We find that an increase in designated driver firms significantly reduces both alcohol-involved and total traffic fatality rates, while the effects of well-known deterrence policies are weak. This result is further supported by a counterfactual analysis which compares the effect of the service on traffic fatality rates in daytime to those in nighttime when the rate of the service use is substantially higher.


Background: Laryngoscopy is a commonly performed invasive procedure in hospitals, especially in theatre. Lack of formal guidelines and variation of utilised decontamination techniques have resulted in a breach of ensuring patient safety in hospitals. Multiple international and local studies have found microorganism contamination of laryngoscope blades.

 Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness of a newly implemented decontamination protocol for reusable laryngoscope blades at Helen Joseph Hospital.

 Method: A prospective, contextual, comparative, descriptive study design was used. A single area on the size 4 blades in the two emergency theatres was swabbed in an aseptic manner. After transport to the laboratory, the samples were inoculated onto petri film and blood agar plates. Following 48 hours of aerobic incubation, plates were examined for colonies with subsequent enumeration and identification of microorganisms. The samples were collected over a two month period.

 Results: Five control samples were collected, all of which had no microorganism growth. Of the 73 samples collected, four samples were misplaced by the laboratory with no results recovered. Positive quantitative counts were reported on eight (11.6%) samples, with only two (2.9%) samples having positive microorganism growth and identification and 67 (97.1%) samples reporting no microorganism growth. The two microorganisms isolated were Chryseobacterium indologenes and Streptococcus salivarius. This shows the effectiveness of the new decontamination technique, with a p-value Conclusion: The reduction in positive microorganism contamination by high-level disinfection with Cidex ® OPA will improve patient safety and decrease the potential risk of cross infection. Formal decontamination protocols using a high-level disinfectant should be implemented at all hospitals.


The purpose of this article is to present an argument supporting the view that the ideology driving the notion of New Public Management (NPM) is not a new or recent aspect of public sector financial reform. Rather, back in the early nineteenth century, significant public discussions were exploring the pros and cons of various financial reforms based on this ideology. The research approach taken in this study is based on a semi-fictitious conversation created between key early nineteenth century public commentators, Sir Henry Parnell and Sir Samuel Bentham. The conversation is constructed through a reflection of the key themes and perspectives presented in Sir Henry Parnell's pamphlet 'On financial reform', first edition published in 1830, and Sir Samuel Bentham's 1830 letter in response titled 'Financial reform scrutinized'.


An educational technique was developed to increase student learning of fundamental concepts in statics and particle dynamics. This technique consisted of online surveys on conceptual problems and a physical demonstration during class, and was implemented on four different concepts: particle equilibrium, couples, support reactions, and curvilinear motion of a particle. It was designed to test and improve students' ability to recognize concepts and then apply the concepts to different situations, in order to increase the students' learning level in Bloom's Taxonomy. Initially a pre-survey was given to the students and then the correct answer was illustrated with a physical demonstration. Afterward, a post-survey was given to the students on a more complicated problem to have students apply a given concept to a different problem. To observe the effectiveness of the demonstrations, one group of the students was exposed to the demonstrations and the other group was not exposed to the demonstration. The students' response on the surveys were compared between the two groups, which showed that three out of four demonstrations were overall helpful to the students in learning the concepts. The demonstration/surveys on particle equilibrium was the most effective one, followed by support reactions and couples. At the end of the semester, each group completed a feedback survey to rate how well the demonstrations and/or surveys helped their understanding of each concept. The feedback on demonstration/surveys from the group exposed to the demonstrations was more positive than the group who was not exposed to the demonstrations. We also found that the demonstrations combined with surveys were beneficial in creating more discussions among the students. In addition, the demonstrations were very useful for the instructors when they illustrated related topics to the students throughout the semester.


The paper deals with the techniques and the results of the experimental research as concerns characteristics of open-channel semiconductor optron in fiber-optical systems for the control of metal surfaces qualitative parameters.


The overall survival rates for lung cancer remain unsatisfactorily low, even for patients with biomarkers for which target therapies or immunotherapies are recommended. Better identification of at‐risk patients is needed to achieve more effective personalized treatment. Here, we derived a risk‐stratifying gene signature consisting of five genes that had the greatest differential expression by stage from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) transcriptomes. The new gene signature enabled survival prognosis for multiple LUAD datasets from different platforms of transcriptomics and risk stratification for patients with and without a mutation in TP53 or EGFR, with high and low levels of PD‐L1, and with and without adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Using these evaluations, it was also shown to be more robust compared to several other gene signatures. Functional analysis of the five genes and their protein‐protein interaction partners indicated that they are functionally enriched in cell cycle, endocytosis, and EGFR regulation, which are biological processes associated with lung cancer and drug resistance. Extensive discussions on related experimental studies suggest that the five genes are novel and sensible targets for developing new drugs and/or tackling drug resistance problems for LUAD.


Four-qubit Smolin bound entangled state [1] has a distinct feature: the state is not distillable when every qubit is seperated from each other; but it makes two separated qubit entangled if the other qubits group together. Here the feature is applied to quantum secret sharing, a QSS protocol similar to Ekert 91 protocolC of QKD is proposed. The security problem, disadvantage and advantageof this protocol are disscused.


Measurements of physico-acoustic properties at ultrasonic level have been studied intensively for the binary mixture of 2-Butanol + m-Xylene system as a function of the composition at 298.15K to 323.15K by 5K intervals and at atmospheric pressure. Acoustic impedance(Z), excess acoustic impedance (ZE) and molar sound velocity (R) have been evaluated from the experimental values of speeds of sound and densities. The variation of these properties with composition and temperature suggests the presence of diopole-induced dipole interactions, hydrogen bond, induced electrostatic and dispersion forces. The observed negative values of ZE over the entire composition range of the system reinforce significant interactions between unlike molecules those dominate over other types. The variation of molar sound velocity (R) of the entire mixture suggests the rarefaction of the liquid mixture under study.


Kinesthesia is the sense of limb movement. It is fundamental to efficient motor control, yet its neurophysiological components remain poorly understood. The contributions of primary muscle spindles and cutaneous afferents to the kinesthetic sense have been well studied; however, potential contributions from muscle sensory group responses that are different than the muscle spindles have not been ruled out. Electrophysiological recordings in peripheral nerves and brains of male Sprague Dawley rats with a degloved forelimb preparation provide evidence of a rapidly adapting muscle sensory group response that overlaps with vibratory inputs known to generate illusionary perceptions of limb movement in humans (kinesthetic illusion). This group was characteristically distinct from type Ia muscle spindle fibers, the receptor historically attributed to limb movement sensation, suggesting that type Ia muscle spindle fibers may not be the sole carrier of kinesthetic information. The sensory-neural structure of muscles is complex and there are a number of possible sources for this response group; with Golgi tendon organs being the most likely candidate. The rapidly adapting muscle sensory group response projected to proprioceptive brain regions, the rodent homolog of cortical area 3a and the second somatosensory area (S2), with similar adaption and frequency response profiles between the brain and peripheral nerves. Their representational organization was muscle-specific (myocentric) and magnified for proximal and multi-articulate limb joints. Projection to proprioceptive brain areas, myocentric representational magnification of muscles prone to movement error, overlap with illusionary vibrational input, and resonant frequencies of volitional motor unit contraction suggest that this group response may be involved with limb movement processing.


Objective:To explore the best treatment for elderly patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Method:Sixty-eight BPPV patients aged 60-85 years were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was treated by simple manipulation. The study group was treated by manual reduction combined with psychological intervention. The curative effect was compared. Result:The cure rates of the control group and the study group were 44.4% and 43.8% respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05); the effective rates were 52.78% and 87.50% respectively, with significant difference (P<0.05). The recurrence rates of control group and study group were 8.3% and 3.1% after 2 weeks of treatment, respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05). The recurrence rates at 3 months were 5.6% and 0 respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05). The difference of SAS and SDS between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the residual symptoms between the two groups at the first follow-up (P>0.05), and at 1 week and 4 weeks (P<0.05). The residual symptoms of the patients after reoperation were relieved compared with those of the control group. The DHI scores of the study group between 60-70 years old and 71-85 years old group for the first time, after 1 week and 4 weeks were statistically significant (P<0.05), and the residual symptoms in the 60-70 years group were reduced compare to the 71-85-year-old group. Conclusion:Elderly people with BPPV are susceptible to anxiety and depression. Manipulation combined with psychological intervention can promote the curative effect well, but personalized treatment plan should be developed.


In this paper a Smart Vehicle Assistance and Monitoring system (SVAMS) is presented. SVAMS is an intelligent transportation system (ITS), developed to tackle various traffic related issues. It is a traffic management, monitoring and optimization solution in which all the vehicles are interconnected through Zigbee and are monitored and assisted centrally, by a data center. The system has two parts; one part is mounted in/on the vehicle and the other part is at the data centre. Part one collects data from various sensors and transmits it to central data centre. All the data will be stored on cloud for further analysis, processing and future use. SVAMS is relatively low-cost, compact and has various functionalities such as emergency response, pollution level monitoring, automatic toll collection, traffic rule violation detection, vehicle tracking, etc. The use of SVAMS will help to build up Clean, Corruption free and Crime free (C-3) cities.


In this study, a wind speed data of the Kirklareli region of Turkey is considered and Hurst parameter is calculated for this data. For this purpose at first statistical parameters of the wind speed data are calculated. And, as a result of this analysis it is determined as a non-gaussian distribution. After that, it is shown as Weibull distribution and its statistical parameters are computed. The Hurst parameter is a special indicator to present the long range dependency and self-similarity. According to the results of this analysis, it can be determined as 0.256 and it is used as an indicator of long range dependency as well as its fractal dimension. In this manner, this is an original study to this field as well as the statistical analysis. As a one of the most important results, the finding of this study shows that the wind speed data has an autocorrelation function hyperbolically.


Imbalances in levels of glutamate (GLU) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and their sub-second signaling dynamics occur in several brain disorders including traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. The present work reports on the optimization and in vivo testing of a silicon (Si) multifunctional biosensor probe for sub-second simultaneous real-time detection of GLU and GABA. The Si probe features four surface-functionalized platinum ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) for detection of GLU and GABA, a sentinel site, and integrated microfluidics for in-situ calibration. Optimal enzyme concentrations, size-exclusion phenylenediamine layer and micro spotting conditions were systematically investigated. The measured GLU sensitivity for the GLU and GABA sites were as high as 219 ± 8 nA μM−1 cm−2 (n = 3). The measured GABA sensitivity was as high as 10 ± 1 nA μM−1 cm−2 (n = 3). Baseline recordings (n = 18) in live rats demonstrated a useful probe life of at least 11 days with GLU and GABA concentrations changing at the levels of 100′s and 1000′s of μM and with expected periodic bursts or fluctuations during walking, teeth grinding and other activities and with a clear difference in the peak amplitude of the sensor fluctuations between rest (low) and activity (higher), or when the rat was surprised (a reaction with no movement). Importantly, the probe could improve methods for large-scale monitoring of neurochemical activity and network function in disease and injury, in live rodent brain.


Modeled performance of a space-fed phased-array antenna with variable subarray weightings is presented for narrowband and wideband frequencies in the X-band frequency range. A 4-port Butler matrix was designed for use as the feed horn for the antenna. Measured and modeled far-field pattern data for the Butler matrix feed horn and the phased-array antenna are presented for narrowband and wideband frequencies.


Abstract The auditory pathway consists of multiple recurrent loops of afferent and efferent connections that extend from the cochlea up to the prefrontal cortex. The early‐filter theory proposes that these loops allow top‐down filtering of early and middle latency auditory responses. Furthermore, the adaptive filtering model suggests that the filtering of irrelevant auditory stimuli should start lower in the pathway during more demanding tasks. If so, the 40‐Hz auditory steady‐state responses (ASSRs) to irrelevant sounds should be affected by top‐down crossmodal attention to a visual task, and effects should vary with the load of the visual task. Because few studies have examined this possibility, we conducted two preregistered studies that manipulated visual load (Study 1: N = 43, Study 2: N = 45). Study 1 used two levels (low and high), and Study 2 used four levels (no, low, high, and very high). Subjects were asked to ignore a 500‐Hz task‐irrelevant tone that was amplitude‐modulated to evoke 40‐Hz ASSRs. Results from Bayesian analyses provided moderate to extreme support for no effect of load (or of a task) on ASSRs. Results also supported no interaction with time (i.e., over blocks, over minutes, or with changes in ASSRs that were synchronized with the onset of the visual stimuli). Further, results provided moderate support for no correlation between the effects of load and working memory capacity. Because the present findings support the robustness of ASSRs against manipulations of crossmodal attention, they are not consistent with the adaptive filtering model.


ABSTRACT Introduction Suspension systems are essential components for a lower-limb prosthesis, as they provide sufficient prosthetic fit. Although various adverse and positive effects have been reported for suspension systems, it is important to determine the effects on the prosthesis users in detail. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the pin suspension system (PSS) with the vacuum-assisted suspension system (VASS) in terms of parameters including walking capacity, functional mobility, weight bearing on the operated side, prosthesis satisfaction, and body image perception. Study Design This is an original research report. Methods Nine individuals with transtibial amputation were evaluated. Both suspension systems were applied consecutively. Initially, participants used the PSS for 3 months after fabrication and adjustment of the prosthesis and a prosthetic training period. They then used the VASS for 3 months after a similar training period. After both prosthetic systems had been adjusted, L.A.S.A.R. Posture was used to determine weight bearing on the prosthetic side. The 6-minute walk test was applied for walking capacity, the timed up-and-go test was used to determine functional mobility, the Prosthetic Satisfaction Index was used for prosthetic satisfaction, and the Amputee Body Image Scale was used for body image perception. Results Significant differences were observed between PSS and VASS in terms of prosthetic side weight-bearing ratios, walking capacity, functional mobility, and prosthetic satisfaction (P < 0.05), all in favor of VASS. No significant difference was determined in terms of body image scores (P > 0.05). Conclusion In terms of function and prosthetic satisfaction in individuals with transtibial amputation, VASS was determined to be superior. The available evidence suggests that if there is no contraindication for the use of VASS, it may contribute to the individual with amputation functionally and increase the satisfaction with the prosthesis. Clinical Relevance Vacuum systems can make a positive contribution to reaching the goals for prosthesis users who are targeted to have high physical activity levels. This positive contribution includes increased weight transfer to the prosthetic side, an increase in mobility determinants, and increased prosthesis satisfaction, which has many dimensions.


In this paper we introduce a game semantics for System P, one of the most studied axiomatic systems for non-monotonic reasoning, conditional logic and belief revision. We prove soundness and completeness of the game semantics with respect to the rules of System P, and show that an inference is valid with respect to the game semantics if and only if it is valid with respect to the standard order semantics of System P. Combining these two results leads to a new completeness proof for System P with respect to its order semantics. Our approach allows us to construct for every inference either a concrete proof of the inference from the rules in System P or a countermodel in the order semantics. Our results rely on the notion of a witnessing set for an inference, whose existence is a concise, necessary and sufficient condition for validity of an inferences in System P. We also introduce an infinitary variant of System P and use the game semantics to show its completeness for the restricted class of well-founded orders.


The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of different genotypes of the lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10917468 and rs12045440 in the CAPZB gene on the thyroid function in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and benign thyroid neoplasm (BN) patients. In the study, a significant association was detected between rs12045440 and serum TSH concentrations in thyroid tumor patients (p = 0.001). After the adjustment of relevant covariates, the difference between the mean serum TSH levels in different genotypes of rs12045440 was still significant in the BN group (p = 0.003) but was not significant in the PTC cases (p = 0.115). No significant association of rs10917468 with TSH levels was found. The SNP rs12045440 was associated with the serum TSH concentrations in Chinese thyroid tumor patients, especially in benign thyroid tumor cases.


With the explosive increase of user-generated content such as product reviews and social media, sentiment analysis has emerged as an area of interest. Sentiment analysis is a useful method to analyze product reviews, and product feature extraction is an important task in sentiment analysis, during which one identifies features of products from reviews. Product features are categorized by product type, such as search goods or experience goods, and their characteristics are totally different. Thus, we examine whether the classification performance differs by product type. The findings show that the optimal threshold varies by product type, and simply decreasing the threshold to cover many features does not guarantee improvement of the classification performance.


Aim: To assess the knowledge of Al-Imam Mohamed Ibn Saud University, collage of medicine undergraduate students about complementary and prophet medicine in general. And the uses of honey in different medical specialty. Identifying weak areas since the complementary medicine is a block of 5 weeks length is added to the student's curriculum. To improve final outcome of the block. Prove that honey affect different aspect of health positively. Methodology: We conducted a cross sectional study were a total of 100 questioner where distributed over 100 undergraduatestudents. The undergraduate studentswere selected randomly (systemic random sampling) based on the attendance sheet of the first, second and third year in medical college in the first semester of 2013. We decided to take thirty percent of each year randomly. Repeated students were excluded from the sample and replaced by other student same method of choosing the other proved students. Result: Data were collected by a questioner filed by 100 undergraduate student from first, second and third year in collage of medicine at Al-Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University. Collected data were analyzed later. The undergraduate students were subdivided based on their grade point average. 3-3.5/5 (10%), 3.5-4/5 (50%), 4-4.5/5 (25%) and >4.5/5 (15%). We found the 55% of the approved sample have good background about the honey usage and the benefits in different medical aspect. 40% of those who know honey benefits and medically uses use honey daily. The rest of the populations were ranging from one time per week to one time per month. Conclusion: honey has proved that if affect the health in different aspects and have proved that it can be used as an immune system builder, wound and burns healing, gastric disorders, sore throat, dental care, anti-cancer agent and weight loss diets. Since the study was done in Al-Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University, collage of medicine. We found that more than 50 percent of the students have a fair knowledge about medical uses and benefits of honey, the higher the GPA the higher the knowledge. Also from our view as undergraduate student we see that we can improve the complementary medicine block outcome by converting most of the lecture given by doctors to seminars conducted by students to maximize the overall benefit. Conduct a problem base learning sections so the student have more chances to increase their knowledge while they are searching and reading for facts on a given subject.


In 2007, the MSc Public Health course at the University of Bedfordshire developed and launched a distance learning mode as an alternative to its existing 'taught' (classroom-based) mode of learning. Part of the rationale for its conception was the growing number of international students registering for the course. Also, a number of overseas governments and employers had been keen to support their staff to undertake the MSc Public Health but were unable to meet the travel and living costs in the UK. Initially, 10 distance learning students registered. Today, the course has 30 distance learning students. With the number of distance learning students likely to continue to grow, and distance learning becoming more prominent within the education sector (Allen and Seaman, 2008), a key issue to address is whether to segregate distance learning students into one, distance-learning exclusive Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)-based community, or to combine both sets of students into one, integrative VLE-based community. In order to explore this issue, this paper will introduce some of the key concepts and then describe how distance learners and taught students currently access and interact with their learning material on the course. It will then critically appraise some of the key pedagogical and practical considerations associated with VLE segregation/integration.


The University of Leuven uses a liquid curtain recoating system for resin deposition in stereolithography. This system deposits new liquid layers of photo-polymer by means of a liquid curtain travelling over the build vat. Experiments have been carried out to increase the speed of the liquid curtain while depositing a layer. Speeds up to 1.2 m/s, and accelerations up to 1 g have been tested successfully, meaning that it is possible to coat high-quality layers of 75 μm thickness with this recoating technique. However, the curtain restores too slowly after acceleration. This paper discusses possible reasons and tries to formulate adequate solutions. Possible solutions consist in controlling small pressure differences in the curtain's neighbourhood. A solution to this problem is necessary, as to make the travelling length of the curtain, and so the machine length acceptable with respect to the dimensions of the build vat.


E-commerce has been grown very rapidly, and this growth has continued through the Internet. Both consumers and companies are faced with a new situation with this rapid growth. In, fact, companies faced with more stringent requirements for survival due to severe competition. The opportunities for consumers to choose between products is further enhanced. By increasing the information technology development in marketing, the importance of virtual store as a marketing channel increases day by day. In this study, the introduction of e-commerce and its concepts were mentioned. The number of previous studies in this field were investigated and compared, and finally appropriate conceptual and comprehensive model will be introduced that can cover aspects of customer repurchase intention. Studied variables in this model are effort Expectancy, performance Expectancy, Trust, satisfaction and repurchase intention; and experience variable as moderator variables are examined in this model.


Background To unravel the strategy by which Brucella abortus establishes chronic infections, we explored its early interaction with innate immunity. Methodology/Principal Findings Brucella did not induce proinflammatory responses as demonstrated by the absence of leukocyte recruitment, humoral or cellular blood changes in mice. Brucella hampered neutrophil (PMN) function and PMN depletion did not influence the course of infection. Brucella barely induced proinflammatory cytokines and consumed complement, and was strongly resistant to bactericidal peptides, PMN extracts and serum. Brucella LPS (BrLPS), NH-polysaccharides, cyclic glucans, outer membrane fragments or disrupted bacterial cells displayed low biological activity in mice and cells. The lack of proinflammatory responses was not due to conspicuous inhibitory mechanisms mediated by the invading Brucella or its products. When activated 24 h post-infection macrophages did not kill Brucella, indicating that the replication niche was not fusiogenic with lysosomes. Brucella intracellular replication did not interrupt the cell cycle or caused cytotoxicity in WT, TLR4 and TLR2 knockout cells. TNF-α-induction was TLR4- and TLR2-dependent for live but not for killed B. abortus. However, intracellular replication in TLR4, TLR2 and TLR4/2 knockout cells was not altered and the infection course and anti-Brucella immunity development upon BrLPS injection was unaffected in TLR4 mutant mice. Conclusion/Significance We propose that Brucella has developed a stealth strategy through PAMPs reduction, modification and hiding, ensuring by this manner low stimulatory activity and toxicity for cells. This strategy allows Brucella to reach its replication niche before activation of antimicrobial mechanisms by adaptive immunity. This model is consistent with clinical profiles observed in humans and natural hosts at the onset of infection and could be valid for those intracellular pathogens phylogenetically related to Brucella that also cause long lasting infections.


This study was designed to determine the correlation between the rise of tumor temperature during hyperthermia treatment and the blood flow of the tumors measured by dynamic CT (DCT) and 15Ogas-positron emission tomography. In this report, we observed 20 patients with malignant tumors which underwent hyperthermia treatment. In each case, the temperature of the tumor was monitored with a photofiber sensor. DCT's and 15Ogas-positron emission tomographies were applied before the hyperthermia treatment. During the DCT, the tumor blood flow of each tumor was estimated by by analyzing the time-dependent activity curve after a bolus injection. During the 15Ogas-positron emission tomography, the tumor blood flow was estimated by the C15O2-steady-state method. The value of the tumor blood flow estimated by DCT were proportional to those calculated by the 15Ogas-positron emission tomography. These values were inversely proportional to the rise of the temperature of the tumors during hyperthermia treatment. Our results imply that DCT as well as the 15Ogas-positron emission tomography can be used for the prediction of the tumor temperature rise during the hyperthermia treatment.


Purpose This study explored the possibility of highlighting early retinal neurovascular alterations of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by monitoring in DR patients the serum levels of microglial biomarkers ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5), and translocator protein (TSPO), along with serum changes of the endothelial dysfunction marker arginase-1. Methods Serum markers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 50 patients: 12 non-diabetic subjects, 14 diabetic patients without DR, 13 patients with non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and 11 patients with proliferative DR (PDR). The results were correlated with hyperreflective retinal spots (HRS), observed with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results Although HRS were absent in diabetic patients without DR, NPDR patients showed an average of 4 ± 1 HRS, whereas the highest presence was detected in PDR patients, with 8 ± 1 HRS (P < 0.01 vs. NPDR). HRS were positively correlated (P < 0.01) with serum levels of arginase-1 (r = 0.91), Iba-1 (r = 0.96), GLUT5 (r = 0.94), and TSPO (r = 0.88). Moreover, serum proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines showed a positive correlation (P < 0.01) with HRS number and the serum markers analyzed. Conclusions Serum markers of microglial activation positively correlate with retinal HRS in NPDR and PDR patients. Translational Relevance These data corroborate the possibility of highlighting early retinal neurovascular changes due to diabetes by monitoring circulating microglial markers.


Soil application of organics has been explored as an alternative means of organic management of plant-parasitic nematodes. Efficiency of different oil-seed cakes of neem (Azadirachta indica), castor (Ricinus communis), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), linseed (Linum usitatissimum), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and soybean (Glycine max) were evaluated in field conditions with association of Pseudomonas fluorescens in relation to growth parameters of chickpea and population of plant-parasitic nematodes. Their efficacious nature was highly effective in reducing the population of these dominant soil nematodes. Significant improvement was observed in plant-growth parameters such as plant weight, percent pollen fertility, pod numbers, root-nodulation and chlorophyll content of chickpea, seemed to be due to reduction in disease incidence and might be due to growth promoting substances secreted by P. fluorescens. The multiplication rate of nematodes was less in the presence of P. fluorescens as compared to its absence. Most effective combination of P. fluorescens was observed with neem cake.


Uruguay's development progress in recent decades includes falling mortality and fertility which is changing the age structure of the population. This aging of the population will continue in coming years and motivates the reflections in this book. These demographic trends are good news: falling fertility reflects Uruguayans' ability to control the size of their families, and its aging is a potent indicator of development. However, the author cannot ignore that a change of such magnitude poses significant challenges along various dimensions: on the long-term horizon through 2100, the economically active population will fall, with diverse impacts on the labor market and public accounts. This book explores the potential effects of the demographic change on social protection, the demand for health care and education services, the functioning of the labor market, and the macroeconomic environment. It considers the institutional changes and rules needed to respond to this new reality. In the rest of the book, chapter two describes Uruguay's long-term demographic context, showing the historical trends and projections of its evolution. Chapter three details estimates of the National Transfer Accounts and their application to the Uruguayan case to estimate consumption profiles, labor income, and public transfers by age. Additionally, it presents the simple projections for social sector expenditure, assuming just the effects of demographic changes. Chapters four, five, and six describe the recent evolution of social policies in Uruguay related to the social protection, health care, and education systems, respectively. These chapters discuss the probable implications of current policies in a context of demographic transition, proposing alternative scenarios that would allow for the mitigation of the adverse effects and the exploitation of the opportunities offered by the demographic transition. Chapter seven analyzes labor market prospects amid population aging, emphasizing two key variables: the participation rate and labor productivity. Chapter eight briefly describes key indicators of the Uruguayan demographic transition in an international context. Chapter nine analyzes the potential macroeconomic implications. And chapter ten briefly discusses the sources of economic growth in the context of aging.


The influence of environmental stochasticity and dispersal in producing patterns in population synchrony was examined for 53 woods censused annually from 1990 to 1999 for nine resident bird species (wren Troglodytes troglodytes, dunnock Prunella modularis, robin Erithacus rubecula, blackbird Turdus merula, song thrush Turdus philomelos, long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus, blue tit Parus caeruleus, great tit Parus major, and chaffinch Fringilla coelebs) and four migrant bird species (garden warbler Sylvia borin, blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, chiffchaff Phylloscopus callybita and willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus). Twelve species showed global synchrony of population counts due to regional population trends and widespread annual population fluctuations. There was a clear link between population fluctuations and winter weather for wren, and three other species showed their largest population declines after the coldest winters. Eight species showed a decline in synchrony with distance between woods, and there was evidence for dispersal causing this pattern in three species. Landscape structure affected patterns of synchrony in several species, with lower synchrony in landscapes with less woodland. For three species, this difference in synchrony across a landscape gradient of decreasing woodland cover accounted for the decline in synchrony over distance. Three species showed greater synchrony between woods with similar amounts of hedgerow in the surrounding landscape. suggesting that the surroundings of a wood influence the population dynamics of some species breeding in the wood. Habitat fragmentation can alter the processes contributing to population synchrony. Loss of woodland reduces the relative abundance of woodland bird species. The remaining patches of habitat are smaller, more isolated and are set in a more hostile landscape, all of which may disrupt dispersal between patches and alter the population dynamics within woods.


Hysteria has been the subject of controversy for many years, with theorists arguing about whether it is best explained by a hidden organic cause or by malingering and deception. However, it has been shown that hysterical paralysis cannot be explained in any of these terms. With the recent development of cognitive psychiatry, one may understand psychiatric and organic delusions within the same conceptual framework. Here I contrast hysterical conversion with anosognosia. They are indeed remarkably similar, though the content of their respective delusions is the opposite. In hysterical paralysis, patients are not aware of their preserved ability, whereas in anosognosia for hemiplegia, patients are not aware of their disability. Four main explanations have been provided to account for anosognosia: metacognitive, attentional, motor, and motivational views. I will apply each of these accounts to hysterical paralysis and show that, at each level, hysterical conversion is the reverse of anosognosia. I will suggest that hysterical paralysis results from the interaction between attentional somatosensory amplification and affective inhibition of action.


Host responses of elms susceptible and resistant to Dutch elm disease were histologically examined. In a time course study the susceptible elm clone Ulmus × hollandica 'Belgica' and U. × hollandica '390', a clone which shows a high degree of resistance to non-aggressive isolates and a moderate degree of resistance to aggressive isolates of Ophiostoma ulmi, were inoculated in twig or trunk with either an aggressive or a non-aggressive isolate of O. ulmi. For purposes of comparison, the susceptible elm U. americana and the more resistant clones U. × hollandica 'Groeneveld', U. 'Lobel' and U. 'Sapporo Autumn Gold' were included. Depending on clone-isolate compatibility, infected twigs reacted by a walling off process, by barrier zone formation, or failed to resist the infection and died. Trees inoculated into the trunk reacted comparably but in the case of a compatible combination they always formed a barrier zone and the cambium never died in the year of inoculation.


An analysis of in-mould rotary electromagnetic stirring forces and induced power is presented for a multi-layer round continuous casting geometry. The required fields, forces and power are derived using a convenient multi-layer model that neglects end effects. Stirring characteristics are presented as a function of melt resistivity, slip, frequency and mould wall thickness. Means of scaling these results to other round geometries are described and the application of the model to the round corner square geometry is discussed.


In this paper I will explore, from the perspective of a hospital chaplain, the experience of hope in the lives of people who have been given a diagnosis of a lifelimiting disease. I will discuss how our culture's orientation towards medicine has "medicalized" hope to such a degree that its religious roots, meaning and healing power are difficult to recognize and claim. I will then illustrate how a patient's responses, often expressed in the language of illness and medicine can be understood—translated—into theological images, symbols, and experiences. The pastoral caregiver's ability to facilitate this re-imaging is crucial to the dying patient ability to become a hoping person who can make a transition from the time-limited world of critical illness to a space with a greater horizon.


We apply nonlocal symmetry-like operators to systems of two first and two second-order ordinary differential equations to seek reduction to quadratures. The reduction of order of such systems is carried out with the help of analytic continuation of scalar equations in the complex plane. Examples are taken from the literature. Precisely it is shown how the reduction to quadratures of a system of two second-order ordinary differential equations that admits four Lie-like operators with certain structure is obtainable from a restricted complex ordinary differential equation possessing a connected two-dimensional complex Lie algebra. A direct method of integration for a system of two first and second-order equations which possess nonlocal symmetry-like operators are given. Moreover, we present the use of nonlocal Noether-like operators to effect double reduction of order of systems of two second-order equations that arise from the corresponding scalar complex Euler- Lagrange equations which admit nonlocal Noether symmetry.


Sir, Pleural biopsy using an Abram needle is a well established method of achieving histological diagnosis in a variety of pleural disorders. Although complications are rare and usually mild, more serious complications may occur. We report a patient in whom elective left pleural biopsy and aspiration for a persistent left pleural effusion was complicated by massive peri-splenic haematoma followed by splenic vein occlusion and ascites. This resolved with the formation of collateral veins. A 68-year-old insulin-treated diabetic with a history of hypertension, idiopathic thrombocytopenia and end-stage renal failure underwent investigation for a persistent left pleural effusion. He had been a smoker and there was a history of asbestos exposure. A chest X-ray in February 1993 showed left pleural effusion with some focal consolidation and pleural thickening. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed left lower lobe collapse with effusion. Pleural aspiration revealed a few leucocytes but no organisms. Fluid analysis: protein 37 g/l, albumin 19 g/l, amylase 12 Somogoyi units, adenosine deaminase 35 U/l, lactate dehydrogenase 296 U/l. Sputum culture, cytology and Gram stain were negative. Bronchoscopy was normal. He underwent pleural biopsy which showed chronic inflammation with suspicious mesothelial cells. A second pleural biopsy again showed non-specific inflammatory changes only. Three days after the second biopsy, 24-hours post-haemodialysis, he developed severe left upper quadrant pain and shock. There was a tender mass in the left upper quadrant. Haemoglobin was 3.9 g/dl, platelets 119 x 109/1, normal coagulation profile. CT scan showed a 14 x 11 cm heterogeneous mass infero-lateral to the spleen (figure 1). He was managed conservatively and discharged home after two weeks but two months later was readmitted with abdominal pain and distension. Clinically he had splenomegaly with marked ascites confirmed by ultrasound. The ascitic fluid was strawcoloured with a protein of 27 g/l, albumin 13 g/l, negative on culture and negative cytology. Microscopy showed red cells and polymorphs only. Repeat CT suggested the possibility of occlusion ofthe splenic vein by thrombus. He improved on regular paracentesis and propranolol. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography showed collateral vessel formation around the pancreas with no visible splenic vein blood flow (figure 2).


Koala retrovirus subtype A is the youngest endogenized retrovirus, providing a unique system to elucidate retroviral-host co-evolution. We characterised KoRV geography using faecal DNA from 192 samples across 20 populations throughout the koala's range. We reveal an abrupt change in KoRV genetics and incidence at the Victoria/NSW state border. In northern koalas, pol gene copies were ubiquitously present at greater than 5 per-cell, consistent with endogenous KoRV. In southern koalas, pol copies were detected in only 25.8% of koalas and always at copy numbers less than one, while the env gene was detected in all animals and in a majority at copy numbers of greater than one per-cell. These results suggest that southern koalas carry partial endogenous KoRV-like sequences. Deep sequencing of the env hypervariable region revealed three putatively endogenous KoRV-A sequences in northern koalas and a single, distinct sequence present in all southern koalas. Among northern populations, env sequence diversity decreased with distance from the equator, suggesting infectious KoRV-A invaded the koala genome in northern Australia and then spread south. The previously described exogenous KoRV subtypes (B-K), two novel subtypes (L and M), and intermediate or hybrid subtypes were detected in all northern koala populations but strikingly absent from all southern animals tested. Apart from KoRV-D, these exogenous subtypes were generally locally prevalent but geographically restricted, producing KoRV genetic differentiation among northern populations. This suggests that sporadic evolution and local transmission of the exogenous subtypes has occurred within northern Australia, but this has not extended into animals within southern Australia. Author Summary Retrovirus infection is generally synonymous with disease; however, retroviruses can also become endogenous (incorporated into the germline) and thereby directly contribute to the genetic makeup of a species. This has occurred in all vertebrates, yet little is known about the endogenization process. As the youngest virus known to be endogenized, koala retrovirus (KoRV) offers a unique opportunity to study these early stages of co-evolution. This study reveals a comprehensive picture of KoRV biogeography that informs our understanding of how host population history, host suppression and transmission dynamics can influence retroviral evolution. KoRV is also associated with chlamydiosis and neoplasia in the vulnerable koala. Our improved understanding of how KoRV variants are distributed should guide conservation management to help limit disease.


In Indonesia, tolerance of religious life has become a special concern because until now there are many cases that show the frequent occurrence of conflicts in the name of religion in various regions. This diversity can be seen in Pijor Koling Village where there are 2 formal religions, namely Islam and Christianity, which can coexist for quite a long time. This research was carried out in Pijor Koling Village, Dolok District, North Padang Lawas Regency. The method used in this research is a qualitative research method. The data collection was carried out by means of observation and in-depth interviews with a number of informants. The results obtained were that the people of Pijor Koling Village respected and respected each other without discriminating against each other. The mutual support among the people of Pijor Koling is very real. In major religious holidays, the people of Pijor Koling stay in touch with each other, keep each other safe when worshiping in celebration of the holiday. Prioritizing one's own religion but not putting aside the religion or beliefs of others.
 Keywords: Religious Diversity, Tolerance


Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological cancer in the United States. Previously, our laboratory has successfully transformed human ovarian epithelial cells with oncogenic RAS carrying an activating mutation at valine 12 (HRAS V12 ) (T29H cells). By cDNA expression microarray we found that T29H cells exhibited marked activation of a wide spectrum of inflammatory genes and generated a pro-inflammatory phenotype. In this report, we identified a much more malignant phenotype in ovarian tumor explants derived from T29H (hereby denoted T29HT) cells, manifested by a significantly shorter latency of tumor onset after inoculation of T29HT cells back into nude mice than that of the parental T29H cells, suggesting that the T29H cells underwent a selective process in vivo that was favorable to the enhancement of tumorigenicity. By examining the ability of cells to form spheroids in suspension culture and staining spheroids with stem cell marker CD44, we showed that T29HT cells may contain a larger population of potential stem-like cells than do T29H cells. Western blot analysis confirmed higher expression levels of CD44 and genes involved in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in T29HT cells than in T29H cells. Our results suggest that T29H cells may acquire augmented malignancy in vivo by expanding the pool of potential cancer stem-like cells, and HRAS V12 -induced pro-inflammatory factors may play pivotal roles in mediating this effect. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4230.


ABSTRACT Community advisory boards (CABs) have been used to improve research outcomes involving specific communities and populations, including older adults. There is potential to synergize the use of CABs to encompass both research activities and the education of healthcare professionals to help meet increasing demands for a geriatric healthcare workforce in aging populations worldwide. We describe the development and process outcomes of a CAB that synergizes geriatric research and education of students in an allied health profession (occupational therapy). Implementation costs from June 2017–June 2019 were recorded. In-depth interviews were conducted with CAB participants, who were community-dwelling older adults living in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Interview data were analyzed using a constant comparison method based on a grounded theory approach. Themes were derived regarding barriers, facilitators, and benefits of CAB participation for older adults. Fourteen older adults (aged 65 and over) were initially recruited. The total direct cost of CAB implementation was 4050 United States Dollars over two years. Barriers to CAB participation for older adults included unexpected schedule conflicts due to illness and lack of understanding of the research process, while facilitators included accessible meeting spaces, staff support, flexible participation options, and financial support (e.g., transportation). Perceived benefits of CAB participation included gains in social capital, more positive views of research, and social connectedness. Key lessons learned are described and can be used to inform a novel approach to developing and implementing CABs to improve outcomes of geriatric research and education.


Average effects in discrete choice panel data models with individual-specific fixed effects are generally only partially identified in short panels. While consistent estimation of the identified set is possible, it generally requires very large sample sizes, especially when the number of support points of the observed covariates is large, such as when the covariates are continuous. In this paper, we propose estimating outer bounds on the identified set of average effects. Our bounds are easy to construct, converge at the parametric rate, and are computationally simple to obtain even in moderately large samples, independent of whether the covariates are discrete or continuous. We also provide asymptotically valid confidence intervals on the identified set. Simulation studies confirm that our approach works well and is informative in finite samples. We also consider an application to labor force participation.


The New (Early Career) Investigator Program (NIP) in Earth Science is designed to support outstanding scientific research and career development of scientists and engineers at the early stage of their professional careers. The program aims to encourage innovative research initiatives and cultivate scientific leadership in Earth system science. The Earth Science Division (ESD) places particular emphasis on the investigators' ability to promote and increase the use of space-based remote sensing through the proposed research. The NIP supports all aspects of scientific and technological research aimed to advance NASA's mission in Earth system science (http://science.nasa.gov/aboutus/science-strategy/).


Two series of novel inorganic-organic composite polymers have been prepared through physical blending of magnesium chloride and magnesium hydroxide respectively with polyacrylamide aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties of the magnesium salt-polyacrylamide composite polymers were tuned by varying the ratio between the magnesium salt (e.g., magnesium chloride and magnesium hydroxide) and polyacrylamide. Characterizations of magnesium salt-polyacrylamide composite polymers were carried out via FTIR and TEM. Parameters such as solution conductivity and viscosity were also taken into account to characterize the physicochemical properties of the composite polymer aqueous solutions. Magnesium chloride-polyacrylamide (MCPAM) composite polymer aqueous solutions have a higher conductivity compared to magnesium hydroxide-polyacrylamide (MHPAM) composite polymer aqueous solutions. The viscosities of the MHPAM composite polymer aqueous solutions were found higher than MCPAM composite polymer aqueous solutions. The rheological properties of the composite polymer aqueous solutions were investigated using steady-state flow and oscillatory frequency sweep within the linear viscoelastic region. Shear-thinning effect was observed for both composite polymer systems when the shear rate increases. In oscillatory frequency sweep tests, both composite polymer systems show that the viscoelastic behaviors depend strongly on the magnesium salt concentrations. Viscous behavior was found to be dominant for both composite polymer systems.


Objectives: The age-related changes in distribution of α-gustducin–immunoreactive structures in the larynx of Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Methods: For this purpose, tissues obtained from 12 male rats ranging in age from 5 to 21 weeks were compared with respect to the distribution and morphology of laryngeal taste buds immunoreactive for α-gustducin, the α-subunit of a taste cell–specific G protein. Results: Three different morphological types of α-gustducin–immunoreactive structures were seen: typical gemmal forms, clusters composed of 2 or 3 cells, and isolated immunoreactive cells not associated with taste buds. α-Gustducin–immunoreactive structures were most abundant in the epiglottis in all age groups. α-Gustducin–immunoreactive cells in rats seem to be located along the lateral food channels, in which they may come in contact with food. The total number of these α-gustducin–immunoreactive structures did not show any age-related changes, but the percentage of solitary immunoreactive cells in 5-week-old rats was significantly larger than the percentages in 8-, 14-, and 21-week-old animals. Conclusions: Solitary α-gustducin–immunoreactive cells, which are abundant in 5-week-old rats but are found in fewer numbers along the base of the epiglottis in mature rats, may be nociceptic in function, whereas the chemosensory clusters or buds that contain α-gustducin–positive cells and are distributed along the lateral food channels on the pharyngeal side of the larynx may have a role in gustatory reception.


In this study, we have described the clinical characteristics of vaccine-modified measles to assess the performance of an expanded case definition in a school outbreak that occurred in 2010. The sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values were evaluated. Among 74 cases of vaccine-modified measles, 47 (64%) met the original case definition. Fever and rash were observed in 73% (54/74); fever was the most common (96%, 71/74) presenting symptom, and rash was noted in 77% (57/74) of the cases. The original case definition showed an overall sensitivity of 63.5% and a specificity of 100.0%. The expanded case definition combining fever and rash showed a higher sensitivity (72.9%) but a lower specificity (88.2%) than the original. The presence of fever and one or more of cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis scored the highest sensitivity among the combinations of signs and symptoms (77.0%), but scored the lowest specificity (52.9%). The expanded case definition was sensitive in identifying suspected cases of vaccine-modified measles. We suggest using this expanded definition for outbreak investigation in a closed community, and consider further discussions on expanding the case definition of measles for routine surveillance in South Korea.


Writing A Journal Article Writing therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the act of writing and processing the written word as therapy. Writing therapy posits that writing one's feelings gradually eases feelings of emotional trauma. Writing therapeutically can take place individually or in a group and it can be administered in person with a therapist or remotely through mailing or the Internet.


We investigate the routing of vortex beams in nonlocal media by means of coaxial, co-propagating spatial optical solitons. By introducing a refractive index perturbation in the form of a localized defect or a dielectric interface, the soliton waveguide can be curved and, therefore, can deviate the collinear vortex, effectively routing it, while preventing its destabilization and breakup.


This article offers an appraisal by Alipio Correia de Franca Neto, author of several poetic translations into Portuguese, of his experiences in this area – from the early influence of the ideas of Ezra Pound, disseminated in Brazil by the concrete poets, to his subsequent retreat from those ideas in favor of translation procedures based on ancient concepts of "paraphrase", as formulated by John Dryden and developed in our days in the critical writings and the practices of translating poetry of Michael Hamburger. The article ends with an analysis of a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, alongside a poetic translation.


Discourse on Thinking, by Martin Heidegger, trans. by John M. Anderson and E. Hans Freund. New York: Harper and Row, 1966. 93 pp. $3.50. The influence of Martin Heidegger's Being and Time on the course of modern philosophical existentialism and theological existentialism in Rudolf Bultmann and others is undisputed. Of late, theologians and philosophers are giving attention to the more poetic and philosophical works of the "later" Heidegger in order to discover whether his initial direction has been maintained. This booklet entitled Gelassenheit in German first appeared in 1959. Other later works of Heidegzer are to be translated in this series. Those uninitiated in Heidegger's philosophy are provided with an introduction by Professor Anderson which deals both with emphases in the earlier Heidegger and in these pieces. The first document, "Memorial Address," was delivered by Heidegger on the occasion of the 175th birthday of the composer Conradin Kreutzer on October 30, 1955. In a straight-forward way not always characteristic of his earlier utterances Heidezger calls for the renewal of a kind of meditative reflection on the nature of Being which cannot be apprehended by means of "calculative thinking" prevalent in scientific thought. The latter kind of thinking is akin to what Tillich calls "technical reason." The second piece, "Conversation on a Country Path A bout Thinking," is the transcript of a dialogue between a teacher, scientist, and scholar, and again the subject is the relation of man and thinkina to Being. It is at this juncture that Heidegger speaks of Gelassenheit which the translators have rendered as "releasement"-a kind of openness to Being. Here it would appear that meditative thinking enables man to move beyond himself toward Being. Professor Anderson suggests that this represents a more positive annroach toward Beine than we find in Being and Time (p. 26).Though the "conversation" is direct and not as technical as Heidegger's earlier writings, there is nevertheless the familiar introduction of new constellations of words which necessitates the inclusion of a brief glossary at the end of the book as an aid to understanding! The use of the later Heidegger in some of the post-Bultmannian theologians and their heremeneutical programs is already underway. How suggestive and instructive this approach can be for theology remains a moot question. David L. Mueller


In August 2008, grapevine yellows (GY)-like symptoms were observed in vineyards near Podgorica, Montenegro. A survey of the grape growing area of Montenegro was conducted to identify and determine the distribution of phytoplasmas associated with grapevine. Phytoplasmas were detected in symptomatic vine plants using PCR with universal primers for amplification of the phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene. From the 42 plants sampled, 36 were positive for the presence of phytoplasmas. RFLP profiles of the 16S rDNA of all phytoplasma positive isolates tested indicated that they belong to 16SrXII-A phylogenetic group. PCR with stolbur specific primers confirmed the presence of stolbur phytoplasma in grapevine samples from Montenegro. Sequence and RFLP analysis of the tuf gene indicated the presence of the tufAY-a and tufAY-b types of stolbur phytoplasma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of phytoplasma infection of grapevine in Montenegro.


Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the most common degenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. Generally
affecting elderly groups, it has a strong limiting effect on physical functioning and performance of roles, vitality
and general perception of health. Since the disease is progressive, the patient knows he's going to get worse.
The deterioration is significant not only in mobility but also in pain, social isolation, and emotional reactions.
Freezing is a phenomenon associated with this disease and it is characterized by a motor disorder that leaves the
patient literally stuck to the ground. Mobeeze is designed with the main objective of providing health personnel
with a tool to analyse, evaluate and monitor the progress of patients' disorders as well as the personalization and
adaptation of rehabilitation sessions in patients with Parkinson's disease. Based on the characteristics measured
in real time which will allow the strengthening effects of rehabilitation and help to assimilate them in the long
term. The creation of Mobeeze allows the constitution of a system of analysis and evaluation of march disorders
in real time, through natural interaction, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. In this project, we will analyse
if these non-invasive technologies reduce the stress induced to the patient when he is feeling evaluated


Context. Ionization through electron impact is a fundamental process associated with the evolution of the ionic structure and emissivity of astrophysical plasmas. Over several decades substantial efforts have been made to measure and calculate the ionization cross sections of ionization through electron impact of different ions shell by shell, in particular, of carbon ions. Spectral emission codes use electron-impact ionization cross sections and/or rates taken from different experimental and theoretical sources. The theoretical cross sections are determined numerically and include a diversity of quantum mechanical methods. The electron-impact ionization database therefore is not uniform in the methods, which makes it hard to determine the reason for the deviations with regard to experimental data. In many cases only total ionization rates for Maxwell–Boltzmann plasmas are available, which makes calculating inner-shell ionization in collisional-radiative models using thermal and nonthermal electron distribution functions difficult. A solution of this problem is the capability of generating the cross sections with an analytical method using the minimum number of atomic parameters. In this way, uniformity in the database is guaranteed, and thus deviations from experiments are easily identified and traced to the root of the method.
Aims. The modified relativistic binary encounter Bethe (MRBEB) method is such a simple analytical scheme based on one atomic parameter that allows determining electron-impact ionization cross sections. This work aims the determination of K- and L-shell cross sections of the carbon atom and ions using the MRBEB method and show their quality by: (i) comparing them with those obtained with the general ionization processes in the presence of electrons and radiation (GIPPER) code and the flexible atomic code (FAC), and (ii) determining their effects on the ionic structure and cooling of an optically thin plasma.
Methods. The MRBEB method was used to calculate the inner-shells cross sections, while the plasma calculations were carried out with the collisional+photo ionization plasma emission software (CPIPES). The mathematical methods used in this work comprise a modified version of the double-exponential over a semi-finite interval method for numerical integrations, Gauss-elimination method with scaled partial pivoting for the solution of systems of linear equations, and an iterative least-squares method to determine the fits of ionization cross sections.
Results. The three sets of cross sections show deviations among each other in different energy regions. The largest deviations occur near and in the peak maximum. Ion fractions and plasma emissivities of an optically thin plasma that evolves under collisional ionization equilibrium, derived using each set of cross sections, show deviations that decrease with increase in temperature and ionization degree. In spite of these differences, the calculations using the three sets of cross sections agree overall.
Conclusions. A simple model like the MRBEB is capable of providing cross sections similar to those calculated with more sophisticated quantum mechanical methods in the GIPPER and FAC codes.


Leading and subleading twist transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs) are studied in a quark model framework provided by the bag model. A complete set of relations among different TMDs is derived, and the question is discussed how model-(in)dependent such relations are. A connection of the pretzelosity distribution and quark orbital angular momentum is derived. Numerical results are presented, and applications for phenomenology discussed. In particular, it is shown that in the valence-x region the bag model supports a Gaussian Ansatz for the transverse momentum dependence of TMDs.


The search for a global Pb-free replacement for Sn-Pb eutectic alloy has been an evolving process as the threat of a regional lead ban became a reality in July 2006. Over the twelve years from 1994 through 2006, the manufacturing, performance, and reliability criteria for Pb-free solder joints have become increasingly complex as relationships between the solder alloy, the circuit board materials and construction, and the component designs and materials have been revealed through widespread experimentation by companies, industrial consortia, and university researchers. The focus of this chapter is to examine the primary criteria used to develop the current generation of Pb-free solder alloys, the tradeoffs made between various properties once these primary criteria were satisfied, and the open questions regarding materials and processes that are as yet unanswered.


THE methoA *i L"ch I am about to describe was practised on a boy eight years of agc i ho dlied in a fit, after nine days' illness. lIe had measles when two cars of age, and since that time he suffered more or less from chroinic pirulent inflammation of the ear; but, apart from this, his health wa-~c(mite good till his last illness, when the inflamma. tion became acutue, and extended, as the post ilortentl examination showed, into the .ntsiior of the cranium. I was veay an.iou;s to see the exact state of matters; but, as permis. sion was gran cd to make a local examination only, I was thus pre. vented front fOllowing the method described by Dr. Foulis in the BRITISit MEDICAL JOURNAL, or, indeed, any method which involved the removal of the scalp. In these circumstances, I planned and carried out the following operation, by which the petrous bone actually -shelled out, and left the dura mater in siit and intact. The operation is as follow*>. i. Remove the soft tissues in a flap, whose anterior border is nade by an incision along the posterior margin of the ramus of the inrerior maxillil. 2. .Mlake another incision about half an inch be hind the mastoid process, and nearly parallel to the former. 3. Connect these by a transiverse cut above the ear. 4. Dissect this fial) down. wards and cloe to the bone, and with the ear attached. The limits of -these sectionis will be easily understood when the bony sections are de. scribed. These should be made as follows. i. The articular end of the jaw-bone being pressed slightly forwards, pass the chisel through -the thin bon) ro-of of the articular cavity, and continue the line upwards through the posterior root of the zygoma. 2. Cut then transversely in a line p)arallel to the zygomatic root, and about a quarter of an inch above it. Continue this line backwards through the parieto. mastoid suture tiil it meets the posterior section. 3. This posterior section is itidicated by a lne drawn through the posterior mastoid foramen above to the posterior edge of the jugular foramen below, or, roughly, one quarter inch behind the digastric fossa. This will nearly complete the section. 4. The chisel should now be used as a lever, and the bone pressed out from al ove, and also at the sides. Lastly pass ,the chisel between the styloid and spinous processes, and against the root of the latter. This last point of connection being separated, the bone can easily be levered out, and with this the operation is complete. The ear can then be examined at once, or, what is better, if circumstances permit, the bone can be kept for future examination. If the 'bone is not returned, then fill up its place v ith a sponge, and whlen the flap is replaced hardly a trace of interference is visible, as the stitches are mostly covered by the hair. In private practice this much, as in my own case,'will ofter. be allowed, when an operation by saw and chisel will not. Thie chisel must be narrow. The one I used was three-eighths of an inch wide, and eight inches long. The case itself is interesting. The patient's last illness is said to have followed on a blow received on the ear. Pain behind the ear and fever followed (105' when I saw ,him), but no delirium or stupor till his sudden death in a fit. Post Morten Exav.'ination : Extrac,-anial chazges.-The periosteum was separated from the bone over the whole surface of the external meatus, and also from a semicircular area of half an inch radius above mneatus, but contin.!ous with the latter. A patch of the size of a shilling in the same condition was found over the region of the posterior ,mastoid foramen, but completely isolated from the car portion. The formation of this suppurating spot is very curious, and will be explained after. The midldle car was disorganised. Of the ossicles the stapes alone cemained. The inner car was unchanged. The suppurative process had formed a large tunnel backwards through the mastoid cells, and the roof of this tinnel and of the middle ear was reduced to a mere shell. Jnttracanial change.. This shell on its upper or intracranial aspect was roug;hened, and the dura mater covering it was involved in an inflammatory process. This inflammation passed backwards over the ridge of the petrous bone, and was prolonged into the coats of the lateral sinuis, roughening the groove, between which and the coats of the vessel were found pus, and what looked like an ulceration of the sinus. From this the inspection was carried through the posterior mastoid foramen, and formed on the outside of the cranium the isolated spot already mentioned. The lateral sinus itself was plugged by a large and firm clot, and this was probably the immediate cause of the sudtlden death.


Manganese sulfides (MnS) with a diversity of well-defined morphologies and phases have been successfully synthesized by the solvothermal approach. The phase structure and morphology of MnS could readily be tuned by adjusting the sulfur sources and solvents. Hollow γ-MnS spheres were obtained by treating L-cysteine and manganese source in ethylene glycol (EG) at 200 °C for 2 h, whereas a replacement of the mixture solvent by EG and deionized water yields the hierarchical flower-like γ-MnS. γ-MnS tubes were also produced under the same condition by using diethylene glycol and deionized water as solvents. When thioacetamide used as the sulfur source and oleylamine used as the solvent, monodisperse α-MnS nanoparticles with the mean diameter of 17 nm could be synthesized successfully. The phase structures, sizes, and morphologies of samples were investigated in detail by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The UV-vis absorption peak and the width of band gap with different morphologies of the as-prepared MnS were measured. The samples described in this paper are promising to be utilized in solar cells, biomedicine, short wavelength electronic devices, photocatalysis, and other fields.


Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to measure the load on the lateral and medial aspects of the proximal radio-ulnar joint during extension of the carpus. Study Design This was an ex vivo biomechanical study. Sample Population Twenty-two cadaveric Greyhound thoracic limbs were used. Methods Twenty-two paired thoracic limbs were used. The olecranon was attached to a custom jig with the foot resting on a stationary anvil. Load sensors were inserted into the proximal radio-ulnar joint, between the radial head and the lateral coronoid process, and between the radial head and the medial coronoid process. Specimens were tested under compression with measurements taken at 0, 4, 9 and 13.5 mm of axial displacement. Data collected at each point included forces on the specimen and medial and lateral coronoid processes as well as the angle of carpal joint extension. Results A linear mixed effects model relating load on the specimen and carpal joint extension angle had an R-squared value of 0.66, and load at the level of the medial coronoid process and angle of carpal extension had an R-squared value of 0.61. There was a significant difference in the loads measured on the lateral and medial coronoid processes at all angles (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Extension of the carpus results in asymmetric loading of the proximal radio-ulnar joint. Clinical Significance The findings of this study show that loading of the medial coronoid process may be more complex than originally thought and supports the future investigation of novel management and therapeutic options for affected patients.


The kinematics model based on the Slender-Body theory is proposed from the bionic movement of real fish. The Panel method is applied to the hydrodynamic performance analysis innovatively, with the Gauss-Seidel method to solve the Navier-Stokes equations additionally, to evaluate the flexible deformation of fish in swimming accurately when satisfying the boundary conditions. A physical prototype to mimic the shape of tuna is developed with the revolutionized technology of rapid prototyping manufacturing. The hydrodynamic performance for rigid oscillating hydrofoil is analyzed with the proposed method, and it shows good coherence with the cases analyzed by the commercial software Fluent and the experimental data from robofish. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic performance of coupled hydrofoil, which consisted of flexible fish body and rigid caudal fin, is analyzed with the proposed method. It shows that the caudal fin has great influence on trailing vortex shedding and the phase angle is the key factor on hydrodynamic performance. It is verified that the shape of trailing vortex is similar to the image of the motion curve at the trailing edge as the assumption of linear vortex plane under the condition of small downwash velocity. The numerical analysis of hydrodynamics for bionic movement based on the Panel method has certain value to reveal the fish swimming mechanism.


PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article reviews the symptoms, laboratory and neuroimaging diagnostic tests, genetics, and management of cerebellar ataxia.

RECENT FINDINGS
Recent advances in genetics have led to the identification of novel genetic causes for ataxia and a more comprehensive understanding of the biological pathways critical for normal cerebellar function. When these molecular pathways become dysfunctional, patients develop cerebellar ataxia. In addition, several ongoing clinical trials for Friedreich ataxia and spinocerebellar ataxia will likely result in novel symptomatic and disease-modifying therapies for ataxia. Antisense oligonucleotides for spinocerebellar ataxias associated with CAG repeat expansions might be a promising therapeutic strategy.

SUMMARY
Cerebellar ataxias include heterogeneous disorders affecting cerebellar function, leading to ataxic symptoms. Step-by-step diagnostic workups with genetic investigations are likely to reveal the underlying causes of ataxia. Some disease-specific therapies for ataxia exist, such as vitamin E for ataxia with vitamin E deficiency and thiamine for Wernicke encephalopathy, highlighting the importance of recognizing these forms of ataxia. Finally, genetic diagnosis for patients with ataxia will accelerate clinical trials for disease-modifying therapy and will have prognostic value and implications for family planning for these patients.


A carrier for a new tumor imaging agent, a bifunctional chelating agent (BCA)-coupled porphyrin (ATN-2), has been synthesized from protoporphyrin dimethyl ester in 4 steps. At first, the hydrobromination of protoporphyrin dimethyl ester is carried out to obtain a monobromo derivative. The derivative is treated with ethylene glycol. The resulting porphyrin has an ether group at the either 7- or 12-position of the ring. Metallation with GaCl3 of the porphyrin having a ethylene glycol residue affords Ga-metalloporphyrin. Final condensation of the metalloporphyrin with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DT-PA) gave BCA-coupled porphyrin (ATN-2). The chelation of ATN-2 with 111InCl3 easily afforded [111In]ATN-2. This agent was used for imaging transplantable pancreatic carcinoma in Syrian golden hamster at 72 h after postinjection. The efficacy of the new agent was compared with that of [67Ga]citrate. The images with [111In]ATN-2 were found to be clearer than those with [67Ga]citrate. Therefore, ATN-2, a carrier for 111InCl3, seems to be more useful for tumor imaging agents.