PURPOSE
African Americans are disproportionately represented among individuals in need of an organ transplant, due in part to low donation rates in this population. The research literature has focused on attitudinal barriers to donation; however, the current study explores individual experiences and values that contribute to supportive attitudes toward organ and tissue donation.

PROCEDURES
Focus group participants were 26 African-American clergymen and 42 African-American parishioners recruited from seven Christian churches in the metro Atlanta area.

FINDINGS
Although a large number of participants had previous exposure to organ and tissue donation and transplantation, the majority of these experiences were negative, and participants felt a general fear and lack of knowledge about the process of donation and transplantation. Despite these negative experiences, respondents reported personal values (e.g., the desire to help others and acceptance of group responsibility) and religious values (e.g., the desire to carry out God's will and to have faith in God) that contribute to supportive attitudes toward organ and tissue donation.

CONCLUSION
An understanding of supportive attitudes toward donation may help improve the development of effective culturally sensitive intervention messages targeting the African-American religious community with the ultimate goal of increasing the pool of organs available for transplantation.


Introduction: : Kangaroo Care (Kangaroo Mother Care) is a treatment for low birth weight baby or infants born prematurely with contact the skin between baby and mother's skin or skin to skin contact, which is body temperature can be spark the baby. Objective: this study aims to identify the mother's experience over the treatment method of kangaroo in the house for low birth weight in the work area of the Puskesmas Parongpong West Bandung. Method: this research is a qualitative phenomenology which involved three Key Informants using proposive sampling technique with criteria experienced using kangaroo care at home for baby with low birth weight. The data collected through indepth interview, which is equipped with the guidelines interview. The interview recorded and transcript to using verbatim and analyzed by the method of Collaizzi. Results: there are three themes and twelve categories merges in this study. Discussion: this study provided advice for mothers, the family's health to support mothers with LBW in implementing the PMK and to guide further research for the wide research field of research.


The anomalies associated with Down syndrome present some interesting challenges for the anesthesiologist. Airway difficulties, a potentially unstable cervical spine, and a high incidence of congenital heart disease all require careful consideration. Impaired immune function predisposes to chronic infections and demands attention to asepsis during invasive procedures. Finally, there is the very considerable challenge of providing kind and considerate anesthesia care and effective postoperative pain management for a cognitively impaired child. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Slaveholders in colonial Massachusetts sold, traded, purchased, and employed black women on a regular basis throughout much of the eighteenth century, a fact that is evinced in scores of newspaper advertisements. Through exploring the experiences of enslaved women as workers in colonial Massachusetts, I highlight black women's value as productive laborers, thereby complicating our understanding of enslaved women as so-called drudges and menials. While the experiences of enslaved women in Massachusetts diverged from those of enslaved women working in plantation colonies, enslaved women throughout the colonies shared the condition of unremunerated, lifelong servitude. Exploring these differences yields a deeper, more nuanced, and complex portrait of slavery in the North American colonies and complicates ideas of northern slavery as being gentler and more benign than its southern and Caribbean plantation counterparts.


Thirty-five hypertensive patients, consecutively studied between 1986 and 1991, were retrospectively reviewed, to compare Technetium-99m (99mTc) DTPA renal scanning for renal artery stenosis with angiography. Ten patients were on chronic angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medication and 20 underwent angioplasty of their stenoses. In patients not on ACE inhibitors the renal scan specificity was 83%, sensitivity 82%, negative predictive value 89% and positive predictive value 74%. In the 10 patients on ACE inhibitors the specificity was 67% (relatively more stenoses of < 50% were reported in this group), sensitivity 100%, negative predictive value 100% and positive predictive value 60%. Low levels of function (< 10 mL/min/1.73m2) in 9 kidneys did not militate against diagnoses that correlated well with angiography. Hence, renal scanning, particularly with ACE inhibition, is efficacious in the evaluation of possible renal artery stenosis. With a mean follow-up period of 29 months after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), four patients had clinical improvement of hypertension control. Each had pre-PTA total glomerular filtration rates (GFR) of approximately 75 mL/min/1.73m2. No improvement was detected in cases with pre-PTA total GFR of < 50 mL/min/1.73m2. This may be the level of renal function below which PTA therapy or surgery will not provide benefit.


Elymus scabrifolius is a native C3 South American grass species. It is valued as forage species adapted to various environments in Argentina and is also a potential source of traits for wheat-breeding programmes. Efficient utilization of native genetic resources requires extensive collection and characterization of available material. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize variability in salt tolerance within E. scabrifolius populations in Argentina. Specimens of E. scabrifolius were collected from a wide range of soils in Argentina, and most populations were found in saline environments with high sodium levels. Intraspecific variability in salt tolerance was estimated, and its relation to the salinity level of the populations' natural environment was assessed. A principal component analysis based on growth data distinguished lines from saline and non-saline habitats only under salt conditions. Results suggest that selecting under stressed environments is a reasonable strategy for breeding E. scabrifolius. Lines of saline origin had higher biomass under both control and saline conditions, suggesting that higher gains from selection would be obtained if germplasm from this origin was used, and tillering may be the most useful indirect selection criterion for improving salt tolerance. The association between salt tolerance, ion content and osmotic adjustment was also assessed. Salt-sensitive lines accumulated high sodium levels in leaves. However, osmotic adjustment did not correlate with the maintenance of leaf elongation rates under salinity in the genotypes included in this study.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 1450-nm diode laser on acne scars in Asian patients.

BACKGROUND DATA
Acne and acne scars affect individuals during puberty and adolescence, and decrease their quality of life.

METHODS
An open study was performed on 24 Japanese patients (17 female and 7 male, aged 15-44 years) with acne scars on the face treated with five sessions of low-energy double-pass 1450-nm diode laser at 4-week intervals. The mean duration of the acne scars prior to receiving laser therapy was 4.8 years (range 1-9). Clinical evaluation by physicians and with photographs was conducted at baseline, 1 month after the final treatment, and at a 3-month follow-up visit. Topical therapies for acne vulgaris were permitted during the follow-up period.

RESULTS
All patients completed the five treatment sessions. Seventy-five percent of the subjects showed at least 30% improvement of acne scars. At the 3-month follow-up evaluation, 92.9% of the subjects with >30% improvement maintained the effectiveness. Vesicle formation and transient hyperpigmentation also occurred in one case.

CONCLUSIONS
The 1450-nm diode laser therapy was effective and well-tolerated in patients with acne scars, suggesting that this may be an appropriate modality for treating facial acne scars.


ABSTRACT While early career researchers (ECRs) often read and produce articles for peer reviewed journals, they are of ten less familiar with peer review reports (PRRs). Most ECRs learn about the genre of PRRs by reading reports written about their authored manuscripts, and through hands-on experience crafting their own PRRs, albeit often with little guidance or exposure to exemplars. To demystify this 'hidden' academic genre, this article reports on a genre analysis of 62 'quality' PRRs, focusing on their communicative purposes, and the structural, content, and linguistic elements that serve to support those purposes. Findings show that the central role of the PRR is to elicit various actions on the part of manuscript authors. Other functions serve to circumvent manuscript authors' potential negative emotional response to PRRs, and this is also seen in limited use of high modality verbs and emotional language. PRRs follow a fairly uniform structure, and focus on all elements of the manuscript, with most attention given to the methods section. The article provides numerous examples that provide a practical guide to support writing pedagogies related to this important academic practice.


Nitrogen fertilizer use is essential for optimizing yield of irrigated malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) but must be managed carefully to achieve optimum grain protein concentrations demanded by the malting industry. Development of tissue tests, applicable for growing conditions in the desert Southwest, would be of benefit to growers for optimizing yield and grain protein of irrigated malting barley. Field experiments were conducted with two cultivars of malting barley [Morex (six row) and Crystal (two row)] under irrigated conditions in southern Arizona. The objectives were to (i) determine yield and grain protein response to N applications, (ii) determine the relationship between lower-stem tissue and sap NO 3 -N, and (iii) develop lower-stem and sap NO 3 test guidelines for N management in malting barley. Yields ≥90% of maximum relative yield and grain protein concentrations acceptable for malting were achieved at N rates (kg ha -1 ) of 242 to 269 (1997-1998) and 205 to 269 (1998-1999) for Morex and 162 to 178 (1997-1998) and 166 to 181 (1998-1999) for Crystal. Stem and sap NO 3 -N were significantly correlated in both cultivars, with r 2 values of 0.72 in Morex and 0.82 in Crystal. We propose that, to achieve acceptable grain yield and protein, lower-stem sap NO 3 -N in malting barley should be no less than 300, 180, and 120 mg L -1 and dry stem tissue NO 3 -N should be no less than 3000, 1000, and 800 mg kg -1 at Feekes growth stages 3, 7, and 10, respectively.


Pinhole SPECT can provide high-resolution image with high sensitivity when a collimator is close to an object. However, truncation causes artifact and decreases quantitative accuracy. Defrise et al proposed new reconstruction theory to prevent overestimation due to truncation. In this paper, we applied Defrise theory to three-dimensional pinhole SPECT reconstruction and validated our implementation by computer simulation.


The Gaia all-sky astrometric survey is challenged by several issues affecting the spacecraft stability. Amongst them, we find the focus evolution, straylight and basic angle variations Contrary to pre-launch expectations, the image quality is continuously evolving, during commissioning and the nominal mission. Payload decontaminations and wavefront sensor assisted refocuses have been carried out to recover optimum performance. An ESA-Airbus DS working group analysed the straylight and basic angle issues and worked on a detailed root cause analysis. In parallel, the Gaia scientists have also analysed the data, most notably comparing the BAM signal to global astrometric solutions, with remarkable agreement. In this contribution, a status review of these issues will be provided, with emphasis on the mitigation schemes and the lessons learned for future space missions where extreme stability is a key requirement.


this is a qualitative research study utilising a theoretical framework of democracy theory, human rights and theories on migration and irregular migrants. The purpose of this research is to explore how the new Swedish Regulation on Labour Immigration, in relation to the harmonization of migration policy within the European Union, represents and effects the perception of asylum seekers and irregular migrants on a socio-political level in Sweden. Through four semi-structured interviews this study seeks to explore the following areas: the reasons behind the compromise concerning asylum seekers in the Regulation; the exclusion of irregular migrants in the Regulation; and the correlation between the Regulation and the harmonising of migration policy within the EU. The theoretical framework, together with the statements by informants and the grounding information concerning human rights and the migration policy within the EU, constitutes the analysis. The analysis shows that t he perceptions of asylum seekers and irregular immigrants as an undesirable solution to demographical challenges represent a relativistic approach to human rights. By legitimating this perception those concerned become even more vulnerable and at a higher risk of exploitation. The correlation between the contemporary democratic welfare state, international human rights law and the Regulation, together with increasing and irreversible migration flows, visualises an incompatible and diffuse organisation, which have to transform into cosmopolitan democracy and global solidarity if to survive.


In informal mathematical discourse (such as the text of a paper on theoretical computer science), we often reason about equalities involving binding of object-variables. We find ourselves writing assertions involving meta-variables and captureavoidance constraints on where object-variables can and cannot occur free. Formalizing such assertions is problematic because the standard logical frameworks cannot express capture-avoidance constraints directly.

In this article, we make the case for extending the logic of equality with meta-variables and capture-avoidance constraints, to obtain 'nominal algebra'. We use nominal techniques that allow for a direct formalization of meta-level assertions, while remaining close to informal practice. We investigate proof-theoretical properties, we provide a sound and complete semantics in nominal sets and we compare and contrast our design decisions with other possibilities leading to similar systems.


Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a naturally occurring component of broccoli, cabbage, and other members of the family Cruciferae, is a tumor modulator in several animal models that demonstrates significant chemoprevention against development of both spontaneous and chemically induced cancers while conversely eliciting tumor promoter effects in others. This study examines the disposition of I3C in the pregnant rat model, specifically to determine whether I3C can traverse the maternal placenta, and what effects, if any, are elicited in the neonate. We now report that dietary I3C treatment of pregnant female rats results in appearance of I3C acid condensation products in both maternal and neonatal livers. Livers from I3C-fed maternal rats showed CYP1A1 protein induction; however, no CYP1B1 protein was detected. No CYP1A1 or CYP1B1 protein was detected in the livers of pregnant controls or their offspring. We also report a sex-specific induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 protein in livers from newborns born to I3C-fed dams. CYP1A1 protein was significantly induced in male neonatal liver, but not in females. Conversely, hepatic CYP1B1 protein was induced to high levels in female neonates, with no CYP1B1 protein detected in male littermates. Our results demonstrate that dietary I3C acid condensation products can cross the maternal placenta and differentially induce neonatal hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in a sex-specific manner. The results highlight the potential of I3C to effect changes in the overall metabolic profile of xenobiotics to which the fetus is exposed transplacentally and indicate the possible involvement of sex-specific modulators in Ah receptor-mediated responses in this model.


This work is an attempt to establish aquifer distribution in the indicated area as an aid to locating possible and suitable sites to drill boreholes for safe, portable and sustainable water supply for the ever-growing population and industries in the area, and the vulnerability of this body of water to pollutants as a result of human and industrial activities in the area. Data collected from vertical electrical sounding were used to interpret, both laterally and vertically, varying successions of high and low resistive geoelectric layers throughout the area of study to establish the depth, thickness and lateral extent of an aquifer, and also to determine the layering of the study area down to the depth of interest; thus, to delineate the aquifer distribution of the area. To ensure the safety status of groundwater of the area, a chemical analysis of three pollutants (heavy metals) of interest {Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), and Nickel (Ni)} was carried out on sixty soil samples collected randomly from ten locations at various depths from the ground surface to a depth of 25m to determine their total concentration in the soil at ground level and their degree of leaching towards the groundwater of the area. The energy Dispersive X- Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique was used to analyze and determine the total concentration of the pollutants in the soil samples. The results show that there is good aquifer distribution laterally across the study area with aquifer thickness of between 50m to 60m. The groundwater resource of the area is less vulnerable to pollutants because of the presence of a thin layer of organic matter and clay deposits that adsorb the pollutants of interest and minimize the leaching of the pollutants towards the saturated zone.


The main purpose of this paper is to provide a brief survey for the progress and prospects of regional financial arrangements/cooperation among the East Asian nations and present the summary of various conflicting points of discussion about the strategies on the establishment of an effective regional financial arrangement in the region. This critical survey derives a list of viable and practical strategies for establishing an effective RFA/RFC scheme in the East Asian region in order to prevent the reoccurrence of a financial/economic crisis and large-scale contagion in the region in the future.


The watering out of gas-condensate wells on Urengoi field at existing cluster well production gathering system can become the strong negative factor lowering performance of gas and condensate recovery. At the first stage creation of method of calculation of the well behavior in these conditions conducting complex hydrodynamic and gas condensate tests of several gas condensate wells with adjustable feeding water-methanol mixture into the well bottom was required. For the adequate description of a multiphase flow moving with the help of the Peng-Robinson equation the method of calculation interaction coefficients of the basic gas condensate system components at the presence of water and methanol is advanced. On the basis of treating outcomes of such tests held on several gas-condensate wells, the updated dependences for calculation true gas-content of a multiphase upward flow in vertical tubes are obtained at a dispersion-ring-type regime of stream. Using these dependences allows to calculate values of bottom hole pressure on measured well head pressure with satisfactory for practice by accuracy.


Measurement of the ground reaction force has long been a part of the comprehensive analysis of gait. Force plates are used typically to record a single foot contact per plate per traverse, with the majority of laboratories having only one or two force plates. Previous work at Surrey has indicated that there may be clinical benefit to the use of a long, twin-platform gait walkway for the measurement of multiple foot contacts and the derivation therefrom of some of the temporal and spatial determinants of gait. This resulted in the development of a 2.4 m long walkway capable of measuring the vertical component of the ground reaction force was built to test the hypothesis. The outcome from clinical work with that walkway was encouraging, but showed that the walkway was not long enough always to capture a complete stride at normal and high walking speeds and that the measurement of only the vertical component of the ground reaction force limited the clinical usefulness of the acquired data. This work sought to develop a long, dual platform walkway that was capable of measuring the three orthogonal components of the ground reaction force of gait; of improving the accuracy of the derived temporal-spatial parameters of gait; and which was capable of measuring a complete stride at a range of walking speeds. It has also sought to demonstrate the effectiveness of the walkway in the measurement of various gait pathologies. A walkway 3.3 m long, with each platform 0.4 m wide, has been designed using finite element analysis techniques, and each platform is triaxially transduced. The walkway has been tested and calibrated and considered to be suitable for the measurement of the foot-ground forces and temporal-spatial parameters in gait. Software has been written which enables the capture, processing and presentation of gait data in a format suitable for routine clinical and clinical research use. The walkway has been installed at the Roehampton Rehabilitation Centre, Queen Mary's University Hospital, London and been used for both routine clinical referrals and clinical research and an evaluation of the use of the walkway in those roles is presented. It has been found to be best suited to the measurement of adult gait which is free from a crossed-over or scissor action, e. g. amputee gait. Finally, recommendations for further work on the walkway are given.


Provides a basic foundation for understanding aspects of English language crucial in the analysis of text. The major topics covered include writing, the sound system of spoken English, words, sentence grammar and discourse construction. Student-friendly features include: activities showing how language works in texts and their contexts; commentaries which follow each activity, highlighting main points of language use; wide coverage of different genres - literary texts, notes, memos, signs, advertisements, leaflets, speeches, conversation; suggestions for further reading and additional self-study exercises; and key words highlighted. This textbook provides ideas and activities arising from experience and practice.


Several animal species, in particular dogs, cats and horses spontaneously develop IgE-mediated allergic diseases. They can also be experimentally sensitized. Comparative veterinary allergology is increasingly providing valuable information in allergy research.


Codecs using spectral-spatial transforms efficiently compress raw camera images captured with a color filter array (CFA-sampled raw images) by changing their RGB color space into a decorrelated color space. This study describes two types of spectral-spatial transform, called extended Star-Tetrix transforms (XSTTs), and their edge-aware versions, called edge-aware XSTTs (EXSTTs), with no extra bits (side information) and little extra complexity. They are obtained by (i) extending the Star-Tetrix transform (STT), which is one of the latest spectral-spatial transforms, to a new version of our previously proposed wavelet-based spectral-spatial transform and a simpler version; (ii) considering that each 2D predict step of the wavelet transform is a combination of two 1D diagonal or horizontal-vertical transforms; (iii) weighting the transforms along the edge directions in the images. Compared with XSTTs, the EXSTTs can decorrelate CFA-sampled raw images well: they reduce the difference in energy between the two green components by about 3.38–30.08 % for high-quality camera images and 8.97–14.47 % for mobile phone images. The experiments on JPEG 2000-based lossless and lossy compression of CFA-sampled raw images show better performance than conventional methods. For high-quality camera images, the XSTTs/EXSTTs produce results equal to or better than the conventional methods: especially for images with many edges, the type-I EXSTT improves them by about 0.03–0.19 bpp in average lossless bitrate and the XSTTs improve them by about 0.16–0.96 dB in average Bjøntegaard delta peak signal-to-noise ratio. For mobile phone images, our previous work perform the best, whereas the XSTTs/EXSTTs show similar trends to the case of high-quality camera images.


A combined study of mapping, observational, age constraint, and geochemical data at the summit of Axial Seamount, Juan de Fuca Ridge, has revealed its recent petrological history. Multiple basalt types erupted at the summit in a time sequence. At least three different magma batches have been present beneath the Axial Summit caldera during the last millennium, each with a range in differentiation. The first, prior to 1100 CE, was compositionally diverse, dominantly aphyric T‐MORB. The second, from ∼1220 to 1300 CE, was dominantly plagioclase‐phyric, more mafic N‐MORB erupted mostly in the central portion of the caldera. Since ∼1400 CE, lavas have been more differentiated, and nearly aphyric T‐MORB mostly erupted in the caldera's rift zones. Parental magmas vary subtly due to small coupled differences in the degree of melting and sources, but all share a uniform differentiation trend indicating pooling at similar depths. Thus, melts percolate through melt‐rich lenses that remain partially isolated in space and/or time. Centennial magmatic timescales at Axial Seamount are similar to those for fast spreading ridge segments. The fluctuation between aphyric and plagioclase‐phyric lava likely reflects different pathways or velocities of melt migration.


The purpose of the current work was to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect on surgical outcomes of providing nutrition within 24-hours following gastrointestinal or abdominal surgery compared with traditional postoperative management. A search of all available electronic databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials published comparing the outcomes of early and traditional postoperative feeding. Trials involving resection of portions of the gastrointestinal tract followed by patients receiving nutritionally significant oral or enteral intake within 24-hours after surgery were included for analysis. Random effects meta-analyses were performed. Outcome variables analysed were mortality, total complications, anastomotic dehiscence, length of stay, nausea and vomiting, nasogastric tube reinsertion, days to passing flatus, and days to first bowel motion. Fifteen studies involving a total of 1240 patients were analysed. A significant reduction in relative odds of developing post operative complications was seen in patients receiving early postoperative feeding (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.55; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.35, 0.87; p=0.01). Trends favouring early feeding were seen with relation to reduction in mortality (OR 0.71; CI 0.32, 1.56; p= 0.39), anastomotic dehiscence (OR 0.75; CI 0.39, 1.4; p=0.39), length of stay (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) -1.28; CI -2.94, 0.38; p=0.13), development of nausea and vomiting (OR0.93, CI 0.53, 1.65), resumption of bowel function as evidenced by days to passage of flatus (WMD -0.42; CI -1.12, 0.28; p=0.23) and first bowel motion (WMD -0.28; CI -1.20, 0.64; p=0.55) however these were not statistically significant. A forty-eight percent relative increase in nasogastric tube reinsertion was seen with early feeding practices (OR 1.48; CI 0.93, 2.35; p=0.10). Early provision of nutritionally significant oral or enteral intake appears to be associated with a significant reduction in reported complications when compared with traditional postoperative feeding practices and might confer reductions in mortality, anastomotic dehiscence, and resumption of gastrointestinal function as evidenced by passage of flatus. Based on the current evidence, surgeons can be reassured regarding the safety of early postoperative feeding. The widespread adoption of this evidence-based practice would be anticipated to translate to better perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing elective surgical procedures and more cost-effective management strategies for the institutions providing surgical care.


This paper presents the digital imaging results of a collaborative research project working toward the generation of an on-line interactive digital image database of signs from ancient cuneiform tablets. An important aim of this project is the application of forensic analysis to the cuneiform symbols to identify scribal hands. Cuneiform tablets are amongst the earliest records of written communication, and could be considered as one of the original information technologies; an accessible, portable and robust medium for communication across distance and time. The earliest examples are up to 5,000 years old, and the writing technique remained in use for some 3,000 years. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of these tablets can be made available for display in museums and much important academic work has yet to be performed on the very large numbers of tablets to which there is necessarily restricted access. Our paper will describe the challenges encountered in the 2D image capture of a sample set of tablets held in the British Museum, explaining the motivation for attempting 3D imaging and the results of initial experiments scanning the smaller, more densely inscribed cuneiform tablets. We will also discuss the tractability of 3D digital capture, representation and manipulation, and investigate the requirements for scaleable data compression and transmission methods. Additional information can be found on the project website: www.cuneiform.net


Background and Objectives:Elevated hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein) is well known as a biomarker reflecting the inflammatory process that might evoke the potential for microembolization of an atheromatous plaque, and imparts a poor prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease. We designed this study to evaluate whether the preprocedural hs-CRP level was associated with procedure-related myocardial injury following coronary stenting. Subjects and Methods:We obtained the plasma hs-CRP level from angina patient, who underwent coronary stenting, within 24 hours prior to the procedure, and divided the patients into either the normal CRP (hs-CRP <3 mg/L) or elevated CRP groups (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L). We defined the reduction of TMP (TIMI myocardial perfusion) grade as at least one decrease in the TMP grade following coronary stenting compared with the pre-procedural TMP. We also evaluate the procedure-related myocardial damage by measuring CK-MB leakage after stenting. Results:We enrolled 279 lesions in 226 patients, who were divided into two groups: the normal CRP group (n=137, 1.28±0.71 mg/L) and the elevated CRP group (n=89, 6.89±4.23 mg/L). A reduction in the TMP grade was significantly more prevalent in the elevated CRP (20 lesions, 17.4%) compared to the normal CRP group (6 lesions, 3.7%, p=0.001). An elevated CRP level was related to an increased CK-MB leakage following stenting (elevated CRP group; 23 patients, 25.8%, normal CRP group; 21 patients, 15.3%, p=0.041). In a multivariable analysis, the only significant predictor of a reduction in the TMP grade following stenting was an elevated CRP level. Conclusion:Systemically detectable inflammatory activity, served by the plasma hs-CRP level, is associated with procedure-related microvascular injury, as assessed by a reduction in the TMP grade and CK-MB elevation following coronary stenting. (Korean Circulation J 2005;35:140-148)


AIMS
Clonidine is used for sedation in the paediatric intensive care unit. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides temporary support if respiratory and cardiac function is threatened. ECMO influences the pharmacokinetics of drugs. Clonidine during paediatric ECMO cannot be effectively titrated as PK data are lacking. The aim of this study is to describe clonidine PK in a particular ECMO system and propose dosing guidelines for children on this particular ECMO circuit.

METHODS
All children below the age of 18 years who received clonidine during ECMO were eligible. The pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted by nonlinear mixed effect modelling, which enables to establish the separate influences of determinants on drug blood level and to provide individualized dosing.

RESULTS
Twenty-two patients, median age 1 month (IQR 6.4) and weight at inclusion 4 kg (IQR 3.1) were included of whom 90% in addition to ECMO received pre-emptive continuous venovenous hemofiltration to optimize fluid balance. The clonidine clearance rate was two-fold that measured in patients not on ECMO. Clearance increased steeply with postnatal age: at days 6, 8 and 10, respectively 30%, 50% and 70% of the adult clearance rate was reached. The use of diuretics was associated with a lower clearance. The volume of distribution increased by 55% during ECMO support.

CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that a higher dose of clonidine may be needed during ECMO. The PK parameters on ECMO and the dosing guidelines proposed hold the potential to improve sedation practices on ECMO but need to be repeated with different ECMO systems.


The definition of microsurgery as well as its application in Polish and international clinical medicine have been described in the article. The actual state and further progress outlook of microsurgical technique in particular oper− ative branches were also presented (Adv Clin Exp Med 2007, 16, 5, 701–704).


Large-scale monitoring of bird species becomes more and more important in many countries. In the datasets yielded by these censuses, values are often missing. This poses problems in the analysis of the data. Currently five methods are used to obtain yearly indices of abundance and trends over time: chain index, indexing according to the Mountford method, route regression, imputing of missing data and loglineair Poisson regression. Of each method the advantages and the limitations are dealt with. The loglinear Poisson regression appears to be the most promising approach. 1) DLO-Institute for Forestry and Nature Research & DLO-Agricultural Mathematics Group, P.O. Box 100, 6700 AC Wageningen, The Netherlands 2) Statistics Netherlands, P.O. Box 4000, 2270 JM Voorburg, The Netherlands


kappa-Caseins, involved in the milk clotting process, and human fibrinogen gamma-chain, involved in the blood clotting process, show structural similarities. Several long kappa-casein sections, together corresponding to 80% of the whole protein molecule, have their counterparts in the gamma-chain of fibrinogen, in that 31--42% of the amino acid residues occupy identical positions. The section of kappa-casein which contains the chymosin-sensitive bond has a counterpart not only in the gamma but also in the Bbeta-chain of fibrinogen. Furthermore, the secondary structures of the kappa-caseins and of the gamma-chain predicted according to the method of Chou and Fasman present several common features.


For individuals with an intellectual disability, emerging adulthood (18–25 years) may be a disruptive time with an abrupt ending to programming and services after adolescence. This study critically explores the social environment and experiences of individuals involved in a Special Olympics paddling program for emerging adult athletes with an intellectual disability. Using an instrumental case study design, multiple qualitative methods were implemented including photography, videography, observations, and interviews. The participants included four athletes (one female and three male; three with autism spectrum disorder, one with mild intellectual disability), three fathers, a coach, a program coordinator, and an administrator. Analyses were guided by interpretivism and the quality parasport participation framework. The findings highlight how the limited staff training and preparation, the complexity of providing such a program, and parental hidden labor in their adult children's sport involvement influence the social environment. Implications for coaching practices include the importance of communication strategies and coach education.


ABSTRACT A computationally simple approach to inference in state space models is proposed, using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). ABC avoids evaluation of an intractable likelihood by matching summary statistics for the observed data with statistics computed from data simulated from the true process, based on parameter draws from the prior. Draws that produce a "match" between observed and simulated summaries are retained, and used to estimate the inaccessible posterior. With no reduction to a low-dimensional set ofsufficient statistics being possible in the state space setting, we define the summaries as the maximum of an auxiliary likelihood function, and thereby exploit the asymptotic sufficiency of this estimator for the auxiliary parameter vector. We derive conditions under which this approach—including a computationally efficient version based on the auxiliary score—achieves Bayesian consistency. To reduce the well-documented inaccuracy of ABC in multiparameter settings, we propose the separate treatment of each parameter dimension using an integrated likelihood technique. Three stochastic volatility models for which exact Bayesian inference is either computationally challenging, or infeasible, are used for illustration. We demonstrate that our approach compares favorably against an extensive set of approximate and exact comparators. An empirical illustration completes the article. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.


Re extraction generator for medical purposes development results are presented. The main advantage of such generator is the possibility to use as starting material the tungsten oxide of natural isotope composition irradiated in reactor with mean neutron flux (1.0–1.4·10 n⋅cm⋅s). The parent (W) and daughter radionuclides were separated using centrifugal semicounter-current extractor developed at Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry Institute under RAS (Russian Acedemy of Sciences). In the course of simulated solution experiments, optimal operating conditions were established for Re production process. For this purpose, it is proposed to recover Re by methylethylketone from alkaline solution (2.5 M КОН + 2.5 M К2СО3) containing up to 200 g/l of W element. Methylethylketone is subsequently evaporated to dryness and residue is dissolved in isotonic solution of NaCl. An extraction generator model was built in hot cell; the process developed was then tested on radioactive solutions. The test has shown that the yield is 89% in the average and the radiochemical purity of Re solution is ~ 97%. The activity of W was less than 1·10 relative to that of Re. Activity of other radioisotopes was below 1·10. The content of inorganic impurities in Re solution is determined only by the purity of aqueous solutions used for Re dissolution. The generator model may be recommended as a basis for creation of commercial prototype of Re extraction generator.


Conventional field strength sensors use different detection methods, each having advantages and disadvantages. Modern signals in, for instance, wireless communication systems and radars use very complex modulation. Other signals, such as the ones often measured in reverberation chambers with mode stirring, are fast-varying with high dynamic range. Conventional probes struggle to give reliable measurement data in these situations, while the more expensive solutions based on optical-electric conversion and heterodyne receiver, are so costly that often only one component of the field is measured. The impact of conventional field strength probes when measuring (complex) modulated signals is discussed. Furthermore, this paper describes the design, fabrication, and characterization of fast, broadband, three-axis, and high-dynamic range probes. They have been designed for mapping the fast-changing electric field strength in complex electromagnetic environments such as reverberation chambers under mode-stirring operation.


Environmental policies in the realm of land management are increasingly focussing on inducing behavioural change to improve environmental management outcomes. This is based, implicitly or explicitly, on theories that suggest that pro-environmental behaviour can be understood, predicted and altered based on certain factors (referred to as determinants of pro-environmental behaviour). However, studies examining the determinants of pro-environmental behaviour have found mixed evidence. It is therefore important that we revisit these theories to assess if the evidence supports their postulations so that a more robust knowledge base can be established to inform land management policies. In this study, we do this using meta-analytic structural equation modelling (MASEM) to explore whether the evidence on determinants of pro-environmental behaviour supports the postulations of some predominantly applied theories of behaviour and/or behaviour change. The study analyses research in four environmental policy areas to identify implications for land management. Evidence from these related environmental areas is expected to provide insights relevant to the land management literature and to allow us to identify the extent to which lessons on pro-environmental behaviour from these other areas can be transferred to the land management context. Our findings suggest a strong evidence base for the Theories of Planned Behaviour and Reasoned Action, Attitude-Behaviour-Context Model, and the Persuasion Theory, but a weak evidence base for the Value-Belief-Norm Theory and the Norm Activation Model. We also found that type of environmental policy area moderates the relationship between different variables. This has key policy implications since, while lessons can be learnt from other environmental policy areas, land management policies aimed at influencing behaviours will need to be tailored to the specific context rather than simply 'imported' from other fields. Such context-specific policies may encourage pro-environmental behaviours, and potentially contribute towards improving environmental management outcomes.


Nonthermal plasmas (NTPs) produce reactive chemical environments, including electrons, ions, radicals, and vibrationally excited molecules, that can drive chemistry at temperatures at which such species are thermally inaccessible. There has been growing interest in the integration of conventional catalysis with reactive NTPs to promote novel chemical transformations. Unveiling the full potential of plasma-catalytic processes requires a comprehensive understanding of plasma-catalytic synergies, including characterization of plasma-catalytic surface interactions. In this work, we report on a newly designed multimodal spectroscopic instrument combining polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRAS), mass spectrometry, and optical emission spectroscopy (OES) for the investigation of plasma-surface interactions such as those found in plasma catalysis. In particular, this tool has been utilized to correlate plasma-phase chemistry with both surface chemistry and gas-phase products in situ (1) during the deposition of carbonaceous surface species via NTP-promoted nonoxidative coupling of methane and (2) during subsequent activation of surface deposits with an atmospheric pressure and temperature argon plasma jet on both nickel (Ni) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) surfaces. For the first time, the activation of carbonaceous surface species by a NTP on Ni and SiO2 surfaces to form hydrogen gas and C2 hydrocarbons was directly observed, where both PM-IRAS and OES measurements suggest that they may form through different pathways. This unique tool for studying plasma-surface interactions could enable more rational design of plasma-stimulated catalytic processes.


OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review is to provide an evidence-based update on laser surgery for BPH with a focus on comparing Greenlight Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate (PVP) to Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP).

METHODS
We reviewed all HoLEP and PVP papers identified by a Pubmed search using the keywords: laser, prostate, BPH, holmium, HoLE, PVP and greenlight. The published randomised trials investigating HoLEP and PVP are summarised. As there are no head to head randomised trials comparing HoLEP to PVP, we compare data from individual HoLEP and PVP papers. Data on multiple aspects of laser surgery for BPH are summarised and contrasted for the 2 procedures including: Perioperative management, subjective and objective measures of success, complications, sexual function, prostate volume reduction, durability, and surgery for men with large prostates and those in urinary retention.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS
PVP and HoLEP are very different laser techniques. An important difference between the Greenlight laser and holmium and thulium is that its only urological application is prostate ablation. HoLEP is the most advanced laser technique currently available. In contrast to PVP, it has been rigorously evaluated in 8 randomised trials. It is a size independent procedure suitable for any prostate, and highly effective at treating urinary retention. HoLEP has been reported to be durable to periods up to 6 years. More tissue is removed with HoLEP than PVP and this raises concerns regarding the long term durability of PVP for which there is no comparable data. The increase in HoLEP expertise worldwide and the development of lasers that are faster at ablating tissue and have other urological uses (eg thulium) may threaten the longevity of Greenlight PVP.


The aim of this study is to determine the effect of bank characteristic (internal variables) on the performance of Islamic banks in Indonesia in terms of their ROA for the period 2008–2013. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to examine the determinants of profitability for Islamic Banking Institutions in Indonesia banking system. The bank-specific determinants (internal factors) include third party funds, income from financing activities, Income from service activities, overhead cost, interest-free earning assets, financing ratio, total assets and equity ratio. The methodology employed is the Least Square Dummy Variable (LSDV) panel data analysis, using quarterly data from nine Islamic banks, which consist of Full Fledge Islamic banks in Indonesia for the period 2010-2013. The result revealed that Out of eight independent variables, five are significant in determining the profitability. Income from service activities, interest-free earning assets and total asset has a positive relationship with the dependent variable, return on asset. On the other hand, third party funds and overhead cost determines the Return on Assets negatively. For the future studies, it is recommended to have a wider scope where other Indonesian Islamic financial institutions and more determinant factors can be taken into consideration. Aus. J. Isla. Finan. & Busi. Vol 2(2), October 2016, P 88-104


Abstract:This article analyzes the EPA's relationship with Native Americans, which has been neglected by historians. It seems like the EPA, a federal agency born during the self-determination era, would be open to new approaches in federal Native American policy, but this was not the case in 2005. Republican senator James Inhof of Oklahoma added a rider to an otherwise benign transportation bill making it illegal for tribes residing within Oklahoma to operate environmental protection programs without first negotiating with the state government of Oklahoma. The rider eroded the federal trust relationship and infringed on Native self-determination. Oklahoma's tribes and Native American leaders from around the nation worked to get the new law overturned, but the EPA decided to help tribes work within the confines of the new law. Despite the EPA's stance on the law, the tribes continued to challenge it as they had in the past when hurt by paternalistic federal policy.


AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To explore the experiences of nurse prescribers in an acute service setting.

DESIGN
A descriptive phenomenological design underpinned by Husserl's philosophy was used as the guiding framework.

METHODS
Data were collected using semistructured interviews and purposive sampling of 11 current registered nurse prescribers from two acute hospitals. Colaizzi's seven steps were employed to analyse the data and develop themes which reflected the participants' experiences of prescribing.

RESULTS
The study identified three themes: Enhanced Patient Care, Impact on the Nurse as a Prescriber and the Challenges of Nurse Prescribing. The nurses interviewed were proud to be prescribers and perceived their prescribing practice as safe. This was a unique finding, not described by other research. Increased job satisfaction was also important to those interviewed as identified in previous studies pertaining to prescriptive authority. Ongoing challenges affecting prescribers included staff shortages, extra workload arising from prescribing and the need to educate colleagues about nurse prescribing. Those interviewed also suggested standardising both the prescribing course and local Drugs and Therapeutics Committees nationally, to overcome identified issues.

CONCLUSIONS
Further research into the safety of nurse prescribing is recommended to ascertain if what was described locally applies nationally. A larger study into the experiences of nurse and midwife prescribers is also required, to promote and maintain this practice and to ensure future prescribers embrace this extended scope of practice.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Insight into how nurse prescribers feel about prescriptive authority. Highlights the advantages and disadvantages of this extended scope of practice. RNPs describe how to overcome some of the barriers they have encountered with useful suggestions being made for practice development and further research.


Sorbents for high temperature CO2 capture are under intensive development owing to their potential applications in advanced zero emission power, sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming for hydrogen production and energy storage systems in chemical heat pumps. One of the challenges in the development is the prevention of sintering of the sorbent (normally a calcium oxide derivative) which causes the CO2 capture capacity of the material to deteriorate rapidly after a few cycles of utilization. Here we show that a simple wet mixing method can produce sintering-resistant sorbents from calcium and magnesium salts of d-gluconic acid. It was found that calcium oxide was well distributed in the sorbents with metal oxide nanoparticles on the surface acting as physical barriers, and the CO2 capture capacity of the sorbents was largely maintained over multiple cycles of utilization. This method was also applied to other organometallic salts of calcium and magnesium/aluminum and the produced sorbents showed similarly high reversibility.


Extended families of synthetic p metals can be prepared by controlled intercalation of electron acceptor molecules between the carbon hexagon networks of well oriented graphite. Resistivities and Hall coefficients have been determined down to 1.8 K for graphite bisulphates and (to a more limited extent) for graphite perchlorates. For many of these dilute synthetic metals, peak anomalies are found in Hall effects at around 20 K . These are discussed in relation to possible changes in the structure of the intercalate layers with temperature.


Innexin is a structural component of invertebrate gap junctions. The molecular dimensions of Caenorhabditis elegans innexin-6 (INX-6) gap junction channels were characterized by negative-staining electron microscopy. Cryo-electron microscopy and single particle analysis of purified INX-6 channels showed class averages with eight rotational peaks that would be related to the INX-6 subunits. Two-dimensional crystallization of INX-6 is now in progress. Electron tomography demonstrated that the INX-6 channels in the reconstituted membranes form hemichannels rather than junction channels. Single particle analysis of the reconstituted INX-6 hemichannels suggests that the oligomeric number of the INX-6 channel is distinct from that of the dodecameric connexin channel. implication the


The principle of mass renormalization in the quantum electrodynamics is applied to derive the equations which the potential for the individual particle motions satisfies self-consistently in the nuclei with the doubly closed shells. The potential is to be such that the excitation energy of each single particle (hole) state is invariant when the residual interactions are taken into account. Since this condition is concerned only with the diagonal matrix elements of the potential, the other matrix elements are so determined that the wave functions of the unperturbed ground and single particle (hole) states can best simulate the corresponding perturbed ones. The perturbed ground state is supposed not to have the components with one (particle and hole) pair excitation. Each perturbed single particle (hole) state should have the components of the different unperturbed single particle (hole) states as small as possible. The equations for the potential are given in a form of power series expansion with respect to the two-body interactions and are explicitly written up to the second order. The result turns out to be practically identical with that for the real part of the optical potential. The relation with Sawada's theory in an infinite system is pointed out.


Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection might have effects on both the human bacteriome and mycobiome. Although many studies have focused on alteration of the bacteriome in HIV infection, only a handful of studies have also characterized the composition of the mycobiome in HIV-infected individuals. Studies have shown that compromised immunity in HIV infection might contribute to the development of opportunistic fungal infections. Despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), opportunistic fungal infections continue to be a major cause of HIV-related mortality. Human immune responses are known to play a critical role in controlling fungal infections. However, the effect of HIV infection on innate and adaptive antifungal immunity remains unclear. Here, we review recent advances in understanding of the fungal microbiota composition and common fungal diseases in the setting of HIV. Moreover, we discuss innate and adaptive antifungal immunity in HIV infection.


Three Gram-stain-positive strains were isolated from fermented mustard and were rod-shaped, non-motile, asporogenous, facultatively anaerobic, homofermentative and did not exhibit catalase activity. Comparative analyses of 16S rRNA, pheS and rpoA gene sequences demonstrated that the novel strains were members of the genus Lactobacillus. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the type strains of Lactobacillus crustorum (98.7% similarity), Lactobacillus farciminis (98.9%) and Lactobacillus mindensis (97.9%) were the closest neighbours. However, DNA-DNA reassociation values with these strains were less than 50%. Phenotypic and genotypic features demonstrated that these isolates represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus futsaii sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is YM 0097(T) (=JCM 17355(T)=BCRC 80278(T)).


Background— Sudden cardiac death is often caused by inherited arrhythmia syndromes, particularly if it occurs at a young age. In 1996, we started a cardiogenetics clinic aimed at diagnosing such syndromes and providing timely (often presymptomatic) treatment to families in which such syndromes or sudden cardiac death existed. We studied the yield of DNA testing for these syndromes using a candidate-gene approach over our 15 years of experience. Methods and Results— We analyzed the yield of DNA testing. In subanalyses, we studied differences in the yield of DNA testing over time, between probands with isolated or familial cases and between probands with or without clear disease-specific clinical characteristics. In cases of sudden unexplained death (antemortem or postmortem analysis of the deceased not performed or providing no diagnosis), we analyzed the yield of cardiological investigations. Among 7021 individuals who were counseled, 6944 from 2298 different families (aged 41±19 years; 49% male) were analyzed. In 702 families (31%), a possible disease-causing mutation was detected. Most mutations were found in families with long-QT syndrome (47%) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (46%). Cascade screening revealed 1539 mutation-positive subjects. The mutation detection rate decreased over time, in part because probands with a less severe phenotype were studied, and was significantly higher in familial than in isolated cases. We counseled 372 families after sudden unexplained death; in 29% of them (n=108), an inherited arrhythmia syndrome was diagnosed. Conclusions— The proportion of disease-causing mutations found decreased over time, in part because probands with a less severe phenotype were studied. Systematic screening of families identified many (often presymptomatic) mutation-positive subjects.


In the past twenty-five years we have seen a growing body of literature on the determinants of fiscal policy as measured by analyzing cross-national data on budgetary deficits and public debts. The discussion is largely shaped by Jurgen von Hagen's work on the impact of both political and economic institutions. In this paper we will take a slightly different angle, looking at cultural variables. Taking Aaron Wildavsky's cultural theory of budgeting as point of departure, we assume that the budgetary strategy of the countries in the eurozone is related to their political culture or regime. Using empirical data provided by the European Union, we conclude that empirical support for the cultural theory of budgeting is concentrated at the extremes of the political spectrum. However, empirical support is much stronger if we differentiate to the economic situation. The outcome underscores, once again, that it is hard to maintain an anti-cyclical policy during an upswing of the economy.


The use of sensor networks has increased rapidly over the last years. Due to their low resources, sensors come along with new issues regarding network security and energy consumption. Focusing on the network availability, previous studies proposed to protect the network against denial of service attacks with the use of traffic monitoring agents on some nodes. But if the control nodes go down or get compromised, they leave the network unprotected. To better fight against attacks, we try to enhance this solution by introducing an energy-aware and secure method to select these monitoring nodes (called cNodes) in a clustered wireless sensor network. Our election process is done in accordance to their remaining reserves: nodes with the higher residual energy are selected. We discuss limitations of this deterministic process concerning security and cluster coverage, and suggest as a workaround to designate new control nodes (called vNodes). Those vNodes are responsible for monitoring the cNodes by periodically enquiring about their remaining energy and ensuring that they do not lie during the election process (in attempt to keep their cNode role). Finally, we present some experimental results obtained with the ns-3 simulator in order to analyze the impact of our proposal on the energy repartition in the network.


In this correspondence, an efficient implementation of pipelined coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC)-based IIR digital filters based on fast orthonormal /spl mu/-rotations is proposed. Using this method, the Givens rotations are approximated by angles corresponding to orthonormal /spl mu/ rotations, which are based on the idea of CORDIC and can perform rotation with minimal number of shift-add operations. We present various methods of construction for such orthonormal /spl mu/ rotations. A significant reduction (over 70%) of the number of required shift-add operations is achieved. All types of fast rotations can be implemented as a cascade of only four basic types of shift-add stages. These stages can be executed on a modified floating-point CORDIC architecture, making the pipelined filter highly suitable for VLSI implementations.


In an exploratory study of the HIV risk-taking behaviors and risk reduction readiness of a sample of 74 hard-to-reach, out-of-treatment African American and Mexican American drug-using women who are at high risk for HIV infection, Mexican American women were found to be more likely than African American women to have drug-using sexual partners and to use drugs daily. Cocaine was the drug most commonly used by both groups. Heroin injectors were more likely than nonheroin injectors to use daily and to share needles. Women of both ethnicities expressed considerable readiness for HIV risk reduction. We describe two empirically derived interventions to reduce HIV risks among this population and share our observations regarding collecting data from and intervening with hard-to-reach, drug-using minority women who are at high risk for HIV infection.


Spectroscopic ellipsometry has been used to determine the dielectric functions of ultrathin Ge/Si superlattices with varying strain states and periodicity at room temperature. The E1-like transitions could be resolved with the multiple-angle-of-incidence technique and in a thick, Ge-rich sample; they split up into various contributions and start to absorb the light at lower energies than compositionally equivalent alloys, as predicted theoretically. The E2 transitions are shifted towards lower energies and split into a doublet. Both of its components show a shift due to the hydrostatic component of the internal strain, which is approximately half of what one would expect from the corresponding deformation potentials of the constituent bulk materials. While both transitions decrease in energy with increasing period, only the lower peak shows a variation of its amplitude and broadening with period, yielding evidence for confinement effects.


Introduction: Precocious pubertyin girls refers to onset of puberty before age 8. The purpose of this study therefore was the study of the effect of aerobic training and the use of GnRH agonists on estradiol serum levelsand Gonadotropins in girls with central precocious puberty. Method s: Twenty-five girls with central precocious puberty (aged 7.44±0.34 years) participated in this study. Subjects randomly were divided in to the healthy control group ( Without precocious puberty) (n=10) and three experimental groups (drug group) n=10 aerobic exercise and( drug groups) n=8 and aerobic exercise group (n=7). In the experimental group, aerobic program prolonged for 12 weeks 3 days a week 20-60 min a day with 40-80% of Maximum heart rate and additionally GnRH agonists was used as medicine . The estradiol serum levelsand Gonadotropins were measured before, after, and after a follow-up program, respectively. BMI of subjects was measured to assess the effect of the aerobic exercises. Results: Data analysis showed that the aerobic training led to decreased significantly estradiol serum levelsand Gonadotropins in the experimental group (aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise+ drug groups) (P ≤ 0/05) The control group had no significant change in the index. BMI had no significant change in the drug group (P=0/06). Conclusions : Considering to the results of this study it could demonstrate that aerobic training and GnRH agonists at the same time can lead to decrease the estradiol serum level sandimprove the Gonadotropins in precocious puberty girls. Aerobic training can also decrease the BMI in girls with central precocious puberty.


Movement of liquor constituents from animal-waste lagoons has the potential to degrade ground water quality. The depth of movement and concentrations of lagoon-liquor constituents in the soil underlying three cattle (Bos taurus)-waste retention lagoons and one swine (Sus scrofa)-waste lagoon were determined. Samples were taken by using a direct-push coring machine, dissected by depth, and analyzed for total N, organic C, CaCO3, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), texture, and extractable NO3, NH(4), P, Cl, Ca, Mg, K, and Na. Ammonium N concentrations were greatest in the upper 0.5 m of soil under all four lagoons with concentrations ranging from 94 to 1139 mg kg(-1). Organic N was determined to make up between 39 and 74% of the total N beneath all lagoons. The swine lagoon had 2.4 kg N m(-2) in the underlying soil whereas the cattle lagoon with highest quantity of N had 1.2 kg N m(-2) in the underlying soil. Although N concentrations decreased with depth, N was greater than expected background levels at the bottom of some cores, indicating that the sampling efforts did not reach the bottom of the N plume. Nitrate N concentrations were generally less than 5 mg kg(-1) immediately below the lagoon floor. In the uppermost 0.5 m of soil underlying the swine and three cattle lagoons, NH4+ occupied 44% and between 1 and 22% of the soil cation exchange sites, respectively. The depth of movement of N under these lagoons, as much as 4 m, may pose remediation difficulties at lagoon closure.


Several results in the context of quantum gravity and related frameworks suggest the plausibility of modifications to the uncertainty principle and to the energy-momentum dispersion relation of special relativity. One of these frameworks is provided by gravity's rainbow. We analyze the consequences that such modifications may have for black hole thermodynamics from the perspective of two different gravity's rainbow formalisms. In this scenario, we show that the temperature of the black hole may vanish in the limit of zero mass under feasible conditions.


Background In Ireland there are large numbers of HCV+ve patients receiving methadone in drug treatment centre (DTCs) who do not attend hepatology services. Most of these patients have never had their liver disease staged. Fibroscan (FS) is a non-invasive tool to assess liver stiffness which correlates closely with hepatic fibrosis. Clinically relevant cut-offs are 8.5 kPa (access to DAAs in Ireland), 25 kPa (significant portal hypertension) and 35 kPa (10%–20% risk of decompensation per year). Aim To use FS to risk stratify patients receiving methadone in Dublin DTCs. To determine the impact of active alcohol consumption on FS score. Method We performed FS on sequential clients receiving methadone in the six larger Dublin DTCs regardless of their HCV status. Clients were also asked regarding alcohol intake and grouped as being –abstinent or not abstinent. Results A total of 618 consecutive patients (75% male, mean age 38±7.2) were assessed. HCV status was known in 91% (561) of patients with 70% (391) being HCV+ve. The mean FS score was higher in HCV+ve patients than HCV–ve (11.0 kPa ±12.4 vs 5.6 kPa ±4.0;p=0.001). In HCV+ve group, patients that drank alcohol (35%) had a higher score than those that were abstinent (13.2 kPa ±16.4 vs 9.7 kPa ±9.9;p=0.02). There were 128 (33% of total cohort) HCV+ve patients with FS ≥8.5 kPa, 34 (9%) with FS ≥25 kPa and 21 (5%) with FS ≥35 kPa. Conclusions This study has identified a large number of HCV+ve patients that do not attend hepatology services yet qualify for DAAs. Within this group there are significant numbers of patients at high risk of decompensation. On-going alcohol use is associated with a significantly higher FS score.


In this quantitative study we investigated the primary school students' perceived parental involvement in mathematics with respect to different school socio-cultural identity as identified by the students' ethnicity. 493 students attending the two last grades of three primary schools participated in the study. The role of the students' grade and gender, as well as the mother/father contrast were also considered in the analyses. The findings of the study revealed both inter-school and intra-school divergences and convergences, thus suggesting the complex links between school identity and perceived parental involvement. More specifically, according to our results, the 'multi-cultural' seems to be linked with a more stable perceived parental involvement across different year groups and calendar years. The pedagogical implication of the findings are discussed.


This study work out the extent of co-integration of wholesale prices of rice among markets of different states i.e. Punjab (Sangrur), West Bengal (Burdwan), Uttar Pradesh (Shahjahanpur) and Andhra Pradesh (West Godavari) of India by using Johansen test, examined the causality tests and also captures the speed of adjustment to deviations in long run equilibrium by using Vector Error Correction Model. Weekly wholesale price data from April, 2010 to march, 2014 were used for the study. The number of observation became 190 which the data was collected. Out of four markets only three markets were co-integrated. Some market pairs have shown bidirectional causality, while others have depicted unidirectional causality. The long-term equilibrium relationship exists between all the studied markets in term of weekly price of the rice, there also exists a short-run disequilibrium between some of the market pairs. Greater integration in these markets may help the farmers as well as consumers of the rice through better price signals.


Evaluation of the sensitivity of two highly sensitive troponin assays for early detection of non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The major clinical role for the cardiac troponin in the myocardial infarction diagnosis is in patients with non diagnostic initial electrocardiogram (ECG) (suspected NSTEMI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical sensitivity of two highly sensitive last generation troponin assays (Siemens Advia TnI-Ultra and Roche Diagnostics hsTnT) in the diagnosis of patients presenting with recent NSTEMI in comparison to conventional troponin assays. The study group consisted of 150 patients admitted to the Emergency Department with suspected acute coronary syndrome, to whom serial blood samples were taken every 3 h throughout the first 6 h after hospital admission. After evaluation of clinical history, ECG, and standard troponin results, obtained blinded to results of tested troponin assays, 31 patients were diagnosed as NSTEMI. Positive results were considered values >40 ng/L for TnIUltra and >15 ng/L for hsTnT, respectively. Sensitivities for NSTEMI were 81%, 87%, and 58% at admission and 100%, 100%, and 94% after 6 h for TnI-Ultra, hsTnT, and conventional assays, respectively. Interestingly, with both highly sensitive assays the maximal 100% sensitivity was already reached 3 h after admission. New highly sensitive troponin assays may significantly shorten the time to rule out NSTEMI. Although preliminary, our data suggest that the observation period of patients with suspected myocardial damage can be reduced from the conventional 12 h from hospital admission to only 3 h. Accordingly, a new protocol, sampling at presentation and 3 h later, could be recommended


This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of solution-focused group counseling to improve students planned happenstance skills. The experimental research method way repeated measures with pretest design and multiple posttest design, involving 5 students as participants which from 24 upperclassman of the guidance and counseling FKIP ULM which have low planned happenstance skills. The result of the research by using one-way ANOVA for repeated measures test showed that solution-focused group counseling was effective in improving the planned happenstance skills (F (2,8) = 325,895; p<0,001).


Modelling of the energy system in the countries surrounding the North Sea is performed with a focus on Norway and offshore wind farms situated in the North Sea. The geographically heterogeneous consumption and production distribution in Norway warrants a disaggregation of the country into separate regions. The ambitious targets set forth by the Norwegian government to license 30 GW of offshore wind generation capacity by 2040 also make the detailed study of the effects of such a large introduction of intermittent renewable energy relevant. We have selected to adhere to the Norwegian power market price zones in our disaggregation, resulting in five regions in Norway. In addition, a separate offshore zone has been added for offshore wind energy generation. This paper studies the resulting optimal capacity expansion and energy dispatch from the energy system model GENeSYS-MOD as a result of a) the disaggregation of Norway into 5 regions b) the introduction of an offshore region for offshore wind generation connected to NO2. The modeled time frame is from 2018 to 2050. The results show that a large introduction of offshore wind capacity results in less capacity expansion of onshore wind and considerably less solar capacity development.


Summary The Mount Isa Inlier contains four early to middle Proterozoic depositional cycles comprising terrestrial and shallow marine metasediments and intercalated metavolcanics. Several phases of granite and swarms of dolerite dykes (both partly comagmatic with the volcanics) intrude the sequence which is regionally metamorphosed in the greenschist and amphibolite facies. Structure is locally complex. The oldest cycle (Leichhardt Metamorphics: 1865 Ma) comprises metamorphosed rhyodacite and rhyolite. The second cycle (Magna Lynn Metabasalt and Argylla Formation: 1777 Ma) contains metamorphosed basalt, andesite, dacite, rhyolite, and clastic sediments. The Eastern Creek Volcanics (about 1700 Ma) is the most extensive example of the third cycle which is dominantly metabasalt and metamorphosed clastic sediments. The final cycle (1680–1610 Ma) is characterized by highly potassic (alkaline or altered) volcanics ranging from mafic lavas to felsic tuffs, interbedded with clastic and dolomitic sediments (e.g. at Mount Isa) which show little evidence of metamorphism. Almost five hundred specimens from twenty volcanic formations have been analysed since 1969, in conjunction with 1:100 000 regional mapping of the Inlier (60 000 km2) by the Bureau of Mineral Resources and Geological Survey of Queensland. For most specimens eleven major elements, four volatiles, and fifteen trace elements were determined, but up to thirty eight trace elements (including REE and F) were determined for representative pecimens of each major rock type. The analyses and isotopic dating have been used in characterizing the different volcanic units, petrological studies, tectonic modelling, and studies of alteration and ore genesis. Most of the mafic volcanics have tholeiitic affinities. The older felsic volcanics have calcalkaline affinities consistent with partial melting of a pelitic source. The later volcanics have bimodal characteristics.


Abstract The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (1996) instituted reforms in welfare that focused on mandatory work requirements. It imposes strict requirements and lifetime limits that force non-exempt individuals to work or risk sanctions. The law particularly impacts persons with disabilities because of the substantial numbers who believe they are unable to work. This article uses findings from a research study to discuss barriers faced by individuals with physical disabilities who are forced to find work under welfare reform. It highlights the experiences of African Americans who have the added burden of health disparities because of discriminatory and differential practices in diagnoses, treatment, access, and utilization. It also presents practice implications.


Applying the systematic method about how to get the discrete counterparts of continuous system given by K. Wu et al., we define the discrete analogue of Ehresmann connections, Cartan connections, and affine connections in the sense of Koszul and Levi-Civita, and prove some basic properties.


The Type 2-Cu-depleted laccase from the Japanese lacquer tree (Rhus vernicifera) can be reconstituted with CuSO4 aerobically and much more rapidly and efficiently under anaerobic reducing conditions. This is to be related to a more favourable conformation of a laccase in the reduced state, rather than to reduction of the metal ion. In fact, reconstitution with Cu(I)-thionein from baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) only proceeds under anaerobic reducing conditions, via a direct transfer of Cu(I).


OBJECTIVE
To understand current U.K. management pathways for patients with resected stage III melanoma and changes expected with the routine availability of systemic adjuvant melanoma treatments.

METHODS
In April-May 2018 (pre-National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approval of adjuvant therapy), 49 structured interviews were conducted with U.K. health professionals involved in melanoma management (28 oncology, 12 dermatology and 9 surgery) from 34 geographically dispersed National Health Service Trusts (1-6 respondents/Trust).

RESULTS
Respondents expect to see a median of 5 (range 1-35) patients/month eligible for adjuvant therapy. Currently, 31 (63%) respondents include standardised BRAFV600 mutation testing for primary melanoma in their local guidelines; 30 (61%) respondents are from centres offering sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) on-site after excision of melanoma from the trunk/limbs; 21 (43%) after excision of head/neck melanoma. Referral for SLNB (if not performed on site) is not always offered. With systemic adjuvant treatments becoming routinely available, respondents expect oncology involvement in patient care to increase considerably. Significant impacts are predicted on staffing, training, commissioning, service structure, local guidelines and patient psychological support requirements.

CONCLUSION
The routine availability of systemic adjuvant melanoma treatments is expected to have wide-ranging implications for the commissioning, organisation and delivery of melanoma services.


A promising new 3-D Programmable Erasable Nonvolatile CylIndricaL (PENCIL) flash EPROM cell that offers significant area and performance advantages over conventional planar approaches has been implemented in a novel memory array. The 3-D PENCIL cell is a vertical device formed on the sidewalls of an etched silicon pillar. The cell is a single transistor stacked gate structure with the floating gate and control gate completely surrounding the pillar. Current flows vertically from the bit line contact at the top of the pillar to the source lying at the bottom of the pillar. When implemented in a novel self-aligned array, the cell size approaches the square of the minimum pitch and has an area less than half that of the conventional NOR type structure. The cell and array architecture also promise to be highly scalable. Experimental data reveals that the cells have up to 3/spl times/ larger read current than comparable planar cells, are suitable for 5 V only operation and have fast program and erase speeds at moderate voltage levels. Uniformity and endurance characteristics are also promising. >


The evolution of the South Atlantic region including the Weddell Sea and its adjacent areas is of crucialimportance for understanding the processes of the structure and tectonics of the Antarctic lithosphere, its relation to geodynamic processes, especially to the timing and geometry of the initial stages of the Mesozoic break-up between Africa, Antarctica and South America. For unravelling the geological evolution of Antarctica prior to the break-up of Gondwana, the sub-glacial geology is of utmost importance. Understanding the sub-ice geology allows reconstruction of ancient mountain chains (collision zones) across continents, which are separated by large ocean basins in the presentworld. Since only the peaks of the Dronning Maud Land (DML) mountains can be geologically sampled, geophysical methods are required to uncover the geological structure beneath the ice. Therefore, extensive airborne surveys were conducted across DML between 2001 to 2005 to close data gaps and to improve existing data sets.


This article introduces a new electrocardiogram (ECG) signal model based on geometric signal properties. Instead of the artificial functions used in common ECG models, the proposed model is based on the modelling of real ECG signals divided into time segments. Each segment has been modelled using simple geometrical forms. The final ECG signal model is represented by the sequence of parameters of the base functions. Parameter variations allow for the generation of different waveforms for each subsequent heartbeat without mixing up the PQRST waves order. Two basic models utilize slightly modified elementary functions, which are computationally simple. A combination of both models allows for the modelling of irregularities in the consecutive heartbeats of the specific ECG waveforms. Respiratory, noise, and powerline interference can be added in order to make the generated ECG signal more realistic. The model parameters are estimated by differential evolution optimization and a comparison between the modelled ECG and the acquired signal. The proposed models are tested by the database included in the LabVIEW Biomedical Toolkit and ECG records in the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database.


The problem of nonparametric Bayes estimation of a tolerance distribution based on quantal response data has been considered previously with a prior distribution based on the Dirichlet process. In the present article, a broad class of priors is developed for this problem by allowing the hazard function of the tolerance distribution to be a realization of a nonnegative stochastic process with independent increments. This class includes the Dirichlet prior as a special case. In addition, priors over a space of absolutely continuous tolerance distributions, which includes IFR, DFR, and U-shaped failure rate distributions, are constructed by taking the failure rate to be the superposition of two processes with independent increments. Posterior Laplace transforms of the corresponding processes are obtained based on quantal response data with binomial sampling. These posterior Laplace transforms are then used to find Bayes estimates, and examples are given to illustrate the results.


Humans have known pandemics from time immemorial. The first true pandemic recorded in history is the Black Plague of 1918. After a century the world witnessed another true pandemic in the form of COVID19, caused by a virus known as Coronavirus, which is just 80-120 nm in diameter. It is submicroscopic, and per scientific knowledge, is the smallest and least valuable known living thing. Five events which are universally predominant during this pandemic are: fear, hunger, loss of wealth, loss of life and loss of provisions. It is amazing that the Qur'an confirms these five events as a test for humanity (Al-Baqarah, 155). In the matter of social distancing, it is amazing that Qur'an states that, Musa AS cursed his deviant follower Samiri, that he will be telling people throughout his remaining life that not to touch him (Ta-Ha, 97). Definitely a similitude to the social distancing practiced worldwide during this pandemic. As far as quarantine is concerned, the Prophet SAW, encouraged the people to follow the universal law of not to approach a land where an epidemic is prevailing, and if an epidemic has broken out in a land where one is staying, then do not leave that place, and bear it patiently (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 3473). Finally, there are good tidings from the Prophet SAW to his Ummah, in one of his sayings that Allah, Ta'ala has made plague, a source of mercy for the believers, for if one in the time of an epidemic plague stays in his country patiently hoping for Allah's reward and believing that nothing will befall him except what Allah Tala has written for him, he will get the reward of a martyr (Sahih Al-Bukhari 3474). In conclusion, fifteen centuries back Islam gave clear-cut solutions to the problems like pandemics.


The use of GaP as a source material for the generation of P/sub 2/ is shown to lead to the growth of a wide range of phosphide materials with excellent optical and electrical qualities. The compatibility of this source with a conventional solid source molecular beam epitaxy system is demonstrated through the continuous use of this cell for over 5 years with no safety or materials issues arising. The application of this cell to the growth of state of the art optoelectronics and microwave devices is illustrated.


Two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channels are thought to be druggable targets. However, only a few agents specific for K2P channels have been identified, presumably due to the lack of an efficient screening system. To develop a new high-throughput screening (HTS) system targeting these channels, we have established a HEK293-based "test cell" expressing a mutated Na+ channel (Nav1.5) with markedly slowed inactivation, as well as a K+ channel (Kir2.1) that sets the membrane potential quite negative, close to K+ equilibrium potential. We found in this system that Kir2.1 block by 100 μM Ba2+ application consistently elicited a large depolarization like a long-lasting action potential. This maneuver resulted in cell death, presumably due to the sustained Na+ influx. When either the TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+ (TASK)-1 or TASK-3 channel was expressed in the test cells, Ba2+-induced cell death was markedly weakened. Stronger activation of TASK-1 by extracellular acidification further decreased the cell death. In contrast, the presence of K2P channel blockers enhanced cell death. IC50 values for TASK-1 and/or TASK-3 blockers acquired by measurements of relative cell viability were comparable to those obtained using patch-clamp recordings. Both blockers and openers of K2P channels can be accurately assessed with high efficiency and throughput by this novel HTS system.


Background: The primary objective of this U.S. based multi-center study was to determine if obesity is associated with an increase in A1c levels among adults with T1D. Additionally, we also examined patient and clinical profile across all BMI groups in the adult T1D population.
 Methods: Electronic health record data from the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement (T1DX-QI) Collaborative for adult patients aged 21 years and older, between 2017-2021 was analyzed. BMI (kg/m2) was categorized into: Underweight (<18.5 kg/m2) , normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) , overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2) , obese (30.0-39.9 kg/m2) , and severely obese (≥ 40 kg/m2) . HbA1c levels were taken from patients' most recent clinic visit. Multivariable regression analysis was used to examine the association between obesity and HbA1c levels.
 Results: This analysis included 7,496 T1D adult patients, of which 3% were underweight, 42% normal weight, 33% overweight, 21% obese and 2% severely obese. Compared with normal weight people with T1D, the obese group were older (Mean (SD) , yrs: 36 (15) vs. 43 (15) ; p<0.001) , and less likely to use a CGM (72% vs. 66%; p<0.001) or insulin pump device CGM (63% vs. 57%; p<0.001) . Compared to normal weight individuals, obese people had higher HbA1c levels (B (SE) :0.17; p=0.002) adjusted for age, gender, insurance status and race/ethnicity.
 Conclusion: In this large real-world study, we found obese adults were more likely to have higher A1c levels than normal weight adults with T1D.

 N.Noor: None. H.K.Akturk: Research Support; Dexcom, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, REMD Biotherapeutics. M.Desimone: None. M.Basina: None. N.Rioles: None. S.Rompicherla: None. J.Haw: None. L.Golden: None. O.Ebekozien: None.

 The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust


We report a case of a patient with septic shock who underwent central venous catheter placement in the left internal jugular vein, and a bedside ultrasound 'bubble study' revealed venous cannulation. A chest X-ray postprocedure revealed concern for arterial system catheterisation. However, the possibility of a persistent left superior vena cava was discussed and confirmed with a formal transthoracic echocardiogram and CT. This case demonstrates the importance of ultrasound-guided visualisation of anatomical structures in real time during central venous catheterisation. Other similar cases from the literature are briefly described.


A study of the 23 MRI sites functioning in France at the end of 1987 provides an overall view of the organizational and economic aspects of these sites as well as an initial assessment of their activity in terms of the types of equipment used and the institutions, private or public, within which they have been set up.


Primordial germ cells (PGCs) can give rise to pluripotent stem cells known as embryonic germ cells (EGCs) when cultured with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), stem cell factor (SCF), and leukemia inhibitory factor. Somatic cells can give rise to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by introduction of the reprogramming transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4. The effects of Sox2 and Klf4 on somatic cell reprogramming can be reproduced using the small molecule compounds, transforming growth factor‐β receptor (TGFβR) inhibitor and Kempaullone, respectively. Here we examined the effects of TGFβR inhibitor and Kempaullone on EGC derivation from PGCs. Treatment of PGCs with TGFβR inhibitor and/or Kempaullone generated pluripotent stem cells under standard embryonic stem cell (ESC) culture conditions without bFGF and SCF, which we termed induced EGCs (iEGCs). The derivation efficiency of iEGCs was dependent on the differentiation stage and sex. DNA methylation levels of imprinted genes in iEGCs were reduced, with the exception of the H19 gene. The promoters of genes involved in germline development were generally hypomethylated in PGCs, but three germline genes showed comparable DNA methylation levels among iEGs, ESCs, and iPSCs. These results show that PGCs can be reprogrammed into pluripotent state using small molecule compounds, and that DNA methylation of these germline genes is not maintained in iEGCs. Stem Cells 2015;33:45–55


The drift velocity and the longitudinal diffusion coefficient have been measured for Li+ ions in He and 296 K and for 7<or=E/n0<or=180 Td, using a Tyndall-Powell type double-shutter drift tube with variable length. Above 40 Dt, the results disagree with previously published data. The disagreement can be traced to an inadequate analysis of the experimental arrival time spectra in the earlier works. The present data are however in good agreement with predictions based on ab initio interaction potentials, at high values of E/n0.


OBJECTIVES
To (1) determine whether medium chain fatty acids (Microlipid) added to human breastmilk generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), and (2) measure the physiological effect(s) of Microlipid) (ML)-supplemented human breastmilk in an enterocyte cell culture bioassay.

METHODS
ML was added to milk according to manufacturer's recommendations and total hydroperoxides measured at intervals with the FOX 2 and TBARS assays. Physiological effects of supplementation were measured using a human enterocyte cell line (Caco-2BBE) and/or a primary human fetal intestinal cell culture (FHS-74 Int). Endpoints included: intracellular oxidative stress, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), apoptosis, and interleukin (IL)-6 production.

RESULTS
Immediately postsupplementation, ML did not significantly increase ROS, as determined by both the FOX 2 and TBARS assays. Further, storage of milk + ML at 4 degrees C prevented significant increases in total hydroperoxides. However, by 4 hours postsupplementation at room temperature, both assays revealed significantly higher hydroperoxide and lipid peroxide levels. ML-supplemented milk stored at room temperature for 4 hours had the following effects in cell culture bioassays: elevated oxidative stress, increased rates of apoptosis, decreased transmembrane electrical resistance (TEER) values and, in both cell culture assays, significantly increased secretion of IL-6.

CONCLUSIONS
Based on our measurements of extracellular and intracellular ROS, milk supplemented with fresh ML does not induce significant oxidative stress. However, when stored for 4 hours at room temperature, ML induces significant levels of oxidative stress. Decreases in TEER and increases in apoptosis and IL-6 secretion are consistent with ML-induced oxidative stress. It therefore is likely that in clinical situations, if ML-supplemented milk is not administered quickly, the newborn may be placed at greater risk of oxidative stress.


The automotive industry has witnessed a trend in recent years of reducing the bulk weight of a
vehicle in order to achieve economical fuel consumption. Unfortunately, reduced bulk weight
often compromises the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics of the vehicle. This
paper investigates the effect of using dome-shaped indentations on a flat panel in order to reduce
the sound radiation whilst keeping the weight of the panel constant. The dimensions and placement
of the dome-shaped indentations are numerically optimized using a genetic algorithm technique so
that the panel radiates minimum sound power in the frequency range of interest. Both numerical and
experimental tests are performed on the optimized panel which is then compared to the radiated
sound power of an equivalent flat panel. Tests were also performed on intuitively placed domes on
the panels. The results illustrate the fluctuation in radiated sound power by varying the number and
location of the dome-shaped indentations. The paper concludes by demonstrating the advantages of a
fast and user-friendly optimization approach to passive noise control problems.


Current research on mortgage lending disparity is mostly based upon the process-based approach on discrimination, and the outcome-based approach on lending disparity and redlining. In recent years, the outcome-based model has received much attention, particularly on the relationship between intra-metropolitan geography and mortgage lending outcomes. From a policy perspective, the theoretical and empirical evidence on lending disparity is of great importance. However, there exists a mismatch between theoretical models, which focus on racial preferences, and empirical studies, which are essentially reduced form without adequate information. Besides, it may be difficult to unravel the effects of neighborhood race and other attributes. So far most studies conducted with the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data ignore determinants of geographic variations in lending outcome, or simply attribute them to local variations in risk. This study intends to investigate spatial dependence and neighborhood effects of mortgage lending disparities in the Southern California Five-county Region. In so doing, it assesses indicators of primary mortgage market activity and their determinants for the region as a whole and for the sub-regions inside it. The study compiles data from the 2002 HMDA and the 2000 U.S. Census to undertake a variety of analyses, including computation, assessment, and mapping of social-economic characteristics, as well as home mortgage origination, denial rates, and secondary market purchase rates by census tracts among sampled areas and population cohorts. Cluster analysis on those social-economic and mortgage parameters show distinctive patterns of spatial clustering among tracts across the region. In observing these blueprints of spatial dependence, the study further undertakes a geographically weighted regression (GWR) to analyze the spatial non-stationarity of the determinants of variability in primary market loan denial rates across locations for the year 2002. The modeling result reveals that significant spatial non-stationarity exists between mortgage denial rates and the social-economic determinants. Specifically, the study finds that those census tract-level attributes, including income, population, age, racial composition, housing stock, etc., show significant and varying impacts on mortgage denial rate pattern by spatial clusters. In particular, higher values of spatially varying coefficients on racial composition on traditionally underserved areas, such as south-central Los Angeles, and central cities of outer counties, shed lights on the concerns of redlining. The study concludes that mortgage lending pattern is better understood by the geographically-weighted model than traditional Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression approaches on lending outcome, which ignore the spatial correlation among local determinants.


Abstract This paper is an account of institutional and spatial shifts in the Sydney basin economy that coalesce around Australia's current, long period of prosperity. The paper briefly sources this prosperity, noting the key shifts towards the financial and professional services sectors that accompany it. This material is then used to make the argument that two reterritorialisation processes underpin Australia's—and Sydney's—contemporary accumulation project. The first reterritorialisation is a spatial reformation of distributional flows. Whereas Australian governments had two parallel purposes in post-war economic management, successful accumulation and sustainable socio-spatial distributions, the latter has been largely abandoned. The assumption now is that successful accumulation processes are per se the most appropriate distributional strategies. The second reterritorialisation, in a Deleuzian sense, is the reformation of institutional structures that regulate economy and promote economic growth. Here we find a tension in Australia's state apparatus between, on the one hand, an aggressive neo-liberalist reconstruction of the economic regulatory and production arms of the state, but with an adherence to a Keynesian mood within the nation's key spending and human services agencies on the other. The historical reasons for this tension are explained and possibilities for future change are speculated on.