An attempt is made to assess the effects of the compensating downward motion associated with the updraft upon the development of a cumulus cloud. The model consists of two circular concentric air columns: the inside column (core) corresponds to the updraft region (cloud area) and the outside concentric annular column corresponds to the downward motion region (cloudless area). The combined cell is surrounded by the atmosphere at rest. The governing equations of both the updraft and the compensating downward motion are derived from the conservation equations of momentum, heat, moisture and mass. The set of differential equations is solved numerically to show how the vertical velocity, temperature, specific humidity and liquid water content in and out of the cloud area will change with height and time, and to examine the effect of the downward motion upon the development of the cloud. The main results are the following: When the environmental atmosphere is relatively dry and without a steady source of moisture, tall clouds never develop. The compensating downward motion seems to have little influence on the evolution of the cloud in this case. When the environmental atmosphere is relatively moist, the structure of the single column updraft tends to a steady state, if we neglect the effect of the compensating downward motion. However, with the compensating downward motion, no tall cloudis maintained unless there is a steady source of moisture at the cloud base. It is apparent that the compensating downward motion acts as a "break" which prevents the maintenance of a tall cumulus cloud.


A brief review of the medical literature indicates areas of concern related to the safety of obstetric ultrasound usage. Questions raised in the medical literature dictate the need for conservative and appropriate use of ultrasound until long-term follow-up studies have been completed. The current use of diagnostic ultrasound in a prenatal clinic setting is explored. In the meantime, health-care providers should follow guidelines for obstetric ultrasound use to prevent indiscriminate patient exposure.


Introduction . The article describes a study of an original CLILbased teaching model at a teacher-training university, designed specifically to develop students' foreign language professional-communicative competence (FLPCC). Its relevance is due to a lack of research into applying CLIL theory and methodology in teacher-training institutions of higher education, as well as to a practical need to improve the quality of pedagogy undergraduates' foreign language instruction. The aim of the present study is to substantiate the effectiveness of implementing the proposed CLIL-based FLPCC development model at a pedagogical university. Methodology and research methods . The proposed model integrates the communicative and competence-based approaches, as well as the method of conceptual modelling. To assess and confirm the results of the experiment, the authors created a diagnostic complex test in accordance with the Professional Teacher Standard. A feedback survey among students and teachers was conducted, and a SWOT analysis was carried out. The applied methods of mathematical-statistical analysis: Mann – Whitney U-test, Student's t-test. Results and scientific novelty . Experimentally and statistically, the study proved the effectiveness of the proposed CLIL-based FLPCC development model. A new model-based CLIL-course was introduced, uniting the content, communicational, cognitive and cultural components of CLIL framework. The conducted experiment contributed to an increase in professional and subjectlanguage knowledge, development of the FLPCC skills and professional and communicative strategies, aimed at solving professional and pedagogical problems. The study presents a new perspective on tandem teaching by integrating the efforts of teachers from various scientific fields. A diagnostic complex test was developed in accordance with the Professional Teacher Standard. SWOT analysis of experimental results revealed the effectiveness and viability of the proposed model. Practical significance . The study will be useful to teachers practicing CLIL, and for those looking for ways to develop FLPCC in a teacher training institution. Although the experimental work carried out in one university, does not claim to be comprehensive, the authors believe that the model implementation may improve the quality of teacher education.


An unstructured hybrid mesh flow solver has been developed for the simulation of three-dimensional steady and unsteady incompressible flow fields. The incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with an artificial compressibility method were discretized by using a node-based finite-volume method. For the unsteady time-accurate computation, a dual-time stepping method was adopted to satisfy a divergence-free flow field at each physical time step. An implicit time integration method with local time stepping was implemented to accelerate the convergence in the pseudo-time sub-iteration procedure. The one-equation Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model has been adopted to solve high-Reynolds number flow fields. The flow solver was parallelized to minimize the CPU time and to overcome the computational overhead. This method has been applied to calculate steady and unsteady flow fields around submarine configurations and a 3-D infinite cylinder. Validations were made by comparing the predicted results with those of experiments or other numerical results. It was demonstrated that the present method is efficient and robust for the prediction of steady and unsteady incompressible flow fields.


Based on classical terrain following (TF) algorithm (adaptive angle method), a new method for TF controller is proposed by using angle of attack. A method of obtaining terrain outline data from Digital Elevation Map (DEM) for TF control is discussed in order to save store space. The block control model, which is suitable for backstepping design,is given for nonlinear model of aircraft. Making full use of the characteristics of the system and combining block control principle, backstepping technique, a robust controller design method is proposed. Uncertainties in every sub-block are allowed, and can be canceled by using the idea of nonlinear damping. It is proved that the state tracking errors converge to the neighborhood of the origin exponentially. Finally, nonlinear six-degree-of-freedom simulation results for the aircraft model are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control law.


ABSTRACT
Dengue fever develops with modifications in lab reports beginning the third day. It can appear on the fifth day with values reestablished to typical by the eleventh day. The examination results are applicable within the portrayal of organic markers in the advancement of the infection. They may be utilized as markers for the most severe structures along these lines empowering early assistance with the adaption of helpful lead for explicit patients. Seventy-three patients were analyzed for dengue fever. More significant variation was found in disease courses for the aged in hemoglobin and platelet count values. However, there was no significant difference between groups for the other forms of the disease, and the values were similar through the evolution. During the disease course, lymphocytosis was observed in all states, especially in the under-old age group. In all groups, thrombocytopenia was observed, and an increased AST enzyme occurred at the beginning of the disease.
Keywords: Arbovirus, Hyponatraemia, Thrombocytopenia etc.


Studying language means learning a new habit. It is said a
new habit because someone who learns the language has to study continuously. Nowadays English becomes an international language. Since it is an international language, the Ministry of Education and Culture takes English as one of the major lessons at school. The students studied English for the first time when they were at Junior High School. They learned the English grammar, reading, listening and speaking. Although they had studied
English when they were at Junior High School, they still got some troubles especially in reading comprehension when they entered university.
Based on the problem above, the writer suggests a reading strategy. The strategy used is note-taking, and the title that the writer takes for this thesis is "Note-Taking Strategy in Reading Comprehension Based On SPARC Technique".
SPARC means survey, preview, asking questions, reading to
find the answer and checking comprehension. Survey is a strategy that enables the reader to obtain an overview of the material, identify the book's theme and structure and determine the main ideas. Previewing requires an overview of a chapter or article that is done by reading the first paragraph, the first sentence of each following paragraph, and the last paragraph of the passage.
Asking questions means the reader questioned the title of the passage. Then he continued it by reading the passage to find out the answers. And the last one the reader can check to make sure that the idea he got is right. SPARC is a good strategy to do but we still need another strategy to support it especially if the reader came to the reading step. Human brain cannot remember all information given from the long passage. Based on it, here, the writer chooses note-taking strategy to support SPARC strategy.
Note taking is a skill which is as an act of writing down of a passage. This skill is a common practice at colleges and universities where English is the language of instruction. The purpose of taking notes is to make certain that someone understands what he reads at the time and to record it for later review. There is no one way to do note-taking, because it is the reader's own creativity. There are a lot of way to do note-taking.
Someone can do it by drafting in a piece of paper, he can write down the important words, such as names, dates, locations. He also can use 4 WH guidance, it is what, where, when, why and how. The draft he made can be classified as graphic, mapping, or chart. A glance at a graph, a map, or a chart gives more information in one instant than columns of words. Drafting can make the reading easier.
There are two advantages of doing note-taking. The first,
the notes provides a record of the information discussed by the lecturer in class, the information that the lecturer believes is especially important for learners to learn. And secondly, the notes force the learners to pay closer attention to the lecturer discussion. This advantage support the first advantage, it means that if the reader is not paying attention, she/he will lose the information she/he needs.
There are some suggestions to do the note-taking skill in
reading comprehension. The students have to remember their
notes especially the abbreviations. So far there is no field research on note-taking skill, so that the writer hopes that there is a teacher candidate who will take note-taking skill practice in her/his thesis as a field research.
By suggesting the note-taking skill practice, the writer
hopes that she can help the readers to make reading
comprehension easier.


A new benzophenone derivative, 8'-hydroxymonomethylsulochrin (1), together with eighteen known compounds (2-19) were produced by the endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus WJ-131, isolated from the stem of Gardenia jasminoides. The structure of 1 was determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis and X-ray crystallography. Under the condition of concentration of 20.0 μM, the splenic lymphocytes proliferation rates of compounds 1 and 7 induced by LPS were 39.4% and 38.1% (LPS, the splenic lymphocytes cell proliferation rates of 21.3%), and the splenic lymphocytes proliferation rate of compounds 7 induced by ConA is 44.6% (ConA, the splenic lymphocytes proliferation rates of 28.9%). Therefore, compounds 1 and 7 promoted the proliferation of ConA/LPS-stimulated splenic lymphocytes at 20.0 μM in vitro. In addition, compound 1 showed weak antibacterial activity against Fusarium oxysporum.


Obtaining accurate 3D object poses is vital for numerous computer vision applications, such as 3D reconstruction and scene understanding. However, annotating real-world objects is time-consuming and challenging. While synthetically generated training data is a viable alternative, the domain shift between real and synthetic data is a significant challenge. In this work, we aim to narrow the performance gap between models trained on synthetic data and few real images and fully supervised models trained on large-scale data. We achieve this by approaching the problem from two perspectives: 1) We introduce SyntheticP3D, a new synthetic dataset for object pose estimation generated from CAD models and enhanced with a novel algorithm. 2) We propose a novel approach (CC3D) for training neural mesh models that perform pose estimation via inverse rendering. In particular, we exploit the spatial relationships between features on the mesh surface and a contrastive learning scheme to guide the domain adaptation process. Combined, these two approaches enable our models to perform competitively with state-of-the-art models using only 10% of the respective real training images, while outperforming the SOTA model by 10.4% with a threshold of pi/18 using only 50% of the real training data. Our trained model further demonstrates robust generalization to out-of-distribution scenarios despite being trained with minimal real data.


This article represents an analysis of the cultural assumptions that are involved in the implementation of coproduction schemes. Through a case study of a garbage disposal scheme in a Japanese city, two interrelated themes are examined: (a) the nature of programs of coproduction as universal arrangements for the creation and delivery of urban services, and (b) the peculiar Japanese models and premises that form part of the implementation of such programs in that sociocultural context. The article also includes an examination of how the Japanese case may contribute toward an understanding of the assumptions that lie behind the introduction of coproduction arrangements in other cultural contexts.


The tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) member LIGHT (TNFSF14) plays an important role in regulating the activity of immune cells, especially T cells. Several studies have shown that engagement of HVEM (herpesvirus entry mediator), one of the known receptors of LIGHT, can deliver a co-stimulatory signal to support T cell activation and expansion and promote tumor clearance. The HERA technology platform developed by Apogenix generates fully human hexavalent TNFSF fusion proteins that mimic the natural receptor binding mode in order to co-stimulate T cells. HERA ligands are pure agonists whose signaling capacity does not rely on secondary Fcγ-receptor crosslinking. Here we report the in vitro and in vivo properties of a novel HERA-LIGHT construct. Similar to all HERA fusion proteins, HERA-LIGHT has been engineered as a perfect molecular mimic of the natural ligand with high clustering capacity for the cognate receptor. The core unit consists of a single chain polypeptide comprising the three minimal LIGHT-subsequences necessary for folding into a functional trivalent receptor binding domain (RBD). By fusing a silenced IgG1 Fc-domain as a dimerization scaffold to the C-terminus of the RBD we generated HERA-LIGHT, a hexavalent fusion protein. HERA-LIGHT was expressed in CHO suspension cells followed by a lab-scale purification process including AFC- and SEC-based polishing, resulting in homogenous, aggregate-free protein lots. HERA-LIGHT was proven to bind both the human and murine HVEM receptor, as determined by ELISA. Qualitative analytics revealed excellent stability following heat- and pH-stress as well as freeze-thaw cycles. Analyzing serum samples from a PK study in CD1-mice, the terminal half-life of the compound was 36.5 hours. This short half-life, relative to antibodies, allows for fast-in/fast-out dynamics essential for improving combination therapy and reducing serious side effects associated with immune system overstimulation. In order to test biological activity, T cells were isolated by magnetic sorting from human PBMCs and treated with HERA-LIGHT in vitro. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that HERA-LIGHT enhanced activation and proliferation of naive effector T cells (Teff) following stimulation with anti-CD3 antibody, as determined by CFSE dilution. Importantly, co-stimulation with HERA-LIGHT prevented regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated suppression of Teff proliferation. In vivo, treatment with a murine surrogate of HERA-LIGHT resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition in a pilot study using the syngeneic CT-26 colorectal cancer model.In summary, the unique hexavalent design of HERA-LIGHT mediates efficient co-stimulation of Teff even in the presence of Treg cells and independent of secondary crosslinking events. Being true agonists, all HERA molecules are unique from current antibody-based concepts rendering them attractive candidates for cancer immunotherapy. Citation Format: Julian P. Sefrin, David M. Richards, Jaromir Sykora, Meinolf Thiemann, Christian Merz, Viola Marschall, Mauricio Redondo Muller, Karl Heinonen, Harald Fricke, Christian Gieffers, Oliver Hill. Novel hexavalent HVEM agonist HERA-LIGHT promotes T cell activation and expansion [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 630.


Carbon concrete is a new, promising class of materials in the construction industry. This corrosion-resistant reinforcement material leads to a reduction in the concrete cover required for medial shielding. This enables lean construction and the conservation of concrete and energy-intensive cement manufacturing. Bar-type reinforcement is essential for heavily loaded structures. The newly developed helix pultrusion is the first process capable of producing carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement bars with a topological surface in a single pultrusion process step, with fiber orientation tailored to the specific loads. The manufacturing feasibility and load-bearing capacity were thoroughly tested and compared with other design and process variants. Approaches to increase stiffness and strength while maintaining good concrete anchorage have been presented and fabricated. Tensile testing of the helical rebar variants with a 7.2 mm lead-bearing cross-section was conducted using adapted wedge grips with a 300 mm restraint length. The new helix geometry variants achieved, on average, 40% higher strengths and almost reached the values of the base material. Concrete pull-out tests were carried out to evaluate the bond properties. The helix contour design caused the bar to twist out of the concrete test specimen. Utilizing the Rilem beam test setup, the helical contour bars could also be tested. Compared with the original helix variant, the pull-out forces could be increased from 8.5 kN to up to 22.4 kN, i.e., by a factor of 2.5. It was thus possible to derive a preferred solution that is optimally suited for use in carbon concrete.


Nanoporous starch materials were successfully prepared by a sustainable synthetic process. In this method, some available economic cationic, anionic and nonionic templates like CTAB, SDS and Tween 80 in the presence of borax, as a green and low-cost cross-linker, were used to synthesize the desired cross-linked nanoporous starch in the aqueous phase at relatively low temperature. The obtained materials were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, TGA, DSC and N2 adsorption/desorption methods. While SEM analysis confirmed the porous nature of the materials, BET measurement showed that the materials can have a specific surface area of 65 m g. Cross-linked nanoporous starch was found to be an efficient, inexpensive, easy to prepare, green adsorbent in the removal of methylene blue and methyl orange from wastewater. The synthesized material was found to be highly efficient in controlled adsorption and desorption of ciprofloxacin, which can be applied in drug delivery.


Several studies are available on the impact of factors affecting employee performance; however, the performance of employees in the government sector of Afghanistan has largely been ignored. This paper studies literature on employees' performance and develops a framework that illustrates the impact of employees' participation, relations and job involvement on their performance. Based on Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory of Motivation, Hygiene job factors are essential for the existence of motivation at workplace. Hygiene factors are necessary to maintain a reasonable level of satisfaction in employees, which are extrinsic and are related to the job context (Grant, 2003). To test the model, this study uses 150 observations from different ministries based in Kabul. The study found a positive and significant impact of employee participation, job involvement and employee relations on the dependent variable (Employee Performance). This paper will help the government sector managers, policy and decision makers to understand the most important and significant variables that can affect the performance of employees. The study has used linear regression model to illustrate the impact of independent variables, and has found out that employee relations, job involvement and employee participation has a strong positive impact on the performance of the employees in the government sector.


The use of phenylalanine derived non-toxic carbon dots (C-dots) as a vehicle for the delivery of widely used anti-psychotic drug haloperidol (HaLO) is described in the present research work. The C-dots were found to have remarkable optical properties and to exhibit bright green fluorescence under UV light (λex = 365 nm). The UV-Vis spectrum of the C-dots exhibits peaks at 232 and 276 nm confirming their synthesis in solution. The size of the C-dots was found to be in the range of 5–10 nm, as confirmed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). Cysteamine hydrochloride (CysHCl) was used as a non-toxic linker to functionalize the purified C-dots before grafting HaLO on the surface to facilitate the controlled release under physiological conditions. A constant release of HaLO was achieved for more than 40 h, which followed the Hixson–Crowell model under standardized conditions. The C-dot–CysHCl–HaLO conjugate was found to have a much higher compatibility with MDCK cells at pH 7.2 in comparison to bare HaLO.


The risk of fruit juice contamination caused by microorganisms, especially Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, has been reported worldwide. To develop cost-effective control methods, in this work, flower-like magnetic molybdenum disulfide (Fe3O4@MoS2) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated by a facile two-step hydrothermal method. After further modifying polyacrylic acid (PAA) on the surface of the NPs, epsilon-polylysine (EPL) was immobilized via N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide coupling reaction to obtain the Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA-EPL nanocomposites. Antibacterial results exhibited that the synthesized nanocomposites showed effective antibacterial activity against A. acidoterrestris with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.31 mg mL-1. Investigation on the antibacterial mechanism revealed that the presence of nanocomposites caused damage and disruption of the bacterial membrane through dent formation, resulting in the leakage of intracellular protein. Moreover, the activity of dehydrogenase enzymes was inhibited with the treatment of Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA-EPL, causing the reduction of metabolic activity and adenosine triphosphate levels in bacteria. Simultaneously, the presence of nanocomposites improved intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and this disrupted the antioxidant defense system and caused oxidative damage to bacteria. Furthermore, Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA-EPL nanocomposites were confirmed to possess satisfactory biocompatibility by performing in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo acute toxicity experiments. The aim of this research was to develop a new pathway for the inhibition of A. acidoterrestris in the juice industry.


In Brazil, globules are by far the most prescribed homeopathic pharmaceutical solid form intended for internal use. In the specialized pharmaceutical literature, different proposals are found for the preparation of homeopathic medicines in the form of globules, although there aren't detailed references for validating pharmacological procedures. The principal objective of this study is to propose subsidies for validating techniques and methods used in the impregnation of globules. At first, we prepared coloring solutions in different concentrations to reach densities which are similar to those of the homeopathic dilutions (controls). Using coloring solutions previously chosen, single impregnations at 2% (V/w) and 5% (V/w) and the triple impregnation at 10% (V/w) were performed in inert globules of numbers 3 and 7, with 70% ethanol (w/w) and 90% ethanol (w/w) to validate methods and techniques of impregnation.


1. The current study addressed how acute colitis, induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by the administration of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in their drinking water, may affect some functional properties of the longitudinal muscle layer of the distal colon. 2. Dextran sulphate sodium was provided at a concentration of 3% for 3 or 7 days, or 5% for 7 days, and the rats were thereafter killed. Specimens of the distal colon were taken for histology or for organ bath experiments. 3. The colitis score increased significantly with increasing dose of DSS administered. At 5% concentration, there was sometimes even transmural inflammation. Functionally, there was a progressive increase in optimal preload (P(o)) for the contractile response to carbachol (1 microM), in relation to the severity of the colitis. At 5% DSS, the magnitude of the response to carbachol at P(o) was significantly increased compared with control rats. Such an effect could not be verified when, instead, K+ (60 mM) was used as a spasmogen. 4. It is concluded, that the colitis score increased in severity progressively with increasing amounts of DSS administered. The longitudinal muscle layer was functionally affected by the inflammation. Thus, there was a progressive increase in optimal preload for muscle contraction. Moreover, severe colitis resulted in an increase of the contractile response to carbachol, while a significant increase in the response to depolarization with K+ could not be found.


PurposeThis paper aims to uncover the current status of information literacy (IL) instruction through massive open online courses (MOOCs), comparing the content and instructional design of existing offers and showing avenues for future MOOCs.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive search for existing MOOCs on IL revealed 11 offers that are available for analysis. A content analysis is conducted to compare their content and instructional design. The category system is based on the IL standards and performance indicators of the Association of College and Research Libraries (2000), which has been supplemented with additional categories and an evaluation grid for MOOCs.FindingsThe results suggest first, that the topics covered by IL MOOCs differ widely. While some of the MOOCs mainly reflect the performance indicators suggested by the ACRL standards on IL from 2000, some other MOOCs focus on completely different topics such as fake news or internet security. Second, they show that MOOCs on IL tend not to emphasize subject-specific and country- or culture-specific contexts. Third, it shows that input-based teaching approaches dominate, while collaborative and interactive activities are only rarely used. Fourth, they allow drawing a possible connection between student engagement and design of the learning contents.Research limitations/implicationsThis work reflects the current status of IL facilitation through MOOCs. Further research is needed.Practical implicationsThe results confirm that MOOCs are a promising approach for developing IL skills and provide avenues for future MOOC projects, especially on IL.Originality/valueThis paper is one of few works to discuss IL facilitation through MOOCs.


Microscopy and Microanalysis 2005 promises to be a dynamic meeting proving that good science can transcend national boundaries. In addition to the usual sponsoring societies, the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) and the Microbeam Analysis Society (MAS), the International Metallographic Society (IMS) will again be a co-sponsoring society of the meeting. We are also fortunate that with the prime location of the meeting in Hawaii, many of the Pacific Rim Microscopy Societies will be joining us for the meeting. These include the Committee of Asia-Pacific Societies for Microscopy (CAPSM), the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Society (AMMS, Inc.), the Australian Microbeam Analysis Society (AMAS), and Microscopy New Zealand (MNZ). This truly international representation will provide attendees with the opportunity to observe how microscopy and microanalysis are advancing multiple fields of science in much of the world. The M&M 2005 Executive Program Committee, comprised of co-chairs from each of the participating societies, has put together a comprehensive scientific program that will address a variety of cutting-edge topics in the applications of microscopy in the biological and physical sciences and in the development of new instrumentation and techniques.


Precision Controls a leading designer of industrial valve systems has the opportunity to contract with Ashmore Chemicals with produces phenol. Ashmore is trying to improve on its safety due to terrorist activity and recent close calls at one of its plants. Ashmore wants upgrades to current valves with a time factor of nine months to completion. In return Precision Controls has the opportunity to make 100% price premium if improvements are dramatic enough and finished within the time frame. For Precision Controls this would mean a valve redesign, software development, and manufacturing issues to resolve for completion of project. Excerpt UVA-QA-0656 Precision Controls Even though the hiking trip to Shenandoah National Park was intended to be a restful interlude in his work pace, Robert Ferguson, head of Marketing at Precision Controls, found his mind wandering to his recent conversation with Theresa Payne, executive vice president of Ashmore Chemicals. Contract discussions with Payne, who was responsible for worldwide corporate-safety programs at Ashmore, had taken an interesting turn. Payne had initially contacted Precision to place an order for 50 of Precision's model SV44A-10 smart-valve systems to manage the phenol flows at Ashmore's nine chemical plants worldwide. Their conversation, however, had led to the possibility of Precision's developing an improved model for Ashmore at a substantially increased price. Payne's proposed new system would require an improvement in the flow sensing and flow control of the existing valve system to allow for real-time information processing and dynamic responses to changes in process states. In addition, the new system would require a substantial improvement in valve capability to enable quick changes in valve-gate positions. Because of the dynamic nature of the real-time information flow, the improved valve system would need to respond to instruction changes far more rapidly than the existing model. The Ashmore Contract Precision Controls was the leading designer and manufacturer of industrial valve systems. Much of its reputation was based on its leading-edge technology, outstanding record of product reliability, focus on cooperative customer relations, and willingness to design customized products. . . .


How a worldwide network of satellites, spy planes, computers, and databases united in support of some revolutionary weapons in the Persian Gulf War is described. The nature of and role played by the coalition's information architecture, and its growth and operation, are examined. The system, which loosely fit under what the Pentagon calls command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C/sup 4/I), was so mobile and sprawling and complex-a sort of electronic ecosystem-that it defies succinct explanation. The use of the F-117A stealth aircraft, the Tomahawk cruise missile, and other high-tech weapons is discussed. Functional shortcomings among US forces identified during the conflict are briefly considered.<<ETX>>


textabstractCerebrovascular disease is an important cause
of death. The number of cerebrovascular complaints is
increasing, mainly as a consequence of increasing the
mean lifetime. Functioning of the brain is dependent
on blood supply. A temporary or prolonged reduction of
total or regional cerebral blood flow (c.b.f.) may lead
to irreversible damage of cerebral tissue and loss of
neurological functions. Therefore the measurement of
cerebral blood flow, preferably in different regions,
is clinically important. Several methods of measuring
c.b.f. have been developed. The applicability of a
method in a clinical situation depends on its traumatic
aspects. A brief survey of the methods of c.b.f.
measurement is given at the end of this chapter. The
clinical method used most frequently is the Xe-133
clearance technique. The Xe-133 is administered by three
different routes, intra-arterial, intravenous or by
inhalation. This thesis mainly deals with the intraarterial
injection technique, evaluated on the pig as
experimental animal.


The Operational subsidies are the basis of CAP, which is financed from the EU budget. Although its share in the budget has decreased lately to approx. 40%, it still represents the key EU policy. The aim of the article is the analysis of the policy of subsidies in the field of operational subsidies in the EU countries in years 2004 to 2012, which represents its comparison based on selected economic indicators. The objective was to find suitable connections and links among these indicators and operational subsidies. The article deals with comparison of agricultural subsidies in the member states of the EU in the period 2004-2012 based on the database FADN. The linkage of paid out operational subsidies related to area value of utilised agricultural area is obvious – the co called decoupling occurs (i.e. breaking away of subsidies from output). The subsidy range has a dropping trend over time and the values of minimum and maximum draw near each other during the monitored period.


On one hand, today´s pedagogy is ruled by the perspective of caring for the child and for its future in society and the normative framing by personal, social and political-economical demands. On the other hand, pedagogy today is led by a high esteem for the personality, the responsibility and also the autonomy of the child. Both approaches are deeply rooted in the tradition of Enlightenment (cf. Adorno 1947). This means that social reality is regarded as being governed by planning and by sensible decisions, by rules, by transparent procedures, by unambiguous facts and by other characteristics of rational order. If this is not the case in reality, pedagogy (and with it each child and each pedagogue) is usually addressed as one of the first to change the situation for the better. Anyway, pedagogy usually fails - in some way.Seen from a methodical perspective, present day pedagogy refers to a theoretical and empirical research which mainly deals with the concept of "objectivity" as the central point of reference:- In Scientific approaches, objectivity is either thought to be reached by strict methodical procedures. Or objectivity is regarded only as an aim to be approached by striving for consensus. Then, social reality is dealt with as if it were a text (cp. "linguistic turn"). That is to say, social reality is seen as if it were ruled by completeness, closeness, unambiguity and linearity (Oser 1997, Wulf 2007).- Analogously, in school it is widely regarded as the main aim to impart available knowledge and abilities oriented at certain objectives. Pedagogical theory and practice is often reduced to certain norms and to definite interventions in well-defined pedagogical situations. In this regard, pedagogy as well as pedagogically intended knowledge and abilities are interpreted as competences. The customary definition of competences (Weinert et al. ) has a strong impact in terms of the scientific psychometric approach.In my presentation I will stick to scientific models in which pedagogy is seen differently from the tradition of Enlightenment.


We report, for the first time, fabrication of double-clad planar waveguide structures and their use for multiwatt, diode-bar-pumped, planar waveguide lasers based on Nd/sup 3+/ and Yb/sup 3+/-doped YAG. The direct-bonded, five-layer structures of sapphire, YAG, and rare-earth-doped YAG have sufficient numerical aperture to capture the fast-axis divergence of a diode bar by proximity coupling with no intervening optics, leading to very simple and compact devices. The restriction of the doped region to the central core leads to diffraction-limited laser output in the guided direction. We also show that the direct-bonding fabrication process can lead to a linearly polarized output.


Last month, German Chancellor Angela Merkel approved a long-term strategy to push renewable energies as a reliable, economical, and environmentally sound pillar of sustainable economic growth. The "Energiekonzept" (Energy Concept) foresees an end to the country's dependence on fossil fuels and defines key milestones to achieve by 2050, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 80% (compared to 1990 levels), the modernization and insulation of buildings, and a decrease in electricity consumption by 25%. Innovations must contribute substantially to meet these objectives, and so energy research is an explicit part of the Energiekonzept. By spring 2011, the German government will present a detailed new Energy Research Program that outlines important research tasks to support these new goals.


Eighty-five potable water samples were analyzed for the presence of Legionella pneumophila by direct plating and by guinea pig inoculation methods. Direct plating methods utilized antimicrobial-containing media with and without acid treatment of specimens before inoculation. Thirty-three specimens were culture positive for L. pneumophila by one or both techniques. A total of 14 specimens were positive for L. pneumophila by direct plating only, and 2 specimens were positive for L. pneumophila by guinea pig inoculation only. The sensitivity of direct plating is significantly greater than that of guinea pig inoculation when isolating L. pneumophila from potable water (P less than 0.01).


We embed the Varian (1980) model in a broader setting that considers how switcher/loyal customer segments are determined. Generally, customer acquisition is deterministic while pricing is randomized. The equilibrium outcome depends on the timing of customer acquisition relative to pricing. If sellers acquire customers before setting prices, the unique equilibrium is asymmetric. If sellers acquire customers and set prices simultaneously, the unique equilibrium is symmetric. Our results provide a fundamental justification for previous analyses that variously assumed the outcome to be asymmetric or symmetric. The comparative statics for the asymmetric and symmetric equilibria are identical.


Aims Seedling is the fundament of vegetation restoration succession and plays a very important role in ecosystems. The objective of this paper was to explore the characteristics of seedling survival in habitats of hill and gully slopes in a hill-gully Loess Plateau region. Methods Fifteen permanent plots in Zhifanggou and Songjiagou watershed in Ansai County were established for sentinel dynamic monitoring, and one-way ANOVA and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to analyze seedling density and survival rate in different habitats. Important findings There were significant differences in the characteristics of seedling survival among different habitats, with smaller seedling density and higher survival rates observed on the sunny slopes and larger seedling density but lower survival rate found on the shady slopes. In competition for survival, Artemisia gmelinii, Potentilla tanacetifolia, and Heteropappus altaicus etc. took advantage of quality and were characterized by a higher seedling survival rate, while Artemisia scoparia, Ixeris chinensis, Siphonostegia chinensis etc. adopted a strategy of "quantity" and characterized by a higher seedling density. The same species in different habitats had different survival curves, and the same survival curves in different habitats applied to different species. The seedlings of Artemisia gmelinii, Potentilla tanacetifolia, Stipa bungeana, Heteropappus altaicus, and Lespedeza davurica etc. had a strong survival capability in the rainy season and were easy to overwinter successfully, whereas the seedling survival capability in Artemisia scoparia, Dracocephalum moldavica, and Artemisia hedinii etc. was strong priorto the rainy season but weak in winter. The characteristics of seedling survival in different micro-environments also differed. A change in micro-environment affected seedling growth, survival, and overwintering to some extent. Thus, a proper tending for seedlings according to the survival characteristics of species is conducive to the seedling establishment and vegetation succession in the hill-gully Loess Plateau region.


A fundamental problem in localizing multiple events based on Times of Arrival (ToAs) at a number of sensors is that of associating ToAs with events. We consider this problem in the context of acoustic sensors monitoring events that are closely spaced in time. Due to the relatively low speed of propagation of sound, the order in which the events arrive at a sensor need not be the same as the order in which they occur, potentially creating fundamental ambiguities. We first explore such ambiguities in an idealized setting with two events and noiseless observations, showing that it is possible to localize both events with nine or more sensors (as long as degenerate sensor placement is avoided), but that we can construct examples with six sensors for which unambiguous space-time localization is not possible. We then show that these potential ambiguities are not a bottleneck in typical practical settings, proposing and evaluating an algorithm that successfully localizes multiple events using noisy observations. The algorithm employs parallelism and hierarchical processing to avoid the excessive complexity of naïvely trying all possible associations of events with ToAs. We use discretization of hypothesized event times to enable us to efficiently generate a set of candidate event locations, which contain noisy versions of true events as well as phantom events. We refine these estimates iteratively, discarding "obvious" phantoms, and then solve a linear programming formulation for matching true events to ToAs, while identifying outliers and misses. Simulation results indicate excellent performance that is comparable to a genie-based algorithm which is given the correct association between ToAs and events.


Session of Tuesday, December 29 The Society was called to order by President Cumings for its 23d annual meeting at 2 :20 p. m. The report of the Council was the first business in order. REPORT OF THE COUNCIL To the Paleontological Society, in 23d annual meeting assembled: The business of the Society which was carried on during the past year is covered by the reports of the Secretary and the Treasurer and those of the various committees. The Secretary's and the Treasurer's reports are presented herewith. Secretary's Report To the Council of the Paleontological Society: I have the honor to present the following report for the year ending December 28, 1931. Meetings. —The Proceedings of the 22d annual meeting of the Society, held at Toronto, December 29 to 31, 1930, have been published in volume 42, number 1, pages 335–384 of the Bulletin of the Geological Society of . . .


The objective of the study was to determine whether a less-invasive surgical technique used in cryptorchid horses, dogs and cats can be used successfully to remove retained testicles in pigs on farm. In total, 284 monolateral cryptorchid pigs underwent surgery on-farm condition, during which an incision was made over the inguinal ring and the undescended testicle was located for removal via identification of the vaginal process and the embryonic gubernaculum. A traction of these structures allowed the testis to pass through the deep and the superficial rings up to its exteriorisation outside the abdominal wall through the inguinal canal. The undescended testicle was located in the abdomen in 258 cases (90.8 per cent) and in the inguinal region in the remaining 26 cases (9.1 per cent). In none of the pigs was the abdominal cavity breached or the inguinal rings enlarged. However, in 23 pigs (8.1 per cent) the gubernaculum testis was thin and it frayed and ruptured when traction was applied, requiring a recovering by inserting a finger and Kelly curved forceps into the abdomen through the inguinal ring. In two pigs (0.7 per cent), the undescended testicle was not found. All surgical procedures were completed within 6–12 minutes. Four pigs died within two days after surgery (1.4 per cent). Major intraoperative or long-term complications did not occur. Results suggested that this surgical method is highly effective and could be used as a primary surgical approach in cryptorchid pigs as it is in cryptorchid dogs, cats and horses.


Increased blood viscosity has frequently been related to ischemic heart diseases. Since blood viscosity depends mainly on hematocrit (HTC), the effects of hemodilution have been studied on the isolated working rabbit heart perfused initially with 50% HCT, submitted to global ischemia for 10 min and reperfused with two different amounts of HCT: 50 and 30%. When the reperfusion was carried out with 50% HCT (N = 10) aortic flow failed to be restored in 4 hearts. When the reperfusion was performed with 30% HCT, all hearts recovered rapidly, reaching the preischemic cardiac output 20 min later. The ratio between cardiac output (C.O.) 20 min after reperfusion and C.O. before ischemia was 0.30 for the high hematocrit group (H.H.) as compared to 0.89 for the low hematocrit group (L.H.). The ratio of the coronary flow (C.F.) 20 min after reperfusion and that of C.F. before ischemia was 0.83 for the H.H. group as compared to 1.30 for the L.H. group. After reperfusion the myocardial oxygen consumption was not significantly different between both groups. The better recovery of heart performance after ischemia when the hearts were reperfused with a 30% HCT suggests that hemodilution results in a better oxygen distribution.


Background: Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with maternal anti-SS-A/ Ro and anti-SS-B/La antibodies and characterized by cutaneous erythema, congenital heart block (CHB), hepatic dysfunction, and hematological abnormalities. Aim: This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of cases of NLE among South Koreans by analysis of data reported in the literature and in the medical records of 1 NLE patient at our hospital and compare them to the clinical characteristics of NLE among Caucasians, as reported in the literature. Methods: The clinical data regarding 1 patient diagnosed with NLE at our hospital and those of 19 patients diagnosed with NLE at other South Korean hospitals between 1993 and 2010 were reviewed and analyzed before being compared with those regarding Caucasians diagnosed with NLE, as reported in the literature. Results: Regarding onset of manifestation, 80% of NLE patients in South Korea began to display clinical characteristics of NLE within 4 weeks of diagnosis. Regarding the form of clinical manifestation, 80% manifested skin abnormality; 25%, CHB; 35%, hematologic abnormality; and 25%, transient elevated transaminase level. These percentages were comparable to those reported for Caucasian NLE cases. Whereas the literature indicates a female predominance in NLE incidence among Caucasians, analysis of the study data indicates a male predominance in NLE incidence among South Koreans. Conclusions: Other than that for CHB, the incidence of each form of NLE manifestation is relatively similar for South Korean and Caucasian NLE cases. The major difference between the incidence of NLE between South Koreans and Caucasians concerns the male:female ratio, which appears higher for South Koreans, and to indicate a male predominance in NLE incidence among South Koreans.


Effects of chronic intranasal administration of ACTH(4-10) analog Semax (MEHFPGP) on exploratory activity, anxiety level, and depression-like behaviour were studied in white rats. The peptide was injected daily in dose 0.05 mg/kg during 10 or 14 days. It was shown that chronic Semax administration at 1-2 weeks induced anxiolytic and antidepressant effects but did not influenced the exploratory activity in non-stressogenic environment. The Semax effects may be the results of activation of the brain serotoninergic system as well as increased BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus.


Tulathromycin is approved in the United States for the treatment of respiratory disease in bovine and swine, infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis associated with Moraxella bovis, and interdigital necrobacillosis in bovine. This macrolide highly concentrates in lung tissue and persists in the intra-airway compartment for a long time after a single administration. It also accumulates in inflammatory cells, including neutrophils and macrophages. This article reviews pharmacokinetic information about tulathromycin in different veterinary species with particular emphasis on the respiratory system.


Emulgels (emulsion gels) are a class of biphasic semi-solid formulations, having aqueous and non-aqueous phases, delivering both hydrophilic and lipophilic agents. The main advantage of an emulgel is that lipophilic drugs can be easily formulated as emulgels. Rutin trihydrate is an herbal drug used for topical treatment of inflammation. However, its poor water solubility (0.125 mg/ml) presents a hindrance for its local bioavailability and limits effective anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of the current study was to formulate and optimize rutin trihydrate emulgel to enhance its efficacy and stability. 28 formulations were developed with various types of gelling agents like Carbapol 934 (0.8 and 1% w/v), Xanthum gum (1.5 and 2% w/v), HPMCk15 (2, 2.5 and 3% w/v),HPMC K100 (2, 2.5% w/v), guar gum (1, 1.5 and 2% w/v), badam gum (1% w/v) and using various permeation enhancers like clove oil, eucalyptus oil and oil of orange (10 and12.5% v/v). The optimised formulation (f8) was yellow in colour, homogeneous with good consistency, possessed pH of 6.51±0.04 that is very close to that of normal skin (6-7), drug content of 98.7%, viscosity of 14,680cps at 30rpm, spreadability 13.5gm.cm/sec and extrudability 36.2% and in vitro drug release of 79.3% for 7 hrs, ex vivo drug release of 70.08% was stable for 3 months and was having comparable anti inflammatory activity with that of marketed formulation.


Heterostructure is playing a crucial role in current optoelectronic applications. Realizing the heterostructure in a recently exciting semiconductor material: hybrid halide perovskite crystals, has been a long-sought goal in the field. Here, we demonstrate modulation-doped layer growth on large hybrid halide perovskite crystals. We show that the well known problem of halide ion inter-diffusion can be controlled by (1) using low halide composition gradient and (2) adjusting solution concentrations just above the critical supersaturation, in the solvothermal liquid-phase growth process. In comparison to a few seconds dipping time previously reported for the ion-exchange processes, our layer growth time could be conveniently extended up to 80 minutes to grow a uniform and controllable layer, with a very thin inter-diffusion region. The growth of the CH3NH3PbBr3 layer on top of the CH3NH3Pb(Br0.85Cl0.15)3 bulk substrate is studied for different growth times to obtain up to a 30 μm layer thickness. The ion diffusion profile and layer thickness are verified, respectively, by cross-sectional characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Electron back-scattering diffraction (EBSD) suggests a similar crystallographic orientation for both substrate and grown layers. Our diffusion model illustrates the halide ion concentration at the interface, correlating with the EDS mapping results. Optical imaging and photoluminescence (PL) characterization confirm the quality and bandgap of the grown layers. Especially, the growth process is further extended for two consecutive layers to create a double heterostructure for the first time with a large perovskite crystal. Our low cost process could pave the way for many optoelectronic applications such as color tunable light emitting diodes or photodetectors developed with perovskite crystals.


Studies of the response of excitonic transitions in quantum wells to external perturbations have proven useful in understanding the electronic properties of quantum wells. This paper discusses the use of two such perturbations, electric fields and uniaxial stress, in photocurrent and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy measurements on GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs quantum wells. When an electric field is present in a square quantum well, forbidden excitonic transitions become visible. The excitons also exhibit a Stark shift to lower energies. Since the Stark shifts for different excitons are not the same, it is possible to tune the energy separations between the excitons. By applying electric fields to a 160 Å well, an anticrossing between the excited states of the first heavy hole exciton and the 1s ground state of the first light hole exciton has been observed. The effect of a uniaxial stress on a quantum well is found to depend strongly upon the axis along which the stress is applied. This is in contrast to bulk GaAs. The application of a uniaxial stress to a quantum well can help determine the valence band symmetry of a particular exciton, since heavy and light hole excitons exhibit different energy shifts in a stress. This fact has been used in conjunction with polarization and electric field dependent measurements to identify exciton peaks which arise from mixing between the second heavy and first light hole valence subbands.


The performance of single-determinant methods for finding geometries and energies of excited states is tested on the ozone molecule. Geometries for low-lying singlet and triplet states of ozone were optimized by CCSD(T) and density functional theory (DFT) (with BPW91 functional) methods. DFT geometries were found to lie close to CCSD(T) values. Most CCSD(T) and DFT geometries and energies are in good agreement with available experimental and recent high-level theoretical values, with deviations lying within 0.02 A, 2 degrees, and 0.3 eV. An exception is the 1 (1)B(2) state, having a larger deviation of bond distance and energy. A multiconfigurational treatment is required for this state. DFT geometry optimizations and calculations of vibrational frequencies were extended to higher states, covering over 30 excited states of ozone, with adiabatic excitation energies up to about 6 eV. Calculated harmonic frequencies showed several states, including 1 (1)B(2), to be saddle points. Multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) bending potentials for first and second singlet and triplet states were used in verifying the CCSD(T) and DFT geometries and for locating additional minima. For first states, DFT bending potentials are compared with MRCI potentials. As a criterion for the quality of single-determinant geometries and energies of excited states, comparison of their vertical excitation energies with MRCI or time-dependent DFT values is recommended.


To investigate the potential impact of RF electromagnetic fields of transmitters on the sleep quality of nearby residents, a new study design is presented. In a double-blind crossover field study the effect of on-site shielding, rather than of additional exposure, is investigated. For improved sleep quality differentiation the polysomnographic parameters are expanded by additional parameters. The feasibility study showed that checking the raw data and correcting the software-generated results by visual reading of the polysomnographic recordings is essential. Long-term RF measurement showed that exposure may vary considerably throughout the night, as well as from one night to the next. This variation may be greater than the GSM contribution itself. Mostly, the contributions of USW radio frequency fields dominated over GSM. Thus, continuous broadband RF recording is required for reliable interpretation of the results, in particular with regard to the potential role of mobile telephony emissions. Results show that simple sleep monitoring systems based on single-channel EEG analysis without acces to original biosignals are not adequate for sleep studies.


The magnetic properties of Li 2 Cu 2 O(SO 4) 2 are investigated in the framework of density functional theory. In its high-temperature tetragonal structure, this compound appears as a rare material realization of a frustrated spin-1/2 two-leg ladder, where magnetic frustration arises from competing nearest and next-nearest interactions along the legs. Through a large magnetoelastic coupling, the triclinic distortion occurring around 125 K is shown to induce the formation of a staggered dimer structure, lifting most of the magnetic frustration. During the last few decades, a considerable effort has been devoted to the experimental and theoretical investigation of frustrated quantum antiferromagnets [1]. Among the different models studied as potential candidates in which new states of matter could occur, the frustrated S = 1/2 two-leg spin ladder has received considerable attention, as it combines low spin, low dimensionality, and magnetic frustration. The general Hamiltonian for this model can be written as H = J α=1,2 i S α,i · S α,i+1 + J ⊥ i S 1,i · S 2,i + J × i (S 1,i · S 2,i+1 + S 1,i+1 · S 2,i) + J 2 α=1,2 i S α,i · S α,i+2 , (1) where the index α distinguishes left and right legs, i labels rungs, and the S α,i are the S = 1/2 operators at the rung i on the α th leg of the ladder. J is the nearest-neighbor (NN) exchange coupling along the legs and J ⊥ the interleg coupling along the rungs. Frustration arises either through the next-nearest-neighbor (NNN) coupling along the legs J 2 or through the diagonal, interleg coupling J ×. In the absence of next-nearest-neighbor coupling (J 2 = 0), the phase diagram for this model was originally shown to consist of two parts: a Haldane and a rung-singlet phase [2–4]. It was later suggested that this picture might be incomplete and that an additional, intermediate dimerized phase could also occur [5,6]. Vekua and Honecker [7] further showed that the addition of sufficiently strong next-nearest-neighbor couplings along the legs (J 2 = 0) stabilizes additional columnar dimer and staggered dimer phases. A rich phase diagram thus emerges from this quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) lattice model depending critically on the relative signs and strengths of the various exchange couplings. Unfortunately, only a very limited number of material systems can be considered as true realizations of frustrated S = 1/2 two-leg spin ladders and thus, provide experimental * email@example.com evidence to be confronted by these theoretical predictions. Whereas SrCu 2 O 3 [8] or Sr 14 Cu 24 O 41 [9,10] are prototypical realizations of nonfrustrated ladders, BiCu 2 PO 6 [11] might appear as one of the very rare examples of S = 1/2 frustrated spin ladder where the frustration arises only from NNN interactions along the legs [12]. In this Rapid Communication, we show that the newly synthesized compound Li 2 Cu 2 O(SO 4) 2 [13] is an actual realization of S = 1/2 frustrated two-leg spin ladder. Moreover, we demonstrate that the tetragonal to triclinic structural transition occurring around 125 K [14] leads to the emergence of a staggered S = 1/2 dimer structure, lifting most of the magnetic frustration. The crystal structure of Li 2 Cu 2 O(SO 4) 2 at room temperature is shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b). This compound crystallizes in a tetragonal structure, with space group P 4 2 /m where Cu 2+ ions occupy a slightly distorted square planar environment, as commonly observed for this strong Jahn-Teller ion. The resulting CuO 4 squares are grouped by two, sharing an edge to form Cu 2 O 6 platelets. These platelets are connected one to each other through an oxygen atom, after being rotated by 90 • under the effect of the 4 2 helical axis leading to infinite Cu 2 O 5 chains running along the c axis of the crystal [see Fig. 1(b)]. Tetrahedral SO 4 units further link every second platelet along the chains by sharing two oxygen ions with them. These chains are finally separated from each other by the Li + ions. From a magnetostructural perspective, dominant magnetic couplings should occur in this structure either through intra-[J ⊥ in Fig. 1(c)] or interplatelets (J = J ×) Cu-O-Cu superexchange mechanisms or through longer ranged interactions via the nonmagnetic bridging SO 4 units (J 2), as such polyanionic groups are known to be efficient media for magnetic interactions [15]. As additional interchain interactions are expected to be weak due to the absence of well-defined covalent superexchange paths, this compound should exhibit a strong quasi-1D character. Note that the resulting geometry for such an isolated chain maps exactly on a S = 1/2 frustrated two-leg ladder described by (1) in the special case where J = J × as illustrated in Fig. 1(d). Figure 2 shows the paramagnetic band structure and density of states (DOS) of Li 2 Cu 2 O(SO 4) 2 calculated close to the Fermi level. These density functional theory (DFT) 2469-9950/2017/96(18)/180406(5) 180406-1


Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) expressing suppressive TTAGGG motifs effectively down-regulate the production of proinflammatory and Th1 cytokines elicited either by Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) dependent or independent immune stimuli. Although initially identified by their ability to block CpG-induced immune activation, it was shown that suppressive ODN was able to block multiple forms of immune stimulation and to be effective in the prevention and treatment of pathologic autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) is an established animal model of acute ocular inflammation. It is induced by either systemic or intravitreal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Familial Mediaterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive periodic fever disease characterized by recurrent, self-limiting, febrile, inflammatory attacks of the serosal membranes such as peritoneum, pleura, and synovia. Present study aims to demonstrate the downregulatory effect of the suppressive DNA on EIU and FMF as local autoimmune and systemic autoinflammatory diseases respectively. Results indicated that LPS induced EIU in mice, A151 treatment strongly downregulated either expression or protein levels of IL6, IP10, IL1β, MIP1β, MIP3a or iNOS. Moreover, FMF patient PBMCs were more responsive to TLR ligand stimulation compared to healthy subjects and A151 strongly reversed this activation and suppressed several key Th1-cytokine/chemokine levels


Vasogenic brain edema formation is a serious complication in hemispheric stroke. Its space-occupying effect can lead to midline-shift (MLS), cerebral herniation, and death. Clinical studies indicate that quantification of MLS can predict cerebral herniation and subsequent death at early time-points, even before clinical deterioration becomes apparent. The present experimental study was designed to determine the relation between MLS, absolute edema volume, lesion size, and clinical findings in a rat stroke model. Middle cerebral artery-occlusion was performed in 24 rats using the suture technique. Clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Bruker PharmaScan 7.0T) was performed 24 hours later. Lesion volume, the volume-increase within the affected hemisphere (%HEV), and MLS were quantified on T2-weighted images. The absolute increase of hemispheric water content (ΔH2O) was determined in a subgroup using the wet-dry method (n=12). MLS correlated significantly with the total amount of brain edema (magnetic resonance imaging study: r=0.82; P<0.01; wet-dry analysis r=0.80; P<0.01). MLS correlated only moderately with T2-lesion volume (r=0.55; P<0.01). No significant correlation could be detected between MLS and clinical scores (r=0.26; P>0.05). MLS thus quantitatively reflects the amount of vasogenic brain edema within the affected hemisphere at early time-points. MLS quantification can be regarded as an easily assessable and valid global quantitative parameter for brain edema and thus might facilitate the surgical and nonsurgical management of edema in acute stroke patients.


Background: The incidence of cervical cancer in Sweden decreased to 8/100,000 in the year 2011 but has from 2014 increased to 11/100,000. The noted increase was, mainly observed in FIGO-stages IA-IB, where patients usually are asymptomatic and detected in screening.
Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 253 patients with cervical carcinoma in FIGO-stages IA-IIB. The patients were referred to the Department of Gynecology at the Akademiska University Hospital in Uppsala for decision of treatment from 2008 to 2017.
Results: Clinical and pathological features of cervical carcinoma were compared according to the subtypes: squamous cell carcinoma (n=150), adenocarcinoma (n=74) and adeno-squamous cancer (n=29). Other rare histological types (n = 6) were excluded. Finally, 207 (82%) out of the 253 referred patients, had primary surgical treatment and 29 (14%) patients had additional oncological treatment. The remaining 46 patients (18%) received primary oncological treatment. In the present study 45 (17.8%) developed recurrent disease. Prognostic factors for disease-free survival in Cox-regression analysis were stage (IA versus IIB) (p = 0.000) and histopathologic subtype (p = 0.009). In a survival analysis the disease-free survival differed between the histological subtypes; 62 % for squamous cell cancer in cervix, 48 % for adenocarcinoma, and 32 % for adeno-squamous cancer (Chi-square = 6,221; p = 0,045)). Logistic regression analysis including treatment details, showed no other predictive factors for recurrent disease.
Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that prognostic factors for disease-free survival are FIGO-stage (IA –IIB) and histopathology, but not tumor grade, age or choice of treatment.


Wager, R, Care of the Elderly-An Exercise iZ Costbenefit Anialysis. London, Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants, 1972. Towell, D, and Harries, C (editors), Innovation in Patient Care. London, Croom Helm, 1979. Gregory, E, and Norris, M E, Planin'ing for the Elderly inz Redbridge. Birmingham, Clearing House for Local Authority Social Services Research, No 4, 1977. 4 Canvin, R, et al, Health anid Social Services Journal, 18 August 1978, p C17.


Aim: Single coronary artery is a rare anomaly. Patients may present with syncope, angina or rarely sudden cardiac death. Presentation of Case: Patient presented with dyspnea on exertion for one year. On 2D Echo patient had small restrictive VSD. On coronary angiography single coronary artery from right cusp was seen. On CT angiography anomalous origin was confirmed. There was no malignant course of coronary artery. Discussion: Anomalous origin of coronary arteries are rare cardiac anomalies. It can present as syncope, angina, or sudden cardiac death especially in patients with malignant course of coronary artery passing between aorta and pulmonary artery. Hence CT coronary angiography is useful to rule out the malignant course. In our patient, there was no malignant course hence managed conservatively. Conclusion: Anomalous origin of coronary artery is a rare anomaly and requires tailored treatment according to type and course of artery. Case Study Gupta et al.; CA, 9(4): 1-4, 2020; Article no.CA.59587 2


To date many tools and techniques have been developed to harness information and optimize them for effective forecasting and decision making. Despite the multiplicity of forecasting tools and techniques available, many forecast conducted today ends up in disappointments and significant errors. Most of them cannot easily identify and account for trends in demand data, and where the process is demand intensive, it suffer from persistent bias. However, new technologies such as machine learning have emerged also alternative efficient and reliable tools in demand forecasting within the last few years. This report examines and applies machine learning to demand forecasting and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses using two cases in point.


This study was designed to examine radiographically the morphological anomalies in artificially spawned 24-week-old Heterobranchus longifilis. A total of 22 morphological deformities observed from an F1 population of 4,871 were classified. Based on anatomical positions, most of the anomalies (49.99%) manifested in the bodies as stunted growth with a weight range of 240-358g, standard length (SL) of 18.7-29.1cm and stump body trait with a weight range of 445-810g, SL of 22.9-35.9cm. Anomalies of the vertebral column accounted for 27.27% with a weight range of 410-945g, SL of 27.4-36.8cm. Fin aberrations including agenesis were seen in 22.73% with a weight range of 548-840g, SL of 34.1-39.2cm. Radiographic examination revealed anomalies such as hypoplasia and hyperplasia of fins, supernumeracry and agenesis of fins, fin cleft, and fusion of fins, scoliosis and kyphosis. The phenotypic lateral body curvatures and stump body trait were basically due to varying degrees and positions of scoliosis and thus, pathological. The fin aberrations and agenesis were probably congenital. The anomalies affected feed accessibility; thus; impaired the growth of the fishes evidenced by the low body weights recorded in the deformed fish compared to the normal fish. In conclusion, the percentage of morphological aberrations observed in the F1 population is negligible (0.45%), thus it will not adversely affect production of H. longifilis via artificial induction. Keywords : Artificial induction, Heterobranchus longifilis, Morphological anomalies, Radiography


Purpose: To develop a rapid and reliable reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RPHPLC) method to quantify the two isomers of asarones in P. sarmentosum extracts using two different columns under similar analytical conditions. Methods: Two isomers, α- and β-asarone, were analyzed using two types of C 18 columns with 0.1 % orthophosphoric acid: acetonitrile: methanol (50: 40: 10) as mobile phase. The developed method was applied to determine the contents of α- and β-asarone in extracts of different parts of P. sarmentosum. Results: Column A retention times for the elution of α- and β-asarone were 11.890 ± 0.008 and 10.80 ± 0.004 min, respectively, and were significantly shorter than those of column B (15.110 ± 0.024 and 13.290 ± 0.018, respectively, p < 0.001). Column B showed better resolution (1.82 ± 0.025 of the isomers than column A (1.10 ± 0.01, p < 0.001). Both columns showed comparable sensitivity, precision and selectivity of the compounds investigated. α-Asarone level was in the range 0.36 - 5.14 % in ethanol and 50 % ethanol extracts, but absent in all water extracts. β-Asarone occurred in the range of 0.01 - 0.15 % in ethanol and 50 % ethanol extracts but was absent in all water extracts of P. sarmentosum . Conclusion: The results indicate that the developed method is a suitable quality assurance method for determining α- and β-asarone isomers in herbal extracts and food preparations. Keywords: α- Asarone, Isomers, Piper sarmentosum , Herbal extracts, Retention time


The photonic band structures of body-centred-tetragonal (BCT) crystals composed of ionic or metal spheres are computed using the highly efficient vector-wave Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) method; an absolute band gap is found for the photonic crystals with high filling ratio. The band gap is smaller in the crystals composed of ionic spheres than in those composed of metal spheres. The particular BCT structure was chosen since such structure can be easily realized in an electrorheological fluid in the presence of an electric field.


Genomic instability, which occurs through both genetic mechanisms (underlying inheritable phenotypic variations caused by DNA sequence-dependent alterations, such as mutation, deletion, insertion, inversion, translocation, and chromosomal aneuploidy) and epigenomic aberrations (underlying inheritable phenotypic variations caused by DNA sequence-independent alterations caused by a change of chromatin structure, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications), is known to promote tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Mechanisms involve both genomic instability and epigenomic aberrations that lose or gain the function of genes that impinge on tumor suppression/prevention or oncogenesis. Growing evidence points to an epigenome-wide disruption that involves large-scale DNA hypomethylation but specific hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, large blocks of aberrant histone modifications, and abnormal miRNA expression profile. Emerging molecular details regarding the modulation of these epigenetic events in cancer are used to illustrate the alterations of epigenetic molecules, and their consequent malfunctions could contribute to cancer biology. More recently, intriguing evidence supporting that genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are not separate events in cancer has been emerging; they intertwine and take advantage of each other during tumorigenesis. In addition, we discuss the collusion between epigenetics and genetics mediated by heterochromatin protein 1, a major component of heterochromatin, in order to maintain genome integrity.


Antimicrobial orthodontic adhesives aim to reduce white spot lesions' incidence in orthodontic patients, but they should not jeopardizing its properties. Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to answer the question whether the association of antimicrobial agents with orthodontic adhesives compromises its mechanical properties and whether there is a superior antimicrobial agent. PubMed and Scopus databases. In vitro studies comparing shear bond strength of conventional photo-activated orthodontic adhesives to antimicrobial photo-activated orthodontic adhesives were considered eligible. Search terms included the following: orthodontics, orthodontic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, bactericidal, adhesive, resin, resin composite, bonding agent, bonding system, and bond strength. The searches yielded 494 citations, which turned into 467 after duplicates were discarded. Titles and abstracts were read and 13 publications were selected for full-text reading. Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. The global analysis showed no statistically significant difference between control and experimental groups. In the subgroup analysis, only the chlorhexidine subgroup showed a statistically significant difference, where the control groups had higher bond strength than the experimental groups. Many studies on in vitro orthodontic bond strength fail to report test conditions that could affect their outcomes. The pooled in vitro data suggest that adding an antimicrobial agent to an orthodontic adhesive system does not influence bond strength to enamel. It is not possible to state which antimicrobial agent is better to be associated.


A major step toward the development of fault-tolerant computer systems is the validation of the dependability properties of these systems. Fault/error injection has been recognized as a powerful approach to validate the fault tolerance mechanisms of a system and to obtain statistics on parameters such as coverages and latencies. This paper describes the methodology and guidelines for the design of flexible software based fault and error injection and presents a tool, FERRARI, that incorporates the techniques. The techniques used to emulate transient errors and permanent faults in software are described in detail. Experimental results are presented for several error detection techniques, and they demonstrate the effectiveness of the software-based error injection tool in evaluating the dependability properties of complex systems. >


Adoption of nocturnal home hemodialysis (NHHD) has been slow, due in part to patient‐perceived barriers, such as anxiety and lack of self‐efficacy. This study investigates patient perception of remote monitoring in addressing these barriers. Perceptions of remote patient monitoring (RPM) were studied through a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews. The NHHD and conventional hemodialysis (CHD) were included in the survey (209 in total). Twenty semistructured interviews were conducted as well as a focus group that included NHHD patients and family caregivers. The CHD patients had greater interest in adopting NHHD with RPM than without (1.90±1.37 vs. 1.71±1.28, P<0.002), with the negative intensity ratio declining from 10.50 to 5.56. Interest in RPM was correlated with interest in NHHD (r=0.768, P<0.001). Other significant factors correlated with interest in NHHD include the belief that remote monitoring will ease the performing of NHHD (r=0.452, P=0.001) and the belief that RPM should be mandatory (r=0.541, P=0.000). Qualitative findings supported three themes: (1) There is an expectation for the use of RPM, (2) RPM should be used at a minimum transitionally, and (3) RPM acts as a surrogate support of family‐caregivers. The RPM may lower perceived barriers to the adoption of NHHD, in part through its surrogate support of family caregivers. However, RPM alone is likely insufficient to alter patients' attitudes to undergo NHHD. RPM is a common expectation of CHD patients considering the therapy, at a minimum during the transitional phase.


Introduces the participative business modelling method (PBM), a management consulting method based on a synergetic mix of (system dynamics) modelling, group knowledge elicitation techniques and a process consultation attitude. PBM is a method well‐suited to support managers in their strategic decision‐making processes, in particular in the field of operations management, because it provides support in dealing with both the technical and organizational complexities of strategic decision making. Presents a case study where PBM was used to assist in the development of a European logistics strategy for an American pharmaceutical firm setting up operations in Europe. Discusses findings from the analysis of the evaluation interviews with project participants, which contain valuable lessons, not just for the PBM method itself, but also for the theory of strategic decision making that lies at the basis of the PBM method.


87 Background: The safety of routine prostate biopsies has recently been called into question, citing increasing rates of complications compared to historical data. We examined our experience with prostate biopsies done as a component of multiple clinical research trials.

METHODS
The safety of routine prostate biopsies has recently been called into question, citing increasing rates of complications compared to historical data. We examined our experience with prostate biopsies done as a component of multiple clinical research trials.

RESULTS
141 charts had adequate documentation. A mean of 12 +/- 4 cores were obtained during the procedures (8-26). Of these patients, 136 of the 141 had no adverse events during or after their biopsies. Of the five adverse events, there were three (2.2%) minor and two (1.4%) major complications. The minor complication group consisted of three patients with mild, but prolonged hematuria (12-14 days). Of the two major complications, one patient had hematospermia for 28 days and the second patient was diagnosed with prostatitis 18 days after biopsy and required multiple antibiotics. No patient required any further intentions or hospitalizations. There was no correlation between complication rate and study type (p=0.662) or treatment setting (p=0.411). Overall, 96.5% of patients undergoing prostate biopsies for research purposes had no adverse events or complications related to the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS
Research related prostate biopsy procedures can be performed in a diverse range of treatment settings and do not incur any increased risk versus clinical biopsies.


Global warming caused by the increasing CO2 concentration in atmosphere is a serious problem in the international political, economic, scientific and environmental fields in recent years. Intensive carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technologies have been developed for a feasible system to remove CO2 from industrial exhaust gases especially for combustion flue gas. In these technologies, the biofixation of CO2 by microalgae has the potential to diminish CO2 and produce the biomass. In this review, the current status focusing on biofixation of CO2 from combustion flue gases by microalgae including the selection of microalgal species and effect of flue gas conditions, the development of high efficient photobioreactor and the application of microalgae and its biomass product were reviewed and summarized. Finally, the perspectives of the technology were also discussed.


In recent 300 years,an important mathematical branch fractional calculus becomes a system gradually.It is applied in engineering calculation of many subjects,especially in chemistry,electromagnetism,contrology,materialogy and mechanics.The conception of fractional calculus have various forms.This paper studies some properties of an important fractional differential——Caputo fractional differential.


This thesis proposes the use of the hybrid real options framework presented by Neely (1998) to facilitate valuation of, and decision making in, RD project and market risks, where DA and option theory are applied, respectively. The hybrid real options is a practical and at the same time accurate approach. It allows the use of the risk-free rate as a consistent constant discount rate. In addition, the valuation becomes organized in the sense that the process is divided in a technical and financial part. Hence, technical and financial experts can apply their knowledge independently. However, the framework's use of a decision tree restricts the complexity of the model as it could turn too comprehensive to be applicable in an assessments context. When exemplifying the framework, an option to continue or abandon further development of CCS is modelled. The framework values the CCS project - at best - when continuing the development. This returns an expected profit of NOK 28 billion. However, risk analysis yields a probability close to 50% that the project returns a loss of similar magnitude. The estimated expected value is NOK 860 million higher compared to the traditional Net Present Value methodology. Hence, the value of including the inherent flexibility of an R&D project is significant. In this context, this difference represents the option value in the decision of whether to implement or not. The sensitivity analysis concludes that the annual growth in production stand out as the most important variable for the expected value of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This is rather intuitive as new production yields possibly large emissions of CO2, which is the main benefit driver for the CCS technology. In addition, the share of unconventional oil in new production, that we assume would require CCS, is essential. We extend the framework of Neely (1998) by incorporating simple game theory, which proved to introduce a significant value change because of the possible strategic advantages of a CCS involvement. The game considered only a valuation of the First Mover Advantage (FMA) and showed that the strategic value is superior to the flexibility value by more than NOK 50 billion. The dominant strategy is to continue further development of CCS, which then values the project at NOK 48.1 billion. Now, risk analysis concludes that there is a probability of more than 70% to achieve a positive return from the CCS R&D project. For further work, a more detailed consideration of game theory is suggested. An interesting topic would be Statoil's impact on its own technology supply environment - does it really make a difference that Statoil is engaged in the CCS field, or should it let others do the hard work? In addition, inclusion of other uses of the CCS technology would yield a more complete valuation.


When deciding whether to introduce market-based prices into a regulated market, a regulator faces the following tradeoff: profit incentives may reduce costs through the more efficient allocation of resources, but the presence of market power may lead to increased markups. We use a detailed dataset on electricity transactions to investigate the impact of market-based deregulation in the context of the U.S. electricity sector. We find that the increase in markups dominates despite modest efficiency gains, leading to higher prices to consumers. Deregulation does not necessarily lead to lower prices to consumers. A consumer-oriented regulator may prefer to regulate rates to be consumer friendly, rather than let prices be subject to market power.


Peoglos (1988) reports forces on portions of a current loop due to the remainder of the loop which are in excellent agreement with the direct integration of Ampere's original force law. Peoglos has not, however, confirmed the non-physical absurd Biot-Savart law: it predicts ambiguous, and thus non-testable, results for the force on Ampere's bridge. It predicts merely fortuitously the correct Ampere force on a straight portion, since only lateral forces are measured. The force is not generally given by 2Fx=I2dL/dx and could not, in any case, distinguish between the Ampere and Biot-Savart laws.


AIM
to asses the connection between the expression of costimulatory proteins associated with apoptosis of t lymphocytes of the adenoid in children with allergic rhinitis. To establish the usefulness of using the results of adenoid tissue immunohistochemical studies for prognosis in chronic respiratory allergic disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
prospective studies were carried out in 70 children with indications for adenectomy according to the European Pediatric ENT Association. These children had recurrent or chronic rhinitis. Two study groups were identified: Group I- 30 children with allergic rhinitis and group II- 40 children without specific IgE. Group II was subdivided according to family history of atopy: group IIa with positive family history and group IIb with negative family history. Children from group II were followed up for allergic symptoms during 36 months after adenectomy. Histopathologic and immunnohistochemical study of the adenoid tissue (from adectomy) was carried out. The expression of CD4, CD8, CD25, CD28, Cdl52 (CTLA4), Fas, FasL, bel-2 was investigated. The results were analysed statistically.

RESULTS
statistically significant differences between the studies group concerned the number of cells witch showed expression of CD28, CTLAL (CD152) and Fas-L (p<0.05). For CD25 expression statistically significant differences were evident between group I and IIb. No statistically evident differences were found in expression of Cd95 and bel-2 (p>0.05) - three years follow up of children after adenectomy and repeated investigations (every 6 months), allowed to identify specific IgE (for examined allergens) in 11 children from group IIa. These were not present before adenectomy. 3 year study results after adenectomy in children compared with immunnohistochemical investigations of adenoid tissue confirmed the correlation between CTLA4 and FasL expression in children with allergic rhinitis.

CONCLUSION
Intracellular expression of CTLA4 and FasL in T lymphocyts of the adenoid tissue may be a predictive factor in the development of respiratory allergy in children. Further studies are needed.


Summary. Compared with blood plasma, rete testis fluid (RTF) from rams was found to contain a higher concentration per unit volume of the enzymes that occur in the sperm acrosome and in the kinoplasmic droplet, but the levels of these enzymes could be reduced by high-speed centrifugation. Other enzymes present in blood plasma were also found in RTF but at a lower concentration per unit volume. Because of the low concentration of protein in RTF, however, the activity of most of these enzymes per unit weight of protein was higher in RTF than in blood plasma. The concentrations of these enzymes and the total protein concentrations were only slightly reduced by high speed centrifugation. There was no appreciable concentration of the X-isoenzyme of lactic dehydrogenase in RTF and the activity of most enzymes per unit weight of protein was less in RTF than in the testis. Epididymal plasma and RTF from rams and boars were found to contain appreciable concentrations of an inhibitor of trypsin and the activity of the inhibitor per unit weight of protein was comparable with the activity in seminal plasma.


A distance compatible set labeling (dcsl) of a connected graph $G$ is an injective set assignment $f : V(G) \rightarrow 2^{X},$ $X$ being a nonempty ground set, such that the corresponding induced function $f^{\oplus} :E(G) \rightarrow 2^{X}\setminus \{\emptyset\}$ given by $f^{\oplus}(uv)= f(u)\oplus f(v)$ satisfies $\mid f^{\oplus}(uv) \mid = k_{(u,v)}^{f}d_{G}(u,v) $ for every pair of distinct vertices $u, v \in V(G),$ where $d_{G}(u,v)$ denotes the path distance between $u$ and $v$ and $k_{(u,v)}^{f}$ is a constant, not necessarily an integer. A dcsl $f$ of $G$ is $k$-uniform if all the constant of proportionality with respect to $f$ are equal to $k,$ and if $G$ admits such a dcsl then $G$ is called a $k$-uniform dcsl graph. The $k$-uniform dcsl index of a graph $G,$ denoted by $\delta_{k}(G)$ is the minimum of the cardinalities of $X,$ as $X$ varies over all $k$-uniform dcsl-sets of $G.$ A linear extension ${\mathbf{L}}$ of a partial order ${\mathbf{P}} = (P, \preceq)$ is a linear order on the elements of $P$, such that $ x \preceq y$ in ${\mathbf{P}}$ implies $ x \preceq y$ in ${\mathbf{L}}$, for all $x, y \in P$. The dimension of a poset ${\mathbf{P}},$ denoted by $dim({\mathbf{P}}),$ is the minimum number of linear extensions on ${\mathbf{P}}$ whose intersection is `$\preceq$'. In this paper we prove that $dim({\mathcal{F}}) \leq \delta_{k}(P^{+k}_n),$ where ${\mathcal{F}}$ is the range of a $k$-uniform dcsl of the $k$-uniform caterpillar, denoted by $P^{+k}_n \ (n\geq 1, k\geq 1)$ on `$n(k+1)$' vertices.


Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease associated with vascular damage and multi organ fibrotic changes with unknown pathogenesis. Most SSc patients suffer from defective angiogenesis/vasculogenesis and cardiac conditions leading to high mortality rates. We aimed to investigate the cardiovascular phenotype of SSc by cardiogenic differentiation of SSc induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we generated iPSC from two diffuse SSc patients, followed by successful differentiation into endothelial cells (ECs) and cardiomyocytes (CMs). Results: SSc-derived EC (SSc-EC) expressed KDR, a nearly EC marker, similar to healthy control-EC (C1-EC). After sorting and culturing KDR+ cells, the resulting EC expressed CD31, a late endothelial marker, but vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin expression markedly dropped resulting in a functional defect as reflected in tube formation failure of SSc-EC. Interestingly, upregulation of SNAI1 (snail family transcriptional repressor 1) was observed in SSc-EC which might underlie VE-cadherin downregulation. Furthermore, SSc-derived CM (SSc-CM) successfully expressed cardiac-specific markers including ion channels, resulting in normal physiological behavior and responsiveness to cardioactive drugs. Conclusion: This study provides an insight into impaired angiogenesis observed in SSc patients by evaluating in vitro cardiovascular differentiation of SSc iPSC.


In-stent restenosis remains an important issue even in the drug-eluting stent (DES) era today. In recent years, drug-eluting balloons (DEB) have emerged as a potential alternative to the treatment of in-stent restenosis. Paclitaxel was identified as the primary drug for DEB because of its rapid uptake and prolonged retention. Non-stent-based local drug delivery using DEB maintains the antiproliferation properties of DES, but without the limitations of DES such as subacute stent thrombosis, stent fractures, prolonged antiplatelet therapy and more importantly, avoiding a "stent-in-a-stent" approach. The first major impact of drug-eluting balloon (DEB) in the management of bare metal instent restenosis was the "PACCOCATH ISR I" randomised trial, comparing the efficacy of drug-eluting balloon versus uncoated balloon. The six months angiographic results showed a binary restenosis of 5% and 4% MACE in the drug-eluting balloon group, compared with 43% binary restenosis and 31% MACE, in the uncoated balloon group (p=0.002 and 0.02). The second major DEB trial is the "PEPCAD II Trial", comparing the efficacy of the SeQuent Please DEB with the Taxus drug-eluting stent in the treatment of bare-metal stent instent restenosis. At 6-month follow-up, in-segment late lumen loss was 0.38 ± 0.61 mm in the DES group versus 0.17 ± 0.42 mm (p=0.03) in the DEB group, resulting in a binary restenosis rate of 12/59 (20%) versus 4/57 (7%; p=0.06). At 12 months, MACE rates were 22% in the Taxus group and 9% in the DEB group (P=0.08). The TLR at 12 months was 15% in the Taxus group and 6% in the DEB group (p=0.15). Based on these two pivotal trials, the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (2010) recommended that DEB should be considered for the treatment of in-stent restenosis after prior bare-metal stent. This was accorded a class 2 IIa indication, with a level B evidence.


Aims Multicellular organisms maintain vital functions through intercellular communication. Release of extracellular vesicles that carry signals to even distant target organs is one way of accomplishing this communication. MicroRNAs can also be secreted from the cells in exosomes and act as paracrine signalling molecules. In addition, microRNAs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a large number of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, and are considered as promising candidate biomarkers due to their relative stability and easy quantification from clinical samples. Pericardial fluid contains hormones secreted by the heart and is known to reflect the cardiac function. In this study, we sought to investigate whether pericardial fluid contains microRNAs and if so, whether they could be used to distinguish between different cardiovascular pathologies and disease stages. Methods and Results Pericardial fluid was collected from heart failure patients during open-heart surgery. MicroRNA profiles of altogether 51 patients were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) using Exiqon human panels I and II. On the average, 256 microRNAs were detected per sample, and 70 microRNAs out of 742 profiled microRNAs were detected in every sample. The five most abundant microRNAs in pericardial fluid were miR-21-5p, miR-451a, miR-125b-5p, let-7b-5p and miR-16-5p. No specific signatures for cardiovascular pathologies or clinically assessed heart failure stages could be detected from the profiles and, overall, microRNA profiles of the samples were found to be very similar despite the heterogeneity in the study population. Conclusion Measured microRNA profiles did not separate the samples according to the clinical features of the patients. However, several previously identified heart failure marker microRNAs were detected. The pericardial fluid microRNA profile appeared to be a result of an active and selective secretory process indicating that microRNAs may act as paracrine signalling factors by mediating the local crosstalk between cardiac cells.