We investigate a Bose–Einstein condensate of F = 187Rb atoms in a 2D spin-dependent optical lattice generated by intersecting laser beams with a superposition of polarizations. For 87Rb the effective interaction of an atom with the electromagnetic field contains scalar and vector (called a fictitious magnetic field, B fic) potentials. The Rb atoms behave as a quantum rotor (QR) with angular momentum given by the sum of the atomic rotational motion angular momentum and the hyperfine spin. The ground state of the QR is affected upon applying an external magnetic field, B ext, perpendicular to the plane of QR motion and a sudden change of its topology occurs as the ratio B ext/B fic exceeds a critical value. It is shown that the change of topology of the QR ground state is a result of combined action of Zeeman and Einstein–de Haas effects. The first transfers atoms to the largest hyperfine component to polarize the sample along the field as the external magnetic field is increased. The second sweeps spin to rotational angular momentum, modifying the kinetic energy of the atoms.


Motivation Predicting antimicrobial resistance using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry based machine learning is a fast-growing field of research. Recent advances in machine learning methods specifically designed for MALDI-TOF mass spectra have outperformed established classification approaches. However, classification performance was observed to have a large standard deviation between different train–test splits. We hypothesise that this variance is caused by the underlying phylogenetic structure between microbial samples, which is implicitly reflected in their MALDI-TOF MS profiles, but not taken into account during the training of a model. Results In this paper, we propose to infer this structure from the dataset—using agglomerative hierarchical clustering—and consider it during the dataset splitting between train and test. We show that incorporating such phylogenetic structure into the antimicrobial resistance prediction scenario leads to an improved classification performance. Average precision was increased from 42.3 to 47.1 for ciprofloxacin resistance prediction in Escherichia coli and from 44.6 to 50.8 for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid resistance prediction in Staphylococcus aureus using a Gaussian process classifier with a MALDI-TOF MS specific kernel. We envision that these results will support the quick and reliable identification of antimicrobial resistances, thus increasing patient well-being and reducing healthcare costs. Availability All data is available for download and code available as an easy-to-use Python package under https://github.com/BorgwardtLab/maldi_PIKE at branch maldi_stratification. Contact email@example.com, email@example.com Supplementary information Supplementary information at the end of document.


In the context of climate change and the environmental and energy constraints we face, it is essential to develop methods to encourage the implementation of efficient solutions for building renovation. One of the objectives of the European PRELUDE project [1] is to develop a "Building Renovation Roadmap"(BRR) aimed at facilitating decision-making to foster the most efficient refurbishment actions, the implementation of innovative solutions and the promotion of renewable energy sources in the renovation process of existing buildings. In this context, Estia is working on the development of inference rules that will make it possible. On the basis of a diagnosis such as the Energy Performance Certificate, it will help establishing a list of priority actions. The dynamics that drive this project permit to decrease the subjectivity of a human decisions making scheme. While simulation generates digital technical data, interpretation requires the translation of this data into natural language. The purpose is to automate the translation of the results to provide advice and facilitate decision-making. In medicine, the diagnostic phase is a process by which a disease is identified by its symptoms. Similarly, the idea of the process is to target the faulty elements potentially responsible for poor performance and to propose remedial solutions. The system is based on the development of fuzzy logic rules [2],[3]. This choice was made to be able to manipulate notions of membership with truth levels between 0 and 1, and to deliver messages in a linguistic form, understandable by non-specialist users. For example, if performance is low and parameter x is unfavourable, the algorithm can gives an incentive to improve the parameter such as: "you COULD, SHOULD or MUST change parameter x". Regarding energy performance analysis, the following domains are addressed: heating, domestic hot water, cooling, lighting. Regarding the parameters, the analysis covers the following topics: Characteristics of the building envelope. and of the technical installations (heat production-distribution, ventilation system, electric lighting, etc.). This paper describes the methodology used, lists the fields studied and outlines the expected outcomes of the project.


We propose a general formulation of perturbative quantum field theory on (finitely generated) projective modules over noncommutative algebras. This is the analogue of scalar field theories with non-trivial topology in the noncommutative realm. We treat in detail the case of Heisenberg modules over noncommutative tori and show how these models can be understood as large rectangular pxq matrix models, in the limit p/q->theta, where theta is a possibly irrational number. We find out that the modele is highly sensitive to the number-theoretical aspect of theta and suffers from an UV/IR-mixing. We give a way to cure the entanglement and prove one-loop renormalizability.


R-( + )-limonene epoxidation has been focused from different synthesis methods. Thanks to the optically active epoxides obtained from this reaction are widely employed at industrial level, like: agrochemicals, polymers, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals. A key point found in this topic has been the asymmetric induction to improve the yield to the diastereomers of 1,2-limonene oxide. Many catalysts have been developed for the diastereoselective epoxidation, but some oxidation methodology have not been so useful. The enzymes and the Jacobsen's catalyst presented the highest selectivity towards the endocyclic epoxides diastereomers, while other catalysts like metals supported on mesoporous materials were directed to one or more oxidation products, reducing their potential industrial scaling. Also, it was evidenced that controlling the reaction parameters it allows the segregation homogeneous catalyst to a phase different from the reaction products, thus increasing its useful reutilization in several reaction cycles. This minireview confronts the different systems used for the diastereoselective epoxidation of R-( + )-limonene. Challenges, issues and trends of said chemical transformation are also discussed.


We measured IgG subclass levels by radial immunodiffusion with polyclonal antisera in 60 patients with IgA deficiency. The low IgA levels were measured by a sensitive and specific enzymoimmunometric method. None of the patients had complete deficiency of IgG2, but 4 patients had serum levels of IgG2 and 4 of IgG3 below the range for controls. Elevated levels of IgG1 were found in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease. None of the patients with coeliac disease or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis had low IgG2 or IgG3 levels. The levels of IgG4 were highly variable but patients with coeliac disease had particularly high values. The severity of IgA deficiency did not correlate with the level of serum IgG2.


The objective of this paper is to investigate the importance of introducing stochastic elements into service network design formulations. To offer insights into this issue, we take a basic version of the problem in which periodic schedules are built for a number of vehicles and where only the demand may vary stochastically. We study how solutions based on uncertain demand differ from solutions based on deterministic demand and provide qualitative descriptions of the structural differences. Some of these structural differences provide a hedge against uncertainty by using consolidation. This way we get consolidation as output from the model rather than as an a priori required property. Service networks with such properties are robust, as seen by the customers, by providing operational flexibility.


max 300 words) The cellular cytoskeleton provides the cell with mechanical rigidity and mediates mechanical interaction between cells and with the extracellular environment. The actin structure plays a key role in regulating cellular behaviors like motility, cell sorting, or cell polarity. From the earliest stages of development, in naïve stem cells, the critical mechanical role of the actin structure is becoming recognized as a vital cue for correct segregation and lineage control of cells and as a regulatory structure that controls several transcription factors. The ultrastructure of the earliest embryonic stem cells has not been investigated in living cells despite the fact that it is wellknown that cells undergo morphological shape changes during the earliest stages of development. Here, we provide 3D investigations of the actin cytoskeleton of naïve mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in clusters of sizes relevant for early stage development using super resolution optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). We quantitatively describe the morphological, cytoskeletal and mechanical changes appearing between cells in small clusters at the earliest stages of inner cell mass differentiation, as recapitulated by cells cultured under two media conditions, 2i and Serum/LIF, thus promoting the naïve and first primed state, respectively. High resolution images of living stem cells showed that the peripheral actin structure undergoes a dramatic change between the two media conditions. The actin organization changed from being predominantly oriented parallel to the cell surface in 2i medium to a more radial orientation in Serum/LIF. Finally, using an optical trapping based technique, we detected micro-rheological differences in the cell periphery between the cells cultured in these two media, with results correlating well with the observed nano-architecture of the ESCs in the two different differentiation stages. These results pave the way for linking physical properties and cytoskeletal architecture to the development from naïve stem cells to specialized cells. . CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license available under a was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made The copyright holder for this preprint (which this version posted April 29, 2020. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.27.063891 doi: bioRxiv preprint


Checklists, while being only recently introduced in the medical domain, have become highly popular in daily clinical practice due to their combined effectiveness and great interpretability. Checklists are usually designed by expert clinicians that manually collect and analyze available evidence. However, the increasing quantity of available medical data is calling for a partially automated checklist design. Recent works have taken a step in that direction by learning predictive checklists from categorical data. In this work, we propose to extend this approach to accomodate learning checklists from continuous medical data using mixed-integer programming approach. We show that this extension outperforms a range of explainable machine learning baselines on the prediction of sepsis from intensive care clinical trajectories.


Aortoenteric fistula is a rare condition that can be primary or secondary. The primary type is less common than the secondary. The secondary aortoenteric fistula is an uncommon fatal complication after reconstructive surgery for an aortic aneurysm or other aortic diseases. Here we present a case of a 59-year-old man who presented to our emergency department with sudden onset of massive hematemesis. Imaging studies were done and the patient was diagnosed to have aortoesophageal fistula. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed an intraluminal bulge in the posterior wall of the esophagus with an ulcer and hematoma. The patient was planned for emergency surgical intervention, but the patient had recurrent bouts of hematemesis and, unfortunately, expired. Hence patients presenting with massive hematemesis, aortoenteric fistula can be the underlying cause, and all surgeons should be aware of such conditions and the need for emergent surgical intervention.


Ultrasound is utilized for many purposes in medicine, beauty care, industry and consumer products. In the past years, the use of ultrasound has increased particularly in the field of beauty care, where it has applications such as skin cleansing, fat removal and facilitating conditioner absorption. At worst, the use of ultrasound may have serious health effects, and therefore ensuring safety is essential. Factors that significantly affect safety include equipment technology, the skills of the user, the instructions provided and the state of health of the customer. The medical use of ultrasound is subject to the Radiation Act (592/1991). The Radiation Act specifies no limits to ultrasound exposure. The safety of medical equipment is also regulated by the Act on Healthcare Equipment and Supplies (629/2010). Nowadays, limiting the non-medical ultrasound exposure of members of the public is necessary, as the use and applications of ultrasound in consumer products and beauty care services have increased significantly. Limitations to ultrasound should be taken into account in the major overhaul of the Radiation Act. The health effects of ultrasound have been discussed in overviews by international specialist organizations. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organization have assessed the health effects of airborne ultrasound. Nowadays, particularly in beauty care, ultrasound exposure occurs in direct skin contact, and the effects of ultrasound may reach the entire body. Many international organizations, including the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB), the Advisory Group on Non-Ionizing Radiation (AGNIR) and the Strahlenschutzkommission (SSK) have made recommendations for the safe use of ultrasound in exposure through skin contact. This report presents the purposes of use of ultrasound, its health effects and the international recommendations for limiting exposure to it. The report pays special attention to the use of ultrasound in beauty care and offers a suggestion for limiting non-medical exposure to ultrasound in the upcoming Radiation Act. In addition, the report specifies the contraindications that should be taken into account in ultrasound treatments in beauty care.


OBJECTIVE
To study the profile of P66SHc expression and histone modifications in replicatively senescenct cells and oxidative-stress inducing premature senescenct cells.

METHODS
HPF cells were continuously cultured and subcultured in vitro to build replicative cellular model. HPF cells were treated with 200 pmol/L H2 O2 four times to build oxidative-stress inducing premature senescenct model. Comparative Q-PCR was utilized to investigate target gene (P66SHC, EP300, HDAC1) expressions respectively in H2O2 treated groups and normal cell groups. Then CHIP-QPCR was conducted to analyze histone modifications of P66SHC between young cells and aging cells.

RESULTS
P66SHC expression was positive correlation with H2O2 doses and population doubling level (PDL) (R = 0.909, P = 0.000; R = 0.743, P = 0.006), while EP300 was negative correlation with H2O2 (R = - 0.922, P = 0.000) and both EP300 and HDAC1 were negative with PDL (R = -0.709, P = 0.010, R = -0.599, P = 0.040). H3 histone modifications were declined in P66SHc gene regulating region. H3-Ac, H3K9-Ac and H3K4-tri-Me were dominant in the upstream region of transcriptional site (-3.0 kb) and alternative promotor (+3.8 kb).

CONCLUSION
P66SHC, EP300 and HDAC1 probably play a role in cellular replicative senescence and oxidative-stress inducing premature senescence. Besides, histone modification could regulate P66SHC gene expression.


In order to better understand the effect of CO2 on the Earth system in the future, geologists may look to CO2-induced environmental change in Earth's past. Here we describe how CO2 can be reconstructed using the boron isotopic composition (δ11B) of marine calcium carbonate. We review the chemical principles that underlie the proxy, summarize the available calibration data, and detail how boron isotopes can be used to estimate ocean pH and ultimately atmospheric CO2 in the past. δ11B in a variety of marine carbonates shows a coherent relationship with seawater pH, in broad agreement with simple models for this proxy. Offsets between measured and predicted δ11B may in part be explained by physiological influences, though the exact mechanisms of boron incorporation into carbonate remain unknown. Despite these uncertainties, we demonstrate that δ11B may provide crucial constraints on past ocean acidification and atmospheric CO2.


Induction motor is the most popular electric drive in industrial and other applications because of its reliable and rugged construction. As like the other motors induction motor also subjected to different faults such as open winding stator fault, short circuit stator fault, bearing fault etc. Among these faults the most severe one is the short circuit fault which is first developed as inter-turn fault across the stator winding. Therefore, timely fault detection is necessary for the continuous operation of the motor. Motor Current signature analysis is one of the effective and commonly used method for the detection of short circuit fault. But in Induction motor fed from PWM Inverters MCSA cannot able to detect the fault. In this paper the FEA analysis of inter turn fault is done in ANSYS Maxwell. The Finite Element Analysis is performed for 16% and 25% stator turns short are in Ansys Maxwell 2D. The MATLAB/Simulink model of faulty motor is developed. The results obtained in inter-turn faulty conditions are validated experimentally.


Annotation: Cloud computing is a modern concept which helps to optimize the IT performance of SMEs sector without huge cost of infrastructure. It is an on-demand computing service which provides pay-per-use possibility to SMEs. This research study is explaining various advantages of cloud computing, which motivate SMEs to adopt these services. SMEs do not have a large amount of financial and human resources, so they are not able to implement and upgrade advanced technologies to increase their business performance. The main purpose of this research study is to explain how SMEs can benefit from using cloud computing for their businesses and to make suggestions about potential disadvantages. A detailed literature review is gathered to discuss basic concepts of cloud computing and its implementation in SMEs. Furthermore, advantages of cloud computing are also discussed in connection with existing theory. A qualitative approach is selected to direct this study by focusing on interpretivism research philosophy. A convenient sampling method is used to choose six SMEs operating in Oulu and other cities in order to gather data. An unstructured questionnaire is used to conduct interviews from IT personnel working in these SMEs. Findings of the research study suggest that the most important factors which lead SMEs towards adoption of cloud computing include cost effectiveness, flexibility and scalability in resource utilization, lower technology risk, data security and effective IT support. Some other factors related to service providers have also been identified in this study; for instance, trust in service providers is considered an important factor while making decisions about cloud adoption. Trial-ability of cloud services makes it more convenient for SMEs to implement the best suitable services as per their business environment.


A strong correlation between trisomy 13 and AML1 mutation has been recently reported in AML, particularly in M0 FAB subtype (Dicker et al, Silva et al). Whereas the exact mechanism of this coincidence has not been completely clarified, this correlation suggests a probable cooperation of these two events in leukemogenesis. FLT3, located on the 13q12 region, has been proposed to be implicated by over expression induced by gene dosage effect. However, trisomy 13 remains a rare event in AML and its association with AML1 mutations is not constant. To better document this association, we studied, a cohort of patients with trisomy 13 by array-CGH, which is a powerful tool to detect cryptic alterations as small size gene copy number variations (CNV). In addition we searched for AML1 mutations and performed the correlation with FLT3 alterations. We studied 12 AML with trisomy 13 (7 of which were M0 FAB subtype) and 6 additional patients affected by non-AML hematological malignancies (2 T-ALL, 1 NHL and 3 MPD). We performed direct sequencing of the exons 3 to 8 of AML1. Array-CGH was performed on 10/12 AML patients using Agilent CGH-Array 185k with pooled normal DNA as reference. GEP was performed using HG-U133 plus 2.0 Affymetrix Array on 5 patients characterized by trisomy 13 and AML1 mutations. AML1 mutations were observed in 8/18 patients including 6 of the 7 M0 AML, which represents a particularly high rate even in this subtype (86%). On the contrary, none of the non-AML patients harbored AML1 gene mutation. FLT3 locus analysis in the 12 AML patients showed the following results: None FLT3-ITD was observed whereas 5 FLT3-D835 mutations were detected (42%). FLT3 over expression was observed by GEP on 4/5 analyzed patients all without FLT3-D835 mutation. The remaining patient presented a FLT3-D835 mutation. CGH study confirmed trisomy 13 in 9/10 AML cases with weak amplitude for 4 patients, strongly suggesting that trisomy 13 was a sub-clonal anomaly, in accordance with caryotype results. Only one other recurrent abnormality was observed by CGH in 3 AML patients: 2 gains and one deletion affecting chromosome 21, all including AML1 locus. Moreover, CNV incidence was strong in these patients traducing a great genomic instability: there were 34 CNV gains and 23 deletions equally distributed all along the genome with a size extending from 300kb to complete chromosome. Among the interstitial CNV loci were included the following genes (CD68, CDH1, CDX2, CTNNA3, DOCK2, EIF3S9, EIF4A1, ERG, GNA12, IGF2, KLRC3, MAD1L1, MAFA, MKL2, VAV2) that could perhaps play a role in leukemogenesis. Here we confirmed the strong correlation between AML1 mutation and trisomy 13. Trisomy 13 is often sub-clonal indicating this alteration could be an additional event contributing to leukemia progression. In accordance with previous reported data, FLT3 over expression or FLT3-D835 mutation could cooperate with AML1 mutation. However, alteration of genes located on other CNV could not be excluded.


At present most of the Marx generator based on semiconductor switches not only need generate the same number of trigger signals as the number of switches, but also consider the isolation from output high voltage and driving the signal processing, which makes Marx generator have complex circuits, large volume. In this paper, a new type of Marx generator based on semiconductor switches is designed. This generator need only one trigger signal which is generated by an avalanche transistor, other switches are triggered by the signals which are generated by voltage dividing capacitive. In the PSPICE, a five-stage Marx generator is designed. Choosing a 400V DC voltage source charged, pulse voltage with 1.9KV amplitude and 100ns pulse width is obtained. Finally, a fourstage Marx generator is designed. The charging voltage is 200V and the pulse width of trigger signal is 500ns. A pulse voltage with amplitude 736V and pulse width 562ns is obtained.


In her work, the historian Anna Komnene (1083 - 1153), daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I, deals with the period of her father's reign from his first successes as a youthful army commander and his successful rebellion up to his death. She includes an account of the First Crusade from a Byzantine perspective and draws impressive portraits of the protagonists. This new critical edition contains numerous textual improvements over earlier editions and presents a complete documentation of the epitomes together with comprehensive indexes giving access to the text.


First-person-view videos of hands interacting with tools are widely used in the computer vision industry. However, creating a dataset with pixel-wise segmentation of hands is challenging since most videos are captured with fingertips occluded by the hand dorsum and grasped tools. Current methods often rely on manually segmenting hands to create annotations, which is inefficient and costly. To relieve this challenge, we create a method that utilizes thermal information of hands for efficient pixel-wise hand segmentation to create a multi-modal activity video dataset. Our method is not affected by fingertip and joint occlusions and does not require hand pose ground truth. We show our method to be 24 times faster than the traditional polygon labeling method while maintaining high quality. With the segmentation method, we propose a multi-modal hand activity video dataset with 790 sequences and 401,765 frames of "hands using tools" videos captured by thermal and RGB-D cameras with hand segmentation data. We analyze multiple models for hand segmentation performance and benchmark four segmentation networks. We show that our multi-modal dataset with fusing Long-Wave InfraRed (LWIR) and RGB-D frames achieves 5% better hand IoU performance than using RGB frames.


We have developed a geomechanically based restoration method to model reservoir deformation. The approach, founded on the finite-element method, simulates the physical behavior of the rock mass and considers heterogeneous material properties, bedding slip, and the mechanical interaction of faults. To demonstrate the method's potential, we analyze the deformation and fault growth in the hanging wall of a synsedimentary listric normal fault from a sand-box model, which provides an analog for evaluating complex faulted reservoirs. The numerical model results are then analyzed to investigate the chronology of faulting. The numerical model corresponds well to the physical model and provides additional insights about reservoir evolution and deformation. The approach is also tested on a natural example of folding using outcrop data to study contractional deformation. These examples illustrate how undetected faults and fractures, reservoir compartmentalization, hydrocarbon-migration pathways, and hydrocarbon traps can be understood in the context of tectonic processes and how this understanding can be exploited in decision making and reducing risk. We conclude that the geomechanically based restoration of faulted and fractured reservoirs has significant potential for industry applications compared to common geometric restoration techniques, which lack a mechanical basis.


The press is generally regarded as a reliable source of information with however the capacity to propagate ideologies, social conceptions and beliefs. In this regard, it seems evident that the social role of the press can by no means be underestimated: it can influence our knowledge, values and social codes through linguistic and other semiotic means, sometimes hidden under a euphemistic lexical disguise holding up a liberal and apparently respectful discourse. The relationship between the press and society is a very complex one that requires careful conceptualisation so that it is possible to understand why texts in general and texts related to immigration in particular are created in the ways they are and not in other ways. The press offers access to all sorts of information but also has the power to create or modify attitudes. Each image and each linguistic component used to transmit a message is not predetermined or chosen at random but, on the contrary, is the outcome of a complex process, involving many phenomena, in which there is nevertheless discernable a clear purpose. The following book pays attention to the discursive and visual elements that are involved in reproducing ethnic and racial prejudices in contemporary press discourse. Our present reality is characterised by a moment of economic crisis, and it is a contention of the book that this affects the treatment of immigration, particularly in the press, which tends to refer to immigrants as a people-problem of some description or other. Therefore, the purpose of this book is to describe major aspects of discourse related to immigration within the present social context of economic crisis.


Community-based participatory research (CBPR) represents an important improvement in the integration of marginalized voices into research programs by including community members in the designs, conduct, and dissemination of studies. CBPR often features a social justice component, generating studies designed to reduce societal disparities and improve outcomes for disenfranchised groups. However, the practical implementation of CBPR usually fails to capitalize on this promise, using the same traditional research methodologies, leadership structures, trial designs, and research questions that inculcate researcher bias. In response to the problem, we propose a new solution: Applied critical rhetorical research (ACRR) integrated into the CBPR approach to clinical health research. ACRR research combines critical/cultural studies and rhetorical methods to amplify the figurative voice of marginalized populations. ACRR can expose how majority power (i.e., hegemony) manifests in social institutions like healthcare and government, where its meanings and subjectivities are absorbed. ACRR analyses enhance CBPR by shaping research in directions that reduce stigma, unintended disenfranchisement, and culturally bound bias, increasing the yield from CBPR for researchers and the community.


Energy-efficient resource allocation within computing systems is important because of the growing demand for, and cost of, energy. In this paper, we study the problem of energy-constrained static resource allocation of a collection of communicating tasks to a heterogeneous computing environment. Our goal is to maximize the probability (calculated via Monte Carlo method) that our collection of tasks completes by both a given deadline and an energy constraint in an environment where task execution times and communication times are uncertain. We model a collection of energy-saving mechanisms from the ACPI standard that can be used to balance the energy consumption and execution time of our tasks. We then design and evaluate (via simulation) a set of heuristics for allocating resources in our system. Finally, we show that our novel adaptation of existing heuristics can greatly improve performance in our environment.


Headache is the most common reason for visiting in neurology. Almost a third of all patients surveyed in this specialty visit for this reason. The gradual increase in the complexity of the care afforded to patients with headaches requires neurologists to become more specialised and leads to the creation of specialised units where this more complex care can be implemented. The heads of the neurology department are responsible for structuring and coordinating the different care units. This article shows the findings of a survey carried out on a group of heads of neurology departments in order to determine the current state of headache units, that is, their opinion regarding the creation, functioning and development of headache units in Spanish hospitals, and the parameters of their efficacy and effectiveness.


Background International guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) recommend use of the prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram (PHECG). Research conducted before the primary PCI era suggested that PHECG is not always performed for those receiving a hospital diagnosis of ACS, with the patient's gender and ethnicity speculated as influential. Aim As part of a mixed methods study investigating the use and impact of the PHECG in the primary PCI era, we explored the factors emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians report as influencing their decision to perform a PHECG. Methods We conducted a qualitative phenomenological study, in six focus groups with a semi structured topic guide, in three UK regions involving 47 EMS clinicians with experience ranging from nine months to 31 years. We recorded, transcribed and anonymised each focus group; familiarised ourselves with the data including notes and reflections; formed and iterated a coding framework; and constructed themes with the study team, including patient and public representatives. Results All participants expressed a desire to perform a prehospital ECG in patients suspected with ACS but described a setting characterised by uncertainty and 'messy' context. We drew out three themes of influence on the decision to perform an ECG: surface characteristics (age, sex, ethnicity, privacy, presenting condition of the patient); pattern recognition (training, experience of atypical presentations, equipment availability, confidence in interpretation); and tensions/external pressures (distance to PCI, guidelines, organisational pressures). These were interwoven by the concept of clinical autonomy. Conclusion Factors identified as influencing clinicians' decision to perform a PHECG ranged from straightforward to complex and were difficult to unpick. Whilst qualitatively clinicians reported performing 12 lead PHECG wherever possible in suspected ACS, the reported multifaceted influences on the decision reinforce the need for the quantitative arm of this study to examine this nationally, alongside its association with patient outcomes.


We report the first parameters of the heme redox cofactors for the polarizable AMOEBA force field in both the ferric and ferrous forms. We consider two types of complexes, one with two histidine side chains as axial ligands and one with a histidine and a methionine side chain as ligands. We have derived permanent multipoles from second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2). The sets of parameters have been validated in a first step by comparison of AMOEBA interaction energies of heme and a collection of biologically relevant molecules with MP2 and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. In a second validation step, we consider interaction energies with large aggregates comprising around 80 H2O molecules. These calculations are repeated for 30 structures extracted from semiempirical PM7 DM simulations. Very encouraging agreement is found between DFT and the AMOEBA force field, which results from an accurate treatment of electrostatic interactions. We finally report long (10 ns) MD simulations of cytochromes in two redox states with AMOEBA testing both the 2003 and 2014 AMOEBA water models. These simulations have been carried out with the TINKER-HP (High Performance) program. In conclusion, owing to their ubiquity in biology, we think the present work opens a wide array of applications of the polarizable AMOEBA force field on hemeproteins.


This study aims to explain the thinking process of students in solving combination problems considered from assimilation and accommodation frameworks. This research used a case study approach by classifying students into three categories of capabilities namely high, medium and low capabilities. From each of the ability categories, one student was chosen as a research subject. The results of this research showed that the student in high ability category, in understanding, planning, implementing and checking the problem solving used assimilation thinking process and they also used accommodation thinking process in solving a problem. The student in the category of medium ability, in understanding, planning, implementing and rechecking problem solving used assimilation thinking process. The student in the category of low ability, in understanding, planning and implementing problem solving used incomplete assimilation thinking process, and in rechecking the results of problem solving he was not able to do the thinking process of assimilation and accommodation.

 Key words: Thinking process, combination, assimilation, accommodation.


A contentious debate has been under way for decades over whether prostitution is inherently harmful to women, or a job that can be freely chosen. This debate has become particularly heated around one subject: human trafficking for sexual purposes. In recent decades human trafficking has manifested in many forms and affected countless victims. There has also been a rise in films and other media devoted to human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, some of which have been the subject of academic analysis. This study seeks to shed light on this debate and the related discourses, and contribute to this growing field of scholarship. Two documentaries about women who have either been smuggled voluntarily or trafficked from Nigeria to different parts of Europe are analyzed. A narrative analysis is applied to gain insights into how these women perceive and integrate the, sometimes traumatic, experiences they have had. The study concludes that structure seems to dominate or negate agency in these cases, and that the distinctions of voluntary and forced prostitution can obscure a complex reality, which can further marginalize victims of exploitation.


Research on 3D stereoscopic images and videos has been extended quite a lot over the last 10 years. However, there is still empty space for objective quality metrics yet to come for 3D images and videos. Objective quality measurement is based on designing mathematical metrics which result in high correlation with subjective test results that take lots of time to perform in fact. This study mainly relies on SSIM (Structural Similarity Index) metric which has been proposed to measure structural similarities between two monoscopic images. But, the work on adaptation of SSIM to stereoscopic videos is found very limited in the literature. In this paper, we propose two approaches to adapt SSIM metric in stereoscopic videos by means of combining depth maps with local and global weighting methods. The proposed metric is evaluated using the SESVIQ (Subjective Evaluation of Stereo Video Quality) methodology for subjective assessment. The results show that our metric highly correlated with subjective scores.


Apparatuses, methods, and systems pertaining to the verification of portable consumer devices are disclosed. In one implementation, a verification token is communicatively coupled to a computer by a USB connection so as to use the computers networking facilities. The verification token reads identification information from a users portable consumer device (e.g., credit card) and sends the information to a validation entry over a communications network using the computers networking facilities. The validation entity applies one or more validation tests to the information that it receives from the verification token. If a selected number of tests are passed, the validation entity sends a device verification value to the verification token, and optionally to a payment processing network.; the verification token may enter the device verification value into a CVV field of a web page appearing on the computers display, or may display the value to the user using the computers display.


An exploration of learning principles underlying successful video games reveals insights into the primacy of traditional texts over newly emerging visual texts and the implications such constructions have in precluding students from meaningful participation in school.


In this paper, we describe design and development of the new global decision logic units for the Belle detector at the KEK B-factory. The new units consist of two identical 9U VME modules which are designed using the programmable logic techniques. Each module has an inexpensive programmable logic device that has high density input and output lines. Performance tests of these new modules and existing system are compared and showed good results. Utilizing the nature of the logic device on the board, we also examine possibility of the implementation of an artificial neural network algorithm to the new trigger board for a more efficient data acquisition.


Relative differences in the internal cation mobilities in the molten binary system (Na, NH4)NO3 have been measured by Klemm's countercurrent electromigration method at NaNO3 mole fractions 0 0.3 and temperatures 433-453 K. Also the densities and electric conductivities of this system have been measured. From these data the internal cation mobilities, bNa and bNH₄, were calculated. Under all accessible conditions, bNH₄ is greater than bNa. The results are discussed in terms of the interaction between unlike ions and free space.


In a popular visual illusion, the portrait on paper currency is folded into an M shape along vertical lines through the nose and the eyes. When this folded picture is tilted back and forth horizontally the face undergoes striking changes in expression. This distortion reveals two insights concerning 3D representation in the human visual system and we have explored these with experiments on simple schematic faces and observations on distortions of laser range images of faces. The observations show first that when recovering depicted depth, pictorial cues are interpreted independently of binocular depth information and second, that the recovery of facial expression is based on a scaled prototypical face structure.


Background The importance of immunization and the necessity of achieving the goals of the immunization expansion plan and the critical role of undergraduate public health students in attaining these goals in the Covid-19 pandemic is evident. The present study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of using online educational videos on practical learning of vaccination in the apprenticeship stage during covid-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial. Material and methods This experimental study was conducted on 120 students (60 interventions and 60 control groups) at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences during 2019–2020. The intervention included training vaccination skills through educational videos based on self-efficacy theory, which was conducted for two weeks each week in two sessions of two hours for the intervention group using an educational video. A researcher-made questionnaire and a performance checklist were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 software. Paired t-test, independent t-test, and Chi-square. Results The mean age of the subjects was 22.41 years, and most of the participants were female students (80%). There were statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups regarding knowledge (19.17±0.92 vs. 16.03±3.00; P<0.001), self-efficacy (40.84±3.71 vs 33.45±4.83; P = 0.01), attitude (22.56±2.95vs 20.28±3.25; P = 0.01) and performance (27.92±6.00 vs 22.38±5.40; P = 0.01) after the intervention. Conclusion According to the findings of this study, the use of educational videos for undergraduate students of public health during the apprenticeship period has a positive effect on the practical learning of vaccination. However, it seems that in non-critical times, online education along with face-to-face education will be more effective for practical training.


Timing of reproduction greatly influences offspring success and resulting population production. Explaining and predicting species' dynamics necessitates disentangling the intrinsic (genotypic) and extrinsic (climatic) factors controlling reproductive timing. Here we explore temporal and spatial changes in spawning time for 21 populations of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) across the species' range (40° to 80° N). We estimate spawning time using a physiologically relevant metric that includes information on fish thermal history (degree-days, DD). First, we estimate spawning DD among years (within populations) to show how recent changes in spawning time can be explained by local changes in temperature. Second, we employ spawning DD to identify temperature-independent trends in spawning time among populations that are consistent with parallel adaptive evolution and the evolutionary history of the species. Finally, we use our results to estimate spawning time under future climate regimes, and discuss the implica...


ABSTRACT Some members of the family Enterobacteriaceae ferment sugars via the mixed-acid fermentation pathway. This yields large amounts of acids, causing strong and sometimes even lethal acidification of the environment. Other family members employ the 2,3-butanediol fermentation pathway, which generates comparatively less acidic and more neutral end products, such as acetoin and 2,3-butanediol. In this work, we equipped Escherichia coli MG1655 with the budAB operon, encoding the acetoin pathway, from Serratia plymuthica RVH1 and investigated how this affected the ability of E. coli to cope with acid stress during growth. Acetoin fermentation prevented lethal medium acidification by E. coli in lysogeny broth (LB) supplemented with glucose. It also supported growth and higher stationary-phase cell densities in acidified LB broth with glucose (pH 4.10 to 4.50) and in tomato juice (pH 4.40 to 5.00) and reduced the minimal pH at which growth could be initiated. On the other hand, the acetoin-producing strain was outcompeted by the nonproducer in a mixed-culture experiment at low pH, suggesting a fitness cost associated with acetoin production. Finally, we showed that acetoin production profoundly changes the appearance of E. coli on several diagnostic culture media. Natural E. coli strains that have laterally acquired budAB genes may therefore have escaped detection thus far. This study demonstrates the potential importance of acetoin fermentation in the ecology of E. coli in the food chain and contributes to a better understanding of the microbiological stability and safety of acidic foods.


Four papers by Brandon Kramer, Tohru Matsuo, Aaron Sponseller, Young Ae Kim, Suzuka Nishiyama, and Stuart McLean; Stuart Benson and Naheen Madarbakus-Ring; Michael McGuire and Jennifer Larson-Hall; and Atsushi Mizumoto, Geoffrey Pinchbeck, and Stuart McLean were presented in the morning session of the 2021 Vocabulary SIG Symposium held in Kyoto, Japan, on 04 December 2021. As discussant, it was my pleasure to comment on each of the papers. The four studies were investigations of the attrition of productive vocabulary knowledge; the lexical composition of two English for Academic Purposes (EAP) textbooks; the relationship between high-frequency multi-word sequences, speech rate, and listening perception; and the use of various word lists with the New Word Level Checker. After reviewing and summarising each study in this paper, I present suggestions for further developing the studies and expanding the research agenda of each study.


To guarantee end-to-end performance for multimedia services, performance bounds are imposed on individual nodes. Under these bounds maximum call arrival rates supported and maximum channel utilization realized are determined. This is essentially a bandwidth allocation and call admission control problem, and thus knowledge of source behavior is critical. To this end, the elementary ON/OFF source is used to model a wide variety of the services that are expected in a broadband network. The authors characterize this source using basic parameters and show how to model representative voice, data, and video sources. They supply these parameters to extent Weinstein's cutoff formula to compute cell overload that occurs during statistical multiplexing. The overload analysis presents a simple method of dimensioning buffer sizes at a node to meet delay and cell loss requirements.<<ETX>>


Compared with continuous density hidden Markov model (CDHMM), discrete HMM (DHMM) has inherent attractive properties: it takes only O(1) time to get the state output probability, and the discrete features, compared with cepstral coefficients, could be encoded in fewer bits, lowering the bandwidth requirement in distributed speech recognition architecture. Unfortunately, the recognition performance of conventional DHMM is significantly worse than that of CDHMM due to the large quantization error and the use of multiple independent streams. One way to reduce the quantization error and to improve the recognition accuracy, is to use a very large codebook. However, the training data is usually not sufficient to robustly train such high density DHMM (HDDHMM). In this paper, we investigate a subspace approach together with sub-vector quantization to solve the training problem of HDDHMM. The resulting model is called subspace HDDHMM (SHDDHMM). On both Resource Management and Wall Street Journal 5K-vocabulary task, when compared with its CDHMM counterpart, SHDDHMM shows comparable performance in recognition accuracy, with faster decoding speed and lower bandwidth requirement.


Inflammatory bowel disease follows a relapsing and remitting course that can be augmented with the use of various pharmacologic therapies. Treatments used to induce or maintain remission may not be required indefinitely. The associated side-effect profile, adverse events, and costs are additional motivators for providers to treat patients with the lowest dose of effective medications. De-escalation of therapy, whether dose reduction or drug discontinuation, must be carefully considered on an individual patient basis. The steps for de-escalation include confirmation of deep remission, development of a maintenance strategy, discussion of the rescue threshold and treatment options in the event of relapse, and appropriate discussion with the patient of this plan.


In recent time, intense pastoralism has been impacting on arable farming across Nigeria. The study assessed arable crop farmers' perception of effect of pastoralism on arable crop production in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 125 arable crop farmers from 9 villages in 2 functional Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) extension cells noted for pastoralism. Interview schedule was used to collect data on respondents' socio-economic characteristics, pastoralism challenges, consequences of identified challenges, adaptation against pastoralism challenges and opinion on reducing pastoralism challenges. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p=0.05. Majority were ≤50 years old (60.0%), males (90.4%) and had education below secondary school (81.6%). Respondents' average farm size, farming experience and annual income were 2.1 hectare, 26.5 years and N236368.00 / $775.00 respectively. Identified pastoralism challenges include crop destruction (99.2%), water pollution (96.0%) and harassment from pastoralists (94%). Consequences of pastoralism include low income (90.4%) and reduced farming hours due to fear of attack (74.4%). Adopted mitigation measures include dialogue (87.2%) and extension intervention (84.8%). Farmers expressed strong view that culpable pastoralists should pay compensations for crop damage (98.4%) and development of hay and silage markets (97.6%). Significant relationship existed between age (χ2=8.550, p< 0.05) and sex (χ2=0.107, p<0.05) of the respondents and their perception of effects of pastoralism on arable crop production. Pastoralism is exerting negative effects on arable crop farming activities in the study area. Farmers and pastoralists should therefore pursue dialogue moderated by government for improved relationship.
Keywords: Pastoralism, Arable Crops, Effect, Mitigation


State-of-the-art rail systems require reliant, redundant and critical and secure communications. Data integrity is paramount when considering the criticality that the data payload remains secure for 24/7 year-round applications. With technologies such as Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) and Positive Train Control (PTC) being implemented, considerations for data integrity in these networks must include methods to avoid internal and external vulnerabilities.
 Unlike traditional encryption methodologies, newer techniques involve tunneling payloads across open or closed networks; this method could include public unsecured networks. By utilizing a unique security appliance tunneled to a remotely connected network operations center, it is possible for a rail system to subscribe to a service to obtain military-grade data security capabilities and distribute secured communications throughout their operational territories via low cost data networks. This "security as a service" concept is especially useful for landlord/tenant relationships that would have previously resulted in duplicative system elements.
 Security-as-a-service encryption methods commercially available for rail applications typically fall into one of three color-coded categories; green, red and gray. Green networks offer a single layer solution using NSA-approved cryptographic algorithms and are completely isolated from other methods. Red networks are highly secure, utilizing diverse layers of different algorithm types. Gray networks provide a secure gateway between red and green networks to effectively manage network and operational risks.
 In the case of large freight territories, security as a service can help reduce network costs while improving security. For passenger rail systems, communication-based signaling systems should be strongly protected against data vulnerabilities resulting from either unintentional or malicious access to critical networks.


A nanopyrite/greigite composite was synthesized by reacting FeCl(3) and NaHS in a ratio of 1:2 (Wei et al. 1996). Following this procedure, the obtained solid phases consisted of 30-50 nm sized particles containing 28% of greigite (Fe(2+)Fe(3+)(2)S(4)) and 72% pyrite (FeS(2)). Batch reactor experiments were performed with selenite or selenate by equilibrating suspensions containing the nanosized pyrite-greigite solid phase at different pH-values and with or without the addition of extra Fe(2+). XANES-EXAFS spectroscopic techniques revealed, for the first time, the formation of ferroselite (FeSe(2)) as the predominant reaction product, along with elemental Se. In the present experimental conditions, at pH 6 and in equilibrium with Se(0), the solution is oversaturated with respect to ferrosilite. Furthermore, thermodynamic computations show that reaction kinetics likely played a significant role in our experimental system.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the ocular blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) alteration after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) or surgery peripheral iridectomy (SPI) in patients with primary chronic angle-closure glaucoma (PCACG).

METHODS
This was a clinical randomized controlled trial. Sixty eyes of 60 subjects with early stage of PCACG were randomly received either LPI or SPI and followed up postoperatively at day 3, week 1, 2, 3, and 4. Aqueous flare in anterior chamber was measured by FC-2000 flare-cell photometry, intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by tonometer, central corneal endothelium cell counted by endothelioscopy, peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) detected by gonioscopy. Data were analyzed by using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures, independent samples t-test, paired t-test, nonparametric test, and Spearman rank correlation test.

RESULTS
On follow-ups of pre-operative and post-operative 3 days, 1 week (w), 2w, 3w and 4w respectively, the mean aqueous flare values for LPI group were (5.47 ± 1.09), (11.96 ± 3.07), (8.08 ± 2.18), (5.68 ± 0.83), (5.80 ± 1.00), (5.69 ± 1.12) PC/ms, and for SPI group were (5.43 ± 1.13), (8.44 ± 3.22), (6.42 ± 1.77), (5.35 ± 0.71), (5.53 ± 1.26), (5.45 ± 1.23) PC/ms. During post-operative 1w the flare values in both LPI and SPI groups were significantly higher than that on pre-operation (t = -12.753, -8.101, P < 0.05; t = -5.971, -3.870;P < 0.05) and LPI group had a significantly higher mean flare value than SPI group (t = 4.329, 3.231;P < 0.05). The IOP spike in LPI group was significantly (χ(2) = 5.079, 4.022, P < 0.05) higher than that in SPI group at week 1 of post-operation. Increased IOP was positively correlated with BAB damage (r = 0.899, 0.833; P < 0.05). The numbers of medications required to maintain IOP ≤ 21 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) at week 4 of post-operation in LPI was significantly (Z = -1.984, P < 0.05) more than that in SPI group. There were no significant differences in central corneal endothelium cell count at week 1 (t = -0.696, 0.008) and in extension of PAS at week 4 (Z = -1.270, -1.490) of post-operation when compared to pre-operation (P > 0.05). No obvious complications occurred in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrated that IOP spike in both of LPI and SPI is due, at least in part, to BAB damage, which appears to be more severe in LPI group and can recover within two weeks. PAS progression and central corneal endothelium cell loss are not aggravated in 1 month after operation.


In the paper under review, the authors study the jets of antimulticanonical bundles on certain del Pezzo surfaces. The main idea is to investigate the stratification of the surfaces given by the rank of the evaluation map with values in the second jet bundles of these antimulticanonical bundles. The second dual variety of the associated polarized surface is also considered. After reviewing some preliminaries in Section 1, the authors look at a del Pezzo surface S with K2S=2 in Section 2. Let L=−2KX. The rank of the evaluation map j2,x:H0(S,L)→(J2L)x is determined for every point x∈S. It follows that L is 2-jet spanned exactly on S−R, where R is the ramification divisor of the double cover S→P2 induced by |−KS|. Moreover, (−tKS) is 2-jet spanned for all t≥3. Section 3 and Section 4 are devoted to a del Pezzo surface S with K2S=1. This time, let L=−3KX. Again, the rank of j2,x is determined for every point x∈S. Furthermore, (−4KS) is 2-jet spanned exactly on S−Δ, where Δ is the set of singular points of the singular elements in the pencil |−KS|, and (−tKS) is 2-jet spanned for all t≥5. In Section 5, the authors apply the previous results to study the dual varieties Sv of the earlier polarized surfaces (S,L). It is proved that when K2S=2, the dual variety Sv is birational to S. When K2S=1, the dual variety Sv is a smooth rational curve parametrizing the pencil |−KS|.


Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for years. However, the safety of MSCs applied in various types of hematologic malignancy has not been comprehensively explored. In the present study, the effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on six representative hematologic malignancy cell lines were explored, including leukemia, multiple myeloma and lymphoma cells. Direct and indirect co-culture models were established, and cell proliferation was assessed by carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester staining. A cytometric bead array cytokine kit was used to quantify cytokines. The expression of interleukin (IL)-6 receptor elements on tumor cells was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry, and the effects of exogenous IL-6 on cell proliferation were determined using a Cell Counting kit-8 assay. The results demonstrated that hUC-MSCs inhibited the proliferation of most of the cell lines examined (THP-1, HL-60, K562 and RPMI-8226), but promoted the proliferation of Raji cells. In addition, hUC-MSCs secreted abundant IL-6, promoted the secretion of IL-10 by RPMI-8226 and Raji cells, and inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α by THP-1 cells. These data indicate a varied effect of hUC-MSCs on various types of hematologic malignancy, including distinct mechanisms of cell-to-cell contact and cytokines. Researchers applying hUC-MSCs in lymphoma should be aware of a potential tumor growth-promoting effect.


Lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs) are a frequent finding in acutely ill patients undergoing EEG recordings, but their ictal versus interictal nature is still debated. When LPDs are clearly time-locked to motor clinical manifestations, they are usually recognized as ictal and treated accordingly. We present a case of ictal LPDs presentig as epilepsia partialis continua in a patient with poststroke frontal lobe epilepsy who was reducing antiepileptic polytherapy.


Only a few attempts have been made at measuring the extent of poverty and inequalities in the distribution of income in Pakistan [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7]. Most, in fact all but one [4], have been based on information collected under the Household Income and Expenditure Surveys [8, 9, 10]. The aim of this paper is to point out the methodological shortcomings in the estimation procedure used in these studies and to suggest an alternative improved methodology for measuring poverty using data from the Household Surveys. It must be pointed out that it is not intended to discuss here at any length the estimates presented to illustrate the application of the suggested methodology


In this paper, the plantar pressure distribution and the center of pressure movement were studied and gait stability of high heels versus normal heels was observed. A group of ten young female participants without any previous lower limbs injuries were asked to wear shoes of different heel heights, namely, 0cm, 2cm and 4cm and walk at a speed of 3km/hr on a treadmill. The pressure that their body exerts on the ground was recorded and analyzed. A statistical analysis was conducted and observed for the center of pressure (p<0.05), peak pressure (p<0.05) and the gait stability. The center of pressure moved from the heel to toe as heel height was increased and the peak pressure moved to the forefoot region. Tukey post-hoc analysis was performed in order to observe the differences in peak pressure in the forefoot, mid-foot and rear foot region. It was found that as the subjects wore a 4cm heel height shoes, the peak pressure was increased in the rear foot regions of the right foot. This resulted from the fact that they tend to lean on their right foot owing to instability during gait.


Premise Cacti are characteristic elements of the Neotropical flora and of major interest for biogeographic, evolutionary, and ecological studies. Here we test global biogeographic boundaries for Neotropical Cactaceae using specimen-based occurrences coupled with data from visual observations, including citizen science records, as a means to tackle the known collection biases in the family. Methods Species richness and record density were assessed separately for preserved specimens and human observations and a bioregional scheme tailored to Cactaceae was produced using the interactive web application Infomap Bioregions based on data from 261,272 point records cleaned through automated and manual steps. Key Results We find that areas in Mexico and southwestern USA, Eastern Brazil and along the Andean region have the greatest density of records and the highest species richness. Human observations complement information from preserved specimens substantially, especially along the Andes. We propose 24 cacti bioregions, among which the most species-rich are, in decreasing order: northern Mexico/southwestern USA, central Mexico, southern central Mexico, Central America, Mexican Pacific coast, central and southern Andes, northwestern Mexico/extreme southwestern USA, southwestern Bolivia, northeastern Brazil, Mexico/Baja California. Conclusions The bioregionalization proposed shows novel or modified biogeographical boundaries specific to cacti, and can thereby aid further evolutionary, biogeographic, and ecological studies by providing a validated framework for further analyses. This classification builds upon, and is distinctive from, other expert-derived regionalization schemes for other taxa. Our results showcase how observation data, including citizen-science records, can complement traditional specimen-based data for biogeographic research, particularly for taxa with specific specimen collection and preservation challenges and those that are threatened or internationally protected.


The catalytic partial oxidation of ethanol and selective catalytic reduction of NOx with ethanol (ethanol-SCR) over Ag/Al2O3 were studied using synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometry (PIMS). The intermediates were identified by PIMS and their photoionization efficiency (PIE) spectra. The results indicate that H2 promotes the partial oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde over Ag/Al2O3, while the simultaneously occurring processes of dehydration and dehydrogenation were inhibited. H2 addition favors the formation of ammonia during ethanol-SCR over Ag/Al2O3, the occurrence of which creates an effective pathway for NOx reduction by direct reaction with NH3. Simultaneously, the enhancement of the formation of ammonia benefits its reaction with surface enolic species, resulting in producing -NCO species again, leading to enhancement of ethanol-SCR over Ag/Al2O3 by H2. Using VUV-PIMS, the reactive vinyloxy radical was observed in the gas phase during the NOx reduction by ethanol for the first time, particularly in the presence of H2. Identification of such a reaction occurring in the gas phase may be crucial for understanding the reaction pathway of HC-SCR over Ag/Al2O3.


Even without electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and fever, seizures are found occasionally in the cases of mild diarrhea. Such patients have shown favorable outcome during long-term follow-up. Twenty cases (10 boys and 10 girls) of benign seizure with mild diarrhea have been diagnosed at the Pediatric Department of Cathay General Hospital from January 1987 to March 1991. Ages-of-onset ranged from 3 months to 43 months (mean 19 months). Most cases were found between December and March (16 cases, 80%). Most seizure episodes were from 2 to 5 times (10 cases, 50%); the durations of seizures were mostly within a 5-minute period (16 cases, 80%). All seizures were generalized and symmetric, including tonic-clonic (13 cases, 65%), tonic (5 cases, 25%), and clonic (2 cases, 10%). Six out of 11 cases (54.5%) showed Rotazyme (Latex agglutination) positive. After six month to four year follow up, no patient had suffered any type of epilepsy, and psychomotor development was normal in all. Further discussion of clinical features is provided.


A hypothesis implicating adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (sulfate) in the etiology of human breast cancer of the "adrenal" or "Western" type has been presented (Adams, J. B. Steroid Hormones and Human Breast Cancer. An Hypothesis. Cancer, 40: 325–333, 1977). High concentrations of DHEA sulfate in the blood provide a potentially high flux of the free steroid to mammary tumors, due to the presence therein of a sulfatase. The free steroid, in turn, is metabolized by human mammary tumors in vitro to 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol (ADIOL) and 7-hydroxydehydroeplandrosterone. It has now been found that ADIOL when administered s.c. to immature female rats will deplete the estrogen receptor in the uterine cytosol. Similarly, dimethylbenzanthracene-induced rat mammary tumors, when incubated in vitro with 1 µm ADIOL, show translocation of the estrogen receptor from cytosol to the nucleus, as measured by exchange assays. The magnitude of depletion of cytosol estrogen receptor by ADIOL was less than that obtained with 17β-estradiol, studied at 0.03 µm concentrations, but greater than that with 1 µm dihydrotestosterone. Among a wide group of C19 steroids examined as possible inhibitors of estrogen sulfotransferase, both DHEA and ADIOL showed marked inhibitory properties. By contrast, both 7α- and 7β-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone showed negligible inhibitory effects. This paralleled previous findings on the influence of a 7-hydroxyl group in modifying the ability of ADIOL to compete effectively for the estrogen receptor. Thus the high levels of 7-hydroxylase found in human mammary tumors, and acting on both DHEA and ADIOL, may function in controlling the intracellular concentrations of these steroids.


During standardization discussions on Modula-2 the question was raised whether the future standard should need a clause stating a set of minimal requirements for conforming implementations regarding the 'structuredness' of lexical, syntactical and run-time constructs in programs written in this language. It was decided to test a number of compilers to find their actual limits on the structuredness of some of these constructs. The test results do not only show these limits, but the inability of some compilers to handle large and complex inputs is shown as well.


Novel gradient bimetallic hydrogel promotes tendon-to-bone interface reconstruction by synchronous regeneration. Although gradients play an essential role in guiding the function of tissues, achieving synchronous regeneration of gradient tissue injuries remains a challenge. Here, a gradient bimetallic (Cu and Zn) ion–based hydrogel was first constructed via the one-step coordinative crosslinking of sulfhydryl groups with copper and zinc ions for the microstructure reconstruction of the tendon-to-bone insertion. In this bimetallic hydrogel system, zinc and copper ions could not only act as crosslinkers but also provide strong antibacterial effects and induce regenerative capacity in vitro. The capability of hydrogels in simultaneously promoting tenogenesis and osteogenesis was further verified in a rat rotator cuff tear model. It was found that the Cu/Zn gradient layer could induce considerable collagen and fibrocartilage arrangement and ingrowth at the tendon-to-bone interface. Overall, the gradient bimetallic ion–based hydrogel ensures accessibility and provides opportunities to regenerate inhomogeneous tissue with physiological complexity or interface tissue.


BACKGROUND & AIMS
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory pancreatic disease that carries considerable morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of this disease remains poorly understood. We investigated the incidence of autophagy in mice following induction of acute pancreatitis.

METHODS
Mice were received intraperitoneal injections of L-arginine (200 mg × 2/100 g BW), while controls were administered with saline. Pancreatic tissues were assessed by histology, electron microscopy and western blotting.

RESULTS
Injection of L-arginine resulted in the accumulation of autophagosomes and a relative paucity of autolysosomes. Moreover, the autophagy marker p62 is significantly increased. However, the lysosomal-associated membrane protein-2 (Lamp-2), a protein that is required for the proper fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, is decreased in acute pancreatitis. These results suggest that a crucial role for autophagy and Lamp-2 in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that the autophagic flux is impaired in acute pancreatitis. The depletion of Lamp-2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.


This project provides a solution to synchronization difficulties endemic to the genre of tape and instrumental compositions. INTRODUCTION: Electroacoustic music which exploits the medium's unique qualities--e.g. diminishment of rhythm and tempered pitch as primary structural elements--provokes unique challenges for instrumentalists playing alongside a tape part. Coordination of instrumentalist(s) with a tape according to a composer's wishes has historically been a challenge for many reasons. 1. LIMITATIONS OF TRADITIONAL SCORE NOTATION: Lack of a standardized notation system for electroacoustic sounds, and development in this genre of elements not present in instrumental music, are factors which make consistent score following difficult. The score that an electroacoustic music composer creates a is a highly subjective interpretation of his/her music. Furthermore, the score is a translation of sound into another medium--visual art. Musical elements most audible to a performer are frequently not the ones a composer has chosen to depict. Conversely, elements most salient to the composer may not be clearly audible to the performer. Often, because of unusual spectral weightings, particular pitches (if present) are virtually impossible to pin down-on some hearings, over some speakers, a passage may suggest frequency A, and on other hearings, frequency B. 2. CONCERNS OF COMPOSERS: Unless laxity in the coordination of tape and perfomer is intentional, unpredictable variations from performance to performance can include disastrous musical results. The tighter and more intricate the intended coordination between performer and tape (as in chamber music), the more significant is a performer's loss of place. Score following assistance for performers also serves to alleviate anxiety and stiffness which result from the complexities already described. The allusion of interactivity between tape and performer depends upon a performer's spontaneity and musical concentration. These qualities are difficult to sustain if one is struggling to identify the sound/score correlation at every moment. 3. LIMITATIONS OF TRADITIONAL SOLUTIONS: The click track has been one traditional solution to the problems described above, but this approach has significant drawbacks. Wearing headphones is a distraction to the audience and performer(s). Hearing sounds with the music which are not part of the music interferes (to understate the problem) with a performer's immersion in the music itself. This situation is exacerbated when a click track is overlaid on absolutely arhythmic music. Ironically, it is this latter category of electroacoustic music which is the most challenging to play alongside, and which most needs something like a click track. Use of a stopwatch is another solution which has been used. This method, too, is imperfect as it demands intense concentration by the performer on something other than the music. In addition, a stopwatch is difficult to read from a distance. While time cues in a score can be of enormous help during rehearsals, these cues are ultimately of lesser value in a performance situation. 4. ADVANTAGES OF AN ANIMATED SCORE: An animated score (combined on CD-ROM with an audio track) allows a performer to follow a tape part with extreme precision and with little effort. 5. EXECUTION OF CONCEPT: The quantity of music depicted moment to moment on the screen may be tailored to the particulars of the composition. Whether the visual cues change every second, every tenth of a second, or with varying frequency, may be determined by the requirements of the composition as well. The nature of the cues may also be responsive to the individual composition. A window-like box, for example, allows a time window of necessary coordination. A note-by-note score illumination dictates coordination through time with the tape more emphatically. 6. TECHNICAL DETAILS/SUMMARY: Software used for this project includes Adobe AfterEffects and Premiere . The original scores were created with Notewriter and Finale software. These files were saved as encapsulated postscript files, converted to pdf, and opened in various graphics software applications. The resulting projects were completed through frame-by-frame animation. A long-term project goal is the creation of software to allow a more automated process of score creation. The ICMC98 Poster Demonstration examples are the following: Example 1: E Over Mc Squared , Elizabeth Hoffman, for soprano and tape Example 2: Life Study #1 , Richard Karpen, for clarinet and tape


The delivery beds in common use in this country have one or more of the following distinct shortcomings: The legs of the patient in labor must be held by attendants. This is a drain on the nursing force, which is none too ample in any hospital, and seriously cripples the nursing service at night. Moreover, nurses who act as human leg holders are unable to watch the process of labor and thus miss at least one important part of their training. If the second and third stages are at all prolonged, the actual physical effort is not inconsiderable. Mechanical leg holders, on the other hand, are by no means satisfactory. Of the various types in use, the straight leg holder, in which the foot of the patient is secured in a vertical elevation, imposes a noticeable strain on the sacroiliac ligaments, leaves the patient with backache for some days after


We present the results of a pilot study of the use of Nd:Yag laser in the removal of permanent eyeliner tattoos. Fourteen eyelids were treated, and in all cases a reduction in pigmentation was achieved although responses were variable. The advantages of such therapy over existing techniques are described. The technique offers a useful reduction of permanent eyeliner pigmentation and is particularly suited to treatment of localized areas of imperfect application or pigment migration.


Microbiologists are frequently consulted for guidance on the investigation and management of infection, including antimicrobial prescribing in hospital settings. There is a rising demand for timely microbiology advice in the context of increasing global travel and antibiotic resistance, which give rise to complex cases. However, junior doctors are seldom trained in making effective referrals. Improving confidence in this key skill saves time for both the referring clinician and the specialist, and results in more accurate advice being given. This benefits patients who are more likely to receive appropriate treatment. This article presents guidance, developed in consultation with specialists, to improve the quality of referrals to microbiologists. This includes the information required for a high-quality referral, and signposts referring clinicians to existing resources which are suitable for simpler cases not requiring specialist input.


The article discusses the integrated process of learning mathematics at secondary school. The content of teaching mathematics must be arranged in such a way that the student develops an overall understanding of the world. The aim of the article is to emphasize the depth of comprehension of the content of the subject of the student's interest, because based on the understanding of the content of the subject, new knowledge will be integrated and new skills will be developed that the student will be able to transfer to other subjects by solving problem situations. The topicality of the article is related to the integration approach, that the main focus is not to focus on the content of the subjects of mathematics and physics, but on the scientific processes that unite the contents of these subjects. Theoretical basis of the research is the system theory, which is based on the approach of learning cognition and constructivism. In the research, students' complex tests and questionnaires with open questions were used for data acquisition. The article uses a case study design to analyse data.


This essay examines three tendencies nurtured in the practices of reproductive technology - tendencies with profoundly disturbing implications for us as individuals and as social beings. They are: 1) the increasing subjectification of the fetus (that is, the increasing tendency to posit a fetal subject), 2) the increasing objectification of the gestating woman, leading to her representation as interchangeable object rather than unique subject, and 3) the increasing tendency to conceive of the fetus and the mother as social, medical, and legal antagonists. Considering the construction of fetus, mother, and the fetal/maternal relation in earlier (Western) historical periods, a contemporary work of literature, a government report, and the popular press, I argue that as the fetus is increasingly being understood as a subject, the mother is increasingly being reduced to an antagonist, an obstacle to fetal health, and an object. The essay concludes by offering some tentative conclusions about the general process of fetal subjectification in the United States and Europe.


The emergence in December 2019 of SARS-CoV-2, and its infectious disease COVID-19, has resulted in a worldwide pandemic. Despite the realization that humanity is under a constant threat from respiratory viruses with pandemic potential, such as coronaviruses and influenza viruses, the discovery of a safe and effective prophylactic drug against such infections has remained elusive. The benefits of such a drug for the prevention, containment, or mitigation of emerging and endemic viral threats would be significant. As research on the mechanisms of viral infection has advanced, the repositioning and repurposing of existing drugs and therapeutics has played a significant role in our attempts to find efficacious treatments. This is especially true for COVID-19, though numerous existing drugs were previously studied for their usefulness in treating both SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infections. Ambroxol, a semi-synthetic derivative of the alkaloid vasicine, has been researched and marketed for more than half a century. Ambroxol was originally marketed as a respiratory mucolytic, mucokinetic, expectorant, and secretolytic. Decades of research have shown it to possess multiple effects, with minimal side effects and a favorable safety profile. Among the mechanisms of action and molecular targets that have been shown for Ambroxol, some of these are potentially of benefit for the prevention and treatment of viral infections caused by influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, and coronaviruses. If proven to be safe and effective, the repurposing of Ambroxol as a phylactic and treatment for these viral infections would be a major advancement in public health, by lowering the morbidity and mortality caused by these viruses.


While Shared Virtual Memory is a cost-effective way to provide an illusion of shared memory to programmers, the performance of the system is limited by its inherent overheads. Several protocols such as Lazy Release Consistency (LRC) and Home-based LRC (HLRC) have been suggested to overcome the overheads. In this paper we propose a new all-software protocol, Moving Home-based LRC (MHLRC). Its main contribution is to introduce a new concept, Moving Home. Using it, our protocol provides 4 efficient functionalities: (a) providing migration mechanism, (b) eliminating the duty of updating the home copy at the end of an interval, (c) providing an adaptive home locating scheme, and (d) simplifying the update procedure on a stale copy. To evaluate our protocol, we implemented a prototype of MHLRC. The experiment with 4 benchmarks showed that our protocol improved the performance of the system by on the average 10% over LRC, and by up to 96% over HLRC. From the detailed analysis, we found that the improvement mainly comes from the reduction of the coherence action overhead. Our protocol reduced the number of diff operations executed during computation up to 64%(FFT)/spl sim/0.4%(SOR) against LRC and 56%(FFT)/spl sim/0.3%(SOR) against HLRC. It also reduces the requirement for memory and network bandwidth.


Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants that are metabolically activated to proximate carcinogenic trans-dihydrodiols. PAH trans-dihydrodiols are further activated in humans by cytochrome P450 (P450) 1A1 and 1B1 to yield diol-epoxides or by aldo-keto reductases (AKR) 1A1 and 1C1-1C4 to yield reactive and redox-active o-quinones. Reconstituted in vitro systems were used to compare the steady-state kinetic constants for human P450 (P450 1A1 and 1B1) and AKR (AKR1A1, AKR1C1-1C4) mediated metabolism of (+/-)- trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[ a]pyrene ((+/-)-B[ a]P-7,8-diol) at physiological pH. It was found that P450 isoforms yielded much greater k cat/ K m values than AKR enzymes. Initial rates of (+/-)-B[ a]P-7,8-diol oxidation were measured for AKR1A1, AKR1C2, P450 1A1, and P450 1B1 as the ratio of NADPH/NAD (+) cofactors was varied to determine the redox state necessary for AKRs to successfully compete for trans-dihydrodiols. P450 and AKR enzymes equally competed for (+/-)-B[ a]P-7,8-diol substrate at an NADPH/NAD (+) ratio equal to 0.001. The resting NADPH/NAD (+) ratio was determined in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells to be 0.28. These data suggest that the P450 pathway would be favored over the AKR pathway if the enzymes were equally expressed. Basal mRNA transcript levels of AKR1C1-1C3 exceed those of both basal and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced P450 1A1 and 1B1 by up to 90-fold in A549 cells as measured by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods. AKR expression levels were comparable to TCDD-induced P450 1A1 and 1B1 in HBEC-KT immortalized normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Functional assays of both A549 and HBEC-KT cell lysates demonstrated a lack of TCDD-inducible P450 1A1/1B1 activity but robust basal expression of AKR1A1 and AKR1C activities, where the functional assay for P450 detection is 300-fold more sensitive than the functional assay for AKR isoforms. These data suggest that AKR enzymes may effectively compete with P450 1A1/1B1 for PAH trans-dihydrodiol activation in human lung cells.


The AC conductivity of aluminium sulphate (Al2(SO4)3.16H2O) is found to be strongly humidity dependent. This property has been used to develop a humidity sensor. The AC conductance of the specially designed humidity sensor varies ~103-fold when the relative humidity changes from 22 to 88%. It is observed that the AC conductance of aluminium sulphate varies exponentially with relative humidity between 35 and 70% relative humidity levels. A transducer using aluminium sulphate may be designed for developing a humidity sensor effective between the 35 and 70% relative humidity levels. The effect of frequency on conductance is insignificant in the higher-frequency region.


Since the advent of microfinance banking in Bangladesh in the mid 1970's, several countries have copied this financing model. The seeming popularity of this model among developing countries is predicated on poverty reduction prospect it offers. The Nigerian government cued into this popular thinking in 2005 when it inaugurated the microfinance banking scheme. This was founded to provide finance to economically active poor excluded from financing by conventional banks, provide employment, engender rural development and reduce poverty. This paper theoretically examines the challenges these banks have had to grapple with from their inception. Furthermore, it scans the business environment to assess the prospects of microfinance banks in Nigeria. The paper shows that microfinance banking in Nigeria faces enormous challenges in infrastructural inadequacies, social misconception, poor legal and regulatory framework, unbridled competition from other financial institutions,abandonment of core microfinance function and paucity of qualified manpower. Despite this plethora of challenges, the study identified several areas where opportunities exist for these banks. The growing entrepreneurial awareness, increasing government interest, large unbanked rural area and high population of poor people were identified as some of these opportunities. The paper argues that with proper regulatory interventions and commitment of other stakeholders to the core mission of microfinance banking, its challenges can be addressed and its prospects enhanced. This paper therefore concludes that the future of microfinance banking in Nigeria is bright.


In continuous process manufacturing, process downtime resulting from electric variable speed drive equipment shutdown due to momentary power line dips or outages can incur heavy cost penalties brought about by loss of product or long process-restart times. In the case of ac adjustable speed inverter drives, the continuous process industries involved in this problem are presently synthetic textile manufacturing and thin-film products processing industries. Existing momentary voltage dip ride-through techniques as applied to adjustable speed inverter motor drives are reviewed with reference to the requirements of continuous process applications. Configurations considered are the variable voltage, input, the pulsewidth modulated, and the current source inverter types. Emphasis is placed on electrical ridethrough techniques as opposed to electromechanical techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed, and basic design and application considerations are outlined.


Based on a case report an overview on the differential diagnostic considerations with respect to blood hypereosinophilia (HE) and hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) in childhood is given. A 13-year-old boy was admitted for the clarification of an asthma. In the blood count an increased HE with 3 500/µl (30%) was found along with elevated total serum IgE and IL-5 level (2 000 IU/ml and 17 pg/ml). Lung function showed an obstruction (FEV1 38%). Radiologically the picture of bronchiectasis and mucus pluggine appeared. In the BAL a HE (76%) with raised IL-5 level was apparent. Histologically asthma was diagnosed with mucostasis, hypertrophy of the bronchial wall musculature and a lung HE. Differential-diagnostically an ABPA, a Churg-Strauss-Syndrome, a parasitosis, drug associated HE, allergies and malignant disease could be excluded. An aberrant T-cell clone in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry and T-cell receptor clonal rearrangements by PCR, leading to the diagnosis of a lymphoid variant of HES (L-HES). Failure to detect the FIP1L1-PDGFRA gene fusion and a normal bone marrow examination could exclude a neoplastic HES (HESN). After steroid initiation, prompt decrease of blood eosinophilia with resolution of symptoms was observed. Steroid discontinuation led to eosinophilia recurrence associated with disease symptoms. As steroid-sparing agent the immunosuppressive azathioprine was additionally given; steroid doses could be decreased and stopped in the course. This case demonstrated the range of HE evaluation in infancy. With asthma one should also consider the possibility of a L-HES.


Abstract Investigation into the nature and size of the divergence of net radiation at night in Canada's chinook belt showed that the mean rate of radiative cooling exceeded the measured cooling rate by a statistically significant 2.26 in the layer z1–10 mm in chinook-free weather. Nocturnal changes in both rates were generally in phase. Downward flux of sensible heat from the air column towards the ground accounted for the difference between the two rates. With a chinook at the ground, the mean radiative cooling rate remained virtually unchanged from its chinookless values but the measured rate of cooling was significantly lower. In prechinooks, the surface layer was radiatively warmed but the warming was overcompensated for by the horizontal advection of cold air.


Catalytic and spectroscopic properties of alcohol dehydrogenase from horse liver, incorporated in reversed micellar media, have been studied. Two different reversed micellar systems have been used, one containing an anionic [sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate, AOT], the other containing a cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) surfactant. With 1-hexanol as substrate the turnover number of the enzyme in AOT-reversed micelles is strongly dependent on the water content of the system. At low wo ([H2O]/[surfactant]) (wo less than 20) no enzymatic activity can be detected whereas at high wo (wo = 40) the turnover is only slightly lower than in aqueous solution. In CTAB-reversed micelles the dependence of the turnover number on wo is much less. The enzymatic activity is in this case significantly lower than in aqueous solution and increases only slightly with an increasing water content of the reversed micelles. Possible interactions of the protein with the surfactant interfaces in the reversed micellar media were studied via circular dichroism and fluorescence measurements. From the circular dichroism of the protein backbone it is observed that the protein secondary structure is not significantly affected upon incorporation in the reversed micelles since the far-ultraviolet spectrum is not altered. Results from time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy experiments indicate that, especially in AOT-reversed micelles, interactions between the protein and the surfactant interface are largely electrostatic in nature, as evident from the dependence on the pH of the buffer used. In CTAB-reversed micellar solutions such interactions appear to be much less pronounced than in AOT.


REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY
Antigenic and genetic drift of equine influenza (EI) virus is monitored annually by the Expert Surveillance Panel (ESP), which make recommendations on the need to update vaccines. Surveillance programmes are essential for this process to operate effectively and to decrease the risk of disease spread through the international movement of subclinically infected vaccinated horses. Not only is surveillance necessary to inform vaccine companies which strains are in circulation, but it serves as an early warning system for horse owners, trainers and veterinary clinicians, facilitating the implementation of appropriate prophylactic and control measures.

OBJECTIVE
To summarise the genetic analysis of EI viruses detected in Ireland from June 2007 to January 2010.

METHODS
The HA1 gene of 18 viruses was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis undertaken.

RESULTS
All viruses belonged to the Florida sublineage of the American lineage. Clade 2 viruses predominated up to 2009. The viruses identified on 4 premises in 2007 displayed 100% nucleotide identity to A/eq/Richmond/1/07, the current clade 2 prototype. The first clade 1 virus was identified in November 2009 and, thereafter, clade 1 viruses were responsible for all the outbreaks identified. The Irish clade 1 viruses differ from the clade 1 virus responsible for the EI outbreaks in Japan and Australia in 2007. No virus of the Eurasian lineage was isolated during this surveillance period.

CONCLUSIONS
In 2010 the ESP recommended that the vaccines should not include a H7N7 virus or a H3N8 virus of the Eurasian lineage but that they should contain both a clade 1 and clade 2 virus of the Florida sublineage. The surveillance data presented here support these recommendations and indicate that they are epidemiologically relevant.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE
These data also serve as a scientific basis for investigating the source of epizootics and outbreaks both nationally and internationally.


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A remarkably simple electronic circuit design based on the chaotic Lorenz system is described. The circuit consists of just two active nonlinear elements (high-speed analog multipliers) and a few passive linear elements. Experimental implementations of the circuit exhibit the classic butterfly attractor and the hysteretic transition from steady state to chaos observed in the Lorenz equations. The simplicity of the circuit makes it suitable for radio frequency applications. The power spectrum of the observed oscillations displays a peak frequency as high as 930 kHz and significant power beyond 1 MHz.


Under study was the state of 215 patients operated upon for acute pancreatitis. Rehabilitation of their working capacity was noted in 84 cases. 73,7% of the patients resumed their former activities, 16,6% of the patients did it 2--10 months later, 4 patients dropped their work due to the family circumstances, 4 patients were recognized to be invalids.


Objective:The aim of this study is to check whether histopathological differences exist between the nasal side and the sinus side of uncinate process of chronic rhinosinusitis and the histopathological basis of nasal polyp was discussed. Methods:The uncinate processes of chronic rhinosinusitis and control subjects were enrolled from October 2016 to April 2017. The following histopathological data were assessed: height of basement membrane, the proportion of glands in the sub-epithelium, the numbers of goblet cells and inflammatory cells. Results:A total of 116 patients were recruited, including 38 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP), 58 chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps(CRSsNP) and 20 controls. There was no significant difference between age and gender distribution(P>0.05). The basement membrane was significantly thinner on the sinus side of the 3 groups' uncinate processes than on the nasal side except CRSwNP group(P<0.05). The basement membrane of CRSwNP and CRSsNP was significantly higher than control uncinate processes(P<0.05). Inflammatory cells number were significantly increased in CRSwNP and CRSsNP than in the control uncinate processes, and the nasal side was obviously more than the sinus side in the CRSwNP and CRSsNP groups(P<0.05). The number of goblet cells was more on the sinus side of the 3 groups uncinate processes than on the nasal side, that of CRSsNP and control were significant difference between the nasal side and sinus side(P<0.05). The proportion of glands was larger on the sinus and nasal side of the uncinate processes in CRSwNP and CRSsNP than that of the control uncinate processes(P<0.05), and the proportion of glands was significantly greater on the nasal side than on the sinus side of the uncinate processes in CRSwNP(P<0.05). Conclusion:Histopathological differences exist between the nasal side and sinus side of the ups of CRSwNP, CRSsNP and control. The nasal side is more prone to polyps than the sinus side, which may be related to the thickening of basement membrane, the increase of inflammatory cells and gland area, and the decrease of goblet cells.