Climate warming may induce shifts in soil microbial communities possibly altering the long-term carbon mineralization potential of soils. We assessed the response of the bacterial community in a forest soil to experimental soil warming (+4 °C) in the context of seasonal fluctuations. Three experimental plots were sampled in the fourth year of warming in summer and winter and compared to control plots by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. We sequenced 17 308 amplicons per sample and analysed operational taxonomic units at genetic distances of 0.03, 0.10 and 0.25, with respective Good's coverages of 0.900, 0.977 and 0.998. Diversity indices did not differ between summer, winter, control or warmed samples. Summer and winter samples differed in community structure at a genetic distance of 0.25, corresponding approximately to phylum level. This was mainly because of an increase of Actinobacteria in winter. Abundance patterns of dominant taxa (> 0.06% of all reads) were analysed individually and revealed, that seasonal shifts were coherent among related phylogenetic groups. Seasonal community dynamics were subtle compared to the dynamics of soil respiration. Despite a pronounced respiration response to soil warming, we did not detect warming effects on community structure or composition. Fine-scale shifts may have been concealed by the considerable spatial variation.


In the analysis of scattering by perfectly conducting cylinders with polygonal cross-section by means of surface integral operator formulations, fast convergence can be achieved by expanding the surface current density on each side with basis functions factorizing the correct behavior of the fields on the wedges. Usually, the factorized edge behavior is chosen to be coincident with the first order behavior prescribed by Meixner's theory. However, it could not be the correct one and, consequently, the convergence of the method becomes increasingly slow as the theoretical behavior differs from the real one. This phenomenon is particularly notable when one or more of the predicted singularities unexpectedly disappear. To overcome this problem, in this work the analysis of TM scattering is made by introducing a new expansion devised so that only the first two terms are responsible for the reconstruction of the singularities while the remaining part of the expansion factorizes the second order edge behavior. Actually, the proposed expansion outperforms the one introduced by the authors in a previous work factorizing the first order edge behavior even when this is the correct one.


Recent work of Hopkins establishes that the lattice of order ideals of a minuscule poset satisfies the coincidental down-degree expectations property of Reiner, Tenner, and Yong. His approach appeals to the classification of minuscule posets. A uniform proof is presented herein.
The blueprint follows that of Rush and Wang in their uniform proof that various cardinality statistics are homomesic on orbits of order ideals of minuscule posets under the Fon-Der-Flaass action. The underpinning remains the original insight of Rush and Shi into the structure of the isomorphism between the weight lattice of a minuscule representation of a complex simple Lie algebra and the lattice of order ideals of the corresponding minuscule poset.


Uranyl(VI) 5,5'-azobis[tetrazolide] pentahydrate was synthesized and characterized using X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, UV/vis, MIR, FIR, and Raman spectroscopy. It is the second-most nitrogen rich compound of uranium (26.72 wt % N) and only the second structurally characterized uranium complex with a tetrazole ligand described in the literature. The compound's structure is characterized by an exceptionally small uranyl angle of 172.4(1)°, which provides information on the coordination properties of tetrazole ligands as they affect the donor's environment by strong steric and perhaps electrostatic repulsion. The compound showed luminescence under excitation with a near UV laser. The mean lifetime of its excited state was shorter than in the case of UO(2)(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O, indicating quenching by the ligand. Despite its high nitrogen content (and thus potentially explosive character), the title compound proved to be stable even under neutron radiation causing induced fission processes.


Background: Disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (Dot1l), a histone methyltransferase that targets the histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79), has been reported that its high expression is associated with various cancers, while the association between Dot1l expression and clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is still unknown. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 282 patients with ccRCC undergoing nephrectomy from a single institution between 2005 and 2007, with a median follow-up of 99 months. Dot1l expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in clinical specimens. We compared the clinical outcomes by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and assessed the prognostic value of Dot1l expression. Harrell's concordance index (C-index) was used to assess the predictive accuracy of different prognostic models. Results: Higher Dot1l expression indicated poorer OS (P<0.001) and RFS (P<0.001) in patients with ccRCC. Moreover, Dot1l expression could stratify ccRCC patients in pT stage, Fuhrman grade and SSIGN/ Leibovich subgroups, which might redefine individual risk stratification. Multivariate analyses further indicated that Dot1l expression was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P=0.007) and RFS (P=0.001). The prognostic accuracy of conventional prognostic models was notably improved with Dot1l integration. Two nomograms and calibration plots were built to predict OS and RFS for patients with ccRCC and performed better based on C-index


Vacancy defects are known to play an important role in the structural and chemical properties of metallic and semiconductor nanoparticles. Here, we investigate the likelihood of vacancy formation at the surface, in the subsurfaces, and in the interior of a model system of Al nanocrystals. The depth dependence of the vacancy formation energy (VFE) in 14-17 layered low-indexed surfaces of aluminium is studied using LDA, PBE, and PBEsol exchange-correlation functionals. Within a depth of two subsurface layers, the functionals make a transition from a similar description of surfaces to the differences in VFEs observed in bulk Al. The VFE converges to the bulk value within 0.01 eV beyond a maximum depth of 3-6 atomic layers, depending on the crystallographic surface plane. We find that the different convergence behaviors are related to the relaxations of atomic planes, normal to the surface, which in turn depend on the packing density of these surfaces. For the (111) subsurfaces, surprisingly, the defect formation energies are found to be higher than that of bulk Al, which is related to the hindered relaxations in its close-packed atomic planes. Although our results predict considerably lower VFE for the topmost layers of all the surfaces, the likelihood of forming a vacancy in the immediate subsurfaces of multifaceted Al nanoparticles is predicted to be lower than in bulk Al, which is in contrast to expectation.


The osteochondroma is a common benign bone tumor, which is only rarely observed in a subungal location, especially in the fingers. We present a case of multiple subungal osteochondromas, which occurred in the distal phalanges causing nail deformities and pain.


The Covid-19 pandemic forced many campuses around the world to close. In Indonesia, the closure of the campus began in mid-March 2020. The closure of the campus for a long time will harm students. To prevent this, the Indonesian government encourages campuses to hold online lectures or E-Learning. One of the campuses implementing E-Learning is STIE Ekuitas Bandung. The change from traditional lectures to E-Learning is not as easy as the theory. There are technological limitations, especially connections that cause students to have problems when forced to attend college in the form of video streaming. Besides, the economic recession caused by the pandemic is also another obstacle. On the other hand, most lecturers do not know how to give lectures effectively via the web, because they cannot get feedback from students. One solution we propose in this paper is to revive group discussions on school E-Learning sites. Using the student's Prior knowledge about E-Learning as a parameter, we conclude that the learning design provided in e-learning has to be slower compared to face-to-face learning with the aim that respondents have time to read, understand and finally understand with their efforts.


Myosin from the slime mold Physarum polycephalum contains three sizes of polypeptides: a heavy chain and two light chains, LC-1 and LC-2. Using a simple qualitative test for calcium binding by comparing electrophoretic migration of the polypeptides in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) acrylamide gels in the presence and absence of calcium, we have found that Physarum myosin light chain LC-2 migrates with an apparent molecular weight of 16,900 daltons in the presence of the metal ion chelator ethylene glycol bis (B-aminoethyl ether) N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA). However, if calcium chloride is added to the sample prior to electrophoresis, the apparent molecular weight decreases to 16,100. Lanthanide and cadmium ions, but not magnesium, can substitute for calcium. Because the ionic radii of Ca2+, La3+, and Cd2+ are almost identical, we conclude that Physarum myosin LC-2 possesses a very size-specific binding site for calcium. Physarum myosin LC-1 and the heavy chain give no evidence for binding calcium by this test. Since cytoplasmic streaming in the plasmodium of Physarum requires calcium, our evidence indicates that the calcium-binding property of Physarum myosin LC-2 may be important in regulating the production of force by actomyosin in the ectoplasm. Unexpectedly, the myosin light chain in Physarum capable of binding calcium, LC-2, is the essential light chain, while LC-1 is a member of the regulatory class of myosin light chains [V. T. Nachmias, personal communication]. Until now, essential myosin light chains have not been shown to have high affinity divalent cation binding sites. This means a new version of the myosin-based model for actomyosin regulation by calcium may be required to explain cytoplasmic movement in Physarum, and perhaps in other motile systems involving cytoplasmic myosins as well.


Molecular receptors enhance extraction efficacy when incorporated into a receiving phase. Extraction selectivity is defined as the ratio of the relative concentrations of analyte and interfering species in each phase. Recognition-based extractions are highly selective if target/receptor interactions dominate the free energy change for the extraction process. As the receiving phase becomes a poorer solvent, selectivity increases. Noncovalent interactions between target and receptor are strengthened while the solubility of interfering compounds is decreased. Perfluorinated (fluorous) liquids are exceptionally non-polar, poor solvents that should increase the extraction selectivity by reducing the extraction of interfering species. Synthetic chemists have focused on fluorous biphasic separations of catalysts, reactants, and products based on fluorophilicity using covalently attached perfluoroalkyl tags. Until recently, noncovalent approaches had not been explored. This work is focused on developing a fundamental understanding of noncovalent interactions in fluorous environments. Quantification of the strength of such associations should have application reaching far beyond the synthetic community. The application of perfluoropolyether carboxylic acid receptors to fluorous biphasic extractions of pyridine-like bases, including porphyrins, is explored. UV, IR, X-ray crystallography, and quantitative continuous variations plots leads to an understanding of complex formation in the fluorous phase. We quantified free energy of formation of the hydrogen bond between the receptor and pyridine (-39 kJ mol¹) in perfluorohexanes at room temperature. This is the first reported hydrogen bond strength in a fluorous environment. The solvent environment affects complex formation significantly. We wondered if nonpolar fluorous liquids could support proton transfer. We show that the protonated pyridine is 'solvated' by carboxylic acids, making the local environment more polarizable than the bulk solvent. Investigations of complexation between N-heterocyclic bases and carboxylic acids in a range of solvents showed that proton transfer occurs in fluorous environments when both the acid/base ratio and the ΔpKa between the acid and conjugate acid of the base are sufficiently high. Remarkably, we have observed solvation of a hexavalent porphyrin cation in the fluorous phase. The fundamental understanding of molecular recognition in fluorous liquids should provide opportunities for development in sensing and separation applications.


In this paper, we find the solution for fractional coupled system arisen in magnetothermoelasticity with rotation using q-homotopy analysis transform method (q-HATM). The proposed technique is graceful amalgamations of Laplace transform technique with q-homotopy analysis scheme, and fractional derivative defined with Mittag–Leffler kernel. The fixed point hypothesis is considered to demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of the obtained solution for the proposed fractional order model. To illustrate the efficiency of the future technique, we analyzed the projected model in terms of fractional order. Moreover, the physical behavior of q-HATM solutions has been captured in terms of plots for different arbitrary order. The attained consequences confirm that the considered algorithm is highly methodical, accurate, very effective, and easy to implement while examining the nature of fractional nonlinear differential equations arisen in the connected areas of science and engineering.


The transformation of the urban landscape is as much a physical process as it is symbolic. Demolitions and new developments bring about changes in the identity of places, as well as irreplaceable loss in personal and collective memories associated with these old places. The use of heritage in redevelopment schemes, through the conservation of buildings or revoking the culture and memory of old places, is seen as an increasingly common way to soften the impact of redeveloping the built environment. Focusing on two redevelopment schemes in Glasgow and Singapore, this paper explores the value of heritage as an integral part of redevelopment despite their seemingly opposing natures. The Crown Street Redevelopment Scheme in Gorbals, Glasgow and the one-north Masterplan in Queenstown, Singapore are presented here as case studies to show how economic, political and cultural forces have interacted to produce built environments which juxtaposes the new with the old. Elements from the postwar housing past are eliminated and ignored while new forms of "heritage" are conceived, celebrated and integrated with new development plans.


Abstract:
 Natural distributions of most freshwater taxa are restricted geographically, a pattern that reflects dispersal limitation. Macrobrachium rosenbergii is unusual because it occurs naturally in rivers from near Pakistan in the west, across India and Bangladesh to the Malay Peninsula, and across the Sunda Shelf and Indonesian archipelago to western Java. Individuals cannot tolerate full marine conditions, so dispersal between river drainage basins must occur at limited geographical scales when ecological or climatic factors are favorable. We examined molecular diversity in wild populations of M. rosenbergii across its complete natural range to document patterns of diversity and to relate them to factors that have driven evolution of diversity in this species. We found 3 clades in the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) data set that corresponded geographically with eastern, central, and western sets of haplotypes that last shared a common ancestor ∼1 × 106 y ago. The eastern clade was closest to the common ancestor of all 3 clades and to the common ancestor with its congener, Macrobrachium spinipes, distributed east of Huxley's Line. Macrobrachium rosenbergii could have evolved in the western Indonesian archipelago and spread westward during the early to mid-Pleistocene to India and Sri Lanka. Additional groups identified in the nuclear DNA data set in the central and western clades probably indicate secondary contact via dispersal between regions and modern introductions that have mixed nuclear and mtDNA genes. Pleistocene sea-level fluctuations can explain dispersal across the Indonesian archipelago and parts of mainland southeastern Asia via changing river drainage connections in shallow seas on wide continental shelves. At the western end of the modern distribution where continental shelves are smaller, intermittent freshwater plumes from large rivers probably permitted larval dispersal across inshore areas of lowered salinity.


The application of basic slag (BS20 and BS30: basic slag 20 and 30 t ha-1) and aggregate size (A20 and A30: aggregate sizes of soil less than 20 and 20-30 mm) and different techniques (Tech 1: pyrite at top, jarosite at middle, and top soil at the bottom of ridge; Tech 2: top soil at top, pyrite at middle, and jarosite layer at the bottom of ridge) exerted significant (p≤0.05) positive effects on the growth and yield of eggplants cultivated under field condition and the effects varied not only with the kinds and amounts of amending materials but also with the techniques applied. The soil showed a silty clay loam texture, initial pH value of 4.1, pyrite content of 55 g kg-1, base saturation of 47%, ECe value of 3.6 dS m-1, high exchangeable Fe3+ and Al3+ contents of 1.47 and 5.29 cmolc kg-1, respectively. The pH value of the average soil data obtained from all the treatments during fruit set (95 days after transplantation) of eggplants was found to be increased in pH by 1.2 units higher compared with the control (i.e. initial pH value). The contents of P, K, Ca and Mg in the average soil data during fruit set were found to be increased (IOC = increased over control) by 41 to 127% IOC, while the contents of Al3+, Fe3+, Na+, Cl- and SO4
2- in the soil were found to be decreased by 28 to 92% IOC.
The different treatments on eggplants grown under the modified-plain-ridge-ditch techniques in the Cheringa acid sulfate soil significantly (0≤0.05) increased the fresh yield of eggplants, and the increment was more pronounced with Tech 2. The maximum yield of 17.8 t ha-1 of eggplant for Tech
1 and 20.1 t ha-1 for Tech 2 were recorded by the application of BS30 in the soils of smaller aggregates (A20) at the ridges of Tech 2, followed by the A30BS30 treatments in both the techniques. The lowest quantity of 1.7 t ha-1 yield was recorded by the control treatment. The eggplants grown in
the ridges of both the techniques exhibited the best responses on N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents in eggplant tissues during fruit set. As expected, the lowest contents of these nutrients in the eggplants were recorded in the control treatment. Sulfur content of the eggplants grown in the control plots was 3.6 g kg-1 and was in the range of adequate S content (4 g kg-1). However, the S contents in the
eggplants grown in different treatments were significantly (p≤0.01) lower compared with the adequate level. The effectiveness of the treatments for the reclamation of the soil in relation to the growth of eggplants was: Tech 2 > Tech 1, BS30 > BS20, and A20 > A30. The results suggest that the physicochemical properties of the soil, and the growth, yield and nutrition of eggplants were strikingly improved by the application of flash leaching followed by BS30 and A20 treatments in the ridges of Tech 2, and are regarded as the best reclamation measures for this acid sulfate soil.


The objective of this study is to investigate the way that corporeality is evoked in the novel "A via crucis do corpo" (The body via crucis), by Clarice Lispector, being argued how this concept is related to the slight knowledge of body propagated by the scientific and philosophical speech in postmodernity. From the Merleau-Ponty conception of living body, the body can be understood as an intentional entity that always heads for the world, leading to the necessity of reinvention of myths of beauty, love, happiness, body and the proper existence propagated in our culture and the media mass communication. These slight knowledge were problematized in the Clarice s workmanship, that in certain way anticipated the effective transformations in the contemporary scene, redimensioned in the age of hiper consumption and the hiper corporeality, pointing to the center that the body occupies in the contemporary way of subjectivity.


Abstract:The publication of his Apologia pro Vita Sua (1864) brought Newman back into contact with many of his Anglican friendstwo of whom gifted him with a violin. In his letter of appreciation, Newman mused: "Perhaps thought is music." Such would seem to be the case with his poem, The Dream of Gerontius (1865), which was set to music by Sir Edward Elgar (1900). This essay explores the relationship between Newman's Apologia and The Dream of Gerontius and then analyzes the latter's structure and content and compares it with other Christian classics.


Position control of stepping motors plays a vital role as stepping motor is widely used for driving final control elements for controlling purpose of various systems, so the study for control technique applied to stepping motor becomes important. The mathematic model of the stepping motor and the structure of fuzzy logic controller used with PID controller are given with all necessary data, and the simulation model of fuzzy logic controller used with PID controller in MATLAB/simulink is also obtained. Finally, from the result it can be seen that the settling time of the system and the overshoot value is greatly reduced when the fuzzy logic controller with PID controller is used for the controlling purpose.


Histone methylation regulates normal stem cell fate decisions through a coordinated interplay between histone methyltransferases and demethylases at lineage specific genes. Malignant transformation is associated with aberrant accumulation of repressive histone modifications, such as polycomb mediated histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) resulting in a histone methylation mediated block to differentiation. The relevance, however, of histone demethylases in cancer remains less clear. We report that JMJD3, a H3K27me3 demethylase, is induced during differentiation of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), where it promotes a differentiation-like phenotype via chromatin dependent (INK4A/ARF locus activation) and chromatin independent (nuclear p53 protein stabilization) mechanisms. Our findings indicate that deregulation of JMJD3 may contribute to gliomagenesis via inhibition of the p53 pathway resulting in a block to terminal differentiation.


The effect of luliberine, one of the hypothalamic releasing-factors, upon the ATPase activity in the rat heart sarcolemma was investigated. A decrease in the (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity and stimulation of Ca-ATPase activity under the influence of luliberine were demonstrated. Inhibition of (Na+-K+)-ATPase by cAMP and noradrenaline was also revealed. A possibility of the direct and cAMP-mediated action of luliberine on the Na+-K+)-ATPase activity is suggested.


This article joins recent critical diversity studies that point to an urgent need to revitalize the field, but goes further by showing the inherent contextual issues and power relations that frame existing contributions. Based on a theoretical reading inspired by Michel Foucault, diversity is presented as discourse that is not independent of the particular research exercise of which it is part but, rather, remains contingent on the prevailing forms of knowledge and choices made by researchers. By attending to more refined understandings of power and context within diversity discourse, this article makes visible and calls into question the categorization and normalization of diversity and its management. It contributes to existing research by suggesting that the knowledge produced by mainstream and critical diversity scholars alike is biopolitical and governmental. To do diversity research differently or 'otherwise' requires finding ways to develop theorizations and practices that turn this modality of power against itself.


Objective: Osteonectin (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine:SPARC) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif (ADAMTS1), both of which regulate various cell function in development and tissue formation, promote collagen deposition in some tissues. We reported a positive correlation between ADAMTS1 and fibrillar collagen deposition in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats (ESH2017). This study investigated; 1) the roles of osteonectin and ADAMTS1 in renal fibrosis, and 2) the contribution of renin-angiotensin system in the regulation of osteonectin and ADAMTS1 in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Design and method: Uninephrectomized rats (n = 5-6/group) were treated with DOCA (40 mg/kg/week, s.c.) and 1% NaCl (in drinking water) for 0, 1, 2, or 3 weeks with/without losartan (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Blood pressure, proteinuria, and plasma creatinine levels were measured. Fibrillar collagens were detected by Masson's trichrome staining. The protein levels of osteopontin, collagen I, TGF-&bgr;, osteonectin, ADAMTS1, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) were examined by Western blotting. We also measured the ACE and NADPH oxidase activity. Results: Blood pressure showed time-dependent increases from 2 weeks, and the levels of proteinuria and plasma creatinine increased from 2 weeks. Fibrillar collagen deposition occurred from 2 weeks with an additional increase in 3 weeks. The collagen I protein, in particular collagen I with larger molecular weight (140kDa, 210kDa), increased in 3 weeks, while 70kDa Western bands showed no differences among groups, suggesting that post-translational collagen processing, not production, were stimulated in hypertensive rats. The expression of osteopontin, TGF-&bgr;, and ACE and the activity of ACE and NADPH oxidase were upregulated in accordance with blood pressure elevation. Latent ADAMTS1 increased in 1 week, and active forms increased in 3 weeks, which were decreased by losartan treatment. Osteonectin levels elevated from 1 week and reversed to the control levels at 3 weeks. Conclusions: Osteonectin (SPARC) may induce renal inflammation and fibrosis through ADAMTS1 upregulation in hypertensive rats. Further investigation to show that osteonectin and subsequent ADAMTS1 upregulation is placed in the upstream of fibrosis and downstream of renin-angiotensin system will be needed.


Abstract The concept of "undetectable = untransmittable (U = U)" has been revolutionary in both the prevention and treatment of persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Most studies proving the concept of U = U used an HIV RNA (viral load [VL]) cutoff of 200 copies/mL to define being undetectable. Since then, increasingly sensitive commercial VL assays, sometimes down to a lower limit of detection (LLD) of 20 copies/mL, lead to confusion about the definition of "undetectable" and when someone is truly considered untransmittable. VLs between the LLD and 200 copies/mL have been associated with future virologic failure; however, no data exist to suggest that intervening in those patients leads to any meaningful benefits. In the absence of a demonstrable benefit of reporting such low VLs, we view this practice as harmful. We suggest recommendations for adjusting VL reporting and improving provider counseling, and call for research designs to mitigate the harms of overly sensitive VL testing.


A new type composite anode was fabricated to develop direct methanol fuel cell or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. A Pt on nano-sized CeO2 particles which in turn are supported on carbon black (CB) was synthesized in a step wise process. The pure CeO2 was synthesized using an ammonium carbonate precipitation method, and the Pt particles dispersed on the CeO2 in such a way that a uniform dispersion with the CB was obtained (Pt-CeO2/CB). The anode properties (i.e. peak current density and onset potential for methanol oxidation) on our composite anode were better than that on commercially available alloy anode Pt-Ru/Carbon. The peak current density for methanol oxidation on Pt-CeO2 composite anode was 1.9 times higher than that on commercially available Pt-Ru alloy anode. The onset potential of methanol oxidation on Pt-CeO2 composite anode shifted to a lower potential and the activation energy of the Pt-CeO2 composite anode for methanol oxidation reaction was lower than that of the Pt-Ru alloy anode. The high performance and low cost anode material could be obtained using nano size CeO2 particles instead of Ru as rare metal. Importantly, the rare metal, Ru is not required in the present anode material and the amount of Pt required is also significantly reduced. As a consequence, we report a promising candidate Pt-CeO2/CB composite anode for application in the development of direct methanol fuel cells or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.


The emergence and rise of mobile colistin resistance genes are of great global concern due to the ease of transfer of resistance to other bacteria. This report describes the genome of a colistin- and multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate bearing mcr-8, obtained from a hospitalized patient in Kenya. ABSTRACT The emergence and rise of mobile colistin resistance genes are of great global concern due to the ease of transfer of resistance to other bacteria. This report describes the genome of a colistin- and multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate bearing mcr-8, obtained from a hospitalized patient in Kenya.


The magnetoimpedance effect is attractive for thin film-based magnetic sensor applications. Recently a significant progress has been made in the development of appropriate theories, preparation and characterization of MI thin film-based structures. In the present work FeNi(100 nm)/Cu(3.2 nm)]4/FeNi(100 nm)/Cu(LCu)/[FeNi(100 nm)/Cu(3.2 nm)]4/FeNi(100 nm) multilayered structures with open magnetic flux have been prepared by RF-sputtering. Their magnetic properties and MI were studied as a function of the thickness of the central Cu lead. It was shown that the thickness of the Cu lead is an important parameter. The highest sensitivity (≈ 50%/Oe, f=160 MHz) was observed for the sample with a central Cu layer thickness of about a half-thickness of a magnetic layer (LCu ≈ 250 nm). The maximum sensitivity of the real part of the impedance was also obtained for this thickness (≈ 75%/Oe).


In the recent years, engineering new-to-nature CO2 and C1 fixing metabolic pathways made a leap forward. These new, artificial pathways promise higher yields and activity than natural ones like the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. The question remains how to best predict their in vivo performance and what actually makes one pathway "better" than another. In this context, we explore aerobic carbon fixation pathways by a computational approach and compare them based on their ATP-efficiency and specific activity considering the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reactions. Beside natural pathways, this included the artificial Reductive Glycine Pathway, the CETCH cycle and two completely new cycles with superior stoichiometry: The Reductive Citramalyl-CoA cycle and the 2-Hydroxyglutarate-Reverse Tricarboxylic Acid cycle. A comprehensive kinetic data set was collected for all enzymes of all pathways and missing kinetic data was sampled with the Parameter Balancing algorithm. Kinetic and thermodynamic data were fed to the Enzyme Cost Minimization algorithm to check for respective inconsistencies and calculate pathway specific activities. We found that the Reductive Glycine Pathway, the CETCH cycle and the new Reductive Citramalyl-CoA cycle were predicted to have higher ATP-efficiencies and specific activities than the natural cycles. The Calvin Cycle performed better than previously thought, however. It can be concluded that the weaker overall characteristics in the design of the Calvin Cycle might be compensated by other benefits like robustness, low nutrient demand and a good compatibility with the host's physiological requirements. Nevertheless, the artificial carbon fixation cycles hold great potential for future applications in Industrial Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology.


Countries where public transportation is still in development phase, taxis play an important role. The usual method of hiring a taxi is street hailing. In such countries the taxi drivers usually rely on their luck to increase their profits which usually includes first come first serve basis. These methods usually lead to problems like traffic congestion, long passenger waiting time, safety issues, and low taxi utilization. With this paper, we provide a solution to these problems which make taxi utilisation an easy process for both the drivers and the passengers. The proposed system is based on a server which receives requests from the passengers via a website which in turn informs the taxi driver about the location of the passenger. It will involve using smart phones which are internet enabled. The taxi driver on receiving a request from a server sends a confirmation message to the passenger. On the website the passenger will be updated with the location of the taxis in his/her proximity based on which he/she will book the taxi. To update the server with the location of the taxis we will be using RFID tags and readers, where tags will be placed on each taxi and the readers will be placed at subdivided areas in the city powered by a mini server. This mini server will be updating the main server about the location of the taxis.


Afghan women's human rights are a crucial concern for the international community and the government in Afghanistan. Framed by hope theory, this study captured Afghan women's understandings of recent realities, particularly those focused on expanding women's roles in Afghan life and community. Based on focus groups with 107 women conducted in 10 different locations, findings reveal that many Afghan females are conditioned into self-perceptions that may undermine their capacity to believe they are worthy of human rights, education, and freedom from oppression. A discussion on agency, pathways, sociocultural influences, and education for hope in Afghan women's future is presented.


The following patents owned by Alcatel-Lucent were issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office from July through September 2007.


The zero line mode (ZLM) in two dimensional materials provides a quasi-one dimensional path for electronic transport. We report the theoretical investigation of the Andreev reflection of ZLM by using the staggered graphene-superconductor based models. For a two-terminal system in which the valley index is well preserved, when graphene is zigzag edged, the Andreev reflection coefficient can be either large or strongly suppressed depending on the symmetric properties of the transverse wave function in graphene ribbon. However, the Andreev reflection coefficient, independent of the staggering profile in the armchair edged model, is large due to the absence of wave function symmetry. When ZLM changes its direction in a vertical path, a perfect Andreev reflection could happen when the incident ZLM stems from a zigzag edged graphene ribbon. In a zigzag edged four-terminal hybrid model, the interference of reflected holes leads to perfect Andreev reflection with probability unity and the annihilation of the crossed Andreev reflection. For the armchair edged model, the interference effect disappears because the Andreev reflection from one of the paths is prohibited. The interference of Andreev reflections in four-terminal models is investigated by spacial local density of states in the central scattering region as well.


The title reactions have been widely utilized in a laboratory and an industrial use for the preparation of aromatic fluoride derivatives. The advantage is a simple and convenient procedure which is avoidable the use of dangerous hydrogen fluoride. However, owing to poor solubilities of metal fluorides (mainly potassium fluoride) in organic solvents, the halogen-exchange fluorination with these reagents often requires elevated temperatures in polar solvents, which are accompanied by the decomposition of the starting substrates and/or products. In this article, numerous devotions will be reviewed to enhance the activity of potassium fluoride from the literature published since 198O.


Radiotherapy technologies have improved for several decades aiming to effectively destroy cancerous tissues without overdosing surrounding healthy tissues. In order to fulfil this requirement, accurate and precise dosimetry systems play an important role. Throughout the years, ionization chambers have been used as a standard detector for basic linear accelerator calibrations and reference dosimetry in hospitals. However, they are not ideal for all treatment modalities: and limitations and difficulties have been reported in case of (i) small treatment fields, (ii) strong magnetic field used in the new hybrid MRI LINAC/cobalt systems, and (iii) in vivo measurements due to safety-issues related to the high operating voltage. Fiber optically coupled luminescence detectors provide a promising supplement to ionization chambers by offering the capability of real-time in vivo dose monitoring with high time resolution. In particular, the all-optical nature of these detectors is an advantage for in vivo measurements due to the absence of high voltage supply or electrical wire that could cause harm to the patient or disturb the treatment. Basically, fiber-coupled luminescence detector systems function by radiation-induced generation of radioluminescence from a sub-mm size organic/inorganic phosphor. A thin optical fiber cable is used for guiding the radioluminescence to a photomultiplier tube or similar sensitive light detection systems. The measured light intensity is proportional to dose rate. Throughout the years, developments and research of the fiber detector systems have undergone in several groups worldwide. In this article, the in-house developed fiber detector systems based on two luminescence phosphors of (i) BCF-60 polystyrene-based organic plastic scintillator and (ii) carbon-doped aluminum oxide crystal (Al2O3:C) are reviewed with comparison to the same material-based systems reported in the literature. The potential use of these detectors for reference-class dosimetry in radiotherapy will be discussed with a particular emphasis on uses in small and large MV photon fields.


Novel 1,6-naphthodione monomers and π-conjugated polymers were synthesized and characterized. Monomeric 1,6-naphthodifuranones and -dipyrrolidones exhibit purple to blue colors with high extinction coefficients up to 4.6 × 104 L mol−1 cm−1. As shown by X-ray crystal structure analysis, the naphthodipyrrolidone core is fully planar. 1,6-Naphthodione-based polymers exhibit low band gaps (1.20–1.41 eV) and broad absorption bands (400–1000 nm). Due to their interesting electronic and optical properties, and their planar structure, naphthodione-based monomers are promising building blocks for novel π-conjugated polymers with potential applications in optoelectronics.


Postoperative separation of the choroid was thought to be rare until Fuchs, in 1900, showed that it was a comparatively common occurrence. In the first series of cases that he published one case appears in which the separation did not take place until four months after operation. Fuchs rightly advanced the view that such an observation belonged among the great rarities of ophthalmology. Time has proved the correctness of his judgment, since even up to the present day few of these cases appear in the literature. For that reason the following case seems worthy of record. REPORT OF CASE W. L. R., a teacher, aged 55, a patient of Dr. Alexander Quackenboss, developed chronic simple glaucoma in 1928, and was referred to me for operation. Central vision was normal in each eye. Both fields showed a nasal step connecting with an arcuate scotoma from the blind spot. There was early


The three cutaneous reaction patterns of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis share many clinical features. Each is multifactorial in etiology; together they account for most severe cutaneous drug eruptions. In some respects, they can represent a progression in the severity of drug eruptions. Controversy continues to cloud the clinical delineation, etiology, and treatment.


Renal Vascular Escape was studied in the isolated perfused kidney harvested from diabetic and normal rabbits. Diabetes was induced 3-4 weeks earlier by injecting the animals with 150 mg/kg alloxan IP. To induce vasoconstriction, norepinephrine (10(-6) M) (NOR) was infused to the renal artery for 20 min, during 3 cycles, with intervals of 10 min for drug wash out, with a total duration of 90 min of observation. Administration of NOR induced intense vasoconstriction which was followed by a period of relaxation, in spite of the continued infusion of the adrenergic neurohormone. This was named renal vascular escape (RVE). RVE was present in all control animals but was severely impaired in diabetic kidneys. The administration of insulin (20 mU/ml or 2 mU/ml) to the perfusate promoted a significant blockade of escape (p < 0.001) in normal kidneys, which was time dependent, and only a slight effect in the diabetic group. These data show an interaction between insulin and RVE in normal animals and could point out another defect in diabetes, as related to insulin resistance.


The evaluation of 16 extensive small stock farms, in the Central Karoo, has been running for three years. The Department of Agriculture (FSD, Pasture research and Animal Health) together with the B. Tech. programme, Agricultural management, Saasveld (NMMU); undertook a baseline survey on animal health, production, management and economy of the farms in the district during August 2008. In August of 2009 and 2010, these farms have been revisited and evaluated on progress made, based on the 2008 baseline. The purpose is to monitor enterprise and farm progress. The results of the evaluations are used to direct the extension support programme of the Central Karoo.


The nervous system is frequently the site of symptomatic toxicity of antineoplastic agents. However, there is limited information about the differential vulnerability of neurons, astrocytes and glioma cells. We have analyzed the effects of four chemotherapeutic drugs (lomustine, cisplatin, topotecan and vincristine) on primary cerebellar granule neurons and astrocytes derived from rats. All drugs led to cell death in cerebellar granule neurons in a concentration‐dependent manner. Comparison of the EC50 values for cerebellar neurons and astrocytes with the median EC50 values of 12 malignant glioma cell lines demonstrated a large therapeutic range for lomustin and cisplatin. Further, this comparison revealed a 100‐fold higher sensitivity of cerebellar neurons towards vincristine and 10‐fold higher sensitivity towards topotecan compared with glioma cells. Astrocytes were generally resistant to vincristine. In cerebellar granule neurons, vincristine and to a lesser extent topotecan induced caspase 3 and caspase 9 cleavage, and enhanced caspase activity and Akt‐dependent expression of phosphorylated BAD. zVAD‐fmk, a caspase inhibitor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but not MK‐801, a non‐competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, significantly reduced vincristine‐ or topotecan‐induced cell death.


The clinical observation illustrates the role of screening of inflammatory markers and advanced hemodynamic monitoring in optimization of the treatment of the patient with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). The level of consciousness by the Glasgow Coma Scale at admission was 5 points. From the first day of stay the patient suffered hyperthermia to 39,0° C° The diagnosis of the aspiration pneumonia was determined by radiological signs, bronchoscopy and inflammatory blood markers, C-reactive protein, leukocytosis. From the second day the constant infusion of norepinephrine was necessary to maintain mean ABP above 80 mmHg. On the 10th day the patient's condition deteriorated sharply. Developed hyperthermia to 40, 2° and cardiovascular collapse (in spite of the high level of norepinephrine support a sharp decline in ABP up to 49/20 mmHg). Invasive advanced hemodynamic PiCCO monitoring (transpulmonary thermodilution) was started Septic shock was suspected. Standard laboratory tests did not meet the criteria for septic shock. Witnessed a slight increase in CRP and procalcitonin (PCT) was within normal limits. Diagnostic search was supplemented by a study of interleukins (IL-6 and IL-2R) in the blood plasma. The significant increase in their values, was regarded as the initial manifestations of the systemic inflammatory response. Sepsis was confirmed. The extended antibiotic therapy started Continuous Veno-Venous hemofiltration was used as part of treatment of the inflammatory-toxic condition. In two days of the therapy the patient's condition has stabilized, the patient recovered consciousness in the form of opening the eyes, simple instructions. At discharge, the patient's condition according to the Glasgow outcome scale was estimated at 4 points.


A follow-up study was conducted to investigate the long-term impact of using nearly $8 million of vocational education special-project funds in California community colleges. The study did not evaluate the projects themselues but assessed what had occurred afterward as a result of the funding. That is, the project identified and described program 'impiovements brought about by changes or modification in college policies, administrative practices, instructional programs, and student outcomes that might be attributed to the special projects. Research activities included a review of project files from the Chancellor's Office and the State Department of Education; telephone and in-person interviews with representatives of the projects; a sample survey of project beneficiaries; and consultant-assisted site visits to a representative sample-of the projects. Findings showed that about half of the money spent by the Chancellor',s Office during 1977-79 was claimed by projects that have had a significant long-term impact in talifornia community colleges. These were project services or programs initiated with vocational education project funds that had been continued at the institutions where they were implemented; personnel training activities that had contributed to the improvement of vocational education and related . services at participants' colleges; and products and services that had been used by intended beneficiaries statewide. In addition, about one-fourth of the funds were used by projects where the long-term benefits were only marginal. The remaining funds were claimed,by projects for which no evidence of lasting impact was,found, altho,ugh they may have had an impact while they were in operation. Issues were identified and recommendations were made for more efficient use of funds for similar projects,in the future. (KC) DOCUMENT RESUME


Malaria remains a significant global health concern. Non-malarial areas, including North America and Europe, largely report cases in association with recent travel to endemic regions. Though cyclic symptoms and chills are characteristic of the infection, thorough social histories including previous travels is the basic prerequisite for timely diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ultimate prognosis of this potentially life-threatening condition.


Background: The possible relation between antibiotic exposure and the alteration of gut microbiota, which may affect dementia risk, has been revealed. However, the association between antibiotics and dementia incidence has rarely been studied. We aimed to determine the association between antibiotic exposure and the risk of dementia. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) in South Korea. Exposure was the cumulative days of antibiotic prescription from 2002 to 2005. Newly diagnosed overall dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VD) were identified based on diagnostic codes and prescriptions for dementia-related drugs. The follow-up investigation was carried out from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2013. The Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association between cumulative antibiotic prescription days and dementia incidence. Results: A total of 313,161 participants were analyzed in this study. Compared to antibiotic non-users, the participants who used antibiotics for 91 or more days had an increased risk of overall dementia [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–1.74], AD (aHR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.17–1.81), and VD (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.83–2.30). Those who used five or more antibiotic classes had higher risks of overall dementia (aHR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.00–1.66) and AD (aHR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.00–1.78) than antibiotic non-users. Conclusion: Antibiotic exposure may increase the risk of dementia in a cumulative duration-dependent manner among adult participants. Future studies are needed to assess the causality between the long-term prescription of antibiotics and dementia risk.


This report explores whether socially responsible investment (SRI) generates higher, lower or similar risk adjusted financial return compared with conventional investment. 21 academic studies are reviewed. Seven studies conclude that SRI have similar performance relative to their conventional peers. Five studies report that SRI outperforms conventional investment. Three studies find that SRI generates inferior performance relative to its conventional peers. Finally, six studies report mixed results. We can conclude that results point in all different directions, and that there is no clear link between SRI and financial performance. Our results implicates that it would be unwise to make general statements about the performance of SRI based on only one or a few studies.


BACKGROUND
In this study, we aimed to identify the lipidomic predictors of early type-2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression which are currently undefined DKD progression.

METHODS
This longitudinal study included 92 American Indians with type-2 diabetes. Serum lipids (406 from 18 classes) were quantified using mass spectrometry from baseline samples when iothalamate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was ≥90 mL/min. Affymetrix GeneChip Array was used to measure renal transcript expression. DKD Progression was defined as ≥40% decline in GFR during follow up.

RESULTS
Participants had a mean age of 45±9 years and median urine albumin-creatinine ratio of 43 (interquartile range 11 to 144). The 32 progressors had significantly higher relative abundance of polyunsaturated triacylglycerols (TAG)s and a lower abundance of C16-20 acylcarnitines (AC)s (p<0.001). In a Cox regression model the main effect terms of unsaturated free fatty acids and phosphatidylethanolamines and the interaction terms of C16-20 ACs and short, low-double-bond TAGs by categories of albuminuria independently predicted progression of DKD. Renal expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase encoding gene (ACACA) correlated with serum diacylglycerols in the glomerular compartment (r=0.36, p=0.006), and with low-double-bond TAGs in the tubulointerstitial compartment (r=0.52, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION
Collectively, the findings reveal a previously unrecognized link between lipid markers of impaired mitochondrial β-oxidation and enhanced lipogenesis, with DKD progression, in individuals with preserved GFR. Renal acetyl-CoA carboxylase activation accompanies these lipidomic changes and suggests that it may be the underlying mechanism linking lipid abnormalities to DKD progression.

FUNDING
R24DK082841, K08DK106523, R03DK121941, P30DK089503, P30DK081943, P30DK020572.


Background Higher education institutions (HEIs) developed and implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy to facilitate vaccine acceptance and vaccination among universities' staff and students. However, little is known about influences of the mandatory vaccination policy on health science students at a university and they tend to result in vaccine hesitancy. Aim To explore the influences of the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy on health sciences students' vaccine acceptance at HEIs in South Africa. Setting The study was conducted in one of the universities in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Methods An interpretive qualitative exploratory-descriptive research was conducted with 10 participants who were selected using the purposive sampling method to participate in semi-structured interviews. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results Two themes and 12 sub-themes were identified during the data analysis, namely individual and group influencing factors, as well as contextual influencing factors. Conclusion This study revealed that the COVID-19 vaccination mandatory policy influenced the students' quality of life, academic performance and well-being. The findings from this study indicate that there were perceived barriers related to personal and contextual influencing factors than benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. Contribution The understanding of and insight into the influences of the mandatory vaccination policy provided a basis for further strategies that may be developed to address COVID-19 vaccine infodemic, vaccine hesitancy and its risk effects. This can be done through collaboration with different stakeholders to educate health science students about the perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.


The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of four kinds of different contact strength on the three-dimensional displacement of an implant-supported fixed bridge using digital laser speckle photography method. An in vitro model of beagle mandible with an implant-supported fixed bridge in its right premolar region was developed. The bridge was Au-Pt metal-ceramic. The contact was recovered to four different tightnesses, named 0, 1, 2, and 3. Different axial concentrated static load was applied to abutments and bridge respectively. The three-dimensional displacement of the implant-supported fixed bridge was measured using digital laser speckle photographic method. The results demonstrated that the influence of contact tightness was mainly on the mesio-distal and buccal lingual parts. When the contact tightness reached number 3, the regularity of displacement distribution was changed. The present study proved that digital laser speckle photography was an effective method of measuring the micro-displacement. One of the criterions of contact recovering decreased the implant displacement effectively without changing the regularity of displacement distribution.


In previous works we designed a comprehensive approach for conformance testing based on UML behavioral state machines. In this paper we propose two extensions to this approach. First, we apply our approach in the context of a component-based development, and address the problem of checking the interoperability of two connected components. Second, we address the problem of selecting relevant input sequences. Therefore we use UML protocol state machines to specify restricted environment models. This means that we restrict the valid protocol at the provided interface of the component under test with respect to a specific test purpose. Based on these models we select relevant input sequences. We implemented both extensions presented here in our TEAGER tool suite to show their applicability. Both extensions address the behavior at the interfaces of components. We use UML state machines as a unified notation for behavioral and protocol conformance testing as well as for test input selection. This considerably eases the work of test engineers.


The aim was to assess and document the efficacy and tolerability of parflex (FDC of aceclofenac with paracetamol and serratiopeptidase) in management of pain and inflammation in adult patients undergoing surgical procedures (or operations). The design was open, prospective, non-comparative and multi-dose study of patients undergoing surgical procedures at a leading, tertiary-care, teaching hospital (setting) in Lucknow, the name being, King George's Medical College, Lucknow 226003. The patients were 50 adult patients of either sex undergoing surgery. They were given 1 tablet twice daily, taken after meals. Treatment duration was for a total of up to 7 days (intervention). Primary efficacy variables were relief from postoperative pain. Secondary efficacy variables were global assessment of efficacy and toleration by patients and treating physicians. Record was made of spontaneously reported adverse events with their nature, intensity and outcome (tolerability). Out of 50 patients, 31% were (ENT), 36% were (Orthopaedic) and 33% were (Gynaecology). They were enroled in this study. The observations made were mean pain score showed significant improvement with study drug - decreasing from 2.66 at baseline to 1.36 after 48 hours, and to 0.8 at the end of study. Composite score for pain, fever and swelling also showed substantial gains visit-on- visit-decreasing from 3.62 at baseline to 2.04 after 48 hours, and to 0.98 at final visit. None of the patients reported any adverse event. Global efficacy assessment was rated as 'excellent or good' by 54% of patients and in 59% of patients by their treating physicians. To conclude, parflex is an effective analgesic, anti-inflammatory drug that has a valuable therapeutic option for controlling pain and inflammation after surgical procedures.


It is well known that three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging technology used to produce customized implants and surface characteristics of implants, strongly deciding their osseointegration ability. In this study, Ti alloy microspheres were printed under selected rational printing parameters in order to tailor the surface micro-characteristics of the printed implants during additive manufacturing by an in situ, controlled way. The laser path and hatching space were responsible for the appearance of the stripy structure (S), while the bulbous structure (B) and bulbous–stripy composite surface (BS) were determined by contour scanning. A nano-sized structure could be superposed by hydrothermal treatment. The cytocompatibility was evaluated by culturing Mouse calvaria-derived preosteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1). The results showed that three typical microstructured surfaces, S, B, and BS, could be achieved by varying the 3D printing parameters. Moreover, the osteogenic differentiation potential of the S, B, and BS surfaces could be significantly enhanced, and the addition of nano-sized structures could be further improved. The BS surface with nano-sized structure demonstrated the optimum osteogenic differentiation potential. The present research demonstrated an in situ, controlled way to tailor and optimize the surface structures in micro-size during the 3D printing process for an implant with higher osseointegration ability.


The authors are investigating the concept of utilizing a small gamma ray scintillation camera to help identify and localize malignant breast tumors after a in a mammogram. Excellent sensitivity and specificity for malignant breast tumors has been achieved using conventional nuclear medicine scintillation cameras with certain /sup 99m/Tc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals. However, because of the large size, low image resolution and high cost of these devices, they are not ideal for use in breast imaging in a mammography suite. A dedicated miniaturized camera would allow imaging at angles that are physically impossible with the standard camera. These lateral views would not include the background activity from the heart and liver. In addition, with a potentially higher intrinsic resolution, shorter collimator and if breast compression is applied, a small camera could significantly improve the sensitivity and signal to noise ratio for the scintillation imaging method. The authors are exploring 2 different photodetector technologies for a small prototype camera development. The first uses a position sensitive photomultiplier (PSPMT) as the photodetector, the second, an array of silicon PIN photodiodes (PD). In this report, the authors present imaging results obtained with a NaI(Tl)-PSPMT design, and the design features, expected performance and relevant energy and position measurements obtained for a test CsI(TI)-PD device.


jack and cotton-tail rabbits, black and brown rats. and weasel). It thus appears that the oecology of St. Louis encephalitis and that of western equine encephalomyelitis viruses are closely akin though the two diseases are entirely distinct. A similarity occurs in the coexistence, often in the same institutional outbreak, of influenza A and B viruses. There is, however, evidence that equine encephalomyelitis may exist alongside of another neurotropic virus infection. According to recent reports"9 from Canada, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have suffered from twin epidemics of anterior poliomyelitis and western equine encephalomyelitis which began in mid-July of last year and continued, into September. Concurrently with the outbreaks a substantial number of cases of encephalomyelitis have been reported in horses. The encephalomyelitis is believed to have spread northward into Manitoba from Minnesota and North Dakota. If western equine encephalomyelitis is marching north it appears equally true that the eastern form is going west, like the pioneers of old. According to Randell and Eichhorn20 the Appalachian Mountains no, longer form the dividing line between the eastern and western forms of equine encephalomyelitis. Is further spread of these virus infections possible ?


The World Health Organization has underlined the significance of expediting the preventive measures for crime against women and children to attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (promoting well-being, gender equality, and equal access to justice). The crime victims typically need mental health and legal counselling support for their ultimate well-being and sometimes they need to be persuaded to seek desired support. Further, counselling interactions should adopt correct politeness and empathy strategies so that a warm, amicable, and respectful environment can be built to better understand the victims' situations. To this end, we propose PARTNER, a Politeness and empAthy strategies-adaptive peRsuasive dialogue sysTem for meNtal health and LEgal counselling of cRime victims. For this, first, we create a novel mental HEalth and legAl counseLling conversational dataset HEAL, annotated with three distinct aspects, viz. counselling act, politeness strategy, and empathy strategy. Then, by formulating a novel reward function, we train a counselling dialogue system in a reinforcement learning setting to ensure correct counselling act, politeness strategy, and empathy strategy in the generated responses. Extensive empirical analysis and experimental results show that the proposed reward function ensures persuasive counselling responses with correct polite and empathetic tone in the generated responses. Further, PARTNER proves its efficacy to engage the victim by generating diverse and natural responses.


Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is relatively contraindicated in the bicuspid aortic valve, and to our knowledge has not been tried where the true native annulus is of a size far in excess of current device capabilities. We present here a case of a successful emergency TAVI of a 73-year-old previously healthy man, who presented with cardiogenic shock, ventricular tachycardia storm and severe left ventricular dysfunction because of the underlying critical bicuspid aortic stenosis with aortic annulus area of 991.9 mm2 and associated moderate aortic incompetence (the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score; score mortality of 40.9%). Despite the critical condition of the patient and technically challenging anatomy, successful TAVI was performed and the patient remains well with near-normal left ventricle (LV) function at 6 months follow-up.


Ethanol is known to be anxiolytic and this effect may be mediated through GABA transmission acting on the GABAA-benzodiazepine-Cl- ionophore complex. Recent studies from our laboratory have suggested that GABA transmission and the GABAA-benzodiazepine-Cl- ionophore complex might be involved in the rewarding action of ethanol in alcohol-preferring rats. We report here immunocytochemical and morphometric studies analyzing the GABAergic terminal density in the nucleus accumbens (NA), corpus striatum, nucleus tractus solitarius, and lateral septum of the selectively bred P (alcohol-preferring) and the NP (alcohol-nonpreferring) lines of rats, as well as of the high-alcohol-drinking (HAD) and low-alcohol-drinking (LAD) lines of rats. The NA was included for analysis because this structure has been implicated as an important component of the brain reward system. An increase of GABAergic terminal density was found in the NA of the P rats, when compared with the NP rats. Similarly, there were more GABAergic terminals in the NA of HAD rats than of the LAD rats. No differences between the lines were seen in the other brain regions examined. The results suggest that alcohol preference in P and HAD rats may be related to increased GABA terminals and enhanced GABAergic inhibition within the NA.


INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The resistant mechanisms of next generation anti-androgens in castration resistant prostate cancer are incompletely understood. Our previous work demonstrated that AKR1C3 and AR-V7 play important roles in enzalutamide and abiraterone resistance, and that targeting AKR1C3 or AR-V7 could overcome this resistance. The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between AKR1C3 and AR-V7 and determine their coordinated roles in drug resistance. METHODS: Global gene expression analysis was analyzed by microarray analysis. Steroid profile including androgens in tumor tissues was analyzed by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). The effects of AKR1C3 expression and activation were examined by knockdown of AKR1C3 expression using lentiviral shRNA or inhibition of AKR1C3 enzymatic activity by indomethacin. AKR1C3 and AR-V7 interaction were determined by co-immunoprecipitation and dual immunofluorescence. The effects of AKR1C3 activation on anti-androgen sensitivity were examined in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: AKR1C3 forms a complex with AR-V7 and induces AR-V7 overexpression through increasing its protein stabilization. Targeting AKR1C3 by indomethacin significantly decreases AR/AR-V7 protein expression through the ubiquitin mediated proteasome pathway activation. AKR1C3 activates steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway and reprograms AR signaling in enzalutamide resistant prostate cancer. Additionally, bioinformatic analysis of indomethacin treated resistant cells discovered that indomethacin significantly activates unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway and suppresses Myc, cell cycle and AR/AR-V7 pathways. Finally, we found that enzalutamide and abiraterone prostate cancer cells are cross resistant to apalutamide and darolutamide, possibly through activation of AKR1C3 and AR-V7 pathways. Targeting AKR1C3 re-sensitizes resistant cells to apalutamide and darolutamide treatment through the AR-V7 inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: AKR1C3 induces AR-V7 overexpression and stabilizes AR-V7 protein in resistant cells through the ubiquitin proteasome system alteration. Apalutamide and darolutamide are cross resistant to enzalutamide and abiraterone via AKR1C3/AR-V7 complex regulation. Source of Funding: This work was supported in part by grants NIH/NCI CA168601, CA179970, DOD PC150229, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Research & Development BL&D grant number I01BX0002653 (A.C.G.) and by resources from the VA Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, California.


In contracting work, there are three groups of people who are interested, namely the company that provides chartering work (the company that provides the charter), the company that accepts the work of chartering (the company that accepts the charter), and workers. The Contracting Company may submit part of the work implementation to the Contracting Recipient Company. This is carried out through a written Contract of Work Agreement. It must contain provisions that guarantee the fulfillment of the rights of workers/laborers in the emerging employment relationship. Since December 9, 2011 Bank Indonesia issued Bank Indonesia Regulation No.13/25/PBI/2011 concerning Prudential Principles for Commercial Banks in Delegating Work to Other Companies, requiring banking companies in Indonesia to follow these rules in drafting Job Contracting Agreements with Another company. This is inseparable from the decision of the Constitutional Court no. 27/PUU-IX/2011 decision dated January 17, 2012. Based on the description above, the author feels interested in researching this problem and intends to put the results of the research into a scientific paper entitled The Effect of Bank Indonesia Regulation No. 13/25/PBI/2011 concerning Prudential Principles for Commercial Banks in Delegating Work to Other Companies with the Decision of the Constitutional Court No. 27/PUU-IX/2011 Related to the Implementation of Part of the Work between Banking Companies and Non-Banking Companies.


Background/Aim :

Chronic diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are longstanding medical conditions that are often debilitating. To assist with the problem in Singapore, JurongHealth has put in place a COPD ICP (Integrated Care Pathway) programme. It emphasises on case management and clinical integration, where a holistic approach is taken by a multidisciplinary team, towards patient care in the acute and community settings.

Methods :

The programme models case management principles after a U.S-based health service organisation, Geisinger. It encourages case managers to actively follow up, educate and equip their patients to manage their medical conditions. They will also monitor the patient's quality of life using the COPD Assessment Tool (CAT), which captures the patient's baseline and best score within the first year of enrolment. Monthly interdisciplinary meetings are held to discuss social and clinical issues of COPD frequent flyers and patients who readmit within 30-days in the preceeding month.

Results :

From July 2012 to September 2013, 166 patients were recruited and care delivery was assessed by an all-or-none care bundle. 70% of care elements in the care bundle were complied by all patients within the first year of enrolment. The overall COPD 30-day readmission rate improved from 36.0% (April to December 2012) to 20.0% (Jan 2013 to Sep 2013). 75.5% of Group B and D patients with baseline CAT score >10 showed >10% improvement in CAT score from their baseline.

Conclusion :

High touch case management and multidisciplinary care within the COPD ICP programme has effectively reduced the 30-day readmission rate, improved the patient's quality of life and their care bundle compliance rate.


Multi structure morphological inpainting for the recovery of damaged digitised photographs is proposed. The motivation behind this paper is to address this interesting application area in terms of Morphological image processing literature and evaluate the interpolation capabilities of the same in the context of inpainting. As the inpainting order plays an important factor for human visualisation it is guided by the orientation of edges at the surrounding known regions of the missing domain. The damaged picture is edge detected by morphological gradient algorithm based on multi-structure element morphology of eight different directions. The edge detected image is represented as eight different edge planes based on the orientation of the edges. This edge plane information is used for reconstructing the regions within the missing part in a particular orientation, as well as for guiding the integration that follows. Edge planes having edges at the boundary of the missing domain are known as positive response edge planes. The damaged regions are morphologically eroded using the structuring elements of corresponding orientations given by the positive response edge planes. The resultant image is obtained using texture synthesis incorporated isotope driven integration of the eroded images. The novelty of our approach is to explicitly specify the direction of filling herby ensuring ease in convergence in different orientations and then streamlining the integration process to guarantee complete and natural look.


Expressive language disorder is an inability to express someone's feelings, thoughts, and needs. This study focused on expressive language usage of autism sufferer in communication when they had an inability to express it through verbal and non-verbal. Verbal involved phonological disorder, syntactic disorder, and pragmatic disorder. In non-verbal, it involved writing. The researcher used descriptive-qualitative method, because this study explained expressive language usage of autism sufferer. The data was taken from an observation to autism sufferer and interviewing to counselor teacher, and the sufferer's parent. The researcher used psycholinguistic theory to identify language disorder including expressive language disorder and other theory of Autism Spectrum Disorder to diagnose an autism sufferer based on the symptoms that arise. In the result, the researcher found that autism sufferer has difficulty to express his feelings, needs, and thoughts in communication especially using expressive language. Therefore, he could not express his feelings, needs, ideas to communicate appropriately through verbal and non-verbal. In verbal, it included phonological disorder where the sufferer could not say consonant cluster clearly. Syntactic disorder involved the sufferer could not govern and combine the word into sentence. Pragmatic disorder involved the sufferer could not do interact to other such as less turn taking when having communication. While, in non-verbal is better than verbal. He could express his feelings through writing although he got difficulty to combine the word into sentence. Sometimes, he could not memorize the alphabet letter but by the teacher's help, he could do it well.


Understanding rainfall trend can be a first step in the planning and management of water resources especially at the basin scale. In this study, standard tests are used to examine rainfall trends based on monthly, seasonal and mean annual series at the Niger-South Basin, Nigeria, between 1948 and 2008. Rainfall variability index showed that the decade 2000s was the driest (-2.1), while 1950s was the wettest (+0.8), with the decade 1980s being the driest in the second half of the last century, whereas the year 1983 was the driest throughout the series. Over the entire basin, rainfall variability was generally low, but higher intra-monthly than inter-annually. Annual rainfall was dominated by August, contributing about 15%, while December contributed the least (0.7%). On a seasonal scale, July-August-September (JJA) contributed over 40% of the annual rainfall, while rainfall was lowest during December-January- February (DJF) (4.5%). The entire basin displayed negative trends but only 15% indicated significant changes (a<0.1), while the magnitudes of change varied between -3.75 and -0.25 mm/yr. Similarly, only JJA exhibited insignificant upward trend, while the rest showed negative trends. About eight months of the year showed reducing trends, but only January trend was significant. Annual downward trend was generally observed in the series. The trend during 1948-1977 was negative, but it was positive for the 1978-2008 period. Hence, water resources management planning may require construction of water storage facilities to reduce summer flooding and prevent possible future water scarcity in the basin.


Ozone (O3) exposure stimulates airway inflammation and epithelial sloughing in a number of species, including mice. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a lipid mediator released by activated mast cells, macrophages, and epithelial cells and causes pulmonary inflammation and hyperpermeability. We hypothesized that the activation of PAF receptors is central to the development of inflammation and epithelial injury induced by acute O3 exposure in mice. To test this hypothesis, O3-susceptible C57BL/6J mice were treated with a PAF-receptor antagonist, UK-74505, or vehicle either before or immediately after 3-h exposure to O3 (2 parts/million) or filtered air. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids were collected 6 and 24 h after exposure. Differential cell counts and protein content of the lavage were used as indicators of inflammation in the airways. O3-induced epithelial injury was assessed by light microscopy, and DNA synthesis in epithelium of terminal bronchioles was estimated by using a bromodeoxyuridine-labeling index. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression was also examined in the lung by immunohistochemical localization. O3 caused significant increases in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and protein in the BAL fluid, increased pulmonary epithelial proliferation, and increased epithelial expression of ICAM-1 compared with air-exposed, vehicle-treated control mice. Relative to O3-exposed, vehicle-treated control mice, UK-74505 before exposure significantly (P < 0.05) decreased BAL protein, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and epithelial cells. O3-induced inflammation was similarly attenuated in mice treated with UK-74505 after exposure. These experiments thus support the hypothesis that O3-induced airways inflammation and epithelial damage in mice are partially mediated by activation of PAF receptors, possibly through modulation of ICAM-1 expression.


built to capture these dynamics. In addition to the multi-agent model, the PhD/postdoc projects will result in improved understanding of the effects of various policies, based on a variety of statistical analyses, and in guidelines about the most effective (set of) policies in contributing to integrated urban sustainability, and in elaborated theory about spatial dynamic choice behaviour.


DISPROPORTIONALITY IN SPECIAL EDUCATION: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PREREFERRAL INTERVENTION TEAMS AND THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS By Jasolyn L. Henderson The disproportionality of minority students in special education has received much attention throughout the years. Prereferral Intervention Teams (PITs) have been frequently recommended as a means of diminishing disproportionality. One purpose of this study was to examine the impact of PITs on the special education process. This was achieved through the calculation of risk ratios by ethnic/racial group at key phases of the special education process, (a) including referral to PITs, (b) referral for initial evaluations, (c) referral for special education, and (d) special education placement phases. Results indicated that African American students were significantly more likely to be represented at each phase. This study also aimed to determine if there was a difference in PIT implementation based on ethnicity and whether or not students proceeded through the special education process. There were significant correlations (p < .05) found between the "Behavioral Definition" and "Hypothesized Reason for Problem" components of the problem-solving process and phases of the special education process. Significant correlations (p < .05) were also observed between ethnicity, initial evaluations, and special education referrals and also between initial evaluations, special education referrals, and special education placements (p < .01). Using the Likert Scale and Scoring Rubric for Problem-solving Components to assess PIT implementation on 251 PIT records, five component scores of the scale served as dependent variables, while independent variables included ethnicity (Black/White), being referred for an initial evaluation (yes/no), and being referred for special education (yes/no). The results of 2 x 2 ANOVAs showed statistically significant differences (p < .10) between PIT records for students who were and were not referred for initial evaluations and students who were and were not referred for special education on only one component of PIT implementation. This indicates that overall PIT implementation was similar between students of different ethnicities, as well as between students who progressed through the special education process and those that did not. The current findings emphasized the importance of ensuring quality implementation of PITs and demonstrated their limited impact on disproportionality and student outcomes, such as referrals to special education, when implemented with poor integrity. DISPROPORTIONALITY IN SPECIAL EDUCATION: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PREREFERRAL INTERVENTION TEAMS AND THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS by Jasolyn L. Henderson


The real data are not always available/accessible/sufficient or in many cases they are incomplete and lacking in semantic content necessary to the definition of optimization processes. In this paper we discuss about the synthetic data generation under two different perspectives. The core common idea is to analyze a limited set of real data to learn the main patterns that characterize them and exploit this knowledge to generate brand new data. The first perspective is constraint-based generation and consists in generating a synthetic dataset satisfying given support constraints on the real frequent patterns. The second one is based on probabilistic generative modeling and considers the synthetic generation as a sampling process from a parametric distribution learned on the real data, typically encoded as a neural network (e.g. Variational Autoencoders, Generative Adversarial Networks).


The slides for some of the panelists' presentations can be found by going to Presentations collection for the Missouri Technology Expo 2010: https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/handle/10355/9623


We report a simple label-free localized surface plasmon resonance sensor that uses the multiple resonances of a U-shaped gold nanostructure to differentiate the target interaction of interest from background refractive index interference and nonspecific binding of interfering molecules. U-shaped nanostructures were fabricated using electron-beam lithography and their sensing capabilities were tested by introducing different solutions to simulate various specific and nonspecific effects. The three resonances of the nanostructure yield distinct bulk as well as specific and nonspecific surface sensitivities that allow for the differentiation of the three effects.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate clinical status features of the patient's who died from spinal cord and brain swelling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Retrospectively collected data on 67 persons with severe spinal cord injury. These patients were treated and died in Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital between 1995 and 2003. The death reasons were determined after autopsy. The study included 2 (3%) females and 65 (97%) males. The age range was 16-82 years, mean age was 49.6 years. Cervical spine injuries in all patients were visualized at computed tomography and radiography. The cervical spine injury patterns were determined using Ferguson-Allen's classification. Motor and sensory evaluation after admission to hospital was conducted using the guidelines established by the American Spinal Cord Injury Association. From this group of patients, 48 cases were selected with spinal cord swelling as the reason of death. We divided these patients into two groups; 21 patients with C4-C5 neurological level were in the first group and 27 persons with C6-Th1 neurological level were in the second group.

RESULT
. We compared the patients from the first and the second groups and did not find any difference between their age, the patterns of the accidents, the patterns of the cervical spine injuries (p>0.05), clinical status after admission to hospital and six hours before patient's death (p>0.05). Patients, who died from spinal cord swelling, had alterations in cardiopulmonary function before their death. The patients from the first group died on average in 80 hours after the accident; the patients from the second group died on average in 146 hours after the trauma (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Patients, who died from spinal cord swelling, had distinct respiratory failure before their death. Alterations of the clinical status of patients with C4-C5 neurological level were faster.


Learners use digital media during learning for a variety of reasons. Sometimes media use can be considered "on-task," e.g., to perform research or to collaborate with peers. In other cases, media use is "off-task," meaning that learners use content unrelated to their current learning task. Given the well-known problems with self-reported data (incomplete memory, distorted perceptions, subjective attributions), exploring on-task and off-task usage of digital media in learning scenarios requires logging activity on digital devices. However, we argue that logging on- and off-task behaviour has challenges that are rarely addressed. First, logging must be active only during learning. Second, logging represents a potential invasion of privacy. Third, logging must incorporate multiple devices simultaneously to take the reality of media multitasking into account. Fourth, logging alone is insufficient to reveal what prompted learners to switch to a different digital activity. To address these issues, we present a contextually activated logging system that allows users to inspect and annotate the observed activities after a learning session. Data from a formative study show that our system works as intended, and furthermore supports our assumptions about the diverse intentions of media use in learning. We discuss the implications for learning analytics.


PURPOSE
To find out new subjects that could be useful to select patients between 9 and 12 points, according to Block's Criteria, to mitral balloon valvotomy.

METHODS
One hundred and forty patients underwent mitral balloon valvotomy. Among them, 29 (21%) had between 9 and 12 points. These patients were divided into two groups: group A-patients with mitral valve area > or = 1.5cm2, immediately after balloon valvotomy and in the follow-up period; group B-patients with mitral valve area < 1.5cm2 immediately after or during the follow-up period, patients with severe mitral regurgitation after the procedure and patients who died in the follow-up period. All patients were analyzed by echocardiographic relation criteria (ERC): calcification + subvalvar disease/thickness + mobility. Each one was quantified from 1 to 4 points according to the degree of valvular disease.

RESULTS
Group A was composed of 17 (51%) and group B 12 (41%) patients. The variables age, sex, previous mitral commissurotomy and atrial fibrillation did not show difference between groups. In group A mitral valve area (cm2) increased from 1.15 +/- 0.25 to 1.97 +/- 0.26 (p < 0.00001) keeping stable during the follow-up period. In group B percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy resulted in an increase from 1.26 +/- 0.19 to 1.77 +/- 0.16 (p < 0.00001), however, there was an important decrease in the follow-up period to 1.34 +/- 0.15 (p < 0.00001). The ERC showed that all group A patients had a relation < 1. However, in group B, 10 patients (83%), the relation was > or = 1, and in only 2 patients (17%) was < 1 (p < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION
The group of patients between 9 and 12 points in the Block's criteria is heterogenic, therefore, each case might be evaluated individually and the echocardiographic relation criteria should be used in order to select these patients to the procedure.


The aim of the study was to assess lower limb loading during walking after unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision. Twenty-three THA revision subjects (12 men, 11 women) were divided into three groups according to time since surgery as 1 to 6 years, 6 to 11 years, and over 11 years. Two force plates were used to measure the ground reaction force during the stance phase. On the operated limb, compared to nonoperated limb, we found lower first vertical peak in the group of 1 to 6 years after revision and lower propulsion peak in the group of 6 to 11 years since revision. In the group of 11 years since THA revision, no significant difference was found. With advancing years after surgery, the stance phase duration got reduced and propulsion peak increased in the operated limb; minimal vertical force decreased and the time of minimal vertical force increased in the nonoperated limb. The study findings suggest the tendency to a more gradual and safer weight acceptance on the operated limb during the first years after THA revision, followed by limitation of foot propulsion. Despite this fact, lower limb loading can be considered as symmetrical across the whole measured period.


Multimedia data is characterized by large objects that require high-bandwidth. This paper presents technique that enables efficient and dependable data storage and delivery of large multimedia objects in the World Wide Web environment. The proposed approach strips data into blocks that are distributed over multiple Web servers. Data distribution is transparent to users. The parallelism of multiple Web servers is exploited to achieve high data rates. The paper presents two data coding techniques to achieve high dependability.


The article discusses securitization of memory politics and identity politics as a part of academic tools and some kind of political tools. The author characterizes the process of securitization analyzing both academic and political discourse of the last decade. The securitization of the politics of memory and identity, as well as the politicization of history are reflected in academic publications and political declarations, pouring out into hot discussions, debates, wars of memory, struggle of identities. Research findings can create basis for a political turn or a new foreign policy course. Securitization puts the category of identity in the context of international security while identity politics could be used as a soft power element or foreign policy tool. There has been a turn towards defining identity politics as a concrete ideological weapon that can be used against opponents in the ideological and political struggle. This significantly changes meaning of identity politics. The author considers that in scientific analysis it is advisable to avoid extreme politization of identity.


Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are being studied widely in recent years due to their unique mechanical properties. In this paper, we will present the progress in the studies of corrosion resistance behavior and biomedical potential of the Zr-based BMGs, especially the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their biocompatibility. Owing to their high resistance to corrosion in a physiological environment and the excellent biocompatibility that give them a passive, stable oxide film, Zr-based BMGs are considered the material of choice for intraosseous use. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the available literature on the Zr-based BMGs and present a promising prospect for the application of oral implant. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.M2015246]


Tuberculous pleurisy (TP) is a common type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). With the development of research and changes in TP patient characteristics, an increasing number of studies have revealed the prevalence, risk factors, and novel diagnosis techniques. Thus, this bibliometric analysis was performed to identify global scientific output characteristics and research hotspots and frontiers for TP over the past 15 years. We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-expanded) for literature published between 2007 and 2021 and recorded their information. The Bibliometrix software package was used for bibliometric indicator analysis, and VOSviewer was used to visualize the trends of and hotspots in TP research. A total of 1,464 original articles were reviewed, and the results indicated that the annual number of publications (Np) focusing on TP has increased over the past 15 years. China had the largest number of papers and the highest H-index, and the United States ranked first for number of citations (Nc). EGYPTIAN KNOWLEDGE BANK and PLOS ONE were the most prolific unit and journal, respectively. The use of the Xpert assay and immune-related biomarker detection to diagnose TP appears to be a recent research hotspot. This bibliometric study demonstrated that the number of publications related to TP have tended to increase. China is a major producer, and the United States is an influential country in this field. Research in the past 15 years has been predominantly clinical research. The diagnosis of TP was the focus of research, and the exploration of novel diagnostic techniques, verification of diagnostic markers, and combination of diagnostic methods have been recent research hotspots. Immune-related biomarkers should be given more attention in the field of TP diagnosis.


With the widespread application of the Internet of Things (IoT), a large demand for supporting massive access of IoT devices distributed over a large area urges researchers to focus on the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite IoT (SIoT) network. Due to the high-speed movement of LEO satellites, SIoT is composed of dozens of satellites to thousands of LEO satellites covering the whole world, which inevitably causes inter-satellite interference. Hence, in this paper, we propose an inter-satellite cooperation framework for a SIoT network based on non-orthogonal multiple access(NOMA) and multiple-beam techniques, which can support massive access and reduce interference. However, the satellite cannot catch accurate channel state information(CSI), resulting in residual interference. In this context, we formulate a robust precoding optimization problem based on inter-satellite cooperation to minimize the total power consumption of the LEO SIoT network with outage probability constraints on the rates for the IoT devices. Because the original problem is intractable, we utilize some mathematical tools, e.g., second-order Taylor expression, Bernstein-type inequality, and penalty function, to obtain an approximate equivalent second-order cone program (SOCP) problem. Then, we propose a robust precoding algorithm to solve the SOCP problem. Finally, numerical results show the impacts of key system parameters and confirm the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm.


Multi-cell processing (MCP) is regarded as an effective way for interference mitigation in cellular networks. We propose a joint Base Station (BS) selection and linear precoding design algorithm for the downlink transmission in MCP enabled networks. The algorithm solves a regularized utility maximization problem to find a sparse solution for the precoding matrix. The BS selection is thus based on the sparsity pattern of the resulted precoding matrix. With the joint design, the proposed algorithm rigorously takes into account and optimizes the effect of BS selection on the overall system performance. The problem of total power minimization for target SINR, which can be cast as a Second Order Cone Program (SOCP) is used as an example for illustration. Simulation is performed to compare the proposed algorithm with the BS selection schemes in literature. It shows that our joint algorithm not only requires less power for target SINR, but also dramatically reduces the computational complexity.


Abstract Background Forty to fifty percent of newly diagnosed DLBCL patients will relapse and another 10% will be refractory to initial therapy. Despite the introduction of new therapies, outcomes for patients with R/R DLBCL remain poor with no improvement in progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) or response rates (ORR). Patients receiving 1 additional line of treatment have an OS of ∼13 months post relapse and for those requiring 3rd line treatment or more, only 10% survive for 12 months. CLR 131 is a novel therapeutic being evaluated in R/R DLBCL. CLR 131 leverages a novel delivery mechanism that takes advantage of a metabolic shift in tumor cells to allow the targeted delivery of I-131 directly into tumour cells. Methods A multi-center study is being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CLR 131 in patients with R/R DLBCL. An interim assessment was conducted to determine cohort expansion and continued enrollment of up to 40 additional patients. The criteria for expansion was a minimum 20% of patients experience clinical benefit (CBR) or better. Patients in this assessment received a single 25mCi/m2 30-minute infusion of the targeted radiotherapeutic CLR 131 on day 0. Patients were then followed until disease progression. The primary endpoint is CBR. Secondary endpoints included ORR, PFS and OS. Results Six R/R DLBCL patients having received an average of 3 prior lines of therapy received a single infusion of CLR 131. Overall 3/6 patients achieved CBR, 1 patient experienced a complete response (CR) with a total reduction in tumor volume of greater than 99% and continues to be a CR at nearly 8 months post dosing. One patient with cutaneous R/R DLBCL achieved a partial response (PR) with a 56% reduction in total tumor volume and 1 achieved stable disease. The average duration of response was ∼5 months and continues to be monitored. PFS and OS have not been reached at the time of submission. Conclusions In this interim evaluation of CLR 131 in R/R DLBCL patients, significant and durable responses were exhibited, including a 33% ORR, 15% CR and 50% CBR. Patients experienced durable responses (assessment continues). Larger, prospective trials are needed to elucidate optimal patient and dosing schedule of CLR 131 in these patients. Clinical trial identification NCT02952508. Legal entity responsible for the study Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. Funding National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Disclosure J. Longcor: Full / Part-time employment: Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. K. Oliver: Full / Part-time employment: Cellectar Biosciences Inc. J. Friend: Full / Part-time employment, Formerly: Cellectar Biosciences Inc. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.