Nutritional risk is closely related to the poor prognosis of hospitalized patients. However, the association of pre-procedural nutritional risk with periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear.A total of 22,267 patients who underwent elective PCI were enrolled in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Nutritional risk was evaluated by three nutritional risk assessment tools, namely, controlling nutritional status (CONUT), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). PMI after PCI was defined as elevation of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) values > 5 × 99th percentile upper reference limit. Linear regression analysis was performed to explore the association of nutritional risk assessment tools with cTnI fold elevation. Log-binomial regression analysis was conducted to determine the association of nutritional risk assessment tools with PMI.The average age of the enrolled patients was 66.4 years old, and 2,647 of them (11.9%) suffered PMI after PCI. Multivariable linear regression analysis determined a linear association between nutritional risk assessment tools and cTnI fold elevation (CONUT: β = 0.220, 95% CI [0.088-0.352], P = 0.001; PNI: β = -0.105, 95% CI [-0.146 to -0.065], P < 0.001; GNRI: β = -0.090, 95% CI [-0.122 to -0.057], P < 0.001). Log-binomial regression analysis showed that nutritional risk assessment tools were strongly associated with PMI after PCI (CONUT [4-12 versus 0-1]: RR = 1.168, 95% CI [1.054-1.295], P = 0.003; PNI [< 44 versus ≥ 52]: RR = 1.168, 95% CI [1.038-1.315], P = 0.010; GNRI [< 98 versus ≥ 108]: RR = 1.128, 95% CI [1.006-1.264], P = 0.039).Pre-procedural nutritional status, assessed by CONUT, PNI, and GNRI, was significantly and strongly associated with PMI in patients undergoing elective PCI.


We evaluated the prevalence of symptoms of allergic rhinitis and atopy among two groups living in areas with different pollution levels. The study was conducted among high school students living in Bayrampa§a (polluted by SO2 and TSP) and Beykoz (unpolluted, residental area) in Istanbul (n = 386). Each subject filled out a standardized self-administered questionnaire. Atopic status was evaluated by skin-prick testing using eight different allergens. Also, anterior active rhinomanometry was performed to evaluate the symptoms objectively. Significantly higher prevalence rates for symptoms of allergic rhinitis were found in Bayrampaşa (22.8%) compared to Beykoz (6%). However, no significant difference was found for atopic status among the two groups. When we evaluated the atopic status of subjects with symptoms of allergic rhinitis between the two areas, the prevalence of atopic students was found to be relatively higher in the unpolluted area (BZ). This difference was not statistically significant. Within the atopic population, subjects complaining of symptoms of allergic rhinitis were significantly more frequent in the polluted area (BP), suggesting that air pollution causes an increase in symptoms of allergic rhinitis in the atopic population, but this is not significantly higher than the increase in symptoms of allergic rhinitis of the total study group. Our results suggest that pollutants exert irritant effects on mucous membranes of the population in general rather than aggrevating symptoms in predisposed individuals. Smoking was more frequent in the unpolluted area. Exposure to parental smoking in childhood and heating systems in houses were evenly distributed. Household crowding was lower in Beykoz. Rhinomanometric measurements among the two groups did not show significant difference. Multiple logistic regression models estimating the role of each risk factor independently showed significant odds ratio associated with residence in Bayrampaşa for symptoms of allergic rhinitis (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 9.0–2.3). In conclusion, this study suggests that outdoor pollution has adverse effects on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, while it has no effect on the prevalence of atopy in Istanbul in the 1990s.


In computer architecture research and design, simulator is a viable alternative for researchers to evaluate the functionality and performance of the future computer systems architecture. The cost and timeline to complete a project tremendously can be reduced with simulators, as it allows a quick quantitative evaluation of the wide range of architectures in computer systems, such as CPU, memory and I/O system. The M5 simulator, is one of the open source computer architecture available. This paper propose a graphic subsystem for the existing M5 simulator to allow research and development activities in the area especially for Graphic Processing Unit (GPU). The GPU model chosen for the M5 simulator is the PCI based Voodoo 3 GPU, manufactured by the 3Dfx Interactive Inc. The functionality of the built GPU model are evaluated by using several software engineering testing methodologies, and the programmability of the model is tested by using the Glide API, the 3D graphics API developed for the Voodoo Graphics 3D accelerator cards.


Introduction. The paper offers a Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST) perspective on the information behaviour of the elderly. It goes beyond biological aging and could usefully explain motives, preferences, influential factors in their information behaviour. Method. A thematic meta-analysis was performed to study the research on the information behaviour of the elderly adults published over the last decade (2010-2019). Analysis. The analysis is focused on manifestations of emotional regulation aimed at information behaviour (needs and motives, information seeking and use) of the elderly. Results. In everyday life situations the elderly prioritise emotional regulation goals, which are the main drive of information activities. Social networks, a safe and familiar environment, and positive emotional experience are influential factors shaping the needs, motivation and ways the elderly seek for and use information. Emotional regulation goals may also limit information seeking and cause distortions in making sense of information. Conclusions. Differently from other approaches to information behaviour of the elderly, SST does not limit the study to biological aspects of aging and offers rich explanations of social and psychological aspects of their lives. It can be complementary to other approaches and provide an explanatory aspect to many descriptive studies, e.g., explain the extensive use for social networks for information seeking, avoidance of certain information activities, or reluctance to learn new internet search skills.


. Water Pollution Research SIR, Mr. Simpson, in his letter of 6th August (R.S.H. JOURNAL, September, 1956, p. 578), suggests that the value of the work of the Water Pollution Research Laboratory would be increased if engineers were appointed to the staff. This question of the employment of engineers is one which has often been discussed by the Water Pollution Research Board, but the balance of opinion has so far been that any improvements in the design of treatment plants and the like resulting from the work of the Laboratory


The implementation of mechanically flexible and optically transparent nanoscale transistors could enable high definition, large-area, low-cost, low-power and light-weight active matrix displays. Transparent thin film transistors (TFTs) fabricated with semiconductor nanowires and a randomly aligned networks of carbon nanotubes have been previously reported. In this paper, we report fully transparent TFTs based on well-aligned single-walled carbon nanotube transistor (SWCNT) arrays. These devices provides higher performance the prior nanowire/CNT network transparent devices, achieve -83% transparency on quartz substrate over the visible wave-length range and are suitable for integration with organic light emitting diodes.


The World Health Organization has listed Klebsiella pneumoniae as one of the global priority pathogens in critical need of next-generation antibiotics. Compared to other Gram-negative pathogens, K. pneumoniae accumulates a greater diversity of antimicrobial-resistant genes at a higher frequency. This study included collecting 60 samples from different sources (wounds, Burns, sputum, urine), and the samples were diagnosed by traditional methods, culturing samples on different media, then conducting biochemical tests, and initial tests showed that 50% of the samples were Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria, and the rest For species (Escherichia coli 30%, Streptococcus pneumoniae 10%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 5%, Staphylococcu aureus 5%), then Klebsiella pneumoniae was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the diagnostic gene (infB). The results showed that only 15 samples out of 30 had this gene. It was diagnosed as Klebsiella pneumoniae, after that CTX resistance gene was examined, and the results showed the presence of this gene in 67% isolates and its absence in 33%. The results showed the presence of this gene in bacteria isolated from urinary tract infection, and with a small percentage of samples isolated from


The purpose of this study was to investigate elementary students' perceptions of PE teacher credibility. Eight high- and low-skilled students from grades 3 and 5 were selected from a school employing a PE teacher holding a National Board Certification. Data were collected in the school setting utilizing observations, field notes, an open-ended questionnaire, student drawings, a photo elicitation activity, and group and individual interviews. Data were analyzed inductively and deductively using Miles and Huberman's (1994) four-stage analysis in relation to source credibility theory (Hovland, Janis, & Kelley, 1953). Data trustworthiness was ensured through a peer debriefer, reflexivity journal/audit trail and triangulation. In the eyes of the students, a credible PE teacher "Looks Like One," "Practices What She Preaches," and "Is an 'Awesome' Pedagogue." Implications for both current PE teachers and PETE programs concerned with teacher effectiveness and, consequently, student learning are discussed.


Anger management interventions with offenders, particularly violent offenders, are a common form of rehabilitative activity. The rationale for addressing anger problems is clear-cut and there is good evidence that anger management can be effective with some client populations. Information relating to effectiveness with serious offenders, however, is sparse. An intervention study is reported in which offenders receiving anger management were compared with waiting list controls on a range of dependent measures. In general, the degree of pre-treatment/post-treatment change was small and experimental versus control differences were not statistically significant. The degree of improvement was found to be predictable from pre-treatment measures of anger and treatment readiness. Explanations of the low impact of anger management on violent offenders are discussed and recommendations made for improving outcomes.


We consider spinning generalizations of the Ellis wormhole in scalar-tensor theory. Analogous to other compact objects these wormholes can carry a non-trivial scalarization. We determine the domain of existence of the scalarized wormholes and investigate the effect of the scalarization on their properties. Depending on the choice of the coupling function, they may possess multiple throats and equators in the Jordan frame, while possessing only a single throat in the Einstein frame.


The aim of this research was to establish whether the dietary preferences of perch (Perca fluviatilis L., 1758) change due to age and the seasons. Food items were examined by the Geometric Index of Importance (GII) method. The results obtained from this index were also evaluated in relation to seasonal and age-dependent variables. It was observed that the dietary preferences of perch do not change with age and the seasons.


Haemophilus ducreyi is the causative agent of the sexually transmitted genital ulcer disease chancroid. Strains of H. ducreyi are grouped in two classes (I and II) based on genotypic and phenotypic differences, including those found in DsrA, an outer membrane protein belonging to the family of multifunctional trimeric autotransporter adhesins. DsrA is a key serum resistance factor of H. ducreyi that prevents binding of natural IgM at the bacterial surface and functions as an adhesin to fibronectin, fibrinogen, vitronectin, and human keratinocytes. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were developed to recombinant DsrA (DsrA(I)) from prototypical class I strain 35000HP to define targets for vaccine and/or therapeutics. Two anti-DsrAI MAbs bound monomers and multimers of DsrA from genital and non-genital/cutaneous H. ducreyi strains in a Western blot and reacted to the surface of the genital strains; however, these MAbs did not recognize denatured or native DsrA from class II strains. In a modified extracellular matrix protein binding assay using viable H. ducreyi, one of the MAbs partially inhibited binding of fibronectin, fibrinogen, and vitronectin to class I H. ducreyi strain 35000HP, suggesting a role for anti-DsrA antibodies in preventing binding of H. ducreyi to extracellular matrix proteins. Standard ELISA and surface plasmon resonance using a peptide library representing full-length, mature DsrAI revealed the smallest nominal epitope bound by one of the MAbs to be MEQNTHNINKLS. Taken together, our findings suggest that this epitope is a potential target for an H. ducreyi vaccine.


Background: cervical cancer and genital warts share the same causative agent. The former is caused by high-risk oncogenic human papilloma virus, while the latter is generally caused by low-risk virus, though they are an important indicator of infection by high-risk virus. Persistence of the virus is essential to develop cervic cancer. Among the factors which favor the persistence are early age of first intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases. Adolescents are a vulnerable group. Objective: to relate genital warts with cervical cancer precursor lesions in child and adolescent consultation. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted whose universe included all patients with clinical diagnosis of genital warts who attended child and adolescent consultation at pediatric specialty clinic in Camaguey, from January 1 to December 31, 2014. Age groups, association with subclinical forms, acquisition factors, persistence the virus (sexual risk-taking behavior, tobacco consumption, prolonged usage of the combined oral contraceptive pill, cervicitis, and association with other sexually transmitted infections) were analyzed. Colposcopy was performed in those patients whose organic cytologies were abnormal. The information obtained was processed through SPSS-10 statistical program. Methods used were descriptive statistics of distribution of absolute and relative frequency. The study results were shown in tables. Results: the most affected age group was 15 to 17 years and a sixth had subclinical infection. The majority had risky sexual behavior, and approximately the third presented associated sexually transmitted diseases. Almost the totality of organic cytologies was normal. Intraepithelial neoplasia grade I was detected with the presence of acetowhite epithelium in the colposcopy of nearly the eighth of the ill patients. Conclusions: every adolescent patient with genital warts should undergo cytological examination and colposcopy. Furthermore, persistence factors of human papilloma virus should be identified. DeCS: CONDYLOMATA ACUMINATA; UTERINE CERVICAL NEOPLASMS; SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES; ADOLESCENT; EPIDEMIOLOGY, DESCRIPTIVE.


A concerted institutional approach to improving student outcomes resulted in a facultybased, student-focussed model for student success at the University of Pretoria (UP). The student academic development and excellence model (SADEM), developed by a Steering Committee for student success, employs developmental research and systems theory and targets all years of undergraduate study while prioritising the first year. Underpinned by a systemic metric framework and continuous improvement, interventions comprise institutional and faculty–based projects that target high impact modules and diverse students to improve retention, pass, and throughput rates. Though context specific, it offers solutions to international concerns - lack of a systemic approach; initiatives located in peripheral units; initiatives located outside academic disciplines and lack of participation by academic staff and a focus on retention of limited student subgroups instead of retention, pass, graduation and throughput rates of all students. The circumstances that led to its development, its key features and application at the UP, ways it can be adapted to other contexts, as well as its limitations and possible future directions are presented.


Visual hallucinations may accompany many neurological and psychiatric disorders. A common localization principle is that lesions to the early sensory cortices lead to elementary hallucinations, whereas complex perceptual experiences are related to the pathology of higher‐level cortical regions. We report the case of a patient who experienced complex, non‐stereotyped, multimodal (visual and somatosensory) hallucinations following an acute ischaemic vascular lesion in the right medial occipital lobe. This illustrates that the phenomenology of hallucinations not necessarily reflects the exact localization of cerebral pathology. Instead, the damaged area may serve as a focus of an abnormally activated neuronal network.


Optical Dating of a Late Quaternary Sediment Sequence from Sokli, Northern Finland Interstadial and non-glacial stadial sediments collected in boreholes from Sokli in northeastern Finland have been dated by optically stimulated luminescence on quartz and feldspar grains. The quartz OSL ages follow stratigraphic order, with one exception, and support the litho- and biostratigraphical correlation with the NW European mainland climate-stratigraphy and the marine oxygen-isotope stages. Feldspar IRSL dates generally overestimate the age, probably due to incomplete bleaching. The data show that during the last glacial cycle north-eastern Finland was not glaciated until MIS 5b, around 90 ka. Interstadial conditions occurred around ~94 ka (MIS 5c), ~74-80 ka (MIS 5a) and 42-54 ka (MIS 3). The OSL ages have large standard errors mainly due to small sample sizes, relatively poor luminescence characteristics and uncertainties in dose-rate determinations.


Simulation of detector calibration using the Monte Carlo method is very convenient. The computational calibration procedure using the MCNP code was validated by comparing results of the simulation with laboratory measurements. The standard source used for this validation was a disc-shaped filter where fission and activation products were deposited. Some discrepancies between the MCNP results and laboratory measurements were attributed to the point source model adopted. In this paper, the standard source has been simulated using both point and surface source models. Results from both models are compared with each other as well as with experimental measurements. Two variables, namely, the collimator diameter and detector-source distance have been considered in the comparison analysis. The disc model is seen to be a better model as expected. However, the point source model is good for large collimator diameter and also when the distance from detector to source increases, although for smaller sizes of the collimator and lower distances a surface source model is necessary.


Exemption from pre-trade transparency on dark platforms enables the prevention of information leakage and a major market impact, thus block traders prefer these platforms to public ones. There are several dark trading facilities: systematic internalisers, crossing networks, etc. In this study, I focus explicitly on dark pools, and analyse why average trade size is decreasing while the number of transactions and the popularity of these venues continue to increase even though dark pools do not necessarily offer meaningful price improvement to investors. While seeking to answer these questions, I highlight that the use of dark pools has increasingly departed from their original purpose. In my paper, I explain in detail that liquidity is shifting dynamically from traditional public exchanges to dark platforms, with possible negative consequences to price discovery on lit venues. Sponsored access to information on dark platforms might harm overall market integrity as well. Although there is no consensus regarding the "useful ratio" of dark trade to lit trade, regulators and decision-makers on both sides of the Atlantic are increasingly concerned about the proliferation of dark liquidity. Both European and US regulators have been making systematic efforts to clamp down on dark ratios and curb the increasing popularity of dark trades. This paper presents current regulatory trends and their possible future changes, as well as their impact on dark liquidity.


This paper is a mathematical study of some aspects of the signalling pathway leading to the activation of the transcription factor NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells). Activation takes place by dephosphorylation at multiple sites. This has been modelled by Salazar and H\"ofer using a large system of ordinary differential equations depending on many parameters. With the help of chemical reaction network theory we show that for any choice of the parameters this system has a unique stationary solution for each value of the conserved quantity given by the total amount of NFAT and that all solutions converge to this stationary solution at late times. The dephosphorylation is carried out by calcineurin, which in turn is activated by a rise in calcium concentration. We study the way in which the dynamics of the calcium concentration influences NFAT activation, an issue also considered by Salazar and H\"ofer with the help of a model arising from work of Somogyi and Stucki. Criteria are obtained for convergence to equilibrium of solutions of the model for the calcium concentration.


To simplify the complicated mechanism of the traditional double crystal monochromator for synchrotron radiation, a kind of channel cut monochromator with curved reflecting surfaces to fix the exit beam position was successfully developed at NSRL. The performance of this monochromator, which includes the relative efficiency, diffraction bandwidth and deviation of the beam spot, was calculated and measured. The analysis of these results are presented in this paper.


A functional model for nondissipative unbounded per- turbations of an unbounded self-adjoint operator on a Hilbert space X is constructed. This model is analogous to the Nagy- Foias model of dissipative operators, but it is linearly similar and not unitarily equivalent to the operator. It is attached to a domain of parabolic type, instead of a half-plane. The transformation map from X to the model space and the analogue of the characteristic function are given explicitly. All usual consequences of the Nagy-Foias construction (the H 1 calculus, the commutant lifting, etc.) hold true in our con- text.


Access to information is now a very important thing, because the information everyone will know. SMA Mandiri Balaraja has many facilities and and has different belacar way. SMA Mandiri Balaraja is an education that has the authority to promote SMA SMA Mandiri Balaraja tangerang district. Currently SMA Mandiri Balaraja not have a media information that explains in detail that can attract prospective students to register and recognize the existing facilities in SMA Mandiri Balaraja. This designed information and promotional video explains the excellence of learning, school facilities, extensive building, extracurricular activities at the present time, so it can be an attraction for prospective students and high school students of Balaraja Mandiri as well as the community, to find out information and promotion of SMA Mandiri Balaraja. The purpose of this study is to achieve the target of SMA Balaraja Mandiri High School in terms of conveying information and promotion about SMA Mandiri Balaraja, and increasing the number of prospective students and students who will enroll in SMA Mandiri Balaraja every year. The research methods used in this study include Data Collection, Media Design Analysis, and Concept Media Production (KPM) which includes: pre production, production, and post production. Through the media information and promotion SMA Mandiri Balaraja designed will be informed through: Youtube, SMA Mandiri Balaraja Website and facebook. The expected target is, prospective students and students who will enroll in SMA Mandiri Balaraja and the community can know SMA Balanganja Mandiri Tangerang district, and can increase the number of prospective students and girls who visit Balaraja Mandiri SMA every year.


On 15 May 2011, thousands of people, mainly young, demonstrated all over the Spanish state under the slogans "For real democracy now" and "We are not commodities in the hands of politicians and bankers". The demonstrations explicitly rejected the participation of political parties or trade unions. A month later, on 19 June, over one million marched in around fifty different cities and towns, mobilised by what now was known as the "15 May Movement" (15-M) or the indignados. In the four weeks after the 15 May protest, tens of thousands had been involved in camps and mass assemblies. The supposed passivity and lack of commitment of youth disappeared overnight. Above all, the emergence of the 15-M shows how quickly the situation can radicalise in the context of deepening crisis. To understand how such an explosion has been possible it is necessary to look at both the effects of the crisis and the peculiarities of the Spanish left and trade union movement. The economic crisis has hit Spain hard. The country's apparent prosperity since the 1990s was centred on construction and dependent on cheap credit; this came to an abrupt end in 2008. Among the EU15 countries (the core of the "old" European Union before the accession of ten mainly Central and Eastern European states in 2008), Spain already had the highest percentage of temporary contracts and unemployment, combined with some of the


Many natural language related applications involve text generation, created by humans or machines. While in many of those applications machines support humans, yet in few others, (e.g. adversarial machine learning, social bots and trolls) machines try to impersonate humans. In this scope, we proposed and evaluated several mutation-based text generation approaches. Unlike machine-based generated text, mutation-based generated text needs human text samples as inputs. We showed examples of mutation operators but this work can be extended in many aspects such as proposing new text-based mutation operators based on the nature of the application.


The effects of 2-bromoethanesulfonate, an inhibitor of methanogenesis, on metabolism in sludge from a thermophilic (58°C) anaerobic digestor were studied. It was found from short-term experiments that 1 μmol of 2-bromoethanesulfonate per ml completely inhibited methanogenesis from 14CH3COO−, whereas 50 μmol/ml was required for complete inhibition of 14CO2 reduction. When 1 μmol of 2-bromoethanesulfonate per ml was added to actively metabolizing sludge which was then incubated for 24 h. it caused a 60% reduction in methanogenesis and a corresponding increase in acetate accumulation; at 50 μmol/ml it caused complete inhibition of methanogenesis and accumulation of acetate. H2, and ethanol.


In this paper, we conduct a systematic large-scale analysis of order book-driven predictability in high-frequency returns by leveraging deep learning techniques. First, we introduce a new and robust representation of the order book, the volume representation. Next, we carry out an extensive empirical experiment to address various questions regarding predictability. We investigate if and how far ahead there is predictability, the importance of a robust data representation, the advantages of multi-horizon modeling, and the presence of universal trading patterns. We use model confidence sets, which provide a formalized statistical inference framework particularly well suited to answer these questions. Our findings show that at high frequencies predictability in mid-price returns is not just present, but ubiquitous. The performance of the deep learning models is strongly dependent on the choice of order book representation, and in this respect, the volume representation appears to have multiple practical advantages.


Green chemistry has been applied in different areas due to the growing demands for renewable processes and one of them is nanotechnology. The aim of this study was to characterize a formulation containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by a green synthesis and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity. The formulation will be used as an intracanal dressing exploiting the AgNPs' antimicrobial properties, which are crucial to prevent infections and bacterial reinfections that can compromise endodontic treatments. In the green synthesis, silver nitrate was employed as the precursor salt, maltose as a reducing agent, and gelatin as a stabilizing agent. The formulation was prepared mixing 50 % of a liquid containing the AgNPs and 50 % of hydroxyethylcellulose gel at 1.5 % with proper evaluation of the process inherent parameters. Techniques such as molecular absorption spectrometry and dynamic light scattering were used in characterization step. The antimicrobial activity of the AgNPs against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis NCTC 775, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 was verified according to National Comittee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) by determining minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). The obtained results indicated the formulation containing AgNPs produced by a green synthesis was properly characterized by the selected techniques. Furthermore, the formulation assessment proved that it is suitable for the proposal as well as it has potential to be used as an intracanal dressing since presented antimicrobial activity against all bacterial strains evaluated.


The question that the present work addresses is how might we move the engineering profession towards a more encompassing engineering ethic and do it in a way which the practitioners might be receptive to such new ideas? Put another way, how might we develop a new engineering ethic, which focuses more upon the results as evidence by its adoption across the myriad of disciplines rather than the purity or elegance of the argument? The present work seeks to offer one approach that might work borrowing from our developing view of complex systems theory. One important characteristic of a complex system – and we shall consider others-is that a system is composed of interconnected parts that as a whole exhibit one or more properties. Stated another way, the behavior among the possible properties may not be obvious from the properties of the individual parts. The proposed new ethic also integrates new ideas from quantum mechanics as well as eco-philosophy.


The influence of organic matter amendments on soil aggregate stability is well known, but the corresponding changes in recently deposited sediment are not well documented. In this study, improvements in aggregate stability of recently deposited sediment (RDS) supplemented with farmyard manure (FYM) and tea waste (TW) were evaluated during an 18-week incubation period under controlled conditions. FYM and TW were applied to RDS at different rates (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15% w/w), and aggregate stability was determined at different times of incubation (2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 14th, and 18th weeks) using wet sieving analysis. The results showed that the aggregate stability of RDS treated with TW was statistically significantly higher than those of samples treated with FYM. Aggregate stability increased with increasing rates of both FYM and TW. Aggregate stability reached the highest value at the end of the second week in FYM treated samples, and declined within the following incubation period. However, in the samples treated with TW, aggregate stability reached the highest value at the end of the eighth week. Since the results of this study clearly indicated that tea waste and farmyard manure input significantly increased the aggregate stability of RDS, it is suggested that TW and FYM could be used for structural stabilization of degraded soils.


Socially amoral economic forces now drive health system change. The authors, assisted by a panel of experts on employers, health plans, providers, and consumers, discuss current drivers such as (1) employers' price-focused purchasing, without good quality/value measures; (2) health plans' growing successes and market clout; (3) providers declining prospects and fears about their future; and (4) consumers' worries about less choice. Future influences will include Medicare reforms, better information, and pro-consumer regulation of managed care, as well as rising social distress. The health system's future is now open for resolution in an evolving, imperfect market.


Structural causes of vulnerability to hazards are well established in geographical research. But what facilitates individual adaptive behavior? How does the performance of government intervention affect such behavior? Drawing on political economy, environmental psychology, and climate justice perspectives, we explore how perceived fairness of responses to weather-related extreme events affects the public and private distribution of responsibility and action. We focus on flood risk and examine how perceptions of fairness of response by residents in flood-affected areas, along with their prior experience of flooding and perceptions of scope of government responsibility and capacity, affect willingness to take individual adaptive action. We use data from surveys of 356 households affected by a flood event in November 2009 in Cumbria, UK, and Galway, Ireland, to compare perceptions of fairness of responses and private intentions across two political jurisdictions. We find that aspects of fairness are related to willingness to take adaptive action but vary with context, experience, and knowledge of flooding. In Cumbria, where there is greater experience of flooding, willingness to act correlates with procedural justice, risk knowledge, and capacity. Capacity for flood management in Galway is firmly associated with state agencies, whereas in Cumbria it is perceived to result from responsibilities of public and private action. These findings highlight the central role of government action and its perceived fairness in structuring private responses to environmental risks and point to the crucial role of climate justice perspectives in navigating adaptation.


Probabilistic graphical modeling (PGM) provides a framework for formulating an interpretable generative process of data and expressing uncertainty about unknowns, but it lacks flexibility. Deep learning (DL) is an alternative framework for learning from data that has achieved great empirical success in recent years. DL offers great flexibility, but it lacks the interpretability and calibration of PGM. This thesis develops deep probabilistic graphical modeling (DPGM.) DPGM consists in leveraging DL to make PGM more flexible. DPGM brings about new methods for learning from data that exhibit the advantages of both PGM and DL. We use DL within PGM to build flexible models endowed with an interpretable latent structure. One model class we develop extends exponential family PCA using neural networks to improve predictive performance while enforcing the interpretability of the latent factors. Another model class we introduce enables accounting for long-term dependencies when modeling sequential data, which is a challenge when using purely DL or PGM approaches. Finally, DPGM successfully solves several outstanding problems of probabilistic topic models, a widely used family of models in PGM. DPGM also brings about new algorithms for learning with complex data. We develop reweighted expectation maximization, an algorithm that unifies several existing maximum likelihood-based algorithms for learning models parameterized by neural networks. This unifying view is made possible using expectation maximization, a canonical inference algorithm in PGM. We also develop entropy-regularized adversarial learning, a learning paradigm that deviates from the traditional maximum likelihood approach used in PGM. From the DL perspective, entropy-regularized adversarial learning provides a solution to the long-standing mode collapse problem of generative adversarial networks, a widely used DL approach.


The terms sustainable development and sustainability are now used in many areas and spheres of life and become a modern phenomenon in determining the direction of progress. Sustainability is the goal of many strategic documents and should be implemented in economic and social life. The attractiveness of the terms sustainability and sustainable development leads to high frequency of their use, and is also evidence of their multidisciplinary meaning. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the management of sustainable development in the countries of the European Union through selected indicators characterizing sustainable development and its main dimensions. The paper presents the results of the evaluation of sustainable development using selected methods and indicators. Key words: Sustainability, Management of Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Indicators, Quantification


ABSTRACT Research on first-time motherhood has tended to ignore midlife women, and new mothers over 40 are a particularly understudied group. To fill this research gap, 147 first-time mothers over 40 completed online questionnaires about their postpartum experiences, with 25% of respondents reporting their pregnancies as unplanned. Participants reported fairly high levels of adjustment but also conveyed such challenges as a lack of social support, concerns about mortality, and disconnectedness from younger peer mothers. Results indicate the need for contraceptive counseling and supportive resources specific to this growing population of new mothers.


BACKGROUND
Immunization among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is suboptimal. We sought to characterize attitudes of US primary care professionals (PCPs) towards immunization practices for patients with IBD.

METHODS
Using a web-based opt-in panel of PCPs (DocStyles survey, spring 2021, cross-sectional study), we assessed likelihood of PCPs' recommending influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, and human papilloma virus vaccinations for IBD patients by PCP characteristics and availability of clinical tools. Reasons for unlikelihood of recommending vaccines and approaches to improve vaccine recommendation were examined.

RESULTS
Among 1503 PCPs, 64% recommended all vaccines. Herpes zoster vaccine was most likely to be recommended (89.8%) and pneumococcal vaccine was least likely (74.0%). Clinical tools including decision support based on electronic health records (EHRs; 48.9%) and staff tracking of patients' vaccine needs (36.3%) were significantly associated with likelihood of recommending vaccines (P < .001). A greater likelihood of vaccine recommendation was observed for pediatricians vs other medical specialties, group outpatient clinic vs other worksites, and seeing >50 patients/week (P < .05). One-third of PCPs were unlikely to recommend ≥1 vaccine, and the top reason reported was unfamiliarity with vaccine guidelines for patients with IBD (48.0%). A review of guidelines or continued medical education (63.0%) and decision support from EHRs (51.2%) were the most frequently selected approaches identified to improve certainty of vaccine recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS
There is room for improvement of vaccination recommendations by PCPs. Promoting continuing education and use of clinical tools may help support PCP immunization practices for patients with IBD.


Chu and Ho's recent article in Artificial Life is riddled with errors. In particular, they use a wrong definition of Robert Rosen's mechanism. This renders their critical assessment of Rosen's central proof null and void.


Executive summary and recommendations Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the technologies that is transforming our society and many aspects of our daily lives. AI has already provided many positive benefits and may be a source of considerable economic prosperity. It also gives rise to questions about employment, confidentiality of data, privacy, infringement of ethical values and trust in results.


The electron excitation temperature was measured by the intensity ratio of two spectral lines in argon dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure. The spectral range is from 690 to 800 nm. It is shown that all of the spectral lines are attributed to neutral Ar atoms. The spectral line 763.51 nm (2P(6)-->1S(5)) and 772.42 nm (2P(2)-->1S(3)) are chosen to estimate the electron excitation temperature. The experimental results show that the electron excitation temperature is in the range of 0.1-0.5 eV. The electron excitation temperature increases with increasing applied voltage, but decreases with increasing gas flow rate. The electron excitation temperature in flowing Ar gas discharge is much different from that in static Ar gas discharge. The result is of great importance to industrial application of DBD.


Background: Discharge of raw or treated wastewater containing linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) into the environment causes significant public health and environmental problems. The purpose of this study was the treatment of hospital wastewater using an intermittent cycle extended aeration system (ICEAS). Methods: Experiments were carried out on Yazd Shohaday-e-Kargar hospital wastewater treatment system and samples were collected in a 2 month period from the influent and effluent of the system. The used pilot study carried out consisted of two zones: pre-react and main react zones. They were divided using a baffle wall. Firstly, wastewater enters a pre-react zone and then through the opening at the bottom of the baffle wall it enters the main react zone. The cycle time and flow rate for the system were considered 6 h and 2 L/h, respectively. Then, the necessary tests were performed on the system ' s influent and effluent. Results: The removal of BOD 5 , COD, and LAS by ICEAS were 94.54%, 92.97%, and 84.99%, respectively. The averages of SVI, F/M, MLSS and MLVSS in the system were 113 mL/g, 0.086 Kg.BOD 5 /Kg.MLSS.d, 4327 mg/L and 3172 mg/L, respectively. Conclusions: This work showed the excellent efficiency of ICEAS to effectively remove BOD 5 , COD, and LAS from hospital wastewater. The results of this research can help to manage wastewater treatment in hospitals.


A neural network approach based on city adjacency has been proposed in order to solve the traveling salesman problems. This method, in which a novel energy function is used for TSPs, produces frequently several traveling closed subtours. To cope with this problem, the authors propose a method to make a traveling tour without any closed subtours, where hierarchical city adjacency is considered. It is easy to apply this technique recursively. Therefore, this approach is applicable to larger scale problems.


Lean NOx trap (LNT) and Selective Catalytic Reduction catalysts (SCR) are two leading candidates for Diesel NOx after-treatment. Each technology exhibits good properties to reduce efficiently Diesel NOx emissions in order to match the forthcoming EURO 6 standards.NOx reduction in LNT is made through a two-step process. In normal (lean) mode, Diesel engine exhausts NOx is stored into the NOx trap; then when necessary the engine runs rich during limited time to treat the stored NOx. This operating mode has the benefit of using onboard fuel as NOx reducer. But NOx trap solution is restrained by limited active temperature windows. On the other hand, NH3-SCR catalysts operate in a wider range of temperature and do not contain precious metals. However, NH3-SCR systems traditionally use urea-water solution as reducing agent, requiring thus additional infrastructure to supply the vehicles with enough reducer. These pros and cons are quite restrictive in classical LNT or NH3-SCR architecture.The present paper presents an after-treatment architecture combining a NOx trap and a passive NH3-SCR. Synergy of the two systems is possible if the SCR takes advantage of the LNT ability to produce Ammonia (NH3). Indeed, during the rich phases (purges), small amounts of Ammonia are formed as by-product, which can be used in the downstream catalyst as the NOx reducing agent.A major difficulty to operate the proposed architecture is the real-time management of the NOx purge: for future control and diagnosis applications, it is crucial to have accurate but low-complexity models. A complete reduced model of the physicochemical phenomena involved is proposed in the present paper. Based on simplified chemical assumptions and time scale separation, the latter is suitable for on-board diagnostics and model-based control. Validation has been achieved through extensive experiments.


Complex problem of establishing a diagnosis and choosing optimal treatment for patients with recurrent genital prolapse calls for improving preoperative clinical examination of these patients. Relapse necessitates better understanding of genital prolapse in each individual patient. The results of survey of 45 women with recurrent genital prolapse at the stage of preparation for re-surgery using magnetic resonance imaging are submitted. Follow-up period was 4 years. Dynamic study of the pelvic fundus was performed by a radiologist using MRI Philips Intera 1,5 Tesla with the possibility of 3D modeling, making up to 1mm thick slices in any plane, high differentiation of soft tissue (ligaments, muscles). The study showed that the classification of prolapse by stages is useful for standardization of diagnosis, but it is less useful for a differentiated approach to the choice of surgical strategy, since it ignores the nuances of surgical anatomy. The developed algorithm of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in patients with recurrent pelvic hernia significantly improves the quality of diagnosis. It takes into account the relationship between the segments and allows to evaluate the type of fascial and ligament complex defect, the details of planning future surgery. In 57,8% of patients prolapse of the vagina following pubo-coccygeal line indicates a true relapse. Reducing the distance while performing Valsalva samples from cervical pubo-coccygeal line 2-3 cm was seen as second-best result of the operation – 26,7%, questionable form of recurrence was observed in 15,6% of patients. The developed algorithm makes it possible to determine the extent of the procedure and to predict possible intraoperative complications and results of operations, to avoid changes of operation plan, to minimize the risk of recurrence and the need for re-surgery. In the postoperative period it allows to determine topographical relations between pelvic organs and quality of prosthesis adjustments. Magnetic resonance diagnosis, compared with other methods of research, is harmless to the patient and is not restricted plane of the study, that makes it possible to use it both for objective diagnosis and dynamic follow-up during treatment in operative gynecology.


AIM
To clone and express HBsAg mutant in the Pichia pastoris.

METHODS
The cloned wild type pGAP-S was used as the DNA template to generate mutant type pGAP-MS with a single or double nucleotide changes incorporated in complementary oligonucleotide primers. The product was linearized with BspH I and transformed into Pichia pastoris strain GS115, and stable multicopy integrants were screened in medium containing different concentrations of Zeocin.

RESULTS
The pGAP-MS expression vector was successfully constructed and stable numbers integrated strains with high copy number were obtained. The expression of HBsAg mutant protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot with specific polyclonal antibody. The molecular weight of recombinant HBsAg mutant was 38 kDa. AxSYM HBsAg V2(Abbott)assays demonstrated all 10 HBsAg mutants were reactive.

CONCLUSION
The recombinant HBsAg mutant with immunoreactivity was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris, and it was of practical value on the quality control and clinical applications of commercial assays.


The magnitude of the plastic zone around the crack tip of DENT (Double Edge Notched Tension) specimen and the crack growth length under cyclic loading were measured by ESPI (Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry) system. The measured magnitude of plastic zone was compared with the proposed by Irwin and calculated by a nonlinear static method of MSC/NASTRAN. The measured crack growth length by ESPI system was also compared with the obtained data by the image analysis system. From the study, it is confirmed that the plastic zone and crack growth length can be measured accurately with the high-tech equipment (ESPI System).


The management of the landscape ecological connectivity in Spain: initiatives and challenges.- A review of the advances gained with regard to the management of the landscape ecological connectivity in Spain is performed. An incipient relevance of the management and restoration of the ecological connectivity planning has been stated in the last lustrum, relevance which is expected to be increased in future. Likewise, it is stated that there are important difficulties and challenges to be tackled so that such criteria are efficiently applied and spread when taking decisions affecting the landscape.


Iron (Fe) chelation therapy was initially designed to alleviate the toxic effects of excess Fe evident in Fe-overload diseases. However, the novel toxicological properties of some Fe chelator-metal complexes have shifted appreciable focus to their application in cancer chemotherapy. Redox-inactive Fe chelator complexes are well suited for the treatment of Fe-overload diseases, whereas Fe chelator complexes with high redox activity have shown promising results as chemotherapeutics against cancer. Within this perspective, we discuss the different modes of action and toxicological profiles of Fe chelators, including analogues of 2-pyridylcarboxaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone, di-2-pyridylketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone, di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone, and the clinically trialed chelator 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone. The potential application of these agents in the changing face of Fe chelation therapy is discussed.


A recent survey among developers revealed that half plan to use HTML5 for mobile apps in the future. An earlier survey showed that access to native device APIs is the biggest shortcoming of HTML5 compared to native apps. Several different approaches exist to overcome this limitation, among them cross-compilation and packaging the HTML5 as a native app. In this paper we propose a novel approach by using a device-local service that runs on the smartphone and that acts as a gateway to the native layer for HTML5-based apps running inside the standard browser. WebSockets are used for bi-directional communication between the web apps and the device-local service. The service approach is a generalization of the packaging solution. In this paper we describe our approach and compare it with other popular ways to grant web apps access to the native API layer of the operating system.


This abbreviated paper describes the context and background to a planning proposal to achieve minimum indoor acoustic exposure levels in new dwellings in the Central Area of Wellington City. The proposed method to be adopted is to specify acoustic insulation based on a minimum acoustic performance of the building envelope. This report sets out to assess and qualitatively comment on the proposed measures in both acoustic terms and in terms of "process" under the Resource Management Act 1991.


Abstract The managed exploitation of thermal and mineral waters began at British spas in the middle of the 16th century when the first scientific treatises were written. The peak in popularity was reached in the 18th century, after which usage declined. Britain's spa heritage is well preserved at some sites and 14 of these are selected for detailed discussion. These heritage spas are divided into three groups on the basis of their hydrogeology. In the first group, spa locations are both controlled and constrained by the hydrogeological conditions. Flows are reliable and the waters are generally highly mineralized as a result of long groundwater flow paths and residence times. In the second group, hydrogeology is of secondary importance and locations owe more to chance and the endeavours of local entrepreneurs. The waters are vulnerable to contamination and flows are often unreliable. The third group exists only because of human disturbance to natural groundwater flow paths. Of the hundreds of mineral springs in Britain, many of which were promoted as spas, most fell into the second group and have disappeared; these are remembered only by a street sign or a trickle of water.


As a part of virtual simulation of construction processes, this paper deals with the quantitative risk analysis for the construction phases of the CFST arch bridge. The main objectives of the study are to evaluate the risks by considering an ultimate limit state for the fracture of cable wires and to evaluate the risks for a limit state for the erection control during construction stages. Many researches have been evaluated the safety of constructed bridges, the uncertainties of construction phases have been ignored. This paper adopts the 3D finite element program ANSYS to establish the space model of CFST Arch Bridge, and to calculate the linear, the geometrical nonlinear and the double nonlinear buckling safety factors under the six different lode cases. Then the bridge's risks are evaluated according to the results calculated which provide a reference for design of similar project.


Over the last three decades, Kenya and many other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have experienced rapid emigration to the developed world. The general view is that emigration from developing countries has led to brain drain and brain waste. However, recent research from Mexico provides evidence of significant gains from emigration. This recent finding highlights the importance of looking at individual countries' diasporas. In this review paper, I focus on trends in the Kenyan diaspora. More importantly, I summarize the literature and data on Kenya with respect to issues of brain drain and waste. Based on present evidence, I find that Kenya has experienced significant brain drain and waste. However, both the rate of brain drain and brain waste are on the decline for Kenya.


alpha-, beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors in the kidney mediate vasoconstriction, renin secretion and vasodilatation, respectively. Blockade of beta-receptors may therefore be expected to influence renal blood flow and possibly glomerular filtration rate by intrarenal effects as well as by reducing cardiac output and blood pressure. Since the various beta-adrenergic blocking drugs available differ in the degree to which they block beta 2-receptors (cardioselectivity) and also in their intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, they would be expected to have different effects on renal function. The acute administration of beta-blockers usually results in a reduction in effective renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate, whether or not the drug is cardioselective or has intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, with the exceptions of nadolol, which has actually increased effective renal plasma flow in some studies and of tolamolol. With chronic oral administration, the non-cardioselective beta-blockers reduced glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow. The cardioselective drugs do not usually produce significant reductions in glomerular filtration rate or effective renal plasma flow, although small increases in serum urea during treatment do occur. Interestingly, in contrast to findings with intravenous administration, orally administered nadolol produced a slight reduction in glomerular filtration rate in 1 study, so the effect of this agent on renal function under clinical conditions remains uncertain. It seems likely that beta-blockers reduce renal function predominantly by blocking beta 2-receptors in the kidney. To keep area of discussion in perspective, it is important to realise that although there have been isolated reports of serious deterioration in renal function coinciding with beta-blocker treatment, the great majority of reports are of reduction in glomerular filtration rate which are not of clinical significance, even in patients with pre-existing impairment of renal function. The beta-blockers with low lipid solubility-i.e. atenolol, nadolol and sotalol-are not metabolised, and their dose must be reduced in renal failure. Propranolol has active metabolites and its dose must also be reduced slightly in uraemia.


The asymmetric shape of reversals of the Earth's magnetic field indicates a possible connection with relaxation oscillations as they were early discussed by van der Pol. A simple mean-field dynamo model with a spherically symmetric  α coefficient is analysed with view on this similarity, and a comparison of the time series and the phase space trajectories with those of paleomagnetic measurements is carried out. For highly supercritical dynamos a very good agreement with the data is achieved. Deviations of numerical reversal sequences from Poisson statistics are analysed and compared with paleomagnetic data. The role of the inner core is discussed in a spectral theoretical context and arguments and numerical evidence is compiled that the growth of the inner core might be important for the long term changes of the reversal rate and the occurrence of superchrons.


This article evaluates compliance issues the United States could face in ratifying the education provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The authors compare states parties' obligations under the education provisions of the CRC--as construed by the CRC committee--with federal and state education protections and programs in the United States. The authors conclude that the United States currently complies with most of the provisions and faces minimal risk in ratifying the remaining provisions.


The intercellular lipid structure of the stratum corneum (SC) plays a key role in skin barrier function. A depth profile of the intercellular lipid conformation and the lipid lateral packing order were measured in vivo in the human SC using confocal Raman microscopy. The depth profiles of the 2880 cm(-1)/2850 cm(-1) peak ratio intensity, which represent the C-H stretching and lateral packing order of lipids, and the 1080 cm(-1)/(1130 cm(-1) + 1060 cm(-1)) peak ratio, which represents the C-C skeleton vibration and trans-gauche conformation order of lipids, were investigated. The influence of keratin on the lipid peaks at 2850 cm(-1) and 2880 cm(-1) was excluded by the developed mathematical algorithm. The results show that the trans-conformation and lateral packing order of the intercellular lipids reach their maximum value in the SC at 20-40% of its depth and then decrease towards the stratum granulosum. These results show that at a depth of 20-40% (normally corresponding to a depth of 4-8 μm) the SC exhibits the most ordered lipids and therefore the highest skin barrier function. The lateral packing of lipids is more disordered on the surface and in the deeper parts of the SC, which may be associated with a reduced skin barrier function.


The increasing relevance of UML as a semi-formal modelling paradigm has entailed the need for an adjustment of the classical performance evaluation methods within the scope of the new working environment. Under these circumstances, a formal semantics for the UML language and a strong mathematical substratum are required in order to be able to compute performance estimates and validate logical properties in the first stages of the software life-cycle. We believe that stochastic Petri nets are specially suited for this aim. A compositional approach for the translation of several UML diagrams into analyzable Petri net models has therefore been considered in previous papers. Following this approach, we will focus here in the depiction of a model case study from the perspective of our new performance-oriented CASE tool.


In non-contiguous allocation, a job request can be split into smaller parts that are allocated possibly non-adjacent free sub-meshes rather than always waiting until a single sub-mesh of the requested size and shape is available. Lifting the contiguity condition is expected to reduce processor fragmentation and increase system utilization. However, the distances traversed by messages can be long, and as a result the communication overhead, especially contention, is increased. The extra communication overhead depends on how the allocation request is partitioned and assigned to free sub-meshes. In this paper, a new non-contiguous processor allocation strategy, referred to as A Compacting Non-Contiguous Processor Allocation Strategy (CNCPA), is suggested for the 2D mesh networks. In the proposed strategy, a single job is compacting into more than one free location within the allocated processors, where the remaining available processors (free processors) form a large sub-mesh in the system. To evaluate the performance improvement achieved by the proposed strategy and compare it against well-known existing non-contiguous allocation strategies, we conduct extensive simulation experiments under the assumption of wormhole routing and the one-to-all and near neighbor communication patterns. The results show that the proposed strategy can eliminate both the internal and external fragmentation and reduce the communication overhead and hence improve performance in terms of job turnaround time and system utilization.


A series of chimeral genes, consisting of the yeast GAL10 promoter, yeast ACC1 leader, wheat acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase; EC 184.108.40.206) cDNA, and yeast ACC1 3'-tail, was used to complement a yeast ACC1 mutation. These genes encode a full-length plastid enzyme, with and without the putative chloroplast transit peptide, as well as five chimeric cytosolic/plastid proteins. Four of the genes, all containing at least half of the wheat cytosolic ACCase coding region at the 5'-end, complement the yeast mutation. Aryloxyphenoxypropionate and cyclohexanedione herbicides, at concentrations below 10 microM, inhibit the growth of haploid yeast strains that express two of the chimeric ACCases. This inhibition resembles the inhibition of wheat plastid ACCase observed in vitro and in vivo. The differential response to herbicides localizes the sensitivity determinant to the third quarter of the multidomain plastid ACCase. Sequence comparisons of different multidomain and multisubunit ACCases suggest that this region includes part of the carboxyltransferase domain, and therefore that the carboxyltransferase activity of ACCase (second half-reaction) is the target of the inhibitors. The highly sensitive yeast gene-replacement strains described here provide a convenient system to study herbicide interaction with the enzyme and a powerful screening system for new inhibitors.


The purpose of this research is to optimize the PCR conditions for amplification of ALG-2 and 18S rRNA of red claw, Cherax quadricarinatus. The primers for ALG-2 were designed based on partial mRNA deposited in GenBank with
accession number of JF284559. However, primers for 18S rRNA were purchased according to the sequence reported in Fang et al. (2012). A range of annealing temperatures was tested for 18S rRNA and ALG-2. At the end of this study, the annealing temperature for 18S rRNA is successfully optimized at range of 50 to 62°C. in further, with optimum annealing temperature (53" C was chosen), 18S rRNA was amplified with different number of cycles ranging from 20 to 40 cycles with two cycles interval. The cycle number that produces half maximal of amplification for 18S rRNA is 28 cycles. Meanwhile, annealing temperature optimization for ALG-2 is partially successful as undesirable PCR products were observed. Thus, the optimum annealing temperature is suggested either 50 or 56°C where specific PCR products were appeared. The results from this work provide optimized PCR conditions for amplification of ALG-2 and 18S rRNA for future gene expression study. In addition, this study can be used as reference for further PCR optimization in order to amplify ALG-2 specifically. Identification of ALG-2 PCR cycle that produces half maximal of PCR amplification is also suggested to be conducted in the future study.


The relative mobility of ions in cellulose-acetate membranes used for desalination of water by reverse osmosis depends strongly on the size of the hydrated ions. The preferential exchange of ions by compacted clays shows a similar dependence. It is concluded that the same dependence must exist for the mobility of ions in compacted clays and shales acting as semi-permeable membranes. Qualitative results of the processes of osmosis and reverse osmosis through these materials thus should be similar to those obtained with the desalination membranes: modification of both chemical composition (ion ratios) and concentration of the solutions involved, and the occurrence of some flow-phenomena that are not in accordance with Darcy's law.


The aim of the present study was assessment of the relationship of silent myocardial ischemia with clinical, coronary angiography findings, and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, and its prognostic significance in patients early after myocardial infarc tion. One hundred nineteen male patients (mean age 48.2 ± 1.2 years) with first Q wave myocardial infarction entered the study. Routine coronary angiography, 24-hour Holter electrocardiographic recordings, and two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography with assessment of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were performed in all the patients. Prospective follow-up was done during 1 year. Patients with signs of silent myocardial ischemia early after myocardial infarction had more severe coronary artery disease, pronounced disturbances of left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance, and adverse prognosis than those without ischemia appearance during Holter recordings.


While service outsourcing may benefit from the application of performance‐based contracts (PBCs), the implementation of such contracts is usually challenging. Service performance is often not only dependent on supplier effort but also on the behavior of the buying firm. Existing research on performance‐based contracting provides very limited understanding on how this challenge may be overcome. This article describes a design science research project that develops a novel approach to buyer–supplier contracting, using collaborative key performance indicators (KPIs). Collaborative KPIs evaluate and reward not only the supplier contribution to customer performance but also the customer's behavior to enable this. In this way, performance‐based contracting can also be applied to settings where supplier and customer activities are interdependent, while traditional contracting theories suggest that output controls are not effective under such conditions. In the collaborative KPI contracting process, indicators measure both supplier and customer (buying firm) performance and promote collaboration by being defined through a collaborative process and by focusing on end‐of‐process indicators. The article discusses the original case setting of a telecommunication service provider experiencing critical problems in outsourcing IT services. The initial intervention implementing this contracting approach produced substantial improvements, both in performance and in the relationship between buyer and supplier. Subsequently, the approach was tested and evaluated in two other settings, resulting in a set of actionable propositions on the efficacy of collaborative KPI contracting. Our study demonstrates how defining, monitoring, and incentivizing the performance of specific processes at the buying firm can help alleviate the limitations of traditional performance‐based contracting when the supplier's liability for service performance is difficult to verify.


BACKGROUND
Data concerning medical treatment of interstitial ectopic pregnancies are scarce. These pregnancies are characterized by late and serious clinical manifestations. We report a case of advanced interstitial pregnancy treated successfully by combining methotrexate (MTX) and hysteroscopy.

CASE
A routine ultrasonic evaluation of a 10-week pregnancy revealed a right interstitial gestational sac 58 mm in diameter and containing an embryo with a crownrump length of 29 mm and embryonic heartbeats. Serum beta-human chorionic gonadatropin (hCG) level was 97,950 mIU/mL. The patient was treated with a systemic MTX/leucovorin regimen. At the end of the one-week course, no embryonic cardiac activity was detected, and a decrease in beta-hCG levels commenced. Persistent trophoblastic tissue, manifested by a low (26 mIU/mL) beta-hCG level in plateau, was successfully removed by way of hysteroscopy.

CONCLUSION
Early detection of interstitial pregnancy may facilitate conservative medical treatment.


Introduction From Maintenance Management to Physical Asset Management The Challenges of Physical Asset Management Improving Physical Asset Management Reliability through the Operator: Total Productive Maintenance Reliability by Design: Reliability-Centered Maintenance Optimizing Maintenance and Replacement Decisions The Quantitative Approach References Component Replacement Decisions Introduction Optimal Replacement Times for Equipment Whose Operating Cost Increases with Use Stochastic Preventive Replacement: Some Introductory Comments Optimal Preventive Replacement Interval of Items Subject to Breakdown (Also Known as the Group or Block Policy Optimal Preventive Replacement Age of an Item Subject to Breakdown Optimal Preventive Replacement Age of an Item Subject to Breakdown, Taking Account of the Times Required to Effect Failure and Preventive Replacements Optimal Preventive Replacement Interval or Age of an Item Subject to Breakdown: Minimization of Downtime Group Replacement: Optimal Interval between Group Replacements of Items that Are Subject to Failure: The Lamp Replacement Problem Further Replacement Models Spare Parts Provisioning: Preventive Replacement Spares Spare Parts Provisioning: Insurance Spares Solving the Constant-Interval and Age-Based Models Graphically: Use of Glasser's Graphs Solving the Constant-Interval and Age-Based Models Using the OREST Software References Problems Inspection Decisions Introduction Optimal Inspection Frequency: Maximization of Profit Optimal Inspection Frequency: Minimization of Downtime Optimal Inspection Interval to Maximize the Availability of Equipment Used in Emergency Conditions, Such as a Protective Device Optimizing Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) Decisions References Problems Capital Equipment Replacement Decisions Introduction Optimal Replacement Interval for Capital Equipment: Minimization of Total Cost Optimal Replacement Interval for Capital Equipment: Maximization of Discounted Benefits Optimal Replacement Interval for Capital Equipment Whose Planned Utilization Pattern Is Variable: Minimization of Total Cost Optimal Replacement Policy for Capital Equipment Taking into Account Technological Improvement: Finite Planning Horizon Optimal Replacement Policy for Capital Equipment Taking into Account Technological Improvement: Infinite Planning Horizon Software for Economic Life Optimization References Problems Maintenance Resource Requirements Introduction Queuing Theory Preliminaries Optimal Number of Workshop Machines to Meet a Fluctuating Workload Optimal Mix of Two Classes of Similar Equipment (such as Medium/Large Lathes) to Meet a Fluctuating Workload Rightsizing a Fleet of Equipment: An Application Optimal Size of a Maintenance Workforce to Meet a Fluctuating Workload, Taking Account of Subcontracting Opportunities The Lease or Buy Decision References Problem Appendix 1: Statistics Primer Appendix 2: Weibull Analysis Appendix 3: Time Value of Money: Discounted Cash Flow Analysis Appendix 4: List of Applications of Maintenance Decision Optimization Models Appendix 5: Ordinates of the Standard Normal Distribution Appendix 6: Areas in the Tail of the Standard Normal Distribution Appendix 7: Values of Gamma Function Appendix 8: Median Ranks Table Appendix 9: Five Percent Ranks Table Appendix 10: Ninety-Five Percent Ranks Table Appendix 11: Critical Values for the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistic (d) Appendix 12: Answers to Problems Index


We analyze gender wage gaps correcting for sample selection induced by nonemployment. We recover wages for the nonemployed using alternative imputation techniques, simply requiring assumptions on the position of imputed wages with respect to the median. We obtain higher median wage gaps on imputed rather than actual wage distributions for several OECD countries. However, this difference is small in the United States, the United Kingdom, and most central and northern EU countries and becomes sizable in southern EU countries, where gender employment gaps are high. Selection correction explains nearly half of the observed negative correlation between wage and employment gaps.


This study aimed to identify the treatment itineraries of Brazilian women with severe maternal morbidity. This was a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study in a university referral hospital for high-risk pregnancy in the interior of São Paulo State, Brazil. The sample included 16 women with severe complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum. Data were collected with semi-structured, taped, transcribed interviews subsequently submitted to Content Analysis. The results showed that at the onset of illness, the women take various paths to reach low and high-complexity services, while also relying on neighbor women, pharmacies, and self-medication. They encounter obstacles in the services' receptiveness, continuity of care, case-resolution capacity, and referrals within the healthcare network. Critical points were observed in obstetric care: women are frequently subjected to trekking from one health service to another to obtain care, delays in referrals, and institutional violence. The tertiary hospital was described as receptive and effective. The study identified problems in the entire chain of obstetric care, helping explain how the healthcare system is organized to deal with severe maternal complications.


Over the last few years there has been tremendous growth in the field of healthcare monitoring systems in hospitals and outside of it. Developing wireless health care monitoring devices employing various technologies has become a keen area of interest in India and as well as in other Nations. This proposed work aims to integrate artificial neural intelligence in domain of healthcare monitoring. Wireless body sensor devices have the ability to reach an advance level of human body monitoring utilizing various transmission and data analytics techniques. Implementation of Artificial Neural Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) would enable the system to work as a smart healthcare system that decides the priority by itself based on the collected psychological parameters from the sensor nodes. Proposed model describes an e-healthcare monitoring system developed for realizing integration of ANFIS in healthcare monitoring systems. The model consists of sensors to collect vital data from patient's body which is then transmitted by Wi-Fi to a central HUB where fuzzy logic converts the raw data in linguistic variable which is trained in ANFIS to get the status of patient. The developed system provides the reliable, accurate and real-time accessible data of patients continuously and transmits the vital information using a dedicated communication module in case of emergency.


Background and aims Regional techniques are preferred when general anesthesia contraindicated or very unsafe in clavicle surgery. Because of the common area of many nerve and the complex innervation of clavicle region, there are different approaches in the selection of regional techniques. Methods The operated 192 patients for clavicle fracture between 2015–2019 were retrospectively reviewed. All of 168 patients who had adequate anesthesia level with interscalene (ISB) and C4 deep cervical plexus block were listed by age, gender, nationality, ASA classification. Fracture part of clavicle (distal or middle), the effected side of body, the type of trauma (fall-trauma, traffic accident, war injury or seconder operation) and process complications were also noted. Results The ratio of male was 80.4% and the adult group was 93.5% of patients. Patients in class ASA I-II were 89,9% and 83.9% of patients had primer operation. Patients with midline fracture were 80.2%. Under sedation with ultrasound guidance, mix of 0.25% bupivacaine and 0.5% lidocaine was administered to adult group as 30cc +10cc (ISB + C4) and to geriatric group as 20cc+10cc (ISB + C4). There were not any significant complications. Conclusions Various peripheral blocks can be preferred when general anesthesia is to be avoided in surgeries on clavicle region because of different and complex innervation. We believe that the combination of ISB and C4 deep cervical plexus block provide sufficient and safe anesthesia, and give advantages such as preservation of spontaneous respiration and hemodynamic stability especially in trauma patients.


Maastricht Criteria which are actually known as Convergence Criteria can be regarded as the most popular embodiment of fiscal policy rules. Fiscal rules not only put limits on politicians who are using public resources but also target improving macroeconomic performance of countries. Maastricht Criteria can be an example for this second type and consist of five rules. Two of these rules carry fiscal characteristics while other three rules have economic characteristics. When governments do not obey these rules, in other words, when irregularity occurs, they face various sanctions. In this study, twentyyear performance of four selected countries are examined. In this respect, deviations (if any), are taken into account together with their reasons and the implemented sanctions are analysed. According to the results, it is discussed whether Maastricht Criteria can be a kind of guaranty for the future of the European Union or not.


Political economy theories of financial development give no clear indication on how political regime impacts growth. There is evidence of positive, negative and no direct effect of democracy on financial growth. This paper attempts to resolve this controversy by studying the role of nonlinearities using the estimation of smooth models for panel data (PSTR). Our findings offer strong evidence that democracy non-linearly impacts financial development. More specifically, there exists a threshold below which democracy exerts a negative effect on financial development, and beyond which it is growth enhancing for emerging countries.


This brief describes the design of a two-stage analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)-based second stage. The advantages of quantizing the first-stage residue in time domain versus traditional voltage domain are presented. The dc gain requirement of the first-stage residue amplifier is relaxed by reference-scaling and reference-recycling schemes. This enables the use of a very simple telescopic cascode amplifier in the gain stage. The second-stage VCO linearity is improved by a differential measurement of VCO frequency. Power consumption in the second stage is reduced by time-to-digital conversion for fine quantization of the VCO phase. Simulation results are presented for the design of a 13-bit 20-Msps ADC in 65-nm CMOS process. The estimated power dissipation of this converter is less than 1 mW.


Carbohydrate-based phosphoranes were synthesized by reacting 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)fluorophosphite with 1,2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-glucofuranose, beta-chloralose, and 1,2-isopropylidene-alpha-D-xylofuranose to form the monocyclic biophosphoranes 1-3, respectively, in the presence of N-chlorodiisopropylamine. Synthesis of the monocyclic biophosphorane 4 was achieved by reacting tris(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)phosphite with 1,2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-glucofuranose in the presence of N-chlorodiisopropylamine. X-ray analysis of 1-4 revealed trigonal bipyramidal structures with the carbohydrate components occupying axial-equatorial sites. An eight-membered ring in 1-3 occupied diequatorial sites of the trigonal bipyramid. Solution and solid state 31P and solution 19F, 1H, and 13C NMR measurements including variable temperature and correlation spectroscopy studies established retention of the solid state structure in solution. A dynamic equilibrium exists among two isomeric forms. These biophosphoranes serve as models for active sites of phosphoryl transfer enzymes. The rapid exchange process reorients the carbohydrate component of the trigonal bipyramidal phosphorane. At an active site, this type of pseudorotational behavior provides a mechanism that could bring another active site residue into play and account for a means by which some phosphoryl transfer enzymes express promiscuous behavior.


The motion of inertial, triaxial ellipsoids in creeping shear flow is explained for a wide range of aspect ratios and Stokes numbers (St, quantifying particle inertia). Particle inertia induces a drift toward rotation around the shortest axis, with this axis aligned with the vorticity axis of the flow. For aspect ratio combinations in a certain region, this periodic state is unstable for low St and the particle moves in a chaotic manner. At higher St, the instability is stabilized and one single final periodic motion is well defined also for (in the limit of St=0) unstable aspect ratios.


The angular momentum of a molecular cloud core plays a key role in star formation, as it is directly related to the outflow and the jet emanating from the newborn star, and it eventually results in the formation of the protoplanetary disk. However, the origin of the core rotation and its time evolution are not well understood. Recent observations reveal that molecular clouds exhibit a ubiquity of filamentary structures and that star-forming cores are associated with the densest filaments. As these results suggest that dense cores form primarily in filaments, the mechanism of core formation from filament fragmentation should explain the distribution of the angular momentum of these cores. In this paper we analyze the relation between velocity fluctuations along the filament close to equilibrium, and the angular momentum of the cores formed along its crest. We first find that an isotropic velocity fluctuation that follows the three-dimensional Kolmogorov spectrum does not reproduce the observed angular momentum of molecular cloud cores. We then identify the need for a large power at small scales and study the effect of three power spectrum models. We show that the one-dimensional Kolmogorov power spectrum with a slope of −5/3 and an anisotropic model with reasonable parameters are compatible with the observations. Our results stress the importance of more detailed and systematic observations of both the velocity structure along filaments, and the angular momentum distribution of molecular cloud cores, to determine the validity of the mechanism of core formation from filamentary molecular clouds.


ABSTRACT Background: Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) one of the major zoonotic diseases in developing countries. The isolation and identification of M .bovis in fresh and sour milk sold at local markets, sputum and tissue samples from humans especially herdsmen, abattoir and slaughter houses in Nigeria has shown that the disease spread in both animals and humans. The aim of this study was to assess the predictors of knowledge related to bovine tuberculosis among abattoir workers in Gusau Modern Abattoir, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Gusau Modern Abattoir, Zamfara State, Nigeria. A total of 416 eligible abattoir workers were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data on knowledge related to bovine tuberculosis was collected among the abattoir workers from May to July 2014, through face to face interview and self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, chi-square and multivariate logistic regression were employed to determine the level and predictors of knowledge using SPSS version 21.0. Result: The overall mean knowledge score of the respondents was 23.94 (± 12.490), with 53.7% having high knowledge and 46.3% having low knowledge on BTB. Knowledge was found to be statistically associated with age, monthly income, educational status and ethnicity of the respondents. Similarly, the workers and their family history of TB infection were found to be associated with knowledge on BTB. Years of working experience (OR = 2.168; 95% CI = 1.341 – 3.504; p = 0.002), TB screening (OR = 2.695; 95% CI = 1.298 – 5.598; p = 0.008) and family member history of TB infection (OR = 17.729; 95% CI = 2.326 – 135.146; 0.006) were found to be the predictors of knowledge on BTB. Conclusion: This study identified that the knowledge of abattoir workers in Zamfara State, Nigeria on bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is low. Keywords: Knowledge, bovine tuberculosis, abattoir workers, Zamfara State, Nigeria


Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of competence and predictors to lead, manage, and govern among the health system workforce. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in northwest Ethiopia. Eight hundred thirteen workforce were participated in the study. Competence to lead, manage, and govern was computed from 20 items. It was also leveled into four categories. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of this competence. Results: From 813 participants, 396 (48.7%) and 582 (71.6%) were females and service owners respectively. The estimates for low, moderate, high and very high levels of competence to lead, manage and govern were 41.3%; 42.7%; 13.5% and 2.5% respectively. Sex (p = .031) and responsibility (p = .019) were identified as main predictors. Conclusions: Competence to lead, manage and govern among the health system workforce in northwest Ethiopia is inadequate. Policymakers, program planners and researchers need to take action giving due attention to females and service owners. Feature research could be conducted considering hierarchical variables.


In AD 66–67 Josephus was commissioned to encourage the Galilean revolutionary "hot heads" to lay down their weapons against Rome (Life 29). In his autobiography (Life 113), Josephus says that he stopped some Galilean Jews from forcibly circumcising two non-Jewish nobles who had fled to him for refuge from Trachonitis. This episode is reminiscent of Paul's refusal of certain "false brethren" who, in AD 48/51, wanted Titus forcibly circumcised at Jerusalem (Gal 2:1–5). This article explores the influence that pro-Jewish sentiment and an incipient Jewish nationalism might have exercised on the early Christians regarding the place of the "works of the law". It marks Josephus as a singular figure in first-century Judaism who, like Paul, resisted the tide of Jewish culture in refusing the imposition of circumcision either upon Gentile asylum seekers or proselytes. It enables us to reconsider what might have been animating the "false brothers" at Jerusalem, as well as the rhetorical strategy Paul employs in combating the Jerusalem and Antioch agitators in Galatians 1–2. However, ultimately the situations faced by Paul and Josephus were different.


Companies' environments change constantly and very quickly, so each companymust be aligned with its environment and understand what is happening to maintain andimprove its performance. To constantly adapt to its environment, the company must integratea learning process in relation to what is happening and become a "learning company." Thisposture will ensure organizational effectiveness in relation to changes in the environment andallow companies to achieve goals under the best conditions. Our project aims at delivering acompetitive and collective intelligence service allowing to support decision making processesthrough the diagnostic of alignment between internal knowledge of the organization andavailable external information.


The resonant electric quadrupole amplitude in the transition γN ↔ ∆(1232) is of great interest for the understanding of baryon structure. Various dy-namical models have been developed to extract it from the corresponding photoproduction multipole of pions on nucleons. It is shown that once such a model is specified, a whole class of unitarily equivalent models can be constructed , all of them providing exactly the same fit to the experimental data. However, they may predict quite different resonant amplitudes. Therefore, the extraction of the E2/M1(γN ↔ ∆) ratio (bare or dressed) which is based on a dynamical model using a largely phenomenological πN interaction is not unique.


The distribution of benzidine, expressed as diazotizable amino groups following a single intraperitoneal injection, has been studied in the rat.

The aromatic amino groups were present in both the "free" and conjugated form, the latter amounting to 24 or 49 per cent of the dose after 4 or 12 hours.

By 12 hours, a portion of the injected amino groups are rendered nondiazotizable, since only 68 per cent could be accounted for at this time, as compared to 93 per cent 4 hours after injection.

It is suggested, in the light of the similarity of benzidine and 2-aminofluorene metabolism, that this difference in recovery may be due, in part, to in vivo oxidation.


The FBI reports that about 70% of all computer security breaches are perpetrated by internal hackers, i.e., ordinary employees who are motivated by curiosity, revenge or industrial espionage. With as much as 20% of workstations still set to their default passwords, hackers can easily work around these to gain access to sensitive company information. To minimize hacking incidents, organizations are encouraged to use automated ways to securely change priveleged passwords.


Conventional ball valve systems and insert-guided cages compromise performance due to gas interference, solids accumulation and ball vibration that shortens the life and efficiency of conventional travelling and standing valve cages. Analysis of the flow profile around a common ball valve resulted in the design of a new proprietary pump system that maximizes fluid flow, creating a vortex profile that extends service life while increasing production.
 The proprietary vortex fluid pump system was compared against conventional inserts in a laboratory flow loop in over 1000 iterations with varying pressures, ball sizes and ball types. Maximum and minimum flow rates were digitally measured to calculate the pressure drop at each flow rate with and without injecting gas. The transparent flow loop tubing allowed a visual qualitative assessment of fluid flow. Laboratory data was confirmed in numerous field applications as well as four case studies from four different fields for four separate operators.
 During laboratory testing, conventional inserts measured high ball vibration with excessive pressure drop. The proprietary vortex fluid pump system had no ball vibration, with significant pressure drop decrease and gas remained entrained as it cycled through a vortex flow. Results from laboratory testing showed an average 40% - 46% pressure drop decrease compared to conventional inserts. When extended to field applications, the vortex fluid pump system showed greater pump efficiencies and pump longevity. After installation of the system, cumulative results were combined to show an average 46% production increase over 485 wells in North America in one year.
 The proprietary vortex fluid pump system decreases erratic velocity profile and reduces vibration in the valve system resulting in improved efficiency and reliability of sucker rod pumps. The design optimizes flow dynamics enabling the ball to remain stationary, allowing smaller and lighter balls, increasing the cross-sectional flow area in the most restrictive pump section. The design reduces solids accumulation, lessens cage wear, improves pump efficiency and increases production. The vortex fluid pump system replaces all conventional valve systems.


Autoantibodies against thymocytes and RBC may contribute to the pathophysiology of homozygous viable motheaten (mev) autoimmune disease. Whether the production of these autoantibodies in mev mouse results from polyclonal nonspecific B cell activation or specific Ag-driven stimulation is not known. To understand the mechanisms involved in the induction of antithymocyte autoantibody response in mev mouse, we have studied the fine antigenic specificity, structure, and origin of three antithymocyte autoantibodies derived from mev splenic B cell hybridomas. Western blot analysis showed that these mAb bind to polypeptides of 33 and 105 kDa present in RBC and thymocytes, respectively. Additional specificities for the epitopes present in other polypeptides distinguished these three autoantibodies. Northern hybridization and flow microfluorimetry analysis indicated that these hybridomas are derived from the Ly1+ B cell subset. These autoreactive Ly-1 B cell hybridomas, chosen on the basis of their specificity, expressed L chain V genes from a single VK family (VK9) and VH genes from J606 and S107 families. Hybridomas UN34.11 and UN42.5 expressed the VK9 gene identical to that used by peritoneal Ly1+ B cells from various mouse strains and malignant B lymphoma cells secreting anti-mouse RBC treated with proteolytic enzyme bromelin and anti-SRBC antibodies. The third hybridoma, S2-14.2, used a VK9 gene identical to that expressed by MOPC41. None of the VK genes encoding these autoantibodies showed any somatic mutations. In the case of VH genes, the two hybridomas UN42.5 and S2-14.2 derived from two separate fusions, used identical VH genes from the J606 family. The third hybridoma UN34.11 used unmutated V11 germline VH gene, a member of the S107 family. Southern hybridizations, using oligonucleotide probes specific for CDR1 and CDR2, showed that the VH genes encoding the J606 autoantibodies were derived from a germline gene found in the 6.7-kb fragment of EcoRI-digested germline DNA. This germline VH gene is distinct from VH22.1 germline gene that codes for antigalactan antibodies. Sequence analysis of this gene showed perfect homology with the rearranged VH genes confirming the lack of somatic mutations. Thus, our data demonstrate that antithymocyte antibody response occurring in mev mouse is polyclonal and it involves Ly-1 B cells expressing unmutated germline VH and VK genes. These results indicate that antigen driven stimulation may not play an important role in the induction of anti-thymocyte antibody response in mev mouse.


Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is typically characterized by a spectrum of manifestations that include menstrual irregularities, anovulation, cysts, hyperandrogenic features like hirsutism, acne, alopecia, and various metabolic complications. The pathology of PCOS is complex and several mechanisms have been potentially involved in the genetic abnormalities/dysfunctions. Hence, the present study aims to examine the prevalence and association of polymorphisms in candidate genes (thyroid adenoma-associated gene [THADA], luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin receptor [LHCGR], DENN domain containing 1A [DENND1A], follicle-stimulating hormone receptor [FSHR], Connexin37 [CX37], angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE], insulin receptor [INSR] and calpain 10 [CAPN10]) in PCOS patients of the South Indian regional population. Methods: The study group included 20 PCOS cases and 10 controls, whose deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and PCR product sequencing to determine the prevalence of the DENND1A (rs10818854), LHCGR (rs13405728), FSHR (rs2349415), THADA (rs13429458), CX37 (rs1764391), ACE (rs1799752), INSR (rs1799817), and CAPN10 (rs2975760) polymorphisms. Clinical examinations including anthropometric measurements, biochemical investigations relevant to glucose metabolism, and hormones were measured. Results: A significant difference was observed in the DENND1A (rs10818854) polymorphism between the control and PCOS patients (P = 0.001). The variants of LHCGR, FSHR, THADA, CX37, ACE, INSR, and CAPN10 were not statistically significant with PCOS. The body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.01), triglycerides (P = 0.01), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) (P = 0.05) were significantly different between the PCOS patients and controls. Significant results were observed in rs1799817 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of INSR with elevated levels of triglycerides and rs10818854 of DENND1A, rs13429458 of THADA, rs2349415 of FSHR with the high levels of DHEAS. Conclusion: In the study population, the presence of rs10818854 of DENND1A polymorphism may be associated with the risk of PCOS and high levels of DHEAS.