Studies on the prognostic significance of preoperative radiotherapy (PERT) and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) remain elusive. The aim of the study was to evaluate the survival advantage of preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy and construct a dynamic nomogram model to provide customized prediction of the probability of prognostic events for advanced GC patients. We collected clinical records from 2010 to 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database with a specific target for stage II-IV GC patients treated with PERT or PORT. We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model to identify factors that contribute to the overall survival (OS) of GC patients. The dynamic nomogram infographic was constructed based on the prognostic factors of tumor-specific survival. Out of the 3215 total patients (2271 [70.6%] male; median age, 61 [SD = 12] years), 1204 were in the PERT group and 2011 in the PORT group. Receiving PORT was associated with a survival advantage over PERT for stage II GC patients (HR = 0.791, 95% CI= 0.712–0.879, p < 0.001). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 89.9%, 63.8%, and 53.8% in the PORT group, whereas the corresponding rates were significantly lower in the PERT group (86.4%, 57.1%, and 44.3%, respectively, all p < 0.05). The survival prediction model demonstrated that patients aged > 65 years, with an advanced cancer development stage and tumor size >3 were independent risk factors for poor prognosis (all HR > 1, p < 0.05). In this study, a dynamic nomogram was established based on the LASSO model to provide a statistical basis for the clinical characteristics and predictive factors of advanced GC in a large population. PORT demonstrated significantly better treatment advantages than PERT for stage II GC patients.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of deoxyschizandrin (DSD) on treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS
The models of mice with UC were established through dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration, and the successful models were treated with DSD. The therapeutic effects of DSD on UC mice were evaluated and its behind mechanisms were analyzed.

RESULTS
After DSS induction, the mice showed increased body weight and colon length, worse disease activity index (DAI) and body inflammation, oxidative stress injury and increased apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells, which were remarkably relieved after DSD intervention. Besides, the levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB in the colon tissues were elevated in UC mouse models, while DSD treatment reduced the levels of these markers.

CONCLUSION
DSD can alleviate the symptoms of mice with DSS-induced UC via inhibiting body inflammation, improving oxidative stress and reducing the apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells, which may be attributed to DSD inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.


Multi-robot collision-free and deadlock-free navigation in cluttered environments with static and dynamic obstacles is a fundamental problem for many applications. We introduce MRNAV, a framework for planning and control to effectively navigate in such environments. Our design utilizes short, medium, and long horizon decision making modules with qualitatively different properties, and defines the responsibilities of them. The decision making modules complement each other and provide the effective navigation capability. MRNAV is the first hierarchical approach combining these three levels of decision making modules and explicitly defining their responsibilities. We implement our design for simulated multi-quadrotor flight. In our evaluations, we show that all three modules are required for effective navigation in diverse situations. We show the long-term executability of our approach in an eight hour long wall time (six hour long simulation time) uninterrupted simulation without collisions or deadlocks.


SUMMARY: The growth of Clostridium welchii type A NCTC 8246 was inhibited by the contents of the small intestine of pigs from which food had been withheld for 24 hr; no inhibitory activity was observed by the contents of the stomach, caccum and large intestine. Inhibitory activity was absent from the contents of the small intestine during the early stages of digestion but first appeared about 6 hr after the pigs had been given food. This indicated that under normal feeding practice there were periods during each day when the contents of the small intestine would be inhibitory for C. welchii. The inhibitory activity was in the lipid fraction of the intestinal contents. Fractionation of the intestinal lipids showed that the inhibitory substances were linoleic and arachidonic acids, lysolecithin and an unidentified phospholipid. The poly-unsaturated fatty acids and lysolecithin appeared to be derived mainly from the action of pancreatic phospholipase A on biliary lecithin in the lumen of the small intestine. The possibility that these inhibitory lipids control to some extent the numbers of C. welchii in the alimentary tract of the pig is discussed.


This paper presents a network-adaptive multiple description coding (MDC) method for enhanced video streaming over multipath channels. The novel feature of the proposed MDC network adaptation scheme is the generation of a controlled amount of side information to compensate for drift distortion due to packet loss. This yields higher robustness of multiple description (MD) H.264/AVC streams than single description (SD) ones. Multiple Description Scalar Quantisation (MDSQ) is used to split an SD video stream in two complementary streams (two descriptions) for transmission over a multipath channel. The simulation results show that significantly better quality is achieved by using the proposed scheme instead of either SDC streams or classic SDC-MDSQ network adaptation without side information.


A power amplifier, designed and fabricated in a low voltage GaAs hetero-junction bipolar transistor technology with a Doherty output stage, is presented. A pre-driver, a driver, main and peaking amplifiers, bias circuits, a 90° power splitter, and the Doherty impedance transformer are integrated on a single chip. Measured key performance parameters include a P1dB compression point of at least 38.8 dBm over the US digital dividend band ranging from 728 to 768 MHz, and a PAE of 37% for a 5 MHz long term evolution downlink signal with 7.16 dB peak-to-average ratio.


This paper presents a novel technique to save the transmitting power of spread-spectrum communication systems based on the application of delay diversity. The core idea of this delay-diversity system is to delay two spreading sequences that carry the same information of a bit with respect to each other in order to statistically separate the influence of fading on the same bit in time domain. The theoretical bit error rate (BER) expression of the proposed system is derived and verified by simulations. According to the numerical results, it is found that this technique save significant amount of transmitting power, and it may be used to extend the life-time of energy-constrained devices such as sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks.


Background:  With the increasing use of complex quantitative models in applications throughout the financial world, model risk has become a major concern. The credit crisis of 2008–2009 provoked added concern about the use of models in finance. Measuring and managing model risk has subsequently come under scrutiny from regulators, supervisors, banks and other financial institutions. Regulatory guidance indicates that meticulous monitoring of all phases of model development and implementation is required to mitigate this risk. Considerable resources must be mobilised for this purpose. The exercise must embrace model development, assembly, implementation, validation and effective governance. Setting:  Model validation practices are generally patchy, disparate and sometimes contradictory, and although the Basel Accord and some regulatory authorities have attempted to establish guiding principles, no definite set of global standards exists. Aim:  Assessing the available literature for the best validation practices. Methods:  This comprehensive literature study provided a background to the complexities of effective model management and focussed on model validation as a component of model risk management. Results:  We propose a coherent 'best practice' framework for model validation. Scorecard tools are also presented to evaluate if the proposed best practice model validation framework has been adequately assembled and implemented. Conclusion:  The proposed best practice model validation framework is designed to assist firms in the construction of an effective, robust and fully compliant model validation programme and comprises three principal elements: model validation governance, policy and process.


Partial meniscectomy is the most widely used intervention in the arthroscopic treatment of meniscal disorders. Despite improved arthroscopic techniques and instrumentation, surgery of the lateral compartment is still challenging. The "wheel track" technique, first described here, will facilitate partial meniscectomy in cases where surgical intervention presents difficulties, in particular at the corpus or the anterior horn of the menisci, and the discoid meniscus. In this technique, an incomplete groove resembling a "wheel track" is created on the surface of the meniscus with the use of the tip of electrocautery. This hollow pathway on the surface of the meniscus will help prevent any unintentional divergence of the punch forceps and enable meniscectomy to be completed along the desired direction. Moreover, the technique offers considerable advantages such as ease of application through the standard portals, low cost, and avoidance of iatrogenic chondral injuries due to technical difficulties.


This study is mainly about the ID defect reduction project in glass substrate manufacturing industry. By using quality tools, lean manufacturing approach, and total quality management, defect can be reduce by controlling on 4 variables: data variance in SPC, measurement tools accuracy, machine stability and operator skills. Based on these four variables, operator skills have higher tendency on defect generation in glass substrate manufacturing if compared to others. Thus, company should focus on the enhancement activity to lift up operator skills and motivation in order to reduce the defect rate.


This study examines the dependence of the hurricane maximum potential intensity (MPI) on environmental stratification beyond the traditional MPI framework. Unlike the previous formulation in which MPI is a function of the convective available potential energy in the eyewall only, a new MPI formulation is introduced herein that explicitly incorporates the effects of environmental stratification. The new formulation is examined within an axisymmetric modeling framework, using various initial vertical thermodynamic structures. Results show the strong dependence of the model simulated maximum hurricane intensity on environmental stratification, with a lower maximum intensity for a more stable troposphere. Given the growing evidence from recent studies showing that a warmer sea surface temperature would induce a more stable troposphere, our finding suggests a smaller change in the maximum hurricane intensity in the future warming climate than that estimated from the current MPI framework. The new formulation highlights the importance of environmental stratification in hurricane development and the long‐term variability of hurricane intensity, a complete understanding of which is still elusive at present.


A method is presented whereby, given a mathematical description of a function, a conic spline approximating the plot of the function is produced. Conic arcs were selected as the primitive curves because there are simple incremental plotting algorithms for conics already included in some device drivers, and there are simple algorithms for local approximations by conics. A split-and-merge algorithm for choosing the knots adaptively, according to shape analysis of the original function based on its first-order derivatives, is introduced.<<ETX>>


The cubic B-splines taken as trial function, the large deflection of a circular plate with arbitrarily variable thickness,as well as the buckling load, have been calculated by the method of point collocation. The support can be elastic. Loads imposed can be polynomial distributed loads, uniformly distributed radial forces or moments along the edge respectively or their combinations. Convergent solutions can still be obtained by this method under the load whose value is in great excess of normal one. Under the action of the uniformly distributed loads, linear solutions of circular plates with linearly or quadratically variable thickness are compared with those obtained by the parameter method. Buckling of a circular plate with identical thickness beyond critical thrust is compared with those obtained by the power series method.


Recently, a university sought the assistance of a private company to provide an LMS and produce courses that had a uniform structure and appearance. This study utilized end-of-course evaluations to compare student opinions of the course composition when taught using two different learning management systems, one (Epic) produced by the private company and the other produced by the instructor on Blackboard. Analysis of the data revealed that students using the Blackboard platform gave higher mean ratings to 25 of 26 survey items and that 19 of the 25 were significantly higher. Identification of factors that led to these differences could lead to the development of more effective online instruction.


The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that determine the dividend policy. This study also aims to prove the effect of profitabiliy, liquidity, leverage, and growth on dividend policy, through good corporate governance (GCG). The population in this study are included in the rating companies of Corporate Governance Perception Index (CGPI) at 2010 - 2013. The sample selection is done with purposive sampling techniques and criteria used by 36 companies selected. Analysis of the data used multiple linear regression to identify variables that influence the dividend policy and path analysis to detect whether an indirect relationship through GCG and Sobel test use to assess significant for intervening variable. The results of this study showed that profitability gives significant positive effect to the dividend policy, leverage gives significant negative effect to dividend policy, liquidity and growth do not have significant effect to the dividend policy. The implementation of GCG gives significant positive effect on the dividend policy. Profitability and leverage have positive significant impact on the implementation of GCG. Liquidity and growth do not give significant impact to the implementation of GCG. According Path Analysis and Sobel test, the implementation of GCG is the intervening variable to the influence of profitability and leverage on dividend policy.


This article proposes that the tragic intensity of Henry James's major phase—an intensity marked by highly recursive nuances of represented psychology, by a frankness about the power of erotic love both to redeem and to destroy, and by elaborate metaphoric conceits that in their mysterious richness remain unrivaled in the history of the novel—is always accompanied by, is indeed deeply enmeshed with, a contrary tendency that is bawdy, unserious, low. It isolates the obscene double entendre as the linguistic device by which James most directly conducts the bawdy countercurrent in his late fiction, a countercurrent the article reads in terms of Jamesian camp. Combining the reader-response theory of Wolfgang Iser with recent work in affect theory—specifically Sianne Ngai's work on tone—the article offers readings of James's The Sacred Fount (1901) and The Golden Bowl (1904) in terms of the strategic unseriousness enacted by his use of the double entendre. Engaging with recent queer-theoretical scholarship on James, the article suggests that the category of "camp" can help clarify James's mischievous recourse to bawdy double entendres across his corpus and especially in his late work. Camp, it suggests, names an interpretational hesitation between generic frames like comedy and tragedy. In his bawdy double entendres, James provides a kind of resting place from what Susan Sontag has called the "excruciating" tonal textures of his major phase.


As matching rules used in packet detection systems are more complicated, performance accelerating techniques are more needed. In this paper, we review a packet matching problem in NIDS and suggest a new fast packet matching teehnique which can adapt to packet matching rules made up of multiple fields. It first prepares a table which is arranged intrusion detection rules on the basis of comparative basis value extracted in each fields, finds a correct rule after comparing the comparative basis value with each field in every incoming new packets. Suggesting technique helps high speed packet matching system.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the mid-term effectiveness of Oxford Unicompartmental Knee system Phase III for medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS
Between December 2008 and August 2010, 26 patients (32 knees) with medial unicompartmental knee OA were treated. Of 26 patients, 11 were followed up more than 2 years, including 7 males and 4 females (14 knees, 6 left and 8 right knees) with an average age of 62.4 years (range, 50-74 years). All patients had load suffering and tenderness of medial unicompartmental knee, and complicated by varus deformity without limitation of flexion and extension; the disease duration ranged 5-23 years (mean, 11.6 years). According to Ahlback staging, 4 knees were at stage II and 10 knees at stage III. Cemented unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (Oxford Unicompartmental Knee system Phase III) was performed by minimally invasive technique.

RESULTS
All the incisions were primary healing after operation. Five cases suffered from local ache in the pes anserinus during the first 3 months after operation, which was cured after conservative therapy. Of them, 11 patients were followed up 27.5 months on average (range, 24-30 months). During follow-up, no complication of prosthesis loosening, displacement, arthropathy in the opposite department, or the patellofemoral joint occurred. The range of motion was significantly improved from (109.2 +/- 8.7) degrees preoperatively to (123.5 +/- 6.7) degrees at last followup (P < 0.05); knee society score (KSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were all significantly improved (P < 0.05). At last follow-up, the femoro-tibial angle was significantly improved (P < 0.05); tibial plateau and the tibial anatomical axis increased, showing no significant difference (P > 0.05); and posterior tibial slope was significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
Oxford Unicompartmental Knee system Phase III has satisfactory mid-term effectiveness in treating medial unicompartmental knee OA with the advantages of little trauma and rapid recovery, but long-term effectiveness is expected for further follow-up.


Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a major public health concern, resulting in detrimental health effects in the mother and her offspring. The adverse behavioral consequences for children include increased risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, working memory deficits, epilepsy, novelty-seeking, and risk-taking behaviors. Some of these behavioral conditions are consistent with an imbalance in frontal cortical excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitter signaling. We used a GAD67-GFP knock-in mouse model to examine if developmental nicotine exposure alters frontal cortical GABA neuron numbers, GABA-to-non-GABA neuron ratio and behavioral phenotypes. Female mice were exposed to nicotine (100 or 200 μg/mL) in drinking water beginning 3 weeks prior to breeding and until 3 weeks postpartum. Male and female offspring were examined beginning at 60 days of age. The nicotine exposure produced dose-dependent decreases in GABA-to-non-GABA neuron ratios in the prefrontal and medial prefrontal cortices without perturbing the intrinsic differences in cortical thickness and laminar distribution of GABA or non-GABA neurons between these regions. A significant increase in exploratory behavior and a shift toward "approach" in the approach-avoidance paradigm were also observed. Thus, developmental nicotine exposure shifts the cortical excitation-inhibition balance toward excitation and produces behavioral changes consistent with novelty-seeking behavior.


An overview of the status of wideband wireless local access technologies is provided. Service scenarios and availability of the market and products for wireless LAN and wireless ATM technologies are discussed. Similarities among IEEE 802.11 and HIPERLAN standards for wireless LANs and the developing prototypes for wireless ATM are evaluated. An update on the status of the available unlicensed bands in the United States as well as the status of the wideband wireless projects in the European Community and Japan are presented.


Isoflurane was previously the major clinical anesthetic agent but is now mainly used for veterinary anesthesia. Studies have reported widespread sites of action of isoflurane, suggesting a wide array of side effects besides sedation. In the present study, we phenotyped isoflurane-treated mice to investigate the postanesthetic behavioral effects of isoflurane. We applied comprehensive behavioral test batteries comprising sensory test battery, motor test battery, anxiety test battery, depression test battery, sociability test battery, attention test battery, and learning test battery, which were started 7 days after anesthesia with 1.8% isoflurane. In addition to the control group, we included a yoked control group that was exposed to the same stress of handling as the isoflurane-treated animals before being anesthetized. Our comprehensive behavioral test batteries revealed impaired latent inhibition in the isoflurane-treated group, but the concentration of residual isoflurane in the brain was presumably negligible. The yoked control group and isoflurane-treated group exhibited higher anxiety in the elevated plus-maze test and impaired learning function in the cued fear conditioning test. No influences were observed in sensory functions, motor functions, antidepressant behaviors, and social behaviors. A number of papers have reported an effect of isoflurane on animal behaviors, but no systematic investigation has been performed. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to systematically investigate the general health, neurological reflexes, sensory functions, motor functions, and higher behavioral functions of mice exposed to isoflurane as adults. Our results suggest that the postanesthetic effect of isoflurane causes attention deficit in mice. Therefore, isoflurane must be used with great care in the clinical setting and veterinary anesthesia.


Published in: J. High Energy Phys. 10 (2000) 033 citations recorded in [Science Citation Index] Abstract: We develop the concept of supersymmetry in singular spaces, apply it in an example for 3-branes in D=5 and comment on 8-branes in D=10. The new construction has an interpretation that the brane is a sink for the flux and requires adding to the standard supergravity a (D-1)-form field and a supersymmetry singlet field. This allows a consistent definition of supersymmetry on a S_1/Z_2 orbifold, the bulk and the brane actions being separately supersymmetric. Randall-Sundrum brane-worlds can be reproduced in this framework without fine tuning. For fixed scalars, the doubling of unbroken supersymmetries takes place and the negative tension brane can be pushed to infinity. In more general BPS domain walls with 1/2 of unbroken supersymmetries, the distance between branes in some cases may be restricted by the collapsing cycles of the Calabi-Yau manifold. The energy of any static x^5-dependent bosonic configuration vanishes, E=0, in analogy with the vanishing of the Hamiltonian in a closed universe.


Cytosine-5 methylation within CpG dinucleotides is a potentially important mechanism of epigenetic influence on human traits and disease. In addition to influences of age and gender, genetic control of DNA methylation levels has recently been described. We used whole blood genomic DNA in a twin set (23 MZ twin-pairs and 23 DZ twin-pairs, N = 92) as well as healthy controls (N = 96) to investigate heritability and relationship with age and gender of selected DNA methylation profiles using readily commercially available GoldenGate bead array technology. Despite the inability to detect meaningful methylation differences in the majority of CpG loci due to tissue type and locus selection issues, we found replicable significant associations of DNA methylation with age and gender. We identified associations of genetically heritable single nucleotide polymorphisms with large differences in DNA methylation levels near the polymorphism (cis effects) as well as associations with much smaller differences in DNA methylation levels elsewhere in the human genome (trans effects). Our results demonstrate the feasibility of array-based approaches in studies of DNA methylation and highlight the vast differences between individual loci. The identification of CpG loci of which DNA methylation levels are under genetic control or are related to age or gender will facilitate further studies into the role of DNA methylation and disease.


Exponential lines, like exponential horns, are useful as impedance-matching devices. They are best inserted in a high-pass filter having the same cutoff frequency determined by the rate of taper. Unusual rules are derived for inserting the line in the filter with exact matching of iterative and image impedances. Design formulas are derived for the construction of exponential lines.


Osteoporosis is a bone disease that commonly results in a 30% incidence of fracture in hens used to produce eggs for human consumption. One of the causes of osteoporosis is the lack of mechanical strain placed on weight-bearing bones. In conventionally-caged hens, there is inadequate space for chickens to exercise and induce mechanical strain on their bones. One approach is to encourage mechanical stress on bones by the addition of perches to conventional cages. Our study focuses on the molecular mechanism of bone remodeling in end-of-lay hens (71 weeks) with access to perches. We examined bone-specific transcripts that are actively involved during development and remodeling. Using real-time quantitative PCR, we examined seven transcripts (COL2A1 (collagen, type II, alpha 1), RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand), OPG (osteoprotegerin), PTHLH (PTH-like hormone), PTH1R (PTH/PTHLH type-1 receptor), PTH3R (PTH/PTHLH type-3 receptor), and SOX9 (Sry-related high mobility group box)) in phalange, tibia and femur. Our results indicate that the only significant effect was a difference among bones for COL2A1 (femur > phalange). Therefore, we conclude that access to a perch did not alter transcript expression. Furthermore, because hens have been used as a model for human bone metabolism and osteoporosis, the results indicate that bone remodeling due to mechanical loading in chickens may be a product of different pathways than those involved in the mammalian model.


Background and objective: Enteral acetaminophen (paracetamol) has limited analgesic efficacy due to its delayed absorption and sub‐therapeutic plasma concentration. Intravenous (i.v.) acetaminophen solves this issue and could thus provide adequate analgesia as a single agent. We compared intraoperative i.v. acetaminophen with intramuscular (i.m.) meperidine with regard to postoperative analgesia and readiness for discharge in paediatric patients undergoing day care dental restoration. Methods: Forty children were randomized, in this double‐blind study, to receive acetaminophen 15 mg kg−1 i.v. (Group A) or meperidine 1 mg kg−1 i.m. (Group M) after anaesthesia induction and before surgery. All patients received midazolam 0.5 mg kg−1 orally 30 min preoperatively and fentanyl 1 μg kg−1 i.v. immediately after induction. Anaesthesia was induced with either sevoflurane inhalation or propofol 3 mg kg−1 i.v. and was maintained with sevoflurane. Postoperatively, the objective pain scale, Ramsay sedation score, and Aldrete score were determined every 5 min until readiness for recovery room discharge (defined as achieving an Aldrete score of 10). Results: Group A had slightly higher pain scores during early recovery compared with Group M (estimated marginal means: 3 ± SEM 0.4 vs. 2 ± SEM 0.4, respectively (95% CI for difference: 0.4, 2.6), P = 0.012 for F‐test). In contrast, Ramsay scores were higher in Group M than in Group A during assessment period (estimated marginal means: 4 ± SEM 0.3 vs. 2 ± SEM 0.4, respectively (95% CI for difference: −2.3, −0.3), P = 0.013 for F‐test). Group A patients achieved an Aldrete score of 10 sooner than those in Group M (5 ± SEM 2 vs. 16 ± SEM 4 min, respectively (95% CI for difference: −9, −14), P = 0.009). Conclusion: Compared with i.m. meperidine, intraoperative i.v. acetaminophen resulted in slightly higher pain scores but earlier readiness for recovery room discharge in paediatric patients undergoing dental restoration. The potential economic benefit of early recovery room discharge needs to be further explored.


Background: Perioperative anxiety, hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain along with nausea and vomiting can influence a patient's recovery after surgery. We aimed to compare 'enhanced recovery after surgery' (ERAS) protocol with a traditional perioperative approach to evaluate a patient's recovery after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A prospective randomised controlled study was conducted after institutional ethical clearance on 50 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and divided equally into two groups. In group 1 (traditional); standard fasting guidelines and routine perioperative management was implemented. In group 2 (ERAS); patients received appropriate multimedia information about surgery and anaesthesia besidecarbohydrate loading with tender coconut water on the previous night and on the morning of surgery. Standard guidelines of fasting for solids were followed. Intraoperatively, goal-directed fluid therapy and an inspired oxygen concentration of 60% were administered. Postoperatively, early diet and mobilisation were initiated. The primary outcome was the assessment of perioperative anxiety. Hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting and overall perioperative experience were also evaluated. Results: ERAS group had reduced anxiety prior to surgery: median (interquartile range) 3 (3–4) vs 2 (2–3) (P = 0.003), and at 6 h postoperatively: 4 (3–6) vs 3 (1–4) (P = 0.001). Hunger, thirst and fatigue (P < 0.01) were also decreased with better overall perioperative experience (5 [4–5] vs 6 [5–7], P = 0.004). Pain, nausea, vomiting and blood glucose were similar between the groups. Conclusion: 'ERAS approach reduces anxiety in addition to hunger, thirst and fatigue with enhanced overall perioperative comfort in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.


B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) is a transcriptional repressor, and plays a crucial role in the regulation of development and functions of various immune cells. Currently, there is limited understanding about the regulation of Blimp-1 expression and the crosstalk between EGFR and Blimp-1 in skin homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the regulation and functional link between EGFR and Blimp-1 in human epidermal keratinocytes. We found that EGFR activation by EGF and TGF-alpha could upregulate the protein and mRNA levels of Blimp-1 in human primary and HaCaT keratinocytes. This effect was dependent on PKC, p38, and ERK activation, but not STATs signaling induced by EGFR. Additionally, the stability of Blimp-1 protein was under the control of the proteasome and lysosome degradation systems, and EGF could also upregulate Blimp-1 expression in human skin squamous cell carcinomas. Moreover, Blimp-1 knockdown enhanced the EGFR-mediated IL-8, CXCL5 and IL-6 gene expression and keratinocyte migration, but reduced the EGFR-mediated suppression of differentiation marker keratin 10. Confluence-induced keratinocyte expression of K10 was enhanced, but loricrin expression was reduced in Blimp-1 silencing keratinocytes. In conclusion, our findings shed new insights into the regulation and functional role of Blimp-1 to timely balance the inflammation, differentiation, and migration of keratinocytes under constitutive EGFR activation.


Cellular communications using High Altitude Platform (HAPs) are studied for next generation broadband wireless network providing also Third Generation (3G) mobile services. The Connection Admission Control (CAC) issue in a HAP-UMTS communication system represents a key problem in order to increase the capacity in terms of admitted users preserving the agreement quality of service. The main problem of a full centralized admission control approach consists in an excessive calls blocking for the traffic sources located in the middle of the aerial platform coverage area, due to the high additive interference level generated by all active users. With the aim of resolving this issue, we propose a novel strategy for the admission procedure, based on dynamic power sharing (DFPS), in order to guarantee a high fairness level to all users of the implemented cellular system, in term of calls blocked in each cell. Furthermore, we compare this approach with a previous one based on full centralized power sharing (FCPS). Simulation results show that the proposed CAC scheme can achieve better performances than the previous one, managing the active connections in a "fair" manner also under high load conditions.


Cortical modulation of central cardiovascular control mechanisms has been recognized for many decades. However, it is only recently that the mechanisms underlying cortical influences on circulatory function have been systematically examined. This review considers the view that certain regions of the cerebral cortex, including the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and insular cortex (IC), participate in specific aspects of central circulatory control. Anatomical investigations indicate that these cortical areas are connected with hypothalamic, midbrain, pontine and medullary brain regions involved in cardiovascular control. Lesions of the MPFC and IC have demonstrated modulation of the activity of cardiovascular reflexes such as the baroreceptor heart rate reflex and involvement in conditioned cardiovascular responses. Electrophysiological studies have provided evidence that cortical regions are able to influence premotor sympathoexcitatory vasomotor neurons within the rostral ventrolateral medulla and subsequently alter sympathetic vasomotor tone. Cortical regions such as the IC receive visceral sensory information arising from baroreceptors and chemoreceptors within the cardiovascular system. In contrast, the MPFC receives afferents predominantly from limbic sources, although its outputs include structures associated with central sympathetic vasomotor control. Cortical modulation of circulatory function has been demonstrated in man and may underlie the cardiovascular components of a number of conditions. It is suggested that cortical areas involved in visceral sensory or visceral motor processes associated with circulatory function may be involved in generation of patterns of cardiovascular responses specific for certain behaviours.


Objective Long non-coding (lnc) RNAs are critical regulators in carcinogenesis. The novel lncRNA DEPDC1 antisense RNA 1 (DEPDC1-AS1) was recently associated with poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer and lung adenocarcinoma. However, its role in regulating the malignant progression of gastric cancer (GC) and its molecular mechanism are unclear. We herein explored the functions of DEPDC1-AS1 in GC progression. Methods DEPDC1-AS1 expression and prognosis in GC tissues were examined by bioinformatics analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The DEPDC1-AS1 function in GC cells was explored by the cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine-incorporation, and the xenograft tumor model. The DEPDC1-AS1 and human antigen (Hu)R interaction was determined by RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation. Results DEPDC1-AS1 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines, and associated with a worse prognosis in GC patients. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that DEPDC1-AS1 promoted HGC-27 cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, DEPDC1-AS1 served as a scaffold by combining with HuR to target the specific mRNA F11R. Conclusion DEPDC1-AS1 plays a crucial role in GC development and progression and is a potential biomarker for the early detection or prognosis of GC.


Objective The aim of the study was to investigate all-cause and disease-specific mortality in a large population-based cohort of oral glucocorticoid (GC) users. Methods This was a retrospective, matched cohort study. Information on dispensed prescriptions was obtained from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. The cause of death was obtained from the Swedish Cause-of-Death Registry. Patients receiving prednisolone ≥5 mg/day (or equivalent dose of other GC) for ≥21 days between 2007-2014 were included. For each patient, one control subject matched for age and sex was included. The study period was divided into 3-month periods and patients were divided into groups according to a defined daily dose (DDD) of GC used per day. The groups were: Non-users (0 DDD per day), low-dose users (>0 but <0.5 DDD per day), medium-dose users (0.5-1.5 DDD per day) and high-dose users (>1.5 DDD per day). Hazard ratios (HRs), unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities, were calculated using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazard model. Results Cases (n=223 211) had significantly higher all-cause mortality compared to controls (HR adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities 2.08, 95% confidence interval 2.04 to 2.13). After dividing the cases into subgroups, adjusted HR was 1.31 (1.28 to 1.34) in non-users, 3.64 (3.51 to 3.77) in low-dose users, 5.43 (5.27 to 5.60) in medium-dose users and, 5.12 (4.84 to 5.42) in high-dose users. The highest adjusted hazard ratio was observed in high-dose users for deaths from sepsis 6.71 (5.12 to 8.81) and pulmonary embolism 7.83 (5.71 to 10.74). Conclusion Oral GC users have an increased mortality rate compared to the background population, even after adjustment for comorbidities. High-dose users have an increased risk of dying from sepsis, and pulmonary embolism compared to controls. Whether the relationship between GC exposure and the excess mortality is causal remains to be elucidated.


Between 1870 and 1960, national boundaries became more evident on the demographic map of Western Europe. In most of the fifteen countries examined here, differences in marital fertility, illegitimacy, and marriage from one province (counties, cantons, arrondissements) to another diminished considerably. From Provinces into Nations describes this shift to greater national demographic homogeneity and places it in the context of a parallel decline in linguistic diversity, as well as in the context of increases in national market integration, the expansion of state activities, and nation-building. The book interprets the shift as evidence of the influence of communities on demographic behavior, and as an indication of the growing predominance of national over local communities. The author uses demographic data, too often the property of specialists, to examine themes of interest to historians, sociologists, economists, and political scientists interested in the integration of modern societies. Originally published in 1990. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.


Since the discovery of the therapeutic effect of liver in pernicious anaemia it has been the aim of the pharmacologist to produce ever more concentrated extracts with the ultimate view of synthesizing the active principle. Clinicians, on the other hand, always on guard that the chemist in his rejection of unnecessary molecules should not render his remedy less potent, suspect that preparations become less active when they exceed a certain degree of concentration. The work of Subbarow and Jackson' suggests that the therapeutic potency of liver extract depends upon one printipal factor which, if given in sufficient amount, can alone bring about a remission, and several subsidiary factors which, themselves without anti-anaemic effect, yet intensify the therapeutic efficacy of the extract. A recently published investigation2 from Copenhagen throws some light on these subsidiary factors and their relation to the anti-anaemic principle. Barfred began his research in order to elucidate the causes of the di'sagreeable effects so often observed after injections of liver extract. He found that these reactions occurred especially with the uise of preparations containing a relatively high amount of dry substance. He showed also that extracts rich in dry substance are highly toxic to mice, and that by employing a preparation 1 c.cm. of which was not lethal to mice it was possible to avoid most of the unpleasant reactions in patients with pernicious anaemia. This led to a study of other biological effects of liver extracts, with interesting results. Confirming and amplifying the work of previous workers, Barfred showed that certain liver preparations were capable (1) of increasing the volume and HCI content of the gastric secretion of normal and achlorhydric subjects, (2) of producing positive intracutaneous reactions, and (3) of inducing leucocytosis. The factors responsible for these effects have certain features in common, such as solubility in butyl alcohol and resistance to boiling and action of erepsin. An attempt was made to identify the substances responsible for these biological effects. Histamine, acetylcholine, adenosine, nicotinic acid, and other members of the vitamin B complex were studied, and it was shown that not one of these substances taken singly could produce all the subsidiary effects of liver extracts, although it was possible that a combination of the first four might. It is evident, however, that the subsidiary actions of liver extracts are not peculiar to this organ, as wae';xtract of the thymus gland prepared in the same way produced the same results without any influence on the course of pernicious anaemia. Of interest for the future synthesis of the anti-anaemic principle is the finding that prolonged treatment of potent liver extracts by erepsin did not diminish the anti-anaeinic potency, suggesting that the principle is not a simple polypeptide. The subsidiary substances found in the butyl alcohol solution have no effectt on pernicious anaemia, but by the use of the double reticulocyte reaction introduced by Minot and Castle it was shown that they increased the response obtained from the use of the residue left after


Two-dimensional (2-D) process and device simulation is used to investigate the effectiveness of the depletion-free metal gate for a sub-quarter-micron MOSFET as compared with surface channel polysilicon gate MOSFETs which suffer greatly from the gate depletion effect. The results reveal that the subthreshold characteristic for the metal gate NMOSFET is considerably degraded since the depletion-free merit is covered up by an undesirable influence of the buried channel structure, which is indispensable to obtain an appropriate threshold voltage for the midgap gate. Consequently, the drivability of the metal gate MOSFET is comparable to that of the heavily doped polysilicon gate MOSFET under commonly used conditions, and further, the metal gate structure is disadvantaged against the reduction of the supply voltage.


On-the-fly trajectory-based nonadiabatic dynamics simulation has become an important approach to study ultrafast photochemical and photophysical processes in recent years. Because a large number of trajectories are generated from the dynamics simulation of polyatomic molecular systems with many degrees of freedom, the analysis of simulation results often suffers from the large amount of high-dimensional data. It is very challenging but meaningful to find dominating active coordinates from very complicated molecular motions. Dimensionality reduction techniques provide ideal tools to realize this purpose. We apply two dimensionality reduction approaches (classical multidimensional scaling and isometric feature mapping) to analyze the results of the on-the-fly surface-hopping nonadiabatic dynamics simulation. Two representative model systems, CH2NH2+ and the phytochromobilin chromophore model, are chosen to examine the performance of these dimensionality reduction approaches. The results show that these approaches are very promising, because they can extract the major molecular motion from complicated time-dependent molecular evolution without preknown knowledge.


The purpose of this study was to continue our effort to determine how enzyme-transporter coupling affect disposition of flavonoids. The rat intestinal perfusion and Caco-2 cell models were used together with relevant microsomes. In perfusion model, isoflavone (i.e., formononetin and biochanin A) absorption and subsequent excretion of its metabolites were always site-dependent. Maximal amounts of intestinal and biliary conjugates excreted per 30 min were 31 and 51 nmol for formononetin, more than that for pure biochanin A (12 and 20 nmol). When a standardized red clover extract (biochanin A/formononetin = 10:7) was used, the results indicated that more metabolites of biochanin A than formononetin were found in the perfusate (36.9 versus 22.8 nmol) and bile (78 versus 51 nmol). In metabolism studies, rat intestinal and liver microsomes always glucuronidated biochanin A faster (p < 0.05) than formononetin, whereas intestinal microsomes glucuronidated both isoflavones faster (p < 0.05) than liver microsomes. However, rapid metabolism in the microsomes did not translate into more efficient excretion in either the rat perfusion model as shown previously or in the Caco-2 model. In the Caco-2 model, both isoflavones were rapidly absorbed, efficiently conjugated, and the conjugates excreted apically and basolaterally. More formononetin conjugates were excreted than biochanin A when used alone, but much more biochanin A conjugates were found when using the isoflavone mixture. In conclusion, efficiency of enzyme-transporter coupling controls the amounts of metabolites excreted by the intestine and liver and determines the relative contribution of enteric and enterohepatic recycling to the in vivo disposition of isoflavones.


Abstract European metals end engineering industry has managed to keep its position in global competition. Germany has become the leading manufacturer of machines and equipment. Metals and engineering products are used in nearly all industries and businesses, and especially due to emerging economy growth the demand outlook is favourable. New materials, new production methods, like additive manufacturing, and new moving power solutions improve the products' raw material and energy efficiency. Increasing application of information and communication technology raises the effectiveness of production and products. Thanks to automation and robotics machines can be substituted for human labour in inconvenient and hazardous environments. Industrial internet creates new business opportunities.


The design and engineering of networks requires the consideration of many possible configurations (different network topologies, bandwidths, traffic and policies). Network engineers may use network simulation to evaluate changes in network configuration; but detailed, packet-level simulation of many alternatives would be extremely time consuming. This paper introduces the concept of scenario pre-filtering - rather than perform detailed simulation of each scenario, we propose to quickly evaluate (pre-filter) all scenarios in order to select only the relevant scenarios, and discard those that are clearly too over- or under-provisioned. To rapidly evaluate scenarios, we have developed several new analytical techniques to quickly determine the steady-state behavior of the network with both bulk and short term TCP flows. These techniques apply to arbitrary topologies and routers that use both drop-tail and RED queuing policies. Since we are only interested in selecting the interesting scenarios for detailed simulation, the answers need only be approximate. However we show that the accuracy is typically within 10% of detailed simulation. More importantly, these techniques are 10-300/spl times/ faster than detailed simulation, and, hence, pre-filtering is a promising technique to reduce the total simulation time when many scenarios must be considered.


Although any decision to purchase a piece of capital equipment involves a number of the organization's functions, the department manager has some significant responsibilities in the selection and acquisition of capital equipment. Except for unavoidable replacement of essential equipment that fails unexpectedly, capital purchases must ordinarily be planned in advance through the annual budgeting process. The department manager is ordinarily the organization's primary source of information in major capital expenditure projects; therefore, it is essential that the manager follow a logical process for identifying and evaluating alternative equipment choices and perform a consistent economic analysis of the alternatives.


This paper presents an improved regenerative soft turn-on and turn-off snubber applied to a boost PWM converter. The boost soft-single-switched converter proposed, having only a single active switch, is able to operate with soft switching in a pulse width modulation way without high voltage and current stresses. This is achieved by using an auxiliary inductor, which is magnetically coupled with the main inductor of the converter. In order to illustrate the operating principle of this new converter a detailed study, including simulations as well as experimental results is carried out. The validity of this new converter is guaranteed by the obtained results.


The syntheses of fluorenone derivatives having one to three glycidyl groups and related compounds are reported. Their activity against experimental tumors in vitro in relation to the molecular structure is discussed.


The paper presents a solution to the problem of qualitative determination of actual downhole loads and drilling parameters optimization performed employing a dynamic digital well model. The problem of the surface and downhole sensor's data quality is disclosed, and a solution for an aggregated data QAQC. Described the practical approach of the methodology used to timely and systematically improve operational excellence across organizations and well construction time improvement.
 The dynamic digital twin in real-time delivers data quality assurance, efficiency analysis, and the ability to define optimal parameters. The selection of drilling parameters and an increase in ROP are carried out in real-time, based on the analysis of MSE. Quality control of sensors plays a key role in the process of evaluating effective downhole loads, and in identifying the current FFs. This paper describes process automation routines and real-time dynamic digital twin benefits to evaluate downhole state, and potential hazards, and look ahead. Presented the optimized pipe connection method which yields into 40 % weight-to-weight time reduction, best applicable in intermediate and production well sections drilling and overall substantial improvement in well delivery quality and timing.
 Implementation of the ecosystem with live digital twin allowed us to perform optimized connection practices and obtain great results of connection time reduction. This resulted in drill time savings while drilling 11-⅝″ section (8h) and while drilling 8-½″ section (13.5h). Out of total savings of 21h, 15h goes to savings related to connection practice optimization measures. Applied measures in drilling practice were supported by monitoring the well condition via T&D and hydraulics real-time calculations, friction factors automated determination, and selection of drilling parameters to increase in ROP are carried out based on the analysis of MSE and data quality assurance tools. Thus, the contractor was provided with reliable clues about wellbore condition and hole cleaning issues, while the smart alarm system was alerting RTOC engineers timely, therefore planned optimization was successfully put in place while non-productive time has not been induced.
 This paper presents a novel approach to real-time monitoring of the well construction process using a digital ecosystem with a live dynamic digital twin. Described detailed optimized connection method for 11-⅝» and 8-½″ hole sections, was successfully implemented on contractor facilities. This method also can be modified for slim wells drilling.


The Kumaun Himalaya situated in Western Himalaya is well known for its plant wealth including lichens. The lichens have an ability to grow on any perennial and stabilized substrata. They grow on different type of trees, shrubs, rocks, stones, boulders and soil. The different altitudinal zones exhibit different type of forest vegetation in Kumaun Himalaya.Most of the information on lichens of Kumaun Himalaya are scattered in a number of publications and so far not a complete account of lichens form Kumaun Himalaya is available. Thus to consolidate the account of lichens form the Kumaun Himalaya an attempt has been made in this book and a systematic enumeration of the lichens encountered in different districts of the Kumaun region provided together with their present authentic names, citation and basionyms. This book would be useful to a wide range of taxonomist, environmentalist, ecologists, biologist, conservationists, archeologists, policy makers, research scholars and foresters, silviculturist and land managers in development of plans and strategies for conservation a part from the basic knowledge or the lichen flora of the region.


Backgroud this paper is to explore the influencing factors on utilizing physical examinations (PE) for the seasonal immigrants who moved from their home town to Sanya city in Hainan province in China during the winter . Methods A total of 1342 seasonal immigrants (aged 50 or over) were randomly selected and surveyed through a standardized questionnaire. Using an adjusted logistic regression model to identify the factors associated with the use of PE for those immigrants. Results We found the utilization rate of PE among seasonal immigrants is 26.80%. The level of education, living time, the availability of health insurance, and the attitude to the quality of health service were influencing factors( p < 0.05) . Conclusion The results imply seasonal immigrants have a low utilization rate of physical examination. To improve the availability of health insurance and the quality of health service will be helpful to keep the health of the seasonal immigrants in Sanya .


Abstract The chemical formula of fiedlerite, a rare hydrated lead halide, has been revised. The mineral is now known to contain also fluorine, and the new, correct formula is Pb3Cl4F(OH)·H2O. X-ray diffraction studies on fiedlerite from Laurion, Greece (the type locality), and from Baratti, Italy (the second known occurrence), revealed its Order-Disorder (OD) character. All structures within this OD family can be built up by layers of the same kind. The two polytypes with Maximum Degree of Order (MDO) display triclinic and monoclinic symmetry, with one and two OD layers, respectively, in the unit cell. On these grounds the nomenclature of fiedlerite has been revised, and the mineral is designated together with the polytype suffix (i.e. fiedlerite-1A, fiedlerite-2M). The crystal structures of the two MDO polytypes of fiedlerite have been solved and refined: fiedlerite-1A: P , a = 8.574(3) Å, b = 8.045(4), c = 7.276(2), α = 89.96(4)° β = 102.05(4), γ = 103.45(4), R = 0.092; fiedlerite-2M: P21/a, a = 16.681(4) Å, b = 8.043(3), c = 7.281(2), β = 102.56(4)°, R = 0.061. In both structures Pb is eight-coordinated by different ligands [CI−, F−, (OH)−, H2O] that define bicapped trigonal prisms.


According to field measurements, the damping ratio of a railway catenary varies along the span length and shows an inherent uncertainty. In numerical simulations, it is common to assume a constant damping ratio. Herein, a methodology is proposed to include the variable damping ratio of a catenary in numerical simulations of pantograph-catenary interactions. The damping ratios of the catenary are extracted from the measurement uplifts of critical points along the span, including the droppers, the steady arm, and the stitch wires. The absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is utilized to model the catenary. The geometric nonlinearity of the contact and messenger wires, the dropper slackness and the initial configuration are appropriately described. The damping ratio coefficients of each element within one span are obtained by interpolation using smoothing splines. A variable time step is adopted in the numerical simulations to accurately capture the contact loss duration. The numerical analysis indicates that the damping ratio variation mainly affects the local behaviors of contact forces with high cutoff frequencies. Particularly, the trailing pantograph contact loss duration evaluated with a constant damping ratio is significantly different from the result with a variable damping ratio. The damping coefficients are assumed to follow the Gaussian distribution, of which the mean and standard deviation are obtained from multiple measurements. The stochastic analysis results show that the damping ratio uncertainty should be considered when evaluating the high-frequency maximum contact force and the contact loss of the trailing pantograph at high speed. Otherwise, a large error may be expected when using a constant damping ratio.


Introduction Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalopathy (MNGIE) is a rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorder. TYMP gene mutation causes loss of thymidine phosphorylase activity, resulting in gastrointestinal dysmotility, cachexia, ptosis, ophthalmoparesis, peripheral neuropathy and leukoencephalopathy. Around half of patients initially develop gastrointestinal symptoms.1 Method All information was extracted retrospectively from the patient's notes, imaging, and pathology results. Results A 25 year old female born to non-consanguineous parents presented with six loose, blood-free bowel motions per day, abdominal pain and bloating two hours after meals irrespective of food type, monthly episodes of vomiting, and weight loss. Faecal calprotectin was significantly raised. Histology of gut biopsies and small bowel MRI were consistent with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Azathioprine initiation during treatment coincided with deterioration of the patient's symptoms. The patient was admitted with a non-productive cough, abrupt onset sore throat, diffuse throbbing headache, bilateral knee arthralgia, and pyrexia of 41.1°C. Azathioprine withdrawal led to acute, marked symptom improvement and apyrexia. MRI brain showed extensive white matter changes. Presence of serum thymidine and deoxyuridine, and elevated urine thymidine and deoxyuridine, indicated thymidine phosphorylase deficiency. Elevations in serum lactate and ammonia supported mitochondrial dysmotility. MNGIE was confirmed by genetic testing: TYMP variants c.401C>A p.(Ala134Glu) and c.845G>A p.(Gly282Asp). Identical variants have since been identified in a sibling, also misdiagnosed with Crohn's disease. Conclusion Azathioprine interference in nucleic acid metabolism and/or mitochondrial function may interact with the underlying molecular pathology of mitochondrial DNA depletion in MNGIE.2 We report for the first time suspected azathioprine-induced clinical deterioration in MNGIE, following Crohn's misdiagnosis. We identify c.845G>A p.(Gly282Asp) as a novel pathogenic TYMP variant. Clinical sequelae were serious and rapidly resolved on stopping azathioprine. Atypical response to conventional treatment of Crohn's disease should prompt consideration of alternative diagnoses, including MNGIE. References . Garone C, Tadesse S, Hirano M. Clinical and genetic spectrum of mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy. Brain. 2011;134:3326–3332. . Gonzalez-Vioque E, Torres-Torronteras J, Andreu AL, Marti R. Limited dCTP availability accounts for mitochondrial DNA depletion in mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE). Larsson N-G, editor. PLoS Genet. 2011;7:e1002035. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


A case report of bilateral mixed Warthin's tumors with nonuniform uptake demonstrated by Tc-99m pertechnetate imaging is presented. The findings are compared to CT, surgical, and pathology results.


We have previously described a neurological phenotype for transgenic mice carrying the c-Mos proto-oncogene. Pheochromocytomas and C-cell thyroid neoplasms occur in these transgenic lines in patterns that are similar to those seen in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). Characterization of the pathological lesions via immunohistochemistry underscores similarities between MEN 2 and these transgenic mice. When transgenic mice that do not display the MEN 2 phenotype are crossed to a different background, the progeny display the MEN 2 phenotype. Thus the interaction of the background with the transgene is such that it can suppress tumor information. This observation bears special relevance to the human syndrome in that this model system may be used to study the question of penetrance of phenotype.


The effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) response to hypercapnia (5% CO2 inhalation) was studied in urethan-anesthetized wild-type (SV-129) and type III nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS)-deficient mice, using laser-Doppler flowmetry and the closed cranial window technique. Resting rCBF during normocapnia decreased by approximately 25% after L-NNA superfusion in wild-type mice only (n = 18), suggesting a role for type III NOS in baseline blood flow. Hypercapnia augmented rCBF approximately 50% in both wild-type and type III NOS mutant mice. L-NNA superfusion (1 mM) inhibited this increase by approximately 60% in both strains. Hence, synthesis of NO by the constitutively expressed type I NOS contributes to blood flow augmentation during hypercapnia.


Insights and observations of fascinating aspects of birds, bugs and flying seeds, of inspired aerodynamic concepts, and visions of past, present and future aircraft developments are presented. The evolution of nature's flyers, will be compared with the corresponding evolution of commercial aircraft. We will explore similarities between nature's creations and man's inventions. Many critical areas requiring future significant technology based solutions remain. With the advent of UAVs and MAVs, the gap between "possible" and "actual" is again very large. Allometric scaling procedures will be used to explore size implications on limitations and performance capabilities of nature's creations. Biologically related technology development concepts including: bionics, biomimicry, neo-bionic, pseudo-mimicry, cybernetic and non-bionic approaches will be discussed and illustrated with numerous examples. Technology development strategies will be discussed along with the pros and cons for each. Future technology developments should include a synergistic coupling of "discovery driven", "product led" and "technology acceleration" strategies. The objective of this presentation is to inspire the creative nature existing within all of us. This is a summary all text version of the complete report with the same title that report includes approximately 80 figures, photos and charts and much more information.


We have previously reported that hepatitis B virus (HBV)–specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD4+ helper T lymphocytes can inhibit HBV replication in the liver of HBV transgenic mice by secreting interferon (IFN)-γ when they recognize viral antigen. To determine whether an activated innate immune system can also inhibit HBV replication, in this study we activated natural killer T (NKT) cells in the liver of HBV transgenic mice by a single injection of α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), a glycolipid antigen presented to Vα14+NK1.1+ T cells by the nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I–like molecule CD1d. Within 24 h of α-GalCer injection, IFN-γ and IFN-α/β were detected in the liver of HBV transgenic mice and HBV replication was abolished. Both of these events were temporally associated with the rapid disappearance of NKT cells from the liver, presumably reflecting activation-induced cell death, and by the recruitment of activated NK cells into the organ. In addition, prior antibody-mediated depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from the mice did not diminish the ability of α-GalCer to trigger the disappearance of HBV from the liver, indicating that conventional T cells were not downstream mediators of this effect. Finally, the antiviral effect of α-GalCer was inhibited in mice that are genetically deficient for either IFN-γ or the IFN-α/β receptor, indicating that most of the antiviral activity of α-GalCer is mediated by these cytokines. Based on these results, we conclude that α-GalCer inhibits HBV replication by directly activating NKT cells and by secondarily activating NK cells to secrete antiviral cytokines in the liver. In view of these findings, we suggest that, if activated, the innate immune response, like the adaptive immune response, has the potential to control viral replication during natural HBV infection. In addition, the data suggest that therapeutic activation of NKT cells may represent a new strategy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.


Structured data representing entity descriptions often lacks precise type information. That is, it is not known to which type an entity belongs to, or the type is too general to be useful. In this work, we propose to deal with this novel problem of inferring the type semantics of structured data, called typification. We formulate it as a clustering problem and discuss the features needed to obtain several solutions based on existing clustering solutions. Because schema features perform best, but are not abundantly available, we propose an approach to automatically derive them from data. Optimized for the use of schema features, we present TYPifier, a novel clustering algorithm that in experiments, yields better typification results than the baseline clustering solutions.


- With the development of 5G technology, mobile edge computing (MEC) is becoming a useful architecture, which is envisioned as a cloud computing extension version. Users within MEC system could deal with data processing at edge terminals, which can reduce time for communication or data transmission. Multi-armed bandits (MAB) algorithms are powerful tools helping users offloading tasks to their best servers in MEC. However, as the number of users and tasks growing, the frequency of selecting servers and the cost of making decision is growing rapidly under traditional MAB algorithms. Inspired by this, in this paper, we propose a Batch-based Multi-user Server Elimination (BMSE) algorithm to solve such problem, which includes two sub-algorithms. We firstly propose a sub-algorithm in user level (BMSE-UL) to reduce the time cost. In BMSE-UL, users can simplify its own available server groups and offload tasks collectively. Then another sub-algorithm in system level (BMSE-SL) is proposed to reduce the frequency of making decision. In BMSE-SL, the system can cut down all the suboptimal task offloading actions and make the choosing option unique. Furthermore, we establish the optimality of the proposed algorithms by proving the sub-linearity convergence of their regrets and demonstrate the effectiveness of BMSE by extensive experiments.


This study, is a result of a collaboration between Uddevalla hospital, Vastra Gotalandsregionen,
and Chalmers University of Technology. The purpose of the study is to designing a new materials
supply process of surgical material for the operation clinic at Uddevalla hospital which enables
for decreased changeover time between surgeries.
The study is conducted at Uddevalla hospital, a hospital which provides elective patient care. The
flow of surgical material towards the part of the operation clinic that performs hip surgery is
investigated. In order to map out the flow of surgical material towards the operation clinic, the
project team follows the material from contamination during surgery, to it being back in the
operation clinic storage, sterilised and packed. Data is collected through literature search, and a
combination of structured observations and semi-structured interviews at Uddevalla hospital,
NAL hospital, and Molndal hospital.
During the data collection and the description of the current situation at Uddevalla hospital, it is
made clear that material handling activities take place at the operation clinic which could be
performed elsewhere by other personnel. Further, handling of separate disposable articles is
identified as time consuming, and the operation table setting is appointed as the activity that
effect the changeover time the most.
A new materials supply process is suggested in which the activities operation cart packing and
disinfection are externalised from the changeover process at the operation clinic to the central
sterilisation department. Further, the project team recommends the introduction of operation table
setting rooms. The project team also suggests the introduction of procedure packs, which are
packages in which all disposable material needed for a type of surgery are combined in a single
package.
The new materials supply process, through externalisation of material handling activities, freesup
time for the operation clinic personnel, and enables for more patient care, hence reduced
changeover time between surgeries. The operation table setting rooms allow the operation table
setting to be performed during ongoing surgery. The procedure packs simplify the cart packing
by reducing the number of articles to collect, and they speed-up the operation table setting since
fewer packages have to be opened. The externalisation of the disinfection process and the operation cart packing require a new ITsystem
in which orders can be placed and information sharing between the central sterilisation
department and the operation clinic is enabled. To further improve the communication between
the two units, it would be beneficial if they could be located on the same floor, which requires a
new operation building.


Subsurface groundwater-surface water mixing zones (hyporheic zones) have enhanced biogeochemical activity, but assembly processes governing subsurface microbiomes remain a critical uncertainty in understanding hyporheic biogeochemistry. To address this obstacle, we investigated (a) biogeographical patterns in attached and waterborne microbiomes across three hydrologically-connected, physicochemically-distinct zones (inland hyporheic, nearshore hyporheic, and river); (b) assembly processes that generated these patterns; (c) groups of organisms that corresponded to deterministic changes in the environment; and (d) correlations between these groups and hyporheic metabolism. All microbiomes remained dissimilar through time, but consistent presence of similar taxa suggested dispersal and/or common selective pressures among zones. Further, we demonstrated a pronounced impact of deterministic assembly in all microbiomes as well as seasonal shifts from heterotrophic to autotrophic microorganisms associated with increases in groundwater discharge. The abundance of one statistical cluster of organisms increased with active biomass and respiration, revealing organisms that may strongly influence hyporheic biogeochemistry. Based on our results, we propose a conceptualization of hyporheic zone metabolism in which increased organic carbon concentrations during surface water intrusion support heterotrophy, which succumbs to autotrophy under groundwater discharge. These results provide new opportunities to enhance microbially-explicit ecosystem models describing hyporheic zone biogeochemistry and its influence over riverine ecosystem function. Originality-Significance Statement Subsurface zones of groundwater and surface water mixing (hyporheic zones) are hotspots of biogeochemical activity and strongly influence carbon, nutrient and contaminant dynamics within riverine ecosystems. Hyporheic zone microbiomes are responsible for up to 95% of riverine ecosystem respiration, yet the ecology of these microbiomes remains poorly understood. While significant progress is being made in the development of microbially-explicit ecosystem models, poor understanding of hyporheic zone microbial ecology impedes development of such models in this critical zone. To fill the knowledge gap, we present a comprehensive analysis of biogeographical patterns in hyporheic microbiomes as well as the ecological processes that govern their composition and function through space and time. Despite pronounced hydrologic connectivity throughout the hyporheic zone—and thus a strong potential for dispersal—we find that ecological selection deterministically governs microbiome composition within local environments, and we identify specific groups of organisms that correspond to seasonal changes in hydrology. Based on our results, we propose a conceptual model for hyporheic zone metabolism in which comparatively high-organic C conditions during surface water intrusion into the hyporheic zone support heterotrophic metabolisms that succumb to autotrophy during time periods of groundwater discharge. These results provide new opportunities to develop microbially-explicit ecosystem models that incorporate the hyporheic zone and its influence over riverine ecosystem function.


We describe three male children from a Bedouin clan, two of whom are siblings, who have various degrees of incomplete virilization due to isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency. The patients have low (basal and post ACTH or hCG stimulation) plasma testosterone and androstenedione levels. An abnormally high plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentration was detected. A favorable response following local testosterone administration was seen in two patients. Surprisingly, an unexplained flat cortisol response to ACTH test was also noted. Although no biochemical model can yet adequately explain the impairment in cortisol response to ACTH in these patients, it seems prudent to take this lack of cortisol response into consideration. We therefore recommend hydrocortisone supplement during moderate to severe stress.


The pure electric braking system need to be developed to stop the electric train to zero speed by electricity. This system has advantages like reduction of weight, maintenance cost, noise, and dust generated by disk friction. Therefore, we will study this system for Korean urban transit system.


Objective of this report is to observe and report unusual pattern of origin of sternal and clavicular heads of Sternocleidomastoid (SCM). An embryological insight into the possible causes for present anomaly is elucidated. The neck region of an adult male cadaver during gross anatomy teaching program. An abnormal Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) was observed while dissecting the neck region of an adult. Additional clavicular head of SCM muscle were found on the right side. The accessory clavicular head coursed deep to the sternal head whereas the some fibres of main clavicular head joined the accessory belly and together they fused with the main sternal head of SCM. There was another slip arising from sternal head and merge with deep cervical fascia near base of mandible. The topographical anatomy of SCM is extremely important, particularly because it serves as a useful surgical landmark and its relation to crucial neuro-vascular structures of the neck. The usage of SCM in reconstruction operations for covering defects is discussed. A detailed knowledge of the anatomy of SCM proves vital for radiological studies of the neck.


Computed tomographic (CT) scans of 80 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and acute abdominal pain were reviewed for the purpose of highlighting the use of CT in diagnosis and triage. Common and uncommon causes of acute abdominal pain in patients with AIDS are discussed and their CT findings illustrated. Clinical case histories demonstrate how CT can be used to quickly narrow diagnostic possibilities to perform triage between surgical and nonsurgical management and to further direct diagnostic workup.


Charged excitations in the fractional quantum Hall effect are known to carry fractional charges, as theoretically predicted and experimentally verified. Here we report on the dependence of the tunneling quasiparticle charge, as determined via highly sensitive shot noise measurements, on the measurement conditions, in the odd denominators states v=1/3 and v=7/3 and in the even denominator state v=5/2. In particular, for very weak backscattering probability and sufficiently small excitation energies (temperature and applied voltage), tunneling charges across a constriction were found to be significantly higher than the theoretically predicted fundamental quasiparticle charges.


Epilepsy model in rats was established to observe the behavior and pathological changes, and to detect mitochondrial dysfunction, exploring its possible molecular mechanisms. The epileptic status of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride, and the change of behavior was recorded. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to measure the abnormal discharge of neurons in rats. The brain tissue was fixed with polyformaldehyde and the paraffin sections were prepared, and the damage of the hippocampal neurons was observed with Nissl staining. Mitochondrial ATP and mitochondrial DNA were examined to assess mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, qPCR and western blot analysis were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of fatty acid synthetase (Fas), Fas ligand (FasL) and caspase-3 in rat hippocampal neurons. The correlation between the mitochondrial dysfunction of rat hippocampal neurons and Fas and caspase-3 was analyzed. Compared with the normal group rats, the model group showed typical seizures, which were determined by the Racine attack score. EEG of the hippocampus of the model group was recorded in cluster in model group rats. Nissl staining showed a different degree of damage to the hippocampal neurons in the model group compared with normal rats. The mitochondrial ATP content and DNA content of rat hippocampal neurons in the model group were significantly lower than that of normal rats (P<0.01). The qPCR and western blot results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of Fas, FasL and caspase-3 were significantly increased in the hippocampus of rat model group (P<0.01). The expression level of Fas and caspase-3 in hippocampal tissues of rats was negatively correlated with mitochondrial DNA content. In conclusion, seizures cause damage of neuron mitochondria in rat hippocampus leading to death of hippocampal neurons, the mitochondrial damage of hippocampal neurons in epileptic rats was closely related to the expression of Fas and caspase-3.


Feruloyl esterases are enzymes of industrial interest that catalyse the hydrolysis of the ester bond between hydroxycinnamic acids such as ferulic acid and sugars present in the plant cell wall. Although there are several structures of biochemically characterized feruloyl esterases available, the structural determinants of their substrate specificity are not yet fully understood. Here, we present the crystal structure of a feruloyl esterase from Fusarium oxysporum (FoFaeC) at 2.3 Å resolution. Similar to the two other tannase‐like feruloyl esterases, FoFaeC features a large lid domain covering the active site with potential regulatory role and a disulphide bond that brings together the serine and histidine of the catalytic triad. Differences are mainly observed in the metal coordination site and the substrate binding pocket.


Background The association between various rheumatic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases is suggested by many clinical and experimental observations. Immunological disturbances play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of both rheumatic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), like ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD). Numerous scientific reports suggest similar pathogenesis of IBD and spondyloarthropathies (SpA), but the patomechanisms linking these two groups of diseases are still being examined. Objectives The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of coexistence of various rheumatic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases in a group of rheumatic patients (pts). Methods This retrospective study was based on the analysis of 4000 clinical histories of patients with various rheumatic diseases, hospitalized in the University Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases between the years 2005 and 2011. We searched for the coexistence of various rheumatic diseases and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with clinically confirmed diagnosis. The diagnosis of all rheumatic diseases was established according to the current classification criteria. The diagnosis of IBD - UC or CD was confirmed by histopathological examination of gut. Results The coexistence of IBD with a rheumatic disease was found in 15 (0,38%) of all rheumatic pts. Among them there were 13 pts with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 2 pts with Crohn disease (CD). Both pts with the diagnosis of CD had ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Among 4000 pts with various rheumatic diseases there were 921 pts with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); 342 pts with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); 95 pts with AS; 65 pts with psoriatic arthritis (PsA); 35 pts with Wegener's granulomatosis. We found the association of UC with RA in 1 patient (0,11% all RA pts), with SLE in 5 pts (1,46% all SLE pts), with Wegener's granulomatosis in 1 patient, with undifferentiated ANCA (+) vasculitis in 1 patient, with PsA in 1 patient. In 4 pts with UC enteric arthropathy was diagnosed. There were no pts with the coexistence of UC and AS. In the group of 5 pts with SLE there were only women, in the age of 28-49 years old. The coexistence of SLE was observed only with UC. The diagnosis of IBD had been established prior to the diagnosis of SLE in 80% cases, 2 to 11 years before the first symptoms of SLE. In 3/5 of pts renal involvement, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were seen. The coexistence of IBD with inflammatory SpA we found in 4,4% of all SpA pts. Enteric arthropathy symptoms occurred 1 to 16 years before the diagnosis of IBD was established. AS and PsA diagnosis was made at the same time or later (0-4 years) than diagnosis of IBD. All pts with AS had the axial form of the disease, without peripheral joint involvement. Conclusions We conclude that the coexistence of various rheumatic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases with clinically confirmed diagnosis is relatively low. Inflammatory bowel diseases mainly coexist with inflammatory spondyloarthopaties and with systemic lupus erythematosus. Physicians should bear in mind the possibility of association of these two different groups of diseases and adjust the treatment to this particular clinical situation. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


In this paper, a novel multi-objective optimization method based on a Genetic-Fuzzy Algorithm (GFA) is proposed. GFA is applied to optimize the five PI controller gains in the Indirect Field Oriented Control (IFOC) of an induction motor drive. The PI controller gains are designed to optimize the step response of the system. Rise-time, maximum over-shoot, settling time and steady state error are the objective functions. In this drive system, the simultaneous estimation of the rotor speed and time constant for a voltage source inverter-fed induction motor is discussed. The theory is based on the parallel Model Reference Adaptive Control System (MRAC). The vector control of the induction motor may be achieved in the rotor-flux-oriented frame. Furthermore, to eliminate the offset error caused by the change in the stator resistance, a fuzzy resistance is also designed. The simulation results of the new method for induction motor speed control is compared with the results obtained by the conventional method, which allows better performance.


The objective of the present study was to evaluate the sub-acute toxicity of paracetamol infusion in Mus musculus mice (male and female) at different dose levels, ranging from 16 to 66 mg/kg body weight. There were no major changes in physiological, hematological and biochemical parameters at any dose level used in this study. No mortality was observed in any of the treatment groups during the course of whole study. It has been concluded from the present study that paracetamol infusion is safe even at higher dose. Overall safety and tolerability profile of paracetamol infusion has been proved good and does not appear to carry risk of serious adverse effects in Mus musculus mice.


Background: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common pathological type of glomerular disease. Kidney biopsy, the gold standard for IgAN diagnosis, has not been routinely applied in hospitals worldwide due to its invasion nature. Thus, we aim to establish a non-invasive diagnostic model and determine markers to evaluate disease severity by analyzing the serological parameters and pathological stages of patients with IgAN. Methods: A total of 272 biopsy-diagnosed IgAN inpatients and 518 non-IgA nephropathy inpatients from the Department of Nephrology of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital were recruited for this study. Routine blood examination, blood coagulation testing, immunoglobulin-complement testing, and clinical biochemistry testing were conducted and pathological stages were analyzed according to Lee grading system. The serological parameters and pathological stages were analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate the diagnostic value of the clinical factors. Logistic regression was used to establish the diagnostic model. Results: There were 15 significantly different serological parameters between the IgAN and non-IgAN groups (all P < 0.05). The ROC analysis was performed to measure the diagnostic value for IgAN of these parameters and the results showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of total protein (TP), total cholesterol (TC), fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer (D2), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were more than 0.70. The AUC of the "TC + FIB + D2 + IgA + age" combination was 0.86, with a sensitivity of 85.98% and a specificity of 73.85%. Pathological grades of I, II, III, IV, and V accounted for 2.21%, 17.65%, 62.50%, 11.76%, and 5.88%, respectively, with grade III being the most prevalent. The levels of urea nitrogen (UN) (13.57 ± 5.95 vs. 6.06 ± 3.63, 5.92 ± 2.97, 5.41 ± 1.73, and 8.41 ± 3.72 mmol/L, respectively) and creatinine (Cr) (292.19 ± 162.21 vs. 80.42 ± 24.75, 103.79 ± 72.72, 96.41 ± 33.79, and 163.04 ± 47.51 &mgr;mol/L, respectively) were significantly higher in grade V than in the other grades, and the levels of TP (64.45 ± 7.56, 67.16 ± 6.94, 63.22 ± 8.56, and 61.41 ± 10.86 vs. 37.47 ± 5.6 mg/d, respectively), direct bilirubin (DB) (2.34 ± 1.23, 2.58 ± 1.40, 1.91 ± 0.97, and 1.81 ± 1.44 vs. 0.74 ± 0.57 &mgr;mol/L, respectively), and IgA (310.35 ± 103.78, 318.48 ± 107.54, 292.58 ± 81.85, and 323.29 ± 181.67 vs. 227.17 ± 68.12 g/L, respectively) were significantly increased in grades II–V compared with grade I (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: The established diagnostic model that combined multiple factors (TC, FIB, D2, IgA, and age) might be used for IgAN non-invasive diagnosis. TP, DB, IgA, Cr, and UN have the potential to be used to evaluate IgAN disease severity.


Objective This study examined the facial surfaces of cleft children and unaffected children aged 8–11 years with the aim of identifying and assessing differences in their facial surface morphology. The investigation was carried out using an Optical Surface Scanner, an instrument that utilizes laser light to construct and archive a three-dimensional image of the face suitable for linear measurement and direct surface comparisons. Design, Setting, and Patients Thirty-nine cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients and 25 unaffected subjects were voluntarily recruited from two southeast England hospitals. A range of linear facial measurements was compared. Three-dimensional differences between the cleft subgroups and the control group were visualized by superimposition of averaged cleft scans over the averaged control group images. Results Statistically significant dimensional differences (p ≤ .05) in interocular width, nose base widths, mouth widths, and nose base/mouth width ratios were found between the cleft group and the control group. Qualitative differences over the whole of the face were readily demonstrated between the groups by superimposition. Face width and submandibular area depth differed consistently between the groups, the cleft face appearing narrower with a deeper submandibular area. Conclusion Significant differences exist between the facial surface morphology of CLP patients and control subjects.


Despite the proliferation of literary awards, sometimes with a more extensive list of categories and often with more generous prize money, the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year is still the only award that has a significant impact on book sales in this country. Throughout the 65-year history of the CBC, both the judging criteria and the judges themselves have constantly been subjected to criticism and instead of acknowledging that, as English (2005) and Kidd (2007, 2009) argue, literary prizes are by their nature provocative and, therefore, welcoming any challenges, the CBC has responded repeatedly by asserting that it is a last bastion of literary standards. This article argues that the desire to shore up its cultural capital in this way derives from an image problem related to its identification with primary school education and librarianship, and suggests that to do so is counterproductive.


L-Glutamic, L-aspartic acids and a number of their structural analogs, including quisqualic, kainic, ibotenic, quinolinic, and N-methyl-D- aspartic (NMDA) acids, increase inositol phospholipid hydrolysis when added to primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells, as is reflected by an enhanced formation of 3H-inositolmonophosphate (3H-IP1) in the presence of Li+. L-Glutamic acid also enhances the formation of the initial products of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, 3H-inositol di- (3H-IP2) and triphosphate (3H-IP3). In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, L-glutamic acid fails to enhance 3H-IP1 formation, but still increases 3H-IP2 and 3H-IP3 formation. The stimulation of 3H-IP1 formation elicited by L-glutamic acid is reduced by DL-2-amino-5- phosphonovaleric acid (APV) and gamma-glutamylglycine and, to a lesser extent, by 2,3-cis-piperidindicarboxylic acid (PDA). The stimulation of 3H-IP1 formation by kainic acid is antagonized by PDA and gamma- glutamylglycine, but it is almost unaffected by APV. The increase in 3H- IP1 formation elicited by quisqualic acid is not reduced by any of the dicarboxylic amino acid receptor antagonists that we have tested. We conclude that different subtypes of excitatory amino acid recognition sites are associated with inositol phospholipid metabolism in primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells.


Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) noted to date approximately 50 million cases of dengue fever are found every year. Prevention efforts of vector of dengue fever have been carried out, that is using synthetic insecticides which gives negative effect for population, so natural insecticide is needed. One of them using garlics that contains allicin, saponin and flavonoid that can inhbit hatchability of Aedes aegypti's eggs. This research objective was to know if garlics extract effective as the ovicide of Aedes aegypti's egg. Methods: This experimental studies, which used completely randomized design, was performed in November 2013 in Laboratory of Zoology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Lampung. Concentration of the extract used was 0%, 0,1%, 0,3%, 0,5%, 0,7% and 1% with 4 repetitions for each treatment. Furthermore, was laid 20 eggs in each treatment and repetition, so was gotten the total number of samples of 480 eggs. Then, was observed number of eggs that did not hatch every 6 hours for three days. Hypothesis test using one- way ANOVA test and post hoc Bonferroni analysis. Results: At the end of the study, hypothesis test of one-way ANOVA resulted p-value<0,001. The results showed a decrease in hatchability of eggs of Aedes aegypti at concentrations of 0,1%, 0,3%, 0,5%, 0,7% and 1% compared to the negative control. In the post hoc Bonferroni analysis was known effective concentration compared to controls (0%) was 1%. The higher the concentration of the extract on the inhibition of hatching eggs will be higher as well. Conclussion: Garlic extract effective as the ovicide of Aedes aegypti's egg. [J Agromed Unila 2014; 1(1):16-21] Keywords: Aedes aegypti, Allium sativum L., ovicide.


Congestive heart failure results in cardiovascular dysfunction and diminished vascular nitric oxide (NO) production. We hypothesized that overexpression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) within the endothelium would reduce the extent of contractile dysfunction in a murine model of infarct-induced congestive heart failure. We generated transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing the human eNOS gene. The TG mice displayed significantly enhanced eNOS protein levels and eNOS activity levels (10- to 12-fold greater) in the aorta and the coronary vasculature. Non-TG (NTg) and eNOS TG mice were subjected to permanent left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and then observed for 1 mo. We assessed cardiac function in vivo by using echocardiography and ultraminiature ventricular pressure catheters. Myocardial infarct size was similar between study groups (≈70% of the risk zone). Survival was increased by 43% in the eNOS TG mice compared with NTg (P < 0.05). Fractional shortening and cardiac output were also significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the eNOS TG than in NTg. Interestingly, pulmonary edema was evident only in NTg mice, and no evidence of pulmonary edema was observed in the eNOS TG mice. Thus, targeted overexpression of the eNOS gene within the vascular endothelium in mice attenuates both cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction and dramatically improves survival during severe congestive heart failure.


We present a description of the low energy ππ scattering data using the Linear Sigma Model with K‐matrix unitarization. Then we carry out an analogous study of the strongly‐coupled minimal Higgs sector of the electroweak theory. We discuss the effect of the unitarization prescription on the WW or ZZ fusion processes and also suggest a related treatment for other Higgs production processes such as gluon fusion.


The Leser-Trelat sign is the sudden appearance and rapid increase in size and number of seborrhoeic keratoses in association with cancer. Twenty cases of this unusual phenomenon have so far been reported in the world literature. More than half involve adenocarcinomas and none was shown to be familial. We report a unique example of a 41-year-old black female and her 74-year-old black mother, both of whom have demonstrated classical clinical-pathological evidence of the Leser-Trelat sign and adenocarcinoma of the breast. The remainder of the family history was negative for cutaneous lesions and cancer. The aetiological and pathogenetic significance of the Leser-Trelat sign in association with carcinoma of the breast in this mother and daughter remains obscure.


Martin's theory makes it possible to describe the sets of all non-negative harmonic and superharmonic functions in an arbitrary domain of euclidean space. To each Markov process there corresponds the class of so-called excessive functions, analogous in their properties to the class of non-negative superharmonic functions. The study of this class is closely connected with the study of "the space of exits of a Markov process". Corresponding results for discrete Markov chains were obtained by Doob, Hunt and Watanabe, and for certain types of processes with variable time by Kunita and Watanabe. The paper gives an account of the general theory, which includes as particular cases all the results listed.