data enabled generalisation of the methods to other consultations. Chapter two describes the development of measures for needs, process, and outcome. Needs were measured by a preconsultation questionnaire comprising items on physical and social problems as well as the general health questionnaire (GHQ12). Measures of consultation length, particularly mean duration, were used for process. Outcome was measured by a postconsultation questionnaire, part ofwhich was used to produce a mean "enablement" score. The relevant six questions were designed to elicit patients' perceived ability to cope with life and their illness, to understand the illness, to keep themselves healthy and help themselves, and their confidence about their health. An increased enablement score was found to be strongly correlated with increased consultation time at population, practice, and individual doctor level. More complex problems needed proportionately more time for equal enablement. This seems to be a powerful argument for more time to be allocated to the consultation. Unfortunately, my experience since the 1990 contract suggests that 10 minute appointments are, in effect, reduced to eight minutes by the demands of computer operating and data collection. It also seems as though the patients charter has tended to increase the demand for appointments, such that there is a pressure to revert to seven minutes. I am presently involved in research which suggests that spending more time is beneficial for patients, but do doctors really want to know this? Is enablement quality and does it make a difference? If the Department of Health can be convinced that it is and it does, perhaps they will provide the resources for general practitioners to do a proper job. It is not yet clear whether enablement is a distinct entity in relation to patient satisfaction. Although the literature will support an argument to regard satisfaction and consultation length as legitimate outcome measures in themselves, a counter argument might be that extra attention and the resulting "feel good factor" are consumer products which do not relate to health outcomes. Professor Howie and his colleagues have recently embarked on a multicentre study which will attempt to consider these issues. For example, enablement will be investigated in relation to the scores on standard patient satisfaction questionnaires, and also health authority performance figures. Enough of this report was stimulating for me to want to persevere with the difficult parts.


Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a planning strategy that combines land use and transportation planning to promote economic, environmental, and social sustainability. While developed cities have embraced TOD, developing cities need to adopt it faster. This has resulted in a need for robust TOD measurement frameworks for developing countries. Furthermore, existing frameworks often use subjective weightage for different TOD indicators, which can lead to human biases. To address these issues, the authors aimed to develop a more robust and objective framework for measuring TOD in developing cities, particularly Dhaka, Bangladesh. The authors used density, diversity, destination accessibility, and design criteria to select eight indicators for measuring TOD. However, a buffer radius of 800 meters was taken for each of the 17 stations to calculate TOD. An objective-weighted spatial multi-criteria analysis (OSMCA) was used to evaluate the framework. The model's robustness was assessed by analyzing the sensitivity of eight TOD scenarios and identifying hotspot clusters using statistical methods. Additionally, the authors ranked the stations based on the highest TOD score and compared TOD with developed and developing cities to gain planning insights. They proposed three different TOD planning methodologies for nodes that emphasize the importance of design, destination access, and density for (re)development, zoning, and affordable housing policies in Dhaka's regions. Finally, the study discussed limitations and future research priorities.


Introduction: Medial compartment knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful and debilitating disease that hinders an individual's day-to-day activities physically and psychologically. Therefore, amelioration of pain is of utmost importance, which can be achieved by decompressing the medial compartment by Proximal Fibular Osteotomy (PFO). PFO is a simple, novel surgical technique that leads to significant pain relief and functional improvement in patients with knee OA. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of PFO in patients with primary medial compartment OA of the knee joint in terms of pain relief and functional outcome. Materials and Methods: A prospective and interventional study was carried out in the Department of Orthopaedics at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, during the period from November 2017 to October 2020. A total of 58 patients with moderate to severe symptoms of medial compartment knee OA underwent PFO. Visual Analogue Score (VAS score), Knee Society Score (KSS), and Femoro-Tibial Angle (FTA) were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and during follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. These parameters (VAS score and KSS) were also compared with groups based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading. Paired-t test was used. A p-value of <0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: Remarkable pain relief was observed by the significant decline in mean VAS score from 8.04±0.68 to 2.65±1.14 at the final follow-up. Mean KSS at final follow-up was 69.82±3.03, which was significantly higher than the preoperative score of 43.38±2.39 (p-value <0.001). A change in mechanical alignment was seen with a decrease in mean FTA from 183.38±1.29° to 179.84±1.83° (p-value <0.001) at the final follow-up. Also, it was observed that results were much more encouraging and consistent in patients with BMI ≤24.99 and K-L grades 1 and 2. Conclusion: PFO is a simple, safe, reasonable, and effective surgical modality of treatment in patients with primary medial compartment knee OA that provides good pain relief and functional improvement. PFO can be an alternative treatment modality for pain relief in patients with medial compartment knee OA.


ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 12 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill) is one of the important fruit vegetable crops grown for fresh and processing purpose all over the India due to its wider adaptability under various agroclimatic conditions, which plays a major role in supplementing the income of small and marginal farmer of the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh state. The present study was carried out at Kanker district during rabi 2016-17. Front line demonstrations were conducted on tomato by the active participation of the farmers with the objective of improved technologies of tomato production potential. The improved technologies consist triple disease resistant hybrid variety (Arka rakshak), balanced fertilizers (Soil test based) application and integrated pest and disease management, etc. The development of the Agriculture is primarily depends on the application of the scientific technologies by making the best use of available resources. One of the major constraints of traditional tomato farming is low productivity because of non-adoption of advanced technologies like improved varieties. To increase the production, productivity and quality of agricultural produce, front line demonstrations are being conducted at various farmers' field. All the recommended practices were provided to the selected farmers. The data related to the cost of cultivation, production, productivity, gross return and net return were collected as per schedule and analyzed. Result of the present study revealed that higher yield in the demonstrations was recorded (471 q ha -1 ) as compared to farmers practice (376 q ha -1 ) traditionally adopted by the farmers. The percentage increase in the yield over farmer's practice 25.26 was recorded. The technology gap, extension gap and technology index were computed 279 q ha -1 , 95 q ha -1 and 37.2% respectively. The demonstrated field gave higher net return Rs.155950 and B:C ratio and incremental B:C ratio is 1:3.27 and 1:3.11 respectively. The result of the study indicated the gap existed in the potential yield and demonstration yield is due to soil fertility and weather conditions. Present results clearly show that the yield and economics of tomato can be boost up by adopting recommended technologies. K e y w o r d s Front line demonstration, Tomato, B:C Ratio, Extension gap and Technology index Accepted: 12 November 2019 Available Online: 10 December 2019 Article Info Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2019) 8(12): 1393-1399


Predation, foraging and mating costs are critical factors shaping life histories. Among colonial seabirds, colony overflights may enhance foraging or mating success, or diminish the risk of predation and kleptoparasitism. The latter possibility is difficult to test because low predation or kleptoparasitism rates could be due either to low danger or to effective counter-tactics by prey. Tufted puffins Fratercula cirrhata breeding at a large colony in British Columbia, Canada, deliver several loads of fish each day to their nestlings and are targets for kleptoparasitism by glaucous-winged gulls Larus glaucescens. In the present study, we documented the ecological conditions under which overflights occurred in order to assess when overflights were made and to statistically isolate the effect of overflights on kleptoparasitism risk at this site. Load-carrying puffins engaged in overflights under ecological conditions associated with relatively high rates of kleptoparasitism. Further, when ecological factors determining risk were statistically controlled, overflights were correlated with marginally lower chances of kleptoparasitism than when the risk factors were ignored. The results suggest that breeding puffins at this site use overflights for kleptoparasite avoidance. This tactic is used sparingly, suggesting it is costly. Costs of overflight behaviour might contribute to the impact of kleptoparasitism on the breeding success of tufted puffins.


A new algorithm for eigenstructure assignment by output feedback is developed that integrates subspace and parametric approaches to eigenstructure assignment. The algorithm is less restrictive than other comparable algorithms and is conceptually simple. An example of the application of the algorithm and of a gain index for moderating the gain of the resulting controller is provided.


The traditional quartz processing industry is characterized by high energy consumption and low purity of product. To save energy and purify the product by a new type of furnace, it is necessary to find the best diameter range of raw material sent in. In order to study the influence of the diameter of quartz raw material on the purity of product, this paper compares 3 kinds of diameter range of quartz which are 0.3-0.45mm, 5-7mm and 10-30mm by heating and melting the raw material and observing the product. Finally, a conclusion that the highest purity of product will be reached when the diameter is between 5-7mm is drawn.


P2Y1 receptor-like responses were analyzed in rat ileal myocytes and in rat brain capillary endothelial cells. In endothelial cells, pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'disulfonic acid (PPADS) inhibits ADP induced intracellular Ca2+ transients with a half maximum effect at 3 microM. PPADS shifts ADP dose response curves to larger concentrations. Yet PPADS is inactive when added at the same time as ADP. A preequilibration of the cells with PPADS is necessary to observe its inhibitory action. Similarly in ileal myocytes, PPADS has no action on ADP responses when it is applied at the same time as ADP. Actions of PPADS require a preequilibration with the cells and are fully reversible. These results suggest that PPADS is not a competitive antagonist of P2Y1 receptors and caution about its usefulness to distinguish subtypes of P2Y1 receptors.


Background Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are major contributors to the burden of dementia. Aims To describe the prevalence, correlates and course of BPSD in the population of England and Wales. Method The prevalence of 12 symptoms was estimated in 587 participants with dementia and 2050 participants without dementia as part of a population-based longitudinal study of ageing. The effect of risk factors and the factor structure were estimated using 1782 interviews provided by participants with dementia throughout the study. Results Each symptom apart from sleeping problems was more common in the population with dementia. The co-occurrence of the symptoms was explained by a four-factor solution, corresponding to psychosis/apathy, depression/anxiety, irritability/persecution and wandering/sleep problems. Psychosis occurred more frequently with declining cognition. Anxiety and depression were more common in younger individuals and in those with poor self-reported health. Persistence varied between symptoms. Conclusions Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia affect nearly all people with dementia. Symptoms co-occur, and the symptoms that affected individuals experience are related to their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.


Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) has been proposed recently as a therapeutic approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes. N-Substituted-glycyl-2-cyanopyrrolidide compounds, typified by NVP-DPP728 (1-[[[2-[(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)amino]ethyl]amino]acetyl]-2-cyano-(S )-p yrrolidine), inhibit degradation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and thereby potentiate insulin release in response to glucose-containing meals. In the present study NVP-DPP728 was found to inhibit human DPP-IV amidolytic activity with a K(i) of 11 nM, a k(on) value of 1.3 x 10(5) M(-)(1) s(-)(1), and a k(off) of 1.3 x 10(-)(3) s(-)(1). Purified bovine kidney DPP-IV bound 1 mol/mol [(14)C]-NVP-DPP728 with high affinity (12 nM K(d)). The dissociation constant, k(off), was 1.0 x 10(-)(3) and 1.6 x 10(-)(3) s(-)(1) in the presence of 0 and 200 microM H-Gly-Pro-AMC, respectively (dissociation t(1/2) approximately 10 min). Through kinetic evaluation of DPP-IV inhibition by the D-antipode, des-cyano, and amide analogues of NVP-DPP728, it was determined that the nitrile functionality at the 2-pyrrolidine position is required, in the L-configuration, for maximal activity (K(i) of 11 nM vs K(i) values of 5.6 to >300 microM for the other analogues tested). Surprisingly, it was found that the D-antipode, despite being approximately 500-fold less potent than NVP-DPP728, displayed identical dissociation kinetics (k(off) of 1.5 x 10(-)(3) s(-)(1)). NVP-DPP728 inhibited DPP-IV in a manner consistent with a two-step inhibition mechanism. Taken together, these data suggest that NVP-DPP728 inhibits DPP-IV through formation of a novel, reversible, nitrile-dependent complex with transition state characteristics.


Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are currently the first-choice drugs for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Avanafil is a novel phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. The drug is characterized by the fast onset of action, higher selectivity, better efficacy and lower rates of side effects. It should be administered in dose of 50 mg to 200 mg. Avanafil is associated with more spontaneous sexual activity.


Abstract The parvulin PIN1 (peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1), is the only enzyme capable of isomerizing prolines of phospho-Serine/Threonine-Proline motifs. PIN1 binds to a subset of proteins and plays an essential role in regulating protein function post-phosphorylation control. Furthermore, the activity of PIN1 regulates the outcome of the signalling of proline-directed kinases (e.g. MAPK, CDK, or GSK3) and thus regulates cell proliferation and cell survival. For these reasons, PIN1 inhibitors are interesting since they may have therapeutic implications for cancer. Several authors have already reported that the non-structural point mutation Trp34Ala prevents PIN1 from interacting with its downstream effector proteins. In this work, we characterized PIN1 structurally, intending to explore new inhibition targets for the rational design of pharmacological activity compounds. Through a conformational diversity analysis of PIN1, we identified and characterized a highly specific druggable pocket around the residue Trp34. This pocket was used in a high-throughput docking screening of 450,000 drug-like compounds, and the top 10 were selected for re-docking studies on the previously used conformers. Finally, we evaluated the binding of each compound by thermal shift assay and found four molecules with a high affinity for PIN1 and potential inhibitory activity. Through this strategy, we achieved novel drug candidates with the ability to interfere with the phosphorylation-dependent actions of PIN1 and with potential applications in the treatment of cancer. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma


CONTEXT.—
The production of whole slide images is the most advanced form of digital pathology, in which a high-resolution digital scanner is used to rapidly scan glass microscope slides and produce a computer-generated whole slide image that can be saved, stored in a network-attached storage device, and accessed through slide management software within the hospital domain and remotely by authorized users. Digital transformation of glass slides has revolutionized the practice of anatomic pathology by facilitating and expediting consultative services, improving clinical workflow, and becoming an indispensable tool in education and research.

OBJECTIVE.—
To highlight the institutional need of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) and the cultural background for obtaining the United Arab Emirates' first comprehensive digital pathology program; to describe a multiphase road map for achieving full implementation of this platform; and to describe the system's clinical applications and its future potential growth.

DATA SOURCES.—
At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we prioritized our efforts to initiate digital consultations (eConsultations) and digital immunohistochemistry services (eIHC) with Cleveland Clinic Laboratories (Cleveland, Ohio). After this, we established an internal archiving system together with a subspecialty-based, organ-specific digital library of pathologic diseases.

CONCLUSIONS.—
We describe the strategic adoption and implementation of digital pathology into the clinical workflow of the pathology and laboratory medicine institute of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and we highlight its impact on clinical operations, educational activities, and patient care.


Background: Cervical cancer screening is a key to detect the pre-cervical cancer earlier, but it is almost not utilized in all developing countries and most cases were diagnosed at late stage of cervical cancer. The current screening level has no much effect to control cervical cancer unless addressing female health workers since they are a role model to the public.
Objective: The study was conducted to assess the utilizations of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among female Health workers in Arba Minch town and Zuria woreda public health facilities in 2016/17.
Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Arba Minch town and Zuria district, among selected female health professions using computer generated technique of simple random sampling. The data was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires and ethical issue had been given more emphasized during data collection time. Data was entered using EPI info version 184.108.40.206 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. The associations of explanatory and outcome variables were assessed by binary logistic regression and those variables with p value of less than 0.25 were included in multivariate analysis and Statistical significant was considered with odd ratio, 95% of confidence interval and p value of <0.05.
Result: About 281 of the respondents were correctly completed the questionnaire of the total respondents, only 27 (9.6%) have had cervical screening within the past three years. There was an association between service year utilization of cervical cancer screening (AOR=4.99, 95% CI: 1.36-18.10), knowledge of cervical cancer screening and utilization of cervical cancer screening (AOR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.05-3.02).
Conclusion: The level of utilization of screening was low in female health workers, service year and knowledge were associated with the utilization of cervical screening. Sustaining awareness creation and sensitization of screening should be given emphasis broadly for female's health workers to increase the number of utilization in health workers.


Ceramics nanometric reinforced polymer composite is a significant material for catalysis, solar cells, production of hydrogen and energy applications, etc. In order to take benefit from the interesting mechanical properties and thermal stability of TiO2, these ceramic nanomaterials was synthesized by the Sol-Gel process in attempt to study the thermal stability, structure, and morphology of the resulting nanoparticles powders. The obtained results revealed that, the sphere is composed of 20-30 nm nanoparticles with excellent thermal stability of nano-TiO2. This work focused on the thermal characterization and the study of nanocomposite xWt. %TiO2/PP (x=0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 mol%). In this study, the obtained results revealed that the molar ratio of TiO2 influences the final thermal stability and degree of crystallinity of the composite. It was found that the use of TiO2 seems to be an effective and very promising way to increase the thermal properties of the resulting composite. The greatest degree of crystallinity (54.80%) and thermal degradation stability are obtained for composite reinforced by 7.5Wt. %TiO2.


Calculating the reliability of the power grid is difficult because it is made up of thousands of components and even though the failure mode of each component may be known, they are not independent of each other. Thus the models required to conduct reliability analysis are difficult to develop and are often complex enough to make the techniques for analysis very cumbersome. Usually controllers like protection relays have been considered more such components and their failures taken into account. However, these independent relays and other controllers are morphing into more complex control systems that can be considered a layer of cyber system that overlays the power grid. This means that the failure modes of these relays and controls are no longer independent but are causally connected to each other through software and communications. In this presentation, we will discuss the models and methods of reliability analysis that are used today, how these models and analysis are being complicated by the growing cyber layer as a result of the move towards a smart grid, and what some of the directions of research may be to surmount the difficulties of analyzing this cyber-physical system.


A new system for the microscopic classification of fly-ash components has been developed by the Fly-Ash Working Group, Commission III of the ICCP and is presented herein. The studied fly-ashes were obtained from the combustion of single coals of varied rank, coal blends, and coals blended with other fuels (biomass, petroleum coke), in different operating conditions and by means of different technologies. Microscopic images of the fly-ash samples were used to test the optical criteria proposed for classifying the fly-ash components. The classification system developed is based on a small number of microscopic criteria, subdivided into six independent levels or categories, three of which are directed at whole particle identification on the basis of nature, origin and type of fly-ash particle, while the other three levels are directed at the smaller section identification on the basis of character, structure and optical texture of unburned carbons. To classify the inorganic components of the fly-ash, the criterion proposed is composition in terms of metallic/non-metallic character. To establish the classification criteria the petrographers involved in the work performed three successive round robins. Evaluation of the results by using firstly descriptive statistics and then the criteria and parameters employed by the ICCP in their accreditation programs indicated that the classification of the fly-ash components was accurate and that there was only a minor bias. The main conclusion of this study was that the proposed criteria are valuable for identifying, and classifying fly-ash components and for describing the optical properties of flyash particles.


In the Gutzwiller's formulation of the quantum periodic Toda lattice, quantization conditions are expressed in terms of the Floquet's characteristic exponents which are equal to the zeros of a Hill-type determinant. We have derived an integral equation for the density distribution of those zeros for the ground state in the large N limit. The large N asymptotic expansions of the conserved quantities given by this density distribution are found to be fairly good approximations to the exact values. We have also carried out the semiclassical quantization by the EBK formulation and the semiclassical eigenvalues turned out very close to the exact values. Short title: Large N limit of the quantum periodic Toda lattice PACS number: 03.65.Ge, 03.65.Sq


Although this monograph is short (seventy-six pages) on the development of the case-study peoples and long (eighty-eight pages) on Teutonic Strukturanalyse and Marxian sosiale Zusammensetzung, it is nevertheless an important and difficult comparative study and a contribution to a neglected aspect of an otherwise wellknown subject, and will be studied and appreciated by students of national rebirths. An extension of the author's previous work on the social composition of Czech national institutions (1957), the book has as its main hypothesis that the origin of modern national rebirths cannot be explained simply as the result of patriotic agitation. The work is basically an analysis of the social stratification, territorial distribution, occupation of parents, and early environment of the national leaders of seven small peoples of differing historical development. The author, eliminating Southern Europe and the Balkans, concentrates on Central, Eastern, and Western Europe. Central Europe is represented by the Czechs, who are seen as a type possessing an old culture and a national tongue, and having experienced previous independence. (The Slovaks are treated briefly as a study in contrast.) The Lithuanians, Estonians, Finns, and Norwegians were chosen to characterize Eastern Europe. The Lithuanians represent a type having an independent history and a tradition of political autonomy, but lacking cultural development in their national tongue. The Estonians were selected as having no independent cultural or political tradition of their own. The Finns are depicted as a type having no strong native cultural or linguistic tradition, but having experienced political autonomy. The Norwegians are presented as an example of a people whose national rebirth ran first along political lines and later along cultural ones. Finally (representing the West), the Flemish are studied as an example of the unsuccessful efforts of the patriots in a country that is highly developed politically and economically to prevent a multilingual state from arising. The author's many rather complex conclusions are neither unanticipated nor conclusive, but really argue for further research. There are over 250 footnotes, maps, and tables, but no bibliography or index.


Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngitis are common diseases in Thai population. Since now, we found that acid reflux was one of the most common causes of laryngitis. The term laryngophayngeal reflux (LPR) is used to describe esophageal acid reflux into laryngeal and pharyngeal areas. Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring seems to be the best modality to establish LPR, although some caution should be concerned in the interpretation of these results. Treatment of patient with suspected "reflux laryngitis" with antireflux medications has been shown to be effective. Although limited double-blind, controlled study recently showed equivocal result in improvement among patients treated with PPIs versus placebo. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to evaluate effect of rabeprazole for therapeutic trial in chronic idiopathic laryngitis. Symptoms and laryngeal finding were assessed prior to and 12 weeks after randomization to rabeprazole or placebo group. Results: Thirty patients had qualified for the study. In all cases, ambulatory, 24-hour, double probe pH monitoring and video laryngoscopy were done. All enrolled patients completed the study. There were 4 males and 11 females in both rabeprazole group and placebo group. The most common symptoms were globus sensation (86.7%), excess throat mucous (80%), heartburn or regurgitation (70%). The mean reflux symptom index (RSI) at the initial pretreatment visit was 11.4 and the mean RSI at the completion of the 12-week treatment period was 5.3. The mean RSI difference between pre and post treatment was 6.1 ± 3.7. When determined clinical response, the improvement of symptom score more than 60% from pretreatment, there was no statistically significance between rabeprazole and placebo group. (p = 0.143) In subgroup of positive pH monitoring, RSI significantly decreased in rabeprazole group when compare to placebo. While in pH negative subgroup, rabeprazole improved symptom score without statistically significances when compared with placebo. (p >0.05) In general, symptom scores improved over time for patients in both groups. There were no statistical differences between rabeprazole and placebo groups for symptoms improvement at 4 and 8 weeks therapy. All patients underwent video laryngoscopy at pretreatment period. Only 22 had undergone video laryngoscopy at the end of treatment. There was no differences in pretreatment and % improvement of RFS at the end of study between rabeprazole (7.4 ± 2.8) and placebo group. (7.6 ± 2.6) (p = 0.84) In subgroup of previous medication used, rabeprazole can improve RSI symptoms 81.78%. There was no adverse reaction demonstrated in both groups. Conclusions: Rabeprazole improves clinical symptoms and laryngeal signs in LPR patients with positive 24-hour pH monitoring results. 24-hour pH monitoring is helpful in identification of patients likely to response to antireflux therapy.


A Web portal can be defined as a Web site for a specific audience that aggregates an array of content and provides a variety of services including search engines, directories, news, e-mail and chat rooms. This article investigates the factors that must be considered during the design and development of an academic portal. Personal interviews were conducted with academics in order to identify the content, functions, appearance and value of an academic portal. A working academic portal, the Infoportal, was developed to support academics' task performance.


Background: During the past 30 years, pancreatic cancer (PC) has constantly been the fourth leading cause of cancer death. PC is usually advanced at the time of diagnosis, with an overall five years survival rate of less than 5%. Obesity, characterized by high levels of leptin, is pandemic in United States and a risk factor for PC. Notch abnormal signaling is linked to carcinogenesis, tumor angiogenesis and self renewal capacity of PC stem cells (PCSC). We have previously shown that leptin induces proliferation of PC cell lines, increases Notch expression, PCSC and tumorsphere formation. To test leptin effects in a PC mouse model, a specific and potent signaling inhibitor bound to nanoparticles, IONP-LPrA2 was produced by us. Hypothesis: High levels of leptin induce early onset and multiplicity of PC xenografts, which is abrogated by IONP-LPrA2 treatment. Methods: Human PC cell line MiaPaCa-2 was challenged with leptin or IONP-LPrA2. The expression of pluripotency associated genes (STAT3, Oct4, Sox2 and NANOG) was evaluated. MiaPaCa-2 cells forming tumorspheres were treated with leptin or IONP-LPrA2 and inoculated into CD1 nu/nu mice. Untreated tumorspheres were inoculated as controls. A group of mice were injected twice a week with IONP-LPrA2. Tumor onset and growth were assessed. PC xenografts were analyzed for expression of Ki67 (proliferation marker), leptin targeted molecules (Notch), PCSC markers etc. Results: Leptin induced the expression of PCSC pluripotency markers. Moreover, leptin treatment of tumorspheres induced early tumor onset and multiplicity. Also, leptin increased proliferation, PCSC and oncogenic markers in PC xenografts. IONP-LPrA2 reduced leptin effects. No changes of mice food intake and body weight were observed. Conclusions: This observation might imply that obese patients are at high risk to develop PC. Inhibition of leptin signaling may be used as preventative or therapeutic strategy for PC, especially in obese patients. Acknowledgements: this work was supported by DOD W81XWH-13-1-0382; NIH/SBIR 1R41CA183399-01A1; Pilot Project Award from MSM/Tuskegee University/UAB Cancer Center partnership grant 5U54CA118638; PC SPORE Grant from UAB to RRGP, and facilities and support services at Morehouse School of Medicine (1G12RR026250-03; NIH RR 03034 and 1C06 RR18386). Citation Format: Adriana Harbuzariu, Antonio Rampoldi, Danielle S. Daley-Brown, Tia L. Harmon, Derrick J. Beech, Gabriela Oprea-Ilies, Ruben R. Gonzalez-Perez. Leptin induces early onset and aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1034.


Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has come to the fore as a spectral-efficient technique for fifth-generation and beyond communication networks. We consider the downlink of a NOMA system with untrusted users. In order to consider a more realistic scenario, imperfect successive interference cancellation is assumed at the receivers during the decoding process. Since pair outage probability (POP) ensures a minimum rate guarantee to each user, it behaves as a measure of the quality of service for the pair of users. With the objective of designing a reliable communication protocol, we derive the closed-form expression of POP. Further, we find the optimal power allocation that minimizes the POP. Lastly, numerical results have been presented which validate the exactness of the analysis, and reveal the effect of various key parameters on achieved pair outage performance. In addition, we benchmark optimal power allocation against equal and fixed power allocations with respect to POP. The results indicate that optimal power allocation results in improved communication reliability.


A phenomenological energy-based model for stress-softening of isotropic, incompressible hyperelastic rubberlike materials is derived by using neo-Hookean material model. In this model, the microstructural damage is characterized by an exponential softening function that depends on the current magnitude of the strain–energy function and its maximum previous value in a deformation of the virgin material. This theoretical damage model is developed in order to provide a description of an idealized form of the Mullins effect for various deformation states. Non-dimensionalization of the problem allows easy comparison of the balloon shapes for different dynamic conditions on the same plot. Tension and stretch distribution along the balloon height can be predicted. Air drag is particularly useful in controlling the shape and size of the balloon. This book presents elastic behavior observed at large deformations where hyperelasticity can play a vital role in the dynamics of fracture, and that linear theory is incapable of fully capturing all fracture phenomena. It also helps in understanding the nonlinear behavior of hyperelastic material under various dynamic conditions.


World population is increasing rapidly from time to time. Scientists expected to fulfill the demand of food by the highly increasing population of the era. So, one method of improvement to increase the yield is including synthetic varieties in the agriculture sector. Synthetics and the specialized populations derived from them-known synthetic varieties which are considered completely equivalent to synthetic cultivars are common products of plant breeding activities in a wide array of cross-pollinated species. A synthetic variety is developed through intercrossing of several genotypes of known superior combining ability. In order to use the synthetic varieties in breeding methods there should be clear information on their history, selection method, development, application, source and created population from them. So this paper is reviewed the history, development and applications of synthetic varieties in crop improvements. Keywords: Combining ability, cross pollinated, population, synthetic varieties


This paper reviews the applications of artificial intelligence and neural networks in power engineering. It first reports areas in power systems that artificial intelligence has been applied to. It then summarises the artificial intelligence techniques which have been employed and makes suggestions for the improvement of existing artificial intelligence tools. Following this, the paper concentrates on neural networks and their applications to power systems. The multi-layer feedforward network is introduced and the problems in establishing neural network approaches based on this network for power system applications are discussed. Future themes for further development in artificial intelligence and neural network applications in power systems are proposed. >


Many arboreal mammals use their forelimbs and forepaws for food handling and for locomotion. To investigate the relations between these major categories of limb use, I examined the locomotor behaviors, food handling, and postures of three arboreal procyonid carnivores, kinkajous ( Potos flavus ), coatis ( Nasua narica and N. nasua ), and raccoons ( Procyon lotor ). The characteristics shared by these three species include occasional to frequent bipedalism (sitting and standing) and the ability to reverse the hind feet at least partially during climbing. The major differences between taxa are in footfall patterns and food handling behaviors. The frugivorous kinkajous grasp objects with a single-handed converging grip, hang upside down with fully reversed hind feet, display remarkable vertebral flexibility, and possess a prehensile tail. All these traits permit kinkajous to feed effectively from terminal branches. Their crouched posture and an unprecedented variety of footfall patterns are not directly related to feeding behavior, but rather to climbing ability. Coatis and raccoons find most of their food on the ground. Postures and use of the forepaws during feeding are suitable for terrestrial conditions, but appear to compromise their arboreal performance. Coatis are excellent diggers and shredders, but have little fine control of digit movements; these traits, and their musculoskeletal correlates, preclude the grasping ability and terminal branch feeding seen in kinkajous. Raccoons possess exquisite fine control of forepaw digits, but do not have the converging grasp of kinkajous. Their semidigitigrade forelimb posture reduces the surface area of forefoot contact with the substrate and may adversely affect their ability to negotiate slender supports.


The Octopleura clade of Miconia is a natural group of Neotropical subshrubs and small trees comprising some thirty-three species. These had previously been described in Ossaea and Clidemia , two traditionally recognized genera of Miconieae, but this natural group is nested within the megadiverse genus Miconia . This study represents the first comprehensive monograph of the clade across its entire range based on a study of over 2100 collections from seven herbaria. Thirteen new combinations are made ( Miconia aguilarii , M. aurantiaca , M. biolleyana , M. boekei , M. chocoensis , M. evanescens , M. incerta , M. laxivenula , M. palenquensis , M. quinquenervia , M. radicans , M. reitziana , and M. rufibarbis ). Thirteen new names are provided for epithets preempted in Miconia ( M. albertobrenesii , M. alboglandulosa , M. approximata , M. atropurpurea , M. bensparrei , M. bractiflora , M. erikasplundii , M. magnifolia , M. neocoronata , M. quadridomius , M. sessilis , M. spiciformis , and M. variabilis ). Six new species are proposed ( M. alatissima , M. anchicayensis , M. formicaria , M. latidecurrens , M. renatoi , and M. veraguensis ). A taxonomic key, detailed descriptions, distribution maps, and phenological and ecological information are presented for all species, along with SEM images of seed morphology for selected species. A preliminary geospatial conservation assessment is made for each species. Diagnostic illustrations are included for all new taxa and other selected species. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on four genic loci is presented, along with a reconstruction of ancestral character states. Molecular and morphological data are used to develop a better understanding of the constituent species of the clade and their evolutionary relationships. Three subclades, Approximata, Quinquenervia, and Variabilis, are evident within the Octopleura clade, and supported by morphological synapomorphies.


Plasma is gaining increasing interest for N2 fixation, being a flexible, electricity-driven alternative for the current conventional fossil fuel-based N2 fixation processes. As the vibrational-induced dissociation of N2 is found to be an energy-efficient pathway to acquire atomic N for the fixation processes, plasmas that are in vibrational nonequilibrium seem promising for this application. However, an important challenge in using nonequilibrium plasmas lies in preventing vibrational-translational (VT) relaxation processes, in which vibrational energy crucial for N2 dissociation is lost to gas heating. We present here both experimental and modeling results for the vibrational and gas temperature in a microsecond-pulsed microwave (MW) N2 plasma, showing how power pulsing can suppress this unfavorable VT relaxation and achieve a maximal vibrational nonequilibrium. By means of our kinetic model, we demonstrate that pulsed plasmas take advantage of the long time scale on which VT processes occur, yielding a very pronounced nonequilibrium over the whole N2 vibrational ladder. Additionally, the effect of pulse parameters like the pulse frequency and pulse width are investigated, demonstrating that the advantage of pulsing to inhibit VT relaxation diminishes for high pulse frequencies (around 7000 kHz) and long power pulses (above 400 μs). Nevertheless, all regimes studied here demonstrate a clear vibrational nonequilibrium while only requiring a limited power-on time, and thus, we may conclude that a pulsed plasma seems very interesting for energy-efficient vibrational excitation.


The first simultaneous measurement of the reflectivity and the X-ray yield from the preformed plasma was performed with a fine temporal resolution between the prepulse and the main ionization pulse. Enhancement of the X-ray emission at the long temporal separation is due to the increase of the absorption of an intense ultrashort laser pulse in a preformed plasma with a scale length longer than laser wavelength. The maximum response of X-ray emission at 22.5° and the weak dependence on the polarization of input laser light infer that collisional absorption with additional resonance absorption in a nonuniform critical density profile is the main absorption process in the preformed plasma.


OBJECTIVE
Arteriovenous fistulae traditionally have been placed in the upper extremity. Experience with groin hemodialysis access has been discouraging because of high infection rates and associated limb amputation. We reviewed our experience with angioaccess grafts in the groin to assess safety and viability in our hemodialysis patient population.

METHODS
A retrospective review was performed of all groin hemodialysis access grafts placed at a single tertiary care center between June 1990 and February 1998. Demographics, complications, and subsequent treatment were recorded. Graft patency and infection rates were analyzed with life-table analysis.

RESULTS
Data were collected on 73 graft insertions. A total of 52 episodes of thrombosis occurred in 26 grafts. Primary patency rate was 71% at 1 year. Secondary patency rate was 83% at 1 year. There was a 22% incidence rate of infection.

CONCLUSION
We conclude that the incidence rate of infection and thrombosis in our series of femoral-based hemodialysis grafts is comparable with rates reported in the literature for upper extremity polytetrafluoroethylene angioaccess grafts. Although not considered a first choice, femoral artery-based hemodialysis access is a viable option when arteriovenous fistulae in the upper extremity cannot be constructed.


The paper aims at determining the principles of participative management and the nuances of their implementation into integrated e-learning, which complements the traditional forms of education in emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The research uses a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from Dashkova for the education sphere and developed with the consideration of participative management principles. The survey involved 289 students and 293 university teachers. The study found that participative management is the best approach to integrating e-learning into the education process.. It ensures effective communication contributing to the uniting of objectives of all participants by expanding their engagement in the management of the education process. Assessment and recognition of participative management in university may be one realistic scenario for more rapid adaptation and effective implementation of diverse learning trajectories.


Abstract Introduction Necrotizing autoimmune myopathies (NAMs) are acquired myopathies with myofibrillar necrosis and weak or absent inflammatory component, sometimes associated with anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) or 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) antibodies. Observation The patient, a girl now aged 20 years, was first assessed at the age of 5 years for abnormal gait revealing frank pelvic deficit. Creatine kinase (CK) levels were as high as 7,500 IU/L. Subsequent muscle biopsy showed some necrosis, fiber regeneration, and fibrosis consistent with muscular dystrophy (MD). Protein immunohistochemistry was normal. The disease course was progressive until wheelchair use at the age of 9 years. At 12 years of age, a second muscle biopsy found an advanced MD with some perivascular inflammatory mononuclear cells. All molecular analyses done through 14 years of follow-up were negative till anti-HMGCR antibodies were detected at a significant amount when she was 19 years old. Discussion NAMs begin at a pediatric age and may have a chronic course mimicking MDs. Muscular biopsy can be misleading with a predominantly dystrophic pattern without inflammation. Conclusion This observation should prompt the assessment of NAMs in all MDs, even pediatric, without molecular solutions.


In university physics courses the moment of inertia is a new concept, which falls out from secondary school level. The article presents the discussion of how the moments of inertia can be treated without using calculus in algebra based introductory physics courses. The proposed methodology defined in algorithmic way is introduced: representing the initial object as sum of discrete N masses, that is transferring the problem from continuous to discrete one; providing summation over such a discrete system to calculate the moment of inertia of it (mathematical notion omitted); tending N to infinity , that is returning from discrete to continuous mode again to obtain (mathematical notion omitted). The proposed methodology relies on the summation techniques readily accessible to an algebra-based introductory physics class. In fact, what students are required to know from mathematics, are some of the formulas for sum of degrees of the natural numbers: (mathematical notion omitted). Deriving that is within the scope of students abilities: as prerequisite, all what they have to know is formula for the sum of arithmetical progression for the first N natural numbers, and the formulas for higher degrees can be obtained from it by simple recurrence technique. Based on few examples, it is shown how the proposed algorithmic methodology works in practice for situations of various shaped bodies.


Performance analysis for a hybrid subcarrier-multiplexed (SCM) AM/QAM transmission over an optical fiber is presented. It is shown that the bit-error-rate (BER) of M-ary QAM in such hybrid systems can be significantly affected due to occasional laser "clipping" of the SCM signal. Here we analytically determine the asymptotic distribution of the clipping noise by modeling it as a Poisson impulse train. The BER of M-ary QAM is then evaluated in terms of optical modulation indices of M-ary QAM and AM signals which in turn specify signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), impulsive index (clipping index) of the clipping noise, and power ratio of the Gaussian noise to the clipping noise. Numerical examples are given and compared with experimental data with reasonably good agreement for small SNR's. The results have application for estimating the BER's of digital signals for SCM analog/digital transmission over an optical fiber and for employing appropriate error correction codes and/or optimum receiver design for such environments. >


The development of dislocation dissociation configurations in the temperature range of the yield stress anomaly in L1 2 ordered alloys has been analysed by taking into account the interaction forces between superpartial dislocations within the framework of anisotropic linear elasticity and the forces due to an applied stress. The results obtained are in agreement with recent observations of dissociated dislocations by both in situ and post-mortem electron microscopy


Abstract Background: Traditionally, classical test theory (CTT) has been used for instrument development and various methods have since been proposed for reducing outcome measures to shorter versions. These reduction methods have not previously been compared in mental or physical health. Aim: To identify and compare the various methods used to develop brief versions of outcome measures from existing measures in mental health. Method: A systematic review of the literature in Embase, Medline, PsychInfo and from a grey literature was done. Search strategies were developed in each database to identify all relevant literature based on the inclusion criteria. Each paper identified was briefly described and then assessed using a bespoke assessment checklist developed by the authors. Methods for reducing outcome measures found across all studies were compared. Results: Ten papers were identified. Five methods were used for scale reduction: Rasch analysis (RA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), graded response models (GRMs), all-subset regression, and regression. RA was the most widely used process. Conclusion: The Rasch model (RM) is the only model where "'specific objectivity"' is a defining property of the model. This property is necessary for constructing scales in line with the fundamental principles of measurement.


Metamorphosis is a crucial life-history event that can change an organism's form, function, behavior, and ecological interactions. In the Mollusca, several neurotransmitters and neuromodulators play inductive or inhibitory roles in the pathways that govern larval metamorphosis. Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in developmental processes in vertebrates and arthropods, but not previously in molluscs. We determined that NO donors block pharmacologically induced metamorphosis in the mud snail Ilyanassa obsoleta, whereas injections of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) allow competent larvae to become juveniles. We describe a new developmental role for NO, as an endogenous inhibitor of molluscan metamorphosis.


A new method for testing material properties has been applied to determine the shear strengths of specimens of Sitka spruce and Douglas-fir. The method permits the realization of pure shear in the critical section of the specimen. Pure shear is not achieved in the current American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) shear test. The large strength ranges of wood fibers and the vast differences in strength between earlywood and latewood fibers can still cause significant scatter in the test data, but the effect of combined stresses can be effectively controlled. Because of the special properties of wood, failure always follows the slope of the grain. The new method can only yield shear strength parallel to grain, which is required for engineering design purposes.


Diet therapy and exercise are used as main therapeutic methods for weight reduction to correct disrupted energy balance in obese patients. However, introduction as well as maintenance of these therapies is not so easy. Behavioral therapy to reinforce changes in diet and physical activity is useful for weight reduction. Especially, changes in life style including acquisition of new habit of eating and physical activity may be important for long-term maintenance of reduced body weight. As specific behavioral strategies, self monitoring, stress management, stimulus control, problem solving, contingency management, cognitive reconstruction and social support are recommended. Charting of daily weight pattern reinforces maintenance of weight reduction in moderately obese patients because it can include many factors of these strategies. Finally, it can be expected that combination of diet therapy, exercise, behavioral therapy and drug therapy may further improve effectiveness of interventions.


Cancer is a family affair. Clinical work and research studies have shown that cancer affects the entire family and that spouses especially are often highly distressed. Breast cancer has a special importance for a couple. It is convenient to help the patient and her husband together. In the first six months especially psychooncological intervention seems to be necessary. Psychotherapy of groups of couples has shown benefits in their improved ability to talk to one another, especially using social learning by a model (e.g. A. Bandura et al). Less helplessness and more acceptance of support from outside are further effects. Moreover, this form of intervention has economic benefits due to the amount of time needed and reduced costs in comparison with individual therapy.


A significant role of employees in the development of the sports and
 recreational tourism has been confirmed many times in developed tourist
 destinations. In this sense, this paper, as its current and relevant topic,
 analyzes the socio-demographic structure of the employees in tourism and
 sports centres as well as sports and recreational organizations within the
 hotels in Montenegro coast, and the position of the employees within these
 organizations. Special elements of the study are perceptions of the
 respondents' needs for education and training of the personnel, and their
 views and suggestions for improving the development of sports and
 recreational tourism.


The article suggests rethinking institutional anomalies (bad, inefficient, destructive institutions and related processes and effects) in a positive way. The term 'extitutions' is introduced as transcending institutions of (beyond-institutional) models of social order, based on variations of norms. The extitutional interpretation of the nature of institutional anomalies allows us to critically reconsider associated dichotomies (such as 'bad / good institutions' like North-Wallis-Weingast or Acemoglu-Robinson), approaches (eg, functionalism and evaluative 'something wrong'-approach) and stereotypes (including one-sided negative interpretation of 'bad' institutions, "presumption of guilt" of interest groups, etc.). The author's position is to understand institutional anomalies as the main product of institutional complexity. The article also substantiates the expediency of taking into account the role of institutional configurations and small institutional entrepreneurship in the formation of 'anomalous' institutions. An agenda is proposed for future research in the field of the theory of institutional anomalies


In this paper we review some results obtained within the context of
the predictive microbiology, which is a specific field of the population
dynamics. In particular we discuss three models, which exploit tools of
statistical mechanics, for bacterial dynamics in food of animal origin. In the
first model, the random fluctuating behaviour, experimentally measured, of the
temperature is considered. In the second model stochastic differential equations
are introduced to take into account the influence of physical and chemical
variables, such as temperature, pH and activity water, subject to deterministic
and random variations. The third model, which is an extended version of the
second one, neglects the environmental fluctuations, and concentrates on the
role of the interspecific bacterial interactions. The comparison between
expected results and observed data indicates that the presence of noise sources
and interspecific bacterial interactions improves the predictive features of
the models analyzed.


Background Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is common in the aging population. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of SVD on functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) receiving endovascular treatment (EVT). Methods From a prospective registry, we selected patients with AIS receiving EVT. SVD features, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes and brain atrophy, were assessed on MRI and a validated SVD score was calculated to reflect the total SVD burden. Results Among 137 patients included, 106 had none-mild SVD burden and 31 had moderate-severe SVD burden. The moderate-severe SVD burden group showed a significantly higher modified Rankin Scale score at 90 d (median, 4 versus 1 points, adjusted common odds ratio 0.32 [95% CI, 0.14–0.69], P < 0.01) and a significantly smaller improvement of NIHSS at 24 h (median, –3 versus –3 points, adjusted β coefficient 4.02 [95% CI, 0.57–7.48], P = 0.02) and 7 days (median, –4 versus –6 points, adjusted β coefficient 4.71 [95% CI, 1.06–8.36], P = 0.01) than the none-mild group. There was no significant difference in successful recanalization, death within 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 24 h between two groups (all P > 0.05). Additionally, for each single SVD feature, brain atrophy and WMH, but not lacunes, were associated with the functional outcome. Conclusion Moderate-severe SVD burden was associated with poor early and late functional outcomes in patients with AIS receiving EVT. Our results suggest that SVD score may act as a good predictor of outcomes in these patients.


Ultrashort laser pulses are used to create surface structures on thin ( $25~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ ) silicon (Si) wafers. Scanning the wafer with a galvanometric mirror system creates large homogeneously structured areas. The variety of structure shapes that can be generated with this method is exemplified by the analysis of shape, height and distance of structures created in the ambient media air and isopropanol. A study of the correlation between structure height and remaining wafer thickness is presented. The comparatively easy manufacturing technique and the structure variety that allows for custom-tailored targets show great potential for high repetition rate ion acceleration experiments.


Understanding the mechanism of the negative differential resistance (NDR) in transition metal dichalcogenides is essential for fundamental science and the development of electronic devices. Here, the NDR of the current–voltage characteristics was observed based on the glutamine-functionalized WS2 quantum dots (QDs). The NDR effect can be adjusted by varying the applied voltage range, air pressure, surrounding gases, and relative humidity. A peak-to-valley current ratio as high as 6.3 has been achieved at room temperature. Carrier trapping induced by water molecules was suggested to be responsible for the mechanism of the NDR in the glutamine-functionalized WS2 QDs. Investigating the NDR of WS2 QDs may promote the development of memory applications and emerging devices.


HIV-1 integrase (IN) is a validated target for developing antiretroviral inhibitors. Using affinity acetylation and mass spectrometric (MS) analysis, we previously identified a tetra-acetylated inhibitor (2E)-3-[3,4-bis(acetoxy)phenyl]-2-propenoate-N-[(2E)-3-[3,4-bis(acetyloxy)phenyl]-1-oxo-2-propenyl]-l-serine methyl ester; compound 1] that selectively modified Lys173 at the IN dimer interface. Here we extend our efforts to dissect the mechanism of inhibition and structural features that are important for the selective binding of compound 1. Using a subunit exchange assay, we found that the inhibitor strongly modulates dynamic interactions between IN subunits. Restricting such interactions does not directly interfere with IN binding to DNA substrates or cellular cofactor lens epithelium-derived growth factor, but it compromises the formation of the fully functional nucleoprotein complex. Studies comparing compound 1 with a structurally related IN inhibitor, the tetra-acetylated-chicoric acid derivative (2R,3R)-2,3-bis[[(2E)-3-[3,4-bis(acetyloxy)phenyl]-1-oxo-2-propen-1-yl]oxy]-butanedioic acid (compound 2), indicated striking mechanistic differences between these agents. The structures of the two inhibitors differ only in their central linker regions, with compounds 1 and 2 containing a single methyl ester group and two carboxylic acids, respectively. MS experiments highlighted the importance of these structural differences for selective binding of compound 1 to the IN dimer interface. Moreover, molecular modeling of compound 1 complexed to IN identified a potential inhibitor binding cavity and provided structural clues regarding a possible role of the central methyl ester group in establishing an extensive hydrogen bonding network with both interacting subunits. The proposed mechanism of action and binding site for the small-molecule inhibitor identified in the present study provide an attractive venue for developing allosteric inhibitors of HIV-1 IN.


abstract Passifloraceae sensu lato currently encompasses Malesherbiaceae, Turneraceae and Passifloraceae sensu stricto, with Malesherbiaceae being the sister of Turneraceae + Passifloraceae sensu stricto. In Brazil, Turneraceae is represented by the genera Piriqueta and Turnera, and Piriqueta in turn is represented by 38 species. The main objective of this study was to characterise the pollen grains of species of Piriqueta, since few works have addressed the pollen morphology of this genus. The intention is to contribute to a more precise delimitation of taxa, compare pollen morphology between Piriqueta and Passifloraceae sensu lato, and provide characters for future phylogenetic analyses. The pollen of 14 species of Piriqueta occurring in Brazil was studied. The pollinic material was acetolysed, measured and described, electron photomicrographs were taken, and multivariate analysis was conducted. The species analysed are characterised by having pollen grains that are in monads, isopolar, medium sized (25.0–49.9 µm) or large (50.0–100.0 µm), 3-colporate, with short or long colpi, a lalongate or nearly circular endoaperture, and a microreticulate or reticulate sexine, and are heterobrochate and simplicolumellate. The principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) confirm the separation of species using quantitative pollen grain variables. In relation to the patterns of the exine and the number of apertures, the genus Piriqueta differs from Passiflora in possessing pollen that is 3-colporate and has only a microreticulate or reticulate exine. The analysis of pollen morphology of the genera Piriqueta and Passiflora does not support the inclusion of the family Turneraceae (here represented by Piriqueta) in Passifloraceae sensu lato since the pollen characters do not correspond to the monophyletic grouping of Passifloraceae sensu lato.


Most of us are probably agreed that the therapeutic problem of acne is not yet satisfactorily solved. The early favorable results with roentgen therapy and especially the wider use of this modality following the more exact dosage obtainable with the Coolidge tube made it seem for some years that little more was needed, but a later appraisal of the results seems to have shown that there is still room for improvement. This realization together with the more recent knowledge of female hormone physiology and therapy has led to a renewed interest in the therapeutic problem of the disease. At present there is a state of flux concerning it. Formerly the treatment was practically routinized, the routine being so many doses of the roentgen ray. Now there is a greater tendency to recognize the limitations of the therapeutic weapons and to individualize and select treatment according to each case. To me


A new method for determination of the orientation matrix of Laue X-ray data is presented. The method is based on matching of the experimental patterns of central reciprocal lattice rows projected on a unit sphere centered on the origin of the reciprocal lattice with the corresponding pattern of a monochromatic data set on the same material. This technique is applied to the complete data set and thus eliminates problems often encountered when single frames with a limited number of peaks are to be used for orientation matrix determination. Application of the method to a series of Laue data sets on organometallic crystals is described. The corresponding program is available under a Mozilla Public License-like open-source license.


Video and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) were used in combination to create an instructional program for Open Learning students who are novice library users. An important requirement was to enable the students to develop generic skills that could be applied to any library and catalogue system. The instructional analysis involved identification of strategic knowledge applied by expert librarians, and analysing this to reveal the declarative and procedural knowledge base necessary to carry out search tasks. The instructional materials used a design strategy that involved cognitive modelling of the relevant processes in the video material, and also in the CAI package where the student is able to practice all skills and to gain experience of the range of catalogue systems available. The instruction focuses on learning strategies that will enable the novice to use an unfamiliar catalogue system by recognising basic attributes, locating appropriate instructions and relating these to standard search procedures.


A new algorithm for analysis of nonorthogonal layout is presented. The algorithm is a combination of the scanline and the corner stitching technique. It performs a directed enumeration of all tiles and pairs of abutting tiles that are retained only in a narrow band of adjustable width sweeping over the artwork. The enumeration provides a clean interface to many layout analysis tasks, such as design rule checking and circuit extraction. With N representing the size of the input, the expected-case time and space complexities of the algorithm are O(N) and O( square root N), respectively.<<ETX>>


A mild, specific one-step dealumination of ZSM-5 is reported for the first time that significantly increases para xylene selectivity and ethyl benzene conversion by disproportionation in the xylene isomerization reaction of xylene mixtures/ethyl benzene feeds under industrial conditions, i.e., 380 °C, 390 °C and 400 °C, at a pressure of 8 bar, weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) values of 2 to 8 h−1, and a H2/HC ratio of 4. Oxalic acid and ammonium hexafluorosilicate (AHFS) were used as dealuminating agents. Mild increases of the Si/Al molar ratio by one unit using oxalic acid or by 10 units using AHFS resulted in a more than 10% increase in para xylene when approaching equilibrium at 400 °C and WHSV = 2 h−1. However, the oxalic acid-treated sample increased ethylbenzene conversion by more than 30% with respect to the parent zeolite under the applied operating conditions. The AHFS-treated samples exhibited decreases in ethylbenzene conversion irrespective of the extent of dealumination.


The case study reported here concerned an intrauterine death as a result of a Kell erythroblastosis. Allergization had been caused by the administration of Kell-positive banked blood. Irregular antibodies are on the increase as a result of the increasing number of blood transfusions. It is recommended that the Kell system be considered in the selection of banked blood for girls and women of childbearing age--a practice that has been followed at the Innsbruck University Clinics for almost four years now. The indirect Coombs' test should be performed in order to establish Kell antibodies and other clinically significant antibodies. The enzyme test is recommended as a supplementary examination, but should never be used as the sole antibody test. As with rhesus incompatibility, and insofar as the determination of the father's Kell characteristics show him to be an antigen carrier, monitoring of allergized pregnant women must be carried out with the help of antibody titer follow-ups, amniocenteses, and ultrasonographic examinations at short notice.


The optical absorption and transmission spectra in (UVVIS) have been recorded in the wavelength range 350-800 nm for different compositions of CuO-MnO2-B2O3 glasses. The various optical properties such as absorption coefficient ('), optical energy gap (Eopt), refractive index (no), optical dielectric constant ('), measure of extent of band tailing (E), constant () and ratio of carrier concentration to the effective mass (N/m*) for different glasses have been reported. The effects of composition of glasses on these parameters have been discussed. It has been indicated that a small modification of the glasses can lead to an important change in all the optical properties. These results are interesting showing non linear behaviour for all these parameters investigated. The optical parameters are found to be almost the same for different glasses in the same family. Due to the technological importance of CuO-MnO2B2O3 glasses, dc-conductivity measurement with increasing concentration of MnO2 (in the range of 5-30 mol%) have been reported in the temperature range of 313-573 K in the present study. A plot of –log  versus 1/T shows two different regions of conduction suggesting two types of conduction mechanisms switching from one type to another occurring at knee temperature. The DC conductivity increases with increase in temperature of the sample and also with increase of mol% of MnO2. Activation energy calculated from both regions (LTR and HTR) is below 1 eV. Thus electrical conduction is electronic. Activation energy in LTR and HTR are temperature independent but composition dependent. Keywords— CuO-MnO2-B2O3 glasses, Optical properties, nonlinear behavior, DC-conductivity.


The different chemical forms of Zn found in soils exhibit different levels of reactivity, solubility and availability to plants. Sequential extraction procedures (SEP) are applied in soils to partition metal into operationally-defined geochemical fractions. The bioavailability of metals in soils is related to these chemical fractions and not to total metal content. Furthermore, single extraction methods, such as DTPA or Mehlich-3, are commonly used to predict Zn availability to plants. Other, more recently developed, method that try to simulate the conditions of the soil rhizosphere use a mixture of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) as extractants. According to various researchers, the BaCl2 reagent only extracts elements which are physically adsorbed on particles and it can be used to estimate the easily leachable Zn portion. Flax (Linum usitatisimum L.) is a major oilseed meadow crop grown throughout the world and is more sensitive to Zn deficiency than cereal crops such is wheat. The objectives of this study were to determine soil chemical Zn pools, potential Zn availability and easily leachable Zn in two residual soils after a flax harvest.


Preventing traffic congestion by forecasting near time traffic flows is an important problem as it leads to effective use of transport resources. Social network provides information about activities of humans and social events. Thus, with the help of social network, we can extract which humans will attend a particular event (in near time) and can estimate flow of traffic based on it. This opens research area to build a framework for traffic management that can capture essential parameters of real-life behavior and provide a way to iterate upon and evaluate new ideas. In this paper, we present building blocks of such framework and a system to simulate a city with its transport system, humans and their social network. We emphasize on relevant parameters selected and modular design of the framework. To show the utility of the framework, we present experimental studies of few strategies on a public transport system.


This paper describes an electropolymerization-based on-chip valving system, accomplished by electrosynthesis of conductive polymeric ionic liquid (CPIL) films at selected points within an array of bipolar electrodes (BPEs), in which each of these wireless electrodes spans an IL-aqueous phase boundary. The low viscosity and high hydrophobicity of the CPIL precursor allow it to be patterned by established microfluidic methods. This advancement has the potential to impact microscale analysis because it allows on-demand creation of solid CPIL microstructures at locations specified by microfluidics, phase boundaries, and electrode potentials. To achieve this outcome, an imidazolium-based IL was functionalized with a pyrrole moiety, and the viscosity was tuned by choosing the appropriate counterion to form a CPIL with the desired viscosity, hydrophobicity, and oxidation potential. This monomer species was then introduced into a microfluidic device, which was prefilled with an aqueous buffer solution. The device comprised many parallel microchannels lined with nanoliter-scale chambers. BPEs interconnected the channels such that the BPE tips were each aligned to a chamber opening. The electrodes contacting the outermost channels were connected directly to a power supply and functioned as driving electrodes. The CPIL displaced the buffer in the channels and established a phase boundary at the opening of each chamber, thereby digitizing the aqueous phase. Finally, an alternating square waveform (under mode 1) was applied for 5 min to yield immobilized polymer films at a location defined by the BPE poles. In total, three modes were developed and three corresponding polymer film patterns were formed. Under mode 2, a DC power supply was used to achieve a dissymmetrical polymer film pattern, and, under mode 3, a regional polymer film pattern was formed under an AC potential with a DC offset. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the generated polymer films are immobile and sufficiently thick to seal the chambers at room temperature over the duration of our observation window (50 min), and this seal is maintained even at elevated temperatures that induce partial evaporation of the chamber contents. A key point is that this method is compatible with a preceding step─dielectrophoretic capture of single melanoma cells within the nanoliter-scale chambers.


Effect of thrust fragrant lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus) against bites of Ae.aegypti mosquito . Vector of Dengue Fever (DHF) is a Ae.aegypti mosquito could can be eradicated by spraying insecticide, which give impack for the environment. Alternative insecticides which are safe for the envinronment may come from plants.  Fragrant lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a mosquito repellent plant by producing Olea volatilia that serve as mosquito repellent. This research aims to dentify effect fragrant lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus) as a repellent against bites of Ae.aegypti mosquito. The consentration fragrant lemongrass used were 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%. This reseach is a quasi experimental study with completely randomize design. The material test was the extract of fragrant lemongrass. Sampel of the research was adult Ae.aegypti mosquito, each box was using 10 mosquitos for control and 10 mosquitos for different consentration and they were repeated for 3 times. The result from the research was the number of Ae.aegypti bite on consentration of 1% were 2 mosquitos, on consentration of 2% was 1 mosquito, on consentration of 3% and 4% were none  mosquito bite. Effect of the fragrant lemongrass to Ae.aegypti mosquito bite after spraying of the extract fragrant lemongrass on rabbits showed that the power of protection on consentration of 1% and 2% was 75% to 88%, while power of protection on consentration of 3% and 4% of 100%. The result of Anova test showed that there was the significant difference on the mosquito to bite on various treatment consentration and extended with Post Hoc test gave impact difference result away different consentration. The consentration of 3% and 4% of the extract very effective as fragrant lemongrass repellent because of having  power of protection 100%. Key words: fragrant lemongrass (Cimbopogon nardus), mosquito Ae.aegypti


PHL-C is one of dwarf sweet cherry rootstocks which is a hybrid between Prunus.avium L. × Prunus.cerasus L. and is recommended for high density plantation of the commercial orchards. In this study the effect of different media types and plant growth regulators for proliferation and rooting of PHL-C rootstock were investigated in Khorasan Razavi Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. For proliferation, three culture media (MS, DKW, WPM) and four concentrations of BAP (0.0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mgL-1) were experimented. Also, effects of six culture media (solid and double phase of MS, DKW, WPM) supplemented with four concentrations of IBA (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 mgL-1) on rooting were investigated. Results showed that, the highest shoot multiplication rate was observed in MS + 1 BAP mgL-1, while the highest quality (strong and vigorous Explants, with no signs of vitrification, necrosis, yellow apex and leaves ( of plantlet was observed in DKW medium. Moreover, MS media supplemented with either 1.5 or 2 mgL-1 IBA proved to be superior to other treatments in terms of root number and length.


Mortality and morbidity of prostate cancer result from extracapsular invasion and metastasis. This tumor progression depends on active cell motility. Previous studies have shown that calpain-regulated rear detachment enabling forward locomotion is required for cell migration initiated by growth factor and adhesion receptors. Therefore, we asked whether calpain would be a target for limiting tumor progression, using as our model the PA DU-145 human prostate carcinoma cell line and a highly invasive subline, wild-type DU-145, derived from it. In vitro, the calpain-specific inhibitor CI-I (ALLN) and the preferential-but-less-specific inhibitor leupeptin decreased transmigration of both cell lines across a Matrigel barrier. These calpain inhibitors limited epidermal growth factor-induced motility but did not alter the growth rate of the tumor cells, as expected. Antisense down-regulation of the growth factor-activated calpain-2 (m-calpain) isoform also reduced transmigration and cell motility. These in vitro findings were then buttressed by in vivo studies, in which i.p. DU-145 tumor xenografts were treated with leupeptin. Tumor invasion into the diaphragm was reduced by leupeptin treatment for both the PA and wild-type DU-145 cells (from 1.7 to 0.78 for the parental line and 2.3 to 1.2 for the invasive derivative, respectively). Tumor cells of both types engineered to express calpain-2 antisense constructs also demonstrated a similar 50% reduced invasiveness in vivo. Finally, we found by gene expression survey of 53 human prostate tumors and 23 normal prostates that calpain was not up-regulated in relationship to invasiveness or metastatic activity, consistent with expectation from the biological role of this effector. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that epigenetic activation of calpain plays an important role in the invasion of human prostate cancer and that it can be targeted to reduce tumor progression.


The purpose of this study is to test the relationship between online service quality
(content, accuracy, ease of use, timeliness, aesthetics and security) and customers'
acceptance. This study will also look into how demographic factors such as age, gender
and education background influence the relationship between online service quality and
customers' acceptance. The online service quality dimensions were adapted from Jun
and Cai (2001). This study was carried at four bank branches, namely, Hong Leong
Bank Berhad, Kota Kinabalu, Hong Leong Bank 8erhad,Lintas, Maybank Berhad, Kota
Kinabalu and Maybank Berhad, Lintas. 240 questionnaires were distributed to the four
bank branches. With 179 samples of respondents, it was discovered that not all the
online service quality dimensions were found to be significant in the relationship between
online service quality and customers' acceptance. Interesting findings was that all the
demographic character used in this study has no effect on the relationship. This study
was able to gather important and interesting findings regarding the characteristics of the
respondents for both banks in both areas. Online service provider may find these
information beneficial as they can consider using it to enhance their service quality as
well as to increase the level of acceptance of internet banking in Kota Kinabalu area.


This P-Insights unveils the exciting possibilities of smart green manufacturing, an innovative integration of Industry 4.0 and circular economy principles aimed at achieving sustainable growth. Dr. Tsai-Chi Kuo explores how Industry 4.0 can enhance Green Productivity with case studies of smart recycling and circular economy practices.


Recent years have seen a rapid increase in research activity in the field of DRAM-based Processing-In-Memory (PIM) accelerators, where the analog computing capability of DRAM is employed by minimally changing the inherent structure of DRAM peripherals to accelerate various data-centric applications. Several DRAM-based PIM accelerators for Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have also been reported. Among these, the accelerators leveraging in-DRAM stochastic arithmetic have shown manifold improvements in processing latency and throughput, due to the ability of stochastic arithmetic to convert multiplications into simple bit-wise logical AND operations. However, the use of in-DRAM stochastic arithmetic for CNN acceleration requires frequent stochastic to binary number conversions. For that, prior works employ full adder-based or serial counter-based in-DRAM circuits. These circuits consume large area and incur long latency. Their in-DRAM implementations also require heavy modifications in DRAM peripherals, which significantly diminishes the benefits of using stochastic arithmetic in these accelerators. To address these shortcomings, this paper presents a new substrate for in-DRAM stochastic-to-binary number conversion called AGNI. AGNI makes minor modifications in DRAM peripherals using pass transistors, capacitors, encoders, and charge pumps, and re-purposes the sense amplifiers as voltage comparators, to enable in-situ binary conversion of input statistic operands of different sizes with iso latency. Our evaluations, based on detailed SPICE simulations (https://github.com/uky-UCAT/AGNI_SPICE.git), show that AGNI can achieve savings of at least 8× in area, at least 28× energy-delay product (EDP), and at least 21 in area × latency, compared to two in-DRAM stochastic-to-binary conversion circuits from prior works. These circuit-level benefits are demonstrated to propagate at the system-level to achieve at least 3.9× gain in performance across four deep CNN models.


Multienzyme nanoassemblies (MENAs) that combine the functions of several enzymes into one entity have attracted widespread research interest due to their improved enzymatic performance and great potential for multiple applications. Considerable progress has been made to design and fabricate MENAs in recent years. This review begins with an introduction of the up-to-date strategies in designing MENAs, mainly including substrate channeling, compartmentalization and control of enzyme stoichiometry. The desirable properties that endow MENAs with important applications are also discussed in detail. Then, the recent advances in utilizing MENAs in the biomedical field are reviewed, with a particular focus on biosensing, tumor therapy, antioxidant and drug delivery. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for development of versatile MENAs are summarized.


High dimensional data can contain multiple scales of variance. Analysis tools that preferentially operate at one scale can be ineffective at capturing all the information present in this cross-scale complexity. We propose a multiscale joint characterization approach designed to exploit synergies between global and local approaches to dimensionality reduction. We illustrate this approach using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to characterize global variance structure and t-stochastic neighbor embedding (t-sne) to characterize local variance structure. Using both synthetic images and real-world imaging spectroscopy data, we show that joint characterization is capable of detecting and isolating signals which are not evident from either PCA or t-sne alone. Broadly, t-sne is effective at rendering a randomly oriented low-dimensional map of local clusters, and PCA renders this map interpretable by providing global, physically meaningful structure. This approach is illustrated using imaging spectroscopy data, and may prove particularly useful for other geospatial data given robust local variance structure due to spatial autocorrelation and physical interpretability of global variance structure due to spectral properties of Earth surface materials. However, the fundamental premise could easily be extended to other high dimensional datasets, including image time series and non-image data.


Background: Reduction mammaplasty substantially alleviates physical and psychological symptoms of mammary hyperplasia, but the effect on psychosexual function has not been analyzed so far. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of this common procedure on both operative and psychosexual satisfaction. Methods: All women who underwent reduction mammaplasty (n = 90) at the Royal Free and University College London Hospitals between 1997 and 2000 were sent a series of questionnaires on their psychosexual health and satisfaction with operative outcome and postoperative sexual function. Results: Of the 80 women who responded (response rate, 89 percent), 76 percent were satisfied with their operative results. Postoperative sexual satisfaction was improved in 28 percent, worsened in 19 percent, and unchanged in 53 percent of patients. Nobody dissatisfied with surgical outcome reported improved sexual satisfaction. A strong correlation was found between these two main outcome measures and General Health and Female Sexual Function Index scores. Significant correlations were also noted for breast shape, sensation, and symmetry (p < 0.001) and change in nipple sensation (p < 0.01). In contrast, breast size and scars did not significantly affect patient operative and sex-ual satisfaction (p > 0.1). When compared with the satisfied group, women unhappy with surgical results were more likely to suffer from postoperative anxiety (58 versus 18 percent) and depression (42 versus 8 percent). Conclusions: This study confirms that operative outcome following breast reduction does correlate with postoperative psychosexual function, mental health, and some breast parameters. Now that the link is identified, a prospective analysis may clarify the precise relationship between the patient's preoperative psychological status and operative and psychosexual satisfaction.


Coke-Studio, an online platform hosted in YouTube has been successful in both countries and has been discussed on another popular social media platform Twitter. However, studies report that Pakistan Coke-studio fares better in terms of its emotive content than its Indian edition. The paper analyses how the ―Hashtag fever‖ which has created a huge impact on brand image and profitability position of firms all around the world leads to the differential approach. Though a detailed Social Media Analysis (SMA), this paper aims to examine how hashtags work on the Twitter platforms and conclude how social-media often offers a glimpse of subconscious consumer preferences and its implications thereof.


The paper presents the results of the studies carried over the group of English verbs with the meaning of falling. The research goals included classification of the lexical meanings, both direct and metaphorical, rendered by those verbs, on the basis of the analysis of the components of the situations put together in the special questionnaire. This was carried out together with native speakers of English, after which the collected set of examples was verified and expanded with searches in the big corpora of English speakers' oral and written production available at the SketchEngine platform. Besides being a great source of extracting lexical meanings, Sketch Engine also provided the data and the statistics for the analysis of collocational behaviour of the verbs in question used with different subjects of falling. The scope of application of the umbrella verb fall and the distribution between it and its two rivals — drop and fall down — was in focus of the three corresponding sections in the paper, while the range of peripheral verbs of falling with all the comparative analysis of their lexical features formed one more section. Separately from the verbs conveying the direct meanings of falling, metaphoric shifts in the meanings of these verbs made up the content of section 6. Based on the findings presented in the previous sections, the conclusions regarding the concept of falling in English are discussed in the last part of the paper. The research confirmed that the verb fall is by far the most widely used in various contexts of falling. Whether used alone or combined with adverbial or prepositional particles, it covers the overwhelming majority of meanings of falling, both literal and metaphorical. Although drop proved to be the most frequent synonym of fall, there is a distribution of meanings between the two related to the nature of the subject and the intentionality of the action. As shown in the paper, the choice between fall and fall down appears to be determined by the trajectory of the fall and whether the typical position of the subject is vertical or not. Likewise, the distribution between fall off and fall down is conditioned by the trajectory, with the surface mentioned with the latter. Among the various peripheral verbs of falling, come and go — the most general verbs of movement — are also used in combination with down in specific cases of falling.


The forecast of the cost of education in university is conducive to strengthening the management of the cost of education, mining the potential of reducing the cost, improving the management level and improving the use efficiency of the funds. Through accounting and forecasting of the cost of education in university, we can make the school to plan the cost and quota index according to its own practical needs, so as to improve the financial system and cost management system of university education.
This will enable the university to carry out the correct decision-making, and provide support for the preparation of financial budget and long-term planning. At present, there are some defects in existing method of the university education cost prediction. The unitary regression method is very difficult to effectively remove the noise value in the fitting. Artificial neural network model is applied to predict the big data. Although the traditional gray forecasting model has a good prediction effect with the less data and poor information, the model still has the disadvantage that the background value is not smooth enough. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes an adaptive residual correction method based on grey system theory, and improves the grey forecasting model. This method can effectively remove the noise in the original data sequence, and it can be used to predict the cost of university education in China.


When it comes to assessing a startup's chance of success, equity investors apply a specific set of criteria to minimize risk. In their decision-making process, most venture capitalists (VCs) agree with giving priority to the team composition, hence the popular saying: "Always consider investing in a grade-A team with a grade-B idea. Never invest in a grade-B team with a grade-A idea." In this paper, we explore the profile of technology-based startup teams that are most likely to secure a Series-A funding round from VCs. From a methodological point of view, we applied a strongly quantitative approach, integrating several data mining techniques according to a multidisciplinary perspective, between data science and entrepreneurship. As for the company information, we used Crunchbase as our primary source, considering a set of U.S.-based startups founded from 2000 to 2017. For each venture we algorithmically integrated team-related information from the founders' public LinkedIn profiles. Overall, we analysed more than 2,100 teams, involving a total of about 4,600 founders. Each founders' experience was analysed by considering their professional background. Overall, more than 29,000 work experiences have been taken into consideration. Statistical analysis was carried out on both individual founders and their team organization. Both founders and teams were evaluated in terms of heterogeneity of prior experience and similarity of co-founder profiles using the Gini coefficient and Jaccard index, respectively. Statistics are expressed according to the companies' sector and their fundraising profile. In fact, the different sectors are mapped on a 4-quadrant chart to identify different combinations between founders' profiles (specialists VS generalists) and teams characteristics (combining co-founder with similar or diverse background). Results reveal the impact of team similarity and variety in terms of prior working experience. The findings provide valuable insights for scholars dealing with tech-driven startups teams, aspiring entrepreneurs looking for co-founders and for VCs seeking to invest in promising startups.


3,4-Dihydroxybenzoate (protocatechuate, PCA) is a phenolic compound naturally found in edible vegetables and medicinal herbs. PCA is of interest in the chemical industry as a building block for novel polymers and has wide potential for pharmaceutical applications due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. In the present study, we designed and constructed a novel Corynebacterium glutamicum strain to enable the efficient utilization of d-xylose for microbial production of PCA. The engineered strain showed a maximum PCA titer of 62.1 ± 12.1 mM (9.6 ± 1.9 g L−1) from d-xylose as the primary carbon and energy source. The corresponding yield was , which corresponds to 38 % of the maximum theoretical yield and is 14-fold higher compared to the parental producer strain on d-glucose. By establishing a one-pot bioreactor cultivation process followed by subsequent process optimization, the same maximum titer and a total amount of 16.5 ± 1.1 g was reached. Downstream processing of PCA from this fermentation broth was realized via electrochemically induced crystallization by taking advantage of the pH-dependent properties of PCA. Since PCA turned out to be electrochemically unstable in combination with several anode materials, a threechamber electrolysis setup was established to crystallize PCA and to avoid direct anode contact. This resulted in a maximum final purity of 95.4 %. In summary, the established PCA production process represents a highly sustainable approach, which will serve as a blueprint for the bio-based production of other hydroxybenzoic acids from alternative sugar feedstocks.


In this article the role of literary organization has been discussed, it further illustrates the three dimensional affiliation of society, literature and organizations. How they important for each other? Literary circles in shape of non-profiting organization have essential function for national integration to make peace and harmony in any country. In this article the support of government has criticized. The main subject of this article is too discussed and discloses the responsibilities of Brahui literary organization which are more than twenty. Despite of above the department of Brahui, Radio Pakistan Quetta center and Television, they projected and promote the Brahui literature. It concludes with recommendations that interior Balochistan the bulk of organization spreading very low scale of literature which is caused to reduce the standard. The comparative method has been implemented to complete this article.