In the context of averaged cosmologies, the effective equations can be written in the form of "regional" Friedmannian equations with additional sources arising from the so-called backreaction of inhomogeneities. We propose a mean field description of this backreaction in terms of a regionally homogeneous scalar field: this provides a physical motivation to the phenomenological scalar fields generically called quintessence fields. We explicitly reconstruct the potential of the scalar field for a one-parameter family of scaling solutions to the backreaction problem, showing that it entails most of the standard scalar fields including e.g. standard and phantom quintessence scenarii.


Recent experimental progress in understanding the dynamics of type I ELM, small/no ELM regimes to achieve ELM mitigation and active ELM controls is reviewed. As for the type I ELM dynamics, the smaller growth rate of the ELM precursor relative to the Alfvén frequency, the importance of ELM filaments to evaluate the ELM heat load, the evolution of pedestal pressure in the recovery phase, and the effects of edge toroidal rotation and toroidal field ripple on ELM energy loss have been observed in many devices. In low collisionality (ve*) small/no ELM regimes, the type V ELM has been obtained with one or two filaments in ve*<1 condition. Small normalized ELM energy loss less than 1% has been achieved in the grassy ELM regime in non-rotating plasmas. The highest pedestal pressure has been achieved with smaller edge toroidal rotation counter to the plasma current in the QH-mode. ELM control/suppression by pellet pacing and external magnetic field perturbation has been demonstrated, and so that a design activity of ELM control coils for ITER has started. Various effects of the edge toroidal rotation upon ELM characteristics have been found such as ELM energy loss (ELM frequency) in the type I ELM regime and the grassy ELM regime, changes in edge harmonic oscillation and achievable pedestal pressure in the QH-mode regime, and a screening effect in evaluation of island formation by ELM control coils.


Because glutathione (GSH) is an important antioxidant, we hypothesized that changes in lung and systemic availability of GSH and its precursor amino acid, cysteine, are induced by exposure to hyperoxia and that these changes could be modulated by toxic O2 metabolites. In organs and plasma of mice exposed to hyperoxia, we measured GSH and sulfur-containing amino acids (SAAs), the latter by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In relatively O2-resistant Swiss-Webster mice, lung GSH increased during O2 exposure, whereas liver GSH (the major storage pool of cysteine) and liver and plasma cysteine all decreased. Pair-feeding studies suggested that nutritional deprivation alone did not cause the decrease in plasma cysteine. In lung, SAAs were not decreased by O2 exposure. In fact, cystathionine increased sixfold, and gamma-cystathionase was not inhibited. These findings suggest that hyperoxia increases transsulfuration pathway activity and that cystathionase rate limits this process in lung. In comparative studies, lung GSH increased in O2-resistant high-CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD) transgenic mice but not in genetically similar, nontransgenic controls (CBYB/6 x B6D/2) during hyperoxic exposure. In addition, liver GSH and plasma cysteine decreased in nontransgenic control but not in high-SOD mice, whereas lung cystathionine increased similarly in both groups. Thus, superoxide or its secondary products can modulate, at least in part, the changes in cysteine and GSH. Nonetheless, regardless of strain or SOD status, hyperoxic exposure consistently caused thiol and SAA changes, including increased lung cystathionine and oxidized GSH, demonstrating a strong association between these dynamic changes and oxidant stress.


The role of SdiA quorum-sensing-mediated signaling in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium has been a matter of debate for many years. Although Salmonella harbors SdiA, it does not produce an acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) signal (8, 13). Many of the phenotypes associated with SdiA have been shown using sdiA cloned in multicopy plasmids (14). The precise role of SdiA in quorum sensing was elusive for several years until Michael et al. (8) reported that SdiA is not sensing an autoinducer produced by Salmonella itself but rather AHLs produced by other bacterial species. These authors also reported that SdiA-dependent phenotypes could be observed only in the presence of AHLs. These results are consistent with reports that most LuxR-type proteins use the AHL autoinducer as a "cofactor" to allow proper protein folding and that in the absence of this signal, the protein is targeted to degradation (10, 16, 17). The nuclear magnetic resonance structure of the SdiA protein has been solved and shows that SdiA uses AHL as a folding switch and requires binding of this signal to allow proper protein folding (15). SdiA regulates a few genes in Salmonella, including one gene involved in resistance to human complement, rck, and a predicted type III secreted effector, srgE (2). However, mutation of the sdiA gene had no effect on virulence of Salmonella in mouse, chicken, or bovine models of disease (1). This lack of phenotypes "in vivo" could be a result of Salmonella not encountering AHLs in these infection models. The first clue that this might be the case occurred when it was found that turtles colonized by Aeromonas hydrophila (a bacterium that produces AHLs) activated SdiA function in these animals (12). Now Dyszel et al. (5) have shown that in mice coinfected with Salmonella serovar Typhimurium and Yersinia enterocolitica (an enteric bacterium that produces AHLs), SdiA is activated. Although SdiA did not confer an advantage to Salmonella colonization over that of Yersinia, a Salmonella strain engineered to produce AHLs has a colonization advantage over an sdiA mutant in competition assays using mice. The difference in these outcomes could be the result of a transient interaction between Salmonella and Yersinia during coinfection, not allowing a full effect of SdiA signaling to be detected in Salmonella colonization. Meanwhile, constant AHL production in the engineered Salmonella strain allows a colonization phenotype during murine infection. This study indicates for the first time that SdiA is functional during murine infection in the presence of AHLs.

Quorum sensing was first described for the regulation of bioluminescence in Vibrio fischeri (9). The luciferase operon in Vibrio fischeri is regulated by two proteins, LuxI, which is responsible for the production of the acyl-homoserine-lactone (AHL) autoinducer, and LuxR, which is activated by this autoinducer to increase transcription of the luciferase operon (6, 7). Since this initial description, homologues of LuxR-LuxI have been identified in other bacteria, and in all of these LuxR-LuxI systems, the bacteria produce an AHL autoinducer, which binds to the LuxR protein and regulates the transcription of several genes involved in a variety of phenotypes. These include the production of antibiotics in Erwinia, motility in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, and pathogenesis and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, among others (3, 4, 11). Escherichia coli and Salmonella have a LuxR homologue, SdiA (14), but do not have a luxI gene and do not produce AHLs (8, 13). The E. coli sdiA gene initially was isolated as a regulator of the cell division genes ftsQAZ (14). However, whether SdiA was indeed an AHL sensor was a matter of debate until Michael et al. (8) reported that SdiA is not sensing an autoinducer produced by Salmonella itself but AHLs produced by other bacterial species. This observation makes sense when one considers that unlike Vibrio fischeri, which is in pure culture within the light organ of fish and squids, Salmonella and E. coli are enteric bacteria that colonize the intestine of animals together with many other bacterial species that compose the microbial flora.

In this groundbreaking article, Dyszel et al. (5) show that Salmonella SdiA is functional during murine infection when AHLs are present and that SdiA-regulated genes are involved in enhancing Salmonella's colonization of the intestine. Although SdiA is not functional during murine infection with just Salmonella, it is functional during coinfection with an AHL-producing pathogen, Yersinia enterocolitica. This study highlights that coinfection with different pathogens may lead to different outcomes because of cross-chemical communication between different bacterial species.


Location-based computing (LBC) is becoming increasing important in both industry and academia. A key challenge is the pervasive deployment of LBC technologies; to be effective they must run on a wide variety of client platforms, including laptops, PDAs, and mobile phones, so that location data can be acquired anywhere and accessed by any application. Moreover, as a nascent area, LBC is experiencing rapid innovation in sensing technologies, the positioning algorithms themselves, and the applications they support. Lastly, as a newcomer, LBC must integrate with existing communications and application technologies, including web browsers and location data interchange standard.This paper describes our experience in developing the Place Lab architecture, a widely used first-generation open source toolkit for client-side location sensing. Using a layered, pattern-based architecture, it supports modular development in any dimension of LBC, enabling the field to move forward more rapidly as these innovations are shared with the community as pluggable components. Our experience shows the benefits of domain-specific abstractions, and how we overcame high-level language constraints to support a wide array of platforms in this emerging space. We also describe our experience in re-engineering parts of the architecture based on the needs of the user community, including insights on software licensing issues.


Meditation can be practiced in order to help person being mindful - having Sati – while facing physical pain. Practicing mindfulness meditation – Vipassana meditation/ Satipatthana - helps person know pain characteristics clearly and reduce pain intensity. Using mindfulness for considering the reality of pain and understand the nature of pain, which stands within The Three Common Characteristics principle (Anicca, Dukkha, and Anatta). Whereas concentration meditation - Samatha meditation - helps person to feel peaceful, when practice Samatha meditation until the mind is still, painful feeling can be reduced by distraction effect. There were several research results supported the effects of Vipassana and Samatha meditation on reducing pain perception. Hence, when persons' minds are still they can perceive and cope with painfulness more effectively. Practicing meditation help people perceived and cope with painfulness better. It also help people understand the nature of painful, which occur, exist, and distinguish by its causes and related factors. Acceptance and cope with painful without adding other feeling, help people feel peaceful even the pain is still going on.


Article 84 and Article 85 of Law No. 2 year 2014 on the amendments to the Act No. 30 year 2004 concerning Notary Public Official, when a Notary in performs his official duties and is proven to have committed a violation, the Notary may be subjected or sanctioned. The sanction is in the form of civil sanction, administration, and code of ethics of Notary. Besides, if a Notary commits a criminal offense, a criminal sanction may be imposed to him.The purpose of the research was to find out the malpractice of the Notary in the Notary deed, and to find out the role of the Regional Supervisory Board (MPD) in supervising Notaries who carry out malpractice actions.This study used a juridical-normative approach derived from the collection of primary data and secondary data, then they were analyzed by qualitative analysis methods. Data collection techniques used was library studies with qualitative data analysis.The result of the research showed that UUJN does not mention the existence of sanction punishment but a legal action against the violation done by Notary. It invites elements of forgery over intent/negligence in making authentic letter/deed which contains false facts. After administrative sanction/professional code of ethics Notary and civil sanctions, as well as qualified are as a criminal act committed by a Notary. If the notary is proven to have been involved in intentionally committing a crime of forgery of an authentic deed the sanction will be given to him/her.Suggestion to lawmakers to anticipate the different interpretations of the law can be done quickly, so that malpractice Notary will never occur again.Keywords: Sanctions; Notary; Malpractice; Accountability


A case of a 39-year-old woman with a palpable mass in the right hemithorax is presented. The mass had been growing during the last 16 years. Radiographs and computed tomography showed two lesions in the right thoracic wall: the greater was in the anterior and lateral portion of the 7th rib, the minor lesion in the 6th rib costovertebral joint. Both lesions were surgically removed. Histological examination demonstrated the association of fibrous dysplasia and aneurysmal bone cyst in the two lesions. The coexistence of these two lesions supports the theory that aneurysmal bone cyst may represent a secondary change due to haemodynamic alterations of the vascular bed caused by fibrous dysplasia.


OBJECTIVE
Eating disorders and borderline personality disorder have high rates of comorbidity. However, the extent to which individual BPD symptoms are elevated in patients with EDs is largely unknown. Meta-analyses examined: (1) which of the nine BPD symptoms are especially elevated in individuals with versus without EDs, (2) whether particular ED subtypes have elevated levels of certain BPD symptoms, and (3) which BPD symptoms remain unstudied/understudied in relation to EDs.

METHODS
We performed nine separate meta-analyses (one for each BPD symptom) to compare levels of symptoms in patients with EDs versus healthy controls. A total of 122 studies (range = 4-34 studies across symptoms) were included.

RESULTS
Affective instability was the BPD symptom most elevated, while anger was the BPD symptom least elevated, in patients with EDs compared to controls. When comparing effect sizes across ED subtypes, anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging subtype had the largest effect sizes for the greatest number of BPD symptoms, while effect sizes for AN restrictive subtype were not significantly larger than those of other EDs for any BPD symptom. The least studied BPD symptoms were identity disturbance and interpersonal difficulties.

DISCUSSION
These meta-analyses suggest that certain symptoms of BPD play a more prominent role in the comorbidity between BPD and EDs than others. Targeting affective instability when treating cases of comorbid ED and BPD may be especially likely to ameliorate the negative outcomes related to this comorbidity. Future research should further investigate identity disturbance and interpersonal difficulties in the context of EDs.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE
Having an eating disorder and borderline personality disorder is a common comorbidity associated with a severe clinical presentation. BPD is characterized by nine distinct symptoms. This research examined levels of individual BPD symptoms in patients with versus without EDs. Findings can guide researchers and clinicians towards studying and treating symptoms that may be most relevant for BPD-ED comorbidity and in turn, improve outcomes for these patients.


Abstract: In this paper, make use of PVSOL software studied the generation performance and Economic benefits of PV system at various inclinations. And then analyzed residential load, industrial load and commercial load system performance and self-sufficiency under different battery capacity. The results show that for Shanghai area, when the inclination angle of PV panel is about 23o, the annual total power generation of PV system reaches the maximum. The self-sufficiency rate of PV systems with industrial load is higher than commercial load, and the self-sufficiency rate of PV systems with residential load is the lowest. The self-sufficiency rate of PV systems with batteries are higher than PV systems without batteries, and the increment of installation power can increase self-sufficiency rate of the PV system.


Abstract The liquidity of data, information and knowledge is influencing the relationships among social and economic actors through the definition of a new socio-technical configuration in which new rules influence individual behaviours and different standards determine the success of every type of actions and decisions. In this new contest, decision-makers should understand that traditional hierarchical approaches are no longer able to face the challenges imposed by an emerging relational configuration in which decisions cannot be imposed but emerge from the interactions among actors. Aiming at supporting the definition of more affordable models of decision, the study proposes a reading key for the ongoing evolution and proposes some reflections useful for the emersion of a conceptual framework more fitting with the emerging scenario. The proposed reflections aim at supporting decision-makers in the identification of key variables likely to assure competitive advantages in the emerging social configurations.


This study established the DNA barcoding sequences (matK and rbcL) of three plant species identified in the tribe Clauseneae, namely Clausena excavata, C. harmandiana and Murraya koenigii. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, together with the biological activities of the derived essential oils and methanol extracts, were also investigated. Herein, the success of obtaining sequences of these plant using two different barcode genes matK and rbcL were 62.5% and 100%, respectively. Both regions were discriminated by around 700 base pairs and these had resemblance with those of the Clausenae materials earlier deposited in Genbank at a 99–100% degree of identity. Additionally, the use of matK DNA sequences could positively confirm the identity as monophyletic. The highest total phenolic and total flavonoid content values (p < 0.05) were observed in the methanol extract of M. koenigii at 43.50 mg GAE/g extract and 66.13 mg QE/g extract, respectively. Furthermore, anethole was detected as the dominant compound in C. excavata (86.72%) and C. harmandiana (46.09%). Moreover, anethole (26.02%) and caryophyllene (21.15%) were identified as the major phytochemical compounds of M. koenigii. In terms of the biological properties, the M. koenigii methanol extract was found to display the greatest amount of antioxidant activity (DPPH; IC50 95.54 µg/mL, ABTS value 118.12 mg GAE/g extract, FRAP value 48.15 mg GAE/g extract), and also revealed the highest α-glucosidase and antihypertensive inhibitory activities with percent inhibition values of 84.55 and 84.95. Notably, no adverse effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were observed with regard to all of the plant extracts. Furthermore, M. koenigii methanol extract exhibited promise against human lung cancer cells almost at 80% after 24 h and 90% over 48 h.


multi-particle systems. To the latter topic a qualitative introduction is given to atoms, bonding in organic molecules, crystals, excitations in solids and macroscopic quantum phenomena (like superconductivity). Some remarks on elementary particle physics are added. It is difficult to give credit to all who contributed so much to the development of quantum physics. This is the task of historians. Nevertheless there is one point in the book which bothers me. It is the underestimation of Max Born and his probability interpretation. Later more clearly axiomatized by von Neumann, the probabilistic aspect of quantum physics has changed from an interpretation to a principle. Born came to his conclusion in analyzing scattering by the help of Schrödinger's equation. To go to the assumption Born has ignored the role and importance of phases (p. 21) is simply absurd, I believe. Mathematical notions are minimal but not absent. However, one needs not be a mathematician or physicist to scope with it. Anyway, the book is not written in boulevard


Abstract Different complex physiological functions might be restored by means of distributed active implants. Wireless communication between the implants, on the one hand, and an external control unit, on the other hand, is necessary to synchronize electrical stimulation of neural and muscular tissue. Seventeen project partners from industries, universities, healthcare providers and research organizations closely cooperate in the framework of the BMBF Innovation Cluster "Interactive Implants (INTAKT)". The goal of this cluster is to develop and evaluate networks of distributed implants. Challenges of the project include complex interaction between humans and technology, wireless power supply, long-term stability of implants as well as secure and safe signal transmission [1].


—Collaboration by the sharing of semantic information is crucial to enable the enhancement of perception capabilities. However, existing collaborative perception methods tend to focus solely on the spatial features of semantic information, while neglecting the importance of the temporal dimension in collaborator selection and semantic information fusion, which instigates performance degradation. In this article, we propose a novel collaborative perception framework, IoSI-CP, which takes into account the importance of semantic information (IoSI) from both temporal and spatial dimensions. Specifically, we develop an IoSI-based collaborator selection method that effectively identifies advantageous collaborators but excludes those that bring negative benefits. Moreover, we present a semantic information fusion algorithm called HPHA (historical prior hybrid attention), which integrates a multi-scale transformer module and a short-term attention module to capture IoSI from spatial and temporal dimensions, and assigns varying weights for efficient aggregation. Extensive experiments on two open datasets demonstrate that our proposed IoSI-CP significantly improves the perception performance compared to state-of-the-art approaches. The code associated with this research is publicly available at https://github.com/huangqzj/IoSI-CP/.


This work presents a research of intermolecular interactions on the example of the antigen antibody interactions of the ABO system. This model could be successfully used in the future due to the lack of knowledge in the area of the ABO antigen's behavior as a biomolecule and the integration of these structures into chain of metabolic processes in a human being. Using computer PASS system ("in silico" research), we describe the possible biological effects of pyruvate, lactate, and antigen determinants A and B. Glycoproteins A and B are very perspective to study as biological active connectors due to the wide range of their biological effects. The obtained knowledge proves that ABO antigen, as well as other glycoprotein conju-gates, could play an important role in intercellular adhesion and signal transmis-sion, which could be used in perspective in personalized medicine, target therapy, and evaluation of lab results in clinical practice.


Abstract Background and Aim: Fibrin forms in the coagulation process, enhancing local hemostatic properties and promoting wound healing. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bubaline-derived fibrin glue in silk ligature-induced periodontitis rats. Materials and Methods: Bubaline blood–derived fibrin glue was prepared using cryoprecipitation and cryocentrifugation. Periodontitis was induced in rats by placing 5-0 silk ligatures around the mandibular first molars. The animals were divided into two groups: (1) Non-treatment and (2) bubaline fibrin glue–treated groups. Plaque, gingival inflammation, and mobility index were scored on days 1, 7, and 14 after intervention. Histological examinations were performed. The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors was evaluated using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Ligature-induced periodontitis was confirmed by the increase in inflammatory cell infiltration as well as histological bone and attachment loss. Results: Compared to the non-treatment group, bubaline fibrin glue application reduced mononuclear cell infiltration into periodontal tissues corresponding to the reduction of collagen destruction. On days 7 and 14 after intervention, the inflammatory score and histological attachment loss were significantly lower in the bubaline fibrin glue–treated group than in the non-treatment group. A significant reduction in histological bone loss was observed in the treated group on day 7. Bubaline fibrin glue application led to a significant reduction of Tnfa and Il1b mRNA levels, while an increased expression of Pdgfa, Tgfb1, and Il10 was observed compared with the control. Conclusion: Bubaline fibrin glue could be beneficial in periodontitis treatment aiming to reduce inflammation and delay the progression of periodontal disease.


Managing Human Resources in the Middle East provides the reader with an understanding of the dynamics of HRM in this important region. Systematic analysis highlights the main factors and variables dictating HRM policies and practices within each country. Diverse and unique cultural, institutional and business environment factors which play a significant role in determining HRM systems in the region are also elaborated upon. The text moves from a general overview of HRM in the Middle-East to an exploration of the current status, role and strategic importance of the HR function in a wide-range of country-specific chapters, before highlighting the emerging HRM models and future challenges for research, policy and practice. This text is invaluable reading for academics, students and practitioners alike.


A room-temperature highly efficient Tm:YAP laser pumped MgO:PPLN optical parametric oscillator operating at 3.87 µm near degeneracy is demonstrated. The pump source is an acousto-optical (AO) Q-switched Tm:YAP laser, which delivers a maximum output power of 6.17 W with a pulse duration of 45 ns and a repetition rate of 6 kHz. The temperature dependent wavelength tuning characteristics of the PPLN-OPO is investigated, and a maximum OPO output power of 1.2 W at around 3.87 µm is achieved at 35°C, corresponding to an optical-optical conversion efficiency of 19.4%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the maximum output power ever reported from 2 µm waveband laser pumped 3-5 µm MgO:PPLN OPOs.


Transillumination of fluid-filled intracranial pathology in infants and small children has been discussed in recent reports (Calliauw, 1961; Dodge and Porter, 1961; Shurtleff, 1964). The threefold purpose of this communication is (1) to describe a method for both quantitation and easy recording of observed transillumination, (2) to emphasize the detection of potentially curable intracranial lesions, and (3) to stress the usefulness of transillumination in detecting and evaluating fluid-filled lesions in body areas, other than the skull.


Perturbative experiments on TFTR have investigated the transport of multiple ion species in reverse shear (RS) plasmas. The profile evolutions of trace tritium and helium and intrinsic carbon indicate the formation of core particle transport barriers in enhanced reverse shear (ERS) plasmas. There is an order of magnitude reduction in the particle diffusivity inside the RS region. The diffusivities for these species in ERS plasmas agree with neoclassical theory.


This paper traces the history of the notion of assimilation in the US and Europe. I argue that it has worked as a cognitive scheme leading to an understanding of migration as the entry of foreigners into the nation. I then examine the making of new boundaries in French society that emphasize categories of race and ethnicity to set French citizens apart from foreign nationals. I question if the focus on ethnic and racial distinctions either expresses the dropping of the assimilation paradigm, or allows its preservation by adjusting its meaning to the new configuration. I then point to some research viewpoints that radically challenge the assumptions that underlie the assimilationist framework.


The identification of an apparent excess of a genetic outcome in a particular area and/or a particular time often provokes considerable public alarm about the presence of an environmental mutagen. It is often difficult to determine in any particular case whether the observation, whatever its nominal statistical significance, is due to chance concatenation of events or to an environmental factor. Statistical evaluation is made more difficult by the profuse number of possible hypotheses that could have triggered concern about an excess. This renders it difficult to calculate the actual probability of the observation (or one more extreme). By attempting to identify similar types of outcomes that could have provoked an apparent excess and then undertaking computer simulations assuming random deviations from a constant rate, one may attempt to adjust for the problem of multiple hypotheses. We apply this approach to a reported excess of Down's syndrome in Norway in 1985–1986 in younger mothers, and conclude that there is a high probability that it arose by chance. Genet. Epidemiol. 14:133–145,1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


This study describes the contribution of the agriculture and forestry industries to Virginia\'s economy. The study relies on both published and unpublished data as well as literature that address trends in the agriculture and forestry industries. It makes use of input-output analysis to identify agriculture and forestry backward and forward linkages to other industries and institutions. It also provides separate estimates of agriculture and forestry impacts, impacts by industry groupings arranged by level of dependency on raw materials originating within the state, and impacts by region.


Compressive Sensing Imaging (CSI) is a new framework for image acquisition, which enables the simultaneous acquisition and compression of a scene. Since the characteristics of Compressive Sensing (CS) acquisition are very different from traditional image acquisition, the general image compression solution may not work well. In this paper, we propose an efficient lossy compression solution for CS acquisition of images by considering the distinctive features of the CSI. First, we design an adaptive compressive sensing acquisition method for images according to the sampling rate, which could achieve better CS reconstruction quality for the acquired image. Second, we develop a universal quantization for the obtained CS measurements from CS acquisition without knowing any a priori information about the captured image. Finally, we apply these two methods in the CSI system for efficient lossy compression of CS acquisition. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed solution improves the rate-distortion performance by 0.4∼2 dB comparing with current state-of-the-art, while maintaining a low computational complexity.


Three samples of barks of each of the two species Aspidosperma megalocarpon Muell. Arg. and Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco Schlecht. have been examined histologically. The arrangement of tissues, cell structure and cell contents in each bark are accurately described and illustrated. The diagnostic characters by which the two barks may be identified and distinguished from each other are tabulated. Those characters by which the bark of A. megalocarpon differs from those of A. album, A. excelsum and A. ulei are also discussed.


Orthochromic or hyperchromic anaemias, resistant to all forms of treatment, comprise a wellrecognized, but probably heterogeneous, group of blood disorders for which the general term 'refractory anaemia ' has been recently suggested (Bomford and Rhoads, 1941). Their origin is obscure, but the fact that similar syndromes may follow exposure to poisons such as certain aromatic hydrocarbons suggests that in some cases at least the formation of an endogenous haemotoxic metabolite may be a causal factor. That a constitutional element may sometimes be involved is shown by the rare occurrence of severe refractory anaemia in several members of the same family. Fanconi's description in 1927 of fatal anaemia in three brothers, all under seven years of age, appears to be the first recorded example of this association. The present communication deals with the incidence of anaemia of this type in two brothers observed for a number of years. One patient (C. H.) has died and hypoplasia of the marrow was found at autopsy; the other (A. H.), who has now been ill for ten years, has made a partial recovery. A cousin (M. H.), a girl aged twelve years, has also died recently of 'aplastic anaemia' in another hospital. She was an only child and of similar genetic constitution to that of the other two patients, for her father and mother were brother and sister respectively of the parents of the two affected boys. The boys' three sisters and their parents appear to be healthy, and no other relative, save M. H., has suffered or has died from anaemia as far as could be ascertained. A further unusual feature has been that increased haemolysis has played a part in the development of the anaemias, at least in the case of A. H. In this instance an abnormality affecting the erythrocytes identical with that found in nocturnal haemoglobinuria has been repeatedly demonstrated.


Introduction. Kenneth Frank, a Gwich'in from Arctic Village, describes himself as a "young Elder." Kenneth grew up learning many traditional skills and has continued to seek out traditional knowledge as an adult. For him, the details of traditional stories and lifeways are very important to learn and share with others. Like many of the Elders, he likes to teach and pass on his knowledge. Rather than bemoan the loss of traditional culture, Kenneth believes strongly that necessary skills and knowledge are available, even if sometimes hidden from easy access. As Kenneth puts it, "They (our ancestors) cover it with a blanket, but it's never been lost. Its still right here. . . . All we've got to do is uncover it and just start to work with it." Kenneth's statement reflects a vision of his culture as a living, evolving entity rooted in tradition, but far from lost or even fading. It is a perspective of strength and resourcefulness that for me will always come to mind whenever I hear someone talking glibly about this or that group of people "losing their culture." WHA


The retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), including RIG-I and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), sense cytoplasmic viral RNA and initiate innate antiviral responses. How RIG-I and MDA5 are differentially regulated remains enigmatic. In this study, we identified the guanylate-binding protein (GBP) and zinc-finger FYVE domain-containing protein ZFYVE1 as a negative regulator of MDA5- but not RIG-I-mediated innate antiviral responses. ZFYVE1-deficiency promoted MDA5- but not RIG-I-mediated transcription of downstream antiviral genes. Comparing to wild-type mice, Zfyve1-/- mice were significantly protected from lethality induced by encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) that is sensed by MDA5, whereas Zfyve1-/- and Zfyve1+/+ mice were comparable to death induced by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that is sensed by RIG-I. Mechanistically, ZFYVE1 interacted with MDA5 but not RIG-I. ZFYVE1 bound to viral RNA and decreased the ligand binding and oligomerization of MDA5. These findings suggest that ZFYVE1 acts as a specific negative regulator of MDA5-mediated innate immune responses by inhibiting its ligand binding and oligomerization.


Mental health problems in the workplace represent an important issue for public organizations, particularly for people working in the health sector who have been confronted to multiple changes following the recent health system reform in Quebec. Managers need to take into consideration employee mental health within their organization in order to ensure productive and healthy employees. Managers are thus called upon to take on a role that includes prevention (e.g., detection of early warning signs), team management (e.g., working on recognition at work) and coaching employees in their tasks when returning to work following a sick leave due to a common mental disorder (e.g., depression). Although there is an abundant literature on the manager's role in the prevention of mental health problems in the workplace and the work rehabilitation of employees on sick leave due to a common mental disorder, to our knowledge, little research has been conducted on these issues regarding managers' perceptions working in large health organizations. Furthermore, potential solutions have not been explored in this context. Objective The purpose of the study is to document, from the managers' perspective within a large health organization in Quebec, the issues pertaining to mental health and work (from prevention to work rehabilitation), and the solutions to deal with them. Method As part of a participatory research project, researchers and collaborators of a large health organization conducted focus groups with managers on the theme of mental health and work: issues and solutions. A total of 83 managers spread out in 10 focus groups participated in this study. Results From these focus groups, 6 broad categories of issues related to mental health in the workplace emerged: 1) the management framework, 2) human, financial, material and information resource management, 3) management of mental health and tools, 4), stakeholders' collaboration, roles and actions, 5) employees' sense of belonging to the organization and, 6) work-life balance. From these broad conceptual categories, 23 specific issues and associated solutions emerged. Conclusions From this study, the general consensus was the need to have access to a series of tools (e.g., toolbox) in order to assist managers across the different steps, from sick-leave prevention, to rehabilitation and return to work. The results also highlighted the need to better define the roles of each stakeholder in this process. These results bring a new light to the issues and potential solutions perceived by managers dealing with mental health and work issues in a large health organization. These results could eventually be replicated in other settings or large organizations.


Background: The neutron-deficient osmium isotopic chain provides a great laboratory for the study of shape evolution, with the transition from the soft triaxial rotor in Os168 to the well-deformed prolate rotor in Os180, while shape coexistence appears around N=96 in Os172. Therefore, the study of the Os isotopic chain should provide a better understanding of shape changes in nuclei and a detailed scrutiny of nuclear structure calculations. In this paper, the lifetimes of the low-lying yrast states of Os170 have been measured for the first time to investigate the shape evolution with neutron number. Purpose: Lifetimes of excited states in the ground-state band of Os170 are measured to investigate the shape evolution with neutron number in osmium isotopes and compare with state-of-the-art calculations. Methods: The states of interest were populated via the fusion-evaporation reaction Nd142(S32,4n) at a bombarding energy of 170 MeV at the ALTO facility from IPN (Orsay, France). Lifetimes of the 21+ and 41+ states in Os170 were measured with the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method using the Orsay universal plunger system. Results: Lifetimes of the two first excited states in Os170 were measured for the first time. A very small B(E2;41+→21+)/B(E2;21+→01+)=0.38(11) was found, which is very uncharacteristic for collective nuclei. These results were compared to state-of-the-art beyond-mean-field calculations. Conclusions: Although theoretical results give satisfactory results for the energy of the first few excited states in Os170 and the B(E2;21+→01+) they fail to reproduce the very small B(E2;41+→21+), which remains a puzzle.


This is an investigation of exchanges of energy and water between the atmosphere and the vegetated continents, and the impact of and mechanisms for land surface-atmosphere interactions on hydrological cycle and general circulation by implementing the Simplified Simple Biosphere (SSiB) model in a modified version of IAP/LASG global spectral general model (L9R15 AGCM).This study reveals that the SSiB model produces a better partitioning of the land surface heat and moisture fluxes and its diurnal variations, and also gives the transport of energy and water among atmosphere, vegetation and soil explicitly and realistically. Thus the coupled SSiB-AGCM runs lead to the more conspicuous improvement in the simulated circulation, precipitation, mean water vapor content and its transport, particularly in the Asian monsoon region in the real world than CTL-AGCM runs. It is also pointed out that both the implementation of land surface parameterizations and the variations in land surface into the GOALS model have greatly improved hydrological balance over continents and have a significant impact on the simulated climate,particularly over the massive continents.Improved precipitation recycling model was employed to verify the mechanisms for land surface hydrology parameterizations on hydrological cycle and precipitation climatology in AGCM.It can be argued that the recycling precipitation rate is significantly reduced, particularly in the arid and semi-arid region of the boreal summer hemisphere, coincident with remarkable reduction in evapotranspiration over the continental area. Therefore the coupled SSiB-AGCM runs reduce the bias of too much precipitation over land surface in most AGCMs, thereby bringing the simulated precipitation closer to observations in many continental regions of the world than CTL-AGCM runs.


Remote sensing results of land and water surfaces from airborne and satellite platforms are dependent upon the illumination geometry and the sensor viewing geometry. Correction of pushbroom hyperspectral imagery can be achieved using bidirectional reflectance factors (BRF's) image features based upon their multi-angle hyperspectral signatures. Ground validation of features and targets utilize non-imaging sensors such as hemispherical goniometers. In this paper, a new linear translation based hyperspectral imaging goniometer system is described. Imagery and hyperspectral signatures obtained from a rotation stage platform and the new linear non-hemispherical goniometer system shows applications and a multi-angle correction approach for multi-angle hyperspectral pushbroom imagery corrections. Results are presented in a manner in order to describe how ground, vessel and airborne based multi-angle hyperspectral signatures can be applied to operational hyperspectral image acquisition by the calculation of hyperspectral anisotropic signature imagery. The results demonstrate the analysis framework from the systems to water and coastal vegetation for exploitation of surface and subsurface feature or target detection based using the multi-angle radiative transfer based BRF's. The hyperspectral pushbroom multi-angle analysis methodology forms a basis for future multi-sensor based multi-angle change detection algorithms.


The development of the OpenURL standard in 2000 was a much-heralded milestone for enhancing access to full-text resources across discovery systems. OpenURL (ANSI/NISO Z39.88), a Web-based protocol for transmitting item-level metadata, was designed to enable seamless access from citations in databases (e.g., abstracting and indexing services) to the full text of journal articles or e-book chapters, without requiring users to execute a second search in another discovery platform. Metadata in the OpenURL standard is a critical element not only for identifying and retrieving the target object from its source(s), but also for constructing the 'link-to' syntax in the URL to the content provider's web site.

Despite OpenURL being an international standard, its wide use and its potential, OpenURL in practice has yet to become a reliable mechanism for leading users to desired content. Inaccurate or incomplete metadata, along with other technical issues, can frustrate library users when links from citation databases to full-text fail. This presentation will reveal the various possibilities and results that can occur with an OpenURL, the reasons for an unsuccessful user result, and a presentation of this problem from Cornell University data logs.

There will also be a discussion of a proposed Cornell-led OpenURL Quality Project to improve OpenURL metadata for better library service and an enhanced user experience. The anticipated results of the project is the design of a metadata quality ratings system for content providers that content providers will want to adapt for their practices with quality standards in order to provide more successful link resolutions to electronic library collections. Our users will find the relevant resources that they need. Library staff and vendors will spend less time finding and fixing errors that were the result of low quality metadata.


A few traditional methods for determining water content in the field are either inaccurate or time consuming. As an alternative, the time domain reflectometry (TDR) technology has been used in the determination of the soil water content for geotechnical applications. This paper presents the preliminary results on the development of a new TDR probe for determining soil water content and dry density at different depths. This new probe is intended to be pushed into the ground using piezocone equipment. Different from the standard TDR probes with straight rods, the new probe consists of two parallel copper stripes coiled around a PVC-steel core. The probe diameter is the same as the standard 10 cm2 piezocone diameter. Through laboratory calibrations, it is possible to establish expressions relating the soil apparent dielectric constant and the bulk electrical conductivity with the gravimetric water content and the dry density.


Our lives are full of memorable and important moments, as well as important items of information. The last few years have seen the proliferation of digital devices intended to support prosthetic memory (PM), to help users recall experiences, conversations and retrieve personal information. We nevertheless have little systematic understanding of when and why people might use such devices, in preference to their own organic memory (OM). Although OM is fallible, it may be more efficient than accessing information from a complex PM device. We report a controlled lab study which investigates when and why people use PM and OM. We found that PM use depended on users' evaluation of the quality of their OM, as well as PM device properties. In particular, we found that users trade-off Accuracy and Efficiency, preferring rapid access to potentially inaccurate information over laborious access to accurate information. We discuss the implications of these results for future PM design and theory. Rather than replacing OM, future PM designs need to focus on allowing OM and PM to work in synergy.


Contemporary information modeling of enterprise systems only focuses on the technical aspect of the systems, though it is known that they are social-technical (socio-tech) systems in essence. In fact, there are many lessons that can be learned from failures in themanagement of enterprise systems, which range from a small one (e.g., failure to install a printer driver) to a large one (e.g., nuclear power plant post-accident management). This paper, therefore, proposes that the enterprise system should be viewed as a socio-tech system. The paper presents a novel integrated approach to information modeling of socio-tech enterprise systems. In particular, the approach integrates object-orientation, systemsdynamics (as ameans to represent high-level dynamics), and aspectprogramming. The paper discusses an example to illustrate how the proposed approach works.


Abstract Deep recent surveys have considerably improved our picture of the outer Galactic halo by unveiling a complex level of substructuring in the form of streams, stellar clouds and debris systems. Here I discuss some of the recent findings and present their general properties.


In this study, we investigate the pseudopotential multiphase model of lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and incorporate a surface tension term to implement the particle interaction force. By using the Carnahan–Starling (CS) equation of state (EOS) with a proper critical pressure–density ratio, a density ratio over 160000 is obtained with satisfactory numerical stability. The added surface tension term offers a flexible choice to adjust the surface tension strength. Numerical tests of the Laplace rule are conducted, proving that smaller spurious velocity and better numerical stability can be acquired as the surface tension becomes stronger. Moreover, by wall adhesion and heterogeneous cavitation tests, the surface tension term shows its practical application in dealing with problems in which the surface tension plays an important role.


The aims of this study were to develop a geographic information systems (GIS) forecast and risk assessment model for cyclically transmitted trypanosomosis in Ethiopia by matching features in the environment to available information on the preferences and limits of tolerance of the parasite and its vector, and validate and further develop the GIS model using data from current and historical prevalence survey data and habitat microenvironment studies from trypanosomosis endemic areas. Results indicate that GIS model developed for parasitic diseases based on growing degree day (GDD) concept can be applied to tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis. GIS for animal trypanosomosis was created using Food and Agriculture Organization – Crop Production System Zones (FAO-CPSZ) database and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and maximum temperature (Tmax) from the Global Land 1km dataset. The two datasets used to determine the risk of tsetse flies and consequently animal trypanosomosis in Ethiopia indicated the magnitude of the disease and possible expansion of the "fly belt" in the future. The GIS model indicated the distribution and importance of tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis in Ethiopia. Spatial and statistical analysis verified the use of GDD concept and climate forecast system that was developed to determine the suitability of a given environment for the proliferation of a biotype, in this case tsetse and trypanosomes. Results presented here indicate the importance of GDD and the two climatic variables (NDVI and Tmax) in the development of forecast model for tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis in Ethiopia.
Key words/phrases: Ethiopia, GIS, NDVI, Tmax, trypanosomosis SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol.27(1) 2004: 1-8


The importance of phosphate solubilizing rhizobacteria (PSB) has been well-document as an option for enhancing sustainable agriculture. As a particular group of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), PSB play an important role in the soil phosphorus cycle, increasing the bioavailability for growth and plant development. This study analyses the plant growth promoting effects of 5 strains (BN0009, BN0013, BN0015, BN0024, and BN0035) out of 180 isolated from Jarava frigida (Phil.) F.Rojas (Poaceae), a native grass from the Andean Atacama desert from North of Chile. The five bacterial isolated (BN strains) were identified as non-pathogenic Erwinia sp. and show a high phosphate solubilization capacity for Ca(PO4) ranging from 608.9 to 781.4 mg/L. Strains IAA production varies between 23.5 and 35.9 mg/L, siderophores, phosphatase (alkaline and acid) production was also observed, but none of the five isolated presented antagonism against plant pathogens Botrytis sp. and Sclerotinia sp. All isolates enhanced seed germination in Lactuca sativa and Solanum lycopersicum (excepting BN009). Additionally, all strains stimulated the early root elongation and seedling development in lettuce and tomato. Pot experiments displayed that BN0015, BN0024, and BN0035 significantly promote plant growth regarding root and leaf area, root and leaf weight, as well as leaf number compared with non-treated plants. In a field experiment with lettuce and two fertilization treatments (50 and 100% of the recommended crop fertilization), BN0024 application improved crop productivity compared to respective control. P content in plants with bacterial inoculations increased significantly compared to control in either fertilization treatment, suggesting an improved nutrient uptake. Also, lettuce with 50% fertilization and inoculation with BN0024 equate productivity with the control 100% fertilization. Finally, we discuss these results in the context of applicability to enhance the agroecosystem productivity in arid and semiarid zones.


Today antimicrobial agent resistance is an emerging global concern to both public and veterinary health. The use of antibacterial drugs for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes in humans and for veterinary and agricultural purposes has provided selective pressure favoring the survival and spread of resistant organisms. However, resistant bacteria may transfer their resistance to previously non-resistant pathogenic bacteria or directly infect humans with bacterialdiseases that cannot be treated by conventional antimicrobial therapies. The potential for antibiotic exposure and resistance development in human and animal gastrointestinal tracts, coupled with relatively great abundance in waters contaminated with human and animal waste, makes the fecal coliform bacteria a logical fecal groupfor studies of antibiotic resistance and transfer in aquatic environments. The main bacteria present in human and animal feces discussed which indicators of fecal pollution should be used in current drinking water microbiological analysis.This review mainly focoused on antibiotic resistance of environmental isolates is imperative to explore the antibiotic pressure in the environment. In addition methods to reduce bacteria resistant load in wastewaters and the amount of antimicrobial agents is originated in most cases of hospitals and farms that optimization the disinfection procedures and management of wastewater.


The significance of reduced antibody responses to the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) component of acellular pertussis-containing combination vaccines (DTaP-Hib) is unclear. A DTaP-Hib vaccine evaluated in infants vaccinated at ages 2, 3, and 4 months showed reduced anti-Hib polysaccharide IgG (geometric mean concentration [GMC], 1.23 microgram/mL; 57%, >1.0 microgram/mL). Polyribitolribosyl phosphate (PRP) and Hib conjugate (PRP-T) vaccine given as a booster during the second year of life was evaluated for the presence of immunological memory. After boosting, most children achieved anti-PRP IgG >1.0 microgram/mL, although the GMC was higher with PRP-T (88.5 microgram/mL) than with PRP vaccine (7.86 microgram/mL, P<.001). The GMC of the PRP group was higher than anticipated for naive PRP recipients of the same age. PRP-specific IgG avidity was significantly higher after boosting than after priming, providing further evidence for the generation of memory. Despite reduced immunogenicity, DTaP-Hib combination vaccines appear to prime for immunologic memory.


We study optimal admission control of secondary users (SUs) in cognitive radio (CR) networks in presence of preemption. In this model, when a primary user (PU) arrives to the system and finds all the channels busy, it preempts an SU unless all the users in the system are PUs. We apply admission control on the SUs only. Using dynamic programming (DP), we find the optimal admission control policy that maximizes the long-run average profit. As our main contribution, we show that the optimal admission control of the SUs depends only on the total number of users in the system (i.e. it does not depend on the number of PUs and SUs in the system individually) and is of threshold type. Therefore, although the system is modeled as a two-dimensional Markov chain, our findings allow simple and efficient computation of the optimal control policy.


Abstract An electromagnetic analysis of a human head with EEG electrodes and leads exposed to RF-field sources was performed by means of Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations on a 1-mm3 MRI-based human head model. RF-field source models included a half-wave dipole, a patch antenna, and a realistic CAD-based mobile phone at 915 MHz and 1748 MHz. EEG electrodes/leads models included two configurations of EEG leads, both a standard 10–20 montage with 19 electrodes and a 32-electrode cap, and metallic and high resistive leads. Whole-head and peak 10-g average SAR showed less than 20% changes with and without leads. Peak 1-g and 10-g average SARs were below the ICNIRP and IEEE guideline limits. Conversely, a comprehensive volumetric assessment of changes in the RF field with and without metallic EEG leads showed an increase of two orders of magnitude in single-voxel power absorption in the epidermis and a 40-fold increase in the brain during exposure to the 915 MHz mobile phone. Results varied with the geometry and conductivity of EEG electrodes/leads. This enhancement confirms the validity of the question whether any observed effects in studies involving EEG recordings during RF-field exposure are directly related to the RF fields generated by the source or indirectly to the RF-field-induced currents due to the presence of conductive EEG leads.


BACKGROUND
Gender dysphoria is characterised by a sense of distress because of discordance between the self-perception of gender identity and the assigned sex. Hormonal treatment of transgender males uses testosterone to induce and preserve masculinisation.

OBJECTIVE
The study investigated the safety of testosterone therapy in transgender males.

METHODS
The present study used a retrospective file review of transgender male subjects who were treated with testosterone (initially transdermal testosterone gel and subsequently parenteral testosterone undecanoate) for at least 18 months and had subsequently achieved a serum testosterone level within the normal range of cisgender male counterparts. Changes in somatometric data and blood biomarkers were investigated.

RESULTS
The mean testosterone serum levels after approximately 18 months of treatment were about 545 ng/dL (SD ± 94 ng/dL). There was a statistically significant rise in body mass index (𝜒d = +1.23 kg/m2) with a reduction in blood glucose (𝜒d = -5.33 mg/dL) as well as statistically significant increases in aspartate transaminase (𝜒d = +4.3 U/L), haemoglobin (𝜒d = +1.72 g/dL) and haematocrit (𝜒d = +4.76%). In contrast, there were no significant changes in the lipidaemic profile of the subjects.

CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with testosterone is routinely used for the promotion of virilising physical changes in transgender males. However, the likelihood of adverse effects of continuous administration treatment is still unclear. This study contributed to the notion that achieving testosterone levels within the target range is a prerequisite for the safety of the gender-affirming treatment.


In this paper, we analyze how different temporal and referential properties of past-referring adverbials – specifically, hodiernality and deixis – are partially responsible for the crosslinguistic distribution of PAST and PERFECT markers across Dutch, Spanish, and English. To that end, we conducted an acceptability judgment task, where 160 subjects per language rated context-sentence pairs that display either a PAST or a PERFECT marker, and a temporal adverbial that is: (i) either temporally close to or temporally far from the speech time, and (ii), either deictic or not deictic. Results show that: (a) Dutch allows for its PERFECT marker to combine with any past-referring temporal adverbial, (b) Spanish only allows its PERFECT marker to combine with adverbials that locate the event temporally close to speech time, regardless of deixis, and (iii) that English prefers its PAST marker in all past-referring situations, but allows its PERFECT to combine with adverbials that are both deictic and temporally close to speech time, particularly when the adverb specifies an interval that is included in the day of utterance (e.g., this morning), as opposed to adverbs that describe an interval that includes it (e.g., this month).


Describes the application of a 2D color image display to monitor various paper properties of a paper machine reel. These properties include caliper, opacity, moisture and basis weight. The conventional method of determining the paper quality of an entire reel was to perform statistical calculations on a profile-to-profile basis of paper properties in both machine direction, length and cross-machine direction, and width of the sheet. On a profile-by-profile basis, it can be somewhat difficult for mill personnel to determine whether the entire reel is within the desirable grade specifications or not, or whether the specification is only out of limits at certain sets or rolls within the reel. This difficulty can be overcome by use of digital imaging technology. An image display can be used to monitor the entire reel sheet for various paper properties. This means less time will be required for statistical calculations. Feedback from analyzing the reel image would enable mill personnel to identify possible problems associated with the paper machine controls. In addition, trimming information can be derived from the reel image noting if any undesirable streaks are present in the sheet. The reel image display was developed as a graphical tool for the paper machine, as part of a mill-wide information and optimization system (MOPS). This paper presents a case study of using this display at the Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC) pulp and paper mill. The overall benefits of this display are demonstrated by using actual property profile data recorded from their paper machine.<<ETX>>


The aim of the thesis was to collect baseline data and to investigating suitable physical tests and a self-rapport questionnaire. Collected data was used to find a routine measurement when investigating foot health, function and mobility among clients suffering from diabetes in Samoa. Twenty-one participants suffering from diabetes were included in the study. Clients answered the Foot function index (FFI) questionnaire and performed physical tests, consisting of Bergs balance scale (BBS) and Time up and go (TUG). Results from the physical tests revealed a great balance disturbance and mobility limitations among the majority of the clients. General high weight and BMI was measured among both genders. Subjects with the highest BMI performed lowest time during TUG test. The statistic analyze revealed a strong correlation between the two physical tests, indicating that one of the tests could be applied as a routine measurement in the future, when evaluating function and mobility in Samoa. The compilation of self-report questionnaires indicated a general good foot health with a low amount of pain, disabilities and activity limitations.


While online social networking is a popular way for people to share information, it carries the risk of unintentionally disclosing personal information. One way to reduce this risk is to anonymize personal information in messages before they are posted. Furthermore, if personal information is somehow disclosed, the person who disclosed it should be identifiable. Several methods developed for anonymizing personal information in natural language text simply remove sensitive phrases, making the anonymized text message unnatural. Other methods change the message by using synonymization or structural alteration to create fingerprints for detecting disclosure, but they do not support the creation of a sufficient number of fingerprints for friends of an online social network user. We have developed a system for anonymizing personal information in text messages that generalizes sensitive phrases. It also creates a sufficient number of fingerprints of a message by using synonyms so that, if personal information is revealed online, the person who revealed it can be identified. A distribution metric is used to ensure that the degree of anonymization is appropriate for each group of friends. A threshold is used to improve the naturalness of the fingerprinted messages so that they do not catch the attention of attackers. Evaluation using about 55,000 personal tweets in English demonstrated that our system creates sufficiently natural fingerprinted messages for friends and groups of friends. The practicality of the system was demonstrated by creating a web application for controlling messages posted on Facebook. key words: fingerprint, anonymized text message, disclosure detection, online social network


A new effective approach to detect central coordinate of foreground object in classroom recording application circumstance is proposed in this paper. The new approach includes two steps. The first step is to segment interested blocks from a whole video image by Inter-frame Differences. The second step is to extract the foreground pixels from the interested blocks by Gaussian Mixture Model GMM. The experimental results show that the new algorithm, which combines Gaussian Mixture Model and Inter-frame Differences, performs better than the methods in previous researches in classroom recording application field. The new method is proved to be effective in reducing complexity of calculation with very small expense of accuracy. The adaptability of different number of blocks and different values of block threshold are discussed at the end of the paper.


A fisheye camera calibration method is proposed by using two pairs of vanishing points from one single fisheye view in this paper. Aiming at a plane scene including two groups of parallel straight lines with different direction, one single fisheye image is viewed by a fisheye camera. Four vanishing points can be first computed by the intersection of the image line in the fisheye image. Since line segment joining a pair of vanishing points with same direction passes through the image center, the principal point is estimated by joining two pairs of vanishing point. Second, the focal length and aspect ratio may be obtained by using this property of two vanishing points corresponding one group parallel straight line. Last, we choose the estimated basic intrinsic parameters as an initial value, the fisheye lens distortion parameters may further be refined by minimizing the objective function from all fisheye image points on the same great circle. Experimental results demonstrate the validity of our method.


We present a formal analysis of the well-known two phase atomic commitment protocol. The protocol is modeled as networks of timed automata using the model checker UPPAAL. The protocol has been verified in two different crash models, the crash-stop model, and the crash-recovery model. The paper also describes how dense-timed model checking technology may be applied to discover the worst case execution time and the corresponding worst-case scenario of the protocol. The analysis also allows us to illustrate various features of the UPPAAL tool, which shows that the specification language of the tool lacks the expressiveness to capture some desired properties of the protocol.


Monotone functions and data sets arise in a variety of applications. We study the interpolation problem for monotone data sets: The input is a monotone data set with $n$ points, and the goal is to find a size and depth efficient monotone neural network, with non negative parameters and threshold units, that interpolates the data set. We show that there are monotone data sets that cannot be interpolated by a monotone network of depth $2$. On the other hand, we prove that for every monotone data set with $n$ points in $\mathbb{R}^d$, there exists an interpolating monotone network of depth $4$ and size $O(nd)$. Our interpolation result implies that every monotone function over $[0,1]^d$ can be approximated arbitrarily well by a depth-4 monotone network, improving the previous best-known construction of depth $d+1$. Finally, building on results from Boolean circuit complexity, we show that the inductive bias of having positive parameters can lead to a super-polynomial blow-up in the number of neurons when approximating monotone functions.


To determine the mode of action of the beneficial effect of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-MgCl2, recovery of microinjected inulin, proximal tubular pressure (PTP), and cellular damage as quantitated by histomorphometric analysis of necrosis and swelling were evaluated at 2, 6, and 24 hours after 45 minutes of renal ischemia in rats treated with either normal saline or ATP-MgCl2. At 2 hours both groups of rats demonstrated increased permeability to inulin, elevated PTP, and severe ischemic damage and necrosis. By 6 hours ATP-MgCl2 rats had less tubular back leak of inulin, PTP was modestly reduced, and ultrastructural studies demonstrated improved cellular morphologic features with evidence of early regenerative changes. The saline rats had progressive ischemic cellular damage. At 24 hours ATP-MgCl2 rats had reestablished tubular integrity, PtP had fallen, and ischemic alterations were improved, with only focal evidence of necrosis. Saline-treated rats still had a back leak of inulin, elevated PTP, and progressive ischemic injury. This study demonstrates that 1) cellular damage continues to occur for 6 hours after renal ischemia; 2) ATP-MgCl2 enhances recovery of tubular integrity and cellular morphologic features. The salutary effect of ATP-MgCl2 appears related to the preservation of sublethally injured cells and acceleration of the process of restoration and repair of damaged cells.


This work is devoted to analyse an impedance boundary-transmission problem for the Helmholtz equation originated by a problem of wave diffraction by an infinite strip with higher order imperfect boundary conditions. A constructive approach of operator relations is built, which allows a transparent interpretation of the problem in an operator theory framework. In particular, different types of operator relations are exhibited for different types of operators acting between Lebesgue and Sobolev spaces on a finite interval and the positive half-line. All this has consequences in the understanding of the structure of this type of problems. In particular, a Fredholm characterization of the problem is obtained in terms of the initial space order parameters.At the request of the author and the Proceedings Editor the above article has been replaced with a corrected version. The original PDF file supplied to AIP Publishing contained an error in the title of the article. The original title appeared as: "The Impedance Problem of Wave Diffraction by a trip with Higher Order Boundary Conditions." This article has been replaced and the title now appears correctly online. The corrected article was published on 8 November 2013.This work is devoted to analyse an impedance boundary-transmission problem for the Helmholtz equation originated by a problem of wave diffraction by an infinite strip with higher order imperfect boundary conditions. A constructive approach of operator relations is built, which allows a transparent interpretation of the problem in an operator theory framework. In particular, different types of operator relations are exhibited for different types of operators acting between Lebesgue and Sobolev spaces on a finite interval and the positive half-line. All this has consequences in the understanding of the structure of this type of problems. In particular, a Fredholm characterization of the problem is obtained in terms of the initial space order parameters.At the request of the author and the Proceedings Editor the above article has been replaced with a corrected version. The original PDF file supplied to AIP Publishing contained an error in the title of the article. The original title appeared as: "The Imp...


This study aims to determine the pattern of partnership is run by PT. Pelita Trikencana Bersinar, as well as to determine the level of satisfaction of plasma broiler breeders in partnership with PT. Pelita Trikencana Bersinar. This type of research is descriptive using quantitative and qualitative data, data collection through interviews with the help of questionnaires.The data analysis was use by descriptive method with Customer Satisfaction Index and Importance Satisfaction Index. The partnership that run is plasma with contract farming wihch the company as inti and the farmers as the plasma. The partnership betwen PT.Pelita Trikencana Bersinar and farmers is closed partnership wihch the farmer not have permission to sell the harvest or supply production input from the other company. PT. Pelita Trikencana Bersinar supply production input for plasma farmers in this fatnership, the farmers in the weakness position because the agreement given is standard rule that made by company. There are 7 variables that use he know Satisfaction Level  of plasma farmers. The result shows that the value of Customer Satisfaction Index is 79,87 percent or 0,80 in range about 0,66-0,80. It meants that generally the satisfaction Index of plasma  farmers be criteria Satisfied. From Importance Performance Analysis. Shows the variable that here lower performance the price of supply production input contract is expensive and supply production input quality not consistent in every period. Keywords: Broiler , ContractFarming , Partnership, Satisfaction


Investors live in a multi-period, volatile world and base their decisions on theories of asset pricing, and asset allocation, often derived from a single period model. They make assumptions about asset returns and volatilities and use optimizers to set their long term allocations, and often naively rebalance back to these allocations, hire managers etc. Even if they have perfect foresight in predicting asset returns, are they making decisions based on noise or truly useful information? Alternatively, what confidence can one have in these estimates over typical investment horizons of 5-10 years? Or how much time does one need to establish a successful investment outcome as opposed to just experiencing noise? A simple formula designed to examine whether asset managers are lucky or skillful can be used to examine these questions. This analysis suggests that the time window to have high confidence in the efficacy of the approach utilized by most investors is much greater than the typical horizon of these approaches – this is the time contradiction in investments. Alternatively, for a given investment horizon, this methodology suggests the degree of confidence an investor might have in their investment inputs and allocation decisions. Living in a volatile world implies that this confidence is low for short time windows. This time contradiction between required time horizon and that used by investors has interesting implications not only for the investment models and approaches used, including the examination of funded versus unfunded programs, but also for how investors are compared to peers and compensated.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether Medicare and/or Medicaid beneficiaries with behavioral health disorders (BHDs) receive lower quality diabetes care.

STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective observational study using merged Medicare and Medicaid claims data from Massachusetts in calendar years 2004 and 2005.

METHODS
The study included beneficiaries who had type 2 diabetes, stayed at nursing homes for fewer than 90 days, and were enrolled in Medicare and/or Medicaid for at least 10 months during the study period. We used Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to identify the receipt of 4 measures of diabetes care quality (ie, glycated hemoglobin tests, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol tests, nephropathy tests, eye examinations). The rates of adherence (defined by proportions of beneficiaries receiving appropriate services for each measure) were compared across different types of BHDs as identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnoses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare the odds of adherence among beneficiaries who had BHDs with the odds among beneficiaries who had no BHDs, while adjusting for case mix.

RESULTS
A total of 106,174 individuals met inclusion criteria. Results from adjusted analysis showed a mixed picture of the relationships between BHDs and adherence to quality measures. While substance use disorders were associated with lower adherence to quality measures, beneficiaries with diagnoses of schizophrenia or paranoid states had higher odds for adherence to quality measures.

CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with diabetes and substance use disorders receive lower quality diabetes care. Further studies to examine the factors associated with this disparity are needed.


INTRODUCTION
Radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RON) is an infrequent but devastating consequence of radiation exposure to the visual pathways, usually following months to years after the treatment of paranasal or intracranial tumours. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is one of several therapies that have been tried for this condition. The purpose of this review is to describe the clinical characteristics of RON, the rationale for the use of HBO in this condition, and the available clinical data on its safety and efficacy.

METHODS
MEDLINE searches were performed on radiation optic neuropathy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and similar terms, and selected references were reviewed. The results were combined with the experience at our own institution.

RESULTS
RON typically follows a fulminant course with characteristic symptoms, examination findings, and imaging. The threshold for prior radiation exposure depends upon the delivery system used and patient characteristics. Therapy with anticoagulants or steroids has been unsuccessful. While there are case reports in the literature of successful treatment with HBO, therapy with HBO has to be initiated soon after the onset of vision loss, and even then yields variable results at best.

CONCLUSIONS
There is still no consistently successful treatment for RON. HBO may be attempted in selected cases, but the prognosis for preservation of vision remains grim.


Background: Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the most widely recognized complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with diversely reported occurrence rates. Present review focusses on dissecting the surgical treatment modalities that leads to development of PF. Methods: A retrospective study with the use of hospital database as cases and controls was carried out. Data were tabulated and subjected to strong statistical analysis and inferences were drawn. Results: As observed the occurrence of PF did not differ in terms of mean age, sex, surgical timings to the procedure, anastomosis techniques or vascular resection. Conclusion: The surgical approach for PF is related with a higher mortality and morbidity. There is no preferred method of performing pancreatectomy as any procedure can give rise to same mortality rates and risk of endocrine deficiency. In instances of muddled PF, radiological or surgical conservative treatment is needed and surgically duct to mucosal double layered anastomosis have been successful in reducing the PF rates and its validation is still awaited from the trials.


The amount of water demand at large buildings is increasing with the concentration of population to city and a rise in the standard of living in the city area. In this reason the Water Shortage is expected and a problem of water pollution by the city sewerage is increasing. One of method of saving city water demand and city sewer is applying recycling water system witch make used water reuse by purification of water. The application of recycling water system witch make used performed since the application of Lotte World Complex. But the popularization of this system is not activated because of cost problem and feeling of people to the water recycled. So in this study, provide application method for recycling water system by propose the estimation method of optimal sizing of recycling water system.


The new media has already had the technological equipment that the media sector cannot have. Internet journalism, which is included in the new media, has enabled journalism to gain a new dimension thanks to this technological equipment. Some news themes in internet journalism have recently come to the fore. In particular, Turkey's neighbor is to remain insensitive to the problems in countries other words, in neighboring countries, opening the doors to people who had to leave for different reasons "migration" led to the emergence of the concept to the forefront. Migration movements of people wanting to migrate to Western countries through Turkey or Turkey have built an important study area. In this study, 225 news texts with the theme of migration in one month period in hurriyet.com.tr, milliyet.com.tr and yenisafak.com were analyzed with content analysis method. With the analysis, descriptive values of immigration news in internet newspapers were revealed. According to Internet newspapers, it was also found that there was a significant relationship between news subjects, the way of identifying migrants and the reasons for migration.


To test the hypothesis that the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is involved in mediating the toll-like receptor 4-dependent effects on the liver in the onset of fructose-induced steatosis, wild-type and iNOS knockout (iNOS(-/-)) mice were either fed tap water or 30% fructose solution for 8 weeks. Chronic consumption of 30% fructose solution led to a significant increase in hepatic steatosis and inflammation as well as plasma alanine-aminotransferase levels in wild-type mice. This effect of fructose feeding was markedly attenuated in iNOS(-/-) mice. Hepatic lipidperoxidation, concentration of phospho-IκB, nuclear factor κB activity, and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA level were significantly increased in fructose-fed wild-type mice, whereas in livers of fructose-fed iNOS(-/-) mice, lipidperoxidation, phospho-IκB, nuclear factor κB activity, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression were almost at the level of controls. However, portal endotoxin levels and hepatic myeloid differentiation factor 88 expression were significantly higher in both fructose-fed groups compared to controls. Taken together, these data suggest that (i) the formation of reactive oxygen species in liver is a key factor in the onset of fatty liver and (ii) iNOS is involved in mediating the endotoxin/toll-like receptor 4-dependent effects in the development of fructose-induced fatty liver.


Palynomorph Darkness Index (PDI) is proposed as a new thermal maturity indicator. PDI is calculated from measurement of the red, green and blue (RGB) intensities of light transmitted through palynomorphs, using standard palynological microscopes and digital cameras. PDIs determined by different microscope and camera combinations show excellent correlation, suggesting that the method is largely platform-independent, though calibration is required, preferably using photographic filters as standards. Investigation of PDI from experimentally heated Tasmanites reveals a progressive increase with increasing temperature, suggesting that the technique is applicable through a broad temperature range encompassing the whole of the oil window and at least part of the zone of dry gas generation. Potential applications of this inexpensive method include the estimation of thermal maturity of rocks deficient in vitrinite, such as the Lower Palaeozoic rocks of Arabia and the Upper Devonian black shales of North America.


Objective We aimed to identify predictors of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to enhance the prognostic value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Methods Derivation cohort included 1033 consecutive AF patients referred for catheter ablation or direct current cardioversion, in whom transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was performed prior to the procedure. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of LAA thrombus on TOE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to compare the newly developed score with the CHA2DS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in the derivation and the validation (n=320) cohort. Results On TOE, LAA thrombus was present in 59 (5.7%) patients in the derivation cohort. Aside from variables encompassed by the CHA2DS2-VASc score, LAA thrombus predictors included AF type (persistent/'permanent' vs paroxysmal) and renal dysfunction. These predictors were incorporated into the CHA2DS2-VASc score. In ROC analysis, area under the curve (AUC) for the new score (CHA2DS2-VASc-RAF score) was significantly higher (0.81) than those for the CHA2DS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (0.71 and 0.70, respectively). In the validation cohort, the CHA2DS2-VASc-RAF score also performed significantly better (AUC of 0.88) than the CHA2DS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (AUC of 0.63 and 0.60, respectively). Conclusion In real-world AF patients with majority on oral anticoagulation, LAA thrombus was found in approximately 6%. Two variables not included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score (AF type and renal dysfunction) proved strong, independent predictors of LAA thrombus and might improve thromboembolic risk stratification.


Within North Kuwait heavy oil fields, integrated reservoir modelling is challenged by inherent reservoir heterogeneities, regional non-stationarity (i.e. trends), asymmetrical well and seismic distributions, and the need to maintain alignment between various the model scales required and multiple purposes for which the models will be used. This paper presents a number of customized workflows adapted to characterize these reservoir architectures and heterogeneities within one field, appropriately at all model scales and in regions with variable well control.
 A reliable new rock type classification scheme was derived from cross plot analyses of Gamma Ray and Bulk Density (GR-DENS) logs. Within an initial production area containing over 900 regularly spaced wells, 3D variograms for these lithotypes were estimated, calibrated with 3D seismic and reservoir equivalent surface outcrops. The lithotypes were distributed into full field static models using these variograms and the Sequential Indicator Simulation (SIS) algorithm. An additional declustering step was implemented to express regional trends and account for asymmetrical data distribution. Petrophysical property modeling (shale volume, effective porosity, water saturation) was performed using the Kriging algorithm conditioned to lithofacies.
 From these full field models, sector models were created to capture geological heterogeneity at a smaller grid increment. Full-field facies were downscaled onto the sector model grids, and then the Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGS) algorithm was used to interpolate petrophysical properties, constrained by histograms of the kriged background models. This allowed information from wells outside of sector models to be incorporated efficiently into them.
 The facies and heterogeneities represented within the full-field static models have improved upon earlier versions, by being distributed more consistently relative to known seismic and well control, and to outcrop reservoir analogues. Modelled petrophysical properties also show a more consistent linkage with known values derived from core analyses. This consistent set of models can now be used with greater confidence, to answer questions ranging from in-place volume uncertainties to dynamic production forecasting, to life of field development. This has also led to reduced dynamic model run times, and improved reservoir management and operations optimization.
 In summary a robust series of full-field and sector models was developed and customized to a North Kuwait heavy-oil field, with information from data-rich areas being elegantly applied to reduce uncertainties in data-poor areas. These nested models can now be matched to the detail required for the model purpose. For example heterogeneities that matter-for-flow in dynamic simulation models can be represented explicitly, whereas for full-field volume estimations property averages can be used.


Citrus is one of the most important fruit crop in the world and is usually grown through grafting technique. Rootstock is one of the significant part in grafted plants and has crutial effect on production, including yield, fruit quality, tree size, tolerance to salts and diseases, and scion compatibility. Citrus is susceptible to several fungal pathogens causing incalculable losses to the crop. Among all soil-borne fungal pathogens, Phytophthora and Fusarium cause the most severe damage to the nursery or orchards plants. This research was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of fungicides as soil drenching and root dipping to control Phytophthora and Fusarium attacking citrus rootstock seedlings at the nursery stage. Different physiological and morphological parameters were studied in the infected plants and data were compared with that of control. The data were recorded and compared concerning rootstock seed and seeding response using standard measures and statistical analysis. The results showed that plants inoculated with Phytophthora and Fusarium root rot spp.when treated with Aliette and Ridomil Gold showed maximum root shoot ratio, fresh dry weight ratio, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water potential and transpiration rate as compared to untreated plants. The results also depicted that plants treated with Aliette and Ridomil Gold through soil drenching have maximum root shoot ratio, fresh dry weight ratio, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate as compared to root dipped plants. Keywords: Fungal diseases, pathogens, root rot, nursery plants.


Transient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is rarely seen in neonates. We have reported a term neonate with transient right ventricular hypertrophy, diagnosed with echocardiographic investigation on the third day of life and interestingly disappeared within 10 weeks without any specific treatment. Transient right ventricular hypertrophy has not attracted enough attention in the pediatric cardiologic literature. It is well known that during pregnancy, maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich substances may cause fetal ductal constriction. In our case, this anomaly might be due to premature closure of ductus arteriosus. We have reported such a case because of the rarity of this anomaly and we wanted to attract attention about the nutrition of pregnant women.


A new ligand 5-((1-methyl-pyrrol-2-yl) methyl)-4-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3-thione (C15) and its metal complexes with formulae: Mn(C15)Cl2MeOH (1), Fe(C15)Cl2MeOH (2), Ni(C15)Cl2MeOH (3), Cu(C15)2Cl2 (4) and Zn(C15)4Cl2 (5) have been synthesized. The C15 ligand and complexes were characterized by NMR, elemental analysis, FT-IR, EPR, magnetic and TGA studies. The anticancer activities of the organic ligand (C15) and complexes (1–5) were evaluated against human colon adenocarcinoma (HT29) and human lung (A549) cancer cell lines. The complex (1) exhibited potential activity at concentration of 794.37 μM (A549) and 654.31 μM (HT29) in both cancer cells. The complex (3) showed significant activity against the HT29 cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 1064.05 μM. This article highlights some of the metals that have become important in the development of new coordination complexes and the treatment of cancer. Additionally, for C15, the toxicity was predicted by ADMET analysis and molecular docking.


We present a route toward design and fabrication of a conceptually new type of optical feedback insensitive integrated semiconductor ring laser with a weak optical isolator included in the ring. Although the approach has not resulted in the clear advantages that were aimed at, this detailed account of the process we believe is valuable to readers active in the field. After a summary of optical-feedback sensitivity in semiconductor lasers, we review various attempts toward reducing this sensitivity and discuss the feasibility of the concept of weak intra-cavity isolation. The design, model and theory of the novel integrated ring laser device are presented. The observed 5 dB of isolation and 3 dB increase of tolerance for external optical feedback demonstrate the feasibility of the intra-cavity isolation concept. However, the observed output performance of the single-mode laser, both with and without activated intra-cavity isolation, suggests the presence of a spurious intra-cavity reflection, strongly coupling the directional modes. Due to this coupling, the sensitivity to external optical feedback is comparable to that of a Fabry–Pérot type laser. Therefore, an alternate route is indicated toward a less complex laser cavity with potentially less intra-cavity reflection and better tolerance for external optical feedback.


Alain Carpentier, MD, PhD, David H. Adams, MD, and Farzan Filsoufi, MD. 368 pages, more than 200 detailed anatomic drawings. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2010. US $199. ISBN: 978–0721691688. Available from: Elsevier, Health Sciences Division, 1600 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1800, Philadelphia, PA 19103–2899, USA. www.us.elsevierhealth.com.

Field of Medicine: Cardiac surgery.

Format: Hardcover book. Trim size: 11.1 × 8.8 inches.

Recommended Readership: Cardiac surgeons, cardiac surgery trainees, cardiologists, cardiac pathologists, and anesthesiologists.

Purpose: The purpose of this book is to present step-by-step instructions for performing each of the reconstructive valve operations pioneered by Dr. Alain Carpentier at Hopital Broussais, in Paris.

Content: In 1968, Dr. Carpentier established a new era in heart valve surgery when he introduced the concept of annular remodeling with prosthetic rings. He later broadened this concept in an effort to treat all types of valve lesions. In this volume, he has joined 2 American colleagues, Drs. David H. Adams and Farzan Filsoufi, in describing a broad compilation of valve disorders and techniques for their repair. The book includes 40 chapters that are divided into 6 sections. After an initial section that describes the fundamentals of valve analysis and surgical management, the authors devote separate sections to the mitral, tricuspid, and aortic valves. The 5th section presents a disease-specific approach to valvular disease. The short final section, titled "Transfer of Knowledge," contains a single chapter called "Reconstructive Valve Surgery Made Simple," which focuses on the conditions necessary for acquiring expertise in valve repair surgery and for developing a program in this field. The text is accompanied by references, a glossary of French surgical terms, and an index. In addition, the book includes more than 200 anatomic drawings, as well as numerous pathology photos, diagnostic images, and tables.

Strengths: The entire text is elegantly written, with step-by-step directions for performing a wide range of repair procedures. The drawings, based on sketches made by Dr. Carpentier, are extensive and strikingly clear. The artist, Marcia Williams, is to be congratulated for her superb contribution. Another helpful feature is that the material is organized both by valve-specific and disease-specific approaches, so that the reader can easily locate topics of interest. In addition, the book is enhanced by discussions between Dr. Carpentier and his coauthors at the end of each chapter. Presented in a conversational style, these discussions focus on the nuances of each technique, practical challenges encountered in the operating room, and alternative techniques devised by other surgeons.

Weaknesses: Although valve reconstruction has long been the gold standard for the surgical treatment of valvular heart disease, the authors may seem to imply that all cases of valve dysfunction are correctable. Only a few brief paragraphs, mainly in the final chapter, broach the subject of valve replacement, and these paragraphs could easily be missed. The book might benefit from a fuller discussion of valve replacement versus repair. In addition, the figures are not accompanied by legends, so readers must search the text to find the relevant descriptions; it would be helpful if the figure numbers were in bold type, so that they stood out from the rest of the text. However, these are relatively minor weaknesses that do not detract from the overall excellent quality of this book.

Overall Grade: *****