The regulation of NADPH-dependent GAPDH was analysed in the chromalveolate (eustigmatophyte) Pseudocharaciopsis ovalis and compared with the well-studied chlorophyte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and with another chromalveolate (diatom), Asterionella formosa. Optimal pH for GAPDH activity in P. ovalis and C. reinhardtii ranged between 8 and 9, but in A. formosa ranged between 6.2 and 8.1. Assuming dark pH values of about 7 in the plastids of all three species, GAPDH would be down-regulated in the dark in C. reinhardtii and P. ovalis, but fully active in A. formosa. The time required for half-maximal GAPDH activity on transfer to reducing conditions, was significantly different in each species: 1.4, 4.0 and 5.9 min in A. formosa, P. ovalis and C. reinhardtii respectively. Under oxidized conditions in P. ovalis and A. formosa, NADPH caused a large inhibition in GAPDH activity even at very low concentrations (10 to 20 µM) unlike in C. reinhardtii. This inhibition was relieved by addition of a reducing agent suggesting that NADPH can control GAPDH activity under dark-light transitions. A small increase of GAPDH activity with NADP at concentrations higher than 0.5 mM was observed with P. ovalis and C. reinhardtii, while a greater than 1.5-fold stimulation was observed in A. formosa. Regulation of GAPDH in P. ovalis was intermediate between the diatom and the chlorophyte and the possible evolutionary reasons for this are discussed.


Sepsis is a dysregulated host immune response to microbial invasion or tissue damage, leading to organ injury at a site distant from that of the infection or damage. Currently, the widely used mice models of sepsis include lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and monobacterial infection model systems. This protocol describes a method to study the host responses during Salmonella Typhimurium infection-induced septic peritonitis in mice. S. Typhimurium, a Gram-negative intracellular pathogen, causes typhoid-like disease in mice. This protocol elaborates the culture preparation, induction of septic peritonitis in mice through intraperitoneal injection, and methods to study systemic host responses. Furthermore, the assessment of bacterial burden in different organs and the flow cytometric analysis of increased neutrophil numbers in the peritoneal lavage is presented. Salmonella Typhimurium-induced sepsis in mice leads to an increase in proinflammatory cytokines and rapid infiltration of neutrophils in the peritoneal cavity, leading to lower survival. Every step in this protocol has been optimized, resulting in high reproducibility of the pathogenesis of septic peritonitis. This model is useful for studying immunological responses during bacterial sepsis, the roles of different genes in disease progression, and the effects of drugs to attenuate sepsis.


AIMS AND OBJECTIVE
To determine the fluoride release from Giomer and Compomer, using different topical fluoride regimes, and to compare the amount of fluoride release from giomer with that of compomer.

MATERIALS AND METHOD
Forty-eight specimens of each giomer and compomer were divided into four treatment groups, namely, control group, fluoridated dentifrice (500 ppm) once daily group, fluoridated dentifrice (500 ppm) twice daily group, fluoridated dentifrice (500 ppm) once daily + fluoridated mouthwash (225 ppm) group. Each specimen was suspended in demineralizing solution for six hours and remineralizing solution for 18 hours. Fluoride release was measured in both the demineralizing solution and remineralizing solution daily for seven days. Total daily fluoride release for each specimen was calculated by adding the amount released in the demineralizing solution to that released in remineralizing solution.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
The fluoride release (ppm) was found to be more in Giomer when compared to Compomer. The fluoride released from Giomer and Compomer was significantly greater in the acidic demineralizing solution than in the neutral remineralizing solution. It was found that increasing fluoride exposure significantly increased fluoride release from the giomer and compomer. It was found that the fluoride release from the subgroups of giomer and compomer was in the following order: fluoridated dentifrice twice daily > fluoridated dentifrice once daily + fluoridated mouthwash > fluoridated dentifrice once daily > control group. It was found that the giomer showed a greater fluoride uptake than the compomer.


BackgroundA patient's capability, motivation, and opportunity to change their lifestyle are significant determinants of successful outcomes following bariatric surgery. Healthier lifestyle changes before and after surgery, including improved dietary intake and physical activity levels, have been shown to contribute to greater post-surgical weight loss and improved long-term health. Integrating patient-centred digital technologies within the bariatric surgical pathway could form part of an innovative strategy to promote and sustain healthier behaviours and provide holistic patient support, to improve surgical success. This study explores the desires, suggestions, and reflections of perioperative patients in the context of integrating digital technologies within the surgical pathway. MethodsPatients attending bariatric surgery clinics within one hospital in the North of England were invited to take part in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pre- and post-operative patients to discuss lifestyle behaviour change and perspectives of using digital technologies to complement current care. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis enabled the development of themes from the data. Ethical approval was obtained from the NHS Health Research Authority.ResultsEighteen patients were interviewed. Four overarching themes were identified relating to patient perspectives of optimised technology functionality to: 1) provide tailored content and support, 2) facilitate self-monitoring and goal-setting, 3) deliver information in an accessible, trusted, and usable manner, and 4) meet patient information-seeking and engagement needs. ConclusionsWe make recommendations to address the unmet needs of this patient cohort. These findings have the potential to influence the design of person-centred, perioperative technologies.


A total of 112 children aged 6 months to 8 years with congenital cataracts (69 ones with bilateral and 43 with unilateral forms) and 34 mothers of these children were examined to estimate the activity of local and systemic autoimmune reactions to lenticular crystallines and retinal S antigen, differentiation between and diagnosis of congenital cataract pathogenetic forms. Lacrimal fluid antibodies were measured in 80 eyes with congenital cataracts and 29 ones with strabismus, blood serum antibodies in 72 children with cataracts, 20 without cataracts, 34 mothers of children with cataracts and 20 mothers of children without cataracts by the passive hemagglutination test (micromethod) with stable erythrocytic diagnostic agents. alpha, Bh, Bl, gamma crystallines and summary extracts of the cortical and nuclear layers were tested. The studies have demonstrated the significance of autoimmune reactions to lenticular crystallines in the pathogenesis of congenital cataracts and in involvement of the retina in the immunopathologic process.


Mixed microbial culture (MMC) electrofermentation (EF) represents a promising tool to drive metabolic pathways toward the production of a specific compound. Here, the MMC-EF process has been exploited to obtain butyric acid in simplified membrane-less reactors operated by applying a difference of potential between two low-cost graphite electrodes. Ten values of voltage difference, from −0.60 V to −1.5 V, have been tested and compared with the experiment under open circuit potential (OCP). In all the tested conditions, an enhancement in the production rate of butyric acid (from a synthetic mixture of glucose, acetate, and ethanol) was observed, ranging from 1.3- to 2.7-fold relative to the OCP. Smaller enhancements in the production rate resulted in higher values of the calculated specific energy consumption. However, at all applied voltages, a low flow of current was detected in the one-chamber reactors, accounting for an average value of approximately −100 µA. These results hold a substantial potential with respect to the scalability of the electrofermentation technology, since they pinpoint the possibility to control MMC-based bioprocesses by simply inserting polarized electrodes into traditional fermenters.


Graphene oxide (GO)-reinforced nanocomposite aerogels of polybenzoxazine prepared via freeze-drying of GO suspensions in benzoxazine precursor solutions have been studied. The synthesis of GO is confirmed using Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The benzoxazine monomer (SLTB(4HBA-t403)) has been synthesized using 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde as a phenolic component, paraformaldehyde, and tri-functional polyetheramine (Jeffamine T-403) as an amine source. The chemical structure of the benzoxazine monomer is confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy and FT-IR. The interactions of GO and SLTB(4HBA-t403) have been investigated using FT-IR. The morphological and thermal stability of nanocomposite aerogels are examined and compared with the neat polybenzoxazine aerogel. The structures of the aerogels and the effect of GO on the morphology of the aerogels are studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of GO on the ring-opening polymerization of benzoxazine is also evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) whereas the thermal stability of the nanocomposite aerogels is characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).


Background: The VEGF inhibitor pazopanib is a widely used first-line therapy for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Potential drug-drug interactions and toxicities may be underrecognized. Case Presentation: A 73-year-old woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma on treatment with pazopanib presented with progressive inability to ambulate. The initial concern was for metastasis to the spine. However, MRI of the spine revealed diffuse muscle edema with no metastatic deposits or lytic lesions. Upon further evaluation, creatine kinase was significantly elevated and the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was made. With aggressive hydration and discontinuation of both pazopanib and rosuvastatin, the patient made a full recovery. Conclusion: This case of drug-induced rhabdomyolysis demonstrates an unexpected toxicity resulting from concomitant pazopanib and rosuvastatin therapy. This combination is predicted to be safe due to different, nonoverlapping effects on the cytochrome p450 enzymes. Discontinuation of statin therapy in patients with metastatic cancer should be considered when the risk of cancer-related death exceeds the risk of cardiovascular-related death.


One of the most persistent characteristics of the geography of Britain is the wide inequality that exists between its constituent regions. It is an inequality which has come to be known as the North-South divide, but this is a gestural term that refers to a geography which has in fact varied in detail and in form over at least the last two centuries. In the present period, in spite of many stated intentions and much government rhetoric to the contrary, it has on many measures grown considerably worse. This pamphlet argues that it will continue to do so unless there is a more serious engagement with the power dynamics that underlie this fundamentally unequal and undemocratic geography: dynamics that continue to return London and the South East as the centre of the nation. In the absence of both a systematic attack on the spatial concentration of power, and a radical re-imagination of the nature of regions in an age of geographical connectivity and flow, the concessions on offer in the current debate on devolution and region-building will amount to little more than a pin-prick in tackling the alarming regional inequality and political centrism that currently exists in Britain.


An atrium space, unlike ordinary office rooms, accommodates variety of activities such as moving and resting of people and usually houses variety of vegitation to improve amenity and indoor environment. Many atrium buildings in Korea have been designed by considering the environmental criteria for human beings, not for the vegitation in the atrium space. Especially the daylighting designs are mostly focused on the required illuminances for various visual tasks of the occupants and glare controls. As a result, some atrium spaces do not provide sufficient light to the interior plants. Consequently, these atrium spaces require a high level of electric lighting to compensate the deficit of natural light for the photosynthesis of the vegitation. The purpose of this study was to suggest design guidelines for 4-sided atrium spaces having different well indices (WI), plan aspect ratio (PAR), and cardinal orientation. The findings from this study might be referenced by building designers when designing or selecting canopy systems by considering the daylight performances of the uncovered atrium spaces. In the study, the daylight performance was evaluated in terms of daylight autonomy (DA).


BACKGROUND
Until recently no morbidity-mortality study had examined the effects of newer drugs like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium-antagonists and alpha-blockers compared to "old" but well-proven thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers in the treatment of essential hypertension.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The prospective and randomized clinical trials CAPPP, STOP-2, NORDIL, INSIGHT and one arm of ALLHAT, with a total of approximately 58,000 middle-aged or elderly hypertensive patients have been assessed.

RESULTS
The primary outcome, composite cardiovascular (CV) death, cerebral stroke and myocardial infarction, in one study with heart failure, or composite fatal coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, was equal in all trials.

INTERPRETATION
According to current evidence, prevention of cardiovascular disease in hypertension is the same irrespective of the class of drug.


Traditional Medicinal System (TMS) is one of the centuries-old practices and long-serving companions to the human kind to fight against disease and to lead a healthy life. Every indigenous people have been using their unique approaches of TMS practice where among, the Chinese, Indian and African TMSs are world-wide renowned. India has a unique Indian System of Medicines (ISM) consisting of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Naturopathy and Homoeopathy. Siddhars are the saints as well as the eminent scholars, who have attained Ashta-mahasiddhi [Tamil: (Ashta-Eight; Mahasiddhi-Power)] or enlightment. They have postulated, practiced, immensely contributed and have established the concept of the Tamil medicinal system called Siddha System of Medicine (SSM). From ancient time, SSM has flourished and has been widely practiced in the southern part of India particularly in Tamil Nadu. The induction of the modern medicinal system has immensely influenced the existence of SSM and has made the SSM principles and practices undervalued/extinct. However, at present, still a considerable group of people are using the SSM as a basic health-care modality. In this context, the present scrutiny deals with the TMS history, its significance with a special reference to SSM history, Siddhars, the basic concept of SSM, its diagnostic procedures, materia medica and treatment. Conclusively, Siddha is one of the most ancient indigenous health practices despite its several thorny challenges and issues, which needs to be flagged effectively and to be preserved and revitalized in the international arena in the near future.


Price fairness is an important factor that influences online shopper drop-out rate in online shopping. This research attempts to understand the factors that influence online shoppers' perceived price fairness. Based on the equity theory, we argue that perceived promotion fairness plays an important role in influencing perceived price fairness. We further argue that perceived promotion fairness is in turn significantly influenced by the shopper's search efforts, contingent upon whether or not the promoted price is realized. A research model was developed that incorporates the equity theory, the motivation literature, and website design features. We developed a plan to conduct experiments to test the hypotheses.


The structure of corn stubble was complex and closely combined with the soil, so dig location and root-soil separation are the urgent problem of the manufacturing of corn stubble harvesting machinery. This paper mainly focuses on investigating the interaction principles of corn stubble and soil which by the UU triaxial compression tests. Compared the shear strength of three different types of corn root-soil complexes (vertical root, horizontal root, complex root) and pure soil, and analyzed three important factors affecting the root-soil complex shear strength, it was shown that the presence of corn fibrous root can enhance the soil shear strength and different with their layout types. It will provide a theoretical basis for the design of bionic agricultural tillage components for root- soil separation.


The article describes clinical case of a patient with two rectovaginal fistulas of high and low level. The first stage included diverting loop sigmostomia and latex seton for low fistula. Three months later, on the second stage, fistulectomy with invagination of the fistula to rectal lumen with compression of invaginated part by titanium nickelide clamp was done. The fistulectomy with sphincteroplasty was done for the lower fistula. No postoperative complications developed; the complete recovery was detected. Seven months later, on the third stage, the stoma closure was done. No complications and fistula recurrence were obtained in 2 months of follow-up.


Sentiment Analysis is concerned with classifying the opinions in a piece of text. We present a term weighting scheme which takes into account Part-of-Speech categories to improve machine learning-based classification of sentiment in product reviews. We experimentally find optimal strengths for each Part-of-Speech category and show that using this weighting method improves overall sentiment classification.


This paper identifies a financial level within the usage of a property. While traditional property finance is understood as the refinance of property income there is a fist financial level in the financing of the usage, being the renting of a property the dept financing and the ownership of a used property the equity financing of the usage. Applying theory of finance to the financing of the usage provides a variety of knowledge on housing markets as well as housing and especially home-ownership policy.


We investigate the performance of dynamic alternate routing with trunk reservation for multirate switched networks. As the considered system shows the property of irreversible Markov chain, it is almost impossible to calculate the exact solutions for a network of practical size due to the calculation complexity. Therefore we slightly modify the conventional Kaufman's recursive method that has been applied for the reversible Markov chain system. The complexity of the modified approximation is the same as the Kaufman's method, i.e., O(KC). We compare the approximation results with the analytical results for a small capacity network of C=50. They show very quite similar results. For a large capacity network of C=750, it is almost impossible to calculate the exact solutions due to the computational complexity. Therefore we compare the approximation results with the simulation results. We simulate a network of seven nodes. If we consider errors due to the reduced load effect for the approximation, we can conclude that the approximate results are quite accurate. These results can be used to design a B-ISDN network that improves network throughput by using alternate routes. As alternate routing with trunk reservation has been widely used for single rate switched networks, we can expect that it can be easily applied for multirate switched networks. In that case our results can be used to obtain optimal trunk reservation parameters.


A group of 30 patients suffering from endogenous depression was treated with 150 mg amitriptyline (AT) for 21 days. Depression ratings and determinations of total and free plasma AT and nortriptyline (NT) were performed weekly. No correlation between clinical improvement and any of the biochemical parameters was found. Thus, this study does not support the existence of a therapeutic window for AT. A highly significant correlation was calculated between free and total AT and free and total NT, and also between the free fractions of AT and NT; moreover, age correlated significantly and positively with total plasma AT, but not with NT, and negatively with the free fractions of both AT and NT. The absence of correlation between clinical improvement and pharmacokinetic parameters is discussed for its possible significance. The finding that responders are also found in patients with "low" levels of antidepressants (corroborating the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data obtained in animals submitted to a long-term treatment with antidepressants) suggests that the concept of the need for steady-state levels with low fluctuations should be re-examined. In the light of these results the clinical effectiveness of treatment with higher drug doses, administered at larger intervals, in order to produce high amplitude fluctuations of the antidepressant should be studied.


Improved basic science data on the anatomy and bio-mechanics of the human posterior cruciate ligament have provided the orthopaedic surgeon with new information on which to base treatment decisions. Injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament are reported to comprise approximately 3% of all knee ligament injuries in the general population and as high as 37% in an emergency department setting. While the diagnosis of a posterior cruciate ligament injury can often be made with a physical examination, ancillary studies such as radiographs and magnetic resonance images can be very helpful in detecting associated ligament and bony injuries. In general, most partial (grades I and II) posterior cruciate ligament injuries can be treated nonoperatively. However, surgical reconstruction is usually recommended for those posterior cruciate ligament injuries that occur in combination with other structures. In this review, current surgical techniques of posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction based on anatomic and biomechanical studies will be discussed.


Observations of a strong and extended positron-electron annihilation line emission in the Galactic center (GC) region by the Spectrometer on the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysical Laboratory (SPI/INTEGRAL) are challenging to the existing models of positron sources in the Galaxy. In this paper, we study the possibility that pulsar winds in the GC produce the 511 keV line. We propose that three possible scenarios of pulsar winds may exist as the positron sources: normal pulsars, rapidly spinning strongly magnetized neutron stars (magnetars) in gamma-ray burst (GRB) progenitors, a population of millisecond pulsars in the Galactic center. These e$^\pm$ pairs could be trapped in the region by the magnetic field in the Galactic center, and cool through synchrotron radiation and Coulomb interactions with the medium, thereby becoming non-relativistic particles. The cooling timescales are shorter than the diffuse timescale of positrons, so low-energy positrons could annihilate directly with electrons into 511 keV photons or could form positronium before annihilation. We find that normal pulsars cannot be a significant contributor to the positron sources. Although magnetars in the GC could be potential sources of positrons, their birth rate and birth locations may pose some problems for this scenario. We believe that the most likely candidates for positron sources in the GC may be a population of millisecond pulsars in the GC. Our preliminary estimations predict that the e$^\pm$ annihilation rate in the GC is ${\geq} 5\times 10^{42}$ s -1 , which is consistent with the present observational constraints. Therefore, the e$^\pm$ pairs from pulsars winds can contribute significantly to the positron sources in the Galactic center region. Furthermore, since the diffusion length of positrons is short, we predict that the intensity distribution of the annihilation line should follow the distribution of millisecond pulsars, which should then correlate to the mass distribution in the GC.


Plant Science
Gravity-sensing cells in plants contain tiny grains of starch called statoliths. The orientation of the statoliths changes with the plant's orientation. The gravity-sensing cells respond to even the slightest tilt off of the established plane. Plant statoliths seem to evade the rules of physics that govern other granular materials. In live-cell imaging of young wheat shoots, Berut et al. observed that statolith piles behave more like slowly creeping liquids than like granular accumulations. The reason is that the individual statoliths are always jiggling around, perhaps because of interactions with the plant cytoskeleton.

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 10.1073/pnas.1801895115 (2018).


In recent times, there has been a recognised need for innovation and progression within academic institutions, to ensure that evidenced-based research and applied articles are available to the entire strength and conditioning (S&C) community. With research often taking several years to reach publication, being subject to high publications costs, and the content often only accessible through a paywall, the number of open-access journals has risen over the past decade, with approximately 12% of the world's articles being published in fully open-access journals.1 The authors suggest that is increase is due, in part, to the fact that authors (and funders') feel that research published on publicly funded research should be free for anyone to read.
In an article published in Nature, titled Open access: The true cost of science publishing,2 Michael Eisen, a molecular biologist at the University of California, Berkeley, argues that scientists can get much better value by publishing in open-access journals, which make articles free for everyone to read. When asked about the cost of publication, Eisen responded: "It's still ludicrous how much it costs to publish research – let alone what we pay. The biggest travesty is that the scientific community carries out peer review – a major part of scholarly publishing, for free, yet subscription-journal publishers charge billions of dollars per year, all told, for scientists to read the final product." (p. 426).
To help bridge the gap between academia and the strength and conditioning field of practice, there is a need to offer publication to a broader range of academics, students, coaches and other practitioners to deliver a unique and innovative publication model through the use of Open Journal Systems.3 Such transformative approaches to publication are well recognised. Most recently, John Willinsky provides further endorsement of the Open Journal approach in his article published in Slaw, Canada's Online Legal Magazine.4  Willinsky highlights that the advantages of a subscribe-to-open model go beyond this simplicity: "No article processing charges for authors to pay (as in many other open access journals). No 12-36 month embargoes before the work is open. No revenue loss or quality reduction for publishers."
The International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA) Journal offers the world's first, free to submit, free to publish, open access journal in the field of strength and conditioning. Such a platform provides significant opportunity for international strength and conditioning collaboration, and a pathway for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and academic staff, to publish strength and conditioning research through an innovative community peer-review model, which will allow all members of the IUSCA community to take part in the review process.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the IUSCA Journal.
Stephen P. Bird, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief, IUSCA Journal.


The subject of this paper is the sensitivity analysis of approximate boundary element solutions with respect to the positions of the collocation points. The direct differentiation approach is considered here and the analysis is performed analytically. Since only the collocation points are perturbed, the shape of the body and the corresponding discretization remain unaltered. This aspect makes the present work quite different in spirit with respect to earlier analyses on shape sensitivities. Sensitivities of approximate BEM solutions with respect to the positions of collocation points are shown to be related to the residual of hypersingular integral equations. Numerical results confirm that the present approach can be seen as the analytical counterpart of an adaptive scheme for mesh refinement presented by the same author in some recent papers. Some other advantages of the present approach over the former one are also outlined.


The incorporation of photoswitches into polymeric materials is a favoured method for providing a degree of external control over certain macroscopic properties. Popularly used switches include: azobenzenes, spiropyrans and diarylethenes. However, species like these most often require damaging, high energy UV light for activation, as such visible light activated systems are highly sought after. Donor-Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts (DASAs) are a relatively new class of visible light photoswitches, that exhibit negative photochromism upon activation. These new switches are synthetically accessible and producible under mild conditions with relatively inexpensive reagents. Their large changes in polarity and the ability to almost completely decolourise when exposed to visible light, make them a highly desirable alternative to other more traditional photoswitches.
Herein, stimuli-responsive materials were produced through the doping of Sn-catalysed crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) networks with recently discovered visible light photoswitches, DASAs, and precursory species, known as Meldrum's activated furan (MAF). MAF reacts readily with secondary amines to produce a DASA, this synthetic route was exploited by the doping of a crosslinked PDMS network with the precursor molecule (PDMS-MAF). The amine-detection responses were evaluated through UV-Vis spectroscopy, an image analysis technique and changes in RFID sensing values. The applicability of the PDMS-MAF architecture as a colourimetric sensing device was demonstrated by simulation of a food packaging environment. The amine-sensing material was sealed in a container for 24 hours, along with a cod fillet cutting - the presence of decomposition product amines was indicated by a colour change in the material. The doping of a crosslinked PDMS network with a DASA culminated in a photo-responsive material (PDMS-DASA). Crystallisation of DASA at higher concentrations was apparent, encouraging the curing of PDMS-DASA networks in a sealed, solvent-rich environment. Powder X-ray diffraction provided evidence to suggest that the sealed atmosphere curing (SAC) reduced the concentration of crystallisation. The photoswitching kinetics of PDMS-DASA samples were examined using UV-Vis spectroscopy, with a focus on the effect of variation in DASA concentration. Furthermore, initial investigations into photoswitching fatigue, the effect of solvent swelling of photoswitching kinetics and RFID-sensing applicability were conducted. Additionally, other investigations into the covalent incorporation of DASAs for stimuli-responsive polymers are detailed. These further investigations included various polymeric systems, such as polyethyleneimine, poly(methylhydrosiloxane-co-dimethylsiloxane) and building from a polyurea-based scaffold.


It is not known if cytokines, which are cell-derived mediators released during the host immune response to stress, affect metabolic response to stress during critical illness. The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether the metabolic response to stress is related to the inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6), 10 (IL-10), and other stress mediators' responses and to assess their relationships with different feeding patterns, nutritional markers, the severity of illness as assessed by the Multiple Organ System Failure (MOSF), the Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score (PRISM), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and mortality in critically ill children. Patients were classified as hypermetabolic, normometabolic, and hypometabolic when the measured resting energy expenditures (REE) were >110%, 90–110% and, <90% of the predicted basal metabolic rate, respectively. The initial predominance of the hypometabolic pattern (48.6%) declined within 1 week of acute stress (20%), and the hypermetabolic patterns dominated only after 2 weeks (60%). Only oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) (P < .0001) but none of the cytokines and nutritional markers, were independently associated with a hypometabolic pattern. REE correlated with the IL-10 but not PRISM. In the presence of SIRS or sepsis, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, Prognostic Inflammatory and Nutritional Index (NI), and triglycerides—but not glucose, VO2, or VCO2 increased significantly. High IL-10 levels (P = .0000) and low measured REE (P = .0000) were independently associated with mortality (11.7%), which was higher in the hypometabolic compared to other metabolic patterns (P < .005). Our results showed that only VO2 and VCO2, but not IL-6 or IL-10, were associated with a hypometabolic pattern which predominated the acute phase of stress, and was associated with increased mortality. Although in SIRS or sepsis, the cytokine response was reliably reflected by increases in NI and triglycerides, it was different from the metabolic (VO2, VCO2) or glucose response.


Thin films of block copolymers have been used as templates and scaffolds for the fabrication of arrays of nanostructured materials. In general, a chemical modification of the film or the removal of one of the components by photodegradative methods is required to produce a nanoporous film that serves as a template or scaffold. Here, however, the preferential interaction of one of the components with a solvent is shown to produce a reconstruction of the block copolymer film that, upon drying, leads to the generation of a nanoporous template. The area density of the pores is identical to that of the original copolymer thin film. Since no chemical reactions occurr, the process is fully reversible. Upon heating the copolymer film above its glass‐transition temperature, mobility is imparted to the copolymer and the original copolymer film with oriented domains is recovered. The film reconstruction significantly simplifies the generation of nanoporous templates.


Abstract Aedes mosquitoes include important vector species such as Aedes aegypti, the major vector of dengue. Genetic control methods are being developed for several of these species, stimulated by an urgent need owing to the poor effectiveness of current methods combined with an increase in chemical pesticide resistance. In this review we discuss the various genetic strategies that have been proposed, their present status, and future prospects. We focus particularly on those methods that are already being tested in the field, including RIDL and Wolbachia-based approaches.


AIM
To study the regulating function and mechanism of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on murine core binding factor alpha1 (Cbfalpha1) gene expression.

METHODS
Luciferase reporter gene method and RT-PCR technique were used to examine the effects of these growth factors on the promoter activity and mRNA expression of Cbfalpha1 gene in MC3T3-E1 and C2C12 cells.

RESULTS
IGF-I (from 1 nmol/L to 1 micromol/L), GM-CSF (100 nmol/L), and EGF (1 micromol/L) increased the luciferase expression in MC3T3-E1 cells (P<0.05). And mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, PD 98059 (10 micromol/L), completely blocked IGF-1, GM-CSF, and EGF-induced expression of Cbfa1 promoter activity (P<0.01). In C2C12 cells, IGF-I (from 1 nmol/L to 10 micromol/L), GM-CSF (100 nmol/L and 1 micromol/L), and EGF (100 nmol/L) enhanced the expression of luciferase reporter plasmid driven by mCbfalpha1 promoter (P<0.05). Addition of PD 98059 also blocked the stimulatory effects of these growth factors on Cbfalpha1 promoter activity (P<0.01). Moreover, Cbfalpha1 mRNA expression was significantly increased after treatment with IGF-I (1 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L), GM-CSF (100 nmol/L, 1 micromol/L), and EGF (1 micromol/L, 100 nmol/L) in MC3T3-E1 and C2C12 cells, respectively (P<0.05). These stimulatory effects of IGF-I, GM-CSF, and EGF on Cbfalpha1 mRNA expression were abolished by PD 98059.

CONCLUSION
IGF-I, GM-CSF, and EGF could increase the promoter activity and the mRNA expression of murine Cbfalpha1 gene in MC3T3-E1 and C2C12 cells. These stimulatory effects might be mediated by activating the intracellular MAPK-dependent signaling pathway.


Extraction of image features in digital image processing approaches is one of the most important preprocessing steps. In this paper, steerable filters, developed on complex derivative approaches, have been investigated. Here, the steerable filters are able to estimate optimal image structures, even if the image contains artifacts such as noise. But it is necessary to generate the resulting image via steerable filters based on both the rotation and scaling operations and such processes are more advantageous in the complex plane. Therefore, characteristics of Gabor filter, a steerable filter, as an example has been examined depending on the different values of parameters. The visual results for the output of this filter are also given.


An image fusion algorithm based on activity measures like Spatial frequency and Visibility for fusing multi focus images is presented in this paper. For each sub window in the source multi focus images, the spatial frequency and Visibility is calculated. The fusion procedure is performed by a selection mode according to the magnitude of the spatial frequency and Visibility. The fused images are then assessed using the same activity measures that is used for fusion. Experiments results shows that the proposed algorithm works well in multi focus image fusion.


The potential of dual-polarization Sentinel–1 polarimetric decomposition parameters i.e., entropy, anisotropy and alpha angle, to monitor the biophysical parameters of rice crop namely, fresh biomass, dry biomass, vegetation water content (VWC) and plant height is investigated in this study. Multi-temporal Sentinel–1A dataset during critical growth stages of rice was considered for regression analysis between the polarimetric decomposition parameters and the biophysical parameters using linear and logarithmic models. The best correlations are obtained at early vegetation stages of the crop i.e. between tillering to booting stages. The maximum R2 value obtained is 0.6 for linear regression of entropy and VWC followed by other biophysical parameters. The correlation of polarimetric decomposition parameters with biophysical parameters is not as high as that of VH backscatter coefficient. Multiple regression using various Sentinel–1 parameters yields a better correlation than regression using individual parameters.  The maximum R2 value of 0.765 is obtained for the multiple linear regression for VWC. Multiple regression using the backscatter coefficients and polarimetric decomposition parameters together gives a better correlation than that using only the backscatter coefficients. This indicate that the polarimetric decomposition parameters are sensitive to biophysical parameters and can be used as additional parameters along with the backscatter parameters for rice crop monitoring.


This longitudinal study examined how academic self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and participation in an after-school program contributed to the academic achievement of Latino middle school students over the course of one school year. Participants were 47 Latino students in sixth through eighth grades who attended two public middle schools in which an after-school program was held that was specifically for Latino students. Results from ordinary least squares regression revealed that intrinsic motivation was positively associated with students GPAs, self-efficacy was a positive predictor of students' school attendance and standardized math achievement scores, and attendance at the after-school program also contributed positively to students' math achievement. Results from multilevel growth modeling showed that students' self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation remained stable across the school year and were not related to students' degree of participation in the after-school program. Several avenues for future research within the Latino student population are discussed.


We present an experimental realization of the classical Jeffery-Hamel flows inside a wedge-shaped channel. We compare the measured velocity fields with the predictions of Jeffery-Hamel theory. A detailed experimental study of bifurcation diagrams for the solutions reveals the absolute stability of the pure outflow solution and an interesting hysteretic structure for bifurcations. We also observe a multiple-vortex flow regime predicted earlier numerically and analytically.


The article focuses on organizational processes for global warming solutions following the example of the United Nations conferences on the environment and the development in 1992 and the Kyoto Protocol in 1997.


BACKGROUND
Pain management in dentistry is inevitable without the use of local anesthesia. However, the agonizing experience of dental injections incorporates a fear of dentist in children. Therefore, the painless administration of local anesthetic agents is crucial in providing optimum dental care.

AIM
To compare the effectiveness of four different techniques in minimizing the pain during administration of local anesthesia in 7-11 years old children.

STUDY DESIGN
In this split mouth study design, 132 healthy and cooperative children of age 7-11 years, who needed bilateral extraction of primary molars were children were randomly allocated to four different groups: Group I (cryotherapy), Group II (30% sucrose solution), Group III (combination of cryotherapy + sucrose) and Group IV (topical anesthetic agent). The pain perception during administration of local anesthesia (IANB) was recorded before, during and after anesthesia using VAS (visual analogue scale), oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate (PR), SEM (sound, eye, body movement) and FLACC (face, legs, activity, cry, consolability) scale.

RESULTS
The mean difference of scores of VAS scale showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in all the groups. The FLACC and SEM scores, pulse rate (PR) and SpO2 of Group I (popsicle) showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared to Group III (ice-cubes) and Group IV (topical anesthetic).

CONCLUSION
Pain management using a combination of cryotherapy & sweet substance in pediatric patients can be a safe and effective alternative to the conventional topical anesthetic agents in minimizing pain as the sweet taste acts a reward and offers the advantage of providing a positive dental experience for the patient.


Background: In the field of gynecology, studies have found high levels of leukotriene in the endometrium and uterine smooth muscles of patients with dysmenorrheal and menstrual pain. Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of montelukast in relieving the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Patients and methods: A randomized, single-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study was designed. Seventy patients suffering from dysmenorrhea complete this study, divided randomly into two groups: montelukast group (34 patients) and placebo group (36 patients).Values before and after treatment were compared over two menstrual cycles, using visual analog scale (VAS) score and NSAID usage per menstrual cycle. Results: Post-treatment VAS score and NSAID usage decreased significantly in both montelukast and placebo group, compared to their pre-treatment values (P 0.05). The ratio of the highly effective cases, for both VAS score and NSAID usage, was significantly higher in the montelukast group than placebo group (P<0.05). Means of VAS score and NSAID usage didn't change in all of endometriosis patients after administration of montelukast or placebo therapy. Conclusions: For some women, montelukast may be effective in relieving symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. It's safe and has no serious adverse effects. Thus, it can be considered as a good option for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea before starting with hormonal therapy.


The signal distortion that is due to Fresnel reflection in open-loop fiber-optic gyroscopes was theoretically analyzed to determine the relationship between the reflection ratio and the scale factor error of the gyroscopes. The analysis showed that the in-phase component of each Fourier harmonic of the gyroscope signal deviates from the true sinusoidal function, a quadrature-phase component appears, and the pi/2 rotation rates of harmonic components disagree. We evaluated the degree of scale factor degradation by defining the harmonic distortion ratio, which can be used as a measure for the reflectional quality of the gyroscopic optical system. The theory was verified by the response of an experimental gyroscope. The Fresnel reflection was eliminated by optical and electrical means, and the signal distortion of the experimental gyroscope was suppressed.


In order to determine the peak power limitation of a typical klystron at short pulse lengths, several Stanford Linear Accelerator klystrons were operated at voltages above their nominal ratings. Using a marx generator to obtain short high-voltage pulses at an impedance level suitable for this experiment, the tubes were operated in the 400-kV region. Appropriate instrumentation was assembled for the measurement of voltage, current, power input, power output and related tube parameters. This paper will discuss tube characteristics, including electronic loading, gain, efficiency and peak output powers as a function of voltage in the 200- to 400-kV range. Measured small-signal characteristics of the tube are compared with computed values. Stable operation was observed at a peak output-power level at 100 MW at a 0.2-µsec pulse length. These results are a step in the direction of providing improved radar range resolution without the time-sidelobe clutter inherent in pulse compression systems.


The plasma produced by a laser-guided, electric discharge in the atmosphere has been formed in the shape of a folded monopole antenna with a characteristic frequency of 112 MHz. This plasma antenna has been used to transmit and receive signals at 112 MHz. While the plasma remained conducting, the signal transmitted from, and received on, the plasma antenna was within -1 \pm1 dB of that transmitted from and received on a "standard" copper folded monopole antenna of the same size. During this time the signal transmitted from, and received on, the plasma antenna also remained approximately constant in amplitude (fluctuations \sim \pm1 dB). This useful lifetime of the plasma antenna was varied from \sim 200 \mu s to \geq 2000 \mu s by changing the dration of the electric discharge sustaining the plasma columns. In these experiments, the noise from the plasma antenna was not distinguishable from that developed using a copper antenna, but in both cases the noise was much larger than the true thermal noise background.


ABSTRACT Lau, A.Y.A., Etienne, S., Terry, J.P., Switzer, A.D., Lee, Y.S., 2014. A preliminary study of the distribution, sizes and orientations of large reef-top coral boulders deposited by extreme waves at Makemo Atoll, French Polynesia. In: Green, A.N. and Cooper, J.A.G. (eds.), Proceedings 13th International Coastal Symposium (Durban, South Africa), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 70, pp. 272–277, ISSN 0749-0208. The history of extreme wave events on the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia in the central South Pacific remains poorly understood, even though huge wave deposited coastal boulders were identified in the area decades ago. Numerous large coral boulders deposited on the reef flats of Makemo Atoll (16.56°S, 143.73°W) were investigated in this study in an attempt to understand the characteristics of extreme wave events in the region. The positions, dimensions and orientations of 286 boulders were measured along over 15 km of the northern coastline of the atoll. The biggest clast measures over 130 m3 in size and it weighs more than 310 tonnes. The size-distribution of the Makemo boulders suggests that these huge clasts were transported by extreme storm waves. The long-axes of boulders are mostly aligned parallel to sub-parallel to the shoreline. However, a relationship between the boulder size and orientation was not found, suggesting the orientation of boulders is not representative of boulder transport mode.


A one-port resonator utilizing shear horizontal surface acoustic waves (SH-SAWs) has been used for sensing applications in liquids. SH-SAWs have been excited on a 36°-rotated Y-cut X-propagating LiTaO3 substrate using interdigital transducers and the one-port resonator configuration has been used as a sensing element in liquids. The sensitivity of the resonance frequency and the Q value for the viscosity of liquids have been measured. Experimental results showed that the resonance frequency and the Q value of the SH-SAW resonator varied with the viscosity of the loaded sample liquid.


X-ray observations of extragalactic radiosources show strong evidences of interaction between the radio emitting plasma and the X-ray emitting ambient gas. In this paper we perform a detailed study of this interaction by numerical sim- ulations. We study the propagation of an axisymmetric supersonic jet in an isothermal King atmosphere and we analyze the evolution of the resulting X-ray properties and their dependence on the jet physical parameters. We show the existence of two distinct and observationally subsequent dierent regimes of interaction, with strong and weak shocks. In the first case shells of enhanced X-ray emission are to be expected, while in the second case we expect deficit of X-ray emission coincident with the cocoon. By a comparison between analytical models and the results of our numerical simulations, we discuss the dependence of the transition between these two regimes on the jet parameters and we find that the mean controlling quantity results to be the jet kinetic power. We then discuss how the observed jets can be used to constrain the jet properties.


Neotropical primates are a highly diverse and ecologically important group that is facing several conservation problems. This review aims to contribute to understanding the nature and extent of these problems by presenting relevant information on the conservation status of Ecuadorian primates. In the recent evaluation for the Red Data Book of Ecuadorian Mammals, 53% of 21 primate taxa (20 species – 21 subspecies) were considered to be threatened (19% Vulnerable, 24% Endangered and 10% Critically Endangered), 43% are Near Threatened and 5% are Data Deficient; none were considered as Least Concern. Conservation actions need to rely on objective information that is not always available. Most primatological studies have been carried out in two protected areas in Ecuadorian Amazon (Cuyabeno Reserve and Yasuni National Park). There have been fewer studies in the west of the Andes. To enhance conservation actions, we need to determine the geographic distribution and to evaluate the impacts of habitat loss, hunting and illegal trade for all primate taxa. Collaboration between zoos and academic institutions to carry out studies with captive populations and to raise public awareness of conservation issues is fundamental. Direct participation of local communities may assure the continuity of the studies and the effectiveness of conservation actions.


Shrews have very high metabolic rates and are often unintentionally starved in rodent live-traps during capture-mark-recapture (CMR) studies. Here, we suggest a shrew exit as a modification to rodent traps. To test whether this modification is (1) saving shrews and (2) not jeopardizing results of rodent captures, we compared captures in Ugglan traps with and without shrew exits, studying bank voles (Myodes glareolus) in a spruce forest in central Finland. Numbers of captured bank voles and body size of smallest juvenile bank voles were not affected by the shrew exit, while the number of captured common shrews (Sorex araneus) was reduced from 31 to 0 individuals per 100 trap nights. However, rare larger shrew species (> 8 g body weight) could not escape through the exit. A shrew exit can, therefore, save smaller shrew species in standard live-trapping of vole-sized rodents without affecting CMR data of the rodent.


Pathological examination of material from a nonextensive pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the right eye provided a diagnosis of nonfamilial amyloidosis in a 68-year-old woman, who presented with bilateral glass wool-like vitreous opacities. Genetic testing revealed a Tyr114Cys mutation in the transthyretin gene. Six months after PPV, perimetry showed intense constriction with a temporal island and central scotoma in the right eye. An extensive PPV was performed in the left eye. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography evidenced bilateral epimacular amyloid deposits and unreported reflective spots within the inner retina. One year later, visual acuity had decreased to 20/400 in the left eye, with mild vitreous opacity, pale cupped optic disc and inferior altitudinal field defect. Bilateral diurnal intraocular pressure, transiently increased after PPV, never exceeded 16 mmHg with medication. Our patient presented optic nerve blood supply impairment, due to amyloidosis, which caused optic atrophy. Epiretinal and intraretinal deposit detection could aid in diagnosing patients with suspected amyloidosis.


This paper contains an original development of the compressed sensing technique for restoring integral images from a number of observed 2D images. The proposed data acquisition uses a conventional camera equipped with a horizontal 1D mask placed in the pupil plane of the lens. The compressed sensing style algorithm developed is based on a sparsity hypothesis imposed on 2D cross sections of the light field.


Introduction: This study designed to use remote ischemic post conditioning (RIPC) as a protective strategy during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to reduce myocardial cells damage due to reperfusion injury. Methods: Sixty-one patients were divided into test group (32 patients) receiving RIPC and control group (29 patients). Patients were included with first MI who had 20-80 years old. The RIPC protocol was applied on patients arm in three successive episodes during the opening of infarct-related artery (IRA). Whole blood sample were taken from patients after the first episode before IRA opening and after the third episode after IRA opening. The serums were extracted and stored in the freezer -70˚C to determine the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: The levels of GPX and SOD after the first episode of RIPC were significantly higher in test group than control group (P < 0.001). Similar alterations of these enzymes were obtained after IRA opening (after third episode). In addition, the levels of TAC remained unchanged in control patients but it was significantly increased after the third episode of RIPC in test patients (P < 0.001). Finally, the MDA level was increased in control group in comparison with test group, and administration of RIPC in test group prevented the enhancement of MDA levels significantly (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that RIPC protocol has protective properties in patients with STEMI through enhancing the antioxidant potentials and decreasing lipid peroxidation.


Introduction: Elderly represents a high risk group to infections including tuberculosis. This may influence the presentation and the outcome of tuberculosis (TB) in this population. Aim: To determine epidemiologic, clinical, radiologic and outcome of pulmonary TB in patients older than 65 years. Material and methods: Retrospective study including 26 old patients (>65 years old) hospitalized in our department for tuberculosis. Results: There were 19 men and 5 women. The mean age was 68.6 years. Tobacco smoking was present in 17 patients (66%). Diabetes mellitus was present in 11 patients (42, 6%), arterial hypertension in 8 patients (30%) and chronic pulmonary lung disease in 6 cases (23%). Delay before seeking a doctor was 2 months. Clinical features were dominated by isolated deceased general status and fever (77%). Radiologic features were represented by extended bilateral infiltrates in 52 % of cases, associated to excavations in 23 % of cases. A pleural opacity related to effusion was present in 27% of cases. Acido-alcoolo-resistant bacilli were found in the expectorations in only 6 cases (23%). In 3 cases (12%), they were isolated thanks to fibro-aspiration. In the rest of cases were isolated only on culture. In 4 patients (15%), there was a delay (>1month) to bacilli negativation. Noteworthy complications during hospitalization were noted in 12 of cases (46.15%). Conclusion: In elderly tuberculosis is particular by its inhabit clinical presentation leading to delayed diagnosis, by the atypical radiologic distribution of the lesions, the delay of negativation of the bacillus from the expectoration and the elevated complications of the disease; This is likely to be due to age and to comorbidties.


Properly interpreted, Aquinas supports a transformative rather than an additive understanding of how the human intellect relates to the capacities human beings share with other animals, an understanding founded in a metaphysics. The soul ('life-form') is the substantial form that maintains an organism as a single being throughout life, and Aquinas holds that the human soul is the only substantial form in the human being. He respects the variety of appetitive and apprehensive capacities displayed by different animals, and has a high view of the perceptive (even inductive) powers of the higher animals: they 'share somewhat in reason'. It is no surprise that we cannot easily identify a rigid boundary between our intellectual powers and the cognitive and conative powers we share with other animals; rather, the powers not only interact, they qualify each other. As Stephen Brock put it, 'Rationality is a mode of intellect . . . intrinsically connected to the life of the senses, and therefore to the sense-organs . . . and to matter itself.'


Allergenic airborne pollen can induce hay fever such as rhinitis and asthma. Many studies have been conducted on the allergenic pollution caused by airborne pollen. We synthesized available studies to summarize the temporal and spatial distributions of airborne pollen and influencing meteorological factors. We further summarized and discussed the hazards of airborne pollen sensitization on human health and evaluation indicators for classifying hazard levels. We described the research progress of prevention and control measures of airborne pollen induced pollution from the perspectives of source control, route monitoring, and prevention of susceptible population. Considering the limitations of current studies, we proposed some research directions on allergenic airborne pollen. The types of allergenic plants needed to be clearly identified and allergentic potential should be quantitatively identified. The methods of pollen collection and concentration monitoring needed to be improved and standardized. This review could provide a scientific guidance for the study on preventing and treating pollen allergies as well as optimizing urban green space planning.


In this work, a modified piezoelectric ultrasonic composite oscillator technique (M-PUCOT) is developed for measuring a material's elastic moduli and internal frictions, as a function of temperature. Different from the traditional PUCOT that employs two quartz bars as the drive and gauge, here, a single small piezoelectric transducer (PZT) ring is used to drive and sense longitudinal or torsional vibration in a cylinder specimen. Because of the strong piezoelectric effect and relatively large bandwidth of the PZTs compared to their quartz counterpart, the frequency match condition between the transducer and the specimen is not required in this M-PUCOT. For high temperature measurement, a fused quartz spacer, whose resonance frequency matches the specimen's, is bonded between the transducer and the specimen to provide thermal insulation. First, the united equivalent circuit of the transducer- (spacer) -specimen composite system was derived. Then, Young's modulus, longitudinal friction, shear modulus, and torsional friction were explicitly obtained by measuring the resonance frequency and antiresonance frequency of the 2- or 3-component system's electrical susceptance curve using an impedance analyzer. The accuracy of this method was validated both by measuring the system's amplitude-frequency curves using a laser vibrometer and through finite element simulations. The repeatability error of the M-PUCOT is only ∼0.2% for moduli measurement and ∼2.5% for internal friction measurement, which is very promising for studying the moduli and internal friction variations during damage, fatigue, and phase transitions. Finally, the M-PUCOT was employed to measure the variations in moduli and internal frictions of an Fe64Ni36 Invar alloy from room temperature to 500 °C. Results show that above the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature Tc, both moduli reach their maxima, and both internal frictions reach their minima. The proposed M-PUCOT is expected to be widely used in the near future for its quick measurement, high repeatability, and low cost.


Although the enteroviruses as a group are ubiquitous and not normally considered as "emerging pathogens," the many different serotypes circulate at different frequencies in any given year and the prevalence of a given serotype may fluctuate wildly from year to year. As a result, several enterovirus serotypes have been associated with the emergence of specific diseases (for example, pandemic acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis) and specific serotypes have emerged to cause outbreaks of major public health concern. Enterovirus 71 is a recognized cause of epidemic severe central nervous system disease in Southeast Asia. Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis was a newly described disease in the 1970s associated with emergence of enterovirus 70 and coxsackievirus A24 variant. In addition, the impending eradication of poliovirus and some of the challenges currently faced by the eradication program present the possibility that poliomyelitis could emerge in the posteradication era. These links between enterovirus infections and emerging diseases are reviewed.


A number of paramagnetic defects and defect complexes in BaTiO3 have been detected by the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) technique. The signal intensity, the g factors and the hyperfine splitting constants A of Mn2+ at the different temperatures were distributed with temperatures in a U-shape. In this paper, a new direct evidence for the presence of manganese with an electron spin of S=5/2 (Mn2+) in all four phases (R, O, T and C) and the high spin state of the electron configuration in MnTi² at the high temperature cubic phase is presented by EPR method in La-Mn codoped BaTiO3 PTCR ceramics.


SIGNIFICANCE Congenital optic disc pits are known to cause complications, commonly maculopathy due to retinoschisis and/or neurosensory retinal detachment. Retinal nerve fiber layer defects with associated visual field defects without maculopathy are another complication and can result in decreased visual function but have rarely been reported in the literature, especially bilaterally. PURPOSE This case report describes a patient with bilateral cecocentral visual field defects due to congenital optic nerve pits without associated maculopathy. CASE REPORT A 42-year-old Black man presented with blur symptoms at near uncorrected. Of note, there was no history of substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies. Best-corrected acuities were 20/20 in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye. Clinical examination revealed bilateral focal grayish depression of the temporal optic nerve cup with associated papillomacular retinal nerve fiber layer defects. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging revealed bilateral focal excavation of the temporal cup, temporal thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, and correlated binasal thinning of the ganglion cell complex, in the absence of retinoschisis or neurosensory detachment. Threshold visual field testing revealed stable bilateral cecocentral visual field defects. A diagnosis of bilateral cecocentral visual field defect secondary to congenital optic disc pits was made based on the patient's history and clinical examination. CONCLUSIONS A cecocentral visual field defect, unrelated to maculopathy, is a less common complication of congential optic disc pits that can cause decreased visual function. This case report provides evidence of this bilateral ocular condition and reviews the reported clinical, OCT, and threshold visual field manifestations of the disease. Specifically, spectral-domain OCT ganglion cell analysis seems useful in localizing the visual field defect.


Following the successful use of HMM and GMM models for classification of a set of 75 calls of northern resident killer whales into call types [Brown, J. C., and Smaragdis, P., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 221-224 (2009)], the use of these same methods has been explored for the identification of vocalizations from the same call type N2 of four individual killer whales. With an average of 20 vocalizations from each of the individuals the pairwise comparisons have an extremely high success rate of 80 to 100% and the identifications within the entire group yield around 78%.


Displacement response spectra defined up to long periods are needed for the design of large structures and to design structures according to displacement‐based methods. The spectra can theoretically be retrieved in the near field of large earthquakes from accelerations recorded by modern strong‐motion accelerometers. Difficulties exist due to instrumental limitations: long‐period noise that contaminates the acceleration time histories and record of the tilt simultaneously to the translational accelerations. Original in this work, the effect of the instrument's permanent tilt is investigated, and the improvement of the spectra at long periods, when the residual tilt is removed from accelerations recorded by modern strong‐motion seismometers, is checked against 1 Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements.

Records of five strong‐motion accelerometers situated in the near field of the M w 6.8 Japanese 2007 Niigata‐ken Chuetsu‐Oki earthquake are analyzed in terms of Fourier content and displacement response spectra and are then compared to their closest 1 Hz GPS data. The results show that the uncorrected acceleration time histories, obtained by simply removing the preevent mean from the raw accelerations recorded by modern strong‐motion seismometers, provide reliable displacement response spectra at periods over 20 s. Corrected acceleration time histories, obtained by removing the permanent tilt from the uncorrected records using the Javelaud et al. (2011) method, may provide reliable response spectra at very long periods until they reach the theoretical peak ground displacement.


Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a public health problem of a sizable proportion in developing countries. Recently, emerging biochemical knowledge coupled with the discovery of Hepcidin have greatly advanced our understanding of iron metabolism and offered a better insight into its associated pathophysiology. This knowledge should be applied to iron-deficiency anemia therapy to avoid subsequent sequelae of tissue damage associated with reactive oxygen radicals that are catalyzed by iron, because current practices do not include these advances in the treatment guidelines. In the light of recent progress, the existing iron therapy program in many healthcare settings is controversial. This necessitates adjusting the magnitude of iron dose with respect to the very limited iron bioavailability, as gauged by Hepcidin. The current study was therefore aimed to incorporate newly emerging biochemical knowledge into the current iron-deficiency anemia treatment practice Methods: Literature relevant to iron-deficiency studies published in English between 1964 and 2020 and available online was covered. Conclusion: Evidently, the existing iron-therapy schedule is both inefficient and toxic. The intricate metabolism of iron should be translated into a more rational iron intervention program with special bias towards lowand middle-income countries requiring a more individualized approach.


The prognosis of myoglobinuria is good even when acute renal failure occurs. We describe two patients who died from acute ventilatory failure due to myopathic involvement of the respiratory muscles. This rare complication of myoglobinuria has a high mortality despite ventilatory support.


The problem of a planar anisotropic elastic layered half–plane subjected to concentrated forces and edge dislocations applied either in the layer or in the half–plane is analysed. One of the objectives of this study is to develop an effective analytical methodology to construct the exact full–field solution for this problem. By using the Lekhnitskii formalism for anisotropic elastic material with the Fourier–transformation technique, the explicit closed–form solutions for stresses in the layer and the half–plane are obtained. The solutions are suitable for loadings that are acting on the free surface or at the interface. The complete solutions for this problem consist only of the simplest solutions obtained from an infinite homogeneous medium with concentrated forces and edge dislocations. The solutions include Green's function for applied loadings in an infinite medium and an infinite number of image singularities that are induced to satisfy the boundary and interface conditions. It is shown that the physical meaning of the solution is the image method. The magnitudes and locations of image singularities are determined automatically from the mathematical method presented in this study. Numerical results for the full–field stress distribution in the layered half–plane medium subjected to concentrated forces or edge dislocations are discussed in detail.


Abstract The aim of our experiment was to study how synbiotics are able to deal with the problems of post‐weaning piglets. Lactobacillus plantarum – BiocenolTM LP96 (CCM 7512), Lactobacillus fermentum – BiocenolTM LF99 (CCM 7514) and flaxseed (rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) were administered to 36 conventional piglets from a problematic breed with confirmed presence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Coronavirus. The experimental piglets were supplied with probiotic cheeses and crushed flax‐seed in the period starting 10 days before weaning and lasting up to 14 days post‐weaning. Piglets in the control group were supplied only control cheese. The impact of such additives on the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; spectroscopic and electrophoretic assay), alteration of immunity (index of metabolic activity), jejunum histology (light microscopy), and health of conventional piglets from a problematic breed (monitoring of hematology, consistency and moisture of feces and body temperature) were examined. We found significant decrease in LDH leakage in the blood serum and tissue extracts, indicating better cell membrane integrity in the individual organs of animals. Probiotics and flaxseed applied together seem to be a good source of nutrients to improve the immune status and the integrity of jejunum mucosa during infection. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science


THOUGH ATTRACTING little attention in the surgical literature, the question of whether or not to drain the splenic bed following splenectomy is an important one because major local infectious complications, ie, subphrenic abscess, follow splenectomy. Many surgeons state unequivocally that the splenic bed should always be drained 1-4 but others do not practice this and claim excellent results. 6 Since these views seem to be based on empiricism, the following retrospective study was undertaken and presents the first analysis of a large series of splenectomies specifically for the postoperative local infectious complications. Clinical Material The clinical records of 130 patients undergoing splenectomy were reviewed. The operations were performed at the New England Deaconess Hospital and on the Surgical Services of the Boston City Hospital from 1954 to 1964. The age of patients ranged from 1½ to 70 years. There was a slight preponderance of men to women. Splenectomy was performed


I appreciate that Drs. Cho and Chiu agree regarding the importance of defining quality standards in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (1,2). However, a few points have been raised with regards to the position statement by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (AUGIS) (3).


Onsite wastewater systems that use subsurface infiltration of septic tank effluent are used widely in the United States and abroad; however, the processes that govern effluent flow and pollutant transport during treatment in the subsurface have only recently begun to be elucidated. The conditions that often occur during intermittent wastewater application can lead to the formation and deposition of organic molecules, which can cause reduced permeability and soil pore clogging. To enhance the fundamental understanding of organic matter accumulation as affected by effluent infiltration, field research was performed at the Mines Park Test Site located at the Colorado School of Mines. Four pilot-scale infiltration cells established in a sandy loam soil profile and used for infiltration of domestic septic tank effluent were dismantled to study the nature and extent of organic matter accumulation. Macro- and micromorphological observations were made, and soil samples were taken at and below the infiltrative surface and analyzed for total organic C, polysaccharides, and humic substances. Additionally, dissolved O 2 concentrations were measured with time in the septic tank effluent within a cell as it infiltrated into the soil. Compared with background controls, soil samples collected at the soil infiltrative surface were characterized by high water contents and high concentrations of organic matter. The high values measured at the infiltrative surface declined sharply, however, from 1 to 2 cm of soil depth. An infiltrative surface exposed to microaerophilic concentrations (∼2 mg/L) of dissolved O 2 accumulated 400 to 800% (w/w) more organic material than the mass accumulated under more continuously anaerobic conditions. The microaerophilic conditions also appeared to favor the growth of polyphosphate-accumulating microorganisms.


Abstract Surficial sediments from the Hebrides and West Shetland Slopes are mostly matrix-supported diamictons or laminated muds with subordinate sand. Those from the outer shelf and upper slope have water content and undrained shear strength profiles that suggest variable light to moderate overconsolidation, whereas those from the lower slope and basin floor have water content and undrained shear strength profiles that suggest normal consolidation. We believe that these geotechnical differences are genetic and reflect the processes operative in former glacial and glaciomarine palaeoenvironments along the continental margin: variably overconsolidated sediments are the products of marginal or proximal glaciomarine environments in which ice loading has occurred, whereas normally consolidated sediments are found in distal glaciomarine to basin plain settings. The depositional setting also controls the void index of the sediment via its sedimentary fabric and we find a sensible relationship between the compression curve of a sediment and its mode of deposition. It is usual to find that individual values lie scattered about this curve as a result of small variations in the packing. These variations correspond to minor sediment layers from which acoustic reflections may interfere constructively to give a multilayered acoustic texture, whose appearance is thus ultimately related to the magnitude of the scatter.


A physical model of a vacuum arc is developed, which is used to construct a 1-D model and a 2-D two-fluid mathematical model. The 1-D model is based on the principle of compensation of radial magnetic forces. This model is used to derive analytical expressions for the critical values of current Icr and of the external magnetic field Bcr, which define the range of steady passage of current. The model describes both supersonic and subsonic modes of plasma flow. The possibilities of coexistence of these modes are discussed. The 2-D magnetohydrodynamic model is based on the method of trajectories, where a set of partial equations is reduced to a set of ordinary differential equations that are written for derivatives along the lines of the total current. The 2-D model is used to calculate supersonic flows of current for different geometries of the discharge gap and different magnitudes of the external magnetic field B0. Two-dimensional distributions of discharge parameters are obtained, including those of magnetic field components in view of the magnetic field of the Hall current. The distributions of current density are calculated, as well as the dependences Icr(B0) which tend to saturate in high values of B0.


The landscape is an open system driven by interactions between natural and anthropogenic elements. Their long-term impact is responsible for the current form and status of the landscape. Integrated landscape management enables to implement particular solutions to mitigate the effects of threats to the ecological stability of the environment, to preserve and support diversity of ecosystems, to improve ecologically less stable parts of landscape and their spatial spread, as well as the possibility to maintain important cultural heritage of the landscape. The aim of the study was to aid local and regional spatial planning in a headwater catchment by a complex quantitative assessment of risks of flash flooding, muddy floods and soil erosion caused by extreme rainfall.  The research on and the design of protection measures were realized in the cadaster of the village situated on the border to Moravia in Slovakia. Generally accepted robust quantitative methods for risk mitigation, which are simple enough, but are yielding reliable predictions, were integrated into complex mitigation measures in order to improve the ecological stability and recreational potential of the area. Present land management practices are increasing the risk of flash flooding and soil erosion, including rill erosion on the arable land in the region with prevailingly flysch geological structures. A set of flood detention storages, infiltration trenches and agrotechnical measures on the arable land were proposed for the reduction of the extreme runoff and erosion. The effectiveness of the proposed measures showed that we were able to reduce the amount of soil erosion to permissible values. The results were integrated into a spatial erosion and flood protection scheme which will be the bases of spatial planning on a local scale for sustainable agriculture and will enable recreational use of the riverine areas and of the hilly landscape.


This paper explores three potential affordances (social, technical and pedagogical) of wikis in the context of designing 32 teachers' learning of classroom management cases. Two learning environments were designed and two groups of the teacher-participants posted their own written and audio cases, identified problems, discussed and proposed solutions with the input of their peers, in the respective wikis hosted in Google Sites® and Learning Activity Management System® (LAMS). The teachers' perceptions of the wikis' affordances to support their case-based learning were surveyed quantitatively. The five-point Likert scale survey ranked technical affordance highest, followed by social affordance and pedagogical affordance. Qualitative data from their online discussions and reflection logs were also analyzed to probe the variations in perceived affordances. Participants experienced ease of use and freedom from technical difficulties in achieving their learning goals (interaction with peers and sharing of resources). This paper discusses further work in harnessing wikis' affordances for designing more effective case-based learning environments to cater for diverse learners. It also provides suggestions for further research into wiki pedagogy


The goal of this work was to know the effect of precipitation in four periods (Rising, Flood, Lowing and Dry) on Odonata larvae living near to the macrophyte Salvinia auriculata Aubl., in Been River, Amazonas, Brazil. The biological material was collected in the Been river in the section near the river Madeira, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Sampling was conducted in stands of three macrophytes S . auriculata in four periods: rising (November 2012), flood (February 2013), lowing (May 2013), and dry (August 2013). A total of 286 Odonata larvae were identified in the river studied. Six families and 14 genera were identified. The flood period showed the highest abundance in the studied period. Acanthagrion presented a positive correlation with flood period in axis 1 and Telebasis also positive, but in the dry period. In conclusion, although there are few studies on Odonata larvae associated with floating macrophytes in the Amazon, the results of this work showed the importance of knowing the distribution of larval abundance throughout the year. Flood and dry period showed to be the period with the highest abundance of Odonata genera. In addition, the principal component analysis showed that some species are more sensitive to the periods of the year, Telebasis in the dry period and Acanthagrion in the flood period.


Children with Asperger syndrome have deficits in social skills, which makes it impossible for them to be as successful in social situations as their peers. Targeted teaching of social skills help them understand what other children take for granted, which is an important contribution to improving the quality of their lives. Targeted teaching of social skills can take place in a group, e.g., in peer groups, or individually, e.g., as a part of additional specialist assistance aimed at overcoming the child's deficits. Targeted teaching presumes prior knowledge of the degree of development of single skills, and is followed by the preparation of activities aimed at improving the child's functioning using these skills. Targeted teaching consists of examining the understanding, and monitoring the degree of adoption of the skills that are taught. The purpose of such teaching is the acquisition of social skills to successfully operate in various social situations; the skills are acquired through pre-prepared activities, such as role playing, social stories, empathy toward another person, and others. When targeted teaching takes place within a group, such as a class, the involvement of classmates is the closest imitation of the kind of social environment in which a learner with Asperger syndrome will have to function independently. In this manner, the learner is enabled to practice in the social environment that needs to be adopted. This increases the possibilities for a successful adoption of concerned social skills.
The purpose of this research was to test the program of developing social skills with a learner with Asperger syndrome in her class, and to determine the impact of this program on her classmates who also participated in the program. Treating people with Asperger syndrome is prevalently done individually, although this does not favor their social skills development. The case study of this research included one learner, aged eight, in her third grade of primary school. In the statement of special needs, the learner was defined as a child with autism spectrum disorders, i.e., a child with moderate deficits in social communication and social interaction, and a child with moderate deficits in behavior, interests, and activities (Asperger syndrome). By definition, social skills include social interaction, which is the reason why the entire third-grade class—a total of 21 pupils—was included in the program. The program was planned to take into account specific functioning characteristics of children with Asperger syndrome. Moreover, it was adapted to the level of development of the learner's social skills. The research also involved the learner's parents, the class teacher, as well as the special and rehabilitation teacher who carries out additional specialist assistance lessons with the learner. Prior to and after the program, the participants filled in an evaluation scale of functional social skills with which they defined the learner's management level of individual social skills. This helped acquire data on the social skills that the learner needs most assistance with. It also enabled recording changes in their management when the program was finished. The class cohesion was measured before and after the program using a sociometric method based on a two-dimensional sociometric classification system with limited choice sets. The test helped acquire information on the cohesion among learners (cohesion index), and the position of the learner with Asperger syndrome in the class (social status). The program encompassed 15 weekly meetings in the classroom and was based on targeted teaching of those social skills that the learner with Asperger syndrome needs most assistance with. The research was carried out on the basis of the social activities that proved to be effective for children with Asperger syndrome in the past by means of various approaches. At the end of the program, the assessors participated in an interview regarding any changes observed in the learner, and in the class (class teacher). The data obtained was statistically processed, and the results are presented with graphs and tables on the basis of hypotheses. A certain level of effectiveness was then attributed to the implemented program based on the results; however, it is impossible to determine that the program is unambiguously effective because this would imply that the social skills examined in this case were generalized to other settings. At the end of the program, positive changes were observed in the learner with Asperger syndrome in certain areas of social skills, and were marked on the scale by her parents and the special education teacher. In addition, the class teacher reported changes in social skills both in the student with Asperger syndrome and in her classmates. The class teacher also reported positive changes in the group dynamics, cooperation among learners, and their cohesion. The research has shown that introducing targeted teaching of social skills in class is sensible both for children with disabilities as well as for their peers. The program enables acquiring skills in a peer environment that is also the environment in which the acquired skills will be used. In addition, the program is also effective for children without major problems in social skills because their participation gives them insight into classmates who do face these problems. In the future, these children can regulate their functioning in such a way that they are more tolerant and understanding toward their classmates with problems in social skills.


BACKGROUND
Psychiatric comorbidity is common in the inpatient medical population. Hospitalists are frequently faced with decisions regarding the psychopharmacologic management of medically ill patients, yet receive limited psychiatric training. This review aims to assist the hospitalist in making an informed decision about the continuation of home psychotropic medications in the medically ill patient.

METHODS
A PubMed literature review was performed to obtain information on the effects of psychotropic medication discontinuation. In addition, the literature was reviewed regarding the potential challenges of psychotropic medication continuation.

RESULTS
A growing number of studies demonstrate high rates of relapse when medications are discontinued in patients suffering from mood disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Abrupt cessation of psychotropics is especially dangerous, leading to a greater chance of destabilization. Discontinuation syndromes, with prominent physical symptoms, may also result from sudden psychotropic cessation. Conversely, continuing home psychotropic medication may cause adverse effects due to drug-drug interactions or changing pharmacokinetics.

CONCLUSIONS
This review examines the risks of psychotropic discontinuation as well as the challenges of psychotropic continuation in the medically ill patient. When making complex psychopharmacologic decisions, hospitalists should employ all available resources, including pharmacists and consult-liaison psychiatrists. Ultimately, physicians and patients must make collaborative decisions, weighing the risks and benefits of psychiatric medications.


The application of data mining techniques to health-related data is beneficial to medical research. However, the use of data mining or knowledge discovery in databases, and data matching and profiling techniques, raises ethical concerns relating to consent and undermines the confidentiality of medical data. Data mining and data matching requires active collaboration between the medical practitioner and the data miner. This article examines the ethical management of medical data including personal information and sensitive information in the healthcare sector. It offers some ethical and legal perspectives on privacy and the confidentiality of medical data. It examines the international landscape of health information privacy protection, relevant Australian legislation and recommendations to improve the ethical handling of medical data proposed by the Australian Law Reform Commission.


Implementing a belief propagation (BP) based LDPC decoder requires high degrees of parallelism using many component soft-in soft-output (SISO) decoding units to perform message passing from variable nodes to check nodes or vice versa. An obvious complexity-reduction solution is to serialize the decoding process, i.e., dividing a decoding iteration into several serial sub-iterations in which a sub-iteration performs only part of the complete parallel message-passing operation. The group horizontal shuffled BP (GHSBP) and vertical shuffled BP (GVSBP) algorithms respectively partition the check and variable nodes of the code graph into groups to perform group-by-group message-passing decoding. This paper proposes new techniques to improve three key elements of a GHSBP decoding algorithm, namely, the grouping method, the decoding schedule and the log-likelihood updating formulae. The (check nodes) grouping method and decoding schedule optimize certain design criterion. The new normalized min-sum updating formula with a self-adjustable correction (scaling) factor offers better nonlinear approximation. Numerical performance of new GHSBP algorithms that include part or all three new techniques indicate that the combination of the proposed grouping and decoding schedule yields a faster convergence rate and our modified min-sum algorithm gives performance superior to that of the conventional min-sum and normalized min-sum algorithm and is very close to that of the sum-product algorithm.


This paper aims to establish three things. First, that the capabilities approach is the best candidate for an adequate theory of justice to provide just educational opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Second, that the capabilities approach, while possessing many merits over rival conceptions of justice, must acknowledge that a prioritization of some capabilities over others is essential. Third and finally, that intellectual disability presents a particularly urgent case for educational justice, because those with intellectual disabilities are historically under-serviced within educational institutions and stand to lose much more than others because of the potential for the compounding of corrosive disadvantage. A stronger claim to justice for people with intellectual disabilities represents a potential for change in the policy and funding associated with education more generally, and for people with intellectual disabilities more specifically.


PURPOSE
The objective of this study is to quantify the influence of linear motion, calcification density, and temporal resolution on coronary calcium determination using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), dual source CT (DSCT), and electron beam tomography (EBT) and to find a quantitative method which corrects for the influences of these parameters using a linear moving cardiac phantom.

METHODS
On a robotic arm with artificial arteries with four calcifications of increasing density, a linear movement was applied between 0 and 120 mm/s (step of 10 mm/s). The phantom was scanned five times on 64-slice MDCT, DSCT, and EBT using a standard acquisition protocol. The average Agatston, volume, and mass scores were determined for each velocity, calcification, and scanner. Susceptibility to motion was quantified using a cardiac motion susceptibility (CMS) index. Resemblance to EBT and physical volume and mass was quantified using a Delta index.

RESULTS
Increasing motion artifacts were observed at increasing velocities on all scanners, with increasing severity from EBT to DSCT to 64-slice MDCT. The calcium score showed a linear dependency on motion from which a correction factor could be derived. This correction factor showed a linear dependency on the mean calcification density with a good fit for all three scoring methods and all three scanners (0.73 < or = R2 < or = 0.95). The slope and offset of this correction factor showed a linear dependency on temporal resolution with a good fit for all three scoring methods and all three scanners (0.83 < or = R2 < or = 0.98). CMS was minimal for EBT and increasing values were observed for DSCT and highest values for 64-slice MDCT. CMS was minimal for mass score and increasing values were observed for volume score and highest values for Agatston score. For all densities and scoring methods DSCT showed on average the closest resemblance to EBT calcium scores. When using the correction factor, CMS index decreased on average by 15% and Delta index decreased by 35%.

CONCLUSIONS
Calcium scores determined on DSCT and 64-slice MDCT are highly susceptible to motion as compared to EBT. The mass score is less susceptible to motion compared to volume and Agatston score. Calcium scores determined on DSCT bear a closer resemblance to EBT obtained calcium scores than 64-slice MDCT. In addition, the calcium score is highly dependent on the average density of individual calcifications and the dependency of the calcium score on motion showed a linear behavior on calcification density. From these relations, a quantitative method could be derived which corrects the measured calcium score for the influence of linear motion, mean calcification density, and temporal resolution.


We have used the equations of motion method to calculate the excitation energies and intensities of several transitions in benzene. The ordering of the singlet and triplet states of B_(2u), B_(1u), and E_(1u) symmetry agrees with experiment and the error in the calculated frequencies ranges from 3% to 25%. This error range is reasonable considering the relatively small basis set used. The most extensive calculation included 10 hole and 28 particle states and shows the effect of changes in the sigma core for each transition. The calculated transition moment of 1.74 a.u. for the ^1A_(1g)→^1E_(1u) transition agrees well with the experimental value of 1.61 a.u.


Theoretical work is reported on the following topics: photo- and electroproduction of mesons by the ({gamma},{pi}{sup {minus}}p) reactions on {sup 12}C and {sup 16}O; Coulomb distortion effects on (e,e{prime}{gamma}) and on inclusive (e,e{prime}) and exclusive (e,e{prime}p) scattering in the quasi-elastic region for {sup 40}Ca, {sup 208}Pb, and {sup 238}U; relativistic structure calculations in which the basic lagrangian is an extension of the {sigma}{endash}{omega} model in which the nucleons are coupled to five fields ({sigma}, {omega}, {rho}, {pi}, the electromagnetic field) and tensor coupling to the vector mesons {rho} and {omega} is also considered; and an investigation of the interaction {gamma} + p {yields} K{sup +} + {Lambda}{sup 0} in a simple quark model that supplies the coupling constants and form factors associated with each vertex in the Feynman diagrams. 19 figs., 51 refs.