Hardware implanted during primary total joint arthroplasty carries a serious risk for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The formation of bacterial biofilms, which are highly tolerant of antibiotics and host immunity, is recognized as being a major barrier to treatment. It is not known whether some components and their surface features are more prone to biofilm than others. This study attempted to map biofilm on different components and features of orthopedic hardware recovered during revision. Implant surface culture (ISC) was used on 53 components from 14 hip and knee revisions. ISC achieves a thin agar coating over components, followed by incubation and observation for colony outgrowth over 9 days. Recovered organisms were identified by selective culture and 16s rRNA sequencing. Outcomes were compared with clinical culturing and PJI diagnosis based on 2013 Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. ISC paralleled clinical culturing with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 57.1%. When compared to Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria, sensitivity remained at 100% while specificity was 80%. Biofilm accumulation was patchy and heterogeneous throughout different prostheses, though notably the non‐articulating surfaces between the tibial tray and polyethylene insert showed consistent growth. On individual components, ridges and edges consistently harbored biofilm, while growth elsewhere was case dependent. ISC successfully identified microbial growth with high sensitivity while also revealing that biofilm growth was commonly localized to particular locations. Understanding where biofilm formation occurs most often on implanted hardware will help guide debridement, retention choices, and implant design.


Introduction:Sargassum have been commonly known for their various biological activities including anti‐inflammatory,
anticancer, anti‐herpes, anti‐hyperlipidemic, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity. Antioxidants give
positive effects on human health by protecting the human body against reactive oxygen species and the harmful effects
caused by them. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of sargassum species.
Materials and Method: The seaweed sargassum was collected from Thondi coastal area, TamilNadu. The dried powdered
seaweed samples were mixed with Ethanol. The extract was used to evaluate the total antioxidant activity, DPPH assay,
lipid peroxidation.
Results: The antioxidant potential of sargassum species by DPPH assay showed a maximum scavenging activity of 84.67%
at highest concentration (150µg/ml) while the standard ascorbic acid showed 98.6% at high concentration. The total
antioxidant activity of Sargassum extract was analysed. Likewise the maximum lipid peroxide scavenging activity was
seen at high concentration of (150µg/ml) with 95.86% while standard ascorbic acid which is compared showed 96.42%
scavenging activity which is almost equal.
Conclusion:The present study concluded that crude extract of sargassum species has good antioxidant activity. The extract
can be used in disease conditions such as cancers and heart diseases for its antioxidant property


The soil chemical properties, microbial community structures and biochemical properties of lettuce or cucumber-cultivated greenhouse soil samples were analyzed to assess soil health and characterize microbial distribution in 8 locations in Korea. Although most of chemical properties were within the soil management guidelines, the available phosphate, and the contents of exchangeable potassium and calcium were higher than those of recommended levels. In the culture-dependent analysis, 841 bacterial strains were isolated from the greenhouse soils and were identified at the genus level by 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis. The dominant bacterial genera were Bacillus (35.7%), Microbacterium (9.3%), Arthrobacter (5.7%) and Lysobacter (5.1%). The abundance of pseudomonads was highly variable depending on the soil samples. In the culture-independent analysis, soil microbial community was investigated by using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) method. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that a specific grouping for microbial community structure in the greenhouse soils was not observed based on cultivated crops and investigated sites. The results revealed that the greenhouses soils examined are relatively sound managed in terms of soil chemical contents and microbial properties.


Study of the relationship between organizational learning and empowerment

Roghayeh Khanalizadeh
M.A of Tarbiat Modares University
Asadollah Kordnaiej
Assistant professor, Tarbiat Modares University
Ali Asghar Fani
Assistant professor, Tarbiat Modares University
Asghar Moshabaki
Associate professor, Tarbiat Modares University

Abstract
 The environment in which organizations work is dynamic, complex and unconventional. Therefore, top managers seek for solutions to overcome these uncertainty and complexity by empowering their human resources through creation of a learning environment where employees are kept updated. Such investment in turn, is expected to contribute to organizational performance and eventually build bases for competitive advantage. This study investigates the relationship between organizational learning and empowerment. The objective of present article is to evaluate the relation between organizational learning and empowerment of Tarbiat Modares University's employees. For this purpose, two standard questionnaires in the field of learning and empowerment were used and the data were collected and analyzed to specify the aspects of organizational learning on empowerment. In this research, the statistical population includes 271 employees of Tarbiat Modares University holding at least a bachelor degree. A sample of 74 employees was randomly selected using kokran sampling plan. From 90 questionnaires distributed 89 questionnaires were returned, and data was analyzed using SPSS software version 15. The research results indicated a strong correlation between organizational learning and empowerment. According to the findings, although, aspects of empowerments (Competence, Self – Determination, Impact, Meaning and Trust in others) reasonably exist among the university employees, three aspects of organizational learning (Team work, Knowledge sharing, Partnership leadership) appears to be lower than standard. However four aspects of organizational learning including shared vision, organizational culture, system thinking, and development of staffs sufficiency , are higher than standard.

Keywords: Learning, Organizational Learning, Empowerment.


Developmental mutants affected in either sporulation or spore germination have been isolated from Microsporum gypseum with the aid of nitrosoguanidine or as spontaneously occurring mutants. The time course levels of several proteins temporally associated with conidial development have been assayed in the wild-type and mutant strains. The spore germination characteristics of two of the mutants are described. The relationship of alkaline protease accumulation to tyrosinase accumulation and spore germination is discussed.


The dissertation proposes that the economics of the crisis of capital accumulation and the extraordinary pace of technological and market change have led to new corporate strategies and industry structures in the high tech electronics industry. The research, survey of management in fourteen leading computer and semiconductor multinationals, was designed to integrate and explore the usefulness of theories on industrial structure and labour markets.

The product life cycle model cannot solve the problems of diversified and increasingly competitive global markets and their ever more sophisticated demand for customised products. Similarly rigid barriers between differentiated and non-competing labour markets in dual labour market theory cannot account for new associations of labour and technologies or for the new importance of non-wage differences in global labour supplies.

The research demonstrated the necessity of linking both demand and supply conditions in explaining contemporary industrial structure. The data persuasively supports the view that the supply conditions in local labour markets not only are critical to the global distribution of capital, but more importantly shape those investments. Scotland provided the industry with an annual labour supply and appropriate skills and a training/education sector responsive to industry needs, offering unique ways for corporations to minimise the cost of reshaping and retaining their workforce. Combining with significant state support of capital investment, the region provided cost - and risk-minimising opportunities for using expensive advanced technologies, expanding and extending their effectiveness in rapidly changing markets.

Further, gender was a major factor in the emergence structure of work and the speed of industry adjustment. Rising male unemployment, shrinking employment vacancies for men, and the support of the region's women worker led to the industry's hiring men as the new production workforce, allowing new job design, recruitment criteria, employment expectations and worker commitment, necessary to increase the productivity of new investments.


The work is devoted to exploration of the problem of labor motivation on the railway transport of Ukraine, and the recommendations concerning the improvement of material and non-material means of strengthening the motivation in the modern society are offered.


Abstract The domestication concept, originally developed in Britain in the context of media appropriation in households' everyday life, has seen a relatively high uptake in the Nordic countries from early on. This was by far not only an application of the concept, but an alternative interpretation with different emphases. I introduce two major strands of this uptake in this article: the Norwegian science and technology studies interpretation, and the primarily Finnish consumer and design research interpretation. These case studies will help answer the question of the degree of Nordicness in these interpretations of the domestication approach. In a last instance, the article aims to address the question what the current – and hopefully future – state of domestication research in the Nordic countries could look like.


This article deals with domestic climate change governance in Japan, China and South Korea between 1997 and 2010. It examines whether the modes of governance of these three states show congruencies. In order to test this, the thesis uses a model of analysis by Treib, Bähr and Falkner, which examines seven categories within the three dimensions of polity, politics and policy. In each category, corresponding modes of governance are located on a spectrum between state intervention and societal autonomy. As the results of the analysis show, the hypothesis of congruent modes of governance in all three East Asian states cannot be confirmed. However, Japan and China show strong similarities in six out of seven categories. Modes in both states can be located on the traditional side of the spectrum tending towards state intervention. South Korea's modes of governance differ as they are hybrid in most of the categories. However, since the enforcement of the Korean Low Carbon, Green Growth Strategy in April 2010, Korea seems to be moving towards Japan's and China's so-called traditional modes of governance.


Synthetic auxin herbicides constitute major alternatives for managing tough-to-kill weeds such as Ipomoea spp. Adjuvant use is known to positively affect the biological efficacy of pesticides by modifying key spraying solution and droplet properties. Determining to what extent the use of adjuvants could change spray solution parameters and affect synthetic auxin herbicides' efficiency for Ipomoea spp. control were the research goals. The study was conducted in two phases: laboratory and field, respectively. In the laboratory, the pH, the surface tension, and the resources of the herbicide drops were measured. In the field, weed control was evaluated. All adjuvants modified spray solution properties, lowering surface tension values. Most adjuvants decreased pH values as well as number and density of droplets due to an increase in droplet size. Regardless of adjuvant usage, Ipomoea spp. control levels rose more rapidly following 2,4-D spraying rather than dicamba, resulting in lower biomass accumulation when the former was used. Dicamba-containing treatments displayed slightly but significantly lower Ipomoea spp. control levels at the end of the evaluation period. Herbicide efficacy for Ipomoea spp. control was not improved upon the addition to the spray solution of any of the tested adjuvants. Adjuvant use altered spraying solution and droplet properties. 2,4-D spraying allowed for lower Ipomoea spp. biomass and greater control levels relative to dicamba, suggesting it might constitute a better option for Ipomoea spp. control. Even though herbicide efficacy was not improved with adjuvants, their use should still be considered given favorable spraying solution alterations, mainly with some alteration in droplet sizes despite the use of similar spray nozzles tips maintaining weed control efficacy.


This thesis describes the novel features of an extended Linda system, called eLinda. The main contribution of eLinda is the introduction of a powerful and flexible mechanism for expressing the queries used for data retrieval in Linda systems. This provides simplicity for applications that would otherwise need to handle complex retrieval operations explicitly, and enhances efficiency, particularly where the data is distributed across a network. Other extensions introduce support for distributed multimedia resources, and provide additional support for efficient data distribution across a communication network. The enhanced functionality of the eLinda system is described in detail and compared with existing Linda systems, both commercial products and research projects. This is done primarily with an emphasis on the expressiveness and functionality of the new features, but also takes into consideration performance and efficiency issues, including the scalability of eLinda applications. The use of these novel features is demonstrated by their application to a number of problems, including a video-on-demand system and a parser for visual programming languages. The latter application particularly shows the benefit of the new data retrieval mechanisms present in the eLinda system.


Acute poisoning by organophosphate or carbamate is important to recognize since it can cause severe complications such as cardiorespiratory failure, coma, and even death in the absence of early management. Pharmacologically, the mode of action of these substances is based on an inhibition of cholinesterases; the clinical presentation therefore consists of a cholinergic syndrome. The typical clinical picture can be confirmed by the dosage of plasma cholinesterases. On a therapeutic viewpoint, atropine remains the antidote of choice. In high doses, it is the only molecule with a demonstrated effect for the specific treatment of such poisonings. Pralidoxime is clearly recommended in case of poisoning by an organophosphate, but is more discussed when carbamates are involved. The observation of a case of voluntary poisoning by a powerful carbamate, aldicarbe, offers s the opportunity to review the key elements of this type of poisoning. The rather loose inaugural presentation and the initial absence of diagnosis, underline the value of an adequate premature symptomatic care.


Mutual information, conditional mutual information and interaction information have been widely used in scientific literature as measures of dependence, conditional dependence and mutual dependence. However, these concepts suffer from several computational issues; they are difficult to estimate in continuous domain, the existing regularised estimators are almost always defined only for real or vector-valued random variables, and these measures address what dependence, conditional dependence and mutual dependence imply in terms of the random variables but not finite realisations. In this paper, we address the issue that given a set of realisations in an arbitrary metric space, what characteristic makes them dependent, conditionally dependent or mutually dependent. With this novel understanding, we develop new estimators of association, conditional association and interaction association. Some attractive properties of these estimators are that they do not require choosing free parameter(s), they are computationally simpler, and they can be applied to arbitrary metric spaces.


To study whether foreign aid fuels personal, regional and ethnic favoritism, we use satellite data on nighttime light for any region in any aid-recipient country, and we determine for each year and each country the region in which the current political leader was born. Having a panel with 22,850 regions in 91 aid recipient countries with yearly observations from 1992 to 2005, we compare the effect of foreign aid on nighttime light across regions. We find that in countries with poor political institutions, this effect is significantly higher in the region in which the current political leader was born than in other regions. This finding suggests that a disproportionate share of foreign aid ends up in the leader's birth region, and we argue that it supports the view that foreign aid fuels favoritism, broadly defined. We find no such difference in aid-recipient countries with sound political institutions. JEL classification: C23; D73; F35; O11.


Image-text contrastive learning models such as CLIP have demonstrated strong task transfer ability. The high generality and usability of these visual models is achieved via a web-scale data collection process to ensure broad concept coverage, followed by expensive pre-training to feed all the knowledge into model weights. Alternatively, we propose React,REtrieval-Augmented CusTomization, a framework to acquire the relevant web knowledge to build customized visual models for target domains. We retrieve the most relevant image-text pairs $(\thicksim3\%$ of CLIP pre-training data) from the web-scale database as external knowledge and propose to customize the model by only training new modularized blocks while freezing all the original weights. The effectiveness of Reactis demonstrated via extensive experiments on classification, retrieval, detection and segmentation tasks, including zero, few, and full-shot settings. Particularly, on the zero-shot classification task, compared with CLIP, it achieves up to 5.4% improvement on ImageNet and 3.7% on the Elevaterbenchmark (20 datasets).


This thesis addresses two of the main materials for solar cells, namely silicon and the family of halide perovskites. For silicon, light trapping structures are investigated for solar cell applications while perovskite materials are investigated as a gain material for optoelectronic applications. Light trapping allows the capture of photons that might otherwise be lost, especially at the red end of the spectrum where silicon is less absorptive. The key is to enhance the efficiency of silicon cells by thinning down the wafer and reducing the bulk recombination losses and to achieve a higher Voc while maintaining strong light absorption (represented by a high short circuit current, Jsc) by applying efficient light trapping schemes. It is still an open question whether nanostructures are beneficial for real devices, especially since highly efficient solar cells employ >100 μm thick absorber materials and use wet etched micron-sized pyramids for light trapping. In this thesis, I conduct a study which compares nanostructures and pyramid microstructures on wafer-based silicon solar cells. This study is important because (1) most light trapping nanostructures are investigated only in the optical regime, while I realize them on silicon devices to analyze both their optical and their electrical character; (2) nanostructures perform better than microstructures in wafer based silicon solar cells, highlighting the effectivity of nanostructures even in wafer-based silicon. Here, the nanostructures comprise wet and dry-etched quasi-random structres and they are compared with pyramidal microstructures. A photocurrent as high as 38 mA/cm2 for a dry etched quasirandom nanostructure is attained experimentally, which is 3.2 mA/cm2 higher than wet etched pyramids fabricated in the same batch. The other material which is now becoming very popular in the solar cell community is the family of metal halide perovskite materials that are increasingly attracting the attention of optoelectronics researchers, both for solar cell and for light emission applications. The ultimate is in simplicity, however, is to observe lasing from a continuous thin film, which has not been aimed before. Here, I show perovskite random lasers; they are deposited at room temperature on unpatterned glass substrates and they exhibit a minimum threshold value of 10 μJ/cm2. A rather special feature is that some of the films exhibit single and dual mode lasing action, which is rarely observed in random lasers. This work fully exploits the simplicity of the solution-based process and thereby adds an important capability to the emerging field of perovskite-based light emitters.


Using an original database from French archives on French trade statistics, this article undertakes a comprehensive study of the nature and dynamic of French sectoral trade for the period 1880 to 1912. The results highlight a common trend regarding Franco-colonial trade compared to French trade with non-French colonies. In particular, we found that French trade with its colonies was based mainly on imports of primary products and exports of manufactured goods, meaning that the Empire was used as the main dispenser of French exports and the country's main provider of natural resources. Statistics also emphasise that the event of colonisation was followed by an increase in trade between France and its own colonies, while colonisation by Britain and other colonising countries did not affect trade between France and non-French colonies. The article finally reveals that trade with French colonies was unbalanced and unidirectional, without any advantage in favour of those colonies.


When using spectrophotometric transmittance readings of fruit extracts, the analysis of single carotenoids is difficult because of coinciding absorption bands of the various carotenoids and chlorophylls present in the solution. Aimed at the separate analyses of pigments, an iteratively applied linear regression was developed based on spectral profiles of pigment standards. The iterative approach was validated by dilution series of pigments and compared with commonly applied equation systems. High coefficients of determination and low measuring uncertainties were found for chlorophyll a and b (R(2) > or = 0.99, root mean square error RMSE < or = 10%). Carotenoids were separately analyzed with R(2) = 0.99, R(2) = 0.96, and R(2) = 0.98 for lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein, respectively. The approach based on the spectral profiles provided low measuring uncertainties even if lutein was additionally present in the solutions, which was not possible with common data analyses. Subjecting tomato tissues (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to the iterative approach, contents of in vivo measured pigments were calculated with R(2) = 0.82, R(2) = 0.84, R(2) = 0.67, and R(2) = 0.03 for chlorophyll a and b, lycopene, and beta-carotene, respectively.


The authors applied polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE), western blot, and enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) for the detection of antibodies toward individual dengue viral proteins or polypeptides. SDS-PAGE procedure as described by Laemmli et al., was applied and modified. The results can be observed by visualization. The scores, from 0 to 4, can be assigned by comparing the intensity of the color development. Besides being sensitive and rapid, this technique yields information of the polypeptides or molecular level. An increasing of intensities of positive reactions indicated rising in antibodies titers and all serotypes of dengue viruses (from type 1 to type 4) can be tested together allowing reliable comparison among serotypes. With hyperimmune human sera, at least 13 polypeptides reacted with sera while negative non-immune subject showed no reaction. It is highly possible to use this technique as a rapid quantitative and for qualitative analysis of antibodies to individual viral proteins as well.


This study's aim was to identify the effectivenss of the cooperative learning in the development of some competencies related in volleyball (normal transmission, the reception of transmission, done until the zone of the opponent), where an experimental method with its two types (pre-test and after-test) has used for the pupils of middle school in Ain Safeaa (wilaya of Naama -Algeria). The 24 pupils (15-16) years, were divided into two groups, a control group of 12 pupils and an experimental group of 12 also. The second group was divided in two groups of six and each one has three categories: the weak, the average and the good ones. In order to collect information, researchers have used competencies tests and the formation program suggested in order selecting a referee from the teachers. The results have shown that the cooperative learning helped in the progress of competencies mentioned in the study. Therefore, researchers recommend giving a higher importance in the new methods of teaching related to skills.


In religious studies, prayer has been extensively researched. Psychological studies use survey methods, so low-educated respondents often cannot comprehend the items. A projective


The Union Catalog of Art Images (UCAI) is a research and development project located at the University of California, San Diego, and is funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The first phase explored the barriers, both practical and theoretical, to creating a union catalogue and tackled problems such as the mapping of non-standardized metadata to a common record and the ingest of those records into a prototype union catalogue. Two of the biggest challenges were record clustering (using automated techniques to identify duplicate or closely-related records and bring them together), and working with hierarchical records (works and their surrogate images). The second phase, now under way and ending in mid-2005, will move the prototype union catalogue closer to production-level quality.


The effect of boron (between 0.06 and 0.11 wt%) on the microstructure, hardness and compression properties of cast Ti-6Al-4V was investigated. Compression properties were examined in the temperature range from room temperature to 1000°C. It was found that the addition of boron refines the as-cast microstructure in terms of prior beta grain size and alpha colony size. This microstructural refinement led to an increase in compressive yield strength from room temperature up to 700°C. Three different strain rates (0.001, 0.1 and 1 s−1) were evaluated during compression testing from which it was found that the compressive yield strength decreased with decreasing strain rate from 600°C up to the beta transus temperature.


A patient with asymmetrical widening of the thyroid cartilage with decreased ossification of the inner thyroid lamina simulating tumor invasion on CT is described. Histologically, no tumor was identified. A review of the pertinent literature and implications are discussed.


Plant scientists use Functional Structural Plant Models (FSPMs) to model plant systems within a limited space-time range. To allow FSPMs to abstract complex plant systems beyond a single model's limitation, an integration that compounds different FSPMs could be a possible solution. However, the integration involves many technical dimensions and a generic software infrastructure for all integration cases is not possible. In this paper, we analyze the requirements of the integration with all the technical dimensions. Instead of an infrastructure, we propose a generic architecture with specific process-related components as a logical level solution by combining an ETL (Extract, Transform and Load) based sub architecture and a C/S (Client/Server) based sub architecture. This allows the integration of different FSP models hosted on the same and different FSP modeling platforms in a flexible way. We demonstrate the usability of the architecture by the implementation of a full infrastructure for the integration of two specific FSPMs, and we illustrate the effectiveness of the infrastructure by several integrative tests.


The capacity of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generation connected to Urban Distribution Network (UDN) will increase significantly as a result of EU government targets and initiatives. CHP generators can have a significant impact on the power flow, voltage profile and the power quality for customers and electricity suppliers. The connection of CHP plant at UDN creates a number of technical problems that for individual connections can be mitigated, albeit at a cost to the developer and network operators. For significant volumes of connections, there is an apparent risk of conflict between connections in that inappropriately sized or located plant could constrain greater development of the network and consequently threaten the achievement of government distributed generation energy targets. The steady state voltage rise resulting from the connection of these generators can be a major obstacle to their connection at the lower voltage level in an UDN. The objective of this paper is to use static method to analyse steady state voltage stability. The objective of this proposed approach is not to control bus voltage but to guarantee that generator injections alone do not cause significant voltage rise: a solution in which an UDN operators retains their traditional task of voltage regulation for load demand. The main tool which is used in this paper is load flow analysis performed by ERAC power analysis software. In order to determine the steady-state voltage stability region, a case study of a UDN of fourteen busbars was created. The results obtained were used in the P-V and Q-V method in order to determine voltage stability limits for a number of busbars with CHP generating unit connected. Analyzing the P-V and Q-V curves gives the UDN operator and indication of the maximum amount of power that is allowed to penetrate into UDN generated by CHP plant via any busbar.


The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the tofu home industry in Aek Lancat Village in improving the welfare of employees' families. To find out how the role of the home industry in improving the welfare of the families of employees in Aek Lancat Village according to Islamic Economics. Home industry is a business activity that is able to expand employment and provide broad economic services to the community, reduce unemployment and improve people's welfare. This type of research is field research (field research) which is obtained through a reference center by going directly to the field (research site ) to view and retrieve data directly. The data sources for workers in the tofu home industry in Aek Lancat Village are Kholijah Hasibuan and Midar Hasibuan, besides that there are several buyers from local residents such as Mrs. Seftiani, as well as small traders around the village of Aek Lancat. An increasingly efficient industrial sector in a national economy requires small companies in the management industry. The growth of home industries in rural areas will improve the village economy with various types of business activities and community skills. Tofu home industry in Aek Lancat Village, Kec. Lubuk Barumun in its business activities can help build the local community's economy because this business is related to livelihoods. Home industry y This is very helpful in building the community's economy, especially in the


plates. $5.50.) U.S.A.: Division of Mental Retardation, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington D.C. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. 1969. 'Hmm ... odd facies ... ears a bit low set perhaps ... simian crease on one hand, and the thumbs look unusually broad ... feet, would one call them rockerbottomed? Heavens, I'm sure I must have seen this before somewhere, a chromosome defect perhaps, partial deletion of something or other ? No, rather somebody's syndrome, I think, let me see. . . Treacher-Russell-de Lange ? Or was it Rubinstein-Taybi-Ellis ? I must look the damed thing up, but where for Heaven's sake ?' For those who find themselves from time to time subject to this kind of stressful situation, two kindly men, Sidney Gellis and Murray Feingold, have now provided invaluable support. Each of 85 syndromes is illustrated with colour photographs on one side of the page, and on the other a description, with brief notes on genetics and treatment, and a few key references. The selection is somewhat arbitrary, for instance osteogenesis imperfecta gains a place, though mental retardation is not a feature of this, and so does the recently described 'happy puppet syndrome', which has yet to win formal acceptance. But such quibbles are of little relevance to those of us who, lacking an 'encyclopaedic mind' (so commonly possessed, it seems, by others, to judge by obituary notices), frankly need all that we can get by way of an aide-memoire of this kind in our day-to-day work. The index is on an anatomical basis, so that under 'Lip' one finds 'Broad with cupid bow: infantile hypercalcaemia; Waardenburg'-'Down-turned: Silver's'Fissured: Down's-'Fistula of upper: Ellis-Van Creveld', and so on. The fairly low cost of the book is a pleasant consequence of its publication by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.


Cold-acclimation (CA) of the halotolerant alga Dunaliella was inhibited by light and by high salt. CA was associated with enhanced resistance to freezing in saline growth solutions, as manifested by protection of photosynthetic oxygen evolution and by reduced permeabilisation of the plasma membrane. Oxygen evolution activity in isolated chloroplasts was not affected by freezing, but was inhibited by high salt and the inhibition could be reversed or protected by glycerol. The activity of chloroplasts from cold-acclimated cells was more resistant to salt than of non-acclimated cells. Electron transport measurements in chloroplasts indicated that high salt inhibited PS-II, but not PS-I electron transport. High salt also inhibited PS-II thermoluminescence (TL) activity in chloroplasts. Similar inhibition of PS-II TL was observed by freezing intact cells in saline solutions. Chloroplasts from cold-acclimated cells had enhanced resistance to inhibition of PS-II electron transport and of PS-II TL by high salt. These results suggest that inhibition of oxygen evolution upon freezing Dunaliella cells may result from inactivation of PS-II due to massive influx of salt and loss of glycerol. The enhanced freeze-resistance of cold-acclimated cells to inhibition of oxygen evolution can be accounted for partly by protection of PS-II against high salt.


In this paper, we study the problem of robust phase recovery. We investigate a novel approach based on extremely quantized (one-bit) phase-less measurements and a corresponding recovery scheme. The proposed approach has surprising robustness and stability properties and, unlike currently available methods, allows to efficiently perform phase recovery from measurements affected by severe (possibly unknown) non-linear perturbations, such as distortions (e.g. clipping). Beyond robustness, we show how our approach can be used within greedy approaches based on alternating minimization. In particular, we propose novel initialization schemes for the alternating minimization achieving favorable convergence properties with improved sample complexity.


Certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions (such as SLE and thyroid disease) are encountered more frequently in patients with late onset myasthenia gravis (MG). The consideration of alternative diagnoses is paramount when conventional MG therapies fail or unusual features develop. A 71-year-old man developed increasing lethargy, weight loss, ankle discomfort and non-fatigable proximal weakness over 4 months, with frequent falls. Seropositive generalised myasthenia gravis was diagnosed 1 year previously and responded well to prednisolone and mycophenolate. Bloods revealed mild normocytic anaemia, raised white cell count, hyponatraemia and ESR and CRP >100, but normal renal function and CK. Neurophysiology revealed lower limb axonal sensorimotor neuropathy but no myopathic discharges. CT body imaging with contrast and FDG-PET were normal. Steroid myopathy was considered but reducing prednisolone in favour of increased mycophenolate, and IVIG, had no effect. A painful, livedoid rash evolving into retiform purpura then developed across both shins, biopsy of which confirmed medium vessel vasculitis consistent with polyarteritis nodosa. Pulsed intravenous cyclophosphamide was commenced followed by further IVIG with improvement. The association of vasculitis and MG is extremely rare and not previously reported with systemic polyarteritis nodosa. Atypical patterns of weakness and raised inflammatory markers warrant a thorough search for coexistent diagnoses.


On January 26, 2001, Republic Day in India, a Mw-7.7 reverse-fault earthquake occurred in the Kachchh region of the state of Gujarat. The closest plate boundary lies many hundreds of kilometers away The earthquake was felt over 2000 km away and over an area more than 16 times that of the Mw-7.8 1906 San Francisco earthquake. No field investigation has yet found unequivocal evidence of surface rupture; highly unusual for an earthquake of this size. Also anomalous are the depths of aftershocks [Bodin et al., 2001], which suggest that the main rupture may have propagated into the lower crust. Liquefaction was extensive and occurred at great distances, probably reflecting the considerable thickness of unconsolidated sediments and the extremely shallow water table within the region. The Bhuj earthquake occurred in an old rift system, and the section to the east of Kachchh is a well-known seismic zone that sustains felt earthquakes on a regular basis.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the roles of fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP)-added total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in septic animals and stressed patients.

METHODS
Thirteen adult dogs were randomly assigned to one of two study groups 6 hours after the induction of severe intra-abdominal infection. Group TPN (n = 6) received 70 kcal.kg-1.d-1 of nonprotein calorie (NPC) and 0.56 g.kg-1.d-1 of nitrogen. 1 g/kg of FDP was also infused to the animals in group TPN + FDP (n = 7) everyday. In the clinical study, the control group received routine TPN, while the study group (n = 16) was treated with TPN plus FDP (5 g, two times a day) for 7 days.

RESULTS
In dogs with TPN support, plasma ATP levels were not changed significantly, while the value in the TPN + FDP group increased significantly from 0.18 mumol/L to 0.46 mumol/L at 24 h and 0.51 mumol/L at 48 h (P < 0.01). Muscular ATP increased markedly in the TPN + FDP group. Muscular creatine phosphate values were not significantly changed in the TPN group, but the values increased in the TPN + FDP group from 4.06 mumol/g.wt at the beginning to 4.93 mumol/g.wt at 24 h and 5.60 mumol/g.wt at 48 h (P < 0.05), with a cytochrome oxidase increase in immunohistochemistry stain. In the clinical study, plasma ATP levels increased and urinary 3-methylhistidine production significantly decreased with an improved value for positive accumulative nitrogen balance in the FDP-infused group.

CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that total parenteral nutrition support with the supplement of fructose-1,6-diphosphate has a positive role in body energy production and protein metabolism in septic animals and stressed patients.


1. The anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal, process of feeding, and physiology of digestion in Aplysia punctata have been investigated. 2. The food undergoes little trituration in the buccal cavity. The mode of action of the jaws and odontophore is adapted to the rapid intake of vegetable food. 3. The oesophagus and crop together form an anatomical and physiological unit. 4. Trituration occurs in the gizzard. The teeth are adapted to the trituration of plant material; this is of particular importance owing to the weak action of the cellulase. 5. Coarser particles of weed are retained by the teeth of the filter chamber and returned to the gizzard during the forward movement of the gut fluid. 6. The ciliary currents in the anterior intestine ensure that only food in a finely divided or fluid state is admitted to the stomach. Medium and larger sized particles are carried straight into the intestine. 7. Ciliary currents in the stomach are concerned with the removal of material rejected from the tubules of the digestive diverticula. This material is consolidated, cemented, and moulded into a faecal rod within the caecum, and conveyed by ciliary action to the intestine. 8. The intestine is concerned with the further consolidation and moulding of the complete faecal mass, and its propulsion (by combined ciliary and muscular action) to the rectum. 9. Mucus is secreted throughout the gut with the exception of the regions of the jaws, gizzard, and filter chamber. Enzymes are secreted in the salivary glands (amylase and protease) and in the digestive diverticula (carbohydrases, lipase, and proteases). Glands probably secreting a lubricant (other than mucus) occur in the epithelium of the lateral walls of the buccal cavity, and others, secreting a cementing substance, in the caecum and intestine. 10. Absorptive cells occupy the greater part of the epithelium of the digestive diverticula. They occur together with secretory, excretory, and storage cells. 11. Digestion occurs within the oesophagus and crop, gizzard, filter chamber, anterior intestine, stomach, and tubules of the digestive diverticula. The hydrogen ion concentration is here suitable for the action of the enzymes, and the gut fluid is kept in motion by the muscular activity of the walls. 12. A high pH exists in the lumen of the caecum, posterior intestine, and rectum, probably assisting in the consolidation of the faecal mass by increasing the viscosity of the mucus. 13. The presence of a highly efficient mechanism for the formation of the faeces is probably correlated with the poorly developed cleansing mechanism in the mantle cavity.


This study uses data collected from annual reports of Australian local councils in the state of New South Wales (NSW) to provide longitudinal evidence on the impact of compulsory audit tendering, as introduced by the NSW Local Government Act 1993, on audit fees over the nine-year period from 1993 to 2002, and including both the initial and second tender periods. The results show that (i) a relatively large audit fee decrease was associated with the introduction of compulsory audit tendering, and (ii) the fee decrease was non-transitory in that, following the initial decline, fees did not increase during the remainder of the six-year first tender period and did not change on the second tender. Our results are consistent with the economic literature on auctions and tenders and on compulsory competitive tendering. The results also have implications for policy-setters and regulators in both the governmental public sector and, potentially, the private sector, in that they provide a benchmark for what might be expected if compulsory audit tendering is adopted in other contexts.


The effects of the novel mixed peptidase inhibitor, kelatorphan [N-(R)-3-(N-hydroxyaminocarbonyl-2-benzyl-1-oxopropyl)-L-alanine], were compared to those of a combination of the potent "enkephalinase" inhibitor thiorphan and the nonselective aminopeptidase inhibitor bestatin, on the catabolism of [3H]Met-enkephalin and on the release of endogenous Met-enkephalin by the rat spinal cord in vitro and in vivo. At 20 microM, kelatorphan almost prevented completely the degradation of exogenous [3H] Met-enkephalin by slices of the dorsal zone of the lumbar enlargement. Similarly, the addition of 20 microM kelatorphan to a [3H] Met-enkephalin-containing artificial cerebrospinal fluid superfusing the whole spinal cord of halothane-anesthetized rats efficiently protected the exogenous peptide from enzymatic degradation. In contrast, in the same in vitro and in vivo models, thiorphan (1 microM) or bestatin (20 microM) alone was inactive, and only their combination induced a significant protection of the exogenous peptide. In vitro and in vivo, kelatorphan (20 microM) increased markedly the spontaneous outflow of endogenous Met-enkephalin-like material as well as the peptide overflow due to K+-induced depolarization (in vitro and in vivo) or noxious stimulation (in vivo). Under similar conditions, thiorphan (1 microM) plus bestatin (20 microM) also enhanced the efflux of Met-enkephalin-like material, but generally to a lower extent than kelatorphan. Compared to thiorphan plus bestatin, kelatorphan exerts additional inhibitory effects on dipeptidylaminopeptidase activity and the present results could indicate that this enzyme also may be involved in the inactivation of extracellular Met-enkephalin at the spinal level in rats.


A new forward-based single-stage power-factor-corrected converter is proposed. A portion of input power is directly transferred to the output through the forward converter to improve the efficiency of power conversion. The flyback auxiliary circuit is added to the forward converter to reduce low line-frequency output voltage ripple. In an effort to lower the size and cost of the converter, a single transformer is used for all the power conversion with Time Multiplexing Control (TMC). The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme with high power factor and tight output regulation.


Due to the inertia symmetry the issue of whether electrostatic solitons may possibly form in pair plasmas has been addressed in a number of papers. Recently we have shown that pair solitons with interlacing electron and positron holes in electron–positron plasmas may form by means of streaming instability based on one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations Jao and Hau (2012 Phys. Rev. E 86 056401). In this paper we present the first simulation results of two-dimensional electrostatic solitons in pair plasmas imbedded in a stationary background magnetic field. It is shown that the features of electrostatic solitary structures may depend on the ratio of &OHgr; e ?> to &ohgr; p , ?> where &OHgr; e ?> and &ohgr; p ?> denote the electron cyclotron and plasma frequency, respectively. In particular, for weakly magnetized or unmagnetized plasmas with &OHgr; e / &ohgr; p < 0.5 , ?> both parallel and transverse electric field with the same order of magnitude may first develop and be dissipated in the nonlinear stage such that electrostatic solitons are unable to form by the streaming instability, while for &OHgr; e / &ohgr; p ≥ 0.5 ?> pair solitons resembling those occurring in one-dimensional simulations may possibly form. Comparisons between linear fluid theory and particle-in-cell simulations are made.


This study aimed at clarifying the mechanism by which sweet potato leaf polyphenols (SPLPs) ameliorate ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage, using the BALB/c hairless female mouse model. The moisture and hydroxyproline (HYP) contents of the model mouse skin and the thickness of the epidermis and dermis were determined by staining and histological examination. Anti-oxidative enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and protein carbonyl content in skin tissue and serum were investigated. Expression of inflammatory markers and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were evaluated. Topical caffeic acid at 30 mg kg-1 most strongly inhibited the decrease in skin moisture, HYP content, and the thickening of the epidermis. Topical SPLP at 100 mg kg-1 most significantly inhibited the dermal thickening, increased the activities of the superoxide dismutase, catalase as well as glutathione peroxidase, and decreased the content of serum MDA and protein carbonyls markedly. Furthermore, the topical SPLP suppressed the UV-induced rise in the inflammatory markers MMP-1, TNF-α, and NF-κB, and alleviated phosphorylation levels of the stress-signaling proteins JNK and p38. Thus, topical SPLP provided the best overall protection for mouse skin from UV-induced damage.


Comparative evaluation of several methods increasing the effectiveness of cultivating Halprovia (7 strains of different origins) in L-929 and McCoy cell cultures has shown that the maximum effectiveness can be achieved by supplementing the standard method for the cultivation of obligate intracellular parasites with the method of forced adsorption of Halprovia on the monolayer and the treatment of cells with DEAE dextran or cycloheximide. The peculiarities of detecting cytoplasmic halprovian inclusions in infected cells by staining the specimens with fluorescent antibodies, with Lugol's solution, and according to May-Grünwald-Giemsa are described.


Metabolic syndrome comprises a group of conditions that collectively increase the risk of abdominal obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Gut microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, and microbial diversity and function are strongly affected by diet. In recent years, epidemiological evidence has shown that the dietary intake of seaweed can prevent metabolic syndrome via gut microbiota modulation. In this review, we summarize the current in vivo studies that have reported the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome via seaweed-derived components by regulating the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids. Among the surveyed related articles, animal studies revealed that these bioactive components mainly modulate the gut microbiota by reversing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, or decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrio, Lachnoclostridium. The regulated microbiota is thought to affect host health by improving gut barrier functions, reducing LPS-induced inflammation or oxidative stress, and increasing bile acid production. Furthermore, these compounds increase the production of short-chain fatty acids and influence glucose and lipid metabolism. Thus, the interaction between the gut microbiota and seaweed-derived bioactive components plays a critical regulatory role in human health, and these compounds have the potential to be used for drug development. However, further animal studies and human clinical trials are required to confirm the functional roles and mechanisms of these components in balancing the gut microbiota and managing host health.


In this study, the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of plywood made from untreated and plasma-pretreated beech veneers were compared. The wood veneers used (native and thermally modified) were impregnated with melamine resin in a simple dipping process prior to plywood production. The duration of the impregnation process was adjusted to give the same melamine resin loading for the different veneer types, with the plasma-pretreated veneers requiring only a fraction of the impregnation time compared with non-plasma-pretreated veneers. With comparable melamine loading, testing of the mechanical properties of the plywood for the different specimen collectives showed significant differences in some cases with respect to compressive strength, bending strength and tensile strength (with the associated moduli of elasticity). For example, it was shown that plywood made from plasma-pretreated native beech veneers shows an increase in bending strength of about 8%, and from plasma-pretreated and thermally modified beech veneers, there is an increase of about 10% compared to the reference.


We present the design simulation and characterization of a quantum cascade detector operating at 4.3μm wavelength. Array integration and packaging processes were investigated. The device operates in the 4.3μm CO2 absorption region and consists of 64 pixels. The detector is designed fully compatible to standard processing and material growth methods for scalability to large pixel counts. The detector design is optimized for a high device resistance at elevated temperatures. A QCD simulation model was enhanced for resistance and responsivity optimization. The substrate illuminated pixels utilize a two dimensional Au diffraction grating to couple the light to the active region. A single pixel responsivity of 16mA/W at room temperature with a specific detectivity D* of 5⋅107 cmHz/W was measured.


The experimental data regarding the energy distribution of dangling-bond electronic states at the $\mathrm{Si}(111)\text{\ensuremath{-}}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1$ surface, with special attention to the gap between filled and empty states, are revisited. Clearly some of the results are not compatible. Theorists almost unanimously conclude in favor of a strong (about 0.25 eV) excitonic energy in the optical transitions between surface states. On the experimental side, on the other hand, conflicting results seem to support either large or negligible exciton energy. In order to reconcile all available data, it has been suggested that in highly doped samples a sizeable gap shrinking should occur. We have performed a reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy experiment in order to verify this hypothesis. The optical peak at 0.45 eV associated to dangling-bond transitions does not shift, in highly doped crystals $({N}_{\mathrm{D}}=4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{18}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3})$, within the experimental accuracy of 20 meV, thereby ruling out the hypothesis of a shrinking of the gap. Under the assumption that all experimental results are correct, an alternative explanation of this puzzling problem, based on the existence of surface polarons together with surface excitons, is suggested. Although very difficult to detect spectroscopically in a direct way, it is argued that polaronic states could play an important role in highly doped samples. A number of possible experiments to clarify the last point are suggested. Accurate theoretical calculations of the polaron energy would also be helpful.


The article explores limits within patent law for the constitutionalization of Intellectual Property Rights and the governance of synthetic biology in human health. To this end, it starts by explaining the inherent rationales of two fundamental limits within European patent law, namely (1) the boundary between discovery and invention (Art. 52 EPC); (2) the ordre public and public policy clause (Art. 53 (a) EPC). Both these exclusions from patent eligibility bear a normative function but rely on opposing inherent logics, functions, and regulatory aims. While in the first type of logics, "enabling access for all" is the guiding principle, in the second, converse logics, no one should have access to the technological knowledge in question. The second part contends that decisions on whether and how to grant patents in synthetic biology are not independent from institutional frameworks: The arena in which synthetic biology patenting will be dealt with will be decisive for whether and how boundaries will be deployed. From a political science perspective, the administrative, legislative and judicial arena can be distinguished. If synthetic biology will be negotiated in the legislative arena, in particular in the European Parliament, the probabilities will be higher that either the discovery clause or the ordre public clause will be applied. In contrast, patent offices and courts have, at least in the past decades, employed a narrow interpretation of these absolute exemptions from patentability and hardly ever used them. The third part asserts that metaphoric framing of synthetic biology is another crucial factor for patentability questions. Semantic framing may relate to the articulation and mobilization of consent or dissent, and thus public acceptance of synthetic biology. Whether applications of synthetic biology are conceived as "natural" or "synthetic" DNA may have an influence on whether patenting might become contested as "patenting life" or accepted as novel, and also on passing the inventive step and industrial application tests. Proceeding in such a manner can be regarded as "upstreaming" ethics, anticipatory impact assessment, and policy analysis in the biosciences and as a tool for constitutionalizing intellectual property rights.


Traditional chemical-machinery producing mainly took the refiner as the primary refining equipment. Extrusion pulping was the reformation of traditional refining pulping. The different equipments and processes resulted in the different characteristics of wastewater inevitably. This article aimed to compare the characteristics and biochemical treatment methods between conventional chemical-mechanical pulping and extrusion pulping, and then discuss the biochemical treatment advantages of extrusion pulping wastewater. The result shows that: the wastewater from the extrusion pulping has lower concentration of tiny fiber, load suspended matter, wastewater temperature and effluent discharge. And thus make a simpler process, a lower cost and a better effect of the wastewater treatment.


In rodent control exercise, after successful control with rodenticides, the surviving population often rebuild up themselves rapidly due to reduced competition and high rate of reproduction. In this context, here, we investigated the potential of papaya ( Carica papaya L.) seed powder as a natural reproduction inhibitor for male lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis (Gray and Hardwicke) in reducing the post control population rebuild up rate. Exposure of male B. bengalensis to cereal based bait containing 2, 3 and 5% papaya seed powder for 15 and 30 days durations in bi-choice laboratory feeding tests resulted in the ingestion of total 7.14-18.15 and 13.74-41.25 g/kg body wt. of the active ingredient, respectively. Breeding performance of treated rats was 33.33 and 16.67% after treatment with 5% papaya seed powder for 15 and 30 days, respectively. Autopsy of rats immediately after treatment withdrawal revealed a significant decrease in weights of testis, cauda epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate gland. Sperm motility, sperm viability and sperm count were found reduced and sperm abnormality increased significantly in the cauda epididymal fluid of treated rats as compared to untreated rats. The total proteins, 17β-HSD, 3β-HSD and testosterone levels were also found decreased in treated rats as compared to untreated rats. All the changes observed in treated rats showed partial or no recovery after 30 days of treatment withdrawal. The study suggests the potential of papaya seed powder in regulating fertility of male B. bengalensis which may be exploited as a component of integrated rodent pest management .


Totally self-checking (TSC) system can execute on-line testing in normal operation mode and immediately detect the fault existing in a system to enhance reliability. In this paper, a novel non-tree structure two-rail code self-checking checker (denoted by TCC-P) is proposed. Based on TSMC 0.18um process technology, the real chip is designed and verified. The experiment results show that the proposed checker has reduced 39.30% power dissipation with the penalty of little area overhead as compared with the best one previous work. The feature of both lower power and the capability to work in both clock phases confirm our design is valid and efficient.


Abstract The diversity and ecology of meiofauna in caves is largely unknown. Therefore, we studied one anchialine and five freshwater caves in November 2014 and January 2016 in western Cuba. We recorded 10 invertebrate taxa with the most abundant being: Nematoda, Ostracoda, Acari and Copepoda. The meiofauna communities in the caves were relatively impoverished probably due to the combination of oligotrophic conditions and limited colonization by organisms from outside. We found 28 nematode taxa of which 23 never have been previously reported inhabiting caves. The previously exclusive marine genera Desmodora and Paralongicyatholaimus were reported for the first time in freshwater environments. Ironus cf. ignavus was the most abundant species in agreement with studies elsewhere. In freshwater caves, water runoff and organism dispersal from the surface likely determines the colonization of the sediment. Parthenogenetic and predatory/omnivore nematodes dominated in the studied caves probably due to the physical isolation and oligotrophy in the underground systems.


This paper addresses the development of scholastic medical traditions in Tibet through an examination of lists of physicians. I consider the debates that such lists and their accompanying narratives engender for Tibetan historians and reflect on the contributions they make to the identity of the medical tradition. By examining the structure and content of classificatory methods in medical histories, I argue that temporally organized lists document the place of medicine across time, geographically organized lists document the reach of medical knowledge across space, and thematically organized lists document the intertwining of medical knowledge and skill with other aspects of intellectual and civil life. In making these lists, medical historians paint a portrait of the Tibetan medical tradition that evokes connections to Buddhism and the strength and cosmopolitanism of the imperial period. Medical histories thus emphasize a picture of Tibet in the broader context of Asia—a Tibet whose empire lives on culturally or intellectually, if not militarily.


More and more pupils with learning difficulties are being taught in mainstream settings but how inclusive is the teaching they experience? In this illustrative case study, Ruth Germain, a teacher in a mainstream primary school, looks at how Paul, a pupil with Down's syndrome, is supported during 'dedicated numeracy time'. She examines the relationships between whole-class, group and individual teaching; the nature of the support Paul receives; and his educational and behavioural responses. The article closes with a call for further research into the implications for teaching and learning of the inclusion of pupils with learning difficulties in mainstream contexts.


Vocal fold injury can cause intractable scarring resulting in dysphonia. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great therapeutic potential in wound healing. They continuously circulate in the peripheral blood and migrate into wound sites where they induce regenerative effects. However, their roles in vocal fold wound healing are poorly understood because few MSCs exist in the peripheral blood and there is no specific marker to identify them. The present study evaluates how intravenously injected MSCs affect vocal fold wound healing using Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) ‐labeled MSCs.


This research conducted a survey respondents visitors to 100 library campus a Unusa. The purpose of this research is to assess the level of the quality of services and satisfaction visitors library campus a Unusa, so that it can be known how big level the quality of services and satisfaction visitors library. Research methodology it uses research quantitative so that can be described clearly of the level of the quality of services and satisfaction visitors library campus a Unusa. This research uses the importance performance analysis (ipa) used to know position strength and weakness of the indicators used. The result of research is obtainable 19 an indicator of the measurement of the quality of services library. In addition, this research results from for variables reliability and assurance having the same as it lies in quadrant two, while the rest those are variable tangible, responsiveness and empathy located at quadrant three. Keyword(s): service quality, customer satisfaction, importance performance analysis.


The survival of sea turtles is becoming more and more threatened as a result of the nets of the world's shrimping industry. In response to this threat, Congress placed an embargo on imports of shrimp caught without the use of turtle-safe technology. Recently, a World Trade Organization panel held that the U.S. embargo on shrimp imports violates the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. As a result of this decision, the U.S. may choose to adhere to its shrimp embargo and pay economic penalties, yield to the World Trade Organization and repeal the embargo, or attempt to solve the problem diplomatically by actively negotiating bilateral or multilateral agreements among the countries involved in its shrimp trade. Regardless of what option is taken, the future of the sea turtle appears grim. Sea turtles migrate throughout the world and the existence of these creatures cannot be ensured without worldwide cooperation.


Climate change assessments often inadequately address uncertainty when estimating damages. Using a dynamic economy-wide model of Bangladesh, we estimate and decompose damages from historical climate variability and future anthropogenic climate change. Our stochastic simulation approach avoids biases caused by non-linear damage functions and fixed occurrences of extreme events in historical data. Using ten climate projections, we find that future anthropogenic climate change damages until 2050 are, on average, one-fifth of those from historical climate variability. Climate change also alters the temporal distribution of damages and slows Bangladeshâ..s long- run shift (adaptation) into dry (winter) season rice production.


Imazu (1986) claims that a magnetic field can halve the nuclear reaction rate in a high temperature plasma. In a comment Jarvis (1987) points out that this must be incorrect because a magnetic field has no effect on the velocity distribution of particles in thermodynamic equilibrium, and assigned the error to a misinterpretation of a geometrical model in equation (7). Jarvis' criticism can be further strengthened by considering the tensor expansion of the Fokker-Planck equation (Johnston, 1960). Here it is clear that the magnetic field only affects f1 (giving the usual magnetic effects on current and heat flux) and higher order terms. Indeed Imazu specifically assumes that f is only f0=fm (a Maxwellian) and all fn=0, n>or=1. It follows that the fusion collision rate will be unaffected by the magnetic field. Imazu further claims that the Coulomb collision rate is not affected in the same way as fusion reactions because in this case a 90 degrees collision is the sum of many simultaneous glancing collisions. This is a correct result but for the wrong reason.


Reporting reliable results for hydrocarbon volume estimation is important for both economic analyses and making key decisions in reservoir management and development. Adequate facies and petrophysical modeling of static reservoir properties are key inputs for the derivation of a robust static reservoir model from which static volume is computed and inherent uncertainties are quantified. However, the choice of geostatistical algorithm for building the model depend on development and production maturity, degree of reservoir heterogeneity and the type, quality and amount of data. This study therefore aims at investigating the impact of the combination of stochastic and deterministic methods of property modeling on volume estimation and also perform uncertainty and sensitivity analyses to quantify uncertainties so as to aid exploration and production decision making process. Facies model were simulated/generated using both stochastic and deterministic algorithms. The resultant facies model formed an input for the petrophysical modeling process also using both stochastic and deterministic algorithms. For each combination, hydrocarbon pore volume was computed. Monte Carlo Simulation method was used to perform the uncertainty analysis where the low case (P10), mid case (P50) and high case (P90) was outputted.
The results show that a combination of Sequential Indicator Simulation (facies) with Sequential Gaussian Simulation (petrophysical) captured a large range of hydrocarbon pore volume for the twenty equiprobable realizations simulated while the combination of Truncated Gaussian Simulation with trend and Gaussian Random Function Simulation gave a limited range. A combination of the deterministic algorithm gave a single estimated and more pessimistic volume. Uncertainty analysis indicated that the facies modeling process and the combination of SIS_SGS algorithm have a higher impact on volumetrics.


Rationale Murine syngeneic tumor models have revealed efficacious systemic antitumor responses following primary tumor in situ vaccination combined with targeted radionuclide therapy to secondary or metastatic tumors. Here we present studies on the safety and feasibility of this approach in a relevant translational companion dog model (n = 17 dogs) with advanced cancer. Methods The three component of the combination immuno-radiotherapy approach were employed either separately or in combination in companion dogs with advanced stage cancer. In situ vaccination was achieved through the administration of hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy and intratumoral hu14.18-IL2 fusion immunocytokine injections to the index tumor. In situ vaccination was subsequently combined with targeted radionuclide therapy using a theranostic pairing of IV 86Y-NM600 (for PET imaging and subject-specific dosimetry) and IV 90Y-NM600 (therapeutic radionuclide) prescribed to deliver an immunomodulatory 2 Gy dose to all metastatic sites in companion dogs with metastatic melanoma or osteosarcoma. In a subset of dogs, immunologic parameters preliminarily assessed. Results The components of the immuno-radiotherapy combination were well tolerated either alone or in combination, resulting in only transient low grade (1 or 2) adverse events with no dose-limiting events observed. In subject-specific dosimetry analyses, we observed 86Y-NM600 tumor:bone marrow absorbed-dose differential uptakes ≥2 in 4 of 5 dogs receiving the combination, which allowed subsequent safe delivery of at least 2 Gy 90Y-NM600 TRT to tumors. NanoString gene expression profiling and immunohistochemistry from pre- and post-treatment biopsy specimens provide evidence of tumor microenvironment immunomodulation by 90Y-NM600 TRT. Conclusions The combination of external beam radiotherapy, intratumoral immunocytokine, and targeted radionuclide immuno-radiotherapy known to have activity against syngeneic melanoma in murine models is feasible and well tolerated in companion dogs with advanced stage, spontaneously arising melanoma or osteosarcoma and has immunomodulatory potential. Further studies evaluating the dose-dependent immunomodulatory effects of this immuno-radiotherapy combination are currently ongoing.


The first report prepared under the Turkey of the Future project is on education, where our country has long been in a search for stability and methodology. The report aims to realistically study in 2018 what needs to be accomplished when looking forward to 2030 using quantitative and qualitative data. In this context, the study begins by explaining the state of education in the new millennium and the problems experienced from this perspective. The context necessary in resolving the issues and bettering current circumstances has been also emphasized in the purview of the report. Along with these improvements, students' national and international examination performances are also analyzed. Finally, the developed policies, solution recommendations, and improvements have been presented in 12 points on the vision of the future. In preparing the report, the primary framework has been shaped by the relevant scientific literature, the framework and principal values established by the İLKE Foundation for Science, Culture and Education within the scope of the Turkey of the Future Project, and the educational perspectives of the research team. Besides multidisciplinarity and systems approach, locality and originality have been the two principal values when preparing this report.


This was conducted in order to explore the characteristics of schizotypal personality proneness using the Chinese Soldier Personality Questionnaire (CSPQ; Xiao, Miao, Xiao, Wu, & Li, 2007). Analysis was conducted comparing CSPQ scores from 426 individuals who were schizotypal personality prone and 411 individuals who were not. The results suggested that compared with the scores of individuals in the nonschizotypal personality prone group, those in the schizotypal personality prone group had significantly lower scores on the defence scale but significantly higher scores on the dissociative, neurotic, sensitive, and difference seeking scales, with significant differences when the scores exceeded 70


Abstract : Task network simulation is an analytical technique that is widely used to predict operator performance and/or workload during the early stages of systems design. Task network simulation is based on traditional time-line analysis methods, but allows the possibility of non-deterministic task characteristics such as completion times, sequences, outcomes etc. Many simulation environments allow task parameters to vary with various network states, which supports complex logical relationships, and time varying network behaviours. This report outlines the implementation of a theoretical framework for a new model of the human information processor for use in task network simulation. The development and validation of the Information Processing (IP) Model is described in detail else where. This report deals only with those aspects that are necessary to take the ideas of the IP Model and adapt them for direct application to task network simulation. The material contained in this report provides the bridge between the conceptual descriptions of the IP Model, and the software requirements necessary to put that concept into practice. As part of this process, many parameters are defined and assigned tentative values so that the model can be run within the task network simulation environment. In devising this implementation, many assumptions were made that are beyond the scope of earlier validation studies. Hence, further validation will be required to verify the model within the context of this implementation. As the specific purpose of the report is to describe the algorithmic and data base requirements for a specific software environment, some of the material is specific to that system. However, much of the material is of a more general nature and could be adapted to other software environments.


PurposeUsing integrated, constructivist and inquiry-based curricular experiences to expand student understanding of historical thinking and exposure to Native perspectives on Utah history, this paper aims to analyze the thinking and practice of teaching the Utah fourth grade social studies curriculum. As a team of researchers, teachers and administrators, the authors brought differing perspectives and experience to this shared project of curriculum design. The understanding was enhanced as the authors reflected on authors' own practitioner research and worked together as Native and non-Native community partners to revise the ways one group of fourth grade students experienced the curriculum, with plans to continue improving the thinking and implementation on an ongoing basis. While significant barriers to elementary social studies education exist in the current era of high-stakes testing, curriculum narrowing and continuing narratives of colonization in both the broad national context and our own localized context, the authors found that social studies curriculum can be a space for decolonization and growth for students and teachers alike when carefully planned, constructed and implemented.Design/methodology/approachThis article represents an effort by a team of teachers, administrators and researchers: D, a councilman and historian dedicated to sharing the history of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation; S, an eleventh-year teacher, teaching fourth grade at Mary Bethune Elementary School (MBES); E, the director of experiential learning and technology at MBES; L, the MBES vice principal and EL, a faculty member in the adjacent college of education. Working in these complementary roles, each authors recognized an opportunity to build a more robust set of curricular experiences for teaching the state standards for fourth grade social studies, with particular attention to a more inclusive set of narratives of Utah's history at the authors' shared site, Mary Bethune Elementary School, a K-6 public charter school that operates in partnership with the College of Education in a growing college town (population 51,000) in the Intermountain west. The complexity of Utah history embedded within the landscape that surrounds MBES has not always been a fully developed part of our fourth grade curriculum. Recognizing this, the authors came together to develop a more robust age-appropriate curricular experience for students that highlights the complexity of the individual and cultural narratives. In addition to smaller segments of classroom instruction devoted to the Utah Core fourth grade standards (Utah Education Network, 2019) that focus particularly on the history of Utah, the authors focused the curriculum improvement efforts on four specific lengthy spans of instruction.FindingsThese fourth-grade students read, contextualized and interpreted the primary source documents they encountered as historians; they both appreciated and challenged the authors' perspectives. It is our belief that students are more likely to continue to think like historians as they operate as "critical consumers" (Moore and Clark, 2004, p. 22) of other historical narratives. This ability to think and act with attention to multiple viewpoints and perspectives, power and counter stories develops more empathetic humans. While the authors prize the ability of students to succeed in intellectually rigorous tasks and learn content material, in the end this trait is the most important goal for teaching students history.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors recognize operating within primarily non-Native spaces and discourses about social studies; with curricular efforts, there are a variety of ways the authors could do harm. Along the way, the authors recognized places for future improvement, critically examining the authors' work. As the authors look to future planning, there are several issues identified as the next spaces that the authors wish to focus on improving the Utah Studies curriculum experience of fourth graders at MBES. This is an area for further exploration.Practical implicationsThis precise set of primary sources, field experiences and assessments will not be the right fit for other classrooms with differences in resources, space and time. The authors hope it will serve as an example of how teachers can create curriculum that addresses the failings of status quo social studies instruction with regard to Indigenous peoples. The students were not the only beneficiaries of change from this curriculum development and implementation; as a team the authors also benefited. The experience solidified our self-perception as decision makers for our classroom. The authors' ability to extend past the packaged curriculum of textbooks and worksheets made it easily available to engage students as historical inquirers into the multiple perspectives and complex contexts of decolonizing-counter narratives built the authors' confidence that such work can be successful across the curriculum.Social implicationsThe authors believe this is a more potent antidote to the colonizing-Eurocentric narratives of history that they will undoubtedly be exposed to in other spaces and times than simply teaching them a singular history from an Indigenous perspective; if students are able to contextualize, interpret, and question the accounts they encounter, they will be more likely to "challenge dominant historical and cultural narratives that are endemic in society" (Stoddard et al., 2014, p. 35). This too can make them more thoughtful consumers of today's news, whether that news is about Navajo voting rights in southeastern Utah or oil and gas development in South Dakota.Originality/valueWorking against the colonizing narratives present in media, textbooks and local folklore is necessary if the authors are to undermine the invisibility of Native experiences in most social studies curriculum (Journell, 2009) and the stereotyping and discrimination that Native American students experience as a result (Stowe, 2017, p. 243). This detailed look at how the authors developed and implemented standards-based curriculum with that intent adds to the "little research [that] exists on teacher-created curricula and discourse" (Masta and Rosa, p. 148).


Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of root canal and glass fiber post diameters on the biomechanical behavior of the dentin/cement/post interface of a root-filled tooth using 3D finite element analysis. Material and Methods Six models were built using micro-CT imaging data and SolidWorks 2007 software, varying the root canal (C) and the glass fiber post (P) diameters: C1P1-C=1 mm and P=1 mm; C2P1-C=2 mm and P=1 mm; C2P2-C=2 mm and P=2 mm; C3P1-C=3 mm and P=1 mm; C3P2-C=3 mm and P=2 mm; and C3P3-C=3 mm and P=3 mm. The numerical analysis was conducted with ANSYS Workbench 10.0. An oblique force (180 N at 45º) was applied to the palatal surface of the central incisor. The periodontal ligament surface was constrained on the three axes (x=y=z=0). Maximum principal stress (σmax) values were evaluated for the root dentin, cement layer, and glass fiber post. Results: The most evident stress was observed in the glass fiber post at C3P1 (323 MPa), and the maximum stress in the cement layer occurred at C1P1 (43.2 MPa). The stress on the root dentin was almost constant in all models with a peak in tension at C2P1 (64.5 MPa). Conclusion The greatest discrepancy between root canal and post diameters is favorable for stress concentration at the post surface. The dentin remaining after the various root canal preparations did not increase the stress levels on the root.


Llewellyn, M. A., Tilak, K. S., and Swyer, P. R. (1970). Archives of Disease in Childhood, 45, 453. A controlled trial of assisted ventilation using an oro-nasal mask. A controlled study was performed to assess the effect of early assisted ventilation using a tight fitting face mask. Early mask ventilation reduced the number of infants requiring intubation, but did not significantly alter the survival rate. Complications were seen in infants during both mask ventilation and ventilation with a naso-tracheal tube. Persistent radiological changes were seen in 5 of 9 infants who survived after ventilation for more than 5 days..


This report describes the assessment of the impacts of small scale gold-mining on soil and vegetation in Brownsberg Nature Park. In the past 10 years small-scale gold mining with heavy machinery has been illegally practiced within Brownsberg Nature Park (BNP). During this process the vegetation and top soil are removed and often large quantities of mercury are spilled that end up in the environment. What remains after abandonment of a mine is a large clearing with deep pits that are filled with water. In this report first the magnitude of the area affected by gold mining was assessed. Secondly the impacts on physical soil characteristics (organic matter, sand, silt and clay content) and the extent of mercury pollution were determined. Thirdly the rate and extent of natural recovery of vegetation at abandoned mining sites was evaluated


Young women who have menstruation may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which will affect their quality of life. Premenstrual syndrome experienced can be bad for adolescents if not treated early. Therefore, teenagers are expected to be able to manage themselves as well as possible to avoid these problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality with the incidence of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). This research is an observational analytical study that is cross-sectional. Sampling using the slovin sample size formula, the sample was taken with a simple random sampling technique with a sample size of at least 39. The independent variables are physical activity and sleep quality, while the dependent variables are the incidence of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Data collection used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and The Shortened Premenstrual Assessment From (SPAF). To analyze the relationship, a spearman rank test with a meaningfulness level or error limit is used, namely p≤0.05.  The results showed that most female students had moderate physical activity as many as 33 female students. Then it can be known that most experienced moderate sleep quality as many as 17 female college students. The results of the Spearman test ranked the relationship between physical activity and Premenstrual Syndrome p value = 0.326 so that Ho was accepted and the relationship of sleep quality with Premenstrual Syndrome p value = 0.044, so Ho was rejected. Based on the description above, it can be concluded that there is no significant relationship between physical activity and premenstrual syndrome but there is a significant relationship between sleep quality and premenstrual syndrome in level 3 female students of the Diii Obstetrics Study Program, Magetan Campus. It is hoped that female students can increase their knowledge in managing themselves from an early age so that Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) does not occur.


In 1991 the Delaware Department of Transportation initiated a comprehensive study to evaluate the performance of a portion of the Delaware Interstate highway system (including the turnpike). The highway systems evaluated included I-495 and associated ramps, including ramps to and from I-495 and I-295. A primary objective of the evaluation was to develop maintenance and rehabilitation strategies for the studied pavements. The pavements consisted of 228.6-mm (9-in.)thick continuously reinforced concrete (CRC) pavement along most of 1-495 and 254-mm (10-in.)-thick jointed reinforced concrete (JRC) pavement along the remaining portion of 1-495 and the ramps. A major concern with the pavements of I-495 was the extensive occurrence of alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) and extensive joint deterioration along many of the jointed pavements. As part of the evaluation process, a field investigation was conducted to determine the current condition of I-495 and the associated ramps. The field investigation consisted of visual condition survey, nondestructive deflection testing with a falling-weight deflectometer (FWD), coring and boring, and laboratory testing. The field and laboratory data were evaluated to identify the current condition of the pavements, considering the widespread existence of ASR. The manifestation of the ASR along the CRC pavement was in the form of longitudinal cracking, that is, parallel cracks spaced generally about 50.8 to 304.8 mm (2 to 12 in.) apart along the width of the pavement. Spalls existed along the wheelpath at the intersection of the "normal" transverse cracking and the ASR-related longitudinal cracking. The FWD data were used to backcalculate concrete modulus of elasticity and the modulus of subgrade reaction values. In addition, joint load transfer analysis was performed for the JRC pavements. On the basis of the FWD test data and condition survey results, the pavements were delineated into several uniform projects. Maintenance and rehabilitation needs were then identified for each project, and rehabilitation priorities were assigned for each project. Several rehabilitation strategies were developed for each project to improve the structural and functional condition of the existing pavement to an acceptable serviceability level for the duration of the specified design/analysis period. Life cycle cost analyses were performed for each rehabilitation alternative for each project, and final rehabilitation designs were recommended. In 1993 and 1994 the 1-495 section and the associated ramps were overlaid with a 304.8mm (12-in.)-thick unbonded plain jointed concrete overlay. The details of the field investigation, data analysis, and the rehabilitation design process used to arrive at the final designs are presented.


Integrated utilization of natural resources using energy-saving and waste-free technologies is relevant around the world. This applies to such type of raw material as titanium-magnetite ore. Shortage of ilmenite raw materials in the Republic of Kazakhstan for titanium slag melting challenges the search of alternative titanium-containing raw materials, titanomagnetites in particular. At the same time, there are deposits of indigenous titanomagnetite ores (Velikovskoe, Tymlay, Masalskoe, etc.) of huge reserves, which can become the complex raw material for production of iron, titanium and vanadium. Tymlay field in the South-Eastern part of Chu-Ili watershed is of particular interest, within the Karasay ore unit with iron content of 30,4 and titanium dioxide - 10%, and after beneficiation titano-magnetite concentrate contains Fe-52,4; TiO2-of 16,06%. Technology of titanium-magnetite concentrate ore-thermal melting was developed at Tymlay deposit producing hot metal and low titanium slag that can become the raw material for titanium production using chloride method. Slag produced in course of titanomagnetite ore-smelting consists mainly of alumosilicates and sodium silico titanates, magnesium and calcium titanates, titanium dioxide and lower titanium oxides. In this regard, chemical beneficiation is the main task of researchers handling the problem of low titanium slag processing. Following operations were carried out to improve titanium slag quality: slag sintering with sodium hydroxide; cake leaching with water to remove water-soluble impurities; to reduce the number of operations impurities leaching with hydrochloric acid was combined with pyrohydrolysis of titanic acid; rutile concentrate production (85% TiO2, 7,66% SiO2), silica removal by means of sodium hydroxide solution treatment, finally sellable rutile concentrate was produced with titanium dioxide 91-92% and silica 1,7 to 2,0% content. Based on research results technological scheme of titano-magnetite concentrate processing at Tymlay deposit was proposed producing hot metal and certified rutile concentrate, suitable for chlorination.


Proper knowledge of potential groundwater recharge (PGR) and its spatiotemporal distribution are essential for sustainable groundwater management, especially within the context of climate change. Here, a robust GIS‐based water budget framework was developed to estimate PGR at a regional scale and map its spatial distribution. This framework is demonstrated over the Saguenay‐Lac‐Saint‐Jean region (13 200 km2) of Quebec (Canada). The PGR mapping process was based on a model incorporating water budget components. The vertical inflows (VI) include water amounts from rainfall and snowmelt, whereby the latter was assessed using HYDROTEL model. VI were combined with the maximum and minimum temperatures to estimate actual evapotranspiration (AET), while the surface runoff (RuS) was assessed using the curve number method. Field observations of annual variation in temperatures and the water budget components, over a period of 100 years (1910–2009), were used to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of climate change on PGR. The last 10 years of the observation period (i.e., 2000–2009) indicate that 6% of the study area has PGR rates of 35%–50%. PGR rates of 20%–35% occur in 58% of the study area, while 36% have PGR of 5%–20%. The trend analysis of temperature time series reveals an average of 1.1 ± 0.6°C increase over 100 years. Also, an increase in the water budget components is observed. Despite the increasing trends of RuS and AET, PGR still showed an increasing trend with an average increase of 0.7 ± 0.4 mm/year over the past 100 years. This observation indicates that the increase in VI was enough to compensate for the increases in AET and RuS. This finding of an increasing PGR in the study area provides useful information for future studies focusing on predicting long‐term PGR evolution and for the development of efficient long‐term groundwater management strategies.


Techniques for the advanced logic design of nanodevices and nanolCs in spatial dimensions are being formulated to incorporate specific topologies that satisfy certain requirements of nanotechnology. One of these topologies, the hypercube, is currently being considered for the design of a network-based combinational logic implementation in the form of a hypercube extension called the N-hypercube. We propose the M-hypercube, using a similar topology to design any sequential logic in spatial dimensions. To reduce the complexity of the M-hypercube design, two methods, a top-down and a bottom-up, are presented. The former uses sequential machine decomposition methods and the latter uses a new hypercube topology, called the MN-cell. The MN-cell, consisting of two closely coupled 2D hypercubes, an M-hypercube and an N-hypercube, is a 3D hypercube. It is shown that MN-cells can implement flip-flops and thus can be used as building blocks for sequential logic design in nanodimensions. The logic design of a basic computer in nanospace using MN-cells and N-hypercubes is also presented using several examples.


The paper discusses the determinants of informal savings in Southwestern Nigeria using the linear probability model and multiple regression technique. It utilizes cross-section data generated from a survey conducted by the authors between October and November 1989 on the savings habit and utilization in the informal sector. The empirical results revealed that savings behaviour in the informal financial sector is affected by income, age, occupation, education and region of residence. They showed that the self-employed, less educated and rural population identified more with informal savings and had a higher informal savings ratio. The two cardinal variables from economic theory (income and age) accounted for the bulk of the variation in the level of informal savings. The empirical results confirm that marginal propensity to save informally is positive, less than one; but the absolute income hypothesis that marginal propensity to save is greater than average propensity to save in the informal financial sector is contradicted. The result suggests that with a rising income, the average propensity to save informally declines while, presumably, the fraction of income saved increases in the formal sector. Evidence of people becoming more thrifty was also established, but savings of this kind was not really and could not have been motivated by the reason of saving-up towards retirement. In the process of capital accumulation, a conclusion of the paper is that savings policy should target the self-employed in the informal sector. Another conclusion reached by the paper is that any policy that succeeds in achieving increased earnings in the informal sector has a tendency of increasing the propensity to save in the formal financial sector, even at the expense of the informal one.


Chad, the land located in Central Africa nowadays is one of the poorest countries in the world, what is connected with catastrophic demographic indicators and numerous cases of infectious diseases among local population as well as external and internal refugees. Epidemiologic profile is dominated by vector-, water-, food-borne, respiratory, and sexually transmitted diseases. Environmental factors, such as an effect of high temperature, sand and dust storms also pose essential threat. This is related to location of majority of Chad territory in the area of Sahara and Sahel. The article presents information concerning current epidemiological hazards encountered by visitors in this country. This knowledge is essential for Polish health service and armed forces in the context of forming of EUFOR mission in Chad with participation of our soldiers.


TLRs (Toll-like receptors) detect invading micro-organisms which triggers the production of pro-inflammatory mediators needed to combat infection. Although these signalling networks are required to protect the host against invading pathogens, dysregulation of TLR pathways contributes to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders. Molecular mechanisms have therefore evolved to restrict the strength of TLR signalling. In the present review, I highlight recent advances in our understanding of the protein kinase networks required to suppress the innate immune response by negatively regulating TLR signalling and/or promoting the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. I present my discoveries on the key roles of the IKK (inhibitor of nuclear factor κB kinase)-related kinases and the SIKs (salt-inducible kinases) in limiting innate immunity within the greater context of the field.