Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features and grading of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast. Methods: Sixteen cases of ACC of the breast were analyzed and graded according to the previous report. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to detect the immunophenotype, Ki-67 proliferative index and expression of EZH2, and the association with tumor grade and outcome was analyzed. Results: Of the 16 cases, 11 were grade Ⅰ, with the epithelial and myoepithelial cells being arranged into tubular and cribriform structure with no solid component; three were grade Ⅱ, which were composed of mixed tubular, cribriform and solid component (<30%); and two were grade Ⅲ, which showed mainly solid component (>90%) and the tumor cells showed basaloid features with scanty cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei, and mitotic count was>5/10 HPF. Immunophenotypically, the epithelial cells expressed CK7, CK8/18 and CD117; the myoepithelial cells expressed p63 and CK5/6; while the basaloid cells were positive for CK5/6 and CD117.Tubular and cibriform ACC showed low Ki-67 and EZH2 expression, while the two cases of solid variant with basaloid features showed high level of Ki-67 and EZH2 expression. Follow-up data were available in 13 cases with a median follow-up period of 42 months. Lung metastasis occurred after 12 months in one grade Ⅱ case and the patient died of disease after 34 months. Vertebral metastasis occurred after 12 months in one grade Ⅲ case and axillary lymph node metastasis occurred in another grade Ⅲ case. All other patients were free of disease at the end of the follow-up periods. Conclusions: ACC shows morphologic spectrum varying from low to high grade, the latter can may give rise to local and distant metastasis. ACC should not be regarded simply as low malignant potential, and should be graded for optimal treatment.


Two field trials were conducted on the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) research farm at Gingindlovu to study the effect of sugarcane thrips, Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on various parameters relating to sugarcane yield. Stalk yield components measured were: cane (grams/stalk); sucrose (grams/stalk); Brix % dry matter; purity %; dry matter % cane; fibre % cane; Brix % cane; Pol % cane; ERC % cane. Stalk characteristics measured were: mean stalk length (cm); number of stalks per plot; and stalk diameter. Final yields were assessed as tons cane/ha and tons sucrose/ha. The experiment design allowed comparison between F. serrata numbers in untreated sugarcane and sugarcane treated with the insecticide, imidacloprid. F. serrata numbers were significantly lower in treated sugarcane. Yield reductions attributable to F. serrata infestations of between 18.0 and 26.8% (tons cane/ha) and between 16.2 and 24.0% (tons sucrose/ha), were measured in these trials.


In this thesis we aim to analyze and quantify the energetic and information contents that can be extracted from a dynamical system subject to the external environment. The latter is usually assumed to be deleterious for the feasibility of specific control tasks, since it can be responsible for uncontrolled time-dependent changes of the system. However, if the effects of the random interaction with a noisy environment are properly modeled by the introduction of a given stochasticity within the dynamics of the system, then even noise contributions might be seen as control knobs. As a matter of fact, even a partial knowledge of the environment can allow to set the system in a dynamical condition in which the response is optimized by the presence of noise sources. In particular, we have investigated what kind of measurement devices can work better in noisy dynamical regimes and studied how to maximize the resultant information via the adoption of estimation algorithms. Moreover, we have shown the optimal interplay between quantum dynamics, environmental noise and complex network topology in maximizing the energy transport efficiency. Then, foundational scientific aspects, such as the occurrence of an ergodic property for the system-environment interaction modes of a randomly perturbed quantum system or the characterization of the stochastic quantum Zeno phenomena, have been analyzed by using the predictions of the large deviation theory. Finally, the energy cost in maintaining the system in the non-equilibrium regime due to the presence of the environment is evaluated by reconstructing the corresponding thermodynamics entropy production. In conclusion, the present thesis can constitute the basis for an effective resource theory of noise, which is given by properly engineering the interaction between a dynamical system and its external environment.


The present and possible future facilities for the management of infectious diseases at Auckland Hospital have been reviewed. Geographical integration of infectious cases with adult medical cases on the one hand and general paediatric cases on the other is recommended, with close co-operation between paediatricians, clinical microbiologists and physicians in other branches of medicine. Details are given of currently available facilities and techniques for the infectious diseases department.


This paper proposes an efficient and accurate non-intrusive uncertainty quantification (UQ) method in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Emphasis is placed on developing an UQ method that can accurately predict stochastic behaviors of output solution with small number of sampling simulations, and is also accurate for non-smooth output uncertainty responses. The proposed method is based on Kriging surrogate model, and the Kriging function values are used to evaluate output uncertainties robustly even with non-smooth responses, while using both the fit uncertainty and the gradient information of the Kriging predictors for dynamic adaptive sampling. The proposed Kriging-model-based UQ method shows a superior performance in estimating the non-smooth responses of output solution in terms of accuracy and robustness compared to the existing polynomial chaos expansion and the adaptive sampling method based on only the Kriging predictor fit uncertainty. The proposed method is first tested on analytical non-smooth functions under uniform uncertainties, and then applied to the transonic RAE 2822 airfoil flow under normal uncertainties in freestream Mach number by coupling the proposed UQ method with CFD.


The purpose of this study is to interrogate how the official tourism websites of Jakarta, represent the tourism and culture of Jakarta; and to understand how those tourism discourses form a part of wider social processes, and social practices. The investigation uses Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine the contents of both texts and visual images, and interpret how they reflect Jakarta's tourist resources. Societal analysis focuses on explanations of social discourses surrounding interpretations of the data.
The study found through the visual images and the texts, that Jakarta was represented as both traditional and modern. Several concepts drawn from the postcolonial literature were used to explore the traditional and modern representation of Jakarta namely exoticism, cultural hybridity and mimicry, primitivism, and authenticity. In addition, notions of self-Orientalism and issues of gender emerged in the analysis of these representations. The exoticisation of Jakarta was represented in the content, structure and practice of traditional foods; traditional clothing of Jakarta; in the traditional dances of Jakartans, and the traditional street theatre.
Cultural hybridity was relevant in that those traditional performing arts were influenced by Chinese and European cultures. The representation of native people on Jakarta's websites related to the concept of primitivism. The concept of authenticity was problematised for example in the representation of the Selamat Datang monument, the patung Pancoran, and the National monument as authentic city properties.. The concept of self-Orientalism was applied here, where Jakartan females were represented
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as inferior and in dependent relationships with men, confirming Orientalist stereotypes of Asian women. The study also found the concept of cultural mimicry and hybridity in the representation of Jakarta as modern, such as shopping malls, amusement parks, and spa treatments. From the discussion, there were also some wider social issues which arose from the representation of traditional elements of Jakarta's culture. That is, to meet tourists' needs the originality of the traditional foods of Jakarta, such as Kerak Telor was changed. Similarly, the effects of Ondel-ondel or traditional street theatre of Jakarta being used to meet the tourists' demands, is over exploitation. However, the study revealed that there was no significant social impact of the representation of Jakarta as modern. Another important finding emerging from the study is that the official websites are more powerful compared to other online forms of information about a destination. It was because the official website is government owned, so, it appears to be credible; it also allowed the Tourism Board to use several techniques to represent the destination, such as the use of the story telling method and multimodal discourses, such as texts, photos, videos, or logos.


Sarcopenia, defined as loss of muscle mass and function, is increasingly recognized as a common consequence of advanced cirrhosis that is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Despite the recent proliferation in publications pertaining to sarcopenia in end-stage liver disease, there remains no single 'best method' for its diagnosis. The inability to identify a gold standard is common to other specialties, including geriatrics from which many diagnostic tools are derived. Controversies in diagnosis have implications for the accuracy and reproducibility of cohort studies in the field, largely prohibit the introduction of sarcopenia measurement into routine patient care and impede the development of clinical trials to identify appropriate therapies. Difficulties in diagnosis are partly driven by our ongoing limited understanding of the pathophysiology of sarcopenia in cirrhosis, the mechanisms by which it impacts on patient outcomes, the heterogeneity of patient populations, and the accuracy, availability and cost of assessments of muscle mass and function. This review discusses the currently studied diagnostic methods for sarcopenia in cirrhosis, and outlines why reaching a consensus on sarcopenia diagnosis is important and suggests potential ways to improve diagnostic criteria to allow us to translate sarcopenia research into improvements in clinical care.


A multi-scale approach for the analysis of reactant systems is a very important mean for the improvement of the understanding of the phenomena occurring at different scales of space and time, and for the support it brings to the experimental and design activities in particular for scale-up purposes. In previous works, the authors developed kinetics, cell and stack models for molten carbonate fuel cells, integrating all these scales of simulation in a code called SIMFC, which has been successfully validated on experimental data. The aim of the present work is to show the benefits that the coupling of plant simulation and small scale models can bring to the study of innovative applications and the design of particular configurations. In the frame of this paper, the authors analysed the integration of the calcium-looping technology coupled with molten carbonate fuel cells for the capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide using a series of different sources of fuel gas to evaluate the best options. In particular, this work analyses the exploitation of poor fuels in fuel cell that would not be possible without enrichment. The availability of a small scale model allowed to identify critical operating conditions (of both local temperature and composition) that decrease the performance and that cannot be easily identified with the use of only large scale model commonly employed for plant design and simulations.


Integrin binding to extracellular matrix ligands, including those presenting RGD motifs, modulate diverse cellular processes. In the brain, many endogenous RGD‐containing molecules are induced after damage. Previously, the gene therapy vector termed NLSCt, which displays an RGD motif, was shown to neuroprotect after immature brain excitotoxicity. We analyze whether neuroprotection is mediated by the RGD motif.


Abstract In ultracapacitor applications, generally, a bi-directional converter is connected to a DC bus and is designed to compensate rapid load variations on the bus. During transient phases, overloaded DC bus can push the converter out of its operating limits. For providing the necessary power, converters should be put in parallel, while each converter is limited into its optimal operating range. In a boost converter, this operating limit can be related to the inductor current and UC voltage. In this study, a variable current-limit is proposed for inductor current which then determines the operating range of the boost converter. This method will provide stability of the converter during overload transients. An experimental setup consisting of a bi-directional converter, a controllable load/source, and an ultracapacitor is presented, to validate the proposed method. Several scenarii are applied to analyze the performance of the system in overloaded phases and theoretical and experimental results are presented.


Alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been formed on zinc selenide (ZnSe) through adsorption from solution. Zinc selenide as a SAM-supporting substrate is of particular interest due to its transparency in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling interfacial interactions at the substrate surface to be studied through transmission IR spectroscopy. In the past, mechanically polished, optical quality ZnSe surfaces have been used to support SAM formation. This surface, however, typically has a rms roughness around 40 nm, meaning it cannot support highly-ordered SAMs. In order to promote more consistent formation of highly-ordered SAM, a smoother supporting substrate is required. A significantly smoother ZnSe surface has be produced through physical vapor deposition (PVD) onto silicon substrates. The PVD-generated zinc selenide thin film exhibits the same IR transparency as the mechanically polished substrate, but with a rms roughness in the range of 2.7 ± 0.9 nm, which is over an order of magnitude improvement in surface roughness. The thin film ZnSe-SAM system was characterized through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle goniometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In the XPS spectra, the shifts and relative intensities of Zn 2p, Se 3d, S 2p, and C 1s peaks when SAMs adsorbed to the surface have been used to show whether the SAM is physiosorbed or chemisorbed. A significant shift in the S 2s peak for a ZnSe film with SAMs compared to free thiol literature values, which is indicative of a change in chemical environment, provides evidence for chemisorption of thiolate SAMs to the ZnSe thin film.


Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is an increasingly important human food source, as well as a new functional agent, mainly due to its potent antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to determine antioxidant activity of fractions from mung bean seeds by measuring DPPH radical scavenging activity and to quantify the flavonoids by means of HPLC analysis. Vitexin and isovitexin were present in both ethanol and water extracts in highest amount. Flavonoids, vitexin and isovitexin were quantified from 195 germplasms of mung beans and their concentrations varied by 4.7 fold. Especially, the breeding line KM99004-4B-2 (Suwon28/KM94004), which has grown in Jeollanamdo Agricultural Research and Extension Services, showed the highest amount (15.88 ㎎/g) of total flavonoids. The vitexin portion was averaged 70.73±1.38%. High positive correlation (r=0.96 *** ) between vitexin and isovitexin contents showed. However, the flavonoid content showed very low correlation with the 24 growth and ecological characteristics. Seed coats of mung beans had the highest flavonoid amount, showing 50~70 times more than cotyledons. Flavonoid contents in the seed, the cotyledon, and the seed coat were decreased as the seed imbibition time increased.


Continuum models, based upon both the Volterra and the Peierls descriptions of a screw dislocation ahead of a mode III crack, are used to evaluate the critical loading for dislocation nucleation at the tip of a ® nite pre-blunted crack. Results are presented for various crack tip root radii, for several crack lengths. Moreover, the eA ect of ledge formation at the crack tip is evaluated. It is found that blunt cracks require a substantially larger load to induce dislocation nucleation, and this eA ect is ampli® ed by including ledge formation in the analysis. It is also noted that short cracks require a reduced load for dislocation nucleation.


Manual measurement of left ventricular volume from 3D echocardiographs is time consuming, and there is a clinical need for automatic methods. We describe a semiautomatic method which uses a 3D image gradient operator and a short-axis boundary detector. Six patients with cardiomyopathy were studied using 3D echocardiography and the images were analysed to measure the repeatability of measurement by the semi-automated method, and used to compare measurements of stroke volume and ejection fraction with manual measurements. Within-patient standard deviations of the semi-automated method were 14.6% and 16.4% of the group mean end diastolic and end systolic volumes respectively, and were significantly less than the between-patient standard deviations. No differences between the semi-automated method and the manual method were found for the measurements of ejection fractions or of stroke volumes


Guide to support GER 524 Seminar in Literature of the Late 18th Century: Goethe's Faust taught by Matt Erlin (Fall 2013)


The room temperature deposition of small amounts of Cs on the InAs(110) surface induces the highest Fermi-level pinning position (~ 0.6 eV) above the conduction band minimum ever met for any semiconductor. The Fermi-level movement is monitored by core level photoemission spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation. This striking behaviour is explained in terms of donor-type surface states induced by few Cs atoms present on InAs(110) and suggests the existence of a two-dimensional electron gas at the surface.


Bone marrow-derived fibroblasts may contribute substantially to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis through the excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix. However, the mechanisms underlying the accumulation and activation of these fibroblasts are not understood. Here, we used a mouse model of tubulointerstitial fibrosis to determine whether adiponectin, which is elevated in CKD and is associated with disease progression, regulates monocyte-to-fibroblast transition and fibroblast activation in injured kidneys. In wild-type mice, the expression of adiponectin and the number of bone marrow-derived fibroblasts in the kidney increased after renal obstruction. In contrast, the obstructed kidneys of adiponectin-knockout mice had fewer bone marrow-derived fibroblasts. Adiponectin deficiency also led to a reduction in the number of myofibroblasts, the expression of profibrotic chemokines and cytokines, and the number of procollagen-expressing M2 macrophages in injured kidneys. Consistent with these findings, adiponectin-deficiency reduced the expression of collagen I and fibronectin. Similar results were observed in wild-type and adiponectin-knockout mice after ischemia-reperfusion injury. In cultured bone marrow-derived monocytes, adiponectin stimulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and extracellular matrix proteins and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, specific activation of AMPK increased the expression of α-SMA and extracellular matrix proteins, while inhibition of AMPK attenuated these responses. Taken together, these findings identify adiponectin as a critical regulator of monocyte-to-fibroblast transition and renal fibrosis, suggesting that inhibition of adiponectin/AMPK signaling may represent a novel therapeutic target for fibrotic kidney disease.


Abstract Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a specific pregnancy disease whose diagnosis is clinical. Biochemical alterations are analyzed as well as its treatment. Many unanswered questions remain about the disease. The revival of the topic in the English literature in the last years has motivated the author to review the available data, especially in consideration to the experience that his country, Chile, accumulated years ago. The most concerning issue related to the disease which is unpredictable foetal death is discussed once again, stating that the actual risk of this complication has not been well determined, and that is probably similar to the risk in the general population. Keywords: Intrahepatic cholestasis, Pregnancy, Serum bile acids.


Abstract Context. The spatio-temporal partitioning of large carnivores is influenced by interspecific competition and coexistence within small, enclosed reserves. Lions (Panthera leo), spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) and leopards (Panthera pardus) are the three largest African carnivores and have the greatest potential for intra-guild competition, particularly where space is limited. Aim. To investigate the spatio-temporal partitioning between lions, spotted hyaenas and leopards in a small (~75 000 ha), enclosed nature reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve (Madikwe), South Africa. Methods. We deployed 110 camera traps (baited n = 55 and unbaited n = 55) across Madikwe from 26 August 2019 until 6 May 2020. Von Mises kernel density plots were used to investigate daily temporal partitioning among the three species. A multiple-species, single-season occupancy model was used to investigate daily space use patterns. Key results. We found both temporal and spatial exclusion between lions and spotted hyaenas on Madikwe. However, no evidence was found of spatio-temporal partitioning between lions and leopards, and spotted hyaenas and leopards. Conclusions. Exploitative and interference competition on Madikwe might be high enough to warrant spatio-temporal partitioning between lions and spotted hyaenas to avoid the negative effects of intra-guild competition. Contrastingly, patterns observed between leopards and both lions and spotted hyaenas preclude the possibility of top-down control by superior carnivores. Implication. These findings call for an adaptive management approach, where both carnivore and prey species compositions are constantly monitored. Management strategies such as these will allow for the conservation of valuable resources (i.e. prey species) to ensure the persistence of large carnivore populations across African ecosystems.


Examining the nature of the relative clustering of different galaxy types can help tell us how galaxies formed. To measure this relative clustering, I perform a joint counts-in-cells analysis of galaxies of different spectral types in the Las Campanas Redshift Survey (LCRS). I develop a maximum-likelihood technique to fit for the relationship between the density fields of early- and late-type galaxies. This technique can directly measure nonlinearity and stochasticity in the biasing relation. At high significance, a small amount of stochasticity is measured, corresponding to a correlation coefficient r ≈ 0.87 on scales corresponding to 15 h-1 Mpc spheres. A large proportion of this signal appears to derive from errors in the selection function, and a more realistic estimate finds r ≈ 0.95. These selection function errors probably account for the large stochasticity measured by Tegmark & Bromley, and may have affected measurements of very large-scale structure in the LCRS. Analysis of the data and of mock catalogs shows that the peculiar geometry, variable flux limits, and central surface brightness selection effects of the LCRS do not seem to cause the effect.


Background. Chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC), a late consequence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is an inflammatory cardiomyopathy with prognosis worse than those of noninflammatory etiology (NIC). Although the T cell-rich myocarditis is known to play a pathogenetic role, the relative contribution of each of the functional T cell subsets has never been thoroughly investigated. We therefore assessed gene expression of cytokines and transcription factors involved in differentiation and effector function of each functional T cell subset (TH1/TH2/TH17/Treg) in CCC, NIC, and heart donor myocardial samples. Methods and Results. Quantitative PCR showed markedly upregulated expression of IFN-γ and transcription factor T-bet, and minor increases of GATA-3; FoxP3 and CTLA-4; IL-17 and IL-18 in CCC as compared with NIC samples. Conversely, cytokines expressed by TH2 cells (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) or associated with Treg (TGF-β and IL-10) were not upregulated in CCC myocardium. Expression of TH1-related genes such as T-bet, IFN-γ, and IL-18 correlated with ventricular dilation, FoxP3, and CTLA-4. Conclusions. Results are consistent with a strong local TH1-mediated response in most samples, possibly associated with pathological myocardial remodeling, and a proportionally smaller FoxP3+CTLA4+ Treg cell population, which is unable to completely curb IFN-γ production in CCC myocardium, therefore fueling inflammation.


Generally the underwater bio-robots take the tail fin as propulsor, and combined with pectoral fin they can manoeuvre agilely and control their position and movement at will. In nature, a lot of fishes realize to suspend itself in water to go forward and to move back up by the pectoral fin moving complexly. So that it is significant theoretically and valuable for practical application to investigate the propulsive principle and hydrodynamic performance of pectoral fin, and find the method utilizing the pectoral fin to manoeuvre the underwater bio-robot agilely. In this paper, a two degree of freedom (DoF) motion model is established for a rigid pectoral fin, and the hydrodynamic performances of the pectoral fin are studied by use of the pectoral fin propulsive experimental platform developed by Harbin Engineering University, simultaneously the hydrodynamic performance of the pectoral fin is analyzed when some parameters change. Then, through the secondary development of FLUENT (CFD code) software, the hydrodynamic performances of rigid pectoral fin in viscous flows are calculated and the results are compared with the latest experimental results. The research in this paper will provide the theoretical reference for the design of the manoeuvring system imitating pectoral fin, at the same time will become the foundation for the development of the small underwater bio-robot.


Fungal cell wall degrading chitinases and glucanases attained significance in agriculture, medicine, and environment management. The present study was conducted to describe the optimum conditions required for the production of beta-1,4-N-acetyl glucosaminidase (NAGase) and beta-1,3-glucanase by a biocontrol strain of Bacillus subtilis AF 1. B. subtilis AF 1 was grown in minimal medium with colloidal chitin (3.0%) and yeast extract (0.3% YE ) and incubated at pH 7.0 and 30 degrees C on constant shaker at 180 rpm for 6 days produced highest amounts of NAGase. Presence of 0.5 mM of phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and 0.04% of Tween 20 further improved the enzyme production. B. subtilis AF 1 grown in minimal medium with laminarin (1%) and yeast extract (0.3%) for 3 days produced maximum amount of beta-1,3-glucanase. These conditions can be further scaled-up for large-scale production of NAGase and beta-1,3-glucanase by B. subtilis AF 1.


Holidays don't just have to be about relaxation; they can also be about conservation. Sometimes the most memorable getaways are those that give back, as Maddison Howard discovered.


The forward and reverse current of fused junction silicon diodes are compared with the predicted equations arising from a simplified model for surface leakage. It is found that analysis of the forward current in the "exponential" region leads to resolution of the contributions of the junction and the leakage path. The activation energies of the parameters describing these two contributions were determined; the former agrees with the value of the band gap. The implications and deficiencies of the model are discussed.


The essay1 on the inception of Mr Guy's hospital by Professor Jones is of interest as it describes arrangements in which a celebrated period of English philanthropy founded one of the longest-surviving and most influential of the voluntary hospitals of London, but while the foundation of Guy's was unparalleled, its demise shared the common lot of the voluntary hospitals of London: something also of interest.

The events leading up to this dissolution are in Dr Cameron's book.2 Despite careful management of the huge bequest the cost of treating each patient increased at an accelerating rate throughout the hospital's history, so subscriptions had to be sought to supplement Guy's legacy. The hospital became encumbered with debt and, along with the other voluntary hospitals, it was eventually seized by the State; then, despite a public outcry, not least from the people of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe where money had been collected to endow a ward in memory of their war dead, its acute services were moved elsewhere.

The Prince of Wales had warned in 1924 that in addition to meeting other costs hospitals had to keep pace with the needs of patients and the development of medical science. Guy's was unable to do this, in part because developing its specialist services had been a heavy burden on the hospital treasury. Dr Cameron wrote 'The contributions of the sympathizers with suffering could no longer keep pace with these new powers to recognize and control disease. It had become all too evident that the cost of a hospital had no limit.'

Thus, at the start Guy's was assisted by timely disinvestment from a bubble in new markets, and at the end Guy's was left vulnerable by an untimely lack of investment during an enthusiasm for using hospitals, perhaps another unsustainable bubble.


The set point of thyrotropin (TSH) secretion is determined by the balance of a positive regulation of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and the strong negative regulation exerted by thyroid hormones. In addition, there are other regulators superimposed on this main axis such as somatostatin and dopamine, which act as inhibitors of TSH secretion, and central alpha-adrenergic pathways that are predominantly stimulatory and involved in the cold-induced thyroid activation. Nutritional status and leptin also regulate TSH by stimulating TRH neurons through direct and indirect mechanisms. Stress is also involved in lowering TRH/TSH secretion possibly through glucocorticoids, cytokines and opioids. Recently, a new regulatory pathway has been proposed, via peptides produced in pituitary, acting in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Among those, more consistent data are available on neuromedin B, gastrin-releasing peptide and pituitary leptin, which act as local inhibitors of TSH release. Neonatal programming of TSH secretion set point is also discussed.


Medicinal plants are an essential source of therapeutic ingredients, being also the basis of traditional or original healing systems. Many medicinal plants belong to the family Lamiaceae. The Mint is the common name of about 25 perennial species of the genus Mentha. The essential oils of the Mentha species and their extracts are well documented and possess antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, pesticide, and antioxidant properties. The current study aimed to collect and genotype mint species from different sources using fluorescently labeled AFLP technique to asses the genetic variability and elucidate highresolution genetic markers related to oil content and/or oil quantity. A total of 11 mint samples were analyzed using AFLP technique; among the three primer pair combinations showed number of peaks ranged between 49 to 117, with a minimum band size in base pair of 50 bp to 661 bp. The overall mean of number of bands per individual is 99, while the total number of polymorphic loci is 254. Based on the maximum likelihood hybrid index method, two samples were found misclassified or possibly hybrids. Out of the 254 polymorphic bands, 16 were found specific to the high oil-content group [A] compared to 95 bands that were specific for the low oil-content group [B]. In group A, two bands, P1.23 and P2.28, were found fixed as present in group A while absent from group B, the bands were scored from the primer pairs 1 and 2 of 297 and 140 bp, respectively; and considered as positive markers to high-oil content. However, no negative marker was found. When the two possible hybrids were inspected, the positive marker number 1 [PP1.23] was found consistent and absents in the two samples, which increase its validity as a positive marker for high-oil content, while was not the same case for the second marker. Comparing both the whole dataset and the selected markers using AMOVA and PCoA, the elucidated markers should higher genetic differentiation among the studied groups than the whole dataset. The selected markers can be applied for markerassistant selection breeding program and early preselection of high-oil content samples for future studies related to the oil content in Mentha sp.


Abstract This study aims to analyze an obligation of explaining and revealing material facts and identify any kinds of violation of good faith in life insurance contract. It uses several approaches including statute approach, comparative approach, and conceptual approach. The result defines material facts as any kinds of facts the insurer needs in order to make decision whether accepting or objecting the possible risks assigned. The insurer needs to accurately and completely know the insured's personal data and medical records, including disease suffered, smoking habits, and even an extreme exercise habit such as paragliding. Kinds of violation probably done by the insured can be in the form of (1) misrepresentation, which includes giving incorrect statement but not intentionally conducted (i.e., innocent) and providing incorrect explanation intentionally (i.e., fraudulent) due to personal benefit; (2) non-disclosure, which includes neither revealing the facts nor telling any fundamental information other parties need to know, not due to deliberateness but rather probably due to ignorance or innocence, and intentionally hiding particular facts in order to get personal benefits (concealment).


A recent large‐scale map of the lunar crustal magnetic field is examined for the existence of magnetic anomalies internal to ringed impact basins. It is found that, of 25 basins with upper preNectarian and younger ages, 18 contain mapped internal anomalies with amplitudes of at least 1 nT at 30 km altitude. Of these, five are most confidently judged to contain intrinsic anomalies (i.e., anomalies located within the inner basin rims and originating at the times of basin formation): Crisium, Humboldtianum, Mendel‐Rydberg, Moscoviense, and Nectaris. Comparing the anomaly distributions with previous numerical simulations of the impact of iron‐rich planetesimals to form a large (SPA‐sized) basin, inferences are drawn about the likely trajectories of the impactors. Specifically, results suggest that impactor trajectories for these basins were within ∼45° of being vertical and tended to lie on average parallel to the lunar equatorial plane and the ecliptic plane. Inverse modeling of anomalies within these basins yields inferred directions of magnetization that are difficult to reconcile with the axial centered dipole hypothesis for the geometry of the internal lunar dynamo field: Paleomagnetic pole positions are widely scattered and, in agreement with a recent independent study, the two main anomalies within Crisium yield significantly different directions of magnetization.


We discuss the spectral analysis of quarkonium states in a hot medium of deconfined quarks and gluons, and we show that such an analysis provides a way to determine the thermal properties of the quark-gluon plasma.


Over the years, determinant factors as international economic growth, technology developments and political circumstances have influenced the production and consumption markets that conversely have shaped the liner shipping industry and the transport demand. This has led to solid trends in the container shipping industry, whereof ordering vessels of increased size have become the predominant one. This is mainly due to the robust findings in regards to the benefits that the principle of economies of scale means for shipping lines, in terms of the savings in operational and fuel costs per TEU-slot. However, even though this trend represents enormous advantages to shipping lines, for other actors in the liner shipping industry, namely ports, terminal operators, rail operators, intermodal operators and canals, among others, the effects are still uncertain. This last is the case of the Panama Canal (PC), which in 2006 decided to undertake a 5.25 billion dollars project to upgrade and expand its current locks, allowing the passage of containerships of 13200 TEU, instead of 4500TEU. Despite the fact that the potential effects that the Panama Canal expansion project will have in the liner shipping industry are still uncertain, what is indeed certain is that the project will open a new opportunity for the whole industry to expand their markets deploying bigger vessels and taking advantage of the benefits from economies of scale. Particularly for the container shipping lines, the Panama Canal expansion means a new alternative to re-design the current network configurations into ones more cost-effective. This research focused in Panama, the host-country of the Panama Canal expansion project and in its current land-bridge transhipment operations via the Panama Canal Railroad Company for the trade from FEA to ECSA. After the completion of the expansion project in Panama, shipping lines will have the possibility to deploy bigger vessels to cross the canal, instead of using the transhipment model through the PCRC. The main purpose of this study was to identify which of these two is the best alternative from a cost-perspective, assuming containerships with different capacities. The results of the research were gathered through the construction of a cost model, in which the operational, fuel, terminal handling and toll costs were calculated and compared in a cost per TEU-basis. The main findings of the study where that the transhipment operations through the rail are more expensive per TEU compared to the PC all-water route, regardless of the vessel size deployed, mainly due to the fact that the economics through the PC route allowed lower OC, FC and Tolls per TEU. Furthermore, results indicated that if the Panama Canal Authority builds an additional set of locks enabling the transit of 18000 TEU vessels, then shipping lines could reduce their total costs per TEU about 11% compared to the deployment of 13200 TEU vessels, even though the terminal handling fees for ECSA ports would have to be increased to cover the significant investments costs to upgrade their facilities. The research have several limitations, namely the capital, depreciation, inventory and the time cost were neglected. Also, the research does not consider a combined or intermediate scenario in which the PC and the PCRC can act as complements, which could potentially reduce the costs per TEU. Finally, these limitations constitute clear opportunities that could be considered to develop further research that could enhance, enrich and improve the accuracy of the current study.


This paper is about religious coping of young Dutch highly educated Muslim women from Moroccan families in their adaptation to Dutch highly secular society. We found in our qualitative research that these young women are confronted with all kinds of problems at home and in Dutch society. They adapt to Dutch values, norms and behaviour. Many of them are very successful in their careers. These young Dutch Muslim women are better able to cope with tensions that are triggered by cultural contradictions, social control, discrimination and racism in Dutch society when they use religious coping strategies. They find peace in positive religious reframing, seeking comfort from Allah, praying, listening to recitation of Koran, and the support of fellow believers. By using religious coping they transform their negative stigma and protect their self-esteem. So the effect of religious coping is that they feel personally better. This gives them strength but also confronts them with social control of fellow believers. This makes it less easy for them to express a deviant religious opinion and to follow their own personal religious choices.


A recursive measurement error estimation identification algorithm is proposed for identifying multiple interacting bad data in power system static state estimation. A set of linearized formulae are developed and used to recursively calculate normalized residuals and normalized measurement error estimates upon which the bad data identification method is based. Sparse vector and partial factor modification techniques are used in the recursive identification calculations. Neither the submatrix of the residual sensitivity matrix, W/sub ss/, nor state reestimation is needed in the whole identification process. Digital tests on various power systems, including a 171 bus real system, are done to show the validity and efficiency of the proposed bad data identification method. >


For some reliability systems, it is possible to have the system reliability smaller than the reliability obtained using the configuration of the components. This may be due to the inefficiency of the system. By inefficiency, we mean any tendency or attribute that will bring down the performance of the system from the level the configuration is capable of or expected to provide or designed for. This sets a maximum limit (or frontier) for the performance of the system. Therefore, deviation of the observed level from this limit would then be an indicator of the inefficiency. In this paper, we have made an attempt to model inefficiencies in the working of a reliability system, and to define an inefficiency index. The paper discusses the practical estimation of the coefficient of inefficiency in the system performance. The stochastic frontier regression methods are used to estimate the inefficiency. The validity of the methodology has been assessed for an exponential model, using a limited simulation study. The inefficiency indices proposed in this paper are simple, as they must be to be useful to engineers. We found that the suggested indices & their estimation procedures work well.


Realistic reproduction of historical extreme precipitation has been challenging for both reanalysis and global climate model (GCM) simulations. This work assessed the fidelities of the combined gridded observational datasets, reanalysis datasets, and GCMs [CMIP5 and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Flexible Global Ocean–Atmospheric Land System Model–Finite-Volume Atmospheric Model, version 2 (FGOALS-f2)] in representing extreme precipitation over East China. The assessment used 552 stations' rain gauge data as ground truth and focused on the probability distribution function of daily precipitation and spatial structure of extreme precipitation days. The TRMM observation displays similar rainfall intensity–frequency distributions as the stations. However, three combined gridded observational datasets, four reanalysis datasets, and most of the CMIP5 models cannot capture extreme precipitation exceeding 150 mm day−1, and all underestimate extreme precipitation frequency. The observed spatial distribution of extreme precipitation exhibits two maximum centers, located over the lower-middle reach of Yangtze River basin and the deep South China region, respectively. Combined gridded observations and JRA-55 capture these two centers, but ERA-Interim, MERRA, and CFSR and almost all CMIP5 models fail to capture them. The percentage of extreme rainfall in the total rainfall amount is generally underestimated by 25%–75% in all CMIP5 models. Higher-resolution models tend to have better performance, and physical parameterization may be crucial for simulating correct extreme precipitation. The performances are significantly improved in the newly released FGOALS-f2 as a result of increased resolution and a more realistic simulation of moisture and heating profiles. This work pinpoints the common biases in the combined gridded observational datasets and reanalysis datasets and helps to improve models' simulation of extreme precipitation, which is critically important for reliable projection of future changes in extreme precipitation.


Despite the growing knowledge on the mechanisms of fracture healing, bone defects often do not heal in a timely manner. Clinically, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bone substitutes are used to fill bone defects and promote bone healing. However, the degradation rate of these implants is often too slow for sufficient bone replacement. The use of calcium phosphate material with the crystalline phase Ca10[K/Na](PO4)7 containing different amounts of di- and metaphosphates may overcome this problem, because these materials show an accelerated degradation. Therefore, we generated alkaline substituted Ca–P scaffolds with different amounts of ortho-, di- and metaphosphates. The degradation of these materials was analyzed in TRIS–HCl buffer solution in vitro. Moreover, we measured the compressive strength and porosity of the scaffolds by micro-CT analysis. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was evaluated in vivo in the mouse dorsal skinfold chamber by means of intravital fluorescence microscopy and histology. We found that higher amounts of incorporated di- and metaphosphates increase the degradation rate and compressive strength of the scaffolds without inducing a stronger leukocytic inflammatory host tissue reaction after implantation. Histological analyses confirmed the good biocompatibility of the scaffolds containing di- and metaphosphates. In summary, this study demonstrates that the compressive strength and degradation rate of Ca–P scaffolds can be improved by incorporation of di- and metaphosphates without affecting their good biocompatibility. Hence, this material modification may be particularly beneficial for the treatment of metaphyseal bone defects in weight bearing locations.


The US tobacco giant Philip Morris set up a network of scientists throughout Europe who were paid to cast doubt on the risks of passive smoking and highlight other possible causes of respiratory problems, according to confidential documents from the company's law firm released on the internet.

The company's consultants included "an editor" of the Lancet , an adviser to a Commons select committee, and members of working groups of the International Agency for Research in Cancer, claims a memo from the US lawyers Covington and Burling.

Clues in the documents point to the Lancet contact as the late Petr Skrabanek, who was not an editor but a regular contributor who wrote editorials among other articles. Robin Fox, the Lancet 's editor from 1990 to 1995, said it was "very likely" that Dr Skrabanek, who was an associate professor of community …


Models to account for regional tectonic rotation in the Mojave Desert of California hypothesize rotation synchronous with early Miocene regional extension, whereas one model proposes that rotation occurred after major extension. Three sections of rocks from the southwest Cady Mountains, in the upper plate of the regional extensional system, give paleomagnetic data suggesting 127 ± 30, 130 ± 13, and 67 ± 15 of clockwise rotation (oldest to youngest). These data indicate that two episodes of clockwise vertical axis rotation occurred. The older of these rotations (64 ± 19 clockwise) occurred in early Miocene time after tilting due to extension and is associated with a regional tectonic rotation event. The younger rotation (67 ± 15 clockwise) occurred post–14.0 Ma, is of local extent, and is probably due to active northwest-directed right-lateral shear through this region. These data, combined with geologic evidence, indicate that rotation took place after tilting because of extension in the southwest Cady Mountains and that early Miocene extension was originally north-south directed. Correlation of rocks and structures in the southwest Cady Mountains to those in surrounding ranges implies that the early Miocene regional extension was originally approximately north-south directed as well.


Abstract Background Primary cardiac tumours are rare, and diagnosis may be difficult, as symptoms and cardiac imaging may mimic other cardiac diseases. The intimal sarcoma is the least commonly reported cardiac tumour with only few cases reported worldwide. In this case report, we present a case of an intimal sarcoma with a highly aggressive disease course. Case summary A 60-year-old male with a history of prior aortoplasty due to congenital aortic stenosis, mechanical aortic valve replacement, and aortic stenting due to aortic dilatation presented with night sweats, malaise, and dyspnoea. Initial imaging (including transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography and emergency computed tomography) revealed masses suspected to be thrombi in the left atrium and ventricle. However, a positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan revealed that the masses were suspicious for malignancy. The patient underwent non-radical tumour resection and insertion of biological valve prostheses. Subsequent tissue analysis and pathology assessment revealed an intimal sarcoma. There were no curative treatment options, and the patient succumbed to his illness <3 months after surgery. Discussion This case report presents a case of a highly aggressive intimal sarcoma. As complete tumour resection is of great importance when it comes to life expectancy in cardiac sarcomas, early diagnosis using non-invasive and invasive imaging modalities is essential to start early treatment and to improve outcomes in this patient group.


Using a hadronic model with empirical coupling constants and form factors, we have evaluated the cross sections for the production of exotic pentaquark $\Theta^+$ and/or $\Xi_5^+$ and $\Xi_5^{--}$ in reactions induced by photons, nucleons, pions, and kaons on nucleon targets. We have also predicted the $\Theta^+$ yield in relativistic heavy ion collisions using a kinetic model that takes into account both $\Theta^+$ production from the coalescence of quarks and antiquarks in the quark-gluon plasma and the effects due to subsequent hadronic absorption and regeneration.


Abstract. Van Staden N, Siebert SJ, Cilliers DP, Wilsenach D, Frisby AW. 2020. Floristic analysis of semi-arid mountain ecosystems of the Griqualand West centre of plant endemism, Northern Cape, South Africa. Biodiversitas 21: 1989-2002. The Griqualand West Centre (GWC) is one of 13 centres of plant endemism in South Africa. Despite its unique flora, it remains poorly conserved and studied. A recent study identified an extensive geographical core area for the GWC, but endemic plant species were found to be absent from certain parts within these borders. To address this, we refined the current GWC borders based on an ecological niche model, which predicted that endemic species are restricted to four mountain ranges within GWC. Mountain floras within these refined borders were then floristically compared to assess whether they are hotspots of endemicity. Floristically, the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Poaceae were the dominant plant families. Mountain ecosystems differed from one another at species level, with indicator species explaining the compositional differences. Distribution patterns of indicator species were determined by mean annual precipitation, Ca: Mg ratios, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, iron, and sand content. These environmental factors are possible drivers of niche partitioning, environmental filtering and habitat specialization in each mountain ecosystem. Limestone and banded ironstone habitats were identified as conservation priority areas, since they contained the highest numbers of rare and threatened GWC restricted-range species, of which six were narrow endemics.


Although the square-root process has long been used as an alternative to the Black–Scholes geometric Brownian motion model for option valuation, the pricing of Asian options on this diffusion model has never been studied analytically. However, the additivity property of the square-root process makes it a very suitable model for the analysis of Asian options. In this paper, we develop explicit prices for digital and regular Asian options. We also obtain distributional results concerning the square-root process and its average over time, including analytic formulae for their joint density and moments. We also show that the distribution is actually determined by those moments.


We use resonance Raman scattering (incident photon energies between 1.8 and 4.13 eV), LDA+U calculations, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and oblique IR reflectivity to characterize the strong electron-phonon interactions in the disordered perovskite LaFe0.5Cr0.5O3. When the photon energy coincides with a Cr to Fe Mott-Hubbard transfer gap around 2.4 eV the electron-phonon interaction is manifested by a Franck-Condon effect with exceptional first- and higher order scattering of a local oxygen breathing mode. At higher incident energies we observe a superposition of Franck-Condon scattering and Frohlich interaction induced infrared active longitudinal optical two-phonon scattering activated mainly by O to Fe charge transfer. Our results establish LaFe0.5Cr0.5O3 as a model compound for research on electron-phonon interactions in strongly correlated complex systems and show that Franck-Condon scattering in complex solids is not limited to Jahn-Teller active compounds.


This paper presents a novel six-degree-of-freedom magnetic levitation fine stage for a dual-servo stage. The proposed fine stage is levitated and actuated, using a voice coil motor actuator with a Halbach magnet array. For a dual-servo stage, fine stage performance is deeply intertwined with coarse stage performance. Because the fine stage is installed over the coarse stage, the overall size of the fine stage can be limited by the moving plate of the coarse stage. Therefore, magnetic flux modeling and optimization are performed to manufacture optimal fine stages. To control the fine stage, actuator kinetics and sensor kinematics are proposed. Homing control is implemented by using linear variable differential transformers, whereas fine control is implemented by capacitance sensors and laser interferometers. Finally, experimental results of in-position stability, moving range, and repeatability are presented.


Based on social exchange theory, we investigate the impact of HRM investments made by two important HR actors, line managers and HR department, on employees' affective commitment. More specifically, we examine the independent and joint impact of line managers' enactment of HR practices, their relations-oriented leadership behaviour and the HR department's service quality. Accordingly, we consider the largely neglected HRM role of line managers. In addition, we focus on perceived HRM, which is seen as a determining factor in employees' attitudinal and behavioural reactions. Data for this study were collected from 1363 employees, working in three service organizations. The results indicate that line managers can enhance employees' affective commitment by both the effective enactment of HR practices and the effective relations-oriented leadership behaviour. High service quality by the HR department also has a positive effect on employees' affective commitment. Implications for research and practice are discussed.


Schema validation criticized We are writing in response to the article "Clinical Validation of Braden and Bergstrom's Conceptual Schema of Pressure Sore Risk Factors" by CopelandFields and Hoshiko, which appeared in Vol. 14, No. 5, OfRehabilitation Nursing. While the report largely supports the conceptual framework, it calls into doubt others, and these issues need to be addressed. The authors reported that they used the "Fehring method" to establish clinical validity. It appears, however, that they actually were using an adaptation of his Diagnostic Content Validity (DCV) Method, in which a large number of nurses (25-50) are asked to retrospectively consider the characteristics of patients they "had encountered in their practice." Fehring specifies that nurses surveyed in a DCV study should be experts, and that the Delphi technique should be used to enhance consensus among these experts. It assures that the validation is done by those who are intimately familiar with the diagnosis of interest and with the related research literature. It also assures that the validation is done by those who are able to critically evaluate what they read in the research literature as well as what they see in the clinical area. Copeland-Fields and Hoshiko did not complete the Delphi rounds and used only 12 nurses. Their nurse raters had 1 to 20 years' experience in rehabilitation and had educational backgrounds ranging from associate to baccalaureate degrees. This study represents the opinions of 12 nurses whose expertise is not established. An additional point is that Fehring's method is appropriate only in early stages of nursing diagnosis work. Clinical validation is recommended to confirm etiological factors, and prospective, concurrent studies are considered appropriate for this validation. This conceptual schema has been tested for "clinical validity" by several methods, most being epidemiological in nature and prospective in design and involving large numbers of actual patients. The major variables have been tested in a series of studies that have been published and presented in a variety of research forums. Finally, from a conceptual perspective, the authors state that psychosocial factors, with the exception of emotional stress, have been ignored by the schema. Yet many of psychosocial factors listed ( e g feelings of powerlessness, interpersonal conflict) could be classified as emotional stressors. Other factors they list are linked indirectly rather than directly to pressure sore development. For example, the investigators mention health beliefs as a possible risk factor not appearing in the schema. A particular system of health beliefs may result in poor adherence to preventive regimensbut the purpose of these regimens is to overcome factors directly linked to pressure sores such as lack of activity, mobility, and skin moisture. There are, of course, many details to be considered in the explication of risk factors. We welcome valid evaluation and criticism of our work, as it helps us to refine our ideas and focus on future directions.


Backgroud In this study, we aimed to analyze kinematic and kinetic changes in gait and to assess radiographic and clinical improvement after calcaneal lengthening osteotomy (CLO) in children with idiopathic symptomatic flexible flatfoot deformities. Methods The study group consisted of 22 children (28 feet) with idiopathic symptomatic flexible flatfoot, which was treated by CLO as an index operation. We excluded patients with flatfoot that developed secondary to neuromuscular diseases. There were 18 boys (22 feet) and 4 girls (6 feet). The average age of the patients was 10.8 ± 1.51 years. Surgical results were assessed by radiologic imaging, clinical evaluation, and gait analysis, which were performed before surgery and 1 year after surgery. Medical records were reviewed to check postoperative complications. Results Talonavicular coverage was recovered to 16.7° from 32.7° (p < 0.01). Lateral talo-first metatarsal angle and calcaneal pitch angle increased by 20.1° and 9.9°, respectively (p < 0.01). Weight-bearing radiographs demonstrated a decrease in the anteroposterior angle and lateral talocalcaneal angle by 6.9° and 10°, respectively (p < 0.01). Hindfoot valgus was corrected to near neutral position after CLO. Kinematic results showed that the ankle valgus angle in the coronal plane was reduced from 35.48° preoperatively to 16.64° postoperatively during gait (p < 0.05). The preoperative out-toeing gait (preoperative foot progression angle, 20.31°) was also normalized to 14.21° postoperatively. The kinetics results showed that the push-off moment (maximum ankle plantar flexion) on the sagittal plane increased from 0.66 Nm/kg preoperatively to 0.83 Nm/kg postoperatively (p < 0.01). The mean Yoo score was 9.2 ± 1.05 postoperatively: satisfactory in 24 cases (86%) and unsatisfactory in 4 cases. Of the 4 unsatisfactory cases, 2 cases were overcorrection and 2 cases were undercorrection, and 3 of them were well managed by wedge foot insoles. Conclusions The 3-dimensional deformities of the flexible flatfoot were effectively corrected by CLO, based on the morphological assessment using radiologic imaging. The correction was well maintained during gait at 1 year after the operation.


The presented study analyses the forecasting goodness of avalanche forecasts from 23 different forecasting centers in the European Alps over a period of four years. The authors use the agreement in danger level between neighboring regions (within and between different forecasting centers) as a measure of forecast consistency and bias. They present a method to explore and quantify spatial consistency of forecast regional avalanche danger levels. Bias between neighboring regions could to some extend be attributed to operational constraints of the involved forecast centers.


A system for the online quantitation of uterine activity has been used to define the optimum levels and patterns of uterine activity in spontaneous labors and labors induced by oxytocin infusion. Using these parameters, the system automatically adjusts oxytocin infusion to suit the individual requirements of the patient. The infusion rate is subsequently automatically adjusted to take account of any increase or decrease in the uterine activity.


The selection of effective and optimal sidelap/overlap of images according to the quality, speed, cost and purpose of each UAV photogrammetric project is considered as an important parameter. Since two decades ago, several researches have been carried out based on a trial and error strategy for this purpose, in which different drones and cameras have been utilized for imaging with different sidelaps/overlaps and analyzing the results obtained from them. Due to their high cost and time-consuming these operational methods, have not yet been able to provide a perfect behavioral assessment of the impact of imaging sidelap/overlap parameters on the quality of three-dimensional reconstruction. These studies merely provide an overview of the sidelap/overlap of images between 60 and 80% empirically. In this paper, a simulation method is used to comprehensively evaluate the effect of the imaging sidelap/overlap parameters on the quality of three-dimensional reconstruction in UAV photogrammetry. For this purpose, due to the complexity of the subject and to simplify it, the problem of three-dimensional reconstruction of a hypothetical object point has been analyzed by Monte Carlo analytical simulation using vertical aerial images with different sidelaps/overlaps. The results of the performed experiments in five modes of ideal, excellent, good, medium and bad respectively , show that changing the sidelap/overlap of images can improve the 3D reconstruction error for RMSExy up to 10 times and for RMSExyz up to 5 times. It can also be said that to achieve a higher quality of three-dimensional reconstruction, when the total sidelap/overlap of images is more than 120%, it is better to increase the coverage difference, and when it is less than 120%, it is better to reduce it. In addition, if you want to choose one of sidelap or overlap below 50%, leave the another one between 85% and 95%, or select both above 50% to keep the quality of the 3D reconstruction. In this research, for the first time, a new four step process on the basis of the Pareto front algorithm was introduced in order to identify and select the optimal imaging sidelap/overlap.


Nephrogenic adenoma in children is an extremely rare kind of tumor (22 cases have been described to date). We report and discuss here the case of a 7-year-old girl, taking into account the findings described in medical literature. In contrast to nephrogenic adenomas in adults, who present with this tumor in the entire ureteral tract, it has been observed exclusively in the bladder in children so far. The most frequent predisposing factors for the development of this tumor are extensive surgical injury such as ureter reimplantation or long-term stimuli on the urothelium caused by a foreign body. Diagnosis primarily includes sonography of the urinary tract and cystoscopy. Transurethral resection is regarded as the treatment of choice. Owing to the frequency of persistence, control cystoscopies after primary therapy are necessary.


With the increase in the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, many applications using the data accumulated from IoT devices have been proposed. Consequently, privacy violation due to data disclosure is becoming a problem. Data anonymization is a technique for publishing data while preserving data privacy and is an effective method for solving the problem of privacy violation. There are several requirements for implementing anonymization systems suitable for IoT devices, where the amount of hardware and software resources, function extensibility, and processing throughput are limited. To satisfy these requirements, anonymization hardware for anonymizing data packets from IoT devices is proposed. The proposed hardware is allocated on the intermediate location of network and anonymizes the data packet stream from IoT devices transparently. The proposed anonymization process does not affect data communication or routing. This transparency allows an additional anonymization function to be installed on all types of IoT devices without modifying the devices. The proposed hardware allows IoT devices to anonymize the data packet stream. To reduce the latency and achieve transparent anonymization at a low cost, the proposed anonymization hardware was implemented using a field-programmable gate array. The throughput and latency of the testbed of the proposed hardware were 1,286 Mbps and 330 ns, respectively. The power consumption of the proposed hardware was lower than that for a software implementation.


Objective: To compare the effect of topical sphenopalatine block and intra venous Paracetamol in the management of post-Dural puncture headache.
Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Peshawar Pakistan, from Jan to Aug 2021.
Methodology: This experimental study was conducted on 153 patients who underwent lumbar puncture for any procedure and then suffered from post-Dural puncture headaches. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group A received the topical sphenopalatine block, while group B received the intravenous Paracetamol three doses 12 hours apart. Headache was recorded on Numeric pain score (NPS) 24 hours after the surgical procedure. Comparison in pain relief was compared in both groups at 1 hour, 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours.
Results: Out of 153 patients randomized into two groups, 76 (49.7%) were categorized into Group-A, and 77 (50.3%) were categorized into Group-B. 63 (41.2%) were male, while 90 (58.8%) were female. The mean age of patients included in our study was 34.34 ± 4.33 years. Gynaecological/obstetric procedures 70 (45.7%) were the most common indication for lumbar puncture in our study. At 1, 12, 24 and 48 hours, pain relief was statistically significantly better in Group-A than in Group-B (p- value<0.005).
Conclusion: Sphenopalatine ganglionic block emerged as a better option for pain relief among patients suffering from post-Dural puncture headache than intravenous Paracetamol. In addition, immediate and short-term relief was better among patients who used sphenopalatine block.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the complication rate for adenotonsillectomy in children younger than 3 years, without a diagnosis of severe obstructive sleep apnea, to assess the necessity for postoperative inpatient admission.

DESIGN
Retrospective medical record review (January 1, 2003, through October 31, 2009).

SETTING
Tertiary care academic medical center.

PATIENTS
Retrospective medical record review of 105 patients younger than 3 years who underwent adenotonsillectomy performed by a single surgeon. Nineteen patients were excluded from our review because of incomplete medical records or severe underlying disease, leaving a total of 86 patients with medical records available for inclusion in our study. Patient medical records were deidentified and reviewed for age, sex, indications for surgery, intraoperative and perioperative interventions, and postoperative complications. One child with a diagnosis of severe obstructive sleep apnea was excluded from the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Complications, including bleeding, dehydration requiring admission, and airway intervention, during the intraoperative or perioperative period were recorded.

RESULTS
The mean age of the study population was approximately 27.5 months (range, 13-35 months), with most children (76.5%) between 23 and 31 months of age. Among the patients whose records were reviewed, 80 (93.0%) did not experience any intraoperative or postoperative complications. Dehydration was the most common complication and was the cause of all documented readmissions (4.7%) in our patients who ranged in age from 14 to 30 months. Two patients had other complications, reactive airway disease (n=1) and postoperative fever (n=1), which were identified and treated in the postanesthesia care unit, resulting in same-day discharge. No airway complications were noted in our study.

CONCLUSIONS
Our study reveals a low complication rate in children younger than 3 years. The recommendations for mandatory admission for children younger than 3 years should be reexamined. Criteria for inpatient admission for children younger than 3 years should be based on preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation of the patient and an evaluation of the family resources for adequately caring for young children at home in the postoperative period. These recommendations apply only to otherwise healthy children (American Society of Anesthesiologists classifications I and II) without a diagnosis of severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.


Plasma axial-shear flow instability arises due to a variation in an equilibrium E × B rotation along the axial direction in which the magnetic field is aligned. The two fluid MHD equations for incompressible perturbation (taking into account the FLR effects) being treated in WKB approximation in transversal direction yield one scalar Klein-Gordon type equation with one-dimensional effective potential U(s) and effective mass m(s). Only axisymmetric, paraxial geometry is analyzed in order to separate the desired effects from the effects related to a variation in cross-sectional shape of the magnetic flux tube. In this work the effective potential was considered for a semi-infinite bounded plasma, first in the form of a square well for analytical study and then in a linear nature to study in the so called tachion region. Growth rates as a function of the potential well depth and other parameters were calculated. The cases where effective mass is real and imaginary tachion regime were considered. The results obtained are interesting for the stability problem of such open devices as GDT, GAMMA-10, AMBAL-M and the scrape-off layer in tokamak divertors.


A commercial blood agar slide (Streptocult, Orion Diagnostica) was used for preliminary identification of beta-hemolytic streptococci of groups A, C, and G in throat swab specimens. The sensitivity of the test was 93.6% and the specificity was 94.7%, as judged from 580 specimens. A model is suggested for routine processing of throat swab specimens, involving inoculation and reading of the slide in general practice and transport of positive or inconclusive slides to a bacteriology laboratory for isolation and serological grouping of beta-hemolytic streptococci. The model combines preliminary detection of beta-hemolytic streptococci within 24 h with the reliability of serological groupings, and should reduce the volume of specimens sent to the laboratory considerably.


While synergistic drug combinations are more effective at fighting tumors with complex pathophysiology, preference compensating mechanisms, and drug resistance, the identification of novel synergistic drug combinations, especially complex higher-order combinations, remains challenging due to the size of combination space. Even though certain computational methods have been used to identify synergistic drug combinations in lieu of traditional in vitro and in vivo screening tests, the majority of previously published work has focused on predicting synergistic drug pairs for specific types of cancer and paid little attention to the sophisticated high-order combinations. The main objective of this study is to develop a deep learning-based approach that integrated multi-omics data to predict novel synergistic multi-drug combinations (DeepMDS) in a given cell line. To develop this approach, we firstly created a dataset comprising of gene expression profiles of cancer cell lines, target information of anti-cancer drugs, and drug response against a large variety of cancer cell lines. Based on the principle of a fully connected feed forward Deep Neural Network, the proposed model was constructed using this dataset, which achieved a high performance with a Mean Square Error (MSE) of 2.50 and a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 1.58 in the regression task, and gave the best classification accuracy of 0.94, an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.97, a sensitivity of 0.95, and a specificity of 0.93. Furthermore, we utilized three breast cancer cell subtypes (MCF-7, MDA-MD-468 and MDA-MB-231) and one lung cancer cell line A549 to validate the predicted results of our model, showing that the predicted top-ranked multi-drug combinations had superior anti-cancer effects to other combinations, particularly those that were widely used in clinical treatment. Our model has the potential to increase the practicality of expanding the drug combinational space and to leverage its capacity to prioritize the most effective multi-drug combinational therapy for precision oncology applications.


Los Saltos del Guairá, known in English as the Guayra Falls, and in Portuguese as Sete Quedas (Seven Falls), were once the most powerful waterfalls on earth, regarded by those who saw them as "worthy of description by Homer and Virgil." Located on the Paraná on the Brazil-Paraguay border and endowed over time with near-legendary status, the spectacular falls vanished in October 1982, submerged by rising river levels extending behind the vast reservoir created by the Itaipú Dam, a vast hydroelectric project developed by Brazil and Paraguay throughout the 1970s. Itaipú has been well documented, whereas the importance of los Saltos del Guairá in the literature and history of Latin America remains scantly documented outside of Paraguay and Brazil, thereby concealing one of the most drastic environmental transformations brought about by technological intervention. By examining the rich history of the falls as recorded by Jesuit missionaries in the seventeenth century, travellers and explorers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and politicians and engineers in the twentieth century, this article explores in detail the evolving place of los Saltos del Guairá in the literature and politics of the environment of Latin America and the circumstances leading to their final disappearance in 1982.


. Suppose HIn is the cone of n x n positive semidefinite matrices, and int(IIn) is the set of positive definite matrices. Theorems of Schur and Albert are applied to obtain some elements of H,n and int(Hn,). Then an analogue of Albert's theorem is given for M-matrices, and finally a generalization is given for matrices of class P.


Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare mesenchymal lesions that can recur repeatedly. When it is feasible, DTs are surgically resected; however, this often results in high recurrence rates. Recently, treatment with PF-03084014, a potent γ-secretase inhibitor, has been shown to have antitumor activity in several tumor types by affecting the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Consequently, Notch pathway inhibition by PF-03084014 might be a promising approach for DT treatment. The expression of Notch pathway components was analyzed in DT tissues and cell strains with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively. A panel of DT cell strains was exposed to PF-03084014 and evaluated for cell proliferation. Antitumor effects were assessed via cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration and invasion analysis. Cells treated with PF-03084014 were characterized with a gene array analysis combined with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The results showed that Notch pathway components were expressed at different levels in DTs. Hes1 (Hes Family BHLH Transcription Factor 1) was overexpressed in DT tumors versus dermal scar tissue, and PF-03084014 caused significant decreases in Notch intracellular domain and Hes1 expression in DT cell strains. PF-03084014 decreased DT cell migration and invasion and also caused cell growth inhibition in DT cell strains, most likely through cell cycle arrest. Gene array analysis combined with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein 2 possibly regulated Notch and WNT pathways after treatment with PF-03084014 through integrin. Our findings suggest that the Notch pathway is an important DT therapeutic target. Furthermore, PF-03084014 has significant antitumor activity against DTs, and it may be an alternative strategy for DT treatment. Citation Format: Danielle Braggio, Hui Shang, Ya-Jung Lee, Ghadah A. Al-Sannaa, Chad J. Creighton, Svetlana Bolshakov, Alexander JF Lazar, Dina Lev, Raphael E. Pollock. Targeting the notch pathway: A potential therapeutic approach for desmoid tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2286.


Effects of radio-frequency lesions or injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into far-lateral hypothalamus (FLH) and substantia nigra (SN) on feeding behavior and motor activity were studied in four groups of cats. Hypoactivity, aphagia and adipsia followed by gradual recovery of alimentary behavior were observed only after radio- frequency lesions of FLH (group I). 6-OHDA injections into FLH evoked only slight and transient disturbances in regulation of fluid intake (group II). Radio-frequency destructions of SN produced long-lasting drop in drinking (group III) while 6-OHDA injections into SN caused long- lasting fall in food consumption (group IV). In both groups with SN damages different pattern of alimentary behavior was accompanied by motor hyperactivity.


In the last decade, we have seen emerging research exploring the use of natural language processing (NLP) techniques for assisting in the identification of clinical conditions that affect language. One of these clinical conditions is language impairment, a disorder identified by delayed or disordered language patterns in an individual with normal intelligence with no neurological or other physiological conditions. In this article, we present a survey of this emerging line of research, which for the most part has focused on the task of discriminating the clinical from the non-clinical group by posing the task as an automated classification problem. The focus of this survey is on the types of features recent research has explored. We also discuss the many interesting open questions that this research has yet to explore.


ABSTRACT The present study investigates the use of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) instead of (NH4)2SO4 as a lixiviant in the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from clays. Experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of leaching conditions such as leaching time, lixiviant concentration and liquid:solid ratio on the leaching efficiency. The optimum leaching conditions, leading to 75.48% of total REE leaching efficiency, required a stirring speed of 500 rpm, a leaching time of 30 min, a lixiviant concentration of 3 wt.% and a liquid:solid ratio of 3:1. After extension of the leaching process by a second stage, the leaching efficiency may reach up to 96.19%, which is slightly higher than that obtained by (NH4)2SO4. Leaching varies from element to element, with Ce presenting the lowest leaching efficiency, and the partition in leaching solution is in agreement with that in raw ore other than for Ce. Based on these findings, MgSO4 lixiviant is an excellent alternative leaching agent for a sustainable REE industry because it reduces or eliminates NH4+–N pollution.


A special Working Group, to study and develop standars related to Building Restoration, Rehabilitation and Maintenance, was formed in January 2001 in AENOR (Spanish Association for Codes and Standars) under the management of the Department of Building Construction of the School of Architecture of Madrid (DCTA-UPM). Three groups were organized to deal with different topics: Diagnosis, Techiques and Materials, and Maintenance.
In this paper the differents topics in which the Diagnosis Subgroup is working are described: historical studies, constructive description of the building and building pathology. These will be basic to carry out a correct diagnosis of any type of building, whether it is historic or not. In the development of such topics, the recognizable architectural values are justified as they are prior to the diagnosis stage.
As an example of the subgroup work, several pathology cards are shown which include: longitudinal cracks of mechanical origin in beams of concrete structures, facade closings and claddings, and general symptoms of installation services.


PANIKA or PANKA as they are popularly called are the Dravidian people of Central India, spread over the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Ironically, they had been granted different caste status ranging from tribe to OBC in each of these states which has been proven non-beneficial to their advantage. This is however officially proposed that the Panika be recognized as a Scheduled Tribe  of Chhattisgarh and the proposal is under process by the central government. Panika tribal community is recognized as ST in the eight districts of Madhya Pradesh while in other districts, it is categorized as Other Backward Class (OBC).


This study examined the dual mediating effects of drinking motivation and drinking level between alcohol advertising, alcohol sale promotion marketing exposures, and alcohol-related harms. The survey has been conducted on 2,000 adult men and women aged 20 to 70 years, recruited by an online survey. As a result, it is found that alcohol advertising, alcohol sale promotion marketing exposures, drinking motivation, drinking level, alcohol-related harms appeared more in men than in women. In addition, alcohol advertising, alcohol sale promotion marketing exposures have positive effects on alcohol-related harms. Also, drinking motivation and drinking level partially mediate the effects of alcohol advertising, alcohol sale promotions marketing exposure, and alcohol-related harms. In order to prevent alcohol-related harms, a social environment that causes alcohol-related harms should be tightened regulations about alcohol advertising, alcohol sale promotion marketing exposures. Based on these results, this study discusses that needs the intervention not only personal perception but also social environment and regulations about alcohol advertising, alcohol sale promotion marketing. ■ keyword :∣Alcohol-related Harms∣Drinking∣Alcohol Advertising∣Alcohol Sale Promotion Marketing∣ Drinking Motivation∣Drinking Level∣ 접수일자 : 2021년 04월 08일 수정일자 : 2021년 05월 24일 심사완료일 : 2021년 06월 01일 교신저자 : 이희종, e-mail : email@example.com 한국콘텐츠학회논문지 '21 Vol. 21 No. 8 560


The quality of the direct airline services especially food delivery and waste collection services can affect the passenger's impression toward the airlines. This study mainly focuses on determine Malaysian passengers' characteristics in selecting flight services and identifying the perception of Malaysian passengers regarding in-flight food delivery service performance. The data was gathered through questionnaires from 405 Malaysian passengers from Malaysia's main international airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Software of IBM SPSS version 22 is used to analyze the collected data. This study contributes the knowledge on Malaysian passenger's opinion regarding in-flight food delivery service and explores the areas that need for improvement. The findings of this result could be considered for the airline companies which trying figure out a way to maintain and improve quality of in-flight food service.


ABSTRACT Introduction The paradigm of focal therapy's role in metastatic patients is being challenged by evolving attitudes and emerging data. At the current time, specifically regarding prostate cancer, does the evidence indicate this is more hype or hope? Areas covered We searched the literature via PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase for studies from 2014 to the present addressing focal therapy with non-palliative intent in metastatic prostate cancer patients, emphasizing prospective trials when available. We sought to address all common clinical scenarios: de novo synchronous diagnosis, oligorecurrence, oligoprogression, and mCRPC disease. Expert opinion Current evidence is strongest, and in our opinion practice-changing, for prostate-directed RT in de novo metastatic patients with low metastatic burden. Metastasis-directed therapy with SBRT is consistently shown to have low rates of toxicity, and promising rates of ADT-free survival and progression-free survival. These can be utilized on a patient-by-patient basis with these endpoints in mind, but do not yet show sufficient benefit to be standard of care. This is a rich area of ongoing research, and many trials should publish in the coming years to shed light on many unanswered questions, including the role of cytoreductive prostatectomy, systemic therapy combined with MDT, and the integration of modern PET imaging.


Purpose: This study attempted to test whether there are differences in the level and hemodynamic side effects (blood pressure, heart rate, O2 saturation), and nausea & vomiting of spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine according to position (supine, lateral, and prone positions) in orthopedic surgery patients who received podiatric surgery under spinal anesthesia. Methods: This study was conducted with 53 patients who had received orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia at I General Hospital. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 through repeated-measures ANOVA, post-hoc test, Chi-test, and Fisher's exact test. Results: The change of position after spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine caused a change in the level of spinal anesthesia (F=12.768, p<.001). However, no difference of blood pressure, heart rate, O2 saturation and nausea and vomiting caused by the change in anesthesia level was observed, and in prone position, drug was administered for the correction of side effects. Conclusion: As expected, recognizing that there can be a change in the level of spinal anesthesia after the change of position in surgical patients, nurse anesthetists should monitor their conditions carefully and continuously.


For the purposes of long-term use of tungsten divertor walls, the formation process of the fuzzy tungsten nanostructure induced by exposure to the helium plasma was studied. In the present paper, the fuzzy nanostructure's formation has been successfully reproduced by the new hybrid simulation method in which the deformation of the tungsten material due to pressure of the helium bubbles was simulated by the molecular dynamics and the diffusion of the helium atoms was simulated by the random walk based on the Monte Carlo method. By the simulation results, the surface height of the fuzzy nanostructure increased only when helium retention was under the steady state. It was proven that the growth of the fuzzy nanostructure was brought about by bursting of the helium bubbles. Moreover, we suggest the following key formation mechanisms of the fuzzy nanostructure: (1) lifting in which the surface lifted up by the helium bubble changes into a convexity, (2) bursting by which the region of the helium bubble changes into a concavity, and (3) the difference of the probability of helium retention by which the helium bubbles tend to appear under the concavity. Consequently, the convex-concave surface structure was enhanced and grew to create the fuzzy nanostructure.


Graphene oxide (GO)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites were prepared and thoroughly characterized. Through a convenient effective method, uniformly dispersed reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/PVA composites could be obtained by swelling the PVA matrix with a reductant solution. The electrical conductivity of the composite increases with increasing rGO content, while there is a sharp increase for the rGO content beyond 10 wt%. Such an increase was evidenced by the formation of an rGO network so as to diminish the electrical resistance by the interconnection structure of rGO. In our studies, the conductivity of the rGO/PVA film increases from 6.04 × 10−3 S m−1 to 5.92 S m−1 as the rGO content increases from 4 wt% to 14 wt%.


Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by vascular changes and progressive fibrosis of skin and various internal organs. A variety of circulating autoantibodies have been detected in SSc. Some of them are well-established tools strongly associated with SSc and useful for diagnosis and management of the disease (e.g. ANA, anti-centromere, anti-topoisomerase I, anti-RNA polymerase III – RNAP III). Other autoantibodies are less frequent and non-specific for SSc even if potentially useful to better assess clinical subsets and prognosis (e.g. anti-Th/To, anti-Ku, anti-PM/Scl). Objectives To investigate the prevalence of anti-Th/To, anti-Ku, anti-RNAP III and anti-PM/Scl antibodies as well as to study the associations between these antibodies and clinical features in Italian SSc patients. Methods Sera from 176 consecutive patients with SSc collected at two Italian sites were tested for anti-Th/To (anti-Rpp25 and anti-Rpp38), anti-Ku, anti-RNAP III, anti-PM/Scl, and anti-centromere antibodies (anti-CENP-A and B) using QUANTA Flash chemiluminescence immunoassays (CIAs) on the BIO-FLASH instrument (Inova Diagnostics, San Diego, USA). Additionally, ANA screening was performed using QUANTA Flash CTD Screen Plus which includes the most relevant nuclear/cytoplasmic antigens. The Italian cohort included: women 162 (92%), limited cutaneous (lc-SSc) subtype 137 (78%), patients with present or past history of digital ulcers 56 (32%), calcinosis 25 (14%), lung fibrosis 69 (39%), heart involvement 22 (12.5%), pulmonary arterial hypertension 11 (6%) and esophageal involvement 84 (48%). Results 152 (86.4%) patients were CTD Screen Plus positive, 8 (4.5%) anti-Th/To positive, 8 (4.5%) anti-Ku positive, 20 (11.4%) anti-RNAP III positive, 0 (0%) anti-PM/Scl positive, 70 (39.8%) anti-CENP-A positive, and 87 (49.3%) anti-CENP-B positive. Anti-CENP-A, anti-CENP-B and anti-Ku antibodies were significantly associated with the lc-SSc subtype (p<0.0001, p<0.0001 and p=0.0469, respectively). None of patients positive for anti-Ku antibodies displayed digital ulcers (p=0.0075). Anti-Th/To (Rpp25) antibodies were associated with the presence of calcinosis (p=0.0399) while anti-RNAP III antibodies with its absence (p=0.0353). All patients positive for anti-Th/To were positive for the Rpp25 component while only one of them was also positive for the Rpp38 component. Conclusions The present study points out the low prevalence of anti-RNAP III and highlights a lower prevalence of anti-Th/To in Italian SSc patients. Several known associations between autoantibodies as SSc subsets have been confirmed while others could not be verified in the study. This supports the potential utiliy of autoantibodies to stratify SSc into clinical subsets. Large international multi-center studies are required to define and validate rare autoantibodies such as anti-Th/To, anti-Ku and anti-PM/Scl antibodies. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Natural populations of Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) and Cs. morsitans (Theobald) were marked and released at three sites associated with the Toad Harbor-Big Bay Swamp eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus focus in central New York. Collections of Culiseta from surveillance sites within 12.8 km of the release sites were screened for marked specimens. A total of 172 marked specimens were recaptured. The majority of recaptured mosquitoes were collected at sites associated with the swamp complex, but some were collected at seven of the eight recapture sites, up to 9.8 km from a release site. The distances traveled by 103 recaptured individuals were used to calculate the mean distance traveled and flight ranges for sexes and cohorts of both species. The mean distance traveled for females that were marked and released from resting shelters was 4 km for Cs. melanura and 5 km for Cs. morsitans. The mean distance traveled for females marked and released from a CDC + CO2 light trap was 9 km and 8 km for Cs. melanura and Cs. morsitans, respectively. The flight ranges of these species overlap the EEE epizoötic zone, and the results of these studies support the hypothesis that these species are involved in the transfer of EEE virus from swamp to upland habitats.


Because of widespread screening for breast cancer, noninvasive (in-situ) cancer of the breast is diagnosed with increasing frequency. The two variants--lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)--can be cured with conservation of the breast. The diagnosis of LCIS indicates a high risk for future development of invasive carcinoma in either breast. Bilateral total mastectomy, with reconstruction if desired, is the only method of eliminating this risk, but local excision alone with close observation is acceptable. For DCIS, total mastectomy, with or without low axillary lymph-node dissection, offers near-complete cure. For selected cases, wide local excision, with or without dissection of the low axillary nodes, followed by breast irradiation provides survival rates comparable to those for mastectomy and a low risk of recurrence in the breast. Studies are in progress to determine if breast irradiation after local excision is necessary in all instances.


Closed-form steady-state performance analysis of the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) at the output of well-known adaptive implementations of the linear minimum mean-square error (MSE) receiver for direct-sequence code-division multiple access show that nondata-aided (NDA) schemes may suffer from a considerable performance degradation with respect to their data-aided counterparts. Motivated by this fact, we propose a new two-stage NDA scheme where symbol-by-symbol predecisions at the output of a first adaptive stage are used to train a second stage. We derive closed-form steady-state performance analysis for both the two-stage and classical decision-directed schemes, taking into account detection errors in decision-directed adaptation. Our analysis shows that the SINR of the two-stage algorithm is close to optimal over a large range of values, while the SINR of the decision-directed scheme is far from optimal when the optimal SINR is small. Finally, we consider the case of time-varying fading channels. We derive modified recursive least square and least mean square adaptation schemes by considering SINR maximization rather than MSE minimization (that is useless under the assumption of zero-mean random channels). The resulting two-stage receiver shows good tracking properties in heavy near-far conditions (at least for moderate normalized Doppler bandwidth), while the decision-directed receiver may easily loose tracking after deep fades.