This article presents some enunciation theory ideas integrated with journalism studies to propose an enhanced model for discourse analysis of news. It recommends distinguishing the subjects of the enunciation from the subjects of the statements (énoncé) in order to identify journalists and sources' voices in the news discourse. This approach considers journalistic objectivity as a newsmaking ritual that gives clues of the process by which a statement become news. Considering the polyphony inherent to news, this concept applied to discourse analysis could explain how newspapers with different orientation, ideologically and commercially speaking, offer the same coverage.


Background: Aural hematomas are not uncommon in ruminants' clinical practice; however, there is a lack of information regarding their management in newborn ruminants, especially for complicated cases with rupture of the hematoma and secondary ear pinna necrosis. Case Description: A 3-day-old orphan goat kid was admitted due to swelling on the left ear pinna and trauma on the right pina caused by biting by other goats. The swelling on the left ear which was located at the convex surface was soft, painless, and fluid-filled, suggestive of aural hematoma located at the convex surface. The right pinna was swollen, bleeding, and extremely painful at palpation. The skin was necrotized at the distal 2/3rd of the convex surface and the 1/2 of the concave surface. Underneath the necrotized skin of the convex surface, blood, and blood clots were trapped, and there was a pocket between the remaining normal skin and the cartilage indicating possible rupture of aural hematoma. The kid was surgically treated under general anesthesia with xylazine and ketamine. The aural hematoma was drained by the convex surface using a Penrose tube after flushing the cavity with 2 mg dexamethasone. The trauma of the right pinna was left to heal by secondary intention after resection of all necrotized, edematous tissues, and blood clots. Post-surgery, the animal was treated with parenteral antibiotic administration and daily application of a topical antiseptic solution. The Penrose tube was removed after 5 days, and the animal recovered uneventfully. Conclusions: The present case indicates that aural hematoma can occur in newborn goat kids secondary to ear pinna biting and might evolve to pinna necrosis. In addition, tube drainage after flushing the cavity with corticosteroids appears to be an effective treatment approach without requiring bandaging post-operatively.


By injecting faults, active physical attacks pose serious threats to cryptographic hardware where Concurrent Error Detection (CED) schemes are promising countermeasures. They are usually based on an Error-Detecting Code (EDC) which enables detecting certain injected faults depending on the specification of the underlying code. Here, we propose a methodology to enable correct, practical, and robust implementation of code-based CEDs. We show that straightforward hardware implementations of given code-based CEDs can suffer from severe vulnerabilities, not providing the desired protection level. In particular, propagation of faults into combinatorial logic is often ignored in security evaluation of these schemes. First, we formally define this detrimental effect and demonstrate its destructive impact. Second, we introduce an implementation strategy to limit the fault propagation effect. Third, in contrast to many other works where the fault coverage is the main focus, we present a detailed implementation strategy which can guarantee the detection of any fault covered by the underlying EDC. This holds for any time of the computation and any location in the circuit, both in data processing and control unit. In short, we provide practical guidelines how to construct efficient CED schemes with arbitrary EDCs to achieve the desired protection level. We practically evaluate the efficiency of our methodology by case studies covering different symmetric block ciphers and various linear EDCs.


[Carboxy-14C]-3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid (AHBA) has been shown to be incorporated by Streptomyces spectabilis to the extent of greater than 0.1% (35: 1 dilution) in the ansamycin antibiotic streptovaricin C, the major component of the streptovaricin complex. When [carboxy-13C]AHBA was similarly administered, C-21 (quinone methide carbonyl at 188.3 ppm) of streptovaricin C was specifically labeled (at twenty one times natural abundance). In preparation for the 13C incorporation study the 13C NMR spectrum of streptovaricin C was investigated, making extensive use of short- and long-range HETCOR. These assignments revise some of those proposed earlier for streptovaricin C.


Forty-three patients with open-angle glaucoma were treated locally with 0.5% Timolol. The drop in intraocular pressure on the day following commencement of Timolol therapy was remarkable. However, 14 patients, ten of whom had responded insufficiently to other glaucoma drugs, developed tachyphylaxis either two or three days after being put on Timolol therapy; in some cases tachyphylaxis was observed in follow-up examinations two months later. Intraocular pressure in these eyes was in some cases even higher than it had been prior to treatment with Timolol.


Background The Right Size Roadmap was developed by the Association of Public Health Laboratories and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve influenza virologic surveillance efficiency. Guidelines were provided to state health departments regarding representativeness and statistical estimates of specimen numbers needed for seasonal influenza situational awareness, rare or novel influenza virus detection, and rare or novel influenza virus investigation. Objective The aim of this study was to compare Roadmap sampling recommendations with Idaho's influenza virologic surveillance to determine implementation feasibility. Methods We calculated the proportion of medically attended influenza-like illness (MA-ILI) from Idaho's influenza-like illness surveillance among outpatients during October 2008 to May 2014, applied data to Roadmap-provided sample size calculators, and compared calculations with actual numbers of specimens tested for influenza by the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories (IBL). We assessed representativeness among patients' tested specimens to census estimates by age, sex, and health district residence. Results Among outpatients surveilled, Idaho's mean annual proportion of MA-ILI was 2.30% (20,834/905,818) during a 5-year period. Thus, according to Roadmap recommendations, Idaho needs to collect 128 specimens from MA-ILI patients/week for situational awareness, 1496 influenza-positive specimens/week for detection of a rare or novel influenza virus at 0.2% prevalence, and after detection, 478 specimens/week to confirm true prevalence is ≤2% of influenza-positive samples. The mean number of respiratory specimens Idaho tested for influenza/week, excluding the 2009-2010 influenza season, ranged from 6 to 24. Various influenza virus types and subtypes were collected and specimen submission sources were representative in terms of geographic distribution, patient age range and sex, and disease severity. Conclusions Insufficient numbers of respiratory specimens are submitted to IBL for influenza laboratory testing. Increased specimen submission would facilitate meeting Roadmap sample size recommendations.


In this paper, wafer-to-wafer AuSi eutectic bonding was investigated and evaluated with various sets of experimental parameters. Single crystalline Si and amorphous Si were bonded with different dimension Au layers and observed by optical measurements. Material composition, adhesion layer, electrical insulation, bonding parameters, and surface pre-treatments were discussed and have improved bonding performance. Bond strength determined by micro-chevron-test and shear test was evaluated as well as hermeticity. High bond yield was achieved with 4 inch and 6 inch wafer stacks.


The trial was aimed at studying the effects of the modulator of bone metabolism - strontium ranelate on the parameters of cardiovascular remodeling in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP) and arterial hypertension (AH). This effect includes the results of study of strontium ranelate in 48 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis AH 1-2 degrees and moderate or high cardiovascular risk. During 36 weeks 25 patients, in addition to antihypertensive therapy and calcium supplementation received strontium ranelate (Bivalos) 2 g / day. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The effect of strontium ranelate treatment on the thickness of the intima-media of the carotid artery (IMT) by the method of duplex scanning on structural and functional parameters of the heart by echocardiography also evaluated. Adding of strontium ranelate to the antihypertensive treatment and calcium supplementation in women with postmenopausal OP and AH has a positive effect on central hemodynamics, cardiovascular remodeling and diastolic filling.


Our understanding of the immune system emerged from the study of disease processes and the communication networks used by various cell types to respond to pathogens. As with many aspects of physiology, this initial view was colored by the techniques available at the time. With technical advances beginning in the 1990, research in sepsis and obesity began to identify critical interactions between the immune system and metabolism. Our current understanding of these interactions is informed by two active but largely distinct research communities. Many in the field of immunology are utilizing cellular metabolism tools to understand mitochondrial function and fuel use in response to activation of innate and adaptive immune cells, especially as these relate to cancer. From another vantage point, many metabolic physiologists are now seeking to understand the importance of tissue-resident immune cells and immune signaling molecules in metabolic homeostasis and pathologies. Beyond human health implications of recent findings, a number of immunometabolism insights have informed our understanding of livestock health. In inflammatory events, phagocytic cells are activated, and the dramatic increase in oxidative metabolism is driven primarily by glucose use. Metabolism of healthy animals is also influenced by secretions from immune cells. Studies in mice indicate that appropriate host/microbe interactions (balancing protection and tolerance) are mediated by a network of immune cell types in the gut, which is critical to both absorptive and barrier functions of the gut. Adipose tissue immune cells regulate lipolytic rate, insulin sensitivity, and perhaps whole-body inflammatory tone. Local immune cell impacts on metabolism of other organs, including the liver and pancreas, are also emerging. Immunity and metabolism are tightly interwoven, and the evolving understanding of these links may enable nutritional or pharmacological strategies to enhance resilience to disease and alter nutrient partitioning in livestock.


Introduction: In the present report, we studied the responses of a dwarf form of the unicellular organism, Stentor coeruleus, at the life/ death interphase. Methods: Uncovered deep well slides were filled with culture media containing the large forms of Stentor coeruleus. On evaporation of the culture medium, the cell membrane of these larger forms disrupted. When rehydrated 24 hours later the micronuclei previously released from the dying cells showed the formation of numerous, mobile dwarf cells. Chlorinated tap water added to the medium was used to induce cell death. Results: The initial indication of the dying dwarf cell is "blebbing," a signature of programmed cell death known as apoptosis. Within 8-12min, the stationary dwarf cell progressively released a morphological replicate of the dead cell before the replicate faded into the ambient environment. In other experiments, just prior to fading, the slide was exposed to a magnetic field (75 milligaus) which caused a retraction of the replicate back into the dwarf cell. Subsequently, the cells resumed their previously mobile activity. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that a phenomenon analogous to the characteristics ascribed to the soul in the metaphysical literature can be demonstrated in the laboratory. We suggest that the responses shown by this unicellular organism at the life/death interphase may be conserved across the evolutionary spectrum.


A common approach for testing fairness issues in text-based classifiers is through the use of counterfactuals: does the classifier output change if a sensitive attribute in the input is changed? Existing counterfactual generation methods typically rely on wordlists or templates, producing simple counterfactuals that fail to take into account grammar, context, or subtle sensitive attribute references, and could miss issues that the wordlist creators had not considered. In this paper, we introduce a task for generating counterfactuals that overcomes these shortcomings, and demonstrate how large language models (LLMs) can be leveraged to accomplish this task. We show that this LLM-based method can produce complex counterfactuals that existing methods cannot, comparing the performance of various counterfactual generation methods on the Civil Comments dataset and showing their value in evaluating a toxicity classifier.


Gerzilov, V., Bochukov, A., Petrov, P. & Penchev, G. (2020). Morphological and histological characteristics of goose fatty liver. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 26 (6), 1305–1308 A study related to the qualification of 399 samples fattened liver of geese was conducted. Marketable fatty liver of grade A constitutes 70.17% with an average weight of 585.0±7.4 g, and grade B – 16.04% with 527.3±9.3 g. The non-marketable liver of grade C (less than 400 g – not considered for foie gras) and unfattened liver make up respectively – 11.03% and 2.76%. Histology observation of livers of qualities A and B showed that the cytoplasm of all hepatocytes contained many fatty droplets in different size which fill the entire cell. The cell plasmalemma in livers with grade A was intact, despite intense fatty infiltration, while in grade B in some cases, integrity was compromised.


On behalf of the editorial members, I am very pleased and honored to announce that Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research (AAIR) will be published bimonthly as of January, 2012. AAIR has been published quarterly since its first issue in October, 2009, under the auspices of the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease. The previous 9 issues of AAIR contained 97 articles, including timely clinical, basic science, and experimental research papers, and instructive case reports. As of October 2011, we have published 8 editorials, 32 reviews, 38 original articles, 17 case reports, and 2 brief communications. More than 30 world-famous scholars and 50 domestic professors and researchers have contributed excellent articles and distinguished papers to AAIR. More than 100 reviewers have willingly acted as their critics, reviewing each article from the title to the end of the document. All of the members of the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease would like to express our special appreciation to the authors for their outstanding contributions to AAIR. As a result, AAIR was accepted for indexing in "Web of Science", the largest, most comprehensive citation index available in 2011, making it the first Allergy and Asthma Journal in the Asia-Pacific region to be included. This reflects our goal of providing the most relevant and influential allergy, asthma, and immunology content to our community. After our entry into the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), increasing numbers of manuscripts have been submitted to AAIR. This prompted us to increase the speed of our review system and the frequency of issues published.

We are keen to develop AAIR as a leading journal for clinical and basic research on asthma, allergy, and clinical immunology. To enhance its academic quality, we have invited world-class professors and researchers to join the AAIR Advisory and Editorial Boards. As the Editor-in-Chief, I heartily thank them for their continuing input to AAIR. On behalf of all of the Editors, I look forward to further excellent support and assistance from members of the Korean Academies. All of our members must strive to improve the quality and quantity of AAIR by submitting their clinical and research studies. We also ask our members to cite those articles already published in AAIR. Finally, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the associate editors for their efforts and final decisions regarding publication of the manuscripts and our loyal, hard-working Editorial Office staff.


Low back pain (LBP) is a very common problem in primary care and a major cause of disability. There is no evidence for the efficacy of therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound in LBP In a randomized, single blind placebo controlled clinical trial, we aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous ultrasound (US) in patients with non specific LBP Of the fifty eight patients recruited, 10 patients (8 women and 2 men) randomly allocated to ultrasound (n=5) or placebo controlled (n=5) groups. The patients were treated by either US or sham-US for ten sessions, three days per week, every other day. The outcome measures were Functional Rating Index (FRI), Hmax/Mmax ratio and range of motion (ROM), which were measured at baseline, after 5 treatment sessions and at the end of treatment. To analyze the data, The Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used. After treatment, both US and placebo groups showed statistically significant decrease in FRI scores indicating improvement in functional ability (p = 0.042 and p = 0.043, respectively). The mean changes of FRI during the second five treatment sessions and after the end of treatment was significantly better in the US group than in the placebo group (p = 0.016 and p = 0.032, respectively). Before and after treatment, the mean H reflex latency and Hmax/Mmax ratio, right and left side were similar in the groups (p > 0.05), and no significant changes were observed in the treatment groups (p > 0.05). After treatment, the extension and lateral flexion range of motion significantly increased in the US group (p = 0.04), but the back movements in the placebo group did not show significant changes (p > 0.05). The present study supports the significant effect of US on LBP, and suggests that US may improve the functional ability of patients with non specific low back pain.


Deliberative democratic theorists typically use accounts of public reason— that is, constraints on the types of reasons one can invoke in public, political discourse—as a tool to resist political exclusion; at its most basic level, the aim of a theory of public reason is to prevent situations in which powerful majority groups are able to justify policy choices based on reasons that are not even assessable by minority groups. However, I demonstrate here that a type of exclusion I call "conceptual exclusion" complicates this picture. I argue that the possibility of conceptual exclusion creates the potential for public reason constraints to further exclude already marginalized groups— contrary to the standard view—and thus that taking conceptual exclusion seriously requires both a revision of traditional accounts of public reason and a reconceptualization of our civic obligations.


This paper outlines some of the social and economic constraints which, particularly in developing countries, tend to slow down or even block the introduction of advances in irrigation and allied techniques which can do so much to increase efficiency and raise productivity. The nature of the constraints, chiefly affecting the achievement of the higher levels of productivity made possible by irrigation, are discussed in relation to system management and farmer motivation and incentives. The need to overcome these constraints is plain, because the scope for increased production through irrigation is so great and so necessary. Because governments and financing agencies tend to favour them, for reasons ranging from prestige to relative ease of appraisal and financing, irrigation schemes in developing countries are often large-scale projects and tend to be composed mainly of small mixed-crop farms. This combination too often generates constraints which limit, in practice, potential productivity. For the small farmer, the key constraint is seen as basic security: the removal or reduction of this constraint involves both more efficient and responsive system management and sensible economic and social policies on such issues as pricing, land tenure and credit. If the small farmer feels secure, he may readily respond to new techniques and inputs provided he is made aware of them and their potential benefits to him. The necessary information and advice is often poor or lacking. While conventional extension services obviously have a role to play, they are frequently weak and inadequately backed by research. It is suggested that, to improve the situation, advisory services provided by credit organizations should be more widely developed; private sector involvement right across the development spectrum should be strongly stimulated; and more flexible policies should be pursued in relation to size of farm unit, so that at least a proportion of larger farms or commercial estates are included in projects, the latter possibly with formal or informal linkages to neighbouring small farmers.


The phase shifting transformers with on load tap changer are increasingly found in modern power supply systems, especially under the present conditions of the full opening of the electricity market. The construction of the Æerjavinec TS 400/220/110 kV for the fi rst time introduces into the Croatian transmission system a 400/220/(10,5) kV 400 MVA phase shifting network transformer with on load tap changer. The present article highlights some specifi c aspects of phase shifting transformers in the light of their application in the Croatian system. For a more effi cient use of the advantages of phase shifting transformers, the transformer of this type at Æerjavinec would need to be provided with a complementary transformer (pair), either within the Croatian transmission network or within the neighbouring systems.


This paper discusses the design, fabrication and testing of a novel thermoelectric device comprised of arrays of silicon nanowires embedded in a polymer matrix. By exploiting the low-thermal conductivity of the composite and presumably high-power factor of the nanowires, a thermoelectric figure of merit, higher than the corresponding bulk value, should result. Arrays were first synthesized using a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process leading to one-dimensional (1-D) growth of single-crystalline nanowires. To provide structural support while maintaining thermal isolation between nanowires, parylene, a low thermal conductivity and extremely conformal polymer, was embedded within the arrays. Mechanical polishing and oxygen plasma etching techniques were used to expose the nanowire tips and a metal contact was deposited on the top surface. Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) illustrate the results of the fabrication processes. Using a modification of the 3/spl omega/ technique, the effective thermal conductivity of the nanowire matrix was measured and 1 V characteristics were also demonstrated. An assessment of the suitability of this nanocomposite for high thermoelectric performance devices is given.


Childhood and Schooling: entrance of children in elementary school. Grounded on an ethnographic research approach in education, based on participant observation, video recordings, and interviews, we followed a group of six-year-old children in their process of integration into Elementary School. In our study, we sought to characterize aspects of the beginning of this process considering the school culture as something in constant motion, populated by clashes and contradictions, and in close relation with the construction of peer culture. We highlight some essential aspects that characterized the entrance of these children in Elementary School: the routine daily written in the blackboard, the concern with the children's physical well-being, the care with school artifacts, the teacher's low voice tone, the conversation circle, and the practice of children helping one another.


In this paper we present a transcription method for polyphonic music. The short time Fourier transform is used first to decompose an acoustic signal into sonic partials in a time-frequency representation. In general the segmented partials exhibit distinguishable features if they originate from different "voices" in the polyphonic mix. We define feature vectors and utilize a max-margin classification algorithm to produce classification labels to serve as grouping cues, i.e., to decide which partials should be assigned to each voice. These classification labels are then used in statistical optimal grouping decisions and confidence levels are assigned to each decision. This classification algorithm shows promising results for the musical source separation.


Viral agents such as bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3) are considered primary infectious agents in bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). Information regarding the pathogenesis of BRDC is scarce, especially at an advanced chronicity stage, in addition to ongoing coinfection with other primary agents such as Mycoplasma bovis. Based on a retrospective review of histology slides from 104 autopsy cases, we classified cases according to type of pneumonia and chronicity. We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for BRSV, BPIV-3, and M. bovis as well as real-time PCR (rtPCR) for M. bovis on lung tissue of all 104 cases and correlated results with the morphologic type of pneumonia. Histomorphologically, 79 cases were classified as bronchopneumonia, 16 as bronchointerstitial pneumonia, and 9 as interstitial pneumonia. In 89 cases, at least 1 of the investigated agents was detected by IHC; 44 of these cases had a coinfection. BPIV-3 was the predominant agent present, as a single infection in 39 cases, and in coinfection with M. bovis in 39 cases. Comparing the detection methods for M. bovis, rtPCR was more specific and sensitive than IHC. The combination of both methods provided a good visual tool for assessing severity and distribution of M. bovis antigen within the tissue. Unlike BRSV, BPIV-3 and M. bovis persisted in chronic BRDC, suggesting ongoing impairment of defense mechanisms in the lung.


Background Gonorrhea may infect the urethra, rectum, and oropharynx in men. It may only be acquired when there is contact between infected and uninfected anatomical sites. Seven plausible routes of MSM transmission have been proposed: urethra-to-rectum, rectum-to-urethra, urethra-to-oropharynx, rectum-to-oropharynx, oropharynx-to-urethra, oropharynx-to-rectum, and oropharynx-to-oropharynx. We characterize the uncertainty and potential importance of transmission from each anatomical site using a deterministic compartmental mathematical model. Methods We developed a model of site-specific gonococcal infection, where individuals are infected at zero, one, two, or all three sites. Sexual behavior and infection duration parameters were fixed similar to recent analyses. Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods were used to sample the posterior distribution of transmission probabilities that were consistent with site-specific prevalence in American MSM populations under specific scenarios. Scenarios were defined by whether transmission routes may or may not transmit by constraining specific transmission probabilities to zero rather than fitting them. Results Transmission contributions from each site have greater uncertainty when more routes may transmit, when all routes may transmit, the oropharynx can contribute 0–100% of all transmissions. In contrast, when only anal or oral sex may transmit, transmission from the oropharynx can account for only 0–25% of transmission. Intervention effectiveness against transmission from each site also has greater uncertainty when more routes may transmit. Conclusion Multiple routes of transmission leads to great uncertainty. Even under ideal conditions (i.e., when site-specific gonococcal prevalence, relative rates of specific sex acts, and duration of infection at each anatomical site are known and do not vary), the relative importance of different anatomical sites for gonococcal transmission cannot be inferred with precision. This result is generalizable to any other infection where multi-site infection leads to multiple routes of transmission. Additional data informing per act transmissibility are needed to understand site-specific gonococcal infection transmission. This understanding is essential for predicting population-specific intervention effectiveness. Disclosure No significant relationships.


Two common approaches to sequential decision-making are AI planning (AIP) and reinforcement learning (RL). Each has strengths and weaknesses. AIP is interpretable, easy to integrate with symbolic knowledge, and often efficient, but requires an up-front logical domain specification and is sensitive to noise; RL only requires specification of rewards and is robust to noise but is sample inefficient and not easily supplied with external knowledge. We propose an integrative approach that combines high-level planning with RL, retaining interpretability, transfer, and efficiency, while allowing for robust learning of the lower-level plan actions. Our approach defines options in hierarchical reinforcement learning (HRL) from AIP operators by establishing a correspondence between the state transition model of AI planning problem and the abstract state transition system of a Markov Decision Process (MDP). Options are learned by adding intrinsic rewards to encourage consistency between the MDP and AIP transition models. We demonstrate the benefit of our integrated approach by comparing the performance of RL and HRL algorithms in both MiniGrid and N-rooms environments, showing the advantage of our method over the existing ones.


Introduction: It remains unclear what percentage of abstracts proceed to manuscript publication and the characteristics that predict successful publication. This study aimed to determine factors associated with successful peer-reviewed publications following oral presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting.
 Methods: All oral abstract presentations (n=621) in the hematological malignancy category from 2016 ASH annual meeting were included in the study. Abstract publication was confirmed by searching for the publicly listed abstract on PubMed by title, first, and last author names, and institutional matching. We recorded time to online publication, US versus foreign journal publication, and journal impact factor by 3.5 years from 2016 ASH annual meeting. Abstracts characteristics that were analyzed also included number of authors, gender of first author, gender of last author, and single vs multi-institution studies. Gender of the first and last author was confirmed by looking at their biography details on their institutional website. Descriptive analysis was performed and an association between presenter's or last author's gender and publication matrix was analyzed using Chi-square tests.
 Results: Of the 621 abstracts, 350 (56%) were published in full text by three and a half years since the 2016 ASH annual meeting. The abstracts' average time to journal publication was 17.46 months (SD +/- 11.32) (Table 1). Of the published articles, 64% (223/350) were published in U.S. journals; mean impact factor for all publications was 14.46 (SD+/- 11.47).The median number of authors for published and unpublished abstracts were similar. Females presented 37% (228/621) of the abstracts and 35% (123/350) of the journal publications had female first author and 22% (77/350) had female last author. A total of 53.9% (123/228) abstracts presented by a female author were published versus 57.7% (227/393) abstracts presented by a male author (p=<0.001). Males were more often involved in multi-institutional trials (p=0.045) and were more likely to have senior authorship (p=0.005). There was no correlation between the gender of the first author to journal impact factor (p=0.109) or time to publication (p=0.091).
 Conclusion: More than half of the oral abstracts were successfully published regardless of gender and number of authors. The rate of successful publication is higher for male authors even though there was no correlation between the gender of the first author to journal impact factor or time to publication. Our study highlights gender disparity in senior authorship, however this difference is not as wide in first authorship.

 Jamshed: Takeda, Amgen and Celgene: Honoraria.


A major concern relating to the transmission of satellite has been the linearity of available high power amplifier (HPA). Travelling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) offer the greatest efficient and power capacity, but are some limited in linearity. The paper discuss the development a synthetic instrument with most advance DSP, FPGA and very fast DAC - A/D to generate, capture and calculation for BER, EVM as stated in L.H. Tran et al. (2003).The system can configurable to calculate nonlinear pre-distortion neural network's weights for RF power amplifier.


This paper presents a high power factor electronic ballast, based on a single power processing stage, with constant DC link voltage. The switching frequency is controlled to maintain constant the DC link voltage and the voltage across the switches, independently of changes in the AC input voltage. This control method assures zero voltage switching for the specified AC input voltage range. Besides, with an appropriate design of the fluorescent lamps drive circuit, the lamps current can be kept close to the rated value. The power factor correction stage is formed by a boost converter operating in discontinuous conduction mode, which naturally provides high power factor to the utility line. The fluorescent lamps are driven by an unmodulated sine wave current generated from a LC parallel resonant converter, which operates above the resonant frequency to perform zero voltage switching. Theoretical analysis and experimental results are presented for two series connected 40 W fluorescent lamps operating from 127 V/spl plusmn/10%, 60 Hz utility line. The switching frequency is changed from 25 kHz to 45 kHz to maintain the DC link voltage regulated at 410 V. The experimental results confirm the high efficiency and the high power factor of this electronic ballast.


Introduction The near infrared (IRA, 780–1.400 nm) represents a primary component of the solar spectrum, accounting for about 30% of the total solar energy reaching the soil. IRA is highly penetrating, being able to reach the subcutaneous tissues. Moreover, significant amounts of IRA may reach retinal tissue. Outdoor workers are occupationally exposed to solar radiation. However, until now the attention was primarily focused on the acute and long-term adverse effects (especially skin cancer) involving both skin and eyes due to UVB and UVA bands. Methods A literature search was conducted to assess the current knowledge about the biological effects of IRA, analysing implications in terms of occurrence of long term adverse effects in people working outdoor. Results Experimental studies show that IRA may affect gene expression profile and the redox balance of the cell, especially fibroblasts, causing a direct or an indirect increase in ROS production, primarily interfering with mitochondrial activity. Until now there is no epidemiological evidence regarding long-term adverse effects due to solar IRA, by alone or in combination with other bands of solar radiation. Discussion The available data suggest that IRA may have biological effects regardless of the potential temperature increase of tissues. Moreover, a synergistic action between IRA, visible radiation, UVB or UVA, may not be excluded, for instance regarding ROS production, modulation of cell signalling, induction of mutations and/or epigenetic changes, especially for prolonged and repeated exposures of skin and eye tissues. Waiting for new experimental and epidemiological data (including those obtained applying 'omics' technologies) protection of workers exposed to solar radiation should ideally include the shielding of IRA (although effective sunscreens are not yet available in this regard), while health surveillance should not ignore the possibility of synergistic effects. Finally, preventive pathways have to include, among others, education to healthy lifestyles.


In this study, we report results of the interaction of titanium (Ti) with human synovial fluids. A wide palette of electrochemical techniques was used, including open circuit potential, potentiodynamic methods, and electrochemical impedance. After the electrochemical testing, selected surfaces were analyzed using Auger Electron Spectroscopy to provide laterally resolved information on surface chemistry. For comparison purposes, similar tests were conducted in a series of simulated body fluids. This study shows that compared to the tested simulated body fluids, synovial liquids show a large patient variability up to one order of magnitude for some crucial electrochemical parameters such as corrosion current density. The electrochemical behavior of Ti exposed to human synovial fluids seems to be controlled by the interaction with organic molecules rather than with reactive oxygen species.


The ecological and economical importance of African grasses in sustaining animal production prompted studies to quantify the wealth of grass genetic resources indigenous to southern Africa. Plant collection and occurrence data were extracted from two southern African datasets, BODATSA and PHYTOBAS, and analysed to establish biogeographical patterns in the grass flora indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. A total of 1 648 quarter degree grid cells, representing 674 grass species, were used in an agglomerative hierarchical clustering to determine biogeographical units being referred to as grasschoria. Six distinct groups formed, mainly following existing biome vegetation units, termed the Grassland, Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, Fynbos, Savanna, Central Arid Region and Succulent Karoo grasschoria. The description focuses on associated phytochoria, floristic links, key species, climate and soil properties. The main gradient distinguishing grasschoria was a rainfall-temperature gradient. The collection, conservation and breeding of pasture grass species adapted to especially arid and semi-arid environments, could be managed more efficiently by using these results, but also calling on the need to describe and label infraspecific genetic variants, including ecotypes.


The invention discloses a preparation method of intermediate of rivaroxaban of formula 6, which comprises the following steps of: carrying out reaction of removing benzyl protecting group of amino to the compound 5 in a solvent. The invention also discloses a preparation method of rivaroxaban and an intermediate compound thereof. The preparation method disclosed by the invention has the advantages of shorter process, lower cost, easily acquired material and high production rate, and the prepared product is suitable for industrial production.


Thioredoxin (TRX) is a cellular reducing catalyst induced by oxidative stress and is involved in the redox regulation of transcription factors such as NF-kappaB. We found that the serum TRX concentration was elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as compared with values from healthy individuals and patients with osteoarthritis (33.6 +/- 35.1 vs 11.8 +/- 6.6 ng/ml, p < 0.01). Moreover, the TRX concentration in the synovial fluid (SF) was much more elevated in RA patients than in osteoarthritis patients (103.4 +/- 53.3 vs 24.6 +/- 17.4 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the serum C-reactive protein value was better correlated with the linear combination of SF TNF-alpha and SF TRX values than with SF TNF-alpha alone, suggesting that TRX might play a subsidiary role in the rheumatoid inflammation. We thus examined the effect of TRX on the TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production using rheumatoid synovial fibroblast cultures. The extents of IL-6 and IL-8 production in response to TNF-alpha were greatly augmented by TRX as compared with TNF-alpha alone. TRX alone did not have such effects. We also found that TRX appeared to accelerate the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, a major transcriptional regulator for production of IL-6 and IL-8 on stimulation with TNF-alpha. Consistent with these findings, the IkappaBalpha phosphorylation at Ser32 and its subsequent degradation in response to TNF-alpha was facilitated by TRX. These findings indicate that the elevated TRX concentration in SF of RA patients might be involved in the aggravation of rheumatoid inflammation by augmenting the NF-kappaB activation pathway.


Objectives • Research, develop and demonstrate Ion Transport Membrane (ITM) Syngas ceramic membrane reactor system for the low-cost conversion of natural gas to hydrogen and synthesis gas • Scale-up the ITM Syngas reactor technology through three levels of pilot-scale testing and precommercial demonstration • Obtain the technical, engineering, operating and economic data necessary for the final step to full commercialization of the ITM Syngas technology


Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are a diverse family of autoantibodies reactive against negatively charged phospholipid-protein complexes. The clinically significant members include lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and reaginic antibodies causing biological false positive (BFP) venereal disease laboratory test (VDRL). Although detected in various clinical scenarios, unexplained fetal loss in women of reproductive age group is the commonest association. Fifty pregnant women of first and second trimester with a history of two or more unexplained pregnancy losses were studied for the presence of LA, aCL and reaginic antibodies. Thirty pregnant women of the same trimester without any history of fetal loss were taken as control. LA was detected in nine (18%) cases and aCL in 12 (24%) cases of the study group. The control group was negative for any autoantibody. The prevalence of aPL in the study group found to be statistically significant. Detection of aPL must be considered in women with previous pregnancies complicated by unexplained fetal wastage.


The evolving fifth generation (5G) cellular wireless networks are envisioned to overcome the fundamental challenges of existing cellular networks, for example, higher data rates, excellent end-to-end performance, and user-coverage in hot-spots and crowded areas with lower latency, energy consumption, and cost per information transfer. To address these challenges, 5G systems will adopt a multi-tier architecture consisting of macrocells, different types of licensed small cells, relays, and device-to-device (D2D) networks to serve users with different quality-of-service (QoS) requirements in a spectrum and energy-efficient manner. Starting with the visions and requirements of 5G multi-tier networks, this article outlines the challenges of interference management (e.g. power control, cell association) in these networks with shared spectrum access (i.e. when the different network tiers share the same licensed spectrum). It is argued that the existing interference management schemes will not be able to address the interference management problem in prioritized 5G multi-tier networks where users in different tiers have different priorities for channel access. In this context a survey and qualitative comparison of the existing cell association and power control schemes is provided to demonstrate their limitations for interference management in 5G networks. Open challenges are highlighted and guidelines are provided to modify the existing schemes in order to overcome these limitations and make them suitable for the emerging 5G systems.


Being complicated in computation, iteration of a nonlinear 1-dimensional mapping makes many interesting problems, one of which is about the change of the number of vertices under iteration. In this paper we investigate iteration of polygonal functions which each have only one vertex and give conditions under which the number of vertices either does not increase or has a bound under iteration.


Peatlands only cover a small fraction of the global land surface (∼3%) but store large amounts of carbon (∼600 GtC). Drainage of peatlands for agriculture results in the decomposition of organic matter, leading to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a result, degraded peatlands are currently responsible for 2%–3% of global anthropogenic emissions. Preventing further degradation of peatlands and restoration (i.e. rewetting) are therefore important for climate change mitigation. In this study, we show that land-use change in three SSP scenarios with optimistic, recent trends, and pessimistic assumptions leads to peatland degradation between 2020 and 2100 ranging from −7 to +10 Mha (−23% to +32%), and a continuation or even an increase in annual GHG emissions (−0.1 to +0.4 GtCO2-eq yr−1). In default mitigation scenarios without a specific focus on peatlands, peatland degradation is reduced due to synergies with forest protection and afforestation policies. However, this still leaves large amounts of GHG emissions from degraded peatlands unabated, causing cumulative CO2 emissions from 2020 to 2100 in an SSP2-1.5 °C scenario of 73 GtCO2. In a mitigation scenario with dedicated peatland restoration policy, GHG emissions from degraded peatlands can be reduced to nearly zero without major effects on projected land-use dynamics. This underlines the opportunity of peatland protection and restoration for climate change mitigation and the need to synergistically combine different land-based mitigation measures. Peatland location and extent estimates vary widely in the literature; a sensitivity analysis implementing various spatial estimates shows that especially in tropical regions degraded peatland area and peatland emissions are highly uncertain. The required protection and mitigation efforts are geographically unequally distributed, with large concentrations of peatlands in Russia, Europe, North America and Indonesia (33% of emission reductions are located in Indonesia). This indicates an important role for only a few countries that have the opportunity to protect and restore peatlands with global benefits for climate change mitigation.


Brand image is the name, term, sign, symbol, design that is intended to identify goods or services offered by the company as well as product differentiation. As a Muslim-majority society, it should care about the process of making halal food, to avoid things that are forbidden in Islam by paying attention to halal certification. Because a product that has a halal certificate, the halal is guaranteed. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of the influence of brand image and halal certification on customer buying interest. The method used is multiple linear regression analysis, based on the results of multiple linear regression analysis found that brand image and halal certification jointly influence customer buying interest. This can be known by the F count value of 10.746 with a significance level of 0.000 greater than 0.05, which means that statistically prove that brand image and halal certification have a positive effect on customer buying interest


Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is an essential enzyme for immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation, gene conversion, and class switch recombination in immune cells. Somatic hypermutation is induced by AID mediated cytidine deamination around the V regions of immunoglobulin genes in germinal center B cells. It has been shown that AID also can induce somatic mutations outside Ig loci and in non-lymphoid cells. Our present study attempts to use AID as a target specific mutagen. We propose to confine the mutagenesis function of AID in certain DNA regions by fusing AID with a specific DNA binding protein. We choose the Cre recombinase as the DNA binding protein in the test system. It is hypothesized that Cre-AID fusion protein should promote AID mediated mutagenesis around the loxp site, the binding site of Cre. A reporter system was built by placing a single loxp site next to a GFP expression cassette, which contains stop condon in the middle of GFP coding sequence. If the stop codon is reversely mutated into non-stop codon by AID, GFP signal can be detected. This reporter system would allow us to evaluate whether Cre mediated DNA binding could enhance AID mediated mutagenesis around the loxp site. This experimental strategy has the potential to be used in the directed mutagenesis when Cre is further modified to inactivate the recombinase activity but retain loxp DNA binding activity.


This paper uses the similarity between SHA-224 and SHA-256 algorithms to design the SHA-224/256 IP core oriented Digital Signature. The IP core uses parallel structure and pipeline technology to simplify the hardware design and improve the speed by 26%. Finally this IP core is implemented on the Altera's FPGA EP2C20F484C6 chip. And its simulation result can run rightly under the 100MHz frequency. This IP core can be widely used in the data integrity and consistency verification, pseudo random number generation and other areas of cryptography.


Morphometric measurements and ratios were recorded in Euphrates soft-shelled turtles, Rafetus euphraticus, sampled in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers and tributaries, Southeastern Anatolia. According to nine morphometric ratios, there are clear differences between two allopatric populations of R. euphraticus, the specimens of the Tigris population being much flatter and having a wider carapace as compared with the Euphrates population. Male:female sex ratio was 2.7:1, no sexual dimorphism was present in the morphometric ratios. Rafetus euphraticus and Trionyx triunguis, which were considered congeneric in the past, differed from each other in the ratios of the carapace length/carapace width, carapace length/plane of the greatest carapace width, carapace length/plastron length, carapace length/rostrum length, carapace width/plastron length, carapace width/head width and plastron length/rostrum length.


Abstract Many people have misconceptions about the dispersal of mud after it leaves a river mouth, believing that most of the suspended load disperses widely, accumulating in "deep water" (i.e., below storm wave base) by slow settling from suspension. Recent work in modern environments, supported by numerical modeling, suggests that most (but not all) fine-grained material accumulates relatively close to the coast (i.e., within 40-50 km of the shoreline or the outer edge of the subaqueous delta platform) as a result of two factors: the generation of fluid mud by a variety of processes that extract material from the surface plume and concentrate it near the bed, which in turn promotes deposition close to the river mouth; and the Coriolis Force, supplemented by coastal winds, which causes the buoyant surface plume to flow parallel to the coast. Mud escapes to deeper water in significant amounts only by means of density flows on steep slopes, for example on shelf-margin delta fronts, or by means of offshore-direct plumes at headlands. These findings imply that: 1) most mud is deposited above storm wave base; 2) the presence of mudstones in outer shelf and/or basinal settings may require larger excursions of the shoreline than might be expected; 3) mudstone successions need not represent a large-scale sea-level rise and transgression; 4) most muddy successions should contain clinoforms that downlap onto a condensed horizon; and 5) mudrocks deposited near the coast probably accumulated more rapidly than those deposited in distal, deep-water setting, causing the two deposit types to display different facies characteristics.


Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are the two most common reportable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States.1 Adolescent girls (15 to19 years of age) and young women (20 to 24 years of age) are at highest risk for these infections.2 This likely reflects a combination of factors, including biological differences that place females at greater risk for STIs than males, as well as higher screening rates among young women. Similarly, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for STIs including chlamydia and gonorrhea due to higher rates of unsafe sexual behaviors. Clinicians should be aware of current screening recommendations and diagnostic methods for detection of gonorrhea and chlamydia in genital as well as extra-genital sites to address this prevailing epidemic, particularly among younger women and MSM.


The method of conductivity was employed to determine the ionizability of the DTAB micelle and Gemini surfactants micelle and the method of dynamic lighting scatter was used to determine the diffusing coefficients of surfactants micelles. According to the DLVO theory, we discussed the influence of the spacer length and ionic strength on the intermicellar interactions. The results show that spacers have influence on the ionizability and density of charge of the micelles, and then affect the intermicellar interactions. The degree of the influence depends on the ability of attracting electrons of spacers and the charge′s overlapping degree of the two headgroups in the Gemini surfactants. The influence on the intermicellar interactions which was caused by ionic strength can be divided into two aspects: at a low ionic strength, the net intermicellar interactions is repulsive, and it is unfavorable to the growth of micelles; but at a high ionic strength, the net intermicellar interactions is attractive, and it is favorable to the growth of micelles.


This study aims to explain how social media (SM) users, whilst searching for information, can be trapped into a quagmire of misinformation, even when they have no denialist inclinations or sympathy for hate groups. We analyze the interactions between cognitive biases and deep preference learning algorithms (DPL), as SM companies use DPL to curate the content conveyed to its users. The study proposes a model for users' behavior and explain how SM business model allows new information to be introduced in the quagmire in order to change user's opinions in a way desired by a customer willing to pay for, and, eventually, accomplished it. The model explains why some popular tactics against misinformation, as censorship and fact-checking, achieve very poor results. We suggest that policies promoting face-to-face encounters in friendly environments can be more effective in that struggle. We believe the model can help decision makers in developing more e�cient anti-disinformation policies.


The cross sections of several neutron-induced reactions on 55Mn, 54,56Fe, 59Co, 58,60Ni and 63,65Cu are calculated for energies below 20 MeV using the Weisskopf-Ewing theory and compared with experimental data. The total (n,p) and (n, alpha ) cross sections are generally well fitted, especially when they are dominant channels. At the higher energies the (n,p) cross sections have important contributions from pre-equilibrium processes, and these are fitted using the theory of Feshbach, Kerman and Koonin, (1980).


In this chapter, I will analyse historical approaches to creativity and innovation. Initially, this will take the form of a broad international comparative perspective and then, more specifically, I will address recent Australian historical experience. This will include a focussed look at sources of new technology in the interwar period. In the final section of the paper, I will address briefly the policy implications arising from the historical survey.


I explore a tension between divergent ways of reading the blush: on the one hand, physiological, as an instinctive bodily response composed of waves of nervous discharge, capillary dilation, and affect, on the other hand, narratological, as a key to inner character, its meaning unfolded over time through an interplay of temperament and circumstance. This tension surfaces in novels, natural history, and medicine over the course of nineteenth century. How were narratives of emotional character, centered on individual development or decay, bonds of affection or antipathy, sustained and transformed in relation to models of the emotional body as a reflex mechanism, an interiority of vaso-motor response, a storm of suppressed memory?


Malaria is a re-emerging infectious disease that is spreading to areas where it had been eradicated, such as Eastern Europe and Central Asia. To avoid the mortality from malaria, early detection of the parasite is a very important issue. The peripheral blood smear has been the gold standard method for the diagnosis of malaria infection. Recently, several other methods have been introduced for quantitative detection of malaria parasites. Real time PCR that employs fluorescent labels to enable the continuous monitoring of PCR product formation throughout the reaction has recently been used to detect several human malaria parasites. 18S rRNA sequences from malaria parasites have been amplified using Taqman real time PCR assay. Here, a SYBR Green-based real time quantitative PCR assay for the detection of malaria parasite-especially, Plasmodium vivax - was applied for the evaluation of 26 blood samples from Korean malaria patients. Even though SYBR Green-based real time PCR is easier and cheaper than Taqman-based assay, SYBR Green-based assay cannot be used because 18S rRNA cannot be specifically amplified using 1 primer set. Therefore, we used DBP gene sequences from Plasmodium vivax, which is specific for the SYBR Green based assays. We amplified the DBP gene from the 26 blood samples of malaria patients using SYBR Green based assay and obtained the copy numbers of DBP genes for each sample. Also, we selected optimal reference gene between ACTB and B2M using real time assay to get the stable genes regardless of Malaria titer. Using selected ACTB reference genes, we successfully converted the copy numbers from samples into titer, of parasites per microliter. Using the resultant titer from DBP based SYBER Green assay with ACTB reference gene, we compared the results from our study with the titer from Taqman-based assay. We found that our results showed identical tendency with the results of 18S rRNA Taqman assay, especially in lower titer range. Thus, our DBP gene-utilized real time assay can detect Plasmodium vivax in Korean patient group semi-quantitatively and easily.


Sialolithiasis occurs in approximately 0.45% to 1.20% of the general population. The typical clinical symptom manifests as a painful swelling of the affected glands after a meal or upon salivary stimulation, which extremely affects the life quality of the patients. With the development of sialendoscopy and lithotripsy, most sialoliths can be successfully removed with preservation of the gland. However, sialoliths in the deep hilar-parenchymal submandibular ducts and impacted parotid stones located in the proximal ducts continue to pose great challenges. Our research center for salivary gland diseases (in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology) has used sialendoscopy for 17 years and treated >2 000 patients with salivary gland calculi. The success rate was approximately 92% for submandibular gland calculi and 95% for parotid calculi. A variety of minimally invasive surgical techniques have been applied and developed, which add substantial improvements in the treatment of refractory sialolithiasis. Further, the radiographic positioning criteria and treatment strategy are proposed for these intractable stones. Most of the hilar-parenchymal submandibular stones are successfully removed by a transoral approach, including transoral duct slitting and intraductal basket grasping, while a small portion of superficial stones can be removed by a mini-incision in submandibular area. Impacted stones located in the distal third of parotid gland ducts are removed via "peri-ostium incision", which is applied to avoid a cicatricial stenosis from a direct ostium incision. Impacted parotid stones located in the middle and proximal third of the Stensen's duct are removed via a direct mini-incision or a peri-auricular flap. A direct transcutaneous mini-incision is commonly performed under local anesthesia with an imperceptible scar, and is indicated for most of impacted stones located in the middle third, hilum and intraglandular ducts. By contrast, a peri-auricular flap is performed under general anesthesia with relatively larger operational injury of the gland parenchyma, and should be best reserved for deeper intraglandular stones. Laser lithotripsy has been applied in the treatment of sialolithiasis in the past decade, and holmium ∶YAG laser is reported to have the best therapeutic effects. During the past 3 years, our research group has performed laser lithotripsy for a few cases with intractable salivary stones. From our experiences, withdrawal of the endoscopic tip 0.5-1.0 cm away from the extremity of the laser fiber, consistent saline irrigation, and careful monitoring of gland swelling are of vital importance for avoidance of injuries of the ductal wall and the vulnerable endoscope lens during lithotripsy. Larger calculi require multiple treatment procedures. The risk of ductal stenosis can be alleviated by endoscopic dilation. In summary, appropriate use of various endoscopy-assisted lithotomy helps preserve the gland function in most of the patients with refractory sialolithiasis. Further studies are needed in the following aspects: Transcervical removal of intraglandular submandibular stones, intraductal laser lithotripsy of impacted parotid stones and deep submandibular stones, evaluation of long-term postoperative function of the affected gland, et al.


While the strengthening of immune response and lowering of blood pressure will reduce the level of stress chemistry circulating in the blood and physiology with the production of blood cells to distribute oxygen, optimize the heart, blood and respiratory rate to further coordinate the information processing in sustaining the mechanism of homeostasis, which neuromodulatively support the tissue metabolism and natural selection. The pathophysiology of oxidative stress complicated to chronic inflammation and brain ischemia as a result of interruptions in the blood supply to brain and atherosclerosis but therapeutically intervene with the use of anti-inflammatory and immunodulating drugs for the prevention against myocardial infarction and acute myocardial ischemia to improve neuroprotection especially for the hypothalamus that regulate the physiology mechanism and body temperature in maintaining the endocrine system protected by balance homeostasis and metabolism. Oxytocin, arginine-vasopressin, estrogen and Prozac medicinally speed up the formation of synapse and the growth of dendrites that adversely affected by the chronic oxidative stress and pain, which change the mechanism of synaptic transmission that cause long-term depression and disorder of gene.


[(CH_2)_6N_4·CH_2CHCH_2]~+ Br~- is an orthogonal ionic crystal. The crystal data are: Pmnb,a=6.602(2)A,b=12.184(4)A,c=14.499(6)A,V=1166A~3, M_r=261.2,Z=4, D_c=1.49Mgm~(-3), F(000)=536.The N(1) of HMT directly bonds to the C(5) of (CH_2CHCH_2)~+ with σ donoracceptor bond. The four C-N distances connected with N(1) are longer than the normal C-N single bond length. C(7) is disordered over two sites and both siteoccupation factors of C(7)' and C(7)' are 0.5. The relation of the disorder structure with the molecular packing and the molecular conformation was discussed.


Employment Law- This course provides a comprehensive survey of Federal and State laws that affect the human resource function. Topics include equal employment opportunity, employment agreements, wage and overtime payments, and other regulatory issues.


The validity of a marriage in the Islamic Shari'a must fulfill harmony and the conditions that have been set. Beside that, there ia a provision stipulated by Allah Swt. as the obligation of prospective husbands in the implementation on the marriage contract, namely regarding or dowry or dowry. As explained in the Al-Qur'an letter An-Nisa 'verse 4. Because the gift of dowry is an obligation on the basis of willingness, the rate of dowry is not determined by the number or amount. Regarding the maximum amount of dowry, the ulama or prist of the school of thought, it was agreed that there was no maximum limit, but they differed in their opinion about the minimum limit.According to Abu Hanifah the defination of marriage is a contract (agreement) exchange of benefits between husbend and wife so that the marriage contract is based on the contract of sale and considers the gift of dowry as a substitute for a woman's virginity because Abu Hanifah himself is known as an expert in Kuffah city.Conclusions that can be taken in writing this journal, that Abu Hanifah in applying every law is based on the Al-Qur'an, hadits, fatwa of friends, ijma' and if it is not there then kias, istihsan, and urf.


To the Editor.— In 1961 Dr. Adelson described the "slaughter of the innocents," 1 followed a year later by the article of Kempe et al 2 defining the battered child syndrome. Now Adelson has written an article on the battering child, 3 defining another problem. All the victims in his study died. Fortunately, the outcome need not be as disastrous, as illustrated by the following two cases from my private practice. A 6-month-old girl was examined because of an unexplained hematoma of the right side of the head. Results of neurologic examination were normal. Skull roentgenogram demonstrated multiple fractures of the right occipital and parietal bones. There was no evidence of child abuse. In retrospect, the mother remembered that a 5-year-old mentally retarded sibling had been playing, unsupervised, with the victim in a room with a cement floor. Further injury has not occurred. Four years later the patient is normal.


A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, documentary, and retrospective research study to identify the determinants of women's preference for cesarean section. The information in this study is from the database extension project Group of Pregnant Women and Pregnant Couples by the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (1996-2013). We used the method of thematic analysis, from which emerged the Choice for Cesarean Section category, with three subcategories: who chooses cesarean section; preference for cesarean section defined during prenatal care; and possibility to choose cesarean section during labor. Of 169 postpartum women who had undergone a cesarean section, 16 chose the procedure. It was found that, in this group, the choice for cesarean section during prenatal care was influenced by the medical authority and, during labor, it was motivated by the prolonged duration and the pain caused by contractions. This study reinforced the importance of health education from the time of conception, and highlighted the need to strengthen public policies that increase the potential of women to make choices. DESCRIPTORS: Health education. Postpartum period. Cesarean section. Public policies.


Stomatal guard cells have proven to be an attractive system for dissecting the mechanisms of stimulus–response coupling in plants. In this review we focus on the intracellular signal transduction pathways by which extracellular signals bring about closure and opening of the stomatal pore. It is proposed that guard cell signal transduction pathways may be organized into functional arrays or signalling cassettes that contain elements common to a number of converging signalling pathways. The purpose of these signalling cassettes may be to funnel extracellular signals down onto the ion transporters that control the fluxes of ions that underlie stomatal movements. Evidence is emerging that specificity in guard cell signalling may be, in part, encoded in complex spatio–temporal patterns of increases in the concentration of cytosolic–free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt). It is suggested that oscillations in [Ca2+]cyt may generate calcium signatures that encode information concerning the stimulus type and strength. New evidence is presented that suggests that these calcium signatures may integrate information when many stimuli are present.


For decades, scientists bemoaned the scarcity of observational data to analyze and against which to test their models. Exponential growth in data volumes from ever-cheaper environmental sensors has provided scientists with the answer to their prayers: "big data". Now, scientists face a new challenge: with terabytes, petabytes or exabytes of data at hand, stored in thousands of heterogeneous datasets, how can scientists find the datasets most relevant to their research interests? If they cannot find the data, then they may as well never have collected it; that data is lost to them. Our research addresses this challenge, using an existing scientific archive as our test-bed. We approach this problem in a new way: by adapting Information Retrieval techniques, developed for searching text documents, into the world of (primarily numeric) scientific data. We propose an approach that uses a blend of automated and "semi-curated" methods to extract metadata from large archives of scientific data. We then perform searches over the extracted metadata, returning results ranked by similarity to the query terms. We briefly describe an implementation performed at an ocean observatory to validate the proposed approach. We propose performance and scalability research to explore how continued archive growth will affect our goal of interactive response, no matter the scale.


Recent experimental observations have shown that the reactivation of hippocampal place cells (PC) during sleep or immobility depicts trajectories that can go around barriers and can flexibly adapt to a changing maze layout. Such layout-conforming replay sheds a light on how the activity of place cells supports the learning of flexible navigation in a dynamically changing maze. However, existing computational models of replay fall short of generating layout-conforming replay, restricting their usage to simple environments, like linear tracks or open fields. In this paper, we propose a computational model that generates layout-conforming replay and explains how such replay drives the learning of flexible navigation in a maze. First, we propose a Hebbian-like rule to learn the inter-PC synaptic strength during exploring a maze. Then we use a continuous attractor network (CAN) with feedback inhibition to model the interaction among place cells and hippocampal interneurons. The activity bump of place cells drifts along a path in the maze, which models layout-conforming replay. During replay in rest, the synaptic strengths from place cells to striatal medium spiny neurons (MSN) are learned by a novel dopamine-modulated three-factor rule to store place-reward associations. During goal-directed navigation, the CAN periodically generates replay trajectories from the animal's location for path planning, and the trajectory leading to a maximal MSN activity is followed by the animal. We have implemented our model into a high-fidelity virtual rat in the MuJoCo physics simulator. Extensive experiments have demonstrated that its superior flexibility during navigation in a maze is due to a continuous re-learning of inter-PC and PC-MSN synaptic strength.


Snake bite is a significant health concern, especially in rural populations of tropical and subtropical countries. In India, snake bites take a heavy toll of human lives, and therefore warrant urgent attention. High mortality is due to poor health services in rural areas and delay in getting the victim to a well-equipped health care facility, where anti snake venom can be administered. However, geographical and species variation, logistic, economic and production issues restrict the use of anti-snake venom. India has a large repository of medicinal herbs, which have been used in folk medicine for treatment of snake bites. Though numerous herbal remedies are scientifically unsubstantiated, yet they cannot be glossed over due to their inherent advantages. They are practiced by diverse social groups for long, offering unconditional benefits. In view of limited presence of modern medical avenues in far flung areas, such a resource needs to be harnessed, as herbals are cheap, acceptable and often at the disposal of victims. Exhaustive ethno botanical studies in different regions of the country can help to undertake well designed scientific studies, for establishing therapeutic efficacy of various herbals for treating snake bites. The present article highlights an assortment of herbal plants used in India for snake bites.


A PEM micro fuel cell system is described which is based on self-breathing PEM micro fuel cells in the power range between 1 mW and 1 W. Hydrogen is supplied with on-demand hydrogen production with help of a galvanic cell, that produces hydrogen when Zn reacts with water. The system can be used as a battery replacement for low power applications and has the potential to improve the run time of autonomous systems. The efficiency has been investigated as function of fuel cell construction and tested for several load profiles.


Many of organization implement code of conduct as an explicit guidance to help employees knowing the standard of ethics from management"s viewpoints, with the aim to gain productivity achieving organization"s  goal. The purpose of this paper is  to examine the influence of ethics institutionalization on organizational citizenship behavior and to analyze the role of organizational commitment in mediating the impact of ethics institutionalization on organizational citizenship behavior with psychological empowerment as a moderator in one of State Institution in Indonesia. This research will use a quantitative approach with online survey method to 250 respondents which were determined by purposive sampling method. Respondents come from employees of XYZ State Institution who already work at the institution for minimum 2 years. Based on analysis from preliminary literature, it can be concluded that all variables used in this research are valid, reliable and having correlation with each others. This research is still on progress and result will be discussed further.

Keywords: Institutionalization of Ethics, Explicit Ethics Institutionalization, Implicit Ethics Institutionalization, Organizational Commitment, Psychological Empowerment, Organizational Citizenship Behavior


Background Atherosclerosis is accelerated in both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) is considered as a noninvasive surrogate marker of early atherosclerosis. A meta-analysis suggests that RA might have a stronger effect on carotid IMT than SLE [1]. Only a few studies compared directly IMT in different rheumatic diseases but only carotid IMT was analyzed. Objectives To compare the influence of RA and SLE on carotid and femoral IMT. Methods 68 SLE patients (34 with lupus nephritis- SLE LN+ and 34 without LN- SLE LN-), 68 RA patients and 34 healthy controls were included in the study. All groups were matched for age and body mass index. Males, ever-smokers, patients with diabetes or coronary artery disease were excluded. Disease duration in RA and SLE patients was similar (7.1 vs 6.9 years). IMT of the common carotid artery (cIMT) and superficial femoral artery (fIMT) was determined by B-mode US imaging. Results fIMT was increased in RA (0.419mm, p=0.004), SLE LN+ (0.429mm, p=0.002) and SLE LN- (0.429, p=0.047) compared to controls (0.377mm). Trend towards increased cIMTA was observed in RA, SLE-LN+ and SLE-LN-. No significant differences were found in fIMT and cIMT between RA, SLE LN+ and SLE LN-. Discontinuous (cumulative duration of treatment <90% of disease duration) treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) was a strong predictor of increased cIMT and fIMT in both SLE and RA. cIMT and fIMT were significantly higher in RA patients treated discontinuously with DMARDs than in continuously treated RA (0.596mm vs 0.500mm, p=0.003 and 0.448mm vs 0.398, p=0.015, respectively) and SLE patients (0.596mm vs 0.483mm, p=0.004 and 0.448mm vs 0.404, p=0.041, respectively). On the other hand cIMT was increased in discontinuously treated SLE patients compared with continuously treated SLE (0.552mm vs 0.483mm, p=0.043) and RA patients (0.552mm vs 0.500mm, p=0.048). fIMT was also higher in discontinuously treated SLE patients than in continuously treated RA and SLE patients but the difference was insignificant. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing directly carotid and femoral IMT in SLE and RA. We do not confirm stronger effect of RA on IMT. Our study suggests that other factors than the type of disease determine an increase of IMT. Immunosuppressive therapy seems to have a strong beneficial effect on IMT and thus on atherosclerosis progression in both RA and SLE. References Tyrrell PS, Beyene J, Feldman BM et al. Rheumatic Disease and Carotid Intima Media Thickness: A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2010;30:1014-1026. Acknowledgements This work was supported by Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education grant number N N402 077234 Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.2743


The behavior of the dynamic magnetic switching of metal-in-gap recording heads, observed directly through the use of the magnetooptic Kerr effect, shows significant magnetic action in the vicinity of poorly formed interfaces between Sendust and ferrite. A series of MnZn ferrite heads with increasingly better interfaces between the ferrite and Sendust is examined, and results from magnetooptic measurements are correlated with recording characteristics on media with coercivities of 900 Oe. No magnetic discontinuity at the interface of the best head is detectable by either technique, demonstrating that careful control of the interface can enhance the magnetic coupling between Sendust and ferrite to an acceptable level for suitable recording characteristics on such media. >


Introduction Atrial fibrillation ablation can be associated with microembolism detected in the intracranial arteries and risk of neurological incidents. The aims of this study were to evaluate microembolic signals (MES) during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and establish the potential significance of MES for damage of the brain in radiological investigation and neurological state. Material and methods In the prospective study we included patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous pulmonary vein isolation (radiofrequency ablation/balloon cryoablation) with ultrasound monitoring of microembolisms in the middle cerebral artery. Neurological examination and MRI of the head were performed in all participants. Results The study enrolled 80 patients at a mean age of 58 years. Microembolisms during the monitoring of the flow in the right middle cerebral artery were recorded in 61 (76.3%) patients in the amount of 51–489 (mean: 239). Most often the microembolic signals were registered during the trans-septal puncture and the stage of ablation. In 89%, microembolisms were gaseous. Mean score on the Fazekas scale for the whole group before ablation: 0.87 ±0.7 (0–3, med. 1); after: 0.93 ±0.71. In 3 (4.3%) patients the lesions worsened during the follow-up period. None of the patients revealed a cardiovascular event during the follow-up period and no changes were observed in the neurological status. Conclusions The majority of cerebral microembolisms generated during PVI are gaseous in nature. The cerebral microembolisms associated with PVI probably result from the technical aspects of the procedure and do not cause either permanent brain damage in the radiological investigation or neurological deficit.


† Abstract. This paper presents a new RD optimal motion estimation and mode decision for fast H.264/AVC bit-rate reduction. In our proposed RD model, the prediction error is estimated according to the input motion information and the picture self property. This prediction error estimation is free from computing SSD/SAD. Along with the macroblock partition process, our proposed method significantly reduces the transcoding complexity. Experimental results show that our proposed method can improve the coding efficiency about 5 dB with similar speed, compared with the motion reuse transcoder.


This article describes a holistic theoretical framework that can be used to explain intellectual disability (ID) and organize relevant information into a usable roadmap to guide understanding and application. Developing the framework involved analyzing the four current perspectives on ID and synthesizing this information into a holistic theoretical framework. Practices consistent with the framework are described, and examples are provided of how multiple stakeholders can apply the framework. The article concludes with a discussion of the advantages and implications of a holistic theoretical approach to ID.


Now, 4 years after the publication of the first edition of Chemistry of the Climate System, we see continued growth in the scientific literature and in particular new insights in the field of atmospheric aerosol (fine PM and especially the role of biological material) but also in HNO2 and OH chemistry; however, it is not my aim to consider them all in the second edition, giving an actual review. My intention is, rather, to provide the reader a monograph textbook for a deeper understanding of physicochemical processes in a very complex system composed of different states of matter (gas, liquid, and solid) within different reservoirs, specifically the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere (the climate system). Scientific progress is measured in large strides in the fundamental sciences – laboratory and theoretical studies. Nevertheless, studying complex environmental processes by "outdoor" studies (field experiments) – and even extending one reservoir or phase – became extremely complicated and was carried out in the decade or two only in large projects that included many institutes and scientists. Our knowledge also increased and feedback for detailed laboratory work was produced. Better understanding of the climate system acquired by a deeper consideration and coupling of subsystems, most of all the atmosphere with the oceans (for example, explaining the discrepancy between a further rise in atmospheric CO2 and stagnant air temperature). In addition, the biosphere was revealed to be much more complex in its feedbacks to atmospheric changes (the still unanswered question of where all the CO2 remains). Unfortunately, controlling our climate system is much more far off compared to our understanding 4 years ago. Economics largely disregards results from climate research. Visible, human-caused catastrophes, such as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, did result in any forward-looking changes to the energy mix or a transition to solar technologies but led backward to coal combustion, exacerbating the CO2 problem. Climate change is likely not a catastrophe in a traditional way; rather, it is a slow process with winners and losers (humans, animals, and plants). I hope that this new edition ofChemistry of theClimate Systemwill find new readers who want to learn more about our climate system. Knowledge is the key to sustainable development and to realizing that the benefits accruing to winners will pale by comparison to the penalty the losers will pay. Needless to say, (I hope) all errors have been corrected, information (especially monitoring and emission data) have been updated, many figures have been improved, several paragraphs were rewritten for clarity, and new key knowledge has been added in this edition. Moreover, two new sections on "chemical climatology" have been added: precipitation and cloud chemistry monitoring. The chapter on atmospheric trace species was enlarged to include a discussion of hydrochloric acid, nitrous acid, and nitric acid with its salty PM.


The geometrical attenuation factor (GAF) describes the effect of shadowing and masking on surfaces. The GAF is a crucial factor in achieving a high degree of realism in computer graphics and is important for the evaluation of the accuracy of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). The Smith GAF is a simplified algorithm that is calculated on some assumptions and by using the root mean square. The Sun GAF is a brute-force algorithm that is calculated on the given surface; however, the Sun GAF does not consider the incident wavelength and its interaction with the surface. We propose a GAF algorithm that is designed based on Maxwell's equations and the scattering. We consider the incident wavelength, the shape of the rough surface, and the scattering, and validated on generated Gaussian surfaces. The results demonstrated that, to a large extent, the proposed algorithm eliminated the undesired behavior of the Cook-Torrance BRDF model near the grazing angle.


Electroencephalography is a fundamental investigation for the characterization of an epilepsy. It remains a unique way for the evaluation of a cortical activity in real time. The classification of epileptic syndromes is based on electroclinical correlations. The characterization of EEG abnormalities is essential for establishing a specific syndromic diagnosis. Discussing the historical evolution of EEG techniques we show how the recent development of numerized EEG provided the medical community with very useful and simple tools for the treatment of EEG signals. These tools are now integrated in everyday clinical practice. Several methods are presented, illustrating potential applications in childhood epilepsies.


In the present work we use analytical and computational methods in order to examine different dynamical scales in the solar atmosphere and the solar wind.
The latter represents the expansion of the atmosphere to large radial distances, further than the Earth's orbit.
After the introduction presented in chapter 1, we start our analysis with investigating and presenting potential force-free field extrapolations based on observational input for the photospheric magnetic field from different instruments, namely GONG and MDI, at different resolutions.
More specifically, we have developed a Potential Field Source Surface (PFSS) module as a part of the computational code MPI-AMRVAC in three dimensions in spherical coordinates using the decomposition method of the spherical harmonics. A source surface is assumed at a heliocentric distance of $2.5R_\odot$.
This module can be used to estimate the three-dimensional global magnetic field information corresponding to different Carrington Rotations and synoptic magnetograms, as initial condition for coronal and solar wind models.
We examine in chapter 2 both global (PFSS) and local (Green-function-based potential field) extrapolation schemes on spherical and Cartesian grids, respectively.
A comparison is performed for the active region AR10756 of the Carrington Rotation CR2029 corresponding to April-May 2005 between the two extrapolation techniques.
The local extrapolation method has a less dominant open field topology, as there is no source surface in that model taken into account, while the curvature is neglected contrary to the global PFSS model.
We continue in chapter 3 presenting numerical simulations in 3D settings where coronal rain phenomena take place in a magnetic configuration of a quadrupolar arcade system in a stratified atmosphere from chromospheric to coronal heights.
Our simulation is a magnetohydrodynamic simulation including anisotropic thermal conduction, optically thin radiative losses, and parametrized heating as main thermodynamical features to construct a realistic arcade configuration from chromospheric to coronal heights.
The plasma evaporation from chromospheric and transition region heights eventually causes localized runaway condensation events and we witness the formation of plasma blobs due to thermal instability, that evolve dynamically in the heated arcade part and move gradually downwards due to interchange type dynamics.
Unlike earlier 2.5D simulations, in this case there is no large scale prominence formation observed, but a continuous coronal rain develops which shows clear indications of Rayleigh-Taylor or interchange instability, that causes the denser plasma located above the transition region to fall down, as the system moves towards a more stable state. Linear stability analysis is used in the non-linear regime for gaining insight and giving a prediction of the system's evolution.
After the plasma blobs descend through interchange, they follow the magnetic field topology more closely in the lower coronal regions, where they are guided by the magnetic dips.
In chapter 4 we constrain a kinetic solar wind model with Kappa-distributed electrons using observation-driven magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling and in-situ data.
Solar wind modeling efforts are presented using an MHD - based as well as a kinetic approach.
In the fluid approach, photospheric magnetograms serve as observational input in semi-empirical coronal models that are used for estimating the plasma characteristics up to a heliocentric distance of 0.1AU. From there on a full MHD model which computes the three-dimensional time-dependent evolution of the macroscopic variables of the solar wind up to the orbit of the Earth is exploited. We compare with the results of a kinetic exospheric solar wind model based on the assumption of Maxwell and Kappa velocity distributions functions for protons and electrons respectively. The appropriate boundary conditions are determined to obtain the best comparison with available observations at the Earth's orbit. This provides physical insight on more detailed processes, such as coronal heating and solar wind acceleration, that naturally arise by inclusion of suprathermal electrons in the model. We are interested in the profile of the solar wind speed and density at 1 AU, in characterizing the slow and fast source regions of the wind and in comparing the features of that with results of exospheric models in similar conditions. We start from similar boundary conditions at 0.1AU and propagate the solution up to 1AU to compare MHD and kinetic treatments with observations.
On top of that, following the reverse process starting from observations at 1AU and assuming kappa velocity distribution functions for the electrons we improve the close-to-sun boundary conditions to be used in both models to improve future space weather predictions.


BACKGROUND
Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is an entrapment mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), in which conservative treatment options are not always sufficient.

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided LFCN injection in the management of MP by comparing with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy and sham TENS therapy.

STUDY DESIGN
A prospective, randomized, sham-controlled study.

SETTING
Health Sciences University Training and Research Hospital in Turkey.

METHODS
Patients diagnosed with LFCN compression with clinical and electrophysiological findings were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups: (1) US-guided injection group, (2) TENS group, and (3) sham TENS group. The blockage of the LFCN was performed for therapeutic MP management in group 1. Ten sessions of conventional TENS were administered to each patient 5 days per week for 2 weeks, for 20 minutes per daily session in group 2, and sham TENS was applied to group 3 with the same protocol. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), painDETECT questionnaire, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (SWMt), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) at onset (T1), 15 days after treatment (T2), and 1 month after treatment (T3) were used for evaluation. Patients and the investigator who evaluated the results were blinded to the treatment protocol during the study period.

RESULTS
A total of 54 of the 62 patients (group 1 n = 17, group 2 n = 16, group 3 n = 21) completed the study, 3 patients from group 1, 4 patients from group 2, and 1 patient from group 3 dropped out during the follow-up period. The mean changes in painDETECT and SWMt scores showed a statistically significant difference between groups in favor of group 1 at T2 and T3 compared with T1 (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of VAS, SF-36, and PSQI scores (P > 0.05). In-group analysis of VAS scores showed a statistically significant decrease in T2 and T3 compared with T1 in group 1 (P < 0.05). In-group analysis of the VAS scores statistically significant decrease was shown in T2 compared with T1 in group 2 (P < 0.05). In-group analysis of painDETECT scores statistically significant decrease was shown in T2 and T3 compared with T1 in all groups (P < 0.05). In-group analysis of SWMt scores statistically significant decrease was shown in T2 and T3 compared with T1 in group 1 (P < 0.05). In-group analysis of SF-36 and PSQI scores, there was no statistically significant decrease in all groups (P > 0.05).

LIMITATIONS
The limitation of the study was a short follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS
US-guided LFCN injection and TENS may be therapeutic options for MP treatment, however, for patients with neuropathic pain symptoms, US-guided LFCN injection may be a safe and alternative method to conservative treatment.

KEY WORDS
Meralgia paresthetica, ultrasound-guided injection, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.


We have conducted a re-analysis of publicly availableHubbleSpace Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 (HST WFC3) transmission data for the hot-Jupiter exoplanet WASP-43b, using the Bayesian retrieval package Tau-REx. We report evidence of AlO in transmission to a high level of statistical significance (>5σin comparison to a flat model, and 3.4σin comparison to a model with H2O only). We find no evidence of the presence of CO, CO2, or CH4based on the available HST WFC3 data or onSpitzerIRAC data. We demonstrate that AlO is the molecule that fits the data to the highest level of confidence out of all molecules for which high-temperature opacity data currently exists in the infrared region covered by the HST WFC3 instrument, and that the subsequent inclusion ofSpitzerIRAC data points in our retrieval further supports the presence of AlO. H2O is the only other molecule we find to be statistically significant in this region. AlO is not expected from the equilibrium chemistry at the temperatures and pressures of the atmospheric layer that is being probed by the observed data. Its presence therefore implies direct evidence of some disequilibrium processes with links to atmospheric dynamics. Implications for future study using instruments such as theJames WebbSpace Telescope are discussed, along with future opacity needs. Comparisons are made with previous studies into WASP-43b.


Offshore provision of information systems/information technology-related services has been growing rapidly in recent years and seems firmly set to continue. This trend is fueled by the many advantages of offshore service procurement; however, there are dangers in this practice. Furthermore, offshoring requires adaptation of the IS function and IS management. This in turn suggests modifications of IS curricula in order to prepare graduates for the new environment. The advantages of offshoring are those of outsourcing in general: allowing the organization to focus on its core activities and cost savings. The main dangers include loss of business intelligence and reliance on remote suppliers who may suffer a major failure. The loss of jobs due to offshoring also introduces political considerations. Offshore operations are generally supervised by an organization's CIO. This management responsibility requires awareness of cultural and legal differences and of risks associated with offshoring and outsourcing in general. Offshoring has an effect on job opportunities for graduates of information systems programs. The number of some jobs will shrink, but new positions with new responsibilities are likely to emerge. Training students to function in an environment of offshored operations will introduce new IS specializations and require adaptation of IS curricula; a framework for considering modifications is suggested.


The capacity to help and support the most vulnerable sectors of population is a critical point for the contemporary urban societies, in a context marked by a sharp contrast between the lack of resources and the need to maintain an adequate level of welfare. One of the most problematic areas is about caring and protecting the asylum seekers and the refugees, who experiment a condition of existential displacement or dislocation (Papadopoulos, 2002) compounded by economic and psychological problems. The Italian policy about the asylum seekers has often failed to establish a global model, able to empower their conditions as requested by the international agreements. It was in fact largely characterized by an emergency policy, without any systemic perspective, and locations as abandoned schools and mobile homes were chosen randomly to answer the urgent requests of new solutions for a temporary accommodation of the asylum seekers. The result was a vicious circle of fragility, in which the most vulnerable people were hosted in the most unsupportive residential environments. A research project was developed by a multi-disciplinary group, in Milan, involving public actors, designers and environmental psychologist, with the aim of creating some practical guidelines to evolve these spaces. In particular, the challenge was to favour a process of empowerment, projecting some lo-fi design solutions able to transform an environment perceived as totally precarious in a place of virtuous temporariness, also supporting new forms of individual place attachment and identification (Low & Altman, 1992).


: With certification of specialty nurses here to stay, nurses and certifying organizations must understand several legal issues associated with the process.