This work presents a methodology for calculating park-and-ride (PNR) accessibility and provides case study results for the Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota (Twin Cities) facility system. PNR is a form of mixed-mode transit travel which is studied for its impacts on access to opportunities. Regional PNR systems offer a long-standing and widespread example of the collective benefits of mixed-mode travel. The Twin Cities metropolitan region has over 100 PNR facilities that are primarily connected to business districts through express and limited-stop transit service. PNR trip types require automobile and transit travel time matrices to link across space and time to capture mixed-mode travel characteristics. The resulting matrix is used in a cumulative accessibility analysis in which total jobs accessible within a travel time threshold is the variable of interest. Experimental results indicate that PNR facilities affect the suburban transit accessibility profile more than exurban or urban areas during the morning commute. The average worker-weighted job accessibility for a 30-min PNR trip increases by 230% from the comparable walk-to-transit measure. The transit accessibility made available through PNR facilities highlights the need to include PNR trip types in transit accessibility analyses and suggests that current methods underestimate transit accessibility in suburban regions.


Changes in the global economic environment have a huge impact on the transport and logistics sector. Experts in the sector emphasize the role of collaboration in order to reach common goals. In theory such phenomena is analyzed through the networking viewpoint. Among the major groups of players in the sector, two types of networks are dominant: inter-firm networking and intra-firm networking. Empirical pilot research is done by comparing two types of networking in global and local companies. Following the results of the pilot research the conclusion was made that inter-firm networking and intra-firm networking in the companies complement each other and require further research. Article in English


Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory response to a microbial biofilm that destroys bone and soft tissues supporting the teeth. Murine models of periodontitis based on Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) colonization have shown that extravasation of leukocytes into oral tissue is critical to driving alveolar bone destruction. Identifying interstitial leukocytes is key to understanding the immunopathogenesis of periodontitis. Here, we describe a robust flow cytometry assay based on intravenous FITC-conjugated anti-mouse CD45 mAb that distinguishes interstitial leukocytes in the oral mucosa of mice from those circulating within the vasculature or in post-dissection contaminating blood. Unaccounted circulating leukocytes skewed the relative frequency of B cells and granulocytes and inflated the numbers of all leukocyte cell types. We also describe a dissection technique that avoids contamination of oral mucosal tissues with nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALT), a B cell rich organ that can inflate leukocyte numbers at least 10-fold and skew the assessment of interstitial CD4 T cell phenotypes. Unlike circulating CD4 T cells, interstitial CD4 T cells were almost exclusively antigen-experienced cells (CD44hi). We report for the first time the presence of antigen-experienced Pg-specific CD4 T cells in NALT following oral feeding of mice with Pg. This new combined flow cytometry and dissection approach allows identification of leukocytes infiltrating the connective tissues of the murine oral mucosa and avoids confounding analyses of leukocytes not recruited to inflamed oral mucosal tissues in disease conditions like periodontitis, candidiasis, or sialadenitis.


Clinically inapparent persistent chronic liver disease in a 15-month-old male patient with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is presented. Cryptic hepatic involvement may be an unrecognized feature of the syndrome and should be evaluated in all cases.


We present results of a survey conducted with researchers and practitioners involved in a Swiss National Research Programme on steering energy consumption. We analyse what motivates practitioners and researchers to engage in a collaborative research project, their perception of the collaboration intensity in different project phases, and the extent to which the research project provided useful results for practitioners. Our analyses demonstrate that the intensity of collaboration is a key driver of successful collaboration as it fosters trust between researchers and practitioners. Thereby, it increases the usefulness of the research project for practitioners and their perceived contribution to the success of the research project. Research programmes should thus (1) foster trust through incentivising collaboration between research and practice; (2) facilitate the development of a shared understanding of researchers' and practitioners' respective roles; and (3) support the inclusion of practitioners in the project development phase through financial support during the proposal-writing phase.


Sexually active divorced and separated women constitute a significant population at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. With components of the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB) used as the conceptual framework, a convenience sample (N=254) of women--mostly educated, White, and in their 30s (20 to 49 years)--was examined relative to condom use and individual and social context characteristics. To explore the effect of fertility on condom use, the sample was divided into fertile and infertile subsamples. The IMCHB explained 49% of the variance in infrequent condom use by the fertile women (n=93) and 21% of the variance in less frequent condom use by the infertile women (n=161).


Abstract A United States sample of 166 transgender adults including 50 male-to-females (MTFs), 52 female-to-males (FTMs), and 64 genderqueers (neither completely female nor completely male), were surveyed about identity development, levels of disclosure of transgender status, and relationship to community. There was no difference among transgender groups in age of first experiencing oneself differently from assigned birth sex. MTFs first identified as other than their assigned sex earlier than FTMs. However, they did not present themselves to others in a gender-congruent way until much later than FTMs. MTFs were less likely to disclose their gender identity to their parents than were FTMs. Disclosure of assigned birth sex was more common among younger participants. There was no difference in the extent to which individuals felt connected to the transgender community. Genderqueers felt more connected to the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community than did MTFs or FTMs. Implications for health care professionals and transgender communities are discussed.


The Allen Brain Atlas (ABA) is a cellular-resolution, genome-wide map of gene expression in the mouse brain which allows users to compare gene expression patterns in neuroanatomical structures. The correct localization of the structures is the first step to carry on this comparison in an automatic way. In this paper we present a completely automatic tool for the localization of the hippocampus that can be easily adapted also to other subcortical structures. This goal is achieved in two distinct phases. The first phase, called "best reference slice selection", is performed by comparing the image of the brain with a reference Atlas provided by ABA using a two-step affine registration. By doing so the system is able to automatically find to which brain section the image corresponds and wherein the image the hippocampus is roughly located. The second phase, the proper "hippocampus localization", is based on a method that combines Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and a novel technique inspired by Active Shape Models (ASMs). The hippocampus is found by adapting a deformable model derived statistically, in order to make it overlap with the hippocampus image. Experiments on a test set of 120 images yielded a perfect or good localization in 89.2% of cases.


Xenopus laevis rRNA was hybridised to either of two cloned fragments of ribosomal DNA. One fragment, designated X1r11, contains a short region of the 18 S rRNA gene and most of the 28 S rRNA gene. The other fragment, X1r14, contains a short region of the 28 S gene and most of the 18 S gene. After hybridization the non-complementary rRNA was removed by digestion with T1 RNase and the hybridized RNA was then eluted and examined by fingerprinting analysis. The 3' terminal sequence and the dimethyl-A-containing sequence of 18 S rRNA both hybridized to X1r11 rDNA, in agreement with the known direction of transcription of rDNA. The distribution of other methylated oligonucleotides between the various fingerprints permitted assigment of nearly all of the methylated sequences in 18 S and 28 s rRNA to either the short 3' region or the long 5' region of the respective molecules.


Abstract. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the relation between particulate matter (PM) pollution and atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) structure. However, this has yet to be fully understood because most studies have been superficial. This study aimed to qualitatively assess the interaction between PM and ABL structure in essence, and to further quantitatively estimate the effects of aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) on the ABL structure. Multi-episode contrastive analysis stated the key to determining whether haze outbreak or dissipation was the ABL structure (i.e., stability and turbulence kinetic energy (TKE)) satisfied relevant conditions. However, it seemed that the ABL structure change was in turn highly related to the PM level and ARF. |SFC-ATM| (SFC and ATM is respectively the ARF at the surface and interior of the atmospheric column) is the absolute difference between ground and atmosphere layer ARFs, and the change in |SFC-ATM| is linearly related to the PM mass concentration. However, the influence of ARF on the boundary layer structure is nonlinear. With increasing |SFC-ATM|, the TKE level exponentially decreased, which was notable in the lower layers/ABL but disappeared above the ABL. Moreover, the threshold of the ARF effects on the ABL structure was determined for the first time, namely, once |SFC-ATM| exceeded ~ 55 W m−2, the ABL structure would quickly stabilize and would thereafter change little with increasing ARF. The threshold of the ARF effects on the boundary layer structure could provide useful information for relevant atmospheric environment improvement measures and policies, such as formulating the objectives of phased air pollution control.


Studies examining the epigenetic effects of nicotine are limited, but indicate that nicotine can promote a transcriptionally permissive chromatin environment by increasing acetylation of histone H3 and H4. To further explore nicotine-induced histone modifications, we measured histone methyltransferase (HMT) mRNA expression as well as total and promoter-specific H3K9me2 levels. Following administration of nicotine, HMT mRNA and H3K9me2 levels were examined in mouse primary cortical neuronal culture and cortex extracted from mice injected intraperitoneally, as well as in human lymphocyte culture. Furthermore, Bdnf/BDNF mRNA levels were examined as an epigenetically regulated read-out of gene expression. There was a significant decrease of the HMT GLP, G9a and Setdb1 mRNA expression in the nicotine-treated tissue examined, with significant decreases seen in both total and promoter-specific H3K9me2 levels. Increasing doses of nicotine resulted in significant decreases in Bdnf/BDNF promoter specific H3K9me2 binding, leading to enhanced Bdnf/BDNF transcription. Taken together, our data suggest that nicotine reduces markers of a restrictive epigenomic state, thereby leading to a more permissive epigenomic environment.


In its simpler form the typical pigmented spots on the skin and the multiple small subcutaneous nodules render neurofibromatosis easily recognizable. These characteristic changes, however, are not always present and at times are so overshadowed by other extensive and bizarre pathologic changes involving both the soft and the bony tissues that confusion in diagnosis may readily result. Numerous cases already reported, illustrating interesting changes of the skin, subcutaneous tissues, nervous system and skeleton, extend considerably the knowledge of the disease described by von Recklinghausen in 1882. To these a case of extensive involvement of the vertebral column leading to compression myelitis, with sarcomatous degeneration of more than one neurofibroma, seems worth adding. REPORT OF A CASE History. —H. M., a white boy aged 11 years, first came under observation in this department on March 12, 1924. The complaint was curvature of the spine, first noticed at 1 year of age,


Macromolecules resembling soluble immune complexes can be made from heat-aggregated human gamma globulin (AHGG). In 15 rats, we studied vascular trapping of 125I-labeled AHGG (AHGG)-125I) given by constant I.V. infusion over 1 hour while tissue blood flow was marked by intermittant aortic arch injections of 85Sr-labeled microspheres. Red cells labeled with 51Cr (RBC-51Cr) were also infused so that when the tissues were removed at the end of the experiment, the vascular volume of each tissue specimen could be balculated to correct issue 125I for AHGG-125I which was not trapped but simply in transit in the bascular space at the time the tissue was removed. These data permitted us to calculate the fractional uptake of AHGG-125I (FM) for a given tissue in comparison to any other tissue. We chose to compared the FM of each tissue to the FM of renal cortex. This comparison was expressed as a ratio termed the FM ratio for the given tissue. The following tissues had FM ratios significantly greater than 1.00 (i.e., per unit blood flow, these tissues trapped AHGG-125I more avidly than renal cortex): liver, spleen, skin, stomach, fat, testes, and large bowel. The respective ratios were 381 +/- 74, 15.7 +/- 4.0, 11.8 +/- 4.0, 7.47 +/- 1.95, 6.24 +/- 1.0 +/-, 3.03 +/- 0.67, 2.86 +/- 0.72 (all p less than 0.025). The FM ratio for adrenal, heart, thymus, and diaphragm were not significantly different from 1.00. The FM ratio of lung and brain were significantly less than 1.00: 0.014 +/- 0.008 and 0.14 +/- 0.065, respectively (p less than 0.001 for both). In 13 experiments, glomeruli was 23.8 +/- 3.5 per cent as assessed by recovery of the microspheres contained in renal cortex. Compared to whole renal cortex, the isolated glomeruli contained only minor amounts of AHGG-125I. We conclude that tissues vary widely with respect to their ability to trap macromolecules. When uptake is viewed in terms of the amount of complex trapped per unit delivery rate, many organs trap AHGG-125I for more avidly than renal cortex. Furthermore, under the present experimental conditions, glomeruli are not the major intrarenal site of macromolecule uptake.


Opto-electronic semiconductor technology continues to grow at an accelerated pace, as the industry seeks to perfect devices such as light emitting diodes for purposes of optical processing and communication. A strive for greater efficiency with shrinking device dimensions, continually pushes the technology from both a design and materials aspect. Nanosystems such a quantum dots, also face new material engineering challenges as they enter the realm of quantum mechanics, with each system and material having markedly different electronic properties. Traditionally, the semiconductor industry has focused on materials such Group II-VI and III-V compounds as the basis material for future opto-electronic needs. Unfortunately, these material systems can be expensive and have difficulties integrating into current Si-based technology. The industry is reluctant to leave silicon due in part to silicon's high quality oxide, and the enormous amount of research invested into silicon based circuit fabrication. Although recently materials such as GaN are starting to dominate the electro-optical industry since a Si-based substitute has not been found. The purpose of the dissertation was to examine several promising systems that could be easily integrated into current Si-based technology and also be produced using simple inexpensive fabrication techniques such ion implantation. The development of optically active nano-sized precipitates in silica to form the active layer of an opto-electronic device was achieved with ion implantation and thermal annealing. Three material systems were investigated. These systems consisted of carbon, silicon and metal silicide based nanocrystals. The physical morphology and electronic properties were monitored using a variety of material characterization techniques. Rutherford backscattering/channeling were used to monitor elemental concentrations, photoluminescence was used to monitor the opto-electronic properties and transmission electron microscopy was used to study the intricate morphology of individual precipitates. The electronic properties and the morphology were studied as a function of implant dose, anneal times and anneal temperatures.


Introduction: The main clinical manifestation of the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is respiratory issues. Neurological manifestations are being increasingly recognized, including febrile seizures, headache, dizziness, and myalgia, as well as encephalopathy, encephalitis, stroke, and acute peripheral nerve diseases. Cerebral vasculitis is rarely reported. We describe a case of SARS-CoV-2 interstitial pneumonia complicated by flaccid tetraplegia due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) associated with a cerebral vasculitis-like pattern. Case description: A 62-year-old man was hospitalized for cough, fever, and severe respiratory failure requiring tracheal intubation and invasive ventilation. The chest Computerized Tomography (CT) showed images related to interstitial pneumonia and the subsequent nasopharyngeal swab confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the hospitalization, there was a progressive deterioration of the senses associated with areflexic flaccid tetraplegia. The treatment with high doses of immunoglobulin G (IgG) led to the immediate improvement of the general conditions and a partial response in terms of recovery of the upper limb and of the distal lower limb movements. Subsequently the patient was admitted to our Rehabilitation Unit, where he received an intensive rehabilitation treatment consisting of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Two months later the patient was discharged at home and able to walk independently even for long distances thanks to the use of Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO). Conclusion: In this report, we present the case of a patient with peripheral and central neurological damage occurred later severe pneumonia induced by SARS-CoV-2. The Immunoglobulin G therapy allowed the patient to benefit considerably from early rehabilitation, reaching the walking, increasing the independence in daily living tasks, and enabling safe discharge from hospital to home. Related neurologic complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection suffer a lack of understanding and further investigations should be conducted.


Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a degenerative condition of the macula (the central retina). It is the most common cause of vision loss in the United States in those 50 or older, and its prevalence increases with age. AMD is caused by hardening of the arteries that nourish the retina. This deprives the sensitive retinal tissue of oxygen and nutrients that it needs to function and thrive. As a result, the central vision deteriorates.


We prove a sufficient condition for the stability of dynamic packet routing algorithms. Our approach reduces the problem of steady state analysis to the easier and better understood question of static routing. We show that certain high probability and worst case bounds on the quasistatic (finite past) performance of a routing algorithm imply bounds on the performance of the dynamic version of that algorithm. Our technique is particularly useful in analyzing routing on networks with bounded buffers where complicated dependencies make standard queuing techniques inapplicable. We present several applications of our approach. In all cases we start from a known static algorithm, and modify it to fit our framework. In particular we give the first dynamic algorithm for routing on a butterfly with bounded buffers. Both the injection rate for which the algorithm is stable, and the expected time a packet spends in the system are optimal up to constant factors. Our approach is also applicable to the recently introduced adversarial input model.


Raw breast milk is the optimal nutrition for infants, but it is also the primary cause of acquired cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Thus, many countries have chosen to contraindicate to feed raw breast milk preterm infants from CMV-positive mothers before a corrected age of 32 weeks or under a weight of 1500 g. French national recommendations have not been updated since 2005. An audit of the French practices regarding the nutrition with raw breast milk in preterm infants was carried out using a questionnaire sent to all neonatal care units. Diagnosed postnatal milk-acquired CMV infections have been analysed using hospitalisation reports. Seventy-five percent of the neonatal units responded: 24% complied with the French recommendations, 20% contraindicated raw breast milk to all infants before 32 weeks regardless of the mothers' CMV-status, whereas 25% fed all preterm infants unconditionally with raw breast milk. Thirty-five cases of infants with milk-acquired CMV infections have been reported. The diagnosis was undeniable for five patients. In France, a high heterogeneity marks medical practices concerning the use of raw breast milk and the diagnostic approach for breast milk-acquired CMV infection is often incomplete. In this context, updated national recommendations and monitored CMV infections are urgently needed.


Bradyrhizobium Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) can obtain sufficient N for its own supply from the atmosphere, by the process of biological nitrogen fixation (FBN), when associated with specific and effective rhizobia bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different rhizobia inoculum rates on nodulation and biological N fixation by cowpea (cv. BRS Pujante). A complete randomized block design with seven treatments and four replicates was used. The trial was conducted in a greenhouse using 2 kg of soil as the growth medium. The treatments consisted of five rates of viable cells of Bradyrhizobium sp. (strain BR 3267), a control treatment (without rhizobia and no mineral N) and a treatment without inoculation but with mineral nitrogen (control + 20 kg ha -1 N). Nodulation (nodule number and biomass), shoot biomass and total N uptake were determined. Higher rhizobia inoculum rates (viable cells per seed) increased the nodulation and N fixation values. In the treatment with rhizobia (strain BR 3267) at the highest inoculum rate (6,65x10 7 viable cells per seed), the shoot dry matter was equivalent to the treatment with mineral N application (20 kg ha -1 ) and promoted an increase of up to 27% compared with the control treatment. The inoculum rate (strain BR 3267) up to 8x10 5 (viable cells seed -1 ) contributed to accumulate a higher amount of N in cowpea compared to the control and the control + N treatments. Cowpea (cv. BRS Pujante) was benefited by the BNF when inoculated with strain BR 3267, proportionally to the inoculum rate.


We conducted a detailed 54-year retrospective review of patients who developed epidural hematoma after neuraxial blockade in a university hospital and throughout Mainland China. Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes in the Chinese population were identified. The incidence of epidural hematoma after neuraxial blockade was 2.14 of 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 0.44–6.25 of 100,000). Patients who had a bacterial infection and required emergency surgery were at increased risk of developing epidural hematoma. There is a significant correlation between good neurologic recovery and short interval to decompressive surgery.


Phenological differences between host plants can contribute to allochronic isolation of host races of phytophagous insects. Host races of the gallmaking fly, Eurosta solidaginis, that live on different species of goldenrod (Solidago altissima and S. gigantea) exhibit different emergence phenologies. These differences could result from adaptation to corresponding phenological differences between the hosts in periods of optimal suitability for gall formation and survival to adulthood. In order to test this, some flies of each host race were allowed to emerge naturally while the emergence times of others were manipulated to correspond to the emergence and oviposition periods of the other host race. Percent gall formation and survival to adulthood were examined for three oviposition periods: the peak time of emergence and oviposition of the earlier‐emerging host race (that from S. gigantea), that of the later‐emerging host race (that from S. altissima), and a week after the peak emergence of the host race from S. altissima. Flies of both host races were allowed to ovipuncture plants of the appropriate species during each of these periods. Plant relative growth rates were measured during each of these periods. The experiment was repeated twice over a two‐year period. Relative growth rates of both host species were highest during the earliest oviposition period (the period during which the host race from S. gigantea normally emerges). Percent gall formation was significantly correlated with plant relative growth rate, but the coefficient of determination was low. In both years of the study, percent gall formation of both host races was highest during the earliest oviposition period (the period during which the host race from S. gigantea normally oviposits). Likewise, percent survival to adulthood in both host races was highest during the earliest oviposition period. There was no significant effect of oviposition period on the percent of larval death due to parasitism by Eurytoma gigantea or predation by Mordellistena unicolor. These results suggest that the host race from S. altissima does not emerge at the time that its host is optimally suited for gall formation or survival to adulthood. Therefore, differences in emergence phenologies do not appear to be due to corresponding phenological differences between the host species in suitability for gall formation or survival to adulthood.


To maintain thermal balance of astronaut, and avoid injuries by heats of the solar radiation and radiation from the Moon, a detailed analysis of heat exchange between the astronaut and the environment medium was made and a mathematical model was established. It indicates that the Lunar surface temperature and the thermal current transmitted to the astronaut change with the incident angle of the solar radiation. The thermal balance of the astronaut is affected by absorption coefficient, radiation coefficient and thermal resistance.


Exhibition with respect to handling of documents in multiple platforms and portability of files for the net and other means. Generation of documents in programs of frequent use for Digital Graphic Edition (CorelDraw, Illustrator, Freehand, PageMaker, QuarkXPress, Word, etc.) and conversion to portable documents of under capable weight to transport via modem with used sources absorbed in the document that facilitates their reading in multiple platforms. Possibility to publish and to incorporate links, audio files and video, annotations, to generate indexes of contents and margin notes. Professional use of portable documents for generation of color separations (cuatricromia, hexacromia and plane inks [Pantone or other systems colorimetricos]) for filming of movies in preimpresion offset or other graphic systems of impression. Generation of electronic notes of class dedicated to be lowered by the net for any platform that the student used, education and evaluation at distance through the net. Interactividad level in communication off line.


Purpose
This paper aims to elucidate how cultural intermediaries shape the subjectivity of other marketplace actors in fashion, thus preserving the illusio underpinning this field of cultural production.

Design/methodology/approach
Narrative interviews were conducted with cultural intermediaries in the fashion industry. These were supplemented with non-participant observations, carried out simultaneously during the research process. Interview transcripts and field notes were analysed using a combination of holistic-content and categorical-content analysis.

Findings
As the fashion field is constructed around beliefs as to what constitutes value, the empirical data demonstrate how fashion models' embody the illusio of the field and authenticate the values, meanings and identities inherent in it through aestheticised and rarefied styles of performance. These activities seduce other market actors and engender a willing suspension of disbelief that in turn mobilises affective intensities resulting in perceptions of legitimacy.

Research limitations/implications
This research adds greater clarity to what cultural intermediaries do when they mediate between economy and culture. To do this, our research is analysed in terms of the ritual performance, the sensibility of the model, the use of the body and the performative fusion.

Practical implications
The paper offers practical implications insofar as it deconstructs the two core ritualistic aspects of the fashion industry which each season yields significant tangible outputs in various forms. The combination of narrative inquiry with observation allows for a better understanding of how these events can be best channelled to mediate the illusio of this cultural field.

Originality/value
To date, there has been very little consumer research that explores cultural intermediaries and less still that offers an empirical glimpse of their performance. This research adds greater clarity to these embodied performances that legitimate other market actors' suspension of disbelief while also demystifying the ambiguity with which cultural intermediaries are discussed in consumer research.


The effects of immunization with the ferric citrate receptor FecA on antibody responses and on experimentally induced mastitis following intramammary challenge were investigated. Twenty-one cows were assigned to seven blocks of three cows based on expected parturition. Cows within block were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) FecA immunization, 2) Escherichia coli J5 immunization, and 3) unimmunized controls. Challenge was by infusion of approximately 60 cfu of E. coli 727 into one uninfected mammary gland between 13 and 31 d after parturition. Cows within block were challenged on the same day. Cows immunized with FecA had higher immunoglobulin (Ig)G titers against FecA in serum and in mammary secretions at calving, immediately before challenge, and 7 d after challenge than did cows immunized with E. coli J5 or control cows. Immunization with FecA also increased IgG titers against whole-cell E. coli 727 in serum and in mammary secretions at calving. Serum IgM titers against FecA were higher in FecA immunized cows than in other treatment groups immediately before challenge. Bacterial counts in milk, duration of bacterial isolation in milk, rectal temperature, and milk somatic cell counts following intramammary challenge were similar among treatments. Milk production and dry matter intake did not differ among treatments. The ferric citrate receptor FecA was immunogenic in cows, but immunization had minimal effect on the clinical severity of experimentally induced E. coli mastitis.


Central Medical Hospital were established in 1929. And then, based on the "Memorandum of Organization of Central Medical Hospital, Provincial and Municipal Branch", branch hospitals were set up in all provinces. Guangdong Branch and the county hospitals were established in 1931, and a variety of activities were carried out. However, because of the failure of striving for administrative power by Central Medical Hospital, the local Branch hospitals were defined as association. In addition, lack of powerful leaders and support of government led to the weakening of its function. They failed to develop traditional Chinese medicine further.


BACKGROUND
Nursing shortages, the substitution of practical nurses for registered nurses, an ageing workforce, the decreasing number of nurse graduates and the increasing migration of young nurses are important factors associated with the hospital safety climate in Central European countries.

AIMS
The aim of the study was to investigate nurses' perceptions of the safety climate in four selected central European countries (Croatia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia) and to determine the relationship between safety climate and unfinished nursing care.

METHODS
A cross-sectional study was used. The sample consisted of 1353 European nurses from four countries. Instruments used were the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture and the Perceived Implicit Rationing of Nursing Care. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS
Significant differences were found between countries in all unit/hospital/outcome dimensions. 'Perceived Patient Safety' and 'Reporting of Incident Data' were associated with aspects of 'Organizational Learning' and 'Feedback and Communication about Error'. Higher prevalence of unfinished nursing care is associated with more negative perceptions of patient safety climate.

CONCLUSIONS
Cross-cultural comparisons allow us to examine differences and similarities in safety dimensions across countries. The areas with potential for initiating strategies for improvement in all four countries are 'Staffing', 'Non-punitive Response to Error' and 'Teamwork across Hospital Units'. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: 'Feedback and Communicating about Error' and 'Organizational Learning - Continuous Improvement' were the main predictors of 'Overall Perception of Patient Safety' and 'Reporting of Incident Data'. Therefore, nurse managers should focus on how to empower nurses in these areas in order to foster a no-blame culture and effective reporting. In addition, it is important for policymakers to update nursing education standards in order to address patient safety.


In recent years, generative adversarial networks (GANs) have been proposed to generate simulated images, and some works of literature have applied GAN to the analysis of numerical data in many fields, such as the prediction of building energy consumption and the prediction and identification of liver cancer stages. However, these studies are based on sufficient data volume. In the current era of globalization, the demand for rapid decision-making is increasing, but the data available in a short period of time is scarce. As a result, machine learning may not provide precise results. Obtaining more information from a small number of samples has become an important issue. Therefore, this study aimed to modify the generative adversarial network structure for learning with small numerical datasets, starting with the Wasserstein GAN (WGAN) as the GAN architecture, and using mega-trend-diffusion (MTD) to limit the bound of virtual samples that the GAN generates. The model verification of our proposed structure was conducted with two datasets in the UC Irvine Machine Learning Repository, and the performance was evaluated using three criteria: accuracy, standard deviation, and p-value. The experiment result shows that, using this improved GAN architecture (WGAN_MTD), small sample data can also be used to generate virtual samples that are similar to real samples through GAN.


The unevenly distributed environmental burdens of the Anthropocene become evident in conflicts surrounding the extractive industries. ThyssenKrupp's steel mill (TKCSA) in Rio de Janeiro is an illustrative example. The factory transformed its surrounding landscape and emitted a fine metallic dust over its human and non-human neighbours. This article focuses on some of the less tangible elements of Anthropocene transformations around the mill. I examine ThyssenKrupp's communication strategies to reveal the underlying meanings of corporate rhetorical devices, uncover the violence of public relations language and understand the intensity of feeling that surrounded it. I trace the affective registers that emerged around the steel mill as a result of its polluting activities, its approach to corporate communications, and its 'corporate social responsibility' (CSR) activities. Everyday life involved minimal corporeal expressions of emotion that encapsulated feeling and allowed for perseverance in the face of toxic suffering. The 'Stop TKCSA' campaign involved affective labour; emotions were the agentic contribution campaigners were able to make in the context of unequal power structures. I centre these less visible dynamics of power to examine how emotions can shape experiences of environmental conflict, form coalitional politics, and contribute to the very landscapes of the Anthropocene.


Based on centuries of historical development, botanic gardens have now developed into leading institutions in the fields of conservation, research, education and recreation on a global scale. Botanic gardens increasingly play a role in providing a scientific basis towards sustainable use and conservation of plant diversity. Due to a rising public awareness on biodiversity, they become important windows to the public. Gullele Botanic Garden is predestined to make an impact as a model institution for the Horn of Africa and beyond, building upon achievements already made through programs such as the Ethiopian Flora Project and using an excellent location in Addis Ababa as one of the major cities of the African continent. Making an impact in the area of plant biodiversity appears to be achieved best as a concerted action of administrative and scientific stakeholders. Becoming a nucleus in a future Ethiopian Botanic Gardens Network, Gullele Botanic Garden should have the potential to significantly contribute to conservation and sustainable development, as well as enriching the cultural landscape in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.


This chapter examines the factors which could affect future critical raw material availability for UK defence, focusing on the availability of rare earth elements (REE). These include tighter regulatory policy and its enforcement, export policies, promoting greater efficiency in resource use, efforts to mitigate resource depletion and more efficient resource extraction while reducing its associated environmental impact. There is also the effect these factors might have on global supply chains, the impact on material insecurity and how this may exacerbate the issue of their use in UK defence acquisition. While this chapter looks at the issues and vulnerabilities surrounding the availability of REE, underlying this is the increasing vulnerability of military supply chains in an increasingly globalised world.


The purpose of this study was to examine the development of six leader-athletes. In-depth qualitative interviews were used to explore the various activities that leader athletes engaged in from an early age as well as the roles and influences that peers, coaches, and parents played within these activities. Results indicated that leadership development in sport focused on developing four central components: high skill, strong work ethic, enriched cognitive sport knowledge, and good rapport with people. The types of activities engaged in throughout development as well as receiving feedback, acknowledgement, support, cognitive engagement, mature conversations with adults, and physical encounters with older peers are important social influences that can play an instrumental role in the formation of these four central tenets.


As interest grows in the diffusion of evidence-based interventions (EBIs), there is increasing concern about how to mitigate implementation challenges; this paper concerns adapting an EBI for homeless women. Complementing earlier focus groups with homeless women, homeless service providers (n = 32) were engaged in focus groups to assess capacity, needs, and barriers with implementation of EBIs. Deductive analyses of data led to the selection of four EBIs. Six consensus groups were then undertaken; three each with homeless women (n = 24) and homeless service providers (n = 21). The selected EBI was adapted and pretested with homeless women (n = 9) and service providers (n = 6). The structured consensus group process provided great utility and affirmed the expertise of homeless women and service providers as experts in their domain. Engaging providers in the selection process reduced the structural barriers within agencies as obstacles to diffusion.


The deep learning being a subcategory of the machine learning follows the human instincts of learning by example to produce accurate results. The deep learning performs training to the computer frame work to directly classify the tasks from the documents available either in the form of the text, image, or the sound. Most often the deep learning utilizes the neural network to perform the accurate classification and is referred as the deep neural networks; one of the most common deep neural networks used in a broader range of applications is the convolution neural network that provides an automated way of feature extraction by learning the features directly from the images or the text unlike the machine learning that extracts the features manually. This enables the deep learning neural networks to have a state of art accuracy that mostly expels even the human performance. So the paper is to present the survey on the deep learning neural network architectures utilized in various applications for having an accurate classification with an automated feature extraction.


We verify the domain sideway motion around the peripheral regions of the crossed capacitors of top and bottom electrode bars without electrode coverage. To avoid the crosstalk problem between adjacent memory cells, the safe distance between adjacent elements of Pt/SrBi2Ta2O9/Pt thin-film capacitors is estimated to be 0.156 μm. Moreover, the fatigue of Pt/SrBi2Ta2O9/Pt thin-film capacitors is independent of the individual memory size due to the absence of etching damage.


Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was applied to distinguish chemically functional groups in stearoyl amide and anilide molecules adsorbed on the liquid-solid interface of phenyloctane and graphite. In contrast to previously reported carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, amide and anilide groups were imaged as more readily tunneling parts than the hydrocarbon part. Stearoyl amide molecules were in a head-to-head alignment suggesting hydrogen bonding between the amide groups, while stearoyl anilide molecules were in a head-to-tail arrangement. The STM images were compared with the shape of the molecular orbitals calculated for isolated molecules to confirm the intuitive assignment of the functional groups.


Coastal risk reduction features are often built to protect infrastructure and ecosystems from damaging waves, sea level rise, and shoreline erosion. Engineers often use predictive numerical modeling tools, such as Delft3D to help design optimal intervention strategies. Still, their use by coastal managers for optimizing the design of living shorelines in complex geomorphic environments has been limited. In this study, the Delft3D modeling suite is used to help select the optimum living shoreline structure for a complex inlet and bay system at Carancahua Bay, Texas. To achieve this goal, an extensive array of sensors was deployed to collect hydrodynamic and geotechnical data in the field, and historical shoreline changes were assessed using image analysis. The measured data were then used to parameterize and validate the baseline Delft3D model. Using this validated model, the hydrodynamics resulting from a series of structural alternatives were simulated and compared. The results showed that the mouth of this complex inlet has widened greatly since the 1800s due to wave erosion and sea level rise. The analysis of the structural alternatives showed it was not advisable to attempt a return of the inlet to its historical extent, but rather to create a hybrid design that allowed for limited flow to continue through a secondary inlet. The numerical modeling effort helped to identify how to best reduce wave and flow energy. This study provides a template for the application of Delft3D as a tool for living shoreline design selection under complex shallow-estuary and inlet dynamics.


The effects of a moderately elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on lung mechanics in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have still not been fully analyzed. Moreover, the optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in elevated IAP and ARDS is unclear. In this paper, 18 pigs under general anesthesia received a double hit lung injury. After saline lung lavage and 2 h of injurious mechanical ventilation to induce an acute lung injury (ALI), an intra-abdominal balloon was filled until an IAP of 10 mmHg was generated. Animals were randomly assigned to one of three groups (group A = PEEP 5, B = PEEP 10 and C = PEEP 15 cmH2O) and ventilated for 6 h. We measured end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) per kg bodyweight, driving pressure (ΔP), transpulmonary pressure (ΔPL), static lung compliance (Cstat), oxygenation (P/F ratio) and cardiac index (CI). In group A, we found increases in ΔP (22 ± 1 vs. 28 ± 2 cmH2O; p = 0.006) and ΔPL (16 ± 1 vs. 22 ± 2 cmH2O; p = 0.007), with no change in EELV/kg (15 ± 1 vs. 14 ± 1 mL/kg) when comparing hours 0 and 6. In group B, there was no change in ΔP (26 ± 2 vs. 25 ± 2 cmH2O), ΔPL (19 ± 2 vs. 18 ± 2 cmH2O), Cstat (21 ± 3 vs. 21 ± 2 cmH2O/mL) or EELV/kg (12 ± 2 vs. 13 ± 3 mL/kg). ΔP and ΔPL were significantly lower after 6 h when comparing between group C and A (21 ± 1 vs. 28 ± 2 cmH2O; p = 0.020) and (14 ± 1 vs. 22 ± 2 cmH2O; p = 0.013)). The EELV/kg increased over time in group C (13 ± 1 vs. 19 ± 2 mL/kg; p = 0.034). The P/F ratio increased in all groups over time. CI decreased in groups B and C. The global lung injury score did not significantly differ between groups (A: 0.25 ± 0.05, B: 0.21 ± 0.02, C: 0.22 ± 0.03). In this model of ALI, elevated IAP, ΔP and ΔPL increased further over time in the group with a PEEP of 5 cmH2O applied over 6 h. This was not the case in the groups with a PEEP of 10 and 15 cmH2O. Although ΔP and ΔPL were significantly lower after 6 hours in group C compared to group A, we could not show significant differences in histological lung injury score.


Cesium–formamidinium-based mixed-halide perovskite materials with optical band gaps ranging from 1.5 to 1.8 eV are investigated by variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. The determined complex refractive indices are shown to depend on the fabrication procedure and environmental conditions during processing. This data is complemented by additional optical and structural characterization, as well as the demonstration of efficient perovskite solar cells. Finally, the data is used in optical simulations to provide guidelines for the optimization of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.


ABSTRACT. Cavell, B. (Department of Paediatrics, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden). Gastric emptying in preterm infants. Acta Paediatr Scand, 68: 725, 1979.—The gastric emptying of meals of human milk and infant formula was studied in 11 healthy preterm (AGA) infants at a postnatal age of 1–9 weeks corresponding to 33–38 weeks of gestational age. A total of 30 studies were performed using a marker dilution technique. Gastric emptying of meals of human milk followed a biphasic emptying pattern with an initial fast phase. In about 25 min half of the meal had left the stomach. The emptying of meals of adapted infant formula usually followed a linear pattern and half the meal had left the stomach after 51 min. After one hour an average of 24.8 ml of human milk and 19.2 ml of infant formula had left the stomach.


The single-pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is prone to partial flap loss and fat necrosis, especially in high-risk groups such as patients who smoke, irradiated patients, and obese patients. Possible methods to increase the reliability of the TRAM flap include the free TRAM, the double-pedicled TRAM, and the surgically delayed TRAM. When we traveled overseas to an underserved area we were largely unable to implement these options due to limitations in equipment, supplies, and the length of our trip. We encountered a combined fat necrosis and partial flap failure rate of 27% (3 of 11 patients) in a group of heavily irradiated patients. On subsequent trips we employed a technique of acute ischemic preconditioning of the TRAM flap in 5 high-risk patients and 1 low-risk patient with good results. Although this preliminary experience is too small to draw conclusions about clinical efficacy, it does demonstrate the feasibility of performing ischemic preconditioning in a musculocutaneous flap in a clinical situation.


An electroaffinity column containing an interdigitated microelectrode array was used to retain human leukaemia cells dielectrophoretically and thereby separate them from normal blood cells. The leukaemic cells could be subsequently released by removal of the dielectrophoretic field and collected. This novel approach exploits the differential dielectric properties of cells as a sorting criterion and has applications in medicine, biotechnology and environmental settings.


In this work we present and discuss the single-molecule fluorescence spectra of a variety of species of light-harvesting complexes: LH2 of Rhodopseudomonas acidophila, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, and Rhodospirillum molischianum and LH1 of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The emission spectrum of these complexes varies as a function of time as was described in earlier work. For each type of complex, we observe a pronounced and well-reproducible characteristic relationship between the fluorescence spectral parameters of the peak wavelength, width, and asymmetry. This dependence for the LH2 complexes can be quantitatively explained on the basis of a disordered exciton model by varying the static disorder and phonon coupling parameters. In addition, a correlation of the pigment site energies has to be assumed to interpret the behavior of the LH1 complex.


Objective: To investigate oropharyngeal complex differences related to sex and occlusal factors in adolescents.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 108 patients aged 12-17 years. The oropharyngeal complex was evaluated by imaging exams. Occlusal variables included molar relationship, facial growth pattern, maxilla shape, tooth loss, anterior crossbite, and anterior open bite. Statistical analysis included independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The significance level was 5%.Results: There were increases of the tongue measurement (p = 0.026) and the hyoid approach at the base of the mandible among boys (p = 0.016) and the distance from the hyoid at the base of the mandible among girls (p = 0.039). There was shortening of the soft palate measurements (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007) and tongue (p = 0.018) among adolescents with an anterior crossbite.Conclusion: Findings suggest sex, age, and anterior crossbite can be related to oropharyngeal morphology.


BackgroundMany low-and-middle-income countries, including South Africa (SA), have high rates of teenage pregnancy. Following the World Health Organisation recommendations, SA health policy on infant feeding promotes exclusive breast-feeding until six months of age, with gradual weaning. At the same time, SA's education department, in the interest of learners, promotes teenagers' return to school post-partum. Yet infant feeding at school is currently not perceived as a realistic option. MethodsThis article explores practice among policy makers and implementers in the education and health sectors in Cape Town, SA. We interviewed health and education officials, managers and policy makers, as well as school principals and nursing staff, who manage adolescent mothers and their babies. ResultsParticipants expressed discomfort at pregnant learners remaining in school late in pregnancy. There was uncertainty about policy regarding when to return to school and how long to breast-feed. Educators reported that new mothers typically returned to school within a fortnight after delivery and that breast-feeding was not common. While health professionals highlighted the benefits of extended breast-feeding for infants and mothers, there was recognition of the potential conflict between the need for the mother to return to school and the recommendation for longer breast-feeding. Additionally, the need for ongoing support of young mothers and their families was highlighted. ConclusionsOur findings suggest educators should actively encourage school attendance in a healthy pregnant adolescent until delivery with later return to school, and health providers should focus attention on breast-feeding for the initial 4-6 weeks postpartum, followed by guided support of formula-feeding. We encourage the active engagement of adolescents' mothers and extended families who are often involved in infant feeding and care decisions. Education and health departments must engage in intersectoral work to focus on systems that facilitate the interests of both the mother and infant – some exclusive infant feeding together with a supported return to school for the teen mother.


Objective: To document functional differences between monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) of patients with MS and the ability of age/sex-matched healthy donor cells to phagocytose human myelin and to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie this. Methods: MDMs were derived from peripheral blood monocytes of 25 untreated patients with relapsing-remitting MS and secondary progressive MS and age/sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Phagocytosis was assessed by flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled human myelin. Quantification of messenger RNA and protein expression of Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK family molecules was determined by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Results: Cells of patients with MS display a reduced ability to phagocytose human myelin but not red blood cells as compared to matched HCs. These cells express significantly lower levels of the phagocytic tyrosine kinase receptor, MerTK, and its natural ligand, growth arrest-specific 6, independently of the activation state of the cells. Increased expression of interleukin 10 following myelin uptake by healthy donor cells is lost in MDMs of patients with MS; this effect is mediated through the MerTK pathway. Treatment of MS cells with transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) restored both phagocytosis and expression deficits. Conclusions: We describe a molecular mechanism that underlies a defect in myelin phagocytosis by macrophages generated from patients with MS. This abnormality involves decreased expression of MerTK and its ligands and can be rescued by treatment with TGFβ.


Background In order to improve the perceived quality of speech communications systems, so-called wideband standards have been developed in recent years. One example is the adaptive multi-rate wideband (AMR WB) speech codec, a part of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The current trend involves super-wideband (SWB) speech signals with an acoustic bandwidth in excess of 14kHz (Enhanced Voice Services EVS codec developed by 3GPP, Skype Opus codec). Both narrowband and wideband infrastructures are likely to co-exist for some time. There is thus a need to ensure the backward compatibility of narrowband technologies with current and future wideband infrastructure. In consequence, artificial means of extending narrowband speech to wideband speech have been investigated over the last 20 years, e.g. [1, 2, 3, 4]. This technology is known as artificial bandwidth extension (BWX). Most recent approaches to BWX are based on some form of joint-density modelling in which the missing, wideband spectral components are estimated from the available narrowband components, e.g. [1, 3]. These statistical approaches focus on extending the narrowband spectral envelope while avoiding discontinuity artefacts typical of the earlier vector quantisation (VQ) approaches. The work in [3] was among the first to explore a statistical approach based on the modelling of narrow and wideband speech signals using Gaussian mixture models (GMMs), a joint-density estimation procedure and a traditional source-filter speech model. This work was inspired by developments in voice transformation and conversion, e.g. [5, 6]. Most of the recent work has focused on the same source-filter approach with variations in the statistical approach used to extend the narrowband spectral envelope, e.g. via a hidden Markov model (HMM) approach [4]. The work proposed here aims to extend the statistical approaches of the past and to apply the very latest developments in voice conversion to BWX. The first approach should be an extension of the solution in [4] to SWB. The second approach should be a less complex approach based on, for instance, a simple replica of the spectrum as a low-cost approach with potential for rapid integration into Intel products. The third approach for consideration was originally proposed in a study of automatic speaker recognition vulnerabilities to spoofing through voice conversion. The algorithm essentially converts one person's voice towards that of another, target speaker using two speaker models: one of the source speaker and another of the target speaker. This PhD programme will adapt this technique to BWX and SWB by using models of different bandwidths rather than speakers


In this paper, we propose a novel image representation approach to tackle illumination variations in stereo matching problems. Images are mapped using their Fourier transforms which are convolved with a set of monogenic filters. Frequency analysis is carried out at different scales to account for most image content. The phase congruency and the local weighted mean phase angle are then computed over all the scales. The original image is transformed into a new representation using these two mappings. This representation is invariant to illumination and contrast variations. More importantly, it is generic and can be used with most sparse as well as dense stereo matching algorithms. In addition, sequential feature matching or tracking can also benefit from our approach in varying radiometric conditions. We demonstrate the improvements introduced with our image mappings on well-established data sets in the literature as well as on our own experimental scenarios that include high dynamic range imagery. The experiments include both dense and sparse stereo and sequential matching algorithms where the latter is considered in the very challenging visual odometry framework.


Naturally, regional disparities are caused by differences in regional characteristics and the degree of local sensitivity in responding the changes of business cycles. Therefor industrial growth and employment growth resulted from the regional competitiveness will be different in each region. The aims of this research was analyze the disparities in regional employment. By using Indonesian labor database retrieved from BPS (Badan Pusat StatistikIndonesian Central Burau of Statistic), the object of these research object was 34 city/district in Central Java Province 2009 to 2013. Dynamic shift-share analysis proposed by Barff & Knight (1988) was used to calculate the extent of the difference in employment growth between each region and the national average. The regional industrial structure, or to a residual element from its calculate on can be interpreted as indicating the locational advantages of each regional economy. Disparities in employment occur in the Central Java Province. The growth rate of employment in urban areas is slower than in the districts. Finally, the positive value on the residual mix coefficient indicates that overall 35 districts/cities in the Central Java region have high competitiveness prospects so that employment will grow in line with increasing competitiveness.


Nowadays as the world population has become more interconnected and is relying on faster transportation methods, simplified connections and shorter commuting times, we witness a rapid increase in human mobility. In this situation unveiling and understanding human mobility patterns have become a crucial issue to support decisions and prediction activities when managing the complexity of the today social organization. In practice, the mobility pattern of each individual person consists of the sequence of visited places. Those places and their correlations represent the foundation of most modelling and activity researches for understanding human mobility. Even though visited places underpin almost the majority of works in this field, their features remain largely unknown because in previous works, they have been mainly considered as uncharacterized spot points in an area or social gathering places, without considering the roles and importance of places to the behavior of each single user.


Introduction Road traffic accidents (RTA) with their serious social and economic consequences, though preventable, comprise an important cause of death and disability in developing countries, where the problem is increasing rapidly due to rapid motorisation. Nearly three-quarters of road deaths occur in developing countries. It is estimated that RTA will be the second leading cause of disability-adjusted life years in developing countries in the year 2020. This study aims to describe quantitatively the RTAs related mortality in Alexandria, and to identify their trends through 2000–2009. Methods Data were collected from records of the information and decision support center in Alexandria. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 18.0 for windows software. Trends were evaluated using time series seasonal decomposition and ARIMA analyses. Different risks were determined using Poisson regression. Results RTA mortality followed a significant rising trend (cubic model) with the highest incidence rate being in 2008 and 2009. Months from July to October showed the highest seasonal factors. Males were more than three times at risk than females. RTA mortality occurred with a higher incidence for ages above 60 years old and youth (university ages). Also higher rates were calculated for poor and remote districts. Conclusion Policy makers in Alexandria, Egypt need to recognise Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) as a growing public health crisis, design appropriate policy responses and implement urgent interventions for road safety applicable to the particular mix of Egyptian road use.


Over the last five years 10 patients in our practice have developed second- or third-degree burns following breast reconstruction. This has occurred in the reconstructed breasts of patients who have had tissue expansion, latissimus dorsi flaps, and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps. Second- or third-degree burns have also occurred on the abdomen following TRAM flap procedures. The lack of normal sensation in the surgical areas has been the common etiological factor. Aggressive wound care has led to primary and secondary healing in all patients without the need for skin grafts. Patient education preoperatively and postoperatively is necessary to prevent this potential complication.


A new lacrimal retractor has been designed for use in external dacryocystorhinostomy. This low-profile, self-retaining instrument incorporates solid blades, affording optimal exposure while protecting nearby tissue.


The present invention relates to a digital control system and method for a switching power supply, wherein the power source comprises: at least one power switch, the power switch for the power between the input and output transmission power; and a digital controller adapted the measured output of the power supply controlling operation of the at least one power switch. The digital controller comprising: an analog - digital converter, the device provides a digital error signal representative of the difference between the output measurement and a reference value; digital filter, the device is based on the sum of previous error signals and previous control outputs and provide a digital control output; error a controller adapted to modify the operation of the digital filter device in error conditions; and a digital pulse width modulator, the device provides a control signal to the power switch, the control signal having a control output corresponding to the digital pulse width. A method for controlling power comprising the steps of: measuring received power of the output; the output sampling measurement to provide a digital error signal representative of the difference between the output measurement and a reference value; based on a previous error signal and the sum of the previous control output and digital filtering the error signal to provide a digital control output; modify the operation at the step of filtering the error condition; and providing a control signal to the at least one power switch, the control signal having a control output corresponding to the digital pulse width.


[enter Abstract At the time of inception of constitutionalism in India the Framers of constitution were with the intention to have Uniform civil code for the citizens of India same is represented by Article 44 of the Constitution of India which lays down that the State shall work towards administering the same set of civil laws to govern people belonging to different regions and religions. The paper is about judicious study of the much debated and controversial topic of a suitable legislation on Uniform Civil Code for all the citizens of India despite their religion or race or ethnicity in compliance with the constitutional mandate under Article 44. Though a number of judgments in the Supreme Court have shown a marked inclination towards the establishment toward the UCC, no concrete step has been taken so far in this regard, in part due to the unresolved debate regarding the freedom of religion granted by Article 25 and 26, moreover Supreme Court in its recent observations has made it clear a UCC does not impinge upon the 'right to religion'. Through this paper, the idea of UCC is mooted keeping in mind the history of the country, its composite culture when it comes to personal laws, as well as the current political and social scenario.


Estimated total volume of sediments contained in certain Mesozoic and Cenozoic stratigraphic units in the Mexican Gulf Coastal Plain (excluding the Yucatan Peninsula) is of the order of 303,900 cubic miles. Breakdown of this volume by distribution and thickness of individual units is shown on an accompanying table and by isopachous maps. During the Mesozoic era, most of the Mexican Gulf Coastal Plain apparently was a submerged shelf or foreland area along the eastern border of a great geosyncline that extended from Central America through Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Tremendous thicknesses of sediments accumulated in parts of this geosyncline, and relatively thin deposits formed on the shelf area except locally where large organic reefs grew. It is unknown whether the Mesozoic sediments thicken again to the east or continue thinning. During Eocene time, several basins or foredeeps along the western margin of the present Coastal Plain received thick deposits of geosynclinal sediments (flysch and molasse), derived by erosion of the uplifted Mesozoic geosynclinal block. Lesser thicknesses of sediments were deposited east of these foredeeps. Whether the Eocene sediments thicken farther eastward under the Gulf of Mexico is at present unknown. During Oligocene and later periods of the Cenozoic, it appears that the present Mexican Gulf Coastal Plain consisted of a number of embayments that extended off a great sedimentary basin. The deepest part of this basin was in the present Gulf of Mexico, similar to the conditions existing today.


DE(' !&*%,)' *)%+,"('E,!'0((2' !#0F(*"' "&' !*/#"%2-' %2'$%G(/(2"' environments such as schools, family groups, work centers, and prisons. This article shows the results of the application of the Social Climate Scale for Correctional Institutions (CIES) (Moos, Moos & Trickett, 1995) at a women's correctional center in Aguascalientes, Mexico. This was a non-experimental cohort, cross sectional study of psychometrical nature, with the participation of 72 inmates composing the total female population of this establishment. With the instruments provided by the answers it was possible to run bivariate correlation studies, the results of which helped realize that variables such as the type of crime, the risk level, the presence of some psychopathological diagnosis and the schooling level are positively correlated with the elevated perception of some subscales of the instrument used to analyze the social climate. Likewise, with respect to this climate, a global per*(4"%&2'4/&B)('H,!'&0",%2($8'HE%*E'!E&H($'"E,"'%"'%!'4(/*(%ved as favorable in general terms.


Hong Kong students were observed to have the inclination to rote learn material rather than think. However, there is a lack of research on the teaching of argumentation of Hong Kong students. In my research, I argue that the use of the TASK (Thesis Analysis and Synthesis Key) strategy (Unrau, 1992; Koh 2004, Hew & Cheung, 2014) together with gamification through a blended learning approach can effectively enhance students' argumentative writing skills and motivation. An empirical experimental study is being carried out in a girls' school to determine the effectiveness of the said approach.


The objective of this work is to develop a novel system for regenerable SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} scrubbing of flue gas that focuses on (a) a novel method for regeneration of spent SO{sub 2} scrubbing liquor and (b) novel chemistry for reversible absorption of NO{sub x}. In addition, high efficiency hollow fiber contactors (HFC) are proposed as the devices for scrubbing the SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} from the flue gas. The system will be designed to remove more than 95% of the SO{sub x} and more than 75% of the NO{sub x} from flue gases typical of pulverized coal-fired power plants at a cost that is at least 20% less than combined wet limestone scrubbing of SO{sub x} and selective catalytic reduction NO{sub x}. In addition, the process will make only marketable byproducts, if any (no waste streams). During the third quarter of 1995, we continued work on Task 8, integrated NO{sub x} life tests. We also obtained some mass transfer data on Task 9, performance of scalable modules. In Task 8, we gathered additional 400 hours of NO{sub x} absorption/desorption data. We also presented the data on NO{sub x} absorption/desorption behavior over cumulative time to date. the performance indicates unchanged reversible characteristics of Co(II) phthalocyanine solution. Therefore, we believe that NO{sub x} absorption/desorption chemistry is robust. In Task 9, we experimentally observed the channeling of liquid flow due to poor design of previous rectangular modules. Newly obtained welded rectangular modules out-performed previous modules. We also presented SO{sub 2} absorption data using different Na{sub 2}SO{sub 3} concentrations. The SO{sub 2} absorption seem to be dependent on liquid flow rate, a rather surprising result compared to earlier results. Apparatus for combined absorption/desorption of SO{sub 2} in rectangular modules is also given in this report.


The actual epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis suggest some changes in interventions once considered as essential. Then, at level of prevention, today antitubercular action must purpose to efface every extensive programme and the BCG-vaccination obliged; to definitively stop the isoniazid prophylaxis; to give up the usual sanitary practices against tubercular contagion. At diagnostic and therapeutic level, the old antitubercular structures are still indispensable to correctly tackle a problem that, though reshuffled, yet it still subsists. At last, we think that the socio-economic measures, taken when tuberculosis caused heavy consequences in patients activity, need a radical review. Antitubercular action, if we take away the out of time and out of need parts, can still contribute to qualify the interventions in defending or restoring health.


Historical records from democratic processes and negotiation of constitutional texts are a complex type of data to navigate due to the many different elements that are constantly interacting with one another: people, timelines, different proposed documents, changes to such documents, and voting to approve or reject those changes. In particular, voting records can offer various insights about relationships between people of note in that historical context, such as alliances that can form and dissolve over time and people with unusual behavior. In this paper, we present a toolset developed to aid users in exploring relationships in voting records from a particular domain of constitutional conventions. The toolset consists of two elements: a dataset visualizer, which shows the entire timeline of a convention and allows users to investigate relationships at different moments in time via dimensionality reduction, and a person visualizer, which shows details of a given person's activity in that convention to aid in understanding the behavior observed in the dataset visualizer. We discuss our design choices and how each tool in those elements works towards our goals, and how they were perceived in an evaluation conducted with domain experts.


Previous studies have demonstrated that sickle cell disease (SCD) can be corrected in mouse models by transduction of hematopoietic stem cells with lentiviral vectors containing anti-sickling globin genes followed by transplantation of these cells into syngeneic recipients. Although self-inactivating (SIN) lentiviral vectors with or without insulator elements should provide a safe and effective treatment in humans, some concerns about insertional mutagenesis persist. An ideal correction would involve replacement of the sickle globin gene (betaS) with a normal copy of the gene (betaA). We recently derived embryonic stem (ES) cells from a novel knockin mouse model of SCD and tested a protocol for correcting the sickle mutation by homologous recombination. Animals derived after gene replacement produced high levels of normal human hemoglobin (HbA), and the pathology associated with SCD was corrected. These experiments provided a foundation for similar studies in which our group collaborated with Rudolf Jaenisch's laboratory to correct SCD by gene replacement in iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells derived by direct reprogramming of sickle skin fibroblasts. Corrected iPS cells were differentiated into hematopoeitic progenitors that were transplanted into irradiated sickle recipients. The transplanted animals produced high levels of normal human HbA, and the pathology of SCD was corrected. These proof-of-principle studies provide a foundation for the development of gene replacement therapy for human patients with SCD and other blood disorders.


Abstract Background and objective: Since the prognostic significance of the combination of beta-2-microglobulin (β2m) and albumin in multiple myeloma (MM) has been recognized, these two easily obtainable parameters were subsequently employed in the staging systems of Bataille et al. (BSS), the South West Oncology Group (SWOG SS) and most recently the International Myeloma Working Group (ISS). There is no consensus, however, regarding the cut off levels of β2m and the stage, early or advanced, at which albumin should be added to the model. At the same time, Weber et al. demonstrated similar results using β2m alone in identical cut-offs with ISS (WSS). The aim of the present study is to apply these four staging systems in 504 MM patients, in order to discern the role of albumin in MM staging and evaluate if, and at which stage, albumin should be added to the model. Methods: Median overall survival (OS) according to BSS, SWOG SS, ISS and WSS was estimated according to the Kaplan–Meier method. OS differences between the stages were assessed using the log–rank test. Patients with β2m <3.5 mg/l and albumin <3.5 g/dl, who were classified in stage II according to ISS and in stage I according to WSS, were analyzed separately in order to detect in which prognostic group they practically belong. Results: BSS and SWOG SS failed to distinguish stage II from stage III patients and stage III from stage IV patients, respectively. ISS and WSS achieved clear stratification of the patients into three distinct prognostic subgroups, but WSS I patients had a lower life expectancy than ISS I patients. This difference was due to false inclusion of patients with β2m <3.5 mg/l and albumin <3.5 g/dl in stage I by WSS, while separate analysis of these patients proved that they belong, in fact, in stage II. In an attempt to improve its prognostic impact, WSS was then successfully modified by dividing WSS I patients in two substages, WSS IA: β2m <2.5 mg/l and WSS IB: 2.5 mg/l ≤β2m <3.5 mg/l, thus designating a low-risk and a low-intermediate-risk subgroup, respectively. Conclusion: Albumin appears to lose its prognostic value at high cut-off levels of β2m, while it enhances the prognostic significance of β2m at low cut-off levels of the latter. Albumin cannot be eliminated from the ISS, since it is absolutely necessary in order to identify true low-risk patients. The only possibility for albumin exclusion from the model, could be to decrease the β2m low-risk cut-off from 3.5 to 2.5 mg/l.


In this letter, the performance of an indoor optical wireless spot-diffusing system using various multibeam transmitter configurations, in association with direction diversity and combining techniques, is assessed and compared under the impact of multipath dispersion and ambient light noise through theoretical analysis and computer simulation. Computer simulation for three different multibeam transmitter configurations and a conventional diffuse transmitter is carried out. Diversity receiver and wide field-of-view (FOV) receiver configurations are evaluated in conjunction with the proposed configurations. For the diversity-detection case, a receiver comprising an array of narrow FOV detectors (three and seven segments) oriented in different directions is used to maximize the collected signals and minimize noise. A novel line-strip multibeam system (LSMS) is investigated with single and diversity receiver configurations, and is compared with other spot-diffusing methods. Combining schemes, including selection combining, maximum ratio combining, and equal gain combining are employed for the presented configurations. Our results indicate that the performance improvement obtained through the use of LSMS with a three-direction diversity receiver is about 20 dB signal-to-noise ratio enhancement over the conventional diffuse system, and 26 dB when combining techniques are used. Root mean square delay-spread performance for the proposed configurations, at different positions on the communication floor, are also evaluated and compared.


A systemic treatment of primary and secondary brain tumors remains challenging, because of the highly efficient blood-brain barrier (BBB) preventing the passage of most anticancer drugs. Vesicular carriers can improve the trans-barrier transport. The aim of the study was therefore to develop liposomes as such drug carriers. We evaluated the impact of membrane fluidity and ligand presence for a targeted drug transport into the brain. In vitro investigations using the monolayer barrier forming Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells revealed that cellular uptake of liposomes was mainly depending on membrane fluidity and vesicle charge. Liposomes with a positive charge, and fluid vesicles containing dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine in their membrane were taken up most (A. Orthmann et al.; J. Pharm Sciences, 2010). Coating with the short 19mer peptide ligand angiopep 2 to target the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), which is expressed by MDCK cells, resulted in targeted liposomes, which further improved cellular uptake by a factor of 5.5 in comparison to non-targeted rigid liposomes. In vitro, fluid, targeted liposomes achieved the best transcytosis rate in the MDCK cell barrier model with an increase by more than 400% in comparison to rigid, ligand-free liposomes. The most challenging step of drug validation is the in vivo testing in models of brain metastases. Several experimental models of metastasis have been developed in our labs to simulate brain metastasis (J. Hoffmann, J. et al., Neuro-Oncology, 2009). We selected the human MT-3 breast cancer model to test the therapeutic effect of mitoxantrone (MTO) -loaded liposomes in vivo. Cells were transplanted s.c. and into the brain of nude mice. Pharmacokinetic investigations demonstrated a clear prolongation of liposome circulation in the blood with improved PK parameters in comparison to free MTO. Liposomal MTO was stronger accumulated in the s.c. tumor than the free drug. Enhanced accumulation of the encapsulated drug was also found in the brain immediately after injection of liposomes. In a therapy study mice were treated i.v. with 4 mg/kg free MTO, or encapsulated in targeted liposomes to investigate the therapeutic effect. A treatment with angiopeptide bearing, fluid liposomes at day 3, 7 and 10 resulted in a significant reduction in the tumor volume of 88% (s.c. tumor) and 73% (intracerebral tumor), in comparison to control group. Both fluid liposome formulations were significantly more active than the free drug. In addition, both liposomal formulation reduced the side effects (gastrointestinal toxicity and dehydration) caused by the free drug. To summarize our key findings, we found that the new targeted fluid liposomes - show a higher uptake and improved transcytosis in vitro, - have a longer circulation time and showed an enhanced accumulation in tumors, - are more active against s.c. breast cancer and brain metastases in comparison to free MTO, and - reduce the toxic side effects of MTO. In conclusion, we established new targeted liposomes which may serve as platform technology for different anticancer drugs for improved drug transport across the BBB. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A111.


This article is written as a part of the research project 'RomaInterbellum. Roma Civic Emancipation between the Two World Wars' which has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 694656).


MS is an autoimmune disease of the CNS and among all the genetic factors; MHC class-II molecules show the strongest association. To better understand the role of MHC class-II (HLA-DR/DQ) genes in susceptibility and resistance to MS, we utilized transgenic (Tg) mice expressing HLA class-II gene lacking endogenous mouse class II genes. HLA-DR3 Tg mice are susceptible to PLP91-110 induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), whereas DQ8 (DQB1*0302) transgenic mice are resistant. To identify the gene expression changes and pathways required for disease susceptibility vs resistance to EAE, we performed mRNA expression profiling of CD4+ T cells from HLA-DR3 (susceptible) and HLA-DQ8 (resistant) Tg mice. Whole genome expression analysis identified 2945 genes in HLA-DR3 Tg mice (PLP91-110 immunized vs. naïve) and 1053 genes in HLA-DQ8 Tg mice (PLP91-110 immunized vs. naïve). Comparison of modulated genes between DR3 and DQ8 identified 772 genes common to both strains, 2173 genes unique to DR3 whereas 281 genes were unique to DQ8 mice. Ingenuity pathway analysis showed up regulation of pathways involved in T cell signaling in inflammation, NF-kB signaling and those responsible for communication between innate and adoptive immunity. Majority of these pathways have IL1β as a major upstream regulator in disease susceptible HLA-DR3 Tg mice. Thus microarray data indicates an important role of IL1β induced encephalitogenic T helper cell differentiation in disease susceptibility.


At the zero lower bound (ZLB), expectations about the future path of monetary or fiscal policy are crucial. We model expectations formation under level-k thinking, a form of bounded rationality introduced by García-Schmidt and Woodford (2019) and Farhi and Werning (2017), consistent with experimental evidence. This process does not lead to a number of puzzling features from rational expectations models, such as the forward guidance and the reversal puzzle, or implausible large fiscal multipliers. Optimal monetary policy at the ZLB under level-k thinking prescribes keeping the nominal rate lower for longer, but short-run macroeconomic stabilization is less powerful compared to rational expectations.


To plan cementing operations in oil wells, predicting accurate circulating temperature is required. Failure to predict the circulating temperature can result in the wrong thickening time. To the best of our knowledge, correlation of the tables in API Recommended Practice 10B are usually chosen to predict bottomhole circulating temperature (BHCT), but both are not suitable in every block with a different geological condition. To design thickening time of the cement slurry, it is necessary to give a credible temperature profile of the wellbore during cementing pumping. Accordingly, a heat transfer numerical model has been developed to simulate conditions encountered down hole. To be accurate, the thermal conductivities and the specific heat of the mud, the spacer, and the cement slurry have been tested. The circulating temperature encountered by the cement slurry rises with the drop of the rate, the increase of the lateral section, the decrease of the slurry density, the decrease of the slurry thermal conductivity, and the decrease of the slurry-specific heat. The simulated data agree with the data obtained from the field case. The heat-up process of the cement slurry in simulation is different from that in the API thickening-time test. To analyze the impact of heat-up process on thickening time, two tests were designed. The results show that the heat-up process has a significant impact on the thickening time. Therefore, the method given by API has some limitations. The wellbore temperature field during cementing pumping was analyzed, and the real-time temperature of fluid was tracked, which supports the cementing design optimization and job safety, also improving bonding quality.


Population attributes are essential in health for understanding who the data represents and precision medicine efforts. Even within disease infection labels, patients can exhibit significant variability; "fever" may mean something different when reported in a doctor's office versus from an online app, precluding directly learning across different datasets for the same prediction task. This problem falls into the domain adaptation paradigm. However, research in this area has to-date not considered who generates the data; symptoms reported by a woman versus a man, for example, could also have different implications. We propose a novel population-aware domain adaptation approach by formulating the domain adaptation task as a multi-source hierarchical Bayesian framework. The model improves prediction in the case of largely unlabelled target data by harnessing both domain and population invariant information.


Background The prevalence and impact of motor coordination difficulties in children with Copy Number Variants that are associated with high risk of neurodevelopmental disorder (ND-CNVS) remain unknown. The present study aims to advance understanding of motor coordination difficulties in children with ND-CNVs and establish relationships with IQ and psychopathology. Methods 169 children with a ND-CNV (67% male, median age 8.88 years, range 6.02-14.81) and 57 closest-in-age unaffected siblings (controls; 55% male, median age 10.41 years, SD=3.04, range 4.89-14.75) were assessed with the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, alongside psychiatric interviews, and standardised assessments of IQ. Results 91% of children with an ND-CNV screened positive for coordination problems, compared to 19% of unaffected sibling controls (OR=42.53, p<.001). There was no difference in coordination ability between ND-CNV genotypes (F=1.47, p=.184). Poorer motor coordination in the ND-CNV group was associated with greater numbers of ADHD (p=.021) and autism spectrum disorder trait (p<.001) symptoms, along with lower full-scale (p=.011), performance (p=.015), and verbal IQ (p=.036). Mediation analysis indicated that coordination ability was a full mediator of anxiety symptoms (69% mediated, p=.012), and a partial mediator of ADHD (51%, p=.001) and ASD trait symptoms (66%, p<.001) along with FSIQ (40%, p=.002) PIQ (40%, p=.005) and VIQ (38%, p=.006) scores. Conclusions The findings indicate that poor motor coordination is highly prevalent and closely linked to risk of mental health disorder and lower intellectual function. Future research should explore whether early interventions for poor coordination ability could ameliorate neurodevelopmental risk more generally.


Recent progress on studies of structure and functions of biological membranes has been successfully achieved. Various topics on membrane abnormalities in blood cells were selected for this symposium. First of all, in red cell disorders, abnormal red cell morphology is crucial for identification of various kinds of hemolytic anemias. In addition, cytoskeletal protein abnormalities in red cell membrane were reviewed, especially on the pathogenesis of hereditary elliptocytosis and hereditary spherocytosis. Abnormal red cell membrane fluidity was also discussed in relation to insulin receptor on red cell membranes in diabetic patients. A role of growth factors, especially G-CSF and GM-CSF, on granulocytes was described from the standpoint of membrane receptors. Platelets demonstrate various glycoproteins (GP) on their cell membrane surfaces. Abnormalities on these glycoproteins, such as GP IIb-IIIa and GP Ib-IX complex, were observed in thromboasthenia and Bernard-Soullier syndrome. In addition, arachidonic acid cascade is important in platelet functions, especially for signal transduction of extracellular messages through plasma membranes. Finally, a new application of a liposome immune lysis assay was introduced for laboratory determinations of complements, antibodies, and various marker proteins. The symposium will be extremely helpful for further understanding of the structure-function relationship and of the various disorders of blood cell membranes.


This study aimed to characterise viscoelastic properties of different categories of chordae tendineae over a range of frequencies. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) was performed using a materials testing machine. Chordae (n = 51) were dissected from seven porcine hearts and categorised as basal, marginal, strut or commissural. Chordae were loaded under a sinusoidally varying tensile load at a range of frequencies between 0.5-5 Hz, both at a standardised load (i.e. same mean load of 4 N for all chordae) and under chordal specific loading (i.e. based on in vivo loads for different chordae). Storage modulus and stiffness were frequency-dependent. Loss modulus and stiffness were frequency-independent. Storage and loss moduli, but not stiffness, decreased with chordal diameter. Therefore, strut chordae have the lowest moduli and marginal chordae the highest moduli. The hierarchy of dynamic storage and loss moduli is: marginal, commissural, basal and strut. In conclusion, viscoelastic properties of chordae are dependent on both frequency and chordal type. Future/novel replacement chordal materials should account for frequency and diameter dependent viscoelastic properties of chordae tendineae.


This handbook of indicators for family planning (FP) program evaluation was compiled with the following objectives: 1) to differential between the need for programmatic and the population-level indicators 2) to compile the most useful indicators in a single volume 3) to provide definitions which will enhance the consistent use of the terms and 4) to promote the evaluation of programs by increasing familiarity with the indicators and making them easier to use. The handbook was specifically designed to benefit FP administrators and managers the staff of international FP agencies in-country evaluation specialists and applied FP researchers and demographers. In addition to the above the overview presents a list of contributors to the handbook and information on the use organization and conceptual framework of the handbook; the types of indicators (input process output and outcome); sources of data; scoring of indicators; and anticipated update of the handbook. Chapters 2-9 present the indicators which measure the policy environment service delivery operation FP service outputs demand for children demand for FP service utilization contraceptive practice and fertility impact. Chapter 10 is a discussion of future steps in the development of indicators for FP evaluation. The handbook also provides a summary list containing all of the indicators a list of acronyms references and the following appendices: a listing of all indicators by primary source of data; indicators for evaluating the management functional area; indicators of quality of care in FP programs; indicators for evaluating program use of operations research; and an illustration of the calculation of unmet need.


This paper considers the continued social policy emphasis on parenting and the measures in place to remedy 'poor' parenting. Drawing on primary research with parenting workers, the paper looks at the re-education of those subject to parenting interventions by examining philanthropic and state social control over families. This paper concentrates on how parenting workers negotiate delivering 'social work' via the concepts of welfare and empowerment, but which in reality are built on punitive and coercive means which focus on individual failings, not structural inequalities. The increasingly managerialised and punitive manner in which social interventions are delivered is considered and how this may be problematic particularly for voluntary organisations.


The phrase "violence against women" (VAW) has two meanings. First, violence against women is a long-ranging historical phenomenon said to be instituted to protect male property rights through the exchange of women, a result of misogyny, a "patriarchal bargain" between conquering males and enslaved women to ensure protection, a means to correct women's behavior that results from irrationality, original sin, or lack of virtue, or the result of a cultural bias against her sex. Second, VAW is a technical term originating in women's movements and human rights circles in the twentieth century to describe the ways in which women are subordinated to men throughout the world to sustain patriarchy, gender inequality, or masculine domination. While there is no universal theory of patriarchy that people find acceptable, it is true that violence against women, which takes very distinct forms from violence against men, is almost always legitimized by the law or culture within which it takes place, whereas violence against men is routinely prosecuted by law, even in war. Violence against women is a subset of gender violence; examples include battery, bride price, rape, stalking, female genital mutilation, foot binding, honor killing, wife burning, and lesbian bashing. Though violence against women occurs globally, the modern attempt to eliminate it begins in the global North where developed countries often set standards for appropriate treatment of women.

Keywords:

violence;
violence against;
women;
women's rights


Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is a localized or restricted variety of muscular dystrophy, characterized by bilateral ptosis, myopathic facies, external ophthalmoplegia and dysphagia. A patient with this unusual myopathy is described and detailed esophageal motility studies are presented that provide conclusive evidence of both striated and smooth muscle involvement.Because these unusual localized forms of muscular dystrophy exist and may be of late onset, previous rigid concepts concerning the dystrophies should be discarded.


We describe a new BV RI multicolor CCD photometric system situated at the prime focus of the 85-cm telescope at the Xinglong Station of NAOC. Atmospheric extinction effects, photometric accuracy and color calibration dependence of the system are investigated. Additional attention was paid to giving observers guidance in estimating throughput, detection limit, signal-to-noise ratio and exposure time.


Ethyl-cyanoethyl cellulose ((E-CE)C)/styrene solution could form anisotropic system when the concentration was high enough. The (E-CE)C/polystyrene(PS)multiphase polymer could be obtained by radical polymerization of the styrene in the solution. The (E-CE)C/PS multiphase polymer maintained both the crystalline structure of the (E-CE)C and the amorphous structure of the PS. In the multiphase polymer produced from the isotropic solution, however, the (E-CE)C formed spherulites and spread in the PS amorphous phase. While, in the multiphase polymer produced from the anisotropic solution, the (E-CE)formed cylinderic crystalline aggregates. Moreover, the ordered lamellar texture was also observed in the multiphase polymer produced from the anisotropic solution.