OBJECTIVE
To explore the protective effect of melatonin (MLT) against renal dysfunction in the early stage of burn in rats.

METHODS
Seventy SD rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham control (n=10), burn control (n=30) and MLT group (n=30). The 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness burn was induced by immersing the dorsal skin into boiling water for 30 seconds, while MLT (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was given immediately postburn, and the same dose was repeated once after 12 hours. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in renal tissue, as well as plasma creatinine (BCr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured at 6, 24 and 72 hours postburn, while the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) of renal tissue were measured only at 6 hours postburn.

RESULTS
MDA content was significantly increased and GSH content was decreased in renal tissue after a 30 % TBSA full-thickness burn at all time points. Plasma BCr and BUN levels were elevated within 24 hours postburn. All these changes peaked at 6 hours postburn (all P<0.01). Single injection of MLT decreased MDA by 27.8% (P<0.01) but increased GSH by 44.4% (P<0.05). It also inhibited the rise in plasma BCr and BUN levels (P<0.05 and P<0.01). However, repeated MLT injection did not show additional effect on these parameters as single injection of MLT. In addition, single dose of MLT also lowered the MPO level by 30.2% (P<0.05), but did not improve the GSH-Px activity at 6 hours postburn.

CONCLUSION
Severe burn may result in obvious oxidative stress (within 72 hours postburn) in the kidney with acute renal dysfunction (within 24 hours postburn). Single injection of MLT partially counteracted these changes, due to its high free radical scavenging capacity as well as its inhibitory effect on neutrophil-mediated tissue injury.


In the context of globalization today, speaking and using two languages is an advantage to develop yourself and to achieve success. To meet that need, many bilingual dictionaries were developed on a large scale. The bilingual Vietnamese-Khmer, Khmer-Vietnamese dictionary is still very modest in terms of number of words. This has not satisfied the need to study bilingual Khmer Vietnamese of the large population in Cambodia as well as people in areas with large Khmer ethnic groups such as the Southwest. The bilingual dictionary of Vietnamese Khmer and Khmer Vietnamese Trường Đại học Trà Vinh Ngày nhận bài: 16/03/17, Ngày nhận kết quả bình duyệt: 03/4/17, Ngày chấp nhận đăng: 20/4/17 of Tra Vinh University will be a contribution to the development of the dictionary field, it will effectively support for learning bilingual Khmer Vietnamese simultaneously. Contributing to preserving and promoting the national cultural identity and performing the political cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia.


Abstract In this work, indoor guidance and control of an autonomous holonomic transport robot vehicle via wireless (ZigBee) communication modules is presented. The vehicle modified as a mini forklift is equipped with four mecanum wheels which are separately driven with geared DC- Motors. In this configuration it has the capability of moving omnidirectional and to work even in very narrow areas. For indoor guidance and control of the autonomous unmanned vehicle (AUV), a remote control system existing of ZigBee wireless RF Modules, a PC as main controller and Ardupilot Mega (APM) microcontroller kit is implemented. Stationary PC as main controller can guide the vehicle to follow a calculated path autonomously through bilateral data transmission between APM and PC. As control data the angular position (yaw angle) is detected through integrated IMU (Inertial Measuring Unit) of APM and as second control parameter linear position is measured by an encoder. Besides navigation a self developed algorithm is integrated to the system for possible obstacle avoidance and optimal path finding. A Sharp distance sensor is used to detect distance and obstacles in the environment. Through integrated IMU and GPS system of APM the vehicle can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. The results of experimental testing showed the effectiveness of the proposed approach.


This thesis is about the alignment of vertex semiconductor detectors of the Belle II experiment. It is divided into several sections. The first part introduces the Belle II experiment as a new generation B-factory, with its ambitious plans of data taking and physical analysis. The second part follows with a more detailed description of Belle II detector and software tools designed for their alignment and calibration. The central part of the thesis describes physical processes used for calibration of the vertex detector, connected with the search of an optimal solution for run-time monitoring and calibration of the detector. We also tested the effect of misalignment on the Belle II tracking software. The following part gives results of the study of misalignment effects on physical observables related to analysis of selected physical channels. The last part describes the development of a data quality monitoring tool for the tracking system. The tools has to provide a run-time diagnostic of misalignment and miscalibration by monitoring the precision and accuracy of reconstruction of physical observables.


Industry 4.0 is considered to be the fourth industrial revolution and involves virtual and physical systems that are interconnected and collaborate in an autonomous way. Industry 4.0 is a relatively new concept within computer science and raises interest on how to make use of technologies included in the concept and profit from them. This article investigates Industry 4.0 in the context of SMEs: the opportunities and challenges that Industry 4.0 poses upon SMEs, as well as readiness of SMEs for Industry 4.0 are considered. The data collection and analysis methods were literature review with grounded theory. In the result, the main challenges proved being of organizational nature: SMEs need help with company-specific strategies for implementing Industry 4.0; and SMEs need skilled employees. The opportunities are flexibility and openness to innovation, which are pertinent to SMEs; cloud computing; and public investments into technology and adoption of Industry 4.0 by companies. The readiness of SMEs for Industry 4.0 is still somewhat low – they are still learners.


By using the technology of energy storage inductor and electro-exploding wire opening switch (EEOS) drived by pulsed capacitors, we studied the inductive-energy-storage pulsed power source. Based on the researches of EEOS with different material, different parameters and different quench medium, an excellent opening switch has been developed. On the basis of EEOS researches. An Inductive energy storage pulsed power source has been developed and tested. Experimental results show that output voltage and current of the pulsed power source exceed 700kV and 60kA with the rise time of less than 50ns and pulse width of more than 150ns. The energy efficiency is more than 40%.


In this paper, we examine the logic and framework for the development of a capability to immobilize excess Russian weapons plutonium by the year 2004. The initial activities underway in Russia, summarized here, include engineering feasibility studies of the immobilization of plutonium-containing materials at the Krasnoyarsk and Mayak industrial sites. In addition, research and development (R&D) studies are underway at Russian institutes to develop glass and ceramic forms suitable for the immobilization of plutonium-containing materials, residues, and wastes and for their geologic disposal.


Previous animal and cell-based studies indicated that exposure to the common food additive carrageenan impaired glucose tolerance and increased insulin resistance. Carrageenan is widely used in processed foods to improve solubility, but predictably causes inflammation, which contributes to insulin resistance by inhibition of insulin signaling. To test if removal of carrageenan from the diet could reduce insulin resistance, we initiated a double-blinded, controlled feeding study in individuals with prediabetes, defined by Hemoglobin A1c values of 5.7%-6.4%. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois at Chicago IRB. Participants were provided study diets for 12 weeks, which either contained or did not contain carrageenan, and had similar composition of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. An additional group was comprised of individuals who participated in study tests, but ate their usual diet. Subjects on study diets picked up their food weekly at UIC and had blood tests, including 2h glucose tolerance tests performed at entry, 6, and 12 weeks. Inflammatory parameters, including fecal calprotectin, were measured at entry and conclusion. Preliminary study results from 17 participants indicate that the carrageenan-free diet was associated with significant decline in hemoglobin A1c (p=0.004, unpaired t-test, two-tailed), HOMA-IR (homeostatic model for insulin resistance) score (p=0.0064), insulin resistance (p=0.02), and leukocyte phospho-serine IRS-1 (p=0.003) and NF-kappaB, compared to study participants on the control study diet or their regular diet. Study findings indicate significant decline in insulin resistance by removal of carrageenan from the diet. Additional studies of inflammatory parameters, immune cell subsets, and fecal microbiome are pending. Disclosure J.K. Tobacman: None.


Background: The embolic signal obtained by TCD varies in sound, pitch and duration according to the size of the embolus and the materials of which it is composed. We tried to differentiate the micro-embolic signal from various embolic sources by wave analysis and also to clarify its clinical significance.Methods and Results: We recorded micro-embolic signals using TCD in 10 patients with various embolic conditions; 3 patients on a left ventricular assistance system (LVAS), 3 patients after replacement of the mitral valve with a prosthesis (MV), 2 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), and 2 patients with high-grade carotid stenosis (CS) . Acoustic power (AP), frequency, duration and background blood velocity (Vbg) were measured by a microcomputer system. The average duration of the embolic signal was longer in patients with LVAS and MV than in those with NVAF and CS. All patients who showed a correlation between Vbg and all parameters (AP, frequency, duration) were asymptomatic.Conclusion: The duration of micro-embolic signals, which reflects the size and components of the embolus, differs largely according to the embolic source. The correlation of background velocity with three parameters of micro-embolic signals (AP, duration, frequency) which appear to reflect the homogeneity of micro-emboli, may be a parameter indicating stroke risk.


Geographic Information System (GIS) has a strong ability to visualize and spatial analysis, which monitoring, management, environmental simulation of pollution sources needs. In this paper, in support of GIS we design the goal, framework, structure of Shanghai Key Pollution Sources Management Information System (SKPSMIS) and implemented it. During developing SKPSMIS, enterprise GIS products, ArcGIS Server and Skyline, are used. SKPSMIS has the functions of real-time monitoring and alarm, query statistics, GIS analysis and 3DGIS display, which provides a powerful tool of key sources of pollution monitoring and management.


Provided are a seamless bend tube that has a bend section and straight tube sections on opposite sides of the bend section and in which the inner diameter of each straight tube section at its end is greater than the inner diameter of the bend section; a weld joint in which the inner diameter of an end of a seamless straight tube, which end is welded to either or both of the ends of the seamless bend tube, is the same as the inner diameter of the seamless bend tube and that has a seamless straight tube at either or both of the tube ends of the weld joint; and a method of producing the seamless bend tube and the weld joint. The seamless bend tube and the weld joint are suitable for a pipe line and can be obtained without unnecessarily increasing the wall thickness of the seamless bend tube and without cutting the tube ends of the seamless bend tube after it is produced.


The invention provides a tea polyphenol containing water-based coating for cigarette plug wrap paper. At present, the plug wrap paper is restricted to binding tows and has no direct effects on reducing the harm of the cigarette and improving the mouthfeel. The water-based coating is prepared from the following raw materials: 100 parts of water, 8-20 parts of tea polyphenols, 5-15 parts of carboxymethylcellulose, 3-12 parts of cassava starch and 3-12 parts of guar gum. The water-based coating is prepared by the following method: heating the water to 80-100 DEG C and fully stirring the mixture of tea polyphenols, carboxymethylcellulose, cassava starch and guar gum in water to prepare crosslinked mixed liquor, thus obtaining the water-based coating. The water-based coating can be adhered to the plug wrap paper so as to reduce the harmful substances in the smoke, utilizes water as a solvent so that the problem of volatile organic solvent residues is avoided after coating, saves energy and is safe, pollution-free and safer for smoking.


Three cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines and their respective maintainer lines of rice were used in this experiment. The CMS lines included were the newly developed line 'Pant CMS 3A' along with the two existing CMS lines, IR58025A and Pusa 6A. These were planted in four rows of 6 meter length along with two rows of the respective maintainer lines by the side. The hybrid seed set under natural out crossing conditions was allowed without the application of GA3 and supplementary pollination. Observations were recorded on plant height, tillers/plant, days to 50% flowering, panicle exsertion (%), out crossing rate (%) and total hybrid seed production. Pant CMS 3A showed significant advantage over the two widely used CMS lines, IR58025A and Pusa 6A with respect to all the important traits. The panicle exertion in CMS 3A was 96.7% compared to 72.3% in IR58025A and 71.2% in Pusa 6A. Similarly, the out crossing rate in CMS 3A was 31.8% compared to 8.7% in IR58025A and 16.3% in Pusa 6A; and the hybrid seed yield in CMS 3A was 1998 kg/ha compared to 1203 kg/ha for IR58025A and 1173 for Pusa 6A. These results indicate that by using the new Pant CMS 3 line, the yield of hybrid seed can be doubled and the use of GA3 can be avoided.


Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA

Ovarian cancer is an extremely aggressive disease associated with a high percentage of recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. DNA damage binding protein 2 (DDB2) is a 48-kDa protein originally identified as a component of the damage-specific DNA-binding heterodimeric complex DDB. Besides the known ability of DDB2 protein to bind ultraviolet (UV)-damaged DNA and serving as the initial damage recognition factor during nucleotide excision repair (NER), DDB2 was also reported to be involved in the promotion of apoptosis to reduce cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells, control of cell migration, invasiveness and breast tumor progression, as well as suppression of metastasis of colon cancer through a transcriptional regulatory mechanism. Here we show that DDB2 is downregulated in human ovarian serous adenocarcinomas. DDB2 overexpression in human ovarian cancer cell line CP70 suppressed its capability to recapitulate tumors in athymic nude mice, as well as the growth of these cells cultured in semisolid media. Flow cytometry analyses indicate that DDB2 overexpression in CP70 cells reduced the abundance of ALDH+ cells, which are believed to be cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in ovarian cancer. In contrast, downregulation of DDB2 in ovarian cancer cell line A2780 increased the percentage of ALDH+ cells. In addition, we analyzed the expression level of DDB2 in the putative CSCs isolated from various ovarian cancer cell lines, and demonstrated that DDB2 expression is downregulated in all tested CSCs in comparison with their parental bulk tumor cells. Overexpression of DDB2 in the ovarian CSCs reduced the expression of CSC marker Nanog, as well as inhibited the self-renewal of these CSCs. In addition, overexpression of DDB2 in CSCs isolated from ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 also decreased the tumorigenicity of these cells in NOD/SCID mice. Further analysis of publicly available gene expression array datasets revealed that low DDB2 expression correlates with poor outcomes among ovarian cancer patients, suggesting that loss of DDB2 may promote ovarian tumor relapse through expanding CSC population. Given that the DDB2 protein level is downregulated in ovarian tumor cells, targeting DDB2 expression could be a promising strategy to eradicate CSCs, and helps to halt ovarian cancer relapse. (Supported by NIH R01 grant CA151248 to QEW)

Citation Format: Chunhua Han, Ran Zhao, Xingluo Liu, Amit Kumar Srivastava, Li Gong, Hsiaoyin Mao, Meihua Qu, Weiqiang Zhao, Jianhua Yu, Qi-En Wang. Loss of DDB2 enhances the tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer cells through expanding cancer stem-like cell population. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3874. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3874


Detection and characterization of the presence of chemical agent aerosols in various complex atmospheric environments is an essential defense mission. Raman spectroscopy has the ability to identify chemical molecules, but there are limited numbers of photons detectable from single airborne aerosol particles as they are flowing through a detection system. In this paper, we report on a single-particle Raman spectrometer system that can measure strong spontaneous, stimulated, and resonance Raman spectral peaks from a single laser-trapped chemical aerosol particle, such as a droplet of the VX nerve agent chemical simulant diethyl phthalate. Using this system, time-resolved Raman spectra and elastic scattered intensities were recorded to monitor the chemical properties and size variation of the trapped particle. Such a system supplies a new approach for the detection and characterization of single airborne chemical aerosol particles.


A beautiful pen drawing in the collection of the Gabinetto Disegni e Stampe of the Uffizi (inv. no. 1103 E) depicts Christ blessing (on the recto) and a Seraph with long wings reaching his feet (on the verso). The drawing has hitherto received little scholarly attention, but, for stylistic reasons, can be easily connected to two drawings, also executed in pen, in the collection of the Szepműveszeti Muzeum in Budapest (inv. nos. 1767 and 1768). The Madonna and Child depicted in one of the Budapest drawings is no doubt a preparatory sketch for a painting of the same subject in the collection of the National Gallery in London (inv. no. 1134), a well-known work by Liberale da Verona from his late period. Therefore, the drawing from the Uffizi should be attributed to the great Veronese master of the Quattrocento. What is more, since the Seraph on the verso is a preparatory drawing for Liberale's fresco in the Bonaveri Chapel in Santa Anastasia church in Verona, executed in the early 1490s, it must have come from under Liberale's hand. The quality of the drawing in the Uffizi as well as of that in the Budapest museum is very high, confirming the high quality of Liberale's art in his late period.


The organic compound p-aminothiophenol (pATP, HS-Ph-NH2) has become very popular because it is often used for checking the enhancement capability of each new SERS substrate due to its very intense SERS spectra. SERS of pATP on silver electrode is significantly different from its ordinary Raman spectra and it is very dependent on the particular conditions of the SERS experiment. In this work the effect of adsorbate concentration on the potential dependent SERS spectra of pATP recorded on a silver electrode has been studied using NaClO4 as electrolyte. On the other hand, MS-CASPT2 have been performed in order to help the analysis of the experimental results by computing resonance Raman spectra of selected structural models of the metal−adsorbate surface complex. It is found that the spectra are dependent on adsorbate concentration and dominated by a resonant charge transfer (CT) mechanism, where the charge is always transferred from the adsorbate to the metal. The relative SERS enhancements are due to Franck−Condon factors related to the CT process, and there are not intensified bands through Herzberg−Teller contributions. Furthermore, the Raman signals of the SERS recorded at low concentration arise from at least three different molecular species: (i) pATP bonded to silver electrode through sulfur atom (Agn-S − -Ph-NH2); (ii) pATP bonded to silver electrode through both sulfur and nitrogen atoms (Agn-S − -PhNH2-Agm); (iii) The azo derivative p,p′-dimercaptoazobenzene (or its nitrene precursor).


With approximately 100 million shots fired at mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) annually, it is incumbent on managers to determine whether changes in ammunition will substantially alter harvest metrics or hunter satisfaction. We compared mourning dove harvest metrics for 1 lead (Pb 7½, 32 g) and 2 steel (Fe 7 and Fe 6, 28 g) 12-gauge ammunition types using a double-blind field test in central Texas, USA. There were no differences in the number of attempts, or number of shots fired among ammunition types. Hunters were unable to distinguish the ammunition type being used in the field, and we detected no relationship between ammunition type and level of hunter satisfaction. Field analyses detected no difference in doves bagged per shot, wounded per shot, bagged per hit, or wounded per hit among the 3 ammunition types. Necropsy analyses detected no difference in the proportion of birds with through-body strikes, mean penetration depth of through-body strikes, or mean embedded pellet depth among ammunition types. Ammunition and choke combinations that produced higher pattern densities yielded more hits per shot and produced more total strikes per bird, resulting in a higher percentage of birds with embedded pellets, more embedded pellets per bird, and a higher proportion of birds with broken legs. All 3 ammunition types retained sufficient lethality to harvest mourning doves under typical hunting conditions. Our results demonstrate that when the ammunition type used provides sufficient lethality for pellets to penetrate vital organs, pattern density becomes the primary factor influencing ammunition performance. © 2014 The Authors. The Wildlife Society Bulletin is published by The Wildlife Society


Human enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus A16 are two of the major causative agents of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). EV71 and CoxA16 infections in HFMD are clinically indistinguishable, but EV71 infection is more frequently associated with serious neurological complications and fatalities. In this study, two specific reverse-transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assays were developed for the detection of EV71 and CoxA16. High specificity systems for the EV71 and CoxA16 RT-LAMP systems have been confirmed by ruling out cross-reactivity with RNA of other common enteric viruses. The EV71 and CoxA16 RT-LAMP assays were found to be 10-fold and 100-fold more sensitive than conventional PCR, respectively, with detection limits of both 10 1 copies. To evaluate the application of the two RT-LAMP assays for clinical diagnosis, 60 stool specimens from suspect HFMD patients were detected and all samples were achieved in less than 60 min (even as little as 10 to 15 min). The positive rate of the EV71 RT-LAMP assay was higher (31/60=51.7%) than the RTPCR assay (27/60=45%), while the positive rate of the CoxA16 RT-LAMP assay was equivalent to that of the RT-PCR assay (7/60=11.7%). These results indicate that the two RT-LAMP systems are potentially useful for rapid and sensitive diagnosis during HFMD outbreaks.


Defence against predators is an important component of fitness in wild birds but the first step of defence, predator recognition, is not well understood. Anti-predator behaviour may innate, in which case the individual responds without prior contact with that predator, and/or there may be a learned component that develops only after direct experience. In the wild, the development of anti-predator behaviour is studied by exposing naive individuals to novel predators. I studied responses of 71 naive and experienced northern flickers Colaptes auratus, to a novel nest predator and competitor, the European starling Sturnus vulgaris that was introduced to North America. Naive individuals responded more intensely to the model starling than to the control model suggesting an innate component to recognition. However, there was also a learned component to defence because flickers nesting near to starlings reacted more aggressively than naive individuals far from starlings. Consistent with theory on life histories and optimal defence levels, no significant differences in aggression were found between the sexes or between age classes. Selection should favour more intense, and possibly innate, defence against the introduced starling. Variation in responses of naive individuals suggests that there may already be some alleles in the population associated with higher defence, but that these may not be uniform within the population.


The Internet is often referred to as the world's largest mall. About half of all adults in the United States have made a purchase online. Worldwide, online shopping is considerably greater—and cybershopping is expected to continue to grow as more households become connected to the Internet and as improvements in mobile telecommunication technology allow wireless Internet access anywhere and anytime.> A byproduct of the dramatic increase in online shopping has been a heightened demand for convenient and secure online payment methods. Consumers make almost all their online purchases with credit cards. But study after study continues to identify concerns about the safety of providing credit-card numbers and personal information online as the biggest barrier to cybershopping. Without further improvements in consumers' online payment options, e-tailing might not realize its full potential.> Schreft surveys and assesses what is new about the options consumers have to make payments at Internet retailers. She discusses how making payments in cyberspace differs from making payments in the bricks-and-mortar world and describes the use of traditional payment methods for cybershopping. She also examines the new means of payment designed especially for use online.


In this paper we address the problem of robust identification of discrete LTI systems that have a periodic impulse response. The main result of the paper shows that this problem can be solved by factoring a suitable defined Hankel operator. These results are illustrated with a practical example arising in the context of image processing: completing a textured image where some pixels are missing.


This article examines the results of core and additional motivation which define the content of motivational orientation of young persons in regular classes recreational physical culture and sports. To determine the nature and capacity-building incentive used experimental method of calculating the integral coefficient of incentive tension.


An experimental signature for detecting spontaneous lateral composition modulation in a (InAs)n/(GaAs)n short period superlattice on a InP substrate based on magnetoexciton spectroscopy is presented. We find by aligning the magnetic field in three crystallographic directions, one parallel to and the other two perpendicular to the composition modulation direction, that the magnetoexciton shifts are anisotropic and are a good indicator for the present of composition modulation.


Sjogren syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterised pathologically by lymphocytic infiltration into the lacrimal and salivary glands, and clinically by dry eyes and mouth. Lymphocytic infiltration is also found in the kidneys, lungs, thyroid, and liver. Immunohistochemical studies have shown that most infiltrating lymphocytes around the labial salivary and lacrimal glands and the kidneys are CD4-positive αβT cells.1 Candidate autoantigens recognised by T cells that infiltrate the labial salivary glands of SS have been analysed and Ro/SS-A 52 kDa,2 α-amylase, heat shock protein, and TCR BV63 have been identified, although Ro/SS-A 52 kDa reactive T cells were not increased in peripheral blood. …


While the policies National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletic departments have in place regarding social media and drug abuse have been empirically investigated, research on the full battery of rules implemented by NCAA teams is scant. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the written team rules of 41 NCAA Division I women's basketball teams to better understand the types of rules that are in place and to hypothesize the effects these rules might have on the development of an autonomy-supportive environment. Using Consensual Qualitative Research, the research team constructed seven domains with multiple categories to represent the data. The domains included the following: (a) program expectations, (b) controlled communication, (c) controlled relationships, (d) controlled appearance/attire, (e) controlled social behavior, (f) recommendations for optimal physical performance, and (g) academic expectation. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that NCAA Division I women's basketball coaches use team rules as a tool for domination rather than a strategy for developing the autonomy of student-athletes. We offer practical suggestions for coach educators, coach developers, and coaches on best practices when creating team rules to develop an autonomy-supportive environment that strengthens organizational loyalty and improves the experiences of student-athletes.


Introduction Lightning injury is a major concern in Singapore, which has one of the highest incidences of lightning activity in the world. This study examined the frequency and type of lightning injuries that presented to an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department situated in the east of Singapore to identify the groups at risk and the spectrum of injuries sustained. Materials and methods This is a case series study with a sample size of 24. Cases that were seen in the A&E department of Changi General Hospital from July 1997 to June 2002 with the International Classification of Disease diagnosis code of E907 for lightning injury were collected and analyzed. Results In our study, 83% lightning injuries were work-related and 79% occurred in those below 40 years old. In the work-related category, a significant proportion occurred at the airport (45%) with most of the incidents occurring while working near or in contact with the aircraft (7 out of 9). The other major proportion occurred at construction sites (40%) with a significant number of cases occurring while in contact with cranes (6 out of 8). There was one telephone-related injury. In the non-work related incidents, two out of four occurred while playing golf. Most of the injuries (87.5%) were minor with no long-term morbidity. There was one death and one critical case requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The latter survived and recovered quite remarkably. One patient had serious depression requiring prolonged treatment. Conclusion Precaution should be taken during lightning-prone weather conditions in workplaces that involve large metal structures like cranes and aircrafts and in open space. This also applies to recreational sports like golf. Lightning injury, though rare, is not uncommon and emergency room doctors should be conversant with the treatment of this condition and its complications. Immediate basic and advanced cardiac life support administered to a lightning casualty who collapsed can be life saving.


We propose an automated method to recover the full calibration parameters between a 3D range sensor and a monocular camera system. Our method is not only accurate and fully automated, but also relies on a simple calibration target consisting of a single circle. This allows the algorithm to be suitable for applications requiring in-situ calibration. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm on a camera-lidar system and show results on 3D mapping tasks.


AIM OF STUDY
Metformin hydrochloride after buformin and phenformin belongs to the group of biguanid derivatives used as oral anti-diabetic drugs. The object of the study is the technological analysis and the potential effect of biodegradable macromolecular polymers on the technological and therapeutic parameters of oral anti-diabetic medicinal products with metformin hydrochloride: Siofor, Formetic, Glucophage, Metformax in doses of 500mg and 1000mg and Glucophage XR in a dose of 500 mg of modified release.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Market therapeutic products containing 500 and 1000 mg of metformin hydrochloride in a normal formulation and 500 mg of metformin hydrochloride in a formulation of modified release were analyzed. Following research methods were used: technological analysis of tablets, study of disintegration time of tablets, evaluation of pharmaceutical availability of metformin hydrochloride from tested therapeutic products, mathematical and kinetic analysis of release profiles of metformin hydrochloride, statistical analysis of mean differences of release coefficients.

RESULTS
The percentage of excipients in the XR formulation is higher and constitutes 50.5% of a tablet mass. However, in standard formulations the percentage is lower, between 5.5% and 12.76%. On the basis of the results of disintegration time studies, the analysed therapeutic products can be divided into two groups, regardless the dose. The first one are preparations with faster (not fast!) disintegration: Glucophage i Metformax. The second group are preparations with slower disintegration, more balanced in the aspect of a high dose of the biologically active substance: Formetic and Siofor. Products with a lower content of excipients (Metformax, Glucophage) disintegrate in a faster way. The disintegration rate of the products with a higher content of excipients (Formetic, Siofor) is slower. The appearance of metformin hydrochloride concentration in the gastrointestinal contents, balanced in time, caused by a slower disintegration-dissolving of a tablet, is conducive to the reduction of gastrointestinal side effects and better tolerance of the therapeutic product by a patient. The study on pharmaceutical availability indicated relevant kinetic differences between tested therapeutic products. They are particularly visible between standard formulations and the one with prolonged release (Glucophage XR500). Its release profile bears features of kinetics similar to zero-order reactions.

CONCLUSIONS
Tested therapeutic products contain a large amount of the biologically active substance in relation to the content of excipients. A higher content of excipients in a single tablet mass distinguishes Siofor in comparison with Glucophage i Metformax. The excipients used in the formulations of tested preparations are comparable. A higher percentage of binding agents (HPMC, PVP) is observed, but there is a lack of typical disintegrants which results in a longer disintegration time up to 15 minutes. Siofor disintegrates at the same time as Formetic, but longer than Glucophage i Metformax. Considering the large content of the active substance and pharmacological properties of metformin hydrochloride, such a disintegration might have beneficial consequences, because the amount of the free active substance in the gastrointestinal tract will increase over the longer time period what will reduce the level of gastrointestinal side effects. The release profiles of metformin hydrochloride from tested therapeutic products are comparable. The Glucophage XR 500 formulation with the release kinetics of metformin hydrochloride similar to the zero-order kinetics is completely different from the others. The above is confirmed by the mathematical analysis of release profiles of metformin hydrochloride from tested preparations where equations of lines describing the release profile are characterized by similar values of correlation coefficients.


Six allosteric HIV-1 entry inhibitor modulators of the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5) receptor are compared for their potency as inhibitors of HIV-1 entry [infection of human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)] and antagonists of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3-like 1 [CCL3L1]-mediated internalization of CCR5. This latter activity has been identified as a beneficial action of CCL3L1 in prolonging survival after HIV-1 infection ( Science307:1434-1440, 2005 ). The allosteric nature of these modulators was further confirmed with the finding of a 58-fold (HOS cells) and 282-fold (PBMC) difference in relative potency for blockade of CCL3L1-mediated internalization versus HIV-1 entry. For the CCR5 modulators, statistically significant differences in this ratio were found for maraviroc, vicriviroc, aplaviroc, Sch-C, TAK652, and TAK779. For instance, although TAK652 is 13-fold more potent as an HIV-1 inhibitor (over blockade of CCL3L1-mediated CCR5 internalization), this ratio of potency is reversed for Sch-C (22-fold more potent for CCR5-mediated internalization over HIV-1 entry). Quantitative analyses of the insurmountable antagonism of CCR5 internalization by these ligands suggest that all of them reduce the efficacy of CCL3L1 for CCR5 internalization. The relatively small magnitude of dextral displacement accompanying the depression of maximal responses for aplaviroc, maraviroc and vicriviroc suggests that these modulators have minimal effects on CCL3L1 affinity, although possible receptor reserve effects obscure complete interpretation of this effect. These data are discussed in terms of the possible benefits of sparing natural CCR5 chemokine function in HIV-1 entry inhibition treatment for AIDS involving allosteric inhibitors.


Basic and Conceptual Issues: An Introduction to the Domain of Test Anxiety. The Nature and Phenomenology of Test Anxiety. Models and Theoretical Perspectives. Methodology -Research and Assessment Methods: Current and Recurrent Issues in Conducting Experimental Test Anxiety Research. Developing Self-Report Test Anxiety Instruments. Origins, Sources, and Determinants of Test Anxiety: The Origins and Development of Test Anxiety. Situational Determinants of Anxiety in Evaluative Situations. Subjective Determinants of Test Anxiety. Consequences of Test Anxiety for Cognitive Performance: Test Anxiety and Cognitive Performance. Test Anxiety and Information Processing. Individual Differences: Individual and Group Differences in Test Anxiety. Personal Correlates of Test Anxiety. Coping, Interventions, and Clinical Parameters: Coping with Test Situations: Resources, Strategies, and Adaptational Outcomes. Optimizing Procedures. Behavioral Intervention Techniques. Cognitive-Focused and Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Techniques. Index.


The JC virus is a widely infected human polyomavirus. Recent foreign researches showed that the JC virus infection is correlated with tumors of nervous system and digestive system, while, and study on the relationship between JC virus infection and gynecological tumor is seldom reported. In this study, we first establish the nucleic acid detection methods and procedures for JC virus and its highly homologous BK virus. The JC and BK viruses infection was evaluated by detect the viral DNA in samples including biopsy tissues, serum as well as urine of myoma of uterus (98 cases), cervical cancer (84 cases), endometrial cancer (40 cases) and ovarian tumor (72 cases) patients. The BK viral DNA positive rate was significantly higher in urine samples than that of blood and biopsy samples, and there is no significant difference of the BK viral DNA positive rate among all patient groups. The JC viral DNA positive rate is almost 0 in serum samples and biopsy. tissues, however, viral DNA positive rate is more than 50% in urine samples. In fibroids group, the JC viral DNA positive rate is up to 65. 3% which is significantly higher than that in other patients groups and healthy control. Further gynecological tumor associated viruses detection showed that only human papilloma virus infection is associated with cervical cancer, the herpes simplex virus, EB virus and cytomegalovirus infection is extremely low in our patient groups. No synergistic effect on gynecological tumor caused by viruses co-infection was observed. Our study showed that JC virus infection is highly related to the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids.


In article the Ising model is considered. The algorithm of Metropolis is resulted. Efficiency of the distributed computing at using of Ising models is calculated


Since the cost of communication (moving data) greatly exceeds the cost of doing arithmetic on current and future computing platforms, we are motivated to devise algorithms that communicate as little as possible, even if they do slightly more arithmetic, and as long as they still get the right answer. This paper is about getting the right answer for such an algorithm. It discusses CALU, a communication avoiding LU factorization algorithm based on a new pivoting strategy, that we refer to as tournament pivoting. The reason to consider CALU is that it does an optimal amount of communication, and asymptotically less than Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting (GEPP), and so will be much faster on platforms where communication is expensive, as shown in previous work. We show that the Schur complement obtained after each step of performing CALU on a matrix $A$ is the same as the Schur complement obtained after performing GEPP on a larger matrix whose entries are the same as the entries of $A$ (sometimes slightly perturbed) and zeros. More generally, the entire CALU process is equivalent to GEPP on a large, but very sparse matrix, formed by entries of $A$ and zeros. Hence we expect that CALU will behave as GEPP and it will also be very stable in practice. In addition, extensive experiments on random matrices and a set of special matrices show that CALU is stable in practice. The upper bound on the growth factor of CALU is worse than that of GEPP. However, there are Wilkinson-like matrices for which GEPP has exponential growth factor, but not CALU, and vice-versa.


Physicians record their detailed thought-processes about diagnoses and treatments as unstructured text in a section of a clinical note called the assessment and plan. This information is more clinically rich than structured billing codes assigned for an encounter but harder to reliably extract given the complexity of clinical language and documentation habits. We describe and release a dataset containing annotations of 579 admission and progress notes from the publicly available and de-identified MIMIC-III ICU dataset with over 30,000 labels identifying active problems, their assessment, and the category of associated action items (e.g. medication, lab test). We also propose deep-learning based models that approach human performance, with a F1 of 0.88. We found that by employing weak supervision and domain specific data-augmentation, we could improve generalization across departments and reduce the number of human labeled notes without sacrificing performance.


Objective. To determine which airway endotracheal tube (ET), Combitube (CT), or Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) has the shortest time to successful ventilation in three nontraditional prehospital airway scenarios. Methods. Prospective randomized cohort study of emergency medicine (EM) residents, faculty EM physicians, andparamedics (EMT-P). Subjects were instructed to place an airway in a mannequin in three scenarios: mannequin supine under a table with head abutting a wall, mannequin sitting upright with access from behind, andmannequin lying on its side with access facing the mannequin. The number of airway placement attempts andtime to successful ventilation were recorded. Results. Twenty-five resident physicians, 9 faculty physicians, and22 EMT-Ps participated. No significant difference was found between the different airways in the number of attempts to successfully ventilate. EMT-Ps demonstrated significantly faster times to successful ventilation for all scenarios versus physicians (e.g., supine scenario with ET, EMT-P median time 57 seconds, physician median time 96 seconds) except for the mannequin lying on its side where there was no significant difference. The time to ventilation for all scenarios was less with the LMA versus ET or CT versus ET, except in the sitting scenario where ET andCT were comparable Conclusions. In this mannequin model of restricted airway access, LMA resulted in significantly faster times to ventilation versus ET andCT in all but one scenario. Further consideration andstudy using airways other than ET are warranted for situations with restricted access to the patient's airway.


The majority of clinical isolates of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 produce lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that reacts with monoclonal antibody (MAb) 3/1. By using a negative cell sorting method, we isolated a spontaneous LPS mutant from L. pneumophila serogroup 1 strain Corby that lost reactivity with this MAb. The mutant contained a single nucleotide exchange in position 169 of the lag-1 gene that encodes an O-acetyltransferase that is responsible for O-acetylation of the L. pneumophila O-repeat unit (legionaminic acid). This mutation resulted in a single amino acid exchange in a highly conserved motif present in many O-acetyltransferase-like proteins. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the mutant lag-1 gene was transcribed, but the resulting protein lacked O-acetyltransferase activity. Chemical analysis of the mutant LPS revealed that it lacked 8-O-acetyl groups in legionaminic acid. In addition, the mutant failed to produce high-molecular-weight long-chain O-polysaccharide. Complementation of the mutant with the wild-type lag-1 gene restored reactivity with MAb 3/1 and the chemical structure of the wild-type LPS. Strain Corby and its MAb 3/1-negative mutant were indistinguishable in their serum resistance characteristics, and in uptake and intracellular multiplication in Acanthamoeba castellanii and macrophages.


This study used survey research design to determine the relevance of the National Higher Education Research Agenda (NHERA) to the research initiatives of a specific Higher Education Institution (HEI) in the Philippines. It employed universal sampling of faculty and administrative staff as well as students to analyse discrepancy in the perceptions regarding the degree of applicability, importance and urgency of the NHERA to the HEI's research initiatives. Result of Mann-Whitney U Test revealed no significant difference between the ratings of the employees and students regarding the degree of relevance. This indicates that the respondents were all in agreement with the set of research agenda themes that should be prioritised by the institution. These themes include those related to the program curricular studies; institutional development studies; manpower demand/supply studies; policy-oriented studies on accreditation and quality assurance mechanisms, among others. These are the NHERA themes that need to be given much emphasis in the research agenda and initiatives of the institution as these are all for the sake of achieving their institutional learning outcomes towards developing skilled and competent manpower in the country's aviation industry.


Recently, studies on ReRAMs and their reliability have received increased attention. The reliability issue is due to the nature of oxygen vacancies behaviour under biasing conditions which necessitate further studies to achieve an in-depth understanding. In this work, we fabricated several HfOx ReRAM devices with different structure, material, and thickness, followed by a study of their electrical characteristics under DC biasing. We show an improvement in the switching parameters through engineering of the device structure. Moreover, we demonstrate a certain required thickness for the oxide layer for the ease of oxygen vacancies relocations, thinner oxide layer led to the common ReRAMs performance failure in the low resistance state.


In this study a new ceramics tools with different groove distributions were designed and manufactured in order to enrich technological storage of joining thinwall structures and obtain sound joint with high quality of Alclad AA2024-T3 alloy of 0.5 mm in thickness. Four types of tools were tested, without grooves, with 1, 2 and 6 grooves. The tools are made of two materials. The straight shank is made from tungsten carbide and tool body made from ceramics strengthened with whiskers. The influence of technological parameters on the strength of FSW joints was tested by the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method. The least durable weld is produced by a tool without grooves. The single and double flute tool produces a good quality weld over a wide range of tool speeds. It has been shown that the grooves on the tool shoulder significantly affect the quality of the obtained FSW joint.


The Bizerte Lagoon is classified in the category of medium salinity environments. The lagoon geochemistry, with regard to the major ions, is essentially controlled by the continental contributions and interactions with the marine environment. The geochemical analyses of the major ions as well as their behaviour in the lagoon water permitted to describe the eventual ability of a solution chemical composition, to precipitate different minerals. Sampling and  geochemical analysis of the principal ions (Ca++, K+, Na+, Mg++, Cl-, SO42- and HCO3-) at  the water surface (0 to 2 m) and at the  bottom (over 2 m) of the lagoon (9 stations), in  the Channel (3 stations) and in  the bay of Bizerte (3 stations), was performed monthly during one year. The results for the Bizerte Lagoon waters show that only carbonates and gypsum can precipitate.

 Key words: Water, Bizerte lagoon, ionic ratio, precipitation.


. In the long-term adaptation of Huizhou traditional dwellings to the local environment, a variety of climatic creating techniques have been formed, and natural ventilation creating technology is one of them. Three methods, i.e. theoretical analysis, simulation and actual measurement are combined to study the natural ventilation creating technology of Huizhou buildings. Natural ventilation design of Huizhou traditional dwelling can be summarized into four types: basic ventilation mode, reinforce of natural ventilation, passive cooling and control strategies. Natural ventilation performance is indicated by field measurement, and the hall and the bedroom both meet the minimum number of air changes per hour. The influencing mechanism of patio on natural ventilation of Huizhou traditional dwelling is studied by CFD software, flow rate is similar between the dwelling with patio and without patio. The wind speed range of the hall is 0.3~1.4 m / s, and the bedroom is 0.1~0.5 m / s. Cross ventilation of the hall is restrained and flow direction of each opening is changed by the patio, and chimney effect makes the inflow and outflow of patio simultaneously.


The booming successes of machine learning in different domains boost industry-scale deployments of innovative AI algorithms, systems, and architectures, and thus the importance of benchmarking grows. However, the confidential nature of the workloads, the paramount importance of the representativeness and diversity of benchmarks, and the prohibitive cost of training a state-of-the-art model mutually aggravate the AI benchmarking challenges. In this paper, we present a balanced AI benchmarking methodology for meeting the subtly different requirements of different stages in developing a new system/architecture and ranking/purchasing commercial off-the-shelf ones. Performing an exhaustive survey on the most important AI domain-Internet services with seventeen industry partners, we identify and include seventeen representative AI tasks to guarantee the representativeness and diversity of the benchmarks. Meanwhile, for reducing the benchmarking cost, we select a benchmark subset to a minimum-three tasks-according to the criteria: diversity of model complexity, computational cost, and convergence rate, repeatability, and having widely-accepted metrics or not. We contribute by far the most comprehensive AI benchmark suite-AIBench. The evaluations show AIBench outperforms MLPerf in terms of the diversity and representativeness of model complexity, computational cost, convergent rate, computation and memory access patterns, and hotspot functions. With respect to the AIBench full benchmarks, its subset shortens the benchmarking cost by 41%, while maintaining the primary workload characteristics. The specifications, source code, and performance numbers are publicly available from the web site this http URL.


Optically resonant devices are promising as label-free biomolecular sensors due to their ability to concentrate electromagnetic energy into small mode volumes and their capacity for multiplexed detection. A fundamental limitation of current optical biosensor technology is that the biomolecular interactions are limited to the surface of the resonant device, while the highest intensity of electromagnetic energy is trapped within the core. In this paper, we present nanoporous polymer optofluidic devices consisting of ring resonators coupled to bus waveguides. We report a 40% increase in polymer device sensitivity attributed to the addition of core energy- bioanalyte interactions.


Software Defined Networking (SDN) has redefined the way data center networks are deployed and function. The ability to separate the control plane and data plane has lead to simpler design and easy management. As the two networks are separate, so building an additional wired control plane leads to high cabling complexity. We propose a wireless solution for the control plane in SDNs so that there is almost no cabling involved in deployment of an additional network. In the proposed architecture, the ToR switches in the data center network are divided into clusters with each cluster having an Access Point (AP). The switches use wireless channels to connect with the APs. The APs further connect with the SDN Controller via Ethernet cables. Our work focuses on clustering the switches in a way that the minimum number of APs are utilized to connect the switches with the SDN Controller. We propose an analytical model to find the upper bound of cluster size. We analyze our model with respect to two different channel access modes of the IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordinated Function (DCF) namely, Basic Access Mode and RTS-CTS Access Mode. We also analyze the effects of interference and channel assignment and obtain the lower bound of cluster size. Finally, we propose an algorithm to find the optimal cluster size that satisfy the control traffic demand of switches. With extensive simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed method can significantly reduce the cabling complexity.


Health-care providers--including nurses--are considered to have an obligation to foster hope in their patients. Various interventions for fulfilling this obligation have been suggested. Comparatively little time, however, has been devoted to examining the moral aspects of this duty and to situating this investigation within an appropriate ethical framework. Given the significance of hope in patients' lives, and the significance of their relationships with health-care providers, the author contends that a feminist care ethics approach is best suited for this investigation. In particular, the author draws upon Joan Tronto's ethic of care and discusses the 4 aspects of care she describes as they relate to the role of hope in health care. Ultimately, this paper shows that it is possible for health-care providers to care about and for hope. Based on this framework, future directions for nursing research are discussed.


Different strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceous, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus were procured from the NCL (National Chemical Laboratory), Pune, India. These LAB cells were individually coated on the dressed fresh mackerel fish chunks and incubated at 37°C for two days. Different quality indices such as trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acids (FFA) were estimated for 2 days period. P. acidilactici cell coat reduced 40 mg% of TMA-N, 47.66 mg% of FFA, 97 mg% of PV and 97 mg% of PV when compared with control. The TMA-N content was reduced to 20 mg% by S. thermophilus cell coat on the treated fish when compared with control, while no reduction was observed on TVB-N. Out of the seven LAB tested for TMA-N reduction, Lb. helveticus and Lc. lactis reduced 150 mg% identically. All the LAB grew in increasing and decreasing trends using available carbohydrate present in the fish. For, FFA reduction, Lb. plantarum showed the highest (188%) as compared to P. pentosaceous and P. acidilactici followed by S. thermophilus. P. pentasaceous and P. acidilactici showed the highest PV reduction as 98 and 83 milli equivalent fat/kg of fats, when compared with Lb. plantarum in the control. Out of seven LAB tested for quality indices reduction, Lb. helveticus, Lc. lactis and P. acidilactici were the best LAB to control TMA-N and TVB-N, respectively. Lb. acidophilus, showed the best in the reduction of FFA. Therefore, this study confirms that LAB can be used to preserve freshfish through controlling spoilage bacteria and amines for a short period of time. Inplace of chemical preservatives, LAB may be use to extend the shelf life of fish.


This paper studies the formation and evolution of binary supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in rotating galactic nuclei, focusing on the role of stellar dynamics. We present the first N-body simulations that follow the evolution of the SMBHs from kiloparsec separations all the way to their final relativistic coalescence, and that can robustly be scaled to real galaxies. The N-body code includes post-Newtonian corrections to the binary equations of motion up to order 2.5; we show that the evolution of the massive binary is only correctly reproduced if the conservative and terms are included. The orbital eccentricities of the massive binaries in our simulations are often found to remain large until shortly before coalescence. This directly affects not only their orbital evolution rates, but has important consequences as well for the gravitational waveforms emitted during the relativistic inspiral. We estimate gravitational wave amplitudes when the frequencies fall inside the band of the (planned) Laser Interferometer Space Antennae (LISA). We find significant contributions—well above the LISA sensitivity curve—from the higher-order harmonics.


Spread spectrum techniques are classically used in tactical communications, in order to mitigate interference due to jamming, while providing a low probability of intercept. This paper addresses a new SS technique, referred to as multi-carrier spread spectrum (MC-SS). An original MC-SS scheme is proposed using polyphase filtering. As for tactical communications, dramatic performance improvements are achieved, especially for partial-band jammers. Moreover, classical problems of synchronization encountered in multi-carrier modulation systems (MCM) are resolved by the proposed waveform. This provides an extremely good safety level. The MC-SS technique consists in a combination of standard DS/SS with a MCM scheme. Such a combination is motivated by the advantages of the MCM, which provides robustness in the case of frequency selective channels, as well as an efficient digital implementation in its well known OFDM form (implemented in DAB, DVB, ...). The paper highlights that this new MC-SS method fits tactical communications constraints. It shows that this new modem proposes an active and reliable method to combat agile jammers. Special attention is paid to synchronization issues. For tactical communications, this leads to a new protection feature.


The Western Cape High Court has handed down judgement in Swartland Winery Limited v Group LFE (SA) (Pty) Limited and another, Case No. 16231/2008, a case which confirms that a trademark consisting of a geographical indicator may be capable of distinguishing the goods and services of the proprietor if it has become distinctive as a result of substantial use.


This article discusses the function of semiotics in political discourse after the socio-political processes taking place in Iraq since 2003 and its role in the development of textual criticisms of some Iraqi politicians, analyzes the reasons for its functioning in the speech of politicians. The research is mainly focused on finding out to what extent political text studies draw on sign systems that can store and transmit information, the nature of its purpose and the use of available fields for the purpose to be achieved. The chief purpose of the study is to investigate and also clarify the symbols and signs appear within the framework of discursive Iraqi politicians, the nature of the symbols used, and the meanings that are included in the discourse in terms of structure, context, and form. Moreover, it has been attempted to define semiotic features in the texts of Iraqi politicians; and elicit structure, style and wording, and the degree of convergence of meaning and form in the semiotic application.


In the finance world stock trading is one of the most important activities. Stock market prediction is an act of trying to determine the future value of a stock other financial instrument traded on a financial exchange. This paper explains the prediction of a stock using Machine Learning. The technical and fundamental or the time series analysis is used by the most of the stockbrokers while making the stock predictions. The programming language is used to predict the stock market using machine learning is Python. In this paper, we propose a Machine Learning approach that will be trained from the available stocks data and gain intelligence and then uses the acquired knowledge for an accurate prediction. In this context this study uses a machine learning technique called Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) to predict stock prices for the large and small capitalizations.


We propose to use sparse inverse covariance matrices for acoustic model training when there is insufficient training data. Acoustic models trained with inadequate training data tend to over fit, generalizing poorly to unseen test data, especially when full covariance matrices are used. We address this problem by adding an L1 regularization term to the traditional objective function for maximum likelihood estimation, to penalize complex models. The structure of the inverse covariance matrices will be automatically sparsified using this new objective function. The Expectation Maximization algorithm is used to learn the parameters of the hidden Markov model using the new objective function. It is shown that the training procedures for all the hidden Markov model parameters are the same as that of maximum likelihood estimation except the inverse covariance matrices. The update equation for the inverse covariance matrices is concave and can be solved efficiently. Our experiments show that this proposed method can correctly learn the underlying correlations among the random variables of the speech feature vector. Experimental results on the Wall Street Journal data show that our proposed model significantly outperforms the diagonal covariance model and the full covariance model by 10.9% and 16.5% relative recognition accuracy, when only about 14 hours of training data are available. On our collected low resource language data-the Cantonese data set, the proposed model also significantly outperforms the diagonal covariance model and the full covariance model.


In this paper, we present a vision-based human-computer interaction system, which integrates control components using multiple gestures, including eye gaze, head pose, hand pointing, and mouth motions. To track head, eye, and mouth movements, we present a two-camera system that detects the face from a fixed, wide-angle camera, estimates a rough location for the eye region using an eye detector based on topographic features, and directs another active pan-tilt-zoom camera to focus in on this eye region. We also propose a novel eye gaze estimation approach for point-of-regard (POR) tracking on a viewing screen. To allow for greater head pose freedom, we developed a new calibration approach to find the 3-D eyeball location, eyeball radius, and fovea position. Moreover, in order to get the optical axis, we create a 3-D iris disk by mapping both the iris center and iris contour points to the eyeball sphere. We then rotate the fovea accordingly and compute the final, visual axis gaze direction. This part of the system permits natural, non-intrusive, pose-invariant POR estimation from a distance without resorting to infrared or complex hardware setups. We also propose and integrate a two-camera hand pointing estimation algorithm for hand gesture tracking in 3-D from a distance. The algorithms of gaze pointing and hand finger pointing are evaluated individually, and the feasibility of the entire system is validated through two interactive information visualization applications.


BACKGROUND/AIMS Subjects with chronic hepatitis C who fail treatment with interferon-alpha are generally divided into two groups: "relapsers" who normalized serum aminotransferase activity and have undetectable viral RNA during treatment and "non-responders" who do not achieve these results. The aim of this study was to examine retreatment of such subjects. METHODOLOGY We studied 117 subjects with chronic hepatitis C who failed treatment with interferon-alpha, 87 of whom were "non-responders" and 30 "relapsers." Retreatment was with either interferon-alpha-2b plus ribavirin for 48 weeks or with interferon-alpha-2b plus placebo for 24 weeks followed by 24 weeks of combined therapy. RESULTS Sustained response rates, defined as undetectable viral RNA in serum 6 months after retreatment, were 53% in "relapsers" and 10% in "non-responders" (P < 0.005). There was no significant difference if ribavirin was given for 24 or 48 weeks. In "non-responders" infected with genotypes other than type 1, 42% achieved a sustained response compared to 5% infected with genotype 1 (P = 0.027; odds ratio 7.09). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with interferon-alpha-2b plus ribavirin is effective in approximately 50% of "relapsers" and "non-responders" infected with non-type 1 genotypes of hepatitis C virus. This therapy is only marginally effective in "non-responders" infected with genotype 1a or 1b.


Very few data exist on the clinical impact of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) on heart rhythm conduction disturbances and early predictors for Pacemaker (PM), Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) or Cardioverter Defibrillator resynchronization (CRT-D). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the patients after TAVI (in POLTAVI registry) have heart rhythm conductions disturbances and what are the predictors for pacemaker implantation during in-hospital stay. We analyzed 330 patients from POLTAVI registry with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and high risk for surgery. RBBB (n=11 [18.6%] vs. n=7 [58.3%]; P=0.004) and larger aortic annulus diameter (P=0.007) were significantly more frequent in patients who required PM or ICD or CRT-D implantation after TAVI. Continuous RV pacing during procedure was significantly more frequent in patients who needed PM implantation after TAVI (P=0.0001). Patients who needed pacing device implantation after TAVI had significantly wider QRS (>120 ms) and markedly more often bifascicular block with or without atrio-ventricular I° block (P=0.002). Pacemaker implantation after TAVI was necessary in 19.2% of patients with CoreValve and 8.3% with Edwards Sapien valve. The independent risk factor for pacing after TAVI in logistic regression analysis was CoreValve implantation (HR 3.93 95% CI 1.78 8.65; P=0.0007). The independent risk factor for PM implantation is usage of CoreValve. RBBB before the TAVI procedure bifascicular block with or without atrio-ventricular I° block after TAVI, continuous pacing during the TAVI procedure and larger aortic valve diameter were the main factors associated with long-term pacing.


: The culture of Aspergillus ochraceus HP-19 accumulates two types of proteolytic enzymes in the cultural broth. One group of proteases coagulates blood while the other has the fibrinolytic activity. The enzymes can be separated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. The first group of enzymes consists of several proteases with the coagulase activity and an inert protein.


An Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG) is a wavelength-based dispersive device capable of combining or separating light signals at different wavelengths. The contribution of this publication is twofold. Firstly, we review the design procedure of an AWG for integrated spectrometry applications and simulate its transmission spectrum on a Silicon On Insulator (SOI) platform at a center wavelength of 1550 nm by means of an off-the-shelf BPM solver. Secondly, we present an in-house, user-friendly software tool for parametrically optimizing the device geometry and export it directly into ASCII format for lithographic fabrication.


This paper considers the process of Thomson scattering of coherent diffraction radiation (CDR) produced by the preceding electron bunch in the accelerator onto one of the subsequent bunches. It is shown that the yield of scattered hard photons is proportional to N(3)(e), where N(e) is the number of electrons per bunch. A geometry is chosen for the CDR generation and an expression is obtained for the scattered-photon spectrum, with regard to the geometry used, that depends explicitly on the bunch size. A technique is proposed for measuring the bunch length using scattered radiation characteristics.


To determine the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of manganese (Mn) after a 2-hour intravenous infusion of mangafodipir at 5 μmol/kg body weight and to correlate Mn concentrations with oxidative stress, early decrease in serum total bilirubin concentration, and prothrombin time (PT) in chronic alcoholic patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis. In 7 patients, a total of 49 serum Mn concentrations were determined on day 1 (before the start of the infusion and 15, 30, and 45 minutes after the end of the infusion) and on days 2, 7, 14, and 21. Fifty-seven PTs, reflecting liver activity, were measured on days 1, 2, 7, 14, and 21 and at months 1, 2, and 3. A population PK-pharmacodynamic model was developed to describe the kinetics of serum Mn concentrations and PT, to estimate interpatient variability, and to test covariate influence. A 2-compartment model with zero-order absorption and first-order elimination best described the data, and a signal transduction model with 2 transit compartments best described PT. Mean PK estimates and the corresponding interindividual variabilities (%) were clearance 23.1 L/h (34%), central and peripheral volume of distribution 35.4 and 1090 L, respectively, intercompartmental clearance 27.3 L (34%), endogenous Mn concentrations 15.8 nmol/L, slope-relating effect to concentration 141 nmol−1·L·s−1 (52%), and mean transit time (τ) 3.8 days (34%). When patients had an early decrease in bilirubin at day 7, τ increased to 28.2 days. Serum Mn concentrations could be related to a decrease in PT; the effect was longer in patients with an early decrease in total bilirubin serum concentrations.


Objective To study the inducing apoptosis effect of a traditional Chinese medicine gambogic acid (GA) on Raji cell line and its mechanism. Methods The effect of GA on the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was analyzed. Raji cells were treated with GA at different concentrations and times, and the inhibitory effect was detected by MTT assay.Apoptosis induced by GA was observed by Annexin V/PI doubling staining and flow cytometry assay.Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 assay. Activated Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 in living Raji cells were measured by caspGLOWTM fluorescein staining kit and quantificated by flow cytometry. Results After incubation with GA, the proliferation rates of both normal blood mononuclear cells and Raji cells were dramatically inhibited in a concentration dependent manner. GA induced Raji cells to undergo apoptosis. GA decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential of Raji cells. GA increased the level of activated caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9 for 0.37 %, 33.57 %, 18.27 % in 24 h and 28.2 %, 69.2 %,76.7 % in 48 h respectively. Conclusion GA have an inhibitory effect on Raji cells, and can trigger apoptosis of Raji cells through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

Key words:
Gambogic acid;  Raji cell;  Apoptosis;  Mitochondrial membrane potential;  Caspase


Membrane technology has emerged as a dominant solution to seawater desalination due to its superior advantages such as stable output water quality, lower energy consumption, ease of operation and smaller footprint. However, the design of spiral wound reverse osmosis (RO) membranes used in desalination does not allow for backwash or air scouring, thus rendering the RO membrane highly susceptible to fouling. Pretreatment for the RO system is therefore essential to ensure a long service life of the RO membranes. For waters containing suspended solids of up to 75 mg/L (such as that in the SingSpring Desalination Plant at Tuas, Singapore), conventional pretreatment methods (such as dissolved air floatation and filtration (DAFF), chemical dosing and cartridge filtration) require regular operator intervention to produce a permeate of reasonably quality. Ultrafiltration (UF) as a pretreatment for seawater desalination can offer better treated water, lower operating costs, a smaller footprint, and flexibility in dealing with poor or varying feed water quality. By improving the pretreatment permeate water quality, reducing operating costs and the footprint, capital expenses can be lowered. Greater stability is also achieved during times of poor or variable feed water conditions (such as periods of algalbloom). A pilot study was conducted at SingSpring to track the performance of Hyflux9s Kristal ® 2000 hollow fiber UF membranes as pretreatment for the seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) system. The results of the pilot study will enable the design of future large-scale UF-SWRO membrane projects for seawater desalination.


Physical restraint is generally used in the healthcare setting, implying that students were exposed toit during their clinical placement and may have participated in it, either actively or passively.Thisstudy explores the student nurses' knowledge and practice of physical restraints in clinical practice.A descriptivequalitative design using one semi-structured individual interview and five focus groupdiscussions on nursing students (N=24) from two higher nursing institutions in Brunei Darussalam.The data were analysed using thematic analysis.We identified three meaningful themes focused on theuse of physical restraint in the hospital setting from the perspective of nursing students, namely, thedefinition of physical restraint, the uses of physical restraint and concerns towards its practice. Thestudent nurses reported that physical restraint was justified in providing safe and high-quality patientcare.However, they have concerns about its practice, both for themselves and the patients. The needfor theoretical and practical guidance onsafe and efficient use of physical restraint may further provideeducational supports to the students.


The current standard theory of the origin of the Moon is that Earth was hit by a giant impactor the size of Mars, causing ejection of iron-poor impactor mantle debris that coalesced to form the Moon. But where did this Mars-sized impactor come from? Isotopic evidence suggests that it came from 1 AU radius in the solar nebula, and computer simulations are consistent with its approaching Earth on a zero-energy parabolic trajectory. But how could such a large object form in the disk of planetesimals at 1 AU without colliding with Earth early on, before having a chance to grow large or before its or Earth's iron core had formed? We propose that the giant impactor could have formed in a stable orbit among debris at Earth's L4 (or L5) Lagrange point. We show that such a configuration is stable, even for a Mars-sized impactor. It could grow gradually by accretion at L4 (or L5), but eventually gravitational interactions with other growing planetesimals could kick it out into a chaotic creeping orbit, which we show would likely cause it to hit Earth on a zero-energy parabolic trajectory. We argue that this scenario is possible and should be further studied.


Three cases of longitudinally extensive cervical myelopathies temporally associated with neck injections are presented. The spinal cord injury was similar radiographically, despite a number of different needle approaches and substances injected. In recent years, there have been reports of an acute cervical myelopathy immediately following an injection procedure in the neck. Various explanations have been offered for this unfortunate complication, including (1) direct injection into the cord leading to traumatic injury, (2) injection of particulate matter into the arterial supply of the cord causing microvascular embolism and spinal cord infarction, and (3) intraneural injection of the chemical with centripetal spread of the injectant from the nerve trunk to the substance of the cord. The merits of each of these 3 mechanisms in explaining these cases are discussed. Albeit rare, acute cervical myelopathy should be considered a potential complication from any deep injection of chemicals into the neck.


Understanding the origin(s) of life (OoL) is a fundamental challenge for science in the 21st century. Research on OoL spans many disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biology, planetary sciences, computer science, mathematics and philosophy. The sheer number of different scientific perspectives relevant to the problem has resulted in the coexistence of diverse tools, techniques, data, and software in OoL studies. This has made communication between the disciplines relevant to the OoL extremely difficult because the interpretation of data, analyses, or standards of evidence can vary dramatically. Here, we hope to bridge this wide field of study by providing common ground via the consolidation of tools and techniques rather than positing a unifying view on how life emerges. We review the common tools and techniques that have been used significantly in OoL studies in recent years. In particular, we aim to identify which information is most relevant for comparing and integrating the results of experimental analyses into mathematical and computational models. This review aims to provide a baseline expectation and understanding of technical aspects of origins research, rather than being a primer on any particular topic. As such, it spans broadly -- from analytical chemistry to mathematical models -- and highlights areas of future work that will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to tackling the mystery of life's origin. Ultimately, we hope to empower a new generation of OoL scientists by reviewing how they can investigate life's origin, rather than dictating how to think about the problem.


There is a tendency for physicians to approach ethical problems in a manner similar to that in which they approach medical problems. Instead of disease categories (such as congestive heart failure or diarrhea), the physician substitutes moral quandaries (such as euthanasia or abortion). The goal is to learn what the "right" rules are for this particular problem at this particular moment. Although this method has important practical and instructive value, it can produce an empirical attitude toward ethics akin to that found in students who strive to learn medicine solely by algorithms. Using theoretical models as a center for discussion, this article has attempted to approach medical ethics as a decision-making process derived from the physician-patient relationship model in use. What is the type of physician-patient relationship that forms the soundest base for making ethical decisions? It must be realized that the contractual relationship cannot be ignored, for in our consumer-oriented society it will surely remain as a protection for the patient against the incompetent or immoral physician. It should not become the sole guide of physician behavior, however, lest we be satisfied with mediocre behavior as the maximal standard. Likewise, although technical competence is required for one to make the right and good decision, it is insufficient alone as a guide for moral behavior. Given the medically correct facts, a multitude of responses are available which necessitate a moral choice. Physicians need a guiding principle that goes beyond any aesthetic code of behavior, or protection of self-interest, and which enables them to deal with all the unexpected ethical questions faced in providing care to patients. Moral principles such as truth-telling, promise-keeping, and protecting the patient when he is vulnerable, help the physician to act in a moral manner, but lack the encompassing nature of the covenantal promise. The covenantal model includes a donative element that empowers the physician to go beyond any specific prescriptions of behavior in repayment of his gifted position. It inspires fidelity to the patient and the profession and respect for the patient's rights as an individual without either falling prey to the presumptuous attitude of the parental model or the legalistic tone of the contractual model.


Ansrnacr IIore than 100 specimens belonging to the serpentine group have been investigated optically and by means of r-rays. Essentially all of the species now classed within the ser. pentine group can be referred to two main divisions, each of which shows slight modifications in the intensities of certain lines. The first division, which is referred to as the mineral serpentine, consists of varieties whose patterns are similar in atomic spacing to that of serpentine, best represented by patterns of chrysotile. The name chrysotile is reserved for serpentine occurring in veins and consisting of flexible fibers. The second division, which is referred to as the mineral antigorite, consists of varieties whose patterns are similar in atomic spacing to that of antigorite, from Antigorio valley, Piedmont. Fragments from the specimens of each division have been examined by the immersion method and their optical properties noted. Nearly all of the specimens have been studied in thin section. The fundamental structures of both divisions appear to be fibrous. From the r-ray and optical studies it appears that the matrix of chrysotile is serpentine and not antigorite as thought by some autfiors. General comparisons have been made between chemical analyses compiled from the literature. Based on the results of the r-ray and optical studies and the chemical discussion it is proposed to drop the names schweizerite, metaxite, pyroidesine, rnarmolite, retinalite, thermophyllite, bastite and. vorhauserite as distinct mineral species in favor of the one term serpentine. Likewise it is proposed to drop the names picrosmine, picrolite, williamsite, bowenite, porcellophite, and baltimorite for the term antigorite. The terrn serpentinite is suggested for rocks composed of serpentine or antigorite or a mixture of both'


DNA sequencing is used in a vast array of applications including pharmacogenetics, cancer research, biodiversity studies and genotyping. With an increasing demand for faster, more accessible DNA sequencers, current next- generation technologies have made astonishing advances that promise to break the $1,000 per human genome barrier. Here we present a novel DNA sequencing strategy called Natural DNA Sequencing by Synthesis (nSBS). The key aspect of nSBS is the incorporation of a small percentage of a non-terminating fluorescently labeled nucleotide along with the natural nucleotide in the cyclic nucleotide-by- nucleotide DNA synthesis process for sequence detection. The sparse incorporation and subsequent removal of the fluorescent labels minimizes the modification of the natural structure of the extending DNA template, ensuring that subsequent DNA synthesis will be mostly natural and un-perturbed. Our platform allows scaling to high-density arrays for genome sequencing due to the decoupling of the sequencing reaction from the detection step. A theoretical model of the nSBS process has been developed, utilizing Monte Carlo simulations with random sequences from the human genome to assess the feasibility of the method. The model revealed that homopolymer stretches up to 20 bases long can be sequenced with high accuracy and Q20 (with 99% accuracy) read lengths of up to 1,000 bases can be achieved with less than 10,000 copies of DNA templates and 10% labeled incorporation. A major challenge to the implementation of nSBS was the design and construction of an automated sequencing platform. An overview of the hardware and software of this system is given. Finally, results from the implementation of nSBS are provided beginning with a study of the kinetics of the incorporation of fluorescently labeled nucleotides. In addition, we demonstrate fractional labeling of a synthetic DNA template. By combining the best proven aspects of SBS with streamlined methods for DNA amplification and high-speed fluorescence imaging, nSBS can provide a platform for inexpensive genome resequencing and de novo sequencing


Climate change is definitely a huge challenge for the 21st century. Mitigation actions that stem from individual behaviour change towards a lower individual carbon footprint are part of the response. However, barriers are numerous for individuals to change their behaviour and actually reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Even individuals with positive attitudes may show much reluctance to behave in a climatefriendly way. Against this background, our paper aims to investigate how these barriers can be overcome so that individuals take action. The first section reviews the individual, sociological, and institutional barriers that have been identified in the social sciences literature, and options that may spur action. The second section presents the climate mitigation initiative that has been implemented at the university of Grenoble, France, to engage its members into reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, and draws lessons from the results obtained. Digging alternatively into economics, sociology, psychology, and marketing brings some tools to lift barriers to action. However, these social sciences fields are interwoven. Adopting an


This work presents a systematic study of Permian Brachiopoda from the Sungai Toh Leptodus Shale locality, Pahang State, Peninsular Malaysia. This locality lies within the Central Belt of Peninsular Malaysia, a tectonic unit characterised.by tuffaceous sediments and limestones of Late Palaeozoic age. Two brachiopod-bearing horizons were studied in detail at this locality, the lower one (Horizon 2) bearing a mixed plant and invertebrate assemblage, including the brachiopods Urushtenoidea chaoi (CHING), Leptodus richthofeni KAYSER, Anidanthus cf. sinosus HUANG, Acosarina dorashamensis (SOKOLSKAJA), A. minuta (ABleH) and unidentifiable species of Linoproduetus, Neochonetes, and Strophalosiina. Horizon 3 contains a more abundant and diverse brachiopod fauna, comprising a total. of 57 species representing 47 genera, including Vediproductus punetatiformis (CHAO), Permianella typica HE & ZHU, Tranrennatia gratiosa (WAAGEN), Leptodus richthofeni KAYSER, Leptodus cf. tenuis (WAAGEN) and "Semibrachythyrina" [= Alphaneospirifer] cf. pyramidiformis LIANG. It is suggested in this study that the age of the Sungai Toh locality is Capitanian (late Guadalupian) to possibly Wuchiapingian (early Lopingian), as it appears to correlate well with the Lengwu fauna from Zhejiang in eastern China. The palaeobiogeographical affinities of the Sungai Toh fauna are interesting, mainly indicating strong Palaeo-equatorial affinities, while there are also some elements more typical of the cooler periGondwana Region.


Types of low-cost improvements that can help reduce work-related risks and prevent stress at work are reviewed by examining simple improvements achieved by participatory action-oriented programs in different work settings. Programs reviewed include WISE (work improvement in small enterprises) projects in various industries, including POSITIVE (participation-oriented safety improvements by trade union initiative) activities by trade unions, and recent mental health interventions for work stress prevention. Participatory steps undertaken commonly comprise learning local good practices, group work on feasible improvement options and consensus building on immediate actions. These common steps are found effective for achieving multifaceted improvements at low cost in short periods. Typical low-cost improvements by work improvement programs cover materials handling, workstations, physical environment and work organization, whereas those by stress prevention programs additionally cover internal communication, restful schedules and social support measures. The planning and implementation of these improvements are usually facilitated by the use of action-oriented toolkits including good examples, action checklists listing practical low-cost improvements and group work sheets. Serial intervention studies confirm reductions in workplace risks, often with productivity increase, in both work improvement and stress prevention activities. Main contributing factors leading to these positive achievements are (a) simple procedures aimed at good practices in multifaceted risk management, (b) a clear focus on locally feasible improvements that have real impact on risk reduction, and (c) the use of locally adjusted action-oriented toolkits. These results demonstrate the importance of promoting participatory programs relying on multifaceted low-cost improvements in reducing the work-related risks and stress in varied work situations.


Homoepitaxial Cu electrodeposition on Cu(001) in chloride-containing electrolyte was studied by time-resolved in situ surface x-ray diffraction at growth rates up to 38 ML/ min. With increasing Cu electrode potential, transitions from step-flow to layer-by-layer and then to multilayer growth are observed. This potential dependence is opposite to that expected theoretically and found experimentally for the Au(001) homoepitaxial electrodeposition [K. Krug et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 246101 (2006)]. The anomalous behavior is rationalized by a decisive influence of the ordered c(2 × 2)-Cl adlayer on the surface energy landscape, specifically on the effective change in dipole moment during adatom diffusion.


Repeated arterial injury, because it challenges already activated cells, may elicit a reaction that differs from that provoked by a single injury. We compared the response of rat aorta to single and double balloon injury and tested the inhibitory effect of heparin in both situations. For repeated injury, the first and second lesions were induced 3 weeks apart. Two weeks after repeated injury, the neointima that existed from the first lesion had expanded, with significant increases in intima-media wet weight and its DNA and elastin content and in the intima-to-media (I/M) thickness ratio. Two days after repeated injury, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was enhanced in both the media and the intima, indicating that cells from both layers are involved in the aortic response to a second lesion. As established previously, treatment with heparin (continuous intravenous administration, 50 IU/kg.h-1) almost totally suppressed the response to single injury. However, heparin only attenuated the response to repeated injury, with a partial decrease in intima-media wet weight and its DNA and elastin content and in I/M thickness ratio. PCNA labeling showed that heparin inhibited the proliferative activity in medial cells much more strongly than in intimal cells. In conclusion, repeated aortic injury elicits a reaction of both the media and preexisting neointima. In this mixed response, neointimal smooth muscle cells are less sensitive than medial cells to inhibition by heparin, which results in a weakened effect of the drug on the fibromuscular reaction.


The emergence of Internet of Things (IoT) applications and rapid advances in wireless communication technologies have motivated a paradigm shift in the development of viable applications such as mobile-health (m-health). These applications boost the opportunity for ubiquitous real-time monitoring using different data types such as electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), etc. However, many remote monitoring applications require continuous sensing for different signals and vital signs, which result in generating large volumes of real time data that requires to be processed, recorded, and transmitted. Thus, designing efficient transceivers is crucial to reduce transmission delay and energy through leveraging data reduction techniques. In this context, we propose an efficient data-specific transceiver design that leverages the inherent characteristics of the generated data at the physical layer to reduce transmitted data size without significant overheads. The goal is to adaptively reduce the amount of data that needs to be transmitted in order to efficiently communicate and possibly store information, while maintaining the required application quality-of-service (QoS) requirements. Our results show the excellent performance of the proposed design in terms of data reduction gain, signal distortion, low complexity, and the advantages that it exhibits with respect to state-of-the-art techniques since we could obtain about 50% compression ratio at 0% distortion and sample error rate.


: In this review, the application of enzymes, especially lipases, for the modification of fats and oils is covered. This includes the lipase-catalyzed selective production of structured triglycerides and the isolation or incorporation of specific fatty acids. Protein engineering methods to modify lipases on a molecular level were used to alter the fatty acid chain-length and ''trans over cis'' selectivity of lipase A from Candida antarctica. Furthermore, an enzymatic cascade reaction to remove 3-monochloropropanediol and the identification of a phospholipase C for degumming are briefly covered.


A prospective trial was initiated to determine the efficiency and safety of a laparoscopic second puncture probe designed to deliver the Nd:Yag laser. A contact technique was used to treat 32 women with either endometriosis (N = 23) or post-inflammatory pelvic adhesions (N = 9). The delivery system proved to be safe and provided easy access to all areas of pelvic pathology. The potential advantages over the CO2 laser include improved hemostasis, decreased plume formation, the ability to incise adhesions safely without a backstop, and effective transmission of the laser energy through fluids.


SUMMARY: The serological relationships between 39 strains of pathogenic corynebacteria from man, animals and plants were studied by precipitin, double gel-diffusion, and immuno-electrophoretic techniques, with polysaccharides and nucleoproteins as antigens. Five distinct serological groups were established among the plant pathogenic corynebacteria: (1) Corynebacterium flaccumfaciens, C. flaccumfaciens var. aurantiacum, C. poinsettiae and C. betae; (2) C. michiganense and C. insidiosum. (3) C. tritici and C. rathayi; (7) C. sepedonicum; and (5) C. facians. C. diphtheriae (type gravis, mitis, intermedius, and atypical forms), C. hoffmanii, (syn. C. pseudodiphtheriticum) and the animal pathogens C. equi, C. renale and C. kutscheri belonged to two or three serological groups. The plant pathogen C. fascians appeared to occupy an intermediate position between the plant and animal pathogens, and shared many antigens in common with the plant pathogens in group 1 and the animal pathogens. Other cross-relationships were detected between the groups. An immuno-electrophoretic study was made of protein fractions from the plant pathogenic bacteria.


Empirical contributions on service offshoring show less pronounced labor market implications than with material offshoring. Since no formal model exists investigating service offshoring in particular, empirical examinations are not based on properly defined hypothesis. This contribution formalizes service offshoring within a Ricardo-Viner specific factors model. As service offshoring is assumed to expand the range of possible offshoring scenarios, results differ from those of material offshoring. The different scenarios have opposite implications and sum up to marginal effects in the aggregate. This theoretical contribution thus is capable of explaining empirical findings so far and provides clear testable hypotheses for future research.