This work examines the influence of personal control and anxiety on stereotyping and prejudice. In two experiments, personal control was manipulated in an autobiographical experience task. In Experiment 1, participants then completed measures of implicit and explicit gender stereotypes. In Experiment 2, implicit and explicit racial prejudice was assessed. Anxiety was tested as a possible mediator of the relationship between personal control and stereotyping and prejudice, respectively. Low personal control was associated with greater gender stereotyping and racial prejudice in explicit measures. Anxiety mediated the relationship between personal control and stereotyping but not between personal control and prejudice. Also, ingroup identification was found to moderate some of the relations between personal control, anxiety and stereotyping and prejudice. The results provide support for stereotyping and prejudice as compensatory control mechanisms, but evidence is mixed regarding the role of anxiety in mediating the processes.


The Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is a critical regulator of Vascular Endothelial Growth factor (VEGF) expression and activity in cardiac muscle and vascular endothelial cells. We have previously shown that hypoxia-induced activation of STAT3 is a redox-dependent event and can be blocked by inhibitors of NAD(P)H oxidase activity. Here we investigated the specific role of the small G protein Rac-1 in the regulation of hypoxia-induced STAT3 activation in endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human coronary endothelial cells in culture were subjected to 2% oxygen levels for different times (10min, 30min). Rac-1 inhibition was achieved by transfection of ECs with specific siRNA or by treatments of the cells with 75 μ M of the Rac-1 inhibitor NSC23766 (EMD Biosciences). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was conducted to assess STAT3 transcriptional activity. STAT3 phosphorylation and protein-protein association was measured by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation analysis (respectively). We found that inhibition of Rac-1 activity by siRNA or by treatment with NSC23766 blocks STAT3 binding to VEGF promoter in hypoxic conditions compared to treatment of the cells with scramble siRNA or vehicle only. This effect correlated with blockade of hypoxia-induced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 and at serine 727. In addition, hypoxia-stimulated Rac-1 binding to STAT3 at 30 minutes and inhibition of Rac-1 activity stimulated STAT3 binding to Protein Inhibitor of STAT3 (PIAS3) responsible for its sumoylation/inactivation. Taken together our results suggest that Rac-1 activity is associated with hypoxia-stimulated STAT3 activation and STAT3-dependent VEGF by regulating its phosphorylation/activation as well its sumoylation via blockade of STAT3 binding to PIAS3. These data disclose a previously uncovered activity of Rac-1 in the regulation of STAT3 inactivation by sumoylation.


The data analysis indicates the heterogenous structure of the national identity of the young. The diversity of the patterns of the relation of the young toward their own nation is indicated in all the dimensions that were analyzed: attitudes towards their own nation, European processes of integration and European nations individually. The data analysis indicates that the relation of the young toward their nation slightly changed during the 1990s when compared to the 1980s. A decrease of the attractiveness of the statements with cosmopolitan connotations and wider spread of nationally colored statements including those whose content glorifies and is uncirtical towards one's own nation (ethnocentrism) is indicated. The changes did not significantly extend to the hierachical structure of the items. The changes are more evident on the "poles" of the national-cosmopolitan continuum, where a shift towards the statements that express stronger ties of the youth to their own nation emerged. However, in spite of the mentioned shifts in the young population of the 1990s the attitudes prevailed that expressed ties to their own nation which "guards" their openness towards the world and influences of other countries. The opinions of the young are heterogenous in their attitudes about the inclusion of Croatia in the processes of integration. Pro-European attitudes coexist parallel with anti-European ones, those that indicate uncritical opinions of the young towards Croatian readiness for European integration. Regardless of the indicated distance and fear of Europe, it is still, for the majority of young people, an attractive social region that provides Croatia, as well as tehm personally, better development conditions. Apart from the influences that are societal, here the influence of the characteristic of the younger generation are obvious - the desire for better educational and employment opportunities, the desire to travel and make new friends, etc. The data also indicates that a large number of the young are critical towards the readiness of Croatia to fulfill the criteria for integrating into Europe, especially towards insufficient democratization of its political and societal life, including the respect for human and minority rights. They are critical of the insufficient economic development of Croatia, etc. These attitudes indicate that the young are realistic in regard to the situation in their own country and that most of them have, in spit of their homogenous societal life, internalized democratic societal values and the pluralization of the society. Although these are the attitudes of the young towards generally formulated values, these are encouraging findings, since this is the population that will carry the future development of the society and upon whom the course of this development will depend. The variance analysis indicated that the difference mentioned in the attitudes of the youth toward their own nation and integration of Croatia into the European processes of integration are significantly influenced by their socio-demographic characteristics. The strongest discriminatory power was found in the modernization variables, such as the level of education of the participants and their parents, their residential status, regional status (industrially developed or undeveloped areas) and political preferences. To be more specific, a higher level of education (parents and participants), urban residential status, liberal or socio-democratic political orientation are related to the looser national ties and cosmopolitism. Consequently, the participants with these characteristics are more commonly pro-European and more critical than the others of the faults and weaknesses of their own society. In contrast to this, the nationally connoted attitudes and a more reserved attitude toward Europe are related to a lower level of education, rural residential status, and preference for the nationally oriented political programs. This differentiation of the participants is a common result of the impact of the modernization variables. It indicates that the more developed, untraditiona environments are favorable for the development of youth as free individuals who do not tie closely to a group, but have a multiple identity and are open to communication in different directions. A somewhat different picture of national awareness is indicated by the data of the youth's social distance toward specific nations. These indicate that the young have a greater distance toward Eastern non-Catholic countries, especially Bosniacs, Serbs and Albanians, than toward geographically distant Western European Catholic countries. While the great distance towards Bosniacs and Serbs can in part be explained by the war, the hierarchical dichotomization of nations by the "developed - undeveloped" and "Catholic - non Catholic" clearly reflects the value system of ruling ideology of that time which promoted the hierarchical principle of valorizing cultures, giving the culture of Western, Catholic nations a higher status than Eastern, non-Catholic ones. Since Croatia is itself a Catholic country, that is a country the majority of whose population belongs to the Catholic faith, the spreading of this value system had a significant role in the constitution of national identity and placing Croatia in the cultural circle of the Western-Catholic countries. Its influence was obviously extended to youth as well. Moreover, the data indicates that in this case the influence of the ruling ideology in the society was more evident than in other analyzed dimesions of their attitudes toward the nation. The European West is not immune from division into "developed" and "undeveloped", and to "West" and "East", etc. Moreover, this hierarchical distinciton of nations and their cultures has been a long-lasting ingredient of the West European nationalism and racism. The loosening of the borders and the development of communication has increased their influence on the youth throughout Europe, including Croatia. Therefore it is not insignificant that the transitional countries in their desire to become closer to the West adopt this part of the European heritage as well. To conclude, one may say that in this research it was also found that the societal fiven has a multiple influence on the youth. Exposed to different influences in their social environment, the young react differently. Although their ries to their own nation during the 1990s became stronger than in the 1980s, even with signs of ethnocentrism, most of the young people despite the period of national homogeneity, preserved a typically generational characteristic: criticism and openness toward the pluralization of the societal area and the world around them.


We hypothesize that by providing decision support for designers we can speed up the design process and facilitate the creation of quality cost-effective designs. One of the challenges in providing design decision support is that the decision workflows embody various degrees of complexity due to the inherent complexity embodied in engineering systems. To tackle this, we propose a knowledge-based Platform for Decision Support in the Design of Engineering Systems (PDSIDES). PDSIDES is built on our earlier works that are anchored in modeling decision-related knowledge with templates using ontologies to facilitate execution and reuse. In this paper, we extend the ontological decision templates to a computational platform that provides knowledge-based decision support for three types of users, namely, template creators, template editors, and template implementers, in original design, adaptive design, and variant design, respectively. The efficacy of PDSIDES is demonstrated using a hot rod rolling system (HRRS) design example.


The paper examines the necessity to use the tools for marketing management of innovation and investment activity and identify possible approaches to their implementation. It is clarified that modern competitive challenges force enterprises to strengthen innovation and investment activity, which is no longer considered as one of the possible goals, but as a critical and vital condition for the enterprise operation. Theoretical provisions and conceptual-and-categorical apparatus of the research of marketing management tools for the marketing management of innovation and investment activity of enterprises are generalized. It is established that innovation and investment activity of the enterprise can be defined as the processes of directing and regulating relations aimed to create and implement innovations and investments into the objects of business and other types of activities in order to make a profit or get some other effects. The necessity of reorientation of traditional management of innovation and investment activity as management built on the principles of marketing and comprehensive application of its tools is substantiated. It is proposed to divide the tools of marketing management of innovation and investment activity into two groups, in particular tools of marketing management and tools used for its implementation. Marketing tools for managing the innovation and investment activity of enterprises include marketing research and marketing information system, while marketing tools for the implementation of management include marketing product, price, distribution and communication policies of the enterprise. Possible levels of marketing management of innovation and investment activity of enterprises based on marketing approaches and the use of marketing management tools are identified due to the ap plication of Harrington's desirability function. It is sub-stantiated that the priorities in the management of innovation and investment activity of the enterprise should involve interpretation of consumer demands, direct response and feedback of innovations and related investments with the opportunities, needs and values of consumers, demand development, diffusion of innovations and long-term orientation through the use of appropriate marketing management tools. possible approaches


ABSTRACT The exploration of personality factors to explain individual differences in religiosity has demonstrated a link between empathic concern and religious beliefs using the Empathic Concern subscale of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI-EC). Research in the cognitive science of religion emphasized the role of empathizing ability related to mentalizing in acquisition of religious belief and has demonstrated the relationship between the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and religious belief. The current study was designed to compare the strength of relationships between religious belief and two representative measures of empathy (the IRI-EC and the EQ). Study 1 aimed to statistically evaluate the strength of the relationship between the EQ/IRI-EC and religious belief with four Japanese samples (Ns = 207, 155, 208, 183). The mini meta-analysis results with random effect model indicated that the effect size (semi partial correlation, r sp) of the IRI-EC (r sp = .120, 95%CI [.0002, .237]) was larger than that of the EQ (r sp = .074, 95%CI [−.0001, .147]). Moreover, these results were confirmed by Study 2 (N = 1440). Thus, the present study provided reliable evidence of the link between empathy and religious belief in non-Western samples. We discuss how empathic concern and mentalizing-related empathy contribute to acquiring religious beliefs. Abbreviations: EQ: Empathy Quotient; IRI-EC: Interpersonal Reactivity Index-Empathic Concern; WEIRD: Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic


In the present study a comparative evaluation microscopic agglutination test with rLigB protein based latex agglutination test was carried out, which is a cross reacting lipoprotein able to detect acute infection caused by any pathogenic leptospiral serovars. It was employed for serodiagnosis of leptospirosis. The 46 KDa 6X His tagged LigB protein, obtained by IPTG induction of recombinant E. coli M15 cells containing the Nterminal region of LigB gee in PQE30 expression vector, was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and adsorbed on latex bead surface for performing latex agglutination test against Leptospirosis suspected wildlife field sera. A total of 80 wildlife sera samples were collected, including 27 wild feline sera samples (18 tigers, 8 lions, and 1 jaguar) obtained from Chhatbir zoo, Chandigarh, 42 sera samples (8 tigers, 4 lions and 6 leopards, 2 cheethals, 1 black buck, 12 buffaloes and 9 zoo staff) were received from Jodhpur zoo Rajasthan, 8 sera samples (4 tigers, 3 leopards, 1 lion) from Van Vihar National park, Bohpal, Madhya Pradesh and 3 sera samples (2 lions and 1 tiger) received from Biwani Mini zoo, Haryana, India. The result showed that sera were tested positive by rLigB based LAT, which were reconfirmed using microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The results from LAT were in concordance with MAT. In conclusion, rLigB based LAT is a rapid, pen site, reliable diagnostic tool of high sensitivity and specificity, under laboratory and field conditions, for the detection of


The authors have developed and tested a video teleconference system where visual communication can be performed in a telephonelike manner by using a video switching system as its key component. They describe this system and some results in the test operation. The video teleconference system consists of two parts. One is called the audio-visual information processing system (AVIPS), where the newly developed video switching system plays a key role. The switching network and video communication terminals are also included in AVIPS. The other is the reservation processing system (RPS), where personal computers connected to the conventional telephone network are used for making reservations. AVIPS actually performs switching and connecting functions. RPS controls the entire system by managing busy/idle and abnormal status of the various resources in AVIPS as well as making automatic connections requested by users. The results derived are based on point-to-point teleconferencing.<<ETX>>


A pseudospin-phonon coupled model in double-time Green's function theory has been developed to investigate the dielectric susceptibility of the ferroelectric-dielectric superlattice BaTiO3/SrTiO3 (BTO/STO). As the pseudospin-pseudospin and pseudospin-phonon interactions increase, the dielectric susceptibility changes from a narrow shape into the strong and broad shape with the peak shifting to a higher temperature region. With increasing pseudospin-phonon interaction in the BTO layer and at small pseudospin-pseudospin interaction in BTO layer, the dielectric susceptibility was sensitively adjusted around the transition temperature of strontium titanate, and at large pseudospin-pseudospin interaction in the BTO layer, the dielectric susceptibility was increased in the high-temperature region covering the tetragonal-cubic transition temperature of barium titanate. A critical period of 10/10 in the BTO/STO superlattice has been obtained, which is in good agreement with the experimental data of 40 Å, for ten unit cells.


This paper focuses on the justification and incorporation of sustainable development course into the certified training of engineering educators. Under the ERASMUS+ Project ENTER, a consortium was set up to build the capacity of engineering HEIs by strengthening engineering educators' preparation by an innovative kind of engineering pedagogy. One of the project tasks is to create a novel multicultural and international approach for formal post-graduate professional and pedagogical education of engineering educators. After a thorough educational market analysis, study of HEIs requirements and educators' needs, a formal training program was designed. One of the core courses of that program is the course on Sustainable Development. The main aim of this course is to help educators to develop a strategy how to integrate sustainable development principles into engineering education at large.


Today a girlfriend and I were discussing the nutritional value of sperm. While performing oral sex, if you swallow, I was told that it is very high in protein. However, I was also informed that it is very high in calories. This may seem like a weird question, but I would like to know what nutritional benefits are involved when "swallowing" and how many approximate calories are in a man's ejaculation? Thank you for your help in this matter.


Given a set S of n distinct keys, a function f that bijectively maps the keys of S into the range (0,...,n-1) is called a minimal perfect hash function for S. Algorithms that find such functions when n is large and retain constant evaluation time are of practical interest; for instance, search engines and databases typically use minimal perfect hash functions to quickly assign identifiers to static sets of variable-length keys such as strings. The challenge is to design an algorithm which is efficient in three different aspects: time to find f (construction time), time to evaluate f on a key of S (lookup time), and space of representation for f. Several algorithms have been proposed to trade-off between these aspects. In 1992, Fox, Chen, and Heath (FCH) presented an algorithm at SIGIR providing very fast lookup evaluation. However, the approach received little attention because of its large construction time and higher space consumption compared to other subsequent techniques. Almost thirty years later we revisit their framework and present an improved algorithm that scales well to large sets and reduces space consumption altogether, without compromising the lookup time. We conduct an extensive experimental assessment and show that the algorithm finds functions that are competitive in space with state-of-the art techniques and provide 2-4x better lookup time.


Seven cross-strike structural discontinuities (CSDs), 17 lineaments, and 4 crustal blocks, previously recognized in the central Appalachians, were compiled on side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) image mosaics to develop a structural model. The high-resolution, synoptic view and detailed expression of surficial morphology on x-band SLAR images provide a preliminary means of mapping CSDs and lineaments on the basis of alignment or disruption of structural and geomorphic patterns. Wheeler defined CSDs as structural lineaments or alignments at high angles to regional strike that are recognizable because they disrupt strike-parallel structural, geophysical, geomorphic, sedimentologic, or other patterns in allochthonous fold and thrust belts. CSDs are broad zones that may contai many lineaments of varying size and orientation. Geologic and geophysical data suggest that some Appalachian CSDs and lineaments are the surficial expression of crustal block boundaries. The previously defined CSDs, lineaments, and crustal blocks were compiled on a 1:1,000,000-scale SLAR image mosaic of eight 1:250,000-scale quadrangles from central Pennsylvania to southern Virginia. Data compiled on the likely origin of these 7 CSDs suggest that three involve basement, three involve only lateral decollement ramps (zones where a decollement transfers to a higher stratigraphic level along regional strike), and one may involve both basement and a lateral decollement ramp. CSD lateral ramps can dip either north or south. Geologic literature suggests that lateral decollement ramps alternate in dip direction along strike of the CSD. Reported evidence for basement involvement in the origin of CSDs includes spatially related centers of earthquake intensity, intrusive igneous rocks, stratigraphic evidence of syndepositional uplift, and basement faults beneath splay faults as seen in seismic reflection data. High-resolution strike-line seismic reflection, gravity, and magnetic profiles are necessary to further understand the origin and formation mechanisms of CSDs. CSDs are an exploration target for natural gas because they are areas where fracture permeability is enhanced. The spatial relationship of CSDs to gas fields in the Valley and Ridge province suggests structural closure of anticlinal traps due to differential movement along the CSD zone. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1448------------


We describe a stable lightwave synthesized frequency sweeper (LSFS) using a Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity composed of two Faraday rotator mirrors (FRMs). In the former half of this paper, we numerically simulate the behavior of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise accumulations, and show that angular deviations of the FRMs can cause instability in the frequency sweep span. We also show that the span is stabilized by placing a polarizer in one of the FRMs because the FP cavity then works as a single-polarization cavity with a small transmittance fluctuation. Experimental results confirming the stability of this LSFS are provided in the latter half of this paper.


Summary. Protamines are low molecular weight, highly basic nuclear proteins involved in the condensation of sperm chromatin. cDNA clones for human protamine 1 and 2 (PRM1 and PRM2) were used for Northern blot experiments with RNA from different human tissues. Protamine transcripts, 0.6 kb and 0.9 kb in lengths for PRM1 and PRM2, respectively, were detected only in testicular RNA. The hybridization signals though did not produce sharp bands but enclosed a minor fraction of significant smaller transcripts. When polysomal RNA fractions were used in the hybridization, these shorter transcripts, 0.45 kb in length for PRM1 and 0.7 kb for PRM2, were specifically enriched. As demonstrated by in situ hybridization on human testis sections, the transcripts of both protamine genes are restricted to the central cell layer of the tubuli seminiferi corresponding to the spatial arrangement of postmeiotic cells. This result indicates that the protamine genes in the human are postmeiotically and haploid expressed. When cDNA clones of both protamines of the boar (BPrm‐1 and BPrm‐2) were used for hybridization experiments with the testicular RNA of those mammalian species which lack protamine 2 in their spermatozoa, the presence of transcripts for both protamines was detected. It can be assumed that mammals in general are endowed with at least two protamine genes which are both transcribed but are translationally regulated in a species‐specific manner.


Abstract:  Melatonin has antiproliferative properties in prostate cancer cells. Melatonin reduces proliferation without increasing apoptosis, and it promotes cell differentiation into a neuroendocrine phenotype. Because neuroendocrine cells displayed an androgen‐independent growth and high resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the role of molecules that induce neuroendocrine differentiation was questioned in terms of their usefulness as oncostatic agents. By using human epithelial androgen‐dependent and androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells, the role of melatonin in drug‐induced apoptosis was studied after acute treatments. In addition to cytokines such as hrTNF‐alpha and TRAIL, chemotherapeutic compounds, including doxorubicin, docetaxel, or etoposide, were employed in combination with melatonin to promote cell death. Melatonin promotes cell toxicity caused by cytokines without influencing the actions of chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, antioxidant properties of melatonin were confirmed in prostate cancer cells. However, its ability to increase cell death caused by cytokines was independent of the redox changes. Finally, phenotypic changes caused by chronic treatment with the indole, that is, neuroendocrine differentiation, make cells significantly more sensitive to cytokines and slightly more sensitive to some chemotherapeutic compounds. Thus, melatonin is a good inhibitor of the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, promoting phenotypic changes that do not increase survival mechanisms and make cells more sensitive to cytokines such as TNF‐alpha or TRAIL.


Most countries and peoples from Europe and Asia are grouped in the spheres of direct geopolitical influence of Russia, Germany, Serbia, Iraq and China. Repetition of relationship (defined by ethnic and religious proximity) between countries from these spheres is observed. Thus there are two Russian (German, Serbian, Chinese) speaking countries - Russia and Belarus (Germany and Austria, China and Taiwan). The Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas exhibit similar political geography and history. Important events (e.g. World Wars) occur in couples. In American and Russian history the number 12 is crucial for its understanding (6 couples of most important wars in the former and 12 communist and post-communist rulers in the latter, the events of post-communism repeating the ones of communism). If a (post)-communist Russian leader has the same name as a former Russian tsar or prince, then a repetition of events takes place - the names Boris (Godunov) and Mikhail (Romanov) are connected with the Time of Troubles, Mikhail (Gorbachev) and Boris (Yeltsin) mark the perestroika, its modern version. The book is addressed to those interested in history, historical, geographical and linguistic analogies.


Based on anisotropic space-time turbulence theory, on lidar and satellite radiances, on in situ spectra of temperature, humidity and wind measurements, and on numerical models of the atmosphere as well as reanalyses, we propose an objective basis upon which to distinguish the weather from the climate. We show that the latter accurately follow the predictions of multiplicative cascade models up to about 7- 10 days. This marks the beginning of a weather/climate transition region which extends up to the cascade outer scale (time T) of about 20- 30 days (depending somewhat on the atmospheric field), after which the climate regime begins. We bolster this interpretation by empirically constructing space-time ("Stommel") diagrammes; we obtain near linear relations between time and (horizontal) space and theoretically predicted power law relations between the vertical and time up until the end of the weather regime (˜10000 km in the horizontal, ˜ 10 km in the vertical, ˜10 days in time). Going beyond the weather regime to time scales higher than T, we see that the spectra flatten out into a "spectral plateau". Using multiplicative space-time cascade models over scales much longer than T, we find that the flattening is nearly as expected and is caused by the transition from a full space-time weather process at scales below T to an increasingly time only type process at larger scales. Further evidence for this "dimensional transition" is the empirical finding that the same type of statistical variability (i.e. probability distributions) persists up to about a year in in situ temperature, humidity and wind statistics and up to tens of years in the 20th Century reanalyses. For long enough periods however we find that new scaling climate processes begin to dominate.


The phase picking up technique of silicon micromachined gyroscope used for rotating carrier is introduced. When the sensitivity axis is parallel to the deflexion plane, silicon pendulum will get the biggest Coriolis force, and the outputs are the peak value of the sine wave. However, when the sensitivity axis is perpendicularity to the deflexion plane, the outputs are the zero value of the sine wave. The self-rotated signal of the carrier (accelerometer) as benchmark, comparing to the output signal phase of the carrier and the gyroscope, then subtract the lagged value from the phase difference of the accelerometer and the gyroscope, we can confirm the real deflecting direction of the carrier in the space.


Background: Genomic grading represents a molecular approach to tumor grading. The GGI is a 97-gene assay which improves tumor grading by resolving histological grade (HG) 2 into high or low genomic grade. GGI carries added clinical value particularly in ER+/HER2-/N0 tumors where grade is a key decision factor for adjuvant treatment. The GGI algorithm has been validated for use in routine practice, including the definition of an appropriate cut-off and statistical confidence interval corresponding to a 3:1 odds-ratio. This study aimed at retrospectively testing the GGI classification performance and prognostic value in a series of 169 early breast cancers from a comprehensive cancer centre. Methods: Female breast cancers from the Institut Curie Database were selected on the following criteria: small size (pT1-2), node negative (pN0), 10-year follow-up data, availability of extracted RNA and frozen tissue. Genomic profiles were obtained using Affymetrix HGU133 Plus 2.0 gene chips. GGI was computed using Ipsogen MapQuant Dx®. Elston-Ellis (EE) grade, mitotic index (MI, mitosis/mm2), and Ki-67 IHC (continuous -% of positive cells-, or binary-median=20%-) were assessed retrospectively on the most representative tumor block in routine conditions by several pathologists. The GGI, pathological features, and proliferation markers were correlated. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier, with comparisons using the logrank test and hazard ratios estimated using Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Profiles were obtained in 163 cases (96%).Tumor size ranged from 7 to 45 mm. 86% of tumors were ER+, and 94% were HER2-, 32.5% were EE-1, 43% EE-2 (76% mitotic score 1 and 24% mitotic score 2-3), 24.5% EE-3. Chemotherapy was given to 11 patients. Median follow-up was 12.9 yrs [0.5-15.2 yrs]. GGI classified 79% of all cases with a 95 % concordance with HG1 and HG3, and reclassified 69% of HG2 tumors (50% GGI-1 and 19% GGI-3). Concordance was 81% between Ki67 and GGI. In the ER+/HER2-/no chemotherapy subgroup (n=126), using GGI and Ki67 as continuous variables, GGI was the only significant factor in multivariate Cox regression including EE, age and size (GGI: HR=2.36 and p=0.005; Ki67: HR=1.02 and p=0.11). This was also true when GGI and Ki67 were analyzed as binary indexes (GGI: HR=5.23, p=0.02; Ki67: HR=2.44 and p=0.13). Relative risk (RR) were 4, 2.55 and 2.85 for GGI, Ki67 and MI resp. (p=0.007, p=0.052 and p=0.053). In the ER+/HG2 cohort (n=63, 10 metastasis events), RR were 3.27 and 1.78 for GGI and Ki67, none reaching statistical significance, certainly due to insufficient statistical power issue. Conclusion: In a cohort of pT1-2, pN0 early invasive breast cancers, GGI has a 95% concordance with EE grading (1 and 3) and reclassifies 69% of EE-2 tumors. In ER+/pN0/HER2- breast cancer, GGI, either continuous or binary, has a higher prognostic value than Ki67 or MI. In a reference comprehensive cancer centre setting, GGI should add clinical information in this particular breast cancer subgroup where adjuvant treatment decision remains a routine challenge. GGI and EE tumor grading: contingency table Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-10-09.


Thirteen patients with carcinoma of gastric cardia after gastrectomy were treated in our hospital from 1981 to 1990. They comprised 1.3% of 932 cancers of the gastric cardia treated during the same interval. Partial esophagogastrectomy and esophagogastrectomy were performed under the aortic arch in 2 patients. Total gastrectomy was carried out in 8 patients with 7 Roux-Y and 1 end-to-side esophagojejunostomy. In the remaining 3 patients, only exploration was done. In the resected patients, two (20%) were complicated by anastomotic leak which was obviously higher than that by the conventional partial esophagogastrectomy for gastric cardia carcinoma. Due to reflux of bile and pancreatic juice, the incidence of gastric cardiac cancer in gastric stump after Billroth II operation was much higher than that following Billroth I type. Hence, Billroth I type should be the method of choice for patients to be operated by the distal partial gastrectomy. If Billroth I type was not feasible, Roux-Y anastomosis should be the alternative for Billroth II type in order to reduce the possibility of developing cancer in the proximal pouch. The route of entry, either left posterolateral thoracotomy or left thoracoabdominal incision should be resorted to in conformity with the size of the tumor.


In this paper, we investigate linear discriminant analysis (LDA) methods for multiclass classification problems in hyperspectral imaging. We note that LDA does not consider pairwise relations between different classes, it rather assumes equal within and between-class scatter matrices. As a result, we present a pairwise discriminant analysis algorithm for learning class categories. Our pairwise linear discriminant analysis measures the separability of two classes making use of the class centroids and variances. Our approach is based upon a novel cost function with unitary constraints based on the aggregation of pairwise costs for binary classes. We view the minimisation of this cost function as an unconstrained optimisation problem over a Grassmann manifold and solve using a projected gradient method. Our approach does not require matrix inversion operations and, therefore, does not suffer of stability problems for small training sets. We demonstrate the utility of our algorithm for purposes of learning material catergories in hyperspectral images.


Corona activity on the surface of silicone rubber has high impact on variation in hydrophobicity of the material, and on corona inception voltage (CIV) of water droplet sitting on the corona degraded surface. The CIV is high under negative DC as compared to positive DC/AC voltages. Increase in conductivity of water droplet reduces CIV. Surface charge accumulation studies indicate that the charge retention capability of the insulating material gets reduced drastically with silicone rubber damaged due to corona causing degradation of surface. Irrespective of the number of cycles of corona discharge activities carried out, the time constant of charge decay, after the removal of charge injection, remains the same. The water droplet initiated discharges under AC and DC voltages radiate UHF signal in the bandwidth 0.3–1.2 GHz. With single droplet sitting on top of the corona damaged silicone rubber, the amount of charge retained by the water droplet is low when the droplet is placed and charged immediately after corona discharge activity to surface of the insulating material. When the water droplet is placed after a certain time period, the charge accumulation characteristics of silicone rubber are regained. Leakage current measured during water droplet discharge studies through recurrent plot (RP) analysis reveals that, under AC voltage, it is possible to classify corona inception, arcing and bridging of water droplet between high voltage and ground electrode. The RP obtained for the current signals generated due to water droplet discharges under positive and negative DC voltages are different. The amount of damage caused to silicone rubber due to water droplet is high under negative DC voltage as compared to positive/AC voltages. While correlating the level of damage to the insulating material due to water droplet and the RQA parameters of RP, it is observed that higher the recurrence rate along with high determinism can cause severe damage to the insulating material. Structural analysis using ATR-FTIR and pyrolysis-GC/MS studies reveal significant functional group variation on surface of silicone rubber, especially when the number of cycles of corona ageing is more.


This sport science research in an undergraduate Faculty of Marmara University Sports Science and Kilis 7 Aralik University of Physical Education and Sports School students of "Leisure Management" ideas are evaluated. Free time management scale; Wei-Ching Wang et al. (2011) and Akgul and Karakucuk (2015) by adapting to Turkish by making validity and reliability study consists of 15 items and 4 sub-dimensions. 285 students from Marmara University Faculty of Sport Sciences and Kilis 7 Aralik University School of Physical Education and Sports participated in the study. In data analysis, d escriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA test were used. As a result of the statistical analysis, it was seen that the majority of the participants consisted of Marmara University students, while in the departments, there was a larger number of male students. In the other findings, it was understood that there was more participation in the 18-20 age group, they were single in marital status and they were more in the 1st class and they participated in their activities in leisure time 2-3 days a week. While there was a significant difference between the total scale scores of the participants and the variables of the universities, it was found that there was no significant difference in gender, marital status variables. There was a significant difference between the scale sub-dimensions and the activities of universities, age, leisure time and classes. As a result, it is understood that leisure time is better managed in metropolitan cities and that students who are studying in the field of sports should be directed to leisure time activities.


The main objective of this paper is to study analytically the strengthening of a simple reinforced concrete beams due to excessive uniform loads in flexure, shear and a combination of flexure and shear, using externally bonded FRP sheets technique. A commercial finite element computer program ANSYS has been used to perform a structural linear and non-linear analysis for several models using several schemes of FRP sheets. A parametric study has been performed for a lot of strengthened beams. FE models studies a main parameter of different schemes of FRP sheets in flexure, shear and combination flexure/shear. Comparing the results with a control beam model – simple reinforced concrete beam without strengthening – it is obvious that all strengthened beams have a greater ultimate capacity than the control beam and noticeable enhancement in member ductility. The increasing level differs as a result of the strengthening scheme. The strengthened beam in both flexure and shear gives a higher ultimate load capacity, delay the failure and prevent debonding failure up to a level at which debonding occurs in both longitudinal and wrapped jackets CFRP sheets.


A compilation and summary of four research studies is presented. They were aimed at developing a theoretical and practical understanding of homeowners' attitudes and behaviors in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) in relation to the threat from wildland fires. Individual studies focused on models and methods that measured (1) value orientations (patterns of basic beliefs) toward natural processes, (2) attitudes toward wildland fire policies, and (3) behavioral intentions to adopt defensible space activities or support agency policies/actions. This report presents some of the key findings from these studies, highlights the practical consequences of adopting a theory-based approach to understanding wildland fire management in urbanized areas, and suggests strategies for successful wildfire-prevention education programs.


The first example of a homogeneous hydration of aromatic nitriles catalyzed by manganese molecular compounds is reported. The Mn(I) organometallics fac-[(CO)3Mn(dippe)(Z)]1−nX1−n (n = 0, 1; Z = Br, OTf, PhCN; X = OTf) were synthesized and characterized, and their reactivity was studied. The species fac-[(CO)3Mn(dippe)(OTf)] (2) was used as a catalyst precursor for the selective hydration of benchmark benzonitrile (2 mol% 2, THF/H2O 1 : 2 v/v, 18 h, 100 °C) to produce benzamide in 90% isolated yield. A series of (hetero)aromatic nitriles were hydrated to synthesize the corresponding amides in very good to excellent yields (88–94%). Isotopic labeling studies accounted for a proton transfer as the rate-determining step.


During metabolism of the fungicide 2-(2-furyl)benzimidazole (FB) in mammals, an optically active compound, metabolite A, was isolated. This compound, a principal metabolite in the biological degradation of FB, was isolated from the urine of horse and dog. When studied by IR, NMR, MS, CD and electrophoretic techniques, the metabolite proved to be the zwitterionic form of (S)-(-)-4-(2-benzimidazolyl)-4-hydroxybutyric acid. The synthesized optical active compound was in every respect identical with metabolite A. The suggested structure has been completely verified by the current investigation of its crystal structure, based on single crystal diffraction data collected at the synchrotron MAX II in Lund, Sweden. In an earlier determination, a related compound, 3-benzimidazolylpropionic acid (Ercan et al. 1996) was suggested to be non-zwitterionic. The present studies have shown that the latter compound too is zwitterionic and that the conclusions presented were apparently based on some erroneously proposed hydrogen positions.


This paper describes a context extraction framework for a mobile device that equips a variety of sensors. The framework captures context about a user and her surrounding environment; the information is used to adapt the behavior of applications running on the mobile device. Our framework adopts the blackboard architecture to execute multiple analysis modules that analyze signals from respective sensors. Respective modules implement different algorithms to complement each other's results to retrieve accurate high-level context. Based on experiments with a sample application, we evaluate the feasibility of the framework and point out the possibilities and limitations of context extraction in mobile devices.


The epidemic growth in the prevalence of obesity has made the impact of metabolic syndrome on cardiovascular events increasingly significant. Elevated visceral adiposity, the indispensable component of metabolic syndrome, is thought to play a primary role in the increasing incidence of cardiometabolic disorders. Importantly, obesity is not merely the simple expansion of adipose tissue mass; it also involves the activation of inflammatory processes within visceral adipose tissue. Adipose tissue inflammation on the one hand enhances the production of proinflammatory adipokines and on the other hand increases the release of free fatty acids via the activation of lipolysis. The adipokines and free fatty acids secreted from visceral fat then contribute to a cardiometabolic pathology. We herein summarize recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which visceral obesity leads to the activation of inflammation in cardiovascular and metabolic tissues and promotes cardiometabolic disease. Our focus is on Toll-like receptor 4 signaling and free fatty acids as mediators of chronic inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis.


Memtili Tewfik Ependi (1901-1937), who is among the literary figures with important works of the modern Uyghur literature, has left a lasting impression on the Uyghur national education history with his academician identity. Recently, we had the opportunity to access to the notebook of Mehmet Salih Artış, who is among the students of the poet. The poems in this notebook are composed of the songs that he taught to his students in the innovative schools opened with the support of the public in Atuş in 1930s. As it was not possible to publish the notebook within the boundaries of China due to its content, the notebook was kept as taught by the poet without undergoing any modifications. We had certain notes on the discipline of the poet in our study. Furthermore, the wording samples of the disciplines were reviewed and the duplicate was shared with the readers as the disciplines both reflect his world view, his teaching method, his studies on and struggle for awakening and informing the public, the Turkish intellectuals contributing to the studies and Turkish of Turkey and reflect the alphabet of 1930s when the New Uyghur was developed from Chagatai Uyghur and was newly shaped. Considering that the alphabet of New Uyghur underwent a change in 20th Century for a few times, the disciplines may enlighten those who wish to utilize the sources published until the Cultural Revolution in terms of reading. In brief, besides being a source for linguistic studies, the disciplines also have the quality for sociology.


The presented software development process is based on extended timestamp nets (Petri net with an underlying time concept) and a logic of actions which allows us to specify processes. By means of an example, the phases of the development process are discussed and the most important terms of the theory are explained. Since we can do direct and indirect proofing in the logic, we verify the developed controller with respect to process-like specifications. Moreover, situation-like specifications can be tested. In this way, we put the machine virtually into operation.


Purpose of the Report Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is an effective treatment for advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NET); however, long-term survival data are scarce. The aim of this study is to determine long-term survival in patients with metastatic midgut NET, according to response to PRRT. Patients and Methods One hundred thirty-three consecutive patients with progressive metastatic midgut NET underwent PRRT. Response at 1 year post PRRT was classified as partial response, stable disease, disease progression, or death. Survival was assessed according to response to PRRT, and predictors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were identified. Results At 1 year post PRRT, 9% had partial response, 50.4% stable disease, 10.5% disease progression, and 30.1% were dead. The OS was 33.5, and PFS was 28.5 months. Predictors of disease progression/death were chromogranin A greater than 10 ULN (OR, 4.6; P = 0.007) and hepatic tumor load greater than 50% (OR, 5; P = 0.004). There was no difference in OS between patients with partial response and those with stable disease post PRRT. In multivariate Cox regression, predictors of OS were number of PRRT cycles (HR, 0.33; P < 0.0005), hepatic tumor load greater than 50% (HR, 3.46; P = 0.01), and outcome at 1 year post PRRT (HR, 21.37; P < 0.0005). Predictors of PFS were number of PRRT cycles (HR, 0.39; P < 0.0005), previous resection of liver metastases (HR, 3.56; P = 0,023), and hepatic tumor load greater than 50% (HR, 3.06; P < 0.0005). Conclusions Patients with progressive metastatic midgut NET who achieved stable disease at 1 year post PRRT had similar OS with those with partial response. Hepatic tumor burden was a strong predictor of response to PRRT, PFS, and OS.


Partial manifestations of the anti-tumor defence in the organism will sometimes lead to surprising changes in the clinical picture of the disease. This must be taken into consideration and, if possible, such therapeutical procedures must be chosen which do not interfere with the course of defence reactions. Therefore, the study of the organism's anti-tumor defence mechanisms is of theoretical as well as of practical value. In Hodgkin's disease a significant increase in phagocytic activity could be observed when the disease was in progress; during clinical remission the values returned to normal ones [181]. The phagocytic activity may be supposed to reflect the dynamic situation between the host and the tumor in man [196]. The determination of phagocytic activity may be useful as an indicator of the extent or activity of the disease [181]. Phagocytic function may be affected by a surgical intervention [46], radiotherapy [179, 183] and by anti-tumor chemotherapy [3, 209]. On stimulating MPS during the course of radiotherapy, improved clinical results have been observed [115]. When examining patients in the course of treatment and after it, a need was felt for methods that can easily be applied and that enable the state of the defence capacity of the organism to be taken into account. The measurement of the phagocytic activity of MPS in clinical practice by using the 131I labelled aggregated human albumin [115] can only be used at selected workplaces. Today, however, drugs and therapeutical procedures with immunosuppressive effects are virtually used in all workplaces where there are patients with malignant tumors. Therefore, an original method of phagocytosis of latex particles in vitro has been elaborated. This method is primarily aimed at orientation, but it may be employed in every hematological laboratory. It determines the intensity of phagocytic activity of leukocytes. The differences between the values obtained in cancer and those obtained in healthy subjects and patients with non-malignant disorders are highly significant. This statement has been made on the basis of 363 examinations performed in clinically healthy subjects, in patients with cancer and in patients with non-malignant disorders. The results were analyzed statistically and it has been found out that the phagocytic capacity of leukocytes is significantly activated in the presence of a pathological process in the organism. This activation is mush more evident in cancer patients than in patients with non-malignant disorders. Strikingly low values were observed in the terminal stage of the disease when the defence capacity of the organism has broken down. These findings induced us to consider the suitability of this kind of examination. It can be used alone or in combination with other methods for estimating the defence capacity of the organism, or for choosing the right therapeutical measures...


This study aims to understand the meaning that family members attribute to the fact of having a relative being treated in a Child Psychosocial Care Center. This is a qualitative piece of research utilizing the theoretical and methodological framework of the phenomenological sociology of Alfred Schutz. The field of study was a Child Psychosocial Care Center in Cascavel, state of Parana. Data collection took place between October and November 2010, through ph enomenological interviews with 11 relatives of users of that service. In a comprehensive analysis of the testimonies, aspects have emerged about the difficulty of dealing with the disease, the prejudice and lack of knowledge with regard to the symptoms of mental illness. This study allows us to understand the meaning given by relatives to the fact of having a family member assisted in a substitutive service in mental health and even further, we point to the need for support on the part of the family with


Background: Photoreceptive proteins play critical physiological roles in human skin cells. The retinal G protein-coupled receptor (RGR) is a photoisomerase in the human retina, but its expression and cellular functions in human skin cells have not been reported. Objectives: We aimed to detect RGR expression in various skin cells and evaluate its regulation of the cellular functions of keratinocytes. Methods: The expression, distribution, and subcellular location of the RGR in normal human epidermal keratinocytes and cells with pathological conditions including psoriasis, seborrheic keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma were determined using microscopic tools (immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence staining, and immunoelectron microscopy) and Western blotting (WB). The protein levels of the RGR in primary human melanocytes, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts isolated from the neonatal foreskin were measured by WB. The expression and subcellular localization of the RGR in these cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining under a fluorescence microscope and laser scanning confocal microscope. Additionally, the levels of RGR expression in normal keratinocytes exposed to ultraviolet (UV)-A or total ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the presence or absence of all-trans-retinal were measured by WB. Furthermore, the effects of the RGR on human keratinocyte functions including proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit 8, wound healing, and Transwell assays after reducing the RGR mRNA level in keratinocytes using small interfering RNA technology. Results: The RGR was primarily located in the epidermal basal and spinous layers and skin appendages. Its expression increased in psoriatic lesions, seborrheic keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma. Confocal microscopy showed that the RGR was located in the cell membrane and nucleus of keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. Keratinocytes had a higher expression of the RGR than melanocytes and fibroblasts, as well as nuclear expression, according to nuclear/cytoplasmic fractionation. Colloidal gold immunoelectron microscopy technology further confirmed that the RGR is mainly located in the nucleoplasm and mitochondria and is scattered in the cytoplasm and other organelles in the epidermal keratinocytes. Notably, RGR knockdown in keratinocytes led to the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration, augmenting cell apoptosis. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the presence of RGR in the human skin. Our findings indicate that the RGR may play a critical role in the physiological function of epidermal keratinocytes.


The revitalization of small towns is a chance for their activation and spatial-economic development. The actions implemented in the framework of the revitalization programs are undertaken with varying intensity and effect. Often the only result is an aesthetisation of urban space. Long-term economic and social consequences are difficult to grasp, or they just do not exist. The article attempts to show and evaluate using physiognomic method effects of revitalization in selected small towns in which EU funds that were used to this purpose.


The dielectric measurement for microscopic area of multi-layer ceramics capacitor was carried out by microwave microscope using non-contact microwave probe. The phase of incidence microwave for sample was fixed to pi/2 in order to realize accurate measurement of sample. The spatial resolution for dielectric measurement was increased based on Kirchhoff's diffraction theory with decreasing coaxial cable and probe diameter. From reflection intensity mapping, the dielectric permittivity distribution in microscopic area at GHz order was measured for cross section of multi-layer ceramics capacitor at room temperature. The spatial resolution was experimentally estimated to be about 10 mum from mapping of cross section view of dielectric and inner electrode layers in multi layer ceramics capacitor.


In the social research, the research variable is usually cannot be measured directly (usually called as latent variable). Therefore, the variable needs an indicator as its measuring instrument. One of multivriat techniques is structural equation modeling (SEM) that is used in social researchs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) consists of 2 stages, the first approach is using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the second is by doing the structural equation modeling (SEM). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) approach is aimed to confirm that indicators used as the measuring instrument  are good enough to measure direct unmeasurable variables ( latent variable) seen from reliability score of those indicators. According to Hair, et al (1998) that reliability score is good when it has bigger score than 0,7. The results show that both composit and maximal reliablities have bigger scores than 0,7. It means that the scores of composit and maximal reliabilities can be accepted, it shows that all used indicators in this research is reliable.


Understanding the processes that maintain diversity has been the focus of extensive study, yet there is much that has not been integrated into a cohesive framework. First, there is a separation of perspective. Ecological and evolutionary approaches to diversity have progressed in largely parallel directions. Second, there is a separation of emphasis. In both ecology and population genetics, classical theories favour local explanations with emphasis on population dynamics and selection within populations, while contemporary theories favour spatial explanations, with emphasis on population structure and interactions among populations. What is lacking is a comparative approach that evaluates the relative importance of local and spatial processes in maintaining genetic and ecological diversity. I present a framework for diversity maintenance that emphasizes the comparative approach. I use a well-known but little-used mathematical approach, the perturbation theorem for dynamical systems, to identify key points of contact between ecological and population genetic theories of coexistence. These connections provide for a synthesis of several important concepts: population structure (source–sink versus extinction–colonization), spatial heterogeneity (intrinsic versus extrinsic) in fitness and competitive ability, and temporal scales over which local and spatial processes influence diversity. This framework ties together a large and diverse body of theory and data from ecology and population genetics. It yields comparative predictions that can serve as guidelines in biodiversity management.


Our prior work revealed that compared to the case for glucose metabolism, increased carbon yield and nil acid formation result when Bacillus subtilis grows on glucose medium containing citrate. To scrutinize further how citrate addition may alter metabolic flux regulation and the degree that the observed carbon yield corresponds to the maximal value, experimental (by least-squares analysis) and optimal (by linear programming) fluxes and yields were contrasted. Networks with differing reaction routes, directionality constraints, and transhydrogenase activities were examined. To attain an elevated carbon yield, citrate-glucose utilization need not alleviate any stoichiometric constraints that can sometimes interfere with the attainment of network objectives. Rather, the high carbon yield and nil acid formation attained may be linked to restriction of glycolytic capacity, particularly at the level of pyruvate kinase, which is consistent with a hypothesized effect of coupled metal-citrate uptake. Allowing for malic enzyme activity, hexose monophosphate pathway cycling, and transhydrogenase activity may also lead to the flux distributions underlying the high carbon yield observed. Finally, the observed carbon yield corresponded well to the maximum yield provided by all the network alternatives examined. Collectively, these results suggest that (i) the observed carbon yield is essentially equal to the maximal values associated with plausible networks and (ii), as suggested by others, nonoptimal flux regulation may contribute significantly to apparent cellular maintenance requirements.


A new analytical approach is presented for deriving the bit error probability results for 2 and 4DPSK with differential detection over the nonselective Rayleigh fading channel with diversity reception and with an additional additive, correlated, Gaussian interference process in each diversity channel. The approach differs from that in a previous paper, and is based on a well-known result in the literature. The results are new, and reduce to known results when the correlated interference is absent. They show that the correlated interference behaves like an additional component of the information-bearing signal, and affects the error probabilities of the various transmitted symbols differently, irrespective of its statistical distribution. Its Gaussian statistical distribution is essential only for the analysis of the bit error probability.


Abstract Are international standards of democratic governance applied to sub-state actors as well as to states? By examining the international response to self-determination claims, this article demonstrates that the international community does indeed hold sub-state groups accountable to such standards. Claimant groups that have internalised human rights and democratic norms are more likely to receive international support in the form of empowerment (promoting some form of self-governance). Through a comparison of the Kosovars' quest for self-determination with the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians' claim, the article suggests that 'standards before status' is neither unique to Kosovo nor a deviation from the pre-1999 international response to that claim.


The Italian Air Force medical service, in order to attend to its duty, has to deal with the search, rescue and aero-medical evacuation of the wounded and sick. Due to the increase of air transportation, the likelihood of contracting disease, such as haemorrhagic fevers has risen and it is necessary to know how to treat a patient abroad suffering from severe infectious disease without running any risk either for the medical personnel or for the air crew. The military sanitary service of the Air Force has been preparing for this purpose through a meticulous preparation in Italy and in the USA in order to satisfy these need and through the use of stretchers specifically designed to transport highly contagious patients: Aircraft Transit Isolators (ATIs) and Stretcher Transit Isolators (STIs). These particular medical tools are provided by filter HEPA and they are completely insulated in a PVC envelope. The former (ATI) is used to transport the patient by airplane, the latter is used for road travel. Last January 24th the first real mission was performed transporting a severe TBC-MDR (case) from Alghero to Milan. All went well and the patient left the hospital of Sondalo two months later.


Development of sensitive enzymatic methods for hydrogen peroxide is key for the quantification of several bioconstituents such as glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, and uric acid and so on. Hydrogen peroxide released by the oxidase enzymes are quantified by peroxidase enzyme involving spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, chemiluminisence, potentiometric sensing, amperometric, coulometric and such others. Authors in this line, present a short review on the assay of peroxidase. The entire review is divided into three different sections; first the importance of peroxidase clinically, secondly peroxidase chemistry with hydrogen peroxide and finally its role in the assay of bioconstituents.


How to get published In recent years, there is an increasing importance of the publication of scientific innovations. the authors must know what are the requirements of each journal to which they want to send their research work, study the specific rules, know the systems of registration and submission of documentation through the web, the editorial process and the steps to follow in each of the requirements demanded by the editors and proofreaders of your article until finally achieving the success of the publication of your work. All this requires prior training, knowing the editorial process and the management of the scientific article from its submission to the final response by the editor, knowing that if the work is not accepted, we must consider the critics of the reviewers to improve it and assess the shipment to another magazine.The high editorial competence to obtain higher quality of the works and an increase in the appointment of these, related to obtaining a greater impact factor, makes necessary the realization of courses and adequate training to update the authors. the importance of publishing and being the author of prestigious national and international journals has a determining role for the professional curricular development and for obtaining public and private funding in new research projects.


The multiplication of different associated stages,
including the "Internet of Thing" [1], Control frameworks (ICS),
associated vehicles and on-board arranges have brought about the
concurrent utilization of various conventions and gadgets.
Disorderly circumstances brought about by the utilization of
various conventions and various kinds of gadgets, for example,
heterogeneous systems, executed diversely by merchants, make it
hard to receive an adaptable security arrangement, as late
examinations on Intruder Detection Systems (IDS) in light of
profound learning. These examinations advanced the profound
learning model for their condition to improve execution, however
the essential rule of the profound learning model utilized was
unaltered, so it tends to be called cutting edge IDS with a model
that has not many or no necessities. A few investigations have
proposed IDS dependent on unaided learning innovation that
doesn't require named information. In any case, not utilizing
accessible assets, for example, organize parcel information, is a
misuse of assets. In the event that the security arrangement
considers the job and significance of the gadgets that make up the
system and the standard convention security zone by specialists,
the benefits can be utilized well, however they will not, at this point
be adaptable. A large portion of the IDS examines dependent on
profound learning models have utilized "Recurrent Neural
Networks"[1] (RNN), which is a regulated learning model, in light
of the fact that the attributes of the RNN model, particularly while
consolidating memory long haul (LSTM), are better designed to
mirror the progression of parcel information goes after some time
and accordingly perform improved than other directed learning
models, for example, convolutional neural system (CNN).
Geography result may be an essential necessity for a few system
the executives and investigating assignments the greater part of
our systems nowadays incorporate neighborhood. In PC systems
ascertaining procedures, exchange data with each other using
associations information joins between centers. A distant way
bearing discovering system in information systems decides the
most straightforward way for information parcels established on
space. Some far off way runs likewise yield into thought organize
inactivity and different highlights that impact dissemination on a
specific course.


Exosomes show diagnostic and therapeutic promise as carriers of ncRNAs in diseases. LncRNAs in exosomes have been identified as being stable and avoided degradation by nucleolytic enzymes. Although lncRNAs have been confirmed to be important in cancers, no studies for exo-lncRNAs have been reported in LAA stroke. High-throughput sequencing was performed to detect the differential expression profiles of lncRNAs in five paired plasma-derived exosome samples from patients with LAA stroke and controls (matched on vascular risk factors). Exo-lncRNA-associated networks were predicted with a combination of multiple databases. The expression of the selected genes in the networks was confirmed by qRT-PCR in a validation set (LAA vs. controls = 30:30). Furthermore, ROC analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the lncRNA-related networks. A total of 1,020 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in LAA stroke patients. GO and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that their target genes are involved in atherosclerosis-related pathways, including inflammation, cell adhesion, and cell migration. qRT-PCR confirmed that the expression trend of differential expressed genes was consistent with RNA-seq. Furthermore, the AUCs of the lnc_002015-related network and lnc_001350-related network were 0.959 and 0.97, respectively, in LAA stroke. Our study showed the differential expression of lncRNAs in plasma exosomes and presented related diagnostic networks for LAA stroke for the first time. The results suggested that exosomal lncRNA-related networks could be potential diagnostic tools in LAA stroke.


All software managers are faced with three P's when software is to be built: people, problem, and process. Should each of the three P's be given equal weight? Should one be elevated to a more important role than the others? Are managers focusing too much attention on the wrong P? The author offers answers to these questions and argues in favour of software heroism. >


International comparisons of injury data may be useful for examining differences in risk and for suggesting potential interventions or hypotheses for future studies. However important issues to be considered in conducting comparisons are related to both the underlying quality of the data and how the data are collected. The International Collaborative Effort (ICE) on Injury Statistics grew out of concerns over the comparability of international injury data. This article outlines the history behind the development of the Injury ICE, brief descriptions of current and past projects, collaborations, and reflections on the value of collaboration.


Handaxes, simple flakes and retouched flakes are three types of stone tools whose adaptive advantages are highly debated. Interpretations of these technologically different tools suggest that their adequacy for butchery is uneven. Although some experimentation has been made in this regard, further research is needed to understand which of these tool types are more efficient for butchery, thus granting adaptive advantages to the hominins who used them. The present experimental work shows that small handaxes provide higher return rates in butchery activities than simple and retouched flakes. Efficiency (measured in time) is significantly positive in handaxes compared to the other tools when defleshing. In contrast, when comparing the three stone tool sets (simple flakes, retouched flakes and handaxes), the return values obtained for disarticulation are very similar. This study also shows that cut marks do not occur randomly and are less stochastic than previously assumed. Defleshing leaves a preferential cluster of cut marks on mid-shafts from long bones and even on these sections, depending on element type, patterns are statistically demonstrable.


Abstract Previous phylogenetic and biogeographic studies of Iochroma (Solanaceae) suggested that I. ayabacense S. Leiva is a hybrid between I. cyaneum (Lindl.) M. L. Green and I. lehmannii Bitter. Chromosome counts for these three taxa demonstrate that all have a haploid chromosome number of n  =  12, and thus that the formation of I. ayabacense did not involve changes in ploidy level. A comparison of vegetative and floral morphology revealed that I. ayabacense demonstrates a striking intermediacy between I. cyaneum and I. lehmannii. The results support the conclusion that I. ayabacense is a homoploid hybrid between I. cyaneum and I. lehmannii.


Background Low-grade non-Hodgkin9s B-cell lymphomas are generally incurable, with standard therapies inducing only temporary remissions. Preliminary results with anti-PD-1 therapy have yielded low response rates, though tumor-targeted vaccines represent promising, novel treatment strategies. In a pre-clinical mouse model, we attempt to develop and optimize an in situ vaccine combining recruitment of dendritic cells (DC) and low-dose local radiotherapy (XRT) with intratumoral (i.t) administration of a toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist Methods A20 lymphoma-bearing mice were injected i.t. with FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 ligand (Flt3L) daily for 9 days (30ug/mouse), followed by local XRT (9Gy) and i.t. injections of poly-ICLC (50ug/mouse) for 5 days. Leukocyte accumulation in tumors, lymph nodes, and spleens was analyzed by flow cytometry and animals were monitored for tumor growth and survival. To assess uptake of tumor antigens by DC, mCherry-expressing A20 cells were used. For assessment of systemic anti-tumor response tumors were inoculated on both flanks, but only one site was treated as described before. In some groups, anti-PD-1 blocking antibody was injected systemically during vaccination. Results Injection of Flt3L induced potent accumulation of DC at the tumor site, tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN) and the spleen, with intratumoral injection being superior to systemic injection in increasing intratumoral and TDLN DCs. Interestingly, Flt3L-treatment led to an 8-fold increase in TLR3+ DC in the tumor. Local XRT increased the amount of mCherry+ DC in the tumor, indicating enhanced uptake of dying tumor cells. XRT of A20 cells also induced activation of Flt3L-treated splenic DC in vitro. While combination of FLt3L and local XRT was not able to cure established tumors, the combination of Flt3L and XRT with poly-ICLC induced long-lasting tumor regression in 40% of mice as well as regression of untreated tumors. This was accompanied by induction of tumor-reactive, Interferon γ (IFN γ)-producing T cells. Of note, the combination of Flt3L and XRT increased expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on tumor infiltrating T cells and tumor cells, respectively. Consistently, systemic treatment with a PD-1 blocking antibody significantly enhanced the efficacy of the Flt3L-primed in situ vaccine leading to complete tumor regression at the treated site and a significant survival benefit compared to the in situ vaccine without PD-1 blockade. PD-1 blockade also increased the number of tumor-reactive T cells. Conclusions In situ vaccination combining intratumoral Flt3L injection with local XRT, poly-ICLC and anti-PD-1 induces a potent anti-tumor immune response able to induce long-term regression of established lymphoma tumors. Disclosures Davis:Celldex Therapeutics: Employment. Keler:Celldex Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Salazar:Oncovir Inc: Employment. Brody:Gilead: Honoraria, Other: Travel expenses, Speakers Bureau; Acerta Pharma: Research Funding; Immunogen: Equity Ownership; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Other: Travel expenses, Speakers Bureau; Novavax: Equity Ownership; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Synergy Pharmaceuticals: Equity Ownership.


We study how financial frictions amplify labor supply shocks in a macroeconomic model with occasionally binding financing constraints. Workers supply labor to entrepreneurs who borrow to purchase factors of production. Borrowing capacity is restricted by the value of capital, generating a pecuniary externality when financing constraints bind. Additionally, there is a distributive externality operating through wages. The planner's allocation can be decentralized with two instruments: a credit tax/subsidy and a labor tax/subsidy. Labor shocks, such as the COVID-19 shock, amplify the policy responses, which critically depend on whether financing constraints bind or not. JEL Classification Numbers: E2, E44, G1


Complexity is a fundamental concept underlying statistical learning theory that aims to inform generalization performance. Parameter count, while successful in low-dimensional settings, is not well-justified for overparameterized settings when the number of parameters is more than the number of training samples. We revisit complexity measures based on Rissanen's principle of minimum description length (MDL) and define a novel MDL-based complexity (MDL-COMP) that remains valid for overparameterized models. MDL-COMP is defined via an optimality criterion over the encodings induced by a good Ridge estimator class. We provide an extensive theoretical characterization of MDL-COMP for linear models and kernel methods and show that it is not just a function of parameter count, but rather a function of the singular values of the design or the kernel matrix and the signal-to-noise ratio. For a linear model with $n$ observations, $d$ parameters, and i.i.d. Gaussian predictors, MDL-COMP scales linearly with $d$ when $dn$. For kernel methods, we show that MDL-COMP informs minimax in-sample error, and can decrease as the dimensionality of the input increases. We also prove that MDL-COMP upper bounds the in-sample mean squared error (MSE). Via an array of simulations and real-data experiments, we show that a data-driven Prac-MDL-COMP informs hyper-parameter tuning for optimizing test MSE with ridge regression in limited data settings, sometimes improving upon cross-validation and (always) saving computational costs. Finally, our findings also suggest that the recently observed double decent phenomenons in overparameterized models might be a consequence of the choice of non-ideal estimators.


Abstract Among all malignancies of the reproductive organs, ovarian cancer is the sixth leading cause of death for women. Several factors contribute to the uncontrolled expression of certain genes in cancer thus making them act as oncogenes or tumour suppressors. In this study, we have examined four microarray datasets of high-grade ovarian cancer cells to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). 362 and 94 common DEGs were identified as up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively from 119 disease and 31 control samples. The DEGs were further analysed for their gene ontologies (GO), pathway, protein-protein interactions and co-expression. Most of the biological processes were associated with cellular processes, biological regulation, metabolic processes, and developmental processes. Further, regulatory networks were constructed by the DEGs which are also co-expressed and the hub genes were identified. The hub genes targeted by a large number of microRNAs (miRNAs) were further analyzed to reveal their role in the overall survival of cancer patients. Finally, GBP5 and ACSS3 were highlighted as potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer research. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma


The cardiotoxic effect of ouabain was explored in rabbits at different ages. The dose of ouabain necessary to produce ventricular tachycardia and death in 1-to 4-week-old rabbits was significantly greater than that required in older animals. In the 1 to 3-week-old animals, ventricular fibrillation occurred only once whereas in animals older than 3 weeks, fibrillation occurred in 23 of 31 animals. A similar pattern of sensitivity to ouabain was observed in bilaterally vagotomized animals. Neither the initial heart rate nor the potassium content of the ventricles in the different age groups appeared to have any influence on the change in the cardiotoxic dose of ouabain. Heart weight increased during the interval when the occurrence of fibrillation increased but it may not fully explain the alteration in the mode of death since fibrillation occurred in some of the younger animals with bilateral vagotomy before the heart weight increased. The catecholamine content of ventricles from 4-to 12-week-old rabbits was significantly greater than that in 1- or 3-week-old rabbits. The age-dependent decrease in the dose of ouabain necessary to produce ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and death appeared to be associated with an increase oof ventricular norepinephrine content, although other factors may also play an important part in this response.


CT study of 106 patients with non-traumatic supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhages in the acute period has found a fairly high incidence (29.3%) of the occurrence of acute obstructive hydrocephalus (AOH). It is regarded to be one of the important constituents in the process of an increase in the brain volume leading alongside with other factors to an elevation of the intracranial pressure and dislocation of the brainstem. AOH had no tendency towards the reverse development, was resistant to conservative methods of treatment and usually ended in lethal outcome. Only the differentiated surgical treatment in 250 patients with hemorrhagic stroke including that in hematomas with AOH performed predominantly by the stereotactic method as well as ventricular drainage used as an auxiliary or independent operation provided success of the treatment. In certain volumes and localizations of the hematoma the stereotactic method had an advantage over the open method, as a result of this the postoperative mortality rate decreased 2.5 times. The importance of the timely (CT) detection of AOH and the differentiated surgical treatment as the method of treating a kind of critical condition in patients with cerebral hemorrhages is emphasized.


INTRODUCTION b. Input measures of the capacity to produce service The procedure used for health planning, In discussing these four operations, a as conceptualized by Donabedianl and theoretical background is developed for asothers, consists of the following three steps: sessing mental health resources. Problems in (1) assessing the need for health care, (2) asherent in the process are presented, and a sessing the supply of resources available to model for measuring mental health resources provide health care, and (3) analyzing is introduced in the final section to the Note. whether or not the supply of resources is adequate to meet the need for health care. The final step in this process is probably SPECIFICATION OF THE GEOGRAPHIC


The emerging technology enterprises are the important supporter that emerging technology evolves into emerg- ing industry, emerging technology enterprises entrepreneurial ability promotion path is a very complex fuzzy concept, how to improve entrepreneurial ability and this article defines that entrepreneurial ability has become a problem for emerging technology enterprises to keep their competitive advantage to be solved, this article has built research frame- work and structural equation model based on the theoretical analysis and selected 492 emerging technology enterprises as research objects. It quantitatively discusses the influence which market orientation, entrepreneurial learning and innova- tive way have on entrepreneurship. According to the result, to modify the model, come to the conclusion that China's emerging technology enterprise business ability and experience, the path of ascension is beneficial to provide reference for the same type enterprises in our country for reference, which will improve the development of emerging industry.


Background: Dengue fever is a vector-borne tropical disease radically amplified by 30 times in occurrence between 1960 and 2010. The upsurge is considered to be because of urbanization, population growth and climate change. Therefore, Meteorological parameters (temperature, precipitation and relative humidity) have impact on the occurrence and outbreaks of dengue fever. There are not many studies that enumerate the relationship between the dengue cases in a particular locality and the meteorological parameters. This study explores the relationship between the dengue cases and the meteorological parameters. In prevalent localities, it is essential to alleviate the outbreaks using modelling techniques for better disease control.Methods: An artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed for predicting the number of dengue cases by knowing the meteorological parameters. The model was trained with 7 years of dengue fever data of Kamrup and Lakhimpur district of Assam, India. The practicality of the model was corroborated using independent data set with satisfactory outcomes. Findings: It was apparent from the sensitivity analysis that precipitation is more sensitive to the number of dengue cases than other meteorological parameters. Conclusion: This model would assist dengue fever alleviation and control in the long run.


Background Natural Killer (NK) cells have been widely studied due to their non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxicity towards transformed or virally infected target cells. In the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), donor NK cells may be "alloreactive" as their killer immunoglobuline-like receptors (KIRs) do not recognize their ligands on recipient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules (i.e. KIR-ligands), leading to NK activation. NK alloreactivity can often occur in haploidentical HSCT (Haplo-HSCT), by means of KIR/KIR-L mismatch in graft versus host (GvH) direction, contributing to graft-versus leukemia (GvL) effect, clearing residual leukemic blasts. In the last decade, several studies have shown that NK cells alloreactivity plays a role in T-depleted Haplo-HSCT leading to higher disease free survival rates for patients transplanted from NK-alloreactive donors; recent studies have also shown that donors having KIR B haplotypes (characterized by the presence of more activating KIR) or expressing KIR2DS1 correlated with a better clinical outcome of transplantation. Thus, these NK cell features might be positively considered in the donor selection strategy. Materials and Methods: We analyzed NK-alloreactivity in the setting of unmanipulated Haplo-HSCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide for patients affected by acute myeloid leukemia or myelodisplastic syndromes. 101 consecutive patients transplanted from September, 2010 to October, 2014 were enrolled, with the big majority of donors and patients studied for HLA-genotype and KIR. Results: Disease status at HSCT was the most relevant factor affecting outcome (p =2) or who had KIR2DS1 was not associated with better outcome (p 0.67 and p 0.89, respectively). We observed an high expression of CD56 and inhibitory receptors such as NKG2A on surface of NK cells in post-HSCT samples, suggesting that NK-cell function could be inhibited in unmanipulated haploidentical setting. Conclusions NK alloreactivity seems not to play a role in preventing leukemia relapse in unmanipulated haploidentical transplantation with post-transplantation. The different immunosuppressive approach of this Haplo-HSCT setting compared to T-depleted Haplo-HSCT, with concomitant use of cyclosporine from early transplant days, which has been shown to interact and possibly inhibit NK cells in vivo , and post transplant cyclophosphamide effects, selectively killing activated T-cell and inducing long-term tolerance, could affect NK efficacy. Further studies are needed to better understand the complexity of this intriguing issue, leading to a more complete definition of NK cell functions in this Haplo-HSCT setting. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


a b s t r a c t Objective: To analyze the relationship, by comparison and correlation, between executive function (EF) and intellectual capacity (IC) in clever children (CC) and Average Intelligence Quotient children (AIQC), aged 7 to 11 years, and living in Medellin - Colombia. Patients and Methods: a non-randomized sample of 62 children was selected. The sample was constituted by two independent groups, according the IC. EF tasks were administered to both groups. Results: CC had statistically significant higher performance on phonological verbal fluency test (PVFT) (p < 0,05), with a modest effect size (0,65). A statistically significant, but low (r = 0,267, p = 0,03), correlation between PVF and verbal IQ was found. Conclusion: EF appeared as a non IQ-related ability.


Introduction: Intensive care unit telemedicine (ICU-TM) is expanding due to increasing demands for critical care, but impact on outcomes remains controversial. This study evaluated the association of ICU-TM and other clinical factors with 30-day, in-hospital mortality. Methods: This retrospective, cohort study included 151,780 consecutive ICU patients admitted to nine hospitals in the Cleveland Clinic Health System from 2010 to 2020. Patients were identified from an institutional datamart and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) registry. Primary outcome was 30-day in-hospital mortality. Analyses included multivariate logistic regression modeling, and survival analysis. Results: Overall, unadjusted 30-day, in-hospital mortality incidence was significantly different with (5.6%) or without ICU-TM (7.2%), and risk ratio was 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75-0.81) (p < 0.0001). Mortality rate for ICU-TM and no ICU-TM was 2.4/1,000 versus 3.2/1,000 patient days, respectively (p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that ICU-TM was associated with reduced 30-day mortality (odds ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.72-0.83). Increased risk was seen with cardiac arrest admissions, males, acute stroke, weekend admission, emergency admission, race (non-white), sepsis, APACHE IV score, ICU length of stay (LOS), and the interaction term, emergency surgical admissions. Reduced risk was associated with hospital LOS, surgical admission, and the interaction terms (weekend admissions with ICU-TM and after-hour admissions with ICU-TM). The model c-statistic was 0.77. Median ICU and hospital lengths of stay were significantly reduced with ICU-TM, with no difference in 48-h mortality or 48-h mortality rate. Conclusion: ICU telemedicine exposure appears to be one of several operational and clinical factors associated with reduced 30-day, in-hospital mortality.


Background Severity of knee malalignment is a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Currently the hip-knee-angle, assessed on a full-limb radiograph, is the gold standard. Direct measurement of the anatomic axis using standard knee radiographs has been validated as an alternative method (1). Objectives The aim of the current study was to 1) evaluate the correlation of knee alignment angle measured by goniometer on physical examination with the anatomic angle measured on knee radiographs and 2) to evaluate whether the relationship is confounded by clinical variables that may affect goniometric measurements. Methods A simple random sample was selected from the MoDEKO (Model for the Diagnosis of Early Knee Osteoarthritis) cohort, cohort of people with knee pain, age 40-79. Knee alignment was measured to the nearest degree by: 1) anatomic-axis on fixed-flexion PA knee radiographs and 2) standardized goniometer assessment on physical examination. Varus was defined as angle < 0, valgus > 0 and 0o as neutral. Anatomic axis was defined by the intersection of two lines originating from points bisecting the femur and tibia and converging at the centre of tibial spine tips. Inter- and intra-rater reliability of anatomic angle measurements from radiographs were determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of two independent assessors. The correlation of radiographic anatomic angle with goniometer measurements was analyzed by linear regression. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) pain score, body mass index (BMI) and flexion contracture were assessed as potential confounders. Analysis was weighted by stratum sampling weights. Results Of 120 subjects, 52% were male, with mean (SD) age of 58 (11) years and BMI of 27 (5). The mean (SD) angle measured on PA radiographs and goniometer were 2 (3.6) and 3 (2.3) degrees respectively. Intra- and inter-rater ICC for radiographic measurements were 0.93 and 0.83 respectively. A significant correlation was found between radiographic and goniometer measurements (r = 0.48; P < 0.0001). A model was developed to predict anatomic angle based on goniometer angle: anatomic angle on PA radiographs = 0.410 + 0.749*goniometer angle. WOMAC pain score, BMI and flexion contracture were not significantly associated with PA radiographic angle and did not significantly change the correlation of radiographic and goniometric measurements, and were dropped from the model. Conclusions In this study, knee alignment assessed by goniometer was significantly correlated with the anatomic axis angle on fixed-flexion PA knee radiographs. Moreover, factors such as pain, BMI and flexion contracture did not confound the relationship of goniometric with radiographic angle measurements. Given the ease of application, goniometric measurements may be preferable to x-ray, although the predictive utility of goniometric alignment measurement will require further assessment in longitudinal studies of knee OA. References Kraus VB, Vail TP, Worrell T, McDaniel G. A comparative assessment of alignment angle of the knee by radiographic and physical examination methods. Arthritis Rheum 2005;52: 1730–5. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is one of the well known causes of malabsorption syndrome. An insufficient secretion of pancreatic enzymes and bicarbonate secondary to different pancreatic diseases and upper gastrointestinal and pancreatic surgery leads to maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients. Patients with PEI may present with symptoms of malabsorption and different nutritional deficiencies. Recent data support the high clinical relevance of PEI and its treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS
Deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins, proteins, micronutrients and antioxidants in patients with PEI are associated not only with an increased risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia but also of cardiovascular events and mortality. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) allows improving fat and protein digestion, relieving maldigestion-related symptoms, normalizing the nutritional status, and improving quality of life of patients with PEI. Recent data support the efficacy of PERT on survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. Dose of oral pancreatic enzymes should be adequate to normalize the nutritional status of PEI patients.

SUMMARY
Increasing evidence supports the relevance of PEI management by dietary advice and appropriate PERT. Well designed and powered randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the clinical impact of PEI and its treatment in clinical practice.


Abstract External tourism development organizations are frequently utilized by the various levels of the Chinese government to develop tourism and boost local economies. However, this often occurs with limited community participation. We explore the role of institutional arrangements in how people within host communities are empowered and disempowered in such situations by looking into the experiences of Fenghuang Ancient Town and two Miao villages in Hunan Province, China. In-depth interviews, participant and non-participant observation, and document analysis were undertaken. Certain community members were empowered by tourism development, especially financially. However, top-down decision-making, local elite systems, cultural habits and responses to these challenges enabled power inequality. This inequality occurred between government, tourism developer and communities, and within the communities. Only through devolution of power can social impacts from tourism development be improved but, even then, local power imbalances may influence the equity of tourism-related outcomes.


Background Drug-eluting stents (DES) outperform bare-metal stents (BMS) in reducing target vessel revascularization following a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Little is known about the types of stents placed in HIV-positive patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs). Methods We used the 2003–2013 National Inpatient Sample to identify adults of 18 years or older presenting with STEMI. We evaluated differences in stent type placed following STEMIs on the basis of HIV status. Temporal trends in the use of PCI, DES, and BMS were studied on the basis of HIV status. Results Of 1 695 947 patients with STEMI, 5887 (0.3%) were HIV-positive patients. Following STEMIs, HIV-positive patients were equally likely to have PCI compared with HIV-negative patients [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–1.21, P=0.63]. However, HIV-positive patients were less likely to have DES (AOR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.73–0.94, P=0.003) and more likely to have BMS (AOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.11–1.45, P=0.001). Over the 11-year period observed, there were increases in PCI following STEMIs in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients (all Ptrend<0.001). There were significant increases in the use of DES in HIV-negative patients [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) per year: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.06–1.09, Ptrend<0.001] and significant decreases in the use of BMS (AOR per year: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.92–0.94, Ptrend<0.001). Significant trends showing changed practice patterns in the use of DES and BMS among HIV-positive patients were not observed. Conclusion Over a decade, there were significant increases in the use of PCI following STEMIs in both HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients. Although HIV-positive patients presenting with STEMIs were as likely as HIV-negative patients to undergo PCI, they were less likely to be treated with DES and more likely to receive BMS. Highlighting these observations will hopefully bring renewed attention to best practices for all STEMI patients.