Abstract Rosa kokanica is a deciduous shrub distributed in Central Asia. We determined the genomic characteristics of the complete chloroplast genome in R. kokanica with a de novo assembly strategy. The chloroplast genome was 156,802bp in length harboring 89 protein coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and eight rRNA genes. It exhibits typical quadripartite structure comprising a large single-copy (LSC) (85,899bp), a small single-copy (SSC) (18,773bp) and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) (26,065bp). Phylogenetic analysis of 16 chloroplast genomes from Rosaceae revealed that the genus Rosa is a monophyletic group and the R. kokanica is clustered together with the congener, R. acicular.


To the Editor.— Berger and Ayyar (Archives1981;38:724-726) presented the first report of facial diplegia following ethylene glycol intoxication. I would like to describe a similar occurrence to confirm the causal relationship between antifreeze ingestion and facial diplegia and mention the following features of the case: (1) bilateral fifth motor cranial nerve and unilateral 12th cranial nerve dysfunction, (2) longer delay (ten to 14 days) in appearance of facial diplegia, (3) clonic spasms of the buttocks, (4) longer observation (seven months), and (5) normal level of CSF myelin basic protein. Report of a Case.— A 22-year-old paranoid schizophrenic, taking oxazepam at a dosage of 30 mg three times a day, was admitted to the hospital on Feb 21, 1981, after a day of vomiting and agitation. His history included psychiatric hospitalizations, treatment with major tranquilizers for several years, and, in June 1980, choreiform movements of the left arm thought to


Buckling and wrinkling of thin films on a compliant material has proved to be a resource in several applications, such as flexible electronics, thin‐film metrology and fabrication of tunable optical components. A versatile approach for the fabrication of two‐dimensional and linear arrays of buckled structures is demonstrated here using a stiff material, in the form of a nanomembrane, on a compliant substrate. The novelty of the fabrication process is that the substrates are strained by isotropic volume expansion in solvents. This work illustrates in detail the potential of our technology to fabricate ordered arrays of 3D structures on large‐area compliant substrates, with important implications for a large number of fields. Furthermore, this paper discusses the interesting interface chemistry and mechanics leading to controllable and reproducible fabrication of our 3D structures.


This study investigated the induction of oxidative stress in the testis of adult rat exposed to Chlorpyriphos (CPF). CPF was administered orally, in a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight to male rats for 90 days/ twice/ weekly. Co- administration of water soluble non enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH) was given in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, oral, for the same period. Another two groups of male rats were administered GSH and corn oil, respectively. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were decreased while the levels of lipid peroxidation were increased in the testicular tissues of the exposed animals. Testosterone hormone level in the serum was significantly decreased. The decrease in the histochemical determination of testicular alkaline phosphatase was observed in CPF-treated rats. A significant decrease in all stages of spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules was recorded in the exposed animals. Co-dministration of GSH restored these parameters.


Since genetically modified food appeared in Chinese market, it has become a big dispute. Scientific experiments has proved that genetically modified food possesses many advantages such as insect resistance, herbicide tolerance and disease resistance. However it is a fact that many Chinese consumers prefer conventional food to genetically modified food when they go to supermarket. Through collecting and analysis of the information, the reasons were attributed to four aspects. Firstly, transgenic technology itself existed high risk. Secondly, human health may be threatened by them because of the uncertainty. Thirdly, perhaps genetically modified food may bring environment hazards. Finally, some companies which researched genetically modified food in order to ensure a big profit return regardless of corporate social responsibility.


Purpose: To evaluate whether the accuracy of local extension (T-staging) of esophageal carcinoma could be improved with addition of arterial phase images by use of multi-detector row computed tomography. Materials and Methods: The institutional review board approved this study, and all the subjects provided informed consent. Dual-phase (the arterial and venous phases) contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed in 45 consecutive patients (39 men and 6 women; age range, 47-84 years) with 47 lesions of esophageal carcinoma who underwent surgical intervention. Two radiologists independently evaluated the T-staging of esophageal carcinoma on both phases. The T-staging on both the arterial and venous phase images was compared with the T-staging at histologic evaluation by means of a resected specimen (as the reference standard). Differences in the overall accuracy and sensitivity for the T-staging between the 2 phases were analyzed with the McNemar test. Results: The analysis of the interobserver agreement for T-staging showed almost perfect agreement (&kgr; = 0.85 on the arterial phase and &kgr; = 0.93 on the venous phase). The overall accuracy in the arterial phase was significantly better than that in the venous phase (68% vs 51%, P < 0.01). The sensitivity values of the T-staging in the arterial phase were 0% in T1a, 71.4% in T1b, 12.5% in T2, 89.5% in T3, and 100% in T4. The sensitivity values in the venous phase were 0% in T1a, 14.3% in T1b, 0% in T2, 94.7% in T3, and 100% in T4. Statistical significance was apparent in the sensitivity of the T1b lesions. Conclusion: The arterial phase can improve the accuracy of T-staging of esophageal carcinomas, especially early-staged lesions.


This study extracted and analyzed the linguistic speech patterns that characterize Japanese anime or game characters. Conventional morphological analyzers, such as MeCab, segment words with high performance, but they are unable to segment broken expressions or utterance endings that are not listed in the dictionary, which often appears in lines of anime or game characters. To overcome this challenge, we propose segmenting lines of Japanese anime or game characters using subword units that were proposed mainly for deep learning, and extracting frequently occurring strings to obtain expressions that characterize their utterances. We analyzed the subword units weighted by TF/IDF according to gender, age, and each anime character and show that they are linguistic speech patterns that are specific for each feature. Additionally, a classification experiment shows that the model with subword units outperformed that with the conventional method.


BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Guided by the life course perspective and traumagenic dynamics theory, the current study examines: 1) the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on older adults' sexual and marital outcomes, 2) the mediating role of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in the association between childhood adversities and sexual and marital satisfaction, and 3) whether gender moderates the mediational association.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We examined 5,391 adults in their early 70s who participated in the 2010-2011 Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. A series of structural equation models were performed to examine the direct and indirect effect of CSA and other ACEs on sexual and marital outcomes in later life.

RESULTS
CSA was directly associated with lower levels of sexual and marital satisfaction in late adulthood. Other ACEs were associated with currently not being married and greater numbers of marriages. Furthermore, other ACEs were significantly associated with low levels of marital satisfaction through IPV victimization. The moderated mediational analysis showed that the negative indirect effect of other ACEs on marital satisfaction via IPV victimization was stronger for women than men.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Using a population-based sample, this is one of the first studies demonstrating that distal life events such as CSA and ACEs can undermine older adults' sexual and marital health, and revictimization in adulthood may serve as a mechanism for the association. Timely intervention is needed to prevent persistent negative effects of childhood violence.


The prevalences of intestinal parasites among the residents of three South American Indian villages in the process of acculturation were compared with those found in earlier unpublished surveys in two newly contracted village.s Although one individual in an acculturating village harbored 11 different intestinal parasites, in general the average number of different parasitic species carried per person was somewhat higher in the newly contacted villages. Helminth egg counts, performed on direct smears of each specimen from one newly contacted village, were low. There were no sex-associated differences in prevalences. The overall prevalences, unadjusted for age, were among the highest recorded for Amerindians. No Taenia species were present. Balantidium coli was present in two acculturating villages, concomitant with the beginning of agricultural practices which include raising swine. No cases of moderate or severe protein-calorie malnutrition was observed in any of the villages during the surveys. These limited data provide a baseline for future comparisons and, perhaps, a glimpse into the past.


Contemporary CPU architectures conflate virtualization and protection, imposing virtualization-related performance, programmability, and debuggability penalties on software requiring finegrained protection. First observed in micro-kernel research, these problems are increasingly apparent in recent attempts to mitigate software vulnerabilities through application compartmentalisation. Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions (CHERI) extend RISC ISAs to support greater software compartmentalisation. CHERI's hybrid capability model provides fine-grained compartmentalisation within address spaces while maintaining software backward compatibility, which will allow the incremental deployment of fine-grained compartmentalisation in both our most trusted and least trustworthy C-language software stacks. We have implemented a 64-bit MIPS research soft core, BERI, as well as a capability coprocessor, and begun adapting commodity software packages (FreeBSD and Chromium) to execute on the platform.


Human motion transfer aims to transfer motions from a target dynamic person to a source static one for motion synthesis. An accurate matching between the source person and the target motion in both large and subtle motion changes is vital for improving the transferred motion quality. In this paper, we propose Human MotionFormer, a hierarchical ViT framework that leverages global and local perceptions to capture large and subtle motion matching, respectively. It consists of two ViT encoders to extract input features (i.e., a target motion image and a source human image) and a ViT decoder with several cascaded blocks for feature matching and motion transfer. In each block, we set the target motion feature as Query and the source person as Key and Value, calculating the cross-attention maps to conduct a global feature matching. Further, we introduce a convolutional layer to improve the local perception after the global cross-attention computations. This matching process is implemented in both warping and generation branches to guide the motion transfer. During training, we propose a mutual learning loss to enable the co-supervision between warping and generation branches for better motion representations. Experiments show that our Human MotionFormer sets the new state-of-the-art performance both qualitatively and quantitatively. Project page: \url{https://github.com/KumapowerLIU/Human-MotionFormer}


International normalized ratio (INR) discrepancies were noted between clinical laboratories using various prothrombin time (PT) systems. We studied the influence of different commercial blood collection tubes and different PT systems on INR measurements. INRs of fresh patient samples were determined by 3 laboratories, each using different PT systems. In the first part of the study, samples were drawn with Vacutainer tubes and in the second part with Monovette tubes. In the first part of the study, the maximum bias for all patients amounted to 0.46 INR (14%), and in the second part, to 0.14 INR (4.9%). The maximum bias for all patients could be reduced further by local system calibration using frozen pooled plasma specimens. The sodium citrate solutions in the blood collection tubes were contaminated with magnesium ions (approximately 2.7 mmol/L and 0.3 mmol/L in the Vacutainer and Monovette, respectively). INR discrepancies could be explained largely by this influence of blood collection tubes. The maximum allowable magnesium contamination in sodium citrate anticoagulant solutions should be less than 1 mmol/L.


Recently, personalized medicine has received great attention to improve safety and effectiveness in drug development. Personalized medicine aims to provide medical treatment that is tailored to the patient's characteristics such as genomic biomarkers, disease history, etc., so that the benefit of treatment can be optimized. Subpopulations identification is to divide patients into several different subgroups where each subgroup corresponds to an optimal treatment. For two subgroups, traditionally the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model is fitted and used to calculate the risk score when outcome is survival time endpoint. Median is commonly chosen as the cutoff value to separate patients. However, using median as the cutoff value is quite subjective and sometimes may be inappropriate in situations where data are imbalanced. Here, we propose a novel tree‐based method that adopts the algorithm of relative risk trees to identify subgroup patients. After growing a relative risk tree, we apply k‐means clustering to group the terminal nodes based on the averaged covariates. We adopt an ensemble Bagging method to improve the performance of a single tree since it is well known that the performance of a single tree is quite unstable. A simulation study is conducted to compare the performance between our proposed method and the multivariate Cox model. The applications of our proposed method to two public cancer data sets are also conducted for illustration.


In this work, a pair of observers are proposed for a class of nonlinear systems whose dynamics involve a generalized differential operator that encompasses the conformable derivatives. A generalized conformable exponential stability function, based on this derivative, is introduced in order to prove some Lyapunov-like theorems. These theorems help to verify the stability of the observers proposed, which is exponential in a generalized sense. The performance of the observation scheme is evaluated by means of numerical simulations. Moreover, a comparison of the results obtained with integer, fractional, and generalized conformable derivatives is made.


Lineage tracing is a widely used method for understanding cellular dynamics in multicellular organisms during processes such as development, adult tissue maintenance, injury repair and tumorigenesis. Advances in tracing or tracking methods, from light microscopy-based live cell tracking to fluorescent label-tracing with two-photon microscopy, together with emerging tissue clearing strategies and intravital imaging approaches have enabled scientists to decipher adult stem and progenitor cell properties in various tissues and in a wide variety of biological processes. Although technical advances have enabled time-controlled genetic labeling and simultaneous live imaging, a number of obstacles still need to be overcome. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth description of the traditional use of lineage tracing as well as current strategies and upcoming new methods of labeling and imaging. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(12): 655-667]


The cell phone is one of the potential Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in agricultural development especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Thus, this paper deals with the farmers' communication with the agricultural extension agents using mobile phone. The study was conducted in Mymensingh District in Bangladesh. Data were collected from a sample of 110 farmers while both descriptive and inferential analyses were used. The majority (53.64 percent) of the farmers had low cell phone contact while a good number (44.54 percent) of farmers had no cell phone contact, 1.82 percent had medium contact and no farmers had high cell phone contact with agricultural extension agents. Education, farm size, annual family income, extension contact, knowledge on ICT and cell phone use frequency correlated positively while only 'age' is correlated negatively to their cell phone contact with extension agents. Household size and organizational participation did not show any significant relationship. Small numbers of farmers were receiving information on seed, fertilizer, culture practices, pest control and market related through cell phone. Farmers' communication preferences through cell phone comparatively were Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO), Trained Farmers (TF) and Seed and Fertilizer Dealers. Lack of awareness on receiving information through cell phone, apathy to getting agricultural information through cell phone, poor knowledge about cell phone operation were the major problems of farmers' communication with the agricultural extension agents using mobile phone. Respective authorities should encourage and train both farmers and extension agents to use mobile phone as easy, low cost and popular communication medium.


When using the finite element method for structural–acoustic coupled analysis, the mass and stiffness matrices are not symmetric because the acoustic space is described by sound pressure and the structure is described by displacement. Therefore, eigenvalue analysis requires a long computational time. In this article, we proposed concentrated mass models for performing structural–acoustic coupled analysis. The advantage of this model is that the mass and stiffness matrices become symmetric because both the acoustic space and the membrane are described by the displacement of the mass points. Furthermore, our models do not generate spurious modes and zero eigenvalues that arise in finite element method whose variable is displacement in acoustic space. To validate the proposed models, the natural frequency obtained using the concentrated mass models is compared with the natural frequency found using finite element method. These results are in good agreement, and spurious modes and zero eigenvalues are not generated in the proposed model whose variables are sound pressure. Furthermore, we compare the proposed model with finite element method in terms of the calculation time required for the eigenvalue analysis. Because the matrices of the proposed models are symmetric, these eigenvalue analyses are faster than that of finite element method, whose matrices are asymmetric. Therefore, we conclude that the proposed model is valid for coupled analysis of a two-dimensional acoustic space and membrane vibration and that it is superior to finite element method in terms of calculation time.


Introduction: The Hawaiian canoe has numerous benefits for those who use it. Furthermore, it is considered a moderate/high-intensity cyclic sport that can cause injuries. Studies on factors associated with injuries in Hawaiian canoe paddlers are considered limited and scarce. Objective: To identify the profile of canoe paddlers and determine the main factors associated with injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 Hawaiian canoe paddlers (54% females, 45.6 ± 10.0 years old; 46% males, 44.8 ± 11.7 years old) using an online survey, with questions on sociodemographic and anthropometric information and practice and injuries. Results: Participants reported having at least four years of experience with the modality, training approximately four times a week for a total of six hours. Almost half (45%) of the sample reported having been injured at least once while canoeing. The back/spine was the body region with the highest injury prevalence, with 38.6%. Intense training was considered the only associated factor for injuries (odds ratio: 3.98; 95% confidence interval: 1.71 - 9.26). Conclusion: This pioneering study in Brazil allowed us to profile Hawaiian canoe paddlers and identify the main factors associated with injuries. Paddlers who train intensely are more likely to develop injuries during practice. Therefore, this variable must be considered when planning sessions


Ship generated waves can cause banks erosion as well as disturbance on stationary boats. Studies have shown that the boat generated waves are dependent on and affected by environmental factors and vessel parameters. The main environmental factors are tidal and current direction, and for vessel parameters are speeds and hullforms. This paper describes a full-scale experimental work to measure wave heights and wave angle direction on boat generated waves. The measurement method used in this paper is based on the analysis of digital video recordings and image processing techniques.


Our main goal is to use computer modeling methods (e.g. tetrahedra, implicit surfaces, particle system) to obtain realistic models of internal human organs. However, our approach may be applied to any domain requiring physically-based modeling.

As an application, we gather medical, physical and computing data to develop a personalized simulation of moving and deforming organs, with special interest on breathing simulation.

Most often, the internal (organ deformation) or external (collision between organs) interactions are implemented using discrete or continuous laws. To perform realistic simulations, it is necessary to understand the relation between parameters of the potential and the physical physiological and/or biomechanical properties of the material under studies. This will permit as well to incorporate heterogeneity and anisotropy in the environment.

Keywords: physically based modeling, soft organs, discrete modeling.


The study evaluated factors that affect use of social media for HIV and AIDS communication among federal university undergraduates in south western Nigeria. The cross-sectional research method was employed. Structured questionnaire copies were administered to 355 undergraduate students. Quantitative data gathered from the administered questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that blogs (41.1%), twitter (25.4%) and WhatsApp (17.7%) were the social media sites preferred by male and female respondents for sharing and accessing HIV and AIDS information. The use of these social media sites for HIV and AIDS information communication was influenced by privacy and neutrality. It also showed that majority of the undergraduates affirmed that HIV and AIDS information on social media platforms was very useful because it facilitated access to quality tips on HIV. A significant percentage of the respondents also affirmed that the use of social media was hugely affected by epileptic nature of power supply, poor network connectivity, ICT skills and cost of subscription. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified ICT skill as the only environmental factor that had significant influence on social media use ( F = 4.234, p <0.05) and was responsible for 33.9% of the variation in social media use for HIV information communication. The study suggested the campaign on prominent HIV/AIDS discussion sites and ICT skill acquisition to enable youth connect and effectively make use of social media for HIV information communication. Keywords: Social media, HIV/AIDS information, communication, barriers


One of women empowerment strategies in Bantul regency is realized through supporting the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UKM).One success UKM is Batik Berkah Lestari, located in the hamlet of Karangkulon, Wukirsari Village, District Imogiri, Bantul. This study tends to determine the role of Berkah Lestari groupin empowering women in Karangkulon. This study uses the theory of AGIL (adaptation, goal attainment, integration, latency) of Talcott Parsons. Data are collected through: observation, interviews and documentation. The results of this study indicate that the Berkah Lestari is able to contribute to women in Karangkulon through four things: adaptation, members of the group can customize the group rules and the changing environment; achievement of objectives, activities Berkah Lestari focus to achieve common prosperity, not a personal interest; integration, open communication between members and administrators make Berkah Lestari can survive and exist up to now; maintenance pattern, promoting a sense of kinship among the members of Berkah Lestari so that members feel comfortable and far from conflct. The results are clearly seen from three aspects: the economic aspects, namely increasing women's income compare toprevious occupation before joining the Berkah Lestari; political aspect, in which women of Karangkulon managed to form a group of batik to fiht for their interests withoutbeing inferior when talking to visitors of Berkah Lestari; socio-cultural aspects, where women are considered equal to men because they can perform multiple roles, as a good housewife as well as helping the family's income. In empowering women, Berkah Lestari relied heavily on trust, openness, and sense of family relation among its members. However, there are some barriers faced by the Berkah Lestari,such as: marketing is still limited to a conventional way (word of mouth), online marketing is not optimally used as a result of the lack of training on the developmentof batik and how to use internet.


Objectives Little is known about Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumors (YSTs) in postmenopausal female. To enhance scientific knowledge about this tumor, we describe a 64 years old woman with YSTs coexisting with ovarian epithelial tumor, focusing on diagnosis and treatment. Methods Literature review and medical record. Results YSTs represent approximately 20% of all malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary and typically occur in young women. We describe a 64-year-old postmenopausal female, with an ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (FIGO IA/G3). The patient was started on adjuvant chemotherapy with 6 cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel. After adjuvant chemotherapy, her scans reveled progressive disease in the liver which biopsy showed poor differentiated epithelioid neoplasia positive for SALL4, indicating a YSTs. We started on chemotherapy with BEP with 3 cycles until present date, with clinical improvement and decrease of tumor markers. Conclusions Germinal cell neoplasm arise from an ovarian epithelial neoplasm is an extremely rare presentation in postmenopausal woman, with aggressive behavior. The recognition of specific subtype is essential to determine treatment decisions and prognosis.


Aims Education is recognised as a social determinant of health with poor academic attainment linked to poorer health. Reverse causal pathways have been largely overlooked. Likewise, exploration of risk factors for youth unemployment have rarely examined the impact of poor adolescent health. This study longitudinally examines causal pathways from poor adolescent health to low academic attainment and unemployment in young adulthood. Methods We used nationally-representative data from the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE; Wave 1, age 13 N=15,770). Having a chronic condition, poor mental health and poor self-reported general health were assessed between ages 13 and 15. Outcome variables included poor academic performance (non-attainment of expected academic proficiency based on mandated school examinations) at age 16 and NEET status (not in education, employment or training) at age 19. We examined associations between health and subsequent outcomes, and conducted mediator analyses to assess the proportion of the association attributable to hypothesised mediators including school absences, classroom behaviour, truancy, social exclusion, health behaviours and psychological distress. Results Poor mental and general health and long-term conditions predicted low educational attainment at age 16. Poor mental health and poor general health (but not long-term conditions) predicted unemployment. Social exclusion was a consistent mediating variable. Long-term absences mediated associations between general health and mental health and later outcomes whereas school behaviour, truancy and substance use were significant mediators for general health and mental health. Abstract G492 Table 1 Associations between early adolescent health and low educational attainment in late adolescence and NEET status in early Conclusion Poor adolescent health disrupts educational and employment pathways. Due to the economic and social costs of educational underachievement and unemployment, policy interventions should focus on improving outcomes for unhealthy adolescents.


Male offspring exposed in utero to antiandrogens often display alterations in androgen-dependent developmental markers (e.g., anogenital distance [AGD], nipple retention) together with clearly adverse responses such as genital malformations and reproductive tract lesions. The objectives of this study were to determine whether in utero exposure to flutamide results in permanent changes in male AGD and nipple retention, characterize the dose-response relationship between flutamide-mediated alterations in these landmarks and clearly adverse antiandrogenic effects, and establish the predictive value and relationship between AGD and nipple retention, and other adverse manifestations. Male offspring were exposed in utero to 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day (po) of flutamide from gestation days 12 to 21. Offspring were uniquely identified at birth, and various androgen-mediated end points (AGD, areola/nipple retention, cryptorchidism, reproductive tract weights, and malformation incidence) were examined throughout life. In utero flutamide exposure significantly decreased the AGD on postnatal day (PND) 1 and increased areola/nipple retention in male rats on PND 13. Flutamide-induced alterations in AGD and areolae/nipples in early postnatal life correlated with a reduction in AGD and retained nipples observed in the adult. Prenatal flutamide exposure resulted in dose-responsive increases in cryptorchidism. Hypospadias were observed in all flutamide-exposed offspring. In utero flutamide exposure induced partial or complete prostate agenesis and decreased the weights of the seminal vesicles, levator ani bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscle, testes, and epididymides in a dose-dependent manner. Epididymal malformations were observed mainly in the 50 mg/kg/day flutamide dose group. In general, flutamide-induced alterations in dihydrotestosterone (DHT)- and testosterone (T)-dependent development each had similar respective dose-response curves. DHT-mediated development was more sensitive to in utero flutamide exposure than T-dependent processes. However, the dose-response curves for flutamide-induced changes in cryptorchidism and seminal vesicle weight were intermediate between the dose-response curves for DHT- and T-mediated development, indicating that proper development of these tissues may require both androgens. The LABC also displayed a dose-dependent decrease in weight that was similar to dose-response observed with seminal vesicle weight and was the most sensitive T-dependent end point measured. Flutamide-induced decreases in AGD predicted subsequent malformations as evidenced by logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic analysis of malformations versus AGD. However, the AGD that would predict a 10% incidence of seminal vesicle malformations is equivalent to a female AGD. An almost fully feminized phenotype of 10-12 nipples was observed in animals that had malformations in T-dependent tissues, whereas 6 or more nipples were observed in animals with malformation in DHT-dependent tissues. These data suggest that flutamide-mediated changes in AGD and nipple retention are not sensitive predictors of altered T-mediated development.


Diabetes mellitus (DM) underscores a rising epidemic orchestrating critical socio-economic burden on countries globally. Different treatment options for the management of DM are evolving rapidly because the usual methods of treatment have not completely tackled the primary causes of the disease and are laden with critical adverse effects. Thus, this narrative review explores different treatment regimens in DM management and the associated challenges. A literature search for published articles on recent advances in DM management was completed with search engines including Web of Science, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, using keywords such as DM, management of DM, and gene therapy. Our findings indicate that substantial progress has been made in DM management with promising results using different treatment regimens, including nanotechnology, gene therapy, stem cell, medical nutrition therapy, and lifestyle modification. However, a lot of challenges have been encountered using these techniques, including their optimization to ensure optimal glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure modulation to minimize complications, improvement of patients' compliance to lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions, safety, ethical issues, as well as an effective delivery system among others. In conclusion, lifestyle management alongside pharmacological approaches and the optimization of these techniques is critical for an effective and safe clinical treatment plan.


Background Severe pneumonia (SP) has a high mortality and is responsible for significant healthcare cost. Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) have been widely used in China as a novel and promising treatment option for SP. Therefore, this study will assess and rank the effectiveness of CHIs to provide more sights for the selection of SP treatment. Method Seven databases will be searched, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and the Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) from their inception up to October, 2021. The literatures screening, data extraction and the quality assessment of included studies will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Then Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) will be performed by WinBUGS 14.0 and STATA 14.0 software. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probability values will be applied to rank the examined treatments. The risk of bias of each included study will be evaluated using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (ROB 2). Publication bias will be reflected by a funnel plot. Results The results of this NMA will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal publication. Conclusion Our study findings maybe reveal which CHI or CHIs will be better in the treatment of SP and provide more therapy strategies for clinical practitioners and patients. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021244587. Strengths and limitations of this study Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) can integrate direct evidence with indirect evidence of severe pneumonia treated by Chinese herbal injections to generate a clinically useful ranking of these regimens. This NMA will address Chinese herbal injections for SP and its findings may help to provide more sights for selection of SP treatment. Evidence drawn from an NMA is limited and should be interpreted with caution. We only included studies in Chinese and English languages, which may increase the publication bias.


Vulnerability of urban transport systems require actions for increasing adaptive capacity of them and for taking steps towards resilient and sustainable urban areas. Since transportation seems to be a largely mitigation-aimed area, moreover there is an imbalance between mitigation and adaptation measures in this sector, this paper focusing on adaptation-oriented indicators regarding urban transportation. For this purpose, a widely used Balanced Scorecard model has been applied by involving anticipated climate impacts and by modifying the base model. The main aim of present study is to develop set of indicators for setting the ground for a future assessment of adaptive capacity of urban transportation sector in Hungarian cities.


The existence of a binary (25,8,10) code is considered. It is shown that such a code must have a generator matrix of a specific form. However, all generator matrices of this form were tested and none generated a (25,8,10) code. Thus, such a code does not exist. >


We investigate critical properties of a class of number-conserving cellular automata (CAs) which can be interpreted as deterministic models of traffic flow with anticipatory driving. These rules are among the only known CA rules for which the shape of the fundamental diagram has been rigorously derived. In addition, their fundamental diagrams contain nonlinear segments, as opposed to the majority of number-conserving CAs which exhibit piecewise-linear diagrams. We found that the nature of singularities in the fundamental diagram of these rules is the same as for rules with piecewise-linear diagrams. The current converges toward its equilibrium value as t−1/2, and the critical exponent β is equal to unity. This supports the conjecture of universal behaviour at singularities in number-conserving rules. We discuss properties of phase transitions occurring at singularities as well as properties of the intermediate phase.


Methods of deliberative consultations usually propose expert information materials to increase knowledge among lay citizens about the considered subject. These materials sometimes also include alternative scenarios for action presented with pros and cons. In our study, we pose the following research questions: (1) Do the participants tend to use predetermined scenarios or diverge from them and generate their reference structures for the deliberation's indeterminate outcomes? (2) How do the scenarios intervene in the "loping to-and-fro form of movement" in the interactions? (3) How is the knowledge about the preexisting scenarios reflected in the "as if" ontology of thought and action? We introduce play and game as two ideal types of deliberation processes emphasizing the opposition of freedom and pre-determination of outcomes. The analysis used empirical material from online group discussions about various aspects of studying at Warsaw universities. The results showed that regardless of the situation in groups, predefined scenarios are the focus of discussions and anchoring points for the "loping to-and-fro form of movement." However, participants demonstrated some selectivity, and they did not consider all alternatives. Moreover, they introduced some modifications and new proposals. At the same time, participants tended to diverge more from briefing materials in argumentation. Experiential arguments prevailed, and the pros and cons of each scenario appeared rarely across groups. Interestingly, stricter moderation did not necessarily intervene here, and the group with the highest level of own proposals in some instances followed the game rules more accordingly than other groups. Finally, the language of listening and understanding is frequent, regardless of the number of predefined scenarios discussed by groups, which strengthened the "as if" ontology of thought and action.


The metabolic characteristics of the mitochondria of Agaricus bisporus are altered in the zygote by specific inhibitors that permit them to retain structural integrity in the dormant spore and enable them to initiate energy production, with apparent protein synthesis and replication during the initial phase of germination. The insensitivity of the earliest events of germination to selective cytoplasmic and nuclear inhibitors characterizes this as a transient period of unusual mitochondrial autonomy. To define the intrinsic metabolic potentials of the organelle and its role in cryptobiosis, mitochondria were fractionated aseptically from presporulating zygotes and were placed in dialysis chambers surrounded by nutrient media at 15 C. For periods through 48 hours, the isolated mitochondria manifested the capacity to incorporate labeled amino acids linearly into proteins and retained stable electrophoretic protein profiles for more than 5 days. They maintained fine structural integrity for at least 10 days, some developed septational membranes, and they increased numerically. These metabolic activities were dependent upon a nutrient substrate.


Subjecting a liquid/liquid interface to an electrohydrodynamic pressure enhances fluctuations with a characteristic wavelength leading to an instability and the formation of well-defined columnar structures. An extension of a linear stability analysis for a single fluid interface to the bilayer case produced general arguments applicable to any interface. Countering the electrohydrodynamic pressure is the Laplace pressure, which for films is dictated by the surface energy; whereas for a bilayer, it is given in terms of the interfacial energy. Consequently, the characteristic length scale is reduced in the case of bilayers. Results are presented for different polymer bilayers under a wide range of experimental conditions showing quantitative agreement with the generalized theory with no adjustable parameters. Over 4 orders of magnitude in reduced wavelength and field strength can be described by these arguments. These results point to a viable route by which structures can be produced over a wide range of length scales.


This article reports on research to identify nurses' knowledge of pain and its management in older people in acute hospitals. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted to survey a convenience sample of nurses. Data were collected using the Pain in the Elderly Questionnaire.


Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are naturally occurring fatty acids that have been recognized to modify prostaglandin (PG) production in specific tissues. So far, no relationship between PG production and CLA has been reported in the brain. Thus, the effects of CLA on cerebral prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels and cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 mRNA expression in mice were determined in the present study. Mice given the diet with or without 3% CLA at the age of 9 weeks were mated, reproduced and lactated. Offspring mice given each diet until 25 days and 8 weeks of age were sacrificed and their brains removed. Production of PGE(2) was reduced while COX mRNA was quantitatively increased by CLA supplementation. These results imply that brain PGE(2) production can be reduced by dietary CLA without inhibition of COX gene expression in mice.


A central role for economic policy involves reducing the incidence of systemic down-turns, when key economic variables experience joint extreme events. In this paper, we empirically analyze such dependence using two approaches, correlations and copulas. We document four findings. First, linear correlations and copulas disagree substantially about the nation's dependence structure, indicating correlation complexity in the US economy. Second, GDP exhibits linear dependence with interest rates and prices, but no extreme dependence with the latter. This is consistent with the existence of liquidity traps. Third, GDP exhibits asymmetric extreme dependence with employment, consumption and investment, with relatively greater dependence during downturns. Fourth, money is neutral, especially during extreme economic conditions.


Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory, demyelinating disease of the CNS. Fibrinogen deposition at sites of blood–brain barrier breakdown is a prominent feature of neuroinflammatory disease and contributes to disease severity. Plasminogen, the primary fibrinolytic enzyme, also modifies inflammatory processes. We used a murine model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), to evaluate the hypothesis that the loss of plasminogen would exacerbate neuroinflammatory disease. However, contrary to initial expectations, EAE-challenged plasminogen-deficient (Plg−) mice developed significantly delayed disease onset and reduced disease severity compared with wild-type (Plg+) mice. Similarly, pharmacologic inhibition of plasmin activation with tranexamic acid also delayed disease onset. The T-cell response to immunization was similar between genotypes, suggesting that the contribution of plasminogen was downstream of the T-cell response. Spinal cords from EAE-challenged Plg− mice demonstrated significantly decreased demyelination and microglial/macrophage accumulation compared with Plg+ mice. Although fibrinogen-deficient mice or mice with combined deficiencies of plasminogen and fibrinogen had decreased EAE severity, they did not exhibit the delay in EAE disease onset, as seen in mice with plasminogen deficiency alone. Together, these data suggest that plasminogen and plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis is a key modifier of the onset of neuroinflammatory demyelination. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Multiple sclerosis is a severe, chronic, demyelinating disease. Understanding the pathobiology related to the autoreactive T-cell and microglial/macrophage demyelinating response is critical to effectively target therapeutics. We describe for the first time that deficiency of plasminogen, the key fibrinolytic enzyme, delays disease onset and protects from the development of the paralysis associated with a murine model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Administration of a widely used, pharmacologic inhibitor of plasminogen activation, tranexamic acid, also delays the onset of neuroinflammation associated with EAE.


Summary
This paper reports studies carried out in two small contiguous ponds, created by damming a small stream called Cano Garzon. The mosquito fauna in the two ponds was found to be the same, so the ponds are treated as a unit in the analysis of data. The species breeding most commonly in the ponds were Anopheles rangeli, A. strodei, and A. triannulatus. Larvae of A. darlingi, A. albitarsis, A. argyritarsis and A. pseudopunctipennis were occasionally found.
Data are given for adult catches in a stable trap maintained at the ponds. The chief species caught were A. rangeli with a peak in June, and A. strodei and A. triannulatus with peaks in January. Data are given from a trap run at another location (El Chircal) at the same time, to show that this seasonal shift in fauna is general for the region.
Larval density was measured by number of larvae per dip. Since the number and places of dipping were standardized, this corresponds also to the number of larvae per unit of time spent in dipping. The peaks of larval abundance corresponded with, or slightly preceded, the peaks of adult abundance.
The species of larvae in the pond corresponded very closely with the species of adults caught in the trap, following identical seasonal trends. The percentage of larvae of different species among the first-instar material was checked weekly for a period of nine months and was found to correspond very closely with the percentage of different species among contemporaneous fourth-stage larvae. In other words, there was no indication of differential mortality among species breeding in the pond to account for the seasonal change in fauna.
Data were kept on the percentage of larvae found in different instars of growth throughout the period of study. Fluctuations in the percentage of larvae reaching fourth instar were not great, though there was a tendency for mortality to be highest when the larval population was most dense, indicating the sort of compensating mechanism that would be expected. The larval instar ratio is considered to be a valuable index of the favorableness of conditions in a given habitat for larval survival. This ratio remained remarkably similar through the year, despite the great changes in larval density and species composition, which is taken to indicate that these changes depended on events outside of the aquatic habitat.
Details are given of temperature records in the ponds. Temperature conditions were remarkably constant throughout the year, and consequently this factor can be of little importance to the larvae. The data are, however, interesting in view of the paucity of such figures for midtropical aquatic habitats.
Measurements were made of the organic content of the water, with the oxygen consumed from permanganate as an index (the Tidy figure). This showed that soluble materials in the water were greatly reduced with the onset of the rains, which would be expected. There is no indication, however, that the amount of change touches the critical limits of tolerance of the species breeding in the ponds.
The literature on seasonal fluctuation of anophelines in the tropical environment is briefly reviewed. The general impression is that our knowledge is inadequate for the interpretation of this basic ecological phenomenon. The present study and the studies reported in the literature seem to indicate that more attention should be paid to the effect of environmental factors on adult populations; that the specific limiting factors controlling anopheline distribution may operate in the adult, rather than in the larval, stage.


The first total synthesis of the 14-membered natural macrocyclic bislactone 4-keto-clonostachydiol, along with its enantiomer, has been accomplished in 13 steps with overall yields of 8.4% and 8.0%, respectively. The absolute configuration of 4-keto-clonostachydiol 1 has been revised as (5S,10S,13S).


Two young men, tattooed early in 1977 by the same London tattooist, both rapidly developed lichenoid lesions confined entirely to the red dyed areas.


Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves the hair follicle. Current evidence indicates that hair follicle inflammation in AA is caused by a T-cell-mediated autoimmune mechanism occurring in genetically predisposed individuals. AA has a reported incidence of 0.1%-0.2%, with a lifetime risk of 1.7%. It has also been found that AA accounts for roughly 2% of new dermatology outpatient cases in the US and the UK, 3.8% of cases in China and 6.7% of cases in Kuwait. Pediatric AA constitutes approximately 20% of all AA cases. AA affects males and females equally. The most common site to be affected is the scalp (90%). The face, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, underarm hair, and pubic hair may be affected and, sometimes, even the entire body. AA requires combined therapy, involving topical or intralesional corticosteroids, immune therapy with diphenylcyclopropenone, and even psychotherapy. In some cases, treatment consists of simply eliminating the dental infectious process. This case report describes AA of dental origin in a 9-year-old girl, which resolved after management of the dental problem.


PurposeWith the aid of libraries, the research paper aims to assist businesses in swiftly and accurately acquiring knowledge and insights from scholarly literature to guide their inventive and decision-making processes. The foundation for achieving the goal is Connected Papers technology.Design/methodology/approachThe author's professional expertise in performing literature reviews using connected papers technology as well as using other ways, and corresponding with entrepreneurs and librarians impacted the article's research methodology.FindingsThe use of Connected Papers technology in the library context for helping entrepreneurs is discussed. Libraries and entrepreneurs could benefit from using Connected Papers technology to quickly compile pertinent data from scholarly literature to solve business challenges. According to the paper, adopting this technology can speed up information gathering and drastically reduce the time needed for business owners to search through bibliographic data-bases. Using this technology can help entrepreneurs at various phases of their entrepreneurial journeys and give libraries a productive way to assist business owners with their information needs.Originality/valueThis paper's novelty comes from its examination of the usage of connectedpapers.com technology to compile data from scholarly literature to assist entrepreneurs in solving their business problems. The useful piece of advice this paper offers entrepreneurs and librarians is what makes it valuable. By using connectedpapers.com technology, businesses may be able to get critical information from scholarly literature to foster a series of experimentation quickly and effectively. Also, librarians can help their patrons with systematic re-views and other research services by using this application.


Background: Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical in spinal epidural abscess, as delay can lead to paralysis or death. The initial management decision for spinal epidural abscess is not always clear, with the literature showing conflicting results. When considering nonoperative management, it is crucial to avoid failure of treatment, given the neurologic compromise incurred through failure. Unfortunately, data regarding risk factors associated with failure are scarce. Methods: All patients admitted to our hospital system with a diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess from 1993 to 2016 were identified. Patients who were ≥18 years of age and were initially managed nonoperatively were included. Explanatory variables and outcomes were collected retrospectively. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed on these variables to identify independent predictors of failure of nonoperative treatment. A nomogram was constructed to generate a risk of failure based on these predictors. Results: We identified 367 patients who initially underwent nonoperative management. Of these, 99 patients underwent medical management that failed. Multivariable logistic regression yielded 6 independent predictors of failure: a presenting motor deficit, pathologic or compression fracture in affected levels, active malignancy, diabetes mellitus, sensory changes, and dorsal location of abscess. We constructed a nomogram that generates a probability of failure based on the presence of these factors. Conclusions: By quantifying the risk of failure on the basis of the presence of 6 independent predictors of treatment failure, our nomogram may provide a useful tool for the treatment team when weighing the risks and benefits of initial nonoperative treatment compared with operative management. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.


Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique that uses water in arterial blood as a tracer to map an area of interest where the intravascular and extravascular compartments exchange. Our review article focuses primarily on the role of ASL fMRI in assessing perfusion impairment in renal allografts in order to take appropriate steps to eliminate the cause of perfusion impairment at an early stage, thereby extending graft life. The study also highlights various other fMRI techniques that are used to analyze other parameters that affect kidney transplants both acutely and chronically. We gathered our data in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and our search strategy included exclusion/inclusion criteria. Several databases were used in the search strategy, including PubMed, Cochrane, and Science Direct, and the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) strategy was specifically used for PubMed, and two people scrutinized those papers to conclude that a total of 10 research papers are included in our study. This review article includes papers involving 20 to 98 subjects who had renal allografts within the previous six months and had renal cortical perfusion values measured by ASL fMRI ranging from 35 to 304 ml/100 g/min. Furthermore, when compared to healthy kidney transplant patients, renal ASL perfusion values were significantly lower in subjects with the functional imbalance of kidney transplants. It had a positive correlation with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). To summarize, ASL fMRI is critical in detecting renal allograft perfusion impairment.


There is evidence to show that, even among individuals who have relatively high levels of cognitive ability, coming from disadvantaged social origins hinders their chances of securing high levels of qualification and advantaged labour market positions. But it has been argued that lifelong learning could provide second chances for these people through providing an alternative route to high qualifications. The main objective of this paper is to examine this issue. We pose two questions. Does further education enable individuals from disadvantaged origins but with a high level of cognitive ability to improve on their initial levels of qualification? And does any such improvement then lead to better labour market positions, in terms of social class, for these individuals? Based on the complete qualifications histories of individuals in the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study, our analyses show that men and women from disadvantaged origins, especially if of high ability, are indeed able to raise their levels of qualification; but they do so mainly via the attainment of further vocational, rather than further academic, qualifications. And while our results also indicate that acquiring further academic qualifications does improve the upward mobility chances of people of high ability from disadvantaged backgrounds, a similar effect does not show up from acquiring further vocational qualifications. In addition, we find that there remains a substantial 'direct effect' of cognitive ability on class attainment. This suggests that obtaining further academic qualifications is only one channel for upward mobility, and that there are others which are more directly related to ability.


Building upon the "social exchange theory" notion (Blau, 1964; Emerson, 1962), this paper hypothesized the direct impact of leader-member exchange on supervisors' use of downward influence tactics. Leader-member exchange (LMX) and influence tactics were conceptualized as 2- and 3-dimensional constructs, respectively. One hundred and fifty-eight Malaysian managers and executives working in large scale multinational companies voluntarily participated in this study. Two dimensions of LMX, namely loyalty and affect, have direct relationships with soft influence tactics, whereas the moderating hypotheses were not found to have any significant impact on the dependent variables. The findings suggested that leader-member exchange would have moderate impact on supervisors' use of influence tactics on their subordinates. Implications of the findings, potential limitations of the study, and directions for future research were discussed further.


A 39-year-old woman presented to the emergency department for evaluation of diffuse redness, itching, and tenderness of her skin. The patient said the eruption began 4 months earlier as localized plaques on her scalp, elbows, and beneath both breasts. Over the course of a few days, the redness became more diffuse, affecting most of her body. She also noticed swelling and skin desquamation on her lower extremities. WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS? HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?


Interest in agricultural robotics has increased considerably in recent years due to benefits such as improvement in productivity and labor reduction. However, current problems associated with unstructured environments make the development of robotic harvesters challenging. Most research in agricultural robotics focuses on single arm manipulation. Here, we propose a dual-arm approach. We present a dual-arm fruit harvesting robot equipped with a RGB-D camera, cutting and collecting tools. We exploit the cooperative task description to maximize the capabilities of the dual-arm robot. We designed a Hierarchical Quadratic Programming based control strategy to fulfill the set of hard constrains related to the robot and environment: robot joint limits, robot self-collisions, robot-fruit and robot-tree collisions. We combine deep learning and standard image processing algorithms to detect and track fruits as well as the tree trunk in the scene. We validate our perception methods on real-world RGB-D images and our control method on simulated experiments.


The purpose of our study was to provide preliminary data on light levels used in university and elementary school classrooms in Campina Grande, Brazil with the aim of providing Brazilian politicians and educators with data to support continued educational initiatives in northeast Brazil. The data were gathered at the Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG) and compared with a sample of classrooms at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater Oklahoma. The results indicated that many seats within UFCG classrooms met or exceeded minimum standards but significant numbers did not. Moreover, compared to classrooms at OSU, UFCG classrooms are not as highly illuminated and the Brazilian elementary classrooms examined did not meet minimum illumination standards.


Human decay accelerating factor (hDAF, CD55) and members of the carcinoembryonic‐antigen‐related cell‐adhesion molecules (hCEACAMs) family are recognized as receptors by Gram‐negative, diffusely adhering Escherichia coli (DAEC) strains expressing Afa/Dr adhesins. We report here that hCEACAM1‐4L has a key function in downregulating the protein tyrosine Src kinase associated with hDAF signalling. After infecting HeLa epithelial cells stably transfected with hCEACAM1‐4L cDNA with Dr adhesin‐positive E. coli, the amount of the pTyr416‐active form of the Src protein decreased, whereas that of the pTyr527‐inactive form of Src protein did not increase. This downregulation of the Src protein implies that part of the hCEACAM1‐4L protein had been translocated into lipid rafts, the protein was phosphorylated at Tyr residues in the cytoplasmic domain, and it was physically associated with the protein tyrosine phosphatase, SHP‐2. Finally, we found that the hCEACAM1‐4L‐associated SHP‐2 was not phosphorylated and lacked phosphatase activity, suggesting that the downregulation of Src protein associated with hDAF signalling results from the absence of dephosphorylation of the pTyr527‐inactive form necessary for Src kinase activation.


Rational design of efficient and durable bifunctional oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is critical for rechargeable metal-air batteries. Here, we developed a facile strategy for fabricating three-dimensional phosphorus and sulfur codoped carbon nitride sponges sandwiched with carbon nanocrystals (P,S-CNS). These materials exhibited high surface area and superior ORR and OER bifunctional catalytic activities than those of Pt/C and RuO2, respectively, concerning its limiting current density and onset potential. Further, we tested the suitability and durability of P,S-CNS as the oxygen cathode for primary and rechargeable Zn-air batteries. The resulting primary Zn-air battery exhibited a high open-circuit voltage of 1.51 V, a high discharge peak power density of 198 mW cm-2, a specific capacity of 830 mA h g-1, and better durability for 210 h after mechanical recharging. An extraordinary small charge-discharge voltage polarization (∼0.80 V at 25 mA cm-2), superior reversibility, and stability exceeding prolonged charge-discharge cycles have been attained in rechargeable Zn-air batteries with a three-electrode system. The origin of the electrocatalytic activity of P,S-CNS was elucidated by density functional theory analysis for both oxygen reactions. This work stimulates an innovative prospect for the enrichment of rechargeable Zn-air battery viable for commercial applications such as armamentaria, smart electronics, and electric vehicles.


Excitation of the 4s4p 3,1P states in zinc at energies corresponding to the 3d94s24p autoionizing states was studied using the spin polarized electrons. The spin dependent angle differential scattered electron intensities were measured at 30°, 54° and 90° and corresponding spin up/down scattering asymmetries evaluated. Significant nonzero asymmetries have been observed at energies where 3d core excited negative ion resonances affect electron scattering. The non-zero asymmetries observed for the 3P0,1,2 excitation, inspite the fact that the fine structure of this state was not resolved, indicate to the significance of electron correlations and possible configuration mixing.


In response to exclusionary globalisation processes, Bolivia forms part of a wider Latin American return to regionalism and nationalism. With the indigenous president Morales, Bolivia distances itself from 'imposed' neoliberal policies, aiming instead for 'dignity and decolonisation'. The Bolivian conflict is characterised by historical processes of poverty and inequality, discrimination and exclusion, a regional autonomy struggle linked to separatist discourses and identity politics, mistrust in the state and between societal groups and a tradition of (violent) popular pressure methods. Both urban and rural teachers play crucial roles in these processes of conflict. Drawing on insights from critical educational theories and the strategic relational approach, the paper analyses the possibilities and challenges Bolivian teachers face in changing this context of continuing tensions, discrimination and instability. It presents an analysis of teachers' complex identities, motivations and possible role as actors for or against change towards a just and peaceful society.


The main research question of this study was why Arab learners of English as a Second Language should make so many reading and spelling errors. An analysis of a corpus of misspellings, taken from handwritten technical reports, showed that most errors involved vowels: either omission, addition, substitution or inversion, and that misspellings often resulted in the loss of some of the phonological properties of a word. Experiments carried out in the course of the study showed that both phonological and orthographic routes in reading were also affected. Orthographic deficiencies were more pronounced with lower-level learners, indicating that this was a developmental trend, and would improve as learners' English did. Previous researchers have suggested that the errors might be caused by a difference in strategies used for processing the written forms of LI Arabic and L2 English. However, an investigation of current research in L2 reading showed that orthographic similarities between Arabic and English should have meant that ESL learners benefited from their LI reading strategies, rather than being held back by them. According to Frith's (1985) model of reading and spelling development, appropriate instruction plays a vital role in the acquisition of alphabetic skills. Subsequent extensive practice is necessary for a learner to develop good orthographic reading and spelling skills. The second part of this thesis presents an investigation of the state education system in the United Arab Emirates. This study showed that a failure at the level of instructional methodology and materials was probably the major cause of the reading and spelling errors made by Arab learners. As a result of qualitative and quantitative deficiencies in their input, which prevent them from successfully mastering reading and spelling in English, it has become apparent that the learners tested do indeed suffer from a 'developmental lag'


This paper focuses on path following algorithms for mobile robots with velocity constraints on the wheels. The path considered consists of straight lines intersected with given angles. We present a fast real-time receding horizon controller which anticipates the intersections and smoothly controls the robot through the turnings while fulfilling the velocity constraints.


Introduction: Suicide and depression continue to be pervasive problems across military populations, including within the National Guard. Existing literature highlights the protective effects of social support and unit cohesion for both suicide risk and depression, yet to our knowledge, these associations have never been confirmed in National Guard populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of social support resources (i.e., general social support and unit cohesion) on depression and suicide risk among a large sample (n = 877) of National Guard service members. Methods: Multilevel modeling was used to examine the impact of social support resources on depression and suicide ideation at both the individual and unit level. Results: Results indicated that higher levels of perceived social support were associated with lower levels of depression and suicide ideation at both the individual and unit levels. Additionally, higher levels of perceived unit cohesion significantly predicted lower levels of depression and suicide ideation at the individual, but not unit level. Discussion: Limitations include self-report measurement and cross-sectional nature of the data. These findings hold implications for improvement of operational climate within military units and reduction of suicide risk and depressive symptoms among National Guard service members.


Ragnarr Loðbrok is perhaps the most famous Viking in modern consciousness. Between History Channel's ›Vikings‹ and ›Assassin's Creed: Valhalla‹, this 9th century Scandinavian king dominates the image of an egalitarian society, where a farmer can, through his own brilliance, perform famous deeds and becomes a renowned, conquering king, whose death causes his sons and loyal drengir to invade and conquer most of England in the Great Viking Army.


In liberalized electricity markets, a balancing mechanism is needed for maintaining the continuous balance between electricity production and consumption. Vital as balancing mechanisms-or balancing markets, in case market mechanisms are used for the procurement of reserves and the settlement of costs-are to the performance of liberalized power markets, they are relatively little studied. We have investigated the potential effects of a high percentage of domestic distributed generation (DG) in the Dutch electricity market on the operational performance of the balancing market. The results of the study can be used to improve the design of the balancing market in case the share of DG increases substantially. The analysis also provides more general insight into the balancing market design variables and constraints.


35S-labeled killer toxin protein bound to cells of sensitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae S14a. Strains that were resistant to toxin through mutation in the nuclear genes kre1 kre2 bound toxin only weakly. Non-radioactive toxin competed effectively with 35S-labeled toxin for binding to S14a, but did not compete significantly in the binding to mutant kre1-1. This implied that binding to kre1-1 was nonspecific. A Scatchard analysis of the specific binding to S14a gave a linear plot, with an association constant of 2.9 x 10(6) M-1 and a receptor number of 1.1 x 10(7) per cell. Killer toxin receptors were solubilized from the cell wall by zymolyase digestion. Soluble, non-dialyzable cell wall digest from S14a competed with sensitive yeast cells for 35S-labeled toxin binding and reduced toxin-dependent killing of a sensitive strain. Wall digest from kre1-1 competed only weakly for toxin binding with sensitive cells and caused little reduction of toxin-dependent killing. Although the abundant (1.1 x 10(7) per cell) receptor appeared necessary for toxin action, as few as 2.8 x 10(4) toxin molecules were necessary to kill a sensitive cell of S14a. The kinetics killing of S14a suggested that some component was saturated with toxin at a concentration 50-fold lower than that needed to saturate the wall receptor.


Background: Drying the root canals in pulp therapy is often ignored, but is essential for a successful clinical outcome. The conventional method used for drying root canals is by the use of paper points, but recently, various other methods have also been employed for this purpose. Aim: The purpose of this study was to volumetrically analyze root canal fillings in deciduous teeth, after using different canal-drying methods namely 95% ethanol, CANAL CLEAN (Cerkamed Medical Company), and Endo-Aspirator (Cerkamed Medical Company), and compare with the conventional paper point drying method. Methodology: Access cavities were prepared on eighty extracted primary canines, and irrigation was done with 1% sodium hypochlorite and normal saline while enlarging the canals. The specimens were then scanned using a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and preobturation volume (X) of each tooth was measured. The teeth were then randomly divided into two groups – Group 1 – Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) group and Group 2 – Metapex group. Each group was further divided randomly into four subgroups based on the drying agent used – Subgroup A – Control group, Subgroup B – 95% ethanol group, Subgroup C – CANAL CLEAN group, and Subgroup D – Endo-Aspirator group. After obturation, a second CBCT was taken to measure the postobturation volume (Y). The percentage of obturated volume was calculated by the following formula: (postobturation volume/preobturation volume) ×100 ([Y/X] ×100). Statistical Analysis: The obtained data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA test and unpaired t-test. Results: A significantly high postobturation volume was seen after using 95% ethanol followed by CANAL CLEAN, Endo-Aspirator, and paper points. On comparing the obturation volumes within Metapex and ZOE groups, Metapex group had significantly high obturation volumes irrespective of the drying method used. Conclusion: 95% ethanol is the best intracanal drying agent as it provides optimum pupal obturation.


An unusually severe form of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta was characterized by the dramatic onset of large ulceronecrotic skin lesions and high fever. A mild eruption was present prior to the acute fulminating course. Spontaneous remission occurred and no sequelae were noted except for prominent deforming scars. There have been no recurrences. The typical histopathologic changes of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta were present and a leukocytoclastic angiitis occurred in one case. The etiology has not been determined. The cutaneous eruption, systemic symptoms, and histopathologic changes in the skin were distinctive. The importance of recognizing this disease is emphasized since a fatal outcome was a definite possibility.


The Entrada Sandstone, of Upper Jurassic age, is here divided into three named members in east-central Utah and west-central Colorado. They are, from bottom to top, the Dewey Bridge Member, the Slick Rock Member, and the Moab Member. The text description of these members is supplemented with graphic columns of 20 sections, histograms of grain-size distribution and mineral composition, and appended type sections. The Dewey Bridge Member is reddish brown sandy siltstone. Its strata are here transferred from the Carmel Formation to the Entrada because they are lithologically like and continuous with the siltstone of the Entrada at its type locality in central Utah, and because they intergrade in eastern Utah with the Slick Rock Member. The Slick Rock Member is quartzose sandstone, previously mapped as the lower part of the Entrada Sandstone in this area. Three subdivisions, based on distinctive bedding styles, can be recognized at many places within this extensive member. The previously defined Moab Member is extended from east-central Utah into the Grand Junction area of Colorado. The western limit of the Moab is a prominent tongue in the Summerville Formation, but its eastern limit is the pinchout of thin inconspicuous tongues in the Summerville and gradation into less distinct sandstone beds included within the Summerville.


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This paper presents a novel scheme for mass segmentation in digitized mammograms, which is based on Graph Cuts algorithm and multi-scale analysis. The multi-scale method can segment mammographic images with a stepwise process from global to local segmentation by iterating Graph Cuts. To improve the segmentation efficiency and robustness, the watershed transform is used for pre-segmentation of the image to produce a region adjacency graph for the following optimization steps. Besides, this paper proposes a strategy of increasing smoothness energy term step by step in the Markov Random Field (MRF) image segmentation module, so as to improve the efficiency effectively in the mass segmentation. The new segmentation strategy effectively improves segmentation performance with less influences of image noise level. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a better performance in accuracy and robustness than conventional ones.


The Beijing-Arizona Sky Survey (BASS) Data Release 3 (DR3) catalogue was released in 2019, which contains the data from all BASS and the Mosaic z-band Legacy Survey (MzLS) observations during 2015 January and 2019 March, about 200 million sources. We cross-match BASS DR3 with spectral databases from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and the Large Sky Area Multi-object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) to obtain the spectroscopic classes of known samples. Then, the samples are cross-matched with ALLWISE database. Based on optical and infrared information of the samples, we use the XGBoost algorithm to construct different classifiers, including binary classification and multiclass classification. The accuracy of these classifiers with the best input pattern is larger than 90.0 per cent. Finally, all selected sources in the BASS DR3 catalogue are classified by these classifiers. The classification label and probabilities for individual sources are assigned by different classifiers. When the predicted results by binary classification are the same as multiclass classification with optical and infrared information, the number of star, galaxy and quasar candidates is separately 12 375 838 (PS > 0.95), 18 606 073 (PG > 0.95) and 798 928 (PQ > 0.95). For these sources without infrared information, the predicted results can be as a reference. Those candidates may be taken as input catalogue of LAMOST, DESI or other projects for follow up observation. The classified result will be of great help and reference for future research of the BASS DR3 sources.


Introduction: Clinical record-keeping is a crucial part of professional practice and the delivery of quality healthcare. Poor intraoperative recording contributes to poor patient safety and unavailability of data in cases of medico-legal review or research purpose. Additionally, such records may provide an invaluable guide to subsequent practitioners involved with the patients' management. Method and Materials: A descriptive study was conducted at Dilla University Referral Hospital from October 1 to November 30, 2020. Fifty-one intraoperative record indicators were developed and those requiring a definition for completeness were predefined. The expected completion rate was 100% for all indicators. Indicators with >90% completion rate were marked as acceptable and completion rate of <50% was considered as areas of the critical need for improvement. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 164 intraoperative anesthesia record tools were reviewed, and none of the indicators had a completion rate of 100%. The intraoperative anesthesia record tools completion rate was >90% for documentation of sex, procedure starting time, name of the procedure, dose/volume and route of a specific drug given, standards of monitoring used, intraoperative blood pressure, and pulse rate record with time. Patient identity, name of professionals, baseline oxygen saturation, unit of measures of baseline vital signs, patient's status on transfer, the total amount of each drug administered, intraoperative electrocardiographic rhythm, total amount of blood loss, total amount of urine output, and postoperative management plan were among indicators found below average (<50%) completion rate. Conclusion and Recommendation: Most of the indicators for manual intraoperative anesthesia recording were found incomplete and below the standards. Different strategies like regular feedback and monitoring to improve the practice have to be instituted. Introducing an electronic recording system may also help to overcome the problem.


ABSTRACT Growing media in green infrastructure (GI) designed for stormwater management plays a critical role in providing hydrological benefits. However, sediment deposition by urban stormwater can cause clogging and reduce the infiltration capacity. This study introduces a new approach to characterise the impact of clogging of GI that uses fluorescent tracer particles. Results are compared for two contrasting growing media: Grey to Green Substrate (G2G) and Marie Curie Substrate (MCS). Results showed that most sediment particles were retained on the surface of both growing media, and surface clogging in G2G caused a decrease in infiltration capacity. Sediment vertical movement was observed in both growing media, but particles travelled deeper in MCS. Vertical sediment movement is influenced by the growing media's pore size distribution, and a high clogging risk is expected in growing media with a pore size distribution that is close to the particle size distribution of the incoming sediment particles.


This chapter tackles the question of local knowledge-making in changing scientific and economic environments in the field of advanced materials. It relies on a case study at the University of Rennes, in Western France, where the chemistry laboratory of Jacques Lucas conducted a program on non-oxide glass materials from the 1960s onwards. The chapter aims at explaining how the local production of these "exotic glasses" in Rennes was both shaped by a bench culture of solid-state chemistry and international R&D supported by the telecommunications industry. This case exhibits how research on materials was organized by a transatlantic division of labor in the Western world.


Abstract
Background: The novel coronavirus 2 (SARS?CoV?2) pandemic is a pulmonary disease, which leads to cardiac, hematologic, and renal complications. Anticoagulants are used for COVID-19 infected patients because the infection increases the risk of thrombosis. The world health organization (WHO), recommend prophylaxis dose of anticoagulants: (Enoxaparin or unfractionated Heparin for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 disease. This has created an urgent need to identify effective medications for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. The value of COVID-19 treatments is affected by cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to inform relative value and how to best maximize social welfare through evidence-based pricing decisions.
Objective:
compare the clinical outcome and the costs of two anticoagulants (heparin and (enoxaparin)) used to treat hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection.
Patients and method:
The study was a retrospective review of medical records of adult, non-pregnant, COVID-19 infected hospitalized patients who had baseline and last outcome measurements at Alamal Epidemiology Center, Al-Najaf city from (Augast 2020 to June 2021).
The outcome measures included D-dimer, length of stay (LOS), and mortality rate. Only the cost of the medical treatment was considered in the analysis.
The pharmacoeconomics analysis was done in three different cost-effectiveness analysis methods. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS), was used to conduct statistical analysis. Kaplan Meier test was used to compare the mortality rate. T-TEST was used to compare the outcomes of the two groups.
Results and discussion:
two groups were compared, the first group consists of 72 patients who received heparin, and the second group consists of 72 patients who received enoxaparin.
COVID-19 infected patients had a higher abnormal average D-dimer (2534.675 ng/dl). No significant differences between both genders with regards to the basal average D-dimer (males= 2649.95 ng/dl, females= 2374.1mg/dl, P-value>0.05). There was a significant difference between patient's ages 60 years and patients <60. (3177.33 ng/dl, 1763.06 ng/dl, P-value <0.05). It seems that, higher D-dimer levels were associated with a higher mortality rate (died=3166.263 ng/dl, survived= 1729.94 ng/dl, P-value <0.05). Heparin was more effective in decreasing D-dimer levels than enoxaparin which inversely increased the D-dimer levels (-24.4 ng/dl/day, +154.701 ng/dl/day, P-value <0.05). Additionally, heparin was more effective in increasing the survival rate compared to enoxaparin (55% vs, 35%, P-value<0.05). Heparin was associated with a longer duration of stay in hospital than enoxaparin but with no significant difference (13.7 days, 12.3 days, P-value >0.05).
Concerning the cost, treatment with heparin cost less than enoxaparin (2.08 U.S $, 9.44 U.S $)/per patient/per day.
Conclusion:
Originator heparin was a more cost-effective anticoagulant therapy compared to originator enoxaparin, it was associated with a lower cost and better effect, treatment with Heparin resulted in positive INB= 11.3, where a positive result means that heparin is more cost-effective than Enoxaparin. All three methods of pharmacoeconomic analysis decide that heparin was more cost-effective than enoxaparin in treating COVID-19 infected patients.


Whether for conventional pretargeting, amplification pretargeting, or affinity enhancement pretargeting, it will be necessary to conjugate an antitumor antibody as the first injectate. This laboratory is investigating phosphorodiamidate morpholinos (MORFs) for pretargeting, and accordingly we are examining methods of attaching MORFs to antitumor antibodies that provide at least one group per molecule (gpm) without adversely influencing antibody properties. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the commercial Hydralink for the conjugation of the anti-CEA MN14 antibody with an 18 mer amine-derivatized MORF. The conjugation was approached in both directions by first reacting MN14 with the NHS derivatives of 4-hydrozinonicotinate acetone hydrazone (SANH) or 4-formylbenzoate (SFB) and then combining with MORF that was previously reacted with SFB or SANH to yield MN14(SANH)-MORF and MN14(SFB)-MORF respectively. The storage stability, immunoreactive fraction, and the biodistribution in normal mice were compared for both conjugates. Thereafter, MN14(SANH)-MORF was used in a pretargeting study in tumored nude mice, and the results were compared to that obtained historically with MN14-MORF prepared by carbodiimide (EDC) coupling. Both new methods of conjugation provided between 1 and 2 gpm compared to 0.2 achieved previously by EDC. Furthermore, by repeat SE HPLC with and without CEA, both showed an unimpaired immunoreactive fraction. MN14(SANH)-MORF tolerated long-term storage best. More importantly, when labeled by hybridization with 99mTc-labeled complementary MORF (99mTc-cMORF), the biodistribution of MN14(SANH)-MORF was more favorable than that of MN14(SFB)-MORF in normal mice with lower liver (5.7 vs 9.4 %ID/g at 18 h) and spleen (3.5 vs 8.4 %ID/g) accumulations and higher blood levels (4.8 vs 3.4 %ID/g). Accordingly, only MN14(SANH)-MORF was used in a pretargeting study in tumored mice. When targeted with 99mTc-cMORF and at 2 days postinjection of antibody-MORF, the results obtained with 6 microg of antibody prepared in this way were essentially identical to that obtained previously with 30 microg of antibody prepared via EDC. Hydralink was used successfully to conjugate MORF to MN14 at higher gpm than that achieved earlier and without an obvious compromise of properties. Using MN14(SANH)-MORF, the influence of the higher gpm on pretargeting permitted lowering the dosages of MN14 administered and may permit administering higher levels of radioactivity in connection with therapy.


We report both continuous-wave and passively mode-locked laser actions in a Yb3+-doped gadolinium yttrium oxyorthosilicate Yb:GdYSiO5 (Yb:GYSO) crystal. Continuous-wave (CW) laser operations were compared under different pump conditions with high-power diodes of different wavelengths and fiber cores. CW mode-locking was obtained with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror.


The low availability of phosphorus and water in soil can promote the remobilization of carbohydrates in the plant, releasing energy to mitigate stress. In this context, our objective was to analyze the production and allocation of carbohydrates in plants of Carapa guianensis Aubl. submitted to different doses of phosphate fertilization, during the rainy and dry seasons, in the western region of Pará. We used three phosphorus dosages (0, 50, 250 kg ha−1) as treatments. We evaluated the plants during the dry and wet seasons. We quantified dry matter production, phosphorus content, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, sucrose, and starch. Phosphate fertilization and different evaluation periods influenced carbohydrate concentrations (p < 0.05) in plants. The highest levels of P in the leaves were registered in October and, in the roots the content decreased with the passage of time in all treatments. The control had higher dry matter production in leaves and stems. During the dry season, there was an accumulation of carbohydrates in plants and a low production of dry matter. Soluble sugars and sucrose tended to be allocated to the stem, reducing sugars to the leaves and starch to the roots, in most periods. In general, C. guianensis seedlings were not very responsive to phosphorus addition.


Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Although sterile inflammation appears to be involved, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Recent evidence indicates that sterile inflammation is mediated through the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, composed of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and caspase-1. Here we investigated the role of the NLRP3 inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia using Nlrp3(-/-) and Asc(-/-) (Nlrp3 and Asc deficient) pregnant mice. During pregnancy in mice, continuous infusion of high-dose angiotensin II (AngII) induced hypertension, proteinuria, and IUGR, whereas infusion of low-dose AngII caused hypertension alone. AngII-induced hypertension was prevented in Nlrp3(-/-) mice but not in Asc(-/-), indicating that NLRP3 contributes to gestational hypertension independently of ASC-mediated inflammasomes. Although NLRP3 deficiency had no effect on IUGR, it restored the IL-6 up-regulation in the placenta and kidney of AngII-infused mice. Furthermore, treatment with hydralazine prevented the development of gestational hypertension but not IUGR or IL-6 expression in the placenta and kidney. These findings demonstrate that NLRP3 contributes to the development of gestational hypertension independently of the inflammasomes and that IUGR and kidney injury can occur independent of blood pressure elevation during pregnancy.


Context Ultrasound (US)-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a new abdominal truncal block used for perioperative pain management of both upper and lower abdominal surgeries. Aims To compare the analgesic efficacy of US-guided QLB with transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. Settings Approval of Zagazig Institutional Review Board (IRB) was obtained (ZU-IRB # 5504/16-9-2018) before the study, and patient's informed written consent was also obtained. Our clinical study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04031196). A total of 34 pediatric patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic appendectomy were randomly allocated in two equal groups: QLB and TAP block groups. Patients and methods All patients received general anesthesia using intravenous 2 mg/kg propofol, 1 µg/kg fentanyl, and atracurium 0.5 mg/kg. After induction of anesthesia, QLB group received bilateral US-guided QLB type 2, using 0.5 ml/kg of 0.25% levobupivacaine, whereas TAP block group received bilateral US-guided TAP block using 0.5 ml/kg of 0.25% levobupivacaine. The primary outcomes were changes of intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative pain assessment. Secondary outcomes were total intraoperative fentanyl consumption, the first time of rescue analgesics, total rescue analgesic consumption in the first postoperative 24 h, and degree of parent satisfaction. Results QLB group had statistically significant lower hemodynamic changes 15 min after performing the block to the end of surgery (P<0.05), highly significant lower visual analog scale score in the first postoperative 4 h (P<0.001), highly significant lower intraoperative fentanyl dose (P<0.001), significant longer time for the first rescue analgesic, lower analgesic doses given in the first 24 h postoperatively (P<0.001), and higher parent satisfaction compared with TAP block group. Conclusion This study revealed that QLB provides longer and more effective postoperative analgesia compared with TAP block in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.


Abstract Brucella infection in seals was reported for the first time in 1994 around the coast of Scotland. Since then, marine mammal Brucella infections were found to be widely distributed in the northern hemisphere. Two Brucella species affect marine mammals: Brucella pinnipedialis in pinnipeds and Brucella ceti in cetaceans. We examined the livers of Baltic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) from the Finnish coast (n=122) hunted, found dead, or killed as by-catch in fishing gear in 2013–15 as part of population health monitoring. We detected B. pinnipedialis in the livers of three grey seals. The bacterium was isolated from livers displaying parasitic cholangitis. We also detected Brucella DNA in liver flukes (Pseudamphistomum truncatum) obtained from a Brucella-infected grey seal, suggesting that flukes might be possible vectors of this pathogen in the marine environment.


ABSTRACT Political disagreement and verbal derogation are both separately and jointly ubiquitous in our everyday lives. In contrast to philosophical discussions of slurring terms, not so much attention has been paid to otherwise politically significant terms, at least as far as semantics are concerned. This paper aims to account for the social complexity with regard to the meaning of politically significant terms. By the example of the race term 'black,' I shall show that different discursive practices among different communities sometimes have to be understood as semantic contestations. I develop a model of discursive sub-communities which explains the connections between political contestation, verbal derogation, and semantics in the case of 'black'. Moreover, my discussion of politically significant terms has important consequences for a broad range of politically significant linguistic phenomena such as so-called politically correct language, the reclamation of slurring terms by the target group, or slurring terms more generally. This paper not only accounts for the political aspects of a linguistic phenomenon, but equally highlights and explains the oft-neglected but crucial role that language plays in social and political struggles. It thus contributes to ongoing discussions both in philosophy of language and in social and political philosophy.


The paper discusses the appropriate use of terminology denoting different types and different ways of blood sampling those of its components with the semantic, phonetic and technological point of view.