Utilizing temporally segregated field data from a sample of nurses (n = 251), the present study examined the relationship between workplace bullying and family incivility. We drew on spillover theory and the emotions literature to answer our research questions. We hypothesized that emotions would serve as an explanatory mechanism for the relationship between workplace bullying and family incivility. We further tested the moderating role of neuroticism on the relationship between emotions and family incivility. Our results indicated that workplace bullying triggered negative emotions, which in turn caused family incivility. Moreover, neuroticism moderated the positive relationship between emotions and family incivility.


In this paper we present the effects produced by temperature in the renormalized vacuum expectation value of the zero–zero component of the energy–momentum tensor associated with a massless left-handed spinor field in the point-like global monopole spacetime. In order to develop this calculation we had to obtain the Euclidean thermal Green function in this background. Because the expression obtained for the thermal energy density cannot be expressed in a closed form, its explicit dependence on temperature is not completely evident. So, in order to obtain concrete information about its thermal behaviour, we develop a numerical analysis of our result in the high-temperature limit for specific values of the parameter α which codify the presence of the monopole.


A three-dimensional autonomous chaotic system is discussed in this paper. Some basic dynamical properties of the system, including phase portrait, Poincaré map, power spectrum, Kaplan–Yorke dimension, Lyapunov exponent spectra, signal amplitude and topological horseshoe are studied theoretically and numerically. The main finding by analysis is that the signal amplitude can be modulated via controlling the coefficients of the linear term, cross-product term and squared term simultaneously or respectively, and the phase of x3 can be modulated by the product of the coefficients of the linear term and cross-product term. Furthermore, scaling chaotic attractors of this system are achieved by modified projective synchronization with an optimization-based linear coupling method, which is safer for secure communications than the existed synchronization scheme since the scaling factors can be regarded as the security encoding key.


The DNA methyl transferase inhibitors 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine or DECI) and 5-azacytidine (azacitidine or AZA) have recently been approved for the treatment of a variety of hematologic malignancies. These cytidine analogues remove repressive epigenetic DNA methyl marks and induce the transcription of numerous genes normally silenced during the processes of cellular differentiation or transformation. DNMTis have a net anti-neoplastic activity through the up-regulation of tumor-suppressor genes involved in the induction of apoptosis, cellular differentiation and cell cycle arrest. In addition, DNMTis promote the expression of several cancer testis antigens (CTAs) by tumor cells, including NY-ESO and MAGE-A1/A3. These observations suggest that the combination of DNMTis with immunotherapeutic modalities may provide some clinical benefit. Adoptive immunotherapies using autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing an affinity optimized NY-ESO TCR are in clinical trials and show robust clinical responses in patients across several indications including synovial sarcoma, multiple myeloma or melanoma. DNMTis were previously shown to induce the expression of NY-ESO in antigen-low or -negative tumor cells and consequently enable the activation of NY-ESO-specific T-cells. While there is compelling evidence for the combination of DNMTis with T cells containing engineered affinity-enhanced TCRs recognizing NY-ESO-1, safety data supporting this approach are lacking. Initial tests into the safety of combining these treatments investigated the effects of DECI and AZA on NY-ESO and LAGE-1 expression in a panel of primary adult human cells of different tissue origins. Our data demonstrate that treatment with either compound resulted in a significant up-regulation of NY-ESO transcription in a subset of primary cells tested. The magnitude of increase in transcript expression varied between cell types and, in some cases, was sufficient to activate T cells expressing an affinity-optimized NY-ESO-specific TCR. These findings raise important safety concerns with regards to the potential combination of DNMTi compounds with NY-ESO T-cell therapy and suggest that such co-therapies may result in on-target off-tumor toxicities. Citation Format: Bruno Laugel, Alexandra Sevko, Karen Howe, Zoltan Ferjentsik, Tiago Ferronha, Miguel Maroto, Joanna Brewer, Bent Jakobsen, Gwendolyn Binder-Scholl. DNA methyl transferase inhibitors (DNMTis) upregulate NY-ESO expression in several human primary cells: implications for co-therapy with engineered adoptive T-cell therapies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2281.


The possible benefits of using ground power to accelerate the airplane on a launch ramp are quantified. A passenger-carrying hypersonic airplane leaving its loading ramp carries fuel for acceleration, cruise and landing. For example, a 230-passenger plane starting a Mach 5 trans-Pacific flight will be loaded with 80 metric tons of liquid hydrogen, up to 40% of which is burned in generating kinetic energy. Catapulting this airplane to cruise speed with ground power would reduce weight and liquid-hydrogen volume. However, there are limits. A ramp for launching a 150-metric-ton vehicle to Mach 5 with 4 g acceleration would be 38 km long and require up to 10 GW of power. In the final second, 2.8 MWh of energy is consumed along 1720 m of ramp. Possible scenarios and acceleration mechanisms are evaluated.<<ETX>>


In this study, we evaluated the potentialities of ATR-FTIR microspectroscopy coupled to PCA in monitoring the major biochemical changes that occur during the autolysis of yeasts used for sparkling wine production. For this purpose, mid-infrared measurements were made on cells of the model strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae EC1118 in the course of autolysis induced at 30 degrees C for five days in a model and in a base wine. By relating principal component loadings to the corresponding absorption bands, it was shown that they well describe compositional modifications induced by autolytic process on yeast cells, such as partial hydrolysis of proteins, increase of peptides, free nucleotides, lipids, mannans, and beta-1,3 glucans. The corresponding score-score plots allowed us to monitor the different kinetics and to distinguish among faster, intermediate, and slower processes. ATR-FTIR microspectroscopy coupled with PCA is proposed as a sensitive method that can provide useful information to select efficient yeast strains, capable of accelerated autolysis, to be used in the second fermentation and aging of sparkling wines.


Spatially extended Lyα sources that are faint and compact in continuum are candidates for extremely young (≲107 yr) galaxies at high redshifts. We carried out a systematic survey for extended Lyα sources, using deep intermediate-band imaging data taken with the Suprime-Cam on the Subaru Telescope. Our survey covers a field of view of 33′ × 25′ and a redshift range of 3.24 ≲ z ≲ 4.95, down to a Lyα flux of ~1 × 10-17 ergs cm-2 s-1. We identified 41 extended Lyα sources. The redshift distribution of these sources shows that this kind of object is common in the early universe over the surveyed redshift range. The identified objects have typical sizes of ~10-15 kpc and luminosities of ~1042 ergs s-1. Follow-up spectroscopy made for 7 of the 41 objects showed that our sample suffers from little contamination. All 7 objects have large equivalent widths of Lyα emission line, all but one exceeding 240 Å in the rest frame. The large equivalent widths suggest that their extended Lyα emissions are unlikely to be due to normal starbursts, but possibly originate from very young galaxies. All 41 objects in our sample have much smaller Lyα luminosities than the two Lyα blobs (LABs) found at a z ≃ 3.1 protocluster, in spite of our much larger survey volume. This suggests that large and luminous extended Lyα objects like the two LABs are very rare and are clustered in overdense regions.


Hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular columns (DSTCs) are a new form of hybrid columns. The most common sectional form of hybrid DSTCs consists of a layer of concrete sandwiched between a circular inner steel tube and a circular outer FRP tube whose fibre directions are close to the hoop detection in order to provide effective confinement to the concrete. Much recent research has been conducted on circular hybrid DSTCs, which has demonstrated that the combination of the three constituent materials leads to several advantages not available with existing forms of columns. Rectangular (including square) hybrid DSTCs may be needed for practical applications, due to aesthetic and other reasons. When a column is subjected to different load levels in the two horizontal directions, rectangular columns are preferred. This paper extends the existing work on circular and square hybrid DSTCs to rectangular hybrid DSTCs which consist of a rectangular outer FRP tube and two circular inner steel tubes. Rresults from a series of stub column tests are presented and interpreted. The test results show that the concrete in these rectangular hybrid DSTCs is effectively confined by the tubes, leading to a very ductile response.


Location authentication is a young security requirement that has recently arisen in ubiquitous computing applications. During the last decade, researchers have proposed several schemes to guarantee this property in different contexts, but more research is needed. To provide a clearer picture of this requirement, the authors present a comprehensive definition of location authentication, describe its main threats in different scenarios, and review the mechanisms proposed thus far to fulfil this requirement.


Criminal forfeiture is an asset confiscation mechanism used to seize benefits gained from an offence that one is convicted of. In Kenya, the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act provides the facilitating legislation. The present state of the regime's underutilisation prompts an examination of the substantive law and procedure provided in this statute. The analysis indicates that the provisions are technical in nature and the process is systematic. This ensures that a procedurally and substantively fair process is undertaken, in keeping with constitutional provisions. Nonetheless, identified challenges, including the complex nature of the provisions, translate to unclear interpretation and consequently ineffective implementation. This state of affairs is reversible through increased understanding of the criminal forfeiture provisions and their operation. This can potentially lead to an upsurge in its use and facilitate depriving offenders of criminal gains, removing the incentive for crime and reducing proceeds available to fund criminal activities.


Abstract This article describes the current status of surgical approach to Wilms tumor. Combined multimodal treatment including classical open nephrectomy is still the most recommended and offers excellent survivals. Patients suffering from Wilms tumor as potentially very long-term survivors also need great care of quality of their further life. Nephron-sparing surgery seems an important step in this regard; however, selection of patients is necessary to avoid failures and decreasing survival rate. A new method of describing this kind of procedure developed within the SIOP Renal Tumours Study Group (RTSG) offers an opportunity for further comparisons and assessment. Minimally invasive nephrectomy is not recommended in the treatment of Wilms tumor; however, in experienced hands and correctly selected (rare) cases, minimally invasive nephrectomy may offer the same outcome as the classical open approach. Lymph nodes sampling, essential for reliable staging, appeared rarely correct in children operated by this technique. Any competition with partial nephrectomy should be avoided in favor of the nephron-sparing approach. A small proportion of patients still create surgical difficulties and this is in fact the target group for further surgical reviews. Their prognosis seems at least in part surgeon-dependent. Few clinical factors available preoperatively (tumor side, age, and tumor volume) were detected as influencing potential risk of surgical failures. Once identified, this needs increased attention from the surgical point of view.


The article by Khatri et al 1 is a contribution to the developing field of lumbar disk diagnosis. Even with the development of water-soluble contrast media in myelography, there is still an aversion on the part of the physician and especially his patient toward myelography. Therefore, the computed tomographic (CT) scan with and without contrast is finding greater use as a primary diagnostic measure for lumbar disk disease and for spinal stenosis and spinal spondylosis. This article sets out to correlate the various diagnostic measures, including electromyogram (EMG), CT scan, myelography, and the findings at surgery. In the group of patients with abnormal findings of disk disease or spinal stenosis, there was excellent correlation between CT and EMG abnormal findings and the pathologic findings at the time of surgery. The conclusion appears justified that in the presence of an abnormal CT scan and EMG a physician can make an accurate


ANTIDEPRESSANTS IN PREGNANCY Up to 8% of pregnant women are prescribed antidepressants, and there is understandable concern about whether these drugs have any adverse neurodevelopmental effects on the child. Some earlier cohort studies have suggested that there might be, but it is difficult to separate the effects of the drugs from the depression itself. A study from Australia is therefore reassuring (Acta Paeds on-line July 2013): they compared 35 infants exposed to antidepressants during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters with 23 unmedicated controls. The medications were mostly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and most were taken for the whole pregnancy. The children were all assessed using the Bayley scales (BSID-III) by blinded assessors at 18 months. There were no significant differences in any of the domains. One note of caution: the study was part-sponsored by pharmaceutical company Pfizer. As paediatricians we frequently see the results of untreated maternal depression on the child as neglect and abuse: this, and some other studies, should reassure pregnant women that it is best to continue to take prescribed antidepressants.


In this paper, a deterministic "worst case" design approach based on a numerical frequency domain technique for the interconnect and package optimization of high speed digital circuits is presented. The frequency domain technique is based on using the modal analysis to suppress the natural resonances of multi-conductor transmission line networks. Once a network is optimized in the frequency domain, the optimized worst case timing and signal integrity parameters, based on which the maximum operating speed is determined, are computed in the time domain. Finally, to demonstrate the accuracy of technique, several numerical examples of multi-conductor networks are presented. The region of validity of the worst case design approach is substantiated by extensive Monte-Carlo analysis.


We take an in-depth look at the weighted Burr-XII distribution. This distribu-tion generalizes Burr-XII, Lomax, and log-logistic distributions. We discuss the dis-tributional characteristics of the probability density function, the failure rate function,and mean residual lifetime of this distribution. Moreover, we obtain various statisti-cal properties of this distribution such as moment generating function, entropies, meandeviations, order statistics and stochastic ordering. The estimation of the distributionparameters via maximum likelihood method and the observed Fisher information ma-trix are discussed. We further employ a simulation study to investigate the behavior ofthe maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs). A test concerning the existence of size-biasin the sample is provided. In the end, a real data is presented and is analyzed usingthis distribution along with some existing distributions for illustrative purposes.


The tasks workers perform on the job are informative about the direction and the impact of technological change. We harmonize occupational task content measures between two worker-level surveys, which separately cover developing and developed countries. Developing countries use routine-cognitive tasks and routine-manual tasks more intensively than developed countries, but less intensively use non-routine analytical tasks and non-routine interpersonal tasks. This is partly because developing countries have more workers in occupations with high routine contents and fewer workers in occupations with high non-routine contents. More important, a given occupation has more routine contents and less non-routine contents in developing countries than in developed countries. Since 2006, occupations with high non-routine contents gained employment relative to those with high routine contents in most countries, regardless of their income level or initial task intensity, indicating the global reaches of the technological change that reduces the demand for occupations with high routine contents.


The role of replacing Na+ with H+ of titanate in promoting photocatalytic performance was investigated. The experimental results showed that H2Ti3O7 and Na2Ti3O7 catalysts with the same high exposed (010) facet had the similar light absorption capacity, TiO6 octahedral structure, and specific surface area. By comparing to Na2Ti3O7, H2Ti3O7 had longer lifetime and higher separation efficiency of the photo-generated electron-hole pairs, and also had higher density of surface oxygen vacancies, which resulted in the excellent performances for photocatalytic hydrogen production and dye degradation reactions.


Current time-domain pitch modification techniques have well known limitations for large variations of the original fundamental frequency. This paper proposes a technique for changing the pitch and duration of a speech signal based on time-scaling the linear prediction (LP) residual. The resulting speech signal achieves better quality than the traditional LP-PSOLA method for large fundamental frequency modifications. By using nonuniform time-scaling, this technique can also change the shape of the LP residual for each pitch period. This way we can simulate changes of the most relevant glottal source parameters like the open quotient, the spectral tilt and the asymmetry coefficient. Careful adjustments of these source parameters allows the transformation of the original speech signal so that it is perceived as if it was uttered with a different voice quality or emotion.


This study investigates the moderating role of mind wandering in influencing the relationships between on-task thought and two functional outcomes of interacting with technology (i.e., creativity and knowledge retention). The study extends the content regulation hypothesis of mind wandering by differentiating mind wandering into two categories—technology-related and nontechnology-related. The scales to measure mind wandering and on-task thought were first developed and validated. After that, the structural model was tested. The findings suggest that mind wandering (technologyrelated) positively moderates the relationship between on-task thought (technologyrelated) and creativity and mind wandering (nontechnology-related) positively moderates the relationship between on-task thought (nontechnology-related) and knowledge retention. The results also show that creativity is positively associated with knowledge retention. By acknowledging the potential benefits associated with mind wandering, this study is able to show that mind wandering is not always destructive; it can offer some unique benefits for technology users.


The human-dog relationship is thought to be the oldest domestic animal partnership. These relationships are complex and can become problematic when they become dysfunctional. The most common signs of dysfunctional human-dog partnerships are behaviour problems that, when unidentified and uncorrected, can be a clear danger to both species and the public. The Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) is a widely implemented instrument to evaluate dog behaviour proven to be useful across various cultures. A European Portuguese 78-item version based on the 100-item C-BARQ was developed and its psychometric properties evaluated. The resulting questionnaire has a 13-factor structure accounting for 58.42% of the total variance with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.902 and 0.721, showing excellent to respectable consistency. The original factors, Dog-Directed Aggression and Dog-Directed Fear, both loaded strongly onto a joint factor renamed Dog Associated Fear/Aggression, explaining the 13-factor structure compared to the previously found 14-factor structure. In the European Portuguese C-BARQ only two items did not load onto their expected factor. Results show that the questionnaire measures universal dog behaviours that are evident to most owners. Our results suggest that the European Portuguese version of the C-BARQ can be used to characterize the behaviour of dog populations and is adequate for use in animal shelters to help match dogs with new owners and in clinical settings to identify behaviour problems in veterinary patients before they become unmanageable. The European Portuguese C-BARQ could be of vital importance in helping to resolve behavioural problems in owned dogs before they become so serious as to lead to abandonment or euthanasia, diminishing the pressure on municipal kennels and greatly improving canine welfare.


A total of 108 medium frame weaner steers, divided into 9 groups of 12 each with mean group masses of 200 kg, were used to determine the effect of three concentrate to roughage (C: R) ratios (80: 20, 55: 45, and 30: 70), fed at three feeding levels (ad libitum, 90% ad libitum and 80% ad libitum), on mass gain, dressing percentage and visual and physical carcass characteristics. Steers were slaughtered at a mean mass of 380 kg. Alimentary canal mass and contents, three subcutaneous fat thicknesses, carcass and buttock length, and cold carcass mass of each steer were measured. Carcasses were classified according to fatness and conformation scores into specific grades. Steers on the three feeding levels were respectively fed for 106, 114 and 174 days on the 80: 20 diet, 156, 161 and 191 days on the 55: 45 diet, and 197, 297 and 322 days on the 30: 70 diet. Contrary to expectation, OM intake decreased and then increased as the C: R ratio increased. Respective carcass gains were 792, 723 and 530; 579, 535 and 489; and 448, 329 and 285 g / d. A decrease in C: R ratio reduced both dressing percentage and carcass gain linearly, while a decrease in feeding level did not significantly influence dressing percentage, but it reduced carcass gain linearly. Subcutaneous fat thickness measurements at different sites were divergently influenced by main effects, but they tended to be reduced by a decrease in either C: R ratio or feeding level. Carcass fatness score decreased with a decrease in either C : R ratio (linear, non-linear) or feeding level (linear). Carcass fatness can be nutritionally manipulated at the assumed target mass within the constraints of the South African beef carcass classification and grading system.


Laboratory reference standard accelerometers are calibrated in the range 14 m s-2 to 5000 m s-2 with excitation by nominally rectilinear, simple harmonic motion of known frequency. The displacement amplitude is established by a new interferometric technique, using a modified Michelson arrangement in which one reflector is the oscillating body of the accelerometer, and the second reflector is moved at a constant velocity. Each of the harmonics of the photoelectric signal goes to zero at certain amplitudes of oscillation. It is shown that all of the harmonics are amplitude-modulated at a frequency which is a function of the velocity of the second reflector, and that in consequence the zeros may be determined by ac null detection following synchronous detection of a harmonic. The technique is shown to minimize the effects of optical-path-difference variations caused by thermal drift and low-frequency ambient vibration. Errors caused by deviations from nominally rectilinear motion are reduced by averaging results from measurements made at different target positions on the top mounting surface of the accelerometer. These target positions are made accessible to the laser light by a number of holes through a dummy mass with which the accelerometer is loaded.


Introduction/Background Granulosa cell tumors account for approximatively 3% of ovarian tumors. The juvenile histological type (JGCT) represents 5% of them, and remains relatively unknown. Our aim was to describe clinicopathologic characteristics and to evaluate prognostic factors. Methodology We retrospectively studied medical records of 40 patients referred to our center for JGCT between November 2010 and 2018. Results Thirty-six patients had confirmed JGCT. The mean age was 19,9 years (range 2,5 months - 47,4 years). Abdominal pain (53%), vaginal bleeding (31%), palpable mass (28%), were the most common presenting symptoms. The distribution of FIGO stage was: 16 patients at stage Ia, 17 Ic, 1 IIa, 1 IIIb, 1 IIIc. Thirty-two patients (89%) had conservative surgery. Sixteen (44%) received adjuvant chemotherapy (Ic=13, IIa=1, IIIb=1, IIIc=1), mostly bleomycine/etoposide/cisplatine regimen. The mean follow up was 35 months (range 1 to 204 months). Nine patients recurred (Ia=1, Ic=6, IIa=1, IIIc=1) with a mean time of 12,1 months (range 1–47). Among them, 4 had a cystectomy at the initial surgery: 3 without adjuvant chemotherapy, 2 died of disease; 4 stage Ic did not received adjuvant chemotherapy neither. Three patients died after a mean of 21,2 months (range 9,5–32,4). At 36 months: progression free survival was 70,4% [54,9–90,2], overall survival was 85,6% [71,4–100]. The main prognosis factor of recurrence was advanced FIGO stage (p< 0,001). Age >15 years (p= 0,09)and cytonuclear atypia (p= 0,08)tended to be associated to relapse too. Intra operative tumor rupture (p= 0,03) was a significant risk factor of death.We observed 5 pregnancies with term deliveries. Conclusion The main prognostic factors are: FIGO stage and intra operative tumor rupture. Fertility sparing surgery is safe for stage Ia, reasonable for stage Ic combined with adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with cystectomy had poor outcome; unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy must be done sytematically. Disclosure Nothing to disclose.


Background High mobility group protein B3 (HMGB3) is abundantly expressed in a number of malignancies, contributing to tumor cell growth and predicting poor outcomes. More research on the connection between HMGB3 and breast cancer is needed. The prognostic significance of HMGB3 in breast cancer was examined and validated in this study. Methods Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database RNA sequencing and clinical data, we investigated the associations between HMGB3 expression and tumor mutations, prognosis, and immune infiltration in breast cancer. The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), breast cancer gene-expression miner (bc-GenExMiner), UALCAN, OncoLnc, cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal), and LinkedOmics databases were applied to examine the levels of expression, mutation, coexpression, and immune correlation of HMGB3 in breast cancer. cBioPortal and the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) were used for coexpression and enrichment analyses, respectively. Experimental tests and a separate cohort of breast cancer patients in our center were used for validation. To determine independent risk factors affecting breast carcinoma prognosis, multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to analyze the connection between HMGB3 expression and overall survival time in breast cancer. Results Pan-cancer investigation using the GEPIA and UALCAN databases revealed a high level of HMGB3 expression in different malignancies, including breast cancer. HMGB3 might be a potential diagnostic biomarker, according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC=0.932). And immunohistochemistry confirmed higher HMGB3 protein expression in breast cancer tissues in clinical samples. Experimental tests also showed that breast cancer cells have higher expression of HMGB3, and knockdown of HMGB3 can promote the proliferation of breast cancer cells and increase sensitivity to chemotherapy. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), basal-like status, nodal status (N+), triple-negative status, and Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) grade all showed positive correlations with HMGB3 expression. Conversely, HMGB3 expression was negatively associated with the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in breast cancer. Breast cancer patients with high HMGB3 expression had poor overall survival, which was validated by an analysis of a separate cohort of breast cancer patients in our center. Cox regression analysis identified high HMGB3 expression as an independently associated risk factor for breast carcinoma. The amount of immunological infiltration was substantially linked with the high expression of HMGB3. The chromosome centromeric region, ATPase activity, and the cell cycle are critical areas where HMGB3 is involved, according to enrichment analysis. Therefore, we suspected that HMGB3 might be a potential biomarker for detecting and treating breast carcinoma. Conclusion Breast cancer tissues had higher HMGB3 expression than normal breast tissues. HMGB3 overexpression may serve as an indicator for poor breast cancer outcomes.


We consider how underused computing resources within an enterprise may be harnessed to improve utilization and create an elastic computing infrastructure. Most current cloud provision involves a data center model, in which clusters of machines are dedicated to running cloud infrastructure software. We propose an additional model, the ad hoc cloud, in which infrastructure software is distributed over resources harvested from machines already in existence within an enterprise. In contrast to the data center cloud model, resource levels are not established a priori, nor are resources dedicated exclusively to the cloud while in use. A participating machine is not dedicated to the cloud, but has some other primary purpose such as running interactive processes for a particular user. We outline the major implementation challenges and one approach to tackling them.


Abstract We propose a new method for analysis of multivariate point pattern data observed in a heterogeneous environment and with complex intensity functions. We suggest semiparametric models for the intensity functions that depend on an unspecified factor common to all types of points. This is for example well suited for analyzing spatial covariate effects on events such as street crime activities that occur in a complex urban environment. A multinomial conditional composite likelihood function is introduced for estimation of intensity function regression parameters and the asymptotic joint distribution of the resulting estimators is derived under mild conditions. Crucially, the asymptotic covariance matrix depends on ratios of cross pair correlation functions of the multivariate point process. To make valid statistical inference without restrictive assumptions, we construct consistent nonparametric estimators for these ratios. Finally, we construct standardized residual plots, predictive probability plots, and semiparametric intensity plots to validate and to visualize the findings of the model. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through extensive simulation studies and an application to analyzing the effects of socio-economic and demographical variables on occurrences of street crimes in Washington DC. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.


The major technological challenge encountered when formulating new dosage forms is to find a way to adapt drug release kinetics to specific clinical requirements, with the aim to enhance the therapeutic action of both new and old drugs. Research in chronopharmacology has demonstrated the importance of biological rhythms in drug therapy and this has led to a new approach to the development of drug delivery systems which are required to enable the drug release timing and control. This approach has a strong impact on the treatment of chronic inflammatory-based diseases which symptoms are circadian-dependent such as the so-called early morning pathologies (EMPs_e.g. arthritis, arthrosis). The conventional treatment of these pathologies consists of daily administrations of anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs or SAIDs), which are often unable to coordinate drug release with clinical symptoms onset resulting in inefficient therapy and poor patient compliance. In the case of individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and related painful joint disorders, the NSAIDS may be more effective when the drug is administered at least 4 to 6 hours before the pain reaches its peak in the early morning. In this context, my PhD project focused on the design and development of chronotherapeutic drug delivery systems characterized by time-specific and prolonged release of model anti-inflammatory drugs able to fit with the specific therapeutic needs of EMPs. In particular the PhD program involved the design and development of: chronotherapeutic systems loaded with short half life (Ketoprofen and Ketoprofen lysine salt) or with long half life NSAIDs (Piroxicam); and chronotherapeutic systems loaded with SAIDs (Prednisolone). These formulations were designed as monolayer, core/shell and floating microparticles tested as self-consistent formulation or into specific capsules as final dosage form. Formulations were produced by prilling/ionotropic gelation technique using natural (alginate, pectin), semi-synthetic (hydroxypropilmethylcellulose) or synthetic (methacrylic acid methyl methacrylate copolymer) polymeric carriers as release modifiers. These formulations were characterized in terms of drug content and encapsulation efficiency (UV), morphology (SEM, SEMEDX), solid state (DSC, FT-IR) swelling behavior and drug release profile (USP apparati II and IV). The in vivo anti-inflammatory effectiveness of the formulations showing the better in vitro technological features was studied using a modified protocol of carrageenan induced edema in rats. The optimized drug delivery systems showing a delayed and time-specific drug release in vitro as well as a delayed and prolonged in vivo anti-inflammatory effect compared to pure drugs, could be considered as potential chronotherapeutic agents to be taken at bedtime and able to act in the early morning.


Introduction: Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short synthetic single-stranded DNA sequences that bind to and induce the cleavage of homologous stretches of mRNA sequences. These result in targeted destruction of mRNA and correction of genetic aberrations. ASOs thus can act as drug molecules and potentially rectify many disease conditions. The broad range of applications reported in the literature highlights the advances in the field. Areas covered: This review covers different areas in which use of ASOs has been shown to have therapeutic effects. Some drugs in different stages of preclinical and clinical trials are discussed in detail. The problems faced and the strategies to surmount them are also described. The readers will gain an understanding of the recent developments in the field of ASOs with emphasis on their therapeutic applications. They will also become aware of the different strategies used for targeted delivery of ASOs and their stabilization, which may be useful for their work in this field, or in the area of nucleic acid therapeutics in general. Expert opinion: The design and application of ASOs for recognition of target mRNA sequences have become a fairly straightforward protocol. The main problem lies in designing ASOs which are stable in in vivo milieu. The delivery and bioavailability of the oligonucleotide to the site of action continue to be hurdles in the development of ASOs and therapeutic molecules.


Previous research has been done regarding attraction and persuasion, much of which yields significant findings between the two. This study expands on the overall question that researchers have been asking; is there a relationship between people's perceived attractiveness and their likelihood to persuade others? We used photographs of five men and five women that we pretested for perceived attractiveness. Participants then answered a survey with various questions centered on how likely they would be to be persuaded by the person in each photograph. Consistent with our prediction, we found a positive correlation between perceived attractiveness and likelihood of persuasion. Future studies might investigate gender differences to see if there is a difference in ratings of attractiveness and persuasion between men and women.


The function of PTEN in the cytoplasm largely depends on its lipid-phosphatase activity by antagonizing the PI3K-Akt oncogenic pathway. However, molecular mechanism(s) underlying the role of PTEN in the nucleus remain largely elusive. Here, we report that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) promote PTEN interaction with MDC1, upon ATM-dependent phosphorylation of T/S398-PTEN. Importantly, DNA DSBs also enhance NSD2 (MMSET/WHSC1)-mediated di-methylation of PTEN at K349, which is recognized by the tudor domain of 53BP1 to recruit PTEN into DNA damage sites, governing efficient repair of DSBs partly through dephosphorylation of yH2AX. More importantly of note, inhibiting NSD2-mediated methylation of PTEN, either through expressing methylation-deficient PTEN mutants, or through inhibiting NSD2, sensitizes cancer cells to combinatorial treatment with PI3K inhibitor and DNA-damaging agents in both cell culture and in vivo xenograft models. Therefore, our study provides a novel molecular mechanism for PTEN regulation of DSBs repair in a methylation- and protein-phosphatase-dependent manner.


Data mining has been widely used to diagnose diseases from medical data. In this study using chronic kidney disease dataset taken from UCI Machine Learning. The dataset has 25 attributes with 400 samples. With 25 attributes that allow redundant data. Redundant data in datasets can reduce computational efficiency and classification accuracy. To increase accuracy of classification algorithm can be done by reducing dimensions of dataset. Correlation-based Feature Selection (CFS) can quickly identify and filter redundant attributes. However, CFS has disadvantage that selected attribute is not necessarily the best attribute. These weaknesses can be overcome by Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO). BPSO chooses attributes based on the best fitness value. The purpose of this study is to improve accuracy of Support Vector Machine (SVM) by implementing combination of CFS and BPSO as feature selection. Accuracy of SVM in predicting CKD is 63.75%. Whereas, accuracy of SVM by applying CFS as feature selection is 88.75% and average accuracy of ten execution SVM algorithms by applying a combination of CFS and BPSO as feature selection is 95%. Thus, combination of CFS and BPSO as feature selection on the SVM algorithm can improve results of accuracy in diagnosing CKD by 31.25%.


The evolution of the transverse turbulent diffusion of charged particles is given by particle simulation. The simulated relative diffusion, first, rises rapidly as tα (α > 3). Then it oscillates obviously and increases slowly in an average value. Finally, it tends asymptotically to the relative diffusion in a spatially uncorrelated stochastic field(white noise). The simulated results are quite different from previous analytic theorly.


Summary We report a case of oral papillary plasmacytosis which initially responded well to etretinate and, subsequently, was successfully treated with radiotherapy, with minimal side‐effects.


Three series of dilute iron alloys, with oversized solutes, FeTi, FeV and FeMo, in the concentration range 50 at.ppm to 3 at.%, have been electron-irradiated at low temperature together with the metal. A strong dependence of the solute and defect resistivities on the solute concentration is observed, which is analysed in terms of the two-current model. The specimens have then been annealed throughout stage I (self-interstitial migration) and stage II up to stage III (vacancy migration), with their resistivity measured. In these alloys, the mobile Fe self-interstitials, which are not annihilated at vacancies, are observed to get trapped at solute atoms in stage I and released from traps in stage II. Detrapping occurs in stage I at a temperature, TII, depending on the solute. Trapping is the weakest for V (TII approximately=140 K) and the strongest for Ti (TII approximately=180 K). At very low concentration (50 and 100 at.ppm), the solute trapping efficiency is lost at the beginning of stage III (200 K) for all these solutes. In the most concentrated FeMo alloys, an important fraction of the radiation-induced resistivity is retained at 200 K, due to multiple trapping (trapping of iron interstitials by more than one Mo atom).


The purpose of this study was to quantitate the regional changes in flow and resistance which occur during the acute onset of two-kidney, one clip renal hypertension. Anesthetized rats were implanted with a Doppler flow probe and balloon occluder on one renal artery. To produce acute hypertension, the occluder was inflated to reduce renal flow velocity by 50%. After 90 minutes, mean arterial pressure increased 25% above the prestenosis control period value as a result of a 22% increase in peripheral resistance. Regional flows and resistances were determined prior to and 90 minutes after renal artery stenosis by injection of labelled microspheres into the left ventricle. Our major findings were that: 1) the regional hemodynamic changes in flow and resistance are unevenly distributed among individual organs; and 2) the major site of increased resistance resides in the splanchnic circulation with the largest increases occurring in the small intestine.


We introduce a new measure of the extent of federal regulation in the U.S. and use it to investigate the relationship between federal regulation and macroeconomic performance. We find that regulation has statistically and economically significant effects on aggregate output and the factors that produce it–total factor productivity (TFP), physical capital, and labor. Regulation has caused substantial reductions in the growth rates of both output and TFP and has had effects on the trends in capital and labor that vary over time in both sign and magnitude. Regulation also affects deviations about the trends in output and its factors of production, and the effects differ across dependent variables. Regulation changes the way output is produced by changing the mix of inputs. Changes in regulation and marginal tax rates also offer a straightforward explanation for the productivity slowdown of the 1970s.


KATP channel is an important mediator or factor in physiological and pathological metabolic pathway. Activation of KATP channel has been identified to be a critical step in the cardioprotective mechanism against IR injury. On the other hand, desensitization of the channel to its opener or the metabolic ligand ATP in pathological conditions, like cardiac hypertrophy, would decrease the adaption of myocardium to metabolic stress and is a disadvantage for drug therapy. Isosteviol, obtained by acid hydrolysis of stevioside, has been demonstrated to play a cardioprotective role against diseases of cardiovascular system, like anti-IR injury, antihypertension, antihyperglycemia, and so forth. The present study investigated the effect of isosteviol (STV) on sarcKATP channel current induced by pinacidil and mitochondrial flavoprotein oxidation induced by diazoxide. Our results showed that preincubating cells with STV not only increased the current amplitude and activating rate of sarcKATP channels induced by pinacidil but also potentiated diazoxide-elicited oxidation of flavoprotein in mitochondria.


Our previous results support the idea that CREB (cyclic AMP‐response element binding protein) may be a mediator of neuroligand and growth factor signals that, coupled to different signal transduction pathways, play different roles at specific stages of oligodendrocyte development. In the early stages, when cells are immature precursors, CREB may play a role as a mediator of protein kinase C (PKC)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways regulating cell proliferation. In contrast, at a later stage, when cells are already committed oligodendrocytes, CREB seems to play an important role as a mediator in the stimulation of myelin basic protein (MBP) expression by cyclic AMP (cAMP). In this study, we have investigated whether cAMP and CREB play a role in regulating the expression of all or on the other hand particular MBP isoforms. The results indicated that treatment of committed oligodendrocytes with the cAMP analogue db‐cAMP results in a pattern of expression of MBP‐related polypeptides that most closely resembles the pattern of MBPs observed in cerebra from adult animals. Experiments in which CREB expression was inhibited using a CREB antisense oligonucleotide, suggested that CREB is involved in the cAMP‐dependent stimulation of all the MBP isoforms. In contrast, we have found that db‐cAMP stimulates the expression of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) in a process that occurs despite inhibition of CREB expression. These results support the idea that cAMP stimulates the maturation of oligodendrocytes and stress the fact multiple mechanisms may convey the action of this second messenger modulating oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:37–45, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Editor's Note: "Headache Rounds" are conducted twice a month at the Faulkner Hospital in Boston by Headache Associates. Selected "Rounds" may be published at the discretion of the Editorial Board of Headache. The bi-monthly "Rounds", in mimeograph form, can be obtained, free of charge by writing to The Headache Research Foundation, Faulkner Health Care Corporation, 780 American Legion Highway, Roslindale, Mass. 02131.


The storage of CO2 foam in saline aquifers is an effective way of CO2 geo-sequestration. However, one of the primary concerns during storage of CO2 in underground geological reservoirs is the rapid upward migration of CO2 plume which eventually challenges the containment security. Injection of foam has been proposed as an effective solution to this problem from decades. Foams have low mobility and prevent the formation of high mobility channels. Surfactant is a crucial component in generating stable aqueous foam. The selection of surfactants as foaming agents is very important for the performance of the foam. The stability of a surfactant generated foam depends on the surfactant type, its concentration, salinity, pressure and temperature. In this study, stability of foam generated with two surfactants sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate (anionic) and cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (cationic) are investigated at different surfactant concentrations. The effect of salinity and temperature were also investigated. The form was generated by purging air into a brine solution containing the surfactant. The foamability and the stability of the produced foam is first observed under room temperature and are then observed under elevated temperatures. The elevated temperature foam stability is observed by keeping the produced foam in an oven. The foamability was observed to increase with surfactant concentration. The salt inhibits generation of foam and the effect is prominent for CTAB than SDBS. The CTAB assisted foam has a higher stability than SDBS. However, at high temperature the foam stability was found to reduce significantly for both SDBS and CTAB; with CTAB foam has slightly higher stability than SDBS.


Surface insulation resistance (SIR) techniques are currently used to measure the effects on long-term reliability of electronic assemblies of residues emanating from electronic production processes. This is achieved by monitoring leakage currents under a DC voltage in high temperature and humidity conditions.
This approach has been adopted from the simple expedient that tests run under DC conditions are simpler to implement than those under AC conditions. Historically, however, there has also been a concern that under AC conditions electro-chemical corrosion failures such as dendrite growth will not occur.
This exploratory work has studied the effects of flux residues on the impedance of interdigitated combs under the application of AC voltage. These effects are considered to be more relevant to digital and AC circuit designs currently in use in many applications. The effects of the presence of generic flux types (rosin, water-based, and glutaric acid) on SIR style interdigitated combs have been measured and compared, using the parameters of impedance (real and imaginary) and capacitance.
The study indicates that the use of impedance properties as a tool for differentiating the effects of flux and their potential effect on AC circuits is promising, and warrants further study. Suggestions for further work are included.


A 40-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a 1-month history of dyspnea and appetite loss. Chest computed tomography and echocardiography showed moderate pericardial effusion and pericardial thickening. The patient had no history of exposure to asbestos. We created a pericardial window in order to make a diagnosis and to relieve the symptoms using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and performed biopsies of the pericardium and the pleura. Immunohistologic analysis of the pericardium confirmed a diagnosis of biphasic pericardial mesothelioma. We gave the patient two cycles of chemotherapy, including pemetrexed and platinum, but his condition did not improve and he died 3 months after onset.


Mammary explants and epithelial cell cultures from transgenic mice carrying the human serum albumin (HSA) gene or minigenes behind the regulatory sequences of the ovine beta-lactoglobulin gene were analyzed. Previously we demonstrated that mammary explants from virgin female transgenic mice synthesize and secrete high levels of HSA during the first day in culture. Here we present a detailed analysis of endogenous and transgene expression during the first 20 h of mammary explant cultures. We show that HSA genes as well as endogenous milk protein genes are rapidly induced upon explantation. Unexpectedly, HSA was synthesized also in mammary explants from strains that do not secrete HSA into the milk, indicating the existence of a cryptic potential to express the transgene. Histological examination revealed that some luminal epithelial cells detached from the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) soon after explantation. Epithelial cell cultures from nonsecreting strains grown on plastic rapidly induced transgene expression and secreted higher levels of HSA into the medium compared to cells grown on collagen. These results suggest that tissue organization and most likely the interaction of epithelial cells with the ECM are intimately involved in the control of HSA transgene expression.


Background: The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has driven many countries to take radical suppression measures. While reducing mortality, these measures result in severe economic repercussions, and inhibit the development of herd immunity. Until an effective vaccine will be available, we propose an alternative approach, akin to avalanche control at ski resorts, a practice which intentionally triggers small avalanches in order to prevent a singular catastrophic one. Its main goal is to approach herd immunity faster than the current alternatives, with lower mortality rates and lower demand for critical health-care resources. According to this approach, individuals whose probability of developing serious health conditions is low (i.e. 20-49 years old with no comorbidities) will be offered the option to be voluntarily exposed to the virus under controlled supervision, and will then be issued 'immunity certificates' if they are confirmed to have developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Methods: Using a compartmental model we examine the implications of the controlled avalanche (CA) strategy over the population in Israel. We compare four scenarios: in two scenarios the CA program is applied to the low-risk population (with the rest of the population subject to mitigation measures), followed by mitigation for the entire population or by uncontrolled spread. These are compared to mitigated and uncontrolled scenarios without the CA program. We discuss the economic, ethical and public health implications of the CA strategy. Findings: We show that compared to mitigation of the entire population, the CA strategy reduces the overall mortality by 43%, reduces the maximum number of people in need for ICUs by 62% and decreases the time required for release of 50% of the low-risk population by more than 2 months. Interpretation: This study suggests an ethically acceptable practice, that enables reaching herd immunity faster than the current alternatives, with low mortality and minimal economic damage.


The therapy of gastrointestinal tumors is becoming more and more sophisticated and complex. This is due to an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of tumors, a more detailed classification and increasing therapeutic options. The basis of optimized therapeutic concepts is the exact evaluation of tumor spread and exact staging. The following review describes some of the most recent staging concepts in gastrointestinal tumors. Multislice computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and new supraparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging enable an increasing quality of the visualization of tumors and metastases. 3D imaging will be used for planning of surgical interventions in the future. Optical coherence tomography may contribute to an improved tumor staging and, thus, to the safety of limited interventions in early oesophageal- and gastric cancer patients. Laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound become increasingly important for the identification of small metastases in the peritoneum, in lymph nodes and in the liver. The sentinel lymph node concept will contribute to an improved staging and individualized therapy as well.


This paper is basically a composite of presentations made by FAO at the World Food Summit in November 1996. Some reflections have been added that relate specifically to the Caribbean Region. The paper is divided into four sections: World Perspective on Agricultural Trade; Food Security, Sustainability and Trade Liberalization; Impacts of the Uruguay Round on Agricultural Trade; Agricultural Trade and Trade Liberalization in the Caribbean Region. In the first section World Perspective on Agricultural Trade major changes taking place in the international trade environment are outlined. Then, the globalization of markets and some conclusions of the Uruguay Round are mentioned. Finally, a brief overview of the last two decades of world agricultural trade is described. In the second section Food Security, Sustainability and Trade Liberalization definitions and concepts are presented and the relationships between these definitions and concepts are discussed. The third section Impacts of the Uruguay Round on 1 Agricultural Trade Liberalization has a discussion of the agreement on agriculture from the Uruguay Round and matters related to it. Two important issues are: (1) that only partial liberalization of agricultural trade will occur, and (2) that countries and regions will not share equally in the benefits from increased trade. Based on world-wide experiences, the impact of trade liberalization on Latin America and the Caribbean is presented in section four Agricultural Trade and Trade Liberalization in the Caribbean Region. The focus is on the Caribbean experience during recent years. A detailed Bibliography used for the preparation of the document is presented at the end of the paper. I. WORLD PERSPECTIVE ON


An assay procedure was developed in which phosphatidyl[2-(3)H]inositol was employed as substrate for the measurement of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C activity. Employing this assay, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C activity in human fetal membranes and uterine decidua was identified and characterized. The specific activity of this enzyme in amnion (4.4 mumol x mg(-1) protein x h(-1)) was three times that in uterine decidua and more than five times that in chorion laeve. No difference was found between the specific activity of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C in placental amnion and that in reflected amnion. The products of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in short-term incubations were stoichiometric amounts of diacylglycerol and inositol-1,2-cyclic-phosphate plus inositol-1-phosphate. After longer periods of incubation, monoacylglycerol also was detected. Diacylglycerol lipase activity also was demonstrated in these tissues. More than 90% of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C activity of amnion tissue was recovered in the 105,000-g supernatant fraction, and optimal enzymatic activity in vitro was observed at pH 6.5-7.5 in the presence of Ca(2+) (8 mM) and mercaptoethanol (4 mM). Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C activity was stimulated by fatty acids in low concentrations, but was inhibited by lysophosphatidylcholine and a variety of detergents. No effect of labor on the specific activity of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C in either fetal membranes or uterine decidua could be detected. The finding of an active phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C activity in human fetal membranes and uterine decidua is complementary to our previous finding of a selective loss of arachidonic acid from phosphatidylinositol of human fetal membranes during labor. The action of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, coupled to diacylglycerol lipase action, could provide a mechanism for the release of arachidonic acid for prostaglandin biosynthesis during parturition.


OBJECTIVES
A one-bag and a two-bag system have both been used to manage intravenous fluid administration in pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The one-bag system, however, has been noted to have limitations, such as slow response time. This study evaluates whether the two-bag system provides any clinical benefit in pediatric DKA patients as compared to the one-bag system.

METHODS
This was a retrospective, non-blinded chart review. Inclusion criteria were patients ≤ 18 years old and whose admission had the code of DKA as the diagnosis. Baseline clinical and demographic data were collected. Descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis.

RESULTS
A total of 31 patients were included, 9 (29%) in the one-bag group and 22 (71%) in the two-bag group. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Mean (SD) rate of complete blood glucose (CBG) correction was 31.04 mg/dL/hr (20.61) in the two-bag group and 21.04 mg/dL/hr (16.26) in the one-bag group (p = 0.297). The rate of bicarbonate correction, however, was faster with the two-bag system than the one-bag system (0.949 ± 0.553 mEq/L/hr and 0.606 ± 0.297 mEq/L/hr, respectively) (p = 0.047). The two-bag system also had a faster time to ketone (p = 0.04), but not pH (p = 0.172), correction.

CONCLUSIONS
The two-bag system provided a faster rate of bicarbonate and ketone correction compared to the one-bag system. The two-bag system also provided a trend towards a faster rate of blood glucose and pH correction.


The interfacial layer between oxide and semiconductor in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors depends on the metal electrode material. The metal/HfO2/Si and metal/HfO2/Ge capacitor were made using an atomic layer deposited HfO2 dielectric films and Mo, Ru, and Pt electrodes above Si substrate and Ti, Ru, and Pt electrodes above Ge substrate. The measured saturation capacitance was varied with electrode and evaluated to capacitance equivalent thickness (CET). In Si-based MOS capacitor, the CET value of the capacitor with Pt electrode is larger than those with Mo and Ru electrode. In addition, the CET is 27.4 A, 38.2 A, and 30.8 A for Ti, Ru, and Pt electrode, respectively, for Ge-based MOS capacitors. The CET variation with electrode is attributed the variation of dielectric constant of HfO2 dielectric and the difference of interfacial layer. The CET variation is well in agreement with the interfacial layer thickness taken by a transmission electron microscopy. The thickness variation of interfacial layer results from the oxygen gettering ability of the electrode even though they are apart.


We combined 11C-PBR28 magnetic resonance-positron emission tomography, marking activated microglia, with synthetic MRI to measure myelin content, on a group of 33 patients affected by multiple sclerosis, to quantify neuroinflammation in the brain white matter and assess its relation to myelin content and disease burden. Microglia activation was higher in the white matter of multiple sclerosis patients compared to 16 healthy volunteers. Microglia activation within perilesional WM correlated the most with worse disease outcomes. Peripherally active lesions were related to higher disability and progressive disease. Perilesional myelin content was lower for higher inflammation and correlated with disease burden.


A diesel particulate filter causes progressive increase in back pressure of an exhaust system due to the loading of soot particles. To maintain the pressure drop caused by DPF under proper level, a regeneration process is mandatory when excessive loading of soot is detected in the filter. It is a major reason why the relation between the amount of soot and the pressure drop in a DPF becomes crucial. On the other hand, pressure drop varies with not only the soot loading but also conditions of exhaust gas such as mass flow rate. Therefore, the relation among them becomes complicated. Furthermore, the characteristics of heat transfer in a DPF is another crucial parameter in order for the filter to avoid thermal crack during regeneration period. This study presents characteristics of pressure drop under various conditions of soot loading and mass flow rate in catalyzed diesel particulate filter. This study also shows characteristics of heat transfer in DPF when high temperature gas flows into the filter. Experiments reveal that the soot loading and mass flow rate affect characteristics pressure drop independently. Experiments also indicate that the amount of coating material has little influence on pressure drop with changes in soot loading and mass flow rate. However, increased catalyst coating may lead to the improved heat transfer which is efficiency to reduce thermal stress of the filter.


Transfer functions (TF) are a means for improving the visualization of 3D medical image data. If in addition to intensity another property is employed, two-dimensional TFs can be specified. For this, 2D histograms are helpful. In this work we investigate how the property feature size can be used for the definition of 2D TFs and the visualization of medical image data. Furthermore, we compare this method to approaches that employ gradient magnitude as second property. From our experiments with several medical image data we conclude, that structure size enhanced 2D histograms are more intuitive. This is especially true in the clinical area, where physicians are much more familiar with the meaning of the size of anatomical structures than with the concept of gradient magnitude.


The segregation and transmission of mitochondrial genomes in humans are complicated processes, but are particularly important for understanding the inheritance and clinical abnormalities of mitochondrial disorders. This review describes three aspects of mitochondrial genetics. First, that the segregation and transmission of mitochondrial (mt)DNA molecules are likely to be determined by their physical association within the organelles and by the dynamics of mitochondrial structure and subcellular organization. Second, that the transmission of heteroplasmic mtDNA sequence changes from one generation to the next often involves rapid shifts in allele frequency. For >20 years, the standard explanation has been that there is a developmental bottleneck in which, at some stage of oogenesis, there is a reduction in the effective number of mitochondrial units of inheritance. The third aspect is that ongoing analyses of the segregation and transmission of pathogenic mtDNA mutations indicate the operation of multiple genetic processes. Thus, the segregation and transmission of mtDNA mutations occurs predominantly, but not exclusively, under conditions of random genetic drift. However, there is also evidence for bias due to incomplete ascertainment of pedigrees and for negative selection of pathogenic mutations in rapidly dividing somatic tissues such as the white blood cell population.


This project presents a method to model a single channel from protein sequences provided by common protein sequences databanks. Under single-cell level, concrete protein structures will provide a configuration to simulate structural mechanics. Here a potassium was modeled, voltage-gated channel (Kv channel), to investigate its corresponding mechanics of each subunit. In electrophysiology, the potassium channel is defined as slow delayed rectifier potassium current (Iks) by LRd ventricular cell model which defined completely in 2005. It is constructed from the conformational shape of the Shaker Kv1.2 channel as a template to model single KCNQ1 channel (Kv7.1).


A case is presented that suggests that intrauterine transfusion carries the risk of sensitization to red cell antigens other than Rho. In this case intrauterine transfusions of JK a-positive red cells were followed by the appearance in the mother's serum of anti-JK a, an antibody known to cause hemolytic disease of the newborn. The use of the mother as a donor of red cells for her fetus will circumvent the problem of further maternal sensitization.


This thesis explored attachment in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). It investigated the role attachment may have in presenting difficulties such as challenging behaviour, which is an area much researched within other populations. It also considered parental well-being in the early years following diagnosis and the implications this may have for attachment development. Paper 1 describes a systematic review of the literature on parental response and adaptation to a child? diagnosis of an ID in the early years. The news of a child?s diagnosis can be met with a range of intense emotions however, existing research reports conflicting outcomes regarding the nature of parental reactions and the psychological impact that may result. 12 studies were reviewed with one study demonstrating a strong methodology. The review found that the comparison groups used within studies had an important bearing on how effectual parental response and adaptation appeared. Due to the limited literature available and the methodological variation within the reviewed studies, no clear conclusions could be drawn. Paper 2 describes an empirical study which investigated the contribution of attachment behaviour to engagement in challenging behaviour, whilst considering other variables, in adults with ID. 22 service staff completed assessment questionnaires which examined service user attachment behaviour, level of adaptive ability, challenging behaviour and other variables. The relationships between particular variables were analysed. Results showed that level of adaptive ability was significantly related to attachment behaviour and challenging behaviour. Attachment behaviour was also significantly related to challenging behaviour, particularly social withdrawal and lethargy. However, when adaptive behaviour was controlled for the significance of these relationships disappeared. Therefore attachment behaviour did appear to contribute to challenging behaviour but less significantly than level of adaptive ability. The nature of the interaction between these three key variables is unclear and requires further research. Findings support the implementation of effective attachment based interventions alongside evidence based behavioural strategies. This would be particularly important for those at high risk of attachment and behavioural difficulties, which current and previous findings suggest may be those with ASD and those with lower levels of ability. Paper 3 describes the strengths and limitations of the systematic review and empirical paper. The research process, findings and clinical implications from each of the previous papers are discussed and reflected upon.


The photophysics and photochemistry of the xanthen dye rose bengal have been studied both free in aqueous solution and when bound to poly(vinylpyrro1idone) (pvp). Fluorescence, picosecond spectroscopy and laser flash photolysis measurements have been undertaken. The singlet and triplet excited state lifetimes of the dye are increased and the dye photostability is enhanced upon binding to the polymer. These observations may be explained on the basis of changes in the microenvironment surrounding the dye and restrictions on molecular diffusion in the polymer. The reduced rate of non-radiative decay and higher photostability of rose bengal in the presence of polymer leads to improved overall yields of hydrogen production during the photoreduction of water in reaction systems which incorporate the dye and pvp as a light-harvesting pigment. One of the most efficient systems for the photoreduction of water at pH 9 and above is reported.


Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors for occupational accidents and the relationship between perceived and actual risk of occupational accidents in Greek soldiers. Method: A case-control study was conducted of military personnel in Evros county in Greece. Cases (n=250) were defined as enlisted personnel having had an accident at work and the control series (n=300) comprised of a simple random sample, stratified by age from the army population. Results: Conscripted soldiers (OR=3.8, 2.21 to 6.58, p<0.001) and professional soldiers (OR=2.2, 1.28-3.75, p=0.004) had higher frequency of occurrence of accidents in comparison to army officers. The degree of risk perception due to electrical hazards (OR=2.8, 1.81-4.18, p<0.001), lighting (OR=2.6, 1.74-3.97, p<0.001), falls (OR=2.9, 1.61-5.13, p<0.001) and inadequate safety signs (OR=3.3, 1.99-5.49, p<0.001) were associated with increased occurrence of accident. Regression analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between the accident and the age, time of service in the present unit, specialty, level of education, years of service and the overall military training. Conclusion: This study highlights the increased likelihood of occupational accidents among military personnel with lower rank and lower level of education, less working experience (fewer years of service) and less military training (conscripted and professional soldiers). The existence of occupational accidents in the workplace, civilian or military, creates the need for the adoption of policies for the protection of workers and the organization of occupational preventive services.


$H^{2}$ matrices provide compressed representations of the matrices obtained when discretizing surface and volume integral equations. The memory costs associated with storing $H^{2}$ matrices for static and low-frequency applications are $O(N)$. However, when the $H^{2}$ representation is constructed using sparse samples of the underlying matrix, the translation matrices in the $H^{2}$ representation do not preserve any translational invariance present in the underlying kernel. In some cases, this can result in an $H^{2}$ representation with relatively large memory requirements. This paper outlines a method to compress an existing $H^{2}$ matrix by constructing a translationally invariant $H^{2}$ matrix from it. Numerical examples demonstrate that the resulting representation can provide significant memory savings.


Sir, The use of triptans for the control of headache in bacterial meningitis is an interesting topic for discussion.[1] Based on theoretical concern,[2] the feasibility can be seen. Nevertheless, as Mojumder proposed, there are several issues for consideration regarding the effectiveness and safety of triptans. Whether the "thrombogenic environment" has any interrelationship with triptans is an important thing to be further studied. Based on our best knowledge, zolmitriptan and naratriptan have no effect on platelet or coagulation factor. This might assume that using triptans is safe. However, there is a report showing a possibility of increased intrapartum blood loss, which implies anti‐thrombogenic phenomenon in the pregnant woman who received triptans.[3] If the anti‐thrombogenic property actually exists, it might be a good counter factor to the thrombogenic environment in meningitis. Further studies on this topic are recommended.


From mortality and population data provided by INSERM and INSEE, we have determined the mortality rate of multiple myeloma--uncorrected, specific and standardized rates--which have enabled to conduct an epidemiological, demographic, geographic and chronological study. The demographic study done in 1981-1982, confirms that the incidence of multiple myeloma is linked to ageing and that it is higher in men. The geographic study does not find any preferential regional distribution. The chronological survey done between 1958 and 1982, shows an increased mortality rate of about 500 p. cent and this increase is seen exclusively in patients over 55. Such progression analyzed according to the model age, period, cohort, is either compatible with a cohort effect, reflection of a true incidence increase, or with a period effect depending upon age, reflection of an artificial increase linked to modifications of hygiene conditions. This last factor seems to predominate. Anyway, decreased mortality rates have been observed for the most recent generations, which should, in the future, mean a stagnation or even a decrease in the incidence of multiple myeloma.


Fulfilling the need of housing is essential for the community. The growth of housing in urban area decreases the environmental carrying capacity. To restore the carrying capacity of the urban area and to harmonize the growth of the built area with the natural environment, the government issued the Act No. 26 of 2007 on Spatial Planning in which Green Open Space must reach 30% of the total urban area, consisting of 20% public and 10% private green open space. Fulfilling the proportion of public green open space is still difficult to be realized. As a case study, the public green open space is 88,145,5 m2 or 0,036% of total urban area in Kendal Regency. In order to increase the green open space in urban area, the building permit mechanism in Kendal Regency requires the siteplan document as one of the technical requirements in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the minimum requirement of private green open space to be fulfilled by 10% of the total housing area. Thus, it is expected that the growth of green open space follows the growth of housing in Kendal Regency. Through collaborative governance among stakeholders involved in Kendal Regency Licensing Team in the implementation of building permit regulation, private green open space at housing estates area is expected to be fulfilled. This study reviews the maturity level of the building permit regulation implementation by reviewing organizational, actors, management, and external (surroundings) characteristics. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and scoring method is used in the process of formulating the priority of indicators, criteria, variables, and assessment of maturity level of the building permit regulation implementation on the fulfillment of green open space in the housing estates in Kendal Regency. Based on the assessment result, the proposed implementation strategy can be formulated.


The lignin solubility in aqueous solutions of different ethanol concentrations was studied. The concept of the solubility parameter was applied to account for the effect of ethanol concentration on the lignin solubility. Experimental results showed that the lignin solubility increased strongly as the ethanol concentration increased from 9.5 to 47.5% then, it increased much more slowly until a maximum was reached at an ethanol concentration of about 70%. Further increase in the ethanol concentration resulted in a slight decrease in the lignin solubility. Based on the lignin molecular formula, the solubility parameter (δ-value) of the ALCELL® lignin was 13.7 (cal/cm3)1/2. The δ-value of aqueous ethanol solutions of increased ethanol concentration was calculated and was found to decrease continuously from 22.31 (cal/cm3)1/2 for pure water to 12.08 (cal/cm3)1/2 for pure ethanol. The effect of ethanol concentration on the solubility of the ALCELL lignin was then explained based on the theory that lignin exhibited the maximum solubility when the δ-value of the solvent was close to that of the ALCELL lignin and the H-bonding capacity of the solutions with different ethanol concentrations was similar. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


Today, dry eye disease is a widely seen health problem. It is known that the disease affects %25-%30 of society. In the absence of early diagnosis and treatment, it may cause the occurrence of significant ocular surface damage and then formation of severe eye discomforts. Because of this, at the point of diagnosis and treatment of the common disease an automatic system that provides faster, more accurate and objective decision-making process rather than clinical care is needed to facilitate the work of the experts. Accurate determination of region of interest has high priority for the algorithm to be applied in the diagnosis of dry eye disease. In this study, automatic detection and extraction of region of interest is studied on real dry eye patient data received after applying clinical fluorescein staining test.


A plasma production experiment was performed using a microwave concave lens. A large-wave-number electron cyclotron wave is excited efficiently with the lens, and exhibits fast damping. For 5 kW input power, in low-pressure operation, the electron temperature is 70% higher than that without the lens, while in high-pressure operation, the electron density is 40% higher than that without the lens.


Under present law, most kinds of interest income and short-term capital gains received directly by a foreign investor or received through a foreign mutual fund are not subject to the 30 percent withholding tax on investment income. However, interest income and short-term capital gains earned by a U.S. mutual fund on its holdings are recharacterized as dividend income when distributed to a foreign investor and is therefore subject to the withholding tax. Mutual funds are very popular tools for investors. Many foreign investors, like U.S. investors, prefer to rely on professional managers of mutual funds in choosing an appropriate portfolio, rather than having to do the research themselves. However, a foreign investor looking to invest in the U.S. currently has two options. The first option is to pay a steep withholding tax on all income and shortterm capital gains earnings from a U.S. mutual fund, or invest through a foreign mutual fund. Few foreign investors are willing to bear a 30 percent withholding tax, and so they either invest through the foreign mutual fund or forego investing in the United States. Either way, the real loser is the United States. As Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on International Trade, I also look at this issue from a trade policy perspective lens. And this lens shows me that we have in this tax provision an artificial barrier to the free flow of trade in the form of financial services and to the free flow of capital. In this respect the current income tax clearly gives foreign mutual funds as competitive advantage with no compensatory advantage gained by any American interest whatsoever. Mr. Speaker, I believe this legislation makes good sense as tax policy, trade policy, and economic policy, and I urge my colleagues to lend it their support.


Dyslipidemia is correlated with the prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal motor neuron disorder characterized pathologically by TAR DNA binding protein (TDP-43) inclusions. We investigated molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism regulated by TDP-43 in ALS. Expression microarray and RNA deep sequencing (RNA-Seq) were performed using cell lines expressing doxycycline-inductive TDP-43. Gene expression and transcriptome profiling identified 434 significantly altered genes under high levels of TDP-43 (Tukey's test, P < 0.05) including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2), a master regulator of cholesterol homeostasis and its downstream genes. TDP-43 overexpression impaired SREBP2 transcriptional activity, leading to inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis via the nutrient- and growth factor-responsive kinase mTOR Complex I (mTORC1). The amount of cholesterol was significantly decreased in motor neuronal cultures derived from ALS-patient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as well as in the spinal fluids of ALS patients and in the spinal cord of ALS model mice. Impairment of cholesterol synthesis is caused by an increase in toxic function of TDP-43 in ALS.


A magnetocaloric pump provides a simple means of pumping fluid using only external thermal and magnetic fields. The principle, which can be traced back to the early work of Rosensweig, is straightforward. Magnetic materials tend to lose their magnetization as the temperature approaches the material's Curie point. Exposing a column of magnetic fluid to a uniform magnetic field coincident with a temperature gradient produces a pressure gradient in the magnetic fluid. As the fluid heats up, it loses its attraction to the magnetic field and is displaced by cooler fluid. The impact of such a phenomenon is obvious: fluid propulsion with no moving mechanical parts. Until recently, limitations in the magnetic and thermal properties of conventional materials severely limited practical operating pressure gradients. However, recent advancements in the design of metal substituted magnetite enable fine control over both the magnetic and thermal properties of magnetic nanoparticles, a key element in colloidal based magnetic fluids (ferrofluids). This manuscript begins with a basic description of the process and previous limitations due to material properties. This is followed by a review of existing methods of synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles as well as an introduction to a new approach based on thermophilic metal-reducing bacteria. Wemore » compare two compounds and show, experimentally, significant variation in specific magnetic and thermal properties. We develop the constitutive thermal, magnetic, and fluid dynamic equations associated with magnetocaloric pump and validate our finite element model with a series of experiments. Preliminary results show a good match between the model and experiment as well as approximately an order of magnitude increase in the fluid flow rate over conventional magnetite based ferrofluids operating below 80 C. Finally, as a practical demonstration, we describe a novel application of this technology: pumping fluids at the ''Lab-on-a-Chip'' (LOC) microfluidic scale. The potential payoff to DOE and DoD is a new approach, requiring low voltage and low current, for pumping fluid at the LOC scale.« less


Over the past decade there have been increasing calls to develop the capacity of United States students to think and act globally (Stearns, 2009). One method of encouraging the civic of global citizenship is through study abroad (Tarrant, 2010). However, the educational value and legitimacy of study abroad, in particular short-term programs, has been questioned (Tarrant & Lyons, 2012). This review and commentary will endeavor to support short-term study abroad as a creative, engaging, and effective educative practice. Building on a proposed theoretical framework grounding investigations focused on study abroad and global citizenship (Tarrant, 2010), a review of literature will examine Dewey's (1933, 1938) conceptualization of educative experiences as necessary and valuable components for a learner, and Mezirow's (1991) transformative learning theory (TLT) in connection with the fundamental role that critical reflection serves in both established perspectives of learning. Of particular concern is establishing the alignment between studies abroad, the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of TLT, and the perspective development of learners in connection with global citizenship. By intentionally connecting Dewey and Mezirow's conceptualizations of learning with Tarrant's conceptual framework for studies abroad, a call for further research focusing on the experiences and perspectives of students within short-term study abroad environments can be made.


Introduction Clinical diagnosis of severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) can be unreliable and liver biopsy often problematic. Neutrophil infiltration is a key histological feature of SAH and predicts corticosteroid (CS) response (1). We assessed the use of radiolabelled leucocyte scintigraphy to diagnose SAH through in vivo imaging of hepatic neutrophil migration. Liver signals at 111In-leucocyte scintigraphy portray margination at 30min post injection (PI) and destruction at 24h PI, and are normally matched. We hypothesised that both these functions would be impaired in SAH and liver activity would increase between 30min and 24h due to neutrophil migration. Methods 16 patients with SAH (Discriminant Function 54.8 ± 16.3, 14 biopsied), 14 with inactive alcoholic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh score 5.4 ± 0.9) and 11 controls were recruited. Abdominal gamma camera images were obtained 30min and 24h after IV injection of autologous 111In-labelled leucocytes and change in liver activity expressed as a 24 h:30 min ratio. Biopsies in SAH were stained with the granulocyte marker CD15 and parenchymal neutrophils quantified across 10 high power fields. Results Liver activity significantly increased in SAH but was static or fell in cirrhotic and normal control groups (24h:30min liver ratio 2.18 (IQR 1.62) versus 0.97 (0.28) and 0.78 (0.15) respectively, p < 0.001). Figure 1 shows example gamma camera images. Liver activity ratios in SAH correlated with histological neutrophil infiltration (ρ = 0.571, p = 0.041) and microautoradiography demonstrated intact intrahepatic radiolabelled leucocytes as the likely source of 24h liver activity. Prominent 30min lung activity was a consistent finding in SAH, providing in vivo evidence of neutrophil priming. There was no correlation between imaging/histology and CS response, likely due to the small heterogeneous study group. Abstract PTU-117 Figure 1 Conclusion 111In-labelled leucocyte scintigraphy is a novel technique for assessment of hepatic neutrophil migration in SAH. It has potential to be a non-invasive diagnostic tool and may help to prospectively identify those likely to respond to CS. Disclosure of Interest None Declared Reference Mathurin P, Duchatelle V, Ramond MJ, et al. Survival and prognostic factors in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis treated with prednisolone. Gastroenterology 1996; 110:1847–53.


Particles are commonly present on the membrane faces revealed by freeze-etching. The number, distribution and size of these particles vary considerably both between different membranes and, in many cases, between the 2 fracture faces found in individual membranes. Many of the larger particles appear to be too large to fit totally within smooth-surfaced membranes, so raising the question of how particles, especially the larger ones, are contained within membranes. This could be accomplished by a local reorganization of the membrane9s internal structure such that small particles would be totally enclosed within smooth-surfaced membranes, while large particles would protrude from the membrane surface. Alternatively, all sizes of particles could be contained within membranes by a bulging of the 2 component lamellae such that protuberances, having a larger diameter than the underlying particles, would arise on the membrane surface. Evidence is presented to show that in the case of specialized particles, which are located in rows around the base of flagella in the mollusc Cominella maculosa , protuberances are present on the membrane surface. However, it is possible that particles could be accommodated within membranes from other tissues by a different mechanism, and only further work will decide whether or not the present findings can be applied to these other membrane surfaces.


Electromyograms were recorded on 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (12 cases of classical
rheumatoid arthritis and 3 cases of definite rheumatoid arthritis) and 5 cases of healthy controls. The muscles selected were the biceps brachii, opponens pollicis and abductor pollieis brevis, and following results were obtained: 1) The amplitude and mean potential duration in rheumatoid arthritis were less than controls, the
differences being statistically significant. 2) Electromyographic evidence of myogenic atrophy
was demonstrated in the small hand muscles
and proximal muscles. 3) Myogenic atrophy due to steroid therapy was considered in proximal muscles, while the small hand muscles were affected more rarely. 4) Myogenic atrophy in stage III-IV were less than those in stage I-II, but in the m. opponens pollicis there were little differences. 5) Myogenic atrophy in inactive rheumatoid arthritis were significantly less than those in active, but in the m. opponens pollicis no marked changes were observed. 6) Myogenic atrophy of the m. opponens pollicis were more than that of m. abductor pollicis brevis.


INTRODUCTION
In recent years, the positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) has changed and the treatment approaches in Hodgkins lymphoma (HL) patients have entirely improved. The main idea in several studies is the use of PET/CT and the International Prognostic Score (IPS) protocols in identification of patients within a high-risk group and potential early relapse/refractory disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was based on PET/CT evaluation and treatment strategies of patients from eight Centers of Hematology in Ukraine. The patients included were newly dia-gnosed with HL and were aged 67 years or younger. They received a treatment with ABVD or BEACOPP-14/esc or "switched-regimens" (ABVD + BEACOPP-esc/14, BEACOPP-esc/14 + ABVD). The primary endpoints were to assess a correlation between PET/CT findings at the time of dia-gnosis, response to the therapy and clinical outcome (relapse/death) for patients with early and advanced stages of HL. The secondary endpoints were to evaluate the relationship between IPS and PET/CT findings.

RESULTS
The study group included 106 patients. The overall response rate (ORR) was 90.5%. The ORR for patients with stages I-II was 96.5% (55/57) vs. 91% (41/45) for stage III-IV patients. In total, the disease progression occurred in 58.3% (7/12) of PET2+ patients and in 13.3% (12/90) of PET2 patients (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the event free survival (EFS) rate and IPS for patients with PET2+ vs. PET2, (log-rank test; P = 0.4). The PET3 status was found in 88.8% (79/89) of the study group patients and 1.2% (10/89) had a PET3+ status (P < 0.05). Using the Cox regression, we confirmed a significant correlation between EFS with PET3 Deauville scale (DS) and IPS. Patients with DS 1-2, DS 3 and DS 4-5 had a 1-year event-free survival of 94.4%, 100% and 33%, respectively (HR 0.56; 95% CI 1.07-2.8; P < 0.02). Our multivariable analysis showed no statistically significant correlation between PET2+ and PET3+ status and extranodal involvement or large tumor burden.

CONCLUSION
The results of using PET/CT in patients with primary HL demonstrated a high prognostic value of PET at the end of the treatment. In addition, we confirmed the predictive role of IPS prognostic model in the treatment outcome depending on PET status.


During the 1990s, extensive research has effectively mapped the progesterone receptor-mediated actions of progesterone and has more recently uncovered nonreceptor-mediated effects--the effect of progesterone on uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, for example, involves direct, nongenomic progesterone action on the uterine oxytocin receptor. However, the majority of progesterone effects occur as a result of progesterone-receptor-mediated action, where progesterone behaves as a hormone-dependent transcription factor, probably because these receptors are widely distributed in the body. A distinguishing characteristic of progesterone receptors is the existence of two isoforms, A-form and B-form. In most tissues coexpressing progesterone receptors, estrogen controls the regulation of progesterone receptors, thereby also controlling sensitivity to progestins. Thus, progesterone receptor expression is upregulated by estrogen and downregulated by progesterone in most target tissues.


Basic Aspects Basic Principles and Methodological Aspects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Yiftach Roth and Abraham Zangen Physiological Basis of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation John C. Rothwell, Martin Sommer, and Vincenzo Di Lazzaro Cellular and Network Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Insights from Animal Models and Brain Slice Marom Bikson, Davide Reato, and Asif Rahman Physiological Basis and Methodological Aspects of Transcranial Electric Stimulation (tDCS, tACS, and tRNS) Walter Paulus, Andrea Antal, and Michael A. Nitsche Biophysical Foundations of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcranial Electric Stimulation: From Electromagnetic Fields to Neural Response Timothy A. Wagner and Pedro Cavaleiro Miranda Patterned Protocols of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Stefan Jun Groiss, Yoshikazu Ugawa, Walter Paulus, and Ying-Zu Huang Motor Cortical and Corticospinal Measures in Health and Disease Massimo Cincotta, Angelo Quartarone, and Giovanni Abbruzzese Neurophysiological (Mainly Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Techniques to Test Functional Neuroanatomy of Cortico-Cortical Connectivity Paolo M. Rossini and Michael Charles Ridding Understanding Homeostatic Metaplasticity Anke Karabanov, Ulf Ziemann, Joseph Classen, and Hartwig Roman Siebner Methodological Aspects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Neuroimaging Hanna Maki and Risto J. Ilmoniemi Biology Molecular Mechanisms of Brain Stimulation Luisella Bocchio-Chiavetto, James T.H. Teo, and Binith Cheeran Imaging-Brain Mapping Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Neuroimaging: Novel Ways of Assessing Causal Relationships in Brain Networks Jacinta O'Shea, Gregor Thut, and Sven Bestmann Perception and Cognition Transcranial Magnetic and Electric Stimulation in Perception and Cognition Research Carlo Miniussi, Geza Gergely Ambrus, Maria Concetta Pellicciari, Vincent Walsh, and Andrea Antal Therapeutic Applications Therapeutic Applications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Neurology Anli Liu, Felipe Fregni, Friedhelm C. Hummel, and Alvaro Pascual-Leone Safety Safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: With a Note on Regulatory Aspects Simone Rossi


The elemental composition and depth profiles of Ba–Ca–Cu–(O, F) precursor and Tl–Ba–Ca–Cu–O (TBCCO) superconducting films were studied by ion beam analysis, such as Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and resonant nuclear reaction (RNR). A series of 150–200 nm thick BCC(O, F) 212 and 223 precursor films was prepared by sequential thermal evaporation of BaF2, Cu and CaF2 components onto single-crystalline MgO and/or CeO2 buffered sapphire substrates. The BaF2 and CaF2 components are chemically more stable under atmospheric conditions than those of BaO and CaO oxides. Fluorine was partially removed from some of the as-evaporated BCC(O, F) precursor films by means of an ex situ annealing in vacuum and dry oxygen at 720 ◦ C. RBS and RNR measurements were performed on these films. Both types of precursor, i.e. the as-evaporated as well as the defluorinated ones, were then thallinated in a single-zone reaction chamber at 860 ◦ C for 30 minutes using a crude TBCCO pellet as a source of thallous oxide Tl2O. The synthesized superconducting TBCCO films were characterized by resistance versus temperature measurements, x-ray diffraction, RBS and also RNR analysis using the resonance at a proton energy of 340 keV of the 19 F(p ,α γ ) 16 O nuclear reaction. Mainly the Tl-2212 phase was observed in the superconducting TBCCO films, with Tc values up to 106 K. From the RBS investigations we found that films with higher Tc have a slight excess of Tl, Ca and Cu components. While the RNR study revealed the presence of fluorine in both types of precursor film, no fluorine was observed in the superconducting ones (within the limit of sensitivity of our method).