Protein families and domains represent a very relevant resource useful to understand protein functions and interactions among their codifying genes. To perform evaluations of gene annotations sparsely available in numerous different databanks accessible via Internet, we previously developed GFINDer, a Web server that performs statistical analysis of functional and phenotypic annotations of gene lists. To exploit protein information present in Pfam and InterPro databanks, in GFINDer we integrated two new modules, that allow to annotate and statistically analyze user-classified nucleotide sequence with controlled information on related protein families, domains and functional sites.


Culture media for growing leptospires, especially for pathogenic varieties, usually contain approximately 10% rabbit or guinea pig serum. Other mammalian sera, such as horse or sheep sera, are used occasionally, but do not usually support growth of most strains. Antileptospiral activity of serum (R. C. Johnson and L. H. Muschel, J. Bacteriol. 91:1403, 1966) was shown to be mediated by a heat-labile IgM natural antibody (S. Faine and J. N. Carter, J. Bacteriol. 95:280, 1968). Assuming that the unsuitability of some mammalian sera might be due to their natural antibody content, samples of modified Korthof medium containing 10% sheep or 10% horse serum were heated at 65, 68, and 70 C for 1 hr. These cultures and similar, but unheated, controls were inoculated with Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae or L. biflexa (Patoc) strains, susceptible to natural antibody, and with L. pomona strains (EP-F and B), not susceptible to natural antibody (Faine and Carter, J. Bacteriol. 95:280, 1968), and were incubated at 30 C. In the unheated controls, the susceptible leptospires grew in agglutinated clumps, but later, after approximately 10 days, developed unagglutinated growth in addition to the clumps. Growth was profuse


The allocation optimization of project human resource is one of the most essential aspects in a project management. A situation with employees working on tasks that they are not well-suited for can lead to a significant loss of time and resources in addition to a sub-par product or service. This paper present a project human resource allocation method based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) in a project organization. We developed the mathematical model of project human resource optimization allocation using the competency model theory, and then in order to obtain a solution efficiently, we proposed a particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) approach based on the decision-making model for solving the allocation optimization problem of project human resource. According to the proposed method, we applied the PSO to seek feasible solution for the problem. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm was validated by its application to an illustrative example dealing with project human resource allocation problem.


The serotonergic innervation of the developing superior colliculus and ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus of the rat were studied with light and electron microscope immunocytochemistry. We compared the pattern of innervation and synaptic organization of the serotonin (5-HT) system in the superficial and deep layers of the superior colliculus. We also compared the developmental pattern of synaptic incidence of 5-HT varicosities in the superior colliculus with that in the ventrolateral nucleus. Serotonin fibers were present in the superior colliculus at birth, concentrated mainly in the deep layers, whereas the superficial layers were only sparsely innervated. By the end of the first postnatal week the overall density of 5-HT fibers increased, but was still higher in the deep than in the superficial layers. The distribution pattern, density, and morphology of serotonergic axons acquired mature features by the end of the third postnatal week. In the adult, these axons were thin, varicose, forming a complex network which was denser in the lower part of the superficial layers and the upper part of the deep layers. Electron microscopical analysis revealed that the vast majority of 5-HT varicosities established symmetrical synapses with dendritic shafts in all layers of the superior colliculus throughout development. In the superficial layers, known to be involved in visual functions, the proportion of varicosities forming synapses increased gradually from birth to reach a peak at the end of the first postnatal week, then declined markedly in the subsequent 2 weeks before rising again at later stages. In contrast, in the deep layers and in the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus, areas involved in motor functions, the proportion of 5-HT varicosities engaged in synaptic contacts showed a continuous increase from birth until adulthood. Considering these results together with data from our previous studies, we speculate that the regional heterogeneity in the synaptic organization of the serotonergic system may reflect a differential role of 5-HT in the development of brain areas with different functions.


In the present study, three AA6061 composites reinforced with 8% SiC, B4C, and Al2O3 were produced using the stir casting method. The composite specimens were molded in the thickness of 20 mm, and then the thicknesses of the samples were reduced to 7 mm by employing a hot rolling process at 450 °C. The effect of abrasive water jet cutting parameters such as nozzle speed (NS) and stand-off distance (SOD) on the kerf taper angle (KTA) and surface roughness (SR) were studied. The experiments were conducted based on the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array and the experimental results were analyzed by using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The test results revealed that the most effective cutting variable on the KTA and SR was the type of reinforcement ceramic particle. The lowest KTA and the best SR values were recorded in the cutting of the Al2O3-reinforced composite specimen. The influence of the ceramic particle reinforcements on the SR and KTA was 60.6% and 65.1%, respectively. The effect ratio of the SOD, the second most effective process variable, to the SR is 28.1%, while the effect ratio to the KTA is 22.0%. Predictive models were developed for the KTA (R2 = 93.29%) and SR (R2 = 91.84) by the regression analysis. A close correlation with the ratio of 95.43% was achieved between the KTA and SR.


This article presents a multi sensor approach for driver assistance systems: the detection and tracking of pedestrians in a road environment. A multi sensor system consisting of a far infrared camera and a laser scanning device is used for the detection and precise localization of pedestrians. Kalman filter based data fusion handles the combination of the sensor information of the infrared camera and of the laser scanner. Arranging a set of Kalman filters in parallel, a multi sensor/multi target tracking system was created. The usage of suitable movement models has a great influence on the performance of the tracking system. Several types of models are discussed focussing on the typical behavior of pedestrians in road environments. The multi sensor/multi target tracking system is installed on a test vehicle to obtain practical results which is discussed in this article too.


Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection dramatically increases the risk of development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in individuals infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In a primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) tissue culture model system, HIV-1 replication potently induced the lytic replication of KSHV and led to the secretion of soluble factors capable of inducing lytic KSHV replication in bystander cells. Here we demonstrate that HIV induces KSHV lytic replication through activation of the KSHV Rta. HIV gene expression activated the KSHV Rta promoter following viral infection or after transfection of proviral DNA. Although HIV-1 Tat has previously been implicated as an activator of KSHV lytic replication, Tat alone was unable to activate lytic replication and failed to activate the Rta promoter. We conclude that HIV activates KSHV lytic replication by inducing the KSHV Rta promoter and that factors other than HIV-1 Tat are required to mediate this effect.


When a single inorganic precursor is used for the synthesis of a sol-gel coating, there is a problem of cracking on the surface of coating layer. In order to solve this problem of surface cracking, we synthesized inorganic-organic coatings that have hybrid properties of inorganic and organic materials. Sols of various ratios (1:0.07, 0.2, 0.41, 0.82, 1.64, 3.26, 6.54, 13.2) of an inorganic precursor of Tetrabutylorthotitanate (Ti(OBu)4, TBOT) and an organic precursor of γ-Methacryloxy propyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTS) were prepared and coated on stainless steels (SUS316L) by dip coating method. The binding structure and the physical properties of the synthesized coatings were analyzed by FT-IR, FE-SEM, FIB (Focused Ion Beam), and a nano-indenter. Dynamic polarization testing and EIS (electrical impedance spectroscopy) were carried out to evaluate the micro-defects and the corrosion properties of the coatings. The prepared coatings show hybrid properties of inorganic oxides and organic materials. Crack free coatings were prepared when the MAPTS ratio was above a critical value. As the MAPTS ratio increased, the thickness and the corrosion resistance increased, and the hardness decreased.


Cycles such as a Rankine cycle, Calvin cycle, etc. play important roles. They consist of a set of specific processes and exhibit specific functions by this whole set of processes.
 Two methods to examine those specific functions graphically are presented based on thermodynamics. The first method is to trace the ratio of the exergy gained to the energy gained by the circulating substance. The second method is to display release and acceptance of heat-equivalent as well as work-equivalent energies. Those methods reveals that loops have three important features; work (or work-equivalent energy) integration, creation of specific fields, and functions to purify a target component and to reduce wastes. All of these features are keys to create a sustainable society.


PURPOSE
Fluorouracil (5-FU) continuous infusion is superior to 5-FU bolus in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, but the survival difference between the two treatments is small and, therefore, the difference in toxicity profile is crucial in choosing a treatment for individual patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a meta-analysis of all randomized trials that compared 5-FU bolus with 5-FU CI, based on individual data from 1,219 patients, to compare the toxicity of the two schedules of 5-FU administration and to identify predictive factors for toxicity. The toxicities considered were World Health Organization (WHO) grade 3 to 4 anemia, thrombopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis, and hand-foot syndrome.

RESULTS
Hematologic toxicity, mainly neutropenia, was more frequent with 5-FU bolus than with 5-FU CI (31% and 4%, respectively; P < .0001). Hand-foot syndrome was less frequent with 5-FU bolus than with 5-FU CI (13% and 34%, respectively; P < .0001). There was no difference between the two treatment groups in terms of other nonhematologic toxicities. Independent prognostic factors were age, sex, and performance status for nonhematologic toxicities, performance status, and treatment for hematologic toxicities, and age, sex, and treatment for hand-foot syndrome.

CONCLUSION
Based on a large data set, this study confirmed and quantified the toxicity profile of the two schedules of administration of 5-FU and allowed the identification of clinical predictors of toxicity.


This Handbook provides a forum for consolidated interdisciplinary discussion on intellectual culture in the "long" nineteenth century highlights and focuses its innovative methodological potential for the areas of musicology, literary and historical studies. In particular, the collection challenges the work-centred focus of Western music history by treating writings about music as cultural artefacts of substantive importance—rather than mere supplements to musical understanding—and will thereby historicize and problematize current conceptions of periodization and national narratives of music history.


Light-wood framing construction techniques have been traditionally used in America for the construction of single-family residences. Dimensional wood lumber is readily available and due to its convenient unit dimension can be packaged neatly and transported to work sites by either commercial transport or personal vehicle. The unit pieces of dimensional lumber are light and easily handled once on the work site. Design of light-framed single-family homes is typically conducted by an architect or construction contractor using prescriptive building codes. A structural engineer can assist, if needed, with design items not within the scope of the building code or if alternative design approaches are required. An owner may choose to involve the engineer to improve quality or economy of the home design. Engineers typically become involved with design items such as foundation design, steel framing design, or engineered product specification. In this chapter, the design of a typical light-framed home is discussed. The main structural assemblies are described and subsequently designed using a combination of prescriptive guidance and engineering design.


Allocation of donated organs for transplantation is a complex process that considers numerous factors such as donor, organ and candidate characteristics and practical issues such as geography. Whole pancreas and isolated islet transplantation are lifesaving for certain individuals with diabetes. Herein, we suggest a revised allocation schema that matches donor characteristics with candidate medical condition while allowing for geographic considerations. It is hoped that adoption of this schema will shorten allocation time, decrease organ waste and optimize the parity between organ donor characteristics and candidate state of health.


Wireless Mesh Networks offers cost-efficient and higher network efficiency by utilizing multiple channels multiple radio(MCMR) nodes. Also addition, the amalgamation of multiple radio nodes and multiple hops mesh framework tends to overcome the limitation of single radio networks like the ability to achieve the rising accessible system bandwidth. In spite of these benefits, certain MCMR wireless mesh networks still suffer from performance issues like network connectivity, network throughput degradation whenever network size increases. Thus, an effective channel assignment (CA) approach could minimize the number of interference co-channels and enhance the throughput of the network. Thus, a hybridized form of gravitational search approach and particle swarm optimization is presented in this paper to resolve the issue of CA. The velocity and position updates of PSO are merged with the GSA operations to obtain the best channel with good connectivity. This approach maximizes the capability of exploration and exploitation for global and local searches using PSO and GSA operations. The goal of this methodology is the minimization of a number of interfering links and the maximization of network connectivity and throughput. The experimental results for this approach are carried out using NS2 and compared with previously suggested heuristic optimization algorithms such as Learning Automated and Genetic Algorithm Approach, Improved Gravitational Search Approach and Dynamic particle swarm optimization Approach. The simulation outcome showed a better performance of the suggested methodology compared to existing methodologies.


Language is in constant evolution – this theory has been demonstrated most aptly and comprehensively by Marshall McLuhan. Specialisation in the different areas of knowledge, especially technology, has contributed to this process. Technological advances and the development of so-called intelligent devices allow interaction through voice interfaces, text, or gesture and in its most advanced forms by means of the incorporation of artificial intelligence-generated linguistic communications in human-machine interfaces. In recent years, the ways of communication or watching news have changed, now we do it by means of the internet and through different options of the social networks. We interact with people and react to their communications by means of divergent ways of language formation. It is increasingly common to express opinions through social networks and the internet. So much so that now we know that it is possible to analyse a person's sentiment from his or her communications of opinion issued in social net works? The question is, can we determine, for example, whether the opinion has a positive or negative emotive charge only by analysing the written or inscribed texts of such formats of communication? This paper presents a brief description of how technological evolution has created an x-factor of language, that is expressed, appropriated and re-used in machine learning modules, artificial intelligence, and automatic sentiment analysis.


Social and genetic factors can influence smoking behavior. Using olfactogustatory stimuli as the sensory cue for intravenous nicotine self‐administration (SA), we previously showed that social learning of nicotine contingent odor cue prevented rats from developing conditioned taste aversion and allowed them to instead establish stable nicotine SA. We hypothesized that genetic factors influenced socially acquired nicotine SA. A heterogeneous stock (HS; N/NIH) of outbred rats was trained to self‐administer nicotine using the social learning protocol. Both male and female HS rats acquired nicotine SA, but females self‐administered more nicotine than males. After extinction, the context previously paired with nicotine SA, in conjunction with socially transmitted drug cues, was sufficient to cause reinstatement of drug‐seeking behavior. Wide variation in both nicotine intake and reinstatement was observed. Using multiple regression analysis, we found that measures of social interaction were significant predictors of nicotine intake and reinstatement of drug seeking in both males and females. Furthermore, measures of depression were predictors of nicotine intake in both males and females, anxiety was a predictor only in males and response to novelty was a predictor only in females. In males, measures of both depression and anxiety predicted nicotine reinstatement. Together, these data supported the ideas that genetically determined propensities for emotional and social phenotypes are significant determinants for nicotine‐reinforced behavior, and that the HS rat is a suitable tool for dissecting genetic mechanisms that may underlie the interaction between social behavior, anxiety, depression and smoking.


Persistence of low back pain is thought to be associated with different underlying pain mechanisms, including ongoing nociceptive input and central sensitisation. We hypothesised that primary motor cortex (M1) representations of back muscles (a measure of motor system adaptation) would differ between pain mechanisms, with more consistent observations in individuals presumed to have an ongoing contribution of nociceptive input consistently related to movement/posture. We tested 28 participants with low back pain sub‐grouped by the presumed underlying pain mechanisms: nociceptive pain, nociplastic pain and a mixed group with features consistent with both. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to study M1 organisation of back muscles. M1 maps of multifidus (deep and superficial) and longissimus erector spinae were recorded with fine‐wire electromyography and thoracic erector spinae with surface electromyography. The nociplastic pain group had greater variability in M1 map location (centre of gravity) than other groups (p < .01), which may suggest less consistency, and perhaps relevance, of motor cortex adaptation for that group. The mixed group had greater overlap of M1 representations between deep/superficial muscles than nociceptive pain (deep multifidus/longissimus: p = .001, deep multifidus/thoracic erector spinae: p = .008) and nociplastic pain (deep multifidus/longissimus: p = .02, deep multifidus/thoracic erector spinae: p = .02) groups. This study provides preliminary evidence of differences in M1 organisation in subgroups of low back pain classified by likely underlying pain mechanisms. Despite the sample size, differences in cortical re‐organisation between subgroups were detected. Differences in M1 organisation in subgroups of low back pain supports tailoring of treatment based on pain mechanism and motor adaptation.


Leptin, the product of the Ob(Lep) gene, is a peptide hormone that plays a major role in maintaining the balance between food intake and energy expenditure. In the brain, leptin receptors are expressed by hypothalamic cells but also in the olfactory bulb, the first central structure coding for odors, suggesting a precise function of this hormone in odor-evoked activities. Although olfaction plays a key role in feeding behavior, the ability of the olfactory bulb to integrate the energy-related signal leptin is still missing. Therefore, we studied the fate of odor-induced activity in the olfactory bulb in the genetic context of leptin deficiency using the obese ob/ob mice. By means of an odor discrimination task with concomitant local field potential recordings, we showed that ob/ob mice perform better than wild-type (WT) mice in the early stage of the task. This behavioral gain of function was associated in parallel with profound changes in neuronal oscillations in the olfactory bulb. The distribution of the peaks in the gamma frequency range was shifted toward higher frequencies in ob/ob mice compared to WT mice before learning. More notably, beta oscillatory activity, which has been shown previously to be correlated with olfactory discrimination learning, was longer and stronger in expert ob/ob mice after learning. Since oscillations in the olfactory bulb emerge from mitral to granule cell interactions, our results suggest that cellular dynamics in the olfactory bulb are deeply modified in ob/ob mice in the context of olfactory learning.


INTRODUCTION
Necrotizing myositis (NM) is an extremely rare necrotizing soft tissue infection involving muscle. Unlike similar infections (eg, necrotizing fasciitis, clostridial myonecrosis) that can be more readily diagnosed, NM can have a benign presentation then rapidly progress into a life-threatening condition with a mortality rate of 100% without surgical intervention.

CASE REPORT
A 74-year-old man with a history of prostate cancer with radiation therapy, seed implants, and 2 transurethral resection procedures presented to the emergency department after a fall. He was initially diagnosed and treated for urosepsis. Sixteen hours after presentation, he complained of pain and swelling of his right groin. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed gas findings suspicious for necrotizing infection of the bilateral thighs. Surgical exploration revealed NM. Separate cultures from the left thigh and bladder grew Streptococcus intermedius, Clostridium clostridioforme, and Peptostreptococcus, suggesting a possible common source of infection from the prostate gland or the osteomyelitic pubic symphysis, which subsequently spread to the bilateral thighs.

CONCLUSIONS
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of S intermedius and C clostridioforme causing NM. A high index of suspicion is required for extremely rare conditions like NM, because early diagnosis and surgical intervention significantly reduce mortality.


The objectives of this paper are to measure the heat transfer and pressure drop of the heat transfer tube for an evaporator of absorption system applications. Five types of heat transfer tubes with different shape and heat transfer area are tested in the present experiment. Heat transfer and pressure drop performance of heat transfer tubes are measured in various operating conditions, and compared each other. The results show that the heat transfer coefficient of thermoexcel notch tube increases about 79.6% and 45.3% at the film Reynolds number 69.7 compared with that of bare tube and low fin tube, respectively. The thermoexcel notch tube is show the best performance considering pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient.


A guide to information sources on the Principality of Monaco, with hyperlinks to information within European Sources Online and on external websites.


676 Figure 1 Gingipain inhibitors block PD-L1 induced by Pg Pg grown with and labeled by red fluorescent membrane-incorporated dye was pre-treated with vehicle or the compounds listed for 30 min. Het-1A cells were infected (MOI = 20) for 24 hours, washed, fixed and stained for visualization of the nuclei (DAPI, blue), PD-L1 protein (antiPDL1 primary and secondary antibodies, green), and Pg infection (red). Images were captured with immunofluorescent confocal microscopy. Conclusions In host cells infected with Pg, gingipains mediate the induction of PD-L1 as a mechanism of immune evasion through the non-canonical activation of the wnt pathway. Further studies to elucidate induction mechanisms are in progress. In esophageal cancer and other cancers infected with Pg, combining gingipain inhibitors with anti-PD-1 therapy may improve treatment outcomes. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2020-SITC2020.0676 677 EVALUATION OF ANTI-PD1 EFFICACY IN GERM-FREE AND ANTIBIOTIC-TREATED SPF MICE BEARING MC38


Despite the fact that citizen engagement in research is widely practised and regarded as one of the keys to maximizing the impact of research and innovation, empirical evidence on the value, potential and possibilities of engaging a broad diversity of citizens in practice is scant. The purpose of our article is twofold: (1) to provide more insight into the value and opportunities of engaging audiences that typically are not engaged with science and (2) to explore the effect of a targeted recruitment strategy versus a generic recruitment strategy on the profile, motivation and retainment of citizen science volunteers. Our empirical research is based on five citizen science projects in the domain of surface and drinking water research in the Netherlands. This article finds that using a targeted recruitment strategy, it is possible and worth to recruit a diverse sample of citizen science volunteers.


This study uses a cooling sonocrystallization process to recrystallize an active pharmaceutical ingredient, probenecid, and to improve the crystal qualities such as crystal habit and particle size characteristics. To screen the appropriate solvent system, solubility data of probenecid in organic solvent are measured, reported, and correlated by van't Hoff equation. According to the measured solubilities and data acquired from literature, sonocrystallization experiments using solvents with acceptable theoretical recovery are performed. Owing to the satisfactory throughput, yield, and crystal qualities, ethanol is finally decided as the appropriate solvent system. The effect of operating parameters in sonocrystallization including the solution concentration, sonication intensity, sonication duration, and cooling rate using ethanol as the solvent is further studied. With applying power ultrasound, probenecid crystals with narrow size distribution, regular crystal habit, and mean size around 15 µm are successfully produced. Finally, crystal form and spectroscopic property of sonocrystallized sample and probenecid as received from the supplier are compared and confirmed consistent from the analytical results of powder X‐ray diffractometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.


Background Research on the role of protein in the diet has evolved beyond a focus on quantity to include the impact of its quality and distribution across meal times in an effort to optimize dietary protein recommendations. Objective To determine the association of dietary protein amount, type, and intake pattern with grip strength in adults. Design Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 for adults 19 + years (N = 9,214) were used with exclusions for pregnant and lactating women. Intakes of dietary total protein (TP), animal protein (AP, including dairy), plant protein (PP), and leucine (Leu) were determined using day 1 24 h dietary recall data after adjusting for the complex sample design of NHANES. Regression analyses were used to assess the association of dietary protein and leucine intake quartiles, and whether consuming > 20 g of dietary protein at one or more meals was related to grip strength with adjustment for age, gender, and ethnicity. Results Mean intake of TP among adults aged 19 + years was 83.6 ± 0.5 g/day, and 2/3rd of this was from animal sources (including dairy). Grip strength increased (p < 0.05) with increasing quartiles of TP, AP, PP, and leucine among all adults 19 + years (β = 1.340.19, 1.27 ± 0.19, 0.76 ± 0.20, and 1.33 ± 0.23, respectively), 19–50 years (β = 1.14 ± 0.27, 1.06 ± 0.25, 0.77 ± 0.30, and 1.18 ± 0.27, respectively), and 51 + years (β = 0.95 ± 0.26, 1.08 ± 0.27, and 1.05 ± 0.27, respectively, for TP, AP, and Leu); however, the increase was more pronounced for AP than PP. Grip strength also increased (p < 0.05) with increasing the number of meal occasions containing > 20 g of dietary protein (β = 1.50 ± 0.20, 1.41 ± 0.25, and 0.91 ± 0.37 for 19+, 19–50, and 51 + years, respectively), and significant increases were detected for two meals compared to zero meals. Conclusion Dietary protein quantity, quality, and distribution should be considered collectively when looking to optimize protein intake to support muscle strength and function.


Structural depth profiles of variously deposited LPCVD polysilicon films have been obtained by Raman spectroscopy at different excitation wavelengths and by a higher spatial resolution approach using microline focus Raman spectroscopy. Information provided by the two techniques show changes in material structure with increasing film thickness and their dependence on deposition temperature.


A variety of Krylov subspace methods for solving linear systems with symmetric and nonsymmetric coefficient matrix have been proposed. For example, a Conjugate Gradient method, BiCGStab method, BiCGSafe method and Generalized Minimal RESidual method and so on are listed. Moreover, many preconditioning techniques have been also proposed by a lot of researchers. In this paper, we focus on preconditioned Krylov iterative method for efficiently solving linear systems with symmetric coefficient matrix which appear in engineering simulations. As a result, it turned out that MrsR method with DRRIC preconditioning can efficiently solve structural symmetric problems in engineering simulation. words


Most studies of U.S. cultural diplomacy focus on the ways that the United States has leveraged cultural events to achieve its own political ends. The present article takes a slightly different approach in its analysis of the 1954 Korean Children's Choir (kcc) tour of the United States. Using copious documentary sources and interviews the author has conducted with former child choristers, it traces how Republic of Korea (rok) President Syngman Rhee used this high-profile cultural event to create a new opening to advance his goals in his complicated diplomatic relations with the United States. At the close of the Korean War, the rok was a war-ravaged nation with little power in dealing with its patron superpower. Deploying personal connections and propaganda skills that he had cultivated during decades of living in exile in the United States, Rhee orchestrated the kcc's tour of the United States, and the visit helped Rhee gain new footing in negotiating the rok's unequal partnership with the United States. This detailed socio-historical and musicological account shows how both President Rhee and the choristers were active and effective agents in striving to put the rok front and center in the imaginations of Americans and impress upon them its cultural gravitas and strategic importance.


CONTEXT
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are valuable biomarkers of metabolic diseases and potential therapeutic targets in this field.

OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to define the circulating pattern of miRNAs in childhood obesity. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The genome-wide circulating miRNA profile was assessed by RT-PCR in 10 boys (5 lean and 5 obese children). The most relevant miRNAs were cross-sectionally validated in 85 lean versus 40 obese children (63 boys and 62 girls) and longitudinally evaluated in samples from the same children when they were ≈ 7 and ≈ 10 years old (23 boys and 22 girls).

RESULTS
The cross-sectional validation study disclosed that 15 specific circulating miRNAs were significantly deregulated in prepubertal obesity, including the decreased miR-221 and miR-28-3p and increased concentrations in plasma of miR-486-5p, miR-486-3p, miR-142-3p, miR-130b, and miR-423-5p (all P < .0001). The circulating concentration of these miRNAs was significantly associated with body mass index and other measures of obesity such as percent fat mass, waist, regional fat distribution and with laboratory parameters such as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, high-molecular-weight adiponectin, C-reactive protein, and circulating lipids in concordance with anthropometric associations. Plasma concentrations of 10 of these circulating miRNAs changed significantly and differently during the 3-year follow-up in children who increased or decreased their normalized weight.

CONCLUSION
This study provides the first evidence that circulating miRNAs are deregulated in prepubertal obese children. Thus, the very early detection of an abnormal circulating miRNA profile may be a promising strategy to identify obese children who may suffer from metabolic abnormalities.


Aim: To evaluate the effects of body mass index on fundal height charts. Methods: Design: Cross-sectional study. The study complies with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. Approved by the Ethics Committee of The Semey State Medical University protocol No.2 of 14.11.2014. Study was conducted in Semey and in the region within January-December, 2014. We identified 2387 cases of uncomplicated pregnancy ended in childbirth of full-term fetus in cephalic presentation, with a weight between 2,500 and 4,000 grams. Depending on the body mass index, the cases were divided into 3 groups. The first group included pregnant women with a body mass index of less than 18.5. The second group included cases with body mass index of 18.5-24.9. while the third group included pregnant women with an index greater than 24, which corresponds to overweight and obesity. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS package, version 20. We used descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests for unpaired samples (Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney). Results: Statistically significant differences were identified between the average fundal height indexes in all stages of gestation (p = 0.001), except for 22 weeks (p = 0347) and 28 weeks (p = 0.14). Pairwise comparisons with MannWhitney test between "deficit weight – normal weight" and "deficit weight – overweight, obesity" and "normal weight – overweight, obesity" groups showed no statistically significant difference in fundal height of pregnant women with underweight and normal weight at pregnancy terms of 24, 25, 34, and 35 weeks. At 26 and 31 weeks of pregnancy there were no statistically significant difference in pregnant women with normal weight and overweight. In other cases, the differences between study groups in fundal height were statistically significant. Conclusions: Body mass index is a variable that affects the character of fundal height curve. To enable high-quality antenatal carem we need to use the curves tailored to anthropometric indicators.


Aim. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of acromegaly on the prevalence and the severity of depressive symptoms in patients with active and inactive disease.
Material and Methods. The study group comprised 56 patients with acromegaly, which were divided into two groups based on growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels, with controlled/cured and with uncontrolled acromegaly. The presence and severity of depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).
Results. The mean score of BDI-II in the whole group of patients was 13.43±10.41, with no significant difference in the severity of depressive symptoms between patients with cured/controlled and uncontrolled acromegaly (p=0.620). Similarly, the lack of statistically significant differences was confirmed in patients with micro- and macroadenomas, as well as with and without hypopituitarism. There were no significant correlations between BDI-II scores and GH or IGF-1 levels, patient age or duration of the illness.
Conclusions. Depressive symptoms are common in acromegalic patients even if remission has been attained. They are most likely caused by psychological, non-organic causes. Patients diagnosed with acromegaly should undergo a screening BDI test as a part of comprehensive care, and in the event of elevated levels should be provided with a psychiatric consultation and psychological care.


In a self-managing school system where localised curriculum decision-making prevails, this study asks the question "How were the geography and science senior secondary school curricula influenced by the Canterbury earthquake series?" Drawing on an ecological framework of teacher agency, the study found that responses to the Canterbury earthquakes were significantly impacted by the curriculum-assessment nexus, in addition to the individual beliefs, values, and attitudes of teachers. Nevertheless, spaces to manoeuvre were generated by some teachers seeking to use media coverage of the earthquakes to develop critical citizenship or scientific literacy approaches, or both, to disaster education.


Cyclic-GMP-dependent protein kinase contains two binding sites for cGMP, which have different affinities for cGMP. Autophosphorylation of the enzyme affects mainly the binding of cGMP to the 'high'-affinity site (site 1). The enzyme binds cAMP and cAMP stimulates the phosphotransferase activity of the native enzyme half-maximally at 44 microM. Autophosphorylation of the enzyme decreases the apparent Ka value to 7 microM. Autophosphorylation does not affect the catalytic rate of the enzyme if measured at a saturating concentration of ATP. Tritiated cAMP apparently binds at 4 degrees C to one site with a Kd value of 3 microM. Binding to the second site is not measurable. Autophosphorylation of the enzyme increases the affinity of the high-affinity site for cAMP sixfold (Kd 0.46 microM) and allows the detection of a second site. In accordance with these data the dissociation rate of [3H]cAMP from the high-affinity site is decreased from 4.5 min-1 to 1.2 min-1 by autophosphorylation. Experiments in which unlabeled cAMP competes with [3H] cGMP for the two binding sites confirmed these results. Recalculation of the competition curves by a computer program for two binding sites indicated that autophosphorylation decreases the Kd value for binding of cAMP to the high-affinity site from 1.9 microM to 0.17 microM. Autophosphorylation does not affect significantly the affinity for the second site. Kd values for site 2 varied from 17 microM to 40 microM. These results suggest that autophosphorylation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase increases the affinity of the enzyme for cAMP by affecting mainly the properties of binding site 1.


A 64-year-old man presented with gross painless hematuria. Cystoscopy revealed a submucosal bladder neck mass covered by normal urothelium. During transurethral resection, the patient developed hemodynamic crisis including sinus bradycardia. Histopathologic examination revealed a primary bladder composite paraganglioma-ganglioneuroma (CPG). The patient underwent partial cystectomy and is symptom-free after one year. Bladder CPGs are extremely rare neoplasms that may result in life-threatening catecholamine secretion, especially during tumour manipulation. These tumours require complete surgical excision and should be included in the differential diagnosis of any solitary bladder mass covered by normal urothelium, especially when there is a history of hypertension or micturition attacks.


OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of recognition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as an infection control problem and its prevalence among long-term care facilities, and to evaluate whether certain longterm care facility characteristics such as bed size, ownership, level of infection control activity, and frequency of resident transfers to acute care hospitals are related to the recognition or prevalence of MRSA in this setting. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey.


We consider an
intergenerational and educational investment stochastic model to determine the
effects of efficacy in education on affluence over time. Efficacy in education,
defined by the success probability of intergenerational education, seriously
affects the affluence in the long run of families concerned with the prosperity
of descendants. This is because since lenders of educational investment funds
cannot take collateral for humanitarian reasons, families without sufficient
wealth are excluded from educational opportunities. If education is more
effective, the accumulation of wealth releases more households from the threat
of bankruptcy in the future.


An exhaustive approach had been undertaken to investigate the incidental pattern of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coq.) (Diptera : Tephritidae) round the year with a view to formulate a sustainable management technique against the pest. Significant variation in occurrence of the pest was recorded during the period of investigation. Trapping of male melon fly was started from 01.10.2006 and continued up to 30.09.2008 by using sex attractant, Cuelure. During warm and rainy months (June, July, August, at 25-37oC) the flies were more active as compared to that of dry and winter (December, January, February 8-23oC) months. Significant positive correlation (r) of fly incidence was noted with minimum (r= +0.7596) and maximum temperature (r= +0.7376), whereas temperature gradient correlated negatively (r= -0.4789) with fly incidence. Negative correlation of fly incidence was also recorded with maximum humidity (r= -0.4249) and humidity gradient (r= -0.5481) and positive (r= +0.4366) with the minimum. Rainfall and sunshine hour per day showed positive (r= +0.4367) and negative (r= -0.3123) correlation with the fly incidence respectively. Regression equations of fly incidence with all the meteorological parameters were also determined. Results of the present investigation may be utilized in chalking out sustainable pest management strategy in the agro-ecological system under consideration.


Rabies remains a major public health concern in many developing countries. The precise neuropathogenesis of rabies is unknown, though it is hypothesized to be due to neuronal death or dysfunction. Mice that received intranasal inoculation of an attenuated rabies virus (RABV) strain HEP-Flury exhibited subtle clinical signs, and eventually recovered, which is different from the fatal encephalitis caused by the virulent RABV strain CVS-11. To understand the neuropathogenesis of rabies and the mechanisms of viral clearance, we applied RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to compare the brain transcriptomes of normal mice vs. HEP-Flury or CVS-11 intranasally inoculated mice. Our results revealed that both RABV strains altered positively and negatively the expression levels of many host genes, including genes associated with innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation and cell death. It is found that HEP-Flury infection can activate the innate immunity earlier through the RIG-I/MDA-5 signaling, and the innate immunity pre-activated by HEP-Flury or Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection can effectively prevent the CVS-11 to invade central nervous system (CNS), but fails to clear the CVS-11 after its entry into the CNS. In addition, following CVS-11 infection, genes implicated in cell adhesion, blood vessel morphogenesis and coagulation were mainly up-regulated, while the genes involved in synaptic transmission and ion transport were significantly down-regulated. On the other hand, several genes involved in the MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation pathway were activated to a greater extent after the HEP-Flury infection as compared with the CVS-11 infection suggesting that the collaboration of CD4+ T cells and MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation is critical for the clearance of attenuated RABV from the CNS. The differentially regulated genes reported here are likely to include potential therapeutic targets for expanding the post-exposure treatment window for RABV infection.


Ubiquitous computing has become a realistic paradigm for the next generation of distributed systems due to the rapid progress in wireless networks and mobile computing technologies. In this paradigm, mobile devices have access to many sensors, which are distributed in the environment around the users; and rich information is collected from these sensors and used for recognizing user's context with high precision. However, there are still a number of challenges, for example, how to dynamically configure and reconfigure networks as well as the sensors according to different (and potentially conflicting) requirements; how to combine the data from heterogeneous sources, and so on.

CASEMANS workshops provide the opportunity for the researchers of the ubiquitous and context-aware computing, and those of the autonomous computing (self-management) to exchange ideas on tackling these challenges.

This year, CASEMANS 2010 received 18 papers from Asia, Europe and North America. All papers have been reviewed by at least three reviewers, based on their significance, novelty, technical quality and practical relevance. In the end, we selected 10 papers for presentation and publication to keep the acceptance rate at a reasonable level. These papers include systems of various kinds and represent aspects of both context-awareness and self-management.


Two renal transplant patients had fever and graft tenderness secondary to a gas-containing abscess around the transplanted kidney. Renal ultrasonography failed to identify the abscess in these cases because of the difficulty in differentiating bowel from gas-containing collections. Gallium citrate Ga 67 scanning, performed in one patient, did not delineate the abscess because interpretation was complicated by the presence of radioactivity in the bowel. In both cases, the pelvic abscess was identified correctly with the use of computed tomography (CT). The limitations of ultrasonography in identifying gas-containing collections should be recognized, and CT should be performed as one of the initial studies in evaluating a renal transplant patient with a suspected pelvic abscess.


AIM OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe the type and nature of psychosocial nursing interventions provided for cardiac clients in Hong Kong's Community Rehabilitation Centres (CRNs).

DESIGN/METHODS
Using a two-phase case study design data were collected from nurses, cardiac clients and their caregivers. The initial phase focused on identifying the types of psychosocial interventions provided. These data were obtained by observing nursing activities and the keeping of daily journals by the nurses. The second phase acquired data from structured telephone interviews, that reviewed clients' perceptions of the psychosocial interventions provided by the nurses and face-to-face interviews with clients and their caregivers.

FINDINGS
These findings revealed that the nurses' interpersonal skills of information giving, social support and counselling were highly valued by cardiac clients and their caregivers. Both clients and caregivers outlined a concern about the lack of individual care and this was reflected in the focus of the CRN on group processes.

CONCLUSION
Recommendations for psychosocial cardiac care are made for public health nurses and nurses working in community settings.


This white paper is conducted for Lean Business encompassing a first attempt at empirical testing of data extracted from the Lean Business database. Lean Business adhere to the Lean Startup Movement, where the core principle is that static business planning should be replaced with a continuous dynamic business model development and that doing so increases chances of success. To begin to understand lean startup and entrepreneurial behavior the potential differences in focus on the different business model canvas elements have been investigated. Based on two samples, one for dynamic use and one for static use of the business model canvas, differences were investigated statistically. A distinction in focus on the different business model elements between a dynamic and a static approach could not be found. However, statistical testing of quantitative data represents an important step towards understanding entrepreneurship.


Station collocation of closely placed multiple GEO spacecraft is required to avoid the problem of collision risk, attitude sensor interference and/or occultation. This paper presents the method of obtaining the orbit correction scheme for collocating two GEO spacecraft within a small station-keeping box. The relative motion of each spacecraft with respect to the virtual geostationary satellite is precisely expressed in terms of power and trigonometry functions. This closed-form orbit propagator is used to define the constraint conditions which meet the requirements for the station collocation. Finally, the technique of constrained optimization is used to find the orbit maneuver sequence. Nonlinear simulations are performed and their results are compared with those of the classical method.


A reductase-cleavable and thermo-responsive star-shaped polymer nanogel was prepared via an "arm-first" atom transfer radical polymerization approach. The nanogel consists of a thermo- and redox-sensitive core and a zwitterionic copolymer block. The dual sensitive core is composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) that is formed by disulfide crosslinking of N-isopropylacrylamide. The zwitterionic copolymer block contains a poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) component, a known anti-adsorptive moiety that extends blood circulation time, and a lactose motif of poly(2-lactobionamidoethyl methacrylamide) that specifically targets the asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGP-Rs) of hepatoma. Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated into the cross-linked nanogels via solvent extraction/evaporation method and dialysis; average diameter of both blank and DOX-loaded nanogels was ~120 nm. The multi-responsiveness of nanogel drug release in different temperatures and redox conditions was assessed. After 24 h, DOX release was only ~20% at 30°C with 0 mM glutathione (GSH), whereas over 90% DOX release was observed at 40°C and 10 mM GSH, evidence of dual responsiveness to temperature and reductase GSH. The IC50 value of DOX-loaded nanogels was much lower in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells compared to non-hepatic HeLa cells. Remarkably, DOX uptake of HepG2 cells differed substantially in the presence and absence of galactose (0.31 vs 1.42 µg/mL after 48 h of incubation). The difference was non-detectable in HeLa cells (1.21 vs 1.57 µg/mL after 48 h of incubation), indicating that the overexpression of ASGP-Rs leads to the DOX-loaded lactosylated nanogels actively targeting hepatoma. Our data indicate that the lactose-decorated star-shaped nanogels are dual responsive and hepatoma targeted, and could be employed as hepatoma-specific anti-cancer drug delivery vehicle for cancer chemotherapy.


This article contributes to debates on the relationship between waste and value by exploring how the revaluation of waste at a dump in Soweto, South Africa, was transformed during the 2008 economic crisis. It critically engages Herod, Pickren, Rainnie & McGrath-Champ's differentiation between 'devalorisation' due to material degradation and 'devaluation' due to prices being too low for recycling to be profitable, in order to develop three arguments. First, it is necessary to recognise how political mobilisation by reclaimers shapes the conditions for devaluation by affecting local prices for recyclables. Second, reclaimers' struggles to monopolise control over waste as they govern their labour process may lead to materials that could be profitably reclaimed remaining wasted. Third, waste is not only revalued through global production networks. Analysing why reclaimers choose to revalue waste through either formal or informal circuits provides insights into how the economy is constituted and affected by crisis in postcolonial contexts.


. In recent years, substantial progress was made towards understanding convergence of fast-slow deterministic systems to stochastic differen- tial equations. In contrast to more classical approaches, the assumptions on the fast flow are very mild. We survey the origins of this theory and then re- visit and improve the analysis of Kelly-Melbourne [Ann. Probab. Volume taking into account recent progress in p and


Literature in the field of stem cell therapy indicates that, when stem cells in a state of single-cell suspension are injected systemically, they show poor in vivo survival, while such cells show robust cell survival and regeneration activity when transplanted in the state of being attached on a biomaterial surface. Although an attachment-deprived state induces anoikis, when cell-surface engineering technology was adopted for stem cells in a single-cell suspension state, cell survival and regenerative activity dramatically improved. The biochemical signal coming from ECM (extracellular matrix) molecules activates the cell survival signal transduction pathway and prevents anoikis. According to the target disease, various therapeutic cells can be engineered to improve their survival and regenerative activity, and there are several types of biomaterials available for cell-surface engineering. In this review, biomaterial types and application strategies for cell-surface engineering are presented along with their expected efficacy.


In this paper, we present a numerical simulation for the optoelectronic material and device characterization in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Our model includes a Gaussian density of states to account for the energetic disorder in the organic semiconductors and the Fermi-Dirac statistics to account for the charge-hopping process between uncorrelated sites. The motivation for this work is the extraction of the emission profile and the source spectrum of a given OLED structure. The physical model covers all the key physical processes in OLEDs: namely, charge injection, transport and recombination, exciton diffusion, transfer, and decay. The exciton model includes generation, diffusion, energy transfer, and annihilation. We assume that the light emission originates from an oscillation and is thus embodied as excitons and is embedded in a stack of multilayers. The outcoupled emission spectrum is numerically calculated as a function of viewing angle, polarization, and dipole orientation. We also present simulated current-voltage and transient results.


MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be involved in bladder cancer progression. miR-489 (also known as miR-489-3p) was recently reported to be a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, its exact role and mechanism in the progression of bladder cancer are largely unknown. In this study, we explore the role of miR-489 in the proliferation and invasion of human bladder cancer cells. The miR-489 expression levels were detected in bladder cancer and normal adjacent tissues, as well as in human normal bladder epithelial cells and bladder cancer cell lines. The results showed that miR-489 was sharply reduced in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. Then the miR-489 mimic or oligo anta-miR-489 was transfected into T24 and UMUC3 bladder cancer cell lines. The results showed that the miR-489 mimic greatly increased the miR-489 level and significantly decreased the proliferation and invasion of T24 and UMUC3 cells. In contrast, the anta-miR-489 had a completely opposite effect on miR-489 expression, cell proliferation, and cell invasion. Moreover, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that miR-489 targeted the mRNA 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) region of Jagged1 (JAG1), a Notch ligand. In conclusion, miR-489 suppressed proliferation and invasion of human bladder cancer cells.


Across a 15-year period, annual cohorts of first-year veterinary science students (n = 1,380; 77% female) at a British university completed the Belief in Animal Sentience (BiAS) questionnaire, in which they reported their beliefs about the sentience (capacity to feel) of ten species: dogs, cats, lions, pigs, sheep, rats, rabbits, chickens, bees, and spiders. On the basis of previous findings regarding people's beliefs about animals' capacities for mind, it was hypothesized that female students would ascribe more human-like sentience to animals than would male students. It was also hypothesized that the proportion of female students in each of the cohorts studied would have an influence on the beliefs of the year group as a whole: cohorts comprising a larger percentage of women would have higher animal sentience beliefs in both males and females. The data were analyzed using two-level regression models to concurrently investigate the effects of individual respondents' gender and the percentage of female students in their cohort. Compared with their male counterparts, female veterinary students across all the cohorts studied attributed significantly higher (more human-like) sentience to each of the ten animals listed in the BiAS questionnaire, but the percentage of female students in each year group was not associated with students' sentience beliefs. It was also found that childhood experience of having owned pet cats or dogs was related to students' beliefs about the sentience of these species, although this association did not contribute to the differences found between male and female respondents. Given the increasing number of women entering the veterinary profession, and previous findings that beliefs about animals' capacities for sentience may be associated with the veterinary care they are given, we conclude that gender differences in sentience beliefs could have a significant impact on the future of veterinary practice and patient welfare.


Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical impact of the perioperative use of antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy for postoperative bleeding after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods: Patients were selected from the medical records of consecutive patients who were diagnosed with primary esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and who underwent complete resection at Yokohama City University from January 2005 to September 2018. The patients were divided into the antiplatelet/anticoagulation treatment group and the non-treatment group. We compared the safety and feasibility of esophagectomy between two groups. Results: One hundred and twenty-two patients underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and were analyzed in the present study. Among them, 18 (14.8%) received anti-thrombotic therapy (anticoagulation group). The incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients overall was 8.2% (10/122). The incidence of postoperative bleeding in the anticoagulation group was 22.2% (4/18), while that in the non-anticoagulation group was 5.8% (6/104). Preoperative anticoagulation therapy was identified as a significant independent risk factor for postoperative bleeding (hazard ratio=4.673, 95% confidence interval=1.170-18.519; p=0.029). Conclusion: The perioperative use of anti-thrombotic therapy was a significant risk factor for postoperative bleeding after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Thus, when patients receive perioperative antiplatelet/anticoagulation treatment, careful attention is required after esophagectomy due to their increased risk of postoperative bleeding.


Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of adnexal torsion at different gestational weeks during pregnancy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the clinical data of 24 pregnancy patients with adnexal torsion, aged 21-38 (30.6±4.4) years old, who were admitted and delivered in Peking University Third Hospital from 2015 to 2019. According to the gestational age, all patients were divided into two groups:<28 weeks group (11cases) and ≥28 weeks group (13 cases), to compare the intergroup differences in clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome, and the differences of clinical data and outcome between two groups were compared. Results: The proportion of patients with twin pregnancy and assisted reproductive technology in the<28 weeks group was significantly higher than that in the ≥28 weeks group (5/11 vs 1/13, 8/11 vs 1/13, P<0.05). No significant differences between the two groups were recorded in terms of the size of the adnexal mass, the cycles of torsion and the duration from onset to operation. Compared with the≥28 weeks group, the adnexal removal rate of the<28 weeks group was lower (3/11 vs 6/13), but the difference was not statistically significant. The proportion of blood flow signals of ultrasound before operation, cases undergoing laparoscopic surgery and cases whose pathological findings were physiological cysts in the<28 weeks group were significantly higher than that in the ≥28 weeks group (8/11 vs 4/13, 8/11 vs 0, 8/11vs 4/13; P<0.05). Concerning the pregnancy outcomes, there was no difference in the mode of delivery, the delivery gestational age and the body weight of newborns between the two groups. Conclusions: The patients with adnexal torsion prior to 28 weeks(<28 weeks)of pregnancy were more likely to be conceived by assisted reproductive technologies, and the etiology was more likely to be ovarian physiological cysts. Both laparoscopy and laparotomy were safe and effective in the treatment of adnexal torsion with good outcome for mother and infant in the study.


This study examined the characteristics of gossip among fourth-grade girls and their close friends. Sixty friendship dyads were videotaped as they engaged in conversation, and their gossip was coded. Analyses revealed gossip to be a dominant feature of their interaction and that it was primarily neutral in valence. Sociometrically popular girls and their friends were observed to gossip more about peers, and their gossip was more evaluative than that between rejected girls and their friends. Gossip frequency and valence related to observed friendship closeness and friendship quality. Race differences in the characteristics of gossip were also explored. The study results are important in our efforts to develop a fuller understanding of the important interpersonal process of gossip and the functions that it serves in the context of close friendships.


Objective To compare the risk of lower extremity amputation (LEA) in people with diabetes with and without comorbid depression. Research design and methods A systematic review of the published literature was conducted. Six databases were searched including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, the Cochrane Library and PsycARTICLES from inception to 22 June 2016, using a detailed search strategy and cross-checking of reference lists for potentially eligible studies published in English. No date restrictions were employed. All studies were reviewed independently for inclusion by two review authors. Data extraction was performed using a standardized data abstraction form, and study quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. A meta-analysis was performed reporting pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs in Review Manager software. Results In total, seven studies were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. Data on 767 997 patients from five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled estimates across the studies were obtained using a random-effects model due to significant heterogeneity (I2=87%). People with diabetes and depression had an increased hazard of LEA (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.60) compared to people with diabetes and no depression. Conclusions Based on the available evidence, comorbid depression appears to increase the risk of LEA in people with diabetes. Limited data were available, however, with significant heterogeneity between studies. Further research is needed to inform intervention and clinical practice development in the management of diabetes.


Polystyrene as a thin film on arbitrary substrates or pellets form defective graphene/graphitic films or powders that can be dispersed in water and organic solvents. The materials were characterized by visible absorption, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron and atomic force microscopy, and electrochemistry. Raman spectra of these materials showed the presence of the expected 2D, G, and D peaks at 2750, 1590, and 1350 cm−1, respectively. The relative intensity of the G versus the D peak was taken as a quantitative indicator of the density of defects in the G layer.


In this article we review and critique the current body of scientific knowledge regarding the use of team lifting including: (a) psychophysical studies of team lifting capacity, and (b) studies of manual handling, patient handling, and stretcher carriage performed by lifting teams. The consensus of the research literature is that team‐lifting capacity is greater than the lifting capacity of an individual, but that the capacity of lifting teams is less than the summed capacity of individual team members. Further, biomechanical, psychophysical, and physiological stress tends to be reduced compared to the equivalent lifts and transfers performed by individuals. However, the stress associated with team lifting depends on a broad range of individual team member, load, task and environmental factors, which can interact in unexpected ways. Caution is therefore recommended against making broad assumptions regarding the use of team lifting. Future studies are needed to examine how effort and load are distributed among lifting team members, with emphasis on identifying factors that may increase the risk of injury. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 293–307, 2005.


High-resolution carotid MRI allows visualization of carotid atherosclerotic plaque characteristics. MRI serves as a noninvasive option for the detection of active plaque inflammation and intraplaque hemorrhage. Significant gains in signal-tonoise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio can be obtained for carotid atheroma imaging at 3T compared with 1.5T. Normalized wall index or wall area on MRI has shown its efficacy in monitoring the response after medical therapy. T(2)* quantification in carotid plaques before and after the administration of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles shows difference in response to treatment according to drug doses. In conclusion, high-resolution MRI is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of carotid atherosclerotic plaques prone to transient ischemic attack and stroke.


This article briefly relates the history of a small priory honouring Saint Felix at the beginning of the Tenth Century and located in a village called Saelices del Rio, in the north and very Glose to Sahagun (Leon), whose large monastery of Saint Benito it depended for many centuries. We go over its history for more than one-thousand years fill its trasnfiguration into the current parish of Saint Felix.


Peptides as a therapeutic modality attract much attention due to their synthetic accessibility, high degree of specific binding, and the ability to target protein surfaces traditionally considered "undruggable". Unfortunately, at the same time, other pharmacological properties of a generic peptide, such as metabolic stability and cell permeability, are quite poor, which limits the success of de novo discovered biologically active peptides as drug candidates. Here, we review how macrocyclization as well as the incorporation of nonproteogenic amino acids and various conjugation strategies may be utilized to improve on these characteristics to create better drug candidates. We analyze recent progress and remaining challenges in improving individual pharmacological properties of bioactive peptides, and offer our opinion on interfacing these, often conflicting, considerations, to create balanced drug candidates as a potential way to make further progress in this area.


High-velocity impacts are common events on planetary surfaces, from a constant micrometeoroid bombardment to infrequent but catastrophic large asteroid impacts that form giant craters. The consequences of such impacts depend, in part, on the properties of the planet surface, such as strength, porosity and surface gravity. The near-surface of many solar system bodies is a loose granular material composed of dust, soil and broken rock, known as regolith. Planetary regolith could have a range of material properties, hence it is difficult to specify its material model. As a result, experimental investigations of impacts on planetary surfaces often use sand as a regolith analogue material and hydrocode simulations of impact often assume a sand-like equation of state and strength model. In this study, we compare iSALE hydrocode simulations of impacts in sand and other porous granular materials with results from laboratory impact experiments to test and refine material models for regolith materials.


Historical data shows a strong relationship between hourly changes in CDS index iTraxx
Main and equity futures EURO STOXX 50. We hypothesize that the relatively stable
relationship should allow us to trade the two markets. A Markov regime switching model
is introduced, distinguishing cointegrated regimes that allows the cointegration relation
ship to be switched on and off. A pairs trade between the two securities is carried out in
the cointegrated regimes. We show that trading exclusively in these regimes produces a
significantly better performance compared to static pairs trading over the whole data set.


The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of internal and external variables on the performance of both Islamic banks and conventional banks in the GCC. The Internal variables include capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity of risk while the external variables are the economic growth and inflation. Return on equity and Return on asset were used in the STATA programming to identify the variable with the greatest effect or least effect on the performance of banks in GCC. Specifically, five conventional banks and five Islamic banks from 2012 to 2015 were used in the research.


It was with a mixture of incredulity and excitement that I heard on the BBC radio morning news that the NASA Voyager 1 mission had observed active, explosive volcanism on Io, one of the four Galilean satellites orbiting Jupiter. This was March 1979 and at that time we had seen no evidence of recent volcanic activity anywhere else in the Solar System other than Earth.

It should not have been a surprise. That Io, a Moon-sized planetary body, could be volcanically active had been predicted by a California-based team and their work was published a few days before Voyager returned the now-famous …


Beginning in the 1980s, the curious phenomenon of breed-specific legislation (BSL) began to spread across the U.S. and abroad. The phenomenon can be traced to sensationalistic media portrayals of the pit bull at that time. This kind of sensationalism was nothing new; throughout American history, various breeds have served as scapegoats, each taking a turn as the most 'dangerous.' While it was not new to seek to contain fears by isolating a particular 'problem' breed, the legislation itself was unprecedented. Today, in light of mounting evidence that factors other than breed are more determinative of aggression in domestic dogs and that BSL does not decrease incidents of dog bites, many jurisdictions are seeking to undo these laws. For example, many states have passed legislation preempting local ordinances that discriminate based on breed. This article calls for all jurisdictions to follow suit, in recognition of the fact that there are more rational methods available for addressing the public health hazard posed by individual aggressive dogs.


In this paper, we report on texture measurements for an object, including tactile, warm/cool, and light sensations using a multimodal micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor. This MEMS sensor can detect force as a resistance change of the strain gauge on a microcantilever and light as an impedance change of a Si layer by a photoconductive effect. The sensor, which was maintained near human body temperature using a heater, can also detect a temperature drop after heat transfer from the sensor to a contacted object as a resistance change of the strain gauge or an impedance change of the Si layer. In this work, three different materials (copper, acrylic, and wood) were chosen as the target objects for the measurement of surface texture, and they were characterized on the basis of the differences in sensor outputs in active sensing experiments (approaching and pressing of the sensor with a probe light) on the sensor surface. In the proximity process, the impedance change of the Si layer depends on the surface reflectivity of the objects. After the object is touched by the sensor surface, the impedance of the Si layer and the resistance of the strain gauge of the sensor increase with the change in temperature caused by heat transfer. Furthermore, the resistance of the strain gauge decreases with the deformation of the cantilever caused by the pressing force from each object. Therefore, it is demonstrated that surface texture including the mechanical, optical, and thermal characteristics of various materials can be evaluated by active sensing using the proposed MEMS multimodal sensor.


Eight pairs of specific primers were designed and synthesized based on the entire genomic sequence data of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) present in GenBank. Complete nucleotide sequences of GX7/02, GX9/03 and GX11/03 strains were acquired by reverse transcription-polymerase reaction. The entire genomic sequences of three NDV strains consisted of 15 192 nt, which was the same in length to 7 NDV ZJ1, U.S/Largo/71, Italy/2736/00 strains, but was 6 nt longer than LaSota, Clone-30 and B1 strains in GenBank. The additional 6 nt motif was located in the non-coding region of nucleoprotein (NP) gene between nucleotides 1647 and 1648 of the entire genomic sequences of NDV LaSota, B1 and Clone-30 strains. The results of identity analysis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences showed that the identities between GX7/02, GX9/03, GX11/03 and ZJ1 strains were higher than that of the three strains of LaSota, B1 and Clone-30.


Purpose
This study aims to understand tourists' travel intention during the COVID-19 pandemic by using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with additional causal links and moderators. The three research objectives of this study are to explore basic causality, mediating effects of attitude and moderating effects of age and perceived risk, of the extended TPB model, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, the survey generated 351 responses. The structural model analysis was performed to test the cause-and-effect relationships in the traditional TPB model and the mediating role of an individual's attitude regarding travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SmartPLS multi-group analysis procedure was applied to test the moderation effects of age and perceived risk.

Findings
It is found that the perceived behavioral control is the main contributor of travel intention for the traditional TPB while attitude partially mediates the relationship between subjective norm and travel intention for the test of mediation. Also, moderation tests confirm that both age and perceived risk show significant moderating effect only on subjective norm to travel intention relationship.

Originality/value
The novelty of this research is that this study proposed and verified the mediating influence of attitude and two additional paths, the moderating influence of age and perceived risk, which deepened the understanding of the TPB model and the impact of COVID-19 on travel intention. Because TPB model is context-dependent, using one mediating and two moderating variables allows the study to understand how TPB functions in a different situation.


When grown in refined sand with one-twentieth normal K supply, cauli- flower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L. CV. Pusi) had lower dry matter and tissue concentration of K than the controls and developed visible symptoms characteristic of K deficiency. In K-deficient plants, the specific leaf weight, diffusive resistance, and proline concentration in leaves were significantly higher and relative water content (RWC), leaf water otential (ψ), stomatal aperture, stomatal density, and transpiration rate were significantly lower than in control plants. When K-deficient plants were supplied additional Na to the extent K was deficient, Na concentration in the plants increased and the plants recovered from the K deficiency effect on free proline con- centration, RWC, leaf water potential, stomatal aperture, stomatal density, specific leaf weight, diffusive resistance, and transpiration.


The purpose of this study has been to investigate the absorption of iron in various kinds of liver disease and to determine the influence of some of the factors which might affect absorption. Especial attention has bean paid to the possible role of the pancreas in influencing the absorption of iron in these conditions. The absorption of iron was studied in a total of 39 patients with liver disease. Twenty patients with iron-deficiency anaemia went also given iron absorption tests. Data from 61 normal control subjects and 46 patients with iron-deficiency anaemia was used in defining a range of absorption in normal and iron-deficient subjects. The absorption of iron was studied using the radio-isotope balance technique introduced by Dubach, Callender and Moore (1948). The principle of the method is that a known amount of activity is administered by mouth sad the amount of activity appearing in the faeces is determined. The amount of iron retained can then be calculated and equated to the amount absorbed. Using this method the absorption of labelled inorganic iron and food iron as represented by labelled haemoglobin was determined. The doses of iron were prepared so that 5 mg. of elemental iron was present in each dose of labelled ferrous sulphate or haemoglobin. The amount of radioactivity in each dose was also comparable and varied from 3 to 5 microcuries. The percentage of the dose given by mouth which was used for haemoglobin formation was determined from a blood sample taken 11 to 15 days after administration of the dose. Haematological investigations and biochemical tests were done by standard procedures. The results of iron absorption studies in normal control subjects given labelled ferrous sulphate showed in 45 observations on 37 subjects a mean absorption of 30 per cent. with a range of 7 to 70 per cent. The mean percentage appearing in the blood was 23 per cent. and the range 1 to 58 per cent. Iron absorption studies using labelled haemoglobin in normal control subjects showed in 24 subjects a mean absorption of 11 per cent. with a range of 0 to 32 per cent. The mean percentage of the dose which appeared in the blood was 6 per cent. and the range 0 to 21 per cent. In iron-deficient subjects absorption was increased. In 19 iron-deficient subjects given labelled ferrous sulphate the moan absorption was 54 per cent. with a range of 14 to 54 per cent. the mean percentage of the dose appearing in the blood was 53 per cent. with a range of 8 to 90 per cent. The absorption of labelled haemoglobin in 27 patients showed a mean value of 20 per cent. with a range of 1 to 56 per cent. The mean percentage appearing in the blood was 18 per cent. with a range from 0 to 40 per cent. Eight patients with haemochromatosis were investigated. Seven were untreated. They were ail tested with labelled haemoglobin. One patient had completed a full course of venesection end was not iron-laden. In the seven iron-laden patients the mean absorption of labelled haemoglobin was 12 per cent. with a range of 5 to 20 per cent. The amount of the dose utilised for red-cell formation showed a mean of 4 per cent. with a range of 1.5 to 7 per cent. In the patient who had been venesected absorption was 47 per cent. and the patient utilised 13 per cent. of the dose for red-cell formation. The absorption of iron in these patients was comparable to that seen in normal control subjects, but iron overload usually reduces absorption. Therefore this in fact represents a high absorption when the state of the increased tissue iron is taken into consideration. Seventeen patients with cirrhosis of the liver were studied using either labelled ferrous sulphate or labelled haemoglobin iron. In seven patients with cirrhosis of the liver given labelled ferrous sulphate the mean absorption was 63 per cent. with a range of 17 to 100 per cent., an increase in absorption which is statistically significant when compared with a group of normal control subjects. In 10 patients with cirrhosis given labelled haemoglobin the mean absorption was 37 per cent. with a range of 3 to 64 per cent. This increase in absorption was also statistically significant. Examination of this group of cirrhotic patients shows that nine had anaemia or recent bleeding which might be expected to increase absorption. However in the eight others no such complicating factor was present and in addition the saturation of the iron-binding capacity was increased. This group is noteworthy in that it contained patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis and also patients in whom cirrhosis was associated with alcoholism. Previous workers have suggested that increased absorption is specifically associated with alcoholic cirrhosis, but this was not confirmed. The utilisation of the absorbed iron was remarkably low in nearly all patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The levels of absorption seen in the cirrhotic patients frequently exceeded the upper limits seen in patients who were iron-deficient. The only other group who showed such high levels of absorption in this study were two chronic alcoholic subjects with little or no evidence of liver damage who absorbed 46 and 50 per cent. respectively of a dose of labelled haemoglobin. The low levels of absorption found in general in patients with acute liver disease and transfusion siderosis are in marked contrast to the findings in cirrhosis. In eight patients with acute liver disease the absorption of labelled ferrous sulphate varied markedly during the course of the illness. It is not possible to state a range of absorption but with the exception of lupoid hepatitis other acute forms of liver disease tended to show a low absorption at the beginning of the disease which rose with clinical Improvement or administration of steroid hormones. The mean absorption in four patients with transfusion siderosis given labelled haemoglobin was 5 per cent. with a range of 1 to 11 per cent. Utilisation of the dose of iron in these patieatft was extremely low. The findings by previous workers (Davis and Badenoch, 1962) that patients with primary pancreatic disease show an increased absorption of iron and the high incidence of pancreatic fibrosis reported in post-mortem studies on patients with cirrhosis of the liver and haemochromatosis prompted an investigation into the effect of pancreatin on the absorption of iron. This was studied using sequential iron absorption tests. Either the first or second dose of radioactive iron was accompanied by pancreatin; the order was determined randomly. In eight patients with haemochromatosis the mean absorption of labelled haemoglobin was reduced by the pancreatin from 17 to 9.7 per cent. In one treated patient with haemochromatosis absorption was reduced from 47 to 16 per cent. Although the reduction in absorption in the group as a whole was not statistically significant a definite trend is evident and further investigation with patients whose haemochromatosis has been treated is warranted. In six patients with cirrhosis of the liver the absorption of labelled ferrous sulphate was reduced from a mean level of 60 per cent. to 26 per cent. by pancreatin. The absorption of labelled haemoglobin was reduced from 56 to 32 per cent. in four patients. Thus pancreatin was effective in reducing the absorption of iron in both haemochromatosis and in cirrhosis of the liver, conditions known to be associated with pancreatic fibrosis. When pancreatin was given to patients with acute liver disease, a condition in which pancreatic fibrosis would not be expected to occur, there was no effect. There was a remarkably variable effect when pancreatin was given to iron-deficient subjects and the results in this particular group are without explanation at the moment. The findings in patients with liver disease suggest that the pancreas is normally responsible for producing some agent that has an inhibitory effect on iron absorption. In preliminary studies it has been shown that this inhibitory factor in pancreatic extract is heat labile and partly resistant to an acid medium. One of the constituents of pancreatin, the enzyme trypsin, has been shown to have an effect, though less marked than pancreatin, in reducing the absorption of iron, which suggests that enzymes are probably involved at some stage in the inhibition of iron absorption. The increase in the absorption of iron in patients with cirrhosis of the liver affords an explanation for the siderosis sometimes seen in cirrhosis. Although no patients in the present study showed florid manifestations of secondary siderosis, eight showed increased saturation of their iron-binding protein and some excess stainable iron was seen either in liver biopsy of bone-marrow biopsy in some patients. If these patients survive it is likely that they will show the features of the patients with cirrhosis and secondary haemosiderosis described by Caroli et al . (1964). The implications of the finding of increased iron absorption in some patients with cirrhosis of the liver are discussed with particular reference to the treatment of these patients with iron. The present study lends no support to the 'mucosal block' theory of the control of iron absorption but emphasises the role of factors acting within the lumen of the intestine which enhance or inhibit the absorption of iron.


Background. Many empirical studies have assessed the effect of adults' HIV infection on their livelihood. However, the effect of children's HIV status on their educational outcomes during adolescence has not been adequately investigated. Objectives . The study aims to evaluate the effect of household members' HIV infection and that of children on their educational outcomes (school enrolment and progression) during adolescence. Methods . Waves 1 to 4 of the South African National Income Dynamics Study panel data collected between 2008 and 2015 were used. Analytical samples contained data for 8 835 adolescents aged 10-19 years. Analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, logistic and linear regression as well as Oaxaca and Ransom decomposition methods. Results. Of the study sample, 7 176 were currently in school and 636 were not. HIV infection had no effect on adolescent school enrolment. Adolescent HIV infection significantly reduced their school progress index by about 8.41. The explanatory variables explained 18% of the adolescents' school progress gap associated with HIV infection. The unexplained gap might have been attributable to stigmatisation and/or unobserved morbidity associated with adolescents' HIV infection. Conclusion . Adolescent HIV infection affects their school progression. Education support should be targeted directly at HIV-infected children instead of targeting families with infected parents only.


ABSTRACT Returning old photographs to Sámi communities has been a part of modern repatriation policies, trying to recollect the Sámi heritage from museums, archives and collections outside the modern Sámi area. It is not only important to return items, such as photographs, but also to reconstruct the knowledge around them: to re-identify the old encounters and stories. The article suggests that the earlier interpretations have emphasised the inter-ethnic relations between the Sámi and the majority societies. When returned to local levels of Sámi communities, however, to be interpreted through the lenses of the Sámi subjects, the photographs tell multiple visualized stories about intra-ethnic "our histories", the recent past of families, kinships and small Sámi communities. The article is based on my experiences and the projects that have been carried out in Finland in the past 15 years, repatriating photographs to Sámi societies.


Services matter for economic growth and development. In most non-oil producing sub-Saharan African countries, the services sector is now the largest part of the economy, and as countries develop, the importance of the services sector tends to rise further. The provision of clean water, effective sewerage, a stable supply of energy, and access to education and health services is critical to increasing welfare and alleviating poverty. Services, such as telecommunications, energy, transport, and business services are important inputs into the production of goods and other services and hence influence productivity and competitiveness. Increasing the availability, affordability and quality of these services is crucial for economic growth and poverty reduction in all developing countries. In this context, international trade can play a key role in the development of services sectors in Africa. Opening up to services imports and foreign direct investment can be an effective mechanism to increase competition and efficiency in the provision of services in the domestic economy. In addition, services offer dynamic new opportunities for exports, but too often services are overlooked as a source of export diversification, with trade policies focusing solely on goods. Exports of services are of particular importance for land-locked countries for which opportunities to diversify into the export of manufactures is more limited by the high costs of transporting goods.


The kinetics of liquid crystal (LC) droplet formation in a UV-cured polymer has been studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We discuss a physical mechanism for the change in refractive index of the polymer matrix. The influence of initial condition of polymerisation on the optical characterstics of polymer-dispersed LC (PDLC) films has been investigated. The extremely important problem of optimising the contrast of PDLC displays is also discussed.


Soft Tissue Tumors (STT) are a form of sarcoma found in tissues that connect, support, and surround body structures. Because of their shallow frequency in the body and their great diversity, they appear to be heterogeneous when observed through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). They are easily confused with other diseases such as fibroadenoma mammae, lymphadenopathy, and struma nodosa, and these diagnostic errors have a considerable detrimental effect on the medical treatment process of patients. Researchers have proposed several machine learning models to classify tumors, but none have adequately addressed this misdiagnosis problem. Also, similar studies that have proposed models for evaluation of such tumors mostly do not consider the heterogeneity and the size of the data. Therefore, we propose a machine learning-based approach which combines a new technique of preprocessing the data for features transformation, resampling techniques to eliminate the bias and the deviation of instability and performing classifier tests based on the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Decision Tree (DT) algorithms. The tests carried out on dataset collected in Nur Hidayah Hospital of Yogyakarta in Indonesia show a great improvement compared to previous studies. These results confirm that machine learning methods could provide efficient and effective tools to reinforce the automatic decision-making processes of STT diagnostics.


The decomposition reactions of the Si precursor, diisopropylaminosilane (DIPAS), on W(110) and hydroxylated WO3(001) surfaces are investigated to elucidate the initial reaction mechanism of the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process using density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. The decomposition reaction of DIPAS on WO3(001) consists of two steps: Si-N dissociative chemisorption and decomposition of SiH3*. It is found that the Si-N bond cleavage of DIPAS is facile on WO3(001) due to hydrogen bonding between the surface OH group and the N atom of DIPAS. The rate-determining step of DIPAS decomposition on WO3(001) is found to be the Si-H dissociation reaction of the SiH3* reaction intermediate which has an activation barrier of 1.19 eV. On the contrary, sequential Si-H dissociation reactions first occur on W(110) and then the Si-N dissociation reaction of the C5H7NSi* reaction intermediate is found to be the rate-determining step, which has an activation barrier of 1.06 eV. As a result, the final products in the DIPAS decomposition reaction on WO3(001) are Si* and SiH*, whereas Si* atoms remain with carbon impurities on W(110), which imply that the hydroxylated WO3 surface is more efficient for the ALD process.


Temperate fruit crops are an important economic activity for growers in
southern Brazil. However, several pest species are associated to apple
( Malus domestica Borkh.) crops in Brazil. Pesticides are largely
used to control them and one way to change this is to combine selective
pesticides and predator insects. The goal of this research was to
evaluate the effects of the abamectin, carbaryl, fenitrothion,
methidathion, sulfur, and trichlorfon pesticides on the survival and
stage length of larvae and pupae, adult oviposition from treated
larvae, and hatched eggs of two Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861)
(Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) populations. The compounds were sprayed on
glass plates in accordance with the International Organization for
Biological Control (IOBC) recommendations. First- and second-instar
larvae were exposed to pesticide residues. Carbaryl, fenitrothion, and
methidathion caused 100% mortality of first- and second-instar larvae.
Changes in the number of eggs laid by females from first- and
second-instar larvae exposed to residues of abamectin and sulfur, or
abamectin, sulfur, and trichlorfon, respectively, were not observed.
Only abamectin reduced the number of hatched eggs laid by females in
Bento Goncalves from treated first-instar larvae. Sulfur reduced
the viability of C. externa eggs in Bento Goncalves and Vacaria
females from treated second-instar larvae, whereas trichlorfon and
abamectin reduced the viability of eggs in Vacaria females. In
conclusion, carbaryl, fenitrothion and methidathion were harmful to C.
externa. Trichlorfon was harmful to first-instar larvae and slightly
harmful to second-instar larvae. Abamectin and sulfur were slightly
harmful to first-instar larvae and harmless to second-instar larvae.


Bilateral electrolytic lesions were placed in the anterior basal hypothalamus of male Hartley-strain guinea pigs. The animals with anterior hypothalamic lesions and a group of sham-operated controls were sensitized 5-10 days postoperatively with ovalbumin in modified Freund's adjuvant. At 18-22 days following sensitization both groups were randomly divided into three subgroups and challenged by intrajugular injections of three different antigen doses. Anaphylactic death and the severity of anaphylaxis in the survivors were recorded. Antibody titers were determined prior to challenge with use of the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis technique. Serial sections of each brain were made for lesion localization. Significant protection against anaphylaxis was found in guina pigs with symmetrical lesions in the anterior hypothalamus. No significant differences in antibody titers were observed between the lesion and sham-operated groups. There were no significant differences in the response of isolated muscle strips from anterior-lesioned and sham-operated guinea pigs to exogenous histamine. Anterior hypothalamic lesions of size and location comparable to those that provided protection against lethal anaphylaxis did not modify the anaphylactic response of isolated ileum from actively sensitized animals or following passive sensitization in vitro.


Abstract Tests of self-awareness in nonhuman primates have to date been concerned almost entirely with the recognition of an animal's reflection in a mirror. By contrast, we know much less about non-human primates' perception of their place within a social network, or of their understanding of themselves as individuals with unique sets of social relationships. Here we review evidence that monkeys who fail the mirror test may nonetheless behave as if they recognize themselves as distinct individuals, each of whom occupies a unique place in society and has a specific set of relations with others. A free-ranging vervet monkey, baboon, or macaque recognizes other members of his group as individuals. He also recognizes matrilineal kin groups, linear dominance rank orders, and behaves as if he recognizes his own unique place within them. This sense of "social self" in monkeys, however, is markedly different from self-awareness in humans. Although monkeys may behave in ways that accurately place themselves within a social network, they are unaware of the knowledge that allows them to do so: they do not know what they know, cannot reflect on what they know, and cannot become the object of their own attention.