With the rapid vehicle volume growth on roads, the performance of urban road traffic systems is a major concern to transportation planners, road users, and all members of the urban community. The evaluation of the performance measures relies on the accuracy and reliability of the collected traffic data. This study investigates traffic speed measurement using GPS technique for parts of Al-Karada Khareeg road by identify the congested segments. The collected GPS points were mapped to the highway using "Arc Map 10" program in a GIS environment. Travel time, speed and congestion index values were measured along selected highway segments for evaluating the traffic condition of the highways. The benefit of this way is simple, and easy to understand.


Construction companies calculate their revenues and costs from constructing activities using the 'Percentage of Completion Method', which is based on ratio of actual construction cost to total costs estimated. The reliability of the net profit of construction companies is being evaluated lower than other industries due to incorrect application of 'Percentage of Completion Method' to cover losses actually occurred. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to verify the quality of earnings calculated based on 'Percentage of Completion Method' in terms of information usefulness. Results from empirical analysis show that investors in stock market underestimate the value of the construction companies' earning information by applying 'Percentage of Completion Method' and not actively use in investment decision making. Accordingly, it has been confirmed that the association between income information and stock prices falling. These results suggest the need for strict supervision of the supervisory authorities and the practical application of 'Percentage of Completion Method' in reliability.


Education is among the most impacted factors negatively associated with child marriage (CM). Girl's education affects their well-being, home community, and shows effects at the country-level. For this study, child brides (N=30), living in a remote rural area of Pakistan where child marriage is part of the culture and religious traditions of the community, provided responses to a standardized survey protocol. Correlation and regression analyses of the data showed three variables explained the large majority of the variation in the respondents' education levels post child marriage (R2 = .869, F(4, 25) = 48.988, p < .001). The variables tested aligned with the Potential Indicators of Gender Inequality in Education, by Domain. A child bride's perception of the legal age for marriage in Pakistan showed the main effect, while her level of responsibilities after marriage had a negative significant relationship with the dependent variable, Qualification/Certificate level at the time of the study. Finally, when the family members held the power of decision over a child bride's education, the mean value of the participants' education levels went up. A deep review of the literature provided insights into areas of family and community norms, Pakistan's educational context, and influences from institutions outside education. Vaughn's indicators of equitable practices for girls' education provided a frame to organize the review of the literature. The paper used a lens of honor cultures' to understand the social influences on the practice of child marriage. Recommendations and implications provide practical applications for next steps.


Super-resolution (SR) techniques designed for real-world applications commonly encounter two primary challenges: generalization performance and restoration accuracy. We demonstrate that when methods are trained using complex, large-range degradations to enhance generalization, a decline in accuracy is inevitable. However, since the degradation in a certain real-world applications typically exhibits a limited variation range, it becomes feasible to strike a trade-off between generalization performance and testing accuracy within this scope. In this work, we introduce a novel approach to craft training degradation distributions using a small set of reference images. Our strategy is founded upon the binned representation of the degradation space and the Fr\'echet distance between degradation distributions. Our results indicate that the proposed technique significantly improves the performance of test images while preserving generalization capabilities in real-world applications.


Тhe article considers the theoretical aspects of the anti-doping rules, compares the rules of the international doping regulation and the Russian doping regulation. The author notes that the topic of doping is rational in the legal bearing for Russian sport, and provides data on some of the prohibitions on domestic athletes to perform in international competitions. The research raises the question of the imperfection of anti-doping rules that define the concept of doping, standards of evidence. In order to study this question for certain, the facts about the earliest cases of the use of stimulant drugs are investigated, even when the question of their prohibition has not yet been raised. The article discusses the initial stages and forms of the penetration of doping into the sports and examine the first acts of international organizations on the restriction of certain substances to use in sport. As a result of the analysis of the rules contained in the anti-doping rules, the author comes to the conclusion that, for the moment, the definition of doping, which is contained in these norms, is not complete in content and thus the author offers his own version of the term of doping. The article considers the norms established by the anti-doping rules on the rights of athletes and the procedure for forming a list of substances prohibited for use in sports. Separately, the author makes an analysis of the possibility of obtaining permission for the therapeutic use of doping, and the author gives examples of abuse of this institution of anti-doping law. In support of this conclusion, the words of famous foreign athletes are quoted, which directly indicate that, being active athletes and performing for the national teams of their country, they often received permission to use doping as simulating a disease. In addition, the article analyzes some cases from the practice of considering doping disputes with Russian athletes participating in the Olympic Games, examines their position in the International Sports Arbitration in Lausanne. Particular attention is paid to the rules of the WADA Code on the rights of athletes held liable for violation of anti-doping rules and there is a tendency to reduce such rights in comparison with the previous version of the said act. For instance, the author deeply clarify the athlete's right to be represented by a lawyer in court and the right to receive copies of documents for examining a sample. Based on the results of the research, the author concludes on the necessity to expand the list of athlete's rights in order to exercise their right to rights protection, as well as and it is proposed to amend some doping regulations.


Injured skeletal muscle produces a series of inflammatory cytokines that activate the immune system. The pro-inflammatory factors in the lesions cause muscle loss most by activating the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway and enhancing autophagy-lysosome degradation pathway. Also it can affect the repair and remodeling of muscle tissue by inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells. However, the inflammation after injury is not all harmful. Destruction of tissue by phagocytic cells infiltrated by early inflammation will change the microenvironment. That is beneficial for muscle regeneration. The hallmark event of the muscle regeneration is that the macrophage transforms their phenotype. In that phase, immune cells produce cytokines with anti-inflammatory properties. These cytokines could promote muscle regeneration by down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and affecting stem cell proliferation and differentiation.


The uniaxial tensile strength of graphene nanosheets at 77 K was determined by the method of loading two-dimensional nano-objects with strong electric fields. It was shown that, for graphene sheets 0.5 to 2.8 nm thick, the maximum strength within the measurement error does not depend on the thickness of the sheets. The average strength, due to significant statistical dispersion, was 43% lower than its maximum value (92 GPa). The strength of graphene nanosheets is almost an order of magnitude greater than the strength of nanoneedle samples made from original carbon fibres. Evidence that graphene nanosheet strength does not depend upon sheet depth indicates the achievement of the ideal strength of these objects.The uniaxial tensile strength of graphene nanosheets at 77 K was determined by the method of loading two-dimensional nano-objects with strong electric fields. It was shown that, for graphene sheets 0.5 to 2.8 nm thick, the maximum strength within the measurement error does not depend on the thickness of the sheets. The average strength, due to significant statistical dispersion, was 43% lower than its maximum value (92 GPa). The strength of graphene nanosheets is almost an order of magnitude greater than the strength of nanoneedle samples made from original carbon fibres. Evidence that graphene nanosheet strength does not depend upon sheet depth indicates the achievement of the ideal strength of these objects.


In this paper, the nonideality effects such as non-ideal gain and parasitic-impedance effects on the low-frequency performance of two new grounded inductor simulators are investigated in great depth. In addition, some low-frequency-performance improvement methods for grounded inductor simulators are discussed. Both of the grounded simulated inductors derived from the previously published ones employ a minimum number of grounded passive components and plus-type second-generation current conveyors. Four second-order voltage-mode universal-filter topologies, three of which are novel, are derived from newly and previously developed simulated inductors as application examples. Computer simulations with SPICE program including ideal and experimental test results are drawn to verify theoretical ones.


A new multiclass Support Vector Machine (SVM) is presented, which can be used to find
the optimal decision boundaries in a multiclass classification problem. In the multiclass
classification problem the goal is to construct a decision function based on a set of objects
belonging to K different classes, such that the decision function best predicts the class label
of a new object.
The binary Support Vector Machine has been proven very successful for the classification
of objects belonging to two distinct classes. The present work extends the binary Support
Vector Machine to accommodate problems where objects belong to more than two classes. A
single optimization problem is constructed, in which all classes are considered simultaneously.
The suggested method is tested on a number of datasets, and compared with a number
of other classification methods. Performance comparison is done using a bootstrap scheme
which generates a confidence interval for the difference in performance between two classifiers.
The different classifiers are tested on four benchmark datasets and it is shown that the
proposed multiclass classification method performs at least as good as existing techniques.
On one dataset the proposed method performs significantly better than all other methods.
A comparison in computation time is also given, which shows that the proposed method
is slower than existing methods on datasets with a large number of objects or a large number
of classes. It is nonetheless believed that the proposed method provides a promising new
way of looking at multiclass classification problems.


Metamaterial absorbers deliver potential applications in the field of civil and military products. Herein, we proposed a dual-band metamaterial absorber in a range of terahertz (THz) frequency based on numerical simulations. A novel design of swastika-shaped microslots in aluminum film is introduced that displays two high absorbance peaks at the resonant frequencies of 2.77 THz and 3.42 THz, respectively. The microslots enhance the efficiency of the device by accumulating most of the energy inside the symmetrical organized micro-gaps. Impressively, high absorbance in the range of 100–60% is recorded for a wide range of angle of incidence (0°–70°) of the electromagnetic wave. Furthermore, the calculated absorbance considerably remains insensitive (>80%) to any angle of polarization. To achieve relatively easy and cost-effective fabrication of metamaterial absorbers, the proposed absorber is simply designed with micrometer scale slots that are simply ingrained along only the vertical and horizontal directions in the aluminum film.


and the adoption of a radiological classification of the stages of silicosis are of special importance for medical and medico-legal diagnosis. Reference to the report published in this journal in 1933, which has been mentioned, will show that almost all these aspects were mentioned at the discussion giving rise to the report. A great deal that was undetermined in 1933 still remains to be made clear. It is therefore to be expected that one of the questions to be put before the next conference is "the present state of knowledge of pathogenesis, clinical aspects and diagnosis of silicosis, siderosis, asbestosis, anthracosis and other forms of pneumokoniosis". Another inquiry will be into the present state of preventive measures, that is, the medical and social measures affecting the worker and mechanical and technical measures affecting the workplace. In this inquiry the assistance of physicists, chemists, biologists, engineers and other experts will be needed. The Governing Body refers to the special interest taken in this subject by the Australian Government and this is one of the reasons put forward for the proposal to hold the third International Conference in Australia. The proposal, it should be noted, is not yet a determination. We may take it, however, from the tone of the discussion that Australia is to be the venue of the conference, that the date will be as close as possible to the beginning of 1949, and that the duration will be about a fortnight. The occasion will be of great moment to medicine and to the allied sciences in this country. • €unent €omment.


In the Junggar basin, northwest China, many high gamma-ray (GR) sandstone reservoirs are found and routinely interpreted as mudstone non-reservoirs, with negative implications for the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas. Then, the high GR sandstone reservoirs' recognition principles, genesis, and log evaluation techniques are systematically studied. Studies show that the sandstone reservoirs with apparent shale content greater than 50% and GR value higher than 110API can be regarded as high GR sandstone reservoir. The high GR sandstone reservoir is mainly and directly caused by abnormally high uranium enrichment, but not the tuff, feldspar or clay mineral. Affected by formation's high water sensitivity and poor borehole quality, the conventional logs can not recognize reservoir and evaluate the physical property of reservoirs. Then, the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logs is proposed and proved to be useful in reservoir recognition and physical property evaluation.


Digital watermarking is a method to embed secret data into digital signals. We present a novel service that uses watermarking to add metadata into radio broadcast music. A user can record the music from radio loudspeakers and extract the watermark. The watermark can contain e.g. value adding metadata about the song or a link to an external server. This solution offers a new channel for mobile commerce


The non-coincidence of the maxima of the isotropic and the anisotropic profiles in Raman spectra has always been considered an efficacious probe of the structure and dynamics of polar liquids. An anomalous, negative non-coincidence effect has been observed in ring breathing modes of aromatic molecules, without dipole moment (p -xylene, mesitylene) or with a weak permanent dipole (toluene, o -xylene, m -xylene). Temperature effects and isotopic dilution have also been performed in toluene and o -xylene, confirming the presence of a resonant coupling mechanism. Previous analogous results of other aromatic non-polar liquids (benzene, hexafluorobenzene) have been confirmed. It has been hypothesized that quadrupolar intermolecular forces and steric repulsive interactions balance each other giving final negative values of non-coincidence effect.


Abstract Using the criterion of minimum expected variance and the Horvitz-Thompson estimator, we study various πPS (πi, the probability of inclusion of the ith unit, Proportional to Size) strategies and make a comparison between these strategies under a general super population model. This discussion further motivates the search for a class of designs which are best suited for the use of the Horvitz-Thompson estimator. A new class of such designs is obtained.


Performance characteristics of Electrically Small Antennas are limited by fundamental physics. Using Non-Foster elements into antennas structures appears like an opportunity to overshoot those limits. In this paper, a Negative Impedance Converter circuit is designed for antenna applications at 868 MHz. These active circuits, that produce Non-Foster negative capacitance or inductance, are known as sensitive circuits due to their nonlinearities that can produce instabilities. Thus, designing Negative Impedance Converters at Ultra High Frequency bands becomes quite challenging. Accurate design is strongly recommended to predict the final behavior of the circuit. The Negative Impedance Converter sensitivity is investigated with respect to Printed Circuit Board design through both simulation and measurement results.


Purpose: The present work is devoted to improving of flight safety in civil aviation by creating and implementing a new system of resolution of dynamic conflict of aircrafts. The developed system is aimed at ensuring a guaranteed level of safety when resolution of rarefied conflict situations of aircraft in real-time. Methods: The proposed system is based on a new method of conflict resolution of aircraft on the basis of the theory of invariance. Results: The development of the system of conflict resolution of aircraft in real time and the implementation of the respective algorithms such control will ensure effective prevention of dangerous approaches. Discussion: The system is implemented as single unified equipment using satellite and radar navigation systems that will ensure the positioning of aircraft in real time. Provided that the system should be installed on all aircraft and integrated on board to properly ensure its functionality and interact with navigation systems. Keyword: aircraft; air traffic; civil aviation; conflict situation; threat of collision.


Much work on the impact of past climatic fluctuations on the structure, distribution and genesis of biodiversity in Central Africa has focused on contrasts between rainforest and savannah biomes, and to a lesser extent on montane vs. lowland rainforests. Each of these biomes is characterized by different dominant plant taxa: grasses in savannahs, diverse tree species in lowland rainforests, and a relatively small number of tree species, distinct often at the familial level, in montane rainforests. These dominant taxa are in turn characterized by distinctive macro- and microfossils, and in the case of savannah and forest by different carbon isotopic signatures. Shifts in their distribution in space and time are thus evident in the fossil record. In contrast, much less is known about the historical biogeography of two more subtly contrasting kinds of communities, namely the lowland and submontane Guineo-Congolian rainforests. Floras and faunas of these two elevational zones include many related, but ecologically distinct, species, subspecies or ecotypes, and the broader application of molecular phylogeography is likely to reveal many further cases of cryptic genetic differentiation in relation to elevation. Whereas many submontane taxa have vicariant species essentially in lowland forests (e.g., Allanblackia, Pterygota, Scaphopetalum), some have more relatives at higher altitudes (e.g., Ocotea, Syzygium), suggesting different evolutionary histories. Pollen grains of related lowland and submontane plants are usually indistinguishable, and pollen spectra of lowland and submontane plant assemblages may be difficult to distinguish at best. Thus, the fossil record is largely silent on how climatic fluctuations have affected the distribution of lowland and submontane forests and their distinctive biodiversity, and palynologists and paleoecologists have accorded relatively little attention to the question. Nevertheless, this component of the biotic response to climatic change is most interesting in evolutionary terms, for its study often reveals speciation events that are recent, or even still in progress. After a brief review of biogeographical patterns in African submontane forests, we examine in detail how the different responses of ants to plants to elevational gradients has promoted the diversification of symbiotic ant/plant mutualisms within Guineo-Congolian rainforests, contributing to both the genesis of biodiversity (in speciation-engine "cradles") and its preservation against extinction (in refugial "museums"). (Texte integral)


BACKGROUND Laser intrastromal keratomileusis (LASIK) is an evolving technique which enables high degrees of myopia (>8.0 dioptres) and myopic astigmatism to be corrected. This paper describes initial experience with this procedure. It also details the methodology, the results, the problems encountered, and discusses retreatment procedures. METHODS 51 eyes (48 primary cases and three retreatments) underwent LASIK for simple myopia or compound myopic astigmatism. After the keratotomy was fashioned with a Chiron corneal shaper, the ablation was performed with either a Summit or Meditec excimer laser. The actual preoperative astigmatism ranged from −0.5 D to −6.0 D (in the astigmatic myopic LASIK (AML) series), while the range of preoperative myopia in the combined myopic LASIK (ML) and AML series was −8.0 D to −37.0 D. Of the ML cases, group 1 (−8.0 to −15.0 D (dioptres)), group 2 (> −15.0 to −20.0 D), and group 3 (> −20.0 D) had mean preoperative myopia values (spherical equivalent) of −11.26 D, −16.84 D and −27.78 D. The same groupings (1, 2, and 3) for the AML cases had respective values of −9.702, −17.4, and −23.08. In the AML series the mean preoperative astigmatism was −2.109 D. Follow up ranged from 8 to 27 months (mean 15.8 months). Six of the cases required retreatment. RESULTS There was a reduction in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (of 1 Snellen line) in seven of the primary cases (14.5 %) (three in the ML group and four in the AML group), and in one of the retreatment cases. The BCVA improved in 28 cases (58%) in the primary treatment group. The mean correction attempted (spherical equivalent) for the ML groups 1, 2, and 3 was 10.51 D, −14.5 D, and −27.78 D, versus a mean correction achieved of −9.445 D, −15.625 D, and −21.571 D. Similarly, for the AML groups, attempted correction values were −9.702 D, −17.4 D, and −23.08 D, while the values achieved were −6.95 D, −51.425 D, and −15.708 D. Regression was minimal and stabilisation of the refractive result was achieved in all groups, except group 3 of the ML series, by the 3 month examination period. The mean postoperative astigmatism in the AML series was −0.531 D. Vector analysis of the AML series showed that the mean surgically induced astigmatism was +0.93 D. The most common complication encountered was undercorrection, which occurred in 35 cases—23 cases in the ML group and 12 cases in the AML series. Twenty eight per cent of the ML cases, and 25% of the AML cases were within plus or minus 1.5 D of the attempted refraction. CONCLUSION For the correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism, LASIK results in less postoperative pain and relatively little subepithelial haze compared with high myopic photorefractive keratectomy. Furthermore, a stable refraction and reasonably predictable outcome occurs much earlier. High myopia up to −37.0 D can be corrected, albeit with some limitations at the extremes of myopia—in terms of the amount of myopia correctable; this represents a limitation of the technique. Retreatment is a technically straightforward and effective way to treat undercorrection. Undercorrection, the main complication seen in our series, should become less common when the ablation algorithms are further refined.


An 8-bit 10-GHz 8× time-interleaved SAR ADC in 28-nm CMOS incorporates an aggressively scaled DAC with grouped capacitors in a symmetrical comb structure to afford a threefold reduction in the bottom-plate parasitic capacitance. A dual-path bootstrapped switch decouples critical signal from nonlinear capacitance to boost the sampling SFDR by more than 5 dB. The ADC demonstrates an SNDR of 36.9 dB at Nyquist while consuming 21 mW, yielding an FoM of 37 fJ/conv.-step, the lowest among the reported ADCs with similar speeds and resolutions and more than 2× improvement from the state-of-the-art.


We investigated the contributions that unmanned sensor imagery provides to platoon leaders operating in a force-on-force experiment. We followed the platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and Robotics Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) as they conducted reconnaissance missions against a live, unscripted opposing force (OPFOR) in the Ft. Dix, New Jersey environment. Our situation awareness (SA) survey methodology was consistent with the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT) (Endsley, 2000). We randomly asked leaders to answer questions about the OPFOR and to draw their locations on a map. We later compared these answers and drawings with computer-generated maps that showed geo-referenced positions of the OPFOR. Our findings indicate that leader SA was higher, in general, when using unmanned sensor technology than when relying upon human intelligence alone. However, the ability of leaders to consistently demonstrate high levels of SA across trials was disappointing. We believe this is due, in part, to the uneven performance of the sensor imagery, the periodic failure of the communication system due to dense foliage of the site, and the inability of the leaders to develop effective tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for the persistent monitoring of the sensor images and coordination with unmanned sensor operators.


Tax has an important role in the country, namely as one of the largest sources of revenue. The existence of obstacles in tax revenue makes the government or in this case the Directorate General of Tax implement several new policies aimed at increasing tax compliance. However, the target of tax revenue is still not realized in accordance with the planning that has been done.Thus the study aims to determine the effect of the Automatic Exchange of Information system, the modern tax administration system, and the tax audits of tax compliance. The object examined in this study is Tax Office in the area of Soloraya. This type of research is quantitative research. The population in this study is a tax employee who is in the position of account representative (AR) and functional examiner in the Tax Office in the Soloraya. The sample of this study was selected using a simple random sampling technique and obtained 75 respondents. This study uses primary data obtained from questionnaires that have been filled by respondents. The results of the study indicate that the Automatic Exchange of Information System and tax audit have an effect on tax compliance, while the modern tax administration system has no effect on tax compliance .


The design of slender beams, that is, beams with large laterally unsupported lengths, is commonly controlled by stability limit states. Beam buckling, also called "lateral torsional buckling," is different from column buckling in that a beam not only displaces laterally but also twists about its axis during buckling. The coupling between twist and lateral displacement makes stability analysis of beams more complex than that of columns. For this reason, most of the analytical studies in the literature on beam stability are concentrated on simple cases: uniform beams with ideal boundary conditions and simple loadings. This paper shows that complex beam stability problems, such as lateral torsional buckling of rectangular beams with variable cross-sections, can successfully be solved using homotopy perturbation method (HPM).


AIM
to compare respiratory function and laboratory data with the radiographic stages of intrathoracic sarcoidosis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Three hundred and eleven patients (70.4% for women and 29.6% for men; mean age, 44.7±0.6 years) with histologically verified sarcoidosis underwent X-ray computed tomography, spirography, estimation of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO), oxygen saturation, blood count and serum total calcium blood test. The patients were assigned according to sarcoidosis stages as follows: 3.9% with stage 0; 16.4% with stage I; 65.3% with stage II; 13.2% with stage III; 1.3% with stage IV, and 12.9% with Löfgren's syndrome. Results. DLCo decreased together with an increasing sarcoidosis stage (<80% of the due X2=8.69 for DLCO; p=0.057); the difference was significant between stages I (84.2±2.8%) and III (76.1±2.9%, p=0.05). According to the radiographic changes, there were decreases in forced vital capacity (FVC) from 99.0±2.5% in stage I to 76.1±3.5% in Stage IV and in forced instantaneous expiratory flow rate at 75% of lung volume (FEF75) from 64.4±3.1 to 44.0±5.9%, respectively. DLCO correlated with FVC, peak expiratory flow, and FEF, (p<0.01) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) did only with FVC. There was a strong association between the decrease in DLCO and FVC below 80% of the due values (X2=28.23; d.f.=1; p<0.001). L6fgren's syndrome failed to affect functional data. In the patients with Löfgren's syndrome, the serum level of calcium was significantly lower (2.09±0.10 versus 2.35±0.02 mmol/l(p=0.023); however, this indicator did not significantly differ between the radiological stages of intrathoracic sarcoidosis.

CONCLUSION
In sarcoidosis, the changes in DLCO and FVC vary with radiological stages. Decreased SaG2 was observed in Stage IV. The total level of total blood calcium is an indicator independent of the radiological stages of sarcoidosis.


www.ccmjournal.org Critical Care Medicine • Volume 46 • Number 1 (Supplement) Learning Objectives: Pain is common among trauma patients and has historically been managed with opioids. Opioid abuse and adverse effects have sparked interest in the use of non-opioid agents as an adjunct to opioids, but there is limited data to support this strategy in trauma. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of combination gabapentin and methocarbamol as a component of multimodal pain therapy in the trauma population. Methods: Single center, retrospective study of patients admitted to the trauma service for > 72 hours between June 2012 and February 2017. Primary outcome was cumulative opioid use in morphine equivalents over the first 4 days of admission in patients receiving combination gabapentin and methocarbamol (MMPC) compared to opioid only regimens. Secondary outcomes included opioid use up to 7 days, adverse effects (constipation, nausea/ vomiting, or respiratory depression), and length of stay (LOS). A subgroup analysis including patients with rib fractures was also performed. Results: 1899 patients were screened with 200 included; 100 in both the MMPC and opioid only group. Groups were similar except for a higher injury severity score and more patients with rib fractures in the MMPC group. The MMPC also had lower use of IV APAP, but higher use of NSAIDs and scheduled opioids. The mean daily dose of gabapentin and methocarbamol in the MMPC group was 687 ± 310 mg and 2193 ± 574 mg, respectively. There was not a statistically significant difference found in the primary outcome of cumulative opioid use after 4 days (55 mg [29, 103] MMPC vs. 65 mg [41,110] opioid, p = 0.17). There were also no statistically significant differences in cumulative opioid use at 7 days (93 [34, 158] in MMPC versus 150 [70, 243] in opioid, p = 0.51), adverse effects, or LOS. In the rib fracture subgroup, there was significantly lower opioid use at 4 days (50 mg [22,95] vs. 78 mg [49,138], p < 0.01) and at 7 days in the MMPC group (93 mg [35, 15] vs. 150 mg [173, 119], p < 0.01). Conclusions: In this retrospective study, MMPC resulted in decreased opioid use although this did not reach statistical significance. Patients with rib fractures on MMPC had a significant decrease in opioid requirements. This and other subgroups warrant study to further evaluate the benefit of MMPC. 1623


Rum distillery slops proved to be a valuable medium for the growth of molds rich in mycelial protein. High reductions of BOD and total sugar content of the medium were obtained. The nitrogen content of recovered slops decreased as mycelial yield increased, indicating that the mold utilizes nitrogen for its growth. Increases in the pH of the slops were observed in all growth experiments conducted. Two mold strains compared favorably with the control mold strain in comparative mold screening tests among 12 strains investigated. Variations in protein content of mycelia were observed among the different strains studied. BOD reductions of slops were found proportional to mycelial yields, 30-53% after eight days' growth with the best strains tested.


Within the framework of French accelerated criminal procedure, a social investigator meets with the suspect to carry out an inquiry of his financial, employment and family status. Based upon a corpus of recordings of 11 such meetings, this article presents the organization of the central phase of the encounter, heavily structured by interrogative sequences in which the suspect answers questions from the investigator, followed by post-expansions that confirm the responses. The article focuses on one particular sequence of an encounter in which the suspect repeatedly replies "I don't know". These responses locally produce the suspect's inability to speak about certain points in his past that he is asked about - an inability seemingly unrelated to a lack of knowledge. The author argues that the suspect's responses are displayed as related to emotions he has associated with the topic at hand. The article covers the two interlocutors' production of these responses' intelligibility, as well as its link to the in situ shaping of a social investigation in a judicial setting.


The aim of this study is to provide insight into the property specific characteristics that influence the performance of retail property. Property specific characteristics refer to attributes that are connected with the individual stores or the shopping centre as a whole. Examples of these factors are the tenant mix, the storefront, the parking space, etc. It is presumed that property managers will be able to manage the performance of retail property better if they have insight into the relevant property specific characteristics. In this paper the property specific characteristics that have a measurable influence on the performance of retail property are determined through analysis of secondary data.


K-Ar ages have been determined on hornblendes from seven metamorphic rocks and two Funatsu Granitic Rocks from the Hida Metamorphic Belt. The ages of metamorphic rocks range from 174 to 223 m.y., and grouped into two: about 220 m.y. and 175-195 m.y. The former ages represent the time of the main metamorphism in the Hida Metamorphic Belt, whereas the latter may have resulted from rejuvenation by the intrusion of the Funatsu Granitic Rocks or from slow cooling. An age of 180 m.y. is obtained on hornblende from the Shimonomoto type of the Funatsu Granitic Rocks, and it confirms the time of intrusion for the Funatsu Granitic Rocks. Hornblende from augen gneiss , gives an age of 213 m.y., which is similar to that of hornblendes from the Hida Metamorphic Rocks, thus suggesting that the augen gneiss is genetically different from the typical Funatsu Granitic Rocks. It is interpreted that hornblendes dated here contain no excess argon.


Using observational data from a longitudinal real-time field study, we contribute theoretically, empirically, and methodologically to the role of routines in new product design and development. We focus on the work being done by formal representations and formal routines in the design and development of a complex capital good. We find that, contrary to the emphasis in much of the literature, formal routines and representations, in particular those embodied in artifacts, while pervasive, play only a limited role. Rather, of greater influence are the various non-formal representations used to support interaction and communication: representations from routines (and elsewhere), instead of formal representation of routines. We propose a rebalancing of the relationships between routines and representations, a dialectical and mediating --in contrast to a linear and genetic--relationship. Copyright 2009 The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Associazione ICC. All rights reserved., Oxford University Press.


The coupled nonlinear coordinate and spin dynamics of an electron in a double quantum dot with spin-orbit interaction is studied semiclassically. The system is driven by an electric field with the frequency matching the orbital or the Zeeman resonance in magnetic field. Calculated evolution of the spin state is crucially sensitive to the irregularities in the spatial motion and the geometry of the host nanostructure. The resulting spin-flip Rabi frequency has an unusual dependence on the field amplitude, demonstrating approach to the chaotic spin motion. In turn, the orbital dynamics depends strongly on the spin evolution due to the spin-dependent term in the electron velocity.


Usefulness of financial statements – practical aspects The paper presents the practical aspects of using financial statements as a trustworthy and transparent source of information for all users of financial statements, including investors and banks. In business practice, usefulness of financial statements depends primarily on two factors: adequacy of financial information presented in the statements from end users' point of view and comparability of the statements in the vertical view (subsequent periods) as well as in the horizontal view (between entities in specific industry). Comparability of financial statements is the one of the aims of the Conceptual Framework, but it is still difficult to be achieved, among others because of leeway given by IAS/IFRS. The example of that is the IAS and IFRS proposal allowing more than one method of balance sheet elements valuation based on the fair value concept. Moreover they are not consistent in the case of business transactions recognition in financial statements, allow various interpretations of the same financial event and seem to be too complex and complicated for the end user. The paper elaborates the results of a survey executed in 2014 among participants of WIG40 and Catalyst index confirming serious difficulties in applying IAS/IFRS. Despite the International Accounting Standards Board's efforts to promote fair value in financial statements, it is still hard to ensure high quality of financial information.


Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are a new biologically targeted therapy, which may offer new hope in the treatment of patients with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancers. In this review, we summarize and discuss the results of research to date on EGFR inhibitors with particular emphasis on ovarian cancer. We reviewed data identified by searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, and abstracts from the proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology meetings from 1998 to 2006, with the search terms "Ovarian Cancer," "EGFR," "gefitinib, ZD1839, Iressa," "erlotinib, OSI-774, Tarceva," "CI-1033," " GW 572016, lapatinib," "PKI-166," "EKB 569," "anti-EGFR antibodies," "trastuzumab, Herceptin," "cetuximab, Erbitux, IMC-C225," "matuzumab, EMD 72000," "panitumamab, ABX-EGF," "pertuzumab," and "vandetanib, rINN, Zactima, ZD6474." Phase II trials of both small molecule inhibitors of EGFR- and antibody-based inhibitors are currently ongoing in ovarian cancer and emerging data suggest that their activity in unselected women with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer is modest, when utilized as a single agent. It is possible that these agents will be highly effective in smaller subsets of patients whose tumors are dependent on EGFR signaling, perhaps through activating mutations in EGFR or its downstream pathway. Targeted therapy with EGFR inhibitors is an untapped potential resource in the treatment of advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer. Ongoing trials will elucidate the most effective strategies to use these agents individually or in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic agents.


New Generation Access (NGA), are the networks built according to a new architecture approach, so called as 'future' network access, which bypasses the limitations of the traditional copper network (Cu) bandwidth and services, offering high speeds, covering the needs of subscribers over a long time and transforming the traditional complex network in a single network where all the services are supported under the IP protocol. The shift towards the use of optical fibers for NGA is almost obligatory while perhaps the only obstacle that could slow down the expansion of NGA networks is the prohibitive cost of installing a purely optical FTTH (Fiber to the home) or a FTTB (Fiber to the building) network where the optical fiber starts from the urban center and ends within the home (FTTH) or the building (FTTB), respectively. To facilitate the implementation of such a large investment by various telecom operators in Greece, there were public consultations to establish regulations, in effect since 2009 for our country, especially regarding the internal telecommunication building's wiring and the strengthening of the FTTH and FTTB architectures. However, the weak economic power of private investors in Greece and the absence of European co-financing or public investment to the telecom companies in our country generated the need to design an alternative techno-economic plan for the development of NGA networks and Broadband in our country. The solution in that direction was given by the dominant telecommunication provider in the country, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE S.A.), who owns the urban copper network covering up to 92% of the telecom map of Greece. OTE has already invested in the NGA networks € 2 billion over the last five years. The form of the NGA developed by OTE was based on the innovation of combining copper and fiber optic technologies where two different cables coexist and cooperate in providing services and VDSL2 and FTTC (Fiber to the Cabinet) for the development of the NGA technology. Basically, for the development of this NGA model, OTE exploits the existing outgoing copper network of the outdoor cabinets, by replacing them with the advanced cabinets types C2 or C3, placing fiber from the urban center to the cabin and ensuring the bandwidth of 50 Mbps with a much lower cost compared to architectural FTTH and FTTB. In this master thesis apart from the analysis of each individual part of the NGA's technology, we also present the traditional structure of the copper access networks, the transition and the replacement of the FTTX architecture and the widespread use of optical fiber and finally we describe the successor of the NGA networks the PONS (Passive optical networks). However the main purpose of this thesis is to present and highlight the way in which through a Geographic Information System - (GIS), we can carry out a techno-economical study of an NGA project. The preparation and utilization of an NGA project case study was implemented with the GIS application developed by OTE which is capable to conduct studies of NGA projects.


We study the influence of the anomaly on the physical quantum picture of the generalized chiral Schwinger model defined on S. We show that the anomaly i) results in the background linearly rising electric field and ii) makes the spectrum of the physical Hamiltonian nonrelativistic without a massive boson. The physical matter fields acquire exotic statistics. We construct explicitly the algebra of the Poincare generators and show that it differs from the Poincare one. We exhibit the role of the vacuum Berry phase in the failure of the Poincare algebra to close. We prove that, in spite of the background electric field, such phenomenon as the total screening of external charges characteristic for the standard Schwinger model takes place in the generalized chiral Schwinger model, too. PACS numbers: 03.70+k , 11.10.Mn.


Faculty of Sciences, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis from April to May 2010 to improve salt tolerance during germination stage. For this purpose, two crosses and their progenies (F1, F2, BC1Ps and BC1Pr) were used based on shoot length at different salinity levels (0, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 mmol/L). Significant differences for salt tolerance between means of generations were observed in all the treatments. Separate generation means analysis indicated that inheritance of resistance to salt at germination stage was dependent upon the level of salinity. With low salinity level (50 and 75 mmol/L), only additive and dominance effects were implicated in the genetic control of this trait. For moderate salinity level (100 and 150 mmol/L) in the two crosses, genetic interactions were solicited and the digenic epistatic model was sufficient to explain variation in generation means. However, for the 200 mmol/L treatment, none of these models explained the variations in generation means and probably, higher order interactions or genes linkage were solicited. The estimated values of narrow-sense heritability were dependent on the cross and the salinity level and ranged between 29 and 90%. The results of this study indicated that selection in specific environments is useful for enhancing resistance to salt, but it may not be effective in providing resistance across a wide range of environments. Keys words: Durum wheat, genetic-adaptability, salinity level.


Solution-collapse breccia pipes are common features in northwestern Arizona. They were mineralized with uranium, but associated with it are a suite of elements ( e.g., As, Mo, V, Ba, Cu, Pb, and Fe) that may form other ore minerals. Breccia bodies are in some cases cut by cave passages, such as at Corkscrew Cave, Arizona, where such structures are exposed along the walls and on the cave ceilings. The abundance of gypsum and barite throughout the cave and their isotopically light δ34S value (−11 to −7‰) suggest deposition from warm sulfidic solutions that were also responsible, at least in part, for development of the recent cave passages that dissect older paleokarst breccia bodies. The presence of calcite showing depleted δ18O values (−11.3 and −16.9‰) is considered indicative of a low-temperature hydrothermal episode in the deposition history of cave minerals. Groundwater percolating through the breccia-pipe bodies mobilized and transported ore-related ions into the cave, where they formed a unique assemblage of minerals ( i.e., hornesite, talmessite, carnotite, tyuyamunite, claudetite, and powellite) that mirror breccia-pipe mineralization.


ABSTRACT Bunicontro, M.P.; Marcomini, S.C., and López, R.A., 2020. Coastal morphology and human intervention in Golfo Nuevo, Patagonia Argentina. Journal of Coastal Research, 36(4), 780–794. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The Patagonian coastal zone is a complex and dynamic macrotidal environment that is sparsely urbanized, except locally where large cities are located. This human occupation has affected the natural beach dynamics and induced drastic coastal changes in the past 40 years that demand a redirection of initiatives to provide a basis for management efforts. This study analyzes the coastal morphology and beach characteristics of Golfo Nuevo (Chubut, Argentina) for modelling coastal behaviour through field measurements along 17 beach profiles. Beaches were classified into four types according to their sediment grain size, morphology, and morphometric parameters (beach width and gradient). Also, the coast was divided into five categories according to the coastline morphologies and environmental quality: (1) littoral pediments, (2) cliff-top dunes and aeolian ramps, (3) active cliffs, (4) beach ridge terraces, and (5) dunes. Additionally, different human interventions were analyzed to determine how they have affected the natural coastal equilibrium. The coast was divided into low, moderate, and high levels of intervention according to the status of the landscape modification. The most shocking activities were identified as mining (gravel and sand extraction), coastal armouring with hard defences, and urban building. Indeed, the most affected and vulnerable coastal areas have been beach ridge terraces and coastal dunes. It was determined that the coastal extension affected by these human activities reaches at least 37% of the study zone, increasing beach and coastal erosion susceptibility. The coastal classification and the evaluation of human intervention were combined and used to perform an accurate zoning map of the coastal environment. This map represents an essential tool for decision makers of Puerto Madryn city, showing clearly the most vulnerable places where coastal planning strategies urgently need to be applied for a sustainable use of resources.


Abstract Recently, changes to our pace of living and to our quality of life (including demands of our leisure possibilities) have been rapid. We now expect higher standards of living filled with goods, services, and recreation activities unimaginable some decades ago. In the last two decades, there have been massive changes in work, communication, and travel resulting in what could be described as "leisure revolution." The opportunities have increased in terms of both the time available and the variety of ways in which we can spend this time. Several aspects of physical exercise benefits are well recognized: we know that active recreation is especially stimulating and rewarding and that it helps to achieve sharper mental awareness and heightened consciousness. To be able to enjoy everyday outdoor active recreation and sports (netball, badminton, etc.), there has to be a network of recreation grounds and a supply of facilities that respond to the needs and expectations of society. The study of contemporary trends of leisure provision could be an essential spatial planning tool when contemporary housing estates functional programs are considered. Our research study (conducted on the basis of grants ds-114 and ds-144 AWF JP Warsaw; 2008-2012, supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education) aimed to provide information on present trends in the area of active recreation that could impinge on leisure facilities expected at urban housing estates (outdoor recreation grounds).


The influence of 1-decene as the second monomer on the melt-grafting behavior of maleic anhydride (MAH) onto polypropylene (PP) was studied with differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We found that the value of the grafting degree increased from 0.68% for pure MAH-g-PP to 1.43% for the system with a 1-decene/MAH molar ratio of 0.3, whereas the maximum value with styrene (St) as the second monomer was 0.98% under an St/MAH molar ratio of 1.0. Compared with the contribution of St/MAH-g-PP to the peeling strength between the PP and polyamide (PA) layer for a PP/PA laminated film, the introduction of 1-decene/MAH-g-PP increased the peeling strength from 180 g/15 mm to 250 g/15 mm. 1-Decene inhibited the chain scission behavior of PP. 1-Decene reacted with MAH to form a 1-decene/MAH copolymer or the Alder-ene reaction product before the two monomers grafted onto PP. The grafting of the reactive product onto PP greatly improved the grafting degree of MAH. What is more, because of the similar chemical structures of 1-decene and PP, the affinity of 1-decene with PP was higher than that of St. Compared with St, the introduction of less 1-decene led to a higher grafting degree and higher peeling strength. Therefore, we concluded that 1-decene was more effective for improving the grafting degree of MAH onto PP. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011


Muhammad Faiz Fairuzzabadzi: The Effect of Edutainment Method on Students' Speaking Skill at Seven Grade Student of MTs SITI KHADIJAH Sindangwangi Majalengka.
The main duty of teacher is carrying out activities of learning. The teacher should know the meaning of learning activity, learning strategy in order to create an effective activity of leraning. One of learning object is English language. There are four major skills of English that the learners have to improve one of them is speaking. In teaching speaking of English the teacher should select suitable method in order the learner could improve their speaking skill. One of the method is edutainment method. Edutainment come from the word education and entertainment, Basically edutainment is a method of teaching which requires students to be more active in learning. And edutainment also content with a high degree of both educational and entertainment value.
The aims of doing research are (1) to know the sudents' activity while teaching – learning, (2) to know the different improvement of students' result study in learning English, (3) to know the respond of student.
This resaerch has done in MTs SITI KHADIJAH Sindangwangi, exactly in the Seven Class of A as Experiment Class, and Seven Class of B as Control Class both class consisting 30 students. the technique of collecting data which applied by the writer are observation (field note), test (practical oral test), and questionnaire. The writer use quantitative method in the resarch. The data which have been collected will be analyzed by the sample paired T test.
The improvement result of study on the students of experiment class is more better than the students of control class this thing provable with the average result of speaking practical test 69.25 in the experiment class, and 65.71 in the control class. And for the respond of student who tought by edutainment method is better with the average 98.87 for positive statement with strong criteria, and 91.38 for negative statement with strong criteria. By looking the result of research finding above, the writer can conclude that the effect of edutainment method on students's speaking skill could improve the result of study on student and give a good contribution toward speaking skill of student.
Keyword: Edutainment method, Students outcome, Students respond


This paper examines the link between healthcare access/utilization and health outcomes in Turkey within a spatial framework. Our initial set of findings highlight an overall duality in health indicators which is getting stronger once spatial dimension is included. Specifically we find wider spatial dichotomy for health outcomes relative to access and utilization measures. Finally once we consider unobserved heterogeneity, spatial spillovers and spatial variability; our results pin point a non-robust link between healthcare access/utilization measures and health outcomes which works better among the already developed regions of Turkey. Overall our combined results indicate an ongoing polarization of health-based human capital development which coincides with local variations of the relationship between healthcare access/utilization and outcomes in Turkey.


The following paper describes a multidisciplinary approach to design a wing with almost optimal aerodynamic efficiency during the entire cruise flight. Therefore a tight collaboration between structural mechanics and aerodynamics is necessary. Aerodynamic aspects are described here to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of the design process, but they are not explained very deeply. The paper focuses on structural aspects, e.g. description of the tasks of the wings structural members, their placement within the wing and the modeling of the actual wing structure.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and economic implications of adding human papillomavirus (HPV) testing to the follow-up and management protocol of women with a histological diagnosis of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1).

METHODS
The study cohort consisted of 314 women with histological diagnosis of CIN1 and who met the inclusion criteria. They were followed-up by pap smears and samples for HPV tests that were obtained and analyzed on the first visit after referral. HPV assessment was carried out later. Colposcopy and biopsies were performed when there were two consecutive abnormal pap results or positive HPV tests. Women with any degree of CIN underwent cone biopsies.

RESULTS
The positive predictive value (PPV) of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and high-grade squamous epithelial lesion to identify high-grade lesions (CIN2-3) were 48.9 and 95%, respectively. The PPV of low-risk HPV type for CIN1 and that of high-risk HPV type for CIN2-3 were both 97%. Of the 314 study participants, 68 (21.6%) patients were positive for HPV analysis, and 67 of these (98.5%) had either CIN1 or CIN2-3 on the cone biopsy, with an overall PPV of 95%. The cost effectiveness ratio was $1457 per additional case detected by the "HPV approach."

CONCLUSIONS
Testing for the presence of high-risk HPV types is both clinically and economically more beneficial than cytology in the follow-up and management of patients with a diagnosis of CIN 1 because of its better sensitivity, specificity, and PPV reports.


Waterlogging strongly affects agronomic performance and yield of maize. In order to investigate the genetic basis of maize seedling response, remapping of the majors quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with waterlogging tolerance (WT) related traits were subjected, including plant height, root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, total dry weight, during maize seedling stage by using advanced backcross QTL (AB-QTL) analysis approach in a mixed linear model and inclusive composite interval mapping method under waterlogging and control conditions. A 266 BC2F2 population derived from a cross between a waterlogging-tolerant line 'HZ32' and a susceptible line 'K12' was used. A new linkage map constructed, consisting of 167 polymorphic SSR markers, spanned 1797.6 cM in length across a maize genome, with an average distance of 10.8 cM between adjacent markers. A total of 44 and 25 putative QTLs were detected under waterlogging treatment and control conditions, respectively. These QTLs were distributed over all 10 chromosomes, and had LOD scores ranging from 2.58 to 14.74, explaining 3.46 to 24.37% phenotypic variation in the individual traits. Out of which, thirty one major QTLs individually accounted for more than 10% of the phenotypic variation; they were governed traits associated with RL, PH, SDW, RDW, TDW and RFW were mapped in the different genomic region on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9. The results reveal that the former major QTL mapped by AB-QTL, could be selected in backcross population for fine mapping of waterlogging tolerance. The results also may provide new insight into the molecular basis of the waterlogging response of seedlings stage and useful markers for MAS and further genetic studies on maize waterlogging tolerance.


In this work, we present a new method for recognizing planar objects by matching multiple concavities of object boundaries in a projective invariant manner. Object boundaries are first decomposed into several concavities using bitangents and obtained concavities are then sorted. Corresponding concavities are aligned by using the projective matrix computed from their bitangent and tangent points. Best concavities are selected based on the Hausdorff distance between aligned concavities. This subset of concavities is then used to align original and transformed objects. Closeness of two aligned objects is checked by the same distance metric. Proposed method is verified by several experiments


This article delves into Langston Hughes's use of blues and gospel music in his poetry. It explores how his poetry has helped challenge traditional views of African-American art. Hughes promotes African-American identity and culture, and advocates for principles such as freedom, democracy, and brotherhood. Hughes's poetry celebrates both spirituals and the blues, recognizing their power to evoke emotions and capture the essence of the human spirit. Despite the differences between the two genres, Hughes sees a greater bond that unifies them as part of the broader African-American culture. Hughes believes that his poetry should be performed and recited with musical accompaniment to enhance and strengthen communication. In this sense, music serves as a strong and unifying force that can inspire participation, dialogue, and engagement with African-American culture. This article examines how Hughes's poetry reflects the blues and gospel traditions and how his art is not isolating but ultimately unifying. By analyzing specific poems, such as "The Weary Blues" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," this article demonstrates how Hughes's use of blues and gospel music speaks to a broader cultural context and how it is an integral part of African-American identity. Furthermore, the article highlights how Hughes's work has been influential in promoting African-American culture and identity. Through his poetry, Hughes seeks to challenge traditional views of art and African-Americans by asserting that African-American culture is worthy of artistic representation. His use of music in his poetry helps to underscore the importance of music as a part of African-American culture, and to foster a sense of community and unity among African-Americans. This article illustrates how Hughes's poetry is not only a reflection of the blues and gospel traditions but also a representation of African-American identity and culture. Hughes's use of music in his poetry helps to break down cultural barriers and promote unity and engagement within the African-American community.


Protein aggregation is a major factor limiting the biotechnological and therapeutic application of many proteins, including enzymes and monoclonal antibodies. The molecular principles underlying aggregation are by now sufficiently understood to allow rational redesign of natural polypeptide sequences for decreased aggregation tendency, and hence potentially increased expression and solubility. Given that aggregation-prone regions (APRs) tend to contribute to the stability of the hydrophobic core or to functional sites of the protein, mutations in these regions have to be carefully selected in order not to disrupt protein structure or function. Therefore, we here provide access to an automated pipeline to identify mutations that reduce protein aggregation by reducing the intrinsic aggregation propensity of the sequence (using the TANGO algorithm), while taking care not to disrupt the thermodynamic stability of the native structure (using the empirical force-field FoldX). Moreover, by providing a plot of the intrinsic aggregation propensity score of APRs corrected by the local stability of that region in the folded structure, we allow users to prioritize those regions in the protein that are most in need of improvement through protein engineering. The method can be accessed at http://solubis.switchlab.org/.


Recruitment processes have increasingly become dependent on the internet. Companies post job opportunities on their websites or on online job boards and candidates search and apply online. There are inefficiencies in the process: candidates are overloaded with opportunities and companies have trouble reaching interesting candidates. The viability of applying Recommender Systems to Online IT Recruitment is the focus of this work. The IT field is a particularly good candidate for this research due to a shortage of talent and because most of IT recruitment processes already have an online component. Six different Recommender Systems were tested, using the available data: a binary rating of applications, job descriptions, and candidate profiles. The implemented models use a wide range of strategies: Collaborative Filtering, Content Based Filtering, Item-to-Item and User-to-User neighborhood models, Matrix Factorization, and a graph based approach. Based on the results of five different base models an hybrid model was built to combine their strengths and fight their limitations. The resulting system generates valuable recommendations to 60% of the tested users. While the system is not ready to be used autonomously it is useful as a supporting tool. These results pave the way for further studies in this area, showing that Recommender Systems can bring value to Online IT Recruitment.


Two hundred and ten unsexed broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) at 7 day of age were used to study the effect of dietary supplementation of different Copper (Cu) forms i.e. inorganic (copper sulfate, CuSO4), organic (copper methionine Cu2-Met) or nano inorganic copper particles (Cu-NP) on the productive performance, hematological and biochemical constituents of blood and immune response of broiler chicks. They were randomly divided into seven dietary treatments with five replicate cages per treatment, six chicks for each. The first group was fed the basal diet without any supplementation (control); while the 2nd and 3rd groups were fed the same diet supplemented with 50 and 100 ppm of inorganic Cu (copper sulfate, CuSO4), respectively. The 4th and 5th groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 50 and 100 ppm of organic Cu (copper methionine Cu2-Met), respectively. The 6th and 7th groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 50 and 100 ppb of nano inorganic copper (Cu-NP), respectively. Results showed that chicks fed the basal diet supplemented with different forms of Cu had significantly better LBW, BWG, FCR, economic efficiency and production index. Both organic and nano Cu-fed groups showed significantly better productive performance traits compared with the inorganic Cu – fed groups. Supplementation of different Cu forms decreased serum levels of total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), whereas RBCs count, hemoglobin, PCV, glucose, globulin, thyroid hormones (T3-T4), immunoglobulin (IgM, IgG), and antioxidant enzymes activity (TAC– GPX- GSH-SOD) were significantly increased compared with the control treatment. Additionally, Cu supplementation increased lactobacillus sp. while decreased total bacterial count (Salmonella, E. coli and Proteus) compared with the control group. In conclusion, Cu supplementation improved the growth performance, immune response and physiological status of broiler chickens. Broilers fed organic and nano Cu-supplemented diets had better growth performance and immune response than those fed inorganic copper.


BACKGROUND
Thirty percent of patients with esophageal cancer have malignant involvement of the major airways, leading to respiratory distress and life-threatening major airway obstruction. Tracheobronchial stenting has been reported to be effective in providing sustained relief from obstruction.

METHODS
We conducted a chart review of all patients with advanced inoperable esophageal cancer who had malignant tracheobronchial obstruction requiring rigid bronchoscopy and airway stenting at our institution between June 1998 and July 2001. Outcome measures, which included survival, efficacy, and complications, were recorded.

RESULTS
There were 11 patients (4 women) with a mean age of 61 years. Five patients had distant metastases at the time they underwent rigid bronchoscopy. Four patients who required mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure were successfully weaned off mechanical ventilation after the stenting procedure. All patients with dyspnea had immediate relief of respiratory symptoms, which was sustained for seven patients (64%). The mean duration of survival was 61 days. Two patients required repeat procedures, one for stent dislodgment on extubation and the other for stent migration.

CONCLUSION
Stenting in patients with malignant tracheobronchial obstructions due to advanced esophageal cancer achieves immediate, dramatic, and sustainable relief in respiratory symptoms, conferring a survival benefit in patients whose conditions are otherwise deemed to be terminal.


In this paper we shall present results related to trigono-metric approximation of functions belonging to the weighted generalized Lipschitz class by the (C 1 · T) matrix means of their Fourier series. The results of Lal in [8] will be extended to a more general summability method. Moreover, we present the results on degree of approximation to conjugates of functions belonging to a weighted generalized Lipschitz class by the (C 1 · T) matrix means of their conjugate Fourier series.


Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-month multicomponent obesity prevention intervention. Setting. 9 elementary schools in Santiago, Chile. Subjects. 6–8 y old low-income children (). Design. Randomized controlled study; 5 intervention/4 control schools. We trained teachers to deliver nutrition contents and improve the quality of PE classes. We determined % healthy snacks brought from home, children's nutrition knowledge, nutritional status, duration of PE classes, and % time in moderate/vigorous activity (MVA). Effectiveness was determined by comparing BMI between intervention and control children using PROCMIXED. Results. % obesity increased in boys from both types of schools and in girls from control schools, while decreasing in girls from intervention schools (all nonsignificant). % class time in MVA declined (24.5–16.2) while remaining unchanged (24.8–23.7%) in classes conducted by untrained and trained teachers, respectively. In boys, BMI declined (1.33–1.24) and increased (1.22–1.35) in intervention and control schools, respectively. In girls, BMI remained unchanged in intervention schools, while increasing significantly in control schools (0.91–1.06, ). Interaction group time was significant for boys () and girls (). Conclusions. This intervention was effective in controlling obesity, but not preventing it. Even though impact was small, results showed that when no intervention is implemented, obesity increases.


Transiting exoplanets orbiting young nearby stars are ideal laboratories for testing theories of planet formation and evolution. However, to date only a handful of stars with age <1 Gyr have been found to host transiting exoplanets. Here we present the discovery and validation of a sub-Neptune around HD 18599 , a young (300 Myr ), nearby (d=40 pc) K star. We validate the transiting planet candidate as a bona fide planet using data from the TESS , Spitzer , and Gaia missions, ground-based photometry from IRSF , LCO , PEST , and NGTS , speckle imaging from Gemini, and spectroscopy from CHIRON , NRES , FEROS , and Minerva-Australis . The planet has an orbital period of 4.13 d , and a radius of 2.7 R⊕ . The RV data yields a 3-σ mass upper limit of 30.5 M⊕ which is explained by either a massive companion or the large observed jitter typical for a young star. The brightness of the host star (V∼9 mag) makes it conducive to detailed characterization via Doppler mass measurement which will provide a rare view into the interior structure of young planets.


The involvement of p53 in the formation of chromosome aberrations was assessed by analyzing bleomycin-induced, chromatid-type aberrations in G2 phase fibroblasts derived from embryos from wild-type and p53 knock-out mice. Cells that were p53+/- or p53-/- were more sensitive to the induction of aberrations than the p53+/+ cells, particularly at concentrations of 7.5 and 10.0 microg/ml. The p53-deficient cells also showed an overdispersed distribution of bleomycin-induced chromatid aberrations, a greater amount of overall genomic instability and a possible loss of a cell death pathway. These data are interpreted as indicating a role for p53 in DNA repair in the G2 phase, with a loss of p53 leading to an increased frequency of deletions (incomplete repair) and interchanges (misrepair). The specific role remains to be elucidated. The mitotic index decreased with increasing bleomycin concentration to a similar extent in all three cell lines, indicating that the loss of a G2 checkpoint in p53-/- and p53+/- cells was not an explanation for the increased sensitivities in these cells compared with the p53+/+.


: The DB and ULF accelerations are expressed in terms of arbitary time-dependent forces acting on the heart and on the body frame. For an appropriate choice of these forces, a normal DB and ULF and acceleration Bcg is reproduced. By reducing the coupling, between the subject and platform, the DB Bcg is changed successively until it is identical with the ULF Bcg.


We would like to thank all of the reviewers for their helpful and constructive comments. Below we have responded to each comment in turn and made alterations to the manuscript where appropriate (shown enclosed in "speech marks and italic font" and any deletions from the manuscript shown with a strikethrough "example"). The referee comments are shown first in grey shading and the author's response is shown below in normal font.


Temperature coefficient (TC) measurements
of PV devices are required for energy yield estimations.
However, a large deviation in measurement
results is still being reported. This paper
outlines the measurement setup at CREST,
the sources of uncertainty and their estimation
and methods for propagating them to the final
uncertainty of the TC. While for very small uncertainties
Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) linear
regression may be appropriate for realistic uncertainties
a Weighted Total Least Squares
(WTLS) is recommended.


For a long time, the production of ceramic coatings has only been possible by means of sintering techniques conducted at more than 1,000 degrees Celsius. However, a novel spraying method, Powder Aerosol Deposition (PAD), enables their production at normal room temperatures. It is therefore highly attractive for industrial applications. Engineering scientists from the University of Bayreuth under the direction of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Moos are working in the frontline of ongoing development of this technology. In the journal of "Advanced Materials", they present its advantages and show how the functional properties of ceramic films can be optimized with regard to high-tech applications.


This research presents an improved real-time face recognition system at a low resolution of 15 pixels with pose and emotion and resolution variations. We have designed our datasets named LRD200 and LRD100, which have been used for training and classification. The face detection part uses the Viola-Jones algorithm, and the face recognition part receives the face image from the face detection part to process it using the Local Binary Pattern Histogram (LBPH) algorithm with preprocessing using contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) and face alignment. The face database in this system can be updated via our custom-built standalone android app and automatic restarting of the training and recognition process with an updated database. Using our proposed algorithm, a real-time face recognition accuracy of 78.40% at 15 px and 98.05% at 45 px have been achieved using the LRD200 database containing 200 images per person. With 100 images per person in the database (LRD100) the achieved accuracies are 60.60% at 15 px and 95% at 45 px respectively. A facial deflection of about 30 degrees on either side from the front face showed an average face recognition precision of 72.25% - 81.85%. This face recognition system can be employed for law enforcement purposes, where the surveillance camera captures a low-resolution image because of the distance of a person from the camera. It can also be used as a surveillance system in airports, bus stations, etc., to reduce the risk of possible criminal threats.


Background and Aims Esophageal manometry (EM) is performed to evaluate symptoms of chest pain and dysphagia, although its clinical utility is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of EM by determining whether EM provides new information, changes diagnoses, or alters patient management. Methods Before performing EM, referring providers noted indications for the test, symptoms, previous tests performed, and medication use. After EM was completed, a follow-up questionnaire ascertained whether EM provided new information or changed the patient's diagnosis or management plan. Patients provided demographic information. Results During a 12-month period, 569 EMs were performed and 444 were available for inclusion; 286 fully completed questionnaires were returned (64%) and are the basis for this analysis. The mean age (±SD) at the time of manometry was 52 (±15) years; 58% were women; 98% were white. EM was requested to assist placement of a pH measuring device (34%), and to evaluate symptoms of dysphagia (29%), chest pain (12%), or acid reflux (11%). Overall, 64% of EM were abnormal; 81% in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients, 74% in dysphagia, and 59% in chest pain. New information was obtained in 87% of patients, whereas a change in diagnosis occurred in 30% of patients, and management changed in 44% of patients. Conclusions EM is a clinically useful test because it frequently provides new information and often changes patient diagnosis and management. The clinical utility of EM is greatest in patients with dysphagia.


Metastases cause recurrence and mortality for patients with colorectal carcinomas (CRC). In present study, we evaluated heterogeneity on drug resistance and its underlying mechanism between metastatic and primary CRC. Immunohistochemical results from clinical tissue microarray (TMA) suggested that the expression concordance rates of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug resistance relative proteins between lymph-node metastatic and primary CRC foci were low. The apoptotic and proliferation indexes in metastasis CRC specimens were decreased compared with primary. In vitro experimental results indicated that the migration and invasion abilities were upregulated in metastatic cells SW620 compared with primary cells SW480, the cellular efflux ability and WNT/β-catenin activity were also upregulated in SW620 cells. After 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) treatment, the reduction in the proportion of cell apoptosis, CD133 and TERT expression levels in SW620 were lower than that in SW480 cells. Bioinformatics analysis in whole-genome transcriptional profiling results between metastatic and primary CRC cells suggested that differentially expressed genes were mainly centered on well-characterized signaling pathways including WNT/β-catenin, cell cycle and cell junction. Collectively, heterogeneity of drug resistant was present between metastatic and primary CRC specimens and cell lines, the abnormal activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway could be a potential molecular leading to drug resistant ability enhancing in metastatic CRC cells.


The haemodynamic hypothesis for the pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy argues that an initial increase in microvascular blood flow leads to microvascular sclerosis and disturbed autoregulation. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor peptide that contributes to basal vascular tone. Impairment of the vasoconstrictor response to ET-1 could result in hyperperfusion and subsequent microvascular damage. The purpose of this study was to determine whether vascular responses to ET-1 are impaired in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes). Ten patients with type 2 diabetes and nine control subjects underwent brachial artery cannulation. Forearm blood flow was measured using strain-gauge venous occlusion plethysmography. ET-1 in three doses of 5, 10, and 20 pmol/min and 0.9% saline placebo was infused in a balanced double-blind randomised manner. Vascular smooth muscle function also was assessed using sodium nitroprusside. Control subjects showed vasoconstriction to ET-1 of 5 (p < 0.05), 10 (p < 0.05), and 20 pmol/min (p < 0.01). In the diabetic group, there was no significant response to ET-1 at 5 pmol/min (p > 0.05); however, significant vasoconstriction developed at 10 and 20 pmol/min (p < 0.01). There was a significant difference in response to ET-1 at 5 pmol/min between the diabetic and control groups (p < 0.05). Responses to sodium nitroprusside were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Patients with type 2 diabetes have a blunted vasoconstrictor response to ET-1 despite preserved vascular smooth muscle function.


COVID-19 has impacted various sectors of everyday living, including the education sector. Due to the pandemic, the educational institutions everywhere were forced to switch to the online platform as per CDC guidelines. However, the transition and adaptation to the online learning format have had varied effects on different populations. This study looks at 62 students with disabilities and their experience with online learning. The technology and tools used in online learning have many vulnerabilities related to privacy and security; thus, we aim to understand students' perceptions of security and privacy in an online learning platform. We have found that, although students with learning disabilities like the option of online learning, they want and require more guidance and coordination in learning to use online learning platforms. We also see that neurodiverse students with learning disabilities recognize the need for a secure and privacy-preserving online learning environment.


Accurate measurement of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA is important for the management of patients with chronic HBV infection. Here, the performance of the Xpert® HBV Viral Load test (Xpert HBV Viral Load) versus the Roche COBAS® Ampliprep/COBAS® TaqMan® system (CAP/CTM HBV) HBV test v2.0 was evaluated. From September 2017 to December 2017, a total of 876 prospectively collected or archived serum or EDTA plasma specimens from subjects chronically infected with HBV were tested using the Xpert HBV Viral Load and the CAP/CTM HBV v2.0 assays. Of the 876 specimens tested, 560 were within the quantitative range of both assays. The agreement between the two methods was 90.0%. No difference in plasma or serum samples was observed. Deming regression analysis showed a good correlation of the Xpert HBV Viral Load assay with the CAP/CTM HBV v2.0 assay. The Bland–Altman analysis showed a good agreement between the results of the Xpert HBV Viral Load assay and the CAP/CTM HBV assay, with a mean difference (±1.96 standard deviation) of 0.0091 ± 0.3852 Log IU/mL. Comparing the two assays, only nineteen specimens (2.1%) had a difference greater than 1.96 times the standard deviation. The Xpert® HBV Viral Load test is suitable for monitoring patients with HBV infection and is useful in diagnostic settings.


Although the Supreme Court of the United States has described academic freedom as a "special concern," the Court has never recognized a First Amendment right of academic freedom reserved for the professoriate. Legal disputes involving scholarship and classroom speech have overwhelmingly favored institutions over individual academics. However, the lack of uniformity and inconsistent application of the current public speech framework to academia speaks to the uneasiness of applying general public employee speech principles to academic speech. This article addresses how Supreme Court jurisprudence has shaped the arc of academic freedom toward an institutional right, and how the current public employee speech framework has displaced academic speech protection tied to scholarship and teaching. Finally, the article offers both descriptive and normative arguments, including a functional theory of academic freedom and the Madisonian-Meiklejohnian conception of the First Amendment, to make the case for constitutional consideration of speech pursuant to scholarship and teaching.


Nutrition is a potent mediator of developmental plasticity. If food is scarce, developing organisms may invest into growth to outgrow size-dependent mortality (short-term benefit) and/or into an efficient digestion system (long-term benefit). We investigated this potential trade-off, by determining the influence of food availability on juvenile body and organ growth, and on adult digestive efficiency in the cichlid fish Simochromis pleurospilus. We reared two groups of fish at constant high or low food rations, and we switched four other groups between these two rations at an early and late juvenile period. We measured juvenile growth and organ sizes at different developmental stages and determined adult digestive efficiency. Fish kept at constant, high rations grew considerably faster than low-food fish. Nevertheless, S. pleurospilus partly buffered the negative effects of low food availability by developing heavier digestive organs, and they were therefore more efficient in digesting their food as adults. Results of fish exposed to a ration switch during either the early or late juvenile period suggest (i) that the ability to show compensatory growth after early exposure to low food availability persists during the juvenile period, (ii) that digestive efficiency is influenced by varying juvenile food availability during the late juvenile phase and (iii) that the efficiency of the adult digestive system is correlated with the growth rate during a narrow time window of juvenile period.


Correction is necessary to account for the detector size in clinical dosimetry of photon and electron beams. This correction is due to the absorbed dose gradient present in a finite-size detector. Further corrections are necessary when the detector and phantom materials are not the same. These corrections are due to the perturbation in the charged-particle fluence. Generally these corrections are applied to measurements along the central axis of the beam. Cross beam profile measurements, however, are not usually corrected for detector size. The ionization profile is also usually assumed to be equivalent to the absorbed dose profile. The authors have corrected the ionization chamber size effect by two approaches: extrapolation of measurements to zero detector size and deconvolution of measurements using a simple model for the detector response function. The authors have measured absorbed dose profiles to water using a small water-equivalent plastic scintillation detector. Film profile measurements also studied. The ionization profile corrected for detector size and absorbed dose profile were not equal, probably due to loss of charged-particle equilibrium in the beam edges.


Ulster Loyalist and Irish Republican uses of commemoration, in remembering their paramilitary dead in the recent Irish 'Troubles' and connecting these to past conflicts, can be shown to be a politically diligent demonstration of a living continuity with the past and the expression of historical legitimacy. Crucially, in a post conflict setting, this is of particular importance in reassuring doubters and deflecting political attacks. It also attempts to facilitate the rededication and reinvigoration, and also the transformation, of their political project and assists the maintenance of social cohesion with the host community. It acts as a steadying ballast, but not as a hindrance, in conflict transformation. This research is partly based on participant observation of Republican and Loyalist commemorative practice.


An anharmonic vibrational mode of a molecule, driven by an intense infrared laser and coupled to a quasi-continuum of background modes, is found to undergo chaotic oscillations. This chaos leads to predominantly fluence-dependent rather than intensity-dependent multiple-photon absorption, as is found experimentally. The loss of coherence is associated with the decay of temporal correlation of background-mode oscillations.


Telomere length (TL) is a recognized biomarker in cancer. Epidemiology studies suggest that blood and/or buccal cell TL is associated with certain cancers; however, TL measurement is still an under-utilized biomarker in clinical trials. The molecular testing platforms currently used for TL determination are not optimal due to inherent technical limitations. While qPCR based assays have high throughput and are inexpensive, they are difficult to develop and are very sensitive to subtle permutations in reaction components. We evaluated a strategy that relies on direct hybridization and detection of the telomere target utilizing the NanoString nCounter System (NS). The NS is a semi-quantitative assay that compares the number of reporter probe hybridization events of telomere-specific versus chromosomal invariant regions in DNA samples. Performed without nucleic acid amplification, it has potential to more accurately quantify telomeric sequences than any other assay currently in use. NS uses moderate DNA quantities per test (600ng), and has a throughput that can be expanded in multiples of 12. In each sample, the Ratio of Telomere Length (RTL) is obtained by normalizing the signal produced by the telomere specific code set probes to the signal produced by multiple control probes as compared to commercial normal human DNA. NS was validated in a three stage process using commercial DNA (n=3), cell lines (n=11) and human clinical samples (n=43) that had previously been tested by other TL tests. A blinded panel of six research samples previously tested in-house by multiplex monochrome quantitative PCR (qPCR) was sent to NanoString for in-house testing. NS exactly reproduced the panel9s previous RTL ranking. The telomere code sets were subsequently tested at NCI on a panel of 11 established cell lines. Good correlation was observed compared with our in-house qPCR assay (R2 = 0.89). For the third stage of the validation, we evaluated the assay9s utility on human clinical samples for which 43 whole blood leukocyte DNA samples were tested (18 dyskeratosis congenita (DC) patients with very short TL, 25 mutation-free (normal) DC relatives) and compared against leukocyte flow cytometry with in situ hybridization (flow-FISH, FF) TL measurement; FF is the gold standard in clinical testing for DC. The correlation between NS and FF lymphocyte TL was high, R2 = 0.72. Notably, the two sample t test showed that the NS assay could discriminate RTL between normals and DC patients (p = 4.6x10-8); normal relatives have longer telomeres. These data suggest that the NS RTL assay has the ability to be specific and sensitive to differences in TL between individuals with DC and healthy individuals. To determine the assay9s exact clinical parameters a greater number of samples will need to be tested. The NS assay is less costly than the FF test by at least one half and if shown to be reproducible would be a viable alternative to FF and qPCR, especially in a diagnostic setting. Citation Format: Daniel C. Edelman, David Petersen, Allison Gomez, Shahinaz Gadalla, Philippa Webster, Lucas Dennis, Mike Krouse, Sharon Savage, Paul S. Meltzer. Development of a direct-measurement molecular assay to determine telomere length in human samples. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5100. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5100


A fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly and a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate has a corrugated portion defined by an adjacent pair of proximal and distal peak portions and a sidewall segment connecting the peak portions. The sidewall segment and membrane electrode assembly at least partially define a flow channel. The sidewall segment includes a shoulder portion defining a step spaced away from the peak portions.


Urinary tract infections (UTI) frequently progress to chronicity in infected individuals but the mechanisms of pathogenesis underlying chronic UTI are not well understood. We examined the role of interleukin (IL)‐17A in UTI because this cytokine promotes innate defense against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Analysis of UPEC persistence and pyelonephritis in mice deficient in IL‐17A revealed that UPEC CFT073 caused infection at a rate higher than the multidrug resistant strain EC958. Il17a−/− mice exhibited pyelonephritis with kidney bacterial burdens higher than those of wild‐type (WT) mice. Synthesis of IL‐17A in the bladder reflected a combination of γδ‐T and TH17 cell responses. Analysis of circulating inflammatory mediators at 24h postinoculation identified predictors of progression to chronicity, including IL‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Histological analysis identified infiltrating populations of neutrophils, NK cells, and γδ T cells in the bladder, whereas neutrophils predominated in the kidney. Analysis of the contribution of flagella to chronicity using hyper‐flagellated and fliC‐deficient UPEC in WT and Il17a−/− mice revealed that, in a host that is deficient for the production of IL‐17A, flagella contribute to bacterial persistence. These findings show a role for IL‐17A in defense against chronic UTI and a contribution of flagella to the pathogenesis of infection.


The objective of this study was to assess the validity of 3 scoring techniques for presenteeism measures by exploring their relationship with patient activation, health, job satisfaction, and socioeconomic characteristics. The sample consisted of 631 employees from 2 predominantly white-collar employee groups in the northern Midwest. Employees completed the World Health Organization's Health and Work Performance Questionnaire, a wellness profile, and the Patient Activation Measure. Absolute measures reflect self-rated performance, while relative and stratified measures compare self-rated performance to that of co-workers. Multivariate analyses were used to validate scoring measures. All measures of presenteeism were positively correlated with being nonwhite, income, and smoking. The significance of age, employment, mental health, and patient activation depends on how presenteeism is defined. Practitioners must carefully consider which scoring method best addresses their program goals and objectives. Clearer measurement guidelines are needed.


This research concerns visualization techniques of an urban area, exploiting spatial and descriptive data editing, connecting and creating also urban visualization processes. This methodology-process applies on the evolution of the urban planning network of Trikala town (Central Greece) since 1945 till today. Contemporary and historical aerial photos were used, scaled 1:8000 up to 1:42000. Satellite images were also used (QuickBird-2). These aerial photos were georeferenced exploiting the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and contemporary ortho-rectified images through different periods of the study area. The results of the urban planning network evolution are presented with superimposed expansion maps and general indicators representing, in different periods, town limits evolution indicators, free or covering construction area evolution indicators, etc. The aim of this research is to combine visualization techniques and processes in order to produce and present visual or descriptive results ready to be exploited and used in urban planning network changes analysis.


Of all the many illnesses encompassed by the word "cancer," perhaps none is more challenging to the medical practitioner than Hodgkin disease. Basic and applied research and thoughtful clinical observation have enabled the physician to offer potentially curative treatment in many cases and meaningful palliation in most others. With his coauthors, Dr Lacher surveys in considerable detail the current state of the art and the science of management of this complex disease. Schottenfeld provides a concise and yet detailed overview of the epidemiology of Hodgkin disease, which poses more questions than answers. Several chapters on diagnostic methods and staging procedures by Ultmann and others present an exciting but obviously demanding script for the physician to follow in attempting to define the type and extent of disease involvement. One should not overlook the discussion of splenectomy and the controversy over its role in the staging evaluation of patients with Hodgkin disease.


Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia are important metabolic diseases of fresh dairy cows. Many dairy practitioners and dairy producers may need to update their approaches to these diseases based on current scientific information. Hypocalcemia in standing cows is best treated orally; intravenous calcium should be reserved for recumbent cases of milk fever because it may cause cardiac toxicity and rebound hypocalcemia. Glucose or additional electrolytes should not be included in intravenous solutions administered to cows with hypocalcemia. Hypophosphatemia is a less common mineral disorder that is usually secondary to hypocalcemia. Mild to moderate cases of hypophosphatemia are best treated with oral phosphorus; intravenous phosphorus should be reserved for severe cases. Hypomagnesemia may be a clinical problem in grazing herds or a subclinical problem in confinement dairies with cows fed stored feeds. Clinical hypomagnesemia may be treated intravenously or via rectal enema; subclinical cases are best managed by oral magnesium supplementation. Hypokalemia may follow prolonged periods of anorexia in early lactation cows and typically presents as severe, flaccid paralysis. Oral potassium supplementation is the preferred means for treating and preventing hypokalemia.