Online access and interest in technical communication are increasing on a global scale. The time is therefore right for instructors to consider offering online courses to students located around the globe. Providing effective online courses for such a diverse audience, however, is no simple matter. This article provides an overview of the global market in online education. It presents information and approaches that can help with the development of online courses for international delivery as well as the training and professional development of the instructors, U.S.-based or otherwise, who teach them.


Introduction Adherence to breast cancer screening is affected by presence of previous false-positives and regular participation in previous invitations. Our aim was to estimate the long-term adherence to breast cancer screening and how false-positive and women's characteristics affect the probability of re-attending screening. Methods Retrospective Cohort study of women aged 45–69 years invited to participate in any of 10 Spanish breast cancer screening programs between 1990 and 2006. Discrete time hazard models were used to estimate re-attendance probabilities, and to evaluate the effect of false-positives and women's characteristics on re-attendance. Results We analysed information from 1 371 218 screened women who underwent 4 545 346 screening mammograms. The re-attendance probability was 81.7% (95% CI 81.63 to 81.76) at first screening, 88.1% (95% CI 87.98 to 88.12) at 3rd screening, and 95.6% (95% CI 95.52 to 95.73) at 6th screening. Women without a false-positive result were more likely to return to the following screening invitation. The re-attendance probability at first screening was 79.3% (99% CI 79.0–79.6) and 85.3% (99% CI 85.2–85.4) for women with and without a false-positive result, respectively. At sixth screening was 94.6% (99% CI 93.8–95.4) and 96.0% (99% CI 95.8–96.1), respectively. The factors associated with a higher risk of failing to re-attend the following screening invitation were: age 65–69 years (OR=8.48; CI 8.31–8.65), missing the first screening invitation (OR=1.12; CI 1.11–1.14), and previous invasive procedures (OR=1.09; CI 1.07–1.10). Conclusion False-positive results and other women's characteristics affected the re-attendance to subsequent screening invitations. This information could be useful to provide the maximum available information to women invited to participate and improve compliance in subsequent screening invitations.


Abstract A series of chalcones (1–14) were synthesized, characterized (using IR and 1H NMR techniques), and evaluated with an objective to manage rice root-knot nematode (RRKN) (Meloidogyne graminicola) both under pluronic gel and field conditions. Out of these fourteen compounds, 1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-phenyl-propenone (13) and 1,3-diphenyl-propenone (14) showed promising and dose dependent activity at 10, 20, and 40 mg L−1. A significant reduction in penetration of second stage juveniles (J2s) in rice roots was observed in compounds 13 (9.5–12.0 J2s/plant) and 14 (10.5–13.4 J2s/plant) compared to control plants (PB1121) (13.5–23.6 J2s/plant) in pluronic gel study. The results of field trials indicated that 14, showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) better plant growth on 28 days after sowing (DAS) compared to 13. Both 13 and 14 reduced gall formation significantly than carbofuran 3 G @1 kg a.i./ha. However, lower concentrations were less effective in field in reducing the gall formation. Also, a significant reduction in the number of galls was observed when soil was drenched with 14 @ 40 mg L−1. However, root dipping was not as effective as soil drenching. The study revealed that both the chalcones have the potential for effective management of RRKN in fields, and can be a better alternative to carbofuran.


This is a comprehensive and self-contained introduction to the math that underlies classical random walks and quantum random walk simulations.


Aims. We present a study of the envelope morphology of the carbon Mira R For with VLTI/MIDI. This object is one of the few asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars that underwent a dust-obscuration event. The cause of such events is still a matter of discussion. Several symmetric and asymmetric scenarios have been suggested in the literature. Methods. Mid-infrared interferometric observations were obtained separated by two years. The observations probe different depths of the atmosphere and cover different pulsation phases. The visibilities and the differential phases were interpreted using GEM-FIND, a tool for fitting spectrally dispersed interferometric observations with the help of wavelength-dependent geometric models. Results. We report the detection of an asymmetric structure revealed through the MIDI differential phase. This asymmetry is observed at the same baseline and position angle two years later. The observations are best simulated with a model that includes a uniform-disc plus a Gaussian envelope plus a point-source. The geometric model can reproduce both the visibilities and the differential phase signatures. Conclusions. Our MIDI data favour explanations of the R For obscuration event that are based on an asymmetric geometry. We clearly detect a photocentre shift between the star and the strongly resolved dust component. This might be caused by a dust clump or a substellar companion. However, the available observations do not allow us to distinguish between the two options. The finding has strong implications for future studies of the geometry of the envelope of AGB stars: if this is a binary, are all AGB stars that show an obscuration event binaries as well? Or are we looking at asymmetric mass-loss processes (i.e. dusty clumps) in the inner part of a carbon-rich Mira?


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between the alpha-adducin gene G460T, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms and salt-sensitive hypertension and early renal injury in Chinese people.

METHODS
The case-control study was performed in 200 essential hypertension (EH) and 200 normal control subjects in China. The 200 EH patients were divided into salt-sensitive(SS= 109) and non-salt-sensitive(NSS= 91) groups according to modified Sullivan's method. The genotypes of alpha-adducin gene were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The ACE genotypes were determined by PCR. The urine microalbum (Alb) in 200 EH subjects was measured by radioactive immunoassay.

RESULTS
(1) A higher frequency of alpha-adducin gene G460T TT in EH patients was observed (P< 0.05). No significant difference of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism was found between the EH patients and normal control (P> 0.05). There were significant differences in the alpha-adducin gene TT genotype and combined genotype of TT+ II between SS and NSS subjects (P< 0.05). (2) The levels of urine Alb/Cr in SS patients were significantly higher than that in NSS patients (P< 0.05); in SS group, the levels of urine Alb/Cr in ACE II and alpha-adducin gene TT genotypes were higher than that in ACE ID, DD genotype and alpha-adducin gene GT and GG genotypes. The levels of urine Alb/Cr in the group of alpha-adducin gene TT+ ACE II combined genotype were higher than that in other combined genotypes (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSION
The alpha-adducin gene TT genotype or combined with ACE II are significantly associated with SS hypertension. The alpha-adducin gene TT and ACE II genotypes might be genetic susceptibility factors to hypertension accompanying renal injury.


Abstract The dynamics of a one-dimensional detonation predicted by a one-step irreversible Arrhenius kinetic model are investigated in the presence of mass, momentum and energy diffusion. A study is performed in which the activation energy is varied and the length scales of diffusion and reaction are held constant. As the activation energy is increased, the system goes through a series of period-doubling events and eventually undergoes a transition to chaos. The rate at which these bifurcation points converge is calculated and shown to be in agreement with the Feigenbaum constant. Within the chaotic regime, there exist regions in which there are limit cycles consisting of a small number of oscillatory modes. When an appropriately fine grid is used to capture mass, momentum and energy diffusion, predictions are independent of the differencing scheme. Diffusion affects the behaviour of the system by delaying the onset of instability and strongly influencing the dynamics in the unstable regime. The use of the reactive Euler equations to predict detonation dynamics in the unstable and marginally stable regimes is called into question as the selected reactive and diffusive length scales are representative of real physical systems; reactive Navier–Stokes is a more appropriate model in such regimes.


This paper presents a systematic thermogravimetric (TG) study on the kinetics of end-of-life tyre (ELT) pyrolysis. In the experimental part of this work, TG results are compared for tyre samples of different mass and size. This shows that the conduction resistance in the milligram scale (up to ~100 mg) tyre sample can be neglected. A comparison of experimental results demonstrates that the characteristic maxima on the DTG curve (the first derivative of TG signal) shift towards higher temperatures for higher heating rates. This phenomenon is explained to have kinetic origin and it is not caused by the internal heat transfer resistance. In the modelling part of this work, the kinetic parameters of the Three-Component Simulation Model (TCSM) are calculated and compared to the literature values. Testing of the kinetic model is carried out using experiments with a varying heating rate. This shows the limitation of the simplified kinetic approach and the appropriate selection method of the kinetic parameters.


Battery electric city bus model has been created and validated with measurement results from a full-scale city bus prototype. The model utilises multi-physics modelling approach with multiple-domains from friction-tyre and transmission model to electrical drive and a simplified battery model. For the electrical drive model, four approaches to model the losses were studied. The modelled and measured motor torque, speed, current in the battery and inverter, and the bus speed were compared under two bus line driving cycles using three payloads. The simulated results were in good agreement with the experimental results; the error between the simulated and measured energy consumptions was 1.5% with the most accurate model.


The two acid dissociation constants of the ethylene diammonium ion and the hexamethylene diammonium ion in water have been determined, using an e.m.f. method, from 0 to 60° C. Measurements have been made at several ionic strengths to allow thermodynamic dissociation constants to be derived, and from these the free energy, heat content, entropy and heat capacity changes accompanying the dissociations have been computed. These quantities are discussed in relation to the size of the diamine molecule, and orientation of solvent molecules by the ionic charges. It is concluded that the range over which a single ionic charge causes a significant change in the structure of liquid water is about 5 Å.


Steady-state current drive by helicity injection has been demonstrated in the SPHEX spheromak. In order to understand the processes by which plasma toroidal current is driven on the closed flux, it is necessary first to diagnose the internal magnetic field and current structure. A method is described which fits force-free equilibria to magnetic field data from a linear insertable probe. It is shown that the overall field configuration and associated global parameters can be well fitted, though the detailed shape of the internal current profile is sensitive to small errors in the data and the choice of fitting function. The current drive process is closely associated with fluctuations having toroidal mode number n = 1. We investigate in detail shots with Ti gettering, when the n = 1 mode is episodic, showing that the current drive mechanism is switched on and off for periods during a single shot, corresponding to the presence or absence of the mode. This provides definitive evidence that the n = 1 mode is responsible for the current drive.


Reconstructing the surface from a set of unstructured points to build a 3D model is a problem that arises in many scientific and industrial fields as new 3D scanning technology is able to produce large databases of full 3D information. 3D surface reconstruction is also important after segmenting sets of 2D images to visualise the 3D surface represented by the segmentation. In this paper we propose an algorithmic methodology that obtains a series of segmentations of human head tomographies, produces a set of unstructured points in the 3D space, and then automatically produces a surface from the set of unstructured 3D points about which we have no topological knowledge. The methodology can be divided in two stages. First, tomographic images are segmented with a Neural Network algorithm based on Kohonen's Self-Organising Maps (SOM). The output neurones that have adapted to the image, are a series of 3D points that will be fed to the second stage. Next, our method uses a spatial decomposition and surface tracking algorithm to produce a rough approximation S' of the unknown manifold S. The produced surface S' serves as initialisation for a dynamic mesh model that yields the details of S to improve the quality of the reconstruction.


Moyamoya syndrome has been reported in association with Down syndrome. In paediatric patients, the usual presentation is that of ischaemic stroke. We report a 9-year-old boy with Down syndrome and moyamoya syndrome who presented with acute-onset left hemiparesis. This is the first such reported case in Hong Kong. There is growing evidence that the chromosomal abnormalities in patients with Down syndrome may contribute to a vulnerability for the development of moyamoya syndrome. A high index of suspicion is necessary to make the correct diagnosis. Medical and surgical management strategies for this disease are discussed. Surgical intervention should proceed without delay, if indicated, to prevent further neurological deterioration. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for the rehabilitation of these patients.


Provisional seismic hazard zones for earthquake-induced ground failures have been delineated for portions of the three-county area most affected by the Northridge earthquake using a simplified hazard assessment methodology. The procedure integrates surface geology, topography, and groundwater information using GIS technology. While not a replacement for "official" seismic hazard zones, which are based on a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of hazard, these provisional zones will assist in the immediate and cost-effective distribution of postearthquake hazard mitigation funds.


The Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) are a remote group of 27 tropical islands in two separate atolls in the Indian Ocean that include North Keeling Island (Pulu Keeling National Park—PKNP) located 24 km north of the southern CKI atoll. Most of CKI's original vegetation has been cleared for coconut (Cocos nucifera) plantations but despite this the CKI region, particularly PKNP and CKI's marine environment, retains internationally significant conservation values. The PKNP is listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and contains rainforest, lagoon and marine habitats. The PKNP provides habitat for the ground-dwelling, endangered and endemic Cocos buff-banded rail (Gallirallus philippensis andrewsi); an estimated 30,000 breeding pairs of redfooted booby (Sula sula); and contains the last significant remaining remnant of CKI's original vegetation. The CKI, including PKNP, also provides habitat for internationally endangered sea turtles. Existing invasive species, particularly yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes), and potential biosecurity threats, particularly black rats (Rattus rattus) and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata), pose a threat to PKNP's biodiversity values.


In their relevant study, Zweers et al. demonstrate that fibroblast growth factor (FGF19) is secreted by human gallbladder epithelial cells. This novel intestinal hormone is also released by ileal enterocytes into the portal circulation in response to bile salt absorption. In target organs, FGF19 binds to FGF receptor 4 (FGFR4) and its coreceptor Klotho-b (KLB), which results in feedback inhibition of hepatic bile salt synthesis and might also stimulate mucin expression. Zweers et al. point out that it is unexplored whether genetic variation within the FGF19-FGFR4-KLB axis contributes to cholelithiasis. Recently, functional FGFR4-KLB variants have been identified. To investigate their relevance for gallstone disease, we genotyped common FGFR4 (rs351855, rs376618) and KLB (rs17618244) variants in a cohort of 239 gallstone patients from 107 families (age range, 24-80 years; 86% women) and 248 stone-free controls (age range, 21-78 years; 93% women); patient characteristics of the incipient cohort were reported in HEPATOLOGY. Table 1 shows that the KLB genotype [AA] is more prevalent in cases than controls. Therefore, we tested for associations between genotypes and gallstone disease using contingency tables (allele frequency difference/positivity, heterozygous/homozygous carriers). Individuals who are homozygous for the minor allele [A] are at increased risk of developing gallstones (odds ratio, 3.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-7.92; P 1⁄4 0.007) as compared to carriers of genotype [GG]. Departure of the KLB genotype distribution from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in cases (exact test, P < 0.001; Supplementary Fig. 1) but not in controls supports the association of the KLB polymorphism with gallstones. However, nonparametric linkage analysis in affected sibs was negative (P > 0.05). In contrast to the KLB variant, both FGFR4 variants are not associated with gallstones in our cohort (data not shown). In conclusion, this study supports the functional link between KLB and gallstone disease, as suggested by Zweers et al. Interestingly, carriers of the KLB risk allele [A] display longer small intestinal transit times as compared to homozygous carriers of the common allele. Because slow intestinal transit increases the cholelithogenic state due to hyperabsorption of cholesterol and synthesis of secondary hydrophobic bile salts such as deoxycholate, we speculate that intestinal hypomotility contributes to gallstone susceptibility in carriers of the KLB risk variant. MARCIN KRAWCZYK, M.D. MONICA ACALOVSCHI, M.D. FRANK LAMMERT, M.D. Department of Medicine II Saarland University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany Department of Medicine III Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania


Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Risk stratification in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia remains ill defined. Heart rate recovery (HRR) immediately after exercise is regulated by autonomic reflexes, particularly vagal tone, and may be associated with symptoms and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Our objective was to evaluate whether HRR after maximal exercise on the exercise stress test (EST) is associated with symptoms and ventricular arrhythmias. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we included patients ≤65 years of age with an EST without antiarrhythmic drugs who attained at least 80% of their age- and sex-predicted maximal HR. HRR in the recovery phase was calculated as the difference in heart rate (HR) at maximal exercise and at 1 minute in the recovery phase (ΔHRR1′). Results: We included 187 patients (median age, 36 years; 68 [36%] symptomatic before diagnosis). Pre-EST HR and maximal HR were equal among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Patients who were symptomatic before diagnosis had a greater ΔHRR1′ after maximal exercise (43 [interquartile range, 25–58] versus 25 [interquartile range, 19–34] beats/min; P<0.001). Corrected for age, sex, and relatedness, patients in the upper tertile for ΔHRR1′ had an odds ratio of 3.4 (95% CI, 1.6–7.4) of being symptomatic before diagnosis (P<0.001). In addition, ΔHRR1′ was higher in patients with complex ventricular arrhythmias at EST off antiarrhythmic drugs (33 [interquartile range, 22–48] versus 27 [interquartile range, 20–36] beats/min; P=0.01). After diagnosis, patients with a ΔHRR1′ in the upper tertile of its distribution had significantly more arrhythmic events as compared with patients in the other tertiles (P=0.045). Conclusions: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia patients with a larger HRR following exercise are more likely to be symptomatic and have complex ventricular arrhythmias during the first EST off antiarrhythmic drug.


John La Nauze was one of Australia's most important historians and the leading authority on the history of Federation and the Constitution. No Ordinary Act is a collection of his published papers on this subject. Written over many years, they have been difficult to track down. Happily, Helen Irving and Stuart Macintyre have now brought them together in one volume. With the centenary of Federation, there is a strong and growing impulse for study and debate on the Australian Constitution. La Nauze's collected essays will serve as a valuable resource for and contribution to that debate.


Tensor calculations are used in many fields of physics. It should be noted that the formalism of tensor analysis manifests itself in all its might not in all areas; rather frequently, its simplified versions are used. Each tensor operation itself is sufficiently simple. However, even standard computations have to involve many elementary operations. These operations require great care and thoroughness. That is why it is important in this field to use different simplified notations and optimized operations (for example, Penrose tensor diagrams). One of the tasks of computer algebra systems is to free the researcher from routine operations, which is also important in the case of tensor calculus.


We present the high-resolution (HRES-MS) and ion-mobility (IMS-MS) mass spectrometry studies of icosahedral nanoscale polyoxometalate-based {L(30)}{(Mo)Mo(5)} Keplerate clusters, and demonstrate the use of IMS-MS to resolve and map intact nanoclusters, and its potential for the discovery of new structures, in this case the first gas phase observation of 'proto-clustering' of higher order Keplerate supramolecular aggregates.


An 89-year-old woman presented to her geriatrician with abdominal pain for 2 days. The pain was localized to her right abdomen, both upper and lower quadrants, with acute tenderness to palpation. She had some nausea and vomiting. Ultrasonographic findings gave concern for acute cholecystitis. A computed tomographic scan was ordered by her primary care physician after admission to the hospital (Figure). Figure. Computed Tomographic Image


Coral reefs are highly productive photosynthetic systems and coral optics studies suggest that such high efficiency is due to optimised light scattering by coral tissue and skeleton. Here, we characterise the inherent optical properties, i.e., the scattering coefficient, μs, and the anisotropy of scattering, g, of 8 intact coral species using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Specifically, we describe light scattering by coral skeletons, coenoarc tissues, polyp tentacles and areas covered by fluorescent pigments (FP). Our results reveal that light scattering between coral species ranges from μs = 3 mm−1 (Stylophora pistillata) to μs= 25 mm−1 (Echinopora lamelosa). For Platygyra pini, μs was 10-fold higher for tissue vs skeleton, while in other corals (e.g. Hydnophora pilosa) no difference was found between tissue and skeletal scattering. Tissue scattering was 3-fold enhanced in coenosarc tissues (μs = 24.6 mm−1) vs polyp tentacles (μs = 8.3 mm−1) in Turbinaria reniformis. FP scattering was almost isotropic when FP were organized in granule chromatophores (g=0.34) but was forward directed when FP were distributed diffusely in the tissue (g=0.96). Our study provides detailed measurements of coral scattering and establishes a rapid approach for characterising optical properties of photosynthetic soft tissues via OCT in vivo.


Photoelectric properties of noncentrosymmetric, similarly oriented metallic nanoparticles embedded in a homogeneous semiconductor matrix are theoretically studied. Because of the asymmetric shape of the nanoparticle boundary, photoelectron emission acquires a preferred direction, resulting in a photocurrent flow in that direction when nanoparticles are uniformly illuminated by a homogeneous plane wave. This effect is a direct analogy of the photogalvanic (or bulk photovoltaic) effect known to exist in media with noncentrosymmetric crystal structure, such as doped lithium niobate or bismuth ferrite, but is several orders of magnitude stronger. Termed the giant plasmonic photogalvanic effect, the reported phenomenon is valuable for characterizing photoemission and photoconductive properties of plasmonic nanostructures and can find many uses for photodetection and photovoltaic applications. DOI:


Tumor-necrosis factor alpha activity has been correlated to ineffective erythropoiesis in lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Infliximab (Remicade®) is an anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha chimeric antibody that is used in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease. Forty-six patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and a relatively low risk of developing acute leukemia were included in a randomized phase II study assessing the therapeutic activity of two dosages of infliximab administration (3 mg/kg vs. 5 mg/kg). The primary end point was the response rate. Responses were observed in 3 of 22 patients (13.1%) randomized to the 3 mg/kg arm, versus 0 of 21 patients randomized in the 5 mg/kg arm. According to the statistical design of the current study, neither of the two infliximab dose schedules tested showed sufficient activity as a single agent in this cohort of unselected patients with early myelodysplastic syndrome.


Studied were batches of frozen ocean mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) and silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis, Mitchill) during storage in a central base and in shops. The evaluation of the fish was made on the basis of organoleptic data, pH values, volatile bases, trimethylamin, volatile fatty acids, the amount of tissue fluids after Kietzmann, luminescence of musculature after Wittfogel, and through microbiologic study of the skin and musculature. It was found that the fish had been frozen in the fishing boats in a very good status. Great variations in the storage temperature are admitted in the central base, no correlation being established between the term of storage and the quantity of the product. The conditions for the preservation of the frozen fish in the shops where fish is especially sold are unappropriate--they contribute to the fast deterioration of the quality and the microbial status of the product.


This article explores the potential benefits of pointof-care testing in the ED. Price and St. John provide a detailed description on how to approach four common aspects of point-of-care testing (POCT) in the ED, specifically, the challenges of adopting POCT, the impact of POCT on clinical decisions, the impact of POCT on operational decision making and outcomes and the impact of POCT on resource allocation decisions.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the expression of cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP) and the ultrastructure change in retina of guinea pig with form-deprivation myopia and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS
Three-weeks-old guinea pigs were distributed in 3 groups: an untreated group (Group I), a myopia 2-weeks group (Group II) and a myopia 3-weeks group (Group III), animals underwent monocular form-deprivation by facemask for 2 and 3 weeks. The right eyes were deprived and the left eyes were self-controlled. The refraction and axial length of the eyes was measured. Retina was observed by electron microscope. The expression of cGMP was detected by radioimmunochemistry.

RESULTS
Deprived eyes in guinea pig showed significant development of myopia, the refraction and axial length was increased. The pathological changes in ultrastructure of retina were aggravated with the development of myopia. The expression of cGMP was significantly up-regulated in the deprived eyes compared with self-control eyes(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION
Form-deprivation can up-regulate the expression of cyclic GMP, which might play an important role in the development of myopia.


BACKGROUND
China has seen a proliferation of entertainment centres that are frequented by business people. Employees at these centres often are young, female rural-to-urban migrants who may be vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation.

METHODS
Data for this study were collected using a self-administered survey among male and female employees in two high-end entertainment centres in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. We used logistic regression to examine predictors of violent and potentially exploitative experiences (partner violence, forced sex and transactional sex). Predictors included gender, ever having a same-sex partner, migration variables and employment characteristics.

RESULTS
Participants reported high levels of partner violence (16.0% ever and 9.0% in the past 3 months) and forced sex (13.9% ever and 5.5% in the past 3 months). Nineteen percent reported sex work in the past 3 months. In the multivariate regressions, ever having had a same-sex partner was associated with higher odds of ever having experienced partner violence (odds ratio (OR)=7.8, P<0.001), partner violence in the past 3 months (OR=9.0, P<0.001), ever having had transactional sex (OR=6.0, P<0.001) and transactional sex in the past 3 months (OR=5.2, P=0.001). After adjusting for transactional sex, the association between having had a same-sex partner and partner violence remained significant. Neither gender nor migration status was associated with any of the outcomes.

CONCLUSION
High-end entertainment centre workers in China are at risk for sexual violence and should be targeted with employment-based interventions.


Femtosecond laser treatment of a glass surface was used to fabricate a multimodal roughness having regular surface ripples with a period of a few micrometers decorated by aggregates of nearly spherical nanoparticles. UV-ozone treatment followed by chemisorption of the appropriate functional fluorosilanes onto the textured surface makes it possible to fabricate a superhydrophobic coating with a specific surface resistance on the order of petaohms on a glass surface. The main advantage of the fabricated coating under severe operating conditions with abrasion loads is the significant durability of its electro-insulating properties. The longevity of the high surface resistivity, even on long-term contact with a water vapor-saturated atmosphere, is directly related to the peculiarities of the surface texture and ripple structure.


Abstract Streambed surveys were conducted along the upper Colorado River, Colorado, to describe the distributions of Claassenia sabulosa larvae in relation to current speed and to determine their diets. We also addressed diel feeding periodicity by sampling during both day and night. Claassenia sabulosa was more abundant in riffle habitats than in runs. A positive relationship existed between C. sabulosa abundance and stream current, with larval size increasing with current speed. Chironomidae, Baetidae, and Simulidae collectively accounted for 93% of the prey found in stonefly guts; however, these categories were not consumed equally by all C. sabulosa. Smaller C. sabulosa primarily ate chironomids, and larger individuals consumed more baetids. Only a slight difference existed in the percentage of empty guts between night- and day-collected stoneflies, and ranges of prey per gut at night were higher than those in the day, suggesting that these stoneflies may forage more intensively at night.


Abstract : Air Mobility Command (AMC) uses the Airlift Flow Model as their primary tool to estimate the amount of cargo delivered in a Time Phase Force Deployment Document (TPFDD). The primary objective of this research was an exploratory investigation in the development of a metamodel to predict the amount of cargo delivered from a TPFDD by AMC into a theater. In creating a valid metamodel the analyst would be able to quickly provide the decision-maker with accurate insights should input parameters change. This would save valuable time and replace the need to physically change the input parameters and re-run the simulation. Techniques that were applicable to create this metamodel include DOE, RSM, and Linear Regression. Using the techniques outlined in this research a second metamodel was constructed using a separate set of data to validate the procedure. In both cases, the results substantiated good predictive capability between the simulation and the metamodel. The analysis procedures outlined in this effort allows the researcher to identify the salient factors to the metamodel in a timely, efficient manner.


We report low temperature high magnetic field scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy of graphene flakes on graphite that exhibit the structural and electronic properties of graphene decoupled from the substrate. Pronounced peaks in the tunneling spectra develop with increasing field revealing a Landau level sequence that provides a direct way to identify graphene and to determine the degree of its coupling to the substrate. The Fermi velocity and quasiparticle lifetime, obtained from the positions and width of the peaks, provide access to the electron-phonon and electron-electron interactions.


In the era of big data, user data are often vertically partitioned and stored at different local parties. Exploring the data from all the local parties would enable data analysts to gain a better understanding of the user population from different perspectives. However, the publication of vertically-partitioned data faces a dilemma: on the one hand, the original data cannot be directly shared by local parties due to privacy concerns; on the other hand, independently privatizing the local datasets before publishing may break the potential correlation between the cross-party attributes and lead to a significant utility loss. Prior solutions compute the privatized multivariate distributions of different attribute sets for constructing a synthetic integrated dataset. However, these algorithms are only applicable for low-dimensional structured data and may suffer from large utility loss with the increase in data dimensionality. Following the idea of synthetic data generation, we propose VertiGAN, the first framework based on a generative adversarial network (GAN) for publishing vertically-partitioned data with privacy protection. The framework adopts a GAN model comprised of one multi-output global generator and multiple local discriminators. The generator is collaboratively trained by the server and local parties to learn the distribution of all parties' local data and is used to generate a high-utility synthetic integrated dataset on the server side. Additionally, we apply differential privacy (DP) during the training process to ensure strict privacy guarantees for the local data. We evaluate the framework's performance on a number of real-world datasets containing 68--1501 classification attributes and show that our framework is more capable of capturing joint distributions and cross-attribute correlations compared to statistics-based baseline algorithms. Moreover, with a privacy guarantee of epsilon=8, our framework achieves around a 2%~15% improvement in classification accuracy compared to the baseline algorithms. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the capability and efficiency of our framework in synthesizing vertically-partitioned data while striking a satisfactory utility-privacy balance.


Temperature dependent high-resolution x-ray diffraction measurements were used to characterize the magneto-elastic ferromagnetic transition of (Fe,Mn)2(P,Si,B) compounds. Across the transition, apart from a change in lattice parameters across the transition, the internal coordinates of Mn and Fe also change. This intrinsic degree of freedom allows Fe in the tetrahedral coordination to decrease the two interatomic distances with the 2c position and increase the two distances with the two 1b position, while the Fe–Mn distance remains constant. For Mn in the square based pyramidal coordination, all interatomic distances effectively remain constant. Electron density plots show that for second-order transitions, the observed changes are smaller and continuously extending over a wide temperature range in the ferromagnetic and paramagnetic states, due to short-range order. This study shows that the mechanism behind the phase transition in Fe2P-based materials is an isostructural transition that is equal for both firstand second-order transitions.


Abstract Housed within the library of Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, is the Vedute Collection. Founded in 1991 with the purpose of building a collection of three-dimensional objects that make visible and tangible the concept of space, the collection is made by those active within various spatial disciplines such as artists, architects, and designers. To be included in the collection, there is an imposed constraint: each contribution must have a fixed format, in closed form, of 44 × 32 × 7 centimeters. These objects form a library and are referred to as "three-dimensional manuscripts." This essay positions the collection as an alternative space of information for spatial practice, which operates between the book and the model, as a medium and interpretation of representation and built space. The dimensions of the fixed format are derived from the book, yet the contents do not consist of written pages. Their three-dimensionality offers connections to the architectural model, yet they are named manuscripts. The points of intersection between these media and the Vedute Collection will be examined in reference to qualities and characteristics such as objecthood, scale, containment, exteriority, and interiority. Further, the essay discusses the nature of the collection, the library, and the series in spatial documentation, and these spaces as territories for spatial practice, between demarcations of discipline.


The Suzuki-Miyaura reaction (the cross-coupling reaction of boronic acids with organic halides catalysed by Pd complexes) has been recognised as a useful synthetic organic reaction that forms a C(sp2)-C(sp2) bond. The catalytic cycle of the reaction involves the transmetalation of aryl- and alkenylboronic acids with Pd(II) complexes. It migrates the aryl and alkenyl groups of boronic acid to Pd and produces a Pd-C bond. Many studies have investigated the mechanism of transmetalation. They elucidated the mechanism of the organometallic reaction and its role as a fundamental step in catalytic reactions. This perspective reviews studies on the transmetalation of aryl- and alkenylboronic acids with Pd(II) complexes. Emphasis was laid on the structures and chemical properties of the intermediate Pd complexes and the effects of OH- on the pathways of the catalytic Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. The reactions of arylboronic acids with Rh(I)-OH complexes were investigated, which are relevant to the mechanism of Rh-catalysed addition of aryl boronic acids to enones and aldehydes. Recent studies on the transmetalation of boronic acids with other late transition metals such as Fe(II), Co(I), Pt(II), Au(III), and Au(I) are presented with the related catalytic reactions and their utilisation in the synthesis of aromatic molecules and π-conjugated materials.


Based on an online discrete choice experiment (DCE) this study investigates the relative importance of food label information (country of origin, production methods, chemical residue testing (CRT)) and price for Taiwanese consumers' in their purchase of sweet peppers. Results show that respondents focus mostly on the COO labeling during their sweet-pepper shopping, followed by price. Information concerning CRT results and production methods are of less importance. Our findings also indicate that interaction between attributes matter and that preference for attribute levels differs depending on socioeconomic characteristics.


This paper aims to highlight the challenges faced by Iraqi EFL students in secondary schools, in Annasiriyah province. This action research was conducted by an English language teacher who has been teaching this cohort for two academic years. This researcher collected his data via survey, interviews and observations. He also used his own experiences teaching these students to elaborate the data. The analysis of the collected data showed that these students encountered some ongoing problems in their journey of studying English. Problems such as: the structural syllabus which is often used interchangeably with the grammatical one, the activities available in the structural textbooks, the English language used in the said textbook is not an action one, and the gradation of the items and structures does not depend on complexity vs. easiness.


This article describes physician perspectives on barriers to quality primary care experienced by inner-city children with asthma and presents policy recommendations to reduce these barriers. The authors interviewed 30 physicians who take care of children with asthma in an inner-city Latino neighborhood, conducted a qualitative analysis of interview themes, and used a consensus group method to recommend policy actions. Inner-city physicians described significant access, quality of care, and other barriers in providing state-of-the-art primary care for asthma. Physicians recommended that eliminating financial barriers to care, including lack of health insurance and/or comprehensive health coverage for necessary medications and equipment, is the most important required policy action. In addition, inner-city physicians recommended that medical care and public health programs provide bilingual education for children with asthma and their families and train primary care physicians about how to provide effective asthma care to children with asthma in the inner city.


Many AI tasks can be formalized as constraint satisfaction problems (CSPs), which involve finding values for variables subject to a set of constraints. While solving a CSP is an NP-complete task in general, it is believed that efficiency can be significantly improved by exploiting the characteristics of the problem. In this paper, we present a solution synthesis algorithm called ω-CDGT which is an existing algorithm named CDGT augmented with a constraint representative graph called ω-graph. We show that the worst-case complexity of the ω-CDGT algorithm is better than other related algorithms.


: MRT is able to demonstrate arteries while MR angiography can quantify blood flow by a noninvasive method. In the present paper blood flow measurements were carried out in four selected cases on the basis of phase mapping. In 3 patients with lesions in the pelvis or thigh, angiography was performed in order to localise the stenosis or occlusion and this was followed by quantitative blood flow measurements. The results showed that angiography may not always provide all necessary information concerning a haemodynamically significant stenosis. The method may also be used for quantifying blood flow in the renal arteries and that it has significant advantages over the colour Doppler method.


Abstract : Decreased Levels BOD, COD and TSS Waste Of Tahu Using Effective Microorganism-4 (EM4) In Aerobic. Wastewater was generated from industry tahu still contains levels of polluters such as BOD, COD and TSS are still high that can pollute waterways, Therefore it must be lowered levels before discharge into waterways. One way to do is wastewater treatment with EM4. This type of research was a quasi experiments aimed to determine the reduced levels of BOD, COD and TSS waste of tahu with wastewater treatment using the activator Effective Microorganism-4 (EM4) in aerobic with variation concentrations of 0%, 3%, 5%, 7% and retention time of 72 hours, 144 hours, 216 hours. The results showed the highest decrease levels wastewater concentration treatment of 7% EM4 with retention time of 216 hours with a BOD value 399,9 mg/L (88,8%), COD 1355,2 mg/L (85,3%) and TSS 287 mg/L (72,7%). Data analysis used two-way anova in the treatment group EM4 concentration and retention time obtained p value = 0.000 and α = 0.05 the results showed that there were significant differences due to variations in the concentration of EM4, due to the retention time and due to the effects of interactions EM4 concentration with retention time. The treatment results still exceeded the quality standard so before doing aerobic treatment, the first can do anaerobic treatment, so that wastewater treatment is getting better effluent.

Keywords: Waste of tahu; levels of BOD; COD;TSS; EM4; retention time.


Quantified nominal phrases in standard Arabic display three word-order patterns: Q-DP, short-distance Q-float, and long-distance Q-float. The study investigates whether these patterns are derivationally related or whether they represent different structures. For the Q-DP pattern, the study shows that Q is a head that contains the DP as its complement. For Q-float constructions, the study reviews three major analyses including the stranding analysis, the adjunct analysis, and the labelling analysis, which all share the assumption that Q-float is derived by movement of the associate DP form a position within QP or near QP to its surface position. These previous analyses are shown to be empirically inadequate. Instead, Q-float is argued to be derived by base-generation of the nominal associate in its surface position rather than by NP-movement. Q in Q-float structures is argued to be an NP adjunct, albeit for universal quantifiers. Floating generalized quantifiers are better analyzed as arguments that might include the associate DP as a specifier.


In-vitro experiments were made to compare specific binding of 3H-diazepam with synaptic membranes obtained from the large hemispheres of rats trained the defense conditioned reflex to that in rats exposed to non-combined stimuli (active control). Within the concentration range of 0.37 nM-30 nM, specific binding of 3H-diazepam with the synaptic membranes obtained from the brain of active control animals was considerably higher than that with the synaptic membranes obtained from the trained animals brain.


Despite covering only 2.7% of the world's total surface area, the world's cities are responsible for 75% of the world's energy consumption and 80% of greenhouse-gas emissions. For this reason, the redesign of cities is essential in the transition towards sustainability. However, planning and designing sustainable neighbourhoods is not a simple task, given that there is no agreement on what the sustainable settlement should be, nor on how this should be achieved. Furthermore, planners have to strive to achieve a balance between financial, environmental, and social goals, and must deal with multiple actors and stakeholders and with site-specific characteristics. The aim of this work is to describe the key determining factors—both opportunities and constraints—found in the process of designing and planning a neighbourhood, based on a case study in the city of Barcelona. In this practical experiment, led by the authors, the ecodesign methodology was applied on an urban scale in the neighbourhood of Vallbona, Barcelona, which occupies an area of 32.6 ha and will host 2120 dwellings. From this neighbourhood ecodesign exercise, it was found that territorial (urban form, urban fabrics, and density; availability of local resources), financial, legal, and political (local government's wishes and leadership) determinants are the most important. It is concluded that there is no single path to achieve urban sustainability, since the design of neighbourhoods in different locations will lead to different results.


In this paper we examine Anna Komnene's editorial procedure in Book XII
 chapter 3 of the Alexias and reappraise her historical methodology. We
 investigate the two dates at the end of XII.3.1, which are incompatible: the
 indiction does not correspond to the regnal year. Our investigations come to
 the following conclusions: Anna composes XII.3 using reliable sources,
 Alexios I's official letters and court logbook; both of the dates originate
 in the trustworthy imperial documents that she consulted; the discrepancy
 between the two, commonly regarded as a mistake made by Anna, was caused by
 editorial work on the text after her death. As far as we can tell from XII.3,
 her method of historical composition is entirely clear and this suggests that
 the Alexias is a reliable historical source.


Although a close relationship between haemorrheological disorders and thrombogenesis has been known for a long time, only the recent introduction of newly developed analytical techniques has allowed a precise assessment of the main haemorrheological parameters. The employment of these techniques in routine clinical practice has enabled, for instance, a more accurate investigation of the pathogenetic triggers underlying numerous thrombotic disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. A survey of the most exhaustive prospective studies shows that some haemorrheological parameters (e.g. plasma and blood viscosity) as well as their main determining factors (e.g. haematocrit and fibrinogen) are well defined independent cardiovascular risk factors. Nonetheless, further large scale studies are required to adequately dissect the relative contribution of both haemorrheological alterations and other thrombophilic factors in the pathogenesis of different cardiovascular diseases related to thrombotic disorders.


Abstract:  Newly emergent infectious diseases are a global public health problem. The population dense regions of Southeast Asia are the epicenter of many emerging diseases, as evidenced by the outbreak of Nipah, SARS, avian influenza (H5N1), Dengue, and enterovirus 71 in this region in the past decade. Rapid identification, epidemiologic surveillance, and mitigation of transmission are major challenges in ensuring public health safety. Here we describe a powerful new approach for infectious disease surveillance that is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify nucleic acid targets from large groupings of organisms, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) for accurate mass measurements of the PCR products, and base composition signature analysis to identify organisms in a sample. This approach is capable of automated analysis of more than 1,500 PCR reactions a day. It is applicable to the surveillance of bacterial, viral, fungal, or protozoal pathogens and will facilitate rapid characterization of known and emerging pathogens.


Diabetes mellitus (DM), frequently known as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level over a long period. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased dehydration, and increased hunger. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or leads to death. Serious longterm complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, and damage to the eyes.


Summary A new form of bovine Clostridium botulinum toxicity was described as visceral botulism. Long-lasting absorption of very low quantities of botulinum toxin may interfere with neurological control of intestinal physiology instead of acute or subacute lethal effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of C. botulinum toxins and their types in abomasal content and serum of dairy cows diagnosed with abomasal displacement. Abomasum displacement was confirmed in 17 cows by laparoscopic examination and abomasal content and serum samples were collected during surgical correction. The mouse toxicity and neutralization bioassay was used to detect and identify the C. botulinum toxins in samples. Clostridium botulinum toxin type C was detected in 2 of abomasums contents and in 1 of sera. The toxin detected animals were fed with silage. Although the identification ratio (17.6%) of C. botulinum type C toxin in this study seems so farther to correlate AD with C. botulinum toxins; we are of the opinion that C. botulinum toxins, especially type C, may be associated with AD because AD is considered to be a multifactorial disease.


Abstract STUDY QUESTION Can high resolution array-CGH analysis on a cohort of women showing a primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) phenotype in young age identify copy number variants (CNVs) with a deleterious effect on ovarian function? SUMMARY ANSWER This approach has proved effective to clarify the role of CNVs in POI pathogenesis and to better unveil both novel candidate genes and pathogenic mechanisms. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY POI describes the progression toward the cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40 years. Genetic causes are highly heterogeneous and despite several genes being associated with ovarian failure, most of genetic basis of POI still needs to be elucidated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The current study included 67 46,XX patients with early onset POI (<19 years) and 134 control females recruited between 2012 and 2016 at the Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS High resolution array-CGH analysis was carried out on POI patients' DNA. Results of patients and female controls were analyzed to search for rare CNVs. All variants were validated and subjected to a gene content analysis and disease gene prioritization based on the present literature to find out new ovary candidate genes. Case-control study with statistical analysis was carried out to validate our approach and evaluate any ovary CNVs/gene enrichment. Characterization of particular CNVs with molecular and functional studies was performed to assess their pathogenic involvement in POI. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified 37 ovary-related CNVs involving 44 genes with a role in ovary in 32 patients. All except one of the selected CNVs were not observed in the control group. Possible involvement of the CNVs in POI pathogenesis was further corroborated by a case-control analysis that showed a significant enrichment of ovary-related CNVs/genes in patients (P = 0.0132; P = 0.0126). Disease gene prioritization identified both previously reported POI genes (e.g. BMP15, DIAPH2, CPEB1, BNC1) and new candidates supported by transcript and functional studies, such as TP63 with a role in oocyte genomic integrity and VLDLR which is involved in steroidogenesis. LARGE SCALE DATA ClinVar database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/clinvar/); accession numbers SCV000787656 to SCV000787743. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a descriptive analysis for almost all of the CNVs identified. Inheritance studies of CNVs in some non-familial sporadic cases was not performed as the parents' DNA samples were not available. Addionally, RT-qPCR analyses were carried out in few cases as RNA samples were not always available and the genes were not expressed in blood. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our array-CGH screening turned out to be efficient in identifying different CNVs possibly implicated in disease onset, thus supporting the extremely wide genetic heterogeneity of POI. Since almost 50% of cases are negative rare ovary-related CNVs, array-CGH together with next generation sequencing might represent the most suitable approach to obtain a comprehensive genetic characterization of POI patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Supported by Italian Ministry of Health grants 'Ricerca Corrente' (08C203_2012) and 'Ricerca Finalizzata' (GR-2011-02351636, BIOEFFECT) to IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano.


The first pulsating ultraluminous X-ray source (PULX) to be identified is M82 X-2. After the discovery in 2014, NuSTAR observed the M82 field 15 times throughout 2015 and 2016. In this paper, we report the results of pulsation searches in all of these data sets and find only one new detection. This new detection allows us to refine the orbital period of the source and measure an average spin-down rate between 2014 and 2016 of ∼−6 × 10−11 Hz s−1, which is in contrast to the strong spin-up seen during the 2014 observations, representing the first detection of spin-down in a PULX system. Thanks to the improved orbital solution allowed by this new detection, we are also able to detect pulsations in additional segments of the original 2014 data set. We find a glitch superimposed on the very strong and variable spin-up already reported—the first positive glitch identified in a PULX system. We discuss the new findings in the context of current leading models for PULXs.


Background:
The metabolic syndrome (MetSy), which is defined by the
spectrum of obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia, is
recognised as a major contributor to the overall risk of
developing cardiovascular disease. Intermittent fasting (IF),
which encompasses dieting plans with varying schedules of
fasting, may be an effective method of reducing the burden
of MetSy and the consequent cardiovascular events in the
face of a worsening obesity epidemic in the contemporary
society.
Aims:
Despite the widespread public interest there is a serious
lack of scientific understanding of the evidence base and the
safe, optimal recommendations. This has created a level of
public confusion that we endeavour to address by this
narrative review of the published literature.
Methods:
This narrative literature review summarises the current
findings and suggests which regimens may be more effective and where future research in this area should be
focused.
Results:
Although the ideal regimen for IF remains unclear, there is
promising evidence that alternate day fasting or modified
fasting regimens, paired with or without continuous caloric
restriction, may be more effective than continuous caloric
restriction alone.
Conclusion:
IF has been shown in the small number of human clinical
trials discussed here to be an alternative to continuous
caloric restriction in reducing the factors that contribute to
the development of cardiovascular disease.
Long-term randomised, controlled trials comparing
continual caloric restriction and IF are required to
objectively assess energy intake, energy expenditure,
adherence, disease outcomes and metabolic factors.


Due to the changes of modern society, alternative types of nuclear family so called as commuting family have appeared. Also, with the increase of women's economic participation and their needs of self-actualization, dual-career commuting family have increased. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is any difference between the traditional commuting family and dual-career commuting family in terms of family relation, types of child-care and social support. Also, this study qualitatively analysed parenting-guilty of the mothers of commuting family. One eight seven mothers of three to eight year-old participated the survey. The main results were as follows : (1) In case of traditional commuting family, children cohabit with the mother and usually fathers move between two houses. But among the dual-career commuting family, there are some children who cohabit with the father and some mothers who move. Dual-career commuting family relied on the more types of child-care than traditional commuting family. (2) While traditional commuting family get more support for child-rearing from the husband's family of origin than dual-career commuting family, wife's family of origin provide more support to the dual-career commuting family. The more support the husband's family of origin provide, the more stress both types of commuting family experience. However, there was no significant relationship between the support from the wife's family of origin or friends and the stress of the mothers of both types of commuting family. (3) Mothers of two types of commuting families were different regarding the motives of parenting-guilty. Difficulty of caring the children for their job as well as father-absentness makes mothers of dual-career commuting family feel parenting-guilty more.


This article provides a textual commentary on the Gǝʿǝz text of Ezekiel 1–11 as edited by Michael Knibb in his recently published edition, The Ethiopic Text of the Book of Ezekiel: a Critical Edition (2015), and complements what is said in the introduction to the edition. It also serves to complement Knibb's Schweich Lectures, Translating the Bible: the Ethio-pic Version of the Old Testament (1999). The textual notes are primarily concerned to provide a detailed comparison of the Ethiopic version with the underlying Greek text in the light also of the Hebrew text and of the Syriac and Syriac-based Arabic versions; to comment on the vocabulary used in the Ethiopic version of Ezekiel; and to discuss difficulties in the Ethiopic text. The notes demonstrate clearly the dependence of the Ethiopic text of Ezekiel on the Alexandrian text (the A-text), particularly the minuscule pair 106–410 and the minuscule 534, the close ally of 130, which has been regarded as the most closely related of the minuscules to the Ethiopic text of Ezekiel. They also provide evidence of the influence of the Syro-Arabic version on the text.


We have measured pulmonary artery (PA) and left ventricular diastolic pressures (LVDP) in patients with acute myocardial infarction to establish the relationships of PA pressure to LVDP. Paired determinations for the various parameters showed (mean difference in mm Hg): left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP )LVDP pre-a + 7.9, P <0.001; LVEDP-mean PA wedge + 6.0, P < 0.001; mean PA wedge-LVDP pre-a, + 0.8, P > 0.2; PA end-diastolic pressure (PAEDP)-mean PA wedge (in all patients) +3.3, P < 0.001; PAEDP-mean PA wedge (patients with pulmonary vascular resistance .2 units) + 1.3, P<O0.1; LVEDP-PAEDP +4.7, P< 0.001; and LVEDP-mean PA -2.0, P <0.02. The relationship of LVEDP to mean PA wedge was: LVEDP (y) = 1.12 mean PA wedge (x) +4.69; Sy.x = 3.42; r =0.92. After acute myocardial infarction, PA pressures did not accurately reflect LVEDP because atrial contraction made a large contribution to ventricular filling pressure. In addition, PAEDPs were not the same as mean PA wedge pressures because of some increase of pulmonary vascular resistance in many patients. Thus, PA pressures only provided reliable information about the level of pulmonary venous pressure. LVDP pre-a correlated well with mean PA wedge pressure, and therefore measurement of LVDP (pre-a and EDP) yielded information not only about pulmonary edema, but also about LV performance.


This study investigated ductile crack initiation limit of pipeline girth welded joints with different strength mismatches. The ductile crack initiation limit for the girth welded joints was evaluated by conducting three-point bending fracture toughness tests and wide plate tensile tests with a surface notch. In addition, effect of heat input on the ductile crack initiation limit of weld metal (WM) was evaluated on the assumption that a welding condition would be varied in the field in the actual pipeline construction. As the results, the equivalent plastic strain at the notch tip for the ductile crack initiation of the three-point bending tests was consistent with those of the wide plate tests, and the heat input hardly affected the ductile crack initiation limit within the range of this study. This meant that the ductile crack initiation limit of the pipeline girth welded joints with strength mis-match was able to be estimated using the equivalent plastic strain obtained from the three-point bending tests. Based on these results, we proposed a procedure to determine the rational fracture toughness requirements which took into account the difference in the plastic constraint between standard fracture toughness test and pipeline girth welded joints. This procedure was also possible to determine the required strength matching level for a strain-based design for girth welded joint containing surface notch in the centre of the WM in terms of preventing the ductile crack initiation.


Copenhagen International Legal Process is facing choice between double or three track approach.Non-binding "Copenhagen Accord" creates political negotiations result of zero-sum game.At the same time,international law governance will continue to focus on the application of "common but differentiated responsibility principle" to negotiate.The concept of "Common Concern of Humankind" and the substantive fairness are the meaning of the principle.As soft law,"the Copenhagen Accord" will promote the "protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind" to achieve sustainable development goals under the missing hegemony of the carbon political game.


A number of patients undergoing nasal surgery such as endoscopic sinus surgery and rhinoplasty request whether facial cosmetic procedures can be performed at the same time. This report outlines some of the more common adjunctive procedures.


It is a longstanding conjecture that for a finite group $\G$, the exponent of the second homology group $\HH_2(\G, \mathbb{Z})$ divides the exponent of $\G$. In this paper, we prove this conjecture for $\p$-groups of class at most $\p$, finite nilpotent groups of odd exponent and of nilpotency class 5, $\p$-central metabelian $\p$-groups, and groups considered by L. E . Wilson in \cite{LEW}. Moreover, we improve several bounds given by various authors. We achieve most of our results using an induction argument.


Abstract The causes cited by 218 participants for the hypothetical positive and negative life events on the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and the dimensional ratings of the causes were examined to determine the match between the dimensional and categorical definitions of attributional style. Optimists (n = 105) and pessimists (n = 113) used different types of causes to explain the negative ASQ events, but not the positive events. However, optimists' and pessimists' causal explanations shared a number of features. The findings suggest that attributional styles depend, in part, on the event being explained and demonstrate that the ASQ events elicit specific types of causes.


This paper presents a model of vindictive rape based on common mechanisms for maintaining cooperation among humans, namely altruistic (or costly) punishment, sex role expectations, and retributive ("eye for an eye") justice. Vindictive rapes are characterized by high level of victim harm without explicit sadistic sexual interests. They are also distinguished from angry, reactive sexual aggression in response to personal insult or threats. In this model, vindictive rape is considered a form of retributive justice in which the perpetrator punishes the female victim for perceived transgressions against sexual norms. None of the specific psychological mechanisms are intrinsically problematic. Nevertheless, individuals who have committed vindictive rapes would still be expected to have risk-relevant schema worthy of interventions. For such individuals, the primary treatment targets would be loosening rigid sexual norm expectations for women, increasing confidence in conventional methods of maintaining social order, and decreasing willingness to hurt others at the cost of hurting oneself. A 15-item Vindictive Rape Attitude Questionnaire is presented in order to facilitate further research on the topic.


Objectives. Erythrocyte membrane proteins reflect the prototype of multifunctional proteins of various erythroid and non-erythroid cells, which demonstrate various cellular functions. The protein profile of cells changes in various diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand the changes in protein profile of erythrocyte membranes in bronchial asthma. Methods. The study included 20 patients of bronchial asthma and 20 healthy subjects. Erythrocytes were isolated from peripheral blood, membranes were prepared followed by the determination of protein contents, and protein profile was assessed using SDS-PAGE. Results. In bronchial asthma, the protein contents of erythrocyte membranes in asthmatic patients were significantly higher (p < .005) than in healthy controls. Analysis of protein profile showed absence of the proteins, namely, band 4.2 and adducin subunit-II, and appearance of protein bands of molecular weights corresponding to galectin-3, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, β-actin, dematin, band 4.1, and adducin (subunit-I) in asthmatic patients when compared with healthy controls. Conclusions. In asthma, there are quantitative and qualitative changes in proteins of erythrocyte membranes. The absence of band 4.2 protein may cause impairment of the erythrocyte membrane integrity, and presence of galectin-3 may lead to the activation of various inflammatory cells. The altered protein profile may possibly lead to altered response of the inflammatory cells to the asthmogenic stimuli, which may be responsible for pathophysiology and manifestation of the symptoms of bronchial asthma.


Objective: Mindfulness meditation reduces psychological distress among individuals with cancer. However, mechanisms for intervention effects have not been fully determined. This study tested emotion regulation strategies as mediators of intervention effects in a sample of younger women treated for breast cancer, a group at risk for psychological distress. We focused on two distinct strategies targeted by the intervention—rumination and self-kindness—and further examined the broader construct of mindfulness as a potential mediator. Method: Women (n = 71) with Stage 0-III breast cancer diagnosed at or before age 50 who had completed cancer treatment were randomly assigned to a 6-week mindfulness intervention or wait-list control group. Assessments occurred at study entry, postintervention, and a 3-month follow-up. Results: In single mediator analyses, increases in self-kindness (CIB [−7.83, −1.93]), decreases in rumination (CIB [−5.05, −.31]), and increases in mindfulness (CIB [−6.58, −.82]) each mediated reductions in depressive symptoms from pre- to postintervention. Increases in self-kindness also mediated reductions in perceived stress (CIB [−5.37, −.62]) from pre- to postintervention, and increases in self-kindness (CIB [−5.67, −.22]) and in mindfulness (CIB [−5.51, −.16]) each mediated intervention effects on perceived stress from preintervention to 3-month follow-up. In multiple mediator analysis, only self-kindness mediated intervention effects on depressive symptoms from pre- to postintervention (CIB [−6.41, −.61]), and self-kindness and mindfulness together mediated intervention effects on perceived stress from preintervention to follow-up (CIB [−6.77, −.35]). Conclusions: Self-kindness played a consistent role in reducing distress in younger women with breast cancer. The efficacy of this understudied emotion regulation strategy should be evaluated in other clinical populations.


The proceedings contain contributions from international experts and presents many advances in knowledge, ideas and new thinking. The papers are organised into sessions on advanced signal processing, applied mechanics, chaos theory, condition and process monitoring, vibration and noise control, advanced control, industrial process control applications, dynamics, fault detection and diagnosis, non-linear systems, rotor system analysis and applications, smart systems, structural monitoring, vibration analysis, and industrial case studies. The book will be of interest to researchers and industrial practitioners in the fields of dynamics, monitoring and control who seek the leading edge of integrating technology in these allied disciplines.


Two-hundred and sixty nine cases of elbow replacements employing a semi-constrained hinge prosthesis (Pritchard Mark I and Mark II types) were reviewed by the author. Information was gathered using a standard information sheet sent out to orthopedic surgeons known to have used the prosthesis. Responses from 100 orthopedic surgeons reviewed by the author reflected a significant lowering of long-term loosening as a complication of this type of surgery. This study suggests that careful patient selection, improved techniques for inserting methymethacrylate cement into the medullary canals of long bones, and the improved design of the semiconstrained hinge prosthesis are all important factors relating to long-term loosening.


Both religion and science often have been regarded as forms of ideology. This has created interesting problems for the scientific study of religion. This paper presents a new theory of "ideology" that is based on Dan Sperber's distinction between intuitive and reflective beliefs as well as on his idea of metarepresentation. In ideological thinking it is presumed that decoupling any given beliefs from a given metarepresentational context a priori leads to their misunderstanding. Only intuitive beliefs are free from ideology; they are based on direct perception or very simple inference. All reflective beliefs, scientific and religious alike, are potentially ideological. Ideology thus is contrasted with everyday common sense, not with science. The study of ideologies is not necessarily itself ideological in the same sense as its varying objects. "Ideology" is a graded category; beliefs and arguments are more or less ideological, not either ideological or non-ideological.


To follow up on a previous finding of an elevated colorectal cancer incidence rate among Exxon employees on a unit devoted to the manufacture of polypropylene (the polyolefin unit [POU]), a company-sponsored screening program was offered to all former and present POU workers. Overall participation was 52.5%, with lower participation among older workers and workers who had retired or were no longer employed by the company. Evaluation of polyp prevalence rates for POU workers v rates for non-Exxon employees screened at the same clinic showed a general pattern of elevated rates for POU employees, especially for mechanical and process workers. This pattern was most marked for polyps at least 0.5 cm in diameter, but findings were less clear for adenomatous polyps. The effect of factors that might bias evaluation of colorectal polyp prevalence rates (eg, selection bias, observation bias, genetic susceptibility) is discussed, but none of these factors seemed a likely explanation for the findings observed in this study.


Aims/Objectives/Background We aimed to compare adolescent mortality rates between different types of major trauma centre (MTC or level 1; adult, children's and mixed). Methods/Design Data were obtained from TARN (Trauma Audit Research Network) from English sites over a 6-year period (2012–2018), with adolescence defined as 10–24.99 years. Results are presented using descriptive statistics. Patient characteristics were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc analysis for pairwise comparison and χ2 test for categorical variables. Results/Conclusions 21 033 cases met inclusion criteria. Trauma-related 30-day crude mortality rates by MTC type were 2.5% (children's), 4.4% (mixed) and 4.9% (adult). Logistic regression accounting for injury severity, mechanism of injury, physiological parameters and 'hospital ID', resulted in adjusted odds of mortality of 2.41 (95% CI 1.31 to 4.43; p=0.005) and 1.85 (95% CI 1.03 to 3.35; p=0.041) in adult and mixed MTCs, respectively when compared with children's MTCs. In three subgroup analyses the same trend was noted. In adolescents aged 14–17.99 years old, those managed in a children's MTC had the lowest mortality rate at 2.5%, compared with 4.9% in adult MTCs and 4.4% in mixed MTCs (no statistical difference between children's and mixed). In cases of major trauma (Injury Severity Score >15) the adjusted odds of mortality were also greater in the mixed and adult MTC groups when compared with the children's MTC. Median length of stay (LoS) and intensive care unit LoS were comparable for all MTC types. Patients managed in children's MTCs were less likely to have a CT scan (46.2% vs 62.8% mixed vs 64% adult). Children's MTC have lower crude and adjusted 30-day mortality rates for adolescent trauma. Further research is required in this field to identify the factors that may have influenced these findings.


Vibrational spectroscopy and imaging promise molecular information that can be rapidly acquired without the need for specialized stains or dyes, thereby potentially simplifying and speeding up necessary analyses for interventions in many facets of modern day healthcare. The salient characteristics of vibrational spectroscopy for molecular analyses, using non-perturbative optical measurements, and employing computational analysis of data, are especially useful near the point of care as assessments can be made with fewer reagents, under pressure of time and accuracy while not requiring extensive specialized human expertise. Significant technological development has occurred and many seminal proof of concept studies have been conducted to demonstrate the utility and vast potential of spectroscopic methods. Accordingly, a number of studies have focused on pushing the fundamental performance limits of spectroscopic methods while others have focused on specific problems where the use of vibrational spectroscopy promises to change the standard of care. Despite this impressive progress, however, the application area is still maturing and rapidly evolving. A vast array of potential applications continues to be assessed while others need further technological developments. In this review, we focus on recent developments that demonstrate potential for point of care impact and major trends that can lead, in turn, to improved spectroscopic technology. We provide focused examples of ''case studies'' and major trends in spectroscopic analyses ranging from in vivo measurements to that of ex vivo bodily fluids to extracted and processed tissues. In each case, the uniting theme is that information to the clinician is enabled closer to the patient, allowing for a shorter time between identification of the need for analyses and availability of information that guides care. Raman Spectroscopy for Intraoperative and In Vivo Diagnostics


We prove that standard Gaussian random multipliers are expected to stabilize numerically both Gaussian elimination with no pivoting and block Gaussian elimination. Our tests show similar results where we applied circulant random multipliers instead of Gaussian ones.


Heart rate variability (HRV) is used in the assessment of cardiovascular health. However, often contradictory results have impeded the efficient use of HRV in clinical practice. HRV signals can contain artifacts leading to errors in the interpretation of HRV results. Various methods have been used for artifact editing, but there is relatively little information on how the actual editing can influence the HRV measures. The main aim of this thesis was to improve the reliability of HRV analysis by concentrating on the HRV signal preprocessing methods. The effects of three editing methods on the HRV of short (512 R-R) and long-term (24-hour) R-R interval data were studied with non-edited and edited data from healthy subjects (n=10) and patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n=10). The effects of ectopic beats on short (α1) and long-term (α2) fractal scaling exponents were studied by inserting artificial ectopic beats into the HRV signals of 20 healthy subjects and 20 AMI patients. The prognostic significance of edited and non-edited α1 and α2 was studied in random elderly (n=84) and post-AMI (n=84) populations. A new method to quantify respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was developed based on the HRV signals of 13 healthy subjects. A new measure, the RSA index, was defined to evaluate the risk to sudden cardiac death (SCD) in 1631 AMI patients. Lastly, a new algorithm was developed in order to edit heart rate (HR) turbulence occurring immediately after a ventricular premature beat (VPB). The effects of HR turbulence editing on the HRV analysis were studied in 267 AMI patients. Editing had distinct effects on the HRV analysis depending on the editing method and data type. Deletion editing was found to be unsuitable for the HRV spectrum analysis. There was no universal editing method for the time and frequency domain HRV analyses. Unedited ectopic beats increased the randomness of short-term R-R interval dynamics, especially in AMI patients. However, unedited α1 differed significantly between survivors and those who died during the follow-up. Ectopic beats do not necessarily need to be edited if fractal analysis is used in the risk evaluation. A depressed RSA index was found to be a strong predictor of SCD but a weak predictor of non-SCD in AMI patients. Editing of HR turbulence affected differently the various HRV measures. ULF and VLF components were most clearly influenced by HR turbulence removal. The amount of VBPs had an important impact on the results. When the VBPs/hour were >50, ULF and VLF were >30% lower after turbulence removal. The results of this thesis highlight the importance of editing the erroneous or irrelevant R-R interval oscillation in an HRV analysis. The careful choice of preprocessing method is essential if one wishes to obtain reliable HRV analyses for clinical purposes.


Abstract For the comparative study of the effects of electoral systems on the descriptive representation of ethnic minorities in parliament, Macedonia is a highly interesting case because the country had several elections under majoritarian as well as under proportional systems. Whereas most observers claim that ethnic Albanians have benefitted from the introduction of proportional representation, the article argues that the merits of PR have been overstated. First, scholars have often only reported members of political parties but not independent candidates in parliament. Second, when comparing the share of seats before and after the introduction of PR, the growing share of the Albanians in the population is usually ignored.


In a previous study we reported on a case with severe infantile, mitochondrial myopathy caused by somatic mutation [12]. In the present study we give evidence for asymmetric tissue distribution of the mutations. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis showed a cluster of nearly homoplasmic point mutations in the tRNA gene for leucine (UUR) (A3259 G, A3261 G, A3266 G, A3268 G). The mutation is abundant in muscle, but is not found in blood cells. This cluster of mutations is sporadic, because the search for mutant molecules in the blood of the healthy mother and maternal grandmother did not show these alterations.


This article explores how Indigenous Knowledge and medical anthropology can co-construct community health knowledge through boundary work and the use of boundary objects. It will highlight how community-based participatory research (CBPR) in medical anthropology can help co-develop methods and strategies with Indigenous research partners to assess the human health impact of the First Nations water crisis. We draw on a case study of our community-based approach to health research with Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation community stakeholders and McMaster University researchers. We highlight how framing a co-constructed health survey as a boundary object can create dialogical space for Indigenous and western academic pedagogies and priorities. We also explore how this CBPR anthropology approach, informed by Indigenous Knowledge, allows for deeper foundations of culturally centered health to guide our work in identifying current and future community health needs concerning these ongoing water contamination and access issues. Through three health survey versions, priorities and research questions shifted and expanded to suit growing community health priorities. This led to collaborative action to communicate specific messages around water contamination and access across governance, community, and institutional boundaries. We demonstrate how our co-constructed approach and boundary work allows for the respectful and reciprocal development of these long-term research partnerships and works in solidarity with the Two-Row Wampum (Kaswentha) treaty established by the Haudenosaunee Nation and European settler nations.


This paper aims to explore the significance of cultural difference in English speaking communication on the basis of the analysis in IELTS speaking tests and it is concluded that the IELTS speaking tests will influence ELT in China. Therefore, the cultivation of cultural awareness in English speaking communication should be given priority and further enhanced in ELT in China. In addition, effective ways are suggested to cultivate and improve the cultural awareness of students in ELT in China.


Fructose consumption by Americans has increased markedly, whereas Ca(2+) intake has decreased below recommended levels. Because fructose metabolism decreases enterocyte ATP concentrations, we tested the hypothesis that luminal fructose acutely reduces active, diet-inducible Ca(2+) transport in the small intestine. We confirmed that the decrease in ATP concentrations was indeed greater in fructose- compared with glucose-incubated mucosal homogenates from wild-type and was prevented in fructose-incubated homogenates from ketohexokinase (KHK)(-/-) mice. We then induced active Ca(2+) transport by chronically feeding wild-type, fructose transporter glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5)(-/-), as well as KHK(-/-) mice a low Ca(2+) diet and measured transepithelial Ca(2+) transport in everted duodenal sacs incubated in solutions containing glucose, fructose, or their nonmetabolizable analogs. The diet-induced increase in active Ca(2+) transport was proportional to dramatic increases in expression of the Ca(2+)-selective channel transient receptor potential vanilloid family calcium channel 6 as well as of the Ca(2+)-binding protein 9k (CaBP9k) but not that of the voltage-dependent L-type channel Ca(v)1.3. Crypt-villus distribution of CaBP9k seems heterogeneous, but low Ca(2+) diets induce expression in more cells. In contrast, KHK distribution is homogeneous, suggesting that fructose metabolism can occur in all enterocytes. Diet-induced Ca(2+) transport was not enhanced by addition of the enterocyte fuel glutamine and was always greater in sacs of wild-type, GLUT5(-/-), and KHK(-/-) mice incubated with fructose or nonmetabolizable sugars than those incubated with glucose. Thus duodenal Ca(2+) transport is not affected by fructose and enterocyte ATP concentrations but instead may decrease with glucose metabolism, as Ca(2+) transport remains high with 3-O-methylglucose that is also transported by sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 but cannot be metabolized.


A macroscopic finite element model is applied to investigate the effect of fire induced spalling on the response of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Spalling is accounted for in the model through pore pressure calculations in concrete. The principles of mechanics and thermodynamics are applied to compute the temperature induced pore pressure in the concrete structures as a function of fire exposure time. The computed pore pressure is checked against the temperature dependent tensile strength of concrete to determine the extent of spalling. Using the model, case studies are conducted to investigate the influence of concrete permeability, fire scenario and axial restraint on the fire induced spalling and also on the response of RC beams. Results from the analysis indicate that the fire induced spalling, fire scenario, and axial restraint have significant influence on the fire response of RC beams. It is also shown that concrete permeability has substantial effect on the fire induced spalling and thus on the fire response of concrete beams. The fire resistance of high strength concrete beams can be lower that that of normal strength concrete beams due to fire induced spalling resulting from low permeability in high strength concrete.


For very large databases, such as spatial database and multimedia database, the traditional clustering algorithms are of limitations in validity and scalability. According to the notion of clustering feature of BIRCH, an incremental clustering algorithm is designed and implemented, which solves the problems of effectiveness, space and time complexities of clustering algorithms for very large spatial databases. Theoretic analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the incremental clustering algorithm cannot only handle very large spatial databases, but also has good performance.


We would like to share data from a survey run by the Young Academy of Europe (YAE) from June to October 2020, with questions aiming to unravel the situation of early-career researchers (including early stage group leaders) working in Europe, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were particularly interested in the impact of care activities (related to young children or other family members), and the impact of gender. We include the online survey and collected data, without identifying information. The survey is published in Nature Career Column (July, 2021) ( https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01952-6).


This study is concerned with examining the origin and development of the social and spatial inequalities in the provision of urban housing in Peninsular Malaysia. This is done within a theoretical framework which stresses the need to understand the forces that have moulded the Malaysian space economy. Conventional housing provision is analysed using data on the activities of private development firms, which like other modern capitalist activity, are spatially and structurally concentrated. i The conventional sector builds mainly high cost dwellings which the urban poor cannot afford and, despite an increasing quantity of cheaper accommodation provided by the public sector, the bulk of the poor search for alternatives in the unconventional sector. Unconventional housing, built outside the formal regulation and standards of the modern sector, is found in most Malaysian cities, where it has evolved since the early 1900s. Despite the importance of unconventional housing in many cities, government policy has been concerned with its clearance and eradication and has been based on a misunderstanding of the processes inherent in the development of these shelter types. The third part of the study examines in detail the construction and acquisition of squatter dwellings and the manner in which low income families accumulate capital which is invested in the development and improvement of such housing. Although squatter settlements do permit such activities to occur, they are not a vehicle for socio-economic mobility for all low income households because of the constraints of the urban political economy. TABLE OF CONTENTS IV Abstract Table of


OVERVIEW: Many manufacturers are moving to servitization, but making that move successfully requires considering the underlying business logic of a division or product. Differences in existing conditions, such as product characteristics or other business attributes, may determine success in transition to a services-based business model and create challenges for a firm moving, for instance, from a spare-parts model to advanced service contracts. Our study pinpoints a number of key product attributes that define how far a company can move up the service ladder. The findings suggest that the Power-by-the-Hour model pioneered by Rolls-Royce suits products that constitute critical ancillary input to, and not essential elements of, customers' core processes; that require low initial investments relative to high total costs of ownership; that are used in controllable operating environments with measurable performance requirements; and that are associated with high risk and high costs in the event of failure. Further, the service delivery system must be integrated and orchestrated to be product-specific—that is, aligned with the function and operating conditions of the product in use.


Road freight accounts for the 89% of the inland freight transportation in Turkey. This study examined the factors affecting capacity utilization in Turkey with a specific focus on load factors and empty running. These two decisions, the load factor and the choice of running empty, are modelled jointly in a Heckman model. The model results showed that rigid and articulated trucks represent relatively different transport markets. Their age and the distance profile of the shipments affect the load factor and the probability of running empty. These effects are further examined for different commodity types and by testing different econometric specifications.


Hypertriglyceridemia has been described in patients with hematologic malignancy who have been treated with asparaginase alone or in combination with prednisone. A striking temporal association between asparaginase therapy and hypertriglyceridemia (>1000 mg/dL) has been reported without association with acute asparaginase toxicities, notably pancreatitis. Plasma exchange may also be used as a primary or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. Familial hypertriglyceridemia is a Category I indication for plasma exchange according to the American Society for Apheresis, and plasma exchange has been used to treat acute and recurrent pancreatitis with hypertriglyceridemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia regardless of cause. We have reported the successful application of plasma exchange in patients with severe triglycerydemia, reducing the triglyceride levels in seven patients from a mean of 1407 mg per dL to 683 mg per dL (p = 0.003). We read with interest a recently published case report entitled "Plasmapheresis in asparaginase-induced pancreatitis." To the best of our knowledge, acute pancreatitis cannot be diagnosed only on the basis of elevation of serum pancreatic enzymes. The measurement of serum amylase, lipase, and other enzymes is usually accompanied by ultrasound and computerized tomography, and trypsinogen-2 levels may also be a very useful diagnostic test in patients with pancreatitis. Such adjunctive investigations may be helpful especially in diagnosing acute pancreatitis in patients with hypertriglyceridemia with normal serum amylase levels. This situation may occur when there is an inhibitor of amylase present (as can be associated with triglyceride elevations), the activity of which may be reduced (and the hyperamylasemia uncovered) with dilution of the serum. The patient presented by Parsons and colleagues had abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and neutropenia. Alternative diagnoses of typhilitis and mucositis should be considered in such a patient, and thus pancreatitis may not be the definitive diagnosis in this case. Nevertheless, plasmapheresis may have been a very useful treatment for the patient's hypertriglyceridemia because of the risk of acute pancreatitis. Zahit Bolaman, MD e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Irfan Yavasoglu, MD Gurhan Kadikoylu, MD School of Medicine Internal Medicine Division of Hematology Adnan Menderes University Aydin, Turkey


We report on 18 patients presenting persisting varicoceles following one or several surgical attempts to ligate the vena spermatica interna. During the last 12 years 519 patients underwent high ligation of the V. spermatica interna (technique of Bernardi) for varicocele in this center. In 5 of them a varicocele persisted after surgery (1 per cent). Phlebography in all operated 18 cases showed: an overlooked branch of the V. serm. int. in 2 cases, collateral veins to the paravertebral plexus in 3 cases and a combination of venous collaterals to neighbouring systems and overlooked branches in 13 cases. Collateral anastomoses as causes for persisting varicoceles were demonstrated to the presacral- and paravertebral plexus, to the V. iliaca and the V. femoralis and via the plexus pampiniformas to the other side. Preoperative Phlebography is preferred to intraoperative radiological diagnosis since the latter may be technically difficult, incomplete and may require a longer incision for ligation of distant anastomoses.


There is controversy about the effectiveness of monitoring of asthma treatment based on the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). We performed a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of FeNO-guided asthma treatment in children. Up to the end of March 2009, four randomised controlled trials were published, but the results of the trials could not be pooled. Their methodological quality was moderate to high. There was no significant effect of FeNO-guided asthma treatment on the number of symptom-free days, asthma exacerbations, hospital admissions, pulmonary function history (except one trial) and quality of life. There was a moderate effect on prednisone use. Children receiving FeNO-guided treatment used prednisone less often than children whose treatment was based on symptoms. However, children receiving FeNO-guided treatment used higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids. At this moment, FeNO-guided asthma treatment cannot be recommended in general practice and paediatric care