Abstract Kangite (IMA 2011-092), (Sc,Ti,Al,Zr,Mg,Ca,⃞)2O3, is a new scandia mineral, occurring as micrometer-sized crystals with REE-rich perovskite and spinel in a davisite-dominant ultra-refractory inclusion from the Allende CV3 carbonaceous chondrite. The phase was characterized by SEM, EBSD, synchrotron micro-Laue diffraction, micro-Raman, and EPMA. The mean chemical composition of the type kangite is (wt%) TiO2 36.6, Sc2O3 26.4, ZrO2 11.3, Al2O3 7.0, Y2O3 5.4, CaO 3.9, MgO 3.14, Dy2O3 1.8, SiO2 1.7, V2O3 1.31, Er2O3 0.92, FeO 0.8, Gd2O3 0.60, Ho2O3 0.40, Tb2O3 0.18, Cr2O3 0.09, ThO2 0.04, O -0.3, sum 101.28, which leads to an empirical formula calculated on the basis of 3 O atoms of [(Sc0.54Al0.16Y0.07V0.03Gd0.01Dy0.01Er0.01)3+∑0.83(Ti0.66Zr0.13)4+∑0.79(Mg0.11Ca0.06 Fe0.02)2+∑0.19 ⃞0.19]∑2.00O3. Synchrotron micro-Laue diffraction (i.e., an energy scan by a high-flux X-ray monochromatic beam) on one type domain at submicrometer resolution revealed that kangite has a cation-deficient Ia3 bixbyite-type cubic structure. The cell parameters are a = 9.842(1) Å, V = 953.3(1) Å3, Z = 16, which leads to a calculated density of 3.879 g/cm3. Kangite is a new ultra-refractory mineral, likely originating through low-temperature oxidation of a Sc-,Ti3+-enriched high-temperature condensate oxide dating to the birth of the Solar System.


Deiodination is a critical process by which the minimally active thyroxine (T(4)) molecule is converted into the favorite ligand for thyroid hormone (TH) receptors, triiodothyronine (T(3)). The iodothyronine deiodinases type 1, 2, and 3 (D1, D2, and D3) constitute a potent mechanism of TH activation (D1 and D2) or inactivation (D3), which functions by tissue specifically regulating TH bioavailability. D2 and D3 are widely expressed and in a dynamically and tightly coordinated fashion, thereby allowing cells to customize their own TH activity. D3, the major T(3) and T(4) inactivating deiodinase, catalyzes their conversion to 3,3'-diiodothyronine and to reverse T(3) respectively. According to common wisdom, D3 plays a major role in lowering serum TH concentrations during development, as supported by the much wider D3 tissue expression in the embryo structures than in the adult tissues. However, several recent studies show that D3 is reexpressed in adult life in various pathophysiological contexts, which strengthens the concept that cell-specific TH inactivation is a critical mediator in cellular TH metabolism. This review focuses on the progress made in understanding the physiological function and significance of D3. It summarizes the intriguing evidence that D3 plays a pivotal role in defining local TH concentration in the developing fetus and in several conditions in adult life.


We describe an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for 3D position-sensitive detectors. It was optimized for pixelated cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) sensors, and it measures, corresponding to an ionizing event, the energy and timing of signals from 121 anodes and one cathode. Each channel provides low-noise charge amplification, high-order shaping, along with peak- and timing-detection. The cathode's timing can be measured in three different ways: the first is based on multiple thresholds on the charge amplifier's voltage output; the second uses the threshold crossing of a fast-shaped signal; and the third measures the peak amplitude and timing from a bipolar shaper. With its power of 2 mW per channel the ASIC measures, on a CZT sensor connected and biased, charges up to 100 fC with an electronic resolution better than 200 e- rms. Our preliminary spectral measurements applying a simple cathode/anode ratio correction demonstrated a single-pixel resolution of 4.8 keV (0.72 %) at 662 keV, with the electronics and leakage current contributing in total with 2.1 keV.


*Corresponding author: Arezoo Borna Roodi Email:firstname.lastname@example.com Background: In the evolution of brain in different species, the process of neurons formation has been confirmed in some brain areas. This process is known as Neurogenesis. Neurogenesis occurs in two areas of the adult mammals' anterior brain, including regional sub-ventriculus and dentate gyrus in various species, including rodents, primates and humans. Millet belongs to the family of Poaceae. The seed of this plant has various vitamins and other valuable compounds, such as polyphenols, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the effect of alcoholic extracts of grain Millet on neuronal density of Dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in male rats. Materials and Methods: The current experimental study was conducted on 24 adult male rats. First, the soxhelet of alcoholic extract form the seed of the Panicum miliaceum plant with herbarium code 9738 was prepared. Mice were randomly divided into four groups of control, and treatment with extract doses of 50 ,25, and 75 mg/kg. In the treatment groups, the extract, was injected intraperitoneally (IP) continuously for 21 day with an invertal of 24 hours and the control group received normal saline injection. One month after the first injection, the animals were anesthetized and the brains were gently removed from the skall. After processing, seven-micron serial sections were stained with blue toluidine and erythrosine. Then, dentate gyrus were photographed and neuronal density of dentate gyrus in different groups were evaluated using stereological methods and were compared with control groups using the statistical program. Results: In the treatment group with a dose of 25 mg/kg, the neuronal density of the DG region was significantly increased as compared with that of the control group (P = 0.001). Also, in the treatment groups with a dose of 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg, there was a significant increase in neuronal density of DG region, as compared with that of the control group (P = 0). Conclusion: The present study showed that the alcoholic extract of the seed of Panicum miliaceum plant can probably increase neurons of the dentate gyrus of the lab mice. It is likely that alcoholic extracts of Millet grain increased neurogenesis leading to the increase in the neuronal density.


On March 4, in compliance with the Ministers' Offices determination, Coimbra Health School created the Emerging Infections Control Committee, aiming to fulfil the preparation of a contingency plan.
Several measures have been taken: hand rub formulation was produced and made available also a disinfecting footbath mat was placed at the entrances. Cleaning of the surfaces of frequent hand contact was reinforced and ventilation of all spaces was promoted. The negative pressure ventilation system in classrooms and offices has also been adapted. Simultaneously, cafeteria activities were cancelled and the use of employees biometric control. Suspension of the classroom activity was determined, on March 13, teleworking regime and closure of the campus (March 16). On March 18 the Government declared the emergency state. This ends on May 2, and academic activities were reactivated exclusively for the practical classes, with a previous serological testing campaign carried out for all the academic community involved. Exceptional measures were taken, namely the mandatory use of PPE, implementation of barrier methods in the classrooms and public attendance spots and the definition of circulation circuits. For the beginning of the academic year three scenarios have been outlined: first (50% of students, a minimum distance of 1 meter between students and 2 meters from the teacher); second (more restrictive, 30% of the students in the class, a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between students and 2 meters from the teacher) and third (lockdown). A hybrid-operating model was adopted, conditioned by the capacity of each space, combining face-to-face and on-line activities, assuming the simultaneousness and the alternation of students groups. The "mirror classes" were applied, with the definition of "bubble classes", to prevent extended/break chains of contagion. The local health authority validates all measures.
Currently, in Portugal, the level of alert has been increased for a calamity state.


We examine the long-run stock price and operating performance of companies that withdraw seasoned equity offerings. Firms that withdraw an offering provide an opportunity to examine whether markets fully adjust to the information conveyed when managers announce the intent to issue shares, independent of any agency problems that might be intensified by the completion of the offering. As in completed seasoned equity offerings (SEOs), long-horizon event-time operating and stock price performance in sample firms is substantially lower than what is observed among control firms. Underperformance is also observed in an equal-weighted calendar-time analysis. Results are consistent with overpricing among small firms that attempt, but then withdraw, SEOs.


Multichannel seismic (MCS), seismic refraction, and gravity data collected down the flank of the Chukchi Plateau, but predominantly over the Mendeleev Ridge have been processed and interpreted to describe the crustal style of the ridge, as well as the structural history. These results provide constraints on the origin of the ridge, and the tectonic evolution of the Amerasian Basin. MCS images reveal two primary sediment sequences separated by an unconformity that persists across the entire Mendeleev Ridge. The basement and lower sediment sequence exhibit pervasive normal faulting. The upper sequence is laterally conformable and not effected by faulting, thus the regional unconformity dividing the two sequences is interpreted to mark the end of extensional deformation. Modeling of sonobuoy seismic refraction data reveals upper crustal P-wave velocities ranging from 3.5 to 6.4 km s−1 approximately 5 km into the basement. The velocity structure of the Mendeleev Ridge is consistent with either a volcanic rifted continental margin, or an oceanic plateau origin. Observed gravity anomalies over the ridge are reproduced by a model consisting of bathymetry, sediment and basement horizons from the MCS data and a single crustal layer of 2.86 g cm−3. This result is consistent with homogeneous, mafic crust. The similar velocity and density structures of the Mendeleev and Alpha ridges is consistent with a model where the two ridges are contiguous and share a common geological origin. Gravity modelling over the transition between the Chukchi Plateau and the Mendeleev Ridge suggests the two features have differing compositions and distinct emplacement histories. Three tectonic models are presented for the origin of the Alpha Mendeleev Ridge (AMR) that satisfy constraints set by this and previous studies: (1) a rifted volcanic continental margin, (2) an oceanic plateau formed at a spreading centre—perpendicular to the AMR and (3) an oceanic plateau formed at a spreading centre—parallel to the AMR.


Rapid antigen tests (RATs) for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are widely used in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by diverse variants. Information on the real-world performance of RATs for variants is urgently needed for decision makers. Systematic searches of the available literature and updates were conducted in PubMed, Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-EMBASE, CENTRAL, and KMBASE for articles evaluating the accuracy of instrument-free RATs for variants up until 14 March 2022. A bivariate random effects model was utilized to calculate pooled diagnostic values in comparison with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction as the reference test. A total of 7562 samples from six studies were available for the meta-analysis. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity of RATs for variants were 69.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 62.5% to 76.1%) and 100.0% (95% CI = 98.8% to 100.0%), respectively. When an additional 2179 samples from seven studies reporting sensitivities only were assessed, the pooled sensitivity dropped to 50.0% (95% CI = 44.0% to 55.0%). These findings suggest reassessment and monitoring of the diagnostic utility of RATs for variants, especially for the sensitivity aspect, to facilitate appropriate diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patients.


The report of the working party on the unified training grade1 is the first piece of a jigsaw that will provide the picture for higher specialist training recommended in the Calman report.2 But even after elision of the registrar and senior registrar grades, in Britain, unlike in other members of the European Union, specialist training will comprise two grades: senior house officer and specialist registrar.

Entry to, assessment of progress through, and exit from the new specialist registrar grade will be managed by postgraduate deans in close collaboration with the medical royal colleges. Before the new grade is implemented satisfactory appointment systems and instruments for assessment will have to be developed and the curriculums for all specialties and other guidance will need to be published. All specialties are expected to begin transitional arrangements within one year of the commissioning date, but much more information, particularly the numbers for the grade in each specialty, is urgently needed. Some specialties are likely to make rapid progress to a steady state …


The purpose of this study was to compare the toothbrush abrasion resistance of seven different experimental resins which were made by changing the composition of resin monomers. The experimental resins were made by mixing four kinds of dental resin monomers (Bis-GMA, UDMA, TMPT and TEGDMA), camphorquinone (1 wt%), dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (2 wt%) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (0.05 wt%). The resin specimens were stored in air for 2 weeks, and then put on a toothbrush abrasion testing machine. After 100000 strokes, the wear loss of each specimen was determined by weight change during the wear test. TMPT-TEGDMA resin showed the most wear resistance, while Bis-GMA- and UDMA-based resins showed increased wear resistance with an increased content of TEGDMA. Also, a inverse relationship between the microhardness number and the amount of wear of the respective resins was confirmed.


We are posting this 10-year-old white paper to support an upcoming survey description paper for the SDSS-III Apache Point Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) led by PI Dr. Steven Majewski. The white paper presented here was a contribution to a 2005 "futures" planning process for the Astrophysical Research Consortium led by Dr. Donald York that examined both prospects for extending the work of SDSS and SDSS-II as well as enhancing the capabilities of the Apache Point 3.5-meter telescope and the overall scientific reach of the Consortium. This particular white paper describes the potential for using the Sloan 2.5-meter telescope and its fiber optic infrastructure to conduct a galactic plane chemical abundance survey in the low-extinction 1.6um H-band. The survey would target >1000 red giant stars per night selected from the Two Micron All Sky Survey using a >200 fiber near-infrared spectrograph operating at spectral resolution of R~24,000 with a magnitude limit of H~12 - very close to the final APOGEE implementation. A number of features suggested in the white paper did not survive to the actual survey including an R~3000 low-resolution spectral mode emphasizing kinematics to a fainter magnitude limit of K~14, a tunable high-resolution grating (retired by using three HAWAII-2RG arrays to cover most of the H-band all at once), a refrigerated optical train (the actual APOGEE is LN2 cooled), and the use of InGaAs arrays (HgCdTe remained the most mature technology at the time of construction). The white paper also suggests making the APOGEE instrument accessible to the 3.5-meter telescope at Apache Point, a project now underway.


Situs inversus is a rare hereditary disorder in which various anomalies have been reported with internal rotation abnormalities. This case involved an 85-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with transverse colon cancer and who underwent reduced-port laparoscopic surgery. All intra-abdominal organs were reversed left to right and right to left. The aberrant midcolic artery was identified during surgery. The total surgery time was 170 minutes, and the patient lost 20 mL of blood. The patient was discharged on the 8th postoperative day without complications.


Karyotypes of three species of black flies inhabiting the Kola Peninsula and the Baikal Region--Schoenbaueria pusilla, Gnus rostratum and G. decimatum--have been first described. The diploid number of these species is 2n = 6. The main identification signs of all chromosomes of the set were revealed and a high level of polymorphism in heterozygote inversions was found out. The detected heterozygote inversions are irregulary located in chromosomes, which is interpreted as an effective mechanism of populations highly adapted to different ecological conditions.


Anaerobic threshold (AT) is an established parameter of aerobic fitness. The incremental sit-to-stand exercise (ISTS), using one of the activities of daily living, is used to assess physical capacity in patients who are unable to safely pedal or walk. However, the effect of an alternative ISTS protocol on AT remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the original ISTS protocol with an alternative shortened ISTS protocol on AT values in healthy young adults, and to assess the difference in AT values obtained during the ISTS protocols and the cycle ergometer test. Twelve healthy young adults (mean [range] age: 26.8 [22–33] years, 6 men and 6 women) performed the shortened version of the ISTS (S-ISTS), the original version of ISTS (O-ISTS), and cycle ergometer (CE) tests in a randomized order. The AT values of participants were measured during each of the three tests. No significant difference in AT values was observed among the three tests. AT obtained by individuals in the S-ISTS was significantly correlated with that obtained during the O-ISTS and CE tests with r values of 0.96 and 0.81, respectively (p < 0.05). Similar to the O-ISTS and CE test, the S-ISTS test may be used as an exercise test for the assessment of AT in a clinical setting.


Non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins is the major cause of diabetic complications, such as cardiovascular disorders, retino-pathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. It seems that protein glycosylation can be inhibited effectively by antioxidants. Several flavonoids, such as rutin, kaempferol, quercetin, apigenin, naringin, morin and biochanin A were selected to determine their antioxidant effects on in vitro insulin, hemoglobin and albumin glycosylation. The optimal glucose concentration and incubation time were obtained for each protein. Then, the inhibition percentage of protein glycosylation was measured in the presence of three different concentrations (0.5,5,10 ng/ml) of each flavonoids by a colorimetric method. The results demonstrated that biochanin A, the best inhibitor of insulin and hemoglobin glycosylation, inhibits their glycosylation 100%and 60%, respectively. Glycosylation of albumin was inhibited 100%by both biochanin A and apigenin. Therefore, it seems probable that plants containing flavonoids may have preventive effects in diabetic complications.


Soda lime silica (SLS) waste as the source of silica (SiO2) and ark clamshell (ACS) as the foaming agent has been utilized to fabricate the low-cost and lightweight foam glass-ceramics. A series of 1 and 6 wt% foam glass-ceramics were successfully prepared by the conventional solid-state sintering method at various sintering temperatures for 60 min. The bulk density of the samples has achieved minimum density (1.014 g/cm3) with maximum expansion (62.31%) at 6 wt% of the ACS content sintered at 800 °C for 60 min. The bulk density increases while the linear shrinkage and total porosity decrease with the progression of ACS contents and sintering temperature, where the results correspond with the FESEM micrograph. The result of XRD and FTIR transmittance spectra have shown that the formation of wollastonite crystal has occurred starting at 6 wt% of the ACS content sintered at 800 °C for 30 min. The highest mechanical performance (3.90 MPa) with an average total porosity (8.04%) is observed for the sample containing 1 wt% of ACS. It can be concluded that the composition of foam glass-ceramics (1 and 6 wt%) and sintering temperatures give significant results to the structural, physical, and mechanical properties of the fabricated foam glass-ceramics.


In the open literature there is available a tremendous number of models and methods for analyzing laminated structures. With respect to the assumptions across the laminate thickness, theories with Cz1-continuous functions are to be distinguished from layer-wise approaches, where for the latter the functional degrees of freedom can be dependent or independent of the number of layers. Transverse shear and normal stresses are more accurate when obtained by locally evaluating the equilibrium conditions. Guidelines are needed as to which model is suitable for what task. Especially for layer-wise models a fair judgment is missing. To ease up this deficiency two simple layer-wise models are evaluated and compared with models based on Cz1-continuous functions. It turns out that for standard application the FSDT with improved transverse shear stiffness is a good choice with respect to efficiency.


Long-term wind stress vector (WSV) fields in winter over the North Pacific, which were calculated by Kutsuwada and Teramoto (1987), are analyzed by means of the composite method with respect to SST anomalies in the mid-latitudes of western North Pacific (SST composite). According to SST anomalies, two categorized winters, i.e., warm and cold winters are selected during 24 years from 1961 to 1984. The numbers of warm and cold winters are six and five, respectively. In order to examine whether or not the composite WSV fields are well-ordered and/or rigid ones, maps of stability of WSV anomalies are constructed, and the new parameter, Degree of similarity of WSV anomaly field of each winter to the composited WSV anomaly field is introduced and discussed. Both parameters show that the extracted patterns for two categorized winters are well-ordered. In warm (cold) winter, mid-latitudes westerly weakens (strengthens) and shifts northward (southward). As a result, the East Asian Winter Monsoon (Kisetsuhu) over Japan weakens (strengthens). It is also seen that in the equatorial region, in warm winter the region with SST higher than 28* extends to the central to eastern part and its anomaly fields are very similar to those in ENSO year winter. Actually, winters selected as warm (cold) winter include the ENSO (ENSO+1) year winters, i.e., winters during ENSO events, but not the ENSO+I (ENSO) year winters. Time series of Degree of similarity for westerly region to warm-winter composited WSV anomaly fields are well in agreement with those of "Far East zonal index", which is used by the Japan Meteorological Agency. From the composite map for sea level pressures, it is shown that shifts of westerly axis correspond to north (warm winter)-south (cold winter) shifts of the Aleutian Low.


ABSTRACT Didenkulova, I., Sheremet, A., Torsvik, T. and Soomere, T., 2013. Characteristic properties of different vessel wake signals. The potential threat in terms of environmental protection and safe navigation posed by wake waves from high-speed ferries and fast conventional ships is well documented. Vessels that travel in the near-critical regime (depth Froude number ~1) at some sections along their ship tracks can generate packets of large, solitonic, very long and long crested waves. However, it is difficult to determine a general characterization of such wakes at the coast, due to the transient and nonlinear nature of this phenomenon, and the fact that wake impact is influenced by the local bathymetry and coastline configuration. This paper investigates the potential benefits of wake analysis by means of a time-frequency technique (windowed Fourier transform), which is a standard signal analysis method that has only recently been applied for wake analysis. Analysis of ship wakes have been performed based on instrumental data of sea surface elevation recorded at different sites in Tallinn Bay, the Baltic Sea, which is characterized by very intense ship traffic and provides a rich collection of vessel-wake signals. Results show that the wake signals are easily identified in spectrograms. The method is particularly useful for identification of low frequency signals that may easily be masked by high frequency noise in the wave record. Furthermore, the spectrogram provides information that makes it possible to associate wake events with individual ships at a given location. This approach also opens a new direction for the statistical description of wakes, applicable to the characterization of the "wake climate" for sites with intense vessel traffic.


This study develops and validates a model that evaluates the effect of trust on individual monetary donations to charitable organizations (COs). Data were collected in Saudi Arabia using a two-stage approach and were analyzed via structural equation modeling. Data on psychosocial variables were collected in the first stage, and data on behavior were collected in the second stage, 4 weeks later. The findings confirm the study's novel multidimensional perspective of trust in the context of individual monetary donations to COs in Saudi Arabia. The results validate the view that trust is present only when the individuals concerned are disposed to trust others and when they believe that the COs can conduct their charitable mission, are honest in the use of their donations, and prioritize beneficiaries' rights. Individuals' trust in COs affects both the intention to donate and future monetary donation behavior.


Objective: Genotypes B and C are the prevalent hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in eastern Asia. Although very rare in this region of the world, genotype D was found to be prevalent in a small area of western Japan. In this study, we confirm the frequency and clinical significance of co-infection with different genotypes among patients from that area infected with genotype D. Methods: Twenty-three patients from the same area of western Japan infected with HBV genotype D, determined using a genotyping enzyme immunoassay, were studied. Cloning was done using DNA extracted from serum samples, and polymerase chain reaction assays with the restriction fragment length polymorphism for HBV genotyping were performed with 10 clones from each patient. Results: Four (17.4%) of the 23 patients were found to be co-infected with HBV genotype C, and the HB surface antigen subtype was ayw in both mono- and co-infected patients. No clinical differences were found between mono-infected and co-infected patients carrying genotype D. Conclusion: A significant number of patients from the study area found to be infected with HBV genotype D were co-infected with genotype C. Additional study with a larger number of patients is needed to elucidate the possible clinical significance.


This study aims to investigate the effect of sand compaction piles on the swelling and shrinkage behavior of expansive clay soil. A series of experimental laboratory tests were carried out using the modified Proctor mold and a circular footing. The diameter of the sand compaction pile was selected to give a replacement area ratio equal to 57%. To model the swelling and shrinkage cycles, water was added to the sample and the heave was recorded at regular time intervals. The shrinkage was obtained by heating the outer surface of the modified Proctor mold at a temperature of 110°C ± 5°C by a development heating system designed for this purpose to accelerate the shrinkage process. The vertical movement was recorded at regular time intervals. The swelling and shrinkage cycles were carried out under an externally applied pressure equal to 120 kPa. The main results of this study showed that, for untreated expansive soil, the swelling potential reaches the highest value at the second cycle and started to decrease for the subsequent cycles. After the fourth cycle, the swelling potential decreases and reaches about half the value of the initial swelling potential and the equilibrium state occurs. For expansive soil treated with a sand compaction pile, it is found that there is a significant reduction in both swelling and shrinkage potential. Moreover, it is observed that after the first cycle both the swelling and shrinkage potential decrease significantly, and both reach a negligible value after the second cycle.


It has been found that chicken hypophysectomized early in the neonatal period develop anemia, cellular and humoral immune deficiency, hypercoagulation and inhibited fibrinolysis by their 45th postnatal day. An analogous operation performed on old birds produces less significant changes in erythrocytes, immunity and hemostasis. Injections of epithalon tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) administered to either hypophysectomized chicken or old birds during a period of 40 days completely eliminate the shifts registered in erythrocytes, immunity and hemostasis, while injections of cortagene (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) which is distinguished from epithalon by a different terminal aminoacid (with Gly being replaced by Pro) do not affect the parameters studied.


The continuous development of medical implants offers various benefits for persons with chronic conditions but also challenges an individual's, and the healthcare system's, ability to deal with technical innovation. Accessing and understanding new information, navigating healthcare, and appraising the role of the implant in body perceptions and everyday life requires health literacy (HL) of those affected as well as an HL-responsive healthcare system. The interconnectedness of these aspects to ethically relevant values such as health, dependence, responsibility and self-determination reinforces the need to address HL in implant care. Following a qualitative approach, we conducted group discussions and a diary study among wearers of a cochlear, glaucoma or cardiovascular implant (or their parents). Data were analysed using the documentary method and grounded theory. The data reveal the perceptions of implant wearers regarding the implant on (1) the ability to handle technical and ambiguous information; (2) dependence and responsibility within the healthcare system; and (3) the ethical aspects of HL. Knowing more about the experiences and values of implant wearers is highly beneficial to develop HL from an ethical perspective. Respective interventions need to initially address ethically relevant values in counselling processes and implant care.


Focal animal sampling (Altmann 1974) was used to gather quantitative data, over a period of 6 months, on associations and interactive behaviours of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus ). The focal animals consisted of three adult females and three, two year old calves who belonged to a group of nine dolphins. Associations between the animals were assessed using proximity measures and the behaviour of synchronous surfacing between animals. Resulting data showed strong associations between mothers and calves and between one adult female and male. Group instability was revealed by the progressive development of two subgroups within the captive colony. The division between these subgroups became more pronounced with time and ended with the establishment of an alliance between two previously unassociated males. These males attacked the female who had been associating with the male, and she died some days later. Following this event, group stability returned and animals from both subgroups were recorded as interacting more frequently. This was most evident among the calves who previously had not socialised with each other to any degree. At this same time, there was an abrupt change in the swimming position that the calves had previously adopted with their mothers. Interactive and social behaviours between the animals were recorded to identify the nature of relationships between animals. Most of these behaviours were relatively infrequent. However, several trends were apparent. Firstly, the males and females (excluding the male-female pair) rarely interacted socially. Likewise, there were almost no social interactions between the adult females. Of those interactive behaviours documented between the males and females/calves, the males were shown to consistently initiate most interactions. Unlike the adults, the calves were highly sociable and interacted frequently with each other and with their mothers. Over time, the calves associated less with their mothers and socialised more with each other. Assessment of responsibility in maintaining proximity was carried out by recording approaches and leaves between dyads. The results from this data showed that the calves associated with each other in a reciprocal manner. Between the mother-calf pairs, the mothers were initially shown to be responsible for maintaining close proximity with their calves. However the level of such maintenance decreased with time. A variety of general behaviours was documented in order to assess activity budget, and it was shown that adult females rested more than the calves and, in turn, the calves socialised and solicited attention more than the adults. Most of the observed changes in the behaviour of the calves during the course of the study were probably a consequence of the shifting group dynamics, rather than developmental changes due to maturation. The cause of the group instability was unknown, however, it is possible that the increasing sexual maturity of the males was a significant factor.


Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the major mode of death in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but there is no validated algorithm to identify those at highest risk. Methods A prognostic model was developed from a multicenter, longitudinal cohort study of 310 consecutively evaluated patients with SLE-associated PAH. The study was conducted from November 2006 to January2019. Death was the primary outcome. The model was developed using Cox proportional hazards regression modeling. We developed a prognostic index (PI), summing the number of risk points corresponding to weighted covariates, which were used to configure the nomogram. Internal validation of the nomogram was assessed by discrimination and calibration using bootstrapping. Results Of the 310 patients included in the study, 68 deaths (22.2%) occurred at a median follow-up of 4.9 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.2–6.3 years) years. The final prognostic model included 6 variables: N terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), Lactic Dehydrogenase (LDH), Direct Bilirubin (DBIL), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), serositis and alopecia. 5-year survival probability-predictive nomogram with PI in the main analysis was established (figure 1). The model's ability to predict risk was validated with C statistic (0.82[95%CI, 0.73–0.91]) and calibration curve. Risk stratification was made based on PI to improve the primary prevention and management of SLE-associated PAH. Conclusions This new, validated risk stratification model for SLE-PAH may provide individualized estimates of risk at 5 years using readily obtained clinical risk factors. External validation studies are required to demonstrate the accuracy of this model's predictions in diverse patient populations. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the Chinese National Key Technology R&D Program, Ministry of Science and Technology (2017YFC0907601, 2017YFC0907602) and the Chinese National High Technology Research and Development Program, Ministry of Science and Technology (2012AA02A513).


Mori Folium (Morus alba leaf, MF) and Mori Cortex Radicis (Morus alba root cortex, MR) have been studied for their anti-obesity effects by enhancing the browning process and inhibiting adipogenesis. However, important aspects of their protective mechanisms have not been thoroughly investigated, which could aid in developing functional food. Thus, this study aims to determine the synergistic effects of MF and MR against obesity and its associated mechanisms. In an in vitro cell culture model of brown adipocytes, a 1:1 mixture of MF and MR showed a synergistic effect on the expression of brown adipocyte-specific genes, including Ucp-1, Ppargc1a, Cbp/p300-interacting transactivator (Cited), Prdm16, Tbx1, and Fgf21 compared with either MF- or MR-treated conditions. Moreover, they demonstrated the involvement of cAMP and Ca2+ in induction of brown adipocyte-specific genes. In an in vivo model using HFD-fed mice, MF/MR significantly inhibited weight gain, plasma cholesterol, LDL, TG content, fat mass, and adipocyte size. Furthermore, MF/MR inhibited morphological alteration and the expressions of fatty acid synthesis genes such as Srebp1 and Fasn in the white adipose tissue. Thermogenesis genes were recovered in the brown adipose tissue with MF/MR supplementation, indicating that MF/MR regulated adipocytic dysmetabolism where AMPK signaling is involved. In conclusion, these results suggested that MF/MR regulates brown and beige adipocyte processes, providing one of the preventive functional food/herbal medicines against obesity and its associated metabolic diseases.


Distributed amplifiers offer very broadband operation, with the promise of a single all-band wireless solution. However, there are a number of distributed amplifier specific issues that have blocked practical implementation in a portable product. One of these is potential instability exacerbated by 20:1 antenna load impedance variation over a very broad frequency range of interest. This paper provides a neutralized differential amplifier implementation supported by mixed-mode S-parameters technology that offers a broadband stability solution for distributed amplifier application. Measurement results of a single section differential amplifier are included using Motorola's CDR1 BiCMOS technology.


Abstract A number of mathematical relations for the sextet polynomial are derived. A graph has been introduced (the so called C-graph), representing those properties of a benzenoid system which are essential in the sextet theory of Clar. The main structural properties of the C-graph are deter-mined. The obtained results contribute towards a better understanding of the algebraic and combinatorial background of Clar's theory of the aromatic sextet.


Move over, Lord Sparr-there's a new bad guy in town. Prince Maliban is the creepy ruler of the Turtle City. And Maliban's mysterious mask maker, Hob is crafting an awesome new mask. The mask is very cool but very powerful. So Eric, Neal, and Julie have to make sure the mask doesn't fall into the wrong hands otherwise, it could mean serious trouble for Droon.


This thesis examines existing theories of Spanish stress assignment in generative phonology and proposes an alternative theory that is more effective in predicting the surface representations of Spanish stress. Stress is characterized according to traditional textbook standards and examples are given (Chapter I). The current theoretical setting, especially the theories of James W. Harris, is then described (Chapter II). This writer's own theory, based upon an underlying distinction between tense and lax vowels, is delineated (Chapter III) and defended (Chapter IV). The new stress assignment rule--along with a rule of vowel laxing before a word boundary (#) and a rule of stress adjustment--shows stress in Spanish to be predictable and, therefore, not phonemic.


The main aim of the paper is analysis of behaviour of banks' credit ratings during the boom and economic downturns by taking account the financial indicators. It has been made a literature review, and there have been put the following hypotheses: During the financial crisis it has been observed the stronger impact of the financial indicators. Banks' notes during the economic downturns are lower than during boom period. To the analysis there have been used quarterly data for 1998–2016 period of time for European banks. To the analysis there have been used quarterly data from 1998–2016. Hypotheses were verified by using the ordered panel probit models for long term issuer credit ratings. The studies show that, during the crisis, Fitch and Moody's banks' credit ratings are lower than during the boom. Furthermore, it was noted that S&P's notes are insensitive to the analysed changes.


Spatiotemporal forecasts of ecological phenomena are highly useful and significant in scientific and socio-economic applications. Nevertheless, developing the correlative models to make these forecasts is often stalled by the inadequate availability of the ecological time-series data. On the contrary, considerable amounts of temporally discrete biological records are being stored in public databases, and often include the sites and dates of the observation. While these data are reasonably suitable for the development of spatiotemporal forecast models, this possibility remains mostly untested. In this paper, we test an approach to develop spatiotemporal forecasts based on the dates and locations found in species occurrence records. This approach is based on 'time-series classification', a field of machine learning, and involves the application of a machine-learning algorithm to classify between time-series representing the environmental conditions that precede the occurrence records and time-series representing other environmental conditions, such as those that generally occur in the sites of the records. We employed this framework to predict the timing of emergence of fruiting bodies of two mushroom species (Boletus edulis and Macrolepiota procera) in countries of Europe, from 2009 to 2015. We compared the predictions from this approach with those from a 'null' model, based on the calendar dates of the records. Forecasts made from the environmental-based approach were consistently superior to those drawn from the date-based approach, averaging an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.9 for B. edulis and 0.88 for M. procera, compared to an average AUC of 0.83 achieved by the null models for both species. Prediction errors were distributed across the study area and along the years, lending support to the spatiotemporal representativeness of the values of accuracy measured. Our approach, based on species occurrence records, was able to provide useful forecasts of the timing of emergence of two mushroom species across Europe. Given the increased availability and information contained in this type of records, particularly those supplemented with photographs, the range of events that could be possible to forecast is vast.


Tacrolimus is an immunomodulatory agent that inhibits the activation and maturation of T-cells and blocks transcriptional activation of several cytokine genes. It also interferes with the function of Langerhans cells, basophil cells and mast cells. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of topical tacrolimus in inflammatory skin disorders. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of topical treatment with tacrolimus ointment 0.1% in patients with psoriasis on the anogenital region and the face. Included in the study were 10 patients with a long-standing history of genital and facial psoriasis, partially controlled with periodic use of topical corticosteroids. Tacrolimus ointment 0.1% was applied twice daily for 10 days. The patients were followed-up every 3 weeks for a total period of 12 weeks. The severity of psoriasis was evaluated in all patients at baseline (day 0) and at the end of weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12. Clinical severity of erythema, scaling, infiltration and lesional extent were graded using a 0-3 scale indicating none, mild, moderate and severe expression, at baseline and at follow-ups. An overall severity score of 0 (clear), 1-4 (mild), 5-8 (moderate) or 9-12 (severe) was then assigned to each patient by adding the scores for the above parameters. On each visit, every patient was evaluated clinically. The decision to reapply the drug was determined by the clinical response of each patient at each visit. At the end of the study, patients also assessed efficacy, safety and tolerance after topical application of tacrolimus ointment using a 0-5 scale for each parameter: A marked improvement was noticed in all patients at the end of the first week without drug-related adverse effects. There were 15 recurrences during the 12-week period in all patients. In conclusion, tacrolimus ointment 0.1% seems to represent a safe new option for the treatment of genital and facial psoriasis. Further studies are probably needed to specify the therapeutic dosage and maintenance therapy


Facing global warming and recent bans on the use of diesel in vehicles, there is a growing need to develop vehicles powered by renewable energy sources to mitigate greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Among the various forms of non-fossil energy for vehicles, hydrogen fuel is emerging as a promising way to combat global warming. To date, most studies on vehicle carbon emissions have focused on diesel and electric vehicles (EVs). Emission assessment methodologies are usually developed for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) which are non-durable household goods such as packaged foods, beverages, and toiletries instead of vehicle products. There is an increase in the number of articles addressing the product carbon footprint (PCF) of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the recent years, while relatively little research focuses on both vehicle PCF and fuel cycle. Zero-emission vehicles initiative has also brought the importance of investigating the emission throughout the fuel cycle of hydrogen fuel cell and its environmental impact. To address these gaps, this study uses the life-cycle assessment (LCA) process of GREET (greenhouse gases, regulated emissions, and energy use in transportation) to compare the PCF of an EV (Tesla Model 3) and a hydrogen fuel cell car (Toyota MIRAI). According to the GREET results, the fuel cycle contributes significantly to the PCF of both vehicles. The findings also reveal the need for greater transparency in the disclosure of relevant information on the PCF methodology adopted by vehicle manufacturers to enable comparison of their vehicles' emissions. Future work will include examining the best practices of PCF reporting for vehicles powered by renewable energy sources as well as examining the carbon footprints of hydrogen production technologies based on different methodologies.


BACKGROUND
In monozygotic twin pregnancies, there are placental vascular communications between the two fetuses. In 15 percent of such pregnancies there is an imbalance in net blood flow between the twins, resulting in the twin-twin transfusion syndrome. The recipient twin may have severe hydramnios during the second trimester of pregnancy, and there is a high risk of perinatal death and cerebral palsy in survivors. This condition can now be treated by endoscopic coagulation of the vascular anastomoses responsible for fetofetal transfusion with a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser.

METHODS
We performed intrauterine surgery in 45 pregnant women carrying twins at 15 to 28 weeks of gestation (median, 21); in each case there was severe hydramnios in one fetus due to the twin-twin transfusion syndrome. With the use of local anesthesia and continuous ultrasound visualization, a rigid fetoscope 2 mm in diameter, housed in a 2.7-mm cannula, was introduced transabdominally into the amniotic cavity of the recipient twin. A systematic search was made for all vessels approaching or crossing the membrane between the twins, and these were coagulated with an Nd:YAG laser by means of a fiber in the side arm of the cannula.

RESULTS
Coagulation of the communicating vessels was successful in all cases. The total number of fetuses who survived to delivery was 48 (53 percent), and the number of pregnancies with at least 1 survivor was 32 (71 percent). Among the live-born infants, the median gestational age at delivery was 35 weeks (range, 25 to 40), and the median birth weight was 2098 g (range, 550 to 4252). The median interval between the endoscopic laser procedure and delivery was 14 weeks (range, 0 to 21). All the survivors were developing normally at a median age of 12 months (range, 2 to 24).

CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary experience suggests that the twin-twin transfusion syndrome can be treated effectively by endoscopic laser coagulation of the communicating placental vessels.


Introduction Atherosclerosis is considered the pathophysiology underlying cardiovascular (CVD), cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases. Evidence supporting an autoimmune component is emerging, with imaging studies correlating MYC-associated zinc finger protein antibody (MAZ-Ab) optical density (OD) with plaque activity. This study compares MAZ-Ab OD on ELISA testing among patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) to healthy controls and investigates the association of MAZ-Ab to traditional CVD risk factors. Methods Patients admitted with ACSs between August 2007 and July 2011 were included. Serum samples taken at presentation were retrospectively tested for MAZ-Ab and compared with serum from healthy volunteers with no CVD risk factors. Large-scale assessment of post-ACS prognostic relevance was performed using the established PLATO cohort. Results In total 174 ACS patients and 96 controls were included. Among ACS patients, median MAZ-Ab OD was higher compared with controls (0.46 vs. 0.27; p = 0.001). Although the majority of ACS patients (116/174; 67%) had suffered from a ST-elevation myocardial infarction, no significant differences in MAZ-Ab titers were evident between ACS subtypes (p = 0.682). No associations between MAZ-Ab OD and conventional CVD risk factors were identified. Large-scale testing revealed no prognostic stratification regarding reinfarction (OR 1.04 [95% CI: 0.94–1.16]; p = 0.436). Conclusion MAZ-Ab OD was higher or all ACS phenotypes compared with controls. Given current understanding of MAZ-Ab function, these findings support an autoimmune component to CVD independent of conventional risk factors and indeed the extent of end-organ damage.


Constitutive heterochromatin has been canonically considered as transcriptionally inert chromosomal regions, which silences the repeats and transposable elements (TEs), to preserve genomic integrity. However, several studies from the last few decades show that centromeric and pericentromeric regions also get transcribed and these transcripts are involved in multiple cellular processes. Regulation of such spatially and temporally controlled transcription and their relevance to heterochromatin function have emerged as an active area of research in chromatin biology. Here, we review the myriad of roles of noncoding transcripts from the constitutive heterochromatin in the establishment and maintenance of heterochromatin, kinetochore assembly, germline epigenome maintenance, early development, and diseases. Contrary to general expectations, there are active protein‐coding genes in the heterochromatin although the regulatory mechanisms of their expression are largely unknown. We propose plausible hypotheses to explain heterochromatic gene expression using Drosophila melanogaster as a model, and discuss the evolutionary significance of these transcripts in the context of Drosophilid speciation. Such analyses offer insights into the regulatory pathways and functions of heterochromatic transcripts which open new avenues for further investigation.


Background Usage of airway stents in cases with tracheobronchial stenoses or obstruction has evolved rapidly. General anaesthesia has become less hazardous, particularly with recent developments in total intravenous anaesthetic agents and nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs. This study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of neostigmine/rocuronium technique to TIVA technique for tracheal stenting and dilatation. Patients and methods This prospective study was carried out on 80 patients scheduled for tracheal dilatation and stenting. Cases were randomly categorized into two equal groups. Group I (TIVA) received fentanyl and propofol with bilateral superior laryngeal nerve block. Group II (muscle relaxant) received rocuronium and sevoflurane 2% in 100% O 2 . Heart rate, mean arterial pressure and oxygen saturation were assessed, and PaCO 2 readings were taken through arterial blood gases at regular intervals intraoperatively. Recovery profile, perioperative complications and patient and doctor satisfaction were recorded in both groups. Results Both techniques offered haemodynamic stability. PaCO 2 readings were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in group II. Earlier recovery was recorded in group I (P < 0.001). Incidence of complications was generally higher in group II (P > 0.05), except hypotension (higher in group I; P < 0.05). Patient and doctor satisfaction were comparable (P > 0.05). Conclusion Both the TIVA and neostigmine/rocuronium techniques were used successfully. The TIVA technique had the advantages of earlier recovery, less hypercapnia, desaturation, distal total obstruction and stridor on recovery, whereas the muscle relaxant technique offered less hypotension and hemoptysis. Thus, we strongly recommend the TIVA technique for such operations.


Intrathymic expression of tissue-specific self-Ags can mediate tolerance of self-reactive T cells. However, in this study we define circumstances by which thymic expression of a tissue-specific autoepitope enhances positive selection of disease-causing, self-reactive T cells. An immunodominant gastritogenic epitope, namely the gastric H/K ATPase β subunit253–277 (H/Kβ253–277), was attached to the C terminus of the invariant chain (Ii) and the hybrid Ii (Ii-H/Kβ253–277) expressed in mice under control of the Ii promoter. The Ii-H/Kβ253–277 fusion protein was localized to MHC class II-expressing cells in the thymus and periphery of Ii-H/Kβ253–277 transgenic mice. In one transgenic line the level of presentation in the periphery (spleen) was insufficient to activate naive, low affinity H/Kβ253–277-specific transgenic T cells (1E4-TCR), whereas thymic presentation of H/Kβ253–277 enhanced positive selection of 1E4-TCR cells in Ii-H/Kβ253–277/1E4-TCR double-transgenic mice. Furthermore, Ii-H/Kβ253–277/1E4-TCR double-transgenic mice had an increased incidence of autoimmune gastritis compared with 1E4-TCR single-transgenic mice, demonstrating that the 1E4 T cells that seeded the periphery of Ii-H/Kβ253–277 mice were pathogenic. Therefore, low levels of tissue-specific Ags in the thymus can result in positive selection of low avidity, self-reactive T cells. These findings also suggest that the precise level of tissue-specific Ags in the thymus may be an important consideration in protection against autoimmune disease and that perturbation of the levels of self-Ags may be detrimental.


In Critical Systems Thinking, the notion of boundary judgements represents a constructionist view on knowing as the bounding of components of reality into knowable objects. Cognitive boundary judgements determine observations (facts) and evaluations (values), which knowers appreciate and act in relation to. Werner Ulrich's method of dialogical boundary critique and the framework of Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH) are intended to enable citizen participation in Western democracies through acknowledgement of legitimate competencies in public and corporate dialogues. This paper investigates the application of this methodology in Philippine coastal resource management. The conclusions are based on stakeholder-based action planning carried out between November 2007 and May 2008 in the Babuyan group of islands, bounded by the Balintang and Babuyan Channels. It argues that dialogical boundary critique requires significant adaptation if it is to provide a liberating language for participants in Philippine resource management dilemmas shaped by multiple and conflicting knowledge claims under conditions of significant controversy


Introduction. This paper presents a qualitative exploration of university students' experience of searching an online public access catalogue. The study investigated how students conceptualise their searching process, as well as how students understand themselves as seekers of information. Method. Following a search task, thirty-eight university students were interviewed using a qualitative, semistructured interview design. The interviews explored students' experience of searching, conceptualised aspects of their searches, their information seeking strategies, confidence in searching, and any difficulties encountered. Analysis. The interviews were analysed using a grounded theory approach. The analysis involved iterative review and constant comparison of the transcripts, including line-by-line open coding followed by a second round of focused coding. Results. The results of the project present an emergent theory that explores a set of conceptual patterns in students' searching mental model of online systems, a typology of searchers' perceptions of their information retrieval skills (i.e., their searcher self-concept), and categorisation of types of searchers. Conclusion. With increased knowledge of how students conceptualise their search process and view themselves as seekers of information, educators and information professionals can work more effectively with students to


PURPOSE
This study aims to examine the psychosocial experiences of parents of children with imperforate anus (IA) and to describe their potential positive experiences.

DESIGN AND METHODS
Parents of IA children and a comparison group answered a questionnaire, which was analyzed quantitatively and with manifest content analysis.

RESULTS
Social relationships and respect for the child's will were more affected among IA mothers. Positive experiences were revealed in relation to the child, the parent, and the family.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Support to parents in caring for a child with IA should be individualized and occasionally undertaken through collaboration with experts from child and adolescent psychiatry.


BACKGROUND
Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils, PMNs) have been shown to mediate vascular and tissue injury, leading to so-called systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The authors evaluated the effect of volatile anesthetics on neutrophil adhesion to human endothelial cells, focusing on whether the inhibitory effect observed is linked to an alteration in the function of endothelial cells or neutrophils.

METHODS
The adhesion of human PMNs was quantified using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The increase in the number of adhering PMNs was assessed when HUVECs (with 1 mM hydrogen peroxide), PMNs (with 10 nM N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine), or both were prestimulated. To determine the influence of volatile anesthetics on the adhesion of PMNs, the experiments were performed in the absence or presence of 0.5, 1, and 2 minimum alveolar concentration halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane, whereby HUVECs, PMNs, or both were pretreated with gas.

RESULTS
Activation of HUVECs with hydrogen peroxide or stimulation of PMNs with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in PMN adhesion. Preincubation of PMNs, separately, with halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane, respectively, abolished enhanced neutrophil adhesion to hydrogen peroxide-activated HUVECs and adhesion of PMNs prestimulated with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine to unstimulated HUVECs (maximal effect at 1 minimum alveolar concentration). No decrease in adhesion was detected when only HUVECs were pretreated with volatile anesthetics. Additional exposure of HUVECs and PMNs to volatile anesthetics had no inhibitory effect on adhesion greater than that seen when only PMNs were treated. Appropriately, the volatile anesthetics abolished the upward regulation of the adhesion molecule CD11b on PMNs (as evaluated at 1 minimum alveolar concentration each), whereas 1 minimum alveolar concentration halothane failed to affect the expression of P-selectin, an adhesion molecule on endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane inhibit neutrophil adhesion to human endothelial cells at concentrations relevant to anesthesia in a static system. The effects appear to be mediated by inhibition of PMN activation; that is, by attenuating the upward regulation of neutrophil CD11b.


3942 Fermentation of nutritional constituents by the gut flora leads to many different bioactive products, most of which are unknown. In fermentation models with fecal inocculates, addition of dietary fiber sources such as pectin lead to high amounts of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Butyrate, a major SCFA, potentially acts as anti-carcinogen, e.g., by inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDAC). 3-Phenylpropionic acid was recently identified in human fecal water and is correlated with dietary polyphenol intake. Aim of this study was the investigation of SCFA, 3-phenylpropionic acid and supernatants from fermentations (FS) of interstinal inocculates with pectin and different apple juice extracts (AJE) as HDAC-inhibitors. Pectin, two different AJEs and pectin/AJE mixtures were fermented for 6h and 24h with human faecal slurries. FS were isolated and analysed for SCFA. Growth of two colon carcinoma cell lines, HT29 and Caco2, was determined after treatment with FS. A reporter gene assay using transfected Hela cells was performed to measure HDAC activity. In addition, a fluorescence-based substrate assay was used for the measurement of HDAC inhibition in isolated nuclear cell extracts. Fermentation of AJEs was found to be a potent source of SCFA while FS of pectin (6h) and pectin/AJE mixtures (24h) contained the highest amounts. The FS had only slight effects on the growth of both cell lines up to a concentration of 5%, while at higher concentrations, a significant growth inhibitory effect was observed. A correlation between growth inhibition and SCFA content was not found. Butyrate, propionate, 3-phenylpropionic acid as well as the FS inhibited HDAC significantly. The effect was more pronounced with fermented samples of the pectin/AJE mixtures than with FS of pectin alone. The SCFA content could not fully explain the observed effects. Our results indicate that, in addition to SCFA, other HDAC inhibitors are formed during the fermentation of polyphenols and dietary pectin/AJE in the human colon.


Nucleotide sequences were obtained from the approximately 1.7 kb intron 7 of the insulin-like growth factor II gene in human and representatives of both Old World and New World monkeys and analyzed with additional published noncoding regions (both introns and flanking regions) that differ substantially in base composition (GC content). Relative rate tests, utilized to examine differential rates of molecular evolution between humans and Old World monkeys, support the hypothesis that the rate of nucleotide substitution is slower in humans than in Old World monkeys. Comparisons of approximately 4,300 nucleotide positions revealed a significantly higher evolutionary rate in the Old World monkey lineage than in the human lineage for both intron sequences and flanking regions. The data indicate that the molecular clock hypothesis is not applicable to the human and Old World monkey lineages and that the hominoid rate slowdown is a general phenomenon--it is not unique to a particular gene region and is not influenced by regional differences in base composition.


[Rev. of: Gradinarova Alla A., Essays on the Comparative Syntax of Bulgarian and Russian, Sofia: Iztok-Zapad, 2017, 500 pp.]

This article presents a review of the book by a major Bulgarian researcher of Russian, professor of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" Alla Gradinarova, whose scholarly interests focus mainly on the contrastive syntax of Bulgarian and Russian. In the new monograph, the author concentrates largely on the points of divergence in these languages stemming from their typological differences: passive voice and syntactic impersonality, word order, communicatively marked phrasal templates, various types of multi-clause structures ranging from verbal adverb phrases to complex and asyndetic sentences, etc. The contrastive analysis of the language data helps to reveal significant characteristics of the studied phenomena. This allows the use of the obtained results and data not only in typology and contrastive linguistics, but also in the study of the Russian language, as the approach of the author in her studies is based on a profound analysis of Russian data. The book constitutes a major contribution to studies in contrastive syntax of Slavic languages.


Perioperative hyperglycemia is a risk factor for surgical site infections (SSI). Although the recommended target blood glucose level (BG) is 140–180 mg/dL for critically ill patients, recent studies conducted in patients undergoing surgery showed a significant benefit of intensive insulin therapy for the management of perioperative hyperglycemia. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the benefits of strict glycemic control for reducing SSI in gastroenterological surgery. We carried out a post‐hoc analysis of the previously published data from research on the risk factors for SSI. The highest BG within 24 hours after surgery was evaluated. A total of 1555 patients were enrolled in the study. In multivariate analysis, a dose–response relationship between the level of hyperglycemia and the odds of SSI was demonstrated when compared with the reference group (≤150 mg/dL) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–2.49 for 150–200 mg/dL; and OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.40–3.29 for >200 mg/dL). Unexpectedly, hyperglycemia was not a significant risk factor for SSI among diabetes patients. By contrast, non‐diabetes patients with a BG of >150 mg/dL were found to have increased odds of SSI. In conclusion, a target BG of ≤150 mg/dL is recommended in patients without diabetes who undergo gastroenterological surgery. Additional study is required to determine an optimal target BG in diabetes patients. Because of the risk of hypoglycemia, a conventional protocol is indicated for patients admitted to the general ward where frequent glucose measurement is not assured.


Objectives This study aimed to examine current relationships with neighbors among city dwellers and determine the factors associated with providing and accepting support in daily life.Methods The "Survey to Enrich the Lives of Miyamae Ward Residents" was conducted with 1,000 people aged ≥30 years residing in Miyamae Ward, Kawasaki City. The survey items included baseline characteristics (e.g., sex, age, and residential status), relationships with neighbors, inclination to share personal information, and inclination to provide/accept support for the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). To identify the factors associated with providing and accepting support for IADL, logistic regression analyses were performed with the following independent variables: baseline characteristics, neighborly relationships, inclination to share personal information, and inclination to provide support for the IADL.Results We analyzed 407 respondents with complete responses. Among the different levels of neighborly relationships, 11.8% of the respondents were "cooperative with neighbors in daily life," 33.3% would "only stand and talk," 46.0% would "only exchange greetings," and 9.0% had "no relationships with neighbors." Among those willing to provide support, the highest proportions of responses were for "Calling on/watching over others" (60.1%) and "Helping to throw out garbage" (51.7%). In contrast, less than 30% of respondents were willing to seek support from neighbors and volunteers for these two activities. The factors significantly associated with a willingness to provide support were women and relationships with neighbors at the "stand and talk" level or higher. A disinclination to share personal information was inhibitory to providing support. The factors significantly associated with a willingness to accept support were women and the inclination to provide support according to IADL. Home ownership was inhibitory to accepting support.Conclusion Fixed residential status and longer residence durations did not necessarily contribute to closer relationships with neighbors in urban areas. Although the respondents generally only exchanged greetings with neighbors, closer relationships are needed to facilitate a willingness to provide support to others. While many respondents were willing to provide simple assistance in daily life, rather fewer would seek help for the same activities. However, the acceptance of support was associated with the inclination to provide support, indicating a correlation between these two attitudes. In order to further encourage mutual support in daily life in urban areas, it is necessary to not only improve the level of relationships with neighbors, but also to implement initiatives that increase opportunities for people to gain experience providing support.


In order to understand the characteristics and origin of groundwater salinization in Taocheng district of Hengshui City, the recharge and salinization procession of shallow groundwater were analyzed with isotopic and geochemical data of the shallow groundwater (buried depth ≤ 100 m) and the soluble salt in boreholes. The results showed that the shallow groundwater was weak alkaline salt water, with the total dissolved solid (TDS) in the groundwater ranging from 176.06 to 17569.65 mg·L-1and the soil total salinity in unconsolidated sediments ranging from 1.830 to 6.509 g·kg-1. The hydrochemical types were mainly SO4·Cl-Na·Mg and Cl·SO4-Na·Ca in the shallow groundwater and the soluble salt. The main recharge resource of shallow groundwater was precipitation with different geological periods. The hydrochemical compositions of shallow groundwater mainly came from the dissolution of halite and sulfate weathering and experienced intense evaporation and the reduction environment. Meanwhile, the groundwater salinization was barely affected by human activities and seawater intrusion.


This study sought to assess how a project-based learning (PBL) approach involving agripreneurship enhanced students' understanding and application of poultry science knowledge and concepts and related entrepreneurial competencies learned at school to real-world settings. Further, the participants' experiences were described regarding school-based, agripreneurial projects (SAPs) and their potential for improving agricultural practices and livelihood opportunities. This study employed an embedded mixed methods design (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011). Quantitative data from 280 participants were analyzed and reported. Further, an ANCOVA was conducted (Cook & Campbell, 1979) to determine if statistically significant interactions or differences existed between the treatment and counterfactual groups, including differences between sexes. Seven of the study's 10 null hypotheses were rejected. A statistically significant (p < .01) interaction with a medium effect size was found between students' group and sex for posttest scores of poultry science knowledge depending on the instructional approach used. A statistically significant (p < .01) main effect existed between groups for perceived agripreneurship competencies depending on instructional approach. Statistically significant (p < .01) main effects with a small effect size existed between the groups and sexes regarding the students' likelihood to become agripreneurs in the future. A significant (p < .05) association with a small effect size was found between the treated students' sexes and their intent to become agripreneurs in the future, among other significant relationships. More females than males in the treatment group indicated being either likely or highly likely to become agripreneurs. Regarding the qualitative data, the themes emanating from the students' and adult facilitators' experiences with the treatment also indicated improvements in students' poultry science knowledge as well as their understanding of agripreneurial concepts. Further, qualitative findings indicated the treated students acquired a variety of technical and life skills. A need exists to integrate PBL approaches in the curriculum to increase the likelihood of students' better understanding agricultural and entrepreneurial concepts and apply such to solve challenges in their communities. Due to contradictory results, additional research should examine the impact of using various teaching approaches on students' performance by sex regarding their acquisition of poultry science knowledge.


We perform the theoretical investigation of interband dipole transitions in a narrow- gap InSb spherical layer quantum dot. We consider the transitions from the light hole and heavy hole states to the electron state of the conduction band. The dispersion law for electron and light hole is approximated using a two-band Kane model, while the heavy hole is described in the parabolic approximation. The effect of electric field on interband transitions is investigated.


Open offices are cost-effective and continue to be popular. However, research shows that these environments, brimming with distractions and sensory overload, frequently hamper productivity. Our research investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) to mitigate distractions in an open office setting and improve one's ability to be in flow. In a lab study, 35 participants performed visual programming tasks in four combinations of physical (open or closed office) and virtual environments (beach or virtual office). While participants both preferred and were in flow more in a closed office without VR, in an open office, the VR environments outperformed the no VR condition in all measures of flow, performance, and preference. Especially considering the recent rapid advancements in VR, our findings illustrate the potential VR has to improve flow and satisfaction in open offices.


Thiobenzamide (a thiono-sulfur-containing xenobiotic), when administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats primed with a single low dose of diethylnitrosamine, enhances the number and size of both gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase-positive hepatocellular foci and cholangiofibrotic areas. Its effect seems to be greater than that of the known promoter phenobarbital.


Most of design parameters of Railway Structures are determined by the serviceability requirements, rather than the structural safety requirements. The serviceability requirements come from Ensuring of running safety and ride comfort of train, reduction of track maintenance working Track-Bridge interaction should be considered in the design of railway structures. In this study, a numerical method which precisely evaluate an axial force of rail and a rail expansion and contraction when turnout exist in succession on a CWR of bridge is developed.


Menopause is part of ageing process that occurs in each women. The
process also involved physiological and psychological aspects. Menopause will
occur in women around the world by 25 million every year. Of course this needs
to get more attention on the health of women, especially elderly women which
experienced in menopause, mainly on the reproductive system.
This study aimed to analyze the factors affect to behavior of women who
experience in menopause at the region of Puskesmas Kenjeran.
The study design was descriptive with cross-sectional approach. Total
sample in this study was 36 female respondents aged 45-59 years. Independent
variable in this study were factors related to the behavior of pre-elderly women
knowledge namely attitudes, beliefs, and values. Dependent variable study was
the behaviour of pre-elderly women who experienced menopause. Data were
analyzed with spearman rho correlation test with significance level α<0,05.
The result of statistical analysis with spearman rho correlation test
indicates that the level of knowledge (p=0,001) and attitudes (p=0,0027) did have
correlation with the behavior of pre-elderly women. Beliefs (p=0,263) and values
(p=0,762) had no corelationwith the behavior of pre-elderly women who
experienced menopause.
Thus it can be concluded that knowledge and good attitudes can increase
the good behavior because they did have correlation, while values and beliefs had
no related with the behavior of pra-elderly women who experienced menopause.
Further action for this study are expected to be health counseling to pre elderly
women about menopause.


Combustion and emission behavior of 100 % steam coal (SET 1) and a mixture of 80 % by weight steam coal and 20 % by weight local lignite, characterized by high sulfur and ash contents, (SET 2) were investigated in the 0.3 MWt Middle East Technical University (METU) Atmospheric Bubbling Fluidized Bed Combustor (ABFBC) Test Rig. Experiments were performed with limestone addition at various Ca/S molar ratios with fines recycle. In both sets of experiments, parameters other than Ca/S molar ratio were held as nearly constant as possible. On-line measurements of O2 , CO2 , CO, SO2 , NOx emissions were carried out. Comparisons between the emissions show that lower NOx and SO2 emissions are obtained from combustion of steam coal/lignite mixture compared to those from steam coal only despite higher sulfur and almost equal nitrogen contents of the mixture. Calculated combustion efficiencies were found to be around 98 and 96 % for SET 1 and SET 2, respectively. As for the sulfur retention efficiencies, up to three times higher efficiencies were achieved when steam coal is co-fired with high sulfur lignite.Copyright © 2005 by ASME


Today, the business world is very competitive and the cost of businesses is going up. Because of high competition and rising cost of business transactions, the margin available to the owners of business becomes very thin. Therefore, the businessmen have to improve the financial performance of the business by monitoring and measuring the results of business regularly. Accounting and the accounting practices play a significant role in arriving at the overall result at the end of the year by meticulously recording every transaction during the year.Through present research study, the researcher tries to find out which accounting practices have been adopted by wholesalers and retailers of Jamnagar district and tries to give suggestions to improve the accounting practices in business.This research work is mainly based on primary data and information has been collected with the help of structured questionnaire from randomly selected 100 respondent, 50 wholesalers and 50 retailers of Jamnagar district. Secondary data has been collected from books, journals related to the subject matter.


We combine ALOS-PALSAR coherence images with airborne LiDAR data, both acquired over the Piton de la Fournaise volcano (Reunion Island, France), to study the main errors affecting repeat-pass InSAR measurements and understand their causes. The high resolution DTM generated using LiDAR data is used to subtract out the topographic contribution from the interferogram and to improve the radar coherence maps. The relationship between LiDAR intensity and radar coherence is then analyzed over several typical volcanic surfaces: it helps to evaluate the coherence loss terms. Additionally, the geometric and physical properties of these surfaces have been measured in situ. Coherence deteriorates over pyroclastic deposits and rough lava flows due to volume and surface scattering. In the presence of vegetation, it is directly related to plant density: the higher the Leaf Area Index (LAI), the lower the coherence. The accuracy of InSAR measurements strongly decreases for LAI higher than 7.


BACKGROUND
Folate cutoffs for risk of deficiency compared with possible deficiency were originally derived differently (experimental compared with epidemiologic data), and their interpretations are different. The matching of cutoffs derived from one assay with population-based data derived from another assay requires caution.

OBJECTIVE
We assessed the extent of folate-status misinterpretation with the use of inappropriate cutoffs.

DESIGN
In the cross-sectional NHANES, serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate were first measured with the use of a radioprotein-binding assay (RPBA) (1988-2006) and, afterwards, with the use of a microbiologic assay (2007-2010). We compared prevalence estimates for assay-matched cutoffs (e.g., with the use of an RPBA cutoff with RPBA data) and assay-mismatched cutoffs (e.g., with the use of microbiologic assay cutoff with RPBA data) for risk of deficiency on the basis of megaloblastic anemia as a hematologic indicator in persons ≥4 y of age (e.g., serum folate concentration <7 nmol/L and RBC folate concentration <305 nmol/L derived with the use of a microbiologic assay), possible deficiency on the basis of rising homocysteine as a metabolic indicator in persons ≥4 y of age (e.g., serum folate concentration <10 nmol/L and RBC folate concentration <340 nmol/L derived with the use of an RPBA), and insufficiency on the basis of elevated risk of neural tube defects in women 12-49 y old (e.g., RBC folate concentration <906 nmol/L derived with the use of a microbiologic assay).

RESULTS
Pre-folic acid fortification (1988-1994), risks of deficiency for assay-matched compared with assay-mismatched cutoffs were 5.6% compared with 16% (serum folate), respectively, and 7.4% compared with 28% (RBC folate), respectively; risks declined postfortification (1999-2006) to <1% compared with <1% (serum folate), respectively, and to <1% compared with 2.5% (RBC folate), respectively. Prefortification (1988-1994), risks of possible deficiency for assay-matched compared with assay-mismatched cutoffs were 35% compared with 56% (serum folate), respectively, and 37% compared with 84% (RBC folate), respectively; risks declined postfortification (1999-2006) to 1.9% compared with 7.0% (serum folate), respectively, and to 4.8% compared with 53% (RBC folate), respectively. Postfortification (2007-2010), risks of insufficiency were 3% (assay matched) compared with 39% (assay mismatched), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
The application of assay-mismatched cutoffs leads to a misinterpretation of folate status. This confusion likely applies to clinical assays because no comparability data are available, to our knowledge.


Wilson W A, Thomas E J, Sissons J G P. Activation of the complement system in asymptomatic patients with sickle cell anaemia. Clin Exp Immunol 1979; 36: 130-9. 2 Wilson W A, Thomas E J. Activation of the alternative pathway of human complement by haemoglobin. Clin Exp Immunol 1979; 36: 140-4. 3 De Ceulaer K, Wilson W A, Morgan A G, Serjeant G R. Haemoglobinemia and activation of the complement system in homozygous sickle cell disease. J Clin Lab Immunol 1981 ; 6: 57-60. 4 Working Party on Ethics of Research in Children. Guidelines to aid ethical committees considering research involving children. Arch Dis Child 1980; 55: 75-7. Koethe S M, Casper J T, Rodney G E. Alternative complement activity in sera from patients with sickle cell disease. Clin Exp Immunol 1976; 23: 56-60. 6 Turner M W, Mowbray J F, Roberton D R. A study of C3b deposition on yeast surfaces by sera of known opsonic potential. Clin Exp Immunol 1981; 46: 412-9. 7 Larcher V F, Wyke R J, Mowat A P, Williams R. Bacterial and fungal infection in children with fulminant hepatic failure. The possible role of opsonisation and complement deficiency. Gut 1982; 23: 1037-43. 8 Huehns E R, Davies S C, Brozovic M. Letter: Fresh Frozen plasma for vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease. Lancet 1981; i: 1310-1.


INTRODUCTION In 2003 the government introduced a national diabetes plan. One of the recommendations was to establish a national diabetes database targeted at monitoring the prevalence of diabetes and quality of diabetes care. The aim of this study is to validate a national algorithm for identification of known diabetes and compare the results with the results from the use of a regional algorithm. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with diabetes residing in Aarhus County on 31 December 2003 were identified by data from The National Patient Registry, The National Health Insurance Service Registry, the prescription database and the laboratory database in the county. RESULTS This study identified a total of 8,802 patients with a diagnosis of diabetes which was confirmed by the patients' general practitioners (GP). This corresponds to a prevalence of 2.32% (95% CI: 2.27%2.37%). The national algorithm found 86% of this diabetes population while the regional algorithm found 96%. The sensitivity was increased to 91% by supplementing with information of dispensed prescriptions for anti-diabetics in the national algorithm. The positive predictive value was 89% for the national algorithm as well as for the regional algorithm. CONCLUSION The national algorithm may be used as a tool for establishing a national diabetes database. Despite a higher sensitivity, the regional algorithm cannot currently be recommended at a national level as it depends on the collection of person-related data which are not available nationally at the present time.


Technology is ever changing. On-premise ERP has been adopted by industries almost two and half decades ago. Nowadays, cloud computing has taken over the technology era. Cloud computing plays a vital role in offering an organizations with a pool of third-party hosting of IT resources applications and services virtually through the web. Cloud ERP also known as SaaS( Software-As-Service) ERP. Current studies show that there are many large organizations have been adopting cloud ERP recently. They have observed the benefits and opportunities offered by cloud computing. But SMEs are resistant to adopt to this new technology for various possible reasons mainly high cost of implementation. This paper aims to provide a detailed overview on the opportunities, benefits and advantages of cloud ERP. This paper would be useful for future adopters and decision makers of cloud ERP in SMEs.


The phenomenon of juvenile delinquency structures speeches and practices concerning social order and the means of controlling the conflict. Youth delinquency justifies the existence of power devices executed by the state action in two fields: the repressive criminal policy (police) and the policies of social protection. Such fields overlap in the control procedures coming from public institutions. Through such intermingling, social control by penalization and policing society become the general rule and the easiest principle to be proposed and followed. Youths residing on the outskirts of large cities, members of the socially and economically excluded classes, come to be seen as dangerous classes, and as a consequence targets of policing public policies. Such a posture is concealed under humanistic speeches of social integration and reinsertion, but hides the perverse practice of the criminalization of marginality. The youth held to be "vulnerable" or "in a situation of social risk" is categorized as the enemy who needs to be controlled, now no longer as a moral duty related to social protection, but because they threaten the establishment, which makes them, through the fear aroused, electoral components of public projects. These projects do not aim at protecting them, but at using them for what they are. The project entitled PROTEJO (Program of Protection of Youths in Vulnerable Territory) is the paradigmatic example of the manner in which one of the main preventive public policies of the current Brazilian youth criminal policy materializes the speech and practices of perverse social control.


The article presents data on the biochemical composition of cereals and legumes, on the basis of which 2 types of grain were selected: buckwheat and lentils. Experimental samples of whole-grain flour from buckwheat and lentil grains with an optimal ratio of starch, fiber, protein, and fat with a grinding size of 400-600 microns are obtained. the recommended technological scheme for processing buckwheat and lentil grains into whole-ground flour is presented.


What is the nature of self-evaluation motives? The relativist perspective suggests that self-evaluation motives vary culturally, with self-enhancement developing in Western culture and selfeffacement and self-improvement developing in East Asian culture. The universalist perspective suggests that self-enhancement and self-improvement are basic human motives that coexist in the self-system and are prevalent across cultures. We tested the competing perspectives in a cross-cultural study. Chinese and American students rated the degree to which they want to receive four types of feedback (self-enhancing, self-effacing, self-improving, and no-feedback) from four sources (parents, teachers, friends, and classmates). Chinese and Americans (a) overwhelmingly wanted self-enhancing and self-improving feedback more than self-effacing feedback and no-feedback and (b) were uninterested in self-effacing feedback. These findings attest to the universal nature of self-enhancement and self-improvement motives.


In addition to ultrahigh capacity and speed in data management, future communication networks require enhanced performance via system reconfigurability under limited resources. Extremely high-speed operation renders optical data managing devices as excellent candidates to hybridize with current electronic devices; however, they still need tunability for system reconfiguration in an integrated scheme. We demonstrate an efficient electro-optic (EO) modulator that is mechanically tunable on a multiple optical waveguide system that functioned with a soft capacitor structure incorporating graphene and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The flexible capacitor that generates optical signals by temporal light absorption depending on electrical signals can be mechanically detached and reattached from and onto a rigid surface of the waveguide. It provides either the on or off state of the modulating operation, and enables switching of the working waveguides, following the reconfigured data routes. Quality-controlled graphene mainly provides the EO operation, and PMMA plays an important role as both the flexible dielectric layer in the capacitor and the passivation layer for graphene protection. The modulation effects of the manually prepared graphene-PMMA capacitor mechanically adjusted onto a side-polished optical fiber (D-shaped fiber) are investigated in terms of the extinction ratio (ER) of the transmitting light and the operational bandwidth. We successfully display an ER of the modulator up to 19.8 dB with a voltage control ranging from -50 to 50 V. Its stable operation is verified with a modulation speed up to 2.5 MHz.


The mobility of the malleus and incus was studied in two fresh human temporal bones. Various pressure gradients were applied across the intact tympanic membrane and the movement of the ossicles examined, firstly with the incus in situ and secondly, with the incus removed. The displacement of the long process of the incus was less than 100 microns at the extremes of pressure gradient. However, this mobility increased by over twofold when the posterior incudal ligament was divided. With removal of the incus, the mobility of the umbo with pressure changes was further increased and can be as much as half a millimetre. In all cases the maximal rate of ossicular excursion was noted with pressure gradients of less than 100 daPa (mmH2O) across the tympanic membrane.


In this paper, we use the Markov switching model, the state-space model with Markov switching heteroskedasticity and the local level model with GARCH(1,1) disturbances to investigate the link between the level of Egyptian inflation and its uncertainty. We use different ways to measure inflation uncertainty. First, we consider it as the variance of unanticipated inflation. Second, we measure it as the unconditional variance of unanticipated changes in inflation. Finally, we measure it by the conditional variance modeled as GARCH effect. We find evidence of a positive effect of inflation level on inflation uncertainty for the three models. By making the distinction between the long run and the short run, we conclude that inflation has a significant positive effect on uncertainty in the short run but no effect in the long run. We state that the cost of inflation is mainly due to the association between higher inflation and higher short-run uncertainty. Reversing the causality link between inflation and its uncertainty, we find that inflation uncertainty has a positive effect on inflation level in the short run but this effect dies out in the long run, which is indicative of a stabilization monetary policy in Egypt. According to the likelihood-based information criteria (Akaike and Schwarz Bayesian criteria), the state-space model with Markov switching heteroskedasticity and the two-state Markov switching model outperform all others.


Background: The herpes simplex virus is a human pathogen which can cause skin or mucous membrane infections. Melissa, sumac, licorice, rosemary, and geranium have antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and local analgesic effect. Shortening recovery period of recurrent herpes labialis and control of viral protein formation are the other effects of these herbs. The aim of this study is design, formulation, and evaluation of the gel containing extracts of these five herbs. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study after photochemical and macroscopic evaluation of these medicinal herbs, the semisolid concentrated extracts were incorporated in gel bases. Mucoadhesive gels were prepared using carbopol 940, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M as bioadhesive polymers. Physicochemical tests, viscosity, mucoadhesive strength measurement, and in vitro drug release study were carried out on formulations F10 (carbopol 940, 0.5% and Na CMC, 3%) and F11 (carbopol 940, 1% and Na CMC, 3%). Results: Polyphenol content of extracts mixture was measured 210.8 ± 13.68 mg GAE/g. pH of formulations was 6.0 ± 0.2. 14 gel formulations were prepared. Physical appearance, homogeneity, and consistency of F10 and F11 were good. Mucoadhesion and viscosity of F11 was more than F10. Study of release profiles in F10 and F11 formulations showed drug release from F11 was slower. Conclusion: The best formulation for treatment and shortening recovery period of recurrent labial herpes infections should exhibit high value of mucoadhesion, show controlled release of drug. F11 with the highest viscosity and mucoadhesion and the lowest release rate was considered as the best formulation.