CD8+ T cell responses to viral infection are characterized by the emergence of dominant and subdominant CTL populations. The immunodominance hierarchies of these populations are highly reproducible for any given spectrum of virus-induced peptide-MHCI complexes and are likely determined by multiple factors. Recent studies demonstrate a direct correlation between naive epitope-specific CD8+ T cell precursor (CTLp) frequency and the magnitude of the response after antigen challenge. Thus, the number of available precursors in the naive pool has emerged as a key predictor of immunodominance. In contrast to this, we report here no consistent relationship between CTLp frequency and the subsequent magnitude of the immune response for 4 influenza virus-derived epitopes following intranasal infection of mice with influenza A virus. Rather, the characteristic, antigen-driven T cell immunodominance hierarchy was determined by the extent of recruitment from the available pool of epitope-specific precursors and the duration of their continued expansion over the course of the infection. These findings suggest possibilities for enhancing protective immune memory by maximizing both the size and diversity of typically subdominant T cell responses through rational vaccine design.


BACKGROUND
The outcome of surgically resected, apparently localized, clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate if cell cycle progression (CCP) gene expression can predict future metastasis.

METHODS
Pathologic T2a-T3b tumors at University of Iowa were reviewed. Patients with known or suspected metastasis, lymph node involvement or who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiation, chemotherapy or immunotherapy were excluded. Case and control cohorts were defined as those who did or did not develop metastatic disease within 5 years. Measured levels of 31 cell cycle genes and 15 control genes from the tumor were calculated as a CCP score. Additionally, gene expression data for a separate ccRCC cohort was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

RESULTS
Univariate analysis of 26 cases and 38 controls revealed that the CCP score predicted progression to metastasis (OR 2.65, p = 0.0091). In multivariate logistic regression modeling, CCP expression remained a significant independent predictor for progression (p = 0.026). The CCP score was also significantly associated with distant metastasis in the TCGA renal cancer cohort in both univariate (p = 1.0 × 10-9) and multivariate (p = 5.6 × 10-3) analysis.

CONCLUSION
The CCP score has prognostic value in predicting metastatic progression after resection of organ-confined ccRCC.


For at least three decades, historians have investigated the relationship between western medicine, imperial policy and colonial rule, questioning the assertion that western medicine was a positive legacy of European colonialism. A common argument is that western medicine functioned as a 'tool of empire' by protecting the health of white Europeans and supporting beliefs of European superiority; and by controlling and exploiting local minds and bodies. As an organising principle and analytical category, the term 'colonial medicine' is also commonly deployed to describe these aspects of western medicine in colonial localities.


Abstract We report three cases of hybridization between wild Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) and Red-tailed Hawks (B. jamaicensis) identified by using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. The hybrid individuals were field-identified as Swainson's Hawks and sampled from Alberta, Canada (n = 2) and Utah, USA (n = 1). Nineteen nuclear microsatellite loci were used in a factorial correspondence analysis to create genotypic clusters of 468 Red-tailed and 357 Swainson's hawks. Three suspected hybrids were identified by an intermediate genetic position between the genotypic clusters of the two species, indicating a hybridogenetic composition. We examined mitochondrial control region sequence data to identify the maternal background of the putative hybrids; two of the hybrid specimens had Red-tailed Hawk mtDNA haplotypes and the third a Swainson's Hawk haplotype. These results suggest that hybridization between these two species may occur in their shared breeding range and can result in reciprocal hybrid offspring, barring any social, behavioral, or biological isolating mechanisms.


New technologies for adaptive optics are becoming increasingly important for miniature devices such as cell-phone cameras. In particular, motion-free autofocusing and optical image stabilization require sophisticated approaches for alternative lens architectures, materials, and processing to replace multiple solid elements. We discuss a new method, to the best of our knowledge, that provides image stabilization via an annular piezoelectric ceramic that uses ultrasound to drive a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between two circular glass substrates. The piezoelectric ceramic is divided into four quadrants that are independently driven with sinusoidal voltages at the resonant frequency of the lens. The technique is based on ultrasound vibrations with a suitable driving scheme. The lens configuration was modeled via finite-element analysis. Various combinations of the four-channel ultrasound transducer can be used to define the focal point of the liquid crystal lens. Clear optical images could be obtained with the lens. By using two-dimensional fast Fourier transforms, the focal point position was defined and shifted in the radial direction.


Scaphoid fracture fixation is indicated in certain acute situations and for scaphoid nonunion. Internal fixation requires an understanding of the distinctive scaphoid anatomy with relation to its shape, blood supply, fracture healing, and radiographic evaluation. The choice of surgical approach varies with the fracture configuration and procedure planned. A variety of innovative implants are available to accomplish internal fixation of the scaphoid. The ultimate goal is to achieve union and restore stability to the carpus.


This paper explores in detail the political-institutional processes and governance aspects of the Korean system of innovation. It shows (i) bow the specific form of corporate governance (chaebol) evolved out of Korea's national political-institutional arrangements, such as the state-firm relationship based on reciprocal subsidy; and (ii) how the dramatic emergence of Korean semiconductor firms in world memory chip markets resulted from the subtle and changing interactions of state, world market conditions and chaebol governance.


The electron analyzer is one of the analyzer of plasma package that will be developed for Mars exploration. It is to analyze the distribution of electron's energy and direction around the orbit of spacecraft. The article gives the detailed design of the analyzer.


Remote observing has many definitions, ranging from unattended batch-mode use through simple remote logins to fully faithful off-site observing centers indistinguishable from the on- site telescope control room. There are problems with each of these ideas: batch mode operation, for example, precludes remote interactive target acquisition and remote access to targets of opportunity. Simple remote login suffers from network problems such as full-duplex character latency; shipping screens instead of the underlying data can cause bandwidth problems and interferes with analyzing or archiving data. Brute-force reproduction of the control room requires expensive fiber or satellite connections. The WIYN Telescope control system was designed to be inexpensive to build and inexpensive to maintain. We emphasized the use of standard tools, portable implementations, and network friendliness. These techniques and features are precisely those that underlie a powerful remote observing capability. The WIYN Telescope control system therefore supports remote observing from the very lowest levels, and does so effectively and inexpensively using a carefully planned architecture, standard software and network tools, and innovative methods to ship large digital images over low bandwidth connections such as phone lines. Even before the construction was complete, these techniques proved their value by allowing remote access for the purposes of eavesdropping, troubleshooting, and servo tuning. This paper presents a block diagram and detailed descriptions of the WIYN Telescope control system architecture. Each aspect of the control system is discussed with respect to its contribution to the overall goal of remote observing, including multi-user access, bandwidth conservation, interoperability, and portability.


This study modified graphene oxide (GO) with hydrophilic octadecylamine (ODA) via covalent bonding to improve its dispersion in silicone-modified epoxy resin (SMER) coatings. The structural and physical properties of ODA-GO were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle tests. The ODA-GO composite materials were added to SMER coatings by physical mixing. FE-SEM, water absorption, and contact angle tests were used to evaluate the physical properties of the ODA-GO/SMER coatings, while salt spray, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) methods were used to test the anticorrosive performance of ODA-GO/SMER composite coatings on Q235 steel substrates. It was found that ODA was successfully grafted onto the surfaces of GO. The resulting ODA-GO material exhibited good hydrophobicity and dispersion in SMER coatings. The anticorrosive properties of the ODA-GO/SMER coatings were significantly improved due to the increased interfacial adhesion between the nanosheets and SMER, lengthening of the corrosive solution diffusion path, and increased cathodic peeling resistance. The 1 wt.% ODA-GO/SMER coating provided the best corrosion resistance than SMER coatings with other amounts of ODA-GO (including no addition). After immersion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 28 days, the low-frequency end impedance value of the 1 wt.% ODA-GO/SMER coating remained high, at 6.2 × 108 Ω·cm2.


In this paper, the time in the absence of ground-based directly on the ground the feasibility of installing solar PV bracket will stand across the bottom end of land and ground anchor nail Then, through the theoretical calculations PV Stent in the wind under the action of tipping load torque, and the projection anchors have been set aside when the force suffered, compared with the measured to identify the anchors aside suffered the law of the relationship between force and velocity, based on this rule to determine the bracket in their natural environment without foundation under photovoltaic operation stability, if the plan is feasible, it can shorten the construction time of photovoltaic power plants and reduce the investment cost of PV power generation for future large-scale domestic PV market launch of great significance.


Our behavioral standards and limits are determined by the society in which we live, which also holds certain expectations regarding our conduct in the surrounding environment. Therefore, if we strive to live a full-fledged life in harmony with the surroundings, we need understand the significance of the role played by our skills and abilities in the field of communication and relations with other people. The ability to develop relationships and socialize is closely related to emotional skills. We could hardly be able to interact with each other successfully if we had developed no empathy, which is our ability to recognize and share feelings with the environment, another person or situation, or if we had failed to learn to rationally control our emotions. It would be hard to start any relationships if we could not even understand our own feelings. The new studies confirm that emotional competencies are the basis for the development of proper social conduct (Petermann, Wiedebusch, 2003, based on Hillenbrand et al., 2009). The exposure of proper behavior requires more than just the possession of individual knowledge and skills in the field of socially competent behavior. One must also know how to use such information in each particular situation. Therefore, the core condition for socially competent behavior is the ability to properly understand the situation, evaluate and empathize with it as well as to be able to use self-control (Fydrich, Burgener, 1999; Petermann, 1999). It is especially important to foster social and emotional skills at the beginning of their development, i.e. in their pre-school stage, to prevent behavioral disorders in children (Hillenbrand, Henneman, 2005). Most importantly, we should encourage children to learn how to understand their emotions and control them as well as develop the ability to empathize with others. Social employees and kindergarten teachers point out that this field especially lacks the methods and possibilities for an effective promotion of the development of social and emotional competencies, the demand for which is particularly high when working with the children from higher risk groups. The preventive program "Lubo from Outer Space!" supports positive behavior of children and facilitates the everyday life of children in kindergartens. The methods used in the program are based on the promotion of social and emotional competencies proven effective by scientific researches.


Microtubules (MTs) have been a successful target for control of cell proliferation; drugs such as vinblastine or taxol block cells in mitosis and induce apoptosis, but these drugs are indiscriminate, affecting both normal and cancerous cells. We are examining a pathway induced by depletion of the MT destabilizing protein, stathmin, that results in slowed proliferation and apoptosis only in cancer cells and thus has potential for targeted killing of cancer cells. Depletion of stathmin caused slower cell proliferation, a cell cycle delay during G2 of the cell cycle, and cell death by apoptosis only in cells lacking p53 (Carney and Cassimeris. 2010. Cancer Biology and Therapy 9: 699–709). We demonstrated this synergy in both Hela cells, where p53 could be restored by depletion of the HPV E6 protein, or in matched HCT116 colon cancer lines differing only in p53 genotype. We are working to identify the signal immediately downstream of stathmin depletion that is responsible for the G2 delay by addressing whether the cell cycle delay is signaled by increased MT stability, or by one of two other stathmin-binding proteins, STAT3 or p27Kip1. In support of increased MT stability serving as a signal relay, we find that a brief incubation in nocodazole, a MT-depolymerizing drug, is sufficient to abrogate the G2 cell cycle delay in both Hela and HCT116p53-/- cell lines. Expression of full-length stathmin or stathmin truncations, combined with depletion of endogenous stathmin, was used to further test the role of increased MT stability in causing a G2 delay. Expression of full length stathmin-GFP, or stathmin N-terminus (deleted of amino acids 101–149)-GFP was sufficient to reduce MT density and abrogate the G2 delay. In contrast, a truncation missing 20 amino acids at the N terminus (deleted of amino acids 5–25) did not depolymerize MTs and did not abrogate the G2 delay. Others previously demonstrated that STAT3 and p27Kip1 bind to stathmin9s C-terminus, and this region was not necessary to abrogate the delay, making it unlikely that these proteins act downstream of stathmin depletion. Instead, our results indicate that increased MT stability, in cells lacking p53, stalls cells in G2 and delays entry into mitosis. The stathmin depletion-induced G2 delay is independent of a mitotic defect, since interphase duration, but not mitotic duration is lengthened significantly in stathmin-depleted cells. We find that interphase is approximately 5 hours longer in stathmin-depleted cells, measured either by the time between mitoses for cells growing asynchronously or by the time for cells released from an S phase block to reach mitosis. While our results point to increased MT stability as a signal delaying cell cycle progression, the nature of the signal is not yet known. Working upstream from the delay at mitotic entry, we find that stathmin depletion does not activate Chk1 and does not increase Wee1 level, making the pathways where these proteins function as unlikely contributors to delayed G2 progression. Instead, we find that Aurora A, Plk1 and Pak1 have reduced activity, as measured by reduced levels of activating phosphorylations. These data point to a model where increased MT stability blocks full activation of RhoA and its downstream targets to delay mitotic entry. Increased stable MTs may sequester components necessary for RhoA activation, or these stable MTs may be more difficult to reorganize into a mitotic spindle. Unraveling the remaining steps between stathmin depletion and cell cycle delay and/or apoptosis should identify targets for selective control of cancer cell proliferation and explain why MT stability caused by stathmin depletion and taxol addition induce delays at different cell cycle steps. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; 2011 Sep 14-18; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(18 Suppl):Abstract nr C32.


With the increasing complexity of survey design, survey managers need better tools to assess the data collection survey process. The development of data collection computer-assisted methods has opened the door to a wide scope of process data ("paradata") that can be used to evaluate the data collection survey process status in a timely manner. Active Management at Statistics Canada is a set of plans and tools developed to manage survey data collection while it is in progress. This includes monitoring progress, timely analysis of these indicators, identifying problems, implementing and communicating corrective actions, and evaluating success. The paper begins with an introduction to the key components of Active Management and discusses a series of practical examples currently used to monitor issues and data quality indicators at Statistics Canada.


For decades, the space charge effect and the distortion to the electrical field have been considered as the most important secondary effects on electric treeing, aging and breakdown phenomena in polymers. Several space charge distribution measuring techniques have been developed and applied to clarify the charge dynamics, i.e. charge injection, accumulation and transportation characteristics. This paper shows our experimental results of space charge dynamic behaviors inside the sheets of LDPE, Thin/Thick HDPE, and UHMWPE under dc voltage applications. The space charge distributions are obtained by using the newly proposed simulation model to process the detected pulsed electro-acoustic signals. Comparing to the old signal processing procedures, the accuracy is improved especially at the electrode-sample interface. The resolution has found to be greatly improved too.


Market mechanisms behind electricity utilities in the field of network operation services have earlier been studied with a focus on experienced costs, risks and benefits. However, the corresponding analysis is in this study performed for the counterparts of electricity utilities, that is, the service providers. The theoretical framework of the study is based on transactional cost economics. Further, findings of an empirical North-European service provider survey are presented and analyzed. Some reasons behind the identified market gap of control room services are discussed and future market development is examined. As one result of the empirical survey, service providers in the field of electricity distribution seem to be generally positive to the business model of offering control room services.


In this paper a suitable neural classiŽ cation algorithm, based on the use of Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) networks, is applied to the fusion and classiŽ cation of optical and SAR urban images. ART networks provide a  exible tool for classiŽ cation, but are ruled by a large number of parameters. Therefore, the simpliŽ ed ART2-A algorithm is used in this paper, and the neural approach is integrated into a classiŽ cation chain where fuzzy clustering for merging of classes is also considered. The interaction between the two methods leads to encouraging results in less CPU time than classiŽ cation with fuzzy clustering alone or other classical approaches (ISODATA). Examples of classiŽ cation are provided using C-band total power AIRSAR data and optical images of Santa Monica, Los Angeles.


Genetic scientific discoveries made throughout the last decade already have a tremendous influence on health care. Understanding the role genetics plays in health and disease provides the means to integrate such information into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of many common diseases to improve the health of society. Genetic information and technologies are increasingly making their way into health care.1 Yet, while patients are beginning to ask providers about—and even request— genetic services, primary care providers face economic and institutional barriers to incorporating genetic factors into management of patients.2 As outlined by the Institute of Medicine Report on the Future of Public Health,3 public health agencies will have an increasing role in assessing the health needs of populations, working with the private sector in ensuring the quality of genetic tests and services, and evaluating the impact of interventions on medical, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes. The Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing (SACGT) is addressing the need to provide access to high-quality genetic testing when appropriate and effective.4 Ultimately health professionals, regardless of specialty area, role, or practice setting, will face questions about the implications of genetics for their patients and communities. The fast pace of genetics research advances, the paucity of professional training in genetics, and the widespread underestimation of the value of genetics in medical decision-making leaves many providers without up-to-date answers.5 The National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) was founded by the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, and the National Human Genome Research Institute in an attempt to bridge this gap in genetic knowledge. This coalition of organizations constitutes an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and national effort to promote health professional education about application of human genetics information. NCHPEG members are representatives from more than 100 diverse organizations including consumer and voluntary groups, private industry, managed care organizations, government agencies, health professional societies, and genetics organizations (Appendix). Membership is voluntary, with representatives selected by their respective organizations. Read more about NCHPEG at the Web site (http://www.nchpeg.org/). NCHPEG seeks to gain from the diverse expertise and experience of member organizations working toward mutually identified goals. NCHPEG solicits group members to work together to address several priorities, including the identification of core competencies in genetics essential for all health professionals. Implicit goals of seeking consensus on basic genetics competencies among NCHPEG members were (1) to validate the importance of a basic foundation in genetics for health care, (2) to foster the use of common terminology, (3) to increase the consistency of genetics education efforts across the disciplines, (4) to facilitate active discourse about the relative role of the different professions in the provision of genetic services, and (5) to reduce duplication of effort. Achievement of each of these goals will require disciplines to recognize the need for genetics education, to integrate genetics concepts into their current educational resources, and to utilize these competencies to design new programs.


Regarding the personal viewpoint article by L. F. Ross (Am J Transplant 2010; 10: 742), the admonishment for careful evaluation and meaningful interpretation of biologically incongruous results is valid and cannot be overstated. However, the indictment of using genetic test systems to evaluate parentage is not. The article cites extremely rare genetic events to support this contention. By the same reasoning, HLA and ABO typing should not be used in transplantation. The HLA system is the single most polymorphic system known and the single most powerful tool for discriminating biologic identity and relationships. Using just the HLA-A and HLA-B loci alone will exclude 97% of men falsely accused of paternity (1). Hence, HLA phenotyping had a legally accepted use in parentage testing for years. Further, many HLA laboratory directors have extensive experience and expertise in parentage testing. If parentage is in doubt, the protocol for verifying and handling that information should be determined by each transplant program and should consider the consequences of disclosure and nondisclosure. However, the issue of the genetic relationship between individuals can be assessed, safely and accurately, using HLA and ABO typing.


A woman and her male child were referred because of life-long thrombocytopenia, moderately increased platelet size, and absence of laboratory findings suggesting immune thrombocytopenia or defective platelet function. Evaluation of their platelets in the electron microscope revealed the presence of organelles never seen before in human cells. The present study has focused on megakaryocyte pathology to be sure the aberrant platelet organelles originated in the parent cell. There were two different types of organelles developing in megakaryocytes from our patients unrelated to the formed organelles in the large cells. No relationship could be identified between the aberrant structures and alpha granules, lysosomes or dense bodies. One of the large organelles was intensely electron opaque and appeared to arise from small dense fragments forming in segments of endoplasmic reticulum. The second, target-like organelle also appeared to develop in the endoplasmic reticulum. Its smallest precursors were hexagonal fragments with a granular layer inside a more electron-dense outer layer. Fusion of these elements resulted in formation of typical target-like organelles. Ultimately the target-like organelles became electron opaque and difficult to distinguish from the large dense bodies. Other features of these unusual structures were identified in platelets from the two patients and will be discussed in a subsequent report.


the Editor's decision to avoid citing references in the text. Contributors have been able to enliven their record of the important observations made in their respective fields by evaluating conflicting evidence in the light of their own conclusions. Knowledge is advancing so rapidly that some of these current opinions should be recognized as such. The major chapters are supplemented by brief accounts relating to cardiology, to the relatively unexplored world of neurology and to a specific section devoted entirely to myasthenia gravis, a subject chosen perhaps since it is described as a convincing auto-immune disease. This book thus succeeds in providing a broad view of the relevance of immunology to current medical practice and will be welcomed by both the nonspecialist physician and laboratory scientist alike.


Background Although the left ventricle is the major site of BNP secretion in response to cardiac pressure or volume overload, the myocytes of both atria and ventricles secrete B- type natriuretic peptide (BNP). This study aimed to assess and compare the plasma levels of BNP in common pediatric cardiac diseases to clarify its pathophysiological role and evaluate its possible diagnostic and prognostic utility in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), and heart failure (HF). Materials and Methods: The study is a prospective, case-control research including 131 pediatric patients selected from Pediatric Department of South Valley University Hospitals in Qena, Egypt, with a variety of cardiac diseases and 70 healthy controls. The patients were categorized into 4 groups: 61 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with CHD, 30 patients with HF, 20 pediatric patients with cardiomyopathy (CM), and 20 children with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Clinical and echocardiographic assessments for the pediatric patients were performed. Bioassays of plasma BNP using commercially available ELISA assay kits were performed to the study the participants. Results: The median plasma BNP levels were significantly higher in the CHD, HF and CM groups than the RHD and control groups, with p Conclusion The validity of plasma BNP in diagnosing HF was significantly superior to its utility in predicting CHD among pediatric patients.


Leukotrienes, lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, have been implicated in a variety of myocardial ischemic events including myocardial infarction and coronary spasm. We have examined the comparative effects of leukotriene C4 in isolated human non-atherosclerotic and atherosclerotic coronary arteries to gain an insight into the role of leukotrienes in coronary heart disease. Human coronary arteries, obtained from recipient hearts at the time of cardiac transplantation, were cut into rings and examined in an isolated organ bath. In atherosclerotic arteries leukotriene C4 (1nM-100nM) produced a maximal contractile response of 54.9 +/- 7.98% KCI (n = 7) and the mean EC50 value was 11.1nM (95% confidence interval: 9.4-13.0). The leukotriene receptor antagonist ICI-198,615 (3 x 10(-8)M) produced an approximate 50-fold rightward shift of the leukotriene C4 dose-response curve (n = 5). In contrast, non-atherosclerotic arteries were either non-responsive (n = 5) or only weakly responsive (n = 2) to leukotriene C4 (1nM-100nM), producing an average maximum response of 3.65 +/- 3.05% KCI (n = 7; p < 0.01 atherosclerotic vs non-atherosclerotic). In the presence of indomethacin and in vessels denuded of endothelium, non-atherosclerotic arteries remained unresponsive to leukotriene C4 (n = 3). In addition, leukotriene C4 did not relax preconstricted vessels (n = 7). In vitro autoradiography showed specific [3H]-leukotriene C4 binding to smooth muscle in both non-atherosclerotic and atherosclerotic arteries, with no evidence of endothelium-dependent binding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


The left-behind phenomenon, caused by parent out-migration, has become a common social issue and might lead to long-term and potential risks for children in rural areas of China. It is important to investigate the effect of social interaction on prefrontal activation of left-behind children in China because of possible effects of parent out-migration on children's social cognition. We recruited 81 rural Chinese preschoolers aged 52–76 months (mean = 64.98 ± 6.321 months) preschoolers with three different statuses of parental out-migration (including non-, partially, and completely left-behind children). Using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), we compared behavior and brain activation and in three groups (non-, partially-, completely-left-behind children) under two different social interaction conditions (child-teacher and child-stranger situation). Results revealed that initiating joint attention (IJA) may evoke higher brain activation than responding to joint attention (RJA) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), especially in the case of initiating joint attention with the stranger. In addition, the activation of joint attention was positively correlated with children's language score, cognitive flexibility, and facial expression recognition. More importantly, partially-left-behind children evoked higher brain activation in the IJA condition and presented a higher language level than completely/non-left-behind children. The current study provides insight into the neural basis of left-behind children's development and revealed for the first time that family economic level and left-behind status may contribute to the lower social cognition.


This paper examines the effects of surface size starch addition on unsized and uncalendered paper sheets' mechanical properties. The more specific focus was to study such properties as elastic modulus, elongation at break, and bending stiffness as a function of sheet starch content. The study was based on vacuum-assisted impregnation of starch into the sheet structure and drying the sheets under an impingement hood. Differences in starch amounts were obtained by repeating this sequence, which resulted in a set of specimens with varied starch amounts. Applications with corresponding water amounts were also performed as references in order to remove the effect of water and the wetting-drying cycles from the results. The net effect of starch amounts on the studied sheet properties could then be investigated. Results suggest that the surface sizing starch promotes elastic modulus in cross direction, but not in machine direction. In increasing the elastic modulus – and further the bending stiffness of the sheet – starch may merely promote shrinkage potential, which then leads – when shrinkage is not allowed – to increased drying stress that, in turn, leads to an increase in elastic modulus and further to increased bending stiffness. However, when drying shrinkage is allowed, bending stiffness is increased despite a drop in elastic modulus. This is due to increased thickness, which compensates for the loss in elastic modulus. Therefore, the presence of starch affects bending stiffness in two ways: when drying is restricted, starch promotes increased elastic modulus through increased drying stress; with drying shrinkage allowed, bending stiffness increases as a result of increasing sheet thickness. Since a practical papermaking process involves a large variety of shrinkage behaviors in the cross direction, the mechanism behind bending stiffness can vary in the cross direction based on the shrinkage profile across the entire width of the web.


The essential illustrated atlas of pediatric radiology--featuring more than 3,700 images Diagnostic Imaging of Infants and Children enables you to visualize the full range of pediatricdiseases and injuries using the latest diagnostic imaging techniques. A one-of-a-kind survey of the entire spectrum of disease in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents, Diagnostic Imaging of Infants and Children is filled with 3,794 high-quality images of every modality: X-ray, CT, ultrasound, MRI, nuclear medicine, and more. Diagnostic Imaging of Infants and Children features an organization that reflects how a practicingradiologist approaches a typical case, beginning with the clinical presentation and pathology of a disease and proceeding through the findings for each important imaging technique. FEATURES: Expert coverage of every modality currently available: CT, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray, nuclear medicine, PET, echocardiography, and cardiac MRI Practical emphasis on what radiologists and residentsneed to know in their daily practice Logical organization by body systems Review of developmental abnormalities of each organ system provides a solid foundation for understanding diagnostic tools and techniques "Clinical Presentations" provide symptom-based reviews that clarify key pediatric radiology concepts and enable you to confidently evaluate children with any disease or injury Skill-sharpening differential diagnosis tables-some of which correlate the clinical and radiographic features-aid comprehension by putting the latest protocols at your fingertips Hundreds of "Pathology - Radiology" tables throughout the text serve as quick reference guides and are great tools for resident study and review Chapter-ending full references


Security threats to computers and networks have increased in considerably because of the increasing use of computer systems and networks in almost every aspect of our daily lives; traditionally, key stroke dynamic authentication is vastly used to authenticate legitimate user in the current system but this method has many loop holes. The aim of this paper is to enhance the continuous authentication method by presenting a keystroke dynamics with back propagation neural network as a transparent layer of user authentication, this biometric technologies is of the most well known and not costly behavior. This paper utilizes keystroke features including Dwell time (DT), Flight time (FT), Up-Up time (UUT), Down-Down time (DDT) and a mixture of these features as strong new keystroke feature. The Back Propagation neural network is used with two cases: case-1, used the Back Propagation neural network with sigmoid function, the second case used the Back Propagation neural network with bipolar function, both of these two cases used with five different cases of features as mentioned above. These times are used to distinguish between the authentic users and impostors. Results of the experiments demonstrate that the Back Propagation network with mixed four features in case-1 with mixed of four features is more efficient comparable to case-2 and provide low False Accept Rate (FAR) and False Reject Rate (FRR) and high accuracy


This paper presents a new configuration for a wind energy conversion system (WECS) using a squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) with battery energy storage system (BESS). The proposed configuration utilizes power converters, operates with maximum power point tracking algorithm to maximum wind energy extraction. The SCIG is connected to the power grid through back to back voltage source converters, and the WECS is reinforced by BESS in order to keep the voltage and frequency of the grid constant, during the variation of wind speeds and the power system. The DC-DC converter (buck-boost) is connected with the back to back converter to control the battery bank and to maintain DC-link voltage constant. The SCIG is controlled using the direct torque control strategy and, the active and reactive power of grid side converter is controlled by means of simple vector control. The vector control of the SCIG side and power grid side converters were implemented in SimPowerSystems® of Matlab/Simulink®. The simulation results showed the effectiveness of this approach.


Colorectal carcinomas generally show a poor sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutics. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are required to improve the prognosis of colon cancer patients in advanced stage. Several growth factors are involved in the control of colon carcinoma cell proliferation. In particular, the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-related peptides transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), amphi-regulin (AR), and CRIPTO (CR) are frequently overexpressed in human colon carcinomas. It has also been recently demonstrated that they can function as autocrine growth factors in human colon carcinoma cells. In fact, antisense (AS) retroviral expression vectors or AS oligonucleotides directed against TGF-alpha, AR, or CR are able to inhibit growth and transformation of several human colon carcinoma cell lines. These data suggest that the EGF-like growth factors and their receptors offer potential as targets for experimental therapy of human colon carcinoma. This article reviews the most recent findings in this field.


Procedures for predicting human toxicity on the basis of cytotoxicity data for different chemicals are of current interest. The study was designed to clarify the possibility of predicting human toxicity by using the cytotoxicity values IC(50x) of the 50 MEIC chemicals listed in the Registry of Cytotoxicity (RC). All calculations with the data of cytotoxicity and in vivo toxicity were carried out uniformly by using standardised methods with the aim of comparing the results in the literature with each other. The following results were achieved: Firstly, the IC(50x) values in the RC are suited better for predicting human toxicity than IC(50) values determined in cell culture experiments with one cell type and one cytotoxic endpoint. This result is correct for the values of linear regression parameters as well as for the values of the prediction error (PE) defined by Ponsoda et al. (1997). Secondly, by using the geometrical mean of four lethal concentrations (LCx) - calculated from the tabulated lethal concentration (LC), lethal plasma concentration (LPC), clinical lethal concentration (CLC) and forensic lethal concentration (FLC) - the parameters for predicting the human toxicity were slightly improved. Moreover, these comparative examinations demonstrate that in all cases the cytotoxicity data are suited better for predicting acute animal toxicity than for predicting acute human toxicity. The results confirm, once more, the reliability and general validity of RC cytotoxicity data for examinations of different problems in cytotoxicology.


Expression of a number of antigens associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) have been proposed as a marker of malignancy and the diagnostic tool for the staging procedures and important prognostic factor. Since the bone marrow (BM) was described as a frequent site for SCLC metastases, we have decided to assess clinical importance of cancer cells detection in BM, using immunofluorescence with MAC-1, MAC-31, NSE and anti-Fucosyl-GM1 (PF3) antibodies. The group of 32 patients with SCLC was assessed using our panel of antibodies. Control group consisted of 5 patients with other malignancies (3 patients with malignant lymphoma, 1 with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and 1 with non-SCLC). The study revealed no correlation between the expression of SCLC markers in patients BM and the cancer treatment outcome measured as a response for treatment, time to progression, and survival time, and no significant difference was found between the patients and control group.


In this study, biodegradable nanocomposites consisting of poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) elastomeric matrix and the reinforcing phase of calcium titanate (CaTiO3 ) nanoparticles were fabricated as a nerve guidance conduit (NGC) for peripheral nerve regeneration. CaTiO3 nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol-gel method and calcined at 800°C for 60 min. PGS elastomer was synthesized via the polycondensation reaction of glycerol and sebacate (1:1) and 2.5 and 5 wt. percentages of the synthesized CaTiO3 nanoparticles were added to the PGS prepolymer solution. The composites obtained were heated in order to make crosslinks in the pre-polymer. CaTiO3 nanoparticles, PGS elastomer, and the composites fabricated were characterized in terms of their structural, chemical, physical, mechanical, and cell response properties to evaluate the feasibility of using the nanocomposite for NGC applications. The results indicated that CaTiO3 nanoparticles were 50 nm in size. When the nanoparticles were added to the PGS, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposite reached values of about 1 and 0.5 MPa, respectively that are near those of natural nerves. The degradation behavior and swelling of the nanocomposites, as compared with those of the PGS elastomer, were controlled by introducing CaTiO3 into the PGS, which swelling limitation could prevent nerve compression. It was observed that Ca2+ ions established chemical bonds with PGS, which led to high crosslink densities that, in turn, contribute to improved mechanical properties of the composite. The Ca2+ ions released from the nanocomposite samples were in the nontoxic range. The PC12 cell line on the surface of the nanocomposite specimens showed good cell adhesion and proliferation with improved axon outgrowth and extension. Based on the results obtained the fabricated PGS/CaTiO3 nanocomposite may be recommended as a suitable NGC with desirable effects on peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2181-2189, 2018.


Intense implants which are used widely in biomedical applications such as Ti and its alloys and 316 L stainless steel can harm the surrounding tissues, hence may also cause infection. In order to eliminate this risk, it is necessary to produce new generation implant materials that are lighter than their existing biomaterials for use in biomedical applications and whose mechanical properties and structure are close to bone. In this study AZ91 Mg alloy implant material is created by using powder metallurgy method. In addition, in order to improve the bio-compatibility and bio-activity, the generated implant material was also coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) which is known as a ceramic based biomaterial. In this study, AZ91 Mg alloy is created by using powder metallurgy method. HA coating was applied to the alloy surface using the electrophoretic deposition method. The surface properties and corrosion resistance of the coatings made were examined. The applied voltage values in the coating process were determined as 100, 150, 200 and 250 V, the time parameter was stabilized as 2 minutes. HA, ethanol, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), N, N-Dimethylformamide chemicals were used to prepare the coating solution. At the end of the study, microstructures of the coatings were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analyzes (EDS) of the coating surfaces were performed. The X-ray diffraction method (XRD) was used to determine the phases of the coatings and its concentration. Coating thickness and surface roughness values were also determined. Corrosion behavior of coated samples was determined by potentiodynamic electrochemical potential corrosion test in artificial body fluid.


For many geotechnical purposes, the proper estimation of shapes and dimensions of landslide rupture zones is of significant importance. Very often, this exact delineation is difficult due to the lack of information on rupture zone extents in 3D. Based on a global landslide inventory, this work presents statistical analyses correlating dimension-related and shape-related parameters characterizing a rupture zone in 3D to its volume. Dimension-related parameters are approximated by linear regressions increasing with greater volumes, whereas shape-related parameters appear stable throughout the entire range of volumes. Revealing themselves as very stable, these correlations can be used, hence, to extrapolate from a distinct parameter to the volume of a landslide rupture zone. In a second stage, ratios of dimension-related parameters are correlated with rupture zone volumes. Furthermore, this type of correlation delivers very stable results showing that ratios are constant throughout the entire range of volumes. Making use of this ratio consistency, it is possible to deduce one of the two parameters when the other one is given. This latter aspect seems to be promising for remote sensing surveys when initial rupture areas or rupture volumes should be delineated or for numerical modeling of landslides in 3D.


The purpose of this manuscript is to further explore the role of therapeutic recreation (TR) in utilizing a meaning- centered approach to practice, specifically through the incorporation of a meaning-making framework. This discussion is grounded in and builds upon previous strengths-based TR literature. Leisure-induced meaning making may be best understood/characterized by five key themes including: (a) a joyful life, (b) a connected life (c) a discovered life, (d) a composed life, and (e) an empowered life. Finally, strategies for incorporating the framework into practice are offered as a beginning point for practitioners who wish to infuse meaning-centered work in their practice, including a discussion on potential challenges with utilizing this approach. Subscribe to TRJ


Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis, possesses two fatty acid synthesis pathways: a major de novo synthesis pathway in the ER and a mitochondrial pathway. The 2‐carbon donor for both pathways is malonyl‐CoA, which is synthesized from acetyl‐CoA by Acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC). Here, we show that T. brucei ACC shares the same enzyme architecture and moderate ∼30% identity with yeast and human ACCs. ACC is cytoplasmic and appears to be distributed throughout the cell in numerous puncta distinct from glycosomes and other organelles. ACC is active in both bloodstream and procyclic forms. Reduction of ACC activity by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in a stage‐specific phenotype. In procyclic forms, ACC RNAi resulted in 50–75% reduction in fatty acid elongation and a 64% reduction in growth in low‐lipid media. In bloodstream forms, ACC RNAi resulted in a minor 15% decrease in fatty acid elongation and no growth defect in culture, even in low‐lipid media. However, ACC RNAi did attenuate virulence in a mouse model of infection. Thus the requirement for ACC in T. brucei is dependent upon the growth environment in two different life cycle stages.


The theme of the paper is: what is the impact that knowledge based systems for Coalition Operations have on the requirement for standards and commonality? Do knowledge based systems mitigate or compound the need for standards? The authors have fifteen or more years of experience in research and development of knowledge based prototype systems for use by diverse groups and virtual organizations. In all these initiatives, the degree and type of standardization became an issue. There were various approaches taken to satisfy the need and/or desire for standards, such as, common environments, common plan representation, common planning process, common hardware, common user, etc. The paper presents the authors' view on several of the techniques used, lessons learned, and the applicability to the domain of Coalition Operations. Insights are also provided into cognitive issues based on culture with regard to terminology, training, operational concepts and planning processes.


Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world. It is characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), mainly through the process of apoptosis. Glaucoma patients often come to clinical attention when irreversible loss of visual function has been already established; therefore, early recognition of RGC apoptosis is inordinately important in disease prevention. The novel technology called Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells (DARC) allows real-time in vivo quantification of apoptosing cells through the use of a fluorescent biomarker and a confocal scanning ophthalmoscope. A recent Phase I clinical trial has evaluated the safety of DARC and its ability to detect retinal apoptosis in glaucoma patients and healthy volunteers. Results suggest that DARC may have potential in the early detection of glaucoma, which could help alleviate the medical, social, and economic burden associated with this blinding condition.


OBJECTIVE
To define the knowledge, perception, attitude, educational needs, and barriers in practicing Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) among physicians in Abha city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study using a self-administered validated questionnaire distributed to 290 physicians between 1st July to 30th July 2008. This study took place in the Family and Community Medicine Department, King Khalid University, College of Medicine, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS
Completed questionnaires were received from 210 (72.4%) of 290 physicians. Most physicians had a positive attitude towards EBM (median score=8/10). Half of them support the shift from daily based practice to evidence based decision. They showed acceptable level of knowledge on the terminologies used in EBM and critical appraisal. The consultants and specialists had a better knowledge toward EBM compared with residents. The main barriers facing the respondents in practicing EBM as indicated by the physicians were lack of resources and time.

CONCLUSION
The physicians showed acceptable level of knowledge on EBM. There was a gap between their knowledge and practice. This gap could be attributed to what was addressed by the physicians, namely, inadequacy of time and unavailability of access to internet in their working place. The better knowledge of the trained than the untrained physicians could draw the attention towards the importance of training courses relevant to EBM.


Expectations for neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC) transplantation as a treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) are increasing. However, whether and how grafted cells are incorporated into the host neural circuit and contribute to motor function recovery remain unknown. The aim of this project was to establish a novel non-invasive in vivo imaging system to visualize the activity of neural grafts by which we can simultaneously demonstrate the circuit-level integration between the graft and host, and the contribution of graft neuronal activity to host behaviour. We introduced Akaluc, a newly engineered luciferase, under control of a potent neuronal activity-dependent synthetic promoter, E-SARE, into NS/PCs and engrafted the cells into SCI model mice. Through the use of this system, we reveal that the activity of grafted cells was integrated with host behaviour and driven by host neural circuit inputs. This non-invasive system is expected to help elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of cell transplantation treatment for SCI and determine better therapy techniques that maximize the function of cells in the host circuit.


A psychrotrophic bacterium, originally isolated from a natural aquatic environment, was characterized and identified as Pseudomonas putida Q5 for use as a representative recipient for biodegradative genes from a mesophilic microorganism. The TOL plasmid pWWO of the mesophile P. putida PaW1 was successfully transferred by conjugation to the naturally isolated psychrotroph P. putida Q5, as shown by plasmid analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis. Expression of the genes encoded by the mesophilic TOL plasmid in the psychrotroph was shown by the fact that the transconjugant (designated P. putida Q5T) had the capacity to degrade and utilize toluate (1,000 mg/liter) as a sole source of carbon at temperatures as low as 0 degrees C. Comparison of growth rates over a wide temperature range (0 to 30 degrees C) indicated that the physiological activity of the transconjugant was not reduced and that the plasmid DNA from the mesophile and its encoded enzymes functioned effectively in the psychrotroph at temperatures well below those at which the mesophile could grow. The production and demonstrated functioning of P. putida Q5T illustrates the possibility of developing specific degradative capacities in bacteria which can readily function at low temperatures in chemically contaminated environments or in industrial wastewater treatment systems.


Abstract Neurotoxic organotin reagents currently play a key role in radical chemistry. As a result, this is an important area for development of new clean replacement reactions. The pharmaceutical industry in particular has had to avoid use of radical methodology for the formation of carbon_carbon bonds for this reason. With the current dawn in green chemistry, a host of new clean radical methods is beginning to flourish. Our aim has been to develop new nontoxic methodology for carbon_carbon bond formation by radical chemistry, which would provide either reductive termination (giving a hydrogen atom to the ultimate radical, as happens with tributyltin hydride), or oxidative functionalization, installing a useful polar group at the site of the ultimate radical. Two methods for effecting radical reactions in an environmentally friendly way are presented: (i) The tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-mediated radical-polar crossover reaction converts arenediazonium salts to aryl radicals, which have sufficient lifetime to cyclize onto alkenes—the resulting alkyl radicals couple with TTF+• to afford sulfonium salts which, in turn, undergo solvolysis to alcohols, ethers or amides. The method provides the key step in a synthesis of (±)-aspidospermidine. (ii) Hypophosphite salts and hypophosphorous acid, on the other hand, form C_C bonds with reductive termination. These economical reagents afford radicals efficiently, starting from aryl iodides, alkyl bromides, and alkyl iodides, and give very easy separation of products from by-products.


This strategic proposal presents NERSC's vision for its activities and new directions over the next five years. NERSC's continuing commitment to providing high-end systems and comprehensive scientific support for its users will be enhanced, and these activities will be augmented by two new strategic thrusts: support for Scientific Challenge Teams and deployment of a Unified Science Environment. The proposal is in two volumes, the Strategic Plan and the Implementation Plan.


discussion especially in relation to the use of immunosuppressive therapy. Another major share of the book is taken up by the complications of transplantation and this is only fitting and proper. However, there is some unfortunate repetition of views between the different chapters. Although the book is dedicated to renal transplantation, there is an excellent chapter on dialysis. By the same token, there is a good review of recurrent disease, pregnancy, and other longterm issues. Controversial subjects such as blood transfusion, the role of matching, and the quality of life after transplantation, have each been dealt with, and these reviews will not only stimulate the thoughts ofthe avid reader, but the excellent bibliography that each chapter has will provide useful direction to the reader who wishes to follow the subject further. Not only have complex and challenging aspects of the longterm morbidity of transplantation been considered, but in doing so, the rare and unusual events are also discussed, albeit briefly. Where ambiguity exists, good recommendations can prove a useful guide to even a confused surgeon or person not involved in transplantation. It is indeed extremely difficult to give adequately the views of all the specialists who contribute to the practice of transplantation, but I think that this book has gone a long way towards bringing all these disciplines together cohesively. As mentioned earlier, I found the line drawings to be of poor quality, but the radiological pictures were excellent. The references are all accurate and up to date, and feature many useful review articles. I would commend this book to all transplanters, whether they be surgeons, physicians, immunologists, or laboratory workers. The price may put it out of reach of the nontransplanter, but it certainly would be a good manual for every transplant department and medical library. I find it an interesting feature that neither of the editors have contributed to a single chapter but I daresay that all their efforts have been placed into the thorough editing that has gone into this book.


For the neutrino beamline oscillation experiment Tokai to Kamioka, the beam is classified before oscillation by the near detector complex. The detector is used to measure the flux of different particles through the detector, and compare them to Monte Carlo Simulations. For this work, the ν̄μ background of the detector was isolated by examining the Monte Carlo simulation and determining cuts which removed unwanted particles. Then, a selection of the data from the near detector complex underwent the same cuts, and compared to the Monte Carlo to determine if the Monte Carlo represented the data distribution accurately. The data was found to be consistent with the Monte Carlo Simulation. Date: November 11, 2013. 1 Bryan E. Barnhart University of Colorado at Boulder Advisor: Alysia Marino


The diversity of the genus Mantisalca in southwest Europe is the subject of much controversy. The present taxonomic revision of the genus on the Iberian Peninsula allows four species to be recognized, whose morphological variability is described and various synonyms are typified. A new species is described, M. cabezudoi Ruiz de Clavijo and Devesa, endemic to southeast Spain. The name Microlonchus spinulosus Rouy is reinstated for a species endemic to the central and east Iberian Peninsula, for which a new combination is made: Mantisalca spinulosa (Rouy) Ruiz de Clavijo and Devesa. A diagnostic key to the taxa is given.


Objective
To compare the recurrence rate and chronic pain in hernia patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic transabdominal preperitoneal fixation with and without mesh.

METHODS
The prospective comparative study was conducted at Surgical Units 4 and 5 of the Civil Hospital, Karachi, from August 1, 2017, to July 1, 2018, and comprised hernia patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic transabdominal preperitoneal fixation who were randomised into fixation Group A and non-fixation Group B. Postoperative visual analogue scale score was calculated at the time of discharge. At 1-year follow-up, recurrence rate and chronic pain were assessed. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

RESULTS
Of the 98 patients, there were 49(50%) in each of the two groups. Of the total, there were 97(99%) males. The overall mean age was 44.52±14.51 years. The differences in visual analogue scale scores at the time of discharge and the mean discharge from the hospital in terms of days were statistically significant (p<0.005). At 1-year follow-up, there was recurrence in 1(1.02%) case and that was in Group A (p>0.05). Chronic pain between the groups was not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion
There was no significant difference in terms of recurrence and chronic pain between mesh and non-mesh fixation.


Greenhouse experiments were conducted at the Sugarcane Research Centre, Guneid (Lat. 15oN, long. 33oE and approximately 400 m above sea level) between March and September of seasons 2007/2008 and 2009/2010, respectively. The objectives of the study were to determine the viability and longevity of Ustilago scitaminea (Syd.) teliospores in dry and wet soil environments. Results showed that under both dry and wet soil environments viability and longevity of U. scitaminea (Syd.) teliospores remained effective up to the last tested sowing date interval of 64 days. Spore viability and longevity under the two soil conditions of wet and dry showed that smut teliospores maintained viability that was able to infect and incite the disease at an average of 64.3% and 50% infectivity at 64 days longevity under dry and wet soil conditions, respectively. The highest spore viability was observed in sowing date intervals of 1 and 2 days. And, the lowest were observed in sowing date intervals of 6 (32 days) and 7 (64 days). Sowing date interval 3 (4 days); 4 (8 days) and 5 (16 days) were intermediate.


Field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors based on low-dimensional materials present the advantages of low cost, high speed, small size, and excellent compatibility with integrated circuits (ICs). In this work, we fabricated highly sensitive FET-based DNA biosensors based on chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown monolayer MoS2 films in batches and explored their application in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for trisomy 21 syndrome. Specifically, MoS2 was functionalized with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of an optimized size and at an ideal density, and then, probe DNAs for the specific capture of target DNAs were immobilized on the nanoparticles. The fabricated FET biosensors are able to reliably detect target DNA fragments (chromosome 21 or 13) with a detection limit below 100 aM, a high response up to 240%, and a high specificity, which satisfy the requirement for the screening of Down syndrome. In addition, a real-time test was conducted to show that the biosensor clearly responds to the target DNA at concentrations as low as 1 fM. Our approach shows the potential for detecting the over-expression of chromosome 21 in the peripheral blood of pregnant women and achieving Down syndrome screening.


This paper reports a new class of biosensors based on composite nanomaterial thin film. The composite nanomaterial film is synthesized using a simple vacuum filtration method. Using composite nanomaterial film, we can not only simplify the positioning and integration fabrication process of nanoscale materials into a functional device, but also enhance the sensing surface area significantly, which might open an opportunity to fabricate devices for ultrasensitive biosensing in a cost-effective way. Systematic measurements find that the composite film, containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and SnO2 nanoparticles, shows the similar field effect as that of single CNTs or nanowires (NWs) and its resistance changes upon binding to biomolecules during a bioassay process.


Attention is directed to the examination of the reflexion and refraction of a point-source field at a plane surface which separates two media of distinct acoustical properties. While some aspects of this problem are not new, this paper may be regarded as a demonstration of the relation between certain fundamental solutions of the wave equation and singular integrals of parametric plane waves. There are two halves in the discussion. In the first it is shown that the potential of a steadily moving point source may be written in the form of an integral superposition of parametric plane waves regardless of the source velocity. By taking each (real or complex) plane wave to be reflected and refracted independently at the interface between two media, we may construct the total field due to a buried point source which moves at a constant distance from the interface with a constant velocity. By a limiting process the field for a source which moves along the interface may also be determined. The single integrals which arise here are singular in form, the integrands are uniform functions of the velocity of the source regardless of whether it is subsonic or supersonic, but the formal integration path is different in the two cases. All source velocities between zero and infinity are considered. The second half of the discussion is concerned with the field of a fixed point source of step function strength as a function of time. The plane wave representation for this singularity is a double integral which is singular. Expressions for reflected and refracted source fields are again easily found. The extension to the case of a moving point source of step function strength as a function of time is also described and so is the effect of the plane interface. Several aspects of interest are to be mentioned here. The singular surfaces which arise both as characteristics and as envelopes of characteristics of the wave equation, and which are surfaces of discontinuity in either potential or its normal derivative, appear with ease as part of the singular integrals. The field structures known as head waves are also picked out as particular residue contributions to the reflected field, for a source in the medium of smaller sound velocity. The behaviour of this head wave field close to the wave surface is calculated, and the separate stages in the formation of the head wave are described. One expression is found for the moving source of step function strength regardless of the source velocity. This expression contains a residue term which represents the potential of a steadily moving source of constant strength. In the case of subsonic motion this residue need only be considered a long time after the source has been set up, except in the immediate vicinity of the source. In the supersonic case the residue term is responsible at all times for the conical field of the moving source which caps the spherical field due to the initial appearance of the source. A source is a particular type of singularity which is defined only away from a boundary. It is confirmed that a source of unit strength at the common plane surface between two media is a singularity which causes the same mass flux into each medium.


Inflammatory changes and suppurative processes in the omentum, although not often reported in the literature, are probably fairly common lesions. They are likely to be overlooked as such and their symptoms attributed to some other cause. In a recent report, Vigyazo1states that he found less than 100 cases of inflammatory tumors of the omentum of all types in the literature. Such cases may or may not follow operations in the abdomen. In the first instance they usually result from extension of an inflammatory process from some contiguous organ or from the presence of a foreign body. The postoperative types have been attributed to ligatures harboring micro-organisms or to ligation of inflamed omental tissue during a herniorrhaphy, appendectomy or other operation involving the omentum, especially if it is resected. Walther2states that the omentum is found altered in patches in about 25 per cent of appendectomies. It is,


SETTING
Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the factors affecting the delay from the onset of symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis until the initiation of treatment.

DESIGN
A retrospective questionnaire survey of 100 adults with newly diagnosed smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis.

RESULTS
The median total delay in diagnosis was 4 months (mean = 7.7), and total delay exceeded 6 months in 44% of patients. Total delay was strongly associated with rural residence (P = 0.001). The median doctor delay from the first consultation until diagnosis was double the median patient delay in initial presentation (8 weeks versus 4 weeks). Doctor delay was significantly increased in females, rural patients, and among those needing hospital admission. Increased doctor delay was strongly correlated with rates of failure to perform sputum microscopy (r = 0.99), low rates of diagnosis, and was seen particularly among private practitioners and rural government institutions.

CONCLUSION
Delays in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis are prolonged in Kumasi, Ghana, with a frequently lengthy doctor delay. The new National Tuberculosis Programme is decentralising the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis, with the introduction of widely available sputum microscopy and rigorous training of health personnel. This should help to reduce doctor delay and thereby improve tuberculosis control.


The simulation study of Hysteresis Current Controlled, three phase series active power filter to improve power quality by compensating harmonics and reactive power required by a non-linear load is presented. The series active filter employs a simple method for the reference compensation voltage based on p-q theory. Classic filters may not have satisfactory performance in fast varying conditions. But auto tuned active power filters give better result for harmonic minimization, reactive power compensation and power factor improvement. This paper has proposed an auto tuned series active filter maintains the THD well within the IEEE-519 standards. The results are found to be quite satisfactory to mitigate harmonic distortion, reactive power compensation and power factor improvement. .


The crystal structures of two closely related cyclooctitols 1 and 2, in the form of their acetonide derivatives, have been analysed, in order to investigate the interrelationship between the preferred mode of self-assembly and conformation of the eight-membered carbocyclic ring in the solid state. While dissimilar in their conformation, the diols 1 and 2 exhibit remarkable similarity in their molecular packing which appear to define an interesting motif in the form of repeating figures of "8", with the polar hydroxyl groups forming the interior "links" and the lipophilic molecular bulk the exterior "bends". Observed differences in the conformation of the cyclooctane ring in crystalline 1 and 2 vis-a-vis that deduced on the basis of energy minimization could be related to an interplay in the degree of pliancy of the eight-membered ring and conformation-directing ability of competing inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonds.


Notch is a highly conserved family of transmembrane receptors and transcription factors that are key players in several developmental processes. In this study, we identified novel Notch sequences from various species covering from worm to human and conducted a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis in order to confirm and extend the evolutionary history of Notch. Our findings confirm an independent duplication event in Caenorhabditis elegans resulting in two Notch genes and show that the vertebrate Notch genes resulted from two duplication events, both of which occurred before the divergence of teleosts and tetrapoda. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the vertebrate Notch2 group is phylogenetically closer to Notch3 and that Notch2 appeared at the first round of vertebrate duplication events. Moreover, there is evidence that the two Notch1 genes in fish, appeared by a recent duplication of Notch1 in teleost after the divergence of teleost and tetrapoda. Whether this is from ancient whole genome duplication (WGD) or gene duplication remains to be elucidated. The fourth group of Notch (Notch4) was found only in mammals. We suggest two possible scenarios for the origin of the Notch4 subfamily: 1) Notch4 appeared at the time of the two WGDs in the early chordate but has been maintained only in the mammalian lineage and was lost in the other lineages, 2) a recent independent duplication event took place in the mammalian lineage. The increase of the sequencing data from Xenopus tropicalis, Gallus gallus genome projects and of other avian and reptile genomes will shed more light on this event. Nevertheless, the great divergence of Notch4, from the other three Notch genes, suggests a rapid divergence raising questions about the functional implication of this event. In addition, comparison of the organization of Notch syntenic genes among species supports the coordinated rearrangements during evolution for Ntch, PBX, and BRD families that may lead to possible functional relationships.


Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common degenerative disease of the nervous system with serious impact on quality of life of patients and their families. With an aging population, AD has become a major public health problem in China and worldwide. However, the physiological and pathological mechanisms of AD have not been fully elucidated, and there is a lack of effective prevention and clinical treatment methods. Many studies have found that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a good therapeutic effect on cognitive function in AD patients. Bu Shen Kai Qiao Fang (BSKQF) is one such Chinese herbal preparation used in the treatment of AD. We designed a protocol for a real-world clinical study of BSKQF combined with Donepezil hydrochloride (DH) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this approach in the treatment of AD patients. Methods This is a protocol for a real-world, multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study. The study will recruit 860 AD patients from four hospitals across China. Equal numbers of patients will be treated with BSKQF and DH or with DH only. The criteria for grouping are based primarily on patient preference. Outcome measures include scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MOCA) and will be recorded at baseline, and at one, two and three months after enrollment. The plasma Aβ42 and plasma Tau levels of participating patients will also be measured by ELISA at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Safety metrics and adverse events (AEs) of participating patients will be monitored and recorded. Discussion This study will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of BSKQF in the treatment of AD. The results will provide reliable evidence for the clinical application of BSKQF in the treatment of AD. Study Registration Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, NO. ChiCTR2000039670, Registered 5 November 2020 https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=63800.


PURPOSE
In recent year's anti-angiogenesis agents have been recognized as effective drugs for the treatment of solid tumors, this prompted us to conduct the present study.

METHODS
The anti-angiogenic activity of dimeric form of embelin (vilangin) was evaluated using endothelial cell (in vitro) and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) egg yolk angiogenesis model (in vivo) and in addition the docking behaviour of human nitric oxide synthases (NOS) with four different ligands was evaluated along with their putative binding sites using Discovery Studio Version 3.1 (in silico) compared with the parent compound (embelin).

RESULTS
Vilangin exhibits 50% cytotoxic at 92 ± 1 µg/ml concentration level with reference to ECV 304 endothelial cells. Both vilangin and embelin, showed inhibitory effects on wound healing, single cell migration, nitric oxide production, and endothelial ring formation at 0.1 and 1.0 µg/ml concentration level. Similarly, CAM assay also showed inhibitory effect of vilangin and embelin with respect their reduction in length, size and junctions of blood capillaries compared to untreated egg yolk. Docking studies and binding free energy calculations revealed that vilangin has maximum interaction energy (-74.6 kcal/mol) as compared to the other investigated ligands.

CONCLUSION
The results suggest that both vilangin and embelin attenuates angiogenesis in similar manner.


The application of biofertilizers may provide plants similar performance and even superior to the use of mineral fertilizers, therefore, the determination of the most suitable sources to be applied in different crops is relevant. Given the importance of gas exchange in the performance of crops and that biofertilizers can provide increases in these physiological parameters, this study aimed to evaluate gas exchange in zucchini plants cultivated in two types of soil and managed with different aerobic fermentation biofertilizers. The experiment was carried out in full sunlight, in pots, using a randomized blocks design in an arrangement of split plots. The plots consisted of two types of soil (S1: Red-Yellow Argisol and S2: Fluvic Neossol), subdivided plots into five aerobic fermentation biofertilizers (F1 = quail, F2 = sheep, F3 = mixed - bovine + quail + sheep, F4 = bovine, and F5 = enriched crab), with five replicates. At 45 days after transplanting, the following variables were analyzed: photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, leaf temperature, and chlorophyll. Bovine, sheep, and mixed biofertilizers showed the highest rates with the best performance of Italian zucchini cultivation. The types of soil studied concerning the rates did not have a significant effect between treatments on zucchini cultivation. Moreover, Chlorophyll was not significantly influenced by any of the treatments applied.


AIM
To study the expression of predicted B cell epitope peptide in S2 subunit of SARS coronavirus spike protein in E.coli and its mimic antigenicity to S2 protein.

METHODS
B cell epitopes in S2 subunit of SARS coronavirus spike protein was predicted using DNAStar software. The cDNA sequence encoding the B cell epitope peptide was constructed artificially by PCR and then cloned into the downstream of chaperone 10 gene in vector pET28a(+) to construct pET28-chap10-S2epi plasmid. The fusion protein, chap10-S2epi, was expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3) and identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. The rabbit was immunized by purified Chap10-S2epi for the preparation of antiserum, which was used to identify the mimic antigenicity of Chap10-S2epi to S2 protein by ELISA.

RESULTS
Chap10-S2epi fusion protein was successfully constructed and expressed in E.coli. The antiserum from the animal immunized by Chap10-S2epi recognized full length of SARS coronavirus S2 spike protein.

CONCLUSION
The predicted B cell epitope peptide of SARS coronavirus S2 spike protein can induce the antigenicity of S2 protein, which provides some fundamental data for developing engineering vaccine against SARS coronavirus infection.


Killer yeasts are attractive antifungal agents with great potential applications in the food industry. Natural Saccharomyces paradoxus isolates provide new dsRNA-based killer systems available for investigation. The presence of viral dsRNA may alter transcriptional profile of S. paradoxus. To test this possibility, a high-throughput RNA sequencing was employed to compare the transcriptomes of S. paradoxus AML 15-66 K66 killer strains after curing them of either M-66 alone or both M-66 and L-A-66 dsRNA viruses. The S. paradoxus cells cured of viral dsRNA(s) showed respiration deficient or altered sporulation patterns. We have identified numerous changes in the transcription profile of genes including those linked to ribosomes and amino acid biosynthesis, as well as mitochondrial function. Our work advance studies of transcriptional adaptations of Saccharomyces spp. induced by changes in phenotype and set of dsRNA viruses, reported for the first time.


The possible impact of global rises in atmospheric CO2 concentration and temperature on the growth and development of French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) was examined using growth cabinets. Five CO2 concentrations of 350, 450, 550, 650 and 750 vpm and five temperatures of 14·5, 15·5, 16·5, 17·5 and 18·5°C were tested using a fractional factorial design comprising nine treatment combinations of the two factors. Plants were grown under constant irradiance, common atmospheric humidities (vpd 0·5 kPa) and non-limiting supplies of water and mineral nutrients. The plant growth response was modelled by fitting polynomial response function curves to the times to first flower opening, first bean set, 50% maturity and the number and yield of beans. The effects of temperature were large and positive for most of the measured variables, whereas the effects of CO2 were small and negative or non-existent. Increased temperature substantially reduced the time to flowering and the time from bean set to 50% maturity and increased the number and yield of mature beans whereas increased CO2 concentration had little effect on plant growth except that bean yield was very slightly reduced. There was no significant evidence of interaction between the CO2 concentration effects and the temperature effects. The time to maturity and yield of mature beans was simulated for the 2020s (2010 to 2039) and the 2050s (2040 to 2069) using the fitted polynomial models and four climate change scenarios suggested by the UK Climate Impacts Programme. These simulations showed that, depending upon the assumed scenario, the 2020s yields could rise by 39–84% and time to maturity reduce by between 6 and 15 days whereas the 2050s yields could rise by 51–118% and time to maturity reduce by between 9 and 25 days.


SummaryUnder the described experimental conditions, qualitative differences in the inositol requirement of the following human cells have been found: 1) between several wild strains of HeLa cell obtained from several laboratories; 2) between a wild strain of conjunctival cell and a subculture propagating in a low glucose medium, and 3) between a stable laboratory strain and fresh explants of human amnion cells. The significance of these findings was discussed.


The online dissemination of datasets is becoming common practice within the archaeology domain. Since the legacy database schemas involved are often created on a per-site basis, cross searching or reusing this data remains difficult. Employing an integrating ontology, such as the CIDOC CRM, is one step towards resolving these issues. However, this has tended to require computing specialists with detailed knowledge of the ontologies involved. Results are presented from a collaborative project between computer scientists and archaeologists that created lightweight tools to make it easier for non-specialists to publish Linked Data. Archaeologists used the STELLAR project tools to publish major excavation datasets as Linked Data, conforming to the CIDOC CRM ontology. The template-based Extract Transform Load method is described. Reflections on the experience of using the template-based tools are discussed, together with practical issues including the need for terminology alignment and licensing considerations.


Solar active regions are driven dissipative dynamical systems. The tur- bulent convection zone forces new magnetic flux tubes to rise above the photosphere and shuffles the magnetic fields which are already above the photosphere. The driven 3D active region responds to the driver with the formation of Thin Current Sheets in all scales and releases impulsively energy, when special thresholds are met, on the form of nano-, micro-, flares and large scale coronal mass ejections. It has been documented that active regions form self similar structures with area Probability Distribution Functions (PDF's) following power laws and with fractal dimensions ranging from 1.2 1.7. The energy release on the other hand follows a specific en- ergy distribution law f(ET ) � E −a T , where a � 1.6 1.8 and ET is the total energy released. A possible explanation for the statistical properties of the magnetogrms and the energy release by the active region is that the magnetic field formation fol- lows rules analogous to percolating models, and the 3D magnetic fields above the photosphere reach a Self Organized Critical (SOC) state. The implications of these findings on the acceleration of energetic particles during impulsive phenomena will briefly be outlined.


We report on a white hybrid light-emitting device employing a mixture of ternary CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) as an emitting layer (EML) and a small molecular material tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) as an electron-transporting layer. The film morphology of the spin-coated mixture of QDs is strongly improved via thermal annealing, and therefore a close-packed QD-EML is realized between organic charge-transporting layers. As a result, compared to the device with an unannealed QD-EML, the emission of Alq3 is deeply suppressed. In addition, a maximum luminance of more than 1000 cd/m2 and a maximum luminous efficiency of 2.2 cd/A are achieved.


Abstract—This paper describes the parallelizing algorithm of finite difference time domain(FDTD), which is realized by a method based on Message Passing on the parallel computing system of COW constituted by high-performance PC through network. Every subregion deliverys the data of the field values to its contiguous subregion on the boundary by dividing the computation region so as to realize the parallelizing of FDTD algorithm. In this paper, we utilize the parallel FDTD to study the scattering of dielectric layer of electromagnetic wave. It shows that the results of the parallel computing are consistent with those of the serial computing. Meanwhile, we also analyze & discuss the computing efficiency of FDTD and other factors that can have impacts on the parallel efficiency. Finally, we present an improved algorithm to increase the parallel efficiency. (Abstract)


Interleukin-17 (IL-17) has been shown to participate in the development of Lyme arthritis. Neutralization of IL-17 with antibodies inhibits the progression of arthritis in immunocompetent mice. Our study is the first to examine if Borrelia-induced arthritis occurs with IL-17-deficiency. We hypothesized that mice lacking IL-17 would have low to no Borrelia-induced arthritic symptoms. IL-17 knockout C57BL/6 mice were vaccinated with heat-inactivated Borrelia and/or infected with live spirochetes. Hind paw swelling, histopathology of ankle joints, serum cytokine levels, and T cell populations in tissues were measured. We found insignificant hind paw swelling and pathological changes in mice that were only vaccinated or infected when compared to control naïve mice, due to the Borrelia-resistant C57BL/6 background. However, mice that were both vaccinated and infected had more severe swelling and pathological changes, eliciting a robust immune response disregarding resistance. Also, elevated serum interferon gamma (IFNγ) levels and increasing frequencies of IFNγ-expressing lymphocytes with CD4 or CD8 were also observed in Borrelia-vaccinated and -infected mice. Therefore in these mice, IFNγ is directly involved in Borrelia-induced arthritis without IL-17. Future studies include identifying the role of IFNγ and other understudied IFNγ-expressing immune cells that induce Lyme arthritis in the absence of IL-17.


ABSTRACT: Long term effects of precipitation and land use/land cover on basin outflow and nonpoint source (NFS) pollutant flux are presented for up to 24 years for a rapidly developing headwater basin and three adjacent headwater basins on the urban fringe of Washington, D.C. Regression models are developed to describe the annual and seasonal responses of basin outflow and IMPS pollutant flux to precipitation, mean impervious surface (IS), and land use. To quantify annual change in mean IS, a variable called delta IS is created as a temporal indicator of urban soil disturbance. Hydrologic models indicate that total annual surface outflow is significantly associated with precipitation and mean IS (r2= 0.65). Seasonal hydrologic models reveal that basin outflow is positively associated with IS during the summer and fall growing season (June to November). NPS pollutant flux models indicate that total and storm total suspended solids (TSS) flux are significantly associated with precipitation and urban soil disturbance in all seasons. Annual NPS total nitrogen flux is significantly associated with both urban and agricultural soil disturbance (r2= 0.51). Seasonal models of phosphorus flux indicate a significant association of total phosphorus flux with urban soil disturbance during the growing season. Total soluble phosphorus (TSP) flux is significantly associated with IS (r2= 0.34) and urban and agricultural soil disturbance (r2= 0.58). In urbanizing Cub Run basin, annual TSP concentrations are significantly associated with IS and cultivated agriculture (r2= 0.51).


Abstract We consider monic (with higher coefficient 1) polynomials of fixed degree n over an arbitrary finite field GF(q), where q ≥ 2 is a prime number or a power of a prime number. It is assumed that on the set Fn ={ƒn } of all qn such polynomials the uniform measure is defined which assigns the probability q-n to each polynomial. For an arbitrary polynomial ƒn ∈ Fn , its local structure Kn = K(ƒn ) is defined as the set of multiplicities of all irreducible factors in the canonical decomposition of ƒn , and various structural characteristics of a polynomial (its exact and asymptotic as n → ∞ distributions) which are functionals of Kn are studied. Directions of possible further research are suggested.


Cell contact by the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis initiates the injection of several virulence factors that target biochemical pathways critical for host clearance of bacteria. Despite this impairment of innate immunity, it is unclear whether antigen recognition by T cells is equally affected. We present evidence that human cytolytic T cells respond to Y. pestis virulence proteins presented by infected monocytes and dendritic cells. These T cell antigens consisted of a panel of proteins encoded by pCD1, a 70-kDa plasmid that harbors virulence factors and transport proteins of the cell contact-dependent, type III secretion system. Infected cells retained the ability to process and present tetanus toxoid to T cells, which indicates that responses to unrelated antigens were also maintained. Our results indicate that T cell immunity remains functional during Y. pestis infection, which thus suggests the potential benefits of therapeutic vaccination and strategies that emphasize the inclusion of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses.


We present a new superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) that combines ultra‐low‐noise performance with tight coupling to a useable input coil. The inductive loop of the SQUID consists of a superconducting square washer that is slit in a low inductance fashion from its central hole to an outside edge where two Josephson tunnel junctions are incorporated. The inductance of the SQUID is about 90 pH, and each junction has a critical current of 15 μA and a resistive shunt of 4.5 Ω. The 190‐nH input coil is a planar spiral of 50 turns situated immediately above the washer and coupled to the SQUID with a coupling constant k2 of 0.86. The SQUID has a minimum coupled energy sensitivity of 19h at 4.2 K and 8h at 1.5 K, in good agreement with theory. The crossover between white and low frequency noise occurs at ∼250 Hz.


We describe a microarray-based screen performed by imposing different genetic selections on thousands of yeast mutants in parallel, representing most genes in the yeast genome. The presence or absence of mutants was detected by oligonucleotide arrays that hybridize to 20-nucleotide "barcodes." We used this method to screen for components of the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway. Known components of the pathway were identified, as well as a gene not previously known to be involved in NHEJ, NEJ1. Nej1 protein interacts with the amino terminus of LIF1/XRCC4, a recently recognized "guardian of the genome" against cancer.


Abstract The morphology, taxonomy, ecology, distribution, and conservation status of the Oklahoma endemics, Leavenworthia aurea (Brassicaceae/Crucifereae) and Phlox pilosa subsp. longipilosa (Polemoniaceae) Pennell, are reviewed and supplemented with original pollen morphological descriptions that include comparisons to related taxa. These descriptions are considered extensions of the original taxonomic descriptions. Leavenworthia aurea is a glabrous winter annual found on limestone glades in Choctaw and McCurtain counties. The taxon is considered imperiled, with Natural Heritage rankings of G2S2. The pollen has three colpi with a reticulate surface enclosing polygonal lumina (openings within reticulations on the pollen surface) with lengths varying from 0.5–2.5 µm, that are either empty or contain inclined free standing columellae approximately 0.5–0.8 µm in height. Granules less than 0.5 µm in diameter also occur in some lumina, but are most common in the colpus. The reticulate surface of Leavenworthia pollen is similar to other Cardamineae, as well as to the pollen of other members of the Brassicaceae. Phlox pilosa subsp. longipilosa, found on granitic soils in the Quartz and Wichita mountains of Greer and Kiowa counties, is a branching spring perennial ranging from 20.0–45.0 cm in height. Like L. aurea, it is considered to be imperiled, with a Natural Heritage ranking of G2S2. Phlox pollen morphology has been broadly characterized but has not been described in P. pilosa subsp. longipilosa. The pollen of P. pilosa subsp. longipilosa is pantoporate and reticulate, with enclosed polygonal lumina often exceeding 5.0 µm. The exine (pollen surface) is multireticulate because all lumina, except those containing pores, enclose smaller reticulate networks composed of thin rods of sporopollenin. In porate lumina, sporopollenin rods are curved, with one end attached to the surrounding ridges, as they are in non-porate lumina; the other end either hangs freely above the pores or is attached to the pore margins. Pollen morphology is similar to well-established Phlox pollen types.


This descriptive study aims to explore university women' perceptions on migration (Merantau) and working overseas in facing Asean Economic Community. 300 participants were identified using accidental random sampling. A Survey was used in this study. The finding showed that 69.4%) of respondents perceived that women have important roles in empowering their family economy. Then, 76.3% of them acknowledged that working overseas have provided significant improvement of economy for their family in the village.). 61.3% of respondents stated that they went abrad to continue their study to Post graduate programme. Meanwhile, there were only 35.3% of respondents declared that they wanted to work in Indonesia. Other 3% of respondents acknowledged that they wanted to become household and their husband shoud fulfill their daily life expenses. It also found that 85% of Minangkabau women could compete in having good career as compared with Women in ASEAN countries.74.3% declared that they must improve their softskill capabilities. Finally, there 85.3% of respondents declared that they were ready to face Asean Economic community (AEC).


* E-mail: email@example.com ABSTRACT In many areas of Iran, the reproductive growth stage of sunflower is exposed to the drought stress. Therefore, the investigation of irrigation management in the farm was necessary for increasing irrigation efficiency and decreasing water loss. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of different amounts of super absorbent polymer (A200) and levels of drought stress on morphological characteristics, such as: head diameter, stem diameter, plant height, 100-seed weight, seed yield and physiological characteristics, such as: relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll concentration of sunflower (cv. Master) under farm conditions. The experiment was carried out as a split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replicates. Three irrigation levels (irrigation after 6, 10 and 14 days) and five amounts of super absorbent polymer (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg/ha) were set as main and sub-factors, respectively. Polymer was added at the fourteen leaf stage of sunflower to soil in deepness of root development. At this same stage, drought stress was applied. Polynomial models of each traits based on the ANOVA were fitted. The results indicated that drought stress has decreased significantly all the measured traits. In this study, seed yield has shown a significant decrease. After 6 days, irrigation has resulted in higher yields than other irrigation intervals. The highest seed yield was related to 300 kg/ha polymer application and the lowest one was related to irrigation after 14 days with no application of polymer. Regarding the limitation of water resources, super absorbent polymer could be a useful strategy for the sustainability of yield under drought stress in sunflower.