AIM
To investigate the relationship between plasma acylated ghrelin levels and the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia.

METHODS
Twenty-two female patients with functional dyspepsia and twelve healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. The functional dyspepsia patients were each diagnosed based on the Rome III criteria. Eligible patients completed a questionnaire concerning the severity of 10 symptoms. Plasma acylated ghrelin levels before and after a meal were determined in the study participants using a commercial human acylated enzyme immunoassay kit; electrogastrograms were performed for 50 min before and after a standardized 10-min meal containing 265 kcal.

RESULTS
There were no significant differences in plasma acylated ghrelin levels between healthy volunteers and patients with functional dyspepsia. However, in patients with functional dyspepsia, there was a negative correlation between fasting plasma acylated ghrelin levels and the sum score of epigastric pain (r = -0.427, P = 0.047) and a positive correlation between the postprandial/fasting plasma acylated ghrelin ratio and the sum score of early satiety (r = 0.428, P =0.047). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between fasting acylated ghrelin plasma levels and fasting normogastria (%) (r = -0.522, P = 0.013). Interestingly, two functional dyspepsia patients showed paradoxically elevated plasma acylated ghrelin levels after the meal.

CONCLUSION
Abnormal plasma acylated ghrelin levels before or after a meal may be related to several of the dyspeptic symptoms seen in patients with functional dyspepsia.


The single and simultaneous phytotoxic effect of copper sulphate and Pyrinex 48 EC insecticide were investigated on chicken embryos. The eggs were injected by 0.1 ml of copper sulphate solution (0.05%) and/or by 0.1 ml of Pyrinex 48 EC (chlorpyriphos, 480 g/l; 1%). The treatments were performed on day 0 of incubation, and the embryos were examined on day 3 and 19 of it. Germinal disc was prepared to study the early stage of development. Number of embryonic death, developmental abnormalities and body weight of embryos were recorded on day 19. Liver samples were taken for histology and the skeleton was stained by Dawson method. The embryo mortality was not influenced by single treatment of copper sulphate, however, Pyrinex 48 EC and the combination of the test items significantly increased it on day 3. Same tendency was observed in the case of developmental aberration. Single administration of both test items and their combination significantly increased the embryo mortality on day 19. Frequency of abnormalities was not influenced by copper sulphate but single and simultaneous application of insecticide increased it significantly. Pyrinex 48 EC alone and in combination with copper sulphate significantly reduced the body weight, however, the copper sulphate alone did not influence it. Developmental abnormalities were observed sporadically in all cases. There were no findings of drug-induced hepatopathy, however, the ratio of the mitotic cells were markedly reduced. Based on the results, addition and synergistic toxic interaction may be between the copper sulphate and Pyrinex 48 EC that can highly reduce the viability of the embryos.


The effect of hypoxia on antipyrine metabolism was studied in isolated perfused livers from pregnant (19-21 days gestation) and nonpregnant female Wistar rats. Hypoxia was induced by altering the blood content and/or flow rate of the recirculating perfusion medium. Inflow and outflow pO2 values, in themselves, were not valid indicators of oxygen delivery and consumption when the liver was perfused with a blood containing medium. At a given oxygen delivery rate, oxygen consumption per gram of liver was the same in nonpregnant and pregnant rat livers. The absolute clearance of antipyrine (milliliters per hour) was significantly greater in livers from pregnant compared to nonpregnant rats, whereas antipyrine clearance, corrected for liver weight (milliliters per hour gram of liver), was significantly lower in pregnant rat livers. Antipyrine clearance (milliliters per hour) was linearly related to oxygen consumption (milliliters per minute or micromoles per minute per gram of liver) in both the nonpregnant and pregnant rat livers. As oxygen consumption decreased, livers from pregnant rats maintained a greater ability to clear antipyrine than livers from nonpregnant rats. This study emphasizes the importance of maintaining adequate oxygen delivery to isolated perfused livers during drug metabolism studies to ensure constant oxygen consumption. Otherwise, alterations in the flow rate or hematocrit of the perfusion medium may directly alter the elimination rate of the substrate.


Memory allocation problem has two independent goals: minimization of number of memories and minimization of number of registers in one memory. Our concern is the ordering of bindings during memory allocation. We formulate and analyze three different memory allocation algorithms by changing their binding order. It is shown that when we combine these subtasks and solve them simultaneously by heuristic cost function significant savings (up to 20%) can be obtained in the total area of memories.


Previous research suggests that the noradrenergic system modulates flexibility of access to the lexical-semantic network, with propranolol benefiting normal subjects in lexical-semantic problem solving tasks. Patients with Broca's aphasia with anomia have impaired ability to access appropriate verbal output for a given visual stimulus in a naming task. Therefore, we tested naming in a pilot study of chronic Broca's aphasia patients with anomia after propranolol and after placebo in a double-blinded crossover manner. Naming was better after propranolol than after placebo, suggesting a potential benefit from propranolol in chronic Broca's aphasia with anomia. Larger follow-up studies are necessary to further investigate this effect.


Introduction: Lung cancer frequently causes metastases to the spine, especially to the thoracic vertebrae, which sometimes compress the spinal cord and induce irreversible palsy. Many patients suffering from metastatic spinal tumors need to undergo repetitive radiotherapy. In such situations, intensity-modulated radiotherapy including volumetric modulated arc therapy can reduce the dose delivered to the spinal cord at the junction. Case Report: The authors describe a case of thoracic vertebral metastases from lung cancer treated with two courses of radiotherapy. In the second course, volumetric modulated arc therapy was adopted and a columnar-shaped planning target volume with a concave portion was configured. Conclusion: The authors propose an approach aimed at realizing both junctional safety and the conformality of the spinal column, which may be an option for repetitive irradiation to heterochronic spinal metastases.


Nanoscale electronic devices offer bio-detection schemes that are complementary to optical detection methods. This paper reviews the utilization of field effect transistor devices with carbon nanotubes as conducting channels - the device architectures and detection schemes are reviewed in the paper 5592-34 presented at this meeting- for the detection and monitoring biological processes such as ligand-receptor interactions and enzymatic processes. A complex device with both biological and electronic functionality is also discussed.


Since the new millennium, approximately thirty Italian documentaries have focused on the Roma, Sinti and other more tendentially nomadic groups. Drawing on writings by theorists including Spivak and Parati, this article contends that many documentaries have successfully articulated counter-hegemonic representations of the Roma, elucidated the counter-histories of second and third generation Italian Roma, and denounced the dual subalternity of Roma women, a condition caused by their own patriarchal communities and by the social marginalization of the Roma within Italian society. However, because of limited resources and access, directors have been unable to depict disturbing phenomena affecting the Roma such as forced adoptions and their exposure to health hazards. While cinema's effectiveness as an informational tool within society's changing public sphere is increasingly limited, the article outlines ways in which an emancipatory impetus can be developed – via film projects – to reverse the subaltern position of Italian and European Roma.


Imaging the hip cartilage using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more challenging compared with other joints. The utilize of higher magnetic field strengths (>3T) is able to improve the assessment of cartilage structures in the hip. In this study we evaluated morphological 5T hip MRI in healthy subjects and compared image quality at 5T with 3T MRI. The results revealed that morphological 5T hip MRI in healthy subjects was superior to 3T MRI in image quality, visibility of the anatomical structures and contrast ratios.


Un the basis of morphological studies examined the effectiveness of complex pathogenetic treatment of generalized periodontal disease with the use of products based on natural ingredients: dental paste "Fitopasta-3K" and drug "plantain juice" for the local treatment and drugs "Granules quercetin" and "Energoton" for systemic treatment. Established that one of the important mechanisms of complex pathogenetic treatment is the effect on energy metabolism of periodontal tissues, including the reduction of tissue hypoxia, metabolic stabilization was observed structural changes navkolozubnyh tissues. It should be noted positive effects of integrated treatment on the whole body.


Background: PCSK9 is primarily expressed in liver and intestine and was recently identified as the third locus implicated in autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia, after LDLR and APOB. PCSK9 transits through the secretory pathway, associates with LDLR and triggers its degradation in endodomal/lysosomal compartments. Hypothesis: Mice lacking PCSK9 specifically in liver or intestine will define the tissue-specific contribution of PCSK9 to cholesterol homeostasis, and whether the latter is exclusively dependent on LDLR. Methods: Conditional Pcsk9 knockout mice in which the proximal promoter and exon 1 were framed with loxP sites were obtained. Using Cre-expressing mice, we generated complete (Pcsk9−/ −), hepatocyte ( Alb-cre )- or enterocyte ( Vil-cre )-specific knockouts. We also generated double knockout mice lacking both LDLR and PCSK9 and transgenic mice overexpressing mouse V5-tagged PCSK9 in hepatocytes. Results: PCSK9-deficient mice were hypocholesterolemic (−42% in plasma cholesterol), while liver-specific deficiency resulted in a 27% drop, indicating that liver PCSK9 contributes to 2/3 of the hypocholesterolemia. In contrast, transgenic mice exhibited a 57% increase in plasma cholesterol. Immunohistochemistry of liver sections from the different genotypes revealed an inversed correlation between the hepatocyte surface LDLR levels and PCSK9 expression. Plasma FPLC analysis revealed superimposable cholesterol and triglyceride profiles for single PCSK9- or double PCSK9- and LDLR-deficient strains, revealing that PCSK9 does not regulate apoB secretion, except through its effect on LDLR. The hepatocyte-specific knockout revealed that, in liver, PCSK9 is exclusively expressed in hepatocytes and that the circulating PCSK9 is > 95% from hepatic origin. Conclusion: These mice models provide a unique approach to dissect the tissue-specific functions of PCSK9. We demonstrated that 1/3 of the plasma cholesterol drop observed in PCSK9-deficient mice is under the control of extrahepatic PCSK9. It remains to be proven whether the small intestine is the second organ in importance to regulate cholesterol homeostasis, though it does not significantly release PCSK9 in the blood stream.


Objective: Evaluation of long term inhalatory therapy in asthma and achieving control of the disease using asthma control test. Methods: This was a prospective study recruiting ambulatory patients aged >12 years with asthma at the Pneumology Hospital Oradea between December 2011 and January 2012.We evaluate the effectiveness of long term inhalatory treatment of the disease with ACT as a means of detecting GINA defined uncontrolled, partially controlled and controlled asthma (uncontrolled and partially controlled asthma are together labeled as "not controlled9 according to GINA). Patients with the following were included in the study: hospitalized for asthma and ambulatory patients with asthma. The questionnaire used was ACT Romanian and English version for adults from www.asthmacontroltest.com. Eligible patients answered and submitted the questionnaire to the investigator, patients then performed Spirometry tests followed by interviews with a pulmonologist who evaluated their asthma control and provided treatment modifications as required. Results: A total of 60 patients participated in the study of mean age 55 years. Females comprised of 55% of the participants and 45% male participants. A mean ACT score was15.05., in which GINA stage 1 and 3 are prominent 35%, but in general patients are unequally distributed among the four stages. Most of the patients were using preventive medication; the majority had uncontrolled asthma according to both GINA and ACT criteria and were stepped up on treatment after their visit .


Preterm infants often require mechanical ventilation due to lung immaturity including reduced or abnormal surfactant. Since cyclic stretch with cycle-by-cycle variability is known to augment surfactant release by epithelial cells, we hypothesized that such in vivo mechanotransduction improves surfactant maturation and hence lung physiology in preterm subjects. We thus tested whether breath-by-breath variability in tidal volume (VT) in variable ventilation (VV) can be tuned for optimal performance in a preterm lamb model. Preterm lambs were ventilated for 3 h with conventional ventilation (CV) or two variants of VV that used a maximum VT of 1.5 (VV1) or 2.25 (VV2) times the mean VT. VT was adjusted during ventilation to a permissive pCO2 target range. Respiratory mechanics were monitored continuously using the forced oscillation technique, followed by postmortem bronchoalveolar lavage and tissue collection. Both VVs outperformed CV in blood gas parameters (pH, SaO2, cerebral O2 saturation). However, only VV2 lowered PaCO2 and had a higher specific respiratory compliance than CV. VV2 also increased surfactant protein (SP)-B release compared to VV1 and stimulated its production compared to CV. The production and release of proSP-C however, was increased with CV compared to both VVs. There was more SP-A in both VVs than CV in the lung, but VV2 downregulated SP-A in the lavage, whereas SP-D significantly increased in CV in both the lavage and lung. Compared to CV, the cytokines IL-1β, and TNFα decreased with both VVs with less inflammation during VV2. Additionally, VV2 lungs showed the most homogeneous alveolar structure and least inflammatory cell infiltration assessed by histology. CV lungs exhibited over-distension mixed with collapsed and interstitial edematous regions with occasional hemorrhage. Following VV1, some lambs had normal alveolar structure while others were similar to CV. The IgG serum proteins in the lavage, a marker of leakage, were the highest in CV. An overall combined index of performance that included physiological, biochemical and histological markers was the best in VV2 followed by VV1. Thus, VV2 outperformed VV1 by enhancing SP-B metabolism resulting in open alveolar airspaces, less leakage and inflammation and hence better respiratory mechanics.


We propose a novel 3D source seeking algorithm for rigid bodies with a non-collocated sensor inspired by the chemotactic navigation strategy of sea urchin sperm known as helical klinotaxis. We work directly with the rotation group SO(3) without parameterization in representing the attitude of a rigid body. As a consequence, the proposed algorithm does not require attitude feedback for implementation as opposed to all previous work on 3D source seeking. The stability of the proposed algorithm is proven using an intricate combination of singular perturbation and second order averaging.


We study both theoretically and experimentally the magnetization loss of a nuclear spin system irradiated with a rf field under a linear field sweep through the resonance. Two limiting cases are considered. The first is that of a slightly saturating passage, in which the loss is simply related to the rf field amplitude, a fact which allows an easy calibration of the latter. The second case is that of a quasiadiabatic passage which reverses the magnetization. Three factors contribute to the magnetization loss: (1) The passage is sudden far in the wings of the line, and it becomes rather abruptly adiabatic at a given distance from resonance. An entropy increase accompanies this transition. (2) The passage through the central part is not quite adiabatic because of the finite sweep rate of the field through the line. (3) The finite spin-lattice relaxation time of the spin-spin term causes a loss of magnetization at the passage on the line. The losses are numerically computed for the fluorine spin system in Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ with ${\mathbf{H}}_{0}$\ensuremath{\parallel}[100], and they are found to agree with the experimental values.


Virtual teams represent an organizational form which can revolutionize the workplace and provide organizations with unprecedented levels of flexibility and responsiveness. Extant reviews on virtual team research lack in two important aspects: First they do not explain the inconsistencies in virtual team research, and second they fail to explain how virtual teams achieve success. This paper, based on an extensive literature review of available research on virtual teams, identifies key drivers of virtual team effectiveness. Integrating the identified drivers, it develops a conceptual, analytical framework with 9 propositions, to explain virtual teams' path to success. The new framework is termed as EAST (extended adaptive structuration theory). It goes beyond the generalized frameworks, such as AST (Adaptive Structuration Theory) and InputOutput frameworks to identify virtual team specific constructs such as Mission, Emergent SocioEmotional States, and Individual Dimension. EAST identifies potential areas of future research for scholars, and provides advice to IS professionals regarding how to deploy virtual teams.


The cause of the seasons is often associated with a very particular alternative conception: That the earth's orbit around the sun is highly elongated, and the differences in distance result in variations in temperature. It has been suggested that the standard diagrams used to depict the earth's orbit may be in some way responsible for the initial appearance and overall maintenance of this incorrect conceptualization; the elongated shape of the orbit is thought of as a conceptualization cue that invites a fairly predictable way of reasoning. To test whether that is indeed the case, six variants of diagrams depicting differently shaped earth orbits around the sun were presented to 652 ninth-grade students in the United States. From responses to a written assessment, students' ideas about what caused the seasons were identified and analyzed. Elongation of orbit did not appear to have an effect, and there was no reinforcement effect for students who initially believed in an elongated orbit. Additional analyses show instead that other features in the diagrams can instead be more influential as conceptualization cues, such as shading or overlapping shapes, but these cues' influence on student reasoning depend on which other cues accompany them. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed94:985–1007, 2010


Abstract The aim of this article is to show the use of the analysis of the failure causes and effects as a prevention tool in controlling the quality of a given production process in the company. The scope of the work covers an analysis of a selected process, definition of inconsistencies present in this process, and then the FMEA analysis. In the production company one should implement thinking and actions based on the so-called 'quality loop' – it is an interdependence model of the undertaken actions which affect the quality shaping. It is carried out from the possibility for identifying a customer's requirements through a project, production process, up to the assessment of effective capability for meeting the defined requirements. The application of such an approach enables to take the actions improving the operation of quality management in a systemic way.


Scoping out the detail of a Higher Education research project can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience. The excitement of a research project is frequently stifled by the tedious process of mapping out project activities, estimating required resources and developing project schedules. Reverse induction provides a fresh approach to defining technology-supported research projects. In much the same way as new product development must be guided by an understanding of customer needs, reverse induction focuses on research outcomes before formulating research aims. Using a systematic process of backward reasoning, researchers can define a project concept in a structured and efficient manner. There is significant potential for reverse induction to deliver time and cost savings in a complex and challenging Higher Education environment.


The aim of disinfection is to reduce the number of microorganisms on surfaces which is a challenge due to biofilms. In the present study, six quinolone resistant Escherichia coli (QREC) strains with three different biofilm matrix compositions were included to assess the log10 colony forming units (CFU) reduction effect of three disinfectants at various exposure times on biofilm of different ages and morphotypes. Biofilm was formed on stainless steel coupons for two and five days before transferred to tubes with Virocid 0, 25%, VirkonS 1%, and TP990 1% and left for various exposure times. The biofilms were scraped off and serial dilutions were spread on blood agar plates where colony forming units (CFU) were counted. A mean log10 CFU reduction ≥4 was seen on two-day-old biofilm with VirkonS and Virocid (30 min) but not on five-day old biofilm. TP990 did not display sufficient effect under the conditions tested. The bactericidal effect was inferior to that reported on planktonic bacteria. The findings of this study should be considered when establishing both disinfectant routines and standard susceptibility tests, which further should accommodate E. coli biofilms and not only Pseudomonas as is the case today.


Based on molecular-dynamics simulations validated with quantum-mechanical calculations, we predict that (111) twin planes in a [111]-oriented GaAs nanowire attain attractive interactions mediated by surface strain. This gives rise to a self-replication mechanism that continuously generates a twin superlattice in a nanowire during growth. We demonstrate significant implications of the twin-twin interaction for the electronic, mechanical, and chemical properties of nanowires. These unique properties suggest potential applications such as catalysts for solar fuel production and nanoscale mechanical dampers.


Sieve and take: A biomimetic strategy was designed to fabricate two-dimensional silica sieve plates (SSP) by use of catanionic surfactants as composite template and L-tartrate with hydroxyl and carboxyl groups as regulator. Tartrate was found to combine two capabilities in the formation of SSP structures: the connection of adjacent silica structures through H bonding and the separation of adjacent structures through electrostatic repulsion.


Acoustic properties of speech have previously been identified as possible cues to depression, and there is evidence that certain vocal parameters may be used further to objectively discriminate between depressed and suicidal speech. Studies were performed to analyze and compare the speech acoustics of separate male and female samples comprised of normal individuals and individuals carrying diagnoses of depression and high-risk, near-term suicidality. The female sample consisted of ten control subjects, 17 dysthymic patients, and 21 major depressed patients. The male sample contained 24 control subjects, 21 major depressed patients, and 22 high-risk suicidal patients. Acoustic analyses of voice fundamental frequency (F/sub 0/), amplitude modulation (AM), formants, and power distribution were performed on speech samples extracted from audio recordings collected from the sample members. Multivariate feature and discriminant analyses were performed on feature vectors representing the members of the control and disordered classes. Features derived from the formant and power spectral density measurements were found to be the best discriminators of class membership in both the male and female studies. AM features emerged as strong class discriminators of the male classes. Features describing F/sub 0/ were generally ineffective discriminators in both studies. The results support theories that identify psychomotor disturbances as central elements in depression and suicidality.


46 actinomycetes were isolated from two polluted sites and one unpolluted site. One strain, F4, was selected through primary qualitative screening assays because of its cadmium resistance, and physiologically and taxonomically characterized. F4 was able to grow at 7.5% NaCl and 100 μg/ml lysozyme and at a pH between 6 and 10. 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that F4 was closely related to Streptomyces tendae. Growth of Streptomyces sp. F4 on culture medium with 8 mg/l Cd2+ for 8 days showed 80% inhibition. Maximum specific biosorption was 41.7 mg Cd2+/g dry weight after 7 days of growth and highest Cd2+ concentration was found in the cell wall (41.2%). The exopolysaccharide layer only contained 7.4%, whereas 39.4% of Cd2+ was found in the cytosolic fraction. Twelve % was found in the ribosomes and membrane fraction. This was verified with TEM, showing Streptomyces sp. F4 cytoplasm with dark granulate appearance. This study could present the potential capacity of Streptomyces sp. F4 for Cd2+ bioremediation. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)


BACKGROUND
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is an effector of the Hippo pathway, which is critical for regulating organ size and cell proliferation in mammals. To investigate the prognostic value of YAP1 in gastric cancer (GC), we assessed its expression in tumors from patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We examined the nuclear expression of the YAP1 protein in 223 cases of GC, particularly of stage II and III disease, using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS
Positive nuclear expression of YAP1 was detected in 27.4% (61/223) of total GCs, 29.1% (34/117) of the intestinal-type GCs (IGC) and 25.5% (27/106) of the diffuse-type GCs (DGC). In the IGC group, we found that the overall survival rate among patients with YAP1 nuclear expression-positive tumors was lower than that in the expression-negative group (p=0.021). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that the nuclear expression of YAP1 was an independent prognosticator of IGC (p=0.018).

CONCLUSION
The nuclear overexpression of YAP1 is an independent biomarker for poor survival, especially for patients with intestinal-type gastric cancer.


Background: Head and Neck region of the body has a rich network of lymphatic channel and intervening nodes. Out of total approximately 800 lymph nodes in the body about 300 are scattered in organized fashion in the neck region which are affected by various regional and systemic diseases. The conventional method of excisional biopsy is used to diagnose etiological causes of lymphadenopathy. In comparison to open surgical biopsy, FNAC is a simple, reliable and acceptable tool for the etiological diagnosis of lymphadenopathies. FNAC was first practiced by Grieg and Gray for the diagnosis of trypanosome in lymphnode in 1904. Now a day it is widely practiced in United States, United Kingdom and many other countries. In Bangladesh, many studies on FNAC are carried out and the results are highly appreciable and reliable. Methods: A prospective study for a period of 24 months was carried out on 50 patients with enlarged cervical lymph nodes from July 2003 to June 2005. During the two years study period, 56 patients with cervical lymphadenopathies were selected for FNAC and openbiopsy following certain inclusion and exclusion criteria, in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujiib Medical University, Dhaka. Patients with acute lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy due to leukaemia were excluded. Six cases were deleted from the study as smears from those revealed inadequate material and hence only 50 cases were available for study in the present series. Clinical findings, FNAC and biopsy reports were available in all the cases and were correlated with each other. Results: On biopsy, 27 cases were diagnosed as tuberculous lymphadenopathies, 15 cases as lymphoma and 8 cases as reactive changes. On FNAC, there were 2 false positive and 5 false negative cases in case of tuberculosis; 2 false positive and 1 false negative cases in lymphoma; 4 false positive and 2 false negative cases in cases with reactive hyperplasia. Sensitivity of FNAC in comparison to histopathological findings was 92.6% in case of tuberculosis; 86.7% in case of lymphoma and 50% in case of nonspecific lymphadenitis. Specificity of FNAC in comparison to histological findings was 78.3% in case of tuberculosis; 94.2% in case of lymphoma and 95.3% in case of nonspecific lymphadenitis. Accuracy of FNAC in comparison to histopathological findings was 86% in case of tuberculosis; 94% in case of lymphoma and 88% in case of reactive changes. Conclusions: The present study indicates that, FNAC is a simple, reliable and acceptable procedure for various lesions of cervical lymph nodes. It can be repeated if necessary. It also concludes that FNAC helps to confirm the clinical impression without open biopsy. Open biopsy can be avoided in many benign and malignant lesions of cervical lymph nodes. Fine needle aspiration cytodiagnosis can eliminate the need of hospitalization and surgery. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v1i2.19526


With its comprehensive QoS support and ubiquitous coverage, the mobile WiMAX network offers promising opportunities for unwiring the last mile connectivity to Internet. However, stringent QoS demands of multimedia applications entail studies on service-oriented radio resource management. This article systematically examines the design issues and the state of the art of multimedia downlink scheduling in the multicast/broadcast-based WiMAX system. We propose a viable end-to-end framework, connection-oriented multistate adaptation, by considering cross-layer adaptations in source coding, queue prioritization, flow queuing, and scheduling. Its performance is confirmed by simulations on important metrics, showing that the framework can effectively accommodate heterogeneity in link variations, queue fluctuations, and reception diversities.


The early 1990s has seen a rapid expansion in the nature of clinical roles in health care in response to a number of changes. Throughout 1996, The Oxford Radcliffe Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Trust, in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, School of Health Care, and the Royal College of Nursing (UK) have been collaborating to develop an educational programme at degree and masters level, to support new and evolving clinical roles in acute and primary care, across most professional health registration areas and clinical specialities. To ensure the proposed programme was 'fit for purpose'the Trust commissioned a Training Needs Analysis by the University of Birmingham and a Role Analysis by The Royal College of Nursing. Nurses and Midwives with expertise in practice, management, education and research, have collaborated to develop an innovative educational programme which enables a wide range of public and private health care professionals across acute and community settings to develop their autonomous practice. The programme is fully supported by development of policies which are appropriate to service delivery, support professional practice, multi-professional relationships, risk management and patient safety. The issue of contractual and professional responsibilities related to career development have been debated and a proactive strategy agreed. To ensure there is thorough evaluation of the area of practice, research projects to evaluate outcomes for patients as well as practitioners have been designed. This will additionally promote a culture of evidence-based practice.


Allowing for general utility interdependence and agent heterogeneity, we characterize taxes that will generate first best solutions in markets. We show the equivalence of tax corrections derived from the Marshallian and compensated demand approaches. Next we analyze the conditions that are required for the market failure to be corrected by: (1) specific indirect ad valorem taxes on commodities, (2) the same proportional tax rate on every commodity, and (3) a proportional income tax rate on each individual. The conditions are related to the restrictions necessary to have H synthetic consumers without externalities who replicate behavior of individuals with externalities.


Education services, learning and research (target universities and, in general, institutions of higher education) have to be provided in the most appropriate, incorporating new procedures that generate the information technology and communication, making it necessary to review the modus operandi of the University.


"Researchers at Wageningen University and the VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands, have been working together on a type of monitoring that they have called reflexive monitoring in action (RMA). RMA has been developed especially for projects that aim to contribute to the sustainable development of a sector or region by working on system innovation. Sustainable development demands simultaneous changes at many levels of society and in multiple domains: ecological, economic, political and scientific. It requires choices to be made that are radically different from the usual practices, habits, interrelationships and institutional structures. But that is precisely why it is not easy. System innovation projects therefore benefit from a type of monitoring that encourages the 'reflexivity' of the project itself, its ability to affect and interact with the environment within which it operates. If a project wants to realise the far-reaching ambitions of system innovation, then reflection and learning must be tightly interwoven within it. And that learning should focus on structural changes. RMA can contribute to this. In the guide, -aiming at supporting the work of project managers, monitors and clients-, the authors present the characteristics and the value of Reflexive Monitoring in Action, together with practical guidelines that will help put that monitoring into practice. At the end of the guide the authors provide detailed descriptions of seven monitoring tools."


For post-colonial writers and theorists, translation is a highly political activity. As Susan Bassnett and Harish Trivedi say, "translation is a highly manipulative activity" and it "involves all kinds of stages in ... [the] process of ["intercultural"] transfer across linguistic and cultural boundaries" (1999, 2). They hold that the "the common translatorial temptation [is] to erase much that is culturally specific, to sanitize much that is comparatively odorous" (ibid). Rustom Bharucha terms translation as "intervention". This article considers the Bengali translation of Ibsen's A Doll's House in 1958 by one of India's theatre legends, Sambhu Mitra (1915-1997). The paper reads Mitra's translation as "intervention", studying it at the linguistic level. It contends that Mitra pronounces his voice by intervening in the translation through making careful choices which include, among other issues, his choice of the title as well as his handling of Ibsen's swear-words and special words.


Participatory sensing systems need to gather information from a large number of participants. However, the openness of the system is a double-edged sword: by allowing practically any user to join, the system can be abused by an attacker who introduces a large number of virtual devices. This poster proposes a hardened registration process for Participatory Sensing to raise the bar: registrations are screened through a number of defensive measures, towards rejecting spurious registrations that do not correspond to actual devices. This deprives an adversary from a relatively easy take-over and, at the same time, allows a flexible and open registration process. The defensive measures are incorporated in the participatory sensing application.


Deep generative models play an increasingly important role in machine learning and computer vision. However there are two fundamental issues hindering real-world applications of these techniques: the learning difficulty of variational inference in Variational AutoEncoder (VAE) and the functional absence of encoding samples in Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). In this paper, we manage to address these issues in one framework by proposing a novel algorithm named Latently Invertible Autoencoder (LIA). A deep invertible network and its inverse mapping are symmetrically embedded in the latent space of VAE. Thus the partial encoder first transforms inputs to be feature vectors and then the distribution of these feature vectors is reshaped to approach a prior by the invertible network. The decoder proceeds in reverse order of composite mappings of the complete encoder. The two-stage stochasticity-free training is devised to train LIA via adversarial learning, in the sense that we first train a standard GAN whose generator is the decoder of LIA and then an autoencoder in the adversarial manner by detaching the invertible network from LIA. Experiments conducted on the FFHQ dataset validate the effectiveness of LIA for inference and generation tasks.


The structure of 180-degree uncharged rotational domain wall in a multiaxial ferroelectric film is studied within the framework of analytical Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire (LGD) approach. The Finite Element Modelling (FEM) is used to solve numerically the system of the coupled nonlinear Euler-Lagrange (EL) differential equations of the second order for two components of polarization. We show that the structure of the domain wall and corresponding (meta)stable phase of the film are controlled by a single master parameter, dimensionless ferroelectric anisotropy {\mu}. We fitted the static profile of a solitary domain wall, calculated by FEM, with hyperbolic functions for polarization components, and extracted the five {\mu}-dependent parameters from the fitting to FEM curves. The high accuracy of the fitting results allows us to conclude that the analytical functions can be treated as the high-accuracy variational solution of the static EL equations with cubic nonlinearity. We further derive the two-component analytical solutions of the static EL equations for a polydomain 180-degree domain structure in a multiaxial ferroelectric film. The analysis of the free energy dependence on the film thickness and boundary conditions at its surfaces allows to select the domain states corresponding to the minimal energy. The single-domain state is ground for zero polarization derivative at the surfaces, while the poly-domain states minimize the system energy for zero polarization at the surfaces. Counterintuitively, the energy of the polydomain states split into two levels 0 and 1 for zero polarization at the surfaces, and each of the levels is the infinite set of the close-energy sub-levels, which morphology is characterized by different structure of the two-component polarization nodes.


Abstract Mercaptans (RSH) or thiols are odorous substances offensive at low concentration and toxic at higher levels. The presence of mercaptans as pollutants in the environment creates a great threat on water and air safety. In this study, the solubility of mercaptans in water was studied through the use of apparent Henry's Law constant (H) and infinite dilution activity coefficients (γ∞). These thermodynamic properties are useful for environmental impact studies and engineering design particularly in processes where dilute aqueous systems are involved. The aim of this paper is to develop a new thermodynamic correlation for estimation of apparent Henry's Law constant (H), infinite dilution activity coefficient (γ∞) and solubility of C1-C4 mercaptans including their isomers in pure water. This correlation was developed based on compiled literature data. New measurements of apparent Henry's Law constant and infinite dilution activity coefficients of methyl mercaptan and ethyl mercaptan in water were carried out to validate the developed correlation. Validation with new measurement data showed a good consistency with low differences (less than 5%) for majority of the data. Additionally, heat of absorption of various mercaptans in pure water was discussed based on temperature influence, Henry Law Constants and solubility.


Indaziflam is a relatively new herbicide for which sorption–desorption information is lacking, and nothing is available on its metabolites. Information is needed on the multiple soil and pesticide characteristics known to influence these processes. For four soils, the order of sorption was indaziflam (N-[1R,2S)-2,3-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-1H-inden-1-yl]-6-[(1R)-1-fluoroethyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) (sandy clay loam: Kf = 5.9, 1/nf = 0.7, Kfoc = 447; sandy loam: Kf = 3.9, 1/nf = 0.9, Kfoc = 276) > triazine indanone metabolite (N-[(1R,2S)-2,3-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-1H-inden-1-yl]-6-[(1R)-1-fluoroethyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) (sandy clay loam: Kf = 2.1, 1/nf = 0.8, Kfoc = 177; sandy loam: Kf = 1.7, 1/nf = 0.9, Kfoc = 118) > fluoroethyldiaminotriazine metabolite (6-[(1R-1-Fluoroethyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) (sandy clay loam: Kf = 0.3, 1/nf = 0.9, Kfoc = 28; sandy loam: Kf = 0.3, 1/nf = 0.9, Kfoc = 22) = indaziflam carboxylic acid metabolite (2S,3R)-3-[[4-amino-6-[(1R)-1-fluoroethyl]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2,3-dihydro-2-methyl-1H-indene-5-carboxylic acid) (sandy clay loam: Kf = 0.3, 1/nf = 0.9, Kfoc = 22; sandy loam: Kf = 0.5, 1/nf = 0.8, Kfoc = 32). The metabolites being more polar than the parent compound showed lower sorption. Desorption was hysteretic for indaziflam and triazine indanone metabolite, but not for the other two metabolites. Unsaturated transient flow Kd's were lower than batch Kd's for indaziflam, but similar for fluoroethyldiaminotriazine metabolite. Batch Kd's would overpredict potential offsite transport if desorption hysteresis is not taken into account.


In the past 13 years, a new chapter of human genetics, "mitochondrial genetics", has opened up and is becoming increasingly important in differential diagnosis. Although the clinical manifestations of disorders related to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are extremely variable, recent advances in genetic testing aid in the identification of patients. Muscle morphology can give important clues for diagnosis, but histological features alone cannot define a specific disorder. Biochemical analysis may reveal a single enzyme defect, or when multiple activities are affected, suggest an mtDNA mutation. However, definitive diagnosis often requires DNA analysis and documentation of a specific mtDNA abnormality. Disorders associated with mtDNA mutations are associated with a wide variety of syndromes, and owing to the properties and characteristics of mtDNA, these are often transmitted by maternal inheritance. Although therapy for mitochondrial diseases is limited, identification of the molecular defect is important for genetic counseling.


Abstract: Although openness to experience has been consistently related to employee creativity, we know less about how this relationship manifests when one makes a distinction between incremental creativity (i.e., minor modifications of existing practices) and radical creativity (i.e., major departures from existing practices). Our present work is driven by two expectations. First, we expect that openness more strongly relates to radical than incremental creativity. Second, we expect that the link between openness and incremental creativity becomes stronger when leaders display closing behaviors (i.e., they control adherence to rules) or they refrain from opening behaviors (i.e., they do not emphasize the importance of free experimentation). To test our propositions, we conducted four studies: one survey study with self-ratings of openness and creativity, one survey study with both self-ratings and other ratings of openness and creativity, one semi-experimental survey study, and one weekly diary survey study. Our studies largely provide support to the idea that openness has stronger links with radical than incremental creativity. Furthermore, our weekly study revealed that the link between openness and incremental creativity is stronger when closing leader behaviors are high and, at the same, opening leader behaviors are low. We discuss our findings and suggest how managerial practice can guide open employees to improve their potential for incremental creativity.


The Second Cape Photographic Catalog (CPC2) contains 276 131 stars covering the entire Southern Hemisphere in a 4{fold overlap pattern of 5687 plates. New plate reductions using Hipparcos stars have been done. The formal error of a Hipparcos star position at the mean epoch of the CPC2 (1968) is about 30 mas per coordinate, which is small compared to the x,y measuring precision. A standard error of unit weight of 90 mas has been obtained for an average plate solution as compared to 141 mas for the earlier solution based on the Southern Reference Stars (SRS). The same systematic eld distortion patterns have been found in both solutions, but only the Hipparcos reference stars allow solving for magnitude dependent, systematic errors on a plate by plate basis. Using the Hipparcos Catalogue considerably improves the accuracy of the nal CPC2, which is estimated to be about 45 mas per coordinate when reductions, including a global block adjustment, are completed later this year. Without signi cant systematic errors, this improved CPC2 will be a key catalogue for proper motion determinations of 9 to 11 magnitude stars in the Southern Hemisphere.


The signals that direct differentiation of T cells to the CD4 or CD8 lineages in the thymus remain poorly understood. Although it has been relatively easy to direct differentiation of CD4 single positive (CD4+) cells using combinations of antibodies and pharmacological agents that mimic receptor engagements, equivalent stimuli do not induce efficient maturation of CD8+ cells. Here we report that, irrespective of the MHC-restriction specificity of the TCR, differentiation of mature CD8+ thymocytes can be induced by ligation of CD3 polypeptides on immature thymocytes with a F(ab′)2 reagent (CD3fos-F(ab′)2). The tyrosine phosphorylation patterns stimulated by CD3fos-F(ab′)2 have been shown to resemble those delivered to mature T cells by antagonist peptides, which are known to direct positive selection of CD8+ cells, and we can show that this reagent exhibits potent antagonistic-like activity for primary T cell responses. Our results suggest a distinction in the signals that specify lineage commitment in the thymus. We present a model of thymocyte differentiation that proposes that the relative balance of signals delivered by TCR engagement and by p56lck activation is responsible for directing commitment to the CD8 or CD4 lineages.


BI 58 EC insecticide formulation was tested for teratogenicity in chicken embryos after the treatment of embryonated eggs. The pesticide was diluted in water to 0.8% concentration level, and the emulsion was injected into air space in a volume of 0.1 ml/egg or hen eggs were treated by the immersion technique. The morphological examinations were done on the days 13, 15 and 19 of incubation of chicken embryos. BI 58 EC produced an increased embryo mortality after the treatment which was the most expressive on day 15 of incubation. The trend of embryo weight showed similarity in the control and treated groups after both treatments. The developmental anomalies were sporadic and dose-effect dependency was not seen. Light microscopic findings exhibited a degenerative change in the liver tissue of both treated groups. In summary, the 38% dimethoate containing pesticide formulation (BI 58 EC) was toxic to the developing embryo at 0.8% concentration in our study.


Chemotherapy has led to many undesirable side effects, as these are toxic drugs that are unable to differentiate between cancer and normal cells. Polyphenols (tea catechins) are an ideal option as alternative chemotherapeutics owing to their inherent anticancer properties, antioxidant properties and being naturally occurring compounds, are deemed safe for consumption. However, without proper administration, the bioavailability of these compounds is low and inefficient. Therefore, proper delivery of these phenolic compounds is vital for cancer therapy. Herein, we analyzed three potential solutions to creating nanoparticle drugs using naturally occurring phenolic compounds (piceatannol (PIC), epigallocatechin gallate hydrophilic (EGCG) and l-epicatechin (EPI)). By using a simple pi-pi stacking mechanism, we utilized boronated PEG (PEG-Br) as an anchor to efficiently load EPI, PIC and EGCG, respectively, to produce three effective phenolic compound-based nanoparticles, which could be delivered safely in systemic circulation, yet detach from its cargo intracellularly to exert its anticancer effect for effective cancer therapy.


The conventional wisdom for investors in private equity funds is to invest in partnerships that have performed well in the past. This is based on the belief that performance in private equity persists across funds of the same partnership. We present new evidence on the persistence of U.S. private equity (buyout and venture capital) funds using a research-quality dataset from Burgiss, sourced from over 200 institutional investors. Relying on detailed cash-flow data for funds, we study the persistence of buyout and venture capital fund performance of the same general partners across different funds. We pay particular attention to persistence pre- and post-2000. Previous research, studying largely pre-2000 data, has found strong persistence for both buyout and venture capital firms. We confirm the previous findings on persistence in pre-2000 funds. There is persistence for buyout funds and, particularly, for venture funds. Post-2000, we find little evidence of persistence for buyout funds, except at the lower end of the performance distribution. When funds are sorted by the quartile of performance of their previous funds, performance of the current fund is statistically indistinguishable regardless of quartile. Performance for partnerships in all previous fund quartiles exceeds those of public markets as measured by the S&P 500. Regression results confirm the absence of persistence post-2000 except for funds in the lower end of the performance distribution. Post-2000, we find that performance in venture capital funds remains as persistent as pre-2000. Partnerships whose previous venture capital funds are below the median for their vintage year subsequently tend to be below median and have returns below those of the public markets (S&P 500). Partnerships in the top two quartiles tend to stay above the median and their returns exceed those of the public markets.


Abstract Re-epithelialization is the first and most important step in cutaneous wound healing. The vital role of epidermal cells, or keratinocytes, in accelerating wound healing has long been established. The technique of delivering the cultured and uncultured epidermal cells to the wound bed takes a variety of forms including cultured epithelial autografts (CEAs), tissue-engineered skin equivalent, epidermal suspension and microbead-loaded composite. These techniques, together with the keratinocyte culturing method and scaling up equipment, are still the ongoing research. Application of these techniques also bears direct impact on the outcome of the wounded patients. Best understanding of the delivery technique and its relationship with the culturing method and delivery vehicle could benefit not only the wounded patient but also the development of tissue-engineered skin equivalent.


Non-selective cation channels, consistent with transient receptor potential melastatin-4 (TRPM4), regulate detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) function. TRPM4 channels can exist as homomers or assemble with sulfonylurea receptors (SURs) as complexes. We evaluated contributions of TRPM4/SUR-TRPM4 channels to DSM excitability and contractility by examining the effects of TRPM4/SUR-TRPM4 channel modulators: 9-phenanthrol, glibenclamide, and diazoxide on freshly-isolated guinea pig DSM cells (amphotericin-B perforated patch-clamp electrophysiology) and mucosa-free DSM strips (isometric tension recordings). In DSM cells, complete removal of extracellular Na+ decreased voltage-step-induced cation (non-K+ selective) currents. At high positive membrane potentials, 9-phenanthrol at 100 μM attenuated voltage-step-induced currents more effectively than at 30 μM, revealing concentration-dependent voltage-sensitive inhibition. In comparison to 9-phenanthrol, glibenclamide (100 μM) displayed lower inhibition of cation currents. In the presence of glibenclamide (100 μM), 9-phenanthrol (100 μM) further decreased the currents. The SUR-TRPM4 complex activator diazoxide (100-300 μM) weakly inhibited the currents. 9-Phenanthrol, but not glibenclamide or diazoxide, increased cell capacitance (a cell surface area indicator). In contractility studies, glibenclamide displayed lower potencies than 9-phenanthrol attenuating spontaneous and 20 mM KCl-induced DSM phasic contractions. While both compounds showed similar maximum inhibitions on DSM spontaneous phasic contractions, glibenclamide was generally less efficacious on 20 mM KCl-induced phasic contractions. In summary, the observed differential effects of 9-phenanthrol and glibenclamide on DSM excitability and contractility support unique mechanisms for the two compounds. The data suggest that SUR-TRPM4 complexes do not contribute to DSM function. This study advances our understanding of pharmacological effects of glibenclamide and 9-phenanthrol on DSM cell cation currents.


If a quantum channel is commutable with a certain set of operators, a Choi state of the channel becomes a sufficient resource for any entanglement generation achieved by a single use of the channel with the help of local operation and classical communications (LOCC). This property, called the teleportation stretchable, could be useful to determine an upper bound of a fundamental rate-loss trade-off for optical quantum key distribution. Unfortunately, the known formulation of the teleportation-stretching expansion for lossy Gaussian channels is based on an additional assumption of the Choi state with infinite energy. In this paper, we present an entanglement-assisted LOCC protocol with a bounded energy entangled state, and identify a resource state being sufficient for a general entanglement generation protocol through a single use of lossy Gaussian channels. We also extend this protocol for the cases of general single-mode Gaussian channels. Our results provide a regular path to determine an ultimate limit of quantum communication.


Good Faith is one of the important principles in contract law. This principle is inherited from Roman law and it has been mostly developed in civil law system. Observation of Good faith and Fair dealing in French and German law and many other countries is considered as legal obligation. Good faith, also, is of special stand In Chinese law of contract. Since Good faith is considered as important and valuable, it has been recognized in Common Law System and adopted in English and American law. Islamic law also contains numerous examples of obligations that are based on Good Faith principle. Nowadays, good faith principle has been incorporated in important international instruments such as CISG, UPICC, PECL, and DCFR and its scope has been developed. If good faith principle was being considered in fulfilling of contracts, today it also is considered as important in pre-contractual and conclusion stages of contracts. The aforementioned documents contain regulations for observing good faith in preliminary negotiations, conclusion of contract, fulfilling of contract and the interpretation thereto. The present Article is attempted to show that Good faith is important in all stages including preliminary negotiation and it should be incorporated in domestic legislations. Remedy for breach of this duty in the pre-contractual sphere should be limited only to compensation for damages.


New identities of the Picone type for a class of cyclic systems of ordinary differential equations are established and the Sturm‐Picone comparison theory for such systems is developed with the help of these formulas.


According to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, there are 12 injury-related emergency department visits for every 100 persons over the age of 65 annually. Geriatric patients account for a quarter of trauma admissions nationally. Cervical spine injuries are relatively common in the elderly population. These injuries are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.The percentage of elderly patients with trauma has been on the rise and will continue to increase into the ensuing decades. Clinicians are cautioned to maintain a heightened index of clinical suspicion to rule out cervical pathology even in the setting of low-energy mechanisms of injury, for example, ground level falls. Often geriatric traumas present with confounding variables such as baseline dementia, auditory and visual impairment, and inherent difficulty when cooperating with the acute physical examination.


In this chapter, neutrosophic triplet partial g metric spaces are obtained. Then, some definitions and examples are given for neutrosophic triplet partial g metric space. Based on these definitions, new theorems are given and proved. In addition, it is shown that neutrosophic triplet partial g metric spaces are different from the classical g metric spaces, neutrosophic triplet metric spaces. Thus, we add a new structure in neutrosophic triplet theory. Also, thanks to neutrosophic triplet partial g – metric space, researchers can obtain new fixed point theorems for neutrosophic triplet theory.


Abstract : Immigration is a predominant topic in the United States (US) today. There are more refugees in need of humanitarian assistance than at any other time in history. The US has been admitting thousands of refugees in numbers equivalent to mass migrations. Many of the refugees originate from the nations with terrorist extremist known for making terrorist threats against Western nations, and many Americans believe this increases the probability of a terrorist attack. The US has experienced mass migrations throughout history. The most overwhelming was the 1980 Cuban-Haitian mass migration. This thesis evaluates the criteria from the Cuban-Haitian migration that is applicable or no longer applicable today, with criteria applicable today for the approval of refugee status. This thesis will determine what can be learned from the criteria applied in 1980 and the changes enacted for the approval of refugee status today. US refugee laws mandate the procedures for Customs and Immigrations on the criteria for refugee status and entry into the US. Recommendations are based on refugee criteria.


Leaf explants were taken from mature leaves of two almond (Prunus dulcis (Miller) D.A. Webb) cultivars, Ne Plus Ultra and Nonpareil selection 15-1, and maintained in vitro to grow shoot tips. Shoot tips were grown also from a pre-existing in vitro culture of an almond-peach rootstock, P. dulcis 'Titan∑ × P. persica 'Nemaguard∑ . The shoot tips were harvested, cryopreserved, and tested for survival after 3 days and then at intervals of 3 months up to two years. The mean survival was 80% for 'Ne Plus Ultra∑ , 54% for 'Nonpareil∑ , and 78% for the hybrid rootstock, and there were no significant differences in survival between 3 days and 24 months. The effects of in vitro culture and cryopreserva- tion on DNA integrity were examined by both RAPD-PCR, and restriction enzyme digestion followed by RAPD-PCR, using DNA from the original trees from which the explants were derived, from leaves regrown from cultures that had undergone several passages of in vitro culture, and from leaves regrown from cryopreserved shoot tips. No detectable differences were found between the DNA fingerprints of each DNA sample using RAPD-PCR with seven different 10-mer primers. However, differences were detected when the DNA was first digested with the isoschizomeric pairs, Hpa II/Msp I and Bsp 143 I/Mbo I and then subjected to RAPD-PCR with six different 10-mer primers. Changes in the structure and methylation of DNA were found that were probably related to the process of in vitro culture, and in addition, methylation changes were detected that were probably associated with the cryopreservation process. These changes did not appear to be caused by the vitrification solution used before immersion of shoot tips in liquid nitrogen. While cryopreservation appears to be an ideal method for the long-term storage of almond germplasm, the significance of the alterations to both methylation and structure of DNA needs to monitored in regenerated plants, especially as they relate to agronomic performance when the regenerants become reproductively mature.


Anyone who seeks publication wants readers, but self-expression, self-assertion, and self-promotion have consequences, especially for those who draw on clinical material and who must honor publication standards of integrity and reliability, as well as ethical codes governing confidentiality, consent, disguise, and collaboration. This paper employs tools of literary analysis, principles of moral philosophy, and psychoanalytic theories about writing to show that writers of fiction and autobiography also struggle with these dilemmas. They worry about their responsibilities to the sources of their stories, and wonder if changing names and dates will prevent friends and family, whose lives get used as material, from feeling embarrassed, betrayed, or exploited. Because they understand that the composing process blurs boundaries between fiction and nonfiction, fantasy and memory, self and other, they recognize that an author's relationship with his or her subject (matter) can disable the capacity to recognize when self-interest has taken over a concern for the welfare of others. More important, literary authors are free to write about writing, and what they render transparent about primitive, unconscious processes suggests that what clinical writing has in common with fiction and autobiography should be included in efforts to update ethical standards and procedures regarding psychoanalytic publication.


Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus, GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide variety of diseases. To date, GAS vaccine development has focused primarily on the M-protein. The M-protein is highly variable at the amino (N)-terminus (determining serotype) but is conserved at the carboxyl (C)-terminus. Previously a 29 amino acid peptide (named J14) from the conserved region of the M-protein was identified as a potential vaccine candidate. J14 was capable of eliciting protective antibodies that recognized many GAS serotypes when co-administered with immuno-stimulants. This minimal epitope however showed no immunogenicity when administered alone. In an attempt overcome this immunological non-responsiveness, we developed a self-adjuvanting vaccine candidate composed of three components: the B-cell epitope (J14), a universal helper T-cell epitope (P25) and a lipid moiety consisting of lipoamino acids (Laas) which target Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Immunological evaluation in B10.BR (H-2k) mice demonstrated that the epitope attachment to the point of lipid moiety, and the length of the Laa alkyl chain have a profound effect on vaccine immunogenicity after intranasal administration. It was demonstrated that a vaccine featuring C-terminal lipid moiety containing alkyl chains of 16 carbons, with P25 located at the N-terminus, and J14 attached to the side chain of a central lysine residue was capable of inducing optimal antibody response. These findings have considerable relevance to the development of a broad spectrum J14-based GAS vaccine and in particular provided a rational basis for peptide vaccine design based on this self-adjuvanting lipopeptide technology.


We report a case of disseminated tuberculosis involving the middle ear, the central nervous system, the spine and the lung. The tuberculous epidural abscess and otomastoiditis don't have any specific imaging features. But their coexistence with an other tuberculous involvement might suggest their tuberculous nature. The epidural abscess may result from direct extension from otomastoiditis.


ABSTRACT Today, nearly all voice and Internet traffic, including essential military and financial transmissions, travels through undersea fiber-optic cables. Even temporary damage to these lines of communications can have serious consequences, which is why their future security depends on how well nations understand and exploit the next wave of submarine technology.


This study evaluates the business case for additional bulk electric energy storage in the Southern Company service territory for the year 2020. The model was used to examine how system operations are likely to change as additional storage is added. The storage resources were allowed to provide energy time shift, regulation reserve, and spinning reserve services. Several storage facilities, including pumped hydroelectric systems, flywheels, and bulk-scale batteries, were considered. These scenarios were tested against a range of sensitivities: three different natural gas price assumptions, a 15% decrease in coal-fired generation capacity, and a high renewable penetration (10% of total generation from wind energy). Only in the elevated natural gas price sensitivities did some of the additional bulk-scale storage projects appear justifiable on the basis of projected production cost savings. Enabling existing peak shaving hydroelectric plants to provide regulation and spinning reserve, however, is likely to provide savings that justify the project cost even at anticipated natural gas price levels. Transmission and distribution applications of storage were not examined in this study. Allowing new storage facilities to serve both bulk grid and transmission/distribution-level needs may provide for increased benefit streams, and thus make a stronger business case for additional storage.


We are grateful to Steve Barley, Max Bazerman, Daniel Brass, Gary Alan Fine, Linda Pike, Robert Kahn, James March, Marshall Meyer, Keith Murnighan, Christine Oliver, and David Owens for their contributions to this essay. This essay was prepared while the first author was a Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences. We appreciate the financial assistance provided by the Hewlett-Packard Corporation and the National Science Foundation (SBR-9022192). This essay describes differences between papers that contain some theory rather than no theory. The~re is little agreement about what constitutes strong versus weak theory in the social sciences, but there is more consensus that references, data, variables, diagrams, and hypotheses are not theory. Despite this consensus, however, authors routinely use these five elements in lieu of theory. We explain how each of these five elements can be confused with theory and how to avoid such confusion. By making this consensus explicit, we hope to help authors avoid some of the most common and easily averted problems that lead readers to view papers as having inadequate theory. We then discuss how journals might facilitate the publication of stronger theory. We suggest that if the field is serious about producing stronger theory, journals need to reconsider their empirical requirements. We argue that journals ought to be more receptive to papers that test part rather than all of a theory and use illustrative rather than definitive data.


Identification of low-order linear multiinput/multiouput models can lead to accurate descriptions of the dynamic behavior of a continuous crystallization process. While open-loop experiments exhibit an oscillating crystal size distribution, improved experimental conditions can be established through stabilization of the process with a simple single-loop feedback controller. The resulting closed-loop identification problem is studied using low-order linear multivariable input–output models. Two closed-loop identification methods are applied, one of which was recently introduced to provide accurate approximate models in general closed-loop process configurations. Identification and validation data are obtained from an evaporative pilot crystallizer, and the identified models are validated in terms of time- and frequency-domain responses. A fourth-order, three-input three-output model is shown to describe accurately the process dynamics. The results are compared with a linearized and reduced first-principles model.


The socio-economic development of largely subsistence-oriented rural areas is a prominent policy objective in Laos. Whereas in the surrounds of major urban centres and regions with favourable infrastructure and market access a dynamic industrial and service sector have emerged, most of the countryside remains economically undeveloped. Cultivation of commercial tree species is acknowledged as a successful option to diversify farm production, to generate supplementary financial income and thus to include rural populations into the market economy. The Government of Laos promotes private afforestation through allocation of permanent use rights of degraded forestlands to individual households, as well as the recognition of private ownership of the plantations. The study analyses socio-economic prerequisites for and obstacles of farm forest establishment at individual farm-household level employing the Farming Systems Research Approach. Three villages that differ with regard to their socio-economic development and that represent semi-subsistent, semi-commercialised and fully commercialised economic contexts, respectively, were investigated. The explorative field research followed a specifically elaborated mix of methods. Empirical social research tools such as interviews and observation were conducted to collect primary data sets of 73 peasant households. The study revealed that farm forest establishment largely is determined by customary land claims. Households that are traditionally deprived of access to land resources benefit from farm forestry in circumstances only of abundant, yet unclaimed land reserve. Under semi-subsistent conditions, farm forestry plots are mainly established by well-off households that have a minimum level of land, labour and capital resources at their disposal. In the commercialised village, tree planters typically belong to the medium population stratum, whereas well-off households primarily derive their livelihood from profitable off-farm employment and less from farm activities. In general, farm forestry failed to address the needs of the poorest households.


Angular measurements of surface-emitted infrared radiation made using a scanning radiometer positioned 5 m above the ground at a semi-arid site near Alice Springs have been analysed together with coincident dual-angle thermal infrared data from the ATSR2 satellite sensor. The multiangular data set has been utilized to investigate how localized radiative signatures translate to the scale of the field of view of the satellite sensor. The scanning radiometer continuously acquires directional brightness temperature measurements which reveal the cyclical nature of the small scale radiative temperature distribution, both diurnally and seasonally. At night, angular variation in the directional brightness temperature is seen in the data and can be related to the angular variation of the surface emissivity. The combination of surface effects, such as these, with atmospheric processes such as absorption, added to the existence of variability in land surface temperature (LST) retrieval due solely to viewing geometry, make remote sensing of LST a complex problem. Results from both the in situ and satellite investigations are briefly discussed in relation to the surface-atmosphere interactions which impact upon remote sensing of LST.


INTRODUCTION
Coexistence of psychiatric comorbidity is very common in patients hospitalized with somatic problems. Several studies have shown that comorbid dementia increases the length of stay (LOS) in hospitals. The literature is more contradictory in the case of anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, mood disorders and delirium.

AIMS
Our aim was to explore the influence of psychiatric comorbidity on the average length of hospital stay and the related costs among geriatric patients treated in internal wards.

METHODS
The examination was conducted on two departments of internal medicine for 3 months on all admitted patients above 65 years. Four psychometric tests were carried out in the first three days after hospitalization as a screen for psychiatric comorbidity.

RESULTS
In the whole study group the incidence of a depression syndrome of various severity reached 56%. We have not identified any difference in LOS when the depressive and non-depressive groups were compared. 59% of the patients showed some degree of cognitive impairment. Mean LOS was 7.4 days longer among patient suffering in severe dementia than in the group showing no cognitive deficit.

CONCLUSION
Our results have demonstrated that of the investigated psychiatric comorbid conditions, an increased LOS is connected only with dementia. The degree of the cognitive impairment shows a positive correlation with the length of stay and the cost of medical treatment. Given the high incidence rate of affective syndromes, it can be assumed that comorbid depression increases the chance of admission to an internal medicine ward with some somatic complaints. This can be attributed to a larval stage of depression manifesting as somatic symptoms.


An intelligent braking system has great potential applications especially, in developed countries where research on smart vehicle and intelligent highways are receiving ample attention. The system when integrated with other subsystems like automatic traction control, intelligent throttle, and auto cruise systems, etc will result in smart vehicle maneuver. The driver at the end of the day will become the passenger, safety accorded the highest priority and the journey optimized in term of time duration, cost, efficiency and comfortability. The impact of such design and development will cater for the need of contemporary society that aspires to a quality drive as well as to accommodate the advancement of technology especially in the area of smart sensors and actuators.  The emergence of digital signal processor enhances the capacity and features of universal microcontroller.  This paper introduces the use of TI DSP, TMS320LF2407 as an engine of the system. The overall system is designed so that the value of inter-vehicle distance from infrared laser sensor and speed of follower car from speedometer are fed into the DSP for processing, resulting in the DSP issuing commands to the actuator to function appropriately. Key words :  Smart Vehicle, Digital Signal Processor, Fuzzy Controller, and Infra Red Laser Sensor


The article is devoted to the definition of the term «elderly people» and its typology in sociological science. The world is witnessing the growth of elderly people, in connection with which there is a need to deploy social programs to adapt older people to modern economic realities. The problems of social adaptation of the elderly is the subject of social science, so the analysis of the concept of «older people» is important from the point of view of research activities.


Background There are few studies investigating group sex among female sex workers (FSWs). This study aimed to examine the typical number of group sex participants, sexual activities and condom use in group sex among FSWs attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey between May 1, 2019 and March 13, 2020 among FSWs in Melbourne. Participants were asked whether they had participated in group sex (sex involving more than two participants) within the past 3 months, the size of the most recent group sex event, sexual activities they engaged in and condom use. It is unknown whether this was a paid or unpaid event in our study. Results Of the 247 FSWs surveyed, the mean age was 28.9 years and 51.8% were born in Australia. More than a quarter (27.5%, n = 68) had had group sex in the past 3 months with the number of events ranging from 1 to 10 times. The median size of the group was 3 participants with one man and two women (including the FSW) being the most common combination. Kissing was the most common activity in group sex. Of 58 FSWs who had vaginal sex during group sex, 77.3% (51/58) reported their male partners always used condoms but 13.7% (7/51) of these did not change condoms between women. Conclusion This study finds that group sex is common among FSWs. Although condoms are always used during group sex, one in six men did not change their condoms between partners, which may increase STI transmission between partners.


Conclusion. This study suggests for the first time that 1) IGF-I, IGFBP-4, and -5 alone and IGF-I+IGFBP-5 mixture stimulated hair cell survival and prevented neomycin-induced hair cell loss in the sensory epithelial culture of mouse utricles, 2) When administered together, IGFBP-4 diminished the effect of IGF-I, 3) In P3-5 mice utricle, IGF-I, IGFBP-4, and IGFBP-5 are expressed in the cytoplasm of hair cells. And Insulin/IGF-I Receptor is expressed in the nucleus of hair cells. Objectives. Several growth factors have been demonstrated to protect auditory sensory cells in vitro and in vivo from aminoglycoside toxicity. IGF-I is one of the most well-known mitogenic and protective substance working in the inner ear. However, there are no reports available regarding the function of IGFBPs in the inner ear. In the present study, the effects of IGFBP-4 and -5 on hair cell survival were investigated in mouse utriclular organ cultures. Materials and Methods. The amount of cellular damage and cell viability in vestibular organs were assessed by counting hair cells stained with a rhodamine-phalloidin probe. The expressions of IGFBP-4, IGFBP-5, IGF-IR, and IGF-I were localized by immunohistochemistry. Results. When treated with IGF-I, IGFBP-4, or IGFBP-5 for 24 h, explant culture showed hair cell survival rates of 136±18%, 140±15%, and 133±6%, respectively, compared to controls. Neomycin (1 mM) induced hair cell loss resulted in 45±17% of hair cell survival. However, pre-treatment of IGF-I, IGFBP-4, or -5 before neomycin insult showed survival rates of 113±14%, 98±8%, and 73±24%, respectively. Similar to IGF-I, IGFBP-4 and IGFBP -5 were significantly protective. IGFBP-4 and -5 immunoreactivities were observed in the cytoplasm of normal explanted vestibular hair cells as well as in the P3 mouse utricular hair cells in vivo.


Background: Awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) is used in patients with predicted dif ficult airway management. Although it is not easy, to achieve a comfortable conscious sedation is the key for a successful AFOI. The goal of this study was to compare dif ferent conscious sedation strategies aimed to improve comfort and safety in morbid obese patients underwent AFOI. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five morbid obese patients underwent bariatric surgery were randomized in three dif ferent conscious sedation strategy groups to facilitate AFOI: Remifentanil (R) using target controlled infusion (TCI) system, Remifentanil TCI + Ketamine (RK), and Ketamine (K). All patients received 2mg of midazolam and atropine prior the start of the procedure. TCI ef fect site concentration for R (Alaris®, Minto Pharmacokinetic model) was used. The initial target set was 1.5ng.ml-1 and adjusted by consecutive 0.5ng.ml-1 increments until the desired level of sedation (Ramsay 3). A unique intravenous dose of K 0.3mg.Kg-1 was administered in K and RK patients. We recorded demographic data, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, Ramsay sedation scale, the incidence of cough and the time spent during AFOI. Patient recall was recorded 24h af ter the procedure. Results: Seventy patients were included in the study (R25; RK25; K20). No dif ferences in demographic data were found between groups. Nor hemodynamic instability nor desaturation (< 90%) was present in any patient. RK patients required minor TCI target sets to achieve the same level of sedation than those who received only R (R, 2.4±0.4 vs RK, 2.1±0.8ng.ml-1;p< 0.05) but RK patients showed a higher incidence of intense cough than R group (44% vs 12%;p< 0.05). One RK patient showed over sedation (Ramsay 4) without desaturation. No significant dif ferences were found when we assessed uncomfortable recall 24 h af ter the procedure between R and RK groups (4% vs 12%) and mean time invested in AFOI between R and RK groups (R,11.5±3.6 vs RK,10.53±3.7 min). K group had an unacceptable high incidence of intense cough (60%), agitation (15%), inadequate level of sedation (10%) and uncomfortable recall (60%), although time spent in AFOI was shorter. For these reasons the inclusion in the group k was stopped. Conclusion: Conscious sedation with R TCI provides optimal conditions to perform comfortable and safe AFOI. The addition of K did not of fer advantages to the use of R alone. K 0.3mg.Kg-1 alone is not an adequate sedation strategy for AFOI.


Binary images can be compressed efficiently using context‐based statistical modeling and arithmetic coding. However, this approach is fully sequential and therefore additional computing power from parallel computers cannot be utilized. We attack this problem and show how to implement the context‐based compression in parallel. Our approach is to segment the image into non‐overlapping blocks, which are compressed independently by the processors. We give two alternative solutions about how to construct, distribute and utilize the model in parallel, and study the effect on the compression performance and execution time. We show by experiments that the proposed approach achieves speedup that is proportional to the number of processors. The work efficiency exceeds 50% with any reasonable number of processors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Discovering frequent trends in time series is a critical task in data mining. Recently, order-preserving matching was proposed to find all occurrences of a pattern in a time series, where the pattern is a relative order (regarded as a trend) and an occurrence is a sub-time series whose relative order coincides with the pattern. Inspired by the order-preserving matching, the existing order-preserving pattern (OPP) mining algorithm employs order-preserving matching to calculate the support, which leads to low efficiency. To address this deficiency, this paper proposes an algorithm called efficient frequent OPP miner (EFO-Miner) to find all frequent OPPs. EFO-Miner is composed of four parts: a pattern fusion strategy to generate candidate patterns, a matching process for the results of sub-patterns to calculate the support of super-patterns, a screening strategy to dynamically reduce the size of prefix and suffix arrays, and a pruning strategy to further dynamically prune candidate patterns. Moreover, this paper explores the order-preserving rule (OPR) mining and proposes an algorithm called OPR-Miner to discover strong rules from all frequent OPPs using EFO-Miner. Experimental results verify that OPR-Miner gives better performance than other competitive algorithms. More importantly, clustering and classification experiments further validate that OPR-Miner achieves good performance.


Diarrhea is a major health problem throughout the world and it has become more problematic in developing countries like Ethiopia. People, in several parts of the world, use different traditional medicines for treating diarrhea and it has been reported that the roots, leaves, and flowers of various species are used for the same purpose. In Ethiopia, for instance, Discopodium Penninervum is used for the treatment of diarrhea and also to control infection. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to evaluate the in vivo antidiarrheal and in vitro antimicrobial effect of Discopodium Penninervum in mice. For the antimicrobial activity test, four standard bacteria and disc diffusion method were used, while for antidiarrheal experiment, animals had been used, which were divided into 5 groups. The first group served as negative control and was administered with vehicle (0.2-0.3ml of distilled water). Groups two (D100), three (D200), and four (D400) were administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. Group five served as positive control group and was administered with either loperamide (3mg/kg) for castor oil induced diarrhea and castor oil induced enteropooling diarrhea models or atropine (1mg/kg) for charcoal meal test. Safety study was performed using a standard acute toxicity study procedure. The effect of the extract on castor oil induced diarrheal drops, onset of diarrhea, weight of faeces, small intestinal fluid accumulation, and intestinal motility was measured and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the leaves powder of the plant indicated the presence of various components. Inhibition of castor oil induced diarrhea was observed at all tested doses. It can be concluded that crude extracts of Discopodium Penninervum showed strong activities against diarrhea indicating that it contains some chemical constituents that possibly lead to antidiarrheal drug development.


Adrenal incidentalomas are adrenal masses detected on imaging performed for reasons other than suspected adrenal disease. In most cases, adrenal incidentalomas are non-functioning adrenocortical adenomas, but may also require therapeutic intervention including that for adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, hormone-producing adenoma or metastases. Here, we provide a revision of the first international, interdisciplinary guidelines on incidentalomas. We followed the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system and updated systematic reviews on four predefined clinical questions crucial for the management of incidentalomas: A) How to assess risk of malignancy? ; B) How to define and manage mild autonomous cortisol secretion? ; C) Who should have surgical treatment and how should it be performed? ; D) What follow-up is indicated if the adrenal incidentaloma is not surgically removed? Selected Recommendations: 1) Each adrenal mass requires dedicated adrenal imaging. Recent advances now allow discrimination between risk categories: Homogeneous lesions with HU ≤ 10 on unenhanced CT are benign and do not require any additional imaging independent of size. All other patients should be discussed in a multidisciplinary expert meeting, but only lesions >4 cm that are inhomogeneous or have HU >20 have sufficiently high risk of malignancy that surgery will be the usual management of choice. 2) Every patient needs a thorough clinical and endocrine work-up to exclude hormone excess including the measurement of plasma or urinary metanephrines and a 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (applying a cutoff value of serum cortisol ≤50 nmol/l (≤1.8 µg/dl)). Recent studies have provided evidence that most patients without clinical signs of overt Cushing's syndrome but serum cortisol levels post dexamethasone >50 nmol/l (>1.8 µg/dl) harbor increased risk of morbidity and mortality. For this condition, we propose the term 'mild autonomous cortisol secretion' (MACS). 3) All patients with MACS should be screened for potential cortisol-related comorbidities that are potentially attributably to cortisol (e.g. hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus), to ensure these are appropriately treated. 4) In patients with MACS who also have relevant comorbidities surgical treatment should be considered in an individualized approach. 5) The appropriateness of surgical intervention should be guided by the likelihood of malignancy, the presence and degree of hormone excess, age, general health and patient preference. We provide guidance on which surgical approach should be considered for adrenal masses with radiological findings suspicious of malignancy. 6) Surgery is not usually indicated in patients with an asymptomatic, non-functioning unilateral adrenal mass and obvious benign features on imaging studies. Furthermore, we offer recommendations for the follow-up of non-operated patients, management of patients with bilateral incidentalomas, for patients with extra-adrenal malignancy and adrenal masses, and for young and elderly patients with adrenal incidentalomas. Finally, we suggest ten important research questions for the future.


Abstract An integral shaft bearing is main component of machine and carrying higher specific load capacity, preventing misalignment defects in compression to any other bearings. Integral shaft bearing is reduce rotational friction and support, axial and radial loads which generate friction and increased temperature and vibration inside the bearings. If the generated heat and vibration cannot be properly removed from the inside bearing, the temperature might exceed certain limit. Due to which the bearing should be fail. That why I analyze vibration in 10 step ,heat flow, temperature distribution in a bearing system, a typical integral shaft bearing and its environment has been design and analyze the system using the famous finite elements tool ANSYS workbench 14.0. In this research, vibration and thermal characteristics performance of integral shaft bearing to Analyze vibration, thermal elongation and temperature distribution due to friction and frequency also its effect on bearing clearances, and vice-versa, has been investigated on stainless steel materials with different parameters .


OBJECTIVE
To study the recovery method of facial nerve function and to compare the clinical effect after operation of parotid carcinoma, which invades stylomastoid foramen and peripheral bone in deep lobe.

METHODS
Three operation methods were taken: (1) The tumor, parotid, invasive facial nerve and bone around the tumor were resected with transplantation of facial nerve. (2) Tumor parotid and facial nerve were resected without transplantation of facial nerve. (3) Tumor and parotid were dislocated from facial nerve, keeping the continuity of facial nerve.

RESULTS
For the first method, facial nerve function of 68.2% patients came back to the patients without facial paralysis before operation, while facial nerve function of 16.7% patients came back to the patients with facial paralysis before operation. There was obvious difference between them (P < 0.05). To the patients with facial paralysis before operation, the first and the second method were taken. The ratio of local control was 33.3% and 10.0% respectively. And survival for 5 years were 25.0% and 10.0% respectively. There was no obvious difference between the two methods (P > 0.05). To the patients without facial paralysis before operation, three methods of operation were taken. The ratio of local control was 77.3%, 48.0% and 33.3% respectively. And survival for 5 years were 86.4%, 52.0% and 41.7% respectively. There was obvious difference between the first method and the other two (P < 0.05). There was no obvious difference between the second and the third methods (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION
Facial canal dissection in operation of parotid carcinoma with recovery of facial nerve can not only resect tumor completely, but also fit for development of functional surgery. It is an ideal method for surgery operation.


In connection with the "covid" restrictions and the need to carry out criminal proceedings in the conditions of distances and restrictions, the problem of digitalization of criminal proceedings is relevant, part of which being the transformation of the investigation and consideration of criminal cases into a digital format. The purpose of this article is to distinguish between the issues that need to be solved at the level of technical support for the transition of criminal cases from paper to digital format and issues that are legal to ensure such a transition at the legislative level and creation of legal norms in criminal procedural legislation for the possibility of using electronic criminal cases in criminal proceedings. To achieve this goal, the authors use the methods of analysis and synthesis, observation and description to study the current state of readiness of criminal proceedings and criminal procedural legislation for the transition to the use of electronic criminal cases, means, methods and methods of introducing electronic criminal cases into judicial practice, positive aspects and difficulties that will be associated with this. It is noted that in addition to the concept of "criminal case" the judicial practice uses the concept of "materials of proceedings at the stage of execution of the sentence" and "materials of judicial proceedings on judicial control" the digitalization of which is also necessary. Scientific definitions of the concept of "criminal case" are analyzed and its own definition is proposed. Attention is drawn to the need to form the concept of electronic criminal case in criminal procedure legislation. Moreover, the authors propose to develop a list of the main issues that require legislative regulation: to settle signing procedural documents with an electronic digital signature or certifying the conversion of a document from paper to digital format with the signature of an official. The procedure for familiarization with the electronic criminal case and electronic materials of the accused, convict, victim, who are in conditions of deprivation or restriction of liberty also needs to be enshrined in law. The authors propose to do this in specially equipped premises, on specially designed devices in places of deprivation or restriction of liberty. A procedure for familiarizing oneself with material (substantive) evidence at the request of the accused is proposed. To identify the problems of introducing the use of electronic criminal cases and materials, developing an algorithm for the actions of participants in criminal proceedings, it is proposed to do this gradually, and start with the materials of the proceedings on judicial control - when the court chooses a preventive measure or the use of other measures of procedural coercion, when the court authorizes the production of individual investigative actions, as well as when considering materials considered by the court at the stage of execution of sentence. This will make it possible to develop a stable algorithm of actions for professional participants in criminal proceedings, and will contribute to a faster and better introduction of modern technologies into criminal proceedings. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.


This paper estimates the unconditional and conditional linear dependence between exogenous supply (R&D), endogenous demand (prices) and TFP based on the linear feedback method. Unit root tests are performed for Nebraska agriculture sector data spread over 1936-94 time period. Results indicate the influence of both R&D and prices on productivity.


Laser science has tackled physical limitations to achieve higher power, faster and smaller light sources. The quest for ultra-compact laser that can directly generate coherent optical fields at the nano-scale, far beyond the diffraction limit of light, remains a key fundamental challenge. Microscopic lasers based on photonic crystals, micro-disks, metal clad cavities and nanowires can now reach the diffraction limit, which restricts both the optical mode size and physical device dimension to be larger than half a wavelength. While surface plasmons are capable of tightly localizing light, ohmic loss at optical frequencies has inhibited the realization of truly nano-scale lasers. Recent theory has proposed a way to significantly reduce plasmonic loss while maintaining ultra-small modes by using a hybrid plasmonic waveguide. Using this approach, we report an experimental demonstration of nano-scale plasmonic lasers producing optical modes 100 times smaller than the diffraction limit, utilizing a high gain Cadmium Sulphide semiconductor nanowire atop a Silver surface separated by a 5 nm thick insulating gap. Direct measurements of emission lifetime reveal a broad-band enhancement of the nanowire's spontaneous emission rate by up to 6 times due to the strong mode confinement and the signature of apparently threshold-less lasing. Since plasmonic modes have no cut-off, we show down-scaling of the lateral dimensions of both device and optical mode. As these optical coherent sources approach molecular and electronics length scales, plasmonic lasers offer the possibility to explore extreme interactions between light and matter, opening new avenues in active photonic circuits, bio-sensing and quantum information technology.


A positive relationship between the mental health consultant (MHC) and early care and education staff is considered important for achieving positive early childhood mental health consultation outcomes, but little is known about the attributes of MHCs that contribute to relationships with staff and to staff-reported child outcomes. This study was a secondary analysis of 57 MHCs and 407 Head Start staff who responded to the Head Start Mental Health Services Survey. Hierarchical linear models examined the relationship between five attributes of MHCs and staff reports of improved child outcomes and a positive relationship with the MHC. The results suggest that MHC reports of positive relationships with staff, positive relationships with families, and high levels of supervision and support are positively associated with staff reports of positive relationships with the MHC (p < .05). None of the MHC-reported attributes were associated with staff-reported child outcomes.