Osteoporotic fractures are a major public health problem. It has been estimated that in the USA the remaining lifetime fracture risk at the age of 50 years is 40% for white women and 13% for white men,1 the major fracture sites being spine, forearm and hip. This results in considerable morbidity and mortality and rising costs, including acute hospital care and long term care in the home or nursing home. The estimated total annual cost of osteoporotic fractures in England and Wales is £742 million ($464 million).2These costs are likely to increase as the population ages.

### 2.1 BONE MINERAL DENSITY

Osteoporosis can be reliably detected by measurement of bone mineral density (BMD), which can be expressed as the number of SDs above or below either the mean BMD for young adults (T score) or the mean BMD for age matched controls (Z score). A BMD more than 2.5 SD below the mean for a young adult is generally taken to indicate osteoporosis.3 Stratification for fracture risk is possible using BMD. The risk increases roughly twofold for each SD decline in BMD below the population mean.4 5 This compares with a 1.5-fold increase in the risk of death from coronary artery disease with each SD increase in cholesterol concentrations or diastolic pressure.

### 2.2 RISK FACTORS FOR FRACTURE

It is important to recognise that osteoporosis is but one of a number of factors predisposing to fracture, just as a raised cholesterol and diastolic pressure are each just one of many factors predisposing to coronary artery disease. Awareness of surroundings, mobility, and eyesight collectively contribute to a tendency to fall and all are likely to be important.6 Furthermore, bone strength is largely related to trabecular structure, certainly in the proximal femur, whereas BMD is a composite measurement of both cortical and trabecular bone.7 Although the …


PI4KIIIα is the major enzyme responsible for generating the phosphoinositide PI(4)P at the plasma membrane. This lipid kinase forms two multicomponent complexes, both including a palmitoylated anchor, EFR3. Whereas both PI4KIIIα complexes support production of PI(4)P, the distinct functions of each complex and mechanisms underlying the interplay between them remain unknown. Here, we present roles for differential palmitoylation patterns within a tri-Cys motif in EFR3B (Cys5/Cys7/Cys8) in controlling the distribution of PI4KIIIα between these two complexes at the plasma membrane and corresponding functions in phosphoinositide homeostasis. Spacing of palmitoyl groups within three doubly palmitoylated EFR3B "lipoforms" affects both its interactions with TMEM150A, a transmembrane protein governing formation of a PI4KIIIα complex functioning in rapid PI(4,5)P2 resynthesis following PLC signaling, and its partitioning within liquid-ordered and -disordered regions of the plasma membrane. This work identifies a palmitoylation code in controlling protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions affecting a plasma membrane-resident lipid biosynthetic pathway. SUMMARY STATEMENT Different palmitoylation patterns on a lipid kinase adaptor protein control partitioning of the kinase between two spatiotemporally and functionally distinct complexes within the plasma membrane.


Supramolecular chemistry is an exciting area of science that plays a central role in bringing different disciplines together, ranging from molecular medicine to nanotechnology. Materials science based on supramolecular interactions is an emerging field, which has made important steps forward in the past ten years. The self-assembly of small synthetic molecules into long-chain architectures gives rise to the careful design of supramolecular polymers or fibers based on highly directional, reversible, non-covalent interactions. Much afford is put into the development of supramolecular (polymeric) materials with true materials properties, both in solution and in the solid state. These supramolecular materials are beginning to reach the market in all kind of applications. The field of regenerative medicine in general and that of tissue engineering in particular is one of the most challenging areas in which supramolecular materials might have a high potential. In tissue engineering, the biological environment and the interactions of cells with the artificial biomaterial is of utmost importance for the functioning of the implant, i.e. the engineered tissue. Ideal biomaterials do not only have to fulfil the biomaterials trinity of tuneable mechanical properties, regulation of the degradability and the ease for bioactivity incorporation, but also have to mimic the natural environment where the materials are brought into. Therefore, a modular, self-assembly approach using several supramolecular building blocks is an exquisite way to produce such "responsive" biomaterials. It is proposed that the artificial materials described in this account have the same type of dynamic ability to adapt its biofunctionality as is so well known for the living cells in the host tissue. This account will highlight two systems, i.e. self-assembling oligopeptide fibers as pioneered by Stupp et al. and Zhang et al., and our hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymers, to show the potential of a modular approach to dynamic biomaterials for tissue engineering.


In-plume pulsed laser deposition (PLD) process allows to produce coated conductors (CC) with high deposition rates together with superior in-field properties. We investigated systematically on temperature, magnetic field and field angular the transport properties of different GdBa2Cu3O7-δ coated conductor produced by an in-plume PLD multi-turn reel-to-reel process. Thereby, high self field critical current densities (JC) ( 4.3 × 1010 A/m2 at 77 K) and excellent in field behavior were observed for the best sample. The angular resolved JC measurements show a very extensive structure which varies with temperature and applied magnetic field. In the low field region, an asymmetric behavior on the direction of the current to the magnetic field (field and current were always perpendicular to each other) was observed. This behavior is related to the direction where the vortices are pushed, to the substrate or to the surface, and indicates an additional pinning mechanism for magnetic fields oriented near to the a/b-planes. The primarily reason for this effect seems to be the superconducting to buffer layer transition.


This case report describes a patient who developed allergic contact dermatitis to a chlorhexidine skin preparation applied for a transversus abdominis plane block, but not to a different chlorhexidine solution applied to the surgical field. The patient had presented for an elective inguinal hernia repair. He had a known history of anaphylaxis to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication but was otherwise well. The surgery was completed uneventfully. Three or four days postoperatively, the patient developed a rash at the site where chlorhexidine skin preparation had been used to prepare the skin for the transversus abdominis plane block. The rash had well-demarcated edges and exactly matched the distribution of the previously applied skin preparation. No rash was present at the surgical site, which had been prepared with a different chlorhexidine-containing solution. The rash gradually resolved over several weeks with the application of topical corticosteroids. The patient was otherwise completely well with no evidence of infection or any other systemic illness. The skin preparations differed in the dyes and alcohols that they contained. The dyes or alcohol in the preparation for the transversus abdominis plane block were therefore considered the likely cause of this patient's allergic reaction. Dyes and alcohols should be considered as a cause of skin allergy in the perioperative setting.


The synthesis of Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O(Agy) HTSC films corresponding to the 2223 phase through the spray pyrolysis technique has been carried out. These films are found to possess one of the highest known Tc values for such films of approximately 115 K and exhibit one of the highest Jc values of 1.25*105 A cm-2(16 K) and 0.312*105 A cm-2(77 K) for Ag content of 0.35 corresponding to Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10(Ag0.35). The enhancement of Jc due to Ag addition has been found to depend on the Ag content. This dependence has been found to be explicable in terms of Ag-induced grain boundary passivation and Ag segregation at the grain boundary-grain interface.


The effects of the annealing temperature and time on the structure and magnetic properties of the sputtered BiDy-iron garnet films were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the as-sputtered films are amorphous. After annealing at about 550°C, amorphous films crystallize into the garnet phase and an unknown phase. The intensity of the unknown phase decreases with increasing annealing temperature and time and vanishes at 650°C for 30 min. It is found that the unknown phase has a large influence on the half-width of the (420) x-ray diffraction peak. The as-sputtered films have a very small magnetization of about 1 emu/g at room temperature. When films are annealed above 570°C, the magnetization increases rapidly with increasing annealing temperature and time.


The soil compaction caused by the machinery traffic is a problem that affects the areas of crop production. The soil compaction modeling allows to implement strategies of soil and machinery management. The objective of this paper is to analyze the main characteristics of the methods used to model soil compaction. The results show that the most precise method for soil compaction modeling is the Finite Ele- ments Method. The models for simulation of the soil compaction differ from those developed to simulate the performance of tires or the vehicle because in contact modeling, the tire is not generally simulated; and the effect of the pressure is only simulated on soil area with conditions established beforehand.


The present study was designed to investigate whether enhanced bone formation due to intermittent PTH administration is dependent on vitamin D metabolites. Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: 1) vitamin D-sufficient, saline-injected (+D Sal); 2) vitamin D-sufficient, human (h) PTH-(1-38)-treated (+D PTH); 3) vitamin D-deficient, saline-injected (-D Sal); and 4) vitamin D-deficient, hPTH-(1-38)-treated (-D PTH) animals. The -D diet contained 2% calcium (Ca), 1.25% phosphorus (P), and 20% lactose to maintain normocalcemia and normophosphatemia despite vitamin D deficiency. The +D diet contained 0.8% Ca, 0.5% P, 20% lactose, and 1000 IU/kg vitamin D. After 45 days of either diet, the rats were injected with 50 microg/kg BW PTH or saline, s.c., daily for 2 weeks. Serum Ca, Mg, P, albumin, and creatinine were similar in all groups. PTH administration decreased endogenous PTH concentrations in the -D PTH compared with those in the - D Sal group. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity, bone mass measurements, dual energy x-ray absortiometric analysis of mineral density, and mechanical testing values in vertebrae and femora of the -D Sal animals did not significantly differ from those in +D Sal animals. Moreover, in both diet groups, PTH improved bone biochemical activity (as assessed by serum alkaline phosphatase), bone mass, mineral density, and biomechanical properties. These results indicate that mineral supply, more than vitamin D itself, may be important for normal bone mineralization and to enable PTH to enhance bone formation. A balance study performed during the last 3 days of the experiment revealed that PTH increased apparent intestinal magnesium absorption in the +D group only. Ca and P retention, however, were augmented in both diet groups after PTH treatment. In conclusion, in normocalcemic and normophosphatemic -D rats, PTH treatment reduced the increased endogenous hormone concentration and improved Ca and P retention. Furthermore, PTH may have a vitamin D-dependent influence on intestinal magnesium absorption. Finally, short term PTH treatment is anabolic in bone of vitamin D-deficient rats when adequate mineral amounts are provided in the diet.


The marked resemblance between the histological picture of granuloma annulare and that of the rheumatic nodule was first noted by Goodman and Ketron in 1936. While a similar histological appearance does not necessarily mean a similar etiology, and there is little to suggest any relationship between granuloma annulare and rheumatoid conditions; nevertheless, it is at least worth exploring the possibility of some common factor being present. In a recent discussion on the rheumatoid serum factor, Kellgren and Ball (1959) examined a series of patients with subcutaneous nodules and found the sheep cell agglutination test (S.C.A.T.) positive in 100% of 62 males and 92% of 91 females. It seems probable that the rheumatoid serum factor is in some way connected with the subcutaneous nodules, and if these are in any way related to granuloma annulare one might expect this latter condition to be associated with a positive S.C.A.T. The first patient


We introduce a new concurrence operator, called semihiding, for processing low-level digital circuit specifications by identifying their active edges. We define semihiding formally, study its algebraic properties, and overview several of its applications. We show that circuit modules can be mapped to a different timing convention at their interfaces while preserving their functionality (termed "interface recasting"), compliance to a certain timing convention can be verified regardless of functionality, and several families of asynchronous and synchronous circuits can be analyzed with reduced complexity on active-edge specifications obtained by semihiding. We present several validating experiments using a preliminary implementation of semihiding in an existing tool


Abstract Nasal polyposis represents a late stage of long-lasting inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa, characterized by increased inflammatory cells infiltration and anomalous tissue remodelling. A wide range of chemical mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules are involved in the pathomechanism of nasal polyposis, but their significance has not been completely clarified. Eosinophils are the dominant inflammatory cell population in nasal polyposis and are thought to be the central effector cells responsible for the onset and maintenance of the inflammatory process. Persistent inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa can lead to structural changes, such as epithelial damage, thickened basement membrane, stromal edema, formation of pseudocysts. This review summarizes prior and current knowledge regarding the involvement of the inflammatory process in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.


BACKGROUND
Annually in England, over 1.5 million children and young people (CYP) are admitted to hospital. However, a proportion of these CYP will experience failure to rescue (FtR), a failure to recognize, respond and escalate clinical deterioration, which can result in significant harm or death.

AIM
To identify and quantify FtR episodes from emergency events at a 110-bedded tertiary children's hospital located within a University Teaching Hospital and evaluate the impact of targeted interventions on reducing FtR.

METHODS
A quality improvement approach was adopted. From 170 446 patients admitted between 2011 and 2019, all emergency event calls were systematically reviewed to identify FtR episodes. Root-cause analysis was performed to identify practice deficiencies. The Plan-Do-Study-Act fundamentals were used.

RESULTS
A total of 520 emergency events were reviewed over the 9-year period. One hundred and thirty-two (n = 132; 25%) were cardiac arrest events, with the majority occurring within the PCCU setting. Three hundred and twelve (60%) of the events were in children who had been inpatient for more than 48 hours. FtR trend declined over the study period from 23.6% in 2011 when the project commenced to 2.5% or less over the following 8 years.

CONCLUSIONS
Identifying rates of FtR events from routinely collected emergency events data can be used as a patient safety measure to identify emergency concerns. This enables dynamic problem solving through delivery of strategic and targeted interventions. The proposed interventions outlined in this quality improvement study have application to critical care nursing as mechanisms for reducing unplanned admissions to paediatric critical care unit (PCCU), patient mortality, and PCCU and non-PCCU cardiac arrests.


iabetes mellitus is one of the most common medical problems in the world. Approximately 18% of persons over 65 years old are diabetic. The WHO estimates that the prevalence rate of diabetes, 4% in 1995, will increase to 5.6% in 2025. Diabetic foot problems are potentially the most preventable long–term complication in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to test the utility of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in understanding and predicting the intention of diabetic patients in prevention of their foot lesions and amputations. Material and Methods: This was a Quasi experimental and cohort study, carried out in 108 diabetic patients Type II in Kermanshah. They were divided in two groups (54 case and 54 control groups). The data were collected by using a researcher made questionnaire in 5 sections; all of the data were collected by direct interviews and on the basis of the constructs of HBM. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: More than 33% (n=36) of patients were men. About 60% of participants were illiterate and had completed only primary school; of participants, 58% were aged between 30 and 50 years, while 37.4% were between 50-60 years old. There was no significant difference between the mean grades score of variables (knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived threat, perceived benefits perceived barriers, caring of foot and check list) in the case and control groups before intervention, but, ttest showed significant differences between all of mentioned variables, in these two groups after intervention(p<0.00). T-test, also showed, there was a significant difference between mean grade scores all of variables in the case group, before and after intervention. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that, increasing the knowledge and constructs of HBM in patients, results in better foot care by the patients themselves, confirming that HBM constructs cause changes that improve patient behavior in taking care of themselves.


Model-based approaches to cluster continuous and cross-sectional data are abundant and well established. In contrast to that, equivalent approaches for repeated ordinal data are less common and an active area of research. In this dissertation, we propose several models to cluster repeated ordinal data using finite mixtures. In doing so, we explore several ways of incorporating the correlation due to the repeated measurements while taking into account the ordinal nature of the data. In particular, we extend the Proportional Odds model to incorporate latent random effects and latent transitional terms. These two ways of incorporating the correlation are also known as parameter and data dependent models in the time-series literature. In contrast to most of the existing literature, our aim is classification and not parameter estimation. This is, to provide flexible and parsimonious ways to estimate latent populations and classification probabilities for repeated ordinal data. We estimate the models using Frequentist (Expectation-Maximization algorithm) and Bayesian (Markov Chain Monte Carlo) inference methods and compare advantages and disadvantages of both approaches with simulated and real datasets. In order to compare models, we use several information criteria: AIC, BIC, DIC and WAIC, as well as a Bayesian NonParametric approach (Dirichlet Process Mixtures). With regards to the applications, we illustrate the models using self-reported health status in Australia (poor to excellent), life satisfaction in New Zealand (completely agree to completely disagree) and agreement with a reference genome of infant gut bacteria (equal, segregating and variant) from baby stool samples.


A large earthquake ( M w 7.6) occurred near Chi-Chi, Taiwan, on 20 September 1999 (UTC) and was followed by many moderate-size aftershocks in the following days. The two largest aftershocks with magnitudes M w 6.1 and 6.2, respectively, were used as empirical Green's functions (EGFs) to retrieve the source time functions (STFs) and further image the temporal-spatial rupture process of the mainshock. For each station, two types of STFs were retrieved, one from P phases and another from S phases. A total of 178 STF individuals were retrieved for source-process analysis of the event. From the STFs retrieved, firstly, similarities appeared on the STFs from most stations except that several STFs in special azimuths looked different or odd because of the focal mechanism difference between the mainshock and the EGF aftershocks; and secondly, systematic shape-variation with azimuth appeared. The analysis of the STFs indicated that this event consisted of two subevents; on the average, the second event was about 7 sec later than the first one, and the first event was about 15% larger than the second one in the moment-release rate. The total duration time of earthquake rupture process was about 26 sec. From the image of the static slip distribution, there were two slip-concentrated areas on the fault plane, and their centers were about 45 km away from each other. The maximum slip of about 6.5 m appeared on the northern one. The rupture area, with the slip greater than 0.5 m, was about 80 km long and 60 km wide. The maximum stress drop was about 25 MPa (250 bar), and the average stress drop on the entire fault was 9.2 MPa (92 bar). From the snapshots of the temporal-spatial variation of slip and slip rate, the rupture initiated at the southern end and stopped at the northern end of the fault, which suggested an overall unilateral rupture at a rupture velocity of about 2.5 km/sec. The depth of the initiation locus was about 20 km. The rupture duration times on the subfaults were estimated. A good correlation was noticed between the rupture duration time and slip amplitude of the subfaults: the larger the slip amplitude, the longer the rupture duration time of the subfault. The maximum duration time for the subfaults was 16 sec, which was about two-thirds the total duration time of the earthquake rupture process. In the beginning and near the end of the source process, the rupture propagated like a self-healing pulse of slip.

Manuscript received 21 May 2001.


Early application of genomic selection relied on SNP estimation with phenotypes or de-regressed proofs (DRP). Chips of 50k SNP seemed sufficient. Estimated breeding value was an index with parent average and deduction to eliminate double counting. Use of SNP selection or weighting increased accuracy with small data sets but less or none with large data sets. Use of DRP with female information required ad-hoc modifications. As BLUP is biased by genomic selection, use of DRP under genomic selection required adjustments. Efforts to include potentially causative SNP derived from sequence analysis showed limited or no gain. The genomic selection was greatly simplified using single-step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) because the procedure automatically creates the index, can use any combination of male and female genotypes, and accounts for preselection. ssGBLUP requires careful scaling for compatibility between pedigree and genomic relationships to avoid biases especially under strong selection. Large data computations in ssGBLUP were solved by exploiting limited dimensionality of SNP due to limited effective population size. With such dimensionality ranging from 4k in chicken to about 15k in Holsteins, the inverse of GRM can be created directly (e.g., by the APY algorithm) in linear cost. Due to its simplicity and accuracy ssGBLUP is routinely used for genomic selection by major companies in chicken, pigs and beef. ssGBLUP can be used to derive SNP effects for indirect prediction, and for GWAS, including computations of the P-values. An alternative single-step called ssBR exists that uses SNP effects instead of GRM. As BLUP is affected by pre-selection, there is need for new validation procedures unaffected by selection, and for parameter estimation that accounts for all the genomic data used in selection. Another issue are reduced variances due to the Bulmer effect.


The asymptotics as , uniformly with respect to , is found for a solution of a model nonlinear nonlocal evolution equation in the case of weak dissipation and dispersion. The leading term of the asymptotics has the same form as for the linearized equation.


In proteogenomic studies, genomic and transcriptomic variants are incorporated into customized protein databases for the identification of proteoforms, especially proteoforms with sample-specific variants. Most proteogenomic research has been focused on combining genomic or transcriptomic data with bottom-up mass spectrometry data. In the last decade, top-down mass spectrometry has attracted increasing attention because of its capacity to identify various proteoforms with alterations. However, top-down proteogenomics, in which genomic or transcriptomic data are combined with top-down mass spectrometry data, has not been widely adopted, and there still lack of software tools for top-down proteogenomic data analysis. In this paper, we introduce TopPG, a proteogenomic tool for identifying proteoforms with genetic alterations and alternative splicing events. Experiments on top-down proteogenomic data of DLD-1 colorectal cancer cells showed that TopPG can confidently identify proteoforms with sample-specific alterations.


Author(s): Jasani, Akshi Atul | Advisor(s): Kellogg, Douglas R | Abstract: All cells big and small possess the ability to grow. Despite this, cells in a given population have very similar sizes, suggesting that they must possess inherent mechanisms that determine how much they grow and when to stop growing. Growth homeostasis is especially important at the time of cell division to ensure that daughter cells are the same size as their mother. Coordination of cell growth with cell division is a universal phenomenon in all orders of life; however, the mechanisms that measure cell growth have remained elusive. Moreover, it is not clear what cells "measure" as a readout of cell growth. In the following chapters, I will provide evidence that protein kinases measure signaling lipids deposited at sites of growth to gauge the extent of cell growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and then relay growth-dependent signals to relevant cell cycle control proteins to link cell cycle progression to cell growth. In chapters 2 and 3, I present evidence that suggests that Gin4 and Hsl1 kinases are essential for coordination of cell cycle progression with cell growth. Inactivation of these kinases causes cells to behave as if they cannot detect that growth has occurred, which results in strong growth defects. Moreover, the activation of Gin4/Hsl1 is dependent on and proportional to growth. The data further suggest that activation of Gin4 by signaling lipids is the basis of measuring cell growth. In chapter 4, I focus on the kinase Pkc1 (protein kinase C) and its role as a growth sensor for polar bud growth. Pkc1 is maximally active at G2 and is well-positioned to detect bud growth. It is activated by Rho1 and together they interact with the phosphatase PP2ACdc55 to link mitotic entry to polar cell growth.


ABSTRACT Introduction: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a major curative treatment option for malignant and non-malignant hematological diseases, but is associated with an increased risk for infections, of which some are preventable by vaccination. Vaccination guidelines recommend repeated doses of most inactivated vaccines to achieve long-lasting immune responses. However, the efficacy of immunization is often hampered by graft-versus-host disease or severe opportunistic infections. Areas covered: This review summarizes the vaccine recommendations for adult allogeneic HSCT recipients and discusses the challenges and future directions regarding vaccine immunization in these patients. Expert commentary: Vaccination is a well-tolerated therapeutic intervention to prevent infections after allogeneic HSCT. Allogeneic HSCT recipients could benefit from experience regarding vaccine efficacy capitalized through specific data registries. An individualized immunization approach, modulating inception and intensity of vaccination schedule according to transplant characteristics, transplant-related complications and immune recovery status, might help to improve vaccine efficacy in this specific population. Identification of surrogate markers of the immune status and of vaccine efficacy, beyond antibody testing, as well as development of new vaccines are exciting fields of future research.


In recent years, a new view of dendritic cells (DCs) as a main regulator of immunity to induce and maintain tolerance has been established. In vitro manipulation of their development and maturation is a topic of DC therapeutic application, which utilizes their inherent tolerogenicity. In this field, the therapeutic potential of antisense, siRNA, and blocking antibody are an interesting goal. In the present study, the efficiency of these three methods--siRNA, antisense, and blocking antibody--against CD40 molecule and its function in DCs and BCL1 cell line are compared. DCs were separated from mouse spleen and then cultured in vitro using Lipofectamine 2000 to deliver both silencers; the efficacy of transfection was estimated by flow cytometry. mRNA expression and protein synthesis were assessed by real time-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. By Annexin V and propidium iodine staining, we could evaluate the viability of transfected cells. Knocking down the CD40 gene into separate groups of DCs by siRNA, antisense, and blocking antibody treated DCs can cause an increase in IL-4, decrease in IL-12, IFN-γ production, and allostimulation activity. Our results indicated that, in comparison to antisense and blocking antibody, siRNAs appear to be quantitatively more efficient in CD40 downregulation and their differences are significant.


INTRODUCTION
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has a great impact on the quality of life and sexual function. We hypothesized that specific risk factors for SUI may be correlated with reduced sexual function in women with SUI.

AIMS
To explore significant associations between the risk factors for SUI and female sexual function.

METHODS
Women with SUI (N=223) were surveyed about their sexual function. Demographic data and clinical findings on pelvic examination and the 1-hour pad test were recorded. Sexually active respondents completed the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
PISQ-12 and the correlation of the risk factors for SUI with PISQ-12 scores.

RESULTS
Of the 223 subjects, 68 (30%) reported no sexual activity for 6 months or more prior to the interview and did not respond to the PISQ-12. In comparison with the 155 (70%) of women who were sexually active, sexually inactive respondents were older and more likely to be postmenopausal and had a higher parity and more severe prolapse (all P<0.01). Among those completing the PISQ-12 questionnaire, the same factors (age, parity, severity of prolapse, menopausal status) were significantly associated with lower PISQ-12 scores. The scores were not correlated with body mass index, delivery mode, genital hiatus length, and total vaginal length by the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, or estrogen therapy. Lower points Ba and C of the POP-Q system were associated with lower PISQ-12 scores (r= -0.200, P=0.026; r= -0.191, P=0.035, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified parity as the only factor independently predictive of sexual dysfunction (r= -0.225, P=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS
Anatomic and biologic pathology does not satisfactorily predict the level of sexual functioning in women with SUI.


We examined whether OK-432, a streptococcal preparation, could induce tumor necrosis factor in cancer patients. OK-432 was administered at a dose of 100 KE intratumorally to 4 advanced gastric cancer patients and 10KE intracavitary to 8 patients with malignant pleuroperitoneal effusion. The cytostatic activity of the sera and malignant effusions was assayed by the growth inhibition of L929 cells. OK-432 induced significant cytostatic activity in the sera and malignant effusions. The activity was partially neutralized by the monoclonal antibody against human recombinant tumor necrosis factor. These data suggest that OK-432 induces tumor necrosis factor in the sera and malignant effusions of cancer patients.


The aim of this article is to present the results of audiological findings from a selection of military police officers with exposure to occupational noise, in the motorized patrol activity, in Joao Pessoa city. The data collected from the motorcycle police sample were compared with the ISO 1999: 2013 Standard. The research was performed in 46 police officers, whose mean age was 32.7 years old and a mean service time of 10.5 years. For the subjects' selection and inclusion in the study, interviews were conducted, in addition to questionnaires, ontological examination, audiometric tests and the respective noise level measurements performed by a personal dosimeter, according to ISO 9612:2009 Standard recommendations. Findings from questionnaires showed that 51% of the police officers reported to have some type of hearing complaints; through audiometric tests, 36.1% of the cases suggested hearing loss. The most significant hearing threshold change occur in the range from 3000Hz and 4000Hz. Hearing thresholds shifts suggest the occurrence of some Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) level in motorcycle police officers who are over 30 years and 10 years of service. Besides, compared with the data from ISO 1999:2013 standard, there is a decrease in the auditory level of these professionals after three years on service, and a noise exposure of Lex, 8h = 96.9 dB(A).


Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum are responsible for alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, respectively. Successful completion of both fermentations is essential for many styles of wine, and an understanding of how these species interact with each other, as well as the development of compatible pairings of these species, will help to manage the process. However, targeted improvements of species interactions are difficult to perform, in part because of the chemical and biological complexity of natural grape juice. Synthetic ecological systems reduce this complexity and can overcome these difficulties. In such synthetic systems, mutualistic growth of different species can be enforced through the reciprocal exchange of essential nutrients. Here, we implemented a novel approach to evolve mutualistic traits by establishing a co-dependent relationship between S. cerevisiae BY4742Δthi4 and Lb. plantarum IWBT B038 by omitting different combinations of amino acids from a chemically defined synthetic medium simulating standard grape juice. After optimization, the two species were able to support the growth of each other when grown in the absence of appropriate combinations of amino acids. In these obligatory mutualistic conditions, BY4742Δthi4 and IWBT B038 were co-evolved for approximately 100 generations. The selected evolved isolates showed improved mutualistic growth and the growth patterns under non-selective conditions indicate the emergence of mutually beneficial adaptations independent of the synthetic selection pressure. The combined use of synthetic ecology and co-evolution is a promising strategy to better understand and biotechnologically improve microbial interactions.


Preparation of Carbon Nanotube-Silk Composite. (April 2011) Sundeep Sharma Department of Biomedical Engineering Texas A&M University Research Advisor: Dr. Mustafa Akbulut Department of Chemical Engineering A composite is made up of two distinct materials and the resulted properties are different from the individual precursors. Composite combines a huge or bulkier element called matrix and reinforcement called filler or fiber. Fiber is added in the matrix to increase the stiffness of the matrix and enhance or alter its physical properties. Since silk has high levels of toughness, strength and multifunctional nature, we decided to use bombyx mori as a matrix. Because of the superior mechanical properties, i.e., high tensile moduli, and strength of carbon nanotube, we chose carbon nanotube as a reinforcement fiber to enhance the mechanical properties of resulting composite. The main issue encountered while preparing composite was to fully disperse individual nanotubes in the matrices, because nanotubes tend to form clusters and bundles. Hence, we used ionic liquids to dissolve the cocoon, and processed homogenization of FCNT with silk by sonication, stirring. For testing, different weight percentages of functionalized carbon nanotube were used as a filler to make the silk composite, and nanoindentation and tensile tester tested the samples. The composite of various concentrations did not show the expected result of increasing mechanical properties with decreased carbon nanotube concentration. Hence, it


Digital technologies are considered to be an essential enabler of the circular economy in various industries. However, to date, very few studies have investigated which digital technologies could enable the circular economy in the built environment. This study specifically focuses on the built environment as one of the largest, most energy- and material-intensive industries globally, and investigates the following question: which digital technologies potentially enable a circular economy in the built environment, and in what ways? The research uses an iterative stepwise method: (1) framework development based on regenerating, narrowing, slowing and closing resource loop principles; (2) expert workshops to understand the usage of digital technologies in a circular built environment; (3) a literature and practice review to further populate the emerging framework with relevant digital technologies; and (4) the final mapping of digital technologies onto the framework. This study develops a novel Circular Digital Built Environment framework. It identifies and maps ten enabling digital technologies to facilitate a circular economy in the built environment. These include: (1) additive/robotic manufacturing, (2) artificial intelligence, (3) big data and analytics, (4) blockchain technology, (5) building information modelling, (6) digital platforms/marketplaces, (7) digital twins, (8) the geographical information system, (9) material passports/databanks, and (10) the internet of things. The framework provides a fruitful starting point for the novel research avenue at the intersection of circular economy, digital technology and the built environment, and gives practitioners inspiration for sustainable innovation in the sector.


From the economic perspective, densely populated areas can generate great amounts of electric power by installing PV panels on its rooftops and it can be fed in to the grid. This study describes a grid tied micro inverter for photovoltaic applications. The system consists of a Cuk converter connected with a full-bridge current source inverter. The connection of micro inverter systems to the grid can raise several challenges as the islanding detection and extracting maximum available power from PV module. In this sense, if the system is unable to detect the islanding situation, it may cause power quality degradation, electrical safety threats to maintenance crews, and damage to the devices that are connected at the same power grid. In order to maximize the power extraction from the photovoltaic module, it is mandatory to make use of a MPPT algorithm. Keywords: Photovoltaic, distributed generation systems (DGS) Cite this Article Reghu Reshma V, Johnson Mathew. Grid Integrated Micro Inverter for PV Module with Anti-Islanding and MPPT Schemes. Journal of Power Electronics & Power Systems . 2018; 8(3): 39–45p.


In recent years the quality agenda has taken centre stage in the medical arena. Coupled with this, the present era of rapid scientific and technological advance means that all professionals are engaged in a continuing process of life-long learning. With the pace of change increasing all the time, new thinking challenges conventional wisdom and traditional methods are constantly being superseded. Continuing professional development is the only way for surgeons to stay at the leading edge in such as challenging environment at every stage in their career, to progress--to be participants in these changes rather than merely observers.


Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) wilt and root rot are the most relevant diseases in several production areas. There are some lineage of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, from the F. solani and F. redolens complex associated with the wilt symptom. The external disease symptoms are similar; however, both species show different colonization. Traditionally, for many years, the taxonomy of the Fusarium genus has been based on the evaluation of morphological markers, being an irrelevant technique to identify species or phylogenetic lineage. Nucleotide sequencing techniques in species from the genus Fusarium have broke down species into several different phylogenetic lineages, which are currently called the species complex. Thus, it is believed that many pathogens associated with chickpea that are currently denominated as formae speciales may be complex of phylogenetic lineage. Fusarium species of different Fusarium complex have the ability to induce wilt in different hosts, while other species or phylogenetic lineage, have the ability to induce rot root.


Flavonoids have been presented as potential protectors against metabolic and cognitive dysfunction. However, mechanisms underlying these 'claims' have not been sufficiently explored. To analyse the effect of long-term supplementation with blackberry extract (BE) in the context of a high-fat or a standard diet, Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6) fed with a standard or a high-fat diet, with or without BE supplementation at 25 mg per kg body weight per day. A high-fat diet significantly impaired glucose tolerance and increased body weight, caloric ingestion, very-low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides and cholesterol. Furthermore, it was observed that a high-fat diet increased dopamine content in the prefrontal cortex and decreased brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels both in the prefrontal cortex and in plasma. BE supplementation only affected some of these aspects. BE slightly improved glucose metabolism and significantly decreased levels of lactate, independent of diet. BE decreased levels of BDNF and also interacted with the dopaminergic system, increasing dopamine turnover in the striatum, and reverting dopamine content induced by a high-fat diet in the prefrontal cortex. This study shows that, despite some particular benefits of anthocyanin supplementation, some long-term effects may not be desirable and further studies are needed to optimize ingestion conditions.


Reduction of an extracted netlist is an important preprocessing step for techniques such as model order reduction (MOR) in the design and analysis of very large scale integration circuits (VLSICs). This work describes a method for realizable reduction of extracted resistance-capacitance-inductance-mutual inductance netlists by node elimination. The method is much faster than MOR techniques and, hence, is appropriate as a preprocessing step. The proposed method eliminates nodes with time constants below a user-specified time constant. By giving the freedom to the user to select a critical point in the spectrum of nodal time constants, this method provides an option to make a tradeoff between accuracy and reduction. The proposed method preserves the dc characteristics and the first two moments at all nodes. It also recognizes and eliminates all the redundant inductances generated by the extraction tools. The proposed method naturally reduces to TICER (Sheehan, 1999) in the absence of any inductances.


Brazilian flora is very rich and a large number of specimens can cause adverse reactions, from mild erythema to cutaneous necrosis. Plants or vegetal extracts are always suspected of contact dermatitis; they are found in all types of environments, including dwellings. Other harmful effects, which can be identified by clinical manifestations and the aid of the patient, are phytophotodermatitis, traumas, thorn infections, chemical irritations, or urticaria caused by Urtica sp. Knowledge on the most important plants and their effects on human skin are very useful, and diagnosis is very important in treatment of the complications.


Patients often present with intraoral pathology in the general dental practice setting. Therefore, it is important that dental practitioners are aware of how to deal with pathology when this occurs and have an understanding of investigative techniques that might assist in making a diagnosis. Biopsy and subsequent histological examination of the lesion is an important diagnostic tool. Even if dentists refer the patient to another practitioner for the biopsy, the referring practitioner still needs to be familiar with the procedure and results obtained so that the patient can be appropriately managed. This paper reviews clinical issues that may impact on biopsy procedures and the potential pitfalls and problems that may affect the histological assessment of tissue and therefore affect diagnosis. The medico-legal responsibilities of practitioners are also addressed.


The Black Sea condition nowcast and forecast system was developed in Marine Hydrophysical Institute according to MyOcean and MyOcean2 projects and it is still functioning. The developed system includes two modules: hydrophysical, hydrobiological, optical and hydrochemical field nowcast, forecast and reanalysis module and the module of propagation and representation of system products. The module of the sea dynamics nowcast and forecast is the main one in the system as nowcast and forecast hydrophysical fields are used in other modules of the system. Due to paucity of contact measurements of seawater temperature and salinity profiles (certain hydrologic stations and Argo floats), currently these observations are not assimilated in the operative model. The results of prognostic calculations reveal inaccuracies of representation of basin waters mean stratification. A technique for reconstruction and assimilation of three-dimensional temperature and salinity fields in 100–500 m layer (in the conditions simulating operative mode of hydrophysical field nowcast and forecast) is implemented in order to correct the shifts of averaged temperature and salinity modeling profiles in the Black Sea circulation model in the given paper. Three-dimensional temperature and salinity fields are reconstructed for each day of 2012–2013 according to known for these days altimetry level and Argo float measurements accumulated on the horizons of 100–500 m layer over the past 45 days. It is obtained that synoptic structures in the fields of salinity, sea level and current velocity in nowcast and forecast are qualitatively reconstructed quite well. It is revealed that in 0–100 m layer root-mean-square (RMS) deviations between the modeling and observed temperatures are higher than natural variability of the fields. Salinity RMS deviations are lower than its natural variability, except for the layer 45–75 m which is characterized by the presence of cold intermediate layer. For achieving higher accuracy of nowcast and forecast it is necessary to improve the model of the sea upper layer thermodynamics for the depths from the surface down to 100 m. In addition to assimilation of three-dimensional thermohaline fields in the model, it is necessary to assimilate altimetry level and satellite data on sea surface temperature. It is shown that the proposed method can be effectively used in the operational system of the Black Sea hydrophysical field nowcast and forecast.


Diagnosis of posterior circulation stroke (PCS) may get delayed or missed in patients with atypical signs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), considered to be superior to computerized tomography (CT) in PCS, too is not 100% sensitive, as 20% of patients with PCS may have a negative diffusion-weighted MRI at admission. [1] Moreover, MRI is not universally available and CT is often the initial imaging done. Therefore, it is important to detect findings in CT that are indicative of vertebrobasilar territory atherosclerosis/thrombosis for an early diagnosis. A 75-year-old man presented with loss of consciousness of one-hour duration. Vital signs were normal. No focal neurological deficits were present. Biochemical tests were suggestive of diabetic ketoacidosis. CT scan of the brain was reported as normal. The patient worsened 12 hours later. Basilar territory infarction was suspected and a repeat CT scan showed extensive infarction involving the right thalamus, midbrain, pons and bilateral cerebellar hemispheres. The initial CT scan was reviewed and a calcified left vertebral artery (Figure 1) and "dense basilar artery sign" (Figure 2) were identified. These findings were in favor of basilar artery thrombosis sec


ased on their table, the authors assert that 'in each ethnic group an increase in birthweight is associated B with decreased mortality'. This is broadly true, although analyses done overseas on extremely large databases, show that at heavy birthweights (say > 4500g) mortality increases.' In any case, the relationship between birthweight and mortality within a single population at a single point in time is not really the issue. When birthweight is used as an outcome measure, the aim is to monitor trends over time or to compare a population of interest with a reference population. From the authors' table, TSI babies in the birthweight group with the lowest mortality (i.e., 25OOg-39998) have mortality rates 2.5 times those of white babies. Broadly speaking, this data show that a TSI baby could be heavier, but not necessarily healthier than a white baby. One possible reason is that TSI mothers have higher rates of obesity and diabetes than white mothers. If the rates of obesity and diabetes continue to increase among the population of TSI mothers, it is possible that the average birthweight for TSI babies could increase without a corresponding decrease in mortality. Similarly, it is possible that if the rates of obesity and diabetes increase for Aboriginal mothers, the average birthweight of Aboriginal babies could approach that of non-Indigenous babies, without any improvement in their high rates of mortality. In short, what is true for a particular population, at a particular point in time might not be true comparisons over time or between populations.293 This means that care should be taken when using birthweight as a measure to support policy decisions. In some circumstances and for some populations birthweight may be an appropriate outcome measure, however, in other circumstances and for other populations it may lead to invalid conclusions.


Abstract Garry oak (Quercus garryana Dougl.) is the cornerstone tree species of one of the most biologically diverse yet threatened ecosystems in Canada. The Canadian Garry oak ecosystem is located only in southern coastal British Columbia and is home to numerous endangered species. This study tests the dendrochronological potential of Garry oak trees near their northern range limit by successfully crossdating a sample from the Crow's Nest Ecological Research Area (CNERA) on Saltspring Island, British Columbia. Forty-five samples were collected from 39 trees to determine accurate age estimates and develop a crossdated tree-ring chronology that spans 180 years (A.D. 1825–2005). Wood anatomy and periodic growth suppression made crossdating challenging. However, distinct marker rings were readily identified on nearly all cores showing a synchronous response among trees to a common radial growth signal. The majority of trees sampled were established during 1860–1880 and 1947–1967. Correlation analyses show that radial growth of Garry oak at CNERA is influenced by both temperature and moisture availability. Our study demonstrates that extraction of high-quality dendrochronological data from Garry oak trees near their northern range limit is possible, so this species should be recognized as having good dendrochronological potential.


Abstract.
 Durum wheat is one of the most important staple food crops, grown mainly in the Mediterranean region where its productivity is drastically affected by salinity. The objective of this study was to identify markers associated with grain yield and its related traits under saline conditions. A population of 114 F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was derived by single-seed descent from a cross between Belikh2 (salinity-tolerant variety) and Omrabi5 (less salinity tolerant) was grown under non-saline and saline conditions in a glasshouse. Phenotypic data of the RILs and parental lines were measured for 15 agronomic traits. Association of 96 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci covering all 14 chromosomes with 15 agronomic traits was analysed with a mixed linear model. In total, 49 SSR loci were significantly associated with these traits. Under saline conditions, 12 markers were associated with phenological traits and 19 markers were associated with yield and yield components. Marker alleles from Belikh2 were associated with a positive effect for the majority of markers associated with yield and yield components. Under saline condition, five markers (Xwmc182, Xwmc388, Xwmc398, Xbarc61, and Xwmc177) were closely linked with grain yield, located on chromosomes 2A, 3A, 3B, 4B, 5A, 6B, and 7A. These markers could be used for marker-assisted selection in durum wheat breeding under saline conditions.


The design of nanoporous perovskite oxides is considered an efficient strategy to develop performing, sustainable catalysts for the conversion of methane. The dependency of nanoporosity on the oxygen defect chemistry and the catalytic activity of perovskite oxides toward CH4 and CO oxidation was studied here. A novel colloidal synthesis route for nanoporous, high-temperature stable SrTi0.65Fe0.35O3-δ with specific surface areas (SSA) ranging from 45 to 80 m2/g and pore sizes from 10 to 100 nm was developed. High-temperature investigations by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TG-MS combined with H2-TPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the porosity improved the release of surface oxygen and the oxygen diffusion, whereas the release of lattice oxygen depended more on the state of the iron species and strain effects in the materials. Regarding catalysis, light-off tests showed that low-temperature CO oxidation significantly benefitted from the enhancement of the SSA, whereas high-temperature CH4 oxidation is influenced more by the dioxygen release. During isothermal long-term catalysis tests, however, the continuous oxygen release from large SSA materials promoted both CO and CH4 conversion. Hence, if SSA maximization turned out to efficiently improve low-temperature and long-term catalysis applications, the role of both reducible metal center concentration and crystal structure cannot be completely ignored, as they also contribute to the perovskite oxygen release properties.


The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the Herpesviridae, is the most frequent cause of congenital virus infections and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Due to the lack of an appropriate animal model, insight into the pathogenesis of HCMV infections originates primarily from in situ examination of HCMV‐infected tissues. Although in immunocompromised adults such tests are complicated frequently by the presence of additional misleading pathogens, the absence of additional pathogens renders congenital inclusion disease the most suitable access for investigation of pathogenetic aspects of HCMV infections. Immunohistochemical examination of tissue sections from a boy with fatal congenital inclusion disease was undertaken to detect the extent of multiorgan and cell involvement. Adrenal gland, bone marrow, diencephalon, heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, placenta, small bowel and spleen were included in this study. Detection of virus antigens from different phases of viral replication revealed that all investigated organs were infected by HCMV. Simultaneous detection of cell type specific marker molecules showed that a variety of cell types stained positive for HCMV antigens including endothelial cells, epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, mesenchymal cells, hepatocytes, monocytes/macrophages and granulocytes. The lung, the pancreas, the kidneys and the liver were the major target organs with a high number of HCMV infected cells. This correlated with multiorgan failure as the cause of death and strongly indicates direct pathogenetic effects of HCMV. J. Med. Virol. 67:200–206, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


DL-poly(lactic acid) of molecular weight about 2500 was prepared by polycondensation of lactic acid and characterized by viscosimetry, infrared spectroscopy, light scattering, GPC, and NMR. Tablets made of the above polymer were immersed in buffer solutions at 37°C, and their swelling behavior was recorded as a function of time, in terms of weight gain. In the same experiments, the hydrolytic stability of PLA was assessed by measuring the weight loss after drying the tablets. To inhibit any degradation due to bacteria, formaldehyde was added to the solution as a biostatic factor. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 795–804, 2003


Pescapreins XXI-XXX (1-10), pentasaccharide resin glycosides, together with the known pescapreins I-IV and stoloniferin III were isolated from the aerial parts of Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning-glory). The pescapreins are macrolactones of simonic acid B, partially esterified with different fatty acids. The lactonization site of the aglycone, jalapinolic acid, was located at C-2 or C-3 of the second saccharide moiety. Their structures were established by a combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods. Compounds 1-10 were evaluated for their potential to modulate multidrug resistance in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR. The combined use of these new compounds at a concentration of 5 μg/mL increased the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin by 1.5-3.7-fold.


Pickling paste is used for cleaning stainless steel weld seam heat marks. It is a mixture of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and nitric acid (HNO3) with surfactants and inhibitors. The substance is corrosive, toxic, and irritant. Air respirator and half mask air filter covering nose and mouth are mandatory before handling the pickling paste. This is a case report of a 28-year-old male complaining of sudden onset dyspnea at rest after accidental inhalation of pickling paste fumes. The patient developed acute lung injury and subsequently acute respiratory distress syndrome and was treated with noninvasive ventilation, steroids, and other supportive treatment.


The knot performance of four different nonabsorbable sutures—silk, polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene—is investigated by using square knots with two and three throws. All sutures are USP 2/0 in size. An instrument that can be mounted on the Instron tensile tester measures the knot performance of the sutures. The results are given as stress-elongation graphic, knot slippage, and knot break values. The effects of the number of throws and the structure of the sutures on knot performance are studied. For the knot performance tests, the effect of the physical structure (braided or monofilament) is clearly seen. For monofilament polyamide and polypropylene sutures, the knot with two throws unties before it breaks. For silk and polyester braided sutures, which have reasonably good two-throw square knot strength, the added throw does not remarkably increase strength and at the same time places more suture material in the tissue, which increases the risk of infection. Three-throw knot results reveal that the suture material plays an important role in knot strength.


Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLR) and C-type lectin receptors including Dectin-1. In the current study, we examined the role of TLR2 and 4 and dectin-1, a β-glucan receptor, in the host response to Penicillium marneffei, an opportunistic fungal pathogen in AIDS patients. IL-12p40 production by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) stimulated with yeast cells of this fungal pathogens was significantly reduced in TLR2KO and MyD88KO mice, but not in TLR4KO and C3H/HeJ mice, compared to that in control mice. Such production was significantly lower in dectin-1KO mice than wild-type mice. In further experiments, HEK293 cells transfected with TLR2 and/or dectin-1 genes were stimulated with P. marneffei for a NFκB promoter assay. Compared to the cells transfected with control vector, significantly higher activity of NFκB was detected in TLR2-transfectant, but this response was not further enhanced by co-transfection with dectin-1. Taken together, these results demonstrated that TLR2 and dectin-1 played an important role in the recognition of P. marneffei by BMDCs.


Predicting fading channels is a classical problem with a vast array of applications, including as an enabler of artificial intelligence (AI)-based proactive resource allocation for cellular networks. Under the assumption that the fading channel follows a stationary complex Gaussian process, as for Rayleigh and Rician fading models, the optimal predictor is linear, and it can be directly computed from the Doppler spectrum via standard linear minimum mean squared error (LMMSE) estimation. However, in practice, the Doppler spectrum is unknown, and the predictor has only access to a limited time series of estimated channels. This paper proposes to leverage meta-learning in order to mitigate the requirements in terms of training data for channel fading prediction. Specifically, it first develops an offline low-complexity solution based on linear filtering via a meta-trained quadratic regularization. Then, an online method is proposed based on gradient descent and equilibrium propagation (EP). Numerical results demonstrate the advantages of the proposed approach, showing its capacity to approach the genie-aided LMMSE solution with a small number of training data points.


This paper presents a tool for the automatic layout assembly of regular arrays which consist of cells interconnected with nearest neighbors. As there is a wide range of regular arrays, a single generator is not feasible. The Madmacs system is a development environment for designer specific generators of such structures. These generators are developed using the Lisp language. The use of a programming language allows great flexibility in the description of a generator for a specific kind of structure. A graphic editor is tightly coupled with the Lisp interpreter giving a high degree of interactivity. With its macro command mechanism, one can interactively develop new functions for repetitive tasks such as routing and use them in generators. Moreover, technology independent generators can be developed by using Madmacs object size independent functions.


We performed a meta-analysis to compare therapeutic outcome/safety of drug-eluting stent (DES) and conventional in-stent restenosis (ISR) treatments. We browsed through large volume of clinical data by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane central register of con- trolled trials, and EBSCO databases. In this study, 11 randomized controlled trials, 17 non-randomized con- trolled trials, 6,330 patients, and 6,662 lesions were included. Clinical and coronary angiography follow-up for 6-16 months was included. The major outcomes were target lesion revascularization (TLR) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). We found that DES showed advantage in TLR (OR = 0.46; 95 % CI: 0.34, 0.62; P \ 0.00001), MACE (OR = 0.51; 95 % CI: 0.34, 0.77; P = 0.001), Late Lumen Loss (IV =- 0.30; 95 % CI: -0.44, -0.15; P \ 0.0001), stenosis of lumen diameter (OR =- 17.45; 95 % CI: -23.69, -11.21; P \ 0.00001), and restenosis (OR = 0.26; 95 % CI: 0.17, 0.40; P \ 0.00001) over conventional ISR treatment. Regarding cardiac death (OR = 0.80; 95 % CI: 0.55, 1.17; P = 0.25), myocardial infarction (OR = 1.00;95 %CI: 0.66, 1.51; P = 1.00) and late thrombosis (OR = 0.70; 95 % CI: 0.42, 1.17; P = 0.18), there was no significant difference between different treatments. We, therefore, concluded that in treating percutaneous coronary intervention-ISR, DES was more effective in reducing incidence of TLR, MACE, and restenosis, and decreasing severity of late lumen loss/ stenosis of lumen diameter compared with bare metal stent, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, intracor- onary brachytherapy, and cutting balloon treatments. There was no significant difference between DES and conven- tional therapy for ISR. As suggested by current statistical analysis, DES after ISR did not involve a higher incidence of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and thrombosis.


Scholars have worked either on civil society or on ethnic conflict, but no systematic attempt has yet been made to connect the two. In an attempt to explore the possible links, this article makes two interconnected arguments. First, interethnic and intraethnic networks of civic engagement play very different roles in ethnic conflict. Because they build bridges and manage tensions, interethnic networks are agents of peace. But if communities are organized only along intraethnic lines and the interconnections with other communities are very weak (or do not exist), ethnic violence is then quite likely. Second, civic networks, both intra- and interethnic, can also be broken down into two other types: associational forms of engagement and everyday forms of engagement. This distinction is based on whether civic interaction is formal or not. Both forms of engagement, if robust, promote peace: contrariwise, their absence or weakness opens up space for ethnic violence. Of the two, however, the associational forms turn out to be sturdier than everyday engagement, especially when confronted with attempts by politicians to polarize the people along ethnic lines. Both arguments have significance for theories of ethnic conflict and social capital.


Family foster care is intended for the care of children and adolescents who are away from the family by judicial protective measure, emerged as an innovative reception strategy, providing individual and personalized care to children or adolescents who are victims of some form of violence. The present study aimed to brief analyse data from the most recent SUAS census in Brazil, focusing on one of the states of the federation to verify how the referrals of children and adolescents who go through foster care are being carried out. The data showed that in certain places there is discrepancy in reintegration and adoption, the latter being the most common. More effective actions to prepare the families of origin for reunification must be carried out.


The concepts of measurement and information are central to the accountancy model of the representation of business (Mattesich, 1964; Ijiri, 1967 & 1975; Sterling, 1970). The classical financial accounting remains based on elementary arithmetic (groups of differences constructed on the commutative and cancelling monoid of the real positives supplied by addition) (Ellerman, 1986), and it is not conceived to take into account the imprecision which can vitiate the information with which it is dealing. The underlying measurement is purely quantitative and precise at the same time. In the face of the emergence of a certain number of dysfunctions (Casta, 1993), it is possible to extend the system of financial accountability in double entry to a treatment of a quantitative report which is imprecise, indeed, subjective. The fuzzy-sets theory creates a general framework in theory in order to explore the principle of the limits of such an extension. However, this step, apparently direct, needs a profound re-examination of its own semantic with the accounting context of measuring the assets and the profit or loss


The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced the number of orthopedic surgeries world- wide. The main reason for this was an introduction of numerous restrictions in the field of mobility, which resulted in reduction of circumstances predisposing to injuries. This had a positive impact on the overall readiness of the health system to fight the pandemic, thanks to saving human and material resources that could be successfully allocated in order to fight a new, previously unknown threat. On the other hand, such aimed administration of the system was not indifferent in terms of care quality directed towards traumatized patients, often requiring immediate measures (risk of infection transmission). This study aims to evaluate in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 operated on proximal femur fractures. An attempt was also made to determine predictors influencing mortality rate among patients operated over the analyzed period.


We present a theoretical formalism for calculating the anisotropy and polarization of photon emission due to a spiralling beam of electrons colliding with an ensemble of atoms or ions. For an axisymmetric beam with a given velocity angular distribution, the polarization and angular distribution of the resulting radiation can be characterized by the expansion coefficients of the distribution function in terms of Legendre polynomials. We present simple expressions for dipole and quadrupole radiation and apply the results to the case of an electron beam ion trap.


3D printing and bioprinting have become a key component in precision medicine. They have been used toward the fabrication of medical devices with patient‐specific shapes, production of engineered tissues for in vivo regeneration, and preparation of in vitro tissue models used for screening therapeutics. In particular, vat polymerization‐based 3D (bio)printing as a unique strategy enables more sophisticated architectures to be rapidly built. This progress report aims to emphasize the recent advances made in vat polymerization‐based 3D printing and bioprinting, including new biomaterial ink formulations and novel vat polymerization system designs. While some of these approaches have not been utilized toward the combination with biomaterial inks, it is anticipated their rapid translation into biomedical applications.


Application of kainate to the peri-locus coeruleus alpha (peri-LC alpha) resulted in a marked increase in paradoxical sleep (PS). This effect was completely blocked by specific non-NMDA receptor antagonists, but not by selective NMDA receptor antagonists. Kainate was 10 times more potent than AMPA, and their site of action was confined to the peri-LC alpha. This study is the first to show that excitatory amino acids play an important role in PS generation via the activation of kainate receptors which are located in the peri-LC alpha of the mediodorsal pontine tegmentum.


Phonological systems and vocabularies are compared for the five languages of the small Arawa family, from Brazil and Peru. There is one extinct language - called Arawa - and four living languages - Kulina-Deni, Jarawara-Jamamadi-Banawa, Sorowaha, and Paumari. After eliminating likely loans, about 460 cognate sets are established. From study of the phonetic character and distribution of sets of sound correspondences, the phonological system of Proto-Arawa is reconstructed. A number of unusual correspondence sets suggest the existence of a small substratum vocabulary within Paumari, possibly from an Arawa group speaking a distinct language, whose members merged with the Paumari tribe. There is no evidence for genetic relationship between the Arawa family and either Arawak or any other recognized language family.


Yeast cells have had to develop mechanisms in order to protect themselves from chemical and physical agents of the environment to which they are exposed. One of these physical agents is thermal variation. Some yeast cells are known to accumulate high concentrations of trehalose when submitted to heat shock. In this work, we have studied the effect of trehalose on the protection against thermal inactivation of purified plasma membrane H+-ATPase from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, in the solubilized and in the reconstituted state. We observed that after 1 min of incubation at 51 degrees C in the presence of 1 M trehalose, about 50% of soluble enzyme remains active. In the same conditions, but in the absence of trehalose, the activity was completely abolished. The t0.5 for the enzyme inactivation increased from 10 to 50 s after reconstitution into asolectin liposomes. Curiously, in the presence of 1 M trehalose, the t0.5 for inactivation of the reconstituted enzyme was further increased to higher than 300 s, regardless of whether trehalose was added inside or outside the liposome. Additionally, the concentration that confers 50% for the protection by trehalose (K0.5) decreased from 0.5 M, in the solubilized state, to 0.04 M in the reconstituted state, suggesting a synergetic effect between sugar and lipids. Gel electrophoresis revealed that the pattern of H+-ATPase cleavage by trypsin changed when 1 M trehalose was present in the buffer. It is suggested that both in a soluble and in a phospholipid environment, accumulation of trehalose leads to a more heat-stable conformation of the enzyme, probably an E2-like form.


The purpose of the study was to investigate how students generalize and prove the factoring of using a Computer Algebra System application and the role of CAS in this process. The theoretical framework consists of the anthropological and the instrumental approach. In particular, the basis of the Task-Technique-Theorization(T-T-T) frame adapted form Chevallard`s anthropological approach of Didactics is utilized. We found that Technique-Theorization emerges in mutual interaction between paper-and-pencil techniques and computer algebra techniques. And this interaction led to the students` theoretical reflection and conceptual understanding. In this process, we could identify three epistemic role of CAS : the role of checking the result, the role of cognitive stimulation and the role of extending thinking. Therefore CAS plays on a epistemic role of checking the result of a task, stimulating the student` cognition and extending their thinking as well as pragmatic role of producing the result of a input.


EGFR, KRAS and TP53 have frequent somatic hotspot mutations giving rise to biologically relevant amino acid substitutions in EGFR, KRAS and p53 proteins, respectively, that can be processed and presented on the cell surface by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules as neoantigens to T cells through their T-cell receptor (TCR). These mutations are critical for the cancer cell and are absent in normal tissue; thus, these shared neoantigens are attractive and likely safe targets. Given the complexity of different neoantigen/HLA combinations needed to effectively target a large patient population, a TCR library approach is warranted and can be used "off-the-shelf" for any patient with matching somatic hotspot mutation and HLA restriction. Sleeping Beauty transposition is the most advanced non-viral gene transfer technology for TCR-T cells and is appealing for TCR libraries given its low cost, speed, and flexibility.In this study, Sleeping Beauty transposons were constructed with TCRs targeting EGFR, KRAS and p53 neoantigens restricted by either or both HLA Class-I and HLA Class-II molecules. Donor T cells from peripheral blood were co-electroporated with TCR transposon and Sleeping Beauty transposase and grown in vitro to clinical scale quantities (>109 TCR-T cells) with high expression (>60%) of the introduced neoantigen-specific TCRs.The specificity of TCRs to neoantigens was confirmed in TCR-T cell co-cultures with antigen-presenting cells pulsed with peptides, which demonstrated interferon-γ secretion and/or up-regulation of 41BB on the TCR-T cell surface in response to the neoantigen with high avidity (<1 ng/mL for some TCRs) and negligible recognition of wild type peptides. Furthermore, TCR-T cells lysed tumor cells with endogenous expression of the somatic mutation and HLA restriction element but did not recognize tumor cells lacking either somatic mutation or HLA restriction element, indicating that the targeted neoantigens are normally displayed on the tumor cell at sufficient levels for elimination by TCR-T cells. Ziopharm has a cleared corporate-sponsored IND for a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, being conducted in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, in which patients with matching somatic hotspot mutation and HLA restriction will be identified, genes encoding suitable neoantigen-specific TCR will be inserted into their autologous T cells from peripheral blood by Sleeping Beauty transposition, and TCR-T cells will be adoptively transferred for the treatment of bile duct, colon, lung, pancreas and gynecological cancers.Ziopharm's library TCR-T cell program has the potential to result in safe, durable, objective clinical regressions of cancer at a commercial scale.


Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+, is an essential cofactor and substrate for many cellular enzymes. Its sustained intracellular levels have been linked to improved physiological end points in a range of metabolic diseases. Biosynthetic precursors to NAD+ include nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, the ribosylated parents and the phosphorylated form of the ribosylated parents. By combining solvent-assisted mechanochemistry and sealed reaction conditions, access to the ribosylated NAD+ precursors and to the isotopologues of NAD+ precursors was achieved in high yields and levels of purity. The latter is critical as it offers means to better trace biosynthetic pathways to NAD+, investigate the multifaceted roles of the intracellular NAD+ pools, and better exploit NAD+ biology.


The close relationship between the nature of the Triangulum–Andromeda (TriAnd) overdensity and the Galactic disk has become increasingly evident in recent years. However, the chemical pattern of this overdensity (RGC = 20–30 kpc) is unique and differs from what we know of the local disk. In this study, we analyze the chemical abundances of five α elements (Mg, O, Si, Ca, and Ti) in a sample of stars belonging to the TriAnd overdensity, including stars with [Fe/H] < −1.2, to investigate the evolution of the α elements with metallicity. High-resolution spectra from Gemini North with GRACES were analyzed. Overall, the TriAnd population presents an α-element pattern that differs from that of the local disk; the TriAnd stars fall in between the local disk and the dwarf galaxies in the [X/Fe] versus [Fe/H] plane. The high [Mg/Fe] ratios obtained for the lower metallicity TriAnd stars may indicate a roughly parallel sequence to the Milky Way local disk at lower values of [Fe/H], revealing a knee shifted toward lower metallicities for the TriAnd population. Similar behavior is also exhibited in the [Ca/Fe] and [Si/Fe] ratios. However, for O and Ti the behavior of the [X/Fe] ratios shows a slight decay with decreasing metallicity. Our results reinforce the TriAnd overdensity as a unique stellar population of the Milky Way, with an abundance pattern that is different from all stellar populations studied to date. The complete understanding of the complex TriAnd population will require high-resolution spectroscopic observations of a larger sample of TriAnd stars.


Tumor cells initiate angiogenesis within the tumor micro-environment. The maintenance of these newly formed vessels is highly dependent on the migration and recruitment of immune cells. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that chronic morphine administration suppresses tumor cell induced angiogenesis to inhibit tumor growth in mice. Here we tested the hypothesis that a known immunosuppressant as morphine also regulates immune cell recruitment into- and migration towards a tumor microenvironment. To mimic a tumor microenvironment, matrigel was admixed with conditioned media derived from Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LLCCM) and implanted subcutaneous in WT or Mu-Opioid Receptor knockout mice (MORKO) treated with saline or morphine through pellet implantation. Interestingly, plugs taken from placebo treated mice (day 7) showed significant leukocyte infiltration, greater than that compared to plugs from morphine treated mice (p<0.05) and this effect was abolished in MORKO mice. Similarly, morphine suppressed the recruitment of adoptively transferred luciferase expressing bone marrow derived cells (known to contribute to tumor growth) into PVA sponges-presoaked with LLCCM and implanted subcutaneous in mice- pretreated with placebo or morphine. Taken together, these studies suggest that morphine treatment can potentially decrease solid tumor associated inflammation to reduce angiogenesis associated with increased tumor growth.


ABSTRACT A non-target screening strategy was developed for the safety evaluation of potentially hazardous chemicals in paper food contact materials (FCMs). A tentative list of suspect analytes was generated using publicly available FCM substance inventories, the presence of contaminants in paper straws was confirmed by high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Data-independent and data-dependent MS and MS/MS results for candidate compounds were processed using a workflow including peak detection by deconvolution, blank subtraction, retention time alignment, formula assignment and fragmentation spectra search against spectral libraries followed by in silico generated spectra annotation. This workflow allowed for the identification of 74 suspect compounds, of which 40 were assigned a high confidence level of detection. A tentative in silico toxicity evaluation for mutagenic and carcinogenic activities was carried out. Using quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models it was found that two of the detected compounds tested positive for mutagenicity and three for carcinogenicity. Graphical Abstract


Linear programming has been remarkably successful in predicting the diet choice of generalist herbivores. We used this technique to test the diet choice of free-living beavers (Castor fiber) in the Biesbosch (The Netherlands) under different foraging goals, i.e. maximization of intake of energy, nitrogen, phosphorus or sodium, or minimization of feeding time. Three food types were distinguished; i.e, woody food, herbs and roots of monocots. We assessed forage quality by measuring the dry matter, energy and mineral contents of the food plants as well as food intake rates, digestibility and metabolisability in captive beavers. Actual diet was in accordance with the predicted food choice in the summer when the beavers were minimizing feeding time by mainly eating woody food. However, in the winter and spring, the beavers were predicted to feed upon noil-woody food, whereas they (again) nearly exclusively ate woody food. The major reasons for this discrepancy might be: (1) the foraging constraints were inappropriate, (2) the foraging goals were inadequately defined, or (3) the beavers were not foraging optimally. We suggest that future work should take some additional constraints and foraging goals into account. K e y w o r d s : optimal foraging, nutrition, re-introduction, Castor fiber, The Netherlands,


Working with linguistically isolated immigrants on public health issues poses a set of methodological challenges unique to this population. We used community-based participatory research (CBPR) techniques to investigate the disaster preparedness needs of four linguistically isolated population groups in Houston, Texas (Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, and Spanish–speaking) in partnership with community-based organizations and community researchers. As a local health department conducting CBPR, we witnessed various challenges, including: Engaging and using interpreters versus using community researchers; translating focus group questions from English to other languages; recruiting participants from linguistically isolated populations; and handling issues of community power, data collection, and data reliability. In this article, we discuss these challenges, strategies used, and the outcomes of our approaches in the broader context of CBPR.


Summary
Five polypeptide components were resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the proteins extracted from cells infected with Semliki Forest virus. One of these components was the virus nucleocapsid polypeptide, another was the two unresolved virus envelope glycoproteins. The remaining three peaks were due to polypeptides of mol. wt. 97000 (NVP-97), 78000 (NVP-78) and 63000 (NVP-63). NVP-97 and NVP-63 are glycoproteins, and both NVP-63 and the envelope glycoproteins were precipitated with either an antiserum to the envelope polypeptides or with concanavalin A.


KEY FINDINGS
There is conflicting evidence on the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobin G in the treatment of COVID-19
patients with severe disease.

Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIg) is a mixture of polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG3, IgG4) antibodies as well as variable amounts of proteins; IgA, IgE and IgM antibodies isolated and pooled from healthy donors. IgG is involved in viral neutralization, modulates anti-inflammatory cytokines and cytokine antagonists.

Immediate adverse effects of IVIg include flu-like syndrome, dermatologic side effects, arrhythmia, hypotension, and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Delayed adverse effects can involve any organ which could be severe or even lethal

There was a retrospective study (Yun Xie 2020) and several case reports that described recovery of COVID positive patients with severe disease. However, a retrospective study showed that immunoglobulin G with steroids and antivirals did not improve COVID patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (Liu Y 2020). Similarly, another study showed no significant difference in the 28- and 60-day mortality between the IVIg and non-IVIg groups but subgroup analyses reported that in those with critical COVID illness, 28 day mortality is decreased with IVIg (Shao Z).

There are eight registered clinical trials on the use of intravenous immunoglobulin G in COVID-19 patients.


We studied the surface and dive times of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) in Hong Kong from three land-based survey sites in winter/spring 2000, to allow the estimation of the trackline detection probability [g(O] for helicopter line transect surveys in Hong Kong. We determined that groups of fin less porpoises in Hong Kong spend on average about 60% of their time at or near the surface, and 40% of their time on a long dive (30 sec. or greater). Surface times apparently increase in larger groups.

We conclude that finless porpoises in Hong Kong, while being challenging targets for sighting surveys, are apparently available at the surface to be seen for a higher proportion of time than are harbour porpoises in some deeper water habitats.


Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is still one of the leading causes of cardiovascular death in the developed countries. The incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Europe varies from 67 to 170 per 100,000 population. The chain of survival will be described in detailed steps. We are going to summarize the treatment options for sudden cardiac arrest from recognition of SCD to resuscitation and post cardiac arrest care. The role of awereness and Automated External Defibrillator and Public Access Defibrillation (AED-PAD) programs will be discussed in brief. SCD is one of the most common causes of death among athletes. Sport can trigger SCD in individuals who already have unknown form of heart disease. Our aim was to detail the underlying causes of SCD in athletes and to identify the possible screening techniques. Existing disease (e.g., myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis) can be seen as a substrate, and sport as a trigger can cause arrhythmias, increased catecholamine release, acidosis, and dehydration. We will highlight the importance of sports medicine and periodic examination in screening for these conditions. Depending on the etiology, this may include exercise ECG, Holter monitor, CT, MR, echocardiography, and coronagraphy. We are going to conclude the new recommendations for COVID-19 post-infection care for athletes.


In this revised version of the manuscript, we have tried to do our best to address your comments. We have included many paragraphs in many parts of the manuscript to improve our contribution. A slight change has been made in the title to be more engaged with the body. We also tried to change titles and sub-titles to reflect our intentions and visions clearly. More specifically, we have rewritten some sections and added more information to enhance the quality.


On 22 May, a team of microbiologists used a prototype cloud-catcher mounted on a research plane to collect samples from low-lying cumulus clouds near Oxford, England. The researchers, from the University of East London (UEL), are investigating whether an active and self-sustaining ecosystem exists in clouds, and whether airborne microbes may play an active role in forming clouds and causing rainfall.

While scientists have known that microorganisms, including bacteria, fungal spores, and algae, can survive and possibly reproduce in the atmosphere, the challenge, according to the UEL researchers, is to accurately detect, identify, and analyze microbial communities.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the function of the pylorus after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) done for periampullary or pancreatic cancer.

DESIGN
Prospective, observational controlled clinical study.

SETTING
Teaching hospital, Italy.

SUBJECTS
17 patients who had undergone PPPD, and 15 healthy control subjects.

INVESTIGATIONS
Endoscopy to check for gastritis and marginal ulcers and 24 h-pH monitoring and 99mTc HIDA scintigraphy to detect jejunogastric reflux. Scintigraphy was also used to evaluate gastric and jejunal transit after a solid meal labelled with 99mTc colloid sulphur.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Signs of delayed gastric emptying, jejunogastric reflux and gastric outlet obstruction in the short and long term.

RESULTS
In the early postoperative period only 1 patient had delayed gastric emptying. In the long term, two patients had symptoms of dyspepsia and 8/11 showed alkaline reflux with persistent gastric pH more than 4 for more than 12 hours; 3 had histological signs of gastritis. There was no difference in gastric emptying compared with controls, but three patients had prolonged emptying time (T1/2 more than 85 minutes). Endoscopy findings correlated with pH monitoring results.

CONCLUSIONS
After PPPD, most patients have abnormal pyloric function, but it is clinically evident in only a small proportion.


This paper presents a 2-D temperature-dependent analytical drain current model, which is valid for six different device architectures (by slightly modifying the used parameters), i.e., dual material gate dielectric pocket silicon-on-void, dual material gate silicon-on-void, dual material gate silicon-on-insulator, dielectric pocket silicon-on-void, silicon-on-void, and silicon-on-insulator MOSFETs. The results thus obtained, i.e., drain current, transconductance, gm/Ids ratio, threshold voltage, subthreshold slope, and Ion/Ioff ratio have been verified with the simulated results obtained using ATLAS 3-D device simulator for channel length down to 30 nm. The analytical model is also used to investigate the impact of temperature variation on the characteristics of N-MOS inverter based on different architectures. In addition, impact of process and parameters variation (i.e., variation in shallow extension depth (Xe), side pillar thickness (Tst), thickness of buried oxide layer (t3) along with the variation in temperature) on the subthreshold performance of different devices has also been studied through exhaustive device simulation.


Background: The Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) intervention program targets families and communities to improve children's eating and physical activity patterns. We outline the quantitative evaluation design and recruitment results for baseline data collection. Methods: A longitudinal quasi-experimental design, with baseline data collection and five-year follow-up. Participants targeted are children, parents, and school principals/directors from primary, secondary/R-12 schools, pre-schools, childcare and out-of-school-hours-care (OSHC) centers in 20 selected communities across South Australia (SA), and one in the Northern Territory (NT). A total of 277 (262 SA, 15 NT) schools participated; 4860 9-11 year olds and 1164 12-16 year olds completed a questionnaire. Anthropometric measures were taken from 5531 students; 6552 parents, 276 pre/school/childcare directors, 139 OSHC directors and 237 principals completed questionnaires. Data include measurements of child participants' weight/height/waist circumference; paper-based/online surveys of informants in early childhood, primary/secondary school and community settings; and secondary growth check data for 4-5 year old children. Serial cross-sectional analyses will compare intervention to matched comparison communities. Results: Overall school response rate was 50%. Student response rates were 20-22% and 11-13% (questionnaires and measurements respectively); 14-21% of parents, 49-55% of directors, and 26-44% of principals completed and returned questionnaires. Changes to child weight status; eating practices; sleep, physical activity/sedentary behaviors; physical environments; community capacity; and economic evaluation (Quality Adjusted Life year gain) will examine program effectiveness. Conclusions: As the most significant program of its kind in Australia, OPAL will contribute to obesity prevention efforts on an international scale.


The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of stress among among preschool and school teachers during teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to examine the predictive value of teachers' individual characteristics, causes of stress, coping strategies and social support, for the way in which they experience stress, job burnout and for what they hope for regarding the future. The online questionnaire was applied on sample of 491 school teachers and 316 preschool teachers. The results showed that both school and preschool teachers experienced the highest level of stress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the level of stress experienced during the pandemic was higher than before the pandemic. Preschool teachers perceived common causes of stress more intensly than some specific causes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the opposite was true for teachers. Individual characteristics of preschool and school teachers, causes of stress, coping strategies and social support prove to be related to the levels of stress, job burnout and hope for the future, but the predictive values (i.e., significant predictors), differ depending on the criterion and the group of respondents. The results indicate a positive contribution of self-efficacy, coping strategies and social support to the experience of stress among preschool teachers and teachers alike during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Ethical Buying @ the University of Guelph The University of Guelph has long believed that its dealings with suppliers should reflect the institution's recognition that consumer decisions have an impact on those involved in production. Therefore, the University's Board of Governors approved a Code of Ethical Conduct for Suppliers and Subcontractors in Relation to Working Conditions and Employment Standards (the Code).


Abstract In 2007, the US reversed its long-standing policy prohibiting the simultaneous imposition of anti-dumping duties (ADDs) and countervailing duties (CVDs) against non-market economies. The EU followed the US lead and also began imposing simultaneous ADDs and CVDs. The practice, however, leads to double remedies, which are when a domestic subsidy is offset by both an ADD and a CVD. The WTO Appellate Body recently ruled that double remedies were inconsistent with the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and that the burden was on the investigating authorities to ensure that double remedies were not being imposed.


The general presumption in the policy literature has been that China's sustained high growth since 2008 and the global financial crisis (with a dip in Q1 2009) have been heavily reflections of the November 2008 4-trillion Renminbi stimulus package. Less attention has been paid to the revenue side of the government account, even though immediately following the onset of the crisis, government revenues fell after growing at roughly 30% annually pre-crisis. The issue we address in this article is the relative importance of expenditure stimulus and tax stabilization after the onset of the 2008 crisis. We use a Keynesian macroeconomic model of China recast in changes form to quantitatively evaluate the relative importance of the stimulus and automatic tax stabilization components. Our simulation results indicate that without the stimulus package, the economic growth in 2009 would have been only 6.8%, and without slowed growth of government revenues, the growth rate in 2009 would have been only 6.0%. Our conclusion is that while increases in government spending and revenue reduction stimulus from automatic revenue responses both contributed to the speedy recovery of the Chinese economy from the crisis, the tax side may have contributed more than the expenditure side.