Introduction: Cardiovascular (CV) manifestations are common causes of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Autoantibodies anti-dsDNA and Antiphospholipids antibodies (APLA) are both pathogenic and diagnostic. Only few reports exists of correlation of serological positivity with CV manifestations in SLE, especially in Indian subjects. Aims and Methods: The study aimed to characterize the CV manifestations of SLE and correlate them with anti-dsDNA and APLA positivity. Anti-ds DNA was assayed by immunoflourescence staining on Hep-2 cells and APLA was measured by both liquid phase (lupus anticoagulant) and solid phase (anti cardiolipin) ELISA. Results: All the study subjects (n=30) were females with a mean age of 23.07 years. The most frequent CV manifestation was that of pericardial involvement occuring in 63.3% (n=19) patients. Valvular heart disease [VHD (46.6%)], myocarditis (13.3%) and pulmonary artery hypertension [PAH(20%)] were the other major CV involvements. Serological assay revealed 83.3% (n=25) positivity for anti-ds DNA, while APLA was positive in 36.7% (n=11) of the patients. APLA was significantly associated with VHD (p=0.0295), and also with increased pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p Conclusion: As observed in western series, APLA were significantly associated with VHD in SLE in our series; although in contrast, pericarditis was more prevalent in anti dsDNA positive than negative patients. These results could prompt early echocardiography in patients with SLE and APLA positivity, and invite larger studies to establish pathogenic role of these antibodies. Caveat: This study was accepted for presentation at the Cardiological Society of India annual conference 2015 and abstracted in the Indian Heart Journal 67(2015):s125. Key words: Cardiovascular (CV) involvement, systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-ds DNA, and Antiphospholipids antibodies.


Plasma-activated water (PAW) is an emerging and promising green technology in agriculture in recent years. This study aimed to examine the influence of the spraying of PAW and amino acid fertilizer concentrations on German chamomile varieties' physiological, biochemical, and phytochemical characteristics under field conditions. Method: The experiment was performed during 2020–2021 as a factorial using a randomized complete block design with three replications in an arid and semi-arid region east of the Persian Gulf. The factors contained five fertilizer levels (0 (control), 1, 2, 3 mL L−1 amino acid and PAW) and three German chamomile cultivars Bona, Bodegold, and Lianka). Physiological, biochemical, and phytochemical traits such as plant height, fresh and dried flower weight, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, CHN elements: N ratio, total protein, amino acid profile, essential oil yield, apigenin content, and major secondary metabolites were examined. Results: The ANOVA indicated that the impact of the cultivar and fertilizer was significant on all physiological, biochemical, and phytochemical studied parameters. The amino acid fertilizer and PAW enhanced physiological features, hydrogen, C: N ratio, essential oil yield, apigenin content, and main phytochemical compositions like chamazulene, and α-bisabolol, but it had no incremental effect on the carbon, nitrogen, and total protein percentage. Conclusion: Findings revealed that applying foliar amino acid fertilizer and PAW treatments improves physiological, biochemical, and phytochemical parameters in German chamomile cultivars under field conditions.


A study of 64 patients indicates Naniprus is a highly-effective drug for control left ventricular failure. Intravenous administration of naniprus (15-30 mg 2 times daily) is effective in the prophylaxis of recurrences of left ventricular failure in patients with myocardial infarction.


This work tackles the perennial problem of reproducible baselines in information retrieval research, focusing on bag-of-words ranking models. Although academic information retrieval researchers have a long history of building and sharing systems, they are primarily designed to facilitate the publication of research papers. As such, these systems are often incomplete, inflexible, poorly documented, difficult to use, and slow, particularly in the context of modern web-scale collections. Furthermore, the growing complexity of modern software ecosystems and the resource constraints most academic research groups operate under make maintaining open-source systems a constant struggle. However, except for a small number of companies (mostly commercial web search engines) that deploy custom infrastructure, Lucene has become the de facto platform in industry for building search applications. Lucene has an active developer base, a large audience of users, and diverse capabilities to work with heterogeneous collections at scale. However, it lacks systematic support for ad hoc experimentation using standard test collections. We describe Anserini, an information retrieval toolkit built on Lucene that fills this gap. Our goal is to simplify ad hoc experimentation and allow researchers to easily reproduce results with modern bag-of-words ranking models on diverse test collections. With Anserini, we demonstrate that Lucene provides a suitable framework for supporting information retrieval research. Experiments show that our system efficiently indexes large web collections, provides modern ranking models that are on par with research implementations in terms of effectiveness, and supports low-latency query evaluation to facilitate rapid experimentation


This paper investigates a theoretical analysis of electrical transient responses of a bolt-clamped Langevin ultrasonic transducer (BLT) and its verifications based on simulations and experiments during on/off transient states immediately after turning on/off. The simulations are determined by a power electronic simulator originally designed for power converters and motor drives. The responses include the open-circuit voltage, the terminal current, the motional current and the mechanical power loss. A linear equivalent circuit model with the initial conditions is stated first. This model is used to derive the responses characterized by simple closed-form equations. The off transient state as specified by the initial conditions regarding switching-off time of an ac sine source for the drive of the BLT is related to cyclic behavior. The derived responses are further checked by simulations and experiments. To obtain the experiments, a test system which contains an ac power supply, a digital oscilloscope and a control switch is needed. Finally, characteristics of the responses and effects of switching-on/off times of the ac sine source on the characteristics are discussed. The characteristics comprise the dc/ac time constants and the maximum/minimum wave amplitudes for the BLT during on/off transient states.


Mice actively sensitized to egg albumin responded to intradermal challenge with the antigen by the development of immediate-type hypersensitive reactions. Two separate reactions were distinguishable macroscopically and microscopically. Phase 1 reaction consisted of a rapid, transitory inflammation, in which there was evidence of mast cell degranulation. It occurred as the only reaction very early after sensitization, and was briefly noticeable in animals tested later after sensitization. Phase 2 reaction, which when fully developed was a typical Arthus reaction, appeared only in the mice tested at longer intervals after the sensitizing injection. In these animals it developed more slowly than the phase 1 reaction, but eventually obscured it. Phase 2, also, took the form of an acute inflammation, particularly characterized by the occurrence of perivascular cuffing by neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Mast cell degranulation was not a feature of phase 2.


The Gulf of California has many regions of potential tidal-stream energy that have been identified and characterized using in-situ measurements and numerical ocean models. The Midriff Islands region has received particular attention due to its increased current speeds and high kinetic energy. This increase in energy can be seen in the formation of internal wave packets propagating for several hundred kilometers. Here we present a brief description of internal wave measurements travel towards the Northern Gulf and explore energy generation sites. In this paper we characterize the tidal inflow and outflow that passes throughout the Midriff Islands in the central part of the Gulf. We use a three-dimensional numerical ocean model that adequately reproduces the tidal flow and the increase in speed and kinetic energy between the islands. The current flow structure shows the highest velocity cores near the shore and far from the bottom. During the rising tide, the maximum current flow (~0.6 ms−1) was found between Turón Island and San Lorenzo Island, from the surface to 200 m depth. When the currents flowed out of the Gulf, during the falling tide, the maximum negative current (−0.8 ms−1) was found between Tiburon Island and Turón Island, from near the surface to 80 m depth. Although there are favorable conditions for power generation potential by tidal flows, the vertical variability of the current must be considered for field development and equipment installation sites.


A study of the action produced by local freezing on the esophageal and gastric mucosa under conditions of acute hyperemia, on the veins and arteries of various diameter - for preventive stasis of the blood flow along them and on the nerve: carrying sheaths of major arteries made it possible to construct a cryosurgical instrument of a simple design and easy to handle. The working end of this instrument that acts on the organ undergoing operation is cooled down to -185 degrees. The instrument ensures a sufficiently effective utilization of the coolant and its low consumption during surgery.


In 2014, the first dedicated National Māori Suicide Prevention Programme: Waka Hourua was launched by Te Rau Matatini. One of its five streams was the operation of a National Coordination Centre for Māori Community Suicide Prevention. The major programme championed by the Centre included fostering Māori leadership, and building their capacity and capability to lead the development of whole of community plans. In drawing on what differentiates Waka Hourua from other programmes, it is the distinction of being privileged to work as informed insiders to Māori communities. This article provides an account of the Ko Au, Ko Koe, Ko Tātou Māori Suicide Prevention Community Programme and Māori Champions working in communities - the Pou Ārahi role.


Inkjet printing enables more efficient, economic, scalable manufacturing for a wider variety of materials, than other traditional additive techniques. However, the jetting frequency of commercial droplet-on-demand inkjet techniques is mostly limited to ~10 kHz. This paper presents an investigation of the possibility of jetting at megahertz frequencies in order to boost the productivity of inkjet by ~100 times. The key to this problem is rooted in droplet formation dynamics, a subject that has been extensively studied for over 300 years. Hence, the focus of this paper is to understand the limitations of generating droplets at a megahertz frequency and explore possible solutions for overcoming these limitations. The paper begins with a review of literature on the dynamics of droplet formation. A numerical model is then developed for the simulation of droplet formation dynamics. The numerical model is validated against available experimental data from the literature. Aided by insights gained from scaling analysis, the validated model is then used to study the effects of different process parameters on high frequency jetting. The study finds energy density input to the nozzle is the key to achieve megahertz frequency printing.


Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility χ, x-ray photoemission spectra (XPS), electrical resistivity ρ and electronic structure calculations for CeNi4B are reported. In the paramagnetic region, CeNi4B follows the Curie–Weiss law with µeff = 0.52µB/fu and θ = −10.7 K. The effective magnetic moment is lower than the free Ce3+-ion value. The Ce(3d) XPS spectra have confirmed the mixed-valence state of Ce ions in CeNi4B. The f occupancy, nf, and the coupling Δ between the f level and the conduction states were derived to be about 0.83 and 85 meV, respectively. Both susceptibility data and XPS spectra show that Ce ions in CeNi4B are in the intermediate-valence state. At low temperatures (below 12 K), the magnetic contribution to the electrical resistivity reveals a logarithmic slope characteristic of Kondo-like systems.


The 26S proteasome degrades proteins that regulate transcription factor activation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. In cancer, this may allow for uncontrolled cell division, promoting tumor growth, and spread. We examined whether selective inhibition of the 26S proteasome with PS‐341, a dipeptide boronic acid analogue, would block proliferation and induce apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer. Proteasome inhibition significantly blocked mitogen (FCS) induced proliferation of BxPC3 human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, while arresting cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis by 24 h. Accumulation of p21Cip1‐Waf‐1, a cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor normally degraded by the 26S proteasome, occurred by 3 h and correlated with cell cycle arrest. When BxPC3 pancreatic cancer xenografts were established in athymic nu/nu mice, weekly administration of 1 mg/kg PS‐341 significantly inhibited tumor growth. Both cellular apoptosis and p21Cip1‐Waf‐1 protein levels were increased in PS‐341 treated xenografts. Inhibition of tumor xenograft growth was greatest (89%) when PS‐341 was combined with the tumoricidal agent CPT‐11. Combined CPT‐11/PS‐341 therapy, but not single agent therapy, yielded highly apoptotic tumors, significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation, and blocked NF‐κB activation indicating this systemic therapy was effective at the cancer cell level. 26S proteasome inhibition may represent a new therapeutic approach against this highly resistant and lethal malignancy. J. Cell. Biochem. 82: 110–122, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Internal mammary arteries (IMA) and saphenous veins (SV) are vessels currently used in human coronary artery bypass surgery. In addition to late complications, the vessels may develop spasm perioperatively. We studied isolated IMA and SV from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft to reproduce in vitro the phenomenon of vasospasm. Vascular rings were constricted with phenylephrine in a classic organ bath. The effects of two vasodilator agents, milrinone and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on phenylephrine precontracted vessels and as a pretreatment to reverse or prevent the contraction, respectively, were studied. When added to a precontracted vessel, milrinone had the same vasorelaxant effect as SNP in artery rings (EC50: 7.4 × 10-7 ± 0.8 × 10-7 vs. 5.9 × 10-7 ± 0.8 × 10-7 M, milrinone vs. SNP). In veins, milrinone was less effective in relaxing the rings than SNP (EC50: 15 × 10-7 ± 3 × 10-7 vs. 1.5 × 10-7 ± 0.1 × 10-7 M, milrinone vs. SNP, p < 0.05). If milrinone or SNP was added as a pretreatment, using the EC50 values, the inhibitory effect of milrinone on phenylephrine-induced contractions was greater in arteries than in veins (71 ± 4 vs. 36 ± 11% inhibition of maximum contraction to phenylephrine, artery vs. vein, p < 0.05). In arteries, milrinone caused a greater inhibitory effect than SNP (71 ± 4 vs. 52 ± 9% inhibition, milrinone vs. SNP, p < 0.05), but similar inhibition in veins (36 ± 11 vs. 42 ± 16%, milrinone vs. SNP). These results suggest that milrinone could be useful in preventing IMA spasm and, to a lesser extent, SV spasm, but not in reversing established spasm of an artery.


Quatsomes are a class of nonphospholipid vesicles in which bilayers are formed from mixtures of quaternary ammonium (QA) amphiphiles and sterols. We describe the formation of oxidation and acid-sensitive quatsome-like vesicles and other bilayer assemblies from mixtures of a ferrocenylated QA amphiphile (FTDMA) and several cholesterol derivatives. The influence of the sterol and the preparation method (extrusion or probe sonication) on the stability and morphology of the resulting vesicles is explored; a variety of structures can be obtained from small (ca. 30 nm) spherical unilamellar and oligolamellar quatsome-like vesicles to large (ca. 200 nm) multilamellar onion-like vesicles to extended nanoribbons many micrometers long. FTDMA-sterol vesicles undergo drastic shifts in vesicle and membrane structure when treated with a chemical oxidant (Frémy's salt), a feature previously observed in liposomes containing FTDMA and now confirmed in nonphospholipid vesicles. Size distributions of spherical quatsome-like vesicles obtained from cryo-TEM are examined to estimate the membrane bending rigidity, and a hypothesis is presented to explain the underlying mechanism of the profound membrane alterations observed as a consequence of ferrocene oxidation.


Disciplines such as software engineering are expanding rapidly, and both the new knowledge gained as the discipline matures and the need to prepare students for changing environments make it important for departments to find a balance between evolving curriculum to match and shrinking or relatively static budgets. We describe program additions at Seattle University, a small private university in the Pacific Northwest. They were designed to expand its graduate curriculum in software engineering to include an information assurance focus. This was done with only a moderate budget increase and without hiring additional permanent faculty. A deeper look at one of the courses added, and the lessons learned from this effort, could prove useful to other universities contemplating similar attempts.


My intention is to explore the Hobbesian account of civil association in terms of his conception of the state of nature, especially as it relates to his view of language in politics. I start from the view that the achievement of a political philosopher must be to reveal some central presupposition of our thought and action, as the Greeks did in their exploration of justice, Rousseau with the general will, and Locke with the idea of property. Hobbes takes the view that we cannot properly understand ideas such as sovereignty, government, law, obligation and so on without presupposing the kind of unstable conflict-ridden situation he called the condition of nature.


Author(s): Tran, Sharon N. | Advisor(s): Lee, Rachel C | Abstract: This dissertation expands existing accounts of the history of Asian racialization in the United States by examining the various discursive, symbolic, and affective economies through which the "Asian girl" has been trafficked. I mobilize the "Asian girl" as a critical framework for attending to an especially vulnerable, young female population and girlification as a particular mode of racialization. I examine the Asian girl queered by militarization, the kawaii (cute) Asian girl, the cybernetic/transgenic Asian girl, and the feral Asian girl as critical sites for seriously grappling with material conditions of political constraint and dependency. The project identifies girlish vulnerability as a structure of disavowal/contempt in a historically masculinist minoritarian politics that emphasizes autonomy, sovereignty, and militant resistance and takes forms of vulnerability as a basis theorizing an alternative affective politics. My research draws on the works of Asian/American novelists, poets, and visual artists for how they (re)imagine Asian girls in lateral associations of compoundedness, eroticism, and nascent political solidarity. As the title, "Between Asian Girls," suggests, this dissertation seeks to recuperate theorizations of female homosociality, famously dismissed by Eve Sedgwick, as overly "intelligible"—thereby too facile for investigation—and at the same time, as politically illegible. I offer a postcolonial, critical race studies intervention to theorizations of female homosociality. Engaging with Asian Americanist scholarship by David Eng, Gayatri Gopinath, Jodi Kim, among others, I trace how histories of racialization, militarism, and imperialism intimately structure relations between Asian girls. This project also redefines the stakes of theorizing homosociality through a focus on the girl, a liminal figure that is heavily sexualized in U.S. culture but is simultaneously not allowed to be sexual. I take up the Asian girl as a critical framework for thinking queerness in terms of minor(itized) bodies, how girlification is a mode of racialization indexed in the construction of figures such as the "Asian sissy" and "China doll." My project is thus in conversation with girl studies and recent queer critique on the child. Responding to Lee Edelman's polemic on the politics of reproductive futurism organized around the child, I follow Kathryn Bond Stockton and J. Jack Halberstam in probing how minor girl "acts" can shift our understanding of the political. Instead of a politics for the child, I take the child and Asian girlification as a point of departure for theorizing minor feminisms.The Asian/American cultural productions I analyze foreground various structuring conditions that inhibit the Asian girl from growing up, in the heteronormative sense, to become an autonomous adult human, and lead her to instead, "grow sideways" (cf. Stockton 2009). I probe how these works stage the Asian girl's queer bonding with other contingent, proximal objects and organisms and provide critical imaginaries for theorizing alternative forms of social and political collectivity. My opening chapter examines how Sarah Bird and Nora Okja Keller deploy the trope of lateral birth in their fiction as a means of critiquing and negotiating histories of gendered militarized violence, while later chapters mine the possibilities of a compound political subjectivity in depictions of kawaii collectivity across different genres from Japanese anime to Chang-rae Lee's novel On Such a Full Sea, stinky multispecies assemblages in the speculative fiction of Larissa Lai, and her collaborative ecopoetics with Rita Wong. This dissertation also seeks to further develop and enact a mode of sideways critique taken up by some feminist and queer studies scholars (cf. R. Lee 2014). Argumentation typically entails a logic and expectation of verticality, the linear ordering and building up of ideas to some final culmination. In each of my chapters, I perform variations of sideways reading practices that mine the contingent, lateral points of connection between texts for how they can move us sideways toward queer critical terrains.


OBJECTIVES
The goals of this investigation were (1) to evaluate the Oral Health Status Index in relation to demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and preventive behaviors of an adult population; and (2) to understand how individual index components performed as indicators of oral health status compared to the composite index.

METHODS
The Oral Health Status Index (OHSI) was used on a probability sample of adults, aged 18-93 years, living in the Detroit tricounty area. Data were collected on 509 subjects via in-home dental examinations. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the OHSI and its components, including decayed, missing, and replaced teeth, free ends, and moderate and severe periodontal disease measures.

RESULTS
The mean OHSI score for subjects was 77.3 (SE = 1.83) with a range of -8.0 to 100.0. In regression analyses, OHSI scores were positively correlated with subjects' education level, self-rated oral health scores, and frequency of dental checkups and negatively correlated with age, nonwhite race, and smoking. Of the index components, missing teeth performed well as an indicator of oral health status. Missing teeth were positively correlated with age, nonwhite race, and smoking and negatively correlated with education level, self-rated oral health, and use of Medicaid. About 53 percent of variance in OHSI scores was explained by the multivariate models, compared to 46 percent for missing teeth.

CONCLUSIONS
Choosing an indicator of oral health status likely will depend upon the characteristics of the population to be studied. As a composite measure of oral health status, the OHSI performed acceptably; however, missing teeth, an index component, also worked well. Continued evaluation of the OHSI is warranted.


Abstract. Recent extreme weather events have had severe impacts on UK crop yields, and so there is concern that a greater frequency of extremes could affect crop production in a changing climate. Here we investigate potential future impacts of climate projections on wheat, the most widely grown cereal crop globally, in a temperate country with currently favourable wheat-growing conditions. Past and projected climate conditions are considered for key wheat growth stages (Foundation, Construction and Production). Historically, following the plateau of UK wheat yields since the 1990s, we find there has been a recent significant increase in wheat yield volatility, which is partially explained by seasonal metrics of temperature and precipitation, including mean, extremes, and intra-seasonal variability. Strong associations between climate and yield anomalies occur during years with cumulative climate impacts across growth stages, when climate extremes 'escape' the ability of farmers to adapt through agronomic means. We then analyse the latest 2.2 km UK Climate Projections for the UK's three main wheat-growing regions. Climate projections indicate that on average across the three regions, the Foundation growth stage (broadly 1st October to 9th April) is likely to become warmer and wetter, while the Construction (10th April to 10th June) and Production (11th June to 26th July) stages are likely to become warmer and slightly drier. An analogue approach, comparing historical climate conditions with future climate projections, reveals a mixed picture of future climate conditions for UK crop yields. Projected warmer winter night temperatures are likely to prove beneficial in the Foundation stage, but concurrent increases in heavy rain may be detrimental. Similarly, warmer and drier mean conditions may enhance yields during the Production stage, but increases in high temperatures and heat variability may increase plant stress, while decreases in rainfall may also threaten adequate water supply. Since future climatic conditions are likely to move outside the historically observed range, there may be challenges for agriculture to adapt management practices to realise any potential benefits.


The quality of data plays an important role in business analysis and decision making, and data accuracy is an important aspect in data quality. Thus one necessary task for data quality management is to evaluate the accuracy of the data. And in order to solve the problem that the accuracy of the whole data set is low while a useful part may be high, it is also necessary to evaluate the accuracy of the query results, called relative accuracy. However, as far as we know, neither measure nor effective methods for the accuracy evaluation methods are proposed. Motivated by this, for relative accuracy evaluation, we propose a systematic method. We design a relative accuracy evaluation framework for relational databases based on a new metric to measure the accuracy using statistics. We apply the methods to evaluate the precision and recall of basic queries, which show the result's relative accuracy. We also propose the method to handle data update and to improve accuracy evaluation using functional dependencies. Extensive experimental results show the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed framework and algorithms.


This thesis contributes to the theoretical understanding of the dynamics of regional integration by focusing on the key elements in regional integration process: democratisation, identity, institutions and leadership. The thesis is based on the premise that while theorisation of the EU experience of integration has provided an invaluable range of theoretical tools, the application of these theoretical perspectives to other regional organisations is often relatively uncritical. The contribution of the thesis is hence a theoretical examination of the applicability of concept derived from the European experience to the dynamics of integration in ASEAN. Specifically, the thesis analyses the importance of democratisation, identity, institutions and leadership as critical mechanisms and driving force in regional integration process. The thesis provides a systematic analysis by addressing the roles of the four factors, whether or not they take part in constructing and solidifying regional community, as well as the interaction and causal relationship between these variables in the regional integration process. The thesis finds that while democratisation, identity, institution and leadership are important driving force in the intriguing dynamics of ASEAN integration, they are interrelated and function in different ways from the European experience while some of them have a complicated role and are subject to other influential factors. Importantly, in the context of ASEAN, democratisation probes problematic and causes a lot of internal tension among member states. At the end of the thesis, it contends that the problem of democratic deficit and the divergent political ideologies among ASEAN members lie at the root of all emerging major criticisms as well as lead to a slow progress of regional integration. Furthermore, this thesis argues that the association's norms should be reinterpreted to allow constructive consultation on the existing problems and moving towards a more participatory community could be one way to break the deadlock and should be set as a long-term goal of ASEAN.


Consumption of processed meat is associated to cancer risk increasing. This study used secondary data from RISKESDAS 2013 with a case-control study design, is aimed to analyze the cancer prevelance in Indonesia based on food consumption patterns and lifestyles. The case population is 90 people suffering from cancer and 90 people with no cancer randomly selected as control. Respondent profiles were analyzed by univariate analysis. The relationship of cancer risk factors were analyzed by bivariate analysis and determination of risk factors using multivariate analysis. Sensitivity and specificity analyses showed the cancer vulnerable age is ≥46 years. Processed meat consumption is associated significantly (p=0.000; OR=1.25) in the cancer prevelance. Respondents frequently eat processed meat risk is predicted 1.25 times compared to those not taking. Vegetable consumption (p=0.046; OR=0.509) and fruit consumption (p=0.022; OR=0.365) related significantly to cancer. Vegetables consumption reduce the risk by 0509 times, and fruit consumption reduce the risk by 0365 times. Lifestyle risk factors (physical activity and smoking) significant (p=0.000) to cancer. Multivariate analysis results showed the age, gen- der and processed meat consumption is associated significantly (p=0.000) to cancer.


A finite element model has been developed for the 3D simulation of the sintering of a single track during a selective laser sintering process (SLS). The model takes into account both the thermal and the sintering phenomena involved in the process. Owing to the continuous movement of the laser beam the model takes also into account the transient nature of the problem. This is transformed into a pseudo‐static one through a transformation of the coordinates system of the equations. Nevertheless, this transformation introduces a convective term into the heat equations that produces instabilities in the solution. These instabilities have been solved by using a stream upwind Petrov Galerkin (SUPG) strategy together with a shock capturing scheme. Finally, a fixed point strategy is used for the solution of the analysis. The model has been tested through the solution of some examples.


Thin film solar cells have attracted considerable attentions due to their lightweight, low material consumption, ease of fabrication, and potentially high power-conversion efficiency. However, significant cost reductions as well as large-scale production are necessary to compete with the conventional utility power. To reduce cost, vacuum-free manufacture process for each solar cell component is needed. This dissertation focus on novel and cost-effective methods on solution processes of thin film solar cells, ranged from top transparent electrode, the various absorbing layers, and eventually achieving high performance devices. For the transparent electrode, our focus is on the silver nano-wires, and the nano-junction within the network. For the absorbing layer, our targets are: Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTS), and CH3NH3PbX3 (MAX, X= I, Cl, Br) perovskite materials, respectively. In Chapter 2, a formation of Ag-NW contacts was proven to be an efficient method to reduce the contact resistance using the Joule heating, current crowding, and electromigration effect. Transparent electrodes have been applied to optoelectronic devices. Chapter 3, a metal nanowire composite layer was demonstrated to achieve fully solution-processed as a component of CuIn(S,Se)4 (CISS) solar cells. The high performance of the nanowire composite and the role of such electrodes in high performance solar devices were elucidated. Further improvement of the nanowire network to achieve better stability was also demonstrated. Chapter 4 presented a doping control method to investigate the effect of sodium dopant to the CZTS solar cells in terms of device performance, properties, and film formation. A novel synthesis method of CZTS:Na nanocrystal was demonstrated. Sodium incorporation method successfully improved the efficiency by around 50%. In addition, the role of sodium incorporation was investigated. In Chapter 5, the transformation of solution-processed MAX3 perovskite solar cells was investigated and possible reaction pathways were proposed. Secondary phases from this process were identified and the corresponding physical properties during the transformation were further studied.


Abstract In the mid-1990s Australia embarked on a program of reforms including the introduction of private property rights in water, the allocation of water for the environment, and increased public participation where new initiatives are proposed. Many of the water allocation and management practices adopted in the country have originated from states in the Murray-Darling Basin. This article considers the different approaches taken in NSW, Queensland; and Victoria. In each of these states, public participation has been an evolving process, giving rise to difficulties of a slightly different nature. The article outlines the policy and theory behind public participation and sets out the legal provisions for its inclusion in water planning. It explores the main issues in the implementation of the legislation. The Australian experience suggests that policy makers and legislators did not initially draw upon the extensive research that was in existence on effective public participation. However, changes were made to make the processes more inclusive. Capacity building of participants, independent scientific support, and access to data were some of the most critical factors in effective public participation. Because the public had the opportunity to participate and influence decision making in water allocation, some potential legal conflict was avoided. Of the states examined, Queensland had the best legislative template for public participation although improvements could be made in many areas.


Concordant and discordant genotypic predictions of HIV‐1 co‐receptor tropism were analyzed. V3 region was sequenced from plasma samples of patients screened for R5 tropism by the Trofile® assay, before CCR5 antagonist prescription. Ten tools including geno2pheno, PSSM, an "11/25" and "net charge" rule, and other published algorithms were used. Patients were grouped according to concordance or discordance between tools and Trofile® result. Trofile® tropism reports from 50 patient samples were R5 in 38 and Dual/Mixed (DM) in 12. Prediction with the genotypic tools were concordant for 23 R5 samples, and discordant for the 15 other ones. From Trofile® DM strains were concordant in 6 and discordant in 6. V3 sequences were not clearly distinct between R5 and DM strains, except a greater diversity in the later. Discordances were found with any tool or combination of them, so that no one can be proposed as better than the others. Predictive values of each algorithm were similar and rather good (efficacy ranged from 74% to 84%), but the rate of non‐confirmed prediction is greater when compelling the results of all tools with each individual sample. The mean of quantitative values obtained with one tool when another tool give the opposite prediction were different from those obtained when all tools agree with that prediction. The two discordant groups were often not distinguishable from each other. These results suggest that viruses giving discordant prediction with bioinformatic tools could be functionally distinct and/or in a different evolutionary state compared to those with concordant prediction. J. Med. Virol. 84:402–413, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


ABSTRACT This article explores personal, network, and community contexts in older women's friendships and health. Twenty-six older women (mean age, 67; range 55–85 years) in San Francisco were asked to choose the one individual to whom they felt the closest and then discuss how this individual contributed to their health. Their choices were numerous, diverse, contextual, and circumstantial. Other women were chosen most often; however, this belies the complexity of their choices. Confidants were chosen primarily for expressive reasons, but instrumental reasons proved important too, particularly for lower class women. Older women called upon their closest ties with physical, social, and emotional problems; they were less likely to call upon them with mental, financial, or spiritual concerns. Family members were preferred to friends for direct caregiving; however, some older women felt they would call upon their friends as well. Confidants kept older women healthy by offering advice and encouragement about diet and exercise; by providing meals and transportation; by laughing, talking, and joking with them; by keeping them happy and feeling good about themselves; and, on rare occasions, by offering spiritual guidance. Practical and policy considerations of their choices were discussed.


Background: Sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition reduces hyperglycaemia and has beneficial effects in heart failure. However, the effect of SGLT2 inhibition with empagliflozin on acute myocardial dysfunction after cardiac arrest (CA) remains unknown.Methods: Non-diabetic male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent ventricular fibrillation to induce CA, or sham surgery. Rats received 10 mg/kg of empagliflozin or vehicle at 10 minutes after return of spontaneous circulation by intraperitoneal injection. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, histological analysis, molecular markers of myocardial injury, oxidative stress, mitochondrial ultrastructural integrity and metabolism. Results: Empagliflozin did not influence heart rate and blood pressure, but left ventricular function and survival time were significantly higher in the empagliflozin treated group compared to the group treated with vehicle. Empagliflozin also reduced myocardial contraction band necrosis, myocardial fibrosis, serum cardiac troponin I levels and myocardial oxidative stress after CA. Moreover, empagliflozin maintained the structural integrity of myocardial mitochondria and increased mitochondrial activity after CA. In addition, empagliflozin increased circulating and myocardial ketone levels as well as myocardial expression of the 𝛽-hydroxy butyrate dehydrogenase 1. Together these metabolic changes were associated with an increase in cardiac ATP production.Conclusions: Empagliflozin favorably affects cardiac function in non-diabetic rats with acute myocardial dysfunction after CA, associated with reducing glucose levels and increasing ketone body oxidized metabolism. Our data suggest that empagliflozin might be of benefit in patients with acute myocardial dysfunction after CA.


Over the past few years biometric technologies are used to security purposes by analyzing human characteristics. Unimodal biometric has some limitations which overcome with multibiometric. Multibiometric system also inherits some problems related to the template security. Now a days in network goes on different types of attacks which can handle by biometrics. In paper present different types of biometrics attacks and types of multi-model biometric system. Various techniques proposed in developing an authentication system for promising to individual's information security to come together biometric characteristics of that individual and the feature transformations as well as cryptographic techniques. It also provides fundamental idea for future research that may help in removing the difficulty associated with the current authentication systems. Biometrics technologies are gaining popularity today since they provide more safe and capable of authentication and verification.


A unique application of group support technology is described. A methodology was developed to support a series of economic policy making meetings. The meetings were part of the second phase of a national study to upgrade New Zealand's competitive position in global markets. Questionnaires were administered to participants after all meetings. Results from these questionnaires indicate that participants felt that the meetings were both very effective and efficient. Observational findings are also reported. Implications for using group support technology for economic policy development are discussed.<<ETX>>


Abstract The posterior esophagus of Bulla striata, running from the gizzard to the stomach, was investigated with light and electron microscopy to obtain new data for a comparative analysis of the digestive system in cephalaspidean opisthobranchs. In this species, the posterior esophagus can be divided into two regions. In the first, the epithelium is formed by columnar cells with apical microvilli embedded in a cuticle. Many epithelial and subepithelial secretory cells are present in this region. In both, electron-lucent secretory vesicles containing filaments and a peripheral round mass of secretory material fill the cytoplasm. These acid mucus-secreting cells may also contain a few dense secretory vesicles. In the second part of the posterior esophagus, the cuticle is absent and the epithelium is ciliated. In this region, epithelial cells may contain larger lipid droplets and glycogen reserves. Subepithelial secretory cells are not present, and in epithelial secretory cells the number of dense vesicles increases, but most secretory cells still contain some electron-lucent vesicles. These cells secrete a mixture of proteins and acid polysaccharides and should be considered seromucous. The secretory cells of the posterior esophagus are significantly different from those previously reported in the anterior esophagus of this herbivorous species.


A number of important philosophical problems are at the intersection of logic and ontology. Both logic and ontology are diverse fields within philosophy and, partly because of this, there is not one single philosophical problem about the relation between them. In this survey article we will first discuss what different philosophical projects are carried out under the headings of "logic" and "ontology" and then we will look at several areas where logic and ontology overlap.


The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is one of the most important characteristics of an ocean model run. Using the depth (z) and density frameworks, we analyze how the sinking and diapycnal transformations defining the AMOC as well as AMOC strength and variability react to mesh refinement from low to higher resolution in two model runs driven by the CORE‐II forcing. Both runs can represent the key locations of sinking and diapycnal transformations behind AMOC, that is, northeastern North Atlantic. Although their spatial patterns do not change significantly with resolution in both frameworks as the consequence of the same atmospheric forcing, the quantitative differences, reaching several sverdrups, are seen in different locations between two model runs for both frameworks. In particular, the refinement leads to the strongest differences in the vertical transport and diapycnal transformations in the latitude range between 30°N and 55°N. The z framework emphasizes the role of localized upwelling around the Gulf Stream separation site, whereas the density framework emphasizes the contribution of (spurious) diapycnal mixing around the Grand Banks. Both effects are reduced in the higher‐resolution run, leading to higher AMOC south of 26°N as compared to the low‐resolution run, despite the AMOC maxima, located at high latitudes, are higher in the low‐resolution run. We suggest that both AMOC frameworks should be used routinely in standard analyses, including forthcoming intercomparison projects.


. A new humped orb-weaver, Gibbaranea bruuni Lissner spec. nov., is described from specimens collected in Majorca, Spain. The new species is most closely related to two other Western Palaearctic species, Gibbaranea gibbosa ( Walckenaer, 1 802) and Gibbaranea occidentalis Wunderlich, 1989. Araneus dromedarius cuculliger Simon, 1909 (= Gibbaranea bituberculata cuculliger ) is synonymized with Gibbaranea bituberculata (Walckenaer, 1802), syn. nov.


Acquired hemosiderosis resulting from massive iron deposits in various organs, including heart, liver, and pancreas, may lead to architectural and functional disturbances of these organs. Even though iron overload can occur in nonuremic as well as in uremic individuals, the dialysis patient is at particular risk for developing hemosiderosis. Many dialysis patients receive exogenous iron from either oral iron therapy or blood transfusions. In addition, these patients seem to be at high risk for retaining iron. A diagnosis of excess iron deposition should be considered if the patient has unexplained cardiomyopathy, hepatic cirrhosis, proximal myopathy, diabetes mellitus, arthropathy, or immune dysfunction such as listeriosis. Several techniques are available for determining iron overload. Diagnostic tests include measuring serum ferritin levels, staining bone marrow preparations for excess iron, measuring tissue hemosiderin concentrations, magnetic resonance imaging, and the deferoxamine (DFO; Desferal) "challenge test." The simplest treatment for iron overload in nonuremic patients is removal of iron by venesection. However, in patients in whom venesection is not feasible, the chelating agent DFO can effectively remove excess iron. In the dialysis patient, DFO therapy can be combined with either dialysis or hemoperfusion to remove the iron-DFO complex that would otherwise be removed by the kidney. DFO therapy in the nondialyzed individual has proven to be successful, but before treatment, the benefits of the treatment must be weighed against possible adverse side effects such as cataracts, changes in color vision, and anaphylaxis. In the dialysis patient, indications for iron removal are less clearly defined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


In a machine that follows the dynamically trace scheduled VLIW (DTSVLIW) architecture, VLIW instructions are built dynamically through an algorithm that can be implemented in hardware. These VLIW instructions are cached so that the machine can spend most of its time executing VLIW instructions without sacrificing any binary compatibility. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the DTSVLIW instruction-scheduling algorithm by comparing it with the first come first served (FCFS) algorithm, used for microinstruction compaction, and the greedy algorithm, used by the Dynamic Instruction Formatting (DIF) architecture. We also present comparisons between the DTSVLIW, pure VLIW, and the Power PC620 processor. Our results show that the DTSVLIW scheduling algorithm has almost the same performance as the Greedy and FCFS. The results also show that the DTSVLIW performs better than the DIF for important machine configurations, better than pure VLIW implementations in most cases, and better than the Power PC620 using equivalent hardware resources.


The authors propose a general formulation for adaptive, maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) segmentation of image sequences on the basis of interframe displacement and gray level information. The segmentation classifies pixel sites to independently moving objects in the scene. In this formulation, two methods for characterizing the conditional probability distribution of the data given the segmentation process are proposed. The a priori probability distribution is characterized on the basis of a Gibbsian model of the segmentation process, where a novel motion-compensated spatiotemporal neighborhood system is defined. The proposed formulation adapts to the displacement field accuracy by appropriately adjusting the relative emphasis on the estimated displacement field, gray level information, and prior knowledge implied by the Gibbsian model. Experiments have been performed with a five-frame simulated sequence containing translation and rotation.<<ETX>>


Study Design. Retrospective study. Objective. The goal of the study was to investigate the significance of a change in latency in monitoring of transcranial muscle-action potential (Tc-MsEP) waveforms. Summary of Background Data. Tc-MsEP has become a common approach in spine surgery due to its sensitivity and importance in motor function. Many reports have defined the alarm point of Tc-MsEP waveform as a particular decrease in amplitude, but evaluation of the waveform latency has not attracted as much attention. Methods. The subjects were 70 patients who underwent spine surgery using intraoperative Tc-MsEP monitoring. The peak latency was defined as the period from stimulation until the waveform amplitude reached its peak. Relationships with postoperative paralysis were examined separately for latency delays of 5% or more and 10% or more, and in combination with a decrease in amplitude of 70% or more from baseline. Results. Acceptable baseline Tc-MsEP responses were obtained from 1225 of 1372 muscles in the extremities (89.3%). Seven of the 70 patients (10%) had postoperative paralysis. A decrease in intraoperative amplitude of 70% or more from baseline occurred in 25 cases, with sensitivity 100%, specificity 71%, false positive rate 29%, and positive predictive value (PPV) 28% for prediction of postoperative paralysis. Compared to baseline, 15 cases had a latency delay of 5% or more, which gave a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 87%, false positive rate of 0%, and PPV 47%, and 8 cases had a delay of 10% or more, which gave a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 97%, false positive rate of 3%, and PPV 75%. A combination of a decrease in amplitude of 70% or more from baseline and a delay in latency of 10% or more from baseline had a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 98%, and a false positive rate of 2%, and PPV 86%. Conclusion. Combined use of latency and amplitude could lead to reduction of false positives and increase of PPV in Br(E)-MsEP monitoring. Level of Evidence: 3


The aim of the paper is the theoretical determination of the relationship between force P and deflection f for beams. It has been shown that when the friction is present in the cases considered the three qualitatively different phases of beam loading and unloading may occur. In the later phases (second and third) flat iron bars in the bending beam slide one another resulting in the distinct decrease of flexural rigidity of the beam. It appears that the diagram P(f) forms the hysteresis loop. In the paper the area of the hysteresis loop has been also evaluated.


Foodborne illness outbreaks associated with chicken can be reduced with effective decontamination interventions. The effectiveness of pulsed ultraviolet (PUV) light for destruction of Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter on the surface of chicken thigh meat was investigated. Chicken thighs were inoculated to 6 to 7 log10 CFU/cm2 before exposure to PUV light for each of the above-mentioned pathogens. Treatment variables included the distance from the quartz window of the PUV light (8 and 13 cm) and treatment time (0, 5, 15, 30, and 45 s). Comparison of treated samples to control (0 s) samples allowed for quantification of microbial reduction due to PUV light treatment. Microbial reduction on lean surface chicken thighs (P < 0.05) with increasing duration of PUV light exposure for E. coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella. Exposure to PUV light for 5 and 45 s on lean surface thighs resulted in log10 CFU/cm2 reductions of 1.22 and 2.02 for E. coli, 1.45 and 2.09 for Campylobacter, and 1.55 and 2.42 for Salmonella, respectively. Pulsed UV light exposure for 5 and 45 s on skin surface thighs resulted in log10 reductions of 1.19 and 1.96 for E. coli; 1.08 and 1.85 for Campylobacter, and 0.90 and 1.82 for Salmonella, respectively. Results indicate that PUV light is effective for reductions of bacterial populations on the surface of raw chicken meat.


The aminoglycoside resistance mechanisms revealed by two surveys in Europe and other countries have been compared to those revealed in earlier studies. Mechanisms have become more complex in all bacterial groups. In Providencia, Serratia, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Staphylococcus species isolates, genus-specific mechanisms were very common, and it was not possible to see differences between different geographic areas. In other Enterobacteriaceae, the increasing complexity of mechanisms was most often caused by combinations of gentamicin-modifying enzymes with AAC(6')-I, which acetylates amikacin but not gentamicin. The occurrence of these combinations varied by geographical region and among hospitals. The frequency of these combinations correlated with aminoglycoside usage in either the geographical regions or in individual hospitals. These broad-spectrum combinations occurred most frequently in Citrobacter, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella species but also occurred in Escherichia, Morganella, Proteus, Salmonella, and Shigella species. Often the only clinically available aminoglycoside that retained its normal activity was isepamicin.


This guide connect new faculty to the resources, services and people on campus that are relevant to teaching, learning and research at McMaster.


The coercivity mechanism of Nd-Fe-B based magnets prepared by a new technique of strip casting was investigated. Different from the traditional magnets, α-Fe phases are difficult to be found in Nd-Fe-B magnets prepared by strip casting. Meanwhile, the rich-Nd phases occur not only near the grain boundaries of main phases, but also within the main-phase grains. Investigation on the magnetizing field dependence of the coercivity for the (Nd0.935Dy0.065)14.5Fe79.4B6.1magnet and the temperature dependence of the coercivity for the Nd14.5Fe79.4B6.1magnet have been done. Results show that coercivities for strip casting magnets are controlled by the nucleation mechanism.


In a case‐control study of NPC conducted in the Philippines, 104 predominantly non‐Chinese (<10% ethnically Chinese) cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and 205 hospital and community controls were recruited. Risk factor information was obtained through personal interview. The occupational history of each subject was reviewed "blind" by an industrial hygienist to determine estimates of exposure to formaldehyde, solvents, dusts, exhaust and pesticides. After control for confounding, subjects who were first exposed to formaldehyde 25 or more years prior to diagnosis/interview or who were first exposed before the age of 25 were found, in relation to those never exposed, to be at a 4.0‐fold excess risk of disease. Similarly, those first exposed to dust and/or exhaust 35 or more years prior to diagnosis/ interview were at a 4.4‐fold excess risk of disease and those first exposed before the age of 20 were at a 3.5‐fold excess risk of disease. Salted fish consumption was not associated with risk, while consumption of processed meats protected against NPC. Smoking was positively associated with NPC, but only when cases were compared to community controls. Relative to non‐smokers, subjects reporting more than 30 years of smoking were at an adjusted 7.2‐fold excess risk of disease. Herbal medicine use and burning of anti‐mosquito coils were both independently associated with risk of NPC, with ever‐users of herbal medicines being at a 2.5‐fold excess risk of disease and those reporting daily use of anti‐mosquito coils being at a 5.9‐fold excess risk of disease relative to never users. Exposure to solvents, pesticides, or use of betel nuts were not associated with NPC risk.


Accurate chromosome segregation is vital for cell and organismal viability. The mitotic spindle, a bipolar macromolecular machine composed largely of dynamic microtubules, is responsible for chromosome segregation during each cell replication cycle. Prior to anaphase, a bipolar metaphase spindle must be formed in which each pair of chromatids is attached to microtubules from opposite spindle poles. In this bipolar configuration pulling forces from the dynamic microtubules can generate tension across the sister kinetochores. The tension status acts as a signal that can destabilize aberrant kinetochore-microtubule attachments and reinforces correct, bipolar connections. Historically it has been challenging to isolate the specific role of tension in mitotic processes due to the interdependency of attachment and tension status at kinetochores. Recent technical and experimental advances have revealed new insights into how tension functions during mitosis. Here we summarize the evidence that tension serves as a biophysical signal that unifies multiple aspects of kinetochore and centromere function to ensure accurate chromosome segregation.


A hybrid-coupled quadriphase rnodulator which has been realized in fin-line technique is described. It operates over a 15-percent frequency band around 15 GHz with an insertion loss of 1.7 dB. The circuit has been scaled to twice the operating frequency. The insertion loss then amounts to 2.2 dB. Furthermore, it is shown experimentally that the performance of the modulator does not degrade if the dimensions of the waveguide housing are altered to amounts of up to 10 percent.


The development of social media in Indonesia today enters a new phase. Social media is no longer  used to obtain and disseminate information or entertainment, but it is also used to attack  someone's personality. Through slander and hoax information, character assassination is carried out on individuals. This study seeks to portray the negative effects of social media, especially related to cyber violence, character assassination through cyberbullying. This study focuses on cyberbullying of Muslim leaders (ulama) on social media. This abuse can be said as a model of killing new characters towards someone's character in the new public sphere. Through the data of the status, comments, tweets, and memes on Facebook and Twitter, this study found that cyberbullying  occurred through social media towards ulama was  perpetuated by other Islamic groups, which have different  political attitudes and choices. In other words, abuse is the fruit of ideological and political wars, which occur both in the real world and in cyberspace. There is a shift in the Indonesian Muslim community which was previously known to be very respectful to their ulama, and currently they are bold to bully their religious leaders  This is a symptom of ambiguity from the conservative turn issue. Norms, traditions, and ethics of the community that shows conservative symptoms, actually show resistance to the values of the conservative community. There are two opposing faces:in one place, these accounts display godliness, but in other places, they show the opposite.


By global business appearance, industrial practitioners start conciousness that to provide cheap product, with quality, and on schedule require role all sides, i.e. supplier, company/factory, company of transportation, and final consumer. Awareneness of the mentioned will create supply chain management concept. In general, activity which is related to supply chain managemen at company of manufacture convers product development, procurement, planning & control, production, and distribution. Supply chain management does not easy to be managed because many uncertainties alongside supply chain and also the excelsion of market competition. Supply chain management can be measure by using preverence of activity (POA) model and supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model. POA model will measure cost, time, capasity, productivity, utibility, and out come. While SCOR model will measure reliability, responsivenees, flecibility, cost and asset. Besides, in SCOR model divides supply chain into five processes of core,i.e. plant, source, make, deliver, and return.


This White Paper is an extension of the paper "EduServ – The Education Service of EuroSDR: Sharing Experience for Capacity Building" authored by D. Fritsch, K. Mooney & A. Oestman, which was presented at the ISPRS Congress in Melbourne, August 2012. It describes EduServ, the Education Service of EuroSDR a European spatial data research organisation whose aim is to address the research needs of spatial data provision in Europe. With a current membership coming from seventeen European countries and a strong working relationship with related European organisations, EuroSDR has amassed considerable experience in addressing the extent and nature of these needs. In order to facilitate the transfer of outcomes of EuroSDR research activities to the user domain, e.g. to key personnel in geographic information (GI) production organisations and industry, EuroSDR commenced this annual series of e-learning courses in 2002. The Internet courses are preceded by a seminar at which participants meet tutors and receive guidelines for following the courses from their own locations. Delivery of the two-week courses requires an acceptable level of Internet connectivity, which exists in most member countries. EuroSDR is aware, however, that should such courses be shared internationally, other forms of communication will need to be addressed, such as satellite broadcasting. This would require effective collaboration with related organisations with experience with this means of communication. EduServ courses are offered in two successive years. During the courses, participants enjoy access to course tutors with a 24-hour response to queries guaranteed. Thereafter, course material for these courses is made available online. EuroSDR continues to work with past course tutors to ensure that this valuable resource is maintained as an effective and sustainable archive. This paper is aimed at sharing EuroSDR's experience in distance education with the wider scientific community with a view to its applicability to a global audience, whereby, instead of sharing expertise within the GI community in Europe, European mapping agencies can share their knowledge and experience with the international GI community.


BACKGROUND: Important risk factors for cutaneous melanoma (CM) are recognized, but standardized scores for individual assessment must still be developed. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop a risk score of CM for a Brazilian sample. METHODS: To verify the estimates of the main risk factors for melanoma, derived from a meta-analysis (Italian-based study), and externally validate them in a population in southern Brazil by means of a case-control study. A total of 117 individuals were evaluated. Different models were constructed combining the summary coefficients of different risk factors, derived from the meta-analysis, multiplied by the corresponding category of each variable for each participant according to a mathematical expression. RESULTS: the variable that best predicted the risk of CM in the studied population was hair color (AUC: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.62-0.79). Other important factors were freckles, sunburn episodes, and skin and eye color. Consideration of other variables such as common nevi, elastosis, family history, and premalignant lesions did not improve the predictive ability of the models. CONCLUSION: The discriminating capacity of the proposed model proved to be superior or comparable to that of previous risk models proposed for CM.


Abstract Background Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is a treatment for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and has uncertain risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PTX versus nonoperative treatment among nondiabetic hemodialysis patients. Methods A retrospective matched cohort study was performed. Each PTX patient was matched with one patient who had severe HPT but rejected PTX. The patients were matched by sex, birth date, date of first dialysis, nondiabetic status, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The serum markers, survival, main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rates, and hospitalization were compared between the PTX patients and matched non-PTX patients. Results There were 1143 patients at our center in the Chinese National Renal Data System (CNRDS) between 2010 and 2020. Of these, 75 PTX patients were matched with 75 non-PTX patients. Rapid decreases in the mean intact parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphorus concentrations, and a gradual increase in hemoglobin concentration were observed in the PTX group. The mortality was 2.9 per 100 patient-years in the PTX group and 10.9 per 100 patient-years in the non-PTX group (p < 0.001). Compared with non-PTX patients, PTX patients had an adjusted HR for death of 0.236 (95% CI 0.108–0.518). The cumulative MACCE rates were 6.7 per 100 patient-years in the PTX group and 15.2 per 100 patient-years in the non-PTX group (p < 0.001). The adjusted HR of the occurrence of first MACCE for PTX patients compared with non-PTX patients was 0.524 (95% CI 0.279-0.982). The cumulative hospitalization rates were 50.3 per 100 patient-years in the PTX group and 66.5 per 100 patient-years in the matched non-PTX group (p < 0.001). Conclusions Compared with non-PTX patients, PTX was associated with an improvement in the biochemical measures and patient-level outcomes in nondiabetic hemodialysis patients with severe HPT.


Some group III elements such as Indium are known to produce the resonant impurity states in IV-VI compounds. The discovery of these impurity states has opened up new ways for engineering the thermoelectric properties of IV-VI compounds. In this work, resonant states in SnTe were studied by co-doping with both resonant (In) and extrinsic (Ag, I) dopants. A characteristic nonlinear relationship was observed between the Hall carrier concentration (n_H) and extrinsic dopant concentration (N_I, N_(Ag)) in the stabilization region, where a linear increase of dopant concentration does not lead to linear response in the measured n_H. Upon substituting extrinsic dopants beyond a certain amount, the nH changed proportionally with additional dopants (Ag, I) (the doping region). The Seebeck coefficients are enhanced as the resonant impurity is introduced, whereas the use of extrinsic doping only induces minor changes. Modest zT enhancements are observed at lower temperatures, which lead to an increase in the average zT values over a broad range of temperatures (300–773 K). The improved average zT obtained through co-doping indicates the promise of fine carrier density control in maximizing the favorable effect of resonant levels for thermoelectric materials.


Using the transmission-line model approach, the authors attempt to demonstrate that the beam can be steered by building a grid structure without diodes to give a fixed beam shift. A simple transmission-line model is used to convert the zero-order diffracted wave to the first order. This model is useful because it can easily include semiconductor devices with biasing circuits. In the grids considered, diodes were replaced by gaps with different sizes to obtain different capacitances needed to steer a beam at 93 GHz. The results show a successful beam shift of 30 degrees with a loss of 2.5 dB.<<ETX>>


Mastitis is one of the most economically damaging diseases of the dairy industry worldwide. Potent vaccine or true therapeutic measures are unavailable for mastitis till date owing to its diverse etiology. Hence, there is no other alternative than early detection to prevent the disease. Counting of somatic cells and cultural examination are two best way to detect subclinical mastitis (SCM) but they are too cumbersome, to introduce in screening programs. The indirect tests available are also proved unreliable. Thus, the best alternative to diagnose SCM is biochemically. Keeping in view the necessity of the situation the present study was conducted to investigate the udder biochemical profile with special reference to bubaline SCM for its early detection. It was found that there is no single indicator for SCM. SCM being not field adaptable on account of dearth of technological facilities warrants biochemical tests to diagnose it. For this we need to consider array of components which is discussed in this book.


Prostate cancer is a complex disease that is accompanied by a vast amount of treatment options whose effects depend on variety of factors. New strategies have been developed within the past 10 years that have brought on more effective treatments in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. In this review, we discuss the latest diagnosis and treatments for prostate cancer and present their shortcomings to outline a future direction of development. At present, significant progress in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer has been made although the limitations seen reveal that there are still more aspects to be explored. Published by www.inter-use.com. Available online Feb. 18 2015, Vol. 3 Issue 1 Page 5-9.


The effects of panicle compactness and host plant resistance on the rate of population increase of sorghum midge (Contarinia sorghicola Coq.), head bugs (Calocoris angustatus Leth.) and head caterpillar (Helicoverpa armigera Hb.) in large concentric plots over three sequential sowings during the 1985–86 rainy seasons were studied. Early‐planted crops suffered less damage than the late‐planted crops. H. armigera damage was negligible in genotypes with loose panicles. Calocoris angustatus population increase was lower in genotypes with loose panicles. Panicle compactness did not affect the damage caused by C. sorghicola and Campylomma spp. Host plant resistance had a marked effect on the rate of population increase across sowing dates in the case of sorghum midge and head bugs. Thus, cultivars with resistance to insects and/or with loose panicles can help to reduce the losses caused by panicle‐feeding insects in sorghum.


The electromotive force (EMF) of liquid Hg-Na alloys was measured in detail below 15 at.% Na as functions of Na concentration and of temperature. On the basis of observed EMF values, thermodynamic functions of mixing were obtained at 398 K and 448 K. At 2-8 at.% Na anomalous changes were observed in the concentration dependence curve of the excess partial molar entropy, SPi,E (i=Na or Hg), and on that of the partial molar enthalpy of Na, HPNa,E. These anomalies indicate higher-order correlation effects arising from the characteristic changes in the concentration derivatives of n-body (n>or=2) correlation function galpha beta gamma (n). . . ( delta galpha beta gamma (n). . ./ delta ci)V,T,cj( not=i), which could be derived explicitly to be the function of the higher-order (n+1)-body correlation function galpha beta gamma (n) (n+1). . /sub /.


Background: Distribution and elimination of crystalloid or colloid solutions during inhalational anesthesia have not been adequately investigated. Hemoglobin dilution and fluid kinetic model have been shown to reveal the distribution and elimination of various kinds of fluids. Therefore, we assessed fluid space changes after Hartmann's solution or hydroxyethyl starch solution (HES) infusion during desflurane anesthesia. Methods: We infused 20 ml/kg of Hartmann's solution, 8.5 ml/kg of Hextend Ⓡ and 8.5 ml/kg of Voluven Ⓡ during 20 min, after anesthesia induction and before surgical incision, and measured the hemoglobin changes. We used mass balance equations and a fluid kinetic model to evaluate the changes of fluid space. In the fluid kinetic model, we used one volume model, which allows estimation of the size of the body fluid space expanded by the fluid (V) and the elimination rate constant (kr). Results: The expanded plasma volume of three different fluids, calculated using mass balance equations, showed a similar degree of expansion during infusion, however, after finishing infusion, the dilution effect of Hartmann's solution decreased rapidly and lasted less than HES. Fluid kinetic model shows the mean size of V of 12.3 ± 5.9 L for Hartmann' solution, 5.2 ± 1.6 L for Hextend, and 4.5 ± 1.6 L for Voluven. Corresponding kr values were 263.0 ± 161.8, 36.5 ± 31.8, and 34.1 ± 21.3 ml/min, respectively. Conclusions: The distribution volume of intravenous fluids analyzed by kinetic model showed that crystalloid fluid has a similar volume distribution compared to extracellular fluid and HES distributed to a volume larger than blood volume. Analysis and simulation of plasma volume expansion using this model provide a helpful tool for anesthesiologists planning fluid therapy.


The seminiferous epithelium in the nonhuman primate Callithrix jacchus is similarly organized to man. This monkey has therefore been used as a preclinical model for spermatogenesis and testicular stem cell physiology. However, little is known about the developmental dynamics of germ cells in the postnatal primate testis. In this study, we analyzed testes of newborn, 8-week-old, and adult marmosets employing immunohistochemistry using pluripotent stem cell and germ cell markers DDX4 (VASA), POU5F1 (OCT3/4), and TFAP2C (AP-2γ). Stereological and morphometric techniques were applied for quantitative analysis of germ cell populations and testicular histological changes. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) of testicular mRNA was applied using 16 marker genes establishing the corresponding profiles during postnatal testicular development. Testis size increased during the first 8 weeks of life with the main driver being longitudinal outgrowth of seminiferous cords. The number of DDX4-positive cells per testis doubled between birth and 8 weeks of age whereas TFAP2C- and POU5F1-positive cells remained unchanged. This increase in DDX4-expressing cells indicates dynamic growth of the differentiated A-spermatogonial population. The presence of cells expressing POU5F1 and TFAP2C after 8 weeks reveals the persistence of less differentiated germ cells. The mRNA and protein profiles determined by qRT-PCR and western blot in newborn, 8-week-old, and adult marmosets corroborated the immunohistochemical findings. In conclusion, we demonstrated the presence of distinct spermatogonial subpopulations in the primate testis exhibiting different dynamics during early testicular development. Our study demonstrates the suitability of the marmoset testis as a model for human testicular development.


A new information search model is reported and the design and implementation of a system based on intelligent agent is presented. The system is an assistant information retrieval system which helps users to search what they need. The system consists of four main components: interface agent, information retrieval agent, broker agent and learning agent. They collaborate to implement system functions. The agents apply learning mechanisms based on an improved ID3 algorithm.


This article examines a unique relationship-specifically, the connection between the rule of law, as it is imported and experienced in post-conflict/post-repression societies, and gender. We assert that some of the most gendered and problematic dimensions of rule-of-law discourse and practice can arise with intensity in post-conflict or post-repressive societies. In particular, we explore a fundamental contradiction. Transitional societies bring powerful and transformative moments to global attention. The rule-of-law movement gains cachet from being a defining and motivating cog in that transitional process. Yet such transformation can be selective, both in its spheres of influence and in its masculinity. While transformation may occur, the pivotal question we address is for whom? We suggest that what may appear to be a moment of opportunity in transitional societies can become a moment of retrenchment. Such retrenchment, at least from a feminist perspective, is arguably located in the core private/public division that accompanies the rule of law in theory and practice. Moreover, despite substantive advances in dismantling the public/private divide in many western societies, we argue that those same western states - in part, through rule-of-law proselytizing - can entrench the operation of this divide in transitional states.


Migration is affected by many factors combined of economic, political and social factors: either in the country of destination (Attractive factors or in a migrant's country of origin (Repellent factors)). Verifiably, the relative financial flourishing and political steadiness of the EU are thought to have applied an extensive draw impact on migrants , but this huge mass of migration imported the new challenge to the health care system to the Europe represented by hepatitis viral infection.


In this paper, investigations are carried out to explore the impact of generator distance phase backup protection (Relay (21)) on the generator overexcitation thermal capability. These investigations have included the performance of Relay (21) when it is set to provide thermal backup for the generator during two common system disturbances, namely a system fault and a sudden application of a large system load while the overexcitation limiter (OEL) is in service. The results of these investigations have shown that the current setting of Relay (21) for generator thermal backup protection restricts the overexcitation thermal capability of the generator. Such a restriction does not allow the generator to supply its maximum reactive power during such events. The paper highlights the need for conducting in-depth dynamic stability studies to evaluate the existing setting of the generator distance phase backup protection relay in order to allow the generator to fulfill the system requirements during major disturbances to ensure adequate level of voltage stability.


This statistical paper describes and explains a specific tool enabling statisticians to gain additional insights and assess the consistency of government finance statistics (GFS): analysis of the deficit-debt adjustment (DDA), or stock-flow adjustment (SFA). The DDA reconciles two key government indicators – the government deficit/surplus and government debt. DDA analysis helps to establish whether these statistics are plausible and reliable by exploring the consistency between governments' non-financial accounts (measuring the government deficit/surplus) and financial accounts (measuring government debt at market value). It also takes into account valuation differences between the financial accounts and government debt measured at face value (Maastricht debt). Recent years' GFS for the euro area aggregate and the individual euro area countries (and, where useful, other EU Member States' data) are used to illustrate DDA analysis. The dataset bridging the government deficit and the change in government debt reveals many aspects of a government's economic policies. For instance, the components of the DDA shed light on its equity investments or privatisations, its use of investment in financial reserves, some aspects of its debt management and the accumulation of fiscal or social arrears. JEL Classification: H62, H63


BACKGROUND
Intensification of chemoradiation for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unlikely due to toxicity. Cetuximab combined either with radiotherapy or with chemotherapy showed favourable toxic profile with positive results in both combinations. Therefore, cetuximab could intensify chemoradiation without worsening toxicity. We conducted a phase II study of chemoradiation and cetuximab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Eligible patients had stage III-IV M0 HNSCC. Treatment consisted of three cycles of cisplatin (20 mg/m(2)/day × 5 days) and fluorouracil (200 mg/m(2)/day × 5 days) rapidly alternated to three split courses of radiotherapy up to 70 Gy and concurrent weekly cetuximab. The primary end point of the study was complete response (CR) rate. Secondary end points were toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS
Fourty-five patients were enrolled: median age was 56 years, 38 had stage IV disease and 40 nodal involvement. CR occurred in 32 patients (71%). PFS and OS was 21+ months and 32.6+, respectively. Acute grade 3-4 toxic effects were in the expected range, but grade 3 radiodermatitis occurred in 33 patients.

CONCLUSIONS
The combination of cetuximab, cisplatin, fluorouracil and radiotherapy leads to a very high proportion of CR and it is feasible with toxic effects similar to those expected by radiochemotherapy. The only unexpected toxicity was skin toxicity: grade 3 radiodermatitis occurred in 73% of the patients.


The pole-teeth-winding configuration in brushless dc motors determines torque and unbalanced magnetic force which are the resultants of the tangential and the normal magnetic force in a small air gap, respectively. This paper calculated torque and unbalanced magnetic force using FEM, Maxwell stress tensor to investigate the influence of pole-teeth-winding patterns on the performance from two common designs, i.e. the rotational symmetric 12-pole 9-tooth (12P9S) motor and the rotational unsymmetric 8-pole 9-tooth (8P9S) motor, and proposed the rotational unsymmetric 10-pole 9-tooth (10P9S) motor which achieves the high average torque of 12P9S motor and the low cogging torque of 8P9S at the same time. The analyses show that 8P9S and 10P9S motor tend to have less cogging torque because their bigger values of the least common multiple of pole and teeth reduce the cogging torque. The torque efficiency depends on pole-teeth-winding configuration. ABC-winding of 12P9S motor and three consecutive teeth winding of 10P9S motor utilize all six energized coil effectively to produce the high average torque. The normal magnetic force in a rotational unsymmetric design is not balanced and results in unbalanced magnetic force.


Hospitalization for heart failure and death are among the most common adverse clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

 We hypothesised that inflammation, quantified by plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), is independently associated with hospitalization for heart failure and death in a large, contemporary cohort of AF patients.

 Patients with established AF and 65 years of age or older were enrolled in two large, prospective, multicentre cohort studies in Switzerland. Plasma levels of high-sensitivity (hs) CRP and IL-6 were measured from frozen EDTA plasma samples obtained at baseline. Using these two biomarkers, we calculated an inflammation score ranging from 0 to 4 (1 point for each biomarker between the 50th and 75th percentile, 2 points for each biomarker above the 75th percentile). We constructed multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to quantify the associations of hs-CRP, IL-6 and the inflammation score with time to first hospitalization for heart failure and time to all-cause mortality, respectively.

 A total of 3,784 patients with AF (median age 72 years, 28% women, 24% with a prior history of heart failure and 84% anticoagulation use at baseline) were followed for a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 4.0 (2.9–5.1) years. The median (IQR) plasma levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 at baseline were 1.64 (0.81–3.69) mg/L and 3.42 (2.14–5.60) pg/mL, respectively. The incidence rates of hospitalization for heart failure and death were 3.04 and 2.80 per 100 person-years, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, both biomarkers were significantly associated with the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (per increase in 1 standard deviation [SD], adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.34 for log-transformed hs-CRP, and aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.35–1.62 for log-transformed IL-6) and death (per increase in 1 SD, aHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.27–1.54 for log-transformed hs-CRP, and aHR 1.67, 95% CI 1.53–1.81 for log-transformed IL-6). Incidence rates of hospitalization for heart failure increased from 1.34 to 7.31 per 100 person-years across categories of the inflammation score (Figure 1). A strong relationship persisted after multivariable adjustment. Similar findings were observed for all-cause mortality.

 Inflammation is a strong predictor of hospitalization for heart failure and death in patients with AF. Targeting inflammation may be a promising treatment strategy to improve outcomes in these patients at high risk for adverse outcomes.
 Figure 1

 Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation


Objectives 'Massive' transfusion is a poorly defined inclusion criteria for studies examining the blood and blood product that are used during trauma resuscitation. We aimed to compare the traditional definition of massive transfusion (≥10 units in 24 h) to a more acute definition of at least 5 units in 4 h. Methods Multitrauma patients were subgrouped according to the traditional definition and compared with the acute definition. Demographics, presenting vital signs and blood results, management including transfusion practice and outcomes were retrospectively studied. Associations of transfused fresh frozen plasma:packed red blood cells (PRBC) ratios with mortality were studied. Results There were 927 patients who received PRBCs in the first 24 h, with 314 patients identified using the traditional definition and 303 patients using the acute definition. The patients identified using the traditional definition received 18 (12–29) units of PRBC in 24 h, significantly higher than those identified using the acute definition [15 (9–29) units, P<0.001]. The traditional definition excluded a significant proportion of patients who died in the emergency department. By using the acute definition to select a study sample, there seems to be an increase in mortality with fresh frozen plasma:PRBC ratio of 1 : 1 ratio compared with a 1 : 2 ratio. Conclusion The traditional 'massive' transfusion definition not only 'dilutes' the potential study samples with a less acute group of patients, but also further excludes patients who die early. This latter group is most likely to be benefitted from any change to resuscitation practice. An acute definition of massive transfusion should be adopted when examining clinical practice during initial trauma resuscitation.


The structural, electronic and elastic properties of CeTl with CsCl-type B2 structure have been investigated using full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for exchange and correlation potential. The ground state properties such as lattice constant, bulk modulus and pressure derivative of bulk modulus have been calculated which are in good agreement with available experimental data. The band structure and density of state depict that 4f electrons of Ce element have dominant character in electronic conduction and are responsible for metallic character of CeTl. The charge density plot reveals that the metallic as well as ionic bonding exist between Ce and Tl atoms. The calculated elastic constants indicate that CeTl is mechanically stable in cubic B2 phase and found to be ductile in nature.


X-ray Computer Tomography (CT) is well suited to the inspection of Fibre-Reinforced-Plastic (FRP) composite materials. However, a range of limitations currently restrict its uptake. The aim of the present research was to develop advanced inspection procedures that overcome these limitations and increase the scope of composite structures that can be inspected by industrial cone beam CT. Region of Interest (ROI) CT inspection of FRP laminated panels was investigated and two data completion methods developed to overcome reconstruction errors caused by truncated projection data. These allow accurate, highly magnified regions to be reconstructed on objects that extend beyond the Field-of-View (FOV) of the detector. The first method extended the truncated projection data using a cosine signal tailing off to zero attenuation. This method removed the strong ?glowing? artefacts but an inherent error existed across the reconstructed ROI. This did not affect the defect detectability of the inspection but was viewed as problematic for applications requiring accurate density measurements. The second method used prior knowledge of the test object so that a model could be created to estimate the missing data. This technique removed errors associated with ROI reconstruction thus significantly improving the accuracy. Techniques for extending the FOV were developed and applied to the inspection of FRP wind turbine blades; over 1.5X larger than the conventional scanning FOV. Two data completion methods were developed requiring an asymmetrically positioned detector. The first was based on the cosine tailing technique and the second used fan beam ray redundancy properties to estimate the missing data. Both produced accurate reconstructions for the ?offset? projection data, demonstrating that it was possible to approximately double the FOV. The cosine tailing method was found to be the more reliable. A dual energy image CT technique was developed to extend the optimum dynamic range and improve defect detectability for multi-density objects. This was applied to FRP composite/Titanium lap joints showing improved detectability of both volumetric and planar defects within the low density FRP. The dual energy procedure was validated using statistical performance measures on a specially fabricated multi-density phantom. The results showed a significant improvement in the detail SNR when compared to conventional CT scans.


Most patients who undergo major surgery suffer severe postoperative pain. This fact has been known by many generations of health care workers, and highlighted in the report of the Working Party organised jointly by the Colleges of Surgeons and Anaesthetists of Great Britain. Although effective therapies exist they are frequently not used in an effective manner. Everyone knows that enough morphine will abolish pain. However, the doses of a drug such as morphine required to completely relieve a patient's pain may cause several side effects or even death. There is an enormous variability between patients and operations in morphine requirements to relieve postoperative pain. Many patients are not given adequate doses for fear of inducing side effects. It is obvious that provision of postoperative pain relief tailored to each individual patient's needs requires more than a 'prn Omnopon' prescription. The level of pain needs to be monitored in much the same way as we would monitor blood pressure or urine output postoperatively and health workers who understand these readings and the appropriate treatment should review them.


Throughout the history of rugby, it has been the flyhalves who have gripped the imagination of rugby supporters the most. Arguably the most crucial position on the rugby field, a flyhalf can almost single-handedly win a game for his team (remember Naas Botha?s 1987 Currie Cup final, and Joel Stransky?s drop kick in the 1995 World Cup final?). South Africa has produced some of the most famous flyhalves in international rugby, and The Number 10s covers their and other remarkable players? stories. From an older era, there are Bennie Osler, Tony Harris, Hansie Brewis (who never lost a Test), Keith Oxlee and Naas Botha; and, more recently, Henry Honiball, Joel Stransky and Morne Steyn.
The Number 10s also relives several of the magic moments of rugby?s generals, such as the brilliance of Bennie Osler (1928), Tony Harris (1937) and Naas Botha (1981) versus the All Blacks; Jannie de Beer versus England at the 1999 World Cup; and Derick Hougaard in the 2002 Currie Cup final. A fascinating and informative read for rugby fans of all ages.


Background Little is known about the prognosis and complications of chronic hepatitis B in countries with low disease prevalence including Germany. Materials and methods This retrospective/prospective study analyzes the course of 608 HBsAg-positive patients between 2002 and 2012 in Germany. The follow-up duration was 5.2±2.9 years (mean±SD) and the age of the patients was 40.4±13.8 years. Of the total cohort, 59.9% were men; 34.9% had been born in Germany, 30.4% in Turkey, and 34.7% in other countries. Results In 78.3% of women, diagnosis was made during pregnancy screening, which is the only reinforced screening procedure in Germany. During follow-up, 21 patients died, five had a LTX, and 20 developed a hepatocellular carcinoma. Of the total cohort, 15% developed at least one severe liver-associated complication. By multivariate analysis, prognosis was associated with high age and cirrhosis, but not with sex, HBV-DNA, alanine aminotransferase, and ethnic origin. Of the 608 patients, 211 (34.7%) had at least one antiviral therapy. Of the 178 patients who were treated with nucleot(s)ides at the last visit 88.8% had an HBV-DNA less than 20 IU/ml. Conclusion Today, in Germany, hepatitis B is a disease of migrants. The present data show that mandatory screening is effective and needs to include more high-risk groups. Mortality and complications including hepatocellular carcinoma are associated primarily with cirrhosis and age, but not with HBeAg status or viral load probably because modern therapies considerably reduce viral replication in almost all patients. The prognosis is exclusively determined by the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma.


ABSTRACT Heterochromatin is nucleated at a specific site and subsequently spreads into distal sequences through multiple interactions between modified histones and nonhistone proteins. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, these nonhistone proteins include Sir2, Sir3, and Sir4. We have previously shown that loss of the C-terminal Rap1 domain containing Sir3 and Sir4 association sites can be overcome by tethering a 144-amino-acid C-terminal domain (CTD) of Sir3 adjacent to the telomere. Here, we explore the substructure and functions of the CTD. We demonstrate that the CTD is the minimum domain for Sir3 homodimerization, a function that is conserved in related yeasts. However, CTD heterodimers associate at only low efficiencies and correspondingly have low levels of tethered silencing, consistent with an essential role for dimerization in tethered silencing. Six missense alleles were generated, with ctd-Y964A producing the most extreme phenotypes when tethered to the LexA binding sites. Although ctd-Y964A is capable of dimerization, telomere silencing is abrogated, indicating that the CTD serves a second essential function in silencing. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses of wild-type and ctd-Y964A mutant cells indicate an association of the CTD with the deacetylated histone tails of H3 and H4 that is necessary for the recruitment of Sir3. The efficiency of spreading depends upon the apparent stoichiometry and stability during the initiation event. The predicted Cdc6 domain III winged-helix structure may well be responsible for dimerization.


Cauchy problems for a class of linear differential equations with constant coefficients and Riemann-Liouville derivatives of real orders, are analyzed and solved in cases when some of the real orders are irrational numbers and when all real orders appearing in the derivatives are rational numbers. Our analysis is motivated by a forced linear oscillator with fractional damping. We pay special attention to the case when the leading term is an integer order derivative. A new form of solution, in terms of Wright's function for the case of equations of rational order, is presented. An example is treated in detail.


We address the problem to characterise closed type I subgroups of the automorphism group of a tree. Even in the well-studied case of Burger-Mozes' universal groups, non-type I criteria were unknown. We prove that a huge class of groups acting properly on trees are not of type I. In the case of Burger-Mozes groups, this yields a complete classification of type I groups among them. Our key novelty is the use of von Neumann algebraic techniques to prove the stronger statement that the group von Neumann algebra of the groups under consideration is non-amenable.


ABSTRACT Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) regulate luminal epithelial (LE) cell proliferation in the adult mouse uterus. This study tested the hypothesis that FGFR2 has a biological role in postnatal development and function of the uterus by conditionally deleting Fgfr2 after birth using progesterone receptor (Pgr)-Cre mice. Adult Fgfr2 mutant female mice were initially subfertile and became infertile with increasing parity. No defects in uterine gland development were observed in conditional Fgfr2 mutant mice. In the adult, Fgfr2 mutant mice possessed a histologically normal reproductive tract with the exception of the uterus. The LE of the Fgfr2 mutant uterus was stratified, but no obvious histological differences were observed in the glandular epithelium, stroma, or myometrium. Within the stratified LE, cuboidal basal cells were present and positive for basal cell markers (KRT14 and TRP63). Nulliparous bred Fgfr2 mutants contained normal numbers of blastocysts on Day 3.5 postmating, but the number of embryo implantation sites was substantially reduced on Day 5.5 postmating. These results support the idea that loss of FGFR2 in the uterus after birth alters its development, resulting in LE stratification and peri-implantation pregnancy loss.