Abstract Introduction: Ensuring equitable access to health care is a widely agreed-upon goal in medicine, yet access to care is a multidimensional concept that is difficult to measure. Although frameworks exist to evaluate access to care generally, the concept of "access to genomic medicine" is largely unexplored and a clear framework for studying and addressing major dimensions is lacking. Methods: Comprised of seven clinical genomic research projects, the Clinical Sequencing Evidence-Generating Research consortium (CSER) presented opportunities to examine access to genomic medicine across diverse contexts. CSER emphasized engaging historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations. We used descriptive analysis of CSER participant survey data and qualitative case studies to explore anticipated and encountered access barriers and interventions to address them. Results: CSER's enrolled population was largely lower income and racially and ethnically diverse, with many Spanish-preferring individuals. In surveys, less than a fifth (18.7%) of participants reported experiencing barriers to care. However, CSER project case studies revealed a more nuanced picture that highlighted the blurred boundary between access to genomic research and clinical care. Drawing on insights from CSER, we build on an existing framework to characterize the concept and dimensions of access to genomic medicine along with associated measures and improvement strategies. Conclusions: Our findings support adopting a broad conceptualization of access to care encompassing multiple dimensions, using mixed methods to study access issues, and investing in innovative improvement strategies. This conceptualization may inform clinical translation of other cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the promotion of equitable, effective, and efficient access to genomic medicine.


A computational investigation has shown that the epithermal neutron beam presently used for BNCT of the brain in the HFR in Petten The Netherlands can also be used for BNCT of extra-corporal livers. Liver BNCT has already been performed in Pavia Italy providing very promising results. By rotating the liver and surrounding it by Polymethylmethacrylate and graphite and with the appropriate dimensions of the set-up, the same homogeneity in the thermal neutron field in the liver can be obtained in Petten as in Pavia.


Abstract In this paper, I clarify the structure of dialectical contradiction in Marx in order to show how it is influenced by Hegel. To this aim, I focus on the only place where Marx systematically develops the concept of dialectical contradiction, namely, in his analysis of commodity in the first chapter of Capital. Here Marx claims that the commodity is the contradictory unity of use-value and exchange-value. To make this claim intelligible, I first discuss Hegel's conception of 'the thing' [Das Ding] in the Science of Logic and demonstrate how for Hegel 'the thing' is the contradictory unity of matter and form. With this Hegelian machinery, then, I turn to Marx to show how use-value and exchange-value constitute the matter and the form of commodity, and argue how they contradict each other.


The stilbenoids, arachidin-1 (Ara-1), arachidin-3, isopentadienylresveratrol, and resveratrol, have been isolated from germinating peanut kernels and characterized as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Resveratrol possesses anticancer activity, and studies have indicated that it induces programmed cell death (PCD) in human leukemia HL-60 cells. In this study, the anticancer activity of these stilbenoids was determined in HL-60 cells. Ara-1 had the highest efficacy in inducing PCD in HL-60 cells, with an approximately 4-fold lower EC50 than resveratrol. Ara-1 treatment caused mitochondrial membrane damage, activation of caspases, and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor, resulting in chromosome degradation and cell death. Therefore, Ara-1 induces PCD in HL-60 cells through caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways. Ara-1 demonstrates its efficacy as an anticancer agent by inducing caspase-independent cell death, which is an alternative death pathway of cancer cells with mutations in key apoptotic genes. These findings indicate the merits of screening other peanut stilbenoids for anticancer activity.


ABSTRACT Home ownership sectors in most European countries have experienced growth in recent decades and by the mid-1990s the majority of EU15 households were home owners. While a great deal of attention has been paid to the rise in home ownership per se, the extent to which households in different EU member states strategize about the positive and negative risks of home ownership, particularly in relation to other risks in their lives, has not been researched. Contemporary debate suggests that society is a riskier one than in earlier times and home owners face a number of risks associated with changes in labour markets and national social security systems. This paper draws on interviews with households across eight European member states and examines households' perceptions of the security and insecurity aspects of home ownership and their responses to perceived risk. The analysis suggests that respondents' views are shaped by a wide range of factors, including at least to some extent the institutional context. Overall, however, respondents tended not to perceive negative risks and demonstrated a strong belief in the security aspects of home ownership.


Adsorption of six acidic and four basic pesticides was measured in nine temperate soils. In general, sorption of acids was weak as compared to bases and followed the order dicamba<metsulfuron-methyl<fluazifop-P<metribuzin<2,4-D<flupyrsulfuron-methyl<fluroxypyr<terbutryn<pirimicarb<fenpropimorph. Adsorption was negatively correlated with soil pH and positively correlated with organic carbon content. Statistical analysis against a wide range of soil and pesticide descriptors was used to identify the best combination of properties that describes the variation in adsorption. A regression equation including Log D (lipophilicity corrected for pH), the soil organic carbon content, and a pesticide descriptor (related to the van der Waals volume) was selected to predict the adsorption of acids (r2=72.1% on an independent dataset). The behavior of bases was more complex, and approaches specific to each compound seem to be required.


ABSTRACT We recently discovered a critical role for type I interferon (IFN) in the development of murine Lyme arthritis. Borrelia burgdorferi-mediated induction of IFN-responsive genes by bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was dependent upon a functional type I IFN receptor but independent of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, TLR9, and the adapter molecule MyD88. We now demonstrate that induction of the IFN transcriptional profile in B. burgdorferi-stimulated BMDMs occurs independently of the adapter TRIF and of the cytoplasmic sensor NOD2. In contrast, B. burgdorferi-induced transcription of these genes was dependent upon a rapid STAT1 feedback amplification pathway. IFN profile gene transcription was IRF3 dependent but did not utilize B. burgdorferi-derived DNA or DNase-sensitive ligands. Instead, IFN-responsive gene expression could be induced by B. burgdorferi-derived RNA. Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-dependent IFN profile gene transcription was also induced by sonicated bacteria, by the lipoprotein OspA, and by factors released into the BSKII medium during culture of B. burgdorferi. The IFN-stimulatory activity of B. burgdorferi culture supernatants was not destroyed by nuclease treatment. Nuclease digestion also had no effect on IFN profile induction mediated by sonicated B. burgdorferi. Thus, B. burgdorferi-derived RNA, OspA, and non-nucleic acid ligands present in both sonicated bacteria and B. burgdorferi culture medium contribute to type I IFN-responsive gene induction. These findings suggest that B. burgdorferi invasion of joint tissue and the resultant type I IFN induction associated with Lyme arthritis development may involve multiple triggering ligands.


Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) from natural rubber (NR) and polypropylene (PP) were studied, prepared by dynamic vulcanization during melt mixing, using various peroxides to crosslink the rubber phase. The objective was to find a proper balance between degree of crosslinking of the rubber and degradation of the PP-phase, and the tendency of the peroxide to form smelly by-products, in particular acetophenone. Four types of peroxides were investigated: 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butyl-peroxy) hexyne-3 (DTBPHY), 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butyl-peroxy) hexane (DTBPH), di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl) benzene (DTBPIB), and dicumyl peroxide (DCP), at two mixing temperatures: 160 and 180°C for a 60/40 NR/PP TPV. The maximum and final mixing torques are clearly related to the intrinsic decomposition temperature of the particular peroxide used, where DCP and DTBPIB turn out to be effective at 160°C, whereas the other two require a higher temperature of 180°C. The best mechanical properties, tensile strength, elongation at break and compression set are obtained at lower mixing temperature with DCP and DTBPIB, presumably due to less degradation of the NR and PP. Unfortunately, these two peroxides form more smelly by-products than DTBPHY and DTBPH. Dependent on the requirements of the pertinent application, a balanced selection needs to be made between the various factors involved to obtain an optimal product performance of these NR/PP TPVs.


Quality by design (QbD) is an essential part of the modern advance to pharmaceutical quality. Quality has been given an importance by all regulatory body for pharmaceutical products. Quality means customer satisfaction in terms of service, products, and process. QbD is best key to build a quality in all pharmaceutical products. This paper gives idea about the Pharmaceutical Quality by Design (QbD) and describes use of Quality by Design to ensure quality of Pharmaceutical Analysis. Under this concepts of be throughout design and growth of product, it is important to identify desire product performance report Target product profile (TPP), Quality Target product profile (QTPP) and identify critical quality attributes (CQA). To recognize the impact of raw material critical material attributes (CAM), critical process parameters (CPP) on the CQAs and identification and control sources of changeability. USFDA launched a pilot programme in 2005 to permit participating firms a prospect to submit chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) of NDA information representing application of QbD. QbD has its perspectives to contribute the drug design, development, and manufacture of high-quality drug products. In the present review basic consideration of the QbD approach, its historical background, and regulatory needs are discussed. In detail explanation of elements of QbD i.e. method intent, design of experiment, and risk assessment is given. The foundation of Quality by Design is ICH Guidelines. It is based on the ICH Guidelines Q8 for pharmaceutical development, Q9 for quality risk management, Q10 for pharmaceutical quality systems. It also gives application of Quality by Design in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.

Keywords: Quality by design, Critical Quality Attributes, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Design Of Experiment, Risk Assessment, Regulatory.


Background Post-stroke hemiparesis strongly affects stroke patients' activities of daily living and health-related quality of life. Scalp acupuncture (SA) is reportedly beneficial for post-stroke hemiparesis. However, there is still no standard of SA for the treatment of post-stroke hemiparesis. Apriori algorithm-based association rule analysis is a kind of "if-then" rule-based machine learning method suitable for investigating the underlying rules of acupuncture point/location selections. This study aimed to investigate the core SA combinations for the treatment of post-stroke hemiparesis by using a systematic review and Apriori algorithm-based association rule analysis. Methods We conducted a systematic review to include relevant randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies investigating the effects of SA treatment in treating patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, assessed by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score. We excluded studies using herbal medicine or manual acupuncture. Results We extracted 33 SA locations from the 35 included RCT studies. The following SA styles were noted: International Standard Scalp Acupuncture (ISSA), WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations (SAPL), Zhu's style SA, Jiao's style SA, and Lin's style SA. Sixty-one association rules were investigated based on the integrated SA location data. Conclusions SAPL_GV20 (Baihui), SAPL_GV24 (Shenting), ISSA_MS6_i (ISSA Anterior Oblique Line of Vertex-Temporal, lesion-ipsilateral), ISSA_MS7_i (ISSA Posterior Oblique Line of Vertex-Temporal, lesion-ipsilateral), ISSA_PR (ISSA Parietal region, comprised of ISSA_MS5, ISSA_MS6, ISSA_MS7, ISSA_MS8, and ISSA_MS9), and SAPL_Ex.HN3 (Yintang) can be considered the core SA location combination for the treatment of post-stroke hemiparesis. We recommend a core SA combination for further animal studies, clinical trials, and treatment strategies.


The Vasicek model (1977) is one of the earliest stochastic models of the term structure of interest rates. This model, though it has it's shortcomings, has many advantages, such as analytical tractability and mean reversion features, and may be viewed as a short rate model template.Several short rate models have their foundations rooted in the Vasicek model. The classical Hull-White model (1990a), for example, is an extension of the Vasicek model with time dependent parameters.In the work that follows we derive the short rate implied by the Vasicek model using the integrating factor method and provide an overview of this method and it's shorthand. Secondly we consider the model dynamics and finally we apply the model to zero-coupon bond pricing and provide a detailed derivation. Finally in reviewing the Vasicek model we outline it's disadvantages, consider other short rate models and look at the Hull-White extension to this model. The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of the Vasicek model and an introduction into short rate modelling.


A variety of spray pyrolysis (SP) techniques have been developed to directly produce ceramic powders from solutions. This paper reviews the current status of these processes in terms of the process parameters that enable the formation of particles with controlled morphology and composition. A model incorporating solute diffusion in the droplet and solvent evaporation from the droplet surface is presented to establish the critical parameters leading to solid particle formation. The model illustrates that solid particles can be obtained if solutes with high solubility and a large difference between the critical supersaturation and equilibrium concentration are used and if the process is designed to avoid solvent boiling. It is demonstrated that mixed metal oxide, non-oxide, and composite particles that are solid, hollow, porous, or fibrous can be produced by modifying the precursor characteristics, solution properties, and process parameters. The physical and chemical flexibility of SP processes offers numerous opportunities for the controlled synthesis of advanced ceramic powders and films. However, production rates are limited by the need to produce <5-[mu]m-diameter droplets and to avoid subsequent droplet coagulation. Developments in process controls, atomization, and system design are required for wider commercialization of SP-type processes.


Optical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been extensively studied, and much basic knowledge has been accumulated on how light emission, scattering, and absorption occur in CNTs. However, their nonlinear optical properties remain largely unexplored. Here, we have observed third harmonic generation from highly-aligned CNTs on sapphire with linearly-polarized intense mid-infrared radiation. Through polarization-dependent experiments, we extracted the nonzero tensor elements of χ(3). The contribution of the weaker tensor elements to the overall χ(3) signal has been calculated to be approximately 1/3 of that of the dominant χ(3)zzzz component, which is consistent with theory and other measured values.


The problem of the military vehicles engines fuelling increases with the growth of the amount of vehicles in the armies. At the same time, another problem with fuel supply in modern engines is the use of bio component additives, which changes characteristics (quality) of the used fuels. Therefore, it is important to take actions to adapt engines to powering with fuels coming from renewable sources.The aim of the research was to evaluate the possibility of feeding the diesel engine (influence on the useful parameters and composi-tion) with mixtures of the unified battlefield fuel F-34/F-35 with biocomponents in the form of anhydrous ethyl alcohol and RME. The tests were conducted during fuelling of the engine with six kinds of fuels: basic fuel (diesel oil), NATO code F-34/F-35 fuel, as well as fuel mixtures: F-34 and RME with different ratio and F-34/F-35 with bioethanol. In the result of the research it was concluded that the parameters of the G9T Renault engine with the common rail fuel system in terms of F-34 and RME consumption (using) decreased in comparison to diesel oil basic fuel. It is not possible to supply the engine with the mixture of ethyl alcohol and F-34 fuel – alcohol pre-cipitation and obliteration of fuel system components


Hot dry summers with high irradiance levels and low precipitation are typical in Mediterranean areas where olive trees are cultivated. Kaolin particle films (PF) are used with various crops to alleviate heat stress under these conditions. In this study, the effect of kaolin PF application on leaf physiological characteristics and functions of mature field-grown 'Konservolea' olive trees was investigated. Deficit irrigated [around 50% of crop evaportraspiration (ETc)] trees were studied during the 2009 and 2011 fruit growth periods ('on' years) in central Greece. Repeated applications of kaolin PF resulted in a white coating highly reflective in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on olive leaf surfaces found to significantly decrease the available PAR on leaf surface underneath the coating. The physiological characteristics of kaolin-treated leaves did not change to support any shade effect, but showed changes related to ameliorating heat stress. Kaolin applications improved leaf gas exchange functions under mild climatic conditions early and late in the season. In midsummer with high vapour pressure deficit and heat and water stressed olive trees, kaolin did not improve leaf gas exchange. However, overall, olive leaves from kaolin-treated trees seemed to manage better their water status and had more stable physiological characteristics and less negative midday stem water potential through the experimental period. Kaolin-treated-trees had similar fruit production, yield variables, fruit and fruit oil content were of similar maturity with control trees, but olive oil from kaolin-treated trees had lower free acidity and peroxide index compared to oil from control trees showing decreased oxidative stress. Keywords: Olea europaea , heat stress, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll, fruit quality


Abstract Sodium pentacyanoferrates(III) of the type Na2[Fe(CN)5L] (L = phosphane or phosphite) have been prepared from sodium pentacyanoferrates(II), Na3[Fe(CN)5L], by bromine oxidation and characterized by Mössbauer, IR, and electronic spectroscopy. Isomer shifts and quadrupole splittings lie within the range commonly found in low-spin iron(III) complexes. A linear correlation was found between isomer shifts and CN stretching and Fe-CN bending frequencies, respectively. The spectroscopic parameters show that the dπ-dπ back bonding of the Fe-P bonds is synergetically strengthened with increasing σ donor capability of the phosphorus ligands.


Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) is an inevitable clinical problem for surgical procedures such as liver transplantation and liver resection. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of perindopril (PER) against hepatic IR injury. Thirty‐two rats were used and randomly allocated into four groups. Sham control group was subjected to sham operation and received saline only, IR group was subjected to IR and received vehicle, PER group was pretreated with PER (one milligram per kilogram per day i.p. for 10 consecutive days), and IR+PER group was pretreated with PER then subjected to IR. Liver function biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), oxidative stress (glutathione, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and inflammation markers (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interferon‐gamma, and inteleukin‐10 [IL‐10]), mRNA expression of NF‐κB‐p65 and TLR‐4, as well as protein expression of JAK1, STAT‐3, PI3K, mTOR, Akt, and Nrf‐2 were investigated concomitantly with histopathological examination. The results indicated that, hepatic IR induced a significant alteration in liver function biomarkers and structure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. At the molecular level, up‐regulation of NF‐κB‐p65, TLR‐4, JAK1, and STAT‐3 concomitantly with down‐regulation of Nrf‐2, IL‐10, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were observed. These disturbances were alleviated by pretreatment of IR rats with PER in concomitant with hepatic structural improvement. Conclusively, the protective effect of PER presumably may be relevant to its ability to reduce oxidative stress, ameliorate the inflammatory processes, and modify the related signaling pathways. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1935–1949, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy


Abstract With quality assurance related to the Bologna goals, universities are required to fulfil internationally accepted standardized criteria of quality. This tends to reinforce control in assessment. However, control-oriented evaluations seem to lack meaning for academic staff. The article explored the possibilities and space for improvement-oriented evaluation within quality assurance processes. The implementation, outcomes and utilization of audits/accreditation processes in three universities in Finland and Iceland are explored. The data consists of documents and interviews. The findings indicate that despite increasing control of universities there is still an opportunity for improvement within the quality assurance processes. Improvement is related to the preparatory phase of the evaluation process, where staff is actively engaged in the process, leading to utilization of outcomes. The external phase with control dominance lacks meaning for staff and has limited utilization. A shortage of credibility regarding assessment is a threat to quality assurance legitimation and utilization.


The anisotropic Beltrami framework is introduced as an extended promising
 tool in image processing. In this framework, image surface evolution is
 governed by an anisotropic flow determined by an energy Lagrangian of
 Polyakov type. The Synge-Beil flow is derived, and applicative aspects
 illustrate the developed theoretical results.


Plasma lipid parameters (triglycerides, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol) were measured in 7 children with juvenile chronic granulocytic leukaemia, of whom 3 were with and 4 without xanthomas. In all cases, whatever the stage of the disease, these parameters were extremely altered. Plasma triglycerides were generally increased, total and HDL cholesterols were very low. No relationship seems to exist between these values and the occurrence of xanthomas.


Nowadays, infrared thermographic technology has been attracting attention in various industrial fields. We therefore focus on it as a novel method for monitoring surface tool temperature to improve end-milling conditions for difficult-to-cut materials. However, a problem has emerged; it is difficult to measure the tool surface temperature when there is a coolant because the coolant prevents monitoring of the surface of the end-mill tool. Thus, we developed a wireless tool holder system equipped with a thermocouple in the end mill to monitor the tool internal temperature under coolant conditions. In the present report, we compared the temperature measured by infrared thermographic imagery with that measured by a wireless tool holder system when end milling the stainless steel under dry coolant conditions. The thermocouple, which has a diameter of 1.0 mm, was used to ensure stable measurement in the proposed wireless tool holder. We obtained the tool temperatures by infrared thermographic imagery and by wireless tool holder equipped with a thermocouple at a sampling time of 1/30 of a second. We confirmed that the tool internal temperature measured by the wireless tool holder agrees with one calculated by FEM model based on infrared thermographic imagery. As a result, we demonstrated that the developed method with a wireless system is effective to estimate the tool temperature in end-milling processes and makes it feasible to measure it under coolant conditions.


Web performance anomalies (e.g. time periods when metrics like page load time are abnormally high) have significant impact on user experience and revenues of web service providers. Existing methods to automatically detect web performance anomalies focus on popular websites (e.g. with tens of thousands of visits per minute). Across a wider diversity of websites, however, the number of visits per hour varies enormously, and some sites will only have few visits per hour. Low rates of visits create measurement gaps and noise that prevent the use of existing methods. This paper develops WMF, a web performance anomaly detection method applicable across a range of websites with highly variable measurement volume. To demonstrate our method, we leverage data from a website monitoring company, which allows us to leverage cross-site measurements. WMF uses matrix factorization to mine patterns that emerge from a subset of the websites to "fill in" missing data on other websites. Our validation using both a controlled website and synthetic anomalies shows that WMF's F1-score is more than double that of the state-of-the-art method. We then apply WMF to three months of web performance measurements to shed light on performance anomalies across a variety of 125 small to medium websites.


Introduction. This article reviews soil and crop production information from Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao, the Philippines. It focuses on the parent materials involved in forming Bukidnon soils, clay forming minerals, soil classification, types and location distribution, physico-chemical characteristics, soil potentialities and constraints, and the yields of the major crops. Literature. The information discussed was gathered from on-line journals, a compilation of agricultural research reports published in Northern Mindanao, published theses, government data and reports, and books. Bukidnon has existing soil information that could be useful for assessing and monitoring soil fertility and in establishing a regional Land Information System (LandIS). Soils in the Province are classified according to Soil Order, Great Group and soil type under the USDA Soil Taxonomic Classification. Data on crop production yields are also available. Soil information is intended more for crop fertilization planning at the broader scale. Studies on geomorphopedology and the interactions of elements within the soil are scarce. The relationship between soil formation and its characteristics and plant responses is not discussed here. Conclusion. The recommendations arising from this study are: (1) to conduct in-depth geomorphopedological studies in marginal areas of undifferentiated soils, (2) to study the relationship between soil characteristics and crop responses including nutrient assimilation by plants, focusing on phosphorus (P), and (3) to develop a generic protocol and establish a LandIS for mountain areas that can be replicated in other areas in Mindanao, the Philippines.


During last years, alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), an important intermediate in the Krebs cycle, has been intensively studied as a dietary supplement with stress-protective and potential antiaging effects. Here, we examined the effects of exogenous AKG on metabolic processes and survival of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae during long-term cultivation. Growth on AKG had no effect on the total cell number but increased the number of reproductively active cells at the late days of cultivation (from day 7 to day 15). A gradual increase in levels of total protein, glycogen, and trehalose was found over 7-day cultivation with more pronounced effects in AKG-grown cells. In control cells, metabolic activity and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase decreased, whereas levels of carbonyl proteins and low-molecular-mass thiols increased during 7-day cultivation. This suggests development of oxidative stress in stationary phase cells. Meanwhile, stationary phase cells cultured on AKG possessed higher levels of low-molecular-mass thiols and lower levels of carbonyl proteins and α-dicarbonyl compounds when compared to control ones. Collectively, higher levels of storage carbohydrates and an activation of antioxidant defense with diminishing oxidative protein damage can prevent a loss of reproductive ability in yeast cells during long-term cultivation on AKG-supplemented medium.


Summary Study aim: Two thirds of children are not meeting recommended levels of physical activity. A solution to physical inactivity is Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming (CSPAP). Little is known regarding the impact of a school's physical activity leader on CSPAP effectiveness. Therefore, this study explored changes in physical activity accumulated during school hours in CSPAP schools being led by the physical education teacher compared to a stand-alone physical activity leader.


Most metallurgical processes are consisting of two essential steps of chemical reaction followed by phase separation. When the process is in equilibrium, the both steps can be evaluated based upon thermodynamic data. To explain the principle of phase separation, systems related to practical smeltings such as slag-metal or slag-matte was reduced into ternary system and ternary phase equilibria were derived from binary data based upon the regular solution model. The special interest is focussed to the fact that ternary phase separation tendency is observed between a neutral component and a strong intermediate compound even though all the constituent binary systems have miscible trends.The experimental results on the oxidic dissolution of valuable metals in the binary and ternary slags in FeOx-SiO2-CaO system are reasonably explained by taking into account the immiscible trend between MO and xBO·AO in a ternary MO-AO-BO (metal oxide-acidic oxide-basic oxide) system. The behavior of activity or activity coefficient of metal oxide derived by the regular solution model is compared with the experimental results obtained for SnO, CuO0.5 and PbO.The experimentally determined ternary miscibility gaps for the systems Cu-Pb-As, Cu-Pb-Sb, Sn-Fe-Si and Sb-Fe-S are explained thermodynamically, and it is recognized that the basic principles of a few smelting processes for lead, tin and antimony are reasonably explained by these ternary miscibility gaps. Through these examples, it is suggested, in principle, that the process of metal extraction can be designed thermodynamically.


This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes


This study aims to determine the effect of drill training methods and approaches to play with eye-hand coordination towards increasing under-passing volleyball. This study used . There was no comparison group in the design group. The population of this study was 40 female students who participated in volleyball extracurricular activities. Data analysis techniques used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for normality, homogeneity test and t-test to test hypotheses, samples correlated at a significance level of 5%. Test results show that there is a drill training effect on the ability to graduate. Hypothesis testing shows the value of t arithmetic (3.33)> t table (2,080), and p value (0,003) <0,05, indicating that Ho is rejected and Ha has been accepted means that there are significant differences in improving the ability to graduate after being treated. Based on the mean (mean) shows the average > pretest. These results can be concluded that there is a significant effect of drill training on increasing the under-passing ability of women's volleyball in SD 1 .


Blacks have been disproportionately likely to get AIDS through male/male sex, intravenous drug use, and heterosexual transmission. In spite of the long history of black mobilization, there has been little mobilization around AIDS, even though collective effort could reduce the extent of HIV spread, provide care and services for sick people who now die in isolated loneliness, and create a voice in budgetary and policy decisions that have so far failed to deal adequately with AIDS among minorities. Attempts at black AIDS mobilization in New York City are described and assessed on the basis of field research conducted in 1987-88. Reasons for the failure of these attempts to produce sizable mobilization include socially structured divisions among blacks; ideological paralysis of key actors such as churches and politicians confronted by an epidemic spread by risk behaviors they oppose; poverty; the inherent contradictions of attempted mobilization by elites whose interests differ from those of the threatened population; and the weakening of organizational ties and experience from the 1960s.


An experimental test rig was needed to apply high rates of shear strain on lubricating oil molecules and study the effects these may have on the degradation of the lubricant. The result was the development of a diesel injection device where the oil could be stressed and cycled effectively. Viscosity measurements were used to determine whether or not the oil had degraded. A change in viscosity in high molecular weight compounds is evidence of chain scission. The results show that cycling a 128 ml volume of oil 12 times has no effect on fresh, unaltered lubricating oils, even at low oxidation times up until 48 hours. However, the results show that heavily degraded lubricating oils near and beyond their usability limit, do exhibit a viscosity loss of up to 0.043 Pa·s; a 19% change.


We examined similarities among 45 sibling pairs in Grades 2 to 5 in their social and academic adaptation to the school setting. Measures included teacher ratings and rankings of academic skills, social behavior, and peer acceptance; peer sociometric ratings; and direct observations on the playground with peers and in the classroom with teachers and peers. Comparisons were made with randomly selected, unrelated subject pairs matched on sex, grade, and classroom. Significant correlations were found only among sibling pairs on peer ratings of social preference, teachers' judgments of academic competence, popularity, social behavior and school adjustment, positive behavior with peers on the playground, and teachers'disapproving behavior in the classroom


The present study 66 half pelvis of cadaver for vascular structure called corona mortis, vessel that connect between external iliac and internal iliac system. The vessel was found 77.27% and the incidence of aberrant is 13.6%. The average distance from symphysis pubis to the vessel is 5.28 cm and distance above superior pubic rami is 1.37 cm.


The prototype strain LEiV-K306 of the Batken virus (BKNV) was isolated from the ixodidae ticks Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 1844 collected from sheep near town Batken (Kirgizstan) in the April 1970. Later, the BKNV was isolated in Kirgizstan from the mixed pool of the Aedes caspius Pallas, 1771 and Culex hortensis Ficalbi, 1889 mosquitoes. From the very beginning, the BKNV was discussed to be very close to the Dhori virus (DHOV) (Orthomyxoviridae, Thogotovirus) isolated from the ixodidae ticks Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 in india. in this work, virtually complete genome sequence (Miseq, illumina) of the BKNV was determined (iD GenBank KJ396672-4). Structural and non-structural proteins of the BKNV have a high level of homology with DHOV 98% (PB1) and 96% (PB2, PA, NP, M). Homology of HA protein between the BKNV and DHOV is 90%, which accounts for antigenic difference between these close relative viruses. Since the differences in the other structural and non-structural proteins are about 96-98%, the BKNV could be suggested as the topotypic DHOV strain for Central Asia, Transcaucasia, and Northern Caspian region. The evolution divergence of the BKNV and DHOV for HA could be explained by local ecologic peculiarities of the BKNV areal.


Since the Chinese government proclaimed the "double carbon" goal in 2020, carbon emissions reduction has become an important task for the Chinese government. Cities generate more than 60% of carbon emissions. There are many challenges in achieving the "double carbon" goal for the cities of China. Science and technology innovation (STI) provides a feasible path, and the mechanism of STI influencing carbon emissions is analyzed. The STI factors, economic factors, energy factors, and population factors are studied based on the generalized Divisia index method. According to the decomposing results, science and technology innovation investment is the most important increasing factor in carbon emissions, and technology innovation investment efficiency is the most important decreasing factor, respectively. Three scenarios are set up and simulated with Monte Carlo technology evaluating the city of Xi'an in China. Under the baseline development scenario, it cannot achieve the carbon peak goal, and the uncertainty of carbon emissions increases. Under the green development scenario, it will peak in 2051, with a 95% confidence interval of 6668.47–7756.90 × 104 tons. Under the technology breakthrough scenario, the lower and median boundaries of carbon emissions peak at 4703.94 × 104 tons and 4852.39 × 104 tons in 2026, and the upper boundary peaks at 5042.15 × 104 tons in 2030. According to the Environmental Kuznets Curve theory, it will peak between 2028 and 2029 with a GDP per capita of CNY 153,223.85. However, it will fail to achieve the carbon neutrality goal by 2060, and should rely on the national carbon trading market of China to achieve the goal with a trading volume of 2524.61–3007.01 × 104 tons.


Abstract Despite the high prevalence of miscarriage and stillbirth, prenatally bereaved couples tend to experience a sense of isolation or loneliness after their loss. The purpose of this study was to describe the prenatal loss experiences of partners from a sociocultural perspective. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with 10 couples (n = 20). The findings of the study reflected the inner experiences of partners, how sociocultural context has impacted their grief experiences, and how women's and men's grief reactions differ within this sociocultural context.


Lymphocytes activated by antigens or mitogens acquire the capacity to replicate viruses, and the number of activated lymphocytes can be estimated by the virus plaque assay. Concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen produced 33-fold and 17-fold increases in virus plaqueforming cells (V-PFC), respectively, above background, while lipopolysaccharide produced only a 2- to 3-fold increase. T (thymus-derived lymphocyte)-depleted lymphocyte populations, derived from anti-theta-treated or nude (arthymic) mouse spleens, failed to produce V-PFC after culture with concanavalin A or pokeweed mitogen. The present studies thus demonstrate that the virus plaque assay measures activated T-lymphocytes.A dissociation between the V-PFC response and cell proliferation was previously observed in antigen-stimulated cells cultured in the presence of mitotic inhibitors. In the present studies, while stimulation of CBA (H2(k)) lymphocytes by DBA/2 (H2(d)) cells produced high levels of thymidine incorporation, lymphocyte target-cell cytotoxicity, and V-PFC, stimulation of BALB/c (H2(d)) lymphocytes against DBA/2 (H2(d)) cells resulted in even higher levels of thymidine incorporation with a virtual absence of cytotoxic lymphocytes or V-PFC. These results indicate that proliferation is not a sufficient condition for permitting lymphocytes either to exert cytotoxicity on target cells or to replicate viruses, and suggest that there may be a correlation between the development of V-PFC and cytotoxic lymphocytes. They are consistent with the view that there are at least two functional subpopulations of T-lymphocytes.


We here report a novel strategy to control the bioavailability of the fibrillizing parathyroid hormone (PTH)-derived peptides, where the concentration of the bioactive form is controlled by an reversible, photoswitchable peptide. PTH1–84, a human hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands, is important for the maintenance of extracellular fluid calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Controlling fibrillization of PTH1–84 represents an important approach for in vivo applications, in view of the pharmaceutical applications for this protein. We embed the azobenzene derivate 3-{[(4-aminomethyl)phenyl]diazenyl}benzoic acid (3,4′-AMPB) into the PTH-derived peptide PTH25–37 to generate the artificial peptide AzoPTH25–37 via solid-phase synthesis. AzoPTH25–37 shows excellent photostability (more than 20 h in the dark) and can be reversibly photoswitched between its cis/trans forms. As investigated by ThT-monitored fibrillization assays, the trans-form of AzoPTH25–37 fibrillizes similar to PTH25–37, while the cis-form of AzoPTH25–37 generates only amorphous aggregates. Additionally, cis-AzoPTH25–37 catalytically inhibits the fibrillization of PTH25–37 in ratios of up to one-fifth. The approach reported here is designed to control the concentration of PTH-peptides, where the bioactive form can be catalytically controlled by an added photoswitchable peptide.


Immune system dynamics in the context of a number of diseases, including certain cancers and type I diabetes, continues to play an increasingly central role in the development of new treatment strategies. The critical importance of the immune system in fighting such diseases has been verified clinically, as well as through mathematical models. Many open questions remain, however, including what may lead to non-uniform patient responses to treatments, and how to optimize and personalize therapy protocols. Mathematical models can help to provide insights into the mechanisms that may be influencing patient outcomes, and provide a way to investigate questions that that are difficult, if not impossible, to address in any other way. In this talk, we will present a sampling of mathematical models we have developed that help us to simulate immune system interactions, disease dynamics, and treatment approaches that may slow, or even stop, disease progression.


As nanotechnology advances, the use of nanotechnology for medical purposes in the field of nanomedicine seems more promising; the rise of nanorobots for medical diagnostics and treatments could be arriving in the near future. This study proposes a swarm intelligence based control mechanism for swarm nanorobots that operate as artificial platelets to search for wounds. The canonical particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed in this study. A simulation in the circulatory system is constructed and used for demonstrating the movement of nanorobots with essential characteristics to examine the performance of proposed control mechanism. The effects of three nanorobot capabilities including their perception range, maximum velocity and respond time are investigated. The results show that canonical particle swarm optimization can be used to control the early version nanorobots with simple behaviors and actions. Keywords—Artificial platelets, canonical particle swarm optimization, nanomedicine, nanorobot, swarm intelligence.


Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology has been paid extensive attention for wastewater treatment because of its advantages of high effluent quality and minimized occupation space and sludge production. However, the membrane fouling is always an inevitable problem, which causes high operation and maintenance costs and prevents the wide use of MBR technology. The membrane biofouling is the most complicated and has relatively slow progress among all types of fouling. In recent years, many membrane biofouling control methods have been developed. Different from the physical or chemical methods, the biological-based strategies are not only more effective for membrane biofouling control, but also milder and more environment-friendly and, therefore, have been increasingly employed. This paper mainly focuses on the mechanism, unique advantages and development of biological-based control strategies for MBR membrane biofouling such as quorum quenching, uncoupling, flocculants and so on. The paper summarizes the up-to-date development of membrane biofouling control strategies, emphasizes the advantages and promising potential of biological-based ones, and points out the direction for future studies.


It is unclear whether or not grant winning should count towards authorship credit in the sciences. In this paper, I argue that under certain circumstances grant winning can count for credit as an author on subsequent works. It is a mistake to think that grant winning is always irrelevant to the correct attribution of authorship.


In this work, the practical response of a very compact version of OTA-based TT biquad which is not suitable to compensate with regular methods, is compensated by the use of SA algorithm. For effective compensation, the OTA nonidealities are precisely defined based on the commercially available OTA, LM13700 from National Semiconductor. The initial solution is obtained via the ordinary method of an analogue filter design based on the utilization of ideal-OTA-based transfer function which provides the response that is much deviated from the desired bandpass response especially in the pole frequency closing to the OTA's finite bandwidth. The Matlab is used as the tool for implementing the compensation process, while the results which are the circuit parameters are being verified by the OrCAD PSPICE simulation. Using the SSE based cost function; the simulation displays the significant improvement of the compensated response compared to the initial solution but still not acceptable. To retrieve the remarkable response, the weighted SSE is utilized while maintaining others parameters


The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate transdermal therapeutic system of drug Colchicine with different concentration of drug and hydrophobic (ethyl cellulose) polymeric system by the solvent evaporation technique by using di-butyl phthalate to the polymer weight incorporated as plasticizer. The physiochemical compatibility of the drug and polymer was studied by thin layer chromatography method. Formulated transdermal patches were physically evaluated with regard to thickness, weight variation, drug content, flatness, folding endurance, percentage moisture content, percentage moisture loss and water vapour transmission rate. All prepared formulations indicated good physical stability. In vitro permeation studies of formulations were performed by using skin membrane. The release profile of optimized formulation indicated that the permeation of the drug from the patches was governed by a diffusion mechanism. All formulations showed high flux. These results indicate that formulations gives better permeation of Colchicine.


Partitioning gross rainfall (GR) into throughfall (TF), stemflow (SF), and interception loss (I), which has a very significant effect on water balance and the nutrient cycle in forest ecosystems, was studied in a natural oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forest situated in the Caspian Forest of northern Iran. Measurements were made inside a plot with an area of 0.5625 ha located in the Kheyrud Forest Research Station of Tehran University during the 2008 growing season. GR was measured based on an average of the records of 3 rain gauges located in an open area approximately 160 m from the study plot. Thirty-six TF manual gauges were randomly placed beneath the beech canopies and SF was collected from 6 selected beech trees using spiral-type SF collection collars. Measurements were made on a rainfall event basis. The cumulative GR depth of 23 events was 309.9 mm; TF: 209.9 mm; SF: 7.8 mm; I: 92.2 mm. On the event scale average ratios of TF:GR, SF:GR, and I:GR were 65.9%, 2.0%, and 32.1%, respectively. A strong positive correlation was observed between SF:GR and GR (r2 = 0.963), while very weak correlations were observed between I:GR and GR (r2 = 0.230), and between TF:GR and GR (r2 = 0.173). As the size of rainfall events increased, intercepted GR by the oriental beech forest canopies, and loss through evaporation decreased. Interception loss contributes a notable amount of rainfall and its measurement is an essential element in assessing water balance on the catchment scale.


Expression of leucine-rich ␣2 glyco-protein (LRG), a member of the leucine-rich repeat family of proteins, was recently shown to be up-regulated during neutrophil differentiation. Its precise role in granulopoiesis, however, remains unknown. In this paper, we show that the transcription factors PU.1 and C/EBP␧ that regulate the expression of multiple myeloid-specific genes also bind to the LRG promoter. We also demonstrate that LRG localizes to the same cytoplasmic compartment as myeloperoxidase and that G-CSF treatment of the 32Dcl3 myeloid cell line induces nuclear translocation of LRG.


We outline general design steps of our synthesis tool to realize application specific co-processors such that for a given scientific application having intensive iterative computations especially with recurrences, a VLIW type of co-processor is synthesized and realized, and an accompanying parallel code is generated. We introduce a novel register file model, Shifting Register File (SRF), based on cyclic regularity of register file accesses; and a simple method, Expansion Scheduling, for scheduling iterative computations, which is based on cyclic regularity of loops. We also present a variable-register file allocation method and show how simple logic units can be used to activate proper registers at run time through an example.


This book constitutes the post-proceedings of the 5th International ICST Conference on Mobile Networks and Management, MONAMI 2013, held in Cork, Ireland, in September 2013. The 18 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions. The volume is organized thematically in five parts, covering: TCP, multi-path and coding and content-centric networking; mobile networks; wireless sensor and vehicular networks; wireless communications and traffic; future research directions, including cloud connectivity, orchestration and SDN.


The application of Li anodes is hindered by dendrite growth and side reactions between Li and electrolyte, despite its high capacity and low potential. A simple approach for this challenge is now demonstrated. In our strategy, the garnet-type Li6.4 La3 Zr1.4 Ta0.6 O12 (LLZTO)-based artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is anchored on Cu foam by sintering the Cu foam coated with LLZTO particles. The heat treatment leads to the interdiffusion of Cu and Ta2 O5 at the Cu/LLZTO interface, through which LLZTO layer is fixed on Cu foam. 3D structure lowers the current density, and meanwhile the SEI reduces the contact of Li and electrolyte. Furthermore, the anchoring construction can endure Li-deposition-induced volume change. Therefore, LLZTO-modified Cu foam shows much improved Li plating/stripping performance, including long lifespan (2400 h), high rate (maximum current density of 20 mA cm-2 ), high areal capacity (8 mA h cm-2 for 100 cycles), and high efficiency (over 98 %).


Background: Gene expression profiling assays estimate prognosis & predict benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in patients (pts) with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) early stage breast cancer (ESBC). The 21-gene recurrence score (RS) and 70-gene signature (MP) are widely used assays. Pts may have both tests performed to adjudicate discordant results. We compared RS and MP in pts with both tests and evaluated their impact on adjuvant treatment decisions. Methods: This was a retrospective clinical cohort study from 5 centers from 2007-2014. Eligibility included ER+ ESBC with RS and MP results from the same tissue sample; exclusions included carcinoma in situ, primary metastatic disease, & bilateral breast cancer. Two definitions of RS risk were evaluated (Genomic Health [GH] or TAILORx [TRx]): low risk (GH:0-17) or (TRx:0-10); intermediate risk (GH:18-30) or (TRx:11-25); and high risk (GH:>31) or (TRx:>26). Demographic, clinicopathologic (CP) data, and treatment decisions were extracted from medical records. Agreement was assessed between RS and MP using weighted kappa scores. CP factors were assessed with the t-test and chi-square test. Results: 123 pts were identified from UCSF or 4 US Oncology Network practices. 60 pts had low risk RS (GH); 27 were low risk by MP (45% agreement). 15 cases had a low risk RS (TRx); 9 were low risk by MP (60%). 10 pts had high risk RS (GH); 8 were high risk by MP (80.0%). Similarly, 18 cases had high risk (TRx) RS;16 were high risk by MP (88%). Using the RS GH risk definition, there was poor agreement for low risk RS/MP and high risk RS/MP (kappa=0.169). However, using the TRx RS risk definition, there was good agreement for low risk RS/ MP and high risk RS/MP (kappa=0.509). 53 pts had intermediate risk RS by (GH); by MP 16 were low risk (30%), and 37 were high risk (70%). 90 pts had an intermediate risk RS by TRx; by MP 34 were low risk (37.8%), and 56 were high risk by MP (62.2%). Using TRx RS increased the number of pts classified as intermediate risk compared to GH RS (73.2 vs 43.1%). Complete adjuvant treatment data were available for 90 patients. Of 40 pts with low risk RS (GH), 25% received chemotherapy associated with node status but not tumor size, grade, or MP. Of 10 pts with high risk RS (GH), 70% received chemotherapy without association with CP features or MP. For the 45 pts with intermediate risk RS (GH), 53% received chemotherapy, without correlation with CP features. Receipt of chemotherapy was positively associated with MP high risk, but this was not significant (odds ratio 2.08, 95% CI 0.54-8.01); p-0.29. Conclusion: Concordance in risk prediction between RS and MP was greater using RS defined by TRx compared to GH, and RS using TRx increases those categorized as intermediate risk. There appeared to be no correlation between CP features and decisions to use chemotherapy across risk groups. Interestingly, in those with intermediate risk RS (GH or TRx), there was a non-significant trend toward use of chemotherapy in those with high risk by MP. Although gene expression tests are used frequently to aid in treatment decisions in ESBC, considerable variation exists in their application in clinical practice. Citation Format: Jiang H, Denduluri N, Majure M, Favret A, Rugo HS. Comparison of risk prediction with the 21-gene recurrence score (oncotype DX) and the 70-gene signature (MammaPrint) in patients with estrogen receptor-positive early stage breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-08-06.


Five recent measurements of the frequencies of optical spectral lines in atomic hydrogen and deuterium have improved the accuracy of the Rydberg constant beyond 1 part in 109. We review these experiments and discuss the importance of the Rydberg constant in atomic theory and in relation to the other fundamental physical constants. We discuss the limitations of these recent experiments as well as the future of Rydberg constant measurements.


Introduction
This study aimed to identify the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of benign tumors of the breast treated in the department of senology at the university hospital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of 220 patients treated in the Department of Senology at the University Hospital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar over the period from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013.

Results
220 patients out of 984 consultants had benign tumor of the breast (22.5%). Benign tumors of the breast accounted for 58.2% of tumor pathologies. The average age was 24 years. The age group 11-30 years was the most represented (70%). The quasi-totality of patients were women of childbearing age (95%), 58.6% were nulliparous women. The main reason for consultation was a breast mass in 94.5% of cases. The left side was most often affected (49.5%), especially the upper outer quadrant (41.6%). 145 patients (65.9% of cases) underwent ultrasound. Cytologic examination showed conjunctival epithelial hyperplasia in almost all cases (96.1%). 44 women underwent histologic examination, which confirmed the histologic nature of the lesions. Fibroadenoma and fibrocystic changes were the most retained diagnoses, accounting for 86.3% and 5.9% respectively. 28 patients (12.7%) underwent lumpectomy, all tumor types were taken together. The majority of patients had follow-up appointments within 3 months, with favorable outcome.

Conclusion
Benign tumors are very frequent in senology consultations. The recommended diagnostic approach combines the clinico-radio-cytological triad and, in case of doubt or discrepancy, biopsy or surgical resection are essential. Surgery is not always the treatment of choice. This is based on the nature of the tumor.


Samarium diiodide (SmI2) is widely employed as a useful single-electron reducing agent in organic synthesis because of its adequate reducing ability and suitable solubility in organic solvent such as THF. Although samarium diiodide itself can reduce aldehydes, ketones, alkyl bromides, and iodides, the reduction requires long period of heating and stirring. To enhance the reducing ability of SmI2, therefore, several unique methods have been developed recently, which include the addition of ligands, the combination with other metals, and photoactivation. This review deals with the recent advance in low-valent rare earth metal-assisted new reduction systems.


Many societies have limited corruption through the broad-based mobilization of a diverse range of interests willing and able to defend themselves by making meaningful demands for accountability of, and limits upon, official power, and for an end to illicit advantages enjoyed by others. Historically such a process has taken place gradually, as political development has proceeded and the base of participation broadens. But today's high corruption societies cannot wait for several generations to see such developments take place. The authors argue that social action coalitions, linking public and private actors, are a way to mobilize these sorts of participation and advocacy. Such coalitions are neither a new idea nor a guarantee of successful reforms; indeed, in many instances they win out by default as an anti-corruption strategy. But the authors contend that if sustained by a careful planning and a diverse set of incentives, they can reinforce political will and enhance the strength of civil society. Coalition-building efforts are underway in many societies. But too often, they have focused only on anti-corruption tactics and pursuing their own growth, rather than looking at the coalition-building process in more general terms. In Part I, the authors employ Wilson's (1973) analysis of the incentives that motivate and reward participation in organizations. Using this approach the authors identify ways in which the anticorruption goals can be augmented by other kinds of appeals, even when material incentives are scarce. The authors also identify four stages of the coalition-building process- formation, credibility, expansion, and transformation-in which differing combinations of incentives will be necessary to address the group's most important problems and opportunities. In Part II the authors examine two important coalition-building efforts -Ghana's Anti-Corruption Coalition, and the Bangalore Agenda Task Force in Bangalore, Karnataka State, India. In Part III the authors link those cases to a broader analysis, suggesting that while purposive incentives are common in the early phases of all coalitions, other varieties must be added to the mix.


The pathology of pars plana incisions of four patients is described: three with light microscopy and one with light and electron microscopy. Two eyes were removed because of choroidal melanoma, immediately and 8 days after vitrectomy and transvitreous retinal biopsy. Considerable disruption of tissues surrounding the pars plana incisions was observed. Vitreous was incarcerated in the wounds, which healed with granulation tissue. One eye was examined 4 months after vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy and a failed pars plana filtering operation. It contained fibrovascular ingrowth from all the incisions, infiltrating the vitreous base with granulation tissue and causing vitreous haemorrhage and retinal detachment. One eye was removed 1 year after vitrectomy for anterior hyaloidal fibrovascular proliferation and early phthisis. The wound had fibrous ingrowth histologically and evidence of active fibroplasia.


Concerns on EU-centrism in EU foreign policy analysis have become more frequent in recent years. In contrast to the mature debate in International Relations, however, a systematic toolbox for diagnosing and remedying this problem is still lacking. This article's contribution is twofold. First, it proposes a new typology of five approaches to foreign policy analysis, giving conceptual body and nuance to the debate on EU-centrism. It draws on publications on EU-China relations to further illustrate the proposed categories. This typology can be used for scrutinizing existing analyses, as well as for shaping new research projects. The second part of the article applies this typology in a meta-analysis of post-Lisbon EU foreign policy scholarship. To this end, it analyses a built-for-purpose dataset of 482 articles, which covers all work on EU foreign policy published in 2010-2014 in seven key journals. It finds, first, that academic work on EU foreign policy is indeed rife with EU-centric approaches. Moreover, this is the case irrespective of the policy area under study and of the focus of the journal. Second, while non-western authors form a small minority within the dataset, their work on EU foreign policy holds promise for a move away from EU-centrism. The article concludes by proposing research strategies that aim to assist the EU foreign policy analyst in adopting an outside-in perspective, both in terms of his analytical competences (linguistic outside-in, disciplinary and methodological outside-in) as well as well as concerning the acquisition of knowledge on the context of the region, country or society that is the subject, target, recipient, beneficiary or victim of EU's external policies (material 'outside-in', polity 'outside-in', normative 'outside-in'). These various dimensions of an outside-in perspective are illustrated through the example of EU-China relations. This analytical framework can not only be used to analyse the EU's foreign policy, but can also contribute to the strengthening of the analysis of foreign policy in general.


The area of the Terminal payung sekaki in the future directed by function area of Commerce (business), the ground transportation center and the main entrance gate Pekanbaru city by land for the constellation of the most prestigious regional and city of Pekanbaru in particular. Land conversion happens on the open land into developed regions an impact on the improvement of storm water runoff and impairment infiltration or water storage amount that goes into the ground. Eco drainage is drainage infrastructure of urban areas where rainfall runoff is not directly channeled water receiver but accommodated in the retention pond to provide sufficient time for the water to seep into the ground. Retention pond is designed not only as flood control but also as a place of recreation for the park to be combined with increasing the area of green open space and improve the esthetic value of the environment. The completion of this study using EPA SWMM 5.0 assistance program to analyze the suitability of the drainage capacities to cope with the flood problem. The results showed that the problem of flooding due to the capacity of the existing channel with a dimension of 1x1 m not in accordance with the conditions of rain and runoff into drainage capacities with a value of 1.0 or 100% has been filled with runoff that goes into the drainage. Simulation repairs done by using the channel dimensions 2x2 m still not able to cope with the recent flooding. The capacity of the existing line with the percentage Impervius undeveloped land with a value of 85%, 60% and 2% can be maximized by the addition of the retention pond with an area of 2 hectares and a depth of 2 m as well as changes in the dimensions of the channel just upstream (3x3m) and downstream (2x2m) into alternative solutions to problems of urban flooding in the region. The capacity of drainage channels and retention ponds planned until the 20 years in the future development of the city of pekanbaru RTRW according to changes in the percentages of land be impervius 95% still holds a runoff into drainage channels so that the problem of flooding in the area of AKAP Subdistrict payung sekali can be resolved Keyword : Flooding, Eco drainage, Retention Ponds , EPA SWMM 5,0


Regeneration of apical bony defects remains a significant problem in endodontic surgery. When a resorbable membrane is placed over a defect, it acts as a barrier between the defect and the overlying gingival tissue. This barrier membrane provides sufficient time for bone to regenerate while preventing the faster growing connective tissue from invaginating into the area. When new tissue replicates the structure and function of the lost tissue, then apical regeneration has occurred.


Background: The myelodisplastic syndromes (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of hematological neoplasms secondary to a clonal alteration in the hematological stem cell. There is a relationship with the elderly and their major clinical manifestations reflect a status of progressive bone marrow failure with cytopenias and an elevated risk to transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The WHO 2008 classification for myeloid malignancies and the use of the revised international prognosis-scoring system (IPSS-R) had permitted to improve both therapy and prognosis approaches. The IPSS-R use the new cytogenetic risk scoring system, based in the presence of cytogenetic alterations clinically implicated in patients9 outcomes. However more than 50% of patients with MDS are diagnosed without cytogenetic abnormalities (normal karyotype, NK) and they are classified mostly in the good and intermedium risk categories of IPSS-R, different to their counterparts with cytogenetic abnormalities that are more precisely classified. Epigenetic studies and innovative techniques like multiparameter karyotype, molecular biology or wide genetic sequencing can found biomarkers or alterations related with MDS status in these patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding regulatory molecules that act on the promoting or silencing different cellular processes. Few years ago, their relationship with hematological malignancies was evidenced. Here there is described an exploratory work of miRNAs implication on MDS patients and their utility on diagnosis and classification of NK-MDS patients. Aims: To explore the expression of a profile of miRNAs in patients with MDS and NK, assessing the role of them in the risk stratification. Patients and methods: Based on previous works of our group (Andres-Coduras, et al, ELN 2012; Andres-Codura, et al, SEHH 2013), a miRNAs profile, composed by 14 miRNAs over more than 7,000 miRNAs, was identified, on 40 patients with MDS compared to controls. This profile was analyzed in 243 plasma samples from patients with MDS at diagnosis from the INBIOMED group, previously ethic committee and board approval were required and patients signed an inform consent according the Helsinki declaration revised in 2013. Here, we are presenting a subanalysis including only patients with NK. The miRNA profile included: hsa-miR-26a, hsa-miR-451, hsa-miR-99b, hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-625, hsa-miR-15b, hsa-miR-19b, hsa-let-7e, hsa-miR-16, hsa-miR-140-3p, hsa-miR361-3p, hsa-miR-378 and hsa-miR-942. Results: From 154 plasma of NK-MDS patients. All of them classified as very good, good and intermediate risk category by IPSS-R or low and intermedium-1 by IPSS, a total of 143 have associated follow-up information at 2 years of diagnosis. Thirty-seven patients evolved to AML or died in this time. 4 miRNAs differentially expressed (miRNA140-3p, miRNA-15b, miRNA-99b-5p and miRNA-361-3p) showed advantage to identified patients with MDS. Based in IPSS-R, patients were classified as good prognosis group (no candidates to therapy) and high risk group (candidates to therapy). An increase in both the expression of miR-140-3p and miR-99b-5p was able to identified patients with MDS and NK with good prognosis independently of IPSS-R risk category, improving the identification of patients with good outcomes (ROC curve for IPSS-R: 0,669 and for miRNAs model: 0,785), contrary, the underexpression of both miRNAs was a predictor of worse outcomes. Comments: Here we describe a non-previously described signature of miRNAs that can improve the classification of MDS patients without cytogenetic alterations, especially for patients with good or intermediate risk group. miRNAs could be a good biomarkers during follow-up considering their variations and easy assessment. Disclosures Ramos: Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.


Platycodin-D (PD) is an effective triterpene saponin extracted from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum which has been used clinically to treat pulmonary diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, it has been reported that PD has anti-tumor effects in various cancer models through the induction of apoptosis. However, whether PD induces autophagy in both cell lines and its molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. Here, our present study confirmed that PD induced autophagy in both NCI-H460 and A549 cells via up-regulating the expression levels of Atg-3, Atg-7 and Beclin-1. Meanwhile, PD contributed to the up-regulation of LC3-II at both protein and mRNA levels. Further detection of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway compared to LY294002 (PI3K kinase inhibitor), RAP (mTOR kinase inhibitor) and insulin (an activator of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway) showed that PD induced autophagy through inhibiting the pathway at p-Akt (Ser473), p-p70S6K (Thr389) and p-4EBP1 (Thr37/46) in both cell lines. Moreover, the examination of MAPK signaling pathway showed that PD treatment increased the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK, while decreased the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 in both cell lines. Additionally, the effects assessed with a panel of pharmacologic inhibitors, including U0126 (Erk1/2 kinase inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK kinase inhibitor) and SB203580 (p38 MAPK kinase inhibitor) suggested that the activation of JNK and p38 MAPK participated in PD-induced autophagy. Taken together, these findings suggested that PD induced autophagy in NCI-H460 and A549 cells through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and activating JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, PD may be an alternative compound for NSCLC therapy.


For Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (2n = 10), 76 loci have now been assigned to five linkage groups, corresponding to the five chromosomes. From a large number of estimated recombination percentages Internally consistent linkage maps were con- structed, ranging in genetic length from 51 cM (chromosome 2) to 123 cM (chromosome 1). Map lengths and centromere positions agree well with cytological observations of pre-


The granular layered magnetic system Co80Fe20( )/Al2O3(3 nm), where the Co80Fe20 layers of nominal thickness form separate, almost spherical magnetic granules of typical diameter 2–3 nm between the Al2O3 spacers, was studied. We discuss measurements of the dc and ac magnetic susceptibility for 1 nm 1.3 nm at temperatures 10 K 300 K and ac frequencies 0.01 Hz 10 Hz, revealing a rich variety of magnetic states, including superparamagnetic (SPM), ferromagnetic (FM)-like, and glass (G)-like. In order to describe the ac response in this disordered planar system, a generalization of the Neel–Brown approach is proposed, including random anisotropy and random molecular fields acting on the granules. The observed magnetic states are summarized in a phase diagram in the variables , which is explained through the competition of thermal energy with two kinds of interaction between granules: usual dipolar (point-like) and FM "exchange" (due to stray dipolar fields from nonspherical granules). In particular, the coincidence of maximum low field sensitivity with the SPM–FM transition line on this diagram is confirmed.


This paper compares the sensitivity method with a proposed nonlinear optimization method for setting of transmission network load tap changers (LTCs) as a preventive action for voltage instability. The aim of preventive actions is to increase voltage stability margin. In contrast to emergency actions, preventive ones implemented when the power system is stable. Thus, in calculation of a preventive action, in addition to increase stability margin, its effects on current operating point of the system must be considered. The sensitivity method is a linearized based method that uses the sensitivity of the loadability margin with respect to tap values. In the proposed optimization method, the tap values are calculated using optimal powerflow model. Two groups of variables are used in optimization problem: one group is related to base case (current operating point) and the other is related to the voltage stability boundary. By this work, the preventive actions do not cause undesirable changes in the system current variables.


Within the biometrical study of the Nereidae and in order to characterize the different populations, we looked for the most relevant biometrical characteristics. In fact, for these sea-animals, the weight and length remain just significant statements within certain limits; on the other hand the length of the maxillary, the number of paragnaths which decorate the proboscis can be precisely known.


The purpose of this paper was to examine the cognitive process and solution at contradictory situation consisting of two propositions. In the first investigation, subjects (N = 50) were asked to rate one hundred contradictory situations in terms of three cognitive aspects: contradictoriness, solvability, ordinariness. In the second investigation, five types of solution were proposed by combination of negative-positive orientation and past-future orientation, and subjects (N = 149) were asked to assign the solutions obtained in the pre-investigation to one of following five types, that is, past-oriented negative, past-oriented positive 1, 2, future-oriented negative, future-oriented positive. The obtained results suggested the plausibility of five types of solution, and the cognitive process in contradictory situation was discussed.


The properties of a sample comprising 44 head-tail galaxies for which radio observations have been published are presented. The distributions of the absolute photographic magnitude, the radio power at 610 MHz, and opening-angle of these sources are presented confirming the results of Owen and Rudnick (1976) and Simon (1978) that wide-angle tailed radio sources (WATs) have larger radio and optical power than narrow angle tailed sources (NATs). It is shown that the photographic magnitude, the radio power, and opening angle parameter distributions of NATs, WATs and double radio sources can be described in terms of the independent blob model of Jaffe and Perola (1973). Double radio sources would then need to be surrounded by a medium about 100 times less dense than that in the clusters, producing stopping times longer than the radiative loss times, but the head-tail sources would have much shorter stopping times allowing them to reveal more sensitively the dependence of morphology on galaxy speed and other parameters.


Microtubule plus end depolymerization rate is a potentially important target of physiological regulation, but it has been challenging to measure, so its role in spatial organization is poorly understood. Here we apply a method for tracking plus ends based on time difference imaging to measure depolymerization rates in large interphase asters growing in Xenopus egg extract. We observed strong spatial regulation of depolymerization rates, which were almost two-fold higher in the aster interior compared to the periphery, and much less regulation of polymerization or catastrophe rates. We interpret these data in terms of a limiting component model, where aster growth results in lower levels of soluble tubulin and MAPs in the interior cytosol compared to that at the periphery. The steady-state polymer fraction of tubulin was ∼30%, so tubulin is not strongly depleted in the aster interior. We propose that the limiting component for microtubule assembly is a MAP that inhibits depolymerization, and that egg asters are tuned to low microtubule density.


We report the in-plane thermal conductivity of suspended exfoliated few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) samples that were measured by suspended micro-devices with integrated resistance thermometers. The obtained room-temperature thermal conductivity values are (44–50) and (48–52) W m−1 K−1 for two samples that are 4 and 7 layers thick, respectively. For both samples, the peak thermal conductivity occurs at a temperature close to 120 K, above which the thermal conductivity is dominated by intrinsic phonon-phonon scattering although phonon scattering by surface disorders can still play an important role in these samples especially at low temperatures.


Salt and pepper (SAP) noise elimination is a crucial step for further image processing and pattern recognition applications. The main aim of this article is to propose a novel SAP noise elimination method which employs a regression-based neuro-fuzzy network for highly corrupted gray scale and color images. In the proposed method, multiple neuro-fuzzy filters trained with artificial bee colony algorithm is combined with a decision tree algorithm. The performance of the proposed filter is compared with a number of well known methods with respect to popular metrics including, structural similarity index, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and correlation on well known test images. The results reveal that the proposed filter has superior performance in terms of all comparison metrics.


Non-pharmaceutical interventions are one of the major tools to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Information about these behaviors is disseminated by messaging campaigns. However, people differ in their responses to persuasive messages. Here, we examine whether cultural orientation is associated with adherence to recommended COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Participants (n = 443, 201 from the United States via Amazon Mechanical Turk and 242 from Central New York via a convenience, snowball sample) completed an online survey during April and May 2020. Cultural orientation was measured via the Horizontal and Vertical Individualism and Collectivism Scale. Adherence to limiting social contact was self-reported. Multi-level Poisson regression assessed the association between cultural orientation and social contact behaviors. Those high in horizontal individualist characteristics had a positive association with increased social contact behaviors (RR: 2.20, 95%CI: 1.97–2.47, p<0.001). Those high in vertical collectivist characteristics had a negative association with those behaviors (RR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.52–0.67, p<0.000). We found an association with cultural orientation and adherence to social contact behaviors during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, effective public health messages to promote adherence to preventative behaviors should be tailored to horizontal individualists, those least likely to engage in recommended behaviors.


Smart contracts are small but highly error-prone programs that implement agreements between multiple parties. We present a reactive synthesis approach for the automatic construction of smart contract state machines. Towards this end, we extend temporal stream logic (TSL) with universally quantified parameters over infinite domains. Parameterized TSL is a convenient logic to specify the temporal control flow, i.e., the correct order of transactions, as well as the data flow of the contract's fields. We develop a two-step approach that 1) synthesizes a finite representation of the - in general - infinite-state system and 2) splits the system into a compact hierarchical architecture that enables the implementation of the state machine in Solidity. We implement the approach in our prototype tool SCSynt, which - within seconds - automatically constructs Solidity code that realizes the specified control flow.


TE R R Y M IU R A There is no doubt the triumph of modern production has been the development of the manufacturing process. From Eli Whitney's cotton gin, through Simeon North's use of standardized rifle parts, to Frederick W. Taylor's scientific management concepts, the concept of assembly and manufacturing achieved its ultimate expression in Henry Ford's Dearborn assembly plant. Underlying the techniques these pioneers devised was one principle: Product is king. This principle is so omnipresent in business, it is largely unquestioned. The application of similar structures to the business of the production of software is also somewhat unquestioned. The push is for standardized parts, for process, for automation, and for repetitive operations. But there is an underlying misassumption we make in this drive for engineering credibility and consistency. It is this: Software is not a product. "What do you mean our software is not a product?" the general manager recoiled as if bitten. "We've been pounding it into people's heads that it is. We've been saying it's the most important product we produce! This nonproduct is currently replacing key


This research work aimed at assessing the waste dump impacts on groundwater physic-chemical and biological constituents of Suleja environ. Hydrochemistry and groundwater flow mapping techniques were employed during the field work. After the preliminary survey, seven groundwater samples were collected monthly at different locations within the study area; totaling forty three (43) samples during the dry season (between the months of November, 2015 to April, 2016) for standard water quality laboratory analysis. The data sets obtained from the laboratory were subjected to descriptive statistics and correlation matrix to establish their relationship, including water quality index were calculated. The hydrochemical results revealed high mean concentrations of conductivity followed by total hardness, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, temperature and pH (Conductivity > TH > TDS > Alk > Temp. > pH). The minor ionic distributions revealed higher mean concentrations of Sulphate followed by chloride, bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, and nitrate ions (SO 4 > Cl - > HCO 3 > CO 2 > NO 3 ). The major ionic parametric mean concentrations revealed higher value of calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium ions (Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > Na + > K + ). The heavy metals ions revealed higher mean concentrations of iron followed by zinc, manganese, and copper during the dry season. The elevated values of chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand observed indicate presence of organic compounds in the groundwater of some area. The observed wide range of standard deviation and variance in some of the parameters are indications that there is substantial difference in the groundwater chemistry within the study area. Hydrochemical result depict high level of average concentration of temperature, sulphate (SO 4 ), iron (Fe 2+ ) and total hardness (TH) to have range above their standard permissible limit for drinking or domestic purposes water quality (WHO and NSDWQ). Though there are other ionic compounds that show low average level of its content but high level of maximum concentrations such as chloride, COD and BOD. The WQI value for dry seasons is 4.89 which indicate that the groundwater in the area is excellent in quality. Correlation matrix revealed positive relationship between pH, TH (total hardness), SO 4 , NO 3 , Cl - , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ and positive connectivity between Na + and K + . All this suggest that major sources of the solute for the groundwater enrichment are from weathering of lithological framework and anthropogenic activities essentially. Groundwater flow mapping revealed that the groundwater of Suleja vicinity is structurally controlled and it equally shows somewhat possibility of high potential of groundwater aquifer which make it suitable for groundwater borehole development. Keywords: Hydrochemistry, Hydrogeology, Water quality Index, Waste dump, Suleja Area


The paper describes typical developments of blackouts from simple cause to cascading outages. Possible measures to increase the system observability, combined with power electronic equipments as controlling elements, can lead to a future closed loop control of the power supply. The possible increase of the overall network security by protection security assessment (PSA) and dynamic network security assessment (DSA) will be shown. The described network and protection simulations, which are available today for the transmission sector, have to be adopted to future distribution systems with dispersed generation.


We explore the possibility of generating high-velocity flows of nanoparticles through flat-rectangular nanochannels, which are only 50% deeper than the diameter of the particles. Using the shear-driven flow principle, 200-nm particles can, for example, be transported through a 300-nm-deep channel at velocities up to 35 mm/s (upper limit of our current setup). Working under high-pH conditions, the velocity of the carboxylated nanoparticles still respects the small-molecule velocity law, despite the high degree of confinement to which the particles are subjected. The high degree of confinement is also found to lead to a reduced band broadening. When injecting sharply delimited particle plugs, the plate heights observed for the flow of 0.2-microm particles through a 0.3-microm channel (with plate heights of the order of 1-2 microm) are, for example, approximately 1 order of magnitude smaller than for the flow of 1.0-microm particles through a 1.4-microm channel. It is also found that the band broadening is, within its statistical variation, independent of the fluid velocity over a large range of particle velocities (5-35 mm/s). The flow method distinguishes itself from pressure-driven field-flow fractionation and hydrodynamic chromatography in that the mean particle velocity is independent of the particle size over the entire range of possible particle to channel diameter ratios.


INTRODUCTION
despite being infrequent, urinary incontinence has a huge impact on the quality of life of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, even with the robotic-assisted technique.

OBJECTIVE
to assess the evolution of urinary symptoms from preoperative to 12 months after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

METHODS
data was collected from 998 patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Demographic data, preoperative and postoperative information on patients were documented. The ICIQ and IPSS questionnaires were also applied preoperatively and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation. Results: Out of 998 patients, 257 correctly completed all questionnaires. The mean age of the patients was 60 ± 0.74 years. We found that the total IPSS increased initially and at 6 months after the operation, it was already lower than the initial preoperative value (7.76 at 6 months vs. 9.90 preoperative, p <0.001), being that questions regarding voiding symptoms were the first to improve followed by the questions regarding post micturition and storage symptoms. As for the ICIQ variables, there was an increase with radical prostatectomy and none of them returned to the preoperative level (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
robotic assisted radical prostatectomy causes, at first, a worsening of urinary symptoms in the lower tract with subsequent recovery. Recovery begins with voiding symptoms, followed by post micturition and storage symptoms. The symptoms assessed by the IPSS evolve to better parameters even than those of the preoperative period, while the symptoms of incontinence assessed by the ICIQ do not reach the preoperative levels in the studied interval.


This research thesis main focus was examining parental factors in the
development of self-criticism in young people and role of mindfulness,
self-compassion and compassion to others, play in the psychological
well-being of mothers.
Chapter one is a literature review of twelve empirical studies exploring the
role of parental factors in the development of self-criticism in young
people. The findings from this review show an association between
parental self-critical personality style and parenting behaviours, which in
turn are associated with levels of self-criticism in their offspring. This
review highlights the potential importance of parent and carer
interventions aimed at modifying the parents' and children's self-critical
behaviours and attitudes. The literature review has been prepared for
submission to the Clinical Psychology Review (see Appendix A,'Guide for
Authors').
Chapter two is a quantitative, empirical study. The study explored maternal
levels of mindfulness, self-compassion, and compassion to others; and
their association with psychological well-being and parental stress.
Mothers were invited to participate via the internet and completed
questionnaires on-line. Higher levels self-compassion and mindfulness
were found to predict maternal psychological well-being and lower levels of
maternal stress. Clinical implications and areas for future research are
discussed alongside methodological limitations. The empirical study has
been prepared for submission to Self and Identity (see Appendix A, 'Guide
for Authors').
Chapter three is a reflective account of the research thesis as a whole. The
paper's focus is on the importance of reflection, self-compassion and
mindfulness on personal and professional development. Methodological
issues arising from conducting quantitative research are discussed. This
paper has not been prepared for publication.


While many studies have examined the aetiological underpinnings and psychological correlates of nightmares, very few have focused on laypeople's conceptions of the underlying causes of their own nightmares. The present study investigated laypeople's causal beliefs about their worst nightmare experience and examined whether these beliefs varied as a function of participants' gender, age of nightmare occurrence, and recurrence of the nightmare itself. Five hundred and eighty-three adult participants completed a series of questionnaires and their beliefs categorized according to a coding protocol. The results showed that: 1) The three most frequently reported explanations for people's worst nightmare were difficult interpersonal relationships, attributions of unknown or nonexistent causality, and mediums of entertainment; 2) Women were more likely than men to attribute their worst nightmare to factors related to interpersonal relationships; 3) Some attributions varied depending on whether the worst nightmare had occurred during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood; and 4) Worst nightmares that were recurrent in nature were more likely to be attributed to phobias and negative emotions than non-recurrent worst nightmares. Interestingly, many of the lay beliefs endorsed in the present study were in line with empirical and theoretical studies on the aetiology of nightmares.


The aim of this study was to develop a human model of acute wound healing that isolated the effects of small fiber neuropathy on the healing process. Twenty-five healthy subjects had the transient receptor vanilloid 1 agonist capsaicin and placebo creams topically applied to contralateral areas on the skin of the thigh for 48 hours. Subjects had shallow (1.2 millimeter) and deep (>3 millimeter) punch skin biopsies from each thigh on days 1 and 14. Biopsy wound healing was monitored photographically until closure. Intra-epidermal and sweat-gland nerve fiber densities were measured for each biopsy. Shallow wounds in capsaicin-treated sites healed more slowly than in placebo treated skin with biopsies taken on day 1 (P<0.001) and day 14 (P<0.001). Deep biopsies in the capsaicin and placebo areas healed at similar rates at both time points. Nerve fiber densities were reduced only in capsaicin treated regions (P<0.01). In conclusion, topical application of capsaicin causes a small fiber neuropathy and is associated with a delay in healing of shallow, but not deep wounds. This novel human model may prove valuable in the study of wound healing in patients with neuropathy.


In the 1970s, a form of preventive veterinary medicine called "ecopathology" emerged in France. Depending on local contexts and on the social trajectories of its entrepreneurs, several versions, some of them contradictory, of this preventive approach to animal diseases have been developed. In central and eastern France, where small cattle farms still dominate and social movements defending an alternative agricultural production model are taking root, ecopathologists are promoting an associative veterinary medicine, which is conceived as an opposition to the dominant model of veterinary medicine as an independent profession. In the west, where pig farming is in the process of intensification, ecopathology becomes a knowledge in adequacy with the industrialization of agriculture. This presentation intends to discuss this second story.The Porcine Pathology Station is created in 1975 with the objective of providing support to the pig industry which is facing an increase of new diseases outbreaks, inconnection with the transformation of farming conditions. Ecopathologists developstatistical techniques that promote a collective, non-curative approach to animalhealth, which are the first steps towards the epidemiology of animal diseases. This knowledge will eventually fail to constitute an original form of veterinary medicine, butit will be taken up by professional and economic agricultural organizations, and will contribute to a transformation of the human-animal relationship in industrial livestock farming where the herd, rather than the individual animal, becomes the referent by which health issues are thought. This work is based on the study of the scientific productions and expert reports of the ecopathologists of Ploufragan, as well as on twelve interviews.


This study explores how people engage with educational and motivational content on TikTok. We conducted a mixed-methods content analysis of N = 400 health videos from the prosocial EduTok campaign. Two theories guided our analysis of content: the motivational theory of role modeling and the health belief model. Our results revealed that audiences most frequently engaged with educational videos related to diet, exercise, and sexual health. Role model appeals were prominently featured and highly engaged with. However, these videos often framed health promotion through an ideal lens, without including information needed for behavior change attainability. The prevalence of constructs from the health belief model in videos varied. Videos emphasizing prevention, cues to action, and behavior antecedents including perceived benefits and severity attracted more views and engagement than videos that did not include these concepts. We further observed a trend in which content creators used severity in a sensational manner to elicit shock and outrage, which in turn boosted content virality. When included, videos featuring efficacy appeals garnered higher engagement. However, these appeals were less common and had limited reach. Overall, our findings provide implications for using role modeling and theory-driven appeals in social media eHealth communication.


ance to this treatment but was improved by IVIG. There was a temporal relationship between neurological and renal improvement and IVIG, and this could reflect a common pathogenesis. Recognition of such coexisting disorders provides further evidence of an immune dysfunction in CIDP. A P FEVE* D SMADJA G RANCUREL J M LAGER Service de Neurologie, Pr P Brunet, Hopital SALPETRIERE, Paris Service de Neurologie, * PrA Guillard H6pital TENON, Paris, France