Monthly surface relative humidity (RH) data for 71 stations in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) provided by the National Meteorological Information Center/China Meteorological Administration are compared with corresponding grid points from the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR hereafter) reanalysis. Mean climatologies, interannual variabilities, and trends calculated by the Mann‐Kendal method are analyzed during 1961–2013. The annual regional long‐term mean surface RH is 55.3%, with a clear maximum in summer (66.4%) and minimum in winter (44.9%). Compared with observations, NCEP/NCAR overestimates RH in all seasons, especially in spring (18.2%) and winter (17.8%). Mean annual regional surface RH has decreased by −0.23% decade−1 and even more rapidly in summer (−0.60% decade−1) and autumn (−0.39% decade−1). The reduction of surface RH is also captured by the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis at the surface, 400, 500, and 600 hPa. A particularly sharp reduction of RH since the mid‐1990s is evident in both data sets, in line with rapid warming over the plateau. This suggests that moisture supply to the plateau from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal is limited and that variability and trends of surface RH over the TP are not uniquely driven by the Clausius‐Clapeyron relationship.


The article deals with the problem of formation of the vocal and performing culture of future teachers of music. The author emphasizes that the attention should be focused not only on the aspect of vocal training but on the development of personalities of future teachers whose vocal performing activity has to be combined with pedagogical skills. This article contains basic concepts, tasks, principles and conditions of forming of pedagogical vocal performing culture.


Tangshan Steel 2# slab caster was primarily designed by China National Heavy Machinery Research Institute Co.,Ltd.,and manufactured domestic.A number of advanced international technologies have been adopted in the slab caster automatic system.Application of the system strengthens adaptability of continuous caster,raises job rate of caster.This article mainly introduces the technical characteristics of this caster automatic control system and system network compose,providing references for similar designs.


Albino animals are useful for in situ hybridization experiments that demonstrate gene expression in embryos and organs, for the immunological rejection of skin grafts transplanted to host animals, and to identify tissues with regenerative ability during limbs and retina regeneration processes. Cynops pyrrhogaster has extensive regenerating capacities. To facilitate regenerative research, in the present study, we produced albino C. pyrrhogaster using genomic editing. The DNA fragment containing part of the tyrosinase gene from C. pyrrhogaster was amplified using degenerate primers corresponding to evolutionarily conserved nucleotide sequences among several species, and the nucleotide sequence was determined. We designed a transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) that targets a candidate of the C. pyrrhogaster tyrosinase gene. Fertilized eggs were injected with TALEN mRNA, and albinos of C. pyrrhogaster were obtained. The results of the present study demonstrated that TALEN can be used effectively for genomic editing in C. pyrrhogaster and that the candidates of the tyrosinase gene that were cloned by us are essential for melanin synthesis. The albino newts created in the present study can be used as versatile experimental material.


When N-[14C] acetylbenzotriazole, presented here as a new agent for the acetylation of proteins, reacted at pH 8 and 25 degrees C with delta-chymotrypsin, 15 amino groups (the epsilon-amino groups of lysing residues and the alpha-amino terminus of half-cystine-1) and two phenolic groups (those of the two exposed tyrosine residues) were acetylated with respective pseudo first-order constants of 0.056 +/- 0.003 and 0.15 +/- 0.03 min(-1). Surprisingly, in contrast with the acetic anhydride reaction, the alpha-amino group of Ile-16 was found to be not acetylated as shown by N-terminus determination and activity measurements: the modified delta-chymotrypsin (or acetylated delta-chymotrypsin) was fully active after neutral dialysis. Only a transient inactivation due to the incorporation of one [14C] acetyl group per mole of catalytic site was observed. The kinetic constant found for reactivation at pH 8.5 was 0.315 +/- 0.005 min(-1) at 25 degrees C. The enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-acetylbenzotriazole was described by a k(cat) value of 0.093 +/- 0.005 min(-1) at pH 7 and 25 degrees C. Circular dichroism changes observed at 230 nm during the reaction at pH 8.5, of acetylated delta-chymotrypsin with N-acetylbenzotriazole indicated a total conversion of the amount of enzyme molecules which were in the 'inactive' or 'alkaline' conformation at this pH, into the 'active' or 'neutral' one. Benzotriazole alone was unable to induce such a conformational change. The rate constant of the reverse structural process from the 'neutral' to the 'alkaline' conformation was 0.32 +/- 0.02 min(-1): identical to that of the deacetylation of the catalytic site. Thus, the unusual lack of acetylation of Ile-16 alpha-amino group during delta-chymotrypsin treatment with N-acetylbenzotriazole is interpreted as a stabilization of the enzyme 'neutral' conformation where the Ile-16 alpha-amino group is buried, thus inaccessible to the reagent. The properties of the delta-chymotrypsin modification using N-acetylbenzotriazole led to practical uses: direct spectrophotometric titration of chymotrypsin operational normality at pH 7 and rapid preparation of acetylated delta-chymotrypsin. As a protein reagent, N-acetylbenzotriazole is particularly interesting because of its reactivity towards amino and phenolic groups of amino acid residues, its stability at acid pH, i.e., k(hydrolysis=7.38 X 10(-3) min(-1) at 25 degrees C [Ravaux et al. (1971) Tetrahedron Letters, 4013-4015] and its aromaticity, responsible for optical properties.


In the recent phenomenon of Italian postcolonial literature, the protagonists are often women writers. As subjects who are traditionally in a marginal social position, due to their origins and gender, they are in a better position than others to explore the theme of identity. In fact, they benefit from a double point of view on culture: ours and theirs. By revising colonial history and / or talking about migration to Italy, not only do they begin to speak and to re-appropriate their own identities, but they pursue their own personal search for more effective forms for expressing the complexity and the continuous negation of identities. In so doing, they go beyond literature, and pose important questions for other social sciences concerned with questions of identity, such as social anthropology.


We provide aggregate statistics on U.S. dealers' bilateral repurchase agreements and economically equivalent securities lending activities. The data were collected from the U.S.-affiliated securities dealers of nine bank holding companies under a voluntary pilot program run by the Office of Financial Research (OFR) and the Federal Reserve System with input from the Securities and Exchange Commission. We found that the majority of this activity involves the delivery or receipt of U.S. Treasuries, with equities a distant second. The most common maturity is one day. Finally, rates are widely dispersed across asset classes.


For satellite gamma astrophysics, new missions have been proposed to investigate the Compton regime. The predecessors demonstrated as material activation is an important problem at these energies, because of the irradiation received from cosmic rays. We have quantified the material activation in a nanosatellite Compton in LEO with some Monte Carlo simulations. In this work we focused on primary protons, estimating the produced radioisotopes and in particular those that give gamma rays in out energetic range.


Trajectory planning for autonomous vehicles should attempt to minimize expected risk given noisy sensor data and uncertain predictions of the near future. In this paper, we present a trajectory planning approach for on-road scenarios where we use a graph search approximation. Uncertain predictions of other vehicles are accounted for by a novel inference technique that allows efficient calculation of the probability of dangerous outcomes for set of modeled situation types.


The Dark Matter part of the universe presumably consists of WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles). The ArDM project aims at measuring signals induced by WIMPs in a liquid argon detector. A 1-ton prototype is currently developed with the goal of demonstrating the feasibility of such a direct detection experiment with large target mass. The technical design of the detector aims at independently measuring the scintillation light and the ionization charge originating from an interaction of a WIMP with an argon nucleus. The principle of the experiment and the conceptual design of the detector are described.


PURPOSE
The availability of genetic tests for cancer susceptibility is increasing. Current tests, however, have limited clinical sensitivity. Even when clinically valid tests are available, the genetic counseling and informed consent process might not be feasible for dying patients with cancer. DNA banking preserves the opportunity for future research or clinical testing and may provide critical opportunities for surviving relatives. This study explored the current practices and potential for DNA banking for cancer susceptibility among oncologists specializing in palliative care.

METHODS
Palliative care oncologists actively providing clinical care for dying patients with cancer were recruited for an online survey. Descriptive statistics for DNA banking practices, perceived qualification to recommend banking, and potential predictors were assessed.

RESULTS
Data were collected from 49 physicians (37% recruitment rate). Eighty percent reported assessing at least some patients for genetic cancer susceptibility in the past 12 months. No participants reported banking DNA for patients in the past 12 months. Only 5% reported feeling at least somewhat qualified to order DNA banking. A Web-based risk assessment tool and genetic counselor on staff were perceived as the most helpful potential resources.

CONCLUSION
Despite its potential, DNA banking is not being used by palliative care oncologists.


Carbon steel is considered in Japan the candidate material for overpacks in high-level radioactive waste disposal. Effects of bicarbonate solutions on the corrosion behavior and corrosion products of carbon steel were investigated by electrochemical measurements, FT-IR and XRD analyses. The anodic polarization measurements showed that bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) accelerated the anodic dissolution and the outer layer film formation of carbon steel in the case of high concentrations, on the other hand, it inhibited these processes in the case of low concentrations. The FT-IR and XRD analyses of the anodized film showed that siderite (FeCO3) was formed in 0.5 to 1.0mol/L bicarbonate solution, and Fe2(OH)2CO3 in 0.1 to 0.2mol/L bicarbonate solution, while Fe6(OH)12CO3 was formed in 0.02 to 0.05mol/L bicarbonate solutions. The stability of these corrosion products was able to be explained by using the actual potential-pH diagrams for the Fe-H2O-CO2 system.


Asymmetrical continental margin orogenic belts have superimposed mineralization belts also zoned asymmetrically toward low temperature in the foreland, suggesting orogenic redistribution of crustal metals. The quantity of uranium concentrated in deposits is maximum in a final forelandward zone. High-temperature thorium/uranium concentrations are less prominent in rearward tectonic zones. Unfavorability of tectonic zones oceanward of the batholith zone for low-temperature uranium, which was predicted in 1970, is reviewed as a test of the metallotectonic concept after 12 years of intensive exploration during the price peak. Of nineteen Pacific-margin countries containing island-arc, back-arc flysch basin, pluton-in-flysch, or batholith tectonic zones, three aggregate, six uranium deposits (four of low temperature), nine prospects, and perhaps ten occurrences were found. Two more countries have one prospect each. One vein is in island-arc andesite. Two disseminations in basin flysch may represent submarine exhalations. Several high-temperature veins are associated with alkaline plutons in flysch, and several high-temperature replacement disseminations with 'porphyry" copper/molybdenum deposits are known. Many uneconomic high-temperature replacement disseminations in alkaline granite are known in the batholith zone. One economic dissemination is in a granite pluton contact zone, and two supergene impregnations are in regolith over granite batholiths. Several impregnations occur in basin sandstones derived from and overlying granite. Strongest uranium mineralization in oceanward was with cratonization oceanic rocks.


Cross-border activities in health care in the European single market are increasing. Many of these cross-border developments are related to e-Health. E-Health describes the application of information and communication technologies across the whole range of functions that affect the health care sector. E-health attracts a growing interest on the European level that highlights the sharp need of appropriate regulatory framework able to ensure its promotion in the European Union. Some Directives constitute a step in this direction. Both the Data Protection Directive, the E-Commerce Directive, the Medical Device Directive and the Directive on Distance Contracting are some of the most important European legal achievements related to e-Health. Although the directives are not adopted especially for e-health applications, they are indirectly very important for e-Health. Firstly, the Data Protection Directive applies to personal data which form part of a filing system and contains several important principles that have to be complied with by e-Health actors processing personal data concerning health. Secondly, the E-commerce Directive applies to services provided at a distance by electronic means. Many e-Health applications fall within this scope. Thirdly, the Medical Devices Directive is of importance for the e-Health sector, especially with regard to e.g. the medical software that is used in many e-health applications. Finally, the Directive on Distance Contracting applies to contracts for goods or services which make use of one or more means of distance communication; E-Health business may involve the conclusion of contracts. Despite these Directives more developments are needed at the European level in order to make sure that e-Health will play an even more important role in health care systems than is the case today. The new e-Health applications like electronic health records, e-health platforms, health grids and the further use of genetic data and tissue involve new legal challenges. Several member states are introducing electronic health records or e-Health platforms. The use of electronic health records that contain data of several health actors poses new risks with some legal consequences. Recently, grids are being used in some ambitious medical and healthcare applications. In order to be truly effective such grid applications must draw together huge amounts of data from disparately located computers - which implies data sharing across jurisdictions and the sharing of responsibilities by a range of different data controllers. E-Health will also enhance the further use of human tissue and genetic data. More and clear guidelines on the reimbursement criteria for telemedicine and on liability would also be very useful. Guidance at the European level can be given as to the criteria that (tele-) health sessions will have to comply with for reimbursement purposes, since it is still unclear when e-Health sessions will be reimbursed. It is clear that the existing European legal framework is not finished yet and that more specific European rules are needed.


We say K is consistent at p if each r(u, p) lies in V(K, p) in a one-one manner. This is obviously a necessary condition that K be smoothly imbeddable in Em. It may happen that a relation a1v, + ... + akvk = 0 is not true at p, yet arbitrarily near p a relation arbitrarily near this one holds. This might preclude smooth imbedding. A necessary and sufficient condition for imbeddability of a general complifold seems highly difficult to obtain. Instead, we shall give a slight restriction on K. 4. Celiwise homogeneity. Let K be consistent at each p. If for each a, and cells ai., ox,, with a as face, the part of V(K, p) over these cells is of constant dimension as p moves over a, we say K is celiwise homogeneous. THEOREM: Any celiwise homogeneous complifold of dimension n may be smoothly imbedded in E2n+1, and smoothly immersed in E2n.


This survey reports the results of a national survey of training programs in family therapy. Two hundred and forty-five programs responded to the survey questionnaire providing data for the development of a master list of training programs and a general assessment of the nature and magnitude of training efforts in the field. The survey included programs housed in diverse institutional settings. The data indicate the extent of growth and the increasing formalization of professional training in family therapy. A classification system is proposed for distinguishing among the major types of facilities providing family therapy training. Programs are compared in terms of the type, duration, and intensity of the training offered and the number of students enrolled.


In this paper, a tabu search-based behavior level synthesis scheme is proposed to minimize power consumption with resource operating at multiple voltages under the timing and the resource constraints. Unlike the conventional methods where only scheduling is considered, our synthesis scheme considers both scheduling and partitioning simultaneously to reduce power consumption due to the functional units as well as the interconnects among them. More importantly, our approach tends to efficiently address a few practical layout problems inherent to multiple voltage designs. In particular, we have configured our solutions as a three-tuple vector to account for both the timing and the partition. Cycling of the same solutions is prevented by applying a tabu list with an update mechanism enhanced with an aspiration function. In this way, the algorithm can search a large solution space with modest computation effort and fast convergence rate. Experiments with a number of DSP benchmarks show that the proposed algorithms achieve an average power reduction by 49.6%.


In work the results of a study carried out to characterize the mechanical response of a high damping rubber to be used to design and construct energy dissipating devices and base isolators for controlling strong vibrations in civil engineering structures is presented. A new parametric constitutive model of the rubber is proposed to be employed in the design procedure and structural analysis of passive controlled structures. The parameters of the model are calibrated using experimental results obtained from tests on rubber specimens subjected to different loading paths. The new model is able to reproduce the main dissipative mechanisms as well as axial hardening. The response predicted for the proposed model is compared with these obtained from experimental tests.


Gastric adenocarcinoma is a rare entity in the pediatric population. Gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is seen extremely rarely in children. A 12-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with complaint of abdominal pain. X-ray revealed free air density below the diaphragm. Emergent laparotomy showed perforated stomach. Four weeks after the operation, he was readmitted with severe gastrointestinal obstruction symptoms. He underwent an explorative laparotomy, which revealed intestinal edema and diffuse small solid nodules covering the peritoneum. Serum AFP level was mildly elevated. Endoscopic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract was performed, and a gastric mass was detected. All pathological findings were compatible with gastric carcinoma showing hepatoid differentiation. We report an unusual case of AFP-producing hepatoid gastric adenocarcinoma presenting with gastric perforation. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported case of AFP- producing hepatoid gastric adenocarcinoma presenting with gastric perforation in a child.


Current studies on human hepatocyte cultures are surveyed. Human hepatocytes are generally isolated according to collagenase perfusion method by introducing the isolation solution into the vascular orifice on the cut surface of a human liver tissue fragment. The major problem in isolating viable hepatocytes is obtaining fresh specimens; usually several hours elapse after dissection of the fragment from surgical procedures. Inter-indivisual difference, premedication, period of coma and the time lag between dissection and the start of perfusion can produce large variety of the preparation. In spite of such technical limits, studies on primary cultures of human hepatocytes offered valuable information. Though the hepatocytes gradually lose drug-metabolizing activity during culture, they respond to typical enzyme inducers such as phenobarbital, β-naphthoflavone, omeprazole or rifampicin, and induced specific cytochrome P-450 subfamilies. Species differences in the effect of peroxisome proliferator or cytotoxicity of certain chemicals have also been reported.Cultured dog hepatocytes resemble human hepatocytes in terms of enzyme induction suggesting a possibility to serve as an experimental model for predicting drug interaction in human. As an example, induction of hepatic P450 Ill A subfamily by a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug in humans, dogs and primary cultured dog hepatocytes is presented.


In this paper Bayesian Vector Autoregression (BVAR) models are estimated for the Chilean economy. Under this approach, the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy and forecast exercises are studied and evaluated for the main macroeconomic variables. Then, the results are contrasted with the standard VAR models presented in the previous literature for the case of Chile and the implications for the monetary policy design are discussed.


A novel C-scan imaging method is presented. This method utilizes the radiation force to stimulate an acoustic emission by the object at low frequencies. The radiation force, which is highly localized, is produced employing two intersecting focused ultrasound beams driven by two CW sources at slightly different frequencies. The acoustic emission is generated at the difference, or the beat, frequency. This field is nondirective and is detected by a hydrophone. It is shown that the amplitude of the acoustic field is linearly proportional to the peak instantaneous ultrasound power. This has been verified experimentally using a pinhead object and two identical transducers in a water tank. C-scan images are obtained by displaying the amplitude of the acoustic field versus beam position while the object is raster scanned.


The authors report the case of a 63-year-old patient with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) associated with Parkinson's syndrome, whose performances were dramatically improved by bromocriptine therapy, with an improvement of the scores, not only on tests evaluating motor functions but also on tests evaluating the patient's cognitive functions. However, no improvement was observed with levodopa.


A new finite element model of a Timoshenko beam is developed to analyze the small amplitude, free vibrations of non-uniform beams on variable two-parameter foundations. An important characteristic of the model is that the cross-sectional area, the second moment of area, the Winkler foundation modulus and the shear foundation modulus are all assumed to vary in polynomial forms, implying that the beam element can deal with commonly seen non-uniform beams having different cross-sections such as rectangular, circular, tubular and even complex thin-walled sections as well as the foundation of beams which vary in a general way. Thus this new beam element model enables users to handle vibration analysis of more general beam-like structures. In this paper, by using cubic polynomial expressions for the total deflection and the bending slope of the beam, the mass and stiffness matrices of the element are derived from energy expressions. The element model can accommodate various boundary conditions to represent a Timoshenko beam accurately. Excellent agreement with other investigators' results and a rapid rate of convergence with relatively few elements are demonstrated. This study also brings out the fact that the complicated form of this new beam model is necessary because of its advantage over linear or uniform approximations of the non-uniform foundation and/or geometrical properties of beams. The same accuracy being achieved with fewer elements is the main advantage. Finally, an optimum design problem is illustrated to emphasize the practical application of this element. 71996 Academic Press Limited


Coccinellid larvae are known to prey upon conspecific and heterospecific eggs, larvae, prepupae, and pupae. This behavior may depend on both the aggregation and intensive search of potential cannibals and predators near aphid colonies and the disappearance of aphids before coccinellid larvae have completed their development. We examined how coccinellid density and prey availability influence cannibalism and interspecific predation of larvae and pupae of 4 species of coccinellids. We determined whether coccinellid mortality and dispersal were density-dependent when prey become scarce, and estimated the leaving rates of Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), Adalia bipunctata (L.), and Hippodamia convergens (Guerin) larvae from plants with aphids and plants without aphids. Our results show that larval and pupal cannibalism and interspecific predation occur more frequently when aphid populations crash, but we found no evidence of coccinellid density-dependent mortality or density-dependent larval dispersal among species. However, A. bipunctata and H. convergens were significantly more aggressive and more likely to leave a plant without aphids than was C. maculata. These results suggest that the decision to stay on a plant is not strongly aphid- or pollen-mediated for C. maculata, but the decision to stay or leave does appear to be aphid-mediated for H. convergens and to some extent A. bipunctata. Whether a coccinellid larva stays or leaves and its tendency to cannibalize can affect larval and pupal survival and the population dynamics of each species.


In June 2009 and August 2009 respectively, the Commonwealth, in partnership with the NSW Government, commenced the operation of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees with the appointment of Chairpersons and members. Minister Crean confirmed broad roles for the Committees, including preparation of Regional Plans and significant involvement in the RDA Fund (RDAF) process. Commonwealth funding of vital hard infrastructure under RDAF has been well received by the local government sector. However, councils have been required to propose projects which, in Round One, were to align with RDA Regional Plans and demonstrate regional significance. Round Two funding required local government proponents to lodge Expressions of Interest (EOI's) for assessment by RDA Committees, which were required by the Commonwealth to select a maximum of three EOIs to go forward for more detailed consideration. These and other matters relating to RDAF have caused tensions between RDAs and local government. The paper discusses those tensions and suggests options to overcome the concerns of local government.


Office nurses are paid only about three-fourths the hourly rate hospital nurses receive. A survey of the physicians who employ them provides details on what these RNs are earning.


Developing countries have issues with different problems in communication area trying to achieve high standards to cope with high availability requests of strict international standards such as ISO and IEEE. This paper explains possible solutions for highly available Virtual Private Networks (VPN) dealing with both authentication and privacy in environment of undeveloped public infrastructure and using all possible low cost technologies and all kinds of software solutions. It also underlines differences in engineering processes in developing countries and developed countries (key difference is workforce price). As a proof of thesis we presented in this paper, it shows an example of Federal Ministry of Transport and Communications of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which implemented a|TEST, integral informational system for MOT stations that use this type of network infrastructure.


CONTEXT
It is estimated that 80% of all women have used oral contraceptives (OCP), but OCP use may prevent attainment of maximal peak bone mass in young women and thus increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

OBJECTIVE
This study examined whether increased calcium intake could reduce the detrimental effects of OCP use on bone mass in young women.

DESIGN
The study design was a 1-yr intervention.

SETTING
The study was performed in a general community setting.

SUBJECTS
One hundred fifty-four young (18-30 yr old) healthy women with a dietary calcium intake of less than 800 mg/d began the study, and 135 completed the trial.

INTERVENTION
Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three diet intervention groups: 1) control, continuous established (<800 mg/d) dietary calcium intake; 2) medium dairy, increase calcium intake to approximately 1000-1100 mg/d; and 3) high dairy, increase calcium intake to approximately 1200-1300 mg/d. Randomization was stratified by OCP use.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The main outcome measures were total body bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC); total hip BMD, BMC, and bone area; and spine BMD, BMC, and bone area.

RESULTS
Dairy product intervention positively impacted the percentage change in total hip BMD and BMC. In addition, dairy product intake prevented a negative percentage change in total hip and spine BMD in OCP users.

CONCLUSION
Dairy product intake, at levels necessary to achieve the recommended intakes of calcium, protected the total hip BMD and spine BMD from loss observed in young healthy women with low calcium intakes who were using OCP.


There is currently great concern about the processes that directly or indirectly contribute to the potential for global warming, such as stratospheric ozone depletion or acidification. In this context, and provided that treated water is a basic public utility in urban centers around the world as well as in some rural areas, its impact on the environment is of great interest. Therefore, this study applied the environmental methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental loads of four potable water treatment plants (PWTPs) located in northeastern Colombia following the international guidelines delineated in ISO 14040. The different stages of the drinking water process were thoroughly assessed, from the catchment point through pumping to the distribution network. The functional unit was defined as 1 m3 of drinking water produced at the plant. The data were analyzed through the database Ecoinvent v.3.01, and modeled and processed in the software LCA-Data Manager. The results showed that in plants PLA-CA and PLA-PO, the flocculation process has the highest environmental load, which is mostly attributable to the coagulant agent, with a range between 47-73% of the total impact. In plants PLA-TON and PLA-BOS, electricity consumption was identified as the greatest impact source, with percentages ranging from 67 to 85%. Treatment processes and techniques, bioclimatic conditions and culturally driven consumption behavior varied from region to region. Furthermore, changes in treatment processes and techniques are likely to affect the environment during all stages of a plant's operational cycle.


The authors describe the course of acute haemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis complicated by prolonged septicaemia, the formation of abscesses, acute haemorrhage and a intestinal fistula--"Critically ill patient". Early surgical elimination of necrotic septic foci is the prerequisite of effective treatment and cure. In the diagnosis CT and magnetic resonance prove most useful. With the latter so far little experience as been assembled. Ultrasonographic visualization technique is insufficient for the diagnosis of focal changes in the area of the pancreas.


Jamaica is a small state in the northern Caribbean with a population of approximately 2.7 million. It faces significant social and economic challenges with chronic unemployment and widespread corruption. While the formal economy remains in a stagnant state, the trade in illegal drugs and weapons has remained dynamic and achieved high levels of organisation. The political environment remains stable although the island has experienced periods of political violence. The deteriorating crime problems with high incidences of murders, rapes, shootings and carnal abuse greatly threatens Jamaica's national security and the well being of the entire population. Corruption in the police force has become a byword in Jamaica and features regularly in the media. Corruption, physical assault, worrying levels of the use of lethal force and involvement in criminal activities are all considered common police practice by the Jamaican citizens, who remain highly suspicious and fearful of the police. While the term police corruption conjures up many images and stereotypes, it is recognised as a complex phenomenon, which does not readily submit to simple analysis. It is a problem that has and will continue to affect us all. Given the gravity of the situation, the then Commissioner of Police made it his highest priority to tackle the endemic problem of corruption in his force. Thus in January 2008 the Jamaican Constabulary Force launched its new anti-corruption strategy, which is based on a three pronged approach of detection, prevention and education. The strategy is innovative, detailed and already showing signs of success in a relatively short period of time.


Purpose of review Cardiac arrhythmias are a major source of morbidity and mortality. Many of these patients require diagnostic or therapeutic intervention in an electrophysiology laboratory with involvement of an anesthesiologist. The goal of this review is to provide the anesthesiologist with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying various arrhythmias; specific procedures performed for diagnosis and treatment, and associated risks. Recent findings With the introduction of new interventional electrophysiology techniques, anesthesiologists are facing new challenges during perioperative management of these complex procedures and patients. Summary By reviewing the current literature regarding electrophysiology procedures, this review will provide information essential to the anesthesiologist to safely care for this unique patient population.


The nectaries anatomical features of nine species of Pomoideae subfamily Aronia melanocarpa Ell., Cotoneaster horizontalis Decne, C. praecox Vilm.-Andr., C. lucida Schlecht., Crataegus monogyna Jacq., C. coccinea L., C. crus-galli L., Sorbus aucuparia L., Sorbus intermedia Pers. were compared. The flower longitudinal sections by means of vibratome and semithin slides by use of ultramicrotome were made. The thickness of nectary epidermis, glandular layer and the structure of subglandular layer as well as the n,n of vascular bundles were studied. It was stated that the height of epidermis cells and the thickness of their wall were approximate in the most investigated taxons. Stomata occurred in the nectaries of all species. They were located on a level with the epidermis cells in Aronia and Sorbus genera, in small hollows in Cotoneaster and considerably below the level of epidermis cells in Crataegus . The thickness of glandular layer was approximate for each genera. Sorbus intermedia and the species of Crataegus genus wer distinguishable by the thickest nectaries. The concentration of brachysclereids occurred in subglandular tissue of Crataegus crus-galli and of Sorbus both species. Vascular bundles, stocking the nectary, mostly consisted of phloem and xylem, but in Aronia, Cotoneaster praecox and C. lucida only phloem was noticed. The dependence between thickness of glandular layer, studied anatomical features and the volume of secreted nectar is discussed.


Electrohydrodynamic convection due to the Carr-Helfrich (CH) effect has been extensively investigated in nematics. It has been predicted also for freely suspended smectic C and C* films. On the other hand, in smectic A films another type of electroconvection (vortex flow) has been described (Morris S. W., De Bruyn J. R. and May A., Phys. Rev. Lett. 65 (1990) 2378) but is not sufficiently understood by theory so far. We report experiments on freestanding smectic C films in lateral AC electric fields. A convective instability bifurcating continuously from the homogeneous ground state is found. Evidently the mechanism of the instability is of a similar type as in SA. The director field in the convection vortices is directly visualized in the optical texture.


Abstract Understanding the mechanism by which biological macromolecules fold into their functional native conformations represents a problem of fundamental interest. DNA oligonucleotides derived from human telomeric repeat d[TAGGG(TTAGGG)3] and d[TAGGG(TTAGGG)3TT] fold into G-quadruplexes through diverse steps. Varying the pH and temperature by the use of nuclear magnetic resonance and other methods enabled detection of pre-folded structures that exist in solution before completely formed G-quadruplexes upon addition of cations. Pre-folded structures are in general hard to detect, however their knowledge is crucial to set up folding pathways into final structure since they are believed to be a starting point. Unexpectedly well-defined pre-folded structures composed of base triples for both oligonucleotides were detected at certain pH and temperature. These kinds of structures were up to now only hypothesized as intermediates in the folding process. All revealed pre-folded structures irrespective of the pH and temperature exhibited one common structural feature that could govern folding process.


Transmetallation, generating organotransition metal species from alkylating reagent and metal complexes, plays important roles in many synthetic organic reactions catalyzed by transition metal complexes. This article describes recent progress in mechanistic study on the transmetallation and in elucidation of its relevance to synthetic organic reactions catalyzed by transition metal complexes. Pd complex catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aromatic halides with organomagnesium and organotin reagents and with terminal alkynes involve transmetallation of alkyl and alkynyl group from the non-transition or transition metal compounds to Pd complexes. Ni (0) complex promoted dehalogenative condensation of aryl halides in DMF occurs via disproportionation of bromo (aryl) nickel (II) complexes to form diarylnickel complex which is responsible for reductive elimination of biaryls. Mechanisms of isomerization between cis- and trans-diarylpalladium complexes having auxiliary thioether ligand and of conproportionation of diorgano- and dichloro-complexes of group 10 metals are discussed.


Logic has long set itself the task of helping humans think clearly. Certain computer programming languages, most prominently the Logo language, have been billed ashelping young people become clearer thinkers. It is somewhat doubtful that such languages can succeed in this regard, but at any rate it seems sensible to explore an approach to programming that guarantees an intimate link between the thinking required to program and the kind of clear thinking that logic has historically sought to cultivate. Accordingly, Bringsjord has invented a new computer programming language, Reason, one firmly based in the declarative programming paradigm, and specifically aligned with the core skills constituting clear thinking. Reason thus offers the intimate link in question to all who would genuinely use it.


The evaporation of water nanofilms on a solid surface is a widespread and important process in many fields. Herein, we utilize molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate that the evaporation of a water nanofilm is regulated by applying an alternating electric field (AEF). An AEF at a specific frequency can be resonantly absorbed by the water film. Consequently, the AEF with sufficient strength significantly increases the evaporation rate of the water film (R). In contrast, an AEF of a different frequency and polarization direction decreases R sharply, which is closely related to the strengthened hydrogen bond network and the reduced kinetic energy of the outermost water of the water film. When the maximum amplitude of the AEFs is 0.9 V/nm, which is achievable in a laboratory setting, R spans six orders of magnitude. The effects of applying the AEFs are quite distinct from those of changing the temperature. Notably, the polarization direction of the AEF plays an important role in the water evaporation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on regulating the evaporation rate of a water film, showing that it is possible to use AEFs to tune the properties of nanoscaled water, such as the wettability.


BACKGROUND
Due to higher failure rates, lengthy time and high cost of the traditional de novo drug discovery and development process; the rate of opportunity to get new, safe and efficacious drugs for the targeted population including pediatric patients with cancer becomes sluggish.

OBJECTIVES
This paper discusses the development of novel anticancer drugs focusing on the identification and selection of target anticancer drug development for the targeted population.

METHODS
Information presented in this review was obtained from different databases including PUBMED, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Various keywords were used as search terms.

RESULTS
The pharmaceutical companies currently are executing drug repurposing as an alternative means to accelerate the drug development process that reduces the risk of failure, time and cost, which takes 3-12 years with almost 25% overall probability of success as compared to de novo drug discovery and development process (10-17 years) which has less than 10% probability of success. An alternative strategy to the traditional de novo drug discovery and development process, called drug repurposing, is also presented.

CONCLUSION
Therefore, to continue with the progress of developing novel anticancer drugs towards the targeted population, identification and selection of the target to the specific disease type is important considering the aspects of the age of the patient and the disease stages such as each cancer types are different when we consider the disease at a molecular level. Drug repurposing technique becomes an influential alternative strategy to discover and develop novel anticancer drug candidates.


The prevalence of online education with the help of advanced digital tools invites universities to foster self-regulated and peer-collaborative learning skills (SRL & PCL) among students. The main objectives of the study were; exploring the insights of teachers for fostering (SRL & PCL) in online learning, tracing difficulties for teachers to stimulate (SRL & PCL), and examining current online teaching practices of teachers that facilitate (SRL & PCL). In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 teachers of public sector universities in Punjab. The suitability & trustworthiness of the interview protocol was confirmed by seeking expert opinion. The qualitative data were analyzed with the help of N-Vivo. The Study concluded that teachers believed (SRL & PCL) skills are immensely needed to nurture SRL and PCL in students in the online teaching[1]learning process. Some challenging factors for teachers were found to be high in intensity like being un-motivated, having low self-efficacy, peer conflicts, the environment of educational institutions, lack of planning skills, support facilities, unsuitable educational equipment, and lack of orientation towards (ICT) skills. The practices of teachers to facilitate (SRL & PCL) included; the use of motivation and emotional drive, promoting the use of collaborative tools, improving self-talk & feedback, promoting reflective dialogues, and promoting peer sharing and active learning. The study also recommended the ways for teachers to nurture SRL and PCL skills in students within online mode.


Recent reports suggest a potential relationship between COVID-and onset of diabetes (DM) . We present the case of a 35 yr old female with type 1 DM (T1DM) who following COVID-pneumonia (COVP) developed worsening insulitis suggesting a potential direct effect of COVID-on beta cell function. The patient is a 35 yr old Caucasian female with T1DM first diagnosed 5 yrs ago. She had some residual beta cell secretory function with fasting C-peptide; 0.51 (0-8-3.85ng/ml) . She also has hemochromatosis, thyroiditis with thyroid nodular disease and +ve history of T1DM in her older brother and maternal cousin. Since diagnosis she has been on insulin pump therapy and a CGMS device with excellent glycemic control and HBA1c of 6.7-7.1. She had not received the COVID-vaccine and had COVP in July 2021 requiring inpatient care but not intubation. She received oral steroids and Remdesivir with salutary response. She has not had post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV (PASC) but ˜ 2 months post discharge had acute thyroiditis with no thyroid abscess, elevated sed rate, leucocytosis and peak thyroglobulin; 158 (3-40ng/ml) . Since discharge she noted persistent global hyperglycemia requiring increased basal and bolus insulin therapy with peak HBA1c of 8.3. Further evaluation showed active insulitis with reduced C-peptide 0.and increase in islet related antibodies compared to titers obtained at the time of initial diagnosis 5 yrs prior. The clinical presentation of our patient suggests a potential role of COVID-in inducing insulitis with significant implications for at risk patients including T1DM patients with preserved islet function but also type 2 DM and LADA patients. This case provides another compelling reason for advocating COVID-vaccination in at risk patients. The duration of this effect on islet function and whether beta cell functional recovery is possible over time remains to be seen. The insulitis manifests with worsening glycemic profiles as well as possibly impacting islet mediated counterregulatory glycemic responses.

 G.I.Uwaifo: None.


Ketamine has been recognized as an anesthetic agent of choice in areas with limited resources, particularly in emergency situations. Unlike other commonly used induction agents, it preserves respiratory drive and maintains predominant sympathetic tone. However, ketamine's application in other clinical settings has been limited by its psychomimmetic properties, which other anesthetics do not posses. Despite these drawbacks, ketamine has become a favorable drug for the sedation of children undergoing various procedures. Here we propose 3 clinical paradigms where ketamine may be the agent of choice for the pediatric patient requiring sedation or anesthesia, including (1) the child with a difficult airway, (2) the child with a reactive airway disease, and (3) the uncooperative child requiring intravenous access.


Insulin treatment is necessary for many patients with type 2 diabetes, and its delivery must be safe and comfortable. This study evaluated patients' safety and comfort when using a Gensulin® delivery device, GensuPen (Bioton), a reusable insulin pen device for injecting Gensulin® insulin among adult and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. This was a 4-week multicenter, prospective, observational, open-label study in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who have recently started using a GensuPen. Overall, 10,309 patients (mean age: 63 ± 12.0 years; 47.9% female) were analyzed in this study. Of these, 2.5% had used an insulin delivery device before, and for 97.5%, GensuPen was the first delivery device they had used. Most (87.8%) of the patients rated the GensuPen as very good in setting the dose, 92.0% in confirmation of successful insulin administration, 80.9% in trigger location, and 75.0% in force needed for injection. The overall safety of the GensuPen use was high since severe hypoglycemia occurred only in 0.2% of the studied patients. There were 0.6% adverse events, none of which were serious. This real-life observation data shows that the GensuPen was well accepted and safe in this large patient population of adult and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.


Determine biological target, identify natural enemies, and establish appropriate periods of controlling a pest gracillariid tare. The biological aspects and natural enemies in field and laboratory were evaluated, appropriate control periods was determined by host-pest interaction. The results, egg lasts 7.8 days and measured 0.34x0.21 mm; presents four instars larvae and lasts 35.7 days, ranging from measures between 1st and the 4th instar from 0.09 to 0.65 mm diameter brain; the pupa lasts 14.3 days and measured 6.7mmx1.1mm; adult takes 7.5 days and measured 13.43 mm wingspan. Presents natural enemies, family Encyrtidae, Ichneumonidae, and genres Chelonus sp., Chrysoperla sp., Hemerobius sp., Cicloneda sp., Hippodamia sp., and Zelus spp. The best times control occur when the phenology of the tara is between R3.1 to R3.3 and R4 to R6.


The PI3K pathway constitutes an important pathway for regulating the signaling of multiple essential biological processes for which deregulation might contribute to cancer. As such, the PI3K pathway is one of the most frequently altered pathways in human tumors, providing constitutive pathway activation. The evidence indicates that the PI3K pathway is a potential target for cancer chemotherapy. Indeed, many companies and academic laboratories have initiated a variety of approaches to inhibit the pathway at different points. These proteins are kinases, which are very "druggable" targets a priori and, according to the "addiction hypothesis," cancer cells with this pathway activated will be more dependent upon this pathway for their survival. In this work, we will focus on PI3K protein as a major target for therapeutic intervention. We thoroughly review the clinical achievements and major concerns raised by the pharmacological intervention of PI3Ks.


Using Asa L.G.A. as a case study, the article focuses on the understanding of the indigenous methods of controlling soil erosion in Kwara State. Participant observation, an anthropological method of data collection was employed among sixty respondents who were randomly selected from the set of aged farmers in the study area. Six different effective control measures were identified including 'Ebe ati Pooro', 'Idian', 'Agbin-Taala',
'Agbin-la', 'Agbin-Po' and one that can be likened to 'fallowing'. It was however observed that whereas farmers have more often than not practiced these control measures for intensions that are primarily different from controlling erosion, their practices coincidentally assist in averting soil erosion to considerable degree. The paper therefore draws attention to the fact that more respective attention to local knowledge and practices are
necessary basis for effective and appropriate environmental policies, particularly in developing countries. Keywords : Indigenous knowledge, Soil erosion, Asa, Kwara Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 1 (1) 2008: pp. 1-6


ABSTRACT Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations were performed to elucidate the electronic and optical properties of 2-R-naphthol[2,3-d]oxaphospholes (R-NOPs). On the basis of the calculated results, the poor π overlap between the 3pz orbital of P atom and the 2pz orbitals of other atoms and increasing polarity of P atom result in a reduced energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. When these two effects are considered simultaneously, the absorption energies obtained for the S1 state can be below 3.00 eV according to replace the P atom of oxaphosphole ring by As atom (increasing the poor π overlap) and change the functional groups (increasing polarity). The origin of these two effects is the inherent size of the 3p orbital of P atom. The role of P atom in the control of the electronic and optical properties of R-NOPs is clearly elucidated.


In aviation and navigation, complicated parts are milled with high-speed low-feed-per-tooth milling to decrease tool vibration for high quality. Because the nonlinearity of the cutting force coefficient (CFC) is more evident with the relatively smaller instantaneous uncut chip thickness, the stable critical cutting depth and its distribution against different tool postures are affected. Considering the nonlinearity, a nonlinear dynamic CFC model that reveals the effect of the dynamic instantaneous uncut chip thickness on the dynamic cutting force is derived based on the Taylor expansion. A five-axis bull-nose end milling dynamics model is established with the nonlinear dynamic CFC model. The stable critical cutting depth distribution with respect to tool posture is analyzed. The stability results predicted with the dynamic CFC model are compared with those from the static CFC model and the constant CFC model. The effects of tool posture and feed per tooth on stable critical cutting depth were also analyzed, and the proposed model was validated by cutting experiments. The maximal stable critical cutting depths that can be achieved under different tool postures by feed per tooth adjustment were calculated, and corresponding distribution diagrams are proposed for milling parameter optimization.


This experiment was carried out to obtain the basic information for the improving of leaf quality by topping time and depth in flue-cured tobacco. Development of palisade parenchyma and spongy parenchyma were in order of button stage>early flower stage>late flower stage by topping time, and were in order of 4th leaf topping from floral axis>2nd leaf topping from floral axis>floral axis by topping depth. When 2nd leaf from floral axis were topped at late flower stage in A grade field and at early flower stage in B grade field, total sugar to nicotine ratio ralating to organoleptic characteristics were desirable as 9.0 and 9.7, and petroleum ether extract contents relating flavor of flue-cured tobacco were high as 9.9% and 8.4%, respectively. In ecological tissue, percentage of direct effect on quality were 43.2% in palisade parenchyma. 26.5% in spongy parechyma. 17.7% in tissue ratio, 6.7% in leaf thickness, 3.1% in intercellular space, 2.8% in leaf type and in chemical components, were 40.6% in nicotine. 35.7% in T-sugar/nicotine, 10.0% in total sugar, 7.0% in T-nitrogen/nicotine, 4.6% in total nitrogen, 2.1% in petroleum ether extract. The optimum topping depth were desirable at topping under second leaf from floral axis at late flower stage in A grade field and at early flower stage in B grade field for good leaf quality.


Wireless LAN Roaming enables users to be authenticated and authorized for access to networks at various places they visit. The largest roaming federation today is probably eduroam developed for research and education institutions. There have been some projects for developing roaming federations for public wireless LAN services as well. Since the introduction of the Next Generation Hotspot concept, the need to interconnect these roaming federations has emerged. However, some technical problems exist and these need to be addressed simultaneously. In this paper, we analyze existing roaming systems and develop an inter-federation roaming architecture with the aim of realizing a worldwide Wireless LAN roaming system that would accommodate eduroam. To realize realm-based routing of authentication requests across different federations and to achieve system scalability, the roaming architecture is designed to use regional hubs instead of a single exchange hub. We also aim to develop an actual roaming platform for secure public wireless LAN services based on the developed architecture. The developed platform was implemented and tested in the City Wi-Fi Roaming trials conducted by the Wireless Broadband Alliance.


Multi-layered Printed Circuit Boards (T'CB) are an insulating system that sometimes is affected by failures, due to several possible causes. Three following main "weak areas" within the insulation can been identified: I) the interface between the layers (it can form a privileged path for a total discharge) 2) the presence of gaseous or metallic inclusions in the dielectric, especially in regions affected by divergent fields 3) the metal coated drilled holes adopted to connect different layers; even in this case the presence of regions with divergent fields can initiate a discharge path. The matter in point has a validity as a method to approach the problem. Therefore, the outcome of an experimental study aimed at deciding the best type of specimens geometry capable of mimicking the role of the above defects along a possible failure mechanism is presented and discussed. Actually two groups of test patterns and the relevant tests are reported and commented upon.


This paper deals with the valuation and the hedging of non-path-dependent European options on one or several underlying assets in a model of an international economy allowing for both, interest rate risk and exchange rate risk. Using martingale theory and, in particular, the change of numeraire technique we provide a unified and easily applicable approach to pricing and hedging exchange options on stocks, bonds, futures, interest rates and exchange rates. We also cover the pricing and hedging of compound exchange options.


In the microelectronics packaging industry, the adhesion strength between Cu and polyimide and the thermal stability are very important factors, as they influence the performance and reliability of the device. The three different buffer layers of Cr, 50%Cr-50%Ni, and Ni were adopted in a Cu/buffer layer/polyimide system and compared in terms of their adhesion strength and thermal stability at a temperature of 300 C for 24hrs. A 90-degree peel test and XPS analysis revealed that both the peel strength and thermal stability decreased in the order of the Cr, 50%Cr-50%Ni and Ni buffer layer. The XPS analysis revealed that Cu can diffuse through the thin Ni buffer layer (200A), resulting in a decrease in the adhesion strength when the Cu/ buffer layer/polyimide multilayer is heat-treated at a temperature of 300 C for 24hrs. In contrast, Cu did not diffuse through the Cr buffer layer under the same heat-treatment conditions.


X-ray diffraction measurements under pressure have been performed on seven different compositions in the UxLa1−xS system (x = 0, 0.08, 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.80, 1). All the compounds have the same structure (NaCl type) at ambient pressure, but show different behaviours under pressure. A transformation into the CsCl-type structure is only observed for x ≤ 0.60. For x = 0.80 and 1, the high-pressure phase has yet to be determined. We also observe a difference in bulk modulus (for x ≤ 0.50, B0 ≤ 90 GPa whereas for x ≥ 0.60, B0 ∼ 100 GPa) and in the transition pressure (∼30 GPa for low-uranium-content compounds and from 45 to 80 GPa for high concentrations).


Suitability of ecological factors is the most important factor affecting the
 productivity of agricultural activities. Sensitivity of the phytochemical
 characteristics that are direct the product quality to the changing
 environmental conditions is very high. In the present study, how climate
 change depending on the altitude change affects phytochemical properties in
 plum cultivars ?Friar? and ?Fortune? fruits which were harvested at two
 different altitudes (200 m and 800 m a.b.s.), during two consecutive years
 (2017 and 2018) was investigated. In addition, under environmental and
 genotype modeling, genetic parameters of the properties were determined. In
 line with the obtained results from the study, it was determined that the
 phytochemical characteristics varied parallel to the altitude change within
 the same latitude. Generally, amount of individual phenolic compounds and
 organic acids were increased with altitude increase while general
 phytochemical characteristics such as total phenolic content and antioxidant
 activity were decreased. Heritabilities of general characteristics were
 found lower, due to high difference between genotypic coefficient of
 variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) than organic
 and phenolic acids. Ranking of organic acids in both altitudes was found as
 malic acid> acetic acid> oxalic acid> ascorbic acid in both cultivars. In
 terms of phenolic acids, a stable order could not be determined while
 chlorogenic acid has come to the front in both cultivars. Since
 cultivar/location interactions found significant according to bi-plot
 segregation, investigating the changes at genotype level would be more
 accurate.


—Interference is one of the major causes for perfor- mance degradation in wireless networks. Channel assignment algorithms have been proven successful to decrease the network- wide interference by using non-overlapping channels for oth-erwise interfering links. However, external co-located networks and devices are usually not considered in the channel assignment procedure, since they are not under the control of the network operator and their activity is therefore hard to capture. In our work we fill this gap by additionally considering the interference resulting from external devices. The novelty of this approach is that not only co-located IEEE 802.11 networks are captured, but also other sources of interference that utilize the same frequency band. We present the spectrum sensing component DES-Sense, a software solution for 802.11a/b/g that detects congested channels and does not require any changes to the drivers. We present a first algorithm for external interference-aware channel assignment and show proof-of-concept results from the DES-Testbed, a wireless mesh network with 120 multi-radio nodes.


Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) is a family of dimeric protein molecules synthesized by differentiated, non‐dividing and proliferating blood cells. Experimental findings indicate that PDGF is involved in development and/or maintenance of physiological functions of certain normal blood cells. Also, PDGF synthesis correlates with certain blood cell proliferative diseases caused either spontaneously or associated with viral infection. There is increasing evidence that the diverse effects of PDGF in both normal and abnormal physiological functions of blood cells may be regulated at the level of its receptor. New experimental findings are discussed relating to PDGF receptors in normal leukemic, and virally‐infected human cells of myeloid and lymphocytic lineages. At specific developmental stages this regulation may take the form of PDGF and its receptor being expressed or co‐expressed; the unmodified or modified form of receptor that specifically interacts with PDGF; the cellular site at which the PDGF‐receptor interacts with its ligand; and co‐expression of the PDGF‐receptor with other receptors associated with specific cell lineage or functions. Elucidation of events involved in synthesis, processing, and interactions of PDGF isoforms and their respective receptors will enable us to develop pharmacological means that may either interfere with, or enhance these desired blood cell functions. This review focuses on PDGF and its receptor in human blood cell differentiation and neoplasia.


Finding a highly efficient, selective and economic approach for electrochemical reduction of aqueous carbon dioxide is a great challenge in realizing an artificial system for a sustainable carbon cycle. Novel mesoporous palladium–copper bimetallic electrocatalysts with superior activity and high faradaic efficiencies (FEs) are reported for the first time. The mesoporous nanostructure provides a roughened surface which is abundant in active sites and promotes selective conversion of CO2 to CO. First-principles calculations exhibit that Pd atoms on the catalyst surface serve as reactive centers and highly selective CO formation is attributed to the geometric and electronic effects within the palladium–copper bimetallic alloys. The CO2 and COOH* intermediate adsorption ability and the CO desorption ability on Pd atoms are effectively enhanced in the presence of Cu. Our results provide wide ranging implications for further improving the design and preparation of CO2 reduction electrocatalysts.


Home security is a mandatory requirement for every homeowner. With home security, homeowners will always feel safe leaving the house for a long time. In this final project, the author made a smart door with its main components are the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor and web camera. The function of the ultrasonic sensor and webcam is to detect a movement in the area around the access of people. In this system, not only can it detect movement, but also send notifications in the form of text and videos through the Telegram application so that homeowners can find out if someone tries to enter the house even though the owner of the house is away from his house. The author also adds dual security in the form of a remote control system, where when the homeowner knows of theft, the homeowner simply sends a "close" message through the Telegram application, so the door automatically locks and keeps the thief for a while until the homeowner arrives at location. This remote control system can also be used when the homeowner forgets to lock the door so that when the owner of the house is away from home, he simply controls the door through the telegram application.


With the recent global economic downturn, International Oil Corporations (IOCs) are increasingly focused on exploring business opportunities in regions with significant projected growth opportunities such as Africa and Asia. Several IOCs have recently flocked to Nigeria, a prominent West African country, with the recent stable political climate, immense population (about 170 million), and projected double digit growth rate, and so the country has quickly become a destination of choice for small and large international companies, alike, seeking to take advantage of the perceived business opportunities therein. Thus, this paper evaluates the current state of common law and statutory amendments governing pre-incorporation contracts in Nigeria within the context of similar rules in the commonwealth countries around the world. It seeks to provide protection to the company, the promoters, the shareholders and the third parties who have entered into pre-incorporation contracts with the promoters prior to the formal incorporation of the company. In making recommendations for amending the current Nigerian statutory law on pre-incorporation contracts, the authors propose rules that must balance the privacy of the company's contracts while making sure fairness and equity are extended to all stakeholders. Most of the recommendations suggested take into consideration the peculiar economic environment that Nigerian businesses operate within, i.e., where there is paucity of information and where official facts are not almost readily available, hence, the recommendation for a notarized copy of the pre-contract stating its value in the objects and memorandum of association of the company, especially where the value of the pre-incorporation contract is equal or greater than the total value of the allotted shares of the company.


Augmentation of the partially edentulous ridge can significantly improve the final prosthodontic rehabilitation. For enhancing soft tissue contours in the anterior region, the subepithelial connective tissue graft is the treatment of choice. The combination of connective tissue grafts with alloplastic bone graft material can optimize the ridge augmentation and reduce post extraction defects. The aim of this clinical report is to describe the use of subepithelial connective tissue in conjunction with an alloplastic bone graft for augmentation of a maxillary anterior ridge prior to prosthetic rehabilitation.


This paper presents the results of studies of a photoelectric autocollimator with a detector based on a linear CCD array and a computer as a spectrum analyzer. The threshold sensitivity of the device to the image displacement depends on the SNR. When the SNR equals 250, the threshold sensitivity is 0.134μm, which corresponds to a threshold sensitivity to rotation of the test mirror by no more than 0.007″. The device makes it possible to determine the power spectrum of the rotational-velocity fluctuations of rotating mirrors, as well as the spectrum of the radiation fluctuations of distant sources.


This paper addresses the problems of implementing ethics into business organisations wherein there is indifference or resistance. A moral stance requiring ethics is unlikely to succeed as are preaching, linking business ethics to religion, hard sell, and even the constant reiteration of the word `ethics'. To this end a non-moral approach to persuading of the merits of ethics is recommended. In approaching this problem six basic issues are addressed: the identification and removal of barriers; what does not seem to work; what does seem to work; whom do we need to convince; what principles should we use; and accommodating diversity of personal styles. The paper concludes with some practical recommendations. It is noted that this analysis is essentially based in a particular culture. There are other places wherein some of these principles may not apply – and thus the paper may be seen as an opening consideration of an issue of substantial importance for the globalisation of trade.


The phenomenon of a "shake-out" (sharp decrease) caused by a large number of companies in an industry occurs with the emergence of a "dominant design." However, no such shake-out occurred in Japan's online securities industry. This is because apart from Matsui Securities Co., Ltd., the creator of a dominant design and considered to be the "only winner" in online securities, this industry was not as impacted by "process innovation" as a manufacturing industry. This was because online securities firms implemented package software systems made for the securities industry by one of the two major vendors. As a result, while other companies did not have a high level of performance as Matsui Securities, they survived although they did not become major players. In other words, establishing dominant design for services, as opposed to products, may serve to suppress, rather than promote, the exit of companies.


PURPOSES: The new waste management policy of South Korea encourages the recycling of waste materials. One material being recycled currently is tire-derived fuel (TDF) ash. TDF is composed of shredded scrap tires and is used as fuel in power plants and industrials plants, resulting in TDF ash, which has a chemical composition similar to that of the fly ash produced from coal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties of an asphalt concrete mix that used TDF ash as the mineral filler. METHODS: The properties of the asphalt concrete were evaluated for different mineral filler types and contents using various measurement techniques. The fundamental physical properties of the asphalt concrete specimens such as their gradation and antistripping characteristics were measured in accordance with the KS F 3501 standard. The Marshall stability test was performed to measure the maximum load that could be supported by the specimens. The wheel tracking test was used to evaluate the rutting resistance. To investigate the moisture susceptibility of the specimens, dynamic immersion and tensile strength ratio (TSR) measurements were performed. RESULTS : The test results showed that the asphalt concrete containing TDF ash satisfied all the criteria listed in the Guide for Production and Construction of Asphalt Mixtures (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, South Korea). In addition, TDF ash exhibited better performance than that of portland cement. The Marshall stability of the asphalt concrete with TDF ash was higher than 7500 N. Further, its dynamic stability was also higher than that listed in the guide. The results of the dynamic water immersion and the TSR showed that TDF ash shows better moisture resistance than does portland cement. CONCLUSIONS : TDF ash can be effectively recycled by being used as a mineral filler in asphalt, as it exhibits desirable physical properties. The optimal TDF ash content in asphalt concrete based on this study was determined to be 5%. In future works, the research team will compare the characteristics of asphalt concrete as function of the mineral filler types.


Purpose: To undertake an audit of the antimicrobial (AM) sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates in the intensive care units (ICU) of a tertiary hospital of Bhavnagar, India. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the indoor case papers of ICUs from January 2010 to 31st March 2011 was carried out at Department of Pharmacology, Govt. Medical College and Sir Takhtsinhji General Hospital, Bhavnagar, India. Information collected include demographic data of the patient, admission unit, duration of hospital stay, diagnosis, type of infection, empirical treatment, indication of the use of the antimicrobials (AMs). Others include collected specimen, causative agent, sensitivity pattern, and treatment changes based on the sensitivity pattern in a case record form. AM sensitivity testing was performed by the modified Kirby Baur method as recommended by clinical and laboratory standard institute (CLSI). Internal and external quality control were maintained for culture and sensitivity method. Results: The most commonly isolated organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (28.6 %) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.3 %). Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) was the most common infection. Imipenem, meropenem and levofloxacin were the most effective antimicrobials for Gramnegative isolates (GNIs) while vancomycin ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were the most efficacious antimicrobials for Gram-positive isolates (GPIs). Widespread resistance to third generation cephalosporins and cloxacillin was noted for GNIs and GPIs, respectively. Meropenem (100 %) > levofloxacin (100 %) > sparfloxacin (94.4 %) > gentamicin (83.3 %) was the rank order of antimicrobial activity against LRTI. Conclusion: GNIs were the predominant cause of infection in ICUs. Third generation cephalosporinsresistant GNIs were the predominant resistant organisms. The study showed that fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides could be used as first line AMs for the effective management of LRTI in a hospital setting.


Biogenic amines (2-phenylethylamine, tyramine, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, octopamine, histamine, tryptamine, serotonin, agmatine, cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine and certain aliphatic amines) are widely distributed organic molecules that play basic physiological functions in animals, plants and microorganisms. Pseudomonas species can grow in media containing different biogenic amines (BA) as carbon and energy sources, a reason why these bacteria are excellent models for studying such catabolic pathways. In this review, we analyse most of the routes used by different species of Pseudomonas (P. putida, P. aeruginosa, P. entomophila and P. fluorescens) to degrade BA. Analysis of these pathways has led to the identification of a huge number of genes, catabolic enzymes, transport systems and regulators, as well as to understanding of their hierarchy and functional evolution. Knowledge of these pathways has allowed the design and collection of genetically manipulated microbes useful for eliminating BA from different sources, highlighting the biotechnological applications of these studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


This paper proposes a novel waveform multiplexing method to realize high channel-density front-end application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design. In the proposed method, multiplexing is achieved through connecting multiple preamplifiers to a single analog-to-digital converter (ADC). These preamplifiers have different decay time (90%-10%) which will be used as the tag information. The channel information can be identified by analyzing the decay time using digital signal processing. Based on this method, two prototype ASICs have been designed with 2-to-1 multiplexing. They are a 36-channel multiplexing charge sensitive preamplifier ASIC (MCSP) and a 24-channel multiplexing waveform sampling front-end ASIC (MWSFE).


CSF pulsation suggests variation in the size of the cerebral ventricles during the cardiac cycle. The arterial blood flow and venous outflow are two major components that contribute to the variation. High-resolution MR imaging with cardiac gating provides sharp delineation of the cerebral ventricles with clear boundaries. Subtle changes in the size of the ventricles ~uring the cardiac cycle are measurable with high precision and accuracy-15y using a sophisticated automated edge-detection algorithm. In 12 normal individuals, the cerebral ventricles were examined, and the size of the lateral ventricles s~owed a 10-20% change duri_ryg the cardiac cycle. The paHern is complex but similar in appearance to the intrac_l"anial pressure pulse waveform. The variation suggests that the choroid plexus may·piay a greater role as a source of CSF pulsation than currently acknowledged. The ability to measure the variations in ventricular volume has clinical implication as a noninvasive method for the diagnosis of diseases with abnormal brain elasticity. AJNR 10:1145-1149


The X-ray flux of nova V2491Cyg reached a maximum some forty days after optical maximum. The X-ray spectrum at that time, obtained with the RGS of XMM-Newton, shows deep, blue-shifted absorption by ions of a wide range of ionization. We show that the deep absorption lines of the X-ray spectrum at maximum, and those observed nine days later, are well described by a phenomenological model with emission from a central blackbody and from a collisionally ionized plasma (CIE). The blackbody spectrum (BB) is absorbed by three main highly ionized expanding shells; the CIE and BB are absorbed by cold circumstellar and interstellar matter that includes dust. The outflow density does not decrease monotonically with distance. The abundances of the shells indicate that they were ejected from an O-Ne white dwarf. We show that the variations on time scales of hours in the X-ray spectrum are caused by a combination of variation in the central source and in the column density of the ionized shells. Our phenomenological model gives the best description so far of the supersoft X-ray spectrum of nova V2491 Cyg, but underpredicts, by a large factor, the optical and ultraviolet flux. The X-ray part of the spectrum must originate from a very different layer in the expanding envelope, presumably much closer to the white dwarf than the layers responsible for the optical/ultraviolet spectrum. This is confirmed by the absence of any correlation between the X-ray and UV/optical observed fluxes.


We search for dimuon decays of a low mass particle in the decays B-0 -> K*X-0 and B-0 -> rho X-0 using a data sample of 657 x 10(6)B (B) over bar events collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric- energy e(+)e(-) collider. We find no evidence for such a particle in the mass range from 212 MeV/c(2) to 300 MeV/c(2) for lifetimes below 10(-12) s, and set upper limits on its branching fractions. In particular, we search for a particle with a mass of 214: 3 MeV/c(2) reported by the HyperCP experiment, and obtain upper limits on the products B(B-0 -> K*X-0) x B(X mu(+)mu(-)) rho X-0) x B(X -> mu(+)mu(-)) < 1.73(1.73) x 10(-8) at 90% C.L. for a scalar (vector) X particle.


This article explores how in a context that did not allow women access to intellectual circles, women could exer- cise power through patronage. Through the role of patronesses of the arts and the culture, women were able to access to High Culture of the Renaissance, promoting a feminine perspective that reflected their history, status and interests as women.


Hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixers are used in many low noise heterodyne radio astronomical receivers. Their noise temperature is at the level of 10–15 times the quantum limit, and their gain bandwidth is from 2 GHz to slightly more than 5 GHz depending on the type of substrate material used for a device fabrication. The HEB mixers presented in this Letter are a complex multilayer thin-film structure containing an ultra-thin superconducting film of NbN as a detecting element, and a thick normal metal layer as an antenna structure. The overall performance of the device has been improved by optimisation of the HEB mixer fabrication steps starting with ultra-thin NbN films, followed by NbN/Au bi-layers for antenna structures. Patterning was achieved using electron-beam lithography and lift-off processes. The noise temperature of the HEB mixer fabricated with the improved technology is about 800 K, as measured in a cryogenic-free system with a quantum cascade laser as a local oscillator.


In earlier work, we have shown that vocabulary discovery from spoken utterances and subsequent recognition of the acquired vocabulary can be achieved through Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF). An open issue for this task is to determine automatically how many different word representations should be included in the model. In this paper, Bayesian NMF is applied to estimate the model order. The per-utterance word activations are given a gamma prior while the word models are assumed deterministic. Two Bayesian approaches are applied for obtaining optimal parameter values. First, the penalized joint log-likelihood of the parameters is considered as the objective function. Then, maximal marginal likelihood estimator (MMLE) is implemented which obtains the word models maximizing the likelihood after integration over the activations. The variational Bayesian algorithm, which maximizes a lower bound of the marginal log-likelihood, is applied to this optimization problem. The number of required latent components or basis vectors (model order) is estimated by evaluating likelihood metrics. The inferred model order is validated by observing error criteria on a test set. Experiments on synthetic data as well as real speech show that MMLE is more effective for the purpose of model order selection.


A kinetic model of time-dependent dielectric breakdown for polymers is presented. The micromechanism of thermally activated bond-breakdown is developed for polymers to account for the dynamical process of dielectric breakdown. We first prove that the thermally activated polymer bond-breakdown processes can explain not only the burst of a conducting pathway nucleated in any defect and the following successive propagation, but also the time-dependent dielectric breakdown strength of polymers. The formulae for conducting microcrack growth rate and time to failure are derived and applied to the experimental data for polyethylene terephthalate films.


Selection hyper-heuristics are randomised search methodologies which choose and execute heuristics from a set of low-level heuristics. Recent research for the LeadingOnes benchmark function has shown that the standard Simple Random, Permutation, Random Gradient, Greedy and Reinforcement Learning selection mechanisms show no effects of learning. The idea behind the learning mechanisms is to continue to exploit the currently selected heuristic as long as it is successful. However, the probability that a promising heuristic is successful in the next step is relatively low when perturbing a reasonable solution to a combinatorial optimisation problem. In this paper we generalise the `simple' selection-perturbation mechanisms so success can be measured over some fixed period of time tau, rather than in a single iteration. We present a benchmark function where it is necessary to learn to exploit a particular low-level heuristic, rigorously proving that it makes the difference between an efficient and an inefficient algorithm. For LeadingOnes we prove that the Generalised Random Gradient, and the Generalised Greedy Gradient hyper-heuristics achieve optimal performance, while Generalised Greedy, although not as fast, still outperforms Random Local Search. The performance of the former two hyper-heuristics improves as the number of operators to choose from increases, while that of the Generalised Greedy hyper-heuristic does not. Experimental analyses confirm these results for realistic problem sizes and shed some light on the best choices of the parameter tau in various situations.


Background and Aim: Although liver biopsy is currently the gold standard to evaluate liver histology, it has many limitations, such as sampling error, cost and risk of complications. This study aims to construct a noninvasive model to predict liver histology for antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with alanine aminotransferase (ALT)<2 times upper limit of normal(ULN).Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 577 patients with CHB who received liver biopsy and whose ALT was less than 2 ULN. Then they were randomly divided into a training group and a validation group. Through logistic regression analysis, a novel predictive model was constructed in the training group to predict significant changes in liver histology [necro-inflammatory activity grade (G) ≥2 or fibrosis stage (S) ≥2] and then validated in the validation group.Results: If liver biopsy showed moderate or severe inflammation or significant fibrosis, antiviral treatment was recommended. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), anti-hepatitis B virus core antibody (anti-HBC) and glutamine transpeptidase (GGT) were identified as independent predictors for antiviral therapy, with area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.649, 0.647 and 0.616, respectively. Our novel model index, which combined AST, anti- HBC and GGT with AUROC of 0.700 and 0.742 in estimation set and validation set.Conclusions: This study established a noninvasive model to predict liver histology for antiviral treatment decision in patients with CHB with ALT < 2 ULN, which can reduce the clinical needs of liver biopsy.


Articular cartilage is always subjected to various types, magnitudes and cycles of mechanical stress. While it has been recognized that these stresses regulate the chondrocyte growth and differentiation, the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we summarize the effect of mechanical stress on cartilage metabolism from the point of view of development, growth, pathology and therapeutic aspect.


While drawing upon the existing literature and policy documents on health security and its practice at the national and global levels, this article shows that the idea of health security has mostly remained rhetoric or at the most conceptualised and operationalised within the narrow Westphalian tradition of protecting nation states from external threats. By undertaking a critical examination of the national security strategies of some powerful G-20 countries, we show that non-traditional threats such as infectious diseases and pandemics are either absent from the list of potential threats or are accorded a weak priority and addressed within the state and military-centric notion of security. This approach has shortcomings that are laid bare by the ongoing pandemic. In this article, we show how national and global health security agendas can be advanced much more productively by mobilising a wider securitisation discourse that is driven by the human security paradigm as advanced by the United Nations in 1994, that considers people rather than states as the primary referent of security and that emphasises collective action rather than competition to address the transnational nature of security threats. We discuss the relevance of this paradigm in broadening the concept of health security in view of the contemporary and future threats to public health.


This second edition contains many new questions covering recent developments in the field of landlord and tenant law including Bruton v London and Quadrant Housing Trust, Hemmingway Securities Ltd v Dunraven Ltd, British Telecommunications plc v Sun Life Assurance Society plc and Graysim Holdings Ltd v P&O Property Holdings Ltd. New topics covered also include the Landlord and Tenant (Covenant) Act 1995, the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 and the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995. In addition the authors have made substantial revisions to existing questions in order to bring them in line with recent case law and statutory provisions, which include the Housing Act 1996 and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999. The book also contains guidance on examination technique and achieving success in the exam.


In this study, application of experimental design method for ozonation of dairy wastewater was investigated. The Taguchi systematic method was used in the planning stage of experimental approach. The experimental design was applied using L9 orthogonal array with three factors and three levels. The optimum experiment conditions were determined for pH, temperature and ozone contact time for ozonation process. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses based on the Taguchi approach was performed both for statistical evaluation of the results and determination of the influence and relative importance of the factors on removal efficiencies. The optimal experimental condition for DFZ436 parameter was determined as 10 for pH, 25°C for temperature and 15 min for ozone contact time. Relative importance of experimental factors on DFZ436 removal performance is evaluated by ANOVA analysis, and the order of the factors was determined as; ozone contact time > pH » temperature. According to the confirmation experiment conducted under the optimum conditions, removal efficiency for DFZ436 was determined as 88%, which was close to the predicted value of 85%. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13025, 2019


The mechatronic system to drive and control a digital microfluidics (DMF) microchip was introduced and explained. It features two key functionalities for digital microfluidics: (1) application of different driving forces/frequency through integrated electronic circuitry, and (2) capability of programming a series of DMF actuations on electrodes for automation with friendly graphical user interface (GUI). The system can further expand its functionality with a real-time monitoring system as a fully closed-loop control for practical applications. This article will provide readers a guideline to construct a mechatronic system for DMF, which thus allows the utilization of a DMF microchip as convenient tools to achieve the automation of biological laboratory procedures.


One model for addressing the dual disorders of substance abuse and a concomitant mental disorder in an acute-psychiatry inpatient ward of a VA Medical Center utilized psychoeducation and ward policies to empower patients to make decisions affecting their recoveries. Existing staff shared responsibilities for implementing activities and creating ward milieu that supported psychiatric patients toward a life free of alcohol and drugs as they gained in acceptance of responsibility for the management of their mental disorders. Integrated programming assisted patients in constructing a meaningful path of recovery out of multiple treatment approaches and philosophies. Treatment principles, ward policies, and goals for an integrated acute-psychiatry model evolved over 4 years. Designed from a consumer-oriented "strengths perspective," patients responded to the new programming with satisfaction and gratitude. Recent adaptation of these policies, principles, and goals to a newly instituted continuous-care treatment program indicates the appropriateness of their application for outpatient dual disorder treatment and programming as well. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.


Retaining persons living with HIV (PLWH) in medical care is paramount to preventing new transmissions of the virus and allowing PLWH to live normal and healthy lifespans. Maintaining regular appointments with an HIV provider and taking medication daily for a lifetime is exceedingly difficult. 51% of PLWH are non-adherent with their medications and eventually drop out of medical care. Current methods of re-linking individuals to care are reactive (after a patient has dropped-out) and hence not very effective. We describe our system to predict who is most at risk to drop-out-of-care for use by the University of Chicago HIV clinic and the Chicago Department of Public Health. Models were selected based on their predictive performance under resource constraints, stability over time, as well as fairness. Our system is applicable as a point-of-care system in a clinical setting as well as a batch prediction system to support regular interventions at the city level. Our model performs 3x better than the baseline for the clinical model and 2.3x better than baseline for the city-wide model. The code has been released on github and we hope this methodology, particularly our focus on fairness, will be adopted by other clinics and public health agencies in order to curb the HIV epidemic.


PURPOSE
Multiple studies have shown overwhelming evidence supporting the impairment of melanopsin function due to glaucoma. However, few studies have been carried out in humans analyzing the histology of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) in retinas with glaucoma. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of expression of mRGCs relative to RGCs in the normal retina and retinas harboring varying stages of glaucoma.

METHODS
Paraffin-embedded human donor eyes with glaucoma (n = 11) and age-matched controls (n = 10) were obtained from Department of Pathology at Rigshospital (Copenhagen, Denmark) for detection of RNA binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS) and melanopsin by immunohistochemistry. The density of RBPMS-expressing RGCs and mRGCs in each retina was estimated as the total cell count in the total retinal area analyzed (cell counts/mm2).

RESULTS
No significant difference was observed in mRGC expression in the normal retinas and mild-staged retinas with glaucoma; the densities of mRGCs were 3.08 ± 0.47 and 3.00 ± 0.13 cell counts/mm2, respectively. However, the severely staged retinas with glaucoma showed a significant loss in mRGCs density, 1.09 ± 0.35 cell counts/mm2, with 75% of all retained mRGCs occurring in the inner nuclear layer.

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report illustrating histologic evidence for reduced mRGC density in the ganglion cell layer of retinas with severely staged glaucoma compared with age-matched controls. This result proposes evaluation of mRGCs integrity as a basis for assessing the pathophysiologic disease progression of glaucoma.


The beneficial effects of pretransplant blood transfusions on the success rate of renal transplantation have been so overwhelmingly emphasized that there is virtually no information on the fate of grafts in nontransfused patients transplanted during the last decade. Since 1979, all patients who have undergone renal transplantation at the University of Minnesota have routinely received random blood transfusions except Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses refuse transfusions but will accept renal allografts. From 1979 to May 30, 1987, primary renal allografts were placed in thirteen nontransfused Jehovah's Witnesses; six patients received kidneys from mismatched living-related donors, two patients received HLA-identical sibling grafts, and five patients received cadaveric renal allografts. The range of follow-up of the thirteen patients was 3–93 months, with a mean of 45 months and a median of 50 months. The outcomes after renal transplantation in Jehovah's Witnesses were compared with those of a paired control group (n=25) matched for age, date of transplant, donor source, and diabetic status. The overall three-year actuarial patient and graft survival rates of the Jehovah's Witnesses were 83 per cent and 66 per cent, versus 80 per cent and 77 per cent for the controls. Although the outcomes after renal transplantation in Jehovah's Witnesses were similar to those of the control group, the Jehovah's Witnesses had an increased susceptibility to rejection episodes. The cumulative percentage of incidence of primary rejection episodes was 77 per cent at three months in the Jehovah's Witnesses versus 44 per cent at 21 months in the matched control group. The consequence of early allograft dysfunction from rejection was particularly detrimental to Jehovah's Witnesses who developed severe anemia (hemoglobin (Hgb) 4.5 g per cent)—two early deaths occurred in the subgroup with this combination of problems. The overall results suggest that renal transplantation can be safely and efficaciously applied to most Jehovah's Witnesses but those with anemia who undergo early rejection episodes are a high-risk group relative to other transplant patients.


ABSTRACT The article researches the issue of female circumcision in the North Caucasus. It presents an analysis of sociological research conducted in the republics of the North Caucasus, in particular Dagestan. The principal hypothesis for the research was the premise that the perpetuation of female circumcision among the indigenous population of Dagestan was driven by the concealed nature of the tradition and the closed nature of the society, as well as by the growing significance of religion.