- Electrocoagulation Treatment can be considered as a favorable tool for the removal of many pollutants of various forms of wastewater. These pollutants may include the removal of colloidal, the breaking-up of emulsions and heavy metals. This process consists of the disintegration of the anodes (usually iron or aluminum), exciting the creation of coagulant mixtures in wastewater. That will aid to coagulate contaminants and generate bubbles in favor of mixing and elimination of solids suspension by flotation. Recently, the arrangement of using this technique with other treatment tools has turned out to be an interesting subject leading to an improvement in the removal efficiency of the treatment. In this study, a combined treatment of electrocoagulation and ultrasound has been applied to treat three most common wastewaters in oil industry. The ultrasound-electrocoagulation removal efficiencies for the removal of oil, suspended bentonite and zinc have been evaluated here. In this work, a synthetic wastewater would be treated using electrocoagulation technique to reduce turbidity caused by pollutants. This process has been done in a batch reactor equipped with aluminum/iron electrodes with and without agitation. The effects of one of the most important parameter, i.e. applied voltage on turbidity have been studied. In addition, the effect of using ultrasonic has been also evaluated. It was found when ultrasonic used with electrocoagulation, the turbidity increased for suspended bentonite and oily wastewaters and an improvement in removal efficiency for the heavy metals pollutants. The results were compared and discussed.


Seventeen cases of bilateral dislocation of the cervical vertebrae, and thirteen cases of unilateral dislocation, which I have treated with excellent results by the reduction manipulation of Walton, are here reported. These thirty cases have occurred in private practice in nine years, so that the conditions cannot be called rare. These are instances of dislocation only, without fracture. The manipulation as I do it is described here, and a summary is given of practical points in diagnosis and treatment based on these cases and done without reference to the experience of others, which may, or may not, be similar. THE METHOD OF REDUCTION Walton's method aims to replace the articular facets that have slid apart. To dislocate, the facet of a cervical vertebra slides upward on the facet of the vertebra next below, and catches on the top of the lower facet or slips over into the intervertebral notch in


The degree of regulation of sexuality has been very diverse through times and cultures. Christianity regulated it heavily, and many of its views became part of the European legal tradition. The last thirty years have seen considerable changes in Western culture, including the emergence of social movements around gender equity, sexual diversity, and HIV. In connection with the struggles of these movements as well as other social and political changes, there has been considerable progress in the situation of women and people with non-heterosexual identities, although in this case there has been a greater range of changes, including some on the negative side, such as criminalization. Finally, the global HIV movement made significant changes in the relationship between scientists, doctors, community and regulatory agencies, and led a crusade to expand access to treatment and prevention. Because HIV is primarily sexually transmitted, and more prevalent in socially excluded groups in countries without generalized epidemics, AIDS was doubly stigmatized: as a deadly and mysterious disease, and as an indicator of social exclusion. Predictably, HIV stigma led to discrimination in access to services. In most of the world, the promotion of condom use did reduce, but never eliminated HIV transmission. Such finding brought a focus both to cultural differences and to structural vulnerability. HIV is clearly more frequent among socially excluded people, who need public interventions to reduce such vulnerability. In its history of more than three decades, HIV has elicited a variety of responses in legislative and regulatory frameworks, both positive and negative, some of which will be discussed. The history of the response to STIs, with emphasis on the modern HIV epidemic shows the growing relationship between public health, public policy and legislation, and the potential role of genuine community participation based on both scientific evidence and international human rights principles.


Abstract: Civil acts and scholars do not deal with the definition of contractual clause. We can have two different meanings for it. According to a formal definition, a clause is any part of a contract. According to a substantial definition, a clause is any statement that produces a legal effect. As explained in the text, the substantial definition is to be preferred: it allows us to face the problem of partial nullity and contract preservation.


Antibody to rotavirus was found in sera of domestic rabbits, wild cottontail rabbits and Snowshoe hares. Eight out of 187 stools from a rabbitry contained rotavirus, though no clinical symptoms were apparent. The virus extracted from one such stool infected a five week old seronegative rabbit and led to distention and congestion of the colon, excretion of virus in the stool and a serological response to virus. Human and Simian rotaviruses did not replicate in the rabbits.


The use of distance learning methods by universities has experienced significant growth over the past two decades.  While this growth has been witnessed nearly equally across the various academic disciplines, it represents unique opportunities in business education.  In this article we will profile how technological innovations in distance learning have historically caused disruptive changes in business education.  The article then profiles three specific distance learning technologies that are emerging as revolutionary forces in changing business education.  The impact of these technologies will be examined from both a pedagogical perspective and an institutional perspective.  The influence of these educational technologies in addressing the unique needs of business students will also be discussed.


It is known, but perhaps not well-known, that when the mortality is assumed to be of Gompertz-Makeham-type, the expected remaining life-length and the commutation functions used for calculating the expected values of various types of life insurances can be expressed with an incomplete gamma function with a negative shape parameter. This is not of much use if ones software cannot calculate these values. The aim of this note is to show that one can express the commutation functions using only the exponential function, the (ordinary) gamma function and the gamma distribution function, which are all implemented in common statistical and spreadsheet software. This eliminates the need to evaluate the commutation functions and expected remaining life-length with numerical integration.


Soil nail walls are a widely used technology for retaining vertical and nearly vertical cuts in soil. A significant portion of the cost of soil nail wall construction is related to the construction of a reinforced concrete face. The potential for use of a flexible facing design for soil nail walls to replace reinforced concrete facing was evaluated using three-dimensional finite difference modeling and physical testing of a 1.5 meter by 1.5 meter unit cell of a soil nail wall in clay. A steel mesh form of flexible facing was used as a substitute for concrete. The finite difference model predicted large vertical and horizontal deformations for surcharges of approximately 5 psi. In the physical testing, the flexible facing products performed well with regard to strength, but the facing experienced large vertical and horizontal deformations that were consistent with the numerical modeling. Based on these results, it is recommended that use of flexible facing as a substitute for reinforced concrete be limited to non-critical structures where large vertical and horizontal deformations are acceptable.


Prima facie evidence is presented that, where naturally occuring chromium in water supplies occurs, it is associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes and a lower incidence of mortality from vascular occlusive disease.
It is postulated that increased prevalence of such disease in a population is associated with chromium 3 deprivation. This results from consumption of highly refined cereal foods which are known to have most of the chromium content removed with the fibre. Water chromium may mitigate these effects.


Identification problem in a nonlinear system with constant coefficients is addressed via traditional and high-order sliding mode parameter observer based on the least-squares continuous-time technique. Measurement noise effects on the parameter estimation algorithm are analyzed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified via the parameter estimation in a second-order system with noisy measurement.


In the article below, we presented the possibility of "spin test" method usage for medium rotational speed devices such as thrusters', which are used to enhance the maneuverability of maritime vessels. The reason for the analysis is the problem of eliminating the unwanted vibrations of thruster's propeller with commonly used methods. It is an innovative solution for accurate verification of the technical condition of screw propellers, which are the most common devices used as the propelling element of thrusters. In the introduction the possibility of thruster's diagnosis using "spin test" has been described. Commonly used thrusters' and their working conditions were presented. In order to properly assess the technical condition of rotational speed devices, such as thrusters' propellers after their production or renovation it is vital to provide an additional diagnosis in the environment similar to working conditions. Secondly, the problem of spinning parts' vibration was described. "Spin test" method presented here gives the ability of detailed analysis of spinning parts' vibration. The idea of a compact and easy to assemble station enabling to conduct such research has been shown. The station not only allows to measure the eigenfrequency of vanes' in normal mode and compare it with the previously calculated ones, but also enables material's endurance testing at speeds higher than nominal speed. Finally, we presented the range of using this method in different fields along with the benefits of 'Spin Tests'.


The recent detection of dermal ridge configurations on the volar pads of the rat (Rattus norvegicus) has created opportunities for experimental studies of dermatoglyphics. In the present work, the palmar and plantar surfaces of the rat were studied to establish the feasibility of comparative rat and human dermatoglyphic investigations. The studied features included the volar pads and flexion creases. The number and location of the palmar and plantar pads in the rat were found to be similar to those of humans. The exception was a previously unrecognized small pad on the palms and soles of the rat, located on the radial and tibial side, respectively, of the proximal component of the first interdigital pad. This pad has no parallel in human embryos. Rats were found to have flexion creases in the non‐pad areas between the neighboring pads, similar in location and appearance to those of humans. Unlike humans, however, rats also have boundary creases, separating the pad and non‐pad areas. The marked similarities in the morphology of the volar areas between rats and humans make the rat ideally suitable for experimental studies of dermatoglyphics and flexion creases. Results of such studies should be applicable to human developmental dermatoglyphics, including those pertaining to medical disorders. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Performance and energy are important factors for supercomputers and data-centers with a trade-off between them. Energy efficiency metric considers both of these properties. The Green500 is a branch of Top500 project which provides a list of supercomputers based on energy efficiency. It has a manual methodology for this calculation. Redfish is a new generation of management technologies for the hardware layer of data-centers. Our project focuses on designing and developing an automated Green500 benchmark tool using Redfish, called Redfish Green500 Benchmarker, or RGB in short. It offers the integration of Redfish and Green500, and automates Green500 benchmarking process with leveraging the internal capability of redfish enabled equipment. It also enhances the Redfish standard to make sure it addresses the requirements of Green500 calculations. This research will also conduct validation and evaluation of RGB on real-world clusters for small-scale to medium-scale tests, and on the data-center simulator we have developed.


This article deals with the problem of Stochastic Unit Commitment (SUC), considering the stochastic nature of demand and meteorological phenomena. This paper shows the optimal operation of a hybrid microgrid composed of the following generation units: wind turbine (WT), photovoltaic solar panel (PV), diesel engine generator (DE), micro-turbine (MT), as well as storage devices such as Battery Energy Storage (BES), considering its constraints and the requirements of the reserve generation. For this purpose, a Model-based Predictive Control (MPC), which uses dynamic models of prediction of renewable power and demand in real time, is developed, allowing feedback at each step of time, which corrects the uncertainty of the models. A comparison with a classic UC formulation has been made. The results reach a lower cost solution.


Rhizobia can use mimosine as sources of carbon and nitrogen. In this study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the eleven rhizobial isolates of Leucaena leucocephala under arid and semi arid regions of Rajasthan for their relative mimosine degradation ability. It was observed that higher concentrations of mimosine adversely affected the growth, in terms of CFUs of rhizobial isolates. However, the trend of growth reduction was uneven and a few rhizobial isolates could tolerate the mimosine considerably. It provides growth advantage to Rhizobium strains that can utilize mimosine. Further, large scale field trials at different geographical locations are required for testing the effectiveness of these rhizobial isolates. Key words: Mimosine degradation, Leucaena leucocephala, Rhizobia Syed Farook Ali et al. Screening of Rhizobial Isolates of Leucaena leucocephala Lam. for Mimosine Degradation Ability. J Phytol 2/7(2010) 01-06.


Objective Chloroquine (CQ) is a useful drug. It has less systemic hazards than many of the other medications used for immune diseases, but may cause retinopathy. The ophthalmologists do not discover the retinopathy till the appearance of bull's eye. The aim of the work is to try to use electroretinogram (ERG) and its b/a ratio in early detection of CQ retinopathy for pigmented rabbits chronically treated with CQ. Materials and methods Twenty adult pigmented rabbits (1.5–2 kg) were classified into four groups (five each): the first group served as control and the other three groups of rabbits were intramuscularly injected with CQ diphosphate (14 mg/kg body weight) three times/week for 50, 70, and 90 days, respectively. Each group is subjected to ERG recording, and then decapitation of animal and measurement of oxidant, antioxidant parameters, and histopathological examination in the retinal tissue were done. Results All results show no change by the 50th day after CQ administration. All the changes appear by the 70th day. The data indicated there is a deformation in ERG waves and significant decrease (P<0.05) in b/a ratio. Significant increase (P<0.05) in malondialdehyde level, and in the same context, significant decreases (P<0.05) in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activity were seen. The histopathological changes are in the form of vacuolation in the pigment epithelium, destruction in the outer segments of the photoreceptor layer, and signs of karyolysis in some nuclei of outer nuclear layer. Conclusion Our data showed the possibility of using b/a ratio as an early indicator to CQ retinal toxicity in pigmented rabbits. It is also suggested that CQ increases the oxidative stress levels, so supplementation by antioxidants should be a part of the treatment regime.


The aims of this study were to: (1) document women's alcohol use over a 5-year period; (2) compare different measures of alcohol consumption such as high alcohol consumption (HAC) and high episodic drinking (HED); (3) to follow the incidence and course of alcohol dependence and abuse (ADA). The study is part of a longitudinal general population-based study, Women and Alcohol in Göteborg. From a stratified random sample of 479 respondents, 399 were interviewed in the first wave (1989/90). In the second wave (1995/96), 386 of the 479 women were available for a follow-up interview. The 12-month prevalence of ADA was 1.3% in both waves. In the longitudinal analysis the 5-year cumulative incidence of ADA was 0.1%. Two new cases of ADA were found. The prevalence of HAC and HED decreased in women of all ages except HED in women born in 1955. We conclude that the 12-month prevalence of ADA remained the same at the 5-year follow-up and that, in contrast to what has been found in some other studies, there was an overall decrease in HAC and in HED.


Objective Pancreatic β cells play a key role in glucose homeostasis; dysfunction of this critical cell type causes type 2 diabetes (T2D). Emerging evidence points to sex differences in β cells, but few studies have examined male-female differences in β cell stress responses and resilience across multiple contexts, including diabetes. Here, we address the need for high-quality information on sex differences in β cell/islet gene expression and function using both human and rodent samples. Methods We compared β cell gene expression and insulin secretion in donors living with T2D to non-diabetic donors in both males and females. In mice, we generated a well-powered islet RNAseq dataset from 20-week-old male and female siblings with equivalent insulin sensitivity. Because on our unbiased analysis of gene expression pointed to sex differences in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, we subjected islets isolated from age-matched male and female mice to thapsigargin treatment and monitored protein synthesis, cell death, and β cell insulin production and secretion. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were used to characterize sex differences in islet responses to ER stress. Results Our single-cell analysis of human β cells revealed sex-specific changes to gene expression and function in T2D, correlating with more robust insulin secretion in islets isolated from female donors living with T2D compared to male T2D donors. In mice, RNA sequencing revealed differential enrichment of unfolded protein response pathway-associated genes, where female islets showed higher expression of genes linked with protein synthesis, folding, and processing. This differential expression was biologically significant, as female islets were more resilient to ER stress induction with thapsigargin. Specifically, female islets maintained better insulin secretion and showed a distinct transcriptional response under ER stress compared with males. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that physiologically significant sex differences in β cell gene expression exist in both humans and mice, and that female β cells maintain better insulin production and secretion across multiple physiological and pathological contexts.


This thesis work shows implementation and testing of existing control strategies in a novel offshore passive platform configuration. Control of the platform voltage and frequency is done through control of a shore-based B2B-VSC configuration, when the frequency on shore differs from the frequency on the platform. An 80 km HVAC-cable and transformers separates the shore-based B2B-VSCs from the platform installation. The system is modeled and simulated in MATLAB® Simulink™ SimPowerSystems™. The grid-side VSC is applied conventional cascaded controllers, with an inner current control loop and outer loops controlling the DC-link voltage and the flow of reactive power from the grid. Two different control strategies were implemented for the platform-side VSC, denoted as control strategy 1 and 2. Control strategy 1 controls the platform voltage magnitude, while keeping the frequency fixed, and is implemented with a simple PI-controller. Control strategy 2 controls both platform voltage magnitude and frequency, and was based on a cascaded control configuration, similar to that of a weak-grid system, implemented for the passive platform system. Both control strategies were implemented for the platform system and tested for three worst-case changes of platform load: loss of all loads, increase of passive load and large induction motor starting. The platform steady-state and transient voltages and frequency were evaluated based on the requirements for voltage and frequency defined in IEC 61892: standard for mobile and fixed offshore units, electrical installations. Control strategy 1 was tested for both normal and autonomous operation, when a constant DC-link voltage was applied. It was also tested for full B2B-VSC configuration, with the grid-side system VSC controlling the DC-link voltage and flow of reactive current from the grid. In all the three configurations, control strategy 1 failed to meet the system requirements set by the IEC 61892 standard for allowable voltage magnitude transients during loss-of-all-load and large-induction-motor-start. Control strategy 2 was tested with constant DC-link voltage when platform voltage measurements were available. The simulation results show no visible voltage or frequency transients for any of the three load change tests applied, and the system operation satisfies the IEC 61892 requirements for all the worst-case load change tests. The platform voltage and frequency are independent of the load dynamics, which is a desirable quality when controlling the voltage on a complex platform configuration. Control strategy 2 shows promising potential for controlling the platform voltage and frequency from shore. However, further research and testing must be done before this control strategy can be utilized in a real platform system. The proposed system controlled by control strategy 2 would allow removal of the low efficiency, high emission gas turbine driven synchronous generator that are the standard power source on oil platforms today. Eliminating the need for, or usage of the gas turbine, for power production on offshore oil and gas platforms, could reduce the total CO2 and NOx emissions of the petroleum sector considerably.


The origin of anomalous luminescence efficiency enhancement of short-term aged GaN-based blue light-emitting diodes was studied. We found that the intensity of the electroluminescence and photoluminescence spectra were both increased in the very beginning period of aging. With the help of a rate-equation model, we concluded that this kind of luminescence efficiency enhancement is a joint effect of the defect reduction in active layers and the changes out of active layers, for example the Mg acceptor annealing.


This study examines program elements related to reductions in drug use and crime among Drug Treatment Courts (DTC) participants as well as theoretical mechanisms—increased social controls and improved perceptions of procedural justice—expected to mediate the effects of DTC on these outcomes. Data are from 157 research participants interviewed three years following randomization into treatment and control conditions in the evaluation of the Baltimore City DTC. Findings indicate that perceptions of procedural justice reduce crime and that social controls reduce drug use. Hearings attended, drug testing, and drug treatment reduce drug use. Participation in the DTC increases the number of judicial hearings attended, which directly reduces drug use and indirectly reduces crime by increasing perceptions of procedural justice. Participation in the DTC increases social controls both directly and indirectly by increasing the duration of drug treatment. These increased perceptions of social control reduce drug use. Implications for DTC's are discussed.


We demonstrate a modeling and simulation technique that allows integrating controller/plant behavior specified in numerical solvers, such as Simulink and Modelica, within the SysML model. This allows the mixing of discrete and continuous behaviors in a context of a system model that can be simulated as a complete system level specification. Our approach involves code generation, rather than semantic mappings or model transformation of behaviors, combined with the capability to transform the interface and type specification from one modeling language to the other. Using such complementary languages/tools allows the specification of a complete design model that can be simulated for various purposes such as verification and validation and trade studies.


Almost everyone agrees that a shared identity across the European Union a) is difficult to measure, b) is likely crucial to support for the EU and for new integration initiatives, and c) varies considerably in presence or strength across different EU member states. Identity, in other words, is both problematic and important. It is somewhat surprising, then, that there has been comparatively little systematic research into the components of European identity across the EU. This paper adds to the existing literature by investigating what features of the EU citizens are likely to have in mind when they say they feel "European". Using Eurobarometer data from all 27 member states, I show that identity does indeed vary in strength across different member states. More importantly, however, I demonstrate both that the components of EU identity vary considerably from one member state to the next and that focusing on measures of these components can help us better understand the connection between European identity and support for the EU.


Given the complexity and difficulties of the health sector, the question that this study attempts to answer is as follows: what are the main results of studies on business process management (BPM) and lean in the health sector? The purpose of this paper is to analyze the results of studies that address the promotion of BPM and lean in the health sector.,To conduct a survey of published studies using the BPM and lean approach in healthcare, a search was performed in the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases in two steps. The first step consisted of the collection and analysis of data related to the BPM approach in the health sector, based on a survey of published articles on this topic. The second step consisted of the collection and analysis of data related to the use of lean in the same sector, based on the survey of systematic reviews published in major databases.,The main results of the studies that address the promotion of BPM and lean in the health sector are as follows: a reduced length of hospitalization, increased patient satisfaction, increased patient efficiency and safety, a reduction in the time of notification of infection, help with organizational change, understanding the end-to-end process, increased motivation, understanding the importance of some handoffs for patient safety, improvements in quality indicators in the emergency department, and improvements in the organization's focus on high-level processes. By contrast, a single study showed difficulties in promoting management focused on processes in which decisions are unique and difficult to model.,The results may help in the identification of research gaps in the promotion of BPM and lean healthcare and in the development of relevant research. In addition, by understanding how health organizations are promoting management focused on processes and the results obtained with this approach, managers from other organizations, especially in this sector, can reflect and develop similar actions that seek to improve the quality of services offered, increase productivity and customer satisfaction, and reduce costs, errors, and waiting times.


Barss 8z Misch 1 Rr J Obstrt Gynuecol(1990) 97, 167-1741 highlights a remarkable variation in the incidence of the condition even within one country. A community based survey of 2225 dclivcrics (an estimated 80% of all deliveries in the area) in Enga Province in the Papua New Guinea liighlands failed to identify any cases of placenta accreta (Lcnnox 1984) and in 5 years practice in Enga Province I came across no cases. However, all the maternal deaths in the Enga study resulted from post-partum haemorrhage or retained placenta, highlighting the danger of the third stage of labour. All the factors postulated by Barss & Misch as contributing to placenta accreta are also present among Enga women except that very high parity is less coninion than in Milne Bay Province. It may be that very high parity is the main risk factor for this condition. movements. Clinical examination, detailed ultrasound scans, and cardiotocography (CTG) were all normal. Doppler studies showed normal uteroplacental waveforms with an abnormal umbilical artery waveform, suggesting a primary fetal rather than placental problem (Trudinger & Cook 1985). Pcrcutancous umbilical blood sampling showed normal acid-base status, and no evidence of fetal hypoxia. Kesults of fetal blood karyotyping and viral studies, were normal. Twenty-four hours later, the patient became pyrexial and there were unprovoked decelerations on CTG. She was immediately delivered by emergency caesarean section of a baby weighing 1.25 kg with Apgar scores of 1 at 1 min and 6 at 5 min. The cord pH at delivery was 7.29 (SBE -4.1). Maternal and neonatal blood culture grew Listeria monocytogenes, and both mother and baby made good progress after treatment with ampicillin. Our patient highlights how misleading conventional means of assessment can be in perinatal listeriosis. Doppler ultrasound assessment of uteroplacental and umbilical artery waveforms may give earlier warning of a primary fetal problem and be a valuable aid to prompt diagnosis. Jonathan Frappell J. Malcolm Pearce St. George's Hospital Medical School Department of Obstetrics und Gynaecology Crunmer Terrace. London SW17 ORE


The refugee resettlement scheme is a window of hope for millions of refugees across the globe. It is an opportunity that grants refugees a durable solution, especially those who cannot voluntarily return to their countries of origin due to fear of persecution. The golden ticket, as seen by many, is resettlement to Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. COVID-19, the reluctance by western countries to commit to responsibility-sharing, along with other constraints confronting the process of granting settlement to refugees generated barriers to resettlement in 2020. Resettlement opportunities have been scarce for many refugees in Africa, particularly those refugees with protracted cases. The consequences are reflected in an increase in the use of irregular migration routes to Europe rather than relying on the established resettlement scheme. This paper aims to provide an overview of the options for a durable solution, exploring and discussing the prospects and challenges during the era of COVID-19. In conclusion, the data derived from the literature review and 12 key informant interviews suggests that the impact of COVID-19 on the resettlement scheme and the implementation of Africa's first free trade area that promises to increase human mobility provides an opportunity for the international community to reimagine the golden ticket. Supported by the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and the Global Compact on Refugees, local integration and resettlement within Africa should be the new achievable gold standard.


In 1994, a new cultivar 'Joyskin' was created from a cross between the cultivars 'Whangkeumbae' and 'Waseaka' at the Pear Research Institute of the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration. In 2006, the 'Joyskin' was selected from among the 317 seedlings resulting from the cross for its skin and taste qualities. Regional adaptation tests were conducted in nine regions and in ten experimental plots from 2006 to 2011. The cultivar was named in 2011. 'Joyskin' showed a vigorous growth habit and semi-spread characteristics similar to 'Whangkeumbae'. The average full bloom date for 'Joyskin' was April 21st, which was also similar to 'Whangkeumbae'. The optimum fruit ripening time was September 6-8th, which was six or eight days earlier than 'Whangkeumbae'. The fruit was round in shape and the skin was a golden yellow color at maturity. The average fruit weight was 320 g and the flesh firmness was 2.5 ㎏/8㎜φ. The firmness of the fruit skin determined by a blade-type plunger of texture analyzer was 22.9 N, which was significantly different from that of 'Whangkeumbae' 29.9N. Stone cell analysis of 'Joyskin' by phloroglucinol-HCl, showed that 'Joyskin' stone cells were small in size and few in numbers cpmpared to those of cultivars of was 'Manpungbae', 'Niitaka', and 'Whangkeumbae'. The patent application for 'Joyskin' was submitted in April, 2012 (Grant No. 2012-337). In 2016, 'Joyskin' (Grant No. 5895) was registered as a separate record, with uniformity and stability per Korean Seed Industry Law.


Up to our best knowledge, distinct so far existing arithmetics of fuzzy numbers, usually stemming from the Zadeh's extensional principle, do not preserve some of the important properties of the standard arithmetics of classical (real) numbers. Obviously, although we cannot expect that a generalization of standard arithmetic will preserve precisely all its properties however, at least the most important ones should be preserved. We present a novel framework of arithmetics of extensional fuzzy numbers that preserves more or less all the important (algebraic) properties of the arithmetic of real numbers and thus, seems to be an important seed for further investigations on this topic. The suggested approach arithmetics of extensional fuzzy numbers is demonstrated on many examples and besides the algebraic properties, it is also shown that it carries some desirable practical properties.


Postmortem drug redistribution (PMR) is a well-known phenomenon in forensic toxicology with implications for medico-legal death investigations. Paired antemortem (AM) specimen and postmortem (PM) mortuary admission femoral blood drug concentrations from 811 coronial cases were used to construct a retrospective compilation of PM/AM drug concentration ratios for 42 parent drugs and metabolites. The median PM/AM ratios for all antidepressants were > 1 and consistent with PMR. In contrast, the median PM/AM ratios of most benzodiazepines were < 1. The antipsychotics were varied (0.63-3.3) and suggest the mixed effects of PMR and drug instability. Amphetamines exhibited no trends (0.90-0.95) and is likely confounded by many factors. The PM/AM ratios of cardiovascular drugs, opioids and other drugs are also reported. This research represents an expansive retrospective compilation of paired AM and PM drug concentrations for many toxicologically-relevant drugs. While the median PM/AM ratios demonstrate some drug-dependent trends, there was no obvious relationship between AM specimens and PM femoral blood taken at mortuary admission.


Third place is a spot for someone to runaway from his first place and second place's routines, in which homelike is one of the characteristics of it. This essay aims to seek the composing aspects of home-like quality in third place based on at-homeness theory with literature and case study as methods. The case study was done in Hema Resto Kemang Pratama in Bekasi City through defamiliarization and interviews. The result shows that home-like was composed from the interactions between individuals, the choosing of interior elements and object placements that resemble a typical housing. The case study shows that the interiority plays a bigger role in composing the home-like quality in a third place than an individual interaction. This may be led by people's preference of places-for-things.


A kind of MIMO networked control system, in which each state signal of object controlled is obtained by an independent sensor and then sent to a single controller through a network, and also each output signal of the controller is sent to an independent actuator through the network, is studied in this paper. The figure of its structure is given, and its mathematic model is set up. Based on the Lyapunov theory, the delay-independence condition subject to the stability of the MIMO networked control system is derived. A numerical example given testifies that the method presented in this paper is feasible.


Ellagitannins is a kind of phenolic compounds with many biological activities. Recent studies have found that the effective ingredients of these compounds have close relationship with their colon-derived bacteria metabolites, that is urolithins. The objective of this study was to review the structure characteristics, types and distribution of urolithins, improvement in diseases related to prostate, breast and colon, as well as anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and other biological activities. The present review will lay the foundation for development and utilization of urolithins.


Reactor protection system to keep nuclear safety and operational economy of plants requires high reliability. Such a high reliability of the system can be achieved through the redundant design of components. However, common cause failures of components reduce the benefits of redundant design. Thus, the common cause failure analysis, to accurately calculate the reliability of the reactor protection system, is carried out using alpha-factor model. Analysis results to 24 operating months are that 1) the system reliability satisfies the reliability goal of EPRI-URD and 2) the common cause failure contributes 90% of the system unreliability. The uncertainty analysis using alpha factor parameters of 0.05 and 0.95 quantile values shows significantly large difference in the system unreliability.


Nd3+ doped alpha-NaYF4 nanocrystals with size of about 15 nm were successfully synthesized through hydrothermal method. Nearly pure near-infrared to near-infrared (NIR-to-NIR) luminescence can be realized. Moreover, the excitation and the emission at 880 and 1060 nm, respectively, are away from the visible region. These are beneficial to deeper tissue penetration and reduced auto-fluorescence. This material exhibits an excellent NIR-to-NIR emission performance and is thus potentially applicable as a high-contrast in vitro and in vivo imaging probe.


The goal of hemodynamic monitoring is to identify cardiovascular pathology, monitor resuscitation and determine when re- covery has been achieved. The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) has been used for over 40 years to accomplish those goals. PAC specific measures include cardiac output, intrathoracic vascular pressures and mixed venous O2 saturation (SvO2). Although newer less invasive devices are now available to monitor specific components of the profile given by the PAC, none can accurately estimate SvO2 or pulmonary arterial or venous pressures (as pulmonary artery occlusion pressure). However, cardiac output can be easily measured by many other devices including arterial wave form monitors and esophageal Doppler catheters and transthoracic echocardiography. To the extent that data useful for diagnosis and/or management can be made by these less invasive means, then the PAC should not be used. But in those settings where accurate measures of SvO2 and pulmonary vascular pressures are needed, the PAC is the only device that can do the job.


The objectives of this study are to understand the association between high school religious context in adolescence and the reporting of same-sex attraction and sexual identity in young adulthood and how these associations vary by gender. Previous studies have considered how high school contexts shape the well-being of sexual minority youth, yet few have examined the extent to which these contexts shape sexual desire and identity. We use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and find that among women, school religious context is negatively associated with the likelihood of reporting same-sex attraction in young adulthood. We also find a negative association between school religious context and reporting a bisexual or flexible sexual identity among men and women. Finally, we find a positive association between mean school religious attendance and reporting a homosexual identity among men and women.


Recently a new triple therapy with PPI and two antimicrobials is widely accepted instead of classical triple therapy. PPI has direct and indirect effects on H. pylori. Practically a single use of PPI is almost noneffective for eradication of H. pylori. In the combination therapy PPI is supposed to contribute to successful eradication through the inhibition of acid secretion. Because a raise of pH in stomach protects antimicrobials from the degradation by acidic environment. The decrease in the volume of gastric juice also contributes to concentrate antibiotics. Recently interaction between PPI and clarithromycin on metabolic enzyme in liver was reported that explains the synergistic effects of these drugs. The heterogeneity of genotype of metabolic enzyme was also elucidated which might be responsible for the difference in the effect of PPI between the patients. To accomplish successful eradication, full inhibition of acid secretion has to be done. To consider the interactions between PPI and antimicrobials and the heterogeneity of genotype of metabolic enzyme may improve eradication therapy of H. pylori.


Dear Editor, Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer in Singapore. Between 2008 and 2012, it accounts for 17.5% of cancer in males and 13.6% in females.1 Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a useful screening tool in decreasing CRC mortality.2 A study conducted in Hong Kong, found that physician's recommendation had led to increased FOBT uptake among patients [odds ratio (OR) of 23.5%].3 This research study aims to determine whether patient education and recommendation would result in increased uptake of FOBT in polyclinics.


The aim of the research is to investigate the effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) levels of individuals who can be defined as high-risk groups during the pandemic. Therefore, the online EMDR R-TEP Protocol was applied to a total of 154 individuals working with coronavirus patients, frontline professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, Polices, Red Crescent), relatives of coronavirus patients, coronavirus patients, and relatives of someone who died from coronavirus and the PTSD symptom level before, after, and 1 month after therapy was measured and examined. A personal information form and impact of events scale were used to collect data. Analyses showed that EMDR therapy was effective in reducing the PTSD level in all groups. The PTSD levels of frontline professionals continued to decrease until the follow-up test but remained the same in the other groups.


Abstract : This report presents the performance of a new modulation technique which has been called mixed-base modulation (MBM). This technique provides significant performance advantages over other common modulation techniques for applications where both power and bandwidth are limited. Its performance for bandspreading factors of two to five relative to single-sideband is reasonably close to the ultimate Shannon bounds. Most available techniques are very poor in this region. The viewpoint which allowed synthesis of this technique will be given before the basic approach and its performance are discussed. A section comparing the theoretical performance of MBM and that of other common techniques is followed by a discussion of some of the practical considerations. (Author)


Surface passivation of metal halide perovskite thin films has proved to be critical for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs), i.e. suppressing charge recombination at the interfaces between perovskite and charge transport layers for high device efficiency and preventing the penetration of degrading agents into the perovskite layer for high device stability. Here, we report the use of a new class of materials, phosphonium halide salts, i.e. triphenyl(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-phosphonium bromide (TCPBr) and iodide (TCPI), as surface passivation agents for efficient and stable PSCs. Suppressed nonradiative recombination and enhanced interfacial hole extraction, enabled by this facile phosphonium halide passivation, resulted in PSCs with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of >20.1% (∼18.5% for pristine MAPbI3 devices). Phosphonium halide passivation also reduced the hysteresis index from 11.2% (pristine device) to 5.4% (TCPBr passivated device). Moreover, the hydrophobic phosphonium halide passivation layers significantly suppressed moisture penetration and ion migration, greatly enhancing the device stability. It was found that unencapsulated solar cells based on TCPBr treated MAPbI3 thin layers retained more than 90% of the initial PCEs after more than 1000 hours storage under ambient conditions. Our work established the potential of phosphonium-based materials for surface passivation of metal halide perovskites, providing a new route towards efficient and stable perovskite optoelectronic devices.


Automorphisms of order $2$ are studied in order to understand generalized symmetric spaces. The groups of type $E_6$ we consider here can be realized as both the group of linear maps that leave a certain determinant invariant, and also as the identity component of the automorphism group of a class of structurable algebras known as Brown algebras. We will classify the $k$-involutions of these groups of type $E_6$ using aspects of both descriptions, and give detailed descriptions of representatives over certain fields including algebraically closed fields, $\mathbb{R}$, $\mathbb{F}_p$, and $\mathbb{Q}_p$.


Introduction. A recent series from Italy has suggested a pathogenic link between hepatitis C virus and MALT lymphoma of the ocular adnexa. The hypothesis of our study was to prove this concept in Austrian patients with MALT lymphoma of the ocular adnexa. Materials and methods. A total of 45 patients presenting with MALT lymphoma of the ocular adnexa were assessed for the presence of infection with hepatitis A, B and C. Furthermore, extensive staging to evaluate the extent of disease along with analysis of Helicobacter pylori-infection, the presence or absence of autoimmune diseases (AD) and assessment of MALT-lymphoma specific genetic changes was performed. Results. Only 2/45 (4%) patients were tested positive for hepatitis C, while 10/45 (22%) had an underlying AD and 15/39 (38%) had HP infection. Chromosomal aberrations were detected in 19 (54%) of 35 patients analyzed. Disseminated disease was a significant risk factor for relapse (p=0.014). Discussion. Our series suggests that infection with hepatitis C is not a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma in the Austrian population, while a substantial proportion of these patients suffer from autoimmune conditions.


We investigate the effective interaction between two like-charged rods in the regime of large coupling parameters using both Molecular Dynamics simulation techniques and the recently introduced strong-coupling theory. We obtain attraction between the rods for elevated Manning parameters accompanied by an equilibrium surface-to-surface separation of the order of the Gouy-Chapman length. A continuous unbinding between the rods is predicted at a threshold Manning parameter ξc = 2/3.


IDA* algorithm is a combination of A* and the IDDFS algorithm. This algorithm finds the shortest path. In this paper, we witness parallel computing. Multithreading is one of the most used and common parallel computing techniques. In this paper, I present some IDA* optimization based on parallel computing and another one is based on some characteristics. Firstly I present a brief introduction A*, IDDFS, and IDA* and the time complexity and growth of those algorithms. Then I discussed 3 optimizations from all the papers I have referenced. Those optimizations are PMIDA*, A*+IDA* and characteristics-based optimization. Then I illustrate the performance measurement table based on A*+ IDA* algorithm and PMIDA* visualization. Finally, I compare PMIDA*, A*+IDA*, and characteristics-based optimization optimizations. Among those optimizations, PMIDA* is the best in terms of parallel computing. The performance of the other two optimizations is also fairly decent.


In this paper we present a rule-based method of event extraction from the natural language. We use the Stanford dependency parser in order to build a relation graph of elements from input text. This structure along with serialized extraction frames is converted into a set of facts. We describe a process of creation of application of rules, which aims to match elements from the text with corresponding slots in the extraction frames. A possible match is derived by the comparison of verbal phrases from the text with lexicalizations of anchors (constituting the most important part of each frame) stored in an ontology. The rest of the extraction frame is filled with other elements of the dependency graph, with regard to their semantic type (determined by lexicalizations of allowed types defined in frames and ontology) and their grammatical properties. We describe conversions required to create a consistent knowledge base of text phrases, classification of semantic types and instantiated slots from the extraction frames. We use the Drools engine in order to extract events from such a knowledge base.


Background and Purpose— To evaluate the clinical significance of early ischemic change (EIC) on computed tomography (CT), pertinent factors that contribute to the appearance of EIC. Methods— Both CT and technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime were performed on a total of 53 patients (34 men, 19 women, mean 69.7 years old) with acute embolic stroke within 6 hours of onset. Patients were excluded if they showed definite clinical recovery or were administered thrombolytic agents. EIC was evaluated using Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). Residual cerebral blood flow (CBF) was determined on SPECT. Variables that were considered pertinent were patients' age, gender, neurological severity, symptom duration, and residual CBF. Using significant pertinent factors for EIC, separate analyses of brain swelling without hypoattenuation and parenchymal hypoattenuation were performed. Results— Patients with EIC (n=37) showed severe neurological deficits, a longer duration and severe hypoperfusion. A positive correlation was observed between ASPECTS and residual CBF (P=0.002; Kruskal-Wallis test). A logistic-regression analysis revealed that both symptom duration (r=0.024, P=0.006) and severity of hypoperfusion (r= −12.167, P=0.006) are independent factors related to EIC. Symptom duration and residual CBF were significantly different among patients with parenchymal hypoattenuation (n=32), brain swelling without hypoattenuation (n=5), and no EIC (P=0.018 and P=0.001, respectively; one-way ANOVA). Conclusions— The presence of EIC is determined by the duration and the degree of hypoperfusion. This finding supports the hypothesis that tissue damage may be evaluated by a combination of onset time and the presence of EIC.


The contribution of the anomalous quark-gluon interaction induced by instantons to the polarized and unpolarized gluon distributions in nucleon is estimated. It is shown that this interaction leads to negative gluon polarization in nucleon.


The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among emotional expressiveness, marital satisfaction, and stress coping styles of preschool mothers. The subjects for this study were 158 mothers whose children, 4-6 years of age, are enrolled in 5 kindergartens in Gyounsang-do. Mothers completed questionnaires reporting their emotional expressiveness, marital satisfaction, and stress coping styles. Data was analyzed by correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis through SPSS 17.0 The findings of the study are as follows: First, there are significant correlations among emotional expressiveness, marital satisfaction, and stress coping styles of the mothers, respectively. Second, mothers" active coping style is significantly influenced by three factors: negative emotional expressiveness, communication and conflict solving, and positive emotional expressiveness. Third, mothers" passive coping style is significantly influenced by three factors: the expectations of their spouse"s role, intimacy, and positive emotional expressiveness. In conclusion, it is necessary to encourage mothers to express their positive or negative emotions actively and improve their marital satisfaction to cope with stress effectively.


A 14-year-old boy with aortic stenosis associated with hypoplasia of aortic valve ring underwent aortoventriculoplasty (Konno's procedure) successfully nine years after the repair of supravalvular aortic stenosis. His aortic annulus diameter before enlargement was 17 to 18 mm and after the procedure, a 25 mm St. Jude Medical prosthetic valve was implanted. It was adequate size for this large-sized student (173 cm in height, 67 kg in weight). After this operation, mild stenosis of right ventricular outflow tract was presented probably due to insufficient reconstruction of right ventricular outflow for such a dramatic enlargement of aortic annulus. Although this procedure makes possible to implant more than three-size larger prosthetic valve without major complications, we have to be careful about preventing right ventricular outflow tract stenosis in case of requiring enlargement over 40 or 50% of aortic annular circle.


The brown teal or pateke (Anas chlorotis) is an endangered endemic duck that has declined greatly throughout its range in the last 120 years but about which there is little dietary information to inform the species' management. We studied the diet of brown teal from six populations (most data were from Great Barrier Island, with additional samples from Northland, Little Barrier Island, Kapiti Island, Mana Island and Karori Wildlife Sanctuary) using feeding observations, gut and faecal analyses. Brown teal had a diverse diet for a dabbling duck: 78 taxa were recorded, including terrestrial, freshwater and marine invertebrates, fungi, and terrestrial and freshwater vegetation. Based on gut content analysis, the most frequently occurring foods were Cyperaceae nuts, white clover leaves, cased caddisfly larvae, beetles, earthworms, gastropods and bivalves. Faecal analysis and visual observations showed marine molluscs to be abundant in the diet in intertidal areas. The use of pastures by much of the present-day population may make teal vulnerable to starvation during dry summers.


The authors present the application of Butterworth filter for parameter identification of an induction machine. MlMO (multi-inputs/multi-outputs), SISO (Single-input/Single-output) and MISO (multi-input/single output) continuous model structures were undertaken by using the recursive least square algorithms. The identification of the induction machine parameters is carried out from the experimental standstill tests where an electric request without danger to the windings, is supplied by a DC-chopper, giving a capacity of persistent excitation which has for effect to generate a signal rich with information.


Background. The "true" nonmyeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (NM-HCT) allows initial establishment of mixed T-cell chimerism for up to 6 months. The prolonged presence of host memory immune response after NM-HCT may play a role in protection against CMV infection especially early after NM-HCT. Furthermore, we previously reported that the incidence and poor outcome of ganciclovir-related neutropenia (GCV-N) is strongly associated with myelotoxic conditioning. Therefore, non-myeloablative HCT may also contribute to a lower risk of GCV-N. In this to date largest cohort we examined the risk of CMV infection and GCV-N after NM conditioning.

Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 537 NM-HCT recipients (median age 54.2 yrs) and 2489 M-HCT recipients (median age 39.8 yrs) transplanted between 1/1995 and 12/2005. The conditionings for NM-HCT mostly consisted of 2 Gy TBI with/without fludarabine. Post-grafting immunosuppression consisted of most commonly mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine (CSP) for NM-HCT recipients and methotrexate/CSP for M-HCT recipients. CMV surveillance was performed weekly by antigenemia (AG) or plasma PCR testing. GCV/VGCV was given for CMV AG/PCR positivity. We evaluated

1. any AG/DNA detection by day 100,

2. AG >10/200,000 PBL or PCR> 1000 copies/ml (high-grade CMV AG/DNA) by day 100 and

3. GCV-N defined as non-relapse-related neutropenia (ANC 1000 μL at time of viremia using multivariable Cox regression.

In addition, post-engraftment neutropenia, defined as ANC<500 μL occurring after day 28 post HCT among relapse-free patients.

Results. There was no significant difference in the incidence of CMV AG/DNA at any level between NM-HCT and M-HCT (39% vs.37%, HR 1.1, P =0.42). However, there was less high-grade CMV infection in NM-HCT compared to M-HCT patients (9% vs. 14%, adj. HR 0.6, P < 0.01). Risk factors for high-grade CMV infection other than M-HCT were advanced recipient age, CMV serostatus, transplantation year and acute GVHD. The incidence of GCV-N was similar between NM-HCT and M-HCT recipients (28% vs. 20%, adj. HR 1.3, P =0.27). Risk factors for GCV-N were advanced recipient age and acute GVHD. On the other hand, the incidence of post-engraftment neutropenia was higher in NM-HCT (29% vs. 13%, adj. HR 2.1, P <0.0001). Other risk factors for post-engraftment neutropenia included advanced recipient or donor age, cord blood, HLA mismatched/unrelated donor, female donor to male recipient, acute GVHD, recipient CMV seropositivity and CMV infection.

Conclusion. Our results suggest that the risk of CMV reactivation is not affected by NM conditioning but that progression to higher levels of viral load is reduced. This may be due to residual host memory immunity after NM-HCT. Despite less toxic conditioning, the incidence of GCV-N in NM-HCT was similar to that in M-HCT. Notably, the incidence of post-engraftment neutropenia was more frequent in NM-HCT compared to M-HCT recipients. This may be due to higher recipient and/or donor age, lower capacity to metabolize drugs, or the use of myelotoxic co-medication such as MMF or TMP-SMX.


Background: To audit the practices involved in blood component transfusion in the management of patients in paediatric intensive care unit of our hospital and to determine the appropriateness of transfusion after comparing them with clinical practice guidelines recommended by Royal Children Hospital (RCH).
Methods: All patients admitted in pediatric intensive care which were managed with blood component transfusions were retrospectively audited for 8 weeks. Management details including indications of transfusion and its appropriateness were recorded. Clinical practice guidelines recommended by Royal Children Hospital (RCH) were used as standards.
Results: One hundred and ninety-two transfusions were done during the study period out of which 58 percent were done to males and 41 percent to females. Majority of transfusions were done in infants (44%) and O Positive blood group was found rampant among blood groups of all recipients (33.3%). Red cell concentrates were predominantly (55.7%) and appropriately (72%) transfusion among all blood components. Platelet concentrates were most inappropriately transfused (57%) followed by fresh frozen plasma (54%) and red cell concentrates (27%). There was significant percentage of inappropriate transfusion of all blood components (p=0.00).
Conclusion: All blood components were significantly found inappropriately transfused, commonest component being platelet concentrates.


A 69-year-old man with diabetes mellitus was diagnosed with a prostate abscess. Although the pathogen was fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli and the oral administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was initiated, the infection recurred after three months. The antibiotic therapy was subsequently changed to intravenous fosfomycin, and the patient's condition promptly improved. Four weeks of fosfomycin therapy was successfully continued without any adverse events. In the era of antibiotic resistance, revival of forgotten drugs is an important issue for clinicians. Fosfomycin can be applied as an alternative option for prostate infections, considering the remaining susceptibility of multidrug-resistant pathogens to fosfomycin and the good pharmacokinetics of this drug in prostatic tissue.


Although the magnesium ion (Mg(2+)) is one of the most abundant divalent cations in cells and is known to play critical roles in many physiological processes, its mobilization and underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we describe a novel fluorescent Mg(2+) probe, "KMG-104-AsH", composed of a highly selective fluorescent Mg(2+) probe, "KMG-104", and a fluorescence-recoverable probe, "FlAsH", bound specifically to a tetracysteine peptide tag (TCtag), which can be genetically incorporated into any protein. This probe was developed for molecular imaging of local changes in intracellular Mg(2+) concentration. KMG-104-AsH was synthesized, and its optical properties were investigated in solution. The fluorescence intensity of KMG-104-AsH (at λ(em/max) = 540 nm) increases by more than 10-fold by binding to both the TCtag peptide and Mg(2+), and the probe is highly selective for Mg(2+) (K(d/Mg) = 1.7 mM, K(d/Ca) ≫ 100 mM). Application of the probe for imaging of Mg(2+) in HeLa cells showed that this FlAsH-type Mg(2+) sensing probe is membrane-permeable and binds specifically to tagged proteins, such as TCtag-actin and mKeima-TCtag targeted to the cytoplasm and the mitochondrial intermembrane space. KMG-104-AsH bound to TCtag responded to an increase in intracellular Mg(2+) concentration caused by the release of Mg(2+) from mitochondria induced by FCCP, a protonophore that eliminates the inner membrane potential of mitochondria. This probe is expected to be a strong tool for elucidating the dynamics and mechanisms of intracellular localization of Mg(2+).


Supramolecular self-assembly of nanoparticles in two orthogonal directions would potentially allow one to fabricate nanomaterials with fascinating properties. In this study of a hydrothermal polycondensation of melamine/cyanuric acid, graphitic carbon nitride-based quantum dots (CNQD, ∼2 nm) are in situ arranged along two orthogonal directions through lateral hydrogen bonding, and free-floating two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded films of CNQD (2D CNQD) are built. On the basis of the universality of this hydrothermal in situ supramolecular self-assembly technique, 2D films linked by other quantum dots such as sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride and CdTe are also constructed. With the benefits of stimuli responsiveness and the reversibility of hydrogen bonds, controllable assembly/disassembly of the 2D CNQD film is feasibly achieved by external stimuli such as inletting CO2/N2, which endows the assembled 2D CNQD films optimal electrochemical superiorities of both 2D film and zero-dimensional (0D) quantum dots. Accordingly, the 2D CNQD film delivers a high bifunctional activity in both a nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) and an oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Especially in NRR, it exhibits the high yield rate of NH3 reaching 75.07 μg h-1 mg-1 at -0.85 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode at ambient condition. Strikingly, the power density of the rechargeable Zn-N2 battery using 2D CNQD film as cathode reaches 31.94 mW cm-2, outperforming the majority of Zn-N2 batteries. Density functional theory calculations proved the promoted adsorption of N2 and stabilized NRR intermediates on 2D CNQD cooperated by multiply hydrogen-bonding interactions are the main reasons for the excellent NRR electrocatalytic performances. This work hints that hydrothermal in situ supramolecular self-assembly is a feasible and direct way to integrate 0D quantum dots into 2D directional arrays, and the hydrogen bond that interlinks enables this free-floating 2D structure to maintain the electrochemical superiority of both 0D and 2D structures.


The problem of textured image analysis in the presence of noise is examined from a higher-order statistical perspective. The objective is to develop analysis techniques through which robust texture characteristics are extracted and used as inputs to a neural network classifier. The approach taken involves the use of autoregressive models derived from third order cumulants. The fundamental issues of the various components of the approach are described. The neural network used in this context is a multilayer perceptron trained using conjugate gradient techniques.


A Concrete Approach to Abstract Algebra begins with a concrete and thorough examination of familiar objects like integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers, complex conjugation and polynomials, in this unique approach, the author builds upon these familar objects and then uses them to introduce and motivate advanced concepts in algebra in a manner that is easier to understand for most students. The text will be of particular interest to teachers and future teachers as it links abstract algebra to many topics wich arise in courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus and calculus. The final four chapters present the more theoretical material needed for graduate study.


Background

Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Given its tendency to cluster geographically, spatial analyses may provide better understanding of the pattern of varicella transmission. We investigated the spatial characteristics of varicella in Korea and the risk factors for varicella at a national level.
Methods

Using national surveillance and demographic data, we examined the spatial distribution of incidence rates and their spatial autocorrelation and calculated Moran's index. Spatial regression analysis was used to identify sociodemographic predictors of varicella incidence at the district level.
Results

An increasing tendency in the annual incidence of varicella was observed over a 12-year period (2006–2017), with a surge in 2017. There was a clear positive spatial autocorrelation of the varicella incidence rate during the surveillance period. During 2006–2014, High-High (HH) clusters were mostly confined to the northeast region and neighboring districts. Population density and the number of hospitals per 1,000 persons had negative coefficients, and the former was significant. Childhood percentage, percentage of children under 12 years of age among total population, and vaccine coverage rate had positive coefficients, but only the former was significant.
Conclusion

There was a temporal uptrend in the incidence of varicella in Korea from 2006 to 2017 in the setting of positive spatial associations. The varicella incidence according to geographic region varied with population density, childhood percentage, suggesting the importance of the community-level surveillance and monitoring strategies.


There is considered a general approach to using a priori information in the problems of decomposition of seismic signals, which are essential in the solution of the inverse seismic problems. We propose an effective algorithm, which substantially allowed to reduce the volume of a priori information needed in the real data processing, and during the preparation of data for the solution of inverse dynamic seismic problems. The algorithm is based on the analysis of multivalued components, which determine the volume and structure of a priori information needed to solve the decomposition problem. The algorithm is realized in two steps. In the first stage we define the solution using pseudo a priori information, ensuring stability and uniqueness of the solution. In the second step we define a minimum quantity of available a priori information, which allows to obtain the exact solution of the problem.


ABSTRACT CD4C/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transgenic mice develop an AIDS-like disease. We used this model to study the effects of HIV-1 on dendritic cells (DC). We found a progressive decrease in total DC numbers in the lymph nodes, with a significant accumulation of CD11bHi DC. In the thymus, the recovery of transgenic CD8α+ DC had a tendency to be lower. Spleen DC were augmented in the marginal zone. Transgenic DC showed a decreased capacity to present antigen in vitro, consistent with their reduced major histocompatibility complex class II expression and impaired maturation profile. The accumulation of immature DC may contribute to disease and may reflect an adaptive advantage for the virus by favoring its replication and preventing the generation of fully functional antiviral responses.


Economic policy in the EU faces a trilemma of solving three challenges simultaneously - growth, distribution, and the environment. In order to assess policies that address these issues simultaneously, economic models need to account for both sector-sector and sector-environment feedbacks within a single framework.This paper presents a multi-sectoral stock-flow consistent (SFC) macro model where a demand-driven economy consisting of multiple institutional sectors - firms, energy, households, government, and financial - interacts with the environment. The model is calibrated for the EU region and five policy scenarios are evaluated; low consumption, a capital stock damage function, carbon taxes, higher share of renewable energy, and technological shocks to productivity. Policy outcomes are tracked on overall output, unemployment, income and income distributions, energy, and emission levels. Results show that investment in mitigation technologies allows for absolute decoupling and ensures that the above three issues can be solved simultaneously.


We developed a new noninvasive technique to visualize the anatomical structure of the nerve fiber system in vivo, and named this technique magnetic resonance (MR) tractography and the acquired image an MR tractogram. MR tractography has two steps. One is to obtain diffusion-weighted images sensitized along axes appropriate for depicting the intended nerve fibers with anisotropic water diffusion MR imaging. The other is to extract the anatomical structure of the nerve fiber system from a series of diffusion-weighted images by the maximum intensity projection method. To examine the clinical usefulness of the proposed technique, many contiguous, thin (3 mm) coronal two-dimensional sections of the brain were acquired sequentially in normal volunteers and selected patients with paralyses, on a 1.5 Tesla MR system (Signa, GE) with an ECG-gated Stejskal-Tanner pulse sequence. The structure of the nerve fiber system of normal volunteers was almost the same as the anatomy. The tractograms of patients with paralyses clearly showed the degeneration of nerve fibers and were correlated with clinical symptoms. MR tractography showed great promise for the study of neuroanatomy and neuroradiology.


Aluminum particles, spanning in size from 10 μm to 3 mm, were reacted with varying densities of water at 655 K. The density of the water is varied from 50 g L−1 to 450 g L−1 in order to understand the effect of density on both reaction rates and yields. Low-density supercritical water is associated with properties that make it an efficient oxidizer: low viscosity, high diffusion, and low relative permittivity. Despite this, it was found that the high-density (450 g L−1) supercritical water was the most efficient oxidizer both in terms of reaction rate and hydrogen yield. The 10 μm powder had a peak reaction rate of approximately 675 cmH23 min−1 gAl−1 in the high-density water, and a peak reaction rate below 250 cmH23 min−1 gAl−1 in the low- and vapour-density water. A decline in peak reaction rate with decreasing water density was also observed for the 120 μm powder and the 3 mm slugs. These findings imply that the increased collision frequency, a property of the high-density water, outpaces reduction in the reaction enhancing properties associated with low-density supercritical water. Hydrogen yield was minimally affected by decreasing the oxidizer density from 450 g L−1 to 200 g L−1, but did drop off significantly in the vapour-density (50 g L−1) water.


Purpose: The principal purpose of the present article is to analyze the technical mechanisms and the categorization procedure of thesaurus, ontology, and their types in storage and retrieval of digital and non-digital content. The types of knowledge organization systems (KOSs) which are addressed in this article are Roget's thesaurus, thesauri, Micro, Macro and Meta thesaurus, ontologies, and lower, middle, or upper-level ontologies. The study attempts to demonstrate categorization the procedure through determining the position of KOSs in the context of data, information, and knowledge (DIK) by explaining their engineering mechanisms such as data, information, and knowledge engineering in content storage and retrieval, especially digital content.Method: The research method relies on documented and historical methodology. Findings: As ontologies have taken the highest position amidst KOSs in making digital resources available in a web based environment, it is suggested that Iran and other developing countries use the capacities and capabilities of ontologies, especially in the development of national ontologies, in order to construct their knowledge-based infrastructure and system to achieve high performance in digital content engineering and management.


Plasma from different species is the most accessible and valuable source for biomarker discovery in clinical and animal samples. However, due to the high abundance of some proteins such as albumin and immunoglobulins, low-abundant proteins are often undetectable in proteomic analysis of plasma. We have established a plasma depletion scheme using chicken antibodies against various abundant proteins. This immunoaffinity purification procedure is able to deplete albumin across multiple species. The high binding capacity and specificity of the chicken antibody enables the efficient capture of its ligand from microliter volumes of plasma sample. The resulting two-dimensional gel analyses of the depleted and captured samples show significant enhancement of the low-abundant proteins and specific capture of the abundant ligand. By utilizing this sample preparation scheme, it is now possible to analyze the plasma proteome from multiple species in a potentially rapid and large-scale capacity for biomarker discovery, drug target discovery, and toxicology studies.


The SPADnet FP7 European project is aimed at a new generation of fully digital, scalable and networked photonic components to enable large area image sensors, with primary target gamma-ray and coincidence detection in (Time-of- Flight) Positron Emission Tomography (PET). SPADnet relies on standard CMOS technology, therefore allowing for MRI compatibility. SPADnet innovates in several areas of PET systems, from optical coupling to single-photon sensor architectures, from intelligent ring networks to reconstruction algorithms. It is built around a natively digital, intelligent SPAD (Single-Photon Avalanche Diode)-based sensor device which comprises an array of 8×16 pixels, each composed of 4 mini-SiPMs with in situ time-to-digital conversion, a multi-ring network to filter, carry, and process data produced by the sensors at 2Gbps, and a 130nm CMOS process enabling mass-production of photonic modules that are optically interfaced to scintillator crystals. A few tens of sensor devices are tightly abutted on a single PCB to form a so-called sensor tile, thanks to TSV (Through Silicon Via) connections to their backside (replacing conventional wire bonding). The sensor tile is in turn interfaced to an FPGA-based PCB on its back. The resulting photonic module acts as an autonomous sensing and computing unit, individually detecting gamma photons as well as thermal and Compton events. It determines in real time basic information for each scintillation event, such as exact time of arrival, position and energy, and communicates it to its peers in the field of view. Coincidence detection does therefore occur directly in the ring itself, in a differed and distributed manner to ensure scalability. The selected true coincidence events are then collected by a snooper module, from which they are transferred to an external reconstruction computer using Gigabit Ethernet.


Abstract Aims Monocytes play an important role in hypertension. Circulating monocytes in humans exist as classical, intermediate, and non-classical forms. Monocyte differentiation can be influenced by the endothelium, which in turn is activated in hypertension by mechanical stretch. We sought to examine the role of increased endothelial stretch and hypertension on monocyte phenotype and function. Methods and results Human monocytes were cultured with confluent human aortic endothelial cells undergoing either 5% or 10% cyclical stretch. We also characterized circulating monocytes in normotensive and hypertensive humans. In addition, we quantified accumulation of activated monocytes and monocyte-derived cells in aortas and kidneys of mice with Angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Increased endothelial stretch enhanced monocyte conversion to CD14++CD16+ intermediate monocytes and monocytes bearing the CD209 marker and markedly stimulated monocyte mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-23, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4, and tumour necrosis factor α. STAT3 in monocytes was activated by increased endothelial stretch. Inhibition of STAT3, neutralization of IL-6 and scavenging of hydrogen peroxide prevented formation of intermediate monocytes in response to increased endothelial stretch. We also found evidence that nitric oxide (NO) inhibits formation of intermediate monocytes and STAT3 activation. In vivo studies demonstrated that humans with hypertension have increased intermediate and non-classical monocytes and that intermediate monocytes demonstrate evidence of STAT3 activation. Mice with experimental hypertension exhibit increased aortic and renal infiltration of monocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages with activated STAT3. Conclusions These findings provide insight into how monocytes are activated by the vascular endothelium during hypertension. This is likely in part due to a loss of NO signalling and increased release of IL-6 and hydrogen peroxide by the dysfunctional endothelium and a parallel increase in STAT activation in adjacent monocytes. Interventions to enhance bioavailable NO, reduce IL-6 or hydrogen peroxide production or to inhibit STAT3 may have anti-inflammatory roles in hypertension and related conditions.


Asymmetric supercapacitor with high energy density has been developed successfully using graphene/MnO2 composite as positive electrode and activated carbon nanofibers (ACN) as negative electrode in a neutral aqueous Na2SO4 electrolyte. Due to the high capacitances and excellent rate performances of graphene/MnO2 and ACN, as well as the synergistic effects of the two electrodes, such asymmetric cell exhibits superior electrochemical performances. An optimized asymmetric supercapacitor can be cycled reversibly in the voltage range of 0–1.8 V, and exhibits maximum energy density of 51.1 Wh kg−1, which is much higher than that of MnO2//DWNT cell (29.1 Wh kg−1). Additionally, graphene/MnO2//ACN asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits excellent cycling durability, with 97% specific capacitance retained even after 1000 cycles. These encouraging results show great potential in developing energy storage devices with high energy and power densities for practical applications.


Effluents from essential industries have been characterized with heavy metals which are non-biodegradable in nature and also detrimental to health when accumulated in body tissues over long exposure. Adsorption was proved as the best efficient process amongst others to remove these heavy metals from industrial wastewater due to its excellent features. Activated carbons from nanoparticles of agricultural wastes such as pods, shells, husks, peels, shafts and many prepared via calcination process at high temperature can be used as active adsorbent for the industrial wastewater treatment involving heavy metals removal. This chapter discusses heavy metals in industrial wastewater effluents and potential agro wastes from which nanoparticles of activated carbon for industrial wastewater purification could be generated. The transformation of agro wastes nanoparticles into activated carbons via calcination and their applications for heavy metals removal from industrial wastewater via adsorption were examined. Various characterization techniques to study the effects of calcination on structural, morphological and textural properties of activated carbon prepared from agro waste nanoparticles were also discussed. Various isotherm, kinetics, mechanistic and thermodynamics models to investigate the adsorptive nature of the process were presented. Error functions and algorithms for both the linear and non-linear isotherm models regression to affirm their fitness for prediction were presented. Lastly, proposed adsorption mechanisms of heavy metals removal from industrial wastewater using activated carbons from nanoparticles of agro wastes were presented.


The climate change induced weather uncertainty has increased the environmental extremes such as severe droughts and floods affecting volumetric soil moisture content (��), thus food security. It also has increased the weather uncertainty, such as colder winters and hotter summers with increased diurnal temperature differences. Atmospheric temperatures play a major role in the determination of soil temperature, where increased variability can affect plant growth, development, and crop yield. Although CC can affect soil moisture dynamics and soil thermal properties, they are among the least studied areas related to CC. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the CC and tillage effects on the soil moisture dynamics and soil thermal properties of a corn (Zea mays L.) cropping system. The study was conducted at the Elsberry Plant Material Center - USDA, Missouri, USA, with 1) no-till cover crop (NC), 2) conventional till no cover crop (CN), and 3) no-till no cover crop (NN) treatments. A three species CCture including cereal rye (Secale cereal L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and daikon radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. Longipinnatus) was established in the NC treatment in 2019 (first CC establishment). Spectrum Technologies Water Scout SM100 soil moisture sensors were installed at 5-, 10-, 20- and 40-cm soil depths to monitor changes in volumetric soil moisture content (��) in 15 min intervals throughout the study period, and a soil moisture calibration was conducted to adjust sensor readings. Numerically and significantly higher �� values were observed in the CN treatment than NC and NN at first three depths during most of the study period. The NC treatment maintained higher �� than NN at all the studied depths during different growing periods, which were significant during some weeks. For the soil thermal study, a fourth treatment, grass (G) was used other than NC, CN, and NN, which was under side oats gramma (Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.). Soil core samples (7.6 cm diamelong) were collected in April 2021 for the soil thermal study from 0-40 cm depth at 10-cm increments (96 samples) and analyzed for soil heat capacity (Cv), soil thermal conductivity (��), soil thermal diffusivity ([alpha]), soil organic carbon (SOC), bulk density (BD), and ��. As per the results in soil thermal study, NC did not significantly improve SOC, BD, or soil thermal properties, as the biomass accumulation by CC was not enough due to the lack of CC duration. According to the results, it can be speculated that long-term use of CC might improve soil moisture dynamics and soil thermal properties of corn cropping systems through improved soil organic matter and reduced BD and would be a viable solution in soil moisture conservation, reducing stress conditions to plants and soil microbiota through reducing soil he


The creation of two new development banks - the NDB and the AIIB - has motivated a debate as to whether they will affect the working of the existing development banks, and to whether they will contribute do foster economic development in low income countries. This article shows some differences between the two new institutions, present some estimate of their potential growth in the near future and argues that it is very likely that the two banks will - for both technical and financial reasons - work together with the existing development banks, rather than compete with them.


Background: In the Republic of Congo, hot temperature and seasons distortions observed may impact seasonal variations of the development of malaria parasites. We investigate the variation of malaria cases, parasite density and the multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection throughout the year in Brazzaville.

Methods: From May 2015 to May 2016, suspected patients with uncomplicated malaria were enrolled at the Hôpital de Mfilou, CSI « Maman Mboualé», and the Laboratoire National de Santé Publique. For each patient, thick blood was examined and parasite density was calculated. After DNA isolation, MSP1 and MSP2 genes were genotyped.

Results:
A total of 416, 259 and 131 patients with suspected malaria were enrolled at the CSI «Maman Mboualé», Hôpital de Mfilou and the Laboratoire National de Santé Publique respectively. Proportion of malaria cases and geometric mean parasite density were higher at the CSI «Maman Mboualé» compared to over sites (P-value ˂0.001). However the multiplicity of infection was higher at the Hôpital de Mfilou (P-value ˂0.001).
At the Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, malaria cases and multiplicity of infection were not influenced by different seasons. However, variation of the mean parasite density was statistically significant (P-value ˂0.01).
Higher proportions of malaria cases were found at the end of main rainy season including the beginning of the main dry season at the Hôpital de Mfilou and the CSI «Maman Mboualé»; while, lowest proportions were observed in September and January and in September and March respectively. Higher mean parasite densities were found at the end of rainy seasons with persistence at the beginning of dry seasons. The lowest mean parasite densities were found during dry seasons, with persistence at the beginning of rainy seasons. Fluctuation of the multiplicity of infection throughout the year was observed without any impact of different seasons.

Conclusion:
The current study suggests that malaria transmission is still variable between the north and south parts of Brazzaville. Seasonal fluctuations of malaria cases and mean parasite densities were observed with some extension to different seasons. Thus, both meteorological and entomological studies are needed to update the season's periods as well as malaria transmission intensity in Brazzaville.


We propose a scheme for the sensitive quantification of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) on the basis of the levitation coordinate change (Δ z) of single microparticles of different sizes in a coupled acoustic-gravitational (CAG) field. This field transduces the density change of a microparticle into Δ z, which can be measured with high precision. The density of a microparticle is induced by the binding of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on it through the sandwich DNA hybridization with miRNA. Different probe DNAs are anchored onto microparticles of different sizes, which are clearly distinguishable on a microscopic view. The target miRNAs are captured by these particles having complementary nucleotide sequences and then entrap reporter-anchored AuNPs. Thus, the densities of the microparticles are modified according to the concentration of individual target miRNAs. The interparticle hybridizations for multiple target miRNAs are conducted in one-pot reactions before the levitation of the microparticles is measured in the CAG field. This principle is successfully applied to the quantification of miR-21 and miR-122 in the total RNA extracted from liver cancer tissues.


In the adult rodent brain, the subventricular zone (SVZ) represents a special niche for neural stem cells; these cells proliferate and generate neural progenitors. Most of these migrate along the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb, where they differentiate into interneurons. SVZ‐derived progenitors can also be recruited spontaneously to damaged brain areas to replace lost cells, including oligodendrocytes in demyelinated lesions. In this study, we searched for factors able to enhance this spontaneous recruitment of endogenous progenitors. Previous studies have suggested that epidermal growth factor (EGF) could stimulate proliferation, migration, and glial differentiation of SVZ progenitors. In the present study we examined EGF influence on endogenous SVZ cell participation to brain repair in the context of demyelinated lesions. We induced a focal demyelinated lesion in the corpus callosum by lysolecithin injection and showed that intranasal heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor (HB‐EGF) administration induces a significant increase in SVZ cell proliferation together with a stronger SVZ cell mobilization toward the lesions. Besides, HB‐EGF causes a shift of SVZ‐derived progenitor cell differentiation toward the astrocytic lineage. However, due to the threefold increase in cell recruitment by EGF treatment, the absolute number of SVZ‐derived oligodendrocytes in the lesion of treated mice is higher than in controls. These results suggest that enhancing SVZ cell proliferation could be part of future strategies to promote SVZ progenitor cell mobilization toward brain lesions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008


Aerostatic spindles offer low heat generation and high rotation accuracy, which make them an ideal choice for ultra-precision drum lathe, where extremely high motional accuracy and thermal stability are required. However, the limitations such as insufficient load capacity and stiffness have restricted their permissible application range and make them not suitable for large ultra-precision machine tools including drum lathe. In order to improve the load capacity and stiffness, this paper presents a high load capacity aerostatic spindle with pocketed orifice-type restrictors. Fluent is adopted and three-dimensional simulation models of aerostatic spindle with orifice and feeding pocket are set up to analyze the load characteristics. The simulation results show that this restrictor can enhance the throttling effect of orifice and suppress the pressure drop away from the orifice. Moreover, for aerostatic journal bearing, when eccentricity ratio is in the range of 0.2–0.3 and gas supply pressure is 0.6 MPa, carrying capacity and stiffness can reach up to 9499.4 N and 2813.1 N/μm. Finally, a group of loading experiments are carried out which prove that the novel three-dimensional simulation method is feasible and accurate to calculate the load characteristics of aerostatic spindles.


This thesis examines two approaches to housing the urban poor in the city of Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujarat – the Slum Networking Project, an attempt to institutionalize slum upgrading at the city-level and the Development Plan-Town Planning Scheme mechanism, an enabling approach similar to land readjustment that seeks to deliver serviced land to the urban land market and contains a provision to reserve some of this land for housing for economically weaker sections of society. Given the shifts in thinking in the past three decades around housing policies in developing countries, and particularly in India, from project-level approaches to enabling approaches that attempt to tackle housing shortages and substandard quality at a broader scale, this thesis asks the question: What is the appropriate role of cities in adequately housing their poor populations? In conjunction with this, additional questions explored include: What has been the history of housing strategies in India? What are some relatively successful efforts that are not national-level policies or small community-level projects, but instead use the scale of the city to address this pressing issue? What are the barriers to bringing these methods to scale? This thesis finds that while upgrading approaches may provide basic services to slum dwellers at the project level, attempts to take upgrading to scale must carefully consider the prevalence and implementation capacity of NGO or other intermediaries, the demand of residents for the services offered, the incentives for participation by private sector entities and the pace of urbanization in the city in question. With respect to the Town Planning Scheme mechanism, there has been considerable success in converting agricultural land to serviced urban land and in appropriated land for housing for the urban poor, but concerns remain about the overly centralized nature of the process, its openness to corruption, and its neglect to consider informal or tenants claims on the land to be developed. Finally, it is found that the mere designation and availability of urban land for housing for the poor is not sufficient to instigate housing production and more research is needed to determine appropriate policies to encourage affordable housing development on this land.


Eighty‐eight consecutive children presenting with vitiligo to a hospital dermatology clinic in a 1‐year period were assessed clinically, and for autoimmune and endocrine disorders. Vitiligo started between 8 and 12 years of age in 51% of our patients. A positive family history was obtained in 27.3% of the patients. Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common clinical type seen. Three patients, though clinically asymptomatic, showed antithyroid antibodies. Our results are compared with those published previously on the subject.


PURPOSE
To develop analytical themes through a descriptive synthesis of qualitative studies to create a broader and more conscious understanding of after processes in early and forced marriages.

METHODS
This study is a meta-synthesis study.

FINDINGS
The analytical themes of the main theme "The process after early and forced marriages" were divided into four groups: cognitive, affective, behavioral, and cultural reflections.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Effective social norm interventions should be adapted to people's cognitive, affective, behavioral, and cultural understanding to change attitudes and practices toward early marriages.


BACKGROUND
This study investigated the influence of curcumin on HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR)- mediated migration of cultured renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Five RCC cell lines (769-P, 769-P-vector, 769-P-HOTAIR, 786-0, and Kert-3 ) were maintained in vitro. The expression of HOTAIR mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR and cell migration was measured by transwell migration assay. The effects of different concentrations of curcumin (0 to 80 μmol/L) on cell proliferation was determined by the CCK-8 assay and influence of non-toxic levels (0 to 10 μM) on the migration of RCC cells was also determined.

RESULTS
Comparison of the 5 cell lines indicated a correlation between HOTAIR mRNA expression and cell migration. In particular, the migration of 769-P-HOTAIR cells was significantly higher than that of 769-P-vector cells. Curcumin at 2.5-10 μM had no evident toxicity against RCC cells, but inhibited cell migration in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS
HOTAIR expression is correlated with the migration of RCC cells, and HOTAIR may be involved in the curcumin-induced inhibition of RCC metastasis.


Simulating land surface hydrological states and fluxes requires a comprehensive set of atmospheric forcing data at consistent temporal and spatial scales. At the continental-to-global scale, such data are not available except in weather reanalysis products. Unfortunately, reanalysis products are often biased due to errors in the host weather forecast model. This paper explores whether the error in model predictions of the initial soil moisture status and hydrological fluxes can be minimized through a bias reduction scheme to the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast and National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis products. The bias reduction scheme uses both difference and ratio corrections based upon global observational data sets. Both the corrected and original forcing data were used to simulate land surface states and fluxes with a land surface model (LSM) over North America. Soil moisture, snow depth, and runoff output from the LSM are compared to observations to assess the impact of the bias correction on simulation accuracy. Results of this study demonstrate the sensitivity of LSMs to bias in the forcing data, and that implementation of a bias reduction scheme reduces errors to the simulation of soil moisture, runoff, and snow water equivalence. Accordingly, the initial soil moisture fields produced should be more representative of actual conditions, and therefore more useful to the climate modeling community. Results suggest that modelers using reanalysis products for forcing LSMs, in particular for the establishment of initial conditions, should consider a bias reduction strategy when preparing their input forcing fields.