Abstract Patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis (HD) exhibit increased levels of oxidative stress, likely contributing to the increased rate of cardiovascular disease. The present study represents a critical evaluation of some of the most widely used oxidative indicators, as applied to the monitoring of hemodialysis-associated oxidative stress. Total plasma antioxidant capacity was determined by two independent procedures, the total antioxidant status (TAS) and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) methods. Plasma lipid peroxidation was assessed by determining the peroxidation products malonaldehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal (MDA-4HNE) as well as lipid hydroperoxides ("Fox-2" and "d-ROMs" methods). Total plasma thiols and plasma b-tocopherol were also determined. MDA-4HNE levels were higher in HD patients and decreased following HD, possibly due to passive diffusion across dialysis filters. d-ROMs were also higher in HD patients but exhibited a further increase following the dialysis procedure. Serum α-tocopherol did not show any significant differences. Plasma thiols were lower in HD patients and were restored following HD. Plasma total antioxidant capacity determined with either method was unexpectedly higher in HD patients compared to controls, and decreased following HD. These data indicate that, of the biomarkers studied, d-ROMs level is the one more accurately reflecting the oxidative alterations taking place in HD patients, while determination of MDA-4HNE fails to detect oxidation occurring during the HD sessions. In addition, our findings point out that the determination of total antioxidant capacity in HD patients is severely affected by the concomitant fluctuations in plasma urate levels and therefore needs careful interpretation.


An unbalanced three-phase optimal capacitor control algorithm taking the mathematical models of Distributed Generations (DGs) into account is proposed in the paper. The formulations and solution procedures of the optimal capacitor planning and real-time capacitor control are both derived. The special topological characteristics of distribution networks are fully exploited to develop the proposed optimal capacitor control formulations. According to the characteristics of output power, DGs can be specified as constant power factor model, constant voltage model or variable reactive power model in the system analysis. Different types of DGs have different reactive power output characteristics, the mathematical formulations of different models are integrated into the proposed optimal capacitor control method. Besides, the variation of DGspsila energy sources will actually influence on the planning and operation of distribution feeders; therefore, it is also discussed in this paper. Test results show that the proposed method can integrate DGs into optimal capacitor planning and operation effectively and efficiently, and have great potential to be utilized in the future smart-grid applications.


to narrow the extent of the market facilities to their own borders by rigging tariffs, regulating imports and exports, allowing roads to decay, and attempting to attain internal self- sufficiency in food rather than moving their states into a wider exchange economy." The princes were afraid that if they became linked economically to the outside world, 'they were likely to become subservient politically. The commercial class was cramped also by the fact that the peasants had no ownership rights in land and could not mortgage their lands for loans. Moneylenders were unable to exploit the peasantry in the manner their fellows did in British India. This state of affairs created considerable discontent amongst the commercial classes of Saurashtra. Many migrated from the region, going particularly to Bombay where the opportunities were far better. This merely fanned the discontent, for after 1917 the Gujarati trading classes of British India became staunch Gandhians, and the movement inevitably flowed back to relatives and fellow merchants in Saurashtra. In their struggle with the princes between 1917 and 1948, the commercial classes tried to win the peasantry to their side, but the rulers stopped them from going to the villages to agitate. As a result, when the bourgeoisie gained power in Saurashtra in 1948, it was not because they had brought the princes to their knees through mass agitation, but because of the replacement of the British by Congress at the all- India level After Independence the Vanias and Brahmans who gained power in Saurashtra set about winning the support of the Patidar peasantry through tenancy legislation. Between 1948 and 1955, the landlord classes lost considerable amounts of land to rich and middle peasants who before had been their tenants. An attempt of armed revolt by the princes was crushed with ease. The rural population was brought into the market economy by the substitution of land revenue in cash for the old system of rent in kind. Additional cesses and systems of corvee labour were abolished. Tenancy abolition in Saurashtra was far more successful than in many other areas of India, partly because the princes lacked the power to resist (as happened in Rajasthan), and partly because the low density of population meant that there was land for all. The result was a rise in agricultural productivity and a shift to cash crops Between 1949 and 1964, the total area under food crops fell, the area under cotton remained steady, while the area under groundnuts rose to 41 per cent of the total cultivated area of Saurashtra, The cities also grew considerably. Industrial development was particularly notable in the processing of raw agricultural materials, such as cotton and groundnuts. Communications, and particularly the road system, were developed. After Independence the rural areas kept pace with the urban areas to such an extent that the commercial classes who had become the rulers in 1948 began to be challenged politically by the formerly weak Patidar peasantry.


The present invention is to provide a medical image display apparatus, comprising: storage means and a plurality of different types of medical images are related to the same region of the subject device stored in the generated image is generated by the same type; while switching one by one multiple while a medical image displayed on the screen display control section substantially the same position, it is possible to improve the efficiency of diagnostic imaging.


Intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1 has a crucial role in the induction of an immune response and is instrumental in migration of T cells into inflamed tissue. We studied soluble ICAM-1 concentrations in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), viral encephalitis, and other immunologic diseases, and compared results with those in other noninflammatory, nondemyelinating neurologic disorders as well as in healthy controls. MS patients with clinically active disease or enhancing lesions on MRI had elevated serum levels of soluble ICAM-1. Concentrations of soluble ICAM-1 were also increased in some patients with viral encephalitis. These findings raise the possibility that circulating ICAM-1 serves as a marker of acute inflammatory events in the brain and add to evidence implicating this adhesion molecule in the pathogenesis of MS.


We run an experiment in which two subjects play a two-round minimum effort game in the presence of a third player (principal) who is the only one informed about past effort choices and benefits from a higher minimum effort of the others. Sanctions introduced in the second round by the experimenter lead to more optimistic beliefs and higher efforts. This is not true when sanctions have been imposed by the principal. The possibility that the choice of a sanction is a signal of low effort levels causes players who chose high effort in the first round to be less optimistic.


Context. The shape of the mass density profiles of cosmological halos informs us of the nature of dark matter (DM) and DM-baryons interactions. Previous estimates of the inner slope of the mass density profiles of clusters of galaxies are in opposition to predictions derived from numerical simulations of cold dark matter (CDM).
Aims. We determine the inner slope of the DM density profile of a massive cluster of galaxies, Abell S1063 (RXC J2248.7−4431) at z = 0.35, with a dynamical analysis based on an extensive spectroscopic campaign carried out with the VIMOS and MUSE spectrographs at the ESO VLT. This new data set provides an unprecedented sample of 1234 spectroscopic members, 104 of which are located in the cluster core (R ≲ 200 kpc), extracted from the MUSE integral field spectroscopy. The latter also allows the stellar velocity dispersion profile of the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) to be measured out to 40 kpc.
Methods. We used an upgraded version of the MAMPOSSt technique to perform a joint maximum likelihood fit to the velocity dispersion profile of the BCG and to the velocity distribution of cluster member galaxies over a radial range from 1 kpc to the virial radius (r200 ≈ 2.7 Mpc).
Results. We find a value of γDM = 0.99 ± 0.04 for the inner logarithmic slope of the DM density profile after marginalizing over all the other parameters of the mass and velocity anisotropy models. Moreover, the newly determined dynamical mass profile is found to be in excellent agreement with the mass density profiles obtained from the independent X-ray hydrostatic analysis based on deep Chandra data, as well as the strong and weak lensing analyses.
Conclusions. Our value of the inner logarithmic slope of the DM density profile γDM is in very good agreement with predictions from cosmological CDM simulations. We will extend our analysis to more clusters in future works. If confirmed on a larger cluster sample, our result makes this DM model more appealing than alternative models.


We deal with the
Fourier-like analysis of functions on discrete grids in two-dimensional
simplexes using C- and E-Weyl group
orbit functions. For these cases, we
present the convolution theorem. We provide an example of application of image
processing using the C-functions and the convolutions for
spatial filtering of the treated image.


Background: The quality of well-being of the older population is a crucial determinant of successful aging as well as the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG target 3). However, the impact of psychosocial-spiritual factors on well-being is affected by the level of general health conditions in the older population. Previous studies have focused more on the physical health and psychological well-being nexus, but the role of general health conditions in mediating the association between psychosocial-spiritual factors and well-being in the older population in Africa was not investigated. This study, therefore, examined the psychosocial-spiritual factors associated with well-being in the older population in Africa with a focus to determine the contribution of all the psychosocial-spiritual factors when mediated by general health conditions. Methods: In this regard, a quantitative research methodology was adopted using a descriptive survey. A total of 833 elderly people with a mean age of f 68.04±6.71 years were recruited, comprising 484 females and 399 males in five municipalities. Results: The findings revealed that general health conditions, quality of life, social support, and social network are significantly associated with well-being in older people. Furthermore, the mediating effect of general health conditions had an inverse association with well-being. Conclusion: Accordingly, a commitment to quality of life, healthcare services, social support, and family social network is effective for Africa to achieve healthy lives and promote well-being for individuals of all ages.


The telematic work instance is a performance for viola and dance that digitally connects performers in Vancouver and Cape Town. The network interface enables a violist and a dancer to simultaneously play multi-user digital music-dance instruments over the internet with music and dance. The composition, design and performance interaction of instance draw from acoustic multi-user instrument paradigms and music-dance interactions in the African performing arts to explore the idiosyncrasies of the telematic performance space. The iterative design process implements soma-based research methods to inspire sonic compositional material with the body and to explore the performers' embodied experience of sonic aesthetics during their interaction.


One hundred and fifty samples were collected from urine and blood, with a male to female ratio 1.45:1, culture positivity seen in the urinary tract infection was the most frequent (77%), followed by blood infection (18%). A total of 86 (57.33%) bacterial isolates were obtained. The study focused on 9 clinical isolates of Serratia marcescens (15.2%), differentiated into Prodigiosin producer (11.6%) and non- Prodigiosin producer (3.6%). Almost all isolates (6/9) showed visible growth at 37°C. All S. marcescens strains of different sources were hemolytic, whereas the formation of a pellicle was noticed among 7 isolates (77.77%) from 9 isolates. The biofilm formation performed was assessed through the crystal violet assay noticed that out of the 9 S. marcescens isolates 5 (55.5%) were non-adherent, 4 (44.4%) were weakly adherent, No isolate showed strongly adherent. The tube method for assay biofilm formation showed good correlation with the Tissue culture plate (TCP) method assay for biofilm forming isolates and total 2 (22.2%) isolate were picked up as strong and 5 (55.5%) were moderat biofilm producers. The tube test correlates well with the TCP test for biofilm producing isolates but it was difficult to discriminate between weak and biofilm negative isolates due to the variability in observed results by different observers. All 9 isolates were sensitive to the IPM and AZM (100%). The biofilm MICs were found to be much higher than the planktonic MICs. The medium with antibiotic used not inhibited the prodigiosin production at the MIC for planktonic cells. Therefore prodigiosin production in media with antibiotics used not marker of the growth and activity of bacterial cells. Biofilms are considerably less susceptible to antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts; biofilm production may vary largely among different strains of the same species isolated from different sites.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY During the twentieth century Arab women struggled to change their condition, and succeeded in finding a place, though still small, in the active labor force. Increasingly, Arab women are becoming educated, self-confident and autonomous. In a male dominated society, leading to feminization of unemployment, Arab women are considering starting their own businesses. They are venturing into self-employment opportunities. Social empowerment of Arab women has also become the aim of many. The increased participation of women in self managed activities is helping tremendously in the development and well-being of their households. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Arab, women, autonomy, gender INTRODUCTION In Arab countries, religion typically has a dominant place in people's lives. Most Arabs are Muslim. Muslim people see their religion Islam "first as a guide to a righteous way of life" (Abbasi, 1993). Therefore, an Arab woman will follow her duties to her religion before following her own interest and self fulfillment. Generally, she takes care of the typical responsibilities of an Arab woman, such as child bearing, household chores, her faith in God, and finally, after all is accomplished, her interest in starting a business may come. However, it is then that she is faced with politics, government bureaucracy, lack of support or money, and perhaps more religious constraints that do not allow most Arab women to cross the boundaries of what society accepts of them. A smaller number of Arab women entrepreneurs exist in comparison to American women entrepreneurs. The Arab world has many constraints such as religious, political, social, and cultural barriers that do not allow a woman to progress and enjoy socio-legal protection as a man would in the West. In addition, actual interaction between the media and social environment greatly differs and influences the success rate of women entrepreneurs in the Arab world. STATUS OF ARAB WOMEN Arab women in the past, and until the 20th century, usually had fewer opportunities and rights than men. Their presumed roles were restricted to wifehood/motherhood. Later on, Arab women significantly contributed to the economic, social and political developments in different countries. However, it is essential to point out that their contribution and participation in the work force is still a problem today, at the dawn of the 21st century in the Arab countries. For instance, Saudi women are not allowed to drive, while in other regions, women are prohibited from working due to tradition and culture. The table below portrays the involvement of Arab women in the labor force of different countries (Rawas, 2002). Women and education According to the United Nations Development Program, UNDP, Arab countries are approaching the 21st century with 65 million illiterate Arab adults, two thirds of them are women who can not read or write. Some of the reasons that discourage Arab women to pursue their education are the facts that some view it unnecessary (since women are expected to get married and take care of their family and household), and since females get lower wages than males (Rawas, 2002). On the other hand, the Arab region exhibits the fastest increase in female education of any region. Female literacy has expanded three fold since 1970. The Gender Empowerment Measure, GEM, was introduced in 1995 to measure the participation of women by observing the income per person, women's share of professional and technical positions, and women's share of parliamentary seats. It was noticed that the Arab region's ranking was lower than any region except sub-Saharan Africa. The Arab region also scored lowest in women's participation in the work force, and in representation in parliaments. This was because women occupied only 3.5 percent of all seats in parliament. The report emphasized removing gender bias in labor markets. Moreover, it highlighted the need to give priority to women entrepreneurs when strengthening local capacity to offer micro-finance services beyond the less than 2 percent of poor households that have access to financial services (WBI, 1995)). …


This paper presents a new method to solve keypoint detection and instance association by using Transformer. For bottom-up multi-person pose estimation models, they need to detect keypoints and learn associative information between keypoints. We argue that these problems can be entirely solved by Transformer. Specifically, the self-attention in Transformer measures dependencies between any pair of locations, which can provide association information for keypoints grouping. However, the naive attention patterns are still not subjectively controlled, so there is no guarantee that the keypoints will always attend to the instances to which they belong. To address it we propose a novel approach of supervising self-attention for multi-person keypoint detection and instance association. By using instance masks to supervise self-attention to be instance-aware, we can assign the detected keypoints to their corresponding instances based on the pairwise attention scores, without using pre-defined offset vector fields or embedding like CNN-based bottom-up models. An additional benefit of our method is that the instance segmentation results of any number of people can be directly obtained from the supervised attention matrix, thereby simplifying the pixel assignment pipeline. The experiments on the COCO multi-person keypoint detection challenge and person instance segmentation task demonstrate the effectiveness and simplicity of the proposed method and show a promising way to control self-attention behavior for specific purposes.


Past work on optimizing fabrication plans given a carpentry design can provide Pareto-optimal plans trading off between material waste, fabrication time, precision, and other considerations. However, when developing fabrication plans, experts rarely restrict to a single design, instead considering families of design variations, sometimes adjusting designs to simplify fabrication. Jointly exploring the design and fabrication plan spaces for each design is intractable using current techniques. We present a new approach to jointly optimize design and fabrication plans for carpentered objects. To make this bi-level optimization tractable, we adapt recent work from program synthesis based on equality graphs (e-graphs), which encode sets of equivalent programs. Our insight is that subproblems within our bi-level problem share significant substructures. By representing both designs and fabrication plans in a new bag of parts(BOP) e-graph, we amortize the cost of optimizing design components shared among multiple candidates. Even using BOP e-graphs, the optimization space grows quickly in practice. Hence, we also show how a feedback-guided search strategy dubbed Iterative Contraction and Expansion on E-graphs (ICEE) can keep the size of the e-graph manage-able and direct the search toward promising candidates. We illustrate the advantages of our pipeline through examples from the carpentry domain.


The term 'Home Security' numerously growing as a major concerning issue in today's life. The challenge of developing a home security device is to make it user friendly which can reduce human effort as well as ensure safety and security of people and their home. In this paper, a security device is proposed which is developed from the concept of conventional calling bell. The device analyzes the fingerprint of a person and matches it with stored fingerprint database to categorize the person as home member or known guest or unknown guest. When it detects a home member the entrance door automatically opens. In case, the person categorize as known guest, the device sounds a tune but don't open the door automatically rather people inside home can open the entrance door from anywhere of the home. As guest is known people don't need to walk towards door to open it. And when device detects the person as unknown guest, it generates a tunes which is different from previous one making aware the people inside that an unknown person wish to enter your home.


We determined normal human blood p50 at various pH values (range 7.0 to 7.6) as a function of the proportion of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in total hemoglobin, from 0 to 23%. The d(log p50)/d[COHb] coefficient is 0.00848, independent of pH and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. The derived equation allows the calculation of p50 as a function of COHb with an approximation of +/- 0.54 mmHg (about 72 Pa), and can be combined with other calculations (Clin Chem 27:1856-1861, 1981; Clin Chem 29:110-114, 1983) to predict p50 under any condition of pH within the range 7.0-7.6, ratio of [2,3-diphosphoglycerate] to [total hemoglobin] (range 0.3-2.5), pCO2 (range 20-90 mmHg), temperature (range 19-43 degrees C), and COHb (range 0-23%).


This paper presents the author\'s view that the professional life assurance courses for subjects 302 and 402 fail to consider a number of important technical and ethical elements of management and economic theory. These include the marketing concept, the financial life cycle, macro-pricing and public relations, which are important in the management of a life office. They also fail to engage the debates that surround questions of profit, market prices and modelling, especially that between actuarial practice and financial economics. Their failure leads to some incoherence in the courses, and could mean that students are inadequately prepared for professional practice.KEYWORDS Education; life assurance; marketing; profit; modelling; financial economics
(South African Actuarial Journal: 2002 2: 53-68)


A liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) screening method was developed for the screening of 11 calcium channel blockers of the 1,4-dihydropyridine type in plasma samples for forensic and clinical cases. Plasma samples were extracted by automated solid-phase extraction. Analysis was performed using a reversed-phase C(18) column, gradient elution and a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer with TurboIonSpray source in positive mode and multiple reaction monitoring. This method was found to be selective and sensitive for the detection of the target compounds at their therapeutic plasma concentrations.


Pupil energy balances have always been considered significant elements for emersion lithography generally due to the large angle of incidence and offset imaging field. Those imbalances impact on exposure uniformity and decay pattern resolution. To overcome such shortcomings, a study on pupil compensation is discussed in this manuscript. A computational method based on a constrained optimization solution is proposed. By using a self-designed optical model of a zoomed system incorporating axicon lenses, a series of computations are developed and discussed. Also, the validity of our compensation method has been fully verified by simulations under multiple illumination settings.


In this study, a new type of thin film nanocomposite (TFN) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes was prepared by incorporating different amounts of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) into the polyamide (PA) selective layer via in situ interfacial polymerization. The effect of HNTs incorporation into the PA selective layer on the surface morphology, separation performance and antifouling properties of the membranes were thoroughly investigated and discussed. The presence of HNTs in PA layer was verified using EDX, XRD and FTIR analysis. The "leaf-like" outgrowth morphology of PA layer was observed using FESEM. Upon addition of HNTs, the hydrophilicity, surface roughness and water flux of TFN membranes have all increased. The water flux enhancement can be ascribed to higher hydrophilicity and additional water pathways through porous HNTs in TFN membranes. It is noteworthy that the TFN membrane that was embedded with 0.05 wt/v% HNTs (labeled as TFN0.05) could exhibit water flux as high as 36 L m−2 h−1 (at 15 bar gauge) with NaCl rejection maintained at 95.6%. In comparison to the control thin film composite (TFC) membrane, the water flux of TFN0.05 membrane was 90% higher. Although further increase in HNTs loading to 0.1 wt/v% could result in greater water flux, its RO performance was compromised by a significant decrease in NaCl rejection. Besides offering greater water flux, the TFN0.05 membrane also showed better antifouling affinity than HNTs-free TFC membrane. It is most probably due to the increase in hydrophilicity as well as surface negative charge upon addition of HNTs. Based on the results obtained in this work, it can be concluded that incorporating an appropriate amount of HNTs into PA rejection layer could potentially improve the performance of TFC membrane during RO applications.


The main challenge for selective scientific realism is to find reliable and prospectively applicable criteria on which parts of scientific theories one should be realist about. Many of the criteria proposed by selective realists have been shown by antirealists not to yield the correct results when applied to cases from the history of science, or at least to depend in their application on the benefit of hindsight. Taking account of these past failures, I propose a new version of selective scientific realism, inspired by Anjan Chakravartty's idea of restricting realism to those posits of which we have detailed causal knowledge.

Since this proposal bears some resemblance to earlier realist ideas, such as Stathis Psillos's attempt to identify the "core causal description" of theoretical entities or Philip Kitcher's distinction between "working posits" and "idle wheels", I will first show that my proposal does not repeat the shortcomings of these earlier strategies. I will then seek to make precise the relevant notion of causal knowledge by elucidating three (individually necessary and jointly sufficient) criteria for those instances of inference to the best explanation generating the kind of knowledge that warrants realism. The virtues of this kind of selective realism will become apparent in my discussion of how the realist should respond to Kyle Stanford's argument from unconceived alternatives.

In the final part of my talk, I will briefly present two case studies that illustrate and support my proposal. The first one concerns Jean Perrin's experimental work on the atomic hypothesis. Drawing on Stanford's criticism of earlier realist treatments of this historical episode, I will show that the criteria previously introduced furnish a better account of the importance of Perrin's work for establishing realism about atoms and molecules. The second case study demonstrates the strength of selective scientific realism in making sense of what particle physicists call the "direct detection" of a theoretically predicted particle. Analyzing the discovery of the neutrino, I show that my version of selective realism precisely captures what differentiates the direct detection of a particle from other (less convincing) means of confirming its existence.

Reference: Egg, Matthias, "Expanding Our Grasp: Causal Knowledge and the Problem of Unconceived Alternatives". British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 67 (2016), 115-141.


Background: The role of ultrasound in plastic surgery practice has grown significantly over the past decade, with notable applications for conditions of the upper extremity. Its utility for the management of de Quervain disease, however, remains to be established, and the prevalence of first dorsal compartment anatomical variations needs to be adequately assessed. Methods: A systematic review was performed to evaluate the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis, anatomical characterization, and clinical management of de Quervain disease. A meta-analysis was conducted to establish the prevalence of first dorsal compartment anatomical variations in the de Quervain disease and general population, along with the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for their detection. Outcomes were documented and compared to alternative treatment options. Results: Extensor retinaculum thickening, tendon sheath swelling, peritendinous edema, and tendon enlargement were the most common sonographic features of de Quervain disease. The prevalence of an intercompartmental septum in the de Quervain disease surgical population was shown to be significantly greater than in the general cadaveric population (67 percent versus 35 percent, respectively). Although the efficacy of energy-based therapeutic ultrasound remains elusive, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections were shown to be more accurate than manual injections (90 to 100 percent versus 40 to 100 percent), and to confer significantly better treatment outcomes (73 to 100 percent versus 59 to 83 percent success rates, respectively). Conclusions: Ultrasound use is essential to achieve the best evidence-based outcomes in the management of de Quervain disease. The varied prevalence of first dorsal compartment anatomical variations and high accuracy of ultrasound for their detection carry significant prognostic implications.


The buildings sector accounts for 24% of Australia's indirect Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Due to the life expectancy of existing building stock the greatest reduction in emissions before 2030 could be achieved through retrofits. Research in the past has shown that energy consumption in commercial buildings is complex and diverse due to the wide range of building fabrics and mechanical systems employed. Typically, the most effective energy saving strategies in commercial buildings have been in improving the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) design and efficiency, including improving the efficiency of chillers and heat pumps, and design strategies such as efficient mechanical ventilation systems, night purges, thermal mass and daylighting. This paper investigates and evaluates the energy performance of four commercial case study buildings with heritage values with various retrofit options in different climatic conditions in Australia. The paper explored the use of thermal and airflow modeling in assisting to understand the impacts of various retrofit options unto the energy efficiency of the case study buildings. The findings suggest different retrofit options that should be considered for achieving optimum energy efficiency impacts for existing buildings in Australia.


Rotavirus A (RVA) causes ~200,000 diarrheal deaths annually in children <5yrs, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Risk factors include nutritional status, social factors, breastfeeding status, and immunodeficiency. We evaluated the effects of vitamin A (VA) deficiency/VA supplementation and RVA exposure (anamnestic) on innate and T cell immune responses in RVA seropositive pregnant and lactating sows and passive protection of their piglets post-RVA challenge. Sows were fed VA deficient (VAD) or sufficient (VAS) diets starting at gestation day (GD)30. A subset of VAD sows received VA supplementation from GD|76 (30,000IU/day, VAD+VA). Sows (6 groups) were inoculated with porcine RVA G5P[7] (OSU strain) or Minimal Essential Medium (mock) at GD~90: VAD+RVA; VAS+RVA; VAD+VA+RVA; VAD-mock; VAS-mock; and VAD+VA-mock. Blood, milk, and gut-associated tissues were collected from sows at several time points to examine innate [natural killer (NK), dendritic (DC) cells], T cell responses and changes in genes involved in the gut-mammary gland (MG)-immunological axis trafficking. Clinical signs of RVA were evaluated post inoculation of sows and post-challenge of piglets. We observed decreased frequencies of NK cells, total and MHCII+ plasmacytoid DCs, conventional DCs, CD103+ DCs and CD4+/CD8+ and T regulatory cells (Tregs) and NK cell activity in VAD+RVA sows. Polymeric Ig receptor and retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) genes were downregulated in mesenteric lymph nodes and ileum of VAD+RVA sows. Interestingly, RVA-specific IFN-γ producing CD4+/CD8+ T cells were increased in VAD-Mock sows, coinciding with increased IL-22 suggesting inflammation in these sows. VA supplementation to VAD+RVA sows restored frequencies of NK cells and pDCs, and NK activity, but not tissue cDCs and blood Tregs. In conclusion, similar to our recent observations of decreased B cell responses in VAD sows that led to decreased passive immune protection of their piglets, VAD impaired innate and T cell responses in sows, while VA supplementation to VAD sows restored some, but not all responses. Our data reiterate the importance of maintaining adequate VA levels and RVA immunization in pregnant and lactating mothers to achieve optimal immune responses, efficient function of the gut-MG-immune cell-axis and to improve passive protection of their piglets.


Nine patients had allergic contact dermatitis to elastic materials in brassieres and one had the same reaction to a girdle. Three had classical rubber dermatitis, but the remainder were sensitive to spandex, a stretchable, synthetic fabric. Some of these patients also were contact sensitive to mercaptobenzothiazole (MBZ). Their spandex sensitivity presumably relates in most instances to the MBZ trace contamination of spandex in certain but not all brands. The patients could wear spandex brands that appeared to be uncontaminated with MBZ.


Assessing the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is highly recommended as a standard of care for children with cancer in conjunction with medical treatment. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Cancer Module is a standard tool designed to assess the HRQOL among pediatric oncology patients. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and correlation of the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module in Thai version between child and parent reports. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 Thai children with cancer and their families. Excellent internal consistency of the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module of the Thai version was addressed among child and parent reports (0.92 and 0.94, respectively). Overall positive correlations were also found between child and parent reports (r = 0.61, P < .001). However, the statistically significant differences of HRQOL scores between child and parent reports were determined on procedural anxiety (70.05 ± 26.67 vs 60.03 ± 25.6, P = .003), treatment anxiety (88.15 ± 17.37 vs 76.82 ± 26.7, P = .001), worry (66.67 ± 25.59 vs 55.34 ± 30.37, P = .003) and the total score (74.37 ± 15.7 vs 70.42 ± 17.15, P = .034). This study demonstrated desirable internal reliability with positive correlations between child and parent reports of the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module in Thai version, although possible differences between child and parent HRQOL scores should be considered.


A suite of chemistry‐climate model simulations, forced by pairs of anthropogenic forcings [comprising greenhouse gases (GHGs), ozone depleting substances (ODSs), or aerosols], were employed to investigate whether the high‐latitude Southern Hemisphere (SH) circulation response to these forcings is linearly additive, a common assumption in attribution studies. We find that the geographical pattern of sea‐level pressure (SLP) response to a combination of GHGs and ODSs is linearly additive. However, we find significant differences in the SLP response when combining GHGs and aerosols compared to the sum of the individual forcings, a non‐additivity that is currently masked by the dominance of the ODSs forcing. This non‐linearity also results in changes to the SH split jet. These results were obtained using a coupled chemistry‐climate model, indicating that the non‐linear response is due to chemical interactions between the forcing agents. As such, future simulations investigating a post‐ozone hole Southern Hemisphere climate should consider this chemical interaction.


A comparative diagnostic value of plasmid and chromosomeencoded markers for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in clinical specimens from patients with Chlamydia infection of urogenital tract was conducted. The nucleotide sequences of the plasmid genes orf 3 and orf8 were used as targets in the PCR analysis. The MOMP, a product of the chromosomal gene omp1, was detected by specific monoclonal antibodies. It was shown that the diagnostic value of MOMP was significantly (in 4,91–6,98 times) higher in comparison with the plasmid targets. A significance of obtained data for the improvement of laboratory diagnostics of Chlamydia is discussed.


alpha 1-Antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is a relatively common autosomal recessive disease, resulting most often from a single base pair (1 bp) substitution called the Z mutation. Previous genetic tests for carriers and affected patients have relied on quantitative binding of radioactive probes to an amplified gene product, because the mutation does not occur within a restriction enzyme site. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-mediated site-directed mutagenesis, one can introduce a base substitution near the mutation site, such that an inexpensive restriction enzyme (Taq I) can be used to differentiate normal subjects, carriers, and affected patients. We have applied this method to the detection of the Z mutation and the S mutation, which in heterozygotes with a Z allele may lead to the development of symptoms similar to those in ZZ homozygous subjects.


Recently, many middle and high schools are remodeling the buildings and facilities based on departmental system. This study, through analyzing on 10 remodeling cases of high school, is showing the variation before and after remodeling, space organization types, and the types of school management. This also gives us the information on the number of classrooms and teachers' rooms for each subject, the area and number of home base, and the current state of all these facilities. Furthermore, this study is comparing and analyzing the rate of use of specialized classrooms to the type of management. Through this analysis, we reach the following conclusions. l. However all the cases remodeled their buildings to implement departmental system, the methods of space composition, the numbers of the classrooms, and the status of home base are in various forms. 2. Taken as a whole, there are only few spaces used by departmental system. 3. The spaces for practical subjects such as Science and Art are inadequate than the ones for major subjects such as Languages and Mathematics. 4. A system to assign a room for a teacher records the lowest space usage rate. 5. The area of home base per one student is only , and even the area is mostly filled with lockers. The present condition of the 10 high schools which we surveyed shortly after remodeled shows that departmental system is not firmly settled down yet.


Video object segmentation is challenging due to the factors like rapidly fast motion, cluttered backgrounds, arbitrary object appearance variation and shape deformation. Most existing methods only explore appearance information between two consecutive frames, which do not make full use of the usefully long-term nonlocal information that is helpful to make the learned appearance stable, and hence they tend to fail when the targets suffer from large viewpoint changes and significant non-rigid deformations. In this paper, we propose a simple yet effective approach to mine the long-term sptatio-temporally nonlocal appearance information for unsupervised video segmentation. The motivation of our algorithm comes from the spatio-temporal nonlocality of the region appearance reoccurrence in a video. Specifically, we first generate a set of superpixels to represent the foreground and background, and then update the appearance of each superpixel with its long-term sptatio-temporally nonlocal counterparts generated by the approximate nearest neighbor search method with the efficient KD-tree algorithm. Then, with the updated appearances, we formulate a spatio-temporal graphical model comprised of the superpixel label consistency potentials. Finally, we generate the segmentation by optimizing the graphical model via iteratively updating the appearance model and estimating the labels. Extensive evaluations on the SegTrack and Youtube-Objects datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which performs favorably against some state-of-art methods.


Background: Health care associated infection (HCAI) or Hospital acquired infection is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and cost. The incidence is about 6% and disproportionately higher in critically ill patients who may have been immune-compromised with many invasive procedures already performed. Prevention of HCAI and appropriate management of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) requires knowledge on the pattern of microbial colonization and infections. The aim of this preliminary study was to provide current data on the pattern of ICU acquired infections in our hospital.
Patients and Methods: It was a cross sectional study of patients admitted into the ICU who were expected to stay longer than 48hrs between July 2011 and September 2012. Urine, blood, and tracheal aspirate were collected on days 1, 3 and 5 for microbiological studies. All patients involved in the study had urethral catheter in-situ and received mechanical ventilation in the ICU.
Results: Fifty-nine patients were recruited into the study. The mean age of the patients was 30.08 + 19.9yr; while the reasons for admissions were respiratory failure (59.3%), cardiovascular instability, trauma and neurological diseases. About 30% of the samples taken from the study sites on arrival in the ICU had positive culture yields. Organisms cultured included Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The urinary tract had the highest number of isolated organisms- 9(60%), followed by equal number of isolated organisms-3(20%) in the blood and respiratory tract. Eleven (73.3%) of the organisms isolated were Gram-negative bacteria, and 4 (26.7%) were Gram-positive cocci. The commonest bacteria isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (4/26.7%) and Klebsiella oxytoca (4/ 26.7%). A total of 15 ICU- acquired infections were detected in 9 of 59 patients.
Conclusion: The HCIA infection rate was 15%, and urinary tract infections (UTI) was the commonest hospital acquired infection in our ICU. Klebsiella oxytoca and Staphylococcus aureus were the commonest organisms.


Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a critical role in regulating tumor development and response to targeted immunotherapy. While it is well-accepted that clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by a T-cell infiltrate, differential activation states within the tumor and the contribution of other immunomodulatory cells remain relatively unexplored. We sequenced approximately 30,000 immune cells at the single-cell level from tumor and matched adjacent normal tissue in ccRCC patients. With a median of 3300 Unique Molecular Identifiers (UMIs)/cell, we were able to capture the expression of 1000 genes per cell on average and 21,000 genes across all cells from each patient. We used Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) -transformation to visualize the various clusters and found that the tumor and adjacent normal tissue were distinct, with each having two major sub-clusters - lymphoid and myeloid cells. The data demonstrated a higher fraction of lymphoid infiltrate(~70-75%) than myeloid in a relatively stable ratio across patients, with tumor containing a slightly higher fraction of lymphoid cells. The normal and tumor cell subtypes were distinguished by multiple iterations of PAM clustering (Partitioning Around Mediods) with feature selection using the iterClust algorithm. Top differentially expressed genes in each cluster were identified and cross-referenced with known immune cell markers along with pathway enrichment analysis for cell typing. Among the tumor lymphoid population, genes specific for T-cells, including markers of functional exhaustion were the most highly expressed. A separate sub-cluster of cells consistent with cytotoxic T and/or NK cells was also identified. We found a distinct population of monocytes within the myeloid cluster that was present exclusively in the tumor tissue. This population expressed high levels of complement factors C1QA, C1QB, C1QC, as well as ApoE. The latter has been implicated as a driver of myeloid cell immunosuppression, indicating a possible regulatory role in the TME of ccRCC that has not previously been described. The phenotype of the immune cell populations in tumor was further validated by spectral flow cytometry. This study demonstrates relative abundance of cell types in the immune microenvironment within ccRCC tumors and also identifies a novel C1Q-high myeloid sub-population specific to the tumor, suggesting its possible role in RCC tumorigenesis or progression. Citation Format: Nivedita Chowdhury, Aleksandar Obradovic, David Aggen, Vinson Wang, Xinzheng Guo, Guarionex J. DeCastro, Hongxu Ding, Andrea Califano, Charles G. Drake. Decoding the immunologic landscape of human clear cell renal carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1476.


A new website has been launched for Abbey Wood providing a central point for residents and businesses to find out more about the exciting regeneration work happening in the area.


Minotaur is a superoptimizer for LLVM's intermediate representation that focuses on integer SIMD instructions, both portable and specific to x86-64. We created it to attack problems in finding missing peephole optimizations for SIMD instructions-this is challenging because there are many such instructions and they can be semantically complex. Minotaur runs a hybrid synthesis algorithm where instructions are enumerated concretely, but literal constants are generated by the solver. We use Alive2 as a verification engine; to do this we modified it to support synthesis and also to support a large subset of Intel's vector instruction sets (SSE, AVX, AVX2, and AVX-512). Minotaur finds many profitable optimizations that are missing from LLVM. It achieves limited speedups on the integer parts of SPEC CPU2017, around 1.3%, and it speeds up the test suite for the libYUV library by 2.2%, on average, and by 1.64x maximum, when targeting an Intel Cascade Lake processor.


· This article argues that a foundation's internal culture is critical to achieving large-scale social change, but that efforts to build a change-making culture too often are left out of strategy conversations. · While there is no one culture that suits every foundation, a particular set of characteristics must be present in those that seek large-scale social change: a focus on outcomes, transparency, authenticity, collaboration, racial equity and inclusion, continuous learning, and openness to risk. · This article offers insights into why culture can be challenging for foundations to address and maintain, examines cases of successful culture change at foundations, and offers advice for foundations that aspire to it.


Infants are experts at playing, with an amazing ability to generate novel structured behaviors in unstructured environments that lack clear extrinsic reward signals. We seek to mathematically formalize these abilities using a neural network that implements curiosity-driven intrinsic motivation. Using a simple but ecologically naturalistic simulated environment in which an agent can move and interact with objects it sees, we propose a "world-model" network that learns to predict the dynamic consequences of the agent's actions. Simultaneously, we train a separate explicit "self-model" that allows the agent to track the error map of its own world-model, and then uses the self-model to adversarially challenge the developing world-model. We demonstrate that this policy causes the agent to explore novel and informative interactions with its environment, leading to the generation of a spectrum of complex behaviors, including ego-motion prediction, object attention, and object gathering. Moreover, the world-model that the agent learns supports improved performance on object dynamics prediction, detection, localization and recognition tasks. Taken together, our results are initial steps toward creating flexible autonomous agents that self-supervise in complex novel physical environments.


Mining associations is a popular method for finding interesting patterns in databases (e.g., items which are frequently purchased together). Normally support, the occurrence frequency of the items which form a pattern, is used as the primary indicator of the significance of a pattern and a user-specified support threshold is used to decided if a pattern should be further investigated. The application of support implies important assumptions which are rarely discussed or checked. Employing a minimum support threshold implies that the items occur in the database following a, possibly unknown, but stable process and that the items occur in the database with roughly similar frequencies. However, real-world transaction data is known to often possess a highly skewed frequency distribution with most items occurring infrequently while some items occurring extremely often. This situation leads to the rare item problem, where interesting patterns are not found since some of the associated items are too infrequent to satisfy the user-specified minimum


Ion mobility as an additional separation dimension can help to resolve and annotate metabolite and lipid biomarkers and provides important information about the components in a sample. Identifying relevant information in the resulting data is challenging because of the complexity of the data and data evaluation strategies for both targeted or nontargeted workflows. Frequently, feature analysis is used as a first step to search for differences between samples in discovery workflows. However, follow-up experimentation often leads to more targeted data extraction methods. In both cases, optimizing data sets for data extraction can make an important contribution to the overall results. In this work, we evaluate the effect of experimental conditions including acquisition sampling rate and data pretreatment on lipid standards and lipid extracts as examples of complex biological samples analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to drift time ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The results show that a reduction of both peak variation and background noise can be achieved by optimizing the sampling rate. The use of data pretreatment including data smoothing, intensity thresholding, and spike removal also play an important role in improving detection and annotation of analytes from complex biological samples, whereas nonoptimal data sampling rates and preprocessing can lead to adverse effects including the loss or alternation of small, or closely eluting, low-abundant peaks.


Nanoformulations derived from natural products are gaining popularity as a treatment option for several human diseases, including cancer, as they offer a viable alternative to conventional cancer therapies, which are often associated with numerous side effects and complications. Quercetin (Que), a plant-derived phenolic molecule, has demonstrated potential as a chemotherapeutic agent for different types of cancer. However, Que's low water solubility, instability towards antioxidants, low bioavailability, and severe biotransformation constraints make it challenging to use in-vivo. Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising technology for the precise targeting of tumor cells, leading to improved efficacy and specificity in cancer therapies. In this review, the impact of flavonoid nanoformulations on enhancing the safety, therapeutic potential, and bioavailability of Que in cancer treatment is highlighted. A variety of nanoparticle types have been developed, including polymeric micelles, liposomes, PLGA nanoparticles, co-encapsulation, chitosan NPs, lipid carriers, silver and gold NPs, inorganic NPs, organic metal frameworks, and bio-macromolecule-based NPs, all aimed at improving the antineoplastic efficacy of Que. These nanoparticles offer several advantages, including prolonged circulation time, tumor-specific biodistribution, high encapsulation efficiency, enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and controlled release. This review provides fresh insights into the arena of drug discovery for tumor therapies by focusing on the influence of flavonoid nanoformulations on the enhancement of their safety, therapeutic, and bioavailability characteristics.


The purpose of this study was to characterize equine heat-shock protein (Hsp) genes and analyze their expression pattern in various horse tissues and blood leukocytes after exercise. In a previous study, RNA sequencing of blood and skeletal muscles of thoroughbreds before and after exercise was performed using differently expressed gene (DEG) analysis. Three Hsp genes (HspH1, Hsp90 and Hsp70) were selected by DEG analysis and were found to be differentially expressed in either blood or muscle. To validate and extend previous observations on these genes, we performed RT-PCR analyses of horse tissue as well as real-time qPCR analyses of blood leukocytes after exercise. mRNA expression of these Hsp genes was found to be ubiquitous in the analyzed tissues (including thyroid, colon, skeletal muscle, cecum, kidney, spinal cord, heart, and lung). In addition, Hsp mRNA expression of these genes in extracted whole blood increased after 120 minutes of exercise compared to the baseline condition. These results are in agreement with the results of human and other experimental animals, suggesting that regulatory mechanisms that are responsible for upregulation of Hsp gene transcription may be conserved among species. Further investigations to correlate Hsp gene expression patterns with athletic performance or recovery processes after exercise are warranted.


Objective: The burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing in China, together with economic development and social changes. The prevalence of risk factors for NCDs, such as overweight/obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, is reported to be high even among poor residents of rural areas. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension among elderly adults in rural Northeast China and the proportion with controlled hypertension among those on antihypertensive medication (hypertension control rate). We also aimed to examine the association of hypertension control with health facilities that provide treatment. Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in six rural villages of Northeast China from February to early March, 2012. We interviewed 1593 adults aged 50–69 years and measured their blood pressure. We examined the differences in mean blood pressure between participants who obtained antihypertensive medication from village clinics and those who obtained medication from other sources, using analysis of covariance adjusted for several covariates. Results: The prevalence of hypertension among participants was as high as 63.3%, but the hypertension control rate was only 8.4%. Most villagers (98.1%) were not registered in the chronic disease treatment scheme of the public rural health insurance. The mean systolic blood pressure, adjusted for the covariates, of participants who obtained antihypertensive medication from village clinics was significantly lower than that of participants who obtained medication from township hospitals (by 16.5 mmHg) or from private pharmacies (by 7.3 mmHg). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was high and the hypertension control rate low among elderly villagers during the cold season. As treatment at village clinics, which villagers can access during the cold season seems to be more effective than self-medication or treatment at distant hospitals, improving the quality of treatment in village clinics is urgently needed.


Background: Patients with DCIS and their physicians need tools that provide better information about the individual patient9s biological risk profile to help make treatment decisions. Prelude and the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research (KPCHR) validated a biological risk signature based test to assess ipsilateral breast event (IBE) risk after breast conserving surgery (BCS) with radiation (+RT) or without radiation therapy (-RT). Methods: The Prelude DCIS test was independently validated in a retrospective cohort from the Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) integrated healthcare system in patients diagnosed with DCIS from 1990- 2007 and treated with BCS±RT(n=608). KPCHR performed central pathology review to identify patients meeting study eligibility criteria with formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples (n=475); KPCHR also reviewed medical records to collect patient, treatment, and outcome data. FFPE patient samples were provided to Prelude for testing. REMARK guidelines were followed. A panel of biomarkers (HER2, PR, Ki-67, COX2, p16/INK4A, FOXA1 and SIAH2) were assayed by the Prelude CLIA lab and scored by board-certified pathologists (n=455). Prelude9s DCIS test was executed independently using biomarker and clinicopathologic data while blinded to patient outcome data. The risk results were provided to KPCHR under a Data Transfer Authority. KPCHR biostatisticians executed a predefined and co-developed statistical analysis plan. IBE rates were assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Hazard ratios (HR) were determined using Cox proportional hazards analysis, with RT as a covariate. Results: The Prelude DCIS test score was statistically associated with total IBE as a continuous linear variable (0-10 unit scale) on a per unit basis, HR of 1.12, 95% CI [1.03,1.23], p=0.01. The DCIS test score (0-10) corresponded to recurrence risks ranging from 10% to 42% (≤2, >7) for patients treated with BCS-RT and ranging from 4% to 11% (≤2, >7) for patients treated with BCS+RT. Patients treated with BCS ±RT with an elevated test score (≤3 vs >3) had a higher recurrence risk, n=455, HR=1.87 [1.03 - 3.38], p=0.04. In patients treated with BCS-RT in this sample, patients with a higher DCIS signature had an elevated recurrence risk, n=78, HR=2.37, 95% CI [0.82, 6.85], p=0.11. The 10-year contralateral breast event rate was 4%, 95% CI [2%, 6%]. Median follow-up time was 10.4 years. Discussion: Patients diagnosed with DCIS and treated with BCS ±RT, were stratified into clinically relevant low and elevated risk groups (≤3 vs >3) in an independent validation of the Prelude DCIS test. Patients in the elevated risk group had substantially higher likelihood of 10-year total IBE. The number of patients treated with BCS -RT was limited and while the stratification by risk group for BCS -RT was in the expected direction, it did not reach statistical significance. Two additional validation studies are scheduled to be completed in 2016. Citation Format: Bremer T, Whitworth P, Leo M, Barry T, Goldstein N, Ganders C, Francisco M, Leesman G, Linke S, Patel R, Pellicane J, Weinmann S. DCIS biological risk profile predicts risk of recurrence after breast conserving surgery in a Kaiser Permanente NW population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr S5-01.


Microneedle arrays (MNAs) are emerging devices that are mainly used for drug delivery and diagnostic applications through the skin. Different methods have been used to fabricate MNAs. Recently developed fabrication methods based on 3D printing have many advantages compared to conventional fabrication methods, such as faster fabrication in one step and the ability to fabricate complex structures with precise control over their geometry, form, size, and mechanical and biological properties. Despite the several advantages that 3D printing offers for the fabrication of microneedles, their poor penetration capability into the skin should be improved. MNAs need a sharp needle tip to penetrate the skin barrier layer, the stratum corneum (SC). This article presents a method to improve the penetration of 3D-printed microneedle arrays by investigating the effect of the printing angle on the penetration force of MNAs. The penetration force needed to puncture the skin for MNAs fabricated using a commercial digital light processing (DLP) printer, with different printing tilt angles (0–60°), was measured in this study. The results showed that the minimum puncture force was achieved using a 45° printing tilt angle. Using this angle, the puncture force was reduced by 38% compared to MNAs printed with a tilting angle of 0°. We also identified that a tip angle of 120° resulted in the smallest penetration force needed to puncture the skin. The outcomes of the research show that the presented method can significantly improve the penetration capability of 3D-printed MNAs into the skin.


The purpose of this study was to measure peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in normal Indian eyes, for which, 210 normal volunteers were recruited. One eye of each subject underwent RNFL scanning at 3.4 mm circle diameter around optic nerve using SD OCT. The data were analyzed to determine RNFLT in the sample population and its variation with age and gender. The average peripapillary RNFLT was 114.03 ± 9.59 μm. There was no effect of gender on RNFLT parameters. Age had significant negative correlation with average (P = 0.005), superior (P = 0.04), temporal (P = 0.049), and nasal quadrants (P = 0.01) RNFLT. Inferior quadrant RNFLT also had a negative correlation with age, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.15).


Abstract Geografisk Tidsskrift, Danish Journal of Geography 105(1):43–55, 2005 Competition over natural resources is a complex phenomenon. This is explored through a case study in the Mkuze Wetlands, South Africa, where fibrous plants are important to local women who produce craftwork for the growing tourist market. The tourist industry encourages this, but simultaneously promotes the wetlands as 'a wilderness untouched by man'. Conservation authorities fear the haiyesting of fibrous plants may degrade the wetlands but have to accommodate local as well as tourism interests. The study investigates this complex weave of dependence and conflict, and discusses how efforts at negotiation and co-operation may become more constructive. Present needs play an important role in shaping local conflicts, but so do diff erent interpretations of reality, difficulties in evaluating sustainable use, and international markets and agendas further compound the situation. The results demonstrate the existence of multiple interpretations of the environment, and an unexpected high degree of variability in resource use. Studies aiming to provide a base for sound decisions on the management of resources must take this into account and apply an interdisciplinary approach that includes different theoretical frameworks and empirical data sets, and that acknowledges the value of knowledge systems represented outside academia.


Motion analysis plays a key role in video coding (e.g., video telephone, MPEG, HDTV) and computer vision systems (e.g., image segmentation, structure from motion). Motion estimation methods can be classified into three groups ? matching-based, gradient-based, and frequency-based methods. The block matching algorithm (BMA) has been widely used for region matching in image coding, for example in MPEG (Motion Picture Expert's Group). Optical flow computation based on the spatio-temporal constraint equation has been broadly used in image segmentation to compute each pixel's velocity on a moving object. For both of these tasks, dedicated ASIC systems have been developed and widely used. Unfortunately, such systems have the disadvantage of restricted adaptability. The Micro Grained Array Processor (MGAP), which is a fine-grained, mesh-connected, SIMD array processor being developed at Penn State University, can provide a more regular, flexible, and efficient approach for solving, in real time, these two important computations.In this paper, we propose a new data flow scheme for an efficient, systolic, full-search BMA on programmable array processors so that we can process as many adjacent template blocks as possible in unison in order to reduce the data memory accesses. In particular we present an efficient implementation of the BMA on the MGAP. As a result, the BMA for the MPEG SIF video format (352 × 240 pixels) with a block size of 16 × 16 pixels, a displacement range of 16 pixels, and frame rate of 30 frames/sec can be computed at real-time processing rates on the MGAP. We also show a real-time mapping to the MGAP of the optical flow computation for images of size 256 × 256 pixels.


This 5-day diary study among 65 Dutch employees focuses on the interplay between time on and off the job. We examined how daily off-job (work-related, physical, household) activities, in combination with the degree to which people want to engage in these activities relate to self–family facilitation (i.e., the positive influence of the fulfilment of one's own interests on one's family life). Further, we tested whether self–family facilitation relates to psychological detachment from work, recovery, and finally whether recovery relates to job performance. Multilevel analyses revealed that household activities enhance self–family facilitation only on days that people want to engage in such activities. Furthermore, spending time on household activities hinders psychological detachment on days people do not want to spend time on these activities. In addition, self–family facilitation and psychological detachment relate to better recovery the next morning. Finally, feeling recovered in the morning is beneficial for task performance during work. These findings emphasize the role of one's "wants" in the degree to which off-job activities lead to recovery. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of keeping a good interaction between the self and the family for daily recovery and performance.


A large number of studies conducted throughout the world showed that gout and hyperuricemia were independent predictors of a high risk for the development of comorbid pathology, including cardiovascular lesions. Hyperuricemia is associated with all metabolic syndrome components, such as lipid storage disease, high body mass index, arterial hypertension, glucose metabolism disorders. On the other hand, in addition to the high level of uric acid, gout is characterized by chronic inflammation; the combined effect of these factors has a pathological effect on the vascular bed and is an additional risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and associated diseases. This article discusses the possible mechanisms of influence of uric acid levels and gout on the development of cardiovascular pathol-ogy, and provides an analysis of works demonstrating the beneficial effect of urate-lowering therapy on outcomes.


No studies have analyzed differences between mother, father, and teacher ratings of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS; formerly sluggish cognitive tempo). The sample included 1,115 children with autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 4-16 years of age who were rated by mothers on the Pediatric Behavior Scale. Subsets of these children were also rated by fathers and/or teachers, resulting in 896 mother/father, 964 mother/teacher, and 745 father/teacher dyads. The CDS factor comprised four items assessing the core features of CDS: cognitive disengagement (in a fog/confused and stares/preoccupied/in own world) and hypoactivity (sluggish/slow moving/low energy and drowsy/sleepy/not alert). Overall, 37% of teachers, 22% of mothers, and 16% of fathers rated the children as significantly elevated on CDS symptoms. Teacher scores were significantly higher than mother scores, whose scores exceeded those of fathers. Agreement on whether a child had CDS was fair-moderate for mothers and fathers but poor for parents and teachers. Findings of more severe CDS teacher than parent ratings are in marked contrast to the opposite pattern found in studies of anxiety, depression, ADHD, oppositional behavior, conduct problems, autism, bullying, and victimization. Children may display fewer behavior problems at school than at home, and parents may be more aware of their child's internal state than teachers. However, teachers may be more aware of the cognitive component of CDS that might interfere with functioning in the classroom more so than at home. Cognitive demands in school may reveal and intensify CDS symptoms. Findings highlight the importance of multi-informant ratings in research and clinical practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).


in the article from positions of general theoretic analysis essence of legal privileges and limitations opens up as component elements of legal status of personality. The functional role of legal privileges and limitations opens up in the structure of legal status of personality. Attention is accented on that legal privileges are set for the facilitation of social position of personality, and legal limitations – for non-admission of possible cases of misfeasance. Position is grounded that legal privileges and limitations are set with an only aim is creation organizational possibilities for providing of comfort terms of vital functions of separate categories of citizens, increase of social standards of their life, assistances of valuable realization by them rights and legal interests, assistance to development to the certain spheres of menage, strengthening of bases of legality and law and order in society.


Crustal roots formed beneath mountain belts are gravitationally unstable structures, which rebound when the lateral forces that created them cease or decrease significantly relative to gravity. Crustal roots do not rebound as a rigid body, but undergo intensive internal deformation during their rebound and cause intensive deformation within the ductile lower crust. 2-D numerical models are used to investigate the style and intensity of this deformation and the role that the viscosities of the upper crust and mantle lithosphere play in the process of root rebound. Numerical models of root rebound show three main features which may be of general application: first, with a low-viscosity lower crust, the rheology of the mantle lithosphere governs the rate of root rebound; second, the amount of dynamic uplift caused by root rebound depends strongly on the rheologies of both the upper crust and mantle lithosphere; and third, redistribution of the rebounding root mass causes pure and simple shear within the lower crust and produces subhorizontal planar fabrics which may give the lower crust its reflective character on many seismic images.


Freeze drying, conventional oven drying, and microwave oven drying were compared with respect to their effect on the chemical composition of native range forage and feces from cattle grazing the forage. Forage was collected by hand harvesting and by esophageal-fistulated steers (extrusa) on 10 collection dates from 11 June to 15 Oct. in 1987 and on 6 collection dates from 2 June to 15 Sept. in 1989. Composite fecal samples were obtained from cattle grazing the same pastures the day following forage collections. Drying method had minimal effect on in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), nitrogen, and ash insoluble in neutral detergent (AIND) in hand clipped native forage. However, both microwave and conventional oven drying of extrusa resulted in greater NDF than freeze drying. Unexpectedly, IVDOM in microwave oven dried extrusa was equal to or greater than values for freeze dried material. There were no interactions between drying method and sampling date for any components measured in the extrusa. Microwave and conventional oven drying of feces resulted in greater NDF values than freeze drying, with microwave drying resulting in significantly greater NDF than conventional oven drying. There was also more AIND in heat dried feces, but nitrogen and ash levels were not affected by drying method. The data indicate that if nitrogen or ash are to be determined in hand cupped forage, extrusa, or feces, then microwave or conventional oven drying is acceptable; but if fiber levels are to be determined in these materials, then it appears they should be freeze dried for the most accurate results.


It is noted that the modelling of transformers by the finite-element method makes it necessary to consider the lamination of steels, whose thicknesses are very small compared to those of the transformers. In the present work, techniques of homogenization are used to solve Maxwell's equations in stratified media such as cores. These methods are based on the substitution of a magnetically inhomogeneous structure by a simpler homogeneous equivalent one. The proposed approach leads to a macroscopic homogenized permeability tensor expressing the global properties of a laminated anisotropic material. >


This paper presents a novel approach for single laser stripe profiler calibration. It is well suited for use without specialized knowledge of 3D geometry or computer vision. The technique only requires the camera to observe a planar pattern intersecting with the laser plane shown at a few (at least three) different orientations. The planar pattern can be freely moved. The motion need not be known. The proposed procedure consists of a large input data for laser plane calibration optimization. Experiments demonstrate the validity and applicability of this approach.


Histamine release from normal human leukocytes can be induced by anti‐IgE or protein A from Staphylococcus aureus. After incubation in buffer at 37°C for various time intervals or repeated washings with buffer, or both procedures, the leukocytes lose most of their reactivity to protein A, whereas the reactivity to anti‐IgE is unaltered. Cells deprived of their protein A reactivity can be induced to release histamine by IgG complexed with protein A. Maximal release (23%‐81%) from 0.6–1.0 × 107 leukocytes per ml is obtained if the mixture contains 1–2 μg protein A and 8–16 μg IgG per ml. The ratio between protein A and IgG in the most active mixtures is 1:8 or 1:16 on a weight basis, which corresponds to 2–4 IgG molecules per protein A molecule. Heat treatment does not destroy the capacity of IgG to mediate histamine release. Mixtures of protein A and the Fc part of IgG can also initiate the release. Furthermore, it is shown that the protein A—IgG mixture and anti‐IgE induce cross‐desensitization to each other. This indicates that, like cell‐bound IgG, IgG in complex with protein A triggers partially the same reaction sequence as IgE.


Background: The appearance of the gingival tissue around the teeth plays an important role for the aesthetics. Abnormalities in symmetry and contour of gingival tissue affects the harmonization of the teeth's appearance. Excessive gingival display (EGD) or gummy smile, short clinical crown of tooth are frequent complaints of patients. There are various factors that can cause a gummy smile and a short clinical crown, one of which is altered eruption. The procedure that can provide a solution to this aesthetic, periodontal and restorative problem is crown lengthening. Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that aims to remove periodontal tissue to increase the clinical length of the dental crown, the crown-lengthening procedure can be achieved with or without bone reduction.
Objective: To describe the management of altered passive eruption type 1B by crown lengthening with osteotomy procedure.
Case Report: A 20-year-old female patient presented to the periodontics clinic of RSGM Soedomo UGM, with a complaint of excessive gum appearance with her right upper front tooth looking short when she smiled. The patient was diagnosed with altered passive eruption. The treatment was crown-lengthening surgery with osteotomy.
Conclusion: Crown lengthening is an effective treatment to retrieve functional and aesthetic disturbances associated with altered passive eruption.
Keywords: gummy smile, altered passive eruption, crown lengthening surgery


Modern logistics and e-commerce is the most growth in a new industry. Electronic trading patterns comply with economic globalization and important changes in modern production and consumption patterns, while modern logistics is provided the possibility for these changes. With the joint development of e-commerce and modern logistics, we can set up efficient logistics operation mode within the enterprise, and save the cost, improve efficiency through the mutual use of resources in the external. These need close coordination and cooperation in technology, management model, information transmission, services and social economic resources integration and so on, which promote each other and coordinated develop.


Our vocational training group discussed the paper of Conway, et al with great interest.1

Antibiotics change the microbial balance in the gastro-intestinal tract and can cause antibiotic associated diarrhoea (AAD). Antibiotics are frequently prescribed in general practice and AAD is common among this population. The rates of AAD vary from 3% (penicilline G and V) to 23% (amoxicillin clavulanate) depending upon the specific type of antibiotic. A study in children showed that this variation is statistically significant.2 AAD might be caused by the disruption of the normal flora and overgrowth of pathogens.3 Probiotics have been suggested to prevent AAD by restoration of the gut microflora.

In the study of Conway et al, all patients who were prescribed a 1-week course of antibiotics are included. Nevertheless, the authors do not take into account the fact that different antibiotic agents cause diarrhoea at a different rate. They also do not report a subgroup analysis on antibiotic agents.

Thus, the authors'conclusion that yogurt has no effect might be biased by the possibility that small-spectrum antibiotics represented a substantial part of all antibiotics applied in the study. The results might probably have been different when small spectrum antibiotics would have been excluded from the study or when a statistical correction would have been applied.

We would ask the authors if they could present data on the antibiotics prescribed in the study, and if they could specify the outcomes for patients using small versus broad-spectrum antibiotics.


The infrared spectrum of 3,4-dimethylenecyclobutene (dmcb) as a vapour, glass, and polycrystalline film has been investigated from 4000 to 250 cm-1. The Raman spectrum of liquid dmcb and the infrared spectrum of 1,2-dideutero-3,4-dimethylenecyclobutene vapour have also been investigated. On the basis of these results a partial assignment of the spectrum has been made. A study of the electronic spectrum of dmcb from the visible to the vacuum ultraviolet at 169 nm has also been undertaken and the spectrum has been found to be very diffuse in all bands. Assignments are discussed in the light of theoretical calculations.


Matchmaking advertisements are texts which are created by laymen, who, in the attempt to attract the right partner, present themselves in ways which reflect the recognized societal values.The paper examines data taken from Czech newspapers Mlada fronta and Lidove noviny and contrasts them with The Times, The Guardian and The Observer over the period of 15 years, i.e. from 1990ies to 2010.British advertisers put stress on appearance, sometimes using expressions that are common in commercial advertising (stunning blonde). The ads in Czech point more to character qualities and interests. Both British and Czech advertisers demonstrate reluctance to permanent bonds (marriage).


Microbial pathogens have increasingly shown multidrug resistance posing a serious threat to the public health. Advances in technology are opening novel avenues for discovery of compounds that will mitigate the ever-increasing drug-resistant microbes. Use of photodynamic photosensitizer is one of the promising alternative approaches since they offer low risk of bacteria resistance as they use generated reactive oxygen species to kill the microbes. Phthalocyanine (Pc) is one such photosensitizer which has already shown promising antimicrobial photodynamic therapeutic properties. Previous studies have shown effectiveness of the Pc against Gram-positive bacteria. However, its effectiveness toward Gram-negative bacteria is limited by the impermeability of the bacteria's outer membrane which is made up of lipopolysaccharides layer. The effectiveness of this photosensitizer is determined by its photophysical and photochemical properties such as singlet/triplet lifetimes, singlet oxygen quantum yields, and fluorescence quantum yield. Therefore, this review focuses on the recent significance advances on designing Pc that have this improved property by either conjugating with nanoparticles, quantum dots, functional groups in peripheral position, considering effect of cationic charge, and its position on the macrocycle.


Objectives: To investigate the trends in incidence and histological distribution of oesophageal carcinoma in Kingston and St Andrew (KSA), Jamaica, over the 30-year period 1978‒2007. Methods: All oesophageal carcinomas registered in residents of KSA during the study period were extracted from the Jamaica Cancer Registry (JCR), and the following were collected for each case: gender, age, basis of diagnosis, year of diagnosis, histological subtype and subsite. The data were used to calculate age specific incidence rates and age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs). The results were compared to those from other countries. Results: Oesophageal carcinoma was more common among males than females and both genders showed decreasing incidence over the 30-year period. The highest ASRs (males, 4.0 per 100 000; females 2.6 per 100 000 per year) were recorded in the 1978‒1982 reporting period and the lowest (males, 1.7 per 100 000 per year; females 0.6 per 100 000 per year) in the 2003‒2007 period. The leading histological subtype among both genders was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and this subtype showed a decrease in incidence in both genders over the period of review. Adenocarcinomas, the second commonest histological subtype, showed a decrease in ASR over time in females, and a rise in males. Conclusions: Incidence rates of oesophageal carcinomas overall have decreased in KSA, Jamaica, and this trend is mirrored by the SCC subtype. However, while adenocarcinoma ASR is decreasing in females, it is increasing in males. These data support the need for investigation into the risk factors for oesophageal adenocarcinoma in Jamaica.


This paper presents a hybrid excitation motor for a main spindle drive in end- and face-milling tools, which is operated with a high speed of 50 000 r/min. The proposed motor has not only a permanent magnet but also the field coil which makes field-weakening and field-strengthening controls possible with taking no notice of the permanent magnet demagnetization. In addition, the sum of iron and copper losses of the motor at the end-milling operation is significantly reduced by the field-weakening control. The 3-D finite-element-method-based design studies on the proposed motor for the target application are demonstrated.


Laparoscopy allows for completion of an operative procedure through multiple small incisions as opposed to 1 larger incision. Over the last 30 years, laparoscopic procedures have been developed, tested, and validated for a number of surgical interventions. Laparoscopic hysterectomy was first performed in the early 1990s.1 For women undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynecologic diseases, the procedure has been shown to be safe and is associated with improved perioperative outcomes compared with abdominal hysterectomy performed via laparotomy.2 Despite the apparent benefits of laparoscopic hysterectomy, adoption into practice has been relatively slow.3


The injection nozzle of an electro-hydraulic injector is being opened and closed by movement of a injector's needle which is balanced by pressure at the nozzle seat and at the needle control chamber, at the opposite end of the needle. In this study, the effects of needle movement in a piezo-driven injector on unsteady cavitating flows behavior inside nozzle were investigated by cavitation numerical model based on the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach. Aimed at simulating the 3-D two-phase flow behavior, the three dimensional geometry model along the central cross-section regarding of one injection hole with real design data of a piezo-driven diesel injector has been used to simulate the cavitating flows for injection time by at fully transient simulation with cavitation model. The cavitation model incorporates many of the fundamental physical processes assumed to take place in cavitating flows. The simulations performed were both fully transient and 'pseudo' steady state, even if under steady state boundary conditions. As this research results, we found that it could analyze the effect the pressure drop to the sudden acceleration of fuel, which is due to the fastest response of needle, on the degree of cavitation existed in piezo-driven injector nozzle.


OBJECTIVE
The aims of the study were to analyze whether there is an association between serum PTH and the prevalence of vertebral fractures and its possible dependence on vitamin D status, and to assess the influence of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in the relationship between PTH and bone mineral density (BMD) or bone turnover markers (BTMs).

DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, AND SETTING
A total of 820 postmenopausal women were recruited after excluding those with any known condition that could influence serum PTH levels, except for a possible low serum 25OHD. Serum PTH and 25OHD concentrations, as well as vertebral fracture prevalence, BMD, and BTM (CTX and PINP) values were recorded. Serum PTH levels were divided into tertiles, and women were grouped into those in the highest tertile (>58 pg/ml) and those below. Serum 25OHD levels were stratified in 3 categories (<20, 20-30, and >30 ng/ml).

RESULTS
Vertebral fracture prevalence was greater in women with PTH above 58 pg/ml (odds ratio [OR], 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.84). After stratifying by 25OHD, this difference was only significant in women below 20 ng/ml (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.02-3.87), those with 25OHD between 20 and 30 ng/ml showing a trend toward this (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 0.92-4.36). Differences in BMD or BTM between women above and below 58 pg/ml of PTH were also observed only in those below 20 ng/ml.

CONCLUSION
Elevated PTH levels are associated with increased prevalence of vertebral fractures, low bone mass, or higher BTM only in the presence of hypovitaminosis D. An adequate nutritional status in the vitamin appears to protect the bone from the deleterious effect of a high PTH.


Glagah ( Saccharum spontaneum L.) has potential value as a crop species and may also be used in sugarcane breeding programs; however, this germpl asm has not been extensively used in breeding programs, primarily in relation to improve drought tolerance. The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of drought stress initiated at vegetative growth stage on growth, leaf proline content and protein pattern of seven glagah accessions (BOT-53, BOT-54, BOT-60, BOT-77, BOT-78, BOT-84, and BOT-88). The plants were propagated from single node stalk segments in polybag in the field under non-stress condition for two months. The two month-old plants were then subjected to drought stress by withholding watering for eight weeks. Untreated control plants were watered every two days. Results indicated that drought stress reduced plant height, stalk diameter and green leaf number. On the other hand, there was a little difference between drought-stressed and control plants in terms of proline content. The protein pattern showed that drought stress caused a change in gene expression in the form of induction or repression of protein expression. A specific protein with a low range of molecular weight (Rf value about 0.647) showed constitutively expressed in accession BOT-53 but drought-inducible expressed in BOT-54. Keywords: Drought stress, glagah, proline, protein pattern, Saccharum spontaneum


The aim of the present study was to develop a pH sensitive gastroretentive drug delivery system for an anti diabetic drug pioglitazone HCl based on gas formation technique using 3 2 factorial design, in order to prolong the gastric residence time and increase the overall bioavailability of the dosage form, since the absorption is erratic in diabetic patients. The system consists of the drug loaded pellets which is coated with two different layers, inner layer of effervescent material (sodium bicarbonate) and an outermost layer of gas-entrapped sustained release polymeric membrane (Chitosan: Eudragit S100). The time to float increased as the coating level of gas-entrapped polymeric membrane increased. The optimum system could float completely within 2 min and maintained the buoyancy for a period of 12 h. Both the rapid floating and the sustained release properties were achieved in the multiparticulate drug delivery system developed in this present study. KeywordsPellets, pH sensitive, gastroretentive, pioglitazone HCl, factorial design.


Despite information and communication technologies playing an important role in development, this potential has not been fully exploited, leading to low productivity and poor marketing in Banana production. This study's overall objective was to assess the constraints in ICT use by banana farmers of Kimilili Sub County. The methodology was a household survey accomplished through questionnaires. A total of one hundred and thirty five respondents were identified through systematic random sampling, from a population of 209. The results indicated that, ICTs are used by very few farmers (38% use mobile phones and 1% use computers). On services, 14.1% use SMS service and 45.3% use voice calls. 97% of farmers find information accessed not applicable. Three constraints significantly influence ICT use: tool availability, infrastructure, and geographic remoteness. Mobile phone users exhibited a variety of benefits. The study recommends that national and county governments should facilitate digitization of extension messages, improve infrastructure and carry out trainings for extension agents and farmers.


Abstract This article explores the role of the museum audioguide as a relational, sensorially driven mode of making and communicating diverse histories. It argues that the artist Benny Nemerofsky Ramsay's use of voice, storytelling, gesture, movement, and sound helps create conditions for empathic listening, bridging the past and present and widening the spectrum of possibilities for new and diverse knowledge formations. This use of aesthetic and historical registers, the blending of fact with fiction, stresses multivalence and possibility over a singular narrative truth. The act of listening promotes a shared though subjective experience, one that challenges the exclusionary function of traditional museum displays, which turn on objective, documentary claims, while actually reflecting a hegemonic vision of the past. In this way, Nemerofsky offers a queer historical practice for how we might (re)present the diversity of past pasts.


Production refers to the process by which human beings transform, through their work, natural resources into some goods, which is consumable or capable of being used to satisfy their need or want. Production is primarily made up of two components- the force of production and the social relations of production. The manner in which agricultural production takes place is a complex interplay of a number of factors like season for sowing, selection of crop, preparation of the field, harvesting, division of labour etc. There is also a local perception about land in terms of its utility- economic as well as social, varying across endogamous groups (jatis). While most villages are primarily dependent on subsistence agricultural production in India, all families do not practice agriculture directly. This leads to the aspect of interdependence within the economic system, such as the jajmani system which is often regulated by the dominant caste in a village. The traditional form has been largely been supplanted, however, it is yet to disappear completely. The family in most cases is the unit of production as well as consumption. Working hands often comes from within the family.


The fossil turtles and crocodiles from the marine Early Oligocene of the Borken basin are described and compared with related species of the same stratigraphical age. Additionally, an overview is given on the history of research, the palaeogeographic and stratigraphic situation as well as on the relationships of the species mentioned. Beside the known representatives of the Trionychidae, Carettochelyidae, Testudinoidea and Diplocynodon are described.


Imidacloprid may induce oxidative stress leading to generate free radicals and alternate oxygen free  radical scavenging enzyme system. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of broccoli water extract and ferulic acid on imidacloprid induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in male albino rats. Rats were co-treated with broccoli water extract (200 mg/kg) or ferulic acid (20 mg/kg) with imidacloprid (80 mg/kg) orally for 28 days.The results revealed that imidacloprid induced high serum levels of aspartate   aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). However,  administration of broccoli and ferulic acid reduced these parameters. Broccoli and ferulic acid significantly  (P<0.05) attenuated the imidacloprid-induced increases in lipid peroxidation (LPO), tumor necroses factor α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) contents and meyloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activities. Imidacloprid decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) while co-treatment with broccoli and ferulic acid significantly (P<0.05) improved the level of GSH. DNA damage as assessed by comet assay was increased in imidacloprid-treated group. However, DNA damage  was decreased in broccoli and ferulic acid treated groups. The possible mechanism of broccoli and ferulic acid extract on imidacloprid might be due to decreasing oxidative stress (LPO, NO and DNA damage) and increasing GSH content. Thus, broccoli and  ferulic acid was suggested to protected rat's liver against imidacloprid-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in liver. Keywords : broccoli, ferulic acid, imidacloprid, DNA damage, oxidative stress, GSH