Violation of Leggett-Garg inequalities can serve as a signature of a failure of (macroscopic) realism. We investigate violation of the simplest Leggett-Garg inequality for a qubit coupled to an integer j spin (angular momentum). Such a system effectively reveals quantum-classical hybrid behavior in the limit of large j values. We show that a maximal violation of the Leggett- Garg inequality is larger for quantum-classical hybrids than for fully quantum systems.


Density-dependent mortality has long been posited as a possible mechanism for the regulation of tropical forest tree density. Despite numerous experimental and phenomenological investigations, the extent to which such mechanisms operate in tropical forests remains unresolved because the demographical signature of density dependence has rarely been found in extensive investigations of established trees. This study used an individual-based demographical approach to investigate the role of conspecific and heterospecific neighbourhood crowding on tree mortality in a Panamanian and a Malayan tropical forest. More than 80% of the species investigated at each site were found to exhibit density-dependent mortality. Furthermore, most of these species showed patterns of mortality consistent with the Janzen‐Connell hypothesis and the rarely explored hypothesis of species herd protection. This study presents some of the first evidence of species herd protection operating in tree communities.


We present millimeter- and submillimeter-wave phase characteristics measured between 2012 and 2014 of Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array long baseline campaigns. This paper presents the first detailed investigation of the characteristics of phase fluctuation and phase correction methods obtained with baseline lengths up to ∼15 km. The basic phase fluctuation characteristics can be expressed with the spatial structure function (SSF). Most of the SSFs show that the phase fluctuation increases as a function of baseline length, with a power-law slope of ∼0.6. In many cases, we find that the slope becomes shallower (average of ∼0.2–0.3) at baseline lengths longer than ∼1 km, namely showing a turn-over in SSF. These power law slopes do not change with the amount of precipitable water vapor (PWV), but the fitted constants have a weak correlation with PWV, so that the phase fluctuation at a baseline length of 10 km also increases as a function of PWV. The phase correction method using water vapor radiometers (WVRs) works well, especially for the cases where PWV > 1 mm , which reduces the degree of phase fluctuations by a factor of two in many cases. However, phase fluctuations still remain after the WVR phase correction, suggesting the existence of other turbulent constituent that cause the phase fluctuation. This is supported by occasional SSFs that do not exhibit any turn-over; these are only seen when the PWV is low (i.e., when the WVR phase correction works less effectively) or after WVR phase correction. This means that the phase fluctuation caused by this turbulent constituent is inherently smaller than that caused by water vapor. Since in these rare cases there is no turn-over in the SSF up to the maximum baseline length of ∼15 km, this turbulent constituent must have scale height of 10 km or more, and thus cannot be water vapor, whose scale height is around 1 km. Based on the characteristics, this large scale height turbulent constituent is likely to be water ice or a dry component. Excess path length fluctuation after the WVR phase correction at a baseline length of 10 km is large ( ≳ 200 μ m ), which is significant for high frequency ( > 450 GHz or < 700 μ m ) observations. These results suggest the need for an additional phase correction method to reduce the degree of phase fluctuation, such as fast switching, in addition to the WVR phase correction. We simulated the fast switching phase correction method using observations of single quasars, and the result suggests that it works well, with shorter cycle times linearly improving the coherence.


One-class-classification remains an important problem in machine learning, which is related to data representation and outlier detection, but different from them in several aspects. In the present contribution we propose an one-class-classifier based on a prototype vector quantization model. We modeled a corresponding cost function to account for aspects of representation learning and to appropriately evaluate the one-class classifier. The prototype-based model ensures a local representation of the target class. After this introduction, we obtain an interpretable one-class classifier model. We demonstrate the capabilities of the approach by applying the classifier to illustrative toy data examples as well as on real data in a medical context.


Soil samples taken from the ridge of field-grown potato (cv. British Queen) as well as from bulk soil of the same field were incubated with sterile potato root leachate or water. Samples were filtered and filtrates used in an in vitro bioassay to determine their effect on hatch of potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida . Concurrently, an experiment was established where the sterile potato root leachate or water was incubated with a sterile soil wash. Ridge soil was shown to induce significantly more hatching than bulk soil, indicating the presence of PCN hatching factors. When a soil wash of ridge soil was used it did not increase hatch, suggesting a role for soil microorganisms in the hatching process. Greater hatch of G. rostochiensis in bulk soil compared to G. pallida suggests a role for soil microorganisms in spontaneous hatch of PCN in vivo .


The appropriate use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a highly debated subject. In fact, achieving the correct balance between the reduction of ischemic risk and the increase in hemorrhagic events is more difficult in this population than in younger subjects, especially in the case of very potent drug therapy. As a consequence of this, despite guideline recommendations, antiplatelet therapy is currently underutilized in elderly patients with ACS.In current clinical practice, the antiplatelet drugs that can be used in combination with aspirin are clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor. The efficacy of these molecules is supported by randomized clinical trials, which gave variable results in terms of the extent of reduction in ischemic events and increase in hemorrhagic complications. The purpose of this article is to identify, based on the results of a consensus meeting, common elements in the use of DAPT in the elderly and to identify areas where further scientific evidence is required to better define the role of the individual antiplatelet agents.


Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by early and persistent microvascular impairment which leads to functional and organic manifestations, with progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Morphological and functional assessment of the peripheral microvasculature is a must, not only for diagnosis but also for the prognosis and therapeutical follow-up of systemic sclerosis patients, as reported in recent studies. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is the validated technique for the study of scleroderma microangiopathy as it is able to detect peripheral microvascular morphology and both classify and score the capillary abnormalities into different microangiopathy patterns ('Early', 'Active' and 'Late'). Indeed, the possibility to early diagnose and follow the microvascular changes and the safety of the technique have made nailfold videocapillaroscopy a mandatory tool for patient evaluation and included its assessment in the new systemic sclerosis classification criteria. Important links between nailfold videocapillaroscopy patterns and systemic sclerosis clinical manifestations have been described.


Suspensions of metallic nanoparticles in water were assembled via the action of an alternating electric field (dielectrophoresis) into wires of micrometer thickness. Two modes of microwire assembly, one through the bulk of the suspension and one as half-cylinders on the glass surface between the electrodes, were identified. The operating conditions responsible for the two assembly modes were recognized. The control of the process parameters allows making, for example, straight single connectors or massively parallel arrays of microwires on the surface of the chip, which can be extracted in dry form. The microwire assembly process was modeled using finite element electrostatic calculations. The direction of growth can be guided by introducing conductive islands or particles in the suspension. The experiments, supported by electrostatic calculations, show that the wires grow in the direction of highest field intensity, "automatically" making electrical connections to the objects between the electrodes. The results point the way to controlled dielectrophoretic assembly of nanoparticles into on-chip electrical connectors, switches, and networks.


BACKGROUND
Leaving infant to cry it out has been the subject of discussion among researchers and parents. Nevertheless, there is paucity of empirical research investigating the association between leaving infant to cry it out and consequent crying duration and frequency, mother-infant attachment and behavioural development.

METHODS
The sample with complete longitudinal data comprised 178 infants and their caretakers. Parental use of 'leaving infant to cry out' and cry duration were assessed with maternal report at term, 3, 6 and 18 months, and frequency of crying was assessed at term, 3 and 18 months of age. Attachment was measured at 18 months using the strange situation procedure. Behavioural development of the infant was assessed with two observational measures and a parent-report questionnaire at 18 months.

RESULTS
The use of 'leaving infant to crying' was rare at term and increased over the next 18 months. 'Leaving infants to cry it out' at term was associated with a decrease in crying frequency at 3 months. Furthermore, leaving infants to cry it out a few times at term and often at 3 months was associated with shorter fuss/cry duration at 18 months of age. No adverse impacts of leaving infants to cry it out in the first 6 months on infant-mother attachment and behavioural development at 18 months were found.

CONCLUSIONS
Contemporary practice of some parents in the United Kingdom to occasionally or often 'leaving infant to cry it out' during the first 6 months was not associated with adverse behavioural development and attachment at 18 months. Increased use of 'leaving to cry it out' with age may indicate differential responding by parents related to infant self-regulation.


UNLABELLED
To find a possible correlation between the transmitral diastolic flow, obtained by pulsed Doppler echocardiography, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVedP), we studied 95 patients (p) (58 +/- 9 years), with coronary artery disease (76 p) and dilated cardiomyopathy (19 p). P with atrial fibrillation, heart rate > 100 b/m or mitral regurgitation > 2+/4+ were excluded. We analyzed E and A wave peak velocities (v), time-velocity integrals (i) and diastolic filling intervals. Restriction to filling pattern was considered in the presence of an E wave deceleration time (DecT) < or = 120 ms (Group B- 22 p); the other 73 p (group A) ranged from abnormal relaxation to normal diastolic patterns, with DecT > 120 ms.

RESULTS
-LVedP ranged from 3 to 38 mmHg in group A and from 16 to 39 mmHg in group B. In group A, the Ai/Ei ratio showed a significant linear correlation with the LVedP (r = 0.83, y = 14 chi + 2); Ai/El ratio > 1.0 identified pts with LVedP > 18 mmHg with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 98%. In group B, there was a correlation between LVedP and the inverse ratio of integrals (Ei/Ai) (r = 0.72), as well as Ev/Av ratio (r = 0.69).

CONCLUSIONS
In myocardial active relaxation abnormalities, Ai/Ei ratio increases proportionally to LVedP. A short DecT (< or = 120 ms) identifies a subgroup of p with predominant impairment of LV compliance and high filling pressures, in which the atrial contribution decreases as LVedP rises. Thus, whatever the prevailing mechanism of diastolic dysfunction, echo-Doppler transmitral diastolic flow can provide a noninvasive assessment of LVedP.


In 'Pro-life arguments against infanticide and why they are not convincing' Joona Räsänen argues that Christopher Kaczor's objections to Giubilini and Minerva's position on infanticide are not persuasive. We argue that Räsänen's criticism is largely misplaced, and that he has not engaged with Kaczor's strongest arguments against infanticide. We reply to each of Räsänen's criticisms, drawing on the full range of Kaczor's arguments, as well as adding some of our own.


Software defect prediction is one of the most popular research topics in software engineering. It aims to predict defect-prone software modules before defects are discovered, therefore it can be used to better prioritise software quality assurance effort. In recent years, especially for recent 3 years, many new defect prediction studies have been proposed. The goal of this study is to comprehensively review, analyse and discuss the state-of-the-art of defect prediction. The authors survey almost 70 representative defect prediction papers in recent years (January 2014-April 2017), most of which are published in the prominent software engineering journals and top conferences. The selected defect prediction papers are summarised to four aspects: machine learning-based prediction algorithms, manipulating the data, effort-aware prediction and empirical studies. The research community is still facing a number of challenges for building methods and many research opportunities exist. The identified challenges can give some practical guidelines for both software engineering researchers and practitioners in future software defect prediction.


We tested the hypothesis that the endogenous nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), regulates cardiovascular function by central mechanisms. In in vivo studies, rats received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of isotonic saline, ADMA (1 mg), l-arginine (3 mg), and N omega-nitro-l-arginine methylester (l-NAME, 1 mg). Baroreflex function was then assessed by intravenous (i.v.) injection of phenylephrine. Central application of exogenous NOS inhibitor, l-NAME, increased mean arterial blood pressure and decreased heart rate. However, application of the endogenous NOS inhibitor, ADMA, decreased mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate simultaneously (-39 +/- 6 mm Hg and -50 +/- 8 beats/min, respectively). Both l-NAME (i.c.v.) and ADMA (i.c.v.) significantly inhibited the baroreflex function, indicating a regulatory role of central nitric oxide in controlling baroreflex function. In contrast to the central effect, intravenous injection of ADMA caused dose-dependent increases in mean arterial blood pressure that could be blocked by l-NAME pretreatment. In vitro studies using aortic rings demonstrated that ADMA (10(-4)M) significantly increased the concentration of acetylcholine for the threshold response (EC15) and half-maximal response (EC50). This indicates that ADMA inhibits the constitutive isoform of NOS in the endothelium. ADMA may have functional importance in regulating cardiovascular function by mechanisms in addition to the inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis.


In a novel as darkly comic and audaciously ambitious as was Catch-22, Joseph Heller has dared to write the sequel to his American classic, using many of Catch-22's characters, now older if not wiser, to deftly satirize the realities and the myths of America in the half century since they fought World War II. In 1961, Joseph Heller's remarkable first novel made its way immediately into the American psyche and came to symbolize the absurdity of war and of life. Catch-22 was recognized overnight as a classic and has sold nearly ten million copies in the United States alone. It remains perhaps the funniest - and the most serious - novel ever written about war, "an apocalyptic masterpiece, " in the words of one reviewer. Now, thirty-three years later, Joseph Heller has written the sequel. You don't have to have read Catch-22 (But then, who on earth hasn't?) to enjoy Closing Time, which is a fully independent companion work, a comic masterpiece in its own right, in which Heller spears the inflated balloons of our national consciousness - the absurdity of our politics, the decline of society and our great cities, the greed and hypocrisy of our business and culture - with the same ferocious humor that he used against the conventional view of warfare. His characters are those of Catch-22, coming to the end of their lives and the century, as is the entire generation that fought in World War II: Yossarian, and Milo Minderbinder, the chaplain, and such newcomers as little Sammy Singer and giant Lew, all linked, this time in uneasy peace and old age, fighting, not the Germans this time, but The End. Closing Time is outrageously funny and totally serious, and as brilliant and successful as Catch-22itself, a fun-house mirror that captures, at once grotesquely and accurately, the truth about ourselves.


We describe a case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) resistant to conventional therapy with fresh-frozen plasma (FFP)-plasma exchange (PEX) as well as to steroids, immunoglobulins, vincristine, dipyridamole, dextran and iloprost, achieving complete remission with cryosupernatant-plasma exchange. Our case shows the effectiveness of cryosupernatant PEX, when FFP-PEX and alternative therapies have failed.


A comprehensive analysis of glacier dynamic evolution is essential to understand the influence of global climate change at different time scales. In this paper, we derive surface velocity fields of Fedchenko and Grumm-Grzhimaylo glacier during four different periods in 2007–2008 with an efficient pixel-tracking (PT) method on ALOS/PALSAR imagery. The improving PT method operates with an ice region mask file and the execution time is reduced to about only a quarter of original one on experimental data or even less with the same computer configurations. The comparison of ice motion monitoring results yields that ice flow velocity in the middle and lower parts of Fedchenko glacier is generally higher than that in the upper part, with the maximum value of 82.60 cm day−1 in winter. Between winters, respectively, in 2007 and 2008, no pronounced inter-annual variation was found with the average change rate of 2.8%. Besides, the ice flow velocity in the terminus slows down mainly attributing to the impediments of 6.5-km-long glacier debris, while velocity in the spring is significantly faster than that in the winter. And its monthly ice flow velocity increased by 6.5% from February to April and 57.8% from April to May. Besides, the maximum speed of Grumm-Grzhimaylo glacier in winter is 50.91 cm day−1 along with a significant acceleration in spring. Obviously, the long-term observation of spatio-temporal variation in glacier motion with efficient PT method would benefit the studies of glacier dynamics and climate change.


Background: Human breast milk contains high levels of fat and toxins. These substances which exist in our country based on many reports. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the mother's milk during the first postnatal week. Methods: This study was accomplished on 50 mothers who gave birth to a healthy infant at Vali-e-Asr University Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from 2014 through 2015. Within the first postnatal week a 20 cc sample of mother's breast milk was obtained and was sent for laboratory analysis to measure PCB levels via GC-Mass method. Except of PCBs, triglycerides (TG), high-density cholesterol in breast milk was also measured. Also the relation between fat and polychlorinated bi phenyl was assessed. The association between PCBs and body mass index of mothers was investigated. Results: Mean age of mothers was 29.41±6.14 year. PCB180 was significantly correlated with TG values, while this correlation was not observed for other types of PCBs. There was no correlation between cholesterol and fat high-density with PCBs. Other PCB isomers 138, 153, 180 and 101, had not correlation with triglyceride, cholesterol and high density fat. There was a significant correlation between increasing weight and the concentration of PCB101, and PCB180 concentrations. It was also observed between increasing weight and the concentration of PCB101 (P=0.033, r=0.293) and concentrations of PCB180 (P=0.034, r=0.428), there was a significant correlation. In our study PCB101, (r=0.278, P=0.048) and PCb28 (r=0.328, P=0.021) were significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI). Conclusion: The present study showed a higher than normal concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls in breast milk. And therefore these compounds will be transferred to the baby. Due to the damaging effects of these toxins, it is recommended additional studies on larger groups and other types of samples (mother blood, cord blood etc.). Abstract


Long-term care service for old people is in great demand in most of the aging societies. The number of nursing homes residents is increasing while the number of care providers is limited. Due to the care worker shortage, care to vulnerable older residents cannot be fully tailored to the unique needs and preference of each individual. This may bring negative impacts on health outcomes and quality of life among institutionalized older people. To improve care quality through personalized care planning and delivery with limited care workforce, we propose a new care planning model assisted by artificial intelligence. We apply bandit algorithms which optimize the clinical decision for care planning by adapting to the sequential feedback from the past decisions. We evaluate the proposed model on empirical data acquired from the Systems for Person-centered Elder Care (SPEC) study, a ICT-enhanced care management program.


In this paper we describe a markup language for semantically annotating raw texts. We define a formal representation of text documents written in natural language that can be applied for the task of Named Entities Recognition and Spatial Role Labeling. The proposal relies on a multi-layer annotation process based on a core generic layer, which can be freely adapted into more specific layers depending on the intended goal. Our markup language is based on the TEI Guidelines1 to propose a generic and extensible markup language. This language is particularly dedicated for the text mining task and ready to use to be layered with more semantic relationships between elements of the text. We show the feasibility of this proposal from a generic annotation of texts describing itineraries toward a geospatial semantic annotation.


Marschak (1953) suggested that applied research should begin by determining the minimal set of assumptions and data needed to make a prediction of interest. Standard identification analyses correspond poorly to this search, as they have either stringent data (local average treatment effects/IV and non-parametric) or structure (parametric) requirements. Yet, in this spirit, much empirical (Chetty 2009) and some theoretical work has asked which effects of policy interventions may be forecast from the local observable levels and derivatives of the structure. I formalize this inquiry as the {\em first-order} identification problem and illustrate it with the case of multi-product production. Under perfect competition or monopoly, but not standard oligopoly, Slutsky conditions for firm optimization provide strategies for identifying, for example, the effects of price controls. They also test for consistency of conjectural variations.


Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) were studied in 30 women with a history of recurrent fetal losses. An increased level of anticardiolipin antibodies was found in 7(23.3%) of them, being high and moderate in 4 women. Lupus anticoagulant was present in 9(30.0%) examinees. None cases of SLE were diagnosed. Diagnostically significant APA levels were associated with moderate symptomless thrombocytopenia. 12 of 13 women with antiphospholipid syndrome markers had definite (livedo reticularis, damage of cardiac valves, recurrent thrombophlebitis, leg ulcers, stroke, migraine) and possible (moderate arterial hypertension, proteinuria, retina angiopathy) extragenital features of this disorder. The most serious vascular complications took place in the group with high and moderate levels of anticardiolipin antibodies IgG.


In this study an anatomically accurate framework is presented to visualize clinical melanoma data in 3D. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) data from the Sydney Melanoma Unit (SMU) has been used, where each patient's primary cutaneous melanoma site and corresponding sentinel lymph node locations have been recorded. Anatomically accurate finite element geometries of the skin and lymph nodes have been created using the visible human dataset. SMU's full SLNB database has been mapped from 2D onto this 3D anatomical framework via free-form deformation and projection techniques. Spatial statistical analysis and heat map displays have been calculated and visualized relating melanoma sites on the skin to sentinel lymph node fields. These detailed spatial maps provide the first anatomically accurate link between skin sites and lymphatic drainage. The extension and ongoing application of this work in the clinic is a novel method to capture data for both improved melanoma diagnosis and a better understanding of lymphatic drainage in the body


For pt.I see ibid., vol.40, no.5 p.1168 (1992). For the problem of estimating time difference of arrival (TDOA) of radio waves impinging on a pair of antennas for the purpose of passively locating the source of a communications or telemetry signal in the presence of interfering signals and noise, a new class of signal-selective algorithms that are highly tolerant to interference and noise is introduced. By virtue of the fact that the multiple-signal resolution problem is essentially eliminated by the signal selectivity of the algorithms, performance advantages are gained. The new algorithms exhibit their signal selectivity regardless of the extent of temporal, spectral, or spatial overlap among received signals, yet their computational complexity is no more than that of conventional algorithms. Algorithmic implementations of some of the new methods are given, and theoretical arguments given in pt.I of this work are corroborated by quantitative evaluation of their performance. >


CONTEXT
The objective of this study was to identify collaborative processes involved in a physical activity health promotion project in companies, conducted through a participatory approach in a cross-sectoral partnership, and to estimate the preliminary effects in terms of employee health.

METHODS
Action research was conducted in an industrial company comprising 240 employees over a 2-year period. This research was based on 4 criteria: description of the actors' network, the opportunities and constraints of the project, the implementation of physical activities, the participation of employees in the various activities, the impacts observed (after 3 months of activities) on physical parameters and quality of life.

RESULTS
Six work groups selected two activities : muscle-development exercise and Taïchi. We evaluated muscle strengthening activity. The participation rate in the activity was 16%. A higher age, female gender and being a manager or employee rather than a worker were significantly associated with participation. A tendency towards increased physical and mental scores of SF12 was observed. We identified two major barriers: logistic and communicational.

CONCLUSION
The participatory approach, based on a cross-sectoral partnership, is the determining element of the project's success in a context of local opportunities. Two factors were identified to perpetuate this dynamic and improve the system: rationalization of the structuring of the service and greater resources, particularly financial resources.


Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) account for one third of the global mortality and one tenth of the global disease burden; however, if rates of hypertension, a cardiovascular risk factor, were controlled, the reduction of the CVD burden would follow. One of the major constraints for controlling hypertension is the limitation of resources for health care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which contribute to 80% of the global CVD burden. Hence, it is vital to use the scarce resources with maximum efficiency. In this context, it is important to note that the benefits and cost-effectiveness of managing hypertension are determined by the overall risk of CVD and not by blood pressure level alone. Using this concept demands a paradigm shift from a "single risk" factor to an "absolute risk" approach. Unfortunately, the weak infrastructure of low-resource settings does not allow cardiovascular risk assessment using such variables as blood lipid measurements for risk stratification. Feasible risk assessment methods are needed and should use simple variables such as age, sex, smoking habits, history of premature cardiovascular disease in the family, and rates of diabetes and hypertension. To meet this need, a pragmatic CVD-Risk Management package has been developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to facilitate cardiovascular risk assessment and management in low-resource settings. Cost-effective healthcare interventions to reduce the cardiovascular burden can only be implemented if the health services policy environment and financing enable implementation. The success of this approach will also depend on the capacity of primary heathcare systems to deliver these interventions and serve the long-term needs of high-risk CVD patients. For many countries, the individual management of large numbers of patients with low CVD risk will not be affordable. Yet, individuals at low risk, and not those at high risk, account for a greater share of the overall disease burden. Therefore, we must shift the distribution of CVD through population-wide strategies that address all major CVD risk factors, including hypertension.


A detailed scientific description of the Andalusi Arabic dialect bundle did not exist until recent times, although the correct understanding of some of its texts bears heavily on many momentous conclusions drawn by contemporary scholars about the extent and depth of cultural interaction between the Arabs and the West. After many years of work on the grammar of this variety of Neo-Arabic, and having produced accurate editions of its materials, the author now undertakes the task of establishing its lexicon, both synchronically and diachronically, by listing words and idioms and trying to provide the etyma of most items. This volume will be useful to students of Arabic dialectology and also to those concerned with any kind of literature produced in Al-Andalus, as well as to Romance scholars who may find the solution to many an etymological riddle here.


Objective: To determine whether emotion recognition training, which previously proved to be effective in adolescents, also reduces anger and aggression in adult violent offenders. Method: Detained male adults were randomized to complete either a 1-week computer training designed to promote the perception of happiness over anger in ambiguous facial expressions (n = 46), or a sham training control procedure (n = 44). Outcome measures were collected immediately after training and at 6-week follow-up, and included the number of faces that were rated as happy rather than angry, self-reported and observed measures of hostility, aggression and prosocial behaviour. The linear regression analyses were statistically corrected for age and presence of (mild) intellectual disability. Results: The training procedure was highly effective in promoting the perception of happiness over anger in the training group as compared to the controls, independent of age or intelligence (95% CI -4.6 to -2.8, p < 0.001). These training effects remained at six weeks post training (95% CI -3.4 to -1.8, p < 0.001). There was no clear change in measures of aggression and hostility, or prosocial behaviour. Conclusions: In contrast to two prior studies with adolescent samples, the present study showed no meaningful impact of the training procedure on aggression in adult offenders, even though the training was effective in altering emotion perception. This may be due to low statistical power, or a lack of generalization of perception of happiness to faces in daily life encounters, or because emotion recognition bias is not causally related to aggression.


The best time to have started investing is yesterday. Whether you are saving for retirement, to send your child to college or for a down payment on a house, it can only be in your benefit to choose and implement the proper investment plan. But before one can actually make an informed decision on which financial vehicles to select for an investment portfolio or plan, it is pivotal to know about the options available in the market, and to clearly understand the main idea and principles behind each of these investment vehicles. There are entire books written on these topics, but for the purpose of this article, we aim to provide a brief, yet comprehensive glossary of the main financial investment vehicles.


INTRODUCTION:
The recognition of risk factors for coronary heart disease is one of the major achievements of coronary heart disease epidemiology in the 20th century.
Widespread interest in coronary heart disease and its prevention grew from the observation of increased rate of fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, particularly in men of relatively young age in westernized societies during the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s. This led to landmark studies, such as the Framingham heart study initiated in 1948 and including close to 5000 men and women living in town of Framingham, near Boston USA. This cohort study together with several other similar studies, has subsequently demonstrated the importance of a number of risk factors1.
A major shift in recent thinking has led to a preference for coronary heart disease risk profiling instead of the diagnosis and treatment of individual risk factors such as elevated blood pressure and cholesterol. By the year 2020, the burden of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease in India will surpass that in other regions of the world2. Hence the current study has been undertaken to assess the coronary heart disease risk profile and stratify the risk of persons attending the master health checkup in our institution.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
1. To evaluate the coronary heart disease risk factors of persons attending the Master Health Checkup Clinic of Government Stanley Hospital.
2. To evaluate and stratify the risk according to National cholesterol education programme - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) guidelines.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
This study was conducted at Govt. Stanley Medical College & Hospital, Chennai. This study was conducted during the period of one year Jan 2005 - December 2005, 200 asymptomatic subjects attending the MASTER HEALTH CHECKUP CLINIC of Govt. Stanley Medical college & hospital were taken up for the study.
Inclusion Criteria:
Men aged ≥45 years and women aged 55 years with no previous history Of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension were taken up for the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
Subjects with known history Of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension.
METHODS:
A total of 200 asymptomatic subjects were taken up for the current study.
All were subjected to history taking, thorough clinical examination and investigations that included past history of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease and renal disorder; family history of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, premature coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and renal disorder; personal history of physical activity and smoking.
RESULTS:
200 subjects were taken up for the study out of which 128(64%) were men and 72(36%) were women. The mean age was 52.1 in men and 57.9 in women.
The mean, range and standard deviation of the various clinical and biochemical variables of the subjects.
The most common overall major coronary heart disease risk factor was physical inactivity present in 97.5% of subjects. Next common risk factor was low HDL Cholesterol, present in 57% of subjects. LDL Cholesterol ≥130mg/dl (54.5%), Total cholesterol ≥200mg/dl (51%),TGL ≥150mg/dl (32.5%) were the dyslipidemias noted. Hypertension was noted in 45% of subjects.
Dysglycemia (IFG/IGT) was seen in 30.5% of subjects. Newly diagnosed Diabetes mellitus was noted in 15.5% of subjects.30% of subjects were overweight(BMI 25-29.9) and 12%obese (BMI>30). Truncal obesity (53.5%) and abdominal Obesity (48%) were noted. Metabolic syndrome was present in 39% of subjects. Family history of premature CHD (4%) was rare. Abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome were significantly higher in women.
Hypertriglyceridemia (TGL≥150mg/dl) and Low HDL<40mg/dl were significantly higher in men.
SUMMARY:
1. Total no of subjects-200. Men-128(64%), women-72(36%)
2. The overall major risk factors were:
(a) physical inactivity (97.5%), (men-96.1%, women-100%),
(b) Dyslipidemia:
HDL - C<40mg/dl-57%, (men-63.3%, women-45.8%),
LDL - C≥130mg/dl-54.5% (men-54.7%, women-54.2%),
Total cholesterol ≥200mg/dl-51% (men-52.3%, women-48.6%),
TGL ≥150 mg/dl - 32.5% (men-37.5%, women-23.6%).
(c) Truncal obesity: 53.5% (men-50%, women-55.1%),
(d) Dysglycemia (IFG/IGT) - 30.5% (men-33.6%,women-25%),
(e) Diabetes mellitus - 15.5% (men-15.6%, women-15.3%)
(f) Abdominal obesity - 48% (men-39.1%, women-63.9%),
(g) Overweight - 30% (men-28.9%, women-31.9%),
(h) obesity - 12% (men-9.4%, women-16.7%),
(h) Smoking - 26% (only in men),
(i) Family H/o premature CHD was rare - 4% (men-3.9%, women-4.2%).
3. Metabolic syndrome -39% (men-32.8%, women-50%) and abdominal obesity significantly more in women.
4. Hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL significantly more in men.
5. Multiple risk factors modifying LDL goal (2+ risk factors) present in 84.4% men, 73.6% women. Two risk factors (32.1% men, 41.6% women) three risk factors (39.8% men , 29.2% women), four risk factor combination (12.5% men, 2.8% women)
6. Framingham 10 year CHD risk score
<10% 10 yr CHD risk-men 32.8%, women 88.9%.
10-20% 10 yr CHD risk-men 46.9%, women 11.1%.
>20% 10 yr CHD risk-men 20.3%, women 0%.
7. Risk categorization:
Low risk (0-1 risk factor) - men 10.9%, women 19.4%.
Moderate risk (2 or more risk factors+ 10 yr risk <10%) - men 10.7%, Women 50%.
Moderately High risk (2 or more risk factors+10 yr risk 10-20%) Men-35.9%, Women-11.1%.
High risk (CHD or CHD risk equivalents/10 year risk>20%)
Men-32.8%, Women-19.5%.
CONCLUSION:
I. Evaluation of coronary heart disease risk factors utilizing (a) Multiple risk,
factor analysis, (b) Framingham 10 year CHD risk score,
(c) Risk categorization according to NCEP-ATP III guidelines was valuable.
It is essential to utilize all these parameters to evaluate coronary heart disease risk factors.
II. This study has highlighted that asymptomatic subjects attending MASTER HEALTH CHECKUP CLINIC had various grades of risk
Factors which required intensive intervention for risk modification utilizing NCEP-ATPIII guidelines. This would be very valuable to select asymptomatic high risk individuals for intensive management. It is also essential that moderate and moderately high risk groups be also targeted for risk management.
III. Metabolic syndrome was present in a significant number of subjects.
Evaluation for metabolic syndrome targets a set of multiple risk factor Groups who might have high or moderate to moderately high risk for CHD which needs intensive management for risk modification.


Background Nucleosomal histones are intracellular proteins that are highly conserved among Leishmania species. After parasite destruction or spontaneous lysis, exposure to these proteins elicits a strong host immune response. In the present study, we analyzed the protective capability of Leishmania infantum chagasi nucleosomal histones against L. braziliensis infection using different immunization strategies. Methodology/Principal Findings BALB/c mice were immunized with either a plasmid DNA cocktail (DNA) containing four Leishmania nucleosomal histones or with the DNA cocktail followed by the corresponding recombinant proteins plus CpG (DNA/Protein). Mice were later challenged with L. braziliensis, in the presence of sand fly saliva. Lesion development, parasite load and the cellular immune response were analyzed five weeks after challenge. Immunization with either DNA alone or with DNA/Protein was able to inhibit lesion development. This finding was highlighted by the absence of infected macrophages in tissue sections. Further, parasite load at the infection site and in the draining lymph nodes was also significantly lower in vaccinated animals. This outcome was associated with increased expression of IFN-γ and down regulation of IL-4 at the infection site. Conclusion The data presented here demonstrate the potential use of L. infantum chagasi nucleosomal histones as targets for the development of vaccines against infection with L. braziliensis, as shown by the significant inhibition of disease development following a live challenge.


Summary Bone transport osteogenesis, as described by Ilizarov, has been used to resolve segmental bone defects in both human and veterinary patients. These defects are created when a large osseous tumour, sequestrum, or non-union fracture is resected. This report documents two cases in which the principle of bone transport osteogenesis was applied by utilising the Ilizarov technique to bridge large osseous defects resulting from debridement of an infected nonunion fracture (case 1) and debridement of a sequestrum (case 2). Defects were treated by transporting either a complete or a hemi-circumferential bone segment. Both cases had resolution of osteomyelitis, satisfactory fracture union, and functional usage of the limb 39 weeks and 15 weeks post-surgery, respectively. Although manageable complications were encountered during the treatment of these cases, the long-term clinical outcome was eventually favorable. The authors believe that bone transport osteogenesis offers a valid restorative option in the treatment of bone defects resulting from extensive debridement and sequestrectomy.


Carbon nanotubes have emerged as the leading candidate of electronic materials used for future nanoscale chemical and molecular sensors. Recently, nanotube field effect transistors (CNFETs) have been exploited as biodetectors of the thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T3). Although significant progress has been towards the development of actual nanotube based sensor devices, the next challenge is to integrate the devices into a single chip. Numerous gate configurations to CNFETs have been proposed, but few have been shown to be effective, and even fewer can be integrated to a chip. An electrolytic "tip" gate design has been shown to be more effective than the conventional backgate geometry. The drawback to the "tip" gate geometry lies in the fact that an external electrode is required to gate the devices. In this paper, a novel integrated gate design is proposed. Lithographically patterned electrodes on the chip surface are fabricated to effectively gate CNFET devices.


This study examines the relationship between academic undermatch theory and the college-going decisions, experiences, and aspirations of first-generation, rural Hispanic community college students in the new destination meatpacking town of Winstead, Kansas. Ethnographic data from rural high school guidance counselors, community college faculty, and students suggest a need to emend the theory to address dynamic contextual factors such as proximity to home, familismo, place attachments, social networks, geographic location, sense of belonging, and academic validation.


BACKGROUND
Home blood pressure (BP) monitoring over a 7-day period is recommended to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension.

METHODS
We determined upper and lower home BP thresholds with >90% positive predictive value and >90% negative predictive value using 1 to 6 days of monitoring to identify high home BP (systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥80 mm Hg) based on 7 days of home BP monitoring. The sample included 361 adults from the Improving the Detection of Hypertension Study who were not taking antihypertensive medication. We used two 7-day periods, at least 3 days apart, the first being a sampling period and the second a reference period. For each number of days in the sampling period, we determined the percentage of participants who had a high likelihood of having (>90% positive predictive value) or not having (>90% negative predictive value) high BP and would not need to continue home BP monitoring. Only the participants in an uncertain category (ie, positive predictive value ≤90% and negative predictive value ≤90%) after each day were carried forward to the next day of home BP monitoring.

RESULTS
Of the 361 participants (mean [SD] age of 41.3 [13.2] years; 60.4% women), 38.0% had high home BP during the reference period. There were 63.7%, 17.1%, 10.5%, 3.3%, 3.6%, and 1.4% participants who would not need to continue after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days of monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS
In most people, high home BP can be identified or excluded with a high degree of confidence with 3 days or less of monitoring.


A fascinating look into the world of men's neckwear, chronicling the style, fabric, and design changes that evolved in the second half of the 20th century. The book features nearly 400 color photographs along with a current price guide. From the slim ties of the late 1950s and early 1960s to the wide and wild Kipper ties of the mid-60s was a dramatic shift. By the late 1970s men's fashion returned to a normal state and designer labels entered the fashion scene in full force. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, retro styles became apparent as manufacturers reproduced abstract and geometric styles of the 1940s and 1950s. As the 1990s progressed, new collectible ties began flooding the market . Collecting men's ties can be extremely entertaining and a real treasure hunt. Whether it be a contemporary example or one worn decades ago, a tie is wearable art!


Laboratory-based courses have long been an integral part of undergraduate curricula in both engineering and basic sciences, and much research has been devoted to gauging and improving their effectiveness. However, particularly in introductory courses with students from different majors and academic backgrounds, conducting successful laboratory experiences continues to entail many challenges, including the mitigation of student frustration level. Studies have shown that frustration may impede progress towards learning goals, and various authors have studied frustration in different settings, such as web-based courses and programming courses. We build upon these ideas by investigating the impact on student frustration of various factors in laboratory-based courses. Our purpose is to identify qualities of successful introductory laboratory experiences which may help mitigate student frustration. Our study focused on two introductory level laboratory courses (College Physics Laboratory I and College Physics Laboratory II) within the ABET-accredited general engineering curriculum at a small (less than 2,000) regional liberal arts college. Total enrollment in these courses was 34 students, primarily freshmen and sophomores (94%), including 17 men and 17 women (50% each). The courses spanned engineering majors (41%) of different concentrations (electrical, mechanical, computer, and industrial), as well as basic sciences majors (59%). Following several of the laboratory sessions, the students filled out a survey. The survey included questions about their frustration level during the experiment, their perception of the duration of the laboratory session, the primary causes of their frustration (equipment or troubleshooting issues, difficulty with theoretical concepts, lack of support from the instructor, confusing lab document, difficulty working with partner, or outside distractions), whether there were any pre-lab exercises and whether these were helpful, whether the instructor's introduction was too brief or too prolonged, as well as their confidence level regarding both the technical and theoretical aspects of the course. We then examined the relationship between the characteristics of their laboratory experience and their self-reported frustration level. The factor that was most often cited as a cause of frustration was difficulties with equipment and troubleshooting, followed by difficulty with concepts from the theory, and confusing lab documents. In fact, in the two laboratory sessions where the average frustration level was rated as highest, 78% of the students cited equipment issues as a cause of frustration. Interestingly, for the experiment with the highest average frustration level, the second leading cause was confusing lab documents (61% of the students). This points towards the necessity to place particular emphasis on clear documents for introductory laboratory courses, as well as spending more time helping students with instrumentation and troubleshooting. The students generally felt that the 15-minute introduction by the instructor was appropriate and that, when assigned, pre-lab exercises were helpful. Students' confidence level about the technical aspects of the course correlated inversely with frustration level, but their confidence level about the theoretical aspects Page 25629.2 of the course did not show a clear trend. These results can help craft introductory laboratory experiences with lower student frustration levels.


ABSTRACT Glaciers in central Svalbard are retreating since their Little Ice Age maximum, dated in the area to around 1900. Past areal extent of glaciers can confidently be reconstructed based on end moraine position. However, reconstructions of thickness and volume of glaciers remain relatively more complicated and uncertain. In this study, past changes in thickness and volume of the Ferdinand Glacier was reconstructed based on Structure-from-Motion techniques and field dGPS measurements in combination with analysis of historic photos from 1908 and aerial photos from 1938. According to the comparison of the historic and recent photograph, the 1908 glacier front height was estimated to 50 m and the glacier volume to 91.5 mil m3 and the 1938 glacier volume estimated to 76.1 mil m3, in comparison to 6.29 mil m3 in 2014. This means more than 90% loss of volume since 1938. Melting of the glacier in the first half of the twentieth century resulted in thinning and lowering of the glacier surface together with substantial ice volume loss, whereas the areal extent was almost not affected. Considering the 2014 mean ice thickness, together with ongoing climate warming, it is likely that the Ferdinand Glacier will completely disappear within the next 30 years.


meticulous detail, and the superiority of a potent antacid, or cimetidine, over placebo is not in question. There is, however, the problem of translating the absolutes of controlled trials into the therapeutics of peptic ulcer. The design of both studies favoured exaggerated remission rates for active and placebo therapy, and it is unlikely that similar rates would have been achieved had patients been enrolled on ulcer healing. Double blind randomised, placebo controlled maintenance studies, embellished by a plethora of data on frequency of routine endoscopy, definition of ulcer recurrence, asymptomatic recurrence, smoking, duration of disease, previous active therapy etc. have, over the years, assumed an almost unchallengeable mystique. The list of variables, however, is an evolving one. Campyxlobacter pylori, parietal cell sensitivity on ulcer healing'" and urinary bismuth levels"' have recently been suggested, and to these must now be added the time interval between recent ulcer healing and entry into study. As the majority of recurrences occur within the first few months after ulcer healing, we would suggest that the time interval between healing aind entry be considered before trying to compare lapples with pears. Ideally, maintenance studies should only include patients enrolled immediately after endoscopic healing aind withdrawal of the healing agent.


Some new aspects are studied for the following general problem: what spectra of frequencies enable one to represent an arbitrary function as a?series in the corresponding harmonics. Of particular interest is the `analytic' situation in which only positive frequencies are used.


Abstract This study aims to assess the importance of clients in multi-scalar networks leading to learning competence and knowledge exchange. Furthermore, the difficulties encountered by firms located in a peripheral and marginally innovative area in signing commercial agreements with partners located in distant regions are tackled. Our findings, based on qualitative interviews, reveal that clients are considered to be the most important partners by the founders, owners and professionals of software firms located in the marginally innovative province of Lecce (southeastern Italy). Furthermore, being located in a peripheral area is not seen as a limitation from the technical–infrastructural viewpoint thanks to the opportunity offered by new technologies (e.g. the Internet) and computer-mediated communications. Conversely, the contracting of business agreements with partners located in distant markets is negatively influenced by the geographical distance from potential clients due to the need for previous acquaintance or face-to-face contact engendering trust.


Background

Across various intersectional lines, including race, class and gender, domestic work is profoundly exploitative than other comparable occupations. The private household, within which domestic workers (DWs) work and function, provides for a space of complex and nuanced dynamics of power. According to the International Labour Organization there are more than 65 million DWs in the world, and Africa is the third largest employer of DWs, with more than 5.2 million DWs reported. The inception of the Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189) (C189) in 2011 sought to protect DWs from all forms of exploitation and discrimination in the workplace, the convention brought global attention to the violation of their human rights and inequalities within the domestic work sector. Although there are more than 5.2 million DWs in Africa, 39/46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have not ratified this convention. Due to the extremely low ratification of the C189 and scanty evidence on the power relations between DWs and their employers in SSA, this scoping review is relevant to detect the extent and characteristics of domestic work in SSA since the introduction of C189 in September 2011.
Methods

The literature that will be included in this scoping review are published peer-reviewed articles, grey literature from relevant departmental websites, humanitarian organisations and theses. Electronic searches of databases and search engines such as Google, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, EBSCO Discovery Service, Scopus, World Bank and International Labour Organization (ILO) for literature published between September 2011-2021. Other search engines will include screening citations and references of appearing literature within the stipulated time period. All retrieved literature will be exported to an Endnote X9 library. Duplicate documents will be deleted prior to commencement of title screening. An adapted Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT), developed in a Google form, will be used by two reviewers to quality assess and describe all included studies (qualitative, mixed methods and quantitative).
Discussion

We anticipate mapping relevant literature on the power relations between domestic workers and their employers in sub-Saharan Africa. Once analysis and summary is finalised, the data will be useful to guide future research.


The study aimed at how intergenerational learning can be utilized as eco-literacy approach for preservation of endangered trees in Onicha Igboeze, Ebonyi State. Three research objectives and three research questions guided the study. The study was a qualitative research and it adopted narrative inquiry design. The population of the study is forty-one (41) community chieftains and all were sampled for the study. The instrument used for data collection was interview schedule. Data analysis was carried out by transcribing voices obtained from audio-recording into text-based format. Findings reveal that traditionally, tree planting is rooted in the traditional belief system of the people; that respondents were of the view that disappearance of tree is basically due to modernity, western religion; and that the respondents are not adequately environmentally literate. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that awareness of replanting of trees should be intensified; and that government and other stake holders in the environment should intensify efforts toward provision of eco-literacy programme that is based on intergenerational learning approach at community level.


A transformed human B cell line, LA350, was found to be sensitive to cAMP-elevating agents by responding with rapid (0 to 2 h) severalfold elevations of intracellular cAMP to treatment with cholera toxin, isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), forskolin, and dibutyryl cAMP (all p less than 0.001). These cAMP-elevating agents also produced significant inhibitions of subsequent (48 to 72 h) Ig secretion by the same B cells as measured by a reverse hemolytic plaque assay and an enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay for IgM (both p less than 0.001). PMA- and IBMX-treated cells were particularly responsive to the effects of cholera toxin, showing a doubling of cAMP content and profound decrease in Ig production (p less than 0.001). Because our previous studies had correlated activation of the metabolic turnover of the phosphatidylcholine (PC) fraction of membrane phospholipids with enhanced Ig secretion, we examined the sensitivity of PC metabolism to cAMP in control and PMA-stimulated cells. Formation of PC was found to be inhibited by forskolin and IBMX (both p less than 0.002) but breakdown of PC was stimulated (p less than 0.001). These findings imply that as the enzymatic products of PC, choline phosphate and diacylglycerol, are depleted due to the combined effects of cAMP upon synthesis and turnover of PC, there is a decrease in Ig secretion. Since diacylglycerol activates protein kinase C, it appears reasonable that Ig secretion is at least partially regulated by cAMP-responsive alterations in PC metabolism produced by protein kinase C-induced phosphorylation. We conclude that the early cAMP-sensitive changes in PC metabolism in this activated B cell line may signal for subsequent alterations in Ig secretion.


Author(s): Klotsko, Shannon Angelina | Advisor(s): Driscoll, Neal W | Abstract: Understanding modern process that shape continental margins has both scientific and societal relevance. By studying modern marine deposits, where the stratigraphy can be imaged at unprecedented scales and accurately dated with radiocarbon techniques, we can assess the link between the forcing factors and the consequent deposit. Toward this goal, this thesis presents geological and geophysical data that provide new insights into how different forcing mechanisms (e.g., sea level fluctuations, tectonic deformation, climate variability, glacial lake drainage) shaped continental margins. Three different margins were examined: San Onofre, CA, Block Island Sound, RI, and the Beaufort Margin, Arctic Ocean. In San Onofre, CHIRP data on the shelf imaged multiple transgressive deposits that gave insights into their controlling processes. Although numerous faults dissect the area, there is no evidence of recent activity or deformation on the fault systems offshore San Onofre. Instead, the rate of sea level rise, sediment supply, and preexisting morphology were found to be the controlling factors in sediment dispersal. Compressional features were imaged along the Cristianitos fault that runs from onshore to offshore in the study area. This suggests that the fault is actually a strike-slip fault with a down-to-the-northwest dip-slip component, versus a simple normal fault as purported.In Block Island Sound, CHIRP data, scanned 3.5 kHz seismic profiles, and bathymetry data provide important insights into the morphologic evolution of the sound and the draining manner of glacial lakes that formerly occupied Block Island Sound and neighboring Long Island Sound. Architecture of sediment units imaged in the seismic data and erosive features imaged by bathymetry data suggest a rapid draining of the glacial lakes. Only partial infill of erosive features in Block Island Sound suggests a rapid transgression and/or a lack of modern sediment deposition.Along the Beaufort Margin, seismic data and sediment cores were used to constrain the deglacial history of the area. Oxygen isotopes document a large input of freshwater that entered the Arctic via the Mackenzie River. Timing of this event correlates with the onset of the Younger Dryas cold period, suggesting that this flood may have triggered the attendant climate cool period. This study reveals that the slope west of the Mackenzie River has higher rates of Holocene sedimentation, suggesting it is influenced more by Barrow Canyon and continental runoff. The slope east of the Mackenzie River has a much stronger record of Mackenzie input, including a rapid depositional event. Ice rafted debris from the Amundsen Gulf is observed throughout most of the margin, but more prevalent in the eastern Beaufort.


The COVID-19 pandemic had severe impacts in Latin America, with small businesses intensely affected. Beyond its economic consequences, the pandemic also exacerbated structural flaws in some of the region's weakly institutionalised democracies, diminishing State legitimacy and expanding that of organised criminal groups. In considering how State governance from above is challenged by non-state governance from below, this article examines a "pandemic micropolitics" as seen through the lens of support to the small business sector. We outline a framework to understand co-governance in hybrid political orders during crises; and examine this using case studies of urban informal markets and the transport sector in El Salvador. In showing that the pandemic contributed to a renegotiation of co-governance between the State, criminal organisations, and business associations, we contribute to understandings of the dynamics of distributive politics and the co-governance of crisis; and the potential implications for a post-COVID-19 political economy in Latin America.


Interdisciplinary research provides inspirations and insights into how a variety of disciplines can contribute to the formulation of an alternative path to artificial cognition systems. The chapter suggests that results from ethology, evolutionary theory and epistemology can be condensed into four boundary conditions. They lead to the outline of an architecture for genuine cognitive systems, which seeks to overcome traditional problems known from artificial intelligence research. Two major points are stressed: (a) the maintenance of explanatory power by favoring an advanced rule-based system rather than neuronal systems, and (b) the organizational closure of the cognitive apparatus, which has far-reaching implications for the creation of meaningful agents. IntroductIon


Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) gregsoni Lindquist, Wu, and Redner, a species of hard tick described in 1999 in Canada, was recovered from a harvested fisher (Martes pennanti Erxleben) and a domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus Ragni and Randi) in Vermont in 2001 and from harvested mink (Mustela vison Schreber) in Maine in 2003. These samples are the first records of this species within the United States. Although knowledge of this tick's natural history and distribution are still preliminary, these records indicate a possible greater distribution for I. gregsoni than initially perceived. Although its status as a disease vector is presently unknown, natural resource professionals should be aware of the possibility of this tick's occurrence in the northeastern United States.


Summary: Although the importance of human mobility in the spread of infectious disease has been recognized for quite some time, surprisingly little attention has been given to older adults' travel‐related HIV risk behavior. This essay discusses the importance of studying the role travel and tourism play in the spread of HIV infection in older adults, reviewing select research on travel/tourism and HIV risk and highlighting the theoretical and methodological challenges confronting researchers in this area.


Silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWAs) are fabricated on polished pyramids of textured Si using an aqueous chemical etching method. The silicon nanowires themselves or hybrid structures of nanowires and pyramids both show strong anti-reflectance abilities in the wavelength region of 300–1000 nm, and reflectances of 2.52% and less than 8% are achieved, respectively. A 12.45% SiNWAs-textured solar cell (SC) with a short circuit current of 34.82 mA/cm2 and open circuit voltage (Voc) of 594 mV was fabricated on 125 × 125 mm2 Si using a conventional process including metal grid printing. It is revealed that passivation is essential for hybrid structure textured SCs, and Voc can be enlarged by 28.6% from 420 V to 560 mV after the passivation layer is deposited. The loss mechanism of SiNWA SC was investigated in detail by systematic comparison of the basic parameters and external quantum efficiency (EQE)of samples with different fabrication processes. It is proved that surface passivation and fabrication of a metal grid are critical for high efficiency SiNWA SC, and the performance of SiNWA SC could be improved when fabricated on a substrate with an initial PN junction.


In semi‐arid savannas, dominance of intercanopy space by annual or perennial grasses may alter partitioning of ecosystem water and carbon fluxes and affect ecosystem water use efficiency (WUEe), the ratio of net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange (NEE) to evapotranspiration (ET). To establish if these contrasting growth habits changed controls to WUEe, we tracked volumetric soil moisture (θ25cm), ET and transpiration (T), NEE and its constituent ecosystem respiration (Reco) and gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP) fluxes, and community water use efficiency (WUEc = GEP : T) in annual‐dominated and bunchgrass‐dominated plots in a southern Arizona, United States, savanna. Annual and bunchgrass plots had similar θ25cm, ET, and T, suggesting the similarity in ET was due to higher soil evaporation in annual plots. Seasonal NEE was delayed and lower in annual plots compared with that in bunchgrass plots, owing to higher Reco in annual plots. Transpiration, GEP, and Reco in both vegetation types increased following late‐season rain, indicating similar late‐season phenological constraint. WUEe was lower in annual plots, but with similar WUEc between plot types. These results suggest that differences in annual plant biomass allocation and plot‐level leaf area distribution increased proportional soil evaporation and aboveground Reco contributions, reducing plot‐level WUEe, not lowering plant WUE typical of arid‐land annuals. Lower plot‐level WUEe suggests that any increase in annual plant dominance would increase interannual variation of productivity in savanna intercanopy spaces, which could enhance the negative effects of predicted higher temperatures, greater aridity, and larger and more widely spaced storms on arid‐land watershed processes. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.


ABSTRACT The Willet (Tringa semipalmata; Scolopacidae) is composed of 2 morphologically and vocally distinct subspecies with broadly disjunct breeding distributions in North America. Nominate T. s. semipalmata breeds in coastal salt and brackish marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of eastern North America and the West Indies, and T. s. inornata breeds in wet grasslands and prairies in the northwestern interior of North America. To assess divergence and test for hybridization between the 2 subspecies, we sampled breeding and wintering populations and collected morphological data, mitochondrial DNA sequences from the ND2 locus, and nuclear DNA sequences from genomic libraries enriched for ultraconserved elements (UCEs). Mitochondrial haplotypes were reciprocally monophyletic between the 2 subspecies and indicated divergence approximately 700,000 yr ago. The UCE dataset included 4,635 loci containing 19,322 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and, based on these data, individuals clustered by subspecies with no evidence of admixture between them and no substructure within subspecies. We identified 42 nuclear loci that contained SNPs fixed for alternate alleles between the 2 subspecies. Of the 42 loci with fixed differences, a statistically disproportional 17 were Z-linked, indicating a role for sexual selection in the divergence of the 2 subspecies. Genetic, morphological, ecological, and behavioral differences suggest that the 2 Willet subspecies may merit treatment as separate species. Further studies are needed to determine the presence of pre- or post-mating reproductive isolation.


If liver metastases are diffuse and spread out in the two lobes of the liver, the question remains as to which treatment should be given. Experimental studies showed that when a tumor grows, its vascular pattern becomes mainly arterial. However, if the tumor is still increasing, its center becomes progressively necrotic. After hepatic artery ligation the blood flow of the liver metastases decreases by 90% in the tumor but depriving the arterial circulation of the tumor is not sufficient to achieve a complete cure since the portal blood supply always saves a rim of neoplastic cells around the necrotic area. On the other hand, local infusion of chemotherapy for liver metastases by the arterial route showed a response rate varying between 34 and 70% and the median survival varying between 8 and 17 months. When FUdR chemotherapy was administered using a totally implantable drug infusion pump no improvement in the survival was observed and moreover a high level of toxicity was described including hepatitis and biliary sclerosis. A combined therapy seems a rational approach to treat tumor cells in surviving to the arterial ligation by perfusing the liver with cytotoxic drugs via the portal vein. Taylor's study was very promising but a randomized phase III clinical trial led by the gastrointestinal cancer group of the EORTC with the aim to evaluate the effectiveness of hepatic artery ligation and portal infusion of 5-FU did not show any difference in the survival of the treated patients when compared with patients treated by hepatic artery ligation alone. 77 patients were registered. Data are now available for 55 patients, respectively 30 and 25 patients in the treated group and in the control group. In both groups the median time to progression was 6 months and the median survival time was 12 months. 20% of the patients treated by hepatic artery ligation and portal chemotherapy had a response, one of them with a complete response, 5 with partial response and 14 patients without significant change in the size of their metastases. On the contrary, in the group treated by hepatic artery ligation alone, only one patient had a partial response with 13 patients having no change in the size of their metastases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


OBJECTIVE
We set out to assess whether hyperproinsulinaemia is an early finding in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We measured plasma proinsulin and C-peptide responses during a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and in the hyperglycaemic clamp in 21 normoglycaemic offspring of LADA patients testing positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GADA) or islet cell antibodies (ICA), and in 17 healthy control subjects without a family history of diabetes.

RESULTS
The study groups had comparable areas under the curves of blood glucose, plasma proinsulin, C-peptide and proinsulin/C-peptide in the OGTT. However, the offspring of LADA patients had higher proinsulin/C-peptide in the hyperglycaemic clamp (P < 0.01 versus the control group). The offspring of GADA-positive LADA patients (n = 9) had higher proinsulin and proinsulin/C-peptide than did the control group in the OGTT (P < 0.05 for both comparisons) and in the hyperglycaemic clamp (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 respectively). They also had higher proinsulin than the offspring of ICA-positive LADA patients (n = 12) (P < 0.001) in the hyperglycaemic clamp. The offspring of ICA-positive LADA patients did not clearly show hyperproinsulinaemia during the tests, but they had lower maximal glucose-stimulated insulin secretory capacity than the control group (P < 0.05) and the offspring of GADA-positive LADA patients (P < 0.05) in the hyperglycaemic clamp.

CONCLUSIONS
These results suggested that insulin secretion in the offspring of GADA-positive LADA patients is characterised by subtle defects in the processing of insulin precursors. Furthermore, various proinsulin responses among the offspring of LADA patients with different autoimmune markers provided further evidence that LADA is a heterogeneous disorder.


Visual Abstract Hyperthyroidism is often managed with radioactive iodine therapy. The dose of 131I administered to the patient is based on the calculated size of the thyroid gland in grams and 24-h iodine uptake. Ultrasonography is a validated modality for determination of thyroid volume. Though necessary for assessing the degree of 123I uptake, nuclear scintigraphy also allows for estimating thyroid volume. Here we compare volume measurements calculated on the basis of ultrasonography and nuclear scintigraphy in a cohort of hyperthyroid patients. Methods: This prospective study was designed to evaluate 110 consecutive hyperthyroidism patients who were undergoing thyroid ultrasonography and 123I scintigraphy. Scintigraphy was performed after oral administration of approximately 11 MBq of 123I-sodium, and uptake at 2 and 24 h was measured. At 24 h, thyroid scintigraphy was performed using a nuclear medicine camera with a low-energy high-resolution collimator next to the patient's chin. Thyroid measurements were calculated via the formula for determining a prolate ellipsoid. The formula was modified for radioactive iodine uptake because it is a planar image. Volumes calculated with these 2 modalities were subsequently analyzed and compared by linear regression. All patients had undergone ultrasonography at an average of 3 mo from nuclear scanning. All our patients' 131I dosages were based on the thyroid measurements obtained by thyroid scintigraphy. Results: We included 110 patients (95 women, 15 men) with an age range of 20–95 y and an average age of 56 ± 17.4 y. Diagnoses included 66 cases of nodular goiter and 44 of Graves disease. There was a linear relationship between measurement of thyroid gland weight by the 2 modalities, which can be explained in the following formula: log US (g) = 0.84 + [0.65 × log NM (g)], where NM is thyroid scintigraphy and US is ultrasonography. Conclusion: We have validated that this method has helped obtain more accurate measurements of the thyroid gland by thyroid scintigraphy. Additionally, we have derived factors that convert the estimated thyroid volume calculated from thyroid scintigraphy to the expected ultrasonography value.


The peer review process relies on the professionalism and generosity of those who contribute their time to read and evaluate the work of others. The Editor thanks the following scholars, who served as manuscript reviewers between August 15, 2004 and August 14, 2005.


High-speed digital signal integrity at data rates above 6 Gb/s is an obstacle to reliable serial link operation. Two signal integrity challenges include dispersion due to frequency-dependent losses and reflections created at impedance mismatches. Signal integrity analysis relies on time-domain simulation of pseudo-random data patterns. This paper explores a predictive method for interconnect eye closure caused by reflections at the transmitter and receiver and does not require extensive time domain simulation. Worst-case bounds on intersymbol interference and data-dependent jitter aid prediction for link budgets under channel variations. This method is applied to the design of a passive equalizer.


The most well-studied, but not single factor of COLD development is smoking. Occupational hazards as organic and inorganic dust are underevaluated risk factor of COLD. Smoking increased unfavorable effects of occupational hazards. Interesting for the study are the patients with combination of pneumoconiosis and COLD, severe concomitant diseases and decompensated complications--chronic cardiac failure and chronic lung failure. These patients have lower life quality, more frequent infectious exacerbations of COLD and pneumonias--that remains a significant medical and social problem. At present, pneumonia occupies 4-5th place in lethal outcomes structure. Pneumo 23--polysaccharide 23-valent vaccine--covers main serotypes of pneumococcus causing diseases of severe clinical course. In the study, the patients were injected with Pneumo 23 along with basic COLD therapy, were observed over 5 years and demonstrated reliable decrease of acute respiratory infections, COLD exacerbations and pneumonias. Those exacerbations and pneumonias had less severe course. Number of the exacerbations requiring hospitalization also decreased.


The simultaneous effect of small deformation and short-range van der Waals attraction on the coalescence efficiency of two different-sized slowly sedimenting drops is considered. For spherical drops, it has been shown previously that the tangential mobility of drop surfaces makes collision possible even without van der Waals attraction; on the other hand, even a small amount of deformation precludes drops from coming into contact unless van der Waals attraction is accounted for. In the present work, the conditions are delineated when these two small-scale factors, acting in opposite directions, have a considerable combined effect on the coalescence efficiency. The problem is solved by matched asymptotic expansions valid for small capillary numbers (Ca). The outer solution, for two spherical drops moving in apparent contact without van der Waals attraction, determines the contact force as a function of time. This force is used as the driving force for the inner solution of the relevant integro-differential thin-film equations (coupling the flow in the small-gap region to that inside the drops) to determine whether coalescence occurs during the apparent contact motion. The initial gap profile for the inner solution is provided by matching with the outer trajectory for spherical drops approaching contact. The analysis shows that, for Ca[Lt ]1, the near-contact deformation is mainly axisymmetric, greatly simplifying the inner solution; nevertheless, determination of the critical horizontal offsets leading to coalescence and the parametric analysis are computationally very intensive. To facilitate these tasks, a substantially new, highly efficient, and absolutely stable numerical method for solving stiff thin-film equations is developed. Unlike for spherical drops, when the upstream intersection area is a circle, the existence of a second coalescence zone for deformable drops is found over much of the parameter space. Results are mapped out for a range of four dimensionless parameters (capillary number, size and drop-to-medium viscosity ratios, dimensionless Hamaker parameter). As a physical application, predicted coalescence efficiencies are shown for a system of ethyl salicylate drops in diethylene glycol. The present solution extends the range of drop sizes where the coalescence efficiencies are known theoretically and can be used in drop population dynamics. Comparison with full three-dimensional boundary-integral calculations for deformable drops without van der Waals attraction is also made to demonstrate that, when the drop-to-medium viscosity ratio is of the order of unity, the present asymptotic approach is valid in a wide range of small and moderately small capillary numbers.


PurposeThe technological progress has made it possible to transform a physical good into a digital one. This development has influenced international trade and a large volume of these digitisable items are increasingly crossing national boundaries. Goods like books, music and games which were earlier traded physically are now traded online. Digitalisation is reducing the cost of engaging in international trade, connecting businesses and consumers globally, helping to diffuse ideas and technologies and facilitating the coordination of global value chains. The emerging avenues of trade and its format supplemented with fast and ever-changing technology have posed a serious challenge for the policymakers around the world. Policymakers are grappling with several issues regarding digital trade for quite a long time but failed to provide any solution. Institutions like WTO and OECD are also seized with this matter. Yet, we do not have any correct assessment of the potential volume of digital trade. Second, due to the moratorium signed in WTO countries are unable to impose any duty of digital trade. South Asian region which is a net importer of these items loses a huge amount of revenue. Hence, in this study, we make an attempt to assess the potential volume of digital trade in South Asia. The study further tries to estimate the possible loss of tax revenue incurred by this region during the last decade. For both South Asia and India the results for actual import figure are found to be less than the estimated value. A gap of around US$1 billion was found between the actual and estimated import of India, while for South Asia it was the US$ 7 billion.Design/methodology/approachFor estimation, the study largely follows Banga (2019) and extends the methodology further to estimate the tariff revenue loss. Following Banga (2019) the study identifies a list of goods that can be traded in both digitally or physically. In other words, a list of digitisable goods is prepared. Then their import by the South Asian region is measured. Then we examine the tariffs imposed by the individual South Asian countries on the physical trade of these items. The estimation is done by projecting the value of the global physical imports of digitisable products from 2011 to 2017 would have been without digitalisation and what the actual global imports are with digitalisation in this period. The difference between the two gives estimates of total digital imports by the region. The total physical imports of digitisable products in the period 2011–2017 are estimated applying the cumulative growth rate (CAGR) of regional imports of these products over the period 1998–2010. The difference between the estimated physical imports and the actual physical imports provides the estimates of digital imports. Finally, the summation of the tariffs for each of the items gives us the possible figure that the countries are losing by not imposing customs duties.FindingsThe study finds globally an estimated value of digitise items to be US$246 billion which is around the US$100 billion higher than the actual value of $147 billion during 2017. For both South Asian region and India estimated import is found to be higher than the actual value. The study estimated an import of $1 billion and $7 billion took place during 2017 in India and South Asia respectively.Originality/valueDigital trade is undoubtedly one of the highest debated topics in international trade forums. Experts from both academic and corporate discourse are seized with this matter. Policymakers around the globe are poised with this issue to develop a comprehensive policy framework which facilitates the growth of the sector and at the same time safeguard the interest of the stakeholders. South Asian nations like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are also grappling with this. In this background, it becomes utmost important to estimate the loss that they are incurring to take an informed policy decision.


In this paper, a polymer-based composite material was prepared by hand Lay-up method consisting of epoxy resin as a base material reinforced by magnesium oxide powder once and silicon dioxide powder again and with different weight ratios (3, 6, 9 and 12) wt %. The three-point bending test was performed in normal conditions and after immersion in sulfuric acid. The results showed that the bending value decreased with the increase of the weighted ratio of the reinforcement material (MgO, SiO2). The Bending of samples reinforced by SiO2 was found to be less than the bending of samples reinforced by particles (MgO). For example, the bending of the SiO2 sample (0.32 mm) at the weighted ratio (3%) and for the MgO (0.18mm) sample at the weight ratio were the same weighted load (100 g). It was found that the bending values of all samples exceeded the value after immersion in sulfuric acid. For example, the percentage of weight (6%) at the load level (500 g) was changed from 1.16 mm in normal conditions to 1.48mm for the same weight ratio after immersion. In sulfuric acid diluted with 0.3N for 10 days at the same applied load.


We investigated the effects of bear viewing and photography on brown bears (Ursus arctos) that used open habitats at Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve (KNPP), Alaska. We also investigated how bear use of the area varied with season, human presence, and time of day. We found that the mean number of bears present varied significantly with season, time of day, and human presence. There were significantly more bears present before the salmon season than during the salmon season; bear numbers increased significantly during the day, and there were significantly more bears when humans were present. Humans at varying distances least affected activity budgets of sows with spring cubs, but foraging efficiency (bites per minute) of sows with spring cubs was significantly lower with humans <50 m away than with humans absent. Fishing success (chases per catch) of large males and single bears was lower when humans were present, but fishing success of sows with spring and older cubs was higher when humans were present. We conclude that humans are affecting brown bears that use Hallo Bay and therefore the Katmai NPP Bear Management Plan is being violated as well as the act establishing the National Park Service. We recommend that managers at KNPP restrict visitor use at Hallo Bay and enforce existing policy.


A common problem for high risk industries such as mining is how to provide effective safety related training. Virtual reality simulation offers the opportunity to develop perceptual expertise, perceptuo-motor skills, and cognitive skills such as problem-solving, and decision-making under stress, without exposing trainees or others to unacceptable risks. This review examines the evidence for the effectiveness of virtual reality as a medium for safety related training in mining. Evidence exists to demonstrate the effectiveness of virtual reality as a medium for safety related training in a range of other industries (e.g. training perceptuo-motor skills of pilots, surgeons, and drivers of a range of vehicles; maintenance inspection tasks; spatial awareness for specific locations; and improved decision making under stress). However, no satisfactory systematic evaluation of performance changes, or transfer of learning, has been undertaken in mining contexts, with almost all previous evaluations restricted to usability of the simulation and subjective trainee responses. Where performance changes as a consequence of training have been assessed, the evaluations have utilised poor evaluation designs, and very small numbers of trainees. A large scale, systematic, evaluation of the outcomes of safety related training via virtual mining environments is required to inform future practice.


Public evaluations are popular because some research questions can only be answered by turning "to the wild." Different approaches place experimenters in different roles during deployment, which has implications for the kinds of data that can be collected and the potential bias introduced by the experimenter. This paper expands our understanding of how experimenter roles impact public evaluations and provides an empirical basis to consider different evaluation approaches. We completed an evaluation of a playful gesture-controlled display not to understand interaction at the display but to compare different evaluation approaches. The conditions placed the experimenter in three roles, steward observer, overt observer, and covert observer, to measure the effect of experimenter presence and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.


The present study was carried out to elucidate the chemopreventive potential of methanol extract of Dicranopteris linearis (MEDL) in a two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model due to the interrelated inflammation, oxidative stress and tumor promotion pathways. MEDL was prepared in a dose range of 30 to 300 mg/kg body weight. A total of 48 imprinting control region (ICR) female mice (6 to 8 weeks old) were randomly assorted into six groups. To induce skin tumor formation, a single topical application of
7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) at 100 μg/100 μl was applied to the shaved dorsal region of mice, followed by repetitive administration of 1% croton oil, twice weekly for 15 weeks. Topical application of MEDL, 30 min prior to the croton oil application significantly reduced the tumor incidence to 12.5% in 300 mg/kg MEDL-treated group as compared to 87.5% in carcinogen control. The latency
period of tumor formation was increased from sixth week in the carcinogen control to ninth and fifteenth weeks in 100 and 300 mg/kg MEDL-treated groups, respectively. The tumor burden of MEDL-treated groups (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) were significantly lessen (5.67 ± 1.28, 5.00 ± 1.13, and 1.00 ± 0.13), as compared to carcinogen control (7.86 ± 2.37). The tumor volume was also significantly reduced from 9.00 ± 2.27 mm3 in carcinogen control to 3.70 ± 0.96, 2.39 ± 0.54 and 0.26 ± 0.03 mm3 in 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg MEDL-treated groups, respectively. In conclusion, the MEDL exhibited anti-carcinogenic effect in a dose-dependent manner, indicating its chemopreventive potential, which worth further study.


An efficient scheme is presented for embedding a complete binary tree architecture in a two-dimensional array of processing elements. The scheme utilizes almost 100% of the processing elements in the array as actual computing elements, with small and asymptotically optimal propagation delay. The maximum edge length is optimal for trees with up to six levels. The scheme is compared with other designs proposed in the literature and shown to be significantly better.<<ETX>>


All-atom molecular dynamics simulations were employed for the study of the structure and dynamics of aqueous electrolyte solutions within slit-shaped silica nanopores with a width of 10.67 A at ambient temperature. All simulations were conducted for 250 ns to capture the dynamics of ion adsorption and to obtain the equilibrium distribution of multiple ionic species (Na+, Cs+, and Cl(-)) within the pores. The results clearly support the existence of ion-specific effects under confinement, which can be explained by the properties of interfacial water. Cl(-) strongly adsorbs onto the silica surface. Although neither Na+ nor Cs+ is in contact with the solid surface, they show ion-specific behavior. The differences between the density distributions of cations within the pore are primarily due to size effects through their interaction with confined water molecules. The majority of Na+ ions appear within one water layer in close proximity to the silica surface, whereas Cs+ is excluded from well-defined water layers. As a consequence of this preferential distribution, we observe enhanced in-plane mobility for Cs+ ions, found near the center of the pore, compared to that for Na+ ions, closer to the solid substrate. These observations illustrate the key role of interfacial water in determining ion-specific effects under confinement and have practical importance in several fields, from geology to biology.


The present paper describes a reverse phase HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of Trifluoperazine and Isopropamide from their combined tablet dosage form. The proposed RP-HPLC method utilizes an Agilent Zorbax, C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5μm particle size) using a mobile phase consisting of mixture of Buffer: Acetonitrile (80: 20 v/v) mobile phase flow rate of 0.8 ml/min; and UV detection at 227nm. The retention time for Trifluoperazine and Isopropamide were 2.4 and 3.62 minutes respectively. The method was linear in the range of 40-120μg/ml and 100-300μg/ml and correlation coefficients were 1.00 and 1.00 for Trifluoperazine and Isopropamide respectively. The limit of detection was found to be 2.963 and 2.985µg/ml for Trifluoperazine and Isopropamide respectively. Limit of quantification was found to be 9.877 and 9.9502 for Trifluoperazine and Isopropamide respectively. The percentage recoveries for Trifluoperazine and Isopropamide ranged from 100.03-100.36% and 100.00-100.07 % respectively. The percentage of RSD for precision of the method was found to be less than 2%. The proposed method can be used for the routine analysis for the estimation of these drugs in combined dosage form.


The aim of this study was to show the effect of KCNJ5 mutational status on arterial stiffness in aldosterone-producing adenomas after adrenalectomy. Between February 2008 and January 2010, we prospectively enrolled 108 aldosterone-producing adenoma patients undergoing adrenalectomy. We conducted repeated measurements of pulse wave velocity at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after adrenalectomy, grouped by KCNJ5 mutational status. Prognostic factors of arterial stiffness and risk for hypertension at 12 months after adrenalectomy were analyzed after propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio. After matching for age, sex and body mass index, 88 patients were divided equally into KCNJ5-mutant and non-mutant groups. KCNJ5 mutational status was not an independent variable in either the generalized estimating equation model (p = 0.147) or the percentage change of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (p = 0.106). The generalized additive model smoothing plot showed that aldosterone-producing adenoma patients who carried the KCNJ5 mutation and were aged between 37 and 60 may have a hypertension recovery advantage. According to our observations during a 12-month follow-up after adrenalectomy, KCNJ5 mutational status was not associated with improvement in arterial stiffness.


The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) is the largest existing spectroscopic survey telescope, having 32 scientific charge-coupled-device (CCD) cameras for acquiring spectra. Stability and automation of the camera-control software are essential, but cannot be provided by the existing system. The Remote Telescope System 2nd Version (RTS2) is an open-source and automatic observatory-control system. However, all previous RTS2 applications were developed for small telescopes. This paper focuses on implementation of an RTS2-based camera-control system for the 32 CCDs of LAMOST. A virtual camera module inherited from the RTS2 camera module is built as a device component working on the RTS2 framework. To improve the controllability and robustness, a virtualized layer is designed using the master-slave software paradigm, and the virtual camera module is mapped to the 32 real cameras of LAMOST. The new system is deployed in the actual environment and experimentally tested. Finally, multiple observations are conducted using this new RTS2-framework-based control system. The new camera-control system is found to satisfy the requirements for automatic camera control in LAMOST. This is the first time that RTS2 has been applied to a large telescope, and provides a referential solution for full RTS2 introduction to the LAMOST observatory control system.


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