Postharvest pitting, which has severely affected citrus quality, can be caused by wax application and high temperature storage. Internal volatile composition of waxed and non-waxed fruit could be an indicator of fruit susceptibility to postharvest pitting. In this study, volatile composition was compared between pitted and non-pitted 'Fallglo∑ tangerines (Bower citrus hybrid (citrus reticulata Blanco x C. reticulata Blanco x C. paradisi Macf.) x Temple (C. reticulata Blanco x C. sinensis L.)), as well as in white 'Marsh∑ grapefruit (C. paradisi Macf.). Pitted fruit had a higher volatile concentration than non-pitted 'Fallglo∑ tangerines or white 'Marsh∑ grapefruit. Concentrations of camphene, ethyl hexanoate, alpha-phellandrene, 3-carene, alpha-terpinene, p-cymene, and limonene were higher in pitted white 'Marsh∑ grapefruit than in those of non-pitted fruit. In 'Fallglo∑ tangerines, higher concentrations of limonene and citronellal were found in pitted fruits than in non- pitted fruit. In peel samples of grapefruit, seven different volatiles (methanol, ocimene, citronellyl acetate, alpha-copaene, trans-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene and valencene) were significantly higher in pitted peel than in non-pitted grapefruit peel. Volatiles, such as limonene could be used to predict peel disorders of white 'Marsh∑ grapefruit and 'Fallglo∑ tangerines during storage.


We propose to study a tactical change into the violent political action of terrorist attacks: in addition to the car bombs and the attacks on public spaces performed by organized terrorist cells, attacks can growingly be pursued at a lower organizational and material cost. We propose to define such attacks as "low cost terrorism", referring to recent events (Paris, London, Brussels, and Barcelona). Aside from the theoretical discussion and characterization of terrorism as a macrosecuritization process, we discuss Brazil's anti-terrorist legislation in this context and highlight inconsistencies and inadequacies of the country's to address the phenomena of terrorism, especially when referring to "low cost terrorism".


A large number of articles have been devoted to the problem of calculation of main parameters for single-tier tuyeres. Various methods and equations on the matter have been proposed in the papers. However, they do not provide the necessary information which of these methods allows the obtaining of the main design parameters of single-tier tuyere, which will correspond to the existing standard structures, i.e. will be adapted to modern working conditions of national iron-and-steel enterprises of Ukraine. The creation of above-mentioned methods of calculation is an important question, as it will contribute to the development of more advanced singletier tuyeres. Five methods have been developed for calculation of the main design parameters of single-tier tuyeres. Appropriate analytical and computational research was conducted using these five methods. It was found that the approximate comparison results of the modern main design parameters of singletier tuyere on the converters of National iron-and-steel enterprises of Ukraine can be obtained by methods one and four. However, the method four requires some additional graphs which can complicate the development of the calculation program for this method.


A preliminary study was made for the development of a new type rain gauge which can estimate the rainfall intensity with a fine time resolution by measuring the intensity of rain sound. A visualization experiment was carried out in order to relate the size of a rain drop to the intensity of rain sound emitted from a tinplate can when the drop hits its roof : Motion of a falling water drop irradiated by stroboscopes from different two angles was recorded by a CCD camera. From the CCD image, in which, the drop appears as a series of a couple of bright points, the drop size and the falling velocity just before it hits the can were estimated. The results showed that the sound intensity was proportional to the kinetic energy of a water drop. Because a natural rain drop falls with the terminal velocity which is determined by its size, the above relation enables us to estimate a volume of a rain drop from the rain sound intensity. The rainfall intensity can be calculated by summing up the volume of rain drops during a unit time.


Congress asked six questions about the extent of, and opportunities to improve, data collection and analytic capabilities in the U.S. Department of Defense to inform acquisition decisions. This report identifies and measures extensive capabilities and recent progress in following commercial best practices. However, barriers to improvement include a culture against data sharing because of concerns about security and oversight burden.


In this paper we address an inverse problem for the time-dependent linear transport equation (or radiative transfer equation) in 2D having in mind applications in diffuse optical tomography (DOT). We propose two new reconstruction algorithms which so far have not been applied to such a situation and compare their performances in certain practically relevant situations. The first of these reconstruction algorithms uses a sparsity promoting regularization scheme, whereas the second one uses a simultaneous level set reconstruction scheme for two parameters of the linear transport equation. We will also compare the results of both schemes with a third scheme which is a more traditional L-based Landweber–Kaczmarz scheme. We focus our attention on the DOT application of imaging the human head of a neonate where the simpler diffusion approximation is not well-suited for the inversion due to the presence of a clear layer beneath the skull which is filled with 'low-scattering' cerebrospinal fluid. This layer, even if its location and characteristics are known a priori, poses significant difficulties for most reconstruction schemes due to its 'wave-guiding' property which reduces sensitivity of the data to the interior regions. A further complication arises due to the necessity to reconstruct simultaneously two different parameters of the linear transport equation, the scattering and the absorption cross-section, from the same data set. A significant 'cross-talk' between these two parameters is usually expected. Our numerical experiments indicate that each of the three considered reconstruction schemes do have their merits and perform differently but reasonably well when the clear layer is a priori known. We also Inverse Problems Inverse Problems 33 (2017) 014001 (28pp) doi:10.1088/0266-5611/33/1/014001 Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI. 0266-5611/17/014001+28$33.00 © 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd Printed in the UK 1 demonstrate the behavior of the three algorithms in the particular situation where the clear layer is unknown during the reconstruction.


Objective—Both advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) and dendritic cells (DCs) have been shown to play a causative role in atherosclerosis. However, whether they function interactively in the process remains uncertain. We therefore studied the effects of AGE–bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) on the maturation of DCs and the expressions of scavenger receptor-A (SR-A) and receptor for AGEs (RAGE) on DCs. Methods and Results—AGE-BSA induced DCs maturation accompanied with increased expressions of CD1a, CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86, and MHC class II. The capacity of DCs to stimulate T-cell proliferation and secretion of cytokines (interferon [IFN], IFN-γ, interleukin [IL]-10 and IL-12) was also enhanced by AGE-BSA. AGE-BSA significantly upregulated SR-A and RAGE expression on DCs and the upregulation was abolished by inhibition of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase Jnk, but not by that of Erk and p38 MAP kinase. AGE-BSA–induced expression of CD83 and secretion of IL-12 were partly inhibited by either an anti-RAGE neutralizing antibody or a Jnk inhibitor. Conclusions—AGE-BSA induces maturation of DCs and augmented their capacity to stimulate T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretions possibly through upregulation of RAGE and SR-A, which at least in part through Jnk. These findings might explain in part the interactive roles of AGEs and DCs in the processes of atherosclerosis.


Optical pumping of electrons in the non-magnetic alloys Hg0.31Cd0.69Te and Hg0.39Cd0.61Te at 4.2 K was studied by circularly polarized excitation with photon energy somewhat higher than the energy gap and compared with optical pumping efficiency for the semi-magnetic alloy Hg0.77Mn0.23Te with intermediate values of the band parameter. Spin relaxation times were estimated for semi-magnetic and non-magnetic alloys. The experimental values were compared with the theory of spin relation of electrons in semiconductors. The mechanism of spin relaxation in non-magnetic alloys with 0.61<x<0.69 at 4.2 K was shown to be the Bir-Aronov-Pikus electron-hole exchange interaction, while the electron spin relaxation in the semi-magnetic alloy goes through the electron-Mn2+ exchange interaction. Finally, the authors apply the optical pumping technique to evaluate some parameters of electron recombination through the deep impurity centres.


ArF excimer laser ablation of single-crystal oxide surfaces was investigated experimentally and theoretically. All specimens (MgO, SrTiO3 and LaAlO3) showed the presence of the threshold laser fluence for the ablation, possibly suggesting a thermal process. With increase in the fluence, etching rate increased sublinearly (downward bowing), and with further increase in the fluence, it increased almost linearly. To interpret the ablation mechanism and this nonlinearity, we proposed the ablation model, imposing two factors (effects of laser recoil pressure and optical reflection by the surface molten layer) to a previous dynamical model. Our proposed model explained the results well, and it was found that surface reflection by the molten layer is mainly responsible for the nonlinearity.


Tooth intrusion consists of the displacement of the tooth into its alveolus and is the most common trauma during early infancy. This work aims to evaluate the aspects related to tooth intrusion in primary teeth by monitoring 16 patients (22 teeth) for a period between 3 and 36 months. Of the patients who suffered from tooth intrusion, 56.25% were male and 91% of the intruding teeth were upper central incisors. In all cases the treatment indicated was to await spontaneous re-eruption: total re-eruption occurred in 42.5% of cases, partial re-eruption in 47% of cases and in 10.5% there was no re-eruption. Twenty-three percentage of the teeth suffered necrosis, 33% suffered internal or external root resorption and none suffered root canal obliteration. Fifty-seven percentage indicated healthy pulps independent of degree of re-eruption.


Aim: In young male adults; groin pain is evaluated as an inguinal hernia and usually referred to general surgeons. Less frequently; urological, internal and orthopedical diseases can cause to groin pain.
Material and Methods: The side of groin pain (right, left or bilateral), whether or not surgery, physical examination, and ultrasonographic (USG) results were analysed from the soldier patients who applied to department of General Surgery of Agri Military Hospital with groin pain complaint from 01 January 2011 to 31 December 2011.
Results: 446 (14%) of the 3196 patients were applied with groin pain complaint with 58,3% right, 39,6% left, and 2,1% bilateral groin pain. Inguinal hernia was detected 43,8% at right, 28,1% at left, and 0,6% at bilateral with physical examination in patients with groin pain. At right 28,5% normal, 5,7% inguinal lymphadenomegaly, and 3,2% urological pathology was found in the evaluation of USG results. At left 13,1% normal, 8,1% inguinal lymphadenomegaly, and 11,4% urological pathology was found. No pathology was found with USG in bilateral groin pain.
 Conclusion: Urological, orthopedical pathology, and lymphadenopathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of groin pain except inguinal hernia in young male adults. USG is a non-invasive, easy, cheap method with high degree of accuracy properties and should be first alternative imaging at the differential diagnosis of undetermined inguinal hernia on physical examination in the patients with groin pain.


Approximately 700,000 U.S. military personnel were deployed to the Persian Gulf region during the Gulf War. Since their return, many Persian Gulf War veterans (GWVs) have presented with various medical symptoms, including those related to the head and neck. A study devoted to the histopathology of head and neck specimens from GWVs has not been previously reported. Surgical, autopsy, and cytological specimens from GWVs were evaluated by light microscopy at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology with additional studies as required and were entered into the Kuwait Registry. The Kuwait Registry contained 361 head and neck specimens from 264 GWVs. Neoplasms were relatively infrequent, including six malignant neoplasms and 14 benign neoplasms. The most frequent diagnoses were chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and lymphoid hyperplasia of the tonsils. These conditions are frequently encountered in routine anatomic pathology practice in the general U.S. population.


In order to encrypt/encode data based on the magnitude level of the radar cross-section (RCS), we propose an approach with a precise estimation considering the resonant characteristics of a multipatch backscatter-based chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) dedicated for chipless tags depolarization. The working principle is based on the polarization mismatch between the tag and the reader antenna to control the magnitude of the backscatter, which allows a reliable detection in real environments. We introduce in this paper a new 4-bit chipless RFID tag with an enhanced RCS, based on a triangular patch antenna with multiple resonators. Additionally, we propose an ultra-wideband impulse radar (UWB-IR)-based reader that interrogates the chipless tag with a UWB pulse, and the received backscatter was studied in both timeand frequency-domains. The antenna was operating from 4.7 to 6.1 GHz, a band allocated for RFID systems. The obtained experimental measurement results in the environment of anechoic chamber were exceptionally relevant to validate the simulation results.


The recent development in single-cell multiomics analysis has enabled simultaneous detection of multiple traits at the single-cell level, thus providing deeper insights into the cellular phenotypes and functions in diverse tissues. However, currently, it is challenging to infer the joint representations and learn relationships among multiple modalities from complex multimodal single-cell data. Herein, we present scMM, a novel deep generative model-based framework for the extraction of interpretable joint representations and cross-modal generation. scMM addresses the complexity of data by leveraging a mixture-of-experts multimodal variational autoencoder. The pseudocell generation strategy of scMM compensates for the limited interpretability of deep learning models and discovered multimodal regulatory programs associated with latent dimensions. Analysis of recently produced datasets validated that scMM facilitates high-resolution clustering with rich interpretability. Furthermore, we show that cross-modal generation by scMM leads to more precise prediction and data integration compared with the state-of-the-art and conventional approaches.


Objective: To compare the outcomes of bubble continuous positive airway pressure (B-CPAP) versus ventilator continuous positive airway pressure (V-CPAP) in neonates experiencing respiratory distress.
Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, from March 1, 2021, to August 31, 2021. A total of 150 neonates of both genders who presented with respiratory distress and were delivered at >32 weeks of gestation, weighing >1500 grams. The neonates were then randomly allocated to two groups using a lottery method. Treatment failure was defined as a neonate's inability to maintain a SpO2 greater than 90% or an arterial partial pressure (PaO2) greater than 50 mmHg with a maximal CPAP of >7 cm of water and a FiO2 greater than 0.6 or the necessity of mechanical ventilation.
Results:  Of these, 82 (54.7%) were male, and 68 (45.3%) were female, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. The mean gestational age was 36±2.49 weeks in the B-CPAP group and 35.52±1.36 weeks in the V-CPAP group. The mean birth weight was 2381±506.4 grams in the B-CPAP group and 2187.3±427.49 grams in the V-CPAP group. Out of the 75 neonates in the B-CPAP group, 10 (13.3%) were classified as treatment failures, while 19 (25.3%) out of 75 neonates in the V-CPAP group met the criteria for treatment failure, according to our operational definition. Although the failure rate was slightly higher in patients receiving V-CPAP for the management of respiratory distress, these differences were not statistically significant (p-value= 0.052).
Conclusion: In the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress, there was no significant difference in the failure rate between bubble CPAP and ventilatory CPAP. Regardless of the neonate's gender, birth weight, gestational age, or Silverman score, bubble CPAP may be considered as the primary mode of respiratory support for neonates with respiratory distress.


The global solar radiation (GSR) and cloud transmittance factor (cf) are measured at the horizontal surface since 2009 using calibrated CMP6 Pyranometer and NILUUV Irradiance Meter at Pokhara (28.22°N, 83.32°E) which is about 800m from the sea level lying just 20km south of the Himalayas. This paper explains the daily, monthly and seasonal variation of global solar radiation and also compared with temperature and rainfall to global solar radiation. The annual average daily global solar radiation is about 4.81 kWh/m 2 /day which is sufficient to promote solar active and passive solar energy technology at sub-Himalaya terrain Pokhara and other similar geographical locations. The correlation coefficient 0.70 is found in between clearness index (K) and cloud transmittance factor (cf). This novel result can be used for location of similar meteorological and geographical characteristics at which solar data are not available. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v9i1.10672 Journal of the Institute of Engineering , Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 69–78


(i) Sections 53, 57, 62, 63, 81, 82, 101, 103, 104, 107, or 109 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; (ii) Section 206 of the Energy Reorganization Act; (iii) Any rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant to the sections specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section; (iv) Any term, condition, or limitation of any license issued under the sections specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. (2) For any violation for which a license may be revoked under section 186 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.


In this paper, we introduce ViPSN-E: a transient-motion-powered IoT sensor node. It carries out motion detection and wireless communication by making good use of the energy harvested from an instantaneous motion. In our design, a piezo-magneto-elastic structure, which is composed of a low-cost piezoelectric cantilever and a pair of magnets, is used to induce a plucking excitation and power generation under a transient and one-way movement. An energy management circuit, which is composed of a self-powered synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (SP-SSHI) interface circuit and a voltage regulator is utilized for efficient energy conversion. Through the sophisticated collaboration between mechatronic design and computer program, the motion information can also be identified and sent out by a wireless communication module. The cyber-electromechanical synergy among mechanical dynamics, power conditioning circuit, and the low-power embedded system is emphasized towards the successful implementation of such a motion-powered IoT device. The prototyped ViPSN-E has done a good job by making good use of the energy associated with each transient plucking motion. With only one plucking excitation, the system can realize motion detection and several rounds of wire-less transmission. The study on ViPSN-E provides valuable guidance towards the self-powered ubiquitous motion-sensing systems.


Model reference adaptive system (MRAS) based techniques are one of the best methods to estimate the rotor speed due to its performance and straightforward stability approach. These techniques use two different models (the reference model and the adjustable model) which have made the speed estimation a reliable scheme especially when the motor parameters are poorly known or having large variations. The scheme uses the error vector from the comparison of both models as the feedback for speed estimation. Depending on the type of tuning signal driving the adaptation mechanism, there could be a number of schemes available such as rotor flux based MRAS, back e.m.f based MRAS, reactive power based MRAS and artificial neural network based MRAS. All these schemes have their own trends and tradeoffs. In this paper, the performance of the rotor flux based MRAS (RF-MRAS) and back e.m.f based MRAS (BEMF-MRAS) for estimating the rotor speed was studied. Both schemes use the stator equation and rotor equation as the reference model and the adjustable model respectively. The output error from both models is tuned using a PI controller yielding the estimated rotor speed. The dynamic response of the RF-MRAS and BEMF-MRAS sensorless speed estimation is examined in order to evaluate the performance of each scheme.


Purpose To determine whether prematriculation characteristics and career-setting preferences of MD–PhD graduates differ according to their schools' funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences' Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). Method The Association of American Medical Colleges provided deidentified records for the national cohort of all 1993–2000 U.S. medical school matriculants, 3,180 of whom graduated with dual MD–PhD degrees by March 2, 2009. The authors examined prematriculation characteristics, educational outcomes, and career-setting preferences at graduation in association with MD–PhD program graduation from schools with long-standing MSTP-funded, recent MSTP-funded, and non-MSTP-funded programs. Results Of 3,142 MD–PhD graduates with prematriculation data, 30% were women and 36% were nonwhite. Graduates from long-standing MSTP-funded schools (63% of 3,142 graduates) composed a more highly selective group academically (based on Medical College Admission Test scores) than did graduates from recent MSTP-funded (6%) and non-MSTP-funded schools (31%). Women and nonwhite graduates were more likely to have graduated from long-standing MSTP-funded schools. Controlling for MSTP funding and other variables, graduates with total debt of $100,000 or more were more likely to indicate non-research-related career-setting preferences (nonuniversity clinical practice: odds ratio [OR] 3.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.86–6.87; undecided/other: OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.29–3.60). Neither gender nor race/ethnicity was independently associated with graduates' career-setting preferences. Conclusions Women and nonwhite MD–PhD graduates more likely graduated from long-standing MSTP than non-MSTP-funded schools. Controlling for institutional MSTP funding, MD–PhD graduates with high debt were more likely to indicate non-research-related career-setting preferences.


Forty-four cases of liver fluke infestation (fascioliasis hepatica) were diagnosed near Chepstow, Monmouthshire, in 1968. Intramuscular emetine hydrochloride and oral chloroquine given to the adults and children, respectively, were well tolerated. Assessment by repeated stool examination, complement fixation and liver function tests, and full blood counts indicated that treatment had been effective in most cases. It is recommended that both the growth and the sale of watercress should be strictly controlled.


This study documents the first case of triazine resistance in wild radish and the resistance mechanism involved. The high survival (57 to 97%) of the resistant (R) biotype progeny plants treated at a rate four times higher than the commonly recommended rate of simazine or atrazine clearly established that the R biotype plants were resistant to triazines. All the plants of the susceptible (S) biotype plants were killed when treated at half the commonly recommended rate of atrazine (0.5 kg/ha) or simazine (0.25 kg/ha). The dry weight of the S biotype was reduced by 89 to 96% at the commonly recommended rate of atrazine or simazine, while the dry weight of the R biotype plants was reduced by only 36 to 54% even when treated at a rate four times higher than the commonly recommended rate of atrazine or simazine. The growth-reduction–ratio values indicated that the R biotype progeny plants were 105 and 159 times more resistant to atrazine and simazine, respectively, than the S biotype plants. Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence yield was reduced by 97% in the S biotype 24 h after application of triazine compared with only 9% reduction in the R biotype, indicating that the resistance mechanism involved is target-site based. The R biotype was effectively controlled by herbicides of different modes of action. Nomenclature: Atrazine; simazine; triazine; wild radish, Raphanus raphanistrum L. #3 RAPRA. Additional index words: Dry weight, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence. Abbreviations: ALS, acetolactate synthase; DAE, days after emergence; GR50 ratio, the ratio of the herbicide rate required to inhibit the growth of resistant biotype progeny plants by 50% to the rate required to inhibit the growth of S biotype plants by 50%; PS II, photosystem II; R, resistant (biotype); S, susceptible (biotype); SE, standard error; TT, triazine tolerant; WA, Western Australia.


Nucleosides and nucleotides are one of the most important elements for cells by the fact that they are components of DNAs and RNAs. In addition, they play important roles in most fundamental cellular metabolic pathways such as energy donors, second messengers, and cofactors for various enzymes. Therefore, there exists a rich source in drug discovery targeting nucleosides and nucleotides. In order to utilize nucleosides and nucleic acids on the drug development, it is very important to develop reactions and methods, by which the highly coordinating and labile nucleoside intermediates can be used. With these in mind, we have been working on synthetic nucleoside and nucleic acid chemistry. First, branched sugar nucleoside derivatives, which are potential antitumor agents, have been synthesized utilizing samarium diiodide (SmI(2)) mediated Reformatsky reaction or aldol reaction. 3'-beta-Carbamoylmethylcytidine (CAMC) was found to exhibit potent cytotoxicity against various human tumor cell lines. Synthetic methodology of the caprazamycins, which are promising antibacterial nucleoside natural products, was also developed by the strategy including beta-selective ribosylation without using a neighboring group participation. Our synthetic route provided a range of key analogues with partial structures to define the pharmacophore. Simplification of the caprazamycins was further pursued to develop diketopiperazine analogs. Medicinal chemistry of oligodeoxynucleotides has been conducted. Thus, novel triazole-linked dumbbell oligodeoxynucleotides and modular bent oligodeoxynucleotides were synthesized. They exhibit excellent binding affinity to NF-kappaB or HMGB1 A-box protein, which are important therapeutic targets. Therefore, the results obtained conclusively demonstrated these oligodeoxynucleotides could be proposed as powerful decoy molecules.


The increasing production of biosolids (BS) as a result of urban wastewater treatment generates pollution problems in their management and final disposal, and a better management is needed for their disposal. The composting of BS is an alternative process for obtaining a product with potential application as an organic amendment in the recovery of agricultural soils. As a biotechnological contribution, this study analyzed a composting process with BS, bovine manure (BM) and rice husks using four treatments T1 (C/N = 24); T2 (C/N = 34); T3 (C/N = 44); T4 (C/N = 54) for 120 days, in order to develop compost quality indexes (CQIs) through the analysis of 18 physicochemical, biological and ecophysiological indicators. Subsequently, three methodologies—successfully used on soils—were implemented for the development of the CQIs called "unified", "additive" and "nemoro". The indicators that comprised the CQIs were nitrification index (NI) and synthetic enzymatic index (SEI). The CQIs made it possible to differentiate the quality of the compost according to the treatments applied. The treatments used resulted in composts considered phytonutritious whose average quality value depending on the CQI developed was considered high (CQIw = 0.62), moderate (CQIa = 0.56) and low (CQIn = 0.30). The developed CQIs can be applied to determine the quality of BS composting systems reducing the cost of monitoring.


Stochastic continuum modeling of flow and transport was conducted for a fractured crystalline rock mass at Fanay-Augeres in France. Two dimensional models were used in conjunction with hydraulic conductivity, piezometric head, and tracer test data. The boundary conditions were established by ordinary kriging. One hundred realizations of hydraulic conductivity were generated conditionally by sequential indicator simulation, and flow was computed numerically for each realization. One realization that gave the beast fit to measured flow rate into the experimental drift at the site, and to measured head data, was selected for the analysis of transport. Porosity and dispersivity values were determined by calibration against selected tracer test data. The calibrated model was then validated by successfully predicting the peak arrival time as well as 50% and 25% breakthrough durations of other tracers. We conclude that the continuum stochastic approach is well suited for the interpretation and simulation of hydraulic and tracer data at the site.


Ovarian cancer presents at a late stage and is associated with a very poor chance of cure. Ability to predict women who are at genetic risk has directed our thoughts to the possibility that the timely removal of the ovaries in these women is likely to prevent cancer and save lives. Only approximately 10% of ovarian cancers arise as a result of an inherited condition; it is this group which is most likely to benefit from prophylactic oophorectomy. Women in this group may be identified following referral on the basis of personal or family histories of disease. With continued improvement in genetic screening, the literature regarding prevention of ovarian cancer appears to be moving beyond the appropriateness of prophylactic oophorectomy to a discussion of the technical aspects of the procedure. There is little doubt that this type of surgical prophylaxis will become more popular. Numerous studies have now demonstrated that prophylactic oophorectomy will not only offer a high degree of protection against ovarian cancer but also against breast cancer. It is important for the future that research continues to examine the operative technique and its implications, particularly with regard to Fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer.


A central element in the canonical Kaleckian growth model is the demand-led output-adjustment stability condition known as the Keynesian stability condition. This condition requires that, all else constant, saving be more responsive to changes in capital capacity utilization than investment. This paper further explores the plausibility of the Keynesian stability condition by enriching the Kaleckian growth model with a more fully developed Keynesian theory of expectations formation. As a result, the responsiveness of investment to changes in capacity utilization is reduced, and through mechanisms that have clear and plausible behavioural underpinnings. It therefore becomes more likely (in principle) that the Keynesian stability condition will hold in practice. The paper also explores the consequences of such re-specification of investment behaviour for certain comparative static results associated with the canonical Kaleckian growth model.


The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the psychological stability of general population of Pakistan. However, research on the severity of COVID-19 induced depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) in Pakistan is scarce. This paper thereby investigates the severity of COVID-19 induced DAS based on demographic, socioeconomic, and personal feeling variables by modeling DAS. Snowball sampling strategy was adopted to conduct online survey from July 03, 2021 to July 09, 2021. Out of 2,442, 2,069 responses from Karachi were included. Descriptive and inferential statistics (binary and multinomial logistic regression analysis) were performed using SPSS V21 (IBM, 2013) to identify significant determinants and their association with DAS severity. The result of this study indicates 27.8, 21.7, and 18.3% respondents suffer from severe and extremely severe states of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Binary logistic regression revealed that age is a significant determinant with odds of having 4.72 (95% CI = 1.86–11.97) and 5.86 (95% CI = 2.26–15.2) times greater depression, and stress for respondents aged 19–26 years. Moreover, gender-based difference is also observed with females 1.34 (95% CI = 1.08–1.68) and 1.75 (95% CI = 1.40–2.20) times more likely to exhibit anxiety and stress than males. Furthermore, marital status is a significant determinant of depression with odds of having depression is 0.67 (95% CI = 0.48–0.93) times greater for married population. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that those who believe COVID-19 pandemic has affected them mentally, fear new COVID-19 cases and deaths, depressed due to imposition of lockdown, believe they will not survive COVID-19 infection, and spend more time on social media gathering COVID-19 updates suffer from extremely severe state of depression (OR mental-effect-of-pandemic = 3.70, OR new-COVID-19-cases-and-deaths = 2.20, OR imposition-of-lockdown = 17.77, OR survival-probability = 8.17, OR time-on-social-media = 9.01), anxiety (OR mental-effect-of-pandemic = 4.78, OR new-COVID-19-cases-and-deaths = 3.52, OR imposition-of-lockdown = 5.06, OR survival-probability = 8.86, OR time-on-social-media = 5.12) and stress (OR mental-effect-of-pandemic = 6.07, OR imposition-of-lockdown = 11.38, OR survival-probability = 15.66, OR time-on-social-media = 4.39). Information regarding DAS severity will serve as a platform for research centers and psychological clinics, to work collectively and provide technology-based treatment to reduce the burden on the limited number of psychologist and psychotherapist.


We introduce a novel algorithm for decoding turbo-like codes based on linear programming. We prove that for the case of repeat-accumulate (RA) codes, under the binary symmetric channel with a certain constant threshold bound on the noise, the error probability of our algorithm is bounded by an inverse polynomial in the code length. Our linear program (LP) minimizes the distance between the received bits and binary variables representing the code bits. Our LP is based on a representation of the code where code words are paths through a graph. Consequently, the LP bears a strong resemblance to the min-cost flow LP. The error bounds are based on an analysis of the probability, over the random noise of the channel, that the optimum solution to the LP is the path corresponding to the original transmitted code word.


Knowing the functionality and capabilities of masticatory apparatuses is essential for the ecological classification of jawed organisms. Nevertheless insects, especially with their outstanding high species number providing an overwhelming morphological diversity, are notoriously underexplored with respect to maximum bite forces and their dependency on the mandible opening angles. Aiming for a general understanding of insect biting, we examined the generalist feeding cockroach Periplaneta americana, characterized by its primitive chewing mouth parts. We measured active isometric bite forces and passive forces caused by joint resistance over the entire mandibular range with a custom-built 2D force transducer. The opening angle of the mandibles was quantified by using a video system. With respect to the effective mechanical advantage of the mandibles and the cross-section areas, we calculated the forces exerted by the mandible closer muscles and the corresponding muscle stress values. Comparisons with the scarce data available revealed close similarities of the cockroaches' mandible closer stress values (58 N/cm2) to that of smaller specialist carnivorous ground beetles, but strikingly higher values than in larger stag beetles. In contrast to available datasets our results imply the activity of faster and slower muscle fibres, with the latter becoming active only when the animals chew on tough material which requires repetitive, hard biting. Under such circumstances the coactivity of fast and slow fibres provides a force boost which is not available during short-term activities, since long latencies prevent a specific effective employment of the slow fibres in this case.


Polymer blend electrolyte comprising of poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-Hexa fluoro propylene) ( PVdF-HFP), poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) as host polymers and lithiumper chlorate (LiClO4) as the complexing saltwere prepared by solution casting technique. The polymer ratio conducive for preparing polymer electrolytes for lithiumbattery applications is optimized based on the characterization studies Viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) and electro chemical impedance analysis. These studies confirmthe formation of polymer- salt complex and miscibility of polymers PVdF-HFP and PMMA. The room temperature electrical conductivity is found to be of the order of 10-5 S cm-1 and temperature dependence of ionic conductivity of polymer electrolyte films is elucidated.


Acute hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) mainly occurs in adults as a result of perioperative cardiac arrest and asphyxia. The benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in maintaining brain growth and development are well documented. However, possible protective targets and underlying mechanisms of mfat-1 mice on HIBD require further investigation. The mfat-1 transgenic mice exhibited protective effects on HIBD, as indicated by reduced infarct range and improved neurobehavioral defects. RNA-seq analysis showed that multiple pathways and targets were involved in this process, with the anti-inflammatory pathway as the most significant. This study has shown for the first time that mfat-1 has protective effects on HIBD in mice. Activation of a G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120)-related anti-inflammatory pathway may be associated with perioperative and postoperative complications, thus innovating clinical intervention strategy may potentially benefit patients with HIBD.


Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) arises from the serosal cells of the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities with poor prognosis because of its frequent diagnosis in advanced stages. The primary cause of this disease has often been linked to asbestos exposure, and the number of patients worldwide is expected to peak in the next two decades. There is no known curative therapy for MM and further understanding in molecular mechanism is needed to identify new candidates for targeted treatment. We found that the TGF-β pathway is associated with oncogenic mutations and loss of the tumor suppressor NF2, and induces pro-oncogenic biological activities. Loss of NF2 is one of the genetic lesions which have been related to the growth of human MM. The NF2 gene is responsible for neurofibromatosis type II syndrome and encodes Merlin which negatively regulates YAP function. Nearly 75% MM cases have inactivating mutations in the NF2 gene or in downstream signaling molecules of Hippo signaling cascade. We examined a functional interaction between the Hippo and TGF-β pathways and found that endothelin-1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are the only proteins affected by these two pathways in MM cells. The CTGF promoter contains both a YAP/TEAD-binding site and a consensus Smad-binding site adjacent to each other. The expression of CTGF induced by TGF-β in MM cell lines was greatly affected by the existence of YAP, by its binding with Smad3, forming a complex on CTGF promoter lesion. Knocking down CTGF expression in MM cells prolonged the survival of mice, and a significant association was seen between CTGF expression and extracellular matrix deposition in MM xenografts and in patient tissue specimens. This study elucidates a novel molecular mechanism induced by the TGF-β pathway, which may be applicable to malignancies with defective NF2 and of mesenchymal origin.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3082. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3082


ABSTRACT This study explores the commoning of public goods by residents of rental apartment buildings in Indonesia. Rental apartments have been Indonesia's means of providing affordable housing to people evicted from high-density kampung settlements. However, this mass-produced housing presents various socio-spatial problems for the underprivileged residents, who have responded in many cases by taking over and repurposing public areas. A rental apartment complex in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, was examined as a case study to understand the transformations of corridors on many of its floors. The study found that commoning among neighbours and building management transformed the public into common goods and that the occupants negotiated agreements among themselves to avert rivalry over the newly appropriated resources. This study recommends a new perspective of rental apartment design, regulations, and management to accommodate the commoning of the tenants to meet their unaccommodated needs.


Although the Lisbon Treaty maintained the general exclusion of Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) matters from ECJ jurisdiction, it introduced a number of changes into this area, including an explicit statement that the Court is competent to review the legality of the Council decisions imposing restraining measures on persons. The article analyzes the nature and origin of those changes and considers the legal implications for the level of the protection of fundamental rights in the European Union. For this purpose the author firstly considers the context of the exclusion of CFSP matters from the ECJ jurisdiction, including discussions on the issue at the European Convention, and, secondly, takes a closer look at the separate heads of jurisdiction over which the Court is competent to act after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. A conclusion is made that the Lisbon Treaty did not introduce significant changes to ECJ jurisdiction. Similarly to the pattern of previous amendment treaties, the Lisbon Treaty again gave recognition to the practice of the ECJ on relevant questions. Nonetheless, the amendments made by the Lisbon Treaty should be welcome for introducing more clarity into the legal regulation of the matter, thus boosting the legal certainty and protection of fundamental rights in the European Union.


1 The pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered labetalol were studied in four patients with severe renal failure and in three normal subjects. 2 A new and sensitive method for the assay of plasma labetalol concentrations using high performance liquid chromatography is described. 3 Labetalol has a relatively large apparent volume of distribution (3.3-7.9 l/kg, two-compartment open model) and a relatively high plasma clearance (0.3-1.6 1 h-1 kg-1). 4 There were no significant differences between the patients with severe renal failure and the controls for any of the pharmacokinetic parameters measured. 5 In the presence of renal functional impairment, no modification of labetalol dosage is required. 6 In another study of 31 patients, glomerular filtration rate was measured at 3-month intervals for 3-18 months. In ten patients there was no change, in ten there was an improvement and in 11 there was deterioration, but in only three was this attributable to treatment. 7 In our experience with over 300 patients, we conclude that labetalol plus diuretic treatment is efficacious and safe in all grades of hypertension including those with all degrees of renal insufficiency.


OBJECTIVE
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is deemed to result in poor outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of intraventricular injections of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA).

METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library from January 1980 to March 2015 for studies in English. The primary outcome was good functional improvement. The secondary outcomes were angiographic vasospasm, acute obstructive hydrocephalus, hemorrhage rate, and mortality.

RESULTS
Three observational studies and 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 217 patients were included in the present study. There is a significant difference in angiographic vasospasm (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.85, P = 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, angiographic vasospasm (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.88, P = 0.02) and acute obstructive hydrocephalus (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.84, P = 0.01) showed significant differences in the observational studies. High dosage of rt-PA showed a significant difference in angiographic vasospasm (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.97, P = 0.04). Sensitivity analysis showed that no significant differences were observed in all the outcomes after the Ramakrishna 2010 trial was excluded.

CONCLUSION
Intraventricular rt-PA has no significant efficacy on the long-term functional recovery after aneurysmal SAH with IVH. However, high dosage of rt-PA might reduce the incidence of angiographic vasospasm. A feasible, large-scale, multi-center, placebo RCT is needed to confirm the present findings.


Bioluminescence imaging of live cells has recently been recognized as an important alternative to fluorescence imaging. Fluorescent probes are much brighter than bioluminescent probes (luciferase enzymes) and, therefore, provide much better spatial and temporal resolution and much better contrast for delineating cell structure. However, with bioluminescence imaging there is virtually no background or toxicity. As a result, bioluminescence can be superior to fluorescence for detecting and quantifying molecules and their interactions in living cells, particularly in long-term studies. Structurally diverse luciferases from beetle and marine species have been used for a wide variety of applications, including tracking cells in vivo, detecting protein-protein interactions, measuring levels of calcium and other signaling molecules, detecting protease activity, and reporting circadian clock gene expression. Such applications can be optimized by the use of brighter and variously colored luciferases, brighter microscope optics, and ultrasensitive, low-noise cameras. This article presents a review of how bioluminescence differs from fluorescence, its applications to cellular imaging, and available probes, optics, and detectors. It also gives practical suggestions for optimal bioluminescence imaging of single cells.


The exocyst complex is essential for many exocytic events, by tethering vesicles at the plasma membrane for fusion. In fission yeast, polarized exocytosis for growth relies on the combined action of the exocyst at cell poles and myosin-driven transport along actin cables. We report here the identification of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe Sec3 protein, which we identified through sequence homology of its PH-like domain. Like other exocyst subunits, sec3 is required for secretion and cell division. Cells deleted for sec3 are only conditionally lethal and can proliferate when osmotically stabilized. Sec3 is redundant with Exo70 for viability and for the localization of other exocyst subunits, suggesting these components act as exocyst tethers at the plasma membrane. Consistently, Sec3 localizes to zones of growth independently of other exocyst subunits but depends on PIP2 and functional Cdc42. FRAP analysis shows that Sec3, like all other exocyst subunits, localizes to cell poles largely independently of the actin cytoskeleton. However, we show that Sec3, Exo70 and Sec5 are transported by the myosin V Myo52 along actin cables. These data suggest that the exocyst holocomplex, including Sec3 and Exo70, is present on exocytic vesicles, which can reach cell poles by either myosin-driven transport or random walk.


Introduction: This study was carried out using a multistage cross sectional study to evaluate the extent of knowledge on HIV/AIDS and its effects on youths in the North West Region of Cameroon. Method: The study was carried out on 1,120 (690 females and 430 males) students aged 15-24 years who consented to participate in the study from April to June, 2014. A questionnaire to assess the knowledge of the study population on mode of HIV/AIDS transmission and use of condom for prevention was developed and pretested to 100 students in one of the non-participating schools. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version 20 statistical package. Results: The majority of students (81%) were very knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS transmission and condom use as prevention methods (87%). Although the majority of students knew that the use of the condom can prevent HIV/AIDS transmission, 68.5% said that they will be embarrassed buying condoms. The study revealed that 51.7% had never been taught how to use the condom, while 72.7% had never used condoms. There was a good number (67.2%) who believed that promoting condom use is promoting sex. Conclusion: The lack of knowledge on HIV prevention methods and the high level of misconception, pose a need to intensify the education programs on HIV/AIDS prevention methods.


More than 45,000 jobs have been lost in the consolidation reforms of Nigerian banking industry since 2005. The bank reformations often led to higher workloads on the remaining staff which affected the quality of service. This is due to extra workloads on employees who remain working in the banking sector to carry out several jobs or workloads due to downsizing exercise which contribute to many stress-related sickness. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between internal marketing, employee personality factors, job satisfaction and customer orientation of employees in Nigerian banking industry. In addition, the mediating effects of employee personality factors and job satisfaction on the relationship between internal marketing and customer orientation of employees in Nigerian banks were examined. A convenience sample of 221 frontline bank employees in Nigeria were selected as respondents in the study. Questionnaires served as the main instrument of the study for data collection and structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. The mediated theory of internal marketing and the big five personality theories were used to underpin the research framework which consisted of internal marketing, employee personality factors, job satisfaction and customer orientation. Results showed direct significant relationships between internal marketing and employee personality factors; internal marketing and customer orientation; employee personality and customer orientation; as well as internal marketing and job satisfaction. However, it was found that job satisfaction have no influence on customer orientation. In addition, internal marketing is found to be partially mediation through employee personality factors; while job satisfaction does not mediate the relationship between internal marketing and customer orientation of employees in Nigerian banks. Findings from this study serve as future guidelines for Nigerian banks to incorporate internal marketing as a core strategy in order to meet employees' demands and fulfill customers' needs.


The clonal heterogeneity of nine monoclonal antibodies with absolute specificities for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was analyzed. These monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies were generated in three different fusion experiments using autoimmune (NZB X NZW)F1 mouse spleen cells. Isoelectric focusing analyses demonstrated different isoelectric points within the IgG2a and IgG2b subclasses. Three anti-idiotypic antisera were prepared (one in a rabbit and two in mice) against two monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies. These antisera detected idiotypic determinants uniquely associated with homologous hybridoma anti-DNA antibodies. Two of these idiotypes could be detected at low levels in the sera of (NZB X NZW)F1 mice. Anti-PME77 idiotypic antiserum had no effect in vitro on the total binding capacity of (NZB X NZW)F1 sera. Taken together these results demonstrate that, in (NZB X NZW)F1 mice, the anti-DNA antibody repertoire contains molecules that show similar antigen binding characteristics but are not structurally uniform.


We describe the pathologic findings of 73 clinically and scintigraphically confirmed hot nodules. In general, hot nodules from an unselected group primarily treated by surgery were smaller and the sex ratio was closer to equality compared with the ample female predominance in the referral, pre-, and post-prophylaxis groups. Malignancy was observed in six cases (8.2%) (5 follicular, 1 papillary). Of the 67 benign tumors, 48 (71.6%) were adenomas which showed the cytoarchitectural features of hot nodules described previously, and 19 (28.3%) were less well-differentiated adenomas that included a few oxyphil tumors. Intracolloid oxalate crystals from background thyroid tissue were present in 59 assessable cases (83%) overall, the majority showed more than occasional crystals that had a tendency to increase in number with decreasing morphologic activity of the thyroid epithelium. Thyroglobulin protein and mRNA stainings tended to be more pronounced in cell cytoplasm of the tumors than in background thyroid. This study shows that hot nodules may show a wide morphologic spectrum of follicular neoplasms and can be occasionally malignant. It is inferred from the morphologic and other findings that it is likely that some, if not all, of the primary follicular cancers associated with hyperfunction arise by clonal progression from benign hot nodules. This progression is rare, probably because most hot nodules present with the symptoms of hyperfunction and receive early treatment.


This work of Mr. Turvey appears as a text book of 25 chapters enhanced by several appendices, a glossary, and an index. While the book is under Turvey's authorship there are four contributors identified. The writing style is generally casual with expressions of personal sentiment and bias included. There is a suggestion that the author is more in need of impressing rather than educating the reader. Neither the comprehension nor the objectivity are strengths of this work. To the casual reader the omissions of historical work in criminal psychopathology and psycho dynamics may not be noticeable nor will that be of behavioral analysis and its variance through different schools of thought. The presentations are superficial and fail to reveal the actual depth to which one's training and experience need be to function as a member of an investigation team and perform crime scene behavioral reconstruction, analysis, and profiling. Mr. Turvey does not enlighten the reader with the normal differences in "profiling" based on the variance between schools of thought on human behavior. At present one may consider three categories of approach strategies and within each there can be expected variances. These issues are not addressed and the uninformed reader is left to believe that "profiling" is some generic process.


Electromagnetic scattering from thin resistive strips is formulated using an integral equation approach. Analytical expressions for the electric current density over wide and narrow strips are derived based on the physical optics and quasistatic approximation of the pertinent integral equations, respectively. The solutions are used to find closed form expressions for the echo width of the strip.


1. Two experiments were undertaken to analyse the effects of selection for lowering carcase fatness and improving meat yield of Muscovy ducks. The control generation N and the selected generations N + 3 and N + 4 of the same heavy line (Grimaud) were reared under similar conditions. 2. We compared growth, carcase characteristics, chemical composition of breasts and plasma concentrations of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), triglycerides and phospholipids. 3. Selection induced an increase of body weight (+8% to 10% at slaughter age), a decrease of abdominal fat percentage (-10%) and an improvement of breast and thigh plus shank yields (+3% to 7% and +4% respectively). 4. The lipid content of breast meat decreased in the selected ducks (-14% to -20%), particularly phospholipids and triglycerides. Breasts appeared paler and less red which suggested modifications of muscular fibre composition. 5. We found no significant correlations between plasma VLDL, triglyceride and phospholipid concentrations and carcase fatness. It therefore seems difficult to use these variables as selection criteria for lowering carcase fatness of Muscovy ducklings.


Among patients with resistant hyperten-sion, it is very important to select patients most likely to benefit from renal sympa-thetic denervation, because they represent a very mixed group of diagnoses. Prior to diagnosing a patient as having resistant hypertension, it is important to document adherence and exclude white-coat hypertension, inaccurate measure-ments of blood pressure and secondary causes of hypertension. Renal sympathetic denervation has been demonstrated as an antihypertensive treat-ment in resistant hypertension patients with additional positive effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. We report a single centre report of renal sympathetic denervation effects in a small cohort of patients with resistant hyperten-sion and stage 2-3 chronic kidney disease. Blood pressure reduction after renal sym-pathetic denervation was sustained at con-secutive follow-up visits one, three and six months when compared to the baseline: office systolic blood pressure was signifi-cantly lower (144 ± 13, 140 ± 17, 141 ± 15 mmHg, p<0.001). Randomized clinical trials are required to assess the impact of the reported changes.


As a new mutagenetic method, low-energy ion implantation has been used widely in many research areas in recent years. In order to obtain some industrial strains with high xylanase yield, the wild type strain Aspergillus niger A3 was mutated by means of nitrogen ions implantation (10 keV, 2.6 × 1014 ∼ 1.56 × 1015 ions/cm2) and a mutant N212 was isolated subsequently. However, it was found that the initial screening means of the high-yielding xylanase strains such as transparent halos was unfit for first screening. Compared with that of the wild type strain, xylanase production of the mutant N212 was increased from 320 IU/ml to 610 IU/ml, and the optimum fermentation temperature was increased from 28 oC to 30 oC.


Vegetation maps of the lower Laguna Madre prepared from surveys conducted in 1965-1967, 1974- 1976, and 1988 document a >330 km ~ decrease in cover by Halodule wrightii, an increase of almost 190 km ~ in other seagrass species, and an increase of 140 km 2 in bare bottom. Loss in seagrass cover is confined to deeper parts of the laguna; turbidity caused by maintenance dredging is the suspected cause. The species shifts are consistent with observed reductions in salinity maxima. Although the hydrological alterations and climatic shift responsible for moderating the salinity regime occurred between 1948 and 1965, the biological changes continue. Establishment of patches away from source meadows appears to be the process for displacing species that limits their rate of expansion into suitable habitat in this elongate embayment.


Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the main models of innovation intermediaries as determined by the matching mechanisms they offer as a service to organizations, and to reveal underlying limitations of each mechanism to have a better understanding of their appropriateness for organizational requests.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports an exploratory study of 51 online innovation intermediaries using semi-structured interviews, supported with direct observation, scientific papers and official documentary sources.

Findings

The overall findings suggest that innovation intermediaries are not homogeneous, are evolving and that the underlying mechanisms with which they support their operations vary substantially, depending on the size of the community, platform design (collaboration vs non-collaboration) and reward conditions. The study identifies five mechanisms on which the models are based: broadcast search (directed and undirected), brainstorming with ranking (directed and undirected), networking/connecting, expert group and licensing out. Some of the underlying tensions and limitations of these mechanisms are also explored as are the managerial implications for the choice and use of innovation intermediaries.

Originality/value

This paper identifies distinct models of online innovation intermediaries in significantly more depth than what has been presented so far. In addition, it discusses their limitations as a mechanism and their use to achieve a better match between innovation intermediaries and needs of solution-seeker companies.


We observed quantum fluctuations of the superconducting phase θ in single domain Sr2RuO4 single crystals using a transport measurement. The temperature dependence of the resistivity of submicron Sr2RuO4 shows that a finite resistivity below the superconducting transition temperature of Tc = 1.69 K. The results may suggest that the finite resistivity is occurred by the flow of vortices due to quantum fluctuations of the superconducting phase θ in the same way as one-dimensional Josephson junction array systems.


We address the problem of quantum particles moving on a manifold characterised by the presence of torsion along a preferential axis. In fact, such a torsion may be taylored by the presence of a single screw dislocation, whose Burgers vector measures the torsion amplitude. The problem, first treated in the relativistic limit describing fermions that couple minimally to torsion, is then analysed in the Pauli limit. We show that torsion induces a geometric potential and also that it couples generically to the phase of the wave function, giving rise to the possibility of using torsion to manipulate spin currents in the case of spinor wave functions. These results emerge as an alternative strategy for using screw dislocations in the design of spintronic-based devices.


Metasurfaces with interfacial phase discontinuities provide a unique platform for manipulating light propagation both in free space and along a surface. Three‐dimensional focusing of visible light is experimentally exhibited as a bi‐functional phenomenon by controlling the radial orientation of identical plasmonic dipoles, generating a desired phase profile along the interface. With this technique, the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane refractions are manipulated by an ultrathin flat lens such that a beam can be focused into a 3D spot either in a real or virtual focal plane, which can be reversed via manipulation of the circularly polarized status of the incident light. Both the inverted real image and the upright virtual image of an arbitrary object are experimentally demonstrated using the same flat lens in the visible range, which paves the way towards robust application of phase discontinuity devices.


Abstract Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin is among the three glycyrrhizin producing Glycyrrhiza species and can be distinguished from other species with regard to its retrochalcone contents. Seven retrochalcones, echinatin and licochalcones A, C, D, E, K, and L were isolated and characterized from the chloroform extract of G. inflata roots. Among the isolates, licochalcone L was found to be previously undescribed. Structure elucidation of these specialised metabolites was achieved through NMR and mass spectroscopic data analyses. Graphical Abstract


Recently changes throughout the industry as the paradigm of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) based technology between the fusion process has created new forms of research areas. Management of architectural space is required for efficient space and facilities management building users, for the national university, and looking for ways for effective space management is based on a variety of situations on campus property. This study was limited scope for research into the use of log data accessible information about space and architecture of the items on the campus space management, among computer vision. Technique was used to take advantage of the OPENCV libraries developed by Microsoft, which was used in the processing and analysis of the image. The purpose of this study is to derive an effective space management process in the course applied between the detection of the logged data and computer vision techniques in space management courses on campus.


Th e use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria is increasing in agriculture and gives an appealing manner to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and dietary supplements. Th e objective of our research was to access the plant growth promotion traits of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. fl uorescens and Bacillus subtilis isolated from the maize (Zea mays L.) rhizosphere. In vitro studies showed that isolates have the potential to produce indole acetic acid (IAA), hydrogen cyanide, phosphate solubilisation, and siderophore. RNA analysis revealed that two isolates were 97% identical to P. aeruginosa strain DSM 50071 and P. aeruginosa strain NBRC 12689 (AK20 and AK31), while two others were 98% identical to P. fl uorescens strain ATCC 13525, P. fl uorescens strain IAM 12022 (AK18 and AK45) and one other was 99% identical to B. subtilis strain NCDO 1769 (AK38). Our gnotobiotic study showed signifi cant diff erences in plant growth variables under control and inoculated conditions. In the present research, it was observed that the isolated strains had good plant growth promoting eff ects on rice.


There were impressive papers on hypertension and ischaemic heart disease. In hypertension, the number of variables and the imprecision of data (29 readings of blood pressure were taken) generate an enormous amount of material, even for a computer programme. Williams emphasised the importance of defining the population studied, though in the data presented he did not distinguish between males and females. An interesting correlation was between the wife's blood pressure and the stress sustained at work by her husband. Risk factors were multiple and he even suggested that Platt and Pickering were both right! Different stress/susceptibility tests reflecting different pathogenesis may be required in different families. A major recessive gene could be responsible for one third of cases, but other families appeared monogenic and dominant. Heritability could be as high as 60%. In some families the disease was relatively benign and in others more serious, reflecting a different genetic basis, thus emphasising the multiple factors involved in pathogenesis. Perhaps we should be talking about the syndromes of hypertension, like diabetes and end stage renal failure. Williams made the point that treatment may need to be tailored to each patient. One could suggest, therefore, that those shown to have altered catecholamine receptors might be better treated with beta blockade, and those with sodium transport defects with ACE inhibitors. Insight into the genetics of risk factors for atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease, is rapidly being expanded with the eight major apolipoprotein genes having been mapped, for example, ApoE, Cl, and C2 genes on chromosome 19 and Al, C3, and A4 on chromosome 11. For the "common source epidemic of continuous "exposure type", in Breslow's phrase, dose and duration of contributory factors interact with the host response. Breslow identified 15 genes conferring susceptibility and identification of persons with such a gene would allow intervention. Although the ApoE alleles look promising as markers, it is still too early to know which parameters could provide the best predictor for ischaemic heart disease and susceptibility to atherosclerosis. In familial hypercholesterolaemia, Sudhof reported that other mutations besides failure to synthesise the LDL receptor were now known, for example, an abnormal binding site. The gene was relatively large with 18 exons and the receptor contained some 860 amino acids. It was largely, but not entirely, intranuclear. Different deletions within and across the exons had been identified.


The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections is of great concern, as very few agents are effective against strains of this species. Methanolic extracts from the Coptidis Rhizoma (the rhizomes of Coptis japonica var. major Satake) or Phellodendri Cortex (the bark of Phellodendron chinense Schneider) markedly reduced resistance to anti-pseudomonal aminoglycosides (e.g., amikacin) in multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. Berberine, the most abundant benzylisoquinoline alkaloid in the two extracts, reduced aminoglycoside resistance of P. aeruginosa via a mechanism that required the MexXY multidrug efflux system; berberine also reduced aminoglycoside MICs in Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Burkholderia cepacia, two species that harbor intrinsic multidrug efflux systems very similar to the MexXY. Furthermore this compound inhibited MexXY-dependent antibiotic resistance of other classes including cephalosporins (cefepime), macrolides (erythromycin), and lincosamides (lincomycin) demonstrated using a pseudomonad lacking the four other major Mex pumps. Although phenylalanine-arginine beta-naphthylamide (PAβN), a well-known efflux inhibitor, antagonized aminoglycoside in a MexXY-dependent manner, a lower concentration of berberine was sufficient to reduce amikacin resistance of P. aeruginosa in the presence of PAβN. Moreover, berberine enhanced the synergistic effects of amikacin and piperacillin (and vice versa) in multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. Thus, berberine appears to be a novel type inhibitor of the MexXY-dependent aminoglycoside efflux in P. aeruginosa. As aminoglycosides are molecules of choice to treat severe infections the clinical impact is potentially important.


Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC

There is evidence that omega 3-rich diet strengthened the inhibitory effect of tamoxifen on the development of estrogen dependent tumors, pointing to omega 3 as a potential adjuvant to standard therapy (Manni A. et al. Cancer Prev Res, in press). However, the mechanistic basis of this observation is unknown. The objective of the present work is to analyze the genomic changes in chemically induced mammary tumors that developed in tamoxifen treated rats fed omega 3 or omega 6 fatty acids. Sprague Dawley rats, 21 days-old, were administered an i.p. injection of 1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU) 50 mg/kg body weight. The animals were distributed into 4 groups (G), and maintained under standard conditions and were given the following treatments for 8 weeks: G1 received a diet of 20% of corn oil (CO); G2 received a diet with 17% of fish oil (FO) and 3% CO; G3 received the CO diet and tamoxifen; G4 received FO diet and tamoxifen. Tamoxifen was administered s.c 100 μg/Kg b.w., 5 days/week. The animals were euthanized after 8 weeks. Mammary tumors were frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80C. RNA from cribiform tumors was extracted and one-color Agilent 44K whole rat genome oligonucleotide microarray was performed in three tumor samples per group. Tamoxifen-treated groups (G3 and G4) were compared with their respective controls (G1 and G2). The genes were considered differentially expressed when the p value was lower or equal to 0.01 and had at least 1.50 fold change. A total of 488 genes were considered statistically different comparing G3 to G1 (G3/G1), whereas 206 genes were considered statistically different comparing G4 to G2 (G4/G2). Gene ontology analysis showed that 125 genes of G3/G1 comparison and 58 of G4/G2 comparison were related to cancer, apoptosis, cellular movement, cellular proliferation, inflammatory response or angiogenesis. In the G3 /G1 comparison, the expression pattern of genes related to cell proliferation and apoptosis was found to be divergent, as well as the genes related to cell proliferation in the G4/G2 comparison. In contrast, G4/G2 did not showed relevant genes expressed related to apoptosis.

CO treatment in presence of tamoxifen (G3/G1) induced an up-regulation of C5r1, Hck, Il6Ra, Myo1f_predicted and Tlr6, and down-regulation of Mif, indicating an increase of the inflammatory host response. These changes were accompanied by up-regulation of Ets1, Tlr6 and Wdr44 genes controlling angiogenesis and cell migration, which can lead to metastasis. These changes were not observed in the FO and tamoxifen treated group. We conclude that an omega 6 rich-diet could modify the genomic profile of tamoxifen treated tumors making them more prone to an aggressive behavior or result in tamoxifen resistance. (Supported by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, grant KG081632). The first two authors contributed equally to this work.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5722.


In sparsely populated rural communities, the need to retain market shares for local providers has become increasingly important. Using data from the ARCH (Affordable Rural Coalition for Health) demonstration project, this study demonstrates the importance of information and the image of services for the retention of local clientele in rural communities. The unaware tend to migrate for health care to referral centers where needed services can be assumed present.


CADASIL is the most common cause of hereditary stroke and vascular dementia. Published information about this disease in South America is scant. We describe clinical and demographic characteristics of 13 patients (10 families) with CADASIL from Argentina.Methods Medical records, diagnostic tests and family history of patients with CADASIL were reviewed.Results Thirteen patients with CADASIL (10 families) were included. All patients had European ancestry. Initial presentation was stroke in most patients (n = 11). Stroke patients later developed cognitive complaints (n = 9), migraine with aura (n = 1), apathy (n = 4) and depression (n = 6). External capsule and temporal lobe involvement on MRI were characteristic imaging findings. Two patients died after intracerebral hemorrhage.Conclusion This is the first report of non-related patients with CADASIL in South America addressing ancestry. Since European ancestry is not highly prevalent in all South American countries, there may be variable incidence of CADASIL within this region.


The paper presents the case of a 61 year-old man on with a rare disease--insulinoma of the pancreas. The tumor was discovered accidentally and it displayed no hormonal symptoms. The abdominal pain that the patient had suffered from was probably caused by the inflammatory tumor localized in the sigmoid as the result of diverticulitis. As the patient had no defecation problems, concentration was placed preoperatively on pancreas tumor diagnosis. During the operation the pancreas tumor as well as the sigmoid tumor were resected. Implantation of the whole profile of pancreas tail to the stomach was performed. This method permits for further diagnostics (gastroscopy, ERCP). The man had no diabetes, the blood glucose level was normal. The alimentary tract from the stomach to the duodenum was kept and the pancreas secretory function was acceptable. Colonoscopy in 2002 did not show any pathological changes. One month after the operation the patient suffered from pancreatitis which was localized in the head of the pancreas. Medical treatment relieved all symptoms, but then the cyst in the pancreas head appeared as a sequela. The patient would not agree to its puncture. The inflammatory process in the head of the pancreas may have resulted from surgical treatment, although ERCP showed no passage obstruction between this part of the pancreas and the duodenum. The patient is still on follow-up.


[Purpose] Prevention of dementia requires early intervention against it. To ensure that early interventions are effective it is crucial to study the cognitive functions related to dementia in young adulthood. Moreover, it is needed not only to verify the cognitive function test but also to elucidate the actual brain activity and the influence of related factors on the brain activity. To investigate the factors influencing cognitive function among young adults and examine the differences in executive function by physical activity level. [Subjects and Methods] Forty healthy university students (mean age, 20.4 years) were classified into two groups by cognitive function score (HIGH and LOW), determined according to Trail Making Test performance and Stroop task processing time. We then assessed what factors were related to cognitive function by logistic regression analysis. Executive function was determined by brain blood flow using near-infrared spectroscopy during the Stroop task, and was then compared by physical activity levels (determined according to number of steps per hour). [Results] Full-scale Intelligence Quotient according to the 3rd Wechsler Adult Intelligent Scale and number of steps per hour influenced cognitive function score, with odds ratios of 1.104 and 1.012, respectively. Oxy-hemoglobin concentrations in areas related to executive function during the Stroop task were significantly higher among those in the high physical activity group than among those in the low physical activity group. [Conclusion] The study revealed that Full-scale Intelligence Quotient and a number of steps per hour are factors associated with the cognitive functions in young adulthood. In addition, activity in execution function related area was found to be significantly higher in the high physical activity group than in the low physical activity group, suggesting the importance of physical activity for enhancing young adulthood cognitive functions.


The urban scape of Faisalabad is shaped by factors that have affected the urban story of Pakistan in general, and that of the city in particular. At the national level, these include the development of the irrigation system in the late nineteenth century, followed by partition of India and the mass migration of over a million people into the new country, industrialization in the 1960s, Indo-Pak and Afghan wars, massive natural disasters (floods and earthquakes) and the war on terrorism in Afghanistan; each of these events coupled with the natural increase in population and rural to urban migration have led to irreversible migration of people into the cities of Pakistan. Against this background, Faisalabad's centrality in location and nearness to various transport nodes have given rise to several unprecedented challenges not only in the form of unplanned sprawl but also in the form of shortage of water, housing and sanitation facilities. This profile examines the unique challenges and opportunities that are city specific as well as those that afflict other similar cities in Pakistan or any city in the developing world. This discussion is expected to help draw lessons and provide solutions to manage cities. The profile also examines the city's unique features and comparative advantages, to assess its potential for future growth, so that Faisalabad is equipped to compete with other large cities in Pakistan and also within the region.


For qualitative (2-class) tests, which provide binary (yes/no) information, the correctness of specimen classification remains the most important criterion for performance evaluation. However, a more informative picture emerges from the relationship between percentage of positive results and analyte concentration, which allows some inherent test characteristics to be derived (the positive/negative discrimination concentration and the "grey zone" around it). The information content of evaluation approaches is decidedly improved by the availability of numerical results (counts per minute, absorbance) in most situations of clinical interest. The concentration/response functions underlying the quality of individual tests may thus be derived and compared, and laboratory staff given a more objective criterion to judge individual performance. Examples are drawn from the authors' experience in running external quality assessment programs for tests for infectivity markers.


A systematic study of electrophysiologic events [eight-channel EEG, electrocardiogram, electromyogram (EMGs)] surrounding 252 arousals from slow-wave sleep (SWS) in adults with sleepwalking (SW) and sleep terrors (ST) is reported. Hospital-based, overnight polysomnographic monitoring was conducted in 38 adults presenting to a sleep disorders center with injurious SW, ST (21 males, 17 females; mean age 29 years, range 17-69 years). Before nonbehavioral or behavioral arousals from SWS, neither EEG "delta wave buildup," nor heart rate (HR) acceleration, nor tonic/phasic EMG activation was identified. The postarousal EEG demonstrated three patterns: (a) diffuse, rhythmic, delta activity with a typical frequency of 2.2 Hz, a typical amplitude of 85 microV, and a typical duration of 20 s; (b) diffuse delta and theta activity intermixed with alpha and beta activity; and (c) prominent alpha and beta activity. Multichannel, high-voltage, delta activity was observed in <2% of all prearousal periods. HR acceleration emerged abruptly with SWS arousals, with significant changes in mean pre- versus postarousal HR (p < .001). Macrostructural sleep parameters ("sleep architecture") were intact. Therefore, our findings in adults with SW, ST strongly support the classification of SW/ST as disorders of (abrupt) arousal.


This paper explores the key dimensions and value-adding elements of a supply chain delivering cockpit modules to an automotive assembly operation in the United Kingdom. The findings demonstrate that supplying on a modular basis is influenced by the initial design decisions of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), the capabilities of the Module supplier and the ability to offer greater levels of customization in a high-volume environment. The research articulates the findings through the concept of the "Dimensions of Modularity" which seeks to demonstrate the key decision areas in a modular context and extend the concept of "Value Transfer Activity" within a modular context. Our research provides insights into the specific dynamics of a module supply chain from OEM through to Modular supplier and a supplier of sub-modules. From this research, those involved in developing modular solutions can determine the multi-dimensional issues that need to be addressed to ensure that the supply chain is effectively connected and value transfer implications are accommodated and maximised. By adopting a single supply chain approach to exploring the impact of modular practices this paper provides valuable observations into an area of supply chain and operations management that is becoming increasingly relevant to both academic and practitioner communities.


PURPOSE
To document severe visual symptoms due to the dislocation of an iris-fixated aphakic anterior chamber lens using wavefront aberrometry.

METHODS
A patient complaining of severe visual blur and distortion due to a decentered Artisan iris-fixated anterior chamber lens was evaluated pre- and postoperatively after recentration. The patient underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation including the measurement of corneal topography and wavefront aberrations using the NIDEK OPD-Scan. OPD Station software was used to correlate and simulate the patient's symptoms.

RESULTS
After the repositioning procedure, the visual symptoms resolved, and high magnitudes of tilt (7.536 microm) and high order aberrations (5.129 microm) were dramatically reduced by simple lens repositioning (4.40-mm pupil). The cylinder magnitude was reduced from 6.25 to 0.75 diopters.

CONCLUSIONS
These are the first diagnostic images of this kind in a highly aberrated eye with iris-fixated anterior chamber lens dislocation. The images documented the optical effect and visual consequences of IOL decentration and subsequent recentration.


Objective To analyze the relationship between the position of embedded mesiodens in maxilla and surgical approach in children and thus provide reference materials for surgical design. Methods According to the preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination, the location and surgical approach characteristics of 625 children aged 4-16 years old who presented with embedded mesiodens in maxilla and were diagnosed in our department from January 2016 to December 2021 were statistically analyzed. Results There were 877 embedded mesiodens in 625 children. The selected cases were classified according to the axial angle relationship between mesiodens and adjacent normal teeth or tooth germs, including 84 cases of acute angle type (including the same direction) (13.4%), 66 cases of vertical type (10.6%), 114 cases of obtuse angle type (18.2%), 271 cases of inverted type (43.4%), and 90 cases of mixed type (14.4%). The palatal gingival margin approach was the most selected surgical approach for the cases of acute angle (including synclastic), obtuse angle, and inverted type, and the palatal gingival margin approach and the combined labial-palatal approach were the most selected surgical approach for the cases of vertical and mixed type. Conclusion Palatal gingival margin approach was the most common surgical approach for various types of embedded mesiodens in maxilla in children. Surgeons should classify the case of mesiodens according to the preoperative imaging examination and design the surgical approach reasonably.


Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic treatments for a wide range of cancers. N-benzyladriamycin-14-valerate (AD198) is a lipophilic anthracycline that has been shown to target conventional and novel isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) in cytoplasm of cells. Because of the adverse effects of DOX, including hair loss, nausea, vomiting, liver dysfunction, and cardiotoxicity, novel derivatives of DOX have been synthesized and validated. In this study, we evaluated the effects of DOX and its derivative, AD198, on cell viability of three canine transitional cell carcinoma (K9TCC) (K9TCC#1-Lillie, K9TCC#2-Dakota, K9TCC#4-Molly) and three canine osteosarcoma (K9OSA) (K9OSA#1-Zoe, K9OSA#2-Nashville, K9OSA#3-JJ) primary cancer cell lines. DOX and AD198 significantly inhibited cell proliferation in all tested K9TCC and K9OSA cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. AD198 inhibited cell viability of tested K9TCC and K9OSA cell lines more efficiently as compared to DOX at the same concentration using MTS (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2h-tetrazolium) assay. AD198 had lower IC50 values as compared to DOX for all tested K9TCC and K9OSA cell lines. In addition, AD198 increased apoptosis in all tested K9TCC and K9OSA cell lines. AD198 increased the caspase activity in tested K9TCC and K9OSA cell lines, which was confirmed by caspase-3/7 assay, and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was confirmed by Western blotting analysis. In addition, AD198 cleaved PKC-δ, which subsequently activated the p38 signaling pathway, resulting in the apoptosis of tested K9TCC and K9OSA cell lines. Inhibition of the p38 signaling pathway by SB203580 rescued DOX- and AD198-induced apoptosis in tested K9TCC and K9OSA cell lines. Our in vitro results suggest that AD198 might be considered as a new treatment option for K9TCC and K9OSA cell lines cancers in vivo.


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The optical limiting behaviour of silver nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes is investigated and compared to the optical limiting performances of conventional carbon black suspension. The optical limiting behaviour is characterized by means of nonlinear transmittance and scattered intensity measurements when submitted to a nanosecond pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at the fundamental or the second harmonic wavelength. We found that the optical limiting effect is strongly particle size dependent, the best performance achieved with the smaller particles. Moreover, it is shown that the surface plasmon resonance is not the main effect responsible for the nonlinear processes. Especially, the particle size and its implication in the backscattering performance is outlined. A stronger backscattered radiation is observed for the 60 nm sized silver particles in comparison with the 580 nm large ones. Alternatively, a stronger scattering in the forward hemisphere is subsequent to nanoparticles whose sizes are significantly greater.


This article introduces a second new proof of Fermat's Last Conjecture (Nwogugu [2020] introduced the first new proof of Fermat's Last Conjecture) which is studied in the context of Sub-Rings of Complex Numbers (Integers; Rationals).


We present a sequential model for temporal relation classification between intra-sentence events. The key observation is that the overall syntactic structure and compositional meanings of the multi-word context between events are important for distinguishing among fine-grained temporal relations. Specifically, our approach first extracts a sequence of context words that indicates the temporal relation between two events, which well align with the dependency path between two event mentions. The context word sequence, together with a parts-of-speech tag sequence and a dependency relation sequence that are generated corresponding to the word sequence, are then provided as input to bidirectional recurrent neural network (LSTM) models. The neural nets learn compositional syntactic and semantic representations of contexts surrounding the two events and predict the temporal relation between them. Evaluation of the proposed approach on TimeBank corpus shows that sequential modeling is capable of accurately recognizing temporal relations between events, which outperforms a neural net model using various discrete features as input that imitates previous feature based models.


Stein-Leventhal syndrome (Polycystic ovaries syndrome), represent one of the major obstacles facing reproductive medicine researchers, because there is no information about the etiology of it, and that made them fail to draw smile on faces of millions of women around the world, who are suffering from it. Scientists said that it is attributed to genetic and environmental factors, and we hypothesized that it was caused by environmental pollution by dioxins (specifically heavy metals), which disturb aryl hydrocarbon receptor and that lead to disturbing of nuclear receptors and then express genes which lead to hormonal, metabolic and immunological abnormalities appear in PCOS patients. And fortunately this hypothesis supports our hypothesis about the etiology of COVID-19 and its variants, clinically and epidemiologically. PCOS can be transmitted transmammry, sexually from Dixon exposed male partners, and due to direct exposure to Dixon either via explosion or by excessive use of makeup .Experimental studies is required to test our hypothesis.


This paper describes a hybrid object-based video coding scheme that achieves efficient compression by separating coherently moving objects from stationary background and compactly representing their shape, motion and the content. In addition to providing improved coding efficiency at very low bit rates the technique provides the ability to selectively encode, decode and manipulate individual objects in a video stream. Applications of this object-based video coding technology include videoconferencing, videotelephony, desktop multimedia and surveillance video.


An understanding of light and its interaction with matter is essential to produce images. As the modeling of light sources, light transport and light reflection improves, it becomes possible to render images with increasing realism. The central motivation behind this thesis is to improve realism in computer graphics images by more accurate local shading models and to assist the user to obtain the desired lighting effects with these more complex models.
The first part of the thesis addresses the problem of rendering surfaces illuminated by extended (linear and area) light sources. To compute the light reflected by a surface element in a given direction, one needs to determine the unoccluded regions (shadowing) of each light source and then to compute the light reflection (shading) from each of these regions. Traditionally, point light sources are distributed on the lights to approximate both the shadowing and the shading. Instead, an efficient analytical solution is developed for the shading. Shadowing from extended light sources is a fairly expensive process. To give some insights on the complexity of computing shadows, some properties of shadows and algorithms are presented. To reduce the cost of computing shadows from linear light sources, two acceleration schemes, extended from ray tracing, are introduced and evaluated.
The second part of this thesis addresses the problem of achieving a desired shading effect by building up systems of constraints. This approach is called inverse shading. It allows a user to obtain a desired lighting effect by interacting directly with the scene model. An interactive modeling system has been built to study the introduction of rendering issues into the modeling process itself. Two rendering aspects are considered: shading and shadows. By specifying a highlight position and size, the unique direction of a directional light source as well as the surface glossiness are determined. Interactively moving this highlight on the surface redefines the light direction while changing its size redefines the surface glossiness. By manipulating shadow volumes (the volume within which a particular light cannot be completely seen), the light source definition and position can be modified. By assigning colours to various points in a 3D scene, information about the colour of a surface as well as other surface characteristics can be deduced. This relatively new concept of defining the causes by manipulating the effects is expected to have a major impact on the design of future computer graphics modeling systems. It begins a new family of tools for the design of more intuitive user interfaces.


Cardiac catheterization was performed in nine patients with unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery. Aortography revealed a diverticulum of the innominate artery in five of six patients in whom the aortic arch and absent pulmonary artery were on opposite sides. It is suggested that the diverticulum indicates fetal systemic blood supply to the affected lung through the distal part of the sixth aortic arch, which--consisting of ductal tissue--obliterated after birth, leaving the diverticulum where the ductus joins the innominate artery.