The authors review the history of the researches on embryonic and umbilical cord vein stem cells, their advantages and disadvantages. They proceed with comments on adult stem cells, their concept, history, sources and role on tissue regenerative processes, mainly on the endothelium. They stress the importance of factors that mobilize the adult stem cells from the bone marrow: cytokines, angyopoietine and other growth factors. The adult stem cells are mobilized as endothelial progenitor cells, which have a common origin with the endothelial cells from the hemangioblasts. The mobilizing factors are activated under hypoxia and promote the homing of the endothelial progenitor cells on the ischemic sites in order to generate the neovasculogenesis, which is accomplished through three possible mechanisms: angiogenesis (new capillaries from sprouts of the existing ones), arteriogenesis (related to collateral circulation) and vasculogenesis (actual new vessels). An appraisal of the literature is made with regard to animal and clinical sets Finally, they stress that adult stem cells, although bearing an enormous potential, still demand a considerable amount of work to become a current therapeutic method.


Couplings of microscopic stochastic models to deterministic macroscopic ordinary and partial differential equations are commonplace in numerous applications such as catalysis, deposition processes, polymeric flows, biological networks and parametrizations of tropical and open ocean convection. In this paper we continue our study of the class of prototype hybrid systems presented in [8]. These model systems are comprised of a microscopic Arrhenius dynamics stochastic process modeling adsorption/desorption of interacting particles which is coupled to an ordinary differential equation exhibiting a variety of bifurcation profiles. Here we focus on the case where phase transitions do not occur in the microscopic stochastic system and examine the influence of noise in the overall system dynamics. Deterministic mean field and stochastic averaging closures derived in [8] are valid under stringent conditions on the range of microscopic interactions and time-scale separation respectively. Furthermore, their derivation is valid only for finite time intervals where rare events will not trigger a large deviation from the average behavior in the zero noise limit. In this paper we study such questions in the context of simple hybrid systems, demonstrating that deterministic closures based on various separation of scales arguments cannot in general capture transient and long-time dynamics. For this purpose we develop coarse grained stochastic closures for this class of hybrid systems and compare them to deterministic, mean-field and stochastic averaging closures. We show that the proposed coarse grained closures describe correctly the microscopic hybrid system solutions in all test cases examined, including rare events and random transitions between multiple stable states. (Less)


The need for ground modification is more prevalent as the availability of good site conditions decrease. Among the available methods of ground modification, soil reinforcement is emerging as a promising alternative. Fiber reinforcement involves mixing fibers with soil to improve its strength characteristics. Natural fibers have the following advantages over synthetic: affordability, bulk availability, and eco-friendliness. Coir fiber has the greatest tensile strength and slowest rate of biodegradation among natural fibers. This study presents the effect of kerosene-coated coir on strength and stress-strain response of a cohesive soil. Preliminary soil tests were performed and the soil was classified as CH or high-plasticity clay. Water absorption capacity tests revealed that kerosene reduces moisture intake of coir by up to 170%. Reconstituted samples, with fiber concentrations ranging from 0% to 2% by dry weight of soil, were tested for unconfined compressive strength in optimum moisture and dry states. Results showed that incorporation of coir improved the strength and stress-strain response of high-plasticity clay by as much as 52% compared to unreinforced samples. Aside from increasing peak strength, addition of coir also improved the post-peak behavior of the samples. Results show improved ductility in the coir-reinforced samples tested at optimum moisture condition. An increase in the elastic modulus, by as much as 78%, was also observed. These improved performance was exhibited at 1.5% fiber content.


: The present study tackles the issue of dropping the administrative and civil cases. The two researchers aim to highlight common points of the cases of dropping in the Administrative Judiciary Law and the Code of Civil Procedure. The two researchers singled out the specificity of each of those cases according to the judicial rulings and the jurisprudential opinions. The most prominent cases of dropping the administrative lawsuit are the absence of one or both of the parties of the lawsuit, the withdrawal of the administrative decision, or its cancellation by the administration during the consideration of the administrative lawsuit. As for the civil lawsuit, the most prominent cases of dropping it are the non-attendance of the plaintiff or his/her guardian to the trial session or the failure to follow up on the lawsuit, as well as the cases in which both parties of the lawsuit agree to drop it, and many other cases dealt with by the two researchers in the present study.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new contagious disease reasoned by a new virus that is widely spread over the world, this virus never has been identified in humans before. Respiratory disease can be affected by this virus such as flu with several symptoms, for example, fever, headache, cough, and pneumonia. COVID-19 presence in humans can be tested through blood samples or sputum while the result can be obtained in days. Further, biomedical image analysis assists in showing signs of pneumonia in a patient. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a fully automatic COVID-19 identification system by proposing a new fusion scheme of texture features for CT scan images. This paper presents a fusion scheme based on a machine learning system using three significant texture features, namely, Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Fractal Dimension (FD), and Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrices (GLCM). In experimental results, to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme we have collected 300 CT scan images from a publicly available database. The experimental result shows the performance of LBP, FD, and GLCM obtained an accuracy of 89.87%, 87.84%, and 90.98%, respectively while the proposed scheme yields better results by achieving 96.91% accuracy.


In their attempt to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation, several countries are committed to install wind power generation up to and beyond the 10%-20% penetration mark. However, the large-scale integration of wind power represents a challenge for power system operations planning because wind power 1) cannot be dispatched in the classical sense; and 2) its output varies as weather conditions change. This warrants the investigation of alternative short-term power system operations planning methods capable of better coping with the nature of wind generation while maintaining or even improving the current reliability and economic performance of power systems. To this end, this paper formulates a short-term forward electricity market-clearing problem with stochastic security capable of accounting for nondispatchable and variable wind power generation sources. The principal benefit of this stochastic operation planning approach is that, when compared to a deterministic worst-case scenario planning philosophy, it allows greater wind power penetration without sacrificing security.


Unauthorized data exfiltrations from both insiders and outsiders are costly and damaging. Network communication resources can be used for transporting data illicitly out of the enterprise or cloud. Combined with built-in malware copying utilities, we define this set of tools as comprising the Data Exfiltration Surface (DXS). For securing valuable data, it is desirable to reduce the DXS and maintain controls on the egress points. Our approach is to host the data in a protected enclave that includes novel Software Data Diode (SDD) installed on a secured, border gateway. The SDD allows copying data into the enclave systems but denies data from being copied out. Simultaneously, it permits remote access with remote desktop and console applications. Our tests demonstrate that we are able to effectively reduce the DXS and we are able to protect data from being exfiltrated through the use of the SDD.


IT'S BEEN tough work dealing with influenza this past winter. In terms of excess mortality, this has been one of the worst influenza seasons in recent years; moreover, it has been hard to reach a final decision on which strains of the virus to include in next year's flu vaccine. All 3 of these strains—the A viruses, H1N1 and H3N2, and the B—have now been chosen. The strains of influenza A H3N2 and B in the current vaccine will stay the same for next year's vaccine. A new strain of H1N1 has been chosen, A/Bayern/7/95. But a technical difficulty precludes using this particular virus, so the hunt is on for a virus of the same strain, with similar antigenic characteristics, that can be used for vaccine manufacture. The impact of the disease in the United States this past winter can be appreciated from the fact that the excess mortality attributed


We observe ultrafast polarization dynamics in strongly internally biased InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells during intense femtosecond optical excitation. In the case of strong enough excitation we demonstrate that the built-in bias field (on the order of MV/cm) can be completely screened by the carriers excited in spatially separated states. The removal of the initial strong bias leads to dynamical modification of the band structure, the electron and hole wave functions, and the absorption coefficient within the duration of the excitation pulse. We show that such an optically induced dynamical screening of the biased quantum well can be described in terms of discharging of a nanoscale capacitor driven by a femtosecond laser pulse. The electrostatic energy stored in the capacitor is released via THz emission. Due to its nonlinearity such a process may lead to emission of a THz pulse with bandwidth significantly exceeding that of the excitation pulse.


In British Generals in the War of 1812 Wesley Turner takes a fresh look at five British Generals - Sir George Prevost, Isaac Brock, Roger Sheaffe, Baron Francis de Rottenburg, and Gordon Drummond - who held the highest civil and military command in the Canadas. He considers their formative experiences in the British Army and on active service in European and West Indian theatres and evaluates their roles in the context of North American conditions, which were very different from those of Europe. Turner answers questions about the quality of each general's leadership, particularly that of Isaac Brock, the best known of these five generals. He argues that Brock's charge up Queenston Heights - the basis for his heroic stature - was brave but hardly a demonstration of competent leadership. Turner also shows us that while the other generals displayed courage in combat, they had to face problems raised by American military successes and by the strains of warfare on the civilian population. British Generals in the War of 1812 explores why these commanders succeeded or failed and why, except for Brock, they are all but forgotten.


Abstract Culicoides Latreille species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are insects of significant medical and veterinary importance worldwide because their bites can cause major annoyance, allergic reactions, and/or pathogen transmission to vertebrates, including humans. In this study, we examined the effect of host bloodmeal source on the fecundity and subsequent larval development traits of the progeny of Culicoides furens Poey, a nuisance species in coastal Florida. Field-collected females were fed on two different classes of hosts: birds (chicken) or mammals (human). Fecundity outcomes of the females and larval developmental traits of the progeny were recorded and compared between the two groups. The percentage of females that developed eggs, percentage of gravid females that deposited eggs, number of eggs produced per female, number of eggs deposited per female, egg hatch rates, larval survival rates, time to pupation, pupal sex-ratios, and adult eclosion rates were not significantly different between the two groups. Our results demonstrate that the host bloodmeal source has no significant effect on the fecundity and subsequent larval developmental life-history traits of the progeny in C. furens. Previous studies reported C. furens to be a generalist feeder that shows no host preference for birds or mammals. Collectively, these findings suggest that C. furens is well adapted, not just behaviorally, but also physiologically to efficiently utilize blood meals from avian and mammalian hosts, a quality that offers a major evolutionary advantage to the success of this midge species as a generalist feeder.


The invention discloses a heat insulation cover structure of an engine. The heat insulation cover structure comprises an upper exhaust manifold cover, a lower exhaust manifold cover, an upper three-way catalyst cover and a lower three-way catalyst cover. The inner side and the outer side of the upper exhaust manifold cover are both made of metal plates. A ceramic fiber paper board is arranged between the metal plates. The upper exhaust manifold cover and the lower exhaust manifold cover are detachably and movably connected through connecting pieces. By means of the heat insulation cover structure of the engine, the heat insulation effect is improved, the resonance between the heat insulation cover and the engine is avoided, and the rigidity of the heat insulation cover is improved.


AbstractCarbon Fiber reinforced composite material can be designed for the optimized performances of structural member that have achieve appropriate mechanical properties with cross-sectional shape, fiber direction, stacking sequence and thickness. So there are needed extensive databases each optimal design of CFRP structural member by impact through the preparation of different shape, interface number, thickness and stacking angle. When pressure is applied to structural member, compression, bending and torsion is shown on the corresponding member. For the effective utilization of fiber reinforced composite material as main structural member, optimized design technology should be established to maximize mechanical properties for compression, bending and torsion.In this paper, CFRP prepreg sheet with different stacking angle is manufactured in CFRP and hybird(Al+CFRP) with circular cross-section. Strength and stiffness is gotten respectively by flexure test. CFRP structure and hybrid structure can be compared with each other. The best design guideline can be analyzed by use of this study result.


The use of the Risk Index in surgery is aimed to plan surgical strategy in order to achieve a better postoperative prognosis. This is especially true in geriatric surgery where the ASA Index and, more recently, the Reiss Index are widely employed. Since the mentioned Risk Indices are calculated on the basis of different factors, in this study we compared the two Risk Indices with the aim of verifying which index offers better prognostic indications. 210 patients, aged over 70 years, undergoing surgical treatment, were investigated. The patients were grouped according to the ASA and Reiss Indices. The ASA Index showed good correlation only with postoperative mortality. The three classes of Reiss Index showed a significant correlation with the incidence of post-operative morbidity and mortality (p.o. morbidity: 7.1%, 21.5%, 30.3%; p.o. mortality; 1.7%, 9.2%, 24.2% -Chi 2 = 20.7; p < 0.001). Our results support the hypothesis that Reiss index offers better prognostic evaluation of postoperative outcome, suggesting its use in assessing postoperative prognosis in geriatric patients. In addition, our observation confirms the criticism reported of the ASA Index, merely considered as an indicator of health status regardless of surgical treatment. In conclusion, routine preoperative evaluation of the Reiss Index should be advised in geriatric patients with the aim to forecasting surgical risk in the first place, and them modifying operative strategy in order to improve postoperative results.


Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a rheumatic autoimmune disease characterized by focal lymphocytic infiltrates in the lacrimal and salivary glands, severe dry mouth and eyes, pain and debilitation. Diagnosis requires autoantibodies to ubiquitous Ro antigens or a lip biopsy positive for focal lymphocytic infiltrates. Here we used human proteome arrays to identify novel antibodies in plasma from Ro positive and Ro/La antibody negative SS patients compared with healthy controls.

 Anti-Ro positive (n=15) and anti-Ro negative (n=15) cases meeting 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SS were age, race, and sex matched with each other and healthy controls (n=15). Plasma IgG binding to human proteome arrays containing >19,500 recombinant human proteins representing >80% of the human proteome (HuProt v3.2 arrays, CDI Laboratories) was assessed. Data were normalized by the Robust Linear Model using the PAA Bioconductor Package in R and log intensity values for each protein generated. Thresholds of mean + 4SD were established using the controls. Antigens bound by IgG more frequently in cases compared to controls (p<0.05, one-tailed Fisher's exact test) were considered significant.

 IgG from Ro positive SS cases significantly bound 18 proteins, including the canonical SS antigens Ro60 and Ro52. IgG from Ro negative SS cases significantly bound 4 proteins compared to controls, 3 of which were shared with the Ro positive group. Binding to any one of 4 novel proteins identified 73% of the Ro negative SS cases.

 A total of 17 novel antigen specificities were identified in SS, with 4 antigens being bound by plasma IgG from Ro/La negative SS cases. These antigens may be useful for diagnosing SS without a lip biopsy.


Chronic gastritis represents the paradigmatic histological condition by means of which the various clinical displays develop. Among the several etiologic factors, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) certainly represents a determining element for the promotion of such condition. Several morpho-functional evaluations (parietal cells, peptic cells, acid secretion, peptic secretion, gastrinemia) point out how Hp has on the mucosa a mainly direct action, without any substantial modifications of the gastric milieu. Certainly, the bacteria help the bodyfundic atrophic gastritis, but seldom this condition contributes to the modification of the gastric pH in such a relevant way so as to prime the fall of events which lead to the preneoplastic/neoplastic modifications. Metaplastic, dysplastic and neoplastic clones may arise, in the course of Hp infection, even in conditions of normochloridria. Such bacterium behaves as a cofactor of various other damaging or predisposing agents, contributing to modulate the risk by acting on host genetic susceptibility.


Objectives Increasing emphasis is given on involving patients in health technology assessment (HTA). While this is mainly done at the level of regional and national HTA agencies, this tendency is also emerging in local HTA units. In this study, we provide the results of a survey conducted in local HTA units in the province of Quebec, Canada. The aim of the survey was to provide an overview of local HTA unit practices to involve patients, users, caregivers, and citizens in their process, their interest in doing so, and their information needs for this. Methods The survey was conducted in 2017 with a response rate of eleven units over a possibility of twelve. Results Three units out of eleven (27.3 percent) never involved patients or members of the public in their processes and all indicated that they will involve them in the next few years. The three most important needs for support identified in the HTA units were in: recruiting and selecting patients; integrating experiential knowledge; and knowing and implementing the best methods and practices for partnership. Conclusion Patient involvement in local HTA units is quickly evolving and that is why they urgently need tools to involve more effectively patients and members of the public in their process.


In recent years, a salient and general motivation of researchers of a number of central banks has been to enhance macroeconometric models by Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models. The central banks use the models to help produce economic projections, the analysis of policy issues, simulation on alternative policy scenarios and so on. The practical usage of the DSGE-based models will increase in the future. This paper provides an overview of macroeconometric models of the FRB, Bank of Canada and Bank of England. Furthermore, I presents a detailed description of JEM developed by the Bank of Japan and FPS developed by the New Zealand Reserve Bank, and compares between both models. Finally, this paper discusses future work to develop macroeconometric models.


This paper looks at the concept of Small Business Entrepreneurship in Gondar, Ethiopia, reviewed its performance using some basic indicators. The study revealed that
entrepreneurship development is essential not only to solve the problem of economic development but also to solve the problem of unemployment, unbalanced area development, concentration of economic power and diversion of profits from
traditional sources or avenues. It noted that financial and physical facilities are not the only crucial inputs in the development of small business entrepreneurship, other inputs
like government and support service systems. The small business enterprises and entrepreneurs faced the main problems of poor start-up capital and other financial
constraints, technological obsolescence, poor managerial skills and knowledge, irregular supply of raw materials. Other problems include, poor marketing techniques and strategies,
unorganized nature of operations, sole proprietorship dominated ownership structure, unskilled labour force and family management dominance, other infrastructural
deficiencies and poor government support and encouragement, etc. It recommended that to improve the functioning and performance of small business entrepreneurship in Gondar, the
following issues should be critically addressed: liberalization of government policies, attitudinal changes and proper training and development of existing and would-be entrepreneurs in the use of latest technology. Other recommendations include,
20 adequate training on modern management practice on human
resource, financial, marketing, production, and innovation, effective management information systems, setting up an apex institution to regulate and monitor entrepreneurship education, etc. African Research Review Vol. 1 (2) 2007: pp. 19-48


This research focused on the determinants of vulnerability, as measured by the variable of expenditure on food consumption, by the quality of public service delivery as measured by three education variables (amount of students per teacher in primary education, amount of students per teacher in secondary education and amount of students per teacher in higher education) and two health variables (amount of doctors per bed and the amount of beds per hospital). To measure the impact of public service delivery on vulnerability we will use OLS regression, Fixed Effect, Two Stage Least Square (TSLS) and TSLS with Fixed Effect. The instrumental of the TSLS regressions are a group of political decentralization and inequality variables. Lags of respective one and two years are introduced as an additional robustness test. The conclusion is threefold: (i) the quality of primary education has a negative impact on vulnerability, probably due to the selection bias of children from poor families being taken out of school; (ii) the quality of the education service in higher education has a positive impact on vulnerability; and (iii) quality of health care has, at most, only a partial positive effect on reducing vulnerability.


A cerium(III)-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of kynuramine and ynones has been reported as a key reaction in the total synthesis of marine pentacyclic pyridoacridine alkaloids featuring different ring connectivity patterns. The formation of tricyclic benzonaphthyridine rings was identified in the oxidative process. By combining with an intramolecular acylation and the chemoselective late-stage functionalization of pyridine rings, different approaches with 4-10 steps have been designed to accomplish the synthesis of alkaloids demethyldeoxyamphimedine (1), amphimedine (2), meridine (3), isocystodamine (4), N-methylisocystodamine (5), N-hydroxymethylisocystodamine (6), 9-hydroxyisoacididemin (7), neolabuanine A (8), and ecionine A (9).


We design and synthesize a set of homologous organic molecules by taking advantage of facile and tailorable Suzuki cross coupling reactions to produce triarylbenzene derivatives. By adjusting the number and the arrangement of conjugated rings, the identity of heteroatoms, lengths of fluorinated alkyl chains, and other interaction parameters, we create a library of glassformers with a wide range of properties. Measurements of the glass transition temperature (Tg) show a power-law relationship between Tg and molecular weight (MW), with of the molecules, with an exponent of 0.3 ± 0.1, for Tg values spanning a range of 300-450 K. The trends in indices of refraction and expansion coefficients indicate a general increase in the glass density with MW, consistent with the trends observed in Tg variations. A notable exception to these trends was observed with the addition of alkyl and fluorinated alkyl groups, which significantly reduced Tg and increased the dynamical fragility (which is otherwise insensitive to MW). This is an indication of reduced density and increased packing frustrations in these systems, which is also corroborated by the observations of the decreasing index of refraction with increasing length of these groups. These data were used to launch a new database for glassforming materials, glass.apps.sas.upenn.edu.


Abstract. The segment of the Africa–Eurasia plate boundary between the
Gloria Fault and the Strait of Gibraltar has been the setting of significant
tsunamigenic earthquakes. However, their precise location and rupture
mechanism remain poorly understood. The investigation of each event
contributes to a better understanding of the structure of this diffuse plate
boundary and ultimately leads to a better evaluation of the seismic and
tsunami hazard. The 31 March 1761 event is one of the few known
transatlantic tsunamis. Macroseismic data and tsunami travel times were used
in previous studies to assess its source area. However, no one discussed the
geological source of this event. In this study, we present a reappraisal of
tsunami data to show that the observations data set is compatible with a
geological source close to Coral Patch and Ampere seamounts. We constrain the
rupture mechanism with plate kinematics and the tectonic setting of the area.
This study favours the hypothesis that the 1761 event occurred in the
southwest of the likely location of the 1 November 1755 earthquake in a
slow deforming compressive regime driven by the dextral transpressive
collision between Africa and Eurasia.


Research has shown that fractures can be modeled as a nonwelded contact (linear slip) interface. Therefore, in the long wavelength limit, fractures embedded in a homogeneous medium can be equivalent to a transversely isotropic media (TI). We have extended linear slip theory (Schoenberg, 1980) and the generalized homogeneous finite difference approach (Korn and Stockl, 1982) to model horizontal fractures, vertical fractures and 3D wormholes formed during cold heavy oil production with sand (CHOPS). This paper illustrates that seismic PP and PS wave propagation in a unique homogeneous medium is strongly affected by properties of the fractures. We also present a case study of fluid filled cracks in the single fracture. Thus, this research contributes to reservoir characterization because reservoir permeability directly governs hydrocarbon production.


One of the complications that can occur after tooth extraction is an infection at the extraction site. Staphylococcus aureus is of the bacterias that plays a significant role in causing infection. Eugenol is an active substance of clove oil and pulperyl, where eugenol has antibacterial properties. The aim of the research is to compare the effectivity between clove oil and pulperyl in inhibiting the accumulation of Staphylococcus aureus. The research used in vitro laboratory experimental method by comparing the inhibition rate of clove oil 5% and pulperyl 5% along with a negative control of ethanol against Staphylococcus aureus in form of clear zone measured with a caliper. The medium of culture used was Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA). The result shows that the Pulperyl 5% has an average inhibition zone of 12 mm which is more effective compared to clove oil 5% which has an average inhibition zone 10 mm in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus. The test result showed statistically significant results (ANOVA test = 0.001 with p<0.05). Pulperyl and clove oil contain eugenol that may damaged protein membrane and inhibit bacterial growth.The conclusion is that Pulperyl 5% and clove oil 5% can inhibit accumulation of Staphylococcus aureus, in which Pulperyl® 5% has higher inhibition rate compared to clove oil 5%.


We assayed creatine kinase (EC 220.127.116.11) activity in normal serum and in specimens obtained from patients with high serum creatinine by four automated methods: (a) the Technicon SMA 12/60, (b) the Technicon AutoAnalyzer Ii, (c) the Abbott Bichromatic Analyzer, and ( the Aminco Rotochem. Activity blanks were assayed with the AutoAnalyzer II system. With the colorimetric assay, which measures the amount of creatine produced, we obtained high blank values (up to 254 U/liter) for patients with increased serum creatinine, while those with normal serum creatinine showed slight to moderate blank values (up to 35 U/liter). Patients with abnormally high values for serum creatinine should have their creatine kinase activity assayed with use of either a blank correction or by a method that does not measure the amount of creatine produced. Paper chromatography and thin-layer chromatography of selected sera indicate that endogenous creatine is the major source of interference in the colorimtric procedure.


Geofence search warrants, also known as reverse location search warrants, are a new, digital version of the general warrants, or "writs of assistance", that were at the heart of the Fourth Amendment's inclusion in the Bill of Rights. Fourth Amendment jurisprudence has been consistently challenged for over a century in the face of technology advancements such as the wiretap, computers, the internet, and mobile phones. But the challenge posed by geofence warrants, in which the government can demand that private sector technology providers disclose a list of mobile devices in a defined place at a defined time, may be the Fourth Amendment's most vexing encounter yet. When combined with protections provided by the Stored Communications Act, enacted in 1986, it positions the courts as a porous last line of defense between government intrusion and expectations of privacy in the mobile device era.
This Article explains why this situation is perilous, and describes the widening gap between existing Fourth Amendment jurisprudence and rapidly advancing technology to obtain, aggregate, and correlate data about citizens, both anonymous and uniquely identifying, to surveil and profile the public, with a focus on geofence warrants as this era's emblematic investigative tool. This Article will explain why anonymization is a weak safeguard and argue for more stringent requirements to bring judicial domain knowledge in line with that of law enforcement officers, who have greater access to specialized training in digital forensics. Lastly, the Article will discuss needed reforms to current statutory protections that no longer possess the ability to constrain government intrusion into our daily lives. The judiciary and legislatures place checks on one another, but both are quickly being left behind by technology advances, big data, and private sector inclusion in modern law enforcement.


Abstract In the endemic countries, human cystic echinococcosis (CE) poses a serious medical and social problem. Because it most often affects the liver and lungs we aimed to define the proportion of cases with different organ localization, the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in such cases, and the outcome of them. For a period 2010–2019, a total of 2863 cases of CE were registered in Bulgaria, of which 148 (5.17%) with organ localization other than liver and/or lung. The majority of patients with extra-hepatopulmonary localization of CE were adults. The distribution by gender showed predominance of female patients (57.43%) over those of males and primary cases (85.14%) exceeded the cases of recurrence. According to our study most common is the spleen involvement, followed by involvement of the abdominal cavity, kidneys and muscle/subcutaneous tissue. Other extra-hepatopulmonary organ localizations are significantly less common. This study shows that the extra-hepatopulmonary localization of CE is not so rare, and in most cases it is a primary disease. In respect of this, clinicians should consider hydatidosis in the differential diagnosis when cystic formation(s) is found, regardless of the organ involved.


This article is a case study examining the diagnosis and management of bladder dysfunction and catheter-associated pain in an older woman with diabetes and a hypotonic bladder. The incidence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions. Although people with diabetes frequently develop lower urinary tract symptoms and voiding difficulties, this is often an unrecognised problem. As the incidence of diabetes grows, the incidence of diabetes-related bladder dysfunction will also increase. It is important that community nurses are aware of how diabetes affects bladder function and how to enable people with diabetes to manage bladder dysfunction well.


The investigation of immune system abnormalities in schizophrenia, although ongoing for decades, has become a popular area of research. The authors present a selected review of studies informing on schizophrenia as a potential inflammatory disorder, emphasizing replicated findings. The authors summarize evidence for inflammation over the illness course, discuss relationships between inflammation and psychopathology, present studies of imaging of neuroinflammation, consider inflammation as a marker of treatment response and treatment target, and review potential mechanisms for the effects of inflammation on the brain in schizophrenia. Although there is not clear and convincing evidence to support the assertion that schizophrenia is an inflammatory disorder, this area of study shows promise toward a greater understanding of the etiopathophysiology of this heterogeneous disorder.


This study identified affective and cognitive factors predicting American 6th, 8th, and 10th graders' civic orientation, defined here as feelings of effective community service, conceptualizations of citizenship, and participation in student government. Independent variables included measures of interpersonal trust, valuation of religion, and individualistic versus collective action attributions of responsibility for solving social problems. Interpersonal trust predicted four out of the five outcome variables. Individualistic attribution of social responsibility was a predictor of running for student government office, and collective action attribution was a predictor of conceptualizations of citizenship. Religious valuation also predicted conceptualizations of citizenship as well as feelings of effective community service. For the most part, grade level did not play a significant role in predicting youth's civic orientation. Results are discussed in terms of the literature on social capital and developmental theory.


Rain rate and rain attenuation predictions are vital in the analysis of the performance of earth-satellite link at higher frequencies beyond 10 GHz for satellite system planning. This study intended to address lack of rain attenuation profile based on local rainfall data collected from various parts of the country. A one-minute integration time rainfall rate used to estimate the rain-induced attenuation was obtained by converting the annual rainfall data collected for 40 years from 22 locations in Tanzania using a combination of Chebil and refined Moupfouma-Martin methods. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standard was used to predict attenuation caused by one-minute rain rate. Contour maps for rain rate and rain attenuation were then generated over different percentages of times of 0.1% and 0.01% for both Ku and Ka-bands using the Kriging interpolation method in ArcGIS software. The maps show higher predicted rain rate values compared to the values given by the ITU in zones K, M and N. The developed maps can be used for rapid and precise estimation of link budget for satellite system design in Tanzania.
Keywords: contour maps; one-minute; rain attenuation; integration time; Ku-band and Ka-bands


Vaginal carcinoma is rare, accounting for only 2% of all gynecological malignancies. Due to a lack of prospective randomized studies, the role of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of primary vaginal carcinoma remains unclear. We report the first two cases of primary vaginal carcinoma successfully treated with a regimen involving concurrent weekly carboplatin plus paclitaxel, external beam radiotherapy and high‐dose‐rate interstitial brachytherapy. These cases strongly indicate that definitive chemoradiation involving carboplatin plus paclitaxel may be a reasonable treatment for primary vaginal carcinoma.


Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and corrosion fatigue (CF) of 12% Cr stainless steel components can lead to reduced availability of steam turbines (ST). Significant operation and maintenance (O&M) costs are required to protect against CF and SCC in both aging and new higher efficiency ST systems. Shot peening has been used to reduce the overall operating tensile stresses, however corrosion pits, foreign object damage (FOD), and erosion can penetrate below the relatively shallow residual compression providing initiation sites for SCC and CF. A means of reliably introducing a deep layer of compressive residual stresses in critical ST components will greatly reduce O&M costs by improving CF life, increasing damage tolerance, reducing SCC susceptibility, and extending the service life of components.Low plasticity burnishing (LPB) is an advanced surface enhancement process providing a means of introducing compressive residual stresses into metallic components for enhanced fatigue, damage tolerance, and SCC performance. LPB processing can be applied as a repair process during scheduled overhauls or on new production components.High cycle fatigue tests were conducted on Type 410 stainless steel, a common alloy used in critical ST components, to compare the corrosion fatigue benefits of LPB to shot peening. Samples were tested in an active corrosion medium of 3.5% NaCl solution. Mechanical or accelerated corrosion damage was placed in test samples to simulate foreign object damage, pitting damage and water droplet erosion prior to testing. High cycle fatigue and residual stress results are shown. Compression from LPB was much deeper than the damage providing a nominal 100X improvement in fatigue life compared to the shallow compression from SP. Life extension from LPB offers significant O&M cost savings, improved reliability, and reduced outages for ST power generators.Copyright © 2012 by ASME


The generation of robust analytical data using microarray platforms strictly relies on optimal ligand-target interaction at the sensor surface, which, in turn, is inherently bound to the correct immobilization scheme of the interrogated bioprobes. In the present work, we performed a rigorous comparative analysis of the impact of peptide ligands immobilization strategy in the screening of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) infections in patients affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). We generated arrays of previously validated Burkholderia derived peptide probes that were selectively oriented on polymeric coatings by means of different click-type reactions including thiol maleimide, copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), and strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC). We compared immobilization efficiency among the different chemoselective reactions, and we evaluated diagnostic performances at a statistically significant level, also in contrast to random immobilization strategies. Our findings clearly support the favorable role of correct bioprobe orientation in discriminating seronegative from infected individuals and, in the last analysis, in generating more-reliable and more-reproducible data. Spacing biomolecules from the sensor surface by means of small hydrophilic linkers also positively affects the analytical performance and leads to increased statistical significance of data. Overall, all of the click immobilization strategies that were considered displayed a good efficiency. Interestingly, SPAAC-mediated conjugation using DBCO cyclooctyne for some peptides resulted in sequence-dependent autofluorescence in the Cy5 emission range wavelength, which could be circumvented by using a different fluorescence detection channel. On the basis of our results, we critically discuss the immobilization parameters that need to be carefully considered for peptide ligand immobilization purposes.


BACKGROUND
Chronic constipation with or without encopresis is often associated with abnormal defecation dynamics evidenced by manometric study and possibly manageable with biofeedback treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Twenty-six children more than 5 years of age suffering from constipation with or without encopresis for at least 6 months were treated with biofeedback plus lactulose; 15 of them were also given psychiatric attention. Pressure recordings from the internal and external sphincters in response to transient balloon distension of the rectum were obtained in all patients as did the recto-anal inhibitory reflex and the rectal sensitivity.

RESULTS
Sixteen patients were considered as definitely cured or improved with this management; two others had relapses 6-12 months later and five were not improved; the three remaining patients were lost for follow-up.

CONCLUSION
As already reported, biofeedback treatment represents an interesting role in management of such children.


Objective: To identify helpful laboratory paprameters for the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted to analyze the biological profile of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the Unit of Pulmonology at Setif hospital between January and December 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: the infection group and the control group with patients admitted for other pathologies. The infected group was further divided according to the course of the disease into non-severe and severe subgroups. Clinical and laboratory parameters and outcomes of admitted patients were collected. Results: The infection group included 293 patients, of whom 237 were in the non-severe subgroup and 56 in the severe subgroup. The control group included 88 patients. The results showed higher white blood cells, neutrophils, blood glucose, urea, creatinine, transaminases, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and lower levels of lymphocyte, monocyte and platelet counts, serum sodium concentration, and albumin. According to ROC curves, urea, alanine aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, and albumin were effective diagnosis indices on admission while neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, glycemia, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase were effective during follow-up. Conclusions: Some biological parameters such as neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, glycemia, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase are useful for the diagnosis of COVID-19.


The development of an effective credit scoring model has become a very important issue as the credit industry is confronted with ever‐intensifying competition and aggravating bad debt problems. During the past few years, a substantial number of studies in the field of statistics have been conducted to improve the accuracy of credit scoring models. In order to refine the classification and decrease misclassification, this paper presents a two‐stage model. Focusing on classification, the first stage aims at constructing an artificial neural network (ANN)‐based credit scoring model to categorize applicants into the group of accepted (good) credit and the group of rejected (bad) credit. Switching from classification to reassignment, the second stage proceeds to reduce the Type I error by retrieving the originally rejected good credit applicants to conditional acceptance using the Case‐Based Reasoning (CBR) classification technique. The proposed model (RST–ANN–CBR) is applied to a credit card dataset to verify its effectiveness. As the results indicate, the proposed model is able to achieve more accurate credit scoring than four other methods; more importantly, it is validated to recover potentially lost customers and to increase business revenues.


Camille Claudel (1864-1943) was a gifted 19th-century French sculptor who worked for Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), became his lover, and eventually left him to gain recognition for herself in the art world. After she crumbled under the combined weight of social reproof, deprivations, and art world prejudices, her family had her committed to an asylum, where she died 30 years later. Although Claudel's life has been romanticized in print and on film, a fully researched biography has never been written until this one. The book draws upon much unpublished material, including letters and photographs that confirm the brilliance of her sculpture, clarify her relationship with Rodin (who did not exploit her, but, in fact, supported her work throughout his life), and reveal the true story of her confinement in a mental institution. Claudel's fascinating life touches many aspects of women's issues: creativity, struggle for recognition, conflict with social values, and art world inequities. Illustrated with personal family photographs, this is an intimate and moving tribute to an artist whose life and work have, until now, been misinterpreted and undervalued.


Motivated by questions in the study of relative trace formulae, we construct a generalization of Grothendieck's simultaneous resolution over the regular locus of certain symmetric pairs. We use this space to prove a relative version of results of Donagi and Gaitsgory about the automorphism sheaf of regular stabilizers. We also obtain partial results toward applications in Springer theory for symmetric spaces.


We demonstrate a novel process of one-step extrusion of multi-material fiber preforms containing chalcogenide glasses and polymers. The polymer lends mechanical robustness to the drawn chalcogenide infrared fibers and tapers.


The paper examines the design features and assembly technology for driving axle gear units of automobiles and buses. There is a description of new assembly technologies, equipment and stands improving assembly quality and accuracy, and eliminating reassembly of gear units which highly increase overall labour-intensiveness of assembly. New technological process, production tools and equipment are partially implemented at automotive enterprises (KAMAZ, GAZ, KAAZ) and allow to improve quality and maintainability of gear units.


Objectives: To compare early subjective and objective vision quality of postoperative patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery combined with implantation of refractive segmental multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) SBL-3 and apodized diffractive MIOL SN6AD1. Methods: As a prospective study, it enrolled 53 patients (53 eyes) to undergo phacoemulsification cataract surgery combined with MIOL implantation. According to differences in MIOL implanted, patients were divided into a SBL-3 group (25 eyes) and a SN6AD1 group (28 eyes). Ophthalmological evaluation included uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, uncorrected intermediate (UIVA) and near (UNVA) visual acuities, distance-corrected intermediate (DCIVA) and near (DCNVA)visual acuities and corrected near(CNVA) visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, modulation transfer function (MTF) and high order aberration (4 mm pupil diameter) at three months postoperatively. Moreover, a questionnaire survey was carried out to assess near spectacle independence, patient satisfaction and symptoms of visual disturbance. Results: At three months after surgery, UIVA and UNVA in the SBL-3 group are statistically significantly superior to those of the SN6AD1 group (P>0.05). There was statistical difference in contrast sensitivity at four spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12, 18cycles/degree) under mesopic conditions and mesopic conditions with glare (P>0.05). The total ocular high order aberration, coma and trefoil were statistically significantly larger in the SBL-3 group than in the SN6AD1 group with 4.0 mm pupil diameters (P>0.05). Statistical differences were found in the MTF at spatial frequencies of 5, 10 and 15 cycles/degree between the groups. There were no significant differences in spectacle independence, patient satisfaction and visual disturbance between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Both the two multifocal intraocular lens provided an excellent level of quality of vision three months postoperatively. However, the application effect of SBL-3 MIOL is superior to that of SN6AD1 MIOL as far as intermediate vision, near vision and contrast sensitivity are concerned.


Invertebrate animals exhibited successful detoxification and storage of hazardous inorganic contaminants. Moreover, waterflea Daphnia sp., other crustacean arthropods and molluscan species were implied as sentinel organisms for aquatic contaminants. Benthic invertebrates might be used as biological monitors for heavy metal pollution. They spend most of their lives at the contaminated site. They can determine the concentration of existed heavy metal pollution. A variation in the efficiency of heavy metal accumulation was shown between different invertebrate groups. Molluscan animals specially gastropods showed the greatest capability to bioaccumulate heavy metals within their digestive cells. They acquired higher bioaccumulation factor relative to arthropods and annelids. At the cellular level, heavy metals might be stored after detoxification as granules of different shapes and sizes or as lipid droplets. The present review discusses the capability of different invertebrate groups to detoxify and store inorganic contaminants and their efficiency as possible biomonitor organisms for aquatic ecosystem.


Machine learning is a concerned with the design and development of algorithms. Machine learning is a programming approach to computers to achieve optimization .Classification is the prediction approach in data mining techniques. Decision tree algorithm is the most common classifier to build tree because of it is easier to implement and understand. Attribute selection is a concept by which be select more significant attributes in the given datasets. These proposed a novel hybrid approach combination of VPRS with Boundary Region and Random Forest algorithm called VPRS Boundary Region based Random Forest Classifier (VPRSBRRF Classifier) which is used to deal with uncertainties, vagueness and ambiguity associated with datasets. In this approach, select significant attributes based on variable precision rough set theory with boundary region as an input to Random Forest classifier for constructing the decision tree which is more efficient and scalable approach for classification of various datasets.


Background
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an abnormal involuntary movement disorder caused by patients' long-term use of antipsychotic medication. It diminishes the social functioning of patients with mental disorders, thereby affecting their compliance with antipsychotic medication. The cause and nosogenesis of TD remains unclear; furthermore, because the presentation differs greatly among individuals it often goes undiagnosed or can be easily misdiagnosed. The present study aims to evaluate the abnormal movement patterns in patients with TD, and analyze the differences among different TD patterns, in order to seek effective methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating TD.

Aims
To describe the movement patterns of patients with chronic schizophrenia with TD, and analyze their clinical characteristics and risk factors.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out on a psychiatric unit of the Xuhui Mental Health Center with inpatients who had chronic schizophrenia as participants. Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) was employed to screen for patients with schizophrenia who also had TD. These patients' movement disorders were evaluated, and they were divided into groups based on their movement patterns. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess the psychotic symptoms of patients, collect clinical information, compare the differences between the two groups and analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of TD.

Results
(1) A total of 448 patients met the inclusion criteria for chronic schizophrenia with 46 in the TD group and 402 in the control group. After the TD group and the control group was compared, significant differences were seen between the two groups in gender, age, total duration of illness, age of onset, dosage of antipsychotic medication (daily chlorpromazine equivalent), factor scores of negative symptoms on PANSS and PANSS total scores. (2) It was possible that age, factor scores of negative symptoms in PANSS, the amount of antipsychotic medication used (daily chlorpromazine equivalent) and gender are correlated with the occurrence of TD. (3) There were significant differences among the number of TD patients with movement disorders in facial and oral areas (67.4%), limbs (58.7%) and torso (37%). The AIMS scores corresponding with movement disorders in different parts of the body were also significantly different. (4) Comparing TD patients with single affected area and those with multiple affected areas, we found that they had significant differences in gender, age of onset, AIMS total scores, severity scores of abnormal movements and loss of range due to abnormal movements.

Conclusion
(1) Compared to the control group, the TD group had more men, was older, had a longer duration of illness, later age of onset, generally took a higher dosage of antipsychotic medication and presented with more severe negative symptoms. It is possible that age, factor scores of negative symptoms on PANSS, dosage of antipsychotic medication (daily chlorpromazine equivalent) and gender are correlated with the occurrence of TD. (2) The occurrence of movement disorders in facial and oral areas for patients with chronic schizophrenia with TD was the most frequent, and the symptoms were the most severe. (3) Compared to TD patients with a single affected area, TD patients with multiple affected areas may have an earlier age of onset, more severe movement disorders, and more setbacks in their movement and functioning.


Context: Good quality analgesia posttotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) contributes majorly to early mobilization and shorter hospital stay. Aim: To compare adductor canal block (ACB) versus local infiltration analgesia (LIA) for postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing TKA. Settings and Design: This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was undertaken at a tertiary care university hospital. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Classes I, II, and III, who received spinal anesthesia for TKA were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A patients had LIA of the knee joint using a mixture of 50 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, 10 mg morphine (1 mL) and 99 mL of normal saline. Group B patients received ACB using 25 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance. All patients received multimodal analgesia comprising of paracetamol, diclofenac, and patient controlled analgesia with morphine in the first 24 h' postoperative period. The primary outcome measures were first 24 h' morphine consumption and pain scores at 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h. The secondary outcome measures were nausea/vomiting, sedation, and patient satisfaction scores. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney test, and Chi-square test. Results: The 24 h morphine consumption was 11.97 ± 7.97 and 10.83 ± 6.41 mg in the LIA group and ACB group, respectively (P = 0.54). No significant differences were noted either in the pain scores at rest and flexion or secondary outcome measures between both groups in the first 24 h. Conclusion: Single-shot ACB is equally effective as LIA as postoperative analgesia for TKA.


Hemitaeniochromis brachyrhynchus, an anatomically distinctive and apparently rare new cichlid, is described and illus-trated from specimens collected at two widely separated localities within Lake Malaŵi. It is easily distinguished from H. urotaenia, type species of the genus, by its narrow lacrimal bone which is only one-third of the orbit length, a characterthought to be unique not only in Hemitaeniochromis but among all known Lake Malaŵi cichlids. The genus Hemitaenio- chromis Eccles & Trewavas (1989) is redefined to allow provisional inclusion of this new species. Two species placed in Protomelas by Eccles & Trewavas (1989) [P. insignis (Trewavas) and P. spilopterus (Trewavas)] were recently transferredto Hemitaeniochromis by some authors, without much evidence. The generic placement of these controversial taxa, and of several undescribed species known only from underwater photographs, is briefly reconsidered.


Unconventional heavy oil ores (UHO) have been considered an important part of petroleum resources and an alternative source of chemicals and energy supply. Due to the participation of water and extractants, oil–solid separation (OSS) and oil–water separation (OWS) processes are inevitable in the industrial separation processes of UHO. Therefore, this critical review systematically reviews the basic theories of OSS and OWS, including solid wettability, contact angle, oil–solid interactions, structural characteristics of natural surfactants and interface characteristics of interfacially active asphaltene film. With the basic theories in mind, the corresponding OSS and OWS mechanisms are discussed. Finally, the present challenges and future research considerations are touched on to provide insights and theoretical fundamentals for OSS and OWS. Additionally, this critical review might even be useful for the provision of a framework of research prospects to guide future research directions in laboratories and industries that focus on the OSS and OWS processes in this important heavy oil production field.


Background: Complete Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) type 1A is an X-linked condition associated with reduced scotopic vision, myopia, nystagmus and mutations in the NYX (nyctalopin) gene. This paper reports a novel mutation identified in this gene associated with X-linked CSNB in a New Zealand Caucasian family. Methods: A 16 year old male, presenting with night blindness, underwent detailed phenotypic assessment including pedigree construction and electrophysiology testing. Genetic analysis was performed in the Division of Medical Molecular Genetics, University of Zurich, Switzerland. Other family members also underwent clinical examination and genetic testing. Results: Electrodiagnostic testing has confirmed the diagnosis of Type 1 (complete) CSNB in the proband and his maternal grandfather by identifying a 'negative' rod-mediated waveform and near normal cone responses. NYX gene testing revealed a novel missense sequence alteration c.425T>G (p.Leu142Arg) in the proband. This has not been detected in control European and New Zealand Caucasian populations and segregates with the disease in this family. Conclusion: Missense changes account for the majority of the mutations reported in the NYX gene so far. A novel missense sequence variant causing complete CSNB has been identified in a New Zealand family. This expands the known mutation spectrum of the NYX gene.


Flute-type fluctuations excited spontaneously at the edge of a strongly magnetized plasma column couple nonlinearly with an externally injected convective cell. During the interaction the azimuthal mode-number spectrum of the fluctuations is strongly deformed, and a broader spectrum appears. The phase and amplitude of the fluctuations vary after the interaction and eventually an ordered structure is formed with a phase locked to the injected cell. The macroscopic behaviour is analyzed numerically, using a simple model equation of the Van der Pol type. The observed ordering of the fluctuations is well explained by this type of equation, both for the case when the fluctuations consist of a single mode and when they consist of two modes of different frequencies.


If we drop a magnet through a coil, an emf is induced in the coil according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, such an experiment is done using expEYES kit. The plot of emf versus time has a specific shape with two peaks. A theoretical analysis of this graph is discussed here for both short and long cylindrical magnets. Mathematical expressions are derived for both. Knowing this equation, experiments to calculate the moment of a magnet can be devised. If we use a long conducting tube instead of a simple coil in this experiment, it can even help in measuring the eddy current damping coefficient k.


ABSTRACT The taxonomy and nomenclature of several species-group names for the pelidnotine scarabs (Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Rutelini) are clarified. Two replacement names are proposed for homonyms in the genus Pelidnota MacLeay: Pelidnota francoisgenieri Moore and Jameson, new name, for Pelidnota genieri Soula, 2009 and Pelidnota vladimalyi Moore and Jameson, new name, for Pelidonota malyi Soula, 2010. Two replacement names are proposed for homonyms in the genus Patatra Soula: Neopatatra Moore and Jameson, new name and new synonym, for Patatra Soula, 2009 and Patatra synonyma Moore and Jameson, new name and new synonym, for Patatra mathani Soula, 2009. The genus Minilasiocala Soula is a new synonym of Microogenius Gutiérrez. The nomenclature of the genus Hoplopelidnota F. Bates is clarified, and Hoplopelidnota armata Ohaus is a new synonym of Hoplopelidnota metallica Laporte. The genus Pelidnotopsis Ohaus is considered a new synonym of Chrysina Kirby. The following names are unavailable: Epichalcoplethis vazdemelli Soula, Mecopelidnota willersi Soula, Pelidnota demergesi Soula, Pelidnota vladislavmalyi Soula, and Sorocha damasoi satipoensis Soula. Chrysina henrybatesi Hawks, 2001 is considered a nomen nudum and an unavailable name. Two names are emended: the spelling of Plusiotis türckheimi Ohaus is emended to Chrysina tuerckheimi and Chalcoplethis kirbyi misionesensis Soula (an incorrect original spelling) is emended to Chalcoplethis kirbii misionesensis. The status of infrasubspecific names in the pelidnotine scarabs is discussed. The name Pelidnota semiaurata var. citripennis (Ohaus) is elevated to Pelidnota semiaurata citripennis (Ohaus), new status. Parhoplognathus parvulus var. rubripennis Ohaus is infrasubspecific and an unavailable name. The name Parhoplognathus rubripennis should be attributed to Soula and not Ohaus. The three varieties of Pelidnota cuprea described by Ohaus are infrasubspecific and are unavailable names. A list of subsequent incorrect spellings in the pelidnotine scarabs, a list of lapsus calami from Soula's four volumes on the pelidnotines, and a list of genera included in the pelidnotine scarabs sensu Soula are provided.


The aim of the present study was to investigate which of the four musle heads of the quadriceps femoris is the best surrogate of quadriceps hypertrophy, following resistance training, evaluated by ultrasonography. Forty three physical education students (age: 22.1 ± 3.1 years, height: 175.2 ± 9.3 cm, mass: 75.3 ± 8.0 kg, BMI: 22.8 ± 2.8 kg·m−2) participated in the study. Participants followed an 8-week resistance training program in order to enhance quandriceps muscle hypertrophy. Before and after the training period muscle ultrasonography was used to evaluate: total quandriceps (T), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus intermidius (VI), vastus medialis (VM) and rectus femoris (RF) cross sectional area (CSA). Total quadriceps' as well as VL, VI and VM, CSAs were significantly increased after training (changes ranged between 10.9 ± 9.9% and 18.6 ± 10.8%; p < 0.05). No significant changes were found for RF CSA after training (p > 0.05). Agreement analyses revealed high values for VL and VI (e.g., ICC = 0.879–0.915; p = 0.000), and low values for VM and RF (e.g., ICC = 0.132–0.526; p = 0.000). These results suggest that training-induced changes in muscle hypertrophy in VL and VI measured via muscle ultrasonography may be significantly predict the whole quadriceps hypertrophy in response to lower body resistance training. Consequently, VL and VI may considered as valid surrogates of whole quadriceps muscle hypertrophy.


Abstract Sanitary requirements for international trade in animals and their products are regulated by World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). None of them requires exported animal commodities to be of full sanitary quality, i.e. to be free of pathogens causing mass suffering and premature death of immense numbers of animals and humans. Both organizations using different methods try to avoid requirements of importing countries for pathogen-free animal commodity. They support the exporting countries at the expense of health in the importing ones that are not self-sufficient in animal production and thus contribute to worldwide man-made spreading of pathogens through "legal" trade. They ignore the global irreparable consequences of their common "trade over health" policy. They also deprive the importing countries of freedom to reject goods having no sanitary harmlessness guarantee. They ignore pathogen reproduction/spreading/resistance abilities and the fact that every case is different. Admitting pathogen spread is in stark contrast to the only duty of the OIE. It is therefore recommended: Documents and provisions supporting pathogen spread through "legal" international trade to be immediately abolished; to use and apply normal free market fair trade principles for animal commodities, i.e. full quality requirements based on demands of the importing country to avoid pathogen introduction and on bilateral agreement without any external interference. State animal health services must be significantly strengthened to be able to control international trade on-the-spot and organize infection control/eradication programmes. Modern action-oriented epizootiology methods have to be used. All intergovernmental anti-epizootic agenda should be concentrated in United Nations Organization and dealt with as a priority programme to protect global health and life.


Driven by increasing competition, service providers target customers to deliver value added IP services like "voice over IP" (VoIP) or "virtual private networks" (VPN) over their networks. Thus, IP has become the de facto convergence layer which integrates all types of traffic within a heterogeneous network infrastructure. On the one hand IP was originally designed for best effort networks. On the other hand many new applications rely on a pre-specified end-to-end quality of service (QoS) with statistical guarantees on delay and loss. In this context the question arises, how will the quality of IP flows be evaluated? It is shown that a modular approach is highly efficient to test QoS parameters and mechanisms. This paper describes the principles of a modular testing system implemented at GMD FOKUS and presents the results of practical experiments. The first part of the paper introduces the architecture of a modular testing system and details current research activities to set up a framework for testing IP QoS over ATM networks. The second part discusses different methods to measure QoS parameters in an ATM network environment. The third part presents results of current experiments concerning developments for IP QoS testing. Thus the paper gives an overview on the entire cycle of QoS measurements: from test configurations via necessary test functionalities to the presentation of test results.


Objective: To review the literature evaluating the cross-hypersensitivity between carbapenem and penicillin antibiotics. Data Sources: Primary literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1980–June 2004), EMBASE (1980–December 2004), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, PubMed, and references of reviewed articles. Key search terms were carbapenem, imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem, drug hypersensitivity, and penicillin allergy. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles describing clinical studies involving the use of carbapenem antibiotics in patients allergic to penicillin were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Four studies assessed carbapenem hypersensitivity in penicillin-allergic patients. Original estimates deemed the cross-reactivity to be 50% based on skin testing in a small number of patients; however, 3 more recent retrospective analyses indicate the overall incidence to be approximately 10%. The retrospective nature and presence of confounding factors in the more recent studies make it difficult to apply the lower estimates of carbapenem cross-sensitivity to a general patient population. The majority of cross-reactivity reactions reported was the development of a rash or hives. Conclusions: With minimal data available, the incidence of allergic reaction to carbapenem antibiotics in patients with self-reported penicillin allergy is likely less than the original skin test–determined estimates of 50%. However, caution should be used in patients with previously reported anaphylactic reactions to penicillin. A detailed allergy history is important in determining the clinical consequences of the potential cross-reactivity of carbapenem antibiotics in penicillin-allergic patients.


A good secondary IgG response to the hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza virus has been obtained in vitro in Marbrook-type cultures of influenza-primed mouse spleen cell suspensions stimulated with inactivated influenza virus. Anti-HA antibody was quantitated by a solid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) by using purified HA as substrate. The T dependence of this secondary response was shown by depletion of T cells and reconstitution with a source of primed or unprimed T cells. The help given by T cells primed to the homologous virus was many times greater than that given by unprimed T cells, although the latter was significant. The system described will allow investigation of the specificity requirements of helper T cells engaged in the anti-HA response.


The paper has a structure in four parts. In the first part is justified the concern of the authors regarding the electric energy audit (EEA). In the second part are presented the synthesis of the work style in elaboration of EEA at S.C. CELESTICA ROMÂNIA S.A. The third part contains the synthesis of the results, as in the last part are given the conclusions obtained from analyzes.


High accuracy, synchronized clocks are essential to a growing number of Internet applications. Standard protocols and their associated server infrastructure typically enable client clocks to synchronize to the order of tens of milliseconds. We address one of the key challenges to high precision Internet timekeeping – the intrinsic contribution to clock error of underlying path asymmetry between client and time server, a fundamental barrier to microsecond level accuracy. We first exploit results of a unique measurement study to reliably quantify asymmetry by taking routing changes into account for the first time, and then to infer the impacts on timing. We then describe three approaches to addressing the path asymmetry problem: LBBE, SBBE and K-SBBE, each based on timestamp exchange with multiple servers, with the goal of tightening bounds on asymmetry for each client. We explore their capabilities and limitations through simulation and model-based argument. We show that substantial improvements are possible, and discuss whether, and how, the goal of microsecond accuracy might be attained.


Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in brain. It engages mainly ionotropic glutamate receptors of AMPA and NMDA type. Thus, regulation of the number and properties of the receptors is crucial for correct neuronal communication, but also contributes to various forms of synaptic plasticity, namely neuronal development, learning and memory. Glutamate receptors are not static components of synapses. On the contrary, they are continuously delivered and removed from postsynaptic membranes and this process is regulated by synaptic activity, Receptor trafficking to synapses is a multi-step process, involving exit from endoplasmic reticulum, transport along dendrites, incorporation to postsynaptic membrane and finally removing them from synapses. The transport is regulated by numerous proteins, especially those bearing PDZ domains, or by receptors themselves.


Nine thermal springs, in three groups, occur along the flank of Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park. The principal recharge zone is suggested to be above 2000 m elevation on Mount Rundle, circulation depths are estimated to be 3.2 ± 0.6 km, and discharge is focused along the Sulphur Mountain Thrust. Springs show constant temperature and total dissolved solids load throughout the winter, whereas both drop in association with spring snowmelt. The degree and timing of temperature drops are a function of elevation, with the highest springs showing the earliest and most significant temperature drop. The highest elevation springs also show the greatest seasonal variability in water chemistry. Unusual seasonal flow stoppages of these springs are related to extreme low precipitation years. The biogeochemistry of the thermal springs and population fluctuations of the endemic and endangered Banff springs snail (Physella johnsoni) are strongly related to seasonal variability in flow rates. Changes in redox condi...


BACKGROUND
Nasal filler placement is associated with a high risk of blindness. The arterial supply to the upper nose overlaying the nasal bones is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES
This study attempts to visualize and analyze the deployment of the ophthalmic and facial angiosomes in the upper nose and help prevent blindness in nasal filler injections.

METHODS
The arterial systems of 62 cadaveric heads were filled with lead oxide contrast, and computed tomography (CT) images were acquired and reconstructed in three-dimensions.

RESULTS
Twenty-six of the cadaveric noses examined demonstrated clear CT images for the facial and ophthalmic angiosomes in the upper nose. The Type 1 upper nose (15.4 percent) is supplied by two independent ophthalmic angiosomes that communicate indirectly through choke anastomosis. The Type 2 upper nose (38.5 percent) is supplied by two ophthalmic angiosomes with true anastomosis between them. The Type 3 upper nose (46.1 percent) is supplied by both ophthalmic and facial angiosomes with true anastomoses across the dorsal midline. These true anastomoses are mediated by the radix arcade in 46 percent of the noses and involve the dorsal nasal artery in 65 percent of the cases. The anastomoses all cross the upper dorsal midline and are directly linked to the ophthalmic angiosome.

CONCLUSIONS
The deployment and anastomosis of the facial and ophthalmic angiosomes in the upper nose fall into three major patterns. About 85 percent of the noses have true anastomotic arteries that cross the upper dorsal midline and are directly linked to the ophthalmic circulation. Dorsum filler injection poses a significant risk of blindness.


We study the action of the group of contact diffeomorphisms on CR deformations of compact three-dimensional CR manifolds. Using anisotropic function spaces and an anisotropic structure on the space of contact diffeomorphisms, we establish the existence of local transverse slices to the action of the contact diffeomorphism group in the neighbourhood of a fixed embeddable strongly pseudoconvex CR structure.


Morphological changes in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are caused by renal failure. They are reflected more in the small intestine and are accompanied by disturbance of the absorption process. The basis of these disorders are changes of the histoarchitecture of the absorbing surface of the small intestine.


OBJECTIVE
Improved respiratory outcome has been shown after selective pulsatile pulmonary perfusion (sPPP) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). No contemporary study has analysed the impact of sPPP on alveolar and systemic inflammatory response in humans.

METHODS
Sixty-four patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) were randomized to sPPP or standard CPB (32 patients each). An alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (A-aDO(2)) was measured preoperatively (T0), at ICU arrival (T1), 3 h postoperatively (T2) and postextubation (T3). The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was collected at T0, T1 and T2. White blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, mononucleates and lymphocytes in BAL infiltrates were compared between the two groups. A cytokine assay for interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-8, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), growth regulated oncogene-alpha (GRO-α) and interferon (IFN)-γ was collected from the BAL and peripheral blood at the same time-points. Repeated-measure analysis of variance and non-parametric statistics were used to assess the between-group and during time differences.

RESULTS
The two groups proved comparable for perioperative variables. A-aDO(2) proved better after sPPP (group-P = 0.0001; group time-P < 0.0001). BAL infiltrates after sPPP showed lower WBCs, neutrophils and lymphocytes (group-P = 0.0001, group time-P = 0.0001 for all) together with higher mononucleates (group-P = 0.0001, group time-P = 0.0001). Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine MCP-1 were lower in BAL after sPPP (group-P = 0.005, 0.034, 0.036 and 0.005, and group time-P = 0.001, 0.009, 0.001 and 0.0001 for IL-1, IL-8, TNF-α and MCP-1, respectively), whereas the immune modulator IFN-γ significantly augmented after sPPP (time-P = 0.0001) but remained stable after the standard CPB (time-P = 0.101, group-P = 001, group time-P = 0.0001). Indeed, serum cytokines were not different in the two groups during the study (P = NS at single time-points and as a function of time).

CONCLUSIONS
sPPP attenuates alveolar inflammation, as demonstrated by the lower neutrophilic/lymphocytic alveolar infiltration, and the secretion of anti-inflammatory rather than proinflammatory mediators.


Field evidence of production logs after fracturing have documented the existence of abundant natural fractures in Weiyuan shale plays, which is widely acknowledged to have a positive impact on fracture network complexity. On the other hand, cases of severe casing failures have been frequently reported in this field during multistage fracturing jobs. Stress interference between two adjacent stages may intensify non-uniform loading on the casing string and accommodate failure. To better understand this problem, we establish a coupled 3D reservoir-scale model with complex well trajectory and tie it to a single well-scale model consisting of casing and the surrounding cement sheath. Using this model, we investigate the potential impacts of cement deficiency, clustered perforations, fracture geometry as well as spacing strategy on casing integrity. Our simulation results indicate that cement deficiency could intensify the load nonuniformity around the borehole which escalates the potential threats for casing failure. When cement deficiency reaches 45° along the minimum horizontal stress, it has the largest influence on the stress level in the casing. In addition, perforations could lower the casing strength, but the reduction may not change furthermore when the perforation diameter reaches a certain value. Moreover, impacts of fracture geometry and spacing on casing deformation are investigated. We conclude that the lower ratio of fracture length to its width and reasonable spacing strategy could help reduce the load non-uniformity on casing which avoid the casing deformation. The described workflow may be adopted in other areas to predict the possible casing failure problems induced by multistage hydraulic fracturing with cheap computational costs, to anticipate the challenges and avoid them by revisiting pumping schedule or spacing strategy.


Pericranium is frequently used in duraplasty and is considered superior to the many other alternatives because of its easy availability and because it offers a watertight dural closure while minimizing the problems of adhesion, infection, and rejection. Although the osteogenic potential of all periosteal tissues is recognized, a review of the literature did not reveal a reported case of osseous formation following use of pericranium for duraplasty. The authors report the case of a 17-year-old man who presented with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was obtunded, but moving all extremities purposefully. Computerized tomography scanning demonstrated bifrontal injury. A bicoronal craniotomy with debridement was performed on an emergency basis, with vascularized pericranium used for a duraplasty. Follow-up cranioplasty demonstrated significant ossification of the pericranium 5 months after the original surgery. Pericranium is an attractive material for duraplasty; however, its osteogenic potential may interfere with future cranioplasty and cosmesis. This may be especially relevant in young persons.


The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for nursing interventions to promote rehabilitation motivation by identifying the influencing factors of motivating rehabilitation intention in patients with spinal cord injury. The data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and questionnaires by postal mail services, from September 1 through the October 6, 2002. A total of 148 questionnaires were completed and returned. The instrument developed by Han, Hye Sook(2001) was used to measure the rehabilitation motivation, and depression, family support, participation of self-help group. self-esteem. and self-efficacy were measured to test the variables influencing the rehabilitation motivation. Using SPSS WIN 10.0, descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Turkey inspection, Pearson`s correlation coefficient. and stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted. The results of the study are as follows: The rehabilitation motivation score ranged from 30 to 100, and the average was 76.78(±12.40). In terms of the types of motivation, mean task-oriented motivation score was 23.28(±3.39), change-oriented motivation 22.25(±3.16), obligatory motivation 9.90(±2.02). external motivation 9.85(±1.89), and mean amotivation score was 11.50(±1.94). The scores for the rehabilitation motivation was significantly associated with the time elapsedsince injury, economic status, and the degrees of disability. Significant correlations were found between the rehabilitation motivation and the time elapsedsince injury(r=-0.222,P=0.007), self-efficacy(r=0.204, P=0.013), depression(r=-0.210, P=0.010), and the economic status(r=-0.189, p=0.022). The variables that can predict the rehabilitation motivation included the time elapsed since injury. and self-efficacy. These variables accounted for 12.8% of the variance of the rehabilitation motivation. In conclusion, the factors influencing the rehabilitation motivation in patients with spinal cordinjury were found to be the time elapsed since injury, self-efficacy. depression, and the economicstatus of the patient. Accordingly, nursing interventions which could alleviate patients` depression and enhance self-efficacy should be designed to motivate rehabilitation. Before planning nursing interventions for patients with spinal cord injury, needs assessment should be conducted including the assessment of patients` economic status and time elapsed since injury.


During Post-Soviet privatization, widespread abuses of power in Russian corporations contributed to the economic malaise in that country. These abuses are attributed to the domination of firms by senior management. In January 1996, the Russian Company Law went into effect with very strong protections for minority shareholders as a means to curb these abuses. This Comment analyzes the effectiveness of the Russian Company Law in this regard over the past three years. It concludes that the law has been moderately successful given the extremely hostile conditions at the time of enactment, and thus, it is a model for other transitional economies in need of corporate governance reform.


Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench), the second most important staple crop in
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) after maize, is well adapted to marginal environments of
drought stress and high temperatures. But besides drought stress, the obligate
root-parasitic flowering plant Striga hermonthica is an equally economically important
biotic stress in agro-ecological zones where soils are marginal. Notwithstanding
widespread and intense Striga infestation, genetic variations in defence mechanisms
against the parasite have been reported. Sorghum variants, producing low levels of
chemical stimulants such as sorgolactones that deter the advance of Striga seed germination
and are therefore deemed resistant to the parasite, have been also reported
in a few studies. But the existence of sorghum genetic variation for this resistance
especially among farmers' landraces is yet to be demonstrated. The objective of this
study was therefore to determine the levels of Striga germination stimulants in response
to each of the 111 collected sorghum landraces and their progenies from Eritrea.
The ability of a sorghum genotype to cause germination of a Striga seed as a
measure of the amount of the germination stimulant produced was used to assess the
resistance of these accessions. The data were recorded as Striga germination percentage
by counting the number of germinated Striga seeds. Landraces EG47, EG1261,
EG830, EG1076, EG54 and EG746 with 14.68%, 15.32%, 11.85%, 13.05%, 15.74% and
16.5% germination percentages respectively were found to stimulate low levels of Striga germination percentage compared to commercial checks, IS9830, SRN39,
Framida, with 22.46%, 22.67%, 23.27% germination respectively. While these variants
did not show complete resistance against Striga seed germination, the low level production of stimulant indicated their high level of resistance to Striga . These results
implied that these accessions are likely potential sources of resistance against Striga infestation in SSA sorghum breeding programs.


Purpose of review MicroRNAs emerged as pivotal regulators of cell differentiation, growth, and cell death, suggesting their implication in tumorigenesis and prognosis of cancer. In the last decades, knowledge about the alterations of microRNAs in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is increasing. In this review, we try to summarize the most relevant findings regarding microRNA dysregulation in MTC. Recent findings A literature analysis was performed in MEDLINE for studies published up to August 2020. Comprehensively, at least 27 different microRNAs have been investigated in MTC showing evidence for overexpression or underexpression in comparison with normal thyroid tissue samples, healthy blood controls, or primary tumor site or hereditary form of MTC. We highlight the evidence in favor of a possible use of microRNAs for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in MTC and their role in MTC pathogenesis. Summary This review reveals the emerging complexity of the molecular genetic and epigenetic panorama in MTC. Further studies are needed to confirm and refine the findings on microRNA expression pattern in MTC. Thus, in the future, microRNA analysis could enter in clinical practice and may pave the way to new risk-stratification tools and novel therapeutic approaches for MTC.


Cementum is known to be growth-hormone (GH)-responsive, but to what extent is unclear. This study examines the effects of extremes of GH status on cementogenesis in three lines of genetically modified mice; GH excess (giant), GH antagonist excess (dwarf), and GH receptor-deleted (GHR-KO) (dwarf). Age-matched mandibular molar tissues were processed for light microscope histology. Digital images of sections of first molar teeth were captured for morphometric analysis of lingual root cementum. Cross-sectional area of the cellular cementum was a sensitive guide to GH status, being reduced nearly 10-fold in GHR-KO mice, three-fold in GH antagonist mice, and increased almost two-fold in giant mice (p < 0.001). Cellular cementum length was similarly influenced by GH status, but to a lesser extent. Acellular cementum was generally unaffected. This study reveals cellular cementum to be a highly responsive GH target tissue, which may have therapeutic applications in assisting regeneration of the periodontium.


Functionalized graphene oxide (KGO) sheets were covalently assembled with pyrrole and reduced to form a 3D foam structure via a multistep route through the hydrolytic condensation (cross-linking), polymerization reactions and hydrothermal reduction of graphene oxide (GO). The formed graphene/polypyrrole foam and its structures were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The specific surface area and the total pore volume of the samples were measured using N2 adsorption. The graphene composite foams have a special 3D structure, with a wide range of macropores (from sub-μm to several hundred μm) and mesopores within. Due to the intrinsic covalent bonding between graphene sheets and the special 3D structure, not only were the sorption capacities of the graphene/polypyrrole foams determined to be very high for oil (>100 g g−1) and solvent, but also the sorption rate was very high.


Over centuries, democratic theory has developed emancipatory ideals of inclusion, agency and transparency. These ideals, however, have scarcely been applied to the process of theorizing itself. Democratic theory is a product of the academic ivory tower. This article sets out to confront this problem and formulates democratic theorizing as an alternative to established approaches to theorizing democracy. It does so by conceptualizing democratic theory production as a democratic innovation. Democratic theorizing needs to include affected people, empower those on the margins and facilitate transparency. The proposed approach attempts to realize these ideals by bringing together three methodological traditions: grounded theory (in its critical indigenous version), participatory research and assemblage theory. The resulting approach of democratic theorizing draws on an ongoing engagement with the Black Lives Matter movement. The article discusses nine guiding principles of democratic theorizing and presents concrete building blocks to shape a democratic theorizing project.


Context. Open clusters (OCs) provide a classical target to calibrate the age scale and other stellar parameters. Despite their wide use, some issues remain to be explored in detail.
Aims. We performed a theoretical investigation focused on the age estimate of red giant branch (RGB) stars in OCs based on mixed classical surface (Teff and [Fe/H]) and asteroseismic (Δν and νmax) parameters. We aimed to evaluate the performances of three widely adopted fitting procedures, that is, a pure geometrical fit, a maximum likelihood approach, and a single stars fit, in recovering stellar parameters.
Methods. A dense grid of stellar models was computed, covering different chemical compositions and different values of the mixing-length parameter. Artificial OCs were generated from these data by means of a Monte Carlo procedure for two different ages (7.5 and 9.0 Gyr) and two different choices of the number of stars in the RGB evolutionary phase (35 and 80). The cluster age and other fundamental parameters were then recovered by means of the three methods previously mentioned. A Monte Carlo Markov chain approach was adopted for estimating the posterior densities of probability of the estimated parameters.
Results. The geometrical approach overestimated the age by about 0.3 and 0.2 Gyr for true ages of 7.5 and 9.0 Gyr, respectively. The value of the initial helium content was recovered unbiased within the large random errors on the estimates. The maximum likelihood approach provided similar biases (0.1 and 0.2 Gyr) but with a variance reduced by a factor of between two and four with respect to geometrical fit. The independent fit of single stars showed a very large variance owing to its neglect of the fact that the stars came from the same cluster. The age of the cluster was recovered with no biases for 7.5 Gyr true age and with a bias of −0.4 Gyr for 9.0 Gyr. The most important difference between geometrical and maximum likelihood approaches was the robustness against observational errors. For the first fitting technique, we found that estimations starting from the same sample but with different Gaussian perturbations on the observables suffer from a variability in the recovered mean of about 0.3 Gyr from one Monte Carlo run to another. This value was as high as 45% of the intrinsic variability due to observational errors. On the other hand, for the maximum likelihood fitting method, this value was about 65%. This larger variability led most simulations – up to 90% – to fail to include the true parameter values in their estimated 1σ credible interval. Finally, we compared the performance of the three fitting methods for single RGB-star age estimation. The variability owing to the choice of the fitting method was minor, being about 15% of the variability caused by observational uncertainties.
Conclusions. Each method has its own merits and drawbacks. The single star fit showed the lowest performances. The higher precision of the maximum likelihood estimates is partially negated by the lower protection that this technique shows against random fluctuations compared to the pure geometrical fit. Ultimately, the choice of the fitting method has to be evaluated in light of the specific sample and evolutionary phases under investigation.


The alkylation of isobutane with butene is an important refining process for the production of a complex mixture of branched alkanes, which is an ideal blending component for gasoline. The current catalysts used in industrial processes are concentrated H2SO4 and HF, which have problems including serious environmental pollution, equipment corrosion, potential safety hazard, high energy consumption in waste acid recycling, etc. Solid catalysts are another type of catalyst for this alkylation; however, they suffer from problems related to rapid deactivation. Ionic liquids (ILs) can be considered as catalysts of the third generation to replace traditional catalysts in isobutane/butene alkylation to produce clean oil. In this review, alkylation catalyzed by various kinds of acidic ILs, including Lewis acidic ILs (such as chloroaluminate ones) and ILs containing Bronsted acidic functional groups (e.g., –SO3H, [HSO4]−), is reviewed. The currently reported ILs used in the catalysis of isobutane alkylation and their corresponding catalytic activity are summarized and compared. This will help the readers to know what kinds of ILs are effective for the alkylation of isobutane with butene and to understand which factors affect the catalytic performance. The advantages of the catalysis of isobutane/butene alkylation by ILs include tunable acidity of the catalyst by varying the ion structure, limited solubility of the products in the IL phase and therefore easy separation of the alkylate from the catalyst, environmental friendliness, less corrosion of equipment, etc., thus making catalysis by ILs greener. The mechanism and kinetics of the alkylation catalyzed by ILs are discussed. Finally, perspectives and challenges of the isobutane/butene alkylation catalyzed by ILs are given.