Background. Organic acids are the compounds of aliphatic or aromatic orders, which are widespread in flora and have a wide range of biological activity. We studied the qualitative composition and quantitative contents of organic acids in the aboveground part of some unofficial medicinal plants from families Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae and Chenopodiaceae is relevant. Objective. The objects of the research are the aboveground part of unofficial medicinal plants from families Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae and Chenopodiaceae. Methods. Identification of organic acids was performed by means of thin-layer and paper chromatography, their content was determined by means of gas chromatography, the quantitative amount of organic acids was defined by titrimetric analysis. Results. In the studied raw plants the quality of organic acids and their total contents were determined (in terms of malic acid). It is established that the maximum content of organic acids is accumulated in the grass Hyssopus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae), and the minimal is in the leaves of Chrysanthemum xhortorum L. variety Apro (Asteraceae). In all studied raw plants the dominance of aliphatic acids (citric, malic, oxalic and malonic) was determined by means of gas chromatography. Benzoic is predominant among the aromatic acids. Conclusions. In the studied raw plants the quality of organic acids and their total content were determined. The following results can be used in developing the methods of quality control of the studied raw plants and during the study of new bioactive substances.


GLAMA - Gap Light Analysis Mobile Application is a tool for analysis of hemispherical photographs taken in forests. It supports calculation of canopy openness and measures exactly tree layer cover estimated in phytosociology by visual observation. Typically the application is used with a mobile phone camera in combination with fisheye lens. The tool can be also used without fisheye lens with restriction. Application for operation system Android.


This paper presents a fully mechanistic model of silver halide precipitation that couples the mixing field and mixing rates with instantaneous nucleation, size-dependent growth, full thermodynamic equilibria and crystal population balances. The mixing model uses an Eulerian frame of reference to define the mixing field in the bulk of the kettle, and a Lagrangian frame of reference to model the feed plume. The feed is divided into differential feed volumes which move through the kettle and are mixed with the bulk at rates defined by the Eulerian model of the mixing field. This model framework allows a coupling between the mixing field and the precipitation mechanisms at every time step and every location in the kettle. The model results agree closely with experiments over two orders of magnitude in molar feed rate and a factor of 4 change in feed concentration, with no fitting parameters required. The model is used to probe the precipitation process, showing that the effect of mixing on precipitation is complete at the end of the dissolution period. Simulations of surface and impeller feeds are compared with the ideally mixed limit, and a new mixing limit is identified: the convective stoichiometric limit. Where a high feed concentration or a high feed rate is required, the molar feed rate of the fed reagent may exceed the amount of the second reagent which is available by mixing from the local convective flow. At the convective stoichiometric limit, the reaction in the feed plume is stoichiometrically limited by the surrounding convective flow. As a concluding step, all of the mixing effects are illustrated in a comparison of two possible scale-up protocols and their effect on the precipitation results.


Expressive music performance and cardiac arrhythmia can be viewed as deformations of, or deviations from, an underlying pulse stream. I propose that the results of these pulse displacements can be treated as actual rhythms and represented accurately via a literal application of common music notation, which encodes proportional relations among duration categories, and figural and metric groupings. I apply the theory to recorded music containing extreme timing deviations and to electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings of cardiac arrhythmias. The rhythm transcriptions are based on rigorous computer-assisted quantitative measurements of onset timings and durations. The root-mean-square error ranges for the rhythm transcriptions were (19.1, 87.4) ms for the music samples and (24.8, 53.0) ms for the arrhythmia examples. For the performed music, the representation makes concrete the gap between the score and performance. For the arrhythmia ECGs, the transcriptions show rhythmic patterns evolving through time, progressions which are obscured by predominant individual beat morphology- and frequency-based representations. To make tangible the similarities between cardiac and music rhythms, I match the heart rhythms to music with similar rhythms to form assemblage pieces. The use of music notation leads to representations that enable formal comparisons and automated as well as human-readable analysis of the time structures of performed music and of arrhythmia ECG sequences beyond what is currently possible.


Children live in a variety of family arrangements, some of which are complex, as a consequence of the marriage, divorce, and remarriage patterns of their parents. In addition, one-third of children today are born out-of-wedlock and may grow-up in singleparent families or spend significant portions of their lives with other relatives or stepparents. This report examines the diversity of children's living arrangements in American households. The data are from the household relationship module of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), collected in the fall of 1996, and update a 1994 study that presented estimates from the 1991 SIPP panel of the number of children growing up in various family situations.1


Light scattering approach and optical measuring instrument are the most popular system in the protein aggregation detection, especially in the therapeutic and diagnostic protein industry. Microsoft windows based software written in Matlab was developed as a teaching/research tool for designing light particle instrument and detection systems. This software incorporates information for lots of optical parameters, formulas and methods. There is a choice among 3 light scattering system design style. The software output includes advising parameter of light particle instrument and detection system, intensity of light scattering at some angle, characteristic curves of light scattering style. The software also provides the capability of visualizing the design layout and performs numerical computation to analyze the experimental data.


Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of endogenous, small, noncoding RNAs implicated in a variety of biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and metabolism. The present study aims to explore the potential role and molecular mechanism of miR-376b during the early phase of liver regeneration. Methods: MiRNA profiling microarrays were used to assess the changes in miRNA expression. For functional analysis, cell proliferation, apoptosis assays, real time quantitative PCR and westernblot analysis were performed. Results: The comprehensive miRNA expression profiling assays on regenerating liver tissues 4 h after partial hepatectomy (PH) showed that three miRNAs (miR-127, miR-376b and miR-494) located in the Dlk1-Gtl2 miRNA cluster were significantly downregulated. In vitro functional studies demonstrated that high-level interleukin 6 (IL6) inhibited the expression of miR-376b, and miR-376b mimics treatment decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Further target analysis showed that miR-376b reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-kappa-B inhibitor zeta (NFKBIZ) and signal transducers and transcription activators 3 (STAT3). Additionally, IL6-induced miR-376b downregulation would, in turn, increase the expression of IL-6 possibly via a feedback loop involving NFKBIZ or/and STAT3. Conclusion: During the early phase of liver regeneration, miR-376b expression was significantly decreased. Our findings reveal that a regulatory circuitry between miR-376b and IL-6 may exist, which trigger the initiation of liver regeneration.


Between 2014-2016, Sweden received an influx of some 44, 617 unaccompanied refugee minors (UMs), under 18-year-olds who enter the country and seek asylum without a parent. Taking a short-term ethnographic approach, this study looks at identity (re)construction and fictive kinship among Afghan unaccompanied refugee minors who convert to Christianity in the Church of Sweden, challenging some of the pre-conceived outsider categorisations of this phenomenon. By taking an exploratory stance, I seek to understand conversion processes from the perspective of the UMs themselves, as they narrate their own identity processes and attribute meaning to them. I utilise Butler's performativity and the concept of fictive kinship as lenses for understanding constructions of identity and belonging with particular focus on process and practice. The data reveals the curiosity-driven nature of UM conversions, the sense of belonging which plays an important role in UM identity formation, and the ways in which participants transition from community-coerced religious practices to individual, self-directed spiritual journeys.


The freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii naturally lives in the freshwater, though it migrates to the brackish water environment during spawning that claimed to be resistant on a broad range of saline fluxes. However, little is known about the osmoregulatory patterns and the effect of an enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS) in M. rosenbergii under stress. Here, we described the identification and functional characterization of GS from M. rosenbergii (Mr‐GS) at molecular and protein levels. The identified Mr‐GS was comprised of 361 amino acids that phylogenetically shared the highest identity with other crustaceans and predicted to contain Gln‐synt_C and Gln‐synt_N domains at the respective terminal regions. Tissue distribution analysis in M. rosenbergii revealed that the Mr‐GS was highly expressed in muscle, and commonly existed in other examined tissues in the following order gills > heart > stomach > brain > haemolymph. Whereas, the mRNA of Mr‐GS was significantly up‐regulated in the muscle and gill tissues following challenges with either hyper (0 → 13‰), or hypo (13 → 0‰) osmotic stress at 3, 6 and 12 hr. Furthermore, the level of Glutamine concentration was positively correlated with the GS mRNA and protein expression patterns in hyper‐osmotic stress, whereas in hypo‐osmotic stress a slight decrease in the gills and maintained a level in the muscle tissues at 3, 6 and 12 hr post‐treatments. Our findings suggest that Mr‐GS potentially exhibited the osmoregulation responses in the gill and muscle tissues of M. rosenbergii throughout the time of osmotic stress, which will benefit for future study on osmoregulation.


Ultrasound is a useful technique for diagnosing thyroid nodules. Benign and malignant nodules that automatically discriminate in the ultrasound pictures can provide diagnostic recommendations or, improve diagnostic accuracy in the absence of specialists. The main issue here is how to collect suitable features for this particular task. We suggest here a technique for extracting features from ultrasound pictures based on the Residual U-net. We attempt to introduce significant semantic characteristics to the classification. Our model gained 95% classification accuracy.


The gradual integration of nations within our globalizing world is strongly related to the economic networks formed by multinational headquarters and their various subsidiaries located across the globe. Although the corporate reach of multinational corporations (MNCs) is clearly global, the geographical scope of their activities remains limited. Focusing on the network of ownership relations between the global Fortune 100 MNC headquarters and their subsidiaries, it is shown that global corporate activity remains unevenly distributed across the globe. Besides showing that richer countries are better connected within the global system than the poorer countries, the authors also reveal considerable differences in connectivity within the group of rich countries. Based on various determinants, these variations in network connectivity are explained.


The oral delivery of cancer chemotherapeutic drugs is challenging due to low bioavailability, gastrointestinal side effects, first-pass metabolism and P-glycoprotein efflux pumps. Thus, chemotherapeutic drugs, including Docetaxel, are administered via an intravenous route, which poses many disadvantages of its own. Recent advances in pharmaceutical research have focused on designing new and efficient drug delivery systems for site-specific targeting, thus leading to improved bioavailability and pharmacokinetics. A decent number of studies have been reported for the safe and effective oral delivery of Docetaxel. These nanocarriers, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, hybrid nanoparticles, dendrimers and so on, have shown promising results in research papers and clinical trials. The present article comprehensively reviews the research efforts made so far in designing various advancements in the oral delivery of Docetaxel. Different strategies to improve oral bioavailability, prevent first-pass metabolism and inhibition of efflux pumping leading to improved pharmacokinetics and anticancer activity are discussed. The final portion of this review article presents key issues such as safety of nanomaterials, regulatory approval and future trends in nanomedicine research.


Biliary stents are widely used as an alternative treatment for benign biliary obstruction, choledocholithiasis, biliary fistulas or leak from the cystic duct after cholecystectomy. They occupy a special position in the palliative treatment of malignant biliary strictures. Like any other treatment method, this one also has its complications. Most often it is the development of stent obstruction and jaundice or cholangitis. Less common complications include proximal or distal biliary stent migration. The authors describe a case study of one of the possible complications of migrated biliary stent. Key words: biliary stent - migration - complications - treatment.


A multi-layer high-impedance surface has been micro-fabricated and measured in W band. It consists of an array of capacitors placed on a dielectric substrate with a ground plane. Reconfigurability of the effective surface impedance of this structure can be enabled by applying control voltage to the tunable capacitors. Tunable impedance surfaces can be used in phase shifters for a phased array antenna, and directly as a smart beam steering surface.


Time resolution ability is an important factor of auditory processing, especially in binaural hearing. In psychoacoustical and electrophysiological studies the time resolution of brief modulations of signal amplitude and frequency in monaural hearing, including gap detection ability, was analysed. To reveal the time resolution ability of the binaural hearing system, brief interaural modulations of signal amplitude, short changes of interaural time delay or noise coherence in broadband noise bursts were generated. The sensation levels of these short-lasting changes in the noise structure and the cortical evoked potentials were investigated in young normal hearing subjects and in the elderly. Thus age-dependent changes in monaural and binaural time resolution ability could be detected. For the monaural experiments, lengthened time constants of between 2-20 ms, depending on the degree of intensity or frequency modulation could be derived for older subjects. The binaural experiments were characterized by prolongation between 4-26 ms for short interaural signal delay changes. For both groups the time constants derived from the electrophysiological investigations were more prolonged, which might be explained by masking effects or habituation. Further electrophysiological investigations will be required to differentiate between time resolution processes of brief signal changes within the peripheral and central parts of the auditory system.


This paper provides a novel method to classify spoken utterances into reading style or spontaneous style. Read/spontaneous speech classification is important for extracting data to train acoustic models for speech recognition from real data in which read speech and spontaneous speech samples are mixed. We analyzed 23,900 reading and 31,988 spontaneous utterances of 30 speakers and found that variance of GMM supervectors in several consecutive utterances can discriminate the reading and spontaneous styles and has less speaker-dependency. Based on this knowledge, our method uses variance of GMM supervectors to classify unknown consecutive utterances into reading style or spontaneous style. Experiments show that our technique can classify 5 consecutive utterances of unknown speakers with over 95% accuracy without any other lexical, phonetic, or prosodic features.


There are many reactive intermediates found in metabolic pathways. Could these potentially toxic molecules be exploited for an organism's benefit? We propose that during certain microbial infections, the production of inherently reactive aldehydes by an infected host is a previously unappreciated innate immune defence mechanism. While there has been a significant focus on the effects of aldehydes on mammalian physiology, the idea that they might be exploited or purposefully induced to kill pathogens is new. Given that aldehydes are made as parts of metabolic programmes that accompany immune cell activation by the cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) during infections, we hypothesize that aldehydes are among the arsenal of IFN-γ-inducible effectors needed for pathogen control.


Reaching the goal of good ecological status stipulated by the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) is generally difficult in German rivers. Appropriate habitat conditions for multiple and abundant incidence of flora and fauna are still missing. Existing water bodies, particularly in urban areas, are extremely affected by anthropogenic-induced pressures, resulting in reinforced river bottoms and river banks. In such regions, river rehabilitation is a challenging task and often requires a step by step approach to alter the given conditions. Nevertheless, work must be done and may create successful results as in the case of the Sprockhoevel creek. Over recent years this 11-km-long river in the western and industrialised part of the Ruhr River basin has partly been changed in shape to better resemble nature. Such change implies the widening of the river bed, the improvement of the river bottom by inserting natural gravel substrate, the removal of drop structures and the construction of a new river bed. Presently, this part of the river has again become a valuable habitat for aquatic life. Moreover, the area surrounding the rehabilitated Sprockhoevel creek is now also attractive for the neighbourhood community. Rehabilitation projects have the additional effects of reconnecting people to nature, encouraging public interest in near-natural aquatic systems, and catalysing further investments in similar projects.


Susceptibility‐sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained importance in multiple sclerosis (MS) research because of its versatility, high resolution and excellent sensitivity to changes in tissue structure and composition. In particular, mapping of the resonance frequency of the MR signal and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) have been explored for the description of MS lesions. Many current studies utilizing these techniques attribute increases in the MR frequency or QSM to elevated tissue iron content, in addition to myelin loss. However, this common interpretation is inconsistent with recent histopathological studies. Here, we investigate the nature of MR frequency shifts related to MS lesions by comparing post‐mortem MRI data with histology, and contrast them with numerical simulations of the MR signal. We demonstrate that iron accumulation is not the driving source of the MR frequency or QSM image contrast in our sample; rather, most chronic MS lesions are characterized by advanced loss of both myelin and iron. Moreover, our results suggest that the appearance of MS lesions on MR frequency maps and QSM depends on changes in the non‐lesional white matter surrounding the lesions. Understanding and accounting for these changes is essential for the quantitative interpretation of MR frequency or QSM data in white matter.


DNA-binding of tamoxifen and toremifene was studied in rat in vivo, in human and rat microsomes in vitro, and in cultured primary human lymphocytes by 32P-postlabelling. Only tamoxifen caused DNA adducts in rat liver. Both compounds induced adducts in both rat and human microsomal systems and in cultured lymphocytes. The levels of adducts in microsomes and lymphocytes were low, ca. 1 adduct/10(9) nucleotides. Toremifene showed lower binding in each system, and in lymhocytes adducts were only detected at a cytotoxic dose level.


We discuss standard classification methods for high-dimensional data and a small number of observations. By means of designed simulations illustrating the practical relevance of theoretical results we show that in the 2-class case the following rules of thumb should be followed in such a situation to avoid the worst error rate, namely the probability $\pi$$_{1}$ of the smaller class: Avoid "complicated" classifiers: The independence rule (ir) might be adequate, the support vector machine (svm) should only be considered as an expensive alternative, which is additionally sensitive to noise factors. From the outset, look for stochastically independent dimensions and balanced classes. Only take into account features which influence class separation sufficiently. Variable selection might help, though filters might be too rough. Compare your result with the result of the data independent rule "Always predict the larger class".


This paper describes how two classes in the Engineering Technology Department at Western Washington University, Applied Engineering Statics and Strength of Materials, have been linked together through the use of an integrated cross-course design project. The primary purpose of the project is to help students learn to utilize course material to analyze open-ended problems. In addition, various aspects of the project provide students with instruction and experience in project management, teamwork, oral, written and visual communication, creative problem solving, and business skills. Along with the goals and integration process, this paper describes the projects that have been used and the changes that have occurred. Assessment data shows that the integration of the project has been successful at meeting its goals.


We analyze two well-known specifications of the interest rate term in the central bank's objective function, and find that the inflation response to a positive demand shock is positive (intuitive) under one specification and negative (counter-intuitive) under the other. We show that the difference between the two responses can be mitigated by a Taylor-type rule and depends on the interest rate inertia. A super-inertial interest rate, which is more aggressive and leads to the counter-intuitive response, may be helpful in an environment of low inflation due to negative demand shocks, such as the current global economic environment.


Circular dichroism (CD) measurements were made on both fd and IKe gene 5 proteins in solution. The difference between the CD spectra of these two proteins was interpreted as being the result of an enhanced tyrosine contribution in the IKe gene 5 protein spectrum. There was no spectral evidence for significant alpha-helical structures in either of the two gene 5 proteins. CD measurements were also made on complexes of the two gene 5 proteins with poly(rA). The long-wavelength region (300-250 nm) of the CD spectra of both complexes was essentially like that of free poly(rA) at a high temperature. With the assumption that the poly(rA) components of the complexes had the same CD at all wavelengths as did free poly(rA) at a high temperature, it was possible to separate the CD spectra of the complexes into protein and nucleic acid components. Except for the tyrosine CD band at 229 nm, there were no significant changes in the CD bands of either protein upon binding to poly(rA). Thus, each protein appeared to maintain essentially the same overall secondary conformation when complexed with poly(rA) as when in its free state.


One of the simplest position controllers for robot manipula tors is the PD control with desired gravity compensation. The objective of this article is to review important aspects of this control scheme that are reported in the literature. We begin by showing the boundedness of solutions for the closed-loop system, and conditions for equilibrium uniqueness. The global asymptotic stability analysis provided by Takegaki and Arimoto (1981) is discussed in detail, as well as an alternative method that uses a strict Lyapunov function. The stability robustness of the control system against parametric uncertainties is also ad dressed. We show that interesting phenomena such as equilibria bifurcation can appear if the design procedure is violated. To overcome parametric uncertainties, we review an adaptive ver sion of the PD control with desired gravity compensation, and finally, we revise an extension of the controller to handle robots with elastic joints.


Rural economic transformations in Africa are generating new opportunities to engage with agricultural value chains. However, many young people are said to be locked out of such opportunities because of limited access to farmland, which pushes them out of agriculture and rural areas, and/or hinders their autonomy. This framing of the 'land problem' imperfectly reflects rural young people's livelihoods in much of sub-Saharan Africa, and therefore does not provide a solid basis for policy. Policy-relevant discussions must consider the diversity of rural contexts, broader land dynamics and more nuanced depictions of youth engagement with the rural economy.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present study was to determine whether the 130-degree oblique or transverse proximal locking technique significantly enhances or diminishes the strength of the intramedullary nail-to-bone construct in a "stancelike" loading configuration.

DESIGN
Six paired fresh frozen femora were randomized to locked intramedullary nailing with either the 130-degree proximal locking technique or the transverse locking technique and tested in axial compressive loading. Torsion, shear, and impact loading were not tested.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS
Six paired adult fresh frozen cadavers.

INTERVENTION
An unreamed eleven-millimeter by thirty-eight-centimeter intramedullary nail was placed under direct visualization in each femur. Proximal locking was randomly performed on each pair with either two transverse screws or a single oblique screw. Each femur was loaded to failure at a rate of 50.8 millimeters per minute (two inches per minute) by using an Instron tensiometer. Radiographs after nail insertion and after failure were obtained.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Load to fracture and fracture pattern.

RESULTS
A significant difference between load to fracture was observed across femora of different donors (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in paired femora from the same donor when using either 130-degree or transverse proximal locking (p > 0.05). This result was based on nonanatomical axial loading that approximated loading during stance, without hip abductor loads to help stabilize the femur.

CONCLUSION
Neither technique preferentially predisposed the construct to failure for the loading pattern tested. The mode of failure was the same in all cases, with failure beginning at the nail insertion site.


Acquiring dense high-dimensional optical data in biological applications remains a challenge due to the very low levels of light typically encountered. Single pixel imaging methodologies enable improved detection efficiency in such conditions but are still limited by relatively slow acquisition times. Here, we propose a Deep Learning framework, NetFLICS-CR, which enables fast hyperspectral lifetime imaging for in vivo applications at enhanced resolution, acquisition and processing speeds, without the need of experimental training datasets. NetFLICS-CR reconstructs intensity and lifetime images at 128×128 pixels over 16 spectral channels while reducing the current acquisition times from ∼2.5 hours at 50% compression to ∼3 minutes at 99% compression when using a single-pixel Hyperspectral Macroscopic Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (HMFLI) system. The potential of the technique is demonstrated in silico, in vitro and in vivo through the monitoring of receptor-ligand interactions in mice liver and bladder and further imaging of intracellular drug delivery of the clinical drug Trastuzumab in live animals bearing HER2-positive breast tumor xenografts.


The author gives statistics on women in engineering, examines the stereotypes of women at work, and outlines the special problems of professional women. It is noted that women in engineering education programs, both as students and faculty, report relative isolation in educational institutions, as well as in the workplace. It is argued that, to reduce this isolation, institutions and industries should recognize gender-based social standards and stereotypes so that their effects will not influence workplace productivity and worker satisfaction. Since role models for women in engineering can be found in academe, the focus is on that of women faculty in educational institutions.<<ETX>>


The work proposed an optimization approach for structural sensor placement to improve the performance of vibro-acoustic virtual sensor for active noise control applications. The vibro-acoustic virtual sensor was designed to estimate the interior sound pressure of an acoustic-structural coupled enclosure using structural sensors. A spectral-spatial performance metric was proposed, which was used to quantify the averaged structural sensor output energy of a vibro-acoustic system excited by a spatially varying point source. It was shown that (i) the overall virtual sensing error energy was contributed additively by the modal virtual sensing error and the measurement noise energy; (ii) each of the modal virtual sensing error system was contributed by both the modal observability levels for the structural sensing and the target acoustic virtual sensing; and further (iii) the strength of each modal observability level was influenced by the modal coupling and resonance frequencies of the associated uncoupled structural/cavity modes. An optimal design of structural sensor placement was proposed to achieve sufficiently high modal observability levels for certain important panel- and cavity-controlled modes. Numerical analysis on a panel-cavity system demonstrated the importance of structural sensor placement on virtual sensing and active noise control performance, particularly for cavity-controlled modes.


n engl j med 358;6 www.nejm.org february 7, 2008 615 A 65-year-old man reports a 6-month history of dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, and fatigue while upright. He takes no medication and has no personal or family history of neurologic disease. On physical examination, his supine blood pressure is 160/100 mm Hg, with a heart rate of 72 beats per minute; on standing, his blood pressure falls to 70/40 mm Hg, with no change in heart rate. The results of the remainder of the examination, including neurologic examination, are normal. How should he be evaluated and treated?


Experimental and theoretical studies are made of the factors governing the weak extinction limits of stabilized flames supplied with flowing mixtures of liquid fuel drops and air. The test program includes wide variations in inlet air pressure, velocity and turbulence level, and also covers wide ranges of fuel volatility and mean drop size. The influence of flameholder size and blockage is also examined. An equation is derived for predicting weak extinction limits which shows good agreement with the corresponding experimental values.Copyright © 1979 by ASME


(1) Population differentiation in the collembolan Orchesella cincta (L.) under the influence of metal soil pollution was studied by measuring Pb and Cd excretion efficiency in individual Collembola from various sites. (2) Total and exchangeable fractions of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe and Ca were determined in the A-horizon of forest soils at ten locations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Concentrations of Pb and Cu were higher in the AO-horizon than in the A0o-layer. Mobility of the elements decreased in the order Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu. (3) Pb and Cd concentrations in 0. cincta varied with site contamination, while Zn and Cu concentrations were more constant. The metal concentrations in Collembola were not clearly related to any particular chemical fraction of the soil metals. (4) Resistance of 0. cincta to Pb and Cd was studied by budget experiments and standardized assays of metal excretion. (5) Intestinal assimilation from dietary exposure was 0-4% for Pb and 8-3%/, for Cd. From the assimilated amount, 48% of Pb and 30% of Cd was excreted per moulting interval by intestinal exfoliation. (6) Although there was considerable interindividual variation, the average excretion efficiency was not influenced by physiological effects of such factors as degree of exposure, weight or sex. (7) Comparison of ten populations showed that high soil contamination in mining areas resulted in populations of 0. cincta having an increased average excretion efficiency for Pb and Cd.


Background: Assessment of ER, PR and HER2 is of significant importance in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. We have performed the first large assessment of central IHC for ER, PR and HER2 by a South American (Caracas, Venezuela) Central Lab to Central Lab RT-PCR by Oncotype DX®. Design: Breast cancer specimens from the Fundacion BADAN were evaluated by IHC for ER (clone 1D5), PR (clone 636) using 1% staining for positivity using ASCO/CAP guidelines and HER2 (clone A0485) using ASCO/CAP guidelines of 3+ in ≥30%. Standardized quantitative RT-PCR analysis for ER and PR used Oncotype DX with the pre-defined cutoffs of 6.5 units and 5.5 units for positivity, respectively. For HER2 the standard pre-defined cutoffs were used: positive ≥11.5 units, equivocal >10.7- Result: Evaluable data was obtained in 96 pts for ER, 95 pts for PR (1 patient assessment unavailable) and 89 pts for HER2 (7 patient assessments unavailable). Two-by-two tables (below) compare IHC versus RT-PCR for ER, PR and HER2. The overall concordance for ER between IHC and RT-PCR was 94% (Kappa 0.467; 95% CI 0.107, 0.828); for PR between IHC and RT-PCR was 92% (Kappa 0.668; 95% CI 0.457, 0.878); and for HER2 between IHC and RT-PCR was 97% (Kappa = 0.649; 95% CI 0.280, 1.000). Three IHC 2+ cases and 4 equivocal cases by Oncotype DX were excluded from Concordance and Kappa statistics. Conclusion: RT-PCR by Oncotype DX for ER, PR and HER2 status is useful for active monitoring of IHC assays as mandated by ASCO/CAP guidelines. There is a high degree of overall concordance between central IHC performed in South America (Caracas, Venezuela) and central RT-PCR for ER, PR and HER2 status. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-22.


High rate of concretization of urban areas presents a challenge to the sustainability of urban farms in Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), as farms are outcompeted to built-up areas for residential and commercial purposes. A major result of this concretization is a growing loss of farmlands in the metropolis. Our study explores the effect of urban growth on livelihood financing and food security of urban farming households. This is an exploratory study based on purposive sampling and snowballing techniques to inquiry. This qualitative study uses interview guides ( semi-structured and structured ) to collect primary data from farmers in the Accra metropolis. We bolstered this approach with spatial imagery tool to map out changing farm sizes in the metropolis. We find participants displaying greater wakefulness of the community as a key factor of urban farming in relation to food security, income and employment. This was because of inadequate land use planning and support to urban farmers. Some of the significant challenges identified were limited space for farming, limited resources, continuous increase in buildings and inadequate education. Conscious efforts should be made by the assemblies at all levels to develop comprehensive land-use plans to guide urban land management. As part of housing policy, vertical development (storey building) of housing and office accommodation is encouraged rather than horizontal expansion of offices and residential accommodation, which could encourage further growth in buildings. Moreover, the organization of urban farmer associations is a prerequisite to the improvement of urban agriculture.


Carbon nanomaterials in the form of quantum dots have a high potential due to their luminescent properties and low cytotoxicity which allows their use in optical probes for use in bioimaging and biodetection. In this article, we present a novel type of nanomaterials and their obtainment method under microwave-assisted conditions using poly(L-lysine) as a raw material. The ready products were characterized over their chemical structure, pH-dependent fluorescence properties and cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, their antioxidant activity as well as ability to biologically active molecules (vitamins) and heavy metal ions detection was evaluated. The results confirmed the obtainment of biocompatible nanomaterials with advanced properties and good water solubility according to sustained development principles.


Today, maize stover can be considered as a model for investigating secondary cell wall formation in grasses with major applications in cattle feeding (forage maize) and green energy production (bioethanol, biogas, etc). Up until now, cell wall formation and cell wall degradability have been considered at the whole plant scale. However, a detailed examination of leaves and internodes has underlined a large diversity of lignified cell types (xylem vessels, parenchyma, sub-epidermal and perivascular sclerenchyma) and significant variations in the organization and / or the composition of these different cell types. In this review, we highlighted several aspects of this complexity and their consequences on valorization processes both in agriculture or industries.


Abstract An Fe-bearing chromo-alumino-povondraite sample from the Sludyanka crystalline complex (Lake Baikal, Russia) was characterized using single-crystal X‑ray diffraction, electron microprobe, Mössbauer, infrared, and optical absorption spectroscopy. The symmetry is rhombohedral, space group R3m, with unit-cell parameters a = 16.0032(2), c = 7.2823(1) Å, V = 1615.15(4) Å3, Z = 3. The crystal structure of the Fe-bearing chromo-alumino-povondraite was refined to an R1 index for all reflections of 1.74% using MoKα X‑ray intensity data. Crystal chemical analysis resulted in the empirical structural formula: X(Na0.76Ca0.19 □ 0.03K0.02)Y(Cr3+1.94Mg0.93Al0.07Ti4+0.06)Z(Al3.74Mg1.43Fe3+0.32V3+0.19Cr3+0.16Fe2+0.15) [T(Si5.99Al0.01)O18]B(BO3)3V(OH)3W[O0.69F0.23(OH)0.08]. This formula, in which Cr prefers the Y site and Al the Z site, is compatible with the end-member NaCr3(Al4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O. Magnesium is disordered over Y and Z, whereas Fe and V3+ are ordered at Z. Ideally, chromo-alumino-povondraite is related to oxy-chromium-dravite and oxy-dravite by the homovalent substitution Cr3+ ↔ Al3+. Tourmaline chemical compositions classified as chromoalumino- povondraite can be either Cr-dominant or Al-dominant as a result of the compositional boundaries along the solid solution between Cr and Al that are determined at Y+Z(Cr5Al2), corresponding to NaY(Cr3)Z(Cr2Al2Mg2)Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)3O, and Y+Z(Cr1.5Al5.5), corresponding to NaY(Cr1.5Al1.5) Z(Al4Mg2)Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)3O.


ABSTRACT In Spoken Continental French, the subject clitic il can in some cases be dropped – for example in certain impersonal construction (e.g. faut que 'is necessary that'). This phenomenon is of particular interest in the context of claims that this variety of French is in fact a null subject language, with subject clitics acting as agreement affixes rather than true arguments (e.g. Roberge, 1990; Auger, 1994; Culbertson, 2010, among others). Under this view, the il in impersonals (and other constructions with less than fully referential subjects) is likewise an agreement marker, which can be dropped under some circumstances. Here we report the results of a controlled acceptability judgement task designed to probe features which affect the availability of il-drop. Our findings suggest that verb frequency, subcategorisation by the verb for a quasi-argument vs. true expletive, and modal vs. non-modal status influence il-drop. We discuss implications of this variation for an analysis of subject clitics as agreement affixes in Spoken French.


The problem of the electromagnetic energy‐momentum tensor is among the oldest and the most controversial in macroscopic electrodynamics. In the center of the issue is a dispute about the Minkowski and the Abraham tensors for moving media. An overview of the current situation is presented. After putting the discussion into a general Lagrange‐Noether framework, the Minkowski tensor is recovered as a canonical energy‐momentum. It is shown that the balance equations of energy, momentum, and angular momentum are always satisfied for an open electromagnetic system despite the lack of the symmetry of the canonical tensor. On the other hand, although the Abraham tensor is not defined from first principles, one can formulate a general symmetrization prescription provided a timelike vector is available. We analyze in detail the variational model of a relativistic ideal fluid with isotropic electric and magnetic properties interacting with the electromagnetic field. The relation between the Minkowski energy‐momentum tensor, the canonical energy‐momentum of the medium and the Abraham tensor is clarified. It is demonstrated that the Abraham energy‐momentum is relevant when the 4‐velocity of matter is the only covariant variable that enters the constitutive tensor.


The actual task of controlling a group of multicopters performing coordinated actions and are locating at short distances from each other, cannot be performed with the help of a standard on-board autopilot on GPS or GLONASS signals, which give large errors.
The solution to this problem is possible due to additional equipment that allows you to set the distance between the multicopters and their relative position. To do this, it is proposed to mark each multicopter with an image label in the form of a standard geometric figure or a geometric body of a given color and size, and to use technical vision system and image recognition algorithms.
The structure of the technical vision system for the multicopter was developed and algorithms for image processing and calculation of the change of coordinates of the neighboring multicopter, which are transmitted to the control system to introduce the necessary motion correction, were proposed.
The method to identify the reference object in the image of the scene by its color was used in this work. This method is very effective compared to other methods, because it requires only one pass per pixel, which gives a significant advantage in speed during video stream frame processing. RGB color model with a color depth of 24-bit was chosen based on the analysis. Since the lighting during the flight can change, the color is set by the limits of change of the components R, G, B.
To determine the distance between multicopters, a very simple but effective method of determination the area of the recognition object (labels on the neighboring multicopter) with next comparation it with the actual value is used. Since the reference object is artificial, its area can be specified with high accuracy.
The offset of the center of the object from the center of the frame is used to calculate the other two coordinates.
In the beginning, the specific camera instance is calibrated both for a known value of the area of the object and for its displacement along the axes relative to the center of the frame.
The technical vision system model in the Simulink software environment of the Matlab system was created to test the proposed algorithms. Based on the simulation results in Simulink, you can generate code in the C programming language for further implementation of the system in real time.
A series of studies of the model was conducted using a Logitech C210 webcam with a 0.3 megapixel photo matrix (640x480 resolution). According to the results of the experiment, it was found that the maximum relative error in determining the coordinates of the multicopter did not exceed 6.8 %.


Previous studies have shown that two subpopulations of cells with astrocytic properties coexist in the mouse hippocampus, which display distinct morphological and functional characteristics, specifically a nonoverlapping expression of either AMPA‐type glutamate receptors (GluR cells) or glutamate transporters (GluT cells). Use of transgenic mice with hGFAP promoter‐controlled EGFP expression and patch‐clamp recordings allow reliable identification of the two cell types in hippocampal slices. Extending functional characterization, we report here the complete lack of gap junctional tracer coupling in GluR cells, while GluT cells are shown to be extensively coupled. This distinction is valid in immature as well as adult animals. Analysis of transgenic mice expressing β‐Gal under regulatory elements of the Cx43 promoter revealed the absence of Cx43 in GluR cells. Experiments using gap junction blockers demonstrated that passive currents, displayed primarily by GluT cells, do not reflect intercellular coupling but are attributable to intrinsic membrane properties of individual cells. This study supports the notion that the two subpopulations of hGFAP‐EGFP‐positive cells represent distinct cell types with contrasting physiological properties. Since GluR cells do not participate in the astrocytic gap junctional network, their functional role must be different from spatial buffering of ions or signaling molecules, i.e., properties generally assigned to astrocytes. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


In the early 1970s, Malaysia began to be inundated by foreign workers, all of whom were irregular migrants. A decade later their uncontrolled entry left several negative consequences especially to the internal and border security of the country. To overcome the problems, Malaysia introduced the foreign worker policy which became fully implemented in 1992. The policy has two objectives, firstly to regulate the inflow of foreign workers; and secondly, to stem the inflow of irregular migrant workers into the country. The implementation of the policy has led to a spectacular increase in the number of legally recruited migrant workers. However, it has not been able to curb the expansion of irregular migrants; instead their number has risen in parallel with that of legally recruited ones. This report is an attempt to examine why this is so. It is based on a research carried out in 2011 among 404 irregular migrants as respondents, comprising 340 who were apprehended and housed at seven of the 17 holding depots run by the government and 64 others who are still at large.


The best method of estimation of amniotic fluid volume is a matter of ongoing debate.

 To determine the perinatal & maternal outcomes in pregnant patients when the amniotic fluid volume was assessed by the amniotic fluid index (AFI) in comparison to the single deepest vertical pocket (SDVP).

We studied abnormal Cardiotocograph, meconium stained amniotic fluid, birth weight <2.5kg, Apgar score at 5 min <7, cord blood pH <7.2 & necessity for NICU admission as perinatal outcomes. Rate of diagnosis of oligohydramnios, induction of labor for oligohydramnios & mode of delivery were observed in maternal outcomes.

 Of the 697 pregnant patients recruited, 353 were in the AFI and 344 in the SDVP group. Perinatal outcomes were similar in both. In the AFI group, the number of women diagnosed with oligohydramnios was higher (p = 0.0333) & the rate of induction was also higher (p = 0.003378). Vaginal deliveries were more in the SDVP group. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curves showed statistically significant correlation with NICU stay, birth-weight, and mode of delivery. While an AFI of >5cm and SDVP of >1.9cm had good sensitivity in predicting babies with a birth weight of ≥ 2.5kg and avoiding NICU admissions, an AFI of > 5.8cm and an SDVP of > 1.9 cm had a sensitivity of around 80% in predicting successful vaginal deliveries.

The SDVP method has a slight edge over the AFI in terms of lower inductions and higher vaginal deliveries with comparable perinatal outcomes.


We present a quantitative measurement of the amount of clustering present in the inner $\sim30$ kpc of the stellar halo of the Andromeda galaxy (M31). For this we analyse the angular positions and radial velocities of the carefully selected Planetary Nebulae (PNe) in the M31 stellar halo. We study the cumulative distribution of pair-wise distances in angular position and line of sight velocity space, and find that the M31 stellar halo contains substantially more stars in the form of close pairs as compared to that of a featureless smooth halo. In comparison to a smoothed/scrambled distribution we estimate that the clustering excess in the M31 inner halo is roughly $40\%$ at maximum and on average $\sim 20\%$. Importantly, comparing against the 11 stellar halo models of \cite{2005ApJ...635..931B}, which were simulated within the context of the $\Lambda{\rm CDM}$ cosmological paradigm, we find that the amount of substructures in the M31 stellar halo closely resembles that of a typical $\Lambda{\rm CDM}$ halo.


Background A recent study conducted in male offspring demonstrated that maternal gestational hypertension (MHT) induces hypertensive response sensitization (HTRS) elicited by postweaning high‐fat diet (HFD). In this study, we investigated the sensitizing effect of MHT on postweaning HFD‐induced hypertensive response in female rat offspring and assessed the protective role of estrogen in HTRS. Methods and Results The results showed that MHT also induced a sensitized HFD‐elicited hypertensive response in intact female offspring. However, compared with male offspring, this MHT‐induced HTRS was sex specific in that intact female offspring exhibited an attenuated increase in blood pressure. Ovariectomy significantly enhanced the HFD‐induced increase in blood pressure and the pressor response to centrally administered angiotensin II or tumor necrosis factor‐α in offspring of normotensive dams, which was accompanied by elevated centrally driven sympathetic activity, upregulated mRNA expression of prohypertensive components, and downregulated expression of antihypertensive components in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. However, when compared with HFD‐fed ovariectomized offspring of normotensive dams, the MHT‐induced HTRS and pressor responses to centrally administered angiotensin II or tumor necrosis factor‐α in HFD‐fed intact offspring of MHT dams were not potentiated by ovariectomy, but the blood pressure and elicited pressor responses as well as central sympathetic tone remained higher. Conclusions The results indicate that in adult female offspring MHT induced HTRS elicited by HFD. Estrogen normally plays a protective role in antagonizing HFD prohypertensive effects, and MHT compromises this normal protective action of estrogen by augmenting brain reactivity and centrally driven sympathetic activity.


Although renal dysfunction is common after liver transplantation, postoperative renal function after split liver transplantation (SLT) has not been well studied. Renal function immediately after surgery was analyzed retrospectively in 16 patients that received a SLT (SLT group). The results were compared with corresponding data from 31 matched patients that received a full‐size liver transplant (FSLT group) during the same period. Serum creatinine (SCr) was measured before surgery, and, after transplantation, daily during the first week and at days 14, 21, and 28. Renal dysfunction (RD) was defined as the requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT) or a 100% increase in SCr if the basal value had been <1.0 mg/dL or a 50% increase in SCr if the basal value had been >1.0 mg/dL. SCr had to be at least 1.5 mg/dL for a diagnosis of RD to be considered. The classification of RD was: mild, SCr 1.5‐2.4 mg/dL; moderate, SCr 2.5‐4.0 mg/dL; or severe, SCr >4.0 mg/dL (the requirement for RRT). Both donor and recipient age and cold ischemia time were lower in the SLT group than in the FSLT group (P < 0.05). Length of surgery was longer in the SLT group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups with respect to Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores, the need for transfusions, the length of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), survival rate, individual severity index, or sepsis‐related organ failure assessment scores at the time of diagnosing RD. Immunosuppression regimens were similar in both groups. RD developed in 82% of SLT patients, but in only 58% of FSLT patients (P = not significant [NS]). Among SLT patients, RD (23.0% mild, 15.5% moderate, and 61.5% severe) was more severe (P = 0.007) than in FSLT patients (63.1% mild, 15.8% moderate, and 24.1% severe). The requirement for RRT in the SLT group (43.7%) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than that in the FSLT group (12.9%). This finding may be due to the different incidence of sepsis in the 2 groups (SLT 37.5% vs. FSLT 9.7%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, although the number of patients studied was small, our data suggest a higher incidence of RD and a greater requirement for RRT in patients that receive a split liver graft than in those that receive a full size liver graft. Liver Transpl 12:1371‐1380, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.


In the present work, structural, microstructural and magnetoelectric (ME) coupling of multiferroic Ba(Fe0.01Ti0.99)O3 (BFT1) nanowires have been studied. BFT1 nanowires were prepared by a hydrothermal method with reaction temperature 180 o C for 48 hours. The X-ray diffraction shows that BFT1 is polycrystalline with cubic phase. The calculated value of distortion ratio (c/a) is ~ 1. No impurity or extra phase is observed. The micrographs by transmission electron microscopy reveal nanowires like structure of BFT1with diameter lie in the range of ~ 40 - 50 nm and length greater than 1.5 μm. The ME coefficient measurement shows that the ME coupling under the effect of both ac and dc bias. It shows strong dependence on ac and dc bias applied field. The value of linear coefficient (α) called ME coefficient is calculated as ~ 16 mV/Oecm at a fixed frequency of 850 Hz. This ME coefficient α corresponds to induction of polarization by a magnetic field or of magnetization by an electric field. The observed optimum dc bias field at which the maximum magneto-electric coupling occurs is ~ 750 Oe. The magnetization hysteresis shows strong ferromagnetism. Copyright © 2012 VBRI Press.


This paper aims to examine the effect of performance allowance, capital expenditure, and use of information technology on quality of financial statements at ministry (public sector), as well as to identify which one variable that has dominant effect on quality of financial statements. To examine the effect, we used quantitative methods. We collected primary data through distribution of questioner to 137 work unit from 581 work unit at Kementerian Perhubungan. Data analysed used Multiple Linear Regression. We found that all variable have significant influence simultaneously on quality of financial statements. Performance allowance and use of information technology significantly influence, while capital expenditure does not have effect on quality of financial statements. We can conlude that performance allowance motivates the officer to improve quality of financial statements. The use of information technology also improves quality of financial statement, it means that investment in information technology is right decision.


In this paper, an all-digital and low-power reference clock generator with cell-based design for biotelemetry applications is presented. The proposed clock generator employs a cascade-stage structure to achieve high resolution and wide range at the same time. Besides, based on the proposed Schmitt-trigger-based delay cell (STDC), hysteresis delay cell (HDC), and digitally controlled varactor (DCV), the proposed clock generator not only can provide high resolution, but also can generate low frequency clock signal with low power consumption and low circuit complexity as compared with conventional approaches. Simulation results show that the operation frequency range is from 9.9MHz to 823MHz, and the power consumption can be improved to 114 µW (@10MHz) with 6.42ps resolution. In addition, the proposed clock generator can be implemented with standard cells, making it easily portable to different processes and very suitable for biomedical System-On-Chip (SoC) applications.


Summary Egg production and body mass changes were measured in six groups, each containing 10 single comb White Leghorn (SCWL) hens, in which each group received decreasing amounts of dry matter (D.M.) in decrements of 10%. Group 1 received 101·2 g D.M./day (100%), an amount normally offered these hens, whereas group 6 received 52·8 g D.M./day (50%). Egg production remained relatively high but body mass declined rapidly in the feed-restricted groups when compared with group 1 in the first 4 weeks (period I); in the second 4 weeks (period II), egg production declined to a great extent but body mass remained constant. Egg production and egg mass were significantly lower in period II than in period I in the feed-restricted birds. In period I egg production did not decrease significantly until the hens were restricted in feed by 30%; in period II this occurred at 20% feed restriction. Energy of eggs produced as a fraction of metabolizable energy intake (MEI) tended to increase in the feed-restricted groups when compared with group I in period I, but decreased significantly at the 40% and 50% group in period II. Maintenance energy requirements for the hens were 569·2 kJ/kg0·75 per day and the efficiency of utilization of energy for egg production was 88·2% in period I; these values were 551·6 kJ/kg0·75 per day and 74·0%, respectively, in period II. Energy yielded from the catabolism of body tissue per gram body mass loss was 23·08 kJ. It was concluded that the hens initially maintained near-normal egg production at the expense of body energy reserves and then at the expense of egg mass. The efficiency of utilization of energy for egg production was higher when the energy source was mainly from body energy reserves than from MEI (88·2% v. 74·0%). The level of feed restriction and its length of imposition, the body energy reserves of the hen and the source of energy for egg production can explain many of the different responses reported in feed-restricted laying hens. In addition, reduction of 20 to 30 % feed intake in laying hens had little effect on egg production for a short period (4 weeks) during which time the hens mobilized body energy reserves. If these hens were to be sold, then this would add an additional option to this enterprise; that is, reduce feed cost at the expense of body mass prior to the sale of the hens.


Valley-spin coupling in transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) can result in unusual spin transport behaviors under an external magnetic field. Nonlocal resistance measured from 2D materials such as TMDs via electrical Hanle experiments are predicted to exhibit nontrivial features, compared with results from conventional materials due to the presence of intervalley scattering as well as a strong internal spin-orbit field. Here, for the first time, we report the all-electrical injection and non-local detection of spin polarized carriers in trilayer MoS_2 films. We calculate the Hanle curves theoretically when the separation between spin injector and detector is much larger than spin diffusion length, \lamda_s. The experimentally observed curve matches the theoretically-predicted Hanle shape under the regime of slow intervalley scattering. The estimated spin life-time was found to be around 110 ps at 30 K.


This study proposes a model of how deeply held beliefs, known as 'social axioms, moderate the interaction between reputation, its causes and consequences with stakeholders. It contributes to the stakeholder relational field of reputation theory by explaining why the same organizational stimuli lead to different individual stakeholder responses. The study provides a shift in reputation research from organizational-level stimuli as the root causes of stakeholder responses to exploring the interaction between individual beliefs and organizational stimuli in determining reputational consequences. Building on a conceptual model that incorporates product/service quality and social responsibility as key reputational dimensions, the authors test empirically for moderating influences, in the form of social axioms, between reputation-related antecedents and consequences, using component-based structural equation modelling (n = 204). In several model paths, significant differences are found between responses of individuals identified as either high or low on social cynicism, fate control and religiosity. The results suggest that stakeholder responses to reputation-related stimuli can be systematically predicted as a function of the interactions between the deeply held beliefs of individuals and these stimuli. The authors offer recommendations on how strategic reputation management can be approached within and across stakeholder groups at a time when firms grapple with effective management of diverse stakeholder expectations.


Abstract : The end of the Cold War generated military budget constraints and downsizing that resulted in the active force having to rely on Reserve component support. Enlisted losses in the USAR, however, have been increasing. For FY 97, approximately 23% of enlisted losses were due to unsatisfactory participation. These losses equate to lost training dollars and decreased force readiness. The objectives of this thesis are to identify the factors that lead to unsatisfactory participation within U.S. Army Reserve units, and recommend changes which should lead to increased participation and force readiness. This study has used a methodology that involved talking to reservists, who left their units, to discuss the reasons and timing of their decisions to depart. An integrated model has been developed as a framework to study the Reserve organizational socialization process. Many identified unmet expectations in training and leadership areas, and many exited because they were unable to resolve these dissatisfactions. Unit leadership exacerbated these problems through little or ineffective attempts to rectify the reservists' problems, as well as inadequate efforts to influence the reservist to return to the unit. Recommendations include: providing new reservists realistic job previews; emphasizing the importance of the first training weekend and the sponsorship program leadership training; expanding the unit retention sergeant's duties to cover the entire scope of the retention process; and publicizing and rewarding "best practices."


The author seeks to show how its success in building up its authority and its legal and administrative machinery militated against its claim to spiritual leadership, and how an institution which rose through furthering the cause of reform later became an obstacle to reform and itself in need of reformation. In other words, he is concerned with the great dichotomies - to say nothing of the conflicting ideals and contrasting personalities - which make the history of the medieval papacy so dramatic and instructive. Professor Barraclough's writings on papal history cover a period of more than thirty years. They are based on extensive research in the Vatican Archives and other major manuscript libraries. The present volume is refreshingly original in judgment and constantly surprises the reader by its ability to place even the best-known episodes and personalities in anew and revealing light.


THE UPPER VISEAN FROM KONRADOW NEAR WAŁBRZYCH (LOWER SILESIA) In this paper the author describes in detail the localities of Upper Visean fauna from the road cut at Konradow (Konradsthal), situated about 5 km. northeast of Walbrzych (Figs. 1 and 2). The occurrence of fauna at this locality has already been mentioned by E. Dathe (1892), E. Dathe and G. Berg (1926), W. Paeckelmann (1930, 1931). For the present paper the author utilized, besides her own collection, likewise specimens found between 1931 and 1939 by F. Zimmermann and determined by herself. In Table 2 these latter specimens have been distinguished by asterisks. In the southern scarp of the cut the author described 7 vertical sections (Fig. 3) in which occurred series of argillaceous shales, infrequently interbedded by intercalations of clay-greywacke shales, greywackes and by lenses and intercalations of marls (Fig. 4). Of fauna, there occur brachiopods, numerous pelecypods, also gastropods, cephalopods and trilobites were found. The larger part of these series has been assigned to subhorizon Goniatites striatus striatus (S o w.). The top part of the Upper Visean sediments appearing in the cut (Fig. 5) has been described as vertical section 8, constituting a natural out-crop of these beds. In this section there chiefly occur conglomeratic or greywacke sediments, with thin intercalations of argillaceous or greywacke shales, revealing ripple marks and landslides breccia. In the greywacke rocks there occurred the following fauna: brachiopoda (particulary numerous were Dictyoclostus zimmermanni P a e c k e l m.), pelecypods, gastropods, cephalopods, and remnants of Crinoids. On the basis of Goniatites striatus falcatus R o e m., the author assigned this section almost completely to subhorizon Goβ 3 For the road cut at Konradow the author reconstructed the presumable geological section (Fig. 5); here she indicated the position of the individual vertical sections, as well as the localities where fauna and flora occurs. Compared with the tectonically disturbed Upper Visean in the central part of the area of Walbrzych Miasto (Altwasser), i.e. the syncline of Ptasia Gora (H. Żakowa, 1958a, 1958b, paper in press), the strata at Konradow dip altogether southeastwards of sowthwards. Similarly as the sediments of the Upper carboniferous (Fig. 2) which are in contact with them not far from the discussed road cut.


"This article retraces the main lines of Reseaux's editorial policy from its inception in 1983. The journal has combined three research perspectives : a comprehensive study of the communication field, be it media, interpersonal, public or professional; the analysis of contemporary technological transformations; and the construction of a new theoretical positioning. The article shows how these three perspectives are intertwined, by looking at research on public policy, on networks – both technical and informal (ordinary sociability, amateur practices) – and on reception and uses."


Firewalls use a rule database to decide which packets will be allowed from one network onto another thereby implementing a security policy. In high-speed networks as the inter-arrival rate of packets decreases, the latency incurred by a firewall increases. In such a scenario, a single firewall become a bottleneck and reduces the overall throughput of the network.A firewall with heavy load, which is supposed to be a first line of defense against attacks, becomes susceptible to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Many works are being done to optimize firewalls.This paper presents our implementation of different parallel firewall models on General-Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU). We implemented the parallel firewall architecture proposed in and introduced a new model that can effectively exploit the massively parallel computing capabilities of GPGPU.


Small-scale farmers in India and other developing countries have been using traditional stone local dehuller (chakki) for pulse milling, which is extremely slow and less effective. In this study, a low-cost and easy-to-operate farm-level pulse dehuller was developed to enhance farm mechanization in the processing sector. The performance of the developed dehuller was evaluated using three independent parameters, namely roller speed (19.47, 22.72, 25.97 m.s-1), feed rate (60, 90, 120 kg.h-1), and two emery rollers (Grit No. 40, Grit No. 50). To optimize the parameters, results were fitted in multi-level categorical general factorial design using design expert software. The maximum dehulling efficiency (84.62 %), maximum whole dehulled kernel (48.45 %), and minimum loss (2.78%) were obtained at roller speed of 19.47 m.s-1 and feed rate of 90 kg.h-1 with Grit No.50 roller. Compared to the traditional pulse dehulling process, the developed pulse dehuller could save 2.29 ₹ .Kg-1 in cost and 10.24 min.kg-1 in time.


The exploration of potential utilization of microwaves as an energy source for heterocyclic synthesis was herein investigated using condensation of 3-acetylcoumarin (1) with aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes to afford the corresponding aromatic chalcones (2a–j) and heteroaromatic chalcones (3a–e and 4a–e), respectively, in good to excellent yield within 1–3 min. The chemical structures were confirmed by analytical and spectral data. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity and 3-{3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)acryloyl}-2H-chromen-2-one (2i) was discovered to be the most active at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 7.8 lg/mL.


A DEXA system designed specifically for small in vitro samples was calibrated for quantitating total calcium content of calcified valve tissue. A unique volume microcomputed tomography (CT) scanner system was used to create 3D images of 23 calcified aortic cusps. Accurate non destructive calcium quantitation was demonstrated by CT with the additional capability of localization and quantitative distribution measurements.


Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) are required by almost all modern applications. Generally, developers utilize three main approaches to creating them: • Defining GUIs using manually written source code. Every popular programming language has its own dedicated libraries. In case of Java it could be Swing (Walrath, 2004) or SWT (Guojie, 2005). C# developers have WinForms (Sells, 2006); • Utilizing dedicated visual editors (designers) which allow for "drawing" a GUI and for generating an appropriate source code. The quality of such generators varies considerably. Some of them allow for round-trip engineering (i.e. (Jigloo, 2009)). In contrast, there are also solutions which act as pure generators; • Using a special declarative approach. The idea is to focus on "what to do" rather than "how to do it". A recent, commercially used example of such an approach is MS XAML. Particular GUI items are defined using a dedicated programming language (or a description language). Unfortunately, most of the presented approaches require quite serious involvement from the programmer. The first one, is definitely the most time-consuming and also needs specified knowledge. The second one, saves some time but needs a lot of attention during designing process. The last one utilizes probably the easiest approach for having a decent user communication layer in an application. Following the declarative way, a programmer focuses on what to do rather than how to do it. Such a method saves time and ensures less programming errors in the final product. In this chapter we would like to: • Present existing declarative solutions, • Briefly describe our previous proposal for the Java language: the senseGUI library (Trzaska, 2008) and fully discuss the new one called the GCL language. Both of them have been implemented and are publicly available (together with source codes) using the following addresses: http://go.mtrzaska.com/?sensegui and http://gcl-dsl.googlecode.com/. The first prototype called the senseGUI utilizes annotations existing in the Java language (they also exist in other programming languages like MS C#). The annotations allow the programmer for marking particular parts of a source code defining class structures. Using such simple annotations, the programmer can describe basic properties of the desired GUI. In the simplest form it is enough just to mark attributes (or methods) in an ordinary Java class for which widgets should be created. There is also a way to define more detailed


BACKGROUND
Scant data exist on long-term outcomes including death in patients with transvenous lead extractions (TLE) related complications.

AIMS
We sought to characterize the population and examine the outcomes including risk factors for in-hospital complications and 12-month mortality and morbidity related to the complications in a large administrative database of patients undergoing TLE.

RESULTS
From the database of patients hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases and included in the Silesian Cardiovascular Database (SILCARD) registry, we selected the admissions of those who underwent TLE according to the appropriate ICD-9 codes. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they did or did not manifest any complications during their hospitalization for the TLE procedure. Between 2007 and 2019, we found a total of 835 patients who underwent TLE. TLE-related complications occurred in 56 patients (6.7%) of Complications-Yes, while no complications were recorded in 779 (93.3%) patients of Complications-No group. A significant difference in the rate of all-cause mortality (23.9% vs 6.5%; P < 0.001) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (58.7% vs 39.4%; P = 0.01) between the Complications-Yes and Complications-No group were recorded. A multivariable analysis of the entire study population revealed that prior dialysis, chronic kidney disease, and ventricular tachycardia were independent factors of a higher risk of TLE-related in-hospital complications. A multivariable analysis of the patients discharged from the hospital after the TLE procedure showed that TLE-related complications, the history of heart failure, and older age independently affected 12-month mortality.

CONCLUSIONS
The presence of TLE-related in-hospital complications increased 12-month mortality.


In power supply systems, switching supplies are typically cascaded with low dropout (LDO) regulator to suppress noise and provide low noise output. By providing lower output ripple voltage from charge pump circuit, input noise level (ripple) can be reduced first before it is fed into LDO and hence a more stable supply voltage can be generated from LDO. In this paper, a low voltage CMOS charge pump which offers lower output ripple voltage is proposed. Charge transfer switch (CTS) control scheme is employed inside cross-coupled charge pump in order to suppress backward current leakage path during clock transition. Therefore, proposed charge pump circuit provides lower output ripple voltage and higher voltage pumping efficiency. The proposed circuit has been simulated in 45nm CMOS process to validate the functionality of the circuit. The measured ripple voltage is less than 60mV at 10mA load current with 60 MHz pumping frequency. The proposed charge pump circuit does not suffer gateoxide reliability and is suitable implemented in low voltage CMOS processes.


— Blind people have been, over time, a reason for motivation in the development of solutions to improve their quality of life. The aim of this work is to propose a solution for one of such problems, namely, the selection and combination of clothing for the blind. Thus, this article describes the whole project developed, in agreement with the Portuguese Association of the Blind and Amblyopic of Portugal (ACAPO), for the creation of a Web platform to aid the blind in selecting combinations of clothing. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is the basis of this project in the identification of garments. The features of the garments are inserted manually, and a combination of features is possible. There is also the possibility to automatically identify the color of the garment. The system has been tested by the ACAPO organization and preliminary feedback is positive, which are a good starting point for the future. This solution helps promote an increased autonomy for blind people.


Why did the United States fail to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women? This overarching question forms the basis of this paper and will be answered using an array of primary and secondary sources. This paper gleans most of its evidence from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearings of 1994 and 2002, letters from both President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Congressional Research Service reports on CEDAW from 2013 and 2007, several Senators' statements in the Congressional Record, Congressional testimony, and the text of the CEDAW treaty. This paper integrates these primary sources with secondary sources, citing legal analyses by former Attorney General Harold Hongju Koh, positions taken by lobby groups such as Amnesty International, the Heritage Foundation, and Concerned Women for America, the text, "Circle of Empowerment" by CEDAW Committee veteran Hannah-Beate Schopp-Schilling, and research on the legislative impact of CEDAW by Dutch legal analyst Rikki Holtmaat. This paper contends that CEDAW's failure stemmed from: 1) the belief that U.S. women's rights are already "covered," 2) the convergence of federalism and inherent constitutional restrictions, 3) the belief that CEDAW will subvert American sovereignty, and, 4) distorted interpretations of the CEDAW Committee's recommendations.


This thorough collection of contemporary sociological theory is the definitive guide to current perspectives and approaches in the field. Organized by theme, the volume includes the most representative material available on topics such as symbolic interactionism, phenomenology, structuralism, network theory, critical theory, feminist theory, and the current debates over modernity and postmodernity. The theories of Foucault, Giddens, and Bourdieu also appear in longer sections, enabling students and scholars to examine the work in greater depth.

Editorial introductions put these readings into theoretical perspective, making this an authoritative and compact survey of contemporary sociological theory. This book, in conjunction with its complement, Classical Sociological Theory, offers readers a complete overview of sociological theory.


Bauer & Westfall's University Physics with Modern Physics teaches students the fundamentals of physics through interesting, timely examples, a logical and consistent approach to problem solving, and an outstanding suite of online tools and exercises. The book weaves exciting, contemporary physics throughout the text with coverage of the most recent research by the authors and others in areas such as energy, medicine, and the environment. It includes the power of McGraw-Hill's LearnSmart - a proven adaptive learning program that helps students learn faster, study more efficiently, and retain more knowledge for greater success. LearnSmart is included in ConnectPlus powered by Maple which features more than 2,500 automatically-graded exercises delivered in an easy-to-use, accurate, and reliable system. Also included is an interactive e-book which allows the student easy access to the explanations they need. The book is designed for the calculus-based introductory physics course and is well suited for students in Physics, Engineering, and the Life and Physical Sciences


The temperature of inspired air influences respiratory water loss (RWL) in young lambs. Water loss from the airways, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured using an open flow-through system with a mass spectrometer, specially equipped with a water channel, for gas analysis. Measurements were made in 9 newborn lambs at 3 different inspired air temperatures keeping all other environmental factors stable, including the ambient air temperature. The water content of the inspired air was also kept constant. RWL was found to be 9.9 +/- 3.9 (SD) mg/kg/min when the temperature of the inspired air was 30 degrees C and its humidity 30%. At 40 degrees C this loss increased to 11.5 +/- 3.6 mg/kg/min, and at about 60 degrees C it increased further to 26.0 +/- 8.2 mg/kg/min. The oxygen consumption was 10.0 +/- 0.8 (SD) ml/kg/min at 30 degrees C and 10.4 +/- 2.0 ml/kg/min at 60 degrees C, a change which is not significant. Thus RWL is influenced by the temperature of the inspired air, with greater loss at higher temperatures.


This report presents results of research on the financial performance of organic farms in 2007/08 and 2008/09, carried out for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This research concludes project OF0373 and builds on previous work on the economics of organic farming carried out at Aberystwyth University (Projects OF0190, covering 1995/96 to 1998/99 and OF0189, covering 1999/00 to 2004/05)1.
Analysis of the Defra Data Archive for 2008/09 found a total of 241 businesses with some organic land, and of these holdings, 188 met the criterion for inclusion within this study by having greater than 70% fully organic land. In total, data from 180 organic farms were utilised in the analysis, clustered to a total of 767 comparable conventional holdings. It was not possible to identify comparable conventional businesses for seven organic farms, and one farm was excluded for technical reasons, though the gross margin results from seven of these businesses could be utilised.
The full sample analysis utilises data from 180 organic farms to provide a comparison of organic and comparable conventional farm income data in 2008/09, (with the 2007/08 sample provided for a non-identical comparison). For the full sample, for most farm types, Net Farm Incomes (NFI) remained at or above the level of conventional farms in 2008/09. Organic LFA livestock and mixed farms were considerably more profitable than their conventional comparisons. However, the organic horticulture and poultry farm types did not perform as well as conventional, mainly as a result of the specialisation/intensity of the comparable conventional systems, but the small organic sample size may also have affected the results.
The data are also analysed as an identical sample that compares the performance for an identical sample of organic and comparable conventional farms in each of the two years 2007/08 and 2008/09. This comparison highlights that most organic farm type NFIs were similar to the previous year, but there were some large gains for comparable conventional farms. Within the organic sector, horticulture, lowland cattle and sheep, mixed and LFA dairy farms all showed an improvement in NFI, whilst organic cropping and LFA cattle and sheep NFI declined marginally. Both organic and conventional sectors saw input costs rise in 2008/09, whilst within the conventional sector livestock farms showed considerable improvement in profitability, reflecting gains in conventional livestock and milk prices during the year.


An optimal sampling design is an important consideration when collecting large volumes of data: Too few data lead to inconclusive results and oversampling is inefficient and often costly. Due to the wide geographical impact of coastal processes along the shore, shoreline responses (erosion or accretion) do not significantly vary from transect to transect at some sample spacings. Thus, shoreline rates of change exhibit a "nearest neighbor" effect or spatial autocorrelation. This phenomenon inhibits the utility of conventional statistical models for sample size determination. In this paper we capitalize on this spatial autocorrelation by using the Theory of Regionalized Variables or geostatistics. Geostatistics enables global estimates of along-the-shore rates of change, point estimates at unsampled locations, and provides nomograms for optimal sample designs based on standard errors of this estimate. Results of the spatial analyses show that using local estimation variances, obtained by ordinary kriging, is an effective means of determining optimal sample size. The 50 m spacing of transects along Hatteras Island, North Carolina, provides an excellent estimate of rates between transects. This dense sampling scheme is, however, redundant due to the high degree of spatial autocorrelation. Last, our confidence in estimation of rate-of-change values in the spatial domain (due to spatial continuity) far exceeds our confidence in rate values calculated at a sample location in the temporal domain.


The works of Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) have been criticised for the tendency of their compositional technique towards 'repetition,' 'stasis,' 'non-progression,' 'block juxtaposition,' and even 'discontinuity' by musicologists and analysts including Taruskin (1996), Whittall (1997), Cross (1998), and Boulez (1968). However, more and more contemporary theorists argue that his music is not only characterised by repetition or consistency, but also that many structural phenomena and musical parameters have distinct development within the internal structure. Moreover, they point out that characteristics of both discontinuity and continuity are found at different structural levels within his compositions (Cone; Horlacher 2018; Wang 2004; Kramer 1986, 1988).

Taking the above scholarship into consideration, this essay analyses several musical elements to explore features of order, regularity, continuity, and consistency in the first movement of Stravinsky's L'Histoire du Soldat, "Marche du Solda". Closer analysis reveals that this movement exhibits many tendencies of order and consistency within individual parameters, but this order is broken when considering all parameters together, as each has its own pace and structural pattern. The analytical results presented in this essay align with the emphasis by contemporary musicologists and scholars on Stravinsky's tendency towards consistency and order in his compositions, affirming that his music does indeed possess these features, but they require a different perspective to observe.


Traditional studies on the wisdom of the crowd focus on member characteristics that are either static (e.g., demographics) or slow to change (e.g., expertise). However, members of a crowd are different not only in terms of who they are but also what they do when faced with different opportunities. Using data from online debt crowdfunding, we propose and find significant informational value in the heterogeneity of observable actions of crowd members. We quantify investor behavior in two ways: bid size and bid timing. We find that loans funded with fewer but larger bids are less likely to default than those funded with a larger number of smaller bids. For loans with similar bid-amount distributions, those receiving larger bids earlier in the bidding process are less likely to default. These features also help improve the predictive performance of loan default models. Importantly, these features are easily accessible and less subject to privacy concerns. Our findings point to a novel direction of extracting wisdom of the crowd, new methods of evaluating loan quality in secondary markets, and have implications for the design of online crowdsourcing platforms in general.


Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a novel metabolic regulator that holds promise as a therapeutic target in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The regulation of FGF21, however, is only emerging. Most of the existing evidence is derived from animal studies – particularly mice – where repeated measurements of hormones are difficult. Over the last decade, several studies evaluating the regulation of FGF21 in human physiology have emerged in the literature. These have shown that plasma FGF21 is an acutely regulated hormone and that the glucagon-to-insulin ratio seems to be pivotal in the regulation of FGF21. In the present narrative review, we evaluate the regulation of FGF21 in humans with a focus on the regulatory role of the glucagon-to-insulin ratio.


We audited the accuracy of KC60 coding in our department over a two-week period in 1999. Case notes of 400 consecutive new and rebook patients who attended during each of the audit periods were reviewed, and their clinical diagnosis was compared with KC60 returns entered into the computer and sent to the Department of Health. We concentrated on four KC60 diagnoses of positive sexually transmitted infections: uncomplicated gonorrhoea (B1) and chlamydia (c4a), first episodes of anogenital warts (C11a) and herpes (C10a). At the end of the audit, specific recommendations were introduced, aiming at improving accuracy of KC60 coding, and a re-audit was carried out in 2000, using identical methodology. In the first audit period there were 106 positive diagnoses, of which 41 (38.7%) were not recorded in the KC60 returns. In the second audit period there were 149 positive diagnoses, of which 20 (13%) were not recorded, showing a significant improvement (Chi square P = 0.0005).


Asians are likely to experience a high burden of chronic conditions, including but not limited to, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, due to differences in biologic, genetic, and environmental factors across Asian ethnic groups. A diagnosis of any chronic condition can contribute to increased mental health burdens, including depression, psychological distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few studies have examined these co-morbidities across distinct Asian ethnic groups, an important limitation given the differences in social, cultural, and behavioral drivers of mental health burdens within and across Asian ethnicities. To understand the disparities in mental health burdens among Asians living with a chronic health condition, we conducted a systematic literature review of relevant peer-reviewed databases to identify studies reporting on mental health burdens (e.g., depression, anxiety, distress, and PTSD) in distinct Asian ethnic groups in North America. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria for this review and collectively demonstrated a high burden of depression, psychological distress, and PTSD among Asians living with chronic conditions. Moreover, there were distinct disparities in mental health burdens across chronic condition and across Asian ethnic group. Despite the detrimental impact of poor mental health on chronic disease specific outcomes, such as mortality and poor quality of life, a dearth of data exists characterizing mental health outcomes among Asian ethnicities living in North America with chronic conditions. Future work should prioritize estimating national prevalence of mental health outcomes among adults with chronic conditions by Asian ethnicities to inform culturally tailored interventions to address this public health burden. Abbreviations: BDI-II, Beck's Depression Inventory; BRFSSS, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; CES-D, Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression; CHQ-9, 9-question Chinese Health Questionnaire; CINAHL, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; DSM-IV-TR, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Text Revision Fourth Edition; ESAS, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale; GDS-SF, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form; JBI, Joanna Briggs Institute; NHANES, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; NHIS, National Health Interview Survey; NLAAS, National Latino and Asian American Study; PHQ-9, 9-question Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9K, 9-question Korean Patient Health Questionnaire; PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses; PTSD, Post-traumatic stress disorder; SD, Standard deviation; T2D, Type-2 diabetes mellitus; U.S., United States.


Enterogenous cysts are rare congenital lesions resulting from dysgenesis during the third embryonic week at the time of notochord development and the transitory existence of the neurenteric canal. Enterogenous cysts are usually lined by mucus secreting epithelium resembling that of the gastrointestinal tract. The inclusion of the endodermal elements in the spinal canal may produce extradural, intradural extramedullary or intradural intramedullary cystic lesions. The endodermal inclusions producing cysts in the intracranial compartment are extremely rare, especially in the supratentorial region. Plain X-rays may show concomitant cranio-spinal anomalies. However, CT and MRI scans show better definition and characterisation. Total excision is the procedure of choice in these benign cysts with favourable long term prognosis. Approximately 100 histologically proven cases have been described, with a few exceptions, as isolated case reports the authors report a detailed analysis of the clinico-radiological aspects of a series of ten patients with cranio-spinal enterogenous cysts with a review of the literature.


1632 Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a co-receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF165) and semaphorins that expressed in endothelial cells and various cancer cells. We previously identified by microarray that NRP1 expression is correlated with the invasive ability in lung cancer cells. This study we investigate the molecular mechanisms of NRP1 signaling in lung cancer progression and potential therapeutic implications. The expressions of NRP1 mRNA in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor specimens were analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and correlated with disease-free survivals and overall survivals of the patients. A cyclic 7-mer phage display peptide library was screened for NRP1-binding peptides using soluble NRP1 (sNRP1) as the bait, and examined their binding affinity by surface plasmon resonance. The role of NRP1 in lung cancer cells invasion, angiogenesis and signaling were characterized by either stimulation with VEGF165 or inhibition of NRP1 activities by specific siRNAs, sNRP1 and NRP1-binding peptides. The signaling pathway of NRP1 in lung cancer cells was investigated by Western blotting of several secondary messengers phosphorylation. The expressions of NRP1 mRNA in tumor specimens are negatively correlated with the overall and disease-free survivals in 65 NSCLC patients. The NRP1 signalings induced by VEGF165 in lung cancer cells are involved VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) phosphorylation, activation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) and Akt phosphorylation. The down-regulation of NRP1 by siRNA and sNRP1 suppresses these signalings and leads to the suppression of invasion ability and filopodia formation. Phage display identified small peptides with the consensus sequences of RRXR that had anti-NRP1 activity. Two selected peptides DG1 and DG2 targeting to NRP1 were synthesized that can suppress the NRP1 downstream signaling, invasion ability, filopodia formation and tumor angiogenesis. Our findings indicate that NRP1 plays a crucial role in lung cancer progression. The NRP1 signaling induced by VEGF is mediated through a pathway involving VEGFR2 phosphorylation and activation of PI3K and Akt kinase. The NRP1-binding peptides that can suppress VEGF/NRP1/VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt signaling and cancer cell invasion as well as angiogenesis may have therapeutic potential.


In this paper the extremal behaviour of real-valued, stationary Markov chains is studied under fairly general assumptions. Conditions are obtained for convergence in distribution of multilevel exceedance point processes associated with suitable families of high levels. Although applicable to general stationary sequences, these conditions are tailored for Markov chains and are seen to hold for a large class of chains. The extra assumptions used are that the marginal distributions belong to the domain of attraction of some extreme value law together with rather weak conditions on the transition probabilities. Also, a complete convergence result is given. The results are applied to an AR(1) process with uniform margins and to solutions of a first order stochastic difference equation with random coefficients.


A nanostructured surface layer (NSSL) was generated on a 316L stainless steel plate through surface nanocrystallization (SNC). The grains of the surface layer were refined to nanoscale after SNC treatment. Moreover, the microstructure and mechanical properties of NSSL were analyzed with a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), through nanoindentation, and through reverse analysis of finite element method (FEM). TEM results showed that the grains in the NSSL measured 8 nm. In addition, these nanocrystalline grains took the form of random crystallographic orientation and were roughly equiaxed in shape. In situ SEM observations of the tensile process confirmed that the motions of the dislocations were determined from within the material and that the motions were blocked by the NSSL, thus improving overall yielding stress. Meanwhile, the nanohardness and the elastic modulus of the NSSL, as well as those of the matrix, were obtained with nanoindentation technology. The reverse analysis of FEM was conducted with MARC software, and the process of nanoindentation on the NSSL and the matrix was simulated. The plastic mechanical properties of NSSL can be derived from the simulation by comparing the results of the simulation and of actual nanoindentation.