By utilizing an experimental approach that monitors the immediate global response of Chlamydia trachomatis to iron starvation, clues to long-standing issues in Chlamydia biology are revealed, including how Chlamydia adapts to this stress. We determined that this pathogen initiates a transcriptional program that prioritizes replenishment of nutrient stores over replication, possibly in preparation for rapid growth once optimal iron levels are restored. Transcription of genes for biosynthesis of metabolic precursors was generally upregulated, while those involved in multiple steps of translation were downregulated. We also observed an increase in transcription of genes involved in DNA repair and neutralizing oxidative stress, indicating that Chlamydia employs an "all-or-nothing" strategy. Its small genome limits its ability to tailor a specific response to a particular stress. Therefore, the "all-or-nothing" strategy may be the most efficient way of surviving within the host, where the pathogen likely encounters multiple simultaneous immunological and nutritional insults. ABSTRACT Iron is essential for growth and development of Chlamydia. Its long-term starvation in cultured mammalian cells leads to production of aberrant noninfectious chlamydial forms, also known as persistence. Immediate transcriptional responses to iron limitation have not been characterized, leaving a knowledge gap of how Chlamydia regulates its response to changes in iron availability. We used the fast-chelating agent 2,2′-bipyridyl (BPDL) to homogeneously starve Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L2 of iron, starting at 6 or 12 h postinfection. Immediate transcriptional responses were monitored after only 3 or 6 h of BPDL treatment, well before formation of aberrant Chlamydia. The first genomewide transcriptional response of C. trachomatis to iron starvation was subsequently determined utilizing RNA sequencing. Only 7% and 8% of the genome were differentially expressed in response to iron starvation at the early and middle stages of development, respectively. Biological pathway analysis revealed an overarching theme. Synthesis of macromolecular precursors (deoxynucleotides, amino acids, charged tRNAs, and acetyl coenzyme A [acetyl-CoA]) was upregulated, while energy-expensive processes (ABC transport and translation) were downregulated. A large fraction of differentially downregulated genes are involved in translation, including those encoding ribosome assembly and initiation and termination factors, which could be analogous to the translation downregulation triggered by stress in other prokaryotes during stringent responses. Additionally, transcriptional upregulation of DNA repair, oxidative stress, and tryptophan salvage genes reveals a possible coordination of responses to multiple antimicrobial and immunological insults. These responses of replicative-phase Chlamydia to iron starvation indicate a prioritization of survival over replication, enabling the pathogen to "stock the pantry" with ingredients needed for rapid growth once optimal iron levels are restored. IMPORTANCE By utilizing an experimental approach that monitors the immediate global response of Chlamydia trachomatis to iron starvation, clues to long-standing issues in Chlamydia biology are revealed, including how Chlamydia adapts to this stress. We determined that this pathogen initiates a transcriptional program that prioritizes replenishment of nutrient stores over replication, possibly in preparation for rapid growth once optimal iron levels are restored. Transcription of genes for biosynthesis of metabolic precursors was generally upregulated, while those involved in multiple steps of translation were downregulated. We also observed an increase in transcription of genes involved in DNA repair and neutralizing oxidative stress, indicating that Chlamydia employs an "all-or-nothing" strategy. Its small genome limits its ability to tailor a specific response to a particular stress. Therefore, the "all-or-nothing" strategy may be the most efficient way of surviving within the host, where the pathogen likely encounters multiple simultaneous immunological and nutritional insults.


To measure the reputation of a product or service (brand equity) is a complex
but also important process for a company because of the fact that it gives an advantage
over its competitors and enables it to consolidate its market position. In this thesis, the
concept of brand equity was approached and analyzed in terms of marketing and not in
financial terms. The fact which was given larger base is how companies will strengthen
brand associations in the minds of consumers so as to increase the awareness of the
brand.
The first chapter is a flashback to the history of the first brands and their
evolution until today. The second chapter includes the definition and interpretation of
the word "brand". Furthermore, the various elements that make up a brand and it is
importance both for consumers and for businesses are analyzed, since brands are a
source of value for both of them. In the third chapter, various definitions of brand equity
are given in order to fully understand it's meaning. It has been noticed that there is no
commonly used term of brand equity, nor a way of measurement. Therefore, the two
basic and most comprehensive approaches of brand equity are presented and analyzed,
those of Aaker and Keller, on which the most of academic research is based.
The fourth chapter presents the methods of measuring brand equity by Aaker
and Keller, as already mentioned, which are the most significant of the relevant
literature. The fifth chapter is an introduction to the structure of health sector. This
chapter analyzes the characteristics of health industry. The health systems are also
defined and the forms, sources of financing and the problems that exist in every health
system are considered. The sixth chapter shows how the brand equity can affect the
hospital industry. In addition, references are made as far as the importance of hospital
branding is concerned, the factors of successful brand equity in the hospital sector are
analyzed and the factors that have the greatest influence in shaping the brand equity are
mentioned. In the seventh chapter, a comparative analysis of patient satisfaction studies
between two public Greek hospitals is presented, one of which is newly created and the
other has developed a reputation for providing a specific kind of health care services.
Consumer satisfaction is an important determinant of brand equity in the Keller and the
comparison of a newly built hospital, without reputation, with another that already has
some reputation in the market, is a way of estimation of the brand equity of the hospital
that has already been in the health market.
The eighth chapter focuses on private sector provision of health care services
and more specifically three of the largest health care services providers in Greece are
presented, the group "YGEIA", the group "IATRIKO" and the group "IASO". Initially,
this chapter presents the structure of each group on human resources, health services,
available equipment, investment movements and actions of promotion. In addition,
there are presented economic data of the health groups mentioned above concerning the
period 2002-2004, the early years of the economic crisis in Greece and the recent period
2013-2014 , in order to draw conclusions as to the effectiveness and the impact of
marketing campaigns which aim at increasing brand equity and of the economic values
of health care corporations. Finally, in the ninth chapter , proposals for possible future
research and suggestions to the managers and marketers of health care corporations are
made.


This study examine the reflection band characteristics of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) porous silicon (PSi) and the effect of etching time on the formation of the Bragg photonic structure. A PSi DBR with the Bragg filter photonic structure was fabricated using a computer-generated square current density wave. The multilayered photonic crystals of the PSi DBR exhibited a specific wavelength reflection with high reflectivity in the optical spectrum. This reflective wavelength was controlled by adjusting the etching time and depending on the waveform, could be observed throughout the entire visible range. These results are important for the fabrication of specific reflectors and full-color filters. We further investigated the effect of the current density's waveform on the formation of the PSi DBR. We found that as the etching time was increased, the reflection band of the PSi DBR shifted to longer wavelength by about 150 nm. The reflection band characteristics of 16 PSi DBR samples for various current densities were investigated in more detail. We established that the PSi DBR exhibited linear dependence of the reflection wavelength on the current density.


A growing body of research suggests that religion and spirituality may have a positive effect on mental and physical health. Medical schools have been increasingly offering courses in spirituality and health, particularly about the multi-cultural dimensions of religion and spirituality. There is a trend towards integrating the teaching of cross-cultural issues related to spirituality and religion into medical education. This trend is particularly evident in the field of psychiatry, where an increasing number of residency programmes are developing curriculum in this area. This article describes a specific curriculum in spirituality, religion and culture that was introduced in 2003 at the University of Washington Psychiatry Residency Program in Seattle, Washington. Reflections about the present and future of subject areas such as spirituality and religion in medical education and psychiatry residency are discussed.


Eager replication management is known to generate unacceptable performance as soon as the update rate or the number of replicas increases. Lazy replication protocols tackle this problem by decoupling transaction execution from the propagation of new values to replica sites while guaranteeing a correct and more efficient transaction processing and replica maintenance. However, they impose several restrictions on transaction models that are often not valid in practical database settings, e.g., they require that each transaction executes at its initiation site and/or are restricted to full replication schemes. Also, the protocols cannot guarantee that the transactions will always see the freshest available replicas. This paper presents a new lazy replication protocol called PDBREP that is free of these restrictions while ensuring one copy serializable executions. The protocol exploits the distinction between read-only and general transactions and works with arbitrary physical data organizations such as partitioning and striping as well as different replica granularities. It does not require that each read-only transaction executes entirely at its initiation site. Hence, each read-only site need not contain a fully replicated database. PDBREP furthermore generalizes the notion of freshness to finer data granules than entire databases. Beside its architectural advantages, experiments revealed that PDBREP outperforms related lazy replication techniques.


Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) has been widely used in the electronics materials field because NBR has shown good compatibility with epoxy resins. However, it is not clear if the use of NBR for epoxy compounds is the best choice because the acrylonitrile units in NBR have poor electric properties. Taking both compatibility and electric properties into consideration, we have developed a new modified crosslinked styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) particle, which has a diameter of 70nm. This rubber showed a lower dielectric constant and a lower dissipation factor than NBR. Furthermore, these electric properties have been improved in the epoxy-phenol-SBR formulation. We found it possible to reduce the elastic modulus without sacrificing the electric properties.


The major objective of the project is to develop a noninvasive method to assess thermal burns. Currently, the diagnosis relies primarily upon visual assessment of the injury by a burn specialist and/or plastic surgeon. The diagnosis is based on the surface appearance of the wound to determine the type or depth of the burn. Near infrared spectroscopic measurements of injured tissue provide an objective means of distinguishing between surface and subsurface changes related to the tissue injury. An acute porcine model is employed to investigate the potential of near infrared spectroscopy to accurately distinguish between burns of varying severity in the early postburn period. Parallel factor analysis is used to investigate the spectral changes related to burns of varying severity. Burn injuries drastically alter the physical and optical properties of the tissue. Thermal destruction of cutaneous vasculature disrupts perfusion and oxygen delivery to the affected tissue. Tissue blood oxygenation decreases with increased severity of the burn. The results demonstrate that near infrared spectroscopy may provide a new tool for objective clinical assessment of burn injuries.


Operative treatment for non-union of the carpal scaphoid bone with a small proximal fragment often presents some difficulties. A complete Silastic carpal scaphoid replacement does not always fit well because the shape and dimensions of the implant differ from the natural carpal scaphoid bone. The proximal fragment looks more like the lunate bone and so a Silastic carpal lunate implant may be used to replace the proximal fragment of the scaphoid while the well preserved distal fragment remains in place. This prevents disturbance of the intercarpal joint composition and improves stability of the base of the thumb. Five patients have been treated in this manner. The procedure is described in detail.


This paper discusses a multi-scale neural spike detection algorithm for a low-power analog circuit implementation. The key idea is to implement wavelet decomposition and improve spike detection by independently controlling thresholds for each scale. Each thresholded scale is then combined to provide a single output indicating a spike occurrence. This spike detection algorithm shows promising results towards a robust, compact, and unsupervised low power analog spike detection circuit. A low power frontend spike detection circuit can be added to a neural amplifier and dramatically reduce the required data bandwidth for BMI applications


Introduction: Weaver syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, pre- and post-natal overgrowth, macrocephaly, and variable developmental delay. The characteristic facial features are ocular hypertelorism, a broad forehead, almond-shaped palpebral fissures and, in early childhood, large, fleshy ears, a pointed "stuck-on" chin with horizontal skin creases, and retrognathia. Heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene are responsible for WS. Case Presentation: Here, we report a male patient with a heterozygous likely pathogenic variant in EZH2 gene who has tall stature, distinctive facial features, mild development delay, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy with a MRI finding of periventricular leukomalacia, gingival hypertrophy, and early onset high hypermetropia. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the importance of reporting detailed molecular and clinical findings in patients to expand the genotypic and phenotypic findings of this rare syndrome.


Pristine and oxygen plasma functionalised carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were studied after the evaporation of Pt and Pd atoms. High resolution transmission electron microscopy shows the formation of metal nanoparticles at the CNT surface. Oxygen functional groups grafted by the plasma functionalization act as nucleation sites for metal nanoparticles. Analysis of the C1s core level spectra reveals that there is no covalent bonding between the Pt or Pd atoms and the CNT surface. Unlike other transition metals such as titanium and copper, neither Pd nor Pt show strong oxygen interaction or surface oxygen scavenging


Supplemental digital content is available in the text. BACKGROUND Following trauma, persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism may characterize delayed recovery or failure to recover. Understanding the metabolic response associated with these adverse outcomes may facilitate earlier identification and intervention. We characterized the metabolic profiles of trauma victims who died or developed chronic critical illness (CCI) and hypothesized that differences would be evident within 1-week postinjury. METHODS Venous blood samples from trauma victims with shock who survived at least 7 days were analyzed using mass spectrometry. Subjects who died or developed CCI (intensive care unit length of stay of ≥14 days with persistent organ dysfunction) were compared with subjects who recovered rapidly (intensive care unit length of stay, ≤7 days) and uninjured controls. We used partial least squares discriminant analysis, t tests, linear mixed effects regression, and pathway enrichment analyses to make broad comparisons and identify differences in metabolite concentrations and pathways. RESULTS We identified 27 patients who died or developed CCI and 33 who recovered rapidly. Subjects were predominantly male (65%) with a median age of 53 years and Injury Severity Score of 36. Healthy controls (n = 48) had similar age and sex distributions. Overall, from the 163 metabolites detected in the samples, 56 metabolites and 21 pathways differed between injury outcome groups, and partial least squares discriminant analysis models distinguished injury outcome groups as early as 1-day postinjury. Differences were observed in tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine metabolism; metabolites associated with oxidative stress via methionine metabolism; inflammatory mediators including kynurenine, arachidonate, and glucuronic acid; and products of the gut microbiome including indole-3-propionate. CONCLUSIONS The metabolic profiles in subjects who ultimately die or develop CCI differ from those who have recovered. In particular, we have identified differences in markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, amino acid metabolism, and alterations in the gut microbiome. Targeted metabolomics has the potential to identify important metabolic changes postinjury to improve early diagnosis and targeted intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic/epidemiologic, level III.


A He-Ne laser at λ = 612 nm, stabilized to saturated absorption features of 127I2 in an external cell [and with no cell inside the laser cavity] is presented. The successive-2-sample deviation for an averaging time of 10 s is not larger than 0.15 kHz or 3 × 10-13 of the laser frequency. The uncertainty of the laser frequency due to variations of the laser power or of the beam geometry is less than 5 kHz. But dramatic frequency shifts occur when the returning beam touches an obstacle. Single and multiple linear-regression analyses of the pressure and modulation dependence seem to offer a measure of the reproducibility and of technical or physical perturbations. Linewidth and asymmetry of the peaks have been studied, and the frequency differences of 9 hyperfine components have been determined.


We studied the Kepler light curves of three SU UMa-type dwarf novae. Both the background dwarf nova of KIC 4378554 and V516 Lyr showed a combination of precursor-main superoutburst, during which superhumps always developed on the fading branch of the precursor. This finding supports the thermal-tidal instability theory as the origin of the superoutburst. A superoutburst of V585 Lyr recorded by Kepler did not show a precursor outburst and the superhumps developed only after the maximum light, a first example in the Kepler data so far. Such a superoutburst is understood within the thermal-tidal instability model. The observation of V585 Lyr made the first clear Kepler detection of the positive period derivative commonly seen in the "stage B" superhumps in dwarf novae with short orbital periods. In all objects, there was no strong signature of a transition to the dominating stream impact-type component of superhumps, suggesting that there is no strong indication of an enhanced mass-transfer following the superoutburst. We have determined the orbital period of V516 Lyr to be 0.083999(8) d. In V516 Lyr, some of outbursts were double outbursts in a various degree. The preceding outburst in the double outburst was of the inside-out nature while the following one was of the outside-in nature. One of superoutbursts in V516 Lyr was preceded by a double precursor. The preceding precursor failed to trigger a superoutburst and the following precursor triggered a superoutburst by developing positive superhumps.


Subjectivity and intersubjectivity have long been recognized as central to the understanding of the relations between language, mind and society. They arise in an interactive world for the mind of the individual and shape his/her (inter)personal reality. In present-day linguistics, there are two major approaches to subjectivity. One is associated with Langacker and focuses on cognitive construal. The other framework, which was developed by Traugott, zooms in on diachronic changes on the conceptual level. Naturally, diachronic developments are intimately related to synchronic variation and the conceptual content of an utterance hinges on its presentation and perspectivization. This paper, therefore, argues that, rather than being discrepant and treating distinct phenomena, as is widely suggested (e.g. Brisard 2006; Nuyts 2001, 2012), the two frameworks can be reconciled. By so doing, the ensuing discussion yields an integrated view on objectivity and (inter)subjectivity, a view that will be organized around four main arguments.


The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.


Traditional stochastic frontier models impose inefficient behavior on all firms in the sample of interest. If the data under investigation represent a mixture of both fully efficient and inefficient firms then off-the-shelf frontier models are statistically inadequate. We introduce the zero inefficiency stochastic frontier model which can accommodate the presence of both efficient and inefficient firms in the sample. We derive the corresponding log-likelihood function, conditional mean of inefficiency to estimate observation-specific inefficiency and discuss testing for the presence of fully efficient firms. We provide both simulated evidence as well as an empirical example which demonstrates the applicability of the proposed method. JEL Classification No.: C13, C23, C33


Fuzzy arithmetic provides a powerful tool to introduce uncertainty into mathematical models. With Zadeh's extension principle, one can obtain a fuzzy-valued extension of any real-valued objective function. An efficient and accurate approach to compute expensive multivariate functions of fuzzy numbers is given by fuzzy arithmetic based on sparse grids. In this paper, we illustrate the general applicability of this new method by computing two dynamic systems subjected to uncertain parameters as well as uncertain initial conditions. The first model consists of a system of delay differential equations simulating the periodic outbreak of a disease. In the second model, we consider a multibody mechanism described by an algebraic differential equation system.


Migration of peripheral leukocytes in samples from sensitized [Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody-positive] humans was greatly inhibited when challenged by antigen prepared from EBV-producing P3HR-1 cells but not by antigen prepared from EBV-nonproducing RAJI cells, EBV-negative human fibroblasts, or epithelial cells. Such inhibition was not observed when peripheral leuocytes from subjects or neonates not sensitized to EBV were challenged. Similar results were obtained in a two-stage test when the same leukocyte samples were challenged in vitro by antigen prepared from P3HR-1 cells and the cell-free supernatant was assayed for migration inhibition factor (MIF) in the guinea pig macrophage migration inhibition test; migration of guinea pig peritoneal exudate cells was greatly inhibited by the supernatant filtrates of leukocyte cultures only from subjects positive for EBV-antibody. Furthermore, this inhibitory effect was not observed if supernatant filtrates from leukocyte cultures challenged by antigens prepared from RAJI cells, fibroblasts, or epithelial cells were used. The EBV antigen transformed peripheral leukocytes and induced early antigen production in RAJI cells; however, a "killed" preparation (by UV irradiation) was sufficient for eliciting MIF production.


Records of shark captures were extracted from the archives of 10 of the major New South Wales gamefishing clubs that operate from ports located between latitudes 33os and 37os. Although organized game fishing began off eastern Australia in 1936, the majority of catches were made after 1960. Data normally recorded by these clubs included common name of shark, whole weight, locality of capture, boat name and angler. Recognized single species of sharks recorded by these clubs were blue (Prionace glauca), tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier), white (Carcharodon carcharias), shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and grey nurse (Carcharias taurus). Species identified only to generic level, and recorded by clubs, were whalers or requiem sharks (Carcharhinus spp.), hammerheads (Sphyrna spp.) and threshers (Alopias spp.). Analysis of catch records indicated that the mako shark was the most common species caught overall, although whaler sharks dominated the catch in the northern part of the study area and hammerhead sharks dominated the catch in the south. Grey nurse and white sharks were relatively rare in the southern part of the study area. Whaler sharks dominated the catch in the 1960s, and the proportions of blue and tiger sharks in the catch increased in the 1980s. Size ranges and distributions of some species also varied through time and by area. Some of the observed changes could be attributed to changed fishing practices, particularly the increasing popularity of tag-and-release and an increasing tendency to fish further from the coast. A marked decline in the number and proportion of white sharks in the catch since the 1970s gives cause for some concern regarding the status of that species off south-eastern Australia.


Highly evacuated (980 mbar) wound drainage systems according to Redon were used in 100 gynecologic laparotomies. In 96% of cases, no flask exchange was required before the system was removed. Bacteriological specimens from various locations of the Redon system showed minimal colonization with pathogenic bacteria. No correlation was found between secondary wound healing and bacterial findings in the system.


In the 1990s, the New York City Police Department instituted a policy of arresting individuals for less serious offenses that impinge on the city's quality of life (QOL). Critics contend that QOL policing widened the net for arrest, especially among minorities. Alternatively, QOL policing could have created additional opportunities for arresting individuals from the same populations that tend to incur arrests for more serious offenses. This article reports on a comparison of New York City QOL and serious arrestees interviewed in 1999 that provides partial support for this alternative hypothesis; the two groups were similar regarding prior arrests, participation in QOL offenses, and demographic composition. Of note, blacks and Hispanics comprised close to 90% of both arrest populations. These findings suggest that QOL policing does not necessarily widen the net for arrest.


AIMS
To (a) explore risk indicators related to interpersonal violence occurring under the influence of alcohol and to (b) search for interventions addressed towards violence perpetrators to prevent violence occurring under the influence of alcohol.

DESIGN
Mixed method systematic review. This study has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews with register number CRD42021217848.

DATA SOURCES
A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus in October 2021.

REVIEW METHODS
Two researchers independently examined 1076 papers following the inclusion criteria. After three rounds of selection (title, abstract and full text), the quality and bias assessments were conducted independently by two reviewers. The data were analysed with inductive and deductive content analyses.

RESULTS
Of the 1076 papers retrieved, 16 papers were eligible for inclusion, addressing 13 different interventions. Interventions were divided into three types (individual-, group- and family-level) and were constructed on several background frameworks, with cognitive behavioural therapy being the most common framework. Family-level interventions seemed to yield the most effective results. Violence occurring under the influence of alcohol was mostly researched as men being the perpetrators and women being the victims of violence. Several indicators that increased the risk of violence victimization or perpetration, such as trait jealousy and disparity in education, were identified.

CONCLUSION
Interventions emerging from the systematic review were heterogenous, and the outcomes of the interventions were versatile. The disparity between interventions and outcome measures made it challenging to reliably compare the effectiveness between interventions. Using standardized outcome measure instruments and unifying research on interventions are needed to reliably assess the effectiveness of different interventions.


Open time is one of the main characteristics of dry-set mortars. Water loss by both evaporation and suction is an important factor that influences its performance, since it may cause an adhesion failure after short ageing. It was determined that open time has a tensile adhesion strength of 0,5 MPa.
This research aims to study the influence of water loss by evaporation in the tensile adhesion strength between dry-set mortar and ceramic tile. A test of tensile adhesion strength is performed, considering different intervals of time of the ceramic tile application on the mortar, according to a procedure that eliminates water loss by suction.
The mortar is spread onto a glass plate, avoiding water loss by suction. After specified intervals of time for the application of ceramic tile according to the open time test, the system is cured for 28 days at 23 oC and 65% relative humidity. After being cured, the dry-set mortar/ceramic tile system is glued onto the concrete slab by the surface previously in contact with the glass, for later pull-out. The tension and form of rupture are observed.
The results show the effect of water loss by evaporation on the tensile adhesion strength, and the analysis indicates that a simple test of water loss by evaporation can determine the tensile adhesion strength of the dry-set mortar.


BACKGROUND
Anemia occurs frequently in patients with cancer and is associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Treatment of anemia results in significant improvements in energy, activity and overall HRQOL, particularly among patients with mild-to-moderate anemia. Importantly, studies have indicated that anemia may have a negative impact on the success of radiotherapy, reducing survival and locoregional control. Recent preclinical and preliminary clinical data have also suggested that anemia may be associated with poorer outcomes following chemotherapy or surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data for review were identified and selected from searches of the literature published from January 1990 through to October 2002 using Medline, and searches of proceedings from key international oncology and hematology meetings.

RESULTS
A wealth of data indicate that treatment of anemia improves HRQOL in patients with cancer. Prospective studies exploring survival and/or treatment outcomes in anemic cancer patients are currently in their early stages, preventing any firm conclusions from being drawn, although they do indicate a benefit in treating anemia.

CONCLUSIONS
Recent studies support the use of erythropoietic agents in anemic cancer patients as a means of raising their hemoglobin levels and consequently improving their HRQOL. Randomized, controlled trials are needed to determine whether treating anemia with erythropoietic agents will improve other outcomes following therapy.


ABSTRACT In an attempt to dissect the virulence regulatory mechanism inVibrio vulnificus, we tried to identify the V. cholerae transmembrane virulence regulator toxRS(toxRSVc) homologs in V. vulnificus. By comparing the sequences of toxRS ofV. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus(toxRSVp), we designed a degenerate primer set targeting well-conserved sequences. Using the PCR product as an authentic probe for Southern blot hybridization, a 1.6-kbBglII-HindIII fragment and a 1.2-kbHindIII fragment containing two complete open reading frames and one partial open reading frame attributable totoxRVv, toxSVv, andhtpGVv were cloned. ToxRVv shared 55.0 and 63.0% sequence homology with ToxRVc and ToxRVp, respectively. ToxSVv was 71.5 and 65.7% homologous to ToxSVc and ToxSVp, respectively. The amino acid sequences of ToxRSVv showed transmembrane and activity domains similar to those observed in ToxRSVc and ToxRSVp. Western blot analysis proved the expression of ToxRVv in V. vulnificus. ToxRSVv enhanced, in an Escherichia coli background, the expression of the V. vulnificushemolysin gene (vvhA) fivefold. ToxRSVv also activated the ToxRVc-regulated ctx promoter incorporated into an E. coli chromosome. AtoxRVv null mutation decreased hemolysin production. The defect in hemolysin production could be complemented by a plasmid harboring the wild-type gene. ThetoxRVv mutation also showed a reversed outer membrane protein expression profile in comparison to the isogenic wild-type strain. These results demonstrate that ToxRVv may regulate the virulence expression of V. vulnificus.


Background: Thecurrent population of the world is seven billion, and developing countries account for its 97%. Approximately 210 million pregnancies annually occur worldwide and 75-80 million of them are reported to be unintended. Multiple factors can contribute to unintended pregnancy, which need to be assessed to design interventions reducing the incidence of unintended pregnancies.This study aimed to identify the determinants of unintended pregnancy among women of reproductive age in developing countries. Methods:This review of the literature was carried out by retrieving articles from various databases such as PubMed, Google scholar, and Science Direct and using mesh terms and phrases including 'unintended pregnancy', 'contraception', and 'determinants of unintended pregnancy'. The reviewed studies included descriptive studies, population council reports, demographic and health survey reports, the United Nations Children's Fund statistics, and the World Health Organization reports. Results: The most common determinants of unintended pregnancy in the literature were reported under the headings of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, sociocultural, fertility related, contraceptive methods, and access related factors. Conclusion: Multiple factors can predict unintended pregnancy, and these findings have significant policy implications. Policymakers and healthcare providers can benefit from the evidence on determinants of unwanted pregnancy to design and implement policies and programs that can support couples to have their desired number of children, without facing unnecessary threats to their health. Furthermore, more studies are needed to be done in future to assess the available cost-effective interventions for reducing unintended pregnancy and ultimately, to improve women's and children's health.


Background Functional impairment of coronary microcirculation is thought to be a pathway in the development of cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The underlying mechanism is not fully understood. A reduction of coronary flow reserve (CFR) suggests a coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and predicts adverse outcomes in several cardiovascular diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and it is a marker of immune activation. High serum levels of IL-6 are correlated with the severity of skin lesions, pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, but the role of IL-6 in the development of cardiomyopathy in SSc is yet not clear. Objectives To assess the relationship between CFR values and IL-6 serum levels in SSc. Methods Forty SSc patients (32 female and 8 male, aged 55±11 years), classified according to the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria, were enrolled. Disease activity was evaluated by EUSTAR score. Twenty-three patients were affected by diffuse cutaneous form and 17 by limited form. All patients had no clinical evidence of heart disease. Coronary flow velocity in the left anterior descending coronary artery was detected by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography at rest and during adenosine infusion. CFR was the ratio of hyperaemic diastolic flow velocity (DFV) to resting DFV. A CFR ≤2.5 was considered abnormal and marker of CMD. Serum levels of IL-6 and of cardiac biomarkers (pro-BNP and troponin I) were evaluated in all patients. Results CFR was reduced in 21 patients (52.5%). The average value was 2.08±0.29. Serum levels of IL-6 (n.v. <2.5 pg/mL), pro-BNP (n.v. <125 ng/L) and troponin I (n.v. <0.0017 μg/L) were increased respectively in 50%, 45% and 27.5% of cases. No significant correlation between CFR and subsets of SSc was found. Higher EUSTAR score were correlated with reduced CFR (p=0.037) and high values of IL-6 (p=0.002). A significant correlation between the increase levels of IL-6 and the reduction of CFR (p=0.039) was found. Conclusions Our results showed that high serum levels of IL-6 are associated with CMD independently from the severity of SSc. A positive correlation between IL-6, EUSTAR score and the impairment of CFR in SSc patients may be suggest an implication of IL-6 in the cardiac pathogenesis of SSc. The evaluation of serum IL-6 might represent a tool for the prediction of CMD, suggesting a role in the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with SSc. Moreover they could open new possibilities for the treatment of SSc cardiomyopathy. Disclosure of Interest None declared


INTRODUCTION
The impact of a urology oncology nurse specialist in the practice environment to assist with both pre and postoperative education needs of men undergoing genitourinary surgery for cancer was evaluated.

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to improve the preoperative process and teaching for men planning surgery for genitourinary cancers, including the delivery of pathology results. A secondary aim was to decrease the incidence of postoperative incontinence.

METHODS
Male patients undergoing a radical prostatectomy were recruited. Patients who underwent surgery were evaluated both before and after the urology oncology nurse specialist role was established. Followup was via phone call interview and International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire.

RESULTS
Men who received the personalized education from the urology oncology nurse specialist had a higher return of continence postoperatively, as well as higher satisfaction scores with the outcome of their surgery, including higher quality of life scores.

CONCLUSION
The urology oncology nurse specialist role had a significant impact on the postoperative incontinence rate and provided a missing patient education piece that improved the overall patient satisfaction rate with oncology-related care.


A wet-wall electroinertial air cleaner has been developed to control and remove dust generated during the processing of cotton textile fibers. The combination of electrostatic and inertial forces provides for high-efficiency collection of fine cotton dust, and the wet wall is used to continuously flush out the precipitated dust, thus avoiding problems of dust reentrainment or fire hazard. The air-cleaner design consists of a vertical tube equipped with a coaxial charging wire and an air entrance tangential to the periphery of the tube so as to inpart internal rotational flow. Dust entering the tube is charged by corona from the coaxial wire and is attracted to the tube wall by a combination of both the electrical and the centrifugal forces. A film of water introduced at the upper end of the tube flows down the inner wall and washes collected dust down the tube wall to a discharge sump. Data is presented on the efficiencies of a 4-in and an 8-in diameter precipitator operating at upper limits of about 200 ft3/min and 800 ft3/min, respectively, with artificially produced cotton dusts.


Objective. To analyze the role and character of tuberculosis (TB) among all respiratory diseases in HIV-infected patients treated in a therapeutic hospital Patients and methods. This longitudinal retrospective study included all consecutive HIV-positive patients with respiratory diseases (n = 185) treated in the Therapeutic Department of the City Hospital No 2 in Novokuznetsk in 2017–2018. Results. TB was diagnosed in 50 HIV-infected patients (27.0%) admitted to hospital. Median CD4 count was 124 cells/μL. Only 14.3% of patients were adherent to antiretroviral therapy. Sputum smear microscopy in TB dispensary was positive twice as often as in the therapeutic hospital (54.4% vs 23.4%). Abdominal lymphadenopathy was detected in 52.8% of patients examined, regardless of the pulmonary lesion pattern (p > 0.05); 25.0% of patients were diagnosed with endobronchial TB. The main radiological syndromes of TB in the HIV-infected population included dissemination (52.0%), infiltration (26.0%), and intrathoracic lymphadenopathy (10.0%). Pleural lesions were identified in 28% of participants with TB and HIV coinfection. Conclusion. TB was the only cause of focal dissemination (100.0%, p < 0.001), while pleural lesions and intrathoracic lymphadenopathy were significantly more common in TB patients than in individuals with non-tuberculosis diseases (11.6% and 0.8%, respectively, p < 0.05). Hospital mortality rate among TB patients in a therapeutic hospital was 8.0%. Key words: HIV infection, immunosuppression, tuberculosis


INTRODUCTION
Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, for example HBOC-201 (Hemopure), are aimed to bridge acute anemia when blood transfusion is not available or refused by the patient. However, since HBOC-201 appears free in plasma, it interferes with laboratory tests. This study presents an overview of HBOC-201 interference on four commonly used hematology analyzers and suggests treatment monitoring possibilities.

METHODS
Blood samples were spiked with therapeutic doses of HBOC-201 and nine hematology parameters were measured with the Sysmex XN-20, Siemens Advia 2120i, Abbott Alinity Hq and Abbot Cell Dyn Sapphire hematology analyzers. The results were compared to control samples and the bias was determined.

RESULTS
Most parameters, including all cell counts, hematocrit and MCV, showed a non-significant bias compared to control. However, the standard, total hemoglobin (Hb) measurement as well as MCH and MCHC showed poor agreement with control, as HBOC-201 was included in this measurement. Yet, the flow cytometry-based Hb method quantified intracellular Hb in spiked samples, excluding HBOC-201.

CONCLUSION
Of all included hematology parameters, only total Hb and the associated MCH and MCHC suffered from interference. In contrast, the flow cytometry-based Hb measurement provided an accurate measure of intracellular Hb. The difference between total Hb and cellular Hb represents the HBOC-201 concentration and can be used to monitor HBOC-201 treatment.


ABSTRACT Over the last two decades, Amedeo Guillet (1909–2010) has been turned into a public and military hero. His exploits as a guerrilla leader in Italian East Africa in 1941 have been exaggerated to forge a narrative of an honourable resistance against overwhelming odds. Thereby, Guillet has been showcased as a romanticized colonial explorer who was an apolitical and timeless Italian officer. He has been compared to Lawrence of Arabia in order to raise his international visibility, while his genuine Italian brand is perpetuated domestically. By elevating him to an official role model, the Italian Army has gained a focal point for military heroism that was also acceptable in the public memory as the embodiment of a 'glorious' defeat narrative.


Turbocharger has experienced a prompt expansion in vehicle industry in recent years, because it enables downsizing of internal combustion engines (ICEs) so as to cutting down CO2 emissions. Turbocharger turbine efficiency is vital for the performance and emission of ICEs. Conventionally, turbines are designed and optimized under steady and uniform inflow conditions, but they are always fed with pulsating and swirling inflow on ICEs. Understanding turbine behaviors under enginelike unsteady swirling inflow conditions is significant to improve turbine on-engine performance.
 The purpose of the present study is to examine and compare the unsteady and steady swirling inflow effect on turbocharger turbine performance. The investigation reveals that the turbine suffers substantial efficiency reductions under swirling inflow conditions, no matter under unsteady or steady state, and the efficiency reductions are related with the intensity of inlet swirls. The unsteady and steady swirling inflow leads to reductions in both the absolute and relative flow angles. The swirling inflow results in different effect on turbine performance under unsteady state from steady state. Time lags exist between the unsteady swirling inflow affect the turbine performance. Besides, unsteady swirling inflow effect lead to fluctuations of turbine performance parameters, which discloses a coupled effect of the unsteady and swirling inflow. The unsteady effect and the swirling inflow effect do not simply superpose with each other, but have complicated interactions with each other. Both pulsating and swirling inflow can lead to circumferential flow distortions at rotor inlet by themselves, and when turbine is fed with both pulsatile and swirling inflow together the circumferential flow distortion would be result of their synergetic effect.


Although the HVOF process has shown to be a technological alternative to the many conventional thermal spray processes, it would be very advantageous to design a nozzle that provides improved performance in the areas of deposition efficiency, particle in-flight oxidation, and flexibility to allow coating of ceramic powders. Based on a numerical analysis, a new nozzle was modeled, designed, tested, and used to produce thermal spray coatings according to the industrial needs mentioned above. Performance of the new nozzle was investigated by spraying several coating materials including metallic (Nickel, MCrAlY, Stainless Steel), carbide (WC-Co), and ceramic (Al2O3) powders. Particle spatial distribution, velocity, and temperature corresponding to the new nozzle and the standard HVOF gun were compared. The new nozzle provides a superior particle spatial distribution, as well as higher and more uniform particle velocity and temperature.


Not being a gynecologist or an obstetrician, I feel obliged to offer my apologies for presenting a paper on experimental fibroids and their prevention in this section inspired by practical aims which might be of use to suffering womanhood. Let me express my apology in the words of a great American. Almost one hundred and fifty years ago, a few days before the final treaty of independence with England was signed, Franklin saw in Paris the first balloon ascension. The spectators argued about the utility of the experiment. What good, some skeptic asked, could a balloon be? What good, Franklin replied, was a newborn baby? Obstetricians and gynecologists will be the first to appreciate or not the claims of the scientific newborn babies, which experimental fibroids and antifibromatogenic steroids are. Subserous uterine fibroids were first elicited in the United States by W. O. Nelson in a number of guinea pigs


We show that a flat metasurface with a parabolic reflection-phase distribution can focus an impinging plane wave to a point image in reflection geometry. Our system is much thinner than conventional geometric-optics devices, and does not suffer the energy-loss issues encountered by many metamaterial devices working in transmission geometry. We designed realistic microwave samples and performed near-field scanning experiments to verify the focusing effect. Experimental results are in excellent agreement with full wave simulation and theoretical analyses.


Specimens of U‐9, ‐10.5, ‐12, and ‐13.5 w/o (weight percent) Mo and U‐10 w/o Nb, heat treated to retain the metastable gamma phase at room temperature and also to transform this phase to the room temperature stable phases, were irradiated in the Materials Testing Reactor (MTR) at maximum temperatures of less than 200°C. Electrical resistivity, temperature coefficient of electrical resistivity, hardness, and density measurements as well as x‐ray diffraction patterns indicated that the stable phases at room temperature reverted to the metastable gamma phase during irradiation. No apparent changes in the microstructures of thermally transformed specimens were observed after irradiation. Lack of observable microstructural changes was attributed to the development of a ghost structure. X‐ray line broadening measurements indicated essentially complete homogenization of thermally transformed U‐Mo alloy specimens during irradiation. The mechanism of the phase reversal was explained on the basis of the displacemen...


Bleeding is a rare manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome, unless associated with reduced clotting factors or severe thrombocytopenia. Accurate assessment of the autoantibodies in plasma is very important since the autoantibodies can lead to bleeding or thrombosis. The objective of the present study was to define the inhibitors causing reduced clotting activity in a patient with antiphospholipids antibodies and to assess the potential of thrombin generation assay to assist in establishment of optimal treatment in case of major bleeding. Levels of clotting factors as well as inhibitors to factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X and XI were defined. For detection of inhibitors to prothrombin crossed immunoelectrophoresis was used. IgG was purified by commercial protein A column. Thrombin generation was measured using a fluorometric assay in platelet-poor and platelet-rich plasma. Inhibitors toward the activity of factors V, VII, VIII, IX, X and XI were defined and also an inhibitor to prothrombin antigen. No thrombin generation was induced in the patient's plasma by recalcification even in the presence of recombinant factor VIIa or factor VIII inhibitor bypassing activity. In contrast, addition of platelets from either donor or patient or synthetic phospholipids normalized the thrombin generation. The thrombin generation model showed that the addition of platelets and no recombinant factor VIIa or factor VIII inhibitor bypassing activity would correct thrombin generation in vitro. On this basis, platelet concentrates were administered to a patient with bleeding caused by lupus anticoagulant and low clotting factors activity.


Women have held various positions and played a variety of roles' in society across centuries especially in a country like India. Women in India had great difficulties to have their voices heard in our country, women have had many barriers to even voice their opinions. They had difficulties to express themselves among family members, to gain access to education, sanitation, employment and also being treated equally in a male subjugated society. Print media being a traditional form of media in our country has been the watchdog of the society since its inception. Print media has had helped in bringing out various issues related to women and those that affected women on the whole at the policy level and in a variety of ways. It is vital to conduct a research study that articulates about the representation in women in print media. In such important phase, it is really necessary to undergo a research study to understand the significance of how media is giving coverage to women especially in the regional newspapers. This Research study is effectively intended to understand, the coverage and s pa ce given to women in the print media in Tamil Nadu, by analyzing various regional newspapers using suitable variables and parameters


: According to the received data Trichinella nelsoni and T. nativa occupied different areas. T. nelsoni was localized in Africa and Mediterranean subregion of Palearctics, T. nativa occupied the continental territory of Eurasia and Neoarctics. Their distribution was limited by the threshold action of certain gradation of low temperatures. The joints of the species borders passed along the isotherm line of -5 - -6 degrees of January, where they made sympatric populations. Outside of this border these species were registered as allopatric populations.


This paper proposes a rule-based power management algorithm to enable the dispatch of a utility-scale PV power plant consisting of a hybrid energy storage system, in accordance with the Australian national electricity rules. This algorithm is purposely designed to regulate the instantaneous power of a PV plant with the same level of dispatchability as conventional power plants. Additionally, the proposed algorithm is robust under large forecasting errors (up to 60%) of solar irradiance and it can be easily implemented in practice. Specifically, this algorithm can be executed within seconds even when considering detailed market operation and model nonlinearities. A 30 MW PV plant, including a 7.5 MW/1.25 MWh vanadium redox battery and a 1.5 MW/0.25 MWh supercapacitors bank, has been modeled using MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS software environment. The simulation results were based on various scenarios and confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed power management algorithm. It has been shown that even in the worst-case scenario of solar forecasting error of 60%, the proposed algorithm still managed to deliver over 94% of the available energy for a given solar irradiance profile of one month.


BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) motors are widely used today due to its high reliability and high efficiency. These motors are synchronous motors that have a linear relationship between voltage-speed and current-torque. To control these kinds of motors, inverters are needed. Inverters create a rotational movement in the motor by switching at the appropriate time according to the rotor position information. Rotor position is obtained in two ways, with and without sensor. Sensor method uses encoders, resolvers or hall effect sensor. Hall-effect sensors are generally preferred for the control of BLDC motors in terms of cost. In this study, the rotor position was obtained by using hall-effect sensor. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is used to control the frequency and voltage of the inverters. Today, Sinusoidal PWM (SPWM) and Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) techniques are frequently used in such applications. This study explains the development of a Field Oriented Control Algorithm (FOC) based on SVPWM technique by using the LabVIEW FPGA Module for a BLDC Motor. It also shows the effects of using PI and FFC (Feed Forward Control) algorithm together and separately in the controller for the control of Id and Iq reference currents. In addition, simulation of all project was developed and run in Matlab/Simulink.


Wireless sensor networks are appealing to researchers due to their wide range of application potential in areas such as target detection and tracking, environmental monitoring, and tactical systems. However, lower sensing ranges result in dense networks, which bring the necessity to achieve an effcient medium access protocl subject to power constraints. Various MAC protocols with different objectives were proposed for wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of WSNs using TwoRayGround radio model and AODV protocol considering TDMA and CSMA MAC protocols. We consider consumed energy and delay metrics to evalute the performance of WSN. The simulation results have shown that for CSMA, the consumed energy is better than TDMA. But, the delay of TDMA is better than CSMA.


We have been asked to explore current trends in the church in light of the emerging discussion of what it means to cultivate the missional church. To begin the discussion we would like to draw your imagination to the journey of Jesus as he is invited into the home of "a woman named Martha."
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by mysetp Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)
With whom do you identify in this episode? With Martha who is actively engaged in creating a comfortable and hospitable environment for Jesus, or with Mary who disengages herself from the household tasks, sits down, and listens to what Jesus has to say? Most active and concerned church people will almost certainly identify with Martha. We may even feel a bit resentful about Jesus' response to her request for help. Like Martha, we are committed, involved, responsible, and very, very busy people. While some of us may have regular times for quiet devotion, it is very difficult for most of us to take time out, to slow down, step back, and listen-even to our spouses. We live in a world that honors activity rather than quietness, production rather than contemplation, Martha rather than Mary. But Luke reminds us of a different path. Calling us to pause in the midst of the hectic tasks of life and ministry, asking us to detach ourselves from the many demands of job and family, Luke declares that taking the time to sit at the Lord's feet is "the better part."


Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 are facultative aerobic electroactive bacteria with an appealing potential for sustainable energy production and bioremediation. They gather around air sources, forming aerotactic bands and biofilms. Here, we experimentally follow the evolution of the band around an air bubble, and we find good agreement with the numerical solutions of the pertinent transport equations. Video microscopy reveals a transition between motile and non-motile MR-1 upon oxygen depletion, preventing further development of the biofilm. We discover that MR-1 can alternate between longitudinal fast and sideways slow swimming. The resulting bimodal velocity distributions change in response to different oxygen concentrations and gradients, supporting the biological functions of aerotaxis and confinement.


The flow over an open cavity is an example of supercritical Hopf bifurcation leading to periodic limit-cycle oscillations. One of its distinctive features is the existence of strong higher harmonics, which results in the time-averaged mean flow being strongly linearly unstable. For this class of flows, a simplified formalism capable of unravelling how exactly the instability grows and saturates is lacking. This study builds on previous work by Mantič-Lugo et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 113, 2014, 084501) to fill in the gap using a parametrized approximation of an instantaneous, phase-averaged mean flow, coupled in a quasi-static manner to multiple linear harmonic disturbances interacting nonlinearly with one another and feeding back on the mean flow via their Reynolds stresses. This provides a self-consistent modelling of the mean flow–fluctuation interaction, in the sense that all perturbation structures are those whose Reynolds stresses force the mean flow in such a way that the mean flow generates exactly the aforementioned perturbations. The first harmonic is sought as the superposition of two components, a linear component generated by the instability and aligned along the leading eigenmode of the mean flow, and a nonlinear orthogonal component generated by the higher harmonics, which progressively distorts the linear growth rate and eigenfrequency of the eigenmode. Saturation occurs when the growth rate of the first harmonic is zero, at which point the stabilizing effect of the second harmonic balances exactly the linear instability of the eigenmode. The model does not require any input from numerical or experimental data, and accurately predicts the transient development and the saturation of the instability, as established from comparison to time and phase averages of direct numerical simulation data.


Method and apparatus are disclosed for mounting a flexible film semiconductor chip carrier on a second level electronic package. The resulting electronic packaging structure includes electrically conductive spacers, such as solder balls or solder coated copper balls, which electrically interconnect outer lead bonding pads on the flexible film semiconductor chip carrier and corresponding bonding pads on the second level electronic package, and which physically support the flexible film of the semiconductor chip carrier substantially in a plane above the surface of the second level electronic package. This electronic packaging structure is made using a special assembly fixture comprising a base plate, a pressure insert with a resilient member, and a top plate. The flexible film semiconductor chip carrier with the spacers attached thereto is placed over the resilient member of the pressure insert which is clamped together with the second level electronic package between the top and base plates. Then, this assembly is heated to reflow the solder of the spacers, and the assembly fixture is disassembled, leaving the flexible film semiconductor chip carrier mounted on the second level electronic package with the flexible film of the carrier having a planar geometry as desired. The spacers may be attached to the flexible film semiconductor chip carrier using a special template having a pattern of openings corresponding to the pattern of outer lead bonding pads on the flexible film semiconductor chip carrier.


The development of an electromagnetic-field probe for microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies is reported. The probe uses an optically sensed thermometer to measure the heating of a resistive element in an electromagnetic field. The response is calculated for several different configurations of the resistive element, and two optimal designs are chosen. Measurements on experimental probes of these designs are presented. One of the designs displays a flat frequency response above 30 GHz and a sensitivity of 38 V/m. Improvements in the design are identified that should significantly increase the sensitivity and improve the low-frequency response. >


Managing recreational fishing is among the most difficult natural resource management problems. The complex nature of the impacts caused by management changes makes it difficult to identify the full range of ecological and socio-economic effects. It is difficult to distinguish approaches that are effective from those that are not. For example, the evaluation of area closure strategies needs to incorporate the relationships among stock dynamics, angler responses and consequent changes in the geographical distribution of fishing efforts. Empirically-based tools are needed to predict responses to, and outcomes from, management decision that affect fish stocks and fishing benefits. To address this, an integrated agent-based simulation model of recreational fishing and a coral reef system is presented in this paper to evaluate ecological and economic impacts. Angler behaviour is driven by empirically estimated site choice models which link recreational choices to site attributes and angler characteristics. Coral reef ecosystem dynamics is modelled using a local-scale model describing the relationship between fish populations, fishing activities as well as algal and coral cover. We apply the model to the evaluation of area closure strategies. As a case study for this paper, we choose recreational fishing sites from the Ningaloo Marine Park, an iconic coral reef system in Western Australia. The results show that not only the effectiveness but also the distribution of management impacts can be very different from what one would expect without the benefit of integrated modelling. The simulation of a management change on site closure demonstrates the extent to which the often controversial subjects of recreational fishing management can be facilitated using predictive modelling.


This study examines how house prices influence cognitive functioning for individuals aged 50+ in Europe. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement, we compute the median house price for each region-year, employing individual self-reported house values. We allow housing market fluctuations to have different effects during episodes of price increases and decreases, and we study owners with a mortgage, owners without a mortgage, and tenants separately. House price booms do not systematically improve cognitive outcomes: for outright owners, rising prices have a negative impact on cognitive health. For richer households, this negative effect is driven by respondents with no second home, suggesting that high prices make second home ownership less affordable and reduces household residential mobility. Finally, house price decreases are associated with better cognitive health for mortgaged owners, but this beneficial effect is largely due to the burst of the house price bubble in Spain.


carriers. In doubtful cases the personal history of relatives or other close contacts may give the clue. Towards the end of the first world war some 11,000 ex-malarial patients arrived in the United Kingdom from Salonika, north Italy, and other endemic areas. During 1917-18 117 cases and 1918-19 63 cases of malaria (figures from memory only, as I have no present means of checking) were reported in people who had never been out of this country. These had obviously been infected from chronic carriers who had arrived from endemic areas. I had two severe bouts of malaria while serving in northern Italy during the first world war, and on my return to home service I was living with my family in Fleet, Hants. There was a marsh beyond our garden boundary, the Basingstoke canal 400 yards (360 m.) beyond, and Fleet pond less than a mile away. Mosquitoes were prevalent in July and August, and I had seen anopheles, A. maculipennis among them. The children's nanny and our cook, sisters from Gloucestershire, both developed febrile conditions in September which to me looked like malaria. With laboratory facilities readily available I found P. vivax in nanny's blood but failed with cook's. A fellow officer with tropical experience confirmed my-findings. Antimalarial treatment rapidly cleared up both cases. In this present age of rapid transport and mass tourism from potentially malarious areas the possibility of indigenous infection is greatly increased and should be borne in mind if we get a summer suitable for mosquito life.-I am, etc.,


Persistent currents and magnetization are considered for a two-dimensional electron (or gas of electrons) coupled to various magnetic fields. Thermodynamic formulae for the magnetization and the persistent current are established and the "classical" relationship between current and magnetization is shown to hold for systems invariant both by translation and rotation. Applications are given, including the point vortex superposed to an homogeneous magnetic field, the quantum Hall geometry (an electric field and an homogeneous magnetic field) and the random magnetic impurity problem (a random distribution of point vortices).


Recent experimental tests on the model coils have shown that the behavior of Nb3Sn based cables is not as good as expected on the basis of the characteristics evaluated for the uncabled strands. This degradation of the cable performance seems to be due to various factors, among which the strain state of the filaments due to bending and contact phenomena inside the cable. After these results it was decided that high performance strands will be used for ITER magnets, even if they have never been tested on a full size cable. Therefore the capability of evaluating the coil performance from the strands characteristics becomes a crucial point in the Research and Development (R&D) activity. Recently some extrapolations were attempted, but the mechanical model used is rather simplified and needs some fitting parameters which are not known a priori. In this work we present a thermo-mechanical model suitably developed to evaluate the strain state of a Nb3Sn strand inside a superconducting (SC) cable. It is based on the idea of multiscale modeling, starting from a enriched formulation of the beam kinematics to take into account the fibrous nature of a multifilamentary strand. The method consists in performing a successive substitution of discrete models involving many beams with a single equivalent beam model, which behavior is identified from the preceding cabling stage. This recursive substitution allows to perform the analysis within a reasonable computational time. Once the stress and strain fields are obtained at the higher level, a suitable unsmearing technique gives the strain till the first level, on the scale of the SC filament. The method is applied to the real case of the 3 times 3 and 3 times 3 times 5 CICC sub-size samples tested at FZK in Germany.


The mnemonic SPICE (Serratia, Pseudomonas, indole-positive Proteus, Citrobacter, and Enterobacter) has served as a reminder to consider when a Gram-negative organism may carry a chromosomal copy of blaampC, with the associated risk of developing resistance to first-, second-, and third-generation cephalosporins. However, in 2017, there was a well-founded proposal to rename Enterobacter aerogenes to Klebsiella aerogenes, based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and the SPICE mnemonic lost its relevance. INTRODUCTION The mnemonic SPICE (Serratia, Pseudomonas, indole-positive Proteus, Citrobacter, and Enterobacter) has served as a reminder to consider when a Gram-negative organism may carry a chromosomal copy of blaampC, with the associated risk of developing resistance to first-, second-, and third-generation cephalosporins. However, in 2017, there was a well-founded proposal to rename Enterobacter aerogenes to Klebsiella aerogenes, based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and the SPICE mnemonic lost its relevance. With the increased use of WGS for taxonomy, it seems like bacteria and fungi are undergoing constant name changes. These changes create unique challenges for clinical microbiology laboratories, who would like to issue reports that are readily understood and that help clinicians determine empirical antibiotic therapy, interpret antimicrobial resistance, and understand clinical significance. In this Point-Counterpoint, Drs. Karen Carroll and Erik Munson discuss the pros of updating bacterial taxonomy and why clinical labs must continue to update reporting, while Drs. Susan Butler-Wu and Sheila Patrick argue for caution in adopting new names for microorganisms.


Motivated by the desire for a more flexible and general solar radiation calculation in the NCAR community climate model (CCM), the δ-Eddington approximation has been employed in the CCM version 2 (CCM2). Eighteen spectral intervals span the solar spectrum from 0.2 to 5.0 μm. Absorption parameterizations for H2O, O3, CO2, and O2 were developed by making use of the latest theoretical calculations. Water droplet scattering and absorption are parameterized as shown by Slingo (1989). An accurate and efficient convolution of the H2O vapor spectrum with water droplet clouds is presented that yields good agreement with available line-by-line (LBL) calculations for single-layer clouds. A simple and efficient method to simulate partial cloud cover and cloud overlap is included. The simulated albedo-solar zenith angle dependence agrees very well with adding/doubling scattering calculations. The CCM2 δ-Eddington method will make possible many interesting applications of CCM2 in the years to come.


This paper is about optimising the appointment scheduling in hospitals using an web application. Online Doctor appointment is a web-App, this provides a signup and sign in for both doctors and patients. Doctors can sign up by giving his necessary details like timings, fee, and category. After successful signup, the doctor can sign in by giving username and password. The doctor can view the booking request by patients and if he accepts the patient requests the status will be shown as patient booking. The patients must be signup and sign in to book a doctor basing the category and the type of problem patient is facing and the location. The search results will show the list of doctors matching patients required criteria and he can select one and send a request to doctor and if he is available he will send the confirmation booking request and says confirmed to the patient. The patient can view the appointment and also he will get the sms saying the appointment scheduling is Confirmed.


Measuring material properties is disproportionately more complex for fiber-reinforced composites than for materials such as metals and plastics. It is further complicated by more than 150 composite test standards in use around the globe. This article assesses the challenges involved in testing fiber-reinforced composites and presents a rational approach for specimen preparation, handling, and fixturing that can simplify testing and improve throughput without sacrificing measurement accuracy.


INTRODUCTION
The high genetic heterogeneity in populations with a wide spectrum of mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR), makes the detection of mutations a very hard and difficult task, thereby limiting the accurate diagnosis of the disease, mainly in patients with uncharacterized mutations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Molecular strategies, like targeted identification of the most frequent CFTR mutations in Mexican population combined with linkage analysis using markers, is very useful for carrier detection and for prenatal diagnosis in affected families with CF. In this paper we show that the combination of methodologies was a crucial alternative to reach a precise prenatal CF diagnosis. We documented CF diagnosis in a 14th-week fetus combining the screening of the most common mutations in Mexican population with linkage analysis of two extragenic polymorphisms (XV2C/TaqI and KM19/PstI).

RESULTS
We determined that the fetus inherited the PG542X mutation from its mother and an unknown mutation from its father through the chromosomal phases analysis.


Background: The negative impact of tobacco, especially second-hand smokers, requires imperative actions. Introducing tobacco control measures helps protect the public health. Data suggest that there were approximately 44 million daily smokers in Indonesia comprising 49.8 million males and 3.9 million females over ten years of age. East Java Province had the biggest number of smokers in Indonesia. To reduce trends in smoking behavior, we need to advocate local government to release and implement smoke-free regulations.
Aims: The study aims to do action research through advocacy and communication for the regulation of smoke-free areas in East Java Province.
Methods: The action research involved 12 districts of East Java Province, Indonesia. The method used in this study was Focus Group Discussion (FGD), one-on-one meeting, in-depth interviews, public speaking, press conference, and press release.
Results: Intensive advocacy and communication worked successfully. Eight districts of East Java Province implemented local regulations of smoke-free areas. The advocacy and communication of the regulations made it possible to be implemented.
Conclusion: Intensive advocacy and communication improve the awareness of executive and legislative government about the importance of smoke-free area regulations. It will be successful if regular meetings, discussions, press conferences, public speaking, and team work are conducted with many stakeholders.


Vascular remodeling in chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension includes marked fibroproliferative changes in the pulmonary artery (PA) adventitia. Although resident PA fibroblasts have long been considered the primary contributors to these processes, we tested the hypothesis that hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling requires recruitment of circulating mesenchymal precursors of a monocyte/macrophage lineage, termed fibrocytes. Using two neonatal animal models (rats and calves) of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, we demonstrated a dramatic perivascular accumulation of mononuclear cells of a monocyte/macrophage lineage (expressing CD45, CD11b, CD14, CD68, ED1, ED2). Many of these cells produced type I collagen, expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin, and proliferated, thus exhibiting mesenchymal cell characteristics attributed to fibrocytes. The blood-borne origin of these cells was confirmed in experiments wherein circulating monocytes/macrophages of chronically hypoxic rats were in vivo-labeled with DiI fluorochrome via liposome delivery and subsequently identified in the remodeled pulmonary, but not systemic, arterial adventitia. The DiI-labeled cells that appeared in the vessel wall expressed monocyte/macrophage markers and procollagen. Selective depletion of this monocytic cell population, using either clodronate-liposomes or gadolinium chloride, prevented pulmonary adventitial remodeling (ie, production of collagen, fibronectin, and tenascin-C and accumulation of myofibroblasts). We conclude that circulating mesenchymal precursors of a monocyte/macrophage lineage, including fibrocytes, are essential contributors to hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling.


Author(s): Harris, Alexandra Rose | Abstract: Although the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling axis has been extensively studied, the mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to inhibitors targeting this pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain poorly understood. Here, we describe not only a previously undefined homeostatic role for ERK1/2 in the maintenance of the intestinal epithelium, but also a novel compensatory role for ERK5/BMK1 in sustaining cellular proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) in the absence of ERK1/2 signaling. First, we employed compound genetically engineered mice with a Vil- CreERT2;Erk1-/-;Erk2fl/fl genotype ("[delta] IEC mice"), thereby generating a conditional and inducible deletion of Erk2 only in IEC. [Delta]IEC mice showed severe enterocyte dysfunction, defective maturation and migration of secretory cell types, and hyper-proliferation of the epithelium, all culminating in dramatic disruption of crypt-villus architecture and intestinal function; these mice were moribund by a mere 10-12 days after knockout induction from malabsorption. We found the nature of this hyper-proliferation to be the compensatory activation of an alternative MAPK pathway, ERK5, thereby sustaining proliferation upon the loss of ERK1/2. These findings were replicated in human cancer cell lines by inhibitor treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitor, PD0325901, and in mouse primary small intestinal organoids isolated from [delta]IEC mice. We lastly found that ERK5 is a requirement for cell proliferation using ERK5 inhibitor, XMD8-92, in human cancer cell lines and intestinal organoids, observing total loss of proliferation and regression of mature organoids to a spheroid morphology. Together, these findings implicate targeting of ERK5 could work synergistically with inhibition of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 axis to suppress proliferation of tumors in CRC


It is formidable task to provide a comprehensive investigation of wave breaking and its turbulence process. In this review paper, the observations of turbulence by wave breaking and its parameterizations since 1990 are presented. Among them, the following are the most important. (1)Wave breaking induced turbulent mixing process cannot be described by the wall-layer theory, that is, the rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy is not proportional to the inverse of water depth. In fact, a significant turbulent mixing enhancement in near-surface layer for a depth of several meters is achived by wave breaking. The dissipation rate of turbulence kinet energy is one to three orders larger than the value predicted by the wall-layer scaling. (2)In the crest region above the mean waterline, the dissipation rate increases as e dis ∝ z -2.3 , while in the region below the trough, the dissipation rate decreases as e dis ∝exp(- αz ) or e dis ∝ z -2 . (3)The turbulent mixing length is a critical physical quantity to study the wave breaking. Up to now, however, there has been a large difference between the values given by the previous studies. Extensive work on the mixing depth and turbulent mixing length by wave breaking is also needed in the future.


In this essay, we evaluate the new cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. We argue that the structure of the new cap is not consistent with any theory as to what the SALT deduction is or should be. In canvassing these theories, we further evaluate how future reforms to the SALT deduction might proceed.


Ru(II)-catalyzed condition-controlled divergent coupling between 3-aryl-2H-benzoxazin-2-ones and benzoquinones has been realized under operationally simple conditions, affording a series of structurally stable spiropyrans and valuable arylquinones. The potential of this method is also demonstrated by scale-up synthesis and derivatization. Additionally, an unprecedented cycloruthenated complex has been identified as a key intermediate.


In this project, we compared knee laxity and 3-D knee kinematics after ACL reconstruction on cadaver knees using (1) bone-patellar tendon-bone two-tunnel; (2) synthetic ligament two-tunnel; and (3) synthetic ligament "over-the-top" technique. We used a computer assisted system, based on the acquisition of the knee's movement with magnetic sensors (Polhemus, Vermont, USA). The use of personalised three-dimensional (3D) models of the bones enabled us to ensure a reproducible measurement of three-dimensional kinematic and laxity parameters. Our results showed that even when knee laxity was restored to normal, 3D kinematic measurements revealed that the reconstructions tended to under or over-constrain the knee's movement. This study shows that 3D kinematics is a complementary measurement that can be useful to get a better comprehension of the knee's function after ligament reconstruction.


Conductivities and emf responses of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and 1,2-dichloroethane membranes containing thiocyanato(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)manganese(III) (Mn(TPP)SCN) were studied. The specific conductivities of these two types of membranes were much lower than those of the corresponding membranes containing an anion exchanger, Capriquat. However, a clear difference can be seen in the contribution of the membrane matrices to the overall conductivities between the two types of membranes containing Mn(TPP)SCN; the plasticized PVC matrix greatly contributes to the overall conductivities, whereas the liquid membrane matrix contributes little. In the emf response, Mn(TPP)SCN in the conductometrically inert liquid membrane matrix ideally responds to thiocyanate, whereas it is not able to function ideally in the conductometrically active plasticized PVC matrix. As a possible mechanism for the non-ideal emf response of Mn(TPP)SCN in the plasticized PVC matrix, the failure in co-ion repulsion, which is induced by negatively charged impurities in PVC, is proposed.


In long-haul and high-bit-rate optical fiber transmission systems Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) is one of the main reasons for pulse broadening. In order to reduce PMD-based problems, current studies rely on novel PMD compensators and low-PMD fiber productions. In this paper, after describing theoretical information about PMD and optical fiber spinning process, different spin profiles are examined. Comparative analysis of spin profiles is made and spin parameters giving successful results for low-PMD fibers are obtained for each spin profile. Simulation results show that for fixed spin period of 1 m 2.76 turns/m and 5.64 turns/m are proper spin amplitude values for sinusoidal and amplitude modulated (AM) spin profiles, respectively, while 3.40 turns/m and 3.75 turns/m are recommended spin amplitudes for triangular and trapezoidal spin profiles, respectively. Using these parameters, related spin profiles give better differential group delay (DGD) reduction results individually.


This research investigates a framework for the efficient development of vision-based dense three-dimensional displacement measurement algorithms to support reliable structural health monitoring of civil structures. The framework exploits the use of a photo-realistic synthetic model, termed a physics-based graphics model, to simulate the entire process of vision-based measurement. At the same time, the synthetic environment is used to evaluate the performance of different post-processing algorithms quantitatively for a given measurement scenario, such as camera selection and camera placement. The effectiveness of the framework is demonstrated by optimizing the algorithms for the three-dimensional displacement measurement of a 14-bay laboratory truss structure. The vision-based dense three-dimensional displacement estimation algorithms optimized in this study consist of four steps: (1) camera parameter estimation, (2) camera motion estimation and compensation, (3) vision-based two-dimensional tracking, and (4) projection of two-dimensional tracking results to three-dimensional space. The algorithms use the knowledge from the finite element model to facilitate the implementation and maximize the measurement outcome, that is, model-informed approach. To test and evaluate the model-informed approach, synthetic videos are rendered for two measurement scenarios, that is, using a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera mounted on a tripod and using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle camera. Then, the performance of the model-informed approach is evaluated by comparing the estimated displacement with the ground truth values. Based on the performance evaluation, an algorithm with the highest expected performance is selected for each of the two measurement scenarios. Finally, the selected algorithm is tested in a laboratory experiment. In contrast to the existing literature that investigates fixed individual measurement scenarios, the proposed framework can be used to test different measurement scenarios and estimate the outcome of each scenario before performing actual tests, facilitating the implementation of vision-based measurement for the structural health monitoring of civil structures.


Abstract: A grid-connected photovoltaic power system, or grid-connected PV system is an electricity generating solar PV system that is connected to the utility grid. A grid-connected PV system consists of solar panels, one or several inverters, a power conditioning unit and grid connection equipment. The simulation results are performed However, the availability of PV power is intermittent in nature, and hence, PV-based stand-alone systems need an energy storage element which is generally realized by utilizing a battery bank. The major challenges in designing such systems are as follows: 1) extraction of maximum power from the PV array; 2) protection of the battery from overcharge and over discharge; 3) dc to ac conversion; and 4) provision for adequate voltage boosting.  As multiple objectives are required to be satisfied, the existing schemes for stand-alone systems require a minimum of three converter stages, leading to considerable reduction in the reliability and efficiency of the system. In order to address this issue, a two-stage stand-alone scheme consisting of a novel transformer coupled dual-input converter (TCDIC) followed by a conventional full-bridge inverter is proposed grid-connected photovoltaic power system, or grid-connected PV system is an electricity generating solar PV system that is connected to the utility grid. A grid-connected PV system consists of solar panels, one or several inverters, a power conditioning unit and grid connection equipment. The proposed concept is further implemented with Grid Connection based PV System simulated using Matlab/simulink software .


This illustrated book tells the story of the lifestyle revolution in Britain during the 1950s and 1960s. Drawing on material from the ITV series "The Fifties and Sixties in Colour", it provides an insight into an era which changed people's life-patterns irrevocably. Written by producers Steve Humphries and Miriam Akhtar, this book covers a wealth of subjects from the "golden" era of childhood, changing eating and drinking habits, the motoring revolution, the emergence of labour-saving mod-cons and the rising profile of the teenager. Illustrated with over 100 photographs including period adverts and images of products from the time, this book celebrates an era that brought rapid and discernable change in society from rationing to rock 'n' roll and military services to the mini-skirt.


Abstract: This write-up carries the literature review undertaken on the subject of Reed–Solomon (R–S) encoder and decoder. It also provides an overview of the works on R–S encoder and decoder, previously undertaken by other researchers and scholars. It also intends to help other researchers grasp theories regarding Reed–Solomon codes, how the process of encoding and decoding takes place, and how errors are detected and corrected using Reed–Solomon codes. Keywords: Reed–Solomon, forward error correction, encoder, decoder, codes Cite this Article: Sana Zarin, Rajni Gupta. A Review of works on Reed–Solomon Encoder and Decoder. Current Trends in Information Technology. 2019; 9(3): 1–4p.


Feelings Emerging from Haptic Stimulation Kohske Takahashi1, Hideo Mitsuhashi2, Kazuhito Murata2, Shin Norieda2 and Katsumi Watanabe3 1Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo Japan Society for the Promotion of Science 2NEC System Jisso Research Labs. 3Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo Japan Science and Technology Agency Japan


In light of the promise of humorous political memes as popular routes to citizen empowerment as well as concerns over their potential dangers, it is necessary to examine how everyday citizens make sense of their role in political expression and how they engage with them—or not—in their everyday social media activities. This focus group study explores these questions by focusing on the digital practices of U.S. young adults. The findings suggest a range of benefits of posting political memes and humor online, including building solidarity with likeminded peers and reinforcing communal identity, as well as advancing accessible and influential political critiques. However, these positive assessments are complicated by concerns over the relationship between political meme humor and threats of trivialization and hyper-polarization, which limit some users from participating in its circulation and lead them to seek alternative modes of online engagement that are perceived as more civically valuable.


The study is focused on the development and assessment of the illustrated self-help activities in the 1996 edition of the Portage Guide to Early Education (PGEE). It determined the extent of appropriateness, applicability, time efficiency and aesthetics of the illustrated self-help activities used as an instructional material not only by teachers but also by caregivers and parents. The study utilized eclectic research design using qualitative and quantitative methods, aided by a focused group discussion and a researcher-made survey questionnaire, respectively. Analysis of data was done through the computation of the weighted mean. The respondents of the study were SPED teachers, parents of children with special needs and caregivers. The study revealed that a large number of the respondents are teachers who have masterate degrees. Moreover, majority had attended seminars and in-service trainings to be competent in their area of specialization. The illustrated self-help activities are found to be appropriate, applicable, time efficient and aesthetic for use as teaching tools. The recommendations are centered on the advocacy for the SPED teachers, caregivers and parents of special children to implement the new instructional material as an aid in the intervention program.


Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used successfully to support both cardiac and pulmonary function following Stage I Norwood operation. Determination of the return of native cardiac function and pulmonary function can be easily accomplished because of the single ventricle physiology. The pulmonary function can be assessed while on full flow ECMO by isolating the membrane oxygenator gas compartment, allowing evaluation of native pulmonary gas exchange through the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. Cardiac output can be calculated by using the following oxygen delivery equation: Total O2 delivery = ECMO oxygen delivery + ventricular oxygen delivery. The ventricular O2 saturation used in the formula for oxygen delivery is same as the mixed venous O2 saturation returning to the ECMO pump because of the large atrial communication following the Norwood operation. A 3.2 kilogram patient was placed on a pediatric ECMO circuit utilizing a heparin-coated centrifugal pump and a microporous membrane oxygenate after failure to wean from bypass because of a low oxygen saturation and poor ventricular function. On day 1 of support, the systemic arterial oxygen saturation was 100% and matched the ECMO arterial saturation. On day 2 of the support, the patient's arterial saturation decreased to 96%, and the ECMO mixed venous saturation was 87%. Using the oxygen delivery formula, the ventricular cardiac output was calculated to be 175 mL/min, with an ECMO flow of 400 mL/min for a total cardiac output of 575 mL/min. The native ventricular contribution was, therefore, 30% of total cardiac output. Calculation of cardiac output would normally require a left ventricular sample in a patient with biventricular physiology. The single ventricle physiology in the post-operative Norwood patient makes this calculation a useful tool for assessing return of ventricular function in these patients.


Tin and tin-bearing minerals are prominent in the metamorphosed (amphibolite-granulite facies) Geco Cu-Zn volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit as well as in some of the smaller massive sulfides in the Manitouwadge district. Cassiterite and minor Sn-bearing andradite, epidote, rutile, and phlogopite occur within the massive sulfide ores. Nigerite-24R of composition (Sn, Ti) x (Zn, Mg, Fe, Mn) (sub 8-2x) (Al, Fe) 16 O 32 , with x [asymp] 2, and mixed polytypes of hoegbomite with the general formula (Ti, Sn) x (Fe, Mg, Zn, Mn) (sub 8-2x) (Al, Fe) 16 O 32 , with x [asymp] 1, occur in the footwall rocks which comprise the feeder zone. Hoegbomite is the primary tin-bearing mineral in the districtwide cordierite-gedrite gneisses which represent footwall conformable alteration zones.A relatively high f (sub O 2 ) during metamorphism and also during the formation of the ores accounts for the presence of cassiterite rather than stannite or the simple tin sulfides in the ores. Nigerite and hoegbomite occur only in Ca-Na-deficient Mg-Fe-rich aluminous rocks and are associated with Zn staurolite, corundum, cordierite, sillimanite, (Zn, Fe) spinels, and Fe-Ti oxides.Bulk-rock tin assays systematically increase as the Geco orebody is approached: districtwide cordierite-gedrite gneisses (10-30 ppm), feeder zone (50-330 ppm), and orebody (100-3,000 ppm). Hanging-wall felsic gneisses and nearby mafic gneisses and granites contain less than 3 ppm tin. Small nearby pegmatites contain 2 to 10 ppm tin.From textural evidence, phase equilibria calculations, and the lithologic distribution of tin, a model for the Geco deposit is developed in which the districtwide cordierite-gedrite gneisses represent one segment of the fossil hydrothermal system and in which Cu-Zn and Sn mineralizations are closely associated. Nigerite, hoegbomite, and spinel from Geco occupy distinct and characteristic (Zn, Fe, Mg, Mn) solid solution fields. Hence, these species, which are known to occur as detrital heavy minerals may be useful pathfinders in geochemical exploration for eroded volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits.


Bird strikes are one major accident for aircraft engines and can inflict heavy casualties and economic losses. In this study, a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) mallard model has been used to simulate bird impact to rotary aero-engine fan blades. The simulations were performed using the finite element method (FEM) at LS-DYNA. The reliability of the material model and numerical method was verified by comparing the numerical results with Wilberk's experimental results. The effects of impact and bearing parameters, including bird impact location, bird impact orientation, initial bird velocity, fan rotational speeds, stiffness of the bearing, and the damping of the bearing on the bird impact to aero-engine fan blade are studied and discussed. The results show that both the impact location and bird orientation have significant effects on the bird strike results. Bird impact to blade roots is the most dangerous scenario causing the impact force to reach 390 kN. The most dangerous orientation is the case where the bird's head is tilted 45° horizontally, which leads to huge fan kinetic energy loss as high as 64.73 kJ. The bird's initial velocity affects blade deformations. The von Mises stress during the bird strike process can reach 1238 MPa for an initial bird velocity of 225 m/s. The fan's rotational speed and the bearing stiffness affect the rotor stability significantly. The value of bearing damping has little effect on the bird strike process. This paper gives an idea of how to evaluate the strength of fan blades in the design period.