Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct the basis for a research agenda that integrates participatory methodologies (PMs) into literacies (L) research and practice as a valuable methodological basis.

Design/methodology/approach

The pros and cons of using PM on L research and practice are explained, as well as its possibilities, characteristics and the contributions of a research agenda under such integration (PM-L agenda). This analysis draws from the pertinent literature, Scopus publication data, the author's own practice as an information literacy (IL) researcher and a questionnaire used to gather further insights from the research community in this matter.

Findings

A further understanding of the contributions that a PM-L research agenda can bring to the library and information science field is achieved. The pros, cons, hesitations and eagerness that researchers might have toward the idea of using such integration are valuable for determining if this really is a perfect but not an explicit fit.

Research limitations/implications

Although the questionnaire was promoted in a large international conference during a four-year period (2013-2017), it was answered by 34 participants; only 16 participants had previous experiences with the PM-L integration, and only an average of 8 participants provided significant answers to our open-ended questions. Thus, the amount of data available to analyze was limited. Certainly, using Scopus data provides a large but incomplete picture of the specialized literature that is peer reviewed and indexed, because it excludes publications not indexed that may be pertinent.

Originality/value

The PM-L integration is deemed as highly adequate, as PMs seek to improve participants' conditions, situations and realities through reflection and engagement, while L-related activities and research (including information, digital, media literacy or new literacies) are conducted to improve people's use and understanding of the media for which they are developing literacy. This contributes to their betterment as critical-thinkers, persons, citizens and learners. However, many researchers and especially practitioners do not formally use PM to conduct L activities, at least in many cases, this is not made explicitly. In the case of practitioners, some have conducted such activities empirically, without an appropriate methodological foundation. Hence, to establish PM as the methodologies of choice may help researchers and practitioners have a stronger methodological basis to conduct their work.


In order to improve the accuracy of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurement for 182Hf/180Hf, a series of measurements have been taken in the AMS laboratory at the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE). The major ones include the instantaneous monitoring of 180HfF−5 current, testing the stability of transmission, the alternate measurements of an unknown sample and standard, and the origin identification and minimization of background 182W. The experimental details and the improvement in the measurement accuracy, as well as some useful suggestions for better satisfying the requirements of certain practical applications, are presented in this paper.


The purpose of this study is to evaluate the appearance, texture, color, and taste of two popular pecan (Carya illinoinensis) clones relative to native pecans in a blind sensory analysis. Subjects tasted the raw pecans acquired from the same farm and evaluated them using hedonic scores. Results suggest consumers prefer the two clones to natives, and most of this preference seems to be related to the pecan size. A crossmodal effect was detected whereby the subjects reported an improved flavor in whole native pecans compared with clones that were cut in half and were thus less visually appealing. Consequently, although a previous study showed that consumers prefer pecans in a hypothetical (nontasting) situation when they are labeled as a "native" as opposed to clones, when the pecans are actually eaten and there are no labels designating the pecan type, they prefer the clones.


CONTEXT
Massage is the most common complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy used in hospitals in the United States. As such, it is often the first CAM therapy to be integrated with conventional medicine. However, few academic medical centers have a written standard policy to guide this integration. This lack of standard policy may impede institutions from offering massage therapy as a clinical service, and may put health care professionals and institutions at risk through a failure to clearly address criteria for practice credentials or malpractice liability.

OBJECTIVE
To create a clinical policy for therapeutic massage that may be used as a template for development of policy in academic health centers.

RESULTS
We present a clinical policy for therapeutic massage, developed by the University of Michigan Health System, that defines therapeutic massage, provides guidelines for the credentialing and professional conduct of massage therapists, lists indications and contraindications for therapeutic massage, and addresses malpractice in accordance with the specific culture and needs of academic health centers. This policy was created by health care professionals after review of existing evidence and consideration of national criteria for massage therapy. This policy is intended to be used as a template for the development of a standard policy for therapeutic massage by health system administrators, medical directors, and massage professionals, to support the integration of therapeutic massage within their institutions.

CONCLUSIONS
With minor modifications of this policy by individual institutions, adoption of this policy may facilitate the thoughtful integration of this CAM therapy into academic health care settings, meeting the unique requirements of academic health care institutions while serving the needs of patients.


Personalized Federated Learning (PFL) is a new Federated Learning (FL) approach to address the heterogeneity issue of the datasets generated by distributed user equipments (UEs). However, most existing PFL implementations rely on synchronous training to ensure good convergence performances, which may lead to a serious straggler problem, where the training time is heavily prolonged by the slowest UE. To address this issue, we propose a semi-synchronous PFL algorithm, termed as Semi-Synchronous Personalized FederatedAveraging (PerFedS2), over mobile edge networks. By jointly optimizing the wireless bandwidth allocation and UE scheduling policy, it not only mitigates the straggler problem but also provides convergent training loss guarantees. We derive an upper bound of the convergence rate of PerFedS2 in terms of the number of participants per global round and the number of rounds. On this basis, the bandwidth allocation problem can be solved using analytical solutions and the UE scheduling policy can be obtained by a greedy algorithm. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of PerFedS2 in saving the training time as well as guaranteeing the convergence of training loss, in contrast to synchronous and asynchronous PFL algorithms.


Based on a comparison of the immediate and late results of treatment in patients with peptic ulcers following gastroenterostomy by means of gastric resection (24 patients) and by vagotomy, it is concluded that vagotomy in most cases results in a complete cure of patients, thus this procedure is felt to be more advantageous than gastric resection due to its technical feasibility and small operative risk.


COVID-19 manifests itself in a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, both in terms of their variety and severity. It can be asymptomatic or abortive, mild, moderate, severe and lightning, as septic with multiple organ failure and shock Typical leading symptoms of COVID-19 are: high fever poorly responding to drugs, severe loss of strength, chest pain, dyspnoea, pain headaches, bone and joint pain and muscle pain, until the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, many publications mention among the possible symptoms also others, not related to the involvement of the lower respiratory tract. These are gastrointestinal disorders, damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and dysfunctions of the sensory organs. The aim of this literature review was to determine the frequency of various head and neck dysfunctions that are part of COVID-19. Symptoms of conjunctivitis, nasal mucosa, pharynx and larynx are reported by about of patients, but they do not always occur at the same time, as in infections caused, for example, by rhinoviruses. Anosmi / hyposmia or ageusia / hypogeusia occur with a similar frequency. Symptoms of damage to the equilibrium system, such as dizziness, are reported by approx. 1/3, vertigo and hearing loss approx. 5-6%, tinnitus approx. 10% of patients. Reports of coexistence with COVID-19 of peripheral paresis of the facial nerve are so far relatively few and often included in the neurological disorders, the frequency of which is also about 1/3 of COVID-19 cases. Importantly, both catarrhal symptoms and the others listed here may precede, co-occur or follow the appearance of the leading symptoms of COVID-19. They can also be the only symptoms of this disease. This should prompt otorhinolaryngologists to be particularly vigilant in this regard


Alternative splicing of messenger RNAs is associated with the evolution of developmentally complex eukaryotes. Splicing is mediated by the spliceosome, and docking of the pre-mRNA 5' splice site into the spliceosome active site depends upon pairing with the conserved ACAGA sequence of U6 snRNA. In some species, including humans, the central adenosine of the ACAGA box is modified by N 6 methylation


Abstract:Despite the vital role played by ethnic churches in the retention of ethnic culture and a sense of identity, a significant proportion of second-generation Korean Brazilians drift away from their churches. This "silent exodus" from Korean religious organizations in São Paulo raises the question of how Korean Brazilians maintain a sense of belonging and community after their departure. Based on ethnographic research conducted in São Paulo, this study aims to explore the diverse types of experiences of second-generation Korean Brazilians who have become disaffiliated with their ethnic churches in comparison to those who have not. Young Korean Brazilians—whether churchgoers or not—tend to be highly involved in a social life with coethnics, illustrating that not taking part in ethnic churches does not seem to be major factor in their forging of a sense of belonging, community, and identity. The findings further suggest that, influenced by various factors—such as this group's hybridized sense of culture, its socioeconomic status, and the high presence of a well-established Japanese community—this particular phenomenon should be interpreted in light of the position Korean Brazilians occupy within an ethnically complex and socially and economically stratified Brazilian society.


The Markov renewal viewpoint of single-part/multiple-state manufacturing systems under hedging control policies, subjected to a constant rate of demand for parts, is used to derive sufficient criteria to guarantee the ergodicity of the resulting parts surplus process. The criteria are simple and directly verifiable from an analysis of the Markov chain characterizing the dynamics of the discrete manufacturing system production state. A key intermediate result in reaching these criteria is a potentially very useful system of linear differential equations with boundary conditions which can be generalized to permit computation of moments of arbitrary order for sojourn times in the regions between successive hedging points in the parts surplus space. >


Introduction The deleterious effect of faecal incontinence (FI) on quality of life (QOL) is well documented. People with FI experience stigma, embarrassment and social exclusion, and report adverse effects on activities and relationships. Restoration of continence is associated with improvement in QOL. Diarrhoea is associated with increased prevalence of FI and, therefore, people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk. Methods To investigate how frequently health care professionals (HCPs) assess FI in a cohort of patients with IBD we performed a cross sectional survey of 380 adults attending a tertiary referral IBD clinic. Patient surveys were: the validated ICIQ-B questionnaire, detailing frequency and severity of bowel pattern, control and quality of life; and the non-validated Bowel Leakage Questionnaire, detailing any prior interventions by health care professionals. Demographics of age, gender, diagnosis, Montreal classification, St Mark's Continence Score and disease activity were also recorded. Data was entered into a database and analysed using SPSS statistical package. Results 229/380 (60%) had Crohn's Disease (CD) and 180/380 (47%) were female. Median age was 38 years (IQR:31–50) with a median disease duration of 8.7 years (3.4–15.1). 343/380 (90%) had experienced incontinence of flatus or faeces while 255/380 (67%) reported FI. Only 136/380 (36%) had been asked about FI during an encounter with a HCP. Of the people who had been asked about FI, the vast majority had been asked in IBD clinics (130/136, 96%). Fewer enquiries were made by HCPs in a primary care setting with 42/136 (31%) people having been asked by a family doctor and 12/136 (9%) by a practise nurse. A minority of patients spontaneously volunteered information about incontinence to a healthcare professional (146/380, 39%). Of the people who had discussed continence issues with a HCP, 55 (38%) were offered specific advice or referral for treatment. Those who volunteered information regarding continence had worse ICIQ-B control scores (9 (6–14) vs 3 (1–8), p < 0.0001)) and quality of life scores (16 (11–20) vs 9 [6–14], p < 0.0001), reflecting greater burden of disease. Conclusion Faecal incontinence is common in IBD. It is both under-reported by patients and under-recognised by healthcare professionals. Because symptoms and QOL can be significantly improved with appropriate intervention, HCPs need to enquire about FI as part of routine assessment. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


The financial crisis of 2008 and the resulting recession caught many companies unprepared and, in so doing, provided a stark reminder of the importance of effective risk management. While academic theory has long touted the benefits of risk management, companies have varied greatly in the ways and extent to which they put theory into practice.

Drawing on a global survey of over 300 CFOs of non-financial companies, the authors report that while most CFOs felt that their risk management programs have significant benefits, the risk management function in general needs more attention. A large percentage of the finance executives surveyed acknowledged that the most important corporate risks extend far beyond the CFO's direct reports, and that risk-based thinking is not incorporated into everyday business activities or corporate strategies. A large majority of executives also said they were seeking a more widespread understanding of risk throughout their organizations—and many confessed their firms' inability, or lack of interest, in evaluating their own risk management functions. At the same time, the efforts of most companies to develop enterprise-wide risk management (ERM) programs were said to fall well short of the comprehensive and highly coordinated programs envisioned by the proponents of such programs.

Three areas of opportunity were clearly identified as having potential to improve corporate risk management in ways that increase firm value over an entire business cycle:

•Incorporate risk management thinking into the strategic planning process. Line executives, and not just technicians, need to be sensitive to risks, thereby building flexibility into the firm's business plan and its execution.
•Clearly define the objectives of the risk management function, in part by developing appropriate benchmarks. The risk management process should be subject to the same rigorous evaluation process that is used when measuring risks throughout the business.
•Instill a risk management culture throughout the organization. While an effective risk management function is necessary, only when employees at all levels of the company embrace risk management as part of their daily operations will the firm get maximum value from risk management.


Thyroid carcinomas, even when well differentiated, usually appear as hypofunctioning at scintigraphy. We report a case of an aggressive insular thyroid carcinoma presenting as an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule and causing severe thyrotoxicosis. The tumor was metastatic to a cervical lymph node and both lungs. An activating mutation of the TSH receptor gene in both the primary tumor and the lymph node metastasis was found, due to a base substitution at codon 633 (normal guanine at position 1896 replaced by cytosine CAC for GAC causing aspartic acid substitution by histidine). Other known oncogenes (gsp, ras, PTC/ret, trk, met, and p53) were not involved. This is the first description of an activating TSH receptor mutation in a thyroid hyperfunctioning carcinoma in which an aggressive malignant phenotype coexisted with activation of the cAMP cascade and differentiated thyroid functions.


Bangladesh is a low-lying deltaic plain country in which three-quarters of the population lives in rural areas, and they are the primary victim of climate invented worst situation (Siddiqui, 2009). As rural area's people were deprived from the modern technology to mitigate the disaster, so that rural area's people created y own initiated climate resilient technology to protect themselves. The purpose of this study was to identify indigenous disaster mitigation measures that the community had implemented in order to reduce the negative effects of disaster. The study area was Bakerganj upazila, Barisal which is also a rural based disaster-prone area. In this research, two types of data collection techniques were used, such as as primary and secondary data collection methods, afterwards the collected data were analyzed through Microsoft Excel. The major findings of this study were that, due to climate change the most drastic change was in temperature, which is responsible for occurring different kinds of disaster. Among those in the study area flood was the most prior disaster which may fallen impact on house and agriculture of study area. It was mainly influenced by poverty and lack of community awareness. So that the mostly used climate resilient technology of this area was raising of house platform above flood level (95.87%), plantation of disaster resilient tree around the house (76.29%), raising platform for cultivation (73.20%), using homemade fertilizer for enhance productivity (62.89%) and tying of house to minimize the possibility of destroying (61.86%). Among those raising house platform and cultivable land platform was more sustainable and resilient indigenous technology of this area. Beside more the study area's people also got support from different GO and NGOs. And also, this area had strong social bonding with each other and local authorities, so that they got advantages from them and they consider this support as their capacity to fight against any kind of disaster. As indigenous technologies are very important for disaster risk reduction so that those should be linked up with local level adaptation plans for increasing the efficiency and resiliency of those locally invented technology, so that those will be easily accepted by the vulnerable community and implemented successfully against disaster.


With this issue, MEDICALEXPRESS [2014; 1(6)] successfully completes its first volume, its first year of existence. Fourteen months have gone by since we began setting up this journal. Starting fromsquare zero inOctober, 2013weareproud tohave published six issues in a timelymanner. In thiswemustheartily thank our authors for providing us with some extremely interesting science;wealso thankandacknowledge the effort of our editors and reviewers who have given much of their valuable timeandeffort tohelpmake this journal anadequately peer reviewed journal from its inception. MedicalExpress obviously still has a very long way to go, in terms of its configuration and indexing. Configuration is still going through minor adjustments; in terms of indexing, at this point we have made applications to LATINDEX, LILACS, SCIELO AND PUBMEDCENTRAL. At the time of writing, we are still expecting to hear from them. But MedicalExpress has covered some ground: the total output published in these six issues is 68 articles, comprising 8 editorials, 38 original research articles, 4 rapid communications, and 18 critical reviews. In all of this MedicalExpress has rigorously stuck to its most basic project, namely to publish articles in 40-60 days after acceptance. Continuous flow is not something showing spectacularly in a rather small journal as this, but we have been able to upload articles in small batches into www.medicalexpress.net.br usually ahead of the nominal publication date. MedicalExpress is extremely proud to list the geographical origin of our authors, comprising work by from Brazil, China, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the United States of America. To the best of our knowledge articles published MedicalExpress have yet to be cited; this is obviously not a surprise, because the absolute minimum latency for citations is 6 months, but usually something more like 1 year. So citations are definitely still in the future. MedicalExpress will start 2015 on a highly confident note: we strongly believe that indexing will come very shortly. When it does arrive, it will automatically include our entire collection from volume 1(1), because every article has been formatted exactly as required by the indexing institutions. Therefore we reiterate our invitation to submit your science to the journal. You will be speedily and positively peerreviewed, edited for style and language and last but certainly not least published according to a very agile timeline.


This study investigated the impact of aerobic exercise on lung inflammation and remodeling in experimental emphysema. 32 BALB/c mice were assigned into 2 groups. In control (C) animals, saline was intratracheally ( it ) injected, whereas emphysema mice received porcine pancreatic elastase (ELA, 0.1 UI, it ). Saline and ELA were it injected once a wk during 4 wks. After the last wk, C and emphysema groups were further randomized into subgroups: sedentary and exercise. Exercise mice ran on a motorized treadmill, at moderate intensity (8-12 m.min-1), 5% grade, 30 min/day, 3 times a wk for 4 wks. 24-h after the last session, lung mechanics and morphometry, as well as cytokines and total cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood were measured. Echocardiographic analysis was done before and after emphysema induction and at the end of the experiment. The sedentary emphysema group presented, compared to C: 1) reduced lung static elastance; 2) increased lung hyperinflation and elastic fiber content; 3) augmented levels of KC [murine interleukin (IL)-8 homolog], tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and IL-10; and 4) pulmonary arterial hypertension, evidenced by increased pulmonary flow acceleration. Aerobic exercise: 1) improved lung mechanics, 2) reduced lung hyperinflation, and the number of cells and levels of these cytokines in BALF and blood, 3) diminished elastic fiber content, and 4) restored pulmonary flow acceleration to C values. In conclusion, in the present elastase-induced emphysema model, 4 weeks of aerobic exercise modulated the inflammatory process and acted on lung remodeling, improving pulmonary function.

Supported by: INCT-INOFAR, FAPERJ, PRONEX, CNPq


An advanced dynamic flow and temperature model was used to optimize and control MPD operations in real time on the Gullfaks field in the North Sea. The well to be drilled only had a 7 bar window between the pore and fracture pressure according to prognosis. However, drilling objectives were eventually fulfilled aided by very accurate downhole pressure control. This paper addresses the model specific challenges, analyzes the differences between model calculations and downhole pressure data, and discusses how to bring hydraulic modelling further in accordance with future operational needs. Challenges related to how to tune the system efficiently and accurately, data quality issues, displacement operations, etc., are described and enlightened by downhole memory data made available when the string was back on surface. Ideas on how to build a more robust and easy to use system without sacrificing the advantages of having a high fidelity model in the real time loop are discussed. The experience and ideas described contribute to the development of a very accurate and reliable MPD system, which is capable of automatic pressure control during the whole sequence of drilling, tripping, circulation, displacements etc. An important goal for the future will be to reduce the offshore crew dedicated to the modelling function to a minimum, with the provision of onshore support during operations.


Pneumonia is one of the five major leading causes of death in children under-fives years and the elderly worldwide. Antibiotics used for its treatment are less potent due to bacteria development of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. This has led to a surge in search of novel drugs. There are already some drugs in clinical use that have natural products and derivatives such as quinine, morphine, vincristine, and taxol among others. The healing value of medicinal plants has been well accepted since Stone Age across the globe. This plant therapy has been prescribed and prepared independently or in combination. The following plants: Terminalia sericea, Warburgia salutaris, Dodonea angustofolia, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ballota africana, Kigelia africana and Acorus gramineus. These plants are most commonly used for treatment of pneumonia and other ailment, were studied to validate their antimicrobial activity based on scientific determination. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of these plants against bacteria pneumonia pathogens. Seven medicinal plants, independently and in combinations were relatively analysed for their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Ground plant material of roots, bark and leafs were prepared with acetone, ethanol and distilled water. Dimethyl sulfoxide (10 &100%) was used as a reconstitution solvent and ciprofloxacin (10 %) as a positive control. The antimicrobial efficacy was determined using agar well diffusion and microtiter plate methods. Interaction between plants was evaluated by calculating fraction inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC). Noteworthy activity for individual studies with all test organisms was observed with T. sericea. However, highest ZOI (30 mm) was observed for B. africana ethanol extract for S. pyogenes. Weak microbial activity was noted in W. salutaris and D. angustofolia extracts with all test organisms. Good antimicrobial activity was observed in combination studies with all organisms. The potency of different plant combinations varied with highest ZOI observed with B. africana and W. salutaris ranging from 33-35 mm, conversely ZOI of 35 mm was also noted for S. aureus in B. africana and E. camaldulensis ethanol extract. Noteworthy antimicrobial activity was observed in T. sericea and D. angustofolia against all test pathogens. weak antimicrobial activity with highest MICs was observed in combinations where W. salutaris was involved. After calculating ΣFICs, strongest synergistic effect was displayed for W. salutaris and D. angustofolia against all test organisms (lowest ΣFICs 0.0491). Most plant extract combinations, displayed either synergistic, additive or indifferent effect, with few demonstrating antagonistic interactions. Significant antagonism effect was noted for S. pyogenes with T. sericea ethanol extract ΣFIC value of 15.51. Based on results of this study use of plants in combination increase antimicrobial efficacy. The antimicrobial activities; synergistic and…


In this article Professor Walton examines the influence of bourgeois women on industrial production in nineteenth-century Paris. She argues that women, as arbiters of taste and consumers for the family, sought art and originality in manufactured goods, and that their demands in turn fostered handicraft and less skilled hand methods of manufacturing as the best means of providing such goods. By establishing the connections between women's roles and bourgeois demand, and between bourgeois demand and hand manufacturing, this study offers a new perspective on the persistence of hand production in France.


Objective: To evaluate the effect of dialysis and kidney transplantation on serum levels of several tumor markers such as PSA, AFP, CA125, CA19- 9, CA15-3, CEA and to compare with normal age matched controls. Methods: Between September of 2000 and July of 2001, the following tumor markers: PSA, AFP, CA125, CA19-9, CA15-3 and CEA were measured by ELISA Method in 29 hemodialyzed patients (group A), in 30 successfully transplanted patients (group B) and in 30 normal volunteers who did not present any clinical symptoms or signs of neoplasia. Results: The serum level of CEA was above the cutoff limit in 6.7% of hemodialyzed patients (group A) but was in the normal range in transplanted and control groups. The level of CEA were significantly higher in hemodialyzed patients in comparison to other groups (p<0.003). Serum levels of AFP and PSA were not significantly different between the three groups (p=0.595 and p=0.545, respectively). Although serum level of CA 19-9 was elevated in 3.3% of hemodialyzed and control group the differences between the three groups were not significant (p=0.507). Serum level of CA 125 was elevated in 13.3% of group A, 13.8% of group B and 6.7% of control group (p=0.347). Serum level of CA15-3 was elevated in 13.3%, 6.9% of group A, B and control group, respectively and the differences were not significant (p=0.156). Conclusion: Hemodialyzed and transplanted patients show a high false positive rate of CEA, CA125 and CA15-3 and may be unreliable for monitoring of malignancies in these patients while other markers evaluated (AFP, PSA and CA 19.9) appear to maintain their specificity in these situations.


This letter shows that the normal limitations on radar performance relating to resolution in the vertical plane may be considerably reduced in certain instances by the use of bistatic techniques. A particular feature of the technique is that the vertical dimension of the resolution cell is primarily dependent on the transmitted bandwidth, rather than the vertical aerial aperture. The volume of cover over which this improvement in resolution can be maintained is limited to the region around the vertical plane containing both the transmitter and receiver.


Abstract Many fungi live as mycelia, which are networks of hyphae. Mycelial networks are suited for the widespread distribution of nutrients and water. The logistical capabilities are critical for the extension of fungal survival areas, nutrient cycling in ecosystems, mycorrhizal symbioses, and virulence. In addition, signal transduction in mycelial networks is predicted to be vital for mycelial function and robustness. A lot of cell biological studies have elucidated protein and membrane trafficking and signal transduction in fungal hyphae; however, there are no reports visualizing signal transduction in mycelia. This paper, by using the fluorescent Ca2+ biosensor, visualized for the first time how calcium signaling is conducted inside the mycelial network in response to localized stimuli in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. The wavy propagation of the calcium signal inside the mycelium or the signal blinking in the hyphae varies depending on the type of stress and proximity to the stress. The signals, however, only extended around 1,500 μm, suggesting that the mycelium has a localized response. The mycelium showed growth delay only in the stressed areas. Local stress caused arrest and resumption of mycelial growth through reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking. To elucidate the downstream of calcium signaling, calmodulin, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, the principal intracellular Ca2+ receptors were immunoprecipitated and their downstream targets were identified by mass spectrometry analyses. Our data provide evidence that the mycelial network, which lacks a brain or nervous system, exhibits decentralized response through locally activated calcium signaling in response to local stress.


Predictions in Ungauged Basins (PUB) mainly focus on surface water, but there are much higher prediction uncertainties inherent in groundwater. Hanoi depends entirely on groundwater for its domestic water supply. However, the characteristics of the entire Hanoi aquifer system remain poorly understood due to the lack of available data. Recently, we were nominated to construct a hydrogeological database. Using the valuable data contained in this database, this paper comprehensively analyzed the best number of 240 boreholes including well logs and their hydrogeological parameters obtained from pumping tests for the first time in order to identify the entire Hanoi aquifer system and characterize the hydrogeological conditions for potential groundwater resources. Great efforts have been made to establish and analyze the hydrogeological maps, cross sections and the isopach maps of main aquifers' thickness and transmissibility. As for the results, we found that groundwater mainly exists in the topmost Holocene unconfined aquifer and the shallow Pleistocene confined aquifer (PCA), while cleft and karst water exists in the Neogene water bearing layer and the Mesozoic fractured zones. These aquifers are adequately, quantitatively characterized and evaluated from the viewpoint of potential groundwater resources. We found the PCA serving as the highest groundwater potential and the most important aquifer for the water supply. The findings are indispensable for further groundwater analyses contributing to ensuring the sustainable groundwater development not only in Hanoi but also in poorly gauged or ungauged neighboring basins. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


The dynamics of end-to-interior (Type I) and end-to-end (Type II) collisions in a dangling overhang anchored on a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) was studied by monitoring the fluorescence quenching of tetramethylrhodamine (TMR) by guanosine residues through combining photoinduced electron transfer (PET) with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) at different temperatures. TMR and guanosine residues are separated by a double helix with dangling bases ranging from 2 to 16. By analyzing the FCS data, we obtained the forward and reverse intrachain diffusion rate constants and respective barriers. For both Type I and Type II collisions, the intrachain diffusion rates followed the scaling law of the Gaussian chain model. Especially, the reverse intrachain diffusion rate was insensitive to the base length of separation. Both the activation enthalpy and activation entropy of the forward and reverse diffusions were length independent. The comparison between Type I and Type II collisions shows that the collision rate of end-to-interior is slower than that of end-to-end. The phenomenon is further checked in detail by a series of dangling DNA with the same separation length but different tail lengths (Type III).


In many domains, important events are not represented as the common scenario, but as deviations from the rule. The importance and impact associated with these particular, outnumbered, deviant, and sometimes even previously unseen events is directly related to the application domain (e.g., breast cancer detection, satellite image classification, etc.). The detection of these rare events or outliers has recently been gaining popularity as evidenced by the wide variety of algorithms currently available. These algorithms are based on different assumptions about what constitutes an outlier, a characteristic pointing toward their integration in an ensemble to improve their individual detection rate. However, there are two factors that limit the use of current ensemble outlier detection approaches: first, in most cases, outliers are not detectable in full dimensionality, but instead are located in specific subspaces of data; and second, despite the expected improvement on detection rate achieved using an ensemble of detectors, the computational efficiency of the ensemble will increase linearly as the number of components increases. In this article, we propose an ensemble approach that identifies outliers based on different subsets of features and subsamples of data, providing more robust results while improving the computational efficiency of similar ensemble outlier detection approaches.


The European drug industry has created a grading system for medical education conferences to help steer drug companies away from sponsoring or participating in those that are considered lavish or inappropriate.

The database, available on www.efpia-e4ethics.eu, was set up by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).

Jose Zamarriego, head of the code of practice surveillance unit at Farmaindustria, the Spanish industry association, has worked closely on the project for the past eight months. He said, "One of the aims of the scheme is to help the pharmaceutical industry build trust and credibility with healthcare professionals through transparency. It is one step forward."

The database has assessments of more than 100 upcoming conferences, and a further 250 events are to be assessed by the …


Engineering and construction features involved in a complete telephone cable system over 300 miles in length and connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pa. are described in the following paper. This cable is designed to operate as an extension of the Boston-Washington underground cable system with which it connects at Philadelphia. It is also designed for operation in connection with the Pittsburgh-Chicago cable now under construction, and other cable projects included in a comprehensive fundamental plan. Beginning with the fundamental factor of public requirements for communication service between cities separated by various distances, there are next considered the methods available to provide this service. Small-gage, quadded, aerial cable, which was decided upon for use in this section after careful economic studies, is described in a general way and the important advantages of the application of loading and telephone repeaters are outlined. The use, in connection with this cable, of the recently developed metallic telegraph system for cables is referred to and some facts are given regarding power plants, test boards and buildings. A few of the many possible combinations of cable and equipment facilities into complete telephone circuits, which will furnish the service required as economically as now possible, are illustrated. The necessity of complete coordination of the many factors involved in a project of this kind is emphasized.


Work transformations and new values.The placement of disadvantaged people: open questions - nowadays, any person involved in work inclusion of disadvantaged individuals feels the need to conceptualize the recent changes in work environments. The latest efforts of scholars and professionals have been, on the one hand, to design for disadvantaged persons schemes of direct access to the labour market, and on the other, to go beyond the concept of employability and reassess other work dimensions. There are no alternative words for defining "reintegration", but in light of the theories and good practices on capacitation, one understands that the responsibility of exclusion is not individual, but collective. This collective responsibility involves: processes of inclusion, recognition of different identities, citizenship and dignity, protection and hospitality. The keyword might be "knowledge", or creating culture through collaboration. The authors outline the development of work environments - from Fordism to post-Fordism - in order to highlight the features of current working conditions, the risks of social vulnerability, and the ongoing social transformations. Finally, they distinguish emerging disadvantaged people from traditionally disadvantaged persons, and raise open questions such as: what action and collaboration should be put into place for work inclusion of disadvantaged people? What are the necessary conditions for employment policies for disadvantaged individuals? Keywords: flexibility, job insecurity, social vulnerability, work integration, inclusion, capacitation, collective responsibility. Parole Chiave: flessibilita, precarieta, vulnerabilita sociale, reinserimento sociolavorativo, inclusione, capacitazione, responsabilita collettiva.


One of the essential issues in C4ISR is to properly measure the amount of Battlefield Situation Information (BSI), which is a key concept in the research of Situation Awareness and decision-making. BSI contains two mutually independent contributions from current status information, which describes objective state of a certain battlefield situation element at the moment, and from trends information, which expresses changes of element's state that may occur in the future. But measure the amount of BSI has not been thoroughly studied before. Here we report a novel method that precisely measures the amount of BSI on the basis of Shannon's information theory. Our method gives the first accurate quantification on current status information as well as trends information contained in BSI. Necessary conditions for two C2 nodes to reach a consensus in the process of Situation Awareness are also provided in current work.


Following the Islamic conquests of the Middle East, Christians living in Iraq and the surrounding region found themselves under a new socio-political system which was organised around the religious principles of Islam. Living in an environment which was dominated by Islamic social and political norms also provided them an opportunity to express and define their theology in a new style and language.
Kitāb al-Majdal is the fruit of this fascinating period. It is composed by a member of the Church of the East called 'Amr ibn Mattā around the end of the tenth century. It is subdivided into seven chapters dealing with different aspects of Christian theology, morality and history. The fourth division of the Kitāb al-Majdal is devoted to explain certain Christian practices and virtues in order to provide spiritual and moral guidance for the readers.
This study investigates how Christian morality is developed and presented in al-Maṣābīh chapter and the ways in which the surrounding Islamic culture influenced the text in terms of its language, style and structure. The key conclusion reached at the end is that Christian morality is defined in a very creative way in al-Maṣābīh chapter using both traditional Christian and Islamic sources.


Study of our first 201 cases of polycythemia vera and of cases reported in the literature shows a remarkable age distribution for this disease. The age at onset, age at diagnosis, age at first treatment, and age at death, as well as survival times, each fits a normal distribution.

In our cases, the median age at onset is 57 years with a standard deviation of 13 years, an entirely different distribution from that for the population of Oregon. This requires a logarithmic increase in relative age specific incidence from age 20 to 40, when there is little difference in the number of persons alive at each age, with a doubling of the proportion occurring in each 5-year interval every 7.5 years. After age 55, the proportion of new cases developing follows the slope of the number alive in the population. This means that the incidence remains almost constant after the peak age incidence is reached.

Unfortunately, no data exist to transform these figures to absolute values, but if enough of the population could be studied to give absolute values at any one point, all other points could be determined. The implication is that polycythemia vera is due to a single cause which is highly correlated with age.

The normal distribution of survival times means that polycythemia vera is not a malignant process since survival times in all malignancies studied fit a log normal distribution. The constant value of age at death means that age at first treatment is a most important prognostic factor.

The mean age at death of patients with polycythemia vera, treated with P32, is 69 years ± 1, and treated without radiation therapy is 65 years ± 1. Apparently, if a patient lives to be treated with P32 previous treatment by other modalities or no treatment prior to that, will not affect the years to be gained by P32 treatment. However, the total survival time is highly correlated with age and the sooner after onset that the patient can be treated the more likely it is he will benefit from P32 therapy.


Chemical tools have been valuable for establishing a better understanding of the relationships between metal ion dyshomeostasis, the abnormal aggregation and accumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ), and oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Still, very little information is available to correlate the structures of chemical tools with specific reactivities used to uncover such relationships. Recently, slight structural variations to the framework of a chemical tool were found to drastically determine the tool's reactivities toward multiple pathological facets to various extents. Herein, we report our rational design and characterization of a structural series to illustrate the extent to which the reactivities of small molecules vary toward different targets as a result of minor structural modifications. These compounds were rationally and systematically modified based on consideration of properties, including ionization potentials and metal binding, to afford their desired reactivities with metal‐free or metal‐bound Aβ, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and free organic radicals. Our results show that although small molecules are structurally similar, they can interact with multiple factors associated with AD pathogenesis and alleviate their reactivities to different degrees. Together, our studies demonstrate the rational structure‐directed design that can be used to develop chemical tools capable of regulating individual or interrelated pathological features in AD.


Fluctuations of interest rates have huge effects on commercial banks' performance. The main purpose of this thesis is to comparatively study the theories and strategies surrounding the management of interest rate risk for commercial banks. There are mainly two types of methods for measuring interest rate risk, which are, interest rate gap and duration gap. The mechanics of interest rates are also covered for the purpose of gaining a theoretical platform for the interest rate risk management theories. Managing interest rate risk can be implemented through rebalancing the bank's asset-liability portfolio and also through hedging with interest rate futures, options and swaps which has become more widely used among banks during the last few years. A couple of descriptive cases are undertaken in order to get a deeper understanding about the impacts of interest rate movements on commercial banks' earnings. In addition, the Swedish commercial bank Ikanobanken's exposure to interest rate risk during the first six months of year 2003 is analyzed in this thesis and we find that Ikanobanken's position was wrong during this period and as a result losses were incurred due to their interest rate exposure.


Kink model is developed to analyze the data where the regression function is twostage linear but intersects at an unknown threshold. In quantile regression with longitudinal data, previous work assumed that the unknown threshold parameters or kink points are heterogeneous across different quantiles. However, the location where kink effect happens tend to be the same across different quantiles, especially in a region of neighboring quantile levels. Ignoring such homogeneity information may lead to efficiency loss for estimation. In view of this, we propose a composite estimator for the common kink point by absorbing information from multiple quantiles. In addition, we also develop a sup-likelihood-ratio test to check the kink effect at a given quantile level. A test-inversion confidence interval for the common kink point is also developed based on the quantile rank score test. The simulation study shows that the proposed composite kink estimator is more competitive with the least square estimator and the single quantile estimator. We illustrate the practical value of this work through the analysis of a body mass index and blood pressure data set.


We fabricated monatomic Fe wires on vicinal Au(111) surfaces and found that decoration of step edges with Fe adatoms has a significant influence on the behavior of surface state electrons confined between regularly arranged steps. On a surface with Fe monatomic rows, angle-resolved photoemission spectra measured in the direction perpendicular to the steps shows parabolic dispersion, in contrast to one-dimensional quantum-well levels observed on a clean surface. Simple analysis using a one-dimensional Kronig-Penney model reveals potential barrier reduction from 20 to 4.6 eV A, suggesting an attractive nature of the Fe adatoms as scatterers.


Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) may be a harbinger of cancer. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is known to increase the risk of VTE, but it is unclear whether VTE in IBD patients is also a marker for occult cancer. We assessed the risk of cancer after VTE in IBD patients. Methods: We conducted a population‐based cohort study by linking Danish medical registries during 1978–2008. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) by comparing observed cancer incidence after VTE in IBD patients with that expected based on national cancer incidence in the Danish population. Results: A total of 895 IBD patients with VTE were followed for a total of 5290 person‐years. During the first year of follow‐up, 28 (3.1%) patients were diagnosed with cancer, corresponding to an SIR of 3.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2, 4.7). Patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease had similar relative risks (SIR = 3.1 [95% CI: 1.9, 4.9] and SIR = 3.5 [95% CI: 1.7, 6.3], respectively). In IBD patients <55 years the SIR was 5.7 (95% CI: 2.3, 11.8) and in patients ≥55 years the SIR was 2.8 (95% CI: 1.8, 4.3). During the second and subsequent years of follow‐up 61 cancers were diagnosed (SIR = 1.2 [95% CI: 0.92, 1.6]). Conclusions: In patients with IBD a VTE event is not only a consequence of their disease, but might also be a marker of occult cancer. We suggest that IBD patients with VTE should follow the same diagnostic work‐up guidelines as non‐IBD VTE patients. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012)


Marei G.I.Kh., Abdelgalei S.A.M. (2018): Antifungal potential and biochemical effects of monoterpenes and phenylpropenes on plant pathogenic fungi. Plant Protect. Sci., 54: 9–16. To develop new natural fungicides, six monoterpenes and two phenylpropenes were tested for their antifungal activity against eight plant pathogenic fungi. The results of the mycelial growth inhibition assay showed that trans-cinnamaldehyde was the most potent compound against the eight tested fungi with EC50 values ranging between 0.75 and 3.19 mg/l. This compound caused the higher mycelial growth inhibition than carbendazim. Furthermore, (–)-menthone exhibited strong antifungal activity against alternaria solani (EC50 = 9.31 mg/l), Penicillium digitatum (EC50 = 16.14 mg/l), and rhizoctonia solani (EC50 = 24.69 mg/l). Likewise, eugenol showed potent antifungal activity against P. digitatum, r. solani, Fusarium solani, and a. solani, whereas EC50 values were less than 30.0 mg/l. In a separate experiment, trans-cinnamaldehyde, p-cymene, eugenol, and (–)-menthone were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on pectin methyl esterase and cellulase. The tested compounds exhibited the pronounced inhibition of enzyme activities with trans-cinnamaldehyde being the most potent inhibitor for both enzymes.


The spectra from Fe-peak elements may be used to determine the temperature and density of various astrophysical objects. Determination of these quantities is underpinned by the accuracy and the comprehensiveness of the underlying atomic structure and collisional calculations. In the following paper, we shall focus specifically on Ni IV lines associated with transitions amongst several low-lying levels. We shall employ modified versions of the parallel Dirac R-matrix codes, considering both electron-impact excitation of Ni$^{3+}$ and the photoionisation of both the ground and excited states of Ni$^{2+}$. We produce high-quality data sets for both processes, and using these data, we calculate line ratios relevant for plasma diagnostics of temperature and density.


Study of the growth responses of Lycopersicon esculentum (Mill. cv. VFN8) to mechanical stimulation applied to a single young internode showed a rapid and sharp decrease in stem elongation and an inhibition of elongation of several internodes, indicative of information transmission in the plant. A new tomato cDNA partial clone encoding calmodulin was isolated and used to study the time course of the gene induction in response to the rubbing treatment. Northern blot analysis showed a maximum accumulation of calmodulin mRNA 2 h after mechanical stimulation, not only in the rubbed internode, but also in upper and lower internodes and in young leaves. Treatment of the plant with calcium and EGTA showed the involvement of calcium and, in particular, intracellular calcium in calmodulin gene expression and cellular response.


We propose a method that reduces the computation time and memory requirement in non-hogel-based hologram synthesis from light field data. The non-hogel-based technique synthesizes coherent complex field for a three-dimensional scene from its light field. Unlike conventional holographic stereogram, the non-hogel-based technique reconstructs continuous parabolic wavefront for individual three-dimensional object point by globally processing the light field. However, the global processing increases the computational load significantly, making it hard to synthesize holograms with high pixel resolution. The proposed technique reduces the computational burden by processing each two-dimensional angular frequency slice of the four-dimensional light field independently. Hologram tiling technique is also proposed to make the hologram synthesis process scalable. Using the hologram tiling and the angular-frequency-slice-based processing, 25K×25 K pixel resolution hologram was synthesized successfully.


The relationship between gas-rich galaxies and Lyα absorbers is addressed in this paper in the context of the baryonic content of galaxy halos. Deep Arecibo H I observations are presented of two gas-rich spiral galaxies within 125 h kpc projected distance of a Lyα absorber at a similar velocity. The galaxies investigated are close to edge-on, and the absorbers lie almost along their major axes, allowing for a comparison of the Lyα absorber velocities with galactic rotation. This comparison is used to examine whether the absorbers are diffuse gas rotating with the galaxies' halos, outflow material from the galaxies, or intergalactic gas in the low-redshift cosmic web. The results indicate that if the gas resides in the galaxies' halos, it is not rotating with the system and is possibly counterrotating. In addition, simple geometry indicates that the gas was not ejected from the galaxies, and there are no gas-rich satellites detected down to 3.6-7.5 × 106 M⊙ or remnants of satellites to 5-6 × 1018 cm-2. The gas could potentially be infalling from large radii, but the velocities and distances are rather high compared to the high-velocity clouds around the Milky Way. The most likely explanation is that the galaxies and absorbers are not directly associated, despite the vicinity of the spiral galaxies to the absorbers (58-77 h kpc from the H I edge). The spiral galaxies reside in a filament of intergalactic gas, and the gas detected by the absorber has not yet come into equilibrium with the galaxy.


The degenerate fundamental mode of a microcavity pillar structure with circular cross section splits into two linearly polarized modes when the shape is changed to elliptical. The quality factor Q of these modes is very different. This letter demonstrates that the high Q mode provides better values of the figure of merit for strong coupling applications, Q∕V), where V is the modal volume, compared to values obtainable in circular structures. The difference in Q is shown to be a consequence of the polarization dependence of the losses through the microcavity mirrors.


Several interpretations can be given to the third truth value in three-valued logics. Here, we consider the case when it refers to the epistemic notion of contradictory, or both true and false at the same time. We study several paraconsistent three-valued logics that carry this concern and show that they can be translated into a fragment of a simple epistemic logic where modalities can only appear in front of literals. This logic is unusual in the sense that necessity modalities distribute over disjunctions instead of conjunctions. An equivalent translation into a fragment of KD modal logic can be obtained by exchanging the role of possibility and necessity modalities, highlighting the perfect symmetry between three-valued logics of contradiction and three-valued logics of incomplete information.


: A total of 39 patients with chronic calculi-free cholecystopancreatitis were evaluated for the reoccurring motility (ROM) of the stomach and duodenum using the method of ionoballoonotensiocinesiography. All patients presented with different types ROM disturbances accompanied in most cases by duodenal hypertension, duodenogastric reflux and reflux-gastritis. The ROM state should be considered in prescribing pathogenetic combined conservative treatment. Principles allowing some judgement about the ROM state have been determined.


Anti-Borna disease virus (BDV) antibodies were detected from cats in Japan, Philippines and Indonesia by using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Positive rates were 3.1%, 3.8% and 2.0% in Japan, Philippines and Indonesia, respectively. There was no differences in the positive rate of anti-BDV antibodies between male and female cats and among habitats. While, a significantly (P<0.05) higher prevalence (6.5%) was found in the oldest age group (more than 6 years) cats.


Some have recently called for expanded reporting of intangible asset values asserting that their limited recognition under U.S. GAAP has eroded the usefulness of financial statements. In response to this interest, accounting researchers have sought to provide empirical evidence on the role of intangibles in equity valuation. Aboody and Lev [1998] document that the software development cost assets which some firms elect to capitalize under SFAS 86 are positively related to share prices. Extending this research to other intangibles is difficult since U.S. GAAP takes a conservative view towards recognition of such assets. Consequently, other studies have examined off-balance sheet measures of intangible asset values (see Lev and Sougiannis [1996], Barth, et al. [1998], and Ittner and Larcker [1998]) or data from other countries where firms face less restrictive reporting rules (see Barth and Clinch [1998]). We contribute to this literature by investigating the role of intangibles in equity valuation under a reporting regime where managers are allowed virtually unrestricted discretion to capitalize intangible assets. Our sample consists of firms with common equity traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the 1920's. These firms operated in a reporting environment which permitted managers broad discretion to initially capitalize intangibles, determine subsequent amortization and revaluation policies, and structure supplementary disclosures (if any). Consequently, pre-SEC industrials firms reported a broad range of intangibles with material carrying amounts on their balance sheets. We investigate the value-relevance of intangible assets using valuation models where intangibles play two possible roles in equity valuation. The first is a direct role where intangibles can map positively into share price and the second is an interactive role where the level of intangibles conditions investor evaluation of reported earnings. If investors perceive capitalized intangibles to be legitimate assets, their carrying values will be positively related to share price. Alternatively, if investors view the capitalization of intangibles as a means for managers to overstate reported earnings, then the coefficient mapping earnings into price will decline as the level of capitalized intangibles increases. The results from our primary tests indicate no significant positive relation between capitalized intangibles and share prices. We do find evidence that the coefficient relating earnings to share price decreases with the level of capitalized intangibles, consistent with a perception by investors that managers may overstate earnings by capitalizing intangibles. We also document that separate reporting for intangible assets strengthens the relation between price and summary balance sheet measures. Book value is not significantly related to share price but the coefficient mapping tangible book value into share price is positive and highly significant when intangibles are disaggregated from book value. Finally, earnings are a highly significant determinant of equity price suggesting that, at least for our sample, investors may identify the existence of economically relevant intangibles on the basis of reported earnings rather than carrying values for intangibles reported in the balance sheet.


Effective shared decision making (SDM) between patients and healthcare providers has been positively associated with health outcomes. However, little is known about the SDM process between Latino patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), and their healthcare providers. Our review of the literature identified unique aspects of Latino LGBTQ persons' culture, health beliefs, and experiences that may affect their ability to engage in SDM with their healthcare providers. Further research needs to examine Latino LGBTQ patient-provider experiences with SDM and develop tools that can better facilitate SDM in this patient population.


Alizarin red S (ARS) is a commonly used organic dye useful in the histologic identification of calcium deposits. ARS also forms colored reaction products with other metal ions, including barium and lead, which are present in primer residue. In histochemical studies, ARS is shown to identify primer residues from several manufacturers as well as primer residue deposited in tissue, either experimentally or in close-range gunshot wounds. This can be easily accomplished with routine histologic techniques. ARS does not stain gunpowder residue, tattoo pigment, melanin, graphite, india ink, or anthracotic pigment.


This research focuses on researching the variables that impact on time in internationalisation processes within the automotive supply industry, and thus for companies further down the supply chain. This is regarded as important, since time is a critical success factor when doing international business in that specific industry (keeping milestones, being ready on time for new vehicle launches in a small window of opportunity etc.). The theories around internationalisation are out-dated, while the global environment is changing ever more rapidly. This supports the idea that a gap in knowledge exists, and explains the wish of the researcher to take a fresh look at internationalisation, specifically at the timing aspects involved. Following an interpretive inductive analytical approach from a neo-empiricist standpoint, the researcher conducted 12 interviews with 5 companies within the industry. The companies comprised all the companies in that sector of industry, listed by the Federal Reserve Bank of North Germany. The outcome of the triangulated data collection and thematic analysis is the BIDS-L-Model (Brand, Information, Direct, Speed, Learning), symbolizing the variables that influence time in the internationalisation process, in chronological order. This model not only fills the gap in knowledge but also, when applied in practice, it will fundamentally change the way suppliers further down the supply chain architecture their internationalisation process, thus leading to massive improvements. The next step is to apply the model using 4 pillars. Firstly, the researcher will teach the model in his role as associate university lecturer. Secondly, he will publish it, e.g. in the Newsletter of the German Association of Automotive Industry, which reaches 600 member companies; and thirdly, he will offer consultancy to small and medium enterprises to help them to achieve successful timing of their internationalisation process. Finally, the researcher will apply the model in his leading Marketing role for Asia in the strategy planning process.


This PhD thesis consists of the documentation, reconstruction and classfication of ten Bantu languages (bolondo , bonyange, ebudza , ebwela, lib bi, ling mb , mond ng , mony ng , mos nge, pagabete) spoken in the geographical area between the Congo and Ubangi Rivers in the north- western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study examines the interaction between these languages and seven neighboring Ubangian languages (gb nz r , g b , ma , mb nz , monz mb , ngbandi, ngbaka-m n gend ). By means of a lexicostatistical study which determines the degree of lexical similarity between the languages under study, a phylogenetic classi cation has been established which integrates these languages in the larger sample of 401 Bantu languages used by Grollemund et al. (2015). This quantitative approach has generated Neighbor-Net and Neighbor-Joining networks as well as Bayesian trees, which indicate the in- ternal sub-groups of the Bantu family in general, and more speci cally of the Bantu languages of the central Congo basin to which the Bantu languages spoken between the Congo and Ubangi Rivers belong. Subsequently, we have undertaken a descriptive and comparative study of the those languages as well as a study of regular sound correspondances with regard to Proto-Bantu. They possess certain foreign phonemes that have not been reconstructed to Proto-Bantu, such as im- plosives and labiovelar stops, which have the status of distinct phonemes. The study of these spe- ci c sounds suggests that they were borrowed from the neighboring Ubangian languages. The lexical comparison also revealed an interaction between Bantu and Ubangian languages. Certain lexical borrowings were transferred from Bantu to Ubangian, while others moved in the opposite direction. Through the comparative method, we have obtained a phonological reconstruction of the hypothetical ancestor language of these langues. This Proto-Congo-Ubangi Bantu split into two sub-branches, i.e. Proto-Congo Bantu and Proto-Ubangi Bantu.


I would like to comment on the recent paper by Dietz et a!, "Effects of Alcoholism on Acetaminophen Pharmacokinetics in Man" (I Clin Pharmacol 1984;24:205-208). Although their conclusion-that the data are consistent with "results. . . which show that pretreatment with alcohol stimulates the cytochrome P-450 [enzymesj. . . and increases the rate of acetaminophen metabolism"-is correct, it leaves the reader with the impression that the changes observed in the pharmacokinetics were due to increases in cytochrome P-450 activity alone. This, however, is inconsistent with what is known about acetaminophen metabolism and elimination in human beings. The recovery of acetaminophen in urine as the cysteine plus mercapturic acid conjugates (following P-450 metabolism) usually accounts for less than 10% of a therapeutic dose. Even a twofold increase in activity of this quantitatively minor metabolic pathway would have little effect on the overall elimination kinetics of acetaminophen. Conversely, it would not be possible to infer anything about the safety of acetaminophen in alcoholics solely on the basis of data on the overall elimination of the drug. Unfortunately, the authors do not indicate how the apparent volume of distribution (Vd) was determined. The calculation of clearance as the product of Vd and eliminalion rate must therefore be questioned in the absence of


The breakdown characteristics of a solid surface covered with a thin layer of hydrocarbon liquid are studied experimentally. Covering the surface with liquids of refractive index similar to that of the solid material increases the breakdown threshold of the surface remarkably. However, a liquid with non-matched refractive index has little effect.


OBJECTIVE
To study the stability of cutaneous anergy in women with or at risk for HIV infection.

DESIGN
Prospective multicenter cohort study

METHODS
Interviews, CD4+ lymphocyte counts, and intradermal skin testing with mumps, Candida, and tetanus toxoid antigens were performed on two occasions at a median interval of 74 weeks in 436 HIV-seropositive and 252 seronegative at-risk women; only 10 (2%) HIV-seropositive women were taking highly active antiretroviral therapy at the time of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) testing. Anergy was defined as induration <2 mm to all three antigens.

RESULTS
Skin test reactivity at repeat testing was seen in 202 of 233 (87%) HIV-seronegative women who were not anergic at baseline, compared with 10 (53%) of 19 seronegative women who were anergic at baseline (relative risk [RR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.5). Anergy at retesting was seen in 108 of 169 (64%) HIV-seropositive women who were previously anergic, compared with 77 of 267 (29%) who were not previously anergic (RR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.8-2.8). Among initially anergic seropositive women, CD4+ lymphocyte counts were lower at both initial and follow-up testing in those who remained anergic than in those who reacted at follow-up (p < .001). The relative risks for anergy at retesting of initially anergic seropositive women, compared with initially reactive seropositive women, were related to CD4+ level; 2.5 (95% CI, 1.4-4.3) for CD4+ counts < 200 cells/mm3, 2.0 (95% CI, 1.5-1.7) for CD4+ counts 200-500 cells/mm3, and 1.6 (95% CI, 0.9-2.8) for CD4+ counts >500 cells/mm3.

CONCLUSIONS
Although anergic HIV-seropositive women may become reactive, cutaneous anergy predicts a higher likelihood of anergy at retesting as well as lower CD4+ counts. Stability of anergy is greatest in HIV-seropositive women with low CD4+ counts.


Influence of noradrenaline and serotonin induced a drop in postcapillary resistance, capillary hydrostatic pressure and the capillary filtration coefficient whereas precapillary regional vascular resistance and the pre- to postcapillary resistance ratio increased. Histamine increased integral, postcapillary resistance and capillary hydrostatic pressure. Acetylcholine decreased pre and postcapillary resistance as well as the integral vascular one, the capillary filtration coefficient increasing, at that. Possible mechanisms of the effects of the drugs under study are discussed.


As tourists are sensitive to weather conditions and changes to the environments they visit, it is likely that climate change will affect coastal recreation in the future. To understand these impacts, it is first important to quantify how visitor numbers are associated with beach characteristics and weather patterns. Using the East Anglian coastline, UK, as a case study, information on the spatial distribution of visitors recorded from aircraft flights is combined with beach characteristic data in a Geographical Information System. In addition, surveys are undertaken at two beaches to assess temporal variations in visitation. The study finds a diverse range of characteristics are associated with visitor numbers. These findings are evaluated alongside the anticipated effects of climate change and management policies. Although it is predicted that warmer weather will increase visitor numbers overall, sea-level rise may reduce numbers at wide sandy beaches, which are currently most preferred by tourists.


Incidences of infection-related cancers are on the rise in developing countries where the prevalence of intestinal nematode worm infections are also high. Trichuris muris (T. muris) is a murine gut-dwelling nematode that is the direct model for human T. trichiura, one of the major soil-transmitted helminth infections of humans. In order to assess whether chronic infection with T. muris does indeed influence the development of cancer hallmarks, both wild type mice and colon cancer model (APC min/+) mice were infected with this parasite. Parasite infection in wild type mice led to the development of neoplastic change similar to that seen in mice that had been treated with the carcinogen azoxymethane. Additionally, both chronic and acute infection in the APCmin/+ mice led to an enhanced tumour development that was distinct to the site of infection suggesting systemic control. By blocking the parasite induced T regulatory response in these mice, the increase in the number of tumours following infection was abrogated. Thus T. muris infection alone causes an increase in gut pathologies that are known to be markers of cancer but also increases the incidence of tumour formation in a colon cancer model. The influence of parasitic worm infection on the development of cancer may therefore be significant.


BACKGROUND: The possibility of additional strategies to enhance the effectiveness of specific immunotherapy (SIT) is highly attractive. The aim of our study was to assess the influence vitamin D(3) associated or not to Lactobacillus Reuteri in asthmatic children on the SIT efficacy. METHODS: It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 112 asthmatic children allergic to house dust mites. Intervention was based on receiving a dose/weight of vitamin D (3) associated to Lactobacillus Reuteri (VD3R+) or no Lactobacillus Reuteri (VDR3R-) or placebo during SIT. We compared in these 3 arms: eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), asthma symptoms and medication scores. RESULTS: After 12 months of SIT, in the group treated with VD3R+ a control of asthma9s symptoms was observed of 24% better than VD3R- group. However, a 50% reduction was observed in the control group. Serum ECP levels decreased significantly in the SIT group with VD3R+ (P = .01 and P = .018) compared to baseline, whereas VD3R- group vs control group values remained similar. We found a statistically significant difference in two group between median pre- and post treatment FeNO levels but better in VD3R+ treated group [22.5 ppb (16.0-29.0 ppb) vs 15.6 ppb (11.8-26.4 ppb), p=0.008], as well as in asthma symptoms (P=0 .001) and medication scores (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SIT with D. pteronyssinus improves immunological and clinical parameters in mite-allergic asthmatic children after 1 year of treatment. Vitamin D(3) associated to Lactobacillus Reuteri increases clinical effects of SIT on asthma better than without Lactobacilli Reuteri.


Urban freight transport is a matter of increasing concern in the economic, commercial, social and environmental operations of our cities, due to the constantly increasing growth and urbanization of the civilization. An improved managem ent of the traffic related to the freight transport can have a positive impact in many respects : security, congestion of the road network, noise and air pollution, costs. City Logistics studies the dynamic management of urban freight transport in order to deliver distribution systems solutions that may be suitable for both the community and freight carriers. This thesis originates from the ANR Project MODUM, which proposes a freight distribution system based on a ring of Urban Distribution Centers (UDCs) located in the outskirts of a city. In the first part, this system is studied from both a strategic and a tactical point of view. The Multicommodity-Ring Location Routing Problem (MRLRP) considers long-term decisions, i.e. the installation of the UDCs and the ring connection, without disregarding more tactical aspects. The MRLRP has been tackled by three solution methods, which proved effective on a large set of test instances. In the second part of the thesis, the Vehicle Routing Problem with Intermediate Replenishment Facilities (VRPIRF) is studied. The VRPIRF is a more tactical problem that arises in City Logistics each time both the multi-trip and the multi-depot features, i.e. the possibility for a vehicle to be reloaded at one of a set of facilities, are present. Several exact algorithms, namely two of type Branch&Cut and two of type Branch& Price, have been developed for this problem. computational experiments on benchmark instances taken from the literature have been conducted to assess their performance, leading to very promising results.


A nonlinear thermodynamic formalism based on Ginzburg-Landau-Devonshire theory is developed to describe the total free energy density in (001)-oriented, compositionally graded, and monodomain ferroelectric films including the relative contributions and importance of flexoelectric, gradient, and depolarization energy terms. The effects of these energies on the evolution of the spontaneous polarization, dielectric permittivity, and the pyroelectric coefficient as a function of position throughout the film thickness, temperature, and epitaxial strain state are explored. In general, the presence of a compositional gradient and the three energy terms tend to stabilize a polar, ferroelectric state even in compositions that should be paraelectric in the bulk. Flexoelectric effects produce large built-in fields which diminish the temperature dependence of the polarization and susceptibilities. Gradient energy terms, here used to describe short-scale correlation between dipoles, have minimal impact on the polarization and susceptibilities. Finally, depolarization energy significantly impacts the temperature and strain dependence, as well as the magnitude, of the susceptibilities. This approach provides guidance on how to more accurately model compositionally graded films and presents experimental approaches that could enable differentiation and determination of the constitutive coefficients of interest.


ABSTRACT In this work, we apply the Stochastic Grid Bundling Method (SGBM) to numerically solve backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs). The SGBM algorithm is based on conditional expectations approximation by means of bundling of Monte Carlo sample paths and a local regress-later regression within each bundle. The basic algorithm for solving the backward stochastic differential equations will be introduced and an upper error bound is established for the local regression. A full error analysis is also conducted for the explicit version of our algorithm and numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate various properties of our algorithm.


Dosimetric uncertainties in very small (≤1.5 × 1.5 cm2 ) photon fields are remarkably higher, which undermines the validity of the virtual cone (VC) technique with a diminutive and variable MLC fields. We evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of the VC method with a very small, fixed MLC field setting, called a fixed virtual cone (fVC), for small target radiosurgery such as trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). The fVC is characterized by 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm high-definition (HD) MLC field of 10MV FFF beam defined at 100 cm SAD, while backup jaws are positioned at 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm. A spherical dose distribution equivalent to 5 mm (diameter) physical cone was generated using 10-14 non-coplanar, partial arcs. Dosimetric accuracy was validated using SRS diode (PTW 60018), SRS MapCHECK (SNC) measurements. As a quality assurance measure, 10 treatment plans (SRS) for TGN, consisting of various arc ranges at different collimator angles were analyzed using 6 MV FFF and 10 MV FFF beams, including a field-by-field study (n = 130 fields). Dose outputs were compared between the Eclipse TPS and measurements (SRS MapCHECK). Moreover, dosimetric changes in the field defining fVC, prompted by a minute (± 0.5-1.0 mm) leaf shift, was examined among TPS, diode measurements, and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The beam model for fVC was validated (≤3% difference) using SRS MapCHECK based absolute dose measurements. The equivalent diameters of the 50% isodose distribution were found comparable to that of a 5 mm cone. Additionally, the comparison of field output factors, dose per MU between the TPS and SRS diode measurements using the fVC field, including ± 1 mm leaf shift, yielded average discrepancies within 5.5% and 3.5% for 6 MV FFF and 10 MV FFF beams, respectively. Overall, the fVC method is a credible alternative to the physical cone (5 mm) that can be applied in routine radiosurgical treatment of TGN.


Densities and viscosities binary liquid mixtures of methyl methacrylate with octane-1-ol, decane-1-ol, octane-2-ol and decane-2-ol at 298.15 and 308.15 K and at atmospheric pressure were measured. Excess molar volumes and viscosity deviation were calculated and have been fitted to Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. The mixture viscosities were correlated using Hind, Choudhary-Katti, Grunberg-Nissan, Tamura-Kurata, Heric–Brewer, McAllister three and four body model equations. Recently proposed Jouyban Acree model was also used to correlate density and viscosity. Intermolecular interactions explained in terms of structure breaking dispersion forces. A graphical representation of excess molar volumes shows positive nature whereas deviation in viscosity shows negative nature. Positive values of excess molar volumes show that volume expansion is taking place causing rupture of H-bonds in self associated alcohols. Results are discussed in terms of molecular interactions prevailing in mixture.


Members of the Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC) are a highly antibiotic-resistant complex of organisms within the genus Mycobacterium, increasingly acknowledged as a significant cause of lung infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Current methods of isolation of MABSC are hindered by the fact that they grow at a slower rate in culture than other microorganisms with many patient samples having to be discarded due to the overgrowth of more rapidly growing species. Decontamination of samples has shown to have an adverse effect upon the viability of MABSC, therefore improvements in the isolation of MABSC are urgently required in order to offer the possibility of a more rapid and accurate diagnosis.

A novel medium (RGM) was developed for the isolation of MABSC. Commercially available pre-poured media were compared with RGM and challenged with isolates of rapidly growing mycobacteria and other species. In addition, in a multi-centre study sputum samples collected from patients with CF were inoculated onto RGM medium, BCSA and standard automated liquid culture method and assessed for growth. RGM demonstrated superior sensitivity over currently used methods without any requirement for decontamination and could easily be incorporated into any laboratory alongside routine culture for other CF pathogens.

Chromogenic and fluorogenic substrates were investigated for the possibility of differentiating between subspecies within the MABSC complex. However, the results established that these would not provide any additional benefit to RGM.

Possible environmental sources were explored in order to establish how patients with CF were acquiring MABSC. Although person-to-person transmission has been suggested, there are very few reports to substantiate this at present and many questions remain unanswered. In this study, MABSC was not isolated from any of the environments screened.

Finally, a selection of antimicrobials were investigated against MABSC with the purpose of ascertaining susceptibility and whether any may be used for a more successful treatment outcome. There were no clinically applicable results therefore further work is required in this area.

To conclude, RGM is a novel culture medium, which can be embedded alongside routine culture for other CF pathogens without any requirement for decontamination. This means that all respiratory samples submitted from patients with CF can be conveniently cultured for NTM, considerably improving the service offered to clinicians and patients. Furthermore, it is likely that formal AFB culture methods could be replaced by use of such a medium, potentially enabling substantial savings in terms of materials and labour time.


Purpose Magnetic nanoparticles have been used in diverse pharmaceutical applications because they can potentially be used to target specific sites. In the present work, a new type of nanocomposites is designed as a carrier of controlled bioactive agent delivery. Methods Amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (amine-MNPs) are coupled with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) to generate the nanocomposites, namely MNPs-CMC, which can be further loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) to produce MNPs-CMC-DOX. The generated nanocomposites are characterized by using various techniques (including FTIR, 1H-NMR, DSC, TGA, SEM, TEM and XRD). In vitro drug release studies are conducted in PBS with different pH values (1.2 and 6.8) at different temperatures (25°C and 37°C). The toxicity of the nanocomposites is tested in MCF-7 and 3T3 cells. The ROS-generating capacity of the nanocomposites is determined in treated cells using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Results The structures of MNPs, CMC, and nanocomposites are confirmed by FTIR, XRD, and 1H-NMR data reveals the formation of CMC from chitosan (CS). The size of MNPs is estimated by TEM to be around 25 nm. After conjugation with CMC, the size of the nanocomposites increases to 46–57 nm. Based on the release profiles of MNPs-CMC-DOX, our nanocomposites are pH-responsive. In addition, our nanocomposites show reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating capacity and cell type-dependent toxicity. Conclusion Our nanocomposites show high potential for use in bioactive agent delivery. Along with their ROS-generating capacity, they warrant further development as pH-responsive carriers for therapeutic applications.


Abstract Hypertriglyceridemia… From mild to fatal! … Is Time for Awareness. Hypertriglyceridemia can be primary or acquired. High triglycerides are related to complications such as pancreatitis and there is a positive correlation between hypertriglyceridemia and atherosclerotic burden. In this case series we aim to discuss pancreatitis as a hypertriglyceridemia complication and to acknowledge the importance of prevention and management. Is there something we can do to raise awareness and avoid complications as in the cases? All cases present with chief complaint of epigastric cramp-like abdominal pain, radiating to the back, nausea/vomiting and with highly lipemic blood samples. 38y/o F admitted after been found with lipase 268 U/L (n<60 U/L), amylase 131 U/L (n<100 U/L) and findings of pancreatitis on CT scan. Patient with one-year history of T2DM refers this is the 4th episode of pancreatitis and reports that last time she was told about having triglycerides in 4,000 mg/dL for which she went to her physician that prescribe her Fenofibrate. Patient triglycerides were 7,931 mg/dL (n<199 mg/dL) and found with poorly controlled diabetes with HgbA1c 8.4%. She was properly managed, and triglycerides decrease to 1,309 mg/dL. 31y/o F with elevated lipase (237 U/L, n<60 U/L) and findings of pancreatitis on CT scan was admitted and found with 7,755 mg/dL triglycerides. She refers to have endometriosis for which she uses OCPs for >5years. She develops intractable abdominal pain along with abdominal distension and progress to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) requiring mechanical ventilation. She had a prolonged ICU stay and after management triglycerides decrease to 95mg/dL, symptoms resolve, and patient was discharge. 48y/o F with pancreatitis, lipase levels 1,452 U/L, amylase 744 U/L and positive imaging findings. Patient with uncontrolled diabetes (HgbA1c 11.0%) and breast mass s/p lumpectomy for which she used tamoxifen for the last 2 years. Triglycerides 7,444mg/dL on Gemfibrozil started due to previous levels found >4,000 mg/dL on outpatient evaluation. She deteriorates clinically and develops renal failure, abdominal compartment syndrome, respiratory distress and hypotension requiring mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. On repeated abdominal CT pancreas changes were suggestive of fulminant pancreatitis. Patient did not respond to treatment and passed away 48 hours after admission. Hypertriglyceridemia complications can be mild or fatal as in these cases. They were evaluated by a primary care physician before complications occur and had secondary causes that predispose them to hypertriglyceridemia, but they were not addressed, reason for which these scenarios raise concern of how much we know? How much we are doing to prevent these outcomes?... Awareness of hypertriglyceridemia management and adverse effects is necessary to avoid complications and fatal outcomes. Is time!


The majority of lung cancer patients have tumor‐derived genetic alterations in circulating plasma DNA that could be exploited as a diagnostic tool. We used fluorescent microsatellite analysis to detect alterations in plasma and tumor DNA in 34 patients who underwent bronchoscopy for lung cancer, including 11 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 23 nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (12 adenocarcinomas, 11 squamous cell carcinomas) and 20 controls. Allelotyping was performed with a selected panel of 12 microsatellites from 9 chromosomal regions 3p21, 3p24, 5q, 9p, 9q, 13q, 17p, 17q and 20q. Plasma DNA allelic imbalance (AI) was found in 88% (30 of 34 patients), with a similar sensitivity in SCLC and NSCLC. In the 24 paired available tumor tissues, 83% (20 of 24) presented at least 1 AI. Among these patients, 85% (17 of 20) presented also at least 1 AI in paired plasma DNA, but the location of the allelic alterations in paired plasma and tumor DNA could differ, suggesting the presence of heterogeneous tumor clones. None of the 20 controls displayed plasma or bronchial DNA alteration. A reduced panel of six markers (at 3p, 5q, 9p, 9q) showed a sensitivity of 85%. Moreover, a different panel of microsatellites at 3p and 17p13 in SCLC and at 5q, 9p, 9q and 20q in NSCLC patients could be specifically used. Analysis of plasma DNA using this targeted panel could be a valuable noninvasive test and a useful tool to monitor disease progression without assessing the tumor. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


The 21st century has seen a spike in virus outbreaks. The Coronavirus infection in 2019, originating from Wuhan Province, China, spread across the world and was declared a pandemic. It led to the imposition of lockdowns in different parts of the world, as lockdowns were an effective and essential way to break down the cycle of infection. Physical distancing was the most significant measure to break the infection cycle. The Coronavirus infection outbreak has seen a concurrent spike in mental health risks worldwide. Mental health is considered to be one of the important components of overall health issues. A good mental health state is when people are stable with the environment and should not be effortlessly upset. They should know their requirements, difficulties, and goals properly; if they face problems, a trial should be done to solve them logically to cope with stress and anxiety. COVID-19 has set off a wide variation of mental issues, for example, anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. Most of the studies have reported negative impacts, including anger, stress indications, and confusion. Healthcare providers who have worked around the look after patients had also found a need for emphasis on mental health. Mental health awareness among the general population has gained importance since the high spike rise of mental health issues. This has garnered popularity in the general population and clinicians to pay due attention to mental health. Awareness and measures to keep mental health issues at bay need to be emphasized and undertaken. This organized review targets to highlight the psychological impact on the general population and associated risk factors that are components of aggravation.


Blood bank staff, 8 out of 25 (32%) have been exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the prevalence of HBV markers in blood bank employees handling high risk subjects show hepatitis B surface antigen (n = 1), hepatitis B surface antibody (n = 7), hepatitis B core antibody (n = 6) and combined hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis B core antibody (n = 6) seropositivity but all are negative to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Serum alanine aminotransferase was raised in the employees than normal subjects and it is suggestive of sub-clinical hepatitis. The employees of blood bank should be trained for proper handling of test materials and must be periodically monitored for HBV and HIV. Immunisation for HBV is mandatory only for the employees of transfusion centre which handles high risk subjects.


In April 1984, the US FDA was notified of an unusual clinical syndrome consisting of ascites, liver and renal failure, thrombocytopenia, and death among low birth weight infants exposed to an intravenous vitamin E preparation, E-Ferol. The product, which had not been tested for safety prior to marketing, was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in early April. To further investigate the reported associations, the FDA conducted a retrospective cohort study among seven neonatal intensive care units where the product had been used. Standardized abstraction forms were completed for infants admitted to a unit between Nov 1, 1983, and April 30, 1984. Included in the study were 379 infants weighing 2,000 g or less and surviving at least two days; 148 (39%) had been exposed to E-Ferol. Compared with the unexposed infants, the exposed infants were more likely to die and to have ascites, hepatomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and a combination of clinical events similar to the syndrome initially reported. We conclude that the use of E-Ferol in these neonatal intensive care units was associated with increased morbidity and mortality among exposed infants.


The web system described here provides features to monitor the ATLAS Detector Control System (DCS) acquired data. The DCS is responsible for overseeing the coherent and safe operation of the ATLAS experiment hardware. In the context of the Hadronic Tile Calorimeter Detector (TileCal), it controls the power supplies of the readout electronics acquiring voltages, currents, temperatures and coolant pressure measurements. The physics data taking requires the stable operation of the power sources. The TileDCS Web System retrieves automatically data and extracts the statistics for given periods of time. The mean and standard deviation outcomes are stored as XML files and are compared to preset thresholds. Further, a graphical representation of the TileCal cylinders indicates the state of the supply system of each detector drawer. Colors are designated for each kind of state. In this way problems are easier to find and the collaboration members can focus on them. The user selects a module and the system presents detailed information. It is possible to verify the statistics and generate charts of the parameters over the time. The TileDCS Web System also presents information about the power supplies latest status. One wedge is colored green whenever the system is on. Otherwise it is colored red. Furthermore, it is possible to perform customized analysis. It provides search interfaces where the user can set the module, parameters, and the time period of interest. The system also produces the output of the retrieved data as charts, XML files, CSV and ROOT files according to the user's choice.


these crowns in clinic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of SSC to composite resin using different surface treatments and adhesives. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 90 stainless steel crowns were selected. They were mounted in molds and divided into 3 groups of 30 each (S, E and F). In group S (sandblast), buccal surfaces were sandblasted for 5 seconds. In group E (etch) acidic gel was applied for 5 minutes and in group F (fissure bur) surface roughness was created by fissure diamond bur. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups (SB, AB, P) based on different adhesives: Single Bond, All Bond2 and Panavia F. Composite was then bonded to specimens. Cases were incubated in 100% humidity at 37°C for 24 hours. Shear bond strength was measured by Zwick machine with crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test with p<0.05 as the limit of significance. Results: There was no statistical interaction between surface treatment and adhesive type (P>0.05) so the two variables were studied separately. No significant difference was observed in mean shear bond strength of composite among the three kinds of adhesives (P>0.05). Similar results were obtained regarding surface treatments (P>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, treating the SSC surface with bur and using single bond adhesive and composite can be used successfully to obtain esthetic results in pediatric restorative treatments.