This paper presents an adaptive control scheme for nonlinear systems that violates some of the common regularity and structural conditions of current nonlinear adaptive schemes such as involutivity, existence of a well-defined relative degree, and minimum phase property. While the controller is designed using an approximate model with suitable properties, the parameter update law is derived from an observation error based on the exact model described in suitable coordinates. The authors show that this approach results in a stable, closed-loop system and achieves adaptive tracking with bounds on the tracking error and parameter estimates. The authors also present a constructive procedure for adaptive state regulation which is based on the quadratic linearization technique via dynamic state feedback. This regulation scheme does not impose any restriction on the location of the unknown parameters and is applicable to any linearly controllable nonlinear system.


Purpose of reviewActivated mast cells, basophils, and CD4+ helper T cells have critical roles in allergic inflammation. Therefore, devising ways to specifically inhibit these cells will likely be useful for controlling allergic inflammation. We summarize recent findings regarding the role of mast cells and basophils in allergic responses and the regulation of signaling pathways downstream of the IgE receptor, the chief inducer of mast cell and basophil activation. We also highlight studies addressing the roles of the protein tyrosine kinases Zap-70 and Itk in immune system development and in the regulation of CD4+ helper T cell responses. Recent findingsRecent work has demonstrated that mast cell function is unexpectedly diverse and that basophils have a more prominent role in Th2-type immune responses than previously appreciated. Biochemical analysis of the IgE receptor signaling pathway has led to insights regarding the roles of phosphatases and other enzymes in this process. Studies of Zap-70 and Itk have helped to define the potential outcomes and complications of inhibiting these enzymes in order to suppress allergic inflammation. SummaryAnalysis of genetically engineered mice and biochemical studies continue to help unravel the molecular pathways that drive allergic inflammatory reactions. The knowledge acquired may lead to novel approaches for suppressing allergic inflammation.


Surveillance involves the collection and analysis of data for the detection and monitoring of threats to public health. Surveillance should also inform as to the epidemiology of the threat and its burden in the population. A further key component of surveillance is the timely feedback of data to stakeholders with a view to generating action aimed at reducing or preventing the public health threat being monitored. Surveillance of antibiotic resistance involves the collection of antibiotic susceptibility test results undertaken by microbiology laboratories on bacteria isolated from clinical samples sent for investigation. Correlation of these data with demographic and clinical data for the patient populations from whom the pathogens were isolated gives insight into the underlying epidemiology and facilitates the formulation of rational interventions aimed at reducing the burden of resistance. This article describes a range of surveillance activities that have been undertaken in the UK over a number of years, together with current interventions being implemented. These activities are not only of national importance but form part of the international response to the global threat posed by antibiotic resistance.


Background: Little is known about the prevalence of thyroid disorders and their associated anemia in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The aim of the current study was to measure the prevalence and types of thyroid disorders and their relationship with anemia frequency and types in non-pregnant Saudi females during the childbearing age. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 600 non-pregnant females (between ≥18 and ≤45 years) with no history of thyroid dysfunction, chronic diseases, and/or anemia to measure serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, erythrocyte indices, and iron parameters. Results: Thyroid disorders were detected in 118 participants (19.6%), and occult hypothyroidism was the most prevalent type (70/118) followed by overt hypothyroidism (38/118) and hyperthyroidism (10/118). Anemia was detected in 52 females with abnormal thyroid (44%) and the prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to euthyroid (14.3%). The red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit value, serum iron, and serum ferritin were significantly lower in thyroid disorder compared to euthyroid group (p < 0.05). Erythrocyte indices correlated significantly with serum free T4, while iron parameters correlated with serum TSH (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Thyroid disorders are common in non-pregnant females in the Western province of Saudi Arabia, and they are associated with an increase in the prevalence of both anemia and iron deficiency. Further studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanism (s) contributing to the development of thyroiditis-induced anemia in the kingdom and the role of thyroid hormones in iron metabolism.


The supplier selection process can be done using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods in firms. There are many MCDM Methods, but firms must choose the method suitable with the firm condition. Company A has analyzed supplier's ranking using TOPSIS method. TOPSIS method has a marjor weakness in its subjective weighting. This flaw is overcome using AHP method weighting having undergone a consistency test. In this study, the comparison of supplier's ranking using TOPSIS and AHP-TOPSIS method used correlation test. The aim of this paper is to determine different result from two methods. Data in suppliers' ranking is ordinal data, so this process used Spearman's rank and Kendall's tau b correlation. If most of the ranked scored are same, Kendall's tau b correlation should be used. The other way, Spearman rank should be used. The result of this study is that most of the ranked scored are different, so the process used Spearman rank p-value of Spearman's rank correlation of 0.505. It is greater than 0.05, means there is no statistically significant correlation between two methods. Furthermore, increment or decrement of supplier's ranking in one method is not significantly related to the increment or decrement of supplier's ranking in the second method


CONTEXT
Hyperthyroidism is frequently associated with emotional distress. The underlying cerebral processes of the endocrine-induced mood changes are unclear.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the neuronal correlates of thyrotoxicosis-associated psychic symptoms using positron emission tomography (PET).

DESIGN
The study was designed as a cross-sectional trial.

SETTING
The study was performed at joint nuclear medicine and thyroid clinics.

PATIENTS
Twelve patients with untreated Graves' hyperthyroidism were evaluated.

METHODS
Levels of emotional distress were self-rated by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Both patients and 20 age- and gender-matched euthyroid controls underwent a brain fluorodeoxyglucose PET scan. Subsequently, the functional relationship between brain metabolism and the psychometric scores was analyzed.

RESULTS
Compared with controls and visualized by fluorodeoxyglucose PET, hyperthyroid patients showed a decreased (P < 0.0001) glucose metabolism in the limbic system (uncus and inferior temporal gyrus). Activation foci in the posterior cingulate and in the inferior parietal lobe were correlated with both anxiety and depression scales (P < 0.001). Compared with patients with normal anxiety levels, those with increased anxiety yielded an enhanced glucose metabolism (P < 0.001) in the bilateral sensory association cortex. Serum free T3/free T4 levels negatively correlated with regional glucose metabolism in the medial posterior cingulate.

CONCLUSIONS
Thyrotoxicosis and associated psychic symptoms are correlated to regional metabolic changes in the main structures of the limbic/paralimbic system.


Objective:To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of congenital pyriform sinus fistula(CPSF) in newborn. Methods:Clinical data of 5 patients with CPSF innewborn were reviewed and the clinical symptoms, auxiliary examinations, surgical methods were analyzed after the operation, patients were followed up closely at different stages. Results:All the 5 neonates successfully completed the surgery without pharyngeal fistula, dysphagia, perifistula and distal fistula infection. Follow-up survey ranged from 3 months to 2 years and no one recurred. Conclusion:Neonatal CPSF is a rare disease with a short course of disease and rapid progression. In severe cases, it may threaten life and should be treated in time.


The contamination of water resources by nonpoint-source fecal pollution is a major concern to human health and water quality throughout the world. The Santa Ana River (SAR) in southern California is an impaired stream with historically high fecal coliform counts. This study evaluated the presence of indicator bacteria at 13 sites in the middle Santa Ana River watershed (MSAR). The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine spatial and temporal characteristics of fecal bacteria loading during dry weather (low or baseline) flow, wet weather (storm) flow, and recessional flow (72 h after storm) along two creeks, at two wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) outlets, and at a control site in the MSAR; and (2) determine how the various sampling locations affected indicator bacteria concentrations in the watershed. Total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC), E. coli, enterococci, and total bacterial concentrations were characterized at 13 locations in the watershed over a two-year period. Analysis of covariance (ANOCOVA) was used to test each specific set of bacteria counts, site effects, water flow conditions, and the four water quality covariate effects. Our results showed that the control site (S1) and WWTP estimates always showed significantly lower indicator bacteria than the channels influenced by urban runoff and agricultural activities. The water flow effects indicated that the recessional flow transported significantly lower bacterial counts into the watershed than either the dry weather flow or the storm or wet weather flow. In addition, bacterial count estimates changed far more significantly across different sites in comparison to estimates across seasons or time. These results imply that total TC, FC, E. coli, and enterococci bacterial counts in the MSAR watershed were strongly influenced by spatial location effects, with contamination due to local agricultural and/or urban runoff, in contrast to elevated upstream contamination and/or discharge contamination associated with the two WWTPs. Therefore, this study has provided data for evaluation of the Santa Ana River watershed's total maximum daily load (TMDL) management plans that could also be applicable to other large watersheds with different nonpoint-source pollutants.


Eighty-eight high-risk patients underwent application of a partial occlusion, Teflon inferior vena cava clip as an incidental procedure during the course of laparotomy. No deaths occurred as a result of the clip and when compared to a control group of similar patients, no increase in postoperative thrombotic complications was observed. Three patients (3.4%) had clinical evidence of small pulmonary emboli in spite of the clip as compared to a like number of large, life-endangering emboli requiring vena cava interruption in the control series. Prophylactic inferior vena cava clipping performed as an incidental procedure during laparotomy on high risk patients appears to be a safe procedure which does not significantly increase postoperative complications, morbidity, or mortality and should prevent the large lethal pulmonary embolus although smaller emboli, large enough to produce symptoms, may pass through.


We describe a successful, prolonged, inhibition of preterm labor using nifedipine combined with terbutaline in a patient undergoing complicated obstetrical problems. Delivery was delayed for two months and no significant ill effects were observed in the mother or her infant. This case reports the longest duration and the safe use of nifedipine for tocolysis, to date. A review of reports of the use of calcium channel-blockers in preterm labor is also presented.


This study was undertaken to apply Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG avidity test in seropositive pregnant women to differentiate acute and past infection. T. gondii specific IgG avidity test was conducted in 39 seropositive pregnant women and their pregnancy outcomes were observed later on. Out of 39 T. gondii seropositive pregnant women 33 (84%) were only IgG positive and 6 (15.4%) were both IgG-IgM positive. All the IgG positive cases (100%) and 2(33.3%) IgG-IgM positive cases had high avidity antibodies and they gave birth to healthy babies. Rest of the 4 (66.7%) IgG-IgM positive women had low avidity and 50% of them had abortion and 50% gave birth to unhealthy babies. This reveals that the seropositive mothers having high IgG avidity had past infection and no risk of congenital transmission. Seropositive mothers having low IgG avidity had acute infection and so congenital transmission occurred. Presence of T. gondii specific IgG and IgM antibody does not indicate acute infection always. IgG-IgM positive pregnant women should be further evaluated by IgG avidity assay to confirm acute infection.


Quadrature amplitude modulation based Filter-bank multicarrier (QAM-FBMC) is a promising technology for 5G and beyond. Compared to OFDM, QAM-FBMC can provide better spectral confinement and lower out-of-band emissions (OOBE). These advantages come with the cost of high intrinsic interference and bit error rate (BER) degradation. In this paper, we propose different receivers to improve the performance of the QAM-FBMC systems. The simulation results show that the proposed receivers, based on minimum mean square error (MMSE) and iterative interference cancellation (IIC), are able to significantly enhance the system performance.


In a prospective study on the integrity of the interatrial septum in the neonates, multiple interatrial septal defects or openings with shunting were discovered in nine neonates by means of the color flow mapping technique used in their first week of life among 130 Chinese neonates. Eight of the nine neonates had two openings each, and the remaining one had four openings. Thus a total of 20 openings were found in the 9 neonates. Openings located between the tip of the flap valve and the superior limbus of the foramen ovale were classified as "location A openings" (valve-like openings). Those located at the flap valve itself were classified as "location B openings" (fenestrations). Each of the 9 neonates had one opening at location A, eight of them had another opening at location B; one had three openings at location B. Six of the nine neonates were followed up at age of one month, three months and six months by means of color-flow mapping, with a total of six openings at location A and eight openings at location B. Four out of the six openings of location A and seven out of the eight openings at location B closed spontaneously before the age of six months. In conclusion, seven percent (9/130) of these Chinese neonates have multiple interatrial openings. The openings tend to close spontaneously, regardless of their locations.


A surface-micromachined, high-pressure sensor with polysilicon piezoresistors for oil well applications has been successfully developed. This work represents the first report of a nitride-diaphragm (3μm thick) oil-well pressure sensor with a diaphragm diameter of 44μm. The sensors have been calibrated up to 4000 psi. A sensitivity of 7.7 μV/V/psi is obtained. With 5 V excitation voltage, the full scale output (FSO, 4000 psi) is 154 mV. The nonlinearity is less than ± 0.2% of FSO. The hysteresis is less than 0.04% of FSO. A temperature coefficient of 25 μV/V/°C (equivalent to 0.08% of FSO/°C) is observed under 1000 psi pressure bias.


We study the impact of local agglomeration economies on stock market participation. Using multiple datasets, we find that when the industry in which individuals work is locally agglomerated, they are more likely to participate in the stock market and, conditional on participation, allocate more to stocks. Further, we show that this relationship is especially strong among skilled workers. We find that the local agglomeration effect is not explained by risk tolerance, worker inertia, or a preference for stocks of firms that are in the same industry as the worker. Instead, our findings are consistent with local agglomeration enhancing human capital and in turn, raising workers' optimal allocations to risky assets. More generally, our analysis underscores the role of geography in shaping human capital and household financial decisions.


Regardless of one's approach to the evaluation of hydronephrosis, nuclear imaging should be part of every child's evaluation, as it is the only imaging modality capable of providing significant renal function information. The studies can easily be performed on an outpatient basis without sedation. Diuretic renal scintigraphy is deceptively simple to perform, and commitment to detail is exceedingly important if the results are to be valid. Radioisotope transit time may also be helpful, although its calculation is technically difficult. Determination of the function of the kidneys individually is possible by several methods.


OBJECTIVE
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning of "Quchi" (LI11) and "Xuehai" (SP10) on mast cell (MC) degranulation, and expressions of inositol triphosphate(IP3), reactive oxygen species (ROS), transient receptor potential (TRP) M2, calmodulin (CaM) in rats with urticaria, so as to reveal its molecular mechanism under-lying improving urticaria.

METHODS
Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, preconditioning of EA (Pre-EA) and medication groups (n=8 rats/group). The urticaria model was established by intradermal injection of dilute allogeneic antioalbumin serum at the spots of the bilateral symmetry of the spine on the back, and followed by tail venous injection of mixture solution of egg albumin diluent, plus 0.5% Evans blue and normal saline. Ten days before the end of modeling, rats of the pre-EA group received EA stimulation of LI11 and SP10 for 20 min, once a day for 10 consecutive days, and those of the medication group received gavage of loratadine tablets diluted solution (1 mg/kg) once a day for 10 days. The times of rat's scratching the sensitized skin were recorded, the diameter of the sensitized blue spots was measured and the degranulation rate of skin MCs was counted under microscope after toluidine blue staining. The expression levels of IP3, ROS, TRPM2 and CaM in the skin tissue were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blot, respectively.

RESULTS
Compared with the blank control group, the scratching times, diameter of the sensitized blue spots, degranulation rate of MCs, and the expression levels of ion channel related proteins (IP3, ROS, TRPM2 and CaM) were significantly increased (P<0.01) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the scratching times, diameter of sensitized blue spot, degranulation rate of MCs, and the expression levels of IP3, ROS, TRPM2 and CaM in both pre-EA and medication groups were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05). No significant differences were found between Pre-EA and medication groups in down-regulating the levels of the above-mentioned 7 indexes.

CONCLUSION
EA-LI11 and SP10 preconditioning can reduce the cutaneous anaphylaxis in urticaria rats, which may be related to its effects in inhibiting the degranulation of MCs, and the expression of TRP channel related proteins.


panel of ex- perts. These metrics represent a common system to train and objec-tively assess trainee capacity to perform TURB. They will be used to develop the fi rst PBP-based training curriculum for TURB. The metrics represent a milestone of change in the training paradigm for one of the most commonly performed urological procedures.


Objectives: To achieve an approximation the social representations of patients about their disease. and about its treatment. Methodology: This is a qualitative study on social representations based on the interpretive paradigm and through an in-depth interview, for which a guide of topics or categories was used, based on the objectives of the study. The study population was made up of patients treated in the Endocrinology Units of the Antonio Lorena and Regional Hospitals of Cusco, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and of Quechua origin evidenced by their mother tongue. The sample is non-probabilistic for convenience, the representativeness of the discourse was sought for this, reaching 30 interviews based on the saturation criterion. The information analysis included 1. The transcription (from oral Quechua to written Quechua) and the translation of the interviews and 2. The computerized processing of the interviews, for which purpose the RQDA (Research qualitative data analysis) computer program was used. Results: The ideas that patients have about the cause of their disease and the changes that it produces reflect the influence of Modern Medicine and Andean and Popular Medicine. On the other hand, for the treatment of their disease, they consider it useful to combine the medications that have been indicated in the health service with the resources of Andean and Popular Medicine (medicinal herbs and other natural products). Conclusion: The patients in our study have an intercultural approach to approach and treat.


2,4-Diamino-5-benzylpyrimidines 1-23 with lipophilic substitution in the benzylic moiety were synthesized by the morpholino-anilino-procedure. Their effects against various mycobacteria were verified by MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) in whole cells and I50-measurements in whole cell and cell-free systems. Especially the substances 7-12 are strong inhibitors of some atypical mycobacterial strains which are sometimes associated with tuberculosis in the elderly and with AIDS. They might be promising candidates for therapy.


Abstract Functional and morphological evolution of remnant pancreas after resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma is investigated. The medical records of 45 patients who had undergone radical resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma from March 2010 to September 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 34 patients in the pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) group and 10 patients in the distal pancreatectomy (DP) group. One patient received total pancreatectomy. The endocrine function was measured using the glucose tolerance index (GTI), which was derived by dividing daily maximum serum glucose fluctuation by daily minimum glucose. Remnant pancreas volume (RPV) was estimated by considering pancreas body and tail as a column, and head as an ellipsoid, respectively. The pancreatic atrophic index (PAI) was defined as the ratio of pancreatic duct width to total pancreas width. Representative indices of each patient were compared before and after resection up to 2 years postoperatively. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of GTI for diagnosing DM was 0.823 (95% confidence interval, 0.699–0.948, P < .001). Overall, GTI increased on postoperative day 1 (POD#1, mean ± standard deviation, 1.79 ± 1.40 vs preoperative, 1.02 ± 1.41; P = .001), and then decreased by day 7 (0.89 ± 1.16 vs POD#1, P < .001). In the PD group, the GTI on POD#14 became lower than preoperative (0.51 ± 0.38 vs 0.96 ± 1.37; P = .03). PAI in the PD group was significantly lower at 1 month postoperatively (0.22 ± 0.12 vs preoperative, 0.38 ± 0.18; P < .001). In the PD group, RPV was significantly lower at 1 month postoperatively (25.3 ± 18.3 cm3 vs preoperative, 32.4 ± 20.1 cm3; P = .02), due to the resolution of pancreatic duct dilatation. RPV of the DP group showed no significant change. GTI was negatively related to RPV preoperatively (r = –0.317, P = .04), but this correlation disappeared postoperatively (r = –0.044, P = .62). Pancreatic endocrine functional deterioration in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients may in part be due to pancreatic duct obstruction and dilatation caused by the tumor. After resection, this proportion of endocrine insufficiency is corrected.


THIS book examines the record of a military government which chose to make human rights a central element in its quest for legitimacy. In doing so, it in effect invited Nigerians to judge its record by those standards. The regime did not, however, remove the existing wide military powers available to it. The absence of legal restraints made the violation of human rights easier and, when alleged breaches occurred, they were not dealt with effectively. In other words, the failure to address the existing legislative and administrative framework contributed materially to the violation of human rights with impunity, which led as usual to an increase in the number and severity of violations. The government did not stop there. It passed new decrees which ousted the jurisdiction of the courts and undermined socio-economic rights, resulting in small pockets of affluence in a sea of increasing deprivation. The actions of the government suggest that it thought that human rights are a matter of grant, to be conferred or withheld at will. The book gives detailed accounts of torture, indiscriminate killings followed by inadequate investigations, press restrictions and the resultant self-censorship of fear, the subversion of the rule of law and appalling prison conditions. That last was a long-standing problem. Indeed, throughout the book, the charges are not only of a failure to address the pre-existing underlying human rights problems but also of the use of available mechanisms to add to the violations. One of the book's most interesting features is its integration of civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. It deals with the government's increasing confrontation with unions, in addition to issues arising out of the structural adjustment programme. The interlinkage of these issues on the ground, in the day-to-day experience of the population, emerges very clearly. The author faces the paradox posed by a vibrant press, bolstered by a traditional respect for debate, in spite of government pressures and the fact that Nigeria's human rights record compares favourably with that of certain other States. The author rejects comparisons between States, particularly given the seriousness of the violations in Nigeria. He rejects the dichotomy between universality and development. Human rights are seen as necessary to the pursuit of peace and progress. They are enforceable without injury to the collective good. Military regimes are, he concludes, unworkable in the long term. They take over when the previous regime has lost legitimacy, resulting in a breakdown of law and order. They are bound to fail since they do not understand the real causes of the crisis but, rather, try to treat the symptoms. When they encounter difficulties, they tend to turn to what they are used to—repression.


This review focuses on howling and entrainment artifacts in digital hearing aids. The howling may occur (especially at high gains), essentially due to the close proximity of the input microphone and the output loudspeaker. The entrainment, on the other hand, occurs when the input to the hearing aids is periodic, for example, music signals or alarm signals with strong tonal characteristics. We give details on methods for howling avoidance, which are mainly based on adaptive filtering-based acoustic feedback cancellation. We also give an overview of many recent works on entrainment in hearing aids. Finally, we remark that efficient acoustic feedback cancellation scheme which can avoid howling, can also well manage the entrainment artifact.


Various methods for production of bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials have been developed. They can be classified into two categories based on their approaches: the bottom-up and top-down approaches. Recently, a top-down approach named equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE), a form of severe plastic deformation (SPD), has been gaining more and more attention in making bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials. Such bulk materials are favored for there high strength, wear resistance, ductility, and high strain-rate superplasticity, which makes them suitable for light weight engineering and medical applications. Further precision machining work is normally indispensable for structural applications after bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials are manufactured from any SPD processes. While researchers are increasingly interested in commercially producing SPD-processed bulk ultrafine grained/nanostructured materials and characterizing their chemical and physical properties, the machinability and microstructure stability issues in precision machining such materials are frequently ignored. Using an ECAE processed bulk ultrafine grained copper bar as an example, this study investigates the machinability as well as machining-induced workpiece microstructure variation of such ECAE processed materials in precision turning. Tool cutting performance in turning the ultrafine grained copper bar is also compared with that of the regular copper bar.Copyright © 2005 by ASME


【A species restoration plan requires a process where the first is to thoroughly study the target species, second is to provide them with an onsite reproduction and adaptation period, and finally, third is to release them to their natural habitat. This study focuses on the space planning for target species' successful onsite reproduction and adaptation. For the study, a site planning near Sobaeksan National Park was implemented with Red Fox's behavior and habitat characteristics in mind for its recovery, reproduction, and natural adaptation. During site selection and planning, the basic aim was to incorporate the existing site as much as possible thus reducing the impact on the environment from the recovery plan. In addition, for a stable recovery of the Red Fox population, the site was classified into three different areas : core area, buffer zone, and transition area. Then, the facilities that help Red Fox's reproduction and adaptation such as reproduction center, foraging site, adaptation training center were planned. Under the condition that the site will be off limit to the public, a limited number of paths for monitoring was provided. For the site's vegetation, the existing species were planted as much as possible with the addition of plants that the Red Fox consume. The facilities included as Red Fox's habitat were fox burrows for hiding and ecological ponds for drinking. From this study, the recovery of the endangered fox species is expected as well as the contribution to an effort to increase of awareness toward the biological resources in Korea through Nagoya protocol. Furthermore, it has the potential to change the public's attitude toward endangered species recovery projects through publicizing and providing experience to the national park visitors.】


This paper presents an effective force control method in which multiple fuzzy-neuro force controllers are suitably and automatically combined with a proper rate in accordance with the unknown dynamics of an environment. The optimal combination rate of the fuzzy-neuro force controllers according to the environment dynamics is defined online by a neural network which is off-line trained with genetic algorithms. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been evaluated by computer simulation.


This article considers five tipping points or phases in the development of modern theatre studies in South Africa. It begins with the period from 1925 to 1935, a time when the first major theatre history appeared, a fully fledged (Western) theatre system was established and the African theatre tradition was recognized. It details 1945 to 1962 for the establishment of a coherent professional theatre system, the first state-funded theatre company and the first drama departments. Thereafter, 1970 to 1985 is identified as the most significant period in relation to the political struggle for liberation in South Africa, while the last two phases (1988–94 and 1997–9) under consideration are characterized by an increase in research output and by the need for practitioners and commentators to seek reconciliation and healing through theatre and performance.


A generalized semi-Markov process (GSMP) is the usual model for a discrete event simulation. The standard formulation assumes that the current state of the process uniquely determines the set of events that are scheduled to occur and that the state transition probabilities depend only on the current state, the next state, and the trigger event. We provide a formulation of a GSMP that avoids these restrictions, thus permitting formal specification of many non-Markovian simulation models. Using a monotone replacement property of "new better than used" distributions and sample path properties of the GSMP, we provide a criterion for recurrence in this setting and conditions under which a GSMP is a regenerative process and the time between regeneration points has finite moments. Steady state estimation methods for non-Markovian stochastic network simulations follow.


New arrangements are studied to increase the performance of the automatic modulation recognition algorithm proposed by Elsayed-Elsayed Azzouz and Asoke Kumar Nandi based on statistical methods (see "Automatic Modulation Recognition of Communication Signals", Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1996; Signal Processing, vol.46, p.211-22, 1995). To increase the performance, the algorithm proposed by Azzouz and Nandi is first arranged in a new form that recognizes between analog and digital modulation. For this purpose, a new algorithm that differentiates analog and digital modulation is developed. Then, in order to increase the performance of the algorithm recognizing analog modulation, a new method is proposed. It is observed that the performance of the algorithm increases after these arrangements.


The genome structure of three ciprofloxacin-resistant Mycoplasma hominis clinical isolates was studied using next-generation sequencing on the Illumina platform. The protein sequences of the studied Mycoplasma strains were found to have a high degree of homology. Mycoplasma hominis (M45, M57, MH1866) was shown to have limited biosynthetic capabilities, associated with the predominance of the genes encoding the proteins involved in catabolic processes. Multiple single-nucleotide substitutions causing intraspecific polymorphism of Mycoplasma hominis were found. The genes encoding the efflux systems – ABC transporters (the ATP-binding cassette superfamily) and proteins of the MATE (multidrug and toxic compound extrusion) family – were identified. The molecular mechanism of ciprofloxacin resistance of the Mycoplasma hominis M45 and M57 isolates was found to be associated with the Ser83Leu substitution in DNA gyrase subunit A. In the Mycoplasma hominis MH1866 isolate it was related to the Lys144Arg substitution in topoisomerase IV subunit A.


UNLABELLED
Previous exposure to glucose enhances the insulin and depresses the glucagon response to subsequent stimulation with different secretagogues. Induction of these priming effects of glucose requires the metabolism of the sugar. To investigate whether induction of the priming effect of glucose is coupled to glycolysis, other nutrients were tested for their ability to mimic the glucose effect. In isolated perfused rat pancreas prior exposure for 30 min to 10 mM D-glyceraldehyde or 10 mM alpha-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) enhanced the insulin response to subsequent stimulation with 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine (P less than 0.01); 20 mM pyruvate, 10 mM octanate, 20 mM succinate, or 20 mM citrate were ineffective. The priming effect of KIC was also investigated in relation to subsequent stimulation with a second, identical pulse of KIC. Five millimolar KIC evoked a marked first phase insulin release, followed by a small and constant second phase insulin release. When KIC was reintroduced, the first phase was enhanced (by 100%), and the peak response appeared 1 min earlier; whereas second phase insulin release was unaffected. A priming effect of KIC on arginine-induced glucagon secretion was tested after perfusion for 20 min with 10 mM KIC before the introduction of 8 mM L-arginine. Previous exposure to KIC did not significantly inhibit glucagon secretion, whereas the concomitant insulin release was augmented.

CONCLUSION
the ability of nutrient secretagogues to induce priming of insulin secretion does not depend on the glycolytic pathway but may correlate with the degree of oxidative metabolism of these substrates.


Arts-based research methods have an important place in social work scholarship. Arts-based research methods, such as poetic inquiry, highlight lived experiences through creativity, emotion, and embodiment. This paper shares findings from a qualitative study that investigated social workers' experiences with compassion in their professional practice through poetic inquiry. Findings are disseminated in a found poem that was collaboratively co-created by the researcher and study participants. The found poem highlights how compassion is a central and guiding force within social work practice. Compassion and connection remain core dimensions of the social work discipline and social work education, scholarship, and practice may benefit from continued exploration of compassion and related constructs.


A negative association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and multiple sclerosis (MS) is expected, as MS pathogenesis is triggered by auto-reactive T-cells, which are depressed in case of HIV infection. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that HIV-infected MS patients may benefit from antiretroviral therapy.
We report the case of a woman suffering from relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) who contracted HIV-1 infection while she was treated with low-dose interferon (IFN) beta-1a since five years. With combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in addition to IFN beta-1a, the patient had normal CD4+ cell counts, undetectable viral load, and no more clinical and radiological evidence of MS activity.
The reason why HIV infection has a protective role for developing MS, and how antiretroviral therapy is effective in modifying MS course are intriguing questions which need further investigations.


Background: Over the last decade many systems have introduced pay-forperformance (P4P) programs in primary care with the goals of enhancing health care service delivery. The design and implementation of such programs has been fragmented across jurisdictions, and the individual resultant programs vary in nature and in nomenclature. Comparisons across these programs are challenging given the distinct lack of a standardized unifying framework. Methods: We review policy documents and conduct a systematic review of associated literature of seven pay-for-performance systems in four Commonwealth countries which seem to have similar philosophies and histories regarding publicly funded primary health care. These countries are: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Results: We create a typology of P4P programs in primary health care in the context of public funding. Our typology identifies four key dimensions of P4P programs, each of which is further divided into categories. The dimensions are: type of service targeted, nature of target, nature of reward, and budget implications. The typology is applied to the seven case study systems to illustrate how it can facilitate comparisons between programs. Conclusions: A standardized typology of P4P program is an important first step in the gaining of a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying these programs, and their


The Wavelet Transform (WT), is applied in a method for timing the blood pulse wave between the internal carotid artery and one of the intracranial arteries. The required accuracy is a few milliseconds. In contrast to the Fourier Transform (FT), WT is an appropriate technique for the detection of nonstationary events. This pilot study deals with an application of the WT in simultaneous ultrasound Doppler recordings of the internal carotid artery, intracranial arteries and an electrocardiographic (ECG) signal. The results showed a beat-to-beat precision of SD=2-7 ms which is higher than comparable readings from conventional Doppler spectral measurements. The pulse wave transfer time is related to the compliance of the arterial wall and may be sensitive for the early onset of vasospasm in subarachnoid haemorrhage and embolic phenomena.


Although most RNA viral genomes (and related cellular retroposons) can evolve at rates a millionfold greater than that of their host genomes, some of the small DNA viruses (polyomaviruses and papillomaviruses) appear to evolve at much slower rates. These DNA viruses generally cause host species-specific inapparent primary infections followed by life-long, benign persistent infections. Using global progressive sequence alignments for kidney-specific Polyomaviridae (mouse, hamster, primate, human), we have constructed parsimonious evolutionary trees for the viral capsid proteins (VP1, VP2/VP3) and the large tumor (T) antigen. We show that these three coding sequences can yield phylogenetic trees similar to each other and to that of their host species. Such virus-host "co-speciation" appears incongruent with some prevailing views of viral evolution, and we suggest that inapparent persistent infections may link virus and most host evolution. Similarity analysis identified three specific regions of polyoma regulatory gene products (T antigens) as highly conserved, and two of these regions correspond to binding sites for host regulatory proteins (p53, the retinoblastoma gene product p105, and the related protein p107). The p53 site overlaps with a conserved ATPase domain and the retinoblastoma site corresponds to conserved region 1 of E1A protein of adenovirus type 5. We examined the local conservation of these binding sequences and show that the conserved retinoblastoma binding domain is characteristic and inclusive of the entire polyomavirus family, but the conserved p53-like binding domain is characteristic and inclusive of three entire families of small DNA viruses: polyomaviruses, papillomaviruses, and parvoviruses. The evolution of small-DNA-virus families may thus be tightly linked to host evolution and speciation by interaction with a subset of host regulatory proteins.


There are several diffusion processes with different temperatures in modern semiconductor technology. The impurity distribution after these diffusion processes is analyzed and a simple expression for describing the distribution is given. It is found that the impurity distribution after multiple diffusion processes can be characterized with an effective diffusion length. The relation between this effective diffusion length and the diffusion lengths of each diffusion process is given and shows itself to be very simple and instructive. The results of the expression agree well with numerical simulations by using SUPREM IV. An example of the application of the expression is also shown.


A new technique is introduced for automatically building recognisable moving 3D models of individual people. Realistic modelling of people is essential for advanced multimedia, augmented reality and immersive virtual reality. Current systems for whole-body model capture are based on active 3D sensing to measure the shape of the body surface. Such systems are prohibitively expensive and do not enable capture of high-quality photo-realistic colour. This results in geometrically accurate but unrealistic human models. The goal of this research is to achieve automatic low cost modelling of people suitable for personalised avatars to populate virtual worlds. A model based approach is presented for automatic reconstruction of recognisable avatars from a set of low cost colour images of a person taken from four orthogonal views. A generic 3D human model represents both the human shape and kinematic joint structure. The shape of a specific person is captured by mapping 2D silhouette information from the orthogonal view colour images onto the generic 3D model. Colour texture mapping is achieved by projecting the set of images onto the deformed 3D model. This results in the capture of a recognisable 3D facsimile of an individual person suitable for articulated movement in a virtual world. The system is low cost, requires single shot capture, is reliable for large variations in shape and size and can cope with clothing of moderate complexity.


BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have reported that tooth loss is a risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the association between tooth loss and cognition and the impact of tooth loss on the molecular pathogenesis of AD remain elusive. In this study, we tested the effect of tooth loss on learning and memory and on the molecular pathogenesis of AD in an aged AD model mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We divided 14-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice, an AD model mouse line, into upper molar extracted group (experimental) and molar intact group (control). At 18 months old, we analysed not only the changes of amyloid-beta (Aβ), pyramidal cells in the brain but also the learning and memory ability with step-through passive avoidance test.

RESULTS
The amount of Aβ and the number of pyramidal cells in the hippocampus were not significantly different between the experimental and control group. Similarly, the difference of learning and memory ability could not be distinguished between the groups.

CONCLUSION
Neither molecular pathogenesis of AD nor associated learning and memory were aggravated by tooth loss in these mice. The limited results of this study which used the aged mice may help the dental profession to plan and explain treatments to patients with AD, which must be designed while taking into account the severity of the AD symptoms.


Objectives With increased interest in the assessment of meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye, there remains a deficit in simple, clinically applicable grading scales for gland expression. A new scale to assess meibum expressibility is described. Methods A meibum expressibility scale was developed using a new standardized meibomian gland expression device, which provides constant pressure along the inferior lid. For the scale development, 30 patients (53.0±8.49 years; 93.33% female) with mild-to-moderate dry eye were compared with 13 normal, non–dry eye subjects (25.6±4.3 years; 46.1% female) using the meibum expression device developed by Korb and Blackie. The device was placed 4 glands lateral to the inferior punctum and 1 mm below the lash line and was held stable for 15 sec. The glands expressing meibum were counted. The weighted &kgr; statistic was used to evaluate the extent of agreement, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was created to test the proposed scale. Results The mean number of glands that expressed from the worse lid in the normal group was 3.54±1.61, whereas 1.53±1.28 glands expressed in the dry eye group. In the dry eye group, 1 subject showed 5 glands expressing, and 29 demonstrated scores of 4 or less. In the normal group, 3 or more glands were expressible in 11 of 13 subjects. Conclusions A 4–3–2–1 scoring system is proposed, whereby 4 or greater=normal expressibility, 3=mildly reduced expressibility, 2=moderately reduced expressibility, and 1 or lesser=severely reduced expressibility. Further validation of the scale is warranted.


Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) balances as well as determinations of atomic absorption analysis of atomic absorption analysis of total absolute contents of Mg and Ca fat-free dry carcasses were done on gnotobiotic male Sprague-Dawley rats, kept at 28 degrees or 6 degrees, for 69, 240, or 517 days, and fed either a commercial stock diet or a semipurified diet containing a normal or a subnormal amount of Mg. The often-reported observation of negative balances when Mg intake is subnormal has been confirmed. Total Mg and Ca accumulation in the carcass estimated from balance values was totally inconsistent with the actual content of the carcass as determined by direct analysis. The large discrepancy between the actual analysis of the carcass and the estimated content of Mg and Ca in the carcass derived from balance data demonstrates clearly that balance of trace minerals cannot reflect chronic retentions or losses of these minerals. Possible explanation of this discrepancy are dissussed.


Superconductivity disappears in (mesoscale) disordered thin films at a sheet resistance R□ or order 10 kΩ per square. This and other observed features of systems with both atomic and meso-scale disorder are briefly reviewed, as also theoretical models mainly based on the Josephson junction lattice. These are known to be inadequate. A new approach is described, with the sole assumption that the pair amplitude |Δ| does not vary spatially. The energy cost of wavevector (q) and frequency (ω) dependent phase fluctuations θqω is expressed exactly in terms of disordered normal state properties. It is shown that because of perfect screening, the ω2 dependent term has an extra factor |q| in two dimensions relative to the Josephson junction lattice form. The q2 or phase gradient term is calculated as a function of R□. A rapid and large drop in stiffness occurs for R□ ∼ 10 kΩ when the electron localization length and pair coherence length become comparable. At this level of disorder, the pair amplitude fluctuates spatially, so that the above approach becomes inadequate. Several indications are that a charged Bose system in a random potential would be a realistic model for disordered thin film superconductors at low temperature.


The microbicidal effect of electrical discharges on microorganisms suspended in the discharge liquid was reduced when the liquid contained high concentrations of inorganic salts (conductivity k ≥ 5 mmho/cm). A higher discharge voltage and a smaller distance between the submerged electrodes counteracted this reduction. The decrease in the microbicidal effect was accompanied by a change in the electrical current and by a decreased yield of microbicidal photons from the electric discharge.


Environmental and consumer groups have called for mandatory labeling of genetically modified (GM) food products in the United States, stating that consumers have the "right to know." But evidence exists suggesting that consumers often cannot correctly interpret the meaning of scientific labels. Herein we use a nonhypothetical field experiment to examine how well consumers interpret GM labels, focusing on the solitary secondgeneration GM product currently on the U.S. market—GM cigarettes. Our results suggest that while consumers pay less for GM cigarettes when they are labeled as GM, these labels seem to be misinforming consumers. This evidence implies that consumers could be better off without mandatory GM labeling.


Purpose Among individuals with COPD and/or lung cancer, to describe end-of-life health service utilization, costs, and place of death; to identify predictors of home palliative care use, and to assess benefits associated with palliative care use. Patients and methods We conducted a retrospective population-based study using provincial linked health administrative data (Ontario, Canada) between 2010 and 2015. We examined health care use in the last 90 days of life in adults 35 years and older with physician-diagnosed COPD and/or lung cancer identified using a validated algorithm and the Ontario Cancer Registry, respectively. Four mutually exclusive groups were considered: (i) COPD only, (ii) lung cancer only, (iii) COPD and lung cancer, and (iv) neither COPD nor lung cancer. Multivariable generalized linear models were employed. Results Of 445,488 eligible deaths, 34% had COPD only, 4% had lung cancer only, 5% had both and 57% had neither. Individuals with COPD only received less palliative care (20% vs 57%) than those with lung cancer only. After adjustment, people with lung cancer only were far more likely to receive palliative care (OR=4.22, 4.08–4.37) compared to those with neither diagnosis, while individuals with COPD only were less likely to receive palliative care (OR=0.82, 0.81–0.84). Home palliative care use was associated with reduced death and fewer days in acute care, and less cost, regardless of the diagnosis. Conclusion Although individuals with lung cancer were much more likely to receive palliative care than those with COPD, both populations were underserviced. Results suggest greater involvement of palliative care may improve the dying experience of these populations and reduce costs.


We analyzed by immunohistochemistry the distribution of types I, II, III, IV, V, and VII collagens, laminin, and fibronectin in the bronchial biopsy specimens of nonasthmatic subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis (n = 8) and compared these results with those found in mild stable allergic asthmatics (n = 6) and normal controls (n = 5). The content of type I and III collagens was increased in rhinitic subjects compared with controls. These collagens were focally deposited in the reticular basement membrane area. Three subjects with allergic rhinitis had no fibronectin deposition in their basement membrane, as in controls, whereas the other five had a focal fibronectin deposition. In asthmatic patients, type I and III collagens and fibronectin were more abundant and more uniformly distributed underneath the basement membrane than they were in rhinitic subjects. Expression of type II, IV, V, and VII collagens and laminin were similar in the three groups. Electron microscopic and immunohistochemical analyses of bronchial mucosa showed a network of myofibroblasts beneath the epithelium in rhinitis as in asthma subjects. These data show that the irregularly distributed subepithelial fibrosis observed in subjects with allergic rhinitis results from the deposition of type I and III collagens and fibronectin, probably produced by bronchial myofibroblasts. These results suggest the presence of an active structural remodeling in the lower airways of allergic rhinitic subjects that is similar in nature to that seen in asthma, although less marked.


Accurate diagnosis of viral hepatitis is based on determination of specific viral markers. In HBV infection they include HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, IgM anti-HBc, and HBV DNA. There are patients with HBV marker constellation indicating serologic recovery, but with HBV DNA in the liver indicating continuous viral replication. Mutations have been described in all four HBV genes. It is important to take into account the main precore mutation which leads to a decrease or complete inhibition of HBeAg production (HBeAg negative HBV infection). Diagnostically most important are surface gene mutations because they can result in the false diagnosis or delay in diagnosis in important groups of patients. Anti-HCV and HCV RNA are found in sera of patients with HCV infection. A false positive result is possible with ELISA, especially in patients with low c/o ratio and in all individuals with a low risk of HCV infection. It is necessary to confirm ELISA positivity with confirmation techniques (western blot, immunoblot). There are qualitative and quantitative assays for HCV RNA determination. HCV genotyping should be done, since different viral genotypes respond differently to therapy and therapeutic protocols are different. It is possible to determine HCVAg free or complexed with the antibody. Determination of free HCVAg could enable the diagnosis of acute HCV infection. There are some clinical situations where the interpretation of HBV and HCV markers is difficult because of ambiguous interpretation and "unusual" constellation. Attention should be focused on simultaneous infection within other hepatitis viruses or other viruses like HIV. Replication of one virus could have a direct influence on the replication and expression of another virus.


LiF:Mg,Cu,P phosphors (commercially designated as MCP-N) are very sensitive thermoluminescent detectors and are considered by many laboratories to hold great promise for low level radiation monitoring. It is their high efficiency relative to TLDs based on LiF:Mg,Ti which make MCP-N particularly attractive for low dose measurements. The currently investigated detector material made of LiF:Mg,Cu,P bears the code name MCP-7s and has a very thin active layer and consequently an improved response to low energy beta radiation. Detailed studies have been carried out to characterise MCP-7s detectors in terms of glow curve, beta and gamma response, reusability, batch homogeneity and fading. Based on the positive outcome of these investigations, the dosimetry service at PSI plans to replace the TL material LiF:Mg,Ti presently used for extremity dosimetry with MCP-7s


Paederia scandens is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that possesses important bioactive sulfur-containing iridoid glucosides. This study reports the investigation of the fragmentation behavior of four sulfur-containing iridoid glucosides isolated from P. scandens by ion trap electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MSn). Both multistage electrospray ionization (ESI-MSn) experiments in an ion trap instrument and high-resolution and accurate mass measurement in an ESI-Q-TOF mass spectrometer in positive mode were used to elucidate the main fragmentation pathways of these compounds. These experiments yielded essentially the same product ions in both ion trap and Q-TOF instruments, and their fragmentation patterns were found useful for their characterization, which were applied to elucidate a trace compound in the extracts of P. scandens by on-line LC/ESI-MSn. Major and diagnostic product ions have been identified and their origins are proposed.


A morphometric study of white, red and pink fiber types of myotomal musculature in the red sea bream was carried out from newly hatched larvae to juveniles. Plots of the total length on log/log co-ordinates were divided into three stanzas delimited by two inflections, respectively. In the case of pink fibers, plots of those morphometric measurements were divided into two stanzas delimied by one inflection. Almost all first inflections of white and red fibers occurred around onset of feeding. All second inflections of white and red fibers and inflections of pink fibers occurred between about 6 and 10mm TL. It is suggested that the quantitative changes of myotomal musculature may be correlated with the behavioral changes of swimming in these stages as well as the qualitative changes.


We present an analysis of galaxies in groups and clusters at 0.8 10(10.3) M-circle dot, we find f(convert) similar to 0.4 in the groups and similar to 0.6 in the clusters, similar to comparable measurements at z = 0. This means the time between first accretion into a more massive halo and final star formation quenching is t(p) similar to 2 Gyr. This is substantially longer than the estimated time required for a galaxy's star formation rate to become zero once it starts to decline, suggesting there is a long delay time during which little differential evolution occurs. In contrast with local observations we find evidence that this delay time-scale may depend on stellarmass, with t(p) approaching t(Hubble) for M-star similar to 10(9.5) M-circle dot. The result suggests that the delay time must not only be much shorter than it is today, but may also depend on stellar mass in a way that is not consistent with a simple evolution in proportion to the dynamical time. Instead, we find the data are well-matched by a model in which the decline in star formation is due to 'overconsumption', the exhaustion of a gas reservoir through star formation and expulsion via modest outflows in the absence of cosmological accretion. Dynamical gas removal processes, which are likely dominant in quenching newly accreted satellites today, may play only a secondary role at z = 1.


Textile industry today is known to be the biggest polluter of environment resulting in ecological imbalance and depletion of resources. Due to technological advancements, ever increasing consumerism and fast fashion, these crises like situations have become a potential threat to humanity as such. Fashion Consumers all over the globe are practicing a 'use and throw' attitude resulting in textile waste choking up landfills. Feeling concerned, the governments have begun launching programs on environmental awareness; International business houses are being asked to observe strict legislations and undergo environmental audits. In the scenario, use of natural fibers and enzymes for textile processing is being encouraged. Possibility of discovering certain non-conventional sources for natural fibers is being explored. "Sansevieria Trifasciata fiber is one such lignocellulosic fiber that has likelihood for use in textile industry. It can be extracted from the leaves of Sansevieria Trifasciata Plant by various methods, one of them being water retting". In this study the extracted fiber was examined for its diameter, fineness, tensile strength and elongation in the laboratory of Northern India Textile Research Association as indicated in ASTM. The diameter of the fiber was found to be 50.76 microns with a fineness of 19.45 denier. The tensile strength and elongation of the fiber were found to be 5.97 gm/denier and 3.27 %. There is a possibility of favorably enhancing these properties through various techniques of mixing and green application processes.


Abstract TMPRSS2 is utilized by SARS-CoV-2 for cellular entry. Androgen-Androgen receptor directed therapy (A/ARDT) downregulates expression of TMPRSS2. We hypothesized A/ARDT might protect prostate cancer (PCa) patients from poor COVID-19 outcome. A retrospective analysis of PCa patients with COVID-19 infection was performed. 146 PCa cases were identified, 17% were on A/ARDT. Hospitalization rates were same 52% (OR = 0.99, 0.41–2.24). Mean hospitalization was 9.2 (Range: 1–25) and 14.9 (Range: 2–47) days in A/ARDT and non-A/ARDT groups, respectively. While definitive conclusions cannot be made regarding outcome differences between groups due to lack of statistical significance, these data generate hypothesis that A/ARDT might shorten hospitalization stay.


Flood prevention in mixed urban–rural environments has become a greater concern due to climate change. It is a complex task requiring both efficient management of resources and the involvement of multiple stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. As Serious Games (games used for purposes other than mere entertainment) have emerged as an effective means of engaging stakeholders, this work proposes a new Serious Game applied to flood mitigation in the village of Millbrook in the UK. Results show that the game has both an informative and a transformative effect (statistical significance levels from 0.01 to 0.05), improving participants' understanding of the problem, and helping them to find a new and improved approach to flood risk management in Millbrook, with the potential to improve resilience significantly. Furthermore, the game successfully transformed participants into "citizen scientists" in the purest sense of the term—it led them to use inductive reasoning from data produced by the game to correctly confirm or reject hypotheses and resulted in more than 70% of the participants revising their initial assumptions. Interestingly, the game instigated the formation of new local partnerships and helped to prioritize the discussion of natural flood management measures in Millbrook Parish Council meetings.


Classification algorithms generally assume that the data is complete. However, missing values are common in real data sets due to various reasons. In this paper, we propose to use locally linear reconstruction (LLR) for missing value imputation to improve the classification performance when missing values exist. We first investigate how much missing values degenerate the classification performance with regard to various missing ratios. Then, we compare the proposed missing value imputation (LLR) with three well-known single imputation methods over three different classifiers using eight data sets. The experimental results showed that (1) any imputation methods, although some of them are very simple, helped to improve the classification accuracy; (2) among the imputation methods, the proposed LLR imputation was the most effective over all missing ratios, and (3) when the missing ratio is relatively high, LLR was outstanding and its classification accuracy was as high as the classification accuracy derived from the compete data set.


Introduction : T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive cancer resulting from the malignant transformation of T-cell precursors. Genetic studies in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) have uncovered a remarkable heterogeneity of genetic defects. Amongst these, NOTCH1 activating mutations are the most frequently occurring events (>50%) in T-ALL. Since long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important players in oncogenesis, we decided to decode the NOTCH1 driven lncRNA transcriptional landscape in T-ALL and normal T-cell development. Methods and Results : RNA-sequencing was performed following pharmacological inhibition (GSI) of the NOTCH1 mutant and gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI) sensitive T-ALL cell line CUTLL1 in a time series experiment as well as for human CD34+ thymic progenitor T-cells cultured on an OP9 feeder layer with or without DL1-triggered NOTCH1 stimulation. First, we validated both model systems by confirming robust regulation of multiple canonical known protein coding NOTCH1 target genes including DTX1 , NOTCH3 and NRARP . Next, we identified distinct subsets of NOTCH1 regulated lncRNAs in both experiments with an overlap of 27 commonly regulated NOTCH1 driven and previously annotated lncRNAs. An even larger number of novel, unannotated T-ALL/T-cell specific lncRNAs was found to be NOTCH1 regulated. Next, we took advantage of publically available ChIP-sequencing data for ICN1 and enhancer specific chromatin marks in CUTLL1 (Wang et al., PNAS, 2013), allowing the selection for direct regulated lncRNAs with enhancer properties. Amongst these lncRNAs, the recently described LUNAR1 lncRNA (Trimarchi et al., Cell, 2014) was present as top candidate in our dataset, thus validating this approach for further selecting bona fide NOTCH1 regulated lncRNAs. In a first step towards functional annotation of this subset of selected lncRNAs, we performed so-called guilt-by-association analysis through correlating expression levels of the individual lncRNAs with transcriptome data for all protein coding genes followed by gene set enrichment analysis in a large cohort of primary T-ALL patients. Subsequent enrichment mapping of significant gene sets yielded markedly different gene set clustering patterns for each of the individual analyzed lncRNAs, as well as distinct annotated related functionalities such as cytokine signaling, TCA-cycle, DNA replication and repair and translation. Prioritarization of lncRNAs for further functional validation was performed by measuring their expression in an extended panel of GSI-treated T-ALL cell lines (HPB-ALL, DND-41, T-ALL1 and ALL-SIL), sorted subsets of CD34+ and CD4+/CD8+ double positive thymocytes and an independent T-ALL patient cohort. Conclusion: We present the landscaping of an integrated lncRNA network acting downstream of NOTCH1 signaling in T-ALL and normal T-cells. These data pave the way towards the development of novel therapeutic strategies impacting on hyperactive NOTCH1 signaling. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


In this paper we introduce e-Alliance, a software infrastructure we are defining for supporting negotiation activities in concurrent inter-organisational alliances. e-Alliance main intent is to preserve autonomy of organisations within an alliance while enabling concurrency of their activities, flexibility of their negotiations and dynamism/evolution of their environment. The IT infrastructure we propose combines different technologies, such as software engineering techniques, middleware-level coordination facilities and multi-agent systems support. We present our approach in the context offered by a sample scenario where business-to-business interactions hold among printshops grouped into an alliance to better answer customers' demands.


Accurate determination of cellular chromosome complements is a highly relevant issue beyond prenatal/pre-implantation genetic analyses or stem cell research, because aneusomy may be an important mechanism by which organisms control the rate of fetal cellular proliferation and the fate of regenerating tissues. Typically, small amounts of individual cells or nuclei are assayed by in situ hybridization using chromosome-specific DNA probes. Careful probe selection is fundamental to successful hybridization experiments. Numerous DNA probes for chromosome enumeration studies are commercially available, but their use in multiplexed hybridization assays is hampered due to differing probe-specific hybridization conditions or a lack of a sufficiently large number of different reporter molecules. Progress in the International Human Genome Project has equipped the scientific community with a wealth of unique resources, among them recombinant DNA libraries, physical maps, and data-mining tools. Here, we demonstrate how bioinformatics tools can become an integral part of simple, yet powerful approaches to devise diagnostic strategies for detection of aneuploidy in interphase cells. Our strategy involving initial in silico optimization steps offers remarkable savings in time and costs during probe generation, while at the same time significantly increasing the assay's specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.


gram at Princeton. Gillispie is the author of numerous articles (the first appearing in 1956) and many seminal books, including Lazare Carnot, Savant (1971) and Science and Polity in France: The End of the Old Regime (1980). and he also edited the standard biographical reference work in his field, Dictionary of Scientific Biography, (1970-80). Clearly, the present work is the capstone of a truly luminous career. Gillispie's argument is simple and elegant. Paralleling the vital importance of the revolutionary political and social events in France from the late 1780s through 1815 was what amounts to a second scientific revolution. Although he does not say so directly, it is nonetheless clear that this is how Gillispie views the period, given the preeminent places in the history of science of Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, discoverer of oxygen and father of modern chemistry; Andrd AmpBre, who accomplished pioneering work in electrodynamics (a word he coined); Jean-Charles de Borda, designer and maker of precision instruments and the man who determined the exact length of the meter; Pierre-Simon Laplace, an astronomer and the discoverer of the planet Saturn, and Joseph-Louis Lagrange, a mathematician and student of comets. In a second rank of scholars, not quite of equal importance, are Lazare Camot, the captain in the Engineering Corps of the Royal Army, a mathematician, a student of mechanics, a member of the Committee of Public Safety and the military "Organizer of Victory" during the Terror; his son, Sadi, also a noted mathematician; and Sophie Germain, a woman and important contributor to the new study of mathematical physics. These are just a few of the outstanding individuals presented and discussed by Gillispie who, insofar as they all collaborated closely with one another-and they did-made at least as great a mark on the world of science as any Committees of the Republic on French and European politics. Furthermore, the research is flawless, and every page exudes erudition. Gillispie, of course, has consulted all of the published revolutionary reports, those of the Committees of Public Instruction of the Legislative Assembly and National Convention, the Committees of Agriculture and Commerce of the Constituent and Legislative Assemblies and National Convention, the Temporary Commission of the Arts, and the complete works of Lavoisier. Additionally, he has made wide use of unpublished archival material and has consulted a vast array of French and English secondary material on both political and scientific happenings and people of the period. He has left few-if any-stones untumed in accomplishing this magisterial work. Although I am not qualified to correct errors in his scientific treatment, I will point out three minor errors in his historic exposition. First, the French War Cross (croix de guerre) was not instituted during the revolutionary or Napoleonic period (379), but in 1915, during World War I. Second, Hdrault de Schdlles was not the only member of the Committee of Public Safety to go under the blade of the guillotine; he was the first (317), Danton, Robespierre, Saint-Just, and Couthon were also beheaded. Third, Gillispie cites volume 10 of Alphonse Aulard's La Sociiti des Jacobins, Receuil de documents, even though there are only six volumes in the collection; in this context (402-3, notes 126-130), Gillispie is clearly referring to Aulard's Recueil des Actes du ComitC du Salut Publique . . . , which does have a volume 10. Such small points hardly detract from a considerable achievement in the political as well as scientific historiography of the period. Gillispie's book is quite simply an outstanding and likely a long-enduring contribution to the study of a period of at least as profoundly important and perhaps actual revolutionary significance in the history of science. Although it would probably be over the head of many undergraduates, Science and Polity in France: The Revolutionary and Napoleonic Years is certainly an absolute must for graduate students, faculty, and amateurs of both the Revolutionary and Napoleonic years who are gifted with scientific curiosity and knowledge.


In article are considered new trends in the functioning of the female gender advertising. Theorized advertising concept, its code, message, allowing to explain the mechanism of creation and successful promotion of new advertising image of a modern woman. Special attention is paid to the specifics of the advertising text, as a tool of formation of the advertising image. Verbal and visual analysis of advertising discourse allowed to reveal, to name and describe the proposed advertising communication female gender images, comment on the effectiveness of their integration into the mass consciousness of the society.


Australia is the world's leading source of lupin grain, producing ~1 million tonnes annually, of which 30% is used by the domestic livestock industry and the rest is exported for use in animal diets, including dairy cows. The domestic dairy industry uses ~70 000 tonnes annually, mainly as a supplementary feed source in pasture-based systems. Although much published information exists on the nutritive value of lupins for dairy cows, it tends to be fragmented and, in some important instances, exists only in the form of reports or publications outside the mainstream scientific journals. This paper aims to present a critical assessment of the current knowledge regarding the nutritional value of lupins as a feed for dairy cows, and offers recommendations for future research. For cows grazing pasture or fed diets based on conserved pasture or cereal hay, the mean fractional response to lupin feeding was 0.53 kg milk/kg DM lupins, with a range of 0–0.97 kg/kg. The mean fractional forage substitution rate was 0.54 kg DM/kg lupins, and this appeared to be independent of the type of basal forage. In experiments using cows fed iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic total mixed rations, substituting oilseed protein such as soybean meal with cracked lupin grain had no significant effects on yield of milk, fat, and protein, but it reduced milk protein concentration and had mixed effects on fat concentration. There were no significant differences in milk yield or in fat or protein concentration when lupins were substituted for other pulse grains such as faba beans or peas. Treatment of lupin grain with heat or formaldehyde reduced lupin protein degradability in the rumen, but was not shown to have consistent benefits over untreated lupins in terms of increased milk yield. Substitution of cereal grains with an equivalent weight of lupins in dairy concentrate rations generally resulted in increased yield of milk, fat, and protein, and a higher fat concentration. The higher yield responses in most cases could be explained on the basis of the higher metabolisable energy content of lupins compared with cereal grains, although the contribution from a potentially lower incidence of rumen lactic acidosis could not be discounted. Feeding Lupinus albus lupins to cows significantly increased the concentration of C18 : 1 in milk and reduced that of C12 : 0–C16 : 0, thus shifting the fatty acid profile of milk towards national dietary guidelines for improved cardiovascular health in human populations. Although the review lists some recommendations for improving the nutritive value of lupins, current commercially available cultivars possess characteristics that make them attractive as a feedstuff for dairy cows.


Fruit set and parthenocarpy in 'Manzanillo' olive under cross-pollination. The cross-pollination influence on the fruit set and parthenocarpy on twigs of 'Manzanillo' adult olive trees using different sources of pollen was studied. During two seasons (2004 and 2005) different sources of pollen (varieties) were applied to twigs of mature 'Manzanillo' olive trees, surface-irrigated and previously covered with cloth bags; pollen was hand-applied when previously tagged twigs showed 50-75% open flowers. On both years, fruit set was improved when 'Sevillano' (S) and 'Barouni' (B) pollen was applied, achieving higher values at the second season; lower fruit set values were obtained when using self-pollinated 'Manzanillo' (T) (2004) and 'Mision' (M) (2005) pollen sources. The cross-pollination increased the fruit set. The amount of FP ranged from zero to very low values during the 2004 season, whereas during the 2005 season values ranged from 5 to 70%. The benefits of using S and B pollen was observed by reducing the amount of FP fruits to lower than 10%, whereas using M pollen 70% of FP were obtained.


One of the UK government's policy initiatives when taking office in 1997 concerned international development. This highlighted an intention to expand partnerships between institutions in the UK and poorer countries; specifically "to work closely with other donors and development agencies to build partnerships with developing countries".1 The prime policy goal was to eliminate poverty and encourage economic growth that benefits the poor. Since children are a group most vulnerable to poverty, a specific intention was to support international efforts to "enhance children's well-being including through the provision of effective and sustainable health services".1 This approach now features in documents from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) with all four of its International Development Targets relating to child and maternal health (table1).2

View this table:

Table 1
International development targets2

UK institutions have already established linkages or partnerships centring on child health or paediatric care with counterparts in developing or resource poor countries. These involve National Health Service institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and academic units; a selection is listed in table 2. In order to encourage the development of further partnerships, this article, from the RCPCH's International Task Force on Children Affected by War and Absolute Poverty, describes some linkages to show what is possible.

View this table:

Table 2
A selection of current child health and paediatric partnerships between the UK and developing/resource poor countries2-150

The joint activities undertaken are many and various and include service work, research, teaching, exchanges of staff, training, and support during and after humanitarian emergencies relief. The scale and funding of the activities vary greatly but a consistent feature is that developed from initial contact between individuals. This distinguishes the UK relationships from those of some other industrialised countries where the relationships are stimulated and supported by bilateral strategic relationships.

We describe three examples of a small …


The implementation of the Child Justice Act (CJA) from April 2010 was regarded as a major step in addressing the rights of the estimated 100 000 South Africa children who are charged each year in connection with crime. This law would also benefit the communities they reside in through the practice of restorative justice. Prior to the enactment of the CJA, the law governing child offenders and its constituent stakeholders, could not adequately ensure that children's basic constitutional rights would be upheld when in conflict with the law. Various problems within the law at that time complicated the process of justice for all affected parties: the young offenders, their victims, presiding and police officers, and staff in the different layers of the judiciary system.


We report on the ESD performance of dual well and triple well, silicide-blocked stacked NMOSFETs in a 45 nm CMOS technology. Triple well stacked NMOSFETs have a 1.5X higher HBM failure voltages compared to dual well designs. Further, we report on the effect of gate-biasing on the ESD performance of dual well, gate-silicided, silicide-blocked 2.5 V stacked NMOSFETs. For gate voltages (VGS) larger than 40% of the drain voltage (VDS) under the transient ESD conditions, the HBM failure voltage decreases with increasing gate voltage when applied on top gate with bottom gate grounded.


As a regulatory molecule of post-transcriptional gene expression, microRNA (miRNA) is a class of endogenous, non-coding small molecule RNAs. MiRNA detection is essential for biochemical research and clinical diagnostics but challenging due to its low abundance, small size, and sequence similarities. In this chapter, traditional methods of detecting miRNA like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA microarray, and northern blotting are introduced briefly. These approaches are usually used to detect miRNA in vitro. Some novel strategies for sensing miRNAs in vivo, including hybridization probe assays, strand-displacement reaction (SDR), entropy-driven DNA catalysis (EDC), catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA), hybridization chain reaction (HCR), DNAzyme-mediated assays, and CRISPR-mediated assays are elaborated in detail. This chapter describes the principles and designs of these detection technologies and discusses their advantages as well as their shortcomings, providing guidelines for the further development of more sensitive and selective miRNA sensing strategies in vivo.


Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated in malignant tumors, and its activation is associated with high histological grade and advanced cancer stage. STAT3 has been shown to play important roles in multiple aspects of cancer aggressiveness including migration, invasion, survival, self-renewal, angiogenesis, and tumor-cell immune evasion by regulating the expression of multiple downstream target genes. Thus, inhibiting STAT3 promises an attracting strategy for treatment of advanced tumors with metastatic potential. Recently, using in-silico screening of a virtual compound database by docking onto the DNA-binding site of human STAT3, our laboratory identified specific STAT3 inhibitors that can disrupt DNA binding activity of STAT3 and inhibit STAT3-dependent cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we further characterized these STAT3 inhibitors and demonstrated that these inhibitors suppressed migration and invasion of both breast and lung cancer cells by inhibiting STAT3-dependent expression of metalloproteinase-2, -9 and vascular endothelial growth factor which are known to promote and enhance tumor metastasis. Taken together, we conclude that it is possible to inhibit STAT3 by targeting its DNA binding domain for discovery of anticancer therapeutics and for treatment of metastatic cancers. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5619. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5619


Polysialoglycoprotein (PSGP) is a major cortical alveolus glycoprotein of rainbow trout eggs that is characterized by the attachment of a polysialic acid structure to its O-glycan chains. It has been demonstrated that the polysialic acid structure is synthesized by at least three sialyltransferases mostly localized in cortical alveoli. Here we have cloned a cDNA encoding the sialyltransferase, designated rtST6GalNAc, responsible for the transfer of the first sialic acid residue onto the O-glycan chain of PSGP. This enzyme belongs to the vertebrate ST6GalNAc II family, and is strongly expressed in ovaries. Of those O-glycoproteins tested as substrates, asialo-PSGP is the best substrate. These results indicate that rtST6GalNAc is the enzyme responsible for the sialylation of PSGP during oogenesis. Furthermore, the rtST6GalNAc mRNA is expressed throughout oogenesis, is down-regulated at the late yolk vesicle stage (May), and then up-regulated during vitellogenesis (until August). This developmental profile is highly similar to that of STL2, a cortical alveolus lectin, while it is quite different from that of PSGP, which is extensively expressed at the yolk vesicle stage and down-regulated at later stages. Thus, not all cortical alveolus components are transcribed concomitantly. This is the first description of a developmental change in the transcription of a glycosyltransferase during oogenesis.


Introduction The purpose of the Centre for Injury and Violence Prevention is the regular compilation and monitoring of statistics on injuries, including self-harm and assaults, and the use of these statistical data in injury prevention. Methods Injuries are recorded and monitored On the population level using the patient information system where an injury database (injury view) has been created. The data from the first visit following an accident are recorded in the emergency rooms. On the unit level using the Internet-based TAPE injury follow-up software in child day care, schools and in hospital departments and in home care, residential care and institutional care of the older people. The units are able to see their injury data in real time as graphs. The data are used for identifying the risk groups and implementing preventive interventions as well as for monitoring risk behaviour, treatment practices, and health and well-being. The intervention work has commenced with preventive interventions targeted at motorcyclist and cyclist injuries and falls involving senior citizens. Conclusions The injury follow-up system as well as the preventive methods that are proven to be effective, may be introduced anywhere. Health centres and hospitals may use the injury view solution. The TAPE software is a purchasable product. Continuous, systematic follow-up is a good representation not only of accidents but also of risk behaviour in a population and, on the other hand, a populations health and well-being and changes in them over a period of time.


This Recommendation specifies security requirements for authentication methods with key establishment supported by the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) defined in IETF RFC 3748 for wireless access authentications to federal networks.


(OTSC) system, to provide endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding posterior duodenal ulcers The "bear claw", or over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany), is an innovative clipping device made of superelastic biocompatible nitinol [1–3]. This device was developed to close wall defects of the luminal gastrointestinal tract, such as perforations, anastomotic leaks, and fistulas [1, 2]. The use of the "bear claw" in humans is still limited, but due to the excellent capabilities of the "bear claw" to close large mucosal defects, more reports on its efficacy are being published [2,3]. Here we present the use of the "bear claw" to provide hemostasis of large ulcers of the posterior duodenal wall. Four patients (three women and one man, ages 82–90, mean age 84.5) presented with massive gastrointestinal bleeding. All of the patients had hypotension upon presentation. The patients' hemoglobin ranged from 6 to 12g/dL, with a mean of 9g/dL (normal 12–18g/dL). All patients Fig.1 The cap with the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is loaded onto the tip of the scope, similarly to the esophageal banding device.


We have observed ion emission from electrochemically etched tungsten tips at field strengths below the level of field ion microscopy. The tip potential-dependent emission curve is peaked at a field strength of about 2 V/nm. The temporal behaviour includes periodic outbursts of ions, the period being of the order of half an hour. Besides this, the system shows flickernoise at frequencies between 10−3 and 0.1 Hz.


Researchers propose Moving Target Defense (MTD) strategies for networking infrastructures as a countermeasure to impede attackers from identifying and exploiting vulnerable network hosts. In this paper, we investigate the weaknesses of Network-based Moving Target Defense (NMTD) against passive host profiling attacks. In particular, we consider periodical and reactive approaches to change hosts' identifiers. To evaluate the capabilities of a host profiling attack, we design Hostbuster, a tool that reidentifies hosts based on network flow data. We experimentally evaluate its effectiveness using real-world network traffic from the University of Oxford. We show the robustness of learned host profiles, which are valid for more than two months. On average, our experiments result in 80% classification performance given by the F1 score. As a result of these analyses, we provide guidelines to strengthen NMTD against these types of attacks.


We demonstrate the control of enzyme orientation for enzymes chemically immobilized on surfaces. Nitro-reductase (NfsB) has the ability to reduce a broad range of nitro-containing compounds and has potential applications in a broad range of areas including the detection and decomposition of explosives. The enzyme was tethered through unique surface cysteine residues to a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) terminated with maleimide groups. One cysteine was introduced close to the active site (V424C), and the other, at a remote site (H360C). The surface-tethered NfsB variants were interrogated by a combination of surface-sensitive sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to determine how the mode of attachment altered the enzyme's orientation. The activities of the two immobilized NfsB variants were measured and can be well correlated to the deduced orientations. The relationships among enzyme engineering, surface immobilization, enzyme orientation, and enzyme activity were revealed.


In this study, the effect of EGR and fuel injection pressure on the characteristics of combustion and emission performance of the common-rail diesel engine is investigated using DME fuel as a smoke-free alternative fuel. Because the heating value and density of DME fuel are lower than those of diesel fuel, the injection duration of the DME engine is relatively longer than the injection duration of the diesel engine with the same injection pressure. However, the higher injection pressure can shorten the injection duration for the DME engine. Although the smoke level of the DME engine is much lower than that of the diesel engine, the NOx is at a level similar to that of the diesel engine. As a proposed solution for this, the EGR technique is empirically applied to the DME engine. In the experiments, the injection pressure was changed from 200bar to 400bar, and the EGR rate was limited under 40%. With the same injection timing and fuel amount, the experiment results indicated that the increase of injection pressure led to the increase of IMEP while decreasing HC and CO emissions. However, the NOx emission tends to increase as the injection pressure becomes higher. On the other hand, as the EGR rate was increased, NOx emission and A/F were reduced while the HC and CO emissions were increased. Because HC and CO emissions have the critical A/F point where the emissions of HC and CO are rapidly increased, it is proposed that the EGR rate must be limited under the critical EGR rate.


Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infects cattle and may lead to persistent infection (PI). The PI animals harbor BVDV throughout their life and become immune tolerant against BVDV. Thus, diagnosis of this virus in herd is highly important. Recombinant E2 protein expression (using pET-32a in Escherichia coli) was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting; then purified by Ni+ affinity chromatography. Chickens were immunized with BVDV-E2 protein, and IgY antibodies were extracted from egg yolk by PEG-6000. The peak titer of anti-BVDV-E2-IgY was 1:128,000 after the fifth immunization. IgY-based enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic assay (ICA) were further developed. Coincidence of ELISA and ICA test with RT-PCR was 95.45 and 90.91%, respectively. The anti-BVDV-E2 IgY could be used in routine screening of BVDV infection. Besides, it can also be applicable while licensing and/or using live vaccines; screening of imported products containing bovine serum and strong surveillance of BVDV outbreaks. Graphical abstract Preparation of Chicken IgY against BVDV recombinant E2 protein for developing ELISA and ICA for BVDV detection.


Amalgam as a restorative material in dentistry is discussed because of believed toxic properties of the material, yet there is no scientific prove for the assumption. Adhesive restorations are a possible alternative for amalgam in restoring posterior teeth. For treatment of primary caries, the direct composite resin restoration has many advantages. When greater defects are to be restored, adhesive composite resin restorations become less favourable. At this moment no long term results are available for indirect adhesive techniques. For the time being it seems necessary to use composite resin as well as amalgam for the restoration of posterior teeth.


Neural networks have shown good results for detection of a certain pattern in a given image. In our previous work, a fast algorithm for object/face detection was presented. Such algorithm was designed based on cross-correlation in the frequency domain between the input image and the weights of neural networks. Our previous work also solved the problem of local subimage normalization in the frequency domain. In this paper, the effect of image normalization on the speedup ratio of pattern detection is presented. Simulation results show that local subimage normalization through weight normalization is faster than subimage normalization in the spatial domain. Moreover, the overall speedup ratio of the detection process is increased as the normalization of weights is done offline.


Postoperative ileus (POI) often decreases patients' quality of life because of prolonged hospitalization and readmission. Alvimopan, a peripheral μ-opioid receptor antagonist, is currently the only therapeutic drug for POI. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of naldemedine (a peripheral μ-opioid receptor antagonist with a non-competitive pharmacological profile different from that of alvimopan) on postoperative intestinal hypomotility and adhesion in rodent models, and compare it with the effects of alvimopan. Oral administration of naldemedine (0.3 mg/kg) and alvimopan (3 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the decrease in intestinal motility induced by mechanical irritation in mice (p<0.01, for both). Naldemedine (1 mg/kg) significantly shortened the adhesion length in chemical-induced postoperative adhesion model rats (p<0.05). Alvimopan (3 mg/kg) also significantly reduced the adhesion ratio (p<0.01). These findings suggest that naldemedine is effective for postoperative intestinal hypomotility and adhesions in rodents (i.e., as for alvimopan). Thus, naldemedine may be a useful option for the treatment of POI.


Premenopausal females have a lower cardiovascular risk than males. Sex differences on exercise‐induced endothelial shear stress (ESS) and blood flow patterns may explain part of this risk reduction. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to determine the differences in brachial artery exercise‐induced ESS and blood flow patterns between males and females. Thirty subjects (13 females) were recruited to perform a three‐workload steady‐state exercise test based on blood lactate levels (i.e. <2.0, 2.0–4.0, >4.0 mmol/l). ESS and blood flow patterns were estimated at rest and during each workload using Womersley's approximation and Reynolds number, respectively. Both males and females showed an exercise intensity‐dependent increase in antegrade and retrograde ESS. There was no significant sex effect or interaction for antegrade ESS (F(1, 30) = 0.715, p = 0.405 and F(1·672, 60) = 1.511, p = 0.232, respectively) or retrograde ESS (F(1, 30) = 0.794, p = 0.380 and F(1·810, 60) = 1.022, p = 0.361, respectively). Additionally, antegrade blood flow was turbulent during all bouts of exercise while retrograde blood flow became disturbed at moderate and high exercise intensities in both groups. There are no differences in exercise‐induced ESS and blood flow patterns between males and females when the exercise load is equivalent. This suggests that the vascular benefits of exercise training are similar in both sexes from a haemodynamic standpoint.