As medical data continues to transition to electronic formats, opportunities arise for researchers to use this microdata to discover patterns and increase knowledge that can improve patient care. We propose a data utility measurement, called the research value (RV), which reflects the importance of an database attribute with respect to the other database attributes in a dataset as well as reflect the significance of the content of the data from a researcher's point of view. Our algorithms use these research values to assess an attribute's data utility as it is generalizing the data to ensure k-anonymity. The proposed algorithms scale efficiently even when using datasets with large numbers of attributes.


In the basis of the subject which we try to deal with, it stands two worldviews based on expository and demonstrative epistemologies that formalize the intellectual building of Islamic culture. It seems that the main point here is about discussions between exposition and demonstration. Methodological discussions enlighten how are used on the one hand exposition as religious method and on the other hand demonstration as rational or intellectual method.


A 2-MW high-temperature superconducting (HTS) generator with 24 pole pairs has been designed for the wind turbine application. In order to identify potential challenges and obtain practical knowledge prior to production, a full-size stationary experimental setup, which is one pole pair segment of the full generator, has been built and tested. The experimental setup comprises a consequent-pole HTS rotor and a conventional three-phase copper stator. This paper first presents the electromagnetic designs of the full generator and the setup, then it goes to compare the performance of the full generator and the setup in terms of the flux density, the operating condition of the HTS winding, and the force-generation capability. Finite element (FE) software MagNet is used to carry out numerical simulations. The findings show that the HTS winding in the setup is a good surrogate for these that would be used in the full generator. The FE simulations also tell that the maximum tangential force generated in the setup is 3.77% lower than that in the full generator. Good agreement between the values of interest in the setup and those projected in the full generator has revealed a cost-effective prototyping methodology for developing HTS machines.


OBJECTIVE
We study the adhesion molecules on the surface of SO-Rb50 retinoblastoma cell line.

METHODS
The distribution of proteoglycans in the retinoblastoma SO-Rb50 cell line was analyzed by histochem-electron microscopy, using Colloidal Iron in combination with a series of enzyme digestions. In addition, immunohistochemistry was performed using a panel of specific antibodies including neuron specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100 protein, fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV.

RESULTS
Immunohistochemical stains showed the most marked cytoplasmic reactivity of SO-Rb50 cells with anti-NSE and anti-S100. The cells member and surface was postive with anti-NSE. No reactivity was noted with antibodies against laminin, GFAP, and collagen IV. After incubated with colloidal iron solution, three types of colloidal iron-positive stained material could be distinguished based on differences in shape, size, electron density: (1) electron dense particles, (2) the larger colloidal iron-positive filaments, (3) the smaller colloidal iron-positive filaments, which were observed present on the tumor cells surface and in the extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSION
We think that the cell surface proteoglycans is the main component of adhesion molecules of retinoblastoma, which may play a central role in mediating tumor cell adhesion to extracellular matrix and adjacent host cell.


This paper suveys some recent algebraic developments in two parameter Quantum deformations and their Nonstandard (or Jordanian) counterparts. In particular, we discuss the contraction procedure and the quantum group homomorphisms associated to these deformations. The scheme is then set in the wider context of the coloured extensions of these deformations, namely, the so-called Coloured Quantum Groups.


Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), as a typical two-dimensional (2D) material, has attracted extensive attention in recent years because of its fascinating optical and electric properties. However, the applications of MoS2 have been mainly in photovoltaic devices, field-effect transistors, photodetectors, and gas sensors. Here, it is demonstrated that MoS2 can be found another important application in position sensitive detector (PSD) based on lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) in it. The ITO/MoS2(3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 20, 50, 100 nm)/p-Si heterojunctions were successfully prepared with vertically standing nanosheet structure of MoS2. Because of the special structure and the strong light absorption of the relatively thick MoS2 film, the ITO/MoS2/p-Si heterojunction exhibits an abnormal thickness-dependent LPE, which can be ascribed to the n- to p-type transformation of MoS2. Moreover, the LPE of ITO/MoS2/p-Si structure improves greatly because of forward enhanced built-in field by type transformation in a wide spectrum response ranging from visible to near-infrared, especially the noticeable improvement in infrared region, indicating its great potential application in infrared PSDs. This work not only suggest that the ITO/MoS2/p-Si heterojunction shows great potential in LPE-based sensors, but also unveils the importance of type transformation of MoS2 in MoS2-based photoelectric devices besides strong light absorption and suitable bandgap.


Welding operation decides the quality of product standards in all metal work products like automobiles, aerospace vehicles, and many more. The quality of the welding process is more reliable by automating the process with robots. In this research work, the GMAW operation is automated with the 'Fanuc Robot Arc mate 100iC/12' robot. The material characteristics such as ultimate tensile strength, hardness, and impact strength of weldments are predicted using a fuzzy system using triangular membership function (TrMF) and trapezoidal membership function (TMF). The simulated results are validated by comparing with experimental work, the experiments are designed using orthogonal array L18, and material characteristics are studied using fractography test. The fuzzy system is trained with experimental results using the IF-Then rule base with the help of the L18 orthogonal array. The inference system has predicted the accuracy rate of weldment mechanical properties, showing a lower error rate.


Human actions must be well planned and include consideration of their potential influences on water and aquatic ecosystems - such consideration is the foundation of watershed management. Watersheds are the ideal land unit for managing and protecting water resources and aquatic health because watersheds integrate the physical, biological and chemical processes within their boundaries. Managed forested watersheds tend to have more natural watershed functions and better water quality than other land uses. Land uses with greater amounts of soil disturbance and permanent reductions in infiltration, such as in agricultural or urban/developed settings, usually have greater undesirable hydrologic alterations and poorer water quality. Nonpoint source pollutants resulting from many forestry, agricultural, and urban activities are controlled by techniques and tools known as best management practices (BMPs). Best management practices are applied by watershed managers to large-scale landscapes, but they also are applicable to the lives of ordinary citizens. Basic BMP principles, such as controlling the amounts and duration of soil disturbance during construction around the home, applying chemicals to lawns or gardens only at needed rates and during suitable times, and incorporating techniques to encourage infiltration of rooftop and driveway runoff are important actions that anyone can take to help protect watershed functions, water quality, and aquatic health.


Context: Awareness of dentistry among medical students.
Aim: To assess the awareness of dentistry among medical students.
Settings and Design: To assess the awareness of dentistry among medical students, a structured questionnaire consisting of 17 closed end questions was prepared and sent to 750 people who included exam going final year MBBS students and interns from various medical colleges in Telangana. This questionnaire was prepared & sent using Google Forms though E-mail and Whatsapp and the participants were asked to submit the response in 15 days. A total of 506 responses were received in 15 days. Google Forms automatically tabulates the submitted responses in pie diagrams.
Statistical Analysis Used: All the submitted responses from the participants were automatically analysed statistically by the Google Forms in the form of Pie diagrams.
Results: The results show some interesting points and highlight some significant findings on awareness of dentistry among medical students.
Conclusions: Majority of the participants do not know about proper brushing technique and were brushing only once daily. Many participants were unaware of consequences of ignoring the dental problems. Many are not aware of preventive dentistry and they lack knowledge about aesthetic dentistry. Majority of the participants know that there is a separate specialist for root canal treatment and for the treatment of irregularly arranged teeth. Most of the participants do not know about the systemic diseases related to dental problems.

Keywords: Dental awareness, Disease, Medical students.


Integrated Marine Monitoring Systems (IMMS) are designed to help operators to reduce operational risk by providing information about the environment and the platform responses in real time. In spite of efforts to keep monitoring systems in working condition by following planned maintenance and upgrades, some sensors may fail intermittently or may generate spurious data. Quite often, intervention to repair or to replace a faulty sensor is either difficult, or even not feasible.This paper discusses various methods to estimate critical platform integrity parameters with satisfactory confidence in the cases when direct measurements are temporarily unavailable or questionable. Methods such as Artificial Neural Network and Extended Kalman Filter have been employed and specifically tuned to particular challenges.Estimated results for the missing data, such as platform position or riser loads, are reliable as they have been validated against historically good data.The merit of the paper is to present the methods that can increase reliability of the IMMS, enhance safety, reduce operational risk and decrease cost in maintaining expensive offshore systems.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


Transformation of the traditional industry through digital technologies shapes the education system, as comprehensive knowledge in the interdisciplinary areas of technologies is required. Amid the challenges of competitive and digital technologies in the advanced manufacturing industry, the universities and industry cooperation is imperative. This study presents the planning and implementation of the educational projects in metrology to create a vision of building the bridge between educational institutes and the industry. The implementation of tele-presence and tele-operation case studies focus on flexibility, efficiency and quality of the processes that does not limit the resources to a location, time difference or facility. Vision in education is of extreme importance in this present time of worldwide international competition in Industry 4.0 that will enable to achieve sustainable environmental friendly goals with contribution to both industry and society.


"A tribute to the man who invented this art form, Mobile by Alexander Calder traces the planning, problems, fabrication, and installation of the last major work of one of America's greatest sculptors. Here in the central courtyard of the National Gallery's East Building, viewers marvel at the grace, sophistication, fantasy, and whimsy of Calder's mobile. It is made up of 12 arms and 13 panels, weighs 900 pounds, and is a harmony of perfect balance, bright colors, and never-ending movement. Marcel Duchamp coined the word "mobiles," but it took the genius of his friend Alexander Calder to put them in motion." -- Videocassete case.


ABSTRACT We prospectively evaluated herpes zoster patients during the acute phase of the disease for central nervous system involvement. Of 24 patients with spinal zoster, 13 (54%) had spinal cord abnormality, which was asymptomatic in 12 of the 13. Age but not lack of acyclovir treatment was associated with such involvement. In all but 2, neurological involvement resolved within 6 months. Although the mechanism responsible for the neurological abnormalities is unknown, findings may support the hypothesis that zoster is associated with spread of viral infection into the spinal cord and therefore support the possibility that zoster is due to active viral replication in the ganglion.


The problem of start-up for a large size tokamak plasma is studied with the presence of a moving limiter. The plasma transport is investigated analytically by the separation of variables during this early phase of the discharge. The results are applied to a TNS-size plasma. It is shown that a moving limiter may help ameliorate the possible problem of skin effects on the current profile.


Synthetic recombination form RS7 (BBAAUS), in which the first two genomes, A and B, originate from common wheat, and the third recombinant genome consists of Aegilops speltoides (S) and Ae. umbellulata (U) chromosomes, was obtained from crossing synthetic forms Avrodes (BBAASS) and Avrolata (BBAAUU). Resistant to leaf rust, yellow rust and powdery mildew, introgression lines have been obtained from backcrosses with the susceptible varieties of common wheat Krasnodarskaya 99, Fisht and Rostislav. PCR analysis showed the presence of amplification fragments with marker SCS421 specific for the Lr28 gene in the line 4991n17. The cytological study (С-banding and FISH) of 14 lines has revealed chromosomal modifications in 12 of them. In most cases, the lines carry translocations from Ae. speltoides, which were identified in chromosomes 1D, 2D, 3D, 2B, 4B, 5B and 7B. Also, lines with the substituted chromosomes 1S (1B), 4D (4S), 5D (5S) and 7D (7S) were identified. Lines that have genetic material from Ae. speltoides and Ae umbellulata at once were revealed. In the line 3379n14, translocations in the short arm of chromosome 7D from Ae. umbellulata and chromosomes 5BL, 1DL, 2DL from Ae. speltoides were revealed. The line 4626p16 presumably has a translocation on the long arm of chromosome 2D from Ae. umbellulata and the T7SS.7SL-7DL translocation from Ae. speltoides. The T1DS.1DL-1SL and T3DS.3DL-3SL translocations from Ae. speltoides, and T2DS.2DL-2UL and T7DL.7DS-7US from Ae. umbellulata have been obtained for the first time. These lines may carry previously unidentified disease resistance genes and, in particular, leaf rust resistance genes from Ae. speltoides and Ae. umbellulata.


In this article, we study the quasi-homogeneity of a superpotential in a complete free algebra over an algebraic closed field of characteristic zero. We prove that a superpotential with finite dimensional Jacobi algebra is right equivalent to a weighted homogeneous superpotential if and only if the corresponding class in the 0-th Hochschlid homology group of the Jacobi algebra is zero. This result can be viewed as a noncommutative version of the famous theorem of Kyoji Saito on isolated hypersurface singularities.


ABSTRACT Many carcinomas have acquired oncogenic mechanisms for activating c-Met, including c-Met overexpression and excessive autocrine or paracrine stimulation with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). However, the biological outcome of c-Met activation through these distinct modes remains ambiguous. Here, we report that HGF-mediated c-Met stimulation triggers a mesenchymal-type collective cell invasion. By contrast, the overexpression of c-Met promotes cell rounding. Moreover, in a high-throughput siRNA screen that was performed using a library of siRNAs against putative regulators of integrin activity, we identified RhoA and the clathrin-adapter protein HIP1 as crucial c-Met effectors in these morphological changes. Transient RhoA activation was necessary for the HGF-induced invasion, whereas sustained RhoA activity regulated c-Met-induced cell rounding. In addition, c-Met-induced cell rounding correlated with the phosphorylation of filamin A and the downregulation of active cell-surface integrins. By contrast, a HIP1-mediated increase in &bgr;1-integrin turnover was required for the invasion triggered by HGF. Taken together, our results indicate that c-Met induces distinct cell morphology alterations depending on the stimulus that activates c-Met.


The Jawornik granitoids intrude, in vein-like form, a sequence of a polymetamorphic metavolcanic and metapelitic rocks of the Orlica-Śnieznik Dome, Sudetes, Poland. This paper provides whole-rock geochemical data, sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U-Pb zircon geochronological data as well as 40Ar-39Ar age determinations to constrain the genetic and temporal relationships of the different rock types forming these veins. Based on macroscopically visible features of the granitoids and their relationship with tectonic structures visible in the country rocks, four varieties of the Jawornik granitoids have been distinguished: amphibole- and biotite-bearing granites (HBG), biotite-bearing granites (BG), biotite- and muscovite-bearing granites (BMG) and muscovite-bearing granites (MG). The Jawornik granitoids as a whole show a limited but significant variation in major element chemical composition, with SiO 2 ranging from 65 to 76 wt.% (average 69.16 wt.%, n = 24). They are subalkalic, peraluminous and calc-alkaline [average A/CNK = 1.07, average (Na 2 O + K 2 O) = 7.75, average (Fe 2 O 3 t /(Fe 2 O 3 t + MgO) = 0.59]. Close inspection of their geochemical parameters showed that the samples investigated can be subdivided into two groups. The first group, the HBG, BG, and BMG varieties, comprising most of the granitoids in the Zloty Stok-Skrzynka Tectonic Zone, were formed by melting of greywackes or/and amphibolites. The MG, belonging to the second group, were formed by partial melting of a more felsic source. The HBG yielded a zircon U-Pb age of 351 ±1.3 Ma and well-defined 40 Ar- 39 Ar plateau ages for hornblende (351.1 ±3.9 Ma) and coexisting biotite (349.6 ±3.8 Ma), indicating probably the oldest magmatic event in this region. Zircons from the MG, the youngest rock variety on the basis of their relationship with the tectonic structures in the host rocks, yielded a U-Pb age of 336.3 ±2.4 Ma, though based on three points only. The biotites and muscovites from the BMG have 40 Ar- 39 Ar plateau ages of 344.1 ±4.7 Ma and 344.6 ±3.8 Ma, respectively. These data, in combination with already published isotopic ages, suggest that the Jawornik granitoids intruded host rocks of the Orlica-Śnieznik Dome in three stages, at ~350, ~344 and ~335 Ma.


JCOG consecutively conducted 6 multicenter clinical trials for advanced aggressive lymphoma in 1990s, including 4 CHOP-based chemotherapies (JCOG9505, 9506, 9508 and 9809) and 2 second or third generation, multidrug combination chemotherapies (JCOG9002 and 9203). Among the whole 1,141 enrolled patients (pts), histopathological specimens from 1,084 pts (95%) were reviewed by 6 hematopathologists and diagnosed according to WHO classification. Factors affecting the overall survival (OS) of pts with each B- or T-cell lymphoma were analyzed. In all the 6 trials, major eligibility criteria were as follows: age between 15 and 69 except one trial for elderly pts, pathological subtypes of intermediate- or high-grade lymphoma by Working Formulation excluding adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, lymphoblastic lymphoma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. ECOG performance status 4 was excluded. Numbers of the cases of major B-cell lymphoma subtypes were 642 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL), 104 follicular lymphoma(FL), 30 mantle cell lymphoma(MCL) and 24 marginal zone B-cell lymphoma(MZL). One hundred and thirty six cases of PTCL were analyzed, including 18 anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), 46 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AILT), 53 PTCL unspecified (PTCL-U), 17 extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NK/T). Five year OS rates of major subtypes were; 83% for MZL, 76% for FL, 59% for DLBCL, 59% for MCL, 61% for ALCL, 55% for AILT, 41% for NK/T and 38% for PTCL-U. In the whole B-cell lymphomas, 5 year OS rates were discriminated well by International Prognostic Index (IPI); i.e. low (L): 75.0%, low-int (LI): 60.3%, high-int (HI): 45.3%, high(H): 25.7%. On the contrary, those of PTCL could not be discriminated well according to IPI, i.e. L: 63.6% LI: 45.1%, HI: 30.8%, and H: 47.4%. Other factors influencing the OS of pts with PTCL were clarified by the univariate or multivariate analysis. In the univariate analysis of 136 PTCL cases, 4 factors related to unfavorable prognosis were identified as follows: low serum total protein level (TP<6.3g/dl) [hazard ratio (HR) 2.39, (95%CI: 1.50–3.80, p=0.0003)], involvement of gastrointestinal tract [HR 1.81 (95%CI: 1.00–3.28, p=0.049)], low serum albumin level (<3.7g/dl) [HR 1.68(95%CI: 1.08–2.61, p=0.02)], and pathological subtype (ALCL+AILT vs. PTCL-U+NK/T) [HR 0.59 (95%CI:0.38–0.90, p=0.02)]. In multivariate analysis, low TP(<6.3g/dl) [HR 2.20(95%CI:1.27–3.80, p=0.0048)] and pathological subtype (ALCL,AILT vs. PTCL-U,NK/T) [HR 0.59(95%CI:0.36–0.95, p=0.028) ] were significant. These results indicated that pts with PTCL showed worse OS than those with B-cell lymphoma. In B-cell lymphoma, IPI was confirmed as the important prognostic model, however, in PTCL, the significance of IPI is limited by other significant factors, i.e. low TP (< 6.3 g/dl) and unfavorable pathological subtype (PTCL-U and NK/T). In conclusion, in prospective multicenter trials settings, IPI model for aggressive B-cell lymphoma is not suitable for PTCL, and further studies on establishing novel prognostic models for PTCL are warranted.


Understanding infections related to handling healthcare waste products is of critical importance and the application of simple and low-cost strategies remain a priority in low-income and middle-income countries to protect healthcare workers. We examined the potential effect of relative humidity (RH), air temperature and ultraviolet irradiation (UI) to establish an efficient and effective way to facilitate disposal of medical waste. Literature is emerging on the effect of high RH and high temperature, which would increase airborne mass deposition and decrease the viability of viruses in both airborne particles and on surfaces. On the other hand, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has been proven to be susceptible to UI when suspended in air like other coronaviruses. An innovative approach utilizing environmental conditions might represent an effective and efficient way to ensure better and sustainable protection of the healthcare workers in low-resourced settings.


Risperidone long-acting is the first atypical antipsychotic medication available in an injectable sustained-action formulation, potentially conferring the advantages of an atypical antipsychotic together with assured medication delivery. In addition, unlike depots of conventional antipsychotics composed of a prodrug in a viscous oil vehicle, this formulation uses microsphere technology to encapsulate risperidone in a biodegradable polymer. Progressive hydrolysis of the microspheres results in gradual release of risperidone leading to predictable and sustained plasma levels with repeated injections.


: Results of treatment of 2900 patients with colorectal cancer in 1972-1994 yrs. period are analyzed. Diagnosis methods, kinds of operative procedures, frequency of complications occurrence are enlightened. Problematic directions of future investigations are determined.


The elastic strain behavior associated with the field-induced antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric phase transition has been investigated for Pb0.99Nb0.02[(Zr1-x Snx )1-y Tiy ]0.98O3 ceramics (PNZST) by means of dielectric, polarization and strain hysteresis measurements. As the applied electric field intensity increased, a sudden increase in the strain was observed along with a corresponding change in polarization that is attributable to the phase transition. PNZST ceramics with optimized composition exhibit a huge strain value of 0.44%, which may make the development of a new functional transducer device possible.


Fast Track surgery (FTS), as well as ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery/rapid recovery after surgery programs) or ERP (enhanced recovery program, in russian) is a multimodal and multidisciplinary treatment strategy designed to reduce the duration of disability and improve the quality of medical care. This program includes preparation at the preoperative stage, the use of minimally invasive techniques for performing surgical intervention and active management of the postoperative period to reduce the duration of inpatient treatment, rehabilitation time and the fastest possible return of patients to normal life. In the context of this review, the features of preparation and prehabilitation at the preoperative stage of the enhanced recovery program are considered. The main elements of the strategy are reviewed: correction of eating disorders, carbohydrate loading, preoperative education and problems of multidisciplinary interaction, sarcopenia, lifestyle changes, pharmacogenomics, correction of anemia and preoperative bowels preparation. Prehabilitation and preoperative preparation together help make the patient for surgery and subsequent recovery. The main elements of training are patient and staff training, multidisciplinary interaction, correction of concomitant somatic disorders and diseases, nutrition optimization and lifestyle changes.


The identification of bacteriologically characters of coastal areas is important due to the fact that bacteriological pollution, transported to seas via rivers is a potential threat for ecosystem, animal and human health. In this study, bacteriological load of Cirpici River transporting to the Sea of Marmara from Zeytinburnu location in Istanbul and its relationship with primary hydrographic parameters investigated. The levels of fecal coliform (FC), total coliform (TC), fecal streptococci (FS) and total heterotrophic aerobic bacteria (HPC) tested using Membrane Filtration Technique in the surface water samples. Seawater temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen were recorded in-situ using multiparameter (YSI556 MPS). While the highest TC detected to be 13x107 CFU/100 ml, the highest FC was 14x106 CFU/100 ml. The lowest FC recorded as 25x10 CFU/100 ml. While the highest FS level was determined to be 73x105 CFU/100 ml, the highest HPC was 14x106 CFU / ml. Variable environmental parameters recorded for seawater temperature between 10.3-29.5˚C; pH 6.0-8.38; dissolved oxygen 0.34- 10.71 mg /l and salinity 16.50-26.57 psu during the study period. Significant correlation between the temperature and FC, FS and THAB detected. The levels of bacteria detected at the spot where the Cirpici River poured into the Sea of Marmara were found higher than the station at the 800 m open of the Sea of Marmara. It was determined that the Cirpici River carried 103 CFU bacterial loads at 100 ml for TC to the Sea of Marmara. The FC and FS counts carried to the Marmara Sea from Cirpici River recorded to be 102/100 ml and 103/100 ml, respectively. The fact that FC and TC levels were above the limit values during the study indicate the stability of pollution sources in the region and that the Cirpici Stream carries a bacteriological risk in terms of human, animal, and environmental health.


We demonstrate a simple technique for width-tunable optical return-to-zero pulse train generation based on four-wave mixing in highly nonlinear fiber. By electrically tuning the delay between two pump pulse trains, the pulsewidth of a generated pulse train is continuously tuned. In our experiment, the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of a 5G pulse train is tuned from 85 to 25 ps, and the FWHM of a 10G pulse train is tuned from 33 to 18 ps. And the simulation results show that the FWHM of a 40G pulse train can be tuned continuously from 10.6 to 2.9 ps. Negligible power penalty is observed after 59-km single-mode fiber and 11.4-km dispersion-compensation-fiber transmission for different pulsewidths at 10 Gb/s.


Comprehensive assessment of water quality is an important technological measure for water environmental management and protection. Previous assessment methods tend to ignore the influences of sediment pollutant release and dynamic change of the water boundary. In view of this, this paper explores a new method for comprehensive water quality assessment. Laboratory simulation experiments are conducted to analyze the influences of sediment pollutant release on water quality, and the results are taken as increments, coupled with original samples, to constitute a new set of evaluation samples. Dynamic and comprehensive water quality assessment methods are created based on a principal component analysis (PCA)/analytic hierarchy process (AHP)–variable fuzzy pattern recognition (VFPR) model and adopted to evaluate water quality. A geographic information system (GIS) is applied to visually display the results of water quality assessment and the change of the water boundary. This study takes Biliuhe Reservoir as an engineering example. The results show the change process of the water boundary, during which the water level is reduced from 63.10 m to 54.15 m. The reservoir water quality is fine, of which the water quality level (GB3838-2002) is between level 2 and level 3, and closer to level 2 taking no account of sediment pollutant release. The water quality of Biliuhe Reservoir, overall, is worse in summer and better in winter during the monitoring period. Meanwhile, the water quality shows the tendency of being better from upstream to downstream, and the water quality in the surface layer is better than that in the bottom layer. However, water quality is much closer, or even inferior, to level 3 when considering the release of nitrogen and phosphorus in sediments, and up to 42.7% of the original assessment results of the samples undergo changes. It is concluded that the proposed method is comparatively reasonable as it avoids neglecting sediment pollutant release in the water quality assessment, and the presentation of the evaluation results and change of the water boundary is intuitive with the application of GIS.


The influence of environmental factors on the timing of parturition has not been investigated in viviparous squamates. We investigated the interaction between temperature and parturition in two viviparous skink species, the southern snow skink (Niveoscincus microlepidotus) and the metallic skink (N. metallicus). In these species, the timing of parturition is separated from the completion of embryonic development; the delay is attributed to their cool and variable habitats. We examined whether the neurohypophyseal hormone arginine vasotocin (AVT) stimulated parturition in southern snow skinks with late stage embryos in autumn (approximately 6-7 months prior to parturition) and in metallic skinks with late stage embryos in summer (approximately 2-3 weeks prior to parturition). The experiments were conducted at a range of environmentally relevant temperatures (6 degrees C, 15 degrees C, 22 degrees C, and 28 degrees C). AVT induced parturition in both species at all temperatures; time until birth, however, occurred more quickly at warmer temperatures (22 degrees and 28 degrees C), whereas cooler temperatures delayed parturition. We hypothesize that if cool temperatures are preventing parturition, then temperature must act at some level within the brain to prevent or slow the secretion of AVT. Future experiments will need to determine how temperature influences AVT production. Further research is also required to determine how the timing of parturition is influenced by interactions between temperature, photoperiod, and seasonal hormone patterns.


There exists a lack of information about many of the social, economic and ecological links within coastal Small-Scale Capture Fisheries; such knowledge is pertinent to the future sustainable exploitation and management of marine
ecosystems by coastal communities. To conserve natural resources for future generations, sustainable management of natural resources is necessary. Sustainable resource management can help ensure that the use of resources does
not cause an imbalance in the environment, and increasingly, sustainable management practices are being encouraged to preserve both animal and plant life for the benefit of future generations. Supply Chain Management is the active management of supply chain activities. It represents a conscious effort by supply chain managers to develop and run
supply chains in the most effective way to meet Consumer demand. However,the vast majority of research and practice regarding sustainable supply chains has followed an instrumental logic, which has led firms and supply chain managers to place economic interests ahead of environmental and social interests. Ecologically Dominant Sustainable Supply Chain Management is a planning and
decision-making process that seeks to coordinate and balance the social, economic and environmental demands of resource use to achieve long term sustainability. In this thesis, the Sustainable Supply Chain Management of the Lipsi Small-Scale Capture Fishery has been approached from a Sustainable
Supply Chain Management perspective. The thesis interrogates the seafood supply chain of 'place' (The Municipality of Lipsi) by taking into consideration each 'stage' of the seafood supply chain; expressed here as Habitat, Assemblage,
Fishery, Market and Consumer.
In adopting q novel Conceptual Framework this thesis provides a platform for Small-Scale Capture Fishery research to move beyond 'Catch to Market' thinking (that treat's the ocean as a 'black box' or homogenous entity) and helps
to articulate the heterogeneous roles that coastal habitats play in provisioning Small-Scale Capture Fishery seafood supply chains. Furthermore, it aims to provide an intuitive and accessible platform for inter-disciplinary discussion, be that between business managers, ecologists, socio-ecological researchers, fisheries managers or local stakeholders


Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by an infection with protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Acute infection in pregnant women may be transmitted to the fetus and cause severe illness. Most infected new born have no symptoms at birth, but if left untreated serious clinical manifestation can develop during childhood and early adulthood. Because congenital toxoplasma infection does not usually produce recognizable sign of infection in infancy and non-specificity of the symptoms, we were concerned by the fact that most case remain untreated, therefore we have used immunoglobulin M (IgM) avidity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for screening infants, and identify who should receive therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 pregnant women were included in the study. The group consists of the mother of bad obstetric history, and clinical conditions suggestive of toxoplasmosis. Blood sample collected from all these mothers and were screened by ELISA for IgM antibodies. Results: Among 90 women, maximum age group was from 20 to 24 years i.e., 36 (40%) followed by 34 (37.77%) from the age group of 25-29 years.18 were seropositive for IgM toxoplasmosis, and abortion was the most common event seen followed by preterm delivery. Maximum patients were on a mixed diet, i.e., 13 (72.22%). Conclusion: Congenital toxoplasmosis is a preventable disease, and it emphasizes the importance of early prenatal serological tests, and to take preventive measures when necessary, in order to avoid a dramatic fetal disease. It should be mandatory to screen every pregnant females and infants, and initiation of judicious treatment on time can, thus be provided to prevent morbidity and mortality due to toxoplasmosis.


Part 1 The principles of comparative cortical cytoarchitectonics: the basic laminar pattern of the cerebral cortex - homogenetic and heterogenetic cortical formations regional variations in cell structure of the cerebral cortex particularities of the cytoarchitecture in different animals. Part 2 The principles of comparative field organisation in the cerebral cortex: description of individual brain maps common features in cortical architectonics variations in cortical architectonics. Part 3 Synthesis - hypothesis of the cortex as a morphological, physiological and pathological organ - histological cortical: localization in relation to morphology localization and histopathology physiology of the cortex as an organ.


This paper analyzes how Brazilian Indians are depicted in the illustrations of the travel account Deux Années au Brésil by François-Auguste Biard (1799–1882). Published by Hachette in Paris in 1862, the book includes 180 wood engravings, drawn by Édouard Riou from Biard's original sketches and engraved by several French artists. The way the painter represents the Indians reveals the kind of relationship he kept with them during his journey in Brazil. Even if most of the engravings are ethnographic portraits, some images give rise to a new representation of Brazilian Indians, as corrupted and diabolic. Several portraits of "civilized" natives are almost caricatures. Seeking to entertain the reader, many engravings depict conflicts between the painter and his models. In some illustrations, while Biard is the powerful hero, Indians are ridiculed. But even using stereotypes and exaggeration, these images show how close the painter's relationship with his Indian models is.


The most motile phototrophic organisms exhibit photo-induced behavioral responses (photobehavior) to inhabit better light conditions for photosynthesis. The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an excellent model organism to study photobehavior. Several years ago, we found that C. reinhardtii cells reverse their phototactic signs (i.e., positive and negative phototaxis) depending on the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated in the cell. However, its molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study, we isolated seven mutants showing positive phototaxis, even after the induction of negative phototaxis (ap1~7: always positive) to understand the ROS-dependent regulatory mechanism for the phototactic sign. We found no common feature in the mutants regarding their growth, high-light tolerance, and photosynthetic phenotypes. Interestingly, five of them grew faster than the wild type. These data suggest that the ROS-dependent regulation of the phototactic sign is not a single pathway and is affected by various cellular factors. Additionally, the isolation and analyses of mutants with defects in phototactic-sign regulation may provide clues for their application to the efficient cultivation of algae.


Background: Preservation of articular cartilage in the setting of acute or chronic injury in the adolescent and young adult knee is paramount for long-term joint health. Achieving osseous union, minimizing implant-related injury, and eliminating the need for reoperation for traumatic chondral and osteochondral lesions (OCLs) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) remain a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Purpose: To evaluate radiographic healing, patient-reported outcomes, and short-term complications after suture-bridge fixation of chondral fragments, osteochondral fractures, and OCD lesions in the knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The study included consecutive patients (38 patients, 40 knees) treated within a single academic sports medicine institution who underwent suture-bridge fixation of an OCL or an OCD lesion of the knee from initiation of the technique in October 2019 through March 2021. The suture-bridge technique entailed bioabsorbable knotless anchors placed on the outside margins of the lesion with multiple strands of hand-tensioned absorbable (No. 0 or No. 1 Vicryl) or nonabsorbable (1.3-mm braided polyester tape) bridging suture. Healing was assessed by radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with MRI scans obtained on all OCD lesions and any chondral-only lesions. MRI scans were available for 33 of 40 (82.5%) knees within 1 year of surgery and were evaluated for lesion healing. Complications and rates and timing of return to sport were evaluated. Patient-reported outcomes in the OCD cohort were evaluated with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) to determine early pain and functional improvement. Results: In total, 33 (82.5%) lesions demonstrated full union, and no lesions failed treatment. MRI assessment of healing (mean, 5.8 months; range, 3-12 months) demonstrated 9 (64.3%) OCD lesions with full union, 5 (35.7%) OCD lesions with stable union, and no OCD lesions with nonunion. Of the OCLs, 17 (89.5%) had full union, 2 (10.5%) had stable union, and none had nonunion. The 7 bony OCLs without an MRI scan demonstrated complete radiographic union. In 30 (75.0%) lesions, patients returned to sports at a mean of 6.5 months (range, 3.8-10.2 months). KOOS Activities of Daily Living, Pain, Quality of Life, and Symptoms scores demonstrated significant improvement from baseline at 6 months and at 1 year. There were 2 (5%) complications, consisting of reoperation for marginal chondroplasty on an otherwise stable lesion, and re-operation for intial un-treated patellar instability, with no reoperations for failure or revision of the suture-bridge construct. Conclusion: In this series of OCLs and OCD lesions of the knee, suture-bridge fixation demonstrated excellent rates of MRI and radiographic union and good early outcomes with minimal short-term complications. This technique may be used for lesion salvage as an alternative to metallic and nonmetallic screw/tack constructs in the treatment of these challenging lesions. Longer term follow-up and investigation are warranted.


Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL

Most primary prostate cancers (PCs) and PC cell lines express calcitonin (CT) and/or its receptor (CTR), and their co-expression positively correlates with tumor grade of primary PCs and growth/invasiveness of PC cell lines. Activation of the CT-CTR axis in non-invasive PC cells induces an invasive phenotype. In contrast, silencing of CT-CTR axis markedly reduces the tumorigenicity and metastatic capacity.

We have identified that cytoplasmic (C) tail of CTR contains a canonical class I type PSD-95, Discs-large, Zonnula Occludens-1 (PDZ)-binding motif, mutation of which does not affect its ability to bind its ligand or activate its G protein-coupled actions but abrogates CT-elicited destabilization of tight junctions or invasion. We then used CTR-C tail as a bait to identify its interactor by yeast two hybrid screening of prostate cDNA library. This revealed that CTR-C tail binds to intracellular membrane protein zonula occludens (ZO-1) through its PDZ domain. This interaction was confirmed using multiple approaches such as pull-down assays, overlay assays, co-immunoprecipitation and acceptor photobleaching FRET microscopy. The results demonstrate that CTR binds to PDZ3 domain of ZO-1 through its PDZ-binding motif. Mutation of either CTR-C PDZ-binding motif or ZO-1- PDZ3 domain abrogated actions of CT on tight junctions, invasion, orthotopic tumor growth and promotion of distant metastasis.

These results for the first time demonstrate PDZ-dependent interaction between CTR and ZO-1; and that this interaction is critical for CT-CTR axis-elicited prostate cancer progression. Considering overexpression of CT-CTR axis in malignant prostate, the results suggest that prevention of this interaction may serve as a new therapeutic possibility for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-13. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-13


During the last 25 years international mobility has become paramount in higher education. International and national authorities and higher education institutions have set-up effective structures to facilitate and implement this process. It has become part of a higher education modernization process which obtained a serious push with the start and development of the Bologna Process in Europe as of 1999. However the same authorities have been far less active in finding answers on how to facilitate this process in terms of curriculum development, quality assurance and recognition. The initiative was largely left to individuals supported by their employing organizations. These have proven to be visionaries. Their efforts have led to competence and learning outcomes based descriptors for meta-qualifications frameworks and to important reference points / meta profiles for subject areas. Academics have been strongly involved in developing the latter and by doing so have offered a more sustainable basis for implementing reforms based on the student-centred approach, which is so relevant for today's world in terms of employability and citizenship. The most recent development has been the development of Tuning sectoral qualifications frameworks which allow for bridging the two European meta-frameworks, the EQF for Lifelong Learning and the QF for the European Higher Education Area, with sectoral and degree profiles. This can be seen as a breakthrough initiative because it offers us a transparent model which is developed and owned by academics and can easily be used by all involved in programme design and development, quality enhancement and assurance and recognition of (periods of) studies.


Lake Rupa is a small, subtropical, shallow lake with a surface area of 100 ha situated 600 m a.s.l. in Central Himalaya, Nepal. This degraded lake was studied between 2000 and 2006, with the goal of determining whether or not it could be restored by a community-based cooperative of local people living in its catchment. Main threats to the lake, its aquatic life and its very existence include encroachment by excessive aquatic vegetation, sedimentation, and low in-lake concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO). Small lakes (≤ 500 ha) are relatively prone to the process of 'succession and climax', although they also can be of social, environmental and ecological importance. Thus, their disappearance could spark social chaos and disorder in areas already having to cope with other rapid environmental changes. This means that credible mechanisms for revitalizing or protecting small lakes are an important goal. Accordingly, a lake cooperative of 329 households living in close vicinity to Lake Rupa was formed in 2002, by prioritizing traditional fishers, women and other deprived community members with the goals of respecting the citizenry and equity. Following the cooperative's campaigns directed at weed removal and fish stocking, encroachment of vegetation on the lake margins was halted, its aquatic weeds became under control, and its fisheries improved. In addition to the cooperative's restoration activities, several water quality parameters, including water transparency and DO and chlorophyll-a concentrations, were monitored on a monthly basis. The measured water transparency was inconsistent, exhibiting large variations between 2000 and 2003. Relatively low, but consistent, values, however, were measured after 2004. The results imply that the removal of weeds, and sufficient nutrients and solar radiation are subsequently available to the lake's phytoplankton communities. Supporting this notion is that the chlorophyll-a concentration spiked to 205 µg L−1 in November 2006, the water transparency became consistent, and the DO concentration increased to >3.8 mg L−1 during the critical months (March–May) after 2004. These water quality indicators indicated improvement in the degraded Lake Rupa, suggesting that the establishment of cooperatives such as that highlighted in this study could be a powerful and sustainable mechanism for restoring degraded lakes in similar socioeconomic settings by maintaining equity, by connecting communities with their resources, and by facilitating integrity, equity, citizenry and social justice.


PURPOSE Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing is a compelling diagnostic tool in solid tumors and has been shown to have high positive predictive value. However, limited assay sensitivity means that negative plasma genotyping, or the absence of detection of mutation of interest, still requires reflex tumor biopsy. METHODS We analyzed two independent cohorts of patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with known canonical driver and resistance mutations who underwent plasma cfDNA genotyping. We measured quantitative features, such as maximum allelic frequency (mAF), as clinically available measures of cfDNA tumor content, and studied their relationship with assay sensitivity. RESULTS In patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC harboring EGFR T790M, detection of driver mutation at > 1% AF conferred a sensitivity of 97% (368/380) for detection of T790M across three cfDNA genotyping platforms. Similarly, in a second cohort of patients with EGFR or KRAS driver mutations, when the mAF of nontarget mutations was > 1%, sensitivity for driver mutation detection was 100% (43/43). Combining the two NSCLC patient cohorts, the presence of nontarget mutations at mAF > 1% predicts for high sensitivity (> 95%) for identifying the presence of the known driver mutation, whereas mAF of ≤ 1% confers sensitivity of only 26%-54% across platforms. Focusing on 21 false-negative cases where the driver mutation was not detected on plasma next-generation sequencing, other mutations (presumably clonal hematopoiesis) were detected at ≤ 1% AF in 14 (67%). CONCLUSION Plasma cfDNA genotyping is highly sensitive when adequate tumor DNA content is present. The likelihood of a false-negative cfDNA genotyping result is low in a sample with evidence of > 1% tumor content. Bioinformatic approaches are needed to further optimize the assessment of cfDNA tumor content in plasma genotyping assays.


The objectives of this study were to determine the most common bacterial etiology of mastitis, their sensitivity patterns to commonly used antimicrobial agents, the prevalence of clinical and sub clinical mastitis in Holstein Friesian primiparous dairy heifers in Northern Jordan. Eighty five heifers that were in their third trimester of pregnancy, located in twenty farms were used in this study. A total of 634 quarters samples of pre-calving secretion (156) and post-calving (180 colostrums; 298 milk) were aseptically collected and grossly examined for abnormalities. Normally appearing milk samples were further tested for sub clinical mastitis using California mastitis test. All collected samples were cultured and antibacterial sensitivity patterns were determined. Seventy-one percent (449 of 634) of the examined samples were apparently normal. Clinical mastitis was diagnosed in 29% (185 of 634) of the examined quarter. The prevalence rate of clinical mastitis in pre-calving secretions, colostrum and milk were 57% (89 of 156), 22% (40 of 180) and 19% (56 of 298), respectively. The prevalence rate of sub clinical mastitis was 94% (239 of 254 milk samples). Different bacterial isolates were identified in 48.6% (308 of 634 quarter samples). Bacteria were isolated from 58% (52 of 89) of pre-calving secretions, 75% (30 of 40) of colostrum and 54% (30 of 56) of milk samples. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen (38%) followed by Corynebacterium bovis (24%), coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) (15%), Streptococci spp. (10%), Escherichia coli (5.5%), Actinomyces pyogenes (4.9%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1%). These pathogens were isolated from 61% of clinical mastitis and 42% of sub clinical mastitis samples. After statistical analysis the isolated pathogens were found significantly (P < 0.05) resistant to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, lincomycin, streptomycin and penicillin and susceptible to amoxicillin, cephalexin, neomycin, oxytetracycline and sulphamethexazole - trimethoprim.


This study aims to propose a method to generate growth and degrowth models using differential equations as well as to present a model based on the method proposed, compare it with the classic linear mathematical models Logistic, Von Bertalanffy, Brody, Gompertz, and Richards, and identify the one that best represents the mean growth curve. To that end, data on Undefined Breed (UB) goats and Santa Inês sheep from the works of Cavalcante et al. (2013) and Sarmento et al. (2006a), respectively, were used. Goodness-of-fit was measured using residual mean squares (RMS), Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), mean absolute deviation (MAD), and adjusted coefficient of determination . The models' parameters (?, weight at adulthood; ?, an integration constant; ?, shape parameter with no biological interpretation; k, maturation rate; and m, inflection point) were estimated by the least squares method using Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm on the software IBM SPSS Statistics 1.0. It was observed that the proposed model was superior to the others to study the growth curves of goats and sheep according to the methodology and conditions under which the present study was carried out.


: The temperature range for optimum growth of Rickettsia conorii in suspension culture of gamma-irradiated L cells was 32-38 degrees C, resulting in rickettsial doubling times between 4.1 and 6.0 hr. An asynchronous release of R. conorii from host cells was suggested by the constant increase in percent cells infected over a 36 hr period. Rickettsial growth was optimal at neutral to slightly alkaline extracellular pH levels. A moderately acidic pH, however, resulted in an increase in doubling time from 4.1 to 7.8 hr.


Patterns represent established concepts in object-oriented development with a main application area in design and architectural project phases. Although the potential benefits of Analysis Patterns are well-known, there is still no widespread application in the daily work. Prerequisites for an efficient utilisation of patterns in requirements and business modelling phases of a project are a fast projector even company-wide access to analysis pattern sources, integration in the development process and appropriate tool support. E-Business projects can benefit from Analysis patterns esp. concerning the critical factor "time-to-market" because the availability of resources with initial design ideas can accelerate the early modelling phases. After a survey of pattern descriptions in the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and available CASE-Tool support, this contribution depicts the architecture and application of a Pattern-Tool that was developed in the scope of an E-Government project. The tool provides an initial set of known Analysis Patterns, supports its selection and integration in concrete system models, and enables extension and modification of the Pattern population. The Pattern-Tool is integrated as a "Plug-In"-component in the commercial CASE-Tool "Rational Rose". The open architecture enables an adaptation for other tools and modelling languages. Examples and experiences for applied Analysis patterns in the EGovernment project will be illustrated.


A simple, sensitive, precise, and environmentally safe spectrophotometry method was developed and validated for the determination of organophosphate in various fruits and vegetables using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer using a magnesia mixture. The volume of reagent used for analysis and the stability of the color complex were also optimized. The drug showed a stable white color complex at 420 nm. The greenness of the methods was estimated using an ecoscale (84), the Green Analytical Procedure Index, and AGREE (0.89), which were found to be excellent green method based on spectrophotometric determination. The method was validated using ICH guidelines and has acceptable values for linearity (0.5–2.5 mg/ml), accuracy (98.5–102.5%), precision, robustness, limit of detection (0.16 mg), and limit of quantification (0.486 mg). The concentration of the organophosphate in the analyzed sample was in the range of 0.003 to 2.45 mg. Altogether, the proposed green analytical method was found to be a simple, selective, sensitive, accurate, and ecofriendly method for the analysis of organophosphate in various fruits and vegetables.


Background: Thalassaemia is a heterogeneous group of disorders. In multi-transfused thalassaemia major patients  the  thyroid  gland  function has  been  reported  to  be  normal,  decreased  reserve,  or  primary hypothyroidism. Objective: This study was an attempt to know the thyroid function status in multi-transfused thalassaemic patients and it's correlation with iron overload. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pediatrics at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Transfusion centre of Bangladesh Thalassaemia Samity, Dhaka during May 2011 to April 2012. Previously diagnosed cases of thalassaemia major patients with transfusion dependent at any age with both sexes were randomly selected for this study. Serum total thyroxine (T4), total triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and serum ferritin level were estimated from venous blood. Results: A total of 50 previously diagnosed cases of thalassaemia major patients of which 30 male and 20 female of 4 to 15 years age, transfusion dependent were randomly selected for this study. Hypothyroidism was present in 10(20%) patients.  Among  these 10 patients  compensated  primary  hypothyroidism  was  in  5(10%)  cases  and decompensate primary hypothyroidism was 5(10%) cases. The TSH value of hypothyroid patients was higher. Serum ferritin value was significantly higher in all the three groups of thalassaemic patients. There was no significant correlation between the high serum ferritin value with thyroid stimulating hormone or serum total thyroxin level. Conclusion: All transfusion dependent thalassaemic patients need periodic evaluation of thyroid  function  because  there  was  incidence  of  hypothyroidism. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i2.20762 J  Shaheed  Suhrawardy  Med  Coll 2013;5(2):87-90]


Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and hypofunction of salivary and lacrimal glands. This loss of salivary function leads to oral dryness, impaired swallowing and speech, and increased infection and is associated with other autoimmune diseases and an increased risk of certain cancers. Despite the implications of this prevalent disease, diagnosis currently takes years, partly due to the diversity in patient presentation. Saliva is a complicated biological fluid with major constituents, including heavily glycosylated mucins MUC5B and MUC7, important for its viscoelastic and hydrating and lubricating properties. This study investigated Sjögren's patient's perception of dryness (bother index questionnaires) along with the rheological, protein composition, and glycan analysis of whole mouth saliva and the saliva on the mucosal surface (residual mucosal saliva) to understand the properties that most affect patient wellbeing. Sjögren's patients exhibited a statistically significant reduction in residual mucosal saliva, salivary flow rate, and extensional rheology, spinnbarkeit (stringiness). Although the concentration of mucins MUC5B and MUC7 were similar between patients and controls, a comparison of protein Western blotting and glycan staining identified a reduction in mucin glycosylation in Sjögren's, particularly on MUC7. LC-MS/MS analysis of O-glycans released from MUC7 by β-elimination revealed that although patients had an increase in core 1 sulfation, the even larger reduction in sialylation resulted in a global decline of charged glycans. This was primarily due to the loss of the extended core 2 disialylated structure, with and without fucosylation. A decrease in the extended, fucosylated core 2 disialylated structure on MUC7, residual mucosal wetness, and whole mouth saliva flow rate appeared to have a negative and cumulative effect on the perception of oral dryness. The observed changes in MUC7 glycosylation could be a potential diagnostic tool for saliva quality and taken into consideration for future therapies for this multifactorial syndrome.


With the rising age of the population, hospital cutbacks, and increased attention to home-based care for the dying, the community can expect to experience more intense care situations and a greater potential for palliative care crises developing in the home setting. Whether the crisis is precipitated by hemorrhage, severe uncontrolled pain, or agitation, the demands placed on the family unit and care provider can be phenomenal. Only with a greater awareness of the difficulties encountered in the home setting can the community begin to respond to the needs of the family in crisis. An open-question survey regarding palliative care crises in the community was conducted among community visiting RNs, home care case managers, and palliative outreach clinicians in southwestern Ontario, The objectives were: 1) to determine the pattern of events that precipitated a crisis; 2) to understand how crises were managed; 3) to identify barriers to effective crisis management; 4) to investigate the impact on the family unit and care provider. Participants were also asked to list the essential resources they needed to deal effectively with a crisis situation. This paper highlights the results of the survey and suggests implications for the future direction of palliative care in the home.


Auctions of government securities typically permit bidders to enter multiple price-quantity bids. Despite the widespread adoption of this institutional feature and its use by bidders, the motivations behind its use and its effects on auction outcomes are not well understood theoretically and have been little explored empirically. This paper proposes that bidders use multiple bids to adjust for winner's curse: By spreading her bids, a bidder aligns her outcome more closely to the aggregate outcome of the auction. This hypothesis is tested using bidding data from treasury bill auctions in Portugal. I find that, ceteris paribus, a bidder submits a greater number of bids and disperses prices on these bids more widely when there is a greater potential for winner's curse. In particular, both these measures of bid-spreading increase with the volatility of market interest rates and the expected number of participating well-informed bidders.


In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the contingent valuation method for measurement of monetary values of various commodities. However, the validity and reliability of the method need to be examined thoroughly. This paper reports results of a test of scope and question order effects in a contingent valuation experiment in the health care field. Using three binary valuation questions, data were collected on willingness to pay for superior treatment of reflux oesophagitis. To test for scope effects, different probabilities of successful short- and long-term treatments were evaluated using a split sample approach. The presence of question order effects was tested by assigning respondents to different question orders. The contingent valuation method proved sensitive to changes in scope in that the willingness to pay increased with the probability of being free from symptoms and with a reduced risk of having a relapse once recovered. Also, regression analysis indicate that people who suffer from severe reflux oesophagitis are more willing to pay for more effective treatment. No question order effects were detected in the data.


Cultural heritage institutions increasingly make their collections digitally available. Consequently, users of digital archives need to familiarize themselves with new kinds of different digital tools. This is particularly true for humanities scholars who include results of their analyses in their publications. Judging whether insights derived from these analyses constitute a real trend or whether a potential conclusion is just an artifact of the tools used, can be difficult. To correct errors in data, human input is in many cases still indispensable. Since experts are expensive, we conducted a study showing how crowdsourcing tasks can be designed to allow lay users to contribute information at the expert level to increase the number and quality of descriptions of collection items. However, to improve the quality of their data effectively, data custodians need to understand the (search) tasks their users perform and the level of trustworthiness they expect from the results. Through interviews with historians, we studied their use of digital archives and classified typical research tasks and their requirements for data quality. Most archives provide, at best, very generic information about the data quality of their digitized collections. Humanities scholars, however, need to be able to assess how data quality and inherent bias within tools influence their research tasks. Therefore, they need specific information on the data quality of the subcollection used and the biases the tools provided may have introduced into the analyses. We studied whether access to a historic newspaper archive is biased, and which types of documents benefit from, or are disadvantaged, by the bias. Using real and simulated search queries and page view data of real users, we investigated how well typical retrievability studies reflect the users' experience. We discovered large differences in the characteristics of the query sets and in the results for different parameter settings of the experiments. Within digital archives, OCR errors are a prevalent data quality issue. Since these are relatively easy to spot, it has caused some concern about the trustworthiness of results based on digitized documents. We evaluated the impact of OCR quality on retrieval tasks, and studied the effect of manually improving (parts of) a collection on retrievability bias. The insights we gained helped us understanding researchers' needs better. Our work provides a small number of examples, which demonstrate that data quality and tool bias are real concerns to the Digital Humanities community. To address these challenges, intense multidisciplinary exchange is required: • Humanities scholars need to enhance the awareness that software tools and data sets are not free of bias and develop skills to detect and evaluate biases and their impact on research tasks. Guidelines should be developed that help scholars to perform tool criticism. • Tool developers need to be more transparent and provide sufficient information about their tools to allow the task-based evaluation of their tools' performance. • Data custodians need to make as much information about their collection available as possible. This should include which tools were used in the digitization process, in addition to both the limitations of the provided data and infrastructure used. The goal should be a mutual understanding of each others' assumptions, approaches and requirements and more transparency concerning the use of tools in the processing of data. This will help scholars to develop effective methods of digital tool criticism to critically assess the impact of existing tools on their (re-)search results and to communicate on an equal footing with tool developers on how to develop future versions, which better suit their needs.


[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of changes in hand position on the electromyographic activities of the shoulder stabilizer muscles during push-up plus exercises (PUPE) on unstable surfaces. [Subjects] The subjects of the present study were normal adults in their 20s (n=15). PUPEs were performed with the hands in the neutral positions (NP), internal rotation positions (IRP), and external rotation positions (ERP) using a sling device for the unstable surface. [Methods] We measured the electromyographic activities of the wrist flexor (WF), the wrist extensor (WE), the biceps brachii (BB), the triceps brachii (TB), the upper trapezius (UT), the lower trapezius (LT), the serratus anterior (SA), and the pectoralis major (PM). The muscle activites were compared and analyzed using electromyography. [Results] When hand position changed, WF activity in NP, and SA activity in ERP, were significantly different from their respective activities in the other positions. [Conclusion] To selectively enhance the electromyographic activity of the SA during PUPE using a sling device as an unstable surface, we consider performance of PUPE in ERP is an effective intervention.


Abstract Titanium-rich biotites from graphite-bearing metapelitic xenoliths, equilibrated at ca. 850 °C and 7 kbar in the presence of a granitic melt, have been studied through complete chemical analysis and single-crystal XRD refinements. The chemical study combines EMP analyses, hydrogen determination by both SIMS and C-H-N elemental analysis, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Biotites in the analyzed xenoliths have TiO2 contents ranging from 4.5 to 4.9 wt% and an XFe of 0.67. Their F and Cl contents are negligible, and Fe3+/Fetot ranges from 10 to 16%. The H2O content of the biotites ranges from 2.4 to 2.8 wt%, and a small fraction of H is accommodated in the lattice as NH4. Based on these full chemical analyses, the calculated OH occupancy is 1.26 to 1.30 groups per formula unit, more than one third less than the stoichiometric value. The entrance of Ti in the octahedral site of biotite is consistent with the Ti-oxy exchange, whereas Ti-Tschermak or Ti-vacancy substitutions play a very minor role. The Fe3+-oxy exchange cannot account for the observed OH deficiency. From single-crystal XRD, biotites belong to the 1M polytype and contain variable amounts of stacking faults. The c cell parameter, K-O4 and outer distances provide an independent estimate of the OH content, which agrees with SIMS determinations. The linear relationship between VITi4+ and the bond-length distortion of the cis-M2 octahedron reveals the partitioning of Ti4+ in M2, and the Ti4+ off-center shift toward O4 supports the occurrence of the Ti-oxy exchange. The ordering of Ti4+ over two non-equivalent M2 sites, which would be favored energetically, is in agreement with the evidence for a third octahedral site suggested by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The biotite dehydrogenation combined with the partitioning of Ti4+ in M2 and the low thermal expansion of Ti4+- containing octahedra, are the keys to understanding the thermal stabilization of Ti substitution in biotites.


In this paper, we study the peaky nature of wavelet coefficient distributions. The study shows that the wavelet coefficients cannot be effectively modeled by a single distribution. We then propose a new modeling scheme based on a Laplacian mixture model and apply it to the indexing and retrieval of image and video databases. In this work, the parameters of the model are first used to represent texture information in image retrieval. Then we explore its application to video retrieval. Traditionally, visual information is used for video indexing and retrieval. However, in some cases audio information is more helpful for finding clues to the video events. The proposed feature extraction scheme is based on the fundamental property of the wavelet transform. Therefore, it can also be adopted to analyze the audio contents of the video data. The experimental evaluation indicates the high discriminatory power of the proposed feature set. The dimension of the extracted feature vector is low, which is important for the retrieval efficiency of the system in terms of response time. User feedback is used to enhance the retrieval performance by modifying the system parameters according to the users' behavior. A nonlinear approach for defining the similarity between the two images is also explored in this work.


Abstract We use a text-based measure of popular sentiment toward finance to study how finance sentiment responds to rare historical disasters and to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Finance sentiment declines after epidemics and earthquakes but rises following severe droughts, floods, and landslides. These heterogeneous effects suggest finance sentiment responds differently to the realization of insured versus uninsured risks. Finance sentiment declines at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but recovers in countries that experienced high stock markets returns and that responded with large fiscal spending. Finance sentiment seems to depend on the insurance provided by private markets and by public finance.


The embryonic stem cell transcription factors SOX2, NANOG, and OCT3/4 are involved in the regulation of germ cell tumor growth and differentiation. They, and D2-40 (podoplanin), an antigen expressed in seminomas, are emerging as useful diagnostic markers in testicular germ cell tumors. This study evaluates the use of these markers in ovarian tumors. Ovarian germ cell tumors (n=31) have distinct immunostaining profiles, depending on the type of differentiation as follows: dysgerminoma (SOX2−, NANOG+, OCT3/4+, D2-40+), embryonal carcinoma (SOX2+, NANOG+, OCT3/4+, D2-40−), immature teratomas (SOX2+, NANOG−, OCT3/4−, D2-40−), yolk sac tumors, and choriocarcinoma (SOX2−, NANOG−, OCT3/4−, D2-40−). In immature teratomas, SOX2 positivity was limited to neural and epithelial tissues, and OCT3/4 was positive only in scattered epithelial cells (<10% of cells). Nongerm cell tumors (n=57, including surface-epithelial stromal tumors and sex-cord stromal tumors) were negative for NANOG and D2-40. OCT3/4 was positive in 4 of 9 adult granulosa cell tumors (15% to 85% of cells). In a small number of surface-epithelial stromal tumors, SOX2 and/or OCT3/4 were variably positive (20% to 90% of cells). Of the markers, SOX2 and D2-40 discriminated between dysgerminoma and embryonal carcinoma. NANOG distinguished between either of these 2 tumors and nongerm cell tumors. The inclusion of these markers should therefore be considered in cases of pure or mixed ovarian germ cell tumors that are difficult to classify, and to exclude nongerm cell tumor mimics.


ABSTRACT
The secondary metabolites of milled rice influenced by agronomic practices, seasons and their interaction effects were investigated. The ethanol extracts of rice grains in two japonica cultivars (Taikeng-16 and Kaohsiung-139) were analyzed with different assays to measure the total phenolic content, reducing power, radical-scavenging activity and chelating activity. Similar to earlier studies of phytochemicals, significantly higher antioxidant values were recorded in the organic rice. Second crop (November/December) in comparison with first crop (June/July) had significantly higher values of antioxidant activities, except for the chelating effect. The interaction between the agronomic practices and seasons had a detrimental effect on the crops because the combined factors had a more significant role than each factor alone. Even with the alterations in their content, polyphenols were positively correlated with the antioxidant activities, with the exception of chelating activity, when considering both factors (agronomic practices and season).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Our investigation focused on marketed milled rice which had been underestimated or neglected for the secondary metabolites production in earlier studies. The experiments were conducted on commercially available milled rice for analytical comparison of organically and conventionally grown two japonica rice cultivars for phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. The result described the positive behavior of milled rice toward the organic farming which enhanced the phytochemicals content and reported higher levels than conventionally grown rice on average. Furthermore, the amounts were higher during winter season as compared with the summer period. The results provide information that the organically grown milled rice could be a potent natural antioxidant to protect against oxidative damage in regular diets while assuring sustainability and food safety.


More and more National Competition Agencies (NCAs) around the world are incorporating merger review into their competition law arsenal. Furthermore, globalization has increased the amount of mergers with an international dimension. These two trends suggest that the potential for NCAs to come into conflict regarding whether to approve an international merger will only increase. As a result, this article suggests that merger remedies should be used by NCAs in order to resolve such conflicts. The article begins by addressing why NCAs may reach conflicting decisions in their review of international mergers. The article then addresses in which situations merger remedies can be used to address conflicts in international merger reviews and the costs and benefits involved.


Pattern electroretinogram (pERG) is a recording of retinal response to a phase reversing pattern stimulus. It gives information on the integrity of the inner retina specifically the ganglion cells. The recording of pERG in a laboratory is easily influenced by many factors hence standardization in a laboratory is required to ensure that pERG recorded is repeatable and reproducible. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that could affect pERG recordings at the Electrophysiology Laboratory, Optometry Program, Faculty of Health Sciences (FSK), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). This study involved forty-five subjects, aged between 20 and 25 years. They were divided into three groups. The factors being investigated were effects of 1) Alcaine 0.5%, 2) diurnal variation and 3) different size and shape of fixation target for pERG measurement (amplitude and implicit time). Paired t-test showed no significant differences between the recording before and after instillation of Alcaine 0.5% for amplitude (p = 0.116) and implicit time (p = 0.557). Measurements carried out in the morning and afternoon did not show significant differences for amplitude (p = 0.864) and implicit time (p = 0.174). For different fixation targets, results also showed no significant difference for amplitude (p = 0.125) and implicit time (p = 0.404). In conclusion, use of Alcaine 0.5%, different time of measurements and different type of fixation targets do not influence pERG results at the Electrophysiology Laboratory, FSK, UKM. Results of this study can be used for comparisons in research or in diagnosing diseases of the retina in the future.


The aim of this study was to determine the role of global postural reeducation for people with ankylosing spondylitis. We compared the effects of treatments on pain, dysfunction (using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), range of motion, and chest expansion in a specific population aged over 18 years old with ankylosing spondylitis. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements. The search was conducted using the PubMed, Physiotherapy Database (PEDro), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Web of Science (WoS) databases. Clinical trials and systematic reviews/meta-analysis were reviewed. Results: 154 studies were found. Finally, four were included. Conclusions: global postural reeducation is beneficial for ankylosing spondylitis, but no more so than other conventional treatments, except for spinal mobility, where Global Postural Reeducation demonstrated an advantage.


Model-based single image dehazing was widely studied due to its extensive applications. Ambiguity between object radiance and haze and noise amplification in sky regions are two inherent problems of model-based single image dehazing. In this paper, a dark direct attenuation prior (DDAP) is proposed to address the former problem. A novel haze line averaging is proposed to reduce the morphological artifacts caused by the DDAP which enables a weighted guided image filter with a smaller radius to further reduce the morphological artifacts while preserve the fine structure in the image. A multi-scale dehazing algorithm is then proposed to address the latter problem by adopting Laplacian and Gaussian pyramids to decompose the hazy image into different levels and applying different haze removal and noise reduction approaches to restore the scene radiance at the different levels. The resultant pyramid is collapsed to restore a haze-free image. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art dehazing algorithms.


Asparouhov and Muthén (2014) presented a new method for multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), referred to as the alignment method. The alignment method can be used to estimate group-specific factor means and variances without requiring exact measurement invariance. A strength of the method is the ability to conveniently estimate models for many groups, such as with comparisons of countries. This paper focuses on IRT applications of the alignment method. An empirical investigation is made of binary knowledge items administered in two separate surveys of a set of countries. A Monte Carlo study is presented that shows how the quality of the alignment can be assessed.


Zinc oxide decorated carbon nanotube composites are synthesized using reflux chemical method. Structural, morphological and optical properties were investigated using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope; electron dispersion spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In current efforts, we have explored the impact of using different zinc precursors on the morphology, structural and optical properties of zinc oxide decorated carbon nanotube (ZnO/CNT) composite. The outcome of using zinc precursors, variation in degradation time and pH has been evaluated. The dye degradation activity of as prepared composites was studied for Methylene Blue (MB) and Rose Bengal (RB) dyes under visible spectrum shows rapid decline in effective degradation time with slight surge in pH of the dye sample. The ZnO:CNT catalyst exhibits higher photo catalytic performance in comparison with the pristine ZnO when exposed to visible spectrum. The optimum efficiency achieved here is 99% in 15 min. at pH 10 and 96% in 50 min at pH 5 against MB and RB dye respectively. Further, for the first time we report the antifungal activity of the as synthesized nanoparticles against Bipolaris sorokiniana which demonstrates optimum efficiency of 34%.


The status and representation of women in university sport continues to be an area of concern and responsibility for the athletic administrator. This paper presents a description of the major philosophical and organizational changes that have occurred with the governance of women's intercollegiate sport. Data from American and Canadian studies describing the involvement patterns of women in university sport are presented, and areas for reform that will increase the status and representation of women in university sport are put forward. Three areas for reform presented include (a) securing commitment to change, (b) improving professional preparations in career planning for women at high school and university levels who aspire to careers in athletics, as well as professional development for women currently involved in athletic administration, and (c) gaining support from academic areas in the identification of effective, positive change for women in university sport.


The main aim of the paper is to determine the thermal bridges through which infrared heat is lost through infrared method.
The results obtained during the tests were compared with the technical requirements of construction. Thermovision measurements of window structures were performed in accordance with LST EN 13187:2000. A total of eleven windows operated under real conditions were measured.
The main purpose of the study is to analyze and compare leaks or anomalies in residential window constructions. In residential buildings, windows are the most heat-conductive structures, which makes it difficult to assess their thermal properties. In real-life thermovision studies, it is possible to detect leaks in window structures and to determine the temperature changes of thermal bridges. The data obtained from the direct investigation are compared with the regulatory requirements of the Regulation.
Infrared method was chosen for the study of building window structures, which allows to measure the temperature of structural surfaces of windows under realistic (operational) conditions, without the use of structural dismantling techniques. This is the only method used in civil engineering to get this kind of data.
The main objectives of the research: To determine and compare the design and existing thermal technical characteristics of windows; Investigate invisible, fundamental windows problems that increase heat loss.
During the research, the temperature of the thermal bridges of window constructions was measured with the FLIR B335 thermal imager, and the obtained data was analyzed with the program FLIR Tools.
After detailed measurement of one-window technical indicators and identification of major non-conformities with regulatory requirements, the main focus was on the anomalies identified.

Analyzing the obtained data of thermal bridges, the most conductive places of heat were determined.
Findings of the study:

Investigating the thermal properties of residential window structures from the inside (premises) by infrared method, visually visible heat loss through all structures of the object and thermal bridges could be observed. The intensity of the emitted energy is directly proportional to the body temperature and depends on the radiant power of the body surface.
The problematic locations of the thermal bridges of the sliding partitions of the building are: frame and sash flaps, junction of window sills and reinforced concrete flaps, as well as junction of window block with masonry wall. Surface temperatures do not meet the requirements of the Technical Building Regulations at these locations: frame and sash flap – 91 percent, window sill joint – 64 percent, reinforced concrete lintel joint – 36 percent, window block junction with masonry wall – 27 percent.
The average value of the minimum surface temperatures of the investigated window constructions is 36 percent. does not meet the requirements of the Construction Technical Regulation.
Comparing all the minimum surface temperatures of the studied structures, the maximum heat loss was obtained through the joint of the frame and sash and the window sill joint.
The results of the study could be used in practical / application - oriented ways in the selection and decision making of window installation, maintenance and operation.


This paper experimentally deals with the excitation by functional electrical stimulus(FES) and the response of electromyo-potential at the muscles of antebrachial joint in a human body. The excitation of FES, which results in the contraction of the muscles and thus the flection of the joint, shows that the flection angle of the joint is proportional to the magnitude of the stimulus current. The response of electromyo-potential measured according to the FES shows the linearly-proportional relation between the joint torque and the electromyo-potential. The results can be used for active motion of joint rehabilitation.


Background Supracondylar fracture with total displacement is classified as Gartland type 3. The operative management for this type of fracture can be closed reduction with percutaneous pinning (CRPP) or open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF). This study aims to determine whether CRPP or ORIF led to smaller changes in Baumann's angle, the carrying angle, loss of motion, and complication when treating pediatric supracondylar fractures. Methodology In a retrospective cohort design, pediatric patients presenting with supracondylar fractures at a tertiary care hospital in Bahrain between March and October of 2021 were enrolled. The collected data included age, gender, nationality, mechanism of injury, neurovascular status, type of surgery performed, follow-up period, range of motion, complications, Baumann's angle, carrying angle, and loss of motion. The changes in Baumann's angle, carrying angle, and reduction sufficiency were compared to the literature using Flynn's criteria for supracondylar fractures. Results This study included the records of 60 patients with supracondylar fractures. In total, 28 patients underwent CRPP (group A), whereas 32 underwent ORIF (group B). A statistically significant difference (p = 0.037) between group A and group B was noted when combining the loss of carrying angle scores and the loss of motion scores to form the final Flynn score. In group A, 26 (92.8%) cases had satisfactory results; 75% of these cases were excellent or good. According to Flynn's criteria, all patients in group B were satisfactory; 93.75% of these cases were excellent or good. The loss of motion was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.038). The mean loss of carrying angle was significantly different between the two groups, with 5.51 ± 3.03 degrees for group A and 4.23 ± 1.85 degrees for group B (p = 0.023). The study had only two cases with unsatisfactory ratings belonging to group A. Conclusions In pediatric patients presenting with type 3 supracondylar fractures, when compared to CRPP, ORIF was associated with less loss of motion, less loss of carrying angle, higher overall satisfactory results according to Flynn's criteria, and fewer complications.


In this article we develop a method to evaluate the poling quality of optical superlattice (OSL) based on two-dimensional (2D) Fourier transform. To demonstrate this method, -Z or +Z face etched OSL samples with desired patterns are fabricated by standard electric field poling technique. By analyzing the processed micrograph of the etched surfaces, the magnitude of the reciprocal vectors of the OSL are calculated directly and rapidly. Second harmonic generation (SHG) experiment is performed to validate the evaluation result.


Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive condition with limited treatment options and median survival of 3–5 years. Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) has been described in up to 90% of patients. Pulmonary aspiration has been suggested to contribute to IPF, with calls for aggressive antireflux therapy. We investigated reflux and aspiration in an unselected IPF cohort. Methods Symptoms were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Patients with IPF underwent oesophageal manometry, pH-impedance analysis and a standardised bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Pepsin and bile salts were quantified in lavage supernatant using a validated ELISA and tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Patient management was planned by an "aerodigestive" multidisciplinary team. Results 35 patients were studied. Oesophageal manometry suggested normal oesophageal function in 46%. pH-impedance demonstrated supranormal GOR in 24 patients (69%). In nine of these, the combination of clinical history and structured questionnaire revealed no evidence of GORD. BAL pepsin concentrations were higher than those measured in four healthy volunteer controls: median 9.0 ng/ml (range 0–35) vs 1.1 ng/ml (0–3); p = 0.02. Bile salt concentrations were comparable in the two groups. To date, none of these patients have undergone fundoplication. Discussion Oesophageal physiology and BAL assays may be combined to investigate reflux and aspiration in IPF. Our data suggest that acid reflux and weakly acid reflux is common and frequently asymptomatic. Our study suggests the need for carefully integrated assessments to inform potential treatment of reflux in IPF. High levels of oesophageal dysmotility and patient complexity support a cautious approach to antireflux surgery, which may be facilitated by multidisciplinary review.


One limitation of genome-wide linkage screens aiming to identify disease-susceptibility genes is the resolution at which they define individual candidates. Fine mapping of linked loci can often be laborious, protracted, and poorly directed. We reasoned that an integrative genomics approach could help to expedite candidate gene identification. We tested this hypothesis by prioritizing genes within three linkage regions (chromosomes 2q33-36, 8pter-22, and 12p13-12) previously identified in the Boston Early-Onset COPD cohort (1), using two independent microarray data sets. Genes within previously defined linkage regions were identified using Golden Path (University of California Santa Cruz, http://genome.ucsc.edu), and associated probes were assigned using NetAffx (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Probe sets were filtered by sequence verification using The Lung Transcriptome (http://lungtranscriptome.bwh.harvard.edu). The first microarray data set studied consists of whole lung tissue samples derived from 20 patients who had undergone lung volume reduction surgery with severe emphysema and from 14 control subjects with mild to moderate obstruction (2). The second data set consists of whole lung tissue samples (uninvolved margin) derived from 31 patients undergoing surgery for solitary pulmonary nodules, with varying degrees of airflow obstruction (FEV1% predicted: mean, 72; range, 10–133), and has not been previously described. Signal intensities were derived using both MAS5 and RMA algorithms. Unsupervised clustering with the nonparametric bootstrap was applied to check for undesirable and unanticipated structure or associations among the samples. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to test for significant associations between gene expression and continuous phenotypic variables (e.g., TLC, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, DlCO, FEF25–75, smoking history). All analysis methods were exhaustively repeated for each gene/probe set and each data set. For each gene/probe set, analysis results were summarized where data implicated an association between gene expression and the disease variable. Finally, genes were rank-prioritized based upon their frequency of significant association. A number of genes within each locus were repeatedly associated with multiple phenotypic variables in each data set. As has been previously noted, there was limited consistency between data sets, which in this case may be due to distinctions in patient populations and/or technical limitations. However, this approach consistently identified a small number of genes, including the recently implicated candidate susceptibility gene SERPINE2, as targets for further study. We believe this provides a rational approach that is applicable to many diseases and model systems for which data may already exist. However, further investigation is necessary to assert causation between prioritized candidates and the phenotype being investigated.


Islets of Langerhans represent a heterogeneous population in insulin resistant and diabetic animals and humans as histological appearances and function vary substantially. Mathematical representation that reflects this morphological diversity will assist in assessment of degeneration and regeneration, enabling comparisons between species, strains, and experimental investigations. Our investigative approach used a model of islet degeneration in diabetic male obese Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats and evaluated its prevention using rosiglitazone treatment. Immunohistochemical staining (insulin and collagens I/III) with automated image analysis reliably measured numbers, area, clustering, and staining intensity of β-cells and degree of islet fibrosis. Finite mixture mathematical modeling for the joint probability distribution of seven islet parameters to represent islet numerical data variation provided an automatic procedure for islet category allocations as normal or abnormal. Allocations for obese ZDF controls and rosiglitazone-treated animals were significantly different, with no significant difference between the latter and lean ZDF controls, indicative of differences within islet populations of individual animals, between lean and obese rat strains and following drug treatment. Islet morphology showed clear association with mathematical characterization. Information on islet morphology obtained by histopathological assessment of single pancreatic tissue sections was confirmed by this method showing drug-induced retardation of islet of Langerhans degeneration.