The effects of myoblast transplantations without an immunosuppressive treatment on muscle strength, and the formation of dystrophin-positive fibers was studied in five young boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using a triple blind design. Injections of myoblasts were made into one biceps brachii (BB), and the opposite BB, used as a control, was sham-injected; the experimenters and the patient were blind to the myoblast-injected side. At the same time, myoblasts were also injected in the left tibialis anterior (TA) of these patients. The strength developed during maximal static contractions of the elbow flexor and extensor muscles was measured with a Kin-Com dynamometer. No increase in static elbow flexion torque was measured at any time from 2 mo up to 18 mo after the transplantation. One month after the transplantation, the percentage of dystrophin-positive fibers in the myoblast-injected TA ranged from 0 to 36%, while it ranged from 0 to 4% on the control side. The expression of dystrophin in these fibers, however, was generally low, and most likely less than 10% of the normal level. In the biceps brachii of both sides 6 mo after the transplantation, less than 1.5% of dystrophin-positive fibers were detected. The injections also triggered a humoral immune response of the host. Antibodies were capable of fixing the complement, and of lysing the newly formed myotubes. One of the antigens recognized by this immune response is possibly dystrophin. These results strongly suggest that myoblast transplantations, as well as gene therapy for DMD, cannot be done without immunosuppression.


Region growing method is a classical method in medical image segmentation. To overcome the difficulty of manual threshold selection and sensitivity to noise, an adaptive region growing method based on the gradients and variances along and inside of the boundary curve is proposed. Firstly, we use the anisotropic diffusion filter to preserve the edge information. Then the new model is given, which chooses the mean variance inside of the boundary curve and the reciprocal of the mean gradient along the curve as the research subjects. The objective function of the model is to add two elements about gradient and variance mentioned above. The minimum of the sum is the optimum result which corresponding to the desirable threshold. In region growing processing step, the threshold is increased gradually and the set of the coarse contour is obtained. Finally, through optimizing the model, the optimal segmentation result can be acquired from the set of contours. In clinical MRI image segmentation, our method can produce very satisfactory results.


BACKGROUND
Chronic allograft nephropathy represents the principal cause of graft loss after the first year of transplantation. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a key factor in fibrogenesis and has been involved in the pathogenesis of chronic allograft nephropathy and other chronic nephropathies. Experimental studies have demonstrated that the angiotensin II receptor antagonist (losartan) could decrease the synthesis of TGF-beta1. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma levels of TGF-beta1 in transplant patients with chronic allograft nephropathy, and to evaluate the effect of losartan on TGF-beta1 plasma levels and other vasoactive peptides (angiotensin II, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, endothelin-1, and nitrites and nitrates). Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotypes were also determined in all patients.

METHODS
Fourteen transplant patients with chronic allograft nephropathy were included. Treatment with losartan (50 mg) was introduced. Consecutive determinations of TGF-beta1 and other vasoactive peptides were performed during follow-up.

RESULTS
Patients with chronic allograft nephropathy presented higher plasma levels of TGF-beta1 than the control groups. The treatment with losartan significantly decreased the plasma levels of TGF-beta1 (P < 0.05) and endothelin (P < 0.05) in all patients. The decrease of TGF-beta1 was statistically correlated with the blockade of the angiotensin II receptor (P < 0.05). No significant correlation could be demonstrated between angiotensin-converting enzyme genotypes and TGF-beta, endothelin-1, and nitrite-nitrate serum levels.

CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that losartan significantly decreases the plasma levels of TGF-beta1, the most important fibrogenetic factor. These results could play a decisive role in the treatment and prevention of chronic nephropathies, not only graft nephropathy, because the intrinsic pathogenetic mechanism is very similar in all forms, with a crucial roles for the renal renin-angiotensin system and TGF-beta1.


The magnetic properties of a ZnMnO diluted magnetic semiconductor isovalently doped with Mg and S have been successfully studied. ZnMnO alloys were prepared with different concentrations of magnesium and sulfur by using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique; additionally, the films were doped for free charge carriers by using nitrogen. For ZnMnO doped with 5% of Mg, the Curie temperature reached 104 K, and second-phase magnetic precipitates were observed with increasing Mg concentration. On the other hand, the sulfur doped ZnMnO showed an increased Curie temperature higher than room temperature due to increased number of holes which mediated the magnetic exchange interaction between magnetic ions.


To evaluate the influence of coronal restorations on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth, 676 root canal-filled and restored posterior teeth were evaluated after a mean period of 9.7 (± 2.8; minimum: 5) years. A total of 86.2% of the endodontically treated and restored teeth survived the mean observation period of 9.7 years without fracture. The overall survival period was 13.6 (± 0.2) years. All teeth with gold partial crowns survived without fractures (n = 24). Teeth with crowns and adhesively sealed access cavities showed a mean survival period of 15.3 (± 0.4) years, with crown and bridge restorations 14.0 (± 0.3), with individual metal posts 13.9 (± 0.2), with composite fillings 13.4 (± 0.5), with prefabricated metal posts 12.7 (± 0.6), with amalgam fillings 11.8 (± 0.6) and with glass ionomer cements (GIC) 6.6 (± 0.5) years. Teeth with one or two surfaces restored by amalgam, composite or GIC showed a significantly lower fracture rate than teeth with three and more restored surfaces (P < 0.05). The mean fracture rate of teeth restored with GIC was significantly higher when compared with all other groups (P < 0.001). In general, endodontically treated teeth restored with prosthetic restorations demonstrated a significantly lower mean fracture rate than teeth restored with fillings. Cavities with up to three surfaces may well be successfully restored adhesively with composite filling material.


This paper shows a simultaneous tri-band (S: 2.2–2.7 GHz, X: 7.5–9 GHz and Ka: 28–33 GHz) low-noise cryogenic receiver for geodetic Very Long Baseline Interferometry (geo-VLBI) which has been developed at Yebes Observatory laboratories in Spain. A special feature is that the whole receiver front-end is fully coolable down to cryogenic temperatures to minimize receiver noise. It was installed in the first radio telescope of the Red Atlántica de Estaciones Geodinámicas y Espaciales (RAEGE) project, which is located in Yebes Observatory, in the frame of the VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS). After this, the receiver was borrowed by the Norwegian Mapping Autorithy (NMA) for the commissioning of two VGOS radiotelescopes in Svalbard (Norway). A second identical receiver was built for the Ishioka VGOS station of the Geospatial Information Authority (GSI) of Japan, and a third one for the second RAEGE VGOS station, located in Santa María (Açores Archipelago, Portugal). The average receiver noise temperatures are 21, 23, and 25 Kelvin and the measured antenna efficiencies are 70%, 75%, and 60% in S-band, X-band, and Ka-band, respectively.


The effects of proton activity on the site-specific interactions of cI repressors with operator sites OR were studied by using DNase I footprint titration. Individual-site binding isotherms were obtained for the binding of repressor to each site of wild-type OR and of mutant operators in which binding to some sites is eliminated. The Gibbs energies for binding and for cooperativity (in every operator configuration) were determined at each pH (range 5-8). The proton-linked effects clearly account for a significant fraction of the difference in affinities for the three operator sites. The most dramatic effects on the repressor-operator binding interactions are at acid pH, and therefore do not involve the basic groups in the repressor N-terminal arm known to contact the DNA. Also, the proton-linked effects are different at the three operator sites as indicated by significantly different derivative relationships, partial derivative of ln k versus partial derivative of ln aH = net proton absorption (delta nu bar(H)). These results implicate ionizable repressor groups which may not contact the DNA and conformational differences between the three repressor-operator site complexes as being important components to the mechanism of site specificity. The extensive data base generated by these studies was also used to reevaluate the traditional models used to describe cooperativity in this system. The results confirm the lack of significant cooperative interaction between OR1 and OR3 at all conditions. However, the data for some experimental conditions are clearly inconsistent with the (selection) rule, that cooperative interaction between OR2 and OR3 is eliminated by ligation at OR1.


The narrative presents a case of the silencing and marginalization of the contributions of the many rural women, whose efforts help to improve human life and meaning. Madam Agnes Adwoa Afra's life story and experiences should serve as a cogent reminder to women and gender activists across this country, Ghana, that women who show exceptional performance in offering humanitarian and other services are present in every segment of our society. Madam Adwoa Afra has spoken for many by sharing her life story. This narrative piece highlights the need to search for the many women in rural settings in many parts of Ghana whose remarkable activities and services are often unheard of, unacknowledged and/or not unrecognized. Whether other women of her like, with such strong values within our rural communities will share the joy of nationwide acknowledgement and documentation of their activities would greatly depend on the efforts of gender activists, who owe them the duty to bring them to limelight. In this biographical study, which re/presents a conversation and discussions on her life and deeds, Madam Agnes Adwoa Afra shares her experiences as a farmer, parent, role model, philanthropist and humanitarian. Keywords : Biography, Life Story, Philanthropist, Role Model, Rural Woman Studies in Gender and Development in Africa Vol. 1 (1) 2007: pp. 120-131


The Community Radiation Monitoring Program (CRMP) is a cooperative effort between the US Department of Energy (DOE); the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Desert Research Institute (DRI), a division of the University and Community College System of Nevada and the Nuclear Engineering Laboratory of the University of Utah (UNEL). The twelfth year of the program began in the fall of 1991, and the work continues as an integral part of the DOE-sponsored long-term offsite radiological monitoring effort that has been conducted by EPA and its predecessors since the inception of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The program began as an outgrowth of activities that occurred during the Three Mile Island incident in 1979. The local interest and public participation that took place there were thought to be transferrable to the situation at the NTS, so, with adaptations, that methodology was implemented for this program. The CRMP began by enhancing and centralizing environmental monitoring and sampling equipment at 15 communities in the existing EPA monitoring network, and has since expanded to 19 locations in Nevada, Utah and California. The primary objectives of this program are still to increase the understanding by the people who live in themore » area surrounding the NTS of the activities for which DOE is responsible, to enhance the performance of radiological sampling and monitoring, and to inform all concerned of the results of these efforts. One of the primary methods used to improve the communication link with people in the potentially impacted area has been the hiring and training of local citizens as station managers and program representatives in those selected communities in the offsite area. These managers, active science teachers wherever possible, have succeeded, through their training, experience, community standing, and effort, in becoming a very visible, able and valuable asset in this link.« less


The subject of music in Nazi Germany invariably elicits the name Wagner, whether as a reference to Hitler's legendary adulation of the composer, to the notorious admiration for Hitler on the part of the composer's (posthumous) daughter-in-law and Bayreuth festival director, Winifred Wagner, to the presumed prominence of Wagner's music in the Third Reich, or to Wagner's anti-Semitism as a harbinger of the extermination of European Jewry. Yet the multiple roles of "Wagner" – the man, the family, the works, and the cultural-ideological legacy – in the Third Reich cannot be understood without peeling away several layers of myth. While some of these myths arose in Hitler's Germany, most were inspired by German expatriates and developed from postwar debates resulting from the desperate attempts to explain how a highly cultured people could carry out such atrocities. scholars have only recently begun to sort the myth from the reality in assessing the functions of Wagner and Bayreuth in Nazi culture, politics, and musical life. The following exploration will examine the many roles of the phenomenon of "Wagner" in the Nazi state, considering Nazi-era realities as well as their postwar historical interpretations and, sometimes, distortions.


We propose a novel scheme to generate ultra-bright ultra-short γ-ray flashes and high-energy-density attosecond positron bunches by using multi-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations with quantum electrodynamics effects incorporated. By irradiating a 10 PW laser pulse with an intensity of 1023 W/cm2 onto a micro-wire target, surface electrons are dragged-out of the micro-wire and are effectively accelerated to several GeV energies by the laser ponderomotive force, forming relativistic attosecond electron bunches. When these electrons interact with the probe pulse from the other side, ultra-short γ-ray flashes are emitted with an ultra-high peak brightness of 1.8 × 1024 photons s-1mm-2mrad-2 per 0.1%BW at 24 MeV. These photons propagate with a low divergence and collide with the probe pulse, triggering the Breit-Wheeler process. Dense attosecond e-e+ pair bunches are produced with the positron energy density as high as 1017 J/m3 and number of 109. Such ultra-bright ultra-short γ-ray flashes and secondary positron beams may have potential applications in fundamental physics, high-energy-density physics, applied science and laboratory astrophysics.


OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe (QKR) saponin on the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, beta-amyloid (Abeta), and beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) in the cortex and hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats.

METHODS
Thirty-two SD rats of SPF grade were selected. Abeta 25 - 35 was injected into the bilateral amygdala to prepare the AD model. After modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group (Donepezil Hydrochloride Tablet, 1.67 mg/kg), the QLR group (QLR Decoction, 12.67 mL/kg), and the saponin group (saponin, 6.30 mg/kg), 8 rats in each group. Another 8 rats were selected as the normal group. Rats in the normal group and the model group were given with equal volume of double distilled water by gastrogavage. The intervention was performed once daily for 2 successive weeks. The Morris water maze test was carried out by the end of medication. The escape latency and the platform crossing times were recorded during the 1 -5 days. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Abeta, and betaAPP in the cortex and hippocampus were detected using immunohistochemical assay.

RESULTS
Compared with the model group, the 3rd - 5th day escape latency were all shortened in each medication group. The expressions of Bax, Abeta, and betaAPP decreased in the cortex and hippocampus. The numbers of platform crossing increased. The expression of Bcl-2 in the cortex increased. The expression of Bcl-2 in the hippocampus increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and the QLR group with statistical difference (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group, the expression of betaAPP increased in the cortex and hippocampus of the saponin group. The expression of Abeta in the cortex and hippocampus decreased, the expression of Bax in the hippocampus decreased, and the expression of Bcl-2 in the cortex increased in the QLR group. The escape latency was obviously postponed at day 3 -5, the platform crossing times decreased, the expression of Bcl-2 in the cortex and hippocampus decreased in the saponin group, showing statistical difference (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION
QKR could significantly improve AD rats' learning, memory, and spatial capabilities, which might be achieved through decreasing the expressions of Bax, Abeta, and betaAPP in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and elevating the expression of Bcl-2.


Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder, hypothetically caused by autoreactive Th2 cells, whereas Th1 and regulatory T cells may confer protection. The development of Th subpopulations is dependent on the expression of lineage-specific transcription factors. This study aimed to assess the balance of CD4(+) T cell populations in asthmatic children. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells mRNA expression was assessed in 30 asthmatic children. Real-time polymerase chain reaction quantified TBX21, GATA-3, RORC, FOXP3, and EBI3 mRNA expression. Intracellular cytokine expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ in CD4(+) T cells was measured by flow cytometry. IL-6 and IL-17 cytokines were assessed in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A significant increase was found in the percentage of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell-producing IL-4, IL-6, and IL-17. A decreased percentage of CD4(+) producing IFN-γ in asthmatic children was found. Expression of GATA-3 (Th2), retinoid-related orphan receptor C (RORC) (Th17), and EBI3 were increased in asthmatic patients compared to healthy controls. Expression of FOXP3 (Treg) and TBX21 (Th1) were decreased (P Young asthmatics had increased IL-4 production and low IFN-γ synthesis. The increased serum IL-17 and IL-6 levels sustained an inflammatory environment in young asthmatics. This indicates that FOXP3 and RORC mRNA expression could be associated with the sustained inflammatory process, transduced by low immune tolerance by Treg cells.


A prospective study of 83 patients with spinal cord injuries admitted to the Spinal Unit, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand from January 1997 to December 2000 was conducted. The average age was 33.2 +/- 11.7 years (range from 10 to 68 years) with a male: female ratio of 4 : 1. Most subjects (83.2%) were aged between 16-45 years. About half of them had no associated injuries and no financial problems. Three-fourths of the spinal injuries were caused by traffic accidents (49.4 and 25.3% car and motorcycle respectively). The other two causes were falls (16.9%) and gunshot wounds (8.4%). The neurological classification was as follows: 34 (41.0%) patients had ASIA D grade of injury, 28 (33.7%) were paraplegic with ASIA A, B or C grade and 21 (25.3%) were tetraplegic with ASIA A, B, or C grade. Traffic accidents most frequently resulted in an incomplete ASIA D grade (40.3%). Males were more predominant for all causes of injury especially motorcycle accidents. The average Barthel Index score was 24.3 +/- 24.7 and 51.9 +/- 31.8 at admission and discharge respectively. The prevalence of depression was 24.1 per cent. The average length of stay for the depressed and non-depressed groups was 117.4 +/- 59.1 and 73.4 +/- 54.4 days respectively.


Superconducting Tunnel Junctions (STJs) have been extensively investigated as photon detectors covering the range from near-infrared to X-ray energies. A 6x6 array of Tantalum junctions has already been used in an optical spectro-photometer. With this camera, the European Space Agency has performed multiple astronomical observations of optical sources using the William Herschel 4.2m telescope at La Palma. Following the success of this programme, we are now developing a second generation camera. The goals of this programme are to increase the field of view of the instrument from 4x4 to 10.5x9, to optimize IR rejection filters, possibly extending the 'red' response to ∼lum and to increase the electronics readout speed. For these purposes, we are developing a new Superconducting Tunnel Junction Array consisting of 10x12 Tantalum/Aluminium devices as well as an improved readout system. In this paper, we review the instrument's architecture and describe the performance of the new detector.


Referring to data from the Bangkalan Department of Industry and Trade in 2020, currently the number of batik artisans in Bangkalan Regency reaches 1,500,000 spread across Tanjung Bumi, Kokop, Modung and Burneh sub-districts. The majority of the wages earned for each piece of good quality batik is Rp. 300-500 thousand which takes 1-3 months and Rp. 75,000 per piece for ordinary batik cloth which can be completed in 1-2 weeks. In Tanjung Bumi District, in 2019 there was a group of batik artisans who partnered with the Bajumi MSMEs that succeeded in increasing their income.
The purpose of this study is to analyze the welfare level of batik artisans in partnership with SMEs who apply a profit sharing system (nisbah) with maqoshid sharia indicators that combine outward and inner aspects. This research strengthens the partnership model of craftsmen and MSMEs as an effort to accelerate the improvement of welfare as well as poverty alleviation as well as the third cluster poverty alleviation program, namely MSME-based.
This research is descriptive with a qualitative approach. While the techniques used are interviews, observation and documentation. The analysis used in this research is deduction. The results showed that the welfare of the batik artisans of the Bajumi UMKM partnership had an impact on the welfare at the dloruriyat level in the aspect of hifdlun nasl, while hifdlu din, hifdlun nafs, hifdlu aql were at the hajiyat level and hifdlul mal were at the tahsiniyat level


Randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trials (RCT) are the current "gold standard" for demonstrating clinical efficacy of new drugs or therapies. It is very difficult for new therapeutic interventions to gain broad acceptance in the absence of such trials. Recent events have raised serious questions about the conditions under which placebo (sham) controls can be used. The international standards published by the World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki) prohibit placebo-controlled studies when known effective treatments exist. Additionally, there is new interest in identifying the mechanisms underlying the placebo response, which may challenge the "placebo" as a legitimate control condition. Both of these events should be of considerable interest to those interested in clinical psychophysiology in general and neurotherapy in particular.


The screening of a collection of highly mutagenized strains of Escherichia coli for defects in isoprenoid synthesis led to the isolation of a mutant that had temperature-sensitive farnesyl diphosphate synthase. The defective gene, named ispA, was mapped at about min 10 on the E. coli chromosome, and the gene order was shown to be tsx-ispA-lon. The mutant ispA gene was transferred to the E. coli strain with a defined genetic background by P1 transduction for investigation of its function. The in vitro activity of farnesyl diphosphate synthase of the mutant was 21% of that of the wild-type strain at 30 degrees C and 5% of that at 40 degrees C. At 42 degrees C the ubiquinone level was lower (66% of normal) in the mutant than in the wild-type strain, whereas at 30 degrees C the level in the mutant was almost equal to that in the wild-type strain. The polyprenyl phosphate level was slightly higher in the mutant than in the wild-type strain at 30 degrees C and almost the same in both strains at 42 degrees C. The mutant had no obvious phenotype regarding its growth properties.


Measurement requirements for the purpose of hazard assessment of optical radiation from non-laser sources are presented. Established criteria to limit overexposure to optical radiation in occupational environments are summarised as a function of the spectral ranges defining important photobiological effects. An example of the method of hazard assessment across the relevant spectral ranges is presented.


Anak Rawa ethnic is indigenous ethnic in the Penyengat Village which is located on the edge of swamp river and forest, so their dependence and adaptation to forest resources is very high. They uses the forest to make medicine plants. The objective of this research was to identify the ethnobotanical knowledge of Anak Rawa ethnic about medicine plant and identify potential species of medicine plants. The research was conducted  in March to April 2018 The potential of plant data was obtained through quantitative methods in the form of vegetation and exploration analysis. Meanwhile, the community knowledge data collected through semi-structured interviews. The research identified 194 medicinal plant species at Penyengat village in several types of habitat (forests, yards, gardens, and roadsides), with 140 medicinal plant species used by Anak Rawa ethnic. There were 54 species of medicinal plants potential in Penyengat Village. Medicine plants used by the community are grouped into 28 medicinal benefits. The most widely used medicinal plants in society are in the Rubiaceae family of 11 species. Keywords: Anak Rawa ethnic, ethnobotany, medicinal plant, potential


The heat affected zone (HAZ) of 2.25Cr-1Mo-0.25V welded joint is a critical part for the safety of hydrogenation reactors. Hydrogen has a significant effect on the HAZ, studying hydrogen diffusion characteristics, such as: hydrogen flux and the effective hydrogen diffusivity has a remarkable value in investigating the hydrogen-induced material degradation mechanisms. In this work, an electrochemical permeation method was applied to study the hydrogen diffusion characteristics of HAZ. Then, the metallographic microscope and a software "Image J" were used to analyze the density of grain boundaries of HAZ. The effect of the post–weld heat treatment (PWHT, i.e. annealing) on the hydrogen diffusion characteristics of HAZ was also been investigated. The results show that after PWHT, the effective hydrogen diffusivity of HAZ increases from 1.63 × 10−7cm2·s−1 to 3.68 × 10−7cm2·s−1, the hydrogen concentration decreases from 1.92 × 10−4mol·cm−3 to 1.09 × 10−4mol·cm−3, and the hydrogen trap density decreases from 3.00 × 1026m−3 to 0.76 × 1026m−3. Thus, PWHT can significantly reduce density of grain boundaries, thereby reducing the hydrogen trap density, enhancing the hydrogen diffusivity and reducing the hydrogen concentration.


Incorporating a collection of recent results, Plya Urn Models deals with discrete probability through the modern and evolving urn theory and its numerous applications. The book first substantiates the realization of distributions with urn arguments and introduces several modern tools, including exchangeability and stochastic processes via urns. It reviews classical probability problems and presents dichromatic Plya urns as a basic discrete structure growing in discrete time. The author then embeds the discrete Plya urn scheme in Poisson processes to achieve an equivalent view in continuous time, provides heuristical arguments to connect the Plya process to the discrete urn scheme, and explores extensions and generalizations. He also discusses how functional equations for moment generating functions can be obtained and solved. The final chapters cover applications of urns to computer science and bioscience. Examining how urns can help conceptualize discrete probability principles, this book provides information pertinent to the modeling of dynamically evolving systems where particles come and go according to governing rules.


Microalgae are product of sustainable development owing to its ability to treat variety of wastewater effluents and thus produced biomass can serve as value added product for various commercial applications. This paper deals with the cultivation of microalgae species namely Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus abundans in rice mill effluent (i.e., paddy soaked water) for nutrient removal. In order to investigate the nutrient removal capability, microalgae are subjected to cultivation in both raw and autoclaved samples. The maximum phosphate removal by Scenedesmus abundans and Chlorella pyrenoidosa in raw sample was 98.3% and 97.6%, respectively, whereas, the removal of ammoniacal nitrogen by Scenedesmus abundans and Chlorella pyrenoidosa in raw sample was 92% and 90.3%, respectively. The growth (measured in terms of chlorophyll content) of Scenedesmus abundans and Chlorella pyrenoidosa in raw sample was 3.88 mg/l and 5.55 mg/l, respectively. The results indicate the suitability of microalgae cultivation in rice mill effluent treatment for nutrient removal.


We investigate how different fairness assumptions affect results concerning lock-freedom, a typical liveness property targeted by session type systems. We fix a minimal session calculus and systematically take into account all known fairness assumptions, thereby identifying precisely three interesting and semantically distinct notions of lock-freedom, all of which having a sound session type system. We then show that, by using a general merge operator in an otherwise standard approach to global session types, we obtain a session type system complete for the strongest amongst those notions of lock-freedom, which assumes only justness of execution paths, a minimal fairness assumption for concurrent systems.


Multiple sequence alignments including the enterococcal NADH peroxidase and NADH oxidase indicate that residues Ser38 and Cys42 align with the two cysteines of the redox-active disulfides found in glutathione reductase (GR), lipoamide dehydrogenase, mercuric reductase, and trypanothione reductase. In order to evaluate those structural determinants involved in the selection of the cysteine-sulfenic acid (Cys-SOH) redox centers found in the two peroxide reductases and the redox-active disulfides present in the GR class of disulfide reductases, NADH peroxidase residues Ser38, Phe39, Leu40, and Ser41 have been individually replaced with Cys. Both the F39C and L40C mutant peroxidases yield active-site disulfides involving the new Cys and the native Cys42; formation of the Cys39-Cys42 disulfide, however, precludes binding of the FAD coenzyme. In contrast, the L40C mutant contains tightly-bound FAD and has been analyzed by both kinetic and spectroscopic approaches. In addition, the L40C and S41C mutant structures have been determined at 2.1 and 2.0 A resolution, respectively, by X-ray crystallography. Formation of the Cys40-Cys42 disulfide bond requires a movement of Cys42-SG to a new position 5.9 A from the flavin-C(4a) position; this is consistent with the inability of the new disulfide to function as a redox center in concert with the flavin. Stereochemical constraints prohibit formation of the Cys41-Cys42 disulfide in the latter mutant.


The article examines decriminalization, which is a method of criminal law policy. The author substantiates the division of decriminalization according to the forms of its implementation into legislative and law enforcement. The legal nature of law enforcement decriminalization is analyzed. On the basis of the features identified by the author, its concept is formulated. The problems of the implementation of law enforcement decriminalization associated with the interpretation of evaluative features, the presence of legislative problems expressed in the intersectoral inconsistency of criminal and administrative legislation, as well as the formulation of qualifying signs of individual offenses that are not related to the commission of an act that forms the main body of these crimes are noted. Based on the study, analysis of legislation and theoretical views, a conclusion is made about the existence of a legislative basis for law enforcement decriminalization, it is argued that the phenomenon under study is one of the most important components of the law enforcement economy of criminal law impact, contributing to the implementation of the principle of fairness of criminal law and criminal liability.


In brief: The heart rate, oxygen uptake, and energy expenditure of three young women were measured during 20-minute low-gear, 30-minute middle-gear, and 60-minute high-gear aqua dynamics workouts. All three workouts were moderate in intensity, eliciting average heart rates of 132 to 143 beats min(-1) (70% to 77% HR max), average oxygen uptakes of 1.2 to 1.3 liters min(-1) (51% to 57% VO2 max), and average energy expenditures of 5.9 to 6.5 kcals min(-1) The findings indicate that aqua dynamics could be a beneficial conditioning program for people who have relatively low physical work capacity and enjoy swimming but cannot conveniently engage in lap swimming.


Background: Due to the prevalence and incidence worldwide of type 2 diabetes, and the significant role physical activity plays in these patients, a systematic review has been conducted to find out the effects that high-intensity interval training has on inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with type 2 diabetes. This project aims to determine the effect this training modality has on inflammatory biomarkers, in addition to observing its effects on the values of body composition and determining if this is a more effective, less effective or equally effective alternative to standard aerobic or resistance training. Methods: A search was conducted in the months of November and December 2020 on different databases: Pubmed, WoS and PEDro. A protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42021281186). The studies selected met the previously defined inclusion criteria, and the methodological quality of the papers used was evaluated according to the Downs and Black Checklist. Results: Out of 46 studies found, seven were included. The most relevant data concerning the characteristics of the clinical trials and HIIT characteristics, the values of body composition and the biomarkers under study were extracted from each study. Moreover, the results obtained from the different studies were described. Conclusions: HIIT could have an effect on inflammatory biomarkers. There is likely to be a relationship between changes in inflammatory profile and fat loss. A controlled diet may be a good complement to reduce the inflammatory profile. Further studies are required to determine whether HIIT is a better, worse or an equivalent alternative to medium-intensity aerobic exercise to improve the inflammatory profile.


In the tropics, biodegradation of wood progresses rapidly due to the biologically favourable temperatures and humidity conditions all year round. The population growth rate of insects is high and they reproduce throughout the year. To understand the degradation caused by insects on wood and how it can affect furniture production, the nature of the particular insect attack and the characteristic forms of damage must be understood. In this paper, the characteristic habits of major insect pests, particularly ambrosia beetles, powderpost beetles and termites are described. The diagnostic signs of infestation and how the different forms of damage affect furniture production are discussed. Precautionary as well as remedial measures are also described.


The Schiff base molecule in the title compound, C14H11BrN2O4·H2O, is almost planar with an r.m.s. deviation for the non-H atoms of 0.16 Å. In the crystal structure, the Schiff base molecules and the water molecules are linked together by intermolecular N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, leading to layers parallel to the bc plane. An intramolecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bond involving the imine N atom and a hydroxy substituent is also observed.


In this paper, the authors report on the investigation on the effect of inserting an epitaxial MgO layer on the structural and magnetic properties of Fe O ultrathin films grown on GaAs(100) by combined techniques of molecular beam epitaxy and postgrowth annealing in an oxygen atmosphere. The MgO films were grown with a cube-on-cube orientation to GaAs. The epitaxial Fe O lattice cell was rotated by 45 in respect to that of MgO and GaAs due to the lattice relaxation of the magnetic layer. All samples studied exhibited strong fourfold cubic magnetic anisotropy with easy axes along the directions of GaAs. A dramatic decrease in the uniaxial anisotropy constant in the presence of the MgO barrier was observed. The existence of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in the Fe O GaAs hybrid structure has been attributed to the interfacial contact between the magnetite film and the GaAs. Index Terms—Half metal, magnetic anisotropy, magnetite, molecular beam epitaxy, spintronics.


This paper presents the results of the antenna pattern measurements conducted on the Ice Cloud Imager 664 GHz feed horn at the ESTEC Sub-mmwave Scanner (SmS) in support to the ICI instrument of the MetOp-SG program. Very good agreement between simulations and measurements was obtained, both in the co- and cross-polar component. The measured peak directivity was 26.28 dBi ± 0.13 dB while the simulated one was 26.35 dB.


The objective of this research is to describe history of school leadership at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri Bintuhan from 2009 – 2014. The method of this research used history study. The technique of collection data were interview, observation and documentation. Analysis data were data reduction, data display, and conclusion. The conclusions of this research that were the historical leadership at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri Bintuhan 2000-2014 met the requirements specified by the standard in accordance with the ministerial regulation no. 13 of 2007. Leadership headmaster from 2000-2014, the history of the journey has reached fourteen years, with a period of fourteen years at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri Bintuhan has happened five times changes of leadership. Key words: leadership, history, headmaster


To the Editor: We compliment Dr. Fastenau et al. (2004) on their beautiful elucidation of family factors that moderate the immediate effect of neuropsychological functioning and school achievement of children with epilepsy (1). Indeed, the type of theoretical and practical framework as used by the authors enables one to disentangle the decisive factors, enhances our understanding of the functioning of schoolchildren with epilepsy, and yields a sound basis for counseling. In other illness groups, such as spina bifida, a similar theoretical and statistical approach has already proven to be of great value [see, for instance, Holmbeck et al., 1997 (2)]. Dr. Fastenau et al. applied exploratory factor analysis to achieve data reduction and to identify relevant constructs in their neuropsychological test findings. In this respect, we wish to compliment the authors' review of the literature. In the segment of the population of children with epilepsy that is similar to that described by Dr. Fastenau et al. (i.e., children with idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy), our group studied performances of the children and their parents' and teachers' complaints with respect to the behavior of the children, by using principal component analysis. We found ≥70% of the variance explained by five factors covering major domains of neuropsychological functioning (3). We strived for maximal homogeneity of our patient sample (i.e., schoolchildren with newly diagnosed nonsymptomatic epilepsy). Similar to the experience of Fastenau et al., despite a multicentric collaboration, our sample was too small for structural equation modeling (SEM). As could perhaps be expected in a small country such as the Netherlands, it also turned out to be not possible to establish large enough groups to apply conventional regression analyses. Although their succinct literature review is quite exhaustive, Fastenau et al. seem not to be fully aware of published European efforts to get a grip on the manifold interacting variables in the cognitive (and, for that matter, educational) functioning of children with epilepsy. By using repeated measures analysis of variance, we found that adverse psychosocial context and not epilepsy variables influences the outcome after 1 year. By now, we have followed up the majority of the original group for 3.5 years after diagnosis. Rather than primary illness variables (such as etiology, type of epilepsy, seizure remission, or use of antiepileptic drugs), again, school and behavioral history, broken families, and a wavering parenting as a reaction to the first seizures and diagnosis had a negative effect on cognitive functioning (4). The group of Fastenau et al. and our Dutch group agree on the importance of disentangling moderating and mediating factors of a nonillness nature from those directly related to the epilepsy, for a better understanding of the cognitive and behavioral predicament of school children with epilepsy. Both also met limitations when composing a sufficiently large sample of patients. A solution for obtaining representative data certainly lies in international collaboration.


Abstract While for-profit companies regularly embark on non-profit activities, the converse issue has recently come to attention, namely whether non-profit companies may embark on profit-making activities. This has given rise to a confusing conundrum of practical importance, not only in South Africa but also in other jurisdictions. This article discusses whether non-profit companies, under the South African Companies Act of 2008, may have purely commercial objects. It also addresses the intertwined question of the contours of permissible profit-making activities. Since the non-profit company is the modern successor to the section 21 company under the previous Companies Act of 1973, this article considers the recent case of Cuninghame v First Ready Development 249, in which the Supreme Court of Appeal was faced with the problem of a section 21 company with a commercial object. The article also explores the administration of rental pool agreements by non-profit companies, which arose in the Cuninghame case.


With the availability of powerful embedded CPU, it is possible to integrate multiple proprietary devices and field-buses into a system. This paper proposed the CDM (common device model) as a universal model for the devices and field-buses. With the universal interface of CDM, the system could manipulate the data from/to the devices in a universal way. CDM is composed of two parts: common device interface and device drivers. The novel model has been applied for robot control based on the distributed control application platform.


Classical and recurrent nova explosions occur on top of white dwarfs accreting H-rich matter from a companion main sequence or red giant star, in a close binary system. In the recent years, since the launch of the Fermi Gamma-Ray satellite by NASA in 2008, several novae have been detected by Fermi /LAT (LAT: Large Area Telescope) in High-Energy (HE) Gamma Rays, with energies larger than 100 MeV. This emission is known to be related to the acceleration of particles in the internal and/or external shocks occurring early after the thermonuclear nova explosion. However, Very-High-Energy (VHE) Gamma-Rays, with energies larger than 100 GeV, produced as a consequence of nova explosions have only been discovered very recently, in the recurrent nova RS Oph, that had an outburst in August 2021. These require the acceleration of protons, and not only of electrons; this was in fact predicted theoretically - based in observations at other wavelengths - in the previous eruption of RS Oph, in 2006, but has not been confirmed observationally until now. We review the origin of the different types of gamma-ray emission in novae and highlight the relevance of the recent VHE gamma-ray


Complex vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) can result in severe destruction of urinary and anal sphincters. We present two cases of patients who underwent retubularized ileal stoma (Monti reconstruction) applied to an augmented bladder for continent urinary diversion. This reconstruction provides another option for a diversion technique in patients with irreparable urethra and bladder damage and a severely damaged anal sphincter. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no published studies of Monti reconstruction in patients with complex VVF.


The goal / objective of the project was to design and fabricate hydrogen plant module (HPM) that is capable of producing hydrogen fuel onboard a vehicle and that obviates one or more of the present issues related to compressed hydrogen fuel storage onboard a vehicle, such as high pressure, weight, volume, cost, and conformability. To achieve this goal / objective, the project began with constructive simulations of HPM and vehicle, modeled entirely in software. Constructive simulation results guided construction of a standalone hardware model HPM as well as the hydrogen fueled vehicle. Once constructed, the standalone hardware model HPM was tested using hardware-in-the-loop simulation methodology, whereby simulated hydrogen demand data was uploaded dynamically to a hydrogen mass flow controller. Hardware-in-the-loop simulation results demonstrated ability of HPM to meet expected hydrogen demand of the vehicle. The vehicle was also driven, with hydrogen supplied by a temporary compressed gas tank source, to confirm that actual hydrogen demand of the vehicle was reasonably close to expectation. Finally, the standalone hardware model HPM was modified to be integrally retrofit to the vehicle. The HPM and vehicle fueled by the same were then tested in idle mode of operation, and then again in drive mode of operation, at a driving speed of 15.31 mph (i.e., equal to 30kW power requirement set forth by project advisor). Goal / objective of the project was achieved, having designed and fabricated HPM, having demonstrated its capability to produce hydrogen fuel onboard a vehicle, and having clearly demonstrated obviation of at least one of the present issues related to compressed hydrogen fuel storage onboard a vehicle – that issue being high pressure. Note, HPM pressure was nominal 125 psig at all times during operation, whereas the total amount of hydrogen producible by the HPM, if stored onboard as compressed gas, would have required storage at 2000 psig. Now that HPM has been designed and fabricated, future efforts can be directed to further obviation of present issues related to compressed hydrogen fuel storage onboard a vehicle.


Carry Select Adder (CSLA) which provides one of the fastest adding performance. From the structure of the CSLA, it is clear that there is scope for reducing the area and power consumption in the CSLA. Recently a new CSLA adder has been proposed which performs fast addition, while maintaining low power consumption and less area. This work uses a simple and efficient gate-level modification Based on this modification 8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-b square-root CSLA (SQRT CSLA) architecture have been developed and compared with the regular SQRT CSLA architecture. This work mainly focuses on implementing the 128 bit low power and area efficient carry select adder. The proposed design has reduced area and power as compared with the regular SQRT CSLA with only a slight increase in the delay. This work evaluates the performance of the proposed designs in terms of delay, area, power, and their products by hand with logical effort and through custom design and layout in 0.18- mμ CMOS process technology. The results analysis shows that the proposed CSLA structure is better than the regular SQRT CSLA. The proposed design has been developed using verilog HDL. synthesized and simulated using Xilinx ISE Simulator and verification is done using modelsim.


As understanding regarding the severity of head injuries and concussions in football increased dramatically, President Obama entered the fray in 2013 when he called on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to "think about" concussions and injuries in college football.President Obama's involvement is not the first instance of a president calling for reform in college football due to severe injuries. At the turn of the 20th century, President Theodore Roosevelt responded to the tragic deaths of eighteen college football players in 1904. President Roosevelt called on university leaders to participate in a White House Conference that was called to deal with the problem of injuries and deaths in college football through the development of safety rules. Roosevelt, no doubt, was also responding to concerns raised in the press, including a 1903 article in the New York Times referring to college football as "mayhem and homicide." College leaders heeded President Roosevelt's call by gathering and eventually adopting new safety rules, although it took over a decade for the new football rules to be put in place.This article sets forth a challenging but viable game plan for protecting the health and well-being of intercollegiate football players. Acting proactively will help revitalize the NCAA's brand of competitive, student-centered athletics. This article consists of three parts: The Problem of Head Injuries in College Football; Solving the Problem of Head Injuries in College Football; and Conclusion.


The limiter consists of a superconducting coil, a diode bridge and a bias voltage supply.The device presents no impedance to the current flowing through the power system during normal operation.Under short circuit conditions,the superconducting coil will be automatically inserted into the system and thereby limits the fault current,so that the underrated switchgears can be operated safely.To evaluate the performance of the superconducting fault current limiter(SFCL),the PSCAD analysis has been executed on a power system.Results shows that the SFCL could be used as a practical device in electric power systems.


Oberarzt der Anaesthesie, Stack. Krankenhaus, D-W-7850 Lorrach, Germany Medicine in general and emergency medicine in particular has been blessed by an increasing amount of guidelines, which describe inductive measures for most emergencies, to be carried out by attending physicians or paramedics. Although these guidelines originally were seen as a tool for making a decision in certain emergencies, in recent years they have gained a much stronger position. But, this is associated with important, though largely ignored disadvantages. The intent of guideline-makers is die best—to prevent classical mistakes, mostly repeated by newcomers in the profession. However, such guidelines have been used by lawyers in their unselfish fight for their clients, formerly our patients. The judge may confirm a guideline's demand, thereby raising it nearly to the authority of law (in the absence of lawmakers' opinions). In fact, you could have treated your patient better than the guidelines prescribe by using your own standard with less risk to his or her health, but if you followed the guidelines, no one will blame you.


Circular systems are advantageous for interfacial studies since they do not suffer from end effects, but their hydrodynamics is more complicated because their flows are not unidirectional. Here, we analyze the shear rheology of a harmonically driven knife-edge viscometer through experiments and computations based on the Navier-Stokes equations with a Newtonian interface. The measured distribution of phase lag in the surface velocity relative to the knife-edge speed is found to have a good signal-to-noise ratio and provides robust comparisons to the computations. For monomolecular films of stearic acid, the surface shear viscosity deduced from the model was found to be the same whether the film is driven steady or oscillatory, for an order of magnitude range in driving frequencies and amplitudes. Results show that increasing either the amplitude or forcing frequency steepens the phase lag next to the knife edge. In all cases, the phase lag is linearly proportional to the radial distance from the knife edge and scales with surface shear viscosity to the power −1/2.


A variety of phenomena in nuclear and high energy physics seemingly do not satisfy the basic hypothesis for possible stationary states to be of the type covered by Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) statistical mechanics. More specifically, the system appears to relax, along time, on macroscopic states which violate the ergodic assumption. Some of these phenomena appear to follow, instead, the prescriptions of nonextensive statistical mechanics. In the same manner that the BG formalism is based on the entropy $S_{BG}=-k \sum_i p_i \ln p_i$, the nonextensive one is based on the form $S_q=k(1-\sum_ip_i^q)/(q-1)$ (with $S_1=S_{BG}$). Typically, the systems following the rules derived from the former exhibit an {\it exponential} relaxation with time toward a stationary state characterized by an {\it exponential} dependence on the energy ({\it thermal equilibrium}), whereas those following the rules derived from the latter are characterized by (asymptotic) {\it power-laws} (both the typical time dependences, and the energy distribution at the stationary state). A brief review of this theory is given here, as well as of some of its applications, such as electron-positron annihilation producing hadronic jets, collisions involving heavy nuclei, the solar neutrino problem, anomalous diffusion of a quark in a quark-gluon plasma, and flux of cosmic rays on Earth. In addition to these points, very recent developments generalizing nonextensive statistical mechanics itself are mentioned.


The study was conducted in purposively selected block of Indore district of Madhya Pradesh during 2009-10 in order to know the entrepreneurial behaviour of rural women in terms of their socio-economic, psychological and family background attributes. The results of the study revealed that majority of the respondents exhibited medium to low level of entrepreneurial behaviour, while very few of them exhibited high level of entrepreneurial behaviour. The study further revealed that education, family income, risks willingness of the respondents and training received by them had positive relationship with their entrepreneurial behaviour. The study also concluded that age, family occupation, owing responsibility for failure, family type, family size, birth status in parental home, present status in in-law's home and length of experience had negative relationship with entrepreneurial behaviour. It is further concluded that dual responsibility, lack of resources, poor family support, late payment by clients, mobility and marketing constraints were the major constraints perceived by majority of the rural woman entrepreneurs.


In clouds, many applications need to distribute large data sets from the cloud's storage facility to all compute nodes as fast as possible, especially data-intensive parallel applications. Many multicast algorithms have been used for clusters and grid environments. In order to maximize available bandwidth and avoid bottleneck links, a common approach is to construct one or more spanning trees based on the network monitoring data and network topology. However, in clouds the available bandwidth changes dynamically, so delivering optimal performance becomes difficult. In this paper, we focus on Eucalyptus (an open-source cloud-computing platform) and propose a high performance multicast algorithms 'steal-and-p2p' based on 'non-steal' and 'steal' algorithm mentioned in [1]. We evaluate our algorithm on Eucalyptus, and show that the algorithm can achieve high throughput and perform much better having each node downloading all data directly from storage facility.


ABSTRACT:The under-developed economies spend more on public goods and services. The low income states in India spend relatively more on public goods and services as compared to middle-income and high-income states. These low-income Indian states, however, perform relatively poor in socio-economic indicators such as poverty, health facilities, education, etc. This raises a question that why low-income states in India are more deprived despite of high public expenditure. The question has been addressed by testing the Wagner's law for low-income states in India for the period 1980-81 to 2014-15. Wagner's law states that public expenditure increases with rise in state activity. The study considers development expenditure-social sector and economic services. Each head is further categorized into revenue and capital expenditure. Since the study uses time series data for each panel, IM-Pasaran test is used for testing stationarity, and ARDL Model is used for obtaining long-term estimates of Wagner's law. We find that on average low income states in India tend to spend more on social sector and economic services as the output increases. However, the analysis of individual low-income states is different. Results of Odisha and West Bengal validate Wagner's law, public expenditure on both social sector and economic services had increased with output. In Rajasthan, expenditure on social sector is revenue in nature and expenditure in economic services is dominated by capital outlay (elasticity less than one). Although rest of the low income states spends on social sector and economic services with growth in output, the expenditure is revenue in nature. The results indicate that majority of low income states spends more on maintenance of available social services and less on creation of infrastructure. The expenditure on creation of infrastructure is necessary for the development of industries and agriculture in under-developed economies, and thus, capital expenditure is crucial for overall wellbeing of society. The low-income states in India had spent only 37% (average) of total expenditure on capital outlay of economic services during the period from 1980-81 to 2014-15. Apart from having revenue expenditure on social services, low-income states should focus on the development of economic services.


The layered double hydroxides (LDHs), [LiAl2(OH)6]nX·qH2O (Xn−
 = Cl−, Br−, NO3−, SO42−) spontaneously lose both Li+ cations and Xn− anions to give crystalline Al(OH)3 on stirring in water. The kinetics of this topochemical de-intercalation reaction have been studied using time-resolved, in-situ energy dispersive X-ray powder diffraction. The temperature dependence of the rate of the de-intercalation reaction yields activation energies of 94 ± 15 kJ mol−1 for mono-dispersed [LiAl2(OH)6]Cl·1.5H2O crystallites (particle size 5–10 µm) and 117 ± 15 kJ mol−1 for poly-dispersed [LiAl2(OH)6]Cl·1.5H2O crystallites (particle size 1–30 µm). The rate of ion de-intercalation was found to decrease as the H2O/LDH ratio decreased. The rate of the de-intercalation has also been shown to be dependent on the interlayer anion, with the reaction rates NO3− > Cl − > Br−. In the case of SO42− rapid de-intercalation only goes to 40% completion.


BACKGROUND
Antimicrobial resistance in common respiratory tract pathogens is a growing public health threat, especially in the southeastern United States. The excessive use of antibiotics for common infections is a major contributing factor in the emergence of antibiotic resistance. We report results from a multi-site outpatient pilot project in North Carolina to reduce antibiotic prescriptions for acute nonbacterial upper respiratory tract infections (URIs).

METHODS
Primary care practices were provided education and symptom therapy kits for patients with URIs, as an alternative to antibiotics, in a project to reduce the overuse of antimicrobial therapy The feasibility of this approach was evaluated with interviews and surveys. A methodology for claims-based evaluation of intervention efficacy in reduction of antibiotics use was developed as part of this project.

RESULTS
Of eight contacted practices, four agreed to participate and three participated fully. Physicians reported that symptom therapy kits were useful for patients with URIs and resulted in a meaningful change in antibiotic prescribing behaviors. A claims-based approach is a feasible and promising method to evaluate efficacy in subsequent post-pilot large-scale implementations.

LIMITATIONS
Due to the small number of outpatient practices and the lack of controls in this pilot study, the efficacy of the intervention in reducing antibiotic use could not be determined.

CONCLUSIONS
Education combined with symptom therapy kits as an alternative to oral antibiotics is a feasible intervention that warrants additional studies to evaluate the efficacy of this approach in the reduction of antibiotic use for URIs.


Infections of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are considered important health problems worldwide. In this study, we assessed results of hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests which were ordered to patients before any surgical intervention in a university hospital, in Tokat, Turkey. All patients who were planned to have surgical intervention and had tests for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV in year 2009 and 2010, were included in this retrospective study. Hospital records of patients were examined and 3794 subjects were included in the study. HBsAg and anti-HCV prevalences were found to be 3.4% (128/3782) and 2.2% (85/3736), respectively while no patient was positive for anti-HIV. It was found that the risk of HBsAg positivity was 2.07 times higher in males versus females; the HBsAg prevalence increased as patients became older and it was lowest in patients ≤29 years whereas highest in the age group of 60-69 years. Anti-HCV positivity was most prevalent in the age group of 60-69 years as well. Conclusively, it seems that our region has moderate endemicity for HBV and HCV infections, thus preoperative screening may provide us to detect silent hepatitis patients, but  doing anti-HIV test is unnecessary before surgical intervention in our country.

 Key words: Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, prevalence, vaccination.


The market of fast food restaurants in Russia is growing by more than 5 % every year, despite the economic downturn. But new trends in nutrition dictate fast food to change the approach to their products. Fashion for proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle especially captured the younger generation, which is the main group of consumers of food service. This trend is promoted by information resources, an increasing number of fitness clubs, popularization of sports and beautiful body, as well as major government projects. To improve the competitiveness and attraction of a wide circle of consumers from the entrepreneur necessitated the development of new formulations with the application of the principles of a healthy diet (proper nutrition). Marketing research was conducted by questionnaire survey. After analyzing the taste preferences, the factors influencing the choice of dishes, a commitment to a healthy way of living, the attractiveness of healthy dishes are served guests a network of public catering enterprises individual entrepreneur G. Astrakhan, concluded that the range (menu) of the company must include dishes with the concept of a healthy diet and implement the format of FAST CASUAL (fast casual), the basis of which is fresh products of the highest quality, gentle heat treatment, balanced composition, without flavor enhancers and preservatives, with the speed of service and original supply. Having studied the range of products, having analyzed the concept of a healthy diet in relation to this area of catering, recipes and technical and technological maps of sandwiches were developed taking into account the principles of a healthy and balanced diet. These innovations at the enterprise should increase profitability and competitive position among similar catering enterprises of the city of Astrakhan


OBJECTIVES
This study is intended to examine the effect of hypothyroidism and thyroxin replacement on axial and appendicular skeletal growth, growth plate thickness and to observe associated microscopic changes within the growth plates.

METHODOLOGY
Experimental albino rats were developed with carbimazole and carbimazole plus thyroxin. Animals were administered with these drugs throughout pregnancy (prenatally) and for a period of six weeks, postnatally. At the end of the experiment the animals were sacrificed, measured and processed to demonstrate the bony and cartilaginous parts. Ulna and tibia of both sides were removed and processed for light microscopy and growth plate measurement.

RESULTS
At the end of the experiment, reduction in the crown rump length was observed in the carbimazole treated animals. It was 8.77%, 13.26% and 7.25% in the prenatal, two weeks and six weeks age group animals respectively. In carbimazole plus thyroxin treated animals, this reduction was 3.22%, 2.94% and 3.42%, when compared to their age matched controls. Reduction in the thickness of the Epiphyseal growth plate (EGP) was 16.89% and 12.80% in the ulna of the two and six weeks age group and 18.06 % and 15.65% in the tibia of the these animals respectively. The carbimazole plus thyroxin treated animals showed an increase in the thickness of EGP as compared to their age-matched controls though the crown rump length of these animals was less than the controls. Prenatally treated hypothyroid rats showed disrupted growth plates without any well-formed microscopic zones.

CONCLUSION
The results of this study showed that the pre and postnatally, carbimazole induced hypothyroidism and its replacement therapy affected the axial and appendicular skeletal growth. Proximal limb bones of the prenatally induced hypothyroid animals showed the greatest skeletal change in this study.


Many higher education institutions (HEIs) have implemented information and communication technology (ICT) in their management processes. One of the implementation is used in academic affair management usually called academic information system (AIS). Some of the institutions also have implemented Education 3.0 paradigm in their learning processes. However, most of the existing AIS was only used for the administrative purpose and only support users from the internal of the institutions. In the other way, the characteristics of Education 3.0 are consisting of learning and administration processes and also support involvement from parents and industry. This study will use SistemInformasiAkademikUniversitasLanglangbuana (SIAk UNLA) in Bandung, Indonesia as a case study and analysis the gaps between existing AIS and the characteristics of Education 3.0 paradigm. The results are recommendation functionalities to be added to AIS in the case for supporting Education 3.0 paradigm.


The associated use of natural products with entomopathogenic fungi can be an efficient strategy to pest and disease control and to reduce the environmental impacts, however, these products can act adversely against the fungi, affecting its vegetative growth, conidiogenesis, viability and pathogenicity. In view of the above, were evaluated the in vitro effects of the commercial products Agro-mos®, Ecolife® and Dalneem® (concentrations 0.25; 0.5; 1; 2 and 4%) and the plant extracts of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae), Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon nardus (Poaceae) (1; 5; 10; 15 e 20%) against Beauveria bassiana, which were mixed in a Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium, into Petri dishes. Were verified the micelial growth, the conidiogenesis and the conidia viability, besides the fungi pathogenicity, when produced in contact with these products, against Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) caterpillars. The commercial products affected all the parameters, being toxic in all concentrations and the plant extracts reduced the viability in at least 50% when compared to the control. Curcuma longa was compatible to fungi in the 1% concentration, Cymbopogon citratus was compatible until 15% and Cymbopogon nardus until 10% and all of them did not affect the fungi virulency. The results prove the necessity of such studies in order to do not affect the action of biological control agents.


Medium/small sized cities create a polycentric urban system representing the backbone of their territory, characterized by profound changes on land use. The objective of this study is to evaluate the spatial and temporal dynamics of land use in a medium/small city in Portugal during the period 1958–2011, and the relation with the planning framework. The assessment involves land use changes recognition in the period 1958–2011, calculation of the stability grade indicator, and the losses and gains between classes. The rate of artificialization and its relation with the planning framework was also evaluated. The results for the city of Viseu showed a main decrease in annual crops and arable lands, with an increase of the continuous and discontinuous urban fabric. The changes are systematic transitions, marked by planning framework and its typology, objectives and scale enforcement. A plan addressing the city encouraged land use changes in the fringe, while a municipal Master Plan determined sequent transformation in all areas. The land use changes and the artificialization processes enabled the identification of three periods where planning framework was forthright. The study underlines the importance of a planning framework for medium/small sized cities for urban sprawl and artificialization processes.


Objective: To determine the extent that physical activity accounts for changes in body composition and body weight over time, independent of dietary intake and other potential confounding factors. Methods and Procedures: A cohort of 256 women ages 35-45 at baseline participated in the study. A prospective design was utilized with baseline and follow up assessments 20-months apart. Primary assessments included body weight, body fat percentage, physical activity assessed by accelerometery, and 7-day weighed diet record. Regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which changes in physical activity contributed to changes in body fat percentage and body weight over the study period. Relative risk for change in body fat and weight was calculated using Poisson regression. Results: Over the study period, there were significant changes in body fat percentage, body weight and physical activity. Change in physical activity was a significant predictor of changes in body fat and body weight over the 20-month study period. The impact of change in physical activity on body weight remained significant after controlling for dietary intake and other potential confounding variables. Those in the lower levels of physical activity also had an increased risk of both weight and fat gain over the study period. Discussion: Based on these results, change in physical activity status is an independent predictor of body fat and body weight change over time. Those who are less active also have increased risk of weight and fat gain over time independent of dietary factors.


In this study we have developed a new generalized non-isothermal lumped-parameter model for predicting both the temperature and pressure behaviors of liquid dominated geothermal reservoirs. The model is capable of modeling the pressure and temperature behavior of multiple tanks. These tanks can represent multiple geothermal reservoirs or geothermal reservoirs with aquifers. Energy and mass balance equations are coupled to predict both the temperature and pressure behavior of a liquid-dominated geothermal system resulting from re-injection of low temperature water into the system, production and natural recharge. The model is coupled with an optimization routine (based on the Levenberg-Marquardt method) for performing history matching to field pressure and/or temperature measurements, from which model parameters could be adjusted. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate whether using temperature and pressure data together provides benefits in estimating various model parameters that are not accessible from pressure data alone. Our results show that using temperature data in addition to pressure data for history matching improves the estimation of certain reservoir parameters such as the bulk volume of the reservoir and porosity, which are not accessible from history matching of pressure data alone. It is shown that temperature data contains information about certain reservoir parameters such as bulk volume, porosity, and temperatures and hence such parameters could be estimated by using temperature data in addition to pressure data in history matching.


The efficacy of anastomosis including the segmental bronchus performed in Hyogo Medical Center was reviewed. There were 18 patients with anastomosis of segmental bronchi (group 1), 14 patients with anastomosis between the upper, lingular, or basal segmental bronchus and main bronchus, avoiding pneumonectomy (group 2), and a miscellaneous group (group 3). Patients in group 1 had early-stage lung cancer or low-grade malignant tumors, whereas those in group 2 had advanced hilar tumors. Though technical requirements for these operations are higher than for typical bronchoplasty, they provide better quality of life postoperatively and reasonably good outcomes without increasing morbidity. The specialist in general thoracic surgery must make every effort to avoid excessively large resection of lung tissue such as lobectomy or pneumonectomy.


In early Permian, a mantle plume heated up the Tarim block and formed the Tarim large igneous province. It is an interesting phenomenon to explore the interaction between mantle plume and a thick continent lithosphere, because mantle plume has been proposed to be an important route of material and energy transportation in the earth. Currently, the Tarim block is surrounded by Tibetan plateau to its south edge and Tian Shan orogeny to its north edge. The combined effects of both mantle plume activity and plate tectonics should have significantly changed the structure and composition of the Tarim block because of its amalgamations in Neoproterozoic. Seismic imaging plays a key role on revealing the deep structure of the Earth, which could help unravel the questions mentioned before. However, the harsh natural environment in the central part of the Tarim basin, the Taklimakan desert—the largest desert in China—has seriously hampered the broadband seismological observation. From July 2017 to November 2019, the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences deployed a 2D broadband seismic array named the Tarim seismic Array for lithoSpheric signaTure of mantle plumE (TASTE) over the inner part of the Tarim basin with an averaged spacing of 60–70 km. The primary target of this project is to obtain a detailed lithospheric structure to resolve the possible lithospheric signatures of Permian mantle plume activity. Here we introduce the basic information of the TASTE network and the performance of these instruments by analyzing the background noise level. Preliminary results of receiver function and ambient noise analyses are also shown, which may suggest a thick sedimentary layer, as well as complicated crust and lithospheric feature.


The goal of this paper is to document and summarize the main cyclical features of labor market macroeconomic data in advanced countries. We report the second moments (correlations, coherences and volatility) of labor market variables for various data transformations (growth rates and cycles). Then we use dynamic factor models to inquire about the number of orthogonal shocks that drives labor market data dynamics. We also investigate the time-varying nature of these features: we ask whether they are stable over time, especially at times of severe crises such as the Great Recession. Finally, we compare these features across countries to see whether there are groups of countries characterized by similar features, such as labor market institutions. We find that certain features are stable over time and across countries (such as Okun's Law), while others are not. We also confirm that labor market institutions influence selected characteristics, but to a limited degree only. We find that one or at most two orthogonal shocks seem to drive the cyclical dynamics of labor market variables in most countries. The paper concludes with our interpretation of these findings for structural macroeconomic models.


The recently proposed combination of the multifluid mixture model with gE-models is used for investigating possible carrier-fluids for CO2 for a new type of refrigeration cycle. According to the EU regulation No. 517/2014, placing refrigerants with a global warming potential greater than 2500 on the market is prohibited after January 1, 2020. Cooling applications designed to cool products below −50 °C, for which mostly the refrigerant R-23 with a global warming potential (GWP) of 14800 is used, are an exception. R-23 could be replaced by carbon dioxide (CO2, GWP = 1) in a refrigeration cycle in which the CO2 is expanded into the sublimation region. The CO2 could be blended with a suitable carrier-fluid in order to prevent blockages due to enrichment of dry ice as well as to increase the heat transfer in the sublimator. A screening for a suitable carrier-fluid has been conducted using the most accurate equations of state available in the multifluid mixture model combined with a version of the predictive gE...


Open pit slope design has conventionally been effected as a bottomup function utilizing available geotechnical information. This results in a decision criterion based on probability of failure and factor of Safety with a risk assessment being carried out on the proposed design slopes. The design approach recommended reverses the process using fault event tree decision methodology. The consequences of this approach are that acceptable risk criteria have to be determined by mine owners. Slopes are then designed by the technical staff to achieve these corporate goals. Benefits that arise from the process are that the owners take a proactive decision on the risk-benefit relationship allowing the technical staff to optimize the geotechnical exploration programme and design.


Expression of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) A-chain gene is known to give rise to multiple transcripts of different sizes. Northern blot analysis, using a set of DNA probes corresponding to various parts of the human PDGF A-chain gene, indicated heterogeneity in both the 5' and 3' end of the transcripts. The 3' heterogeneity was shown to be the result of differential use of three polyadenylation signals. S1-nuclease protection- and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT)-assays, revealed the 5' heterogeneity to be the consequence of two alternative promoters. Whereas the upstream promoter contained typical TATA- and CAAT-boxes, the downstream promoter lacked a TATA-box but seemed to be composed of several GC-boxes.


ABSTRACT This study re-evaluated the magnitude of hand propulsion (HP) in the pull and push phases of the front crawl stroke and investigated the association between the angular velocity of shoulder roll (ωSR) and hand propulsive lift (HPL). ωSR was computed in the plane normal to a forward direction for 16 skilled swimmers performing the front crawl stroke at a maximal sprinting pace. HP, hand propulsive drag (HPD) and HPL were determined by a dynamic pressure approach. HP and HPD in the pull phase were greater than in the push phase (P < 0.05) while HPL in the pull phase was similar to that in the push phase. Eleven swimmers out of the 16 swimmers had a significant within-swimmers correlation between ωSR and HPL in the push phase (P < 0.05). That is, HPL increased in the push phase as the ωSR of rolling back to the neutral position became faster. A swimmer should use more drag for hand propulsion in the pull phase and propulsion from drag and lift equally in the push phase. Based on the relationship between ωSR and HPL in the push phase, a possible stroke technique to enhance HPL using ωSR is discussed.


The goal of this paper is to synthesise talking faces with controllable facial motions. To achieve this goal, we propose two key ideas. The first is to establish a canonical space where every face has the same motion patterns but different identities. The second is to navigate a multimodal motion space that only represents motion-related features while eliminating identity information. To disentangle identity and motion, we introduce an orthogonality constraint between the two different latent spaces. From this, our method can generate natural-looking talking faces with fully controllable facial attributes and accurate lip synchronisation. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art results in terms of both visual quality and lip-sync score. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to develop a talking face generation framework that can accurately manifest full target facial motions including lip, head pose, and eye movements in the generated video without any additional supervision beyond RGB video with audio.


The WET-sensor is a frequency domain dielectric sensor that measures permittivity, conductivity and temperature, which can be used for monitoring soil water content and electrical conductivity in horticulture. By using a specific model it measures pore water conductivity as well. However, under practical circumstances, large errors have been observed using the existing model. The purpose of this study was to obtain a empirical correction for this model and to investigate the nature of the errors, so horticultural growers can use the WET-sensor to measure pore water EC in-situ. Using 36 potted samples of sand, clay and peat, the relation between permittivity, bulk EC and pore water EC was studied in a laboratory over a temperature range from 19-22 oC and a pore water EC range from 4 ? 12 mS/cm. This resulted in an adaptation of the constant in the existing model and an extra second order polynomial correction factor. After temperature correction, an overall linear fit with a coefficient of 0.9948 was found at a reasonable correlation (0.79). Errors may occur up to ±40%, but for permittivity values larger than 20, errors have a maximum of ±15%. The overall standard deviation is 15%, which is in accordance with simulated results. For growers using relatively wet soils at water contents above 20%, the WET-sensor can be used to measure pore water EC in situ with a reasonable accuracy. Further study is needed to explore this correction at larger temperature ranges and for more soil types


Measuring the satisfaction of tourists who are staying in tourist facilities in rural areas plays an important role in the management of the service and the consequent success of companies that engage in this activity. Given the importance of this matter for the owners and managers of establishments and for those involved with the sector (government, travel agencies, marketers), we intendto providesome clues toabetter service quality management. We proceeded to an analysis of concepts Motivation, Performance, Importance and Satisfaction in order to determine the dynamic of those issues and drawthe conceptual framework.The data collectedby questionnaire, whichsoughtto touristsin tourist facilities at rural areas in the Azores region during the second half of 2009, were analyzedbased onthe instrumentsthat thereview of the literatureindicated asthe most appropriate(SERVQUAL, ANOVA, analysisMultiple Regression). The study revealed that in general tourists are satisfied with the service provided by facilities, but some doubts arise with regard to some aspects related to the destination, such as the accessibility to the region, the price level, the signage and the tourism information on the island.


Several million people are exposed to dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, primarily through food consumption. Skin lesions historically called "chloracne" are the most specific sign of abnormal dioxin exposure and classically used as a key marker in humans. We followed for 5 years a man who had been exposed to the most toxic dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), at a single oral dose of 5 million-fold more than the accepted daily exposure in the general population. We adopted a molecular medicine approach, aimed at identifying appropriate therapy. Skin lesions, which progressively covered up to 40% of the body surface, were found to be hamartomas, which developed parallel to a complete and sustained involution of sebaceous glands, with concurrent transcriptomic alterations pointing to the inhibition of lipid metabolism and the involvement of bone morphogenetic proteins signaling. Hamartomas created a new compartment that concentrated TCDD up to 10-fold compared with serum and strongly expressed the TCDD-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 1A1, thus representing a potentially significant source of enzymatic activity, which may add to the xenobiotic metabolism potential of the classical organs such as the liver. This historical case provides a unique set of data on the human tissue response to dioxin for the identification of new markers of exposure in human populations. The herein discovered adaptive cutaneous response to TCDD also points to the potential role of the skin in the metabolism of food xenobiotics.


This paper presents a mathematically simple method of maximum SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio) design of broadband MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) communication systems adopting TDL (Tapped Delay Line) structure for spatio-temporal processing in both transmitter and receiver sides. The weight vectors in both ends are determined alternately, optimizing one side by fixing the other, and this operation is repeated until the SINR converges. The performance of MIMO systems using the proposed approach is investigated through computer simulations, and it is demonstrated that, though it requires high computational cost, the TDL structure brings high ability to mitigate the influence of frequency selective fading, particularly when the duration of the delay profile is long. Moreover, experimental results show that the equable distribution of the resources (weights and delay units) to both arrays is better choice than the concentration of them to one side of the transmitter or receiver.


The cryptanalytic resistance of modern block and stream encryption systems mainly depends on the substitution box (S-box). In this context, the problem is thus to create an S-box with higher value of nonlinearity because this property can provide some degree of protection against linear and differential cryptanalysis attacks. In this paper, we design a scheme built on a human behavior-based optimization algorithm, supported with Self-Organizing Maps to prevent premature convergence and improve the nonlinearity property in order to obtain strong $8 \times 8$ substitution boxes. The experiments are compared with S-boxes obtained using other metaheuristic algorithms such as Ant Colony Optimization, Genetic Algorithm and an approach based on chaotic functions and show that the obtained S-boxes have good cryptographic properties. The obtained S-box is investigated against standard tests such as bijectivity, nonlinearity, strict avalanche criterion, bit independence criterion, linear probability and differential probability, proving that the proposed scheme is proficient to discover a strong nonlinear component of encryption systems.


The skin epidermis ensures critical vital functions: it represents the first line of defense against external aggressions.The Epidermal Proliferative Unit (EPU) and the stochastic model are two opposite theories that have been proposed to explain the homeostasis of the interfollicular epidermis (IFE). During my thesis, we addressed this question. We used two inducible CREER transgenic mouse models (K14CREER and InvCREER) to labeled basal cells of the IFE using the RosaYFP reporter system, allowing us to follow their fate. Using confocal microscopy to analyze the basal YFP positive clones induced, we demonstrated the existence of two distinct basal progenitors. The mathematical modeling of our data set confirmed this observation and clearly demonstrated the existence of a quiescent stem cell (SC) population (targeted by the K14 promoter), which eventually gives rise to a more rapidly proliferating cells, the committed progenitors (CPs, targeted by the Inv promoter) that participate actively to replace the IFE cells lost during the normal turnover of the tissue. By using an independent genetic mouse model (K5tTA tetO-H2BGFP) and by studying the transcriptional profiling of the two basal populations, we confirmed our hypothesis, and thus reconciling the two seemingly opposite EPU and stochastic models. Finally, we challenged the function of the K14 SCs and Inv CPs during IFE wound healing. Conversely to what happens during homeostasis, we observed that SCs are massively proliferating and participating to the repair and maintenance of the damaged area, while CPs are poorly recruited to the wound.The skin is also a highly sensitive organ, which contains many different receptors specialized in a precise sensation, and richly innervated by somatosensory neurons.The Merkel Cells (MCs) are mechanoreceptors present in the basal layer of the IFE that have features of both neurons and keratinocytes, and might be implicated in the development of a rare but very aggressive skin tumor. Since their discovery in 1875, many studies claimed the neural crest cells (NCCs) or the epidermal progenitors are at the origin of MC, but no clear evidence has been proposed. During my thesis, we were also interested in the embryonic origin of the MC. We used different transgenic mouse models to assess the NCC (Wnt1CRE and Pax3CRE RosaYFP) and the epidermal (K14CRE RosaYFP) hypotheses and we finally demonstrated that MC arise from embryonic epidermal progenitors. Using induction of adult epidermis transgenic mouse (K14CREER RosaYFP, K15CREPR RosaYFP), we showed that the epidermis also participates to the renewing of adult MC. Finally, we deleted the Math1 gene in all the MC progenitors (K14CRE Mathfl/fl) of mouse embryos, resulting in the absence of MCs in adult mice, demonstrating the importance of this transcription factor for MCs specification during embryogenesis.


The rapid pace of COVID-19 vaccine development and the uncertainty of potential adverse effects have led to concerns about safety and some hesitancy in vaccine uptake. In the UK, four COVID-19 vaccines —ChAdOx1S (Oxford–AstraZeneca, hereafter ChAdOx1), mRNA BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech), mRNA1273 (Moderna) and Janssen—have been authorised for use in the national vaccination programme. Reports of extremely rare adverse events of concurrent thrombosis and thrombocytopenia following vaccination with ChAdOx1 have been well documented and have led to several countries suspending or restricting its use. To address ongoing public, professional and regulatory concerns, evidence on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines relating to potential haematological adverse events is required, especially given the relative paucity of populationbased data. Here we present two cases of acute immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) following administration of ChAdOx1 treated in our department. Patient 1 was an 86yearold man presenting with gingival bleeding, tongue blisters and widespread ecchymoses 2 days after receiving one dose of ChAdOx1. He had no personal or family history of bleeding disorders. Initial blood showed a profound thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 4×10/L. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, white cell count (WCC) and coagulation studies were within normal range. Peripheral blood film was normal apart from severe thrombocytopenia. Autoimmune, viral serology and haematinics were unremarkable. He was commenced on treatment for ITP with highdose dexamethasone 20 mg for 4 days. A CT of the head was requested for new mild confusion. This revealed an 8 mm left parietal haemorrhage, therefore intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) 1 g/kg and platelet transfusion support were also initiated. After 3 days, his platelet count was 48×10/L. Repeat CT showed stable appearances. Despite a further 10 days of treatment, the platelet count remained low at 42×10/L. He was commenced on weekly rituximab infusions at a dose of 375 mg/m due to persistent moderate thrombocytopenia. His inpatient COVID-19 swabs two times per week were negative. He was discharged under close outpatient monitoring and completed his rituximab course. His platelet counts have since normalised. Patient 2 was a fit 38yearold woman presenting with widespread petechiae and purpura 10 days following one dose of ChAdOx1. She had no personal or family history of bleeding disorders or autoimmune conditions. Admission bloods showed severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count 3×10/L), and normal Hb, WCC and clotting studies. Peripheral blood film was normal, apart from severe thrombocytopenia. Viral, autoimmune screens and haematinics were unremarkable. A clinical diagnosis of ITP was made, and she was commenced on prednisolone 1 mg/ kg. On the following day, she exhibited buccal bleeding and her platelet count was 2×10/L. She was commenced on IVIG at 1 g/kg for 2 days with close outpatient monitoring. At day 4 of treatment, the platelet count was 44×10/L; this steadily improved to 430×10/L at day 8. She had a weaning course of prednisolone with regular teleclinic appointments and blood counts. Her purpura resolved, and her platelet count remained stable. Both patients presented with profound thrombocytopenia with no other apparent cause for a low platelet count. Previous studies have demonstrated a causal association between vaccinations and ITP, thought to be most likely due to virally induced molecular mimicry: the binding of pathogenic antibodies to platelet and megakaryocytes can cause thrombocytopenia by various methods, including opsonisation, direct activation of complement and apoptotic pathways. A case of ITP following a dose of BNT162b2 mRNA in the USA was published. The New York Times recounted 36 reports of ITP following doses of BNT162b2 mRNA and ChAdOx1, which were submitted to the US government's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. More recently, a Scottish prospective cohort study found an association between ChAdOx1 and ITP, but not with BNT162b2 mRNA. Simpson et al estimated an incidence of 1.13 ITP cases per 100 000 doses. Of note, there were no reported cases of ITP in the 11 636 participants analysed in the earlier AstraZeneca trial. Viral infections, including COVID-19 infection, can also cause acute ITP or worsen stable chronic ITP. Thus, it is essential to rule out COVID-19 infection as a trigger even in those who are asymptomatic. ITP is an immunemediated condition in which antibodycoated or immune complexcoated platelets are destroyed prematurely by the reticuloendothelial system, leading to peripheral thrombocytopenia. Diagnosing ITP can be challenging, with no single 'gold standard' test to reliably prove the diagnosis and an extensive list of differential diagnoses. The presumptive diagnosis can be made when other causes of thrombocytopenia have been excluded. Serial platelet monitoring after commencing therapy serves dual purposes of assessing response to treatment and providing additional evidence to support the diagnosis. Most cases are mild to severe but are highly responsive to IVIG. Treatment recommendations have also changed in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, firstline treatment was with steroids and IVIG. The current guidelines from NHS England promote the use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPORAs) as firstline therapy for new or relapsed acute ITP in adults and children aged over 1 year. These should be commenced under the guidance of haematologists. However, patients hospitalised with COVID-19 infection requiring steroids for immunosuppression may not be suitable candidates for TPORAs. Another therapeutic agent is rituximab, an antiCD20 monoclonal antibody that binds to the CD20 antigen on the Bcell surface, activating complementdependent Bcell cytotoxicity. The Bcell depleting effect of rituximab results in a diminished humoral immune response to vaccinations. Thus, rituximab should be avoided or delayed for those patients who have not yet been vaccinated. This is a challenge for those patients already on rituximab immunosuppression for treatment of rheumatic disease, nonHodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and vasculitis. Although existing COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a small risk of developing ITP, recent evidence suggest that the overall benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh ITPassociated risks. We suggest that patients with preexisting ITP have a baseline platelet count recorded prior to vaccination and successive counts depending on their clinical history. It is important that clinicians are made aware of the potential to develop ITP secondary to the COVID-19 vaccines and to seek early input from clinical haematologists if patients become thrombocytopenic or exhibit clinical features suggestive of this.


The density of 46 chemical elements and LD50 of chloride cations were compared. There was a significant inverse relationship of LD50 to the density of 34 chemical elements. Quantitative ratios between these values for the elements studied were calculated.


The dynamic characteristics of joint surface have great influence on the performance of machine tools. To investigate the effect of the electromagnetic attraction on the the joint surface between the sliding block and linear guide, an approach for identifying dynamic characteristics of sliding joint surface in linear motor feed drive system was proposed based on modal experimental analysis and response surface method. An indirect test method for vertical electromagnetic force of linear motor was proposed, and the finite element analysis model was established. The dynamic characteristics of linear motor feed drive system was identified by finite element simulation analysis and modal testing. The feasibility of the method was verified and the error is within 9%.