The hydropower industry and its regulators are hampered by the inability to predict the relationship between alternative flow regimes and fish population response. We have developed a spatially explicit, individual-based model of populations of small-mouth bass in streams as part of the Compensatory Mechanisms in Fish Populations Program (see Sale and Otto 1991). In the model, the profitability of alternative stream locations varies in response to habitat depth and velocity through changes in the frequency of prey encounters and the metabolic costs experienced by fish. We conducted an evaluation of our hydraulic simulation at the scale of individual stream cells. The potential error in predictions for individual cell velocities suggests that larger-scale model predictions for the representative reach are most appropriate. At this scale, the model appears to produce realistic patterns in the growth and dispersal of young-of-year small-mouth bass. This verification step allows us to proceed with greater confidence in evaluating the original question of how small-mouth bass populations respond to alternative flow regimes.


The aim of my paper is to analyze the debate between Mencius and Xunzi from the perspective of their views on the nature of the historical process. The Mencian approach embraces not only elaboration on the doctrine of the Mandate of Heaven, resulting in a cyclical vision of history, but also strong idealization of the past. I will show that ren (benevolence), treated as a historical principle, could link two dimensions of his historical thinking: the moral and ontological. Xunzi rejected the possibility of the intervention of Heaven in history, however, his theory of rituals and belief in moral use of history made his philosophy of history much more conservative, embalming the idealization of the past. In short, I will look for the main common points and differences between these two major figures of Confucianism regarding their views on history, attempting to answer which beliefs could constitute a unique Confucian philosophy of history.


This study aims to shed light on the knowledge transfer effects of Chinese investment in Africa's manufacturing sector with a concrete case study of Ethiopia. As of January 2015, 117 firms were registered with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) as investing in Ethiopia, reporting to have manufacturing activities. Since 2010 the Ethiopian government has put great emphasis on boosting the manufacturing sector and developing local technological and marketing capabilities, consciously guiding FDI from China and other Asian countries to the manufacturing sector. Such efforts offer a remarkable case to explore how African agents play an active role in shaping the dynamics and outcomes of engagements with China, which thus far has been seriously under-investigated. This study finds that the effectiveness of knowledge transfer by foreign investors is largely decided by industrial conditions in the host country and forming manufacturing clusters is a helpful approach to improve learning. This paper examines knowledge transfer mechanisms between Chinese investments and Ethiopian firms, institutions, and individuals at four different levels in the manufacturing sector. The lessons learned from this case may provide insights into China-African cooperation and Africa's development process in general.


Tofu wastewater is one of the most dangerous source of environmental pollutants. It is known that the COD of tofu wastewater can reach 8000 mg/L. Contact Glow Discharge Electrolysis (CGDE) method is an effective method in degrading complex pollutants contained in tofu wastewater, due to its ability to produce large quantities of OH radicals. This study aims to test the ability of the CGDE method in degrading the tofu wastewater by the addition air injection. In this method, several variations were made to determine the optimal airflow rate and initial concentration of tofu wastewater. Tofu wastewater degradation reached 73% for 120 minutes, with the final value of COD is 425 mg/L and BOD is 447 mg/L. Maximum conditions are obtained by using airflow rate 2.5 lpm, temperature 50°C, and initial concentration of tofu wastewater is 2000 ppm. The addition of air injection with airflowrate 2.5 lpm is able to reduce energy consumption by 37%. The results show that CGDE with air injection has the potential to degrade pollution parameter in tofu wastewater.


Background Postural instability is a classical characteristic of cerebral palsy (CP), but it has not been examined during functional play activity. Recent work has demonstrated that when motor tasks are made functionally more relevant, performance improves, even in children with movement pathology. It is possible that in a disease state, the underlying control mechanisms that are associated with healthy physiology must be elicited. Objective The study objective was to explore the utility of the functional play task methodology as a more rich and interpretable approach to the quantification of postural instability in children with CP. Design Postural stability measures obtained from a cross-sectional cohort of children with CP (n=30) were compared with stability measures taken from children with typical development (n=30) during a single measurement period. Methods Postural stability data were obtained with a portable force platform system. Postural sway was quantified during a precision manual functional play task. A baseline condition (no task) also was included. Postural sway variability and postural sway regularity were analyzed with analyses of variance. Results There was an apparent difference in postural control (greater irregularity, greater sway variability) during quiet stance between children with CP and peers with typical development; this difference was mitigated during the performance of the precision functional play task. Limitations A small and nonprobability sample of convenience may limit the findings of this study. Conclusions The findings illustrate flexibility and adaptability in the postural control system despite the pathological features associated with CP.


The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate the novel amoxicillin trihydrate dental gel containing different hydrophilic polymers such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose (MC), sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (Sod.CMC) and hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC) in varied concentrations (5, 6, 6 and 9 %) for the treatment of periodontal diseases. Propylene glycol was used as a co-solvent in the concentration 15-25%. The formulated dental gels were found transparent, smooth and similar in color on physical observation. The pH of the dental gels was found to be in the range of 6.03 to 6.34. The spreadability of the gel was found to be in the range of 6.33 to 7.81 g-cm/sec. The viscosity values ranged from 4322.89 cps to 4665.78 cps. Drug content was found to be in the range of 95.93 to 99.31%. In-vitro drug release studies of formulations were carried out in the Kishery- Chein diffusion cell which exhibited an extended release of drug over a period of 7 hours. The pure drug and the best formulation were evaluated for antimicrobial studies by serial dilution method using nutrient broth medium. It was noticed that with increased drug concentration marked antimicrobial activity was achieved. Thus the present formulation of amoxicillin trihydrate dental gel could be suggested as a safe and beneficial dosage form for the treatment of periodontal infections.


Consumption of a diet high in barley beta-glucan (BG) has been shown to prevent insulin resistance. To investigate the mechanism for the effects of barley BG, three groups of male 7-wk-old C57BL/6J mice were fed high-fat diets containing 0, 2, or 4% of barley BG for 12 wk. The 2% BG and 4% BG groups had significantly lower body weights compared with the 0% BG group. The 4% BG group demonstrated improved glucose tolerance and lower levels of insulin-resistance index and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Consumption of the BG diet decreased hepatic lipid content. Mice on the BG diet also demonstrated decreased fatty acid synthase and increased cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase gene expression levels. The BG diet promoted hepatic insulin signaling by decreasing serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 and activating Akt, and it decreased mRNA levels of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. In summary, consumption of BG reduced weight gain, decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, and improved insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat diet. Insulin signaling enhanced due to the expression changes of glucose and lipid metabolism genes by BG consumption. Consumption of barley BG could be an effective strategy for preventing obesity, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome.


We have investigated surface-modification effects on photoluminescence (PL) properties of the self-assemble monolayer of CdSe quantum dots from the viewpoint of the temperature dependence of PL properties. The band-edge PL band is strongly activated by the surface modification and is observed as the main PL band, contrary to the fact that the defect-related PL band is dominant in the as-grown sample. From the analysis of PL decay dynamics, it is demonstrated that the contribution of a bound exciton state to PL processes would suppress a trapping process to defects.


ABSTRACT Socializing and interaction are important aspects for families who visit museums. Mixed reality (MR) uses a set of technology that museums employ to encourage this behavior, but they face challenges in maintaining family cohesion with experiences across different exhibitions and kiosks. In this paper, we explore these challenges broadly to provide strategies for MR exhibitions that support better family cohesion, and thus interaction. As part of our exploration, we partnered with the Indianapolis Children's Museum and used its Take Me To Greece exhibition and observed intergenerational family interactions at eight different kiosks with a range of MR technologies using "research in the wild" approach. We present our findings in terms of concerted immersion patterns of families with the kiosks encompassing both real and virtual spaces, while disrupted interactions when family members split from the group to interact with virtual kiosks. We then present design considerations to provide a broad understanding of the aspects of reality and virtuality in a MR children's museum exhibition, and the influence of these MR dimensions on intergenerational family interactions.


Objectives: 1) Assess general health condition and anthropological parameters of the working women. 2) Identify prevalence of Type-II Diabetes among them. 3) Assess risk factors associated with development of diabetes. 4) Educate them about Life Style Modifications. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in six educational institutes. A total of 100 working women were selected as study population. During the two-month study period, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) was estimated to identify the diabetics and the Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT). Information from the study population was collected through pre-tested questionnaire using several anthropometric measurements. Results: Out of 100 women, 24 were having FBS compatible with IGT or diabetes. The incidence was highest in 46 to 55 yr age group. 75% of women with diabetes or IGT were in higher income group. Body Mass Index was more than 25 kg/m2 in maximum (75%) women having diabetes or IGT. 92% women with diabetes or IGT had their Waist Hip Ratio ≥0.85. Moreover, orientation towards healthy life style modification to control diabetes and its prevention was poor among the study population. Conclusion: Prevalence of diabetes and IGT was higher among urban working women and is increasing with increase in age. Obesity plays a major role in development of Type 2 diabetes. Several long- and short-term steps should be taken for promotion of healthy life style modifications to prevent diabetes and emergence of its complications.


Internet of Things (IoT) expects to incorporate massive machine-type (MCT) devices, such as vehicles, sensors, and wearable devices, which brings a large number of application tasks that need to be processed. Additionally, data collected from various devices needs to be executed and processed in a timely, reliable, and efficient manner. Gesture recognition has enabled IoT applications such as human-computer interaction and virtual reality. In this work, we propose a cross-domain device-free gesture recognition (DFGR) model, that exploits 3D-CNN to obtain spatiotemporal features in Wi-Fi sensing. To adapt the sensing data to the 3D model, we carry out 3D data segment and supplement in addition to signal denoising and time-frequency transformation. We demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms the state-of-the-art method in the application of DFGR even cross 3 domain factors simultaneously, and is easy to converge and convenient for training with a less complicated hierarchical structure.


Monocytoid B cells are IgM+, IgD−/+, CD27− B cells, localized in the perisinusoidal area of the lymph node. These cells are especially prominent in infections such as those caused by toxoplasma and HIV. The ontogeny of monocytoid B cells with respect to B cell maturation is incompletely known. We analysed clonal expansion, somatic hypermutation and expression of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in monocytoid B cells. Sequence analysis of the rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain genes amplified from microdissected monocytoid B cell zones with a high proportion of proliferating cells reveals the presence of multiple clones with low‐level ongoing mutations (mean frequency: 0.46 × 10−2 per bp). Mutation analysis of these ongoing mutations reveals strand bias, a preference of transitions over transversions as well as the occurrence of small deletions, as observed for somatically mutated immunoglobulin genes in the human germinal centre. Proliferation, ongoing mutation as well as expression of AID, combined, is evidence that monocytoid B cells acquire the mutations in the extrafollicular perisinusoidal area of the lymph node and pleads against a postgerminal centre B cell origin.


Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) made during meiosis are repaired by recombination with the homologous chromosome to generate, at selected sites, reciprocal crossovers that are critical for the proper separation of homologs in the first meiotic divisions. Backup repair processes can compensate when the normal meiotic recombination processes are non-functional. We describe a novel backup repair mechanism that occurs when the homologous chromosome is not available in Drosophila melanogaster meiosis. In the presence of a previously described mutation (Mcm5A7) that disrupts chromosome pairing, DSB repair is initiated by homologous recombination but is completed by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Remarkably, this process yields precise repair products. Our results provide support for a recombination intermediate recently discovered in mouse meiosis, in which an oligonucleotide bound to the Spo11 protein that catalyzes DSB formation remains bound after resection. We propose that this oligonucleotide functions as a primer for fill-in synthesis to allow scarless repair by NHEJ.


The charge conjugation C and the parity P are assumed to generate a finite group without assuming any apriori commutation or anti-commutation relation. The group then generated is the di-hedral group D/sub n/ (n being even) which has two dimensional irreducible representations. This implies that we could have in principle, elementary particles with parity and charge-conjugation doublet structure.


Abstract While the images traditionally associated with the amateur visual archive of the black experience were primarily everyday photographs taken by black communities in diaspora, more recently, it is the moving image, rather than still photography, to which these communities turn to capture the vicissitudes of black life. Their repository is no longer handmade albums or scrapbooks; it is Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and numerous other self-curated online collections. Focusing on the work of cinematographer Arthur Jafa, this article explores the ways black amateur digital archives are used by contemporary black artists like Jafa to create an emergent new black gaze that renders the borders between fine art and popular culture porous and unstable. It is a gaze that resuscitates and revalues the amateur visual archive of black life in radical ways and with radical possibilities for imagining a different kind of black futurity.


Abstract : While speculation on effects of dredging on seagrass beds is plentiful, actual empirical data documenting these effects are not. In this study, acoustic-based seagrass mapping techniques were used to generate detailed maps of seagrass distribution before and after dredging operations. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) within Scituate Harbor, MA, was monitored during mid-summer in 2001, 2003, and 2004; navigation maintenance dredging of the harbor was performed during fall 2002. Similar surveys were also performed during the same timeframe at an undredged harbor near Wood Island, ME. Two types of potential impacts were examined. Direct impacts involved physical removal of vegetation along with the dredged sediments. Indirect impacts in adjacent undredged areas may occur as a result of increased turbidity and/or siltation associated with dredging activities. Using hydroacoustic techniques, the authors were able to easily map and quantify direct impacts to eelgrass resources. Assessment of indirect impacts, however, was more complex. In the first post-dredging survey, a substantial reduction in coverage occurred in adjoining undredged areas, suggesting possible indirect impacts. This was followed by a modest recovery between the first and second post-dredging years. However, monitoring of other undredged sites within the region showed natural year-to-year variations in eelgrass coverage to be almost as large as those occurring at the dredged site. Results emphasize the need for long-term data to discern any potential effects of dredging on seagrass dynamics as opposed to a host of other factors contributing to high variability in measured parameters.


Political communication and citizen engagement have been impacted by crises in both political parties and conventional media models. This article contends that the confluence of these crises has been insufficiently understood, and that this lack of understanding depends upon a third element: the dissolution of a 'holding culture', a sense of the 'rules of the game' that has constituted the ground on which parties and the media operated and generated the imaginative space for constituting community. This dissolution might be represented as resistance to a now discredited political class, once constituted by 'old' political and media elites, and promising a new culture – with the potential for parties to be more responsive to 'the people', and for a more diversified and representative media. By looking at case studies of leadership insurgency in parties and the impact of new media in creating the discursive conditions for their emergence, this article explores the realities in relation to political communication and democratic engagement.


This paper proposes a higher education distance learning system using video, audio, and character-based communications via the Internet, to sites where for various reasons, sufficient network infrastructure using cables and fibers cannot be installed. The aim of this research is to create a way of delivering a lecture to those for whom it would otherwise be inaccessible. We succeeded in building a distance learning system with sufficient of video and audio quality based on Internet technology using satellite communication.


Laser lift-off and bonding has been demonstrated as a viable route for the integration of III-nitride opto-electronics with mainstream device technology. A critical remaining question is the structural and chemical quality of the layers following lift-off. In this paper, we present detailed structural and chemical characterization of both the epitaxial layer and the substrate using standard transmission electron microscopy techniques. Conventional diffraction contrast and high resolution electron microscopy indicate that the structural alteration of the material is limited to approximately the first 50 nm. Energy dispersive electron spectroscopy line profiles show that intermixing is also confined to similar thicknesses. These results indicate that laser lift-off of even thin layers is likely to result in materials suitable for device integration. Additionally, because the damage to the sapphire substrate is minimal, it should be possible to polish and re-use these substrates for subsequent heteroepitaxial growths, resulting in significant economic benefits.


The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private ones of the writer, and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the view of the Navy Department or the Naval Service at large. In the last 10 years there has been some interest in the correlation of the classical postanal pilonidal sinus with pilonidal sinuses elsewhere. 1-5 It appears fairly well established that the presence of hairs in all these lesions is accidental; that is, they are introduced from the outside. In 1950 Schulze 6 reported the presence of hair as a foreign body in the sole. Some recent clinical observations of mine indicate that this may not be as rare a condition as the paucity of similar reports might indicate. On May 7, 1956, a 40-year-old housewife reported to the hospital seeking aid for a tender lesion on the right sole. She stated


The generation of membership functions for fuzzy systems is a challenging problem. In this paper, we use an extended Kalman filter to optimize the membership functions for system modeling, or system identification. We describe the algorithm and then show the result as sub-optimal novel method of system identification. The ideas described in this paper are illustrated for system identification of a nonlinear dynamic system of a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The other interesting observation made is that the proposed system acts as a noise-reducing filter. We demonstrate that the extended Kalman filter can be an effective tool for identifying the parameters of a fuzzy system model


One-year-old needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and stone pine (P. mugo) growing in parks in Bled and Ljubljana, Slovenia, were found dead or blighted in 2008 and 2009. A total of 15 trees had damage ranging from scattered twigs with affected needles to more extensive browning in the crown. All affected trees were removed and destroyed. When needles were placed in damp conditions, light yellow-brown to olive-green conidial slime was produced in short cirrhi from raised black areas with slits on both sides of the needles. The black areas (condiomata) contained light brown conidia, straight or curved, with a rounded apex and truncate base, thick and verrucose wall, and 0–6 septa. In water, they measured 30 (16–42) · 4 (2–5) lm. Mycelia arising from sterilized pieces of brown needles formed slow growing colonies on malt extract agar, quickly covered with a slimy mass of conidia. The characteristics of this fungus correspond to the Lecanosticta acicola anamorph of Mycosphaerella dearnessii, the cause of brown-spot needle blight (Anonymous, 2005). Samples of the diseased needles and pure cultures of the fungus were deposited in the Herbarium of the Slovenian Forestry Institute (Nos. 1666–1668). A spore suspension of the fungus in distilled water (67 · 10 spores per mL) was sprayed on needles of 12 shoots of three stone pines and the shoots enclosed in polyethylene bags for two days in June 2009. All treated plants were held in secure phytosanitary conditions. After two weeks, small yellow discolourations began to appear on the inoculated needles, turning brown after eleven weeks. Lecanosticta acicola was reisolated in October 2009 from brown spots, on which stromata appeared. The needles of the control shoots sprayed with distilled water were undamaged. This is the first report of M. dearnessii in Slovenia. Brown spot needle blight was earlier reported throughout the Alpine region by Holdenrieder & Sieber (1995). More recently it has spread to the Czech Republic (Jankovský et al., 2009).


The initial sexual encounter between partners can be a salient relationship event that constitutes an important turning point in relationship development. The goal of this study was to examine the associations between communication and outcomes of initial coitus between partners. We hypothesized that communication would correspond with the emotional, cognitive, and relational outcomes of initial coitus, over and above the effects of individual and relational factors. Results supported the hypothesized associations between communication and sexual outcomes. The discussion highlights the implications of initial coitus as a turning point in relationship development and proposes future directions for research on sexual intimacy.


Objective: To evaluate the correlation between ankle brachial index (ABI) and cardiac abnormalities evidenced by echocardiogram in hypertensive patients with diabetes. Design and method: We evaluated the prevalence of echocardiographic findings according to ABI values in 99 hypertensive diabetic patients. The patients were classified in normal ABI group (ABI <= 0.9 or ABI>1.4) and abnormal ABI group (>=1.4 or ABI>0.9). From the data obtained by echocardiogram we analyzed a composite endpoint that included cardiac morphological and functional changes relevant to clinical practice (left ventricle hypertrophy, ventricular dysfunction, etc). Results: The mean age was 65.4 ± 7 years (50–80 years) and 61.6% were women. There is no difference concerning age, gender, race, body mass index, and metabolic profile between normal ABI group (49 patients) and abnormal ABI group (50 patients). It was observed higher levels of systolic blood pressure (mmHg) and albuminuria (value) and greater prevalence of GFR < 60 ml/min/m2 (%) among patients with abnormal ABI. The echocardiographic composite endpoint was more prevalent abnormal ABI group (84.0% versus 59.2%, p = 0.006). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed abnormal ABI as an independent predictor for the occurrence of echocardiographic composite endpoint (OR = 3.43; 95%CI = 1.07–11.0; p = 0.04) as well as for the presence of left ventricle hypertrophy (OR = 4.35, 95%CI 1.42–13.52, p = 0.011). Conclusions: Hypertensive diabetic patients with abnormal ABI values has a higher prevalence of left ventricle hypertrophy and other relevant clinical echocardiographic findings. Thus, measurement of ABI could identify patients with hypertension and diabetes at higher risk for cardiac abnormalities.


This report present an academic study of a location-routing problem combined with the fleet size and mix vehicle routing problem. Operations research (OR) is utilized to examine a concept of Statoil's supply logistic for oil and gas installations in the Barents Sea where a hub-networks is included. The aim of this thesis is to utilize OR to determine whether it is cost-efficient for Statoil to make use of a hub system in the Barents Sea to supply three offshore installations. A simplified realistic problem is developed to define scope and limitations for the study. It comprise a set of three offshore installations and seven potential base locations. The optimal location of exactly one onshore supply base and one forward offshore base, hub, are determined. The installations are placed within given locations in the Barents Sea. The range of area span from 21°E to 36°E in longitudinal direction and from 71°N to 74°N in latitudinal direction. All facilities are open round the clock and the problem is assumed deterministic. The report present a two stage solution approach. In Phase 1, all routes are generated and parameters are calculated. In Phase 2, a set partitioning problem is solved, where routes generated in Phase 1 constitute as the columns. For comparison reasons, Phase 1 defines parameters for two different logistical scenarios. A hub-network is included in Case 1 and excluded from Case 2. Both cases build on equal assumptions and simplifications. The results from the two cases are implemented separately in a integer programming model presented in Phase 2. Results from the model are finally compared. The process is repeated a number of times, varying in the location of the offshore installations. The main results show that direct shuttle is more profitable than utilization of a hub-network for three installations. The optimum transportation costs are 6,8 million NOK and 2,2 million NOK for Case 1 and 2 respectively. Two PSVs are required for direct shuttle, where four different supply bases are optimal depending on the locations of the offshore installations. For Case 1, the Polarbase in Hammerfest is the optimal base location independent of the positions to the installations. The longest distance between optimal base and hub location is 160 [nm]. The results from the study indicate that logistic supply with hub-network is not profitable. Direct shuttle is more cost efficient for the given distances when three installations are supplied.


We describe the simulation of programs in the probabilistic concurrent constraint programming language PCCP. The simulation is achieved using the Action language Workbench, which is a generic tool for modelling and simulating the behaviour of concurrent systems. The tool is based on the general Action language theory for nondeterministic concurrent programming languages and has been extended to encompass the probabilistic framework developed in PCCP. This extension includes the computation of transition probability, reachability probability and the construction of the probabilistic matrix of transition probabilities. The current version of the tool permits the exploration of PCCP computations based on the operational semantics of this language.


OBJECTIVES
To report a new case of prostatic rhabdomyosarcoma in a child.

METHODS
Blood analysis, urinalysis, radiologic tests (abdominal ultrasound, intravenous urography, cystography, barium enema, lower extremities X-rays), and prostatic biopsy were performed.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS
Neoadjuvant treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy were started prior to intended radical prostatectomy, but the patient died before due to disease progression with dissemination.


With their focus on the originalist bona fides of the unitary executive and the modern administrative state's numerous violations of the theory, unitary executivists have neglected the Constitution's various constraints on the President's ability to control law execution and the extent to which Congress can make the task of presidential control difficult, if not impossible. This short piece aims to fill that void. Part I outlines the fragmented features of the Constitution's unitary executive. Part II describes how the President's control of the executive branch is somewhat dependent upon Congress. In particular, it discusses how Congress might thwart and tame the attempts by the Executive Office of the President to control agency decision making. Part III addresses the extent to which recent regulatory review procedures are consistent with constitutional constraints on the unitary executive and concludes that, even from the perspective of the theory of the unitary executive, these procedures are too "unitary."


Exercise dosage is proven to be an important factor in the physical treatment. Robot assistive approach can improve the rehabilitation quality and evaluate patient's recovery quantitatively. This paper presents kinematic structure, assistive control system, and integrated F/T sensor for an upper limb rehabilitation robot. By using the human arm dynamic, there are three rehabilitation modes presented in this paper: active mode, assistive mode, and passive mode. In assistive mode, we have two strategies to implement it. One is to amplify interactive torque, and the other is to apply assist-as-needed concept. The goal of this mode is to assist patients to finish motion tasks. The rehabilitation robot under investigation has 7 degree of freedom (DOF) actuated by DC motors, which are programmed to drive the robot arm in the 3D space. To validate our control design, some realistic experiments are conducted and its satisfactory performance is demonstrated. This work is approved clinical testing by the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. So far, we are demonstrating the effect of our controller.


In the past decades significant scientific progress has taken place in the knowledge about biofilms. They constitute multilayer conglomerates of bacteria and fungi, surrounded by carbohydrates which they produce, as well as substances derived from saliva and gingival fluid. Modern techniques showed significant diversity of the biofilm environment and a system of microbial communication (quorum sensing), enhancing their survival. At present it is believed that the majority of infections, particularly chronic with exacerbations, are a result of biofilm formation, particularly in the presence of biomaterials. It should be emphasised that penetration of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents into deeper layers of a biofilm is poor, causing therapeutic problems and necessitating sometimes removal of the implant or prosthesis. Biofilms play an increasing role in dentistry as a result of more and more broad use in dental practice of plastic and implantable materials. Biofilms are produced on the surfaces of teeth as dental plaque, in the para-nasal sinuses, on prostheses, dental implants, as well as in waterlines of a dental unit, constituting a particular risk for severely immunocompromised patients. New methods of therapy and prevention of infections linked to biofilms are under development.


Log records are important part of an organization. Maintaining log records securely for a longer period of time is important for proper functioning of any organization. Since log files contain record of system events, the confidentiality and privacy of log data should be maintained and also integrity of log data and logging process should be ensured. The log data are stored in the server with in an organization for a fixed time and sent to the cloud .There will be a great chance of attack when log data are stored in plain text in the server of an organization. However, deploying a secure logging framework is one of the main difficulties that an organization faces in this new era. In this paper, we present an approach for secure logging by which log data can be sent to the cloud directly at run time.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the attitudes nurses working at psychiatric hospitals in Turkey have towards forensic psychiatric patients and the associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 620 nurses working at 8 psychiatric hospitals in Turkey that completed ≥80% of the Nurses' Attitudes Towards Forensic Psychiatric Patients Scale (NAFPPS). Data were evaluated based on number-percentage distribution, and the relationship between variables was examined via t-test, variance analysis, and correlation analysis.

RESULTS
Mean age of the nurses was 34.37 ± 7.48 years and 79.4% were female. Mean NAFPPS total and subscale scores were as follows: Xtotal = 69.07 ± 12.46 (max: 125); Xfeelingthreatened = 15.98 ± 3.61 (max: 30); Xtrust = 20.49 ± 5.24 (max: 20); Xsocialdistance = 10.45 ± 3.33 (max: 20); Xwillingnesstoprovidecare = 22.31 ± 4.25 (max: 40). Gender, place of employment, method of obtaining current position, employment status, level of satisfaction working as a psychiatric nurse, history of providing treatment to forensic psychiatric patients, having knowledge of Turkish laws regarding the treatment of forensic psychiatric patients, and thinking that nurses should treat forensic psychiatric patients were correlated with the nurses' attitudes towards forensic psychiatric patients, whereas age, marital status, place of longest residence, level of education, duration of working in the profession, and duration at current hospital were not.

CONCLUSION
Despite the fact that the nurses working at 8 psychiatric hospitals in Turkey considered forensic psychiatric patients threatening, didn't trust them, and had a tendency to be socially distant with them, they had a moderate level of willingness to provide them proper care.


ABSTRACT The catabolism of 4-hydroxyacetophenone in Pseudomonas fluorescens ACB is known to proceed through the intermediate formation of hydroquinone. Here, we provide evidence that hydroquinone is further degraded through 4-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde and maleylacetate to β-ketoadipate. The P. fluorescens ACB genes involved in 4-hydroxyacetophenone utilization were cloned and characterized. Sequence analysis of a 15-kb DNA fragment showed the presence of 14 open reading frames containing a gene cluster (hapCDEFGHIBA) of which at least four encoded enzymes are involved in 4-hydroxyacetophenone degradation: 4-hydroxyacetophenone monooxygenase (hapA), 4-hydroxyphenyl acetate hydrolase (hapB), 4-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (hapE), and maleylacetate reductase (hapF). In between hapF and hapB, three genes encoding a putative intradiol dioxygenase (hapG), a protein of the Yci1 family (hapH), and a [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin (hapI) were found. Downstream of the hap genes, five open reading frames are situated encoding three putative regulatory proteins (orf10, orf12, and orf13) and two proteins possibly involved in a membrane efflux pump (orf11 and orf14). Upstream of hapE, two genes (hapC and hapD) were present that showed weak similarity with several iron(II)-dependent extradiol dioxygenases. Based on these findings and additional biochemical evidence, it is proposed that the hapC and hapD gene products are involved in the ring cleavage of hydroquinone.


A 44-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for further evaluation of a consolidated shadow in the left lower lobe and the evaluation of serum tumor markers (CEA 46.3 ng/ml, CA 19-9 1911 U/ml, and CA 125 103 U/ml). Chest computed tomography revealed an irregular shaped, low density mass shadow in the left S10 region, suggesting the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration or bronchial atresia. However digital subtraction angiography failed to demonstrate an anomalous feeding artery. We could not rule out the possibility that a malignant lesion was included in the consolidated shadow. A left thoracotomy revealed an intralobar pulmonary sequestration of the left lower lobe. Hyphae of aspergillus were found in the lumen of the cystic bronchus of the resected lung. Immunohistochemical studies showed strong expression of CEA, CA 19-9, and CA 125 by bronchial epithelia in the pulmonary sequenstration. The serum values of tumor markers returned to their normal ranges after surgery.


"Black Man's Music": Name Changes and Identity Negotiation among Finnish Jewish Jazz Musicians during 1920s – 1940s
Many name changes of Jewish performing artists in Finland during the 1920s–1940s raise questions about the status of musicians from ethnic minorities and the boundaries of entertainment industry. In this article, I examine, on the one hand, the creating of an image of a "Finnish" or "American" jazz musician by name changes, and on the other hand, the concealing of one's own ethnic origins in an occasionally xenophobic and antisemitic atmosphere. I also analyse how they have negotiated their musician identity in terms of Finnishness, Finnish Swedishness, Jewishness and African American jazz. As examples I use the five siblings of the Manulkin family and Jaakko Furman in Helsinki because of their prominent position and because in their cases the discussed phenomena are clearly visible.
The Manulkin siblings took American-style names on their own initiative and Furman a Finnish name at his employer's requirement. In the Manulkin case the name changes allowed them to create a musician image in harmony with the genre they represented. Their name changes also illustrate how Jewish musicians tried to adapt to the pressure of the time, at the same time wanting to preserve the integrity of their ethnic and cultural identity.
When negotiating his identity in interviews, Furman does not bring up his Jewish background as he does with his identity as a Finnish Swedish speaker. His ethnic background is only reflected on the interviewers' initiative when discussing the prominent role of Jewish musicians in the field of jazz and the xenophobic atmosphere of the Second World War. In interviews, Furman identifies himself more with Swedish speaking swing musicians than as a representative of Jewish jazz musicians in Finland or as a member of the Jewish community. He emphasises how jazz music provided Finnish Jewish musicians with a more tolerant community and atmosphere that rose above discrimination.


ealism, the oldest and most prominent theoretical paradigm in international relations, is in trouble. The problem is not lack of interest. Realism remains the primary or alternative theory in virtually every major book and article addressing general theories of world politics, particularly in security affairs. Controversies between neorealism and its critics continue to dominate international relations theory debates. Nor is the problem realism's purported inability to make point predictions. Many speciŽc realist theories are testable, and there remains much global conict about which realism offers powerful insights. Nor is the problem the lack of empirical support for simple realist predictions, such as recurrent balancing; or the absence of plausible realist explanations of certain salient phenomena, such as the Cold War, the "end of history,"1or systemic change in general. Research programs advance, after all, by the reŽnement and improvement of previous theories to account for anomalies. There can be little doubt that realist theories rightfully retain a salient position in international relations theory.


It has previously been shown that the propagation constants of step-index dielectric waveguides of arbitrary cross section and small index contrast can be computed accurately by using a related metallic waveguide of a certain "effective cross-section." In this paper we extend the method to treat waveguides whose cladding is inhomogeneous and whose refractive index is not necessarily close to that of the core (guiding) region. The results are applied to dielectric waveguides embedded into or embossed upon a dense substrate region. The expressions obtained are, again, quite simple and require knowledge only of the TM-mode eigenvalues of a similarly shaped metallic waveguide.


Interleukin-33 is a member of IL-1 family of cytokines and binds to two receptors: ST2 (IL-1-R1) and IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP). There are Two isoforms of ST2 proteins: ST2L which is a transmembrane form and a soluble ST2 (sST2) which is a secreted form that can serve as a decoy receptor of IL-33. The IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway activates airway eosinophils that exacerbate airway inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze the serum levels of IL-33 and its receptor sST2 in patients with bronchial asthma to assess if the serum levels of IL-33 and/or sST2 may be markers of the disease severity and potential therapeutic targets. Patients and methods: This study was carried out at Microbiology & Immunology and Chest Departments, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University Hospitals during the period from December 2012 to September 2013.The study included 30 patients diagnosed as bronchial asthma . Patients were classified to two groups: Group I: included 15 patients (8 males and 7 females) with a mean age of 36.2  15.8 during exacerbations of bronchial asthma. Group 2: include 15 patients (8 males and 7 females) with a mean age of 37.3  12.8. They were stable asthmatic patients. There were 30 normal healthy persons as a control group. All patients were subjected to, full medical history, general and local examinations, Plain chest X-ray PA and lateral views, pulmonary function tests, Liver and kidney functions tests, intradermal skin prick test, measurement of serum levels of IL-33 (WKEA MED), soluble ST2 (sST2) (OmniKine) and total IgE (IMMUNOSPEC) by enzyme linked immunosorbent technique using commercial kits. Results: There was a high significant increase in the mean serum levels of IL-33 in both groups of patients (p < 0.001) with the highest mean serum level 960 ± 336 ng/L in group 1 followed by 732.2 ± 68.3 ng/L in group 2 while the normal control group mean serum level was 174 ± 41 ng/L. As regards serum levels of sST2, there was a high significant increase in its mean levels in both groups of patients (p < 0.001) with the highest mean serum level 96.8 ± 25 pg ∕ ml in group 1 followed by 83.3 ± 5.3 pg∕ml in group 2 while the normal control mean serum level was 33.9 ± 9.6 pg∕ml. In acute exacerbated patients there was significant – ve correlation between FEV1% and serum levels of IL-33 and in stable asthmatic patients there was significant + ve correlation between PEFR variability and serum levels of sST2. Conclusion: The serum levels of IL-33 and its receptor sST2 were markedly elevated in patients with bronchial asthma and this supports the concept of sST2 and Interleukin-33 as therapeutic targets in bronchial asthma.


We study boundedness of weighted differentiation composition operators $D_{\varphi,u}^k$ between Zygmund type spaces $\mathcal{Z}^\alpha$ and Bloch type spaces $\mathcal{B}^\beta$. We also give essential norm estimates of such operators in different cases of $k\in \mathbb{N}$ and $0<\alpha, \beta <\infty$. Applying our essential norm estimates, we get necessary and sufficient conditions for the compactness of these operators.


The smart way to learn Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 and Microsoft Dynamics Live CRM one step at a time! Work at your own pace through the easy numbered steps, practice files on CD, helpful hints, and troubleshooting tips to master the fundamentals of working with the latest version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. You ll learn the specifics of tracking customer communications, how to use e-mail templates for mass communication, the ins and outs of reporting and data analysis, and other essential tasks. With Step by Step, you can take just the lessons you need or work from cover to cover. Either way, you drive the instruction, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Includes a companion CD with hands-on practice files. Key Book Benefits:Lets you take just the lessons you need or work from cover to cover you set the pace Covers all the fundamentals, from tracking customer communication to reporting and data analysis Features easy-to-follow lessons and hands-on skill-building exercises Includes a companion CD with skill-building exercises


In this paper, we focus on the question to what extent machine learning (ML) tools can be used to support systematic literature reviews. We apply a ML approach for topic detection to analyze emerging topics in the literature—our context is accounting and finance research in the Asia–Pacific region. To evaluate the robustness of the approach, we compare findings from the automated ML approach with the results from a manual analysis of the literature. The automated approach uses a keyword algorithm detection mechanism whereby the manual analysis uses common techniques for qualitative data analysis, that is, triangulation between researchers (expert judgement). From our paper, we conclude that both methods have strengths and weaknesses. The automated analysis works well for large corpora of text and provides a very standardized and non‐biased way of analyzing the literature. However, the human researcher is potentially better equipped to evaluate current issues and future trends in the literature. Overall, the best results might be achieved when a variety of tools are used together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]


ABSTRACT Introduction: The protein–protein interaction PD1/PD-L1 is an important immune checkpoint and several recently approved monoclonal antibodies show promising anti cancer activities in the clinical practice. However, only a small percentage of cancer patients benefit from PD1/PD-L1 directed mAbs. Moreover, some patients experience immune related side effects upon treatment with these mAbs. Recently, several atomic-resolution structures of human PD1/PD-L1, and small molecules, peptides and mAbs with PD-L1 and PD1 open the field for structure based drug design. Small molecules and peptides targeting PD1/PD-L1 promise to enhance tumor activity while showing less immune related side effects. Areas covered: We reviewed the small molecules classes and peptides targeting PD1/PD-L1. Expert opinion: Currently approved PD1/PD-L1 directed therapeutics show room for improvement. Three classes of non mAb small molecule classes have been discovered so far: (cyclic) peptides as direct competitive PD1/PD-L1 antagonists; small molecules disrupting PD1/PD-L1 and inducing a PD-L1 dimerization; and a small molecule class of unknown mode-of-action. An example of the later group CA-170 is currently investigated in a Phase 1 trial in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphomas. Potential advantages of small molecules over mAbs include high distribution and better tumor penetration, improved PK/PD, less side effects and oral bioavailability.


Aqueous zinc-ion hybrid capacitors (ZHCs) are considered ideal energy-storage devices. However, the common aqueous Zn2+ -containing electrolytes used in ZHCs often cause parasitic reactions during charging-discharging owing to free water molecules. Hydrated eutectic electrolytes (HEEs) that bind water molecules through solvation shells and hydrogen bonds can be applied at high temperatures and within a wide potential window. This study reports a novel bimetallic HEE (ZnK-HEE), consisting of zinc chloride, potassium chloride, ethylene glycol, and water, which enhances the capacity and electrochemical reaction kinetics of ZHCs. The bimetallic solvation shell in ZnK-HEE is studied by molecular dynamics and density functional theory, confirming its low step-by-step desolvation energy. A Zn//activated carbon ZHC in ZnK-HEE shows a high operating voltage of 2.1 V, along with an ultrahigh capacity of 326.9 mAh g-1 , power density of 2099.7 W kg-1 , and energy density of 343.2 Wh kg-1 at 100 °C. The reaction mechanisms of charging-discharging process are investigated by ex situ X-ray diffraction. This study reports a promising electrolyte for high-performance ZHCs, which exhibits high-temperature resistance and is operable within a wide potential window.


Adolescents who have disabilities face unique challenges as they progress through the transitions necessary to achieve optimum functioning in adulthood. These youths often need professional assistance to successfully negotiate these important transitions. Our article describes processes for collaborating with these adolescents, their families, and other professionals to facilitate successful transitions to a more healthy, productive, and satisfying adulthood.


Abstract Summary The CoV-Spectrum website supports the identification of new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and the tracking of known variants. Its flexible amino acid and nucleotide mutation search allows querying of variants before they are designated by a lineage nomenclature system. The platform brings together SARS-CoV-2 data from different sources and applies analyses. Results include the proportion of different variants over time, their demographic and geographic distributions, common mutations, hospitalization and mortality probabilities, estimates for transmission fitness advantage and insights obtained from wastewater samples. Availability and implementation CoV-Spectrum is available at https://cov-spectrum.org. The code is released under the GPL-3.0 license at https://github.com/cevo-public/cov-spectrum-website.


Although the Trajectory Prediction (TP) model has achieved great success in computer vision and robotics fields, its architecture and training scheme design rely on heavy manual work and domain knowledge, which is not friendly to common users. Besides, the existing works ignore Federated Learning (FL) scenarios, failing to make full use of distributed multi-source datasets with rich actual scenes to learn more a powerful TP model. In this paper, we make up for the above defects and propose ATPFL to help users federate multi-source trajectory datasets to automatically design and train a powerful TP model. In ATPFL, we build an effective TP search space by analyzing and summarizing the existing works. Then, based on the characters of this search space, we design a relation-sequence-aware search strategy, realizing the automatic design of the TP model. Finally, we find appropriate federated training methods to respectively support the TP model search and final model training under the FL framework, ensuring both the search efficiency and the final model performance. Extensive experimental results show that ATPFL can help users gain well-performed TP models, achieving better results than the existing TP models trained on the single-source dataset.


The current understanding of physical principles governing electronic transport in graphene field effect transistors (GFETs) has reached a level where we can model quite accurately device operation and predict intrinsic frequency limits of performance. In this work, we use this knowledge to analyze DC and RF transport properties of bottom-gated graphene on boron nitride field effect transistors exhibiting pronounced velocity saturation by substrate hyperbolic phonon polariton scattering, including Dirac pinch-off effect. We predict and demonstrate a maximum oscillation frequency exceeding 20   GHz . We discuss the intrinsic 0.1   THz limit of GFETs and envision plasma resonance transistors as an alternative for sub-THz narrow-band detection.


The World Trade Center (WTC) Environmental Health Center (EHC) is a treatment program for community members with exposure to the 9/11 terrorist attack and its physical and emotional aftermath. Compared to the general responders program, the WTC EHC is diverse with equal gender distribution, representation of many races and ethnicities, and a wide range of social economic status. Patients in the WTC EHC were initially enrolled for physical symptoms, most of which were respiratory, however a large portion of the enrollees scored positive for probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this paper we identify patient characteristics associated with probable PTSD. We also determine the characteristics associated with the longitudinal change of PTSD symptoms, including persistence and remittance, using the widely used Posttraumatic Check List-17 (PCL) cut-off value of 44, as well as changes in PCL total score and symptom cluster scores in patients of Low and High PTSD symptom severity. Few patients with elevated scores achieved a score below 44. However, longitudinal improvement in PCL score at follow-up was identified for patients with High PTSD scores (PCL > 57.5). Changes in PCL symptom clusters differed between those with High and Low PCL scores. These data suggest improvement over time in PCL score that differs depending on the severity of the score and variable responses in the PCL symptom clusters.


The deformity of pectus excavatum is caused by a negative pressure in the anterior mediastinum sucking in the body of the sternum. This is usually due to the heart lying on the left side, leaving the mediastinum empty so that the sternum and costal cartilages are sucked in to fill the empty space. The operation consists of excising the deformed cartilages, mobilizing the sternum, and suturing the pericardial sac into a central position which corrects the deformity.


Rapid and accurate analysis of food produce is essential to screen for species that may cause significant health risks like bacteria, pesticides and other toxins. Considerable developments in analytical techniques and instrumentation, for example chromatography, have enabled the analyses and quantitation of these contaminants. However, these traditional technologies are constrained by high cost, delayed analysis times, expensive and laborious sample preparation stages and the need for highly-trained personnel. Therefore, emerging, alternative technologies, for example biosensors may provide viable alternatives. Rapid advances in electrochemical biosensors have enabled significant gains in quantitative detection and screening and show incredible potential as a means of countering such limitations. Apart from demonstrating high specificity towards the analyte, these biosensors also address the challenge of the multifactorial food industry of providing high analytical accuracy amidst complex food matrices, while also overcoming differing densities, pH and temperatures. This (public and Industry) demand for faster, reliable and cost-efficient analysis of food samples, has driven investment into biosensor design. Here, we discuss some of the recent work in this area and critique the role and contributions biosensors play in the food industry. We also appraise the challenges we believe biosensors need to overcome to become the industry standard.


The technique of cervical pharyngostomy is presented as a safe alternative procedure to the nasogastric tube for patients requiring prolonged periods of gastrointestinal decompression or tube feeding. The results in 21 cases are described. The complication rate is low and the use of cervical pharyngostomy is therefore justified in that it reduces patient discomfort and makes treatment more efficient.


This issue celebrates 30 years of the Arts and Cultural Management Program in South Australia. The program commenced in 1979 with Elizabeth Sweeting at the South Australian Institute of Technology which in the early 90's became a part of the University of South Australia. In 1980 the program came under Peter Brokensha. The 30 year celebration was marked with a symposium on the 20th February 2010 and an Alumni re-engagement program. The theme of the symposium was 'Renegotiating the Arts 2010: Creating a New Space' with a focus on arts management in the Asia Pacific region. The keynote address was presented by one of the Program's distinguished Alumni, Luqiang Qiao, Deputy Director General Office China's, National Centre Performing Arts, Beijing. Other speakers on the program included Jo Caust, Program Director Arts and Cultural Management UniSA, Brenda Croft, Lecturer Indigenous Art, Culture and Design, UniSA. Hilary Glow, Program Director & SL Arts & Entertainment Management Deakin University, Kate MacNeill, Lecturer Arts Management University of Melbourne, Christie Anthoney, Artistic Director Adelaide Fringe Festival, Rhoda Roberts, Artistic Director The Dreaming Festival and Creative Director Sydney New Year's Eve, Lydia Miller, Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board, Australia Council for the Arts, Elizabeth Tregenza, General Manager Ananguku Arts and Culture Aboriginal Organisation, Danny Tan, Founder and Artistic Director Odyssey Dance Theatre, Singapore, Karl Telfer, Artistic Director The Spirit Festival, Norris Ioannou, Director Nexus Multicultural Arts, Douglas Gautier, CEO and AD Adelaide Festival Centre, Kate Gould, General Manager and Associate Artistic Director Adelaide Festival of Arts. The participants were made up of key arts industry personnel, students and Alumni of the Arts and Cultural Management program at UniSA. The four papers in this issue are taken from the conference presentation. The first paper by Jo Caust looks at current leadership and arts management practises with particular emphasis upon the multi-faceted nature of management in the arts. It argues that the general manager in the arts has a unique leadership role which involves negotiation with the artistic and board leadership responsibilities. Along with this the arts manager is required to balance these responsibilities with the inherent dichotomy of 'art for art's sake' and the notion of arts as a business. The paper argues that this is a particularly unique skill pertaining to arts management that requires a balanced approach to the instrumentalisation of the arts to ensure that artistic creativity and purpose is not sacrificed in the process. Hilary Glow, in response to Jo Caust's arts leadership discussion argues that arts management requires engagement with conventional management and marketing theory to address current arts development challenges. Glow examines the discourses surrounding the creative industries model which has become popular in recent decades and is based upon the idea of creativity as a basis for new economies. She engages with Caust's critique of this model as commodification of the arts and argues that a redefinition of the purpose and benefits of the arts is required. Glow concludes that the intrinsic benefits to arts audiences must be better understood to assist managers and stakeholders with their definition of the true cultural value of the arts. Luquiang Qiao's paper looks at the current developments in the arts in China. He refers to 'springing up like mushrooms' with reference to the growth in the construction of large, multi-purpose arts centres in the new industrialised China. He maps the recent history of arts policy following the Cultural Revolution and how these policies have affected the cultural landscape in China. He argues that the boom in cultural centre development does not pay heed to environmental concerns, nor is in step with developments in the performing arts and that indeed many of the centres are 'dark' because of insufficient artistic activity. While he notes that the burgeoning edifices are a result of China's industrial boom, he suggests that more attention needs to be paid to artistic output to provide cultural product for these new centres. Danny Tan provides a case study of success at the Odyssey Dance Theatre of Singapore where he is Artistic Director. He demonstrates how in the highly competitive arts environment in Singapore the company has remained at the leading edge through its programs and initiatives. He examines the 10 year history of the company from its beginnings as one of the only contemporary dance companies in Singapore to becoming an international flagship of the Singapore arts scene.


Chemokines constitute a group of cytokines with strong chemotactic activity towards different populations of leukocytes, playing significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory responses. The chemokines of the alpha subfamily act mainly on neutrophiles, while beta subfamily chemokines attract primarily monocytes and lymphocytes. Research conducted within the last few years suggests chemokines to be the main factors responsible for the attraction of leukocytes to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the course of both bacterial and viral meningitis. In cerebrospinal fluid from patients with meningitis of different etiologies significant concentrations of both alpha and beta chemokines were observed, which tended to decrease after the introduction of the treatment, with the relationship to the clinical improvement. It was also confirmed in in vitro experiments that the chemotactic properties of the inflammatory CSF mainly depend on the presence of chemokines. The most important chemokines in the pathophysiology of the meningitis in humans are probably interleukin 8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and INF-gamma inducible protein (IP-10). They seem to be responsible for the attraction to the cns of, respectively, neutrophiles, monocytes and activated T lymphocytes. Differences between the chemokine profiles observed in meningitides of different etiologies are to some degree relevant to coexisting differences in type and extent of pleocytosis. In future, measurements of concentrations of certain chemokines may become of some importance in diagnostics of meningitis and monitoring its clinical course.


Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel multi-electrode pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC) combining circular mapping and duty-cycled multi-electrode radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery, and guided by three-dimensional rotational angiography (3D-RTA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods 47 patients (aged 62±11 years) with symptomatic AF 32 cases for paroxysmal AF and 15 cases for persistent AF were enrolled to undergo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with PVAC guided by 3D-RTA. Results Mean total procedural time was 126.4±29.5 min (123.7±15.7 min for the paroxysmal AF patients and 132.0±36.6 min for the persistent AF patients, p>0.05); mean fluoroscopy time was 30.3±11.3 min (29.4±9.8 min for the paroxysmal AF patients and 32.3±14.2 min for the persistent AF patients, p>0.05); mean PVAC ablation time was 21.6±7.7 min (20.5±6.0 min for the paroxysmal AF patients and 24.0±10.4 min for the persistent AF patients, p>0.05). A total of 172 PVs (172/183, 94.0%) were completely isolated. Two cases of mild pericardial effusion were detected on the first postprocedural day and absorbed in a week. No incidence of PV stenosis was observed during the follow-up. At follow-up (mean 8±5 months, range 3–22 months), 32 (68.1%) patients reported significantly improved symptoms or were entirely asymptomatic. 29 of 47 (61.7%) patients were free from AF. Conclusions The novel technology of the PVAC catheter using duty-cycled bipolar and unipolar RF energy and guided by 3D-RTA suggests a feasible, safe, and promising alternative to conventional point-by-point ablation.


This paper describes the tungsten (W) missing defects monitoring method with electron-beam inspection systems, and its solution by optimization of polymer cleaning and micro-environment. W missing defects detection and monitoring method was developed and fixed on bare silicon wafer. Then a series of experiments was carried out, and W missing defects were fixed by the optimization of polymer cleaning and micro-environment of the front side open unit port (FOUP).


Network programmability seems to be a promising solution to network management and quality of service (QoS) control. Software mobile-agents technology is boosting the evolution toward application-level control of network functionalities. Code may be deployed in the network dynamically and on demand for the benefit of applications or application classes. Agents support a dynamic distribution of control and management functions across networks, thus increasing flexibility and efficiency. We propose to use mobile-agent technology to overcome some of the problems inherent in current Internet technology. We focus our attention to QoS monitoring, being locally significant in network subdomains, and realize a QoS management strategy in response to variations of user, customer of application requirements, and of the network state. We describe our experience and the results obtained from our testbed, where software agents are instantiated, executed, migrated, and suspended in order to implement flexible QoS management in IP networks.


This essay examines the concepts of life and afterlife as they appear across Beckett's trilogy, through focussing on representations of the act of burial, an act which draws attention to a caesura between biotic and abiotic conceptions of both life and afterlife. As the worlds of the trilogy become progressively less biotic, The Unnamable might be thought of as a laboratory in which the 'lives' of its characters are subjected to various biological experiments, experiments which suggest that narrative fiction, like the act of burial, is a kind of prophylactic against the fundamental processual nature of biotic life.


Significance The current study provides evidence of early and persistent alterations in anxious behavior and amygdala function following the early-life stress of disorganized parental care. These changes in both brain and behavior are not diminished when the stressor is removed nor diminished with the development of prefrontal regulatory regions. The findings underscore the importance of early-life experiences on later development and highlight the need for early intervention for populations at-risk following early-life stressors. Relatively little is known about neurobiological changes attributable to early-life stressors (e.g., orphanage rearing), even though they have been associated with a heightened risk for later psychopathology. Human neuroimaging and animal studies provide complementary insights into the neural basis of problem behaviors following stress, but too often are limited by dissimilar experimental designs. The current mouse study manipulates the type and timing of a stressor to parallel the early-life stress experience of orphanage rearing, controlling for genetic and environmental confounds inherent in human studies. The results provide evidence of both early and persistent alterations in amygdala circuitry and function following early-life stress. These effects are not reversed when the stressor is removed nor diminished with the development of prefrontal regulation regions. These neural and behavioral findings are similar to our human findings in children adopted from orphanages abroad in that even following removal from the orphanage, the ability to suppress attention toward potentially threatening information in favor of goal-directed behavior was diminished relative to never-institutionalized children. Together, these findings highlight how early-life stress can lead to altered brain circuitry and emotion dysregulation that may increase the risk for psychopathology.


The resistance-nodulation-division (RND) family of efflux pumps confer clinically relevant antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, such as Salmonella enterica. RND pumps, including AcrB, are organized as tri-partite systems, consisting of an inner membrane RND pump, a periplasmic adaptor protein (PAP) and an outer membrane channel. Previously, inactivation of the PAPs AcrA and AcrE in S. enterica has been shown to significantly increase susceptibility to antimicrobials and reduce virulence. Therefore, PAPs are seen as attractive targets for the development of efflux pump inhibitors. However, the role of PAPs in the assembly of tri-partite pumps and the residues involved in PAP-RND pump binding is poorly understood. In this study, point mutations in the predicted RND binding residues of AcrA were generated by site-directed mutagenesis. The point mutants were characterised phenotypically through ethidium bromide efflux assays and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Furthermore, Western blotting was used to verify that the phenotypic effect of the point mutations was not due to destabilisation of the AcrA protein. Point mutations in certain residues, such as G58, F292, R294 and G363 were found to significantly impair efflux activity and increase susceptibility to various antibiotics and dyes, suggesting an important role for these AcrA residues in RND pump binding. Western blotting confirmed that these point mutants were stable and exhibited similar expression levels to the wild-type. These residues could be important targets for the design and development of PAP inhibitors to restore the activity of existing antibiotics and reduce virulence of Salmonella.


Right heart failure (RHF) is characterized by chamber-specific reductions of myocardial norepinephrine (NE) reuptake, beta-receptor density, and profiles of cardiac sympathetic nerve ending neurotransmitters. To study the functional linkage between NE uptake and the pre- and postsynaptic changes, we administered desipramine (225 mg/day), a NE uptake inhibitor, to dogs with RHF produced by tricuspid avulsion and progressive pulmonary constriction or sham-operated dogs for 6 wk. Animals receiving no desipramine were studied as controls. We measured myocardial NE uptake activity using [(3)H]NE, beta-receptor density by [(125)I]iodocyanopindolol, inotropic responses to dobutamine, and noradrenergic terminal neurotransmitter profiles by glyoxylic acid-induced histofluorescence for catecholamines, and immunocytochemical staining for tyrosine hydroxylase and neuropeptide Y. Desipramine decreased myocardial NE uptake activity and had no effect on the resting hemodynamics in both RHF and sham animals but decreased myocardial beta-adrenoceptor density and beta-adrenergic inotropic responses in both ventricles of the RHF animals. However, desipramine treatment prevented the reduction of sympathetic neurotransmitter profiles in the failing heart. Our results indicate that NE uptake inhibition facilitates the reduction of myocardial beta-adrenoceptor density and beta-adrenergic subsensitivity in RHF, probably by increasing interstitial NE concentrations, but protects the cardiac noradrenergic nerve endings from damage, probably via blockade of NE-derived neurotoxic metabolites into the nerve endings.


Asthma control is still difficult to achieve. One of main tools for evaluating asthma control is a well-known Asthma Control Test (ACT). Common causes of insufficient asthma control include poor adherence to treatment and non-compliance of the patient with the dosing regimen. Correct inhalation technique significantly contributes to better adherence to treatment. Elliptа is a multi-dose powder inhaler with dose counter and indication of remaining dose number. Actuation of Ellipta inhaler requires only one movement. Inhaled glucocorticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β2-agonists (LABA) are the key agents in the maintenance pharmacological therapy of asthma. A novel vilanterol/fluticasone furoate (VI/FF) combination is a highly effective combination for maintenance treatment of moderate to severe asthma with 24-hour effect providing once-daily dosing. The Salford study demonstrated advantages of VI/FF combination over ICS monotherapy and other combination of ICS/LABA in real clinical practice in patients with asthma out of dependence of asthma severity or comorbidities.


Background: Lung cancer is a common neoplasm. Some studies suggested that HPV may play an etiologic role in bronchial carcinogenesis and possibility of a latent HPV infection as a cocarcinogen cannot be excluded. HPV (high risk types) 16 &18 may affect the cell cycle and inhibit apoptosis, allowing uncontrolled cell division. Aims of study: 1. To use bronchial wash as a non invasive procedure to determine the presence of DNA of high risk types (16 &18 )of HPV in patients with lung cancer using in situ hybridization technique. 2. To Find the association of the score or intensity of viral in situ hybridization signals with histopathological types. Patients, Materials and methods: A prospective study, whereby bronchial wash of 50 patients diagnosed cytologicaly as having lung cancer together with samples from 30 patient having chronic illness as control. Results: The most affected age group was 66–70 years (28% of the cases). Males were affected more frequently than females (64.0%). Regarding HPV16 & 18 and histological types of lung cancer the commonest effected type was squamouse cell carcinoma showed positive signals in 32% and 28% for HPV16&HPV18 respectively. Percentage score and intensity score: Lung cancer samples showed low intensity signals for human papilloma virus16 in 63.6% of samples and 44.5% for human papilloma virus 18. Conclusions: Human papilloma virus 16 and 18 was detected in cytological bronchial samples of patients with lung cancer in relatively high percentage


Many components used in completions are geometrically complex and machined to tight tolerances. Precisely measuring the internal profile dimensions of these items after installation is impossible using mechanical means such as calipers due to the sharp ID changes precluding good finger contact. This paper will discuss the use of a precision ultrasonic tool that allows accurate measurements to be taken without physical contact, and to detail a case study of inspecting a landing nipple profile.
 Mechanical finger type caliper devices cannot measure internal diameters unless physically in contact with the surface and this is not possible at all times. An alternative to physical measurement is to reflect a projected beam of acoustic energy from the target and, knowing the speed of sound of the well fluid, calculate an ID measurement. Using a number of ultrasonic transducers allows beamforming techniques to precisely focus the sound to produce good resolution. The ultrasound tool uses a circumferentially arranged band of 288 sensors that operate in a phased array to determine accurate ID of even very complex profiles.
 A landing nipple is a component that is designed for the installation of flow control devices in a well completion and comprises a seal area and a lock profile. The dimensions of these faces are very precisely controlled during manufacture because the device being installed, such a safety valve, must fit perfectly in order to provide a seal and mechanical attachment. If the lock profile, for example, becomes damaged or eroded than there is a chance of the safety valve being ejected from the nipple. The 288 transducer array of the ultrasound tool provides a circumferential spacing of 1.25° between measurements; ensuring even small defects can be detected. Following a laboratory test of a representative landing nipple under controlled conditions to verify the tool performance, a number of landing nipples were inspected in a field where erosion was suspected. The tool was able to accurately map the complex locking profile and to measure the dimensions to within a hundredth of an inch in each case, giving the operator confidence that the correct locks were being used to install the safety valves.
 The unique properties of focused ultrasound allow the mapping and verification of even complex machined components while they are still downhole. With 288 circumferential readings, high resolution measurements are possible to an accuracy of a fraction of a millimetre raising the possibility of engineering a solution to a given problem rather than resorting to the expensive option of replacing the completion.


We assess the international spillovers of US monetary policy with a large-scale global VAR which models the world economy as a network of interdependent countries. An expansionary US monetary policy shock contributes to the emergence of a Global Financial Cycle, which boosts macroeconomic activity worldwide. We also find that economies with floating exchange rate regimes are not fully insulated from US monetary policy shocks and, even though they appear to be relatively less affected by the shocks, the differences in responses across exchange rate regimes are not statistically significant. The role of US monetary policy in driving these macrofinancial spillovers gets even reinforced by the complex network of interactions across countries, to the extent that network effects roughly double the direct impacts of US monetary policy surprises on international equity prices, capital flows, and global growth. This amplification increases as countries get more globally integrated over time, suggesting that the evolving network is an important driver for the increasing role of US monetary policy in shaping the Global Financial Cycle.


Background - Patients with inborn errors of metabolism causing fasting intolerance are at risk of acute metabolic decompensations. Disease specific emergency protocols are widely available, but long-term data on safety and efficacy outcomes are lacking. We hypothesized that a generic emergency protocol can be safe and effective in patients with inborn errors of metabolism causing fasting intolerance. Results - We retrospectively evaluated our generic emergency protocol in 128 patients with a hepatic glycogen storage disease or fatty acid oxidation defect between February 1, 2014 and April 24, 2019. In total, 127 hospital admissions were documented in 54 out of 128 patients (42%). Hypoglycemia (glucose concentration <3.9 mmol/l) was reported in 15% of admissions. Hypoglycemia at admission was uncommon in patients with ketotic glycogen storage disease and verbal patients with a fatty acid oxidation defect. Convulsions, coma or death were not reported. Conclusions - Generic emergency protocols can be safe and effective for home management by the caregivers and the first hour in-hospital management of metabolic emergencies in patients with hepatic glycogen storage disease and medium-chain Acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.


Objective This paper updates clinicians and service leaders on evidence bases relevant to rehabilitation for older Australians with mental illness. Methods Narrative review of literature and relevant public domain data supported by reflections on NSW service development. Results There is a paucity of high-quality evidence regarding mental health rehabilitation in older people. Available evidence supports integrating lessons from physical healthcare with adaptations of 'adult' mental health rehabilitation. Adaptation is required to respond to the specific needs, strengths and service use of older people with mental illness. Challenges for older people include ageism, increased physical and cognitive comorbidities, lower access to mental health services and earlier residential aged care entry. Strengths of older people include an ongoing desire for recovery, ongoing developmental change and often closer connections with carers and GPs. Evidence is consistent with evaluation of relevant NSW service models and initiatives including the Pathways to Community Living Initiative. Integration of recovery-oriented practice and wellness models may provide a framework for future innovative inpatient and community-based models. Conclusions There is sufficient evidence to guide development of models of rehabilitation with older people, but innovation and evaluation are essential if older people are to have equal opportunities in their recovery journeys.


Aim. To investigate the dynamic changes on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the diabetic chronic refractory cutaneous ulcers after the autologous platelet-rich gel (APG) treatment. Methods. The study was developed at the Diabetic Foot Care Centre, West China Hospital. The granulation tissues from the target wounds were taken before and within 15 days after APG application. The expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 as well as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the granulation tissue was detected by q TR-PCR and IHC. The relationship between the expression level of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 and their ratio and that of TGF-β1 was analyzed. Results. The expression of MMP-2 (P < 0.05) was suppressed, and the expression of TIMP-2 (P < 0.05) was promoted, while the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 (P < 0.05) was decreased after APG treatments. The expression of TGF-β1 had negative correlation with the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 (P < 0.05) and positive correlation with the expression of TIMP-2 (P < 0.05). Conclusions. APG treatment may suppress the expression of MMP-2, promoting that of the TIMP-2 in the diabetic chronic refractory cutaneous wounds. TGF-β1 may be related to these effects.


Changes in the healthcare system have prompted educators to rethink and revise nursing curricula. The National League for Nursing has outlined recommendations for the successful implementation of socially relevant curricula that reflect the diversity and plurality of local communities. Such revisions should better prepare graduates to function in a reformed healthcare system. Educational goals have shifted from curricula content to curricula outcomes. Beyond the mastery of content (which may quickly become outdated), the development of specific skills (critical thinking) and innovative responses to problems are now required of advanced practice nurses. Inquiry-based learning (IBL) offers an opportunity for graduate students to develop the necessary skills for effective practice. This article presents a model of IBL in graduate mental health education and an investigation of critical thinking skills as a possible outcome of the IBL method.


We investigate the problem of resource allocation in a downlink orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) broadband network with an eavesdropper under the condition that both legitimate users and the eavesdropper are with imperfect channel state information (CSI). We consider three kinds of imperfect CSI: (1) noise and channel estimation errors, (2) feedback delay and channel prediction, and (3) limited feedback channel capacity, where quantized CSI is studied using rate-distortion theory because it can be used to establish an informationtheoretic lower bound on the capacity of the feedback channel. The problem is formulated as joint power and subcarrier allocation to optimize the maximum-minimum (max-min) fairness criterion over the users' secrecy rate. The problem considered is a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem. To reduce the complexity, we propose a two-step suboptimal algorithm that separately performs power and subcarrier allocation. For a given subcarrier assignment, optimal power allocation is achieved by developing an algorithm of polynomial computational complexity. Numerical results show that our proposed algorithm can approximate the optimal solution.


The decrease in sensitivity of 7LiF to high energy electrons and X-rays when compared with 7LiF exposed to 60Co gamma -rays was investigated and the energy dependence measurements were also done for CaF2 Li2B4O7. Measurements were made at electron energies of 6 to 18 MeV, X-ray energies of 18.5 and 22 Mv, for gamma -rays from 137Cs and 60Co. The difference in response between 7LiF and the other phosphors can be considered as real, since the exposures at each energy were made using the same calibrations. To explain the results, the general cavity theory has been used.


We investigate the correlation of Sergius Bulgakov's views on the inescapable tragedy of philosophy with contradictions rooted in Bulgakov's philosophy itself. Based on comparative analyses of Bulgakov's views on the evolution of philosophy and peculiarities of Bulgakov's philosophizing, we conclude that the meaning created by his mental image of "the tragedy of philosophy" is much broader and more versatile than he himself intended. The tragedy of philosophical thinking is expressed in contradictions that arise between system-creating aspirations for philosophy and the need for the free movement of thought; between the passionate desire to affirm human individuality and the desire to substantiate the absolute basis of Being; between the will to live and the search for the meaning of life; between the philosophical search for truth and religious dogma; between the claims of reason and the ocean of the overmind or macrocosmic; and finally, the awareness of the acuteness of these contradictions and of the impossibility of going beyond their tragic circle. We conclude that Bulgakov's philosophical quest is the ultimate expression of the tragedy of philosophy. This is inevitable: immersion in the mythic is a natural result of the evolution of philosophy, striving for the Absolute.


In this study, we investigated the applicability of functional materials by examining a variety of physiological activities with the extract of Cleyera japonica leaf. Cleyera japonica extract showed a low cytotoxicity against murine melanoma B16F10 cells. In little or no cytotoxicity at concentrations, we showed that the treatment with Cleyera japonica extract resulted in a significant increase in the DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50, 22.90 ㎎/L), similar to ascorbic acid (IC50, 18.65 ㎎/L) and anti-microbial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. In particular, anti-microbial activities against Gram-positive bacteria was high. These results suggest that Cleyera japonica extract could be used as a natural preservative. Additionally, Cleyera japonica extract showed the inhibition of tyrosinase activity (IC50, 178.90 ㎎/L), similar to kojic acid (IC50, 89.13 ㎎/L) and decreased melanin content (IC50, 101.90 ㎎/L) higher than the control arbutin level (IC50, 100.65 ㎎/L), especially. Therefore, these results indicate that Cleyera japonica extract may be an effective material for functional cosmetics such as skin whitening materials.


ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effectiveness of the pretreatment with sandblasting and deproteinization with NaOCl on bond strength (SBS), in situ conversion degree (CD) of brackets in fluorotic enamel, and enamel etching pattern. Methods: A total of 90 non-carious maxillary premolars were used. The teeth were then assigned to six experimental groups according to: enamel surface (sound and fluorotic enamel); surface treatment (Regular etch with 37% phosphoric acid [RE]; 5.2% sodium hypochlorite + phosphoric acid [NaOCl + RE]; sandblasting + phosphoric acid [sandblasting + RE]). After storage in distilled water (37°C/24h), the specimens were tested at 1 mm/min until failure (SBS). Enamel-resin cement interfaces were evaluated for CD using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The enamel-etching pattern was evaluated under a scanning electron microscope. Data from SBS and in situ CD values were analyzed using ANOVA two-away and Tukey test (α=0.05). The enamel etching pattern was evaluated only qualitatively. Results: For sound enamel, RE showed the highest SBS values, when compared to NaOCl + RE and Sandblasting + RE groups (p< 0.01). Regarding CD, only NaOCl + RE significantly compromised the mean DC, in comparison with other groups (p= 0.002). For fluorotic enamel, the Sandblasting + RE group significantly increased the mean SBS values, in comparison with RE group (p= 0.01) and no significant change was observed for CD (p> 0.52). Conclusions: The application of NaOCl or sandblasting associated to phosphoric acid improved the SBS of the brackets in fluorotic enamel without compromising the CD of the resin cement, with improving of enamel interprismatic conditioning.


Forest soils influenced the composition of forest stand and ground cover, rate of tree growth, vigor of natural reproduction and other silviculturally important factors. Physico-chemical characteristics of forest soils vary in space and time because variation in topography, climate, weathering processes, vegetation cover, microbial activities and several other biotic and abiotic factors. Spatial variability of nutrients can occur in various scale, between region, field or within field especially variation in soil properties. Variability of soil properties in a given locality could be a result of the nature of the parent material, type of above ground vegetation and their rate of nutrient release, consequence of overgrazing and logging etc. Therefore, understanding soil variability is essential in applying location specific management strategies. This Book also serves as a source of additional knowledge on processes of vegetation restoration in relation to soil variability and nutrient pool.


COVID-19 pandemic has caused tens of thousands of deaths and is now a severe threat to global health. Clinical practice has demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 S1 specific antibodies and viral antigens can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers of COVID-19. However, the popular point-of-care biomarker detection technologies, such as the lateral-flow test strips, provide only yes/no information and have very limited sensitivities. Thus, it has a high false negative rate and cannot be used for the quantitative evaluation of patient's immune response. Conventional ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), on the other hand, can provide quantitative, accurate, and sensitive results, but it involves complicated and expensive instruments and long assay time. In addition, samples need to be sent to centralized labs, which significantly increases the turn-around time. Here, we present a microfluidic ELISA technology for rapid (15-20 minutes), quantitative, sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers using SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and viral antigen – S protein in serum. We also characterized various humanized monoclonal IgG, and identified a candidate with a high binding affinity towards SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein that can serve as the calibration standard of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG in serological analyses. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our microfluidic ELISA platform can be used for rapid affinity evaluation of monoclonal anti-S1 antibodies. The microfluidic ELISA device is highly portable and requires less than 10 μL of samples for each channel. Therefore, our technology will greatly facilitate rapid and quantitative analysis of COVID-19 patients and vaccine recipients at point-of-care.


Green tea and coffee consumption may decrease the risk of some types of cancers. However, their effects on biliary tract cancer (BTC) have been poorly understood. In this population‐based prospective cohort study in Japan, we investigated the association of green tea (total green tea, Sencha, and Bancha/Genmaicha) and coffee consumption with the risk for BTC and its subtypes, gallbladder cancer, and extrahepatic bile duct cancer. The hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 89 555 people aged 45–74 years were enrolled between 1995 and 1999 and followed up for 1 138 623 person‐years until 2010, during which 284 cases of BTC were identified. Consumption of >720 mL/day green tea was significantly associated with decreased risk compared with consumption of ≤120 mL/day (hazard ratio = 0.67 [95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.97]), and a non‐significant trend of decreased risk associated with increased consumption was observed (P‐trend = 0.095). In the analysis according to the location of the primary tumor, consuming >120 mL green tea tended to be associated with decreased risk of gallbladder cancer and extrahepatic bile duct cancer. When Sencha and Bancha/Genmaicha were analyzed separately, we observed a non‐significant trend of decreased risk of BTC associated with Sencha but no association with Bancha/Genmaicha. For coffee, there was no clear association with biliary tract, gallbladder, or extrahepatic bile duct cancer. Our findings suggest that high green tea consumption may lower the risk of BTC, and the effect may be attributable to Sencha consumption.


The DeltaG degrees (N)(-)(D) value obtained from extrapolation to zero denaturant concentration by the linear extrapolation method (LEM) is commonly interpreted to represent the Gibbs energy difference between native (N) and denatured (D) ensembles at the limit of zero denaturant concentration. For DeltaG degrees (N)(-)(D) to be interpreted solely in terms of N and D, as is common practice, it must be shown to be independent of denaturant concentration. Because DeltaG degrees (N)(-)(D) is often observed to be dependent on the nature of the denaturant, it is necessary to determine the circumstances under which DeltaG degrees (N)(-)(D) can be interpreted as a property solely of the protein. Here, we use proton inventory, a thermodynamic property of both the native and denatured ensembles, to monitor the thermodynamic character of denaturant-dependent aspects of N and D ensembles and the N right arrow over left arrow D transition. Use of a thermodynamic rather than a spectral parameter to monitor denaturation provides insight into the manner in which denaturant affects the meaning of DeltaG degrees (N)(-)(D) and the nature of the N right arrow over left arrow D transition. Three classes of proteins are defined in terms of the thermodynamic behaviors of their N right arrow over left arrow D transition and N and D ensembles. With guanidine hydrochloride as a denaturant, the classification of protein denaturations by these procedures determines when the LEM gives readily interpretable DeltaG degrees (N)(-)(D) values with this denaturant and when it does not.


In the eighteenth century, James Hutton came up with a theory that revolutionized the science of geology, 'The present is a key to the past'. But could the past also be a guide to our future? The world three million years ago was warmer than present. What might it tell us about global climate change in the near future?


The Standard Model describes the three (of four) basic interactions known in Nature in terms of the quantum fields which are constituted by representations of special unitary gauge groups of symmetry. However, the physical observables do not always coincide with the fundamental degrees of freedom of the Standard Model. Therefore it can be useful to switch to the loop space representation of the gauge theory, where the variables are inherently gauge invariant but the degrees of freedom are absorbed in the path/loop dependence. Over-completeness of this space requires the introduction of an equivalence relation which is provided by Wilson loop functionals operating on piecewise regular paths. It is well known that certain Wilson loops show the same singularity structure as some Transverse Momentum Dependent PDFs (TMDs), which are not renormalizable by the common methods due to exactly this singularity structure. By introducing geometrical operators, like the area-derivative, we were able to derive an evolution equation for these Wilson loops and we hope to apply this method in the future to find some renormalization schemes for TMDs.


Contents § 0. Introduction § 1. Sets in strongly general position § 2. Regularly branching maps § 3. The converse of Hurewicz's theorem for polyhedra § 4. The problems of Hurewicz and Nöbeling § 5. The converse of the existence theorem for polyhedra § 6. Cohomological dimension § 7. Historical remarks on Urysohn's formula Bibliography