Patients with β-Thalassemia major are transfusion dependent and become iron loaded owing to the large number of blood transfusions they receive. Patients with β-Thalassemia/Hb E become iron loaded even in the absence of regular blood transfusions because of increased erythropoeisis and stimulated dietary iron absorption. In both cases, iron accumulates in tissues such as the liver, spleen, and heart in the form of insoluble iron(III) oxyhydroxide nanoparticles found in ferritin and hemosiderin. The body iron burden is usually estimated by measurement of the liver iron concentration (LIC). Non-invasive techniques for measuring LIC often exploit the large magnetic susceptibility of tissue iron, taken to be 1600 x 10−9 m3/kgFe at body temperature. The current study examined spleen tissue samples from Australian β-Thalassemia major patients (n = 7) who had undergone chelation and transfusion therapy and Thai β-Thalassemia/Hemoglobin E disease patients (n = 11) who had received very few transfusions and no chelation therapy. Magnetometry measurements of the iron specific magnetic susceptibility of the spleen tissue samples ranged from 800 x 10−9 m3/kgFe to 1800 x 10−9 m3/kgFe. The mean iron specific magnetic susceptibility for the β-Thal major spleen tissue was approximately 25% lower than that for the β-Thal/Hb E samples (p = 0.007 Student's t test). To investigate the underlying cause of this variability the physico-chemical properties of the tissue iron deposits were probed using cryogenic 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy. Spectra recorded at 78K showed that the β-Thal major tissues contained iron with a greater fraction in the form of a more crystalline chemical species of iron oxyhydroxide than the β-Thal/Hb E tissues (p =0.01 Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test). Significant correlations (Spearman rank correlation tests) were identified between the iron specific magnetic susceptibility measured at body temperature and the Mossbauer spectral parameters recorded at both 5 K (p = 0.02) and at 78 K (p = 0.03). This relationship between the iron specific magnetic susceptibility and the chemical speciation of iron oxyhydroxide tissue deposits implies that the magnetic behaviour of tissue iron deposits is determined by the physical and chemical nature of the iron deposits. Variability in the iron specific magnetic susceptibility of tissues could impact on the precision of non-invasive techniques of tissue iron measurement based on magnetic susceptibility measurements.


The eXtreme Multi-label text Classification(XMC) refers to training a classifier that assigns a text sample with relevant labels from an extremely large-scale label set (e.g., millions of labels). We propose MatchXML, an efficient text-label matching framework for XMC. We observe that the label embeddings generated from the sparse Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency(TF-IDF) features have several limitations. We thus propose label2vec to effectively train the semantic dense label embeddings by the Skip-gram model. The dense label embeddings are then used to build a Hierarchical Label Tree by clustering. In fine-tuning the pre-trained encoder Transformer, we formulate the multi-label text classification as a text-label matching problem in a bipartite graph. We then extract the dense text representations from the fine-tuned Transformer. Besides the fine-tuned dense text embeddings, we also extract the static dense sentence embeddings from a pre-trained Sentence Transformer. Finally, a linear ranker is trained by utilizing the sparse TF-IDF features, the fine-tuned dense text representations and static dense sentence features. Experimental results demonstrate that MatchXML achieves state-of-the-art accuracy on five out of six datasets. As for the speed, MatchXML outperforms the competing methods on all the six datasets. Our source code is publicly available at https://github.com/huiyegit/MatchXML.


Abstract Given the growing availability of large datasets and following recent research trends on multi-dimensional modelling, we develop three dimensional (3D) panel data models with hierarchical error components that allow for strong cross-section dependence through unobserved heterogeneous global and local factors. We propose consistent estimation procedures by extending the common correlated effects (CCE) estimation approach proposed by Pesaran (2006). The standard CCE approach needs to be modified in order to account for the hierarchical factor structure in 3D panels. Further, we provide asymptotic theory, including new nonparametric variance estimators. The validity of the proposed approach is confirmed by Monte Carlo simulation studies. We demonstrate the empirical usefulness of the proposed framework through an application to a 3D panel gravity model of bilateral export flows.


A hybrid control system with Case Based Reasoning (CBR) procedure is considered. It is intended for complex industrial plants in abnormal and fault situations where the conventional control systems cannot work autonomously. CBR systems allow capture and use a specific experience by Case Base (CB) creation, similarity assessment, case adaptation and learning new cases. Some new results are incorporated into the traditional CBR cycle, relevant to control tasks - uncertainty, presence of multivariant solutions from different operators, rational distribution of knowledge among autonomous agents, ontologies and CBR-system. Simulation results are represented for an industrial plant with a non-square matrix.


With the overall risk of military conflict and the concomitant threats to political and economic sovereignty showing no sign of letting up, Germany's armed forces need to be correspondingly manned and equipped. Defence is a key public good that can equally be justified economically. The conflict potential presented by authoritarian governments in and near Europe poses new challenges to which German security policy must respond with appropriate budgets. So far, new demands on the armed forces in an international context have not led to a noticeable increase in German defence spending, which has, on the contrary, fallen significantly since the end of the Cold War. Since the Iron Curtain fell, Germany has achieved much higher and more lasting savings than either France or the United Kingdom and has thus enjoyed by far the greatest peace dividend. Moreover, in the next few years, Germany is likely to continue to miss the NATO target for defence expenditure of 2 per cent of gross domestic product by a wide margin. If it were to be met, Germany's defence budget for the period between 2021 and 2024 would have to be boosted by an overall 86 billion euros.


The selective hydrogenation of furfural (FAL) to furfuryl alcohol (FOL) under mild conditions using a non-noble metal catalyst is highly desirable in biomass conversion. Commercial FOL production over a Cu-based catalyst suffers from harsh reaction conditions and significant deactivation due to catalyst instability. Herein, we report stable Cu nanoparticles encapsulated in a few layers of carbon prepared by the pyrolysis of the metal–organic framework HKUST-1 in H2/Ar, which exhibited excellent catalytic performance and stability in FAL hydrogenation under visible light irradiation. The Cu nanoparticles could absorb visible light and generate photoexcited electrons due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, and these electrons transferred the energy to the molecules absorbed on the Cu NP surface, inducing effective dissociation of H2 and hydrogenation of FAL. This study provides guidance for designing stable Cu-based LSPR photocatalysts and a mild route for biomass conversion in compliance with green chemistry.


Recently, some Aerococcus-like organisms (ALOs), isolated from urine and blood of elderly patients with urinary tract infection, have been described. In this study ALOs and related taxons were tested for susceptibility by agar diffusion and agar dilution methods to 15 selected antimicrobial agents for diagnostic and taxonomic considerations. ALOs were susceptible to a wide range of antimicrobials including beta-lactams, but resistant to aminoglycosides, sulphonamides, trimethoprim and nalidixic acid. By using tablets containing vancomycin, furazolidone and bacitracin, it was possible to separate ALOs from related taxons. Clustering based on antibiotic susceptibilities showed that there is little similarity between Aerococcus viridans and ALOs.


Objectives

There is a paucity of systematic data on the specific roles community engagement played in preventing and managing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We assessed community engagement's role, benefits, and mechanisms to understand its effect on EVD case detection, survival, and mortality in SSA. Implications for COVID-19 prevention and control were also highlighted.
Methods

We systematically searched for articles between 2010 and 2020 in databases such as MEDLINE and EMBASE. Study types included were randomised trials, quasi-experimental studies, observational studies, case series, and reports.
Results

A total of 903 records were identified for screening. 216 articles met the review criteria, 103 were initially selected, and 44 were included in the final review. Our findings show that effective community involvement during the EVD outbreak depended on the survival rates, testimonials of survivors, risk perception, and community leaders' inclusion. Community-based interventions improved knowledge and attitudes, case findings, isolation efforts and treatment.
Conclusion

Although the studies included in this review were of highly variable quality, community engagement lessons learned from Ebola outbreaks can be applied to COVID-19 pandemic control in SSA.


Current researches show a growing interest in Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. ZnO is a semiconductor with a wide direct band gap of 3.37 eV and a large exciton binding energy of 60 meV at room temperature. Several methods have been developed in order to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles. Chemical methods, among them sol-gel process, are more convenient. Sol-gel is common for producing metal oxide nanoparticles because of its simplicity, cheapness and high quality products. In this research ZnO nanoparticles were prepared via the sol-gel process. ZnAc2.2H2O as precursor and TEA (Triethanolamine) as a novel surfactant were used in a methanolic solution. MEA (Monoethanolamine) and DEA (Diethanolamine) have been highly used before. In this research, solutions with different weight ratios of ZnAc to TEA (1:2, 1:1 and 2:1) were obtained. After drying, all samples were calcinated at 500 °C for 1 hr. Obtained nanoparticles were characterized with the hope of achieving better properties.


Background: Magnesium deficiency has been a common, but easily ignored, electrolyte abnormality. Studies on magnesium in our country are lacking. Here, we have estimated and correlated serum magnesium levels with outcomes and other electrolyte imbalance in critically ill patients with respect to the mortality, in hospital outcome and length of high dependency unit (HDU) stay.Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in patients who had been admitted to the HDU. Patient's demographic profile, medical history, serum magnesium, calcium and electrolytes were enrolled on admission. Patients were divided into normomagnesemic, hypomagnesemic hypermagnesemic groups and compared for various parameters.Results: Out of 60 critically ill-patients, 32 patients (53.33%) were hypomagnesemic, 20 patients (33.33%) were normomagnesemic and 8 patients (13.33%) were hypermagnesemic. The duration of stay of the patients in HDU, in hospital outcome and mortality showed significant variation between these groups. Associated electrolyte abnormalities in hypomagnesemic patients were hypokalemia (56.25%) and hypocalcemia (62.50%). Most of the hypomagnesemic patients were hypertensive (62.50% vs 40%) and was presented in drowsy state (50% vs 40%) compared to normomagnesemic group. Mortality of hypomagnesemic group was 37.50% while that of hypermagnesemic group was 25%. In hospital, arrythmia (18.75%) and convulsion (12.50%) developed in hypomagnesemic groups. Mean duration of length of stay in HDU was 7.45 days in hypomagnesemic, 6.83 days normomagnesemic, and 8.67 days in hypermagnesemic group.Conclusion: Development of magnesium imbalance in critically ill patients is associated with bad prognosis. Monitoring of serum magnesium levels may have prognostic, perhaps therapeutic implication.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2018; 29(2) : 69-74


Abstract Replantation of amputated hands is now considered a routine procedure in countries representing high standards of medical care. However, organization of care for patients with hand amputations is not uniform and varies from country to country, even in the European Union. This article presents organization of the Replantation Service for hand amputations in Poland, and ten-year activity report of the Service. Data to this report were obtained by mailing questionnaires to seven participating departments. A total of 974 patients, 871 men (89 %) and 103 women (11 %) at a mean age of 40 years with total or subtotal amputations or other severe upper limb-threatening injuries were admitted to the seven units participating in the Service. The most common injury was multidigital amputation – 353 (36 %), followed by the thumb – 282 (29 %), the metacarpal and wrist – 231 (24 %) and the forearm and arm – 108 (11 %) amputations. The most common operation was replantation of totally amputated hands/fingers – 368 cases (38 %), followed by revascularization of subtotal amputated hands/fingers – 344 (35 %). Primary reconstruction of a complex injury to the hand was performed in 135 patients (14 %). The rate of survival of the replanted/revascularized hands/fingers was a mean of 80 %. The report is supported by literature review about replantation services in other countries.


Objective: To identify the risk factors of prolonged Intensive Care Unit stay after surgery in patients with the type A acute aortic dissection. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 80 patients, 54 males (67.5%) and 26 females (32.5%) who underwent surgery for the treatment of Stanford type A acute aortic dissection in the cardiovascular department of 2nd affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou university through December 2014 to July 2016 were done. The mean age of the patients was 48.9 ± 12.5 years. The patients were divided into two groups, group A, prolonged (n=13) and group B, nonprolonged (n=67) based on the duration of ICU stay time either above or below 5 days. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done to find out the predictive risk factors. Results: The mean length of ICU stay time was 206.9 ± 25.4 hours in group A and 63.2 ± 17.4 hours in group B respectively. Mortality rate was 15.4% in group A and 3.0% in group B while overall mortality was 5%. ICU stay time was significantly influenced by the following factors; age (P=0.013), EuroSCORE (P=0.017), preoperative D- dimer (P=0.006], Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (P=0.026), postoperative stroke (P=0.016), CPB time (P=0.002), postoperative stroke (P=0.009), postoperative acute respiratory failure (P=0.041) and postoperative acute renal failure (P=0.002). Conclusion: Age, Euro SCORE, preoperative D- dimer level, CPB time, Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, postoperative stroke, postoperative acute respiratory failure and postoperative acute renal failure are independent risk factors of prolonged ICU stay in the patients after operation for Stanford type A acute aortic dissection.


Morphological investigations of the urethra, urinary bladder (2 localizations), ureter, renal pelvis and kidneys were performed in sows with Corynebacterium suis infection. The first stages of the disease were characterized by changes of the transitional epithelium in the bladder where epithelial vacuolisation, goblet cell differentiation, leucocytic infiltrations, and haemorrhages occurred. In chronically affected animals different stages of a mucopurulent, partly erosive to ulcerative cystitis were observed. Furthermore, chronic cystitis was characterized by polypoid mucosal proliferation and bacterial accumulations. Ureter and urethra showed signs of a mild purulent inflammation. In the renal pelvis there was a severe fibrinopurulent and necrotizing pyelitis which was accompanied by bacterial invasions. The parts of the renal pelvis without desquamation of the transitional epithelium undergo mucoid degenerations. The final stage of the disease is characterized by severe fibrosing chronic interstitial nephritis leading to death of the animals due to uraemia.


Transgender is a comprehensive and inclusive term. This term separates and divides those people whose gender manifestation does not have any correspondence and resemblance with their gender identification at the time of their birth. This research article focused on the issues of transgenders with the special focus on their inaccessibility to education. The transgenders residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) feel themselves in a pit of infamy. The objectives of this article were to discover the hurdles and barriers faced by transgenders in KP not only in their day to day life but also in their inaccessibility to education.
The transgenders of the District Mardan (the second biggest city of KP) was the population of the study. The Chain referral sampling technique was adopted because the population of the study was not easily accessible. The sample of 20 participants was selected and it comprised of two teachers, two lawyers, two trans parents and fourteen transgenders. The thematic interpretation and analysis revealed that transgenders faced hurdles and scathing attitude in every walk of life especially in their access to education. The main reason behind their plight is the lack of knowledge among the common masses regarding the status and rights of transgenders in the Islamic state of Pakistan. This article is an eye-opener for all the social circles / organizations and NGO's not only nationally but also globally.


55 Background: Tumor shrinkage and disease control with preservation or improvement in quality of life are the primary treatment goals for patients with unresectable mCRC. When not possible, emphasis lies in slowing disease progression and prolonging survival. Advances in mCRC treatment have now improved survival to an average of 30 months in clinical trials. Here, we present initial baseline treatment patterns from the PROMETCO study (NCT03935763), the first international, prospective real-world study to investigate the continuum of care in the mCRC population, collecting data on all patients regardless of treatment. Methods: Enrolment in PROMETCO began in March 2019. On October 1, 2020, systemic treatment characteristics from 277 mCRC patients were analyzed. Adult patients with two disease progressions since the first diagnosis of metastatic disease who were willing to receive subsequent treatment were included. Treatments started prior to study inclusion were analyzed by line and by patients' molecular status (RAS/BRAF and MSI). Results: In the overall population, first-line treatment data were available for 257 patients. Doublet/triplet chemotherapy (dt/t CT) + anti-VEGF/EGFR therapy was received by 70% (180) of patients, and 20% (51) received dt/t CT alone, in contrast to current guidelines. At second line (n = 209), 68% (142) of patients received dt/t CT + anti-VEGF/EGFR therapy. The proportion of dt/t CT given alone was consistent between first and second line. Median duration of treatment decreased with progressing line of treatment (mirrored in the molecular status subgroups). In the RAS/BRAF patient population, 14% (40) had unknown status at inclusion, 0.7% (2) were RAS/BRAF mutant (mut), and the BRAF mut subgroup had too few numbers from which to draw conclusions. The proportion of patients receiving dt/t CT alone was higher in the RAS mut (23%; 31/135) vs RAS/BRAF WT (12%; 9/76) groups. Dt/t CT + anti-VEGF was received by 64% (87/135) and 21% (16/76) of the RAS mut and RAS/BRAF WT patients, respectively. There were no unexpected results in treatments received between molecular groups at second line, nor in terms of the length of treatment. Fifty percent of the population had unknown MSI status, and MSI low/high groups had too few numbers from which to draw conclusions. The treatment distribution in MSS patients at first line (n = 124) and second line (n = 102) followed a similar trend to the overall population. Conclusions: Preliminary data from PROMETCO provide key insights as to the treatments received by real-world mCRC patients. Further analysis of patients in a larger cohort will be important to better understand discrepancies in treatment choice (ie adherence to guidelines), and country-based differences in testing/reimbursement, which may help elucidate the missing data seen in the molecular-status subgroups. Clinical trial information: NCT03935763.


The paper presents a monolithic voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) prototype designed with micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices. It achieves the stringent performance requirements of various wireless communication applications such as GSM cellular telephony. The VCO meets the low phase noise requirement of -136 dBc/Hz at large offset frequency (3 MHz) over the appropriate frequency range. A model for the simulation of the monolithic VCO is proposed. A suitable topology for the model is the Colpitts oscillator. It is relatively less complicated, which facilitates the practical integration of the LC components. The main components in the configuration are the MEMS variable capacitor and monolithic 3-D coil inductor. These components are suitable for low phase-noise and low power consumption at the application frequencies.


Many researchers have reported the defect growth within the evolutionary-developed large-scale systems, and increased fault slips from the early verification stages into late. This suggests that improvement in the early defect detection process control is needed. This study focuses on evaluation of adding inspection effort early in the development process. Based on the examination of the existing metrics used in defect detection process, the authors establish metrics to quantify its value from the quality and cost-benefit perspective. The effect of adding inspection effort early in the development process is evaluated in a case study using industrial data from history and an ongoing project involving three geographically distributed sites of the same globally distributed software development organisation with around 300 developers. The findings show that the expert-based decision criteria for additional investment are mostly based on quality and reliability issues, and less on costs. Consequently, the additional inspection improves significantly the quality, while the cost-benefit was not statistically significant. This leads to the conclusion that better decision criteria that would incorporate the costs and not only quality perceptions are the key for improving the product reliability, as well as the overall software life-cycle cost-efficiency. This study is motivated by the real industrial environment, and thus, contributes to both research and practice by presenting the empirical evidence.


The effect of quantum confinement and lattice relaxation on electronic states in GaAs/In0.2Ga0.8As/GaAs quantum dots has been studied. The quantum dots were fabricated using electron beam lithography and wet chemical etching, and photoluminescence measurements were carried out to investigate the electronic states of the dots. A blue shift in the transition energy for smaller quantum dots was clearly observed, while the transition energy shifts to lower energy for larger dots. The blue shift is attributed to quantum confinement and the red shift to lattice relaxation. A simple empirical formula is given which well describes the observed energy shift.


The zero-phonon line (ZPL) at 1.68 eV has been attributed to the negatively charged silicon split-vacancy center in diamond, (Si-V)
−
, and has been extensively characterized in the literature. Computational studies have predicted the existence of the neutral charge state of the center, (Si-V)
0
, and it has been experimentally observed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). However, the optical spectrum associated with (Si-V)
0
 has not yet been conclusively identified. In this paper the 1.31 eV band visible in luminescence and absorption is attributed to (Si-V)
0
 using an approach which combines optical absorption and EPR measurements. The intensities of both 1.68 eV and 1.31 eV bands are found to increase in deliberately Si-doped chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown diamond, and also after electron irradiation and annealing, suggesting the involvement of both Si and a vacancy in the centers. The 1.31 eV ZPL is unambiguously associated to Si by its shift to a lower energy when the dominant Si isotope is changed from
28
Si to
29
Si. Charge transfer between (Si-V)
−
 and (Si-V)
0
induced via ultraviolet photoexcitation or heating in the dark allows calibration factors relating the integrated absorption coefficient of their respective ZPLs to the defect concentration to be determined. Preferential orientation of (Si-V)
0
 centers in CVD diamond grown on
{
110
}
-oriented diamond substrates is observed by EPR. The (Si-V)
0
 centers are shown to grow predominantly into CVD diamond as complete units, rather than by the migration of mobile vacancies to substitutional Si (
Si
S
) atoms. Corrections for the preferential alignment of trigonal centers for quantitative analysis of optical spectra are proposed and the effect is used to reveal that the 1.31 eV ZPL arises from a transition between the
3
A
2
g
 ground state and
3
A
1
u
 excited state of (Si-V)
0
. A simple rate equation model explains the production of (Si-V)
0
 upon irradiation and annealing of Si-doped CVD diamond. In as-grown Si-doped diamond the (Si-V) defects only account for a fraction of the total silicon present; the majority being incorporated as
Si
S
. The data show that both
Si
S
 and (Si-V) are effective traps for mobile vacancies.


Internal carotid artery [ICA] dissection is a rare cause of vocal cord palsy. This cause is not always considered in the initial differential diagnosis and such cases often get classed as idiopathic. We report a case of right ICA dissection, where the patient had presented with symptoms of right vocal cord palsy. This was a 52-year-old woman who presented to ENT department with a 3 week history of hoarse voice, sore throat and dysphagia. She was found to have a right vocal cord palsy and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Her neurological examination at the time of assessment was normal except for a mild reduced elevation of right side of her palate. At that time, the aetiology was thought to be idiopathic. Due to an incidental sphenoid wing meningioma on the CT head and neck, she underwent an MRI head, which demonstrated a thrombosed right ICA. Subsequently, her CT images were reconstructed to demonstrate a rat-tail stenosis of the lower right ICA consistent with dissection, for which she was started on clopidogrel. Therefore an internal carotid artery dissection should be considered in a case of 'idiopathic' vocal cord palsy, as they may not necessarily be idiopathic.


Background In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, activated synovial fibroblasts (SFs) play an important role, because of their tumor-like and agressive behavior. This phenotype is promoted by a steady stimulation with growth-factors and inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1. Syndecan-4 (sdc4), a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, has been found to be upregulated in RA-SF. Sdc4 can act as membrane receptor for a large array of ligands and modulate cytokine signaling by binding of molecules, such as TGFbeta, to its side chains. Very recently, sdc4 was discovered to modulate Erk signaling in chondroytes in response to IL-1 stimulation. Objectives Since the exact mechanisms of sdc4 signaling according to the role of sdc4 side chains are still unknown, we investigated sdc4 signal transduction with sdc4 side chain mutants as well as knock-out fibroblasts. Methods In order to unravel the role of sdc4 side chains for sdc4 signal transduction, we designed different sdc4 side chain mutants via overlap PCR. The serine residues, which constitute the side chain attachment sides, where replaced by alanine residues, thereby abolishing side chain formation. To analyze membrane localization of the designed mutants, laser scanning fluorescence microscopy of transiently transfected Cos-7 cells was performed. To investigate the multimerization pattern of the different sdc4 mutants crosslinking was performed upon IL-1 stimulation and subsequent Western blot analysis. Moreover, fibroblasts lacking sdc4, the IL-1 receptor (IL1-RI) or both receptors were stimulated with IL-1 to elucidate the interaction between IL-1RI and scd4 in IL-1 signaling. The phosphorylation pattern of Erk1/2 was chosen as readout. Results Every sdc4 side chain lacking mutant revealed normal intracellular trafficking into the cell membrane. Although wild type sdc4 showed normal multimerization, an impaired complex formation could be observed for the side chain mutants, particularly with regard to tetramers. Additionally, our crosslinking experiments displayed that sdc4 undergoes dimerization due to IL-1 stimulation. Analyzing sdc4 signal transduction in sdc4-/- fibroblasts revealed a diminished IL-1 induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation, while IL-1 induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation was nearly completely abolished in cells lacking the IL-1RI. Fibroblasts lacking both, IL-1RI and sdc-4, did not respond to IL-1 stimulation with an increased Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Comparing the impact of IL-1α and IL-1β on Erk1/2 phosphorylation, IL-1β was found to lead to a faster and more pronounced elevation of Erk1/2 phosphorylation in comparison to IL-1α. Conclusions In conclusion, we have shown that heparan sulfate side chains are essential for sdc4 multimerization and IL-1 stimulation induces sdc4 dimerization. Furthermore, sdc4 plays a role during IL-1 signaling and can be assumed to play an additive or even regulatory role in IL-1 signaling. Consequently, sdc4 complex formation might be a keystone in signal transduction during RA disease progression in RA-SF. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


Abstract Research into the representation of national identities in international sport has developed markedly in the last 24 years. Much of this has focused on the print media portrayal of national identities in mega-events like the Olympic Games and the Football World Cup. This article looks at the ways in which rugby union players representing Scotland at the 2015 Rugby World Cup were portrayed across four newspapers during the 6 weeks of the tournament. It considers the ways in which national identities came into focus through newspaper narratives focusing on three members of the Scotland team who were born outside of that nation. This work highlights the contested terrain of the rules around player eligibility and broader notions of acceptance of these players as representatives of the Scottish nation.


In this paper, we introduce a new phase field approximation of the Mumford–Shah functional similar to the well-known one from Ambrosio and Tortorelli. However, in our setting the phase field is allowed to be a function of bounded variation, instead of an [Formula: see text]-function. In the context of image segmentation, we also show how this new approximation can be used for numerical computations, which contains a total variation minimization of the phase field variable, as it appears in many problems of image processing. A comparison to the classical Ambrosio–Tortorelli approximation, where the phase field is an [Formula: see text]-function, shows that the new model leads to sharper phase fields.


Outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) is an important channel for China to obtain advanced technology spillover to promote green production upgrading. As a pillar of the national economy and also a large-scale pollution emission industry, can the manufacturing industry benefit from the reverse technology spillover of OFDI and improve its green total factor productivity (GTFP)? Based on the provincial data of China from 2005 to 2019, this paper analyzes the effect and moderating mechanism of reverse technology spillover of OFDI on domestic manufacturing GTFP theoretically and empirically. The results show that the reverse technology spillover of OFDI cannot significantly promote the growth of manufacturing GTFP in the sample period. The heterogeneity analysis further proves that the inhibition effect similar to that of the whole sample appears in the eastern region, but in the central and western regions, the reverse technology spillover of OFDI can significantly improve the manufacturing GTFP, and this positive effect in the central region is greater. Additionally, absorptive capacity characterized by human capital, economic development and financial development can actively adjust the impact of reverse technology spillover of OFDI on manufacturing GTFP, of which the positive moderating effect of financial development is the most significant.


Historically antenatal education has been seen as an important part of antenatal care and a mechanism to provide women with close to realistic interpretations of childbirth and motherhood. Through the years, the main themes and emphases of parenting education have changed, sometimes to reflect the new socio-economic structure and sometimes forced by the women themselves seeking specific information and knowledge. Yet again, this time the invasion of online information and social media is about to change the perception and the philosophy of antenatal education from an informative opportunity to a powerful and effective intervention.


The thermal stability of Al thin films on titanium carbide (TixC, where x defines the atomic ratio Ti/C) films reactively sputter deposited on Si substrate has been studied using Auger electron spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction. The stability of the deposited structure increases with increasing carbon content in the TixC films. However, an enhanced stability is obtained for a Ti3.1C film that is preannealed at 750 °C for 30 min to induce a phase separation to a titanium silicide inner layer and a TixC outer layer prior to Al deposition. Such a film with an Al top layer maintains its structure even following 550 °C‐30 min heat treatment. The lower temperature (500 °C) failure observed in other cases results from severe intermixing of layers and the formation of the ternary compound Ti7Al5Si12, whereas failures observed at 600 °C result from similar intermixing and formation of the compound Al4C3, indicating the decomposition of TiC.


To examine the renal tubular sites and mechanisms involved in the effects of hypooncotic volume expansion (VE) on renal electrolyte excretion, we performed clearance and isolated tubular perfusion studies using intact and thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rabbits. We also examined the effect of VE on luminal brush border transport. In the microperfusion studies, proximal convoluted (PCT) and straight (PST) tubules were taken from rabbits without prior VE or after 30 min of 6% (body wt) VE. Acute VE increased the percentage excretion of Na, Ca, and P in TPTX animals and the percentage and absolute excretions of these ions in intact rabbits. In PST from VE animals, fluid flux (Jv) was depressed compared with Jv in PST from nonVE rabbits: Jv = 0.18 +/- 0.03, (VE) vs. 0.31 +/- 0.03 nl/mm.min, (nonVE) P less than 0.02. Phosphate transport (Jp) in the PST from VE animals was also depressed: JP = 1.58 +/- 0.10 (VE) vs. 2.62 +/- 0.47 pmol/mm.min, (nonVE) P less than 0.05. Similar results were obtained with TPTX animals. In the PCT from VE animals, Jv was decreased (0.49 +/- 0.10 (VE) vs. 0.97 +/- 0.14 nl/mm.min, (nonVE) P less than 0.02), but JP was not affected significantly. Transport inhibition was stable over approximately 90 min of perfusion. In the brush border vesicle studies, sodium-dependent phosphate transport was inhibited compared with that in control animals, at the 9-, 30-, and 60-s time points. These findings indicate that the inhibition of renal ionic transport by VE occurs in both PCT and PST and is, in part, the result of a direct effect of VE on tubular transport mechanisms.


Boyer showed that a perfect electrically conducting slab repels a perfect magnetically conducting slab, in contrast to the attractive Casimir force between two identical perfect electrically or magnetically conducting slabs. To gain insight for the difference between the Boyer force and the Casimir force, we present the derivation of the Boyer force using the stress tensor method and then using the method of variation in dielectric. The Green dyadic, in terms of electric and magnetic Green's functions, is presented for an electric medium filling half of space and another magnetic medium filling another half of space such that the two half-spaces are parallel and separated by a distance a. We make the observation that the spectral distribution of scattering in a Boyer cavity is that of Fermi-Dirac type, while the spectral distribution of scattering in a Casimir cavity is that of Bose-Einstein type. Based on this observation we conclude that the difference between the Boyer force and the Casimir force is governed by the statistics of the possible scattering in the respective cavities.


abstract:In spring of 2019, the author traveled to Kolkata, India, to work with the staff of the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, academic and public librarians, and library and information science students under a Fulbright Specialist grant. This article describes the Fulbright Specialist Program, provides information about the application process, and explores what it means to be admitted to and participate in the program. Experience-based tips for applying to the program and preparing for work abroad, if selected, are offered.


The main objectives of this research are: (1) to find an alternative for oil well cementing system by using Microwave Incinerated Rice Husk Ash (MIRHA) geopolymer, (2) improve strength of oil well cementing system (3) introduce a green technology of oil well cementing system (4) make use of the fly ash and rice husk ash produced in industries. MIRHA was found to provide a competitive strength compared to the Portland cement in other application than oil well cementing. Therefore in this research, MIRHA is used to produce suitable geopolymer cement that can be used for oil well cementing system. Six models of geopolymer cement using MIRHA have been developed throughout this research in order to find the most ideal to be used in oil well cementing system in terms of its compressive strength. The ideal geopolymer cement in this research should provide competitive strength as given by the API cement classes used in oil well cementing system. Oil wells cement analysis, slurry preparation and compressive strength factors have been taken into consideration throughout the development of this research to ensure its successfulness.
Geopolymer sample B in this research has shown impressive compressive strength for 24hours curing at 80"aF which is 2085.64 psi. This is 76.01% improvement of compressive strength compared to API cement class G and 95.91% improvement of compressive strength compared to API cement class H with the same curing time and temperature. Other than that, geopolymer samples A, C and D also has shown improvement in compressive strength. Therefore, we can say that MIRHA geopolymer have better compressive strength than API cement class G and H and thus, MIRHA geopolymer can replace API cement classes G and H in oil well cementing system as basic cement from surface to 8000ft of depth. All of the researchi¦s objectives were successfully achieved. Detailed results can be found throughout this paper.


Introduction This article discusses sexuality health education in the context of preschool children in Malaysia. This study aims to examine the importance of sexuality education to preschool children through the preschool teacher's perspectives. The study was a survey method using a questionnaire comprising Likert scale with questions analyzed with percentage. The sample were randomly choose comprised of 45 pre-school teachers from Tanah Merah, Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 44 participants (97.8%) agreed that sexuality education among preschool children help to prevent children from sexual abuse or criminal behavior related to sexuality. While 42 participants (93.4%) agreed that preschoolers should be taught verbally and related exercises about the sexual body parts and the need to take care of the members. A total of 36 participants (80%) agreed that role of parents is crucial to ensuring the success of sexuality education to help the school. The overall study found that 40 participants (88.9%) agreed that the importance of establishing a sexuality education module would provide guidelines for teachers and parents thus to ensure sexuality education appropriate to the development and needs of preschool children. Howbeit, this study aim to help preschool teachers to excogitate more sexuality education activities efficiently so the learning not only give exposure to children about sexuality education, thus combat sexual crime involving children.


The author estimated the effect of hypophysectomy on the transaminase activity in the brain and liver of the Wister albino rat. The activities determined were aspartate-glutamate (AsGT), alanine-glutamate (AlGT), and γ-aminobutyrate-glutamate (γAGT) transaminases. The activities of AsGT and γAGT increased remarkably in the brain and liver of the hypophysectomized rat. The AlGT activity of these organs did not change under the same condition.


Abstract.
 Recruitment of new perennial grass plants within existing grassland ecosystems is determined by seed availability, suitable microsites, nutrients and climatic conditions, water and temperatures. This paper reports on the development of criteria to predict recruitment events using modelled soil moisture conditions associated with recruitment of species in five field experiments at Orange (Phalaris aquatica), Trunkey Creek (Austrodanthonia spp.), and Wellington (Bothriochloa macra) in central New South Wales, Australia, and the frequency of those conditions during the past 30 years. Recruitment events were recorded when a rainfall event (median 68 mm across the three sites) kept the surface volumetric soil moisture (0–50 mm) above the permanent wilting point for at least 15 continuous days, allowing for, at most, two 'dry days' in between. A key finding from our study is that rainfall events creating favourable soil moisture conditions for seedling emergence typically occurred in the second half of February, sometimes extending to early March. Previously it was thought that recruitment would more likely occur through autumn, winter, and spring when rainfall in southern Australia is more reliable. The 30 years' data (1975–2004) showed that the P. aquatica site had a median of 20 continuous moist days each year in February–March, whereas, there were 16 and 10 days for the Austrodanthonia and B. macra sites, respectively. The probabilities of exceeding seven or 15 continuous days of moist surface soil were 98% and 78% at the P. aquatica site, 91% and 49% at the Austrodanthonia site, and 73% and 30% at the B. macra site, and indicated that some recruitment is possible in most years. These analyses were extended to several sites across New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania to estimate the frequency with which recruitment could occur within natural swards. Across these sites, the probabilities of exceeding seven continuous days of soil moisture were >55% and of exceeding 15 continuous days were lower, which showed that suitable climatic conditions exist during late summer–early autumn across south-eastern Australia for a recruitment event to occur. Future research may show that the criteria developed in this paper could have wider regional application.


Assessing vulnerability is often very difficult for the government and donor organizations. The type, time and points of action to be taken are often planned in arbitrary manner during the emergency or during economic downturn and extended assistance uniformly to all affected population. The each affected person may require different type & extent of help. Scientific analysis may help to classify vulnerability to know extent of risk exposure into high (A), medium (B), and low (C). Vulnerability assessment is critical to decide the time, type & extent of help; this paper gives a new approach of mapping vulnerability with indicators of risk and classifying risk exposure for ABC analysis. Based on building hierarchy matrix, we propose new conceptual model as a solution. Several researchers have examined components of risk and level of risk centers, and attempted to define risk. The Society of Risk Analysis gave up defining risk after the expert committee failed to have universal definition of risk. Rather than defining 'risk', this paper intends to identify essential elements of risk that remains prevalent in vulnerable people and communities. The final objective is to build a conceptual model to prevent and overcome hazards to vulnerable people using ABC analysis of vulnerability. We first classify and quantify the risk factors in order to measure vulnerability level and then establish center of risk.Relevant literature: In order to be effective and dynamically efficient, the intervention must specifically address the type of risk and its environment, Holzmann & Jorgensen (1999) emphasize expanded role of risk management by promoting risk taking capacity in poor. Vlaev et al (2009) in their research found sub-optimal risk management and mismatches between consumers understanding of risk, attitudes to risk, and financial decisions. Holzmann, Sherburne-Benz & Tesliuc (2003) attempted to understand the type of shock that damages most and estimated vulnerability with cross-sectional data. Hoogeveen et al (2004) uses analytical approaches to risk and vulnerability analysis, social risk management of vulnerable groups and finds that policy should not neglect vulnerable population living in invulnerable region. Social Risk Management framework highlights the importance of ex-ante strategies, constraints and processes. Motivation of this study remains in the fact that current literature does not provide any model based either on systematic classified grading of level of vulnerability or systematic establishing hierarchy of responsibility center. We argue that vulnerability, the exposure to risk exists at different unit level e.g. individual, family, community, local government, state and national government. Chambers (1989) put his empirical findings on a conceptual level and argued that vulnerability has an external and internal side. People are exposed to specific natural, physical, economic and social risk. People possess different capacities to deal with their exposure by means of various strategies of action, therefore if focus limited to the stresses associated with a particular vulnerability analysis will be insufficient for understanding the impact on and responses of the affected system or its components (Kaperson et al 2003). The government may more effectively help people in mitigating the hazards, if actions are based on scientific method to ascertain vulnerable population, unit of vulnerability and root cause of vulnerability internal capacities of unit of vulnerability to cope with hazards, and, integrated action plan among different stakeholders.The questions to be examined:1. To identify the elements of various types of risks2. To objectively classify vulnerability as low, medium and high3. To establish benchmark standards & different cutoffs to classify vulnerability 4. To identify the center of responsibility 5. To understand internal linkages among various responsibility centersUnique contribution to the literature:The research paper objectively classifies vulnerability into three classes A, B & C; the external support intervention will be accordingly high, medium and low respectively. For each root of vulnerability, we earmark logical & rationale indicator. The new conceptual model will define level of vulnerability and center of responsibility, so as to take suitable measures to mitigate risks during emergency, pre & post emergency. Research methodology to be employed: The research is based on secondary data. As stated in the premise described at the outset, our research is in four parts. The first part identifies essential elements of the major risk and classifying risk factors into human, economic, social, technical and political. The second part deals with quantifying above matrix (type of risk factor for a given unit) to classify vulnerability level into A, B & C. To determine cut-off for vulnerability, for each item, we have considered logically available authentic data as the base, e.g. for poverty (per capita income), pregnant woman (mortality rate), house (type of construction, seismic zone) etc. We are establishing center of risk on the basis of vulnerability of an individual, family, community, local, province & national government. After studying internal capabilities of each unit, we develop action plan through integrated model. Conclusion & beneficiary: External agencies can play very important role using this model on continuous basis to help mitigating risk of vulnerable population. Resources of external agencies will be optimally used for mitigating the risk & impact of hazards, because most deserving population will get the most & vice versa internal unique capabilities of each unit will be used in risk mitigating process, and different stakeholders' activities are integrated to create synergy.


The reverse transcriptase (RT) activity of a lysate of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) was almost completely inactivated by incubation at 56°C for 20—‐30 min. The heat‐inactivation of RT in the virus lysate or purified RT was partially inhibited in the presence of some human sera or plasma containing antibodies against HIV. The IgG fraction purified from the seropositive sera was responsible for stabilization of RT upon heat inactivation. This is a new assay system for detection of antibodies against RT.


This study aimed to review the evidence for the use of long-term oxygen therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The design was a systematic Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of long-term oxygen therapy for COPD and main outcome measure was survival on home oxygen therapy. Five RCTs were identified. Data from two trials of nocturnal oxygen therapy in mild to moderate hypoxaemia were aggregated. Data from the other three trials could not be aggregated because of differences in trial design and patient selection. Treatment with continuous versus nocturnal oxygen therapy produced a significant improvement in mortality after 24 months [Peto odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.25-0.81] for the continuous therapy group. Treatment with oxygen therapy versus no oxygen therapy showed a significant improvement in mortality after five years in the group receiving oxygen therapy (Peto odds ratio 0.42, 95% CI 0.18-0.98). There was no difference in mortality for patients with COPD and mild to moderate daytime hypoxaemia and nocturnal desaturation receiving nocturnal oxygen therapy versus no oxygen therapy or sham treatment. Long-term oxygen therapy versus no oxygen therapy in patients with COPD and moderate hypoxaemia had no effect on survival. In conclusion, long-term oxygen therapy improved survival in a selected group of COPD patients with severe hypoxaemia but few co-morbidities. Long-term oxygen therapy did not improve survival in patients with moderate hypoxaemia or in those with mild to moderate hypoxaemia and arterial desaturation at night.


In this paper, a connection details for precast arch structures was proposed. Experiments were performed to evaluate structural performance of the loop connection details satisfying current design requirements and of alternative details for improvement of constructability. Precast arch specimens considering the current design requirements showed higher structural capacity than a cast-in-place arch specimen. Crack width at the connection of arch crown showed smaller value than 0.2 mm due to increased compression force by the applied vertical load. Strengthening by wire-mesh at notch area of the connection improved initial crack control capability. Connection detail with couplers and headed bars showed similar capacity to the reference specimen. The alternative details to improve constructability of reinforcements can be used without decreasing structural performance. Specimens with smaller internal diameter of mandrel and shorter loop splicing than the current design codes showed worse behavior in terms of crack width control.


We have recently started investigating single photon experiments for our advanced laboratory and quantum mechanics classes. For a small department, the expenses of much of the apparatus is daunting. As such, we look for places where we can reduce the costs while still providing benefits for our students. One of the places where there can be some cost savings are in the coincidence counting unit. The coincidence counting unit is a critical piece of the investigation, and while not the most expensive component, cost savings are still available. We have developed a low-cost coincidence counter (less than $50) based on a Cypress Programmable System on a Chip (PSoC). The PSoC is quite flexible and has both microcontroller as well as FPGA like capabilities which enable us to build the coincidence detection and the counter. The design process and several investigations will be presented.


There has been a serious concern about declining water quality in the rivers and streams since 1960. Wide varities of pollutants have been reported to cause deterioration of water quality in rivers. Tungabhadra River in Karnataka is an important tributary of Krishna. It has a drainage area of 71,417 sq. km out of which 57,671 sq. km area lies in the state of Karnataka. The river covers the distance of 293 km in the state. This river is considered as life line of this area, which fulfills the needs of hundreds of villages, situated at both sides of the river. The study was conducted to measure its various physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters including levels of algal community. Pollution in water bodies may indicate the environment of algal nutrients in water. They may also function as indicators of pollution. Hence, the present investigation is an attempt to know the pollution load through algal indicators in Tungabhadra river of Karnataka near Harihar town. The study has been conducted from May 2004 to April 2005. The water and algal samples were collected at regular intervals of 15 days at four stations for one year. The most tolerant genera and species of four groups of algae namely, Chlorophyceae, Bacilariophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae indicate that total algal population is 17,7159 o/L in station S3; which has the influence of industrial pollution from Harihar Polyfibre and Grasim industry situated on the bank of the river; which are discharging its treated effluent to this river. The population of algal species is 75,849 o/L at station S1, 68,056 o/L station S2 and 38,915 o/L station S4. The correlation and inter correlation among the physico-chemical parameters along with phytoplankton groups have been made. The results obtained are tabulated and discussed.

 Key words: Tungabhadra River, dynamics, phytoplankton, succession


Today, there is a common trend to use tools and methodologies that allow the development of Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) with capabilities of reorganization and adaptation to determine changes in their environments. This work presents an architecture based on different levels and whose key level is the one corresponding to the semi-open type of MAS, structured in such a way that it is able to solve conflicts. In addition, a case study is introduced with the objective of showing the possibilities on conflict resolution basis, where a specifically designed architecture is utilized for that purpose. In particular, the system is applied to the resolution of the conflict raised by the decision of the technology to be used in order to obtain or to measure information in smart cities.


In this thesis I propose a framework for normal and extensive form games where players can use Knightian uncertainty strategically. In such Ellsberg games, ambiguity-averse players may render their actions objectively ambiguous by using devices such as Ellsberg urns, in addition to the standard mixed strategies. This simple change in the foundations leads to a number of interesting phenomena.
While Nash equilibria remain equilibria in the extended game, there arise new Ellsberg equilibria with distinct outcomes. This happens especially in games with an information structure in which a player has the possibility to threaten his opponents. I illustrate this with the example of a negotiation game with three players. This mediated peace negotiation does not have a Nash equilibrium with peace outcome, but does have a peace equilibrium when ambiguity is a possible strategy. That a game with more than two players can have interesting non-Nash Ellsberg equilibria is traced back to results on subjective equilibria.
Ellsberg equilibria are mathematically characterized by the Principle of Indifference in Distributions. In an Ellsberg equilibrium, players are indifferent between all mixed strategies contained in the Ellsberg equilibrium strategy. Furthermore, I observe that in two-player games players can immunize against strategic ambiguity by playing their maximin strategy (if a completely mixed Nash equilibrium exists).
I analyze Ellsberg equilibria in two-person games with common and conflicting interests. I provide a number of examples and general results how to determine the Ellsberg equilibria of these games. The equilibria of conflicting interest games (modified Matching Pennies) turn out to be consistent with experimental deviations from Nash equilibrium play.
Finally, I define extensive form Ellsberg games. Under the assumption of dynamically consistent (rectangular) Ellsberg strategies, I prove a result analog to Kuhn's theorem: rectangular Ellsberg strategies and Ellsberg behavior strategies are equivalent.


The diffusion of sucrose through an optically opaque oil-in-water emulsion was monitored nondestructively by measuring the ultrasonic velocity as a function of height. Initially, a corn oil-in-water emulsion (0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 wt% oil) stabilized by Tween 20 (1 wt%) and xanthan (1 wt%) was placed in a measurement cell at 30 degrees C. A 20 wt% sucrose solution containing the same concentration of Tween 20 and xanthan as the aqueous phase in the emulsion was placed on top of the emulsion. The ultrasonic velocity of this two-layer system was measured as a function of sample height and time and then converted into sucrose and oil concentration-distance profiles using empirical calibration curves. The translational diffusion coefficient of the sucrose in the upper and lower layers was determined by fitting the experimental data to a Fickian diffusion model. The measured diffusion coefficients of the sucrose molecules decreased as the droplet concentration in the emulsion increased, indicating retardation of the sugar molecule movement. Ultrasonic profiling was also used to monitor the compression of the emulsion due to movement of water molecules into the upper layer. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.


In computational neuroscience, multicompartment models are among the most biophysically realistic representations of single neurons. Constructing such models usually involves the use of the patch-clamp technique to record somatic voltage signals under different experimental conditions. The experimental data are then used to fit the many parameters of the model. While patching of the soma is currently the gold-standard approach to build multicompartment models, several studies have also evidenced a richness of dynamics in dendritic and axonal sections. Recording from the soma alone makes it hard to observe and correctly parameterize the activity of non-somatic compartments. In order to provide a richer set of data as input to multicompartment models, we here investigate the combination of somatic patch-clamp recordings with recordings of high-density micro-electrode arrays (HD-MEAs). HD-MEAs enable the observation of extracellular potentials and neural activity of neuronal compartments at sub-cellular resolution. In this work, we introduce a novel framework to combine patch-clamp and HD-MEA data to construct multicompartment models. We first validate our method on a ground-truth model with known parameters and show that the use of features extracted from extracellular signals, in addition to intracellular ones, yields models enabling better fits than using intracellular features alone. We also demonstrate our procedure using experimental data by constructing cell models from in vitro cell cultures. The proposed multi-modal fitting procedure has the potential to augment the modeling efforts of the computational neuroscience community and to provide the field with neuronal models that are more realistic and can be better validated. Author Summary Multicompartment models are one of the most biophysically detailed representations of single neurons. The vast majority of these models are built using experimental data from somatic recordings. However, neurons are much more than just their soma and one needs recordings from distal neurites to build an accurate model. In this article, we combine the patch-clamp technique with extracellular high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) to compensate this shortcoming. In fact, HD-MEAs readouts allow one to record the neuronal signal in the entire axonal arbor. We show that the proposed multi-modal strategy is superior to the use of patch clamp alone using an existing model as ground-truth. Finally, we show an application of this strategy on experimental data from cultured neurons.


In this study, a RC bridge wall rail affected by frost and salt actions was investigated in order to propose a maintenance planning of a RC structure subject to the combined attacks. A studied structure had been in service for more than forty years in Hokkaido in the northern part of Japan. Experimental results of material properties brought relationship between deterioration degrees of concrete and reinforcement. A compressive strength / Young's modulus ratio was defined as the deterioration degree of concrete influenced by frost action and the deterioration degree of reinforcement was expressed by weight reduction rate. Further, the relationship was classified by degradation in appearance. On the assumption that the degradation in appearance depends on a balance between frost damage and salt damage, a developing process of the combined deterioration was observed. As a result, the deterioration degrees of concrete and reinforcement could be associated with the damage patterns. Especially, in case of the RC bridge wall rail with a loose concrete cover, the deterioration degree of concrete had a characteristic trend. Next, passage of time was considered and a time axis was added to the relationship between the deterioration degrees of concrete and reinforcement. Consequently, this relationship was proposed as assembly of damage developing process of a RC structure affected by combined frost and salt actions.


The space, H(X) of homeomorphisms on a locally compact homogeneous space X with a local cross-section is a bundle space over X. If X is separable metrizable and admits a nontrivial flow in addition, then H(X) is an l2-manifold if and only if X is an ANR and H(X,a) is an l2-manifold, where H(X,a) is the subspace of H(X) consisting of all those which leave a point a of X fixed. If X is a locally connected, compact metrizable homogeneous space that is an ANR and admits a local cross-section and a nontrivial flow, then(X) is an l2-manifold if and only if H(X-a) is an l2-manifold, where H(X-a) is the space of homeomorphisms on X-a (a∈X).


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the therapeutic effect of compound anisodine (CA) for patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS
According to the modified Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson Visual Fields Grading System, 46 patients with moderate stage POAG were randomized to receive compound anisodine injection (CA group) or venoruton tablets (control group). Visual acuity (VA), IOP, fundus, visual fields (VF) and the blood flow of optic nerve were observed.

RESULTS
The mean of defect (MD) was decreased in CA group after treatment. The PSV and EDV of ophthalmic artery were remarkably improved in both groups, as well as the PSV, EDV and RI of retinal central artery. Compound anisodine was superior in improving hemodynamics of ophthalmic artery and retinal central artery to venoruton.

CONCLUSION
Compound anisodine can protect optic nerve of POAG through improving the visual function and blood supply of optic nerve.


The chewed food particle size and shearing capacity of the lower molars of two primate species, the fat-tailed dwarf lemur,Cheirogaleus medius and the bushbabyGalago senegalensis, and an insectivoran, the tree shrew,Tupaia glis, were compared. Differences in the shearing design of the lower molars correlate strongly with the chewed food particle size in these species: the greater the shearing capacity, the smaller the chewed food particles.

These three species are of comparable size but differ greatly in diet in the wild.C. medius primarily eats fruit and nectar, whileG. senegalensis andT. glis are largely insect-eaters. The lower molars ofG. senegalensis andT. glis show a much greater shearing capacity than do those ofC. medius. The average length of chewed food particles ofC. medius is significantly larger than that ofG. senegalensis, while that ofT. glis is intermediate between the two primates but is closer to that ofG. senegalensis.

Our findings that insect-eating species grind their food more finely than do fruit- and resin-eating species can be correlated with digestibility of foods: finely chewing foods such as fruits which are low in relatively undigestible cell wall components would not greatly improve their digestibility, so a highly efficient food processing apparatus would be less important to the animal's survival. Insect-eaters much more finely chew their foods, implying that there is some constituent of insect bodies difficult to digest, and that grinding increases its digestibility. We suggest that this constituent is chitin.


OBJECTIVES
Cesarean myomectomy (CM) allows to remove fibroids and to restore uterine anatomy during delivery combining two operations in one. It was opposed in the past due to surgical risks, although many reports showed that CM was not associated with increased morbidity The risk for admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) following CM - as an objective indicator of maternal morbidity potentially resulting in greater morbidity for patients, increased length of hospital stay and higher hospital costs - has been poorly evaluated in the literature. The aim of our investigation is to estimate risk factors for ICU admission after CM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The patients were subdivided into two groups: 57 women who were postoperatively admitted to the ICU (study group), and 45 women not treated in the ICU (control group). The p-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS
Data showed no statistically significant differences with regard to demographic factors, comorbidity and indications for cesarean section, as well as experience of the surgeon, number of hysterotomies, and incidence of emergency CS between the two groups. The most common reason for admission to the ICU was intraoperative hemorrhage (61.40%). As for the surgical characteristics, the study group showed significant increase in the rates of intraoperative transfusion (p=0.000) and intraoperative hemorrhage (p=0.000), as well as prolongation of surgical time (p=0.002). Myoma type and size were also significantly different between the groups (p=0.003 and p=0.000, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
The most important factor contributing to ICU admission after CM is intraoperative hemorrhage in case of bigger myomas and prolonged surgeries.


Friction stir welding (FSW) is a well-known technique which allows joining of metal parts without severe distortion. Because FSW involves less heat input relative to conventional welding, it may be assumed that cutting specimens from larger friction stir welded components results in a negligible redistribution of residual stresses. The aim of the investigations was to verify these assumptions for a welded aluminum plate and a circumferentially-welded aluminum cylinder. Strain gage measurements, X-ray diffraction and the incremental hole drilling method were used.


Purpose . Identification of the possibilities of contrast enhancement computed tomography in evaluated the number of the acinar structures in the pancreatic parenchyma at the preoperative stage to predict the development pancreatic fistula. Material and methods . In 2016–2019, 196 pancreatoduodenectomy were performed. 86 patients were retrospectively selected. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included 16 observations with the development of clinically significant pancreatic fistula, in 2 – 70 cases without complications. According to preoperative contrast enhancement computed tomography, structure of the pancreas, pancreatic parenchyma thickness, pancreatic duct diameter, the density of the pancreas in the native phase, relative parenchyma enhancement ratio, washout coefficient, pancreas stump volume were evaluated. According histological, the number of acinar and fat cells in the section of the removed pancreas was evaluated. Results . "Soft" structure of the pancreas (r = 0.374, p = 0.000), pancreatic parenchyma thickness (r = 0.549, p = 0.000), the density of the pancreas in the native phase of the scan (r = 0.568, p = 0.000), the values relative parenchyma enhancement ratio (r = 0.63, p = 0.000), pancreas stump volume (r = 0.508, p = 0.000) positively correlated with clinically significant pancreatic fistula and the number of acinar cells. Pancreatic duct diameter (r = −0.339, p = 0.001) negatively correlated with clinically significant pancreatic fistula and the number of acinar cells. Pancreatic fistula risk is 3.09 times higher with the number of acini more than 72.5%, sensitivity 75%, specificity 75.71%. Pancreatic fistula risk is 1.8 times higher with the density of the pancreas in the native phase over 35.5 HU sensitivity 62%, specificity 65%. Pancreatic fistula risk is 2.76 times higher with values parenchyma accumulation coefficient more than 1, sensitivity 75%, specificity 73%. Conclusions . Contrast enhancement computed tomography allows evaluating acinar index in the preoperative period to pick out the high-risk patient group to development of pancreatic fistula.


A digital timing system for sports competitions in which a large number of participants progress independently and simultaneously on the same track between a starting line and a finish line. This system comprises a starting time memory, a finish time memory, and a register which permits the temporary storing of the times of a predetermined number of events happening nearly simultaneously. The time is furnished by means of an oscillator and decade counters of which the multiplexed output is applied to the register where the information is entered. This information is shortly thereafter transferred to the starting time memory or to the finish time memory, as the case may be. A subtractor unit subtracts the recorded starting time of a selected participant from the real time when it is desired to display the lapsing time of the participant. At the final, the final track time is displayed. A console with local display allows the operator to obtain all the registered information for every participant, and means is provided for emptying the register by transferring the starting times and the final times to their respective memories. Data processing means is provided for applying handicap or other averaging curves to the results, and suitable print-out means produce written records of the results right at the end of the competition.


The authors have identified the range of informative biologic characteristics fit for differentiation between resident and transitory staphylococcal microflora in bacterial carriers. Among the detected differences is, first of all, staphylococcal capacity to inactivate antiinfectious resistance factors, this capacity represented mainly in the group of resident strains. Based on the findings the authors have developed a table of diagnostic coefficients making use of probability statistics methods; use of this table helps identify 76.6-82.5% of the examined cultures.


One case of pneumoscrotum associated with spontaneous colon perforation was reported. The patient was a 66-year-old man, presented with high temperature, mild abdominal pain and an enlarged scrotum. Physical examination revealed scrotal swelling, abdominal tenderness Case Report and muscular defense. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed swelling and pneumatosis of the left major psoas and iliopsoas muscles, and ultrasound found subcutaneous emphysema of the scrotum. Surgical investigation discovered a retroperitoneal perforation in the descending colon connected with a huge retroperitoneal vomica and scrotal sac. Spontaneous colon perforation induced pneumoscrotum is rare clinically. It may present as colon perforation, which calls for special attention.


A band-pass filter with 70% bandwidth, effectively functioning as a pseudo-high pass filter has been designed and implemented using suspended strip-line technology. In principle such a filter can easily be fabricated by cascading low pass and high pass filters, but it is difficult to fabricate high pass filters in suspended stripline, and this filter is expected to overcome this difficulty. The filter is fabricated using coupled-line resonators, and broadside-coupled lines are used to realise the required impedance levels.


The social implications of the estimation of health reserves and their monitoring becomes increasingly important for early diagnostics of dysfunctional problems associated with the social and occupational activities as well as for the prevention of the development of pathological processes. Taking this fact into consideration, we have designed a diagnostic technology called "health reserves" for the identification of subjects with risk factors of the development of the most widespread diseases that enables the users to perform qualitative assessment of the risks, evaluate functional reserves of the organism, and prognosticate the efficacy of application of non-medicamental technologies for the improvement of the patients' health status. We studied 79 patients aged from 18 to 73 years including 33 (42.8%) men and 44 (57.2%) women at their admittance to the clinic and within 2-3 days after discharge. The patients were treated using non-medicamental rehabilitative techniques, such as remedial gymnastics, massage, iodine-bromine baths. The results of the treatment were subjected to the mathematical analysis. The study permitted to determine predictors of efficacy of the non-medicamental treatment and individualized rehabilitation programs.


The aim of this study was to describe the trajectories of care of patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) via a tracheostomy in a post-acute care facility. Sixty six patients experienced 109 hospitalisations between December 2010 and December 2012 in a 36 beds post-care unit and were followed for at least 1 year. Mean age of patients was 70.4±9.9 years (39 men). The cause of respiratory failure was lung or airway disease (47%); thoracic cage abnormality (38%); neuromuscular disease (15%). The mean Charlson comorbidity score of patients was 5.6±2.0. The median length of stay (LOS) was 54 days (95% confidence interval [CI] for the median 44, 75). Patients were admitted from: home (n=44); the intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital (n=44, LOS =24.5±22.7 days); another hospital (n=21, LOS=58.7±52.5 days, pl0.001 vs LOS in ICU). Admission diagnoses were mainly: weaning project (38%); respiratory failure (37%); respite to caregivers (11%); cachexia (6%). Twenty five (37.3%) patients were readmitted at least once during the follow-up period. Sixteen (23.9%) patients died in the hospital. Discharge destinations were home (n=78), other facility (n=11) or ICU (n=4). Twenty five (37.3%) patients were ultimately liberated from ventilator, decannulation being possible in 13 patients. At one year of the first day of hospitalisation, 60.4% of patients were alive; those who died during follow-up lived a median of 81 days (95% CI for the median 36, 125). We conclude that despite objective possibilities of 1-year survival and/or weaning from ventilation, the resources needed by PMV patients are high, as shown by the number of readmissions and long LOS in our unit and upstream.


BackgroundThe association between one-hour plasma glucose (1h-PG) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes has been investigated in previous studies. However, the predictive value of 1h-PG for the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality, especially in older Asians, has been investigated in only a few studies. Therefore, the influence of 1h-PG on the incidence of CVD and mortality was evaluated in the present study. MethodsThe participants were recruited from the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, and were categorized into 1h-PG tertiles. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and stroke. Multivariate adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to examine the association between risk factors and outcomes and to estimate the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality based on 1h-PG.ResultsThe study included 862 male participants. Median age was 74.0 (25th–75th percentile: 68.0–79.0) years. There were 480 CVD events and 191 deaths during 15,527 person-years of follow-up. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1h-PG as a continuous variable was 1.097 (95% CI 1.027–1.172; P = 0.006) for CVD events and 1.196 (95% CI 1.115-1.281; P < 0.001) for higher risk of mortality. When compared with the lowest 1h-PG tertile, the other tertiles were associated with CVD events (HR 1.464, 95% CI 1.031–2.080; P = 0.033 and HR 1.538, 95% CI 1.092–2.166; P = 0.014, for tertile 2 and tertile 3 compared with tertile 1, respectively), and the highest 1h-PG tertile had a significantly higher risk of mortality (HR 2.384, 95% CI 1.631-3.485; P < 0.001) after full adjustment.ConclusionHigher 1h-PG is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and CVD. 1h-PG might be a better predictor of CVD than 2h-PG in older adults.


Coaching new nurses for improving their competency to meet the standard and work happily is the responsibility of each staff nurse at the emergency room to conduct a systematic coaching for providing safe care to clients. This study aimed to develop core competency for new nurses graduated in 2012 by coaching at the emergency room to be able to care for clients with confidence and righteousness as professional standard. Methods This study was a qualitative research. A systematic coaching was conducted by mentor nurses. The sample was 11 new nurses who were coached by 11 mentor nurses. The coaching was following: the mentor nurses coached new nurses on ER knowledge and 24 basic skills during the first month of working and helped new nurses to adapt themselves to the new role as anurse in the emergency room throughout the whole year. The coaching was evaluated using feedback between mentor nurses and new nurses, a record of providing the procedures, case studies, and evaluation of competency. Results nine new nurses were approved for their competencies. The record of each individual's experiences during the first month showed that each new nurse had different experiences.  When completion their first year practice, all new nurses satisfied with this coaching style, gained confidence to practice their roles,  perceived themselves belong to the ER unit, and were able to initiate by themselves to address their needs for further practices for some related advanced clinical knowledge and skills. The result confirmed that the systematic coaching can facilitate new nurses to gain confidence, happy, work with pride and still working in the ER.


Background
Both faecal calprotectin [Fcal] and the faecal immunochemical test [FIT] are useful to predict clinical relapse of ulcerative colitis [UC]. However, the difference between Fcal and FIT in ability to predict relapse has scarcely been reported. Whether the combined use of these two faecal markers increases the predictability is also unknown.

Methods
UC patients in clinical remission who underwent colonoscopy were enrolled prospectively, and the Fcal and FIT values were examined at enrolment. Their clinical course was observed for 2 years or until relapse. The correlation between the incidence of relapse and the values of the two markers was examined.

Results
A total of 113 patients were enrolled, and 48 [42%] relapsed. Fcal ≥ 75 μg/g and FIT ≥ 110 ng/mL were defined as Fcal-positive and FIT-positive, respectively, according to the receiver operating characteristic curves. Both Fcal-positive and FIT-positive statuses were independent predictive factors of clinical relapse (hazard ratio [HR] 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-4.49; p = 0.0086, and HR 2.91; 95% CI, 1.49-5.50; p = 0.0022, respectively). Categorisation of patients into three groups according to the faecal marker status [FIT-positive, FIT-negative and Fcal-positive, and both negative] can efficiently stratify the risk of relapse with graded increases in risk [FIT-negative and Fcal-positive: HR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.02-4.43; p = 0.0045, and FIT-positive: HR 5.43; 95% CI, 2.57-11.76; p < 0.0001, compared with both negative].

Conclusions
Fcal vs FIT showed distinct properties regarding the prediction of relapse in UC. A risk assessment using both faecal markers could increase the predictability for relapse.


The 2002 Antarctic winter was characterized by unusually strong wave activity. The frequency and intensity of the anomalies increased in August and early September with a series of minor stratospheric warmings and culminated in a major stratospheric warming in late September. A three-dimensional highresolution chemical transport model is used to estimate the effect of the exceptional 2002 Antarctic winter on chemical ozone loss in the midlatitudes and in polar regions. An ozone budget analysis is performed using a range of geographical and chemical ozone tracers. To highlight the unusual behavior of the 2002 winter, the same analysis is performed for the more typical 2001 winter. The ability of the model to reproduce the evolution of polar and midlatitude ozone during these two contrasted winters is first evaluated against ozonesonde measurements at middle and high latitudes. The evolution of the model-calculated 2002 ozone loss within the deep vortex core is found to be somewhat similar to that seen in the 2001 simulation until November, which is consistent with a lower-stratospheric vortex core remaining more or less isolated even during the major warming. However, the simulations suggest that the wave activity anomalies in 2002 enhanced mixing well before the major warming within the usually weakly mixed vortex edge region and, to a lesser extent, within the surrounding extravortex region. As a result of the increased permeability of the vortex edge, the export of chemically activated vortex air is more efficient during the winter in 2002 than in 2001. This has a very noticeable impact on the model-calculated midlatitude ozone loss, with destruction rates being about 2 times higher during August and September in 2002 compared to 2001. If the meteorological conditions of 2002 were to become more prevalent in the future, Antarctic polar ozone depletion would certainly be reduced, especially in the vortex edge region. However, it is also likely that polar chemical activation would affect midlatitude ozone earlier in the winter.


This study delves into the mathematics achievement of grade eight students of Godavari Nagar Palika in the Lalitpur district. Using a sample of 147 students currently enrolled in grade eight in the schools within the Nagara Palika, the research sought to elucidate the potential correlations between mathematical achievement and variables such as gender, age, ethnicity, religion, school type (private vs. public), parental marital status, and previous math scores. While most variables exhibited no significant influence on mathematics achievement, ethnicity emerged as a variable with notable impact. The study underscores the importance of understanding cultural and ethnic influences on academic performance, with potential implications for curriculum development and teaching methodologies in diverse settings. Variables including gender, age, and school type, showed no significant correlation with mathematical achievement at the p<0.05 level. However, ethnicity displayed a significant difference in students' mathematical performance. The research accentuates the importance of considering ethnic backgrounds when evaluating mathematical achievement, indicating a potential avenue for more tailored educational strategies in Lalitpur. Findings suggest educators should be cognizant of cultural and ethnic factors when devising teaching strategies, especially in areas with diverse student populations like Lalitpur.


Patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis exhibit decreased plasma selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity. This has been shown in several clinical studies. Moreover, the degree of selenium deficiency correlates with the severity of the disease and the incidence of mortality. Patients with SIRS and sepsis are exposed to severe oxidative stress. Selenoenzymes play a major role in protecting cells against peroxidation, especially lipid peroxidation and are involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes. Therefore, selenium substitution in those patients might be effective in the prevention of multiorgan failure. The results of randomised clinical trials investigating selenium substitution in critical ill patients with inflammation are reviewed. In two independently performed randomised, prospective clinical trials, including patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis, the supplementation of selenium revealed a significant reduction in multiorgan failure and, especially, a lower incidence of acute renal failure and respiratory distress syndrome. One of those trials also could demonstrate a significant reduction of mortality in the most severely ill patients. Two other studies, where selenium together with other trace elements or a mixture of antioxidants were used in the treatment of patients with severe burn injuries or trauma showed a significant reduction in the secondary infection rate, including sepsis. Thus, selenium supplementation seems to improve the outcome of patients with SIRS, sepsis and severe injury, however, pivotal prospective clinical trials with sufficient statistical power are now necessary to finally prove the efficacy of a selenium supplementation in these diseases.


Among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the association between B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and renal function remains controversial. We therefore investigated this issue among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study included 687 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. BNP levels were divided at quartile points on the basis of the distribution. We used four outcomes regarding the renal function: 1) chronic kidney disease (CKD): estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60ml/min/1.72m2, 2) advanced CKD: eGFR < 30ml/min/1.72m2, 3) microalbuminuria: urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30 mg/g creatinine, and 4) macroalbuminuria: UACR ≥ 300 mg/g creatinine. The prevalence values of CKD, advanced CKD, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria were 27.4%, 2.5%, 31.4%, and 9.3%, respectively. Highest BNP (≥ 39.2 ng/ml) was independently positively associated with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria (adjusted ORs, 2.61 [95% CI: 1.53-4.49] and 3.45 [95% CI: 1.46-8.72], respectively). High BNP was not associated with advanced CKD or CKD. There was a statistically significant positive exposure-response relationships between the BNP level and advanced CKD, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria (p for trend = 0.047, 0.001, and 0.003, respectively). BNP level may be independently positively associated with advanced CKD, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria but not CKD in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.


Study Objectives
To evaluate the short-term efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of peri-menopausal insomnia (PMI).

Methods
Design: A randomized, participant-blind, placebo-controlled trial consisted of the acupuncture group (n = 38) and placebo-acupuncture group (n = 38). Setting: A tertiary teaching and general hospital. Participants: 76 peri-menopausal women with insomnia disorder based on the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition. Interventions: A 10-session of acupuncture at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) and Ganshu (BL 18) with unilateral Qimen (LR 14) and Jingmen (GB 25) or Streitberger needles at the same acupoints was performed for over 3 weeks. Measurements: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) with over-night polysomnography (PSG) exam were completed at baseline and post-treatment.

Results
After the treatments, the decrease from baseline in PSQI score was 8.03 points in acupuncture group and 1.29 points in placebo-acupuncture group. The change from baseline in ISI score was 11.35 points in acupuncture group and 2.87 points in placebo-acupuncture group. In PSG data, acupuncture significantly improved the sleep efficiency and total sleep time, associated with less wake after sleep onset and lower percent stage 1 after the treatment. No significant differences from baseline to post-treatment were found in placebo-acupuncture group.

Conclusions
Acupuncture can contribute to a clinically relevant improvement in the short-term treatment of PMI, both subjectively and objectively.

Clinical Trial Registration
Acupuncture for peri-menopause insomnia: a randomized controlled trial, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=12118 ChiCTR-IPR-15007199, China.


Much attention has been paid to the personal and intimate nature of blogging. This paper will develop such notions in relation to theories of intimate citizenship; that is, the way in which blogs provide a form of self authorship, not just as a form of expression or creative outlet, but how blogging is connected to the mobilisation of political subjectivity (or subjectivities). Some bloggers use personal experiences, narratives and stories to underpin or motivate campaigns and activists. For example, on the "Mums' Army" blog, women organise campaigns against 'anti-social behaviour' with personal accounts and experiences of perceived social problems in various local settings. This case study illuminates how intimate stories can potentially mobilize previously disengaged citizens to become more politically aware and engaged in their local communities. This is, therefore, an exploratory paper that considers how the cry of the 'personal is political', so redolent of new social movements, is particularly apt in terms of the growing phenomenon of blogging.


The lack of cell retention clearly represents a potentially serious limitation for therapeutic efficacy of stem cells. To enhance the efficacy, we developed a novel hydrogel that is thermosensitive and biodegradable and possesses desirable stiffness in a solid form. Immediately after induction of myocardial infarction of male rat, cardiac outgrowth cells embedded in hydrogel (HG) or saline (CO) were injected directly into the peri-infarct area. Left ventricular ejection fraction, cell retention rate, and a spectrum of biochemical markers were measured to evaluate the effect of the treatment. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher in the cell-injected groups (HG and CO) than in the control group at 1 week after treatment. This functional benefit was continued only in the HG group, accompanied with more retained cells. Furthermore, the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly higher in the HG group with less progression of cell apoptosis.


We develop an early-warning model of sovereign debt crises. A country is defined to be in a debt crisis if it is classified as being in default by Standard & Poor's, or if it has access to nonconcessional IMF financing in excess of 100 percent of quota. By means of logit and binary recursive tree analysis, we identify macroeconomic variables reflecting solvency and liquidity factors that predict a debt-crisis episode one year in advance. The logit model predicts 74 percent of all crises entries while sending few false alarms, and the recursive tree 89 percent while sending more false alarms.


The article reviews the history of the discussion concerning the effect of alcohol consumption on the national economy. The point of departure is a discussion prompted by the prohibitionists in the Nordic countries and US who succeeded in bringing a ban on alcohol into reality. It made sense in those circumstances to ask the question. Two different situations were compared, a society where alcohol was forbidden and one where it was not. After the prohibitionists' hope of an alcohol-free society became a lost cause in the 1930s, interest in these calculations waned for a spell. Interest was re-ignited in Finland, Norway and Sweden in the 1960s and '70s, however, spreading to North America and Australia in the 1980s and '90s. A set of international guidelines was issued on how to estimate the social costs attributable to alcohol consumption. In practice, there was a heavy bias in favour of costs, while the income side, with the exception of alcohol's presumed beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases, was left out. Cost-of-illness studies were employed here, in which a contemporary society was compared with a fictive one, where alcohol had never existed. This article argues that such studies are not very meaningful in a research context and represent a capitulation to the desire of politicians to give political decisions a semblance of neutrality based on a common-sense approach to economics.


Human infants undergo significant changes in body size, posture, and locomotor capability over the first several years of life. As a result, the statistics of visual motion infant observers experience differs from adults in some situations (1,2). We ask whether these differences apply more generally, and if so, what factors account for them. In one analysis, we simulate the effects of changes in body posture, speed of locomotion, and surface geometry on motion statistics. In a second analysis, we empirically measure the statistics of visual motion experienced by observers across the first year of life using infant-perspective videos captured during episodes when infants were moving through space or were stationary. We include samples of infants in from North America and those from India to assess how variations in cultural practices influence infants' visual experiences. We find that fast laminar motion patterns dominate the visual input young infants experience and that cultural differences play a role in shaping visual motion experiences.


Using loop equation technics, we compute all mixed traces correlation functions of the 2-matrix model to large N leading order. The solution turns out to be a sort of Bethe Ansatz, i.e. all correlation functions can be decomposed on products of 2-point functions. We also find that, when the correlation functions are written collectively as a matrix, the loop equations are equivalent to commutation relations.


Pd(II)-catalyzed coupling reactions were developed using β-heteroatom elimination and protonolysis reaction to quench the carbon–palladium bond in the presence of halide ions or nitrogen ligands (pyridine, bipyridine, phenanthroline, etc.) for regenerating the divalent palladium species. Halide ions or nitrogen ligands are necessary for the catalytic cycle and high yield of the reactions. For Pd(0)-catalyzed reactions, control of β-hydride elimination is also a challenge for making coupling reactions more diversified. Different kinds of ligands were used to make the coupling reaction suitable for aliphatic compounds. Recently, examples using chloride ion or bathophenanthroline for this purpose were also developed.