Municipal and industrial wastewater is often discharged into the environment without appropriate treatment, especially in developing countries. As a result, many rivers and oceans are contaminated. It is urgent to control and administer treatments to these contaminated rivers and oceans. However, most mechanisms of bacterial colonization in contaminated rivers and oceans were unknown, especially in sewage outlets. We found Shewanella putrefaciens to be the primary bacteria in the terrestrial sewage wastewater outlets around Ningbo City, China. Therefore, in this study, we applied a combination of differential proteomics, metabolomics, and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR techniques to identify bacteria intracellular metabolites. We found S. putrefaciens had 12 different proteins differentially expressed in freshwater culture than when grown in wastewater, referring to the formation of biological membranes (Omp35, OmpW), energy metabolism (SOD, deoxyribose-phosphate pyrophosphokinase), fatty acid metabolism (beta-ketoacyl synthase), secondary metabolism, TCA cycle, lysine degradation (2-oxoglutarate reductase), and propionic acid metabolism (succinyl coenzyme A synthetase). The sequences of these 12 differentially expressed proteins were aligned with sequences downloaded from NCBI. There are also 27 differentially concentrated metabolites detected by NMR, including alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol), amines (dimethylamine, ethanolamine), amino acids (alanine, leucine), amine compounds (bilinerurine), nucleic acid compounds (nucleosides, inosines), and organic acids (formate, acetate). Formate and ethanolamine show significant difference between the two environments and are possibly involved in energy metabolism, glycerophospholipid and ether lipids metabolism to provide energy supply, and material basis for engraftment in sewage. Because understanding S. putrefaciens's biological mechanism of colonization (protein, gene express, and metabolites) in terrestrial sewage outlets is so important to administering and improving contaminated river and to predicting and steering performance, we delved into the biological mechanism that sheds light on the effect of environmental conditions on metabolic pathways.


Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are isolates of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that have acquired genes encoding antibiotic resistance to all penicillins, including methicillin and other narrow-spectrum β-lactamase-resistant penicillin antibiotics. Outbreaks of MRSA occur quite frequently as there is no quick screening test for the presence of MRSA.

The aim of this project is to try and develop an antibody based detection test for rapid detection of MRSA, which could help in the prevention of outbreaks. An antigen (UDP-MurNAc-L-Ala-γ-D-Glu-L-Lys(e-NH2-Gly)5-D-Ala-D-Ala) that resembles the outer surface of the Staphylococcus aureus (contains a Gly5 moiety that is specific for S. aureus) cell wall peptidoglycan has been prepared, and attached to a carrier protein. Sheep antibodies raised against this antigen were screened using ELISA assays. The results showed that antibodies did have specificity for the antigen. Cell walls were prepared from several different bacteria, including two MRSA and one methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strain. ELISA assays using these cell walls showed that the antibodies had specificity for cell walls containing (Gly)5 in the order of S aureus (Gly5) > S. simulans (less Gly5) > S. pneumoniae (no Glyn) > E. coli (no Glyn, Gram-negative strain). A particularly high response was observed for one of the two MRSA strains, detectable at 0.1 μg of cell wall.

An HPLC-based UV-Vis assay was developed to monitor the activity of peptidoglycan polymerisation enzymes from S. aureus, while preparing polymeric peptidoglycan as an antigen for immunisation. Several intermediates in peptidoglycan polymerisation were detected using S. aureus monofunctional glycosyltransferase (MGT), which allowed us to propose a new hypothesis for the early steps of peptidoglycan transglycosylation.


Abstract  For the successful treatment of epilepsy, accurate diagnosis of epilepsy and epileptic seizures, and proper selection of antiepileptic drugs (AED) according to the classification of epileptic syndromes are fundamentally important. Efficacy of AED treatment, however, depends not only on its pharmacological action but also on its efficient use, namely a rationally thinking tailor‐made treatment considering the characteristics of each patients, i.e. individual differences in pharmacokinetics, factors influencing AED concentrations, AED interactions, and comprehensively their life style and psychosocial factors.


Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of bone transport using limb reconstruction system (LRS) fixator and early coverage in open-type IIIB tibial fractures with massive bone and soft tissue loss. Patients and methods In this study, eight patients with type IIIB open tibial fractures were managed by initial debridement and fixation by LRS uniplanar external fixator. A second-stage rotational myocutaneous flap coverage and osteotomy for segment transfer was done within 14 days. All patients were followed up till full union. Results Full union was achieved in all patients. A total of five patients needed iliac bone graft at the docking site. Union occurred in an average external fixator index of 45.3 days/cm. No flap coverage infection occurred, and there was no significant limb malalignment. Significant limb shortening occurred only in one patient. Conclusion LRS fixator is an effective definitive method for management of open tibial fractures with massive bone loss and soft tissue defects. It is easy to apply, allows early intervention by plastic surgeons to obtain soft tissue coverage, and also allows early patient rehabilitation and joint mobilization.


An unprecedented Rh(III)-catalyzed double C(sp2)-H bond carbenoid insertion and annulation of 2-aryl-3-cyanopyridines with α-diazo carbonyl compounds is presented. Through this cascade reaction, a series of naphthoquinolizinone derivatives with a large π-system were efficiently prepared. The reactions could selectively afford naphthoquinolizinones with either an amine or an amide unit attached on the 11-position depending on the nature of the solvent and the additive used. Compared with literature methods, this is a more efficient, convenient, and atom-economic way to provide polycyclic heteroaromatic compounds through direct π-extension of simple aromatics via inert C-H bond activation and functionalization.


ABSTRACT Synthesising the social capital and ageing-friendly communities literature, this paper describes how efforts to make communities more ageing-friendly can promote social inclusion among older adults. Making existing communities more ageing-friendly involves physical and social infrastructure changes that enable older adults to pursue lifelong activities, meet their basic needs, maintain significant relationships, participate in the community in personally and socially meaningful ways, and develop new interests and sources of fulfilment. Such efforts can enhance bonding, bridging and linking capital, and thereby promote social inclusion. The authors discuss the link between ageing-friendly communities and social inclusion, and provide examples of programmes with potential to change existing communities into ones that promote the social inclusion of older adults.


Atherosclerosis is characterized by the development of arterial plaques containing lipid deposits and immune cells, such as B cells. Once recruited to the site of inflammation, B cells become activated and form germinal centers within the adventitia of the artery adjacent to the plaque. To determine if these B cells produce antibodies specific for atherosclerosis, abdominal aortas were collected, and germinal center B cells were isolated by flow cytometry. We characterized their heavy and light chain repertoires by next generation sequencing to compare non-diseased (C57BL/6) and diseased (ApoE−/−) tissues. Furthermore, the aortic repertoires were compared to the germinal center repertoires from spleens taken from the same mice to address whether local (aortic) and systemic (spleen) B cell responses were similar. Preliminary results suggest that all the splenic repertoires were similar, independent of diet or disease. However, aortic repertoires from ApoE−/− mice indicated that some VH and Vk genes were overexpressed, suggesting selection for particular antigens. We therefore performed single cell analysis and identified over 100 VH and Vk gene pairs, with different frequencies of expression and somatic hypermutation. Antibody gene pairs will then be cloned and expressed in culture using HEK293A cells. The purified recombinant antibodies will be used to identify antigens specific to atherosclerosis by protein array. These results may be useful in creating potential vaccines for its prevention, as well as treatment via antibody immunotherapy.


Traheobronchial stenting (TBS) is a major therapeutic interventional procedure in obstructive lesions of central airways. Among the most common complications of TBS are retention of secretions (RS) and infections, but few studies pay attention to the microbiological constellations associated with stenting. Patients and methods: In this prospective clinical observation we examine the microbiological samples of tracheal/traheobronchial lavage (T/TBL) before and 4 weeks after placement of silicone stents in 14 patients with benign traheobronchial stenosis. The pathogenetic role of the isolated bacteria was determined by correlation of culture results and clinical signs of infection. Results: T/TBL are associated with presence and degree of RS. In five of 14 patients colonization of airways is present before TBS; in three of them we identified potentially pathogenic microorganisms. After TBS, bacterial colonization was observed in 11 (7 of them without prior colonization) of 14 patients. In 6 of them we have established one or more potentially pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa [4], Staphylococcus aureus [3], Streptococcus pneumoniae [1], Klebsiella spp. [1]). Although TBS is likely related to the RS, no statistical significance has been established (Fisher test, p = 0.06). Discussion: We assume that TBS is a prerequisite for bacterial colonization and RS, caused by potentially pathogenic microorganisms. This is confirmed with absence of airway colonization before TBS in most patients in the study group. In our observation, however, bacterial colonization is not manifested by clinical signs of infection. Colonization is associated with RS in stent wall.


The use of iridium-192 afterloaded Syed-Neblett perineal templates has increased since its inception in 1974 (Feder et al. 1978, Fleming et al. 1980). Use of these templates offers the possibility of treating disease where anatomical distortions prevent proper placement of conventional intracavitary applicators and/or dose to the lateral pelvic wall nodes must be increased due to extensive disease. This paper describes a technique for identifying all seed locations in all needles used in the template so that actual dosimetry can be done for each patient.


The Experimental parcels were set in 2001 years. The observations and measurement were found during 2 years (2002 and 2003). Yer Elmasi type, M9 and MM106 rootstocks are grafted onto MM111 rootstock in first year. In second year, Granny Smith apple variety is grafted onto these inter-stock. According to observations, the grafting ratio were found 85% (MM111/Yer Elmasi), 68% (MM111/M9) and 45% (MM111/MM106) in first year and second year, 61% (Yer Elmasi/Granny Smith), 81% (M9/Granny Smith) and 50% (MM106/Granny Smith) respectively. Otherwise, the some characteristics of shoot were investigated. The shoot diameter which Granny Smith apple variety is grafted onto Yer Elmasi, M9 and MM106 inter-stock was found, as cm, 1,02, 1,03 and 1,10, respectively. On the other hand, shoot length was found, as cm, 84,4, 74,27 and 93,6, respectively.


An experimental study on the potential of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) solution for seminal stain laboratory examination was conducted at University of Eastern Philippines, College of Science, Physical Sciences Department, Chemistry Laboratory. It sought to augment a dearth of laboratory materials for seminal stain analysis at the crime scene; determine the potential of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) solution for seminal stain laboratory examination. The analysis of semen includes dry and wet samples, n=45. Results showed that both dry and wet semen samples discolored to yellow. The suspected seminal stain samples were treated with 10%, 20% and 30% sodium hypochlorite solutions. For 30% sodium hypochlorite revealed a very yellow color. This means positive. The 20%, yellow, and light yellow for 10% respectively. The semen samples were used with increasing volume. For 30% solution was dropped onto the white cloth with 30 mL semen, for 20 % to 20 mL and 10% to 10 mL, it revealed that as the volume of the sample of semen increases, it showed a yellow color. This study was positively controlled using a compound microscope and Florence reagent, and negatively controlled using the distilled water. This would help the crime investigators and the communities better understand the corroborating of physical evidences for justice of rape victims, innocent suspects, and perpetrators. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended to include the quantity of semen to test the change in yellowing with different percentages of the reagent.


There is a comprehensive, closely-interlinked electron Bernstein wave (EBW) programme on MAST covering heating experiments, plasma start-up studies, plasma emission measurements, theory and modelling. In this paper we report on proof-of-principle EBW heating experiments conducted on MAST with a 60 GHz, 1 MW gyrotron complex. A 28 GHz (200 kW) EBW start-up system has been commissioned on MAST. The system is capable of launching both the X-mode and O-mode. The launched O-mode is mode converted into the X-mode by a mirror-polariser incorporated in a graphite tile on the centre column. As a result the X-mode is incident on the plasma from the high field side allowing efficient EBW excitation during the plasma start-up phase. First experimental results on non-inductive plasma current generation are presented. A frequency scanning EBW radiometer has been upgraded with a fast spinning mirror and 12 parallel receiving channels covering the range of 6-18 GHz. This system allows real time measurements of mode conversion dynamics during plasma evolution. First test results are presented.


Responses of two bacteria isolated from the contamination of laboratory stock culture of phenol degrading bacteria against the stresses induced by phenol, temperature, pH and antibiotics were studied. The isolated bacteria were found to belong to the genus Streptobacillus and Corynebacterium . Growth of these two isolates on phenol resulted in changes in cell shape from rod to cocci as well as the reduction of cell size. Cell shape and size remained unchanged in nutrient broth. There was a decrease in optical density and increase in cell surface hydrophobicity when grown on phenol. Bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons assays showed cells grown on higher concentrations of phenol to be more hydrophobic than those grown on phenol with lower concentrations. Changes in growth of these two isolates were also evident for changing pH and temperature from their optimal as their response to these stresses. Antibiotic Susceptibility Test showed that both isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and susceptible to tetracycline and phenoxymethylpenicilline. Key words: Streptobacillus ; Corynebacterium ; Stress; Growth; Hydrophobicity DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v34i2.6857 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences , Vol. 34, No. 2, 133-141, 2010


Trypsin- and chymotrypsin-treated delipidated cell walls of Mycobacterium smegmatis were digested overnight with lysozyme. The water-soluble products thus obtained were filtered on a column of Sephadex G-50; the first peak, excluded from the column, has immunological adjuvant activity. The material of the excluded peak is obtained after lyophilization as a snow-white, fluffy material, soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents. It behaves as a slightly polydisperse macromolecule in an ultracentrifuge, with an approximate molecular weight of 20,000. All the constituents of this material are typical bacterial cell-wall constituents; thus, the water-soluble adjuvant is considered to be an "oligomer" of the cell wall. When added to Freund's incomplete adjuvant with an antigen (e.g., ovalbumin) and injected into hind-foot pads of guinea pigs, this water-soluble adjuvant increases the amount of precipitating antibodies and induces hypersensitivity to ovalbumin and the biosynthesis of gamma(2)-type precipitating antibodies. The water-soluble material has a stronger adjuvant activity than equal amounts of whole bacteria, cell walls, or wax D, and seems to be the first well-defined, water-soluble, adjuvant-active fraction isolated from Mycobacteria.


Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) contains many interesting compounds like hypericin pigments, prenylated phloroglucine derivatives and flavonoids (1). In therapeutical practice hypericins have an anxiolytical effect by monoaminoxidase inhibition (2), hyperforin is active as antibiotic (3) and the flavonoids may act as sedative substances. The existing analytical methods consider only hypericins (4, 5) and some flavonoids (6). The aim of our investigation was to develope a method for separation and estimation of all these compounds by HPLC. The basis of this method is the separation of a methanolic extract on a reversed phase column. After extensive examination we used an acetonitrile I water gradient as mobile phase. Peak identification was achieved by diode array and standards, some of these had to be isolated by us (7). Standard substances were also used for quantitative evaluation. With our method it is possible to analyse all known compounds qualitatively and quantitatively, even in single plants. So we are able to select intivituals with high content for cultivation and biochemical investigations.


In recent years, research has widely substantiated the importance of high-growth new enterprises (HGIEs) for job creation. The conventional wisdom is that the number and share of HGIEs in all enterprises is small, but the number and share of jobs they create is disproportionally large. As part of a larger project examining HGIEs in the United States and the European Union, we surveyed 450 potential Japanese HGIE, of which only 35 met the criteria of 10 percent employment growth over three consecutive years since 2008. It turns out the HGIEs not meeting these criteria, however, provide an interesting twist to the Japan case. These quasi-HGIEs were growing through networking—that is, tapping human resources in other companies. One approach is to network the product development process across firms rather than within a firm: alliances in R&D, outsourcing design and engineering, contracting for manufacturing, and collaboration in marketing and sales. Another approach is to position a HGIE in one segment of this product development process but work with different networks. When the product development network is the unit of analysis, then, there is inter-firm but not intra-firm employment growth. Early indications suggest Japan's new locus of innovation and job creation may revolve around network ecosystems consisting of smaller firms.


As we know Wireless Sensor Network is the perfect solution for quick capturing, processing, and transmission of critical data. Sensor nodes are often deployed in a generous environment but nodes suffer from low battery power. So, energy efficiency and network life are the main concerns in WSN. ZigBee has low cost, low power consumption, and is beneficial in wireless sensor networks by selecting adequate communication protocol. Routing protocols like AODV (Ad- hoc on-demand distance vector routing), ZTR (ZigBee tree routing), and STR (Shortcut tree routing) and ESTR (Extended Shortcut tree routing) are compared on the idea of various performance metrics like the end to finish delay, routing overload, throughput, packet delivery ratio (PDR). The mathematical analysis and performance evaluation shows that ESTR achieves better performance as compared to other routing protocols. The overall evaluation shows that ESTR achieves better performance as compared to other routing protocols. But there are some limitations to the ESTR method. The performance of the packet delivery ratio of STR is less as compared to AODV. The performance of end to finish delay of STR is poor as compared to AODV. Extended STR is proposed to represent the new ZigBee network routing protocol with the improved performance of the Packet Delivery ratio (PDR) and delay against STR and AODV. We are introducing here Efficient Extended Shortcut Tree Routing method (ESTR) for further improvement of delays of the ESTR method.


A case of adenomatoid hamartoma in a premature male infant is described and the recent literature is reviewed. The present case demonstrates the frequently associated features of maternal hydramnios of late onset, and premature delivery with foetal respiratory difficulty and anasarca.


Glyburide, a sulfonylurea, and U-37883A, a guanidine (4-Morpholinecarboximidine-N-1-Adamantyl-N' cyclohexylhydrochloride), have been previously characterized as antagonists of the vascular ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP). In this report, the in vitro interaction between these two chemically distinct KATP antagonists was investigated using isolated rabbit mesenteric artery. The KATP antagonism was functionally studied as the inhibition of vasodilation produced by various KATP openers as follows: pinacidil (1 microM), minoxidil sulfate (5 microM), cromakalim (0.5 microM) and RP-49356 (1 microM). Glyburide alone produced inhibition in the concentration range of 50 to 500 nM with the glyburide IC50 ranging from 72 to 148 nM. U-37883A alone produced inhibition in the concentration range of 0.5 to 5 microM, with the U-37883A IC50 ranging from 0.78 to 1.4 microM. In the presence of a threshold U-37883A concentration of 0.5 microM, the glyburide inhibition dose-response curve against pinacidil was significantly shifted to the left and the glyburide IC50 was lowered from 72 to 3.9 nM, representing an 18-fold decrease. Similarly, in the presence of a threshold glyburide concentration of 50 nM, the U-37883A inhibition dose-response curve against pinacidil was significantly shifted to the left and the U-37883A IC50 was lowered from 780 to 96 nM, representing an eightfold decrease. Thus, glyburide and U-37883A potentiated each other's effects as KATP blockers. This synergistic interaction between glyburide and U-37883A was observed independently of the pinacidil, cromakalim or minoxidil sulfate used to produce vasodilation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


There are many examples of knowledge-based fault diagnosis advisors for corrective maintenance of complex equipment. However, such advisors are only part of an overall maintenance solution. To be used effectively, diagnostic advisors must be integrated with other existing and forthcoming systems, such as Automated Test Equipment and maintenance databases. Successful fielding of knowledge-based systems requires consideration of integration issues throughout the design process.


A two-dimensional model for the annular two-phase flow of water and steam, along with
the dryout, in steam generating pipes of a liquid metal fast breeder reactor is proposed. The
model is based on thin-layer lubrication theory and thin aerofoil theory. The exchange of mass
between the vapour core and the liquid film due to evaporation of the liquid film is accounted
for in the model. The mass exchange rate depends on the details of the flow conditions and
it is calculated using some simple thermodynamic models. The change of phase at the free
surface between the liquid layer and the vapour core is modelled by proposing a suitable Stefan
problem. Appropriate boundary conditions for the model, at the onset of the annular flow
region and at the dryout point, are stated and discussed. The resulting unsteady nonlinear
singular integro-differential equation for the liquid film free surface is solved asymptotically
and numerically (using some regularisation techniques) in the steady state case, for a number
of industrially relevant cases. Predictions for the length to the dryout point from the entry
of the annular regime are made. The influence of the constant parameter values in the model
(e.g. the traction r provided by the fast flowing vapour core on the liquid layer and the mass
transfer parameter 77) on the length to the dryout point is investigated.
The linear stability of the problem where the temperature of the pipe wall is assumed to be
a constant is investigated numerically. It is found that steady state solutions to this problem
are always unstable to small perturbations. From the linear stability results, the influence
on the instability of the problem by each of the constant parameter values in the model is
investigated. In order to provide a benchmark against which the results for this problem
may be compared, the linear stability of some related but simpler problems is analysed. The
results reinforce our conclusions for the full problem.


Rainfall and surface runoff are the driving forces behind all stormwater studies and designs. The relationship is known to be highly non-linear and complex that is dependent on numerous factors. In order to overcome the problems on the non-linearity and lack of information in rainfall-runoff modelling, this study introduced the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach to model the dynamic of rainfall-runoff processes. The ANN method behaved as the black-box model and proven could handle the non-linearity processes in complex system. Numerous structures of ANN models were designed to determine the relationship between the daily and hourly rainfall against corresponding runoff. Therefore, the desired runoff could be predicted using the rainfall data, based on the relationship established by the ANN training computation. The ANN architecture is simple and it considers only the rainfall and runoff data as variables. The internal processes that control the rainfall to runoff transformation will be translated into ANN weights. Once the architecture of the network is defined, weights are calculated so as to represent the desired output through a learning process where the ANN is trained to obtain the expected results. Two types of ANN architectures are recommended and they are namely the multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) networks. Several catchments such as Sungai Bekok, Sungai Ketil, Sungai Klang and Sungai Slim were selected to test the methodology. The model performance was evaluated by comparing to the actual observed flow series. Further, the ANN results were compared against the results produced from the application of HEC-HMS, XP-SWMM and multiple linear regression (MLR). It had been found that the ANN could predict runoff accurately, with good correlation between the observed and predicted values compared to the MLR, XP-SWMM and HEC-HMS models. Obviously, the ANN application to model the daily and hourly streamflow hydrograph was successful.


The problem of estimating lightning insulation strength of distribution line designs is complicated due to numerous factors. In general, classical techniques that account for air gap flashover do not apply. The fundamental reasons for these complications are still not precisely reported. Some researchers relate them to small distances between electrodes, others to the presence of wood insulation, insulator size, hardware size, shape, position of components, multiple arc paths, and probably not seen other factors. In this paper modern insulation materials used on distribution systems such as porcelain, fiber-glass reinforced plastics (FRP) and polymers and their composite combinations are considered. The study takes into account, not only the configuration of the composite insulators, but also the point of incidence of the lightning impulse that may cause flashover and location of grounding wires. The paper presents an empirical factor to estimate the flashover voltage due to lightning of composite insulators used on distribution overhead lines. The physical and the active length of composite insulators are also determined to evaluate the most effective configuration and material to be used. Factors that may affect the critical flashover voltage (CFO) of composite insulators are investigated and defined to evaluate different insulator types and material composites used. Physical explanations of the mathematical models are discussed to validate such a model.


Background: The growing popularity of the Internet has made it easier and faster to find health information. Much of this information is valuable; however, the Internet also allows rapid and widespread distribution of false and misleading information. Aim of the work: To evaluate some of the Egyptian health websites from the Technical and Ethical perspectives and to compare the reliability of the different types of Egyptian health websites. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study. Search engines (eg. Google.com and Yahoo.com) were thoroughly searched for Egyptian health websites. Some of these websites were not accessible. Out of thirty two health websites, thirteen internet health websites were randomly selected and evaluated twice in this study. They were classified into 4 categories, official, professional, educational and private. The tool used in this study was a questionnaire developed by the research team depending on EHealth code of ethics, 2000 and international technical guidelines. The questionnaire consists of two main categories (technical and ethical). The technical evaluation includes (authority, objectivity, coverage, currency, design, privacy and security). The ethical evaluation includes (quality of information, informed consent and professionalism). A score for the questionnaire was developed by the research team to assess the websites. All statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 11.0. Comparisons between ethical and technical categories were done using the student's t-test and ANOVA test for continuous variables and Pearson's Chi square test for categorical variables. Results: On evaluating the quality of information of the health websites, it is noticed that in 92.3% of the sample, medical care is provided by professionals and their information based on scientific studies. Around forty six percent (46.2%) of the health websites do not mention the date of publication, date of recent update and the source of the information. Concerning the professionalism, 100% of the sample obeys laws and regulation in identifying themselves and mentioning the limitation of online consultation. 76.95% of the sample states clearly the purpose of the health website. Only 38.5% of them were recently updated. Privacy policy evaluation shows that 33.3% mentions if the system prevents unauthorized access to personal data while only 16.7% states how the user's personal data is stored and for how long. There is a statistically a significant change (p<0.05) on comparing the quality of information between the different types of websites. Both of the official and professional websites are better than educational and private websites. Conclusion: Some of the Egyptian health websites are reliable and up-to-date; some are not. Most of them are technically satisfactory. Evaluation of the health websites faces difficulties due to continuous updating. Recommendations: we should teach the health seekers to trust what they see or read on the Internet only if they can validate the source of the information and the authors and contributors should always be identified. It is necessary to establish mechanisms of Accreditation of Egyptian Health Websites. E-Health Ethics Training is very essential for the health professionals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i3.9629 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(3): 2-14


ABSTRACT The genetic variation in HIV-1 in patients is due to the high rate of viral replication, the high viral load, and the errors made during viral replication. Some of the mutations in reverse transcriptase (RT) that alter the deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP)-binding pocket, including those that confer resistance to nucleoside/nucleotide analogs, affect dNTP selection during replication. The effects of mutations in RT on the spectrum (nature, position, and frequency) of errors made in vivo are poorly understood. We previously determined the mutation rate and the frequency of different types of mutations and identified hot spots for mutations in a lacZα (the α complementing region of lacZ) reporter gene carried by an HIV-1 vector that replicates using wild-type RT. We show here that four mutations (Y115F, M184V, M184I, and Q151M) in the dNTP-binding pocket of RT that had relatively small effects on the overall HIV-1 mutation rate (less than 3-fold compared to the wild type) significantly increased mutations at some specific positions in the lacZα reporter gene. We also show that changes in a sequence that flanks the reporter gene can affect the mutations that arise in the reporter. These data show that changes either in HIV-1 RT or in the sequence of the nucleic acid template can affect the spectrum of mutations made during viral replication. This could, by implication, affect the generation of drug-resistant mutants and immunological-escape mutants in patients. IMPORTANCE RT is the viral enzyme that converts the RNA genome of HIV into DNA. Errors made during replication allow the virus to escape from the host's immune system and to develop resistance to the available anti-HIV drugs. We show that four different mutations in RT which are known to be associated with resistance to anti-RT drugs modestly increased the overall frequency of errors made during viral replication. However, the increased errors were not uniformly distributed; the additional errors occurred at a small number of positions (hot spots). Moreover, some of the RT mutations preferentially affected the nature of the errors that were made (some RT mutations caused an increase in insertion and deletion errors; others caused an increase in substitution errors). We also show that sequence changes in a region adjacent to a target gene can affect the errors made within the target gene.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the effects of exposure to aluminum (Al) on long-term potentiation (LTP) and AMPA receptor subunits in rats in vivo.

METHODS
Different dosages of aluminum-maltolate complex [Al(mal)3] were given to rats via acute intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection and subchronic intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Following Al exposure, the hippocampal LTP were recorded by field potentiation technique in vivo and the expression of AMPAR subunit proteins (GluR1 and GluR2) in both total and membrane-enriched extracts from the CA1 area of rat hippocampus were detected by Western blot assay.

RESULTS
Acute Al treatment produced dose-dependent suppression of LTP in the rat hippocampus and dose-dependent decreases of GluR1 and GluR2 in membrane extracts; however, no similar changes were found in the total cell extracts, which suggests decreased trafficking of AMPA receptor subunits from intracellular pools to synaptic sites in the hippocampus. The dose-dependent suppressive effects on LTP and the expression of AMPA receptor subunits both in the membrane and in total extracts were found after subchronic Al treatment, indicating a decrease in AMPA receptor subunit trafficking from intracellular pools to synaptic sites and an additional reduction in the expression of the subunits.

CONCLUSION
Al(mal)3 obviously and dose-dependently suppressed LTP in the rat hippocampal CA1 region in vivo, and this suppression may be related to both trafficking and decreases in the expression of AMPA receptor subunit proteins. However, the mechanisms underlying these observations need further investigation.


We consider the approximation of smooth multivariate functions in C(IRd) by feedforward neural networks with a single hidden layer of nonlinear ridge functions. Under certain assumptions on the smoothness of the functions being approximated and on the activation functions in the neural network, we present upper bounds on the degree of approximation achieved over the domain IRd, thereby generalizing available results for compact domains. We extend the approximation results to the so-called mixture of expert architecture, which has received considerable attention in recent years, showing that the same type of approximation bound may be achieved.


The isotopic shift ratio has been examined for nine different double‐minimum potential energy functions. The shift generally has a minimum when the v=2 state, on which the transition terminates, has an energy very close to the top of the barrier. For large barriers the isotopic shift approaches that of a harmonic oscillator. The minimum value of the shift for any curve found was 1.17, in contradiction to previous postulates that this value could be less than unity. Recent analyses of the δOH bending mode in acetic acid are discussed using these results.


The genus Greya is closely related to the yucca moths, and Greva species interact with their host plants in many of the same ways as yucca moths. Females both pollinate and oviposit in the flowers of their host. Unlike yucca moths, however, pollinating Greva species share flowers with co-pollinators that do not oviposit on the host. We studied the interaction between Greya politella (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae) and Lith- ophragma parvijlorum (Hook.) Torr. & Gray (Saxifragaceae) to evaluate the effect on seed output of a pollinating seed parasite against a background of co-pollinators. Flowers were visited and pollinated mostly by bombyliid flies, solitary bees, and G. politella. Bombyliid flies alone composed 68-88% of the 5522 visits recorded over 2 yr. Although both male and female G. politella visited the flowers and probed for nectar, pollination by this species occurred only as females oviposited through the corolla tube, thereby passively transferring to the stigma pollen adhering to the abdomen. Visitation to flowers by all pollinators averaged 0.3-1.9 visits/h during daylight hours. Consequently, most flowers were visited multiple times during the several days that stigmas were receptive, and 77% of the flowers tagged during the 4 yr had some developing seeds. Pollination did not depend upon visitation by G. politella. Flowers receiving G. politella eggs had the same probability of producing some seed and the same mean number of developing seeds as flowers visited only by other insects. Most flowers received the eggs of only one G. politella female, and the larvae ate 15- 27% of the developing seeds. The final number of mature seeds remaining in attacked flowers did not differ from unattacked flowers except at one site in 1 yr, in which the values for attacked plants were marginally lower. Other sources of variation affecting seed output masked the effects of seed consumption by Gre ya. Overall, G. politella females have the potential to be mutualistic with L. parviflorum: they are effective pollinators, generally visit most plants and about half the flowers in the population, and impose a fairly small cost on seed output. Nonetheless, the abundant and effective co-pollinators, which do not eat the developing seeds, swamp Greya's mutualistic effects. Under the current conditions at Granite Point, the relationship between G. politella and L. parvi/lorutn may be mostly commensalistic. The evolution of specialization to G. politella as an exclusive pollinator would seem to be possible only in L. parviflorum pop- ulations in which effective co-pollinators were either rare or unpredictable. That is, the potential for the evolution of specificity in this mutualism appears to depend upon the community context in which the interaction takes place rather than upon the simple outcome of the pairwise interaction between Greya and Lithophragma.


Polymer solar cells (PSCs) have attracted tremendous attention as a promising candidate for potential clean and renewable energy technology. Dramatic progress in bulk heterojunction PSCs has been achieved with power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 10%. As a promising cathode interfacial layer in practical device application, the solution-processable pure ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) always lead to surface charge recombination, and hence varied surface modification of the ZnO layer has been developed to enhance the device performance. Herein, we report single-junction PSCs with PCE as high as 10.04% in the conventional structure, employing pure ZnO as a cathode interlayer. It is found that the surface composition of ZnO NPs strongly affects the interfacial charge recombination and final photovoltaic performance of the resultant devices. The fabricated PSCs employing the optimized pure ZnO NPs feature both a thick active layer and a thick ZnO interlayer, and demonstrate a negligible light-soaking effect and cathode selection. This work provides efficient PSCs in which all layers can meet the requirements of various printing techniques in practical large-scale manufacture.


At various machine learning conferences, at various times, there have been discussions arising from the inability to replicate the experimental results published in a paper. There seems to be a wide spread view that we need to do something to address this problem, as it is essential to the advancement of our field. The most compelling argument would seem to be that reproducibility of experimental results is the hallmark of science. Therefore, given that most of us regard machine learning as a scientific discipline, being able to replicate experiments is paramount. I want to challenge this view by separating the notion of reproducibility, a generally desirable property, from replicability, its poor cousin. I claim there are important differences between the two. Reproducibility requires changes; replicability avoids them. Although reproducibility is desirable, I contend that the impoverished version, replicability, is one not worth having.


Background The sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure, has been used successfully to detect lymphatic involvement. The expected reduction in morbidity and improvement in the quality of life of patients remains uncertain. In spite of this minimal invasive technique, 40 to 50 % of axilla are explored by classic axillary dissection. The aim of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is to preserve the main lymphatic chain in relation to lymphatic arm drainage during an axillary dissection, reducing the rate of lymphedema. Objectives The objective of this study is to describe a prospective comparison of pre and post axillary dissection (AD) lymphoscintigraphy, in 15 consecutive breast cancer patients. Methods Isotope InjectionThe morning of surgery, all patients underwent isotope injection in the ipsilateral hand. Each patients received a single injection of 60 MBq (vol 0.2 ml) into the first interdigital space. The preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed 45 min after injection, in surgical position. An average of 2 nodes were visible in the axilla. The postoperative lymphoscintigraphy was planned before starting adjuvant treatment.Surgical TechniqueAfter having performed the lumpectomy or the mastectomy, the surgeon began the AD. The first important step was the identification of the second intercostals brachial nerve. While reserving the nerve, the dissection was carried out from medial to lateral, below the nerve. The gamma probe was then used in order to identify the first radioactive node draining the upper limb. This node was localized in the lateral pillar of the axilla. The ARM nodes were carefully preserved during the dissection with retractors placed over them to protect from inadvertent damage. After completion of AD, the axillary content was examined ex-vivo to identify at least ten nodes within the surgical specimen. Results The mean age is 62.4 years (range 40-81). For all 15 patients, the mean number of axillary nodes removed by means of AD was 10.7 (range 7–14). Of all patients, 3 (87%) had metastatic involvement in the AD with an average of 1.3 (range 1– 2) nodes involved.A lymphoscintigraphic mapping concordance between pre and post, was found in 13 out 15 patients (87%). Conclusions Isotopic ARM allows identification of radioactive nodes in the axilla in 91% of cases.The very good correlation between pre and postoperative mapping suggests a persistence of the normal LAD, and lets hope for a risk reduction of lymphodema after AD.A longterm follow up is needed to confirm these very promising preliminary results. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1025.


GFDM (generalized frequency division multiplexing) is a non-orthogonal waveform that is being discussed as a candidate for the fifth generation of wireless communication systems (5G). GFDM is a multicarrier technique with circular pulse shaping that is designed in a way to address emerging applications in 5G networks such as Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine communications (M2M). The same as other multicarrier systems, GFDM suffers from a high peak to average power ratio (PAPR). To attack PAPR problem, in this paper, we propose a polynomial based companding method with iterative expansion that is called polynomial-based companding technique (PCT). Based on our simulation results, a great amount of PAPR reduction can be achieved through utilization of our proposed technique. Through simulations, we have also investigated the bit error rate (BER) performance of the system while adopting our PCT method. Our simulations reveal that there is a tradeoff between PAPR reduction and BER performance.


Growth with equity is the foremost objective in all economies in the world today, especially in the emerging market economies (EMEs), where the poor still make up a sizeable proportion of the population. To ensure growth and development with equity, financial sector policies are expected to be tuned to sub-serve these broad objectives. Though there is no unanimity among economists, including Nobel laureates, on the relevance of finance for growth, the crisis has provided ample evidence that a stable financial system will have a positive impact on both growth and equity and an unstable one will harm both these economic objectives. There could, however, be conflicts in the short and medium term between the objective of financial stability on the one hand, and growth and equity on the other hand. But there cannot be any dispute that in the long term all three objectives are simultaneously achievable. This paper highlights the interaction between prudential and other financial sector and macroeconomic policies and goes on to review financial sector regulation in the pre-crisis, mid-crisis and post-crisis periods, with a special focus on issues specific to the EMEs in the implementation of Basel II and III. The paper argues that even though the EMEs find implementing the Basel capital regulations a major challenge, in the long run following these standards will contribute to strengthening their banking systems. The paper also emphasises that some aspects of regulation can be oriented towards achieving the development objectives of EMEs without necessarily sacrificing prudent regulation and financial stability considerations, and that EMEs can supplement their development objectives with other well designed financial sector policies. JEL classification: E58, G21, G28


Smart windows can selectively regulate excess solar radiation to reduce heating and cooling energy consumption in the built environment. However, the inevitable dissipation of ultraviolet and near‐infrared into waste heat results in inefficient solar utilization. Herein, a dual‐band selective solar harvesting (SSH) window is developed to realize full‐spectrum utilization. A transparent photovoltaic, converting ultraviolet into electricity, and a transparent solar absorber, converting near‐infrared into thermal energy, are integrated and coupled with a ventilation system to extract heat for indoor use. Compared with common transparent photovoltaics, the SSH window increases solar harvesting efficiency up to threefold while maintaining a considerable visible transmittance. Simulations suggest that the SSH window, besides generating electricity, delivers energy savings by over 30% higher than common smart windows. This is the first integration of transparent photovoltaic and transparent solar absorber into a window, which may open up a new avenue for the development of energy‐efficient buildings.


This paper opens up a dialogue between mindfulness and the discipline of geography. As a meditative practice that cultivates 'present-centred non-judgmental awareness', we claim that the practices and insights of mindfulness have important implications for various forms of geographical enquiry. This paper argues that mindfulness can inform geographical practices in relation to epistemology and methodology, and contribute towards geographically informed critical psych25ological theory and action. More specifically, we claim that mindfulness could offer a practice-based context to support the study of affects, extend the application of psychoanalytical geographical methods beyond the therapeutic, and contribute to emerging geographical studies of behavioural power and empowerment. This analysis explores these sites of interaction through a series of reflections on the Mindfulness, Behaviour Change and Engagement in Public Policy programme that was developed and delivered by the authors. This more-than-therapeutic mindfulness programme has been delivered to approximately 47 civil servants working in the UK Government.


A new method for reduction of the slip and stabilization in spondylolisthesis is presented. A detailed description of the operative technique is given. Of special importance to repositioning of the olisthetic vertebra is sectioning of the ilio-lumbar and ilio-transverse ligaments. It is also most important to remove a portion of the superior surface of S1 in those cases with greater than 30 per cent olisthesis. A distinction in the technique of surgery is drawn between cases with less than 30 per cent of slip and those with greater than 30 per cent. In those with less than 30 per cent 2 bone grafts taken from one iliac crest are placed between the repositioned body of L5 and the body of S1. In those with more than 30 per cent slip grafts are not necessary. In these a portion of the superior surface of S1 is removed in such a way that the body of S1 fits snugly against the under surface of the repositioned body of L5. A special traction apparatus with wires through the spinous processes of L3 and L4 is used to accomplish reduction of the olisthetic vertebra. This apparatus is spring-loaded and is mounted on a modified Milwaukee brace. The patient remains in bed while this is worn. When it is believed that there is enough solidity in the fusion between the bodies of L5 and S1 the traction apparatus is removed and the patient allowed up.


The objective of this research was to determine the oxidative stability index (OSI) in virgin oil seed Sesamum indicum L. (Sesame) previously extracted by cold pressing, clarified by centrifugation and stored under nitrogen atmosphere and cooling on. The OSI was determined by accelerated Rancimat test, it was used for 3.0 ± 0.1 g of sample temperature parameters (110, 130 and 150 °C) and air flow (15, 20 and 25 L/h). Applying the Rancimat test, it was found by ANOVA (p < 0.05) that the influence of temperature on the OSI was highly significant, whereas the only air flow was significant. By extrapolation method, values were calculated at usual temperatures OSI oil storage (25 °C) to give stability times 214, 242 and 222 days, also the activation energy of the oxidation reaction of sesame oil for different air flows, is 97.28, 98.79 and 96.86 kJ / mol for 15, 20 and 25 L/h respectively.


Automatic Language Identification (LI) is a widely addressed task, but not all users (for example linguists) have the means or interest to develop their own tool or to train the existing ones with their own data. There are several off-the-shelf LI tools, but for some languages, it is unclear which tool is the best for specific types of text. This article presents a comparison of the performance of several off-the-shelf language identification tools on Bulgarian social media data. The LI tools are tested on a multilingual Twitter dataset (composed of 2966 tweets) and an existing Bulgarian Twitter dataset on the topic of fake content detection of 3350 tweets. The article presents the manual annotation procedure of the first dataset, a dis- cussion of the decisions of the two annotators, and the results from testing the 7 off-the-shelf LI tools on both datasets. Our findings show that the tool, which is the easiest for users with no programming skills, achieves the highest F1-Score on Bulgarian social media data, while other tools have very useful functionalities for Bulgarian social media texts.


Purpose: The aim of this research was to identify the mediating effect of sleep quality on the relationship between job stress and stress response of shift-working nurses. Methods: The participants in this study were 150 nurses who had more than 6 months of shift-working experience. A survey was conducted from May to June 2017 in a hospital in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The data were collected through self-report questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 program. The analysis was based on Baron and Kenny's model to examine the mediating effects of sleep quality on the relationship between job stress and stress response of shift-working nurses. Results: In the first and second steps, job stress was identified as a significant predictor of sleep quality (β= .29, p = .001) and stress response (β = .24, p = .004). In the third step, sleep (B = .55, p < .001) was observed as a significant predictor of stress response, and the direct relationship between job stress and stress response was not significant (β= .07, p = .291). Sleep quality was found to exhibit complete mediating effect on the relationship between job stress and stress response. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that strategies for managing the stress of shift-working nurses should include effective ways to ensure sleep quality.


The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach in controlling an active suspension system. This approach utilized the proportional integral sliding mode control scheme. Using this type of sliding surface, the asymptotic stability of the system during sliding mode is assured compared to the conventional sliding surface. The proposed control scheme is applied in designing an automotive active suspension system for a quarter-car model and its performance is compared with the existing passive suspension system. A simulation study is performed to prove the effectiveness of this control design.


Experiments are conducted to compare fuel economy of FTP-75 mode on two different lock-up conditions; (A) Lock-up on at engine speed of 1,200(rpm) and above for 3rd & 4th gear, (B) Lock-up on at engine speed of 1400rpm and above for 4th gear only. As a result, case A had better fuel economy about 2.75(%) than case B for FTP-75 mode. Simulation(CRUISE, AVL) study is also carried out in order to estimate the effect of Lock-up control strategy for vehicle fuel economy. The fuel economy simulation result agrees with the measured fuel economy within error of 2(%). The improved Lock-up control strategy is proposed by simulation.


The axial velocity and temperature distributions at the outlet section of inlet diffuser of Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) channel should be uniform as much as possible to avoid overheating of first rows of boiler heat exchangers tubes. Due to flow properties and angle of inlet diffuser, providing a uniform outlet velocity profile is impossible without using a correction device. A proposed design should be checked to satisfy the outlet velocity and temperature requirements. In current study, the abilities of computational fluid dynamics have been assessed to obtain the crucial profiles without the experimental difficulties. Regarding the special characteristics of flow and geometry, numerical solution may not be performed without taking some techniques into the CFD modeling. The actual HRSG inlet channel incorporates one perforated plate to correct the flow and three burner elements inside its wide-angle diffuser. Investigations have shown that the perforated plate and heat exchanger modules can be modeled by porous jump boundary condition and the burner elements by radiator faces respectively. Realizable k-e with non-equilibrium wall function seems to be the most optimum turbulence model for solution of the problem. KeywordsHRSG; Inlet Duct; Flow Correction; Diffuser; CFD


Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Goals: This study aimed to characterize the impact of stool consistency on patient-reported bowel movement (BM) satisfaction in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation, with a focus on linaclotide. Background: As new medications for constipation become available, understanding patients' perceptions of treatment effects may help clinicians manage patient expectations and inform clinical decision-making. Materials and Methods: Data were derived from the Chronic Constipation and IBS-C Treatment and Outcomes Real-world Research Platform (CONTOR) study from 2 patient-reported 7-day daily BM diaries to create a dataset of 2922 diaries representing 26,524 BMs for 1806 participants. Binary variables were created for: medication(s) used in the past 24 hours and categorization of BMs as loose or watery stools (LoWS), hard or lumpy stools (HoLS), or intermediate (neither LoWS nor HoLS). The relationship between stool consistency, medication use, and BM satisfaction was analyzed using logistic regression with SEs corrected for repeated observations. Results: BMs characterized as intermediate stools and LoWS were satisfactory more often (61.2% and 51.2%, respectively) than HoLS (19.4%). Participants who reported taking linaclotide rated a similar proportion of BMs as satisfactory when described as LoWS (65.6%) or intermediate (64.1%). Linaclotide use was associated with higher odds of BMs being reported as satisfactory compared with nonlinaclotide use (odds ratio: 1.23, P<0.05). Conclusions: Overall, CONTOR participants were more likely to report BMs classified as LoWS or intermediate as satisfactory, versus HoLS. Participants taking linaclotide were more likely to be satisfied, particularly those reporting LoWS, versus those not taking linaclotide.


This paper presents a method of predicting the operation and performance of metal oxide arresters in power system applications. The method deals with the low current V-I characteristics of the arrester for non-adiabatic thermal behaviour and with the high current V-I characteristics for response to surges and system disturbances.


Sa'ādah in Islam literally means happiness. In a broader sense, it also means a combination of peaceful and tranquil as well as being in luck. The concept of sa'ādah has always been a topic of interest among the researchers local and foreign alike to better the livelihood of mankind, thus indicating the necessity of sa'ādah in present times. Societies have a shallow understanding on the concept of sa'ādah that it needs to be clearly discussed from Islamic, Western, and Greek perspectives. This research therefore aims to discuss the concept of sa'ādah as per the views of the scholars selected from the Islamic, the western and the Greek disciplines. The discussion uses content analysis method by referring to the works and literatures penned by the above mentioned scholars pertaining to the concept of sa'ādah. Thereafter, the data are analyzed using comparative method of which similarities and differences of the views on sa'ādah are identified. The finding of the research show that there are a number of similarities among the views of the Islamic, the western and the Greek philosophers. However, this research also finds that the Islamic view of sa'ādah is more comprehensive because it encompasses happiness in the present world as well as the hereafter.


Environmental threats of anthropological origin, such as global warming, rising water levels, air pollution, excessive waste generation, or the seas and oceans quality decline, are threats that directly affect us. Thus, the main goal of this paper is to evaluate the impact of current economic development in the intentions of planetary limits through regression analysis using cross-sectional and panel data evaluating the dependence of ecological footprint per person, gross domestic product per person and Sustainable Development Index. The analysis shows that economic development in line with the current market rules contributes to expand the ecological footprint. We argue that both green measures into international and national policies as an effective monitoring of the achievement of sustainable goals of all market actors are necessary.


Leptospirosis is an infectious disease which affects man and animals, and is considered as the most
 common zoonosis worldwide. Every year, it is responsible for serious epidemics in tropical and developing
 countries. The pathogen is Leptospira interrogans, an extremely mobile and helicoidal spirochete.
 The clinical presentation of leptospirosis varies due to the diversity within the genus Leptospira
 and its complex epidemiology. Several mammal species may develop leptospirosis, mainly in its chronic
 form, and thus act as reservoirs for the disease. Human leptospirosis, or Weil's disease, has a high mortality
 rate and is caused by Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. The vaccination
 of man and animals has limited effects because vaccines are specific to the serovar and induce only
 a short-term immunity. The microagglutination test (MAT) used for the diagnosis of leptospirosis also
 has limitations, such as the inability to identify the early stage of the disease. However, progress is
 expected in diagnostic procedures, as the recently sequenced genome of Leptospira and the development
 of specific genetic tools mark the beginning of the post-genomic era in research on spirochetes.
 Our efforts are currently turned towards the understanding of leptospiral virulence mechanisms,
 as well as the development of more effective vaccines and diagnostic tests. The Spirochetes'
 Biology Unit at Institut Pasteur, Paris, has just identified the first leptospiral virulence factor, Loa22,
 a protein of the OmpA family exposed on the cell surface of the bacteria. Loa22 is a candidate for
 the development of a vaccine.


A paradigm shift from instruction to learning is a goal for the whole education system; in this perspective, assessment plays an important role because of its influence on students' study strategies and their approach to knowledge. This change is a professional challenge for university teachers called upon to revisit their didactic practices with particular attention to assessment.Going beyond a mere vision of evaluation as a simple measurement is particularly urgent in the university context; it relates to young adults who are about to access the workplace where more than in the past, they are required to show what they can do with what they know.The experience carried out at the Catholic University aims to put into action an evaluative strategy coherent with the paradigm of learning. The evidence collected, also gathering students' views, support our initial hypotheses and also allow to develop some general reflections on university teachers' profiles and their training, with particular reference to the scholarship of assessment,considered as the heart of the scholarship of teaching.


This study aimed to compare quality of life, self-image and self-esteem reported by elderly individuals or group practice athletes, and seniors who do not practice physical activities. Participants were 36 elderly, male, 60 to 74 years old, selected by convenience. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the WHOQOL-Bref, the WHOQOL-Old and the Self Concept and Self-Esteem Questionnaire were used. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics. The comparison between groups showed significant differences regarding self-image and self-esteem, in which the practitioners of team sports had higher values than the individual sports practitioners. Regarding quality of life, the same group made superior evaluations compared to the sedentary group. The limitations of the study include the use of self-assessment questionnaires / self-report, which are prone to have the interference of social desirability and not have controlled activities of daily life, especially of the sedentary group. Further research with larger sample and greater control of variables is suggested


The present study is an attempt to investigate the way culture is addressed in ELT in Iran in general and the place of culture in ELT at the high school level of education in particular. Throughout the study, this issue was examined with reference to the relevant theoretical background, and the content analysis of prescribed English textbooks. The research findings make it clear that the current materials or textbooks are shallow and superficial with respect to their treatment of culture. They are therefore inadequate to the task of teaching culture specifics in the deeper sense (values, norms, beliefs, etc.) or culture-general skills such as intercultural communication and understanding. Key word: Language-culture relationship, Textbooks and culture, ELT in Iran


This study is to observe stray currents generated around the steel tower by domestic transmission network system and analysis stability of electric detonator. It is measured the stay current of each ten place at steel tower of 765 ㎸, 345 ㎸, 154 ㎸ transmission line among domestic transmission network system. Stay currents measured a total of 40m at intervals of 4m toward a line direction and a line vertical direction centering around steel tower. Temperature of the surface, EC, water content also are measured. Although stay currents show the highest values, that is 12 percent of at 4m and less than I percent of 40m with Institute of Makers of Explosives(IME) regulations. It is shown correlation between stay currents and water contentㆍECㆍtemperature of the surface. Stay currents measured at line direction and line vertical direction were little different and the shape of diminution was also shown a similar aspect.


As designers have become more eloquent in the exploitation of the powerful yet generic calculating capabilities of the computer, contemporary architectural practice seems to have set its mind on creating a logic machine that designs from predetermined constraints. Generating form from mathematical formulae thus gives the design process a scientific twist that allows the design to present itself as the outcome to a rigorous and objective process. So far, several designer-computer relations have been explored. The common designer-computer models are often described as either pre-rational or post-rational. Yet another approach would be the irrational. The hypothesis is that the early design process is in need of the unexpected, rather than iron logic. This research investigated how the use of randomness as a generative principle could present the designer with a creative design environment. The analysis and reading of randomness in art and architecture production takes as examples works of art where the artist/designer saw uncertainty or unpredictability as an intricate part of the process. The selected works incorporate, mostly, an instigating and an interpreting party embedded in the making of the work. The negotiations of boundaries between both parties determine the development of the work. Crucial to the selected works of art was the rendering of control or choice from one party to another whether human, machine or nature being used as a generative principle. Jackson Pollock serves as the analog example of a scattered computation: an indefinite number of calculations, of which each has a degree of randomness, that relate in a rhizomic manner. Pollock responds to each of these outcomes, allowing the painting to form from intentions rather than expectations. This looking and acting aspect to Pollock's approach is illustrated in the Jackson Pollock shape grammar. Ultimately the investigation of randomness in art is translated to architecture by comparing the Pollock approach in his drip paintings to Greg Lynn's digital design process in the Port Authority Gateway project. In the Pollock approach to digital design agency is given to the tools at hand, yet at the same time, the sheer indefinite number of designer-system interactions allows the design to emerge out of that constructive dialogue in an intuitive manner.


The fundamental phenotypes of growth rate, size and morphology are the result of complex interactions between genotype and environment. We developed a high-throughput software application, WormSizer, which computes size and shape of nematodes from brightfield images. Existing methods for estimating volume either coarsely model the nematode as a cylinder or assume the worm shape or opacity is invariant. Our estimate is more robust to changes in morphology or optical density as it only assumes radial symmetry. This open source software is written as a plugin for the well-known image-processing framework Fiji/ImageJ. It may therefore be extended easily. We evaluated the technical performance of this framework, and we used it to analyze growth and shape of several canonical Caenorhabditis elegans mutants in a developmental time series. We confirm quantitatively that a Dumpy (Dpy) mutant is short and fat and that a Long (Lon) mutant is long and thin. We show that daf-2 insulin-like receptor mutants are larger than wild-type upon hatching but grow slow, and WormSizer can distinguish dauer larvae from normal larvae. We also show that a Small (Sma) mutant is actually smaller than wild-type at all stages of larval development. WormSizer works with Uncoordinated (Unc) and Roller (Rol) mutants as well, indicating that it can be used with mutants despite behavioral phenotypes. We used our complete data set to perform a power analysis, giving users a sense of how many images are needed to detect different effect sizes. Our analysis confirms and extends on existing phenotypic characterization of well-characterized mutants, demonstrating the utility and robustness of WormSizer.


Mining is the only source for the minerals and metals that are required to maintain the high quality of life we now enjoy in this modern, high-tech world in which we live. There are many equipment available to implement, some of them are drilling, blasting, tunnel boring and cutting machines etc. As the rock mass is heterogeneous as well as unisotropic.so the tools are most often observed to be inadequate for cutting and loosening the rock with perfection. Sccientists have developed so tests to predict rock properties and tool wear to be used to work efficiently. Tool wear is an important parameter in mechanized tunneling and is highly affected by rock abrasiveness. There are numerous tests to identify the rock abrasivity. One of the widely used rock abrasion tests is the Cerchar abrasion index (CAI). This test is used for estimation of bit life and wear in various mining and tunneling applications. The test is simple and can be considered for field applications. However, there are some discrepancies in the test results related to the equipment used, surface condition of rock samples, operator skills, and procedures used in measurement of worn out surface (wear flat). In this investigation, a Cerchar abrasivity index apparatus using mild steel material has been developed. Different parts were fabricated and a single unit was prepared. Four different sandstone samples collected from varying depth from 365m to 368m and their behavior were measured. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and Cerchar abrasivity index (CAI) values of these sample were determined. Compare the CAI value with standard laboratory test result. The relation between unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and Cerchar abrasivity index (CAI) values was developed. It is absorbed that the measured values compare favorably to standard laboratory test results.


The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and localization of interproximal periodontal intrabony defects (IPIDs) in the total adult population of a Swedish county. On each interproximal tooth surface (third molars excluded) in 733 randomly selected dentate individuals aged 20 years and over, one examiner recorded from x5-magnified periapical radiographs, the presence or absence of IPID with a width and depth of at least 5 and 10 mm, respectively, representing 1 and 2 mm unmagnified. Intra-examiner reproducibility determined from double recordings was substantial (kappa = 0.66). Recordings of IPID were compared with those performed by 24 specialist periodontists using their own diagnostic criteria. IPIDs were recorded in 32% of the 733 examined individuals; the number of defects per individual ranged from 1 to 15. The prevalence of IPID increased with increasing age and IPID occurred more frequently in men than in women. IPID was observed more frequently on mesial than on distal tooth surfaces, whereas there was no difference between maxillary and mandibular tooth surfaces. Symmetrical localizations of IPID in relation to the sagittal plane were observed.


A simple and fast method was developed to fabricate pH-responsive microcapsules. After the copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), methacrylic acid (MAA), and a crosslinker, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, at 65°C in the presence of sacrificial CaCO3 microparticles, hollow microcapsules were acquired by template removal. A higher temperature and the presence of MAA/NIPAAm were found to be critical factors for the successful fabrication of the microcapsules. The entire fabrication step was simple, fast, and easy to scale up. The microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The pH responsiveness of the microcapsules was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and ζ-potential analysis. Together with the fastness and simplicity of the fabrication process, this kind of pH-responsive microcapsule holds potential for drug- and gene-delivery systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013


ABSTRACT The pathogenic oomycete Aphanomyces invadans is the primary etiological agent in ulcerative mycosis, an ulcerative skin disease caused by a fungus-like agent of wild and cultured fish. We developed sensitive PCR and fluorescent peptide nucleic acid in situ hybridization (FISH) assays to detect A. invadans. Laboratory-challenged killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) were first tested to optimize and validate the assays. Skin ulcers of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) from populations found in the Pamlico and Neuse River estuaries in North Carolina were then surveyed. Results from both assays indicated that all of the lesioned menhaden (n = 50) collected in September 2004 were positive for A. invadans. Neither the FISH assay nor the PCR assay cross-reacted with other closely related oomycetes. These results provided strong evidence that A. invadans is the primary oomycete pathogen in ulcerative mycosis and demonstrated the utility of the assays. The FISH assay is the first molecular assay to provide unambiguous visual confirmation that hyphae in the ulcerated lesions were exclusively A. invadans.


This study reports the preparation and analysis of a potentiometric multisensor for detecting pH, uric acid, and glucose levels. The pH sensor was based on a ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) sensing membrane. The potentiometric uric acid and glucose biosensors consisted of immobilized uricase and glucose oxidase (GOD) enzymes on the RuO2 sensing membrane. The ruthenium dioxide sensing membrane was first deposited on silicon and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates using a sputtering system. A graphical measurement interface for the multisensor was also designed using National Instrument LabVIEW software. The potentiometric uric acid biosensor based on a ruthenium dioxide membrane on PET and silicon substrates can be determined in the linear ranges from 2 to 8 mg/dl with a 0.995 and 0.998 linear regression, respectively. In addition, the potentiometric glucose biosensor based on a ruthenium dioxide thin film on PET and silicon substrates shows that the measurement ranges from 40 to 360 mg/dl at sensitivities of 0.348 and 0.468 mV(mg/dl)-1, respectively. This study also investigates wireless monitoring (Bluetooth) and remote monitoring (Web-based) of the multisensor's measurement system and integrates the utility of the developed sensors for homecare or healthcare in the future.


Historically there has been a rich discussion concerning the function of streets in cities, and their role in urban life. This paper outlines the relevance of temporary appropriation for understanding social dynamics within a given urban environment, looking in particular at activities occurring in the street. It takes as a case study Mexico City Centre and examines the laws and regulations set out by the government of Mexico City which regulate the use of the street. It contrasts this with the ways in which the inhabitants of the city appropriate public space on a daily basis. There is a contrast between the lack of clarity in the legislation surrounding potential activities occurring on the street, and a seemingly tacit consensus between citizens regarding how they appropriate such public spaces. We explore this contrast and outline ways in which public space is used in traditional and unexpected ways, how creative ways are found to use the street area within the spirit of the law, and where further research on this topic this could lead in future.


Aim This paper presents a comparison between abstracts of papers published in a national level journal from Romania and one considered top - ranked in computer science with the aim of identifying possible common features or differences. Method The comparison is based on a registry variation text analysis that computes potential indicators of scientific writing (number of nouns, verbs, and adverbs used, lexical density and type - token ratio) Results Results show a significant difference in terms of number of nouns, adverbs and verbs used, indicating that there is a need for the Romanian researchers to take into account some aspects related to scientific writing (particularly the use of nouns in academic texts). Conclusion While this analysis does not aim to account for any qualitative differences regarding content between the two journals, in an era in which open-access publication may change the way article impact is measured, it does emphasize the importance of academic writing skills development and of targeted academic writing programs. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1s1p82


A draft EC directive that threatens an embargo on personal information to any nation that does not satisfy its privacy requirements is discussed. The directive seeks to harmonize privacy laws to allow the free flow of personal data because many different approaches might impede economic ventures among members. A historical outline of the proscription of secondary use of personal information in the US is presented. The interpretation of the secondary use principle and two recent cases that demonstrate the wide range of disagreement on secondary use are also discussed.<<ETX>>


Photoaffinity labeling enables the direct probing of a target protein through a covalent bond between a ligand and its binding protein. We used carbene-generating phenyldiazirine as a photophore because practical examinations had shown that the phenyldiazirine functioned as the powerful barb on the hook. This review describes improvements of synthetic strategies of the photoaffinity ligands bearing diazirine. First, we dramatically improved the direct formylation of phenyldiazirine, which was a practical diazirine source, to obtain a versatile diazirine unit. Second, we established "the photoreactive unit technique" for a one-step introduction of phenyldiazirine into peptides, proteins, DNAs, and sugars. Since the photoreactive units can be easily integrated into physiological ligands by chemoselective reaction, the biochemists, who are not familiar with organic synthesis, can prepare the photoaffinity ligands using their interested ligands. Our improvements would promote the utilization of phenyldiazirine for analyzing biological interfaces, and extend the potential of photoaffinity labeling as a sensitive means of rapidly elucidating protein structures and proteomic profiling.


This research examines the effect of video model aided teaching on performances of classical guitar students at beginner level. The experiment was carried out on experimental and control groups made up of the 3. year students taking "The Optional Guitar" course given in Abant Izzet Baysal University, Education Faculty Elementary Education and Special Education Programs. The Guitar course was implemented on experimental group and control group with traditional method for three weeks. At the end of this period, audible and visual CDs of the same subject were given to the experimental group students. Research results indicated that the video model aided guitar teaching has a positive influence on holding the guitar, right hand - left hand performances and performances on a monodi


Persistent vaginal estrus with uterine and pituitary hypertrophy were found in adult female rats 4–10 months after placement of preoptic and anterior hypothalamic lesions. Serum TSH, I 131 release rate and histology of the thyroid and ascorbic acid concentration of adenohypophysis, ovary and adrenal were normal. Exposure of lesioned rats to cold (5°C, 36–55 days) profoundly altered pituitary-target gland functions. Ovarian atrophy and uterine involution resulted; vaginal cornification ceased. Pituitary hypertrophy was inhibited but ascorbic acid concentration was maintained. Serum and pituitary TSH levels decreased and acceleration of thyroidal radioiodine release was prevented. Apparent dichotomy in adrenal responses developed. Despite enlarged adrenals, plasma corticosterone level in cold stressed, operated rats averaged less than one-third that of intact controls. Adrenal ascorbic acid concentration remained normal. The results underscore the basic role of central nervous mechanisms in endocrine function under chronic cold stress. Hypothalamic lesions which permit adequate trophic hormone secretion at normal temperatures drastically curtail thyroidal and ovarian function and selectively limit adrenal responses in the cold.


In many applications of the differences-in-differences (DID) method, the treatment increases more in the treatment group, but some units are also treated in the control group. In such fuzzy designs, a popular estimator of treatment effects is the DID of the outcome divided by the DID of the treatment, or OLS and 2SLS regressions with time and group fixed effects estimating weighted averages of this ratio across groups. We start by showing that when the treatment also increases in the control group, this ratio estimates a causal effect only if treatment effects are homogenous in the two groups. Even when the distribution of treatment is stable, it requires that the effect of time be the same on all counterfactual outcomes. As this assumption is not always applicable, we propose two alternative estimators. The first estimator relies on a generalization of common trends assumptions to fuzzy designs, while the second extends the changes-in-changes estimator of Athey & Imbens (2006). When the distribution of treatment changes in the control group, treatment effects are partially identified. Finally, we prove that our estimators are asymptotically normal and use them to revisit applied papers using fuzzy designs.


This paper considers the impact of traumatic experiences on sexual functioning and sexual relationships. There is a large literature on the way sexual trauma affects later sexual functioning and relationships. Non-sexual traumatic experiences also affect these domains. The focus here is on the latter, with reference to the literature and to case examples. Some comments are also made on clinical treatment issues.


The porosity of the cathode in a lithium-oxygen battery is a crucial parameter that influences oxygen transport and active surface area availability. This study explores various cathode models with different initial porosity distributions and analyses the porosity evolution during discharge. The objective is to maximize the active surface area utilization of the cathode and increase the battery's discharge capacity. The simulations employ a recently developed Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) model proposed by Chen et al. (Chen, S., B. Yang, and C. Zheng, Simulation of double-diffusive convection in fluid-saturated porous media by lattice Boltzmann method. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2017. 108: p. 1501-1510.), which is capable of handling spatial and temporal variations in diffusion coefficient values. The results demonstrate that a hierarchical porous cathode provides a better specific capacity than a uniform porous cathode with the same average initial porosity. The specific capacity increases as the magnitude of initial porosity variation in the domain increases. Furthermore, incorporating oxygen channels improves oxygen transport in the cathode and offers a better specific capacity than the hierarchical porous cathode. A combination of hierarchical porous media and oxygen channels delivers the best specific capacity among all the other cathode models, as it efficiently balances oxygen transport and active surface area.


The dynamics of transient electric fields generated by the interaction of high intensity laser pulses with underdense plasmas has been studied experimentally with the proton projection imaging technique. The formation of a charged channel, the propagation of its front edge and the late electric field evolution have been characterized with high temporal and spatial resolution. Particle-in-cell simulations and an electrostatic, ponderomotive model reproduce the experimental features and trace them back to the ponderomotive expulsion of electrons and the subsequent ion acceleration.


Lysine-specific demethylase-1 (LSD1) is a histone H3 K4 demethylase that plays a critical role in hematopoietic progenitor cell differentiation, in particular, the production of megakaryocytes and erythrocytes from their common classical bi-potent progenitor (MEP). LSD1 is recruited to chromatin by the transcription factor GFI1B to license the maturation of megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitor cells (MEPs). Anemia is a common and serious complication of primary myelofibrosis (PMF), which is often refractory to conventional therapy. We report here the effect of IMG-7289 (bomedemstat), an LSD1 inhibitor, on skewing the fate of MEPs favoring the production of red cells over platelets and producing a complete hematologic remission in a JAK2V617F-positive PMF patient who had developed a refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts.
 A 63 year old woman presented in 2016 with a 1 year history of with fatigue significantly compromising her lifestyle. She denied fever, night sweats, or weight loss. The physical examination was unremarkable with no palpable splenomegaly. Laboratory studies showed a hemoglobin (Hb) of 11.3 g/dL, a total white blood cell count (WBC) of 20.3k/µL with leukoerythroblastosis with 1% circulating blast cells, and a platelet count of 1,192k/µL. A bone marrow biopsy (BMB) showed a hypercellular marrow with increased dysmorphic megakaryocytes but without dyserythropoiesis. There were no ringed sideroblasts with Perls stain, and silver staining showed grade 2 reticulin fibrosis. The karyotype was del(7)(q11.2) and genotyping identified a JAK2V716F allele (VAF not known). The patient was considered to have PMF.
 Initial treatment consisted of hydroxyurea but without any improvement in her symptoms. Financial constraints initially prevented access to ruxolitinib but the patient was eventually started on 15 mg BID in January 2018. She tolerated therapy well but discontinued therapy a year later owing to no improvement in her fatigue and opted for observation alone. Over the next year, her hemoglobin fell to the range of 9.0-9.5g/dl and she developed drenching night sweats.
 A BMB in August 2019 showed a hypercellular marrow with increased dysplastic megakaryocytes but now with 76% ringed sideroblasts. Reticulin stain showed grade 2-3 fibrosis. No other dysplastic features were observed. Additional genotyping was declined by insurance and the patient was considered to have an MPN/MDS overlap syndrome.
 Accordingly, the patient was enrolled in clinical trial IMG-7289-CTP-102 (NCT03136185), a study of the LSD1 IMG-7289. On entry, her Hb was 9.5 gm/dL with an absolute reticulocyte count of 129K/µL. The WBC was 22.7k/µL with 69% neutrophils and 11% monocytes. The platelet count was 1,585k/µL with a mean platelet volume (MPV) of 8.1 fL. Genotyping showed a JAK2V617F VAF of 27%, a new SF3B1K700E mutation with a VAF of 26%, and a DNMT3A mutation with a VAF of 95%. Spleen volume by imaging was 283.3 cm³. The starting IMG-7289 dose was 40 mg po QD. At week 12, the Hb rose to 13.8 g/dL while the absolute reticulocyte count fell to 40K/µL. The platelet count was 271k/µL with the MPV increasing to 10.5 fL. The WBC was 5.2k/µL with 58% neutrophils and 18% monocytes. The mutant JAK2 allele burden had dropped to 14%. The spleen volume was 223 cm³. The IMG-7289 dose was reduced to 35 mg QD after complaints of fatigue. At Week 24, Hb was 11.7 g/dL, WBC was 12.1k/µL and platelets were 743k/µL. The total symptom score (MPN SAF TSS) was reduced by 31% from baseline.
 The expected pharmacodynamic effects of LSD1 inhibition on hematopoiesis were evident in this patient: monocytosis with a decrease in neutrophils and a marked reduction in the platelet count. Most striking was the concurrent improvement in the patient's anemia which was associated with a persistent reticulocytosis present at the start of treatment but with a significant increase in red blood cells in the setting of a SF3B1 mutation.
 MEP fate decisions hinge on the balance between KLF1 and FLI1 with the former favoring an erythroid fate, the later, megakaryocytes. The transcription factor complex of FLI1, GATA1, FOG1 which recruits the LSD1-containing NuRD complex is essential for megakaryocyte function; IMG-7289 likely disrupts that complex favoring erythropoiesis over megakaryopoiesis.
 The inhibition of LSD1 may, therefore, in the setting of thrombocytosis and anemia, rebalance the fate of MEPs to ameliorate both abnormalities.

 Yacoub: Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Agios: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Speakers Bureau; Hylapharm: Current equity holder in private company; Cara Therapeutics: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Ardelyx: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Dynavax: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Roche: Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Rienhoff:Imago BioSciences: Current Employment, Current equity holder in private company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties.


Carbon dioxide is inexpensive and abundant, and its prevalence as waste makes it attractive as a sustainable chemical feedstock. Although there are examples of copolymerizations of CO2 with high-energy monomers, the direct copolymerization of CO2 with olefins has not been reported. Herein, an alternate route to tunable, recyclable polyesters derived from CO2 and butadiene via an intermediary lactone, 3-ethyl-6-vinyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one, is described. Catalytic ring-opening polymerization of the lactone by 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene yields polyesters with molar masses up to 13.6 kg/mol and pendent vinyl sidechains that can undergo post-polymerization functionalization. The polymer has a low ceiling temperature of 138 ºC, allowing for facile chemical recycling. These results mark the first example of a well-defined polyester derived solely from CO2 and olefins, expanding access to new feedstocks that were once considered unfeasible.


Using deterministic ray‐acoustic modeling of 1000‐km propagation in the North Pacific, a depth‐dependent parameter of ocean sound channels has been found to strongly influence geometrical ray propagation. This parameter is the sound speed times the second vertical derivative of sound speed divided by the square of the first derivative. Ray and wavefront timing and intensity can be influenced within realistic ocean sound channels by unpredictable wavefront triplications and caustics. These triplications are associated with large values of the parameter at ray turning points. The parameter, a relative curvature, behaves as a random variable because of ocean finestructure, causing the unpredictability. The relative curvature has a higher mean value near the sound‐speed minimum for both an internal‐wave model and actual data, so that this mechanism is a plausible explanation of poor multipath resolution and identifiability late in North Pacific pulse trains.


Different concentrations of zinc chloride were tested regarding their effect on DNA synthesis of human thymocytes. A concentration of 1.8 X 10(-4) M resulted in an evident stimulation, while the highest concentration tested, 3.6 X 10(-4) M, inhibited the DNA synthesis.


An Inverse Scattering Method is developed for the Camassa-Holm equation. As an illustration of our approach the solutions corresponding to the reflectionless potentials are constructed in terms of the scattering data. The main difference with respect to the standard Inverse Scattering Transform lies in the fact that we have a weighted spectral problem. We therefore have to develop different asymptotic expansions. MSC: 35P25, 35Q15, 35Q35, 35Q51, 35Q53


As one of the traditional optimization problems, clustering still plays a vital role for the researches both theoretically and practically nowadays. Although many successful clustering algorithms have been presented, most (if not all) need to be given the number of clusters before the clustering procedure is invoked. A novel differential evolution based clustering algorithm is presented in this paper to solve the problem of determining the number of clusters automatically. The proposed algorithm leverages the strengths of two technologies: one is a novel algorithm for finding the approximate number of clusters while the other is a heuristic search algorithm for automatic clustering. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can not only determine the approximate number of clusters automatically, but it can also provide more accurate results.


This is the latest review of joint-specific tools used to evaluate patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) surgery, which is an effective treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis. Due to the large number and multitude of scales and their variants used, a critical assessment of the available tools is necessary. In the article, we briefly describe six different clinical tools: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Harris Hip Score, the Oxford Hip Score, the Mayo Hip Score, and the Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score. We present the advantages and constraints of the different outcome measures, providing a helpful resource of information for clinical trials and for everyday routine evaluation.

https://www.termedia.pl/Journal/-18/pdf-40681-10?filename=An update on joint.pdf


This is the eighth edition of this book; the first appeared in 1948. It has obviously been written for the British physician who treats emergencies on land, sea, and air (and even under the sea). It has large sections of statistics useful only to a physician practicing in England: telephone numbers of poison stations, locations of artificial kidneys, local laws on how to bequeath a body (or parts thereof) or to deal with an alleged rape, etc. These matters are undeniably important, and it is nice to have this information handy, but much of the contents would not be exciting to a physician practicing in Elmira or Tucson. It also "suffers" from brevity (which it must, if it is to be comprehensive—and it is: see page 588, which deals with "Camel Bites"). Nevertheless, the book has many assets, and I am pleased to own a copy. As we have come


Fuzzy rule interpolation offers a useful means for enhancing the robustness of fuzzy models by making inference possible in sparse rule-based systems. However, in real-world applications of inter-connected rule bases, situations may arise when certain crucial antecedents are absent from given observations. If such missing antecedents were involved in the subsequent interpolation process, the final conclusion would not be deducible using conventional means. To address this issue, an approach named backward fuzzy rule interpolation and extrapolation has been proposed recently, allowing the observations which directly relate to the conclusion to be inferred or interpolated from the known antecedents and conclusion. As such, it significantly extends the existing fuzzy rule interpolation techniques. However, the current idea has only been implemented via the use of the scale and move transformation-based fuzzy interpolation method, which utilise analogical reasoning mechanisms. In order to strengthen the versatility and feasibility of backward fuzzy interpolative reasoning, in this paper, an alternative α-cut-based interpolation method is proposed. Two numerical examples and comparative studies are provided in order to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed work.