Seven species of coral--Dichocoenia stokesii, Montastrea annularis, Agaricia agaricites, Acropora cervicornis, Porites furcata, P. astreodes, and P. divercata--were experimentally exposed to three concentrations of drilling mud obtained from an offshore oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. The whole mud, collected from the mud pit of a well at a drilling depth of 4,000 m, was diluted with seawater to produce concentrations of 100, 316, and 1,000 µL/L. Corals were exposed to each of the three concentrations and control seawater for 96 hours to observe behavioral response. Response to drilling-mud concentrations was measured as percent of polyps retracted. Some experiments were conducted in laboratory aquaria with Gulf Stream water, but the most significant experiments were conducted at Carysfort Reef, Florida Keys, using similar aquaria located in 3 m of water. Polyp behavior was determined with serial closeup photography which allowed counting of retracted, partially retracted, and nonretracted polyps in each colony. All species except Montastrea annularis and Agaricia agaricites survived exposure to 1,000-µL/L mud during the period of testing. In two tests with Acropora cervicornis, one group survived exposure to the mud and the other died. All other corals except dichocoenia stokesii and Porites divercata showed significant (p<0.05) polyp retraction during exposure to 100-µL/L mud concentration, whereas 316-µL/L mud was the minimum concentration which induced significant polyp retraction in Porites divercata. Polyps of Dichocoenia stokesii did not react to any of the three concentrations. End_of_Article - Last_Page 540------------


We provide a reformulation of the constraint hierarchies (CHs) framework based on the notion of error indicators. Adapting the generalised view of local consistency in semiring-based constraint satisfaction problems, we define constraint hierarchy k-consistency (CH-k-C) and give a CH-2-C enforcement algorithm. We demonstrate how the CH-2-C algorithm can be seamlessly integrated into the ordinary branch-and-bound algorithm to make it a finite domain (FD) CH solver. Experimentation confirms the efficiency and robustness of our proposed solver prototype. Unlike other FD CH solvers, our proposed method works for both local and global comparators. In addition, our solver can support arbitrary error functions.


Sir, Hayward et al.1 report an interesting family. They modestly conclude that the association may be coincidental, giving this possibility as much weight as of the two phenomena being linked. From the very informative pedigree (Figure repeated here, slightly altered for convenience) with the founder having had offspring by three wives, one can assess the odds against the association being chance.


Following Anastasi and Thurstone, the factor structure of evaluative anxiety was examined among six groups of primary age boys and girls (N = 8064). A factor matching technique was used to study hypotheses about the effects of group differences in socioeconomic status (SES), ethnicity, and sex on the pattern of the children's responses to the Test Anxiety Scale for Children (TASC). Hypotheses about the congruence of factor patterns were based on both demographic differences and results of developmental research. The hypothesis of an SES X ethnicity X sex interaction was strongly supported. Implications for comparing factor structures, measuring evaluative anxiety, and future research of evaluative anxiety are discussed.


Vitamins A, C, E and folate have properties, such as modulation of DNA synthesis and repair, control of cellular differentiation and proliferation, as well as antioxidation, which are potentially cancer preventive. In a 2007 international panel review of the epidemiological literature published through 2006, the available data on the associations between intake of these vitamins and ovarian cancer risk were judged to be limited and inconclusive. Relatively few studies had been published and statistical power may have been limited in most studies. Among subsequent studies, sample sizes have been large in some though results remain inconsistent. In this project, we examined vitamin intakes from food only (dietary) and from food and supplements together (total) in relation to ovarian cancer risk by pooling the primary data from the following studies: Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project Follow-up Study, Canadian National Breast Screening Study, Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort, Iowa Women9s Health Study, Netherlands Cohort Study, New York State Cohort, New York University Women9s Health Study, Nurses9 Health Study, Nurses9 Health Study II, and Swedish Mammography Cohort. Vitamin intakes were ascertained from a validated food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline in each study. Study-specific relative risks (RR) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model, and then combined using a random-effects model. Multivariate models included total energy intake and other potential ovarian cancer risk factors. Among 501,857 women, 1,973 cases of ovarian cancer occurred during a maximum follow-up of 7 to 22 years across studies. When analyzed as continuous variables the RRs for dietary and total intakes of each of the vitamins were not significantly associated with ovarian cancer. For increments of intake defined by the mean of the standard deviation of the mean intake across studies, the pooled multivariate RRs (95% CI) for total intake of each vitamin were 1.02 (0.97-1.07) for each 1300 mcg/day increase in vitamin A, 1.01 (0.99-1.04) for each 400 mg/day increase in vitamin C, 1.02 (0.97-1.06) for each 130 mg/day increase in vitamin E and 1.01 (0.96-1.07) for each 250 mcg/day increase in folate. When vitamin intakes were analyzed as categorical variables defined by study-specific quintiles of intake, the results were consistent with the continuous analyses and indicated no significant association. There was no evidence of statistically significant heterogeneity between studies in any of the analyses. Also, the pooled RRs did not vary greatly by levels of parity, oral contraceptive use, postmenopausal hormone use, smoking status or alcohol consumption, nor did associations greatly differ by histological type. We also examined use of specific vitamin supplements and multivitamins and did not observe a significant association with risk of ovarian cancer overall; the pooled multivariate RR (95% CI) for multivitamin use versus non-use was 1.00 (0.89-1.12). This large pooled analysis suggests that vitamins A, C, E and folate are not associated with the risk of ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Anita Koushik, Stephanie A. Smith-Warner. Intake of vitamins A, C, E, and folate and risk of ovarian cancer in a pooled analysis of 10 cohort studies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr A42.


Estrogens are female sex hormones that may also protect against peroxidative damage of membrane lipids and low density lipoproteins (LDL). Studies have reported that female rats have greater protection against free radical induced lipid peroxidation and muscle damage consequent to exercise than do male rats. It has been suggested that the lower susceptibility to exercise induced oxidative stress and muscle membrane disruption of female rats may be due primarily to the antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties of estrogens. Studies on humans have indicated that the lower incidence of atherosclerosis seen in premenopausal females in comparison to males is due at least in part to the ability of estrogens to diminish LDL peroxidation. However, there is little evidence as to the potential of estrogens to protect human females from free radical induced peroxidation and muscle damage due to exercise. This paper reviews the evidence for membrane stabilization potential of estrogens and their possible mechanisms, and speculates as to the potential significance of this for human exercise.


Customizing program binary and communication features is a commonly adopted strategy to counter network security threats like session hijacking, context confusion, and impersonation attacks. A potential attacker may have enough time to launch an attack targeting these vulnerabilities by rerouting the target request to a malicious server or hijacking the traffic. This paper presents a novel system Verify-Pro, a framework for server authentication using communication protocol dialects by customizing the communication features, enforcing continuous authentication, detecting the adversary, and preventing sensitive information leakage. Specifically, we leverage a machine learning approach (pre-trained neural network model) on both client and server machines to trigger a specific dialect that dynamically changes for each request (e.g., get filename in FTP). Then, a decision tree algorithm is developed to automatically detect the adversary and terminate the entire session if the message is from an adversary. We implement a prototype of Verify-Pro and evaluate its practicality on standard communication protocol: FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and present a case study of the internet of things protocol MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). Our experimental results show that by sending misleading information through the message packets from an attacker at the application layer, it is possible for the recipient to identify if the sender is genuine or a spoofed one, with a negligible overhead of < 1%.


Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been implicated as a causative organism in early-onset periodontitis. The mechanisms by which A. actinomycetemcomitans is pathogenic are not known, but the organism produces several potential virulence factors, one of which is a leukotoxin. As a group, bacterial protein toxins are made up of structural domains which control various aspects of toxic activity, such as target cell recognition, membrane insertion, and killing. The purpose of this article is to review the structure of RTX, with special emphasis to its relation to toxin function. In addition, we will propose a model based upon other bacterial proteins whereby the water-soluble A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin is able to achieve insertion into a biological membrane. J Periodontol 1996;67:298-308.


Recently the researchers has been interested in the development of the high performance windows such as solar control window using automatic shading devices, air-flow window, selective coating window. In order to assess the energy performance of total fenestration system, the net energy gains or losses through the glazings and windows should be evaluated. It depends on the thermal transmittance (U-value) and the total solar energy transmittance (SHGC, g-value). This study aims to measure the solar heat gain coefficient according to the NFRC 201 standard test method. In results, we could find the result of different SHGC of the glazing system with a different slat angles. The SHGC in case of of internal slat angle with regard to the window surface is about 0.56, that in case of is about 0.49 and that in case of is about 0.33. Significant dependence on the solar radiation intensity and incident angle was found in comparison of the measured and simulated SHGC.


This article throws light on the issue of identity and Double Consciousness which creates traumatic effects on the psyche, identity and culture of Shahid, the representative of South Asian Immigrants depicted in Hanif Kureishi's The Black Album in Britain. In The Black Album, Shahid is depicted as a South Asian British Muslim who looks at himself from the eyes of the White British and he finds two-ness in himself, which is similar to W. E. B. Du Bois' theory of Double Consciousness that "is the sense of always looking at one's self from the eyes of others" (2). So, the article reveals the double consciousness of Shahid, the protagonist who carries hybrid identity for having British White mother and Pakistani Muslim father. Because of being a South Asian Muslim immigrant living under the hegemony of White Supremacy in Britain, he experiences Double Consciousness, which causes his inferiority complex, lack of self-esteem, rootlessness, in-betweenness and fragmentation of identity. Thus, the article deals with the Double Consciousness within the binary opposition between the East and West, Islamic Fundamentalist and Western Liberalism, and Pakistani Identity and British Identity. According to the theorists Homi Bhabha, Edward Said and Frantz Fanon, the colonized people who become immigrants in the postcolonial era suffer from identity crisis and double consciousness as they face segregation, racism, discrimination and various other forms of Othering.


This study will examine whether Russian labor is truly "quiescent" by examining general activity in Moscow from 2000 to 2014 and then focusing on white-collar union activity. The results indicate that over this period, the unions representing healthcare workers, teachers, and academics were very active and often achieved concessions from the government such as higher wages or changes to proposed reforms. These findings are important in the context of other post-communist states (Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic) as they indicate that institutional differences like method of unionization and unions' political involvement led to different results for white-collar unions in these countries. Finally, this study makes clear that while institutional differences and the legacy of communism can lead to different outcomes, white-collar unions in Moscow have effectively used various forms of political pressure to press for concessions and policy changes.


Abstract HPx is a multicomponent reactive transport model which uses HYDRUS as the flow and transport solver and PHREEQC-3 as the biogeochemical solver. Some recent adaptations have significantly increased the flexibility of the software for different environmental and engineering applications. This paper gives an overview of the most significant changes of HPx, such as coupling transport properties to geochemical state variables, gas diffusion, and transport in two and three dimensions. OpenMP allows for parallel computing using shared memory. Enhancements for scripting may eventually simplify input definitions and create possibilities for defining templates for generic (sub)problems. We included a discussion of root solute uptake and colloid-affected solute transport to show that most or all of the comprehensive features of HYDRUS can be extended with geochemical information. Finally, an example is used to demonstrate how HPx, and similar reactive transport models, can be helpful in implementing different factors relevant for soil organic matter dynamics in soils. HPx offers a unique framework to couple spatial-temporal variations in water contents, temperatures, and water fluxes, with dissolved organic matter and CO2 transport, as well as bioturbation processes.


Chelidonic acid (CA) is a γ-pyrone which is contained in the rhizome of Chelidonium majus L. It has multiple pharmacological effects including those of a mild analgesic, an antimicrobial, an oncostatic and a central nervous system sedative, but the anti-inflammatory effect of CA and its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of CA in mast cell-mediated inflammatory response by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187. The results indicate that CA inhibits the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the expression of IL-6 mRNA through the regulation of nuclear factor-κB. In addition, CA suppresses the activation and expression of caspase-1. These results provide new insights into the pharmacological actions of CA as a potential molecule for use in therapy in mast cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.


Invitation to Learning by Martin Grams, Jr. (Kearney, NE: OTR / Morris Publishing, 2002) lists a dozen appearances by Bertrand Russell in 1941–51. Of these, the texts of seven have yet to be found. Searches of the archives belonging to the programme's various hosts and participants have been fruitless, as well as the promising radio collection at the Library of Congress. The show was rebroadcast locally from "transcription discs", and some may still lie in local radio station archives or await discovery in private collections.


Finding an appropriate U.S. forum for an international antitrust case is unnecessarily complicated. Congress, with its intent to effectuate broad enforcement of the antitrust laws, has provided statutory authority, which allows suit in any judicial district so long as the antitrust defendant has minimum contacts with the United States. Thus far the courts have generally ignored the solution provided by Congress in favor of the long-arm statutes of the state legislature. This state of affairs must be corrected in order to prohibit a jurisdictional windfall to alien defendants that was not intended by Congress. SELECTING AN APPROPRIATE FEDERAL COURT IN AN INTERNATIONAL ANTITRUST CASE: PERSONAL JURISDICTION AND VENUE


Abstract:
 Megakaryocytes (MKs) undergo directional migration from the proliferative osteoblastic niche within the bone marrow (BM) environment to the capillary-rich vascular niche for platelet production and release into the pulmonary circulation. This process is regulated, in part by dynamins, large GTPase proteins that regulate cellular functions such as endocytosis, vesicle transport and cell migration. Additional functions of dynamins include the formation of actin-rich structures, such as lamellipodia and dorsal membrane ruffles, invadopodia and podosomes. Previous studies have shown that mutations in Dynamin 2 (DNM2) cause thrombocytopenia in humans. To explore the function of dynamins in megakaryocyte migration and platelet production in more depth, we monitored the response of cells to chemotaxis SDF1α gradient signal by a microfluidic device-based approach. We observed an impaired directional migration by both human megakaryocytic cell lines and primary cells treated either with dynasore, a small molecule inhibitor of dynamins, or shRNA knockdown of Dynamin 2 and 3 (DNM2, DNM3). Since directional cell migration is tightly regulated by actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, we next measured actin polymerization and RhoA activity. We observed a profound decrease in the F-actin and Rho GTPase activity upon loss of DNM2 and DNM3 function. Next, since the response to chemoattractant signal is navigated by SDF1 through its receptor CXCR4, we explored the CXCR4 receptor response to ligand in dynamin defective megakaryocytes. Interestingly we observed an increase in CXCR4 expression in the dynasore treated primary human cells. Additionally, combined inhibition of DNM2 and DNM3 or over expression of dominant negative Dnm2-K44A or GTPase-defective DNM3 decreased the active β1- integrin (ITGB1) activity, which indicates a decrease in the integrin mediated endo/exocytic cycling during cell migration. Finally, to understand the role of dynamin in endosome recycling, we assayed the distribution of Rab11, a marker of recycling endosomes. We noticed an abnormal clustered staining pattern of Rab11 in dynasore-treated MKs which is indicative of a disruption in recycling pathways. This observation suggests decreased recruitment of the recycling pathway in dynasore-treated cells. Altogether, in this study we demonstrate that dynamins regulate MKs directional migration towards the SDF1α chemotaxis signal in the bone marrow and governs endocytosis and cell receptor trafficking.

 Crispino: Scholar Rock: Research Funding; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding.


Applications such as vibration isolation, gravity compensation, pick-and-place machines, etc., would benefit from (long-stroke) cylindrical/tubular permanent magnet (PM) actuators with integrated passive gravity compensation to minimize the power consumption. As an example, in component placing (pick-and-place) machines on printed circuit boards, passive devices allow the powerless counteraction of translator including nozzles or tooling bits. In these applications, an increasing demand is arising for high-speed actuation with high precision and bandwidth capability mainly due to the placement head being at the foundation of the motion chain, hence, a large mass of this device will result in high force/power requirements for the driving mechanism (i.e. an H-bridge with three linear permanent magnet motors placed in an H-configuration). This paper investigates a tubular actuator topology combined with passive gravity compensation. These two functionalities are separately introduced, where the combination is verified using comprehensive three dimensional (3D) finite element analyses.


The complete mRNA sequence of the chicken progesterone receptor (cPR) has been determined. Expression of the cloned cDNA both in vivo and in vitro produces a protein that has the same apparent mol. wt on SDS–polyacrylamide gels as the 'natural' cPR form B (109 kd) as determined by immunoblotting and photoaffinity labelling. When expressed in HeLa or in Cos‐1 cells the 'cloned' cPR displays hormone binding characteristics indistinguishable from the 'natural' receptor and, in the presence of progestins, exhibits 'tight nuclear binding'. A protein corresponding in size to the cPR form A (79 kd) could be detected by expressing in vivo and in vitro an N‐terminally truncated cPR starting at methionine 128. A protein of the same apparent mol. wt results from internal initiation during in vitro translation. In contrast, such a protein was barely detectable after in vivo expression of the cPR cDNA in Cos‐1 cells. These results suggest that form A is generated by an oviduct cell specific process involving either internal initiation of translation and/or proteolysis in the vicinity of methionine‐128. The cPR contains two highly conserved regions C and E, a characteristic of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor supergene family. By expression of a series of cPR deletion mutants, region E could be defined as the hormone binding domain whereas region C is indispensable for the tight nuclear association of the progestin‐receptor complex. In the presence of progestins, the cloned cPR efficiently trans‐activates transcription from the long terminal repeat region (LTR) of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV). Deletion of the entire N‐terminal region A/B or of the hormone binding domain E results in a 100‐fold reduction of transcriptional activation. No stimulation of transcription can be detected when the C‐terminal deletion extends into region C, indicating that this region is involved in the recognition of the hormone responsive element (HRE) of the MMTV LTR.


In the globalization era, qualified human resources, good infrastructures, and the use of information technologies have been considered the most important factors to accelerate the development of region. Nowdays people are moving very fast and their lifestyle becoming dynamic. There is phenomena that people now is more aware to go back to the basic, including in agriculture sector.
The aim of this study was to analyze the development of cluster-based area related organic agriculture in order to accelerate the improvement of regional competitiveness in the era of ASEAN economic community. The research method applied was qualitative and quantitative analysis approach. The results indicated that there is increase number of farmers, for both individually or group. As the consequence, there is a shift in their main job from traditional to the organic farming. The organic farming groups are suggested to develop organic agriculture such as vegetables or other horticulture plants. Utilization of the intensive information technology is necessary. In order to support the competitinevess on acceleration to enter the Asean Economic Community Market, indeed need a high commitment among the stakeholders (Academician, Business, Government and Community, A-B-G-C).


In the present study, the indigenous microbes from oil-contaminated soil samples of oil processing mills were isolated based on their lipolytic activities. The isolated bacteria were screened on lipid-enriched media with different substrates and were selected the strains showing lipolytic activity. To be confirmed the lipase activity, the strains were further examined on olive oil and rhodamine B media. And then, the best lipase producer strains were further identified by 16S rDNA sequencing method. Based on the 16S rDNA sequencing results, the strains were close to Acinetobacter species and Stenotrophomonas species.


The field of orthodontia has been witnessing numerous reforms in terms of treatment modalities through the years, under which the concept of absolute anchorage employing mini-implants can be well subsumed. The usage of orthodontic bone screws has witnessed growing popularity and has been deemed to revitalize the management of complex malocclusions. Orthodontic bone screws are larger in diameter (2 mm) in comparison with the average mini-implant and are placed in areas of high bone mineral density like the infrazygomatic crest in the maxilla and the buccal shelf area in the mandible. Owing to a difference in size, they are placed away from the roots and hence, the term extra-radicular implants seem a befitting one. With an expansion of the envelope of discrepancy to skeletal anchorage, the employment of these bone screws in practice will have to be appraised further in terms of biological limits. Orthodontic bone screws have been successfully utilized as an absolute anchorage system in well-chosen cases, pushing the realm of treatment possibilities further ahead in the sands of time. This chapter aims to provide you with a narrative insight into the salient features of orthodontic bone screws starting right from its inception to its contemporary usage in practice.


Fourier transform 13C NMR spectra of E. coli tRNA enriched on 13C in either position 2 of adenine (60 atom % 13C) or in position 2 of uracil (82%) and cytosine (63%) were taken at 25.16 MHz over the temperature range 10 degrees - 76 degrees. For C2 of adenine the peak as initially 5 ppm wide, but narrowed to 0.5 ppm as the molecule unfolded. C2 of uracil displayed behavior similar to that of adenine while the cytosine peak, initially relatively narrow at low temperature, sharpened less dramatically. Comparison of spectra at 26.16 MHz and 67.9 MHz showed that the peak widths for folded tRNA were determined largely by chemical shift non-equivalence. T2 T2 measurements suggested that intrinsic line widths of most cytosine C2 peaks were 4 Hz and 2-3 Hz for uracil. Adenine C2 with a directly bonded proton had resonances of about 40 Hz line width. T1 values were measured for C2 of adenine and the ribose carbons of tRNA. Consideration of dipolar relaxation and chemical shift anisotrophy led to a calculated rotational correlation time of 1.6 +/- 0.4 x 10(-8) sec for the adenines and 1.3 +/- 0.3 x 10(-8) sec for the ribose carbons.


Seed micromorphology of 13 species, belonging to four genera of subfamily Alsinoideae (Caryophyllaceae) were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in order to assess their diagnostic significance at generic level and provide additional evidence on species delimitation, as well as correct identification and phylogenetic position. Genera and species of subfamily Alsinoideae exhibit great variation in ultrastructure and a high diversity of novel micromorphological characters were observed. Variation in seed shape, color, hilum, anticlinal wall, epidermal cell, cell surface, margins, and quantitative characters as length and width were studied in detail, compared, illustrated, and their taxonomic significant were discussed. Seed shapes of the species were classified as reniform, round, angular, subcircular, subreniform, and elliptical pyriform, with sub‐central, central, basal, and nearly basal hilum. Wavy, irregular, tetragonal, and elongated epidermal cells structure has been observed as an exomorphological character. The present findings show that the micromorphology of subfamily Alsinoideae provides taxonomic information and is helpful to distinguish different species. The results also explained that SEM morphology of seeds provide important data about affinity among taxa and give potential characters in delimitation of members of subfamily Alsinoideae at generic and species level. A principal component analysis allowed to highlight the most outsiders among seed micromorphology with a possible explanation. Taxonomic keys were developed based on micromorphological characters to delimit the species and useful for their quick identification within subfamily Alsinoideae.


Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of menopausal symptoms among women in Ibadan in the 4-week period preceding the survey and factors associated with these symptoms. Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional, community-based study was carried out on Nigerian women aged 40 to 60 years, using the multistage sampling technique. Quantitative data were collected on sociodemographic, obstetric, and gynecological variables as well as symptom experience in the preceding 4 weeks using a structured questionnaire that included a standardized Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Eleven symptom groups were scored for each respondent on a scale of 0-4, with increasing severity for each score and a maximal total score of 44. The MRS is made of three subscales (somatovegetative, psychological, and urogenital) with maximal scores of 16, 16, and 12, respectively. Scores for each subscale and the overall total score were calculated for each respondent, and these served as the main outcome measures. The higher the composite score, the greater the severity of menopausal symptoms. Results:In all, 1,189 women with a mean age of 48.1 ± 5.9 years were interviewed. Prevalence of any menopausal symptom was 84.5% during the 4-week period studied. Joint and muscular discomfort was the most common reported symptom among all women in this study (59.0%), followed by physical and mental exhaustion (43.0%), sexual problems (40.4%), and hot flashes (39.0%). Factors predicting the total score on the MRS were age of respondent (P = 0.01; 95% CI, 0.02-0.17), menopause status (P = 0.001; 95% CI, 0.33-1.24), and occupational group (P = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.10-1.42). Age of respondent and menopause status also predicted scores on the somatovegetative and urogenital subscales, but not on the psychological subscale. Occupation was the only predictor on the psychological subscale (P = 0.002; 95% CI, 0.16-0.75). Conclusions:Prevalence of menopausal symptoms was high among women in this study. Although any woman could face challenges associated with menopausal symptoms, those who were older, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal and who had routine or manual occupations had the highest total MRS scores. All women, especially those in these categories, should receive health information and guidance on possible lifestyle adjustments to ease the disruptions that menopausal symptoms can cause.


BACKGROUND: Despite demonstrated effectiveness in real-world settings, concerns persist regarding the safety of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccine. We sought to assess the risk of autoimmune disorders following HPV4 vaccination among grade 8 girls eligible for Ontario's school-based HPV vaccination program. METHODS: We undertook a population-based retrospective cohort study using Ontario's administrative health and vaccination databases from 2007 to 2013. The self-controlled case series method was used to compare the rate of a composite end point of autoimmune disorders diagnosed during days 7–60 post-vaccination ("exposed" follow-up) to that at any other time ("unexposed"). The analysis was repeated to assess the effect of a history of immune-mediated diseases and time since vaccination. We also conducted an exploratory analysis of individual autoimmune disorders. Rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional Poisson regression, adjusted for age, seasonality, concomitant vaccinations and infections. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 290 939 girls aged 12–17 years who were eligible for vaccination between 2007 and 2013. There was no significant risk for developing an autoimmune disorder following HPV4 vaccination (n = 681; rate ratio 1.12, 95% CI 0.85–1.47), and the association was unchanged by a history of immune-mediated disorders and time since vaccination. Exploratory analyses of individual autoimmune disorders found no significant risks, including for Bell palsy (n = 65; rate ratio 1.73, 95% CI 0.77–3.89), optic neuritis (n = 67; rate ratio 1.57, 95% CI 0.74–3.33) and Graves disease (n = 47; rate ratio 1.55, 95% CI 0.92–2.63). INTERPRETATION: We did not observe an increased risk of autoimmune disorders following HPV4 vaccination among teenaged girls. These findings should reassure parents and health care providers.


The debates regarding the advantages/disadvantages of using translations as a tool in teaching/learning a foreign language have been very prolific. The pros and cons of the aforementioned issue comprise the opportunity to acquire the four main skills, to understand the inner aspects that articulate a language as well as the non-productive character of the technique, the intense contact with the native tongue while translating, the lack of communicative character of the translation process. The analysis of these controversies has proved the fact that translations need to be put into a more balanced perspective. Regardless of the way it is used – as a means in itself, for a professional translator or as a pedagogical tool for learning foreign languages, the translation is far from being a technique that hinders students from using the language creatively. The paper reviews the translation technique in its major points, from extreme approaches to a balanced one, brings arguments about it as having communicative characteristics and presents the reader with a number of difficulties that are encountered when using translations in the ESP/Legal English courses.


How is shape represented during spatial tasks such as mental rotation? This research investigated the format of mental representations of 3-D shapes during mental rotation. Specifically, we tested the extent to which visual information, such as color, is represented during mental rotation using methods ranging from reaction time studies, verbal protocol analysis, and eyetracking. Another set of studies examined whether people use piecemeal or holistic strategies to rotate complex objects. Results show that individuals with good rotation ability do not represent color during mental rotation and rotate whole shapes; whereas poor rotators do represent color and rotate individual pieces of the shape using piecemeal strategies. This work contributes to theories about cognitive shape processing by showing that different information processing strategies may be one cause of individual differences in mentally rotation performance.


During inflammation, phagocytes release digestive enzymes from lysosomes to degrade harmful cells such as pathogens and tumor cells. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating this process are poorly understood. In this study, we identified myoferlin as a critical regulator of lysosomal exocytosis by mouse phagocytes. Myoferlin is a type II transmembrane protein with seven C2 domains in the cytoplasmic region. It localizes to lysosomes and mediates their fusion with the plasma membrane upon calcium stimulation. Myoferlin promotes the release of lysosomal contents, including hydrolytic enzymes, which increase cytotoxicity. These data demonstrate myoferlin's critical role in lysosomal exocytosis by phagocytes, providing novel insights into the mechanisms of inflammation-related cellular injuries.


The study evaluates a pilot course designed to respond to findings from the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR) and similar findings reporting changes in U.S. life course development and religious participation through an intervention based on sociological theories of morality. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impacts of a business course in a public university designed to prepare emerging adults for culturally and religiously diverse workplaces. The intended outcomes are for students to better identify their personal moral values, while also gaining cultural awareness of the moral values in six different value systems: five major world religions and secular humanism. The study response rate was 97 percent (n = 109). Pre- and post-test survey data analyze changes in the reports of students enrolled in the course (primary group) compared to students in similar courses but without an emphasis on morality (controls). Qualitative data include survey short answer questions, personal mission statements, and student essays describing course impacts. Quantitative and qualitative results indicate reported increases in identification of personal moral values and cultural awareness of other moral values, providing initial evidence that the course helps prepare emerging adults for multi-faith workplaces.


In early 2020, decision makers in Stockholm were concerned that intensive care units (ICUs) would fill up because of the massive spread of the coronavirus. Therefore, they decided that a group of doctors, a construction company and the Swedish Armed Forces would build a temporary hospital inside an exhibition hall. Using field study observations and in-depth interviews, this study investigates the role of boundary spanners and leadership in crisis management and team learning. Two types of boundary spanners were prevalent: the 'Leader' and the 'Expert', and together they are crucial for successful crisis management, and for team learning. This study contributes to filling a gap in research regarding the role of boundary spanners in team learning within and across teams. Results show that research into boundary spanners and team learning can use the variables in Edmondson's team learning model for thematic data analysis, and to describe and understand how boundary spanners can contribute to learning within and across teams, when collaborating in the mutual management of crises.


: Objective: The key point to detect patients' need in pre-hospital emergency is to have high ability to take medical history. All research findings show that this ability is low. The objective of this research is to investigate the ability to take medical history of patients in the Emergency department of Mayo Hospital Lahore. Methods: This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from April 2019 to April 2020. The population included staff and doctors (N=171). The samples were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected by a researcher-developed questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 conducting descriptive and inferential statistics. All tests were administered at a significance level of P less than 0.05. Results: One hundred sixty-five (96.5%) participants were male. The mean score of the ability to take medical history was 58.4±11.1. Therefore, 95 participants (58.3 %) had poor ability and 64 participants (39.3 %) owned moderate ability. The highest score concerning the ability to take medical history was for the aspect of professional knowledge (mean rank=5). The most influential aspect in the ability was respectively for 'professional knowledge' (P=0.0001, Beta=0.509). Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a relationship (r=-0.149, P=0.05) between the ability to take medical history and age. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicated that the ability to take medical history among the staff and doctors was low. Therefore, a thorough review of trainings promoting personnel's professional knowledge is urgently required.


The reliance of firewood demand on indigenous trees such as Acacia erioloba is a continuing phenomena despite the concern that over-exploitation of these resources will degrade the environment. This study tested the hypothesis that the cutting of A. erioloba in the Northern Cape is driven by (a) market demand in the Western Cape, (b) ignorance of the long-term ecological consequences and/or (c) ignorance of legislation along the chain of custody of this product. The assumption is that whoever is involved in the A. erioloba firewood industry (resource owner, trader or user) is neither aware of the protected status of the resource nor the negative consequences associated with the over-exploitation of the resource or they are driven by short term monetary gains. Therefore, there is a need to understand the needs of every participant in the chain and to further find out if there may be substitutes for A. erioloba firewood. The results of this study show that there is a market for firewood in the study area and that this demand is driven mainly by the availability rather than the quality of firewood. It will also be shown that Acacia mearnsii which is available in the study area is a better product than A. erioloba and therefore it can be a suitable replacement but consumers were found to bum almost everything that would give them embers. The most preferred firewood in the study area is A. cyclops. The concept of indigenous trees is not clearly understood by retailers and consumers. The major role players in the supply chain were found to be the retailers and the transport owners who may be targeted when firewood trade is to be stopped in the short-term. The results further highlighted the fact that the majority of consumers were aware that indigenous trees were protected in South Africa but the majority of retailers were not aware. The study recommends that firewood trade should be stopped completely by strict enforcement of the law or by the involvement of every role-player and/or that the trade should be regulated. 111 Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za


Background: To evaluate whether tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis, i.e. the formation of new lymphatic vessels (LVs) induced by a tumor, occurs in and around conjunctival malignant melanoma (MM). Methods: Clinical files and conjunctival specimens of 20 patients with histologically diagnosed conjunctival MM were analyzed. Sections were stained with LYVE-1 and podoplanin antibodies as specific lymphatic endothelial markers and Ki67 as proliferation marker. The tumor area and the area covered by LV (LVA), the LV number (LVN), and the LV density (LVD) were measured within the tumor and in the peritumoral area in digital images of the specimen. The LV results were correlated with the histopathological characteristics, tumor location, recurrence rate, mitomycin C therapy and presence of metastases. Results: LVs were detected in all specimens within the tumor and peritumorally. Significantly more Ki67 + proliferating lymphatic endothelial cells were detected in the tumor and in the peritumoral tissue up to 300 µm compared to the surrounding normal conjunctiva (>300 µm distance). There was a slightly positive correlation between the tumor size and the LVN and LVA in the 50 µm zone adjacent to the tumor. We did not find significant correlations between LVs and histopathological and clinical characteristics (location, shape, relapses, metastases), possibly due to small sample sizes. Non-limbal tumors with involvement of tarsus or fornix showed a tendency of higher LVD compared to limbal tumors. Conclusion: Conjunctival MMs display tumor-associated LV within and around the tumor. The MM seems to induce lymphangiogenesis not only in the tumor, but also in its proximity.


Motivated by recent claims of a compelling ~3.5 keV emission line from nearby galaxies and galaxy clusters, we investigate a novel plasma model incorporating a charge exchange component obtained from theoretical scattering calculations. Fitting this kind of component with a standard thermal model yields positive residuals around 3.5 keV, produced mostly by S XVI transitions from principal quantum numbers n > 8 to the ground. Such high-n states can only be populated by the charge exchange process. In this scenario, the observed 3.5 keV line flux in clusters can be naturally explained by an interaction in an effective volume of ~1 kpc^3 between a ~3 keV temperature plasma and cold dense clouds moving at a few hundred km/s. The S XVI lines at ~3.5 keV also provide a unique diagnostic of the charge exchange phenomenon in hot cosmic plasmas.


Designing scaffolds with optimum properties is an essential factor for tissue engineering success. They can be seeded with isolated cells or loaded with drugs to stimulate the body ability to repair or regenerate the injured tissues by acting as centers for new tissue formation. Recently, scaffolds gained a significant interest as principal candidates for tissue engineering due to overcoming the autograft or allograft's associated problems. The advancement of the tissue engineering field relies mainly on the introduction of new biomaterials for scaffolds' fabrication. This review presents and criticizes different scaffolds' fabrication techniques with particular emphasis on the fibrous, injectable in situ forming, foam, 3D freeze-dried, 3D printed, and 4D scaffolds. This article highlights on scaffolds' composition which would be beneficial for developing scaffolds that could potentially help to meet the demand for both drug delivery and tissue regeneration.


Effect of clinically available chemotherapeutic agents on transplantable and tissue culture bladder carcinoma cell line, BC-47, which were syngeneic to host animals, was confirmed. Adriamycin, vincristine, and bleomycin possessed predominant antitumor activity. 1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) also reduced the tumor load of the host after which the tumor began to grow at the site of inoculation. Alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustard N-oxide (Nitromin), cyclophosphamide, 3,3'-dimesyloxydipropylamine tosylate (864T), and mitomycin-C possessed a weak activity, while antimetabolites such as 5-fluorouracil, 1-(1'=furyl)-5-fluorouracil (FT-207), cytosine arabinoside, and behenoylcytosine arabinoside possessed no activity.


The work of the brothers Villas Boas in the Xingu Indian Park of northern Mato Grosso is itself a legend among the sertanistas of Brazil. Certainly the ingredients of epic myth are present in their protracted struggle to help a remnant aboriginal population, now numbered only in hundreds, find a dignified place in the country of Sao Paulo, Copacabana and the ' conquest of the Amazon '. It is, therefore, fitting that they should have written a book of myths in turn, capturing in print the oral legends and stories of the Kamaiura, the Kuikuru, and the Juruna tribes among whom they have lived for over a quarter of a century. The bulk of their book consists of thirty-one such myths, including an interesting alternative version by the Kamaiura and the Kuikuru of ' The origin of the twins sun and moon '. There is also a fifty-page preface in which the brothers attempt to reconstruct the early history of the Alto-Xingu region, and at the close there is a particularly valuable twenty-page glossary of Portuguese and Indian terms used in the text. The translation is of the 1972 (second) edition, originally published in Portuguese, and accurately captures the flavour of that magical world in which logs are turned into maidens and make love to jabiru storks. A welcome addition to the English version is a series of drawings by the Waura tribesman Wacupia, who is probably the first Indian of Xingu to use pen and paper for such purposes. If the stories are often tantalizingly obscure, they at least remind us that human beings can wrestle with the mysteries of existence in a rich variety of ways. And who is to say that the myth of Adam's rib is more civilized than the Kamaiura legend of Mavutsinim, the first man, who one day turned a shell into a woman? Indeed, Judaeo-Christian misogynists might even prefer the Indian version, where the woman reverts to being a shell.


RESEARCH QUESTION
The Goldthwait procedure is an operative treatment method for patellar dislocation in children which respects the growth plate. The aim of the study was to analyse the long term results of this procedure.

METHODS
The results of 36 knees (26 children) operated on because of patellar dislocation according to the Goldthwait technique alone or in combination with other procedures (Krogius, patellar fixation) between 1941-1991 at Balgrist Clinic were analysed. Therefore, we used an own score.

RESULTS
After a mean follow-up of 16 years (1.5 to 51 years) we found in 77.8% of the cases good and very good subjective results, and in 63.9% good and very good objective results. A recurrence of dislocation occurred in 36.1% of the cases. In 76.9% of these cases a reoperation was performed, of which only one case led to an acceptable final result. The operation results were unsatisfactory in the presence of condylar dysplasia with an angle of more than 160 degrees. The age at the time of surgery and the degree of patellar dysplasia had no effect on the outcome. The success was increased through the use of the Goldthwait procedure in conjunction with other techniques. Pathologic leg axis or severe arthrosis did not occur.

CONCLUSION
In absence of significant condylar dysplasia the Goldthwait procedure combined with other techniques provides acceptable results. The technique alone is less efficient.


From the end of the century XIX, the Ecology is suffering processes of enlargement and diversification. The objective of this study is to identify the paradigms that pervade the pedagogical proposals of university degree programs in ecology. Each course is understood as an expression of the thoughts and actions of a scientific community, which influence the construction of professional concepts as well as the contents and forms of the field's inquiries. The research is characterized as qualitative, in terms of both documentary and hermeneutic nature. All of the university ecology degree programs in Brazil, which total eight, were analyzed. It was concluded that the structured programs from the turn of the century and onward have included more complex perspectives. Specifically, they are comprised by organisms that are not only part of ecological communities but rather are part of more complex ecosystems, of which contain a multitude of smaller organisms that are endowed with considerable autonomy, and, moreover, are harmoniously integrated in how everything within an ecosystem works.


In this paper, we describe improved designs of a printed disc monopole antenna for UWB application, focusing on miniaturization of the disc radiator with the size of the ground fixed. In order to decrease the antenna size, an exponentially curved notch on the ground plane of the antenna was investigated, and the optimal design of the shape of notch verified. By appropriately adjusting the size of the notch, the VSWR characteristics of the antenna clearly can be improved. Our investigation has shown that the diameter of the circular radiator can be reduced to 15 mm by using the exponentially curved notch. The antenna has a nearly omnidirectional radiation pattern, like a traditional monopole. These features are very attractive for UWB applications.


Extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (ELF-EMFs) are widely employed in electrical appliances and different equipment such as television sets, ELF-EMFs can  affect biological systems by increasing production  ROS. The altered balance between ROS generation and elimination plays a critical role in a variety of pathologic conditions. ROS levels have been observed in several hematopoietic malignancies including acute and chronic myeloid leukemia. ELF-EMFs exposure significantly decreased Nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression Lower levels of NO have been demonstrated to exert a protective function in leukemic and melanoma cells and to inhibit effector caspases by S-nitrosylation. Also ELF-EMFs can decrease melatonin production by effects on N-acetyltransferase. Melatonin is an antioxidant, effective in protecting nuclear DNA. Transmitters emitting radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are usually not located in populated areas but some epidemiology studies showed association distance transmitters from residential area and leukemia.


This paper discusses the controllability problem of biosystems based on the piecewise-affine system model representation. First, we consider what kind of controllability problems are useful for analyzing and controlling biosystems, and then the controllable set problem, that is, a problem of finding a state set in which each state can be driven to a given target state, is formulated. It is shown that this problem will be very useful for many kinds of problems on control of biosystems such as the input allocation problem and the stabilization problem. Next, based on our previous probabilistic controllability analysis technique for hybrid dynamical systems, a more sophisticated method for solving the above complex problem in an approximated and suitable way for biosystem analysis is proposed. Finally, the proposed framework is applied to the quorum sensing system of the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa for explaining how it is formulated and what solutions are obtained.


The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of castration and testosterone supplementation on nitroso‐redox status, cardiac metabolism markers, and S100 proteins expression in the heart of male rats. 50 male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups with ten animals each: group 1: control intact (CON); group 2: sham operated (Sh‐O); group 3: sesame oil‐treated rats (S‐oil); group 4: gonadoectomized (GDX); and group 5: gonadoectomized rats treated with testosterone (GDX‐T) for 8 weeks. Our results showed myofibrillar weaving, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis (as reflected by increased activity of MMP 9 and MMP 2) in the heart of gonadoectomized rats. Testosterone supplementation restored the normal structure of the heart. In addition, a state of nitroso‐redox imbalance was observed in the heart of castrated rats with increased NO (425.1 ± 322.8 vs. 208 ± 67.06, p ˂ 0.05) and MDA (33.18 ± 9.45 vs. 22.04 ± 7.13, p ˂ 0.05) and decreased GSH levels (0.71 ± 0.13 vs. 1.09 ± 0.19, p = 0.001). Testosterone treatment leads to a re‐establish of only NO levels (425.1 ± 322.8 vs. 210.4 ± 114.3, p > 0.05). Markers of cardiac metabolism showed an enhancement of LDH activity (12725 ± 4604 vs. 5381 ± 3122, p ˂ 0.05) in the heart of castrated rats. This was inversed by testosterone replacement (12725 ± 4604 vs. 5781 ± 5187, p ˂ 0.05). Furthermore, castration induced heart's accumulation of triglycerides (37.24 ± 6.17 vs. 27.88 ± 6.47, p ˂ 0.05) and total cholesterol (61.44 ± 3.59 vs. 54.11 ± 7.55, p ˂ 0.05), which were significantly reduced by testosterone supplementation (29.03 ± 2.47 vs. 37.24 ± 6.17, p ˂ 0.05) and (47.9 ± 4.15 vs. 61.44 ± 3.59, p ˂ 0.001). Cardiomyocytes of castrated rats showed a decreased immunoexpression of S100 proteins compared to control animals. A restoration of S100 proteins immunostaining in cardiomyocyte cytoplasm was observed after testosterone supplementation. These findings confirm the deleterious effects of testosterone deficiency on cardiac function and highlight the involvement of nitric oxide, metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and S100 proteins.


Background: Self-esteem formation is an essential aspect for people who use drugs to support the success of a rehabilitation program, and to prevent ongoing relapse. However, self-esteem formation is not a priority in the rehabilitation program. It also tends to ignore the drug abuse status and psychological states of its clients. This study aimed to explore self-esteem formation among people who are in rehabilitation for drug abuse at the Bangli Mental Health Hospital. Findings from this study provide insights to the hospital on the importance of self-esteem formation through a rehabilitation program. Metode: A qualitative study was conducted in the Bangli Mental Health Hospital. We recruited a total of ten informants purposively who are in a rehabilitation program for at least two weeks for drug abuse at the Darmawangsa Ward Bangli Mental Health Hospital. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed inductively and were presented using a narrative approach. Results: Our in-depth interviews found that self-esteem formation among people who are in rehabilitation for drug abuse depends on various factors such as family support, peer support, life experience, skills and traits, spirituality, policies, parenting history, physical and social environments. Conclusion: Self-esteem formation is determined by various factors and the drug abuse status of informants. We hope that the Bangli Mental Health Hospital can provide rehabilitation services tailored for every drug abuse status during their recovery time at the rehabilitation center.


In order to evaluate the interferon gamma (IFN-g) induction ability of different proteic preparations and that of Brucella abortus smooth and rough lipopolysaccharides in whole blood cultures from RB51-immunized cattle, both vaccinated and revaccinated cattle were selected from a herd with high brucellosis prevalence. The assay was validated using a group of serologically-negative cattle from a control herd. Whole blood cultures were stimulated with the different antigens and the mitogen concanavalin A, for 24 h at 37 oC. Plasma supernatants were collected to evaluate the IFN-g released, using a commercially-available sandwich ELISA kit. Results expressed as stimulation indexes showed a higher cytokine-inducing ability for the sonicated extract followed by cytosol proteins and inner membrane protein, for the different groups. Nevertheless, even though boosted, serologically-positive animals showed a significant response lower than that observed in the serologically-negative groups, probably due to a shift in the prevalence of B. abortus antigen-responsive cell subpopulations, indirectly revealed by the presence of high antibody levels. Therefore, the usefulness of estimating IFN-g release after the in vitro stimulation of whole blood cultures with a sonicated B. abortus extract for the evaluation and follow up of cellular immunity in vaccinated cows was demonstrated.


Open multi-agent systems need to cope with the characteristics of the Internet, e.g., dynamic availability of computational resources, latency, and diversity of services. Large-scale multi-agent systems employed on wide-area distributed systems are susceptible to both hardware and software failures. This paper describes AgentScape, a multi-agent system support environment, DARX, a framework for providing fault tolerance in large scale agent systems, and a design for the integration of the two.


The carotid sinus syndrome and carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) are closely related disorders. The first is characterized by syncope triggered by manipulation of the carotid sinus in daily life (e.g. shaving). According to the current European Society of Cardiology guidelines, CSH is diagnosed when carotid sinus massage elicits ≥3 s asystole, a fall in systolic blood pressure of ≥50 mmHg, or both, with symptoms. The question is, however, whether symptoms can be expected when these criteria are met. Although they are widely accepted, we will show that their basis is primarily in arbitrary clinical observations and that in the original publications the link between classification and clinical symptoms was often dubious. The current criteria for CSH are thus too sensitive, explaining the reported high prevalence of CSH in the general older population. The review will conclude with suggesting a stricter set of criteria for CSH that should be evaluated in future studies.


The proteolysis of the 32P-labeled holoenzyme of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-PKII:DEAE, peak II fraction) was analysed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The contaminants of the A-PKII and calpain II apparently did not interfere with the accuracy of this highly sensitive analysis. Phosphorylation of calpain II by the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-PK) greatly enhanced the proteolysis of A-PKII, whereas phosphorylation by protein kinase C (PK-C) or cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (G-PK) slightly altered the proteolysis.


Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is also known as vaginal yeast infection and candida vulvovaginitis there is excessive growth of yeast in vagina which leads to vaginal thrush. The sign and symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis includes severe vaginal discharge and itching. The symptoms get more before menstruation. The other symptoms show pain during sex, burning urination and redness over vagina. This infection mostly occurs due to excessive amount of growth of candida. According to research in all around 75% of total women suffer from vaginal candidiasis once in their lifetime and around 5% of the women suffer from twice or thrice. The preventive measures include wearing cotton undergarment rather than wearing synthetic and wearing loose cotton cloths.
Objective: This study is planned to assess screening and risk factors associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis among pregnant women.
Methodology: The Descriptive Evaluatory Research Design used for data collection procedure will be required 1 week per plan. 7-8 High vaginal swab are taken from gynae Opd in a day accordingly data will be collected. The number of pregnant women will be taken from Gynae Opd who come for check-up on the regular basis. Soon after their check-up written consent form will be given and sample will be collected. Then interview will be taken with the following questionnaires prepared according to the risk factors assessment scale. The pregnant women will be selected non-Probability convenient sampling technique.
Conclusion: Reproductive age group women have more risk of developing vulvovaginal candidiasis, because of High oestrogen levels cause an increased glycogen load in epithelium, which is a nutritional source for growth of candida & germination. Vulvovaginal candidiasis the most common gynaecologic diagnosis in the primary care setting. So, the available statistics say that there is a need for the study regarding the assessment and screening of vulvovaginal candidiasis among pregnant women.


Production scheduling and control under uncertainty is among the most persistent challenges in the field of operation management. Despite the significant amount of research in this domain, many studies still underline the gap between scheduling theory and practice. In this paper, we outline the important aspects to consider in the design and implementation of decision support systems for the scheduling task by reviewing the literature. From the identified guidelines, we examine a practical case and propose a decision support system for the production scheduling task in an actual manufacturing environment.


In Class I malocclusions, when the only complaint is the localized crossbite of a premolar, resulting from a mild shortage of space, correction can be simply undertaken. Adams clasps and an expansion screw are incorporated into a simple removable appliance designed to provide space to align the malpositioned tooth, which is then guided into the line of the arch by a piece of elastomeric thread stretched between the Adams clasps.


Abstract Biomonitoring of complex heterogeneous environments is highly challenging. Fish in deep water bodies occupy different habitats, so a combination of survey methods has traditionally been used. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a novel monitoring tool that can overcome spatial heterogeneity in a highly sensitive and entirely non-invasive manner. However, taxon detection probability is dependent on environmental variables. In this study, three reservoirs were sampled in two seasons using a spatiotemporally distributed sampling design covering major environmental gradients. In all sampling campaigns, 31 fish taxa were detected. Data reliability was supported by tight positive correlations between individual taxon scores derived from gillnet sampling and eDNA site occupancy. Analyses confirmed anticipated trends, such as the highest number of taxa in the largest water body, and more taxa in inflows and littoral regions compared to open water. The most important factors for fish distribution were temperature, water age and trophic status (expressed as total Chlorophyll a concentration) of water bodies. Taxon detection reflected ecological niches of individual species, e.g. warm water wels catfish (Silurus glanis) and cold water salmonids. This study provides further evidence that eDNA metabarcoding is a suitable alternative or complement to conventional fish sampling in reservoirs.


Global synchronization across specialized brain networks is a common feature of network models and in-vivo electrical measurements. Although the imaging of specialized brain networks with blood oxygenation sensitive resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) has enabled detailed study of regional networks, the study of globally correlated fluctuations with rsfMRI is confounded by spurious contributions to the global signal from systemic physiologic factors and other noise sources. Here we use an alternative rsfMRI method, arterial spin labeled perfusion MRI, to characterize global correlations and their relationship to correlations and anti-correlations between regional networks. Global fluctuations that cannot be explained by systemic factors dominate the fluctuations in cerebral blood flow. Power spectra of these fluctuations are band limited to below 0.05 Hz, similar to prior measurements of regional network fluctuations in the brain. Removal of these global fluctuations prior to measurement of regional networks reduces all regional network fluctuation amplitudes to below the global fluctuation amplitude and changes the strength and sign of inter network correlations. Our findings support large amplitude, globally synchronized activity across networks that require a reassessment of regional network amplitude and correlation measures.


A total of ten (10) Mycobacterium caprae (MBC) proteins were retrieved from the GenBank (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The Genbank accession numbers of the sequences and sequence variations of the proteins were used to investigate the molecular identity of various MBC proteins. The physico-chemical properties of MBC proteins were performed using Protparam tool. Isoelectric point (pI), molecular weight (MW), extinction coefficient (EC); instability index (II), aliphatic index (AI) and grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) were computed. The study revealed that some of the MBC proteins were acidic while some were basic in nature based on their pI. The EC of all the protein revealed appreciable value. The II of MBC protein value shows majority II 100 while others AI<100. The GRAVY of MBC proteins revealed some are positive while some are negative. The amino acid composition of MBC proteins indicates that they are rich in aliphatic amino acids. The three dimensional structures (3D) of the MBC proteins were determine using Phyre2 server. The amino acid sequences of MBC proteins were subjected to secondary structure prediction using ExPASy's SOPMA tool. The MBC proteins some are alpha helice while others are random coil structure. The genetic information revealed in this study will help in carrying out research in mutagenesis and pharmacogenetic.


Recent developments in robotics have heightened the need for visual SLAM. Dynamic objects are a major problem in visual SLAM which reduces the accuracy of localization due to the wrong epipolar geometry. This study set out to find a new method to address the low accuracy of visual SLAM in outdoor dynamic environments. We propose an adaptive feature point selection system for outdoor dynamic environments. Initially, we utilize YOLOv5s with the attention mechanism to obtain a priori dynamic objects in the scene. Then, feature points are selected using an adaptive feature point selector based on the number of a priori dynamic objects and the percentage of a priori dynamic objects occupied in the frame. Finally, dynamic regions are determined using a geometric method based on Lucas-Kanade optical flow and the RANSAC algorithm. We evaluate the accuracy of our system using the KITTI dataset, comparing it to various dynamic feature point selection strategies and DynaSLAM. Experiments show that our proposed system demonstrates a reduction in both absolute trajectory error and relative trajectory error, with a maximum reduction of 39% and 30%, respectively, compared to other systems.


The capacity of wireless multi-hop networks has been studied extensively in recent years. Most existing work tackles the problem from an asymptotic perspective and assumes a simplified physical layer model, as e.g., the protocol interference model or the path loss radio propagation. Real life network planning, provisioning and deployment can only be done with more precise statements about capacity in finite networks. With this in mind, we adopt a numerical approach based on Monte-Carlo methods to study capacity under various interference and radio propagation models, including the physical interference model and log-normal shadowing radio propagation. Our results indicate that, depending on the interference model, capacity may experience a three phase transition related to the connectivity of the network. We further show that throughput capacity increases in the presence of randomized radio propagation, even above the critical node density. Our analysis of the numerical data illustrates that log-normal shadowing creates more interference, but decreases the total amount of transmissions to be scheduled.


A high temperature superconductor (HTS) filter has been developed recently. It is cooled by a small cryocooler and is operated at 70 Kelvin (K) in a vacuum chamber. Coaxial cables are used for the high frequency transmission line between the filter in lower temperature and other circuits at room temperature. Because HTS filters are typically used in low-loss applications, there is an important subject to optimize electrical loss and thermal leakage in the transmission line. The usual semirigid coaxial cables have a small amount of loss; they conduct too much outside heat into the HTS filter. We have developed our own coaxial cables to optimize both electrical and thermal performance. The outer conductor of this new coaxial cable was made of plated thin copper film and was designed to have an optimum thickness of 0.005 mm. SMA connectors are fitted carefully to both ends of the coaxial cable. The new coaxial cable that is 1.68 mm in diameter and 100 mm in length is evaluated. The evaluation result found the electrical insertion loss to be 0.175 dB at 2.0 GHz and thermal leakage to be 48 mW from 300 K to 77 K. We have also developed an HTS receiving filter subsystem for a CDMA base station using our own coaxial cables. We obtained excellent results.


Beatings, torture, and abuse have been commonplace in police stations and temporary detention centres holding over 10 000 people detained in the aftermath of Turkey's failed coup, eyewitnesses have told Amnesty International.

At least one hospital in Turkey and one in Somalia have been closed, as officials said they were linked to the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation, the government's name for the network of institutions associated with Pennsylvania based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey accuses of orchestrating the failed coup.

More than 45 000 public employees have been dismissed and at least 13 165 people detained to date. Arrests, sackings, and institutional closures are likely to continue for weeks as multiple investigations target alleged Gulenist infiltration of public institutions. The detained include 8838 soldiers, 2101 judges and prosecutors, 1485 police officers, and 689 civilians.

Many detainees are being held in …


Low current, highly reliable operation at 80°C has been achieved for 650 nm band AlGaInP laser diodes (LDs) with a strained multiquantum well active layer on a (115)A substrate for the first time. The operation current was as low as 60 mA and the lifetime was 92 kh at 80°C, 5 mW. It was also shown that the operation current density is a dominant factor in determining the lifetime.


We point out that the recent experimental realisation by Ou et al. of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox forces us to choose between two startling alternatives. We either reject macroscopic local realism (as defined in this paper) or accept that quantum mechanics is incomplete. In view of the significance of these implications, a further experiment involving delayed choice measurements and causal separation of measured fields should be considered.


The Duloxitine Hydrochloride was estimated by using a HPLC method. It was separated on a Waters symmetry C8 HPLC column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5μ) by passing mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and the solution was monitored at a wavelength of 288nm. The retention time of the duloxitine was found to be 7.39 min. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The developed method was accurate, precise and linear. This method can be successfully applied in quality control laboratories for routine analysis of duloxitine in pharmaceutical formulations. Rapid and Selective LC method for estimation of Duloxitine Hydrochloride


The year 1893 marks the inauguration of the responsible government era in Natal when the White settler community attained the right to elect a government from their own ranks to represent their interests. It was no secret that one of the objects behind the protracted struggle for constitutional reform was the desire to obtain control of "Native policy". The tale of settler aspirations and the pressures placed on the African population in the 1890s and 1900s has been dealt with in several secondary works. This article proposes to examine just one of the issues in the first ten years of the responsible government period namely, the labour question.


Todayx2019;s air transportation industry is faced with the challenge of maintaining a viable economic position in the face of unparalleled increase in fuel costs in combination with the ever-present threat of fuel supply shortages. The rapid increase of air traffic makes the problem regarding aviation fuel challenging. The aviation fuel prices comprise an important expenditure for the airliners. Hence, aircraft fuel consumption becomes a relevant issue in the planning and analysis of aviation operations. The key elements that have major effect on fuel consumption are aircraft design and operating methods. Another element that makes a major impact on the aviation fuel consumption is the aircraft delay caused by air traffic congestion. It is necessary to minimize aircraft delays in air and on ground and thereby minimize aviation fuel consumption. This paper presents a method for the fuel consumption estimation, which has fuel efficient trajectory as one of the interesting by-products. The method presented in this paper, uses fuel consumption information directly from the flight manual provided by the aircraft manufacturer to predict fuel consumption accurately using neural network approach. Fuel consumption information is collected from the pilotx2019;s flight manual and segregated with respect to the different phases of flight like climb, cruise and descent. This segregated fuel consumption data is then presented to the neural network for the estimation of fuel consumption for different phases of flight. Fuel consumption is estimated using the neural networks and compared to the actual performance data given in the flight manual for validation. This neural network based information is then used for the estimation of fuel consumption for a chosen mission profile. The concept of fuel efficient trajectory will be used for the studies on optimized aviation fuel consumption which will lead to an improvement of air transport economics.


Enforcing safety on precise trajectory tracking is critical for aerial robotics subject to wind disturbances. In this paper, we present a learning-based safety-preserving cascaded quadratic programming control (SPQC) for safe trajectory tracking under wind disturbances. The SPQC controller consists of a position-level controller and an attitude-level controller. Gaussian Processes (GPs) are utilized to estimate the uncertainties caused by wind disturbances, and then a nominal Lyapunov-based cascaded quadratic program (QP) controller is designed to track the reference trajectory. To avoid unexpected obstacles when tracking, safety constraints represented by control barrier functions (CBFs) are enforced on each nominal QP controller in a way of minimal modification. The performance of the proposed SPQC controller is illustrated through numerical validations of (a) trajectory tracking under different wind disturbances, and (b) trajectory tracking in a cluttered environment with a dense time-varying obstacle field under wind disturbances.


Advancements in attention mechanisms have led to significant performance improvements in a variety of areas in machine learning due to its ability to enable the dynamic modeling of temporal sequences. A particular area in computer vision that is likely to benefit greatly from the incorporation of attention mechanisms in video action recognition. However, much of the current research's focus on attention mechanisms have been on spatial and temporal attention, which are unable to take advantage of the inherent motion found in videos. Motivated by this, we develop a new attention mechanism called Motion Aware Attention (M2A) that explicitly incorporates motion characteris-tics. More specifically, M2A extracts motion information between consecutive frames and utilizes attention to focus on the motion patterns found across frames to accurately recognize actions in videos. The proposed M2A mechanism is simple to implement and can be easily incorporated into any neural network backbone architecture. We show that incorporating motion mechanisms with attention mechanisms using the proposed M2A mechanism can lead to a $+15\%$ to $+26\%$ improvement in top-1 accuracy across different backbone architectures, with only a small in-crease in computational complexity. We further compared the performance of M2A with other state-of-the-art motion and at-tention mechanisms on the Something-Something V1 video action recognition benchmark. Experimental results showed that M2A can lead to further improvements when combined with other temporal mechanisms and that it outperforms other motion-only or attention-only mechanisms by as much as $+60\%$ in top-1 accuracy for specific classes in the benchmark. We make our code available at: https://github.com/gebob19/M2A.


The operational planning is a process that by it managers regular the actions for
receiving to goals. One of The problems in Management of Iranian hospitals is the lack of native model
for operational planning. This study has been conducted to designing a model for operational planning
in Hospitals affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran.
Materials & Methods: In this functional study, the theoretical models of operational planning were
examined through Library Studies and after determining the variables of different models of operational
planning, a questionnaire was developed and a survey from 176 experts from academic and
administrates of hospitals, the data was collected and Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was
performed. In order to identify the factors influencing planning, the method of analyzing special values
and rotation using the method of varimix and also the cumulative percentage of variance has been used.
In order to verify the accuracy of the factor analysis performed on the data and also the adequacy of the
sample size from the Keser-Meyer-Alekin Index and the Bartlett Spread Test, and for validating and
verifying the final model of the Amos22 software, and to examine the model obtained from the fitting
model Used.
Results: results of exploratory analysis indicated that effective factors on operational planning in Iranian
district hospitals were 8 factors. These factors to the effect arrangement in model consist of: guidance
of planning operational and coordinating formation (0.916), goals Management (0.912), policy and
organizational procedures (0.878), planning rules (0.846), statistical reports and evaluation (0.837),
problems Management (0.830) , providing of resources for plan performing (0.829) , organizing of
planning team (0.761).
Conclusion: guidance of planning operationals and coordinating formation and goals Management are
most effective factors in operational planning in iranian hospitals and use of them and other factors of
model can improve the performance of operational planning in hospital.


The complexity of today's embedded electronic systems as well as their demanding performance and reliability requirements are such that their design can no longer be tackled with ad hoc techniques while still meeting tight time to-market constraints. In this paper, we present a system level design approach for electronic circuits, utilizing the platform-based design (PBD) paradigm as the natural framework for mixed-domain design formalization. In PBD, a meet-in-the-middle approach allows systematic exploration of the design space through a series of top-down mapping of system constraints onto component feasibility models in a platform library, which is based on bottom-up characterizations. In this framework, new designs can be assembled from the precharacterized library components, giving the highest priority to design reuse, correct assembly, and efficient design flow from specifications to implementation. We apply concepts from design centering to enforce robustness to modeling errors as well as process, voltage, and temperature variations, which are currently plaguing embedded system design in deep-submicron technologies. The effectiveness of our methodology is finally shown on the design of a pipeline A/D converter and two receiver front-ends for UMTS and UWB communications.


This study presents a survey of general characteristics of empirically supported treatments (ESTs) identified by the American Psychological Association Division 12 Task Force on the Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures. Results indicate that the ESTs share the following characteristics: they involve skill building, have a specific problem focus, incorporate continuous assessment of client progress, and involve brief treatment contact, requiring 20 or fewer sessions. Traditional assessment methods, such as intelligence testing, projectives, and objective personality tests such as the MMPI-2, are rarely used in these treatments. Although it is recognized that these findings are in part an artifact of sociological factors present in contemporary psychotherapy development and research, the findings may also serve as a heuristic aid in the development of therapies.


This study attempts to explore behavioral characteristics of international tourists visiting Istanbul in guided tours, and to examine the differences and similarities among tourists of different nationalities using data provided by Turkish tour guides. Data were collected utilizing a survey site designed for research for Turkish tour guides working in Istanbul, Turkey. The results suggest that there are three underlying dimensions of tourists' behavior during guided tours, namely, shopping, activities, and social interaction. Significant differences are observed among seven nationalities. Pair comparisons of the groups belonging to the three dimensions are conducted for the purpose of revealing similarities and differences. The Japanese are found to be the most distinct tourist group in comparison to others. Finally, conclusions and implications are discussed at the end of the study.


This essay makes three related claims about digital media creative clusters through a case study of the Hub in Glasgow, Scotland. First, online social networking platforms are an increasingly "common sense" feature that property developers include to attract media workers to purpose-built properties. Second, integrating and managing professional identities through the construction of place are considered necessary to promote that place to a larger audience. Finally, reorganizing place in this way refashions creative work as a more nebulous concept, a process that integrates formerly distinct aspects of our work and nonwork lives into the common pursuit of innovation for economic gain.


Au@Pt nanorods were prepared by growing platinum nanodots on gold nanorods. Using electron spin resonance (ESR), we determined that the mechanisms for oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA) by Au@Pt nanorods and ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) were kinetically similar and yielded similar products. In addition we observed that Au@Pt nanorods were stable with respect to temperature and pH. Using UV-VIS spectroscopy, the apparent kinetics of enzyme-mimetic activity of Au@Pt nanorods were studied and compared with the activity of AAO. With the help of ESR, we found that Au@Pt nanorods did not scavenge hydroxyl radicals but inhibited the antioxidant ability of AA for scavenging hydroxyl radicals produced by photoirradiating solutions containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Moreover, the Au@Pt nanorods reduced the ability of AA to scavenge DPPH radicals and superoxide radicals. These results demonstrate that Au@Pt nanorods can reduce the antioxidant activity of AA. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the effects of using Pt nanoparticles together with other reducing agents or antioxidants such as AA due to the oxidase-like property of Au@Pt nanorods.


Abstract Networks of interacting twin walls form hierarchical, mesoscopic structures in minerals. The typical thickness of transformation twins at T << TC is ~3 nm and increases at T → TC as |T– TC|-1/2. The internal structure of twin walls is derived to be chiral in systems with coupled order parameters. The effect of wall bending is discussed.


The programs in the structural analysis area of the HOST program emphasized the generation of computer codes for performing three-dimensional inelastic analysis with more accuracy and less manpower. This paper presents the application of that technology to Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine (AGTE) components: combustors, turbine blades, and vanes. Previous limitations will be reviewed and the breakthrough technology highlighted. The synergism and spillover of the program will be demonstrated by reviewing applications to thermal barrier coatings analysis and the SSME HPFTP turbine blade. These applications show that this technology has increased the ability of the AGTE designer to be more innovative, productive, and accurate.


UV-B radiation is a key environmental signal that initiates diverse responses in plants that affect metabolism, development, and viability. Many effects of UV-B involve the differential regulation of gene expression. The response to UV-B depends on the nature of the UV-B treatment, the extent of adaptation and acclimation to UV-B, and interaction with other environmental factors. Responses to UV-B are mediated by both nonspecific signaling pathways, involving DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, and wound/defense signaling molecules, and UV-B-specific pathways that mediate photomorphogenic responses to low levels of UV-B. Importantly, photomorphogenic signaling stimulates the expression of genes involved in UV-protection and hence promotes plant survival in UV-B. Photomorphogenic UV-B signaling is mediated by the UV-B-specific component UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8). Both UVR8 and CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS1 (COP1) are required for UV-B-induced expression of the ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) transcription factor, which plays a central role in the regulation of genes involved in photomorphogenic UV-B responses.


The nonlinear behavior of the heat-integrated plug-flow reactor, consisting of a feed-effluent heat exchanger (FEHE), furnace, adiabatic tubular reactor, and steam generator is studied, considering a first-order, irreversible, exothermic, adiabatic reaction. Bifurcation theory is used to analyze the relationships among design, reaction thermodynamics and kinetics, and state multiplicity and stability. Hysteresis, isola and boundary-limit varieties are computed, and the influence of the activation energy, reaction heat and FEHE efficiency on the multiplicity region is studied. The double-Hopf and double-zero bifurcation points divide parameter space in regions with different dynamic behavior. State multiplicity, isolated branches, and oscillatory behavior may occur for realistic values of model parameters. A design procedure is proposed to ensure a desired multiplicity pattern and a stable point of operation and to avoid high sensitivity. The procedure was applied to three reaction systems with different kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics.


The term head and neck cancer refers to a group of biologically similar cancers originating from the upper aero digestive tract, including the lip, oral cavity , nasal cavity, Para nasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, originating from the mucosal lining (epithelium) of these regions. Radiation therapy is the most common form of treatment along with surgery and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is the art of using ionizing radiation to destroy malignant cells while minimizing damage to normal tissue. Radiotherapy has become astandard treatment option for a wide range of malignancies, but adverse tissue reactions associated with the use of radiotherapy in the management of patients with head and neck cancer are painful and they diminish the quality of life. So a novel approach has been made to fabricate customized intraoral stents that can help prevent the unnecessary irradiation of the surrounding normal tissues, thus reducing the severity ofreactions. However, when properly designed and used, these stents are effective in reducing the treatment morbidity.


Aim: Management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex multi-step process in which executive function (EF) skills (planning, organization, problem solving) are critical for optimal control. In teens with T1D, EF may be important in transitioning from parent-supervised care to self-care.
 Methods: In an 18-month study, teens aged 13-17 years with T1D and parents completed the Diabetes Family Responsibility Questionnaire (DFR) and Readiness for Independent Self-Care Questionnaire (RISQ) every 6 months. Teen EF was assessed by parent proxy-report using Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) . T-score ≥60 defined risk of executive dysfunction for the Global EF Composite (GEC) , Behavioral Regulation Index (BRI) and Metacognition Index (MI) . EF, demographic, and T1D treatment variables were used to predict change in RISQ over time using longitudinal mixed models with false discovery rate adjustment.
 Results: 169 teens (54% male) participated with baseline age 15.9±1.3 years, T1D duration 8.4±3.7 years, HbA1c 8.6±1.2%, 74.6% insulin pump use, and 21.3% continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use. 31.4% of teens had a parent-reported GEC score ≥60. After adjusting for age, gender, and parent-reported DFR (pDFR) , those with GEC ≥60 had parent-reported RISQ (pRISQ) 4.1 points lower than those with GEC <60, p=0.016. BRI (adjusted for age, CGM use, pDFR, and HbA1c) did not predict change in pRISQ while MI (adjusted for age, gender, and pDFR) did; those with MI ≥60 had pRISQ 5.3 points lower than those with MI <60, p<0.001. In models using teen-reported DFR and RISQ (tRISQ) , GEC and MI similarly predicted lower tRISQ. In all models, lower age (p<0.05) and greater parent involvement (p<0.001) also predicted lower RISQ.
 Conclusion: EF, especially metacognition, appears important for acquisition of self-care behaviors for teens with T1D. Evaluating EF during adolescence may identify teens with executive dysfunction who may need extra support during the transition process.

 R.J.Vitale: None. L.J.Tinsley: None. L.K.Volkening: None. L.M.Laffel: Advisory Panel; Medtronic, Roche Diabetes Care, Consultant; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Dexcom, Inc., Dompé, Insulet Corporation, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Provention Bio, Inc.

 NIH T32DK007529NIH P30DK036836NIH R01DK095273JDRF 2-SRA-2014-253-M-B


prayer, doxology being the form of theology itself, but also of the whole of life. A key ingredient in this perspective is Barth's insistence that the &dquo;Father&dquo; of the prayer is in the vocative case, and thus as the One addressed on the basis of His having addressed us. &dquo;Father&dquo; is not a description of what God is, not a nominative, but an acknowledgment that in Christ this person called &dquo;Father&dquo; has entered into solidarity with the human family. To call God &dquo;Father&dquo; is at the heart of Christian life for Barth. For him the name is indispensable precisely as a name, a means of address. Were he to answer feminist criticism of patriarchal terminology, Barth would insist also that all the indicative mood/ nominative case sentences derived from this prayerful vocative are at their best ambivalent. In this case, as well as in his


A triple-half-bridge (THB) multiple-input bidirectional dc-dc converter was proposed recently to interface battery and ultracapacitor. This paper presents a power distribution control to coordinate the power partitioning among fuel cell, battery, and ultracapacitor when this THB converter is applied to the fuel cell vehicle system. A particular goal is to obtain both a peaking load control and state of charge control of battery and ultracapacitor. In order to analyze and verify the control strategy in the fuel cell system, some essential subsystem models were developed including small signal model of THB bidirectional dc-dc converter, simplified dynamic model of fuel cell, battery and ultracapacitor. The simulation results confirmed that the load leveling and state of charge control are effectively implemented. A 6 kW prototype was built in the laboratory and preliminary experimental results were obtained.


A murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) 92A recognized a 48-kilodalton Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) early antigen (EA). The mAb stained nuclei of EBV-activated P3HR-1, B95-8 and Akata cells in a distinctive, microgranular immunofluorescence pattern. The 92A antigen was sensitive to methanol-fixation. Expression of the 92A antigen in those cells paralleled diffuse (EA-D) and restricted (EA-R) components of EA, and viral DNA (vDNA) replication. Phosphonoacetic acid did not inhibit expression of the 92A antigen. The colocalization of 92A antigen, EA-D, and vDNA was observed in viral replication compartments of B95-8 cells. On the other hand, in P3HR-1 virus-superinfected Raji cells the percentages of 92A antigen-positive cells were at much lower levels than were EA-D and -R positive cells. Immunofluorescence staining with 92A mAb was blocked by pretreatment with EBV-positive human sera, but not with EBV-negative sera. We conclude that 92A mAb recognizes a novel EA which may function in vDNA replication.


Cities in Nigeria, as elsewhere, have historically exerted potent influences on the countryside. The northern city-states for instance played a major role in the distribution of human population and economic activity throughout the savanna region. As citadels and centers of power and conquest, they caused depopulation in some regions, notably those subject to conquest and raiding, and population concentration in other areas. The low populations of the middle belt savanna probably resulted from the raiding and the conquests of the Hausa and Fulani city-states. The subsequent regrowth of bush land is thought to have led to a resurgence of tsetse flies and other disease vectors, which inhibited attempts to repopulate the region. The complementary effect was to increase population in zones of relative security, either areas under the protection of the dominant political states or areas of refuge, such as hill masses, which were difficult for armed horsemen to conquer. Among the most important interactions between rural and urban areas through the 1980s till date in Nigeria and most other parts of Africa were the demographic impacts of urban migration on rural areas. This is because the great majority of migrants were men of working age, the rural areas from which they came were left with a demographically unbalanced population of women, younger children, and older people. This phenomenon was not new to Nigeria and had been evident in parts of the country since long before independence. The paper discusses the major conceptual issues in a thematic form by identifying the factors that led to the growth of cities, and concludes by positing that we are not saying that cities were absent in pre-industrial, pre-capitalist or pre-nation state societies. Rather, it was the combination of those influences that gave rise to accelerated urbanization, a new role for the city within the larger society and, hence, they city as we know it today.


Stent deployment is currently used for many cardiovascular treatments. During its application, the presence of the stent inside the blood vessel will indeed cause some change in both flow environment and also vessel wall's cellular conditions. This research intends to learn about the flow phenomenon of how vessel wall endothelial cells (ECs) react to the presence of stent wires within a microfluidic flow chamber environment. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation analysis of the microfluidic flow chamber system has been performed for observing the hemodynamics phenomena in the chamber. Moreover, CFD method also can be beneficial as a planning step for a successful experimental study. We found that under the two wires configurations, high wall shear stress (WSS) area is developed on the downstream side of the wires. Based on the analysis of WSS and WSS gradients (WSSG) conditions, ECs morphological change and migration are likely to occur some specific area.