We conducted semistructured interviews with 38 participants in White racist Internet chat rooms, examining the extent to which people would, in this unique environment, advocate interracial violence in response to purported economic and cultural threats. Capitalizing on the anonymity and candor of chat room interactions, this study provides an unusual perspective on extremist attitudes. We experimentally manipulated the nature and proximity of the threats. Qualitative and quantitative analyses indicate that the respondents were most threatened by interracial marriage and, to a lesser extent, Blacks moving into White neighborhoods. In contrast, job competition posed by Blacks evoked very little advocacy of violence. The study affords an assessment of the advantages and limitations of Internet-based research with clandestine populations.


The optical binding force between two dipolar particles is formulated explicitly. First, we perform the calculus in the most general case. Second, we look at the particular case in which the incident field is a plane wave with wavevector perpendicular to the dipole orientation.


The phospholipids of phototrophically-cultured Chlamydomonas reinhardtii 137+ have been quantitated at the cellular and thylakoid membrane levels. The alga contains three major phospholipids, phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylcholine (PC), which together constitute about 14% of the cellular polar lipid complement. PG is the only phospholipid in an analytical fraction of thylakoid membrane isolated from the alga, and represents about 9% of the membrane's total polar lipid. Slightly more than half the cellular PG is localized in the photosynthetic lamellae. Hexadecanoic and octadecanoic fatty acids make up over 70% of the acyl groups esterified to these phospholipids, PG being the most highly unsaturated of the three. Differences in fatty acid profile between cellular and thylakoid PG, as well as the presence of PE and PC in the alga but not in its thylakoid, are indicative of a strict biogenetic regulation of the specific types and species of phospholipid associated with the photosynthetic membrane.


Abstract. In this contribution a coherent relation between the algebraic and the transform-based reconstruction technique for computed tomography is introduced using the mathematical means of two-dimensional signal processing. There are two advantages arising from that approach. First, the algebraic reconstruction technique can now be used efficiently regarding memory usage without considerations concerning the handling of large sparse matrices. Second, the relation grants a more intuitive understanding as to the convergence characteristics of the iterative method. Besides the gain in theoretical insight these advantages offer new possibilities for application-specific fine tuning of reconstruction techniques.


This paper grew as a continuation of [Sh462] but in the present form it can serve as a motivation for it as well. We deal with the same notions, all defined in 1.1, and use just one simple lemma from there whose statement and proof we repeat as 2.1. Originally entangledness was introduced, in [BoSh210] for example, in order to get narrow boolean algebras and examples of the nonmultiplicativity of c.c-ness. These applications became marginal when other methods were found and successfully applied (especially Todorčevic walks) but after the pcf constructions which made their début in [Sh-g] and were continued in [Sh462] it seems that this notion gained independence. Generally we aim at characterizing the existence of strong and weak entangled orders in cardinal arithmetic terms. In [Sh462, §6] necessary conditions were shown for strong entangledness which in a previous version was erroneously proved to be equivalent to plain entangledness. In §1 we give a forcing counterexample to this equivalence and in §2 we get those results for entangledness (certainly the most interesting case). A new construction of an entangled order ends this section. In §3 we get weaker results for positively entangledness, especially when supplemented with the existence of a separating point (Definition 2.2). An antipodal case is defined in 3.10 and completely characterized in 3.11. Lastly we outline in 3.12 a forcing example showing that these two subcases of positive entangledness comprise no dichotomy. The work was done during the fall of 1994 and the winter of 1995. The second author proved Theorems 1.2, 2.14, the result that is mentioned in Remark 2.11 and what appears in this version as Theorem 2.10(a) with the further assumption den (I)θ < μ. The first author is responsible for waving off this assumption (actually by showing that it holds in the general case), for Theorems 2.12 and 2.13 in Section 2 and for the work which is presented in Section 3.


The categorization of retinal vessels morphological features and the investigation of their branching patterns are used in the process for automated diagnosis and screening of ophthalmologic diseases. Mathematical morphology has been materialized as a proficient technique for quantifying the retinal vasculature in ocular fundus images. In this paper, the performance comparison of two retinal vessel segmentation approaches based on combination of multi scale morphological reconstruction and morphological bit plane slicing with the vessel centerlines is presented. The segmentation accuracy and the processing time are taken as the performance criteria. These approaches are tested on two publicly available databases and results demonstrate that morphological bit plane slicing outperforms other approach in respect of processing time without a significant degradation of sensitivity and specificity.


The data on structure, biosynthesis, post-synthetic modifications, extracellular development and degradation of collagen are briefly reviewed. Role of main enzymes, participating in collagen turnover, is discussed. Isoforms of the protein are considered in details. The importance of studies on collagen proteins is noted in connection with investigations on morphogenesis, cell differentiation, regeneration.


As Registered Nurses (RNs) are crucial to delivering care, it is important to determine the factors which contribute to a healthy work environment for nurses and positive outcomes for patients. Past research has focused on the benefits of nurse-physician collaboration including improved nurse/ patient satisfaction and lower patient mortality. The few studies which have explored nurse-nurse collaboration have linked it with positive outcomes. To determine whether there is a relationship between nurse-nurse collaboration and nurse job satisfaction in the hospital setting, this correlational study involved a convenience/ snowball sample of RNs working in hospitals, who completed the two study instruments (Dougherty-Larson Nurse-Nurse Collaboration Instrument [DLNNCI] and McCloskey Mueller Satisfaction Scale [MMSS]). The results indicated a significant, positive correlation between nurse-nurse collaboration and nurse job satisfaction (r = .569, p<.01). Collaboration between nurses is associated with nurse job satisfaction and may contribute to the development of a healthy work environment.


Orbital infection can lead to blindness and cavernous sinus thrombosis, a very dangerous situation for the patient. Paranasal sinusitis is the most relevant etiologic factor of this condition. The patient presented with a serious pre-septal subperiosteal orbital infection. Computed tomography examination showed a purulent collection in the supraorbital region with area of emphysema. All paranasal sinuses were opacified, and proptosis was clearly present. No signs of inflammation were present in the central nervous system. Orbital and sinus drainage was performed. One year after drainage, the patient has no signs of infection, and his visual acuity has been preserved.


In this paper the methodology of composing mathematical models and fault detection & identification system for a laboratory stand named air flow stabilization system is given. The main objective of the system identification is to obtain the best mathematical description of a real system of interest; in our case we have modeled the dynamics of air flow in the tube. In the second part of the paper the authors present the fault detection system that is designed to detect any abnormality of air flow in the air tube and to identify four types of occurred faults.


Abstract Magnetic nanocomposite materials consisting of 5.5 wt% Fe-Co alloy nanoparticles in a silica aerogel matrix, with compositions FexCo1−x of x = 0.50 and 0.67, have been synthesized by the sol-gel method. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images show nanoparticles consisting of single crystal grains of body-centered cubic Fe-Co alloy, with typical crystal grain diameters of approximately 4 and 7 nm for Fe0.5Co0.5 and Fe0.67Co0.33 samples, respectively. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra summed over areas of the samples gave compositions FexCo1−x with x = 0.48 ± 0.06 and 0.68 ± 0.05. The EDX spectra obtained with the 1.5 nm probe positioned at the centers of ∼20 nanoparticles gave slightly lower concentrations of Fe, with means of ⟨x⟩ = 0.43 ± 0.01 and ⟨x⟩ = 0.64 ± 0.02, respectively. The Fe0.5Co0.5 sample was studied using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and EELS spectra summed over whole nanoparticles gave x = 0.47 ± 0.06. The EELS spectra from analysis profiles of nanoparticles show a distribution of Fe and Co that is homogeneous, i.e., x = 0.5, within a precision of at best ±0.05 in x and ±0.4 nm in position. The present microscopy results have not shown the presence of a thin layer of iron oxide, but this might be at the limit of detectability of the methods.


Objectives The objective of the study was to examine and compare the HIV testing attitudes, perceptions and behaviours between African-American and East African immigrant women in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Methods Adopting an inductive, qualitative methodological approach, we conducted a total of 40 in-depth, semistructured interviews between October 2012 and March 2013. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Overall, African-American women held more favourable views towards HIV testing than East African immigrant women. Very few East African immigrant women sought HIV testing intentionally. The majority of East African participants were tested inadvertently, while others tested for immigration-related or employment-related purposes. There were many barriers that impede women from seeking an HIV test including negative assumptions (eg, "Getting an HIV test implies that I am HIV positive"), negative emotions (eg, "Fear of being diagnosed with HIV and what this will mean for me") and potential negative reactions from partner or others (eg, "Getting an HIV test can signal distrust, disrespect, or infidelity"). There were nuances in how each group articulated some of these barriers and East African women expressed unique concerns that originated from experiences in their home countries. Conclusions The study shed light into the complexity of factors that constrain women from presenting themselves voluntarily for an HIV test and highlighted the nuances between African-American and East African perceptions. Implications of findings for effective targeted HIV screening promotion and communication strategies among these groups of women are discussed.


As attention to Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM) and Knowledge Translation (KT) in research, policy and practice grows, so does a need for capacity enhancement in amongst evidence producers and evidence users. Recognizing that most researchers enter the professional sphere with little or no appreciation of the importance and power of EIDM, the Centre for Evidence-based Health Care at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, spearheaded the development and accreditation of a foundational course titled Evidence-Informed Decision making: The Art, Science and Complexity of knowledge translation. The curriculum draws on the principles of adult learning and effective teaching that includes integrating seven key aspects: (1) extraction of intuitive and tacit knowledge (2) autonomous knowledge generation (3) diverse perspectives (4) learning by doing (5) peer-support and critique (6) facilitator coaching and (7) constant reflection. In this paper, we reflect on these techniques in enhancing understanding and utilization of KT in advancing EIDM. The in-person short course has been offered 5 times since its launch in September 2017 with attendance by ~85 senior researchers and government officials—each of whom left the workshop with three completed outputs: a stakeholder matrix, an engagement strategy for their chosen stakeholder and a plan for evaluating the impact of their KT strategy. Interest in the course has grown considerably: (a) Requests from local institutes of research for dedicated training to their staff; (b) Incorporation into international program partner capacity enhancing strategies; (c) Publication of a book chapter designed using course content; (d) Adaptation and utilization of the templates and tools as teaching resources (e) Informing organizational stakeholder engagement strategies (f) Adaptation of the modules for conference capacity building workshops. In summary, designing courses that take into consideration adult principles of learning is not a new concept. However, effective delivery of such courses is still nascent. We found that integrating the seven aspects mentioned above, including researchers together with decision-makers in the workshops, and having an experienced facilitator is critical for effective learning. Enhancing knowledge and skills "just in time" rather than "just in case" has demonstrated increased potential for immediate relevance, uptake and sustainability.


Chinese culture is broad, profound and rich in connotation. Often a word, word, sentence in different chapters will have different meanings, which is undoubtedly a major difficulty for students learning Chinese as a second language. With the continuous development of context theory, the important position of context teaching method in the teaching process has gradually emerged. Therefore, this paper will combine the actual situation of TCFL classroom, analyze and research the application strategy of context teaching in TCFL classroom.


Children are inundated with popular character images that span across films, television shows, the Internet, clothes, lunchboxes, and toys. At the same time, parents and educators are urged to maintain an anxious distinction between "educational" toys and mass-marketed toys. This book reports on a study that integrates education and communication perspectives, examining the mechanisms of both pretend play and children's consumer culture. When children pretend play, they communicate - through enactment and storytelling - narratives and motifs from a variety of cultural sources. The study focuses on one narrative template: the promotional character toy, that is, replica models of characters seen in television and films. It explores the complex and often less discernable ways children use play to emulate or alter the roles they are offered through these toys.


The present invention relates to a chip removing machining tool, and the male part. The tool 21 includes a male part 23 and the holder 25 for the male part. The male portion includes a radially and axially supporting and positioning portion 27 and the threaded portion (31). The maximum diameter of the male thread is smaller than the supporting and positioning minimum diameter portion of the radial and axial direction. Transition portion 35 is disposed along the axis of the male part between a radially and axially supporting and up to the number of the radial portions of the positioning unit 27, the threaded portion (31).


In a nationwide survey of ATL in Japan, a total of 910 cases of ATL and 7,164 cases of B-NHL as a control disease, newly diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2007 (2 years), were enrolled from 156 hospitals. Male-female ratios were 1.16 for ATL and 1.22 for B-NHL. Among all ATL cases registered, 59.8% were from an HTLV-1 endemic area in Kyushu, and the ratio of ATL to B-NHL in this area was 1 to 3, while that in a non-endemic area in Tokyo was 1 to 40. Compared to previous nationwide studies, the age of ATL patients shifted toward older ages and the mean age gradually increased from 52.7 years in the first survey (cases before 1980) to 61.1 years in the ninth survey (1996-1997) and, finally, to 66.0 years in the present study (range: 19 to 94, median: 67). On subtype classification, 46.7% were classified as the acute type, 34.8% the lymphoma type, 10.3% the smoldering type, and 8.2% the chronic type, and the rate of the acute type decreased with an increase in the lymphoma type compared to that in previous studies. An increase in the mean age is explained by the high HTLV-1 prevalence in elderly people over 64 years old in endemic areas (20%), and by the continual development of ATL from this large pool of HTLV-1 carriers. According to mortality statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan, approximately 1,000 people die annually from ATL, a statistic that has not changed at least for the past decade.


It has been suggested that hyperexcitability in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons due to altered sodium channel expression contributes to some chronic pain syndromes. To understand the role of the voltage-gated sodium channel α-SNS in inflammatory pain, we investigated the expression of α-SNS mRNA and tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) sodium current in small DRG neurons, which include nociceptive cells, following injection of carrageenan into the hind paw of the rat using in situ hybridization and patch-clamp recording. α-SNS mRNA expression in DRG neurons projecting to the inflamed limb was significantly increased 4 days following carrageenan injection, compared with DRG neurons from the contralateral side or naive (uninjected) rats (mean ± s.d. optical density ratio: ipsilateral/contralateral, 1.77 ± 0.17; ipsilateral/naive, 1.88 ± 0.36). The amplitude of the TTX-R sodium current in small DRG neurons projecting to the inflamed limb was significantly larger than on the contralateral side 4 days post-injection (31.7 ± 3.3 vs 20.0 ± 2.1 nA). The TTX-R current density was also significantly increased. These results demonstrate the increased expression of α-SNS sodium channels in small DRG neurons following injection of carrageenan into their projection field, and suggest that α-SNS is involved in the development of hyperexcitability associated with inflammation.


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
We designed an intracorporeal knot applier for the ligation of large vessels laparoscopically. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and efficiency of this method to control large vessels in pigs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Six pigs with mean body weight of 28 kg (range 26-30 kg) were enrolled. The standard transperitoneal laparoscopic set-up was established with 15 mm Hg of pneumoperionteum. The right renal hilum was mobilized, and the renal artery and renal vein were separated. A 5-cm segment of inferior vena cava with the right renal vein was skeletonized laparoscopically. Assisted by the novel knot applier, 3-0 silk was used to ligate the renal artery, renal vein, and inferior vena cava. The time required to accomplish these ligatures was recorded. Two intracorporeal knots were applied 5 mm apart, and the vessels were divided between the knots. The knot strength was assessed by measuring the maximal intraluminal pressure required to blast out the knot using gas insufflation.

RESULTS
The diameters (mean +/- SD) of the porcine inferior vena cava, renal artery, and renal vein were 11.1 +/- 0.7, 2.9 +/- 0.3, and 4.9 +/- 0.3 mm, respectively. The knotting time was 58.9 +/- 8.6, 57.5 +/- 6.6, and 59.1 +/- 6.3 seconds for these vessels, respectively. No bleeding occurred when the vessels were divided. The average pressure needed to withstand the blast out of the ligature on the inferior vena cava, renal artery, and renal vein was 213.3 +/- 32.7 (range 165-250), 227.5 +/- 14.7 (range 210-250), and 210.8 +/- 21.5 (range 180-240) mm Hg, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
The novel intracorporeal knot applier was easy to use when making a ligature on vessels of different sizes and different wall thicknesses. The time required for making a ligature was short, and the knot was secure enough to withstand a vascular pressure higher than ordinary blood pressure. The laparoscopic device is inexpensive with great potential of being used as a secure vascular ligature provider.


Global sourcing (GS) is a firmly established phenomenon in modern business practice that requires specific expertise from different organizational functions, such as purchasing, production, logistics, and research and development to analyze and select sourcing alternatives effectively. In this context, global sourcing decision-making (GSDM) processes pose major challenges because two dimensions of functional politics, namely goal misalignment and power imbalance across functions, appear to influence procedural rationality in a manner not understood to date. Likewise, intuition also seems to play a role for the procedural rationality of GSDM processes. To elucidate the conditions under which procedural rationality is hampered or enhanced by politics and intuition, we studied five cross-functional GSDM processes, in front of extant strategic decision-making literature. We derive formal propositions on how functional politics and intuition influence the procedural rationality and present contingencies for the divergent role of intuition as well as functional politics in GDSM processes. Our research contributes to existing GS literature by providing a theoretical model of important microfoundations of how GSDM processes evolve. The findings also guide managers on how to structure GSDM processes such that GS projects can be conducted in a more rational fashion.


The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the level of deformation, the degeneration rate of the knee joint, and the change in the structure of the subchondral bone layer affected by osteoarthritis in women. The study included patients diagnosed with primary knee osteoarthritis, with varus of the joint, planned for surgical treatment in the form of knee arthroplasty. The patients underwent a clinical and radiological assessment using standard radiographs of the knee joints in the anterior–posterior and lateral positions, while the level of varus deformity of the joint was determined on the basis of measurement radiographs of the lower limbs. Cartilage and bone materials from the tibial plateau were collected from 30 patients during the surgical treatments; these were then processed and examined using the Raman spectroscopy technique at the Department of Optical Spectroscopy of the Poznań University of Technology using the Renishaw inVia micro-Raman system coupled with a confocal microscope. The obtained Raman scattering spectra were analyzed by measuring the individual band intensities, and the results in the form of the ratios of selected Raman bands assigned to selected chemical groups were expressed as the mineralization index. The patients were divided into two groups, the first with a joint varus range of 3–10 degrees and the second with a range of 11–30 degrees. The patients were also divided into four groups, depending on the osteoarthritis degree, using the Kellgren–Lawrence scale. The investigation indicated that there is a relationship between the level of deformation and degeneration of the knee joint, expressed in scales based on radiological examination, and the coefficient, which determines the changes in the bone microstructure. The results showed that a decrease in mineralization occurred in the medial and lateral condyles as the knee osteoarthritis progressed. This study confirmed that the Raman spectroscopy technique is a useful tool for further research regarding the pathogenesis and course of osteoarthritis and may have an impact on the early diagnosis and treatment of knee osteoarthritis.


Purpose To study multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and its relation to retinal sensitivity assessed by Humphrey visual field (HVF) analysis in central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD). Methods Seven eyes of 4 patients with CACD and 15 normal control subjects were examined. mfERG and central 30/2 HVF were tested for each participant. Ring analysis in mfERG was evaluated. HVF results were evaluated in 5 concentric rings in order to compare the results to concentric ring analysis in mfERG. The differences between control subjects and patients were evaluated by Mann-Whitney U test and the correlations were assessed by Spearman test. Results Mean Snellen acuity was 0.49±0.10 in patients. HVF revealed central scotoma in 6 of 7 eyes (85.7%), whereas a paracentral scotoma extending to fixation point was detected in 1 eye. The retinal sensitivities in 5 concentric rings in HVF were significantly lower (p<0.001 for ring 1 to ring 4, and p=0.017 in ring 5) in CACD patients. Similarly, CACD patients had lower P1/N1 amplitudes (p<0.05) and delayed P1/N1 implicit times (p<0.05). Conclusions In CACD, in the areas of scotoma detected by HVF, mfERG values were depressed. However, both mfERG and HVF abnormalities were found outside the areas of ophthalmoscopically normal retinal areas.


Beyond a diagnosis that would only reason out the shortcomings of the practice of human resource management within the company and the causes of this situation, the issue of this thesis aims to identify the various factors and elements that do not favor a true and complete implementation of a human resources management policy in a Moroccan company and their degree of implementation on the company's performance. Thus, the study focused on the impact of human resource management on a company performance. We carried out our research at a company, "Source Marrakech", specialized in the bottling of water that relies on establishing a HRM policy to increase its performance. With regard to its content, this paper is a mere outcome of an experience within the company (combined certainly with some theoretical research), that suggests to treat said problem by using some indicators to assess the main HRM practices (employment, staff appraisal, training, management of jobs and skills and human resources development) and their influence on the company's financial, economic and social performance and propose a research model.


Non-infectious uveitis is an inflammatory disorder of the eye that accounts for severe visual loss without evident infectious agents. While T cells are supposed to dominate the induction of inflammation in non-infectious uveitis, the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of this disease is obscure. Therefore, this review aimed to discuss diverse B-cell participation in different non-infectious uveitides and their roles in the pathogenesis of this disease as well as the mechanism of action of rituximab. Increasing evidence from experimental models and human non-infectious uveitis has suggested the participation of B cells in non-infectious uveitis. The participation levels vary in different uveitides. Furthermore, B cells play multiple roles in the pathogenic mechanisms. B cells produce autoantibodies, regulate T cell responses via antibody-independent functions, and constitute ectopic lymphoid structures. Regulatory B cells perform pivotal anti-inflammatory functions in non-infectious uveitis. Rituximab may work by depleting pro-inflammatory B cells and restoring the quantity and function of regulatory B cells in this disease. Identifying the levels of B-cell participation and the associated roles is beneficial for optimizing therapy. Diversified experimental model choices and emerging tools and/or methods are conducive for future studies on this topic.


A significant amount of aluminium is processed by melting aluminium scrap that contains small amounts of magnesium. A major drawback of aluminium production in secondary melt furnaces is the formation of dross or aluminium oxide by the oxidation of the molten metal. Since aluminium scrap forms a major source of the metal in secondary aluminium processing, the presence of alloying elements plays a key role in the oxidation process. Here, we consider the early stage of oxidation of an Al–Mg alloy during which primarily the oxidation of magnesium to its oxide occurs. Our model simulates the process in an aluminium melting furnace and considers metal oxidation to be diffusion limited. The phenomenon is assumed to be one-dimensional and the reaction of Al/Mg with O2 to be infinitely fast. We are able to obtain a closed form analytical solution of the evaporation rate and the amount of oxide that is formed. We find that the evaporation of the metal vapour and its oxidation depend on the furnace size, melt composition, melt temperature, gas temperature and oxygen concentration in the gas. Oxide formation decreases with increasing furnace height and with decreasing oxygen concentration and melt temperature. Dross formation is weakly dependent on the ambient temperature and alloy composition. The results indicate that there are essentially two parameters, namely, the equivalence ratio of the fuel–air mixture (which controls the ambient oxygen concentration) and the melt temperature that can be manipulated to influence oxide formation in practical furnaces.


We report on a patient with febrile illness, right unilateral paratracheal widening, pulmonary infiltrates, pleural effusions, exanthema and diarrhea. The right paratracheal widening was due to lymph node enlargement confirmed by CT scan. Symptoms disappeared subsequently without specific treatment. On the basis of serological tests, we are able to diagnose a coxsackie B3 virus infection. No previous case report of unilateral mediastinal nodal enlargement contemporary to a coxsackie B3 virus infection was found in our review of the literature.


Recent advances in the study of the catalytic properties of acetylcholinesterases have been reviewed. The main biological function of this enzyme is the fast termination of impulse transmission at cholinegric synapses by rapid hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholinesterase has been often characterized as a perfect enzyme because its catalytic properties have been tuned to the highest possible limit. However, it seems paradoxical that the active site of this enzyme is buried deeply inside the enzyme molecule in the bottom of a narrow gorge restricting the traffic of substrates and products. The analysis of recent advances in enzymology and data on cholinesterase revealed rationality of this organization. The primary task of an enzyme catalyst is to lower the activation barrier for the chemical transformation of the substrate, and the catalytic power of the enzyme originates in polar solvation of the transition state by properly oriented dipoles inside the enzyme molecule. The active site gorge of acetylcholinesterase, containing multiple potential substrate binding areas, is responsible for "trapping" and delivery of substrate molecules to the active site. The phenomena of "allosteric modulation" and substrate inhibition arise as secondary effects of the presence of the narrow gorge lined with hydrophobic residues.


We examine the radio properties of the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) in a large sample of X-ray selected galaxy clusters comprising the Brightest Cluster Sample (BCS), the extended BCS and ROSAT-ESO Flux Limited X-ray cluster catalogues. We have multifrequency radio observations of the BCG using a variety of data from the Australia Telescope Compact Array, Jansky Very Large Array and Very Long Baseline Array telescopes. The radio spectral energy distributions of these objects are decomposed into a component attributed to on-going accretion by the active galactic nuclei (AGN) that we refer to as 'the core', and a more diffuse, ageing component we refer to as the 'non-core'. These BCGs are matched to previous studies to determine whether they exhibit emission lines (principally Hα), indicative of the presence of a strong cooling cluster core. We consider how the radio properties of the BCGs vary with cluster environmental factors. Line emitting BCGs are shown to generally host more powerful radio sources, exhibiting the presence of a strong, distinguishable core component in about 60 per cent of cases. This core component more strongly correlates with the BCG's [O III] 5007 A line emission. For BCGs in line emitting clusters, the X-ray cavity power correlates with both the extended and core radio emission, suggestive of steady fuelling of the AGN over bubble-rise time-scales in these clusters.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the psychometric validity, reliability, responsiveness, and minimal important differences of the Diabetes Symptoms Checklist-Revised (DSC-R), a widely used patient-reported outcome measure of diabetes symptom distress.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Psychometric validity of the DSC-R was assessed using blinded data from a large-scale trial of approximately 4000 type 2 diabetes patients. Confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) and multitrait analysis were used to examine the construct validity of the structure of DSC-R. DSC-R internal consistency, discriminative validity, and responsiveness were also assessed. Distribution and anchor-based methods were used to estimate minimal important differences for DSC-R domains.

RESULTS
Mean age of the sample was 56 years, 42% were female, 88% were Caucasian. Patients had a mean body mass index (BMI) of 32.2 and mean glucose-fasting level of 151.7 md/dl. CFA and multitrait analysis indicated that the scoring of the DSC-R has acceptable construct validity. Item-scale correlations ranged from 0.44 to 0.78. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.69 to 0.87. At baseline, DSC-R scores were higher among patients with higher BMI scores (P < 0.0001), supporting the discriminative validity of the DSC-R. Minimal important difference estimates ranged from 0.39 to 0.60 points when using distribution methods and from 0.00 to 0.33 when estimated using anchor-based methods.

CONCLUSIONS
The DSC-R demonstrated excellent psychometric properties when tested in a large-scale diabetes clinical trial. Responsiveness and test-retest reliability of the DSC-R warrant further evaluation.


This study focuses on the women's stories that imply aspects of anti-Judaism within Matthew's depiction of Christology, which is called Matthew's theology. In fact, Matthew's community opposed the Jewish system and Jewish leaders and parted from its parent body. Even though Matthew's community was still similar to the Jewish system, it had significant differences as well. The study discusses these aspects of anti-Judaism that appear in the woman's stories that include the genealogy of Jesus, the haemorrhaging woman, the Canaanite woman, and the women at the cross and Jesus' tomb. This study shows proof and examples of anti-Judaism within the stories and thoroughly analyses them. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the women's stories imply aspects of anti-Judaism with Christological depictions by Matthew's theological tendency.


This study examined the effects of adolescent stress on somatic symptoms. In order to scrutinize the moderating effects of social support, this study also examined the effects by different sources of social support on somatization. The subjects of this study were 425 students in total, consisting of first and second year high school students in Seoul and Gyeonggido, and they were asked to fill out a self-administrated questionnaire. A correlation analysis of stress, social support and somatic symptoms of adolescent showed a significantly positive correlation between stress and somatic symptoms. Also we found that high levels of stress on family, life environment and self are related to lower social support. And social support showed a negative correlation with somatic symtoms. Finally the investigation of social supports" moderating effect on stress and somatization proved that there were significant moderating effects of mother's and father's support in the areas of family and everyday life related stress. In addition to that, father's support had a alleviating effects on self area stress. In conclusion, the results showed that parental support had alleviating effects, even though the stress level was high.


The infamous Madame may have possessed uncountable pairs of shoes: she claims to have owned only a little over a thousand (although the stereotypical estimate is three thousand), which may be inversely proportional to the actual number of notes she correctly hits every time she sings one of her cloying ballads. Still, what eludes understanding is why the former First Lady of the Philippines continues to inspire people elsewhere to conjure up such an illustrative display of patent disinformation and collective ignorance. If this advertisement (published in a number of Southern California gay periodicals last year) was designed as a joke or caricature, no one from these shores is laughing. It can only strike discerning Filipinos as unnecessary travesty of the concept of charity and tax-deductible donations. Although obviously ironic, it assumes that putting forth an iconic image of "Meldy" mouthing " Welll, maybe just one pair... " will inspire readers to donate their threadbare shods to the uncannily named Out of the Closet Thrift Store , presumably the beneficiary of the business being elicited. So much for responsible advertising.


Content-based copy detection (CBCD) recently has appeared a promising technique for video monitoring and copyright protection. In this paper, a novel framework for CBCD is proposed. Robust global features and local Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) are first combined to describe video contents, and the density sampling method is proposed to improve the generation of visual codebook. Secondly, Smith-Waterman algorithm is introduced to find the similar video segments, meanwhile, a video matching method based on visual codebook is proposed to calculate the similarity of copy videos. Finally, a hierarchical fusion scheme is used to refine the detection results. Experiments on TRECVID dataset show that the proposed framework gives better results than the average results of CBCD task in TRECVID 2008.


Effects of elbow joint position on forearm supination torque control among young adults Background: Large numbers of cases of pathological conditions in the forearm and elbow that have been reported in the literature are associated with tasks involving effort and repetitive movements of the arms and hands. Elbow position is known to affect the production of maximum forearm supination torque, and is a critical factor in designing appropriate therapeutic exercises. However, to our knowledge, there are no data on the effects of elbow position on tasks requiring control over submaximal torque levels. Objective: This study investigated the effects of elbow position on the production of maximum isometric forearm supination torque, and on constant and continuous torque control at different submaximal torque levels. Method: Sixteen young adults (24.7 ± 2.2 years old) were asked to perform two tasks: production of maximum lateral pinch torque (thumb and index finger) and controlled lateral pinch constant torque. Both tasks were evaluated at four different elbow positions (free position, 0°, 45° and 90° of elbow flexion) and three submaximal levels of lateral pinch torque production (20%, 40% and 60%). Maximal torque, variability, irregularity and accuracy of the motor response were used as dependent variables. Results: Greater torque values were found when the elbow joint was not restricted. The torque control tasks were not affected by the elbow position. However, greater variability and irregularity and lower accuracy in torque response were recorded with progressively increased submaximal torque levels. Conclusion: The results suggest that elbow position is not a determining factor for rehabilitation exercises that include torque control, in relation to forearm supination.


Temporal action detection (TAD) aims to detect all action boundaries and their corresponding categories in an untrimmed video. The unclear boundaries of actions in videos often result in imprecise predictions of action boundaries by existing methods. To resolve this issue, we propose a one-stage framework named TriDet. First, we propose a Trident-head to model the action boundary via an estimated relative probability distribution around the boundary. Then, we analyze the rank-loss problem (i.e. instant discriminability deterioration) in transformer-based methods and propose an efficient scalable-granularity perception (SGP) layer to mitigate this issue. To further push the limit of instant discriminability in the video backbone, we leverage the strong representation capability of pretrained large models and investigate their performance on TAD. Last, considering the adequate spatial-temporal context for classification, we design a decoupled feature pyramid network with separate feature pyramids to incorporate rich spatial context from the large model for localization. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness of TriDet and its state-of-the-art performance on multiple TAD datasets, including hierarchical (multilabel) TAD datasets.


A blood sample from a cow in the Isle of Man caused a severe Ehrlichia phagocytophila infection when inoculated into a splenectomised calf. The parasite was passaged successively into a further splenectomised calf and then into two intact animals. One of the splenectomised calves and one of the intact animals died of the infection which was characterised by causing a sustained febrile response apparently correlated with a marked invasion of monocytes by the rickettsiae.


Summary:
 Succulence is an adaptive strategy that allows plants to remain active during seasonal water shortage. The term was first used formally by Johann (Jean) Bauhin in 1619 to refer to plants with thick, juicy leaves. Its subsequent use and selected definitions are critically discussed, including concepts such as utilizable water, caudiciforms and pachycauls, and root succulence. A unified definition of succulence considers aspects of morphology and anatomy, ecology, and physiology. Stem succulence and the "cactus life form" are used to illustrate the parallel evolution of functional adaptations in morphology, and to contrast the obvious external similarities with the widely variable internal architecture, including the participation of different stem tissues in water storage.


With the continuous progress of the chemical industry, warehouse design needs to be diversified on account of the increasing complex and multitudinous perilous chemicals. In this situation, this study projects the conception of the interconnected warehouse. By taking the storage points as the quantity and the path as the variable, this study establishes a quadratic allocation model on the operations of this novel kind of warehouse. Then, an improved neural network algorithm is proposed to ascertain the optimal solution. The innovation of this study is that it releases the space resources of the classic dangerous goods warehouse and improves the operational efficiency of the dangerous goods warehouse under the premise of ensuring safety. Finally, the proposed model and algorithm is tested and verified with a data of Shanghai Lingang dangerous Material Warehouse. The empirical research demonstrates that the interconnected warehouse has ideal performance for lifting the handling efficiency on the basis of ensuring safety.


An n-bit parallel binary adder consisting of NOR gates only in single-rail input logic is proved to require at least 17n + 1 connections for any value of n. Such an adder is proved to require at least 7n + 2 gates. An adder that attains these minimal values is shown. Also, it is concluded that some of the parallel adders with the minimum number of NOR gates derived by Lai and Muroga have the minimum number of connections as well as the minimum number of gates, except for the two modules for the two least significant bit positions.


We study the problem of committee selection in the context of proof-of-stake consensus mechanisms or distributed ledgers. These settings determine a family of participating parties—each of which has been assigned a non-negative "stake"—and are subject to an adversary that may corrupt a subset of the parties. The challenge is to select a committee of participants that accurately reflects the proportion of corrupt and honest parties, as measured by stake, in the full population. The trade-off between committee size and the probability of selecting a committee that over-represents the corrupt parties is a fundamental factor in both security and efficiency of proof-of-stake consensus, as well as committee-run layer-two protocols. Wepropose andanalyzeseveralnewcommitteeselectionschemes that improve upon existing techniques by adopting low-variance assignment of certain committee members that hold significant stake. These schemes provide notable improvements to the size–security trade-off arising from the stake distributions of many deployed ledgers.


Abstract A three-dimensional finite element model of the Eastern Mediterranean was developed in order to investigate the tectonic processes and model parameters which are mainly responsible for the observed surface deformation. The main faults are modelled as surfaces with Coulomb friction. Boundary conditions are slab pull at the Hellenic arc and the displacement for the African and Arabian plate taken from the rigid plate model NUVEL-1A. The rheology is elasto-visco-plastic. By varying the model properties a set of parameters can be determined which leads to a minimal mean deviation comparing the velocity field of the models with the space geodetic observations at 42 sites from global positioning system (GPS) and satellite laser ranging (SLR). The best result was attained with a low friction coefficient between 0.2 and 0.45 along the subduction zones and the main faults, a slab pull stress of 150 MPa and different cohesive strengths C in areas with compressional (C = 460 MPa) and extensional tectonic regimes (C = 40 MPa). The velocity field of the models shows the overall pattern of a westward escape of Anatolia and the SSW movement of the Aegean region.


This study examines the attitudes of young Japanese, Chinese, and South Koreans toward birth and child-rearing. The survey targeted four-year university students (n=1,668) who responded to an anonymous survey using self-report questionnaires between December 2012 and April 2013. The collection rates were 72.5%, 94.7%, and 96.5% for the Japanese, Chinese, and South Korean students, respectively. Correlations among the respondents' attributes, medical and scientific literacy levels, and views of preferred qualities of children were analyzed using chi-square test, supplemented by residual analysis (significance level set at p<0.05). Participants were asked whether they were willing to use the following methods for obtaining preferred qualities in their children:(1) choosing a spouse (43.2%, 72.6%, and 85.1% of the Japanese, Chinese, and South Koreans, respectively, agreed);(2) using a sperm bank (cryobank) (5.8%, 60.1%, and 81.7% of the Japanese, Chines, and South Koreans, respectively, agreed);and (3) using an egg cell bank (ova bank or cryobank) (5.3%, 47.2%, and 70.3% of the Japanese, Chinese, and South Koreans, respectively, agreed). The proportion of affirmative responses (indicating "eugenic inclination") to these statements was significantly higher among the Chinese and South Korean participants than their Japanese counterparts (p<0.001). Significant differences were also found in the attitudes of the 3 groups toward methods for obtaining the preferred qualities for their children:prenatal diagnosis, pre-implantation diagnosis, the environment during pregnancy, and child-rearing.


Introduction Impaired lung function is independently associated with higher rates of disability, however, few studies have examined the association between lung function and functional limitation. This study aimed to assess this association and dose-response relationship in older adults. Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2012) was used as a cross-sectional study. Lung function was determined by Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Functional limitation in older adults was identified by six self-reported questions on physical function. 3070 adults aged 60 and over were enrolled in our study. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline models were applied to examine the association between lung function and the risk of functional limitation. Results FEV1 and FVC were inversely associated with the risk of functional limitation. In the full adjusted model, compared with the lowest tertile of FEV1, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of functional limitation for tertile 2 and tertile 3 were 0.5422 (0.3848–0.7639) and 0.4403 (0.2685–0.7220), and the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of functional limitation for tertile 2 and tertile 3 of FVC were 0.5243 (0.3503–0.7848) and 0.3726 (0.2072–0.6698). Furthermore, an inverse association persisted after stratified analysis by gender and sensitivity analysis. Dose-response analyses showed that the odds of functional limitation declined with increase in FEV1 and FVC in a nonlinear manner. Conclusions Lung function was inversely associated with functional limitation among older adults.


Future frequency control methods will be required to operate in faster timeframes than traditional forms of frequency control. Key to providing fast frequency response within low inertia systems will be power electronic (PE) interfaced energy sources. Along with improving the timeframe and quantity of response, they will also need to be scalable without causing detrimental impacts to other forms of dynamic system behavior. Simply allowing the PE-based fast frequency controls to respond quickly under small disturbances may lead to unwanted oscillatory behavior. To overcome this potential behavior, this paper proposes the use of an adaptive frequency control implementation that uses fast Fourier Transform (FFT) along with an adaptive algorithm to detect oscillatory behavior and adjust the time constant of a first order filter. The use of this adaptive frequency control is shown to significantly reduce oscillatory frequency control action for small disturbances, without reducing the timeframe of operation under large disturbances.


A patient exhibiting ocular and systemic manifestations of both Sturge-Weber and Wyburn-Mason syndrome is described. The ocular, dermatologic, and neurological findings are detailed. The simultaneous occurrence of more than one phakomatosis is rare, but several combinations have been described in the literature. This appears to be the first report of this particular combination of phakomatoses.


Objective To characterize relationships among blood pressure, pulse rate, vitamin C status and other protective and risk factors for older British people, from a national survey. Design A cross-sectional analysis of survey data. Setting A population study, representative of mainland Britain. Subjects Among 914 people of both sexes living in the community, 373 were taking blood-pressure-lowering drugs and were therefore excluded from the analyses. Interventions Completion of an interview on health, lifestyle and dietary habits, recording of a 4-day dietary record, anthropometry and taking of a blood sample to determine haematological and biochemical status. Main outcome measures Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, pulse rate, indices of micronutrient status including plasma ascorbate concentration, nutrient intake and haematology. Results Plasma ascorbate concentration was inversely correlated to systolic and diastolic blood pressures and pulse rate. Other covariates of blood pressure included age, sex, domicile, plasma retinol, fibrinogen and γ-tocopherol concentrations, erythrocyte count, prothrombin time and urine sodium: creatinine ratio. Covariates of pulse rate included sex, domicile, plasma fibrinogen and platelet count. Blood pressure was also correlated to intake of vitamin C. Conclusions Plasma ascorbate concentration and intake of vitamin C are covariates of blood pressure in older people living in Britain. New intervention studies are now needed, to test for possible causalities.


Today, electric vehicles available in the market aspire to offer different connections to the end user, for instance, Vehicle to Grid (V2G), Vehicle to Building (V2B), Vehicle to Home (V2H), Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V), and Vehicle to Load (V2L), among others. Notwithstanding these versatility options toward the development of a sustainable society, the additional degradation of the energy storage systems once those operate in extra discharge modes is inevitable. Therefore, in this paper, an energy management strategy (EMS) which operates autonomously and noninvasively as an additional layer to the battery management system (BMS) is proposed. The EMS limits the current flow avoiding high and low temperatures, low state of charge (SoC), high deep of discharge (DoD), noncentered DoD around an optimal SoC point, and high charge and discharge rates. The proposed EMS is evaluated by long-term simulations with a Li-Ion battery degradation model and realistic weather conditions, during standard driving cycles including the V2L operation. The effectiveness and simplicity of tuning of the proposed EMS allow estimating and increasing the life expectancy of the Li-Ion battery bank, by limiting the energy used for V2L operation.


Abstract Objective: To investigate the association of physical activity with insulin resistance and biomarkers of inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in a population at high risk for type 2 diabetes. Patients and Methods: A total of 778 subjects from the Risk factors in Impaired Glucose Tolerance for Atherosclerosis and Diabetes (RIAD) study aged 40-70 years were included in the present cross-sectional analysis. Results: Participants classified as having low physical activity (PA) were more insulin resistant in comparison to participants with medium (P = 0.042) and high PA (P = 0.015). Individuals with high physical activity had a significantly lower leucocytes count than individuals with low PA (P = 0.027) and significantly lower hs-CRP and fibrinogen concentrations than individuals with medium (P = 0.011 and P = 0.021) and low physical activity (P = 0.04 and P = 0.007). Although a trend towards a decrease in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) levels with increasing physical activity was present, significant differences were observed only between subjects with high and medium physical activity (P = 0.045 and P = 0.033). In multivariate regression analyses physical activity was an independent determinant of insulin resistance, leucocytes count, hs-CRP, and fibrinogen concentrations. Conclusions: Physical activity was independently associated with insulin resistance and biomarkers of inflammation, whereas only a tendency towards decreased concentrations of coagulation and fibrinolytic biomarkers with increasing physical activity was observed.


Peritoneal dialysis adequacy is most commonly assessed by indices of small solute clearance (Kt/Vurea and creatinine clearance [Ccr], for example). Once a threshold of small solute clearance has been obtained, however, further increases in small solute clearance do not result in improved long-term outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In addition to small solute clearance, there are several other factors that may affect optimal dialysis outcomes. These include, but are not limited to: volume homeostasis, infiammation, malnutrition, and mineral/bone metabolism. This article will briefiy review data regarding the relationships between these various factors and survival on PD.


Luciano Martini loved the music, of a love that entered directly into the category of passion. Thanks to the ability to read the music and a wide culture extended to other forms of art, he could get from the music maximum enjoyment. In the music field he had signed articles and held lectures. About his passion he was very reserved, opening himself to the discussion only with connoisseurs at his level. Likewise, the fact that he played the piano has remained completely private. Our relationship had found strong support in the mutual friendship and attendance of an opera singer that we had chosen as our favorite, Giuseppe Di Stefano. In recent years and until just before its end, musical topics and memories of moments lived with the great tenor have been the subject of long telephone conversations in which, together with the passion for music, his lucidity of judgment and his intelligence were readily apparent.


In this contribution the view is presented that the Heidelberg Catechism should be regarded as an attempt to promote unity between 16th century reformers and churches in the Palatinate. This, to some extent, determined the content of the Catechism resulting in some controversial issues receiving less attention. This in turn not only made the Catechism acceptable to a wide spectrum of Reformed Christianity, but also resulted in a creative and unique contribution to Reformed theology, almost a 'third option'. It was soon used in different Reformed territories as a confession and acclaimed for its clarity in formulating the basic Reformed faith. Today the Heidelberg Catechism is regarded as one of the most 'ecumenical' documents of the 16th century. As such, it still promotes unity amongst many Reformed churches, including those in South Africa.


Acoustic intensity can be used for different purposes such as sound source localisation, source separation and spatial audio object coding. Three-dimensional measurement of the acoustic intensity requires the design of special microphone arrays. A theoretical analysis and numerical simulations of intensity measurements using open spherical microphone arrays are presented in this paper. The calculation of the acoustic intensity using signals from an open spherical microphone array is presented first. Error metrics are defined to quantify the magnitude and directional errors. Isotropic operating range is defined as the upper frequency for which both errors are within prescribed bounds. Different array topologies are compared using numerical simulations.


We study fundamental graph problems such as graph connectivity, minimum spanning forest (MSF), and approximate maximum (weight) matching in a distributed setting. In particular, we focus on the Adaptive Massively Parallel Computation (AMPC) model, which is a theoretical model that captures MapReduce-like computation augmented with a distributed hash table. We show the first AMPC algorithms for all of the studied problems that run in a constant number of rounds and use only O(nϵ) space per machine, where 0 < ϵ < 1. Our results improve both upon the previous results in the AMPC model, as well as the best-known results in the MPC model, which is the theoretical model underpinning many popular distributed computation frameworks, such as MapReduce, Hadoop, Beam, Pregel and Giraph. Finally, we provide an empirical comparison of the algorithms in the MPC and AMPC models in a fault-tolerant distributed computation environment. We empirically evaluate our algorithms on a set of large real-world graphs and show that our AMPC algorithms can achieve improvements in both running time and round-complexity over optimized MPC baselines.


Following the presentation of some statistical data and information about homes for the elderly in Ecuador, findings from a short study of such institutions are presented. Here the various deficiencies and problems like financial problems, infrastructure, lack of experienced staff, are particularly stressed. As a conclusion it is stated that existing institutions for the elderly do not correspond to the requirements of modern social gerontology.


. The most critical requirements for the lifetime value of a system are its non-functional requirements such as reliability, security, maintainability, changeability, etc. These are collectively known as the 'ilities' and are typically addressed in system design once the functional architecture has been developed. In this paper we propose the use of architecture-centric design that modifies this standard workflow so that those non-functional requirements, which actually reflect the true business needs, are addressed first. This ensures that the final system better reflects and embodies those architecturally-significant requirements rather than having them addressed secondarily. This is an important change since the 'ilities' are systemic properties (properties of the system as a whole) rather than systematic properties (properties of individual components or sub-systems) and are therefore difficult to address once the functional architecture has been determined and the separation of concerns is already somewhat completed. We provide an example of the approach based around a simplified case study of an online, on-board health monitoring system for shipboard gas turbine electricity generators that collects, filters, analyzes, transmits, and mines sensor data from the generators subsystems.


A new optical sensor using local plasmon resonance is proposed. The sensor uses the principle that the extinction efficiency of a small metal particle depends on the effective refractive index of the medium surrounding the particle. We use gold colloid monolayers for the sensor, in which colloidal gold particles of 16-nm diameter are immobilized on a glass slide using functional organic coupling agent. We measured absorption spectra of the gold colloid monolayers immersed in liquid samples and coated with film samples. In the experiments for poly-(methyl methacrylate acid) films we obtained the thickness sensitivities of 0.009 absorbance/nm and 4.3 nm/nm for peak absorbance and for resonance wavelength, respectively.


We recently reported that acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH, 10×45s of 10% O2, 5 min intervals) produces LTF of splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity (sSNA), independent of respiratory LTF (Xing & Pilowsky, 2010, J Physiol, 588:3075). We hypothesised that sympathetic LTF (sLTF) is the result of intermittent activation of RAS, by renal hypoxia caused by AIH‐evoked hypotension. We recorded phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and sSNA, in anesthetised (pentobarbitone, 60mg/kg, ip), vagotomised, and ventilated Sprague‐Dawley rats. Intermittent bolus injections of angiotensin II (Ang, 10×35pmol in 0.1ml, iv), at the same 5 min intervals as AIH, elicited sLTF (+42.4 ±11.5%, n=5). Intermittent phenylephrine (PE, 10× 25μg in 0.1mL, iv) also produced sLTF (+72.4±21.6%, n=5), possibly via renal vasoconstriction induced renin release. Intermittent sodium nitroprusside induced hypotension (10×50μg in 0.1mL, iv) did not elicit sLTF (+2.4±5.6%, n=5). Infusion of Ang (350pmol in 1mL) or PE (250μg in 1mL) over 10 mins, also did not cause sLTF, indicating that intermittent stimulation of RAS is essential for sLTF to develop. PNA was unchanged in all groups. This data supports the idea that sLTF and respiratory LTF are mediated by separate mechanisms and that intermittent stimulation of peripheral RAS may be sufficient to elicit sLTF. This data may be relevant to sympathetic overactivity in sleep apnea patients. Funded by NH&MRC, ARC.


The use of self-protection strategies and related situation in rape has been studied by several scholars. The circumstances in which children are more likely to resist sexual victimization have, however, not been studied. This study examines the association between offence-related factors—specifically, the preoffence situation, the modus operandi strategies adopted by offenders, and victim characteristics—and victim resistance in sexual offences against children.The sample consisted of 94 adult offenders convicted of having committed a sexual offence against a child (or adolescent) of 16 years of age or younger and who agreed to provide confidential self-report data concerning their offending behavior and victim resistance actions. Victim resistance strategies were regrouped into three categories, namely, physical resistance, forceful verbal resistance, and nonforceful verbal resistance. The total number of resistance strategies was also used in the analyses. Overall, the age of the victim was found to be related to nonforceful verbal resistance, and violence was related to all forms of resistance.Younger girls were found to be more likely to employ nonforceful verbal resistance than older girls and to use a greater number of strategies as well. To provide reliable knowledge to build on for reducing the risk of child sexual abuse, this study suggests the need for prevention programs to include empirical findings regarding the circumstances in which children are more likely to resist sexual victimization.


The objective of this research is to determine the appropriate water volume application during the growth of oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq ) in the main nursery by a drip irrigation system. This research has been conducted in the Agriculture Experimental Station Faculty of Agriculture, University of Riau, District of Tampan, the research was  carried out for 4 months starting in July 2013 to the month of November 2013 utilized completely randomized design        ( CRD ) with four treatments of water volume A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , and A 4 ( 100 % of 3 liters of water, 75 % of 3 liters of water, 50 % from 3 liters of water. and 25 % from 3 liters of water ). The results of this research are plant height increament oil palm seedlings, increament the number of leaves of palm seedlings, seed weevil accretion wrap palm, coconut root volume mustard seeds, palm seeds dry weight, and water content of the soil additional parameters. The data obtained were analyzed using the analysis of variance and proceed with further testing DNMRT at 5% level. The results suggest giving 100 % of the water volume from 3 liters of water increase influence on plant height, girth increase tuber, root volume, plant dry weight, and water content in the soil, while the provision of 100 % of the water volume of 3 liters of water indicates that the influence is not significant on the number of leaves . Keywords: water volume, Main nursery and oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq)


BACKGROUND
Topological features of the larynx and hypopharynx may be depicted during sonographic examination of the neck, although ultrasound is seen of minor diagnostic importance. The varying extend of thyroid cartilage ossification appears to be the major limiting factor. We intended to assess the sonographic accessability of laryngeal structures with high end resolution ultrasound devices.

METHODS AND PATIENTS
We examined 101 patients endoscopically and by ultrasound. Normal laryngeal findings and pathologies were examined and analysed considering limitations by thyroid cartilage ossification.

RESULTS
Despite varying grades of ossification, the majority of laryngeal structures were clearly displayed by ultrasound. Ossification was increasing in the elderly. In 16 cases (16 %) ossification prevented a successful evaluation. In 9 cases of malignant tumor and one laryngocele sonographic assessment was able to contribute additional diagnostic information.

CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound of the larynx requires methodical experience of the operator but is capable to depict relevant anatomic structures, even with presence of thyroid cartilage ossification, thus being able to increase diagnostic impact and may save additional imaging modalities.


BACKGROUND
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (LpPLA(2)), also denoted as platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase, is a lipoprotein-bound enzyme involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis. In this cohort study we investigated LpPLA(2) activity to predict cardiac mortality in patients scheduled for coronary angiography.

METHODS
LpPLA(2) activity was determined in 2513 patients with and in 719 patients without angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD).

RESULTS
During the median observation period of 5.5 years, 501 patients died. In patients with tertiles of LpPLA(2) activity of 420-509 U/L or >or=510 U/L, unadjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for cardiac death were 1.7 (95% CI 1.3-2.4; P = 0.001), and 1.9 (95% CI 1.4-2.5; P <0.001), respectively, compared with patients with LpPLA(2) activity <or=419 U/L. After we accounted for established risk factors and included angiographic CAD status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, the 3rd tertile of LpPLA(2) activity predicted cardiac 5-year mortality with an HR of 2.0 (95% CI 1.4-3.1; P = 0.001). LpPLA(2) activity increased the adjusted risk for cardiac death by 2-fold in patients with hsCRP <3 mg/L in the 2nd (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.2; P = 0.002) and 3rd (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.0; P = 0.02) tertiles of LpPLA(2) activity and in patients with hsCRP of 3-10 mg/L in the 3rd tertile (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.6; P = 0.03) of LpPLA(2) activity.

CONCLUSIONS
LpPLA(2) activity predicts risk for 5-year cardiac mortality independently from established risk factors and indicates risk for cardiac death in patients with low and medium-high hsCRP concentrations. Therefore, LpPLA(2) activity may provide information for the identification and management of patients at risk beyond established risk stratification strategies.


C-Kit is a receptor tyrosine kinase whose activation occurs by interaction with its ligand, the Stem Cell Factor (SCF). Two distinct isoforms of c-Kit have been identified, and are characterized by the presence or absence of the tetrapeptide sequence Gly-Asn-Asn-Lys (GNNK) in the juxtamembrane domain of the extracellular region. These isoforms signal with distinct properties. c-Kit has been reported to be expressed in the plasma cells of about 20% of patients with Multiple myeloma (MM), but not in normal plasma cells. Yet, its functional and biochemical signalling properties in myeloma cells have not been described. In this study we show that patients and cell lines of MM co-expressed both c-Kit isoforms (GNNK+ and GNNK−), being predominant the GNNK− isoform. c-Kit was activated by SCF in the cell line RPMI8226, and in cell lines derived from patients. To study the properties of the two c-Kit isoforms, we have expressed these isoforms in the cell line MM1S which do not express these receptors in a significantly high level. Both receptors types were expressed by retroviral infection. Addition of SCF provoked their tyrosine phosphorylation. Imatinib mesylate, that is a known inhibitor of c-Kit, inhibited the phosphorylation induced by SCF of both isoforms. Both receptors coupled to the PI3K/Akt pathway, but were unable to substantially activate the Erk1/2 MAPKs. Differences in the kinetics of phosphorylation between the isoforms GNNK+ and GNNK− were observed. The variant GNNK− was more rapidly and highly phosphorylated than the GNNK+ isoform, which was activated more slowly but this activation persisted a longer time. In MM1S-GNNK+ cells the principal substrate of Akt activated by SCF was the p70S6K, and this activation was dependent on the activity of the mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR). Finally, the expression of the c-Kit isoforms in MM1S partially prevented their death induced by dexamethasone. These data indicate that c-Kit expression in MM cells is functional and couples to survival pathways that may modulate cell death in response to therapeutic compounds used in the treatment of this disease.


Jane Austen lived in an exciting age for travel. Improvements to roads and carriages meant that more people than ever were taking journeys for pleasure, to view picturesque scenery, to visit a spa town or the seaside, or to stay with distant relations. The Austen family were very much part of this trend, and Jane was familiar with most of the counties of southern England, from Kent in the east to Devon in the west, and as far north as Staffordshire. With one exception, all of her heroines leave home at some point in their story to travel to a different part of the country and, even in Emma, where the heroine remains in her village, other characters travel about in quest of health, amusement or a marriage partner. Hazel Jones provides the context for this rage for travel, drawing on a wide range of archives and contemporary printed material, as well as on Jane Austen's own letters and novels. From maps to inns, from travelling dress to turnpikes, every detail is brought vividly before the reader's eyes.


Madura Island and the city of Surabaya, used to be only connected by Ujung-Kamal Port. Later in 2009, Suramadu Bridge began operating. Some people would rather drive over the Suramadu bridge than using the ships so that the amount of ships passanger decreases. This has made PT. ASDP Indonesia Ferry, as the port manager, lose some of the port's revenue that leads into loss. Along with the free access to pass the Suramadu bridge, it is feared that the amount of ships passanger will continue to decrease. Therefore PT. ASDP Indonesia Ferry requires effort to prevent the greater loss. One of the efforts is to reschedule the ship trips. The ship trips can be affected by the amount of ships passanger. Therefore this research aims to forecast the amount of ships passanger, includes pedestrian, motorbike rider, and car rider. The forecasting is done by the ARIMA Box-Jenkins method. The result shows that ARIMA ([1,12,13], 1,0), ARIMA (0,1,[1,11,12]), and ARIMA (0,1,1) are the best model to forecast the amount of padestrian, motorbike rider, and car rider. The forecast results show that the amount of padestrian passenger is continue to decrease, while the amount of motorbike and car rider are constant.


Abstract Chemical constituents trapped within glacial ice provide a unique record of climate, as well as repositories for biological material such as pollen grains, fungal spores, viruses, bacteria and dissolved organic carbon. Past research suggests that the veins of polycrystalline ice may provide a liquid microenvironment for active microbial metabolism fueled by concentrated impurities in the veins. Despite these claims, no direct measurements of impurity concentration in ice veins have been made. Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, we show that sulfate and nitrate concentrations in the veins of glacial ice from Greenland (Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2) and Antarctic (Newall Glacier and a Dominion Range glacier) core samples were 104 and 105 times greater than the concentrations measured in melted (bulk) core water. Methanesulfonate was not found in the veins, consistent with its presence as particulate matter within the ice. The measured vein concentration of molecular anions implies a highly acidic (pH < 3) vein environment with high ionic strength (mM-M). We estimate that the vein volume provides 16.7 and 576 km3 of habitable space within the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, respectively, which could support the metabolism of organisms that are capable of growing in cold, high ionic strength solutions with low pH.


Civil registration is the continuous, permanent, and compulsory recording of vital events and the civil status of persons and of modification of the records. A vital event is an event which has to do with an individual's entrance into or departure from life together with any change in civil status which may occur during an individual's lifetime. For births that occurred outside a health facility, the attendant at birth, which can be the traditional birth attendant (hilot), has the responsibility to prepare the certificate of live birth (COLB). The parents must make sure that the COLB is registered with the Local Civil Registry Offices (LCRO) within the reglementary period of 30 days. In the absence of a hospital and clinic administrator or attendant at birth, either or both parents of the child shall register the birth. When the birth occurs aboard a vehicle, vessel, or airplane while in transit, registration of said birth shall be a joint responsibility of the driver, captain, or pilot, as the case may be, and the parents.


A pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been shown to contribute to heightening bone regeneration in a range of clinical areas, including dentistry. Due to the scarcity of studies using PEMF in oral implantology, the present experiment scrutinized the effect of PEMF can lead to improving the stability of the implant. A total of 19 subjects (40 implants in total) were selected to participate in the current study and were randomly allocated to either the PEMF group or control group. Subjects in the PEMF group received an activated miniaturized electromagnetic device (MED) while the control group received a sham healing cup. Implants stability was assessed by resonance frequency analyses (RFA) via implant stability quotient (ISQ) calculations. RFA were recorded as following: immediately after procedure, and then 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks later. Radiographic analysis was performed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks after implant placement. Proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF). The PEMF group presented higher ISQ mean values when compared to the control group. The primary stability time frame (the first 2 weeks) MED group depicted an increase in stability of 6.8%, compared to a decrease of 7.6% in the control group related to the baseline. An overall stability increase of 13% was found in MED treated group (p = 0.02), in contrast, the overall stability in the control group decreased by 2% (p = 0.008). TNF-α concentration during first 4 weeks was lower in the MED treated group. The data strongly suggests that MED generated continuing a PEMF may be considered as a new way to stimulate the stability of the implants at the early healing period.


The membrane potential in Entamoeba is an important driving force for the uptake of substrates. In Entamoeba invadens PZ a membrane potential of -36 mV was obtained when Nernst equation was applied to the distribution at equilibrium of 86Rb+ in the presence of valinomycin. This could explain the levels of accumulation of up to 4 times found for positively charged substrates. Membrane potential was diminished by depolarizing conditions (high external K+ concentration in the presence of valinomycin). Moreover, we recorded continuously the membrane potential of Entamoeba invadens PZ and Entamoeba histolytica HM1 using the fluorescent lipophilic cation diisopropylthiodicarbocyanine. It was found that the uptake of this cation by the amoebae was fast in both species, conditions that modify the membrane potential (hyperpolarization and depolarization) produced changes in the fluorescence of the dye in agreement with its reported capability to detect variations in membrane potential. It can be concluded that these microorganisms have a membrane potential negative inside them.


By using the method of document metrological analysis,this article makes statistical analysis on condition of the sports key periodical soccer thesis of our country between 1999 and 2004.This result shows that the quantity of soccer thesis published increases year by year and expands discipline involved.Thesis author group has already taken shape,but the key author is still comparatively weak.The scientific research target is more extensive,in which the soccer market,university soccer and professional team member are cores.There are too many articles analyzed in relevant soccer matches,but the research that the soccer selected suitable materials has entered low ebb.


This article considers the importance of Al-Qaeda and Pakistan in driving British Islamic extremist terrorism during the past decade. Between 2003 and 2013, almost 50 British-born Muslims engaged in multiple high-profile terrorism conspiracies. All were designed to kill or seriously injure British citizens. Drawing on recently obtained court transcripts which offer remarkable detail, these plots are analysed from the point of view of radicalization, finance, training and operational direction. The emergence of extremist terrorism in the UK has its genesis within the Islamic fundamentalist movement, a socio-political ideology that arrived in London in the early 1990s. Contrary to the prevailing discourse, members of the movement constitute a far from homogenous set of individuals. Based on age, overseas connections, experience of conflict and religiosity, they each fulfill diverse tasks that range from preaching and fundraising to facilitating combative jihad. A minority adopted an extremist position that led them to carry out acts of terrorism. Since 2006, the role of Al-Qaeda and Pakistan in relation to this process has steadily declined. For the past seven years British Islamic extremists have pursued terrorism in whatever way they can on their own, with little or any direct support or influence from overseas. The security agencies are now asking how far current events in Syria will overturn this state of affairs.


The present study examined cortical cerebral microinfarcts (CMIs) on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging and investigated the impact of CMIs on the comprehensive functional outcomes during the post-stroke rehabilitation period. Patients with acute phase of first-ever ischemic stroke were retrospectively recruited (n = 62) and divided into 2 groups with and without CMIs. Clinical parameters including age, sex, stroke lesion laterality, location, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, as well as history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were obtained. Functional outcomes were assessed twice at baseline and one month later with the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the functional independence measure. Partial correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the presence of CMIs and the change in functional outcomes. At least one CMI was reported in 27 patients, who were older (p = 0.043). The presence of CMIs was significantly associated with functional impairment in all 3 functional outcomes, after controlling for confounding factors (p < 0.05). CMIs might contribute to poor functional outcomes during the post-stroke rehabilitation period. These results suggest that CMIs should be considered when establishing rehabilitation treatment strategies or making a prognosis.


Operations on the 4th ventricle offer the potential for injury of the brain stem, cerebellum, cranial nerves, and major cerebellar arteries and veins. Twenty-five cadaver brains were examined using 3x to 25x magnification to define the relationship of these vital structures to the 4th ventricle. The 4th ventricle has a roof, a floor, and two lateral recesses. Most of the cranial nerves arise near the floor, which sits on the pons and medulla. The superior half of the roof, formed by the superior medullary velum, lingula, and cerebellar peduncles, is intimately related to the cerebellomesencephalic fissure, the superior cerebellar arteries, and the vein of the cerebellomesencephalic fissure. The inferior half of the roof, formed by the inferior medullary velum, tela choroidea, nodule, and uvula, is intimately related to the cerebellomedullary fissure, the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries, and the veins of the cerebellomedullary fissure. The lateral recesses and adjoining parts of the roof and floor are intimately related to the cerebellopontine fissures, the anterior inferior cerebellar arteries, and the veins of the cerebellopontine fissure. The cerebellar peduncles converge on and form a major part of the ventricular surface. The hili of the dentate nuclei abut on the superolateral recesses of the ventricle near the superior poles of the tonsils.


Abstract: Infectious scleritis (IS) is a rare and severe ocular disorder responsible for approximately 5%–15% of all scleritis cases. It is often associated with a poor prognosis due to its similar clinical presentation to autoimmune scleritis, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, differentiating between infectious and noninfectious entities is critical. Several details extracted from the patient's history and clinical examination can raise suspicion for infection. The most common predisposing factor is previous ocular surgery, especially pterygium, cataract, and vitreoretinal surgeries. Ocular trauma, poor contact lens hygiene, "eye-whitening" procedures, and subtenon triamcinolone injections have also been implicated. Clinical features of infection include the presence of scleral necrosis, hypopyon, unifocal or multifocal scleral abscesses, and mucopurulent discharge. Thorough diagnostic testing is essential before excluding infection as a possibility. Empiric broad-spectrum topical and systemic antibiotic therapy should be initiated while awaiting laboratory results and adjusted accordingly. Most IS cases require both aggressive medical and surgical treatment, and various studies have reported favorable outcomes with this combination. At this time, there is no consensus on the management of this severe ocular condition, and future studies are needed to establish clear treatment guidelines.


In the present work, we investigated the dark and photoinduced cytotoxic activity of the new chlorophyll-a derivatives which contain the substituents of oligoethylene glycol on the periphery of their macrocycles. These compounds were tested using human cell lines to estimate their potential as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy of cancer. It was shown that all the tested compounds have expressed photoinduced cytotoxic activity in vitro. Detailed study of the biological activity of one of the most perspective compound in this series—pyropheophorbide-a 17-diethylene glycol ester (Compound 21) was performed. This new compound is characterized by lower dark cytotoxicity and higher photoinduced cytotoxicity than previously described in a similar compound (DH-I-180-3) and clinically used PhotolonTM. Using fluorescent microscopy, it was shown that Compound 21 quickly penetrates the cells. Analysis of caspase-3 activity indicated an apoptosis induction 40 min after exposure to red light (λ = 660 nm). The induction of DNA damages and apoptosis was shown using Comet assay. The results of expression analysis of the stress-response genes indicate an activation of the genes which control the cell cycle and detoxification of the free radicals after an exposure of HeLa cells to Compound 21 and to red light. High photodynamic activity of this compound and the ability to oxidize biomolecules was demonstrated on nuclear-free mice erythrocytes. In addition, it was shown that Compound 21 is effectively activated with low energy 700 nm light, which can penetrate deep into the tissue. Thus, Compound 21 is a prospective substance for development of the new drugs for photodynamic therapy of cancer.


to Community Action programs, and to community health planning, to mention only a few programs. It is quite clear, however, that citizen involvement, or citizen participation means many things to many people. What impact does it have for the concept of representation in local government ? Can and should governmental power be shared? How does it differ from the citizens advisory commission device? In what way will citizen participation affect the work of the local government professional? Some of these questions are explored in the following essays. They repre-


In this paper we discuss an integro-differential inequality formed from the square of a second-order differential expression. A connection between the existence of the inequality and the Titchmarsh–Weyl m-function is established and it is shown that the best constant in the inequality is determined by the behaviour of the m-function. Analytic results are established for specific classes of problems. A numerical treatment of the inequality is also discussed and estimates of the best constant in specific examples are given.


Stress is a multidimensional phenomenon which is focused on dynamic relationship between the individual and the environment. It is both physically and psychologically challenging. There are various methods recommended to control or reduce the stress. Pranayama is a systematic therapy for managing stress and achieving a deep state of relaxation. The research design adopted for the present study is pre experimental one group pre & post-test design. After obtaining Permission the final study was conducted from 1st to 31st December 2018. Convenient sampling technique was used for selecting 30 samples. Perceived stress scale was used to assess the level of stress before & after administering Pranayama. The Pranayama is given for 30 days in the morning session. The duration of giving Pranayama is 15 minutes. In Pre-test Majority 18(60%) of elderly people had high perceived stress, 8 (26.66%) had moderate stress, and 4 (13.33%) had low stress, and in Post-test: Majority 24 (80%) of elderly people had moderate stress, 6 (20%) had low stress and 0 (0%) had high perceived stress. The results show that after taking Pranayama the elderly people shifted from high stress to moderate stress.


PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to (a) examine the feasibility of a virtual, adapted, aphasia-friendly yoga program for people with aphasia; (b) evaluate evidence of improvement in patient-reported outcomes and word retrieval; (c) explore the immediate impact of a yoga session on participant subjective emotional state; and (d) assess participant motivation and perceived benefits of participating in a yoga program.

METHOD
This feasibility study employed a mixed-method design to document the feasibility of a virtual, 8-week adapted yoga program. A pre-/posttreatment design was used to assess patient-reported outcome measures for resilience, stress, sleep, and pain, as well as word-finding abilities. Semistructured interviews with participants were thematically analyzed to provide insight into participants' motivation and perceptions regarding their experience.

RESULTS
Comparisons of pre- and postprogram group means suggest that participation in an 8-week adapted yoga program may positively impact perceptions of resilience (large effect), stress (medium effect), sleep disturbance (medium effect), and pain (small effect) for people with aphasia. Findings from within-session reports and brief, semistructured interviews with participants indicated positive outcomes and subjective experiences and suggest that people with aphasia are motivated to participate in yoga for a variety of reasons.

CONCLUSIONS
This study is an important first step in confirming the feasibility of an adapted, aphasia-friendly yoga program offered via a remote platform for people with aphasia. The findings support recent work suggesting that yoga may be a potent adjunct to traditional rehabilitation efforts to improve resilience and psychosocial aspects in persons with aphasia.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22688125.


This paper proposes an autonomic network configuration (ANC) technology, which uses autonomic technologies for the network configuration in order for electronics consumer appliances to improve usability and security. ANC provides networkable digital appliances (NDAs) with a network environment detection service and enables them to automatically configure themselves as soon as they are connected to networks. The evaluation shows that ANC's network environment detection is so quick, safe, and accurate that it significantly contributes to the NDA's security and privacy.


Prior research has demonstrated intersensory facilitation for perception of amodal properties of events such as tempo and rhythm in early development, supporting predictions of the Intersensory Redundancy Hypothesis (IRH). Specifically, infants discriminate amodal properties in bimodal, redundant stimulation but not in unimodal, nonredundant stimulation in early development, whereas later in development infants can detect amodal properties in both redundant and nonredundant stimulation. The present study tested a new prediction of the IRH: that effects of intersensory redundancy on attention and perceptual processing are most apparent in tasks of high difficulty relative to the skills of the perceiver. We assessed whether by increasing task difficulty, older infants would revert to patterns of intersensory facilitation shown by younger infants. Results confirmed our prediction and demonstrated that in difficult tempo discrimination tasks, 5-month-olds perform like 3-month-olds, showing intersensory facilitation for tempo discrimination. In contrast, in tasks of low and moderate difficulty, 5-month-olds discriminate tempo changes in both redundant audiovisual and nonredundant unimodal visual stimulation. These findings indicate that intersensory facilitation is most apparent for tasks of relatively high difficulty and may therefore persist across the lifespan.


The article reviews publications on genetically determined vesicoureteral reflux and reflux nephropathy, accompanying certain phenotypes of systemic or local forms of hereditary connective tissue dysplasia (Ehlers–Danlo, Marfan, Williams syndromes, sluggish skin). The authors determined the role of mutations of the genes of fibrillar collagen, elastin, transforming growth factor β1, tenascin, lysyl peroxidase, metalloproteinases and other components of connective tissue, as well as their possible combination in the development of pathology. The authors call the specialists to continue research on genetic mutations in vesicoureteral reflux and reflux nephropathy.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of soluble low-density lipoprotein receptor 11 (sLR11) genes with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) in Korean and Han nationalities in the Yanbian area.

METHODS
530 T2DM patients were divided into two groups according to the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery: CAS group (n= 256, T2DM patients with carotid artery IMT ⩾ 1.0 mm and plaque) and non-CAS group (NCAS group, n= 274, T2DM patients with carotid IMT < 1.0 mm). IMT and plaque were measured by color Doppler ultrasound. SNP typing and sequencing were performed by PCR-LDR.

RESULTS
1. Allele frequency and genotype frequency distribution results: Differences in genotype and allele frequency distribution between the CAS and NGT groups, the NCAS and NGT groups, and the CAS and NCAS groups were not statistically significant (P> 0.05). The dominant and recessive modes were analyzed, but the difference in genotype frequency among these three groups was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). Differences in genotype frequency distribution between Korean and Han populations in all three groups were not statistically significant (P> 0.05). 2. Correlation analysis with clinical indicators: LDL-C levels in TT and AT patients in the CAS group were significantly higher than those in AA patients (P> 0.05), representing the dominant mode of inheritance..

CONCLUSION
This study is the first to determine that the sLR11 gene rs3824968 polymorphic of factor T may increase the risk of CAS in T2DM patients by regulating the concentration of LDL-C, showing the dominant mode of inheritance.


Abstract The present paper is devoted to the construction and comparative study of upwind methods as applied to the system of one-dimensional nonlinear elasticity equations. We derive a simple approach for building up exact solutions to the Riemann problem and construct a suite of test problems to assess numerical methods. Then we carry out the implementation and a systematic comparative study of some recently proposed simple, upwind fluxes, the focus being on robustness and accurate resolution of delicate features such as linearly degenerate fields.


Ethereum Smart Contracts based on Blockchain Technology (BT) enables monetary transactions among peers on a blockchain network independent of a central authorizing agency. Ethereum Smart Contracts are programs that are deployed as decentralized applications, having the building blocks of the blockchain consensus protocol. This enables consumers to make agreements in a transparent and conflict-free environment. However, there exist some security vulnerabilities within these smart contracts that are a potential threat to the applications and their consumers and have shown in the past to cause huge financial losses. This paper presents a framework and empirical analysis that use code clone detection techniques for identifying vulnerabilities and their variations in smart contracts. Our empirical analysis is conducted using the Nicad code clone detection tool on a dataset of approximately 50k Ethereum smart contracts. We evaluated VOLCANO on two datasets, one with confirmed vulnerabilities and another with approximately 50k random smart contracts collected from the Etherscan. Our approach shows an improvement in the detection of vulnerabilities in terms of coverage and efficiency when compared to two of the publicly available static analyzers to detect vulnerabilities in smart contracts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that uses a clone detection technique to identify vulnerabilities and their evolution in Ethereum smart contracts.