This article addresses the relation of narcissism to the concept of the self. Based on the concept of the self-as-person, distinction is drawn between the self as a substantial, relatively autonomous source of agency and of both conscious and unconscious mentation and action on one hand and the self as the object of narcissistic investment on the other. The argument presumes abandonment of both the concept of narcissism as libidinal drive cathexis of the self (the most common understanding of narcissism among analysts) and the converse proposition defining the self as derived from and reflecting narcissistic origins. It is proposed that development of self structure arises on the basis of other than narcissistic considerations, but once established it can become the object of narcissistic investment. As such the self cannot be reduced to or defined in terms of narcissistic derivation. Implications for the understanding of self-esteem are explored and clinical implications suggested.


Group projects are often assigned in business schools to improve student comprehension of course content and build teamwork skills. Although the literature examining the usefulness of group projects is extensive, the link between cooperative leaning, group performance and skills transfer in workplace contexts, remains unclear. In addition, group-learning research within the marketing discipline in Australian higher education institutions is limited. Focus groups were conducted with a sample of 107 postgraduate and undergraduate marketing students. Results confirm that group work facilitates the development of interpersonal skills and higher-level learning. In addition, there is the promise of transfer of learning to other situations. However, students appear to be negatively disposed to group work at the start of a teaching semester, signaling the need for instructors to prepare, coach and debrief students as to the expected benefits associated with participation in group exercises throughout teaching periods.


While most programmed cell death (PCD) in animal development is reliant upon the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway and subsequent cleavage of caspase substrates, we found that PCD in Drosophila larval midgut occurs normally in the absence of the main components of the apoptotic machinery. However, when some of the components of the autophagic machinery were disrupted, midgut destruction was severely delayed. These studies demonstrate that Drosophila midgut PCD is executed by a novel mechanism where caspases are apparently dispensable, but that requires autophagy.


Background: Grewia asiatica Linn. (Family: Tiliaceae), called Phalsa in Hindi is an Indian medicinal plant used for a variety of therapeutic and nutritional uses. The root bark of the plant is traditionally used in rheumatism (painful chronic inflammatory condition). Aims: The present study demonstrates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of root bark of G. asiatica in rodents. Settings and Design: The methanolic extract of Grewia asiatica (MEGA) and aqueous extract of Grewia asiatica (AEGA) of the bark were prepared and subjected to phytochemical tests and pharmacological screening for analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect in rodents. Materials and Methods: Analgesic effect was studied using acetic acid-induced writhing in mice and hot plate analgesia in rats while anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. The MEGA or AEGA was administered orally in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of body weight. Statistical Analysis: Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's test. Results: The extracts showed a significant inhibition of writhing response and increase in hot plate reaction time and also caused a decrease in paw oedema. The effects were comparable with the standard drugs used. Conclusions: The present study indicates that root bark of G. asiatica exhibits peripheral and central analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory activity, which may be attributed to the various phytochemicals present in root bark of G. asiatica.


ABSTRACT We re-analyzed the data from a recent large-scale study that reported strong correlations between DNA signatures of microbial organisms and 33 different cancer types and that created machine-learning predictors with near-perfect accuracy at distinguishing among cancers. We found at least two fundamental flaws in the reported data and in the methods: (i) errors in the genome database and the associated computational methods led to millions of false-positive findings of bacterial reads across all samples, largely because most of the sequences identified as bacteria were instead human; and (ii) errors in the transformation of the raw data created an artificial signature, even for microbes with no reads detected, tagging each tumor type with a distinct signal that the machine-learning programs then used to create an apparently accurate classifier. Each of these problems invalidates the results, leading to the conclusion that the microbiome-based classifiers for identifying cancer presented in the study are entirely wrong. These flaws have subsequently affected more than a dozen additional published studies that used the same data and whose results are likely invalid as well. IMPORTANCE Recent reports showing that human cancers have a distinctive microbiome have led to a flurry of papers describing microbial signatures of different cancer types. Many of these reports are based on flawed data that, upon re-analysis, completely overturns the original findings. The re-analysis conducted here shows that most of the microbes originally reported as associated with cancer were not present at all in the samples. The original report of a cancer microbiome and more than a dozen follow-up studies are, therefore, likely to be invalid. Recent reports showing that human cancers have a distinctive microbiome have led to a flurry of papers describing microbial signatures of different cancer types. Many of these reports are based on flawed data that, upon re-analysis, completely overturns the original findings. The re-analysis conducted here shows that most of the microbes originally reported as associated with cancer were not present at all in the samples. The original report of a cancer microbiome and more than a dozen follow-up studies are, therefore, likely to be invalid.


Quantum-classical hybrid algorithms are emerging as promising candidates for near-term practical applications of quantum information processors in a wide variety of fields ranging from chemistry to physics and materials science. We report on the experimental implementation of such an algorithm to solve a quantum chemistry problem, using a digital quantum simulator based on trapped ions. Specifically, we implement the variational quantum eigensolver algorithm to calculate the molecular ground state energies of two simple molecules and experimentally demonstrate and compare different encoding methods using up to four qubits. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of measurement noise as well as mitigation strategies and indicate the potential for adaptive implementations focused on reaching chemical accuracy, which may serve as a cross-platform benchmark for multi-qubit quantum simulators.


This paper investigates the detectability of rotor broken bars in double cage induction motors using current signature and vibration analysis techniques. Double cage induction motors are commonly used for applications where successive loaded starts-up are mandatory. Experimental results were performed under healthy and faulty cases, and for different load conditions using each technique. Rotor broken bars fault detection based on sideband current components may fails due to the presence of inter bar currents that reduce the degree of rotor asymmetry, yielding to a decrease of the magnitude of these spectral components. But inter bar currents produce core vibrations in the axial direction, which can be detected using vibration analysis, in order to overcomes the limits of the classical (MCSA) in this condition.


Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is one of the most important forage crops in Iran. In order to determine yield, yield components and qualitative characteristics of two cultivars of berseem clover in low input nitrogen farming in 2015 and 2016, two factor randomized complete block design with split plot combined analysis over time and four replications was used in Isfahan, Iran. The cultivars were Sacronomt and Multicut, and the nitrogen application levels were 10, 40 and 70 kg ha. Herein, higher values of plant height, total fresh yield, total dry yield, nitrate, protein, organic matter and ash were seen in 2015, yet, higher phosphorous, potassium, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were evident in 2016. Moreover, Sacromont cultivar generated higher values of total fresh yield, total dry yield and Fe, while higher values of plant height, nitrate, protein, phosphorous, potassium, organic matter, ash, Mn, Zn and Cu were noted in Multicut. Increasing the nitrogen fertilizer application rate from 10 to 70 kg N ha resulted in numerically increased plant height, total fresh and dry yield. Maximum nitrate, protein, potassium, organic matter, ash and Zn levels were obtained in an application of 70 kg N ha. Over all, nitrate concentration in the crop increased step by step with the addition of nitrogen fertilizer. However, the highest values of phosphorous, Mn and Cu were achieved in an application of 40 kg N ha. Nitrogen fertilizer management is, thus, one of the most important inputs in achieving high productivity and yield World Scientific News 131 (2019) 197-206 -198of berseem clover. The appropriate management of nitrogen is, therefore, important in cropping systems and a balance between applied levels is essential for normal plant growth and human consumption. All in all, both forage crop production and quality is vital for successful animal production in sustainable agriculture systems. On the basis of the results of this study, it could be concluded that application of 70 kg N ha is good for both cultivars.


A model based on chaotic maps and turbulent flows is applied to the spread of Coronavirus for each Italian region in order to obtain useful information and help to contrast it. We divide the regions into different risk categories and discuss anomalies. The worst cases are confined between the Appenine and the Alps mountain ranges but the situation seem to improve closer to the sea. The Veneto region gave the most efficient response so far and some of their resources could be diverted to other regions, in particular more tests to the Lombardia, Liguria, Piemonte, Marche and V. Aosta regions, which seem to be worst affected. We noticed worrying anomalies in the Lazio, Campania and Sicilia regions to be monitored. We stress that the number of fatalities we predicted on March 12 has been confirmed daily by the bulletins. This suggests a change of strategy in order to reduce such number maybe moving the weaker population (and negative to the virus test) to beach resorts, which should be empty presently. The ratio deceased/positives on April 4, 2020 is 5.4% worldwide, 12.3% in Italy, 1.4% in Germany, 2.7% in the USA, 10.3% in the UK and 4.1% in China. These large fluctuations should be investigated starting from the Italian regions, which show similar large fluctuations.


Research is a main element for human and social development. Under this point of view, it involves particular challenges and opportunities for the so-called "developing countries". An approach for those challenges and opportunities comes from the analysis of two interrelated activities; the training of new researchers and the research development with institutions or researchers which are external to the institution ("collaborative research"). Both activities are essential for the consolidation, widening and updating of the institutional capabilities for scientific production. We present here the experiences of the Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Alexander von Humboldt" of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, in relation to the training of new researchers, we discuss the four elements we consider key for this process; the promotion of stimulating environments for research, the proactive identification of fellows, the complementary advice and networks consolidation; and we analyze three successful models of international collaboration for the training of new researchers under different institutional approaches.


There are new challenges for plant operators due to the increased share of renewable energy. Plant operators must maintain high reliability and high profits while plants are being required to be more flexible to compensate for the variable generation addition of these renewables into the grid. Plant operators must deal with the thermal strain and the wear-and-tear of such operations. Various models have been proposed in the literature. However, no work has been reported on the development of a robust prediction model. The aim of this study was to determine which machine learning algorithm gives the best estimation of boiler component remaining useful life using plant operations. The flexible operation for all units was estimated using the Intertek hourly MW analysis and damage modeling software Loads Model™. We used several plant features as predictors (such as equipment manufacturer, operating regime, and ramp rates). We tested five different machine learning techniques and found that gradient boost is the best approach to predict the reduction in life span of the plant with over 90% precision.


Mobile video conferencing, where one or more participants are moving about in the real world, enables entirely new interaction scenarios (e.g., asking for help to construct or repair an object, or showing a physical location). While we have a good understanding of the challenges of video conferencing in office or home environments, we do not fully understand the mechanics of camera work-how people use mobile devices to communicate with one another-during mobile video calls. To provide an understanding of what people do in mobile video collaboration, we conducted an observational study where pairs of participants completed tasks using a mobile video conferencing system. Our analysis suggests that people use the camera view deliberately to support their interactions-for example, to convey a message or to ask questions-but the limited field of view, and the lack of camera control can make it a frustrating experience.


In this paper factorial designs are discussed within the algebraic framework of harmonic analysis on finite groups. The runs in the full factorial designs are coded by the elements of a finite Abelian group. Harmonic analysis on the finite Abelian group is used to obtain a set of orthogonal contrasts and the canonical decomposition of the total sums of squares. Regular fractions can be defined as a coset of a finite Abelian group. This definition can be shown to be equivalent to other definitions given in the literature. Different properties of full factorial designs and regular fractions are derived within the proposed algebraic framework. Attention is paid to issues as the coding of the factor levels and the confounding relations.


Abstract This is an interview of Manohar Mouli Biswas, Bangla Dalit activist and writer, where he expresses his views about the identity of Dalit people and the historiography of caste in India. He further speaks about the uniqueness of Bangla Dalit literature, its similarities with Dalit writings in other Indian regional languages and the position of Dalit women writers. He is candid enough to speak about certain autobiographical elements that provided him with the impetus to be a Dalit writer. He further speaks about Dalit drama and its performances which is a marker of its acceptance amongst the viewers. He emphasises on the role of translation of Dalit literature to generate awareness among the larger reading public towards Dalit literature.


Embracing new and innovative qualitative methods has helped researchers in a number of fields to access aspects of the lived experience that traditional methods cannot easily reach. This paper explores the use and value of one such method – 'rich pictures': a technique whose origins lie in 'soft systems' engineering but which has been successfully applied in a broader range of contexts in recent years including health, medicine and education. Despite its use in these disciplines, however, recent studies suggest that HRD research continues to rely on established methods and that uptake of visual methods – and 'rich pictures' in particular – is virtually non-existent. The aim of this paper therefore is to shed light on this underused method and encourage HRD researchers to recognize its potential for studying human development.


The application of TQM practices has rapidly increased in US organizations over the past six years, particularly in organizations facing severe competitive pressures. A survey of the 1,000 largest companies shows that these practices fall into two main categories: core practices and production‐oriented practices. Companies perceive benefit in three areas: improvement of work performance, company competitiveness and profitability, and employee outcomes. Service organizations experience these benefits primarily from implementing core practices more extensively. Competitiveness and profitability in manufacturing organizations are positively affected by the implementation of the production‐oriented practices. Analysis of financial outcomes suggests that core practices are positively related to market share for manufacturing companies. Production‐oriented practices are positively related to return on equity and collaboration with suppliers in quality efforts is positively related to total factor productivity i...


Systemic iron homeostasis depends on the regulated expression of hepcidin, a peptide hormone that negatively regulates iron egress from intestinal cells and macrophages by altering the expression of the cellular iron exporter ferroportin. In doing so, hepcidin can control both the total body iron by modulating intestinal iron absorption as well as promote iron available for erythropoiesis by affecting the efficiency with which macrophages recycle iron from effete red blood cells. This review focuses on the systemic and cellular physiology of hepcidin regulation in relation to iron stores, erythropoiesis, inflammation, and hypoxia and how hepcidin regulation and dysregulation contributes to normal iron homeostasis and iron metabolism disorders.


Planning optical networks in a multi-vendor environment calls for open and vendor agnostic simulation tools to compare different scenarios in "what-if?" analysis and determine the best performing solution. The PSE-Group in the Telecom Infra Project aims to facilitate network planning based on GN-model and parametrized engineering.


This is a personal history of my structural studies of icosahedral viruses that evolved from crystallographic studies, to hybrid methods with electron cryo-microscopy and image reconstruction (cryoEM) and then developed further by incorporating a variety of physical methods to augment the high resolution crystallographic studies. It is not meant to be comprehensive, even for my own work, but hopefully provides some perspective on the growth of our understanding of these remarkable biologic assemblies. The goal is to provide a historical perspective for those new to the field and to emphasize the limitations of any one method, even those that provide atomic resolution information about viruses.


In this paper, we present a new method for isolated keyword detection that is meant to activate a personal device from standby state. Instead of using the common method for speech recognition such as Hidden Markov Model (HMM) or Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), we modify a GMM-UBM (Gaussian Mixture Model – Universal Background Model) scheme that is better known in speaker recognition field. Since only one adapted Gaussian mixture is used to represent the keyword, a second layer of check is employed to ensure the right sequence of occurrence within the keyword. This is done by comparing it with the Longest Common Subsequence (LCS) of the highest performing GMM component obtained during the registration phase. Results for a subset of the SpeechDat-Car database are presented to validate the benefit of this modeling against moderate noise level.


Pr3+-doped calcium niobium gallium garnet (Pr:CNGG) single crystals with different Pr3+concentrations are successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The crystal structure, room-temperature absorption spectra, and fluorescence spectra of Pr:CNGG crystals are measured and discussed. The fluorescence results indicate their large dependence on the doping concentration. The fluorescence lifetime of the energy level is also determined. The results indicate that Pr:CNGG crystal could be a potential solid-state laser gain medium.


The article is devoted to the possibilities of purification of rainwater drains by using "green roofs" and their further using for domestic needs: watering the garden and the roof itself; toilets washing; laundry. To collect rainwater it is proposed to use the storage tank. The basis of the calculations are taken by the German method Wilo, adapted to the conditions of Ukraine. A significant contribution to this methodology is taking into account the uneven distribution and precipitation throughout the whole year and the lack of costs for watering the garden and roof in the winter period. Purified rainwater from "green roofs" can be assembled into tanks and used for technical needs. For collecting rain water from an intensive flat roof with an area of 200 m2 for the family of 4 people a tank of 5 m3 is required. In this case, the total needs for the house and watering the garden are 111 m3 / year, and daily needs - 0,341 m3 / day.


Approximately 1,000 samples have been obtained from the bays of the central Texas coast. Their size parameters, constituents, and organisms have been studied in relation to salinity, depth of water, and relations to entering rivers and to inlets. All of these bays are cut off from free connection with the gulf by barrier islands, although widely-spaced inlets allow some exchange with gulf waters. Among the bay facies are (1) bays near stream mouths which have alternating silty clays and sands, commonly laminated and containing abundant plant fibers and aggregates, along with abundant ostracods in some localities; (2) shallow bays not related to stream mouths, which have an abundance of marine plants, a large number of gastropods, and higher sand content than most other bay environments; (3) deep central bays which have unstratified silty clay sediments commonly with a high content of benthonic Foraminifera in the coarse fraction; (4) central bays with oyster reefs which have been built up above the surrounding bay surfaces, and (5) bays near inlets or narrows where the currents have introduced considerable sand, and the sediment is a bimodal sandy clay with relatively small si t content. Borings into the bays and into the deltas recently built over their northern ends show that as much as 80 feet of bay sediment has accumulated during the past 9,000 years, since the ocean first came up into the valleys eroded during glacial stages, in what is now the bay area. The samples from the borings along most of San Antonio Bay show a remarkable constancy of sediment types with the only significant changes being from central bay facies to oyster-reef facies. The faunas, however, indicate salinity changes. No lamination and little stratification were found in the borings except near or under the delta at the head of the bay.


To explore the changes in the exocrine pancreas and the possible stimulation by gut hormones of secretion of lysosomal enzyme into the pancreatic juice, we measured the caerulein-stimulated amylase output, the cathepsin B output into the pancreatic juice and the pancreatic tissue amylase and cathepsin B contents, as well as the distribution of cathepsin B in acinar cells in both the regenerating (4 days) and recovery (8 days) stages after about 70% hepatectomy in rats. The amylase output increased significantly after hepatectomy. Cathepsin B was secreted into the pancreatic juice after stimulation by caerulein in both the control and hepatectomized groups. Four days after hepatectomy, the cathepsin B output was significantly greater than that of the control group, and redistribution of cathepsin B in acinar cells was noted. These changes in cathepsin B disappeared in the recovery stage (8 days) after hepatectomy. In addition, the pancreatic amylase content was significantly higher than in the control group, but the pancreatic cathepsin B content did not change significantly. These results suggest that caerulein stimulated the secretion of lysosomal enzyme into the pancreatic juice in the same way as digestive enzymes and that lysosomal enzymes in the pancreatic juice play an important physiological role. Furthermore, these results indicate the increased synthesis and secretion of amylase in and from acinar cells as well as the fragility of acinar cells.


Recent studies have proved that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a new potential therapeutic target in cancer therapy. In this study, a virtual screening was conducted to discover potential candidates for FAK inhibitors. Based on the results, a series of novel oxadiazole derivatives (5a–5q) bearing the benzotriazole group were designed and synthesized for FAK inhibitory evaluation. Among the compounds, 5h, which has an ortho methoxy group on the benzene ring, exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity for cancer cell growth with an IC50 value of 11 μM and 0.250 μM against Hela cells and FAK, respectively. Further, the apoptosis assay indicated that compound 5h induced the apoptosis of HeLa cells, and docking simulation showed that 5h could bind to the FAK protein catalytic region. Taking these together, 5h could be a lead for discovering novel FAK inhibitors.


The paper considers the use of recently appeared analytical methods for solving shortened equations of a synchronized oscillator. These are a quasi-small parameter method and a combined small parameter method. Both methods use the classic small parameter method. A peculiarity of their application is that in this case they are used for solving nonlinear differential equations that do not contain a small parameter. The difference between the above methods is in obtaining the equations of the first approximation. In the quasi-small parameter method, they are linear differential equations obtained by linearizing the original nonlinear differential equations in the area of the zero frequency detuning. In the combined small parameter method, the equations of the first approximation are obtained by approximating the original nonlinear differential equations. Of course, a number of transformations of these equations were made for this. The approximation made it possible to obtain better representation of the original nonlinear differential equations by means of linear differential equations. This representation provided a smaller error, which in both cases was presented as a discrepancy. The discrepancy does not allow obtaining a relative error and investigating its peculiarity.
A study of the relative error of the quasi-small parameter method shows that this error is a continuous function of the frequency detuning with a zero value for a zero frequency detuning.
A function representing relative error has a gap at zero frequency detuning for the combined small parameter method. However, this kind of gap can be eliminated by additional function definition.


LOSS of hippocampal interneurons has been reported in patients with severe temporal lobe epilepsy and in animals treated with kainate. We investigated the relationship between KA induced epileptiform discharge and loss of interneurons in hippocampal slice cultures. Application of KA (1 μM) produced reversible epileptiform discharge without neurotoxicity. KA (5 μM), in contrast, produced irreversible epileptiform discharge and neurotoxicity, suggesting that the irreversible epileptiform discharge was required for the neuronal loss. Loss of CA3 pyramidal cells and parvalbumin-like immunoreactive (PV-I) interneurons preceded loss of somatostatin-like immunoreactive (SS-I) interneurons suggesting a different time course of KA neurotoxicity in these subpopulations of interneurons.


The development of lightweight object detectors is essential due to the limited computation resources. To reduce the computation cost, how to generate redundant features plays a significant role. This paper proposes a new lightweight Convolution method Cross-Stage Lightweight (CSL) Module, to generate redundant features from cheap operations. In the intermediate expansion stage, we replaced Pointwise Convolution with Depthwise Convolution to produce candidate features. The proposed CSL-Module can reduce the computation cost significantly. Experiments conducted at MS-COCO show that the proposed CSL-Module can approximate the fitting ability of Convolution-3x3. Finally, we use the module to construct a lightweight detector CSL-YOLO, achieving better detection performance with only 43% FLOPs and 52% parameters than Tiny-YOLOv4.


Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are at risk for renal disease as a consequence of complications of antiretroviral treatment. Particularly, the complication of kidney disease is high in patients who switched to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. The treatment is associated with nephrotoxicity, decrease in glomerular filtration rate, leading to kidney disease. This review focused on assessing the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on kidney function among HIV-positive patients. Initially, the study protocol was registered on Prospero and given a unique identification number of CRD42018087686. We then conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane library, and Google from 2008 to September 2018. We found 742 study results eligible for this review. After stringent filtration mechanism, 15 qualified studies were used for systematic review and meta-analysis process. Cross-sectional, cohort, randomized controlled trials, and prospective studies were eligible for inclusion in the study. The overall pooled prevalence found in this meta-analysis was 6.42% with high statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 96.7%). The highest subgroup prevalence was reported from Ghana, with subgroup prevalence of 13.65% without statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 0.0%). Majority of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was in stage 3 with subgroup prevalence of 6.78% and tolerable statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 66.7%). There was high pooled prevalence of CKD among HIV-positive patients on ART in Sub-Saharan Africa. The highest subgroup prevalence was reported from Ghana. Majority of CKD was reported in stage 3.


We propose a noise robust blind system identification scheme using second order statistics. This technique makes use of a single-input triple-outputs (SITO) model and the correlation function of received signal. In addition, we propose a recursive algorithm using the RLS method. As well as the derivation of algorithm, some computer simulation are also shown.


In the framework of density functional theory and the generalized gradient approximation, we investigate the effects of magnetism on four plutonium allotropes. We show that an antiferromagnetic configuration gives a structural hierarchy which is consistent with experimental features. Using a simple Debye–Grüneisen model and a corrective term, we are able to draw a P–T phase diagram of Pu. Harmonic contributions are not sufficient for obtaining a correct description of the thermal properties of Pu and we emphasize the important role played by electronic and anharmonic contributions.


For the first time in metallic glasses, we extract both the exponents and scaling functions that describe the nature, statistics, and dynamics of slip events during slow deformation, according to a simple mean field model. We model the slips as avalanches of rearrangements of atoms in coupled shear transformation zones (STZs). Using high temporal resolution measurements, we find the predicted, different statistics and dynamics for small and large slips thereby excluding self-organized criticality. The agreement between model and data across numerous independent measures provides evidence for slip avalanches of STZs as the elementary mechanism of inhomogeneous deformation in metallic glasses.


A key challenge to greater progress in tuberculosis (TB) control is the reservoir of latent TB infection (LTBI), which represents a huge long-lived reservoir of potential TB disease. In parts of Africa, as many as 50% of 15-year-olds and 77%-89% of adults have evidence of LTBI. A second key challenge to TB control is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated TB epidemic, and Africa alone accounts for one-quarter of the global burden of HIV-associated TB. HIV co-infection promotes both reactivation TB from LTBI and rapidly progressive primary TB following recent exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Preventing active TB and tackling latent infection in addition to the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course (DOTS) strategy could improve TB control in high-burden settings, especially where there is a high prevalence of HIV co-infection. Current strategies include intensified case finding (ICF), TB infection control, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT). Although ART has been widely rolled out, ICF and IPT have not. A key factor limiting the rollout and effectiveness of IPT and ICF is the limitations of existing tools to both diagnose LTBI and identify those persons most at risk of progressing to active TB. In this review, we examine the obstacles and consider current progress toward the development of new tools to address this pressing global problem.


The effects of the upstream conditions in favorable pressure gradient boundary layers are studied by carrying out an experiment using laser-doppler anemometry over multiple traverses along a smooth plate. A set of upstream conditions composed of upstream wind tunnel speed, tripwire location, and the strength of the pressure gradient is analyzed. The similarity analysis of the equations ofmotion for pressure gradient flows is used to obtain the scales for the outer flow. For this study, the mean deficit profiles show a small dependence on the strength of the pressure gradient when scaled with the freestream velocityU1. Second, the upstream conditions effects are removed from the velocity deficit profiles when normalized by the U1 = scaling. However, the Reynolds stress profiles show the effects of upstream conditions and the strength of the pressure gradient. Finally, these favorable pressure gradient flows are found to be nonequilibrium flows because the pressure parameter is not constant. In addition, three quadrants are found to describe all pressure gradient flows: one for adverse pressure gradient, one for favorable pressure gradient, and one for quasi-laminar flows, where different values are obtained and these are dependent on the experimental conditions. The quadrants are obtained by plotting log U1=U1i versus log = i .


In this paper we present a solution strategy for nonlinear cost problems in communication network design. The cost function of the traffic on each link is modelled as piecewise constant (sequence of steps). It is shown that this model can be converted to one that describes the problem in a new way, where each single link with a complex cost function is replaced by multiple links, each with a constant cost and a capacity limit.


This paper presents the analytical solution of radial vibration of a rolling cylinder submitted to a time-varying point force. In the simplest situation of simply supported edges and zero in-plane vibration, the cylinder is equivalent to an orthotropic pre-stressed plate resting on a visco-elastic foundation. We give the closed-form solution of vibration as a series of normal modes whose coefficients are explicitly calculated. Cases of both deterministic and random forces are examined. We analyse the effect of rolling speed on merging of vibrational energy induced by Doppler's effect for the example of rolling tyre.


This paper deals with the chemical treatments with selected organic compounds that have been applied to Mis- canthus to upgrade it, for pulp production or fractionation purposes. Organosolv processes have demonstrated their effec- tiveness as fractionation treatments; therefore special emphasis is placed on these systems and, in particular, those making use of carboxylic acids. That is, Acetosolv process that uses acetic acid-water-hydrochloric acid mixtures as delignifying agents, the process with formic acid-water-hydrochloric acid and the Milox process, which replaces the hydrochloric acid in the medium by hydrogen peroxide, thus forming peroxyacetic acid. Furthermore, we present the results of the charac- terizations that have been made in relation to extractives and lignin of Miscanthus. It also is analyzed the major changes undergone by lignin during organosolv treatments. Finally, some progresses in the field of TCF bleaching of the cellulose pulps obtained are summarized.


Acid soils are caused by mining, potentially causing the death of plants. Although soil pH is one of the useful indicators to evaluate acid soil conditions for successful revegetation, the dissolution of harmful elements under acidic conditions should be considered in addition to the tolerance mechanism of plants in mines. Thus, this study aims to report the current situation of acid soils and plant growth in mine site and to elucidate the effects of acid soils on plant growth over time through field investigation and a vegetation test. The results showed that the dissolution of Al from acid soils which were attributed to the dissolution of sulfides influenced plant growth. Not only soil pH but also the assessment of the dissolu tion of sulfides over time is crucial for successful revegetation, suggesting that net acid pro - ducing potential (NAPP) and net acid generation (NAG) pH, which are used for evaluating the formation of acidic water, are useful to evaluate soil conditions for the revegetation. Furthermore, acid-tolerant plant survived under acidic conditions by increasing the resistance against acidic conditions with the plant growth. Such factors and the proper selection of plant species play an important role in achieving successful revegetation in mines.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the mutation frequency in 7 mutation hot-spots of deafness gene in southern Jiangsu province and verify the performance of the SNaPshot technology platform, designed for genetic screening of non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) in Chinese.

METHODS
One hundred and twenty-five NSHL patients were enrolled. Amplification of 235delC, 299-300delAT in GJB2 gene, IVS7-2A>G, 2168 A>G in SLC26A4 gene, and 1555A>G, 7445 A>G and 3243 A>G in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was performed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. Afterwards, the sequence-specific probe interrogated each locus and labeled it at the 3' end using fluorescent dideoxynucleotide chemistry by the SNaPshot Multiplex Kit, the resulting products were then separated electrophoretically in ABI PRISM R 3130 Genetic Analyzer and analyzed in the presence of a fifth-dye-labeled size standard. Finally, the genotyping results were verified by direct sequencing or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS
(1) The total mutation frequency for the 7 mutation hot-spots was 53.6%. The mutation frequency of 235delC was 24.0%, 299-300delAT was 5.6% in the GJB2 gene, IVS7-2A>G was 15.2%, 2168A>G was 3.2% in the SLC26A4 gene. The mutation frequency of 1555A>G and 7445 A>G in mtDNA was 4.8% and 0.8% respectively. The mutation 3243 A>G was not detected. (2) The SNaPshot results were consistent with that from direct sequencing or PCR-RFLP, and the specificity and sensitivity of detection were 100%.

CONCLUSION
(1) More than half of the patients with deafness in southern Jiangsu province carry the mutations of the seven hot-spots. (2) The genetic screening technology platform based on SNaPshot can detect 7 mutations in one reaction, and is efficient and suitable for clinical practice.


SIRS, We thank Dr Hirai and colleagues for their critical appraisal regarding our recent retrospective analysis on tacrolimus treatment in steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). 2 They were astonished about our colectomy rate at 3 months, and proposed rigorous tacrolimus monitoring for dose adjustments. However, our reported colectomy rate is in good accordance with own and other retrospective series although the definition of steroid-refractoriness may hamper a direct comparison. Moreover, a similar colectomy rate with ciclosporin (17%) in the steroid-refractory situation was recently reported in the landmark randomised trial by Laharie et al. The finding in the addressed dose-finding study by Ogata et al. that none needed surgery has to be acknowledged. In their study, Ogata et al. enrolled mainly steroid-dependent patients (only five steroidrefractory patients per group). Furthermore, the mean steroid dose pre-tacrolimus was 19.7 mg/day, as opposed to 50 mg/day in our study. Differences in disease severity between the cohorts might account for the differences with respect to colectomy. There is probably a yet unrecognised ethnic difference between Japanese and White Caucasians especially regarding trough levels. Pharmacodynamic effects may contribute to this phenomenon. Initial results by Lichtiger et al. did not find any correlation between ciclosporin trough levels and response. It has been demonstrated that ciclosporin 2 mg/kg is equally effective to the higher dose of 4 mg/kg in steroid-refractory UC. A clear dose-response relationship is debatable, and we were unable to find any correlation of tacrolimus trough levels and response in our former investigation, although we are aware that this contradicts the results of the aforementioned randomised Japanese study. In clinical practice we now monitor drug levels for dose adjustments for safety reasons or in case of nonresponse to the standard dose in the early phase.


ever, attempts to stand above his intricate explication of concrete behavior and events to draw even slightly broader conclusions or generalizations. Not only does he neglect to ask the question of what his study tells us about communist political systems in general, but he also neglects even to generalize about the Chinese political system. Certainly there is much material here relevant to questions about social stratification and mobility, class conflict, and interest group politics in socialist states; yet Rosen appears unaware that there is a rich literature on these topics to which his study speaks directly. And the implications of the central theme of the book—that commitments in this most ideological of mass movements were determined fundamentally by students' concerns for their future career chances—are left relatively unexplored. Rosen demonstrates this, but does not reflect on it. What, for example, does this say about ideological commitment in general in China or other communist systems? Is Rosen suggesting that ideological commitment, as demonstrated in the Cultural Revolution, is basically a mask for individual self-interest? All but the most obsessive of China specialists will finish this book frustrated that its author did not view his rich and important findings more broadly.


We present a case that the newly emerging field of synthetic data in the area of recommender systems should prioritize `doing data right'. We consider this catchphrase to have two aspects: First, we should not repeat the mistakes of the past, and, second, we should explore the full scope of opportunities presented by synthetic data as we move into the future. We argue that explicit attention to dataset design and description will help to avoid past mistakes with dataset bias and evaluation. In order to fully exploit the opportunities of synthetic data, we point out that researchers can investigate new areas such as using data synthesize to support reproducibility by making data open, as well as FAIR, and to push forward our understanding of data minimization.


The construction and some of the calculations for a new multireflection Raman cell are described. The cell has a small volume, may be used at high pressures and low temperatures, and is intended for use with a laser and a spectrometer. The cell constructed yields a scattered light signal 4 to 5 times that possible with an optimum double pass laser illuminated cell. Higher gains can be achieved by altering the cell dimensions.


As part of its continuous quality improvement efforts, The Joint Commission began a standards improvement initiative (SII) in October 2006, the result of which will be "felt" by most accredited organizations (ambulatory care organizations, critical access hospitals, home care, hospitals, and office-based surgery) on January 1, 2009. The remaining organizations (behavioral health, laboratory, and long-term care) will go through a similar experience on January 1, 2010. The essence of SII was the changes made by The Joint Commission through consolidating, rewording, revising, and restructuring of chapters, standards, and elements of performance (EPs). Although few new standards have actually been added, there are nuances that, if not noted, may cause considerable difficulty to organizations during upcoming accreditation surveys. This article discusses SII and the standards and EPs that impact and pose "opportunities for improvement" for peri-operative services.


The efflux rate of 99mTc- Sestamibi is a kinetic phenomenon related to the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy and may be used to determine drug resistance. Measurement of efflux rate requires accurate quantitative SPECT imaging within the time constraints imposed by the kinetics of the process. Method: A phantom study, at activity concentrations typically found with 99mTc-Sestamibi in vivo, was undertaken to optimise the SPECT parameters and, in particular, to determine if 180 degrees acquisition arcs could be used for accurate quantitation. Results: Studies designed to evaluate statistical uncertainty (noise), contrast restitution and resolution of the datasets using different acquisition and reconstruction parameters, showed that 180 degrees SPECT using a 64x64 matrix, 6 degrees angular sampling and iterative reconstruction was optimal. Finer linear and/or angular sampling afforded negligible improvement in resolution, but markedly increased the statistical uncertainty. Comparison of 360 degrees and 180 degrees acquisitions utilising conventional filtered back projection and iterative reconstruction algorithms demonstrated that the statistical uncertainty was reduced to a greater extent for 180 degrees data collection. For 360 degrees (64x64) data acquisition statistical uncertainty decreased from 15 per cent to 11 per cent using the iterative algorithm whilst the 180 degrees (64x64) data showed a reduction from 20 per cent to 7 per cent and approached values obtained by planar imaging. Conclusion: It is concluded that 180 degrees acquisition arcs are a practical option for accurate quantitative SPECT kinetic imaging for a planned study of chemotherapy response in patients with lung cancer. (author abstract)


Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm arising from the smooth muscle. Paratesticular LMSs are commonly located in the epididymis or spermatic cord. Pure scrotal cutaneous paratesticular LMS arising from the dartos muscle is very rare. Less than 40 cases have been reported in the literature to date. We report a case of pure scrotal cutaneous LMS in a 45-year-old patient.


The transient increase in residual lung volume (RV) as a result of exercise has been well documented. An accurate assessment of exercise-induced RV would be important when hydrostatic weighing (HW) is performed after exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine whether accurate HW measures could be performed after exercise when changes in RV are measured. Subjects (n = 32) performed pulmonary function (vital capacity [VC]-estimated RV), oxygen dilution-determined RV, and HW measures before and after either a maximal treadmill test (n = 16) or seated rest (n = 16). Two-way analysis of variance (p < 0.05) was performed on RV and HW body composition to identify significance between pre- and posttreatment. A post hoc paired t-test was performed to identify the source of any significant interactions. Results showed that for exercising subjects, oxygen dilution-determined RV was significantly increased between pre- and posttreatment. Estimated RV did not differ significantly for either group. Hydrostatic weighing body composition data were not significantly different for either group when oxygen dilution-determined RV was used. Conversely, when estimated RV was used in the calculation of body composition, a significant difference was noted between pre- and posttreatment in the exercise group (percentage of fat increased, whereas percentage of lean body mass decreased). The results of this study suggest that accurate body composition estimation can be performed after exercise. Body composition accuracy, however, is reliant on the concomitant employment of HW and RV estimation techniques that are sensitive to transient changes in RV. For this study, the oxygen dilution method of RV determination was used. Estimated RV (VC method) was not sensitive to changes in RV, subsequently resulting in erroneous HW body composition after maximal exercise.


SUMMARY Using the sustainable livelihoods framework to evaluate the impact of a farmer-to-farmer video on the improved rice parboiling technology, women in Benin rated financial, social, human, natural and physical capital stocks for the baseline year (2006) and the impact year (2009) on a 0–5 scale. Women who had watched the video and those who had not, but who lived in the same villages, perceived a significant improvement in four out of five livelihood capitals while processors in control villages did not perceive any significant change. Apart from testing the sustainable livelihoods conceptual framework as a participatory impact assessment tool for video-mediated rural learning, this study shows how farmer-to-farmer training videos helped to improve multiple livelihood assets.


Spike pattern classification is a key topic in machine learning, computational neuroscience, and electronic device design. Here, we offer a new supervised learning rule based on Support Vector Machines (SVM) to determine the synaptic weights of a leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron model for spike pattern classification. We compare classification performance between this algorithm and other methods sharing the same conceptual framework. We consider the effect of postsynaptic potential (PSP) kernel dynamics on patterns separability, and we propose an extension of the method to decrease computational load. The algorithm performs well in generalization tasks. We show that the peak value of spike patterns separability depends on a relation between PSP dynamics and spike pattern duration, and we propose a particular kernel that is well-suited for fast computations and electronic implementations.


In this work the Low Level Vision Unit (LLVU) of the Heterogeneous and Reconfigurable Machine for Image Analysis (HERMIA) is described. The LLVU consists of the innovative integration of six A1 10 DSP (Digital Signal Processing). Two main features have been considered in the design: the generality and the extendibility; the LLVU can be fully programmable and the network interconnection of the IMS A1 10 can be easily reconfigured by the user. The operator can choose among different options to tailor its applications: single (8 bit) or double (16 bit) precision in data or in the MAC coefficients, producing 22 or 32 bit output, 1 or 2 (cascade or parallel) kernels with programmable width and height.


This paper proposes a generalized approach for computer-aided generation of small-signal behavior models of DC/DC power converters. A small-signal behavior model can be automatically generated from SPICE-compatible circuit descriptions. An important feature of the method is that the automatic generation of small-signal models does not require any practical circuit simulation. The approach can be easily implemented in a SPICE-compatible simulator. The new method is verified by modeling typical converters. The simulated results are compared with those reported in the literature.<<ETX>>


Professor D. V. Ager writes: Although the general ecological composition of the Portlandian faunas, especially in terms of absentees, was touched upon by Townson (1975) in his fifth conclusion, I think it deserves more emphasis. It is a little unfortunate that all the fossil evidence from a variety of sources and from a great variety of horizons and localities, is lumped together in Townson's table 2. Such is the fame of the huge ammonites and abundant large bivalves of the Portland Limestone that the fact is generally overlooked that this is, in fact, a very low diversity fauna. Arkell (1956, p. 616) argued the case that the size of these molluscs was clear grounds for postulating for them at least a sub-tropical environment and Townson has confirmed the generally held belief that these beds were deposited in very shallow water. It is therefore all the more anomalous that we should have here a shallow-water, sub-tropical or tropical, marine, Mesozoic limestone almost completely lacking such obvious groups as the corals, brachiopods echinoderms, belemnites, nautilids and other groups of molluscs. I have recently suggested (Ager 1975) that if one looks at all the upper Jurassic formations of the Dorset coast, one can see, in general terms, a progressive exclusion of (i) corals, (ii) echinoderms (iii) belemnites (iv) brachiopods (v) ammonites and (vi) all other marine molluscs. In detail one notes terebratulids departing before the rhynchonellides and the rhynchonellids before the inarticulates and all brachiopods disappearing well below the Portland Limestone. The obvious


Water consumption by crops for ensuring food security for a growing population has become a threat to the limited natural resource of freshwater. In order to consume water in a sustainable manner for food productions, the concept of Water Footprint came into practice. Since the rice is the most water consuming crop compared to other food crops, a study was conducted to quantify the total water footprint: the volume of freshwater (m3) that needs to grow a tonne of rice including freshwater volume needed to assimilate polluted water of rice fields due to the application of chemical fertilizers. An experiment was carried out under two conditions: controlled run-off and continual run-off at selected two locations in Kurunegala District in the Low Country Intermediate Zone, Sri Lanka from 2015 to 2016 for four consecutive cropping seasons with three replicates. Greywater footprints (WFgrey) for both sites were estimated based on the estimated leaching runoff fraction related to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers based on the site-specific data. The WFgrey for rice cultivated under the controlled run-off condition for N and P were 192±34 m3/t and 39±07 m3/t respectively. Under the continual runoff situation, WFgrey was varied showing 198±42 m3/t for N and 58±03 m3/t for P. This study revealed that the critical element for water pollution is nitrogen associated with rice cultivation and a considerable amount of nitrogen leaching and runoff could occur through paddy cultivation. The green and blue water footprints for both sites were estimated with the CROPWAT model by crop water requirement option according to the Water Footprint Assessment Manual. This study discovered that under the complimentary irrigation, the total water footprint for paddy production for run-off controlled condition was 1,370±294 m3/t (WFgreen:705, WFblue:473, WFgrey:192 m3/t) for the yield of 4.2 t/ha and for the continual run-off situation was 1,393±456 m3/t (WFgreen:604, WFblue:591, WFgrey:198 m3/t) for the yield of 4.5 t/ha. It expressed the volume of water required for the production of one tonne of paddy in Kurunegala District, Intermediate Zone, Sri Lanka for the period from 2015-2016. The experimental values are somewhat less with respect to the global average of 1,519 m3/t for the rice under irrigated agriculture system for the yield of 4.67 t/ha. It was revealed that site differences, variation of agronomical practices were not significantly affected on the estimated total water footprint of the production of rice for the experimental period in the given settings.
Keywords: Water footprint, Paddy, Nitrate, Phosphate
Acknowledgement: Authors acknowledge the Rice Research and Development Institute and the Coconut Development Authority


Before the Supreme Court issued its decision in Stop the Beach Renourishment, Inc., v. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, many expected the Court to finally speak about whether the public trust doctrine qualifies as a background principle for modern takings law, and whether judicial decisions can constitute an unconstitutional taking. In deciding against private property rights and in favor of states' rights to protect their beaches, however, the Supreme Court once again avoided finally deciding these issues. Nonetheless, had the Court instead adopted the expected "foreseeability" approach to determine whether there was a judicial taking, the result would likely have been the same. That is because the public trust doctrine, which is a background principle of property law under Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council, allows Florida to reclaim its beaches after a destructive storm and does not unconstitutionally take any private property rights.


Introduction Extensive genetic studies of recent years using next generation sequencing have clarified a comprehensive registry of genetic alteration in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the clinical impacts of these genetic alterations have not fully been investigated, except for a better response to immune checkpoint blockade and favorable prognosis in patients with microsatellite instability (MSI) cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of common genetic alterations on survival in CRC patients using large-scale mutation profiling. Methods We performed targeted-capture sequencing to common driver genes (n=128) in CRC in a total of 544 patients with stage I (n = 36), II (n = 236) and III (n = 272) CRC. All patients were treated at a single institute between 2004 and 2016 and clinically well-annotated. Genome-wide copy numbers, fusion genes and MSI were also interrogated using baits for 1,605 SNPs, 7 introns and 18 microsatellites, respectively. RT-PCR was performed for the detection of PTPRK-RSPO3 fusion gene. Results The median age at diagnosis was 65 (32-95) with a median observation period of 1250 days. Of the 156 patients with recurrence, 15, 61 and 80 patients had stage I, II and III diseases, respectively. APC, TP53, KRAS, and PIK3CA represented the most frequently mutated, while common focal copy number alterations involved PTEN, SMAD4, SMAD2, FGFR1 and IGF2. Novel fusion genes including PTPRK-RSPO3 were detected in only 7 (1.5%) samples. Fifty-five patients had more than 20 mutations, comprising a group of hypermutated CRC. Among these, 44 were thought to have MSI based on the microsatellite analysis, while the remaining 11 were explained by POLE mutations affecting the proof reading domain. CRCs with POLE mutations were diagnosed earlier in life, with the median age of 49 (35-66). The frequency of CRCs with MSI was significantly lower than previous reports from the western population. In contrast to mutation frequency, copy number alterations were infrequent, which most hypermutated tumors showed Genomic Instability Index (GII) below 0.2. FBXW7 mutation positively affected tumor free survival. BRAF mutation, SMAD4 mutation, or existence of fusion genes did not have any effect on prognosis. In accordance with previous reports, only 4 patients (9.1%) with MSI had recurrence, confirming a better prognosis of MSI-positive patients. Similarly, only one of the 11 patients (9.1%) with POLE mutation had recurrence. The low relapse rate was also observed among an additional cohort of 819 patients, which included 6 POLE mutated cases, none of whom had recurrence, suggesting that POLE mutation was associated with a favorable prognosis. Conclusions We revealed the landscape of driver mutations in patients with stage I, II and III CRC with their implication in clinical outcomes. In addition to FBXW7 mutations, the MSI status and somatic POLE mutations are significantly associated with a better prognosis. Citation Format: Yoshikage Inoue, Nobuyuki Kakiuchi, Kenichi Yoshida, Yusuke Shiozawa, Kenichi Chiba, Tetsuichi Yoshizato, Yuichi Shiraishi, Satoru Miyano, Satoshi Nagayama, Yoshiharu Sakai, Seishi Ogawa. Targeted sequencing of colorectal cancer in search for prognostic biomarkers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1426.


Appropriate airport ground handling service (AGHS) equipment vendor selection (AGHSEVS) can prevent aircraft damage and delays in airlines schedules, and ensure reliable and high-quality ground handling service. Previous research has seldom integrated multi-criteria decision-making techniques with goal programming to solve the AGHSEVS problem. This paper describes a new system evaluation model for AGHSEVS by considering both qualitative and quantitative methods. We compare the fuzzy TOPSIS method based on fuzzy weighted average left and right score methods with multi-choice and multi-aspiration goal programming approach of an AGHS company in Taiwan. These study results can help airport ground handling service company managers make optimal decisions for AGHSEVS problems. We hope the practicability of the comparable model with slight modifications of real situation data can be used in other AGHS companies.


The influence of tobacco smoke on human health is still an important problem worldwide. Complex inflammatory processes and changes in the immune system are crucial in the pathogenesis of smoking related disorders like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), lung cancer, atherosclerosis. The objective of this review is to present the alterations in the immune system in smokers. The main affected system by cigarette smoke (CS) is the respiratory tract. In bronchial epithelium metaplastic and dysplastic changes are accompanied by elevated expression of adhesion molecules and secretion of many cytokines capable of stimulation immune cells influx. In the population of pulmonary macrophages an elevated proportion of cells, changes in expression surface markers with impaired phagocytic and antigen presenting function are observed. Chronic exposure to CS causes increased production of metalloproteinases (MMP) by macrophages and proteolitic enzymes by neutrophils. These enzymes cause destruction of alveolar wall. Increased apoptosis of lung tissue results in augmentation of foreign material which may play a role of autoantigen and which is a target for cytotoxic/suppressor cells. The role of regulatory T (Treg) cells in this process is recently postulated. Smoking cessation is the most effective method of prophylaxis and treatment of diseases related to tobacco smoking. However many immunological changes in smokers are not completely reversible after quitting smoking.


ABSTRACT This meta-analysis synthesized the distribution of attachment classifications as coded with the Cassidy-Marvin Preschool Attachment Coding System and the Main-Cassidy Six-Year-Old System. These systems have extended scholars' capacity to measure differences in the developing child-parent attachment relationship, and its sequelae, beyond the infancy period; however, the global distribution of the attachment categories in these systems, and the potential factors influencing this distribution, remain unknown. The meta-analysis included 97 samples (N = 8,186 children; 55% boys), mostly drawn from North American or European populations (89%; M = 76% White). Results indicated that the distribution of child-mother attachment was 53.5% secure, 14.0% avoidant, 11.0% ambivalent, and 21.5% disorganized/controlling. Moderator analyses showed that rates of security were lower, and rates of disorganization were higher, in samples of at-risk families, specifically when children were exposed to maltreatment. Variations in the procedure also moderated the distribution. The discussion calls for greater unity around methodological practices.


This paper wants to further develop the theory of co-evolution between technology and institutions in the network industries by addressing one of the critiques that is generally raised, namely the lack of taking into account its dynamics. The paper outlines the main steps in the conceptualization of the evolving network industries in the context of liberalization and concludes with considerations about how to govern their dynamics.


SUMMARY Many teleosts use gas-filled swimbladders to control buoyancy and influence three-dimensional orientation (pitch and roll). However, swimbladder volume, and its contributions to these functions, varies with depth-related pressure according to Boyle's law. Moreover, the swimbladder volume at a given depth also depends on the compliance of the swimbladder wall, but this latter factor has been investigated in only a limited number of species. In this study, changes in the volume of the zebrafish swimbladder were observed both in vitro and in situ in pressure chambers that allowed simulations of movements within the water column to and from depths of >300 cm. Results show the anterior chamber to be highly compliant, varying ±38% from its initial volume over the range of simulated depths. This large volume change was accomplished, at least in part, by a series of regular corrugations running along the ventral aspect of the chamber wall and another set of pleats radiating from around the communicating duct in the caudal aspect of the chamber wall. The posterior chamber, in contrast, was found to be minimally compliant, varying only a fraction of a percent from its initial volume over the same pressure range. The different volumetric responses of the chambers caused a significant shift in the distribution of gas within the swimbladder system, but only resulted in a change in the whole-body pitch angle of ±2 deg over the range of pressures tested. Together, our findings provide new insights into the control of buoyancy and trim within teleosts and suggest novel mechanisms that may contribute to swimbladder performance.


This paper establishes three kinds of mean-square-error (MSE) uplink-downlink duality for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Our duality is established for the practically relevant scenario where the noise vector of each mobile station (MS) is a zero-mean circularly symmetric complex Gaussian (ZMCSCG) random variable with arbitrary covariance matrix. As an application example of our duality, we examine the linear transceiver design for the weighted sum MSE minimization constrained with a total base station (BS) power problem for the downlink multiuser MIMO systems. To solve this problem, first we establish the MSE uplink-downlink duality. Then, we formulate the power allocation part of the equivalent problem in the uplink channel as a Geometric Programming (GP). Finally, using the duality result and the solution of GP, we utilize alternating optimization technique to solve the original downlink problem. The proposed duality maintains the easier-to-handle mathematical structure of MSE-based problems in the uplink channel and generalizes the existing MSE uplink-downlink duality. Furthermore, by utilizing our duality, we exploit the hidden convexity of the sum MSE minimization constrained with a total BS power problem in the downlink channel.


In recent years numerical modelling has become a standard procedure to optimise urban wastewater systems design and operation. Since the models were developed for the subsystems independently, they did not support an integrated view to the operation of the sewer system, the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and the receiving water. After pointing out the benefits of an integrated approach and the possible synergy effects that may arise from analysing the interactions across the interfaces, three examples of modelling case studies carried out in Germany are introduced. With these examples we intend to demonstrate the potential of integrated models, though their development cannot be considered completed. They are set up with different combinations of self-developed and commercially available software. The aim is to analyse fluxes through the total wastewater system or to integrate pollution-based control in the upstream direction, that is e.g. managing the combined water retention tanks as a function of state variables in the WWTP or the receiving water. Furthermore the interface between the sewer and the WWTP can be optimised by predictive simulations such that the combined water flow can be maximised according to the time- and dynamics-dependent state of the treatment processes.


Acetylenes are the first monomer to polymerize by the energy deposited by ionizing radiations. Herein we report an extremely efficient solid state polymerization of ethynylsubstituted 9,9'-spirobi[9H-fluorene]s (SBFs) via a unique nano-fabrication technique referred to as Single Particle Trigged Linear Polymerization (STLiP) initiated by high energy charged particles. The resulted nanowires of polymerized/crosslinked SBFs show a gradual transformation from flexible to rigid rod-like with an increase in the reaction efficiency mediated by the ethynyl substitution. The overall efficiency of initiation/propagation/crosslinking reactions is remarkably high even in comparison with the primary yield of ionization events in the radiation chemical processes, marking up to G > 80 (100 eV)–1, which is suggestive of efficient chain reactions in the propagation steps. The present results demonstrate efficient solid-state polymerization reactions, which are neither topochemical polymerization reactions nor acid/base catalyzed reactions, expand the versatility of STLiP technique to fabricate 1D nanomaterials based on a variety of organic compounds.


Initialization of sequential circuits is one of time-consuming processes in test generation for sequential circuits, and hence synthesizing sequential circuits of which synchronizing sequences are short is an important approach to reducing the cost of test generation for the circuits. In this paper, we propose an approach to the synthesis of finite state machines (FSMs) with partial scan. We focus on repeating partial scan for synchronizing FSMs, and present an extended synchronizing sequence which consists of scan inputs and normal inputs, and which takes a circuit to a single specific state, regardless of the initial state. To synthesize synchronizable FSMs, we formulate a problem of minimizing extended synchronizing sequence length, and present a heuristic algorithm for the problem. We show the experimental results of the minimization of extended synchronizing sequence length on MCNC'91 benchmark FSMs. The experimental results show that the proposed heuristic algorithm can find a minimum-length extended synchronizing sequence for most of MCNC'91 benchmark FSMs, and the length of the extended synchronizing sequence is three or less for all the benchmark FSMs.


Abstract: Field studies were conducted from 1996 to 1998 at Queenstown, MD to evaluate weed management programs utilizing single and multiple applications of glufosinate, with and without preemergence (PRE) and postemergence herbicides in both glufosinate-resistant (GR) corn and soybean. No herbicide treatment resulted in corn or soybean injury greater than 10% at 7 d after treatment (DAT). No injury was visible at 14 DAT for both GR corn and soybean. In corn, all treatments provided 72% or greater giant foxtail control 14 wk after planting (WAP). With soybean, in 1996 and 1998, few differences in giant foxtail control were observed, with all treatments providing at least 93% giant foxtail control 12 WAP. For common lambsquarters control in GR corn, there were no differences in control among treatments for 1996 and 1997. Over 80% common lambsquarters control was observed both years with all treatments 14 WAP. Glufosinate + atrazine at 0.4 kg/ha + 1.7 kg ai/ha, respectively, provided 100% season-long common lambsquarters control all three years of the study. For GR soybean, few differences in common lambsquarters control existed between treatments for all three years. Most treatments provided 72% or greater common lambsquarters control 12 WAP. Few differences in grain yield between herbicide treatments were observed for either GR corn or soybean. These studies illustrated that glufosinate, whether applied alone, sequentially, in tank-mixes, or as an overlay to a PRE program in GR corn and soybean is a viable herbicide program for the control of giant foxtail and common lambsquarters. Nomenclature: Atrazine, glufosinate, common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. #3 CHEAL; giant foxtail, Setaria faberi Herrm. # SETFA; corn, Zea mays L.; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. Additional index words: BAR gene, PAT gene, postemergence herbicides, transgenic herbicide-resistant crops. Abbreviations: BAR, bialaphos resistance gene; DAT, days after treatment; EPOST, early postemergence; fb, followed by; GR, glufosinate resistant; LPOST, late postemergence; MPOST, mid postemergence; PAT, phosphinothricin acetyl transferase; POST, postemergence; PRE, preemergence; WAP, weeks after planting.


. Field observations of gliding and quadrupedal locomotion in the Japanese giant flying squirrel Petaurista leucogenys were made at five shrine groves with different topographies, tree densities and canopy heights. The main mode of locomotion was gliding, although arboreal quadrupedal locomotion was preferred to gliding flight in forests with a canopy height of less than 10 m, presumably because gliding was not energetically advantageous. The mean horizontal length of glides varied from 17.1-33.1 m among the study areas. Short glides of less than 10 m were infrequent. The longest glide recorded was of 115 m, but such long distance glides were rare and normally limited to circumstances where no intervening trees were available. Even when long distance glides were topographically possible, the animals tended to repeat glides of less than 50 m. Squirrels were found capable of gliding at a glide ratio (horizontal distance/vertical drop) of 3.5, but such extremes were not normal. More typically, glide ratios were found to be within the range of 1-3. Both glide ratio and speed tended to increase in longer glides, and horizontal gliding speeds ranged from 7.0-13.3 m/sec. The reasons why glides rarely approach the maximum capacity are discussed in relation to 1) wind velocity, 2) small home ranges, and 3) necessity of buffering landing impacts.


The burn-in (BI) mechanism in connection with the dynamic operation stress (DOS) has been investigated to examine the real impact on dynamic random access memory (DRAM) reliablity. In this paper, the wafer burn-in (WBI) method with equivalent screening efficiency as the package burn-in (PBI) is implemented by employing DOS. It is found that retention time degradation by BI stress in DRAM with potentially lethal defects is mainly attributed to DOS-induced hot carrier (HC) degradation of DRAM cell. Hot electrons injection in Si-SiO/sub 2/ interface brings about lots of interfacial states as well as the electrical field modification at the gate-overlapped region, causing the degradation of retention time. This is clarified by an anomalous threshold voltage (V/sub T/) shift, and an increase of gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) after dc HC stress having the identical stress voltage as DOS. Moreover, it is proved that a WBI procedure with the relevant DOS can screen out weak bits effectively, compared to that with only static stress.


Background: Various histopathological changes have been observed following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in individual tumors in the literature. Aims and Objectives: To observe histopathologic changes seen after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast malignancies, squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and Wilms′ tumor using breast cancer predominantly as the model. Materials and Methods: The present prospective study was carried out on 60 patients including 40 patients with carcinoma breast and 20 patients with other malignancies who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results: Post neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy specimens revealed nuclear enlargement, nuclear shrinkage, necrosis, vacuolation of nucleus, vacuolation of cytoplasm, dyscohesion, and shrinkage of tumor cells with nuclear changes of nonviability like karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and pyknosis. Stromal reactions manifested as fibrosis, elastosis, collagenization, hyalinization, microcalcification, and neovascularization. Areas of necrosis included both vascular and avascular pattern. The stroma also revealed fibrinoid necrosis and mucinous change. Hyalinization of the blood vessel wall was a common finding. The most common inflammatory host response observed in the present study was lymphocytic; others included mixed inflammation, plasmacytic, prominent histiocytic, and giant cell types. Giant cell reaction was significantly correlated to all types of tumor responses (P < 0.05). Similar changes were also observed in other malignancies. A detailed review of the literature has also been done and presented. Conclusion: The tumor grade decreases and differentiation improves, in addition to the retrogressive changes and increase in stromal component, as a result of chemotherapy in carcinoma breast as well as in other malignancies.


An option pricing model is tied to its ability of capturing the dynamics of the underlying spot price process. Its misspecification will lead to pricing and hedging errors. Parametric pricing formula depends on the particular form of the dynamics of the underlying asset. For tractability reasons, some assumptions are made which are not consistent with the multifractal properties of market returns. On the other hand, non-parametric models such as neural networks use market data to estimate the implicit stochastic process driving the spot price and its relationship with contingent claims.

When pricing multidimensional contingent claims, or even vanilla options with complex models, one must rely on numerical methods such as partial differential equations, numerical integration methods such as Fourier methods, or Monte Carlo simulations. Further, when calibrating financial models on market prices, a large number of model prices must be generated to fit the model parameters. Thus, one requires highly efficient computation methods which are fast and accurate.

Neural networks with multiple hidden layers are universal interpolators with the ability of representing any smooth multidimentional function. As such, supervised learning is concerned with solving function estimation problems. The networks are decomposed into two separate phases, a training phase where the model is optimised off-line, and a testing phase where the model approximates the solution on-line. As a result, these methods can be used in finance in a fast and robust way for pricing exotic options as well as calibrating option prices in view of interpolating/extrapolating the volatility surface. They can also be used in risk management to fit options prices at the portfolio level in view of performing some credit risk analysis.

We review some of the existing methods using neural networks for pricing market and model prices, present calibration, and introduce exotic option pricing. We discuss the feasibility of these methods, highlight problems, and propose alternative solutions.


It is highly dangerous in science to talk about a cause, and our wish has been to emphasize only outstanding factors which we have observed operating in the etiology of the individual delinquent or psychopath, where the behavior is unconsciously initiated and fostered by the parents. In addition, I have described the conscious permissiveness by families and circumscribed cultural forces operating in limited areas to produce the sociologic group delinquencies. That there is overlapping, on occasion, of these two large categories seems undeniable.


Objective The impact of the aging population in China varies between regions. It is because regions with different resource endowments, such as those related to economy, population, and medical care, have different degrees of disability risk in the face of the increases in the disabled and semi-disabled older population caused by the overall aging of the population. This study aimed to construct an evaluation system to monitor and measure the degree of social disability risk in different regions in China and to evaluate and compare the degree of social disability risk in different regions using empirical data. Method This study used the Delphi method to construct a social disability risk measurement index system with macro, meso, and micro dimensions. At the same time, based on the data of CHARLS2018, an AHP-entropy method was used to calculate the index's total weight, and the standard deviation classification method was used to classify the total and criterion-level measurement scores of 28 provinces. Results The regional degree of social disability risk was analyzed in subdimensions. Our research indicates that China's social disability risk situation is not promising, with a general medium to high-risk level. The score of degree of social disability risk among provinces is consistent with the regional economic development level to a large extent. The risk of social disability varies significantly among the eastern and central, and western regions of China and the provinces within the three regions. Discussion Currently, the situation facing the degree of social disability risk in China is that the overall risk level of the country is higher, and the difference between regions is significant. It is necessary to take measures to meet better the needs of the aging population and the disabled and semi-disabled older populations in a large-range, large-scale, multilevel way.


OBJECTIVE
To observe the change of auditory brainstem response (ABR) in hearing deprivation rat model induced by bilateral cochlears ablation at different time points.

METHOD
Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four experiment groups including 2-week group, 4-week group, 6-week group, 8-week group and four control groups with 5 rats (n = 10) in each group. Then bilateral cochlears ablation was applied to experiment groups. The threshold value of ABR was measured at different time and latent period of each wave was compared.

RESULT
The threshold of ABR in experiment group was elevated significantly. The latent period of each wave was pro longed significantly (P < 0.01). In experiment group, the threshold value of ABR in 2-week and 4-week group was significantly greater than that in 6-week group and 8-week group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION
Bilateral cochlears ablation surgery could elevate the threshold of ABR and latent period of each wave prolonged. The effect of hearing deprivation became apparent after surgery for 4 weeks.


Attempts have been made to evaluate the degree of bioadhesion and biocompatibility of a synthesized urethane prepolymer with specially tailored microstructure. Wetting behaviour and extent of interfacial adhesion of the prepared prepolymer towards biological substrates were examined by in vitro methods. The former was carried out by measuring the contact angle between drops of the prepolymer liquid and a biological surface, while the latter was determined from the force between the prepolymer and tissue model or mucus. The obtained results exhibited good tissue wettability and bioadhesion by the prepolymer. Preliminary evaluation of biocompatibility for the uncatalytically cured prepolymer films was performed by cytotoxicity and histotoxicity experiments. Results showed a significant growth for the adhered L929 fibroblast cells within a period of 5 days incubation. Also, no severe inflammatory tissue response towards the samples implanted in rabbit for 16 weeks was seen. These observations can support the potentiality of the designed urethane prepolymer to be applied as hemostatic agent.


Idiopathic lumbosacral plexitis (LSP) or non-diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (LRPN) is a rare monophasic immune-mediated disorder. The disease is characterized by multiple lumbosacral root and nerve involvement in the absence of trauma, mass lesion or elevated blood sugar. We report a 60-year-old man presenting with a 4-day history of acute-onset sharp left hip pain radiating down his leg associated with numbness over the lateral dorsum of his left foot. MRI of the lumbosacral plexus revealed gadolinium enhancement of mainly L5 on the left. A dramatic response to oral steroids was observed.


Background: The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is a triangular subarachnoid space located within the posterior cranial fossa and centered at the level of the internal audiotary canal. Approximately 10%of intracranial tumors arise in the cerebellopontine angle and 80% of these are vestibular schwannomas. The majority of the remaining 20%are meningiomas, with rare incidance of facial or trigeminal schwannomas, epidermoid cysts(primarycholeseatomas), glomus jugular tumors, arachnoid cysts, giant cell tumors, metastatic deposits, and other masses. Objective: To evaluate the role of DWI, susceptibility and specrtroscopy in evaluation of cerebello pontine angle masses. Patients and methods: Our study included thirty cases with CPA masses that were subjected to advanced MRI techniques (DWI, SWi and, MRS) in addition to the conventional MRI techniques to evaluate their role in evaluation of CPA masses. Results: By using DWI in our protocol, we proved that; It can differentiate shwannomas, meningiomas and epidermoid cyst; where meningiomas are always restricted with low ADC values (mean ADC value < 1× 10−3 mm2 /s) while shwannomas have higher ADC values (mean ADC value >1× 10−3 mm2 /s) and epidermoid cysts are restricted with ADC values <1× 10−3 mm2 /s. By using SWI: SWI also proved to has an important value in differentiating meningiomas and shwannomas where in our study no meningiomas showed blooming on SWI while 61.5 % of shwannomas showed blooming (likely due to intra-lesional hemorrhage). Thus the presence of blooming within a lesion (after exclusion of calcifications) would rather the diagnosis of shwannoma than meningioma. By using MRS: 100% of shwannomas showed myo-inositol peak in our study and 87.5% of meningiomas showed alanine peak and 100% of meningiomas showed glutamate\glutamine peak, proving that MRS can be an accurate technique in differentiating the two entities. 100% of metastatic lesions showed choline peak in our study so MRS has an important value in the diagnosis of metastatic lesions. Conclusion: Advanced MRI techniques as DWI, susceptibility and spectroscopy have a great value in evaluation of CPA masses.


In this paper, we propose a method of function derivation for performing recognition of wrist operations by the electromyographic (EMG) signals extracted from 4-channel EMG sensor. In designing a recognition device of operations, the important fewer amount of information is needed for reduction of cost and accuracy improvement in practical systems. Then, date mining is performed by specifying important frequency bands using genetic algorithm (GA) and neural network (NN). The derivation of function for generating a feature vector is performed only using the important frequency bands obtained by GA and NN. In this case, the feature vector which consists of frequency spectrum to be used is mapped to another space. We use the generated function as an input feature to perform recognition experiments of EMG signal by NN. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is demonstrated by means of computer simulations


of in Oxidative stress plays an important role in mediating myocardial injury during I/R. The molecular source of ROS during I/R and their role in mediating myocardial injury remain unclear. Using genetically altered mouse models, we found that both Nox2 and Nox4, major isoforms of the NADPH oxidase in the heart, contribute to oxidative stress during I/R, and suppression of either of them significantly reduces I/R injury by inhibiting excessive production of ROS. However, combined downregulation of both Nox2 and Nox4 paradoxically exacerbated I/R injury, although oxidative stress by I/R was markedly suppressed. These findings suggest that during I/R, low levels of ROS production from either Nox2 or Nox4 are required for activation of adaptive mechanisms essential for cardio-protection, which is mediated by the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α and downregulation of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor- α . Thus, ROS production by Nox seems to have dichoto-mous functions during I/R: excessive production of ROS by Nox2 and Nox4 is detrimental whereas minimum production of ROS by either Nox2 or Nox4 is essential for adaptation. Hence, broad Nox suppression during I/R could be detrimental for the heart. Online Figure XVI A hypothetical model of the role of Nox2 and Nox4 in response to I/R. I/R induces ROS production by stimulating Nox2 and Nox4, leading to cytotoxicity via mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress. Downregulation of Nox2 or Nox4 mildly suppresses ROS production and attenuates I/R injury. ROS from either Nox2 or Nox4 is essential for upregulation of HIF-1 (cid:3) and stimulation of glycolysis. Downregulation of both Nox2 and Nox4 strongly suppresses ROS production, and thereby downregulates HIF-1 (cid:3) and upregulates PPAR (cid:3) . A metabolic shift from glycolysis to FAO during I/R induces myocardial TG deposition, which leads to lipotoxicity. The presence of a physiological level of Nox-derived ROS protects the heart from I/R injury. PHD: prolyl hydroxylase, HIF-1 (cid:3) : hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (cid:3) , PPAR (cid:3) : peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a, MCAD: Medium-chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase


The argument in this essay is that Chinua Achebe manifests feminist tendencies in his novels. In them he assigns his female characters sensitive responsibilities, and equally uses the kind of language and style that underscore his positive presentation of these female characters. In his novels, Achebe is not satisfied with what he perceives to be the society's hypocritical attitudes in its dealings with women. Consequently, he re-affirms his position on the issues of women by creating powerful and tough women who are endowed with moral, intellectual and physical powers which they employ in the service of mankind and their various communities. In these novels, it is obvious that Achebe identifies with women whose status he consciously attempts to elevate through carefully chosen words, symbols and connotations that mark them fairly and positively in contrast to the men. The essay ends on the note that Achebe's connotative style marks him as an apostle and a prophetic advocate of feminism.


A growing body of research has examined the effects of job insecurity or different forms of precarious work, such as temporary employment, on occupational health and safety (OHS). A number of reasons have been proposed to explain the more mixed results with regard to studies of temporary employment, including the diversity of these work arrangements, the health indices used, and a number of other complicating factors. There have been very few studies of seasonal work as a specific form of temporary employment. In addition to addressing this gap, this study provides evidence with regard to two other explanations of 'mixed results', namely the importance of controlling for exposure and the possibility that associations differ depending on the particular health indices/outcome measures selected. Findings highlight the importance of controlling for exposure when comparing OHS outcomes for permanent and temporary workers, using multiple health indices and the need for systematic research into different types of temporary work. Several factors that may explain why seasonal workers experience higher rates of injury but appear to have adapted positively to intermittent employment are identified. The study reinforces the need for a more nuanced explanation of how temporary work can affect health and safety.


Abstract The aim of the present study was to describe the effects of land use on humus composition and the structural properties of humic substances (HS) in degraded soil in Leyte, Philippines. Five adjacent land-use types, primary forest (PF), mahogany plantation (MP), rainforestation farming (RF), coffee plantation (CP) and grassland (GR), with comparable geology, parent material, soil type and climate were sampled and examined. The contents of humic acids (HAs), fulvic acids (FAs), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-adsorbed FAs and PVP-non-adsorbed FAs in the soil, and the elementary composition, infrared (IR) spectra and molecular size distribution of HAs and PVP-adsorbed FAs were compared among the different land uses. Results revealed that conversion of PF into other land uses has led to a decrease in FAs, which were higher under intensive cultivation conditions, such as RF, CP and GR. The amounts of HAs were small and also affected by land use. The amount of PVP-non-adsorbed FAs was more affected by land use than the amount of PVP-adsorbed FAs. Variation in the molecular size of HAs and PVP-adsorbed FAs provided evidence of variations in the structural characteristics of HS as a result of land-use change, although there were no appreciable differences in IR spectra and elementary composition. The relationship between land use and the degree of humification of HAs was poor. The HAs were still in the early stage of humification as indicated by the Type Rp in most soils, the higher contents of elemental H and N, and the high H/C and O/C ratios.


Aberrant CpG methylation profiles of gene promoters and their correlation with advanced pathologic features have been well investigated in prostate carcinoma (PC). Several case–control and prospective studies have revealed a positive association between current smoking and PC. The authors hypothesized that smoking influences both progression and prognosis of PC through CpG hypermethylation of related genes.


The RAS–RAF–MEK (MAP–ERK kinase)–ERK (extracellular signal–regulated kinase) pathway plays a central role in driving proliferation, survival, and metastasis signals in tumor cells, and the prevalence of oncogenic mutations in RAS and BRAF and upstream nodes makes this pathway the focus of significant oncology drug development efforts. This focus has been justified by the recent success of BRAF and MEK inhibitors in prolonging the lives of patients with BRAFV600E/K-mutant melanoma. Although it is disappointing that cures are relatively rare, this should not detract from the value of these agents to patients with cancer and the opportunity they provide in allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of drug response and resistance. These insights have already provided the basis for the evaluation of alternative dosing regimens and combination therapies in patients with melanoma. Clin Cancer Res; 20(5); 1074–80. ©2013 AACR.


Analyses of over 100 lineages of Cretaceous Mollusca, primarily Bivalvia, representing diverse levels of morphological complexity, habitats, and adaptive strategies, clearly show that evolutionary rates (new taxa/unit time; or average taxa duration) vary widely within lineages subjected to changing environmental stresses, and between lineages and/or adaptive strategies subjected to broadly similar sets of environmental parameters through time. Modes of evolution range from gradualistic to punctuated, dependent upon rates and intensity of change in stress, or on levels of ecological opportunity (available ecospace). Extremely rapid rates of species evolution (one sp./0.08 Ma) and abrupt appearance of higher taxa occur during rapid radiations into unoccupied ecospace, and/or during high stress situations affecting whole biotas during short time intervals (e.g. rapid marine regression). Classification and reconstruction of molluscan phylogeny is most difficult over these intervals of geological time. Ecological factors far outweigh purely genetic factors in determining evolutionary rates and patterns among Mollusca, as determined by tests applied to Cretaceous lineages.


India's party system has undergone a profound transformation over the last decade. The Congress Party, a catch-all party that brought independence in 1947 and governed India for much of the period since then, no longer dominates the electoral scene. Political parties which draw support from particular caste and religious groups are now more powerful than ever before. "Democracy Without Associations" explains why religious and caste-based political parties come to dominate the electoral landscape in 1990s India and why catch-all parties have declined. Arguing that political parties and state policy can make some social divisions more salient than others and also determine how these divisions affect the political system, the author offers an explanation for the relationship between electoral competition and the politicization of social differences in India. He notes that the relationship between social cleavages and the party system is not axiomatic and that political parties can influence the links they have to social cleavages. The argument developed for India is also used to account for emergence of class-based parties in Spain and the electoral success of a religious party in Algeria."Democracy Without Associations" will interest scholars and students of Indian politics, and party politics, as well as those interested in the impact of social divisions on the political system.Pradeep K. Chhibber is Assistant Professor of Political Science and Associate Director, Center for South and Southeast Asian Studies, University of Michigan.