PURPOSE
To use an experimental animal model to study the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of methylcellulose 2% application in trabeculectomy, followed by histologic assessment.

METHODS
Trabeculectomy was performed on albino rabbits' eyes. The study comprised two groups, each group consisting of five rabbits. The right eyes were subjected to trabeculectomy, and the left eyes served as the control. In both groups 1 and 2, trabeculectomy was performed in the right eyes, but in group 2, trabeculectomy was followed by injection of methylcellulose 2% into the anterior chamber. The methylcellulose was allowed to pass through the trabeculectomy site into the subconjunctival space, and an extra amount was injected by the same cannula under the conjunctiva in the area of the trabeculectomy from the edge of the periotomy. Measurement of IOP was performed with a Shiotz tonometer once weekly for 4 weeks. Specimens were obtained from the operative site, and semithin sections were prepared, stained with toluidine blue, and examined by light microscopy (LM).

RESULTS
A significant difference in the decrease of IOP (P<0.0001) was observed between the two groups after 4 weeks of surgery. During the 4 weeks after trabeculectomy, the mean IOP was 18.2+/-0.45 mm Hg without methylcellulose injection and 18.3+/-0.77 mm Hg in the control eyes, and 9.8+/-0.84 mm Hg with methylcellulose injection, 18.25+/-0.7 mm Hg in the control eyes. The histopathological findings in group 1 (without methylcellulose injection) showed the subscleral spaces to be less fenestrated, with deposition of dense collagen bundles intermingled with the fibrocytes, some of which were active with prominent mitosis. In contrast, in group 2 (injected with methylcellulose), the subscleral space appeared fenestrated with irregularly and widely spaced segmented collagen bundles.

CONCLUSIONS
Methylcellulose may have antihealing properties that serve to decrease IOP in trabeculectomy. Although more work is needed in humans, because human tissue may be different in its response to the same procedure, the use of methylcellulose could be very promising.


Psychology has been in the past and now is a fragmented science. One reason of the fragmentation is a disagreement about the subject matter of psychology. This paper attempts to review in detail the state of the subject matter disagreement. Analogy from conceptual integration in natural sciences can be used to integrate psychology. The author proposes that psychology should focus on human psychology only. Animal ar nonhuman organisms should not be a domain of psychological study but a domain of other sciences such as biology, zoology, entomology, wild life and animal sciences.


Buschhagen, Timo. M.S.A.A., Purdue University, May 2015. Performance Analysis of Vortex based Mixers for Confined Flows. Major Professors: John P. Sullivan and Stephen D. Heister. The hybrid rocket is still sparsely employed within major space or defense projects due to their relatively poor combustion efficiency and low fuel grain regression rate. Although hybrid rockets can claim advantages in safety, environmental and performance aspects against established solid and liquid propellant systems, the boundary layer combustion process and the diffusion based mixing within a hybrid rocket grain port leaves the core flow unmixed and limits the system performance. One principle used to enhance the mixing of gaseous flows is to induce streamwise vorticity. The counter-rotating vortex pair (CVP) mixer utilizes this principle and introduces two vortices into a confined flow, generating a stirring motion in order to transport near wall media towards the core and vice versa. Recent studies investigated the velocity field introduced by this type of swirler. The current work is evaluating the mixing performance of the CVP concept, by using an experimental setup to simulate an axial primary pipe flow with a radially entering secondary flow. Hereby the primary flow is altered by the CVP swirler unit. The resulting setup therefore emulates a hybrid rocket motor with a cylindrical single port grain. In order to evaluate the mixing performance the secondary flow concentration at the pipe assembly exit is measured, utilizing a pressure-sensitive paint based procedure.


In vivo digestibility trials were conducted to evaluate the influence of shrubs containing low and high levels of soluble phenolic/tannins on digestibility and nitrogen retention by Angora goats. Each of 6 shrubs and alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa L.) were fed to goats at 30% (dry matter basis) of the diet in a barley straw-prairie hay mixture. The mixture was regulated so that all diets contained about 8% crude protein. High soluble phenolic shrubs used included big sagebrush (A rtemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. tridentata), gray oak (Quercus grisea Liebm.), true mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus Raf.), and one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma [Engelm.] Sarg). Low-soluble phenolic species included common winterfat (Ceratoides lanata [Pursh.], J.T. Howell), fourwing saltbush (A triplex canescens [Pursh.], Nutt.), and alfalfa. Nitrogen digestibilities of winterfat, gray oak, mountain mahogany and one-seed juniper diets were less (P .05) compared with the alfalfa control. Retained nitrogen (g/d) differed (P<.05) only among alfalfa, juniper, and mountain mahogany diets. Goats fed juniper had greater (P<0.05) retained nitrogen than the alfalfa control. Shrubs high in soluble phenolics, with the exception of big sagebrush, had elevated fecal nitrogen losses, but reduced urinary nitrogen losses compared with the alfalfa control. Forage organic matter intake (% body weight) and nitrogen intake (g/d) were correlated more highly with nitrogen retention than dietary crude protein (%) or digestible protein (%). Present data indicate that protein found in palatable native shrubs is assimilated with similar efficiency to that in alfalfa hay if these shrubs are consumed at


Ecdysteroid secretion in vitro by gland quarters and dispersed cells of ecdysial glands (Y-organs) of the crab, Cancer antennarius Stimpson, was characterized. Optimum culture conditions are reported for maximum, sustained (72 hr) secretion and maintenance of cell viability in activated Y-organs obtained from de-eyestalked donors. Addition in vitro of eyestalk ganglia extracts containing the putative molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) inhibited ecdysteroid production dose-dependently in the range of 0.1-4.0 and 0.01-4.0 eyestalk equivalents of MIH for gland quarters and dispersed cells, respectively. Inhibition by MIH was reversible, tissue specific as to source of MIH activity, and did not affect cell viability relative to controls. The results of replicate incubations of gland quarters with MIH were analyzed with formal statistics of parallel-line assay. The inhibitory action on ecdysteroid secretion is shown to be reproducibly linear and parallel in the dosage range, 0.1-4.0 eyestalk equivalents, amenable to calculation of relative potency among successive extracts, and of sufficiently high precision to serve as an MIH bioassay. Also, the results of these studies support the hypothesis that control of Y-organs by the eyestalks is physiologically direct.


Plasmids are genetic elements of DNA molecules in the form of small circles present within the bacterial cell cytoplasm outside the bacterial chromosome. Because they are separate from the chromosome, they reproduce independently. However, plasmids are bound to multiply in the cell by multiplying the chromosome. Plasmids differ in size and number of copies in the cell. Plasmids carry genes that add to the cell additional proper- ties, but they are not necessary for cell life and do not affect cell vitality. Some chemicals can remove plasmids from the cell by stopping their proliferation. By bacterial cell mul- tiplication, the number of plasmids decreases until bacterial cells free from the plasmids are obtained. Plasmids are used in the techniques and research of genetic engineering and gene therapy by gene transfer to bacterial cells or to cells of superior organisms, whether other plants, animals, or other living organisms, to improve their resistance to diseases or to improve their growth rates or to improve any other required traits.


To determine the immediate effect of thiazolidinediones on human skeletal muscle, differentiated human myotubes were acutely (1 day) and myoblasts chronically (during the differentiation process) treated with troglitazone (TGZ). Chronic TGZ treatment resulted in loss of the typical multinucleated phenotype. The increase of muscle markers typically observed during differentiation was suppressed, while adipocyte markers increased markedly. Chronic TGZ treatment increased insulin-stimulated phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activity and membranous protein kinase B/Akt (PKB/Akt) Ser-473 phosphorylation more than 4-fold. Phosphorylation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (42/44 MAPK/ERK) was unaltered. Basal glucose uptake as well as both basal and insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis increased approximately 1.6- and approximately 2.5-fold after chronic TGZ treatment, respectively. A 2-fold stimulation of PI 3-kinase but no other significant TGZ effect was found after acute TGZ treatment. In conclusion, chronic TGZ treatment inhibited myogenic differentiation of that human muscle while inducing adipocyte-specific gene expression. The effects of chronic TGZ treatment on basal glucose transport may in part be secondary to this transdifferentiation. The enhancing effect on PI 3-kinase and PKB/Akt involved in both differentiation and glycogen synthesis appears to be pivotal in the cellular action of TGZ.


We address the problem of safe motion planning. As mobile robots and autonomous vehicles become increasingly more prevalent in human-centered environments, the need to ensure safety in the sense of guaranteed collision free behaviour has taken renewed urgency. Achieving this when perceptual modules provide only noisy estimates of objects in the environment requires new approaches. Working within a probabilistic framework for describing the environment, we present methods for efficiently calculating a probabilistic risk of collision for a candidate path. This may be used to stratify a set of candidate trajectories by levels of a safety threshold. Given such a stratification, based on user-defined thresholds, motion synthesis techniques could optimise for secondary criteria with the assurance that a primary safety criterion is already being satisfied. A key contribution of this paper is the use of a `convolution trick' to factor the calculation of integrals providing bounds on collision risk, enabling an $O(1)$ computation even in cluttered and complex environments.


Computed tomography has facilitated recognition that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not a single disease but encompasses several overlapping entities, including emphysema, bronchitis, and small airways disease. Quantitative computed tomography can effectively characterize and quantify the extent of emphysema, airway wall thickening, and air trapping related to small airways disease.


THE PROLONGATION OF LIFE.-" This is a new part of medicine, and deficient, though the most noble of all; for if it may be supplied, medicine will not then be wholly versed in sordid cures, nor physicians be honored only for necessity but as dispensers of the greatest earthly happiness that could well be conferred on mortals."--Bacon, The Advancement of Learning.


ROBOMINERS is a new project funded under the European Union's Research and Innovation Programme Horizon 2020, which aims at employing a bio-inspired robot, focused on the prospect of mineral exploration and extraction within Europe. ROBOMINERS' innovative approach combines the creation of a new mining ecosystem through the development of a bioinspired robotic miner prototype, able to explore and mine mineral deposits which are currently considered uneconomic due to their small size and difficulty of access. The main objectives of the project include the creation of a European database of potentially suitable locations for the deployment of this novel technology. The building of the pan-EU mineral deposits database is considered vital for the development of the project as it will provide essential information related to deposit type and commodities, spatial and temporal distribution, and location of exploration targets. Several deposits have been reviewed and examined in Greece as potential targets suitable for the ROBOMINERS technology, after considering the specific restrictions and requirements of the project. The main targets have been determined and arranged according to the different aspects required by the applicability of the ROBOMINERS innovative technology.


Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with sperm collected by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) technique is nowadays the main treatment for obstructive azoospermia(OAS). To cryopreserve the epididymal sperm obstained by PESA can avoid repeat retrievals. We transferred the embryos fertilized by ICSI with frozen/thawed epididymal sperm and achieved a delivery, which shows that epididymal sperm obstained by PESA can be successfully cryopreserved.


We determine the regularized van der Waals contribution to pressure within a spherical cavity of vapor in a homogeneous, isotropic, infinite medium. The spherical Hamaker function, A s , has been defined, for the first time, in contrast to the conventional Hamaker function for planar surfaces, A h . For the materials under consideration, the pressure inside the cavity varies as A s / 6 πa 3 , where a is the radius of the cavity. For radii below a transition radius, the surface energy (or surface tension) becomes size dependent and could have important implications for homogeneous nucleation of nanosized bubbles in liquids, as well as cavitation of bubbles.


Senile plaques are a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The major component of senile plaques is beta-amyloid which consists of approximately 4000 mol. wt of peptide. Accumulating evidence suggests that beta-amyloid may represent the underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease. In vitro, beta-amyloid has been shown either to be directly neurotoxic or to potentiate neurotoxic effects of excitatory amino acids. However, beta-amyloid toxicity in vivo has not always been reproducible. In this study, we injected beta-amyloid fragment 1-40 or 25-35 alone or in combination with a small amount of ibotenic acid, an excitatory amino acid, into rat hippocampus, and examined the histological and immunohistochemical changes two weeks after injection. Although beta-amyloid alone or ibotenic acid alone exerted only minimal degenerating effects on neurons just around the injection site, the co-injection of beta-amyloid 1-40 or beta-amyloid 25-35 with ibotenic acid produced drastic neuronal loss; the haematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that most neurons not only around the injection site but also in distant areas including CA1, CA4 and dentate gyrus were depleted. The neuronal loss occurred in a dose-dependent manner with respect to ibotenic acid. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that beta-amyloid with ibotenic acid induced great depletion of microtubule-associated protein-2 immunoreactivity and infiltration of astrocytes and microglia on neuronal loss. In addition, some apoptotic neuronal death indicated by DNA fragmentation and nucleic condensation was observed. Beta-amyloid depositions detected by two different types of anti-human beta-amyloid antibodies were limited to the injection site. Dizocilpine maleate (MK-801), an antagonist for an excitatory amino acid receptor, completely inhibited the neuronal death in rat hippocampus. These results suggest that the co-injection of beta-amyloid with a small amount of ibotenic acid provides a useful model for investigation of the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to Alzheimer's disease.


Abstract In this article, we analyse the effect of an incentive experiment on German consumers' recording behaviour on the basis of a one-week diary of their point-of-sale expenditure. Part of the experiment, which was carried out shortly before the consumers began filling in their payment diaries, involved consumers rolling a die with a chance of winning either EUR 20 or nothing, that is, they were randomly assigned an incentive. We ask whether respondents' recording behaviour differs depending on whether individuals win or lose. We argue that winners attach a more positive feeling to the survey than losers and therefore show a stronger commitment to the diary. As the incentive experiment is part of a larger experiment to elicit respondents' risk preferences, we also provide evidence on the effect of conducting up-front behavioural experiments in representative surveys. Our results indicate that the outcome of the lottery (rolling of the die) has an impact on the quantity of transactions recorded, but does not affect other aspects of respondents' recording behaviour, such as item nonresponse or rounding. It also has a negligible impact on substantive measures, such as the cash share.


Aim of study: Literature review of complications in laparoscopic repair of complete rectal prolapse in children and reporting of unusual presentation of adhesive bowel obstruction. Materials and method: We present the case of an 11-year-old healthy girl has been referred with persistent rectal prolapse. Patient underwent laparoscopic rectosigmoidopexy with mesh. Two months post-surgery, she presented with symptoms of bowel obstruction. Laparotomy findings confirmed 2-bands of adhesions adherent to mesh. Post-operative was uneventful. We also review published English language literatures. Discussions: Six series adopted laparoscopic treatment for persistent rectal prolapse in childhood. Median age was 6.9 years. No intraoperative complications were reported. Postoperative complications were reported with no significant morbidity and mortality. We report first case with adhesive bowel obstruction post laparoscopic mesh repair. Conclusion: Small number of trials reported role of laparoscopy in management of complete rectal prolapse becomes common and improving functional outcome. Surgical complications can still happen; however current practise doesn't show significant morbidity and mortality.


This paper describes the implementation of a university-wide initiative aimed at providing a holistic view of a student's academic standing by conducting early, formative assessment for all first-year students. It tracks the Early Assessment System as a student support intervention at Stellenbosch University and suggests that the system has been instrumental in effecting change across the entire university. The early focus on student success and the establishment of dedicated structures to facilitate such focus have served as catalysts for dialogue around issues of teaching and learning. The coordination of resources across the university to support faculty activities around first-year student learning has set-up powerful collaborations with the potential to influence thinking across the campus. Using Hersey, Blanchard, and Johnson's (2001) 'participative change cycle' as base, and drawing on the associated work of Pennington (2003), the successes and ongoing challenges of implementing an initiative of th...


This work presents a first-principles study, based on Density Functional Theory calculations, on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of black and blue phosphorene as well as of graphene functionalized with carboxylic group. The binding distance between phosphorene and carboxyl group assumes a higher value than that on graphene because of phosphorus atomic radius. Carboxyl also pulls slightly closer the graphene and black phosphorene functionalized atom, while blue phosphorene atom is pushed away. Unlike graphene, black and blue phosphorene have not shown relevant spin polarization. These results could help to understand the nanomaterials properties for a new route for the development of biosensors and, regarding to the phosphorenes, interesting properties with many potential applications that can be developed in the sense of the nanobiotechnology field.


The ability of a host to generate an appropriate immune response is critical to provide protection against a particular pathogen and to provide long-lasting memory against future reinfection. However, this immune response must be tightly regulated to prevent its persistence or inadequate activation which can lead to the development of immune pathologies. Mammalian immune system comprises a wide array of immune cells and molecules. In particular, the ability ofimmune cells to secrete and respond to cytokines is central to the orchestration of immune responses. My PhD project has focused on the role of a particular cytokine named Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ). Unlike most other cytokines, TGFβ is secreted in a latent form and must be activated to bind its receptor and induce response on target cell. Our team and others have shown that αvβ8 integrin plays a critical role in TGFβ activation and thus the regulation of TGFβ-dependent immune responses. More precisely, I investigated the role of αvβ8 integrin in the regulation of intestinal immunityand humoral B cell responses. In particular, my work focused on three immune processes: 1/ the induction of TREG and TH17 in Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissues and 2/ the regulation ofintestinal IgA humoral responses and 3/ the regulation of T-dependent B cell responses during the germinal center reaction.


This commentary reflects on how creativity is dehumanised (and rehumanised) and how its labour aspects are hindered (and highlighted) in the three recent developments in our understanding of arts, culture and creativity: the creative industries; AI creativity; and creativity in everyday life. The creative industries discourse instrumentalises and dehumanises creativity by hiding labour perspectives and treating creativity as human capital and a generator of IP. Meanwhile, contemplating AI creativity helps us to look beyond the economic paradigm and consider key traits of human creativity and the creation process, some aspects of which are successfully emulated by AI. Yet, we also observe how AI dissociates creativity from human agency and how its cost-cutting effect can challenge human creators in many sectors. Finally, the idea of everyday creativity effectively rehumanises and democratises creativity; however, it not only lacks labour perspectives but also hinders them.


In the post-industrial era, the service sector has been expanding and professional tasks have been transformed into service-oriented knowledge work, that is, the business consulting profession. The variety of employment patterns has increased with the deregulation of the labor market, and the employment pattern of those professionals working in the service sector has been characterized by short-term assignments and employment contracts. Despite this contingent employment, the position of the business consulting professionals in the labor market is not necessarily degrading, as they are highly-qualified and competent actors, who can deal with the challenges of the business world. Thus, their position and coping strategies relate not only to the precarious employment but also to their professional, independent work. The study deals with the dilemma of insecurity and freedom of business consulting professionals, which is recognized in the Nordic countries. The methodology is qualitative.


Since 1978 a series of 15 avulsively amputated thumbs were replanted with survival of the replantation in 14 patients. Good restoration of sensory and motor functions for these patients eradicates the old concept that replantation for avulsively amputated digits is contraindicated or a poor risk. We emphasize the importance of proper management of the transfer technique of the severed tendons, nerves, and blood vessels during the replantation. Details are described. The only failure was a result of technical faults. We conclude that replantation of an avulsively amputated thumb is worthwhile and will be beneficial to the patient.


The authors present one-year experience of the multimedia role in ophthalmology with particularly review on example in vitreoretinal surgery. It has been shown goal of the project, methodology, evaluation of one-year work results and possibility of project's expansion.


The development of endovascular techniques depends on the concomitant development of imaging techniques. Imaging with ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) is evolving at rapid pace. Angiography has largely been replaced by these techniques as a diagnostic tool in the clinical setting. New methods, e.g., rotational angiography and intravascular ultrasound, will play an important role in endovascular treatment of vascular disease. It is necessary to have easy access to ultrasonography, CT and MR images in future hybrid angiographic/surgical suites and the operator must be able to do advanced immediate reconstructions in a sterile environment. The combined use of advanced imaging, open and endovascular techniques will further improve the treatment of vascular disease in the future.


We report the first implementation of fiber optics at 11 GHz in an experimental satellite communication EHF/SHF research terminal for airborne applications. Signal-to-noise and bit-error-rate were measured to characterize the system after a 100-m-long fiber optic link replaced a 4 ft long coaxial cable to enable X-band signal remoting.


Corn (Zea mays L) is the main commodity of agricultural crops in Indonesia. There are two groups of corn that are cultivated, namely ordinary corn (food corn) and sweet corn. Food corn is mainly used as a raw material for making food, which is used as a raw material for making animal feed raw materials and other industrial products. Easy cultivation, can grow in various conditions, stable selling prices and easy to market are the main driving force for high interest of the farming community to cultivate it. Spodoptera frugiperda larvae are polyphagous and attack many plant species. S. frugiperda larvae feed on more than 350 species of plants in 76 families. S. frugiperda is a typical migratory pest and this migratory behavior is an adjustment strategy to find a more profitable habitat. S. frugiperda is one of the most dangerous invasive pests due to its short life cycle. An adult female lays 900 – 1200 eggs in her life cycle. The purpose of the study was to inventory and analyze the egg parasitoid of S. frugiperda and the percentage of parasitization The analysis of the types of egg parasitoids of S. frugiperda was carried out through an inventory and identification process, while the percentage of parasitization was carried out using a randomized block design consisting of 5 treatment groups of eggs from 5 regions and three replications. The results of the inventory and identification contained two types of parasitoids, namely: Telenomus sp. and Trichogramma sp. The highest percentage of total parasitization was from Manado City at 85% and the lowest was from Bolaang Mongondow at 5%. Telenomus sp. higher percentage of parasitization than Trichogramma sp. Parasitization percentage of Telenomus sp. on eggs of S. frugiperda the highest came from Manado by 63% and the lowest came from Tomohon by 3%, while the percentage of parasitization of Trichograma sp. The highest came from Manado at 22%, and the lowest came from Bolaang Mongondow Regency at zero percent. In conclusion, there are 2 types of egg parasitoids in S. frugiperda eggs, namely the parasitoid Telenomus sp and the parasitoid Trichogramma sp., the percentage of parasitization of Telenomus sp. on eggs of S. frugiperda the highest sample from Manado and the lowest sample from Tomohon. Percentage of parasitization of Trichograma sp. the highest sample of S. frugiperda eggs from Manado, and the lowest sample from Bolaang Mongondow. Keywords— Percentage parasitization, parasitoids, Spodoptera frugiperda.


Introduction. Unlike Rockall scoring system, AIMS65 is based only on clinical and laboratory features. In this study we investigated the correlation between the AIMS65 score and Endoscopic Rockall score, in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients. Methods. This is a retrospective study of patients admitted with overt UGIB and undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). AIMS65 and Rockall scores were calculated at the time of admission. We investigated the correlation between both scores along with stigmata of bleed seen on endoscopy. Results. A total of 1255 patients were studied. 152 patients were cirrhotic while 1103 patients were noncirrhotic. There was significant correlation between AIMS65 and Total Rockall scores in patients of both groups. There was significant correlation between AIMS65 score and Endoscopic Rockall score in noncirrhotics but not cirrhotics. AIMS65 scores in both cirrhotic and noncirrhotic groups were significantly higher in patients who died from UGIB than in patients who did not. Conclusion. We observed statistically significant correlation between AIMS65 score and length of hospitalization and mortality in noncirrhotic patients. We found that AIMS65 score paralleled the endoscopic grading of lesion causing UGIB in noncirrhotics. AIMS65 score correlated only with mortality but not the length of hospitalization or endoscopic stigmata of bleed in cirrhotics.


Eleven patients with severe, treatment-resistant essential or renovascular hypertension were treated with captopril after withdrawal of various multiple drug regimes. If supine diastolic blood pressure remained >90 mm Hg on a maximum daily dose of 450 mg captopril, a diuretic and then a β-adrenoceptor blocker were added. Patient-volunteered complaints were carefully noted. Mean (±SE) systolic and diastolic blood pressures fell from 225 ± 6.8/131 ± 4.4 mm Hg on various multiple drug regimes to 182 ± 9.0/105 ± 5.0 mm Hg on a regime including captopril. The reported and observed incidence of adverse effects were as follows: maculopapular rash (one patient); urticaria and pruritus (three patients); loss of taste (one patient); tachycardia (four patients); increased frequency of trivial infections (three patients); severe myalgia (one patient); and deterioration in renal function (one patient). However, these patients were able to continue captopril after either temporary withdrawal or dose reduction. Captopril was discontinued permanently in five patients, in two because of poor blood pressure control, in one who developed persistent severe urticaria, and in one because of marked proteinuria. In the fifth patient intractable diarrhoea occurred. Captopril lowers blood pressure very effectively in patients with severe hypertension refractory to other agents. Adverse effects are common but acceptable in this situation where prognosis is poor if blood pressure is not adequately controlled.


Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) enter aquatic ecosystems through discharged effluents, mainly from wastewater treatment works and diffuse run off from land, and affect a wide range of aquatic biota, including fish. Evidence for altered physiology in fish as a consequence of endocrine disruption is global, with some of the most widely reported effects on sexual development and function. In recent years, research has shown that fish behaviors can also be affected by EDCs which potentially has wide implications for individual fitness and population level outcomes. This review presents a critical assessment on reported effects of EDCs on behavior in fish, focusing on behaviors associated with reproduction. We investigate commonalities and differences in sexual behaviors between fish species most commonly applied in ecotoxicology, drawing out common principles for impacts of EDCs and then reviewing the evidence for, and implications of, disruptions of these behaviors after exposures to EDCs. In an analysis of the reported effects of exposure to the estrogen ethinylestradiol, we show that life-stage at exposure is a key factor determining behavioral responses of affected populations. EDC-induced changes in behavior occur at similar concentrations as for established biomarker responses (e.g. vitellogenin induction for estrogens), indicating behavior is equally sensitive (and noninvasive) as an indicator of EDC exposure. Adopting behaviors in fish as indicators of chemical exposure and effects, however, still has many technical and interpretation challenges and there is very little information available on how behaviors under laboratory conditions equate with those occurring in wild populations.


The characterization of cod somatolactin (SL), a new pituitary protein belonging to the growth hormone/prolactin family, is described. Cod SL has a molecular weight of 26 kDa and consists of 209 amino acids, of which eight are Cys. The protein has three disulfide bonds between residues Cys5-Cys15, Cys65-Cys181, and Cys198-Cys206. The Cys residues at positions 42 and 180 are not involved in disulfide bonding. The positions of these disulfide bonds are homologous to those found in prolactin and growth hormone. Cod SL has two possible N-glycosylation sites, but only one appears to have carbohydrate units attached. Chemical analysis showed the following sugars to be present: galactose, mannose, N-acetylneuramic acid, and glucosamine. A smaller variant (23 kDa) of SL has been isolated, which is believed to be deglycosylated. Sequence comparison revealed cod SL to be similarly related to both GH and PRL, but slightly higher identity was observed to the tetrapod hormones (27-33%) than to the teleost hormones (21-27%).


This paper introduces a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT)-based algorithm to extract the Electric Network Frequency (ENF) information from an audio recording for use in audio authentication. The basic idea of the proposed algorithm is to calculate the specific spectral lines by DFT in the frequency domain at the desired frequency point instead of throughout the entire frequency band. Then a binary search technique is employed to search the next desired frequency bin to repeat the spectral line calculation until the hidden ENF information is extracted. The purpose is to improve the accuracy and precision of conventional ENF extraction methods and also to enhance the calculation efficiency. Both simulated audio signals with different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and actual audio recordings are studied to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm. Two error-evaluation criteria, frequency offset and frequency bias, are defined to evaluate the algorithm performance on accuracy and precision. The test results and the error evaluation prove the validation and demonstrate the improvement of the proposed algorithm.


The aim of this report is to initiate the Sister Village Concept (SVC) in megacity like Surabaya city, Indonesia. This concept is to address Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) program to reduce the volume of waste load on final land fill disposal site and to promote composting both in each household level and in composting centers. The SISTER in term of SVC itself is stand for Sharing of Information, System, Technology and Economic Resources. In addition, it tries to bridge the relationship among villages and exchange any resources based on mutual respect, learning and cooperation. The principle of SVC is a sustainable cooperation between compost producer villages and compost user villages, within this cooperation, producer villages will supply the compost to user villages. Instead the compost user villages will supply the solid waste to the compost producer villages. Keywords; Surabaya city, Sister Village Concept, Solid waste management, Compost


Anaerobic growth of E. coli, strain K-10, depending on formate oxidation by nitrate, fumarate, and trimethylamine N-oxide was followed in a medium containing peptone. The presence of formate and peptone was indispensable for growth with fumarate and trimethylamine N-oxide reduction. While there was no growth in the absence of acceptor, growth was observed in the absence of formate by nitrate reduction though not as much as under aerobic conditions. Per mole consumed formate equimolar succinate or trimethylamine was formed, but 1.2 mole of nitrate was produced, probably depending partly on peptone oxidation. The molar growth yield on formate was found to be 6.5, 7.6, and 7.0 g cells/mole depending on the reduction of nitrate, fumarate, and trimethylamine N-oxide, respectively, suggesting the formation of one mole ATP coupled to the anaerobic electron transfers from formate.


Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) diagnosed with resistant phenotypes and those who relapse have a dismal prognosis for cure. In search for novel treatment strategies, we identified the energy homeostasis regulator AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) based on its effects on cell growth and cell cycle. We found that treatment with the AMPK activator AICAR not only increased phosphorylation of AMPK but also resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of P-mTOR. We reported that treatment of NALM6 (Bp-ALL) and CEM (T-ALL) cells with AICAR plus the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin synergistically increased cytotoxicity compared to each agent alone. As a compensatory survival mechanism AICAR induced phosphorylation of Akt (P-Akt) at Ser473 and Thr308. To further understand the signaling cross-talk leading to AICAR-induced apoptosis, we examined the effects of simultaneously targeting AMPK and factors within the IGF-1R and mTOR signaling cascades using Western blots, cell proliferation and apoptosis assays. We detected that IGF-1R signaling, via phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), was higher in NALM6 than CEM, suggesting a greater requirement for activated IGF-1R signaling in B-lineage lymphoblasts. Consequently, inhibition of IGF-1R with HNMPA resulted in significantly higher cell death in NALM6 compared to CEM cells. We then determined that treatment with AICAR increased IRS-1 phosphorylation at Ser789 by 3-5 fold, indicating a direct interaction between AMPK and IRS-1 in ALL cells. To further delineate the signaling cross-talk between IGF-1R and AMPK, we simultaneously targeted these two pathways with HNMPA and AICAR, respectively. As expected, HNMPA decreased the levels of P-IRS-1 (Ser789) and P-Akt (Thr308 & Ser473), but more important AICAR plus HNMPA abrogated the phosphorylation of Akt at Thr308 dependent on PDK1 downstream of IGF-1R. Targeting IGF-1R and AMPK resulted in highly synergistic inhibition of cell viability (NALM6, CI = 0.55; CEM, CI = 0.47). A similar cytotoxic effect was observed when AICAR was combined with the Akt inhibitor X (NALM6, CI = 0.85; CEM, CI = 0.90). Finally, since mTOR inhibits IGF-1R signaling via feedback phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser312, we evaluated the effect of simultaneously inhibiting mTOR and IGF-1R using rapamycin and HNMPA, respectively. Cells treated with both agents exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity (NALM6, CI = 0.88; CEM, CI = 0.41), reflecting blockade of both mTOR-induced phosphorylation of IRS-1 (Ser312) and downstream activation of Akt (Thr308). We conclude that rationally designed simultaneous targeting of key factors within the AMPK, IGF-1R, and mTOR pathways leads to synergistic induction of cell death by blocking compensatory survival responses triggered by treatment with single agents. These combinations warrant future testing as novel targeted strategies for childhood ALL. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 4405.


1. We examined the effect of ischaemic pain and sustained isometric muscle contraction on plasma immunoreactive gamma-lipotropin (gamma LPH), beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin (beta END/beta LPH) and corticotropin (ACTH), which are all synthesized from a common precursor (pro-opiocortin), and plasma cortisol in 10 normal subjects. 2. Experimental pain was produced by inflation to 250 mmHg of a sphygmomanometer cuff, placed above the elbow of the 'dominant' arm, after which the subject squeezed a hand dynamometer, loaded to 12 kg, 20 times at 2 s intervals. Blood was drawn before, after 5 and 10 min of pain, and 30 min after release of the cuff. In a control session, the subjects were asked to squeeze the handgrip alone for 5 min at 30% of their maximum strength, a procedure which elevates the blood pressure without causing pain. 3. One subject had unexplained high (30--71 pmol/l) baseline peptide concentrations. Baseline values for the nine other subjects were: ACTH, 7.3 +/- 1.9 pmol/l (mean +/- SEM); gamma LPH, 18.6 +/- 1.0 pmol/l; beta END/beta LPH, 10.0 +/- 1.1 pmol/l; cortisol, 599 +/- 55 nmol/l. Neither procedure significantly increased the plasma concentration of ACTH or any other peptide, whereas plasma cortisol was significantly increased at both 5 min and 10 min. Plasma ACTH was positively correlated with plasma gamma LPH (r = 0.701; P less than 0.001), beta END/beta LPH (r = 0.970; P less than 0.001) and plasma cortisol (r = 0.758; P less than 0.05). 4. The present study demonstrates that, in normal man, plasma endorphins do not change with experimental ischaemic pain. The rise in plasma cortisol without concomitant rise in ACTH is not explained, but suggests the action of some other agent at the level of the adrenal cortex.


We investigated Tristram's Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma tristrami on Laysan Island and French Frigate Shoals, Northwest Hawaiian Islands, in the first detailed study of this species' breeding biology. Breeding extended through the boreal winter from mid-October to mid-June. The mean hatching success on Laysan Island was 0.35 in 2004 and 0.46 in 2005; on Tern Island, it was 0.53 in 2005 and 0.61 in 2006. Fledging success was 0.45, and breeding success 0.16 at Laysan in 2004. At Tern Island, mean fledging success during 2005-2008 was 0.48 (range: 0.47 to 0.51) and overall breeding success in 2005 and 2006 was 0.27 and 0.28 respectively. Egg abandonment was common at both locations, but no relationship was evident between abandonment and frequency of visits by researchers. In addition to abandonment, weather and competition with larger burrowing seabirds for nest sites affected breeding success. Tristram's Storm-Petrel appears to have a low reproductive rate compared with other storm-petrels, but whether the population is declining as a consequence is unknown. More research into demography and basic biology, including foraging niche, is recommended.


Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from Zr6 nodes and tetratopic carboxylate linkers display high structural diversity and complexity in which various crystal topologies can result from identical building units. To determine correlations between MOF topologies and experimental parameters, such as solvent choice or modulator identity and concentration, we demonstrate the rapid generation of phase diagrams for Zr6-MOFs with 1,4-dibromo-2,3,5,6-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene linkers under a variety of conditions. We have developed a full set of methods for high-throughput transmission electron microscopy (TEM), including automated sample preparation and data acquisition, to accelerate MOF characterization. The use of acetic acid as a modulator yields amorphous, NU-906, NU-600, and mixed-phase structures depending on the ratio of N,N-dimethylformamide to N,N-diethylformamide solvent and the quantity of the modulator. Notably, the use of formic acid as a modulator enables direct control of crystal growth along the c direction through variation of the modulator quantity, thus realizing aspect ratio control of NU-1008 crystals with different catalytic hydrolysis performance toward a nerve agent simulant.


Mathematical simulation method can be adopted to check flight characteristic of UAV, also can be adopted to simulate hardware experiments of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), then related flight experiments can be performed. The simulation method can reduce the flight periods, cost and risk. UAV flight model research play an important role in simulation and modeling in initialize periods of the UAV producing. The study of the paper focuses on the aerodynamic force modeling work of UAV based on Simulink. The designed model not only can afford mathematics simulation experiment but also will do benefits to the research of flight control, navigation guidance of UAV.


Old and recent theoretical works by Andrzej Pȩkalski (APE) are recalled as possible sources of interest for describing network formation and clustering in complex (scientific) communities, through self-organization and percolation processes. Emphasis is placed on APE self-citation network over four decades. The method is that used for detecting scientists' field mobility by focusing on author's self-citation, co-authorships and article topics networks as in Refs. 1 and 2. It is shown that APE's self-citation patterns reveal important information on APE interest for research topics over time as well as APE engagement on different scientific topics and in different networks of collaboration. Its interesting complexity results from "degrees of freedom" and external fields leading to so called internal shock resistance. It is found that APE network of scientific interests belongs to independent clusters and occurs through rare or drastic events as in irreversible "preferential attachment processes", similar to those found in usual mechanics and thermodynamics phase transitions.


The reappearance of measles in the US and Europe, a disease considered eliminated in early 2000s, has been accompanied by a growing debate on the merits of vaccination on social media. In this study we examine the extent to which the vaccination debate on Twitter is conductive to potential outreach to the vaccination hesitant. We focus on Italy, one of the countries most affected by the latest measles outbreaks. We discover that the vaccination skeptics, as well as the advocates, reside in their own distinct "echo chambers". The structure of these communities differs as well, with skeptics arranged in a tightly connected cluster, and advocates organizing themselves around few authoritative hubs. At the center of these echo chambers we find the ardent supporters, for which we build highly accurate network- and content-based classifiers (attaining 95% cross-validated accuracy). Insights of this study provide several avenues for potential future interventions, including network-guided targeting, accounting for the political context, and monitoring of alternative sources of information.


Progress in the instrumentation and, in particular, in the photon sources makes it possible to implement a number of established X-ray spectroscopies in a high-lateral-resolution mode. We discuss the general trends of this field, and then we present a detailed analysis of a particular and very interesting branch: photoemission spectromicroscopy. The results include a recent world record in lateral and energy resolution, obtained by the MAXIMUM system at Wisconsin, and microimages of materials science systems as well as of neuron networks.


Myringoplasty is an operation performed to repair a perforation of the tympanic membrane. The ear is usually free from discharge with no other anatomic or physiologic defect. This operation, therefore, offers the best opportunity to study skin grafting procedures in the middle ear since the number of variable factors is limited. The purpose of this paper is to review the principles of myringoplasty and compare the results using full-thickness postauricular skin, split-thickness arm skin, and ear canal skin. Blood Supply of the Ear Canal and the Tympanic Membrane This subject was reviewed in detail in a previous publication 1 and will be summarized here. The blood supply of the external canal is different in its cartilaginous and bony portion. The vessels of the cartilaginous portion of the canal stop abruptly at the bony isthmus except in the posterior superior portion, where they run in the substance of the skin down


Sensory and chemical analysis results indicated that the shelf life of vacuum packaged hot smoked sea bream treated with sage and grape seed oil and stored at 2 °C after vacuum packaging was limited to six weeks. Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli counts in treated samples decreased over time. Vacuum packaging was most effective (p < 0.05) at controlling the growth of L. monocytogenes, while sage oil treatment plus vacuum packaging was second most effective, and grape seed oil treatment plus vacuum packaging was least effective. The results obtained from this study showed that the inoculation of E. coli and S. aureus to hot-smoked sea bream is best inhibited by treatment with grape seed oil.


This computer system is equipped with a controller, a plurality of switches for performing relay processing of reception packets in accordance with flow entries set by the controller, and a plurality of storage systems. On the basis of resource information obtained from the plurality of storage systems, the controller modifies the flow entries of the plurality of switches and thereby modifies the storage system that will become the access destination of a client terminal. This configuration enables the overall network system to be managed and used without regard to the state each of the plurality of storage systems or the overall network.


Traumatic injuries to permanent teeth in Pediatric patients must occur in the maxillary anterior tooth region and is one of the most common causes of visit to the dentist in emergency situations. Visiting the dentist following any trauma to the permanent teeth is of at most importance and their early management will help in managing any serious problems that may occur if left untreated. The retrospective study was conducted among patients who visited an institution in Chennai. The patients records were reviewed and the data of patients who visited between June 2019 to March 2020 were analysed. 2030 Pediatric patients who visited the dentist following traumatic injury to permanent teeth were included in the study. Retrospective analysis was done based on the collected data. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS Software, data was analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. 41.7% of patients reported with a chief complaint of fractured teeth. Males were most affected by traumatic injury (70.6%). The 12-17 years age group was most affected in the maxillary anterior region (55.90%). From this study we were able to conclude that fractured teeth was the most common chief complaint among patients reporting with traumatic injury and they complained of aesthetics being the most common concern. 12-17 years was the common age group affected by traumatic injury and the most component region to be affected was the maxillary anterior region. Males were most commonly associated with traumatic injuries then when compared to females. Patients with fractured teeth were the most common chief complaint and they visited the dentist within 1 year of the injury. It was seen that patients with ellis class 3 fracture was the most common traumatic injury and they visited the dentist within 1 year of the injury.


The increased pressure on the world natural resources has resulted in unsustainable use of natural resources, environmental instability and soil degradation. This study investigated the drivers of agroforestry practices in Eket agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were collected by the use of structured questionnaires. Simple random sampling was adopted in the selection of 102 farm households from Eket agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit model. The result showed that the average year of formal education was 11.86, with the mean age of 44.46. Also, the mean score of 2.61 suggest that majority of the respondents were aware of agroforestry practices. The probit analysis indicates that factors such as marital status, farming experience, educational level and land ownership status had positive and significant effects on their decision to adopt agroforestry practices. Conversely, total household income had a negative and statistically significant effect on farmers' decision to adopt agroforestry. Socio-economic characteristics such as marital status, educational level, farming experience and land ownership status were the major drivers of household's decision making in agroforestry in the study area.


After allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), acute leukemia relapse is common, and asymmetric bone marrow recurrence hasn't been reported. Because the anatomical distribution of acute leukemia clones in the bone marrow after allo-HSCT is presumed to be diffuse, bone marrow aspirations are performed in single site. The first case was a 20-year-old man who was diagnosed with acute myelomonocytic leukemia and received haploidentical allo-HSCT. Routine bone marrow biopsy of his left posterior iliac bone marrow showed 52% leukemia blasts, while the right side had 0% blasts 10 days later. The second case was a 23-year-old woman who was diagnosed with acute B lymphoblastic leukemia and received HLA-identical sibling allo-HSCT. Although 62% of blasts were found in her left iliac marrow on day +122, 0% of blasts were found on a sample obtained from the right iliac crest on day +128. Bilateral iliac bone marrow pathology and whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT scans confirmed that the leukemic infiltration in her bone marrow was asymmetric. To our knowledge, these are the first case reports of asymmetric bone marrow infiltration of blasts in acute leukemia patients after allo-HSCT. Bilateral posterior iliac crest aspirations or 18F-FDG-PET/CT scans may help distinguish such involvement.


Background: High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging combined with diffusion weighted imaging is used to identify vulnerable plaques (VP) and their characteristic components, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) correlation analysis with serum inflammatory markers to assess plaque vulnerability. Methods: In this study, 60 eligible patients were included, including 29 patients in VP group and 31 patients in non-VP group (N group). The average ADC value, serum inflammatory marker levels (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, myeloperoxidase, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) of the 2 groups were measured, and the characteristics of different plaque components and ADC levels of vascular wall in VP group were compared, to evaluate the correlation between serum inflammatory markers and the mean value of plaque ADC. Results: The results showed that the ADC mean value of the plaques in the VP group was significantly lower than that in the N group, and the levels of hypersensitive C-reactive protein and myeloperoxidase were correlated with the ADC mean value of the plaques. Conclusion: The ADC value of plaque measured by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging combined with diffusion weighted imaging sequence can quantify the identification of VP and its characteristic components, reflect the inflammation of plaque to a certain extent, and thus prevent and treat stroke and other adverse outcomes more effectively.


Social movement theory has rarely been tested with counterfactual cases, that is, instances in which movements do not emerge. Moreover, contemporary theories about political opportunity and resources often inadequately address the issue of motivation. To address these shortcomings, this article examines 20 communities that are "at risk" for mobilization because they face controversial proposals for large energy infrastructure projects. Movements emerge in only 10 cases, allowing for the identification of factors that drive mobilization or nonmobilization. Utilizing insights from social psychology, the authors contend that community context shapes motivations to oppose or accept a proposal, not objective measures of threat. They conclude that the combination of community context—to understand motivation—and measures of capability is the best way to model movement emergence.


Hair tourniquet syndrome is the strangulation of body appendages by a thread of hair. If neglected, it results in lymphatic obliteration, venous congestion, and arterial obstruction. A 25 years lady with a history of insect bite presented with intense itching and painful swelling in the left labia minora for three days. She had tied the swollen part with a bunch of hair strands leading to painful swelling. Local inspection revealed a 2x2 cm swelling in the left labia minora. The tourniquet effect was released by cutting the hair. Hair tourniquet syndrome involving female genitalia requires immediate recognition and treatment. Keywords: Hair tourniquet syndrome; hair-thread tourniquet syndrome; labia minora.


Background: von Willebrand's disease (VWD) is the most common bleeding disorder, affecting between 1–10% of the general population. There is a need for a simple test to screen patients with bleeding symptoms before more labor-intensive diagnostic steps are taken. The Impact-R \[Cone and Plate(let) Analyzer (CPA)\] (DiaMed Switzerland), was designed in an attempt to test platelet function under close to physiological conditions. Citrated whole blood is applied on polystyrene surface, under controlled shear conditions using a cone and plate device, followed by a quantitative analysis of platelet deposition to immobilized plasma von Willebrand's factor (VWF) and fibrinogen. Results of the test are presented for adhesion as % surface coverage (SC) and for aggregation as average size (μm2, AS). In this study we report the use of CPA test in evaluation of children with suspected bleeding disorder.

Methods: Fifty-four consecutive children with bleeding symptoms and normal platelet count and coagulation tests were evaluated between August 1st, 2006 and July 31, 2007. In addition to the CPA test, all children were tested for VWF: antigen plasma level, VWF: ristocetin activity, factor VIII: C plasma level, platelet aggregation test using turbidometric aggregometer (Helena, USA) and blood type. The study was approved by the local Helsinki committee. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS.

Results: Of 54 children, 10 (18.9%) were diagnosed with VWD and 6 (11.1%) children were diagnosed with platelet function defect according to bleeding history, family history, aggregation and factor VIII/VWF tests. To test the validity of the CPA as a screening test for diagnosis of VWD and platelet function defects a ROC curve was formulated for both SC and AS measurements. The best cutting point for a positive test was equal or less then 6.5% for SC measurement (sensitivity 60%, specificity 65%), and equal or lest then 26.5μm2 for AS measurement (sensitivity 67%, specificity 81.6%). The predictive value of a normal CPA test (negative predictive value), i.e. SC > 6.5% and AS > 26.5μm2, was 92%. Of the 26 normal CPA tests, one child was diagnosed with mild type I VWD and one child was diagnosed with mild platelet defect in response to epinephrine (40%). The predictive value of an abnormal CPA test (positive predictive value) was 50%. Of the 28 abnormal CPA test, 9 children were diagnosed with VWD, 4 children with platelet defect in response to epinephrine (<30%) and one child with platelet defect in response to collagen (10%). Significant bleeding symptoms (bleeding score 3 or more) were reported in 4 of 14 children with abnormal CPA test but with normal VWF, normal factor VIII and normal platelet aggregation.

Conclusions: The CPA test was found to be a useful tool for excluding VWD and platelet function defect in children suspected for bleeding disorder. Yet, in case of an abnormal CPA test, further testing are needed. Interestingly, abnormal CPA test was the only finding in some children with a significant bleeding history, suggesting other underlying adhesion defects yet to be described.


Electron mobility in short and long channel, strained or unstrained FD-SOI MOSFETs is deeply investigated in linear regime, by careful magnetoresistance measurements down to 40 nm gate length, and down to 20 K. This method differs from standard ones because i) it does not require any data on the short channel gate capacitance and gate length; ii) it is more accurate at low inversion charge; iii) the temperature dependence of the Coulomb Scattering limited mobility is higher. Additional mobility scattering has been thus confirmed for short channel undoped FDSOI, and unambiguously identified as Coulomb scattering (CS). A 50% mobility gain for strained Si MOSFETs is still observable even in this dominant CS regime.


The success in a restorative procedure performed by the professional is directly related to a good performance of the curing light unit. Therefore, the maintenance of the equipment, of its components, and also of the light intensity is important, since the time and frequency affect its performance. In this work, the conditions of the curing lights from the dentistry course of the State University of Ponta Grossa were evaluated. Two evaluations were accomplished in a period of six months. The conditions of the lamp, the filter, the optical fiber and also the light intensity were verified. For the evaluation of the light intensity the digital radiometer Cure Rite (EFOS) was used. The sample consisted of 16 units, of which 56,25% showed light intensity below the minimum value recomended (400mW/cm2). During the second evaluation, measured six months after the first sampling, this index had increased to 69,23%. Amoug the components of the units, the optical fiber presented the highest degree of damage, both in the first and in the second evaluation. However, the lamps were intact in the first evaluation, but after six months fractures were registered in 7,69% of the sample and opacifition of the bulbs in 15,38%. The authors concluded that the curing light units used in the Dentistry course at the University of Ponta Grossa need a program of periodic maintenance consisting of monthly revisions with manual radiometers.


Macroscopic observations following the 1886 Charleston, South Carolina, earthquake and analyses of instrumentally recorded seismicity between 1974 and 2004 suggest the presence of two or more active faults. In order to more clearly define the active faults and determine their seismotectonic framework, instrumentally located hypocenters were relocated using the double-difference algorithm HypoDD. The revised hypocentral locations were associated with different faults based on the first motions recorded at different locations. The result is a plausible framework that shows several important changes from earlier interpretations. This framework defines a localized stressed volume, which consists of the ∼50-km-long ∼N30°E striking, NW dipping Woodstock fault associated with oblique right-lateral strike-slip motion with a ∼6-km-long antidilatational left step near Middleton Place. Three ∼NW-SE striking reverse faults, two NE dipping and one SW dipping, were recognized within this left step; of these, the NE dipping Sawmill Branch fault zone lying between Middleton Place and Summerville is the most active. Minor activity was observed on the NE dipping Lincolnville and the SW dipping Charleston faults. The southernmost Sawmill Branch fault zone also shows evidence of left-lateral strike-slip motion. The ∼N55°W trending Ashley River fault lying between Middleton Place and the Magnolia Plantation appears to be currently inactive.


The authors review available controlled trials of bipolar maintenance treatment and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of various study designs. Bipolar maintenance trials are organized according to the features of their designs, such as use of responder-enriched samples; inclusion following an index manic versus an index depressive episode; outcome defined as relapse into mania, depression, or either; and use of survival analysis. Pivotal studies of lithium, divalproex, lamotrigine, olanzapine, aripiprazole, and other medications are reviewed. The directional efficacy of the different medications as maintenance treatment is discussed, with treatments differentiated in terms of whether they primarily prolong time to mania or to depression or have bidirectional effects. Also discussed are findings concerning the continuation of acute treatments, including antidepressants, into the maintenance phase; dosage adjustments for maintenance treatment; the rationale for combination treatments; and implications of comorbid substance abuse and strategies for its management. Directions for future research are suggested.


By the representation of the target transient response as a series of natural resonance modes, a target feature set based on the co-polarized null states of the modes is used to represent a radar target. This is done by incorporating the mode residue terms in a scattering matrix of quadrature polarization channels, and then bythe optimization (using the Lagrangian optimization procedure) of the received power (determined by the Kennaugh and Stokes formulism), the characteristic polarization state set of a mode is obtained. A 2D plane model is used to demonstrate the ability of this concept to convey a complex target physical attributes such as elongation, symmetry and tilt; the results showed that a feature set based on nulls states of the target modes is robust.


In the context of a variational model for the epitaxial growth of strained elastic films, we study the effects of the presence of anisotropic surface energies in the determination of equilibrium configurations. We show that the threshold effect that describes the stability of flat morphologies in the isotropic case remains valid for weak anisotropies, but is no longer present in the case of highly anisotropic surface energies, where we show that the flat configuration is always a local minimizer of the total energy. Following the approach of [N. Fusco and M. Morini, Equilibrium configurations of epitaxially strained elastic films: second order minimality conditions and qualitative properties of solutions. Preprint], we obtain these results by means of a minimality criterion based on the positivity of the second variation.


Multi-Agent systems (MASs) are used in more and more critical domains such as transportation or medical technology, although their use is limited by the lack of validation and adequate software engineering support. Formal methods have proved their strength in that regard. We propose the use of the B formal method as a sound software engineering approach for specifying and validating MASs. We illustrate this approach on the basis of the agent-based platooning problem, i.e. vehicles moving in a convoy. We hereby aim at demonstrating the solid support provided by formal methods to such systems and how their use help the extraction of implicit knowledge from the models for MASs engineers.


The invention discloses a thermoplastic plant protein/polylactic acid blend material and a preparation method thereof. The blend material comprises the following raw materials in parts by weight: 1-99 parts of thermoplastic plant protein, 1-99 parts of polylactic acid, 0-10 parts of crosslinking agent and 0-10 parts of plasticizer. The preparation method comprises the following steps: placing the raw materials in a high-speed mixer to stir for 5-20 minutes, drying at 30-60 DEG C for 8-12 hours, melting and blending the mixed materials in a twin-screw extruder at 100-140 DEG C for 5-10 minutes, and pelleting at 110-150 DEG C and 0.1-1MPa. The product of the invention has good processing property, and excellent thermoplastic processing property and mechanical property during plastic extruding, blow molding, injection molding and foaming; and after used, the product is completely degraded and can be widely used in the production and processing fields such as chemical engineering, mulch, mechanical and electrical, building material, package and environmental protection.


Aspects of the psychodynamics of organisation change are explored and in particular how emotion and emotionality can be read. A case is made to go beyond the dichotomous world of "rational" versus "emotional" and develop a greater appreciation of how the rational and the emotional can be "fused" or act in a co‐existent and co‐dependent fashion where one cannot be understood in the absence of the other. Read through the optic of identity, acts of so‐called rationality may simply be an expression of a deeper, albeit unconscious realm – psychodynamics, in which emotion and emotionality are significant. It is through the optic of identity that the individual's attachment to the organisation is described and the meaning of behaviour in the midst of change is canvassed. It is noted that, depending upon the degree of identification with the organisation, one encounters behaviours that reflect dislodgement of identity and those more commonly associated with the processes of grieving. Some tentative strategies are advanced in managing these behaviours.


The development of noninvasive techniques for the assessment of functional brain maturation is critical. The present study analyzed 63 babies' and children's (27 days to 5.5 years) cerebral responses to a pattern-reversal visual stimulation using high-density (128 electrodes) electrophysiological recordings. Developmental data were further compared with those of young adults (n = 16). Tremendous changes in pattern visual evoked potentials (pVEPs) morphology were observed between 7 and 24 months characterized by the emergence of negative components labeled "N70" and "N145" and the reduction of the P100 amplitude. The adult pattern of response appears from 24 months onward. Spectral density values show an increase of higher frequencies with age. Coherence values show a reduction between 3 and 23 months of age as well as a further increase toward adulthood between areas implicated in visual processing. These results are discussed in light of developmental features such as synaptogenesis, myelination, and neuronal networks refinement.


A combination of fluorescence-activated cell sorting and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques was used to detect a clonal chromosomal marker in blasts, granulocytes, and T and B lymphocytes of the peripheral blood from a patient with Down syndrome and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) associated with trisomy 8 as a karyotypic abnormality. Immuno- phenotypic studies with flow cytometry showed two populations of leukemic blasts distinguished by their expression of the CD34 antigen. Interphase FISH studies revealed clonal trisomy 8 FISH signals in almost all blast cells, regardless of CD34 expression, as well as in a small subpopulation of granulocytes. Normal chromosome 8 signal patterns were detected in T and B cells and in a great majority of granulocytes. The present study provides evidence for the clonal involvement of leukemic blasts in AMKL of Down syndrome, indicating that a trisomy 8 abnormality may be a primary event in leukemogenesis. The transformation occurs in progenitor cells with limited myeloid differentiation and without involvement of lymphoid lineage cells. 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


When we implement the equalizations of polarization effects using a Kalman filter (KF) in a coherent optical fiber communication system, we will require to multiply many matrices. If the state vector describing the system has a dimension of n, the state error covariance matrix P will have the dimension of n × n, and other matrices used in the Kalman filter will also have the dimension of n × l (l is the dimension of the measurement vector). If n is very large, the KF-based algorithm will suffer from significant complexity, which results in an impractical KF-based polarization demultiplexing algorithm. In this paper, we propose a new structured KF-based polarization demultiplexing algorithm in which the state error covariance matrix P is diagonalized, which we call the diagonalized Kalman filter (DKF). We theoretically analyze the rationality of the DKF, and the validity of the DKF was verified in both 64 Gbaud polarization-division multiplexed (PDM) QPSK and 16QAM Nyquist coherent optical simulation systems. Compared with the conventional KF, simulation results proved that under a rotation of state of polarization from 1 to 10 Mrad/s for QPSK and 1 to 5 Mrad/s for 16QAM, a differential group delay from 15 to 75 ps, and a residual chromatic dispersion of 100 ps/nm, the OSNR penalties for the DKF are only within 0.5 dB for QPSK at the threshold BER = 3.8 × 10-3, and within 2 dB for 16-QAM at the threshold BER = 2 × 10-2, respectively, compare to the case of no impairment. In the meantime, for the proposed DKF, a computational complexity reduction of over 30% is achieved, compared with conventional KF, at the expense of about no more than 50 symbols convergence delay.


In 1931 there was admitted to Dr. Robert Hutchison's ward at The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, a dwarfed child of 2 years and 3 months. The colour of her skin was yellow like a faded leaf. The urine was albuminous and the blood pressure high. The peripheral arteries were hard and tortuous. Roentgenograms showed irregular, transverse bands of osteosclerosis and osteoporosis in the metaphyses of certain of the long bones, excessive calcification of the skull, and calcification of the larger peripheral arteries. At first it was thought that the case was unique, but medical literature showed it to be not without parallel. An autopsy provided an opportunity for histological study which, together with the clinical and post mortem findings, forms the basis of this report. Widespread calcification in infancy and childhood is a rare but not unknown phenomenon. Bryant and Hale White' reported the case of a male infant, fatal at the age of 7 months, in whom the necropsy showed a calcifying endarteritis obliterans and calcification in the endocardium, associated with great congenital dilatation of the urinary tract. We must regard this association of congenital dilatation of the urinary tract and extreme arterial disease as unusual and probably fortuitious. Thus there is no mention of degeneration in the arteries in Holt's2 account of his eight cases of congenital hydronephrosis with dilatation of the ureters, nor is there in those reported by Poynton and Sheldon3. And in an extensive experience of cases of congenital dilatation of the urinary tract studied at the Ilospital for Sick Children, though the state of the arteries has not been made the subject of special study, no instance of arterial degeneration or


The Award Committee members deserve special mention for their exceptional hard work and dedication in reviewing meticulously all of the articles that appeared in volume 60 (2012) before making their final decision. The Award Committee operates completely independently of the Editor. The award is given to only one article per year. The decision of the Award Committee is final. The criteria include: (1) the significance of the article, and (2) the significance of the article to the science of onomastics. The decision of the Award Committee is final. The award consists of a plaque that reads as follows:


We have shown previously that repair in the peripheral nervous system is associated with a reversion to an embryonic pattern of alternative splicing of the extracellular matrix molecule fibronectin. One of the consequent changes is a relative increase in the number of fibronectins expressing the binding site for α4 integrins. Here we show that α4 integrins are expressed on dorsal root ganglion neuron cell bodies and growth cones in the sciatic nerve during regeneration and that the interaction of α4 integrin with alternatively spliced isoforms of recombinant fibronectins containing the α4 binding site enhances neurite outgrowth in dorsal root ganglion neurons. The pheochromocytoma (PC12) neuronal cell line, which normally extends neurites poorly on fibronectin, does so efficiently when α4 is expressed in the cells. Experiments using chimeric integrins expressed in PC12 cells show that the α4 cytoplasmic domain is necessary and sufficient for this enhanced neurite outgrowth. In both dorsal root ganglion neurons and PC12 cells the α4 cytoplasmic domain is tightly linked to the intracellular adapter protein paxillin. These experiments suggest an important role for α4 integrin and paxillin in peripheral nerve regeneration and show how alternative splicing of fibronectin may provide a mechanism to enhance repair after injury.


The spatial pattern of the prion protein (PrP) deposits was studied in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum in 10 patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD). In all patients the PrP deposits were aggregated into clusters and, in 90% of cortical areas and in 50% of cerebellar sections, the clusters exhibited a regular periodicity parallel to the tissue boundary; a spatial pattern also exhibited by β‐amyloid (Aß) deposits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the cerebral cortex, the incidence of regular clustering of the PrP deposits was similar in the upper and lower cortical laminae. The sizes of the PrP clusters in the upper and lower cortex were uncorrelated. No significant differences in mean cluster size of the PrP deposits were observed between brain regions. The size, location and distribution of the PrP deposit clusters suggest that PrP deposition occurs in relation to specific anatomical pathways and supports the hypothesis that prion pathology spreads through the brain via such pathways. In addition, the data suggest that there are similarities in the pathogenesis of extracellular protein deposits in prion disease and in AD.


Abstract This article analyses the relationship between populist attitudes and political participation. We argue that populist attitudes can be a motivation for participation through their identity, emotional, and moral components, and that they have the potential to narrow socioeconomic gaps in participation. Using survey data from nine European countries, our results show that populist attitudes are positively related to expressive non-institutionalized modes of participation (petition signing, online participation and, in some contexts, demonstrating), but not to turnout. In addition, populist attitudes are found to reduce education-based gaps and even reverse income-based inequalities in political participation. The implications of these findings are discussed.


From April 23 to November 2021, a wave of COVID-19 infections caused by a new Alpha variant swept across Taiwan, resulting in 14,458 positive cases and 830 deaths among over 3.8 million people tested. To cope with the sudden increase in sample volume, as of December 14, 2021, a network of 249 laboratories with a total diagnostic capacity of 158,492 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests per day was established in 22 administrative regions. As of April 2022, over 9.5 million specimens were tested. Fully automated high-throughput and point-of-care nucleic acid testing, and rapid antigen testing, were simultaneously implemented to expand the country's daily diagnostic capacity. Saliva testing and sample pooling were also introduced to increase screening efficiency in certain situations. Antibody testing and genomic sequencing were also adopted for more precise epidemic investigation. Other challenges encountered and overcome include a lack of resources and interfacing of laboratory information management systems for case reporting, limited specimen allocation and delivery, and limited staff for diagnostic processing.


Background: Intensive silvicultural practices and the planting of monospecific forests of coniferous, more productive compared to hardwoods, may threaten over the mid to long-term the sustainability of soil chemical fertility of forest ecosystems and is a major concern for forest managers and policy.Methods: We investigated the tree species effect (Quercus sessiliflora Smith, Fagus sylvatica L., Picea abies Karst., Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco., Abies nordmanniana Spach. and Pinus nigra Arn. ssp laricio Poiret var corsicana) on the change over time of soil chemical properties and nutrient pool sizes in the mineral and organic layers of the soil during the 45 years after the plantation of the Breuil-Chenue common garden experiment (Burgundy, France). The organic and mineral soil layers down to 70 cm depth were sampled in the different monospecific plots in 1974, 2001 and 2019. Results: The Ca and Mg exchangeable pools and soil pH increased over the entire soil profile in most stands. However, the decrease of pH and the increase of exchange acidity in the topsoil layers under conifers and the overall decrease of exchangeable K pools in most stands highlighted that soil acidification is still on-going at this site but the intensity of this process depends on the tree species. Indeed, three groups of species could be distinguished: i) Nordmann fir / Norway spruce where acidolysis and chelation occurred, resulting in the most pronounced pH decrease in the topsoil, ii) Douglas fir / Laricio pine where acidification caused by elevated nitrification rates is probably currently compensated by larger weathering and/or atmospheric depositions fluxes, iii) and oak / beech where soil acidification was less intense. Counterintuitively, soil acidification at this site resulted in an increase in soil CEC which limited the loss of nutrient cations. This change in soil CEC was most likely explained by the precipitation/dissolution dynamics of aluminium (Al) (hydr)oxides in the interfoliar space of phyllosilicates and/or the increase in soil carbon (C) content in the topsoil layers. Conclusion: Tree species greatly and fairly rapidly (<45 years) influence the soil chemical fertility and the pedogenetic processes which in turn may impact forest ecosystem functions and services.


Introduction: Obesity is an important risk factor for developing severe asthma. Dietary fatty acids, increased in the serum of obese people, activate systemic innate immune responses. Furthermore, we have shown that a single high fat meal increases airway inflammation and impairs bronchodilator recovery in asthma. Aims: To investigate whether dietary fatty acids directly cause inflammation and/or synergise with obesity induced cytokines. Methods: Primary human pulmonary fibroblasts were incubated with BSA-conjugated fatty acids for 24hr, before stimulation with TNFα for another 24hr. IL6 and CXCL8 release was measured using ELISA. IL6 acts as a general marker for inflammation and CXCL8 is a potent neutrophilic chemoattractant. The following ω-6 and 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were used: arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (1, 10, 100µM). Results: AA induced substantial IL6 (n=11, P Conclusion: These findings suggest that dietary fatty acids are important modulators of inflammatory responses and that there is an interaction between fatty acids and TNFα, resulting in a synergetic inflammatory response in pulmonary fibroblasts. This could indicate that obese asthmatics compared to lean individuals, are more prone to airway inflammation after a high fat meal.


Background: IgE-mediated sensitization to the Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae families is a cause of allergic symptoms in arid areas. Salsola kali and Chenopodium album are considered the main species responsible; however, there is a discrepancy between the pollination period of these two plants and clinical symptoms. The objectives of this study were to identify new Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae members with sensitization capacity and to correlate symptoms, pollen counts and degree of flowering of different species. Methods: A total of 37 individuals monosensitized to S. kali and C. album were included in the study. All patients recorded daily symptom scores between May and October 2007. Extracts from Chenopodium (album, vulvaria and murale), Salsola (kali, vermiculata, and oppositifolia), Bassia scoparia, Atriplex (patula and halimus) and Amaranthus (deflexus and muricatus) were manufactured and used in skin prick tests (SPTs). Protein content and IgE binding were assessed for each extract. Pollen counts and degree of flowering (based on the Orshan specific semiquantitative method) were assessed weekly. Results: Symptom scores demonstrated a positive correlation with pollen counts even outside the pollination period of S. kali. Positive SPTs were obtained with all 11 species tested, which showed common proteins with IgE-binding capacity. Different species flowered at different times during the pollen season. Conclusion: Different taxonomically related species of Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae can induce allergic sensitization and should be considered for use in diagnosis and treatment. Degree of flowering is a complementary method for assessing pollination that could be used for botanical families with indistinguishable pollen grains.


INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis in men is a large problem and often it is not recognized or treated adequately. Besides bone mineral density, risk factors have a large role in development of osteoporosis. AIM: To determine effect of certain risk factors, and their number, on osteoporosis development in men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective study encompassed 55 men who were referred to osteodensitometric tests at the lumbar spine and the hip. All patients were questioned about their risk factors. Results were interpreted according to the valid definition of osteoporosis. Effect of certain risk factors on bone mineral density was observed, especially previous fractures. In statistical analysis descriptive statistics, central tendency measures, parametric ANOVA test and multinomial logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Average age of patients was 63.54±11.88 years. Most of patients had their bone mineral density at the osteopenia level. Pervious fractures, rheumatoid arthritis and low body mass index were found to be statistically significant risk factors. One in four patients had low-trauma fractures. BMD of lumbar spine and the hip was similar regardless the risk factors number and the number of previous fractures. CONCLUSION: Bone mineral density, previous fractures, rheumatoid arthritis and low body mass index were found to be predictors for osteoporosis development, while the risk factors number and the number of previous fractures were of no significant importance.


It takes quite amount of time to study a board game because there are many game characters and different stages are exist for board games. Also, the opponent is not just a single character that means it is not one on one game, but group vs. group. That is why strategy is needed, and therefore applying optimum learning is a must. If there were equal result that both are considered to be best ones during the course of learning stage, Heuristic which utilizes learning of problem area of Jul-Gonu was used to improve the speed of learning. To compare a normal character to an improved one, a jul-gonu game was created, and then they fought against each other. Improved character considered distance and attacked other one. As a result, improved character's ability was improved on learning speed.


ABSTRACT Many Gram-negative bacterial symbionts and pathogens employ a type III secretion system (T3SS) to live in contact with eukaryotic cells. Because T3SSs inject bacterial proteins (effectors) directly into host cells, the switching of secretory substrates between translocators and effectors in response to host cell attachment is a crucial step for the effective delivery of effectors. Here, we show that the protein secretion switch of Vibrio parahaemolyticus T3SS2, which is a main contributor to the enteropathogenicity of a food poisoning bacterium, is regulated by two gatekeeper proteins, VgpA and VgpB. In the absence of these gatekeepers, effector secretion was activated, but translocator secretion was abolished, causing the loss of virulence. We found that the K+ concentration, which is high inside the host cell but low outside, is a key factor for VgpA- and VgpB-mediated secretion switching. Exposure of wild-type bacteria to K+ ions provoked both gatekeeper and effector secretions but reduced the level of secretion of translocators. The secretion protein profile of wild-type bacteria cultured with 0.1 M KCl was similar to that of gatekeeper mutants. Furthermore, depletion of K+ ions in host cells diminished the efficiency of T3SS2 effector translocation. Thus, T3SS2 senses the high intracellular concentration of K+ of the host cell so that T3SS2 effectors can be effectively injected. IMPORTANCE The pathogenesis of many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens arises from a type III secretion system (T3SS), whereby bacterial proteins (effectors) are directly injected into host cells. The injected effectors then modify host cell functions. For effective delivery of effector proteins, bacteria need to both recognize host cell attachment and switch the type of secreted proteins. Here, we identified gatekeeper proteins that play important roles in a T3SS2 secretion switch of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a causative agent of food-borne gastroenteritis. We also found that K+, which is present in high concentrations inside the host cell but in low concentrations outside, is a key factor for the secretion switch. Thus, V. parahaemolyticus senses the high intracellular K+ concentration, triggering the effective injection of effectors. IMPORTANCE The pathogenesis of many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens arises from a type III secretion system (T3SS), whereby bacterial proteins (effectors) are directly injected into host cells. The injected effectors then modify host cell functions. For effective delivery of effector proteins, bacteria need to both recognize host cell attachment and switch the type of secreted proteins. Here, we identified gatekeeper proteins that play important roles in a T3SS2 secretion switch of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a causative agent of food-borne gastroenteritis. We also found that K+, which is present in high concentrations inside the host cell but in low concentrations outside, is a key factor for the secretion switch. Thus, V. parahaemolyticus senses the high intracellular K+ concentration, triggering the effective injection of effectors.


Many advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) are working in innovative ways to enhance patient care in general practice. But little specific training has been available for ANPs in women's health. This article outlines how a training course was developed specifically to improve and maintain local ANPs' competencies in managing women's health in primary care


: An overview of the main European biblical tradition of the Septuagint shows that much work has been carried out in this field of research. Prominent scholars investigated the Old Testament from a thematic diversity point of view, from the history of the text and its contextualization to a variety of translation topics. We investigate, in this article, a lesser-known edition of the Septuagint from the early 18th Century, edited by Lambert Bos and printed in Franeker. Lambert Bos' biblical philology fits into the patterns of Dutch textual philology, consolidated in the 17th century and built on the solid foundations provided by the grammatical and lexical analysis of ancient texts. A deeper understanding of the issues raised by the texts' transmission opens a new field of research which admits that a true appreciation of the texts' content must be preceded by their recovery in as 'authentic' a form as possible. The present article aims to restore the image of a Dutch Hellenist of pre-modern philology, and to present important data on his key works, highlighting the defining characteristics of the Franeker edition (1709) of the Septuagint with an analysis from a modern perspective of the principles and methods he followed in the actual practice of biblical textual criticism.


Prescribed burning is a major source of a fine particular matter, especially in the southeastern United States, and quantifying emissions from burning operations accurately is an integral part of ascertaining air quality impacts. For instance, a critical factor in calculating fire emissions is identifying fire activity information (e.g., location, date/time, fire type, and area burned) and prior estimations of prescribed fire activity used for calculating emissions have either used burn permit records or satellite-based remote sensing products. While burn permit records kept by state agencies are a reliable source, they are not always available or readily accessible. Satellite-based remote sensing products are currently used to fill the data gaps, especially in regional studies; however, they cannot differentiate prescribed burns from the other types of fires. In this study, we developed novel algorithms to distinguish prescribed burns from wildfires and agricultural burns in a satellite-derived product, Fire INventory from NCAR (FINN). We matched and compared the burned areas from permit records and FINN at various spatial scales: individual fire level, 4 km grid level, and state level. The methods developed in this study are readily usable for differentiating burn type, matching and comparing the burned area between two datasets at various resolutions, and estimating prescribed burn emissions. The results showed that burned areas from permits and FINN have a weak correlation at the individual fire level, while the correlation is much higher for the 4 km grid and state levels. Since matching at the 4 km grid level showed a relatively higher correlation and chemical transport models typically use grid-based emissions, we used the linear regression relationship between FINN and permit burned areas at the grid level to adjust FINN burned areas. This adjustment resulted in a reduction in FINN-burned areas by 34%. The adjusted burned area was then used as input to the BlueSky Smoke Modeling Framework to provide long-term, three-dimensional prescribed burning emissions for the southeastern United States. In this study, we also compared emissions from different methods (FINN or BlueSky) and different data sources (adjusted FINN or permits) to evaluate uncertainties of our emission estimation. The comparison results showed the impacts of the burned area, method, and data source on prescribed burning emission estimations.


The products of interaction between acridine orange (AO) and natural RNA, or the synthetic RNA homopolymers are precipitates insoluble over a wide range of ionic strength. These complexes have a composition of 1 AO molecule per 1 phosphate. The reaction is highly cooperative and the complex exhibits metachromatic luminescence. Significant differences in the luminescence spectra, related to base composition of RNA, characterize the insoluble complexes. This observation suggests that dye-base interactions take place in the AO-RNA complexes. During titration of poly(rA) with AO and simultaneous measurement of the luminescence and light scatter a two-step formation of the particles could be detected. The cooperative binding of the ligand at D/P less than 0.6 coincides with formation of small particles (molecular aggregates or micelles) and is followed at D/P greater than 0.6 by a cooperative agglomeration; the product of this agglomeration is particles of the size 0.35 micrometer and larger. Evidence is presented that suggests that the long wave length luminescence (approximately 650 nm) is a consequence of the solute-solid state transition of the AO-RNA interaction product rather than the classic dye-dye interactions previously visualized in the stacking model. Since these novel observations cannot be fully explained by the previously postulated molecular mechanisms of AO binding, an alternative model is advanced. Its implications in quantitative cytochemistry of nucleic acid as applied to flow cytometry are discussed.


Meningioma of the lateral ventricle is sufficiently rare to justify the report of 2 cases that have occurred recently in my practice. In each instance the tumor was a firm, encapsulated growth occurring in one of the lateral ventricles and attached to the choroid plexus, from which it seemed to arise. The symptoms were typical of those of increased intracranial pressure as seen in cases of tumor of the brain in which there are no localizing signs to warrant exploration without ventriculographic examination. The tumor can be removed completely with little difficulty by means of modern neurosurgical technic, leaving the patient with little or no impairment. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Cushing1mentioned a case in which he performed operation in 1916; the patient made a good recovery and is now living twenty years later. Fincher2reported 2 cases, in 1 of which


In this paper we consider the vector perturbation (VP) precoding scheme for the multiuser MISO broadcast channel proposed by Hochwald et al. under the practical assumption that the receivers have limited dynamic range. In this case, VP precoding is shown to suffer from an error floor at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). As an alternative, we propose precoding with restricted VP (RVP), which takes the limited dynamic range of the receivers explicitly into account by restricting to a finite set of possible perturbation vectors at the transmitter side. We derive the diversity order of this RVP scheme and show that no error floor occurs and that the performance is superior to VP for the entire range of SNRs.


Changes in the global climate have induced densified rainfall and caused natural hazards across the world in recent years. Formed by a central mountain range and a corridor of alluvial plains to the west, Taiwan is at risk of flood hazards owing to its low-lying lands as well as the distinct seasonality of rainfall patterns. The rapid discharge of surface runoff and a growing number of impervious surfaces have also increased flood hazards during recent typhoon landfalls. A century ago, ancestors in Taoyuan City constructed a system of water channels composed of thousands of ponds to fulfill the needs of agriculture and aquaculture. During the expansion of urban areas, land reformation replaced a majority of earlier ponds with residential and industrial zones. However, the remaining ponds could potentially serve as on-site water detention facilities under the increasing risk of floods. In this research, we first renewed an outdated pond database by deploying a novel unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system with a micro-sonar to map the bathymetry of 80 ponds. Next, a simplified inundation model (SPM) was used to simulate the flood extent caused by different scenarios of rainfall in Bade District of Taoyuan City. Assuming that extremely that heavy rainfalls at 25, 50, 75, and 100 mm occurred in a very short period, the flood area would decrease by 96%, 75%, 52%, and 37%, respectively, when the ponds were preparatorily emptied.