What is the future of education as computer technology exacerbates the divide between education as a business and education as a philosophy? Educational institutions, regardless of size, public/private charter or funding source, are faced with increasing business-like budgeting pressures. Technology has already removed many barriers to increased competition, such as geographic proximity, and allowed educational institutions to grow their potential markets. However, increased innovation in computer technology is also pressuring many of the more traditional aspects of higher education, including the fundamental business model. While there is no doubt that change is coming, it is not clear how future computer technology will impact the major aspects of education: Content Delivery, Student Assessment and Institutional Accreditation. What does seem clear is that educational institutions that cling to the status quo will decline while those that embrace change, in both academic policy and business practice, will improve not only their institutional standing but also the effectiveness of education in general. A new approach to the business of education is required if formal institutions are to keep pace with changing technology.


This paper examines the optimal response of monetary and fiscal policy to a decline in aggregate demand. The theoretical framework is a two-period general equilibrium model in which prices are sticky in the short run and flexible in the long run. Policy is evaluated by how well it raises the welfare of the representative household. While the model has Keynesian features, its policy prescriptions differ significantly from textbook Keynesian analysis. Moreover, the model suggests that the commonly used "bang for the buck" calculations are potentially misleading guides for the welfare effects of alternative fiscal policies.


Thermal management of Integration Circuit (IC) becomes more and more important with the scaling of CMOS technology and dramatic increase of power density. Performance of thermal management application is highly related to the accuracy of the temperature monitoring devices. However, due to increasing process variations and parameter drifts, temperature measurements by on-chip thermal sensors may not be accurate unless these sensors are calibrated before shipping the devices to the users. Existing calibration methods impose large time cost and cannot be used for in-field calibration. In this paper, we propose a technique to calibrate on-chip thermal sensors during manufacturing as well as in-field. We model the cyclic dependence between leakage power and temperature and perform calibrations to evaluate the calibration accuracy. Experimental results on 100 dies with different process variation parameters and three corner cases show that our technique have very high accuracy.


-ing forms in English are reported to be problematic for Machine Transla-tion and are often the focus of rules in Controlled Language rule sets. We investigated how problematic -ing forms are for an RBMT system, translat-ing into four target languages in the IT domain. Constituent-based human evaluation was used and the results showed that, in general, -ing forms do not deserve their bad reputation. A comparison with the results of five automated MT evaluation metrics showed promising correlations. Some issues prevail, however, and can vary from target language to target lan-guage. We propose different strategies for dealing with these problems, such as Controlled Language rules, semi-automatic post-editing, source text tagging and "post-editing" the source text.


Grains are seeds that humans rarely consume without some form of prior processing. Cooking and commercial processing generally improve their digestibility, increase the bioavailability of nutrients, reduce the presence of natural toxicants and anti-nutritional factors, and create palatable flavors and textures. Removal of the outer bran layer decreases the dietary fiber content and may also remove antioxidants and micronutrients. Wet cooking processes can leach water-soluble vitamins, minerals and viscous fibers such as beta-glucans. Thiamine and lysine may be reduced in high-temperature processing, such as roasting and extrusion, whereas acrylamide and Maillard compounds responsible for desirable flavors and aromas may be created during those processes. Fortification and enrichment with nutrients are not discussed. The design of new cereal products should consider processing-induced changes in nutritional composition.


Oscillatory shear flow of poly[B-(methylamino)borazine] was studied for suitability as a melt-spinnable material. Shear rheology experiments show that viscosity of molten poly[B-(methylamino)borazine] is temperature dependent following an Arrhenius-type equation. The high value of the flow activation energy is caused by the presence of branched chains and cross-linked portions in the polymer network which supply an intrinsic rigidity to the molecular architecture. Dynamic rheological properties of polymers were measured at their spinning temperatures as a function of the oscillatory frequency. The frequency dependence of the storage and loss moduli as well as the damping factor shows that an appropriate ratio of viscosity to elasticity, i.e., 1 < tan δ < 2.3, is necessary to allow for extrusion while a specific range of elasticity, i.e., 104 < G' [Pa] < 3 × 104, is required for drawing the emerging molten fibers as they solidify into fine-diameter solid filaments without loss of cohesion.


Mitochondrial adaptation during non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) include remodeling of ketogenic flux and sustained tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity, which are concurrent to onset of oxidative stress. Over 70% of obese humans have NAFLD and ketogenic diets are common weight loss strategies. However, the effectiveness of ketogenic diets toward alleviating NAFLD remains unclear. We hypothesized that chronic ketogenesis will worsen metabolic dysfunction and oxidative stress during NAFLD. Mice (C57BL/6) were kept (for 16‐wks) on either a low‐fat, high‐fat, or high‐fat diet supplemented with 1.5X branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) by replacing carbohydrate calories (ketogenic). The ketogenic diet induced hepatic lipid oxidation and ketogenesis, and produced multifaceted changes in flux through the individual steps of the TCA cycle. Higher rates of hepatic oxidative fluxes fueled by the ketogenic diet paralleled lower rates of de novo lipogenesis. Interestingly, this metabolic remodeling did not improve insulin resistance, but induced fibrogenic genes and inflammation in the liver. Under a chronic "ketogenic environment," the hepatocyte diverted more acetyl‐CoA away from lipogenesis toward ketogenesis and TCA cycle, a milieu which can hasten oxidative stress and inflammation. In summary, chronic exposure to ketogenic environment during obesity and NAFLD has the potential to aggravate hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction.


The rapid growth of the Internet in the recent past has encouraged global deployment of work by an increasing number of organizations around the world, and they are now in a better position to outsource their IT functions to specialist vendors. With the passage of time, we find more and more software systems moving into the maintenance phase. Such software systems have become an increasingly significant expenditure for businesses. Consequently, these are often potential candidates for outsourcing. Inadequate information regarding the size, complexity, reliability, maintainability, etc., of these systems often makes the task of estimating the maintenance effort a challenge. Other human and organizational factors, typical to maintenance activities, such as organization climate, customer attitude, engineers' attitude, the need for multi-location support teams, etc., make the situation even more complex. In this paper we present the results of an empirical study carried out to identify such factors and study their influence on the maintenance effort. We classify these factors in four categories, namely system baseline, maintenance team, customer's attitude and organizational climate. We also propose a model which can help a practitioner to predict and control the impact on maintenance effort, based on the strengths of these factors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Studies on the relationships of brain weight to body weight during development were conducted in 218 mice, and revealed three distinct phases. During the first phase, the ratios are relatively constant. The second phase of short duration is characterized by abrupt reductions. In the third phase, which is the most enduring, the ratios again assume more constant values. The abrupt change in the ratios took place around 14 days of age. It is suggested that the abrupt change in the ratio is, in general, an indicator of the maturation of the brain, because there are several other parameters which approach mature levels around the 15th day. A review of the data on other species supports this suggestion.


Introduction Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare mesenchymal tumour found mainly in the pelvis and perineum of women of reproductive age. Although benign, the tumour is deemed aggressive due to the frequency of local infiltration. The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision. Neoadjuvant use of GNRH analogues to limit tumour growth prior to surgical excision has been reported. Reports suggest a recurrence rate ranging from 30 to 72 percent. Methods This case describes a 39 year old woman who was re-referred to the gynaecological oncology service with suspected recurrence of paravaginal angiomyxoma, five years after surgery to remove the primary tumour. Results Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a paravaginal mass measuring 5 cm x 4.5 cm × 5.5 cm extending from the lower vagina and gradually tapering at the level of the vulva on the left side. Following six months of treatment with GNRH analogue, the mass was excised under general anaesthesia. A multilobular tumour extending from the fat of the left labium to the bladder neck and the ischiorectal fossa was excised. Excision beyond the gross margins of tumour was limited by its proximity to the pubic periosteum and bladder neck. The patient recovered well post operatively. As the bland spindle cell lesional cells were difficult to distinguish from non-lesional soft tissue, HMGA2 staining was used to confirm extension of angiomyxoma to those margins of limited excision. Conclusion HMGA2 staining can be useful for assessing margins in aggressive angiomyxoma, particularly in the setting of recurrent disease with prior surgical change.


The prevalence of typanosome infection in 65 cattle reared under expensive system of management was determined using the dark ground buffy coat (DG) technique and the enzyme-linkedimmunisorbent assay (ELISA). The DG technique showed that there were 18 positive cases (27.69%) of total number of animals, made up of 6 of Trypanosoma congolense, 7 of T. Vivax and 3 of T. Brucei. Other cases were those of mixed infections mainly one case of which all of 3 Trypansomes species were present, and another in which T. vivax, 12 of T. brucei and 2 cases of T. brucei were 30, (46.15%) positive cases made up of 6 of T. congolense, 7 of T. vivax, 12 of T. brucei and 2 cases of T. brucie mixed with t. Conglolese. The ELISA technique did not detect any incidence of mixed infections in which 3 species of trypanosomes were present. Key words: ELISA, Buffy coat, Trypanosomosis, cattle


Barkhausen noise emissions occur in ferromagnetic materials on application of a time varying external magnetic field. These emissions primarily occur because of the movement of domain walls in the presence of pinning sites or discontinuities, which act as inhibitors to domain wall motion with in the material. The emissions can be sensed using an induction coil placed close to the sample surface. The coil can sense the variations in magnetic flux, which translates to the induced electromagnetic field. This study optimizes the design of the barkhausen noise sensor via finite element simulations. The different parameters involved in improvement of the design of the barkhausen noise sensor are discussed.


Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have slowly but steadily emerged as a research and commercial hotspot because of their widespread applications. Due to their agility, compact size, and ability to integrate multiple sensors, they are mostly sought for applications that require supplementing human effort in risky and monotonous missions. Despite all of these advantages, rotorcrafts, in general, are limited by their endurance and power-intensive flight requirements, which consequently affect the time of flight and operational range. On the other hand, fixed-wing aircrafts have an extended range, as the entire thrust force is along the direction of motion and are inherently more stable but are limited by their takeoff and landing strip requirements. One of the potential solutions to increase the endurance of VTOL rotorcrafts (Vertical Take-Off and Landing Vehicles) was to exploit the thrust vectoring ability of the individual actuators in multi-rotors, which would enable take-off and hovering as a VTOL vehicle and flight as a fixed-wing aircraft. The primary aim of this paper is to lay out the overall design process of a Hybrid VTOL tilt-rotor UAV from the initial conceptual sketch to the final fabricated prototype. The novelty of the design lies in achieving thrust vectoring capabilities in a fixed-wing platform with minimum actuation and no additional control complexity. This paper presents novel bi-copter that has been designed to perform as a hybrid configuration in both VTOL and fixed wing conditions with minimum actuators in comparison to existing designs. The unified dynamic modelling along with the approximation of multiple aerodynamic coefficients by numerical simulations is also presented. The overall conceptual design, dynamic modeling, computational simulation, and experimental analysis of the novel hybrid fixed-wing bi-copter with thrust vectoring capabilities aiming to substantially increase the flight range and endurance compared to the conventional aircraft rotorcraft configurations are presented.


Two cases with typical clinical and histological manifestations of Whipple's disease were reported. Peroral jejunal biopsies were studied in the florid stage and during remission achieved by tetracycline therapy. A complete absence of immunoglobulin-containing cells (Ig-CC) and an increased number of mast cells in the mucosa were established in one of the cases. A 5-fold decrease of the mucosal Ig-CC was found by immunofluorescent morphometry in the second case. An increased Ig-CC number and histological restitution of the mucosa were shown in the first case during remission, whereas histological alterations and decreased Ig-CC number persisted in the second case despite of clinical improvement. The HLA-locus B27 was not available in the reported cases.


A comparison of the cellular content of needle tip aspirates and entry sites after transconjunctival intravitreal injection (IVI) using different needle types was performed. White outbred rats and human cadaver eyes were used for IVI by hypodermic 27 gauge (G) and 30G needles, and spinal anesthesia Pencan 27G needles. Aspiration of vitreous for quantitative morphological and cell cultivation analysis, as well as cyto-histological analysis of aspirates and entry sites were carried out. The most common cells in the aspirates from all needle types were conjunctival epithelial-, ciliary body non-pigmented epithelial- and sclerocyte-like cells and granular proteins. Crystallized vitreous specimens were present in each aspirate. The entry sites of hypodermic needles showed marked trauma in all wall layers of rat and human eyes accompanied by cellular destruction and hemorrhages. Pencan 27G needle caused less tissue trauma with partial reposition of sclerocytes. Transconjunctival IVIs with hypodermic 27G and 30G, and Pencan 27G needles result in trauma of all layers of the eyeball. The possible consequences of cellular content being cut and injected into the eye, as well as the entry site wound shape deserve future consideration and improvements.


Clinical and radiologic features of 75 cases of osteoblastoma of the spine were reviewed. In addition to pain, which was the most frequent complaint, 18 patients demonstrated objective neurologic deficit, while scoliosis was observed in 17 patients. Aspirin yielded pain relief in 13 patients. Pathologic fracture was not encountered. The radiolog c and histologic characteristics of osteoblastoma of the spine are indistinguishable from those arising in other sites. The typical lesion exhibited a well-defined, geographic margin with a sclerotic, frequently tabulated border. Approximately one half of the cases were predominantly lucent, the remainder displaying varying degrees of matrix mineralization. Distribution of the osteoblastomas through the spinal axis was as follows: cervical—29, thoracic—16, lumbar—17, sacral—13. Other significant findings included posterior element involvement in 73 of 75 cases, and a striking male to female ratio of 2.5 to 1.


In the pathogenesis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis several immune mechanisms are in play. The initial phase appears to be an immune complex reaction occurring 4 to 8 hours after antigen inhalation, and is characterized by an early increase in neutrophils in the alveolar washing and histopathologically there are oedema, neutrophil infiltration in the alveolar walls, and vasculitis. After 12 hours and for several days there is a cell mediated immune response and the alveolitis consists of cytotoxic cells and suppressor cells whose target is perhaps to modulate the diminution of the B cell response in the production of antibodies by plasma cells. During this phase the lymphocytes of CD8 positive phenotype, the NK cells and occasionally some plasma cells are increased in the alveolar lavage. The characteristic histological appearance is a mononuclear infiltrate predominantly of lymphocytes and some plasma cells and foamy macrophages. After several weeks and for several months a delayed hypersensitivity reaction may lead to a discrete increase in the CD4 cells in the broncho-alveolar lavage and the formation of granulomas. Finally after several months and for several years the repeated immunological activity and damage to the alveolar wall leads to the secretion of proteolytic enzymes and to growth factors to attract fibroblasts leading to pulmonary fibrosis and to a honeycomb lung with a concomitant increase in alveolar neutrophils as in other diseases characterised by pulmonary fibrosis.


The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana was introduced to alleviate the problem of citizens having to pay for healthcare at the point of delivery, given that many did not have the financial resources needed to do so, and as such were unable to adequately access healthcare services. The scheme is managed from the national headquarters in the capital Accra, through satellite offices located in districts right across the length and breadth of the country. It is the job of these offices to oversee the operations of the scheme within that particular district. Current literature however shows us that there is a digital divide that exists between the rural and urban areas of the country which has led to differences in the management of information within urban-based and rural-based districts. This thesis reviews the variables affecting the management of information within the scheme, and proposes an information management model to eliminate identified bottlenecks in the current information management model.
The thesis begins by reviewing the theory of health insurance, information management and then finally the rural-urban digital divide. In addition to semi-structured interviews with key personnel within the scheme and observation, a survey questionnaire was also handed out to staff in nine different district schemes to obtain the raw data for this study. In identifying any issues with the current information management system, a comparative analysis was made between the current information management model and the real-world system in place to determine the changes needed to improve the current information management system in the NHIS. The changes discovered formed an input into developing the proposed information management system with the assistance of Natural Conceptual Modelling Language (NCML).
The use of a mixed methodology in conducting the study, in addition to the employment of NCML was an innovation, and is the first of its kind in studying the NHIS in Ghana. This study is also the first to look at the differences in information management within the NHIS given the rural-urban digital divide.


The Pleasant Events Schedule (mimeographed), which measures the retrospective frequency and value of positive reinforcement, was administered to 74 college students; and its relation to subjects' locus of control and success-failure expectancies and to their levels of physical attractiveness was evaluated. While results were less consistent for females than for males, significant relationships were obtained between each of these "person" variables and the various indices derived from the Pleasant Events Schedule. Not only do the findings reflect favorably on the construct validity of the various dimensions as measured, but the data carry implications for a more integrative study of depression.


In long lifespan software systems, specification documents can be outdated or even missing. Developing new software releases or checking whether some user requirements are still valid becomes challenging in this context. This challenge can be addressed by extracting high-level observable capabilities of a system by mining its source code and the available source-level documentation. This paper presents feature extraction and traceability (FEAT), an approach that automatically extracts topoi, which are summaries of the main capabilities of a program, given under the form of collections of code functions along with an index. FEAT acts in two steps: first, clustering: by mining the available source code, possibly augmented with code-level comments, hierarchical agglomerative clustering groups similar code functions. In addition, this process gathers an index for each function. Second, entry point selection: functions within a cluster are then ranked and presented to validation engineers as topoi candidates. We implemented FEAT on top of a general-purpose test management and optimization platform and performed an experimental study over 15 open-source software projects amounting to more than 1 M lines of codes proving that automatically discovering topoi is feasible and meaningful on realistic projects.


Thirty-six of the 70 species of bats known from Belize were recorded from the area around Lamanai, Orange Walk County: two in roosts and 34 in about 680 mist net hours that produced 560 captures. Day roosts used by 35 of the species were located using radio-tracking (Sturnira lilium, Platyrrhinus helleri, Centurio senex and Bauerus dubiaquercus) or general searching for roosts (Rhynchonycteris naso, Saccopteryx bilineata, Saccopteryx leptura, Dicli durus albus, Mimon bennettii, Micronycteris schmidtorum, Carollia brevicauda, Carollia perspicillata and Eptesicus furinalis). Data on the day roosts of 23 other species were determined from the literature. Most species reported from Lamanai (19) roosted in hollows, while others used foliage (6), tents (3), sheltered sites (2), crevices (2), open sites (1), and a few species used more than one type of day roost (hollows and crevices (1); hollows and foliage (1); hollows, foliage and tents (1)). The fauna consisted of 13 aerial foragers, 9 gleaners, 11 fruit/leaf eaters, one trawler, one flower-visitor and one blood-feeder. In day roost use and foraging behaviour, the Lamanai fauna did not differ significantly from that of Paracou, French Guiana, but both these locations differed from the bat fauna of Kruger National Park, South Africa, in foraging behaviour.


This book examines the first five years of Polish EU membership. The combination of Poland's potential power as a major, and possibly controversial, player in both the region and Europe as a whole, and the apparent salience of Euroscepticism in domestic electoral politics at the core of the Polish government and party system presented the possibility that Poland would be a 'new awkward partner' in Europe. However, although Poles may have voted for EU-critical parties in large numbers no 'Eurosceptic backlash' has emerged. In fact, far from being a 'new awkward partner', Poland has tried to portray itself as the 'new heart of Europe' and it certainly came to be increasingly perceived as such in Brussels and by its European allies.

This book focuses on two linked questions. Firstly, what impact has Poland had upon the EU as a new member state? Secondly, how has becoming an EU member impacted upon public attitudes towards the EU and Polish domestic politics, particularly on its party and electoral politics? Szczerbiak provides the first detailed empirical case study of the impact of Poland's EU membership on its politics and of Poland's impact on the EU. The book also makes broader theoretical contributions to our understanding of EU relations with its member states.

As a result of the above, this book will be of interest to students and scholars of European Politics, political science and European integration.


In this paper, we show that biodegradable and biocompatible organogels can be formed with chitin as the filler material and triglycerides as the continuous hydrophobic phase. When crude chitin was used, a large degree of aggregation was observed that prevented the formation of stable organogels. Two approaches were used to diminish this degree of aggregation and increase the stability. Either surfactants were used to increase the dispersability of the crude chitin, or the crude chitin was transformed into smaller rodlike nanocrystals by acid hydrolysis. Both approaches led to the formation of stable organogels with storage moduli up to 10 Pa for high chitin concentrations (20 wt%). Three different types of surfactants were used, namely phosphatidylcholine, enzymatically modified phosphatidylcholine and sorbitan monostearate (Span 60). The choice of surfactant has a large influence on the gel strength and the temperature sensitivity of the gels. With chitin nanocrystals, in the presence of surfactants, larger gel strengths were observed for lower concentrations (1–10 wt%), indicating more efficient packing of the particles. Gels were stable even after addition of considerable amounts of water up to 25 wt%. The increase in gel strength in the presence of water (storage modulus) was most likely an effect of the water absorption ability of chitin that increased the effective volume fraction of the fillers.


OBJECTIVE
To observe the expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and collagen in local skin tissue of pressure ulcer of rats, and to explore the possible mechanism of the pathogenesis of pressure ulcer.

METHODS
Forty male SD rats were divided into normal control group, 3 d compression group, 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group according to the random number table, with 8 rats in each group. The rats in normal control group did not receive any treatment, whereas the rats in the latter 4 groups were established the deep tissue injury model (3 d compression group) and pressure ulcer model (the other 3 groups) on the gracilis muscle on both hind limbs using a way of cycle compression of ischemia-reperfusion magnet. The rats in 3 d compression group received only three cycles of compression, while the compressed skin of the rats in 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were cut through and received pressure to 5, 7 and 9 cycles after three cycles of compression, respectively. The rats in 3 d compression group were sacrificed immediately after receiving compression for 3 d (the rats in normal control group were sacrificed at the same time), and the rats in the other 3 groups were respectively sacrificed after receiving compression for 5, 7, and 9 d, and the skin tissue on the central part of gracilis muscle on both hind limbs were harvested. The morphology of the skin tissue was observed with HE staining. The expression of collagen fiber was observed with Masson staining. The expressions of collagen type Ⅳ and MMP-2 were detected by immunohistochemical method. The expressions of TNF-α and phosphorylated NF kappa B (NF-κB) were determined by Western blotting. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and LSD test.

RESULTS
(1) In normal control group, the skin tissue of rats was stratified squamous epithelium, with the clear skin structure, and there was no obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells. In 3 d compression group, the skin layers of rats were clear, with quite a few fibroblasts, and the inflammatory cells began to infiltrate. In 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group, the epidermis of rats thickened, with the number of fibroblasts reduced, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells enhanced with the compressed time prolonging. (2) In normal control group, the collagen fibers in skin tissue of rats were arranged in order, with rich content. In 3 d compression group, the collagen fibers in skin tissue of rats were arranged orderly, with high expression level, which was similar to that in normal control group (P>0.05). In 5 d compression group and 7 d compression group, the collagen fibers in skin tissue of rats were arranged in disorder, with the expression level gradually reduced, which were significantly lower than that in normal control group (with P values below 0.01). In 9 d compression group, the expression of collagen fiber in skin tissue of rats was a little higher than that in 7 d compression group, but it was still significantly lower than that in normal control group (P<0.01). (3) The expressions of collagen type Ⅳ in skin tissue of rats in normal control group, 3 d compression group, 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were respectively 11.0±2.8, 9.0±1.7, 8.3±2.8, 5.1±1.8, and 5.4±1.2. The expression of collagen type Ⅳ in skin tissue of rats in 3 d compression group was similar to that in normal control group (P>0.05). The expressions of collagen type Ⅳ in skin tissue of rats in 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were significantly lower than that in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of MMP-2 in skin tissue of rats in 3 d compression group was similar to that in normal control group (P>0.05). The expressions of MMP-2 in skin tissue of rats in 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were significantly higher than that in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). (4) The expression of TNF-α in skin tissue of rats in normal control group was 0.48±0.11, and the expressions of TNF-α in skin tissue of rats in 3 d compression group, 5 d compression group, 7 d compression group, and 9 d compression group were respectively 0.84±0.08, 1.13±0.19, 1.34±0.16, and 1.52±0.23, which were all significantly higher than that in normal control group (with P values below 0.01). The expressions of phosphorylated NF-κB in skin tissue of rats in 3 d compression group and 9 d compression group were similar to that in normal control group (with P values above 0.05), and the expressions of phosphorylated NF-κB in skin tissue of rats in 5 d compression group and 7 d compression group were significantly higher than that in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
The high expression of MMP-2 and reduction of collagen induced by inflammatory reaction mediated by the high expression of TNF-α in local skin tissue of pressure ulcer of rats may be one of the important reasons for the formation of pressure ulcer.


In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, specification of the germ lineage depends on PIE-1, a maternal protein that blocks mRNA transcription in germline blastomeres. Studies in mammalian cell culture have suggested that PIE-1 inhibits P-TEFb, a kinase that phosphorylates serine 2 in the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) repeats of RNA polymerase II during transcriptional elongation. We have tested this hypothesis using an in vivo complementation assay for PIE-1 function. Our results support the view that PIE-1 inhibits P-TEFb using the CTD-like motif YAPMAPT. This activity is required to block serine 2 phosphorylation in germline blastomeres, but unexpectedly is not essential for transcriptional repression or specification of the germline. We find that sequences outside of the YAPMAPT are required to inhibit serine 5 phosphorylation, and that this second inhibitory mechanism is essential for transcriptional repression and specification of the germ lineage. Our results suggest that PIE-1 uses partially redundant mechanisms to block transcription by targeting both the initiation and elongation phases of the transcription cycle.


Windmills in the Żulawy Region during the First Half of the Fifteenth Century (Summary) Studies on the living conditions of the rural population and the organisation of agriculture in the Middle Ages have a long tradition. Some of the issues examined include mills in the State of the Teutonic Order. Other publications consider the specific nature of the Żulawy region under the Teutonic Order and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This article focuses on reconstructing the significance of windmills for the mill economy in this area. The mills within the Teutonic State were supervised by a number of administrative units. The northern part of Gdansk Żulawy (known in the Middle Ages as Stublau (in Pol. Steblewskie or Żulawy Male) was administered by the forestry office of the Danzig (Gdansk) commandry, the strip of land between the Vistula and the River Mottlau (Motlawa) was governed by a Vogt whose seat was in Herrengrebin (Grabiny Zameczek) itself under the commandry of Marienburg (Malbork), while the southern part was supervised by the Vogt of Dirschau (Tczew). Gross Werder (Great Żulawy) was administered by the commandry of Marienburg, and Fischauer Werder (Fiszewskie Żulawy) – by the Komtur (commander) of Elbing (Elbląg) and Christburg (Dzierzgon). The different principles of administering these regions resulted predominantly from the local water conditions and the need for the farmland's constant drainage. One of the elements of the region's specificity was the organisation of flourmilling, which owing to geographical conditions could not be based on a network of water mills, as was the case elsewhere. Water mills were therefore replaced by windmills, which became a prominent element of Żulawy's milling industry in the Middle Ages, perhaps even in the first half of the fourteenth century, and continued to play this role in successive centuries. The data quoted clearly show that windmills were the foundation of the milling industry in the Scharpau (now: Szkarpawa) region and played a significant role in Stublau, where the Order owned one water mill in Herrengrebin. It would seem that they were also of fundamental significance in the Vogtei of Leske (Laski) and the area under the Pfl eger of Lassowitz (Lasowice) and Montau (Mątowy). In the territory under the Vogt of Stuhm (Sztum) the mills fulfilled auxiliary functions. The mills in question subsequently functioned not only as flour mills, associated with farm production, but also helped drain farmland threatened by flooding. They continued to fulfil this role until the early 1900s, and their subsequent destruction and ensuing absence in the landscape were accelerated by the destruction of mounds by the fleeing Germans at the end of the war, as well as the profound transformations which affected all domains of social life in this area following World War II. Owing to the specific local conditions, mills were usually erected on the same sites as they had been in the Middle Ages; only the method of their construction changed (early modern novelties included the Dutch mills). In subsequent years, mills for land drainage were used on a larger scale alongside grist mills. Unfortunately, only two such mills have survived: a post mill in Schonbaum (Drewnica) and a Dutch mill in Palschau (Palczewo), which are testimony of the great diversity of the local material culture and organisation of the rural economy in past centuries.


The onset of clinical disease in autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mice is preceded by a switch from predominantly IgM production to IgG production. Previous studies have shown that IgG autoantibodies play a central role in the development of life-threatening glomerulonephritis in this strain. Delaying or preventing the switch from IgM to IgG production might therefore be of therapeutic benefit. We previously documented similarities in the B cell repertoire expressed by young MRL-lpr/lpr mice and normal mice treated with the polyclonal activator LPS. Recent in vivo studies indicate that cross-linking membrane IgM or IgD can suppress LPS-dependent IgG production in normal animals. These observations led us to examine whether membrane cross-linking could also lower serum IgG levels in MRL-lpr/lpr mice. Lupus-prone animals were treated with multivalent anti-IgD conjugated to high m.w. dextran. This anti-IgD dextran conjugate was previously shown to reduce IgG production in LPS-stimulated normal animals. Treatment of young lupus-prone MRL-lpr/lpr mice resulted in a significant reduction in the total number of B cells secreting IgG and lower serum titers of IgG anti-DNA and IgG anti-histone autoantibodies. Anti-IgD dextran treatment also delayed the development of glomerulonephritis and improved survival. Thus, anti-IgD dextran interfered with autoantibody-dependent disease progression, perhaps by inhibiting the switch from IgM to IgG autoantibody production.


Vaginismus is a disorder involving both psychiatry and gynecology. Psychiatric help is sought in only a small proportion of cases, although it is probable that the psychological etiology of the disorder is more frequent than generally recognized. This article deals with the causes and psychological circumstances of the disorder. Five cases are presented. In the first three cases, primary vaginismus caused unconsummated marriage in young women of religious or traditional background. In these cases a "secret" was revealed relating to a previous sexually related experience. This provides the basis for therapy. The other cases describe secondary vaginismus which appeared in older women who developed the symptom after a number of years of marriage. This article discusses the different psychotherapeutic approaches for the two types of cases. In the former cases, therapy may be brief and the prognosis is favorable. In the second case type, there is often more significant personality or marital pathology requiring prolonged and extensive psychotherapy. The authors stress the need for physicians to be mindful of cases of vaginismus requiring psychiatric intervention rather than gynecological treatment.


The paper addresses the challenges of supply chain management in the electronics sector influenced by the trends of globalisation, production outsourcing and emerging product-related environmental policies. The trends have forced the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to take eco-design and supply chain management (SCM) initiatives, which pose challenging demands on the suppliers in developing countries, who increasingly become important actors in the supply chain of electronics sector. This is likely to be a challenge for the OEMs to maintain competitive, reliable and high quality supply chains without compromising the environmental targets raised by the government policies or their own initiatives. For the suppliers it means to be able to satisfy the environmental requirements from OEMs at a competitive price and to maintain or expand their market position. Communication, data gaps and information standardisation are the major challenges for both groups of actors. For illustration, the Indian electronic component industry has been taken as a case study.


25 total suspended particles (TSP) samples were collected at Lijiang city from Dec 2008 to Jan 2009. Analyzed results indicated that the concentration of CU-, NO3-, SO4(2-), Na+ , NH+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ were 16.00, 14.95, 49.40, 3.12, 44.75, 8.65, 29.50 and 183.02 neq x m(-3) respectively. The average total aerosol loading was 349.39 neq x m(-3), and the average concentration of Ca2+ was 52.38% percent of average total concentration, indicated it was the dominant ion in this sampling. The average concentration of detected cations was 3.35 times of anions, suggested the sum of cations generally exceed the sum of anions in our samples, and the main anion was not detected. The average value of SO4(2-)/NO3- was 3.98, showing that the sustained sources have mainly influences on air. According to the correlation coefficients among ions and factor analysis, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in our samples were from dust, and the sources of NO3-, SO4(2-), NH4+ and K+ were related to various combustion processes by human activities. As a whole, the ions in our samples were mainly combined as CaCO3, (NH4)2SO4, MgCO3, KNO3 and a little CaSO4 and Ca(NO3)2.


Obesity is a growing health problem and challenge to the health care systems in the western world. Available treatment is limited to lifestyle modifications, cognitive therapy, drugs and bariatric surgery. On one hand, lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatment have very limited long-term effects on obesity. On the other hand, bariatric surgery is effective to maintain long-term weigh reduction but is associated with complications and reaches less than 2 % of patients with indication for surgery. Thus, there is a gap in the management of patients with obesity, and endoscopic bariatric therapies might fill that gap by providing effective, repeatable and reversible alternatives for selected patients with obesity. This article introduces endoscopic methods to achieve weight loss with special focus on endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Data in the literature demonstrates that ESG is effective in reducing total and excessive body weight up to two years after the procedure as well as reducing obesity-related co-morbidity. The challenge is that ESG requires advanced endoscopic skills and is not yet available at many centres. A structured training program is needed to disseminate ESG and offer selected patients with obesity an alternative to bariatric surgery in Europe.


Cr-rich allanite-(Ce) has been found in a reaction layer between the serpentinite lens and the host metapelite of the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt in Nushima, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The reaction layer is divided into talc, tremolite, and chlorite zones in order from the inner to the outer regions of the layer. The Cr-rich allanite-(Ce) occurs as fine and spindle-shaped grains of 30-60 μm in length in the tremolite zone, and coexists with tremolite and subordinate amounts of chlorite, titanite, graphite, and zircon. The Cr-rich allanite-(Ce) is enriched in Cr2O3 (0.2-9.0 wt%) and total iron as FeO (6.0-9.0 wt%), with the following Cr-richest formula: (Ca0.98Na0.01K0.01)1.00(REE0.70Ca0.28Th0.01)0.99(Al1.40Cr0.69Fe2+0.63Fe3+0.11Ti0.09Mg0.07Mn0.03)3.02(Si2.94Al0.06)3.00O12(OH),where REE includes La = 0.17, Ce = 0.33, Pr = 0.04, Nd = 0.13 and Sm = 0.03 per formula unit. The core part of the Cr-rich allanite-(Ce) is partially enriched in TiO2 of up to 2.3 wt%, suggesting the substitution of (Fe2+,Mg)Ti(Fe3+,Al)-2 in the octahedral sites.


In patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to medical therapy, total proctocolectomy and posterior ileal-anal pouch anastomosis is the standard surgical therapy. One of the possible complications is pouchitis. Depending on the duration of the symptoms, it can be classified as acute, recurrent, or chronic. The latter, according to the response to therapy, can be defined as antibiotic-dependent or refractory. The treatment of pouchitis is based on the use of antibiotics and probiotics. Thiopurine and biological therapy have been suggested in patients with refractory pouchitis. Special care should be taken in the endoscopic surveillance of these patients, especially if they present risk factors such as dysplasia or previous colorectal cancer, primary sclerosing cholangitis or ulcerative colitis for more than 10 years.


Effect of the leaves on the weight, urine output, and plasma and urine chemistry of salt-loaded rats was investigated. The control group received a diet consisting 100% of the commercial feed; the test-control received a diet consisting 8% salt and 92% commercial feed, while the test received diet containing 8% salt, 5% leaf powder and 87% commercial feed. There was no significant difference in the food intake of the three groups, although the weight change of the test animals was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the other two groups. The time course of the mean daily urine output per rat revealed an initial diuretic impact of the leaves, to a level that was sustained through to the sixth week, while there was a gradual/steady increase in the urine output of the test-control. There was no significant difference in the plasma acetone, albumin and creatinine concentrations of the test and test-control, while the plasma sugar concentration of the test was significantly (p<0.05) the least. The leaves had no effect on urinary excretion of acetone, potassium and creatinine, but significantly lowered (p<0.05) the albumin and increased the sodium excretion. @JASEM


Metareasoning is a core idea in AI at that captures the essence of being both human and intelligent. This idea is that much can be gained by thinking (reasoning) about one's own thinking. In the context of search and planning, metareasoning concerns with making explicit decisions about computation steps, by comparing their `cost' in computational resources, against the gain they can be expected to make towards advancing the search for solution (or plan) and thus making better decisions. To apply metareasoning, a meta-level problem needs to be defined and solved with respect to a specific framework or algorithm. In some cases, these meta-level problems can be very hard to solve. Yet, even a fast-to-compute approximation of meta-level problems can yield good results and improve the algorithms to which they are applied. This paper provides an overview of different settings in which we applied metareasoning to improve search, planning and scheduling.


The project is about the design and simulation of dick brakes. The software name
CA TIA was used to design and simulation of CATIA. In this design, Mitsubishi MIR-24 is
used as a model reference for design.
Before start designing, I am required to acquire necessary dimensioning of all
components inside disc brakes. After that, part designing on each component is to be done
by using the CAT IA software. An assembly design is follow after all components had
successfully designed. The assembly design function is to combine every component
together to become a product. Now, the finishing product from assembly design is now
imported into DMU kinematic to start simulation.
Further on, a series of calculation will be perform to calculate on the disc effective
radius, kinetic energy, brake force, brake time, deceleration, dynamic axle and so on. After
that, a Finite Element Analysis is done on individual part name disc. This is to test whether
the disc is able to withstand the pressure during braking. All of this can be done inside the
generative structure analysis workbench which located inside CAT IA.
At the end of report, the problem faces and how to solve the problem is explain.
Other than that, there will also be some discussion in further improvement that possible to
be done and finally a conclusion.


One of the major challenges in the design of multichannel arrays for UHF MRI is minimizing coupling between elements. Shielded-coaxial-cable (SCC) coils have been recently proposed as highly decoupled elements per se: however, the decoupling mechanism of SCC coils is still not determined. In this work, we examined the relationship between coupling, surface current density uniformity, and the total current on coil conductor through measuring and simulating three different 2-coils arrays. While no correlation was observed between surface current density uniformity and interelement coupling, a negative correlation was observed between the coupling and the total current on coil conductor.


This paper offers a review of simulation methods currently available for the transient and steady-state analysis of nonlinear RF and microwave circuits. The most general method continues to be the time-marching approach used in Spice, but more recent methods based on multiple time dimensions are particularly effective for RF and microwave circuits. We derive nodal formulations for the most widely used multiple time dimension methods. We put special emphasis on methods for the analysis of oscillators based in the warped multitime partial differential equations (WaMPDE) approach. Case studies of a Colpitts oscillator and a voltage controlled Clapp-Gouriet oscillator are presented and discussed. The accuracy of the amplitude and phase of these methods is investigated. It is shown that the exploitation of frequency-domain latency reduces the computational effort.


The utility of the Illumina Genome Analyzer for a broad range of applications is evidenced by an amazing rate of publication by the research community1. In addition to human-scale resequencing2 –4 and other applications requiring a reference genome, researchers are performing de novo assembly. Several important organisms have been sequenced for the first time as a direct result of the consistently low error rates and long reads produced by the Genome Analyzer (Table 1). Because even small labs can now have world-class sequencing capabilities, much of this work has been done outside of genome centers. Not surprisingly, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of software packages for genomic assembly.


This chapter provides a critical review of research on pricing within a channel environment. We fi rst describe the literature in terms of increasing time horizons of decision-making in a channel setting: (1) retail pass-through (2) pricing contracts and (3) channel design, all of which occur within a given market environment. We then describe the emerging empirical literature on structural econometric models of channels and its use in (1) inferring channel participant behavior and (2) policy simulations in a channel setting. We also discuss potential areas for future research in each area. 'Price' and 'channel' are two of the four elements of the marketing mix that managers control, yet they differ fundamentally in how managers can use them to impact market demand. While price is the most fl exible, in that managers can change it most easily to impact short-run demand, the distribution channel through which fi rms reach their end consumer is the least fl exible and perhaps the costliest to change in the short run. Therefore channel design is viewed as part of a fi rm's long-run strategy. Most importantly, in the presence of a typically decentralized distribution channel, an upstream price change by a manufacturer does not affect consumer demand directly, but only through how this upstream price change affects the retail price set downstream in the channel. In his review of the pricing literature, Rao (1984) stated that 'the issues of pricing along the distribution channel . . . have not received much attention in the literature'. However, over the last 25 years, this gap has been remedied substantially. The tools of game theory have revolutionized the theoretical analysis of pricing within the channel and clarifi ed the many issues about how prices are set within a channel; more importantly, these analyses have offered insights into the optimal long-term channel strategy, given how prices will be set within the channel. A smaller but emerging empirical literature on structural models of channels has provided insights on the behavior of channel participants and tools to perform policy analysis in a channel setting. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a critical review of this literature, identify the key themes of understanding that have emerged from research to date and identify important gaps in our knowledge that would benefi t from future research. Given the short-run nature of price and the long-run nature of the channel, we organize the literature in terms of three key issues of managerial interest that progressively increase in their time horizons for the decision. The three questions are: 1. Conditional on the distribution channel (which is fi xed in the short run) and other market characteristics, how can a change in upstream price affect the downstream price seen by the end consumer? This question of 'pass-through' is the most short * We thank the editor Vithala Rao and Jiwoong Shin for comments and suggestions on the chapter. 320 Handbook of pricing research in marketing term of the three sets of decisions we consider. Pass-through is of interest to an upstream manager because it determines the extent to which the upstream manufacturer will change prices. 2. Conditional on the distribution channel (which is fi xed in the short run) and other market characteristics, what is the best pricing contract to offer to the downstream channel member? This is a medium-term decision, where managers set the 'rules of their interactions' within the existing channel structure. These contracts affect the objective function of the market participants; and managers seek contracts that maximize their profi ts given a chosen channel structure. Pricing contracts can include linear tariffs, two part-tariffs, quantity discounts, slotting allowances, resale price maintenance (RPM) etc. Note that the types of pricing contracts that can be used may be constrained by law. 3. Finally, given the market characteristics, what is the optimal channel structure and the pricing contract? This is a long-term consideration where managers decide on the nature of channel ownership given the market characteristics. Should a fi rm vertically integrate or decentralize? Or would a mixed strategy of partial integration, with the manufacturer directly selling along with independent retailers, be optimal? The emergence of the Internet as a sales channel has brought the issue of partial forward integration again into focus in recent years. Since the optimality of the channel structure depends on the nature of pricing contracts that are available to the manufacturer, channel structure design is intimately linked to the pricing strategy. Finally, all of these decisions are embedded in the market environment in which the fi rms operate. A schematic way of thinking about these three sets of managerial Channel design


Changes in the defect structure in carbon rich a -SiC:H films deposited on various substrates using ditertiary butyl silane were investigated as a function of thermal treatment. Films grown at high deposition rates exhibit hydrogen trapped in voids. The incorporation of CH n , groups is thought to be the origin for these microvoids. With increasing annealing temperature the effusion of CH n , groups as determined by thermal desorption experiments promotes void growth which was studied using a variable energy positron beam. At annealing temperatures above 600 °C the films densify due to the breaking of C-H bonds and the formation of additional C-C bonds when the voids anneal out.


We all enjoy the benefits of the information age but we may not be aware of the range of technologies and infrastructure that underpins the Internet and the services that it supports. There are many companies involved in the business of providing and operating such resources. This book attempts to explain the complex interplay between the companies, how their businesses operate, and how they seek to make a profit. The authors consider how telecommunications companies tackle the challenging Information and Communication Technology market place - how they make a case for investment, develop and market products, and how they operate telecommunications networks and computer-server resources. Topics covered include: an introduction to the telecommunications business; regulation; business strategy; corporate finance and governance; network economics; network strategy and planning; customers and marketing; product management; network and service operations; and people and organisation development. In particular, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the tools for analysing markets, constructing business cases and providing customer service all with specific reference to telecommunications and reallife case studies. The authors have based this book on the material used to teach Masters Degree students over the last 10 years, as well as drawing on their knowledge gained through a combined experience of over 80 years working within the industry. Understanding Telecommunications Business is essential for undergraduate and graduate students studying telecommunications, and will also find a place on the bookshelves of the many people already working in the industry, or considering joining it. Although selfcontained, this book forms a companion to Understanding Telecommunications Networks, which is also in the IET Telecommunications series.


Background: The observational and experimental studies show that there are more cases of cardiovascular disease especially myocardial infarction (MI) among addicts who are referred to hospitals compared with non-addicts. Objective: To determine some of cardiovascular risk factors in addict subjects. Methods: A total of 70 subjects aged 25-50 (35 smokers with opium addiction who were addict at least for last three years as case group and 35 smokers as control group) were selected. The plasma levels of factor VII, CRP, fibrinogen and blood platelet counts were determined for both groups. Also, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured. Findings: The mean activity percent of plasma level for factor VII was significantly higher in opium addict men than control. The mean plasma level of fibrinogen in case group was lower than control but not significant. Also, no significant difference was observed between blood platelet counts among two groups. Mean plasma level of CRP was also significantly lower in addict group than the control group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in case group compared with control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The data found in our study showed that the blood factors such as plasma levels of factor VII and fibrinogen, as two cardiovascular risk factors, and also blood pressure were affected by opium addiction. It seems that one of the causes of higher numbers of MI among addict subjects to be likely associated with significantly greater values for factor VII activity seen in this population.


In everyday life, people are constantly faced with deadlines. The current research investigated whether a self-regulatory orientation in terms of promotion and prevention focus impacts on what individuals center on when considering deadlines. Specifically, we assumed promotion focus to enhance thinking about deadline descriptions and prevention focus to enhance thinking about deadline-related behavior, both in terms of their self-regulatory concerns (i.e., advancement versus security). Studies 1a and 1b, across a multitude of deadlines, provide evidence for this: Chronic promotion focus was related to growth-oriented deadline descriptions whereas chronic prevention focus was related to safety-oriented deadline behavior. Additionally, Study 1c shows that effects stem from experiences with past deadlines rather than deliberations of future deadlines. Finally, Study 2, manipulating regulatory focus and having participants spontaneously generate texts in relation to one specific deadline, replicated the effect for descriptions versus behavior. In sum, our results show that individuals' self-regulation impacts on deadline conceptualizations.


As the U.S. focuses on positioning itself to retain and advance its status as a world leader in technology and scientific innovation, a recognition that community colleges are a critical site for intervention has become apparent. Community colleges serve the lion's share of the nation's postsecondary students. In fact, 40% of all undergraduate students are enrolled in community colleges, these students account for nearly 30% of all STEM undergraduate majors in postsecondary institutions. These students serve as a core element of the STEM pipeline into four-year colleges and universities via the community college transfer function. Moreover, community colleges are the primary postsecondary access point for non-traditional students, including students of color, first-generation, low-income, and adult students. This is a particularly salient point given that these populations are sordidly underrepresented among STEM graduates and in the STEM workforce. Increasing success among these populations can contribute significantly to advancing the nation's interests in STEM. As such, the community college is situated as an important site for innovative practices that have strong implications for bolstering the nation's production and sustenance of a STEM labor force. In recognition of this role, the National Science Foundation and private funding agencies have invested millions of dollars into research and programs designed to bolster the STEM pipeline. From this funding and other independently sponsored inquiry, promising programs, initiatives, and research recommendations have been identified. These efforts hold great promise for change, with the potential to transform the education and outcome of STEM students at all levels. This important book discusses many of these promising programs, initiatives, and research-based recommendations that can impact the success of STEM students in the community college. This compilation is timely, on the national landscape, as the federal government has placed increasing importance on improving STEM degree production as a strategy for America's future stability in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Informed by research and theory, each chapter in this volume blazes new territory in articulating how community colleges can advance outcomes for students in STEM, particularly those from historically underrepresented and underserved communities.


The influence of an in-situ magnetic field on the plume during pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to prepare epitaxial nickel zinc ferrite (NZF) thin films were investigated. An air core coil (solenoid coil) was installed between a target and a substrate, and up to 43 mT of magnetic field was generated by direct current (DC)(Dynamic Aurora PLD method). Application of magnetic field brought about following structural and property changes; (1) deposition rate was almost doubled, (2) the concentration of Ni and Zn in the film was decreased, (3) lattice parameter was unchanged, and (4) magnetization and coercivity was increased. Since deposition rate was increased by application of magnetic field, films with same thickness was also prepared without magnetic field, however, magnetic properties were unchanged. This indicates that application of in-situ magnetic field improved magnetic properties.


With the use of the Laplace integral transformation and state space formalism, the classical axial symmetric quasistatic problem of viscoelastic solids is discussed. By employing the method of separation of variables, the governing equations under Hamiltonian system are established, and hence, general solutions including the zero eigensolutions and nonzero eigensolutions are obtained analytically. Due to the completeness property of the general solutions, their linear combinations can describe various boundary conditions. Simply by applying the adjoint relationships of the symplectic orthogonality, the eigensolution expansion method for boundary condition problems is given. In the numerical examples, stress distributions of a circular cylinder under the end and lateral boundary conditions are obtained. The results exhibit that stress concentrations appear due to the displacement constraints, and that the effects are seriously confined near the constraints, decreasing rapidly with the distance from the boundary.


This paper analyses the competitiveness of fruit and vegetable producers. Research was carried out as an attempt to identify the variables that determine companies' ability to achieve a competitive advantage. The results of qualitative research are presented in the paper. Interdependence of entrepreneurs' opinions for both domestic and foreign markets was examined by means of ordinal correlation measures. The paper evaluates the different forms of cost-price, quality, innovation and marketing competitiveness.


Background Several studies have tested the hypothesis that RA susceptibility variants associate with radiological progression. Their findings are often not replicated; additionally they have examined only a proportion of risk loci and evaluated each locus separately, despite limited power. Two recent meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies have expanded the number of genetic loci and HLA amino acid polymorphisms associated with RA susceptibility [1, 2]. Our aim was to establish if these variants correlated with radiological progression in early active RA patients enrolled to a clinical trial. We evaluated their association both individually and cumulatively, using a weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) combining risk loci. Objectives To establish if genetic predictors of RA susceptibility also associate with radiological progression in early active RA. Methods We evaluated 421 RA patients previously enrolled to the Combination Anti-Rheumatic Drugs in Early RA (CARDERA) trial. Hand/feet radiographs were read for modified Larsen scores every 6 months for 2 years. We evaluated the association of validated genetic risk variants (69 SNPs, 17 four-digit HLA-DRB1 alleles and polymorphisms in 6 HLA amino acid positions) with log-transformed Larsen scores over time using a linear mixed-effects model. Loge (Larsen score + 1) was the response variable. Time, treatment, age, disease duration, ACPA status, genotype and a genotype*time interaction, were the fixed-effects predictor variables. Genotype was coded additively. All β-estimates were back-transformed to the original Larsen scale. The genotype*time β provided information on the annual increase in Larsen score per risk allele copy relative to the reference genotype; P-values for this term provided information on the variant's role in radiological progression. We assessed the association between a wGRS incorporating susceptibility SNPs and radiological progression by replacing the linear model's genotype term with a wGRS. Ethical approval was obtained; all patients provided consent. Results Two SNPs, one HLA-DRB1 allele and two HLA-DRβ1 protein amino acid polymorphisms had P-values <0.05 (Table). None attained Bonferroni corrected significance. No association was seen between a wGRS and Larsen score progression (P=0.0680). Table 1. Susceptibility variants attaining a nominal association with Larsen score progression SNP, HLA-DRB1 Allele or HLA-DRβ1 protein amino acid β Estimate P-Value rs660895 (HLA-DRB1) 1.072 0.0017 rs10175798 (LBH) 1.050 0.0332 HLA-DRB1*04:01 1.068 0.0136 Histidine at position 13 1.067 0.0041 Valine at position 11 1.063 0.0067 Conclusions RA susceptibility loci did not have a clinically relevant association with radiological progression in European ancestry, early, active RA patients recruited to this trial. This suggests the genetic architectures of RA susceptibility and severity differ. References Okada Y et al. Genetics of rheumatoid arthritis contributes to biology and drug discovery. Nature 2013; [Epub ahead of print]. Raychaudhuri S et al. Five amino acids in three HLA proteins explain most of the association between MHC and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Genet 2012;44:291-6. Acknowledgements Arthritis Research UK (Grant Reference Number 19739 to ICS); National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with King's College London. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.5018


Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory process of both cortical and medullary bone. In the maxillofacial skeleton, it can be seen more commonly in mandible as compared to the maxilla. Here, we present a rare case of osteomyelitis involving the entire maxillae in a 55-year-old male patient highlighting the clinical findings and radiographic features with treatment modalities.


The world population is expanding rapidly, causing a number of economic, environmental, and social consequences including crowd roads, higher traffic demand, and longer travel times to basic services. More than two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050. The 15-minute city concept promotes for cities where everyday destinations are within a short walk or bicycle ride. Walking to daily destinations not only reduces the environmental impact of transportation, but it is also associated with a variety of positive effects on individual psychological and physical health, as well as social capital. The idea of a 15-minute city offers an excellent, straightforward, flexible, and widely accepted perspective of urban living that has recently emerged around the world. Public schools, green spaces, libraries, super markets, department stores, employment locations, basic healthcare, and areas for entertainment are examples of services that could be found inside the 15-20 minute city. The goal is to establish dynamic and liveable communities, boost the economy, encourage social cohesiveness and sustainable development, and improve citizens' health and well-being. This research focuses on identifying the major opportunities and challenges to ensure that the concept of a 15-minute city can be applied to urban planning to reduce energy use in cities and air emissions in order to address climate change.


Strong peeling resistance and water-drainable properties on rough and wet skin surfaces are highly desirable for realizing wearable and skin-attachable electronic sensors. Here, we propose a transparent, sensitive, glue-free pressure sensor for skin electronics. To achieve a thin, light-weight, transparent, and stretchable sensor patch, we laminated a single-layer graphene film as a sensing element on a thin polymeric supporter of polydimethylsiloxane. By assembling the graphene layer with densely populated micropillars, the pressure sensor achieved 10 times the sensitivity of a similar sensor without micropillars in the low-pressure range (<6 kPa). We then employed hexagonal patterns inspired by the toe pads of a tree frog, giving the assembled patch sensor with strong peeling resistance under both dry and wet conditions on surfaces such as silicon (15.5 J cm−2 for dry and 11.6 J cm−2 for wet conditions) and pig skin (2.0 J cm−2 for dry and 1.4 J cm−2 for wet conditions) without contamination after detachment. Our layered sensor patch also demonstrated successful measurement of water-dependent skin elasticity with transparent, conformal, and residual-free attachment, suggesting a variety of cosmetic and medical applications.


This study reports on a blending approach using snowpack measurements from a wireless‐sensor network, gauge precipitation, and atmospheric‐moisture data to estimate mountain precipitation amount and phase. We applied the approach in California's American River basin, using dense measurements from a network consisting of over 130 sensor nodes distributed across the upper, more snow‐dominated part of the basin (≥1,500 m elevation). Analysis of 60 precipitation events in water years 2014–2017 showed that the approach provides estimates of precipitation and orographic enhancement that reduce uncertainty from apparent snow undercatch by limited gauges. This approach also infers total precipitation based on snow measurements during rain‐on‐snow events. The sensor network and blending approach yielded median upper‐basin orographic precipitation gradients (OPGs) of 0.57 km−1, smaller than the also‐positive lower‐basin (<1,500 m) medians OPGs from precipitation gauges and a gauge‐based gridded data set of 1.23 and 1.00 km−1, respectively. However, during 73% of the events, both gauges and the gridded product showed negative OPGs in the upper basin, inconsistent with typically positive values from the distributed sensor network. Upper‐basin OPGs from gauges and the gridded product were more negative (p‐values < 0.03) during heavy events related to atmospheric rivers and Sierra barrier jets than during milder events, revealing the challenges for gauges to reliably measure precipitation from large moisture transport by strong winds. In snow‐dominated headwater areas, precipitation from the blending approach is recommended as being more accurate for decision support, providing critical rain‐versus‐snow amounts and complementing precipitation‐gauge data.


The study of work–life balance has undergone significant development in recent years as a result of changes in society and the growing importance of human resources (HR) for companies. Taking into account that human capital represents a critical success factor for businesses, the current context requires the development and implementation of HR management strategies aimed at attracting and retaining the most talented workers in order to obtain the expected results. The objective of this paper is to present an integrated model of work–life balance strategies, including the impacts of the different policies and practices on the retention of talented HR, which can be a basis for further academic developments on this subject, as well as a roadmap for managers. Hence, we will analyze a case study carried out in a multinational company—a leader in the technology and tourism sectors, and importantly dependent on valuable human capital, for which the HR strategy aims to improve the performance of the firm in the medium and long term through analysis, planning, and flexibility.


Ehrlich's expedition, supported by the National Geographic Society, is undertaken to study what remains of these cultures, specifically the similarities and differences between them including: hunting traditions, shamanic and ceremonial practices, languages and legends - the ways in which they have survived, or have been assimilated, and how they are adapting to the impact of climate change in their ice-age cultures. Ehrlich is fascinated by what she calls the ecology of culture - the ways in which the human presence of indigenous Arctic people is intricately interwoven with land, rock, river, sea, and ice. This title paints human-caused climate change as a mirror of the culture abuse first peoples have been suffering for 250 years.


Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether miRNA levels in the circulation could serve as a predictive biomarker for responsiveness to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in patients with diabetic macular edema. Methods: Whole blood samples were collected at baseline from 135 patients who were included in the BRDME study, a randomized controlled comparative trial of monthly bevacizumab or ranibizumab treatment for 6 months in patients with diabetic macular edema (Trialregister.nl, NTR3247). Best corrected visual acuity letter score (BCVA) and retinal central area thickness (CAT) were measured monthly during the 6-month follow-up. Levels of selected miRNAs were quantified. Results: Following linear regression analysis, the levels of four miRNAs were negatively associated with baseline CAT. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed this association for miR-181a. No associations with changes in CAT after 3 or 6 months of anti-VEGF treatment were found. In addition, no associations with miRNA levels with baseline BCVA or change in BCVA after 3 or 6 months of anti-VEGF treatment were found. Conclusions: Circulating miR-181a levels were negatively associated with CAT at baseline. However, no associations between miRNA levels and the response to anti-VEGF therapy were found.


Objectives: Colorectal cancer could be prevented with some basic lifestyle modifications.In this study we query the awareness of the participants about colorectal cancer who visit the general surgery outpatients clinic. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 13 questions was applied to the participants as well as demographic data. Differences in awareness of screening and risk factors were sub-grouped according to age, BMI, education, employment status, monthly income, marital status, status of first-degree relative colorectal cancer, smoking-alcohol use status and exercise status. Results: The most known screening method was colonoscopy with 73.6%, while the least known screening method was sigmoidoscopy with 13.4%. Also, the best known risk factor was smoking with 67.4%, while the least known risk factor was type 2 diabetes with 29.8%. In our study, those over 45 years of age, having higher education, working, having more monthly income, having a family history of colorectal cancer and exercising regularly had more awareness about colorectal cancer screening and risk factors. Conclusions: Our study had high levels of awareness compared to developing countries, however, awareness levels are not high enough and it is possible to increase these rates by educating the patients on cancer awareness.


The trabecular meshwork of eyes with open-angle glaucoma has been demonstrated to have an increase in gamma globulin and plasma cells, raising the question of an immunogenic mechanism in this disorder. In the present study, however, immunofluorescence assays on the trabecular meshwork of eyes with open-angle glaucoma were negative for specific immunoglobulins and for complement components that would result specifically from an antigen-antibody reaction. The study fails to provide any evidence in support of an immunogenic mechanism in open-angle glaucoma.


ed by Anthony G. Banet, Jr. David C. Lundgren and David J. Knight. Sequential Stages of Development in Sensitivity Training Groups. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 1978, 14(2), 204-222. A hypothesized five-stage sequence of developmental stages in T-groups is presented in this comprehensive review of theories that have been significant since the 1950's. The proposed stages are: a. The Initial Encounter. The trainer plays an active, nondirective role to confront the members with the problem situation effectively (e.g., how is this group going to work?). b. Intermember Conflict and Confrontation of the Trainer. Power and authority issues are raised, and the &dquo;dependent/ counter dependent&dquo; process then comes into focus. c. Group Solidarity. United to confront and exclude the nondirective leader, a group becomes a unit.


Net flow of electrolyte induced by Pt microelectrodes subjected to traveling-wave potentials is studied experimentally. Three different concentrations of KCl in water are considered in order to determine the effect of the electrolyte conductivity on the induced velocity. This work intends to generate more experimental data that can be compared to theoretical models. The experiments at low voltages show that the induced velocity decreases with electrolyte conductivity while the characteristic frequency increases, as theoretically expected. Previous experiments showed that the net flow is reversed for voltage amplitudes above a threshold. In the present work, the threshold voltage for the different electrolyte conductivities is also reported and is found to increase with electrolyte conductivity.


Discipline represents primary factor which follows to determine the successful an organization in attainment of target. Motivation represents psychological processes which express interaction among attitude, perception requirement, and decision that happened at someone itself. Performance represents size measure of result (output) and benefit (outcomes) from an activity process at certain function, executed by someone as individual, and also by group of people at certain range of time. Good discipline which happened in a company can increase someone performance. And also do the things of with motivation had by an employee. Higher motivation level of employee will make the employee have high commitment to finish his/her jobs better. Employees those owning high commitment to finish its work mean this employee have achieving his/her own performance. Which in company happened good discipline and supported with high motivation from each; every employee, hence by itself officer employee performance also progressively mount. Thereby, hypothetically that by together there are can be anticipated that by together there are relation.


The driving mechanism of the greenhouse effect and the underpinning of modern anthropogenic warming is the absorption, emission, and transmission of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases. The heat-trapping ability of a gas depends on its chemical composition, and each type of gas absorbs infrared radiation of different energies. The amount of infrared radiation that escapes into space depends on the net effect of the myriad gases in the atmosphere, with water vapor being the primary gaseous absorber of infrared radiation. Water vapor absorbs a wide range of infrared radiation, masking the effects of other gases. In fact, in many spectral regions (or infrared radiation energy bands), water vapor is so strongly absorbing that it makes testing the accuracy of infrared radiation absorption parameterizations used in general circulation models difficult.


The problem of getting quality drinking water is increasing as untreated effluents are discharged into surface water bodies. The impact of effluent from Bodija abattoir, the biggest abattoir in Ibadan, western Nigeria on the physico-chemical parameters of Oshunkaye stream was investigated. The qualities of effluent and stream water (before and after mixing with effluent) were studied using the basic water quality parameters. The ranges of the physico-chemical parameters studied were as follows: pH 6.92 –8.18, temperature 31 – 34oC, total solids 7726 – 47 630 mg/l, total suspended solids 1498 – 6803 mg/l, chemical oxygen demand 947 - 2566 mg/l, oil and grease 2500 –12590 mg/l, nitrate 62 – 159 mg/l, phosphate 142 - 180 mg/l, chloride 1052 – 1727 mg/l, lead 0.08 – 0.2 mg/l, nickel 0.18 – 0.49 mg/l, copper not detected – 0.14 mg/l, zinc 0.67 – 6.08 mg/l and cadmium (not detected). Using Prati's et al classification of surface water quality, Oshunkaye stream fell in the class of grossly polluted water after mixing with effluent from the abattoir. While before mixing, it fell in class of slightly polluted. Hence the abattoir effluent needs to be treated before discharge into the receiving stream to reduce health hazard.


Idiopathic/isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is a prodromal alpha-synucleinopathy characterized by dream enactment behavior and REM sleep without atonia (RSWA). We sought to define quantitative RSWA diagnostic thresholds in the North American Prodromal Synucleinopathy (NAPS) Consortium cohort. We analyzed RSWA between iRBD patients across participating NAPS sleep centers, compared to normative controls, and hypothesized that previous diagnostic RSWA thresholds were overestimates.

 All digital polysomnography files were converted to European Data Format and scored at a central laboratory (Mayo Clinic) which standardized display scoring montages, channel sensitivities, and filtering, and scripted computational analyses for visual scoring. RSWA was quantitatively analyzed in the submentalis (SM) and anterior tibialis (AT) muscles in iRBD (n=86) patients and controls (n=118) utilizing well validated visual (Mayo) and automated (RAI) methods. Parametric statistics were used to compare RSWA metrics, and RSWA thresholds were developed using receiver operating characteristic curves.

 RSWA was significantly higher for the RAI and all visual individual and combined muscle activity metrics in iRBD compared to controls (all p<0.001). Average SM phasic measures were: 14.2% (Mayo), 17.9% (McGill), 18.5% (UCLA), and 9.4% (Washington University). Average AT phasic measures at each site were: 26.7% (Mayo), 17.1% (McGill), 23.3% (UCLA), and 17.4% (Washington University). Average SM/AT 'any' measures at each site were: 45.4% (Mayo), 35.9% (McGill), 53.4% (UCLA), and 23.5% (Washington University). Overall cohort RBD diagnostic thresholds (AUC, specificity/sensitivity) were: SM phasic 4.9% (90.0, 82.2%/83.7%); AT phasic 7.6% (88.7%, 82.2%/81.4%) and combined SM/AT 'any' 13% (94.6, 83.9%/96.5%).

 RSWA thresholds in the NAPS cohort were substantially lower than previously reported, suggesting previously overestimated diagnostic RSWA thresholds due to smaller, enriched patient samples and overfit statistical modeling. Confirmation of these findings in the complete NAPS cohort (n=300 iRBD patients across all 10 NAPS centers) is planned.
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This paper proposes the use of ubiquitous computing to obtain information related to the mobility of people with visual impairments on public spaces; and use that information to evaluate the accessibility of such spaces.


In studies on the distribution, importance, natural enemies and control (by plant resistance) of the stem-borers Chilo partellus (Swinh.), C. orichalcociliellus (Strand), Busseola fusca (Fuller), Eldana saccharina Wlk. and Sesamia calamistis Hmps. on sorghum in Kenya in 1981-1982, C. partellus, which was a major pest, infested the crop early, while E. saccharina and S. calamistis infested late and persisted in the crop until it was harvested. Larvae of C. partellus and S. calamistis were able to enter diapause in dry sorghum stalks for several months at the end of the long and short rainy seasons. Sixteen food-plants for the complex of stem-borers are listed, and notes are provided on some natural enemies. Apanteles sesamiae Cam. parasitised 4 species, Dentichasmias busseolae Heinr. parasitised C. partellus, and predators (on one or more species) were the earwig Diaperasticus erythrocephalus (Ol.), the ant Camponotus rufoglaucus (Jerd.) and the coccinellids Cheilomenes spp. Some sources of plant resistance to Chilo partellus and B. fusca were identified


Abstract Purpose: Programmes that address stroke family caregiver needs and skill-building are recommended based on the literature and patient care guidelines for stroke rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to explore patterns of perceived needs and skill-building during a stroke caregiver intervention programme. Method: Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data from 123 stroke caregivers enrolled in the intervention group of a randomised controlled clinical trial. Caregivers received eight weekly telephone sessions, with a booster session a month later. At each session, the Caregiver Needs and Concerns Checklist (CNCC) was used to identify and prioritise current needs that were then addressed through skill-building strategies. Results: Perceived needs changed over time. Information about stroke was the highest priority need during Session 1. Managing survivor emotions and behaviours was the highest priority for Sessions 2 through 4. Caregivers generally waited until Sessions 5 through 9 to address their own emotional and physical health needs. Physical and instrumental care needs were relatively low but stable across all nine sessions. Skill-building was consistently high, though it peaked during Sessions 2 and 3. Conclusions: Tracking patterns of needs and skill-building suggest appropriate timing for targeting different types of family caregiver support during stroke rehabilitation. Implications for Rehabilitation Family caregivers of stroke survivors play an essential role in the rehabilitation process of the stroke survivor. Identifying and addressing the priority needs and concerns of stroke caregivers during the early discharge period enables caregivers to provide sustained support for the stroke survivor. Rehabilitation professionals are in a key position to address evolving caregiver needs and concerns as they transition to home settings with follow-up care.


Herein, the ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity assay based on the target-activated DNA polymerase activity is described. In this method, a detection probe composed of two functional sequences, a binding site for DNA polymerase and a catalytic substrate for RNase H, serves as a key component. The detection probe, at its initial state, suppresses the DNA polymerase activity, but it becomes destabilized by RNase H, which specifically hydrolyzes RNA in RNA/DNA hybrid duplexes. As a result, DNA polymerase recovers its activity and initiates multiple primer extension reactions in a separate TaqMan probe-based signal transduction module, leading to a significantly enhanced fluorescence "turn-on" signal. This assay can detect RNase H activity as low as 0.016 U mL-1 under optimized conditions. Furthermore, its potential use for evaluating RNase H inhibitors, which have been considered potential therapeutic agents against acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), is successfully explored. In summary, this approach is quite promising for the sensitive and accurate determination of enzyme activity and inhibitor screening.


An expert system named BONNEX to diagnose bone diseases, being one of
artificial intelligence (AI) applications, has been developed in this work. This expert
system is utilizing the expertise from orthopedics and other resources. BONNEX is
used to perform diagnoses based on patient's data, clinical examination data and other
relevant sources in the same way as an expert can do. With the help of the expert
system, the non experts can perform the decision making process in the same wayas the
experts.
BONNEX would make experts' diagnostic capability more widely available in
the clinical community. BONNEX will aid inexperienced orthopedics or general
practitioners working in small medical centers and rural areas to diagnose the nature
and conditions of the bone diseases amongst patients before it can be referred to the
expert doctors and orthopedic who will be normally be available in the big hospitals or
medical centers which are far away from patients' location. It is hoped that with the
early detection of the bone diseases, further and immediate therapies can be taken to
cure the diseases
The elements needed in developing the expert system are user interface,
database, knowledge base, explanation facility and inference engine. The users interact
with the system through a user interface.
The database of the system contains expert-level knowledge on bone diseases
and the information is obtained from interviews with the expert orthopedics and
research from books, websites and journals. After the bone diseases are determined, the
signs and symptoms of the diseases are verified and classified into three categories. The
data is re-arranged into systematic representation. The decision table is prepared for the
system. The decision table is the representation of the findings to ease the expert system
development. It lists out the diseases in one axis and the corresponding symptoms into
another axis.


Objectives To assess the long term efficacy and optimization of Infliximab (IFX) in refractory Uveitis of Behçet Disease (BD) Methods Multicentre study of Uveitis associated-BD refractory to conventional immunosupressive drug. Ocular inflammation was evaluated with "SUN criteria" (Am J Ophthalmol 2005;140:509–516) and the macular thickening with OCT. Results are expressed as mean±SD or median [IQR] (comparison, Wilcoxon test) Results We studied 100 patients/180 affected eyes (54M/46W), mean age 40.7±10.1. The ocular pattern was panuveitis (n=62), posterior (27) and anterior uveítis (11). Before IFX they received iv MP (28), cyclosporine (75), azathioprine (56), metotrexate (43) and others (33). IFX dose ranged between 3–5mg/kg/4 or 8 weeks. In patients in remission IFX was optimized (n=28) or stopped (n=20). Conclusions IFX is an effective long term-treatment in refractory Uveitis of BD. Optimization and even discontinuation of IFX after remission is possible. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Background Spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) is a serious complication of prematurity. Associations include extreme prematurity, early postnatal steroids and early use of indomethacin. Non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants is increasingly being used both as primary and post-extubation support. Two years ago we changed the method used to deliver non-invasive respiratory support and now use higher flows and pressures. Aim To review all cases of neonatal spontaneous intestinal perforation in the last five years and ascertain those infants with associated risk factors. We also sought to determine if the frequency of the condition has increased since the introduction of higher pressure, higher flow non-invasive respiratory support. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of the Badger electronic database for a tertiary neonatal and surgical centre. Results 22 infants were diagnosed with SIP in the West of Scotland between June 2012 and December 2016. 5 infants (23%) had incomplete data. There were 4, 1, 5, 2 and 5 cases per year in each of these years respectively. Their mean gestation and birth weights were 28+1 and 1234g. Median day of diagnosis was 5 (0–62) days of age. 15 infants (68%) had received antenatal steroids. 4 infants (18%) had received medical treatment for patent ductus arteriosus. 2 infants (9%) received post natal dexamethasone. 7 infants had hydrocortisone or inotropes. 11 infants were partially or fully enterally fed. At diagnosis, 6 infants were on non-invasive respiratory support and 8 infants were ventilated. 4 infants had been recently intubated. 2 infants were on no respiratory support. 6 (27%) infants were treated conservatively and 16 (73%) surgically. 5 infants died. Conclusion Despite changes in respiratory management with higher pressure non-invasive support, rates of spontaneous intestinal perforation have not increased. Most infants had at least one associated risk factor.


Understanding the bioenergetics of axon extension and maintenance has wide ranging implications for neurodevelopment and disease states. Glycolysis is a pathway consisting of 10 enzymes and separated into preparatory and payoff phases, the latter producing ATP. Using embryonic chicken sensory neurons, we report that glycolytic enzymes are found through the axon and the growth cone. Pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis in the presence of NGF impairs axon extension and growth cone dynamics within minutes without affecting axon maintenance. Experiments using microfluidic chambers show that the effect of inhibiting glycolysis on axon extension is local along distal axons and can be reversed by promoting mitochondrial respiration. Knockdown of GAPDH simplifies growth cone morphology and is rescued by shRNA-resistant GAPDH expression. Rescue of GAPDH using KillerRed fused to GAPDH followed by localized chromophore-assisted light inactivation of KillerRed-GAPDH in distal axons halts growth cone dynamics. Considering filament polymerization requires ATP, inhibition of glycolysis results in a paradoxical increase in axonal actin filament levels. The effect on actin filaments is because of enzymes before GAPDH, the first enzyme in the payoff phase. In the absence of NGF, inhibition of glycolysis along distal axons results in axon degeneration independent of cell death. These data indicate that the glycolytic pathway is operative in distal axons and contributes to the rate of axon extension and growth cone dynamics in the presence of NGF and that, in the absence of NGF, the axonal glycolytic pathway is required for axon maintenance. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Elucidation of the sources of ATP required for axon extension and maintenance has implications for understanding the mechanism of neuronal development and diseases of the nervous system. While recent work has emphasized the importance of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, the role of the glycolytic pathway in axon morphogenesis and maintenance remains minimally understood. The data reveal that the glycolytic pathway is required for normal sensory axon extension in the presence of NGF, while in the absence of NGF the glycolytic pathway is required for axon maintenance. The results have implications for the understanding of the bioenergetics of axon morphogenesis and plasticity and indicate that NGF has protective effects on sensory axon maintenance in hypoglycemic states.


BACKGROUND
The human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor ritonavir is a potent inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, and ritonavir's concomitant administration with the substrates of this enzyme may lead to dangerous drug interactions.

METHODS
The authors investigated possible interactions between ritonavir and intravenously administered fentanyl in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in two phases. Twelve healthy volunteers received orally ritonavir or placebo for 3 days; the dose of ritonavir was 200 mg three times on the first day and 300 mg three times on the second. The last dose of ritonavir 300 mg or placebo was given on the morning of the third day. On the second day, 2 h after the afternoon pretreatment dose, fentanyl 5 microg/kg was injected intravenously in 2 min with naloxone to moderate its effects, and 15 timed venous blood samples were collected for 18 h.

RESULTS
Ritonavir reduced the clearance of fentanyl by 67% from 15.6+/-8.2 to 5.2+/-2.0 ml x min(-1) x kg(-1) (P<0.01). The area under the fentanyl plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 18 h was increased from 4.8+/-2.7 to 8.8+/-2.3 ng x ml(-1) x h(-1) by ritonavir (P<0.01). Ritonavir did not affect the initial concentrations and the steady-state volume of distribution of fentanyl. One subject discontinued participation before fentanyl administration because of severe side effects, and during the study 8 of the remaining 11 subjects reported nausea.

CONCLUSIONS
Ritonavir can inhibit the metabolism of fentanyl significantly, so caution should be exercised if fentanyl is given to patients receiving ritonavir medication.