Biofuel technology seems to be a promising method for economically and environmentally prospective treatments of lignocellulosic wastes from various branches like food processing, forestry, or agriculture. Factors like the lignin content, crystallinity of cellulose, and particle size, limit the digestibility of hemicellulose and cellulose present in lignocelluloses. Biomass size reduction is a mechanical treatment process which due to increasing of the accessible surface area and decreasing of cellulose crystallinity improves the digestibility and the conversion of saccharides during hydrolysis. Informations about equipment design parameters and energy requirements are reviewed in relation to initial and final particle sizes, bulk density, and moisture content in biomass.


Vegetarianism is on the rise worldwide and its importance is being emphasized in various ways, such as in its sustainability, environmental, food system, and ethical aspects. The purpose of the study is to identify motivations behind food choices and dietarian identity, to investigate the perceptions about plant-based foods, and to identify differences between vegetarians and omnivores. We conducted an online survey of 245 vegetarians and 246 omnivores. There was a significant difference between vegetarians and omnivores. In food choice motivations, vegetarians scored higher in the factors of 'ethical concern', 'health', and 'convenience and price', while omnivores responded higher in 'sensory appeal' and 'weight control' factors. In the dietarian identity, vegetarians scored higher in the 'complex motivation' and 'strictness' factors, while on the other hand omnivores scored higher in 'out-group regard' and 'public regard' factors. Although the reasons can be different, we confirmed that both vegetarians and omnivores are positive toward plant-based foods. Our results suggest that different strategies will be needed to promote plant-based food consumption to vegetarians and to omnivores.


Background: The leukocytes play an essential role in the development of pathological conditions such as diabetes and its complications. The 59-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which usually is inhibited in T2D, controls the energy balance of the cell. Aim: To study the phosphorylation of AMPK α-subunit (Thr172), and thus its activation, in blood cells at combined T2D patients treatment with insulin, metformin and dapagliflozin. Methods: To determine the amount of phospho-AMPK (phospho-threonine 172) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit ab154468 (Abcam, UK) was used. The results of the study are presented as M ± SD, n = 3-6. To compare the data groups, Student9s t-test was used. Values of P ≤ 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: It has been shown that metformin increased the activity of AMPK in the leukocytes of patients with T2D more than 3-6 times compared with patients before treatment. Dapagliflozin increases the activity of AMPK and enhances the effect of metformin in the leucocytes of patients with T2D. The mechanisms of drug interaction and the consequences of their antagonism are discussed. Conclusion: AMPK activity in leukocytes may be additional indicator of the effectiveness of the hypoglycemic drugs action and status of the disease. Disclosure V.V. Pushkarev: None. L.K. Sokolova: None. V.M. Pushkarev: None. T. Vatseba: None. M.D. Tronko: None.


The author considers the positions taken by two European countries which have always taken employee participation seriously. Article by legal scholar Dr Frank Wooldridge, published in Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and its Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.


The chemical and physical properties of bullfrog serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) were investigated. On a weight percentage basis, LDL contained cholesterol ester, 30.3%; cholesterol, 5.6%; triglyceride, 12.5%; phospholipids, 23.3%; and protein, 22.4%. The fatty acid compositions of triglycerides and major phospholipids from the bullfrog serum LDL were quite similar to those of human serum LDL. However, the fatty acid composition of the chlesterol ester from the bullfrog serum LDL was quite different from that of the human serum LDL. The average particle weight, determined by gel filtration, was 2 X 10(6) daltons. This value is very close to that of human LDL. In the fluorescence emission spectrum of bullfrog serum LDL, the emission maximum was 324 nm. The amino acid composition of the apo-LDL resembled that of human apo-LDL.


In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of artemisinin (Art) on lupus nephritis mice and its mechanisms by comparing the differences between lupus nephritis (LN) mice given Art and control mice in molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, and histopathology. The results showed that Art could remarkably relieve the symptoms, decrease the level of urine protein/24 h, and alleviate pathological renal lesions. The differences among the four groups in the expression of the NF-κBp65 protein, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, and the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA in renal tissue suggested that Art can lower the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inhibit the expression of the NF-κBp65 protein and NF-κB and TGF-β1 mRNA in the renal tissues of LN mice. These results proved that it is reliable and effective to use Art to treat LN mice, and its therapeutic mechanisms should closely be related to the fact that Art can obviously decrease the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and down-regulate the expression of the NF-κBp65 protein and NF-κB and TGF-β1 mRNA in renal tissues.


Aim: This study evaluated the cyclic fatigue resistance of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF), associated with two different irrigation solutions: sodium hypochlorite 6% (NaOCl) or chlorhexidine digluconate gel 2% (CHX) in a dynamic model. The null hypothesis tested was that there was no statistically significant difference.
Methodology: 30 new files were divided into three groups (n=10) based on the irrigation solution used. Group 1: XPF using CHX as an irrigation solution; Group 2: XPF using NaOCl as an irrigation solution; Group 3 (control group): XPF using lubricating oil (LO). The artificial canal was manufactured measuring 1.5 mm wide, 20 mm long, and 3.5 mm deep with a straight cervical segment measuring 14.29 mm. A curved apical segment 4.71 mm with 3 mm radius and 90° of curvature and an ending with straight apical portion measuring 1 mm long. Resistance to cyclic fatigue was determined by recording time to fracture, and the file surface was examined under scanning electron microscopy.
Results: Data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis of variance. Student-Newman-Keuls test for multiple comparisons, with a significance level of 5%. The average time took for file fracture was 306.7 seconds for 2% chlorhexidine and 67,6 for 6% sodium hypochlorite. 2% CHX was significantly different from the NaOCl and LO groups (P< .001).
Conclusions: XPF presented the best results of fracture time and the number of cycles to fracture when used along with 2% chlorhexidine in canals with severe apical curvature, and there was no statistical difference in fragment size.


For almost 200 years, rental tenure and an original type of small tenement-like buildings have dominated housing in Montreal. This pattern is poorly explained by the existing literature, and has attracted severe criticism for not reflecting the North American preference for home-ownership and single-family houses. From an initial effort to describe the evolution of this residential building type through morphological analysis, this thesis has shifted to a more comprehensive exploration of the city's economic and cultural frameworks, as well as the architectural sources of the housing tradition, through the analysis of building plans. The thesis takes an interdisciplinary approach to the relationship between architecture and society. It presents a hypothesis about Montreal's real estate strategy, as a reflection of the conditions that shape housing production and the expectations of architectural design. Morphological analysis reveals how changes to the French and British colonial and cultural context directly affected the composition and configuration of buildings and dwellings. The extent of hybridisation, as displayed in the composition or imbedded in the configuration, suggests a complex exchange of patterns between two cultural traditions. Montreal's dwellings reflect a unique constellation of cultural references, class aspirations and spatial strategies. Their flexibility and adaptability have permitted them to balance formal concerns of stylistic correctness with an incremental design process, open to innovation and governed by an additive and often opportunistic design procedure. The thesis makes a case for design as encompassing three fields of decision: architectural Order, spatial Structure and construction System. It disputes the typical interpretation of the architect and the architect's designs as agents of novelty, advocating instead a more conciliatory and practical role that brings together figurative patterns, spatial tactics and available means.


At the onset of exercise in humans, muscle blood flow (MBF) increases to a new steady‐state that closely matches the metabolic demand of exercise. This increase has been attributed to "contraction‐induced vasodilation," comprised of the skeletal muscle pump and rapid vasodilatory mechanisms. While most research in this area has focused on forearm blood flow (FBF) and vascular conductance, it is possible that separating FBF into diameter and blood velocity can provide more useful information on MBF regulation downstream of the conduit artery. Therefore, we attempted to dissociate the matching of oxygen delivery and oxygen demand by administering glyceryl tri‐nitrate (GTN) prior to handgrip exercise. Eight healthy males (29 ± 9 years) performed two trials consisting of two bouts of rhythmic handgrip exercise (30 contractions·min−1 at 5% of maximum) for 6 min, one for each control and GTN (0.4 mg sublingual) condition. Administration of GTN resulted in a 12% increase in resting brachial artery diameter that persisted throughout the duration of exercise (CON: 0.50 ± 0.01 cm; GTN: 0.56 ± 0.01 cm, p < 0.05). Resting FBF was greater following GTN administration compared to control (p < 0.05); however, differences in FBF disappeared following the onset of muscle contractions. Our results indicate that the matching of FBF to oxygen demand during exercise is not affected by prior vasodilation, so that any over‐perfusion is corrected at the onset of exercise. Additionally, our findings provide further evidence that the regulation of vascular tone within the microvasculature is independent of the conduit artery diameter.


One of the teacher's strategies in overcoming students' lack of vocabulary mastery is by using Picture Media (Visualmedient). And this is what will be studied in this study by limiting the use of picture media to the vocabulary mastery of German students at Senior high school 1 Tondano in Minahasa. This study aims to obtain an overview of the benefits of picture media amid the increasingly digital modernization of science in the Millennial era and the impact of the success of learning German vocabulary. The research method used in this study is descriptive experiment and documentation. Based on the analysis obtained from the results of this study, it is proven that there is a positive influence on the use of picture media in teaching German vocabulary for students of senior high school 1 Tondano. Recognizing new vocabulary in German. This means that the pictures shown or displayed by the teacher will help accelerate students' recognition of German. After direct observation and demonstration of pictures, there is a significant difference between those who use pictures and those who do not use pictures as media. Students who learn vocabulary using pictures will have better results than students who do not use pictures. This is obtained through the final test of the lesson. The use of picture media in teaching German, in particular, learning vocabulary, has a very strong and positive effect on learning outcomes in German. Even though the digital millennial era is more dominant in using electronics, picture media is still needed in teaching German vocabulary. The vocabulary that is accompanied by pictures will make students remember the vocabulary because of the help of pictures.


In this paper, we compare model calculations of ozone profiles and their variability for the period 1998 to 2016 with satellite and lidar profiles at five ground-based stations. Under the investigation is the temporal impact of the stratospheric halogen reduction (chemical processes) and increase in greenhouse gases (i.e., global warming) on stratospheric ozone changes. Attention is given to the effect of greenhouse gases on ultraviolet-B radiation at ground level. Our chemistry transport and chemistry climate models (Oslo CTM3 and EMAC CCM) indicate that (a) the effect of halogen reduction is maximized in ozone recovery at 1–7 hPa and observed at all lidar stations; and (b) significant impact of greenhouse gases on stratospheric ozone recovery is predicted after the year 2050. Our study indicates that solar ultraviolet-B irradiance that produces DNA damage would increase after the year 2050 by +1.3% per decade. Such change in the model is driven by a significant decrease in cloud cover due to the evolution of greenhouse gases in the future and an insignificant trend in total ozone. If our estimates prove to be true, then it is likely that the process of climate change will overwhelm the effect of ozone recovery on UV-B irradiance in midlatitudes.


Three Mather-type focus devices with capacitor bank energies of 280, 250 and 12 kJ, respectively, have been studied by collective scattering of ruby laser light. In order to determine the thermal plasma parameters and detect the occurrence of suprathermal scattering from plasma turbulences, the frequency and wavevector spectra of the ion feature of scattered light have been measured. All scattering vectors were oriented in an azimuthal plane perpendicular to the focus pinch axis. The measured plasma temperature and densities are below 2 keV and 1019 cm-3, respectively. Therefore, only a few per cent of the observed neutron emission from the studied focus plasmas can be of thermonuclear origin. During the compression phase, and after maximum compression during the rise of the neutron emission, suprathermal forward scattering has been observed. This is interpreted as scattering from enhanced density fluctuations due to plasma turbulences, which may take part in the heating of the focus plasma and the acceleration of the high-energy deuterons which are responsible for the dominant neutron generation in the focus plasma by beam-target reactions. The results are in agreement with those of former light scattering measurements at lower energy focus devices.


Possession is one of the basic concepts in human society, and there is hardly a language without possessive expressions. We start with the English possessive ``'s" and the preposition ``of," the Spanish and French ``de," the Chinese ``de" and the Japanese ``no." Possessive expressions are ambiguous. For example, ``Mary's book" can mean the book that Mary owns or the book that Mary wrote. The purpose of this book is to provide means for possessive disambiguation, and to enable the interpretation of the semantic relations between the possessor and the possessee. The Generative Lexicon Theory (GL), which has been considered to be a powerful tool for disambiguation of possessives, is found to be insufficient for Japanese possessives such as ``boshi-no hito" (the hat lady). Therefore, this book modifies GL and supplement lexical semantic information with another submodule. The Extended GL, what I call, provides means to predict the maximum possible kinds of relations between ``hat" and ``the lady."


Results of updated compilations and geothermal investigations carried out during the period of 2004 to 2008 have allowed determination of geothermal gradients and heat flow in 538 sites in the Parana Basin and nearby regions. The results obtained indicate substantial variations in geothermal gradients with values in the range of 10 and 54oC/km. There are corresponding variations in heat flow with values in the range of 34 to 102mW/m2. Prominent among these is the major geothermal anomaly along the northwestern border of the basin, extending from western parts of Paraguay to northern parts of Goias. This belt of high thermal gradients is approximately coincident with the Brazilian Lineament. Maps of regional distribution indicate the existence of a southeast – northwest trending belt of relatively high geothermal gradients and heat flow, passing through the middle part of the Parana basin. The northern and southern parts of the basin that bound this central belt are found to have moderate values of geothermal gradients.


The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of urantide on the expression status of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the inflammatory cytokines monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the aortas of rats with atherosclerosis (AS), and to identify its underlying mechanisms. The effects of urantide in a rat model of AS and in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were analyzed via hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and ELISA. The results in vivo demonstrated that urantide downregulated the expression of inflammatory mediators CRP and MCP-1 and upregulated the expression of TGF-β. The results in vitro indicated that urantide inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs. In addition, urantide reduced the expression of CRP and downregulated the secretion of TGF-β in the culture supernatant. In conclusion, urantide ameliorated the arterial inflammatory damage that was observed in the AS rat model at the cell and tissue levels by controlling the expression of CRP and the inflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and TGF-β. Therefore, urantide may be a potential agent for the complementary treatment of AS.


The global COVID-19 pandemic underscores the dire need of effective antivirals. Encouraging progress has been made in developing small molecule inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and main protease (Mpro). However, the development of papain-like protease (PLpro) inhibitors faces several obstacles. Nevertheless, PLpro represents a high-profile drug target given its multifaceted roles in viral replication. PLpro is involved in not only the cleavage of viral polyprotein but also modulation of host immune response. In this study, we conducted a drug-repurposing screening of PLpro against the MedChemExpress bioactive compound library and identified three hits, EACC, KY-226, and tropifexor, as potent PLpro inhibitors with IC50 values ranging from 3.39 to 8.28 µM. The three hits showed dose-dependent binding to PLpro in the thermal shift assay. In addition, tropifexor inhibited the cellular PLpro activity in the FlipGFP assay with an IC50 of 10.6 µM. Gratifyingly, tropifexor showed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in Calu-3 cells with an EC50 of 4.03 µM, a 7.8-fold increase compared to GRL0617 (EC50 = 31.4 µM). Overall, tropifexor represents a novel PLpro inhibitor that can be further developed as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals.


Abstract Objectives To assess the likelihood ratios of diagnostic strategies for pulmonary embolism and to determine their clinical application according to pretest probability. Data sources Medline, Embase, and Pascal Biomed and manual search for articles published from January 1990 to September 2003. Study selection Studies that evaluated diagnostic tests for confirmation or exclusion of pulmonary embolism. Data extracted Positive likelihood ratios for strategies that confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and negative likelihood ratios for diagnostic strategies that excluded a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Data synthesis 48 of 1012 articles were included. Positive likelihood ratios for diagnostic tests were: high probability ventilation perfusion lung scan 18.3 (95% confidence interval 10.3 to 32.5), spiral computed tomography 24.1 (12.4 to 46.7), and ultrasonography of leg veins 16.2 (5.6 to 46.7). In patients with a moderate or high pretest probability, these findings are associated with a greater than 85% post-test probability of pulmonary embolism. Negative likelihood ratios were: normal or near normal appearance on lung scan 0.05 (0.03 to 0.10), a negative result on spiral computed tomography along with a negative result on ultrasonography 0.04 (0.03 to 0.06), and a D-dimer concentration < 500 μg/l measured by quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay 0.08 (0.04 to 0.18). In patients with a low or moderate pretest probability, these findings were associated with a post-test probability of pulmonary embolism below 5%. Spiral computed tomography alone, a low probability ventilation perfusion lung scan, magnetic resonance angiography, a quantitative latex D-dimer test, and haemagglutination D-dimers had higher negative likelihood ratios and can therefore only exclude pulmonary embolism in patients with a low pretest probability. Conclusions The accuracy of tests for suspected pulmonary embolism varies greatly, but it is possible to estimate the range of pretest probabilities over which each test or strategy can confirm or rule out pulmonary embolism.


An electromechanical scanning antenna technique is proposed to provide improved TACAN ground-beacon performance over the full 960-to 1215-Mc band.A radially symmetric, shaped-beam reflector is illuminated by an off-set, radial-pillbox horn. The horn is driven by a radial transmission line which contains a central radiator. Parasitic elements are arranged in dielectric rings positioned concentrically with the central radiator. The rings are rotated uniformly about the center line to generate an amplitude-modulated, omnidirectional azimuth pattern. The complex response of the elements controls the percentage modulation, while the geometry of the reflector and its feed independently control the shape of the elevation pattern. The antenna generates uniform azimuth modulation over the elevation angles of interest.


The first Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy was released in 2002 in the context of the alarming
statistic that almost 5000 people were killed or seriously injured on Tasmanian roads between 1996
and 2006.1 While a shared responsibility approach to driver behaviour (with drivers, regulators, road
designers and managers involved in safer transportation planning) has seen an improvement in road
crash statistics on serious injuries and deaths, the issue of recidivist drink driving has become a focus
of academic and policy interest. A number of Australian and overseas studies have indicated that a
minority of recidivist drink drivers account for a significant proportion of drink driving crashes.2 As
set out at [1.2.5], 2014 Tasmanian data confirm that alcohol continues to be a factor in a significant
proportion of serious casualties (10%) and crashes resulting in death (11%). The role of alcohol as a
major cause of health and social harms including the involvement of alcohol in road traffic accidents
has been recognised in the national policy addressing alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and is clearly
articulated in the National Drug Strategy 2011–2015. 3 From a public health perspective, risky
drinking behaviour was recognised as a challenge that still exists and was identified as a drug specific
priority.
4 Clearly, repeat drink driving is a crucial aspect of risky drinking behaviour; one that has a
profound consequence for public safety and warrants considerable attention from a health and law
enforcement perspective.


Purpose: To examine the association between smoking and participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among low-income families. Design: A quasi-experimental design using pooled cross-sectional data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Diary Survey. Setting: A national, representative sample of US households from 2005 through 2012. Participants: A total of 19 395 low-income households. Measures: US poverty thresholds were used, in conjunction with household income, to create a sample of families at 130% of the federal poverty level and below. Expenditures on cigarettes and self-reported enrollment in SNAP were used to measure smoking behavior and program participation, respectively. Analysis: Estimation of a maximum likelihood model was used to predict the probability of smoking given participation in SNAP. Results: The SNAP participation among low-income households was associated with a 30% (P < .01) increase in the likelihood of a household containing at least 1 smoker, relative to low-income non-SNAP households. Among smokers, SNAP households do not spend more money on tobacco products than non-SNAP households. Conclusion: Given the strong association found between SNAP participation and smoking, connecting program participants who smoke to effective smoking cessation programs could be an effective tool in reducing the prevalence of smoking among the low-income population. States have a unique opportunity to use SNAP-Education programs to integrate tobacco prevention and cessation into curriculum for direct client impact.


Maize based cropping pattern is the most important pattern for food security in the mid hills of Nepal where agriculture is the mainstay for livelihood. Maize is the second most important staple food in Nepal. This cropping pattern finds its position in excessively drained, slopy land, shallow soil depth prone to moisture deficit and low soil fertility. Because of lack of irrigation, most of the slopy lands in mid hills are unsuitable for rice production. The study has been carried out to monitor sustainability of this system and finding causes of productivity declination of the system. Organic matter content has been higher in slopy land than flat land owing to the application of farm yard manure in the former while flat land receives more urea. Integration of livestock and forestry with that of agriculture is the common rule in mid hills of Nepal. The traditional system of livestock rearing and access to the forest resources couldn't be further sustainable as pressure on the limited arable lands had increased due to the continuous growth rate of human population and the related consequences. Traditional grazing practice contributes to the land degradation. Slopy lands are not poor in terms of phosphorus and potash contents; however, it is severely poor in nitrogen content. Soil conservation measures have not been initiated in such slopy lands leading to severe erosion each year. This cropping pattern not sustainable anymore. There is the urgent need to initiate practices like erosion control, conservation of nutrients in the soil, using land scientifically and making provision of irrigation to make mid hill slopy lands more productive and sustainable. Planting plants with good anchorage root system, for example grass species, in the eroded slopes could help recover eroded land. Soil erosion control measures should be taken in the danger zones to control further damages. Legume species fodder trees on the terrace risers should be planted to control soil erosion and as source of protein fodder with subsidiary effect on soil fertility improvement.


A turbidite sequence within the Twitya Formation (Windermere Supergroup) in the ackenzie Mountains, northwestern Canada, has yielded an assemblage composed of simple centimetric annuli and discs, which are interpreted as biogenic and referred to Nimbia occlusa Fedonkin, Vendetta ? sp., and Irridinitus ? sp. They occur below a glaciomarine diamictite about 2.5 km below the base of the Cambrian, and they may represent the oldest Ediacaran fossils now known. The find has implications for models that relate the evolution of the Ediacara fauna to the waning of the Varanger glaciation.


Walter Benjamin's Arcades Project (Passagen-Werk) is discussed here as an unacknowledged treatise on methodology: a hermeneutics of the modern city that aims to interpret how a city is evidence of an era's Wollen, its drive to manifest its self–understanding in distinctive material forms. My coinage Stadtwollen alludes to an undervalued source for Benjamin: Alois Riegl's Historical Grammar of the Visual Arts (1897–98), which discusses a Kunstwollen, a collective will to art, or a drive leading a culture to create works of art revealing and predicating its self–understanding. This essay sets Riegl's treatise next to Convolute N of the Passagen-Werk and the project's two Exposés (1931 and 1933) in order to illuminate Benjamin's critical–materialist phenomenology and hermeneutics of the city as encompassing new classes of technical–industrial artifacts–a discourse on method sensitive to the political critiques initiated by Marxism but far outdistancing the claims to epistemological critique made by his era's Marxisms.


The steady state thermal performance of an isolated SO-8 package is experimentally characterized on five thermal test printed circuit boards (PCBs) and the results compared against corresponding numerical predictions. The study includes the low and high conductivity JEDEC standard, FR4 test PCBs and typical application boards. With each PCB displaying a different internal structure and effective thermal conductivity, this study highlights the sensitivity of component operating temperature to the PCB, provides benchmark data for validating PCB numerical modeling methodologies, and helps one assess the applicability of standard junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (/spl theta//sub JA/) data for design purposes on nonstandard PCBs. Measurements of junction temperature and component-PCB surface temperature distributions were used to identify the most appropriate modeling methodology for both the component and the PCB. Based on these results, a new PCB modeling methodology is proposed that conserves the need for modeling detail without compromising prediction accuracy.


Background Evaluation of flow diversion treatment of intracranial aneurysms is difficult owing to lack of knowledge of the target hemodynamic environment. Objective To identify hemodynamic conditions created after flow diversion that induce fast aneurysm occlusion. Methods Two groups of aneurysms treated with flow diverters alone were selected: (a) aneurysms completely occluded at 3 months (fast occlusion), and (b) aneurysms patent or incompletely occluded at 6 months (slow occlusion). A total of 23 aneurysms were included in the study. Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics models were constructed and used to characterize the hemodynamic environment immediately before and after treatment. Average post-treatment hemodynamic conditions between the fast and slow occlusion groups were statistically compared. Results Aneurysms in the fast occlusion group had significantly lower post-treatment mean velocity (fast=1.13cm/s, slow=3.11cm/s, p=0.02), inflow rate (fast=0.47mL/s, slow=1.89mL/s, p=0.004) and shear rate (fast=20.52 1/s, slow=32.37 1/s, p=0.02) than aneurysms in the slow occlusion group. Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that mean post-treatment velocity, inflow rate, and shear rate below a certain threshold could discriminate between aneurysms of the fast and slow occlusion groups with good accuracy (84%, 77%, and 76%, respectively). Conclusions The occlusion time of cerebral aneurysms treated with flow diverters can be predicted by the hemodynamic conditions created immediately after device implantation. Specifically, low post-implantation flow velocity, inflow rate, and shear rate are associated with fast occlusion times.


lowing be discontinued under infectious diseases statutes: beriberi, chickenpox or varicella, coastal fever, encephalitis lethargica, erysipelas, favus, helminthiasis, influenza, measles, membranous croup, relapsing fever, scabies, venereal disease, whooping-cough. The list of diseases in the table as it now appears conforms to these recommendations, and it will be understood that the alternative titles adopted have the significance indicated in the Council's third recommendation. Some States of the Commonwealth have already adopted the recommended system. Others must first amend the relevant legislation. It is to be hoped that it will soon come into general use for the sake of desirable clarity and simplicity, as well as the elimination of unsatisfactory or outmoded terminology.


Black Death—the bubonic plague—probably reached Europe from Asia in 1346, and later outbreaks were thought to have arrived from the east via a similar route. Now, scientists have evidence that a virulent strain of the Black Death bacterium lurked for centuries in Europe while also working its way back to Asia. At the recent Society for American Archaeology meeting, researchers reported analyzing the remains of medieval victims in London; Barcelona, Spain; and near the Volga River in Russia. They determined that the victims all died of a highly similar strain of Yersinia pestis , the plague bacterium, which had mutated in Europe and then traveled eastward. A descendant of the 14th century plague may also have caused more recent outbreaks, in East Asia in the 19th and 20th centuries and in Madagascar today.


PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of different surface pretreatment techniques on the surface roughness and shear bond strength of a new self-adhering flowable composite resin for use with lithium disilicate-reinforced CAD/CAM ceramic material. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of one hundred thirty lithium disilicate CAD/CAM ceramic plates with dimensions of 6 mm × 4 mm and 3 mm thick were prepared. Specimens were then assigned into five groups (n=26) as follows: untreated control, coating with 30 µm silica oxide particles (Cojet™ Sand), 9.6% hydrofluoric acid etching, Er:YAG laser irradiation, and grinding with a high-speed fine diamond bur. A self-adhering flowable composite resin (Vertise Flow) was applied onto the pre-treated ceramic plates using the Ultradent shear bond Teflon mold system. Surface roughness was measured by atomic force microscopy. Shear bond strength test were performed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Surface roughness data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD tests. Shear bond strength test values were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at α=.05. RESULTS Hydrofluoric acid etching and grinding with high-speed fine diamond bur produced significantly higher surface roughness than the other pretreatment groups (P<.05). Hydrofluoric acid etching and silica coating yielded the highest shear bond strength values (P<.001). CONCLUSION Self-adhering flowable composite resin used as repair composite resin exhibited very low bond strength irrespective of the surface pretreatments used.


Heart rate and flow velocity in the common carotid artery were examined on eight subjects in various underwater conditions. The heart rate decreased more markedly during whole-body immersion than during head-out immersion. The end-diastolic flow velocity and the flow-velocity integral in a cardiac cycle during whole-body immersion increased more markedly than during head-out immersion. Differences in heart rate and flow velocity were not detected between sitting and prone positions in whole-body immersion. Heart rate increased at the beginning and after underwater swimming. The peak systolic flow velocity increased significantly after the end of underwater swimming. The flow-velocity integral in a cardiac cycle decreased during underwater swimming, but in a minute did not change significantly. These results suggest that facial immersion is important in eliciting pronounced carotid artery flow-velocity response in addition to the heart-rate response and that underwater exercise influences these responses. However, underwater posture apparently does not influence them.


Objective:To study the relationship between cerebrovascular accident complication and plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(Hs-CRP) level in patients with chronic renal failure.Methods:Twenty-eight cases of chronic renal failure with cerebrovascular accident complication(groupA) and 32 cases without cerebrovascular accident complication(group B)were detected of the levels of plasma Hs-CRP,age,plasma triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(CHO),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL),serum creatinine(Scr),plasma albumin(ALB)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN).The results were compared with those of 30 healthy ontrols(group C).Results:The level of plasma Hs-CRP in group A and group B was significantly increased compaired with that of group C(P0.01).The level of plasma Hs-CPR in group A was significantly increased compared with that of group B and the difference was great(P0.01).The level of Hs-CRP was apparently affected by plasma triglycericle TG,CHO,HDL,Scr,ALB and BUN,but had no relations with age(P0.05).Conclusions:The Hs-CRP level is high in patients with chronic renal failure accompanied by cerebrovascular accident complication.Observation of Hs-CRP level is essential to predict the occurrence of cerebrovascular accident complicatio in patients with chronic renal failure.


Krzic, M., Lamagna, S. F., Newman, R. F., Bradfield, G. and Wallace, B. M. 2014. Long-term grazing effects on rough fescue grassland soils in southern British Columbia. Can. J. Soil Sci. 94: 337-345. Rough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb.) is a highly palatable forage species with little resistance to continuous grazing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term cattle grazing on soil properties, above-ground biomass, and canopy cover of key grass species on rough fescue grasslands in the southern interior British Columbia. Soil and vegetation properties were determined on a total of six open grassland sites located at the Lac du Bois and Hamilton Mountain. At all sites, grazing use has decreased over time, with the heaviest grazing occurring prior to 1960. The long-term (25-75 yr) elimination of grazing on these semi-arid grasslands has led to greater above-ground biomass and canopy cover of rough fescue, as well as increased soil polysaccharides; however, no differences in total soil C, N, and aggregate stability were found between pastures with and without grazing. Both soil bulk density and mechanical resistance were greater on grazed plots compared with those without grazing, with differences being more pronounced at the Hamilton Mountain location. The current grazing regime has not allowed for the elimination of negative effects of overgrazing on soil compaction on these rough fescue grasslands, especially at the location that continued to be grazed more heavily (i.e., Hamilton Mountain). Our findings suggest that soils in these grazing-sensitive grasslands need more than 75 yr to fully recover from the impacts of overgrazing.


This paper presents the findings of research into the distribution of the rewards from capital used in defence production. Much existing research has examined the supply chain in the production of defence goods, but there have been few attempts to look at the ownership of suppliers. First, the paper examines two theoretical issues: why the identity of shareholders in defence contractors should have any economic or political significance, and whether the use of capital in defence industries should in principle be expected to be the same as that in any other industry. It then investigates the identity and ownership of the contractors concerned in 2003-4, using several case studies. It finds that many of the largest suppliers to the UK government are foreign-owned or controlled, and it finds evidence of a surprising degree of American equity participation in major British contractors.


Purpose The aim of this study was to design and build porous microstructures with shape memory behaviour using biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) dimethacrylate macromers. These microstructures could be advantageous for tissue engineering and other advanced biomedical applications. Methods Porous structures with a gyroid pore network architecture showing average pore sizes of 930 μm and complete pore interconnectivity were prepared by stereolithography. Built structures were characterized by micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). Shape recovery and shape fixity of microstructures after 40% and 70% compression were evaluated. Results At 37 °C the flexible structures showed compression modulus values of 60 KPa and could be fully compressed. Thermal analysis showed that the built networks were amorphous with Tg values of 23 °C. After compression to 40 and 70%, shape fixity and shape recovery of the structures at respectively 0 °C and 37 °C was almost quantitative. Conclusions The well-defined pore network characteristics and the shape-memory properties of these structures allow their use as deployable tissue engineering scaffolds.


Over the last decades, the use of mobile phone has brought a great convenience and contributions to society in daily life. Online shopping takes a large portion of users' online activities. Due to this, the availability and the adequate assessment of this situation is becoming increasingly requires. Eye-tracking technology has been claimed that the use of the technology can be easy to study on how users interact with the visual elements within the mobile applica-tions. Currently, mobile app developers are facing the issues of limited guidelines for a proper mobile app user interface design. Moreover, the bad interaction between a user and interface design could lead to failure of the mo-bile app development. Besides, different users' expectation in online shopping could be affected by gender, genera-tion or shopping behavior. Thus, further study is needed to solve these problems. The aim of this research is to explore the Eye-tracking technology and the analysis method used for user interface design of shopping mobile web app, meanwhile, to explore the standard interface design for a shopping mobile web app. This paper will pre-sent the preliminary analysis result of Eye-tracking data on existing designed guideline and the discussion of the future works.


ABSTRACT Eighty Vibrio cholerae O1 strains selected to represent the 1998-to-1999 history of the largest cholera epidemic in Kenya were characterized by ribotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility, and random amplified polymorphic DNA patterns. Except for 19 strains from 4 local outbreaks in North Eastern Province along the Somalia border, the other 61 strains from 25 outbreaks occurring in districts scattered around the country were all ribotype B27 and resistant to chloramphenicol, spectinomycin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim. The 61 strains showed similar and specific amplified DNA patterns. These findings indicate that the predominant strains that caused the Kenyan epidemic had a clonal origin and suggest that ribotype B27 strains, which first appeared in West Africa in 1994, have had a rapid spread to eastern Africa.


In this article, we introduce a new concept for the future information environment, called an "ambient information environment (AmIE)." We first explain it, especially emphasizing the difference from the existing ubiquitous information environment (UbIE), which is an interaction between users and environments. Then, we focus on an ambient networking environment (AmNE) which supports the AmIE as a networking infrastructure. Our approach of a biologically inspired framework is next described in order to demonstrate why such an approach is necessary in the AmIE. Finally, we show some example for building the AmNE.


The purpose of this study was to attain an understanding of knowledge, attitudes and use of contraception amongst learners attending a high school in Mdantsane. A quantitative, descriptive survey was conducted. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was self-administered by 150 female learners. These learners were doing grade 10-12 and were aged between 18-20 years. The findings indicated that 86.67% of the learners understood contraception as prevention of pregnancy, only 8.67% understood contraception as prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The 66.3% of learners had positive attitude towards contraceptives. The 77.27% of the learners were using injectable contraceptives. The main reason for stopping use of contraception was side effects.

Majority of learners had basic knowledge of contraceptives, but knew few types and did not know their mechanism of action. Most learners had positive attitude and were using contraceptives.


An adaptive technique adopting hierarchical genetic algorithms (HGA) for wideband antenna impedance tuning is presented in the paper. Three simulation examples are given for GSM, UMTS and both standards, with different types of antenna impedance. The frequency range of the dual standards is from 1.7 to 2.2GHz. Simulation results show that the proposed tuning technique can achieve good accuracy of impedance matching and load power. The reflection coefficient and VSWR obtained are also very close to their ideal values. Comparison of the proposed H GA tuning method with conventional genetic algorithm based tuning method is also given, which shows that the H GA tuning algorithm is much faster. Moreover, the proposed method can be useful for software defined radio systems using a single antenna for multiple mobile and wireless bands.


Recently it has been found out that, at least 60 countries in the world are contaminated by landmines. These landmines have become a growing concern, due to their threat to lives of human and cattle. There are more than 50–100 million landmines still not diffused in more than 50 countries like Egypt, Angola, Iran, Afghanistan, Cambodia, etc. Though several countries have started taking some important measures like funding the demining projects, training people with demining techniques, etc., landmines have become a major threat to the mortals. There are many detection techniques, but most of these involve humans, which in turn creates a great threat to their lives and limbs. The autonomous swarm based landmine detecting robots proposed in this paper involves a swarm of robots that could autonomously detect landmines and share the location to the control station. The algorithm and the theoretical concepts are shaped into a working model. This paper gives the reader a clear picture about how these robots help in demining.


A job application letter is the first business document that an applicant encounters in workplace correspondence. Despite its importance, however, the genre is understudied. The present study was conducted to examine the schematic structure: move patterns and communicative purposes of moves in job application letters written in English by a group of applicants, so as to gain an understanding of their lacks and needs when writing the letter. Discourse and genre analysis make up the research design. Genre theory and the theory of cooperation in communication were used to guide the study; Bhatia's (1993) framework for moves in job letters and Grice's (1975) model for cooperation in communication were used as the frameworks for analysis. Data constituted authentic letters of application to a Malaysian small to medium enterprise. The findings show that Malaysian fresh graduates use a 5-move structure and have, to a certain extent, grasped the basic format of the job application letter. Nonetheless, they still have problems in writing an effective letter. The problematic moves are Essential Detailing of Candidature, Indicating Value of Candidature and Offering Incentives. The moves lack clarity and textualisation in terms of quantity and quality of semantic content and linguistic input. As a result, self-appraisal is weak because applicants are unable to promote and present their individuality as useful and valuable persons to the company with unique achievements, abilities and skills. The study gives insights into the use of multiple theories and analytic methods for doing a genre analysis and the findings are useful for teaching and learning letter writing in the contexts of ESL, EAP and ESP.


Consider the one-dimensional wave equation on a unit interval, where the left-end boundary condition is linear, pumping energy into the system, while the right-end boundary condition is self-regulating of the van der Pol type with a cubic nonlinearity. Then for a certain parameter range it is now known that chaotic vibration occurs. However, if the right-end van der Pol boundary condition contains an extra linear displacement feedback term, then it induces a memory effect and considerable technical difficulty arises as to how to define and determine chaotic vibration of the system. In this paper, we take advantage of the extra margin property of the reflection map and utilize properties of homoclinic orbits coupled with a perturbation approach to show that for a small parameter range, chaotic vibrations occur in the sense of unbounded growth of snapshots of the gradient. The work also has significant implications to the occurrence of chaotic vibration for the wave equation on a 3D annular domain.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the clinical and immunological changes encountered in patients with vitiligo in Al-Ain population, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

DESIGN
This is a prospective descriptive hospital-based study.

SETTING
Al-Ain Medical District, Al-Ain Hospital, United Arab Emirates.

SUBJECTS
Patients who were seen at Al-Ain hospital for skin diseases during 1996.

RESULTS
The study was based on 65 patients. The sample consisted 32 (49%) males and 33 (51%) females. The mean and standard deviation of age for males were 38.6 +/- 13.5 years and for females were 35.1 +/- 15.9 years. Most of the patients were UAE, Omani and Pakistani nationals. Positive family history of vitiligo was found in 19% of the patients. Association with other immune diseases was found in 6% of the patients while one or more organ specific antibodies, all of whom were females, most of them had positive history of autoimmune diseases.

CONCLUSION
Vitiligo is more common among UAE nationals since the UAE community including a multi-national society.


Abstract Nanofibers with diameters of tens of nanometers appear to be an intrinsic morphological unit that was found to "naturally" form in the early stage of the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. In conventional polymerization, nanofibers are subject to secondary growth of irregularly shaped particles, which leads to the final granular agglomerates. The key to producing pure nanofibers is to suppress secondary growth. Based on this, two methods - interfacial polymerization and rapidly mixed reactions - have been developed that can readily produce pure nanofibers by slightly modifying the conventional chemical synthesis of polyaniline without the need for any template or structural directing material. With this nanofiber morphology, the dispersibility and processibility of polyaniline are now much improved. The nanofibers show dramatically enhanced performance over conventional polyaniline applications such as in chemical sensors. They can also serve as a template to grow inorganic/polyaniline nanocomposites that lead to exciting properties such as electrical bistability that can be used for nonvolatile memory devices. Additionally, a novel flash welding technique for the nanofibers has been developed that can be used to make asymmetric polymer membranes, form patterned nanofiber films, and create polymer-based nanocomposites based on an enhanced photothermal effect observed in these highly conjugated polymeric nanofibers.


Education exacerbates partisan gaps in scientific knowledge and attitudes. However, previous findings about the extent and symmetry of this moderation have been mixed. As a conceptual replication of previous research, this study examines whether education asymmetrically moderates the Democrat-Republican gap in attitudes about Ebola virus disease (EVD) and policies to combat EVD. Weighted data from a survey of 1,461 non-institutionalized adults drawn from a probability-based panel were collected during the 2015 EVD epidemic. The survey measured seven attitudes: fear of personal infection, estimated severity of Ebola, suspicion of exposed Africans, suspicion of exposed Americans, Western government preparedness, support for low-intensity interventions, and support for high-intensity interventions. Knowledge about EVD was also measured. As in prior studies, highly educated Democrats uniquely diverged from other respondents in some attitudes. However, in the other attitudes, there were main party and education effects but no evidence that education was a moderator of partisan differences. Overall, education moderated partisanship when attitudes were affect-laden and targeted toward immediate threats, but not when attitudes were policy-oriented.


This study deals with some psycopathological features of naawtal. Naawtal is a Wolof word designating a social practice based on black magic that consists in ostracizing someone to prevent him from competing for a common goal or approaching a loved one. This traditional practice leads to involuntary migration from one place to another in the country. The survival of this practice in the socio-economic context of modern Senegal and indeed its extension to social classes not previously involved, reflects individual suffering, collective malaise, and ongoing social adjustments. Analysis of the practice of naawtal not only distinguishes motives, author, means of casting the spell (involving birds and wind), and the way to break the spell but also underlies the essential place of sexual identity with the notion of greater female vulnerability. To illustrate this article, the case of a woman persecuted by auditory hallucinations is analyzed in the light of the syndrome of mental and motor automatism characteristic of the diagnosis of chronic hallucinatory psychosis. The basic notion of internal exile and drifting contained in this traditional representation of mental illness is called on to explain the psychopathologic features. The authors emphasize the value of the reference to naawtal in the therapeutic relationship in helping to achieve acceptance of psychiatry in Africa.


The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the false recognition phenomenon in persons with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and those with Lewy-body disease (LBD). Patients with LBD (n = 10) or FTD (n = 15) and their corresponding controls (n = 30) were subjected to the Deese–Roediger–McDermott (DRM) paradigm to induce false recognition. Patients were first presented with items semantically related to a nonpresented critical target. The critical target was later included in a word list shown to patients to assess level of recognition. Both groups of patients showed a reduced level of false recognition of the critical target when controlling for their overall level of false alarms. This reduction was greater in persons with LBD than in those with FTD. Correlational analyses of performance on neuropsychological tests and the DRM variables indicated that the reduced DRM effect was associated with inhibition deficits in patients with LBD and with inhibition deficits and verbal memory in those with FTD. Our results support current models suggesting that these cognitive components contribute to the false recognition


Shows with the help of statistical data  that interestingly larger numbers of women are entering the judicial career in Portugal, occupying  responsible positions in the courts at all levels, since 25th April change in political life. Concludes that in practice nothing prevents men and women from sharing the same professional responsibilities, enriching thereby the social life. Ke-words: Women, judiciary, tribunals, justice.


A wind tunnel test of an America's Cup keel model is used for validation of one Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) code and one potential flow/boundary layer code. The effects of grid size, stagnation point anomaly and turbulence model on the RANS results are discussed. Various setups of the potential flow code are compared. The ability of both codes to predict forces and trends is shown. The errors of the RANS code are slightly larger than the experimental error, whereas the potential flow/boundary layer results are within the experimental uncertainty, provided that a correct panelization is used. A comparison of the experimental wake flow pattern to the one computed with RANS is presented. The k-w turbulence model is shown to give the best predictions of the wake.


Background: Given that alterations in systemic hemodynamics have a profound influence on renal function in patients with cirrhosis, it is surprising that circadian variations in blood pressure (BP) and renal electrolyte excretion have scarcely been studied. Our aims were to define the relationship of 24‐h ambulatory BP changes with renal tubular function and to determine the influence of endotoxemia on BP and urinary parameters. Methods: Forty healthy controls served as a comparator to 20 cirrhotic patients. They underwent 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring and 24‐h urine collection. Results: Subjects with cirrhosis demonstrated significant diurnal variations in urinary excretion of sodium (57.7 &mgr;mol/min day versus 87 &mgr;mol/min night) and creatinine (826 &mgr;g/min day versus 1202 &mgr;g/min night). Increasing severity of cirrhosis was associated with a progressive reduction in ambulatory awake systolic (P‐trend = 0.015), diastolic (P‐trend < 0.001) and mean BP (P‐trend < 0.001). In patients with cirrhosis, the magnitude of change in BP from awake to sleep state was blunted for systolic BP (5% reduction, P = 0.039) and pulse rate (2% reduction, P < 0.001). The amplitude of variation in pulse rate was blunted with increasing severity of cirrhosis (controls 6.5, Child‐Pugh Class A 5.3, Child B 3.4, Child C 1.2, P = 0.03) and the acrophase was right‐shifted with increasing severity of cirrhosis. Compared with sleep state, during the awake state, endotoxin was associated with less sodium excretion and a lower systolic BP. Compared with the awake state, endotoxin was associated with a higher sleeping pulse rate (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with cirrhosis have altered diurnal profiles in renal tubular function and blood pressure that appear to be related to endotoxemia. Determining whether endotoxemia is causally related to these perturbations will require interventional studies.


Abstract Evidence from studies of the employment effects of minimum wages in developing countries is mixed. One interpretation is that there is simply no clear evidence of disemployment effects in developing countries. Instead, however, we find evidence that the heterogeneity is systematic, with estimated effects more consistently negative in studies with relatively more features for which institutional factors and the competitive model more strongly predict negative effects. These features include whether studies: (i) focus on vulnerable workers; (ii) use data for the formal sector; (iii) cover countries where minimum wage laws are strongly enforced; and (iv) estimate effects for countries and periods with binding minimum wages.


chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1]. Will it be meaningful to add prebronchodilator values and reversibility to those criteria? It sounds plausible, but I believe it is not justified. The reason for this is that we should distinguish the criteria for the disease from potentially relevant information on the disease. We all seem to agree that COPD is a disease in which airflow limitation is not fully reversible. The latter points to residual airflow limitation after giving an adequate dose of a bronchodilator: in other words, a lowered ceiling (postbronchodilator value) of spirometry. Would it be helpful to include the reversibility as such? Apart from the different ways of expressing reversibility [2], it appears that the response to a bronchodilator has hardly any diagnostic value for COPD [3], whilst being very poorly reproducible [4]. As indicated in my editorial, this is not unexpected since the prebronchodilator value of forced expiratory volume in one second and, thereby, its reversibility towards the postbronchodilator ceiling value is modulated by variable degrees of smooth muscle contraction. Therefore, the prebronchodilator value, as well as the reversibility, does not seem to be an adequate criterion as to whether airflow limitation is "not fully reversible". Does this mean that reversibility is a useless index? No, certainly not. The degree of reversibility may point towards clinically and pathophysiologically relevant phenotypes of COPD. What are the determinants of smooth muscle contraction in this disease? We don9t know, but there is recent evidence that patients with a substantial degree of reversibility of their airflow limitation (notwithstanding their abnormal postbronchodilator value) do have certain specific characteristics, such as elevated levels of exhaled nitric oxide and sputum eosinophilia [5], together with blood eosinophilia and reduced levels of neutrophil activation [6]. Hence, indeed, there is a message that needs to be taken seriously in measuring reversibility, despite its poor reproducibility [4]. Taken together, when distinguishing the strict criteria for the definition and classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from other potentially useful information on the clinical phenotype of the disease, D. Lee and myself do seem to agree. I thank him for his comments.


To attend or not to attend, that is the question. The Pittsburgh Conference continues to pose this conundrum to conferees and exhibitors alike. This year's conference was the first to be presented without a set of paper abstracts—a good thing some would say but this old codger always used the paper abstracts to select papers of interest to our readership and to seek a full publication. The exhibit took its usual format but it seemed that there were less manufacturers present. The information presented to the attendees was also lacking and many companies' details were missing from the final program book, an omission no doubt on their behalf—my company was one of these—however I feel sure that past Pittcon organizers would have been more persistent in getting the required details for the audience. As is now the norm, many of the presentations take the form of posters displayed within the exhibition area. Without a driver to get the audience there, the traffic was slow, to say the least. Lecture presentations were also attended in a mixed fashion. So the Pittsburgh Conference show moves on, and again next year it will be held in Orlando from 12 March to 17 March 2006. No doubt I will be there making it a straight 31 in a row; in Pittsburgh Conference terms I am just a beginner with many of the attendees making more shows in a run than that. Selected abstracts dealing with topics of interest to the readers of this journal follow—hopefully many of these groups will be willing to publish their work either within this journal or elsewhere.


The psychoanalytic treatment of a 39 year old female cancer patient demonstrates a close connection between psychic factors (cumulative separation trauma, conflict-laden relationship to the mother, oedipal conflicts etc.) and the onset and course of the cancer. After eight years of analytic therapy the cancer symptoms disappeared. The authors formulate the hypothesis that cancer may occur on a primarily somatic or psychic basis.


ABSTRACT How does one design and sustain interdisciplinary, cross-sector collaboration to improve intelligence results for twenty-first century security threats? This paper will analyse five past and present initiatives designed to create interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral collaboration within different agencies of the US Intelligence Community (IC). We will discuss key features of each effort, their successes and challenges, identify common themes and, propose which collaborative model might be most advantageous for a particular type of project based on project constraints. In so doing, we provide direction for IC leaders seeking to improve academia–industry–intelligence partnerships for future planning on intelligence-funded collaborations.


Several studies have shown that an opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone, decreases palatable food consumption. Naltrexone has also been reported to reduce ethanol intake in alcohol-preferring rodents and human alcoholics. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of naltrexone on taste and smell responses in healthy male volunteers. Naltrexone did not alter intensity and pleasantness of sucrose, quinine, citric acid, sodium chloride, and ethanol taste. Similarly, ratings of olfactory stimuli (orange extract and ethanol) and Coca-Cola flavor were not influenced by the opioid antagonist. Our findings may indicate that: (i) naltrexone exerts marginal, if any, effects on gustatory and olfactory responses in humans; (ii) the drug does not alter orosensory responses to ethanol.


Amini S, Nohooji MG, Khani M, Labbafi MR, Khalighi-Sigaroodi f. 2019. Biological activity of some essential oil constituents in four Nepeta L. species against Sitophilus oryzae L.. Biodiversitas 20: 338-343. Recently, there has been a growing interest in research concerning the possible use of plant extracts as alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Essential oils are among the best-known natural substances with insecticidal properties. These compounds may act as fumigants, contact insecticides, repellents, antifeedants and may affect growth and development of the insects. In an attempt to find a natural and inexpensive method for the control of stored-product pests, contact toxicity of essential oils of Nepeta cataria, Nepeta pogonosperma, Nepeta glomerulosa. and Nepeta binaloudensis. were investigated on adult insects of Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) in vitro condition. Chemical Composition, repellency and fumigant toxicity of the essential oils were investigated. Chemical composition of the essential oils of above plants were identified by GC-MS. 4aα,7α,7aβ-nepetalactone (82.74 %) was major component of N. cataria and also different isomers of nepetalactone were among the major compounds in N. Pogonosperma and N. binaloudensis oils. In fumigants bioassay, N. glomerulosa (124.318μL/L air) showed the highest toxicity against S. oryzae adults, followed by N.pogonosperma (150.49μL/L air) and N. cataria (152.630μL/L air), respectively. Also, the S. oryzae was repelled by N. cataria (91.61%) and N. binaloudensis (91.50 %), respectively.


The Dechorinated Zebrafish Embryo Developmental toxicity assay was originally developed from a training set of 31 compounds and reported to be 87% concordant with in vivo teratogenicity data (Brannen, K. C., Panzica-Kelly, J. M., Danberry, T. L., and Augustine-Rauch, K. A. (2010). Development of a zebrafish embryo teratogenicity assay and quantitative prediction model. Birth Defects Res. 89, 66-77.). The assay includes scoring larva treated in a concentration range for malformations of specific morphological structures/organ systems. The model includes identifying a no-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the concentration resulting in 25% lethality (LC25) at 5 days postfertilization. An LC25/NOAEL ratio ≥10 classifies a compound positive for teratogenic potential. A consortium effort evaluated a modified version of this assay which involved enzymatic chorion treatment instead of manual dissection and used experimental replicates for final classification. The modified assay achieved an 85% overall predictivity (Gustafson, A. L., Stedman, D. B., Ball, J., Hillegass, J. M., Flood, A., Zhang, C. X., Panzica-Kelly, J., Cao, J., Coburn, A., Enright, B. P., et al. (2012). Inter-laboratory assessment of a harmonized zebrafish developmental toxicology assay - progress report on phase I. Reprod. Toxicol. 33, 155-164.). The objective of this study was to perform a thorough performance evaluation of the dechorinated assay by repeating the original training set and testing additional compounds in experimental replicates. When the initial training set was repeated with inclusion of experimental replicates, the overall predictivity was 83%. Model performance was tested with an additional 34 compounds and achieved overall predictivity of 74%. When the training and test sets were combined (63 compounds) the assay's final sensitivity was 83% and the specificity was 71%. Total predictivity was 78% with relatively balanced predictivity for nonteratogens (77%) and teratogens (78%). The chorion-off assay achieved superior sensitivity (83%) compared with sensitivity (63-74%) reported by consortium efforts testing a similar assay with chorion-intact embryos (Ball, J. S., Stedman, D. B., Hillegass, J. M., Zhang, C. X., Panzica-Kelly, J., Coburn, A., Enright, B. P., Tornesi, B., Amouzadeh, H. R., Hetheridge, M., et al. (2014). Fishing for teratogens: a consortium effort for a harmonized zebrafish developmental toxicology assay. Toxicol. Sci. 139, 210-219.). Additional protocol modifications were made to increase assay throughput.


Following Leeper, Sims, and Zha (1996), we identify monetary policy shocks in SVARs by restricting the systematic component of monetary policy. In particular, we impose sign and zero restrictions only on the monetary policy equation. Since we do not restrict the response of output to a monetary policy shock, we are agnostic in Uhlig's (2005) sense. But, in contrast to Uhlig (2005), our results support the conventional view that a monetary policy shock leads to a decline in output. Hence, our results show that the contractionary effects of monetary policy shocks do not hinge on questionable exclusion restrictions.


We have studied the effects of introducing phaseshifts in the active section of a m phaseshift-controlled DFB wavelength tunable filter on tuning range, peak power transmissivity and side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR). The analysis indicates that when the filter wavelength tuning range is 22.1 Å for the grating coupling coefficient while maintaining almost constant transmissivity (gain) of more than 35 dB. The filter SMSR ranges from 11.1 to 25.4 dB. The results for asymmetric values of and are also given.


This paper assessed the small-signal stability performance of a multi-converter-based direct current microgrid (DCMG). The oscillation and potential interactions between critical modes are evaluated. First, the complete analytical model of the DCMG is developed with the converter and associated controllers. Three methodologies, impedance scanning, eigenvalue analysis, and time-domain simulation, along with the fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis, have been used to comprehensively investigate the oscillations and interactions. The simulation results show inherent weak modes, with a wide range of oscillations in the studied DCMG, which may destabilize the system under disturbances. Based on the sensitivity analysis, controller gains and DC-link capacitance are identified as the most critical parameters and substantially influence the weak modes leading to oscillations, interactions, and resonance. Finally, the performance of the various control synthesis methods is compared. This examination would help the researchers, planning, and design engineers to design and stably operate a multi converter-based DC microgrid.


We present the capabilities of our new code for obtaining Doppler maps implementing the maximum likelihood approach. As test data, we used observations of the dwarf nova V2051 Ophiuchi. The system was observed in quiescence at least 16 d before the onset of the next outburst. Using Doppler maps obtained for ten emission lines covering three orbital cycles, we detected spiral structures in the accretion disc of V2051 Oph. However, these structures could be biased as our data sampled the orbital period of the binary at only eight different orbital phases. Our Doppler maps show evolution from a one-arm wave structure in H$\alpha$ to two-armed waves in the other lines. The location of the two-arm structures agrees with simulations showing tidally driven spiral waves in the accretion disc. During consecutive cycles, the qualitative characteristics of the detected structures remained similar but the central absorption increased. For the first time, using the Doppler tomography method, we obtained temperature maps of the accretion disc. However, taking into account all the assumptions involved when using our method to retrieve them, the result should be treated with caution. Our maps present a relatively flat distribution of the temperature over the disc, showing no temperature increase at the location of the spiral arms. Using `ring masking', we have revealed an ionized region located close to the expected location of stream--disc interactions. We found the average temperature of the accretion disc to be 5600 K, which is below the critical limit deduced from the disc instability model.


ABSTRACT This paper proposes a novel observer/controller identification method for identifying the minimally realised equivalent (reduced-order) mathematical models in the block observer/controller-canonical forms of the unknown (i) open-loop system, (ii) existing feedback/feedforward controllers and/or (iii) observer, based on available measurements of the operating closed-loop system. By skipping the singular value decomposition procedure and without involving the model conversion of the identified model from the general coordinate into the block observer/controller-canonical forms during the identification process, the proposed method is able to directly realise the identified parameters in the minimally realised block observer/controller-canonical forms. This simplifies the system identification process. The new procedures enable us to enhance the computational aspects of designing self-tuning controllers for online adaptive control of (a class of) multivariable systems and to improve the tracking performance considerably. As a result, the newly proposed compensation improvement approach is able to compensate the undesirable operating controller.


Due to the utilization of overlapped dipole resonances, traditional Huygens' metasurfaces suffer from dipole interactions. In this Letter, we propose a design of phase-gradient Huygens' metasurface based on the quadrupole resonances excited in the cross-shaped structures. The quadrupole resonances are theoretically shown insensitive to the quadrupole interactions. Benefiting from this intrinsic property, the proposed metasurface can well suppress element interaction influence and exhibits some impressive properties, including the ability to suppress high diffraction orders, tunable anomalous refractive angles, and high transmission efficiency. The numerical results show promising potential for quadrupole resonances to be applied in advanced Huygens' metasurface designs.


In today's fiercely competitive market, embedded software development teams are driven to do more with less: reduce time to market, costs and risk, while improving quality and predictability. There is also an increasing need to deliberately organise the teams that initially involves the division of the project into tasks; the selection of the right people; and the correct allocation of those tasks for the selected people. Team configuration process is typically performed by a project manager based on his/her past experience and the available (though frequently scarce, uncertain and dynamic) information about the cognitive, emotion and social characteristics of the potential team members. To support this decision-making process we propose the Fuzzy Belief-Desire-Intention architecture, a multiagent approach that given an initial team configuration and a set of tasks, simulates the most possible team performance. Its architecture bases are fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic and it is implemented using Multiagent Systems technology in Java and Jadex. Tests have been carried out in which the architecture has been applied to a set of tasks involving the embedded software development. The result predicted by our architecture with the performance of an engineering team in a real industrial project is made.


Abstract This article analyses the knowledge, perception and participation of university students in NGOs. The social group analysed has a very positive perception towards volunteering as well as a life situation and preparation that, in theory, facilitates their participation in such activities. However, their effective participation is much lower than the levels shown by potential volunteers who would like to participate. We have identified two elements that stand between the possibility and reality: the lack of information and the time available. In this sense, universities appear as institutions capable of connecting the needs and demands of NGOs and students.


Background According to the 2012 ACR guidelines (1) anti-inflammatory prophylaxis is recommended when urate lowering drugs (ULDs) are initiated and should be continued if there is continuing gout activity and/or serum urate (SU) target has not been achieved. Objectives To record prophylaxis using the CORRONA Gout Registry, evaluate according to the ACR guidelines and analyze whether differences in disease characteristics influenced use of prophylaxis. Methods Gout patients in the Registry were divided into 2 groups: "on prophylaxis" versus "not on prophylaxis" at time of enrollment. If at time of enrollment the patient was on one of the following: oral colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prednisone ≤10mg/d or an aninterleukin-1 inhibitor and did not have a flare the patient was considered "on prophylaxis". It is possible that a patient in the "not on prophylaxis" group could be on one of the aforementioned drugs due to drug dosage or flare at visit. Student's two-sample t-test and Chi-square test (or Fisher's Exact test if cell size <5) were used to compare factors between the "on prophylaxis" and "not on prophylaxis" groups. Results 1167 gout patients were available for analysis in the CORRONA Gout Registry. 436 (37.4%) were on prophylaxis and 731 (62.6%) were not on prophylaxis. Prophylaxis included: colchicine 69% (n=302), NSAIDs 34% (n=149) (ibuprofen (n=59), indomethacin (n=53), celexoxib (n=53), prednisone 19% (n=81), methylprednisolone 7% (n=17), and anakinra 3% (n=3). ULDs included: allopurinol 68% (n=796), febuxostat 15% (n=176), probenecid 2% (n=19) and pegloticase 0.1% (n=8)). 292 (67%) of patients on prophylaxis had disease duration ≥1 yr. Patients "on prophylaxis" were more likely to have: gout duration <1 yr (n=144) (p=0.016);≥1 flare in yr previous to enrollment (p<0.001) and ≥1 health care utilizations in the last yr: emergency department (p=0.002); outpatient visit (p<0.001); or ≥1 flare but did not seek care (p<0.001). Patients "on prophylaxis" were more likely to have SU ≥6mg/dl (p=0.028); be on allopurinol doses >300mg/d (p=0.015) or febuxostat 80mg/d (p=0.001); have tophi (p=0.003); report pain >3 (p=0.039) and disease activity >10 (p<0.001) compared to patients "not on prophylaxis". Conclusions 37.4% of gout patients in the CORRONA Gout Registry were on prophylaxis. Colchicine (used by 69%) and NSAIDs (used by 34%) were the most common drugs used for prophylaxis. Prophylaxis was significantly more common in patients with: higher disease burden: gout duration <1 yr; ≥1 flare in yr previous to enrollment; greater heath care utilization; higher ULD dose; tophi; greater disease activity reported and SU ≥6mg/dl. This was in agreement with the ACR guidelines which support prophylaxis in patients with continuing disease activity and/or in patients whose SU was ≥6mg/dl. Many patients on prophylaxis had disease duration ≥1 yr suggesting that further studies are needed to assess appropriate length of prophylaxis. Our study highlights gout disease characteristics influencing use of prophylaxis and furthers our knowledge on current use of prophylaxis. References Khanna et al. Arthritis Care Res 2012;64:1447. Acknowledgements This study is sponsored by CORRONA. Initial funding for the CORRONA Gout registry was provided by Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc. In the last two years, AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Genentech, Horizon Pharma, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Savient, Vertex, and UCB have supported CORRONA through contracted subscriptions. Disclosure of Interest N. Schlesinger Grant/research support: Novartis, Consultant for: Novartis, Sobi, Speakers bureau: Novartis, Takeda, Savient, C. Etzel Employee of: CORRONA, Inc. employee, J. Greenberg Shareholder of: CORRONA Inc., Consultant for: AstraZeneca and Pfizer, Employee of: CORRONA, Inc. employee, J. Kremer Shareholder of: CORRONA Inc., Employee of: CORRONA, Inc. employee, L. Harrold Grant/research support: Takeda, Astra Zeneca DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.2412


We consider the problem of finding the closest lattice point to a vector in n-dimensional Euclidean space when each component of the vector is available at a distinct node in a network. Our objectives are (i) minimize the communication cost and (ii) obtain the error probability. The approximate closest lattice point considered here is the one obtained using the nearest-plane (Babai) algorithm. Assuming a triangular special basis for the lattice, we develop communication-efficient protocols for computing the approximate lattice point and determine the communication cost for lattices of dimension n>1. Based on available parameterizations of reduced bases, we determine the error probability of the nearest plane algorithm for two dimensional lattices analytically, and present a computational error estimation algorithm in three dimensions. For dimensions 2 and 3, our results show that the error probability increases with the packing density of the lattice.


This article tries to discuss the vision of Allah {Ru'ya Allah)from the perspertive of Ali's thought. 'Ali bin Abi Talib is chosen because he is among the best Muslim thinkers after the demise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.'a.w). The topic is quite relevant with our current Islamic Thought. Many relevant books used in this article in order to get a clear picture on 'Ali's viewpoints, and the best to be referred to is Kitab Nahj al-Balaghah. It conprises the sayings of 'Ali bin Abi Talib, as collected by al-Sharif al-Radi. Although there will be different views and opinions among Muslim thinkers from various sects on the topic, but generally they agreed that 'Ali is the best scholar to refer to. Hopefully, this article will benefit Muslims in malaysia and elsewhere


This paper focuses on the forces acting in a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) mechanism and the manifestation of unwilling, small amplitude, vibrating motion (fretting) in a blade bearing caused by seaway. If this happens, fretting can result in fretting fatigue of components, fretting wear, and increase of friction in bearings. An attempt has been made to define the circumstances leading to fretting in a CPP and to describe the influence of sea state on fretting behaviour. Using hydrodynamic tools it is possible to determine the theoretical conditions for fretting. A combination of theoretical and experimental results provides a better understanding of the fretting phenomenon in a CPP. The first part of the paper gives an introduction to the working regimes and forces acting on a CPP. In the second part the presence of fretting is defined based on the calculation of forces and moments during one revolution of a blade in the non-actuating regime for the design condition of a specific propeller. The third part investigates self-propulsion tests in irregular seas and hydrodynamic forces acting on a CPP in those conditions. The results indicate a decrease of fretting in higher waves and higher speeds. It has been shown that it is not wise to look only at the load mean value as design criteria.


The thesis is a broad attempt to analyse economic forces behind, and economic rationales for, institutions that constrain the organisation and operation of insurance companies. The basic task is threefold: (i) to develop institutional theory by providing an outline of a transaction cost explanation of the origin of, and the rationale for, institutions that constrain the organisation and the operation of insurance organisations; (ii) to apply our institutional theory and explain recorded institutional structures in order to make them intelligible with respect to the contractual context in which they have been nested; and (iii) to appraise the explanatory power of our institutional theory with respect to conventional economic theories on the economics of public regulation. In the first part, we analyse the decision dilemma of consumers of whether to place trust in an insurer. The analytical tool has been a one-sided, dynamic Prisoner's Dilemma Game. One basic result is that there are contractual settings where spontaneous market mechanisms may fail to bring about an efficient level of transaction because of credibility problems of an industry. We have formally analysed the prime move dilemma and informally discussed incidents of misguided trust. The prime move dilemma refers to a situation where consumers, because of incomplete information, are unable to rank the quality of insurers and refrain from exchange because of a too low level of trust. The prime move problem may prevent the market from evolving. Misguided trust of consumers refers to the situation where consumers are unable to rank the quality of individual insurers but still find the category of companies trustworthy, Misguided trust is a contractual problem for an industry if incidents of failed performance by a few companies negatively affect consumers' average expectation about the trustworthiness of the entire industry. The market for insurance may, then, contract. The analysis creates a basis for novel hypotheses about the origin of insurance regulation. In the case of a prime move dilemma, public regulation may be requested by an industry because distrust prevents mutually beneficial exchange on risks. In the case of misguided trust, public regulation may be requested because the conduct of low quality comapnies damages the joint credibility of the industry. In the second part, we outline the evolution of recorded Swedish institutions of insurance starting in the late Middle Ages and ending in the early 20th century. We argue that our institutional analysis explains recorded developments to a high degree, as well as the core structure of today's regulatory system of insurance. Common rationales with the design of insurance institutions have been to invoke trust, protect relations involving trust, economise on transaction costs and promote further exchange on risks. Then, we contrast our institutional analysis with conventional economic theory - the public interest- and the special interest theory. We argue that the examined history lends strong support to our institutional theory, support to the special interest theory, and insignificante support to the special interest theory. (Less)


The object of this study is to testify that the educational failure of unsuccessful young Turks who live in Germany is not only those young people themselves or their parents (i.e. cultural and family background) but also the radical conditions in the application of German educational system. It is possible to show how an educational period proceeds and how young Turkish immigrants are canalized to certain positions both during educational period and in employment market after educational period by making qualitative-oriented interviews with them. It is observed that the ethnogenesis affects the situation as a disparity characteristic and so it is decided who will be socially marginalized or not as per ethnic origin. It is also observed that the denied support and stimulation of teachers and the negative behaviors of employers impact those young people negatively. Nearly all young people who are interviewed mentioned that they were exposed to unequal behaviors' of teachers during their educational period and unequal attitudes of employers both during their practical training and at their job. On the other hand, it is also observed that potential of a young is limited in some aspects and he/she is negatively affected since the Turkish parents have insufficient knowledge about German Educational


In this paper, we employ time-reversal space-time block coding (TR-STBQ in single-carrier direct sequence code- division multiple access (DS-CDMA) block transmission in the presence of multiple access interference (MAI) as well as intersyrnbol interference (ISI), which is subject to fairly long delay spread. We introduce the transmission rate improvement by capitalizing on the assignment of additional spreading codes to each user so as to expand the cardinality of space-time code matrix. Given perfect channel state information at the receiver, a simple linear frequency-domain interference suppression scheme on a basis of symbol-by-symbol processing is developed under certain circumstances. A soft receiver is facilitated by exploiting the serially concatenated structure at the transmitter to further enhance system performance. Simulation results justify the efficacy of our proposed system and also present performance comparison with well-known OFDM systems in terms of bit error rate (BER).


The authors adduce the ecologo-hygienic characterization of the most significant dwelling environmental factors, such as chemical air pollution, microclimatic parameters, biological pollution, noise, electromagnetic fields, light, etc. They have developed a conception of providing ecologo-hygienic dwelling safety.


Francisella tularensis is an emerging pathogen stimulating an overactive pro-inflammatory response from the immune system leading to death of the host. Serum cytokine analysis of infected mice shows high pro-inflammatory cytokine production consistent with the overactive immune response in response to F. tularensis infection that correlates with death. Therefore, we sought to control this overwhelming inflammation using F. tularensis as the model trigger. Natural Killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of white blood cells with both pro-inflammatory and regulatory functions that could potentially control this lethal response. Therefore, mice sufficient and deficient in NKT cells were infected with F. tularensis and their survival and cytokine response was compared. Mice lacking NKT cells were more sensitive to the infection and produced higher cytokine levels than mice having NKT cells. These data suggest a regulatory role for NKT cells in controlling the F. tularensis--elicited inflammatory responses. In vitro studies of the effector mechanism controlling this tempering of inflammation suggest the engagement of a surface expressed effector molecule. Ultimately, these investigations will lead to a better understanding of the role of NKT cells in this and other pro-inflammatory infections.


Cachaça and sugar cane spirit are alcoholic products obtained from simple distillation of fermented sugar cane juice. The alcoholic graduation in the sugar cane spirit is from 38% to 54% in volume at 20 oC, while for cachaça it may vary from 38% to 48 % v/v. Aiming to verify the adequacy of alcoholic strength and of amounts of secondary compounds or congeners (acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and higher alcohols) in conformity to limits established by Brazilian legislation of Ministry of Agriculture, 60 samples of cachaça commercialized in São Paulo city were analyzed. The alcoholic strength of the samples varied from 34.7% to 46.9 % v/v; 10 samples (17.0%) presented alcoholic graduation less than 38%. The acetaldehyde concentrations ranged from not quantified (< 5) to 120 mg/100 mL of absolute alcohol (AA); 31 samples (52.0%) showed values above the maximum allowed limit, that is 30 mg/100 mL AA. All the results of ethyl acetate amounts were within the legal maximum limit of 200 mg/100 mL AA. Concerning to higher alcohols, seven samples (12.0%) presented concentration values above the established maximum limit (360 mg/100 mL AA). Of 60 analyzed samples, 70 % were out of the specifications in relation to at least one of the evaluated parameters. It is suggested that improvements have to be done on cachaça manufacturing process and for conducting the best analytical control of the final product.


A coordinated oxidative stress response, partly triggered by the transcription factor Nrf2, protects cells from the continual production of reactive oxygen species. Left unbuffered, reactive oxygen species can lead to protein aggregation which has been implicated in a spectrum of diseases including cataract of the ocular lens and myopathy of the heart. While proteostasis is maintained by diverse families of heat shock proteins, the interplay between the oxidative and proteostatic stress responses in the lens and the heart have not been investigated. Capitalizing on multiple zebrafish lines that have compromised function of Nrf2 and/or the two zebrafish small heat-shock proteins αBa- and αBb-crystallin, we uncovered a transcriptional relationship that leads to a substantial increase in αBb-crystallin transcripts in the heart in response to compromised function of Nrf2. In the lens, the concomitant loss of function of Nrf2 and αBa-crystallin leads to upregulation of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway thus mitigating the phenotypic consequences of the αBa-crystallin knockout. In contrast, abrogation of Nrf2 function accentuates the penetrance of a heart edema phenotype characteristic of embryos of αB-crystallin knockout lines. Multiple molecular pathways, such as genes involved in extracellular interactions and implicated in cardiomyopathy, are revealed from transcriptome profiling thus identifying novel targets for further investigation. Together our transcriptome/phenotypic analysis establishes an intersection between the oxidative stress and chaperone responses in the lens and the heart.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate risk factors for use in predicting clinical improvement and survival of horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).

DESIGN
Longitudinal epidemiologic study.

ANIMALS
251 horses with EPM.

PROCEDURE
Between 1992 and 1995, 251 horses with EPM were admitted to our facility. A diagnosis of EPM was made on the basis of neurologic abnormalities and detection of antibody to Sarcocystis neurona or S neurona DNA in CSF. Data were obtained from hospital records and through telephone follow-up interviews. Factors associated with clinical improvement and survival were analyzed, using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS
The likelihood of clinical improvement after diagnosis of EPM was lower in horses used for breeding and pleasure activities. Treatment for EPM increased the probability that a horse would have clinical improvement. The likelihood of survival among horses with EPM was lower among horses with more severe clinical signs and higher among horses that improved after EPM was diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Treatment of horses with EPM is indicated in most situations; however, severity of clinical signs should be taken into consideration when making treatment decisions. Response to treatment is an important indicator of survival.


The aim of this study was to examine the influence of trivalent chromium ions (Cr3+) supplementation on antioxidant status and immune defense of rats. During the 30 days of the experiment, the male rats (n = 10 per group) were supplemented with CrCl3, dissolved in distilled drinking water in doses of 0, 70, or 140 µg Cr3+/dm3. Next, the contents of hydroperoxides of lipids (HPL) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma were determined, as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in erythrocytes. Lysozymic and bactericidal activities of blood serum were also determined. Results of the experiment indicated that 140 µg Cr3+/dm3 increased HPL concentration by 22.1%, while the dose of 70 µg Cr3+/dm3 decreased concentration of TBARS by 20.3% (P =< 0.05) in comparison with the control. Activity of SOD in rats supplied with both doses of Cr3+ significantly decreased, whereas activity of CAT, GPx, and GR significantly increased, similar to lysozymic and bactericidal activity. In general, the obtained results showed that a diet with chromium supplementation can strengthen the main mechanisms of lipid peroxidation defense by stimulation of enzyme activity of the antioxidant system and natural resistance factors.


Curriculum studies in primary and secondary education has a long history and tradition and it is quite normal to have a wide and diverse literature and various thinking camps in curriculum field. There is a very different story in curriculum debates in further and higher education. As a fundamental component of higher education, curricula have always received a fair amount of attention in practice. Postsecondary institutions have been forced to deal with curricula in order to survive. That is to say what is really missing is theorizing and conceptualizing the curriculum decision making in this sub specialist area of HE. For this reason, this paper has focused on designing a model for study of curriculum in higher education based on phenomenological approach that can be called Experiential Curriculum model (what student experience or what actually they learn based on their unique backgrounds, abilities, interests and so on). Despite a few related works, little effort has been done about "theorizing" and explanation of lived curriculum. Lived or experiential curriculum has not, to date; been fully explored, unraveled, and interrogated. In addition, the relative lack of theorizing within lived curriculum has produced, perhaps, a false impression of consensus, ignoring the conflicts and contested nature embedded within the variety of ways we live in the curriculum. The paper will discuss the components based on a case study at Shahid Beheshti university, Iran