Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore an alternative strategy to decrease disadvantaging gender binarism and cis-normativity in an organisational context by including trans* and gender diverse (TGD) employee voices through the development of a safe and brave space (S&BS).

Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper discusses the potential construction of S&BS and the possible integration as well as requirements of it into an organisational environment. The elaborated theoretical underpinning of a queering approach is used to build the foundation and the design of a potential successful implementation.

Findings
Current diversity management strategies are repeatedly reported as inadequate to tackle the issue of gender binarism and cis-normativity or even to reinforce them via various strategies. The integration of S&BS could offer cis as well as TGD people an opportunity to participate in the development of organisational structures and managerial decision-making within a democratic and empowering environment. Managing gender with the support of TGD employees may increase inclusion, equity and diversity of gender in management and organisation.

Originality/value
Although much of the management and organisational literature accepts the concept of gender binarism and cis-normativity, the integration of TGD employee voices through the adaptation of S&BS from an educational context into organisational management has not been explored.


retrospective review was performed of 33 patients aged under 30 with intracranial aneurysms;seven were between ten and nineteen years old and 26 were in their twenties. Aneurysms were much more common in men with a male to female ratio of 2.3:1. Among the younger age group the most frequent location was the internal carotid artery(71.4% and in those in their twenties the anterior communicating artery(61.5%. Compared with the overall patients with intracranial aneurysms aneurysms of anterior communicating artery internal carotid artery and anterior cerebral artery were more common among the younger patients but middle cerebral artery and multiple aneurysms were rare in this age group. Angiographic vasospasms were observed in 8 patients but symptomatic vasospasms were seen in only three none of whom were in the younger age group. All patients underwent direct clipping of the aneurysmal neck. The surgical outcome was favorable in 91% of cases and the mortality rate was 6.1%;the outcome was influenced by the patient 's preoperative clinical status but did not depend on their age or the timing of the operation.


This report outlines a range of reforms needed to develop a digital economy and to take advantage of digital trade opportunities. Many of the recommended reforms are domestic in nature, such as providing consumer protection for online commerce, having in place appropriate IP protections and competition rules. Others, such as ensuring robust protection of personal data online also require domestic reforms, but to be most effective should include international cooperation on how to protect personal information sent to other countries. In other areas, the report outlines the range of digital trade rules that are the basis for regulating digital trade. JEL codes: F10; F13; F15; K20; L86


Breast cancer is a global concern and it is the most common cancer that affects women and the fifth leading cause of death cancer related. The study of canine mammary tumors is an excellent model for clinical and pathologic investigation, helping the better understanding of diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. The genome of mammals is characterized by a large number of repeated sequences, remnants of transposable elements and the SINEs sequences (short retrotransposons) are characteristics of the canine species. Studies have shown that small amounts of DNA freely circulate in normal blood serum and high amounts are found in patients with cancer, characterizing it as a candidate tumor-biomarker. The aim of this study was to quantify the CAN SINE element by estimating the number of copies in bitches with mammary cancer and to assess its relationship with the clinical course and survival in order to predict its probable prognostic value. The sequence of the CAN SINE element of 174pb was cloned, quantified and was set the initial value of plasmid copies. It was estimated the number of copies by PCR in real time in 28 bitches with mammary neoplasia. By univariate analysis, it was observed an increase in the number of copies in female dogs that had died when compared with dogs that had survived (p=0.02). For the survival curve analysis, it was established a cutoff value of 19.132.000 copies, making possible the correlation between the increase of the number of copies and the low rate of survival of the group (confidence interval - 95%, p=0.04). The increase and/or genetic and epigenetic changes in serum DNA have been associated with worst prognosis in several tumors and there are reports that, around 50% of all cancer patients have increased of free circulating DNA. In healthy people, the process of apoptosis is the main source of free circulating DNA, in contrast, the DNA released from malignant cells varies in size, because the pathological cell death in malignant tumors results not only from apoptosis but also from necrosis, autophagy and/or mitotic catastrophe. Thus, high levels of CAN SINEs fragments can be great markers for the detection of tumor DNA in blood. All bitches that had died showed increased in copy number, implying a higher release of free circulating DNA associated with malignant cellular changes that occur in cancer and this estimate indicates the independent prognostic for survival and can be used in stage control of mammary cancer. The increase in the number of copies of the CAN SINE element observed in this study may characterize it as a marker of poor prognosis, being related to bitches with shorter survival. This estimation can be used as a prognostic marker in non-invasive breast cancer research and is useful in predicting progression and patient monitoring. A quick and minimally invasive test to the patient as the index of DNA in blood, this tumor marker is a powerful predictor of the prognosis of cancer and in addition, can be an innovative and accurate marker. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C16.


Parahemiurus merus is a hemiurid widely dispersed and its life cycle is unknown. However, this species usually infects temperate pelagic fishes and chaetognaths. In this study, description and measurements of P. merus progenetic metacercariae found parasitizing Parasagitta friderici from Paranagua Bay (Brazil) are presented. The prevalence was 86.8%, intensity of infection varied from 1 to 11, mean 2.26 and, mean abundance was 1.96 (n=190). In addition, some hosts were highly infected and the parasites released eggs inside its body cavity. These eggs were able to hatch inside the chaetognath. This is the first record of P. merus progenetic metacercariae infecting chaetognaths in Brazil.


The reporting and treatment of critical laboratory values are vital to the provision of quality patient care. The purpose of this study was to identify the percentage of critical laboratory values not being reported by the nurse to the physician or properly documented in a small community hospital. Results showed that 77% of critical laboratory values reported were not properly documented as communicated to the physician regardless of hospital unit, laboratory specialty, or test.


The use of maize in anther culture has been limited because only few genotypes presented a high androgenetic potential. Obtaining the proper stage of microspore development at culture initiation is one of the most crucial factors for success in the androgenesis. For Brazilian maiz e genotypes there are no studies reporting a correlation between cytological features and morpholo gical parameters. In this study, morphological parameters were recorded and associated with cytological specific stages of the the microsporogenesis in two Brazilian maize genotypes that were sowed in different places (field and growing chamber). For both genotyp es, the plants of the growing chamber presented a delay in development. Spikelets length and anther length/spikelet length ratio are not good parameters since they can be greatly influenced by the environment. The anther length was the more reliable parameter to correlate with a specific developmental stage. Nevertheless, variations between genotypes and environment were detected.


Kelampuk village at Land Pinoh West Sub District Melawi District people have traditionally used medicinal plants that are nearby to treat various diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the types of medicinal plants and their use by communities around the Kelampuk village Land Pinoh West sub district Melawi District This study using snowball sampling techniques or performed in sequence to ask for information on people who have been interviewed or contacted in advance. Results of research concluded that the most widely type of plant commonly used are 51 species from 41 family. The level of habitus are 24 herbaceous species. While based part in use, then mostly the leaves as many as 31 species. Then, by way of processing by way of ground as many as 23 species, and if viewed the use of that method taped as many as 24 species. While based on the use to treat diseases of the outside there are 32 species, and based on the form of a single herb potion then there are 51 species. From the data, it turns a kind of medicinal herbs can treat more than one disease.
Keywords: Ethnobotany, Kelampuk village, Medicinal plants Melawi Distrct.
Keywords: Ethnobotany, Kelampuk village, Medicinal plants Melawi Distrct.


The aim of this study is to describe the inclusion of students with disabilities in Mexican public universities. The categories studied were: admission, permanence, subject and departure. The study involved analyses of documents and in-depth interviews. As preliminary findings, the study showed that the inclusion device travels toward the trend of adjustment. The challenge remains to consider bringing these students into the job world, especially building a professional identity.


In October, at the meetings of the Government of the Russian Federation the following issues were discussed among other things: a draft law introducing the requirements for gradual transformation of participants in the market of nongovernment pension funds into joint-stock companies; a draft law seting a limitation on the amount of a severance benefit of managers (chief accountants) of public sector entities.


A practical method is described for the three-dimensional determination of the position, shape, and attitude of a hydrophone array towed from a surface vessel. It provides successive snapshots of the array configuration with a maximum rate of about three per minute. The method is intended as an alternative to the use of fixed test ranges and provides results suitable for validating computer models of array motion. It uses the travel-time differences of impulsive waves measured across the array. The waves are generated by two explosive charges dropped from consorts. Results of a typical experiment are presented as an illustrative example. The array position relative to the tow ship is obtained to within an accuracy of a few metres. >


For several years attention has been directed to a fissure or cave in the Raygill Quarries. Originally opening to the surface, the fissure dips down in a southerly direction into the limestone, and during repeated operations of quarrying it has been from time to time cut across on the face of the quarry; each exposure being at a lower level and exhibiting some new phase of character in the composition of its contents. It is stated by Mr. Todd, the manager, that originally and at the surface, the mouth of the fissure was quite closed up by a thickness of several yards of Blue Clay, in which, especially near the surface, there was a large number of pieces of limestone; beneath the blue clay was a bed of yellow clay, and underlying the latter a considerable thickness of laminated clay, which will be mentioned again. In the blue clay near the surface two or three bones were found; these were not preserved, nor was any definite record kept of their situation or occurrence. A reference to the photograph issued by this Society to its members for the year 1875, will shew that the orifice exposed was not very large, being about 8 feet in diameter, and situated much higher than at present. During succeeding years periodical visits have been made to the Quarry, and each time bones and teeth of several animals have been secured, with which a certain bed of sandy loam was replete. The majority of the specimens ...


Granular cell tumours or Myoblastoma is a rare entity and is generally benign with malignant cases even rarer; (accounting for only 2% of all cases)(1). We present a case following a closed spiral fracture of the humerus. Key Words : Malignant Myoblastoma, humeral fracture, TBS treatment.


We present a simple and eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Citrus sinensis peel extract (CSPE) as the reducing agent. The reaction process was simple for the formation of stable silver nanoparticles at room temperature by using the biowaste of the fruit peel. In the present study, synthesis of AgNPs through the reduction of aqueous silver nitrate (AgNO3) at room temperature by CSPE was presented. The synthesis of nanoparticles by CSPE has been kinetically monitored by UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV- Vis). Synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Dynamic light scattering (DLS)/Zeta potential. The results confirmed that the CSPE is a very good bio- reductant for the synthesis of AgNPs and investigated. In addition in-vitro free radical scavenging activity of AgNPs are evaluated by two popular free radical scavenging assay 1,10-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)and 2,20-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS). The nanoparticles are found to possess high antioxidant capacity and thus can be used as potential radical scavengers against deleterious damages caused by the free radicals.


This paper presents a numerical study of water displacing oil using combined cocurrent/countercurrent spontaneous imbibition (SI) of water displacing oil from a water-wet matrix block exposed to water on one side and oil on the other. Countercurrent flows can induce a stronger viscous coupling than during cocurrent flows, leading to deceleration of the phases. Even as water displaces oil cocurrently, the saturation gradient in the block induces countercurrent capillary diffusion. The extent of countercurrent flow may dominate the domain of the matrix block near the water-exposed surfaces while cocurrent imbibition may dominate the domain near the oil-exposed surfaces, implying that one unique effective relative permeability curve for each phase does not adequately represent the system. Because relative permeabilities are routinely measured cocurrently, it is an open question whether the imbibition rates in the reservoir (depending on a variety of flow regimes and parameters) will in fact be correctly predicted. We present a generalized model of two-phase flow dependent on momentum equations from mixture theory that can account dynamically for viscous coupling between the phases and the porous media because of fluid/rock interaction (friction) and fluid/fluid interaction (drag). These momentum equations effectively replace and generalize Darcy's law. The model is parameterized using experimental data from the literature.
 We consider a water-wet matrix block in one dimension that is exposed to oil on one side and water on the other side. This setup favors cocurrent SI. We also account for the fact that oil produced countercurrently into water must overcome the so-called capillary backpressure, which represents a resistance for oil to be produced as droplets. This parameter can thus influence the extent of countercurrent production and hence viscous coupling. This complex mixture of flow regimes implies that it is not straightforward to model the system by a single set of relative permeabilities, but rather relies on a generalized momentum-equation model that couples the two phases. In particular, directly applying cocurrently measured relative permeability curves gives significantly different predictions than the generalized model. It is seen that at high water/oil-mobility ratios, viscous coupling can lower the imbibition rate and shift the production from less countercurrent to more cocurrent compared with conventional modeling. Although the viscous-coupling effects are triggered by countercurrent flow, reducing or eliminating countercurrent production by means of the capillary backpressure does not eliminate the effects of viscous coupling that take place inside the core, which effectively lower the mobility of the system. It was further seen that viscous coupling can increase the remaining oil saturation in standard cocurrent-imbibition setups.


Background: Surgical treatment of hip subluxation in cerebral palsy typically involves proximal femoral osteotomy with or without concurrent supra-acetabular pelvic osteotomy. The literature lacks data on isolated pelvic osteotomy for this condition. We present superior lateral outcropping bone as a novel procedure for augmenting pelvic osteotomies for additional femoral coverage. Methods: In this retrospective case series, all patients were included for whom a single surgeon at a single institution performed pelvic osteotomy with adjunctive superior lateral outcropping bone for the treatment of hip subluxation in cerebral palsy over a 12-year period. Patients with less than two years of X-ray follow-up were excluded, as were patients with frank dislocation preoperatively. Regarding each case, multiple variables were collected, including X-ray measurements of migration percentage and acetabular index preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at last available X-ray. Paired t tests were performed to confirm a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements. Surgical failure was defined as either any subsequent hip or pelvic procedure other than myotendinous lengthening or alcohol nerve blocks, or final migration percentage of greater than 50%. Results: Thirty-three hips (23 patients, 13 males) were included. Mean age at surgery was seven years. Mean time to follow-up was 49 months. Migration percentage of the hips improved from an average 44% preoperatively to 25% at first postoperative measurement and 22% at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Acetabular index improved from an average 27 degrees preoperatively to 15 degrees at first postoperative measurement and 17 degrees at final follow-up (p < 0.001). No hips met failure criteria of repeat surgery other than myotendinous lengthening or nerve blocks, but two presented with a migration percentage of greater than 50% at final follow-up, giving us a failure rate of 6%. Conclusions: We present a novel procedure that appears to provide safe and successful outcomes for hip subluxation in cerebral palsy. Our clinical results compare favorably to those in the literature for isolated proximal femoral osteotomy for similar patient populations, yet there is no need for implanted hardware.


This paper considers the problem of minimizing outage probabilities in the downlink of a multiuser, multicell orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) cellular network with frequency selective fading, imperfect channel state information, and frequency hopping. The task is to determine the allocation of powers and subcarriers for users to ensure that the user outage probabilities are as low as possible. We formulate a min-max outage probability problem and solve it under the constraint that the transmit power spectrum at each base station is flat. In particular, we obtain a subchannel allocation algorithm that has complexity O(L logL) in L , the number of users in the cell. We also consider suboptimal but implementable approaches with and without the flat transmit power spectrum constraint. We conclude that the flat transmit spectrum approach has merit, and warrants further study.


The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed begins with the affirmation "I believe in one God." There is also the belief that this one God is incorporeal, outside both time and space, and beyond our comprehension. Yet at the same time, this unknowable God has revealed himself to us in many ways. Orthodoxy, like other faiths, struggled to reconcile these two seemingly contradictory beliefs. '"I believe"' explains that what makes Christianity distinct from the other Abrahamic faiths is the belief that the one God exists as a Trinity of persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It also describes the concept of theosis (or deification) that is central to Orthodox thinking about the human person and his/her destiny.


Background/Aim: Nasal obstruction is caused mainly by nasal septal deviation, and submucosal resection is usually performed to treat this problem. However, if over-resected, nasal tip deprojection, deprojection of the dorsum, or pseudo-hump formation may be seen. Spreader grafts are used to restore the nasal septum in these cases, and different techniques have been described for this restoration; however, these techniques may not be the best fit for such restoration. This study presents a novel and effective method for septal reconstruction in patients with previous septal resections.
Methods: Between March 2012 and October 2014, a case series of 14 male patients with tip deprojection and pseudo-hump formation who had undergone corrective surgery in our clinic was retrospectively examined. Partial-split, caudal extension costal spreader grafts were used and were fixed to the dorsum of the remnant septum cranially to prevent warping while avoiding nasal dorsum widening. Pre- and post-operative comparisons were performed, and the Nasal Obstructive Symptoms Evaluation questionnaire for the functional results and subjective Esthetic Appearance test for the esthetic outcomes were administered.
Results: The mean age was 36.8 years (19–56 years), and the mean follow-up time was 14.6 months. Functional outcomes and esthetic appearance led to significantly improvements in all post-operative categories (P < 0.05) without any major complications. Common complaints were usually the same as seen in conventional rhinoplasty procedures, such as facial swelling, nasal stuffiness, pain, and/or epistaxis. None of the patients requested revision surgery.
Conclusion: Using partial-split, caudal extension costal spreader grafts in the reconstruction of dorsocaudal septum in patients with previous septal resections appears to provide favorable functional and esthetic results.


Submicron YBa2Cu3O7−x bicrystal grain boundary junctions have been fabricated, for the first time, by a focused ion beam process. Although such a process has always been considered detrimental to the YBa2Cu3O7−x because of gallium contamination, high quality 24° [001] tilt junctions characterized by RSJ current–voltage characteristics, ICRN products of the order of 1–4 × 104 A cm−2 at 77 K and Fraunhofer-like modulation patterns have been obtained. No significant degradation has been observed over more than 3 months. The critical current density JC and the characteristic voltage ICRN show a clear maximum for widths of the order of the Josephson penetration depth. The asymptotic normal resistance shows a typical (width)−1 dependence, indicating that the FIB process does not increase the grain boundary resistivity of submicron junctions. Experimental results clearly show that FIB is a very powerful tool for the fabrication of high critical temperature superconducting circuits, requiring a small number of submicron Josephson junctions, and for fundamental physics analysis. It also allow the final tuning or repair of superconducting or more complex integrated superconducting–semiconducting devices.


Combining the concepts of caching and transmission control protocol (TCP)-friendly streaming of layer-encoded video bears the problem that those videos might not be cached in full quality. Therefore, we focus in this work on the scheduling of retransmissions of missing segments of a cached video in a manner that allows clients to receive the content in an improved quality. In a first step, we conducted subjective assessments of variations in layer-encoded video with the goal to validate existing quality metrics, including our own, which are based on certain assumptions. A statistical analysis of the subjective assessment validates these assumptions. We also show that the frequently used peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is not an appropriate metric for variations in layer-encoded video. With the insight from the subjective assessment we develop heuristics for retransmission scheduling and prove their applicability by conducting a series of simulations.


Primary torsion of the omentum majus is a rare cause of acute abdomen and it commonly mimics acute appendicitis. An eight year old boy was admitted to our clinic with symptoms and clinical findings of perforated appendicitis. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy at which a normal appendix and serosanguinous fluid in the peritoneal cavity were observed. The operative diagnosis was primary torsioned omentum. In the present study, preoperative and operative findings of primary omental torsion that differentiated it from acute appendicitis are discussed in the light of the literature.


The gasification of Polish coal to produce hydrogen could help to make the country independent of oil and gas imports and assist in the rational energy transition from gray to green hydrogen. When taking strategic economic or legislative decisions, one should be guided not only by the level of CO2 emissions from the production process, but also by other environmental impact factors obtained from comprehensive environmental analyses. This paper presents an analysis of the life cycle of hydrogen by coal gasification and its application in a vehicle powered by FCEV cells. All the main stages of hydrogen fuel production by Shell technology, as well as hydrogen compression and transport to the distribution point, are included in the analyses. In total, two fuel production scenarios were considered: with and without sequestration of the carbon dioxide captured in the process. Life cycle analysis was performed according to the procedures and assumptions proposed in the FC-Hy Guide, Guidance Document for performing LCAs on Fuel Cells and H₂ Technologies by the CML baseline method. By applying the CO2 sequestration operation, the GHG emissions rate for the assumed functional unit can be reduced by approximately 44% from 34.8 kg CO2-eq to 19.5 kg CO2-eq, but this involves a concomitant increase in the acidification rate from 3.64·10−2 kg SO2-eq to 3.78·10−2 kg SO2-eq, in the eutrophication index from 5.18·10−2 kg PO3−4-eq to 5.57·10−2 kg PO3−4-eq and in the abiotic depletion index from 405 MJ to 414 MJ and from 1.54·10−5 kg Sbeq to 1.61·10−5 kg Sbeq.


The close interconnection between neuroradiology and musculoskeletal radiology is exemplified by the newly published book MR Imaging of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors and Tumorlike Lesions. Differential Diagnosis and Atlas by Steven P. Meyers, from the University of Rochester. A glance at just the cover makes one think this could be a neuroradiology text. On the cover are 5 illustrations, 3 of which relate to neuroradiology: the thoracic spine (neurofibromatosis), the lumbar spine (tumor of the posterior elements), and a skull (fibrous dysplasia). As one reads through the text and views the high-quality MR images, one quickly realizes that it is of great value to both disciplines. After a 16-page Introductory section, which summarizes in tabular form the World Health Organization classification of bone and soft tissue tumors; their immunohistochemical markers; the associated genetic abnormalities; malignant, benign, and tumorlike bone and soft tissue tumors; and staging of tumors, this 814-page book, with 2,976 images, is divided into 2 major sections: 1) Differential Diagnosis Tables and 2) Atlas. The idea behind this is clever and makes for a useful book, because one can either turn to a section (chapter) that deals with the general characteristics of tumors falling into that category, such as the section on "Solitary intramedullary lesions with poorly defined margins of abnormal marrow signal intensity." For example, one can read the brief tabular information on an ABC (aneurysmal bone cyst), along with appropriate images, or turn to the Atlas section, which gives complete information on an ABC (6 pages with definitions, frequency of occurrence, age, location, clinical signs, gross and histologic findings, genetics, findings on all imaging modalities, abundant illustrations, and references). All bone and soft tissue tumors are categorized in a similar manner. I find it refreshing that, in these days of multi-authored texts, Dr. Meyers alone has collected all of these cases, categorized them so well, and described the imaging and pathologic features so completely. It is a remarkable achievement. Although it may be somewhat debatable, it is not incorrect to say that many neuroradiologists feel less comfortable dealing with bony and soft tissue tumors in and around the skull and spine. This book is a perfect antidote to that problem because it can serve as a reference source when such lesions are encountered, it can be used as a self-quiz (though the format is not designed in that manner), or it can be used as an authoritative description of all lesions that the neuroradiologist may encounter. For this reviewer, it was educational to go through every spinal, paraspinal, and skull image. This is a well-written, attractive, perfectly formatted text that belongs either in the personal library of practicing neuroradiologists or, at the minimum, should be readily available in a sectional or departmental library.


Three experiments compared the potency of the type A cholecystokinin (CCKA)-receptor antagonist devazepide for increasing intake of 30% sucrose when injected into the superior pancreaticoduodenal (SPD) artery (SPD group) or jugular vein (IV group). In experiment 1, 15 min of sucrose intake in adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats after 6 h of food deprivation was increased by devazepide (20 micrograms/kg) administered into the SPD artery whether given alone or in conjunction with cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8, 2 micrograms/kg ip). Devazepide had no effect in the IV group. In experiment 2, injection of 8, 20, and 50 micrograms/kg of devazepide into the SPD artery increased sucrose intake of nondeprived rats. Only the highest dose was effective in the IV group. On subsequent tests, administration of 1 microgram/kg of CCK-8 significantly suppressed intake only in the SPD group. In experiment 3, nondeprived rats with SPD artery and jugular vein catheters were tested in a within-subjects design. Devazepide (20 micrograms/kg) increased sucrose intake after injection into the SPD artery, but not into the jugular vein. In experiment 4, intraduodenal devazepide (8, 20, and 50 micrograms/kg) had no effect. These results indicate that CCKA receptors within the SPD arterial bed mediate the satiating action of CCK, consistent with local action of duodenal CCK.


Function words (the, that, and, of, . . . ) vary widely in pronunciation. Understanding this variation is essential both for cognitive modeling of lexical production and for computer speech recognition and synthesis. This study investigates which factors affect the forms of function words, especially whether they have a fuller pronunciation (e.g., , , , ) or a more reduced or lenited pronunciation (e.g., , , , ). It is based on over 8000 occurrences of ten frequent English function words in a four-hour sample from conversations from the Switchboard corpus. Ordinary linear and logistic regression models were used to examine variation in the length of the words, in the form of their vowel (basic, full, or reduced), and whether final obstruents were present or not. For all these measures, after controlling for segmental context, rate of speech, and other important factors, there are strong independent effects that made function words more likely to be longer or have a fuller form (1) when neighboring disfluencies (such as filled pauses uh and um) indicate that the speaker was encountering problems in planning the utterance; (2) when the word is unexpected, i.e less predictable in context; (3) when the word is either utterance-initial or utterance-final. Looking at the phenomenon in a different way, function words are more likely to be shorter and to have less full forms in fluent speech, in predictable positions or multi-word collocations, and utterance-internally. Also considered are other factors such as sex (women are more likely to use fuller forms, even after controlling for rate of speech, for example), and some of the differences among the ten function words in their response to the factors.


Abstract Fire effects on structure, composition, and species diversity in canopy, shrub/sapling, and ground-cover strata were examined following three burns over an eight-year period in a small (6 ha), isolated flatwoods remnant in south-central Illinois. Prior to fire treatments, size-class distribution patterns for trees indicated two species groups, one comprised of oaks dominating the larger size classes, particularly Quercus stellata, and a second group of non-oak species mostly from the small-to-medium size classes. Ground cover was sparse, comprised mostly of tree seedlings and woody vines, and shade-intolerant herbaceous species were absent. Following three burns, total tree density (stems ≥ 6 cm) declined 26% from 465/ha; however, basal area increased from 24.7 m2/ha to 25.6 m2/ha as tree mortality mostly was confined to small-diameter stems. Acer saccharum was the only tree species not to decline in density in the fire-treatment area. While 15 of 20 species in the shrub/sapling stratum declined in density in the fire-treatment area, total stem density increased 170% from 7,133 to 19,227 stems/ha due to increases of Rubus allegheniensis and Sassafras albidum. Overall ground-cover species richness increased 81% following the three burns from 42 to 76 species while species density nearly tripled from 3.2 to 9.4 species/0.5-m2. This increase included many characteristic flatwoods species; however, there also was an increase in ruderal species. Perennial forbs comprised the physiognomic class with greatest frequency following fire treatment and the most species-rich group; other groups that increased greatly in frequency and species richness were biennial and annual forbs and perennial sedges.


Venture capital (VC) is an important fund source for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start up, particularly to deliver its main product of equity participation. Therefore, capital structure and factors that affect it are very crucial. This study aims to analyze the capital structure of VC firms in Indonesia using econometric model of panel data regression. This study utilizes secondary data of six years period (20092014) monthly financial statements of 27 samples out of 58 VC firms to form 1,944 observations. The study reveals that capital structure of VC firms in Indonesia is dominated by debt/loan rather than capital with DER on average is 136.95%. In addition, the research confirms that VC firms' capital structure is affected simultaneously by financial aspects which are asset size, profitability, liquidity, asset/investment quality, and earning asset structure. The attentions to financial aspects that affect the VC firms' capital structure as well as other initiatives related to capital increases are necessary so that the VC firms could carry out its role effectively.


A case of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) in an alcoholic patient with severe electrolyte changes is presented. Data in the literature suggest that it is safe to correct severe symptomatic hyponatremia to a value of 125–130 mEq/1 in 24 h. At the present time acute severe hyponatremia carries a bad prognosis if not treated with hypertonic NaCl solution. Electrolyte abnormalities are not the sole cause of CPM.


The author of this book, Professor Brian Cox, was the architect of the first National Curriculum in English in 1989. He argues here that the "Cox curriculum" commanded widespread support in schools, yet a political decision to rewrite it was taken in 1992, and the 1995 English Orders subvert that curriculum in many ways. This book continues on the same theme as his earlier book "Cox on Cox", and gives an informed account of the dogma, debates and behind-the-scenes manoeuvrings which have shaped the new curriculum. The book offers a guide to teachers as they implement the new English curriculum in the classroom. It examines the requirements and recommendations of the curriculum, and considers how it affects the teaching of English. It looks particularly at the "live" issues of Standard English, the teaching of reading, knowledge about language and grammar, the canon of set authors, multicultural texts and media education. It concludes that the Cox curriculum continues to offer a viable framework for delivering, and enhancing, the new programmes of study.


Optical coatings for the use in free electron laser systems have to withstand high power laser radiation and the intense energetic background radiation of the synchrotron radiation source. In general, the bombardment with high energetic photons leads to irreversible changes and a discoloration of the specimen. For the development of appropriate optical coatings, the degradation mechanisms of available optical materials have to be characterized. In this contribution the degradation mechanisms of single layer coatings (fluoride and oxide materials) and multilayer systems will be presented. Fluoride and oxide single layers were produced by thermal evaporation and high energetic ion beam sputter deposition. The same methods were employed for the deposition of multilayer systems. High reflecting coatings for the wavelength region around 180 nm were chosen for the irradiation tests. All samples were characterized after production by spectrophotometry covering the VUV , VIS, and MIR spectral range. Mechanical coating stress was evaluated with interferometric methods. Synchrotron irradiation tests were performed at ELETTRA, using a standardized irradiation cycle for all tests. Ambient pressure and possible contamination in the vacuum environment were monitored by mass spectrometry. For comparison, the optical coatings were investigated again in the VUV, VIS, and MIR spectral range after irradiation. On selected samples XRD measurements were performed. The observed degradation mechanisms comprise severe damages like coating and substrate surface ablation. Color centre formation in the VIS spectral range and an increase of VUV absorption were found as a major origin for a severe degradation of VUV transmittance On the basis of the performed investigations, a selection of coating materials and coating systems is possible in respect to the damage effects caused by synchrotron radiation.


Manipulating the spectral line shape exhibits great potential in realizing active optical circuits with switching, sensing, and modulation capabilities. Exploring unusual line shapes, such as Fano resonance and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), has attracted substantial interest. Conventional methods of engineering the spectral line shape have limited tunability and face challenges in multiplexing different spectral line shapes. Here, we propose and numerically demonstrate a new mechanism to tailor the transmission line shape almost at will by exploiting the interference of frequency-dependent chiral dipolar states in two helix particles sitting above a dielectric waveguide. We show that, by tuning the polarization of the chiral dipoles and exploiting transverse spin-orbit interaction, one can control the asymmetric Pancharatnam-Berry geometric phase for the excited guided waves propagating in opposite directions. The interference of the guided waves respectively excited by the two particles can give rise to transmissions with various line shapes, including Lorentzian-like, antiresonance-like, Fano-like, and EIT-like line shapes, which carry an intriguing property of line shape-momentum locking, i.e., the transmissions in opposite directions have different line shapes. Our findings open new possibilities for multiplexed and multifunctional nanophotonic designs with unprecedented capability of spectral-line shaping. The proposed structures can be conveniently integrated with optical circuits for on-chip applications.


Previous research suggests that both poverty and minority status significantly influence academic achievement. Nativity schools, which have been extensively researched, have been found effective for students coming from low socioeconomic statuses and diverse backgrounds. Differences were examined between an urban public school district and an urban parochial school that uses the Nativity model (henceforth referred to as Nativity School). The purpose of this study was to determine if students from Nativity School were able to achieve significantly above that which urban public school students achieved. Specifically, academic achievement in the areas of mathematics, language arts, and science were analyzed, as well as high school dropout rate, high school graduation rate, and entrance into postsecondary education. Nativity School used the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) to measure achievement longitudinally and reported stanines and local and national percentile ranks, while the public school system used the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) and provided four descriptor categories (i.e., Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced). Below Basic and Basic referred to students who demonstrate the skills outlined by the Missouri Show-Me Standards inconsistently and/or incorrectly, while students who perform in the Proficient and Advanced categories demonstrate these skills consistently, at or above grade level. Results revealed Nativity School students significantly improved their academic achievement scores and were more likely than urban public school students to graduate high school and enroll in postsecondary school. Interpretation and implications of these results and limitations are explored.


Most bacterial pathogens subvert plant cellular functions using effector proteins delivered inside plant cells. In the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, several of these effectors contain domains with predicted enzymatic activities, including acetyltransferases, phosphatases, and proteases, among others. How these enzymatic activities get activated inside plant cells, but not in the bacterial cell, remains unknown in most cases. In this work, we found that the R. solanacearum effector RipAY is phosphorylated in plant cells. One phosphorylated serine residue, S131, is required for the reported gamma-glutamyl cyclotransferase activity of RipAY, responsible for the degradation of gamma-glutamyl compounds (such as glutathione) inside host cells. Accordingly, non-phosphorylable mutants in S131 abolish RipAY-mediated degradation of glutathione in plant cells and the subsequent suppression of plant immune responses. In this article, we examine our results in relation to the recent reports on the biochemical activities of RipAY, and discuss the potential implications of phosphorylation in plant cells as a mechanism to modulate the enzymatic activity of RipAY.


This article examines how Caryl Phillips in his novel A Distant Shore depicts gender and racial oppression experienced by both the native and the immigrant and how this gives rise to practices of exclusion. In this article, we argue that although racism is one of the major contributory factors in the marginalization of immigrants, such factors can be transcended. Thus, in A Distant Shore we examine the novels' distinguished migrants namely, Solomon, Said, Mahmood and Bright to demonstrate that Britain's inhumane treatment and incidental social positioning of migrants is a blatant disregard for their humanity and inalienable right to socially affirming identities. We also examine how the British native woman, Dorothy is subjected to feelings of displacement and alienation in much the same way as the migrant. Hence, in his novel the migrant is not the only one who experiences a sense of change as change is also experienced by the native. Keywords: Gender, Displacement, exclusion, alienation, migration


Abstract A stochastic formulation for the description of antisolvent mediated crystal growth processes is discussed. In the proposed approach the crystal size growth dynamics is driven by a deterministic growth factor coupled to a stochastic component. The evolution in time of the particle size distribution is then described in terms of a Fokker-Planck equation. In this formulation the specific form of the stochastic model leads to different shapes for the probability density function. I this work we investigate and assess comparatively the performance of the FPE approach to model the crystal size distribution based on different expressions for the stochastic component. In particular, we consider the Langevin equation with a multiplicative noise term that depends on the crystal size (time and space). It is shown and corroborated via experimentation that the best stochastic model is given by the Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM). Excellent quantitative agreement between experiments and the predictions from the FPE-GBM model were obtained for a range of conditions. Validations against experimental data are presented for the NaCl-water-ethanol anti-solvent crystallization system.


Throughout the latter months of 2000 and early 2001, the Australian public, media and parliament were engaged in a long and emotive debate about motherhood. This debate constructed the two main protagonists, the unborn 'child' and the potential mother, with a variety of different and often oppositional identities. The article looks at the way that these subject identities interacted during the debate, starting from the premise that policy making has unintended and unacknowledged material outcomes, and using governmentality as a tool through which to analyse and understand processes of identity manipulation and resistance within policy making. The recent debate concerning the right of lesbian and single women to access new reproductive technologies in Australia is used as a case study. Nominally the debate was about access to IVF technology; in reality, however, the debate was about the governing of women and, in particular, the governing of motherhood identities. The article focuses on the parliamentary debate over the drafting of legislation designed to stop lesbian and single women from accessing these technologies, particularly the utilization of the 'unborn' subject within these debates as a device to discipline the identity of 'mother'.


Aims Audit our practice on prophylaxis of Infective endocarditis in at risk children with Congenital heart disease. Identify areas where we could improve our practice as per the recommendations of National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) on prophylaxis of infective endocarditis in children. Methods Retrospective review of all cardiac outpatient clinic letters from March 2013. Sampling of clinic letters was done with equal representation from all six medical staff (Consultants and Registrars) doing outpatient clinics. All children with congenital heart disease who were at risk of infective endocarditis were audited as per the NICE standards. Results Nineteen children were seen in the outpatient clinic in March 2013 who were at risk of Infective endocarditis (NICE guideline). Four of these children (21%) were offered written information about prophylaxis of infective endocarditis. Three out of these four children (75%) were offered all information on prophylaxis of infective endocarditis which included an explanation why antibiotic prophylaxis is no longer routinely recommended, importance of maintaining good oral health and the risks of undergoing invasive procedures, including nonmedical procedures like body piercing and tatooing. Conclusions Current department practice on prophylaxis of infective endocarditis in children is in line with the recommendations of NICE guidelines in 21% of cases. There is a need for department guideline to change our practice on prophylaxis of infective endocarditis in children in line with the recommendations in NICE guidelines.


Abstract The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus; ABB) is a globally endangered species for which a restoration program has been ongoing in South Korea since 2001. However, there is little information on immobilization protocols for ABBs. We evaluated the use of medetomidine-zolazepam-tiletamine for their immobilization. During 2005–13, we anesthetized 60 ABBs (32 males, 28 females; 7 mo to 12 yr old) with medetomidine 0.03–0.045 mg/kg and zolazepam-tiletamine 1.54–2.3 mg/kg; reversal of anesthesia was done with atipamezole 0.15–0.225 mg/kg administered intravenously alone or intravenously and intramuscularly (50:50). Mean (and SD) for physiologic collected for 373 immobilizations of at least 60 min were: time to sedation, 7.8 (5.4) min; anesthesia induction time, 13.7 (8.1) min; complete recovery time, 14.8 (12.4) min; respiratory rate, 14 (7) breaths/min; heart rate, 51 (16) beats/min; rectal temperature, 37.3 (1.3) C; and hemoglobin oxygen saturation, 88% (6%). Few cardiopulmonary side effects occurred during immobilization and adequate depth of anesthesia was maintained for >60 min without need for supplementation. The dosage and drug combination used was effective for immobilization of ABBs with minimal adverse effects on vital signs and can be recommended in most clinical applications.


Research on cultural stratification often draws on Bourdieu's misrecognition model to interpret socioeconomic gradients in cultural tastes and participation. In this model, an assumed cultural hierarchy leads individuals to adopt cultural tastes and behaviours whose status is congruent with that of their socioeconomic position (SEP). Yet, this assumed cultural hierarchy remains opaque. In this paper, we derive and test three empirical implications of the cultural hierarchy: (1) cultural activities have different status (recognition); (2) individuals in high and low SEPs have similar perceptions of the status of cultural activities (necessary condition for misrecognition); and (3) individuals prefer and engage in cultural activities whose status matches that of their SEP (status congruence). We collected survey data in Denmark and find that cultural activities differ in terms of perceived status (e.g., opera has higher perceived status than flea market), status perceptions are similar in high- and low-SEP groups and individuals prefer activities whose status matches that of their SEP. These results are consistent with the idea that a cultural hierarchy exists that sustains SEP gradients in cultural tastes and participation.


Background Lowering serum urate (SU) level is considered to be the mainstay of gouty arthritis (GA) therapy. SU levels below 6mg/dL favor dissociation of monosodium urate deposits (microtophi and visible tophi) in the joints and therefore these patients are less likely to flare. Objectives To explore the impact of baseline SU level on the occurrence of new flares in patients treated for acute GA with anti-inflammatory therapy. Methods A retrospective exploratory analysis using a multivariate logistic regression model predicting new flare was performed using the pooled data of 454 patients from two, pivotal 12-week, multicenter, double-blind, double dummy, active-controlled studies (β-RELIEVED and β-RELIEVED II). In these two studies, GA patients (meeting preliminary ACR-1977 criteria) with flare duration ≤5 days and contraindicated, intolerant or unresponsive to NSAIDs and/or colchicine were randomized to receive a single dose of canakinumab 150mg sc or triamcinolone acetonide (TA) 40mg im and were re-dosed "on demand" on each new flare. Patient's baseline characteristics deemed to be indicative of GA disease severity were prescreened using a likelihood ratio test in a series of logistic regression models with treatment and a single covariate candidate. Results In a single predictor model, SU level was not found to be a statistically significant (p=0.21) predictor of new flare, while number of tophi locations, frequency of flares, and number of joints (>1) affected by acute GA flare were found highly significant predictors of new flare (p<0.05) in both the single predictor models and multivariate analysis. When added to the severity adjusted multivariate model, SU level appears to be a noise variable (p=0.50) compared to the triplet of the strongest determinants of reflare. Conclusions Results of this retrospective exploratory analysis show that baseline SU level was not a predictor of new flares in patients receiving anti-inflammatory therapy for acute GA, suggesting that GA severity may be more closely related to the prevention of flare than the baseline SU level. Disclosure of Interest P. Sunkureddi Consultant for: Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, UCB, Pfizer., Speakers Bureau: Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, UCB, Pfizer., N. Schlesinger Grant/Research support from: Novartis, Consultant for: Novartis, URL Pharma, Savient, Takeda, Rx Enzyme, Speakers Bureau: Novartis, Takeda, Savient, T. Kiechle Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, A. Shpilsky Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, A. So Grant/Research support from: Novartis, Consultant for: Novartis, Ardea, Speakers Bureau: Novartis, Ardea, Menarini


VP-16 and ICRF-193 are different types of antitumor topoisomerase II inhibitors, being cleavable and non-cleavable complex-stabilizing types, respectively. To examine the possibility of enhancing the efficacy of combination chemotherapy, we carried out simultaneous and sequencial treatment of cells with the two drugs. When KB cells were exposed continually to low concentrations (0.05 - 0.2 microM) of the drugs, the effects were synergistic. In contrast, when the cells were treated with high concentrations of ICRF-193 and VP-16 for 1 hour, the VP-16-induced cytotoxicity was prevented by ICRF-193 and the degree of prevention was increased by the pretreatment of cells with ICRF-193, while post-treatment with ICRF-193 had little effect on the cytotoxicity of VP-16. ICRF-193 at 1 microM was found to interact with about half molecules of topisomerase IIa and II beta in cells, as judged by increased amounts of a salt-stable complex. ICRF-193 inhibited in vitro VP-16-induced cleavable complex formation, but a much higher concentration was needed to reverse the cleavage already generated by VP-16. Thus, the antagonistic or synergistic effects of ICRF-193 and VP-16 depend on the concentration of the drug, as it may be critical as to how many molecules of cellular topoisomerase II interact with the drugs.


Initial experimental results from the Tandem Mirror Experiment (TMX) are presented. Axial profiles of the plasma density and potential necessary for electrostatically enhanced confinement of the central-cell ions have been generated and sustained for the duration of neutral-beam injection. The resulting central-cell ion confinement against axial loss is improved by a factor as large as 9 above that given by magnetic confinement alone. The plasma exhibits gross magnetohydrodynamic stability and microstability. Under some conditions, a residual level of ion cyclotron fluctuations in the end cells heats the central-cell ions and degrades their confinement.


Nearly all of the requirements for a cancer screening program can be met for head and neck--upper aero-digestive tract (UADT)--cancers. These UADT squamous cancers have a clearly definable high-risk group (smokers, greater than or equal to 40 yr), known etiology (tobacco and alcohol), identifiable premalignant lesions, a high prevalence rate worldwide, and high curability with "early" diagnosis. However, a need exists for an efficient detection examination suitable for physicians and dentists alike. Such an examination was designed and field tested as a feasibility study. The examination consisted of a six-step, dentist-oriented, site-targeted, 10-minute procedure, including the use of a fiberoptic pharyngoscope. Two practicing dentists were instructed in the procedure and used it on a randomly selected, high-risk Health America, Inc.--Park DuValle Community Health Center population, who were voluntary responders to a questionnaire and a phone call. Analysis of results showed easy and reproducible teachability, a high degree of acceptance by dentists and examinees, accuracy, and low cost. Associated findings were the following: Of 6,206 respondents, ages 40 and over, 27% were current smokers; 29% were ex-smokers; and 33% never smoked. Of invited current and ex-smokers, ages 40 and over, 51% appeared for a single examination. Compliance emerged as the major problem. The feasibility demonstrated in this study appears to justify a larger, controlled investigation.


Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is defined by the presence of thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in combination with the persistent positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL): lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti b2glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-b2GPI). These autoantibodies could be detected in other pathological conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (i.e. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - SLE -), infectious diseases or cancer. Moreover, aPL could be identified in asymptomatic subjects (aPL carriers). Concerning this group, several questions are still unsolved, such as the risk of developing thrombotic events and the need of a prophylactic treatment. To date, the aPL carriers who are considered at higher risk of thrombosis are those with LA positivity, with triple positivity (LA+aCL+anti-β2GPI) and those with persistently positive aCL at high/medium titer. Data from the literature reported a risk ranging from 0 to 3.8% after a mean follow-up period of 2.3–8.7 years. It should be considered that 70% of the evaluated aPL carriers showed a concomitant autoimmune disease, which represents a risk factor for thrombotic events. Objectives In this prospective study, we evaluated a cohort of aPL positive healthy subjects, in order to define the risk of developing thrombotic events, in comparison with a group of primary APS (PAPS) patients. Methods In this longitudinal study, we consecutively enrolled 29 aPL carriers (M/F 3/26; mean age±SD 45.0±10.9 years) and 21 PAPS (M/F 5/16; mean age±SD 41.8±12.1 years). According with the study protocol, all patients underwent clinical assessment (collection of anamnestic data and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease) and laboratory evaluation (aCL, anti-β2GPI, LA, antinuclear antibody – ANA –, C3 and C4 serum levels; thrombophilic screening). Data concerning the familial cardiovascular history were collected. All subjects were evaluated every 6 months. Results The comparison between aPL carriers and PAPS patients demonstrated as LA was significantly more frequent in aPL carriers (P=0.0001) while a similar percentage of triple positive patients was identified. Seventeen (58.6%) aPL carriers were treated with low dose aspirin (LDA), 2 (6.9%) with hydroxychloroquine. After a mean follow-up of 67.0 months (range 12–228), we identified an absolute risk to develop a thrombotic event of 0.03 (95% CI 0.001–0.238) and a relative risk of 0.7 (95% CI 0.02–6.44). In particular, a 55 years old female, treated with LDA, developed a thrombotic event after 84 months of follow-up, consisting in a minor stroke. The patient, without other risk factors, tested positive for LA and aCL at high/medium titer. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study specifically designed to evaluate only aPL positive healthy subjects. The longitudinal evaluation identified, after a mean follow-up higher than 5 years, an absolute risk for thrombotic events of 0.03, with a relative risk of 0.7. As suggested by the case described, the presence of multiple aPL positivity, with high/medium titer antibodies, requires particular attention. Disclosure of Interest None declared


This paper evaluates and tests the HUGIN 1000 HUS AUV as a carrier platform for the Laser Optical Plankton Counter (LOPC). The LOPC was mounted outside on top of the carrier platform, and the tests confirm that this concept did not create turbulence and zooplankton avoidance.A negligible velocity difference between the flow passing through the sampling tube and the AUV speed was detected. The abundance recorded by the LOPC onboard HUGIN 1000 HUS was within the same order of magnitude compared to the zooplankton abundance from traditional net-based measurements. The results showed zooplankton abundance in the range of 70 to 180 individuals m-3, while other, traditional netbased measurements have indicated 27–332 individuals m-3 from the same area and same depth layer. Note that these numbers are minimum and maximum values observed from a vast number of samples.The mean is approximately 200 individuals m-3. The results provide new and unique high-resolution biological data of deep-water copepod communities. The application of AUVs in marine ecological research introduces advanced methodology with potential to address new scientific questions in deep water habitats.


In a series of 157 patients treated surgically and/or with Milwaukee braces, constituting 83% of the original criterion patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, treated in the Department of Orthopaedics in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 1969 to 1974, a specific psychologic interview was carried out an average of 9 years after treatment. The 92 surgical patients all wore a Milwaukee brace postoperatively for 6-9 months and were gradually weaned over the next year (17 ± 2 months). The brace-treated patients wore their braces full time for 18 months and part time for another 8 months (26 ± 3 months). The psychologic portion of the study was a semistructured interview aimed at evaluating reactions in connection with the diagnostic phase, attitudes and reactions to the treatment, attitudes to the hospital staff, and body image concepts at follow-up. The brace-treated patients more often said that they experienced more fear and anxiety when informed about the diagnosis than did the surgical patients (53% and 38%, respectively). In both groups, nearly all patients initially had negative attitudes to the brace treatment. Most of the surgically treated patients gradually accepted the brace, whereas very few of the other group did so. Forty percent in the brace group had negative experiences with the hospital staff, but only 15% in the other group reported negative experience. Several years after completed treatment, one-half of the brace group had definite signs of negative body image concept, whereas this emotional disturbance was found in 33% of the surgically treated patients. Furthermore, only 8% in the brace-treated group had a definite positive body image, vs. 27% in the surgical group. We found no relation between later curve increase (ten patients>10°, all in the brace group) or residual rib deformity and negative body image.


Phishing is a form of cybercrime where an attacker imitates a real person / institution by promoting them as an official person or entity through e-mail or other communication mediums. In this type of cyber attack, the attacker sends malicious links or attachments through phishing e-mails that can perform various functions, including capturing the login credentials or account information of the victim. These e-mails harm victims because of money loss and identity theft. In this study, a software called "Anti Phishing Simulator" was developed, giving information about the detection problem of phishing and how to detect phishing emails. With this software, phishing and spam mails are detected by examining mail contents. Classification of spam words added to the database by Bayesian algorithm is provided.


Several reforms were introduced in the Hungarian public administration in the last decade that reshaped both the local and central governance levels. A well-functioning administration with embedded institutions enables the formulation of a competitive environment that favorably effects the country's economic growth. The projects of the reform program are partly financed by the European Union's Cohesion Funds through the Hungarian Public Administration and Civil Service Development Operation Programme. Hungary is committed to attain a good state through good governance and devoted to implement a results-oriented approach in its policy cycles. The international indexes providing comparisons among public administrations of different countries cannot fully and in detail reflect the results and impact of executed projects. As a response to the need for continuous monitoring based on data, the Hungarian Government introduced a unique pilot evidence-based assessment framework connected to the selected projects of the Hungarian Public Administration and Civil Service Development Operation Programme. The institutional framework is provided by the National University of Public Service, utilizing the advantage of its research and professional expertise. The results and impacts are measured and continuously monitored both at project and national levels. The steady monitoring and data gathering provides a good basis for a comprehensive evaluation and further policy-making.


OBJECTIVES
Lung transplantation (LTx) is the only effective treatment for end-stage lung disease. In rapidly deteriorating patients awaiting transplant, supportive strategies for lung function allow only a short period of support and lung transplantation remains the definitive therapy. An urgent transplant programme may reduce the waiting time, allowing lung transplantation in these patients.

METHODS
Since November 2010 a nation-wide urgent lung transplant programme has been established in Italy and patients on the waiting list dependent on mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal lung support (ECLS) can be transplanted on an emergency basis with the first available graft in the country. Results of the first 14 months of this programme are analysed here.

RESULTS
From November 2010 to December 2011, 28 patients (14 males, mean age 33.6 ± 14.4 years) were considered for urgent LTx. Rapidly deteriorating lung function was supported with mechanical ventilation alone in 4 patients (14.3%), ECLS in 13 patients (46.4%) and mechanical ventilation plus ECLS in the remaining 11 patients (39.3%). Three patients (10.7%) were excluded because of worsening conditions, 3 patients (10.7%) while on the urgent listed and 22 patients (78.6%) underwent transplantation after 9.8 ± 6.2 days of being on the urgent list. The 30-day mortality rate after LTx was 18%, and the 1-year survival rate was 71.4%.

CONCLUSIONS
The urgent lung transplant programme allowed transplantation in a significant percentage of prioritized patients with acceptable 30-day and 1-year mortality rates. An accurate selection of recipients may further improve the clinical impact of this programme, reducing the ethical concerns about transplantation in high-risk patients.


Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is complication of progressive kidney disease. Kidney will lose its function to control volume and body fluids. Patient CKD will be at terminal illness in various term from 2-3 months until 30-40 years. Hemodialysis is needed for CKD stadium terminal when kidney is unable to excrete waste of metabolism, control electrolyte and fluids balance, and secrete hormone. This condition will lead cumulative Nitrogen as waste product of metabolism.
Objective: To determine relation between protein intake with ureum and creatinine concentration on CKD patient with hemodialysis at
Hemodialysis Unit in PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta Hospital.
Methods: This is a descriptive analytic research using cross sectional research design. It was held on August 2016 at PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta Hospital. Population is all CKD patients with Hemodialysis. Subject is chosen by inclusion criteria: want to join research and has 30-60 years old.
Results: There is no significant correlation both protein intake with ureum concentration p=0.438 and protein intake with creatinin concentration p=0.205 based on Rank Spearman test.
Conclusion: There is no significant correlation both protein intake with ureum concentration, and protein intake with creatinin concentration on patients with CKD at Hemodialysis Unit in PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta Hospital.

Keywords: Protein intake, Ureum, Creatinin


Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy and endometriosis is the only currently described precursor lesion. MUC1 mucin is an ovarian epithelial tumor-associated antigen and a vaccine candidate for ovarian cancer immunotherapy. Natural and vaccine-induced MUC1 immunity, often studied in ovarian cancer is much less understood in endometriosis. Human and murine mucin 1 share little homology in the extracellular region and transgenic mouse models expressing the human antigen are needed. We generated two novel preclinical models for MUC1 positive endometriosis and MUC1-expressing ovarian tumors, respectively. The MUC1KrasG12D mice develop MUC1-positive ovarian endometriosis after AdCre injection under the ovarian bursa. MUC1KrasG12D transgenic mice injected with MUC1-expressing immortalized ovarian surface epithelial cells (OSE) develop tumors throughout the peritoneal cavity and serve as a transplantable in vivo tumor model. Our results show that MUC1 is immunogenic in humans and mice with either malignant or premalignant lesions and triggers MUC1-specific IgM and Th2-driven IgG antibodies. Furthermore, the presence of IgG in cancer patients correlates inversely with survival. In additions, mice and humans show several differences in immune regulation by other CD4 T cell subsets (Th17, Treg) with consequences for MUC1 vaccination in preclinical models. PA Dept of Health, CMRF.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pars plana surgical posterior capsulotomy in pseudophakic adults.

METHODS
This prospective interventional case series was conducted at Sindh Govt Lyari General Hospital Karachi and Al- Noor Eye Hospital Karachi from June 2006 to May 2008. Complete ophthalmic examination of anterior and posterior segment was performed including assessment of type of posterior capsular opacification, measurement of intraocular pressure. Visual acuity, measurement of intraocular pressure and any unwanted complications were analyzed.

RESULTS
Seventy six (43.18%) patients were operated on both eyes. Mean age was 62.01 +/- 13.02 years. There were 104 (59.1%) females and 72 (40.9%) males. Visual acuity at presentation was found to be 6/9 to 6/18 in 130 (59.1%)eyes, 6/18 to 6/60 in 81(36.8%) and below 6/60 in 9 (4.1%) eyes. A significant reduction in intraocular pressure (13.8, +/- 1.4, P = 0.000) was noted on second post operative day. Intraoperative complication included subconjuctival haemorrhage in 22 (10%) eyes, pin head haematoma at the entry site in 7 (3.2%) eyes, pea head haematoma at the entry site in 8 (3.6%) eyes, minor grade of vitreous haemorrhage in 9 (4.1%) cases. Insufficient capsular opening was noted in 8 (3.6%) eyes. Clinically evident macular oedema in 4 (1.8%) eyes. We found no case of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment.

CONCLUSION
Surgical posterior capsulotomy is a safe and effective procedure in experienced hands and could be adopted in place of YAG laser.


An adaptive device is made up of an underlying mechanism, for instance, an automaton, a grammar, etc., to which is added an adaptive mechanism, responsible for allowing a dynamic modification in the structure of the underlying mechanism. Adaptive languages have the basic feature of allowing the expression of programs which self-modifying through adaptive actions at runtime. The conception of such languages calls for a new programming style, since the application of adaptive technology suggests a new way of thinking. The adaptive programming style may be a feasible alternate way to obtain self-modifying consistent codes, which allow its use in modern applications for self-modifying.


Runtime specialization optimizes programs based on partial information available only at run time. It is applicable when some input data is used repeatedly while other input data varies. This technique has the potential of generating highly efficient codes. In this paper, we explore the potential for obtaining speedups for sparse matrix-dense vector multiplication using runtime specialization, in the case where a single matrix is to be multiplied by many vectors. We experiment with five methods involving runtime specialization, comparing them to methods that do not (including Intel's MKL library). For this work, our focus is the evaluation of the speedups that can be obtained with runtime specialization without considering the overheads of the code generation. Our experiments use 23 matrices from the Matrix Market and Florida collections, and run on five different machines. In 94 of those 115 cases, the specialized code runs faster than any version without specialization. If we only use specialization, the average speedup with respect to Intel's MKL library ranges from 1.44x to 1.77x, depending on the machine. We have also found that the best method depends on the matrix and machine; no method is best for all matrices and machines.


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
During minimally invasive procedures, an assistant controls the camera and often a laparoscopic grasper. Ideally, the surgeon should be able to manipulate the instruments because the indirect way of control complicates the surgeon's observation and actions and disturbs eye-hand coordination. Reported replacements for the assistant are active positioners, "robots," such as the Aesop and the EndoAssist. Because positioning instruments is often a static task, the Academic Medical Center has developed a passive assistant for instrument positioning (PASSIST) to allow solo surgery.

METHODS
The PASSIST was designed to be simple, fully autoclavable, slender, and stiff. The joints have adjustable friction and spring compensation for stabilizing the instrument in a fixed position, enabling intuitive single-hand repositioning.

RESULTS
The PASSIST has been tested in three laparoscopic procedures: cholecystectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and spondylodesis. In all of these procedures, the assistant could be replaced satisfactorily, and the surgeon was able to manipulate all of the instruments on his own.

CONCLUSION
Solo surgery using the PASSIST is feasible. The positioner enables the surgeon to manipulate the viewpoint, to have a stable image, and therefore to improve observation and manipulating actions.


Designing a new dual dynamic node hybrid flip-flop (DDFF) and low power 4/5 Counter was based on DDFF using FOOTED logic. The proposed designs eliminate the large capacitance present in the precharge node of several state-of-the-art designs by following a split dynamic node structure to separately drive the output pull-up and pull down transistors. The DDFF offers a power reduction of up to 62% and 48% compared to the conventional flipflops like Power PC 603 flip-flop and semi dynamic flip-flop. The aim of the DDFF-ELM is to reduce pipeline overhead. It presents an area, power, and speed efficient method to incorporate complex logic functions into the flipflop. The performance comparisons made in a 90 nm UMC process show a power reduction of 48% compared to the Semi dynamic flip-flop, with no degradation in speed performance. The leakage power and delay variations of various designs are compared with the proposed designs. The Footed logic is used to reduce power in the circuits. An efficient power reduction was obtained using footed logic and a single design was used for both counter which is called low power 4/5 counter.


This study examines reoffending among 1,092 male offenders proceeded against for a child sexual offence in New South Wales between 2004 and 2013, including 863 child sexual assault offenders, 196 child abuse material offenders and 33 procurement/ grooming offenders. Seven percent of child sexual offenders sexually reoffended within 10 years of their first police proceeding for a child sexual offence, while 42 percent non-sexually reoffended. Risk of sexual and non-sexual reoffending was highest in the first two years. Child sexual assault offenders were the most likely to reoffend non-sexually, while procurement/grooming offenders were the most likely to reoffend sexually. There was evidence of transition to other sexual offence types, but this varied between groups. Indigenous status, history of offending and the number of child sexual offences emerged as important predictors of reoffending, although risk profiles varied between offender types.


Abstract In our incomplete markets economy households choose portfolios consisting of risky (uninsurable) capital and money. Money is a bubble, it has positive value even though it yields no payoff. The market outcome is constrained Pareto inefficient due to a pecuniary externality. Each individual agent takes the real interest rate as given, while in the aggregate it is driven by the economic growth rate, which in turn depends on individual portfolio decisions. Higher inflation due to higher money growth lowers the real interest rate on money and tilts the portfolio choice towards physical capital investment. Modest inflation boosts growth rate and welfare.


Abstract: Since the 1940s, the large animal model to assess novel causal prophylactic antimalarial agents has been the Plasmodium cynomolgi sporozoite-infected Indian-origin rhesus monkey. In 2009 the model was reassessed with 3 clinical standards: primaquine (PQ), tafenoquine (TQ), and atovaquone-proguanil. Both control monkeys were parasitemic on day 8 post-sporozoite inoculation on day 0. Primaquine at 1.78 mg base/kg/day on days (−1) to 8 protected 1 monkey and delayed parasitemia patency of the other monkey to day 49. Tafenoquine at 6 mg base/kg/day on days (−1) to 1 protected both monkeys. However, atovaquone-proguanil at 10 mg atovaquone/kg/day on days (−1) to 8 did not protect either monkey and delayed patency only to days 18–19. Primaquine and TQ at the employed regimens are proposed as appropriate doses of positive control drugs for the model at present.


Background The introduction of the first targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), imatinib mesylate (IM) revolutionized the therapeutic paradigm and dramatically improved outcomes of chronic myeloid leukemia(CML). Data are limited in developing countries regarding the clinicopathologic features and response to therapy in the era of IM.

Aims To report on the clinicoepidemiologic features of CML in Tunisia, to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients in chronic (CP) or accelerated phase (AP) treated with IM 400mg daily as frontline therapy and to determine imatinib's efficacy and safety.

Methods From October 2002 to December 2011, two hundred and ninety two CML patients were treated with IM in 6 Tunisian departments of hematology. Monitoring response was defined as the ELN provided guidelines. Response (Hematologic, cytogenetic and molecular responses), adverse events and outcome (overall survival, event free survival and progression free survival) were evaluated. The factors associated with outcome of IM therapy were also analyzed.

Results Two hundred ninety-two patients enrolled with a median follow-up duration of 56 (8 -290) months: The median age was 44 years (3-78 years). One hundred and fifty (51.3%) patients were male, 134 (49%) were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Splenomegaly was present in 237 of 292 (81%). Additional cytogenetic abnormalities were encountred in 24 (8.3%) patients. At diagnosis, 271 (92.8%) patients were in CP, 21 (7.2%) were in AP. The Sokal risk was low in 64 (23%), intermediate in 94 (33.5%), and high in 122 patients (43.5%). The Eutos risk was low in 179 (75%), and high in 60 (25%) patients.The rate of cumulative complete hematologic response (CHR), complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), major molecular response (MMR) and molecular response 4/5 log (CMR) in CP/AP CML patients were 93.8%, 73%, 65% and 33.9%, respectively. According to the 2009 ELN criteria, optimal, suboptimal response and failure were noted in 132 (47%), 68 (24%) and 82 (29%) patients, respectively. Five year event free survival (EFS), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 78%, 89% and 91%, respectively. By multivariate analyzis, AP, high Eutos risk and baseline WBC ≥ 150G/l remained independent predictive factors of non optimal response to IM. AP was an adverse independent prognostic factor for EFS, PFS and OS. Patients obtained CCyR at 12 months after the initiation of IM treatment were associated with longer PFS (P< 0.0001) and OS (P< 0.0001). ELN response was also significantly associated with EFS. The adverse events (AE) of IM were moderate and tolerable. Only 3 patients discontinued IM for intolerance. IM-related hematologic AE included neutropenia in 6.2%, anemia in 8.9%, and thrombocytopenia in 17.2%. Nonhematologic AE (21%), including mainly edema in 7.1%, digestive disorders in 5.5%, weight gain and skin rash in 3.1%.

Conclusion We found that substantial number of patients in our series were in intermediate or high risk group. With the caveats that the monitoring of the disease was not optimal, response rates were similar to those reported in previous studies. It is clear to us that improvements should be made in treatment of AP-CML and high Sokal risk group of CP-CML. The front-line use of 2nd TKI are expected to improve the results of the first line treatment of these high risk Tunisian patients, but cost and accessibility of this therapy remain the problems in developing countries.

Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Abstract Data are used from a Kα-band radar and microwave radiometer along with a droplet model to determine the droplet parameters of drizzle and clouds. Drizzle droplet parameters are determined from the zeroth, first, and second moments of the Doppler spectrum. Cloud droplet parameters are determined from the zeroth moment of the Doppler spectrum and the measured integrated liquid water. Measurements of stratus clouds were made during the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment (ASTEX) on the island of Porto Santo in the Madeira Islands, Portugal. Potential applications of this technique would be in the long-term monitoring of stratus clouds and in determining the vertical profiles of cloud liquid water, number of cloud droplets, and modal radius.


Modeling synthetic characters which interact with objects in dynamic virtual worlds is important when we want the agents to act in an autonomous and non-preplanned way. Such interactions with objects would allow the synthetic characters to behave in a more believable way. Once objects offer innumerous uses, it is essential that the agent is able to acquire the necessary knowledge to identify action possibilities in the objects while interacting with them. We propose a conceptual framework that allows the agents to identify possible interactions with objects based in past experiences with other objects. Starting from sensory patterns collected during interactions with objects, the agent is able to acquire conceptual knowledge about regularities of the world, its internal states and its own actions. The presented work also proposes that such acquired knowledge may be used by the agent in order to satisfy its needs and goals by interacting with objects. Preliminary tests were made and it is possible to state that our agents are able to acquire valid conceptual knowledge about the regularities in the environment and its objects, its own actions and causal relations between them.


A Digital Transponder collects signals in the range of uplink frequencies and transmits them on a different set of downlink frequencies to receivers on Earth. The Transponder consists of RF Receiver; RF Transmitter & digital Baseband Subsystem. In the Digital Baseband Subsystem, the Receiver performs the demodulation of the uplinked command signal down to the data level. The Transmitter linearly phase modulates the Telemetry video signal on a Baseband Transmitter and generates the required RF power before transmission. In this paper, BPSK modulator and demodulator are designed by using VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) and implemented in Spartan 3E FPGA kit. The Digital Baseband subsystem is used in Spacecraft applications.


Distinct Ca2+ channels work in a coordinated manner to grade Ca2+ spark/spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in rat cerebral arteries. The relative contribution of each Ca2+ channel to Ca2+ spark/STOC production depends upon their biophysical properties and the resting membrane potential of smooth muscle. Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, but not TRP channels, can also facilitate STOC production.


Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is a novel hemostatic agent, originally developed for the treatment of hemorrhage in hemophiliacs with inhibitors, which has been successfully used recently in an increasing number of nonhemophilic bleeding conditions. In the present systematic review we report the existing literature data on the use of this hemostatic agent in severe bleeding, unresponsive to standard treatment, associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation. A total of 99 disseminated intravascular coagulation-associated bleeding episodes treated with rFVIIa were collected from 27 published articles: in the majority of the cases, the underlying disorder complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation was a postpartum hemorrhage, while in the remaining cases it was a cancer, trauma, sepsis or liver failure. Although limited, the data available suggest that rFVIIa could have a potential role in this clinical setting. Large randomized trials are needed, however, to confirm the preliminary results and to assess the safety and dosing regimens of this agent in refractory bleeding associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation.


A 65-year-old man underwent lobectomy following a positron emission tomography (PET) scan showing increased uptake in a nodular lesion in the middle lobe (fig 1). A preoperative transbronchial biopsy specimen demonstrated lipoid pneumonia which was disregarded as a false positive (fig 2). No tumour was seen in the …


P. Graux III 30 is the edition of a substantial part of a composite roll now divided, thanks to the caprices of the antiquities market, among (at least) four papyrus collections, and published piecemeal since 1931. This is the part kept at the Sorbonne; larger pieces are housed in the collections of Berlin (P. Berl. Frisk 1; BGU XIII 2270-1) and Columbia (P. Col. II lr 4), while a smaller fragment found its way to Groningen (SB XVI 13060). All together, what we have measures some seven metres, but much is still missing.! The roll was made up of glued-together receipts addressed to the public bankers of Ptolemais Euergetis (Arsinoe), concerning payments for services to the state, chiefly the transportation of taxgrain from village granaries to river harbours in the Arsinoite nome. In total, we have 74 receipts (14 in P. Graux 30), dating from the early months of AD 155. The other side of the roll was reused for a list of pittakia, groups of farmers of state land; this text originates from the village of Theadelphia, and dates from the reign of Marcus Aurelius (the part in the Sorbonne is now published as P. Graux IV 31). The introduction of the volume deals with all parts of the roll, and discusses formal aspects, the scribes, the structure of the receipts, the transporters (with tables), the background to the procedure, and the charges. Among the things one notices in the tables is that the bulk of the transportation is done by donkeys, mainly from the meris of Polemon; the meris of Heracleides and the Heracleopolite nome are represented more sparsely. There are a very few camels, which come from two villages, Dionysias (eight camels) and Soknopaiou Nesos (one); these two villages appear not to have provided any donkeys.s Dionysias is also the only village in the meris of Themistos attested in the roll. All but one of the fourteen receipts in P. Graux 30 refer to payments of transportation charges, calculated in wheat but commuted to money, to donkeyand camel-drivers. The exceptional item, and a real novelty in our documentation, occupies col. vii. This receipt, issued by two clothes-sellers (himatiopolai) and 'intepreters of the market' (hermeneis agoras) of the metropolis, who represent their guild, concerns payment for the transportation fee for robes (stolat) for prisoners and the price of linen cloths (sabana). Embedded in the receipt is the epistalma of the acting strategus, which orders the bankers to effect the payment, and illuminates the earlier parts of the exercise. (On a point of detail see D. Hagedorn, ZPE 138 (2002),118-19.) An appendix with new readings in P. Berl. Frisk 1 and P. Col. II 1r 4 (now excerpted in BL XI), made on the basis photographs, closes this exemplary edition.


Background— Treatment of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction is possible with a bare metal stent (BMS), although this treatment causes pulmonary regurgitation. In this study, we assessed the acute physiological effects of BMS versus percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) using an x-ray/magnetic resonance hybrid laboratory. Methods and Results— Fourteen consecutive children (median age, 12.9 years) with significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction underwent BMS followed by PPVI. Magnetic resonance imaging (ventricular volumes and function and great vessel blood flow) and hemodynamic assessment (invasive pressure measurements) were performed before BMS, after BMS, and after PPVI; all were performed under general anesthesia in an x-ray/magnetic resonance hybrid laboratory. BMS significantly reduced the ratio of right ventricular to systemic pressure (0.75±0.17% versus 0.41±0.14%; P<0.001) with no further change after PPVI (0.42±0.11; P=1.0). However, BMS resulted in free pulmonary regurgitation (21.3±10.7% versus 41.4±7.5%; P<0.001), which was nearly abolished after PPVI (3.6±5.6%; P<0.001). Effective right ventricular stroke volume (right ventricular stroke volume minus pulmonary regurgitant volume) after BMS remained unchanged (33.8±7.3 versus 32.6±8.7 mL/m2; P=1.0) but was significantly increased after revalvulation with PPVI (41.0±8.0 mL/m2; P=0.004). These improvements after PPVI were accompanied by a significant heart rate reduction (75.5±17.7 bpm after BMS versus 69.0±16.9 bpm after PPVI; P=0.006) at maintained cardiac output (2.5±0.5 versus 2.4±0.5 versus 2.7±0.5 mL · min−1 · m−2; P=0.14). Conclusion— Using an x-ray/magnetic resonance hybrid laboratory, we have demonstrated the superior acute hemodynamic effects of PPVI over BMS in patients with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.


IL-17 producing-CD4 T cells play a key role in immune responses against extracellular bacteria and autoimmunity. The transcription factor NF-kB is required for T cell activation and effector functions. Here, we investigated the role of T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated NF-kB in Th17 differentiation. In vitro, cells deficient in the adaptor molecule CARMA1, necessary for TCR-NF-kB signaling, did not differentiate towards a Th17 program, as shown by absence of IL-17A or IL-17F, IL-22, IL-21, IL-23R and CCR6. Consistently, CARMA1-deficient mice did not develop Th17-driven experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. CARMA1 selectively affected Th17 but not Th1 or Th2 differentiation in a cell intrinsic manner. While CARMA1 controls both NF-kB and JNK2 TCR-mediated activation, only NF-kB-impaired T cells (IkBaDN-Tg) had defective Th17 differentiation, confirming that Th17 differentiation requires intact TCR-CARMA1-NF-κB signaling. Despite impaired Th17 differentiation, CARMA1-deficient cells had intact IL-6 or TGFb signaling, as assessed by p-STAT3 and p-Smad2/3. Moreover, induction of transcription factors essential for Th17 differentiation such as RORgt, proceeded normally in CARMA1-deficient T cells. Notably, accessibility to the IL-17 locus was impaired in CARMA1-deficient cells. Our results demonstrate that TCR-CARMA1-NF-κB controls Th17 differentiation by enabling IL-17 locus accessibility. Targeting T cell NF-kB could be potentially used as therapy for autoimmune diseases.


Automatic understanding of the intended meaning of computer programs is a very hard problem, requiring intelligence and reasoning. In this abstract we discuss a new method for program analysis, called symbol elimination which was introduced in [1], [2]. Symbol elimination uses first-order theorem proving techniques to automatically discover nontrivial program properties, such as loop invariants and loop bounds. Moreover, symbol elimination can be used as an alternative to interpolation for software verification. This abstract is divided in two parts. In the first part of the abstract we discuss how symbol elimination can be used for quantified invariant generation. Our method explores the power of a first-order theorem prover and allows one to generate first-order invariants containing alternations of quantifiers. To this end, we first deploy symbolic computation methods to generate polynomial invariants of the scalar loop variables [3]. Next, we make use of so-called update predicates over unbounded data structures, such as arrays. An update predicate for an array expresses updates made to the array. We observe that many properties of update predicates can be extracted automatically from the loop description and loop properties obtained by other methods such as a simple analysis of counters occurring in the loop, recurrence solving and quantifier elimination over loop variables. The first-order information extracted from the loop description can use auxiliary symbols, such as symbols denoting update predicates or loop counters. After having collected the first-order information, we run a saturation theorem prover to eliminate the auxiliary symbols and obtain loop invariants expressed as first-order formulas. Symbol elimination is thus the main ingredient in generating quantified loop invariants by a first-order theorem prover [1], [4]. Moreover, by a slight modification of our program analysis framework, we are also able to derive tight bounds on the number of loop iterations, as presented in [5]. To this end, we deploy pattern-based recurrence solving in conjunction with satisfiability modulo theory reasoning. The obtained loop bounds can further be used in the worst-case execution time analysis of programs. In the second part of the abstract, we detail how interpolants can be automatically constructed from symboleliminating proofs of a special structure. In our approach to interpolation we restrict ourselves to so-called local proof. Local proofs are used in a context when some (predicate and/or function) symbols are declared to have colors. In local proofs every inference can use symbols of at most one color, as a consequence, every term or atomic formula used in such proofs can use symbols of at most one color. For extracting interpolants from local proofs we use the algorithm presented in [2]. The interpolants generated by our method are boolean combinations of conclusions of symbol eliminating inferences of a local first-order resolution proof. The obtained interpolants can further be used in bounded model checking, for the verification of safety properties of programs.


During vegetative growth, the vertical profile of leaf nitrogen (N) often parallels the profile of light distribution within the canopy. This is more advantageous in terms of canopy photosynthesis than a uniform distribution of leaf N. We investigated the influence of both reproductive growth and N supply on the profiles of N and light in canopies of irrigated cotton crops (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Regular samplings were made from soon after the onset of reproductive growth until crop maturity. Every 2 weeks, a 1 m2sample of the canopy was cut in four successive vertical layers of equal thickness. Leaf area and N concentration (%) in each layer were measured. The vertical N gradient became more marked with ongoing reproductive development. It is hypothesized that because of the high rate of growth after the onset of reproductive development and the long duration of this phase compared to other species, the whole canopy photosynthetic benefit that would accrue from maintaining the N gradient is likely to be accentuated. The rate of decline in leaf N concentration in a layer was not related to either the initial concentration in the leaves nor the boll load within the layer.