Objectives: To determine the association between printing works and nasopharygeal carcinoma as well as other diseases. Methods: Demographic data were obtained for those who had worked in a particular newspaper company since its establishment in 1950. Through access to the data bank of the hospital records of the Labor Insurance Bureau for 1985–94, all workers were identified who had been admitted to hospital during their employment in the newspaper company. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to estimate the adjusted morbidity odds ratio (OR) for various diseases among the printing workers with cardiovascular diseases as the reference diseases. Biopsy specimens from patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were all subjected to in situ hybridisation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and colocalisation of EBV and secretor component protein. Results: Of the 1564 people who had worked in this company, 579 of them were admitted to hospital at least once. Five out of 144 printing workers admitted to hospital were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma compared with none of the other 435 non-printing workers admitted to hospital. The morbidity OR for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in printing workers was 57.0 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.8 to 1155.3). The morbidity OR for benign skin tumours was 28.0 (95% CI 2.7 to 293.1). Chronic pharyngitis or sinusitis also showed significant relations with printing works with a morbidity OR 29.4 (95% CI 1.7 to 514.7). Using all other diseases as the reference diseases for calculation of morbidity ORs still showed a similar trend. In situ hybridisation of EBV encoded small nuclear RNA-1 (EBER-1) showed tumour cells free of the EBV in each biopsy specimen. Colocalisation of EBER-1 and secretor component showed that some tumour cells contained both secretor component and EBV signal in each case. Conclusion: Printing works are associated with an increased risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, benign skin tumours, chronic pharyngitis or sinusitis, chronic liver diseases, and mechanical injuries. Induction of the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is probably not related to EBV infection in these patients.


The north and south talc bodies near Winterboro, Alabama, are associated with Cambrian dolomite. The north body lies like a blanket in residual clay which overlies the dolomite bedrock, and the lense-shaped south body is oriented along a fracture in the dolomite with a strike of N 65 degrees W and a dip of 43 degrees NE. The nature and distribution of insoluble residues in the dolomite as well as textural and field evidence suggest that hydrothermal solutions and metasomatic processes produced talc in and near fractures in the dolomite. These solutions are apparently also responsible for the production of chlorite in the dolomite and in associated shales and sandstones, or chlorite metasomatites, beneath the south body. Weathering exposed the north body and part of the south body and produced brecciation and silicification as well as a residuum of talc and chlorite in the vicinity of the orebodies.Insoluble residues in dolomite obtained from diamond drill cores suggest that a mineralized halo of talc and chlorite extends at least 200 feet from the main orebody, with the talc to chlorite ratio increasing as the talc body is approached. This feature, the presence of talc in the residual soils overlying the dolomite, and the associated chlorite and chlorite metasomatites may be useful in prospecting for Winterboro-type talc deposits.


Personal life narratives can serve as a rich source of new insights into the experience of human aging. In this comp;rehensive volume, an international team of editors and contributors provide effective approaches to using biography to enhance our understanding of adult development. In addition to providing new theoretical aspects on aging and biography, the book also details new developments concerning the practical use of different biographical approaches in both research and clinical work. This is a landmark volume advancing the use of narrative approaches in gerontology.


A model was developed to simulate the behavior of near-surface-imaged resist processes, with the emphasis on modeling of resist processes for 193 nm. Silylation, bilayer, and additive resist processes can all be simulated using this model. For the silylation process, the model was found to be in excellent agreement with experimentally observed silylated resist profiles. This model was used in combination with existing programs that calculate aerial images and single-layer resist profiles to predict process margins for 193 nm (0.5 NA) lithography. The results of our simulations for 0.25 micrometers features indicate a depth of focus comparable to the Rayleigh limit (+/- 0.4 micrometers ) for a single-layer resist process and up to two times this value for near-surface-imaged resists. Focus latitudes greater than the Rayleigh limit are predicted for 0.18 micrometers features when using near-surface-imaged resists in conjunction with annular illumination.


An a priori test has been conducted for the dynamic mixed model which was generalized for the prediction of passive scalar field in a turbulent channel flow The results from a priori tests indicated that dynamic mixed model is capable of predicting both subgrid-scale heat flux and dissipation rather accurately. The success is attributed to the explicitly calculated resolved term incorporated into the model. The actual test of the model in a LES a posteriori showed that dynamic mixed model is superior to the widely used dynamic Smagorinsky model in the prediction of temperature statistics.


Abstract Hematite reduction in the presence of pyrite and CaO led to the formation of anhydrite and magnetite at 30 MPa and 723 K under hydrothermal conditions in a sealed gold container. For the first time, hydrothermal magnetite production was monitored magnetically at the run conditions. Sample magnetic susceptibility was found to follow an Avrami kinetic law with k = 1.5 10-5/s and n = 2.07. Application of up to two external field reversals in the course of the magnetite production reaction shows that partial Chemical Remanent Magnetizations (CRM) are recorded by the sample. The intensity of each partial CRM acquired within a given time interval (under a given field intensity) is proportional to the amount of magnetite produced during that time interval. Alternating magnetic field demagnetization failed at separating these partial CRMs, which are believed to superpose in the (V, Hc) diagram of Néel. Additional TEM, SEM, and magnetic characterizations suggest that continuous nucleation and fast magnetite growth (to a maximum size of ca. 10 mm), compared to the field polarity duration, can account for the evolution of the sample CRM with time. This study demonstrates that one should be cautious when using natural CRM apparent polarity to infer timing of the corresponding chemical event


Ornithine decarboxylase activity was higher in the left ventricle than in the right ventricle of the rat. Swimming exercise for 2 hours caused an increase in left ventricular but not right ventricular enzyme activity. This effect was not influenced by the prior injection of propranolol, which also had no influence on the resting level of ornithine decarboxylase activity. After 4 hours' exposure to 400 mm Hg the decarboxylase activity became greater in the right ventricle. This was attributed to the increased work-load on the right ventricle caused by hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. In the left ventricle, ornithine decarboxylase showed an initial increase in activity followed by a transient decrease at 16 hours. Propranolol had no effect on the changes observed in either ventricle. It is concluded that beta-receptor stimulation is not involved in the mechanism of an increased myocardial ornithine decarboxylase activity during increased cardiac work.


The Philadelphia chromosome is formed as a result of a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 and results in the formation of the hybrid oncoprotein BCR-ABL. It is observed in over 95% of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) and approximately 30% of adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) cases. Imatinib Mesylate (IM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically binds BCR-ABL in its inactive conformation has revolutionized therapy for CML and Ph+ ALL. However, resistance develops in a significant proportion of patients and is predominantly mediated by single base-pair substitutions within the BCR-ABL kinase domain leading to changes in the amino acid composition that inhibit IM binding whilst retaining BCR-ABL phosphorylation capacity. Second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as Dasatinib and Nilotinib retain activity in IM-resistant patients due to less stringent binding requirements and represent viable alternatives for IM-resistant patients with a suitable molecular profile. In this study, we undertook to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying IM resistance. A cohort of 40 patients with either primary or acquired resistance or intolerance to IM was identified by persistent high or increasing levels of BCR-ABL transcripts determined by real-time quantitative PCR. An allele-specific PCR screen was used to sensitively detect the clinically significant T315I mutation, which renders patients insensitive to currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors: five (12.5%) IM resistant/intolerant patients were T315I positive. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of mutation induced resistance, the BCR-ABL kinase domain was screened for the presence of a mutation using a sensitive denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC) approach. Samples showing evidence of mutation were examined by direct sequencing to identify the mutation(s) present. Kinase domain mutations have been identified in 20 of the 40 (50%) patients examined to date and these include p-loop mutations (M244V, G250E, Q252H), IM-binding domain mutations (T315I), catalytic domain mutations (M351T), an activation-loop mutation (L387M). Three previously unreported mutations were identified in patients with indications of IM resistance (T267A, E275Q) and Nilotinib resistance (L273M). The L273 residue lies adjacent to a region of the BCR-ABL kinase domain bound by Nilotinib. Three patients were found to harbour mutations at two distinct kinase domain residues while one patient harboured mutations at three distinct residues, supporting the theory that patients who develop mutation-mediated resistance to one kinase inhibitor may become resistant to subsequent inhibitors by a similar mechanism. The identification of clinically significant mutations facilitates selection of alternative approaches to therapy such as dose escalation of IM, second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors or allogeneic stem cell transplant, if eligible, at an early stage in a patient's disease, tailoring patient specific approaches to therapy.


We investigated the spatial distribution of lateral heterogeneity in the upper mantle in the western Pacific region analyzing transverse components of teleseismic P‐coda recorded by broad‐band seismic networks. Large amplitude transverse components are observed at stations close to plate boundaries such as island arcs for the frequency range of 0.04–2.56 Hz, while small amplitudes are observed at stations on stable continents. Our envelope inversion applied to the observed P‐coda reveals large scattering coefficients at depths from 100 to more than 300 km beneath the island arcs, which are interpreted as strong heterogeneities originating from subducting slabs and mantle diapirs. Analyses of a dense seismic network further show a significant difference of heterogeneity between East and West Japan: the former is more heterogeneous than the latter. In contrasts, scattering coefficients less than 20% of the maximum beneath the island arcs are obtained beneath the stable continents, which represents homogeneous and transparent upper mantle.


Ovules are female reproductive organs of angiosperms, containing sporophytic integuments and gametophytic embryo sacs. After fertilization, embryo sacs develop into embryos and endosperm whereas integuments into seed coat. Ovule development is regulated by transcription factors (TF) whose expression is often controlled by microRNAs. Mutations of Arabidopsis DICER-LIKE 1 (DCL1), a microRNA processing protein, caused defective ovule development and reduced female fertility. However, it was not clear whether other microRNA processing proteins participate in this process and how defective ovule development influenced female fertility. We report that mutations of HUA ENHANCER1 (HEN1) and HYPONASTIC LEAVES 1 (HYL1) interfered with integument growth. The sporophytic defect caused abnormal embryo sac development and inability of mutant ovules to attract pollen tubes, leading to reduced female fertility. We show that the role of HEN1 in integument growth is cell-autonomous. Although AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 6 (ARF6) and ARF8 were ectopically expressed in mutant ovules, consistent with the reduction of microRNA167 in hen1, introducing arf6;arf8 did not suppress ovule defects of hen1, suggesting the involvement of more microRNAs in this process. Results presented indicate that the microRNA processing machinery is critical for ovule development and seed production through multiple microRNAs and their targets.


Spatial analyses are indispensable analytical tools in biogeography and macroecology. In a recent Guest Editorial, Hawkins (Journal of Biogeography, 2012, 39, 1–9) raised several issues related to spatial analyses. While we concur with some points, we here clarify those confounding (1) spatial trends and spatial autocorrelation, and (2) spatial autocorrelation in the response variable and in the residuals. We argue that recognizing spatial autocorrelation in statistical modelling is not only a crucial step in model diagnostics, but that disregarding it is essentially wrong.


We focus on highly grafted binary polymer brushes with compatible components in the cases of different chain lengths. Layered structures parallel to the surface that indicating "phase separation" are observed in a series of dissipative particle dynamics simulations. The stretch parameters indicate that the short chains are suppressed in the lower layer of the film, whereas the longer chains are much stretched in the region dominated by the short chains (lower layer) but possess relaxed conformations in the upper layer. By slightly changing the solvent selectivity to prefer the short chains, we find a reversion of the layered structure. Such a sensitive switch of film property implies its potential application as tuning the wettability and adhesion of the surface in industry.


Purpose

To investigate the status quo and relationship between self-management efficacy and quality of life (QOL) of patients with breast cancer undergoing endocrine therapy, and to explore the influencing factors of QOL.
Methods

The convenience sampling method was used to select 240 patients who received endocrine therapy after breast cancer surgery in the First Hospital of China Medical University, the self-designed general data questionnaire, self-management efficacy questionnaire for breast cancer patients with endocrine therapy and quality of life scale for breast cancer patients were used to investigate. The frequency, percentage, mean ± standard deviation were used to describe patients' self-management efficacy and quality of life. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between self-management efficacy and quality of life, and univariate analysis and multiple stepwise regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of QOL.
Results

The scores of self-management efficacy and QOL of patients with breast cancer endocrine therapy were 125.21 ± 25.57 and 153.33 ± 19.31 respectively, which were at the middle level; self-management efficacy was significantly positively correlated with quality of life ( p < 0.01 ) ; multiple stepwise regression results showed that self-management efficacy, the number of physical symptoms, monthly family income and recurrence and metastasis were the influencing factors of QOL.
Conclusion

The self-management efficacy of endocrine therapy was positively correlated with QOL in breast cancer patients. The higher the self-management efficacy of endocrine therapy, the better QOL in breast cancer patients. Self-management efficacy is the main factor affecting the quality of life of breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy. Improving the level of self-management efficacy can improve their quality of life.


This article deals with the practical implementation of implicit homogeneous controllers (IHCs) for linearized mechanical systems. The control design includes the methodology to get gains of the IHC based on the linearized approximation of the system. If the approximation error enforced by the linearization is vanishing with the state, locally measurable and bounded, the IHC can lead the state to the origin in finite-time. This IHC control allows accelerating the convergence rate of the states. A semiexplicit algorithm is provided to exert the digital implementation of the controller. The application of the bisection method estimates the controller gain ensuring the finite-time convergence of the state to the origin. A complementary analysis provides a simplified algorithm with a reduced number of computation stages but equally efficient gain estimation. The proposed IHC is applied to a rotary inverted pendulum QUBE$^{\text{{{}}}}$ Servo 2 platform of Quanser$^\text{{{{}}}}$. The obtained results for the state convergence are compared with other classical feedback controllers to validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The comparative analysis of the state convergence provides evidence of the faster convergence for the state trajectory to a zone centered on the origin with a smaller hypervolume than the one gotten with the classical controllers.


Abstract A technique proposed by Hooke and Iverson (1995) to identify deformed subglacial sediments is reviewed and tested, based on two main objectives. First, an investigation of whether the fractal dimension can distinguish between non-deformed and deformed facies; for which we compare supraglacial and subglacial facies explicitly. Second, an evaluation of whether the fractal dimension can be used as a diagnostic criteria to discriminate between different styles and degrees of basal deformation. This is tested using a range of sediments from the deformation continuum suggested by Hart and Boulton (1991b). Sixteen subglacial samples were selected from Quaternary sites in England and three supraglacial samples from the modern Haut Glacier d'Arolla, Switzerland. The mean fractal dimension for the subglacial diamicton matrix facies was 2.92, similar to findings of 2.90 by Hooke and Iverson (1995) for their basal tills. The supraglacial facies displayed a mean fractal dimension of 2.83, which is unusually high for facies which are assumed to be undeformed. A Mann—Whitney U test showed that fractal dimensions of supraglacial and subglacial diamicton matrix facies were not significantly different. No significant difference was found between the fractal dimensions of the different tectonic facies within the subglacial group. It may be impossible to separate the subglacial and supraglacial facies because of complex debris paths within the glacier. Grain fracture or parent lithology may affect the particle-size distribution of subglacial facies.


Abstract : The method and results of a study using rotary wing crash data from the Army Aviation Mishap database are reported. The study was conducted to support the Full Spectrum Crashworthiness initiative with the objective of providing a current basis for revising the crashworthiness design criteria. For this study, crashes were divided into two types: directly to terrain, and those following an inflight obstacle strike. Thirty percent of the crashes studied were post-obstacle crashes and this fraction appears to be higher for the newer generation aircraft. The two crash types differ in both kinematics and outcomes. The post-obstacle crashes were characterized by higher vertical velocities, more vertical impact angles, and a broader distribution of attitude angles. The post-obstacle crashes analyzed were less survivable and more injurious. Data on the impact surface revealed that 16 percent of all crashes occurred onto prepared surfaces, whereas 66 percent occurred onto sod. Crashworthiness was evaluated by estimating the velocity above which all aircraft occupants experienced severe injury. A recommendation is made to reconsider crashworthiness strategies that are functional only for aircraft impacting vertically and close to the normal flight attitude.


The purpose of this review is to highlight the similarities and differences between positive psychology and positive criminology—both relatively new concepts that represent an optimistic view of human beings and their ability to recover—while calling for a change of focus in the discourse and research of their respective fields. To this end, we first present a brief overview of each of these perspectives, along with findings of studies that confirm their assumptions, and then address their similarities and differences, with an emphasis on positive criminology which is our area of expertise. We conclude that both approaches seek to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through the development of human strengths and skills and the provision of social assistance.


For this study, an experimental vibrotactile feedback system was developed to help actors with the task of moving their arm to a certain place in a virtual tv studio under live conditions. Our intention is to improve interaction with virtual objects in a virtual set, which are usually not directly visible to the actor, but only on distant displays. Vibrotactile feedback might improve the appearance on tv because an actor is able to look in any desired direction (camera or virtual object) or to read text on a teleprompter while interacting with a virtual object. Visual feedback in a virtual studio lacks spatial relation to the actor, which impedes the adjustment of the desired interaction. The five tactors of the implemented system which are mounted on the tracked arm give additional information like collision, navigation and activation. The user study for the developed system shows that the duration for reaching a certain target is much longer in case no visual feedback is given, but the accuracy is similar. In this study, subjects reported that an activation signal indicating the arrival at the target of a drag & drop task was helpful. In this paper, we discuss the problems we encountered while developing such a vibrotactile display. Keeping these pitfalls in mind could lead to better feedback systems for actors in virtual studio environments.


Mutations in the Forkhead box G1 (FOXG1) gene, a brain specific transcriptional factor, are responsible for the congenital variant of Rett syndrome. Until now FOXG1 point mutations have been reported in 12 Rett patients. Recently seven additional patients have been reported with a quite homogeneous severe phenotype designated as the FOXG1 syndrome. Here we describe two unrelated patients with a de novo FOXG1 point mutation, p.Gln46X and p.Tyr400X, respectively, having a milder phenotype and sharing a distinctive facial appearance. Although FoxG1 action depends critically on its binding to chromatin, very little is known about the dynamics of this process. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we showed that most of the GFP‐FoxG1 fusion protein associates reversibly to chromatin whereas the remaining fraction is bound irreversibly. Furthermore, we showed that the two pathologic derivatives of FoxG1 described in this paper present a dramatic alteration in chromatin affinity and irreversibly bound fraction in comparison with Ser323fsX325 mutant (associated with a severe phenotype) and wild type Foxg1 protein. Our observations suggest that alterations in the kinetics of FoxG1 binding to chromatin might contribute to the pathological effects of FOXG1 mutations.


The economic development and population growth in Indonesia has been increasing rapidly. Most of the agricultural land converted into residential and industrial areas, while many farmers moved to a mountainous area. Farmers in mountainous agricultural area using existing sources of water in a small mountainous rivers to irrigate agricultural land, they use man power to lift water from a small river to agricultural land, it is highly ineffective in agricultural products. Farmers with adequate financial can use pumps for raising the water to agricultural land. But because it is far from the power source, pump can only work with the use of expensive fossil fuels. Therefore, to overcome this problem it is necessary to use a renewable energy source which is available in the area such as solar energy and wind or both of them. This research examines about the hybrid power plant (PLTH) of solar and wind energy to power the agriculture pump. The wind speed and solar radiation data is obtained from measurements by BMKG-SMPK-Plus Sare. The output power of the Photovoltaic is equal to 193 W with the exposure time of 5 hours/day, while the power output of the wind turbine is 459.84 W with a 3m blade diameter long and 7 hours/day blowing wind. The pump power was 558 W with a capacity of 20,160 liters/hour, it is used for 15 ha of agricultural area. Based on the analysis results, the proposed system will generate an initial investment cost of US$ 14.938 with power production equal to 3.210 kW/year.


Simple Summary Fibrosis is a major player and contributor in the tumor microenvironment. Profibrotic changes precede the early development and establishment of a variety of human diseases, such as fibrosis and cancer. Being able to measure such early signals at the single cell level is critically useful for identifying new mechanisms and potential drug targets for a wide range of diseases. This study was designed to computationally identify profibrotic cell populations using single-cell transcriptomic data and to identify gene signatures that could predict cancer prognosis. Abstract Fibrosis is a major cause of mortality. Key profibrotic mechanisms are common pathways involved in tumorigenesis. Characterizing the profibrotic phenotype will help reveal the underlying mechanisms of early development and progression of a variety of human diseases, such as fibrosis and cancer. Fibroblasts have been center stage in response to various stimuli, such as viral infections. However, a comprehensive catalog of cell types involved in this process is currently lacking. Here, we deployed single-cell transcriptomic data across multi-organ systems (i.e., heart, kidney, liver, and lung) to identify novel profibrotic cell populations based on ECM pathway activity at single-cell resolution. In addition to fibroblasts, we also reported that epithelial, endothelial, myeloid, natural killer T, and secretory cells, as well as proximal convoluted tubule cells of the nephron, were significantly actively involved. Cell-type-specific gene signatures were enriched in viral infection pathways, enhanced glycolysis, and carcinogenesis, among others; they were validated using independent datasets in this study. By projecting the signatures into bulk TCGA tumor samples, we could predict prognosis in the patients using profibrotic scores. Our profibrotic cellular phenotype is useful for identifying new mechanisms and potential drug targets at the cell-type level for a wide range of diseases involved in ECM pathway activation.


(17/12/2018)  Multi Carrier Modulation Audio Power Amplifier with Programmable Logic While switch-mode audio power amplifiers allow compact implementations and high output power levels due to their high power efficiency, they are very well known for creating electromagnetic interference (EMI) with other electronic equipment. To lower the EMI of switch-mode (class D) audio power amplifiers while keeping the performance measures to excellent levels is therefore of high interest. In this paper a class D audio amplifier utilising Multi Carrier Modulation (MCM) will be analysed, and a prototype Master-Slave Multi Carrier Modulated (MS MCM) amplifier has been constructed and measured for performance and out of band spectral amplitudes. The basic principle in MCM is to use programmable logic to combine two or more Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) audio signals at different switching frequencies. In this way the out of band spectrum will be lowered compared with conventional class D amplifiers. Analytically expressions, simulations and measurements result in reduced switching frequency amplitudes using MCM techniques. It is also shown that the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) tends to be compromised compared to conventional class D amplifiers due to intermodulation products of the switching frequencies entering the audio band. Still, the MS MCM topology with two carrier signals shows a 6 dB reduction of the switching frequency amplitudes as well as THD across the audio band below 1% at 55 W output power open loop.


Multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) mediate the ATP-dependent efflux of structurally diverse compounds, including anticancer drugs and physiologic organic anions. Five classes of chalcogenopyrylium dyes (CGPs) were examined for their ability to modulate transport of [3H]estradiol glucuronide (E217βG; a prototypical MRP substrate) into MRP-enriched inside-out membrane vesicles. Additionally, some CGPs were tested in intact transfected cells using a calcein efflux assay. Sixteen of 34 CGPs inhibited MRP1-mediated E217βG uptake by >50% (IC50 values: 0.7–7.6 µM). Of 9 CGPs with IC50 values ≤2 µM, two belonged to class I, two to class III, and five to class V. When tested in the intact cells, only 4 of 16 CGPs (at 10 µM) inhibited MRP1-mediated calcein efflux by >50% (III-1, V-3, V-4, V-6), whereas a fifth (I-5) inhibited efflux by just 23%. These five CGPs also inhibited [3H]E217βG uptake by MRP4. In contrast, their effects on MRP2 varied, with two (V-4, V-6) inhibiting E217βG transport (IC50 values: 2.0 and 9.2 µM) and two (V-3, III-1) stimulating transport (>2-fold), whereas CGP I-5 had no effect. Strikingly, although V-3 and V-4 had opposite effects on MRP2 activity, they are structurally identical except for their chalcogen atom (Se versus Te). This study is the first to identify class V CGPs, with their distinctive methine or trimethine linkage between two disubstituted pyrylium moieties, as a particularly potent class of MRP modulators, and to show that, within this core structure, differences in the electronegativity associated with a chalcogen atom can be the sole determinant of whether a compound will stimulate or inhibit MRP2.


Introduction Recent developments in health service reform in Northern Ireland have seen the publication of the Bengoa Report, Systems, Not Structures, [1] which clearly states that "something very different has to happen at the delivery of care level." Maintenance of existing services is not sustainable, and new methods of managing health care needs must be developed and evaluated. In 2015, the Belfast Trust piloted an Ambulatory Cardiology Unit (ACU). The ethos of ACU was to reduce pressure on the ED by providing a unit where rapid evaluation, treatment and follow-up could be provided by the Cardiology team, and at the same time reduce in-patient admissions to Cardiology beds. Here we report on the experience of an Ambulatory Cardiology Unit during the first year of service. Methods In order to measure the impact of the new service, a pre- post design was used for comparison with admission rates for 1 year after the initiation of ACU with admission rates in the preceding year, when there was no alternative to in-patient admission or out-patient care. In addition, a database was maintained for all ACU patients. This allowed the team to not only keep track of how many patients were seen and which conditions were treated in the ACU, but also allowed for follow-up for unscheduled care re-attendance, admission to hospital and mortality at 30 days, 6 months and 1 year. Results Activity; 946 new patients were seen in the first year. 698 reviews were carried out within the first year, bringing the total number of patient episodes to 1644. Reduction in admissions; There was an overall decrease in cardiology admissions of 13.5% over a period of 1 year. Admissions with AF were reduced by 24% and syncope by 29%. There was a reduction of 45% in admissions with Pericarditis. Outcomes at 30 days – unscheduled re-attenders, n=60. Admissions, n=25. Admissions with same condition as originally seen in ACU, n=4 (0.4% of patients seen). Mortality n=4 – none from the same cause as original referral. Outcomes at 6 months – Unscheduled re-attenders, n=217. Admissions, n=60. Admissions with same condition as originally seen in ACU, n=12 (1.3 % of patients seen). Mortality n=12–2 from the same cause as original referral ( end-stage HF). This equates to 0.2% of all patients seen. Conclusion Our unit has demonstrated that it has been possible to reduce admissions to cardiology in-patient beds by 13.5%, and patient outcomes indicate that the service is safe with only 1.7% admitted for the same reason as originally seen and only 0.2% mortality from the same condition as originally seen in ACU. Although this is a very small service, it has made an impact and demonstrates an alternative way of working. In the current climate, where ministers and clinicians agree that current methods of managing emergency care are unsustainable, our service represents a model which could be implemented by other specialities.


A newly described congenital heart anomaly, the incomplete subaortic stenotic ring was detected at necropsy in four dogs, one cat, one cow, one horse, one sheep and one pig. These structures were grossly and histologically similar to complete subaortic stenotic rings, being composed of variably dense interlacing bands and sheets of fibrous connective tissue. In all nine cases, their presence at necropsy was considered an incidental finding.


In a series of seminal preclinical studies, we have demonstrated that the pleiotropic bioactive components generated by fish oil (containing DHA) and fermentable fiber act coordinately to protect against colon cancer, in part, by enhancing apoptosis at the base of the crypt throughout all stages of colon tumorigenesis. This is significant because the induction of apoptosis represents a potent cellular mechanism against cancer. With respect to a mechanism of action, pectin is metabolized by microbes in the lumen of the gut to butyrate and other short chain fatty acids. We have recently shown that DHA and butyrate synergize to enhance a p53-independent, oxidation sensitive, mitochondrial Ca2+-dependent (intrinsic) apoptotic pathway in the colon. These data indicate that highly fermentable fiber, which generates butyrate in the colon, has enhanced chemotherapeutic value when n-3 PUFA is the lipid source. Butyrate (a fiber fermentation product) is (i) the preferred energy source for colonocytes, (ii) contributes to acetyl CoA production where it serves as an essential cofactor for Histone Acetyl Transferases, and (iii) is a Histone Deacetylase inhibitor known to alter transcriptional regulation by remodeling chromatin structure. Consequently, we also investigated the "epigenetic therapeutic" potential of chemoprotective dietary treatment (combined fish oil and pectin) in rats and mice exposed to carcinogen (AOM). Specifically, we determined how diet modulates colonic chromatin structure, microRNAs and their target genes following exposure to AOM. Oncogenic PTK2B, PDE4B and TCF4, targeted by miR-19b, miR-26b and miR-203, respectively, were suppressed by the chemoprotective (fish oil and pectin) combination diet compared to a control diet at both the mRNA and protein levels. The interaction of total dietary fat and fiber on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk has been assessed and found to be null among postmenopausal women. However, the evaluation of specific sub-types of dietary fiber and fatty acids, in combination, with respect to risk of CRC in a large prospective cohort has yet to be undertaken. This is an important evaluation considering the varied biologic, biochemical and metabolic roles of dietary fat and fiber subtypes. Collectively, these critical observations emphasize the need to examine the specific chemical characteristics of lipids and fibers in the diet as opposed to simply focusing on the overall lipid and fiber content of diets. The failure to address an interaction between types of fat and fiber may explain why the chemoprotective effects of n-3 PUFA are obscured in prospective cohort studies. Citation Format: Robert S. Chapkin, Laurie A. Davidson, Johanna W. Lampe, Nancy D. Turner, Yang-Yi Fan, Joanne R. Lupton. Fat-fiber combination: The missing ingredient? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr CN02-03.


This work involves the design and development of a digital signal detector which is capable of detecting incoming and outgoing signals from mobile phones. The presence of an activated mobile phone can be detected by this handy, pocket-size mobile signal detector from a distance of one and a half meters, which could be used in preventing the use of mobile phones in examination halls, confidential rooms etc. It is also suitable for detecting the use of mobile phone for spying and unauthorized video transmission. The circuit can detect the incoming and outing calls, text messages, and video transmission even if the mobile is kept in the silent mode. The moment the gadget detects Radio Frequency (RF) transmission signal from an activated mobile phone, it starts sounding a beep alarm and the Light Emitting Diode (LED) blinks. The alarm continues until the signal transmission ceases. The circuit is assembled on a general purpose PCB as compact as possible and enclosed in a small box.


The 3rd generation of infrared (IR) detection modules is expected to provide advanced features like higher resolution 1024x1024 or 1280x720 pixels and/or new functions like multicolor or multi band capability, higher frame rates and better thermal resolution. This paper is intended to present the current status and trends at AIM on antimonide type II superlattices (SL) dual color detection module developments for ground and airborne applications in the high performance range, where rapidly changing scenes - like e.g. in case of missile warning applications for airborne platforms or ground based sniper detection systems - require temporal signal coincidence with integration times of typically 1ms. AIM and IAF selected antimonide based type II superlattices (SL) for such kind of applications. The type II SL technology provides - similar to QWIP's - an accurate engineering of sensitive layers by MBE with very good homogeneity and yield. IAF and AIM managed already to realize a dual color 384x288 IR module based on this technology. It combines spectral selective detection in the 3 - 4&mgr;m wavelength range and 4 - 5 &mgr;m wavelength range in each pixel with coincident integration in a 384x288x2 format and 40x40 &mgr;m2 pitch. Excellent thermal resolution with NETD < 12 mK @ F/2, 2.8 ms for the longer wavelength range (red band) and NETD < 22 mK @ F/2, 2.8 ms for the shorter wavelength range (blue band) were reported. In the meantime a square design of 256x256x2 pixel with a reduced pitch of 30x30 &mgr;m2 is in preparation. In this case with 2 Indium bumps per pixel and a third common contact for all pixels required for temporal coincidence is connected at the outer area of the array. The fill factor is approx. 65% for both wavelength ranges. The reduced size of the array enables the use of a smaller dewar with reduced cooling power and significantly reduced weight and broadens the scope of applications where weight and costs is essential. Design aspects and expected performances are discussed.


Background: The 2019-20 Australian bushfire season was the most environmentally detrimental bushfire season on record. The extreme heat and drought exposed normally fire-resistant communities to uncharacteristically dry fuel loads and abnormally high severity burning. In eastern Australia this included mesic rainforest environments (including the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia), which are often highly sensitive to fire, contain high biodiversity values, are critical habitat for threatened species, embody distinct endemism, provide valuable ecosystem services and are critical for terrestrial carbon storage. East coast rainforests are also highly fragmented, with less than half of pre-European levels remaining. Increases in fire frequency and intensity associated with climate change may threaten these already fragmented rainforest environments. This study considers the efficacy of rainforest refugia under a heightened bushfire climate, via spatial analysis of burn extent, burn severity and topographic characteristics for rainforests during the 2019-20 bushfire season within the Eastern Australian Temperate and Subtropical Forests Conservation Management Zone.Results: Burn severity, vegetation and elevation datasets were merged and analysed across mid-eastern Australia. A significant portion of rainforest was fire affected across the study area (~17%), with ~5% burnt to a high or very high severity. Elevation, topographic position (i.e. valleys), slope and aspect all contributed to maintaining rainforest fire refugia. The study resulted in a mapping product that can be utilised by researchers and protected area managers to locate and assess burnt rainforest in mid-eastern Australia.Conclusions: This study enables the identification of rainforest fire refugia and threatened rainforest communities for future research and conservation efforts in eastern Australia. The results also demonstrate the potential of climate change to enact widespread rainforest declines, with potentially dire consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services. This event and recurrent fire events may enact positive climate feedback systems by enabling pyrophytic vegetation expansion and converting rainforest carbon pools into a carbon source.


BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Populations of oak (Quercus petraea and Q. robur) were investigated using morphological and molecular (AFLP) analyses to assess species distinction. The study aimed to describe species distinction in Irish oak populations and to situate this in a European context.

METHODS
Populations were sampled from across the range of the island of Ireland. Leaf morphological characters were analysed through clustering and ordination methods. Putative neutral molecular markers (AFLPs) were used to analyse the molecular variation. Cluster and ordination analyses were also performed on the AFLP markers in addition to calculations of genetic diversity and F-statisitcs.

KEY RESULTS
A notable divergence was uncovered between the morphological and molecular analyses. The morphological analysis clearly differentiated individuals into their respective species, whereas the molecular analysis did not. Twenty species-specific AFLP markers were observed from 123 plants in 24 populations but none of these was species-diagnostic. Principal Coordinate Analysis of the AFLP data revealed a clustering, across the first two axes, of individuals according to population rather than according to species. High F(ST) values calculated from AFLP markers also indicated population differentiation (F(ST) = 0.271). Species differentiation accounted for only 13 % of the variation in diversity compared with population differentiation, which accounted for 27 %.

CONCLUSIONS
The results show that neutral molecular variation is partitioned more strongly between populations than between species. Although this could indicate that the populations of Q. petraea and Q. robur studied may not be distinct species at a molecular level, it is proposed that the difficulty in distinguishing the species in Irish oak populations using AFLP markers is due to population differentiation masking species differences. This could result from non-random mating in small, fragmented woodland populations. Hybridization and introgression between the species could also have a significant role.


This fascinating study of the nine novels of Vicente Lenero, published between 1961 and 1985, attests to the contemporary Mexican writer's protean talent. Anderson interrogates the dual critical project that underlies Lenero's works: the constant preoccupation with the expressive potentials of the novelistic genre and the equally constant concern for a critical examination of social reality. Employing a variety of post-structural approaches in order to reveal the dynamics of this dual project, Vicente Lenero: The Novelist as Critic provides the first book-length consideration of the materials and concerns of this novelist's art.


PURPOSE
Iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms have the potential to reduce radiation dose in CT diagnostic imaging. As these algorithms become available on the market, a standardizable method of quantifying the dose reduction that a particular IR method can achieve would be valuable. Such a method would assist manufacturers in making promotional claims about dose reduction, buyers in comparing different devices, physicists in independently validating the claims, and the United States Food and Drug Administration in regulating the labeling of CT devices. However, the nonlinear nature of commercially available IR algorithms poses challenges to objectively assessing image quality, a necessary step in establishing the amount of dose reduction that a given IR algorithm can achieve without compromising that image quality. This review paper seeks to consolidate information relevant to objectively assessing the quality of CT IR images, and thereby measuring the level of dose reduction that a given IR algorithm can achieve.

METHODS
The authors discuss task-based methods for assessing the quality of CT IR images and evaluating dose reduction.

RESULTS
The authors explain and review recent literature on signal detection and localization tasks in CT IR image quality assessment, the design of an appropriate phantom for these tasks, possible choices of observers (including human and model observers), and methods of evaluating observer performance.

CONCLUSIONS
Standardizing the measurement of dose reduction is a problem of broad interest to the CT community and to public health. A necessary step in the process is the objective assessment of CT image quality, for which various task-based methods may be suitable. This paper attempts to consolidate recent literature that is relevant to the development and implementation of task-based methods for the assessment of CT IR image quality.


Abstract Pairwise learning is widely employed in ranking, similarity and metric learning, area under the ROC curve (AUC) maximization, and many other learning tasks involving sample pairs. Pairwise learning with deep neural networks was considered for ranking, but enough theoretical understanding about this topic is lacking. In this letter, we apply symmetric deep neural networks to pairwise learning for ranking with a hinge loss ϕh and carry out generalization analysis for this algorithm. A key step in our analysis is to characterize a function that minimizes the risk. This motivates us to first find the minimizer of ϕh-risk and then design our two-part deep neural networks with shared weights, which induces the antisymmetric property of the networks. We present convergence rates of the approximation error in terms of function smoothness and a noise condition and give an excess generalization error bound by means of properties of the hypothesis space generated by deep neural networks. Our analysis is based on tools from U-statistics and approximation theory.


ABSTRACT When two species or subspecies hybridize, the parental taxa may become more similar or follow new directions as alleles from one enter the novel genetic and ecological environment of the other. Here, we document hybridization between two Dinopium woodpeckers in Sri Lanka: two subspecies of Black-rumped Flameback woodpeckers (Dinopium benghalense jaffnense and D. b psarodes, recently considered as a full species Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback Dinopium psarodes). Hybridization has been suspected for 130 years. We describe eight different forms of hybrids, only two of which were known historically, and pairing patterns that indicate hybridization. The species and subspecies along with numerous hybrids have now become a hybrid swarm in northern Sri Lanka.


Fan Chengda traveled a lot on his way to Guilin,and many attractions, especially Heng Shan,Shigu School,Wu Brook and Yangshan Terrace were recorded in his Can Luan Lu and Nan Zheng Xiao Ji.Studying these records are very useful for the further development and exploitation of the resorts because they can add the cultural implication and humanist intension of the tourist attractions.


BPEL4WS (BPEL in short) is a business process definition language built natively on top of the Web services application model. BPEL provides a workflow-oriented composition model for Web services applications, and is thus a central piece in the heavily componentized service-oriented computing model. BPEL results from the merger of two distinct process metamodels (the process algebra model of XLANG and the graph-oriented model of WSFL) into a coherent and powerful framework. Implementing BPEL thus presents significant challenges to middleware developers. This paper discusses those challenges and describes the design and architecture of the BPWS4J runtime, and a full implementation of the BPELWS 1.1 specification. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Nutlet micromorphological characteristics in 40 taxa of Asian Leucas and two related species of African Leucas found in India were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Six types of basic ornamentation patterns can be distinguished: scalariform, verrucate, reticulate, ruminate, colliculate, and rugose. Of these, scalariform type was the most common and was found in all the sections of Asian Leucas, but the variation in alignment, size and shape of its composing cells provide further evidence in distinguishing the taxa. Verrucate, the second most frequent type was found in six species while other types were represented by only one to three species. However, the presence of colliculate sculpturing is more useful for separating African species from Asian Leucas. In Asian Leucas, nutlet size may be an important character rather than ornamentation for sectional division. Again, the type of glandular hairs on the nutlet apex can be used as a distinctive taxonomic character at specific level to separate L. martinicensis (Jacq.) R.Br. and L. urticifolia (Vahl) Sm. The results revealed high similarity of these taxa to the sect. Leucas. This study supports earlier observations on pericarp structure and subsequent phylogenetic analysis but is not in corroboration with the recent classification of Indian Leucas.


The telencephalic basal ganglia (BG) of amniotes consist of two subdivisions, striatum and pallidum, which share many features, including development, cell types, neurotransmitter organization and hodology. In particular, these two subdivisions during development are defined on the basis of discrete gene expression patterns (genoarchitecture or genoarchitectonics). The characterization of the BG in the subpallium of representatives of the different classes of anamniote vertebrates was first approached in studies dealing with their localization, hodology and main neurochemical characteristics. Thus, it was proposed that an impressive degree of conservation exists across species. New insights can be gained by the comparative analysis of the expression of conserved transcription factors that distinctly define the striatal and pallidal components of the BG in all vertebrates. In addition, the expression of other genes that characterize neighboring regions of the BG is also useful to define the boundaries of each subdivision. Following this approach, we have analyzed the BG in the brain of juvenile representatives of amphibians, lungfishes, holosteans, Polypteriformes and Chondrichthyes. In addition, we briefly review previous data in teleosts and agnathans. The markers used include islet 1 and Dlx as striatal markers, whereas Nkx2.1 is essential for the identification of the pallidum. In turn, Pax6 and in particular Tbr1 are expressed in the pallium. These markers have been systematically analyzed in combination with neuronal markers of specific subpallial territories and cell populations, such as tyrosine hydroxylase, γ-aminobutyric acid, nitric oxide synthase, substance P and enkephalin. The results highlight that many genes share common distribution patterns and are arranged in conserved combinations whose identification has served to define homologies between components of the BG in distant species.


When a mixture of particles with different attributes undergoes vibration, a segregation pattern is often observed. For example, in muesli cereal packs, the largest particles---the Brazil nuts---tend to end up at the top. For this reason, the phenomenon is known as the Brazil nut effect. In previous research, an algorithm inspired by this effect was designed to produce segregation patterns in swarms of simulated agents that move on a horizontal plane.

In this paper, we adapt this algorithm for implementation on robots with directional vision. We use the e-puck robot as a platform to test our implementation. In a swarm of e-pucks, different robots mimic disks of different sizes (larger than their physical dimensions). The motion of every robot is governed by a combination of three components: (i) attraction towards a point, which emulates the effect of a gravitational pull, (ii) random motion, which emulates the effect of vibration, and (iii) repulsion from nearby robots, which emulates the effect of collisions between disks. The algorithm does not require robots to discriminate between other robots; yet, it is capable of forming annular structures where the robots in each annulus represent disks of identical size.

We report on a set of experiments performed with a group of 20 physical e-pucks. The results obtained in 100 trials of 20 minutes each show that the percentage of incorrectly-ordered pairs of disks from different groups decreases as the size ratio of disks in different groups is increased. In our experiments, this percentage was, on average, below 0.5% for size ratios from 3.0 to 5.0. Moreover, for these size ratios, all segregation errors observed were due to mechanical failures that caused robots to stop moving.


Copyright infringement is considered a significant issue in P2P network communications. Index and content poisoning have been proposed to control the exchange of copyrighted content. Unfortunately, however, such control methods are costly in terms of the amount of control traffic since they apply the control method to all the peers and they generate much control traffic. In general, directly applying index poisoning to a peer may indirectly poison the neighboring peers, thus, it is possible to reduce the number of peers to target for the same effect of poisoning. In this paper, we propose a method to improve index poisoning by limiting the scope of poisoning so that even when we apply poisoning to a small number of peers, we could still achieve the same effect of traffic control as we applied poisoning to all peers. In more detail, taking Winny as an example of structured P2P network, we propose, implement and evaluate an algorithm to determine the influential peers for index poisoning based on the inferred network structure. We successfully reduce the poisoning target to 27% of the total peers and achieve the same effectiveness as the conventional method poisoning 96% of the entire network.


Researchers have developed a large number of methods to study the brain's function. One of the most effective techniques is in vivo whole-cell patch-clamp recording which allows the recording of intracellular neuronal activity. A major issue that drastically reduces the efficiency of in vivo patch clamping is the excessive movement of the brain primarily caused by heartbeat and breathing, which can be larger than the size of the neurons under investigation. Motion compensation techniques are complicated due to the lack of sensors to reliably measure local physiologically-induced motion. This work proposes the use of electrical bio-impedance (EBI) to the existing patch electrodes in the patching pipette as a proximity sensor. The study further develops an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to estimate overall motion and then establishes a motion compensation algorithm for the patch pipette. The proposed method was developed on a custom laboratory benchtop setup and validated during actual in vivo experiments. The results of the laboratory experiments show a real-time compensatory performance exceeding 80%. The in vivo experiments achieved a performance of over 75%, confirming the ability to compensate for real physiologically induced motion. Moreover, the method demonstrated dynamic continuous motion compensation while the electrode was advanced to a neuron, contacting the neuron membrane without damage illustrating the ability to improve neuronal patch clamping. As far as the authors are aware this is the first time that physiologically induced motion can be compensated for this application and this solely relies on EBI.


Inhibition of soluble matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is among the non-antibiotic cellular effects exerted by the anti-inflammatory tetracycline derivative minocycline. The impact of minocycline on the signal transduction functions of membrane-bound MMPs is however unknown. We assessed minocycline in a concanavalin-A (ConA)-activated human HepG2 hepatoma cell model, a condition known to increase the expression of membrane type-1 MMP (MT-MMP) and to trigger inflammatory and autophagy processes. We found that minocycline inhibited ConA-induced formation of autophagic acidic vacuoles, green fluorescent microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (GFP-LC3) puncta formation, gene and protein expression of autophagy biomarker BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), invasion biomarker MT1-MMP, and inflammation biomarker cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Gene silencing of MT1-MMP abrogated ConA-induced formation of autophagic acidic vacuoles and ConA-induced expressions of BNIP3 and COX-2. Minocycline was also shown to inhibit ConA-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation as well as gene expression of NANOS1, a biomarker believed to colocalize with MT1-MMP and the specific silencing of which further inhibited ConA-induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Collectively, our data demonstrate that part of minocycline's effects on autophagy could be exerted through the inhibition of MT1-MMP signaling functions, which contribute to the autophagy and inflammatory phenotype of ConA-activated HepG2 cells.


Over the years, Multiple Array Production Suite (MAPS) has been run several times in Offshore Peninsular Malaysia but never in Offshore East of Malaysia. Field A is located 260km North-North West of Bintulu, Offshore Sarawak and was discovered in 1992 with first gas produced in 2004. One of the many challenges currently faced in managing the field is the prediction and handling of water breakthrough at the existing producers. Based on historical data, water breakthrough from carbonate Zone T begin around 2010 which then followed by series of Water Shut-Off (WSO) campaign. To strengthen the understanding, evaluate the remaining potential and to optimize near term well and reservoir management of the field, an integrated remedial approach is essential. Well-AA was identified for mechanical WSO in an effort to remediate high water production and improve well productivity. The target well was chosen as the well unable to sustain production after a rapid tubing pressure drop due to the highest water production in the field. Moreover, its production had to be capped due to the water production constraints at the receiving hub. Production Logging (PL) was planned across the carbonate sections to accurately identify the appropriate zones for WSO operations.
 The long horizontal section and high water production typically create a stratified flow regime that forces a smaller volume of hydrocarbon to flow on the high side of the well, hence the conventional PL technology would have been unable to deliver accurate and insightful results. As such, the MAPS technology was run for an initial assessment to identify the water producing zones. MAPS was deployed using wireline tractor and was combined with the Noise Tool (NTO) to provide a comprehensive 3D image of the multi-phase flow profile across the entire wellbore and to investigate the integrity of annular swell packers located in between the carbonate sections.
 This paper illustrates the best practices involved in the successful downhole Production Logging with a Multiple Array Production Suite and Digital Noise Tool (PL-MAPS-NTO) toolstring, which served as the key input in determining the WSO treatment depth and strategy in Well-AA, that may lead to a potential gain of 10.8MMscf/d.


The addition of bromocriptine, given in divided doses up to 30 mg per day, to conventional anti-Parkinsonism therapy has been studied in a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial in 11 patients with Parkinsonism with the "on-off" syndrome. Four patients withdrew because of side effects. Of the seven remaining, three had clinical benefit from bromocriptine with reduction in severity and frequency of fluctuations. There was, however, no statistically significant benefit of bromocriptine when the group as a whole was assessed in terms of severity or frequency of fluctuations measured by three different methods. The mean frequency of major fluctuations on placebo was 2.9/day and on bromocriptine 1.8/day (P less than 0.1 greater than 0.05). There appears to be a limited role for bromocriptine as additional therapy in the management of some patients with the on-off syndrome.


Tension in lipid membranes is often controlled externally, by pulling on the boundary of the membrane or changing osmotic pressure across a curved membrane. But modifications of the tension can also be induced in an internal fashion, for instance as a byproduct of changing a membrane's electric potential or, as observed experimentally, by activity of membrane proteins. Here we develop a theory that demonstrates how such internal contributions to the tension are moderated through elastic stretching of the membrane when the membrane is initially in a low-tension floppy state.


An increasing number of new Chinese clothing store brands are selling and offering similar products and services and consequently clothing store brand providers must compete to survive in this industry. They need to focus on customers' special needs and preferences to maintain and retain a long-term relationship. The objective of this study is thus to examine the relationship between service quality and customer retention for clothing store brands in China, and the mediated effect of service value in the relationship between service quality and customer retention for clothing store brands in China. A quantitative research for data collection was implemented. As many as 385 questionnaires were collected by the professor, PhD students, MSc students and BSc students of different nationalities in China. The data was analysed using SmartPLS and SPSS software. Customer perception of the quality of a service product in all sizes has a beneficial effect on customer retention. Service value affects customer retention positively. Practical implications for the target market of the clothing sector should be focused on young individuals aged 36 to 45 years, holding a Master's degree and earn more than €1,000/month. Findings indicated significant and direct relationships between service quality, service value and customer retention. It was also found that service value has a full mediated effect. This study will be of interest to the clothing store brands in understanding how service quality is essential for maintaining a long-term relationship with customers.


This research aimed to use a novel and effective ultrasound (US) approach for obtaining high bio-compound production, hence proposing strategies for boosting active ingredient biosynthesis. Furthermore, the US promotes several physiological effects on the relevant organelles in the cell, morphological effects on the structure of Phellinus igniarius mycelium, and increases the transfer of nutrients and metabolites. One suitable US condition for flavonoid fermentation was determined as once per day for 7-9 days at a frequency 22 + 40 kHz, power density 120 W/L, treated 10 min, treatment off time 7 s. The flavonoid content and production increased about 47.51% and 101.81%, respectively, compared with the untreated fermentation (P < 0.05). SEM showed that sonication changes the morphology and structure of Ph. igniarius mycelium; TEM reveals the ultrasonic treatment causes organelle aggregation. The ultrasound could affect the metabolism of the biosynthesis of the active ingredients.


Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of absorptive capacity, learning motivation and acquired knowledge on knowledge transfer from business schools to business organizations, as it has been realized that in-service training business students can serve as a channel as well as a source in this type of knowledge transfer. The study also examines the mixed moderating role of job autonomy in the relationship between acquired knowledge and knowledge transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 344 in-service training business students in Vietnam was surveyed to collect data. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the measures, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that absorptive capacity positively affects acquired knowledge but it does not have an effect on knowledge transfer. Learning motivation, however, has positive effects on both acquired knowledge and knowledge transfer. The findings also indicate that acquired knowledge is a determinant of knowledge transfer. Finally, job autonomy plays the role of a mixed moderator in the relationship between acquired knowledge and knowledge transfer.

Practical implications

This study signals the participating parties –business schools, business organizations and in-service training business students –that absorptive capacity, learning motivation, acquired knowledge and job autonomy are critical to the transfer of knowledge from business schools to business organizations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on university-to-industry knowledge transfer by providing empirical evidence for key determinants of knowledge transfer from business schools to business organizations through a new channel of knowledge transfer – in-service training business students.


Abstract Cu-Cr-Zr alloys provide an excellent combination of strength and electric conductivity and are frequently used as engineering materials in various electric/electronic devises. The present review deals with the microstructural design of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys, their alloying concept, thermo-mechanical processing based on technique of severe plastic deformation, physical mechanisms responsible for high strength and electric conductivity. The influences of microstructure and a dispersion of secondary phases on the mechanical properties and electric conductivity are discussed in detail. First, precipitation sequences during aging that leads to depletion of Zr and Cr solutes from Cu solution are critically reviewed in close connection with interaction mechanisms between dislocations and particles. Then, the main structure-property relationships of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys are considered. Finally, the strengthening of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys through severe plastic deformation by means of submicrocrystalline/nanocrystalline structure and increasing dislocation density as well as the effects of post-deformation heat treatment on the mechanical and electric properties are discussed.


Introduction Common mental disorders (CMD) such as depression, suicidal risk and emotional/medically unexplained complaints affect a large number of people in India, but few receive appropriate care. Key reasons for this include few trained mental health professionals and stigma associated with mental health. A potential approach to address poor access to care is by training village healthcare workers in providing basic mental health care, and harnessing India's vast mobile network to support such workers using mobile-based applications. We propose an intervention to implement such an approach that incorporates the use of mobile-based electronic decision support systems (EDSS) to provide mental health services for CMD, combined with a community-based anti-stigma campaign. This will be implemented and evaluated across 42 villages in Andhra Pradesh, a south Indian state. This paper discusses the development and testing of the EDSS, and the formative research that informed the anti-stigma campaign. Materials and Methods The development of the EDSS used an iterative process that was validated against clinical diagnosis. A mixed methods approach tested the user acceptability of the EDSS. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews provided community-level perceptions about mental health. This study involved 3 villages and one primary health centre. Results The EDSS application was found to be acceptable, but some modifications were needed. The community lacked adequate knowledge about CMD and its treatment and there was stigma associated with mental illness. Faith and traditional healers were considered to be important mental health service providers. Discussion A number of barriers and facilitators were identified in implementing the intervention analysed in a framework using Andersen's behavioural model of health services use. Conclusion The findings assisted with refining the intervention prior to large-scale implementation and evaluation.


As the eighth part in a series on the family Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) from New Guinea, Sulciolus Park, gen. nov. of the subfamily Lecithocerinae is described, based on the type species, S. pachystoma (Diakonoff), comb. nov., with two additional new species: (i) S. circulivalvae sp. nov.; and (ii) S. kaindiana sp. nov. The new genus shares with Achroa Meyrick, Onnuria Park, Hamatina Park and Scolizona Park a uniquely specialized 3rd segment of labial palpus, but it is differentiated from them by having a longitudinal furrow on the inner surface of the segment. Sulciolus abrasa (Diakonoff), S. capra (Diakonoff), S. induta (Diakonoff) and S. perspicua (Diakonoff) are newly combined, and Lecithocera sextacta Diakonoff is synonymized with S. perspicua (Diakonoff). Keys to genera related to Lecithocera and to species of the genus are given. Adults, labial palpi, wing venations and male genitalia are illustrated.


This work demonstrates a mechanism that autonomously organizes an agent's sequential behavior. The behavior organization is driven by pre-defined values associated with primitive behavioral patterns. The agent learns increasingly elaborated behaviors through its interactions with its environment. These learned behaviors are gradually organized in a hierarchy that reflects how the agent exploits the hierarchical regularities afforded by the environment. To an observer, the agent thus appears to exhibit basic selfmotivated, sensible, and learning behavior to fulfill its inborn predilections. As such, this work illustrates Piaget's theories of early-stage developmental learning.


Integrin-ligand binding induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of various proteins including focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK) and Crk-associated substrate (Cas). FAK is activated and autophosphorylated by the ligation of integrins, although the substrate of FAK has not been revealed. We show here that p130Cas and Cas-L are FAK substrates. FAK directly phosphorylates Cas proteins primarily at the YDYVHL sequence that is conserved among all Cas proteins. Furthermore, the phosphorylated YDYVHL sequence is a binding site for Src family protein-tyrosine kinases, and the recruited Src family kinase phosphorylates the other tyrosine residues within Cas. The Cas-L YDYVHL sequence is phosphorylated upon integrin-ligand binding, and this integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation is inhibited by the cotransfection of the FAK COOH-terminal domain that does not contain a kinase domain. These findings strongly suggest that FAK initiates integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of Cas proteins; then, Src family tyrosine kinases, which are recruited to phosphorylated Cas and FAK, further phosphorylate Cas proteins.


In this paper, we propose a self-organizing communication mechanism for a wireless sensor network where a large number of sensor nodes are deployed. To accomplish application-oriented periodic communication without any centralized controls, we adopt traveling wave phenomena of a pulse-coupled oscillator model by regarding sensor nodes as oscillators and the emission of radio signals as firing. We first investigate conditions of a phase-response curve to attain wave-formed firing patterns regardless of the initial phase of oscillators. We adopted the derived phase-response curve to accomplish the desired form of message propagation through local and mutual interactions among neighboring sensor nodes. Through simulation experiments, we confirm that our mechanism can gather or diffuse information effectively in accordance with the application's requirements


The circumstance of a company's performance is tied to its profitability. A company's development is greatly improved by validating its managerial decisions and considering potential economic resource changes. The goods of achieving superior economic results are satisfied shareholders' interests and increase the company's competitiveness. This research presented factors influencing company performance in China, it looked from the perspective of company characteristics and policies. Return on Equity (ROE) was the primary indicator used in this research. The longitudinal and horizontal comparative methodologies were used to analyze the factors from the company characteristics perspective. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between company performance and company policies. Furthermore, the content analysis methods were used to summarize factors from company policies that influence their performance.


Keith Haartman argues that childrearing practices distinctive of the English middle class in the 18th century produced a type of personality structure characterized by excessive splitting. Methodism proved popular because the Methodist experience providing a way of confronting and working through the conflicts generated by this sort of personality structure. Unfortunately, although Haartman's argument is plausible, there is little or no evidence to support his central contention: that the individuals who found Methodism most appealing were associated with the childhood experiences he posits. A somewhat different psychoanalytic interpretation of the same data that Haartman presents emerges when we pay attention to things, like the orality that pervaded the Methodist experience and the intended goal of the Methodist conversion experience, that Haartman ignores. This article concludes by suggesting that when psychoanalytic investigators study large-scale historical patterns, they would do well to recognize the limits of psychoanalytic explanation in this area.


Based on the regulatory mechanisms that are responsible for the development of mammary glands in rats, mice, dogs, and humans, findings in mammary glands of beagle dogs after long-term administration of contraceptive compounds are discussed. It is concluded that the results of long-term toxicological studies in animals following a fixed schedule cannot simply be transferred to humans.


This note furthers results on the balanced truncation of stable linear time-varying discrete-time systems. The main result contributes better error bounds than the currently available ones in certain model reduction scenarios; this is demonstrated in an example of a four-mass translational system. Also, this note gives new finite error bounds for the balanced truncation of stable eventually periodic models.


SUMMARY The gallop is the preferred gait by mammals for agile traversal through terrain. This motion is intrinsically complex as the feet are used individually and asymmetrically. Simple models provide a conceptual framework for understanding this gait. In this light, this paper considers the footfall projections as suggested by an impulse model for galloping as a measurement simplifying strategy. Instead of concentrating on forces and inverse dynamics, this view focuses observations on leg motion (footfalls and stance periods) for subsequent gallop analysis and parameter estimation. In practice, this eases experiments (particularly for IR-based motion capture) by extending the experimental workspace, removing the need for single-leg contact force-plate measurements, and reducing the marker set. This provides shorter setup times, and it reduces postprocessing as data are less likely to suffer from occlusion, errant correspondence, and tissue flexion. This approach is tested using with three canine subjects (ranging from 8 to 24 kg) performing primarily rotary gallops down a 15 m runway. Normalized results are in keeping with insights from previous animal and legged robot studies and are consistent with motions suggested by said impulse model.


Parts of Eurasia underlain by large areas of frozen ground that are both sensitive to, and an indicator of, climate change. Previous studies have investigated the effect of climate change on frozen ground; however, those studies did not quantify the past or projected climate change effects for specific frozen ground regions. This study applied surface air temperature from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) data set and the multi-model ensemble mean of 16 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models to evaluate past and projected surface air temperature changes, and quantify changes in different frozen ground regions. Results indicate that CMIP5 can simulate surface air temperature over Eurasia well, and there is slightly better performance of CMIP5 ensemble averages in the late 20th century than in the early 20th century. Over the Eurasian continent, time-series of ensemble area-averaged mean annual air temperatures (MAT) from CMIP5 increased at about 0.074°C decade−1 during 1850−2005, and are projected to increase by 0.078−0.719°C decade−1, depending on future emission pathways, during 2006−2100. Compared to the period 1986−2005, the temperature is predicted to be 1.68−6.41°C higher during 2081−2100. Changes of MAT demonstrate that the fastest increase will occur in continuous permafrost regions, next in discontinuous permafrost regions, followed by sporadic, isolated, and relict permafrost, and finally non-permafrost regions. Overall, these results can be used to help estimate and project cryospheric changes.


For industrial applications, Bidirectional DC-DC converters (BDCs) are used in recent years. And also their efficiency results are improved to apply different control methods. ANN algorithms is one of the new control topic in literature. This paper attempts to improve the dynamic performance of bidirectional dc-dc converter. And it deals with a novel control scheme related with an adaptive input voltage control by using ANN algorithms based on SOM. Firstly, adaptive input voltages are classified by ANN algorithms (SOM, SVM, FF) and the best suitable and proposed ANN algorithm is SOM which is selected for this controller. The best efficiency case is selected in this algorithm. Then, the voltage values are predicted. This voltage values are used in simulation models. Thus, the proposed system works both effective and high efficiency. Theoretical analysis and simulation results obtained from an actual industrial network model in PSCAD verify the viability and effectiveness of the proposed Bidirectional DC-DC Converter (BDC).


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the pertinence of prenatal diagnosis in cases of congenital uropathy.

STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective evaluation over a period of 6.5 years.

METHOD
93 cases were involved in the comparison of prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis with neonatal findings, autopsy results, and follow-up data.

RESULTS
33 fetuses had renal parenchymal lesions, 44 had excretory system lesions, and 6 had bladder and/or urethral lesions. Seventy-three pregnancies lead to live births. Eighteen terminations of pregnancy were performed on the parents' request for extremely severe malformations. Two intrauterine deaths were observed, and two infants died in the postnatal period. Prenatal diagnosis was obtained at an average of 27 weeks gestation. Diagnostic concordance was excellent in 82% and partial in 12% of cases with renal parenchymal lesions; the false-positive rate was 6%. For excretory system lesions, concordance was excellent in 87% and partial in 7.4% of cases, with a false-positive rate of 5.6%. Finally, concordance was excellent in 100% of cases of bladder and/or urethral lesions. The overall rate of total concordance was 86%. Partial concordance cases consisted of malformations different from those previously diagnosed, but prenatal diagnosis nevertheless lead to further investigations in the neonatal period and to proper management. The false-positive diagnoses (5.4%) never lead to termination of pregnancy.

CONCLUSION
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital uropathy is effective. A third-trimester ultrasonographic examination is necessary to ensure proper neonatal management, considering that the majority of cases are diagnosed at this gestational age.


Barry HIll, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at Northumbria University ( email@example.com ), and Michelle Mitchell, Graduate Tutor for Adult Nursing at Northumbria University, discuss the reasons for urinary catheterisation, the different types of catheter and the potential problems patients need to be aware of.


The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness o f a group intervention designed to impact male attitudes associated with the perpetration of intimate partner violence in a correctional setting. Specifically, the group intervention addressed gender role stereotypes and conflict, healthy and unhealthy entitlement attitudes, attitudes toward women, and effective communication and anger management. The group intervention also sought to increase positive attitudes toward seeking psychological assistance among participants. Results of the MANCOVA did not support the efficacy of the psychoeducational program in impacting attitudes among inmates. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed


In this study, determinations of the aluminum content in meat and fish performed after having cooked these foods using commercially available aluminum foil have been performed. The release of this chemical element was evaluated by cooking beef, chicken, and fish wrapped with commercial aluminum foil using seasoning or without seasoning in order to evaluate the effect on Al leaching into the food. The characterization of the food samples was carried out using two different analytical methods: inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), for the quantification of aluminum, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to evaluate any structural changes occurring inside the aluminum foil after the cooking procedure. It has been demonstrated that the leaching that occurs when the foods are cooked by wrapping them in Al foil is not negligible and that the consumption of these foods, together with the consumption of other foodstuffs, such as, for example, some vegetables that may naturally contain aluminum, can lead to consuming a weekly dose not far from the TWI (tolerable weekly intake).


BACKGROUND
The aetiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unknown and contested. While it has been suggested that PCOS could have origins in perturbed development, epidemiological findings have been inconclusive. We aimed to examine potential fetal origins of PCOS.

METHODS
A retrospective birth cohort of 948 singleton female babies born at one hospital in South Australia in 1973-1975 was assembled. Birth characteristics were obtained from hospital records and PCOS symptoms were identified through interview and clinical examination when women were ~30 years old. Based on the combination of PCOS symptoms, women formed seven outcome groups. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to investigate associations between birth characteristics and these outcome groups.

RESULTS
After adjusting for gestational age, two distinct birth characteristics were associated with two PCOS symptom groups. Each 100 g increase in birthweight increased the risk of hyperandrogenism (as a single symptom) in adulthood by 5% [relative risk ratio: 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.09]. In contrast, each one unit increase in the ponderal index at birth decreased the risk of all three key PCOS symptoms (hyperandrogenism, menstrual dysfunction and polycystic ovaries) by 21% (0.79, 95% CI: 0.66-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest two discrete fetal programming pathways (related to high birthweight and to thinness at birth) are operating. Our findings point to differing aetiologies for symptom clusters, and inform the debate over symptoms that best represent the disorder.


: The rate of the synthesis of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus-specified proteins at high multiplicity of infection (MOI of 100 PFU per cell) was the highest by 8-14 hr post-infection (p.i.) as compared to the lower MOI of 4 PFU per cell (14 to 17 hr p.i.). The first virus-specific proteins appeared in cells from 2 to 5 hr p.i.


ABSTRACT Introduction Salivary gland cancers (SGCs) consist of a rare family of neoplasms with varying histology and biological behavior. Therapeutic regimens have been relatively unchanged for decades. The recent successes of immunotherapy have raised hopes for the development of more effective strategies in SGC, thus emphasizing the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) in the design for more effective therapies. Areas covered This review presents an overview of the current knowledge on the pathobiology of SGC TME and discusses the potential of immunotherapeutic targeting. Expert opinion Most data on the role of TME in SGC carcinogenesis are derived from preclinical studies. Signaling cascades of immunotherapeutic interest, PD-1/PD-L1 and PD-1/PD-L2, are active in many SGCs and might be associated with biological behavior and prognosis. Immunotherapeutic attempts are very limited, but recent findings in other tumors on the role of exosomes and PD-L2 signaling suggest that TME of SGCs warrants further research, emphasizing larger cohorts, histology-based stratification, and standardized evaluation of immunomodulatory molecules, to explore the potential of targeting tumor stroma and its signaling cascades. Furthermore, combination of immunotherapies or immunotherapies with the antineoplastic agents targeting AR, HER2, and tyrosine kinases, recently introduced in SGC treatment, constitutes a promising approach for the future.


Simulation is a commonly utilized technique in healthcare education as it provides trainees a realistic, but safe, environment to learn a variety of skills. Trainees belonging to fields known for high stakes with low margins for error, such as cardiac surgery, can greatly benefit from simulation-based education. We propose the establishment of the first multi-tier high fidelity cardiac surgery simulation lab with a structured curriculum that will eventually provide multidisciplinary training to promising cardiac surgeons across Pakistan. The simulation lab may also be used for research, grant acquisition and patent development. Our setup will include the following levels of simulation: a simple bench model, a virtual reality simulator and a unique human performance simulator. Our multitiered approach allows for appropriate sequential trainee skill progression. Finally, we hope that our model inspires the development of similar curricula and modules for trainees belonging to other surgical fields.


Objective: Increased apoptosis has been demonstrated recently in the hypertrophied left ventricle of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Although the available evidence suggests that apoptosis can be induced in cardiac cells by a variety of insults including pressure overload, it appears that cardiac apoptosis in adult SHR results from an exaggerated local production of angiotensin. The changes in pathology and six gene expressions such as caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, chemokine receptor (CCR)-2, monocyte chmoattractant protein (MCP)-1and transforming growth factor (TGF) &bgr; were investigated to explore the effects of losartan in SHR. Design and Method: Twelve week-old male Wistar rats were grouped as follows: control (C) group, hypertension (H) group and losartan (L) group in which SHR was treated with losartan (10 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed. Results: Systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased in the L group compared with the H group in weeks 3 and 5. Caspase-3, Bcl-2, CCR-2, MCP-1 and TGF &bgr; genes were significantly increased in the H group compared with the C group in weeks 3 and 5. Caspase-3, MCP-1 and CCR-2 genes were significantly decreased in the L group compared with the H group in week 5. Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the L group compared with the H group in week 3. Conclusions: Losartan reduced caspase-3, MCP-1, CCR-2 and Bcl-2 gene expressions. Losartan decreased inflammation and apoptosis. Further study is needed for differing doses of losartan in SHR models.


Little is known about the mechanisms by which nutrient limitation leads to G1 arrest in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have shown that mutant cells deleted in the trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase gene able to grow on glucose, when starved for nitrogen, did not arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. We attribute this effect to an increase in the activity of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase. When grown on maltose without nitrogen they arrested properly in G1. Tests with a mutant cell deleted in the specific trehalose phosphatase proved that the presence of the trehalose precursor, trehalose‐6‐phosphate, was sufficient to trigger the negative sign during nitrogen starvation, leading the cells to arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.


Automated slice classification is clinically relevant since it can be incorporated into medical image segmentation workflows as a preprocessing step that would flag slices with a higher probability of containing tumors, thereby directing physicians' attention to the important slices. In this work, we train a ResNet-18 network to classify axial slices of lymphoma PET/CT images (collected from two institutions) depending on whether the slice intercepted a tumor (positive slice) in the 3D image or if the slice did not (negative slice). Various instances of the network were trained on 2D axial datasets created in different ways: (i) slice-level split and (ii) patient-level split; inputs of different types were used: (i) only PET slices and (ii) concatenated PET and CT slices; and different training strategies were employed: (i) center-aware (CAW) and (ii) center-agnostic (CAG). Model performances were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), and various binary classification metrics. We observe and describe a performance overestimation in the case of slice-level split as compared to the patient-level split training. The model trained using patient-level split data with the network input containing only PET slices in the CAG training regime was the best performing/generalizing model on a majority of metrics. Our models were additionally more closely compared using the sensitivity metric on the positive slices from their respective test sets.


The purpose of this study is to investigate the nurses knowledge and actions taken regarding alternative or complementary therapies (AT or CT) at the County (municipal) Health Units of the 71st Administrative District, in Santo Amaro, SP. The research use a quantitative apProach and a qualitative analysis of the field data that showed that 89% of the nurses have confidence in AT/CTs but only 22.2% know the legal basis for its use and 5.5% had courses on the techniques. 44.4% use these therapies on themselves and 11.1% on their patients. Altogether 7 different AT/CTs were listed and classified in 5 Hill's groups. It was found that there is a need for including new knowledge as a complementary option for the promotion of the population's health.


Language comprehension requires the recognition of individual words and the combination of their meanings to yield complex concepts or interpretations. Rather than simple concatenation, this combinatory process often requires the insertion of unstated semantic material between words, based on thematic or feature knowledge of the concepts. For example, the phrase horse barn is not interpreted as a blend of a horse and a barn, but specifically a barn in which horses are kept. Mounting evidence suggests two cortical semantic hubs, in left temporoparietal and anterior temporal cortex, underpin thematic and feature concept knowledge, but much remains unclear about how these putative hubs contribute to combinatory language processing. Using magnetoencephalography, we contrasted source-localized responses to modifier-noun phrases involving thematic relations vs. feature modifications, while also examining how lower-level orthographic processing fed into responses supporting word combination. Twenty-eight participants completed three procedures examining responses to letter-strings, adjective-noun phrases, and noun-noun combinations that varied the semantic relations between words. We found that while color + noun phrases engaged the left anterior temporal lobe (150-300 ms after phrasal head), posterior temporal lobe (150-300 ms), and angular gyrus (300-450 ms), only left posterior temporal lobe responses were sensitive to implicit thematic relations between composing nouns (150-300 ms). We additionally identified a left temporo-occipital progression from orthographic to lexical processing, feeding into ventral anterior areas engaged in the combination of word meanings. Finally, by examining source signal leakage, we characterized the degree to which these responses could be distinguished from one another, using linear source estimation.


The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze task systems in elementary physical education classes. Two elementary physical education specialists were observed during 34 classes. Systematic observation strategies were used to describe and analyze classroom events. Data supported the existence of managerial and instructional task systems along with an informal social task system. Students complied with managerial tasks; modifications were not evident. Students' responses to instruction were either (a) on the stated task with success or little or no success, (b) upward or downward task modifications, or (c) off-task. Primarily, students stayed on-task whether they were successful or not. Relationships among tasks within lessons indicated that the teachers used a pattern of informing, extending, and applying tasks. A less formal accountability system was evident as children were not involved in the formal exchange of performance for grades. Managerial, instructional, and social task systems did not ...


Two new linear lipopeptides, 1 and 2, and a known compound, curacin D, have been isolated from a marine cyanobacterium, brown Lyngbya polychroa, collected from Hollywood Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Their planar structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR techniques, and absolute configurations were assigned using chiral HPLC. The new compounds were assigned the trivial names dragonamide C (1) and dragonamide D (2), as their peptide moiety is related to previously reported dragonamides A and B.


A suite of Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow products at various spatial and temporal resolutions from the Terra satellite has been available since February 2000. Standard products include daily and 8‐day composite 500 m resolution swath and tile products (which include fractional snow cover (FSC) and snow albedo), and 0·05° resolution products on a climate‐modelling grid (CMG) (which also include FSC). These snow products (from Collection 4 (C4) reprocessing) are mature and most have been validated to varying degrees and are available to order through the National Snow and Ice Data Center. The overall absolute accuracy of the well‐studied 500 m resolution swath (MOD10_L2) and daily tile (MOD10A1) products is ∼93%, but varies by land‐cover type and snow condition. The most frequent errors are due to snow/cloud discrimination problems, however, improvements in the MODIS cloud mask, an input product, have occurred in 'Collection 5' reprocessing. Detection of very thin snow (<1 cm thick) can also be problematic. Validation of MOD10_L2 and MOD10A1 applies to all higher‐level products because all the higher‐level products are all created from these products. The composited products may have larger errors due, in part, to errors propagated from daily products. Recently, new products have been developed. A fractional snow cover algorithm for the 500 m resolution products was developed, and is part of the C5 daily swath and tile products; a monthly CMG snow product at 0·05° resolution and a daily 0·25° resolution CMG snow product are also now available. Similar, but not identical products are also produced from the MODIS on the Aqua satellite, launched in May 2002, but the accuracy of those products has not yet been assessed in detail. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.