Author(s): Smith, H Paul | Advisor(s): Stotts, Nancy | Abstract: Symptomatic Hypotension, Venous Oximetry and Outpatient HemodialysisH. Paul SmithProblem Statement: Symptomatic hypotension is the most common complication during hemodialysis. It can induce cardiac arrhythmias and predisposes patients to coronary, splanchnic, and/or cerebral ischemic events. Non-invasive intermittent blood pressure measurement is used to identify hypotension during dialysis, yet it is a post-facto indicator of intravascular hypovolemia. Continuous monitoring of central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) may offer an innovative approach to early detection of symptomatic hypotension during outpatient hemodialysis.Aims: The overall aim of this study is to determine whether ScvO2 is related to changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and acute signs and symptoms in outpatients undergoing hemodialysis. The specific aims of this study are to determine the: 1.) change in ScvO2 as fluid is removed during outpatient hemodialysis; 2) relationship between ScvO2 and changes in systolic blood pressure during hemodialysis; 3.) association between percent change in ScvO2 and acute signs and symptoms during hemodialysis; 4.) association between the percent change in SBP and acute signs and symptoms during hemodialysis; and 5.) change in ScvO2 in patients without symptomatic hypotension compared to those with symptomatic hypotension.Methods: In this prospective observational study, data were collected from adult hemodialysis outpatients with a central line dialysis catheter. ScvO2, blood pressure, blood volume change, total fluid removed and acute signs and symptoms were recorded during one week of consecutive hemodialysis treatments. Descriptive statistics, multi-level regression and multi-level negative binomial regression models were utilized to analyze data. Findings: Subjects (n=39) were mostly African American (49%) and White (28%) with a mean age of 60 ±17 years. There was a statistically significant linear and quadratic change in ScvO2 during hemodialysis and the change trajectory was significantly greater in those patients with symptomatic hypotension. ScvO2 was significantly associated with SBP and acute signs and symptoms. Acute symptoms associated with hypotension occurred in 38% of patients and 24% of dialysis treatments. Conclusion: ScvO2 may be used by dialysis nurses to guide therapeutic interventions to avoid symptomatic hypotension in the outpatient setting. Further research is warranted to replicate these findings and broaden our understanding of strategies to mitigate hypotensive symptoms.


Mitochondria are multifunctional organelles that participate in a wide range of metabolic processes, including energy production and biomolecule synthesis. The morphology and distribution of intracellular mitochondria change dynamically, reflecting a cell's metabolic activity. Oxidative stress is defined as a mismatch between the body's ability to neutralise and eliminate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). A determination of mitochondria failure in increasing oxidative stress, as well as its implications in neurodegenerative illnesses and apoptosis, is a significant developmental process of focus in this review. The neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds linked to neuronal regulation, as well as related neuronal development abnormalities, will be investigated. In conclusion, the study of secondary components and the use of mitochondrial features in the analysis of various neurodevelopmental diseases has enabled the development of a new class of mitochondrial-targeted pharmaceuticals capable of alleviating neurodegenerative disease states and enabling longevity and healthy ageing for the vast majority of people.


Overlay multicast has been proposed for implementing multicast routing in the application layer as a practical alternative to IP multicast. A technical challenge for overlay multicast is that the dynamic multicast members can make data delivery unreliable. In this paper, we focus this issue in the context of live media streaming by exploring how to construct a stable multicast tree that minimizes the negative effect of frequent member departures on an overlay tree. For the problem, we study two layout for the tree nodes, namely, the bandwidth-ordered tree and the time-ordered tree. We propose a distributed Switching Tree algorithm that minimizes the failure effect among tree nodes and conduct a stochastic analysis on their properties regarding reliability and tree depth.


The luciferase reporter system is useful for the assessment of various biological processes in vivo. The transcription factor pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) is critical for the formation and the function of pancreatic β-cells. A novel reporter system using secreted Gaussia princeps luciferase (GLuc) under the control of a Pdx1 promoter was generated and activated in rat and mouse β-cell lines. This Pdx1-GLuc construct was used as a transgene for the generation of reporter mice to monitor Pdx1 promoter activity in vivo via the measurement of secreted GLuc activity in a small aliquot of blood. Significantly increased plasma GLuc activity was observed in Pdx1-GLuc mice. Analysis of Pdx1-GLuc mice by bioluminescence imaging, GLuc reporter assays using homogenates of various organs, and immunohistochemistry revealed that GLuc expression and activity were exponentially higher in pancreatic β-cells than in pancreatic non-β-cells, the duodenum, and other organs. In addition, GLuc activity secreted into the culture medium from islets isolated from Pdx1-GLuc mice correlated with the number of islets. The transplantation of Pdx1-GLuc islets into severe combined immunodeficiency mice elevated their plasma GLuc activity. Conversely, a partial pancreatectomy in Pdx1-GLuc mice reduced plasma GLuc activity. These results suggest that a secreted luciferase reporter system in vivo enables not only the monitoring of promoter activity but also a quantitative and minimally invasive assessment of physiological and pathological changes in small cell masses, such as pancreatic β-cells.


Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) including factor Xa inhibitors are associated with bleeding events which can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Reversal agents like andexanet alfa (AA) and 4F-PCC (Four-factor prothrombin concentrate complex) are available for treating bleeding that occurs with DOAC therapy but a comparison on their efficacy is lacking. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of patients treated with andexanet alfa for bleeding events from DOAC. Databases were searched for relevant studies where AA was used to determine efficacy and safety in bleeding patients who were on factor Xa inhibitors. Published papers were screened independently by two authors. RevMan 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) was used for data synthesis. Odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) was used to estimate the outcome with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Among 1245 studies were identified after a thorough database search and three studies were included for analysis. AA resulted in lower odds of mortality compared to 4F- PCC (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20-0.71) among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. There was no difference in thrombotic events between patients receiving AA and 4F-PCC (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 0.36-15.84). No differences in length of hospital stay and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were seen between patients receiving AA and 4F-PCC. In conclusion, andexanet alfa reduced in-hospital mortality in patients who had bleeding due to factor Xa inhibitors compared to 4F-PCC. However, there were no differences in thrombotic events, length of ICU, and hospital stay between patients treated with AA and 4F-PCC.


In the present work we solve systems of partial differential equations (PDE) for hyperbolic conservation laws using semi-implicit numerical methods on staggered meshes applied both to the class of finite volume (FV) and both to the family of high order Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite elements schemes. In particular, we want to show that these new semi-implicit schemes can be applied in several fields of applied sciences, such as in geophysical flows and compressible fluids in compliant tubes. Inside this thesis we distinguish two big parts. First, we consider staggered semi-implicit
schemes for compressible viscous fluids flowing in elastic pipes. This topic is very important in several practical applications of civil, environmental, industrial and biomedical engineering. Here, we analyse the accuracy and the computational efficiency of fully explicit and semi-implicit 1D and 2D finite volume schemes for the simulation of highly unsteady viscous compressible flows in laminar regime in axially symmetric rigid and elastic pipes. We consider two families of differential models that can be used to predict the pressure and velocity distribution along the tube. One is the so called 2Dxr PDE model which is derived from the full compressible Navier-Stokes equations under the assumptions of a hydrostatic pressure and an axially symmetric geometry. The second family is a simple 1D non-conservative PDE system based on the cross-sectionally
averaged version of the Navier-Stokes equations in cylindrical coordinates. In this last case, the use of a simple steady friction model is not enough to simulate the wall friction phenomena in highly transient regime. As a consequence the wall friction model has to be frequency dependent and, following previous studies present in the literature, we consider the classes of convolution integral (CI) models and instantaneous acceleration (IA) models.
We carry out a rather complete analysis of the previously-mentioned methods for the simulation of flows characterized by fast transient regime in rigid and compliant tubes.
The numerical results show that the convolution integral models are clearly better than instantaneous acceleration models concerning accuracy. Moreover, for CI models,
instead of computing the convolution integrals, which is very time- and memoryconsuming, we express these methods via a set of additional ODEs for appropriate auxiliary
variables. This trick improves the computational efficiency of these methods substantially, since it avoids the direct computation of the convolution integral. In addition,
semi-implicit finite volume methods are significantly superior to classical explicit finite volume schemes in terms of computational efficiency, however, providing the same level of accuracy. We then proceed by extending the finite volume discretization of the 1D and 2Dxr PDE
models to arbitrary high-order of accuracy in space introducing a new SIDG scheme on staggered meshes. Both models include the effects of the viscosity and of the wall
motion. The nonlinear convective terms are discretized explicitly by using a classical RKDG scheme of arbitrary high-order of accuracy in space and third order of accuracy
in time. The continuity equation is integrated over the elements that belong to the main grid, while the momentum equation is integrated over the control volumes of the edgebased staggered dual grid. Inserting the discrete momentum equation into the discrete continuity leads to a mildly nonlinear algebraic system for the degrees of freedom of the pressure, which is solved by using the (nested) Newton method of Brugnano, Casulli and Zanolli. We use the -method in order to get second order of accuracy in time for the implicit part of the scheme. In addition, the schemes have to obey only a mild CFL condition based on the fluid velocity and not based on the sound speed; consequently these schemes work also in the low Mach number regime and even in the incompressible limit of the Navier-Stokes equations. This is a very important property, which is the so-called asymptotic preserving (AP) property of the scheme. We carry out several numerical tests in order to validate this novel family of numerical methods against available exact solutions and experimental data. We also report numerical convergence tables in order to show that the new schemes indeed achieve high order of accuracy in space.
In the second part of the thesis, we present a new class of a posteriori sub-cell finite volume limiters for spatially high order accurate semi-implicit discontinuous Galerkin
schemes on staggered Cartesian grids for the solution of the 1D and 2D shallow water equations (SWE) and of the Euler equations both expressed in conservative form.
Here, the starting point is the unlimited arbitrary high order accurate staggered SIDG scheme proposed by Dumbser and Casulli (2013). For this metho d, the mass conservation
equation and the momentum equations are integrated using a discontinuous finite element strategy on staggered control volumes, where the discrete free surface elevation
is defined on the main grid and the discrete momentum is defined on edge-based staggered
dual control volumes. According to the semi-implicit approach, pressure terms
are discretized implicitly, while the nonlinear convective terms are discretized explicitly.
Inserting the momentum equations into the discrete continuity equation leads to a well
conditioned block diagonal linear system for the free surface elevation which can be efficiently
solved with modern iterative methods.
Furthermore, the staggered SIDG is also extended to the Euler equations of compressible
gasdynamics. Here, the governing PDE are rewritten using a flux vector splitting technique. The convective terms are updated using an explicit Runge-Kutta DG integrator.
Then, the discrete momentum equation, which is integrated again on the dual grid,
is coupled with the discrete energy equation that is discretized on the control volumes
of the main grid. The pressure is efficiently obtained solving a linear system combined
with an iterative Picard iteration procedure.


Cognitive radio (CR) is a form of wireless communication in which a transceiver can intelligently detect which communication channels are in use and which are not, and instantly move into vacant channels while avoiding occupied ones. This optimizes the use of available radio-frequency (RF) spectrum while minimizing interference to other users. In this paper, we propose a new approach which uses the CR for improving video conferencing application quality for a cognitive radio mobile terminal (CRMT). We also show through experimentation the interest of our approach.


This paper describes the current capabilities and future plans at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for radiative calibration of heat flux sensors. Experimental methods using an existing blackbody and high power lasers have been developed to characterize a reference electrical substitution radiometer and heat flux sensors, respectively. Tests carried out on a typical Schmidt-Boelter heat flux sensor showed long term repeatability of calibration within ± 0.4 %. Factors, such as purge gas flow, affecting sensor calibration when using high temperature blackbodies are discussed. To enhance the present capabilities, two additional blackbody setups are planned. These are a high temperature blackbody operating up to 3200 K with the possibility of calibrating sensors at power levels up to 200 kW/m2, and a spherical blackbody with a water-cooled aperture to calibrate sensors in a low convection environment.


In this paper, double-clamped beam with a mass at the center has been fabricated on substrate of a Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) wafer. Thin layer SOI Field-Effect Transistors (SOI-FETs) have been integrated at ends of the beam on top layer of the SOI wafer, which can be used for stress-sensing. Such a structure can be used as an accelerometer. The applied acceleration can be detected directly by the changing of the drain current. The measured sensitivity and noise floor of the device are 0.91 mV/g and 13 mg/Hz-1/2. As expected performance of the SOI-FETs, such an accelerometer can be used in a wide temperature range (-60°C to 200°C) in some special applications, such as military, automobile, nuclear and well-logging industry application. Note to Practitioners - This paper describes the method for stress-sensing using the thin layer Silicon-on-Insulator Field-Effect Transistors (SOI-FETs). This method is characterized with adjustable sensitivity and wide working temperature range and is expected to apply in strain gauges, pressure sensors, accelerometers, and cantilever force/displacement sensors. In the paper we take the application in accelerometers for example. A structure of double-clamped beam with a mass at the center has been fabricated on the substrate of a SOI wafer. Based on the devices, we have measured the characteristics of the sensitivity, the noise floor and the working temperature, which is critical in some applications such as military, automobile, nuclear, and well-logging industry application.


New biostratigraphical analysis of the Humber Group sediments from the UK North Sea Central Graben, using integrated palynological and micropalaeontological zonation schemes, allows substage resolution and basin-wide discrimination of subunits of the Heather Formation/Kimmeridge Clay Formation, and associated sandstones. The integrated use of both zonation schemes is particularly important because thermally mature Humber Group sediments buried below 12 000 ft in the Central Graben cannot be dated consistently to substage level using palynology alone. Poor data and the undiagnostic log character of the mudstones and shallow marine sandstones have resulted in a simple lithological scheme being widely applied, with all sandstones assigned to the Fulmar Formation and mudstones to the Heather Formation and the Kimmeridge Clay Formation. Previous generalized usage of the Fulmar Formation for all Upper Jurassic shallow marine sandstones is inappropriate. The Upper Oxfordian Puffin Formation is present in the northern and western Central Graben. The largely Kimmeridgian Fulmar Formation is restricted to the south and east, and the coeval Ula Formation flanks the Jaeren High. These three units are all interpreted as syn-rift sandstones, locally sourced from uplifted and eroded fault block crests within and marginal to the Central Graben. Latest Kimmeridgian or younger shallow marine sandstones are largely confined to platform areas outside the graben, and can be related to regressive phases.


Purpose We compared the change in the state of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) between highly myopic eyes and non-highly myopic eyes using age- and sex-matched patients. Methods Six hundred eyes of 600 patients with high myopia (axial length > 26.0 mm) or without high myopia were enrolled into each of six age categories with 50 eyes each: (1) 20 to 29 years, (2) 30 to 39 years, (3) 40 to 49 years, (4) 50 to 59 years, (5) 60 to 69 years, and (6) 70 to 79 years. The PVD status was evaluated using swept-source optical coherence tomography and classified into five stages: 0 (no PVD), 1 (paramacular PVD), 2 (perifoveal PVD), 3 (peripapillary PVD), and 4 (complete PVD). Results In the high myopia and non-high myopia groups, the mean PVD stage increased significantly with the age category (P < 0.0001). The PVD stage was significantly greater in the high myopia group than in the non-high myopia group in all age categories (P ≤ 0.0395). In the age groups of patients 50 to 59 years old and 60 to 69 years old, complete PVD was detected in 54.0% and 73.9% of eyes, respectively, in the high myopia group and in 14.0% and 44.0% of eyes, respectively, in the non-high myopia group. Abnormal PVD characteristics of pathologic myopia were detected in 1.7% of eyes in the high myopia group. Conclusions We precisely revealed, using age- and sex-matched patients, that partial PVD, including paramacular, perifoveal, and peripapillary PVD, and complete PVD develop at a significantly younger age in highly myopic eyes compared with non-highly myopic eyes, suggesting that PVD-related retinal pathologies occur younger in highly myopic patients.


OBJECTIVE
Because ADHD is heterogeneous with respect to psychiatric comorbidity, familiality, and learning disabilities, it was hypothesized that such features might influence the severity and pattern of neuropsychological function in ADHD.

METHOD
Subjects were 9- to 20-year-old males with DSM-III-R ADHD (n = 65) and normal controls (n = 45). Information on neuropsychological performance was obtained in a standardized manner, blind to the proband's clinical status.

RESULTS
ADHD probands were significantly impaired on neuropsychological functions compared with controls irrespective of composite psychiatric comorbidity status, and those with a family history of ADHD were most impaired. ADHD probands with learning disabilities showed a pattern suggestive of reduced motor dominance and extremely slow reading speed.

CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that neuropsychological performance in ADHD is significantly affected by familial status and presence of learning disabilities. The similarity of findings between ADHD children with and without comorbid psychiatric disorders suggests that the neuropsychological impairments in our sample were associated with ADHD. These findings raise the possibility of alterations of cerebral dominance and of frontal networks in ADHD. Further research is needed to replicate these findings in larger samples, to clarify the role of specific comorbid psychiatric disorders, and to assess directly cerebral functioning in subjects with ADHD.


This review summarizes the electrocaloric effect (ECE) and phase transition in terms of the phenomenological theory of ferroelectric materials. Field-induced phase transition can happen in firstorder phase transition materials and some relaxor ferroelectrics under a high enough electric field. The adiabatic temperature change ∆T under a given electric field shows a peak at the ferroelectricparaelectric transition which is agreement with the experimental results. The first-order transition and relaxor ferroelectrics would possess larger ECEs than that in a second-order transition ferroelectrics due to the jump of polarization. This relationship between the phase transition and the electrocaloric effect may be helpful in developing new materials for electrocaloric applications. Electrocaloric Effect and Phase Transitions in Ferroelectrics Publication History: Received: March 04, 2018 Accepted: April 21, 2018 Published: April 23, 2018


This article provides an analysis of the way in which contemporary forms of intelligence discourse (Jean Baudrillard), in similar fashion to political art (Theodor Adorno and Herbert Marcuse), function by delimiting critical thought. The intelligence discourse critiqued is extolled through things such as progressive intelligence acquisition (Flynn effect) and the supposed indispensability of Democratic reason (Hélène Landemore), amongst other qualities. In support of its argument, the article focusses specifically on Baudrillard's analysis of the notion of the intelligence of evil, as well as on the Frankfurt School's critique of massification. However, the article also notes limitations in these thinkers' recovery and defence of critical thought in response to the delimitation posed by intelligence and massification, and argues for Rosi Braidotti's evaluation of thought as nomadic as a necessary corrective.


Summary: The theoretical basis of the Ghent Parental Behavior Questionnaire (GPBS) originates from social-learning theories. Parents rate the frequency of their behavior toward a target child between 8 and 14 years old, and children rate the behavior of their parents. Confirmatory factor analyses provide evidence for a solid factor structure in different samples. Nine scales are distinguished: Positive parenting, Monitoring, Rules, Discipline, Inconsistent discipline, Harsh punishment, Ignoring, Material rewarding, and Autonomy. It is also feasible to distinguish two second-order factors: Support and Negative control. The internal consistency is acceptable to good. Correlations between ratings of parents and children are positive and significant. We also find evidence for the assumption that positive parenting is negatively associated with problem behavior and stress in parenting, and, in addition, that inadequate parenting is positively related to problem behavior and stress in parenting.


Zambia's record-breaking maize harvest of nearly 2.8 million metric tons (MT) in 2010 is a major achievement and a testimony to what input subsidies, output price incentives, and favorable weather can do to elicit a major supply response. Maize-growing smallholders harvested more than in previous years and so have more to eat. Public markets are currently well stocked with maize grain, to the benefit of urban consumers and maize-buying rural households. Farmers who were able to sell their crop to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) at K65,000 per 50-kg bag, a price well above market levels, have clearly benefited from the bumper crop and FRA"s involvement in maize marketing. The FRA"s high buy price and purchase of nearly 900,000 MT of maize are also likely to have put upward pressure on market prices for maize. As a result, farmers who sold maize to private sector buyers may have benefited indirectly from the FRA"s activities. However, the policies adopted by the Zambian government (GRZ) to handle the 2010 maize bumper crop have produced both winners and losers. This paper examines the key features of the 2010/11 GRZ maize marketing policies and their likely income distributional effects on various stakeholder groups: large-scale farmers, three categories of smallholder households (net sellers of maize, net buyers of maize, and those that neither buy nor sell maize), urban consumers, millers, traders, and government. We then propose a set of alternative policies GRZ could use to manage future maize bumper crops and explore the likely distributional effects of these policies on the various stakeholder groups.


PURPOSE
To determine required PTV margins for ≤1% loss in mean population TCP using systematic (Σ) and random (σ) errors calculated from daily cone-beam CT (CBCT) images of head and neck patients.

METHODS
Daily CBCT images were acquired for 50 head and neck patients. The CBCT image sets acquired at each fraction were registered with planning CT to obtain positional errors for each patient for each fraction. Systematic and random errors were calculated from data collected for 50 patients as described in IPEM On Target report. CTV delineation uncertainty of 2mm is added quadratically to systematic error. Assuming a spherical target volume, the dose in each voxel of target volume is summed for each fraction in the treatment by shifting the dose grid to calculate mean population TCP inclusive of geometric uncertainties using a Monte Carlo method. These simulations were repeated for the set of Σ & σ in each axis for different PTV margins and drop in TCP for each margin are obtained. In order to study the effect of dose-response curve on PTV margins, two different σα of 0.048 Gy-1 and 0.218 Gy-1 representing steep and shallow dose-response curves are studied. Σ were 2.5, 2.5, 2.1 mm and σ were 0.3, 0.3 0.2 mm respectively in x, y and z axis respectively.

RESULTS
PTV margins based on tumor radiobiological characteristics are 4.8, 4.8 and 4 mm in x, y and z axis assuming 25 treatment fractions for σα 0.048 Gy-1 (steep) and 4.2,4.2 and 2.2 for σα of 0.218 Gy-1 (shallow). While the TCP-based margins did not differ much in x and y axis, it is considerably smaller in z axis for shallow DRC.

CONCLUSION
TCP based margins are substantially smaller than physical dose-based margin recipes. This study also demonstrates the importance of considering tumor radiobiological characteristics while deriving margins.


Objective We have observed a significant CT artifact in the evaluation of lung nodules that occurred with the use of high-spatial-frequency reconstruction algorithms. We have seen this lead to a false-positive diagnosis of calcification in a small uncalcified lung nodule. Because of the seriousness of misinterpretation of benign calcification in an uncalcified nodule, we reviewed the various effects of several reconstruction algorithms on different scanners. Materials and Methods Using high-spatial-frequency, smoothing, and intermediate reconstruction algorithms, we studied standardized cylinders in a CT reference phantom and lung nodules in eight patients. Algorithms on four CT scanners were analyzed. Results We found peripheral edge enhancement artifact on some CT images of phantom cylinders and uncalcified lung nodules. The images with edge enhancement artifact were obtained from two scanners with the use of high-spatial-frequency algorithms (Picker 1200 SX and GE HiSpeed Advantage). Conclusion Use of high-spatial-frequency reconstruction algorithms for the analysis of lung nodules with thin-section CT may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of calcification.


The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a simple, rapid, inexpensive and straightforward hematological parameter, reflecting the degree of anisocytosis in vivo. The currently available scientific evidence suggests that RDW assessment not only predicts the risk of adverse outcomes (cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, hospitalization for acute decompensation or worsened left ventricular function) in patients with acute and chronic heart failure (HF), but is also a significant and independent predictor of developing HF in patients free of this condition. Regarding the biological interplay between impaired hematopoiesis and cardiac dysfunction, many of the different conditions associated with increased heterogeneity of erythrocyte volume (i.e., ageing, inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies and impaired renal function), may be concomitantly present in patients with HF, whilst anisocytosis may also directly contribute to the development and worsening of HF. In conclusion, the longitudinal assessment of RDW changes over time may be considered an efficient measure to help predicting the risk of both development and progression of HF.


The inpatient experience regarding coccidioidomycosis of head and neck was reviewed at the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco and affiliated hospitals. Four cases in which upper airway obstruction required otolaryngological consultation and intervention are reviewed in detail. History, epidemiology and pathophysiology of coccidioidomycosis involving upper airway are discussed. Suggestions for diagnosis and management are outlined.


The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non pharmacological strategies for the pain relief of the parturient in labor. It was a clinical experiment of the therapeutic intervention type "before and after" accomplished in the Humanized Unit of Childbirth of the Maternidade Escola Januario Cicco/ UFRN, in Natal/RN with 100 parturient who went through the application of the non pharmacological strategies with breathing exercises, muscular relaxation and massage in the lumbar and sacral regions. We used the visual analogical scale to evaluate the parturient's pain. Most of the parturients studied were between 20 to 30 years of age (60%); with incomplete primary school level (85%); family income up to 2 minimum wages (74%) and 78% with a companion. The oxytocin was administered in 81% of the cases and only 15% of those women didn't receive any medication. We verified significant pain relief in the parturient after the application of the non pharmacological strategies. Those were really effective in the pain relief of the studied parturients. Keywords : Labor pain; Pain Measurement.


Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common reasons for referral to a physician. Gastroesophageal reflux-associated extraesophageal symptoms occur in every third patient with GERD. Diagnostic difficulties and the prescription of effective treatment to rapid resolve GERD extraesophageal symptoms are still important issues when managing these patients. This paper summarizes data on the prevalence and pattern of GERD extraesophageal symptoms, as well as the efficacy and safety of therapies for GERD with extraesophageal symptoms with esophageal protector. The esophageal protector mechanically protects the laryngeal and esophageal mucosa, improving the recovery of its molecular cellular structure and normalizing barrier function, and reduces extraesophageal symptoms of GERD. The action of the esophageal protector is realized via its ability to envelop and protect the oropharynx and esophagus from the harmful effects of acid or biliary reflux, hydrate mucosa, and provide direct healing action. This results in a more rapid and complete recovery of the esophageal and laryngeal epithelium. KEYWORDS: gastroesophageal reflux disease, extraesophageal symptoms, laryngopharyngeal reflux, esophageal protector, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate. FOR CITATION: Lapteva I.V., Fedorin M.M., Nesterova K.I. et al. Therapy with esophageal protector in the management of GERD with extraesophageal symptoms. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2022;6(5):237–243 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2022-6-5-237-243


This paper presents an original prospective approach to analyze human knowledge based on the reverse comic strip concept. The approach consists in building a comic strip related to the on-line facial and voice characteristics of human operators and in identifying their possible associated lack of knowledge or doubt on knowledge. A facial recognition system leads to create an emotion image and a voice recognition system leads to capture and translate voice into sound variation image. Both emotion and sound variation images are used as a dynamic reverse comic strip. A practical example related to the possible interpretation of railway signaling pictures is treated in terms of emotion and sound to identify possible lack of knowledge or doubt on knowledge. Copyright © 2013 IFAC


I. INTRODUCTION"The wife is like a horse bought . . . subject to my disposal at will."1 For many abusive husbands in China, this traditional idea is a reflection of their thinking-that wives are "private property subject to their control."2 In one case, an abusive husband boasted without shame in front of a court, that he has beaten his wife many times and that his whippings were an effective method to control her.3 Unfortunately, violence has become a means for an abusive husband to maintain his authority and to solve problems in the family.4 Faced with the challenges of domestic violence and patriarchal norms, numerous non-governmental organizations and legal aid centers have explored different means of publicizing domestic violence cases to the general public. One effective measure is the use of impact litigation by organizations such as the Peking University Center for Women Law Studies and Legal Aid Services ("the Center").5 This technique publicizes "typical cases" through media and awareness efforts and creates a ripple effect, sometimes resulting in a favorable judicial decision for the plaintiff victim.6Despite its numerous benefits, impact litigation suits in domestic violence cases have been stymied by structural setbacks in the legal and enforcement processes. One explanation for the limited effect of impact litigation suits could be that such lawsuits target issues that require further internal reforms in mentality and practice among judicial actors and government officials. Traditional concepts of gender, and position and duty within the family, for example, may reinforce gender stereotypes and encourage the acceptance of domestic violence.7 Traditional notions of gender may also inhibit judicial and governmental actors from effectively participating in cases in the "private family sphere," such as domestic violence cases, creating higher barriers for victims to bring successful lawsuits.8 With multiple impediments in the legal and enforcement systems, questions point towards the need for an internal monitoring mechanism, perhaps a different party, to initiate suit where external techniques achieved limited success.In Shi Changqing and Song Jie's article, "Exploring The Problem of the Procurator's Civil Litigation Activities," the authors recommend the procurator9 as an important agent in cases for the public's interest.10 The procurator is the equivalent to the American version of prosecutor. By litigating in cases where the litigant is unable to do so due to threats, physical, and economic difficulties,11 and working with internal bureaus and external organizations, the procurator can play a crucial role in domestic violence cases.This comment provides a closer examination of the procurator's role as one who can potentially transverse this gray area of domestic violence, once considered to be solely in the "private family sphere." Such an approach may successfully achieve more positive results for victims than a purely impact litigation approach. Part II surveys the growth of legal aid and laws protecting women's rights in China, in particular the rise of quasilegal organizations such as the Center. Part III elaborates on the Center's use of impact litigation and its limitations in "private family matters" through case illustrations. Part IV argues that litigating through the procurator, despite its shortcomings, may be a more effective legal channel than external impact litigation in the gray area of domestic violence.II. WITH THE RISE OF LEGAL AID, QUASI-LEGAL ORGANIZATIONS HAVE EXERCISED IMPACT LITIGATION TO ADVANCE WOMEN'S RIGHTS' PROTECTIONIn the past decade, Chinese laws and regulations pertaining to women's rights increased exponentially. Simultaneously, the growth of quasi-independent legal organizations began addressing the legal landscape of women's rights. Particularly one organization, the Peking University Center for Women Law Studies and Legal Aid Services, aggressively utilizes impact litigation to advance women's rights' protection. …


Galectin-3 is a laminin binding protein which expression is altered in a variety of human carcinomas including colon, breast and endometrium. In these tumors, we consistently observed a down regulation of galectin-3 expression related to increased aggressiveness. Galectin-3 belongs to a family of galactose-binding lectins and binds laminin through its numerous poly-N-acetyllactosamine chains. To date, the exact role of galectin-3 in the complex interactions between cancer cells and laminin has not been clearly defined. Adhesion of melanoma cells to laminin is a critical event during tumor invasion and metastasis. In this study, we explore the possibility that galectin-3 could modulate attachment of two human melanoma cell lines to laminin. A2058 and A375 melanoma cell expressed galectin-3 on their surface as demonstrated by immunofluorescence, and attached to laminin in an in vitro assay. We demonstrate that neither recombinant galectin-3 nor an affinity purified antigalectin-3 antiserum altered adhesion of A2058 or A375 melanoma cells to laminin. Our data strongly suggest that galectin-3 is not a key element in adhesion of the melanoma cells to laminin. These results are not surprising in light of the observation that galectin-3 expression is down regulated in cancer and that increased adhesion to laminin is a constant feature of invasive cancer cells.


BACKGROUND
Although liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension (PH) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in abdominal surgery, many authors still consider this disease as an indication for surgery. In many reports, however, numerous treatment modalities focus on hypersplenism secondary to PH, irrespective of splenomegaly and PH. The proven benefits of laparoscopy seem especially applicable to patients with this complex disease. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic perisplenic artery ligation (SAL) in patients with hepatobiliary disease and PH.

METHODS
From July 2004 to May 2012, the medical records of all patients with hepatobiliary disease in the context of PH at the authors' institutes, including patient demography, operative outcomes, and change of liver function, were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS
A total of 101 patients were included in the series: 85 patients with cirrhotic Child A, B class, who underwent no intervention (Control group n = 22), splenectomy (SP group n = 29), laparoscopic SAL (SAL-1 group, n = 34) for splenomegaly, and 16 patients with cirrhotic Child C class, who only underwent laparoscopic SAL (SAL-2 group, n = 16). Among these patients, both laparoscopic SAL and open SP for splenomegaly were available to decrease morbidity rate, loss of bleeding, and improve liver function, whereas laparoscopic SAL had a lower rate of surgical-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS
Although technically challenging in patients with hepatobiliary disease coexisting with PH, the present series demonstrated the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic SAL, even facilitating simultaneous surgery for hepatobiliary diseases, with a clear advantage over SP and no intervention.


Even though small metal fringe capacitors are important for the realization of low-energy A/D converters, present literature is lacking experimental data on their mismatch characteristics. This paper describes a test structure and measurements results pertaining to the characterization of single-layer, lateral-field, 0.45-fF and 1.2-fF unit metal capacitors in a 32-nm SOI CMOS process. The measurement-inferred average standard deviations for these capacitances are 1.2% and 0.8%, respectively, confirming area scaling according to Pelgrom's matching law.


Few reports deal with men's reactions to prenatal diagnosis (PND). In the present study 20 men were interviewed after their partners had undergone PND. All men had felt that they and their wife had decided without pressure from others to carry out PND. Only n of the 20 were satisfied with the information received. Surprisingly few, seven of the 20, had good knowledge about the risk of congenital disorders and 12 of the 20 knew about the diagnostic method in question. the majority, 16 of the 20, considered extreme maternal anxiety as a reason for PND. While waiting for result, one-third had been distressed and 10 of the 20 had paid attention to the wife's worry. Half of them had not considered definitely how to act regarding abortion in the case of an abnormal result. Only 10 of the 20 reported considerable attachment to the future child. Most had experienced PND positively and wished for a test in another pregnancy. In many aspects these results resemble previous studies of women's experiences. However, t...


This paper is about one way in which prosody affects individual speech segments, with segmental phonetics showing a perhaps surprising sensitivity to higher-level linguistic structure. By prosody we mean the phrasal and tonal organization of speech. We will show that phonetic properties of individual segments depend on their prosodic position, or position in prosodic structure. It is well-known that in a monosyllabic CVC word, the initial consonant can be pronounced differently than the final consonant, the initial consonant being longer and having greater articulatory magnitude (e. Some interesting recent acoustic studies have extended this line of inquiry above the syllable and word level to phrasal levels. For example, at the LabPhonII conference, Pierrehumbert & Talkin (1992) presented a study in which they used acoustic measures of breathiness to show that /h/ is more consonant-like when it is phrase-initial than when it is phrase-medial (" The phrase boundary was found to shift articulation on both sides in a more consonantal direction " , p. 116). Similarly, the Voice Onset Time (VOT) of /t/ is longer phrase-initially. This latter result was extended by Jun (1993), who compared the VOT of Korean /p h / in three positions: initial in a small phrase, initial in a word, medial in a word; VOT varied as shown in Figure X.1. 10 30 50 70 Phrase initial Word initial Word medial Figure X.1. VOT of Korean /p h / as a function of prosodic position. Our summary of data from Jun 1993:235 (Figure 6.2).


We describe a computerized method to measure the geometry of regular, nanometer-scale structures. By compiling measurements of hundreds of features, we obtain statistically robust results, not only for mean values of structural parameters, but also for the standard deviations, so that process windows can be determined. On DVDs, the smallest feature are pits or bumps about 400 nm long, 320 nm wide, 120 nm high, with a track pitch of 740 nm. We measured the following parameters: track pitch, bump height, bump width and length, bump length, and four sidewall slope angles, in each case reporting mean, standard deviation and other statistics. For each 10 by 10 micron image of a DVD stamper, containing about 100 bumps, we tabulated about 1000 values. In a plot of bump width versus bump length, we found that width at half height increased from 328 nm for the shortest bumps to about 385 nm for bumps longer than 800 nm; this matches the increase seen for corresponding optical signals produced when a finished disc is played. Where sidewall angle deviated from the norm, we were able to review the image data to identify the specific nature of the defect. Thus, feature geometry will no longer be a hidden variable in the path between controlling production equipment and observing the good or bad electrical performance of a finished disc.


Significant exploration has been done on the arrangement of ideal capacitor arranging in the appropriation frameworks for the assignments of power factor adjustment, voltage profile improvement and misfortune decrease. Particularly, mechanical plant with variable load conditions has huge inductive loads and its power factor is exceptionally poor. These ventures advantage most capacitor banks. This bank gives improved power factor, expanded voltage level on the load and lessen the electric service bills. Moreover, programmed capacitor banks might be ready to dispose of kVAr stimulated at light-load periods and bothersome over- voltages. In most cases, the primary motivation behind why a client introduces a capacitor bank is to maintain a strategic distance from punishment in the power bill. Power factor is a proportion of the genuine power to evident power, and speaks to how a lot genuine power electrical gear uses. A power factor of any worth other than solidarity is brought about by inductive or capacitive reactance and harmonics in the circuit. The expansion in power request and high load thickness in the urban zones makes the activity of power frameworks muddled. To fulfil the load need, the framework is required to extend by expanding the substation limit and the quantity of feeders. Notwithstanding, this may not be handily accomplished for some utilities because of different requirements. Along these lines, to give more limit edge for the substation to fulfil load need, framework misfortune minimization procedures are utilized. In addition, the impact of electric power misfortune is that heat energy is dispersed which builds the temperature of the related electric parts and can bring about protection disappointment. By limiting the power misfortunes, the framework may secure longer life expectancy and have dependability that is more prominent. Different techniques have been utilized to decrease power misfortunes financially by ideal choice of size, area and cost of capacitor bank Keywords: DC-DC power converters, photovoltaic cells, maximum power point tracker, multilevel and single-phase inverter, Wind Energy, Solar PV, Grid Connected Energy System, Capacitor bank, GA


The early detection of the transformer faults with high accuracy rates guarantees the continuous operation of the power system networks. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is a technique that is used to detect or diagnose the transformer faults based on the dissolved gases due to the electrical and thermal stresses influencing the insulating oil. Many attempts are accomplished to discover an appropriate technique to correctly diagnose the transformer fault types, such as the Duval Triangle method, Rogers' ratios method, and IEC standard 60599. In addition, several artificial intelligence, classification, and optimization techniques are merged with the previous methods to enhance their diagnostic accuracy. In this article, a novel approach is proposed to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of the transformer faults based on introducing new gas concentration percentages limits and gases' ratios that help to separate the conflict between the diverse transformer faults. To do so, an optimization model is established which simultaneously optimizes both gas concentration percentages and ratios so as to maximize the agreement of the diagnostic faults with respect to the actual ones achieving the high diagnostic accuracy of the transformer faults. Accordingly, an efficient teaching-learning based optimization (TLBO) is developed to accurately solve the optimization model considering training datasets (Egyptian chemical laboratory and literature). The proposed TLBO algorithm enhances diagnostic accuracy at a significant level, which is higher than some of the other DGA techniques that were presented in the literature. The robustness of the proposed optimization-based approach is confirmed against uncertainty in measurement where its accuracy is not affected by the uncertainty rates. To prove the efficacy of the proposed approach, it is compared with five existing approaches using an out-of-sample dataset where a superior agreement rate is reached for the different fault types.


OBJECTIVE
To assess risk factors associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in an urban population.

DESIGN
Observational cohort study.

SETTING
Bellevue Hospital Center, a regional perinatal referral center in New York City.

PATIENTS
Surviving inborn infants with birth weight less than 1250 g undergoing an ophthalmologic screening examination.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Screening examination results for ROP were obtained. Additional data included birth weight, gestational age, maternal factors, and common neonatal diagnoses and exposures.

RESULTS
Sixty-three infants were included in the analysis. Mean +/- SD birth weight was 981+/-179 g and mean gestational age was 27.8+/-2.4 weeks. Infants whose mothers received antenatal dexamethasone developed significantly less ROP that was stage 2 or higher than infants without a history of antenatal dexamethasone exposure--8.7% (2/23) vs 35% (14/40), respectively (P=.04). Birth weight, gestational age, respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and patent ductus arteriosus were also significantly associated with the development of ROP that was stage 2 or higher. After controlling for these confounders by multiple logistic regression analysis, antenatal dexamethasone administration was associated with a significantly decreased risk of development of ROP stage 2 or higher (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.93). The association was stronger when the analysis was restricted to the 36 infants who were 24 to 28 weeks of gestational age (adjusted OR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.00-0.76).

CONCLUSION
Antenatal dexamethasone administration appears to be associated with a decreased incidence of development of ROP of stage 2 or higher in this urban population.


Rationale: Approximately 15% of colorectal cancers (CRC) display Microsatellite Instability (MSI). The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system is deficient in this tumor subtype secondary to a germline mutation in one of the MMR system genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) or to the presence of hypermethylation MLH1. Therefore, MSI tumors can have a genetic origin (Lynch syndrome) or a sporadic origin (hypermethylated MSI tumors). Patients and families diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome have an up to 70-80% lifetime risk of CRC. Therefore, this high-risk population may benefit from effective chemopreventive strategies. Results from the CAPP-II trial suggest that aspirin use is associated with reduction of risk for CRC and other tumors in Lynch syndrome; however the large doses needed and potential side effects present barriers to adoption. Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) with stronger efficacy and better tolerability may be reasonable alternatives for CRC chemoprevention. Naproxen is a NSAID that is widely used in the community with an excellent safety profile. Recent pre-clinical data sponsored by the Division of Cancer Prevention of the National Cancer Institute using a conditional mouse model of Lynch Syndrome (VC-MSH2-LoxP) have shown that Naproxen is the most effective agent from a panel of NSAIDs preventing CRC. Therefore, this clinical trial was designed to confirm the activity of Naproxen observed in vivo in patients diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome. Because NSAIDs exert their therapeutic effects through the inhibition of COX-1/-2 which in turn leads to a reduction in prostaglandin production, tissue level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a robust biomarker for the effect of NSAIDs. We wish to report herein the background and schema of this early-phase (Ib) cancer prevention trial to introduce the concept of NSAID chemoprevention strategy in this specialized and genetically well-defined patient population, and thus to also facilitate the identification of additional collaborators for potential further larger trials initiatives. Design: Eligible patients include individuals harboring a pathogenic mutation in one of the MMR genes and individuals who have been diagnosed with non-sporadic MSI-high tumors (i.e. no evidence of MLH1 hypermethylation or BRAF mutation). The primary endpoints are to test whether Naproxen at a once-daily 220 mg (low-) or 440 mg (high-) dose, administered for 6 months, reduces the concentration of PGE2 levels in normal colorectal mucosa, when compared to placebo; and to determine the safety profile and tolerability of Naproxen. A total of 60 participants will be randomized to achieve an evaluable sample size of 45 participants. Under the assumption of an effect size of 1.25, we will have 80% power for pairwise comparisons by the two-sample t-test among the three groups with 15 evaluable participants per group. Response to treatment will be defined as having a 30% reduction in the PGE2 level post-treatment. Secondary endpoints include the determination of Naproxen concentrations in plasma and in normal colorectal mucosa after 6 months of treatment, and levels of PGE2 in urine after 6 months of treatment, all measured by validated biomarker assays. The study will be conducted at three clinical sites (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute). Screening and accrual are expected to begin in the latter part of 2013. Supported by NCI, DCP Contract HHSN261201200034I to the UT MD Anderson Cancer Prevention Agent Development Program: Early Phase Clinical Research Consortium. Citation Format: Eduardo Vilar, Y. Nancy You, Lana A. Vornik, Elena M. Stoffel, Ramona M. Lim, Steven M. Lipkin, Marjorie Perloff, Powel H. Brown. A phase Ib biomarker trial of naproxen in patients at risk for DNA mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancer. [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 C52.


Pollen from ten staminate cultivars of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were compared for their antigenic and allergenic potentials. Crude extracts from the various cultivars were tested in 6 atopic patients with confirmed allergy to date pollen in order to determine any differences or similarities in the antigenic and allergenic properties of these cultivars. Results of skin prick tests, ELISA, IgG and IgE immunoblot analyses, peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation and concomitant interleukin-4 (IL-4) production indicated inter-cultivar heterogeneity. One of the cultivars, No. 8, failed to elicit any skin test reactivity or bind IgE in atopic sera as determined by ELISA, immunoblotting or any of the other parameters examined. However, there were individual differences in patient responses but in the main and contrary to the results obtained with cultivars No. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 8, five of the cultivars, namely No. 3, 6, 7, 9 and 10, showed more enhanced differential antigenic and allergenic properties. Our results strongly indicate that the antigenicity and allergenicity of date palm pollen is more of a cultivar-specific phenomenon than a species-specific phenomenon, which is governed by the number, quantities or both of the major allergen epitopes possessed by that variety or cultivar.


A comprehensive evaluation and experimental optimization of the FireFly{trademark} 600 off-grid photovoltaic system manufactured by Energia Total, Ltd. was conducted at Sandia National Laboratories in May and June of 2001. This evaluation was conducted at the request of the manufacturer and addressed performance of individual system components, overall system functionality and performance, safety concerns, and compliance with applicable codes and standards. A primary goal of the effort was to identify areas for improvement in performance, reliability, and safety. New system test procedures were developed during the effort.


OBJECTIVE
To report, under the light of Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, the experience of students with advanced educational practices, involving the production and use of technologies in the postgraduation nursing course of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco.

METHODS
Experience report of students from the post-graduation nursing program from the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, about the production of knowledge using educational technology and the application of active methodologies in the teaching-learning process for face-to-face and distance teaching.

RESULTS
The post-graduate students participated in the educational process in a creative way, both during in-person and distance teaching. They created: domino games, educational videos, parodies, conceptual maps, virtual role-playing, an interactive quiz, among others.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
The experience of the students with the advanced educational practices, including the production and use of technologies in nursing post-graduation showed that the teaching-learning process can be innovative and planned to go beyond traditional methods.


Rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate in children is rare. This is a case report of a six-year-old boy with rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate who was admitted to our hospital, complaining of pain on urination and dysuria. Further examination revealed metastasis to the lungs and lymph nodes. He was treated with vincristine, actinomycin-D, cyclophosphamide, but this therapy was not effective. He died of respiratory failure due to the diffuse pulmonary and pleural metastasis of tumor, 41 days after admission. This is only the 9th reported case in Japan of rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate in a child.


Humic acid (HA), a potential toxin when penetrating the drinking well water of blackfoot disease-endemic areas in Taiwan, has been implicated as one of the etiological factors of this disease. In this study, we investigated the effects of HA on the expression of human vascular endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecules and the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin was monitored by flow cytometry. Pretreatment of HUVECs with HA inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of these three adhesion molecules in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Since NF-kappaB can regulate the expression of these adhesion molecules, NF-kappaB activation was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Our results reveal that the activation of NF-kappaB by LPS is suppressed by HA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, HA reduces NF-kappaB binding to DNA slightly, but completely inhibits the degradation of IkappaBalpha at a concentration of 100 microg/ml. Thus, all our data demonstrate that HA can inhibit the LPS-induced expression of adhesion molecules through the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. HA may also suppress the immune or inflammatory reaction of HUVECs responsible for endotoxin, which could be one possible explanation for the causes of the infection and inflammation observed for patients with blackfoot disease. Our results also suggest that immune or inflammatory disturbance occurs for patients with blackfoot disease and that NF-kappaB may be a critical molecule in the pathogenesis of this disease.


The stability of beams of laser wakefield accelerated electrons in dielectric capillary tubes is experimentally investigated. These beams are found to be more stable in charge and pointing than the corresponding beams of electrons accelerated in a gas jet. Electron beams with an average charge of 43 pC and a standard deviation of 14% are generated. The fluctuations in charge are partly correlated to fluctuations in laser pulse energy. The pointing scatter of the electron beams is measured to be as low as 0.8 mrad (rms). High laser beam pointing stability improved the stability of the electron beams.


Despite an increasingly recognized relationship between depression and smoking, little is known about the degree to which treatment studies for depression consider the impact of smoking on outcomes. The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which smoking is considered in current antidepressant treatment research. We conducted a MEDLINE search of recent randomized clinical trials of pharmacotherapy for depression published between 1 January and 31 December 2007, and a search of current pharmacological intervention studies for depression using www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Only 5% of the 107 pharmacological trials for depression published in 2007 reported the smoking status of their samples. Two studies (1.9%) controlled for smoking in the analyses and no studies analyzed outcomes by smoking status. Excluding the eight studies of combined treatment for depression and nicotine dependence, no other study on www.ClinicalTrials.gov (total n = 920) reported an intention to analyze outcomes by smoking status. Emerging data link smoking and depression, however, little attention has been directed toward the effects of smoking on antidepressant treatment outcomes. Conducting research to understand how nicotine and smoking affect responsiveness to antidepressants would advance our understanding of the neurobiology of depression and the development of new and targeted treatments.


EMBRYONIC STEM CELLSAs human embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiate, they express increasing levels of the telltale tags the body uses to distinguish between native and foreign cells. The findings, published online this week by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , confirm that a patient's immune system would be likely to reject transplanted tissues derived from ES cells. Scientists will therefore have to find ways to reconcile the body's defense system with the transplanted cells.


Thermodynamically self-consistent integral equation theories (TC-IETs) supplemented by a one-phase freezing criterion, and Monte Carlo simulations, are used to investigate the thermodynamic and structural properties, as well as the phase diagram, of the hard-core Yukawa fluid (HCYF). The attention is focused on rapidly decaying Yukawa tails, a potential regime suited to model in an approximate manner the interaction between globular proteins in protein solutions. TC-IETs are found to give a reasonably accurate description of the physical properties of the HCYF in this limit. The position of the sublimation line relative to the liquid-vapour binodal line, known to play a crucial role in the onset of crystallization in protein solutions, seems qualitatively reproducible. We suggest on this basis the possibility of extending the use of TC-IET to more realistic models of protein solutions, so as to take into account the true multicomponent nature of these fluids, a physical situation whose description still challenges the currently available computer simulation capabilities.


As finer architectures and higher aspect ratios result in the introduction of new materials, IC manufacturing processes must change to meet unprecedented higher requirements without adding cost and affecting throughput. This represents an enormous challenge to equipment design and chemical formulation development alike. Moreover, the transition to 300 mm wafer technology demands adaptation of 200-mm applications or even completely new process design. In the case of post-ash polymer removal in BEOL processing, a cost-effective approach applying novel inorganic mixtures on SEZ single-wafer tools has been found that enables shorter process times whilst ensuring wafer-to-wafer repeatability, low particle levels and even higher yields.


In the current study, 18 Trichoderma spp. isolates were obtained from different provinces in central and northern regions of Turkey. The ability of nine selected isolates to suppress the colonisation of roots by P. betae and the multiplication of BNYVV in sugar beet roots under controlled conditions were tested. Roots of seedlings growing in the P. betae-BNYVV-infested soil were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to test for the presence of BNYVV and checked microscopically for the density of cystosori of P. betae. The numbers of P. betae resting spores in cystosori for each treatment were counted using a light microscope. Except for isolates Tr-1 and Tr-5, the effect of selected Trichoderma isolates on suppressing multiplication of BNYVV varied between 4 and 53%. The total number of resting spores in the roots varied between 14.4 and 25.1 for the different Trichoderma spp. treatments. The lowest number of resting spores in clusters was recorded in T. harzianum Tr-8. In addition, the shapes of resting spores were not normal in the Tr-8 treatments. The cystosori from this treatment were also abnormally dark in colour and had deformed walls.


Coral reef environments support high levels of marine biodiversity, they are important sites for coastal habitation and they provide a range of goods and ecosystem services such as nearshore fisheries, economic revenue from tourism and breeding sites for seabirds and turtles. Mapping is a fundamental activity that underpins our understanding of coral reef environments and helps to shape policies in resource management and conservation. This is particularly the case for quantifying the area of landcover types associated with reef environments, including coral patches, seagrasses and mangroves, but also for monitoring how these change over time and modelling how spatial patterns apparent on reefs are related to environmental drivers. Field techniques and aerial photography have historically played a crucial role in mapping coral reef environments, which has recently seen a transition toward the processing of satellite remote sensing images. This paper examines a series of maps produced of Low Isles, the most mapped island on the Great Barrier Reef, to review historical methods for mapping coral reefs because of the critical importance of understanding how past maps were made, which determines appropriate uses to which they can be put. Recent advances and future opportunities for the application of mapping technologies to coral reefs are also evaluated, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms for airborne surveys, delivery of information through web-based platforms and improvements in the quality of information for making and presenting maps. Maps have transformed the way we have responded to both historic and contemporary coral reef problems. This timely review communicates how maps, and the fast growing technologies that are employed to produce them, are central to our understanding of coral reef environments. Recent advances that may drive exciting new environmental management tools are identified.


It was found out, that the cestode Microsomacanthus paraparvula Regel, 1994 being a common parasite of diving ducks in Chukotka uses a caddisfly Grensia praeteria (Trichoptera) as an intermediate host in its life cycle. Mature fragments of the cestode have been collected from droppings of the experimentally infected nestling of the kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (non-specific host) and used for the fine morphology study of embryonic shells and for an infection of intermediate hosts.


The question of the allegorical status of Parmenides' poem has been subject to much and
heated debate. In what follows, I hope to advance the discussion by contextualizing it
more fully alongside other early instances of the technique. Allegory is a broad term in
both ancient and modern literary criticism: I shall begin by considering how modern
scholars have used the term of Parmenides, and suggest that disagreements
surrounding its applicability to archaic or classical literature arise at least partly from
commentators using different senses of the term. I shall argue against the a priori
objection to identifying allegory in Parmenides that such a compositional technique was
unknown in the fifth century, before considering the features of allegory as defined in
the earliest ancient commentators on the topic, Plato, Xenophon and the Derveni
commentator, in order to reach a sense more appropriate for fifth century texts than the
modern term implies. Indeed, allegoria is a much later term than the authors in
question, first attested in Cicero, and first attested in Greek by Plutarch, yet the earlier
terms used by Plato and Xenophon – huponoiai for hidden meanings and ainigmata for
the allegories themselves – do, I shall argue, correspond to identifiable poetic techniques
in Parmenides. For convenience, I shall use 'allegory' as a label for this technique
identified by Plato and Xenophon and the Derveni commentator, which consists
primarily of language which disguises a specific hidden sense different from its overt
semantic meaning. In conclusion, I will suggest that Parmenides demonstrates a more
extended, self-conscious use of the technique than anything found previously. Moreover,
I shall argue for a new interpretation of a crucial line (B8.53) which supports an
allegorical reading of the poem. Parmenides' use of the technique can be seen as a
consequence of his novel epistemological ideas. As a result, some light will be shed on
the origins, in a didactic context, of a literary technique which would come to be
associated with the didactic genre.


Purpose
This study aims to examine how a manager's learning goal orientation (LGO) influences frontline service employees' (FSEs') engagement in cross-selling activities. Such engagements must exist before they can achieve service–sales ambidexterity. Drawing on achievement goal theory and the meaning-making perspective, this study predicts that learning-oriented managers encourage and foster FSEs' cross-selling behaviors by facilitating their ability to derive positive meaning from the cross-selling initiative. They do so by conveying high-quality information about the initiative and related changes to individual employees, as well as by encouraging the formation of a collective perception of open communications within the work unit.

Design/methodology/approach
Hierarchical (nested) data from 39 managers and 357 FSEs of a major logistic service company are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings
As predicted, a manager's LGO relates positively to FSEs' cross-selling activities, through sequential mediations of the hypothesized communication mechanisms and employees' benefits-finding.

Originality/value
A manager's LGO is an important antecedent of FSEs' cross-selling behaviors. This study establishes this influence and clarifies the processes by which it occurs. This study also extends previous research by specifying the important role of employees' meaning-making, which prompts them to adopt cross-selling, as a mediator of the multilevel communication influences that result from their managers' LGO.


We elucidate the differences between absolute and intensity-based limits of CO2 emission when there is uncertainty about the future. We demonstrate that the two limits are identical under certainty, and rigorously establish their relative attractiveness under two criteria: preservation of expectations—the minimization of the difference between the actual level and the initial expectation of abatement associated with a one-shot emission target, and temporal stability—the minimization of the variance of abatement due to fluctuations in emissions and GDP over time. Empirical tests of these theoretical propositions indicate that intensity caps are preferable for a broad range of emission reduction commitments. This finding is robust for developing countries, but is more equivocal for developed economies.


The authors suggested a method to evaluate orthostatic stability in passive orthostatic test. Cardiovascular reaction to venous deposition caused by posture change is measured with computer complex "Biankor" monitoring left ventricle parameters. The article covers analysis of systemic hemodynamic reactions to orthostatic test with consideration of hemodynamic type, diagnostic criteria to evaluate individual cardiovascular reaction to orthostatic test.


Discharge lamps that have electrodes are classified into two categories, hot cathode lamps (HCLs) and cold cathode lamps (CCLs). We investigated the relationship between the presence of Hg, the kinds of rare gases present, and the cathode fall voltage (CFV) of both CCLs and HCLs. The results show mainly two points. One is the difference in the CFV characteristics, that is, CCLs' CFV is positive, while HCLs' is negative. This is because the emission mechanism of CCLs, due to the gamma effect, differs from that of HCLs due to the Schottky effect. The other main point is the influence of Hg on the CFV. The CFV of CCLs increases when Hg is present because of the difference between γ-coefficients for Ne+ and Hg2+ due to the energy potentials. The CFV of HCL also increases when Hg is present because of the difference between the cathode temperatures in an Ar discharge and an Ar-Hg discharge.


This research present a proposal Hybrid Multilevel Network Intrusion Detection System (HMNIDS) which is a "hybrid multilevel IDS", is hybrid because use misuse and anomaly techniques in intrusion detection, and is multilevel since it apply the two detection techniques hierarchal in two levels. First level applies anomaly ID technique using Support Vector Machine (SVM) for detecting the traffics either normal or intrusions, if normal then passes it else the system input the intrusion traffic to the second level to detect the class of intrusion where this level apply Misuse ID technique using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The proposal depend on Data mining is a DM-based HMNIDS since mining provide iterative process so if results are not satisfied with optimal solution, the mining steps will continue to be carried out until mining results are corresponding intention results. For training and testing of MHNIDS in our experiment, we used NSL-KDD data set. It has solved some of the inherent problems of the KDD'99. NSL-KDD similar to KDD99 their connections contains 41 features and is labeled as either normal or attack type, many of these features are irrelative in classification process. In our proposal we used Principle Component Analysis (PCA) as feature extraction to reduce no. of features to avoid time consuming in training and real-time detecting. PCA introduce 8 features as subset of correlated intrinsic features present the basic point in classification. The sets of features that have been resulted from PCA and the all features set will be the feeding of HMNIDS. The results obtained from HMNIDS showing that accuracy rate of SVM and ANN classifiers separately are both high but they are higher with PCA (8) features than all (41) features. Confusion matrix of HMNIDS gives high detection rates and less false alarm rate, also they are higher with (8) PCA than all (41).


Education is system which have components, those are closely have related each other's between teachers, students, curriculum, facilities, and infrastructure. The Purpose of study is to improve learning motivation and critical thinking skills of students specialization of social sciences on economic subject competence market basis Indonesia common stock exchange by emplementing of Problem-Based Learning model's. The collecting data of this study was conducted by (1) observation, (2) the questionnaire, (3) study the documentation, and (4) the interview. The sample of this study took 4 class XI IPS specialization with a total of 114 at SMAN 2 Malang. Before the Questionnaire used for instrument of this study, it is validated to 30 students/leaners.In this case, the step which is used in learning model Problem Nased Learning (PBL) are (1) Oriented students on the problem, (2) Organize the student to learn, (3) To lead investigation of individual and group, (4) Develop and present the result work, and (5) To analyze and evbaluate the problem solving process (Dewey in Ibrahim, al.2005; 5)The results showed: 1) There are differences between mean learning students achievement Economics subjects and  the implementation of Problem Based Learning model of learning between students who have high motivation to learn with students who have a low learning motivation (21.25 and 17.65), 2) There are differences in mean achievement Economics study subjects with the application of learning Problem Based learning to have a high motivation to learn (21.25 and 17.41) 3) There is no difference between the mean achievement of Economics study subjects with the application of learning Problem Based learning and motivation learners are low (17.65 and 15.67) 4) There is no difference between the mean achievement of Economics study subjects using Problem Based learning model of teaching and learning motivation is high (17.41 and 15.67) The conclusion of this study is implementing of learning model Problem Based Learning and the high motivation of learners / students can improve their critical thinking skills of learners and can improve performance significantly learning economy learners.


The Handbook of Neurotological Diagnosis, edited by John W. House and Alec Fitzgerald O'Connor, is the result of a cooperative effort between clinicians and scientists from the United States and Europe with the proposed goal ". . . to provide the reader with broad knowledge of the recent developments in the rapidly advancing field of neurotology." The field of neurotology encompasses the study of the sensorineural aspects of the auditory and vestibular system. This comprehensive text is not for beginning students. Rather, it is an excellent resource for advanced reading which discusses and summarizes in an interesting style current diagnostic approaches to and research work on selected topics in neurotology. The introductory chapter provides a brief general discussion of neurotologic history taking. From that point the text launches into detailed chapters on the evaluation of the hearing-impaired and the dizzy patient. Topics covered in these chapters range from in-depth physical diagnosis to electocochleography and auditory brain stem response audiometry. Particularly interesting and informative is the discussion of etiology which is woven into the text. Later chapters review disorders of the facial nerve in an equally comprehensive manner. The chapters on the role of computed tomography in the evaluation of neurotologic disease are outstanding for their clarity and practical application. The final chapters discuss evidence for the controversial topics of immune-mediated inner ear disorders and the genetics of neurotologic diseases. In all, the Handbook ofNeurotologic Diagnosis provides as much-needed synopsis of recent trends in neurotologic diagnosis and evaluation. As such, it will serve as an excellent reference for house staff at all levels of training.


Flow curves (shear stress versus shear rate) were obtained for poly-(ethyl acrylate) containing up to 40% of gel particles over a range of shear rates from 3 × 10−3 to 7 × 103 sec.−1 with a specially designed biconical rheometer and a standard Instron capillary viscometer. Crosslink density of the gels was varied by emulsion-polymerizing ethyl acrylate with 3, 10, and 30% triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate. Particle sizes were varied by adjusting the concentration of emulsifying agent and by seeding techniques. Samples for study were prepared by blending and co-precipitating the linear and gel latices. The addition of gel always increases the shear stress at a given shear rate. However, this effect is greatest at the lowest shear rates. The flow properties of the gelcontaining materials are related quantitatively to those of the linear material through a new parameter, the rate of viscous energy dissipation, and by two material constants. These are a yield stress and a pseudo zero-shear viscosity, both of these being functions of the amount, crosslink density, and particle size of the gel phase.


ABSTRACT The fucose-/mannose-specific lectin LecB from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is transported to the outer membrane; however, the mechanism used is not known so far. Here, we report that LecB is present in the periplasm of P. aeruginosa in two variants of different sizes. Both were functional and could be purified by their affinity to mannose. The difference in size was shown by a specific enzyme assay to be a result of N glycosylation, and inactivation of the glycosylation sites was shown by site-directed mutagenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this glycosylation is required for the transport of LecB.


Relations between Ukraine and Canada have a long history and cover a large range of areas. The peculiarity of Ukrainian-Canadian cooperation due to the presence of 1.2 million Ukrainian diaspora, representing a non-economic pressure groups actively involved in the formation of the Ukrainian-Canadian relations. Canada today is our main partner and state support in the international arena. This is evidenced by the active position of Canada on the international stage in the Ukrainian crisis. After the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and the conflict in Donbas Canada has consistently supported Ukraine within the framework of international organizations (UN, OSCE, NATO, G7) and at the bilateral level. In addition, Canada has implemented economic and political sanctions against a number of Russian individuals and companies as well as representatives of the so-called «DNR» and «LNR» and separatist leaders. Relations with Canada is a promising destination for foreign policy strategy of Ukraine. Canada supports our country and contribute to its development, and helps to overcome the Ukrainian crisis. The question of Ukraine in Canada is always on the agenda, and, given the recent elections, we can say that Canada's position on the international scene will always be on the user ID Ukraine and Canada support will only increase.


Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and reduced quality of life globally. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) provide a personalized platform to study inherited heart diseases, drug-induced cardiac toxicity, and cardiac regenerative therapy. However, the immaturity of CMs obtained by current strategies is a major hurdle in utilizing hiPSC-CMs at their fullest potential. Here, the major findings and limitations of current maturation methodologies to enhance the utility of hiPSC-CMs in the battle against a major source of morbidity and mortality are reviewed. The most recent knowledge of the potential signaling pathways involved in the transition of fetal to adult CMs are assimilated. In particular, we take a deeper look on role of nutrient sensing signaling pathways and the potential role of cap-independent translation mediated by the modulation of mTOR pathway in the regulation of cardiac gap junctions and other yet to be identified aspects of CM maturation. Moreover, a relatively unexplored perspective on how our knowledge on the effects of preterm birth on cardiovascular development can be actually utilized to enhance the current understanding of CM maturation is examined. Furthermore, the interaction between the evolving neonatal human heart and brown adipose tissue as the major source of neonatal thermogenesis and its endocrine function on CM development is another discussed topic which is worthy of future investigation. Finally, the current knowledge regarding transcriptional mediators of CM maturation is still limited. The recent studies have produced the groundwork to better understand CM maturation in terms of providing some of the key factors involved in maturation and development of metrics for assessment of maturation which proves essential for future studies on in vitro PSC-CMs maturation.


We explore the use of real‐time high‐rate GPS displacement data for earthquake early warning using 1 Hz displacement waveforms from the April 4, 2010, Mw 7.2 El Mayor‐Cucapah earthquake. We compare these data to those provided by the broadband velocity and accelerometer instrumentation of the Southern California Seismic Network. The unique information provided by the GPS‐based displacement timeseries is the permanent/static displacement. Using a simple algorithm that can be applied in real‐time, we extract the static offset shortly after the S‐wave arrival, around the time of the observed peak shaking at the same site, and before shaking at more distant locations. These data can be used, as they become available, to provide a robust estimate of the earthquake magnitude, which ranges from 6.8 to 7.0 in this case. We therefore conclude that real‐time high‐rate GPS can provide a useful and independent assessment of earthquake magnitude for the purpose of earthquake early warning and real‐time earthquake information systems in general including tsunami warning systems.


Background and objectives The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has authorised biosimilar infliximab in September 2013 for use in the same indications as of the originator reference product. The approval of the first biosimilar monoclonal antibody (mAb) has brought the variability of biological medicines into the attention of practicing clinicians. The quality attributes of biotechnology products are subject to change as a result of manufacturing process changes following the initial authorisation. According to the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q5E guideline,1 a comparability exercise should provide analytical evidence that such product changes have no adverse impact on product safety or efficacy, including immunogenicity. Biosimilar development is based on the comparability exercise. The authorisation process has been detailed in the European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) of biosimilar infliximab. Schneider2 has published the number of manufacturing changes since the initial approval of 11 originator monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins used in rheumatology indications. However, the manufacturing changes of all monoclonal antibodies authorised by EMA have not been systematically analysed. The aim of our research is to collect and thoroughly investigate the number and types of manufacturing changes of originator mAbs according to their EPAR documents.3 Materials and methods Biotechnology products, authorised by EMA have their own publicly available EPARs with chronologic reports named "Procedural steps taken and scientific information after the authorisation". 29 publicly available EPAR reports covering the period between 1998 and September 2014 were collected and evaluated. Manufacturing changes were categorised in low/medium/high risk according to Lee et al.4 Results Until September 2014, 404 manufacturing changes were documented in therapeutic mAbs' EPAR documents. 22 high risk, 286 medium risk and 96 low risk manufacturing changes were authorised by EMA. Conclusions Variability is a common feature of biological medicines. The scientific principles of assessing manufacturing process changes of mAbs are well established and based on comprehensive state of the art physicochemical, analytical and functional comparative assessments. Prior the authorisation of the first biosimilar mAb, EMA evaluated extensively the manufacturing process changes of originator mAbs, and gained significant experience. References ICH Q5E: Comparability of Biotechnological/Biological Products Subject to Changes in Their Manufacturing Process. http://www.ich.org/products/guidelines/quality/article/quality-guidelines.html Schneider CK. Ann Rheum Dis 2013; 72 :315–318. EPAR – Procedural steps taken and scientific information after authorisation. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/ Lee JF, Litten JB, Grampp G. Comparability and biosimilarity: considerations for the healthcare provider. Curr Med Res Opin 2012; 28 (6):1053–1058.


The development and standardization of semantic web technologies has resulted in an unprecedented volume of data being published on the Web as Linked Data (LD). However, we observe widely varying data quality ranging from extensively curated datasets to crowdsourced and extracted data of relatively low quality. In this article, we present the results of a systematic review of approaches for assessing the quality of LD. We gather existing approaches and analyze them qualitatively. In particular, we unify and formalize commonly used terminologies across papers related to data quality and provide a comprehensive list of 18 quality dimensions and 69 metrics. Additionally, we qualitatively analyze the 30 core approaches and 12 tools using a set of attributes. The aim of this article is to provide researchers and data curators a comprehensive understanding of existing work, thereby encouraging further experimentation and development of new approaches focused towards data quality, specifically for LD.


Model calculations of primary recrystallization textures in bcc metals were carried out on the basis of a model which considers oriented nucleation as well as oriented growth. The influence of the input parameters, as deformation texture, nucleation distribution and growth law were investigated systematically. It is shown that the inhomogeneity of the deformed microstructure has to be taken into account. With this essential assumption the main features of the recrystallization texture formation can be explained by a growth selection process according to a 27 (110) and 84 (110) orientation relationship.


Side impacts have been shown to produce a large portion of both serious and fatal injuries within the total automotive crash problem. These injuries are produced as a result of the rapid changes in velocity an automobile occupant's body experiences during a crash. Any improvement to the side impact problem will be brought about by means which will ultimately modify the occupant's rapid body motions to such a degree that they will no longer produce injuries of serious consequence. Accurate knowledge of both the body's motion and resulting injuries under a variety of impact conditions is needed to achieve this goal. Possession of this knowledge will then permit development of accurate anthropomorphic test devices and injury criteria which can be used to create effective injury countermeasures in vehicles.


Objective Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) is a precursor lesion of pelvic high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Information on treatment and outcome of isolated STIC is rare. Therefore, we reviewed systematically the published literature to determine the incidence of subsequent HGSC in the high- and low-risk population and to summarize the current diagnostic and therapeutic options. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted in MEDLINE-Ovid, Cochrane Library and Web of Science of articles published from February 2006 to July 2021. Patients with an isolated STIC diagnosis and clinical follow-up were included. Study exclusion criteria for review were the presence of synchronous gynaecological cancer and/or concurrent non-gynaecological malignancies. Results 3031 abstracts were screened. 112 isolated STIC patients out of 21 publications were included in our analysis with a pooled median follow-up of 36 (interquartile range (IQR): 25.3-84) months. 71.4% of the patients had peritoneal washings (negative: 62.5%, positive: 8%, atypic cells: 0.9%). Surgical staging was performed in 28.6% of all STICs and did not show any malignancies. 14 out of 112 (12.5%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel. Eight (7.1%) patients developed a recurrence 42.5 (IQR: 33-72) months after isolated STIC diagnosis. Cumulative incidence of HGSC after five (ten) years was 10.5% (21.6%). Recurrence occurred only in BRCA1 carriers (seven out of eight patients, one patient with unknown BRCA status). Conclusion The rate of HGSC after an isolated STIC diagnosis was 7.1% with a cumulative incidence of 10.5% (21.6%) after five (ten) years. HGSC was only observed in BRCA1 carriers. The role of adjuvant therapy and routine surveillance remains unclear, however, intense surveillance up to ten years is necessary. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021278340.


Recent reports of long‐term survival after wild‐type (WT) pig‐to‐monkey corneal xenotransplantation are encouraging. We experienced the rapid development of retrocorneal membranes, a rare complication after corneal allotransplantation (although seen in infants and young children). The original specific aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with successful (young) pig corneal transplantation in monkeys. However, when it was obvious that retrocorneal membranes rapidly developed, our aims became to determine the factors involved in its development after both WT and Genetically engineered (GE ) pig corneal xenotransplantation and to investigate the characteristics of the retrocorneal membrane. Rhesus monkeys were recipients of penetrating keratoplasty using WT and GE pigs (n=2, respectively, 1‐3 months old). Local/systemic steroids were administered for 3 months. Grafts were evaluated by slit lamp for corneal transparency, edema, and neovascularization. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Gal staining was also carried out to distinguish the origin of the membrane. All penetrating keratoplasty recipients developed fibrous retrocorneal membranes in the early post‐transplantation period, regardless of whether the graft was from a WT or GE pig. There were no features of rejection, with no cell infiltrate in the graft or anterior chamber during the three‐month follow‐up. There was no difference in the clinical course between the two groups (WT or GE corneas). Immunohistochemistry indicated that the retrocorneal membranes were CK negative, α‐SMA positive, and vimentin positive, suggesting that they were of fibrous (keratocytic) origin. Also, the membrane was Gal positive, suggesting that it is derived from pig cornea. Following pig‐to‐monkey corneal xenotransplantation, we report that retrocorneal membranes are derived from donor pig keratocytes. Prevention of retrocorneal membranes will be necessary to achieve successful corneal xenotransplantation.


The evolution of technology in the educational field has resulted in the emergence of new ways of teaching and learning, adapted to the formative characteristics of a digital era. This is the case of Flipped Learning (FL), an innovative teaching methodology that uses technology to carry out instructional action and change learning moments and spaces. The objective of this study is to verify the effectiveness of FL on a traditional methodology without the use of digital resources in teaching content related to intercultural education. A quantitative research method has been followed by an experimental design. Two study groups have been set up. With the control group a traditional training methodology has been used, and with the experimental group an innovative one, through FL. A total of 60 students of the 4th level of Secondary Education from an educational center in Ceuta (Spain) have participated. An ad hoc questionnaire derived from other validated instruments has been used for data collection. The findings show that the FL has achieved better results in the different dimensions analyzed. Therefore, it is concluded that the implementation of innovative training actions such as FL can obtain better results in academic indicators than a traditional methodology.


Blind equalization by neural network has two difficult problems, which is convergence rate and computational complexity. Resilient BP algorithm (RPROP) combining compressed transfer function is proposed to improve blind equalization by neural network. Compressed transfer function can make the input signal avoid saturation zone and RPROP algorithm can improve convergence rate effectively without adding additional calculation amount. The effectiveness of the algorithm is identified by simulation.


Theoretical study have been done to calculated the Range for protons in ten organic compounds which is: [ polypropylene(C3H6) ,Polycarbonate (C16H14O3), Mylar (C10H8O4), Polyvinylalcohol (C2H4O), Polyoxymethylene (CH2O), by using SRIM2013 program written by Mathlab language. the range calculated to protons for energy (1000-100000) keV , by using fitting equations and the semi empirical equation (Devise two equation), and we calculated the rate error and correlation coefficient betweenRange(SRIM) and Range(semi-emp) as seen in tables by using Excel program. The results are agreed with the SRIM 2013 program, so our results showed to be good.


The Austrian Hypertensive Patient in Daily Clinical Practice: A First Analysis of 20,615 Hypertensive Patients Included in the LIIFE-INLIFE-Project with Therapeutic Results of 12 Months in 9000 Patients. In May 2004, an Austrian scientific board started a hypertension project, LIIFE-IN-LIFE, to gain epidemiological data on hypertension in Austria and, based on the LIFE study results, to document antihypertensive regimen in daily practice. In 20,615 hypertensive patients, epidemiologic and clinical data of the typical Austrian hypertensive patient were evaluated and extensive risk management was initiated.